st albans NOW Nov 18

st albans November 2018

NOW

Lest We Forget Fireworks, Galore & More Childwickbury Christmas Market

NOW at the Museum + Gallery

Event Cinema What’s on & lots more promoting local businesses, organisations and events since 2006

choose local first 1

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To Adv

Welcome to November As we approach the centenary of the end of WWI, we think of those who served our country at war so we could have peace and freedom, all those that gave their lives and all those who lost loved ones. This year there’s lots events taking place to commemorate both the end of WWI and Remembrance Sunday, all of which we have marked with a poppy.

November also brings us firework displays and the start of Christmas shopping with carnivals, fairs, markets and more.

If you run your own business, why not get in touch, we offer a helpful, friendly service, working hard to make the magazines the best they can be. The magazines are monthly so if you miss your copy you can always pick one up in town or read them on our social media pages.

Lest We Forget

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remember them

NOW at The Alban Arena 12 comedy, music & more

Walks, Talks & More 22 Rye Meads, Luton Hoo & more

Fireworks, Galore & More 24 November fun

Time to Get Festive 28 lights up, festivals & fairs

Childwickbury Christmas Market 29 Do Something for Charity 30 Pudsey, marathons & more

Advertising Rates 1/4 page 1/3 page 1/2 page Full page

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comedy, music & more

art, jewellery, pottery & more

Jane & Wendy 12 months £33 per edition £40 per edition £49 per edition £84 per edition

NOW at The Local Theatres

NOW for Some Music 32 3 months £43 per edition £52 per edition £64 per edition £110 per edition

other options are available

Please get in touch jane@theNOWmagazines.com

07983 588291

Deadline 10th Nov for Dec edition www.theNOWmagazines.com

jazz, rock & classical

Event Cinema 34 musicals, ballet & Shakespeare

NOW at the Museum + Gallery 36 art, history, poppies & war

What’s on in November 42 & December 44 Index of Businesses 46 aerials to windows & doors

To Advertise: 07983 588291 jane@theNOWmagazines.com

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NOW at the Local Theatres The Sandpit Theatre Film: Moana 1st Nov 10.30am £3, £2 Butterflies 3rd Nov 11.30am & 2.30pm An uplifting tale of friendship, courage and facing your fears, told using innovative staging, breath taking physicality and touching humour. £7, £5 Film: Wreck-It Ralph 10th Nov 10.30am £3, £2 FAME 22nd - 24th Nov 2.30pm & 7.30pm Musical set in New York City’s High School of Performing Arts, where sweat and hard work are the key factors to a successful life as a performer. £8, £6 The Sandpit Theatre, St Albans AL4 9NX sandpittheatre.co.uk

Stockwood Discovery Centre

Maltings Arts Theatre

Our House 16th - 24th Nov May, a widowed grandmother, is packing her belongings for a move to Spain. She’s leaving the council house that she and her late husband bought in a West Yorkshire pit village. Her memories, 1958 to 2001, live again through the play; the good, the sad and the quite spiky.

The Barn Theatre, WGC AL8 6ST barntheatre.co.uk

Mostly Comedy 1st Nov 8pm £13 Simon Day and Spring Day Walter Harvey Hallam 11th Nov 8pm Walter Harvey Hallam was an ordinary man cast into extraordinary circumstances.

A London draper by trade, Walter volunteered for military service in 1915 as the horror of WWI unfolded across the battlefields of Europe.

On 1st July 1916, Walter was ordered 'over the top' into the carnage of the Battle of the Somme.

This is Walter's story. Including a variety of folk, blues, jazz, country and modern songs. £12, concs £11, child £7.50 The Maltings Arts Theatre AL1 3HL maltingsartstheatre.co.uk

Abbey Theatre Electra 9th - 11th & 13th - 17th Nov One of dramatic literature's most compelling studies of the extremes to which vengeance can lead, by Sophocles.

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Ten of Herts 23rd & 24th Nov The King of Herts male voice harmony chorus brings you a broad selection from their barbershop repertoire.

Abbey Theatre AL1 2DL abbeytheatre.org.uk Full of Beans 10th Nov 11.30am & 2pm Come and be charmed by this festive, fairy tale adventure with a difference presented by Full House Theatre Age 4+ Stockwood Discovery Centre, LU1 4LX lutonculture.com

Milton Keynes Theatre Nativity the Musical 14th - 18th Nov Feel-good, funny and full of yuletide joy, this musical features favourite sing-a-long hits from the films including Sparkle and Shine, Nazareth, One Night One Moment, She's the Brightest Star and more. Age 5+ Milton Keynes Theatre MK9 3NZ atgtickets.com

The Barn Theatre

High Street Players Taking Steps by Alan Ayckbourn 21st - 23rd Nov 8pm A junior solicitor with an unfortunate ability to mangle his sentences is overseeing the purchase of a dilapidated Victorian mansion. With misunderstandings abound in this hilarious farce which unfolds throughout the house. £9 from the church office, Manor Pharmacy or ticketsource.co.uk High Street Methodist Church, Harpenden

Planning a Party?

Celebrate in style with a party at The County Club, St Albans A private members club that has been in the heart of the city for over 125 years The Club is perfect for parties and we’ve hosted many 30th, 40th and 50th birthdays.

We have a great bar, function room and outdoor terrace and can also cater for buffets The Club is just 100 yards from the City Station and has onsite parking If you would like to view the Club or check availability, please call or email us, and we’ll do all we can to make your party special 29 Ridgmont Road St Albans AL1 3AG 01727 759445 manager@thecountyclub.org

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Lest We Forget NOW at the Cathedral Choral Eucharist for All Souls 2nd Nov 8pm Sung by Exquire, the alumni choir for former choristers and Lay Clerks.

Taizé Service 4th Nov 6.30pm With instrumental music, meditation and singing.

Lecture: Mary in the New Testament 7th Nov 7.30pm £6 The Lea Singers - Remembrance 10th Nov 7.30pm £20, concs £10 A dramatic and innovative programme for Remembrance to chart the world's conflicts from WWI to the present day.

Remembrance Sunday 11th Nov 10.55am Choral Requiem, sung by the Cathedral Choir, incorporating an act of remembrance and 2 minutes silence at 11am Lunchtime Organ Recital 14th Nov 12.30pm free Anthony Gritten, Head of Undergraduate Programmes, Royal Academy of Music Talk: St Albans and the Cult of Humfrey, Duke of Gloucester 15th Nov drinks 7.30pm, talk 7.45pm £9 St Albans Bach Choir 17th Nov 7.30pm from £12 To Mark the Centenary of the End of WWI Elgar: The Spirit of England.

Vaughan Williams: Dona nobis pacem.

Butterworth: A Shropshire Lad Rhapsody Talk: Theology and Peacebuilding 21st Nov 8pm £10 Tower Tours 24th Nov & 1st Dec 11.30am, 1pm, 2.30pm 5th & 12th Dec 11am, 12.30pm Taking you up to the top of the Norman Bell Tower via the north transept gallery and the ringing and bell chambers, before your final climb onto the roof, weather permitting. Tickets are limited so please book. Restrictions apply. £9.50 St Albans International Organ Festival Concert 24th Nov 5.30pm free Matthew Martin, UK Director of Music Keble College, Oxford.

