st albans NOW Jan 15 by wendy robertson

st albans

NOW

January

2015

promoting local businesses organisations and events since 2006

NOW at the Alban Arena

choose local first

Residents First Weekend NOW at the Cathedral New Years Day Parade

Music for the New Year

WIN £40 to Spend at Strada NOW in the Garden

What’s on and lots more

read ‘the NOW magazines’ monthly 1

Welcome to 2015

NOW at the Alban Arena

Happy New Year to all Our Readers, Advertisers and Contributors, here’s looking forward to a year of joy and peace for us all. January is a great time to try new things, so we (mainly Jane!) have hunted high and low for some new stuff to include this month, from Boxing and the Parkrun to Young Musician of the Year, the Big Garden Bird Watch and of course Residents First Weekend… so flick through and have a go at something a bit different. ...and don’t forget if you need a local business just pick up ‘st albans NOW’ or read it every month online. jane & wendy jane@theNOWmagazines.com www.theNOWmagazines.com

comedy, music & Bugsy Malone

WIN £40 to Spend at Strada

text your answer to win

Music for the New Year

music for all

NOW at the Local Theatres

music, drama & more

NOW at the Cathedral

musics, tours & family fun

NOW for a Walk or Two

local walks for all

New Years Day Parade

a great day out in London

Residents First Weekend

local places open their doors

NOW for a Good Read

bonza books for Australia Day

NOW in the Garden

planting, pruning & protection

call ertise To adv 588291 07983 line Dead h Jan b 10t for Fe

Counting Bugs

take part in the online survey

What’s on in Janaury & February

42 44

Index of Businesses

accountants to windows & doors

To Advertise: 07983 588291 jane@theNOWmagazines.com

NOW at the Alban Arena Jack and the Beanstalk up to Sun 4th Jan Last chance to see this year’s family panto, with everyone’s favourite TV baddie, Steve McFadden children’s TV star Rebecca Keatley (CBeebies’ Let’s Play) and St Alban’s panto legend, Bob Golding. £13 - £15

St Albans Model Railway Exhibition Sat 10th Jan 10am - 6pm Sun 11th Jan 10am - 5pm With magnificent 39’x8’, 2mm scale layout ‘Fence Houses’, created by Bob Jones and based on the real thing. Over 20 more high quality layouts in many scales, gauges and prototypes. Excellent trade support plus demonstrations showing you ‘how’. Free vintage bus service to and from City and Abbey stations. Adult £8 with free admission for 2 children

American Superslam Wrestling Sat 17th Jan 7.30pm A star studded evening of first class action with an all star line up of top talent from around the world, taking on the best of British. Adult £15, child £10, family ticket £45

Mark Watson - Flaws Tues 20th Jan 8pm Winner of five major comedy awards. Novelist Watson (Never Mind The Buzzcocks and Mock the Week regular) returns to the road. This is his darkest, most personal show yet, luckily, it’s also his funniest! Age 14+ £16

The Band and Corps of Drums H.M Royal Marines Fri 23rd Jan 7.30pm Concert featuring classical, popular and military music in aid of local and other charities, by the Rotary clubs of Radlett and St Albans. Tickets from the Rotary Box Office 01727 865547 until 15th Jan, thereafter from The Alban Arena. £24, £20

Nils Lofgren with special guest Greg Varlotta Mon 26th Jan 8pm Known for his world-class guitar playing and on stage acrobatics, Nils Lofgren is a true rock legend in his own right! A superb front man, both with Grin and under his own name, Nils will be joined for an acoustic set by multi-instrumentalist Greg Varlotta. £28.50

Bugsy Malone presented by RARE Youth Productions Thurs 29th - Sat 31st Jan 7.30pm Sat matinee 2.30pm New York 1929: a war rages between two rival gangsters, Fat Sam and Dandy Dan. Dan is in possession of a new and deadly weapon, the dreaded splurge gun! £16, £14, £12, concs £14, £12.50 The Alban Arena St Albans 01727 844488 www.alban-arena.co.uk

01727 298007

www.theNOWmagazines.com

WIN £40 to spend on Strada’s exciting new menu Strada is celebrating the launch of its exciting new menu by offering ‘st albans NOW’ readers a chance to win one of ten £40 vouchers for its Harpenden restaurant. The new menu celebrates the culinary diversity of Italy containing a superb range of regional dishes each one delivering authentic flavours making this a truly unique range. Head development chef Nico Tortorelli says “This is one of our most exciting menu changes. We are proud to bring the classic flavours of traditional Italian cooking to your local Strada. With a combination of favourite Strada dishes and some exciting new ones, we’re sure this menu will be one to impress.” Just text the answer to the question: Which meat is used for Bolognese sauce? to 07983 588291 including your name and phone number by 10th January 2015.

Strada, Harpenden invited us for lunch to try out their exciting new menu. We arrived on a beautiful, bright December lunchtime, and Jon, the manager showed us to a window table overlooking a leafy Leyton Green in the midday winter sun. The restaurant occupies Victoria Works, which originally started life in 1913 as the White Palace Cinema, and makes for a delightful place to enjoy good food with friends and family, while experiencing a piece of local history! To do justice to the new menu we wanted to try a variety of dishes, so Pawel, the waiter kindly ordered us a selection of starters to try. We began with some fantastic, fresh olives, straight from the groves in Sicily, followed by a beautifully presented array of antipasti, delicious Gamberoni Prawns, Calamari and freshly made tartare sauce, together with a tricolore salad with melt in the mouth buffalo mozzarella, just delicious! Although it was a Monday lunchtime, the place was already buzzing with a number of diners, so making for a warm and friendly atmosphere. Having enjoyed our starters we decided to move straight on to dessert, and chose Fondente al Cioccolato and Semifreddo al Cioccolato BIanco, both to die for and more than enough for a lunchtime treat. We would thoroughly recommend trying Strada's new menu, and intend to go back very soon to try the main courses! Strada Amenbury Lane Harpenden 01582 462793 www.strada.co.uk

JB TV SERVICES EST 1960

REPAIRER OF LCD/PLASMA TV/VIDEO/AUDIO/DVD

 REPAIRS TO ALL

MAKES & MODELS  AUTHORISED REPAIRER OF

SONY, JVC, PANASONIC TV/VIDEO/DIGITAL/TUNING/ FREEVIEW INSTALLATION & SET UP

07961 420535

See Our Main Advert on page 9 £10 B&Q voucher given

I & B ELECTRICAL

with any work carried out over £100

Free Quotes & Competitive Prices PAT

Testing Lights & Sockets Carbon & Smoke Detectors Rewires & Fuse Boxes Security Lighting Additional

Periodic Inspections & Testing carried out by our independent NAPIT registered engineer Local to St Albans daytime

evening (6 - 9.30pm)

07861 398 288 01707 262771 www.ib-electrical.co.uk www.theNOWmagazines.com

Music for the New Year

New Years Day Family Concert

The St Albans Young Musician Competition Closing Date: Friday 13th February Set up by the St Albans Cathedral Music Trust in 2012, allowing local young people to enter by simply uploading a recording of their playing. To enter this years competition visit the website to upload your recording. Recording quality will not affect the judging. The time limit is 6 minutes, but shorter entries are equally acceptable. The Final will be held in the nave of St Albans Cathedral on Sunday 8th March.

