st albans January 2018
NOW
Happy New Year Bletchley Park Healthy New Year
Out and About NOW for some Art What’s on & lots more
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To Adv
Welcome to 2018 Will 2018 be your year to do new things, meet new people, take up a different sport, get fit or even start a new career? If so, we’ve included lots this month to help get you started, from the Herts Year of Physical Activity and the Big Garden Bird Watch to Booze Free Living and Thinking Lunches. There's also some challenging local charity events to sign up for, Race for Life, Give up to Give Back and a Tandem Sky Dive. If there’s something you need, or want doing don’t forget to have a look through the magazine to see if some of our local businesses can help.
NOW for some Music
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classical, opera & Wham!
Hearing Healthcare Practice
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winner of top European award
Out and About 14 get walking
Big Garden Birdwatch 18 counting birds for the RSPB
Happy New Year 24 parades, potions & Pooh
NOW at the Local Theatres 30 comedy, drama & more
Exhibitions at Bletchley Park 32 WWII at Bletchley
Happy New Year!
NOW for some Art 34
Don't forget to check out our postings on Facebook and Twitter
amazing photography
Jane & Wendy 07983 588291 www.theNOWmagazines.com To be in the February editions just email jane@theNOWmagazines.com
Deadline: 10th January
Do Something for Charity 36 thinking of others
30 Years of Excellence 41 Stagecoach
What’s on in January 42 & February 44 Index of Businesses 46 aerials to windows & doors
To Advertise: 07983 588291 jane@theNOWmagazines.com
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NOW for some Music Rigoletto
Love to Sing with Kimpton Village Choir 13th Jan 10am - 1pm Kimpton Memorial Hall SG4 8RD Following on from last year’s popular and successful singing workshop led by Tim Armstrong Taylor and Roly Taylor (aka Victor and Albert who lead choirs in Herts and entertain audiences around the country). Go along for a morning of uplifting, lung-blasting, vocal antics. £10 from www.tickettailor.com
Hertfordshire Chamber Orchestra Charity Concert 13th Jan 7.30pm St Nicholas Church, Harpenden Including Vivaldi’s Cello Concerto in C minor and Concerto for 2 Cellos in G minor and Mendelssohn’s Nocturne from A Midsummer Night's Dream. In support of local charity, the A-T Society. £15, concs £12, £5 01582 760733 www.atsociety.org.uk/hco
The Best of Wham! 13th Jan 8pm Bedford Corn Exchange Featuring the best of Wham with sensational vocals, choreography, costumes and an awesome live band. It’s 37 years since George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley formed one of the most enduring bands of the 80s. In four years Wham! sold more than 28 million records. This vibrant tribute will be loved by 'Young Guns' of all ages, so go along to the 'Club Tropicana' (*sorry, drinks not free!) £19.50 in advance www.thepadpresents.com
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16th Jan 7.15pm Welwyn Garden City Cinema AL8 6BX The Royal Opera House LIVE A chance to see live opera shown locally on the big screen. Rigoletto has become one of the most popular of all operas. It includes the well-known arias ‘Questa o quella’ and ‘La donna è mobile’ (both made popular by tenor Luciana Pavarotti). The story follows Rigoletto, the hunchbacked court jester to the Duke of Mantua, who is cursed by the father of one of the Duke’s latest conquests for his mocking laughter. When the Duke turns his attention to Rigoletto’s own daughter Gilda, it seems the curse is taking effect, and the jester must plot to protect her from the Duke’s immoral intent. www.tickets.cwentertainment.co.uk
Amadeus Chamber Orchestra 27th Jan 7.30pm St Peter’s Church, St Albans AL1 3HG Schubert: Overture in the Italian Style Mozart: Piano Concerto no 24 in C minor K491 Bartok: Rumanian folk dances Haydn: Symphony no 104 ‘London’ With Joel Sandelson (conductor), Jennifer Wigram (leader) and soloist Julian Trevelyan (piano) on the door £15, child £3 / advance £12, child £3 www.amadeuschamberorchestra.org.uk
Young Musicians Competition St Albans Cathedral Music Trust is inviting local pupils to take part in the seventh Young Musicians Competition, which offers students a unique performance opportunity along with the chance to win £100. To enter just upload a short sound file online by 2nd February. Entry is free and students can enter under a number of categories, including vocal ensemble, strings, brass, wind and soloist. Shortlisted students will be invited to take part in the Finals Competition in St Albans Cathedral on 25th February. www.stalbansymc.org.uk
The Horn Blue Angel Acoustic Café The Horn, St Albans AL1 3TE Every Sunday 8pm - 12am, free Now in it's 18th year, the Cafe is a chilled out acoustic evening featuring floor spots and a main act. To get on the performers list see the Blue Angel Facebook Group, all styles welcome. www.thehorn.co.uk
01727 298007
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Harpenden Audiologist Wins Top European Award A hearing expert based in Harpenden has carried off Europe’s top prize for his profession for an unprecedented second occasion. Robert Beiny, of the Hearing Healthcare Practice, was crowned European Audiologist of the Year 2017 at a ceremony in Germany just weeks after also lifting the UK Audiologist of the Year Award. Operating from a purpose built, state-of-the-art clinic just off Harpenden High Street, Robert, audiologist Jo Rae and their colleagues have now been nominated and shortlisted in the annual international competition more times than any other UK or European practice. Robert has now been named the UK's top hearing professional three times and the team has been commended on a further nine occasions – a unique and glittering array of prizes that underline the Practice’s status as the leading hearing practice in the UK.