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St Albans Cathedral stalbanscathedral.org

St Albans 11th Nov 11:11 on Remembrance Sunday The Mayor of the City and District of St Albans will be at the War Memorial on St Peter's Street to mark 11:11 on Remembrance Sunday with a two minute silence.

The Parade will take place at 6.30pm in line with the National Beacon lighting event at 7pm.

11th Nov Battle’s Over - A Nation’s Tribute Beacon Lighting 6.30pm Hither Wood, Highfield Park AL4 0RE

Harpenden 11th Nov 10.50am - 7.15pm Remembrance Day Service will be held at the Memorial Cross, Church Green at 10.50am with the Remembrance Parade, ending at 11.20am, when the procession will make its way back to Rothamsted Park.

Beacon of Light Ceremony with the playing of the Last Post at 6.55pm and the lighting of a Beacon of Light at 7pm, to mark the centenary of the end of WWI taking place on Harpenden Common, next to Public Halls. Followed by the bells of St Nicholas Church ringing at 7.05pm to mark the Ringing Out for Peace commemoration of the centenary.

RAF London until 9th Dec daily from 10am Exhibition: Three Pilots - One War Inspired by the experience of three pilots during WWI; Peter Falkenstein from Germany, Jean Chaput from France and Bernard Rice from England. All wrote frequent letters home providing us with a unique insight into the everyday lives of those who served.

10th & 11th Nov A Centenary of Remembrance A ceremony of Remembrance commemorating all those who have lost their lives in conflict.

This year not only marks 100 years since the birth of the RAF, but 100 years since the end of WWI. Poppy Making 11am - 3pm Dance Performances 1.30pm & 3pm 11th Nov Remembrance Service 10.45am Military Wives Choir 11.10am RAF London NW9 5LL rafmuseum.org.uk

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NOW for Some Art

“Chinese lanterns� by Yanyun Gao

Harpenden Arts Club 60th Exhibition 9th - 11th Nov 10am - 5pm (Sun: 10am - 4pm) The Club is celebrating its diamond anniversary this year, and it promises to be a sparkling event.

With more than 250 original vibrant artworks from around 60 local artists being exhibited for sale, ranging from abstract to representational, watercolour to digital art in an inspirational display that is a must for art lovers and collectors alike.

Harpenden Public Halls AL5 1PD

International Garden Photographer of the Year until 26th Nov 10am - 4pm, free With stunning work from both amateur and professional photographers, the exhibition captures beautiful images of plants, habitats and landscapes. It was started by a group of professional garden photographers 11 years ago, and has quickly become the world's premier competition and exhibition specialising in garden, plant, flower and botanical photography.

Stockwood Discovery Centre, Luton LU1 4LX lutonculture.com

Exhibition: Walk a Day in My Shoes until 30th Nov St Albans Arts Team will be displaying poignant images, which formed part of the Squatlife Exhibition. Young people from Herts Young Homeless/Live Life worked with professional photographer Pete Stevens, to document their lives. The images can be seen on the railings in Verulamium Park adjacent to The Fighting Cocks Pub facebook.com/stalbanssquatlife

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A fabulous evening of Rhythm and Blues nostalgia, with some of the greatest hits ever written.

Faith - The George Michael Legacy 18th Nov 7.30pm £22.50 Featuring the sensational Wayne Dilks, in a celebration of 35 years of George Michael.

The Matt Monro Story 20th Nov 7.30pm £22.50 An evening of music, warmth and love, keeping the memory of Monros music alive. Including ‘Born Free’ ‘Walk Away’ and ‘Portrait of my Love’.

The Big Band at Christmas 21st Nov 2pm £17, £15 All your favourite Christmas songs with the dynamic Big Band.

Hal Cruttenden: Chubster 21st Nov 8pm £18 As seen on The Apprentice: You’re Fired, Have I Got News For You, Live at the Apollo and more!

One Man Stranger Things Stewart Francis: Into the Punset 1st Nov 7.30pm £22 22nd Nov 8pm £18.50 ‘One Man’ legend Charles Ross’s hilarious new The star of Mock the Week and Live at the Apollo in show, prepare to have your Upside Down turned his last tour EVER, before he heads off… into the right side up. punset.

Little Baby Bum 1st - 3rd Nov £14 Show of Hands 23rd Nov 7.30pm £27.50 Join Mia, Jacus, Twinkle and their Nursery Rhyme With festival favourites and songs from their new friends from the world’s largest educational YouTube album, plus Alden, Dashwood and Patterson; a channel at the premiere of a new live show. striking mix of guitar, fiddle, dobro and voices.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang The Nutcracker 24th Nov 2.30pm £24, £21, £16 6th - 10th Nov Be swept away on a magical adventure in one of the 7pm & Weds & Sat 2pm £12 - £22.50 most famous classical ballets of all time.

Presented by St Albans Musical Theatre Company The Ultimate Old School Disco An Audience with Simon Reeve 24th Nov 7pm £15 11th Nov 7.30pm £25 Come and dance your socks off to 70’s and 80’s Tales from over 15 years of travelling to the music in the main arena, and the best 80’s down in most remote and extreme corners of the planet. the “Soul Cellar”.

Hazel O’Connor & Breaking Glass That’ll Be The Day Christmas Show 12th Nov 7pm £25 27th Nov 7.30pm £26.50, £24.50 An evening with Hazel O’Connor, featuring a digitally The UK’s most popular Rock ‘N’ Roll variety show re-mastered uncut version of the film, plus a Q&A celebrates the festive season with classics from the and live performance of the films best loved songs.

50s, 60s & 70s, plus plenty of hilarious comedy.

10cc in Concert 14th Nov 7.30pm £35 A Christmas Carol: as told by Jacob Marley A new show with top hits and classics from one of the 28th Nov 7.30pm £15, concs £10 most inventive and influential groups of the 70s.

To celebrate the 175th anniversary of Dickens’ ‘A Henning Wehn: Get On With It Christmas Carol’, enjoy this special performance of 15th Nov 8pm £19.50 James Hyland’s award-winning stage adaptation.

The German Comedy Ambassador has bosched The Stylistics 29th Nov 7.30pm £28.50, £26 out yet another new show!

50th anniversary tour with all the hits from ‘You Make Live at The Alban Arena 16th Nov £25 Me Feel Brand New’, ‘Can’t Give You Anything (But Enjoy this hilarious celebration of some of the biggest My Love), ‘Let’s Put it All together’, ‘Stop Look and best comedians on the UK circuit.

Listen’, ‘You are Everything’ and more.

Maximum Rhythm & Blues with The Manfreds The Alban Arena AL1 3LD and Special Guest Georgie Fame alban-arena.co.uk 17th Nov 7.30pm £31.50, £29

NOW at The Alban Arena

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Lawncare • Clearance • Tidyups Ongoing Maintenance Let us take the hard work out of your garden call Chris on

07948 727419 info@chrysalisgardenservices.co.uk www.chrysalisgardenservices.co.uk

November in the Garden November days can be chilly, so wrap up warm, go out and get the garden ready for winter.

