st albans NOW July 19

Pick p me u m I’ E FRE

st albans July 2019

NOW

Local businesses, what’s on and lots more inside

promoting local businesses, organisations and events since 2006

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Welcome to July This month the magazines are full to the brim with Folk, Fringe, the IOFestival, Outdoor Theatre and Cinema, Knebworth and Hatfield House, Wildlife Events and so much more. If you’re not flying away on holiday, why not make a flying visit instead to Duxford, Shuttleworth or the RAF Museum where’s there’s so much going on.

Have a look at page 24 to make sure you enter our competition to WIN TICKETS for the Bedford Park Concerts.

If you run your own business we’d love to include you, we offer a helpful, friendly service so just give us a call.

The magazines are monthly, if you don’t receive one, pick up a copy in town or read them on our social media pages. Don’t forget to mention st albans NOW when calling our advertisers.

Jane & Wendy

@theNOWmagazines

Outdoor Theatre & Cinema NOW at The Local Theatres

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lots of drama!

NOW for some Music

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folk, fringe & festivals

Walks, Talks & More

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out & about

St Albans Let’s Walk

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walking through history

Flying Fun

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RAF, Duxford, Bletchley & more

WIN Tickets

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Rita Ora, Café Mambo & The Proms

NOW at The Museums

Advertising Rates

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Shakesspeare, Shaw & more

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Hepworth, hats & Herts WI

NOW at The Alban Arena

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music, comedy & more

Wildlife & More

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moths, butterflies & hedgehogs

Summer Fun

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other options are available

classics galore & more

Please get in touch

What’s on in July & August

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Index of Businesses

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jane@theNOWmagazines.com 07983 588291

Deadline 15th July for August edition www.theNOWmagazines.com

Bicycle Repairs to Windows & Doors

To Advertise 07983 588291 jane@theNOWmagazines.com

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St Albans IOFestival The internationally renowned St Albans International Organ Festival welcomes everyone to its 30th Festival celebrating organ music and much more.

Highlights include Howard Blake 80th Birthday Concert: The Academy of St Martin in the Fields and St Albans Bach Choir perform an all-Blake programme centred around his dramatic oratorio Benedictus, and the premiere of a new a capella arrangement of Walking in the Air Three Choirs Concert: The combined Boys’, Girls’, Men’s and Women’s Choirs of St Albans Cathedral, Jesus College Cambridge and Salisbury Cathedral Rachel Podger headlines a series of late-night Concerts by Candlelight; plus David Hill and David Ponsford harpsichord duo, and the Choir of King’s College London Simon Callow and Carducci String Quartet: The award-winning actor reads TS Eliot’s Four Quartets, interspersed with Beethoven’s late opus 132 string quartet

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Concerto Final: James O’Donnell directs St James’ Baroque in works

by Handel including Concertos performed by our three Interpretation Competition finalists Catherine Wyn-Rogers: best-loved English songs, performed by one of our leading singers Il Pegaso: Leading Italian early music ensemble present recently discovered works by Monteverdi and Frescobaldi The Cabinet of Dr Caligari: Organ and live electronics to the classic German silent film of 1920 Bach Corners: Lunchtime concerts by outstanding young organists Plus jury recitals, the ever-popular art exhibition, jazz at Lussmann’s and more, all centred around the world’s leading organ competition.

This year’s events are dedicated to the memory of Peter Hurford, who founded the festival in 1963 and died in March this year, and to his wife, Pat, who died in 2017.

Tickets from the St Albans Cathedral box office. www.organfestival.com

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Luna Open Air Cinema

Outdoor Theatre Romeo & Juliet 1st - 6th July 8pm (3rd & 6th 3pm) £10 - £18 Macbeth 9th - 13th July 8pm £10 - £18 Roman Theatre of Verulamium, St Albans AL3 6AE www.ticketsource.co.uk/ovo A Midsummer Night’s Dream 6th July 7.30pm Bring a picnic and join Chapterhouse Theatre Company as they present Shakespeare’s story of star-crossed lovers, playful fairies and magical forests. Please book 0344 249 1895 £16, child £11, family £46 Claydon House, Bucks MK18 2EY www.nationaltrust.org.uk/claydon The Pirates Of Penzance 14th July 3pm A performance of Gilbert and Sullivan’s best known operetta, with a difference...in the woods!

Bring seating and a picnic. £19, child £6 Highfield Park Pavilion, St Albans AL4 0RA www.operaanywhere.com Arms and the Man 20th & 21st July 6.30pm An anti-romantic view of love and war in the Balkans. Who will win the girl; the story book hero or the chocolate cream soldier? Lots of humour and thought-provoking quips along the way, as one would expect from George Bernard Shaw. £20 Palladian Church, Ayot St Lawrence www.eventbrite.co.uk Sense and Sensibility 21st July 7pm Elinor has good sense, her sister Marianne has sensibility in Austen’s classic novel of scandals, scoundrels and severely sprained ankles. This funny, fast-paced adaptation by The Pantaloons features live music, audience interaction, romance and heartbreak. £13.50, child £8 Shenley Park Walled Garden WD7 9DW www.shenleypark.co.uk

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Highfield Park St Albans AL4 0RE Doors 8pm, films 9.30pm 3rd July: Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again 4th July: Bohemian Rhapsody Knebworth House SG1 2AX Doors 8pm, films 9.30pm 4th July: Batman 5th July: A Star is Born 6th July: Mamma Mia: Here we go Again 7th July: Bohemian Rhapsody Luna Kids Doors 4pm, film 4.30pm 31st July: Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse Cinema - adult £13.50, child £8 Cinema and park - adult £18.50, child £13 The Luna Kids Bar will be serving soft drinks, healthy juices and water, while the Big Kids Bar will offer everything from chilled prosecco and wine to hot drinks. Please book and print tickets.

Bring picnics, low-backed chairs and blankets. www.thelunacinema.com

Launch Day - The Alban Arena 25th June Mamma Mia 2 - Here We Go Again 10am Casablanca 2pm The Rocky Horror Picture Show 7.30pm

Open Air Cinema - St Albans Cathedral 26th June Gladiator 8pm 27th June Romeo and Juliet 8pm 28th June Stand by me 4.30pm Trainspotting 1 & 2 7pm 29th June The Greatest Showman Singalong 10am Raiders of the Lost Ark 4pm Grease Singalong 8pm 1st July Shawshank Redemption 8pm 2nd July The Silence of the Lambs 8pm 3rd July Withnail and I 8pm 4th July Jerry Maguire 8pm 5th July All Is Lost + Live Musical Score by Animat 8pm 6th July Smallfoot 10am Lady and The Tramp 2pm

The Fleetville Larder - St Albans AL1 4JS 26th June Coming to America - 80's Comedy Classics 7.45pm 28th June Ghostbusters 7.45pm 1st July The Naked Gun 7.45pm 3rd July Trading Places 7.45pm 5th July Dirty Rotten Scoundrels www.stalbansfilmfestival.com

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NOW at the Local Theatres Luton Central Library LU1 2NG Mermazing Pirate Adventure 3rd July 11am £12 Mermaid Merchelle only wants one thing, to become human for a day. So with the help of her new friend, Pirate Pete, she sets out to try and find the right magic spells to make her wish come true.

