st albans NOW July 24

st albans NOW

promoting local businesses, events and much more since 2006

Welcome to July

It’s Festival Time, so check out page 10 for a taster of what's planned and that’s not all, just browse through the magazine and you’ll find an amazing amount to do this summer from Trails, Tours and Walks to Theatre, Comedy, Music and lots more.

To make sure you don’t miss out the magazines are always available to read online, and 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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You can NOW book advertising online Deadline 8th July for August editions jane@theNOWmagazines.com 07983 588291 www.theNOWmagazines.com

Out & About

Exhibition: People & Poems until 31st July

Writing poetry has always brought Karene HornerHughes joy, go and enjoy a selection of her work.

Workshop: ‘Let Nature Inspire Poetry’ 26th July

6pm - 8pm Spaces limited, please book, free Trestle Arts Base, St Albans AL4 0JQ www.trestle.org.uk

Dunstable Downs

Traditional Afternoon Tea Mon - Fri until 31st July

Enjoy afternoon tea with vintage crockery and spectacular views. £19.95, please book 03442 491895

Adult Mindful Nature Connection Walk 12th July 10.30am

Learn how a variety of landscapes can offer different experiences from a wellbeing perspective. £20, please book 01582 500920

Dunstable Downs Trail Half 14th July 10.30am

Enjoy the beauty of the Downs, with plenty of descents and climbs as you tackle the course's series of hills.

£30 - £32 www.letsdothis.com

Whipsnade Road, Dunstable, Beds LU6 2GY www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Luton Hoo Walled Garden

Open Wednesdays until 25th Sept 10.30am - 4pm

£7.50, child

£2.50, under 5’s free

Guided Summer Walks 3rd July & 7th Aug 10am

Gentle walks of about 2 hours with beautiful views, and some historic information. £15, please book www.trybooking.com

Summer Market Estate Day 7th July 10am - 4pm

The market will be held in the Conservatory, and the Walled Garden will be open. Free, parking £2

Luton Hoo Walled Garden LU1 4LF www.lutonhooestate.co.uk

Herts & Middlesex Wildlife Trust

Hedgehogs & How to Help Them 2nd July 2pm

Learn about hedgehog rescue and rehabilitation. £8 Hornbeam Wood Hedgehog Sanctuary, Harpenden

Dragonfly Guided Walk 20th July 11am & 1.30pm

For families and ages 8+ Free Panshanger Park, Hertford

History & Heritage with Royalty 27th July 2.30pm

A guided walk retracing the steps of Queen Victoria when she visited Panshanger in 1841. Free Panshanger Park, Hertford

Summer Tree Identification Workshop

31st July 10am

Learn how to identify trees in their summer state, starting with a classroom session and then heading into the wood. £13

Astonbury Wood, Aston SG14 3RY www.hertswildlifetrust.org.uk

Wednesday Wander 3rd July 12 noon

Guided walk to see the diversity of local wildlife. £5, £6 RSPB Rye Meads, Ware SG12 8JS www.events.rspb.org.uk

St Albans City Walks

3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th July 2.30pm Historic St Albans

7th, 14th, 21st, 28th July 11.15am Historic St Albans

6th July 2.30pm Crime & Punishment

7th July 2.30pm Coaching Inns

13th July 11am A Roman City Revealed

14th July 2.30pm A Monastery Revealed

20th July 2.30pm St Michaels & Fishpool Street

20th July 2.30pm Discover Wheathampstead

21st July 2.30pm The Pubs of St Albans

27th July 2.30pm Explore St Peters

28th July 2.30pm Tudor St Albans Revealed

31st July 2.30pm Historic St Albans

£6, please book online www.stalbanstourguides.co.uk

Nicola Moody: Weaving Relations

3rd July - 6th Sept 10am - 4pm

Exhibition exploring the relationship between a line, a thread and the weaving process. Free

Art + Design Gallery, University of Herts, College Lane Campus, Hatfield AL10 9AB

www.herts.ac.uk

Workshop: Lavender Basket Weaving

6th July 10.30am

Hosted by artist Mary Vassallo, who will help you create a basket using freshly harvested lavender. £5 OLLIE’s Community Garden, Sandridge Road

Allotment, Marshall Ave, St Albans AL3 5HS www.theolliefoundation.org

Wheathampstead Village Day

6th July 12 noon - 10pm

With a fairground, a dog show, walking field parade, children’s activities, an artisan market, funfair rides and an evening of live music from local bands. Marford Playing Fields, Wheathampstead www.wheathampstead-pc.gov.uk

Beer & World Food Festival 7th July

An afternoon of worldly tastes and live music. Free The Castle, Hertford SG14 1HR www.hertford.gov.uk

Bishop’s Garden Open Days

Sundays 7th July - 11th Aug 2pm - 4pm

Dogs on leads welcome. £5, child free Abbey Gate House, Abbey Mill Lane AL3 4HD

Sustainable St Albans

Guided Walk: Exploring Highfield Oval, Harpenden – its history & ecology 9th July 7.30pm

Find out how the site has changed over the years. Free, please book www.sustainablestalbans.org

More

Out & About

Harpenden Sustainability Market

21st July 10-3pm

A range of eco providers and sustainable food stalls, interiors, fashion, repair and reuse and more. Harpenden Common www.sustainablestalbans.org