Tidy up beds and borders, clear away dead and dying leaves and faded flower stems Plant containers with evergreens and winterflowering plants for weeks of colour Keep raking up leaves, especially on the lawn and use them to make leafmould Prune rose stems by up to half to help prevent wind rock.

Continue feeding birds with high-energy foods and keep water free from ice, so they can still drink and bathe Lift and store Dahlia tubers once the first frosts have blackened the foliage Insulate containers to protect plant roots from cold and frost Sow hardy broad beans for an early crop next year Plant hardy trees, shrubs, climbers, roses, perennials and hedges.

Protect tools from excess moisture to prevent them rusting, by treating metal parts with an oily rag Feed the lawn with an autumn lawn food to build up its strength Keep mowing the lawn if temperatures are mild and the grass is still growing Remove toadstools before their caps open and they spread their spores Happy Gardening!

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Does your dog come back when called?

Most dogs love running around off the lead, but before you give your dog their ‘freedom’ it’s vital for their safety that you know they will come back when called.

The more your dog learns they will get lots of praise and a reward when they come back, the more they will make the connection that you are more fun to be with than anything else. Choose a word or sound as your recall cue that you use ONLY when you want your dog to return. It should be short and sharp, like ‘come’, or a whistle. Gradually increase the distance between you and your dog and the level of distractions you call them away from. You want your dog to learn that coming back to you is much more rewarding than ignoring you!

For more ways to make life for you and your dog a walk in the park, visit Dogs Trust Dog School.

This national network of experienced trainers provides fun, educational training courses for all

dog owners. Based on up-to-date scientific research, the trainers use only reward-based training methods to help enhance the bond between you and your dog. Small classes of six dogs and two trainers mean you get the one-onone time you need to learn effectively and most importantly, have fun!

Courses are five weeks long, with a free introductory session. To find your nearest dog school visit www.dogstrustdogschool.org.uk and take your first step to making the most of your relationship with your four-legged friend now.

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Walks, Talks & More

Sustainable St Albans

Rye Meads

Thermal Imaging Camera Information Sessions 8pm - 9pm If you think you might be losing heat from your house, perhaps from windows, the front door, loft hatch or roof? Borrow a Thermal Imaging Camera to find out, and create a more energy saving home. Book on an information session to borrow a camera - it’s free!

6th Nov Central Harpenden 19th Nov The Harpenden Arms AL5 2TR 3rd & 12th Dec Central Harpenden 6th & 10th Dec Colney Heath Lane, St Albans Low Impact Christmas 20th Nov 7.30pm - 9.30pm An inspiring evening with expert speakers, hear ideas about how to enjoy a sustainable Christmas including presents, food and things to make. Free, please book The Harpenden Arms AL5 2TR sustainablestalbans.org

Wildlife Watch 11th Nov 10am - 12 noon 24th Nov 2pm - 4pm Join an experienced volunteer in one of the hides and discover what wildlife is around, free.

Rye Meads, Rye Road, Stanstead Abbotts, Herts rspb.org.uk

Incredible Edible Come and Grow! 11th Nov 1pm - 4pm Come and help plant and maintain the ‘Incredible Edible’ community garden adjacent to The Alban Arena. No previous experience needed, just drop in for a while or stay for the whole session, please bring gardening gloves, if you don’t have any there are a few spares. Children are welcome but must be supervised.

About the Garden Last October the 'Incredible Edible' garden opened, and anyone who lives or works in St Albans is welcome to be a part of it. The hope is that it brings people together, helps pollinators and other wildlife enhance the city centre, and provides free food. The garden has a mix of different edible plants, chosen to tolerate the shade under trees. There are 'Come and Grow' sessions every few weeks, but you can help look after the garden any time (just bring your own gloves and tools outside of the regular sessions).

Please read the safety notice on site when you first visit. foodsmilesstalbans.org.uk

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Herts & Middx Wildlife Trust Both events are free, however, as a registered charity, a donation of £5 is suggested Walk: Veteran Trees and Fungi 17th Nov 10am - 1pm A guided famaily walk to discover the park's ancient and veteran trees. Learn how to identify fungi and the amazing ways they interact with their hosts.

Panshanger Park, Hertford SG14 2NA Talk: Ancient Trees and Woodlands of Britain 27th Nov 8pm - 10pm An engaging talk by Andy Sands, one of Hertfordshire's leading photographers who will guide you through the fascinating history of Hertfordshire's forests and woodlands with his infectious passion for the natural world. Adults only.

Howlands Baptist Church, 9 The Commons, Welwyn Garden City AL7 4RW Herts & Middx Wildlife Trust hertswildlifetrust.org.uk

Luton Hoo Walled Garden Talk: Luton Hoo's Stolen Cherry Trees 30th Nov 10.30am -12.30pm Peter Wilson will talk about his own ancestry in and around Harpenden focusing on one family, who in the early 19th century made national headlines. The story continues with more intrigue as one individual ends up transported, for a second time, for stealing trees from the Luton Hoo Estate! £5, including tea/coffee, funds go towards the restoration of the Walled Garden.

Lecture Room, Estate Office LU1 4LF Park in the Walled Garden car park off West Hyde Road / Newmill End turning off A1081 lutonhooestate.co.uk

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Fireworks Galore & More

Local Firework Displays OA Sport 3rd Nov gates 5pm, display 7.45pm £15, concs £7.50, family £25 Harpenden Road, St Albans AL2 2QP oasportsclub.com

St Albans Cathedral 3rd Nov gates 6pm, display 7pm Enjoy spectacular fireworks, food and fun for the whole family. This amazing public display was started over 25 years ago and has raised over £750k for local and national charities. This year’s nominated charities are Earthworks St Albans and Waverley Driving Group RDA plus other charities supported by St Albans Cathedral. £!0, child £5 Verulamium Park AL3 4HE stalbanscathedral.org

Harpenden Rugby Club 4th Nov gates 4pm, display 6pm Fireworks, Bonfire, funfair, great food and bar £8, child £5, family £25 Harpenden Rugby Club HRFC.com

Beech Hyde Primary School 4th Nov gates 4pm, fireworks 5.30pm Adult £5, child £3 Wheathampstead, AL4 8TP wheathampsteadfireworks.com

Crabtree School 10th Nov 6pm - 9pm Fantastic event for all the family Crabtree Lane AL5 5PU

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Guy Fawkes Festival & Fireworks 3rd & 4th Nov Once a Gunpowder factory, this historic site located on the banks of the River Lea tells the famous story of the plot to blow up Parliament. From 2pm you can watch a short theatre show, and see musket firing, taking you right into scenes from the plot. Professor Nitrate will be on hand in the Mad Lab explaining the science of explosions and a food experience where you can learn all about the eating habits of the Stuarts, plus Slime and Lantern Making. Enjoy hot food from the Gunpowder Café and food stalls. Both days will end with a firework display from ForceFX, the company behind the special effects of movies, TV and music festivals.

