st albans NOW November 16

st albans

NOW

November 2016

Remember Them Childwickbury Christmas Market

Firework Displays SuStAinable St Albans NOW at The Alban Arena NOW for some Art

What’s on and lots more

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

choose local first 1

St Albans Artistic Roller Skating Club Affiliated to the Federation of Artistic Roller Skating

Learn to Roller Skate properly We are looking for BOYS and GIRLS to join our Beginners/Newcomers Class on Tuesdays from 5.30 - 6.30pm at Marlborough School, St Albans @ ÂŁ5 pp aged 4+ (we will consider below that age).

The class runs in six week blocks but you can join at any time in the term.

There are a few pairs of skates to borrow if you do not have your own.

Our Mission is to teach roller skating.

There is a Federation Grading system in place for those interested.

We have training sessions in the week and weekend; and competitive skating is available for those who want to progress in that direction.

If you are keen to skate properly, or even join our club, contact: 01727 830332 maryrose.whiteley@ntlworld.com 2

07850 105505 www.starsskatingclub.com

Firework Displays

Welcome to November…a month

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remember, remember the 5th November

Remember Them

when we remember those who gave so much for our freedom, and as always there are Remembrance Services to take time to reflect and be thankful, and of course don't forget to buy your poppy.

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lest we forget

Childwickbury Christmas Market

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fine art, jewellery, hats & more

Festive Fairs & Markets

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christmas gifts galore

For the first time we’ve been able to include a couple of Guinness Word Record attempts for you to take part in, each one quite different; a 10 hour bike ride as part of breaking the record for the ‘furthest distance cycled in a year’, or the ‘most people constructing air craft models’ why not get involved and help to break a world record!

NOW for some Music

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choirs, classical & carols

NOW for some Art

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all sorts of art

Deliciousandreal

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family food

We’ve included a page of local firework displays for you to enjoy with family and friends, and festive markets and fairs to kick start your Christmas shopping.

November Nights, Lights & More

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stargazing, lights up & Santa

NOW at the Alban Arena

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music, comedy & ballet

Whatever you do this month take care on 5th November and keep your children and pets safe.

NOW at The Local Theatres

And don't forget if you need a local business ition xt ed have a flick through the magazine or e n h e read them monthly on-line. touc com in th o be st get in gazines.

T Jane & Wendy ju OWma ov th N 0 heN 07983 588291 t .

1 w : e ww www.theNOWmagazines.com dlin Dea jane@theNOWmagazines.com

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drama & comedy

SuStAinable St Albans

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love your district

What’s on in November & December

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Index of Businesses

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aerials to windows & doors

01923 224472

To Advertise: 07983 588291 jane@theNOWmagazines.com

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Remember, Remember the 5th November Fireworks Spectacular 5th November gates 6.30pm / display 7.30pm Verulamium Park, St Albans Spectacular event full of stunning fireworks, music, food and fun. This amazing public display was started over 25 years ago, and has raised over £730k for local and national charities. This year’s charity is Special Olympics St Albans plus other charities supported by the Cathedral.

In advance: adult £5, child £2, family £10 On the gate: adult £7, child £4, family £15 01727 890290 www.stalbanscathedral.org OA Fireworks Spectacular 5th November gates 6pm / display 7.45pm Woollams Playing Fields, Harpenden Rd AL3 6BB In advance: adult £10, concs £5, family £20 On the night: adult £15, concs £7.50, family £25 01727 864476 fiona@oasport.com www.oasport.com Redbourn Common Fireworks 5th November 7pm - 9pm Redbourn, AL3 A great family evening, with fun fair and more.

Free, the event is self-funding, donations welcome.

9th Harpenden Scout Group Firework Display 5th November gates 6pm / display 6.45pm Kinsbourne Green Common (by St Mary's Church) BBQ and seasonal refreshments Toddler friendly indoor viewing area £6, family £20 annakelly1@btinternet limited tickets available buy in advance to avoid disappointment

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Dunstable Downs Scrub Clearance and Bonfire 5th November 12 noon - 5pm Meet at the Gateway Centre, Dunstable Downs Come and help clear the unwanted scrub and then make a bonfire. Everyone welcome, children must be accompanied by an adult. Wear warm clothes, gloves and sturdy footwear. www.nationaltrust.org.uk Crabtree Schools PTA Fireworks Spectacular 5th November gates 5.30pm / display 6.30pm Crabtree Lane, Harpenden AL5 5PU Traditional bonfire, delicious BBQ and refreshments, and a quiet room for those who need a break from the bangs! www.crabtreeinfants.herts.sch.uk/fireworks Wheathampstead Fireworks 6th November gates 4.30pm / display 5.30pm Beech Hyde Primary School, Wheathampstead, AL4 8TP Hot food and drinks. £5, child £3, under 3's free.

Tickets from Manor Pharmacy Fireworks Extravaganza 6th November gates 4pm, display 6pm Harpenden Rugby Club £8, child £5, family £25 www.HRFC.com

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Remember Them Remembrance Day the day the nation remembers and honours those who sacrificed themselves to secure and protect our freedom.

11th November St Albans Cathedral 11am Two minute silence and service of remembrance 11th November Remembrance Ceremony 10.55am Ceremony of Remembrance to pay respects to the fallen by the Museum's Lancaster Bomber. There will be the sounding of the Last Post, two minutes silence, a dedication to the memories of the fallen, finishing with the sounding of the Reveille.

RAF Museum London, London NW9 5LL www.rafmuseum.org.uk 12th November Festival of Remembrance 2pm & 7pm Royal Albert Hall The Royal British Legion commemorates all those who have lost their lives in conflicts, tickets are only available to the public for the 2pm service. www.royalalberthall.com 13th November Royal British Legion Harpenden Meet at Rothamsted Park, Leyton Road at 9.45am to walk to the The War Memorial, High Street for 10.50am www.britishlegion.org.uk 13th November Remembrance Parade 9am -11.30am Bletchley Park, Milton Keynes MK3 6EB In partnership with Royal British Legion, parade marchers meet at Bletchley Park to walk to the War Memorial and lay Poppy Wreaths.

Admission prices apply 01908 272684 www.bletchleypark.org.uk 11th & 13th November Walks: Street War Memorials 10.50am The Great War changed lives forever. Men enlisted to fight for King and Country, many never returned. The Abbey Parish remembers its dead, not in a church, but in the streets where they grew up. The Parish was not unique in its experience but the memorials are.

Explore the history behind their existence and the lives of those whose names appear there.

Meet at the front of St Albans Old Town Hall, tickets from the guide on the day or the Visitor Information Centre, Alban Arena, St Albans AL1 3LD. £4, child £2 01727 864511 www.stalbanstourguides.co.uk Poppy People Please!

If you can help sell poppies for a few hours please call the Appeal Coordinators: St Albans - Don Dell 07747 467836 Harpenden - Rosemary 07983 429771

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Thinking of Taking up a Hobby?

Harpenden & District Philatelic Society is a thriving local club that aims to show that the hobby is not just about sticking in stamps!

Meetings are usually held on the second Wednesday of the month, September to May at 8pm in the School Room, Childwickbury. Even if you don't collect stamps, postcards or postal history, you can enjoy talks and displays on a wide range of topics. Recent meetings have covered World War One, the famous Cape of Good Hope triangular stamps, Forgeries, Italian States, Railways and Travelling Post Offices, the History of Shipping and Mail from the 16th -19th centuries, as well as Revenues (stamps for tax purposes) and Cinderellas (things that look like stamps but aren’t).

If you want to go beyond enjoying displays or working on your own collection, you can join a local, national or specialist society and give displays yourself, enter local, national or international competitions and research and write up your subject.

The Society is always happy to give advice, and members can buy and sell stamps through the ‘circulating packet’.

