st albans NOW Oct 17

st albans

NOW

October 2017

Halloween Fun NOW at the Alban Arena

All Things Apple Planes, Poetry & More read ‘the NOW magazines’ monthly

What’s on and lots more

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Welcome to October As we move into October and the Just email nights start drawing in we can jane@theNOWmagazines.com enjoy the amazing colours of to be in the November editions autumn, with our gardens and Deadline: 10th October parks full of red, yellow and orange leaves. It’s a fabulous time of year, when walks are chilly, the fire is lit and the hot chocolate’s warming.

There's some amazing charity events going on, from a vintage circus extravaganza to an obstacle course with your dog!

With Halloween here this month’s magazine is brimming over with things to do from pumpkin carving and apple bobbing to making broomstick rockets and wands and lots of other spook-tacular things!

As always we have a variety of advertisers bringing you everything from Aerials to Windows and Doors and lots in between, so if there’s something you want, or need doing just have a quick look at the index and make that call.

Have a spook-tastic October!

Jane & Wendy 07983 588291 jane@theNOWmagazines.com www.theNOWmagazines.com

NOW at the Local Theatres plays, puppets & poetry

NOW for a Walk & More walking for everyone

NOW at the Alban Arena music, comedy & dancing

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NOW for some Art 10 The Big Draw & more

NOW for some Music 16 jazz, classical & rock

Planes, Poetry & More 18 Shuttleworth & the RAF

Halloween Fun 24

scary, spooky goings on

All About Nature 32

tours, talks & festivals

Do Something for Charity 34 get involved

St Albans Lets Walk 35 walking through history

What’s on in October 42 & November 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 Antigone 2nd & 3rd October 7.30pm £12 concs £10 Radical new adaptation of Sophocles’ masterpiece set in a dystopian, post-truth age where birds are drones and someone is always listening.

Fairytales Gone Bad: Grannylocks / The Monstrous Duckling 23rd October 11.30am & 2pm £8 concs £6 Poet Joseph Coelho unravels familiar fairytales to create fresh contemporary classics for young and old alike.

Hansel & Gretel and You..Who? 27th October 2pm £6, concs £4 Performed by Booster Cushion Theatre. Hansel and Gretel have been turned into oven gloves and don’t know what to do! But they know the best way out the forest is with an audience wide relay race!

The SandPit Theatre, St Albans AL4 9NX 01727 799565 www.sandpittheatre.co.uk

Abbey Theatre Juliet and her Romeo 6th - 8th & 10th - 14th October Performed by The Company of Ten Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet viewed afresh through older eyes. The star-crossed lovers are residents of the Verona Care Home seeking passion and fulfilment before time runs out.

Lily and Bear 21st & 22nd October 11.30am & 2.30pm When Lily’s drawing of Bear comes to life, a magical, musical adventure begins! With puppets and animation, the magical power of invention is at the centre of this warm-hearted story of friendship and sharing. Ages 18 months - 6 years.

Abbey Theatre Westminster Lodge, St Albans AL1 2DL 01727 857861 www.abbeytheatre.org.uk

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Trestle Arts Base Trestle Theatre’s Fun Palace 8th October 2pm - 5pm, free Focusing on the science of light and the artistic responses to it. Join in art, science and drama activities to find out more about The Diwali Festival. Enjoy Mask Workshops, an Indian Dance Taster Workshop, Simple Science Experiments, Lantern Making, Stain Glass Collage Workshops and Shadow Puppet Making. Ending with a performance by the Divya Kasturi Dance Company (ticketed event).

Book Story 13th October 1.45pm & 6pm This is a story about some books in a library. But these are no ordinary books and this is no ordinary library. It’s Brian’s library: a magical place where the books like to flutter their pages and let their shelves go. All the books are happy, and love to be borrowed, then one day Brian changes and the library goes quiet. Using song, puppetry and dynamic performance.

Retroplex Film Club presents Carrie 29th October 7pm £5 This film club is passionate about 80s and 90s classic cult cinema. Retroplex is a place where movie fans can geek-out, quote along, sing along, dress up and hang-out with other movie nerds.

Trestle Arts Base, St Albans AL4 0JQ www.trestle.org.uk

Showtime at the First Baptist Wheathampstead Dramatic Society 12th - 14th October In the small town of Ivy Gap in East Tennessee, the first Baptist Church is celebrating its 100th Anniversary. It’s been a joyous occasion but as the women of the church chatter and bicker a storm thunders above them, the result of which will alter some lives forever. There is laughter, tears and arguments, but also great affection. £10 Memorial Hall, Marford Road, Wheathampstead www.wheathampsteaddramaticsociety.com

Part time Office Administrator Vacancy For a small business based in St Albans Good telephone manner and team player required Approximately 20 hours a week over 3 or 4 days Full training provided, trial day can be arranged Flexible hours can be negotiated to fit in with school run etc Attractive hourly rate for successful candidate, free parking For more information please contact office@gosscoatings.co.uk 01727 830352 www.theNOWmagazines.com

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Ashridge Estate

NOW for a Walk & More Hertfordshire Health Walks E - easy M - moderate MP - moderate plus Bricket Wood Moor Mill Pub car park, off Smug Oak Lane AL2 3PN 19th Nov 10.30am - MP Greenwood Park Community Centre, Tippendell Lane, Chiswell Green AL2 3HW Fridays 2pm - M Hatching Green Redbourn Lane, Harpenden AL5 2JP on road parking only (nr White Horse Pub) Thursdays 10.30am - M Heartwood Forest Heartwood Forest car park AL3 6JB 15th Oct 10.30am - MP Highfield Park Charters Health Club Car park, Hill End Lane, St Albans, opposite Spar AL4 0DB Mondays 9.30am & Tuesdays 1.30pm - M London Colney Caledon Road Community Centre AL2 1PU 3rd Oct & 7th Nov 11.30am - M 5th, 19th Oct & 2nd, 16th, 30th Nov 10.30am - E Redbourn Cricket club car park AL3 7DB 4th Nov 2pm - M Verulamium Park Outside Westminster Lodge Leisure Centre AL1 2DJ Weds 7pm - M Wheathampstead Public car park behind The Bull, East Lane AL4 8BL Tues 10.30am - M 7th Oct 2pm - M www.hertfordshirehealthwalks.co.uk www.hertslink.org/cms

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Tree-mendous Ashridge 1st Oct 10am - 4pm Celebrate Ashridge’s ancient and veteran trees with drop-in guided walks at 12 noon and 3pm. Explore the log play area, sit in the tractors and learn how to identify different trees.

Ashridge in Autumn 7th Oct 10am - 2pm Volunteer led guided walk through Ashridge at one of the most scenic times of the year. £8, child £5, please book Deer Rut Walk 13th - 15th & 20th - 22nd Oct 7am - 9am Join the Rangers to search for fallow deer during the rutting season, breakfast included. £15, child £10, please book Gentle Stroll: Deer Rut 18th Oct 10.30am - 12.30pm Join the volunteers to search for fallow deer during the rutting season. £3, booking not required.

Ashridge Estate, Berkhamsted HP4 1LT www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ashridge-estate

Autumn Walk in the Woods 27th Oct 10am - 12 noon, free Explore beautiful Balls Wood as the leaves start to turn and autumn approaches. Learn about the management of the wood and discover what animals and plants can be found there.

