st albans NOW 2020

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st albans January 2020

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Walks & Talks

Welcome to the New Year At this time of year, it’s good to think of others, why not carry out Random Acts of Kindness when you have the chance, such as calling in on elderly neighbours, clearing the snow off their paths and driveways, bringing in their wheelie bins or even just being a more thoughtful driver on the road. It can make a huge difference.

Happy New Year to all our readers and advertisers, the magazines wouldn’t be the same without you!

Jane & Wendy

NOW at the Local Theatres

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music, ballet, drama & comedy

NOW at the Museums

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pageant fever & more

NOW at the Alban Arena

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music, movies & Marines

Luton Hoo Walled Garden Heathly New Year

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happy new you

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Out of Town Bletchley, Shuttleworth & the RAF

walks, talks & more

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bird spotting & more

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Deadline 10th Jan for Feb edition www.theNOWmagazines.com

Happy New Year!

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wassailing, Whipsnade & Weasleys

Event Cinema

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opera, classical & drama

NOW for some Music

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jazz, concerts & classical

NOW for some Art

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art for all

What’s on in January & February

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Index of Businesses

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art classes to yoga classes

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Walk & Talks New Year's Resolution Walk 1st Jan 11am - 1pm Give your New Year's resolutions a kick-start with a brisk guided walk across beautiful countryside with a knowledgeable ranger who will point out interesting things about the winter landscape.

Dogs on leads are welcome. £5, child £3.50 Meet at the Chilterns Gateway Centre www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Talk: English Love Affair with Nature 8th Jan 8pm Ian’s book ‘The English Love Affair with Nature’ tells the story of our long, tangled and passionate romance, how we fell in love and why we are still obsessed by nature, through escapism, romanticism, art, animal cruelty, conservation, birdwatching, the back-to-nature movement and more. Stanborough Centre, Stanborough Park Church, St Albans Road, Watford 01582 792843.

New Year's Day Guided Walk £3.50 1st Jan 12.30pm - 4.30pm Talk: Birds in a Cage Visit hidden corners of the gardens and 9th Jan 8pm experience the full beauty and colour range of Author Derek Niemann talks about three British Waddesdon in winter. Led by the Head Gardener POWs who became greats in the conservation and author of books such as ‘The Complete Guide movement. All Saints Church Hall, Station Road, to Planting and Growing Trees’ and the ‘Illustrated Harpenden AL5 4UU. 01582 765443. £3 Guide to Garden Trees’. After the walk, share Stockers Lake images and stories of the day while enjoying 19th Jan 9.30am afternoon tea in the historic Manor Restaurant.

Looking for wintering birds, with a good chance to A perfect way to celebrate the end of the festive spot rarities. Led by the reserve warden. season and the start of a New Year.

Meet at the Aquadrome car park, Frogmore Lane, Wrap up warm and wear sensible footwear.

Rickmansworth WD3 1NF £27.50, normal grounds admission applies 07821 875419. Free but donations welcome www.waddesdon.org.uk Morning Walk between Batford Springs RSPB Walks and Leasey Bridge Early Morning Walk to Ellenbrook Fields 22nd Jan 9.45am 3rd Jan 8am Half day birdwatching walk. Meet on corner of The site contains the remains of an old airfield Station Road and Marquis Lane, Harpenden. now overgrown with woods, meadows and Please call 01582 764226 if you are coming. scrubland. Gravel extraction is still in operation Free but suggested donation of £1. and the mixed habitat provides food for many of ww2.rspb.org.uk the winter visitors such as flocks of redwing and Wild Wellbeing Walk fieldfare. Walk leader: Robert Blythe 07512 28th Jan & 28th Feb 10.30am - 12 noon 704744. Meet in Notcutts Nursery car park AL4 0HN. Free but suggested donation of £2 A peaceful walk through Harpenden Common, with a focus on being fully present in the natural Harpenden Lea Valley Walk 5th Jan 8am surroundings and enjoying an awareness through Guided walk identifying local birds. Meet on the all your senses. You will be guided through a bridge over the River Lea near the 'Marquis of series of activities to help you practice the skill of Granby', junction of Crabtree Lane and Marquis mindfulness. Adults only, please book, free Lane. Free but suggested donation of £1. www.hertswildlifetrust.org.uk 01582 715420

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Out of Town

RAF London

Letters Home Trail until 5th Jan 10am - 3pm Armed Forces have always written home over the festive season, some are sad, others quite funny.

Letters from the Museums archives have been used as inspiration to create the ‘letter home’.

Join in the fun, as you find items around the Museum that make up the letter, then head back to the ‘Post Office’ to get your chocolate reward. £3, age 5+ Fly High with Yoga 8th, 15th, 22nd & 29th Jan Open for all levels – whether you have never Exhibitions at Bletchley Park practiced Yoga before or have been practicing for Access to all exhibitions is included in the general years. Sessions will include meditation, breathing admission price and physical practice. Held underneath the Secrecy and Security - Keeping Safe Online aircraft and with access to Hangar 1 after hours. until 1st Feb There will be complimentary herbal tea and fruit Drawing a direct link with the data processing that available. Doors will open at 7.15pm, to give you happened in Block C during WW2 and the evertime to explore the Hangar and get ready for the evolving cyber threat, the display will teach you session at 7.45pm. how to safely navigate cyberspace.

Full course £50, drop in £20 per session The Road to Bletchley Park until 1st Feb RAF Museum London, NW9 5LL Celebrating the pioneering achievements of those www.rafmuseum.org.uk who waged a secret war, and how they paved the way for the Codebreakers of WW2.

Shuttleworth Collection Classical Erard Piano Concert The WAAF at 80 until June 2020 with Gary Branch and Jean Phillips June 2019 marked 80 years since the formation 18th Jan 7pm £25 of the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF). this exhibition uncovers the contribution they made at Listen to popular duets in the grand setting of The House, including music by Handel, Mozart, Bletchley Park and beyond during WW2.

Debussy and Ravel, with two talks given by Jean Bill Tutte: Mathematician + Codebreaker and Gary between the music. until Nov 2020 Winter Walk & Lunch with the Head Celebrating the centenary of Tutte’s birth and giving an insight into the life and work of this elite Gardener 24th Jan 10.30am £35 Enjoy seasonal highlights and a tour of the Swiss codebreaker during and after the war.

Garden. Hear about the garden’s story and how it Veterans’ Stories until 2023 Showcasing some of the many stories of life and is cared for today, enjoy lunch with an opportunity to ask questions of the garden team. work at Bletchley Park during WW2 told through Wear appropriate clothing and footwear. photographs, quotes and audio points, including Age 16+ all aspects of signals intelligence, from cooks to Afternoon Tea Codebreakers.

26th Jan 1pm, 1.15pm, 1.30pm, 1.45pm, Hut 11A: The Bombe Breakthrough 2pm, 2.15pm, 2.30pm & 2.45pm until 2028 Savour the quintessentially English past-time of Telling the story of the Bombe machines in Hut afternoon tea, in the grand setting of The House, 11A, the actual location that housed the where you can explore the rooms and find out machines which broke Enigma. about the Shuttleworth Family and Old Warden D-Day: Interception, Intelligence, Invasion Park. £30, child £15 until 2029 Shuttleworth, Beds SG18 A new immersive cinematic experience exploring www.shuttleworth.org Bletchley Park's secret D-Day role 75 years on.

Bletchley Park, Bucks MK3 6EB www.bletchleypark.org.uk

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promenades is brought to life when pantomime dame Ronald Roy Humphrey returns to his roots. Taking us on a journey inside an entertainer’s mind he exposes the fragile creature beneath the make-up, bluster and bravado. Starring Olivier Award nominated actor Peter Duncan. £20 Hertford Theatre Stephen K Amos: Everyman 29th Jan 7.30pm Ballet Theatre UK: The Wizard of Oz Achingly funny anecdotes and hilarious takes on the 11th Jan 5pm everyday, join Amos to experience the universal With beautiful backdrops, stunning theatrical sets and language of laughter. £19, age 16+ costumes, join Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tinman and Lion, Aldenham Avenue, Radlett WD7 8HL in this ballet adaptation of the iconic tale told through 01923 859291 www.radlettcentre.co.uk the magic of dance. Set to a classical score, it’s the perfect way to introduce children to classical ballet.

