st albans NOW June 17

st albans June 2017

NOW

Jolly June Thrills of the Sky NOW at the Alban Arena

The Alban Weekend Do Something for Charity

NOW for some Art What’s on and lots more

read ‘the NOW magazines’ monthly promoting local businesses, organisations and events since 2006

choose local first 1

2

Welcome to June June brings us the longest day with warm summer evenings and all the fun that the sunshine brings. And as exams are nearly over, we can start to relax and enjoy all that’s planned for the summer, BBQs with friends and family, Childwickbury Arts Fair, St Albans Half Marathon, Whipsnade at Night, outdoor theatre, walks in the countryside, festivals and carnivals or why not plan a Great Get Together with your neighbours (see page 30 for some ideas).

This month all girls and ladies are being encouraged to get active with the ‘This Girl Can in Herts’ week so why not try out a new sport, or if you’re after something arty turn to page 26. There’s plenty to do, all you need to do is get out there and do it!

We hope you like our front cover, we thought it was a lovely picture, so wanted to share it with you.

Whatever you do we hope you have a jolly June!

Happy reading and remember the NOW magazines are published Just email monthly and are available to jane@theNOWmagazines.com read on-line. to be in the Jane & Wendy July editions 07983 588291 Deadline: 8th June jane@theNOWmagazines.com www.theNOWmagazines.com

The Alban Weekend

4

festival fun for everyone

NOW at the Alban Arena

6

busking, opera & more

NOW for a Walk & More dogs, bats & horses

NOW in the Garden plants galore

Jolly June fun for everyone

NOW for some Art art for all

NOW at Verulamium Museum a fantastic discovery

Do Something for Charity get involved

Thrills of the Sky Shuttleworth, RAF & more

NOW for some Music opera, classical & fringe

NOW at the Local Theatres music & drama

14 22 24 26 28 32 34 38 40

What’s on in June & July

42 44

Index of Businesses

46

aerials to windows & doors

To Advertise: 07983 588291 jane@theNOWmagazines.com

3

The Alban Weekend 24th & 25th June On Saturday the Cathedral will be hosting their annual Alban Pilgrimage, and on Sunday the Alban Street Festival will fill St Peters Street with free and fun activities.

The Alban Pilgrimage 24th June 11am: Pilgrimage Procession From St Peter’s Church and ending at the Cathedral.

12 noon: Festival Eucharist Preacher, The Rt Revd Rachel Treweek, Bishop of Gloucester 2pm Orthodox Service and Veneration of the Relic at the Shrine of Saint Alban All welcome 3pm Anointing for Healing in the Lady Chapel 4pm Festival Evensong and Procession to the Shrine With preacher, The Very Revd Prof Martyn Percy, Dean of Oxford

Alban Street Festival 25th June 12 noon - 6pm Showcasing our inspiring community, celebrate all that is fun, free and fabulous about St Albans. Two music stages, an Imaginarium storytelling tent, a sporting arena, food stalls, facepainting, street performers, other curiosities and more, and all that for free!

The Festival truly has something for everyone!

A full programme of activities and fun that will have you dancing in the street. All we need now is the sunshine...and you!

Exhibition: Alban Pilgrimage Puppets 1st - 30th June 8.30am - 5.45pm A stunning exhibition featuring the puppets used during the Pilgrimage. Walk around the Cathedral and learn about the history of the Pilgrimage and the story of Alban's martyrdom, as told by this amazing annual spectacle. Ages 3 - 11, children must be accompanied by an adult. Free St Albans Cathedral www.stalbanscathedal.org www.enjoystalbans.com/albanweekend

4

10th June 12 noon - 5pm The Harpenden Carnival has just celebrated its 50th anniversary and is the highlight of the towns social calendar. This year’s theme is “Harpenden Goes Wild”.

Focusing on children and charity, the event is free and starts with a procession through the High Street with floats and participation from many local groups and schools. Stalls and attractions stretch from the Public Halls to the cricket pitch with a wide variety of activities and entertainment. Highlights include: The ‘Lamb National’ Race Meet, Falconry Show, School Bands, Leading Local Band, Mr Alexander’s Travelling Show, Pete the Dinosaur, Stunt Biking, Ferret Racing, Archery, Bouncy Castles, Special Guests.

Make sure you go along and enjoy a fantastic day out www.harpendencarnival.com

www.theNOWmagazines.com

5

NOW at the Alban Arena Dave Johns – I Daniel Blake Tour 1st June 8pm One of the most respected and best-loved stand-up comics working today. Catch him live before his eagerly awaited Edinburgh Festival appearance.

Jenny Éclair 3rd June 8pm Semi–bearded and suffering from outbreaks of gout and hysteria, Eclair puts middle age under the microscope and decides whether to laugh, cry or buy a dachshund!

The All Star Stand Up Tour 8th June 7.30pm This year’s line-up includes Canadian one-liner Stewart Francis, ‘8 Out Of 10 Cats’ Justin Moorhouse and the BAFTA award winning Jim Tavare. Recommended 15+ Pam Ann – Touch Trolley Run to Galley 10th June 8pm International celebrity airhostess Pam Ann, has evolved since first jetting out of her hometown of Melbourne 20 years ago. Pam – the alter-ego of Australian comedian Caroline Reid – has developed cult-status with her portrayal of a brash Australian hostess. She herself says as the airports got bigger, so did her ego… and her mouth filthier!

Gordon Haskell & Hannah’s Yard 15th June 7.30pm Singer/songwriter Gordon Haskell is back with his jazz/blues-influenced songbook and golden voice.

Gordon will be joined by BBC Introducing-supported and Radio 2-played musical collective Hannah's Yard. Think ‘Norah Jones meets Fairground Attraction’ performed by some of the UK’s finest musicians and featuring the beautifully understated voice of 20 year old singer Hannah Layton Turner.

Think Floyd 16th June 8pm Renowned for their celebration of one of the world’s greatest musical icons and with over 20 years’ experience they recreate the legendary sound of Pink Floyd live on stage. Featuring music from all 15 albums, with an impressive laser light show.

Jimmy Carr - The Best Of, Ultimate, Gold, Greatest Hits Tour 18th June 8pm Hear all the greatest material from his extraordinary career in one show.

The Simon and Garfunkel Story 19th June 7.30pm Using huge projection photos and original film footage, this 50th Anniversary Celebration also features a full live band performing all the hits including ‘Mrs Robinson’, ‘Cecilia’, ‘Bridge Over Troubled Water’, ‘Homeward Bound’ and more.

Ben & Holly 21st & 22nd June From the makers of Peppa Pig comes this BAFTA award-winning television animation live on stage!

The George Michael Legacy 23rd June 8pm As seen on TV’s Stars in their eyes (2002) Wayne Dilks portrays George Michael in this outstanding tribute show. A celebration of 35 years of hit records taking you on a journey from George’s early years with Wham through to his solo career.

Pam Ayres 24th June 7.30pm Making the nation laugh for over 40 years. Her work is funny, and approachable. Her hair-trigger timing, her eye for the detail of everyday life, and for the absurdity therein, makes for an art that hides art.

The Dreamboys 30th June 7.30pm Without a doubt the UK’s top Male Strip Show, this is an action packed show full of Music, Muscle, Magic and Mayhem that will leave you breathless.

www.alban-arena.co.uk 01727 844488 6

www.theNOWmagazines.com

7

Holigee Travel Shop has just opened in Hatfield Road, St Albans With summer just around the corner, attention for many folk will be turning to where to go for their next summer or winter holiday……..if they have not booked it already.

Carl Littlechild from Holigee said:

NOW at the Cathedral 1st June Family Discovery Morning: Pilgrimage Puppets 10am-12 noon An introduction to the puppets which will be seen in St Albans High Street on Pilgrimage Day. Walk around the amazing exhibition, dress up as characters from the Alban Story and create your own puppet to take home.