J S Bach's St John Passion

Amadeus Chamber Orchestra Concert

Sat 28th February 7.30pm Hertfordshire Chorus St Albans Cathedral Robert Murray: Tenor (Evangelist) Ashley Riches: Bass (Christus) Molly Alexander: Soprano Diana Moore: Mezzo Thomas Hobbs: Tenor Andrew Ashwin: Bass David Temple: Conducting and Chamber Players Baroque £8 - £25, concs £5 Wheelchair users full price with carer going free. www.stalbanscathedral.org 01727 890290 www.hertfordshirechorus.org.uk 0870 4580445

Sat 31st January 7.30pm St Peter’s Church, St Albans Conducted by Simon Thompson with Jennifer Wigram (leader) and Julian Trevelyan pictured (piano) Friedrich Witt: Symphony in A Mozart: Piano concerto no.27 K595 Boyce: Symphony no.4 Haydn: Symphony no.83 (La poule) Adult £13, concs £11, child £3 01727 864511 St Albans Tourist Information Centre www.amadeuschamberorchestra.org.uk

Thurs 1st January 7pm St Albans Cathedral Welcome in the New Year with a concert of family favourites. Alissa Firsova (piano) St Albans Symphony Orchestra Bjorn Bantock (conductor) Rachmaninov: Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini Tchaikovsky: ‘Nutcracker' Suite Ravel: La Valse Ginastera: Dances from ‘Estancia’ Plus musical sleigh rides and wintry waltzes by Anderson, Delius, Mozart, Prokofiev, Waldteufel and Ziehrer. Adult £8 - £25, concs £5, child £1 01727 852768 / 01727 890290 tickets@saso.org.uk www.stalbanscathedral.org

English Music - a Serenade Sat 7th February 7.30pm St Saviors Church, Sandpit Lane, St Albans Presented by Carillion Chamber Choir Britten Hymn to St Cecilia Stanford Three Latin Motets Vaughan Williams Serenade to Music Timothy Blinko Memorare - Anima - Time Trace Conducted by David Ireson with St Columba’s College Handbell Choir and the winner of the Gala Concert Young Pianist Competition 2015 £14, concs £13 01582 763774 ward.geoff.t21@btinternet.com

www.theNOWmagazines.com

Interested in film editing, photography or event management? Aged 13-25 and live in Hertfordshire? Want to learn six years' worth of skills in six months? If the answer is yes, then The Heart of Flame Youth Ambassador Programme is for you. You'll work on professional events around Hertfordshire while shadowing real-life professionals, and learning to use professional camera equipment. One more thing - it's free!

On the HFYAP you will... Work with professionals Shadow a professional in at least one event and take part in informative workshops. Achieve qualifications Receive a Bronze, Silver or Gold Arts Award in addition to an Emergency First Aid at Work qualification and Conflict Management Training. Additional courses may include Manual Handling and Team Work. Learn industry skills Gain skills in your desired job role, and gain an overview of how an event works from 'front of house' to backstage and experience how to interview, operate a camera and sound equipment, and edit.

UK registered charity no 297489

Improve your future You will improve your: CV / Industry skills and contacts / Personal skills The course starts in January normally on Saturdays at the University of Hertfordshire. Times and dates to be confirmed. ITA Academy helps and supports young people develop skills and gain qualifications. Visit the website to find out more or contact Tikeya Holloway 07582 540744 tikeyaholloway@ita-academy.co.uk www.ita-academy.co.uk

Frozen sing-a-long

24th January Presented by Saturday Morning Pictures Fearless optimist Anna teams up with Kristoff in an epic journey, encountering Everest-like conditions and Olaf a hilarious snowman. Interactive Workshop: 10am, ÂŁ4 Film: 11am, ÂŁ2.50 The Weston Auditorium, de Havilland Campus, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield www.herts.ac.uk

www.theNOWmagazines.com

St Albans and London Colney ABC Boxing Club...

Do you enjoy the great outdoors and want to make new friends with similar interests? If so why not join the St Albans Adventure Group. They take part in lots of outdoor activities including hill and mountain walking, cycling, skiing, camping, orienteering, climbing, rambling and canoeing. They organise weekends away in the UK and abroad and social events including theatre trips, pub evenings, quizzes and games. The group previously known as St Albans and District Local YHA was formed in 1949. They’re a very friendly club with around 40 members. They meet every Wednesday for a social evening, which may be a talk from an invited speaker, games, sports, or (in the summer), an evening walk. The club usually meet at 8pm at the United Reform Church Hall, Homewood Road, St Albans and new members are always welcome. For more information contact enquiries@stalbansadventuregroup.org.uk www.stalbansadventuregroup.org.uk

…is a leading local boxing club offering classes for all age groups. They are a friendly group who will motivate and encourage you to reach your full potential, learning the basics of the Art of Boxing, to becoming an amateur boxer. The Club is open to people of all boxing abilities. So go down and watch what they do and get a feel for one of the workouts. You will feel the benefits in no time. They offer a free introductory session for juniors (10-21 year olds) on Sunday mornings from 10am to 12 noon. sessions are £3 thereafter for a two hour session. Juniors are also welcome on Mondays and Wednesdays from 7pm – 9pm. Run by qualified ABA coaches all of whom hold current first aid certificates and are CRB checked. Mondays and Wednesdays 7pm - 9pm Saturdays 10am -12 noon (women only) Sundays 10am -12 noon John 07507 859239 Jim 07507 859230 St Albans Amateur Boxing Club www.stalbans-londoncolneyabc.co.uk

Feeling sluggish or tired? Do you want to look and feel better in the New Year if so why not find out more about Forever Living Products new 3 step weight management programme; Clean 9, F.I.T1 and F.I.T2. Forever’s sports and weight management products are so versatile they cater to the needs of every individual. Whether you are a sports professional looking to supplement your diet and training regime, or simply trying to get in shape, Forever has the nutritional support you need. Step 1: C9 Cleanse Designed to kick- start weight loss and cleanse your body, this provides the perfect foundation for transforming your eating habits. Based around Forever’s best selling Aloe Vera Gel drink, this nutritionally balanced programme will allow you to see real results in just 9 days. Step 2: F1 Good habits for life This 30 day regime allows you to continue towards your weight management goals, in a sustainable, healthy way. Contains the exact portions of supplements, shakes and bars required,

with easy to follow step-by step guidance to help you through. Maintain and build on the progress you made with the clean 9 and change your habits for the long-term. Step 3: F2 Maximum impact Strengthen and tone the body with F.I.T2 to help you build lean muscle, incorporating high protein nutritional products. Complete this final 30 day step of the programme to see real definition. Forever Living Products is part of the direct selling association. If you would like to find out more about Forever’s weight management progamme or any other products call Ranjit Jotangia Independent Distributor on 07903 234066 or email ranjotangia@hotmail.com www.foreverliving.com