The Barn Theatre £20, concs £18, child £16, age 5+ Whipping It Up 17th - 25th Jan Westminster runs the country but the Whips run The Close-Up Show 11th Jan & 8th Feb 8pm Westminster. It’s a week before Christmas, the new An intimate evening of close-up magic, trickery and Tory government is facing dissent over its latest Bill sleight of hand, 3 magicians of contrasting styles and with a majority of only three, the Whips’ Office is perform a 25 minute set in turn, typically with cards, out in full force. But they’re in for a long night: the PM coins and borrowed objects. £17.50, age 10+ is golfing with the President, five Tory rebels are on Hertford Theatre SG14 1PS the loose, and the Chief Whip is playing Santa. Could www.hertfordtheatre.com this be the beginnings of a leadership challenge? £13 The Radlett Centre The Barn Theatre, WGC, AL1 2DL John Lenehan ‘Piano Music and all that Jazz’ www.barntheatre.co.uk 12th Jan 3pm Maltings Arts Theatre Famous for his performances worldwide, this family Rough Sleeper 23rd - 25th Jan 8pm concert includes pieces at the classical/jazz crossA homeless man is rough-sleeping in the doorway of over by composers such as George Gershwin. £16 a closed-down high-street department store. He tells Hoagy 15th Jan 7.30pm the story of his rise from rags to riches, The Chris Ingham Quartet perform a joyful salute to and subsequent fall from grace into homelessness. the music of songwriter-singer-pianist Hoagy “It’s not a life - it’s not even an existence. It’s like Carmichael (Stardust, Georgia On My Mind, Lazy torture. And every day gets that little bit harder.” A Bones and more) with anecdotes, insight and new play that highlights the brutal harshness of life curiosities from a rich and varied songbook. £18 on the streets in an affluent South-Eastern city in Talk: David Starkey - Six Wives.

2020. £13.50, £11, £7.50 The Queens of Henry Vlll 17th Jan 7.30pm The Maltings Arts Theatre, St Albans AL1 3HL Starkey argues that Henry was not a depraved www.maltingsartstheatre.co.uk philanderer but someone seeking happiness and a son. Knowingly or not, he elevated a group of women Abbey Theatre Alligators 24th Jan - 1st Feb to extraordinary heights and changed the way a nation was governed. £17 A successful teacher with a loving family is forced to watch his whole world crumble as an allegation is Pasadena Roof Orchestra 25th Jan 7.30pm This dance orchestra has a world-wide reputation for made against him by a former pupil. A fast paced thriller proving that the past can never truly be re-creating popular dance music of the 1920s and forgotten. Presented by The Company of Ten 1930s. £23.50 Abbey Theatre, St Albans AL1 2DL The Dame 26th Jan 7.30pm www.abbeytheatre.org.uk A lost world of seaside entertainment, piers and

NOW at the Local Theatres

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NOW at the Museums

dragons, wild witches, and sweet treats. You’ll never see the city the same way again! Children must be accompanied an adult. Free The Pageants of St Albans: an Evening of Film and Music 22nd Jan 7.30pm Get a fascinating insight into the St Albans pageants produced by Cyril Swinson, that took place in Verulamium Park in 1948 and 1953.

The actors re-enacted scenes from St Albans history on a scale that is almost unimaginable today. Peter Swinson, son of Cyril, will tell the story of his father’s involvement and show restored colour film footage of the pageants, and showcase some of the pageant music. £10 Schools Art Exhibition 25th Jan - 2nd Feb Celebrating the start of the ‘Hertfordshire Year of St Albans Museum + Gallery Culture 2020’, the exhibition will involve, and St Peter’s Street AL1 3DH 01727 864511 showcase the best of student work from 14 local Exhibition: Pageant Fever! secondary schools, this is an opportunity to see St Albans Performs its Past until 23rd Feb the talent of our young people and celebrate their Telling the story of the St Albans pageants with achievements. Free objects, costumes, audio recordings, images and Talk: Scientists of St Albans film. It shows how the events were organised, 29th Jan 7pm how they brought history vividly to life and what Presented by St Albans Tour Guides, the talk will they meant to the people of St Albans, then explore and celebrate scientists who have lived and now. and worked locally, it will look closely at the lives St Albans caught ‘pageant fever’ three times in and legacies of those who feature in the current the 1900s. In 1907, 1948 and 1953 the people of exhibition ‘Science in St Albans: Novum the city came together to perform episodes from Organum Scientiarum’. Adults only, £10 its rich history. Hundreds acted in these historical pageants, performing to thousands in Verulamium Museum Verulamium Park each time. There were St Michael's AL3 4SW 01727 751810 beautiful costumes, stirring music and teams of Tots Tales 10.30am, 11.45am & 1.30pm horses. There were kings and queens, abbots 9th Jan Kipper’s Snowy Day - Mick Inkpen and monks and, of course, Saint Alban himself.

13th Feb The Treasure Hunt - Nick Butterworth Discover how these local events linked to a wider A story, craft activity and a museum hunt, national story of historical pageants and learn of inspired by a popular story. their enduring legacy. Free Ages 2 - 4, accompanied by an adult, £3 Treasure Hunt with the Breadcrumbs Game Running with Thread 18th Jan - 19th April until 31st Jan Local artist, Nicola Moody has collaborated with Mon - Sat: 10am - 5pm / Sun: 11am - 5pm Parkrun Luton and Wardown House to create Receive cryptic clues on your phone via text or three woven artworks based on data from three Facebook Messenger and embark on a treasure different participants of Parkrun. hunt around the museum. Discover little known The runners’ time, heart rate and length of stride facts about St Albans, learn more about the are all factors that have influenced the scale and historic spaces of the former Town Hall and design of the work. Free explore the fascinating objects on display. This www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk hunt has been made in collaboration with Breadcrumbs. £4.99. Age 11+ www.breadcrumbsgame.com Traditional Folktale Story Telling 12th Jan 2pm & 3.30pm Discover the fantastic folklore and secret stories of St Albans with storyteller Olivia Armstrong.

Join in with tales of lost treasure, dreadful

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NOW at The Alban Arena One Night of Queen 10th Jan 7.30pm £22 Winner of 2000 “Stars In Their Eyes” Gary Mullen has toured the world paying tribute to rock legends Queen.

Back To Bacharach 11th Jan 7.30pm £20.50 - £23 Celebrating the music of Burt Bacharach, one of the most accomplished popular composers of the 20th century.

Soultown USA 12th Jan 7.30pm £23 The authoritative story of soul and Motown in a brand-new stage show spectacular.

An Audience with Glenn Hoddle 16th Jan 7.30pm £30 A special evening with Glenn, hosted by Jed Stone, including a Q&A and limited ‘Meet and Greet’ opportunity before the show.

The Johnny Cash Roadshow 17th Jan 7.30pm £25, £23.50 The best celebration of Johnny Cash in the world today.

The Music of Prince: New Purple Celebration 18th Jan 7.30pm £23.50 A brilliantly funky show featuring the world class New Purple Celebration delivers a non-stop hit packed extravaganza.

Think Floyd 23rd Jan 7.30pm £25.50 Renowned for their stunning celebration of the music of one of the world’s greatest musical phenomenon.

A Night at The Movies 24th Jan 7.30pm £23.50, £15 Join the Chicago Blues Brothers and their band, for an all singing, all dancing hit parade, with the greatest movie anthems of all time.

The Searchers & Hollies Experience 25th Jan 7.30pm £16 An incredible back catalogue of over 30 hit songs in an amazing tribute show.

