st albans NOW July 22

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st albans July 2022

NOW

promoting local businesses, events and much more since 2006

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Welcome to July This months magazines are packed with events from the Roman Theatre Festival, Childwickbury Arts Fair and NGS Open Gardens to the New Bury Summer Festival, Open Air Cinema and lots more.

We’re also excited to include an interview with hilarious comedian David O’Doherty, who’s appearing at St Albans Comedy Garden in Verulamium Park this month along with some other big names in comedy.

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

Jane & Wendy

@theNOWmagazines

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other options are available

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A Chance to Chat with David O’Doherty Earlier this month Jane’s daughter, Mollie had a chance to chat with comedian David O’Doherty who will be headlining at St Albans Comedy Garden on 29th July.

Are you excited for your upcoming UK tour?

After the two years we've all just had, it feels like going on the holiday of a lifetime! Aberystwyth, Norwich, St. Albans - haha, it may not sound like your dream holiday, but I can't wait!

How was Melbourne Comedy festival?

With the exception of the week where I got COVID and couldn't leave my hotel room and just watched awful Australian daytime TV, it felt so nice to be back yelling nonsense at strangers for money. I guess I got COVID because too many people were laughing and blowing air in my direction, so in a way it was a compliment.

How do you get your inspiration for your songs?

Most of them start with a single idea that I think would be impossible to make into a song. And then that becomes the challenge. It usually is a failure, but you'll never get to hear those turkeys.

If you had to describe your comedy act in a sentence what would it be?

You know those rabbits that live beside airport runways, well my comedy is like the dream they have of growing up to become aeroplanes. Does that make any sense?

Haha, I'm not sure it does.

If you could become a double act with another comedian or singer who would it be?

It would have to be Shakira. There are so many parallels, our vibes are similar - plus she's recently single. Do you have her number?

Out of all the new comedians on the circuit, who are you most looking forward to seeing progress in their career?

There are so many incredible new comedians I've seen in the last few years. Sophie Duker, Rose Matafeo, Sam Campbell. I'm very excited to be doing this show in St Albans with Celya AB who EVERYONE is talking about.

What excites you about the comedy festivals but especially St Albans?

I love doing comedy in the Summer! Cold beer, an ice cream, people in shorts deeply regretting their decision as we move into the evening.

What advice would you give someone trying to start stand-up?

The only thing I know is to talk about the weird stuff you find funny - not the stuff that other comedians or people on the telly are talking about. Also don't you dare play a small plastic keyboard. That's my thing!

David’s back on tour in the Autumn, so keep an eye out for the dates.

Book your tickets now for St Albans Comedy Garden in Verulamium Park, 27th - 31st July.

4 www.stalbanscomedygarden.co.uk

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NOW for some Entertainment Roman Theatre Open Air Festival

Kimpton Folk Festival

until 21st Aug This year's Festival is bigger than ever with 100 performances of drama, comedy, opera and music.

The Importance of Being Earnest 2nd - 17th July 7.30pm £11.50 - £23.50 A bold, imaginative and surprising jazz musical remix of Oscar Wilde’s ‘trivial comedy for serious people’.

The War of the Worlds 4th July 7.30pm £11.50 - £17.50 Science fiction classic performed live by just 4 actors.

Tiresias 5th July 7.30pm £11.50 - £17.50 Storytelling and live music weaves together with flair and delight to tell this classic tale.

The Lion 11th & 12th July 7.30pm £15.50 - £23.50 A one-man folk musical telling a true story of survival.

The Wind in the Willows 20th - 24th July 2.30pm & 7.30pm £11.50 - £23.50 Frantically feral family fun in an anarchic spin on this classic countryside caper.

Jekyll and Hyde 25th & 26th July 7.30pm £7.50 - £17.50 Enjoy this classic novella as one wild ride that will leave you breathless and helpless with laughter.

Complete Works of William Shakespeare 27th - 30th July 7.30pm £11.50 - £23.50 An irreverent, fast-paced romp through all 37 of the Bard's plays in 97 minutes!

Terry Deary’s Twisted Tales 30th July 2.30pm £15.50 - £23.50 A new original family comedy by the author of Horrible Histories.

Bluehouse Hill, St Albans AL3 6AE www.OVO.org.uk

2nd July With marvellous music, delightful dance, splendid storytelling, clever crafts and fabulous food and drink, a great day out for all the family.

All day £45, afternoon £28, evening £23 www.kimptonfolk.uk

Abbey Theatre

Cock 1st - 9th July 8pm & 3rd July 2.30pm John has been with his boyfriend for seven years, they’re going through a difficult patch and while on a break he discovers he’s attracted to a woman. He starts a relationship with her and so questions his identity. Torn between his two lovers, John finds himself riddled with guilt and confusion, unable to decide where he sees his future, and with whom.

A witty and compassionate look at one man’s struggle with his sexuality. Contains very strong language and adult content.

