st albans NOW May 22

Pick p u me m I’ E! FRE

st albans May 2022

NOW

promoting local businesses, events and much more since 2006

St Albans

www.theNOWmagazines.com 07983 588291 jane@theNOWmagazines.com

2

Welcome to May

This month there’s seems to be more going on than ever, we’ve packed our events pages fit to burst, so make sure you read the magazines, cover to cover so you don’t miss out on anything!

It feels like summer’s here with a fantastic choice of festivals from the Kimpton May Festival, the Roman Outdoor Theatre Festival and the Visual Arts Festival to the Whisky Festival and a Festival of Flight, it’s a fun festival time for everyone!

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

Jane & Wendy

@theNOWmagazines

Advertising Rates 12 months £33 per edition £40 per edition £49 per edition £84 per edition

3 months £43 per edition 1/4 page £52 per edition 1/3 page £64 per edition 1/2 page £110 per edition Full page

other options are available

You can NOW book advertising online Deadline 8th May for June edition jane@theNOWmagazines.com 07983 588291 www.theNOWmagazines.com

W lun e also che en trip s & t joy s to hea tr get her e

www.theNOWmagazines.com 07983 588291 jane@theNOWmagazines.com

3

NOW for your Entertainment Abbey Theatre

Nathan Smith’s Acoustic Vibes 1st May 6pm Professional guitarist, singer and songwriter, Nathan takes you on a journey through some of the finest unplugged songs of all time, from those of Simon and Garfunkel, Bob Dylan, Cat Stevens to The Eagles, Eric Clapton, George Ezra and many more. £12 A Bunch of Amateurs 13th - 21st May Fading Hollywood action hero Jefferson Steele arrives in England to play King Lear in Stratford, only to find that it’s not the birthplace of the Bard, but a sleepy Suffolk village. The cast are amateurs trying to save their theatre, and Jefferson’s ego, vanity and insecurity are tested to the limit. As acting worlds collide and Jefferson’s career implodes, he discovers some truths about himself. £13, concs £12 Holywell Hill, St Albans AL1 2DL 01727 857861 www.abbeytheatre.org.uk

and Leah Bell with show-stopping scenes, sing a long memories and spectacular footage on a journey through the Queen’s 70-year reign. £17.50 A Night Out With John Lloyd 26th May 8pm Lloyd takes us behind the scenes of his bestknown work as he discusses his career and introduces clips from Spitting Image, Blackadder, QI and more, with a Q&A at the end. £25 An Evening With Simon and Oscar from Ocean Colour Scene 27th May 7.30pm Enjoy acoustic performances of their biggest hits and anthems, including The Riverboat Song, The Circle, Traveller’s Tune, Hundred Mile High City and The Day We Caught The Train. £29 Blokes Of A Feather 29th May 7.30pm Anecdotes, revelations, indiscretions, insights, lots of laughter, and plenty of classic video clips from their enormous back catalogue. £25 Rothamsted Park, Harpenden AL5 2HU www.the-emc.co.uk 01582 767525

A Celebration of Earth

7th May 8pm Music Makers Choir of Harpenden present an eclectic mix of inspiring choral music, including 'Stars' by Eriks Esenvalds, 'Rejoice in the Lamb' by Eric Morecambe Centre Benjamin Britten, Parry's 'There Rolls the Deep Dylan Moran: We Got This 1st May 8pm A joyously furious romp through the frustration and and Elgar's 'Be Still My Soul' among others, plus John Rutter's 'A Ukrainian Prayer'. folly of modern-day life. £26.50 £15, student £10, child free.

Paul Merton Impro Chums 3rd May 8pm High Street Methodist Church, Paul Merton, Richard Vranch, Suki Webster, Mike McShane and accompanist Kirsty Newton are back Harpenden AL2 2RU www.ticketsource.co.uk with another evening of mind-blowing improvisation. £24.50 Dean Friedman In Concert 6th May 7.30pm Hailed by critics and fans alike as one of the finest songwriters of his generation, with hits such as Ariel, Lucky Stars, Lydia, McDonald’s Girl and more. An evening of powerful, poignant and hilarious songs about the ordinary and extraordinary lives we share. £27.50 REM STIPE Automatic For The People 7th May 7.30pm REM remain as the band that saved American Rock. STIPE are the definitive tribute to REM, a live band show, complete with encyclopaedic knowledge of the original band, and acclaimed as ‘awesome‘ by Michael Stipe himself. £25 Miami Pro 8th May 2pm - 10pm The biggest fitness model championships in the UK and Europe. £20.50 Right Royal Knees Up 24th May 2.30pm A feel-good performance starring Jimmy Cricket 4

Campus West - Event Cinema

Turandot (Puccini) from The New York Met 7th May 5.55pm Puccini’s final opera is an epic fairy tale set in a China of legend.