Ages 3-11, children accompanied by an adult. Free 1st - 30th June (excl 24th June) Exhibition: Alban Pilgrimage Puppets see page 4 10th June Tower Tours 10am, 11.30am, 1pm & 2.30pm Enjoy the best views in town, £9 17th June Passchendaele Evensong 4pm To commemorate the most costly day in the history of the Hertfordshire Regiment and to honour the suffering of local servicemen and their families.

24th June The Alban Pilgrimage see page 4 25th June Tower Tours 2pm, 3.15pm and 4.30pm Enjoy the best views in town, £9 28th June Lunchtime Organ Recital 12.30pm Oliver Hancock, Sub-Organist, Portsmouth Cathedral.

Free, with collection in aid of Cathedral Music Funds. www.stalbanscathedral.org

8

“The good news is that prices have dropped for many key destinations, including Spanish and Portuguese resorts, plus many popular long haul destinations. At Holigee we can offer you real value, package holidays to suit your personal requirements. Come and visit us. We would welcome the opportunity to assist; everything we sell is either ABTA or ATOL protected”.

Sunshine breaks start from just £119pp and you could grab a mini-cruise from £199pp. All backed by one of the UK’s largest independent travel companies established in 1975.

www.theNOWmagazines.com

9

Julia Reading

BSC (Hons) MChS, HPC Registered Podiatrist

I Treat The Following Foot Conditions Corns * Callous * Fungal nails Ingrowing toe nails * Verrucas General foot health advice For an appointment please phone

07746 472781

Tuesdays Avicenna Pharmacy next to Waitrose, King Harry Lane, St Albans Home Visits Available Mondays, Tuesdays & Friday Evenings

10

www.theNOWmagazines.com

11

3D LIPO ULTIMATE COMES TO THE COVE SPA

For further info call

01727 833 808 The Cove Spa 17 Russell Ave St Albans AL3 5ES

St Albans | Hitchin | Chiswick | North Finchley

12

www.theNOWmagazines.com

13

NOW for a Walk & More

beautiful photography opportunities.

Booking is essential, visit the website events page to reserve your place.

Heartwood Forest, Sandridge AL4 9DQ www.heartwood.woodlandtrust.org.uk

Ashridge Events Totally Batty Walk 9th June & 7th July 8.30pm See if you can catch a glimpse of these amazing creatures with one of the Rangers.

Adult £8, child £5. Please book Fun Ride 11th June 9am -12 noon Bring your horse for a way-marked ride through some of Ashridge’s most beautiful landscapes.

Adult £20, child £10. Please book.

Gentle Stroll – Chalkland Flowers 26th June 2.30pm Join the knowledgeable volunteers for a walk through Ashridge’s chalklands (some steep slopes). Meet at Beacon car park. £3 per person, just turn up (cash only) 01442 851227 Ashridge Estate, Berkhamsted HP4 1LT www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ashridge-estate

Come and See the Orchids

The Source of the River Ver 29th May 10am - 1pm Join the Countryside Management Service to find the source of the River Ver in the Chiltern Hills around Markyate. This 4 mile walk on fields and quiet lanes has great views of the Ver Valley. Find out about the ecology of Chalk Rivers and why we will struggle to find water here. Start at the top of Markyate High Street, next to the war memorial, AL3 8PF. Limited parking, or park in Hicks Road car park AL3 8FG, a 10 minute walk. www.hertfordshire.gov.uk

Heartwood Forest Heartwoof!

4th June 10am - 3pm Canine companions are welcome guests at Heartwood! Bring your dog and get stuck in with the activities, and meet some larger four legged friends from the British Horse Society!

Just turn up, free Photography Walk 6th June 10.30am Marvel at the wonder of nature on this guided walk highlighting some of the best spots in Heartwood Forest to capture staggering photographs. Bring your camera and look more closely at a world of

14

25th June 10am - 12.45 Join Friends of the Nickey Line and the Ver Valley Society to view orchids in two different places. Starting at Redbourn Common car park, this 5 mile walk visits a bee orchid site on the Nickey Line and the chalk slopes on the side of Harpenden Hill where you may see pyramidal and fragrant orchids. Please wear stout footwear.

For information call 01582 763560 / 792843 www.nickeyline.org

St Albans Adventure Group New members are always welcome, you don’t have to join immediately but if you want to attend events regularly the Group will ask you to join.

Evening Cycle Ride 7th June 7.45pm - 9.30pm Meet at St Leonard’s Church, Sandridge, AL4 9DL, approx 10 -15 miles, pace adjusted to suit who turns up, please bring lights.

Evening Walk 21st June 8pm - 10pm Celebrate the official start of summer with an 8km walk around Brocket Estate. Meet outside the Long Arm and Short Arm pub, Lemsford Village AL8 7TN Petanque 28th June 8pm - 9.30pm A pleasant evening with a game of Petanque and a picnic at Highfield Park, St Albans. www.stalbansadventuregroup.org.uk

www.theNOWmagazines.com

15

Little Ones Can Move, Play and Explore Safely at Gymboree

16

Parent-child early learning programme for ‘new-borns to 5 year olds’, helping develop them cognitively, physically and socially as they play.

Gymboree Play & Music, the global leader in classes for little ones for more than 40 years would like to invite you into their world!

Stephanie, Director of Gymboree Play & Music St Albans says “From the moment you walk through the door grown-ups can see that we’ve created an environment where little one’s are free to move, play and explore safely. The play equipment has been custom-designed and our classes have been developed to provide a range of age-appropriate challenges and skill building exercises allowing each child to participate and learn at his or her own pace.

One of the most distinguishing features of Gymboree Play & Music, and the key philosophy on which we are based, is our unique approach to parent involvement. This includes adult participation and an understanding of each child’s development. New parents particularly appreciate the support that Gymboree provides as we help their child explore new experiences and gain skills to take away with them”.

In addition to the extensive programme of classes held at Gymboree Play & Music St Albans, we also offer family classes suitable for all ages, birthday parties and ‘On the Go’ sessions in Pre-Schools and Nurseries.

Book your free trial today by calling us on 01727 831551 emailing stalbans@gymboree-uk.com or filling out a request form at www.gymboree-uk.com/stalbans

www.theNOWmagazines.com

17

Sign up For Some Creative Fun

fantastic teacher, Michelle Rollings and her Assistant, Jemma Edwards. The sessions run from Monday 24th - Thursday 27th July from 10am - 1pm with a 'Showcase' for parents at 12.30pm on the Thursday. Places can be secured with a £25 deposit.

As well as our weekly term-time classes, Stagecoach Harpenden is running a week-long summer workshop at the end of July. So, if you're It’s a great chance to An activity looking for something fun, creative, safe and an perform in a number of activity that will give them 'creative courage for that will popular scenes, dances life', why not sign up! and songs from the give them Our Summer Holiday Workshop at Sir John musicals around the 'creative Lawes School runs from Monday 24th - Friday themes. We don't ask for 28th July, 9.30am - 4.30pm with a longer any previous experience, courage session on the Friday to include a 'Showcase' but hope to produce a for life' for parents at 6pm. The teachers who are regular performance of a high coaches during term-time, are all DBS checked standard so you must be and full of enthusiasm for the theme they have prepared to work hard and take direction. chosen this year, 'Seasons'.

A truly memorable holiday activity!

Places can be secured with a £50 deposit, and there’s a discount if you enrol siblings.

The age range is 7-16 years.

We are also holding a workshop for our 'Early Stages' children aged 4-6 years. The theme of the workshop is 'School' and will be run by our

18

If you are interested in your child attending, please call Liz for more information on 01525 717567 / 07793 206846 or e-mail harpenden@stagecoach.co.uk Places are limited so book NOW to avoid disappointment!

www.theNOWmagazines.com

19

20

Justin Leon Garden Maintenance All Aspects of Gardening Undertaken

Including Decking Overhaul Patio Washing & Repair Also offering Painting and Decorating

07789 961233

Garden’s Revival “Beautiful gardens without the diggers, just plants

• Beautiful plants • Luscious plant combinations • Long lived planting • All year round interest and mainly just a beautiful garden to enjoy!