Workshops: Art Salad 10th July 10.30am

2nd Wednesday of the month, term time only Fun filled, creative painting and drawing workshops helping older people and those living with dementia feel connected to the people around them. Free Contact Sam at contact@samanthahurleyart.com

Caledon Community Centre, London Colney AL2 1PS

St Albans Museum + Gallery

Town Hall Tour: Mayors, Magistrates & Museums

12th July 2.30pm

Discover the fascinating features of the Museum from the galas and balls to the prisoners cells below. Free, but please book, only 15 places available

Exhibition: Passion, Determination, Vision 12th July - 3rd Nov

See textile portraits representing the works and impact of locals including Saint Alban, Stephen Hawking, Francis Bacon, George Bernard Shaw, Michael Morpurgo, Lady Constance Lytton, Tim Rice and more.

Talk: Emperor of Rome: Ruling the Ancient Roman World 17th July 7pm

Presenting the content of her new book, Emperor of Rome, hear classicist Mary Beard offer an account of Roman history as it has never been presented before. Craft in the Courtroom 21st July 2.30pm free Bring your own textile projects along for conversations and crafting with the Eastern Region Textile Forum.

Summer Activities 24th July - 1st Sept

Discover the people and places of St Albans past with activities including a trail, dressing up, artefact handling and explorer buckets to help children investigate the museum. ‘In The Wonderful World of the Ladybird Book Artists’ exhibition design your own book cover celebrating historic St Albans. Free St Albans Museum + Gallery AL1 3DH www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk

National Pub & Hen Sevens

13th July 10.30am

A great day of rugby, where every team will get a chance to shine, with Men’s and Women’s competitions, Men’s Vets (40+) competition and more. Harpenden RFC AL5 2BA www.hrfc.com

Heartwood Forest

Summer Woodland Butterfly Walk

13th July 11am

With experts from Herts & Middx Butterfly Conservation

Arboretum Walk 14th July 10am - 12.30pm

An introduction to England's newest and most complete arboertum of native trees and shrubs. Meet in Nomansland car park

Heartwood Forest: Past, Present & Future 20th July 10am - 1pm

Moth Catching Demo 27th July 9pm - midnight

Discover night-flying moths as you search trees full of flowering catkins and investigate with light traps. All events are free, but please book Heartwood Forest, Sandridge AL4 9DQ www.woodlandtrust.org.uk

Highland Gathering 14th July 10.30am - 5pm

With Marching Bands, Highland Dancing, Highland Games, Dog and Duck Displays, Ferret Racing, Go Karts, Haggis Hunting, Scouts Cannon Races and Tugof-War and much more. In advance £5, on the gate £8 Rothamsted Park AL5 2LX www.harplions.com

Afternoon Tea 14th July

Enjoy a quintessential afternoon tea, tickets include access to the private gardens. £42.50, child £27.50 Ashridge, Berkhamsted HP4 1NS www.ashridgehouse.org.uk

Royal Gunpowder Mills

14th & 28th July 11am - 4pm

Explore the historic gunpowder factory and discover the secrets of its past, with rocket-making workshops, tractor-trailer tours, railway rides and more. £15, £10 Beaulieu Drive, Waltham Abbey EN9 1JY www.royalgunpowdermills.com

Bat Night 18th July 10.15pm

A talk followed by a walk with bat detectors. Please book, £7

Highfield Park, Hill End Lane, St Albans AL4 0RA www.highfieldparktrust.co.uk

Model Railway Event 20th July 10am - 4pm

Join De Havilland Model Railway Society and friends for this fascinating event. £6.20, child £1.90

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

Porsche in the Park 21st July 10.30am

Immerse yourself in the history of Porsche with an array of cars from every era.

Beechwood Park, Markyate AL3 8AW www.sub5.club

Verulamium Museum

Archaeology for Families 24th & 25th July 10am

A family friendly introduction to archaeology, learn how archaeologists record what they find in the ground, analyse genuine finds and join a ‘Blanket Dig’. Ages 712 with an adult. Free with admission

Mosaic Making Workshop

30th July 10.30am, 11.25am & 12.20pm

Create a mosaic, working with a local artist. £12.50

Age 5+ (children will require adult assistance) St Michael's Street, St Albans AL3 4SW www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk

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It’s Festival Season!

Bedford Summer Sessions

TK Maxx presents Bedford Summer Sessions, (previously Bedford Park Concerts) with amazing artists in the beautiful setting of Bedford Park.

29th June Avril Lavigne £71.50

30th June Jess Glynne £52.25

4th July Tom Jones £63.25

5th July Ibiza Classics £47.50

6th July James £55

7th July Nile Rodgers & Chic £60.50 www.smmrsessions.com

New Writing Festival

3rd - 13th July 8pm £5

Brand new one act plays of previously unperformed writing from emerging playwrights, with a different programme each evening.

Abbey Theatre, Westminster Lodge AL1 2DL www.abbeytheatre.org.uk

Chilfest 5th & 6th July

Friday is Totally Tribute with Take That Rule the World, The Smiths UTD, Badness, Rogue Minogue, I’m Every Whitney and Noasis.