On hearing of his European Audiologist of the Year Award, Robert Beiny said; “I’m stunned and honoured to have won the European Audiologist of the Year Award, and for a second time it’s truly amazing. But this really is an award for the whole Hearing Healthcare The Audiologist of the Year Awards is organised Practice team and our unique, holistic approach. What makes these Awards so special is that they by leading hearing aid battery manufacturer, are based on patient nominations. And I’m so Rayovac, and sponsored by The European proud to see that what comes across time after Federation of Hard of time reading their kind words, is that it’s our Hearing People “My first caring approach, understanding and (EFHOH). Now in it’s impression of professionalism that makes us special, not simply 10th year, the Robert Beiny was competition relies on the amazing technology we all have access to. nominations from patients “I’d really like to say a huge ‘thank you’ to that he was kind, Christine and all the patients who took time to sympathetic, calm, who have experienced make a nomination. Without them we couldn’t do exceptional care from reassuring, the work we do nor achieve so many amazing their audiologists. competent and and life changing results together.” Robert Beiny was knowledgeable. Paula Brinson-Pyke, Marketing Director at nominated by Christine, Rayovac, said: “Robert Beiny’s top award is not Fifteen years on, I a patient at the Hearing Healthcare Practice who, only an accolade in its own right but plays a key can certainly say role in supporting the practices of winning in her entry, described that impression audiologists around Europe. how he didn’t just fit her was spot on.” hearing aids, he gave her “In our 10th anniversary special year, we received an incredible number of entries to the hope for the future. competition showcasing the high standard of In her heart-warming nomination Christine said: work taking place across Europe.” “My first impression of Robert Beiny was that he The Hearing Healthcare Practice in Harpenden was kind, sympathetic, calm, reassuring, competent and knowledgeable. Fifteen years on, extends the warmest of welcomes to clients and their families from the local area to as far afield I can certainly say that impression was spot on. as the USA, Russia and Australia. He gave me hope. “Robert has managed to help me keep pace with For more information on this award winning, life my hearing loss (I have a severe to profound loss changing service please call 01582 767 218 or in both ears) by fitting me with the latest aids that email info@hearinghealthcare.co.uk might give me an edge in the hearing world.”
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make you reach your goal. Set five actions to reach that months’ step. REFLECT Daily reflection of your goal(s) and the action you need to take will empower you to What resolutions are you carrying over from 2017 achieve. Keeping a record of your thoughts, achievements, steps, etc., will act as a constant that repeatedly get pushed to one side? reminder and shift your mindset to make sure you What excuses do you make that let you ignore don’t make excuses. your wants or the change you need to be your AWARENESS Pay attention to your inner ultimate you? narrative. Part of your brain tells you to stay in We all know how miserable January can be. your comfort zone which is why it feels easier. If The season of abundance is over, back to work, you do break out, it’s empowering! It’s so easy to everyone is skint or miserable. This allows us to make excuses, but if you grab yourself an lament over those lost wants for the New Year. accountability partner, tell them what you need to How do people conquer their goals? They plan, do and by when, the excuses become much consistently work towards their goal, know what motivates them, take action and hold themselves harder to make. accountable. Resulting in living the life they want. ACCOMPLISH Your motto/goal should motivate you to achieve but set yourself a reward too. Easier said than done? Acknowledge yourself for what you have Top 5 Tips to Make Your 2018 A Win achieved along the way, it doesn’t have to be PLAN By planning you allow your brain more tangible, it may be that you are feeling more space to action. Write, draw, or mind map your confident, you are eating more healthily... the list wants, goals, for 2018. Prioritise them and reflect is endless. daily. Separate work or life goals. Acknowledge Before You Know it, You’ve Become your values, are they aligned with your current Your Best Self situation? Look at your interests, skills, hates… Counteract the dullness of January, get fired up Are you using those to your advantage? for 2018, and take action to fulfil your potential ACTION Create your own motto/goal for sixand carve out your ultimate you. Bulldoze through months time, encompassing your wants and ideal that list of wants, needs, changes… result. Breakdown your monthly steps that will Kim Cutler, Storm McQueen Coaching
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Go Booze-Free for January Sign up today to become a Dryathlete for Cancer Research, and take on the ultimate test of willpower this January. Not only will you be raising money for life-saving research but you’ll also have a healthier month as a result! You will... √ Have more energy and get more done √ Sleep better and snore less √ Cut the boozy calories and lose weight √ Eat more healthily and increase your activity √ Have a healthier, happier bank balance √ Feel a sense of achievement √ And the good news is, the benefits don’t have to stop when Dryathlon does, if you drink less in the long term, it could make a real difference to your long term health. www.cancerresearchuk.org
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Out and About Your Neighbour May Need your Help
Herts Year of Physical Activity 2018 has been designated the Hertfordshire Year of Physical Activity, and each month throughout the year there will be a different theme. January’s theme is ‘New Year New You!’ Get involved follow the campaign via Facebook and Twitter using #HertsYOPA18
New Year's Resolution Walk 1st Jan 11am - 1pm £5 Was your New Year's resolution to get fitter or get outdoors more? If so why not join one of the rangers for a breath of fresh air on this fast paced walk around the Downs. A good level of fitness and ability is required. Dress for the weather and wrap up warm. Meet at Chilterns Gateway Centre. Dunstable Downs www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Wonderful Winter Trail until 7th Jan 9am - 4pm drop in £1 Self-guided trail to discover the amazing animals and plants around in the winter. Get a sticker and certificate for taking part! Rye Meads Nature Reserve SG12 8JS www.rspb.org.uk
RSPB Walks & Talks Harpenden Lea Valley Walk 7th Jan & 4th Feb 8am -10.15am Guided walk identifying local birds. Meet on the bridge over the River Lea near the 'Marquis of Granby' pub at the junction of Crabtree Lane and Marquis Lane. Please call to confirm attendance 01582 715420 Talk: Barn Owls and More in the Ver Valley 11th Jan 8pm £3 by John Fisher from the Ver Valley Society All Saints Church Hall, Station Road, Harpenden 01582 765443 geoffrhorn@yahoo.co.uk Morning Birdwatching Walk 24th Jan 9.45 am Half day walk between Batford Springs and Leasey Bridge. Meet on corner of Station Road and Marquis Lane, Harpenden. Please call to confirm attendance 01582 764226 All events are free and run by a RSPB volunteer group. Donation of £1 to the RSPB is appreciated.