Swan Lake from the Royal Opera House 19th May 7.15pm & 22nd May 2pm The Royal Ballet’s version of this classic love story mixes spectacle, mystery and passion.

Lucia Di Lammermoor (Donizetti) live from The New York Met 21st May 5.55pm In this Italian tragic opera, Soprano Nadine Sierra takes on one of the repertory’s most formidable roles, the haunted heroine of Donizetti’s Lucia di Lammermoor.

Straight Line Crazy from the National Theatre 26th May 7pm Ralph Fiennes stars in this exhilarating new play

by David Hare. www.campuswest.co.uk

www.theNOWmagazines.com 07983 588291 jane@theNOWmagazines.com

5

singer-composer Kim Porter. £15, concs £5.

St Nicholas Church, Harpenden AL5 2TP. www.leasingers.co.uk

Amadeus Chamber Orchestra Concert

NOW for more Entertainment The Old Town Hall

Eight Seasons 6th May 8pm Members of the BBC Concert Orchestra join Symphonia Academica for an evening combining Vivaldi’s, Four Seasons, the tango music of Piazzolla’s The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires and Manuel de Falla’s Danza from La Vida Breve. £14 - £18 Little Grimm Tales 7th May 2pm What if wishes were granted? What if the magic were real? Beasts and breadcrumbs, wolves and witches, frogs and fairies all join the fun in a new adaptation of Grimm’s most magical tales.

Featuring wonderful puppets, innovative theatre and spellbinding original music. £10, £8, age 3+ Great Grimm Tales 7th May 8pm A remarkable new adaptation of Grimm’s most delicious tales. Watch the weird and wicked, horrible and hilarious.. behind the wildest stories, hide the darkest truths. £12 - £15, age 12+ Seed Heart 21st May The journey begins as Grey is trapped inside a jar and tries to remember how they got there and how they could be free… follow Grey’s journey to a better future with magical pop-ups, puppetry and interactive scenes. £10, £8, age 7+ The Noise Next Door: In Charge 21st May 8pm This charismatic quartet astonished audiences with their ability to spin suggestions into comedy gold, but for this show they’re putting you, the audience, in charge. £15, £13, concs £12 The Old Town Hall, Hemel Hempstead HP1 3AE www.oldtownhall.co.uk

St Albans Organ Theatre

Demonstration of Mechanical Instruments and Musical Boxes 8th May 3pm Theatre Organ Concert 14th May 2.30pm With Keith Beckinham www.stalbansorgantheatre.org.uk

Lea Singers Concert 21st May 7.30pm

Brahms Requiem, Parry's joyful anthem I was Glad and a short Nocturne written during lockdown by 6

21st May 7.30pm Dvorak ~ Czech Suite Poulenc ~ Sonata for flute (arr. Lennox Berkeley) Mozart ~ Andante in C for flute & orchestra, K.315 Beethoven ~ Symphony no.2 In advance £15, on the door £18, child £3 St Saviour's Church, Sandpit Lane AL1 4DF www.amadeuschamberorchestra.org.uk

The Sandpit Theatre

St Albans Comedy Club 22nd May 7.30pm Enjoy some of the biggest names in live stand-up comedy, including Finn Taylor (Live at the Apollo), Jess Fostekew (Live at the Apollo), Arielle Souma (So You Think You're Funny Finalist). £16.50 Film: Pissarro: Father of Impressionism 29th May 3pm Without Camille Pissarro, there is no Impressionist Movement. It was a dramatic path that he took and throughout it he wrote extensively to his family; it’s these letters that have revealed his life and work.

This film explores and highlights the output of this incredible artist.

The Ridgeway, St Albans AL4 9NX www.sandpittheatre.co.uk

Roman Theatre Open Air Festival

24th May - 21st Aug This year's Festival is bigger than ever with 100 performances of drama, comedy, opera and music for all ages. Buy a Festival pass with unlimited access for just £70. Kicking off with A Midsummer Night's Dream 24th May - 11th June OVO will transport audiences to the glittering, hustling, hip swivelling age of the 70’s disco. This promises to be The Dream as you’ve never seen it before, featuring some of the best dance music ever produced, from the likes of Abba, Gloria Gaynor, the Bee Gees, Donna Summer, The Jacksons and more. Go along and enjoy the live band at the Midsummer Party under the stars.

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

www.theNOWmagazines.com 07983 588291 jane@theNOWmagazines.com

7

NOW at the Museums St Albans Museum + Gallery

NOW at the Cathedral

Brass & Organ Spectacular 2nd May 1pm Recital of majestic, uplifting and reflective music.

YPPT Puppet Performances 4th May £3 Marionette puppet productions with the Young People's Puppet Theatre. The Crossing Place at 6pm, a re-imagination of the Alban story and how a mysterious stranger helped Alban become Britain's first Christian martyr. A Grim Day Out at 7pm, the story of Lord Grimthorpe, the Cathedral's eccentric Victorian architect and how two children showed him what really matters.