Saturday will see your favourite bands from the 80s and 90s with Marc Almond, Scouting for Girls, East 17, Nik Kershaw, Baby D and more. Cow Lane, Tring HP23 5NS www.chilfest.co.uk

Kimpton

Folk Festival 6th July

Rather unusually, the venue is the entire village! On your way to concert venues at The Church and The Di King Stage, pause at the ‘busk-stops’ and pop into the pub, attend a workshop in the Dacre Rooms, or sit on the green and enjoy some free entertainment, street food and a pint of locally brewed real ale. There’ll also be clay modelling, felting, junior Morris Dancing, havea-go maypole dancing, storytelling and more. Kimpton SG4 8RD www.kimptonfolk.uk

M Festival 6th July

Showcasing local talent, while raising funds for local causes. Line up includes tribute acts The Brightside Killers, The Overtures, Captain, Daybreak, Grace George and Electric Umbrella. Plus a rodeo bull, inflatables and a silent disco.

The Marlborough Science Academy AL1 2QA www.mfestival.co.uk

Festival on the Field

6th July from 12 noon £30, child £15, family £75/£85 Family event with a fantastic line-up of tribute acts

plus Massaoke, the live band singalong clubbing sensation sweeping the UK playing the headline act.

Sir John Lawes Playing Fields, Manland Way, Harpenden AL5 4Q www.festivalonthefield.co.uk

Redbourn Festival 6th & 7th July

6th July 11am - 4pm & 6pm - 10pm

Family fun with activities for all ages, live music and entertainment.

7th July 9.30am - 4.15pm

Fete du Vélo, cycling for all, Scootathon and entertainment.

Redbourn Common www.redbournfestival.org.uk

Todd in the Hole 12th - 14th July

With over 80 bands and artists across 6 stages, there’s something for everyone, from tribute acts

The Killerz, The Fore Fighters and Stereotonics to U2 UK, Definitely Could be Oasis and Arctic Monkeyz. Plus kids activities, a dance den in the woods and cabaret and cocktails stage.

Todd’s Green, Stevenage SG1 2JE www.toddinthehole.co.uk

Home Farm Glamping

13th July 11am - 8pm

Enjoy a family festival filled with music, theatre, circus skills, crafting and wild woodland activities, all celebrating the beautiful outdoors. Overnight stays are also available in the glamping meadow. Please book Home Farm Glamping, Aldenham Road, Elstree WD6 3AZ www.athomefarm.live

Bedford Festival Fringe 18th - 28th July

It’s got everything from music and dance to comedy, theatre and children's’ entertainment. St Peter’s Street, Bedford MK40 2NN www.bedfringe.ticketsolve.com

St Albans Comedy Garden

24th - 28th July £26

See some of the biggest names in comedy, including Harry Hill, Ross Noble, Jo Brand, Simon Amstell, Dara Ó’Briain, Fern Brady, Josh Widdicombe plus many more.

Verulamium Park, St Albans AL3 4HG www.stalbanscomedygarden.co.uk

Wild Canvas 25th July - 27th Aug

A riverside camping experience with a relaxed festival atmosphere, campfires, soulful music, food and drink, river adventures, family-friendly activities and more. Turvey House Estate, Beds MK43 8EQ www.wildcanvas.uk

Big Jiveswing Festival 28th July

One of the UK’s largest free Jazz Festivals featuring some of the best internationally acclaimed Jazz musicians, bands and dancers in the UK. A great family day out with live cabarets plus dance classes for children and adults.

Cassiobury Park, Watford WD18 7LG www.jiveswing.com

Out of Town

Natural History Museum at Tring

Evening Draw & Explore 2nd July 7pm

Enjoy the peace and quiet at this after hours session, with a selection of handling specimens to draw. You can also take a tour of the extinct and endangered species on display. £15, please book

Sketch & Scribble 20th July 2.30pm Free

A chance to look closely at the colours on a butterfly’s wing or the patterns on a seashell, marvel at specimens from the handling collection and practice your artistic skills at this fun family drawing session. Walter’s Cabinet of Curiosities

24th, 25th & 31st July & 1st, 7th, 8th, 15th, 21st, 22nd, 28th & 29thAug 10.30am & 2pm

Drop-in to one of these handling and craft workshops, learn all about the cabinets of curiosity and make your own marvellous crafty creation. Free

The Walter Rothschild Building, Tring HP23 6AP www.nhm.ac.uk

Herrings Green Activity Farm & Bird of Prey Centre

An Evening on the Farm 6th July 5.30pm

Start with a BBQ supper, before you meet the birds and animals, the evening will end with a spectacular display of birds flying over your heads. £16, child £12

Best of British Photography Experience 7th July 10am

A chance to capture images of beautiful British Birds of Prey including the Barn Owl, Kestrel, Red Kite, Golden Eagle, Peregrine Falcon, Tawny Owl and little Owl. £36

Junior Animal Encounter 13th July 10am

Meet, handle and feed animals including goats, llamas, pigs, donkeys, owls, rabbits, guinea pigs and reptiles. £22, age 5+

Herrings Green Farm, Wilstead MK45 3DT www.birdsofpreycentre.co.uk

Shuttleworth Collection

Spitfire Photography Experience Day 6th July 10am

The ultimate day for fans of the Supermarine Spitfire, includes lunch. £175

Classic & Contemporary Motorcycle Sale

13th July viewing day / 14th July auction day www.iconicauctioneers.com

Summer Evening 20th July 12 noon

Exciting aircraft displays and family friendly fun. £32.50, child free

blending history, fun and community spirit.

