st albans NOW Oct 18

st albans October 2018

NOW

Pumpkins, Ghosts & Ghouls Walks, War Brides & Windrush

War History & More Walks, Wellies & Wizards What’s on & lots more

promoting local businesses, organisations and events since 2006

choose local first 1

2

To Adv

Welcome to October As autumn draws near and the leaves turn the glorious colours of red, yellow and gold, it’s the perfect time for woodland walks, roaring fires and hot chocolate. This months magazine is brimming over with amazing events from the Poppy Field at the Cathedral to meeting War Veterans at Duxford and lots of Halloween events from Boo at the Zoo to the Spooky Mad Lab, and Pumpkin Carving galore!

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

Have a spooktacular October!

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

4

poppy field, talks & more

NOW at The Alban Arena

6

comedy, music & more

Walks, Talks & More

8

Woburn, Ashridge & Luton Hoo

St Albans City Walks

9

walking through history

NOW for some Music 10 jazz, pop & choirs

Walks, War Brides & Windrush 12 Shuttleworth & RAF London

War History & More 18 a little local history

Pumpkins, Ghosts & Ghouls 24 all things Halloween

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

NOW at the Cathedral

3 months £43 per edition £52 per edition £64 per edition £110 per edition

other options are available

more for the kids

NOW for Some Art 32 The Big Draw & more

What’s on in October 42 & November 44 Index of Businesses 46

Please get in touch jane@theNOWmagazines.com

Walks, Wellies & Wizards 26

07983 588291

aerials to windows & doors

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

Planning a Party?

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

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

To Advertise: 07983 588291 jane@theNOWmagazines.com

3

NOW at the Cathedral Talk: Vanity of Vanities!

Making Meaning of Ecclesiastes 3rd Oct 7.30pm Looking at Kohelet (Ecclesiastes) and the theologies behind its unique take on the human condition. Tutor: Rabbi Adam Zagoria-Moffet, St Albans Masorti Synagogue. £10 Harvest Festival 7th Oct 9.30am Celebration for all ages with the chance to give gifts of food to be donated to a local Food Bank.

Tower Tours 20th 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 chambers, before climbing onto the roof of the tower. Please book, £9.50.

The Mayor of St Albans Civic Service 21st Oct 11.15am Sung by the Cathedral Choir.

Herts Musical Memories 7th Oct 1pm Vibrant singing session for those with dementia and their carers. Hosted by Herts Musical Memories, with an eclectic mix of songs this session will be fun, therapeutic and guaranteed to raise a smile. All are invited to watch, listen or join in.

Talk: Public Memorialisation of the Dead in St Albans, 1914-25 25th Oct 7.30pm Charting the development of public commemoration in St Albans from the Boer War through the Great War and finishing in 1925.

Tutor: Jonathan Mein, Local Historian. £10

Talk: Haunted by Christ 11th Oct 7.30pm W H Auden was the foremost voice of politically aware younger poets before World War II. This talk explores his works and how his belief is reflected in them. Tutor: The Right Rev’d Lord Harries of Pentregarth. £10

Poppy Field 26th & 27th Oct 7.30pm - 11pm free A magnificent light and sound installation to commemorate the centenary of the end of WWI. With a stunning projection of poppies, filling the Nave and the names of local soldiers who have served in the armed forces, and falling rose petals to be projected over the Shrine of Alban.

Lunchtime Organ Recital 17th Oct 12.30pm free Stephen King, Organist, Brentwood Cathedral Modern Warfare - More Trying to Win Peace 18th Oct 7.30pm A look at how Britain's forces engage in conflicts

4

around the world with a focus on winning peace.

Tutor: Dr Kevin Shaw, Northwood HQ. £10

Memorial Service 28th Oct 6.30pm Reflective service for those who have been bereaved in recent years, Sung by the Saint John Singers.

St Albans Cathedral stalbanscathedral.org

www.theNOWmagazines.com

5

NOW at The Alban Arena Brian Blessed 3rd Oct 7.30pm £25 Brian will talk about his stage and screen career with anecdotes from Flash Gordon, Black Adder, Z Cars and his roles in Shakespearean plays.