Snow White, Rose Red, Bear Brown 6th July 2pm £8 Snow White and Rose Red - sisters, twins and best friends have lived in the forest since they were Babes in the Wood. One day when their quiet life is interrupted by a friendly bear a new chapter begins. Using puppets, storytelling, original music and a fantastical fairytale forest. Age 4+ Circles in the Sand 8th July 9.30am, 10.45am, 12.30pm £5 Enjoy a world of buckets, castle building, spinning and tumbling in this delightful show which explores sand in new and exciting ways. Imaginative and captivating, providing the perfect introduction to theatre for the very young. Age 0-3 years Nextminster The Musical 13th July 7pm - 8pm £8 / £6 concs Set in a time of social unrest. Where those in charge are failing to address the hopes and needs of young people. This musical sets fire to the rule book and shines a light brightly on a new tomorrow. All ages www.lutonculture.com

Hertford Theatre SG14 1PS The Close-up Show 20th July 8pm An intimate evening of close-up magic, trickery and sleight of hand with 3 magicians of contrasting styles. www.hertfordtheatre.com

Maltings Arts Theatre AL1 3HL Dalloway 25th & 26th July 8pm While Clarissa Dalloway prepares a party in Westminster, Septimus Smith is diagnosed with shell-shock, their memories and dreams magically intertwining with those of 15 other disparate souls.

Conjuring the hopes and regrets of post-war London, Dyad’s adaptation of Virginia Woolf’s celebrated map of hearts, minds and memories offers a magical and compellingly feminist response to the aftermath of WW1. £13 www.maltingsartstheatre.co.uk

Building • Roofing • Decorating Quality work at competitive prices in St Albans, Harpenden and surrounding areas Building in Harpenden since 1890

Abbey Theatre AL1 2DL Ben Hur 5th - 13th July The absorbing story of the struggle of Ben-Hur, played at breakneck speed, with sincerity and conviction by four actors. By Patrick Barlow based on the novel by General 'Lew' Wallace, performed

by The Company of Ten www.abbeytheatre.org.uk

01582 840201 enquiries@claridgeandhall.com Please call for a free quotation

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NOW for some Music

Len Rawle MBE Theatre Organ Concert 13th July 7.30pm With an enthusiasm for teaching, lecturing and writing in addition to concerts on both pipe and electronic instruments, Len invariably produces a wide variety of new sounds from the instrument at hand. Soirée starting outside at 5pm. £12.50 St Albans Organ Theatre AL1 5PE www.stalbansorgantheatre.org.uk

St Michael’s Street Folk Evening 3rd July 8pm free This year, 10 dance groups, will perform in open-air shows, with live music in two pubs, the churchyard and near the Puddingstone. At 7.15pm the church bells will ‘ring in’ the merriment, the street will be closed to traffic from 8pm - 10pm and will become the venue for around 32 dance shows. Music will continue until 10.30pm at the churchyard, and in the pubs until closing time.

St Michael's Village www.stmichaelsfolkevening.org.uk

Kimpton Folk Festival 6th July www.kimptonfolk.uk

M Festival 6th July www.themfestival.co.uk

Under African Skies 13th July 7.30pm Quorum Singers of St Albans present an evening of music and food inspired by Africa in aid of Spotlight on Africa. Cash bar and raffle. £15 Our Lady of Lourdes Church Hall, Harpenden www.quorumsingers.org.uk

Music to Watch the Flowers By 28th July 12 noon - 6pm Family concert with jazz, blues and rock.

Bring a picnic or buy refreshments in the Garden.

Children's bouncy castles and soft play for under 5s £6.50, child £3, under 2s free Shenley Park, Radlett Lane WD7 9DW www.shenleypark.co.uk

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IOFringe The IOFringe promotes the diversity of local music while offering performance opportunities to complement St Albans International Organ Festival.

3rd July Dennis Teeth St Albans Clock Tower 12 noon - 3pm free The unique sound of this musical saw extraordinaire!

Sambuka at St Michael’s Street Folk Evening Outside Verulamium Museum 8pm - 9.30pm free Open Mic Night with Pete Sutton The Farmer’s Boy, London Road 9pm - 11pm free email: openmic@petesutton.co.uk to bag a slot 4th July Big Al and the Blistering Buicks The Farmer’s Boy, London Road 9pm - 11pm free Rocking oldies and country Oka Vanga at Redbourn Folk Club The Hollybush, Redbourn 8pm £9 Award winning folk and roots duo 6th July IOFringe Street Party St Albans Town Centre 12 noon - 4pm free Hosted by The Blue Angel Acoustic Café 7th July Vintage Dance Organ St Albans Clock Tower 12 noon - 3pm free Listen to the amazing 1928 Mortier Dance Organ Gary & Dave’s Nashville Skyline The Farmer’s Boy, London Road 9pm - 11pm free Country-folk with a good dose of harmonica parping!

10th July Hugh Barwell St Albans Clock Tower 12 noon - 3pm free Accordionist extraordinaire Harey Open Mic – IOFringe Special The Hare & Hounds, Sopwell Lane 8.30pm free email: theparsonsknows@outlook.com to bag a slot 11th July Free Electric Band The Farmer’s Boy, London Road 9pm free Classic Rock, Blues, Rhythm & Blues and Rock 'n' Roll 13th July The IOFringe Garden Party Vintry Garden 12 noon - 5pm free A celebration of musical delights to close the Fringe Summer Garden Party with Stanley Dee The Farmer’s Boy, London Road 3pm - 6pm free 11 piece band paying tribute to the great Steely Dan FaceBook: @IOFringe

Classical Guitar Tuition

www.merlinmiller.co.uk 07831572618

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Reasons for Putting Your Affairs in Good Order Ian Lees, Managing Director of Westminster Wills, gives 5 reasons why you should have an up-to-date will in place.

For peace of mind and to pass your money down through the generations efficiently and effectively, you will require a written and valid Will. By not making a Will you are deciding to make a State Will. This means the courts will distribute your estate under the laws of intestacy.

1.Rights for unmarried partners -There is no such thing in law as a ‘Common law marriage’.

Cohabitees have no automatic rights to the assets of their partners. Without a Will the courts will decide on and distribute all assets.

2. Divorce does not annul a Will - Following a divorce a Will is not revoked after the Decree Nisi. Without a new will the estate may be distributed to an ex-spouse by an existing Will.

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3. Marriage or Civil Partnership annuls a Will A marriage or civil partnership automatically revokes a Will, unless there is a ‘contemplation of marriage’ built into it. A new Will reflecting the new relationship should be considered.

4. The cost of care - Many people feel aggrieved to be paying for their care in later life, especially when average fees are approx. £37 - £50k pa.

One advantage of being a self-funder is that you have more choice in your selection of care home.

5. New measures to prevent ‘predatory marriages’ are being put forward to the House of Commons to protect usually more elderly and frail people. This was highlighted recently in a case of MrsX, a 91 year old with vascular dementia who married a man 24 years younger than her a year before her death.

To discuss making or updating a Will please call 01727 867 888 www.westminsterwills.co.uk

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British Schools Museum

Walks, Talks & More Ashridge Gentle Stroll - Chalkland Flowers 1st July 2.30pm - 4.30pm Join the volunteers for a walk through Ashridge’s chalklands to see the wildflowers. Meet at Beacon car park, there will be some steep slopes. £3 cash Totally Batty Walk 12th July 8.30pm - 10pm Try to catch a glimpse of Ashridge’s amazing bats with the rangers. £8, child £5, please book Bioblitz 21st July 10am - 4pm Join wildlife experts at this family-friendly event and see how many different plant and animal species can be found on Ivinghoe Beacon. Drop in, or join one of the mini-events during the day.