www.theNOWmagazines.com

New Year Bells Historically it was a tradition to ring bells at Christmas and New Year. Church bells were rung on Christmas Eve to welcome Christ’s birth and keep evil at bay, and on New Year’s Eve to drive away evil and bring good luck to the parish in the coming year. The earliest records of bells in the county are those cast for the Abbey between 1077 and 1093. Though whether they were made by monks at the Abbey or elsewhere it is difficult to say. Two bell founders have a connection with St Albans, one is George Newman who was an iron founder and smith based in Old College Iron Works, Lower Dagnall Street. In 1863 he cast two bells, one is in Wilshire, the other was cast for the Clock Tower in St Albans, but its whereabouts is now unknown. Far more important and prolific was John Briant, who had a foundry in Parliament Row, Hertford. The alcoves at the back of the furnaces can still be seen against the castle walls today. His commissions included two treble bells for St Peter’s here in St Albans and one of the bells in the Abbey. His daughter Mary married Solomon Shaw a stationer and bookseller in St Albans. And it may be due to Shaw’s influence in obtaining him a place that John spent the last few years of his life in the Marlborough Almshouses, Hatfield Road. Briant was also a clock maker and made the one for St Peter’s, St Albans. While he was living at the Marlborough Almshouses he supervised the erection of his last clock, that of the gatehouse of King’s College Cambridge in 1827. He ended his days within ear-shot of both his bells and clock here in St Albans. Sadly for us, while we can still hear his clock at St Peter’s, all his three St Albans bells have been recast. But many of his other bells, both locally and elsewhere in the country are still going strong and long may they continue to ring. Elizabeth Eastwood St Albans City & District Tour Guides

Let us Create a Beautiful Floor For You We Supply and Fit Solid Wood, Engineered Wood, Laminate and Vinyl  Various designs parquet, herringbone and borders  Re-sand existing floors (95% dust-free)

80% of our Work is from Customer Recommendation Fully Insured Serving St Albans, Harpenden and Surrounding Areas For a free consultation 01707 373336 07834 412105 info@creativewoodflooring.co.uk www.creativewoodflooring.co.uk Showroom: 12 Garden Ct WGC AL7 1BH

Nick The Handyman All aspects of Property Maintenance       

Kitchen Fitter Tiling & Carpentry Fencing & Roofing General Brickwork Patios & Driveways Electrical Repairs Painting & Decorating, Inside & Outside No Job too Small Free Estimates References Available Friendly & Reliable Service 07737 284711 nick.morgan87@googlemail.com

www.theNOWmagazines.com

The Busch Ensemble Sat 10th January 7.45pm Adult £16, concs £5 Named after the legendary violinist, Adolf Busch, this young trio is a new innovative chamber music ensemble, who have been recognised in the UK and Europe for their ‘incredible verve’ and achievements. Inspired by the compositions of Adolf Busch, they are in the process of recording much of his yet unrecorded music, as well as playing concerts all around Europe as a flexible ensemble, playing in many different formations with strings, piano, and singers. Come and enjoy this exciting new trio. Hawthorne Theatre, Campus West, WGC www.hawthornetheatre.co.uk

NOW at Abbey Theatre Thérèse Raquin Adapted from Émile Zola’s novel 16th - 18th & 20th - 24th January In 19th century Paris, Thérèse marries her sickly cousin, Camille. She endures a suffocating existence with her husband and mother-in-law above their haberdasher’s shop until Laurent, a friend of Camille’s, steps into her life. A passionate and torrid love affair changes their lives forever.

Time and the Conways by JB Priestley 6th - 8th & 10th - 14th February It’s 1919 and the Conways are celebrating a family birthday. What does the future hold for the young people? The play moves forward 18 years. Priestley reveals the fates in store for each of them. Widely acknowledged as one of his most successful plays. Abbey Theatre Westminster Lodge, St Albans 01727 857861 www.abbeytheatre.org.uk

NOW at the Maltings Folk @ The Maltings Fri 2nd January 8pm This New Year concert will be a triple bill including The Foxglove Trio. Gathering material from sessions, published song collections and contemporary artists, these talented musicians are making a name for themselves on the UK folk scene for their beautiful harmonies, creative new arrangements and engaging live performances. KARA’s unique sound combines original material with Russian and British folk creating a rich mix of songs and tunes. Plus New Roots 2014 finalist Kelly Oliver, a singer/songwriter, guitarist and harmonicist, influenced mainly by acoustic music and traditional Irish folk music. adult £10, concs £8, child £6

Two by Jim Cartwright Thurs 12th - Sat 14th February 8pm A sharp, salty, quick fire evocation of the surface gaiety and underlying melancholia of English pub life. £10 / £7.50 Woman in Mind by Alan Ayckbourn 19th - 21st & 26th - 28th February 8pm Susan is an ordinary suburban housewife, who has become dissatisfied. Her husband Gerald takes her for granted. So she invents a perfect family, with hilarious, sometimes tragic, consequences. £12 / £10 Maltings Arts Theatre, St Albans www.maltingsartstheatre.co.uk www.ticketsource.co.uk/ovo 0333 666 3366

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

Teresa & Kevin Buckler

01582 461639 kevin.buckler@fit-ex.com www.fit-ex.com/hertfordshire 20 Bewdley Close Harpenden

www.theNOWmagazines.com

NOW at the Cathedral

Thurs 1st January 7pm New Year’s Day Family Concert St Albans Symphony Orchestra Rachmaninov, Tchaikovsky, Ginastera £8 - £25, students £5, child £1 Tues 6th January 5pm Solemn Evensong for Epiphany Weds 14th January 12.30pm Lunchtime Organ Recital free Sat 17th January 5.30pm Organ Recital St Albans International Organ Festival Willibald Guggenmos, Germany, free Sat 24th & Sun 25th January Residents First Weekend Visit the website for full details Weds 28th January 8pm Abbey by Night Tour Unique, atmospheric tours led by monks and historical characters giving you the rare chance to explore the Cathedral by candlelight. £12, includes drinks reception. Sun 1st February 3pm More To Explore Tour 'Abbey Safari': A fascinating walk exploring the animal imagery found throughout the Cathedral. Meet at the West End, free Sun 1st February 6.30pm Epiphany and Candlemas Carol Service Beautiful service of music and readings, with the Abbey Girls Choir and men of the Cathedral Choir

Weds 11th February 12.30pm Lunchtime Organ Recital Peter Holder, St Paul’s Cathedral, free Weds 18th February 8pm Ash Wednesday Choral Eucharist with imposition of ashes, marking the start of the season of Lent Thurs 19th February 10am - 12.30pm Family Discovery Morning This year marks the 900th anniversary of the dedication of the Cathedral church. This trail looks at how it was built, the materials used and the people involved, trail followed by arts and crafts. For ages 3-11. Meet in North Transept, free Sat 21st February 5.30pm Organ Recital St Albans International Organ Festival, free Sun 22nd February 6.30pm Taizé Service Service with instrumental music, meditation and singing. Sat 28th February 7.30pm J S Bach - St John Passion with the Chamber Players Baroque, Hertfordshire Chorus £8 - £25, concs £5 Wheelchair users full price with carer going free.