Musical Box presents A Genesis Extravaganza Part II 29th Jan 7.30pm £16 - £48 “They’re not a tribute band, they have taken a period and are faithfully reproducing it in the same way that someone would do a theatrical production” – Phil Collins Spirit of the Dance: 21st Anniversary Tour 30th Jan 7.30pm £27 Irish in origin and bursting with raw energy, this explosive and powerful show combines heart-pounding Irish Dance with the sensual Latino rhythms of Flamenco and Red Hot Salsa in a thrilling production of strength and passion.

The Royal Marines Band Concert 31st Jan 7.30pm £27, £24 Think music in the park meets last night of the Proms! Popular music from the classics, shows and world of entertainment with a sprinkling of pomp and circumstance. Organised by Rotary in aid of local and national charities. www.alban-arena.co.uk 01727 844488

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Luton Hoo Walled Garden Why would you revisit Luton Hoo Estate Walled Garden? We asked our regular season tickets holders and were told they find the garden "peaceful and relaxing and enjoy seeing the changes in the plants every week". They were astonished at the difference from last winter when they returned in May for the start of the season. They buy fruit, veg and plants from the produce stall and enjoy coffee and bacon baps from the Woodyard Cafe (other food is available). They have picked up tips from the gardeners, enjoyed guided tours of the gardens and farm buildings and have been on the bluebell walk. It has "been good for the soul and we have enjoyed seeing the wildlife - butterflies, bees and crickets".

As well as visiting the garden, there are the 'back sheds' - original buildings used by the gardeners dating from the 1900's. They include the potting shed, gardeners' mess, foreman's mess, vegetable washing room, bulb room, flower room, wood shed, head gardener's office and the produce stall.

One of our greatest assets is the 135 strong volunteer force which includes; conservationists, researchers, children's activity leaders and gardeners. Come and see us in

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2020, there will be Friday Talks, Walks around the Estate, the Spring Open Day, Open Farm Sunday and our Open Wednesday season which starts on 6th May. Friday Talks Talks takes place at 11am in the Upstairs Lecture Room in the Estate Office Tickets ÂŁ5 please prebook online or call 01582 721443 31st Jan: Formation and organisation of the Women's Land Army in WW1 - Alex Amos 28th Feb: Luton Hoo Memorial Park - Howard Chandler 27th March: A Country House Opens to the Public - Luton Hoo 1950 - Pat Livesey Spring Walks 12th Feb, 4th & 11th March 10am Visit the ancient private landscape, not otherwise open to the public on a unique walk with beautiful views across the Bedfordshire countryside designed by Capability Brown, interspersed with historic information about the estate in the 18th century. The walk takes at least three hours.

Please book online, ÂŁ5 Please visit our website for further details www.lutonhooestate.co.uk or call 01582 721443 (or keep reading the NOW magazines for updates).

Use postcode LU1 4LF to gain access to the Estate via A1081, West Hyde Road/Newmill End turning (no access from the Luton Hoo Hotel).

Luton Hoo Walled Garden Volunteer Team

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January in the Garden

Big Garden Birdwatch 25th - 27th Jan Help track the changing fortunes of our garden birds with the RSPB's Big Garden Birdwatch, the world's biggest bird survey that regularly attracts nearly half a million participants. The records from people counting birds in their gardens provides a vital snapshot of the UK's birds each winter.

To take part simply spend an hour watching the birds in your garden. Count the highest number of bird species you see at the same time and submit the results to the RSPB via the website www.rspb.org.uk Although the house sparrow and starling have always been the most spotted birds, average numbers have fallen. In the 70s and 80s it was common to see groups of up to 15 of them; now you would be lucky to see 3 or 4. Overall garden bird numbers have fallen by 20% in the last 4 years alone.

The RSPB would also like you to count the animals that visit your garden. Last year grey squirrels came out top with 72% of people seeing them at least once a month.

Top 10 birds in 2019 Big Garden Birdwatch House sparrow: 4.4 / 63% Starling: 3.1 / 41% Blue tit: 2.6 / 77% Blackbird: 2.3 / 87% Woodpigeon: 2.3 / 77% Goldfinch: 1.8 / 34% Great tit: 1.5 / 58% Robin: 1.3 / 82% Chaffinch: 1.3 / 38% Magpie: 1.2 / 54% www.rspb.org.uk

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Despite the low temperatures and short daylight hours, there are some useful tasks that can be done this month. If the weather’s mild, you can still plant roses and bare rooted shrubs and trees. The warmth of a heated cold-frame, a greenhouse or even a sunny indoor window enables you to sow annuals that need a long growing season, as well as early vegetable crops. Herb roots can be lifted and brought indoors, to provide fresh shoots and leaves for winter flavour.

Winter digging is necessary for beds and borders that will be planted in early spring.

The earlier this is done the better, allowing time for frosts to act and break down the soil.

While digging work in plenty of well-rotted manure or compost so improving the soil's texture and richness.

If you have planted any trees or shrubs over the winter check they haven't been lifted by frost as they can rock in the wind and the roots will be slower to establish, if so re-firm them by pressing down on the surrounding soil with your feet. You may also need to stake any tall or exposed plants to prevent further wind rock.

If water features or ponds have frozen over, break the ice with care, particularly if you have fish. If the ice is thick, use a small amount of boiling water to avoid shock waves which can kill fish.

Late January to early February is an ideal time to visit garden centres to buy seeds, tubers and bulbs for the coming season.

Now is also a good time to have equipment such as mowers, rotovators, edgers, strimmers and hedge trimmers repaired if necessary.

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NOW at the Cathedral New Year’s Day Concert 1st Jan 7pm With St Albans Symphony Orchestra performing a programme of classics joined by horn soloist Ben Goldscheiner. From £16 Lunchtime Concert: St Peter’s Chorale 6th Jan 1pm With St Peter’s Chorale, Brisbane, Australia. Free Tour: The Illuminated Wall Paintings 12th Jan 1.30pm See and hear about the results of the project that has restored the wall paintings to their colourful appearance of centuries ago.

Organ Recital 15th Jan 12.30pm Christopher Muhley, St Albans Cathedral. Free IOF Concert 18th Jan 5.30pm John Scott Whiteley, Organist Emeritus of York Minster.

Works by Jackson, MacMillan, Jongen and Cocherau.

Abbey by Night 22nd Jan 8pm & 8.30pm Be transported back in time and explore the stories of the medieval Abbey. Meet the men and women, monks and pilgrims to whom this great Abbey was a home and a centre for learning and worship. £15 Exhibition: Anne Frank + You 23rd Jan - 20th Feb Mon - Fri: 2.30pm - 5.30pm Sat: 8.30am - 3.30pm / Sun: 12.30pm - 5.30pm Exploring the messages of Anne Frank, her diary and the Holocaust and how they highlight contemporary injustices, such as racial hatred. Included is a life-sized replica of Anne’s bedroom in the ‘secret annexe’ of Prinsengracht 263, offering an experience of her life in hiding. Free Talk: Broken Covenant: The Holocaust in Jewish Theology and Theodicy 30th Jan 7.30pm, Join Rabbi Adam to look at how Jewish theology has responded to the challenge of the Sho’ah (Holocaust), looking at modern approaches and precedents in Jewish tradition that try to explain or justify evil in the world. £10 Abbey Tots Tuesdays 9.30am Come and join these popular weekly get togethers with toys, drinks and biscuits followed by a sing-song for pre-school children and their parents or carers. www.stalbanscathedral.org

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Healthy New Year Dryathlon One Month No Alcohol for Cancer Research UK Taking on a booze-free month has lots of potential perks, not only will you raise money to help beat cancer, but there are all these other benefits too: Time to try out new things Why not go to that yoga class, or start to write your first novel.

Discover a more productive you It’s amazing what you’ll achieve when you’re not in bed suffering a hangover.

Get in your beauty sleep The body requires energy to process alcohol, by avoiding it you’ll be able to get a better night's rest. It also dehydrates your skin so without it you’ll be glowing.

Feel more energetic With a better night’s sleep, you’re bound to feel an improved level of energy.