So whether you’re looking for a new hobby, have a slumbering collection or are already an active collector, they have much to offer. Why not go along and see for yourself?

Contact Peter Mellor on 01582 762284 or p.mellor@btinternet.com

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Victorian Christmas Fair 27th November 12 noon - 5pm Mill Green Museum Come and visit Santa in his grotto and receive a special gift. There’ll be street sellers, children’s activities and festive storytelling in the enchanted wood. Enjoy hot chestnuts, Victorian street food, mulled wine, hot chocolate and mince pies! Adult £5, child free, Santa £5 www.welhat.gov.uk

Childwickbury Christmas Market Completely different Christmas shopping 26th & 27th November 10am - 5pm Housed in a charming Victorian red brick and flint stable block the market offers a high quality selection of arts, crafts and foods over the weekend, including wooden toys, stained glass, jewellery, quilts, pottery, clothing, fabulous hats, tableware, fine art and food gifts including Childwickbury honey, preserves, cheeses and more.

Hot drinks, freshly cooked food and mulled wine will be available and with free entry and parking, why not go along and get your Christmas preparations off to a great start. Dogs welcome on leads.

01727 859495 www.childwickburyarts.com www.facebook.com/childwickburyartsfair Childwickbury Estate, Herts, AL3 6JX

Knebworth Christmas Fair

24th November - 18th December Come and browse up to 60 stalls in and around the beautiful Vintry Garden of St Albans Cathedral.

Entertainers, twinkly lights and plenty of Christmas cheer will add to the festive atmosphere and there’ll be a fantastic selection of traders bringing you the best of British-made and international wares. The Market will be different every day as some stallholders are always there, others for just a few days. Updates on Facebook and Twitter #VintryVillage. The main change-around days are 7th & 14th December. New for 2016 - The Meraki Christmas Mini-Festival www.merakifestival.com www.stalbanschristmasmarket.com St Albans Christmas Lights Switch On 27th November 12 noon - 6pm There’ll be entertainment throughout the city to mark the official start of the Christmas shopping season. Choose which one of four switch-on events suits your style: Enjoy Panto stars at the Alban Arena Music on the St Peter’s Street Stage Festive Brass at the Clock Tower or After-hours entertainment at the Christmas Market

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11th - 13th November 10am - 4pm Sample and buy from the wide range of arts, craft and gift stalls. Browse jewellery and other accessories, handicrafts, hand made cards, photography, candles, aromatherapy products as well as ceramics and wood turning.

Food and drink stands include wine, festive foods plus chocolates and other confectionery.

Come and meet the reindeer, visit Father Christmas in his Grotto (gift included in entry price). Adult £5, child £4.50 www.knebworthhouse.com

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Santa Spectacular 23rd November - 24th December Willows Activity Farm, St Albans AL4 0PF Come and enjoy a Santa-tastic programme of activities, visit Santa’s Grotto with sparkling scenes inspired by fairy tales, winter wonderland and traditional Christmas characters. Santa will give each child a golden key to his Toy Shop where they can choose a gift. There is also the new Elf School, Nativity Story with animals, festive shows and seasonal Snowball Shootout, Festive Wood Ride, Reindeer Hunt with free box of magic reindeer dust plus Festive Funfair Rides www.willowsactivityfarm.com

Redbourn Christmas Market 27th November 11am - 5pm Redbourn High Street AL3 7LW Kick off the festive season with over 70 stalls selling delicious food, beautiful crafts, gift ideas and decorations.

There’ll be seasonal music showcasing the best local talent, playing carols and festive tunes.

Dancing, singing, storytelling and of course Santa and his elves so come and meet him in his grotto.

Along with a Yule Raffle with amazing prizes from local businesses.

Have a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie, while enjoying the magical light display!

Please park considerately, parking restrictions do not apply on Sundays. www.redbournchristmasmarket.com

Christmas is Coming!

27th November 12 noon - 6pm The annual Christmas Carnival and Lights Switch On has grown year on year since its introduction in 2006. Among the fun there will be the regular monthly Farmers’ Market, charity stalls, the Young Enterprise Business Fair and a fun fair and Santa will be in his Grotto in Thompson’s Close.

The Christmas Carnival procession, with added attractions this year, will begin at 3pm and there’ll be local choirs and bands on stage from 1pm.

The Christmas lights will be switched on by the Town Mayor and the winner of the Christmas Poster Competition at 5pm. Free parking is available from 12pm in the station car parks.

Frost Fair 17th - 20th November 10am - 5pm Held in The Old Palace, the Riding School, Stable Yard and heated marquees on Palace Green, and featuring: • 200 stands of unusual and original gifts • Craft men & women showing off their skills • Fine Food Fair • Choirs, dancers and street entertainers • Father Christmas • Restaurant & Tea & Coffee Marquee • Creative Fast Foods • Hatfield House Gift Shop • Stable Yard shopping • Drop in Workshops £8, under 15’s free Buy tickets by 17th November to save 10% Hatfield House AL9 5HX www.frostfair.co.uk 01487 814800

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NOW for some Music Herts Jazz on Sundays Hawthorne Theatre, Welwyn Garden City, AL8 6BX Join internationally renowned musicians every Sunday evening for some superb jazz.

From £11, concs from £10 www.hertsjazz.co.uk

Cantilena Ladies Choir This friendly, informal and fun choir meets on Mondays 8pm - 9.30pm, during term time at St Saviours Church Hall, Sandpit Lane, St Albans AL1 4DF New members welcome, no audition. For more information contact Charlotte 01727 837661 or c_robinson50@hotmail.com

The Devines plus New Roots finalist Jimmy Grayburn 4th November 8pm Maltings Arts Theatre, St Albans AL1 3HL John, Joe and Caz Devine, three members of the same musical family, play traditional Irish dance music, mixed with original and contemporary Irish songs, on a mix of instruments, from Uilleann Pipes and Banjo to Saxophone.

They have been touring since 2011 and made history when they were among the first musicians to perform Irish music at a Royal reception in Buckingham Palace. £10, concs £8, £6 www.ticketsource.co.uk/ovo 0333 666 3366 or on the door

Faure Requiem 12th November 7.30pm St Saviours Church AL1 4DF St Albans Choral Society Concert David Matthews: Psalm 23; The Lord is My Shepherd Sally Beamish: Showings James Francis Brown: The Heavens and the Heart Gabriel Faure: Requiem £18, £15, concs £15,& £12, child £1 www.choralsociety.com

Music Medley

local singers and dancers giving their time for free to raise funds for the charity. The acts include: The Kings of Herts, Sir John Lawes Junior Girls Choir, The Dance Studio, Harpenden Light Operatic Society and Abafando. £15, concs £10 07961 015272 or events@harpendenmencap.co.uk

Sunday Organ Concert 13th November 2.15pm - 4.30pm St Albans Organ Theatre 320 Camp Road, St Albans AL1 5PE 03303 65 65 65 www.stalbansorgantheatre.org.uk

The Glorious Company 19th November 7.30pm Harpenden High Street Methodist Church Harpenden Choral Society and the Kings Sinfonietta present music by Handel and Mozart. Beginning with the exhilarating orchestral processional from Handel’s Solomon oratorio, The Arrival of the Queen of Sheba, followed by the full choral grandeur of Mozart’s Coronation Mass in C and beautiful ‘concerto’ for solo soprano and orchestra, Exsultate Jubilate and finishing with Handel’s triumphant celebration of King George II’s victory at the Battle of Dettingen, The Dettingen Te Deum, this promises to be an evening of music fit for celebrations, coronations, and kings. £15, concs £5 01582 419379 tickets@harpendenchoralsociety.org

Classical Jazz…and all that!