www.stalbanscathedral.org

Verulam Fencing

Domestic Appliance Repairs

 All Fencing Products  Top Quality Fencing  Repair & Maintenance  Fence Painting & Treatment  Gates & Trellis  All work Guaranteed  Free Quotations  Friendly Reliable Local Service Call Nick 07737 284711 nick.morgan87@googlemail.com

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

Leigh Hibon daytime 07841 652496 evening 01582 842764 www.ldhdomesticappliancesrepairs.co.uk 90 Trowley Hill Road, Flamstead AL3

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

and Dishwashers ● Repair Leaking Pipes ● Outside Taps

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

www.theNOWmagazines.com

NOW for a Walk or Two Hertfordshire Health Walks

Visit Ashridge With 2,000 acres of mature woodland to explore, you can while away the hours among the magnificent beeches and mighty oaks. Ashridge Visitor Centre is open all winter 10am - dusk. (except Xmas Day and Boxing Day). If you fancy a walk to burn off those mince pies go along and see what walks they recommend. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ashridge-estate

New Year Resolution Walk 1st January Start the New Year with your best foot forward and join the rangers for a breath of fresh air on this 1.5 hour walk. Wrap up warm and meet at the Chiltern Gateway Centre. Dogs on leads welcome Please book 01582 500920 dunstabledowns@nationaltrust.org.uk Dunstable Downs Chilterns Gateway

St Albans parkrun What is it? It is a 5km run - it's you against the clock. When is it? Every Saturday at 9am. Where is it? Verulamium Park, St Albans. What does it cost to join in? Nothing - it's free! but please register on-line before your first run. How fast do I have to be? We all run for our own enjoyment, just come along and join in whatever your pace! We're friendly! Every week we grab a post parkrun coffee at The Inn on the Park - please come and join us. St Albans parkrun needs you! It is entirely organised by volunteers, to help email stalbanshelpers@parkrun.com www.parkrun.org.uk

Enjoy the countryside and local green spaces with these free walks led by qualified volunteer leaders.

Highfield Park Charters Health Club Car Park Mondays 9.30am & Tuesdays 1.30pm Hill End Lane, opposite Spar AL4 0DB Wheathampstead Thursdays 10.30am (incl 1st Jan) Meet at the public car park behind The Bull, East Lane AL4 8BL Hatching Green Tuesdays 10.30am Redbourn Lane, Harpenden AL5 2JP on road parking only Greenwood Park Fridays 2pm Meet outside Greenwood Park Community Centre, Tippendell Lane, Chiswell Green, St Albans AL2 3HW Redbourn 3rd Jan & 7th Feb 2pm Meet at Cricket Club car park, Redbourn, AL3 7DB Heartwood Forest 15th Feb 10.30am Meet in Heartwood Forest car park, Sandridge AL3 6JB Bricket Wood 18th Jan 10.30am Moor Mill Pub car park, off Smug Oak Lane, Bricket Wood, AL2 3PN The walks cater for all abilities and vary from easy to challenging, wear suitable shoes, and bring waterproofs and a drink. www.hertslink.org/cms/healthwalks

Rye Winter Walk 2nd January

11am - 3pm 7- 8 mile walk to shake off Christmas excesses and start the Rye Meads January bird lists, dogs welcome, bring lunch, ÂŁ3. Rye Meads Nature Reserve Stanstead Abbotts, Herts SG12 8JS www.rspb.org.uk

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

www.theNOWmagazines.com

it was a challenge to organise her day to find time for writing, and some days she had to leave the chores undone to make any real progress. After her husband’s death, Jill moved across the country to be near her daughter. Sally followed and the meetings continued. As Jill said, ‘She supported, encouraged and cajoled me all the way.’ Good progress was made, though they had to finish before the grandchildren came round after school.

A Lasting Legacy Jill was reading a local newspaper when she spotted an advert for writing your life story. The thought intrigued her as she had had an eventful life, and now her grandchildren were growing up, there was lots she wanted to share with them. She decided to call it ‘Legacy’, as she saw it as something of value to be passed on to succeeding generations. She was also aware of the priceless heritage she had received of a stable home life, a grandmother from whom she inherited artistic talents and a mother with literary skills. Above all, she wanted to share her conviction of the faithfulness of Almighty God which she could trace through all her life experiences. But she had no idea how to start, and here was someone offering to help her! After getting in touch with Bound Biographies, her ‘writing partner’ Sally visited to talk about how she might make a start on her memoirs. Jill was determined to keep it a secret from her family and hoped to surprise them all with a completed autobiography for Christmas. She tentatively typed a few pages on her laptop and wrote a list of possible headings to explore… ‘Family History’, ‘Bad Patches’, ‘Housekeeping’, ‘Holidays’, ‘Unfulfilled Ambitions’, ‘First Home’, ‘Uphill Road to Parenthood’, ‘Unforgettable People’, ‘Thoughts on Singleness’, ‘Ways and Means’, ‘Adventures, Hopes, Regrets, Conclusions’, etc. This would be quite a long book! Jill had the advantage of having written diaries since she was 18 to remind her of key dates. But

During the move two resources came to light, an album of annotated photos of forebears with dates, and a scrapbook her mother had made for her father’s 80th birthday. With her own pencil drawings and watercolours, the book would be well illustrated. Fine-tuning the manuscript went on back and forth for months but, in due course, the books were printed and bound ready to be wrapped as presents for Christmas. After Christmas the ‘thank-you’ letters flooded in: “Dear Granny, thank you for your book, I still can’t believe that all these years you’ve been quietly beavering away at it! I often open it at random and before I know it I’m absorbed, finding out all sorts of things that I didn’t know happened to you.” “… You should have heard the gasps as I opened your Christmas present. It is a remarkable achievement… Your powers of recall are impressive, … full of choice quotations, anecdotes and details. You have a very easy style of writing and it is very much you talking.” “After New Year I took the day off and had a good read. Legacy was a good read – well written, well organised, well illustrated and well produced.” “… the book of your life means so much to me because it is like a part of you that I can have forever, and will remind me of all the wonderful things we’ve forgotten. It was such a pleasant surprise and I’m so proud of you for completing it!” If you'd like to give your family a uniquely personal present next Christmas, just give Sally a call. Sally Gray Bound Biographies for contact details see advert opposite

Retire To Somewhere Special in 015 Choice of luxury park homes from ÂŁ180,000 Exclusively designed for over 50s Why not pop in and view our stunning new show homes? A new you and fresh new start could be only a call away.... Brickhill Park, Half Moon Lane, Pepperstock, LU1 4LW

Call: 01582 723756 www.mcfarlandparkandleisurehomes.co.uk Email: sales@mcfarlandhomes.co.uk

Have you ever considered writing your life story for your family and close friends? As your writing partner, I will provide guidance with the writing, editing and layout with illustrations, and when the manuscript is complete, produce just the number of copies required in the size and binding of your choice. Whether you are just thinking about it, have already made a start and got stuck, or have completed your manuscript, we have the expertise to help you finish your book . .