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The St Albans Good Neighbour Scheme (SAGNS) has been solving this problem for over 35 years. Many of our neighbours live on their own and have nobody to call upon if they need extra help. SAGNS provide a phone line they can ring and they can then link those who need help with those who are happy to give it. Volunteers are needed for: Duty Officers to answer the SAGNS phone from their own homes Practical People who can do little tasks such as fix curtain rails or shopping Drivers who can take people to hospital appointments Befrienders who can visit somebody on a regular basis It’s flexible, some volunteers help out a few times a year and others a few times a week. It’s very enjoyable. Expenses are reimbursed. If you would like to get involved please call 01727 830713 or visit www.sagns.org
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Write or update your Will and support Rennie Grove Hospice Care Throughout February, a selected group of local legal experts from across the Chilterns are donating their time and legal expertise to write a standard Will in return for a donation to Rennie Grove Hospice Care. Rennie Grove Hospice Care is a charity providing care and support for adults and children diagnosed with cancer and other life-limiting illness and their families. Every year through their 24/7 Hospice at Home service, their Family Support services and the range of Day Services at Grove House, St Albans they give thousands of patients the choice to stay at home, surrounded by their families and friends. Making a Will makes things that little bit easier for those you leave behind; if you die without a Will, your estate will be shared out according to the law instead of your wishes and there is no guarantee that your loved ones will receive what you intended.
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Rennie Grove is holding a free legal advice clinic about Wills and estate planning in collaboration with Sherrards Solicitors on Monday 15th January, from 1pm - 4pm at Grove House in St Albans. To find out more about this session and for a full list of participating solicitors visit www.renniegrove.org/makeyourwill or contact Michele Poli on 01442 507344 or email legacy@renniegrove.org It will be a great opportunity to start 2018 by getting your affairs in order while helping local families with your donation. Local solicitors supporting Make Your Will Month: City Lawyers, St Albans 01727 228890 Davis & Co, Harpenden 01582 761121 Debenhams Ottaway, St Albans 01727 837161 Neves Solicitors, Harpenden 01582 715234 Sherrards, St Albans 01727 832830 Taylor Walton, Harpenden and St Albans 01582 765111
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Hedge Laying 20th Jan 10am - 1pm Hedges act as boundaries, barriers and habitats for wildlife. Traditionally in the countryside they were laid to contain livestock. Well managed hedges are dense and bushy at the bottom but if left can become lines of ‘leggy’ trees. This winter Sandridge Parish Council are running a session to introduce the basics of hedge laying, all tools will be provided. Please wear appropriate clothing and footwear. Refreshments will be available. Why not go along and have a go! Meet outside Woodland House, Jersey Farm, Woodland Park, Sandridge AL4 9LQ For more details call 01727 831871 www.sandridge-pc.gov.uk
Big Garden Birdwatch
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27th - 29th Jan The world’s largest garden wildlife survey, now in its 39th year will see half a million people watching and counting their garden birds. Just spend one hour watching and recording the birds in your garden or local park. Only birds that land should be counted, not those flying over. The highest number of each bird species seen at any one time then needs to be sent to the RSPB. In 2017 more than 8 million birds were counted, the house sparrow remained top of the rankings, with the starling and blackbird in 2nd and 3rd place. Daniel Hayhow, RSPB Conservation Scientist said: “The birds we see in our garden are often the first experience we have with nature...but some of our most-loved species are in desperate need of our help as their numbers have dropped dramatically. By counting the birds that visit your outdoor space, you’ll be joining a team of over half-a- million people across the UK who are making a difference for nature.” Robins, with their average numbers at its highest since 1986, have climbed to number seven. Daniel added: “With over half a million people now regularly taking part, coupled with nearly 40 years worth of data, Big Garden Birdwatch allows us to monitor trends and helps us understand how birds are doing. With results from so many gardens, we are able to create a snapshot; of the birds visiting at this time of year across the UK.” The RSPB also asks you to log other wildlife you have seen throughout the year such as badgers, foxes, grey squirrels, red squirrels, muntjac deer, roe deer, frogs and toads. For your free Big Garden Birdwatch pack, text BIRD to 70030 or visit www.rspb.org.uk/birdwatch
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My Oven Looks Like New! I’ve just had my oven cleaned professionally by Ovenmaster for the first time, I’ve tried over the years myself and failed, but never thought it was something I would ask someone else to do. I can honestly say it now looks like it did when it came out the box. And I’m sure it works more efficiently, and definitely smells better! I used to be embarrassed if we had people over for dinner, and made sure they weren't in the kitchen when I opened the oven, but now I show it off! Alison did most of the cleaning in her van, and there was no mess in the house at all, it took about 1.5 hours and was such good value at just £52 for a double oven, I can’t sing her praises highly enough. So, if like me, you thought you could do the job just as well yourself with supermarket products, I can tell you, and I’ve tried, you won’t come close to what Ovenmaster can do. Thank you Alison, I will definitely be calling you again! Wendy, the NOW magazines
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Happy New Year Be a Zoo Keeper for a Day