Abbey Theatre, St Albans AL1 2DL 01727 857861 www.abbeytheatre.org.uk 6

M Festival 2nd July 1pm - 11pm

Enjoy a fantastic day of music played by amazing local talent, food and drink and activities ending with a firework finale. Now in its 11th year, the Festival has raised over 100k for good causes. £26, child £13, family £65 - £78 Marlborough Science Academy, St Albans AL1 2QA www.mfestival.co.uk

American Classics Concert

2nd July 7.30pm St Albans Symphony Orchestra concert in memory of Principal Conductor, Tom Hammond. They will perform: Gustav Holst’s The Perfect Fool ballet music, a one-act opera, a parody of more serious work by Verdi, Wagner and Debussy.

Samuel Barber’s dazzling Violin Concerto The Swan of Tuonela by Sibelius, one of Tom’s favourite composers Symphony No.9 From the New World. £18, £13, student £5, child £2 St Saviour’s Church, St Albans AL1 4DF tickets@saso.org.uk or 01525 862097 www.ticketsource.co.uk

American Dreams 2nd July 7.30pm Voix de Vivre perform Eric Whitacre’s Leonardo Dreams of his Flying Machine, Michael Tippett’s Five Spirituals from A Child of our Time, Samuel Barber’s To be Sung on the Water and Aaron Copland’s Las Agachadas. £16.50, concs £14, students / unwaged £5 Marlborough Road Methodist Church AL1 3XG www.ticketsource.co.uk/voix de vivre

The Alban Arena

We Will Rock You 2nd July A jukebox musical based on the songs of Queen with a book by Ben Elton.

Rhythm of the Dance 3rd July This dance and music extravaganza contains a wealth of Irish talent, in an exciting 2-hour trip through hundreds of years of Irish dance and music.

Larks in the Parks 10th July 12 noon - 5pm Enjoy live music, choirs, street entertainment, rides, a miniature steam train at Victoria Playing Field, sports, crafts, stalls, good food, the Giant Bubbleologist, snail racing at Fleetville and the legendary Duck Race at Batford Springs with Geraldine the Giant Duck. Free St Albans - Victoria Playing Field, Folly Lane AL3 5JH - Fleetville Community Centre Royal Road AL1 4LQ - Cottonmill Community & Cycling Centre AL1 2EF (no parking, please walk or cycle) Harpenden - Batford Springs, Marquis Lane AL5 5AA facebook.com/larksinparks

ANTIQUES WANTED Antiques, Vintage and Collectable Items

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Silver, Gold and Jewellery Ceramics Military Items Antique Furniture Automobilia Fine Art Old Toys and Computer Games Anything Old, Quirky and Interesting House, Barn and Loft Clearances

We also provide free advice if you need help deciding how best to sell your items Contact James 07748 690175 james.andersen@hotmail.co.uk www.cotterstockantiques.com

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NOW for some more Entertainment The Bootleg Beatles 5th July The world’s premier Beatles band continues to draw critical acclaim with their flawless recreation of the greatest songbook in history.

Tim Vine is Plastic Elvis 6th July A sell out at the Edinburgh festival. Feel the electricity as Plastic Elvis hits the stage with the incredible High Noon Band.

Dr John Cooper Clark - I Wanna Be Yours 8th July The original ‘people’s poet’.

Sound of Springsteen 9th July Each member of this 8 piece band have their own unique abilities as performers and an undeniable love of the music of ‘The Boss’.

Roy Orbison and the Travelling Wilbury's Experience 21st July Wowing audiences with their uncanny visual, vocal and musical resemblances to the original band.

In The Night Garden 23rd - 24th July Igglepiggle, Upsy Daisy, Makka Pakka and friends are back with a fun-filled live show.

Buddy Holly and The Cricketers 28th July This breath-taking show has rock ’n’ rolled audiences across the globe and is guaranteed to have you singing along and dancing in the aisles.

An Evening of Burlesque 29th July A night of laughter, cabaret, mystery and glamour.

Glen Miller and Big Band Spectacular 31st July The music that filled the dancehalls in the Big Band era is brought to life again by The Moonlight Serenade Orchestra UK. www.alban-arena.co.uk

The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, Jackson 5, The Temptations, Martha and the Vandellas and many more. £27.50 Radlett Centre 01923 859 291 www.radlettcentre.co.uk

St Michael's Folk Evening

Bedford Park Concerts

6th July 7.15pm After an overture by St Michael's Bellringers, enjoy traditional Morris dancing in the street and maypole dancing and a ukulele band in the school yard.

Listen to music inside and outside the Swan Vesta Social Club in St Michael's Churchyard, a brilliant line-up of bands in the Six Bells pub and quieter music and singing at the Waffle House.