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

www.theNOWmagazines.com

New Year’s Day Parade 1st January 12 noon London’s New Year’s Day Parade has evolved into a huge street spectacular with up to 10,000 performers from across continents, thousands of spectators, and a ‘live’ TV audience of several hundred million. This year more than 8,500 performers representing 20 countries world-wide will take part in the Parade, which will be filled with marching bands, cheerleaders, clowns, acrobats and much more! The Parade starts at 12 midday on Piccadilly at the junction with Berkeley Street near Green Park Tube Station and finishes at 3.30pm in Parliament Square. The Route: Piccadilly, Piccadilly Circus, Lower Regent Street, Waterloo Place, Pall Mall, Cockspur Street, Trafalgar Square, Whitehall and Parliament Street. Parade origins: The first New Year’s Day Parade in London was in 1987, and was known as ‘The Lord Mayor of Westminster’s Big Parade’. The event featured about 2,000 performers. London had not seen anything like it before, and did not really quite know what to make of it. At this time if the shops opened it was only for half a day, most restaurants didn't open at all, and many theatres couldn't see any point in presenting a performance. By 1994 the Parade had become so popular that the City of Westminster gave up sole ownership of the event, and it became ‘London’s New Year’s Day Parade and Festival’ with all London Boroughs taking an active role. There were 32 horse drawn carriages each one dedicated to the Mayor of a London Borough with, of course, a special one for the Lord Mayor of Westminster! The Parade continued to grow each year and in 1996 by combining all the musicians in the Parade it narrowly missed out on joining the Guinness Book of Records for having the largest marching band ever recorded. The Parade was broadcast ‘live’ for the first time in 2006 with Simon Bates and Bob Bone hosting a three and a half hour marathon, which was enjoyed all over the world. This year why not go along and be part of it. Since it started ‘London’s New Year’s Day Parade and Festival’ has raised over 1.5 million pounds for London charities. www.lnydp.com

British Wildlife Photography Awards Exhibition

Sat 17th January - Sun 15th March Mon - Fri 10am - 4pm Sat & Sun 11am - 4pm This free exhibition features over 100 images and videos, with winners chosen from thousands of entries in sixteen categories, including special film category for Wildlife in HD Video and three junior categories to encourage young people to connect with nature through photography. “Each year the British Wildlife Photography Awards generates an incredible catalogue of splendid, exciting, imaginative and artistic images, proving beyond doubt that we have the richest palette of life to celebrate in our own backyard. Anyone passionate about protecting and preserving wildlife will be inspired by the British Wildlife Photography Awards, which in its fifth year has done more than any other award to raise the profile of British wildlife” says Chris Packham, TV Presenter and Naturalist. Visit this stunning exhibition, which celebrates both the work of amateur and professional photographers and the beauty and diversity of British wildlife. Stockwood Discovery Centre, Luton www.bwpawards.org

Recycle your Christmas Cards...

...to help plant thousands of trees across the UK. For every 1,000 cards dropped in to Marks and Spencer's f January, a tree will be planted in the UK. Last year more than 8 were collected, with 8,000 trees being planted. This year they h recycle 10 million Christmas cards and so plant 10,000 trees, cr wildlife such as dormice and red squirrels. The UK is 34,000 tre to the public's efforts over the past five years, so the more cards more trees planted. Please join in and look out for the special ca in store from 2nd - 31st January. www.woodla

y - Sun 15th March 4pm - 4pm

n features over 100 images winners chosen from ies in sixteen categories, film category for Wildlife in ee junior categories to people to connect with hotography.

itish Wildlife Photography s an incredible catalogue ng, imaginative and artistic beyond doubt that we have e of life to celebrate in our nyone passionate about eserving wildlife will be itish Wildlife Photography its fifth year has done her award to raise the wildlife” says Chris senter and Naturalist.

exhibition, which he work of amateur and ographers and the beauty ritish wildlife.

Big Garden Birdwatch Take part in the biggest wildlife survey in the world, on your own, as a family, or in the local park. Just pick an hour over the weekend of 24th-25th January, and tell the RSPB what you see. It couldn't be easier! You’ll able to use the online bird counting tool to record the birds as you see them on your laptop, tablet or smartphone. Just start the timer and after an hour send the RSPB your results. For the first time in January 2014, you helped to get a UK wide picture of how other animals are fairing too. Sadly only 3% of people regularly saw red squirrels in their gardens, compared to grey, which were seen monthly in 73% of people's green spaces. This year you can help again by looking out for badgers, hedgehogs and other creatures in your garden or local park. Get everyone involved and join the conversation using #birdwatch. www.rspb.org.uk

ood Discovery Centre, Luton www.bwpawards.org

your as Cards...

Residents First Weekend Saturday 24th & Sunday 25th January Here’s just a taster of what’s planned, for full details please visit the website.

Tour: The Court Room, Old Town Hall Saturday: 11am & 2.30pm Visit the 1831 Court Room where the City Tour Guides will be re-enacting trials from 19th century St Albans that would have taken place there. Free, no ticket required (subject to capacity).

Walk: A Snapshot of St Albans Saturday & Sunday: 10.30am, 11.30am, 12.30pm, 1.30pm & 2.30pm Meet the City Tour Guide outside Old Town Hall at Merchant Tea and Coffee for a short historic walk (40 minutes) in central St Albans. Free, no ticket required.

Tour: St Helen's Church, Wheathampstead Saturday: 11am & 2.30pm Meet the City Tour Guide at the church.

Butterfly World Saturday & Sunday: 11am to 3pm Wrap up warm to wander round the designer gardens and meadow paths; see all the work being done in preparation for the new season and how work is progressing on the brand new British Butterfly Garden. The Butterflies have gone away to keep warm over winter, but the Leafcutter Ant exhibition is a must see! Watch as they cut leaves and take them back to the nest along overhead ropes. Plenty of free parking is available and The Nectar House Cafe will be buzzing all day, so why not go along for hot drinks and cakes! www.butterflyworldproject.com.