Talk: An Introduction to Byzantine Art 5th & 19th May & 9th June 7.30pm This three-part series will delve into the turbulent history of Byzantium and the impact it had on the art produced during this time. Join Professor Tim Boatswain as he explores the complex yet fascinating history of Byzantine Art. New Testament Greek - 'top up' Day 7th May 10.30am - 3.30pm A chance for those with a basic knowledge of Greek to revive and polish their skills. £25 More to Explore - Animals in the Cathedral 8th May 1.30pm free Discover hidden creatures in this family friendly tour.

St Albans Symphony Orchestra: Colours of France 14th May 7.30pm With music by Debussy, Canteloube SaintSaëns, Poulenc and Faurè. £8 - £30, child £5 Royal Connections Tours 19th, 24th & 29th May 2pm Immerse yourself in the royal history of the Cathedral to celebrate the Queen's Platinum Jubilee. £7, child £3 Pilgrimage Puppets Exhibition 21st May See the giant puppets used in the annual Alban Pilgrimage. Free IOF Organ Concert: Martin Schmeding 21st May 5.30pm Free 01727 890290 www.stalbanscathedral.org 8

St Peter's Street AL1 3DH Exhibition: St Albans on Sea 13th May - 6th Nov Despite being nearly 40 miles from the coast St Albans has always had connections to the sea. From the Sea God mosaic in Verulamium to the current HMS St Albans, this exhibition explores these stories and our relationship with the coastline. Free The First Battle of St Albans presentation by New Model Armies 21st & 22nd May free The battle, fought on 22nd May 1455, marks the beginning of the Wars of the Roses. More than 550 years on discover what happened from the heart of the battlefield. The model represents the medieval town of St Albans and highlights key moments from the battle which came to a conclusion in the market place outside the museum.

Exhibition: The Art of Grieving 27th May - 4th Sept Loss, bereavement and death are part of life and are often ignored. This exhibition enables artists to share work related to these issues and includes paintings, sculptures, photographs, poetry, textiles, music and film. Each piece will be accompanied by the artist's description of how and why the work was created and the inspiration behind it. Free

Verulamium Museum

St Michael's Street AL3 4SW 11.30am unless otherwise stated, free Hear stories of Roman Verulamium come to life 7th May - Trading in the Empire - 12.30pm 14th May - Iron Age 21st May - Gods and Goddesses 28th May - Death and Burial www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk

Cremation Urn found in Local Excavation

Archaeological research is underway at the site of two new all-weather tennis and netball courts in Verulamium Park. Contractors excavated to a depth of 1.2 metres and archaeologists are now analysing several discoveries, including what appears to be part of a gravel quarry which has silted over to form a pond or lake and a cremation urn containing bone fragments and charcoal collected from a funeral pyre. Samples of the charcoal and bone will be sent for carbon dating while the remains of the urn will be analysed by a pottery specialist.

David Kaye from KDK Archaeology said: “The quarry and cremation are probably Roman, and their presence has given us a further small insight into the activities of the people of Roman St Albans.”

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

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

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

good place to start.

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

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

www.theNOWmagazines.com 07983 588291 jane@theNOWmagazines.com

9

NOW for the Kids Chiltern Open Air Museum

Elizabethan May Day 1st & 2nd May Traditional merriment with dancing and music. £13.50, child £7.50 Maypole Dancing 7th & 8th May Have a go at Maypole Dancing and learn about different dance traditions. There will be demonstrations throughout the day, finishing with a showcase event. £9.50, child £7 Outdoor Theatre 14th & 15th May Wind in the Willows 11am The Importance of Being Earnest 3pm Bring a picnic, blankets and camping chairs.

Please book www.ticketsource.co.uk/red-kite-theatre The Roman Gladiators Return! 28th - 29th May See gladiators in action as a team of criminals, barbarians and other prisoners of war fight for the entertainment of the crowds and the Emperor. £13.50, child £7.50 Newland Park, Chalfont St Giles HP8 4AB www.coam.org.uk

Kids Rule! 28th May - 5th June 10am - 5pm

Get ready for a right royal knees-up, celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee with costumed storytellers, hands-on activities and family fun. £14.20, child £8.50 Wrest Park, Beds MK45 4HR www.english-heritage.org.uk

Zoobilee at Whipsnade 28th May - 5th June

Celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in style with a visit to the all-new Zoobilee. Packed with family-friendly activities including crafts and animal talks, not to mention discovering over 9,500 animals!

Whipsnade Zoo, Dunstable LU6 2LF www.zsl.org

Explore Dino Week 28th May - 5th June

Packed full of roar-some fun, meet the Dinosaurs, strike a pose at the Caveman Rock Show, jump on board a Jurassic Tractor Ride and bust some prehistoric moves in the end of day Dino Disco.