19th November 8pm £15 Trestle Arts Base, St Albans AL4 0JQ Australian born classical jazz pianist Karen Anne Courts latest show, direct from Berlin, features a selection of best loved pieces from Beethoven, Chopin, Joplin, Gershwin, as well as a few surprises.

A show definitely not to be missed! www.ticketsource.co.uk/karen-anne-court www.trestle.org.uk

The Salvation Army Carol Concert

26th November 7.30pm Methodist Church High Street Harpenden 12th November 7.30pm High Street Methodist Church, Harpenden Presented by Harpenden Mencap, the show features

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New Museum and Art Gallery Work to create a spectacular £7.75 million Museum and Art Gallery in St Albans’ Town Hall is due to begin this month.

The construction of a 168m 2 basement gallery will start with an archaeologist monitoring the excavation in case anything of historical interest is uncovered.

Almost 90% of the funding has been secured and Councillor Annie Brewster, Portfolio Holder for Sport, Leisure and Heritage for St Albans City and District Council, said: “The conversion of the Town Hall will take up to 18 months. It is one of the biggest City Centre construction projects we have had for many years.

We are starting the work so we can open the museum and art gallery in the spring of 2018. We do not want this to be a justover-the-line project, so we still need to raise the final £700,000 to ensure the building is not only returned to its former glory but is also cleverly modernised to provide the quality the City and District deserves for a 21st century cultural hub”.

For details about the about the project and its progress, please visit www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk

Volunteer at Verulamium Museum

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- Rummage in the archives, and help the Curators catalogue, document and photograph the collection.

- Meet new people and help the Museum team at public events.

- Help the Education Department create and run family and holiday activities.

For more information email julia.good@stalbans.gov.uk

NOW at Verulamium Museum 9th Nov 7.30pm - 8.30pm Talk: Spotlight on History: Sons of St Albans Learn about well-known people from St Albans during the last 2000 years. £5, please book.

12th Nov 2.15pm & 3.15pm Archaeology Apprentices Simulated archaeology dig.

Peel back layers of time to see what people in the past have left behind and discover what we can learn from the finds.

Free, ages 5 - 11 * 16th Nov 7.30pm - 8.30pm Talk: Spotlight on History: HMS Shah and the Victorian Navy. Hear the story of the ship which fired the first ever torpedo in action. £5, please book.

19th Nov 2pm - 4pm Archaeology Apprentices Are you good at investigating?

Come along and sort out the finds trays and reconstruct objects that have been broken. Free, ages 5 - 11 * 23rd Nov 7.30pm - 8.30pm Talk: Spotlight on History: Flushed with Success Learn about the history of the toilet from ancient times to the modern day. £5, please book 26th Nov 11am - 10.30pm Games of Rome Play a mixture of real ancient roman games and modern board and card games with a historical twist. All ages, free 30th Nov 7.30pm - 8.30pm Talk: Spotlight on History: Eat, Drink and be Merry in Roman Britain. Learn about food and drink in the Roman period. £5, please book.

Gallery Talks* St Albans Town Guides offer free gallery talks in November starting at 3pm and lasting 30 minutes.

5th – Domestic Life 6th – Trading in the Empire 12th – Iron Age 13th – Life and Times of Alban 19th – Mosaics 20th – Death and Burial 26th – Gods and Goddesses 27th – Domestic Life *All children must be a ccompanied by an adult 01727 751810 www.stalbansmuseums.org

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NOW for a Good Read Whether you discuss them at a book club, blog about them, or just chat about them with a neighbour, these books are sure to get you talking.

The Return of Norah Wells Virginia Macgregor

Six years after walking out on her husband and children, Norah is back. But her best friend, Fay, has stepped in to fill the space she left. Who will the family choose? A beautiful read that tells the story from each family member’s point of view, as they struggle to understand, forgive and find their place.

Pines (The Wayward Pines Trilogy, Book 1) Blake Crouch

Secret service agent Blake Crouch wakes up in a small American town after a car crash. His partner is dead. His wallet is missing. And the more he learns about the small town, the more he knows he needs to escape. For a start there’s the dead body of one of his colleagues rotting away in an abandoned house. Any why can’t he get through to anyone on the outside? A must for fans of Twin Peaks or Lost, this book has inspired a hit TV series.

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Yellow Crocus

A Boy Made of Blocks

Laila Ibrahim

Keith Stuart

Mattie is a slave and, as such, has no choice but to leave her own baby in order to act as nurse to the plantation owner’s newborn daughter. She soon becomes a mother-figure to Lisbeth, who becomes far closer to Mattie than to any of her natural family. But Mattie knows that one day she’ll have to choose between the two children – the one she raised and the one she gave birth to.

As Lisbeth grows up, she too will have to make a lifechanging decision about whose side she’s really on. Gripping, emotional and impossible to forget.

Alex has always struggled to connect with his eight-year old autistic son, Sam, and has become more and more distant from his wife. As his family seems to disintegrate before his eyes, he discovers an unusual way to connect with Sam: the computer game Minecraft. But is it enough to reunite the family? Funny and poignant in equal measures.

A Year of Marvellous Ways Sarah Winman It’s 1947 and 90-year old Marvellous Ways has got used to being alone on her little creek in Cornwall. Then Frank Drake, battered by the war and grief, washes up on her shore. They form an unlikely friendship and as they reveal the stories they’ve kept hidden, each helps the other to heal. A lyrical, poetic read about friendship, love and the strength of the human spirit.

The Bees Laline Paul

In the colony every bee has its place, its duty, its very reason for existence. Difference isn’t tolerated and punishment is swift and violent. Flora 717 wants to fulfil her role and serve her queen, but struggles to fit in.

She’s a sanitation worker, destined to spend her entire life cleaning the hive. But she can’t help but be enticed by the thought of flight, and the world outside the colony. The hive is at risk, and to save it Flora 717 may have to break the most sacred rule of all. Fascinating.

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NOW for some Art International Garden Photographer of the Year until 27th November Exhibition with stunning work from both amateur and professional photographers, capturing beautiful images of plants, habitats and amazing landscapes. Now in its ninth year the event was started by a group of professional garden photographers and has quickly grown to become the world's premier exhibition of garden and plant photography. Free Stockwood Discovery Centre LU1 4LX 01582 548600 www.lutonculture.com

Arts Club Exhibition 11th - 13th November 10am - 6pm free (13th Nov 10am - 4pm) An exciting range of new art from up-andcoming artists and well known local talent will be on show at this popular event.

This promises to be an excellent opportunity to find a unique and inspirational Christmas present for someone special, or to find just the right original affordable artwork for your newly painted walls!

Vicki OttĂŠ works in oils to produce wonderfully quirky, bold observations of people, often mid conversation, which are laced with wry humour (Choosing Shoes above). Jenny Robinson creates exquisite mixed media paintings using acrylics, oils and collaged Japanese papers to create artworks full of life and colour (Paper Fish I below). These are just two of around fifty artists exhibiting original works in oil, acrylic, watercolour, pastel and pencil, as well as ceramics, sculpture, fused glass and digital art. With works ranging from abstract and avant-garde, to traditional and representational, there is truly something for everyone.

Harpenden Arts Club is going from strength to strength and offers a wide-ranging programme of artist demonstrations, studio practice, life drawing sessions and technique workshops from September to May on most Thursday evenings from 7.30pm to 9.30pm at Harpenden Public Halls. New members are made very welcome For more information call Peter Brown on 01582 793174 www.harpendenartsclub.org.uk Harpenden Public Halls Southdown Road AL5 1PD

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Deliciousandreal Family Food One of the many struggles parents face, is getting children to eat healthy food.

Present them with fish fingers and chips, and they’ll devour them, but try a lovingly homemade fish pie and they turn their noses up.