At Last: The Etta James Story 4th Oct 7.30pm £38.50, £28.50 Starring Vika Bull this tells the story of soul legend Etta James with songs including I’d Rather Go Blind and Something’s Got A Hold On Me. Magic Of Motown 5th Oct 8pm £26.50 Prepare yourself for 40 back-to-back classic Motown hits.

60s Gold 6th Oct 3pm & 7.30pm £35 With The Searchers, The Merseybeats, The Fortunes, PJ Proby and much more.

50 Years of The Alban Arena A Gala Celebration 7th Oct 7pm £25, £20, £15 Hosted by Bob Golding with a fantastic lineup: Adam Hills (The Last Leg), Gareth Gates, Shaun Williamson, Rita Simons and much more.

Danny Baker: Good Time Charlie’s Back!

8th Oct 7.30pm £22.50, £20 A nationwide, high-principled, peppy series of one-night-stands, come and enjoy.

Joan Armatrading 10th Oct 7.30pm £32.50 Singing new tracks and many old favourites too.

Madama Butterfly 12th Oct 7.30pm £33, £30

6

An Evening with Eric & Ern with Jonty Stephens and Ian Ashpitel 13th Oct 3pm & 8pm £22 You’ll feel you’ve seen the real thing and returned to a world of sunshine and laughter.

Jamie Raven 15th Oct 7.30pm £22, £18, child £15 The man who made Simon Cowell say “I now actually believe in Magic!!” .

Rip It Up 60’s 19th Oct 7.30pm £37.50, £30, £22.50 An explosion of 60’s song and dance.

Milkshake! Live 20th Oct 12 noon & 3.30pm £15, child £13.50 The Milkshake! cast will be singing songs and sharing stories that everyone will know and love.

Hertfordshire Wedding Fair 21st Oct 11am - 4pm free Neil Oliver: The Story of the British Isles in 100 Places 22nd Oct 7.30pm £22.50, child £15 He’s travelled every corner of Britain, and filmed BBC2’s ‘Coast’, hear what Britain means to him.

Jason Donovan and His Amazing Midlife Crisis 23rd Oct 7.30pm £25 A unique opportunity to see him like never before.

This show will zigzag through his life, with stories about Neighbours, Kylie, Joseph and more.

A Beautiful Noise 24th Oct 7.30pm £29.50, £27.50 Award winning Fisher Stevens celebrates the life and music of Neil Diamond with tracks such as He Ain’t Heavy, Sweet Caroline and many more.

Whitney: Queen of the Night 25th Oct 7.30pm £24 A rollercoaster ride of classic hits including Saving All My Love, I will Always Love You, and many more.

Jackson Live in Concert 26th Oct 8pm £23.50 See ‘CJ’ as he perfectly captures Michael’s electrifying energy and music.

One Night of Queen Performed by Gary Mullen & The Works 27th Oct 7.30pm £22 In 2000, Gary Mullen won “Stars In Their Eyes” and has performed to audiences worldwide.

Ross Noble: El Hablador 30th & 31st Oct 8pm £25 Ross returns to dance around the stage spinning out all the nonsense in his head.

The Alban Arena AL1 3LD alban-arena.co.uk

www.theNOWmagazines.com

7

Walks, Talks & More

Watercolour Workshops 28th & 30th Oct 1pm - 4pm Join local artist Liz Rogers and create a painting of the autumn colours at Ashridge. Materials and refreshments provided.

Adult £30 please book 01442 851227 Ashridge Visitor Centre, Berks HP4 1LT nationaltrust.org.uk/ashridge

Talk: In the Footsteps of Shackleton

Woburn Abbey Off Road Deer Park Tours 5th & 12th Oct 7am 6th, 7th, 13th & 14th Oct 7am & 4.30pm Woburn Abbey Deer Park covers over 3000 acres, making it one of the largest private conservation parks in Europe. It has nine free roaming species of deer. The Red and Fallow Deer are native to the UK, the other seven species originate from Asia. Join the Deer Keepers for a 1.5 hour tour where you’ll get up close to the deer and learn more about them.

October is the breeding season (the rut), often with dramatic clashes between stags to win control of their herds. Wear suitable clothing and footwear and bring a camera and binoculars. £30, age 14+ please book 01525 290333 Brunch with Queen Victoria 18th Oct 10.30am - 1.30pm £40 Follow in Victoria’s footsteps and her 1841 visit to the Abbey. Discover the family’s connections and the intimate role they played in Victoria’s circle through an in-depth talk from experts. Rarely seen treasures and archive accounts shed new light on the life of a great house as it played host to the monarch.