St Albans Cathedral

t thousands of trees across the y 1,000 cards dropped in to Marks and Spencer's for recycling in ee will be planted in the UK. Last year more than 8 million cards d, with 8,000 trees being planted. This year they hope to collect and llion Christmas cards and so plant 10,000 trees, creating homes for as dormice and red squirrels. The UK is 34,000 trees richer thanks efforts over the past five years, so the more cards collected, the anted. Please join in and look out for the special card collection bins 2nd - 31st January. www.woodlandtrust.org.uk

Saturday & Sunday From exciting Tower Tours to fun Family Trails and fascinating exhibitions, there are free events to suit the whole family on this special weekend. www.stalbanscathedral.org

Marvellous Mummies Museum of St Albans Saturday 2pm - 5pm Meet an Egyptian priest and see a demonstration of mummification, free. Children must be accompanied by an adult. www.stalbans.gov.uk

www.theNOWmagazines.com

Look Younger for Longer When it comes to looking younger, we often focus attention on our face and overlook our neck and hands, even though these areas age the fastest. So now’s the time to take notice of these neglected areas to ensure you look younger for longer. Your Neck The skin on your neck is thin compared to the rest of your body. It has fewer oil glands and can easily become dehydrated. So it’s important to moisturise your neck and to use sunscreen here too. Remember to exfoliate your face and neck to remove dead skin cells, brighten your skin and improve moisturiser absorption. This is fine for those looking to prevent rather than cure, but if your neck is already lined, reverse the signs of ageing by using products designed for the neck, which are more concentrated. Eating a healthy diet with foods rich in antioxidants and Omega-3 acids are proven to help skin rejuvenation by boosting

collagen production, something that declines as we age. Smoking is not only bad for your health, but damages collagen, and the constant lip pursing while smoking causes lines to form quickly, and damages the delicate skin under your chin. Your Hands They say you can tell a women’s age by her hands, so look after yours. Winter weather, central heating, contact with water and the use of hand sanitisers all dry out the skin, making it look older and feel rough. Nails need extra attention during the winter too, and if they are dry, peeling and brittle this is a sign they need some TLC. Limit the exposure your hands have to the elements by wearing gloves in the cold, and always wear rubber gloves when washing up. Invest in a pair of moisture gloves, apply an intensive hand cream every night, before bed, and wear them overnight. You’ll wake up with beautifully soft hands. Each time you wash your hands, dry them thoroughly and apply a hand and nail cream. Make sure you rub it in thoroughly and don’t forget your cuticles and nails. Keep your nails long and strong by applying cuticle oil every night. Use a strengthening treatment to help protect them from the elements and give them extra strength. For a real treat, head to your local beauty salon and have a manicure. You’ll feel more enthused about keeping your pampered hands in tip-top condition if they’re looking gorgeous. by Helen Taylor

www.theNOWmagazines.com

Julia Reading

BSC (Hons) MChS, HPC Registered Podiatrist

The perfect shop to purchase that special dress for any occasion Special Occasion Wear Elegant Evening Gowns One off Designs Prom & Ball Dresses Playful Party Dresses Wedding Attire Hat Hire Accessories Handbags Available On-line Hair & Make-up Advice Personal Service Dresses ÂŁ20 - ÂŁ90

I Treat The Following Foot Conditions Corns * Callous * Fungal nails Ingrowing toe nails * Verrucas General foot health advice For an appointment please phone

07746 472781

Tuesdays Nash Pharmacy (next to Waitrose) 2 Ermine Close, St Albans Mon & Fri / Tues or Wed pm Southdown Clinic Harpenden

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

Mobile Hairdresser Over 30 Years Experience Competitive Rates

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

07568 133588 www.theNOWmagazines.com

Beer of the Month It’s a modern habit, this business of abstaining in January. In Medieval times, before central heating and artificial light obliterated the seasons, winter was still winter, and what you needed to fight off the cold was plenty of calories. They even had a couple of big festivals in January. Twelfth Night on 5th January was celebrated by a big beery party. The following Monday, Plough Monday, supposedly marked the start of the farming year but was actually just a boozy procession of garlanded ploughs! So let’s all huddle indoors for warmth and enjoy a few bottles of liquid nutrition. Strong lagers have had a bad press in this country, not Peroni Gran Riserva, though. The stronger stablemate of everyone’s favourite Italian, it comes in at 6.6% alcohol; and although it looks like an ordinary pale yellow lager the malty undertones in the grassy, hoppy nose warns you that it’s not. Then comes the palate, rich, smooth, warming, but not oversweet, and finally a soft finish with just a little floweriness from the Saaz hop. One to sip by the fireside! Like Peroni, Greene King’s Abbot Ale has a stronger sibling just right for when there’s a nip in the air. Abbot Reserve is a cockle-warming 6.5% alcohol. The nose is earthy, with the pear-drop scent of phenols; the palate is creamy and rich, but with a balancing sharpness; and the finish is dark, intense, and teasingly bitter. It almost makes winter worthwhile. by Ted Bruning

CARPET AND UPHOLSTERY CLEANING

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

before

CLEANING COMPANY after

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

01582 418777

Are you a business owner or self employed with a small office? Is the thought of entering a commercial cleaning contract off-putting? If the answer is yes then call Domestico! We offer short contract cleaning with a domestic touch. Call today for a quote and let us help you.

Happy New Year Offer 10% off Spring Cleans

www.theNOWmagazines.com

The Festival of Sleep Day on 3rd January was created for people that want some “shut eye” and relaxation after the Christmas shopping and present opening deadlines and the New Year celebrations, it’s time to visit “Sleep Land”. This year why not observe this wacky and unofficial holiday....

Linda & Karen Cleaning Services

www.theNOWmagazines.com

NOW for a good read When it’s cold and frosty outside, there’s no better time to join with our friends in Oz as they celebrate Australia Day on 26th January. So sit back and read some bonza books about the land Down Under.

A Town like Alice Nevil Shute

For many, Nevil Shute’s novel is the first they read that really gives them a drive to travel to Australia. It’s a compelling tale of love and war which sees Englishwoman Jean Paget captured by the Japanese in the heart of the Malaysian jungle and then forced to endure a death march lasting many months. From Malaysia, Jean returns home, but not for long as she then returns to the Far East to give something back to those who helped save her life. She ends up in a remote part of Oz which challenges her resolve once again. She may not be a bona fide ‘Sheila’, but given what she’s been through, Jean’s got the resilience of a real Aussie battler.

Everybody Jam Ali Lewis

This is the story of Danny, who lives on a remote cattle station in the outback, his brother who has died, his teenage sister who’s pregnant and the rather green English backpacker who’s the latest hired help. Everybody Jam refers to strawberry jam, that’s universally loved by one and all, no matter what their background or status. In Danny’s world, everyone’s gearing up for the great annual muster and it’s a make or break business, with the family

pushed to its limits and fighting to survive under the intense heat of the blazing sun. It was written for young adults but if you’ve ever been a gap year student, or you fancy a true Aussie experience, then Everybody Jam could give you a real flavour of what to expect.

