st albans NOW Jan 16

st albans

NOW

January 2016

NOW for a Walk or Two

NOW at the Local Theatres Residents: Enjoy St Albans NOW at the Roald Dahl Museum Look out for Nature Amazing Aircraft

NOW at the Cathedral What’s on and lots more read ‘the NOW magazines’ monthly promoting local businesses, organisations and events since 2006

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Welcome to 2016

Happy New Year Everyone!

NOW for a Walk or Two 4

The start of a new year is a great time for making changes, from getting fit and healthy to getting the house in order. If you need a little help to achieve these goals, we’ve included some local businesses who’ll be only too happy to help, from accountants to window cleaners and everything in between... ...so have a flick through with a cuppa and see who you need to call to get started.

Wishing you all a Happy and Healthy 2016

a breath of fresh air

Award Winning Hearing is Here 6 Hearing Healthcare Practice

Residents: Enjoy St Albans

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a weekend of local heritage

A Bespoke Service 10 MJP Financial Consultant Ltd

Look out for Nature 16 birdwatching & more

Jane & Wendy www.theNOWmagazines.com jane@theNOWmagazines.com 07983 588291

Amazing Aircraft 18 visit the Vulcan & Hurricane

NOW for Some Music 20 music for the New Year

Happy New Year! 24 trains, skating, walks & more

NOW at the Cathedral 32 music for all

Do Something for Charity 36 thinking of others

dition next e e h t h in To be t get in touc s.com ine jus magaz eNOW www.th e: 10th

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NOW at the Local Theatres 38 comedy, music & more

What’s on in January 42 & February 44 Index of Businesses 46 accountants to windows & doors

To Advertise: 07983 588291 jane@theNOWmagazines.com

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NOW for a Walk or Two Dunstable Downs New Year's Resolution Walk 1st January 11am - 12.30pm Was your New Year's resolution to get outdoors more?

Exercise more? Get fitter? Take the time to enjoy nature? If so join the rangers for a breath of fresh air on this one and a half hour walk.

Booking essential www.nationaltrust.org.uk

RSPB Walks Free walks run by local RSPB volunteer groups Harpenden Lee Valley Walks 3rd January & 7th February 8am - 10.15am Guided walks identifying local birds. Meet on the bridge over the River Lea near the 'Marquis of Granby' on Crabtree Lane.

Beech Farm, Smallford 27th January 9.45am Phone 01582 764226 for details of the meeting point.

The Ver Valley 24th February 9.45am Half day birdwatching walk led by Ann and Roger Doubleday. Contact the leaders for details on 01582 764226 agdoubleday@sky.com www.rspb.org.uk

Anyone for Volleyball?

Greenwood Park Sports Hall in Chiswell Green, St Albans has been the home to the local Volleyball club since the early 90’s.

Volleyball takes place on Wednesday evenings between 9pm and 10pm and the Club is always looking for new members.

They meet for a good laugh and enjoy plenty of friendly banter on the court during games.

Members are aged 16 - 65 years, and after the game, you can enjoy a well earned drink and chat if you have time.

They hold various social events throughout the year, including summer BBQ’s and evening meals out for special occasions.

So if you’re new to the area or find yourself at a loose end on Wednesday evenings and want to meet some local friendly faces then, come and join in the fun and be part of the community.

For more information contact David Amesbury on 01727 875996 / 07799 832536

Hertfordshire Health Walks Free, guided, local walks. Just turn up!

Highfield Park Mondays 9.30am Tuesdays 1.30pm Charters Health Club Car Park, Hill End Lane AL4 0DB Wheathampstead Thursdays 10.30am Saturdays 2nd Jan & 6th Feb 2pm East Lane public car park behind The Bull AL4 8BL Hatching Green Thursdays 10.30am Redbourn Lane, Harpenden AL5 2JP on road parking only Greenwood Park Fridays 2pm Greenwood Park Community Centre, Tippendell Lane, Chiswell Green, St Albans AL2 3HW Bricket Wood Sunday 17th Jan 10.30am Moor Mill Pub car park, off Smug Oak Lane, Bricket Wood, AL2 3TX Heartwood Forest Sunday 21st Feb 10.30am Meet at Heartwood Forest car park AL3 6JB 01992 588433 www.hertslink.org/cms

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Last year over 2 million people took part in Dry January and cut down their drinking for the month.

It looks like even more people will be taking part in 2016, so why not join in and reap the rewards!

From significant health benefits including weight loss and better sleep, to more money in your pocket, what have you got to lose?

You’re more likely to stick with it and feel the benefits if you sign up, so take the challenge, banish the booze and feel like a new you!

Get friends and family to sponsor you and maybe set up a JustGiving page, why not encourage them to join in too!

The money you raise will help Alcohol Concern, the national charity dedicated to tackling the harm caused by alcohol to individuals, families and society. Did you know that 93,500 babies under 1 live with a parent who is a problem drinker? Your donations and fundraising will help promote awareness around the issues, get young people involved in conversations around alcohol for the first time, and help to protect families. www.dryjanuary.org.uk

Julia Reading

BSC (Hons) MChS, HPC Registered Podiatrist

FOOT CARE I provide foot care in the comfort of your own home I am qualified to treat Corns Verrucae Callouses Fungal Nails Cracked Heels Ingrowing Nails Athlete’s Foot Together with Nail Clipping and Filing Experienced in dealing with the Elderly and Dementia sufferers 01582 761390 / 07806 409723 Cherry Aquitaine MCFHP, MAFHP, Foot Health Practitioner

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 Home Visits Available

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Award Winning Hearing is Here Hearing Healthcare Practice, Harpenden’s hearing and ear health specialists, have done it again.

Proudly receiving the Special Recognition Award in this year’s national 'Audiologist of the Year’ competition, this is their record breaking tenth major award in seven years (the Practice having previously won the premier ‘European Audiologist of the Year Award’).

Based at the Foresters, just off Harpenden High Street, clients travel from throughout the UK and internationally to visit audiologists, Robert, Jo and constantly evolving as we challenge the status Sanna, at Hearing Healthcare Practice. And, as quo in a profession where compromise is, those clients happily testify, there’s no other unfortunately, often the norm. For us, good audiological centre quite like it. simply isn’t’ good enough.”

We caught up with Hearing Healthcare Practice is held up as an practice owner, example of excellence in the audiology Robert Beiny, to ask him why the Practice profession and the team is regularly asked to take part in studies and guide other professionals is consistently so in the art of best practice. Robert also travels successful in ‘Audiologst of the Year Awards’ – an independent regularly to the US and Europe to present at conferences and to sit on advisory committees. competition voted for by the patients of hearing aid dispensers and audiologists throughout As a visit to Hearing Healthcare Practice will Europe. “Perhaps our secret, isn’t what we do, certainly make it clear; whether assessing, so much as we love what we do!” says Robert. correcting, enhancing or protecting hearing; "At the Practice we change lives, it’s what controlling tinnitus or checking ear health and inspires us. No matter what challenges our clients cleaning ears, Harpenden is fortunate to have present no issue is too large for us to tackle or such an internationally respected and caring too small for us to ignore. team of audiologists located right here.

“The Practice is an amazing place to work – it’s If you’re concerned about your hearing or that of much more than a nine to five job. We view the a friend or relative or just want to know more centre as a hub, where we come together every about what we do, Hearing Healthcare Practice day to collaborate and create new effective can be contacted on 01582 767218 or by treatment plans for our clients, our approach is email at info@hearinghealthcare.co.uk

“...we love what we do!”