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

Jubilee Craft Week

30th May - 5th June 10am - 3pm Enjoy different craft activities every day, take home what you make or use it to help decorate Monument Green for the Jubilee.

Ashridge Estate, Berkhamsted HP4 1LT www.nationaltrust.org.uk 10

www.theNOWmagazines.com 07983 588291 jane@theNOWmagazines.com

11

29th April - 6th May Featuring the work of local artists and makers, in a celebration of creativity, you can view exhibitions at the Collective Gallery on Holywell Hill, St Albans Museum & Gallery, St Albans Cathedral and St Albans Library and public art displays in various locations around the city.

30th April - Vintry Gardens Pop up exhibition featuring artists from Herts Visual Arts Forum and performances by Suzuki musicians.

1st May - Trestle Arts Base Exhibition with Herts Young Homeless.

1st May - Clock Tower, Market Place Outdoor Art Fair 6th May - Trestle Arts Base Talk: by sculptor Diane Maclean Visit the website for more information www.collectivegallery.co.uk

12

Professionally handmade curtains, blinds, cushions and bedcovers Call for a free quotation or to discuss your requirements sue.m.smyth@gmail.com 01727 842394

£444.

444

www.theNOWmagazines.com 07983 588291 jane@theNOWmagazines.com

13

14

Local St Albans Plasterer Jason Moffat All Aspects of Plastering Reliable Clean Trusted Very High Standard Plastering in St Albans for over 20 Years For Any Advice or a Quotation Please Call Today

07955 555 120 183 The Ridgeway St Albans AL4 9XE

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 01727 867660 07970 720911 mandmdecs@gmail.com mandm_decorators

01727 224802 www.theNOWmagazines.com 07983 588291 jane@theNOWmagazines.com

15

while helping raise funds to help sick, injured and homeless pets. £12.50 www.bluecross.org.uk/rescue-run

Spring Quiz 5th May

Join with friends, family or colleagues, all funds to the Paediatric Resuscitation and Stabilisation Room Appeal. £12 includes food.

Fundraising@ldh.nhs.uk 01582 718 289 L&D Hospital Social Club, Beds LU4 0DZ! www.bedfordshirehospitals.nhs.uk

Caring & Sharing Rennie Grove Hospice Care

Reuse Campaign 1st - 31st May Visit your local Rennie Grove shop, choose any item, take a ‘before’ photograph then create something new and unique and send your photos to retail.admin@renniegrove.org Prizes will then be awarded. Closing date 31st May Open Garden 22nd May 1pm - 5pm Created by plantaholics and packed with unusual plants, an alpine bed, white-stemmed birches and woodland planting, a stream, pond and bog, a chicken house and seating areas. As featured in Garden News and Garden Answers. £5, child free 43 Mardley Hill, Welwyn AL6 0TT Mike Hodge Golf Day 26th May 10am Teams of four will battle it out to support Rennie Grove. Enjoy bacon rolls and coffee, followed by a few holes in the morning, a ploughman's lunch then 18 holes of golf with a shot gun start at 2pm and a 3 course meal in the evening. £110 Aldwickbury Park Golf Club, Harpenden AL5 1AB Open Water Swim 28th May 10am Take on the "get in and splash challenge" and raise just £30 to fund an hour of physiotherapy to help patients live independently. Or swim as many loops of the lake as you can (100m, 500m or 750m) and aim to raise £150 to fund 5 hours of specialist care for a hospice at home nurse.

Merchant Taylors' Lake, Northwood HA6 2HT 01442 890222 www.renniegrove.org

RNLI The Mayday Mile

Mayday is a call for help and as the beaches get busy, kick off your summer with the Mayday Mile, walk it, run it, skate it or swim it wherever you want, anytime in May. You’ll be joining a community of fundraisers helping RNLI lifesavers keep families safe this summer. www.rnli.org/mayday

Blue Cross Rescue Run

Your mission is to run, jog or walk 26.2 miles this May. Do the whole thing in one go, or a mile a day, stroll or sprint, go it alone or with friends, including the four-legged variety. Sign up and join in the fun

16

Keech Hospice Care

Raise vital funds to give care for adults and children living with life-limiting or terminal illnesses. The Hospice rely on our community for 70% of funding.

Wing Walk 7th May Take on the ultimate experience for hardened thrillseekers, instead of jumping out of a plane why not stand on top of one! Registration £100, fundraising target £599 (including £399 for the wing walk) Damyns Hall Aerodrome RM14 2TN Skydive 8th May Enjoy the thrill of a tandem skydive from 10,000ft.

Hinton Skydive Centre, Brackley NN13 5NS www.keech.org.uk

Redbourn Fun Run 8th May 10am

1k, 3k and 5k, all runners will receive a medal and there will prizes and trophies.

Rebourn Leisure Centre AL3 7PP

The Hospice of St Francis

Bubble Rush 15th May Lots of brilliantly bubbly fun, the course is family friendly, so you can walk, run, dance, jog or toddle through the foam, and it’s suitable for pushchairs too!