Balls Wood, Hertford Heath SG13 7PW www.hertswildlifetrust.org.uk

Apps on The Go Visit the App Store to download these new apps!

ParksHerts App Whether you want to lose yourself in tranquil surroundings, take on the challenge of exciting outdoor activities or just soak up the scenery with a bit of wildlife-spotting, Hertfordshire’s green spaces have it all. ParksHerts is a mobile web app that allows you to discover over 100 of the best parks and open spaces across Hertfordshire complete with interactive maps, walking, running and activity routes and thousands of points of interest.

Active 10 App A brisk 10 minute walk every day can make a difference to your health. Simply walk faster than your usual pace, to get your heart pumping and feel a little warmer. Start with 10 minutes each day and then see if you can gradually build up to more. Try the new Active 10 app to track how many minutes of you do in a day, and start setting yourself new goals.

Trees ID App The App helps you identify all UK trees when you’re out and about., using bark, twigs, buds, leaves, flowers or fruits.

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NOW at the Alban Arena Rip It Up 4th Oct 7.30pm Strictly champions live on stage. Jay McGuiness, Natalie Lowe and Louis Smith will swing, bop, jitterbug, lindy hop, jive and ballroom through songs from the greatest decade of music!

Joel Dommett 5th Oct 8pm One of the UK’s most energetic and exciting comedians who received great critical acclaim for his Edinburgh Fringe shows.

Justin Hayward: The Wind of Heaven Tour 6th Oct 7.30pm The legendary singer-songwriter will be performing new songs as well as Moody Blues favourites.

60s Gold 7th Oct 3pm & 7.30pm Relive the 60s with Gerry and The Pacemakers, The Searchers, Brian Poole and The Tremeloes, Steve Ellis, the original lead vocalist and founder of Love Affair and Vanity Fare.

Rare Productions Auditions: The Wizard of Oz 8th Oct 10.30am registration, for ages 8 - 21 Open auditions for the forthcoming production.

No need to book, or prepare anything - just wear comfortable clothing and footwear suitable for dancing.

Lulu: All About The Music Tour 12th Oct 7.30pm Lulu returns with her biggest tour yet.

Chas & Dave with support from The Jackie Lynton Band 13th Oct 7.30pm Great musicians who know how to give an audience a good time.

Stewart Lee: Content Provider 14th Oct 8pm Topical and sometimes observational comedy, touching on religion, feminism and life in multicultural London.

Hertfordshire Wedding Fair 15th Oct 11am Over 70 exhibitors including some of the oldest and best known wedding companies in the region.

Miami Pro Universe Championships 22nd Oct 2.30pm The biggest fitness model championships in the UK and Europe.

Milkshake! Live: The Magic Story Book 23rd Oct 12pm & 3.30pm The cast will be singing songs and sharing stories that audience members, young and old, will know and love.

Private Lives by Noel Coward 24th & 25th Oct 7.30pm, Weds 2.30pm Razor-sharp wit and quick-fire dialogue in Noel Coward’s most popular stage comedy.

Ray Mears: Born To Go Wild 26th Oct 7.30pm Mears will give audiences a unique insight into his wilderness travels and survival techniques.

Nina Conti: In Your Face 27th Oct 7.30pm With astonishing spontaneity, the voice-throwing queen is back. ‘Gut-Bustingly Funny’ - Telegraph

Alexander O’Neal 17th Oct 7.30pm Securing his name in the R&B history books, he is one of the genres most iconic names.

Paul Chowdhry 28th Oct 8pm Star of Live at The Apollo and Stand Up for the Week, Paul brings us his highly anticipated new stand-up show.

Matt Forde 18th Oct 8pm “Possibly the best political comedy show on the Fringe” - The Telegraph

Motown’s How Sweet It Is 29th Oct 7.30pm Stunning live show combining first class music with slick choreography and an amazing band.

BBC Big Band featuring Claire Martin presents… Ella Fitzgerald: 100 19th Oct 7.30pm Featuring classic versions of Ella’s most famous

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songs, including ‘That Old Black Magic’, ‘Too Darn Hot’ and ‘Fascinating Rhythm’.

01727 844488 www.alban-arena.co.uk

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NOW for Some Art Living Lines 1st - 31st October From cavemen to the big screen and everything in between, this years Big Draw Festival theme Living Lines aims to unite pixels, pencils and people from across the globe to celebrate the universal language of drawing. Whether you decide to get animated, theatrical, technical or messy, lets see what you have up your sleeves!

For as long as we’ve been able to draw we’ve been depicting motion. The Chavet Cave in France contains drawings made 30,000 years ago illustrating bison charging in a herd, an effect achieved by layering images - not that far removed from how we do it today.

You might remember Morph and The Clangers?

They were all handmade from clay, a bit of knitted puppetry and recycled materials, brought to life with stop-motion animation.

There are hundreds of ways to get your marks moving for #LivingLines2017 so why not get involved and have some fun!

Family Discovery Morning – The Big Draw 26th October 10am - 12.30pm St Albans Cathedral Budding artists young and old are invited to explore the Cathedral and create their own masterpieces.

All ages, children must be accompanied by an adult, free www.stalbanscathedral.org Nick Sharratt's Big Draw Along Halloween Special 28th October 2.30pm The Old Town Hall, Hemel Hempstead HP1 3AE Join acclaimed children's writer and illustrator Nick Sharratt to find out how he creates his picture books. He'll show you how to draw Tracy Beaker, Timothy Pope and spooky characters for Halloween while sharing some of his best drawing tips. Bring pencils, paper and something to lean on, age 6+ www.thebigdraw.org

International Garden Photographer of the Year until 26th November With stunning work from both amateur and professional photographers, the exhibition captures beautiful images of plants, habitats and amazing landscapes. Now in its tenth 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.

Founder, Philip Smith said 'Garden photography is an emerging genre. Using a garden as an outdoor studio all photographers of any age and at any skill level can develop their artistic life. Garden photography encompasses many aspects of other types of image-making - you can create minilandscapes and photograph all kinds of wildlife - or you can make your flowers look like Hollywood starlets' Stockwood Discovery Centre LU1 4LX www.lutonculture.com

Glass Art Designs

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Judith Menges produces an innovative and sculptural range of Wall-hanging Glass Art Panels, Triptychs and large Glass Art Bowls. She uses a technique of making images from glass mediums, and firing them in layers, in a kiln to create one-of-a -kind Glass Art images with surfaces that are raised, tactile and highly reflective. Her speciality is making large Panels of Glass and Triptychs; while interjecting her clients chosen theme or colours.

Why not visit Judith’s website to see more of her work. www.transparentimages.com

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NOW at UHArts

Live Event Cinema Theatre and ballet broadcast live by satellite giving you the thrill of a live event from the comfort of your cinema seat.

Dance for Parkinson’s Classes Fridays 22nd Sept - 8th Dec 11am - 1pm Dance class, with co-ordination and balance exercise, in a fun and relaxed atmosphere, followed by tea and coffee. £7 (including carer/partner).

For more information and venue please call 01707 285395 Guided Sculpture Walk First Monday of each month, 1pm The UH Art Collection features 500 artworks across two campuses. This free walk introduces the 12 outdoor sculptures on the Campus. Meet at main reception, College Lane Campus AL10 9AB. Self-guided walks are also available.