A healthier, happier bank balance The average person in the UK consumes £64 worth of alcohol in a month. Think of all the things you do with a little extra cash.

Cut out the boozy calories and lose weight Alcohol contains lots of sneaky calories you may not realise you’re consuming.

Why not sign up to be a Dryathlete today www.cancerresearchuk.org/get-invol

RED January RED-dy, Set, Go! Whether you run, swim, cycle or choose your favourite fitness activity, set your goal and enjoy support from the RED community every step, splash and pedal of the way! Mind is continuing their partnership with RED January, a community initiative that encourages you to support your mental health by doing something active every day. RED January can provide you with a goal, empowering you to start the year as you mean to go on. All achievements are celebrated, no matter how big or small. RED have already raised almost £1.7million, helping to continue vital services. With a growing community of 65,000 REDers, you’ll never be alone. Keep up to speed with the latest news on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter: @redjanuaryuk www.mind.org.uk

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Cervical Cancer Prevention Week 20th - 26th Jan Do you know how cervical cancer can be prevented? During this Week as many people as possible should find out how they can reduce their risk of the disease and educate others.

How do you do this:√ Attend cervical screening when invited √ Know the symptoms of cervical cancer and seek medical advice if necessary √ Take up the HPV vaccination if aged 11-18 √ Know where to find support and further information √ Every day 9 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer and 2 women lose their lives to the disease √ 75% of cervical cancers can be prevented by cervical screening (smear tests) For more information visit www.jostrust.org.uk #SmearForSmear campaign

New Year New Smile!

Dr Mayur Desai Russell Avenue Dental Practice

At your new dental practice would you like? √ √ √ √ √ √

A less rushed and more caring approach Enough time to discuss your treatment Costs and options fully explained To see what the dentist can see with our intra oral camera Cosmetic treatment for a nicer smile Reasonable private fees Examination for new patients £40 includes x-rays Phone or email for an appointment Russell Avenue Dental Practice 11 Russell Avenue, St Albans, Herts AL3 5ES

01727 863056 russellavedp@yahoo.co.uk www.russellavedp.co.uk www.theNOWmagazines.com

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Happy New Year!

Hogwarts in the Snow London’s New Year’s Day Parade: London Loves Life 1st Jan from 12 noon Starting in Piccadilly passing through Pall Mall, Trafalgar Square and finishing in Parliament Street watch this spectacular parade with dancers, acrobats, cheerleaders, marching bands, historic vehicles and more taking part in this colourful celebration of contemporary performances and traditional pomp and ceremony.

Highlights Include Gigantic balloons, sequin-clad Pearly Kings and Queens, cars of all shapes and sizes, including classic Minis, and motorcyclists performing electrifying tricks with Britain's top female stunt rider.

Bands, including the Spartan Marching Band, FAKI - the Kimbanguist Brass Band and Marshall University Marching Thunder. See performers such as Kneworld, the five-piece dance group seen on Britain's Got Talent, or dance to the beat with Panash Steel Orchestra UK or Brazilian rhythms with the London School of Samba. Watch traditional dragon and lion dances from the London Chinese Chinatown Association and much more. www.lnydp.com

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland until 5th Jan 10am - 10pm With lots of exciting attractions including the world’s tallest transportable Observation Wheel, a Season Ride Pass, Paddington™ on Ice, Mr Men & Little Miss and a fantastic new programme of comics at the Winter Wonderland Comedy Club. Plus the UK’s largest open-air ice rink, funky new après ski vibes at Bar Ice and jaw dropping acts in the Circus MegaDome!

With over 100 spectacular rides, attractions and thrilling shows. www.hydeparkwinterwonderland.com

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until 26th Jan See the Great Hall with dining tables dressed as they were for seasonal feasts at Hogwarts. See the stage as it was for the iconic Yule Ball in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire and get a taster of this incredible set with snow-covered trees, icicles and an orchestra of magical instruments.

Discover how filmmakers created flames without fire and snow that never melts. Many of the iconic sets including the Gryffindor common room and Boys’ dormitory will be decorated with original props and the Weasley kitchen will be dressed with streamers, crackers and a festive feast.

Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden WD25 7LR www.wbstudiotour.co.uk

St Albans Antiques and Vintage Market 19th Jan & 16th Feb 9am - 3pm An inspirational and atmospheric monthly street market with over 80 dealers.

St Peters Street, St Albans www.stalbansantiquesandvintagemarket.com

Rye Meads Rye Meadlings 6th & 20th Jan & 3rd & 17th Feb 10.30am Hands-on sessions to encourage child led exploration and natural play. Activities may include water play, mud kitchen time, bug hunting, bird spotting, pond dipping, games, crafts and more. You’ll be outside, so be prepared for rain or shine. Ages 18 months under 5’s. Please book £6 per child Wildlife Watch 25th Jan & 29th Feb 2pm - 4pm Join an experienced volunteer in one of the hides and discover what wildlife is around.

A fantastic opportunity to improve your bird ID skills and enjoy nature. Free RSPB Rye Meads, Hoddesdon SG12 8JS ww2.rspb.org.uk

The Roald Dahl Museum The following events: 12 noon, 1.30pm & 3pm £4, all materials supplied, age 5+ Craft a Mischievous Clay Gremlin 2nd Jan Gremlins were the mischievous mythical creatures in Dahl’s first book for children The Gremlins. Find out more about this out-of-print book, and how Dahl ended up working with Walt Disney to create it. Work just like Disney’s illustrators did by listening to Dahls description to inspire your own clay version of these naughty little beasts. Prepare to have lots of messy fun!

Make a Flipped Fairytale Book Box 4th Jan When is a fairytale not a fairytale? When it’s in Revolting Rhymes, Dahl’s book is packed with traditional fairytales with some twists and unexpected surprises. Using the book as inspiration, decorate a fairytale-looking book box out of craft materials and create your own twist on the tale to go inside.

Create a Fantastical Fairytale Landscape 5th Jan Lots of Dahl’s books are set in magical landscapes and are inspired by fairytales, including the poems in Revolting Rhymes.

Discover some of the fairytales in this book, and create your own 3D landscape. Make tremendous beanstalks out of twigs or frozen lakes out of cellophane. Anything goes, and the more marvellous and unexpected, the better!

The Roald Dahl Museum, Bucks HP16 0AL www.roalddahl.com

The Comedy Bar 17th Jan 8pm An evening of stand-up comedy from some of the nation's up and coming talent. Pauline Eyre "Pauline's warm wit and honest charm has made her a favourite with our audiences" - The Poodle Club. Full line up yet to be confirmed.

Age 16+ £5 Hat Factory Arts Centre, Bute Street, Luton LU1 2EY www.culturetrust.com

Harpenden 10K 26th Jan 10.30am A challenging course with a fun atmosphere for those looking to test themselves with a few uphill climbs, some cross-country sections and a bit of mud! £15 Rothamsted Park, Harpenden AL5 2HU www.letsdothis.com

Wassailing 4th Jan 4pm - 7pm, free Fire, noise and celebration will scare off the spirits ensuring a good harvest in the coming year as you bless the apple trees in the orchard with this old English tradition. There’ll be a bonfire, Morris dancing and BBQ. Make sure you bring the noise - whistles, pots and pans or drums anything that will make a racket and drive those spirits away.

Please wear warm clothing. No need to book.

Waltham Abbey Gardens, Abbey View, Waltham Abbey, Essex EN9 1XQ www.visitleevalley.org.uk

Be a Keeper for a Day Jan - March This amazing experience offers a once in a lifetime opportunity to get up close to some of the Zoo's animals. During the winter period you will work with some of the more unusual animals which may include Camels, European Bison or Butterflies. £149 ZSL Whipsnade Zoo, Beds LU6 2LF 0344 225 1826 www.zsl.org

Brambleton Model Railway Club Exhibition 18th Jan 10.30am - 5.30pm As always, the exhibition will cater for both families and model railway enthusiasts with the usual mix of layouts, preservation stands, traders and refreshments. New for this year will be an O gauge model of the now closed Harpenden East station.