Gadebridge Park in Hemel Hempstead Ride London 29th May Taking place on a new 100-mile traffic-free route, starting and finishing in central London and taking in 60 miles of the beautiful Essex countryside. www.stfrancis.org.uk

Wheathampstead 10k 22nd May

The 10k starts at 11am, is a timed off-road course in outstanding scenery and popular with all levels of runners. The 2km starts at 10am and is ideal for families and runners and walkers of all ages. Ending with a BBQ, café and children’s entertainment.

Marford Playing Fields, Wheathampstead AL4 8AY

Tour de Vale 12th June

Starting and finishing on the famous track at Stoke Mandeville Stadium, with a 115k route, a challenging but fun 70k and the family friendly 25k route, the Tour de Vale Charity Bike Ride has raised in excess of £850k since 2003 for WheelPower, supporting disabled people of all ages to lead healthier and more active lives through sport. Sign up now at www.tourdevale.com

01582 712222 www.molasseshouse.com

Molasses House 3 Station Road, Harpenden AL5 5SA info@molasseshouse.com

www.theNOWmagazines.com 07983 588291 jane@theNOWmagazines.com

17

Sh*t Happens Starting as a newly qualified secondary teacher in 2018, St Albans based Jack Turley lost almost 20kg in the space of a few months. GP visits were endless, and eventually they diagnosed ulcerative colitis.

Jack has now written a brilliant and funny book, Sh*t Happens - Around the World in 80 Dumps a Day which includes tragic but hilarious true stories detailing the struggles of pooing into a bag for life, the book takes you loo to loo across the globe, flushing dirty toilet humour, failed romance, and lifethreatening disease all down the same pan.

The collection will both tickle and strike a chord with anyone, whether you know the hardship of mental and physical health battles or simply recall regretting a late-night curry the next day! Jack says "There is no cure for Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, and they affect many hundreds of thousands of people in the UK, with relatively poor understanding in society and low levels of cure research funding."

Available at £6.99 from the publisher www.trackpressbooks.co.uk

World IBD Day

19th May IBD which stands for inflammatory bowel disease (including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis) are two serious, chronic digestive diseases that affect 5 million people worldwide. There is no cure, no known cause, and little public understanding of the pain and chronic suffering which IBD patients courageously cope with every day.

On IBD Day famous landmarks will be lit in purple to raise awareness about the daily challenges of living with IBD. Many countries, cities and people worldwide will join the fight against it. www.worldibdday.org

18

UK registered charity no. 297489

The Harpenden Trust Volunteering

Whether you have just have a few hours to spare or want to make a more regular commitment, there are a range of ways to volunteer. From being a regular (once-a-week) driver, befriend a lonely person (weekly) or joining their Wellbeing Team to help someone with poor mental health into a local social activity, or you might like to help at oneoff events, or with occasional driving or odd-jobs. Training is provided for all volunteers, please get in touch if you’d like to know more 01582 460457 admin@theharpendentrust.org.uk

Frazzled Café

Mondays 7.30pm - 8.45pm In this hectic world, we often say “it’s okay” when we may be struggling. At Frazzled Cafe, ”It’s okay not to be okay”, find support in a small group of like minded, welcoming people. Sign up online Eric Morecambe Centre, Harpenden AL5 2HU www.frazzledcafe.org www.theharpendentrust.org.uk

www.theNOWmagazines.com 07983 588291 jane@theNOWmagazines.com

19

20

www.theNOWmagazines.com 07983 588291 jane@theNOWmagazines.com

21

Out of Town Waddesdon Manor

Alice's Wonderlands until 30th Oct Celebrate the life of Alice de Rothschild, discover her key role in Waddesdon’s history with exhibitions, displays, special tours and themed activities. Free with house and grounds admission.

Race for Life 18th May from 7pm Run 5K in the beautiful grounds at Waddesdon Manor and raise funds for Cancer Research UK. £14.99, child £10. Register at www.raceforlife.org An Italian Feast with Frescobaldi 28th May 7pm Enjoy a magical dinner in the wine cellars with, Frescobaldi one of Italy’s most celebrated winemakers. Through the centuries clients have included celebrated Renaissance artists, the Papal Courts and even the court of Henry VIII. £99.50 May Half-Term 28th May - 5th June 10am - 5pm Get outdoors, explore the grounds and then enjoy a family picnic. Take a Birds and Beasts trail (£3.50) for an extra fun activity and immerse yourself in an endless labyrinth of intense light, colour, space and music in 56 interlinked chambers. Normal grounds admission applies. www.waddesdon.org.uk

Knebworth House

Hertfordshire Garden Show 30th April - 2nd May Get plenty of inspiration for spring and summer and browse the variety of garden furniture, water features, tools, sculptures and more. Tickets include access to Knebworth Park, Gardens, Adventure Playground with Fort Knebworth and Dinosaur Trail. www.knebworthhouse.com

Shuttleworth Season Premiere Air Show 1st May 9.30am A thrilling air display with historic aircraft, children’s activities and a chance to explore the Swiss Garden.