Summer Fete 27th July 11am

Entertainment and excitement for the whole family,

ModelAir: Wings, Wheels, Water 27th July 9am

Radio control flying, free flight, radio assist, drone racing, rockets, RC Simulator and more. Free Biggleswade SG18 9DT www.shuttleworth.org

Chiltern Open Air Museum

An Evening of Opera 6th July 6.30pm

A love story built around favourite opera classics, follow four characters’ journeys through a kaleidoscope of arias, duets, and ensembles by Mozart, Rossini, Puccini, Verdi, Rodgers & Hammerstein and more. Tickets include entry to the museum, £45, child £15

Bucks Music Trust Summer Festival

7th July 12.30pm - 6.30pm

Hear around 600 young musicians from beginners to advanced, aged 4 -18 perform in the open air. £15, child £10

The Classic Vehicle Show

20th & 21st July 10am - 5pm

For car enthusiasts, motorcycle lovers, or those who just appreciate the beauty of classic vehicles. £15, child £10

Heritage Crafts Weekend

27th & 28th July 10am - 5pm

Step back in time and see traditional crafts in action, including blacksmithing and straw plaiting. £15, child £10

Terrific Tuesday 30th July 11am - 5pm

Themed family crafts and activities and hands on clay modelling. £15, child £10

Chalfont St Peter HP8 4AB www.coam.org.uk

Knebworth House

Garden Opera Evening 7th July

Wild Arts presents some of the greatest stories of all time, with dramatic intrigue, jealousy, comedy, idealism and love. Follow the characters’ journeys with musical favourites from Rossini, Handel and Viardot to Bernstein and Gershwin. Performed by four worldclass singers and a string quintet.

Great British Food Festival 20th & 21st July

A wonderful array of produce from chocolate to chutney and cheese to chilli sauces from a fabulous mix of national and regional producers.

Stevenage SG1 2AX

www.knebworthhouse.com

Hatfield House

Beekeeping Experience 7th July 9.30am - 3pm

Discover the secrets of one of the most important and fascinating creatures on the planet. Includes coffee and cake, lunch, honey tasting and goody bags. £120

Champagne Carriage Tour Experience

14th July 10am, 12 noon & 2pm

Step back in time and take a journey through Hatfield Park on a horse drawn carriage, includes champagne and guidebook. £60

Battle Proms 20th July 4.30pm

A summer celebration with music, fireworks, Spitfire, cannons and cavalry! Bring a picnic. £22

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NOW for some Entertainment

Roman Theatre Open Air Festival until 8th Sept here’s what’s planned for July

The Merry Wives of Windsor until 28th July various dates £12.50 - £29.50

A summer music festival, a bunch of 80s rockers on the comeback trail and an ageing lothario.

Sense & Sensibility

2nd July - 18th Aug various dates £15.50 - £29.50

A contemporary makeover in this funny adaptation.

Maltings Mostly Comedy 4th July 8pm £17

Comedy from Angelos Epithemiou and Rosie Holt.

Spring Awakening

10th - 14th July 7.30pm £15.50 - £24.50

Coming-of-age story of a group of German teenagers facing the inner and outer tumult of sexuality.

Treasure Island

15th July & 15th Aug 7.30pm £15.50 - £24.50

Treasure, treachery, mutiny and mayhem on this dangerous voyage.

Robin Hood

17th July & 22nd Aug 7.30pm £15.50 - £24.50

Join Robin, Marian and the Merry Men for a hilarious take on this timeless classic.

Richard III

18th - 21st July times vary £15.50 - £29.50

The politically charged story of Richard’s climb to power using violence, seduction and charm.

Pretty, Witty Nell / Love Labours Won 22nd July 7.30pm £15.50 - £24.50

A one-woman tragicomedy in rhyming iambic pentameter, about Nell Gwynne, the mistress of Charles II, and one of the most acclaimed plays ever to come out of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

MacDeth! 23rd July 7.30pm £15.50 - £24.50

Imagine Monty Python trying to perform Macbeth and you have an idea of what you can expect!

Sweet Love Adieu

24th July 7.30pm £15.50 - £24.50

Verse, tights, codpiece and lights. Romeo and Juliet meet Monty Python in this hilarious comedy of errors.

The Merchant of Venice 31st July - 3rd Aug & 6th - 11th Aug times vary £15.50 - £29.50

A modernised adaptation of this timeless tale as it meets the vibrancy of the 21st century.

The Roman Theatre of Verulamium Bluehouse Hill, St Albans AL3 6AE www.ovo.org.uk

The EMC

Jasper Carrott 2nd & 3rd July 7.30pm £37

Jasper brings his razor-sharp wit and charm.

How Raphael Became the Prince of Painters 18th July 10.30am £8

Lecture with The Arts Society Harpenden Area,

The Last Laugh 26th July 7.30pm & 27th July 2.30pm & 7.30pm £24

This brand-new play about comedy heroes, Tommy Cooper, Eric Morecambe and Bob Monkhouse in this touching, insightful, warm, funny and nostalgic show.

The Eric Morecambe Centre, Harpenden AL5 2FR www.the-emc.co.uk

The Horn Stratton 5 2nd July 8pm £10

Featuring various rock bands from the area.