This is the perfect place to mark the anniversary of the Gunpowder Plot.

You can also ride on the narrow gauge railway, visit the exhibition telling the stories and science of the former factory and see the Armoury and display of Rockets. Fun for all the family!

Adult £10.50, concs £9, child £8.50 Royal Gunpowder Mills, Waltham Abbey EN9 1JY royalgunpowdermills.com

Skate Van Hage 15th Nov - 7th Jan Experience the magic of ice skating on the undercover ice rink.

Enjoy the atmosphere in the heated marquee with a viewing platform for spectators, comfortable seating and the Ice Café. Skates are included in the price, or you can bring your own. There will be different skating sessions including 6Skate, Parent and Toddler and Special Needs. Skating aids are available to hire for less confident skaters.

Van Hage, Great Amwell SG12 9RP vanhage.co.uk

Lots for Tots Sale 17th Nov 10am - 12 noon Kids and baby table top sale, pre-loved clothes, books and equipment. Entry £1 Book a seller table £20 Email: naomi@lotsfortotssale.co.uk Townsend School, High Oaks AL3 6DR

Murder Mystery Dining Experience 16th Nov 7pm - 11pm It’s November 1938, the night’s mist swirls around a shadowy country house in Hertfordshire, through the window a small flicker of candlelight can be seen in the distance. A family gathering has turned to horror however, as the body of an esteemed professor is found murdered in the grounds.

Assemble your Detective teams for an evening of suspicious suspects, plot-twist’s and plenty of red herrings along the way!

Complete with a 3 course dinner. It’s time to pop on those deerstalker hats and brush off the magnifying glasses! Guests are encouraged to dress formally for the evening. Please book Hatfield House hatfield-house.co.uk

Santa Spectacular 21st Nov - 24th Dec A full day of indoor and outdoor festive fun including meeting Santa and receiving a golden key to his Toy Shop, attending Elf Academy, meeting Santa’s reindeer and much more.

Willows Activity Farm, St Albans AL4 0PF willowsactivityfarm.com

Workshop: Linocut Christmas Cards 22nd Nov 7pm - 10pm Learn how to lino print and develop beautiful Christmas cards with inspiration from the musuems specimens. Adult £20, please book The Natural History Museum, Tring, HP23 6AP nhm.ac.uk

The Roald Dahl Museum Illusions and Tricks 1st Nov drop-in 11am - 5pm Head to the marvellous mind-bending room to make your own optical illusions, inspired by Roald Dahl’s love of tricks and mischief. You can put a thaumatrope together, make magic Matilda eye glasses and boggle your brains with some optical illusions.

Lickswishy Festive Letters 17th, 18th, 24th & 25th Nov drop-in 11am - 5pm Roald Dahl was a great letter-writer and received thousands of letters from all over the world. Who would you send a letter to? Matilda? Santa? Or someone special in your life? Christmas is the perfect time to put pen to paper so drop-in to the pop-up Post Office and do just that! Write postcards, fold letters and envelopes and post your creations in the magical make-believe letter box.

Free with Museum entry. Age 5+ The Roald Dahl Museum, Bucks roalddahl.com

Circus Zyair 30th Oct - 4th Nov A colourful, action packed show with high energy acts from all over the world. A dazzling combination of circus, music and laughter.

With a heated big top and an electric atmosphere this promises to be a truly magical experience for the whole family. £8.99 Harpenden Common circus-zyair.co.uk

In the Footsteps of King George VI 27th Nov 10.30am - 12.15pm Join English Heritage historian Dr Andrew Hann for a tour of the gardens, following in the footsteps King George VI, who visited Wrest in November 1948 to officially open the new headquarters of the National Institute of Agricultural Engineering. Learn about the king’s tour, the people he met and some of the agricultural experiments in the gardens he was shown. You can even watch the Pathe newsreel of the visit. £18 includes refreshments Wrest Park, Silsoe MK45 4HR english-heritage.org.uk

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Time to Get Festive

Herts Mistletoe Fair 2nd - 4th Nov Browse dozens of craft makers selling unique, creative products from exciting gifts, beautiful decorations, imaginative tree items, handmade clothes, ceramics, stationery, fabulous gift foods and lots more.

Herts Showground, Redbourn mistletoefair.co.uk

Hatfield House Christmas Market 3rd Nov 10.30am - 4pm £2 Why not buy some fantastic Christmas presents while raising vital funds for local charity, Isabel Hospice. hatfield-house.co.uk

Knebworth Winter Festival 9th -11th Nov 200 craft and gift stalls, a themed outdoor food and drink village, feature stage and Santa’s grotto. knebworthchristmasfestival.com

Stable Yard Antiques & Collectables Market 17th Nov 8am - 5pm Monthly market with a huge range collectibles, including furniture, mirrors, hats and ornaments.

Hatfield House hatfield-house.co.uk

St Albans Christmas Lights Switch On 18th Nov 12 noon - 6pm There’ll be entertainment throughout the city centre to mark the official start of the Christmas shopping season. Why not soak up the sights, smells and festive ambience of St Albans this Christmas!

Earthworks Christmas Fair 24th Nov 12 noon - 3pm free Santa’s grotto, live music and handmade crafts, dogs on leads welcome.

Earthworks, Hixberry Lane AL4 0AG earthworksstalbans.co.uk

Keech Christmas Market 24th & 25th Nov 10am - 4pm Beautiful handmade crafts and gifts for all the family. £2, concs £1.50, under 14s free.

Barnfield College, Luton LU2 7BF keech.org.uk

Harpenden Christmas Carnival & Farmer's Market 25th Nov 12 noon - 10pm Christmas Farmer's Market from 12 noon

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Santa's Grotto, Thompson's Close from 12.30pm Entertainment on stage from 1pm Procession starts at 3pm Lights Switch-On at 5pm harpenden.gov.uk

Christmas in the Stable Yard 29th Nov 5pm - 7pm The Stable Yard Shops will be open for late night shopping, including Pots of Art for you to paint a Christmas decoration. Plus the River Cottage Kitchen and Deli serving a variety of festive feasts.

Hatfield House hatfield-house.co.uk

St Albans Christmas Market 30th Nov - 22nd Dec This year the Market is being hosted within the Meraki Christmas Festival, so you can shop for unique handmade goods, while enjoying all the fun of a winter wonderland with rides, a virtual reality Santa’s grotto experience, Christmas movies, skating, an ice bar and much more.

Tues 11.30am - 10pm / Weds 11am - 10pm Thurs - Saturdays 10am -11pm / Sun - 10am - 8pm merakifestival.com

Southdown Lights & Lanterns Extravaganza 30th Nov 5.30pm - 8pm Lantern parade by Grove Infant and Junior Schools at 5.30pm, joined by Santa, and followed by carol singing by the schools and the English Miscellany.

Grotto opens at 6pm and Lights switch on at 7pm.