Woburn Abbey MK17 9WA woburnabbey.co.uk

Ashridge

8

Walk: Ashridge in Autumn 6th Oct 10am - 2pm Guided walk at one of the most scenic times of year. Adult £8, child £5, please book Gentle Stroll: Deer Rut 17th Oct 10.30am - 12.30pm Join the volunteers to search for fallow deer during the rutting season. £3 Deer Rut Walk 19th - 21st & 26th - 28th Oct 7am - 9am Join the rangers to search for fallow deer.

Adult £10, child £8 please book

11th Oct 8pm Nearly 100 years ago Ernest Shackleton led an expedition to cross Antarctica, his ship was crushed in pack ice and sank, and he and his 27 men drifted on the ice for 15 months. Martin Thomas will give an illustrated account of this amazing story, and talk about his experience of re-tracing Shackletons steps. £12, 01582 833581 St Helen’s Church, Wheathampstead AL4 8AA

Luton Hoo Walled Garden Talk: Repton in Bedfordshire 26th Oct 10.30am -12.30pm £3 per person in aid of the restoration of the Walled Garden Autumn Open Day 31st Oct 10.30am -1pm With tours giving a history of the garden and an insight into this volunteer-run enterprise. Plus, children's activities including snail racing.

Adult £5, child £3 Entry is via the West Hyde Road / Newmill End turning off A1081, LU1 4LF lutonhooestate.co.uk

Herts & Middx Wildlife Trust Smartphone Safari - Colours of Autumn 30th Oct 2pm - 4pm Learn to use your smartphone to take stunning wildlife photos with a professional photographer.

The rules of photography are the same whether you have a smartphone or a £20k camera composition, exposure and passion. Stroll through the park, seeking out the colours of autumn and learning how to take photos of the plants, flowers, trees and landscape. Finish at the Inn on the Park cafe, where you will hear how to get the best from the free apps available to improve your images and have a chance to ask questions.

Please book. £15, proceeds go towards Herts & Middx Wildlife Trust, age 14+ Verulamium Park, St Albans hertswildlifetrust.org.uk/events

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 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 St Albans Museum + Gallery, St Peter's Street AL3 5DJ unless otherwise stated. Buy tickets from the guide on the day.

Walks last about one and a half hours Adult £5, child £2 (5-15 years) Visit our website for full details of our walks and other information Historic St Albans - A City Revealed 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th Oct @ 11am 4th, 18th, 25th Nov @ 11am A Roman City Revealed 13th Oct @ 2.30pm Meet outside Verulamium Museum Fishpool Street - Rags and Riches 6th, 20th Oct @ 2.30pm Meet outside Verulamium Museum There’s More to the Tudors than Henry VIII 14th Oct @ 2.30pm Crime & Punishment 21st Oct @ 2.30pm Historic Pubs of St Albans 7th Oct @ 2.30pm Abbey Parish War Memorials 24th, 27th, 31st Oct @ 2.30pm 3rd,7th, 14th, 17th Nov @ 2.30pm Meet at the West Door of St Albans Cathedral Street War Memorials 11th Nov @ 10.50am & 2pm Ghosts & Ghouls** 27th, 31st Oct @ 7pm & 31st Oct @ 7.30pm 10th, 24th, 25th, 26th, 27th, 29th, 30th, 31st Oct @ 8pm 7th, 21st Nov @ 8pm Haunted Harpenden** 31st Oct @ 7.30pm **Ghosts & Ghouls and Haunted Harpenden These walks are only available by booking in advance on line *

www.stalbanstourguides.co.uk

www.theNOWmagazines.com

9

St Peter’s Church

NOW for some Music Herts Jazz Festival 5th - 7th Oct "One of Britain’s finest jazz events" Alyn Shipton, The Times Broadway Cinema & Theatre Letchworth Garden City SG6 3DD hertsjazzfestival.co.uk

The SandPit Theatre Carmina Burana 6th Oct 7pm The Hardynge Choir present a programme of music for choir. With children’s choirs from Roundwood Primary and Princess Helena College, two pianos and percussion, conducted

by Rufus Frowde.