Swiss Garden Trees Tour 6th May 10.30am Join the Head Gardener to hear about the Garden’s historical and magnificent trees. £20 Live Music in the Swiss Garden Lawrence Hill 7th May / Briar Rouge 20th May Enjoy a picnic on the lawn with live music from local musicians. Both events 6pm, £20 Model Air Festival of Flight 7th & 8th May 9am A chance for all ages to enjoy this sport in all model 22

disciplines: Free Flight, Radio Assist, Radio Control, Control Line including Combat and Carrier Deck. £17.50 Tour of the Edwardian Aircraft 10th May 1pm Shuttleworth is home to the some of the worlds oldest flying aircrafts, enjoy the tour while learning about their history. £20 Espionage Drive-in Air Show 14th May 2pm From the Special Operations Executives in WW2 through to observers in Korea and Vietnam, this event will pay homage to all who served in the intelligence and observation branches conducting Sneaky Beaky operations. From Lysanders to Bird Dogs, the air show will highlight the role they played, and the importance of their work. £32.50 Tour & Lunch with the Vehicle Manager 19th May 10.30am A backstage tour around the Shuttleworth Collection. Get up close to the exhibits and learn each one’s story from the man responsible for maintaining this historic collection. Stuart, the Vehicle Manager will also join you for lunch to answer any questions. £50 Auto Gyro Fly-in Record Breaker!

21st May 10am In 2019 this event saw the most autogyro’s (Gyrocopters) at a UK airfield in one day, if the conditions are right this year, they hope to see nearly 100. Among them will be the famous “Little Nellie” as flown in James Bond’s “You Only Live Twice”. £17.50 Swiss Garden Plant Fair 21st & 22nd May 10am From home-sown produce to ornamentals propagated from the garden’s own collection of herbaceous and other plants.

House Tour 26th May 10am Enjoy tea and cake before exploring the stunning ground floor of Shuttleworth House, built in 1875 for Joseph Shuttleworth. £20 Art in the Garden 26th May 10.30am The session will be based around observing the nature in the garden. Open to everyone and all styles welcome. Basic materials provided. £20 Schools Wheelbarrow Garden Competition 28th May - 5th June 10am The theme is ‘Jubilee’ to commemorate the Queens 70-year reign. Schools have been invited to interpret the theme in creative ways, so vote for your favourite miniature garden. www.shuttleworth.org

www.theNOWmagazines.com 07983 588291 jane@theNOWmagazines.com

23

The Flooring Professionals You Can Trust KC Flooring Specialists Ltd are experts in all types of flooring

Visit our Local Showroom KC Flooring Specialists LTD 200 Watford Road, Chiswell Green, St Albans AL2 3EB 01727 869 692

www.kcflooring.co.uk

24

We Clean & Restore...

Our services include:  Roofs - moss removal, soft

washing, cleaning, sealing, colour coating  Driveways - cleaning, sanding, sealing  Patios - cleaning, jointing, sealing  Gutters - vacuuming, guard supply & installation  Gutter/Fascia cleaning  Conservatory valets  Render cleaning

01582 757304 All major credit/debit cards accepted

www.arroofcleaning.co.uk

ar.roofandhardsurface@gmail.com

www.theNOWmagazines.com 07983 588291 jane@theNOWmagazines.com

25

buildings and propagation houses, find out about the dramatic changes in the garden since the project began, or simply take a seat in this beautiful calm space. This year they celebrate 21 years of the Walled Garden Project. £7.50, child £1 Luton Hoo Walled Garden, Beds LU1 4LF www.lutonhooestate.co.uk

Heartwood Forest

Out & About Kimpton May Festival

29th April - 2nd May The festival is back with the Art show, a procession, a fete, food, bars, cream teas, maypole dancing, crafts, sport, dog shows, music and much more.

Kimpton Village SG4 8ER www.kimptonmayfestival.co.uk

St Albans Vegan Market 1st May

Bringing together a variety of street food, artisan bakers, craft brewers, ethical jewellers, sustainable chandlers, local artists, zero-waste champions, environmental charities and loads more.

St Peter's Street, St Albans

Harpenden Writers 1st May 10am

All welcome, includes a cuppa and a chat about writing and writers. Members £2, guests £4 Friends' Meeting House, Harpenden AL5 1PD www.harpendenwriters.com

Hatfield House

Events included with admission to Park and Grounds £9.60, child £4.80 unless otherwise stated The Plant Fairs Roadshow 1st May 11am - 3pm A collective of specialist nurseries offering a wide range of locally grown, and often unusual plants.

Living Crafts 5th - 8th May 10am A creative festival offering you inspirational shopping, crafting, workshops and entertainment.