Redbourn Christmas Market 2nd Dec 11am Over 100 stalls, Santa's grotto, Christmas lights switch on, entertainment, raffle and more. redbournchristmasmarket.com

Batford Christmas Lights Up 2nd Dec 5pm - 6.30pm Batford corner will be full of Christmas spirit with an evening of carols from local Batford schools and the English Miscellany. Lights will be switched on at 6pm.

Kimpton Christmas Market 8th Dec 12.30pm - 6pm Locally sourced handmade gifts, festive food and drink and live music on The Green, Kimpton. kimptonvillage.com

Childwickbury Christmas Market Completely Different Christmas Shopping On 24th & 25th November Childwickbury Estate will open its gates for the tenth annual Childwickbury Christmas Market.

The beautifully restored 19th century horse-stalls and tack rooms provide a unique setting for a wide variety of Christmas gifts including fine art, stained glass, jewellery, quilts, clothing, tableware, pottery, food gifts and much more.

As always, there will be unique gifts of high quality for sale so why not start your Christmas shopping here. Fresh cooked food, drinks and mulled wine will be also available.

Childwickbury Estate, Harpenden Road, St Albans AL3 6JU For Sat Nav directions use ‘Childwickbury’ Free Entry and Free Parking Dogs welcome on leads www.childwickburyarts.com

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Do Something for Charity Children in Need ‘Do Your Thing’ 16th Nov We’ve all got one, a thing we love doing, a thing we’ve always wanted to do or just a thing we could do.

Whatever it is, when we do it, we can really make a difference. So do your thing and change children’s lives across the UK. Take on a Challenge Raise money and get sponsored, go big go small or go epic, the choice is yours, whether it’s getting involved with your favourite BBC shows or a taking part in a once in a lifetime challenge like a skydive, there are so many ways to push yourself and raise money. To see how you can get involved visit bbcchildreninneed.co.uk

you can return them to either hospice to be displayed at the end of the project in summer 2019. peacehospicecare.org.uk stfrancis.org.uk

Hertfordshire Half Marathon 18th Nov 9.30am £34 Starting and finishing at Knebworth House with the course taking you around surrounding rural roads.

All runners will receive a chip timed result, unique themed medal, limited edition finishers technical tshirt, free event photographs and post-race goodies. knebworthhouse.com

St Albans Half Marathon 9th June 2019 Entries for next years St Albans Half Marathon are now open, so sign up and get training - what are you waiting for! stalbanshalfmarathon.co.uk

The Hospice of St Francis Christmas Cards An exciting range of Christmas cards on sale. Featuring polar bears, jolly Santas and traditional snowy scenes. Available from all Hospice shops and online 100% of the profits will go to the Hospice.

Christmas Shopping 1st Nov 5pm-7pm Returned to Glory, Berkhamsted HP4 1EH A pre-loved furniture store 8th Nov 5pm-7pm Number Twenty, Berkhamsted HP4 2AB Voted the Best Gift Shop in Hertfordshire, 15% off all purchases.

Art Bags Whether you’re a dab hand with a needle and thread or new to arts and crafts, why not try your hand at cross-stitching by taking part in this year’s Art Bag project.

Run in collaboration with Peace Hospice Care in Watford, the project aims to raise awareness of hospice care and boost the wellbeing of people living with a life-limiting illness through the therapeutic benefits of creativity. The free bags contain all the materials needed to complete a contemporary cross-stitch using easy-touse large-hole canvas. Collect your bags from The Hospice of St Francis or Peace Hospice receptions and once completed UK registered charity no 297489

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Mortgages to Suit Everybody Creative Solutions Especially For Company Directors and Shareholders Those Struggling with Dividend Income or no Historic Accounts Self Employed Individuals/Partners Equity Release Mortgages First Time Buyers and Government Help to Buy Schemes Buy to Let Schemes for Individuals and Companies Capital Raising/Second Charge Loans Holiday Home Finance Ashdale Mortgage Services 01727 701781 www.adviceonmortgages.org www.theNOWmagazines.com

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Tenor - Bradley Smith, Orchestra Nova and George Vass Conductor. choralsociety.com

NOW for some Music The Barn Theatre Singers at the Barn 4th Nov & 2nd Dec 7pm Come along to the Barn Theatre on the first Sunday of the month to perform songs of your choice in the clubroom. The standard is high and a professional accompanist is provided. £7 The Barn Theatre, WGC AL8 6ST barntheatre.co.uk

The Maltings Arts Theatre Herts Jazz All at 7.30pm 6th Nov Brigitte Beraha’s Babelfish 13th Nov Art Themen & Clark Tracey Trio 20th Nov Jeff Williams Band 27th Nov Gilad Hekselman Trio Maltings Arts Theatre maltingsartstheatre.co.uk

St Peter's Church Remembrance 10th Nov 7.30pm On the eve of the Centenary of the Armistice, when the guns fell silent over Europe, Mosaic Chamber Choir and members of OVO Theatre Company will present a programme of music and readings to reflect on this historic anniversary.

Featuring music by Howells, Will Todd, Mark Blatchly and Karl Jenkins and written testimony from some of the participants in the “war to end all wars”. £15, child £12 St Peter's Church, St Albans AL1 3HG

St Saviour's Church St Saviour’s Church, St Albans AL1 4DF Britten’s St Nicolas 10th Nov 7.30pm St Albans Choral Society present Benjamin Britten St Nicolas with works by Pēteris Vasks and Sibelius.

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Pirates Aaarh-hoy!

18th Nov 2pm & 3.30pm Performed by St Albans Symphony Orchestra Get up close to hear a full-scale symphony orchestra playing an exciting selection of music and try out the instruments. This is a salty selection of family-friendly classics animated by Annette Holland and David Bevan from Best Theatre Arts. £8, child £1, under 2’s free saso.org.uk

The Horn The Jam’d 10th Nov 9pm-2am With a reputation for being the finest tribute to ‘The Jam’, the band are totally committed to giving an unforgettable, authentic performance with all the energy, passion and style of Paul Weller, Bruce Foxton and Rick Buckler, giving you the chance to relive the experience of one of the most influential bands of the British music scene. £12 The Revivals 16th Nov 10.30pm A Herts based Britpop, Mod and 60's covers band, playing an energetic set of classic hits from the likes of The Beatles and the Small Faces to 90s bands like Oasis and Ocean Colour Scene.

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

St John’s Church Carillon Chamber Choir 24th Nov 7.30pm The English Revival Ralph Vaughan Williams Mass in G minor C V Stanford Three Latin Motets Works by Finzi, Byrd and Gibbons Conducted by David Ireson with Greg Hearle on clarinet £15, concs £13, child £5 01582 763774 St John’s Church, Harpenden AL5 1DJ

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UHArts Chapman Lounge AL10 9AB

Event Cinema NT Recorded: Allelujah!

1st Nov 7pm In this new play by Alan Bennett, The Beth, an old fashioned cradleto-grave hospital on the edge of the Pennines, is threatened with closure. Meanwhile, a documentary crew eager to capture its fight for survival follows the struggle to find beds on the Dusty Springfield Geriatric Ward, and the triumphs of the old people’s choir.