Daughtrey’s Sizzle!, Schubert’s Licht und Liebe (Light and Love), D352 and Nacht und Träume (Night and Dreams), D827, Die Nachtigall (The Nightingale) and Morgengruss (Morning Greeting),

by Felix Mendelssohn and his sister, Fanny Hensel. Concluding with the ever-popular Carmina Burana, a scenic cantata composed by Carl Orff. It’s full of life and vitality, anger, splendidly earthy desires, revolt against the rigidity of medieval times, parody and lusty enjoyment of life. £13, concs £7, child free (ticket required) The Sandpit Theatre, St Albans AL4 9NX sandpittheatre.co.uk

Barn Theatre Singers at the Barn 7th Oct & 4th Nov 7pm A chance to enjoy at least 15 acts singing or playing a wide range of music. Why not have a go yourself, perform your choice of one or two songs with a professional pianist (if required), in front of a friendly, supportive audience.

Please call for more information 01707 324300 Handside Lane, Welwyn Garden City AL8 6ST barntheatre.co.uk

10

Carillon Chamber Choir 13th Oct 7.30pm Sergei Rachmaninov - Vespers (The All-Night Vigil, op. 37) Alissa Firsova - Stabat Mater The Vespers will be performed by candlelight, and the programme will also include Russian piano works. £15, concs £13, child £5 St Peter’s Church, St Albans AL1 3HG 01582 763774 ward.geoff.t21@btinternet.com

St Nicholas Church Animal Cracker’s 13th Oct 8pm The Music Makers Choir of Harpenden perform some charmingly engaging works including Bob Chilcott’s Aesop’s Fables, John Tavener’s The Lamb, Stanford’s The Bluebird, Eric Whitacre’s The Seal Lullaby and his delightful set, Animal Crackers. £15, £12, child £6 07947 800153 St Nicholas Church, Harpenden AL5 2TP ticketsource.co.uk/musicmakers

St Saviour's Church Sax & The City 20th Oct 7.30pm Contemporary music for choir and saxophone with St Albans Chamber Choir Ian Stephens: Timepieces Richard Sisson: Pied Beauty Will Todd: Songs of Love £15, child £5 St Saviour’s Church, St Albans AL1 4DF stalbanschamberchoir.org.uk

UK Choir Festival 20th & 21st Oct Bringing a unique singing experience to St Albans, the Festival gives choirs the opportunity to be taught by some of the best workshop leaders in the UK. It’s non-competitive, but very much ‘hands -on’ for everyone to watch and learn from each other while being guided and developed.

St Albans High School for Girls, Townsend Avenue AL1 3SJ ukchoirfestival.com

Bedford Corn Exchange The Little Mix Experience 24th Oct 6pm Four hugely talented girls pay tribute to one of the UK’s finest girl bands. They look like Little Mix, sound like Little Mix, they are "The Little Mix Experience" £14.50 in advance bedfordcornexchange.com.uk

www.theNOWmagazines.com

11

Walks, War Brides & Windrush Shuttleworth Collection The Spirit of Shuttleworth - Race Day 7th Oct 9am - 6pm, air display 2pm Celebrating Richard Shuttleworth’s passion for racing, veteran cars and vintage aviation. The smell of oil and the roar of engines will bring the excitement of mock air races to Shuttleworth, along with vintage aircraft flying displays, live music, visiting car and motorcycle clubs, and fun activities.

The Shuttleworth Sprint is a ‘classic’ sprint course along a grass runway. It’s purely fun and noncompetitive, why not come in 1920’s fashions and get into the spirit of the between the wars era.

Adult £27, child free Autumn Walk & Lunch with the Head Gardener 12th Oct 10.30am - 2pm Enjoy a tour of the Garden with the Head Gardener, who will share its story, and talk about its recent restoration. Age 16+ £25 Photography Night Shoot 13th Oct 5pm A chance to capture images of select aircraft and vehicles, in the lovely ‘blue hour’ when day turns to night. See the newly restored Spitfire, Westland Lysander, plus hopefully one of the collections older aircraft weather permitting, they will be set up on the flood lit airfield with engines running. The official collection photographers will be on hand. £60 includes a hot drink and meal Fungal Foray 14th Oct 10am - 1pm A walk led by mycology experts around the Swiss Garden and adjoining woodland in search of interesting fungi. £8, concs £7, child free Lovely Leaves & Toadstools 22nd & 23rd Oct Create leaf collages and clay mushrooms.