Lyndall Phelps: A Curious Conversation 7th Oct 10.30am - 4pm Phelps has been researching the origins of the Museum of St Albans, from Roman brooch fragments to taxidermy and from Egyptian vessels to needlework, A Curious Conversation displays objects referencing archaelogy, art, natural history and social history, alongside new works by Phelps inspired by these collections. Free St Julian’s Church, Abbot’s Avenue, St Albans AL1 2HY de Havilland Philharmonic Orchestra UH 25th Anniversary Concert 8th Oct 7.30pm A celebration of the 25th Anniversary of the University of Hertfordshire, opening with Brahms’ Academic Festival Overture, featuring the student hymn Gaudeamus Igur. The orchestra are joined by soloist Leo Appel for Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto and the concert concludes with Brahms’ brilliant Second Symphony. £20, concs £15 / £8 / £6 Weston Auditorium AL10 9EU Virago 17th Oct 7.30pm A dance-digital solo production, that is vibrant, compelling, brave and dynamic. It explores light vs dark and real vs fairytale versions of female existence. Virago is thought provoking and inspiring, and is both a protest and a celebration. £10, concs £8, for ages 8+ Weston Auditorium AL10 9EU 01707 281127 www.uharts.co.uk

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The Royal Opera: La Bohème 3rd October 7.15pm Live from The Royal Opera House Rodolfo, a penniless poet, meets Mimì, a seamstress, and they fall instantly in love.

Hamlet 5th October 7pm NT Live performance, Academy Award nominee Benedict Cumberbatch takes on the title role of Shakespeare’s great tragedy.

Coriolanus 11th October 7pm Live from The RSC, Stratford-Upon-Avon A full-throttle war play that revels in the sweat of the battlefield, Coriolanus transports us back to the emergence of the republic of Rome.

The Royal Ballet: Alice's Adventures in Wonderland 23rd October 7.15pm Live from The Royal Opera House At a garden party on a sunny afternoon, Alice is surprised to see her parents' friend Lewis Carroll transform into a white rabbit. When she follows him down a rabbit hole events become curiouser and curiouser.

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

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Museum Wins Award Verulamium Museum has just won The Sandford Award, given for heritage education excellence.

The award lasts for five years and follows an assessment of formal, curriculum-linked education opportunities offered to schools by heritage sites, and is managed by the Heritage Education Trust in partnership with Bishop Grosseteste University, Lincoln.

Schools travel far and wide to Verulamium Museum to take part in its learning programme. The museum also welcomes groups studying Latin and Classics and runs a lively outreach service taking artefacts into schools. www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk

History of the Old Town Hall This new book charts the history of St Albans Old Town Hall by Chris Green, former director of St Albans Museums, published by St Albans & Hertfordshire Architectural & Archaeological Society.

The Old Town Hall has dominated the centre of St Albans since 1832, yet most of us know very little about it. This book provides the first published account of the building and its history, and reveals unknown details about its design, construction and fabric. It explains how the justices, local government and society used the building and the day-to-day discomforts they experienced and how this changed over the years.

Chris describes the architectural development of the building from its neo-Classical origins in 1832 to the present day, when the buildings’ role is to change again, to become a museum and gallery.

The book contains an account of the political corruption case in St Albans during the General Election in 1850, which resulted in the Bribery Commission of 1851. This led to a change in the role of the building when the County Council took over control in 1875.

The book is wonderfully illustrated with the plans of the architect George Smith, the author’s own isometric reconstructions of Smith’s designs, and drawings of architectural details. Plans reveal the usage of the rooms and the architectural changes commissioned by the building’s different owners.

The book is available from Waterstones at £6.99

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NOW for some Music Caritas Harmony Choir

Musical Sunday Afternoons 8th Oct & 12th Nov 2pm - 4pm St Albans Organ Theatre, Herts AL15PE Enjoy a fascinating collection of unique selfplaying musical instruments. £7, child £3, family £15 03003 656 565 www.stalbansorgantheatre.org.uk

Herts Jazz Festival 13th - 15th Oct Hawthorne Theatre, Welwyn Garden City “Herts Jazz Festival is everything a weekend jazz festival should be. The venue is excellent and it’s customer-friendly, with decent food and plenty of relaxed chatting space.” Peter Vacher, London Jazz News Twitter and Facebook #hjf

Mozart's ‘Requiem’ 14th Oct 7.30pm High Street Methodist Church, Harpenden Concert by the Music Makers Choir of Harpenden, with The Burley Ensemble and a lineup of exciting young soloists. It promises to be an evening of magnificent choral music in the form of Mozart's immortal legacy, Requiem Mass in D Minor, a work of profound drama, intensity and depth. Undoubtedly, the most famous of all unfinished musical works. £17 on the door, £15 in advance, child/student £6 07887 968 063 harpendenmusicmakers@gmail.com

Dream Wife & Guests 20th Oct 8pm Bedford Esquires Dream Wife (pictured) invite you to jump into the mosh pit. London based musicians Alice, Bella and Icelandic singer Rakel formed at art school in Brighton. Their music mixes simple pop hooks, cutting riffs, while oozing girl power. £8 in advance www.thepadpresents.com

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21st Oct 7pm Rothamsted Conference Centre, Harpenden The Choir (winners of two choral awards at The Bedfordshire Festival of Music last year) has raised over £150,000 for local charities since 2003, and this year will be singing in support of Harpenden based charity, A-T Society.

Performing songs from musicals such as Les Miserables, Kiss Me Kate, South Pacific and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, plus popular numbers and classical pieces, offering a truly eclectic repertoire, there is no style or period of music they won’t take on.

Ataxia-Telangiectasia (A-T) is a genetic condition revealed when two carriers have a child together, who by 10 years old are usually regular wheelchair users, are at risk of cancer and lung disease, and most people with classic A-T don’t live beyond their mid 20s.

The A-T Society is based at Rothamsted and is the only UK charity providing family support, information and research towards treatments and a cure for A-T. The choir and charity hope for a sell-out night to help raise vital funds for this little known but very worthy cause.

01582 599520 www.caritasharmony.co.uk www.atsociety.org.uk/caritas

Songs of Farewell 21st Oct 7.30pm St Johns Church, Harpenden AL5 2RU Presented by Carillon Chamber Choir, conducted

by David Ireson, with Miles Golding on violin Songs of Farewell Hubert Parry Stabat Mater Alissa Firsova Funeral Ikos John Tavener Sechs Sprüche Felix Mendelssohn £15, concs £13, child £5 01582 763774 ward.geoff.t21@btinternet.com

Big Country 26th Oct 8pm The Horn, St Albans AL1 3TE A special intimate acoustic show by this Scottish 80’s rock band, with their guitar driven sounds evoking the inspirational spirit of bagpipes, fiddles and other traditional instruments. £24, age 14+ www.thehorn.co.uk

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Planes, Poetry & More

Shuttleworth Collection Race Day 1st Oct Vintage aircraft flying displays, mock air races, ground show entertainment, visiting car and motorcycle clubs, and the ‘Shuttleworth Sprint’ course along a grass runway, where some of the world’s finest veteran and vintage race cars will be taking part. Come in 1920’s dress for a fabulous end of season finale! £27, child free Walk & Lunch with the Head Gardener 6th Oct The walk will cover seasonal plants, the garden’s architectural delights, history and its recent restoration project. Ages 16+ £25 Workshop: Poetry Writing 7th Oct 10am - 4pm To mark the end of National Poetry Week, Phil Bowen, a published poet and scriptwriter, will be using the theme of gardens as inspiration to help you write your own piece of poetry.