St Michael's Street, St Albans www.stmichaelsfolkevening.org.uk

Get Ready - A Night To Remember

8th July 7.30pm A night of high-energy choreography and feel-good music with hits from the Motown and Soul era featuring the soulful lead vocals of Bizzi Dixon, with classics from Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, 8

St Albans Organ Theatre

Theatre Organ Concert 9th July 2.30pm Featuring Christian Cartwright.

Sunday Opening 10th July 3pm Hear the playing of the mechanical organs and musical boxes. www.stalbansorgantheatre.org.uk

St Albans Comedy Club

15th July 7.30pm This month’s line up includes Jo Caufield, Sarah Keyworth, Martin Westgate and Nelson Gombakomba. £12.50 The Sandpit Theatre, St Albans AL4 9NX www.sandpittheatre.co.uk

Record Fair 23rd July 10am - 4pm

Music for all tastes in all formats. Free Eric Morecambe Centre, Harpenden AL5 2HU www.the-emc.co.uk

St Albans Comedy Garden

27th - 31st July Returning with a spectacular series of open air shows paired with craft bear, street food and more.

Starring David O’Doherty, Dylan Moran, Sara Pascoe, Ardal O’Hanlon, Reginald D Hunter, Al Murray and many more.

Verulamium Park, St Albans www.stalbanscomedygarden.co.uk Simply Red & Lisa Stansfield 28th July £57.20 Café Mambo Ibiza 29th July £36.85 Paul Weller 30th July £53.35 Bedford Park Proms 31st July £40.70 Bedford Park MK41 7SS www.bedfordparkconcerts.co.uk

Legends Festival

29th - 30th July from 12 noon The UK's largest celebration of the greatest pop and rock acts with ten of the world's biggest tribute bands. The Festival enshrines each star's legacy giving you a chance to enjoy the majesty of their world-renowned performances. Bring a picnic and dance under the stars!

Herts County Showground, Redbourn AL3 7PT www.legendsfestival.co.uk

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How to reduce heat loss from your home - ‘The fabric first approach’ We all know that we are being asked to to identify areas of excessive heat loss in your on the way to creating an eco-friendly do ‘our bit’ in being more eco-friendly. home building, using thermographic equipment is a How can we achieve this in our homes? A family asked EcoTiffin to do just that and after enlisting their help, they commented: “EcoTiffin saved us 37% in energy bills whilst increasing our square footage by 35%, giving us a warm and welcoming home.”

Moisture in brickwork is the worst possible ingredient to have in your property and every effort should be made to prevent the ingress of moisture. Moisture in the brickwork reduces the bricks thermal capacity to retain heat and it has a chilling effect like a fridge on your home. Solid brick walls are by far the worst. Remember; wet walls are cold walls!

The fabric first approach is essential when improving insulation to roofs, walls, floors and windows which are just some of the ways of reducing heat-loss. The use of thermography (thermal imaging) is an exciting and relatively new application in the building world. If you want

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good place to start.

Robert Tiffin (descendant of the original family) and highly respected building expert and Quantity Surveyor, has seen a rise in the number of families wanting to make their homes work more efficiently by reducing heat loss. Evidence from thermograms help to provide much of the data to substantiate Robert’s bespoke reports for each property in “seeing the unseen”. To the trained eye, the results can reveal important information enabling a clear diagnosis.

Homeowners can look forward to maximising their comfort to a warm, cosy and cost effective, healthier environment for themselves and their families.

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Most of our customers do not require anything more than a general clean because we provide a deep clean every time, removing bird and insect debris, spider-webs and stickers. we always take care of the whole window, not just the glass.

Clean windows can make a huge difference to the appearance of your home. Our high standards make us the best choice. Whether at work or home, you can be assured that your windows are cleaned by a licensed, insured and professional window cleaner.

Also Available: Gutter Cleaning Interior & Exterior Conservatories Glass Balconies Fascia Cleaning

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Caring & Sharing Pets in July Challenge

Have you got what it takes to complete 300,125 steps in a month? The BlueCross is celebrating its 125th anniversary, and asking pet lovers to step out for this challenge to help them provide the vital advice and specialist care needed. Do the steps wherever and however you like, and raise as much sponsorship as you can. Register now for free, and receive a Pets in July t-shirt. www.bluecross.org.uk

Gin & Jazz 7th July 6pm - 10pm

A fun filled evening of gin, jazz, canapés and garden games in aid of Herts Young Homeless.

The View, Welwyn AL7 2ED www.hyh.org.uk

St Saviour's Beer & Fizz Festival

8th & 9th July 12 noon - 11pm over 18’s 10th July 12 noon - 9pm family day A community based festival with over 24 real ales, lagers and ciders with a range of sparkling wines and champagnes. Live music including Tom Craven, Pinkm'n, MacClaren Wall, Kickpistol and Kaspar 'Berry Rapkin. Sunday is family day with children's story time in association with the Books on the Hill Festival of Culture, St Albans Morris Dancers and a food village. In support of StAR: St Albans for Refugees and church funds. £4, child free St Saviour’s Church, Sandpit Lane AL1 4DF www.beerandfizz.com

The Hospice of St Francis

Car Boot Sales 9th July & 13th Aug Reserve your pitch on the Hospice website.