Harpenden Public Halls AL5 1PD www.brambleton.org.uk

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Hertfordshire 2020 Year of Culture will showcase Hertfordshire as a county of creative and cultural opportunity.

Five broad objectives have been identified: √ Celebrate, share and explore Hertfordshire’s arts, culture and heritage √ Enable access and participation in arts, culture and heritage for new audiences √ Increase wellbeing and a sense of belonging through arts, culture and heritage √ Showcasing pathways to education, employability and enterprise in the creative and cultural industries in Hertfordshire √ Create new partnerships and work through skill sharing and new ways of working together Anyone can get involved from a Town Council or Arts Venue to a teacher, or a group of friends.

You could be someone who runs a group that has no link to arts, culture or heritage, but would like to encourage them to try new activities throughout the year.

Monthly Themes The year is split into themed months, but you can still promote cultural activities that don't link with that month - your activity can take place any time in the year. √ Jan: Try Something New √ Feb: Skills Development & Volunteering √ March: Access the Arts √ April: Go Somewhere Local √ May: The Big Outdoors √ June: Big Ideas √ July: Cultural Olympiad √ Aug: Families & Friends √ Sept: Heritage & History / Meet the Maker √ Oct: Be Inspired / Get Back Into √ Nov: Creative Minds & Creative Industries √ Dec - Celebrate & Illuminate For more information call 0208 207 7801 Use #HYOC2020 to share your ideas with the county's creative community

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The Luton & Dunstable Hospital is in the final stages of fundraising for a new helipad. They need to raise a final £1.5m (the equivalent of £16 for every person treated in the Emergency Department last year) to stay on track to be operational by summer 2021.

They want to improve accessibility to the emergency medicine facilities to ensure everyone has access to care when they need it.

When someone suffers a major trauma; the quicker they receive specialist emergency care, the more likely it is that the treatment will prevent death or serious disability. This is often referred to as the ‘Golden Hour’, when emergency services strive to get patients to the most appropriate place for lifesaving care within an hour of sustaining their injury. Helicopters offer a more reliable way of transporting patients, as they significantly reduce travel time.

The Emergency Department at the L&D is renowned as one of the best in the country and treats over 90,000 people each year.

Approximately 25% of these have life threatening injuries and require immediate and specialist medical care.

There is currently no helipad providing direct access to the hospital and no 24/7 helipads specifically for Herts, Beds and Bucks. At present, while it is possible to airlift patients to the hospital, the helicopters must land in a playing field and the patient is then transferred over the final distance by road.

In addition to the care that a helipad would provide, it would also make the hospital the only Level 3 NICU in the country (neonatal critical care unit capable of caring for very small or very sick babies) with 24-hour helipad access.

Thanks to the support of the local community, and a remarkable donation of £2.5m from HELP Appeal, they have already raised an incredible £3.5million of the £5m fundraising target (project cost £7m). They are still actively seeking support to raise the remaining money needed to make the vision a reality.

Because of your donations…they can save more lives, please visit their Just Giving page to make a difference. www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ldhhelipad

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Event Cinema Encore Berliner Philharmoniker Live: New Year's Eve Concert 2019 1st Jan 4pm Starring Diana Damrau, the world-renowned soprano, with legendary score, An American in Paris, by George Gershwin and Leonard Bernstein's Symphonic Dances from West Side Story and more.

National Theatre Live Encore: Fleabag 4th Jan 8pm This hilarious, award-winning, emotionally unfiltered one-woman show returns. Inspired the BBC’s hit TV series, Fleabag and recorded live from London’s West End. In Search of Beethoven 9th Jan 7.15pm & 14th Jan 3.15pm Delving beyond the image of the tortured, cantankerous, unhinged personality to reveal someone quite different and far more interesting than you could envisage.

The Metropolitan Opera Live 19/20: Wozzeck 11th Jan 5.55pm Wozzeck was a sensation and a scandal at its premiere in 1925. Remarkably, it has lost none of its power to fascinate, shock, and engage audiences, and its status is as one of the defining musical works of the 20th century.

The Royal Opera House Live 19/20: The Sleeping Beauty 16th Jan 7.15pm Journey with The Royal Ballet to an enchanted world of princesses, fairy godmothers and magical spells.

Exhibition on Screen - Leonardo: The Works 20th Jan 8.15pm & 23rd Jan 3.15pm Unprecedented insight into one of the worlds most celebrated artists.

NT Live - The Best of 2019: All About Eve 23rd Jan 7.30pm Lifting the curtain on a world of jealousy and ambition, this new production asks why our fascination with celebrity, youth and identity never seems to get old.

In Search of Mozart 27th Jan 7.15pm & 29th Jan 3.15pm Tracing the composer’s life through his music and extensive correspondence.

The Royal Opera House Live 19/20: La Boheme 29th Jan 7.45pm When Rodolfo, a penniless poet, meets Mimì, a seamstress, they fall instantly in love. But their happiness is threatened when Rodolfo learns that Mimì is gravely ill.

NT Live - The Best of 2019: All My Sons 30th Jan 7.30pm Recorded from The Old Vic in London, Academy Awardwinner Sally Field and Bill Pullman star in Arthur Miller’s blistering drama. Despite hard choices and even harder knocks, Joe and Kate Keller are a success story. But with the return of a figure from the past, long buried truths are forced to the surface and the price of their American dream is laid bare.

Campus West, WGC, AL8 6BX www.cwentertainment.co.uk

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Donate Used Stamps...

Recycling after the Festivities When the frenzy of Christmas is over, many of us are amazed by the amount of waste left behind from packaging, wrapping and decorations. A staggering 300,000 tonnes of card is used during the festive season and most of it can be recycled.

Cardboard should be flattened and put in the recycling bin (though not if it’s dirty or covered with food or paint).

With wrapping paper avoid foil gift wrap and anything with glitter, do the ‘scrunch test’ to see if you can recycle it, if you crumple it and it stays scrunched up, it’s safe to recycle, but remember to remove all sticky tape When fairy lights no longer work, they can be recycled at the household waste recycling centre.

Natural decorations such as ivy, fir cones, mistletoe and holly can be composted or added to your garden/green waste collection if they are not covered with glitter, make sure any ribbons and plastic are removed.

If you have a real Christmas tree leave it next to your green bin on collection day, and it will be taken away and recycled or see page 36.

Artificial trees need to be used for at least 9 years to have less impact than natural alternatives (depending on how they are disposed of). Local charity shops may accept them for resale if they are in good condition.

Since 2010, shops selling more than 32kg of batteries a year must provide recycling collection facilities in-store, so there are lots of places to dispose of them.

It’s the most excessive time of year, when we eat and drink the most, so dispose of any suitable leftover food in a compost bin to create nutritious compost to make your garden bloom in the spring or just put it in the green food caddy as usual. Christmas tree needles are good for composting, as they are acidic and balance out alkaline items such as wood ash.

So get recycling, it’s easy and essential for our planet! www.recyclenow.com

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...to Macmillan Cancer Support and help people living with cancer. Collect and donate stamps to raise valuable funds to help support the growing number of people living with cancer. For every kilo collected, £7.50 plus VAT will be paid to Macmillan Cancer Support.

Please send stamps to: Stamp Bureau in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support, PO Box 469, Leeds LS17 1HX Cut away any excess paper, leaving 1cm around the stamp avoiding any damage to the stamp itself. www.macmillan.org.uk/donation

Sustainable St Albans Thermal Imaging Camera Training Session 9th Jan Harpenden: 8pm, free An introduction to using the camera and what it might show you. You can then book to borrow the camera to use in your own home, and to find out where you might be losing heat. The session is run by volunteers and open to anyone living in the district of St Albans. Please book via the website Talk: Low Carbon Homes 13th Jan 7.30pm Bennet’s, Leyton Rd, Harpenden AL5 2HU

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It’s Still Panto Time!