If the above is what you want from your garden then don’t hesitate to contact Garden’s Revival, we offer a planting design service focusing on rejuvenation of plant borders or creation of new planting schemes.

For your FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION Please contact Jitka

07521 715638 www.gardensrevival.co.uk

www.theNOWmagazines.com

21

NOW in the Garden

Garden Tips for June • Deadhead spent flower heads on bulbs, and then after 6 weeks cut back tatty foliage.

• Try the ‘Chelsea Chop’ (traditionally undertaken in the last week of May or first week of June). Cutting plants back by a third should make them more floriferous (more side shoots), keep plants compact, and delay flowering until later in the summer. A clever compromise for larger swathes of the same plant is to cut back some and not others, hopefully ensuring staggered flowering over a long period.

This is good for Sedum, Echinacea, Rudbeckia, Helenium and other late flowering perennials.

• Feed summer flowering bulbs in containers with a liquid potash feed. A feed every three weeks during the growing season will promote flowering. Keep a look out for lily beetle, inspect plants regularly removing bright red adult beetles by hand.

• Deadhead roses and perennials, clipping off spent flower heads, enabling the plant’s energy to produce more flowers into late summer and even autumn.

• Take a good look at garden ponds and remove invasive plants such as blanket weed before they choke other plants.

• Regularly water any new areas of lawn and ensure that newly laid turf doesn’t dry out as it will shrink.

• Prune spring flowering deciduous shrubs such as Weigela and Philadelphus.

Vanessa Blain www.vanessablaingardendesign.co.uk

Open Farm Sunday 11th June 11am For the first time Luton Hoo Estate is taking part in LEAF, the farming industry's national open day. The estate has its own 'in-hand' arable farm and farm contracting business operating over 1500 acres, as well as the historic Walled Garden and Edwardian era farm .Guided tours will be available. Highlights are cereal crops (barley, wheat etc), sheep, flowers and plants and environmental stewardship. A number of

22

stands showing aspects of farming and countryside management and tractor and trailer tours will be available. Entry is free and food and light refreshments will be available to purchase on site.

01582 721443 www.lutonhooestate.co.uk

Open Food Gardens Come and see what fruit and vegetables are being grown in local gardens, and get free advice to help grow your own. Just turn up on any of the following dates.

Suggested donation £2 per visit for over 16s No dogs except guide dogs Wheelchair access restricted at most gardens, For more information visit www.TransitionStAlbans.org 24th June 3pm - 5pm 30 Gustard Wood (off The Slype), Wheathampstead AL4 8RR 2nd July 10am - 1pm Burydell Allotments, Park Street AL2 2PU 2nd July 3pm - 5pm 66 Sherwood Avenue, St Albans AL4 9PL Community growing group, FoodSmiles St Albans, also runs skills sessions and talks and is setting up Incredible Edible Gardens, for details visit www.FoodSmilesStAlbans.org.uk

www.theNOWmagazines.com

23

Jolly June

St Albans Steam and Country Show 3rd & 4th June 10am This annual event showcases Steam Engines, Vintage Vehicles, Classic Cars and much more.

For youngsters these steaming monsters provide both entertainment and education, a total contrast with the high-tech era of today.

Many of the older generation will remember steam rollers at work, while before the last world war steam wagons regularly pounded through St Albans carrying long distance loads. Steam threshing was carried out at local farms, and steam tractors were used to carry stone, farm produce and even house contents within the area. Some of these machines are now 100 years old, but have been rebuilt many times and will last forever. Come and see them in action in a fun filled day for all the family. £8, concs £5, family £20 Oaklands College, Smallford Campus, St Albans AL4 0JA www.steamheritage.co.uk

NOW at Whipsnade Special Children's Day 17th June opens 10am A unique annual event welcoming children with special needs and their families and friends. With increased specialist facilities and staff numbers, as well as special interactive events and discounted entry. All activities are free and there’ll be animal-costumed characters to meet and staff and volunteers on hand to help.

Singing Hands: Introduction to the world of animals through Makaton themed signs, songs, rhymes, stories and games Wildlife Gardening: Plant a seed to grow at home, or build a mini-beast hotel to attract wildlife into your garden Sensory Storytelling: Immersive and interactive stories about the natural world Hands on Habitats: Investigate the natural world with these fun activities LIVE! talks: Amazing animal talks accompanied by British Sign Language interpreters Art Activities: Fun family art activities Sunset Safari - Enjoy a Saturday Evening at the Zoo 24th June 6pm - 10pm Explore the Zoo as the sun goes down, relax, join the animals and be entertained for an evening you’re sure to remember! Enjoy animal talks and demonstrations, ride on the safari truck or Jumbo Express steam train or grab something from the food stalls. Then relax at Base Camp, with music and entertainment at the end of what will be an unforgettable evening. www.zsl.org/whipsnade

Larks In The Park 2nd July 12 noon - 5pm This years event celebrates the 60’s and the Summer of Love. There’ll be groovy music, retro workshops including hoola hoops, yo-yo’s and skipping, fab food and amazing activities. Children can customise an album at the free vinyl workshop and take home a bit of history. Bring a picnic and spend the afternoon with your friends, families and neighbours. Why not forget the car and walk and be sure to wear a flower in your hair!

Victoria Playing Field St Albans AL3 5JH Fleetville Community Centre St Albans AL1 4QL London Colney Community Centre AL2 1PU Batford Springs Harpenden AL5 5AA Roestock Park Colney Heath AL4 0QD www.1life.co.uk

24

Claydon House Teddy Bears Picnic 14th June 11.30am - 1pm Bring a little one, a teddy and a picnic for storytelling and crafts on the West Terrace. £1 Great Expectations 1st July Bring a picnic and join Chapterhouse Theatre Company as they present Charles Dickens’ unforgettable story of love, family and friendship, in the beautiful setting of Claydon Estate. Bring low-backed seating (no tables) Please book £15, child £10, family £44 0344 2491895 Claydon House, Bucks MK18 2EY www.nationaltrust.org.uk/claydon

Spring Special at Willows 27th May - 4th June With live sheep shearing and acres of springtime fun, why not go along and see Tuck the Shepherd giving his woolly friends a hair cut ready for the warmer weather. Enjoy new shows in the Peter Rabbit Theatre, Sheep Racing around the animal race track and all the Willows favourites including Tristan the Runaway Tractor.

Entry covers all adventure play, activities, shows, inflatables and rides, the Peter Rabbit Adventure Playground and indoor play barn.

Willows Activity Farm AL4 0PF www.willowsactivityfarm.com

NOW at Hatfield House Hatfield Food Festival 2nd June 10am - 5pm Featuring up to 150 exhibitors including local producers and artisan food and drink, plus celebrity chef demonstrations including Rosemary Shrager, The Baker Brothers and Paul Jagger of the Great British Bake Off 2016. Along with live music, cook-a-long master classes, foraging walks and the Fisher & Paykel Social Kitchen.

A day out for the whole family with lots of free activities for the children including baking pizza in the Cookery School, making exploding jelly in the Food Lab and planting vegetables in the Sow ‘n’ Grow activity tent.

Admission also includes access to the Gardens and Grounds. £11, concs £10 / £7 www.hatfieldfoodfestival.co.uk Peter Pan 11th June 3pm Presented by the Chapterhouse Theatre Company in support of Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity. This classic is brought to life in a brand new adaptation with beautifully designed costumes, music and songs. Bring low back chairs and a picnic and join Peter and his friends for a magical evening.

Please book, £15, child £10, family £44 Hatfield House AL9 5NQ www.hatfield-house.co.uk

NOW at Knebworth Father’s Day Medieval Jousting 18th June Displays 12.30pm & 2.30pm The turrets of Knebworth House provide a great backdrop to the knights galloping across the arena in a fantastic display of horsemanship. Watch them demonstrate their skills, and cheer on your favourites.