Eucalyptus Murray Bail

This is an unusual and touching love story which has grown straight from the craggy Aussie soil itself. Widower Holland has two things he is proud of his daughter Ellen, and his impressive collection of eucalyptus trees. He has grown every single variety of the gums and it’s the inspiration for a challenge to any of Ellen’s suitors. Holland decrees that Ellen may only marry the man who can correctly identify all of them. While many come by to try and subsequently fail, Ellen spends her days being entertained by a stranger who appears under the shadow of a tree one day. Enchanted and intrigued by his stories of distant lands, Ellen begins to fall in love. It’s a beautiful story that will capture your heart and nurture a longing for romance and travel. Mutant Message Down Under Marlo Morgan

For many, the idea of ‘going walkabout’ with an aboriginal

tribe would be like having a dream come true; to be permitted such a rare insight into an ancient civilisation. This is the fictional account of an American woman ‘summoned’ to do just that. Often referred to as a ‘spiritual odyssey’, the book explores the way in which the nomads live in harmony with nature for as long as they are on this earth, and what we can take from that message. There are physical challenges as well as spiritual, ecological and theological for Morgan to overcome and it makes for incredible reading as she takes her four month-long journey of discovery. Cloudstreet Tim Winton

Tim Winton is an Australian national treasure, and quite rightly so. In one of his seminal works, Cloudstreet is a saga that covers the entire spectrum of human emotion and focuses on two families: The Pickles and the Lambs, brought together through adversity and trying to get along under one quite substantial roof. The novel spans a twenty year period of the trials and tribulations of close friends and relatives, with everything from adultery to drunkenness threatening to rock the foundations of the house on Cloudstreet.

www.theNOWmagazines.com

NOW in the Garden In January your garden still needs to be protected from winter weather, particularly strong winds, heavy rain and frosts. Last month's winter protection advice should still be followed, have a look at the December edition online at www.theNOWmagazines.com

Planting If you are planning on sowing any seeds that require frost to germinate, such as native tree and shrub seeds, this month is your final opportunity. Lily bulbs can be planted in pots or borders if the weather is mild and Begonia, Lobelia and Salvia seeds can be sown in a heated greenhouse or propagator. As mentioned last month, bare root deciduous hedges and trees can still be planted throughout their dormant season. As long as the ground remains workable and is not waterlogged then established deciduous trees and shrubs can be transplanted.

Pruning To expose their flowers, cut back hellebore and Iris unguicularis leaves. Grasses and other

perennials left to provide winter interest can now be cut back as well.

General Maintenance If not completed in December, wrap containers with bubble wrap or fleece to protect them from frost and place near a south facing wall for extra protection. Last month, tender plants, deciduous trees and shrubs should have been covered in straw or fleece, check this protection is still in place. As they need light, evergreens are best protected with a wooden frame covered in clear polythene. Ensure the polythene doesn't touch the leaves as condensation can cause rot. If not previously done, apply a dry mulch to beds, borders, and around shrubs and trees in order to protect the roots from the cold. If we have a heavy snow fall, the snow should be brushed off the branches of conifers, climbers, delicate trees and shrubs as soon as possible, as the weight could result in damage. Happy Gardening! James Lanwarne Lanwarne Landscapes

Justin Leon Garden Maintenance All Aspects of Gardening Undertaken

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

07789 961233

www.theNOWmagazines.com

Counting Bugs This year why not take part in the Open Air Laboratories (OPAL) Bugs Count Survey! Do you know what bugs are living near you? Discover the incredible variety of invertebrates that make their home around us. Your findings will help scientists learn more about the distribution of bugs across the country and how the urban environment may be affecting them. It's easy to join in, just download the free survey pack which takes just under an hour to complete and can be carried out in the garden, local park or even the school playing field. There are three parts to the survey * exploring your area * the timed challenges * sending us your results Once you've completed the survey, just enter your results online and see your contribution instantly appear on our interactive maps. The (OPAL) network is a UK-wide citizen science initiative that allows you to get hands-on with nature, whatever your age, background or level of ability The survey is a one-off but it can be done as often as you like, at any time of the year. www.opalexplorenature.org/bugscount For more information please contact Helene Coleman 01707 285050 h.i.coleman@herts.ac.uk

www.theNOWmagazines.com

an adult

Sun 25th January 3pm – 4pm Story time Session for the under 7s Museum of St Albans Join us for stories, activities and Children's Book Award voting. In association with St Albans Children’s Book Group, £1 All children must be accompanied by an adult

What’s on in January

until 4th Jan Jack & The Beanstalk see page 4 until 11th Jan Peter Pan Milton Keynes Theatre www.atgtickets.com Skating at Somerset House www.somersethouse.org.uk until 12th Jan Exhibition: Fabulous Art for Christmas Trestle Theatre Company, St Albans, 01727 850950 until 27th Feb Canary Wharf Ice Rink Canada Square Park www.icerinkcanarywharf.co.uk 1st Walk: New Years Resolution see page 20 Walk: A City Revealed meet at the Old Town Hall, visit interesting sites of the City, hear about peasants revolting, martyrs, heretics, monasteries & monks, 11am, adult £4, child £2 www.stalbanstourguides.co.uk New Year’s Day Family Concert see page 8 2nd Rye Winter Walk see page 20 Folk at the Maltings see page 16 4th Wassail Event Mill Green Museum, Hatfield, traditional Twelfth Night ceremony is re-enacted & promises to banish winter blues, adult £3, child £2 New Year in Vienna Corn Exchange, St Paul’s Square, Bedford, 01234 718112, traditional Strauss classics & more, 7.30, £15 - £27 6th - 10th Harpenden Gang Show Harpenden Public Halls www.hwgangshow.org.uk 8th Staje in Concert Abbey Theatre, 01727 857861, popular jazz, funk, soul & blues big band, 8pm 10th Busch Ensemble see page 16 10th & 11th The Wedding Show Knebworth House, bridal exhibition with designers, cake-makers, stationers, photographers, florists, catwalk shows, champagne bar, £4 in advance, £5 on the day www.theweddingshow.co.uk St Albans Model Railway Exhibition see page 4 14th Lunchtime Organ Recital see page 18 16th Buildings of the Hat Industry Stockwood Discovery Centre, 01582 548600, a look at some of Luton's most interesting history through film footage, photos & museum artefacts, 42 2pm - 3.30pm, £7, £5

I’m Sorry I Haven't a Clue Watford Colosseum, 7.30pm, £26.50, £23.50 www.watfordcolosseum.co.uk 16th & 17th, 20th - 24th Théresè Raquin see page 16 17th St Albans International Organ Festival Organ Recital see page 18 Exhibition: Brambleton Model Railway Club Harpenden Public Halls, mix of layouts, preservation stands & traders, 10.30am - 5.30pm 17th Jan - 15th March British Wildlife Photography Awards Exhibition see page 24 18th Archaeology Apprentices Verulamium Museum, St Albans, help sort out their ‘finds trays’ & reconstruct broken objects, ages 5 - 11, 2pm - 4pm, free, children must be accompanied by an adult Lanwarne at Burstons see page 38 National Winnie the Pooh Day see page 45 21st Display: Ask Questions - Share Experiences St Albans, Harpenden & District Philatelic Society, St Mary's Church, Childwickbury, 01582 762284, all welcome, 8pm 23rd Royal Marines Band Concert see page 4 Burns Night Aldwickbury Park Golf Club, Harpenden, Town Mayors Event, 7pm, £35 24th The Virtuosi GUS Band Brass in Concert The Radlett Centre, a celebration of music from one of the world's most famous names in brass bands, 7.30pm, adult £16, concs £15 Frozen see page 10 24th & 25th Residents First Weekend see page 25 www.stalbans.gov.uk 25th Harpenden Farmers Market High Street, 10am 26th Nils Lofgren see page 4 27th Sam Bailey Watford Colosseum, £27.50 28th Tour: Abbey by Night see page 18 29th Herts Junior Lawyers Quiz Night Grove House, Waverley Road, St Albans, get a team together, put your thinking caps on, you could be the team to win the famous Wooden Spoon! www.renniegrove.org 29th - 31st Bugsy Malone see page 4 31st Amadeus Chamber Orchestra Concert page 8