Ashridge Adventurers Tuesdays & Thursdays 30th July - 29th Aug 10.30am & 1.30pm Enjoy led activities and crafts, while learning more about Ashridge’s animals and plants. The theme changes each week, so why not come back throughout the summer and satisfy curious minds. £4 per child, please book Ashridge Estate, Berkhamsted HP4 1LT 01442 851227 www.nationaltrust.org.uk

The Master Engraver: Frederick Landseer Griggs 4th July 7pm Illustrated talk about this local celebrity by popular lecturer James Willis. £5 please book 01462 420144 British Schools Museum, Hitchin SG4 9TS www.britishschoolsmuseum.org.uk

Gorhambury Estate Talk: The Gorhambury Costume Collection 10th July 10.30am £15 In 2017 a trove of historical costumes was discovered in the Gorhambury attics. Poppy Singer, Textile Conservator, has been responsible for advising on its conservation and storage. Visitors can bring in textiles and Poppy will be happy to answer questions about their conservation.

Talk: - The Gorhambury Miniatures 24th July 10.30am - 12 noon £15 Discover the Gorhambury miniature collection up close with Haydn Williams, Fine Art Consultant formerly head of the Silver, Vertu and Russian works of the Art Department at Sotheby’s.

Gorhambury Estate, St Albans AL3 6AH www.gorhamburyestate.co.uk

Sustainable St Albans Open Food Gardens 13th July 3pm - 5pm 62 Sutton Road, St Albans AL1 5JJ 28th July 2pm - 4.30pm 30 Gustard Wood, Wheathampstead AL4 4RR • No booking required • No dogs please except assistance dogs • Wheelchair access restricted www.sustainablestalbans.org

Local Horse Rides

Riders must have their own public liability insurance Wheathampstead Horse Park and Ride Luton Hoo Walled Garden 14th July 10.30am - 2pm Morning Pilates Bring your horse and enjoy the historic landscape Wednesdays in July 8am - 9am and ancient woodlands around Nomansland Fridays in July 9am - 10am Common, follow the 6 mile route to Symondshyde The peace and tranquillity of the Garden provides the Great Wood or 13 mile route to Ayot St Lawrence, ideal setting for mindfulness, health and meditation, including two pub stops if you wish. You can also ride open to all abilities. Please book, £10 per session an 8 or 15 mile route, through Heartwood Forest to Harpenden Common.

Open Wednesdays until 30th Sept 10.30am - 4pm Lilley Horse Park and Ride 21st July 10.30am - 2pm Tours of the garden and Victorian Farm Buildings (extra £3). Seasonal fruit and vegetables, apple juice, Bring your horse and follow the 8, 10 or 16 mile Luton Hoo honey and honeycomb will be on sale. routes though the picturesque village of Lilley and £5, under 4’s free then out into the countryside. Most routes follow wide grassy tracks and part of Britain's oldest road, the Luton Hoo Estate LU1 4LF (take West Hyde Road/ Newmill End turning off A1081, turn left through black Icknield Way, with views up and down the valley. gates) www.lutonhooestate.co.uk To book contact Dawn 01992 555235 dawn.grocock@hertfordshire.gov.uk www.hertfordshire.gov.uk

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NOW for Some Art Fit For Life Herts Fit Fest 5th - 8th July A celebration of everything health and fitness related, all at one venue, where you can sweat it out with a range of high intensity classes, learn new skills like pole dancing, aerial and hoop training, build confidence in a selfdefence session, groove to the beat in a dance class, or get zen with a restorative workout for the mind and body.

Fill up on healthy food and drinks, enjoy the evening parties and if you choose to stay, book the beautiful bell tents. You don’t need to be a size 8 fitness fanatic, all shapes, sizes and abilities are celebrated.

Go along just for a day or the whole weekend.

Springfield Farm, Old Parkbury Lane, St Albans AL2 2DY www.hertsfitfest.com

Women’s Festival of Cycling

Rebecca Freeman Art Exhibition 20th July The Inn on the Park, Verulamium Park, St Albans

With events taking place throughout July in the UK to raise the profile of women’s cycling, encourage more women to cycle, and feature those who inspire others.

Why not join in and celebrate the fun, friendship and freedom that cycling brings.

Five Miles to Fabulous Cycle Ride 6th July 9.30am Meet at Morrisons, Hatfield Road, St Albans by the cycle stands, gentle pace ride with coffee stop.

Bring a roadworthy bike, wear suitable clothing and bring money for coffee. New riders welcome. www.southhertsctc.org.uk www.cyclinguk.org/ride/womens-festival-cycling

Cycling in Herts With lots of cycle routes to explore, visit these websites to find out more.

If you’d like to cycle with others on a social basis or prefer women only rides www.letsride.co.uk For routes to do on your own or with friends www.hertfordshire.gov.uk South Herts Wednesday Evening Rides Starting from St Albans War Memorial AL1 3HG Rides are between 15 & 20 miles long at a brisk pace, with destination arrival time of 9pm.

It’s essential that you have front and rear lights, puncture outfit, tyre levers, pump and spare tube.

Bring a guest entry form if not a member of the CUK/ CTC. Call for more information 07746 821781 www.cyclinguk.org www.southhertsctc.org.uk

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Historic People and Places Brought to Life!

Fully qualified guides have been showing people around our City and District for 50 years. Join us on one of our walks and hear about the fascinating yesteryears from the Romans to Victorians. Walk well known and lesser known places. You will be surprised by the many tales about people who have built, lived and worked here for 1000 years.

Walks for July & August Meet at the St Albans Museum + Gallery, St Peter's Street AL3 5DJ unless otherwise stated. Buy tickets from the guide on the day.

Walks last about one and a half hours Adult £5, child £2 (5-15 years) Visit our website for full details of our walks and other information Historic St Albans - A City Revealed 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th July @ 11am 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th, 31st July @ 2.30pm 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th, 26th August @ 11am 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th August @ 2.30pm A Roman City Revealed 13th, 27th July & 10th, 24th August @ 2.30pm Meet outside Verulamium Museum Fishpool Street - Rags and Riches 6th, 20th July & 3rd, 17th, 31st August @ 2.30pm Meet outside Verulamium Museum Historic Pubs of St Albans 7th July & 25th August @ 2.30pm Aristocrats, Paupers & Philanthropists 28th July @ 2.30pm A Monastery Revealed 4th August @ 2.30pm There’s More to Tudors Than Henry VIII 21st July @ 2.30pm Crime & Punishment 14th July & 26th August @ 2.30pm A Town Hall Revealed 5th, 23rd July @ 2.30pm Free but please book via www.eventbrite.co.uk Victorian St Albans 18th August @ 2.30pm Coaching Inns 11th August @ 2.30pm Discover Redbourn 3rd July @ 7pm & 4th August @ 2.30pm Meet in the Car Park by the Cricket Club

www.stalbanstourguides.co.uk

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Do Something for Charity Birthday Skydive!

7th July Are you celebrating a special birthday, anniversary or date this year? Why not support the Hospice of St Francis to mark the occasion and join their birthday Skydive. www.stfrancis.org.uk

Charity Quiz Night

14th July 8pm, quiz 8.30pm Join the Rennie Grove St Albans Fundraising Group for a Charity Quiz Night. No need to book just come as a team or join a team on the night, £5 per person. All funds raised will help provide precious hours of care for patients with a lifelimiting illness.

The Three Hammers, Watford Road, St Albans AL2 3EA www.renniegrove.org

Race For Life

21st July This year, for the first time, Cancer Research UK is inviting everyone; women, men and children to join the Race for Life in Verulamium Park, St Albans.

0300 1230770 www.raceforlife.org

The Helping Rhinos Hertfordshire 100!

25th Aug A cycling challenge for riders of all levels though stunning countryside, choose 100, 64 or 33 miles. A portion of every entry will be donated to Helping Rhinos.