You can also try archery with The Green Dragon Bowmen for a small charge.

Jousting is included in the park and gardens admission ticket, £9.50, under 3s free Dogfest 24th & 25th June Professor Noel Fitzpatrick, Channel 4’s Supervet offers dogs and their owners the ultimate fun-filled weekend. With activities for your dog to take part in including agility sessions, dog diving and training, plus grooming sessions for pampered pooches, a Free Pet Healthy Weight Check, and gifts and treats galore.

Twice a day, Noel will lead the way on The Great Dog Walk, the perfect opportunity to get walking with your dog and explore the beautiful grounds of Knebworth House.

Watch displays of agility and doggy dancing, get first-hand advice from the experts with talks and demonstrations on all aspects of your dog’s life. www.knebworthhouse.com

Redbourn in Steam

18th June 11am Working models, train rides and general enthusiasm for everything modelling. There will be road rollers and traction engines both large and small, plus the St Albans Model Engineering Society with their fascinating models providing train rides for all ages.

Redbourn Village Museum, Redbourn AL3 7NB www.theNOWmagazines.comwww.redbournvillage.org.uk25

NOW for some Art Art on the Common 10th & 11th June Sat: 10am - 5pm / Sun: 11am - 5pm Established as Hertfordshire’s premier outdoor art event, this Charity Art Show has been taking place for over 30 years. Set on a wonderful tree lined

Ayot St Lawrence Art Show

section of the Common, the tented village will have 45 pitches featuring work by the most talented artists in the region. A wide range of works will be on show including paintings, ceramics, fine art photography, sculpture, jewellery, glass, wood and handmade greeting cards.

You will have the chance to buy outstanding original pieces directly from the artist. So come along and take home a unique piece of artwork or designer jewellery.

All proceeds from pitch charges and sales commission will be donated to Cancer Research UK. www.artonthecommon.co.uk

Arts On Prescription Studies have shown that taking part in an arts activity has a positive influence on mental health and general wellbeing. It can increase self-esteem and confidence, reduce feelings of isolation and give those involved a sense of personal achievement.

This new programme using the arts is for those suffering from stress, anxiety, depression and other conditions affecting mental wellbeing. You don’t need any experience to take part, everyone is welcome from beginners to the more experienced.

It’s a 9 week course, costing £2 per week, and to take part you must be over 18 and live within the City and District of St Albans.

For more information please contact artsonprescription@1Life.co.uk 01727 819469 / 01727 819303

26

10th - 12th June Sat & Sun: 10am - 5pm Mon: 11am - 2pm Now in its 43rd year, the show which takes place in the beautiful Ayot St Lawrence “New Church,” a Grade I listed, Greek-style Church, (locally known as the Palladian Church) always attracts an impressive and eclectic range of artists.

Diane, Ayot Arts Show Committee told us“We are delighted that so many of our most popular artists will be back with us again this year and as we always strive to keep the Show fresh, of course we’ll be welcoming many new names” As well as framed art in the Church, there will be two marquees: one with a wide selection of unframed art and greeting cards, designed by the artists, and the other selling home-made cakes, tea and coffee.

Two of the village’s loveliest gardens, 2 Ruins Cottage and West Green will also be open and The Brocket Arms pub, which dates from the 14th century, will be holding its annual beer festival.

The Art Show began as a means of raising money for conservation projects to maintain and protect the fabric of St Lawrence Church, which continues today. Commissioned by Sir Lionel Lyde around 1776, St Lawrence Church was designed by Nicholas Revett, a gentleman architect and member of the Dilettanti Club.

The Church is loosely modelled on the temple to Apollo on the island of Delos in the Cyclades and so is an early example of the ‘Greek Revival’ style, for which it gained its Grade 1 Listing, and not ‘Palladian’, as it is generally called. £1, concs free www.ayotartshow.co.uk

The Childwickbury Arts Fair offers art, live music, food and drink in the beautiful grounds of the Childwickbury estate. A relaxed atmosphere provides a unique setting to buy art and craft, and visitors can approach artists to ask questions about their work.

Fri 30th June 10am - 5pm Sat 1st July 10am - 6pm Sun 2nd July 10am - 5pm Adults £8, seniors £7, child £5, under 5’s free Free parking and dogs welcome on leads Childwickbury Estate, Harpenden Road, St Albans AL3 6JU (use ‘Childwickbury’ for Sat Nav directions)

Flamstead Book Festival ‘Books in the Belfry’ 1st June 7.30pm Books in the Belfry is back for a special evening featuring comedian and screenwriter Andy Hamilton whose debut novel “The Star Witness” has just been published. Best known for co-writing the BBC TV series “Outnumbered” as well as “Drop the Dead Donkey” and being a regular panellist on “Have I Got News for You”. He will be talking to journalist Ian Ridley about the latest chapter of a career spent making people laugh. You can buy a copy of the novel and meet him to get your book signed. Proceeds go towards repair and restoration work on the village church and its unique medieval wall-paintings. £12, includes a glass of wine or soft drink. www.flamsteadbookfestival.com

www.theNOWmagazines.com

27

NOW at Verulamium Museum

Top 20 Spot for Museum Collection An ancient burial site discovered in the St Albans District in 2002 has been named as one of the 20 most important archaeological finds of the last 20 years. The objects unearthed at Turners Hall Farm, Wheathampstead, date back to the second century AD when Britain was under Roman rule.

Among the discoveries were two graves, almost certainly those of wealthy owners of a Roman Villa and bath house that stood nearby.

Around 150 objects were also unearthed by two metal detectorists, many are now on display at Verulamium Museum.They found household objects which showed the villa’s owners had collected examples of the best goods available in the Roman times. These included bronze jugs from Campania, Italy, glassware from the Rhineland, Germany, Samian jugs from France and silver from Spain.Many British objects were also found, suggesting the owners were the Romanised descendants of local landowners, members of the Iron Age’s elite.

The larger grave included a complete hunting kit with arrows and a set of knives for butchering and skinning prey. The bodies were cremated, making identification difficult, but it appears they may have both been women. Why not visit the Museum to have a look.

What’s on at the Museum The Curse of the Pharaohs 1st June 10.30am - 12.30pm & 2pm - 4pm Explore the Ancient Egyptian collection and hear stories, curses and legends from the heydays of excavating in the Nile Valley.

Please book, ages 6 - 11 years, £6 A Curious Conversation 21st June St Albans Hospital 10am - 3pm A pop up museum curated by the Museum’s resident artist Lyndall Phelps, who was inspired by a Conversazione which took place in St Albans Library in 1880. This exhibition of historical objects, curiosities and works of art from private collections helped lead to the foundation of what was to become the Museum of St Albans.

Lyndall’s Curious Conversation features a range of objects from the Museum’s collection including archaeology, art, natural history and social history alongside new pieces of artwork created by Lyndall in response to the 1880’s exhibition. Drop in, free.

Summer Solstice at the Clock Tower 21st June 7pm - 10pm £1 On the longest day of the year see spectacular views of St Albans from the top of the Tower in the evening sunshine (hopefully!). Take some photos and share them with the museum on Twitter @stalbansmuseums Verulamium Museum, St Albans AL3 4SW 01727 751810 www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk 28

Helping Children use the Internet Safely It seems that almost every week there is a new app or website that kids are using to IM (instant message) each other and it can be hard for parents to keep up.

Hertfordshire based Charity - Family Lives knows how confusing it is for parents to know how social media works and how old children should be to use them, (usually 13 years or over).

To help children to use the internet safely and responsibly, parents should talk to their child about what is and not appropriate to share online and the dangers of sexting, especially as with most apps children can send images or videos free of charge. Also, ensure your child knows how to block the user if they receive bullying messages or inappropriate images.

Some other basic rules children should know when using social media include not using their real name on their profile when it is available publicly, never adding their location to messages or photos, and never accept a follower or friend they don’t know in real life.