Albion 4th July 8pm £10

Acoustic folk music alongside rock and metal.

Nu-Metal Night 5th July 8pm Free

The ultimate nu-metal tribute band El Bronson.

The Rolling Clones 6th July 2pm £15

World Famous Rolling Stones tribute.

The Devout 6th July 9pm £18

Europe's leading tribute to Depeche Mode.

Dead Pony 7th July 7pm £15

Think Bombpops in a blender with early Debbie Harry Sweet Pills / Suds 11th July 8pm £15

Emo songs embracing the edges of pop and hardcore

90's & Britpop Night 12th July 8pm Free

Featuring covers band Popscene!

Festival Anthems 19th July 8pm Free

Featuring local covers band Half Life.

Red Hot Chili Peppers UK 20th July 9pm £15

Tribute to The Red Hot Chili Peppers.

Indie Rock Night 26th July 8pm Free

With covers band The 88.

Ion Maiden 27th July 9pm £15

A fully charged tribute to Iron Maiden.

The Kut 30th July 7pm £10

Refreshing blast of female-driven punk-pop swagger

The Horn, St Albans AL1 3TE www.thehorn.co.uk

As You Like It

3rd & 5th July 7.30pm & 6th July 2.30pm

Cornelia’s Café, St Nicholas Church, Harpenden £10 from Manor Pharmacy, Harpenden 01582 620269 www.hsplayers.org.uk

Campus West

West Side Jazz 3rd July 7.30pm

Open air production presented by High Street Players

Whether you're a devoted jazz enthusiast or just looking for a good night out, join West Side Jazz on the first Wednesday of every month. This month see rising star Ineza Kerschkamp. £14

Sons of Pitches - The Best Bits 20th July 7.30pm

Celebrating 10 years of A Cappella adventures. £24 Campus West, Welwyn Garden City AL8 6BX www.campuswest.co.uk

The Alban Arena

Tinkerbell, Hook & The Golden Treasure

4th July & 5th July 7.30pm & 6th July 2pm & 6.30pm £21, child £20

Join Tinkerbell and her gang on a musical adventure in search of buried treasure, will they rescue Peter Pan and beat Captain Hook and his rascally pirates?

Connect, 13th July 2.30pm & 7.30pm £28

Vibrant, energetic and talented performers from the Stella Mann College of Performing Arts present this show with a wide range of dance and musical theatre styles accompanied by a live band.

The Horne Section’s Hit Show 18th July 8pm £27

Unruly, ridiculous and surprisingly satisfying. Expect comedy, songs, enthusiastic dancing, and a lot of mucking about. A brand-new show from the hugely talented band and Alex Horne, the creator and cohost of Comedy Award winning Taskmaster. Age 12+

Jools Holland & His Rhythm & Blues Orchestra 19th July 7.30pm £67, £57

As ever, Jools continues to dazzle, involve and impress audiences with exuberant live performances.

Girl Power Experience 20th July 9pm £48 - £30.50

A night of non-stop bangers from the epic 8-piece girl band, in this singalong concert with tracks from Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, Aretha Franklin, Cyndi Lauper, Madonna, Adele, Lady GaGa and more!

What’s Love Got To Do With It

21st July 7.30pm £35, £29, £22

Celebrating the music and 60-year career of the rock and soul legend, Tina Turner. Expect a night of high energy and feel-good rock ’n’ roll, performed by an alllive band, with hits including River Deep, Simply The Best, Private Dancer and many more.

In The Night Garden Live

27th July 10am, 1pm & 4pm

28th July 10am & 1pm from £17.50

Igglepiggle, Upsy Daisy, Makka Pakka and friends are back in this fun-filled show.

Civic Centre, St Albans AL1 3LD

www.alban-arena.co.uk

St Albans Chamber Choir 6th July 3pm £18

Fête Française / Saint-Saens: Calme des Nuits

Ravel: Trois Chansons /Debussy: Trois Chansons

Lili Boulanger: Hymne au Soleil and piano duets by Fingers Crossed.

St Peter’s Church, St Albans AL1 3HG

www.stalbanschamberchoir.org.uk

Lazy Sunday Music

Sundays 7th - 21st July 10am - 5pm £18, child £11

Listen to live music, with a different genre every week, bring deck chairs and a picnic.

Wrest Park, Silso MK45 4HR

www.english-heritage.org.uk

Summer Sounds & Classic Cars

13th July 12 noon - 8pm £15, child £8

Vintage cars and motorbikes, live music, activities for the young and young at heart and artisan crafts, all in aid of the Hospice of St Francis.

Event Field (entrance opposite Hamberlins Lane), Dudswell, Berkhamsted HP4 3TA

www.stfrancis.org.uk

Outdoor Theatre at Shaw's Corner

An Ideal Husband 13th July 7pm £18

Oscar Wilde’s wonderfully witty and 'Wilde' play about public and private honour.

Mrs Warren's Profession 26th July 6.30pm £22

Bernard Shaw’s sharp, witty observations and biting, social commentary make it a thought-provoking classic ahead of its time.

Shaw's Corner, Ayot St Lawrence AL6 9BX

www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Comedy Bar 19th July 7pm £7

Headliner: Joshua Robertson

Comedians from around the region will tickle your funny bones, incite belly laughs and bring tears of mirth in this evening of fun and entertainment.