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Residents: Enjoy St Albans Sat 23rd & Sun 24th January A weekend of events, tours, activities and behindthe-scenes discoveries at our inspiring architecture and cultural heritage, exposing hidden gems of the district, opening doors to unseen areas of the cultural and geographical heritage of the region.

Here’s just a taster of what’s happening:

Butterfly World 23rd & 24th January 11am - 3pm Wrap up warm and wander round the designer gardens and meadow paths and see the work being done in preparation for the new season. 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 Butterfly World Cafe will be buzzing all day, so why not go along for hot drinks and cakes! www.butterflyworldproject.com

Objects on Demand The Town Hall 23rd & 24th January 10.30am - 4pm Although The Museum of St Albans is closed to the public they’re working hard behind the scenes, and while they wait to open at the Town Hall, they’ve got other events planned for us to enjoy.

Objects on Demand is a great opportunity to get up close to objects in the museums’ collections, from highlights you may already know about, to some more hidden curiosities. From a gruesome skull to Ballito silk stockings, an adorable toy elephant and some toy soldiers, to a medieval pilgrim badge and a cigarette case with a bullet hole through it, browse through the special catalogue, pick your object and find out what the collections team and volunteers have uncovered. www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk/whats-on

St Albans Cathedral Exhibition: St Albans and Hertfordshire Architectural and Archaeological Society 22nd - 24th January A display of 19th century illustrations of Hertfordshire and London by Frederic George Kitton who lived in St Albans from 1889-1904.

23rd & 24th January From exciting Tower Tours to fun Family Trails, there are free events to suit the whole family planned at St Albans Cathedral, visit the website for full details. www.stalbanscathedral.org/whatson

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For more information please visit www.enjoystalbans.com

01727 298 007

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A Bespoke Service My name is Mike Perry and I am now in the fortunate position of being able to offer you a highly personalised service that could provide you with a bespoke solution to meet your needs for all of your Insurance requirements.

I can offer either a review of your existing cover or advice on what you may require.

unexpected happening without the adequate cover being in place. The peace of mind we gain when protection exists does, sadly, need to be bolstered by regular reviews and, where appropriate, augmented in line with changing circumstances.

Taking the time to do this helps avoid being adversely impacted financially in the event of something unforeseen or unexpected happening.

This applies to whether you are looking at Life Most, if not all of us, are aware of someone, Cover, Business Protection, Income Protection or whether it be a colleague, friend or member of Critical Illness Cover amongst others. the family, to whom something has happened Whatever your specific circumstances are, that was not planned. whether that be single, married with, or without, I have the skills to guide you in protecting your children or the owner of your own business, I can financial future and would welcome the analyse your particular circumstances and help opportunity to bring my professional expertise to you arrive at the best solution for you personally. your assistance.

Events such as birth, a marriage or a death all dramatically change our lives.

In my experience, it is really important to review all of our protection needs at these times. We should all look at what protection we hold and the reasons why we originally took out that protection.

We all need to consider both who and what we are protecting and the effect of something

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As an independent consultant, I have the whole marketplace from which to source my recommendation for the right product for you.

If you are now worried, would like a chat or just want to find out a bit more information then please contact Mike Perry on 07525 846614 or 01442 450403 or email mike@mjpfcltd.co.uk

www.theNOWmagazines.com

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Verulam Fencing  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 Please visit Verulam Fencing on Facebook for reviews and pictures www.facebook.com/verulamfencing

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Charlies Garden & Pressure Washing Service Driveway Cleaning & Resealing Patios & Paths Decking & Garden Furniture Cleaned & Treated Moss & Algae Removal During the winter months surfaces may become very slippery.

If you wish to use our services please call Charlie

01923 519422 or text / call anytime 07505 555 411 www.theNOWmagazines.com

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Make Room for Roses It’s the perfect time of year to plant roses, and there should be a good selection in your local garden centres.

Although roses look good in beds and containers, for something different why not create a rose arch or roseclad arbour, or transform an existing arch or pergola by planting roses now to ensure fabulous colour for many summers to come.

Choose ramblers or climbers; ramblers are easier to train but only flower once a year, whereas many climbers flower twice a year or intermittently for months.

Walking beneath an arch laden with perfumed roses on a warm summer evening takes some beating!

If your new roses have lopsided roots, uninspiring woody stems and little else, this is normal and despite their appearance they usually establish well. Plant as soon as possible, but if not possible, keep the roots moist by wrapping in damp hessian or burying the roots in garden soil.

Make your planting hole close to the base of the arch or pergola: about 30 - 45cm works well, but keep away from concrete footings. Although roses like fairly heavy soil, for clay soils prepare a sizeable area by digging in well rotted manure, garden compost and grit, to ensure good fertility.

If the roots of bare root roses are lopsided or crammed together, spread them out before planting. Soak roots in water for a couple of hours before separating, prune out any damaged ones and plant the rose immediately.

Plant so the swollen graft point just above where the roots start protruding is slightly above soil level. Keep your rose well watered during dry weather, apply rose fertiliser and top up the mulch in spring.

Newly purchased roses will have limited top growth, but once they get going you’ll need to train the stems into the arch, securing them at regular intervals with great care, so they are not buffeted against the arch when it’s windy.

Steel wire with a dense foam covering is strong and effective.

Good varieties for planting over pergolas and arches include Veilchenblau ‘Paul’s Scarlet’ (climber), Excelsa ‘Crimson Shower’, Albertine Albericbarbier ‘Golden Showers’, ‘Iceberg’ (climber), Malvern Hills ‘Super Fairy’, ‘Gloire de Dijon’, ‘Zéphirine Drouhin’.

by Pippa Greenwood

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Justin Leon Garden Maintenance All Aspects of Gardening Undertaken

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

07789 961233

Come and be Creative with Flowers SPRING WORKSHOPS FOR 2016 HAPPY VALENTINE WORKSHOP 13th Feb The Flower School 2 - 4pm £40 Why not treat yourself to this relaxing class THREE WEEK SPRING FLOWER FLORISTRY COURSE 16th & 23rd Feb & 1st March 7.30 - 9.30pm Just bring yourself! The course is in the calm and relaxing atmosphere of the Victorian Schoolroom at Childwickbury, using delightful spring flowers Flowers and foliage provided £115 or £40 per session MAKE FLOWERS FOR MOTHERS DAY 3rd March 7.30 - 9.30pm The Flower School £40 4th & 5th March 10 - 12 noon The Flower School £40 per session Create something special for yourself or your Mum (why not bring her along too) SPRING MASTERCLASS 19th March 10 - 12 noon The Flower School £50 A beautiful arrangement in a stunning contemporary style.

CREATE YOUR OWN WEDDING FLOWERS! 14th April Would you like to know how to make flowers for your wedding or do you know anyone who would? Learn how to make table decorations, buttonholes and bouquets for you and your bridesmaids. Giving the confidence you need. Why not bring your Mum along too?

www.theflowerschoolstalbans.co.uk 07906 655641

GREENSHOUSE & GARDENS Fencing, Supply and Installation Gutter Clearance and Repair Power Washing Summerhouse and Shed Bases Sheds and Summerhouses Supplied and Erected Decking Landscaping Gardening, Tree, Hedge and Plant Care Property Maintenance Gas Safe Boiler Servicing Qualified Electrician Fully Insured

Call Roger 07949 969446 or 01582 400408

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Look out for Nature Air Survey This year why not take part in the Open Air Laboratories (OPAL) Air Survey which can be completed at any time, and discover the impacts of local air quality on our natural environment Good air quality is important. It is essential for our health and for the health of the natural environment. Although air quality in the UK is better today than it has been for many decades, air pollutants can still reach levels which can cause harm to human health, crop yields, water quality and biodiversity.