New Year’s Day Parade 1st Jan 12 noon free London’s New Year’s Day Parade (LNYDP) will include a 25ft horse, accompanied by acrobats and showmen and women from a bygone era. This years’ Parade promises over 10,000 participants from the USA, UK, Europe and beyond waiting to delight a street audience of over 500,000. Enjoy the City of London Brass Band, Giant Showtime Balloons, Heroes for Charity, London’s Pearly Kings and Queen, Bi ke Clubs, Steel Bands and much more. The Parade route travels via Piccadilly, Piccadilly Circus, Lower Regent Street, Waterloo Place, Pall Mall, Cockspur Street, Trafalgar Square, Whitehall and ends in Parliament Street. Running alongside the parade is the LNYDP concert series and the Grand Finale of the London International Choral Festival performed in internationally acclaimed music venues across the nation’s capital. www.lnydp.com.com
NOW at the Museum Tots Tales 10th Jan 10.30am - 11.30am, 11.45am - 12.45pm & 1.30pm - 2.30pm Enjoy a story, craft activity and museum hunt inspired by Kipper's Snowy Day by Mick Inkpen. Ages 2 - 4 Please book Archaeological Apprentices 27th Jan 2.15pm & 3.15pm Join in a simulated archaeology dig. Peel back layers of time to see what we can learn from the finds. Ages 5 - 11 Free Children must be accompanied by an adult Verulamium Museum, St Michael’s Street AL3 4SW www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk
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2nd Jan - 30th March selected weekdays 9am - 3pm Ever wanted to get behind the scenes and see what zoo keepers get up to? Spend the day shadowing a senior keeper and getting involved with some of the Zoos more unusual species which could include nilgai, gaur or butterflies! Spend the morning mucking out before enjoying a lunch followed by other activities that may include preparing feeds or enrichment. You will finish at 3pm allowing you time to enjoy the rest of the Zoo before closing time. £149, ages 16+ ZSL Whipsnade Zoo www.zsl.org
Wedding Show 14th Jan 11am - 3pm, free Meet a selection of quality suppliers ready to help plan your special day. Couples getting married will also receive a free goody bag. The Shuttleworth Collection, Beds SG18 9EP www.shuttleworth.org
Brambleton Model Railway Club Exhibition 20th Jan 10.30am - 5.30pm A celebration of Brambleton’s 50 glorious years! Families and model railway enthusiasts can enjoy the usual mix of layouts, preservation stands and traders and this year the new O gauge model of the now closed Harpenden East station. Refreshments available. £4, concs £3 Harpenden Public Halls www.brambleton.org.uk
Winnie the Pooh National Winnie the Pooh Day 18th Jan Author AA Milne brought the adorable, honey-loving bear to life in his stories and each year National Winnie the Pooh Day is celebrated on his birthday. Pooh Bear was inspired by a black bear named Winnie who lived at London Zoo during World War I. The author’s son, Christopher Robin often visited the bear and named his own teddy after her and a swan named Pooh. This friendship inspired a collection of books starting in 1926.
Events
Roald Dahl Museum Make a Magical Concoction 2nd Jan 12 noon, 1.30pm & 3pm £3 / ages 4+ * Roald Dahl loved the idea that mixtures and medicines had the power to transform, from George’s medicine to The Grand High Witch’s Formula 86. Decide on the power for your own magical mixture and make some to take home. Chiddlers’ Hour Songs, craft and play based on storytelling 10.30am - 11.30am / £3 / ages 0 - 3 5th Jan Charlie and the Chocolate Factory 12th Jan Fantastic Mr Fox 19th Jan Esio Trot 26th Jan The Magic Finger Make a Monster Cave 6th, 7th, 13th, 14th, 20th, 21st, 27th, 28th Jan 11am - 5pm / free with Museum entry / ages 4+* Head to the Upper Babbling Room and help turn this space into a beasts’ lair! Build and decorate a cardboard den, and crawl inside with your family as you pretend to be a buzzwangling beast. *under 8s must be accompanied by an adult The Roald Dahl Museum, Bucks HP16 0AL www.roalddahl.com
The Close-up Show 20th Jan & 17th Feb 8pm An intimate evening of close-up magic, trickery and sleight of hand with 3 magicians. The show is informal with a limited audience so you can be as close to the magic as possible. Magicians of contrasting styles perform a 25 minute set in turn, typically with cards, coins and borrowed objects. A short interval between each act will help you catch your breath before the show resumes. Prepare to be amazed! Age 10+ Hertford Theatre, The Wash SG14 1PS www.hertfordtheatre.com
Pooh Corner The magical place where the books were written. Pick up a map and follows in the characters footsteps and play a game of Pooh Sticks on the original bridge. Hartfield, East Sussex TN7 4AE Aldenham Country Park Explore 100 Aker Wood, play Pooh Sticks at Pooh Bridge, visit Eeyore's Gloomy Place, post a letter and maybe make it all the way to the North Pole! Pooh Bear might even make an appearance at the playground at 2pm each day. Use #WinnieThePoohDay to post photos on social media Aldenham Country Park, Radlett WD6 3BA www.aldenhamcountrypark.co.uk Winnie the Pooh at the V & A This multi-sensory and playful exhibition explores the magical world of Winnie the Pooh. Winnie the Pooh: Exploring a Classic until 8th April 10am - 5pm, Fridays: 10am - 9.30pm Experience the timeless appeal of this much-loved bear and discover the story behind the creative partnership of AA Milne and EH Shepard, brought to life through sketches, letters, photographs, cartoons, ceramics and fashion. £8 please book Pop-up Performances: Winnie-the-Pooh 6th, 13th, 20th & 27th, Jan & 3rd Feb 11am, 1pm & 3pm A unique performance with music and puppetry, free Drop-in Design 7th, 14th, 21st & 28th Jan & 4th Feb 10.30am - 5pm, free Creative activities for all the family. Make a mobile inspired by a classic children’s story and see your tale come to life on the page. Make words bounce and climb around your favourite scenes. Victoria and Albert Museum, London SW7 2RL www.vam.ac.uk
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Bread Making Lessons Why not spend a day with Redbournbury’s master baker. Learn the basics of breadmaking: mixing, kneading, proving, shaping and baking. Experience both yeasted and sourdough breads made from the mill’s own organic flour. Take home the bread you make and a goodie-bag containing flour, recipes, sour-dough starter, tea-towel and more. Refreshments and lunch provided. Redbournbury Watermill AL3 6RS 01582 792874 www.redbournburymill.co.uk