If you would like support and advice on social media or any other family issues, talk to one of our trained Support Workers for free by calling our confidential helpline on 0808 800 2222. You can also share experiences and advice with other parents on our Forums. If you have a few hours to spare each week Family Lives has a range of volunteer opportunities available in our Hatfield office. Please contact Kath Collins on 01707 247031 or Kathc@familylives.org.uk

Linda & Karen Cleaning Services

www.theNOWmagazines.com

29

Deliciousandreal Sardine Fishcakes The perfect quick and easy dinner made with tinned sardines (which are packed with omega 3 and vitamin D). For the fresh breadcrumbs, I whizz up crusts from a loaf of bread. For the mash if I haven’t got time to peel, I microwave the potatoes until soft, cut them in half and put them through the ricer…it makes lovely mash!

1 tin of sardines in oil, Plain flour, for dusting drained with a little reserved 1 egg, whisked 300g mashed potato 100g fresh breadcrumbs Salt and pepper Gently combine the sardines and a splash of their oil in a bowl with the mashed potato and season. Make the mixture into 6 ‘cakes’. Dip them in flour, then the egg and then gently press (on all sides) in the breadcrumbs. Put on a baking tray and bake for about 10 / 15 minutes at 180°C. Serve with fine green beans, sugar snap peas and a dollop of mayonnaise.

Herby Chicken with Couscous I love a meal you can serve on a platter so people can help themselves; You can try adding some chilli (fresh or dried) for more flavour. Serve with wraps; simple and delicious flavours which remind me of summer!

Dip about 300g couscous ½ cucumber (grated) Olive oil 250g full fat greek yogurt 4 chicken thighs ½ lemon Seasoning ½ bunch of fresh mint 2 tsp dried oregano (leaves, finely chopped) 1 lemon 1 pepper, finely chopped Bunch of spring onions, finely chopped 200g peas, cooked 40g feta cheese Squeeze excess moisture from the grated cucumber and put in a bowl with the yogurt, juice from half the lemon and half the mint, stir to combine.

Put the couscous into a large bowl and pour over 2 mugs of boiling water; add a pinch of salt and cover. Put the chicken thighs on a large sheet of greaseproof paper, season, add the oregano and a squeeze of lemon. Cover with another sheet of paper and bash them with a rolling pin to about 1.5cm thick. Heat some oil in a pan and fry the chicken thighs (on both sides) until golden brown and cooked through (about 4 minutes a side). Remove the lid from the couscous, add 1tbsp olive oil and fluff up with a fork. Squeeze over the remaining lemon and add the pepper, spring onions, peas and remaining mint leaves; taste and season as necessary. Put the couscous onto a large platter, slice the chicken and arrange on top.

Sprinkle over the feta and serve with the yogurt and cucumber dip.

For more tasty family friendly recipes follow local mum Claire Gillies Twitter: @deliciousreal16 Claire Instagram: @deliciousandreal Facebook: @deliciousandreal

30

The Great Get Together 17th & 18th June This is a great opportunity for street parties, picnics, bakeoff’s and BBQ’s, a time for us all to celebrate what we have in common. The Great Get Together has been set up to honour the memory of MP Jo Cox who was murdered as she walked to a constituency surgery on 16th June last year. Help for Heroes, Scouts, Guides, Amnesty International, the Women’s Institute and the Premier League are among the event’s supporters.

The Big Lunch, a similar national event launched in 2009, is teaming up with the Great Get Together this year, and will take place on 17th & 18th June. So whatever you choose to do just get your friends and neighbours together, it’s not too late - but you need to start NOW! Some helpful websites: www.stalbans.gov.uk www.ourstreetparty.org www.greatgettogether.org

Plastering, Cellar Tanking and Decorating Free Estimates

07722 128189 David.Mortby@live.co.uk 127 Southfields, Bedfordshire SG17 5AT

Gary Rackley High Quality Decorator Interior & Exterior Insurance Work Undertaken Established 26 Years City & Guilds Qualified 01923 460701 07721 624326 garyrackley@hotmail.co.uk

M&M Decorators Fully qualified City and Guilds Over 20 years experience All interior and exterior work undertaken Specialist in all types of wallpaper All work finished to a high professional standard Free quotations at competitive prices Matthew Hayden 01582 270715 07970 720911

www.theNOWmagazines.com

31

Do Something for Charity St Albans Half Marathon Wins Silver Award!

Local community event, St Albans Half Marathon, has won silver for Best Small Half Marathon in the prestigious Running Awards 2017! Race Director, Katie Foweraker, attended the Awards Ceremony sitting alongside industry professionals such as Adidas and Nike, as well as role models such as Dame Kelly Holmes!

The annual awards with around 5000 participants are regarded as the highest in the running industry, with the event celebrating awards from Best Blogger, Best Shoe, Best Marathon and of course Best Charity. All winners are voted for by the public, with nearly 100,000 votes this year.

Katie says “We would like to thank everyone who voted, as well as everyone who supports the event.

We are a community event and pride ourselves on offering something for everyone….We are absolutely blown away by this award. Our community event continues to grow in strength and we cannot wait to celebrate with all our runners on Sunday 11th June!”

The event was founded in 1982 by local businessman, Phil Gibson, who wanted to raise money for a hospital scanner following the death of his mother from breast cancer. The event was deemed a great success and was considered to be the biggest charity event ever seen in St Albans. It was hoped that it would become an annual event. Phil Gibson now takes part in the event every year, wearing race number 1.

“It is amazing to see just how far the event has come .... Phil is still heavily involved, and telling him that we had won the silver award brought me to tears!” says Katie “I think that the event’s core values – community and charity – are what has made it so successful...it might be a standard distance but it is anything but a standard race!”

To take part in your local award winning community event on 11th June just visit www.stalbanshalfmarathon.co.uk Registration closes at 11.59pm on 6th June

32

A Very British Afternoon Tea Bake, donate and raise money for Essex & Herts Air Ambulance.

Are you a master at muffins, nutty as a fruit cake and like spending time over a brew with those you care about most?

If so this event is for you. Just pick a date in June, invite friends, family or colleagues round and simply bake and donate!

For a fundraising pack and more information visit www.ehaat.org/fundraise/afternoon-tea

The Hospice of St Francis Garden Party Ashridge House Berkhamsted 11th June 1pm - 5pm, £7, under 16s free A wide variety of quality retail stalls, children’s entertainment, live music, cream teas, homemade cakes, Pimms, a licensed bar, locally produced hot food and ice cream, something to keep everyone happy! While you’re there you can also explore the historical and contemporary gardens, avenues of trees and views over the stunning parkland. www.stfrancis.org.uk

Charity Car Washes 10th June 9am - 11am The Colney Fox pub, London Colney AL2 1BL is raising money for Glendee Dog Rescue Centre in Hatfield by having a charity car wash. £5 per car www.glendeedogrescue.com 18th June 10am - 2pm Get your car washed in aid of charity at Wheathampstead Fire Station AL4 8BA

The Harpenden Shutter Company We Supply & Fit Beautiful Wooden Plantation Window Shutters Specialising in Bay Windows

Free No Obligation Consultation, Measuring & Quotation

Summer Sale 25% off Shutters 20% off all Blinds Awnings Poles & Curtains

Professionally handmade curtains, blinds, cushions and bedcovers

Teresa & Kevin Buckler

01582 461639 kevin.buckler@fit-ex.com www.fit-ex.com/hertfordshire

Call for a free quotation or to discuss your requirements sue.m.smyth@gmail.com 01727 842394

20 Bewdley Close Harpenden

www.theNOWmagazines.com

33

Bletchley Park

Thrills of the Sky Shuttleworth Fly Navy 4th June See visiting naval aircraft including the Sea Vixen, Gazelle, Hawker Nimrod (Historic Aircraft Collection) and Hawker Nimrod (The Fighter Collection), plus aircraft from the Collection including the Hawker Sea Hurricane, Tiger Moth, Chipmunk, Westland Lysander and Sopwith Pup. There will also be flight training simulator with the Biggleswade Air Squadron and the chance to sit in the cockpit of a Hawker Hunter GA.11 WV381.