By getting involved in the Survey, and submitting your results online, you’ll be helping OPAL understand the impact of air quality both in your local area and across the country.

We can learn much about air quality from the species that live nearby, lichens found on trees, and also tar spot fungus on sycamore leaves.

The Open Air Laboratories network is a UK-wide citizen science initiative that allows you to get hands-on with nature, whatever your age, background or ability. They develop activities and resources, including national surveys, which allow you to get closer to your local environment while collecting important scientific data.

It’s easy to join in, just download the free survey pack from the website. www.opalexplorenature.org

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St Albans and District Friends of the Earth Meeting 6th January 8pm - 10pm This is a group of local people keen to improve sustainability and help the environment. They meet to plan events, discuss campaigns and exchange ideas on usually on 1st Wednesday of the month, but check the website for confirmed dates.

Everyone welcome.

St Paul's Church, St Albans AL1 4JP stalbansfoe@hotmail.com www.stalbansfoe.org

RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch 30th & 31st January Why not take part in this year’s biggest wildlife survey ether in your garden or local park. Just choose an hour over the weekend of 30th & 31st January and tell the RSPB what you see.

In 2015, over half a million people took part and counted more than 8.5 million birds. The results showed an increase in most of the top 20 birds.

The number of finches; chaffinch, goldfinch and greenfinch were all down which may be due to a disease that can be picked up at garden feeding stations, so it's important to clean them regularly. The birds with an increase in numbers included the Blackbird with sightings in more than 90% of gardens and the Robin which was at its highest level per garden since 2011.

The RSPB will really appreciate your support so why not sign up for your free Big Garden Birdwatch pack and get involved in this very worthwhile event www.rspb.org.uk

Fircroft Tree Surgery Ltd Noke Lane, St Albans, Herts AL2 3NY

BUY YOUR FIRELOGS NOW!

Crown Reducing Stump Grinding Hedge Trimming Felling & Dismantlement Seasoned Firewood Dead Wooding Pollarding Tree Reports Fully Qualified & Insured Staff Local Authority Approved Contractor

For ALL Aspects of Professional Tree Surgery PLEASE CALL 01923 682201 or visit www.fircrofttreesurgeryltd.co.uk

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Amazing Aircraft Engineering Open Weekend 2nd & 3rd Jan 10am - 4pm The Shuttleworth Collection will be opening its doors to areas not usually available to the public giving access to all their latest projects. Chat to skilled engineers and volunteers and hear about what goes into rebuilding vintage aircraft, and the maintenance and skills needed to keep them flying. The Battle of Britain Hurricane R4118 will be one of the featured aircraft, with a possible engine run (weather permitting). The vehicle workshop team will be on hand to talk about restoration projects, their Edwardian cars, and classic motorcycles including the rare Singer Motor Wheel and the 1904 Aurora. With childrens trails, workshops, talks and demonstrations throughout the day. Ticket price includes entry to the lovely picturesque Swiss Garden.

Adult £10, concs £8, family £15 The Shuttleworth Collection Old Warden Aerodrome nr Biggleswade Beds SG18 9EP 01767 627 933 www.shuttleworth.org

Visit the Vulcan 26th Jan & 23rd Feb A rare opportunity to climb into the magnificent Avro Vulcan and have a look round. Your experience will last 15 minutes. Once inside you will have the opportunity to take photos and ask as many questions as you like. After this, if you are able, you will climb the last ladder which leads you into the cockpit where you will take the pilots seat.

A recent visitor said "I just wanted to say what a great event the Vulcan Open Cockpits was. The aircraft team made the difference between it being good and it being excellent, and the whole event went beyond our expectations." £27 per person RAF Museum London NW9 5LL www.RAFmuseum.org.uk

Volunteer at de Havilland The de Havilland Aircraft Museum is staffed entirely by unpaid volunteers, who are united in their mission to restore, preserve and display de Havilland Aircraft and artefacts.

It’s a ‘working’ Museum where visitors are encouraged to get up close to the aircraft. The Museum is always looking for volunteers for the following: Shop Staff, Stewards and Aircraft Guardians, Artefact Research, Aircraft Restoration, Carpentry and General, Electrical or Grounds Maintenance, so why not download an application form and get involved. de Havilland Aircraft Museum AL2 1BU www.dehavillandmuseum.co.uk

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CARPET AND UPHOLSTERY CLEANING

Linda & Karen Cleaning Services

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

CLEANING COMPANY 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

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NOW for some Music Endellion String Quartet 9th January Welwyn Garden Concert Club presents the third of six Chamber Music Concerts with the Endellion String Quartet Haydn - String Quartet, Op. 20 No. 6 Debussy - String Quartet Beethoven - String Quartet, Op. 59 No. 2 The Quartet celebrated its 35th anniversary in 2014. They recently performed, a Beethoven Cycle, over six concerts at New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art. In the UK, they have appeared at nearly all the major series and festivals and have broadcast on BBC radio and TV. “Everywhere, the Endellion String Quartet plays they set the audience ablaze’ (Daily Telegraph) Adult £20, concs £5 Hawthorne Theatre Welwyn Garden City AL8 6BX 0300 3039 620 www.hawthornetheatre.co.uk

Herts Chamber Orchestra Charity Concert 17th January 6.30pm The Orchestra opens its 50th anniversary celebrations with a concert in aid of Hertfordshire based charity the A-T Society. Along with works by Beethoven and Bizet, it features internationally famous violinist Jennifer Pike in Brahms’ magnificent violin concerto. In 2002 at the age of 12 Jennifer became the youngest ever winner of the BBC Young Musician of the Year.

The HCO was formed in 1966 by a group of young musicians from the county youth orchestra. Over the years it has recruited highly talented amateur musicians from Hertfordshire and nearby counties and has worked with many conductors and soloists, who have gone on to major careers.

All proceeds from this concert will go to support the work of the A-T Society. A-T (‘ataxia-telangiectasia’)

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is a devastating genetic condition, affecting children and young adults.

Apparently normal at birth, children have to cope with progressive physical disability, complicated by immunological problems. Normally using a wheel-chair by the age of ten, few live beyond their mid-20s. Currently there are no treatments and no cure.

The charity was founded in 1989 and run for many years by a Harpenden couple who had two children with A-T. Following the death of both children, they decided to step back from the charity and recruited a chief executive.

The A-T Society now provides support to families across the UK and Ireland and funds medical research internationally.

St George’s School Sun Lane, Harpenden Adult £15, concs £10, under 16’s free from A-T Society 01582 760733 or www.atsociety.org.uk/hcoharpenden

Amadeus Chamber Orchestra 30th January 7.30pm Simon Thompson (conductor) Jennifer Wigram (leader) soloist Imma Setiadi (piano) Schubert - Symphony no.3 Poulenc - Aubade for piano & orchestra Finzi - Eclogue for piano and strings Haydn - Symphony no.103 (Drum roll) Adult £13, concs £11, child £3 St Peter’s Church, St Albans AL1 3HG 01727 864511

www.amadeuschamberorchestra.org.uk

Young Musicians Competition Once again St Albans Cathedral Trust invites local pupils to enter the fifth Young Musicians Competition, offering students a unique performance opportunity with the chance to win £100.

To enter just upload a short sound file to the website by 5th February.

The shortlisted musicians will then be invited to take part in the Finals Competition in the Cathedral on 28th February.