MGC Presents: Red 7th Nov 8.15pm Under the watchful gaze of his young assistant, and the threatening presence of a new generation of artists, Mark Rothko takes on his greatest challenge yet: to create a definitive work for an extraordinary setting.

Live from The Royal Opera House: La Bayadere (Ballet) 13th Nov 7.15pm Natalia Makarova's production of this 19th-century ballet brings an exotic world of temple dancers and noble warriors to life.

Live from Royal Shakespeare Company: Troilus and Cressida 14th Nov 7pm Troilus and Cressida swear they will always be true to one another.

But in the seventh year of the siege of Troy their innocence is tested with tragic consequences.

Live from National Theatre: The Madness of George III 20th Nov 7pm It’s 1786 and King George III is the most powerful man in the world.

But his behaviour is becoming increasingly erratic as he succumbs to fits of lunacy. With the King’s mind unravelling at a dramatic pace, ambitious politicians and the scheming Prince of Wales threaten to undermine the power of the Crown, and expose the fine line between a King and a man.

From The London Palladium: The King and I 29th Nov 7.30pm The greatest musical from the golden age of musicals. Set in 1860s Bangkok, it tells the story of the unconventional and tempestuous relationship that develops between the King of Siam and Anna, a British schoolteacher whom the modernist King, in an imperialistic world, brings to Siam to teach his many wives and children.

Welwyn Garden City Cinema AL8 6BX cwentertainment.co.uk

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Lunchtime Recital 8th Nov 12 noon free Relax over lunch as the de Havilland Philharmonic Orchestra String Quartet play.

Art and Design Gallery AL10 9AB Exhibition: Inside the Art Collection until 24th Nov A chance to see works from the UHArts Collection not usually on display, many are on view for the first time. Free

What We Leave Behind 13th Nov 12 noon Spoken word event exploring loss and legacy using wit, warmth and funeral tunes. Free herts.ac.uk

Weston Auditorium AL10 9EU In Flanders Fields: An Armistice Centenary Concert 11th Nov 3pm To mark the centenary of the end of the First World War, the de Havilland Philharmonic Orchestra presents this moving concert featuring music composed by Butterworth, Gurney and Vaughan Williams around the time of the Great War. Violinist Savitri Grier returns for a performance of Vaughan Williams’ “The Lark Ascending”, and works by wartime contemporaries George Butterworth and Ivor Gurney epitomise rural life in England at the time of this “war to end all wars”. The concert ends with Vaughan Williams’ Pastoral Symphony, dramatically interpreted in live paintings by James Mayhew and interwoven with classic war poetry. £18, concs £15 herts.ac.uk

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NOW at the Museum + Gallery Museum + Gallery Wins Top Award The spectacular St Albans Museum + Gallery has won a top design award with judges praising the project leaders’ “vision and energy”. The £7.75 million building came top in the Retrofit for the Future category at the Hertfordshire Building Futures Awards 2018.

It was also highly commended in the Project of the Year category.

Exhibition: Hand Drawn Action Packed until 11th Nov Showcasing the works of ten artists whose practice springs from drawing, and reveals the medium’s infinite possibilities.

Museum Explorers 27th Oct - 4th Nov all day Borrow items from the explorer kit and investigate spaces, objects and artworks in the museum. Work as a family to uncover the stories in the displays.

Museum Late: Hand Drawn Action Packed 1st Nov 7pm Explore the museum after hours and enjoy an evening of activities, talks and performances exploring the themes of the Hand Drawn Action Packed exhibition.

Knit a Mug Cosy 3rd Nov 10.30am - 12.30pm & 2pm - 4pm Elizabeth Carr is a talented local crafter, will teach you the basics of knitting, a popular craft during the WW1 era, and guide you through making a simple mug cosy, materials supplied, age 8+ Workshop: Brush Letter a Festive Banner 22nd & 24th Nov 10.30am Learn techniques from an expert calligrapher to perfect your own beautiful brush lettering style and create a hand-lettered banner, or piece of your choice with a practised initial, word or festive phrase to take away. A kit is provided so you can master the craft and practice what you’ve learned at home.

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St Albans Museum + Gallery

Exhibition: Imprinted 24th Nov - 3rd Feb From artists Jane Glynn and Suman Gujral, each exploring the experience of time and memory, this exhibition shares personal autobiographical subjects through sensitive paintings, prints and associated ephemera.

Museum Minis 27th Nov 10.30am - 11.30am & 1pm - 2pm With a story, craft activity and a museum hunt.

For ages 2 - 4, to be accompanied by an adult, please book.

St Albans Legacy 27th Oct - 15th Nov free The culmination of a multimedia art competition showing the responses of local pupils to WWI. The display includes pieces that explore what Armistice means to a new generation and sheds light on the experiences of those 100 years ago.

Workshops: 1st Nov & 3rd Nov 10.30am - 12.30pm & 2pm - 4pm Film: A County at War, Life on the Home Front in Hertfordshire 27th Oct - 15th Nov free Made from photographs supplied by local museums and the public, highlighting the unsung heroes of the Home Front. The film is interlaced with original recordings and songs and makes compulsive viewing.

Exhibition: Lasting Peace? until 25th Nov Exploring how the way we remember WWI has changed from early memorials to the centenary commemorations today Glass Art Poppies 1st Nov 10.30am - 12.30pm & 2pm - 4pm Using pre-cut and kiln fired glass pieces Opal Seabrook will teach you how to design a unique piece of poppy glass art work in its own frame, all materials will be supplied. £10 Poppies and Peacetime 2nd Nov 11am Make craft art pieces inspired by the poppy, stalbansmuseums.org.uk

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park with his friends, but with all this star-studded attention, he’s fighting the urge not to thump his tail and romp around the clock.

Hair of the dog If you’re wearing a suit, and you’re off to a business meeting or interview, your bold attempts to be taken seriously might get chewed up a bit as your new boss studies the layer of fur you are wearing, even on a hot summer day dog hair clinging to your clothing.

Dog tired

My Guide Dog in his Shining Armour Dan Williams, founder of ‘Visualise Training and Consultancy’ tells us about his experiences with his guide dog Zodiac.

Barking Mad Owning a guide dog can be an empowering, lifechanging experience and one that brings many rewards. But it’s not always about straight walking.

It can, on occasions, be a tasty bone of contention. When you walk into a sthop, your faithful pooch trotting happily by your side, things can go surprisingly quiet. Suddenly, like the curtain being raised, you feel like you’re on show with the audience glued. Aha, the performance has begun, bring on the ice lollies. As you begin walking around contentedly browsing, shoppers one by one, come up and talk. No, no, no, not to you…to your dog. You’ve vanished, whoosh, an invisible walk on part.

Me, me, me Centre stage, spotlight full on. It’s all about paws, claws and tails. And with anyone you might not have bumped into recently – conversation isn’t going to be about your work, hobbies, sport, or even your health. ‘Hey, how’s your handsome friend?’ You now feel like the unnamed actor standing next to A-list Slobberchops.

It’s not fair play!