Gates 9am, £30, child free Gyro Gathering 9th June British Rotor Association will be holding the largest gathering of flying Gyros for a LAA and BRA Record Fly In attempt for the most autogyros ever to fly in to one UK airfield on one day. There are likely to be over 40 of these fascinating aircraft! de havilland Moth Club Charity Flying Weekend 10th & 11th June The chance to fly in aircraft such as: DH.60GIII Moth Major, DH.82A Tiger Moth and DH.82 Queen Bee. Flights cost £85, all proceeds go to charity. Just turn up, first come first served.

Classic Evening Airshow 17th June Gates: 12 noon, Flying starts: 6pm £20, child free Pride and Prejudice 23rd June Step back in time with Chapterhouse Theatre Company to celebrate the 200th Anniversary of Jane Austen’s death with this classic love story while enjoying a picnic in the Swiss Garden.

Gates 5.30pm, performance 7pm. £15, child £10 The Shuttleworth Collection, Beds SG18 9EP www.shuttleworth.org 34

3rd & 4th June 9.30am - 5pm 1940's Vintage Weekend Featuring 1940’s swing band, The Bevin Boys, vintage market place, salon and pop-up shop, great fun for all the family. Why not dress to impress in 1940’s attire!

Father's Day BBQ 18th June 12 noon - 5pm Treat Dad to a great day listening to a live swing band while enjoying Bletchley Park’s very own beer created by The Concrete Cow Brewery in Milton Keynes, all while relaxing in these historic and picturesque surroundings.

Entry to both events are included in the admission price.

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

RAF London Make Do and Mend May Half-Term 29th May - 2nd June Have a go at WWII arts and crafts Exhibition: Wings of Love until 19th February 2018 Wings of Love is inspired by sweetheart brooches from the Museum’s collections. These brooches were gifts typically in the form of regimental badges, given by airmen to their wives, girlfriends and family members. Co-curated with local schools and colleges, and includes student’s work and original objects and documents.

Little Swifts 29th June & 20th July 10.30am - 11.30am Fun sessions for ages 2-5 years, with games, stories, songs and arts and crafts, linked to the Museum’s collection. Please book £3 Exhibition: RAF Photographer of the Year until 30th September Now in its 27th year, the museum will be displaying the winning entries of the 2016 competition. Categories range from ‘The Operational Experience’ through to the ‘Equipment’ category showing the world class equipment available to the Service.

A visual feast for the eyes!

RAF London, Hendon NW9 5LL www.rafmuseum.org.uk

Verulam Fencing  All Fencing Products  Top Quality Fencing  Repair & Maintenance  Fence Painting & Treatment  Gates & Trellis  All work Guaranteed  Free Quotations  Friendly Reliable Local Service Call Nick 07737 284711 nick.morgan87@googlemail.com Please visit Verulam Fencing on Facebook for reviews and pictures www.facebook.com/verulamfencing

Build • Replace • Repair

For All Your Carpentry & Property Maintenance Needs

www.theNOWmagazines.com

35

This Girl Can in Herts Week World Blood Donor Day 14th June What can you do? Give blood. Give now. Give often.

This year’s campaign focuses on blood donation in emergencies and underlines the role everyone can play in helping others in these situations by giving the valuable gift of blood. It also encourages you to give blood regularly, so that the blood stock is sufficient before an emergency arises.

The history of blood donation goes back as far as the 17th century when it was known that blood was a vital element in the body and losing too much of it would have tragic consequences. So experimentation began and the first transfusions were done using poorly understood science. Richard lower was the first to examine animals and blood circulation and find ways to stop blood clotting. He gained great notoriety for his efforts, and was asked to teach this technique to the Royal Society. There were some odd beliefs about blood back then, and the first human transfusion involved putting the blood of a sheep into a patient who was suffering from a mild form of insanity. It was thought that perhaps the blood of so gentle a creature as a lamb might help to calm his insanity. The act of transferring animal blood into patients was strongly questioned by the superstitious and morally rigid authorities of the time, and the practice was outlawed.

An obstetrician brought blood transfusions back into modern medical technology, starting in 1818. He published his work after saving the life of a woman who had hemorrhaged after giving birth. Throughout his life, he performed 10 transfusions, 5 of which saved lives.

World Blood Donor Day celebrates the hard work and daring of these early medical professionals and recognises the efforts they put into developing a technology that saves so many lives today.

The best way to celebrate this Day is to go out and give blood! There’s a need for all types, just a single donation now and then will help save lives.

You can give blood if you are fit and healthy,weigh over 7 stone 12 lbs or 50kg, are aged between 17 and 66 (or 70 if you have given blood before). Men can give blood every 12 weeks and women every 16 weeks.

Next Local Sessions 5th June 12.35pm - 3.30pm & 5pm - 7.45pm Beales Hotel Comet Way, Hatfield AL10 9NG www.my.blood.co.uk

36

3rd - 11th June Herts Sports Partnership's campaign is encouraging mums, grans, sisters, cousins, aunties and friends who might just need a nudge to get involved with sport. ‘This Girl Can’ aims to help women and girls whatever their shape, size and ability to overcome the fear of judgement that may be stopping them from joining in. This years’ campaign focuses on the confidence, resilience and belonging that comes from taking part in sport. So try something new, you’ll be surprised how much fun it can be.

Here’s a taster of what’s going on, check out #TGCinHerts for more local events: Back to Netball Harpenden Sports Centre every Weds 7.30pm £2 OH Ladies Running Club Hatfield Park new to/back to running course starts 7th June Parkrun Verulamium Park, St Albans every Sat 9am, free register at www.parkrun.org.uk

www.theNOWmagazines.com

37

NOW for some Music Busking Day 3rd June Clock Tower, St Albans High Street An amazing number of local musicians will be performing to raise funds for local charity ‘The Crescent’.

The line up includes; Skomads, Shaun Clark, Beth Hedges, Becky Phillips, Abbie Gathard, Papersnakes and more Starting at 10.30am until 5pm

Simon Gledhill 10th June 7pm St Albans Organ Theatre AL15PE Quoted as having a 'rare combination of flawless technique, impeccable phrasing and an unerring sense of musical good taste' He was 'born to be a theatre organist.' £10 0300 365 6565

Music for a Summer Night 17th June 7.30pm Harpenden High Street Methodist Church Harpenden Choral Society performs Dvořák Mass in D Major and Parry Songs of Farewell. The concert features soloists Susanna Fairbairn, soprano; Thalie Knights, alto; Aidan Coburn, tenor; and Andrew Mahon, bass; conducted

by John Andrews, with accompaniment by Roger Carter on the organ. £15, child / student £5 from Creature Comforts, Harpenden 01582 419379

Titanic Triumph 18th June 7.30pm University of Herts de Havilland Philharmonic close the Hatfield Festival, with the drama of the overture to Mozart’s opera Don Giovanni followed by two arias by Mozart and Richard Strauss. £20, concs £15, child £8 www.uharts.co.uk

Haydn The Creation 24th June 7.30pm St John’s Church, Harpenden AL5 1DJ One of the most life-affirming two hours of music

38

you can hear. Joseph Haydn once said that when he thought of God he could write only cheerful music. With solo singers Marcus Farnsworth, Vanessa Bowers and Gwilym Bowen, a top period-instrument orchestra, and the Lea Singers with their new Music Director Victoria Longdon will create a truly memorable occasion, whether it is your first experience of Haydn’s The Creation or it is already a well-loved favourite. £15, concs £10 07881 785299

Carmen 27th June 7.30pm St Saviour's Church, St Albans AL1 4DF Dulwich Opera Company perform a new chamber adaptation of Bizet's classic. With a cast of young professional singers making role debuts, sung in French with English surtitles. Premièred in 1875, this remains one of the most loved and performed of all operas, and includes the famous Habanera, Toreador song and Flower Song. The opera tells the story of the fiery gypsy girl's tragic love affair with the obsessive soldier, Don José. £21, concs £19, child £10 www.dulwichoperacompany.org.uk

IOFringe 28th June - 9th July Promoting the diversity of excellent local music, the IOFringe complements the International Organ Festival which takes place 10th – 22nd July. This year’s line-up includes folk, bluegrass, pop, blues, choral, indie and more. There will be vintage organs, an open mic special and the wonderful Wheeze - an interactive self-powered portable organ made from old vacuum cleaners, bellows, balloons, accordions and whatever else can be found!