It’s free and students can enter the competition under a number of categories, including vocal ensemble, strings, bass, wind and soloist.

To enter please visit www.stalbansymc.org.uk

Happy New Year to all our Customers before

after

Chipped Glassware We restore Crystal and Antique Wine Glasses, Tumblers, Jugs, Vases, Bowls, Decanters and Candlesticks.

We Can Remove up to 90% Dishwasher Bloom SYMPATHETIC GLASS CARE Collection and Delivery Arranged

Martin 01923 859351 www.theNOWmagazines.com

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NOW at Rye Meads Photographing the Wildlife of Hertfordshire 9th January 5.30pm - 7.30pm Join local wildlife photographer Tom Mason for an evening all about his work in the local area, and how to make the most of what you’ve got on your doorstep to get great pictures. Tom will go through his essential kit, and the techniques he employs to get his images, as well as encouraging interaction and questions throughout. This is also a chance to hear about some of the projects he’s been working on with local wildlife, and see some exciting photos! Drinks and nibbles are included.

Booking essential Members £5, non members £7 Messy Welly Club 20th January 10.30am - 11.30am It’s all about getting outside and exploring, whatever the weather. Children must wear warm and waterproof clothing, ones you don’t mind getting messy! Splash in puddles and run wild!

For under 5’s with a parent or guardian. £4.50, under 12 months free, booking essential Bittern Day 24th January 11am - 4pm Learn about the elusive Bittern. In Hertfordshire there's a push to increase vital reedbed to attract them to breed. There will be lots of information about this, activities for children and a chance to learn how Rye Meads is trying to help the project by providing overwintering grounds. All money raised will go towards this important work. £5 Explore and Art Afternoons 31st January 12 noon - 2pm Come outside on an adventure to discover amazing creatures and beautiful nature.

Afterwards it’s back inside to create some artwork.

Lots of fun for kids and adults alike! £3 per child, booking essential Rye Meads Nature Reserve, Rye Road, Hoddesdon, SG12 8JS www.rspb.org.uk

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NOW at the Roald Dahl Museum 2nd January Fabulous Fishing Fun 12.30pm & 2pm Make your own hook-the-fish game to take away 3rd January Glumptious Gingerbread Men 11.30am, 12.30pm, 2.30pm & 3.30pm Celebrate Roald Dahl’s Norwegian heritage and decorate your own gingerbread man 9th January Discover Dahls Archives: Boy 12 noon, 1pm, 2pm A behind the scenes peek at the archive store which houses Roald Dahl’s unique collection of original letters and manuscripts 16th January Sweets, Tricks and Schooldays Trail 11am - 5pm Hunt for the mischievous mice around the Museum to find fantabulous facts about Roald Dahls school days 17th January Boazer Pencil Boxes 12 noon, 1.30pm, 3pm Decorate your own pencil box inspired by tales from Roald Dahl's prank-filled school days 23rd January Secret Grubberboxes 12 noon, 1.30pm & 3pm Decorate a secret tuck box disguised as a book 24th January Crodscolloping Chocolate Decorating 11.30am, 12.30pm, 2.30pm & 3.30pm Decorate your own chocolate bar with tasty treats 30th January Tricksy Gremlins Trail 11am -5pm Listen to storytelling from The Gremlins and model your own glittery green monster 31st January Glittery Gremlins 12 noon, 1.30pm & 3pm Make your own glittery green monster

Chiddlers Hour 10am - 11am: 10th Jan Georges Marvellous Medicine 19th Jan Fantastic Mr Fox 26th Jan The BFG Splendiferous song, craft and play sessions on these wonderful books. Under 3 years.

81-83 High Street, Great Missenden, Bucks HP16 0AL www.roalddahl.com/museum

Give Your Little One the Best Start in Life!

Whatever your reasons are for doing so, choosing the right childcare can be a daunting and often emotional experience and with so many options available it can be difficult to know which setting will be right for you and your child.

At Redbourn House Day Nursery our aim is to provide a warm, friendly and stimulating environment that ensures the needs of your child are always our top priority.

Our qualified and experienced staff are dedicated to ensuring your child has the best start in life, which is why we are proud to be one of the few nurseries in the UK that provide fully organic home-cooked food every day, and offer a wide range of activities specifically designed to support your child at every stage of their development.

Play is a significant part of our approach towards learning and development in children. Our unique range of indoor and outdoor activities and facilities are designed to develop independent learning, social interaction and creative play. √ √ √ √

French, Yoga, Drama and Music Lessons Organic Garden & Mud Kitchen Large outdoor play area Animal petting area

Redbourn House Day Nursery is Ofsted registered and provides care for babies and children from 3 months to 5 years, 5 days a week (Monday to Friday) from 7am to 7pm.

The nursery is conveniently located between St Albans and Luton and is ideal for parents who commute for work.

To find out more or to arrange a visit please contact 01582 792060 nursery@redbournhouse.com or visit www.redbournhouse.com Redbourn House Day Nursery, South Common, Redbourn, Hertfordshire AL3 7NB

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Happy New Year!

Guided Walks New Year’s Day Parade London's New Year's Day Parade celebrates its thirtieth year in 2016 and more than 8,500 performers from 20 different countries will take part, including Pearly Kings and Queens, cheerleaders, marching bands, dancers and acrobats. The Parade starts at 12 noon on Piccadilly at the junction with Berkeley Street near Green Park Tube Station and finishes at 3.30pm in Parliament Square. The route goes via Piccadilly, Piccadilly Circus, Lower Regent Street, Waterloo Place, Pall Mall, Cockspur Street, Trafalgar Square, Whitehall and Parliament Street.

'The Let's Help London Challenge' is an important part of the parade, where all 32 London boroughs compete for a share of a prize pot with an act, float or other form of entertainment to distribute among their chosen charities. Since it stated in 1987 the Parade has raised over ÂŁ1.5 million for London charities. www.lnydp.com

British Wildlife Photography Awards 16th January - 20th March 10am - 4pm, free This popular exhibition returns once again to showcase stunning photos taken around the British Isles.

Stockwood Discovery Centre 01582 548600 www.lutonculture.com

Inspired by Hats

St Albans Model Railway Exhibition 16th & 17th January Organised by the Chilterns Model Railway Association, there promises to be more than twenty good quality working model railway layouts, with a well balanced coverage of scales, gauges and prototypes. A wide selection of specialist and general trades will be present together with demonstrations, static exhibits and society stands. Refreshments and a licensed bar will be available.

Sat: 10am - 5.30pm Sun: 10am - 4.30pm The Alban Arena, St Albans 01727 844488 wwww.cmra.org.uk

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9th January - 21st February 10am - 5pm An exciting exhibition of unique artwork by local students who have been working with Luton Culture to create a range of artwork using hats as their inspiration.

Free, donations welcome Wardown Park Museum Old Bedford Road, Luton LU2 7HA 01582 546 722 www.lutonculture.com

Brambleton Model Railway Club Exhibition 16th January 10.30am - 5.30pm This exhibition caters for both families and model railway enthusiasts with the usual mix of layouts, preservation stands and traders. Refreshments available.

Harpenden Public Halls, Southdown Road, Harpenden www.brambleton.co.uk

1st January Historic St Albans: A C Enjoy our 1000 year old well known and lesser k revolting peasants, mart monasteries and monks to St Albans and see its and parish memorials.

13th & 29th January / 1 Ghosts & Ghouls 8pm As you explore haunted many places that are no Stories of the well know related by the guide. Joi ghostly side of St Alban

Guided Walks 1st January Historic St Albans: A City Revealed 11am Enjoy our 1000 year old city while visiting some well known and lesser known sites, 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.