Please book, adult £8, concs £7, child £1 Terrific Toadstool Trail 20th - 28th Oct Collect an activity sheet from the Visitor Centre, make your way round the garden and find the clues to complete the challenge. £8, concs £7, child free

12

The Swiss Garden at Night 25th & 26th Oct 6pm - 9pm As part of the Museums at Night event, the Swiss Garden will open to show off its features in an entirely new light. See magnificent cedars, ancient oaks and rustic buildings beautifully highlighted, and re-visit Lord Ongley’s lamp-lit Regency garden.

Please bring a torch. £10, child £3 The Shuttleworth Collection, Beds SG18 9EP shuttleworth.org

RAF London War Brides until 15th Sept 2019 Global conflict and the mobilisation of troops during World War II brought couples together who would never normally have met. Couples met on the dance floor, on air bases, blind dates, in queues, hospitals or air raid shelters. For war brides, a new husband meant a new country. Artist Bev Tosh work portrays war brides of airmen stationed on RAF bases in the UK during WWII and Canadian brides of ‘flyboys’ from England, Australia and New Zealand trained in Canada.

Airfix Make & Take 22nd - 26th Oct 11am - 3pm With a variety of models available suitable for seasoned model makers and those new to Airfix. £3, age 8+ Assemble and decorate a bi-plane, under 8s Children must be supervised by an adult Wings of Windrush 28th Oct 11am - 4pm, free Celebrating the contributions of Afro Caribbean RAF service personnel 11am: Calypso melodies from Alexander D Great 11.30am, 1pm & 2.30pm: Storytelling 11.30am: Talk - Windrush & the RAF 12.15pm: On the Wings of Windrush 1pm: Pilots of the Caribbean: Flying Colours 2pm: Phoenix Dance Theatre 3pm: Music from Vimala Rowe & John Etheridge RAF London NW9 5LL rafmuseum.org.uk

Build • Replace • Repair

For All Your Carpentry & Property Maintenance Needs

www.theNOWmagazines.com

13

DJ&M Plumbing Services Ltd Lord Adonis Calls for a People’s Vote Lord Adonis, the Labour peer, spoke recently at an open meeting in St Albans about the current state of Brexit negotiations and the fast-growing campaign for a People’s Vote on any deal. He warned Brexit threatened peace in Europe and urged people to act and join a local group campaigning for a People’s Vote on the Brexit deal.

Lord Adonis said: “We have not faced an issue as divisive and as detrimental to the long-term interests of the country as Brexit for decades. The right thing for the country is to stay an active member of the European Union. As it becomes clear that the Brexit people were promised in 2016 is an impossibility, it becomes equally evident that we need a People’s Vote to get us out of this mess.”

“My nationwide tour has taught me that people voted to leave as a revolt against a situation where, for too long, problems have been neglected. This has happened in community after community. What we need to do is not stop Brexit and do nothing; it is to stop Brexit and change Britain in ways that transform the lives of people in this country. Brexit of any description will make all of these issues and challenges worse.”

Fiona McAndrew, Chair of St Albans for Europe said: “It was an informative and thought-provoking discussion and a show of hands demonstrated that a wide range of people overwhelmingly support the campaign for a People’s Vote. There is not much time to stop this looming Brexit disaster; we have action days in October and we want as many people as possible to join us, campaign with us, help man our stalls, hand out leaflets, and make sure everyone knows we can turn this around. If you’d like to get involved, sign up at www.stalbans4europe.co.uk.”

20th Oct: People’s Vote March for the Future www.peoples-vote.uk @StAlbans4Europe Chair: Fiona McAndrew mcandrewfiona@gmail.com Secretary: Helen Campbell cblhelen@yahoo.co.uk

14

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

and Dishwashers ● Repair Leaking Pipes ● Outside Taps

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

www.theNOWmagazines.com

15

NOW at the Local Theatres

The Sandpit Theatre

Hey Diddle Diddle 21st Oct 2pm When the full moon shines bright there’s magic in the air, and all the animals come out to play. Stay up late with flying cows, jazzy cats and runaway Maltings Arts Theatre crockery as you jump and jive to the music in a Mostly Comedy brilliant new take on the classic nursery rhyme.