As a busy mum, cooking separate meals for the kids was not something I relished; I wanted them to eat the same food (within reason) as my husband and I and have a love for good food.

My children, now 6 and 9, have an openness to try new foods, and I think that’s the key; I have explained that your tastes change and although you didn’t like something last year, you may like it now.

Fostering a love, appreciation and understanding of good food, starts at home. I prepare most meals from scratch and always tell my children what’s in a dish.

I’d love to inspire others and share my love and knowledge of food, so I’ve started documenting my food journey on Twitter and Instagram.

It’s all real food cooked by me and shared with my family and friends. Take a look and try something new, you never know, you might like it!

The other day, when it was raining and cold outside, I fancied some ‘comfort food’ for dinner. I found some lasagne sheets; but had no mince, I did however have chicken...and that’s how my recipe for chicken lasagne was born.

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Red Lentil Bolognaise Serves 4 This simple meal is a delicious, healthy alternative to the traditional beef version. It freezes well so can be made in bulk and saved for another day.

120g red lentils 1 onion, finely chopped 1 clove of garlic, finely chopped 1 tin of chopped tomatoes 2 tbsp red pesto Handful of basil leaves, chopped Whole-wheat spaghetti (or any pasta of your choice) Cook the lentils as per instructions. Boil a pan of water for the spaghetti. Soften the onions for 3 minutes in a separate pan. Cook the spaghetti. Add the garlic to the onions and cook for a minute, add the tomatoes and simmer on low for 5 minutes, and season. Add the cooked lentils, red pesto and chopped basil to the onion and garlic. Serve with the spaghetti, plenty of parmesan and a sprig of basil.

Chicken Lasagne Serves 2 adults and 2 children 3 chicken breasts (cooked) or left over roast chicken Dried lasagne sheets 1 onion, finely chopped Olive oil Handful of fresh basil leaves 300g frozen spinach 2 tbsp plain flour 1 tsp English mustard 200ml milk Handful of grated cheddar (plus extra for the top) 300g passata (one with onion and garlic works well) Seasoning Preheat the oven to 180°C / 350°C / gas mark 4.

Heat some olive oil in a pan; add the onions and cook until softened. Add the spinach to the onions and pop the lid on the pan, cook for 8 minutes.

Stir in the flour and mustard, gradually add the milk, stirring constantly for a couple of minutes.

Add a handful of grated cheese to the sauce, remove from the heat and season.

Finely chop the chicken and basil, add to the sauce stirring so that the chicken is evenly distributed.

Put a layer of the sauce in an ovenproof dish; then a layer of lasagne sheets; repeat the process making sure the final layer is lasagne sheets. Pour the passata over the top; add a generous grating of cheese and some black pepper. Bake at the bottom of the oven for 30 minutes.

For more tasty family friendly meals follow local mum of two Claire Gillies Twitter: @deliciousreal16 Instagram: @deliciousandreal

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after

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November Nights, Lights and more BBC Children in Need Rocks for Terry 1st November Royal Albert Hall Join Take That, Ellie Goulding, Olly Murs, Gregory Porter, Michael Ball, Alfie Boe, Rick Astley, Alexander Armstrong, The Vamps, and Ward Thomas for a special concert hosted by Fearne Cotton and Greg James celebrating the life of legendary broadcaster Sir Terry Wogan with a selection of his all-time favourite music.

All profits will benefit BBC Children in Need.

For tickets visit www.royalalberthall.com

Appeal

NOW at Stockwood Victorian Pincushion Workshop 11th November 10am - 1pm £10 Make a Victorian pincushion using lace, fabric pins and beads. Everything you need will be provided.

Some hand sewing experience essential. 16+

Discovery Quiz 18th November 2pm - 3.30pm £7 / concs £5 Are you a budding Mastermind or a scrambled egg head? Either way come along to this ‘just for fun’ quiz! Historical and hysterical, it’s the taking part that counts, test your memory of times gone by.

Booking essential Stockwood Discovery Centre 01582 878100 www.lutonculture.com

18th November Since 1980 BBC Children in Need has raised over £740 million and helped the lives of 480,000 disadvantaged children and young people in the UK including those in poverty and deprivation, disabled young people and children who have been the victims of abuse and neglect.

So this year whatever you’re into, do your thing and make a huge difference! We all have something we’re good at, or something we’ve always fancied doing. Whatever your 'thing' is, why not turn it into a fantastic fundraiser that’ll help change children’s lives. www.bbcchildreninneed.co.uk

Stargazing Nights 12th & 19th November 7pm - 9.30pm Chiltern Gateway Centre, Dunstable Downs Discover the wonders of our Universe, experienced astronomers will have telescopes set up to provide detailed views of the night sky as you've never seen it before.

Wrap up warm and wear suitable footwear. If you bring a torch, please cover the lens with red film so it won't affect night vision.

The View Café will be selling hot drinks, cakes and light bites. The event will take place indoors if the weather is overcast or wet. £10, child £7.50 Booking essential 0844 249 1895 www.nationaltrust.org.uk

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Christmas Lights Up 24th November Wheathampstead Lights Up, with a visit from Santa and rides for the children, stalls selling food and drink, and carol singing 27th November 5pm Harpenden Carnival and Lights Up see page 14 27th November 12 noon - 6pm St Albans Market and Lights Switch On see page 16

NOW at Shuttleworth Talk: Rebuilding Grandad’s Aircraft 19th November 9.30am Guest speaker David Bremner Hear about how a WWI fighter was rebuilt from a few fragments and flown to commemorate the WWI Centenary. Includes a guided tour of The Collection and a buffet lunch. Cost £37

Minecraft Club 26th November 11.30am - 1pm The Club allows under 18's to meet up and play Minecraft on safe and secure servers.

Just bring the following with you: • A laptop (Windows, MAC or Linux) with WIFI (+ bring your power cable).

• A copy of Minecraft purchased and installed • Your awesome Minecraft building skills!

Entry is £2 per person.

No need to book, just turn up!

For more information, contact minecraft@pioneerclub.co.uk The Pioneer Club, Heathlands Drive St Albans AL3 5AY

Guinness World Record Attempt ‘Most People Constructing Aircraft Models’ 20th November 10am - 2pm Shuttleworth Collection have teamed up with IPMS Brampton Scale Model Club to set a new scale modelling related Official Guinness World Record. They need to get over 250 people to break the world record. Includes entry into the Collection on the day. Model kit: Airfix 1/72 scale Albatros D.V (plastic) Kit and kit building equipment provided, come and get involved and take your model away with you at the end of the day!

To register email enquiries@shuttleworth.org with your name, age and ability to construct the kit without aid. Free, ages 6+ The Shuttleworth Collection SG18 9EP 01767 627924 www.shuttleworth.org

Harpenden Wedding Fair 20th November 11am - 3.30pm Rothamsted Manor, Harpenden With over 30 local wedding suppliers and fashion shows at 12 noon and 2.30pm featuring bridal gowns plus a fashion show of evening gowns and cocktail dresses at 1.15pm. Admission and car parking are free of charge. www.weddingfairs.com

Not Now Bernard!

6th November 2pm & 3.30pm St Saviour’s Church, Sandpit Lane, St Albans AL1 4DF Fun for noisy kids, with St Albans Symphony Orchestra, featuring ‘Not Now Bernard!’ narrated by composer Bernard Hughes: a musical version of the classic children’s story. Suitable for primary school children and younger. Fancy dress for audience and orchestra is traditional, but not compulsory.

Tickets £5, child £1 01582 873920 tickets@saso.org.uk www.ticketsource.co.uk

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NOW at the Cathedral

Choral Eucharist for All Souls 2nd November 5pm Sung by the Abbey Girls Choir Abbey by Night Tour 2nd November 8pm & 8.30pm £12.50, includes drinks reception Unique, atmospheric tour led by monks and historical characters gives you the chance to explore the Cathedral by candlelight. Drinks reception 15 mins before the tour. Please book.