13th & 29th January / 10th & 26th February Ghosts & Ghouls 8pm As you explore haunted St Albans, you will visit many places that are noted for some strange events.

Stories of the well known phantoms of the town will be related by the guide. Join in and discover the hidden, ghostly side of St Albans.

Meet outside the Old Town Hall, Market Place, St Albans Adult £4, Child £2

Recycle Your Christmas Cards The Woodland Trust is pleased to announce that Marks & Spencer will be running their Christmas card recycling scheme again this year.

From 2nd - 31st January just drop off your old cards at any store, and they will help the Woodland Trust turn festive waste into woodland as they’ve pledged to plant 1 tree for every 1000 cards collected. If everyone in the UK recycles just one card at M&S in January, the Woodland Trust will be able to plant over 64,500 trees across the UK. Gather up your Christmas cards, tell everyone you know to do the same and take as many cards as possible into any M&S before the end of January!

Get Your Skates On Canary Wharf Ice Rink until 26th Feb Canada Square Park London E14 5AG Set in an imposing backdrop with extravagant surroundings. Enjoy food and drink, from sandwiches and ales to cheese fondue and hot buttered rum. www.icerinkcanarywharf.co.uk Eyeskate until 3rd Jan Riverside Building County Hall London SE1 7PB Sessions last 45 minutes, booking recommended www.londoneye.com/frostival/ Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink until 4th Jan East Molesey Surrey London KT8 9AU 900-square-metre outdoor rink, unsteady nerves can be soothed with a mulled wine from the Ice Bar and Café. www.hamptoncourticerink.com Ice Skating at Wembley Park until 3rd Jan London HA9 600-square-metre outdoor ice rink www.iceskatingatwembley.co.uk Skate at Somerset House until 10th Jan Strand London WC2R 1LA The grand 18th-century courtyard provides a stunning location for skating. www.somersethouse.org.uk/Skate Tower of London Ice Rink until 3rd Jan Tower Hill London EC3N 4AB A grand historical setting with views of the Tower, sessions last an hour.

Online booking is advised www.toweroflondonicerink.com Van Hage until 4th Jan Van Hage, Great Amwell, Herts SG12 9RP Set in a fully heated marquee with café, comfortable seating and a skate-exchange with top-quality skates.

Book online www.vanhage.co.uk Westfield London Ice Rink until 3rd Jan Ariel Way London W12 7SL 160-capacity indoor rink with family entertainment www.uk.westfield.com/london

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Celebrate Winnie the Pooh Day 18th January On 18th January 1882, AA Milne, the creator of Winnie the Pooh was born. Now, every year we celebrate Pooh Bear on the day of the author's birth.

His most famous creation springs to life on the page along with Eeyore, Piglet, Tigger and don't forget Christopher Robbin!

With his caring nature the oh-so-loveable old bear appeals to all ages. Who could resist a bear that utters the words "If you live to be 100, I hope I live to be 100 minus 1 day, so I never have to live without you."

To celebrate the day, why not dress the kids up as Pooh or one of his friends, create your own Hundred Acre Wood or have a teddy bear's picnic.

Or maybe take a trip to ‘Hundred Acre Wood’ at Aldenham Country Park, a brilliant place for storytelling, playing poohsticks at Pooh Bridge, visiting Eeyore's Gloomy Place or even making it all the way to the North Pole!

Whatever you do, celebrating on 18th January is the perfect way to get in the classic Pooh mood!

Aldenham Country Park, Elstree WD6 3BA 020 8953 9602 www.aldenhamcountrypark.co.uk

Annie! 21st - 23rd Jan Set in 1930s New York during The Great Depression, brave young Annie is forced to live a life of misery and torment at Miss Hannigan’s orphanage.

Determined to find her real parents, her luck changes when she is chosen to spend Christmas with the famous billionaire, Oliver Warbucks.

Including unforgettable songs Hard Knock Life, I Don’t Need Anything But You and Tomorrow, you can bet your bottom dollar that you’ll love it!

Everyone welcome. Adult £10, concs £7.50 Sandringham School www.sandpittheatre.co.uk

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NOW at the Museum 9th Jan 2pm - 4pm Archaeology Apprentices: Join in the simulated archaeology dig. Peel back layers of time to see what people in the past have left behind and discover what you can learn from the finds.

Ages 5 - 11 years, free 13th Jan 1.30pm - 2.30pm Tots Tales: A story, craft activity and a museum hunt. Ages 2 - 4 years, £2 16th Jan 2.30pm - 4.30pm Roman Helmet Making: Find out about the armour that Roman soldiers wore and make your own Roman helmet. Ages 3 - 11 years, £1 31st Jan 3pm - 4pm Storytime for the under 7s: Fabulous stories and activities in association with St Albans Children’s Book Group, £2 Children must be accompanied by an adult Verulamium Museum www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk

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Botswana The Chobe National Park

At the heart of southern Africa, Botswana opened its first National Park in 1967 along the Chobe River, which borders Namibia to the north. With 11,700 km2, it is only second in size to the Kalahari and boasts a rich biodiversity, especially on the riverfront where wildlife migrates from far and wide at the start of the dry season.

Here the blue waters of the Chobe split into myriad channels and lagoons, creating lush wetlands on their way to the Zambezi. The elephants know it well and as soon as saltpans begin to dry, up to 160,000 of them take up residence in the park, the highest concentration anywhere in the world. Solitary elders or family herds, they’re well camouflaged in the forest but easy to spot along the river, plodding unhurried on soft silky sand, entwining their trunks, splashing about and in the late afternoon wading or swimming across to Sedudu island for a quiet night under the stars.

But they are not alone on Sedudu, ‘the hippo island’ where mighty snorts break the silence and what look like black rocks on the bank suddenly start to move. The basking crocodiles take no notice and neither do the birds, here a purple heron, there a dainty jacana hopping on water lily leaves, a yellow-billed stork or a flock of Egyptian geese. An African darter lands on his favourite perch, wings outstretched in the sun, while a fish eagle takes off in search of food. Add giant kingfishers, lilac-breasted rollers and spoonbills and you have just a few of the 460 species of birds recorded in the park. Meanwhile warthogs go down on one knee to eat the short grass,

banded mongooses stand up on their hind legs in meerkat fashion and scores of guinea fowl run around like fat fluffy balls with tiny blue heads.

In Chobe, every game drive is different for you can never tell what will pop up on land or water.

Soon after dawn, the first jeeps jolt along the tracks, past inquisitive baboons and marabou storks as stiff as undertakers, while boats meander like magic around the islands and rangers call to each other to share information: a pride of lions at a waterhole, rare sable antelopes grazing on a slope or a herd of 200 buffaloes or more crossing the flood plain. Along with hippos, they are the most dangerous animals in the park for unlike elephants who flap their ears to look bigger, they give no warning of an imminent attack. Cheetahs and leopards are elusive but there are plenty of antelopes, including the stately kudu with spiral horns, the puku who whistles when disturbed and is found only here in Botswana, and large numbers of impala who can run at 60 km/hour on a zigzag path. Some scamper off at the slightest noise, others just stare as you go past.

Every visitor has a favourite animal but seeing a giraffe always sends a shiver down your spine.

So tall yet so well hidden among the trees, they come down to the water at the end of the day and when they stand silhouetted in the setting sun, the heart of Africa seems to beat a little faster as all around the bush comes alive with mysterious sounds.