Then come the times when you get asked if you are training your dog, or you find doors get opened for you without anyone saying a word.

There will always be those who run away in fear at the sight of four furry legs. Now, let’s be serious, if it’s your own furry legs on display you might well understand why you get pushed out of the way on the underground or priority seats are not given up to you, but….

Give a dog a bone And the friendliest of taxi drivers might dig in their heels, bare their teeth and refuse to take your dog, no matter how much you growl on about the Equality Act. Honestly, you feel like a school teacher.

Now you see me…now you don’t “You don’t look blind!” This is a baffling one.

You’re out and about enjoying yourself with friends, when a stranger pipes up, “It’s great that you’re out drinking!” It’s a doggone mystery, I still haven’t worked it out.

It’s equally baffling how many extend their arm and secretly stroke your dog, assuming that having a guide dog means you can’t see anything.

Aha, they’ve got away with it, they think you’ll never know! Silly secret strokers, guess what, I do!

Good boy!

Of course, there are great benefits in having a guide dog. You get to meet some interesting people, whom you would never have met before.

If they don’t remember you, they’ll certainly remember your four-legged friend. Complete strangers can be so helpful. I have also tripled my walking speed, because when he’s excited, he walks quicker, leaving me doing the panting…

And I no longer have to worry so much about bumping into people and objects, my guide dog has certainly taken the lead.

Happy walking!

Dan Williams I don’t want to sound too dogmatic, but most people, when concentrating on their job, don’t like If you, or someone you know is considering to be distracted. It usually means they don’t becoming a guide dog owner, please use this link concentrate quite as well and make mistakes.

Your dog has just been told, by you, that he‘s now to find out more guidedogs.org.uk/services-weat work, donning his harness, his uniform, he must provide/guide-dogs visualisetrainingandconsultancy.co.uk put away drooling thoughts of tearing round the

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Alcohol Awareness Week 19th - 25th Nov Alcohol causes around 10% of UK deaths and diseases and is linked to 60 serious conditions. Yet over 9 million people in England exceed recommended drinking limits.

Major Health Risks Cancer: Alcohol increases absorption of carcinogenic chemicals from tobacco and is responsible for many oesophagus, bowel, liver and breast cancers, and around a third of throat and mouth cancers.

Brain function & mental health: Long-term misuse can cause memory and reasoning problems and changes mood, personality and the brain’s shape, size and structure.

Liver damage: The liver processes alcohol, but too much can cause cirrhosis, hepatitis and fatty liver disease.

Heart & circulatory system: Just one drink a day raises blood pressure, increasing the risk of hypertension, stroke and heart attack.

Diabetes: Alcohol misuse can lead to chronic pancreatitis, while alcohol’s appetite stimulation and calories can cause obesity. Both conditions can lead to diabetes.

Pregnancy & childbirth problems: Drinking in pregnancy can cause miscarriage, stillbirth or premature birth, and foetal alcohol syndrome in babies.

Accident & injury: Even small amounts of alcohol impair coordination, reaction times and decision -making, making driving far riskier.

Reduced fertility: Regular and/or heavy drinking can reduce male fertility.

Impaired development: Alcohol can affect the normal development of the brain, liver, bones and hormones in adolescents and also affects their mental health and judgement.

How Much is Too Much?

Alcohol Concern says there’s no ‘safe’ level of alcohol consumption. Its ‘low risk’ limit is a maximum of 14 units a week for men and women, spread over at least three days. A unit is about half a pint of normal-strength lager or a single measure (25ml) of spirits. A small (125ml) glass of wine contains 1.5 units. alcoholconcern.org.uk

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Cyclists and motorcyclists are among the most vulnerable road users in the UK, with more than 100 riders injured every day in preventable crashes.

Cycling is one of the healthiest, cheapest and most environmentally friendly forms of transport and the number of cyclists is increasing at a rapid pace, so delivering safe journeys for them is a win/win, encouraging more people to cycle and keeping those who already do so safe.

Motorcyclists are disproportionately involved in crashes and the resulting injuries are often severe. The speeds motorcycles can travel at are equal to those of cars and yet they do not have the same protection such as air bags or side-impact bars, exposing them to the full force of the accident. Raising awareness of safe driving behaviour for riders and drivers alike is critical to saving lives.

So always look out for the safety of those on two wheels and be Bike Smart. roadsafetyweek.org.uk

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What’s on in November 42

27th Oct - 15th Nov St Albans Legacy see page 36 29th Oct - 5th Nov St Albans City Football Camps cityyouthfc.co.uk 30th Oct - 3rd Nov Cilla -The Musical Milton Keynes Theatre 0844 871 7652, from £13 30th Oct - 4th Nov Circus Zyair see page 25 1st Mostly Comedy see page 4 Clay all Day Mill Green Museum AL9 5PD ages 4+ £3.50 welhat.gov.uk 2nd Choral Eucharist for All Souls see page 8 3rd - 10th Firework Displays see page 24 Butterflies see page 4 6th - 10th Chitty Chitty Bang Bang see page 12 6th, 13th, 20th & 27th Herts Jazz see page 32 9th - 11th Harpenden Arts Club 60th Exhibition page 40 9th - 11th & 13th - 17th Electra see page 4 10th Craft Fair Fleetville Community Centre, Royal Road, 1pm - 4.30pm, free entry The Lea Singers - Remembrance see page 8 Britten’s Nicolas see page 32 10th & 11th Exhibition: Wheathampstead During the Great War Wheathampstead Memorial Hall, 10am - 6pm Walk: Battles Over: WW1 Beacons of Light Ivinghoe Beacon car park, nationaltrust.org.uk/ashridge 10th & 24th Nov Five Miles of Fabulous Ladies Cycle Rides meet at Morrisons, Hatfield Road, by the cycle stands, 9.30am shertscyclists.org.uk 10th Nov - 2nd Jan Wednesdays - Sundays Christmas Carnival Waddesdon Manor, Bucks HO18 0JH, carnival themed displays, Winter Light Trail, 11am - 6pm waddesdon.org.uk 11th Remembrance Services, Concerts & Beacons of Light Ceremonies pages 8, 32 & 34 Walter Harvey Hallam see page 4 Sunday Café St Matthews, Redbourn AL3 7QG, with talk ‘Back to the future with organic farming’ 3pm - 5pm, all ages welcome, just drop in, free An Audience with Simon Reeve see page 12