Highlights include the acclaimed Carrivick Sisters with their take on folk and bluegrass along with Youtube star Nicholas Freestone whose rendition of David Bowie’s Life on Mars on the St Albans Cathedral organ captured all our hearts. www.facebook.com/iofringe www.lemonrock.com/iofringe

DJ&M Plumbing Services Ltd We care about your small jobs too! ● Electric and Power Showers Fitted ● Ball Valves and Overflows ● Blocked WC’s, Sinks, Baths and Basins ● Repair/Renew Stopcocks and Taps ● Plumb in Washing Machines

and Dishwashers ● Repair Leaking Pipes ● Outside Taps

Dean Herrington 01727 764217 07830 159010 info@djmplumbing.co.uk www.djmplumbing.co.uk see our main advert on the inside back cover

www.theNOWmagazines.com

39

NOW at the Local Theatres

Maltings Arts Theatre

Abbey Theatre

Montparnasse 3rd June 8pm Parisian singer Céline Dommart with her unique blend of French chanson, Spanish tango and American jazz. The band features award winning acoustic guitarist Cris Tolley, double bass legend Paul Smith and Dream Cymbals artist Robin Payne on drums and percussion. A totally unique and unforgettable experience. £12, £11, £7.50

Company by Stephen Sondheim 14th - 17th June A musical in which New York bachelor, Robert can think of nothing to wish for as he blows out the candles on his 35th birthday cake. So he begins to wonder whether being single is right for him – or whether he should look for something deeper in terms of relationships.

Lovesong by Abi Morgan The Colours of Kenny Roach 9th June 8pm 30th June - 2nd July & 4th - 8th July A warm, funny and deeply moving drama about The story of one couple told from two different creativity, the nature of the artist and the selfpoints in their lives – as young lovers at the start of destructive impulse of addiction. Kenny is a their marriage and as elderly companions looking Glaswegian artist and lecturer; talented, back on their relationship. Both pairs appear charismatic, charming. But even his wife cannot onstage together as the action interweaves save him from the demons that turn his colourful seamlessly between past and present. world to black. £12, £11, £7.50 Abbey Theatre, St Albans AL1 2DL A Century of Swing 17th June 8pm 01727 857861 The Fleetville Swing Band is a thirty strong group of www.abbeytheatre.org.uk local amateur and professional musicians. They’ll keep your feet tapping with big band tunes, classic The SandPit Theatre swing and jazz. Take a whistle stop tour of popular According To Arthur…

24th June 11.30am & 2.30pm swing band music spanning the last century. £12, £11, £7.50 The heart-warming tale of an old man who reengages with the outside world and the St Albans Folk Festival Concert 24th June 8pm adventurous life he once led. PaddleBoat Theatre The Furrow Collective, winners of the Best Group Company invites you to bring your imagination to award in the BBC Radio Two Folk Awards are help Arthur find his only friend, the moon, now the headline guests. These four fine soloists share a clouds have covered the sky and it’s nowhere to be mutual love of traditional songs, from both sides of seen, with your help, who knows what else he the English and Scottish borders, with playful, might discover outside his front door. boundary-defying musicianship. Also featuring £8, concs £6 Alison and Jack, winners of the Watford Folk Club The Sandpit Theatre, St Albans AL4 9NX song writing competition and New Roots finalist, www.sandpittheatre.co.uk Bláthnaid McCullagh. £14, students £10 The Level of Being 30th June & 1st July 8pm by Martin Arrowsmith Her marriage is failing, she hates her job, her socalled friends are never there for her. But now she’s turning her life around, all thanks to Dr Doreen McDonald’s inspiring self-help bible, The Level of Being. Louise adjusts her life in accordance with her guru’s advice - but is Dr Doreen’s advice really all it’s cracked up to be? £12 / £11 Age14+ Maltings Arts Theatre, St Albans AL1 3HL 0333 666 3366 www.maltingsartstheatre.co.uk

40

High Street Methodist Church The Man From Aldersgate with BJ Johnston as John Wesley 24th June 6.30pm Experience the life and times of John Wesley, the man who rode over 250,000 miles to bring spiritual renewal to England and America. £7 - £10, includes buffet supper.

High Street Methodist Church, Harpenden AL5 2RU 01582 713056 www.highstreet.church

www.theNOWmagazines.com

41

What’s on in June 42

1st Flamstead Book Festival: An Evening with Andy Hamilton see page 27 The Curse of the Pharaohs see page 28 1st - 30th Exhibition: Alban Pilgrimage Puppets page 4 2nd Crafty Capers Verulamium Museum, St Albans AL3 4SW, drop in, ages 3+, 2pm - 4pm, £1.50 Hatfield Food Festival see page 25 3rd Jenny Éclair see page 6 Busking Day see page 38 Celtic Harmony Family Volunteer Day Celtic Harmony Camp SG13 8NY help build the new Roundhouses, 10am, free www.celticharmony.org 3rd & 4th St Albans Steam & Country Show see page 24 4th Heartwoof! see page 14 Fly Navy at Shuttleworth see page 34 6th Photography Walk see page 14 9th Totally Batty Walk see page 14 10th Harpenden Carnival see page 4 10th & 11th Art on the Common see page 26 de havilland Moth Club Charity Flying Weekend see page 34 10th - 12th Ayot St Lawrence Art Show see page 26 11th St Albans Half Marathon www.stalbanshalfmarathon.co.uk Hospice of St Francis Garden Party page 32 Musical Sunday Afternoon St Albans Organ Theatre AL1 5PE Queens Birthday Special 2pm - 4pm, child £3, family £15 03003 65 65 65 Open Farm Sunday see page 22 Peter Pan see page 25 13th Watercolour Art Workshop: Delicate Doves Sandridge Village Hall, 07845 663633, 9.30am The Very Hungry Caterpillar The Radlett Centre WD7 8HL 1.30pm & 4pm 14th - 17th Company see page 40 16th Think Floyd see page 6

17th Classic Evening Airshow see page 34 Wildlife Explorer's Club RSPB Rye Meads SG12 8JS 11am - 1pm www.rspb.org.uk Music for a Summer Night see page 38 Passchendaele Evensong see page 8 17th & 18th Great Get Together start planning for street parties, picnics, bake-offs & BBQs www.stalbans.gov.uk/eventsplanning 18th Father’s Day Medieval Jousting see page 25 Father’s Day BBQ see page 34 Redbourn in Steam see page 25 19th The Simon and Garfunkel Story see page 23 21st A Curious Conversation see page 28 21st & 22nd Ben & Holly's Little Kingdom see page 6 23rd The Alter Eagles Harpenden Public Halls, 01582 767525, Eagles tribute band, 7.30pm, £18.50 see page 4hn The George Michael Legacy see page 6 Pride & Prejudice see page 34 24th Sunset Safari see page 24 St Albans Folk Festival Concert see page 40 Armed Forces Day Harpenden Common, Parade: 11.30am Pam Ayres see page 6 24th & 25th The Alban Weekend see page 4 DogFest see page 25 25th Harpenden Antique Fair Harpenden Public Halls, 10am - 4pm, £2 Carnival at Hertford Castle from 12 noon 26th Gentle Stroll - Chalkland Flowers see page 14 27th Carmen see page 38 28th June - 9th July IOFringe see page 38 30th The Dreamboys see page 6 Toploader & Jesus Jones Harpenden Public Halls, 01582 767525, a unique double-bill of two of the most exciting late-90s rock bands, 8pm, £25 30th June - 2nd July Childwickbury Arts Fair see page 27 ]