Hat Factory Arts Centre, Luton LU1 2EY www.culturetrust.com

Screaming Blue Murder Club

22nd July 8pm

This months comedy club presents Carey Marx and Tania Edwards with compere Bennett Arron.

The Old Town Hall Arts Centre, Hemel Hempstead HP1 3AE

www.oldtownhall.co.uk

Little Shop of Horrors 25th - 28th July

Adeviously delicious Broadway and Hollywood sci-fi smash musical that has devoured the hearts of theatre goers for over 30 years.

Sandpit Theatre, St Albans AL4 9NX

www.sandpittheatre.ticketsolve.com

Sundown Cinema: Stockwood Park

31st July The Super Mario Bros: The Movie 2pm

31st July Wonka 3pm

Each film: £11, child £5

Stockwood Park, London Rd, Luton LU1 4LX

www.sundowncinema.co.uk

St Albans

South Signal Box

When the Midland Mainline (MML) was first built to take freight, it ended at Bedford and trains carried on to Hitchin and into London via the Great Northern Railway into Kings Cross. The MML was built and paid for by Midland businessmen who wanted to ship coal and then beer into London. Later this was added to by milk and fresh produce, and then people!

It was only in 1868 when St Pancras opened that the MML was completed between Bedford and the London terminus, passing St Albans on the way. The present Grade II listed Signal Box was opened in June 1892, and closed in December 1979 and is now over 132 years old. On closing it was left in a derelict condition, until a group was formed to restore it in 2002. After arranging a lease with Network Rail and obtaining planning permission, the Box was restored in 2007/8 and first opened to the public in April 2009. Since then over 31,000 people have visited. The Box won the St Albans Civic Society’s Award in 2008, the National Railway Heritage Signalling Award in 2010, and the Mayor’s Pride Award in 2017.

We are regularly in the top 10 of St Albans attractions, although at first Network Rail wanted the Signal Box moved away, but eventually relented and we are now the largest preserved Midland Signal Box in the UK still in its original position alongside a main line with trains passing at 100mph.

Why not visit St Albans South Signal Box at St Albans City Station. There are many artefacts to see in our large garden and Museum, and a signalling demonstration upstairs shows how the signalman worked. Everyone, young and old, has the opportunity to see the Thomas and Friends model railway, ring bells, pull levers and work the signals. Light refreshments are available, and you can park in the Station Car Park by Platform 4, or on Ridgmont Road. Unfortunately, there is no wheelchair access to the first floor Operating Deck. Entry is free, but donations towards our upkeep and further development are always welcome.

We will be open 2pm-5pm on the second and fourth Sunday each month until the end of Oct, and at the same times on 30th Oct (half term). Heritage Open Weekend is on 7th - 8th Sept, 10am - 5pm More information can be found at www.sigbox.co.uk John Telford, St Albans

St Albans Scouts Need You!

There are just under 2000 children and young people (aged 4 to 17) involved in Scouts in St Albans and with over 250 activities from abseiling and kayaking to pioneering and zorbing there is something for everyone. Cub Scout Lola, aged 9 said, “I’ve just been camping for the weekend. I did archery, backwoods cooking, caving, hiking, tent pitching and cooking s’mores on an open fire. It was brilliant.”

In a recent survey, 88% of Scouts said they had tried an activity whilst in Scouts they had never done before. At a recent event at Windsor Castle, Chief Scout Bear Grylls said, “Be proud of everything you’ve achieved, think of your adventures and the friendships you’ve made, look forward to the great adventures yet to come, and never forget your promise to do your best and to help other people.”

Scout Groups are run by volunteers and as they continue to grow there is a “shout out” for more people to volunteer. Volunteer Nigel said, “Volunteering with Scouts is a great way to help young people develop, to share your knowledge, hobbies and skills with others and to put a smile on your face. It gives you the opportunity to contribute to the positive development of tomorrow’s adults.”

With 17 Scout Groups in and around St Albans, there are many opportunities for children, young people and adults to get involved. Why not get in touch to see how you can help. For more information visit www.scouts.org.uk

I offer a wide range of footcare treatments on Tuesdays at Verulam Pharmacy (by Waitrose) King Harry Lane, or I can visit you in the comfort of your own home. Fully insured, DBS Certified

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NOW at the Cathedral

Organ Concert 3rd July 12.30pm Free

Print & Stitch Workshop 6th July 10.30am £25

Using traditional Indian wood blocks, learn to print beautiful patterns onto fabric and then stitch into your design.

Coronation Mass & Requiem 6th July 7.30pm

Performed by St Albans Bach Choir. £15 - £36, child £15

Talk: Touching Cloth: Confessions & Communions of a Young Priest 10th July 7.30pm £12

What makes a twenty something become a priest in the 21st century.

Hertfordshire Herstories: Wicked Women

13th July 1pm £10

Hear about the formidable women in Hertfordshire’s history, featuring Christina of Markyate, Sarah Churchill the Duchess of Marlborough and Katherine Ferrers.

Crossing the Waters 13th July 7.30pm £25 & £35

The Reverend Canon Mpho Tutu van Furth and Pete

Letanka present a scripted conversation punctuated with live music, their stories and experiences.

French Connections - More to Explore Tour

14th July 1.30pm

See historical connections with France, as both enemies and allies, that are scattered throughout the Cathedral.