Thinking Lunches 12.30pm - 1.30pm A half hour talk followed by discussion, held on the first Thursday of each month. Drinks provided, but please bring lunch. Free, but any donations given will cover expenses with any profits given to the speaker for a charity of their choice. 4th Jan How True is the Christmas Story? The Dean of St Albans: the Very Reverend Dr Jeffery John 1st Feb Saving Israel - What next for the Palestinians? Tim and Mayonne Coldicott of the Israeli Committee Against House Demolitions 1st March A Christian Response to Terrorism The Reverend Paul Hackwood (Paul initiated the St Albans Sleep Out for the homeless) Marlborough Road Methodist Church AL1 3XQ www.mrmc.org.uk
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NOW at the Local Theatres
Abbey Theatre
The Effect by Lucy Prebble 19th - 21st Jan & 24th - 27th Performed by Company of Ten Two young people sign up for a trial to test a new antidepressant. They quickly fall in love. But what is Maltings Arts Theatre love? And when you view the world through a haze Yeah! 13th Jan 8pm of drugs, how can you tell if what you’re feeling is Chris Norton Walker has performed comedy all over really you? the world and now brings his debut stand up show Arts Desk said that ’the personal and the political is to his home town. A gloriously inventive hour of one here nearly perfect … The result is humane and liners, jokes, puns, gags and wordplay. A show with compelling, intensive, stimulating and moving. It music, silliness and a hell of a lot of laughter. might well be the best new play of the year.’ £12 / £11 Abbey Theatre, St Albans AL1 2DL Maltings Arts Theatre, St Albans AL1 3HL www.abbeytheatre.org.uk www.maltingsartstheatre.co.uk
Luton Library Theatre Beauty and The Beast 13th, 14th, 21st & 22nd Jan £12 / £10 Enjoy another magical adventure with the Griffin Players. All ages welcome Beauty’s Beast Unleashed 18th - 20th & 25th - 27th Jan 7.45pm £14 / £12 Adult pantomime full of traditional fun but with uproarious adult humour...Belle feels like an outcast in her village. Her only job prospect is working for the evil Madame in her house of sin. Until an unselfish act leads to a potential new adventure with a Beast of a man. Will Belle be able to tame her Beast and live happily ever after? Who knows? 18+ only Luton Library Theatre LU1 2NG www.lutonculture.com
The Radlett Centre Red Riding Hood 19th & 20th Jan 11.30am & 2pm Robyn takes a book and starts to read, but can't relate to Red Riding Hood, sugar and spice and all things nice. There are two sides to every tale, what if the Big Bad Wolf wasn't big or bad at all? Robyn wants to tell you what really happened. A new spin on this classic tale of two misfits who want to fit in. The Radlett Centre WD7 8HL www.radlettcentre.co.uk
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The Barn Theatre
84 Charing Cross Road 19th - 27th Jan The true story of two strangers with a shared love of literature, a writer in New York and an antiquarian bookshop supplier in London. Unfolding over 20 years, the story begins just after WWII when struggling writer Helene Hanff contacts Marks & Co bookstore. Frank Doel is the delightfully dusty supplier who seeks to fulfil Helene’s voracious literary appetite. Despite their transatlantic separation – and Hanff’s sarcastic wit – the couple develop an unlikely relationship and bond through their letters and a shared love of literature. £13 The Barn Theatre, WGC AL8 6ST www.barntheatre.co.uk
The Hat Factory Hanna 27th Jan 7.30pm £10 / £8 Being a young mum is supposed to be hard – but for Hanna, the only thing she’s ever been brilliant at is raising her beloved daughter Ellie. Until a DNA test reveals staggering news. Ellie is not Hanna’s child, and now her ‘real’ parents want to meet her. This funny, heartfelt world premiere from playwright Sam Potter asks what family means in a modern society, delicately weaving in questions of racial identity, economic privilege and the lottery of birth. Age 11+ The Hat Factory, Luton LU1 2EY www.lutonculture.com/hat-factory
M&M Decorators Fully qualified City and Guilds Over 20 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 01582 270715 07970 720911 mandmdecs@gmail.com
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Exhibitions at Bletchley Park The Road to Bletchley Park until 1st Feb 9.30am Celebrating the pioneering achievements of those who waged a secret war, and how they paved the way for the Codebreakers of WWII. The story of signals intelligence in WW1 is an untold but crucial one, because a large number of those involved went on to work with the newly formed Government Code and Cypher School (GC&CS) in 1919, (which relocated to Bletchley Park in 1939). Sarah Ralph, Bletchley Park’s WW1 Exhibition Research Coordinator, says “Their efforts from 1914 to 1918 allowed the Codebreakers to hit the ground running at the outbreak of WWII.” The first phase of this fascinating exhibition, introduces the two separate codebreaking organisations working in WW1: MI1 (b), set up by the War Office, and Room 40, established by the Navy. They were each fighting a secret war, behind the scenes in London. Their work, each with their own hierarchies and objectives, was dependent on what was then new technology. One key exhibit is a replica of a Marconi crystal receiver listening set. Sarah adds “Both Allies and Central Powers used cable and wireless telegraphy to intercept messages and deduce enemy tactics and positions. Each side tried to break the other’s codes and gain valuable intelligence.” The exhibition also delves into some of the key characters involved in codebreaking during both wars. WRNS100 - The Wrens of Bletchley Park until 30th May 9.30am - 4pm Revealing the contribution of the Women’s Royal Naval Service to the signals intelligence work at Bletchley Park during WWII. By the end of the war over 2,500 Wrens were, designated ‘Special Duties X’. They operated codebreaking machines