Register now as places are limited. www.sportiveuk.co.uk/hertfordshire-100

London Bridges Challenge 29th Sept Join 5,000 fellow London Bridgers walking to change lives over 10 miles and 12 bridges, starting in Battersea Park and finishing in Potters Fields Park overlooking Tower Bridge. Bring family and friends together for a special day, see the best London sights, while supporting those affected by diabetes. £5, child free with a parent or guardian. No minimum sponsorship, but if everyone aims for £120, it will make a huge difference. www.diabetes.org.uk

Bereavement Support Service Volunteers Are you compassionate, a good listener and keen to support those affected by bereavement? You could be the right person to help in the new Rennie Grove Hospice Bereavement Support Service. Volunteers are often the first point of contact for people asking for help following bereavement.

Volunteers will offer support over the phone and work with the caller to decide on the best options available.

01727 731020 www.renniegrove.org 20

UK registered charity no 297489

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Flying Fun

Shuttleworth Summer Walk & Lunch With the Head Gardener 5th July 10.30am - 2pm Seasonal highlights and a tour of the Swiss Garden with the Head Gardener who will share its story.

Age 16+ £30 Military Airshow 7th July gates 9am, air display 2pm Celebrating all things military. £35, child free Modelair Scale Model 13th & 14th July 8am - 5pm For lovers of model flying, enjoy radio controlled, free flight, and control line flying. Watch the action or bring your own and take part. £13, child free Visit The House 14th July 9.30am - 12:30pm The House will be open for you to explore the rooms, grounds and other areas not normally open to the public. Tours 10am & 11am Afternoon Tea 14th July 1pm, 1.30pm & 2.30pm Why not take afternoon tea in the grand setting of The House which will be open from 9.30am, explore the rooms and find out about the Shuttleworth Family and Old Warden Park. £30, child £15 Richard Shuttleworth Murder Mystery Evening 19th July 7.30pm £50 An evening of entertainment in the grand setting of The House, starting with drinks and canapés, and then take your seat for dinner as the mystery unfolds.

Beer and BBQ 19th July & 16th Aug 5pm - 8.30pm Enjoy the BBQ while soaking up the sun with a pint of your favourite local ale!

Evening Airshow 20th July gates 12 noon, air display 6pm There will be aircraft of all shapes and sizes flying for fun, with LAA aircraft and Shuttleworth's own vintage aircraft. £25, child free DH Spitfire Photography Day 23rd July An up close and personal photography experience with a WWII Supermarine Spitfire, with on hand professional advice, a chance to sit in the cockpit and to meet a Spitfire pilot. £160

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The Swiss Garden’s Summer Bug Hunt 24th July 10am -1pm Join the Bedfordshire Invertebrate Group on a walkin search of bugs, and try your hand at pond-dipping!

Please wear suitable footwear. £8.50, concs £7.50, child £2 Teddy Bears Picnic 27th July 11am - 4.30pm With crafts, a children’s entertainer, outdoor games, face-painting, a teddy bear trail and other activities in the magical Swiss Garden. £10, child £3 Shuttleworth, Old Warden Aerodrome, Beds SG18 9EP www.shuttleworth.org

Bletchley Park Summer 1940s Vintage Weekend 6th & 7th July 9.30am - 5pm Fun for all the family with live music, dance classes, vintage lawn games, historical displays and vehicles, re-enactors and vintage stalls, so come dressed to impress in your best 1940s attire.

Miss Marina Mae 14th July 12.15pm - 2.45pm An authentic and glamorous show bringing the wartime years to the stage, as Marina glides from big band swing to Gracie Fields comedy and operatic pieces to songs from the shows.

Natasha Seale 21st July 12.15pm - 2.45pm Regularly seen on the UK jazz scene, Natasha returns with her breezy acoustic 50’s swing and samba duo.

Past, Present, Future: Codes and Ciphers 25th July & 25th August 10am - 3.30pm £15.50 Go behind the scenes of secret messaging and learn how codes and ciphers work, then get to grips with a real WWII Enigma machine, before having a look at what might happen in the future. For adults with confidence in Maths up to GCSE level.

The Swinging Bass Band 28th July 12.15pm - 2.45pm Dance to an array of jazz hits Open 9.30am - 5pm, entry to events included in admission price, unless otherwise stated.

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

RAF London Night Flight 13th July Lift off at 7.30pm Spend a night snoozing under the Sunderland Flying Boat. Explore the galleries into the early hours, sit in the aircraft and climb into helicopters. There will be aircraft themed films all night, a midnight pub quiz, open cockpits and cabins, Airfix make and take, crafty stations, talks and tours and of course a bar.

You’ll receive a drink on arrival, then dinner in Claude’s Café, followed by snacks during the midnight pub quiz. Tea and coffee will be available all evening, and a cash bar will be open until 1am.

After a night’s sleep under the aircraft, breakfast will be waiting for you in the restaurant. £120 RAF Museum London, Hendon NW9 5LL www.rafmuseum.org.uk

IWM Duxford Flying Legends - The Airshow 13th & 14th July Take your seats, sit back and prepare to be enthralled. Enjoy world class, unrivaled, choreographed displays featuring unique aircraft types rarely seen together. The show will culminate in the finale Balbo formation when all the WWII fighters take to the skies to salute you in a mass flypast. Step back in time and enjoy the music, have a glass of Pimms, sit in a Spitfire, view the large-scale model aircraft exhibits, Airfield Construction and Spirit of Britain re-enactment or take a ride in the Home Front Bus and ladies why not have your makeup done vintage style in the Vintage Village.

A show not to be missed.

IWM Duxford CB22 4QR www.flyinglegends.com

World Hatfield Festival Week A week of exhibitions, sporting events and much more to celebrate the 70th Anniversary of the flight of the Comet.

20th July Music Festival - Birchwood Playing Fields Longmead, Hatfield AL10 0AN 21st July Hatfield Bike Ride - take a ride along the Alban Way to respect employees who travelled from St Albans on the branch line to work at de Havilland 23rd July David Lloyd de Havilland’s Old Fire Station Open Event - showing Hatfield of Yesteryear film “The Comet 70th Anniversary” 24th July Talk: Alistair Hodgson, Curator of de Havilland Aircraft Museum - Hatfield Library Queensway AL10 0LT (ticket from Hertfordshire Libraries) 7.30pm 25th July Film: Premiere of “100 Years On” Hatfield’s Armistice and Remembrance Day 2018 Weston Auditorium, Herts University (ticket only) 26th July ‘Your Hatfield’ memories of the Comet and de Havilland - Hatfield Library AL10 0LT 27th July World Hatfield Day Festival - Birchwood Playing Fields, Longmead, Hatfield, Herts AL10 0AN www.hatfield-herts.gov.uk/our-events

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TICKETS

WIN

The Bedford Park Concerts are back, and we have a pair of tickets to give away for each concert, just text either IBIZA or RITA or PROMS to 07983 588313 by 13th July to be in with a chance of winning Café Mambo Ibiza Classics 26th July Café Mambo: Ibiza’s most iconic sunset bar brings you some Balearic magic from the "White Isle".

Celebrating their 25th Anniversary, Café Mambo will bring together some of the best house music talent, with Danny Howard (BBC Radio 1), Judge Jules, Jason Bye, Maxi Jazz (Faithless), Secondcity, Todd Terry and Mark Russell. Café Mambo is the place where good times and good tunes are guaranteed, not to mention the BBC Radio 1 Ibiza weekends.