Lunch provided, £40 Workshop: Wildlife Art, Writing & Poetry 14th Oct Enjoy and explore wildlife, art and poetry and see how they have all have come together through the work and life of Steve Halton, a local artist and naturalist who is at his best when surrounded by birdsong and nature.

Ages 16+ £25 The Shuttleworth Collection, Beds SG18 9EP www.shuttleworth.org

RAF London Open Cockpits 27th & 28th Oct 6.30pm - 8.30pm As part of the ‘Museums at Night Festival’, come and get a close up view of the fantastic collection of iconic aircraft, sit in the helicopters and look inside the fast jets. A unique chance to see the Museum open after hours.

Please book.

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

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NOW at the Cathedral

Harvest Festival 1st Oct 9.30am Celebration with an opportunity to bring gifts of food for the local foodbank. All ages Lunchtime Organ Recital 4th Oct 12.30pm free Code Breaker and Ode to a Nightingale 7th Oct 7.30pm Performed by Hertfordshire Chorus, members of Nashville in Harmony and One Voice Chorus with London Orchestra da Camera.

St Cecilia Festival Chorus 14th Oct 7.30pm Hardynge Choir, Radlett Choral Society and St Albans Chamber Choir with St Albans Symphony Orchestra perform a programme including Rachmaninov, Tchaickovsky and Shostakovich.

The Mayor of St Albans Civic Service 15th Oct 11.15am Sunday Afternoon Organ Concert 22nd Oct 3pm free Tower Tours 21st Oct 10am, 11.30am, 1pm & 2.30pm Taking you to the top of the Norman Bell Tower via the North Transept gallery, the ringing and bell chamber before you climb out onto the roof, weather permitting. please book, £9 Talk: Paul’s Religion – Rules or Relationship?

26th Oct 7.30pm The Very Revd Dr Jeffrey John looks at Paul’s teaching to see how his conversion shaped Paul’s own understanding of Jesus and of religion as faith and love, and his view of the sacraments, resurrection, sex, and what he means by being united with Christ as part of his Body. £6 Taizé Service 29th Oct 6.30pm Service of music, meditation and singing.

www.stalbanscathedral.org

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Halloween Fun Pumpkin Trail & Treats 25th - 27th Oct 10am - 4pm Get in the Halloween spirit with activities and a pumpkin trail around the gardens with lots of spooky fun and games, and why not come in Halloween fancy dress (adults too!).

Children can bring a pre-decorated pumpkin for a chance to win a daily prize. Pick up a Pumpkin Passport, get it stamped at each of the spooky games and claim a goody bag at the end.

The Garden Terrace Tea Room, the Gift Shop and Dinosaur Trail will also be open.

Please note there will be no disco this year. adult £3.50, child £6.95 Knebworth House www.knebworthhouse.com

Halloween Trail & Crafts 23rd - 27th Oct 10am - 4pm Make spooky crafts and follow the Halloween trail. £3, booking not required.

Ashridge Estate, Berkhamsted HP4 1LT www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ashridge-estate

Ghosts & Ghouls 23rd - 27th Oct 11am - 4pm Grab your cloaks and steady your nerves as mysterious goings-on await you! Meet the gruesome guides as they take you on a journey into the puzzling past, use your wits to solve the riddles and claim your terrifying treat. Have a go at creepy crafts and try your hand at pumpkin carving (£4), sessions at 11am, 12.30pm, 2pm and 3.30pm.

Wrest Park, Silsoe, Luton MK45 4HR www.english-heritage.org.uk

Pumpkin Festival 21st - 29th Oct Pick your free pumpkin from Willows Pumpkin Patch. The Pumpkin-tastic programme includes pumpkin carving, arts and crafts, Pumpkin Olympics and a Pumpkin Show with Sam-Tastic.

Willows Activity Farm www.willowsactivityfarm.com

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Half Term at Shuttleworth 23rd - 27th Oct Follow the tree trail in the Swiss Garden and the hair-raising Halloween trail in The Collection.

Collect an activity sheet and tackle the seasonal clues to complete the challenges?

23rd & 24th 10am - 12 noon & 1pm - 3pm Make pictures using nature from the Swiss Garden 25th, 26th & 27th 10am - 12 noon & 1pm - 3pm Make a flying bat, based on the astounding Pilcher glider, and broomstick rockets, in tribute to the awe -inspiring Night Witches. Please book, ages 5 - 12.

Halloween at the Swiss Garden 28th Oct Enjoy a family fun filled evening of scary stories with ghoulish games, plus a spooky biscuit and drink. Entry times are staggered from 5.20pm. If you dare, come along from 7pm for scarier stories!

Don’t forget to bring your torches. child £8, adult £4, please book The Shuttleworth Collection, Beds SG18 9EP 01767 627933 www.shuttleworth.org

Join us in our themed Halloween Den 26th & 27th Oct 9.30am - 10.15am 10.45 - 11.30am

Rats, Bats & Cats 26th Oct 10am - 1pm It's that spooky time of year so why not go along for a frighteningly fun crafty day, printing, weaving and modelling creepy creatures and playing gruesome games.

Age 4+ £4, under 4’s £2, adults free, children must be accompanied by an adult.

British Schools Museum, Hitchin SG4 9TS www.britishschoolsmuseum.co.uk

Howling Halloween 29th Oct 4pm - 6pm Join in a family bat hunt and explore the reserve as it gets dark. Discover other nocturnal animals that live at Rye Meads and open a moth trap.

And enjoy munching on ‘ghostly’ marshmallows around the campfire.

Please book, adult £6, child £3 Rye Meads, Rye Road SG12 8JS www.rspb.org.uk

Wild Families Halloween Special 26th Oct 10am - 12 noon & 1pm - 3pm Get in the mood for Halloween by getting magical in the woods! Whittle your own wand, make a magic potion and carve a pumpkin to take home. Weather permitting, there will be a campfire and tasty snacks. Ages 4 -11, children must be accompanied by an adult. £7 includes a pumpkin Panshanger Park, nr Welwyn SG14 2NA www.hertswildlifetrust.org.uk

Halloween at Mill Green 31st Oct 4.30pm - 7pm Dress up your little spooks and bring them along to enjoy a family fun packed 'softly scary' Halloween event. With spooky stories, spooky trail, potion making, bobbing for apples and guess what's in the Gruesome Sacks! There’ll be a musical family costume parade (parents included), and cauldrons overflowing with Halloween treats to buy.

Refreshments available and adults can visit the Miller's Ghost Inn Adult £1, child £5 includes a torch Mill Green Museum & Mill AL9 5PD www.welhat.gov.uk

Boo at the Zoo 21st - 31st Oct Enjoy a spook-tacular range of Halloween-themed activities, animal demonstrations, hands-on crafts and special Halloween versions of the zoo's popular animal talks.