12th Hazel O’Connor & Breaking Glass page 12 14th Lunchtime Organ Recital see page 8 Wishbone Ash XLIX UK Tour with support from Félix Rabin Harpenden Public Halls Bismark to the Fall of the Wall & Aviation, Flying & Aircraft Stamps St Mary's Church, Childwickbury AL3 6JJ, St Albans, Harpenden & District Philatelic Society, 8pm stalbharpstampclub.org.uk 10cc in Concert see page 12 15th Henning Wehn: Get On With It see page 12 Lecture: The Borgias, the Most Infamous Family in History The Arts Society Harpenden Area DFAS theartssocietyharpendenareadfas.org.uk 15th Nov - 7th Jan Skate Van Hage see page 24 16th Murder Mystery Dining Experience page 25 Live at The Alban Arena see page 12 16th - 24th Our House see page 4 17th St Albans Bach Choir to mark the Centenary of the end of WW1 see page 8 Walk: Veteran Trees & Fungi see page 22 18th Hertfordshire Half Marathon see page 30 St Albans Christmas Lights Switch On see page 2 21st WoolOvers Sample Sale see page 5 22nd - 24th FAME see page 4 23rd & 24th Ten of Herts see page 4 24th St George's School Christmas Fayre Harpenden AL5 4TD, gifts, 1pm - 4pm St Albans International Organ Festival Concert see page 8 24th & 25th Childwickbury Christmas Market see page 29 24th Nov - 24th Dec Santa’s Grotto at Burston see page 16 25th Harpenden Christmas Carnival & Christmas Lights up see page 28 30th Nov - 22nd Dec St Albans Christmas Market see page 28

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What’s on in December 44

1st Sandringham School Christmas Fair AL4 9NX Garden Fields School Christmas Fair page 40 1st & 2nd Christmas Event Chiltern Open Air Museum, HP8 4AB, 10am - 4pm coam.org.uk 1st - 23rd Vintage 1940s Christmas Grotto Bletchley Park MK3 6EB, 10am - 3pm, child under 12 £7, bletchleypark.org.uk 1st, 2nd, 8th, 9th, 15th, 16th, 22nd, 23rd & 26th - 30th Children's Christmas Trail Ashridge Estate, HP4 1LT nationaltrust.org.uk 2nd Jingle Bell Jog see page 26 50 Things Club Chiltern's Gateway Centre, Dunstable Downs LU6 2GY, 2 - 4pm nationaltrust.org.uk 3rd Dec - 7th Jan Christmas Pudding Walk Ashridge Estate, Nr Berkhamsted, HP4 1LT nationaltrust.org.uk 7th Folk at the Maltings: Kitty Macfarlane 8pm, £12, concs £11, £7.50 maltingsartstheatre.co.uk 8th Nicholas Martin St Albans Organ Theatre AL1 5PE, 7.30pm, please book stalbansorgantheatre.org.uk Christmas Fair British Schools Museum, Hitchin SG4 9TS, 10am - 2pm Christmas Charity Concert High Street Methodist Church, Harpenden, 07947 800153, The Music Makers Choir of Harpenden, 3pm musicmakerschoir.wordpress.com 9th The Snowman Harpenden Public Halls AL5 1TE 10.30am & 11.30am harpendenpublichalls.co.uk A Christmas Celebration Marlborough Road Methodist Church, St Albans AL1 3XG, St Albans Choral Society, 7pm choralsociety.com Santa Paws Walk Ashridge Estate HP4 1LT, bring your dog for a festive walk, 11am - 12 noon, £1 nationaltrust.org.uk 13th Talk: Local Artist James Willis British Schools Museum SG4 9TS, 01462 420144, interpretations of the Christmas story through centuries of art & sculpture, 6.30pm, £8 14th - 31st HONK! The Barn Theatre, WGC AL8 6ST, award-winning musical telling the ugly duckling story barntheatre.co.uk 15th Christmas Cheer with Trilogy Bletchley Park MK3 6EB, 11am - 2pm, entry incl in admission bletchleypark.org.uk

Hansel & Gretel The Sandpit Theatre, St Albans AL4 9NX, 11.30am & 2.30pm, £8, £6 Carols on the Hour St Albans Cathedral, 11am 15th & 16th A Christmas Carol Abbey Theatre, St Albans AL1 2DL, 2.30pm & 5.30pm abbeytheatre.org.uk 16th The Mechanical Instrument Christmas Special St Albans Organ Theatre AL1 5PE, 1.45pm 5pm, £10, child £5 21st - 24th Santa's Marvellous Magical Toyshop The Old Town Hall, Hemel Hempstead HP1 3AE 22nd Film: The Muppet’s Christmas Carol The Sandpit Theatre AL4 9NX, 10.30am, £3, £2 24th & 25th St Albans Cathedral Christmas Services Christmas Eve Crib Service 2.30pm / Choral Evensong 5.30pm Midnight Mass 11.30pm Christmas Day Eucharist with Carols 8am Parish Eucharist 9.30am Matins 11.15am / Eucharist 12.30pm 26th St Albans Mummers The Town Hall 11.30am / The White Hart Hotel: 12.15pm / St Albans Abbey West End: 1pm / The Fighting Cocks: 1.45pm / The Clock Tower: 2.30pm stalbansmummers.org.uk 27th Post-Christmas Walk Ashridge Estate HP4 1LT 10am - 12pm, please book 01442 851227

Pantomimes 8th - 30th Dec Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Harpenden Public Halls harpendenpublichalls.co.uk 15th & 16th Dec A Christmas Carol Abbey Theatre abbeytheatre.org.uk 6th Dec - 6th Jan Cinderella The Alban Arena alban-arena.co.uk 7th - 31st Dec Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs Watersmeet Rickmansworth watersmeet.co.uk 8th Dec - 3rd Jan Aladdin The Radlett Centre radlettcentre.co.uk 8th Dec - 13th Jan Robin Hood Milton Keynes Theatre atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes

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Index of Businesses Education Aerial Installations & Repairs Concorde Aerials 20 Kumon Beauty The Cove Spa

Electricians Back Cover Alban Electrical Services Fencing Verulam Fencing

Building Services Abbey Building Services & Maintenance Brockhall Building Services Open Plan Solutions

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41 Fireplaces & Heating 37 Fireplaces & Heating Direct 3 39 Garage Doors Cabinet Makers Garolla 39 S Nicholl Furniture 35 Garden Centre Burston Garden Centre 16 Carpentry / Joinery Chris Smyth 11 Gardening Chrysalis Garden Services 15 Charities Rennie Grove 26 & 45 Hearing Services Traid 30 Hearing Healthcare Practice 6 Children’s Early Learning Gymboree 27 Kitchen Appliances Chiropodist Kathy Witchard

MA Washvac Services 7 Knitwear Sample Sale WoolOvers

18 5

Cleaning Daily Poppins Domestique

19 Locksmith 19 Lock Around the Clock

College Oaklands College

Loft Ladders 43 Home Counties Loft Ladders 23

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Conservatory Roof Solutions Mortgage Services Nu-Look 9 Ashdale Mortgage Services 31 Dance & Drama Penny Waterman School of Dance Stagecoach

Oven Cleaning Ovengers

27 47 Painters & Decorators CB Decorators Dog Training Classes M & M Decorators Dogs Trust Dog School 17 Pest Control Domestic Appliance Repairs Multipest Leigh Hibon 20 MA Washvac Services 21

19 33 33

Plasterers A Merson Plastering Plumber DJ&M Plumbing Services Ltd Property Maintenance SCS Home Maintenance Roofing GJ Smith Roofing School Christmas Fair Garden Fields School Shutters Just Shutters The Harpenden Shutter Company

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5

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Windows & Doors Cloud 9 Kings Windows

13 11

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