an adult Sun 25th January 3pm – 4pm Story time Session for the under 7s Museum of St Albans Join us for stories, activities and Children's Book Award voting. In association with St Albans Children’s Book Group, £1 All children must be accompanied by an adult

www.theNOWmagazines.com

What’s on in February 44

until 27th Feb Canary Wharf Ice Rink Canada Square Park www.icerinkcanarywharf.co.uk 4th Colosseum Comedy Club Watford Colosseum, 7.30pm, £18 www.watfordcolosseum.co.uk 5th The Classic Rock Show The Alban Arena 7.30pm, £29.50, £22.50 7th Purple Zeppelin Harpenden Public Halls, £16 8th Concert: de Havilland Philharmonic celebrating great Russian composers, 7.30pm adult £20, concs £15, child £8 10th Talk: Alastair Gunn Head Gardener at Hatfield House, Roundwood Park School 8pm, £3 for non members, Harpenden Gardening Society wwwharpendengardeningsociety.org 11th - 14th St Albans Gang Show The Alban Arena 7.30pm (Sat matinee 2.30pm) £6 - £13 14th Egyptian Myths and Legends Museum of St Albans, Hatfield Road, 01727 819340, ages 6 - 11, 2 - 3pm & 3.30 – 4.30pm, £2 15th Fame Open Auditions The Alban Arena, 10am Lanwarne at Burstons see page 38 16th - 20th Light up Your Half Term Ashridge Visitor Centre, 10am - 4pm, £1, make a lantern & bring it along to the Candlelit Walk on 20th Feb at 5.30pm - 9pm

16th Feb - 30th May Ashridge Spring Trail Ashridge Estate, meet at Visitor Centre, follow your map, answer the questions & collect your sticker reward, 10am - 5pm, £1 17th Annual Pancake Race in front of St Albans Old Town Hall 18th Displays beginning with E or F St Albans, Harpenden & District Philatelic Society, St Mary's Church, Childwickbury, 01582 762284, all welcome, 8pm 19th Decomposed! Hawthorne Theatre, Welwyn Garden City, a riotous theatrical adventure full of music & comedy, ages 6+, 2pm & 4pm Family Discovery Morning see page 18 19th - 21st Double Double Memorial Hall, Marford Rd, Wheathampstead, 8pm, £8 from Manor Pharmacy, Wheathampstead 20th Valentines Stockwood Discovery Centre, 01582 548600, a look at some of Luton's most interesting history through film footage, photos & museum artefacts, 2 - 3.30pm, £5, £7 POP Harpenden Public Halls, Mr Bean meets Charlie Chaplin by Winner of CBBC's The Slammer, Christian Lee, ages 3 - 8 21st Film: Saturday Morning Pictures: The Land Before Time Forgot UHArts de Havilland Campus, Hatfield, 01707 281127, Art & Craft Workshop: 10am, £4, Film: 11am, £2.50

National Winnie the Pooh Day Come down to Aldenham Country Park on 18th of January to see Winnie the Pooh, visit 100 Aker Wood and meet the bear himself! Bring a letter to post to Winnie the Pooh and friends as you tour the Wood. Aldenham Country Park, Aldenham Road, Elstree, WD6 3BA www.aldenhamcountrypark.co.uk

ART CLASSES FOR KIDS!

Holiday Workshops and Term Time Classes in ST ALBANS

www.fineart4kids.com

07949 293463

www.theNOWmagazines.com

Index of Businesses

Accountant TaxAssist Accountants

Aerial Installations Concorde Aerials

Beauty Skin & Tonic

Bicycle Repairs Cycletech Hertfordshire

Biographer Bound Biographies

Blinds Colourblindz

Builder Selfgen

Career Coaching Phase

Carpentry / Joinery Chris Smyth

Charity Traid

Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Art Classes FineArt4Kids!

Chiropodists Julia Reading Kathy Witchard

31 28

Cleaning Big Yellow Daily Poppins Domestico Domestique Linda & Karen Cleaning Services Murrayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cleaning Services

33 35 33 32 35 35

Conservatory Roof Solutions Nu-Look

Quick Crossword 1

E 9

M P

R O

M E

U E

N R

O R

K E

E K

S 12

R E

R T

Y T

R M A

N A

E E

M 15

C P

T G

N O

L E

N G

E 13

Dance & Drama Stagecoach Theatretrain

43 45

M S

Health & Fitness Intelligent Pilates The Fit Lab Totally Pilates

29 3 28

Hearing Services The Hearing Healthcare Practice

Domestic Appliance Repairs Leigh Hibon

Education Kumon

Hot Tubs A5 Hot Tubs

Ladies Fashion Seymour Styles

Oven Cleaning Ovenmaster

Painters & Decorators CB Decorators M & M Decorating

21 21

Pet Care Your Paws Pet Services

Plasterer A. Merson Plastering

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

7 7 6 7&9

Fencing Verulam Fencing

Financial Management AMR Financial Management

Flooring Creative Wood Flooring Estella Flooring

15 14

Garden Centre Burston Garden Centre Gardening / Landscaping Garden Life Landscapes Justin Leon Lanwarne Landscapes Supagrass

Plumber DJ&M Plumbing Services Ltd

19 & 47

Pond Maintenance Women With Waders

39 39 38 39

Property Maintenance Nick The Handyman

Recruitment Agency KA Marketing

37 23

Gas K25

Retirement Homes McFarland Park & Leisure Homes

Glassware Repairs Chipped Glassware

Hairdresser Mobile Hairdresser

Shutters Just Shutters The Harpenden Shutter Company

17 17

Slimming Alizonne

Tree Surgeons Fircroft Tree Surgery Ltd

Word Ladder

V 11

Counselling / Sex Therapy Michael Stock

One possible solution (others may exist) FOOT hoot hood hoed heed herd hard YARD

TV Repairs JB TV Services

Wedding Show Luxury Wedding Show

back cover

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

15 11 13 13

We have made every effort to ensure that any material published in st albans NOW is correct and can accept no liability for any errors or delays in publication or distribution, st albans NOW accepts no responsibility for its advertisers .

DJ&M PLUMBING SERVICES LTD ●

●

Complete

●

Bathroom, Cloakroom, Shower Room and Kitchen Installations

●

Local Family Run Business, Over 30 Years Experience

●

Honest and Reliable Service Free Consultation/ Quotation for all Enquiries

●

Tiling Plastering Electrical

●

Discounts On All Bathrooms Supplied

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

Dean Herrington 07830 159010 info@djmplumbing.co.uk

01727 764217 www.djmplumbing.co.uk