What could be a more amazing holiday destination…

by Solange Hando

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NOW for a Good Read In need of a change in 2016?

Whether you want to alter your life’s direction, go travelling, or just be a bit healthier, sometimes you need a little inspiration before you take the plunge. This month’s selection of books features new adventures, new thinking and everyday acts of courage that might well offer just the motivation you need.

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The Soup Cleanse

One Million Lovely Letters

Take Your Soul to Work

Angela Blatteis and Vivienne Vella

Jodi Ann Bickley

Erica Brown

If you’re feeling the effects of a Christmas of excess, a detox could help you get back on track. Soups are a great way to get the nutrition you need, while cutting out the ‘junk’. They’re also more filling than juices, so won’t leave you feeling hungry, and they can be prepared ahead in batches, so work well if you don’t always have time to cook fresh food from scratch.

With several detox programmes to choose from, and some truly delicious recipes, The Soup Cleanse could help you to kickstart a healthier 2016.

No Baggage Clara Bensen A travel memoir with a difference, No Baggage sees Clara travelling through Europe with a man she’s only recently met, no luggage and no fixed plans for where to stay. She’s also only recently overcome the depression that stole two years of her life. Sleeping mainly on strangers’ sofas, the pair get to experience a different side of the countries they visit, and learn more about themselves, and each other, as they go.

A serious brain infection at 22 left Jodi Ann Bickley so depressed she was close to ending her own life. While relearning to walk and do basic everyday tasks, Jodi decided to bring hope to other people’s lives by writing letters to strangers. She ended up writing thousands, and now has a team of volunteers, who handwrite letters to people who request them, all over the globe.

The Year Without a Purchase

Whether you’re a team manager, or the CEO of a multinational business, leadership can be exhausting. It’s all too easy to get caught up in the day -to-day minutiae of working life, and forget about the bigger picture. Take Your Soul to Work gives you a daily meditation to help you steer your business in a more compassionate way, and inspire your employees.

Read it in order, or dip in and out when you need particular guidance on an area of leadership, from mentoring to discipline.

Coal River

Scott Dannemiller

Tired of the relentless drive for more ‘stuff’, Scott and Gaby Dannemiller decided to take a step away from consumerism and commit to a year without buying anything other than food and other essentials. This book records their experience and what they learned along the way. The couple are Christian and their religious beliefs played a big part in their decision, as did the desire to spend more meaningful time together as a family. Far from being a selfrighteous lecture, it’s laugh out loud funny, and manages to make you think about your own spending habits, without a hint of nagging.

Ellen Marie Wiseman

Sometimes small acts of courage can change communities. This historical novel tells the story of the harsh reality of coal mining in the 1900s and Emma, a young woman who decides to take a stand and speak out against child labour. While fictional, much of what Emma witnesses is based on fact, and in many parts of the world her fight is just as relevant today as it was a hundred years ago.

A gripping read.

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Abbey by Night Tours 13th January & 3rd February 8pm & 8.30pm Unique, atmospheric tours led by monks and New Year’s Day Celebration historical characters giving you the rare chance 1st January 7pm to explore the Cathedral by candlelight. Drinks St Albans Symphony Orchestra reception 15 minutes before the tour.

Guest Conductor: Tom Hammond £12.50, includes drinks reception Bernstein: Symphonic Dances from St Albans International Organ West Side Story’ Festival Organ Recital Saint-Saens: Bacchanal from 16th January 5.30pm ‘Samson and Delilah’ Dong-ill Shin, South Korea.

Offenbach: Overture to ‘Orpheus Free. collection in aid of the IOFS in the Underworld’ Strauss: 'Blue Danube’ Waltz The King’s Singers Mascagni: Intermezzo from ‘Cavalleria Rusticana' with St Albans School Choir and the …and other classical favourites to welcome the Choristers of St Albans Cathedral arrival of the New Year.

23rd January 7.30pm Tickets: £8 - £25, students £5 Programme of Renaissance polyphony and close-harmony favourites with music Solemn Evensong for Epiphany composed by Bob Chilcott for The King’s 3rd January 6.30pm Singers and chorus. £10 - £35 Lunchtime Organ Recital Epiphany & Candlemas Carol Service 13th January 12.30pm 31st January 6.30pm Linden Innes-Hopkins, Organist and Director of Service of music and readings, by the Abbey Music, St John’s, Boxmoor. Free.

Girls Choir and men of the Cathedral Choir.

NOW at the Cathedral

01727 890290 www.stalbanscathedral.org the more traditional swings, seesaws and climbing frame.

A group of local residents have Local dad and Friends' member joined forces to turn the Tim Leicester says, "We are dilapidated playground in hugely enthusiastic about Victoria Playing Field installing equipment which (between Verulam Road will help children develop and Folly Lane) into a their physical skills and fantastic new play fitness in a fun facility. The Friends of Victoria Playing Field environment….we have had an excellent early (FVPF), have launched an appeal to raise £20k response with pledges ranging from £2 to £200” to help fund the project. Their total target is just FVPF must reach their target by 20th February, under £64k. FVPF are working in partnership with St Albans District Council which has pledged if they don't, they’ll lose all the money raised, so please spread the word, and pledge if you can £44k to replace the current play facilities using they need your support! sustainable materials. www.spacehive.com/StAlbansPlayground They hope to include a multi-play activity circuit facebook.com/fvpfstalbans with tower and slide to promote climbing, Twitter: @friendsvpf balancing and interactive play. There will also be

Playground Appeal

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Local Blood Donor Sessions Help make sure hospitals have the appropriate blood and platelets they need to treat patients this Winter. Providing lifesaving blood and platelets to patients across the country doesn’t stop over Christmas and New Year.

Why give blood?

Donated blood is a lifeline for many people needing long-term treatments, not just in emergencies. Your blood's main components: red cells, plasma and platelets are vital for many different uses.

Red cells are used predominantly in treatments for cancer and blood diseases, as well as for treating anaemia and in surgeries for transplants and burns. Plasma provides proteins, nutrients and a clotting agent that is vital to stop bleeding, it’s the most versatile component of your blood. Platelets are tiny cells used to help patients at a high risk of bleeding and also contribute to the repair of damaged body tissue. ● 100 donations equates to 47 litres of blood ● Each donation can help up to 3 people 7th January Sainsburys St Albans, Everard Close AL1 2QU 12.20pm - 3.20pm 5pm - 7.20pm

Need Free Advice on How to use Technology?

If you do, Marshalswick Baptist Free Church is the place to go. Every Thursday afternoon between 2pm and 5pm, the team of volunteers are keen to help you become more familiar with your phone, digital camera, ipad, laptop or other equipment.

Since the September launch of the ‘Drop-In’ sessions, lots of people have enjoyed tea and a chat as well as making new friends and surprised themselves as to what they can do. They can now use the Internet to phone and email friends, shop on line and investigate their family tree, as well as delete photos and overcome more tricky problems.

If you are looking to buy a new gadget, here is your chance to talk and try out some equipment to help you decide what to buy.

If you want to make the most of your ‘techy’ Christmas present, the friendly team will help you at a speed you’re comfortable with in a supportive environment.

Do ‘Drop-In’, the company and cakes are excellent!

Marshalswick Baptist Free Church, Sherwood Avenue, St Albans AL4 9QL For more information please call 01727 857786 or visit www.mbfc.org.uk

17th January Redbourn Village Hall, 63 High Street AL3 7LW 29th January Homebase St Albans Hatfield Road AL4 0JJ 8.40am -12.20pm 2pm- 4.20pm Book an appointment on line or by calling 0300 123 23 23 www.blood.co.uk

Keep Warm this Winter The winter months can be great fun when you’re young, but can be a very worrying time for the elderly.