Talk: What Happens after we Die? Doctrines & Disagreements in the Bible & the Church 3rd November 7.30pm - 9pm £6 Tutor: The Very Revd Dr Jeffrey John, Dean of St Albans Come & Sing: Rutter’s Requiem for Remembrance 5th November Rehearsal 2.30pm / performance 6.30pm An opportunity to learn Rutter’s Requiem in an afternoon, with the Cathedral’s Master of the Music, Andrew Lucas, for a performance in the evening. £12 to participate More to Explore Tour: Royal Connections 6th November 3pm, free

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Enjoy learning from the experts on these specialist tours. Just turn up!

Lunchtime Organ Recital 9th November 12.30pm Free Roger Judd, Sub Organist, St Laurence, Ludlow Remembrance Day 11th November 11am Two minute silence and service of remembrance St Albans Bach Choir 12th November 7.30pm £30, £25, £18, £12 Mozart - Requiem and Bach - Magnificat The High Sheriff’s Justice Service 20th November 11.15am Matins attended by Her Majesty’s Judges Tower Tours £8.50 26th November 11.30am, 1pm, 2.30pm 30th November 11am,12.30pm Takes you to the top of the Norman Bell Tower via the North Transept gallery, the ringing and bell chamber before climbing out onto the roof. Tickets are limited so book early Organ Recital with Gerard Brooks, UK 26th November 5.30pm free 01727 890290 www.stalbanscathedral.org

Linda & Karen Cleaning Services

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NOW at The Alban Arena The Stylistics All The Hits Tour 1st Nov 7.30pm The Philadelphia group recorded a remarkable 10 straight-top ten hits during the 70s inc. You Make me Feel Brand New, Can’t Give You Anything (But My Love), I’m Stone in Love With You and many more!

The Solid Gold Rock ‘n’ Roll Show 2016 3rd Nov 7.30pm Original ‘dreamboats’, Marty Wilde, Eden Kane, Mike Berry and The Wildcats play hits including Rubber Ball, The Sunshine of Your Smile, Venus In Blue Jeans, and many more!

Soul II Soul 4th Nov 8pm One of the most innovative dance R&B outfits from the UK, creating a seductive, deep R&B borrowed from Philly soul, disco, reggae and ’80s hip-hop.

Dr Hook starring Dennis Locorriere 5th Nov 7.30pm Reviving special memories with classics such as Sylvia’s Mother, A Little Bit More, Sexy Eyes, and When You’re In Love With A Beautiful Woman.

Sister Act 8th - 12th Nov 7.45pm / Sat 2.30pm Presented by St Albans Musical Theatre Company, based on the movie starring Whoopi Goldberg.

Al Murray 13th Nov 3pm & 7.30pm The Pub Landlord embarks on a common sense crusade to re-Great Britain.

The Sons of Pitches 14th Nov 7.30pm British vocal group combining soaring solos, impeccable harmonies and sensational beat boxing.

That’ll Be The Day Christmas Show 15th Nov 7.30pm The UK’s most popular Rock ‘N’ Roll variety show celebrates with Christmas classics from the 50s, 60s & 70s, plus plenty of hilarious comedy!

An Evening with Gervase Phinn 16th Nov 7.30pm This hilarious raconteur is at his best and most exciting in front of a live audience.

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Maximum Rhythm & Blues 17th Nov 7.30pm Join 60s luminaries The Manfreds, PP Arnold and Zoot Money for an evening of Rhythm and Blues nostalgia, and some of the greatest hits ever written!

The Hollies 18th Nov 7.30pm Their vocal harmony has not wavered throughout 50 years of touring, performing and recording.

Living The Dream Christmas Showcase 19th Nov 6.30pm With over 150 talented young people taking to the stage, this show will blow you away. Proceeds towards The Dream Foundation.

The Glenn Miller Orchestra 20th Nov 3pm With The Swing Time Jivers and The Polka Dot Dolls, all ages will be thrilled by this amazing Big Band.

Omid Djalili: Schmuck For a Night 21st Nov 7.30pm “One of the most joyfully smart and entertaining comedians this country has” - The Telegraph.

Ross Noble - Brain Dump 22nd & 23rd Nov 8pm Famed for his quick freewheeling style and highly imaginative flights of fancy.

Show Of Hands: Walk With Me - Big Autumn Tour 24th Nov 8pm Songs from 25 years at the top “Multi instrumental virtuosity and stunning harmonies” Simon Mayo Kevin Bloody Wilson 25th Nov 7.30pm Australia’s most unique international comedy legend.

The Nutcracker 26th Nov 2.30pm Vienna Festival Ballet promises to delight audiences with its festive setting and light-hearted story.

Living The Dream’s Dream To Dance Fundraiser 26th Nov 6.30pm With explosive street dance groups and inspirational contemporary dance, this show will blow you away! www.alban-arena.co.uk 01727 844488

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Concessions Now Available

Exercise Referral Scheme This is a discounted gym membership for those with various medical conditions, where an exercise plan is tailored to your needs.

If you would like to make a positive change to your health and wellbeing then 1Life would love to hear from you!

The sessions are held at Harpenden Sports Centre, Batchwood Golf & Sports Centre, Cotlandswick Leisure Centre and Westminster Lodge and allow you to access the gym, swimming pool and exercise classes.

For more information about how the scheme works and to find out what medical conditions are accepted please contact Maggie on 01727 819253 or maggie.taleb@1life.co.uk

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Polar Bear Plunge Start the year with a SPLASH for charity!

On the 1st January 2016, the Sub Aqua Club Pool, Cottonmill Lane was the venue for the inaugural St Albans Polar Bear Plunge! This was a chance for brave people to plunge into the icy water of this outdoor, unheated pool to raise money for charity.

The event attracted 151 plucky plungers ranging from 5 to 66 and well over 150 spectators to cheer them on.

The event raised £5093.28 and it’s hoped that in 2017 even more will be raised for Earth Works St Albans and Rennie Grove Hospice Care.

Musical entertainment, raffle, glitter tattoos (waterproof of course), postcards, food, hot drinks and a bar guarantee a bustling event for a unique start to your New Year.

All plucky plungers will receive a warming hot chocolate, a medal and a t-shirt. Fancy dress costumes are welcome, and prizes are awarded 2016 saw a penguin, some Santas, a troupe of snowman, a giraffe, BananaMan, a ghostbuster and even Buzz Lightyear!

Grab tickets now - or gift one to a plucky pal - or just come along and show your support as a super spectator.

Facebook - Polar Bear Plunge St Albans 2017 www.ed2northpole.org

THE COVE SPA All your treatments in one place Specialists in results driven skincare, relaxing holistic therapies and industry leading beauty treatments Experts in anti-ageing, lines and wrinkles, scarring, acne, pigmentation, loss of elasticity, broken capillaries and more.

Complimentary skin analysis sessions Environ Skin Analysis events using the world-class Visia machine Multi-award winning Cove Spa 17 Russell Ave AL3 5ES 01727 833 808 www.thecovespa.co.uk

St Albans | Hitchin | Chiswick

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NOW for a walk or Two Alzheimer’s: Highfield Park How Can We Fight Back?