So come and have a great time at the biggest Ibiza Classics event yet! £32.50, child £20, under 5s free

Rita Ora supported by Fleur East and MistaJam 27th July Rita’s set will be bursting with hit after hit, expect a total party atmosphere with one of the biggest female acts in the music industry. The main support comes from Fleur East and closing the night will be one of the leading lights of contemporary radio, DJ ‘MistaJam’. His set will incorporate the best music from the around the world, so you can dance the night away. £45, child £30, under 5s free

Bedford Park Proms 28th July An evening of pomp and patriotism, with special guest Welsh tenor Wynne Evans. The Classic FM / BBC Radio presenter will be joined by guest soprano Sarah Fox. As always, there’ll be over 120 performers on stage along with a 70-piece choir and the London Gala Orchestra. The celebration will culminate with favourites, such as Rule Britannia and Land of Hope & Glory, as thousands of lasers and fireworks light up the sky.

Bring picnics, rugs, tables and chairs. £35, child £5, under 5s free VIP tickets are also available for each concert

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www.bedfordparkconcerts.co.uk

Booking fees apply

ooking fees apply

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Wardown House, Museum & Gallery

NOW at the Museums St Albans Museum & Gallery Exhibition: Conservation 50 until 21st July The St Albans Conservation Areas were created in 1969 and this exhibition illustrates the past and present of our Conversation. The event runs alongside a Conservation Conference open to all on 6th July at Cross Street Baptist Church.

Sculptor at Work 4th July 2pm - 5pm free Inspired by Barbara Hepworth’s work, sculptor Ben Twiston-Davies will be prepping a large-scale sculpture from clay. Speak to Ben while he works and learn more about his practice.

Hepworth Museum Late: Make, Do and Draw 4th July 7pm - 9.30pm £5 Try your hand at sketching, sculpting and Hepworth inspired beginners craft activities. Watch live performances, take a tour of the exhibition, and Museum + Gallery after-dark.

Focused Drawing Class 13th July 2pm - 4.30pm £35 Create figurative drawings from a clothed model, inspired by Hepworth’s drawings of dancers and surgeons at work. All ages and abilities.

Life Drawing Class 18th July 7pm - 10pm £45 Create drawings from a life modeI, inspired by Hepworth’s drawings of dancers and surgeons at work, a professional artist will guide you through drawing techniques, there will be some nudity.

All ages and abilities.

Exhibition: 100 Years of the Hertfordshire WI 27th July - 8th Sept free Follow the history of the Hertfordshire Women’s Institute, and see how it continues to provide friendship, education and inspiration to women.

Shape Your Own Mini Sculpture 30th July 10.30am & 2pm £2 per child Be inspired by Barbara Hepworth’s work and create a mini sculpture using clay or modroc. Children must be supervised by an adult.

St Peters Street, St Albans AL3 5DJ www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk 26

Tales for Tots 2nd July 9.30am Enter the museum before it opens and step into a world of fantasy and imagination for a special, storytelling session 'The Three Little Pigs'.

Up to 4 years, £4 Exhibition: Hats by Alva Wilson 6th July - 8th Sept 10am - 5pm, free Alva studied fashion at Middlesex University, and now sells hats around the world. His work incorporates traditional and contemporary techniques. The collection challenges traditional millinery techniques by using recyclable materials, dramatic and attention-grabbing, Alva's hats are proof that style and environmental awareness needn't be mutually exclusive.

Out of the Box 7th July 11am & 2pm Discover never before seen items from the collections. All ages Felt Mice Workshop - Pencil Toppers 31st July 10am & 1pm For children with some experience of using needles and scissors. Under expert supervision they will learn how to make a beautiful mouse pencil topper.

Child £10, adult free Old Bedford Road, Luton LU2 7HA 01582 546722 www.lutonculture.com

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NOW at the Alban Arena Sentimental Journey 1st July 2pm £13 Join Neil Sands for a journey back through the Fabulous 40’s, the Rocking 50’s, the Swinging 60’s and the Sensational 70’s. Celebrating the 75th anniversary of D-Day in a flag waving finale paying tribute to the veterans of the armed forces.

St Swithuns the Musical 4th - 6th July 7.30pm (6th 2.30pm & 7.30pm) £16.50, £15, £12 East End Gangsters commit the crime of the century and hide their loot in a disused stately home Meanwhile the girls of Britain’s most notorious public school, ‘St Swithun’s’ are given a final chance to reform by being sent to the selfsame Hensley Grange.

A rollercoaster of fun and laughs.

Sleeping Beauty Juvenile Auditions 7th July 2pm The Alban Arena, in partnership with Evolution Productions are looking for girls to be part of the Juvenile Ensemble for this year’s pantomime. Visit the auditions page at www.evolution-productions.co.uk St Albans Comic-Con 14th July 10am - 4.30pm adult / teen £10, child £5 A new line-up of guests from Film and TV as well as artists in the Artists Alley from your favourite Comics.

Other attractions and activities include Memorabilia and Specialist Traders, a Gaming Zone, Movie Props Vehicles an much more. All ages welcome.

The Carole King Songbook 15th July 7.30pm £24.50, £22.50 Timeless classic revue show with hits such as You Make Me Feel Like A Natural Woman, Take Good Care Of My Baby, One Fine Day, The Locomotion and many more.

Jimmy Carr: Terribly Funny 16th July Sold Out

The Real Thing 18th July 7.30pm £25, £23.50 Chris Amoo with Dave Smith – still looking and sounding great! Featuring You to Me are Everything.

Can’t Get by Without You and Feel the Force. Hear all the hits plus some fantastic covers such as Ladies Night, Celebration, Good Times and Ain’t no Stopping Us Now, in an action packed show The Simon & Garfunkel Story - 50th Anniversary Tour 19th July 7.30pm £23.50 Using huge projection photos and original film footage, this features a live band performing hits including Mrs Robinson, Cecilia, Bridge Over Troubled Water, Homeward Bound and many more.

Tommy the Album - Live 20th July £22 After their smash hit tour of Quadrophenia, legendary rock band, The Goldhawks, return to perform Tommy as a 9-piece outfit backed with amazing projection and effects and superb replication of The Who’s sound.

The Beach Boys Tribute Show 25th July 7.30pm £23 Journey back to the 1960s, to the sunny shores of California where the surf sound was conceived. No other tribute act provides such a lively fun packed show with over 30 hit records. Don’t be surprised if by the end you are on your feet, clapping and cheering for more, you will be in good company as this tends to happen at every Beach Boyz Tribute Band concert across the UK and beyond.

Roy Chubby Brown 26th July 7.30pm £24 Roy Chubby Brown is back and he’s as naughty as ever. His choice of language and his politically incorrect jokes are all delivered with a cheeky grin and perfect comedy timing. Over 18s only Creedence Clearwater Review 27th July 8pm £20 Premier tribute to one of America’s greatest bands who, despite their relatively short career, left an enduring legacy of classic songs written and sung by lead guitarist, singer and songwriter John Fogerty.

01727 844488 The Alban Arena AL1 3LD www.alban-arena.co.uk

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Food, Glorious Food Pick Your Own from 22nd June Hawkswick Lodge Farm is open for you to pick Strawberries, Raspberries, Red Currants, Blackcurrants, Blackberries and Gooseberries. They offer a personal, friendly service and pride themselves on the variety, quality and freshness of their produce.

As the farm is small, fruit can run out very quickly so please call 01727 831123 or check the website for availability. Minimum cost £2.50 per person Hawkswick Lodge Farm, Harpenden Road AL3 6JG www.hawkswickfruit.co.uk

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Afternoon Tea 7th, 14th, 21st July

12 noon Enjoy afternoon tea in the beautiful Great Drawing Room and Library at historic Rothamsted Manor.

Please book Rothamsted Manor, Harpenden AL5 2BG

Herbal Wildflower Walk 10th July 6pm - 8pm An evening guided walk around Harpenden Common, looking at how to identify wildflowers and what uses some of them have in traditional medicines. What can nettles do for your arthritis? What uses are there for sticky weed? This walk is an opportunity to dip your toes into the world of herbal medicine, but is not run by an expert herbalist. Suitable for all ages.