Classic and Special Interest Car Show 17th July A range of impressive cars each with their own personal history, plus market stalls, refreshments and family activities.

Dacorum Steam & Country Fayre 30th & 31st July 10am - 5pm A weekend full of family fun with Steam Engines, Classic Cars, Military Vehicles, Vintage Tractors, Heavy Horses, Birds of Prey and a Fun Dog Competition organised by Herts Canine.

Green Croft Farm, Potten End HP1 2SG www.stfrancis.org.uk

Open Water Swim Festival

16th July 10am - 3pm Set in the stunning surrounds of Merchants Taylors Lake, enjoy festival fun with ‘get in and splash’, races, an open family swim, food stalls, tombola and more. Challenge yourself to swim 3k, 5k, 10k or as far as you can in four hours. Raise £150 and receive a Rennie Grove OWS Towel or for over £250 a 16

Rennie Grove OWS hoodie.

Sandy Lodge, Northwood HA6 2HT www.renniegrove.org

Race for Life 17th July 10k: 10am / 5k: 11am

The route is hilly in places and fairly challenging, setting off from Westminster Lodge before enjoying the open fields and amazing views of the Abbey. The 10k course is two laps of the 5k route. £14.99, child £10. Verulamium Park www.raceforlife.cancerresearchuk.org

Poppy Quest London 17th July

Raise funds for the Royal British Legion to help create better futures for our Armed Forces and their families on this 10k discovery walk. A map and quiz will help you navigate the route and reveal hidden gems along the way. Starting in the heart of London at the beautiful Victoria Embankment Gardens, take your time and enjoy the scenery and architecture along the way. Everyone’s welcome, take the challenge by yourself, with family or friends, even with the dog! £16, U10s free, includes a RBL T shirt www.britishlegion.org.uk

£444.

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Fun for Everyone!

Luton Hoo Walled Garden

Open Wednesdays 10.30am - 4pm Includes tours of the historical garden, the Victorian farm buildings and dairy. £7.50 Cinderella 26th July 6pm Full of song, mirth, and joy, take a journey to a magical ball where nearly anything is possible especially before midnight. Dress in your favourite fairy tale characters for the midsummer ball dance. £18, child £11, under 5’s free Luton Hoo Walled Garden, Beds LU1 4LF www.trybooking.co.uk / www.lutonhooestate.co.uk

Summer Evenings in Paradise

Fridays & Saturdays: 24th June - 23rd July 6.30pm - 9.30pm £15 See the animals settle down for the night as you watch the sun set behind the Lions or even the T-rex in the World of Dinosaurs. There’ll be entertainment with African drummers, wildlife stilt walkers and more.

Paradise Wildlife Park, Broxbourne EN10 7QA www.pwpark.com

Festival of Culture

2nd - 10th July 10am - 6pm This promises to be a wonderful celebration of literature and the arts, for all ages. Please book Books on the Hill, St Albans AL1 1ER www.books-on-the-hill.co.uk/ev

Herts & Middx Wildlife Trust

Wildfest 2nd July 10am - 2pm Explore wildlife in and around the Park, with bird watching, sweep netting, tree walks, scavenger hunts, river dipping, butterfly walks, nature crafts, storytelling, as well as hearing how to get involved with local wildlife conservation. It’s a celebration of the wonderful wildlife that lives alongside us and the local organisations and groups that look after it.

Verulamium Park, St Albans Herts Wild Art Pop-up Event 2nd July 11am - 2pm There’ll be easels and art materials around the wildlife garden encouraging you to spend time sketching or painting nature outdoors. Funded by The Arts Council, free, all welcome.

Summer Smartphone Safari 7th July 2pm - 4pm Learn how to take stunning wildlife photographs using your phone. Start in the Wildlife Trust's garden, then stroll through Verulamium Park, and see how to 18

get the most from the free apps available. Please book, age 8+ £30, child £15, family £50 Hedgehogs and How to Help Them 12th July 2pm - 3pm Learn about hedgehog rescue, rehabilitation, why they’re in decline and basic hedgehog care. Meet a rescue hog and see where they are being nursed back to health. Please book, adults only, £8 Hornbeam Wood Hedgehog Sanctuary Nature Journaling 19th July 2pm online The ethos of nature journaling is to ask ‘why’ and then try to answer with various techniques.