New Year Skating

Cinderella

Rooftop ice rink with igloos, bars, live entertainment and stunning views of the London skyline. Bag yourself a rooftop igloo and settle down with a warming cocktail or mulled wine, or release your competitive streak with an ice hockey penalty shooting game on the floor below, then on a lower level, street food is available to buy at various apres-ski style bars. www.tobaccodocklondon.com

until 3rd Jan Radlett Centre WD7 8HL With fabulous music, comedy and costumes, plus loads of audience participation. Follow Cinderella’s magical story with her lovable friend Buttons, her nasty ugly sisters, a handsome prince, a pumpkin, a glass slipper, mice and a friendly Fairy Godmother. www.radlettcentre.co.uk

Sleeping Beauty

Tobacco Dock until 5th Jan Wapping E1W 2SF

Tower of London until 5th Jan

until 5th Jan The Alban Arena Don't miss local legend, Bob Golding in this year’s fun-packed family pantomime with lavish sets, and a genuinely funny script. www.alban-arena.co.uk

With snowflakes projected onto the castle walls create unforgettable memories as you glide around the rink, taking in the ambience of the fortress beside the Thames.

The rink gets an extra helping of spectacular in the evenings when the lights, set against the fortress wall, add to the dramatic views.

Peter Pan

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland until 5th Jan

until 5th Jan Watersmeet Theatre WD3 1EH With live music, wonderful sets and rip-roaring adventure in true panto style. www.watersmeet.co.uk

Aladdin until 12th Jan Milton Keynes Theatre A spectacular adventure featuring a wishgranting genie, a lamp full of spectacular family entertainment and a fabulous cast and orchestra. www.atgtickets.com

The Blue Pantomime - Snow White: Rotten To The Core 2nd - 4th Jan 7.30pm This fearless and intrepid company of actors takes a traditional and much loved pantomime and change it beyond all recognition into something very much for the grown-ups. With extreme over-acting, corny jokes, a farcical fun-filled plot, multiple expletives, all rounded off with a large dose of sexual innuendo!

Adults only Hawthorne Theatre, WGC, AL8 6BX www.cwentertainment.co.uk

Sleeping Beauty 12th Jan Abbey Theatre, St Albans Performed by The Hurst Children’s Theatre Group. £12, concs £8 www.hurstchildrenstheatregroup.co.uk

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Set around the bandstand, with a fairy light canopy, and acoustic musicians serenading you on evening sessions. www.hydeparkwinterwonderland.com

Hampton Court Palace until 5th Jan The Tudor backdrop of the Palace makes a fantastic setting for taking to the ice. Once you've glided and twirled to your heart's content, warm up with mulled wine, other hot, cold and alcoholic drinks as well as festive snacks at the Ice Rink Cafe and Bar. www.hamptoncourtpalaceicerink.co.uk

Skate Van Hage until 6th Jan Enjoy the atmosphere in the fully heated marquee with a viewing platform for spectators, comfortable seating and mouth-watering Ice Café. There’s skates included in the price, and skating aids to hire for those less confident.

Van Hage, Great Amwell SG12 9RP www.vanhage.co.uk

Somerset House until 12th Jan Marking its 20th anniversary, the courtyard will be frozen over once again. With club nights, skate school, an Alpinethemed Fortnum's Lodge, the Shopping Arcade and Skate Lounge. www.somersethouse.org.uk

Natural History Museum until 22nd Jan Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD Experience the thrill of skating in the courtyard of the museum, surrounded by fairy lights nestled in frostcovered trees, with the smell of mulled wine in the air. www.nhm.ac.uk

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Stagecoach Holiday Workshops Now the Christmas holidays are over, you’re starting to think about how to fill the summer weeks...right?

Well our Stagecoach Holiday Workshops could be the solution to your childcare problems!

Children and teenagers can make friends, have fun and develop new skills during our week of fun!

The workshops are designed for 7-18 year olds, with a shorter commitment for children aged 4-6 years. No previous dancing, singing or acting experience is needed and there are no auditions, all that’s needed is the willingness to give it a go!

Stagecoach has years of experience in delivering high quality, fun performing arts lessons to children and teenagers. Their professional, DBS-checked teachers work with each student to improve their confidence in all three disciplines.

As soon as they arrive your child will start making friends, having fun and learning some great new skills! By the end of the workshop your child will be more confident, more socially aware and fitter.

A highlight of the week is the showcase when the participants can exhibit their new-found singing,

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acting and dancing skills to family and friends at the end of their time with us.

For term time performing arts classes at your nearest Stagecoach school either in Harpenden or St Albans, check out our website to enrol for the summer workshops, and fill in an online application now!

Liz - Stagecoach Harpenden Mandy - Stagecoach St Albans www.stagecoach.co.uk

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Do Something for Charity

Active to: √ Get the body you've always wanted √ Build Confidence √ Reduce stress, tension and risk of disease √ Improved mood, energy and sleeping patterns √ Improved fitness levels and life expectancy Email: fundraising@stfrancis.org.uk www.stfrancis.org.uk

Samaritans

Brew Monday 20th Jan Share the warmth, and join thousands of people coming together for a cuppa to banish the winter blues on Brew Monday. Why not reach out to those Polar Bear Plunge 1st Jan who might be feeling lonely, when it’s cold and grey Since 2016, The Plunge has raised £25k for good outside, getting together over a warming cuppa and causes and is now organised by Earthworks. a chat helps to make us feel better and manage the Plungers will be rewarded with free hot chocolate, ups and downs of life. And by using your geta hot shower and a hat. With music, cake and a bar, together to raise money for Samaritans, you can it’s the perfect New Year’s Day. So what are you help someone having a tough time, it costs just £5 waiting for, book your place now! £18, child £5 for Samaritans to answer a call from someone St Albans Sub Aqua Club, St Albans AL1 1HJ struggling. It might even save their life. www.polarbearplunge.org.uk www.samaritans.org

Hospice of St Francis

Recycle your Christmas Tree 11th & 12th Jan In 2019 the Hospice raised nearly £9k through collecting and recycling over 775 trees. In 2020 they aim to collect over 1000 trees, and hope to raise more than £12K for the Hospice. By supporting this initiative, you’re ensuring the Hospice can help more patients and their families. Visit the website to register your tree, make a donation, and leave your tree outside your house on the day to be collected. 01442 869555 Strictly Learn Dancing Are you feeling inspired by Strictly Come Dancing? If so the New Year is the perfect time to do something completely different, learn a new skill or simply get fit while raising much needed funds for the Hospice. You’ll gain expert tuition and learn to dance confidently in just 6 weeks with lessons from professional teachers.

Then show off your new talent to friends and family as you take to the ballroom floor in the Strictly Learn Dancing Grand Finale.

This year’s dances will be the Quickstep and Rumba. Please book by 12th Jan. The Biggest Loser Initial Nutritional Workshop 13th Jan Change your life forever in just 12 weeks, get fit and healthy, look good and feel great. Throughout the challenge, you’ll be supported by the team at Everyone

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UK registered charity no 297489

18th Jan 9.30am - 11am, 11.10am - 12.40pm, 12.50pm - 1.50pm, 2pm - 3.30pm & 3.40pm - 4.40pm Come along and join in Track Play sessions where you will find more than 500 feet of train track and over 100 different trains and carriages to choose from.

Secure your space and book online Everyone Active, Hemel Hempstead HP1 1JS www.trackplay.co.uk

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NOW for some Music St Albans Training Band First session: 8th Jan 6.30pm St Albans City Band are launching a new Training Band to promote education and performance of music in St Albans and the surrounding area, and to make the learning of music accessible to everyone.

The Band is open to all aspiring young musicians, regardless of ability, and tuition of brass and percussion instruments will take place alongside rehearsals. Membership costs £1 per week including tuition, and instruments will be available to loan at no extra cost. One-hour sessions will take place on Wednesday evenings during term time in Porters Wood, St Albans; the first half hour for teaching, and the second for rehearsals. For more information please get in touch via Facebook or email julie.littlemore@hls-structural.co.uk @trainingbrass www.stalbansband.co.uk

Skelton, one of the foremost drummers in the UK celebrates the 5 volumes of ‘Live At The Blackhawk’ recorded in San Francisco in 1959.