Charters Health Club car park, Hill End Lane, St Albans, opposite Spar AL4 0DB Mondays 9.30am & Tuesdays 1.30pm easy / moderate walk Hatching Green Redbourn Lane, Harpenden AL5 2JP on road parking only Tuesdays 10.30am easy / moderate walk Verulamium Park Meet outside Westminster Lodge Leisure Centre, Holywell Hill AL1 2DJ Wednesdays 7pm (until 23rd November) moderate walk Wheathampstead Meet at the public car park behind The Bull, East Lane AL4 8BL Thursdays 10.30am moderate / moderate plus walk Greenwood Park Meet outside Community Centre, Tippendell Lane, Chiswell Green AL2 3HW Fridays 2pm easy / moderate walk Batford Meet by car park junction of Station Road & Marquis Lane, Harpenden AL5 4UL 5th Nov & 3rd Dec 2pm easy / moderate walk Bricket Wood Moor Mill Pub car park, off Smug Oak Lane AL2 3PN 20th Nov 10.30am moderate plus walk Heartwood Forest Meet in Heartwood Forest car park, High Street, Sandridge, AL3 6JB 18th Dec 10.30am moderate plus walk

Alzheimer’s is the most common type of dementia in the UK, affecting over 500,000 people. But are we any closer to understanding it’s causes and preventing or curing it?

What Causes Alzheimer’s?

In Alzheimer’s patients, beta-amyloid protein builds up to form ‘plaques’ or ‘tangles’ in the brain, preventing nerve cell connections and eventually causing loss of brain tissue. There is also a neurotransmitter shortage.

These problems produce dementia symptoms such as memory loss, behaviour changes and a decreased ability to process information and stimuli, which increase in number and severity over time.

Can We Prevent Alzheimer’s?

Unavoidable Risk Factors  If you’re over 65 years old  Have family history or carry the apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene or MTHFD1L gene.  If you’re a woman - although it’s not clear why Avoidable Risk Factors:  Excessive alcohol intake.  Heart disease risks; smoking, lack of exercise, high blood pressure or cholesterol and being overweight.  Keep your mind active; reading or crosswords Recent studies suggest risk can be reduced by:  Sleeping on your side - allowing the brain to remove waste products more efficiently  Getting enough sleep  Reducing your stress  Staying sociable and avoiding loneliness  Following the MIND diet: plenty of green vegetables, nuts, berries, beans, wholegrains, fish, poultry, olive oil and wine (in moderation) and limiting intake of red meats, butter, hard margarine, cheese, pastries, sweets, and fried or fast foods.

Dates exclude bank holidays No walks between 26th - 31st Dec www.hertslink.org/cms

Treatments to alleviate symptoms  Cognitive Stimulation: enjoyable activities that

Walks: Ghosts and Ghouls - St Albans 9th & 25th Nov / 7th Dec 8pm As you explore haunted St Albans, you will visit many places noted for strange events. Stories of the well known phantoms of the town will be related by the guide. During this walk you may wonder if you are on your own - who knows!

Discover the hidden, ghostly side of St Albans.

Meet at the front of St Albans Old Town Hall, buy tickets from the guide on the day or the Visitor Information Centre, The Alban Arena, St Albans AL1 3LD. Adult £4, child £2 www.stalbanstourguides.co.uk

 CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy): to help

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stimulate thinking and encourage engagement. sufferers adopt more positive ways of thinking.

Alternative Therapies Aromatherapy, massage etc Drug Treatments as recommended by your GP

Hope for the Future Researchers are working on Alzheimer’s prevention, identification of further genetic markers and potential treatments such as ultrasound waves and drugs already used for diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis.

Further information and support: www.Alzheimers.org.uk National Dementia Helpline: 0300 2221122

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NOW for a Bike Ride and More Cycling World Record Attempt: Autumn Miles, Smiles & Sweat Social Ride 5th November 7.30am adults only 16+ Meet at Costa, Harpenden Station AL5 4ST Join Kajsa Tylen on a 10 hour challenging ride as part of her world record attempt. (for men and women capable of riding 100 miles with c.4000ft climbing / 13-15mph) Bring lights, arm/knee/leg warmers, extra thin layers and on-bike food/water.

The ride is supervised by the Guinness World Records.

The women’s record for the furthest distance cycled in a year was set in 1938 by Billie Dovey, a British lady who set out to ride as far as she could in a year to promote and inspire a healthy lifestyle for women.

On a 3-speed road bike she achieved an astounding 29,603 miles, often finishing the day giving a talk on the health benefits of cycling.

On 1st January 2016 Kajsa began her attempt to beat this record and would love you to join her. She’s not raising money, but asking you to support her with your time and energy. Her mission is to get adults active, feel good about themselves and so set an example for the next generation.

Kajsa wants donations of SWEAT - a pledge to make a lifestyle change in the coming year with donations of minutes of sweat while training, so by the 30th December she can total how many hours of exercise have been donated. www.ayearinthesaddle.com

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Jolly Saturdays 25 mile mountain-bike ride 16+ yrs 5th, 12th, 19th & 26th November 8am Meet at The Jolly Sailor, Sandridge Road AL1 4AS www.goskyride.com Breeze Bike Rides women only Harpenden & St Albans Graceful Greens 5th, 19th & 26th November 9.30am Meet at Cafe Nero, Harpenden AL5 2SN 15 mile gentle pace ride. www.goskyride.com Five Miles to Fabulous women only 12th November An easy-paced ride, meet at Morrisons, Hatfield Road, St Albans by the cycle stands for 9.30am.

Aimed at women who haven’t cycled for a while.

The routes are traffic-free and on quiet roads, with a coffee stop. Come dressed for the weather, check your bike and bring a spare inner tube. www.southhertsctc.org.uk CycleNation Conference 19th November 11am - 6pm £15/£10 Dagnall Street Baptist Church, St Albans Hosted by St Albans Cycle Campaign www.cyclenation.org.uk Sustainable Week: Chatterbox Coffee Morning 24th November 10.30am - 12 noon Marlborough Road Methodist Church, AL1 3XG Cycling tips, advice and local cycle maps. www.sustainablestalbans.org

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Skate Van Hage 17th November - 9th January Experience the magic of ice skating on this real ice rink back for its 9th year! Whether you’re a Torvill and Dean or scramble around like Bambi, this is the ultimate experience for all the family, no matter your age or ability. Soak up the atmosphere in the heated marquee while enjoying a drink at the Ice Café. Skates are included in the price. There are many different skating sessions to enjoy including 6Skate, Parent & Toddler, Special Needs and more…

Tickets available online, please book to avoid disappointment. www.vanhage.co.uk

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NOW at the Local Theatres Abbey Theatre Cathy by Ali Taylor 7th & 8th Nov 8pm Candid, poignant and intimate, Cathy offers a timely reflection on the social impact of spiralling rents and forced relocation. A powerful and emotive show, provoking discussion, inspired the drama, ‘Cathy Come Home’. A forum session follows the play providing an interactive theatrical debate with the audience.

Abigail’s Party by Mike Leigh 11th, 12th & 15th - 19th Nov 8pm / 13th Nov 2.30pm Two suburban couples and a divorcee come together at a 1970s house party. The evening develops with tragic consequences, but there’s much hilarity on the journey too.

01727 857861 www.abbeytheatre.org.uk

Maltings Arts Theatre Regulation 18B - No Free Man 11th & 12th Nov 7.30pm £12, concs £10 This compelling one act play is based on true events from the time of the Blitz when Britain stood alone against Nazi terror.

Betrayal 17th - 19th Nov 8pm £12, concs £11 / £7.50 Harold Pinter’s most personal and enthralling play, showing how our loves and losses echo and accumulate through time.

Christmas Carol 26th Nov 3pm £6, family £20 With the help of a large pop-up book, mime, voice and suitcases loaded with of ghosts, you’ll be taken you back to Victorian England.