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such as the Colossus and Bombe machines, performed mathematical cryptanalysis, translated Japanese and German materials, and provided valuable administrative support. High Spirits in Low Times until 1st Jan 2019 9.30am - 5pm Shift work often impacted staff’s health at Bletchley Park during WWII. So a welfare programme was set up, including sporting events, plays, cinema trips and US dances. Find out what activities the Codebreakers and their colleagues enjoyed on and off site. Bill Tutte: Mathematician & Codebreaker until 15th May 2019 9.30am - 5pm Celebrating the centenary of Tutte’s birth, a Cambridge graduate, who unravelled the working of the Lorenz machine, a more complex system than Enigma used by the German high command. Allowing Bletchley Park to decode some of the most top-secret messages sent during the war and paved the way for the creation of Colossus, the world’s first semi-programmable electronic computer. After the war, Tutte’s work in graph theory led to some of the key mathematical developments that have shaped the internet, such as the science behind search engines. Secrecy and Security - Keeping Safe Online until 1st Feb 2020 9.30am Sponsored by Intel Security, this exhibition has interactive and audio experiences. Drawing a direct link with the data processing that happened in Block C during WWII and the ever-evolving cyber threat, the display will teach you how to safely navigate cyberspace. All exhibitions free with admission Bletchley Park, Milton Keynes MK3 6EB www.bletchleypark.org.uk
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NOW for Some Art
RAF Photographer of the Year until 28th Jan The Royal Air Force Museum celebrates the superb achievements of Royal Air Force photographers in this annual competition. The winning entries for 2017 will be on display in the Museum’s Art Gallery. Subject categories include ‘The Operational Experience’ which is an image that reflects the RAF conducting vital work / training in support of operations. And the ‘Equipment’ category which gives them the chance to show their skills photographing the Service’s world-class equipment. RAF London, Hendon NW9 5LL www.rafmuseum.org.uk
British Wildlife Photography Awards 20th Jan - 25th March The awards celebrate both the work of amateur and professional photographers and the beauty and diversity of British wildlife. The overall winning image, ‘Heathrow Roostings’ (pictured below) of a Pied Wagtail at Heathrow airport, is by Daniel Trim. Here, a single individual out of hundreds is silhouetted by the lights of Terminal 5 at Heathrow Airport. "I waited for a cold night when their numbers swell. After about 30 minutes I hadn't seen a single wagtail, however, it wasn't long until hundreds were dropping in to the trees next to the terminal building, all calling away. It's an impressive sight to see and once the initial excitement was over I spent time looking for birds I could isolate against interesting background lighting. The birds soon tuck their heads under their wing to sleep which doesn't make the silhouette as pleasing, you have to get lucky with one waking up briefly to have a look around." Daniel Trim. Stockwood Discovery Centre, Luton LU1 4LX www.bwpawards.org
Something Inspiring The Nude Tin Gallery showcases and sells original art items, from oil paintings, sculpture and glass to large abstract art and unusual quirky portraits. With a blend of talent from near and far, the Gallery sources artists with unique pieces and sells original artwork by local emerging artists as well as promoting national and international artists. You can visit the gallery Tuesday - Saturday to have a browse, they may just have something inspiring for you! 125 Hatfield Road, St Albans AL1 4JS www.nudetincan.gallery
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Do Something for Charity
Race for Life with 30% off! Ladies of all shapes, sizes, ages and abilities are encouraged to enter Race for Life 5k or 10k in Verulamium Park, St Albans on 22nd July. January is the perfect time to commit to getting more active so why not sign up and take on a new challenge. One in two people in the UK will be diagnosed with cancer at some stage in their lives, but the good news is more people are surviving the disease than ever before. Cancer survival in the UK has doubled since the early 1970s and Cancer Research UK’s work has been at the heart of that progress. Dr Áine McCarthy of Cancer Research UK said: “Being regularly active...can help reduce the risk of cancer.” In January get 30% off entry fees for Race for Life 5k, 10k, Pretty Muddy, Pretty Muddy Kids, Half Marathon and Hike events. www.raceforlife.org
Take to the Skies Are you or someone you know looking for a hair-raising, adrenaline-fuelled challenge? Do you fancy jumping out of a plane at 13,000ft? If so why not push the boundaries and take to the skies for The Hospice of St Francis. The charity is looking for daredevils to take a leap of faith by taking part in a sponsored tandem skydive on 18th March at Hinton Airfield, Brackley. There’s a £50 registration fee and participants are asked to raise a minimum of £350 sponsorship. To sign up or find out more visit www.stfrancis.org.uk
Give Up 2 Give Back Join St Francis in January and start the New Year the right way by ‘Giving Up to Give Back’. Fancy flat whites, cream covered cupcakes, delicious deli sandwiches or a glass of wine - kick your daily treat or guilty habit to the curb for the whole of January (or any other month) and feel fabulous! There are many different ways to give back, including being sponsored or putting what you would spend aside - there are even cheat passes for when you’re really struggling - this is definitely a challenge that everyone can do! Just sign up at www.stfrancis.org.uk
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UK registered charity no 297489
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Dean Herrington 01727 764217 07830 159010 info@djmplumbing.co.uk www.djmplumbing.co.uk see our main advert on the inside back cover
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30 Years of Stagecoach Excellence When looking for an exciting activity for your child to enjoy, look no further than Stagecoach Harpenden and Stagecoach St Albans! This year Stagecoach is celebrating its 30th birthday yes, we have 30 years of excellence teaching performing arts, and now it’s your child’s chance to get involved!