4th Oct 8pm £13 A hilarious adventure filled with music and John Tomson & Jenny Collier puppetry, ages 3+ £8 / £6 1st Nov 8pm £13 NOT: Lady Chatterley’s Lover Simon Day & Spring Day 27th Oct 7.30pm Maltings Arts Theatre AL1 3HL Think Naked Gun and Airplane, mixed with a maltingsartstheatre.co.uk steamy costume drama in this laughter-filled parody of the DH Lawrence novel. Lady Trestle Arts Base Chatterley welcomes home her husband Clifford, Trestle Fun Palace from a war that has left the world in tatters. He St Albans Museum + Gallery arrives at Wragby Hall confined to a wheelchair, 6th Oct 10am - 3pm, free they grow apart and Constance falls into a Trestle have teamed up with St Albans Museum + Gallery to explore concepts of the human form passionate, sexual and curiously experimental affair with the estate gamekeeper. through creativity and family fun. Enjoy yoga £10 / £7, ages 16+ tasters, art sessions, craft workshops, mayhem making and much more.

Rustle 29th Oct 11.30am & 2.30pm School of Drama Workshops PaddleBoat Theatre Company invites you help Trestle Arts Base AL4 0JQ set up camp and settle down for the greatest 30th Oct: Monster Mash-Up 10am Age 4 - 7 campfire story ever told: where sleeping bags Little monsters can bring along Halloween costumes and using drama and games bring the evolve into monsters, rucksacks become friends characters to life for a party at the end of the day. and torches highlight the forest's closest secrets.

31st Oct: A Ghouls Night Out 3pm Age 8 - 14 Ages 4+ £8, £6 Film: A Nightmare on Elm Street Using drama imagine what would happen if ghouls and spooks walked the land of the living 30th Oct 8pm for a night. Bring your Halloween ideas and The monstrous spirit of a slain janitor seeks costumes and create a spooky story to share at revenge by invading the dreams of teenagers. £5 the end of the day. trestle.org.uk The Sandpit Theatre, St Albans AL4 9NX sandpittheatre.co.uk

Abbey Theatre

Dangerous Corner 12th - 14th & 16th - 20th Oct A simple remark sets off a whole series of shocking revelations in JB Priestly's masterful examination of truth and lies.

An Evening with Mr WS Gilbert & Mr Arthur Sullivan 25th & 26th Oct A cornucopica of musical delights courtesy of St Albans Chamber Opera.

Abbey Theatre, St Albans AL1 2DL abbeytheatre.org.uk

16

Wheathampstead Dramatic Society My Mother Said I Never Should 25th - 27th Oct 8pm A poignant, bittersweet story about love, jealousy and the price of freedom. It examines the lives of four women through the immense social changes of the twentieth century, focusing on four generations of one family as they confront the most significant moments of their lives. £10 The Memorial Hall, Wheathampstead wheathampsteaddramaticsociety.co.uk

www.theNOWmagazines.com

17

War History & More

18

St Albans Museum + Gallery

Ampthill Great Park

Mayors, Magistrates & Museum: A Town Hall Revealed 10th & 24th Oct & 7th & 21st Nov 2.30pm - 3.30pm, free See the newly restored building and discover the fascinating functions and features of the historic spaces inside. From the Assembly Room to the Cells where prisoners were held, come and discover the hidden stories of this local landmark.

Please book Your Country Needs You... but?

24th Oct 7pm - 8pm, free, adults only The St Albans City Military Service Tribunal decided the fate of over a thousand local men between 1916 and 1918. Why were the tribunals held? How fair was the process of ‘city fathers’ deciding the destiny of other men? These questions will be addressed as historic cases are re-enacted and you can give your judgments.

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

Workshops: 29th Oct, 1st Nov & 3rd Nov 10.30am - 12.30pm & 2pm - 4pm Film: A County at War, Life on the Home Front in Hertfordshire 27th Oct - 15th Nov free A film made from photographs supplied by local museums and the public, highlighting the unsung heroes of the Home Front. The film is interlaced with original recordings and songs of the period and makes compulsive viewing.