The Maltings Arts Theatre AL1 3HL 0333 666 3366 www.maltingsartstheatre.co.uk

The Radlett Centre Annie 22nd - 25th Nov 7.30pm / 26th Nov 10.30am & 3pm £16.50, concs £14.50, under 11’s £11 01923 859291 www.radlettcentre.co.uk

High Street Players Blithe Spirit by Noel Coward 23rd & 25th Nov 8pm High Street Methodist Church, Harpenden £8, on the door £9 01582 620269 www.hsplayers.org.uk

SandPit Theatre Santa's Little Helper 26th Nov 11.30am & 2.30pm Ages 3 - 7, £8, concs £6 With lots of laughs, sing-along songs and chances to join in along the way, this is the perfect treat for Christmas.

01727 799565 www.sandpittheatre.co.uk

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NOW at UH Herts One-Day Artist Projects Nigel Grimmer: 2nd Nov 11am - 3pm Philippa Brown: 21st Nov 11am - 3pm Art and Design Gallery, College Lane Campus, Hatfield, AL10 9AB Collaborate with artists to co-produce a new artwork, existing for one day only!

Nigel invites you to create sculptures using your body and up-cycled clothing; while Philippa encourages you to become ‘part of the furniture’. Just drop in.

James Mayhew Family Concert with de Havilland Philharmonic Orchestra 13th Nov 2pm & 4.30pm Weston Auditorium AL10 9EU Music from Mendelssohn’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, plus live art and storytelling from children’s author and illustrator James Mayhew. £20, £15, concs £8, £6, family £36 Jam Jar: Hottest New Bands & DJs 15th Nov & 3rd Dec 8.30pm Attic Bar, The Forum Hertfordshire, free Monthly live music featuring new talent from the university and across the county.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show 26th Nov 1pm & 3.30pm Weston Auditorium AL10 9EU Featuring a menagerie of lovable puppets £12.50, family £45 Leviathan James Wilton Dance 29th Nov 7.30pm Weston Auditorium AL10 9EU Choreographer James Wilton re-imagines Herman Melville’s novel, Moby Dick. With a blend of athletic dance, martial arts and more to get you on the edge of your seat.

Man versus Nature; be careful what you fish for! £10, concs £8 (age 12+) uharts@herts.ac.uk 01707 285395 www.uharts.co.uk

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It’s our district, we love it, and we want it to be sustainable, so people can love it for generations to come. So join in with over 100 events all with a focus on environmental sustainability across St Albans, Harpenden and the villages, for all ages and all interests.

If you care about the food you eat, there are sessions run by local cafes. If you love cycling, join a bike ride or come to the CycleNation conference. Bring children that love crafts to the recycled art sessions. Get outside for a nature walk, tree planting, or bird watching. You can help build a bench on the River Ver, or join one of the family friendly Community Litter Picks. Come to a public meeting on air pollution, or a session on how to cut your food waste and energy bills!

A Week Without Food Waste Are you ready for a community food waste challenge?

Did you know in St Albans District nearly 30% of waste thrown away into landfill is food waste.

We’re challenging people to manage a week without throwing away any edible food or leftovers. Sign up by emailing: challenge@sustainablestalbans.org and we’ll send you tips to prepare for the challenge.

Send your own tips and advice via Twitter or Instagram @SustainableStA Everyone taking part has a chance of winning lunch for two at Lussmanns restaurant and other prizes.

On-line Exhibition: Gluttony Art 15th - 26th Nov Nude Tin Can Gallery, St Albans is running an on-line exhibition exploring gluttony and contemporary art.

Artists can upload their work, themed around food or gluttony, which will be entered into a competition. The Gallery runs this event annually and chooses a charity relevant to the theme. This year they are raising money for the ‘The Hunger Project’ a global, non-profit, strategic organisation committed to the sustainable end of world hunger. www.nudetincan.gallery Replay! 20th Nov Trestle Arts Base AL4 OJQ A family junk modelling session run by Story Tent.

Come and let your imagination be fired by exploring all sorts of recycled materials and transforming them into art rather than sending them to landfill.

There will also be a Craft Fair from 10.30am - 4.30pm featuring crystal and recycled jewellery, wool fairies, giftware, picture frames and much more. www.trestle.org.uk For a full list of events or more information visit www.sustainablestalbans.org

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

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What’s on in November 42

1st The Stylistics see page 28 3rd The Solid Gold Rock ‘n’ Roll Show see page 28 5th Come & Sing: Rutter’s Requiem for Remembrance see page 26 Dr Hook with Dennis Locorriere see page 28 5th & 6th Firework Displays see page 6 8th - 12th Sister Act the Musical see page 28 9th British Levant St Mary's Church, Childwickbury AL3 6JJ 01582 762284, St Albans, Harpenden & District Philatelic Society, all welcome, 8pm 11th The Blockheads Harpenden Public Halls, 01582 767525, 7.30pm, £20 11th - 13th Remembrance Day Services & Events see page 8 Harpenden Arts Club Exhibition see page 20 Knebworth Christmas Fair see page 10 11th, 12th & 15th - 19th Abigail’s Party see page 38 12th & 15th Oaklands College Open Evenings see page 19 12th & 19th Stargazing Nights see page 24 12th & 13th & 19th - 20th Behind the Scenes at Claydon House Bucks MK18 2EY explore the house after it's closed for the winter to discover more about this special place, £5 please book 01296 730349, 11am – 12 noon www.nationaltrust.org.uk/claydon 13th Al Murray see page 28 16th Wishbone Ash Harpenden Public Halls, 01582 767525, 7.30pm, £20 16th - 19th Oklahoma Hawthorne Theatre, 7.30pm, £18.50 www.hawthornetheatre.co.uk 17th Shane Richie & His Band Harpenden Public Halls, 01582 767525, 7.30pm, £26.50 17th - 19th Betrayal see page 38 17th - 20th Frost Fair at Hatfield House see page 12 17th Nov - 19th Jan Skate Van Hage see page 36

18th & 19th Harpenden Circle Gift & Craft Fair Harpenden Public Halls, in aid of Diabetes UK & Keech Hospice, 9.30am - 4.30pm 18th & 27th Tree Planting Heartwood Forest see page 40 19th - 26th SuStAinable St Albans Week see page 40 20th Harpenden Wedding Fair see page 25 The Glenn Miller Orchestra see page 28 21st 'FoodCycle & Spice Drops' SuStAinable St Albans, Soroptimist Women's Group, Chiswell Green URC Church, Watford Road AL2 3HG 8pm 21st & 23rd Conservation in Action Claydon House, Bucks MK18 2EY join the conservation team & clean some of the items from the collection in preparation for the winter, 10:30am - 1pm, £5 please book www.nationaltrust.org.uk/claydon 22nd Talk: ‘The Role of Maritime Literature in History

by Julian Parker OBE, Chairman of Mountbatten Literary Awards, Harpenden Local History Society Meeting, Harpenden Public Hall, 8pm 22nd - 26th Annie see page 38 23rd Festive Afternoon at Burston see page 47 Jenny Éclair - Guide to Being a Middle Aged Woman Without Going Insane Harpenden Public Halls, 01582 767525, 7.30pm, £17.50 23rd - 25th Blithe Spirit see page 38 23rd Nov - 24th Dec Santa Spectacular at Willows see page 12 24th Nov - 18th Dec St Albans Christmas Market see page 10 26th Santa’s Little Helper see page 38 The Nutcracker see page 28 Dance! St Saviours Church, St Albans AL1 4DF Carillon Chamber Choir sing Brahms, Britten & Rheinberger, 7.30pm, £15, concs £13 & £5 01582 763774 / ward.geoff.t21@btinternet.com 26th & 27th Childwickbury Christmas Market see page 10 27th Harpenden Carnival & Lights Up see page 12 St Albans Christmas Lights Switch on page 10 Redbourn Christmas Market see page 12 30th Roachford Harpenden Public Halls, 01582 767525, 7.30pm, £20