Tudor Legacies 7th May 11am - 2pm 11.30am Stable Yard & 1pm Palace Green Interact with Henry VIII, his six wives, his children and many other historical characters. Find out what it was really like to be married to one of history’s most infamous kings.

Fiat Abarth Club Hertfordshire 14th May 11am The club will be displaying its collection of cars.

Opening Week 19th May 11am - 5pm Meet the guides and learn the history of Hatfield House. £16.80, child £8.40 www.hatfield-house.co.uk

Luton Hoo Walled Garden

Open Wednesdays 4th, 11th, 18th & 25th May 10.30 - 4pm Take a fascinating tour of this unique Capability Brown designed Walled Garden, visit the service 26

Dawn Chorus 8th May 6am - 9am Be an early bird and meet Woodland Trust experts for a dawn walk when the birds are singing their loudest. £5, please book Arboretum Walk 8th May 2pm - 4.30pm Heartwood Arboretum has a unique collection of young trees all native to the British Isles. See the rare Plymouth Pear or Arran Whitebeam along with 60 other species. £5, please book.

Spring Butterfly Walk 28th May 11am - 2pm Join experts from Hertfordshire Butterfly Conservation on a guided walk and try to spot and identify some of the 30 recorded species in the forest. Free, please book www.butterfly-conservation.org/events Carbon Capture by New Woodland 29th May 10.20am - 12pm We’re told that we must plant more trees to absorb carbon dioxide to prevent climate change, but how much carbon will be locked up in Heartwood Forest.

Supporting ‘St Albans Sustainability Festival’. £5, please book www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/events

Sustainable St Albans

Our Planet Our Future: A Day in the Life of a Carbon Neutral World 9th May 7.30pm A discussion about how differently we could be living a carbon neutral life on 9th May 2050! Please book Harpenden Arms AL5 2TR SustFest22 15th - 31st May Bringing together local eco-businesses, community groups and charities to help people live with a lighter impact on the planet. With over 80 innovative events and activities the festival kicks off with the Harpenden Sustainability Market 15th May with Soroptimists' Charity Bookstall selling books in aid of St Albans & Hertsmere Women's Refuge.

Repair Fair 28th May Marshalswick Baptist Church, St Albans Skilled amateur fixers will tackle portable electrical goods, simple fabric and clothing repairs and bike servicing and repairs.

For more information join the SustFest mailing list via their website www.sustfest.org www.sustainablestalbans.org

A Garden in a Bottle

10th May 7.45pm Harpenden Gardening Society meeting with Marina North, owner of Plantiful Terrariums. All welcome £4 Roundwood Park School, Harpenden AL5 3AE www.harpendengardeningsociety.org

www.theNOWmagazines.com 07983 588291 jane@theNOWmagazines.com

27

Out & About History Walk 15th May 10am - 12 noon

Meet at the Visitor Centre and then take a walk round the Hill End side of the park looking at the existing building and also at what lies beneath the current housing. £5 Highfield Park, Hill End Lane AL4 0RA www.highfieldparktrust.co.uk

28 Dale Ave St Albans AL4 8LS 29th May 12.30pm - 4.30pm A large country garden with sweeping central lawn and deep mixed borders with evergreen and perennial plants and grasses. £5 15 Gade Valley Cottages Grt Gaddesden HP1 3BW 29th May 1.30pm - 5pm Sloping rural garden with paths leading to a woodland area, a wildlife pond and sunny border, seating offers views across the beautiful Gade valley. With acers, hostas, ferns, hemerocallis, dahlias, iris, crocosmia and phlox. £4.50 www.ngs.org.uk

Dunstable Downs

Magnificent Mass Litter Pick 21st May 10am - 3pm Help look after Dunstable Downs by joining in with this mass litter pick. All equipment will be provided, Herts & Middx Wildlife Trust just bring yourselves and your determination. All litter Discover Hedgehogs Workshop collected will be placed in a glass container in front 17th May 2pm - 3pm of the visitor centre. Together we can look after Learn about hedgehogs, where they live, what they nature for everyone. Please wear clothing and eat, why they’re in decline and how to help them in footwear suitable for the weather. your garden, and hopefully meet a rescue hog.