There's so much to enjoy this Halloween, including the Eerie Express which is a ghost hunt on the Jumbo Express where children can discover creatures of the past, creepy crafts, pumpkin carving, monster mythbusters and monster and magic sessions. Children and adults alike can indulge in some devilish fun with the amazing face painting at Hullabazoo.

Whipsnade Zoo, Dunstable LU62LF www.zsl.org/zsl-whipsnade-zoo

The Live Music Project: Halloween Spectacular 28th Oct 8pm £5 , age 14+ Halloween Spectacular Fancy Dress Party, dress to impress or not, it’s up to you! With two amazing local bands; Sko-Mads – they’re all about dancing and having fun, have recently been playing festivals to huge crowds and are recording their debut album.

Lasers 8 o’clock Day One – Geek rock and sea shanties about filthy beasts and oddballs. They have a unique take on the world, are highly entertaining and quirky with a fabulous stage presence. Don’t miss this rare chance to see them live – normally found making a noise in a garage in North Mymms!

Trestle Arts Base, St Albans AL4 0JQ www.trestle.org.uk

Pumpkin & Floral Workshops Autumnal Pumpkin Arrangements 17th Oct 10am - 11.30am The perfect centre piece for your Halloween party, or simply a flower arrangement to celebrate this colourful season. Bring gardening gloves. Adult £25 Mini Pumpkin Arrangements 24th Oct 10am - 11am Children's workshop creating autumnal floral arrangements in mini pumpkins. Wear messy play clothing and gardening gloves. Age 4+ £6 Chiltern Gateway Centre, Dunstable Downs www.nationaltrust.org.uk

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Young Stagecoach Students Learn to Stand Out At Stagecoach Harpenden and Stagecoach St Albans, performing arts training starts at four years old. Their Early Stages classes for 4-7 year olds provides one and a half hours of coaching in dance, drama and singing, half an hour for each discipline. The young performers are split into two age groups of 4 - 5½ years and 5½ - 7 years, so that teaching is focussed at the right level for each group.

The older children are gently prepared for entry into the 3-hour main school during the 6-7th year.

In Early Stages classes, the emphasis is on FUN, confidence building and creativity. Children are also encouraged to develop important life-skills through public speaking exercises and drama improvisations and games that enhance concentration and co-ordination and improve social skills.

Through singing, the young students learn breathing techniques, take part in rhythm and tuning exercises and have fun learning songs with movement.

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All children are gently encouraged to sing solo to increase self-confidence. Dancing helps to improve spatial awareness and posture through warm-ups, corner work and simple dance moves.

Learning new steps and remembering routines is an excellent way to develop good memory Gaining and recall skills, while confidence having great fun! and creative Early Stages take part in two performances per courage for year: a Demonstration life has of classwork to parents and a mini-show on never been so stage in costume. much fun!

Many Harpenden and St Albans’ older students began life in Early Stages and have stayed for the greater part of their school lives.

They find friends who share a common interest in the performance arts and broaden their horizons.

We have a limited number of places available per class, at the beginning of each term, so please call your local Principal now to book your child’s place.

Gaining confidence and creative courage for life has never been so much fun!

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St Albans Food & Drink Festival 27th Sept - 7th Oct The Festival returns this year with a fantastic range of food, drink and produce available throughout the district. With so many excellent eateries providing fabulous food and delightful drinking holes, it’s a great time to try something new. St Albans Street Festival is on 1st October, and the Food & Drink Awards will be revealed on 2nd October followed by a week of celebratory events. The Festival celebrates the craft, diversity and creation of food across the District, and includes a range of activities such as cookery demonstrations and wine tastings.

Events at Rock Pop Candy 10 Holywell Hill AL1 1BZ Free Chocolate Tasting 1st Oct Try some 'way out' chocolate flavours like 'Jam Doughnut' or 'Memphis Special'.

Drop-in Candy Workshop 4th Oct Make a 'Candy Brochette' ÂŁ2.50, ages 5+ Popcorn Tasting! 7th Oct 12 - 3pm www.radioverulam.com/festival

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Justin Leon Garden Maintenance All Aspects of Gardening Undertaken

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

07789 961233

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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All About Nature

FoodSmiles St Albans A community of local people growing organic food together. Growing skills are shared so there’s no need to be an expert. Weekly seasonal veg boxes from the plot. Membership is now open, work from only 4 hours a month or support their efforts by becoming a Friend from only £5.

Hammonds End Farm, Harpenden AL5 2AY www.FoodSmilesStAlbans.org.uk

Flower Festival

Deer Park Tours 6th & 13th Oct 7am 7th, 8th & 14th Oct 7am & 4.30pm 15th Oct 7am, 12 noon & 4.30pm The Deer Park covers over 3000 acres with nine species of deer numbering over 1200 individuals in total. While the Red and Fallow Deer are native to the UK, the other seven species originate from Asia – including the extremely rare Milu (also known as Pere David ’s deer).

Join the deer keepers for an off-road tractor and trailer ride to learn more about the deer, their habitat and behaviours.

October is also the breeding season (the rut), with dramatic clashes between stags to win dominant control of their herds. For you to encounter these magnificent animals as close as possible, the keepers will take you into areas usually closed to the public. Wear suitable outdoor clothing and footwear.

Bring camera and binoculars. £30, please book Woburn Abbey MK17 9WA www.woburnabbey.co.uk

NOW at Rye Meads Half Term Pond Dipping 21st - 29th Oct 9am - 4pm Hire equipment from reception and get dipping!

What will you find in the water?

No need to book, £2 per child Minibeast Monday 23rd Oct 10am - 1 pm Explore the tiny world of animals that live in Bug City with slimy slugs, speedy centipedes, marvellous millipedes, and wriggly worms!

All ages, children must be accompanied by an adult. Drop in, £5 per child Den Building & Hibernation Challenge 25th Oct 1pm - 2.30pm Work in teams to build an amazing den for you to hibernate in. Find out more about hedgehogs as they start their hibernation and make a clay and twig hedgehog to take home. Please book £5 Rye Meads, Rye Road SG12 8JS www.rspb.org.uk 32

6th - 8th Oct This years floral arrangements will be themed around journeys in the Bible, pilgrimages, personal travels or songs, books, films and TV programmes. People of all abilities and experience are invited to take part. Free St Leonards Church, Sandridge AL4 9DL www.sandridgechurch.org.uk

Harvest Festival 14th & 15th Oct An opportunity to explore the sights, sounds and smells of harvest past, with the Museum's restored 1947 threshing machine processing the year's rye crop - as long as the rain holds off. See the heavy horses, Clydesdale Harvey and Shires West Winds Samuel and West Winds Joshua working in the fields. Take part in Harvest themed craft activities.

Chiltern Open Air Museum HP8 4AB www.coam.org.uk

Luton Hoo Walled Garden Autumn Opening 7th Oct 10.30am - 1pm With children's activities and tours at 11am and 12 noon giving a history of the garden and an insight into this volunteer-run enterprise. £5, child £3

Friday Talks Capability Brown at Luton Hoo 27th Oct 10.30am History of the Luton Hoo Walled Garden 24th Nov 10.30am The Estate Office Lecture Room LU1 4LF No booking required, donation £3 Entrance via the A1081 Luton to Harpenden Road, take Newmill End turning, turn left after 100 metres, follow signs to the Walled Garden. www.lutonhooestate.co.uk

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Do Something for Charity Home-Start Extravaganza 6th October 7pm -11.30pm Enjoy a thrilling vintage circus fundraising extravaganza with live music, 3 course meal and an evening of entertainment, ending with an auction of interesting lots. £65 or a table of 10 for £600 Home-Start helps families with young children deal with whatever life throws at them. They support parents as they learn to cope, improve their confidence and build better lives for their children.