Free, but please book 01582 768278 www.harpenden.gov.uk

Teresa & Kevin Buckler

01582 461639 kevin.buckler@fit-ex.com www.fit-ex.com/hertfordshire 20 Bewdley Close Harpenden

Harpenden Street Food Social 13th July & 10th Aug 4pm - 9pm Bringing together a diverse collection of local street food vendors with foods from around the world.

Quench your thirst with a locally brewed beer or cider or indulge in a glass of Prosecco, there’s something for everyone.

St Saviour’s Beer & Fizz Festival 19th - 21st July With live music, fine ales, cider and a selection of fizz, curated by the team at Ye Olde Fighting Cocks.

St Saviour’s Church, St Albans AL1 4DF Facebook: @stsavioursstalbans www.ssaviours.org

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accompanied by an adult. Bring a torch. Dress appropriately, the ground may be muddy and uneven, insect repellent is advised if warm.

Please book £5 www.heartwood.woodlandtrust.org.uk

Lydekker Park

Wildlife & More

Wild Fest in Lydekker 13th July 10am - 2pm Celebrating wildlife in Harpenden and all the organisations that look after it. With activities for all the family including sweep netting, dead wood discovery, pond dipping, dragon fly watching, storytelling, bird watching, tree walks, scavenger hunts, animal Olympics, nature crafts and more.

Lydekker Park, Harpenden AL5 4JE

Herts and Middx Wildlife Trust

Discover Hedgehogs in Harpenden 17th July 2pm - 3pm Learn about the fascinating lives of hedgehogs at Hitchin Lavender has 25 miles of lavender rows this adult workshop, with an expert from Hornbeam that you can walk through while picking your own Wood Hedgehog Sanctuary. Learn basic hedgehog flowers. They also grow sunflowers and have facts, where they live, what they eat, problems a wildflower area. The farm has spectacular views facing them and why they’re in decline, and get and there are many interesting walks to take. advice on how to help them in your garden.

There’s also a museum with a replica of the ‘Perks Please book £8 & Llewellyn’ pharmacy, well-known in the 19th Festival of Wildlife century for their lavender products and a fortress 27th & 28th July 10am - 4pm play area and model tractor for the children.

The Festival celebrating the rich diversity of local Hitchin Lavender Hitchin SG5 3UA wildlife, is hosted by Tarmac in association with www.hitchinlavender.com Herts Natural History Society, offers guided walks and expert talks plus a host of drop-in activities.

The Secret Garden Free 6th & 7th July 2pm - 5pm A unique afternoon at this beautiful Victorian walled Panshanger Park, Hertford SG14 2WN www.hertswildlifetrust.org.uk garden, a hidden gem on the outskirts of Harpenden, with rose beds, seasonal beds, Come and see the Butterflies herbaceous boarders and Victorian green houses.

21st July 10am -12.30pm Cream teas will be available. In aid of Rennie Friends of the Nickey Line invite you to join their Grove Hospice Care and Macmillan Cancer annual butterfly walk, meeting at Roundwood Park Support. £5 School Crossing on the Nickey Line. The Nickey The Hyde, East Hyde LU2 9PS (off the B653 Line attracts large numbers of butterflies, and on Lower Harpenden Road at Farrs Lane) this 3 mile walk you will visit the area alongside Knott Wood, where volunteers have created an Chiltern's Gateway Centre excellent habitat for butterflies. Wear stout 50 Things Club footwear. No need to book 7th July & 4th Aug 2pm - 4pm free Complete a variety of activities from the '50 Things' www.hertfordshire.gov.uk handbook, depending on the weather. Go along Be a Keeper for a Day and join in to add another sticker to your record.

This amazing experience gives you a once in a Dunstable Downs LU6 2GY lifetime opportunity to get up close to some of the www.nationaltrust.org.uk Zoo's most popular animals. You’ll work with an expert zoo keeper who will show you how some of Heartwood Forest the incredible animals, including rhinos, giraffe and Moth Trapping elephants are looked after every day.

12th July 9.30pm - 12am Join a local expert as they set up, check moth traps £295 (April - Oct) / £149 (Nov - March) ZSL Whipsnade Zoo and identify what’s been found. Children must be www.zsl.org

Hitchin Lavender

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NOW for the Kids

(Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics). Marvel at Victorian ingenuity, creativity and eccentricity at these children’s activity days for ages 4 - 11. £5, please book British Schools Museum, Hitchin SG4 9TS www.britishschoolsmuseum.org.uk

Meet Chase from Paw Patrol

Summer Reading Challenge

To celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the first Moon Landing, this year’s theme is ‘Space Chase’. Join the Rockets on a chase through space to find the aliens and save the Moon Library. It’s easy to take part, just sign up for free at your local library when the summer holidays start, and you’ll receive a mission folder to get you started. Read six library books to collect stickers to add to your folder.

Collect all the stickers to find the aliens and complete the Challenge.

13th July: St Albans Library Summer Reading Challenge Launch A day of space related fun and the first chance to sign up for the challenge.

Volunteers Wanted Could you inspire the next generation of readers?

Local libraries are looking for volunteers to help with The Space Chase Challenge. The role includes signing children up, chatting with them about their library books and celebrating their success at the end of the challenge. It’s a great opportunity to make a positive contribution to your local community and inspire children to keep reading. If you’re aged 14+, and can commit to a minimum of 12 volunteering hours over the Summer holidays, please register at www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/srcvolunteers

British Schools Museum Victorian Lessons 7th July & 4th Aug 2.30pm & 3.30pm Take part in a Victorian lesson in the Gallery classroom. Don't be late and pay attention!

Included in the admission price Victorian S.T.E.A.M. 31st July - 29th Aug Wednesdays & Thursdays: 10am & 1pm Celebrate the Victorian age of S.T.E.A.M.

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21st July 10.30am - 5pm Chase will appear at intervals throughout the day, and there will be steam train and miniature railway rides. Visit the Railway Museum, enjoy the stunning glass-roofed visitor centre and the beautiful steam locomotive and carriages on display and watch the model trains.

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

Dinosaur Diets 23rd - 25th July 10.30am, 11.15am, 2.30pm Different diets mean different teeth, whether big, sharp, small or blunt. See dinosaur specimens upclose and create a clay tooth necklace.

Ages 5+ £2 Tring Natural History Museum, Tring HP23 6AP www.nhm.ac.uk

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Summer Fun Kimpton Horse Show 28th July A great day out for everyone, with a jam-packed schedule of showing, show jumping, gymkhana, fancy dress, working hunter classes and more.

Whether you plan to compete or just take in the atmosphere, enjoy this fun and friendly competition, raising funds for causes benefiting the lives of local people. The vision of the Show’s founder, Mr C H Harding; to provide fun for all, from the scruffiest little pony to the most smartly turned out show horse, remains the same today. www.kimptonhorseshow.co.uk

Classic Car and Vintage Day 14th July 12 noon - 5pm Classic cars, craft stalls, cream teas and Pimms.

Live music and JiveSwing with Lindy Hop demonstrations. With activities for the whole family why not dress up and wear your best vintage outfit. £5, child £1 Mill Green Museum, Hatfield AL9 5PD www.welhat.gov.uk

Ministry of Science Live 4th July 1pm & 6pm 100% Educational 200% Entertaining 300% Explosive 400% Fun This is not your ordinary science show; it comes with a bang, and a whoosh, but most of all it comes with a hovercraft built on stage. Taking an anarchic approach to science while looking at the inventors and engineers who have shaped the modern world we live in. From Liquid Nitrogen frozen flowers to Hydrogen Bottle Rockets. From Buzz Aldrin to Virgin Galactic. From the discovery of Methane to the invention of the Battery. Join the talented presenters and the voiceover from above (X Factor's Peter Dickson) as they take you on a journey with a few loud bangs to lead the way. Fingers in ears advised!