JB TV SERVICES EST 1960

REPAIRER OF LCD/PLASMA TV/VIDEO/AUDIO/DVD

 REPAIRS TO ALL

MAKES & MODELS  AUTHORISED REPAIRER OF

SONY, JVC, PANASONIC TV/VIDEO/DIGITAL/TUNING/ FREEVIEW INSTALLATION & SET UP

07961 420535

Email: concordeaerials2@gmail.com

www.theNOWmagazines.com

43

What’s on in July 44

1st The Kilkennys Harpenden Public Halls, musicians that reinvigorate traditional Irish music & ballads for a new generation, 7.30pm, £16 Wildflower Walk Ashridge Estate HP4 1LT learn about the estate’s flora, 10am, £8, child £5, please book 01442 851227 Love Classics on Stage The Alban Arena, 7.30pm www.alban-arena.co.uk 2nd Military Pageant www.shuttleworth.org PAW Patrol in the Park 10am - 2pm www.knebworthhouse.com 3rd If Music be the Food of Love Dagnall Street Baptist Church AL3 5EH, Quorum Singers, free 4th Workshop: Painting Sunflowers in Acrylics Sandridge Village Hall, 07845 663633, 9.30am 6th Sons of Pitches Harpenden Public Halls, exploring the amusing world of TV, £25 Open Air Cinema : Moulin Rouge Highfield Park, St Albans AL4 0RA, Luna Cinema, bring a picnic, 7.30pm www.seetickets.com 6th - 8th Peter Pan The Alban Arena, 7.30pm (Sat matinee 2.30pm) www.alban-arena.co.uk 7th Totally Batty Walk see page 14 7th - 9th St Albans Film Festival www.stalbansfilmfestival.com 8th Carmina Burana Weston Auditorium, University of Herts AL10 9EU, 01707 281127, St Albans Choral Society, 7.30pm www.uharts.co.uk 9th Highland Gathering Rothamsted Park www.harplions.com Miami Pro European Championships The Alban Arena, 2.30pm www.alban-arena.co.uk 10th - 22nd International Organ Festival www.organfestival.com 11th Bon Giovi The Alban Arena, 7.30pm www.alban-arena.co.uk 12th - 16th Me & My Ron Harpenden Public Halls, musical comedy www.hurstchildrenstheatregroup.com 13th Garden Theatre - The Lost World www.knebworthhouse.com

13th & 14th Flippin Shakespeare Abbey Theatre, St Albans, double bill The Comedy of Errors & Macbeth, with the Company of Teens, 8pm 15th Evening Airshow WWI www.shuttleworth.org 15th & 16th St Albans Town & Country Show Highfield Park, St Albans AL4 0DB, 10am - 5pm www.stalbanscountryshow.co.uk 16th Regency Garden Party www.shuttleworth.org Folk by the Oak Hatfield House www.folkbytheoak.com 21st Talk: Jane Austen & the Church St Albans Cathedral, 8pm, £10 22nd Harpenden Blues, Rhythm & Rock Festival Harpenden Public Halls, 01472 349222, 2pm - 10pm, early bird tickets £22 22nd & 23rd Open Air Cinema www.shuttleworth.org 22nd: Back to the Future, 8pm 23rd: Grease, 7.30pm Big Camp Ashridge HP4 1LT family activities & overnight camp, book on 01442 851227 The Great British Food Festival www.knebworthhouse.com 24th Soroptimist Women's Group Social Evening Pasta Cibo, Harpenden AL5 4SW, 7pm 24th, 26th & 31st Ashridge Adventurers Ashridge Estate HP4 1LT, activities & crafts, 10.30am & 1pm, £4, please book 01442 851227 25th July - 18th Aug Barracudas Activity Day Camps see page 7 25th Goblin’s Peter & The Wolf The SandPit Theatre, St Albans AL4 9NX ages 4+, 2pm 26th Open Air Cinema; Romeo & Juliet Highfield Park, St Albans AL4 0RA, Luna Cinema, bring a picnic, 7.30pm www.seetickets.com The Wiggles The Alban Arena, 11am & 2.00pm www.alban-arena.co.uk 26th - 29th Exhibition: St Albans Art Society Upper Dagnall Street Baptist Church, AL3 5EE, 10am 29th Harpenden Record Fair Harpenden Public Halls, free, 10am - 4pm 29th & 30th Decorative Salvage & Vintage Fair www.knebworthhouse.com

www.theNOWmagazines.com

45

Index of Businesses Dance & Drama Aerial Installations & Repairs Concorde Aerials 43 Penny Waterman School of Dance 3 Beauty Stagecoach 18 Skin & Tonic 13 The Cove Spa 12 Domestic Appliance Repairs Leigh Hibon 39 Bicycle Repairs Cycletech Herts 45 Education Kumon 17 Bicycle Shop CTH Cycles 45 Electricians Alban Electrical Services 43 Building Services Brockhall Building Services 37 Fencing 35 Open Plan Solutions 41 Verulam Fencing

Plasterers A Merson Plastering Dave Mortby

Finance Café AMR Financial Management Inn on the Park - Christenings & Naming Celebrations 17 Football Camps St Albans City Youth FC Care Home The Orchard Nursing Home 11 Gardening / Landscaping Carpentry / Joinery Chris Smyth 35 Elite Landscapes Garden Life Landscapes Children’s Activity Day Camps Garden’s Revival Barracudas 7 Justin Leon Children’s Early Learning Gymboree Children’s Nursery Redbourn House Day Nursery Chiropodist Julia Reading Kathy Witchard Cleaning Daily Poppins Domestique Linda & Karen Cleaning Services

5 19

21 20 21 21

Gas Heating Engineers 16 Heatfix HomeServe

37 5

Hearing Services 17 Hearing Healthcare Practice

15

10 Insurance 10 NFU Mutual

2

Locksmith 29 Lock Around the Clock 5 29 Loft Ladders 29 Home Counties Loft Ladders 23

Painters & Decorators Conservatory Roof Solutions Nu-Look 9 CB Decorators Gary Rackley M & M Decorators

37 31

Plumber DJ&M Plumbing Services Ltd

39 & 47

Pond Maintenance Women With Waders

22

Reflexology ReKlein

13

Removals Akers

36

Roofing GJ Smith Roofing

35

Shutters Just Shutters The Harpenden Shutter Company

33 33

Slimming Vision Weight Loss Consultancy

10

Soft Furnishings Sue Smyth

33

Travel Agent Holigee Travel Shop

8

Tree Surgeons Fircroft Tree Surgery Ltd

20

TV Repairs JB TV Services

43

Windows & Doors Cloudy2Clear Kings Windows

Back Cover 41

47 31 31

Effective Low Cost Advertising that Really Works! choose local first

Advertise in the NOW Magazines for as little as £29.41 per month

Call Jane or Wendy 07893 588291 / 07893 588313 www.theNOWmagazines.com jane@theNOWmagazines.com

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

46

DJ&M PLUMBING SERVICES LTD ●

●

●

●

Complete

●

Bathroom, Cloakroom, Shower Room and Kitchen Installations

●

●

Local Family Run Business, Over 30 Years Experience

●

Honest and Reliable Service Free Consultation/ Quotation for all Enquiries

●

●

Tiling Plastering Electrical

●

Discounts On All Bathrooms Supplied

Electric and Power Showers Ball Valves and Overflows Blocked WC’s, Sinks, Baths and Basins Repair/Renew Stopcocks and Taps Plumb in Washing Machines and Dishwashers Repair Leaking Pipes Outside Taps

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

www.djmplumbing.co.uk

To Advertise: 07983 588291 jane@theNOWmagazines.com

47

48