Combined Cathedral Floor & Tower Tour

16th & 19th July 10.30am £20

A tour of the Cathedral, on and above ground.

A Wilder Future for Hertfordshire & Middlesex

17th July 8.30pm £10

Find out what the Wildlife Trust is doing and what individuals and communities can do to help.

Let the Women Speak!

18th July & 15th Aug 2pm £10, child £3

Hear the stories of women from all walks of life, and across the ages who have left their mark on the history of the cathedral.

Archival Skills: Medieval Palaeography

25th July 4.30pm £6

Discover how to decodify evidence in the form of medieval manuscripts and legal documents in this beginners workshop.

Sounds Around the Abbey

25th - 27th July 7.30pm £10 - £40

An eclectic mix of music and song ranging from rock and pop classics to magnificent songs from popular West End shows, in aid of Rennie Grove Peace Hospice Care.

Summer Camp 29th July - 2nd Aug 9am - 4pm

A week of fun joined by mad scientists, samba drummers, cooks, actors, and many more. £100 for the week, for years 1 - 6

St Albans Cathedral AL1 1BY www.stalbanscathedral.org

NGS Open Gardens

16 Langley Crescent St Albans AL3 5RS 5th July 5pm - 8pm

6th July 2.30pm - 5.30pm

A compact walled garden set on a slope with a wide range of unusual herbaceous perennials, shrubs and trees. The rear garden has a lower section with herbaceous beds and leads to a secluded area beside a wildlife pond surrounded by rambling roses. £5, child free 49 Ellis Fields St Albans AL3 6BG 7th July 12 noon - 5pm

A small tranquil urban garden, with structural evergreen plants, seasonal planting and lots of bee and bird friendly flowers and raised seating areas. £4, child free

9 Tannsfield Dr Hemel Hempstead HP2 5LG 7th July 1.30pm - 4.30pm

A town garden to surprise, where dense planting and the ever-present sound of water, create an oasis of calm. Narrow paths lead you on a voyage of discovery of the garden's many features. £4, child free

Morning Light 7 Armitage Close

Loudwater WD3 4HL

21st July 1pm - 5pm

Densely planted with hardy and tender perennials and shrubs, including Astilbes and Phlox, plus island beds, a pond and a large conservatory stocked with sub-tropicals. £5, child free

15 Gade Valley Cottages

Great Gaddesden HP1 3BW

21st July 1.30pm - 5pm

Sloping rural garden with lawn, borders, a pond and paths through a woodland area emerging by a wildlife pond, seating with views across the Gade Valley or a quiet shady area with sounds of bubbling water, with Acers, Hostas and ferns in shady areas and Hemerocallis, Dahlias, Iris, Crocosmia and Phlox in sun. £5, child free

35 Digswell Road

Welwyn Garden City AL8 7PB

28th July 2pm - 5.30pm

Town garden with naturalistic planting inspired by the Dutch garden designer, Piet Oudolf. The garden has perennial borders and a small meadow full of herbaceous plants and grasses, and a lush jungle garden with bamboos, bananas, palms and tree ferns. £5, child free www.findagarden.ngs.org.uk

More Out of Town

Hatfield House continued

Folk By The Oak 21st July 12 noon

An uplifting, family-friendly summer festival of the finest folk, roots and acoustic music. £21

Peter Pan 29th July 5.30pm

Join Peter as he embarks on an awfully big adventure, introducing the Darling children to the lost boys, the cheeky Tinkerbell, the hilarious Smee, before facing the most feared villain of them all, the infamous Captain Hook! £16, child £12

Hatfield House AL9 5HX www.hatfield-house.co.uk

Waddesdon

Music at the Manor 11th - 14th July

Gates 6pm, music starts 7.30pm

Put on your dancing shoes, and enjoy the music of some of the UK’s best tribute acts.

Bootleg Beatles 11th July

The world’s premier Beatles tribute band

Radio Gaga 12th July

The ultimate celebration of Queen, one the biggest bands to have ever graced the stage.

Thank You For The Music 13th July

Bringing all ABBA’s number one hits to the stage in a production like no other.

Take That Experience 14th July

All the classic songs, from 90s hits to their most recent triumphs.

Please book, £35 per event, age 12+

Richard II 21st July 2pm

One of Shakespeare’s most incendiary plays, brought vividly to life in this brand-new production, think Shakespeare is all about shouty men in tights? Think again. Free with grounds admission Waddesdon, Aylesbury, Bucks HP18 0JH www.waddesdon.org.uk

Bletchley Park

Military Vehicle Display 13th July

See a collection of vehicles used by military from around the world.

£23.40, ages 12 - 17 £15.75, u12 free

Talk & Demonstration:

The Life, Works & Codebreaking Machines of Marian Rejewski 20th July

Summer of Cyber

Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays

29th July - 30th Aug drop in 11am & 3.30pm

Find out how to keep your data safe and increase your cyber security with a mixture of fun activities. Programme a Lego safe with a secure number code. Learn how personal data on social media can be used to hack someone’s email account. Hear about biometrics and see your face mesh. Create passwords and test how secure they are. For families with children aged 7-14

Bletchley Park, Milton Keynes MK3 6EB www.bletchleypark.org.uk

Buckinghamshire Railway Centre

Moving the Mail 21st July

Marking the 20th anniversary year of the ending of the Travelling Post Office (TPO) service, with TPO carriages on display. The day will also feature 100 years of Morris Commercial with the Post Office Vehicle Club.