In Common 26th Jan 7.30pm A creative new project that focuses on the common ground between Scottish music, jazz, Indian music and electronica. Tom Bancroft starts with the bodhran, the tabla and a drone, adding Indian Classical Violin and improvising jazz guitar, then voices from different traditions.

The Maltings Arts Theatre, St Albans AL1 3HL www.hertsjazz.co.uk

The Horn Whole Lotta DC 18th Jan 9pm One of the UK's finest AC/DC Tribute Bands with a thundering rhythm section, and the unmistakable vocals and charisma of Brian and Angus's searing lead work and naughty-boy antics which recreate a live AC/DC show in stunning fashion. £14 The Feelgood Band 25th Jan 9pm With a seal of approval from Wilko Johnson, Sparko and Figure! “The closest to the originals I have seen” - John Sparks aka SPARKO. Age 14+ (under 18s to be accompanied by an adult) £12 The Horn, St Albans AL1 3TE www.thehorn.co.uk

Amadeus Chamber Orchestra

25th Jan 7.30pm Beethoven: Egmont overture Hertfordshire Chamber Shostakovich: Piano concerto no.2 Orchestra Concert Brahms: St Anthony Variations 11th Jan 7.30pm Kodaly: Galanta Dances One of Hertfordshire’s premier music ensembles will With leader: Jennifer Wigram, conductor: Adam perform a programme with an eastern European Hickox and soloist on piano: Imma Setiadi. flavour, with all proceeds to the A-T Society. £15, child £3 Talented young soloists Benjamin Nabarro and St Peter’s Church, St Albans AL1 3HG www.amadeuschamberorchestra.org.uk Gemma Rosefield will be performing Brahms’ glorious Double Concerto for violin and cello. The New Roots 2020 th concert also features two Czech works, Dvorak’s 7 Closing date for entries 31st Jan Symphony and Janacek’s darkly lyrical Adagio for This annual event is for young performers of all Orchestra. styles of traditional or contemporary folk, roots or £15 in advance, £17 on the door, child £5 world music, whether you play traditional material or St Nicholas Church, Harpenden AL5 2QJ write your own. Categories: under 18 and 18-24 01582 760733 www.atsociety.org.uk/events/hco years. There is no one ‘winner’, but it’s a great Herts Jazz chance to get your music heard and opportunities Scott Hamilton Quartet 12th Jan 7.30pm are awarded to play in festivals and folk clubs Scott, accompanied by his rhythm section, has been around the country. To take part, email your entry one of the UK’s most popular visitors from the form to info@new-roots.org.uk and then upload up States since the 1980’s. He continues to delight to 15 minutes of your music, you can be included in audiences with his rich sound and mastery of the a maximum of two entries. swing idiom.

The final will be held at Trestle Arts Base, St Albans AL4 0JQ on 26th April Matt Skelton - Shelly Manne's Live at the www.stalbansfolkmusic.org.uk Blackhawk 19th Jan 7.30pm

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Classical Guitar Tuition

www.merlinmiller.co.uk 07831572618

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NOW for some Art

UHArts Exhibition: Redrawing the Map of East England Through Stories and Reflections until 30th March New Geographies is an Arts Council England funded project creating a new map of the East of England. It’s based on personal thoughts, reflections and stories of unexplored or over-looked places, rather than on historic or economical centres. The first phase of the project involved the public nominating locations for the map.

Over 40 were received for Hatfield, St Albans and wider Hertfordshire. Artists were invited to respond and up to 10 new artworks were commissioned.

The commissions will incorporate a wide range of ideas and art forms. It may not be a permanent sculpture and could involve events, performance and temporary structures in the landscape. The selected artists are Krijn de Koning and Stuart Whipps.

Creative Arts Gallery Takeover 21st Jan - 8th Feb Second year students will use the gallery as an experimental studio to make new work responding to each other’s practice in collaborative ways. Free UHArts, Arts & Design Centre, College Lane Campus, Hatfield AL10 9AB www.uharts.co.uk 01707 281127

Hertford Theatre Gallery until 4th Jan A celebratory show from four East Anglian artists; Carmen Renwick, Anthea Whitworth, Diana Catchpole and Louise Dean, who met while studying at Cambridge School of Art. The group of friends share seasonal paintings, drawings, prints and cards.

Courtyard Arts Port Vale, Hertford SG14 3AA 01992 509596 www.courtyardarts.org.uk

Wildlife Photographer of the Year until 9th Feb An exhibition showcasing 34 images recording the beauty and fragility of wildlife, from tiny insects to massive mammals. It explores the world's best nature photography, highlighting the breath-taking diversity of the natural world. Go deeper and discover the surprising, and often challenging, stories behind the images taken during a time of environmental crisis. See winning photographs from each category, awarded by an international panel of judges for their creativity, originality and technical excellence. Free Natural History Museum, Tring HP23 6AP www.nhm.ac.uk

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The Power of Jewellery 16th Jan Discussion by Judy Rudoe on several themes to expand the concept of jewellery and examine different reasons why people wear it. Everyone decorates the body, but there are different notions of how to do so. In many societies, jewellery serves as vital protection against evil spirits, communication, as a keepsake of a loved one or a memorial to the dead.

For further information please visit www.theartssocietyharpendenareadfas.org.uk

Exhibition: Rembrandt in Print 18th Jan 10.30am - 4.30pm The Ashmolean Museum at the University of Oxford holds a world-class collection of over 300 prints by Rembrandt. Widely hailed as the greatest painter of the Dutch Golden Age, he was also one of the most innovative and experimental printmakers of the seventeenth century. This touring exhibition presents Rembrandt as an unrivalled storyteller through a selection of around fifty outstanding prints ranging from 1630 until the late 1650s.

Displayed together for the first time, these works demonstrate his inventive techniques and unrivalled ability for storytelling.

North Hertfordshire Museum, Hitchin SG5 1JE www.northhertsmuseum.org

Exhibition: British Wildlife Photography Awards 20th Jan - 22nd March 10am - 4pm A celebration of British wildlife in 2019.

To mark its 10th anniversary and help raise awareness about our coast; its incredible biodiversity and the threats it faces, BWPA have expanded the Coast and Marine category to include British and Irish Coastlines.

The awards celebrate both the work of amateur and professional photographers and the beauty and diversity of British wildlife. Free Stockwood Discovery Centre, Luton LU1 4LX www.bwpawards.org www.culturetrust.com

Exhibition: Theodor Kern: Portraits 20th Jan - 30th April Austrian born artist Theodor Kern started his early painting career in the 1920s. He studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Vienna, and was a diverse artist trying his hand at many different styles. Free, donations welcome Wardown House, Luton LU2 7HA www.culturetrust.com

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What’s on in January 42

until 12th Local Pantos page 32 until 23rd Feb Exhibition: Pageant Fever! page 10 1st New Year’s Resolution Walk page 4 Polar Bear Plunge page 36 New Year Concert page 18 1st - 30th Event Cinema page 28 2nd, 4th & 5th Events at the Roald Dahl Museum page 25 4th Wassailing page 25 7th - 11th Harpenden Gang Show Harpenden Public Halls, 7.15pm www.harpenden.gs 9th Kipper’s Snowy Day page 10 Elvis Years The Radlett Centre, 7.30pm, £25 www.radlettcentre.co.uk 10th One Night Of Queen page 12 11th Hertfordshire Chamber Orchestra Concert page 38 Back To Bacharach page 12 12th Soultown USA page 12 14th & 28th Tea & Memories - Dementia Café Cornelia’s Café, Church Green, Harpenden AL5 2TP, for those living with dementia & their loved ones to meet in a friendly informal setting, 2pm 15th From a Halfpenny to a Fiver St Mary's Church, Childwickbury AL3 6JJ, St Albans, Harpenden & District Philatelic Society, 01582 762284, 8pm 16th Photographing Nature Workshop in St Albans learn more about the technical side of photography, please book, 10am - 4pm, £39, age 14+ www.hertswildlifetrust.org.uk Totally Tina The Radlett Centre, 7.30pm, £24 www.radlettcentre.co.uk An Audience with Glenn Hoddle page 12 17th The Comedy Bar page 25 The Johnny Cash Roadshow page 12