Broadway Theatre, Letchworth SG6 3DD www.broadway-letchworth.com

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Classic Vehicles Show 27th & 28th July 10am An amazing collection of classic cars, lorries, traditional fire engines, motorcycles and bicycles. See historic tractors and wagons on the farm once used for filming TV drama Downton Abbey.

Chiltern Open Air Museum, Chalfont St Giles HP8 4AB www.coam.org.uk

Stockwood Discovery Centre Interactive Science Exhibition 1st July - 8th Sept 10am - 5pm Fully interactive, innovative, fun, educational and entertaining for adults, students, children and families of any age. Produced by World Touring Exhibitions in collaboration with a team of scientists, physicists, geologists and astronomers, Combining knowledge and fun challenges with interactive machines to experience and play with science. Ages 7+ £3.50 The Flying Bath 13th & 14th July 11.30am & 2.30pm A playful and adventurous story featuring catchy songs, quirky bath toys and everyday heroes. When everyone has left the house, the bath toys spring into action and head off on exciting adventures in their magical flying bath. Ages 2-5 years, £7 Meet the Gardener 18th July 11am Walk around the gardens with the Head Gardener, followed by tea in the café and a chance to ask him questions. £10 Stockwood Discovery Centre LU1 4LX www.lutonculture.com

UK's Strongest Man Finals 26th - 28th July This family favourite TV series is the toughest strongman competition in the world. 16 Strongmen from across the UK and Ireland come together to pull trucks, flip giant tyres, lift the world famous stones and much more in this action packed show.

This Festival of Strength also features children's entertainment, music, great local food vendors and a beer tent.

Abbey View Athletics Track, Westminster Lodge, St Albans AL1 2DJ www.eventbrite.co.uk

Hatfield House Murder Mystery Dining Experience 6th July 7pm An evening of Hollywood glamour packed with clues, plot-twists, suspicious suspects and surprises, complete with a 3 course dinner. £60 Battle Proms 13th July 4.30pm - 10.30pm A summer celebration with music, Spitfire, cannons, cavalry and fireworks. Pack up the hampers and champers and enjoy this ‘party in the park’ culminating in a sing-a-long spectacular with all the ‘last night of the proms’ favourites such as Jerusalem, Rule Britannia and Land of Hope and Glory.

Folk by the Oak 14th July 12 noon - 10.30pm A collection of exceptional live folk and acoustic artists. From the intimacy of the Acorn Stage to the festival buzz of the Main Stage, bringing you awardwinning musicians alongside inspiring new talent.

The Game Fair 26th - 28th July Celebrating British field sports and country life, with something for all the family, including gundog handling, clay shooting, archery, fishing, falconry and ferreting, plus food, drink and shopping stalls.

Hatfield House AL9 5HX wwwhatfield-house.co.uk

Harpenden Emergency Services Open Day 27th July 11am - 3pm With representatives from the ambulance service, emergency responders, Neighbourhood Watch, the local Police Safer Neighbourhood Team and the Road Policing Unit. There will be safety demonstrations, advice on a range of topics, the chance to look inside emergency vehicles, plus a BBQ and refreshments. Free but donations are welcome, all money raised will go The Fire Fighters Charity and the Volunteer Police Cadets.

Harpenden Fire Station, Leyton Road AL5 2JB www.herts.police.uk

Classics on the Common 24th July 2pm - 8pm A spectacular array of over 1,000 classic cars, scooters and motorbikes will pack Harpenden Common for one of the UK's largest one-day classic car events. Everything from 1913 model T Ford and a 1916 Stanley Steamer, to Rolls Royces and Maseratis have made appearances in past years.

The event is free but donations are welcome. After raising a record-breaking £37,500 for charity in 2018, this year's proceeds will be in aid of Luton, South Beds and Harpenden Samaritans, Alzheimer's Society, Carers in Hertfordshire and Rotary Doctor Bank. In its 26th year and organised

by Rotary in Harpenden it has become a Harpenden tradition that is expected to draw over 10,000 spectators.

Harpenden Common AL5 1PD www.classicsonthecommon.com

Knebworth House Knebworth Park Pride Party - Family Fun Day 13th July 12 noon - 5pm With music, entertainment, food stands, access to Knebworth Park and much more. Competition for the best dressed rainbow teddy. £12, child £10.

Supporting the LGBTQ+ Community and raising money for local charities.

The Great British Food Festival 20th & 21st July 10am - 5pm Top up your culinary skills in the cookery demos or watch warriors take on the Men v Food challenges.

Chill to live music while the children try their hand at a cookery lesson before going off to make giant bubbles or learn circus skills.The perfect recipe for a fun, foodie, family day out.

Entry to both events is included in normal admission fee of £10 which also includes the Park, 28 acres of Formal Gardens, the Adventure Playground with Fort Knebworth and the trail of 72 life-sized dinosaurs trail. House admission extra £4, concs £3.50 Knebworth House SG1 2AX www.knebworthhouse.com

Wheathampstead Village Weekend 13th & 14th July Sat: Wheathampstead's Got Talent: 3pm and Picnic on the Meads 6pm - 10pm, with live music, food and a firework display at the end of the day.

Sun: Village Day on Marford Playing Fields, beginning with a parade through the High Street from 1pm and entertainment throughout the afternoon.

The Meads/Marford Playing Fields, Wheathampstead AL4 8BB

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What’s on in July

up to 7th July St Albans Film Festival page 6 1st - 21st Outdoor Theatre page 6 3rd University Fair St Albans High School for Girls, Townsend Ave AL1 3SJ, 5pm - 7.30pm St Michael’s Street Folk Evening page 10 3rd - 7th Luna Open Air Cinema see page 6 3rd - 13th IOFringe page 10 4th Talk: Abraham Lincoln St Albans Library, 7.15pm Talk: The Master Engraver page 18 5th Special Kinda Madness Harpenden Public Halls, tribute set from Madness & The Specials, 7.30pm 5th - 7th Childwickbury Arts Fair page 16 5th - 8th Herts Fitfest page 16 5th - 13th Ben Hur page 8 6th Kimpton Folk Festival page 11 M Festival page 11 Five Miles to Fabulous Ladies Bike Ride pg 16 6th & 7th The Secret Garden page 34 1940’s Vintage Weekend page 22 6th - 14th Daddy Dia Harpenden Public Halls, Hurst Children’s Theatre Group hctg@live.co.uk 6th July - 8th Sept Exhibition: Hats by Alva Wilson page 26 7th Military Airshow page 22 Birthday Skydive! page 20 The John Bunyan Family Fun Day Coleman Green Lane, St Albans AL4 8ES 12 noon - 5pm 8th - 20th St Albans International Organ Festival page 4 10th Herbal Wild Flower Walk page 32 12th Totally Batty Walk page 18 13th Night Flight page 23 Wild Fest in Lydekker Park page 34 Movement Focused Drawing Class page 26 Under African Skies page 10 Battle Proms page 41 42 Len Rawle M.B.E in Concert page 10