Local artist Martin Gibbons will show you simple techniques to try, and talk about materials you may like to use. Aimed at adults but all welcome. www.hertswildlifetrust.org.uk

Heartwood Forest

Heartwood Forest, Past, Present and Future 2nd July 10am - 1pm 14 years ago planting started at Heartwood, discover the story of its creation, how it’s managed now and the plans for the future. £5, please book Wildflower Walk 3rd July 11am - 1pm Led by a county wildflower recorder, who has identified over 200 species of flowering plants at Heartwood. How many can you find on this 2 hour walk. £5, please book Summer Butterfly Walk 16th July 11am - 2pm Heartwoods woodlands and wildflower meadows are alive with up to 30 species of butterfly. This walk organised with Herts Butterfly Conservation will be accompanied by butterfly experts. Please book www.butterfly-conservation.org www.woodlandtrust.org.uk

National Trust

National Meadows Day 2nd July 10am - 4pm A day for everyone to celebrate the wildlife in the meadows. Free Dunstable Downs, Chilterns Gateway Centre LU6 2GY Big Camp 23rd July Enjoy this rare opportunity to pitch your tent in the meadow, surrounded by ancient woodland. £50 per pitch for 2 adults and 3 children, under 5s free Ashridge Estate, Berkhamsted HP4 1LX Pygmalion 31st July 5.30pm - 8.30pm DOT Productions return with their own adaptation of this well-loved classic.

Shaw’s Corner, Welwyn AL6 9BX www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Mill Green Museum

Visit the 18th Century working watermill on the River Lea and enjoy a walk around the gardens Historical Machines Demonstration 2nd & 3rd July See Victorian machines in action and learn more about their history and use. Drop in Corn Dollies 10th July drop in from 1pm Learn how traditional corn dollies are made.

Lea Valley Guild of Spinners, Weavers and Dyers 17th July Learn about these ancient crafts. Drop in Welwyn Garden City Male Voice Choir 24th July 2pm With an eclectic array of songs from shows, spirituals, traditional English and Scottish and Irish pieces.

Jon Bickley and the Invisible Folk Band 31st July 1pm Folk music from soloists to larger ensembles.

Mill Green Museum and Mill, Hatfield AL9 5PD www.millgreenmuseum.co.uk

The Harpenden Bike Fest 3rd July

Sustainable St Albans

Our Planet Our Future: Sustainable Agriculture and Research at Rothamsted 11th July 7.25pm A guided walk around this world-famous agricultural research facility, followed by a discussion in a local pub. Meet in the car park by the restaurant Rothamsted Research Harpenden Sustainability Market 17th July 10am - 3pm Harpenden Common Open Food Garden 24th July 3pm - 5pm free 23 Gresford Close, St Albans AL4 0UB Pick up tips about growing your own food, or share your own ideas. www.sustainablestalbans.org

Bat Night 15th July 9pm

After a short talk you’ll go out with bat detectors to hear and identify bats. Please book £5 Highfield Park, Hill End Lane, St Albans AL4 0RA www.highfieldparktrust.co.uk

Redbourn Road Rider

17th July Registration opens at 6.30am With three spectacular routes 25, 50 and 85 miles, Enjoy a custom and classics bike show with live bands, stalls, food and beer. Organised to showcase why not sign up today. www.sportiveuk.co.uk motorcyclists in a positive light, promoting safe riding, Festival of Fun 23rd July - 29th Aug all proceeds to The Royal British Legion. £7 Prepare to party like you’ve never partied before, Harpenden AL5 2HU www.ticketsource.co.uk at this fun day out for all the family, with shows and dancing on the Udder Stage, the fabulous Foam Hatfield House Party, Party Trix Workshops, Farm Fun and Tudor Legacies 9th July 11am - 2pm Party Games.

Interact with Henry VIII, his wives, his children and other historical characters. Find out what it was like to Mead Open Farm, Beds LU7 9JH www.meadopenfarm.co.uk be married to one of the most infamous kings.

Battle Proms 16th July 4.30pm Classics on the Common 27th July Enjoy music, fireworks, Spitfire, cannons and cavalry Once a year, Harpenden Common comes alive for a in the Queen Elizabeth Oak Field. A place so steeped day with more than 1000 classic cars, motor cycles in history it makes the perfect setting for a summer and scooters. You’ll find a Chevy Bel Air rubbing celebration. £47, child £21, under 5’s free shoulders with a 1927 Trojan, and a rare 1978 Matra Folk By The Oak 17th July Bagheera with a 1959 Berlinetta.