David Starkey Six Wives.The Queens of Henry VIII page 8 17th - 25th Whipping It Up page 8 18th Brambleton Model Railway Exhibition page 25 Classical Erard Piano Concert page 6 Track Play page 37 19th Lucian Freud: A Self Portrait The Sandpit Theatre, St Albans AL4 9NX, on screen exhibition, 3pm, £5 20th Jan - 22nd Mar British Wildlife Photography Awards page 41 21st Jan - 8th Feb Creative Arts Gallery Takeover page 40 22nd Morning Walk Between Batford Springs & Leasey Bridge page 4 Abbey by Night page 18 23rd - 25th Rough Sleeper page 8 23rd Jan - 20th Feb Exhibition: Anne Frank+YOU page 18 24th Winter Walk & Lunch with the Head Gardener page 6 24th Jan - 1st Feb Alligators page 8 26th Harpenden 10K page 25 Afternoon Tea in Shuttleworth House page 6 27th Soroptimists with speakers from Earthworks St Albans & Watling View Special School Chiswell Green URC, local organisations that provide training & support for people with learning disabilities, 8pm, free, all welcome www.sigbi.org/st-albans 28th Wild Wellbeing Walk page 4 29th Talk: Scientists of St Albans page 10 Musical Box: A Genesis Extravaganza page 12 31st Talk: Formation & Organisation of the Women's Land Army in WW1 page 14

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What’s on in February 44

1st Be a Chorister for an Afternoon 1.15pm www.stalbanscathedral.org All Star Superslam Wrestling The Alban Arena, 7.30pm, £15, child £10 2nd There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed A Fly Broadway Theatre, Letchworth Garden City SG6 3DD, 2.30pm www.broadway-letchworth.com 4th Talk: The Surprising Global Legacy of Anne Frank 7.30pm, £10 www.stalbanscathedral.org Jimmy Carr: Terribly Funny The Alban Arena, 8pm, £29.50 4th & 5th Oaklands College Open Evenings page 27 6th Milton Jones in Milton Impossible The Alban Arena, 7.30pm, £27.50 7th Buble Meets Sinatra: The Showdown The Alban Arena, 7.30pm, £15 - £23.50 Fisherman’s Friends Harpenden Public Halls, 7.30pm, £10 7th - 15th Violence & Son The Barn Theatre, WGC, AL1 2DL, swearing & sexual references, age 15+ £13 8th The Foundations Harpenden Public Halls, 7.30pm, £25 9th Kinky Boots: The Musical Sandpit Theatre, St Albans, filmed live at the Adelphi Theatre, 7pm, £13.50, £10 de Havilland Philharmonic Orchestra: Czech Classics Weston Auditorium, UHArts, 3.30pm, £18, concs £15 child £8 10th Soroptimist Women's Group Update from St Albans & Hertsmere Women’s Refuge, 8pm Chiswell Green URC, all welcome, 8pm, free www.sigbi.org/st-albans 11th & 25th Tea & Memories - Dementia Café Cornelia’s Café, Church Green, Harpenden AL5 2TP, 2pm 12th Born Survivors: Three Young Mothers 7.30pm, £10 www.stalbanscathedral.org 12th - 15th St Albans Scout & Guide Gang Show The Alban Arena, 7.30pm 07885 661780 www.stalbansgangshow.com 14th Valentine’s Dinner & Dance www.shuttleworth.org

15th Absolute Bowie Harpenden Public Halls, £18.50 15th - 23rd Get Hands-on With History Wrest Park, MK45 4HR, 11am - 3pm www.english-heritage.org.uk 16th Jack Dee: Off The Telly The Alban Arena, £23 Grimethorpe Colliery Band Harpenden Public Halls, 3pm, £20 17th & 18th Family Conservation Day Harpenden Common, tools & training provided, 10am - 2.30pm, free, please book www.hertswildlifetrust.org.uk 17th - 21st Going Underground Trail & Craft Visitor Centre, Ashridge Estate, 10am - 3pm, £3 per child 19th Adam Kay: This Is Going To Hurt The Alban Arena, 7.30pm, £30 Displays Beginning With O or P St Mary's Church, Childwickbury AL3 6JJ, St Albans, Harpenden & District Philatelic Society, 8pm 20th Big Book Tall Tales Sandpit Theatre, St Albans, age 3+, 11am, £6, £4 A Provocative Beauty - The Art of Grayson Perry www.theartssocietyharpendenareadfas.org.uk 20th - 22nd Love From A Stranger by Agatha Christie & Frank Vosper, Memorial Hall, Wheathampstead AL4 8AT, 8pm, £10, 01582 621357 21st Ben Hart: Wonder Harpenden Public Halls, Britain’s Got Talent finalist & multi award-winning magician, 7.30pm, £17 22nd The King is Back: Ben Portsmouth is Elvis The Alban Arena, 7.30pm, £31.50, £27.50 24th Rhod Gilbert: The Book of John The Alban Arena, 8pm, £27.50 26th Ed Byrne: If I’m Honest…

The Alban Arena, 8pm, £25 Ash Wednesday sung by the girls & men of the Cathedral Choir & Abbey Singers, 8pm www.stalbanscathedral.org Julie Felix Harpenden Public Halls, Singer Songwriter & Environmentalist, 7.30pm, £16 28th Parkland Tour www.shuttleworth.org 28th Feb - 4th March Oaklands College Exhibition work on display from students in Art, Fashion & Design www.stalbanscathedral.org

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Index of Businesses Art Classes GDS Art School Start Art! Beauty The Beauty Room Bicycle Repairs Cycletech UK Building Open Plan Solutions Charity Traid

Dental Practices 41 Redbourn Dental 41 Practice Russell Avenue Dental Practice 2 Domestic Appliance Repairs 15 Leigh Hibon Spin Doctor 7 Education Kumon

36 Electricians Alban Electrical Services Children’s Art Classes Artshed!

Front Cover Anderton Electrics Children’s Development Classes Gymboree Chiropodist Kathy Witchard

Fencing Verulam Fencing 35 Garage Doors Garolla

21 Hearing Services Hearing Healthcare Cleaning Practice A & R Cleaning Solutions 19 Daily Poppins 18 Locksmith Domestique 19 Lock Around the Clock WeCleanAnyProperty.com 18 Loft Ladders College Home Counties Loft Ladders Oaklands College 27 Mortgages Conservatory Roof Solutions Individual Mortgages Nu-Look Back Cover Solutions Ltd Dance & Drama Penny Waterman School of Dance Stagecoach

Music Tuition Merlin Miller

37 34 Orchestra Abbey Gateway Orchestra Painters & Decorators A Huffinley CB Decorators M & M Decorators

2 23

29 29 37 5 5 17 15

20 5 9

13 39

39 33 33 31

Pet Services Canis et Cattus

15

Piano Tuning Marcus Dods

39

Plasterers A Merson Plastering

31

Plumber DJ&M Plumbing Services Ltd

31 & 47

Roofing GJ Smith Roofing

11

School Aldwickbury School

35

Shutters The Harpenden Shutter Company Shuttercraft

43 43

Slimming Vision Weight Consultancy

22

Soft Furnishings Sue Smyth

43

Tree Surgeons Fircroft Tree Surgery Ltd

17

TV Repairs JB TV Services

29

Vets Marshalswick Veterinary Surgery

3

Will Planning Westminster Wills Ltd

11

Windows & Doors Cloud 9 Kings Windows

45 47

Yoga Classes Intelligent Pilates

21

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