13th & 14th Wheathampstead Village Weekend page 41 Flying Legends The Airshow page 23 14th St Albans Comic-Con page 30 Folk by the Oak page 41 Wheathampstead Horse Park & Ride page 18 18th Drawing Class in the Courtroom page 26 19th Simon & Garfunkel Story page 30 Murder Mystery Evening page 22 19th - 21st St Saviour’s Beer & Fizz Festival page 32 20th & 21st The Great British Food Festival page 41 20th - 27th World Hatfield Festival Week page 23 21st Bioblitz page 18 22nd Open Day & Cream Teas Mill Green Museum www.welhat.gov.uk 22nd July - 2nd Aug ArtShed Holiday Art Camps see page 5 23rd - 25th Dinosaur Diets page 38 24th Classics on the Common page 41 25th - 27th Sounds Around the Abbey St Albans Cathedral, local choirs with performances by West End stars, 7.30pm, £20 25th July - 29th Aug Children's Summer Workshops Luton Hoo Walled Garden, Thursdays, 10am - 12 noon, £10, please book, 01582 721443 lutonhooestate.co.uk 26th - 28th UK’s Strongest Man Finals page 40 27th Harpenden Emergency Services Open Day page 41 Harpenden Record Fair Harpenden Public Halls, 10am - 4pm, free 27th & 28th Festival of Wildlife page 34 28th Kimpton Horse Show page 40 31st Plaster Workshops Claydon House, Bucks MK18 2EY, create a beautiful plaster work inspired by the library ceiling, 11am - 4pm (drop in), £3 31st July - 3rd Aug St Albans Art Society Art Exhibition page 16

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What’s on in August 44

1st & 2nd Much Ado About Nothing Inn-on-the-Park, Verulamium Park www.dramaimpact.com 1st - 3rd Mr Stink Gordon Craig Theatre, Stevenage SG1 1LZ www.gordon-craig.co.uk 1st - 4th Luna Kids Outdoor Cinema Knebworth House SG1 2AX www.thelunacinema.com 1st, 8th, 15th & 22nd Garden Workshops Luton Hoo Estate LU1 4LF ages 4 - 7, £10, 10am - 12 noon www.lutonhooestate.co.uk 2nd Twilight Walk Heartwood Forest, 8pm, please book, £5 www.heartwood.woodlandtrust.org.uk 3rd Murder Mystery Dining Experience Hatfield House AL9 5HX, 7pm - 11pm, £60 3rd & 4th Wellington's Army Chiltern Open Air Museum, Chalfont St Giles HP8 4AB www.coam.org.uk 4th Family Airshow Shuttleworth, Beds SG18 9EP gates 9am, air display 2pm, £35, child free 7th Teddy Bear's Picnic Lydekker Park AL5 4EG bring picnics & teddy bears, 11am - 2pm 7th, 14th, 21st & 28th Plaster Workshops Claydon House MK18 2EY create a beautiful plaster work inspired by the library ceiling, 11am - 4pm, drop in, £3 8th Family Activities - D-Day: Machines Bletchley Park MK3 6EB, ages 5 - 14, 11am - 3.30pm 8th & 21st Hands-on with Hepworth St Albans Museum & Gallery AL3 5DJ 10.30am & 2pm 9th The Proclaimers Watford Colosseum, £39 9th - 11th Flamstead Scarecrow Festival www.flamsteadscarecrowfestival.co.uk 11th A Midsummers Nights Dream Hatfield House AL9 5HX 4pm, £16, child £10 14th Open Air Theatre In the Park: Treasure Island Hatfield House AL9 5HX, 2pm - 4pm 15th Make a Giant Junk Sculpture St Albans Museum & Gallery, 10.30am & 2pm, free 16th Bug Hunt Luton Hoo Walled Garden LU1 4LF child £5, adult free, 10am - 12 noon www.lutonhooestate.co.uk

16th - 18th Art in Clay Hatfield House AL9 5HX 10am - 5.30pm, £11, child free 17th Flying Proms Shuttleworth, Beds SG18 9EP 12 noon - 10pm, £40, child £19 Batford Springs Open Day bring a picnic, 10am - 2pm 19th - 30th ArtShed Holiday Art Camps see page 5 21st Teddy Bear Fun Day Mill Green Museum, Hatfield AL9 5PD, 11am - 3.30pm, £5 www.welhat.gov.uk Alice in Wonderland Hatfield House, 2pm- 4pm 22nd Outdoor Theatre: The Secret Garden Shuttleworth, Beds SG18 9EP, gates 5.30pm, performance 6.30pm, £16, child £11 22nd & 23rd Nature Detectives Live Heartwood Forest, explore, imagine, play & discover with hands-on activities www.heartwood.woodlandtrust.org.uk 22nd - 24th Luna Cinema Hatfield House, 6.45pm - 10pm 22nd: The Favourite / 23rd: The Greatest Showman / 24th: Dirty Dancing 23rd - 25th Meraki Festival Herts County Showground AL3 7PT www.merakifestival.com 23rd - 26th Fun Fair Harpenden Common, 6pm - 10pm 25th The Bluebird Belles Bletchley Park, Bucks MK3 6EB, 12.15pm - 2.45pm 26th St Albans Vegan Fair Westminster Lodge, St Albans AL1 2DL, 10am - 4pm, £3, under 12’s free www.eventbrite.co.uk 29th Mosaic Making Verulamium Museum AL3 4SW 12 noon, 12.45pm & 2pm, £5 30th Conservation Van on Tour! St Albans Museum & Gallery AL3 5DJ visit the UK's first ‘Mobile Lab’ for heritage science, 10am, free 31st Classic Ibiza Hatfield House AL9 5HX, 5.30pm 10.15pm, £39.50, child £17.50, under 5s free Summer Fair handmade crafts, community stalls, music & BBQ, 12 noon - 4pm www.earthworksstalbans.co.uk 31st Aug & 1st Sept Medieval Warbow Chiltern Open Air Museum, Chalfont St Giles HP8 4AB, 10am www.coam.org.uk

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Index of Businesses Bicycle Repairs Cycletech UK Building / Refurbishment Abbey Building Services & Maintenance Claridge & Hall Bros Ltd Complete Refurbishment & Roofing Open Plan Solutions Charity Parkinson’s UK Traid Charity Events Highland Gathering The Herts 10K Challenge Children’s Art Camps ArtShed!

Chiropodist Kathy Witchard Cleaning Daily Poppins Domestique Mobile Maid Services WeCleanAnyProperty.com

Electricians 17 Alban Electrical Services Anderton Electrics Fencing 25 Verulam Fencing 8 Garage Doors 37 Garolla

Dance & Drama Penny Waterman School of Dance Stagecoach Theatrix Domestic Appliance Repairs Leigh Hibon Education Kumon

36 19

31 Garden Centre Burston Garden Centre 20 Gardening 20 Green Edge Gardens Guided Walks 43 St Albans Tour Guides 28 Gutter Cleaning Gutterpro 5 Hearing Services Hearing Healthcare 15 Practice Locksmith 26 Lock Around the Clock 27 27 Loft Ladders 27 Home Counties Loft Ladders

Conservatory Roof Solutions Nu-Look 9

Music Tuition Merlin Miller

36

Pet Sitting / Walking Canis et Cattus

23

Pilates Intelligent Pilates

15

Plasterers A Merson Plastering

33

Plumber DJ&M Plumbing Services Ltd

35 & 47

3

Roofing GJ Smith Roofing

19

18

Shutters The Harpenden Shutter Company

32

Slimming Lighter Life Vision Weight Consultancy

17 17

Soft Furnishings Sue Smyth

32

7

13 35

21 11

Organ Festival 39 St Albans IOFestival 2 Painters & Decorators 39 CB Decorators M & M Decorators Pest Control Lawn Science - Wasp Control 38 Verminator UK

29 29

4 33 33

Tree Surgeons Fircroft Tree Surgery Ltd

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TV Repairs JB TV Services

29

Will Planning Westminster Wills Ltd

12

Windows & Doors Cloud 9 Kings Windows

45 47

35

Back Cover 23

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