With The Proclaimers as headline act, enjoy a www.classicsonthecommon.com memorable day award winning musicians, history, St Albans Art Society Exhibition ancient oaks, fun and laughter. £49.50, child £21 27th July - 30th July 10am - 6pm Michael Bublé 23rd July 5pm from £79.50 Showing over 200 vibrant and varied paintings, Tears for Fears 24th July 5pm sculptures, ceramics and beautiful greeting cards. An With special guest Alison Moyet. £75 award is given to the work that best illustrates the character of St Albans in an original way. Most works Hatfield House AL9 5HX are for sale, entry is free www.hatfield-house.co.uk Dagnall Street Baptist Church Hall AL3 5EE www.stalbans-artsociety.org.uk www.theNOWmagazines.com 07983 588291 jane@theNOWmagazines.com 19

Future Nature Tree Surgery & Garden Care All Aspects of Tree Work Fruit Tree Specialist Garden Clearance & Fencing “Always leaves a clean and tidy site” St Albans Based 35 Years Experience Contact Chris

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NOW at the Museums St Albans Museum + Gallery

Town Hall, St Peter's Street AL1 3DH Exhibition: St Albans On Sea until Nov Exploring fascinating stories and the many connections St Albans has with the sea. From the Sea God mosaic in Verulamium to the current HMS St Albans and stories from St Albans residents to local artists depictions of the sea. As part of the exhibition, the museum received a grant to restore a beautiful model ship made by a Napoleonic Prisoner of War who was held in the Abbey Gateway in St Albans.

Exhibition: The Art of Grieving until 4th Sept 11am - 5pm Explore how art can help process grief with work from over 50 artists inspired by feelings and experiences of grief. Powerful, emotional, comforting or calming, this exhibition will leave a lasting impression on all visitors.

Exhibition: A County Remembers 4th - 22nd July Exploring war memorial making in Hertfordshire. After WW1 the government allowed communities across the country to remember those who had served as they saw fit. Consequently, different approaches were taken, the modest, the impressive, the private, the public, the traditional and the utilitarian. Free Death Café 16th July 2.30pm This is a discussion group rather than a grief support or counselling session where people gather to eat cake, drink tea and discuss death. Free, please book

Verulamium Museum

St Michael's Street AL3 4SW The story of the Roman Town of Verulamium comes to life in these talks, all at 11.30am, free.

2nd July - Food and Drink 9th July - Death and Burial 16th July - House in the Park 23rd July - Iron Age 30th July - Gods and Goddesses Crafts in the Colonnade Weekdays 25th July - 31st Aug 10am - 4pm Make a Roman soldier’s shield or try weaving at these self-led craft sessions, where all resources and instructions will be provided. £2, age 3+ Build a Celtic Roundhouse 30th July 10am & 1pm Build a roundhouse (on a slightly smaller scale) using traditional building methods and materials.

Age 7+ adults without children welcome. £10 www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk 26

NOW at the Cathedral Tudor Summer Visit the Cathedral for a summer of Tudor-filled events, talks and performances. *Tudor summer events Organ Concert: Stefan Donner 3rd July 3pm free Celebration Concert for HM The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee 6th July 7.30pm Featuring popular and ceremonial music from across The Queen’s 70 year reign. £18 - £35 More to Explore - The Last Abbots* 10th July 1.30pm The Tudor Abbots are a very mixed bunch.

Ramryge’s Chantry is one of the finest in the country, Wolsey may never have visited the Abbey, and Catton and Boreman had to cope with the imminent closure which came in 1539.

Hear more about the life and times of these interesting characters. Free, please book Felix Mendelssohn’s Oratorio, St Paul 16th July 7.30pm With Sinfonia Verdi Orchestra and the St Albans Abbey Choirs. This Oratorio tells the story of the life of Saul, a Roman citizen who persecuted the early Christian Church until he himself became a Christian following his conversion on the road to Damascus. £12 - £30 Storytelling with Tales from the Hart* 26th July 10am A feast for the eyes and ears, as storytellers bring the past to life with some Tudor tales.

Free, no need to book Sounds Around the Abbey 27th, 28th & 30th July 7.30pm With soloists Hugh Maynard and Rosemarie Ford, conductor Pippa D Collins, The Jupiter Singers, London Show Choir and the Brilliant Theatre Arts. £10 - £35 Cathedrals at Night* 29th July 7pm - 9pm Explore the Cathedral's stunning architecture after hours and meet characters from the Cathedral's Tudor past. Free, no need to book 01727 890290 www.stalbanscathedral.org

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Out & About Shuttleworth

Collection at Night with Live Music 1st July 5pm Park by the Hangars and enjoy live acoustic pop and indie hits from local lad Nick Moyster.

Fly Navy Air Show 3rd July The air show returns to the skies with some of the best piston and rotary wing examples of naval aircraft.

Music on the Lawn - Woburn Jazz 8th July Enjoy Jazz big band music, with classic swing, mainstream Jazz, Bossa Novas & Latin, Blues, Funk and more. Bring chairs, blankets and a picnic.

Live Music in the Swiss Garden 6pm 9th July: Dave Foster 22nd July: Lawrence Hill See the Swiss Garden at night while enjoying a picnic on the West Lawn, as you listen to live music from local musicians. Bring tables, chairs and picnics.

Teddy Bear Fly-In and Picnic 10th July 10am Make sure to bring a blanket to sit on, a picnic and your favourite Teddy Bear!