environment but they can go on to bigger things while developing their skills with their friends. Alumnae students include Emma Watson of Harry Potter fame and Tom Fletcher Students from from McFly to name but a few.
Stagecoach St Albans and Harpenden have trod the boards in the West End in a multitude of roles
Back in 1988 the first Stagecoach franchises opened their doors to deliver expert coaching in singing, acting and dancing. Since then over 650 schools have opened nationwide and Stagecoach schools also operate internationally in a number of different countries.
Not only do students have great fun every weekend during term time in a nuturing, safe
Students from Stagecoach St Albans and Stagecoach Harpenden have trod the boards in the West End in a multitude of roles including Kurt in ‘The Sound of Music’ and young Cozette in ‘Les Miserables’.
Both schools offer a trial at the beginning of each term so students can attend for a couple of weeks to ensure they are benefiting from the classes. Contact your local Principal now as availability is very limited. Stagecoach Harpenden - Liz Blower Stagecoach St Albans - Mandy Perry Spring Term - 5/6th Jan - 23rd/24th March
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What’s on in January 42
until 28th Jan RAF Photographer of the Year see page 34 1st New Year’s Resolution Walk see page 14 New Year’s Day Parade see page 24 Celebration Concert St Albans Cathedral, St Albans Symphony Orchestra, classic American scores & British Light music, 7pm Historic St Albans with City & District Tour Guides, meet in front of St Albans Clock Tower 8pm, £5, child £2 www.stalbanstourguides.co.uk 2nd Jan - 30th March Be A Zoo Keeper for a Day see page 24 4th Thinking Lunch: How True is the Christmas Story? see page 26 6th & 7th Bride: The Wedding Show Knebworth Barns, catwalk shows 11.30am, 1.15pm & 3pm, £4 www.knebworthhouse.com 9th - 13th Harpenden Gang Show Harpenden Public Halls, £12 www.hwgangshow.org.uk 10th St Albans, Harpenden & District Philatelic Society Meeting: Italy St Mary's Church, Childwickbury AL3 6JJ, all welcome, 8pm www.stalbharpstampclub.org.uk Tots Tales see page 24 11th The Elvis Years - The Story of the King The Radlett Centre, 7.30pm, £22 www.radlettcentre.co.uk 13th Charity Concert see page 4 Yeah! see page 30 Love to Sing see page 4 The Best of Wham! see page 4 13th, 14th, 21st & 22nd Beauty & The Beast see page 30 14th Cinderella see page 38 Wedding Show see page 24 EPW Wrestling Harpenden Public Halls, 2.30pm, £15, concs £12 16th Rigoletto see page 4 17th Lunchtime Organ Recital St Albans Cathedral, Christopher Herrick, concert organist, 12.30pm 17th - 20th The Snowman Milton Keynes Theatre
www.atgtickets.com 18th - 20th & 25th - 27th Beauty’s Beast Unleashed see page 30 19th Waterloo The Alban Arena, 7.30pm, £23.50 www.alban-arena.co.uk 19th & 20th Red Riding Hood see page 30 19th - 21st & 24th - 27th The Effect see page 30 19th - 27th 84 Charing Cross Road see page 30 20th Table Top Charity Event see page 28 Joe Brown The Alban Arena, 7.30pm, £28.50, £26.50 www.alban-arena.co.uk International Organ Festival Recital St Albans Cathedral, Choir of Sidney Sussex College Cambridge, 5.30pm Brambleton Model Railway Club Exhibition see page 24 The Close-up Show see page 25 Whole Lotta AC/DC The Horn, St Albans AL1 3TE, 9pm - 2am, £14 Hedge Laying see page 18 20th & 27th Welly Walk Stockwood Park, LU1 4LX 01582 878100, 11am - 12 noon, £3 20th Jan - 25th March British Wildlife Photography Awards page 34 24th Legendary Front Men Of Rock The Alban Arena, 7.30pm, £31.50, £28.50 www.alban-arena.co.uk 27th Hannah see page 30 Amadeus Chamber Orchestra see page 4 Jack Jones The Alban Arena, 80th Birthday Celebration Tour! 7.30pm, £35 www.alban-arena.co.uk 1 Day Can Change Your Life - Emotional Wellbeing & Resilience Workshop St Mary’s Transept Room, Redbourn AL3 7NL jennycapaldi1@gmail.com, 10am - 4.30pm, £65 Archaeological Apprentices see page 24 The Grand Vintage Fair The Jubilee Centre, St Albans AL3 5BU 27th - 29th Big Garden Bird Watch see page 18 29th Talk: Self-Forgiveness St Albans Cathedral, 7.30pm £10
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What’s on in February 44
3rd, 17th & 24th Welly Walk Stockwood Park, LU1 4LX 01582 878100, 11am - 12 noon, £3 4th Fifth Symphonies Weston Auditorium, de Havilland Campus, UHarts AL10 9EU de Havilland Philharmonic Orchestra perform Beethoven’s Fifth & Anton Bruckner’s Fifth Symphony, 3pm, £20, £15, concs £8, £6 6th & 7th Open Eveings see opposite page 7th Talk: Spotlight on History: Many a Fight over a Barrel of Horse Manure! Verulamium Museum, St Michael’s Street AL3 4SW, journey through 20th century St Albans, 7.30pm, £5 10th True Light St Peter’s Church AL1 3HG 01582 763774, Carillon Chamber Choir, 7.30pm, £15, concs £13 / £5 12th Crack the Code Museum Trail Verulamium Museum AL3 4SW, explore the museum for clues to the Roman words & phrases, free 12th - 16th Half Term