The Riding School, Hatfield House www.home-startherts.org.uk

Julian said. “It will be a safe, fun route which will be testing but achievable.”

It’s suitable for mountain and hybrid bikes and is designed for novice and expert cyclists. It will be free to take part, with participants being asked to raise £250 for Oracle Cancer Trust.

To join Julian please visit www.facebook.com/ Juliansjourney2017 and click on the Events page.

The 2nd Annual Tyler Reader Charity Ball - Tyler’s Wonderland

11th November This will be the 2nd Black Tie Charity Ball at the Conservatory in Luton Hoo’s Walled Garden, to raise funds for Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) and to raise awareness of Sepsis and its dangers, in memory of Tyler Reader.

Tyler was born on 7th January 2013, with his beautiful big, blue eyes, his infectious smile and his cheeky personality you couldn’t fail to notice him.

He had endless energy and was a very caring and loving little boy.

On the 6th November 2015, Tyler was admitted to Great Ormond Street Hospital after being Mucky Pup Fun Run diagnosed with an aggressive form of group A 8th October 10am - 4pm streptococcus and developed Sepsis. Just hours Do you fancy doing an obstacle course, with or before he was an otherwise healthy little boy who without your dog, to raise funds for the Royal had been fighting a chest infection for a few days.

Veterinary College? If so you can jog a 2 mile From the moment Tyler arrived at GOSH he had course and hop over a few obstacles at your own the undivided attention of an amazing team. They pace. There will be giveaways for all participants tried absolutely everything to save him, but sadly, and prizes for the winners. Plus Flyball demos, his little body couldn’t keep battling. It gave up after Tunnel of Temptation demos stalls, refreshments his sixth cardiac arrest, just as they were preparing and more. The RVC Animal Care just ask you to him for a heart and lung bypass. raise £20 in sponsorship, plus entry fee £5 Tyler’s memory has brought joy to so many lives, Hatfield House AL9 5NQ through his family and friends in the work they do www.rvc.ac.uk/MuckyPup for the Tyler Reader Brighter Future Fund and Julian’s Journey Charity Bike Ride Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity.

This year’s event, will be a fun filled evening, and 15th October one where they hope members of the local In January 2017, Julian Gilbert, a keen cyclist and community will join in and show their support. father of two from Harpenden got the news that he had been diagnosed with throat cancer. Thankfully Last year 185 people came together for the 1st Charity Ball and raised an incredible £22k. his cancer was caught early and he recently www.tylerreader.org received the happy news that he is all clear. www.justgiving.com/Tyler-reader Now Julian is committing himself to raise more than £20,000 in aid of Oracle Cancer Trust, a leading charity funding research into head and neck cancer.

So he’s organised a charity bike ride of just over 100 kilometres (62.5 miles). Starting at the Spire Hospital in Harpenden, going past Mount Vernon Hospital and finishing close to University College Hospital in London. “I wanted the ride to include the main places where I received care to say a huge thank you to everyone involved in my care,”

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Historic People and Places Brought to Life!

Fully qualified guides have been showing people around our City and District for 50 years. Join us on any one of our walks and hear about the fascinating yesteryears from the Romans to Victorians. Walk well known and lesser known places.

You will be surprised by the many tales about people who have built, lived and worked here for 1000 years.

Walks for October & November Meet at the Clock Tower unless otherwise stated Buy tickets from the guide on the day except for Ghosts and Ghouls and Haunted Harpenden, please see below Walks last about one and a half hours.

Adult ÂŁ5, child ÂŁ2 (5-15 years) Visit our website for full details of our walks and other information Historic St Albans - A City Revealed 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd October @ 11am A Roman City Revealed 7th, 21st October @ 2.30pm Meet outside Verulamium Museum A Monastery Revealed 1st October @ 2.30pm Fishpool Street - Rags and Riches 14th October @ 2.30pm Meet outside Verulamium Museum Aristocrats, Paupers & Philanthropists 15th October @ 2.30pm Coaching Inns 22nd October @ 2.30pm Historic Pubs of St Albans 8th October @ 2.30pm Ghosts and Ghouls 28th, 31st October @ 7pm 31st October @ 7.30pm 11th, 25th, 26th, 27th, 28th, 30th, 31st October @ 8pm 8th, 22nd November @ 8pm Must be booked in advance via the website Haunted Harpenden 31st October @ 7.30pm Must be booked in advance at Harpenden Town Hall 01582 768278 Street War Memorials 11th November @ 10.50am 12th November @ 2pm

Visitor Information Centre 01727 864511

www.stalbanstourguides.co.uk

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Deliciousandreal Speedy Mackerel Pâté A quick and healthy pâté that can be served with my homemade flatbreads. Mackerel is packed with omega-3 fatty acids and this is a great way to get it into your diet.

230g boneless smoked mackerel fillets (skin removed and broken into pieces) 100ml crème fraiche 1 tbsp horseradish sauce 1 tbsp lemon juice Cracked black pepper Place ingredients (except pepper) into a blender and blitz until there are no large pieces of fish.

Add more horseradish or lemon juice to taste, stir in lots of black pepper and serve.

Garlic Flatbreads You don’t have to use the garlic butter, you can add basil, parsley, tarragon or no herbs at all.

175g self raising flour (extra for dusting) ½ teaspoon baking powder 175g Greek yogurt Splash of milk 1 garlic clove (crushed) Pinch of basil 20g salted butter Put the flour, baking powder and yoghurt into a large bowl; mix well with a spoon. Once the ingredients start to come together use your hands to form a ball and add a splash of milk if needed.

Place the ball of dough on a floured surface and knead for a minute. Put in a bowl, cover and leave for 5 minutes.

Divide into 6 pieces; roll into small balls and flatten (on a floured surface) with the heel of your hand to about 2-3mm. Score the breads on one side (about 4 cuts on each). Melt the butter in a pan, stir through the crushed garlic and chopped herbs and cook on low for 2-3 minutes. Heat a griddle or frying pan; when hot, cook the breads for about 2 minutes on each side – they should puff up. Brush each bread (scored side) with the garlic butter and serve immediately.

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

Clai

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All Things Apple!

Apple Day takes place in October as a celebration of orchards but also to show the variety we are in danger of losing, not simply in apples, but in the richness and diversity of landscape, ecology and culture.

Apple Day at Tewin Orchard 8th October 12pm - 4.30pm Welwyn AL6 0LY With apples, apple juice, preserves, tea, coffee, cake to buy and experts on hand to identify varieties of apple and give advice on fruit tree care.

Plus guided walks around the orchard and a scavenger hunt for the kids. it’s a celebration of all things apple! www.hertswildlifetrust.org.uk Highfield Park Apple Day 8th October 2pm - 4pm YMCA Health Club, Hill End Lane AL4 0RA An afternoon of fun for all the family celebrating apples, with a chance to buy Highfield Parks apples, apple juice and cider. There’ll be children’s games, tug of war, stalls, entertainment and more.