Evening Drive-in Air Show 16th July 2pm A relaxing drive-in air show, celebrating the 90th birthday of Old Warden Aerodrome.

Forest Bathing 18th July 1pm - 3pm Known in Japan as shinrin-yoku, Shinrin means ‘forest’ and yoku means ‘bath’. It’s about connecting with our natural surroundings, and ourselves, at a relaxed pace with meditative walking and simple mindful practices.

Summer Walk and Lunch with the Head Gardener 22nd July 10.30am Seasonal highlights and a tour of the Swiss Garden, with the Head Gardener, followed by lunch and a chat with some of the garden team. www.shuttleworth.org

RAF Museum London

Talk: A Spitfire Named Connie 6th July 6pm ‘Robbie’ Robertson was a decorated Spitfire ace. In this talk his son, Air Marshal ‘Black’ Robertson, tells the story of his father’s two wartime love affairs; with flying and with the schoolgirl he eventually marries.

It’s based on his recent book, Á Spitfire Named Connie. Also get up close to a Mk1 Spitfire and sit in the cockpit of the Mk XIX Spitfire. £10 Children’s Art Week 9th & 10th July 11am - 2pm Use a range of techniques to create an RAF uniform (past, present or future) for a peg doll. Ages 5 -12, children must be accompanied. Free, drop in 30

The Spitfire Scramble Obstacle Course 22nd - 30th July from 12 noon Face the ninja wall, crawl under cargo nets and swing over water to get to the finish line. Parents can accompany children on the course, and you can take a triumphant selfie at the end in the Spitfire selfie spot.

There are two courses; ages 4 - 8 and 8+ £7.50, 8+ £6, U8’s £4 Family Festival of Flight 30th & 31st July 10.30am - 4pm Enjoy a variety of activities; test fly a paper rocket, listen to an intriguing story, code a Sphero and more.

Free www.rafmuseum.org.uk

Knebworth House RecFest 7th July Known as the ‘Talent Acquisition Event of the year’, with talks from industry experts, covering all areas of talent acquisition and resourcing, there really will be something for everyone. Afterwards enjoy live music, chill-out areas, entertainment, street food, bars and the legendary RecFest after-party. www.recfest.co.uk Great British Food Festival 16th & 17th July With amazing artisan producers, scrumptious street food, brilliant bars and live entertainment. The perfect recipe for a fun, foodie, family day out. Tickets include access to Knebworth Park, Gardens, Dinosaur Trail and Adventure Playground.

Knebworth House, Stevenage SG1 2AX www.knebworthhouse.com

Outdoor Cinema

Enjoy an evening of cinema under the stars Luna Cinema all shows £17.50 Knebworth House SG1 2AX Oasis At Knebworth 1996 - 7th July 9.15pm West Side Story - 8th July 9.15pm Grease - 9th July 9.15pm Romeo + Juliet - 10th July 9.15pm Harpenden Common AL5 1DT Spider-Man: No Way Home - 1st July 9.15pm Dirty Dancing - 2nd July 9.15pm Moulin Rouge! - 3rd July 9.15pm www.thelunacinema.com Sundown Cinema all shows £5.50 Turvey House Bedford MK43 8EL Sing 2 - 25th July 11am Encanto - 25th July 3pm Moana - 27th July 11am The Greatest Showman - 27th July 2pm www.sundowncinema.co.uk

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More Out & About Waddesdon Manor

An Evening with Michael Bublé 2nd July 5pm See one of the most successful artists of our time perform live. From £79.95 McFly 3rd July One of the most significant British pop acts of the 21st century. £45 Michael Ball and Alfie Boe 4th July 5pm With incredible voices, camaraderie and loveable personalities, the duo have achieved phenomenal success with their duet albums. £60.50 Tears for Fears 5th July 5pm With special guest Alison Moyet. £65 www.waddesdon.org.uk

Chiltern Open Air Museum

Bucks Music Trust Summer Festival 3rd July 12.30pm - 6.30pm Around 600 young musicians aged 4 - 18 will be performing in groups, ensembles and choirs of different types and choices of repertoire. There’ll be food and craft stalls and you can visit the Museum too. So bring a picnic and enjoy a great day out. £13.50, child £7.50 Visit the Gardens & Chat to the Garden Team 10th July Visit the small traditional gardens which include a formal Arts and Crafts garden, a cottage garden, a ‘dig for victory’ allotment and cherry and apple orchards. £9.50 child £7 The Vikings 16th & 17th July At the small village of Ceadeles Funtan (The modern day Chalfonts – meaning the chalk springs) a warband of Vikings have taken over as a base to raid further into Saxon territory. Get involved in Viking games, music and storytelling and watch as the raid unfolds and see who wins in the battle between the Vicious Vikings and the Christian forces of Wessex. £13.50 child £7.50 Classic Vehicles Show 23rd & 24th July A celebration of classic cars, motorbikes, boneshakers and tractors, plus a collection of historic tractors and wagons used in filming Downton Abbey. £9.50, child £7 Wellington’s Army 30th & 31st July Be transported back to the Napoleonic era and find out about the life of a Rifleman in Wellington’s army during the Peninsular War. Visit the living history encampment and see how the soldiers’ families lived. Watch a display of military skill as the soldiers skirmish. £8.64, child £7 www.coam.org.uk