Across the UK, many older people die or become seriously ill because of the cold but many of the deaths could be prevented. Nick Harrall owner of ‘Home Instead Senior Care St Albans’ says: “In the 21st century it is an indictment that so many people die of the cold. As a society we need to get to grips with the issue.”

While the big issues of adequate home insulation have to be tackled by the government and local authorities, Nick says elderly people and their families can take action to help.“In much colder countries, there is a greater awareness of the need to keep warm,” said Nick. “That is where everyone can help, from our team of CAREGivers to neighbours, friends and elderly people themselves. “One of the main messages I would like to get across is that elderly people should keep their bedroom windows closed at night. Many people believe it is more important to have good, fresh air. It is not when the air is freezing cold.” www.homeinstead.co.uk/stalbans Top Tips Keep your bedroom windows closed at night • Wrap up well when you go outside Keep your living room at 21°C (70°F) • Keep your bedroom at 18°C (65°F) Watch for Cold Weather alerts so you know when a colder snap is coming

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Shaw’s Corner Needs You! 21st & 23rd January If you’re looking for something new to do for 2016, why not volunteer with the National Trust at Shaw’s Corner.

Go along to one of the Volunteer Open Days and find out what you can get involved with from Room Guides helping to enhance visitor enjoyment, to helping in the Kiosk where you can promote a friendly and welcoming atmosphere or Day Leaders who have responsibilities for Retail and Marketing. In-house training will be given for all volunteers.

To confirm your place please email shawscorner@nationaltrust.org.uk www.nationaltrust.org.uk

UK registered charity no 297489

Burns Night 29th January 7pm until midnight Enjoy a free tot of whisky, great food and dancing with music from one of the best local Ceilidh bands, Knitters Jig as well as an auction to help raise funds to provide care and support for local patients and families. £37.50 The Noke Hotel, St Albans Call 01727 731000 to reserve your place or find out more at www.renniegrove.org

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Apply by 15th January

01582 864138 / 01727 453019

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Abbey Theatre Dick Whittington 9th & 10th January presented by The Hurst Children's Theatre Group.

With a cast of 175 local youngsters, with lots of audience participation, packed with dances and wonderful songs like 'Sit down you're Rockin' the Boat', 'Spread a little Happiness' and 'Crest of a Wave', a show not to be missed! To book call 07568 363104.

Eclipsed

by Patricia Burke Brogan

22nd - 24th & 26th - 30th January Set in Ireland in 1963, a poignant tale of unmarried mothers separated from their children and condemned to slave in gulag‐like, convent‐run laundries. Sharing themes with recent, popular works such as Philomena and The Magdalene Sisters, this promises to be a dramatic and uplifting play.

Abbey Theatre, Westminster Lodge 01727 857861 www.abbeytheatre.org.uk

The Maltings Arts Theatre Big Goldilocks and the Three Bears 16th January 3pm The comical and interactive re-telling of this much loved story is told through a huge 6ft tall book complete with pop ups and props appearing from the pages! Big Goldilocks wanders off and gets lots in the forest, becoming hungry, grumpy and tired. The forest animals, frightened by Goldilocks presence, escape to the sanctuary of the flying Animal Rescue Centre!

Meanwhile Goldilocks arrives at the home of the Three Bears for a big bowl of cereal...will the audience be able to help scare her away?

Family £20, single tickets £6 The Maltings Arts Theatre www.maltingsartstheatre.co.uk

The Alban Arena

Superslam Wrestling 23rd January 7.30pm All Star Superslam Wrestling brings you a star studded evening of first class action, you can look forward to a thrilling 2 hour all star line up of top talent from around the world taking on the best of British in action from the sound of the first bell.

Adult £15, child £10, family £45 Royal Marines Band Concert 29th January 7.30pm Spectacular concert featuring classical, popular and military music. The concert has been organised annually for 30 years in aid of local and other charities by the Rotary Clubs of Radlett, St Albans and St Albans Verulamium. £24 / £20 available only from the Rotary Box Office 01727 865547 until 21st January, thereafter from The Alban Arena.

The Fatback Band 30th January 7.30pm Pioneers of Dance, Funk, Soul, Rap and R’n’B The Fatback Band are the originators of the New York sound that has influenced so many.

Fatback is the last of the great dance and entertaining bands celebrating the fact that before DJ’s existed, it was them who were making people dance. £27.50

www.alban-arena.co.uk 01727 844488

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What’s on in January

1st New Year’s Day Celebration Concert St Albans Cathedral, see page 32 Walk: Historic St Albans: A City Revealed see page 25 Walk: New Year's Resolution Dunstable Downs, see page 4 2nd & 3rd Engineering Open Weekend see page 18 3rd New Year Wassail Event Mill Green Museum, Hatfield, traditional twelfth night ceremony, 2pm 4.30pm, adult £3, child £2 www.welhat.gov.uk 7th Make a Bird Feeder Tring Natural History Museum, HP23 6AP, workshops: 11am & 2pm, £2, for all ages www.nhm.ac.uk 7th, 17th & 29th Blood Donation see page 34 9th Photographing the Wildlife of Hertfordshire see page 22 Soroptimist Women's Group serving Coffee & Cakes Wesley’s Café, High Street Methodist Church, Harpenden, in aid of St Albans & Hertsmere Women’s Refuge, 10am - 12.30pm www.sigbi.org/st-albans Archaeology Apprentices Verulamium Museum, see page 26 9th & 10th Dick Whittington see page 38 Bride: The Wedding Show Knebworth Barns, Knebworth House, 01242 211099, £5 13th Abbey by Night Tours St Albans Cathedral, see page 32 Lunchtime Organ Recital St Albans Cathedral, see page 32 13th & 29th Walks: Ghosts & Ghouls see page 25 16th Exhibition: Brambleton Model Railway Club see page 24 Roman Helmet Making see page 26 Big Goldilocks & the Three Bears see page 38 Dong-ill Shin Organ Recital St Albans Cathedral, 5.30pm - 7pm www.organfestival.com see page 32 The Stars Above Tring Natural History Museum, HP23 6AP, join local astronomers & meteorite expert to discover the stars above, ages 7+ please book, 6.30pm 8pm, adult £4.50, child £3 www.nhm.ac.uk

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16th & 17th St Albans Model Railway Exhibition The Alban Arena, see page 24 16th - 31st Photographic Exhibition The Town Hall, Market Place, 01727 864551, featuring work by local A Level & undergraduate students & St Albans Camera Club, 10am - 4.30pm, free 16th Jan - 20th March Exhibition: Britsh Wildlife Photography Awards see page 24 17th Stable Yard Farmers Market Hatfield House 10am - 2pm www.hatfield-house.co.uk 20th Messy Welly Club see page 22 22nd - 24th & 26th - 30th Eclipsed Abbey Theatre, see page 38 23rd The King’s Singers with St Albans School Choir & the Choristers of St Albans Cathedral, see page 32 Superslam Wrestling The Alban Arena, see page 38 23rd & 24th Residents: Enjoy St Albans Weekend see page 8 24th Luxury Wedding Show see back cover Crodscolloping Chocolate Decorating see page 22 26th Visit the Vulcan see page 18 Talk: ‘Before the Developers Got at it: Harpenden 1945-60’ by John Seabrook, Harpenden Public Halls, Harpenden Local History Society, 8pm 29th Burns Night The Noke Hotel, St Albans, 01727 731000, food, dancing & an auction to raise funds for Rennie Grove Hospice, 7pm, £37.50 www.renniegrove.org Royal Marines Band Concert The Alban Arena, see page 38 30th The Fatback Band see page 38 Amadeus Chamber Orchestra see page 20 30th & 31st RSPB Big Garden Bird Watch see page 16 Ski Sale Harpenden Public Halls Sat: 10am - 5pm / Sun: 10am - 4pm www.dmnskiandsportswear.com 31st Epiphany & Candlemas Carol Service St Albans Cathedral, see page 32