Free. www.highfieldparktrust.co.uk Apple Day at Shenley Park Walled Garden 15th October 12 noon - 6pm Shenley Park WD7 9DW Sample and buy numerous varieties of apple, enjoy apple bobbing, apple shy, juicing demonstrations, homemade cakes, teas and more. www.shenleypark.co.uk Harpenden Apple Day 23rd October 11am - 2pm An opportunity to learn about the fruit trees on Harpenden Common, as well as taking part in scavenger hunts, apple games and more.

Located to the south of St John’s Wood, there’s a group of nine apple trees which were restored in 2013. Although not a historic orchard, it probably dates from a time when there were orchards at St John’s Church and Walkers Close. One of the Bramley trees is around 60 years old.

Planting will take place in November with local varieties such as the Hitchin Pippin or Lane’s Prince Albert being added to the site. Why not go along and find out more about these trees, the wildlife they support and how you can get involved.

Karla Jordan’s Hairdressing

25% off colour services with our Senior Designer Megan on Thursdays in October with this advert Skin test required 48 hours prior to appointment Milk_shake, Moroccan Oil and GHD stockists Against animal testing Late night Thursdays open until 7.30pm FREE PARKING 41 Abbey Avenue St Albans AL3 4BH

Call Now to Book 01727 859498 www.karlajordanshairdressing.com

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Julia Reading

BSC (Hons) MChS, HPC Registered Podiatrist

St Albans Adventure Group Do you enjoy the great outdoors?

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

07746 472781

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

Want to make new friends with similar interests?

We do a walk or bike ride most Sundays in and around the local area. We also go further afield one weekend a month: recent trips have included the Peak District, the south Glamorgan coast and the Ridgeway long distance footpath (in several stages).

On Wednesday evenings we have social events such as talks, slide shows, cinema trips, pub evenings, local walks, quizzes and games.

Come and join us! Find out more at www.stalbansadventuregroup.org.uk

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NOW for a Bike Ride My 100 (ish!) Breeze Ride Thank Friday its Cycling 6th Oct 10am Women only, Graceful Greens and Mellow Yellows. Meet at The Hub, Redbourn High Street AL3 7LL, 20 miles, steady pace.

All bike types.

Blues Go Exploring Purple 7th Oct 9.30am Women only, Pacey Purples and Blazing Blues. Meet at The Hub, Redbourn High Street AL3 7LL, 35 miles, challenging pace.

All bike types.

Graceful Greens Celebrate 500 FaceBook Members!

14th Oct 9.30am Women only, meet at the Oval Café, Harpenden AL5 4BX 20 miles, steady pace. All bike types.

Mellow Yellows Autumn Fun 20th Oct 10am Women only, Graceful Greens and Mellow Yellows. Meet at the Oval Café, Harpenden AL5 4BX. 12 miles, easy going. Mountain bikes, hybrid, off road and road tyres.

Possibly the Last Friday Frolic of the Year 27th Oct 10am Women only. Meet at Harpenden Cycles, Southdown AL5 1QQ 35 miles, challenging pace. All bike types. www.letsride.co.uk

Five Miles to Fabulous 7th Oct & 4th Nov 9.30am South Herts Cyclists women only cycle ride, meet near the cycle stands Morrisons, Hatfield Road. An easy pace 5 - 10 mile ride, using traffic free routes and quieter roads, with a coffee stop. Any bicycle is fine, but check it beforehand, making sure the tyres are pumped up and the brakes work. www.southhertsctc.org.uk

Remember clocks go back 1 hour from 2am on Sunday 29th October 40

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What’s on in October

27th Sept - 7th Oct St Albans Food & Drink Festival www.radioverulam.com/festival 1st Harvest Festival at the Cathedral see page 18 Race Day at Shuttleworth see page 18 1st - 31st The Big Draw - Living Lines see page 10 3rd - 7th Sister Act Harpenden Public Halls 5th Joel Dommett see page 8 6th Home-Start Extravaganza see page 34 6th - 8th Flower Festival see page 32 Hertford Food & Drink Festival Hertford Castle SG14 1HR 6th - 8th & 10th - 14th Juliet & Her Romeo see page 4 6th - 8th & 13th - 15th Off Road Deer Park Tours see page 32 7th Autumn Opening at Luton Hoo Walled Garden see page 32 8th Highfield Park Apple Day see page 36 Herts 10k Challenge see page 40 Mucky Pup Fun Run see page 34 Trestle Theatre’s Fun Palace see page 4 De Havilland Philharmonic Orchestra 25th Anniversary Concert see page 12 9th You Can’t Put a Plaster on it - World Mental Health Day URC Church, Watford Road AL2 3HG, Soroptimist Women's Group, 8pm 10th 10CC’s Graham Gouldman Harpenden Public Halls 11th Older Peoples Day see page 38 12th Lulu: All About the Music Tour see page 8 12th - 14th Showtime at the First Baptist see page 4 13th - 15th Herts Jazz Festival see page 16 14th Mozart’s Requiem see page 16 St Cecilia Festival Chorus see page 18 Sausage Sizzle & Cake Sale Bunnings, Griffiths Way, St Albans, raising funds for HIV support services in Herts, 8am - 5pm ]

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Walk: Fungal Foray Sherrards Park Wood www.sherrardsparkwoodwardens.org.uk 14th & 15th Harvest Festival see page 32 16th - 22nd Pop in for the Pop-up 8 Leyton Road, furniture showroom Returned to Glory bespoke furniture & soft furnishings, 8.30am-5pm / Sun 10am-2pm 17th Alexander O’Neal see page 8 18th All Mouth The Radlett Centre, ventriloquist Paul Zerdin, America’s Got Talent winner 2015 Penguins St Mary's Church, Childwickbury AL3 6JJ, St Albans, Harpenden & District Philatelic Society, 8pm www.stalbharpstampclub.org.uk 19th BBC Big Band Ella Fitzgerald: 100 see page 8 20th The Icicle Works Harpenden Public Halls 21st Caritas Harmony Choir see page 16 21st - 29th Shop Oddity see page 38 Pumpkin Festival at Willows see page 24 Half Term at Rye Meads see page 32 21st - 31st Boo at the Zoo see page 25 22nd Luxury Wedding Show see page 7 Harpenden Antiques Fair Harpenden Public Halls, 10am - 4pm, £2 23rd Harpenden Apple Day see page 36 23rd - 27th Half Term at Shuttleworth see page 24 24th - 29th Circus Zyair Harpenden Common www.circus-zyair.co.uk 25th Halloween at Burstons see page 3 Bug Hunt West Lodge, Highfield Park, St Albans AL4 0RA, 10.30am - 12.30pm, £3 25th - 27th Pumpkin Trail & Treats at Knebworth see page 24 26th Big Country see page 16 27th Nina Conti: In Your Face see page 8 27th & 28th Open Cockpits at RAF London see page 18 29th Retroplex Film Club: Carrie see page 4