Trail & Crafts Ashridge Estate Visitor Centre, tractor craft activity & ‘A Day in the Life of a Ranger’ trail, 10am - 3pm, £3 14th Talk: Spotlight on History: The Changing use of St Albans Town Hall Verulamium Museum, AL3 4SW, 7.30pm, £5 St Albans, Harpenden & District Philatelic Society Meeting: Displays beginning with K & L St Mary's Church, Childwickbury AL3 6JJ, all welcome, 8pm www.stalbharpstampclub.org.uk 16th Little Red Riding Hood & Friends The Sandpit Theatre AL4 9NX, children’s theatre with slapstick comedy & audience participation, 2pm www.sandpittheatre.co.uk 17th The Close-up Show see page 25 Film: Toy Story The Sandpit Theatre AL4 9NX, suitable for all the family, 10.30am www.sandpittheatre.co.uk The Jam’d The Horn AL1 3TE the finest tribute to ‘The Jam’, 9pm - 2am, £12 18th Sidney’s Shed The Sandpit Theatre AL4 9NX children’s theatre with historical hilarity, songs, music & prize-winning cabbages! all ages, 11.30am, www.sandpittheatre.co.uk
18th & 25th Luxury Wedding Shows see back cover 20th St Columba’s College Open Afternoon see page 39 21st Talk: Spotlight on History: Mobilisation 1914 Verulamium Museum AL3 4SW, explaining how the British discovered the Kaiser’s spy ring & how the British Army & Royal Navy went to war, 7.30pm, £5 22nd - 24th My Old Lady Memorial Hall, Wheathampstead, Wheathampstead Dramatic Society, a penniless American inherits a French apartment, to find he has also ‘inherited’ its sitting tenants, £10 23rd, 24th, 25th & 27th Feb - 3rd March Frankenstein Abbey Theatre AL1 2DL 01727 857861 24th DCPG Pottery Open Day The Sandpit Theatre AL4 9NX, lectures & practical demos, 9.30am www.sandpittheatre.co.uk 25th Film: Cezanne: Portraits of a Life The Sandpit Theatre AL4 9NX, film dedicated to the work of Paul Cezanne, 3pm www.sandpittheatre.co.uk 28th Talk: Spotlight on History: The M1 – how was it built? Verulamium Museum AL3 4SW, 7.30pm, £5
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Index of Businesses Dog Boarding Aerial Installations & Repairs Concorde Aerials 35 Wagging Tails
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Art Classes GDS Art School
Domestic Appliance Repairs 34 Leigh Hibon 37
Beauty The Cove Spa
Education 11 Kumon
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Bicycle Repairs Cycletech Herts
Electrician 40 Alban Electrical Services
Bicycle Shop CTH Cycles
Fencing 40 Verulam Fencing
Building Services Brockhall Building Services Open Plan Solutions
Garden Centre 28 Burston Garden Centre 28 Gardening / Landscaping 27 Garden Life Landscapes Justin Leon
Carpentry / Joinery Chris Smyth Charity Rennie Grove Hospice Care Traid Children’s Early Learning Gymboree Chiropodist Kathy Witchard Cleaning Daily Poppins Domestique Linda & Karen Merrivac Mobile Maid
Plumber DJ&M Plumbing Services Ltd
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Pressure Washing Verulam Pressure Washing
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Recruitment Spire Healthcare
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Removals Stephens Removals
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20
Roofing GJ Smith Roofing K & D Flat Roofing
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19 18
26 & 33 33
School St Columba’s College
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Security Maximum Security
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16 Hearing Services 14 Hearing Healthcare Practice
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39 Insurance NFU Mutual
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13 Life Coaching Storm McQueen Coaching
Slimming Vision Weight Consultancy
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Tree Surgeons Fircroft Tree Surgery Ltd
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TV Repairs JB TV Services
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Venue Hire OA Sport
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Water Softeners Capital Softeners
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Wedding Show Luxury Wedding Show Back Cover
22 23 22 23 23
Locksmith Lock Around the Clock
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Loft Ladders Home Counties Loft Ladders 21
Oven Cleaning 45 Ovenmaster Painters & Decorators Conservatory Roof Solutions CB Decorators Nu-Look 5 M & M Decorators Dance & Drama Pilates Classes Penny Waterman Intelligent Pilates School of Dance 38 St Albans PT Pilates Stagecoach 41 Plasterers Denture Clinic / Laboratory A Merson Plastering Kimbolton Denture Clinic 11 College Oaklands College
12 13 31
Shutters Just Shutters The Harpenden Shutter Company
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Wellbeing College New Leaf Wellbeing College
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Will Planning Westminster Wills Ltd
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Windows & Doors Cloudy2Clear Kings Windows
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