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What’s on in February

3rd Lunchtime Organ Recital St Albans Cathedral, free, 12.30pm Abbey by Night Tours St Albans Cathedral, atmospheric tours led by monks & historical characters, a rare chance to explore the Cathedral by candlelight, 8pm & 8.30pm, £12.50, includes drinks 15 minutes before www.stalbanscathedral.org 6th Old McDonald & the Three Pigs The Maltings Arts Theatre, a colourful & fun interactive show, full of props, pop ups & audience participation, 3pm, family £20, single tickets £6 www.maltingsartstheatre.co.uk Cabaret Tring Park School, 01727 731000, annual musical theatre show in aid of Rennie Grove Hospice Care, £15 7th de Havilland Philharmonic Orchestra University of Hertfordshire, with University conductor Robin Browning, 7.30pm - 10pm www.herts.ac.uk 9th St Albans Pancake Race St Peters Street 10th Gretchen Peters Harpenden Public Halls, 01582 767525, Grammy nominee singer & songwriter 10th & 26th Walks: Ghosts & Ghouls see page 25 10th Feb - 6th March Snowdrop Events Benington Lordship Gardens, Stevenage, 08701 261709 www.beningtonlordship.co.uk 13th Bach’s St Matthew Passion St Albans Cathedral, an exciting new production

by The Lea Singers with movement, music, art, sculpture & history, £10 - £30, tickets from www.stalbanscathedral.org/whatson 15th - 19th Half Term Holiday Activites Verulamium Museum, 01727 751810, please book www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk 16th & 17th The Complete Works of William Shakespeare

by The Reduced Shakespeare Company, University of Hertfordshire, de Havilland Campus, 0844 88 89991, join these madcap men in tights as they weave their wicked way through all 37 plays in 97 minutes! It will leave you breathless & helpless with laughter, 7.30pm

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17th Blood Donation Harpenden Public Halls www.harpendenpublichalls.co.uk 18th - 20th The Weir by Conor McPherson Wheathampstead Memorial Hall, Wheathampstead Dramatic Society, a play that won many awards in the West End in 1990s & has become a modern classic, 8pm, £10 wheathampsteaddramaticsociety.co.uk 20th The Chamber Players Hawthorne Theatre, WGC, 7.45pm, £17 / £5 www.hawthornetheatre.co.uk Hertfordshire Chorus St Albans Cathedral Mozart - Requiem; Tippett - A Child of our Time, 7.30pm, £8 - £25, concs £5 21st Cambridge Glass Fair Knebworth House, 10.30am - 4pm, £5 www.knebworthhouse.com Stable Yard Farmers Market Hatfield House, 10am - 2pm www.hatfield-house.co.uk Taizé Service St Albans Cathedral, service with instrumental music, meditation & singing, 6.30pm 23rd Visit the Vulcan see page 18 Talk: ‘Being Prepared in Herts & Beds: History of the Local Scout Movement

by Dr Richard Harrington, Harpenden Local History Society Meeting, Harpenden Public Halls, 8pm 25th St Columba’s College Open Afternoon see page 27 Ladies Curry Night Marlborough Road Methodist Church, St Albans, 01727 731000, in aid of Rennie Grove Hospice Care, £15 28th Wedding Spectacular Knebworth House, 11am - 4pm, free www.theweddingguide.info Young Musicians Finals Competition see page 20 29th Feb - 4th March Dance Springs 2016 University of Hertfordshire, de Havilland Campus, 0844 88 89991, annual festival in partnership with DanceEast celebrating the best of contemporary British dance

Gary Rackley High Quality Decorator Interior & Exterior

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

Insurance Work Undertaken Established 26 Years City & Guilds Qualified 01923 460701 07721 624326 garyrackley@hotmail.co.uk

Matthew Hayden 01582 270715 07970 720911

www.theNOWmagazines.com

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Index of Businesses

Accountant TaxAssist Accountants

11

Aerials Installations & Repairs Concorde Aerials

37

Bicycle Repairs Cycletech Hertfordshire

43

Carpentry / Joinery Chris Smyth

31

Charity Traid

36

Childrens Nursery Redbourn House Day Nursery

23

Chiropodists Julia Reading Kathy Witchard

5 5

Cleaning Big Yellow Daily Poppins Domestique Linda & Karen Cleaning Services Mobile Maid Murray’s Cleaning Services Conservatory Roof Solutions Nu-Look Dance & Drama Stagecoach

9 27

Domestic Appliance Repairs Leigh Hibon

39

Education Kumon Electricians Alban Electrical Services Sol Projects Ltd

19 21 19 19 18 21

26 41 41 & 47

Fencing Verulam Fencing

12

Financial Management AMR Financial Management MJP Financial Consultant Ltd Flower Arranging Workshops The Flower School

11 10

15

Foot Care Feet First

5

Garden Centre Burston Garden Centre

13

Pond Maintenance Women With Waders

14

Property Maintenance The 50plus

40

Recruitment KA Marketing

11

Removals Akers Koplex Removers Ltd

41 41

Roofing K & D Flat Roofing

40

School St Columba’s College

27

Security Maximum Security Systems

37 29 31

Gardening / Landscaping Charlies Garden & Pressure Washing Service Garden Life Landscapes Greenshouse & Gardens Justin Leon Lanwarne Landscapes

13 12 15 14 17

Gas K25

39

Shutters Just Shutters The Harpenden Shutter Company

Glassware Repairs Chipped Glassware

21

Slimming Vision Weight Consultancy

3

Health & Fitness Intelligent Pilates

2

Soft Furnishings Sue Smyth

31

Hearing Services Hearing Healthcare Practice

7

Tree Surgeons Fircroft Tree Surgery Ltd

17

Holiday Lets Thatches Holiday Village

43

Oven Cleaning Ovenmaster

TV Repairs JB TV Services

40

21

Venue Hire Inn on the Park

3

Painters & Decorators CB Decorators Gary Rackley M & M Decorating

45 45 45

Plasterer A. Merson Plastering

40

Plumber DJ&M Plumbing Services Ltd

Wedding Show Luxury Wedding Show

Back Cover

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

31 33 35 35

39 & 47

Garden Photographer of the Year until 5th January With stunning work from both amateur and professional photographers, capturing beautiful images of plants, habitats and amazing landscapes, this is a must-see event.

Free, but donations welcome.

Stockwood Discovery Centre, Luton www.lutonculture.com/stockwood-discovery-centre

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 .

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DJ&M PLUMBING SERVICES LTD ●

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Complete

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Bathroom, Cloakroom, Shower Room and Kitchen Installations

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Local Family Run Business, Over 30 Years Experience

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Honest and Reliable Service Free Consultation/ Quotation for all Enquiries

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Tiling Plastering Electrical

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Discounts On All Bathrooms Supplied

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

Dean Herrington 07830 159010

01727 764217

info@djmplumbing.co.uk www.djmplumbing.co.uk Happy New Year to all our Clients

To Advertise: 07983 588291 jane@theNOWmagazines.com

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