GREENSHOUSE & GARDENS Fencing, Supply and Installation Gutter Clearance and Repair Power Washing Summerhouse and Shed Bases Sheds and Summerhouses Supplied and Erected Decking Landscaping Gardening, Tree, Hedge and Plant Care Property Maintenance Qualified Electrician Fully Insured

Call Roger 07949 969446 or 01582 400408

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What’s on in December 44

2nd The Moody Blues Tribute Harpenden Public Halls, 01582 767525, 7.30pm, £22.50 Victorian Frost Fair British Schools Museum, Hitchin, SG4 9TS 4.30pm - 7.30pm 3rd Cracking Christmas Crafts Verulamium Museum, 01727 751810, 10.30am - 12.30pm & 1.30pm - 4pm, £3, 3+ Busking Day St Albans Clock Tower, local musicians donate their time to raise awareness of HIV & World Aids Day Garden Fields JMI School Christmas Fair Townsend Drive AL3 5RL 12 noon - 3 pm Christmas Owl Encounter Herring Green Activity Farm & Birds of Prey Centre, Wilstead, MK45 3DT 1pm - 4pm, £32 www.birdsofpreycentre.co.uk 3rd, 4th, 10th, 11th,17th, 18th & 31st Children's Christmas Trail Ashridge Estate, HP4 1LT 10 - 3pm £3 www.nationaltrust.org.uk 4th Christingle Service St Albans Cathedral, 3pm December Discoveries Weston Auditorium, University of Herts, de Havilland Philharmonic Orchestra, 7.30pm, £20, concs £15 - £6 www.uharts.co.uk Goldilocks & The Three Bears Sandpit Theatre, 01727 799565, 11am, £8 concs £6 www.sandpittheatre.co.uk 5th Shake Rattle & Sing! Soroptimists will be Carol Singing at St Albans City Station 6pm - 7.30pm in aid of St Albans & Hertsmere Women’s Refuge 8th Dec - 8th Jan Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs The Alban Arena 10th Benjamin Britten’s St Nicholas Cantata St Nicholas Church, Harpenden, with the Hardynge Choir & popular carols www.hardyngechoir.org St Albans Bach Choir Christmas Carols St Albans Cathedral, family concert: 3pm & evening concert 7pm 10th & 11th Christmas at Stockwood Stockwood Discovery Centre, 10am - 4pm, £6, £10 with visit to Santa 10th - 22nd Cinderella Harpenden Public Halls, 01582 767525 10th Dec - 3rd Jan Jack & The Beanstalk The Radlett Centre www.radlettcentre.co.uk

11th Light up a Light Service part of the Mayor's Carol Service, War Memorial, St Peter's Street, 4pm 16th - 22nd & 27th - 30th The Wind in the Willows Abbey Theatre, St Albans AL1 2DL 01727 857861 17th Carols on the Hour St Albans Cathedral, carols on the hour, every hour 11am - 4pm 17th Dec - 4th Jan Dick Whittington Hawthorne Theatre WGC, adult £8, concs £16 www.hawthornetheatre.co.uk 18th Jingle Ponies Ashridge Estate, pony fancy dress parade, 11am - 12 noon www.nationaltrust.org.uk Light up a Light Service Grove House, Waverley Road, St Albans, 4.30pm 20th Christmas Carol Concert Harpenden High Street Methodist Church, Harpenden Choral Society, 7.30pm www.harpendenchoralsociety.org/concerts 27th - 30th 12 Days of Christmas Trail Verulamium Museum, St Albans AL3 4SW, 01727 751810, 10am - 5pm 28th & 30th DICK! Hawthorne Theatre, WGC (over 18s), £15, 7.30pm www.hawthornetheatre.co.uk

Garden Fireworks At this time of year, there are several stunning flowers that remind us of fireworks, like the flamboyant red hot pokers or kniphofias, also known as torch lilies.

Kniphofia ‘Brimstone’ has a rich yellowy-orange colour while the smaller ‘Little Maid’ has ivory-yellow flower spikes and reaches a height of about 2 ft (60cm). ‘Fiery Fred’ has blazing orangey-red flowers, while those of ‘Alcazar’ are bright red. They do well if planted out in early autumn or spring in a sunny spot with a well drained soil.

Crocosmias help provide colour at this time of year, so take a look at ‘Lucifer’, with its flame-red, almost trumpet-shaped flowers clustered along an elegantly arching spike, or for golden yellow flowers consider ‘Canary Bird’. Pot-grown plants can be planted now or in the spring and corms towards the end of winter.

If fireworks like star clusters are more your thing, think about sedums or ice plants, many of which have starshaped flowers.

The angels’ fishing rods, diorama, have arching stems in great numbers surrounded by broad, almost grasslike leaves, each measuring up to 5ft in length. The rich pink funnel-shaped flowers dangle and sway and bob straight back up again even in the wind.

Consider growing lupins for summer, either a yellow variety or ‘My Castle’, which has rich red flowers - just like a rocket racing skywards, but far less noisy!

If you prefer a tree but space is limited, the Kilmarnock willow, Salix caprea ‘Kilmarnock’, is a good option, reaching about 6ft after 10 - 15 years. It has long weeping branches and bright yellow fuzzy catkins in spring, far better than any real Roman candle!

Look around nearby gardens to see what a fantastic display autumn foliage can put on, then plant anything with good autumn colour to guarantee a glowing bonfire every autumn.

Finally, if you are having a bonfire, make it at the last minute to minimise the risk to hedgehogs and other wildlife hiding beneath. Hedgehogs are one of the gardener’s best friends, as they eat huge numbers of slugs and many other garden pests.

by Pippa Greenwood

Justin Leon Garden Maintenance All Aspects of Gardening Undertaken

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Index of Businesses

Dance & Drama Aerial Installations & Repairs Concorde Aerials 17 Penny Waterman School of Dance 37 Beauty Stagecoach 37 The Cove Spa 31 Skin & Tonic 31 Domestic Appliance Repairs 13 Templespa 33 Leigh Hibon Bicycle Repairs Cycletech Hertfordshire

Education 34 Kumon

36

Building Services Brockhall Building Services

Electricians 15 Alban Electrical Services

17

Carpentry / Joinery Chris Smyth

Fencing 9 Verulam Fencing

Charity Hertfordshire Age Uk

Finance 3 AMR Financial Management 17 Buy2LetCars.com 4&5

Children’s Nurseries Highfield Lane Nursery Redbourn House Day Nursery Chiropodists Kathy Witchard Cleaning Daily Poppins Domestique Linda & Karen Cleaning Services Mobile Maid Services College Oaklands College

39 Garden Centres 36 Burston Garden Centre Gardening / Landscaping 33 Garden Life Landscapes Greenshouse & Gardens John Brodie Gardens 27 Justin Leon 27 Hairdresser 27 Karla Jordan’s 26 Hairdressing Hearing Services 19 Hearing Healthcare Practice

Conservatory Roof Solutions Nu-Look 7 Locksmith Lock Around the Clock Oven Cleaning Ovenmaster Oven Wizards

41

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43 43 45 45 33

35

9

Painters & Decorators CB Decorators Gary Rackley M & M Decorating

21 21 21

Plasterer A. Merson Plastering

15

Plumber DJ&M Plumbing Services Ltd

13 & 47

Property Maintenance Trust in Blue

13

Removals Akers Koplex Removers Ltd

23 23

Roller Skating Club St Albans Artistic Roller Skating Club

2

Shutters The Harpenden Shutter Company

9

Slimming Vision Weight Consultancy Soft Furnishings Sue Smyth

30 9

Tree Surgeons Fircroft Tree Surgery Ltd

41

TV Repairs JB TV Services

15

Windows & Doors Cloudy2Clear Back Cover Kings Windows 29 Sash Restorations Ltd 29

23 23

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