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What’s on in November 44

1st A Night of Dirty Dancing The Alban Arena, 7.30pm 2nd Choral Eucharist for All Souls St Albans Cathedral, the boys of the Cathedral Choir, 5pm Live on Mars The Alban Arena, musical tribute celebrating David Bowie, 8pm 3rd Shalamar The Alban Arena, 7.30pm 4th Christmas Market Hatfield House 10.30am - 4pm, £2 www.hatfield-house.co.uk Come & Sing: Fauré’s Requiem St Albans Cathedral, rehearsal: 2.30pm, performance: 6.30pm Fireworks Spectacular Verulamium Park, 7.30pm, gates 6pm 5th The High Sheriff’s Justice Service St Albans Cathedral, 11.15am de Havilland Philharmonic Orchestra Family Concert Fireworks Weston Auditorium, University of Herts, AL10 9EU, 2pm & 4.30pm, £15 / £13, concs £8 / £6, family £36 8th Lunchtime Organ Recital St Albans Cathedral, 12.30pm, free Steam Railways of New Zealand St Mary's Church, Childwickbury AL3 6JJ, St Albans, Harpenden & District Philatelic Society, 8pm www.stalbharpstampclub.org.uk 10th - 12th Exhibition: Harpenden Arts Club Harpenden Public Halls www.harpendenartsclub.org.uk Christmas Fair Knebworth Barns, 10am - 5pm, £5, child £5 www.knebworthhouse.com 10th - 12th & 14th - 18th Jerusalem Abbey Theatre AL1 2DL 01727 857861, funny play with strong language 11th Tylers Wonderland see page 34 Harpenden Record Fair Harpenden Public Halls, 10am - 4pm, free entry Shark in the Park Weston Auditorium, University of Herts, AL10 9EU, ages 2+, 2pm Armistice Day St Albans Cathedral, 11am, 2 minutes silence & act of remembrance 12th Remembrance Sunday St Albans Cathedral, Choral Requiem, with 2 minute silence, 10.55am 16th - 19th Frost Fair Hatfield House, 200 stands of unique gifts,10am - 5pm www.hatfield-house.co.uk

17th Midge Ure, The Christians & Altered Images The Alban Arena, 7.30pm Thank ABBA For the Music Harpenden Public Halls, 7.30pm £19.50 18th Brahms: Ein Deutsches Requiem & Strauss: Vier Letzte Lieder St Albans Cathedral, St Albans Bach Choir & the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra, 7.30pm Scouts Charity Quiz Night Wadley Hut, Watford Road, St Albans, 01727 731028, in aid of Rennie Grove Hospice, teams of up to 8 19th Les Mckeown’s Bay City Rollers The Alban Arena, 7.30pm Tree Planting Day Heartwood Forest, Sandridge AL4 9DQ www.heartwood.woodlandtrust.org.uk Hertfordshire Half Marathon Knebworth House www.knebworthhouse.com 21st The Stylistics The Alban Arena, 7.30pm 22nd Ed Byrne The Alban Arena, 8pm, £24 25th Mosaic Workshop Verulamium Museum, 01727 751810, for adults, 10am - 4pm, £75 Organ Recital St Albans Cathedral, 5.30pm, free 25th & 29th Tower Tours St Albans Cathedral, £9 25th: 11.30am, 1pm, 2.30pm 29th: 11am & 12.30pm 25th Nov - 23rd Dec St Albans Christmas Market St Albans Cathedral Vintry Garden, Mon-Weds & Fri 11am 6pm / Thurs 11am - 8pm / Sat & Sun 10am - 6pm 26th Elaine Paige The Alban Arena, 7.30pm Harpenden Christmas Carnival 12 noon Film: David Hockney: A Bigger Picture & 82 Portraits & 1 Still Life The SandPit Theatre, The Ridgeway AL4 9NX, 3pm, £5 Victorian Christmas Fair Mill Green Museum AL9 5P www.welhat.gov.uk 27th Cyber-Stalking Maltings Theatre, St Albans, Soroptimist Women's Group, 7.30pm 29th Nov - 1st Dec Happy Family High Street Methodist Church, Harpenden, High Street Players www.hsplayer.org.uk 30th The Great British Take Off Harpenden Public Halls, 8pm £20, Jon Culshaw & Bill Dare

Come and Join Kingsbury WI Make Some New Friends We meet every 3rd Tuesday 9.45am - 12 noon Dagnall Street Baptist Church Hall Excellent Speakers Walking Group Book Group and Scrabble For more information please call Pat Legerton on 01727 822157

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Index of Businesses Dance & Drama 39 Penny Waterman School of Dance 26 Aerial Installations & Repairs Stagecoach 28 Concorde Aerials 15 Dog Boarding Architect / Project Management Wagging Tails 33 Leefran Design 11 Domestic Appliance Repairs Beauty Leigh Hibon 47 The Cove Spa 37 Education Bicycle Repairs Kumon 26 Cycletech Herts 41 Electrician Bicycle Shop Alban Electrical Services 14 CTH Cycles 41 Fencing Building Services Verulam Fencing 31 Brockhall Building Services 21 Open Plan Solutions 21 Finance AMR Financial Café Management 45 Inn on the Park - Halloween Den Parties 24 Football Club St Albans City Youth FC Carpentry / Joinery - Football Camps 27 Chris Smyth 13 - Players Wanted 26 Children’s Early Learning Garden Centre Gymboree 29 Burston Garden Centre 3 Adventure Group St Albans Adventure Group

Children’s Holiday Camps Alex 360 Holiday Camps Children’s Nursery Redbourn House Day Nursery Chiropodists Julia Reading Kathy Witchard Cleaning Daily Poppins Domestique Merrivac Mobile Maid

Loft Ladders Home Counties Loft Ladders

19

Painters & Decorators CB Decorators Gary Rackley M & M Decorators

20 20 20

Plasterers A Merson Plastering

17

Plumber DJ&M Plumbing Services Ltd

17 & 47

Recruitment Part Time Vacancy - Goss Coating Ltd

5

Removals Akers Stephens Removals

23 23

Roofing GJ Smith Roofing K & D Flat Roofing

11 11

Security Maximum Security

15

Shutters The Harpenden Shutter Company

13

Slimming Lighter Life

38

29 Hairdressers Karla Jordan’s Hairdressing 37

Stairlifts Age UK Stairlifts

45

39 Handyman 39 Trust in Blue

Tree Surgeons Fircroft Tree Surgery Ltd

31

TV Repairs JB TV Services

14

Gardening / 2 Landscaping Garden Life Landscapes Justin Leon

Hearing Services 22 Hearing Healthcare 23 Practice 22 22 Insurance NFU Mutual

Conservatory Roof Solutions Nu-Look 9 Locksmith Lock Around the Clock

30 30

17

43 5 17

Wedding Show Luxury Wedding Show

7

Windows & Doors Cloudy2Clear Kings Windows

Back Cover 13

Women’s Institute Kingsbury WI

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can accept no liability or its advertisers.

DJ&M PLUMBING SERVICES LTD ●

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Complete

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Bathroom, Cloakroom, Shower Room and Kitchen Installations

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Local Family Run Business, Over 30 Years Experience

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Honest and Reliable Service Free Consultation/ Quotation for all Enquiries

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Tiling Plastering Electrical

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Discounts On All Bathrooms Supplied

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

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

www.djmplumbing.co.uk

To Advertise: 07983 588291 jane@theNOWmagazines.com

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