Summer Steamings 24th July - 1st Sept

See a steam train in action, and enjoy a ride up and down the track, take a miniature train ride and visit the Railway Museum and Visitor Centre.

Quainton, Aylesbury HP22 4BY www.bucksrailcentre.org

Flying Days: The Americans 26th July 10am - 6pm

A tale of two countries bound by duty, find out about the special relationship between America and Britain. Enjoy a few surprises in the sky and a great day out on the ground. £35 IWM Duxford, Cambs CB22 4QR www.iwm.org.uk

Surgery & Garden Care

St Albans Based 35 Years Experience

chris.futurenature@gmail.com

NOW for the Kids

Whipsnade Zoo

Toddler Safari Mondays until 16th July 11am

Join the team for a fun and exciting walk. Splash in a puddle like a penguin, waddle like a duck through the Downs, follow tracks and trails, go bug hunting or find rainbows in the Butterfly House.

Walk of the Week 10.30am

Spend time with experts, getting behind-the-scenes info and strolling off the beaten track.

4th July Queer Ecology Tour - Native Species

Take a look at the queer ecology of trees and native species.

11th July Fearsome Face Off

Learn about the adaptions animals make to survive in the wild.

18th July Animals in Football

Hear about the historical importance of animals in club badges and mascots. All events free with entry Whipsnade Zoo, Dunstable LU6 2LF www.whipsnadezoo.org

Day Out With Thomas 13th July

Enjoy a ride on Thomas the Tank Engine and Percy then meet Sir Topham Hatt, Rusty and Dusty, the Station Sweepers and Trevor the Traction Engine.

Buckinghamshire Railway Centre Quainton, Aylesbury HP22 4BY www.bucksrailcentre.org

Family Saturdays 20th July & 17th Aug 10am

Discover nature, conservation and prehistory with a morning of fun packed volunteering activities for all the family. Free, but please book Celtic Harmony Camp, Brickendon SG13 8NY www.celticharmony.org

Big Dig: Festival of Archaeology

20th & 21st July 10am - 4.30pm

Children can join in with the UK's biggest annual celebration of archaeology, get hands-on at the excavation stations, dig deep into our past and earn your ‘dig license’. Just turn up, child £2 Dunstable Downs, Whipsnade Road, Beds LU6 2GY www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Shaggy’s Summer Spectacular 20th July - 1st Sept

Water Zorbing, Foam Party, Silent Disco, Bottle feeding the lambs, Sky Trail-High Ropes, Go Karts, JCB Digger Village, Pony Grooming and more. £10 - £17.25, child £10 - £16.25

Mead Open Farm, Billington, Beds LU7 9JH www.meadopenfarm.co.uk

Summer Spectacular 20th July - 1st Sept

Enjoy a packed programme of summertime fun. Get lost in the a-maze-ing Maize Maze, have a splashing good time in the splash-tastic Puddle Play Park, see Peter Rabbit and his friends on the Outdoor Show Stage, take the Rabbit Woodland Trail and Squirrel Nutkin’s Zip Wire, visit the Peter Rabbit Adventure Playground, the Lily Bobtail Nature Discovery Area and lots more. Willows Activity Farm, St Albans AL4 0PF www.willowsactivityfarm.com

Hertford Castle

Teddy Bears Picnic 21st July 12 noon - 4pm

Pack your picnic and take along your teddy for a day of fun and adventure, including a bear hunt inside the castle, games and activities around the grounds and the annual Teddy Bear’s parade.

Children's Summer Trail 27th July - 31st Aug

Follow the trail map and discover the knitted characters hiding in shops and windows across Hertford Town Centre. Locate the clues for a chance to win a £30 gift voucher to spend at a local shop. Download the trail from the website

The Castle, Hertford SG14 1HR www.hertford.gov.uk

The Bug Hunt 26th July 10.30am - 1pm

Fun in the garden with all things creepy, crawly, fluttering and flying, with quizzes and fun on the hunt for the bugs of an English country garden. Adult £2, child £5, U2’s free Luton Hoo Walled Garden, Luton LU1 4LF www.lutonhooestate.co.uk

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● Bathrooms, Shower Rooms, Cloakrooms and Kitchens from Design to Completion

● Local Family Run Business, Over 40 Years Experience

● Honest and Reliable Service

● Free Consultation/ Quotation for all Enquiries

Discounts given on all Bathrooms & Kitchens supplied

● Electric and Power Showers

● Repair/Renew Stopcocks, Taps and Outside Taps

● Blocked WC’s, Sinks, Baths and Basins

● Leaking Pipes and Overflows

● Washing Machines and Dishwashers Installed

Dean Herrington 07830 159010 01727 764217 info@djmplumbing.co.uk www.djmplumbing.co.uk

Offering New Services:

Garden Clearance and Tidy Up

Regular Garden Maintenance Tree and Shrub Pruning

Hedge Cutting

Planting

Fencing and Patios including Repairs and Cleaning

Water Features and Ponds

All Aspects of Hard Landscaping

Please call 01727 757463 07747 692153 www.lanwarnelandscapes.co.uk

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