Half Term Trail For families with children aged 6+ 30th May - 5th June Please book, £8, child £6 Explore the history of the Downs and dig in the Hornbeam Wood Hedgehog Sanctuary, Harpenden archaeological pit to uncover the history beneath Herts Wild Art Pop-up Event your feet. Afterwards you’ll receive a certificate 31st May 11am - 2pm and a prize. Child £2 As part of the ‘Herts Wild Art’ project, easels and art Chilterns Gateway Centre, Whipsnade LU6 2GY materials will be placed around the wildlife garden so www.nationaltrust.org.uk drop in and spend time sketching or painting nature outdoors. All ages welcome Harpenden Local History Society Grebe House, St Michael's St, St Albans AL3 4SN 24th May 8pm www.hertswildlifetrust.org.uk Redbourn 70 Years Ago, through the lens of John Heather by John and Pauline Ridgwell NGS Gardens Eric Morecambe Centre, Harpenden AL5 2SU The Manor House Ayot St Lawrence AL6 9BP 21st & 22nd May 11am - 5pm HPS Annual Plant Sale A 6 acre garden set in mature landscape around an 28th May 10am - 12 noon Elizabethan Manor House. A walled garden with Hardy perennials, unusual shrubs, ornamental glasshouses, fruit and vegetables, herbaceous grasses, annuals and vegetable plants. borders, rose and herb beds and topiary. £7.50 Cash only, entry 50p URC Church Hall, St Albans AL1 4BH Railway Cottage 16 Sandpit Lane AL1 4HW www.hertshps.com 27th May 5pm - 8pm & 29th May 2pm - 5pm Sandwiched between a main road and railway line, Herts County Show 28th & 29th May this urban cottage garden is a hidden gem. With a A celebration of everything county with food, farming mass of colour and a haven for insects and birds, and an eclectic collection of reclaimed items old and and country living. See spectacular entertainment in the Main Ring with the gravity defying Bold Dog new. £4.50 Lings. Enjoy the best of shopping with local foods Beesonend House Beesonend Lane AL5 2AB and crafts that showcase the best of Hertfordshire.

29th May 11am - 5pm Immerse yourself in agriculture with livestock and 4 garden areas, lawns with herbaceous borders, equine classes and discover awe-inspiring plant and pleached hedges, Japanese-themed border, machinery from past and present. There’s bound to Lebanese cedar, a pond, orchard and vegetable be something for everyone! garden with raised borders. £5 Herts County Showground, Redbourn AL3 7PT www.hertsshow.com

28

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

01727 844243 07518 626938 chris.futurenature@gmail.com

www.theNOWmagazines.com 07983 588291 jane@theNOWmagazines.com

29

07500 801192

30

www.theNOWmagazines.com 07983 588291 jane@theNOWmagazines.com

31

32

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 07983 588291 jane@theNOWmagazines.com

33

Index of Businesses Art Gallery Molasses House

17

Flooring KC Flooring Specialists Ltd

24

Bathing Mobility Bathing Mobility Advisory Service

14

Garage Doors Garolla

32

Building Complete Refurbishment & Roofing 19 Eco Tiffin 9 Kingsholme Back Cover Open Plan Solutions 30

Garden Centre Vanstone Park

27

Gardening Future Nature

29

Car Servicing / Repairs M Chapman Auto Services

Healthcare Spire Harpenden Hospital

32

Charity Traid

18

Children's Art Classes ArtShed!

2

Children’s Development Classes Gymboree Play & Music Chimney Sweep The Local Chimney Sweep

Front Cover

Cleaning A & R Roof & Hard Surface Cleaning & Restoration Ltd Domestique Conservatory Roof Solutions Nu-Look Dance & Drama Penny Waterman School of Dance Stagecoach Dog Boarding Wagging Tails

10

25 25 7 11 11 3

20 & 21

Hearing Services Hearing Healthcare Practice

23

Locksmiths Lock Around the Clock Locksmith Services

33 33

Loft Ladders Home Counties Loft Ladders

13

Painters & Decorators CB Decorators M & M Decorators

15 15

Plasterer Jason Moffat

15

Plumber DJ&M Plumbing Services Ltd

33 & 35

Roofing GJ Smith Roofing

12

Shutters The Harpenden Shutter Company

35

Singing Club Clover Singing Club

3

Education Kumon

10

Electrician Alban Electrical Services

Soft Furnishings Sue Smyth

12

35

Tree Surgeons Fircroft Tree Surgery Ltd

29

Whisky Festival Summerton Whisky Festival Windows & Doors Cloud 9 Kings Windows

5 31 31

Effective Low Cost Advertising that Really Works “It’s amazing, we get so much work from our advert in ‘harpenden NOW’, more than anything else, including yell.com and Yellow Pages, I would say it’s amazing!” Mike, Prestige Paint Shop Ltd

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

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

34

DJ&M

PLUMBING SERVICES LTD ●

Complete

●

Bathroom, Cloakroom, Shower Room and Kitchen Installations ●

●

●

●

●

Local Family Run Business, Over 35 Years Experience

●

Honest and Reliable Service

●

Free Consultation/ Quotation for all Enquiries

●

Tiling Plastering Electrical

●

Discounts on all Bathrooms & Kitchens 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

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

Free No Obligation

Consultation, Measuring & Quotation

Spring Sale 25% off Shutters

20% off all Blinds Awnings Poles & Curtains

Teresa & Kevin Buckler

01582 461639

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

www.theNOWmagazines.com 07983 588291 jane@theNOWmagazines.com

35

36