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NGS Open Gardens

16 Langley Crescent St Albans AL3 5RS 1st July 6pm - 9pm & 2nd July 2.30pm - 5.30pm £4 A compact walled garden with a wide range of unusual herbaceous perennials, shrubs and trees. The rear garden is divided into extensive herbaceous beds and a secluded area by a wildlife pond. In aid of Alzheimer's Society.

9 Tannsfield Drive Hemel Hempstead HP2 5LG 3rd July 1.30pm - 4.30pm £4 A town garden to surprise with paths leading you on a voyage of discovery to see the garden's many features.

14 Watling Street St Albans AL1 2PX 8th July 6pm - 9pm & 9th July 2.30pm - 5.30pm £4 A vibrant garden with striking foliage with Chinese ricepaper plants, foxglove trees, chusan palms, cardoons, echium and honey flowers. The back garden includes a bog garden, with giant rhubarb, ligularia and hosta, and ends in a glade of bamboo shaded by maple trees.

Two Gardens one entry cost for both £8, 5.30pm - 9pm Manor Farmhouse 8th July Park Lane, Old Knebworth SG3 6QB Farm house country garden with circular hedging with roses and lavender, a 28m pergola with climbers and shady woodland paths, a wildlife pond and more.

Field End House 10th July The Green, Park Lane, Old Knebworth SG3 6QN A curved grass meadow under mature lime trees, looking out onto arable farmland, and a sheltered corner with exotic planting giving a nice place to sit.

88 Castlehill Road Dunstable LU6 1QG 9th July 2pm - 6pm £6 Created by the owners over 40 years, see the diverse planting in a natural and artistic way, creating a feeling of peace and beauty and a wildlife haven.

Beesonend Gardens Harpenden AL5 2AN 10th July 2pm - 5.30pm £6 Two gardens: 2 Barlings Road, packed with perennials, shrubs, climbers, a formal pond and a courtyard suntrap and shade garden. 7 Barlings Road, a landscaped garden with mature trees, climbers, water feature, children's play area, pagoda and more.

102 Cambridge Road St Albans AL1 5LG 15th July 5pm - 8.30pm & 17th July 12pm - 5.30pm £5 Modern take on the classic garden in two halves: ornamental and vegetable. Borders packed with perennials and annuals, central bed featuring a pond and a mature Japanese maple. Dogs welcome 7 Armitage Close Rickmansworth WD3 4HL 24th July 1pm - 5.30pm £5 Densely planted with hardy and tender perennials and shrubs, island beds, pond and raised deck, plus a large conservatory stocked with sub-tropicals. www.ngs.org.uk

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Index of Businesses Antiques Cotterstock Antiques Art Gallery Pressmore Studio Group Arts Fair Childwickbury Arts Fair Bathing Mobility Bathing Mobility Advisory Service

7

Garage Doors Garolla

11

2

Garden Centre Vanstone Park Garden Centre

21

3

Gardening Future Nature

20

13

Building Complete Refurbishment & Roofing 28 Eco Tiffin 10 Kingsholme Front Cover Open Plan Solutions 12

Healthcare Spire Harpenden Hospital

22 & 23

Hearing Services Hearing Healthcare Practice

24

Locksmiths Lock Around the Clock Locksmith Services

27 27

Car Servicing / Repairs M Chapman Auto Services

11

Charity Herts Domestic Abuse Helpline

Loft Ladders Home Counties Loft Ladders

17

16

Painters & Decorators CB Decorators M & M Decorators

14 14

Pest Control The Verminator

29

Plasterer Jason Moffat

14

Children's Art Classes ArtShed!

Chimney Sweep The Local Chimney Sweep Conservatory Roof Solutions Nu-Look Dance & Drama Stagecoach

5 29 9 35

Education Kumon

3

Electrician Alban Electrical Services

29

Festival New Bury Summer Festival

7

Flooring KC Flooring Specialists Ltd

31

Funeral Directors Austin’s

Back Cover

Plumber DJ&M Plumbing Services Ltd

3 & 35

Property Maintenance The 50 Plus

27

Roofing GJ Smith Roofing

15

Shutters The Harpenden Shutter Company

29

Singing Club Clover Singing Club

25

Soft Furnishings Sue Smyth

25

Tree Surgeons Fircroft Tree Surgery Ltd

20

Window Cleaning Megashine

15

Windows & Doors Cloud 9 Kings Windows

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Call Jane or Wendy 07893 588291 / 313 www.theNOWmagazines.com

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

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