St Albans Museum + Gallery stalbansmuseums.org.uk

WWI Living History Encampment 12th Oct 11am - 5.30pm 13th Oct 10am - 5.30pm Visit the WWI Living History encampment for an insight into life at a soldier training camp. Free Ampthill Great Park, Ampthill MK45 2HX ampthilltowncouncil.org.uk/park

IWM Duxford Aeroplane Investigators: From Mini-Beasts to Melting Metal 23rd Oct 11am - 1pm & 2pm - 4pm Duxford needs your help to keep the iconic aircraft in tip-top condition. You are invited to go behind the ropes, get hands-on, and learn how conservators look after aeroplanes, from famous WWII classics to one-of-a-kind Cold War aircraft, the Victor.

Paper Plane Challenge 24th & 26th Oct 11am - 1pm & 2pm - 4pm Could you be an aeroplane designer? Can your family rise to the challenge? Design the perfect paper plane and learn the principles of flight.

Using the design famed for breaking the current world record, made in 2012, see who among your family can fly a paper plane the furthest.

We Were There: Meet Veterans & Eyewitnesses 25th Oct 11am - 3pm A chance to meet war veterans and eyewitnesses, including those who lived through WWII and hear their personal stories of conflict.

Discover the stories of military veterans and find out what it was like to live in London during the Blitz; be evacuated during wartime or live in Cambridgeshire when the Americans arrived.

Please note that due to the unique nature of this event, eyewitness availability may vary.

IWM Duxford, Cambs CB22 4QR iwm.org.uk

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

www.theNOWmagazines.com

19

English Tuition ✓ Expert one-to-one tutoring in the comfort of your own home ✓ Friendly and reliable tutor with over 25 years of teaching experience ✓ DBS checked ✓ All levels: Key Stages 2 and 3, GCSE, A level, university, adult learners ✓ Thorough marking and feedback service ✓ Help with personal statements and university applications ✓ 20% discount for introductory session

07971 138712 michaelsdhooper@gmail.com

20

www.theNOWmagazines.com

21

22

www.theNOWmagazines.com

23

Pumpkins, Ghosts & Ghouls Pumpkin Festival 25th Oct - 4th Nov Pick your pumpkin from Willows Pumpkin Patch and carve it in the Carving Cavern.

The Pumpkin-tastic programme also includes arts and crafts, Pumpkin Olympics, the Pumpkin Show and the Magic-Ween Show with Samtastic.

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

Halloween Trail & Craft 22nd - 26th Oct 10am - 4pm £3 Make spooky crafts and follow the Halloween trail.

Ashridge Visitor Centre, Berks HP4 1LT nationaltrust.org.uk/ashridge

Wrest Park Ghosts, Ghouls & Goings On 22nd - 28th Oct 11am - 4pm Grab your cloaks and steady your nerves as your little horrors scare themselves silly this Halloween.

Mysterious goings-on await you as you meet the gruesome guides as they take you on a journey into the puzzling past. Use all your wits to solve the riddles and claim your terrifying treat. Have a go at some creepy crafts and try your hand at carving a petrifying pumpkin to take away. £10.90, child £6.50, concs £9.80, £4 per pumpkin Halloween Woodland Walk 26th & 27th Oct Tours: 5.30pm, 6.30pm & 7.30pm Join ghost hunters and storytellers extraordinaire, Obadiah Squires and Mrs Bottom, on a trail through rarely trodden woodland paths, as you get ready for a mixture of spine-tingling and humorous stories that will tease and thrill, startle and shock young and old alike. Please dress for the weather.

Please book, £7, child £6, ages 5+ 0370 333 1181 Wrest Park, Beds MK45 4HR english-heritage.org.uk

Halloween at Heritage Close 31st Oct Face painting, ghoulish activities and superheroes will swoop in to get you Halloween ready! Free Heritage Close, St Albans AL3 4EB

Mill Green Museum Carve a Pumpkin 30th Oct 10am, 11.15am, 1.15pm & 2.30pm Ages 4+ £5 Art & Craft for Halloween 31st Oct 10am, 11.15am & 1.15pm Ages 4+ £3.50 Mill Green Museum & Mill AL9 5PD welhat.gov.uk

Halloween Parties 31st Oct 10.15am & 11.30am

Inn on the Park £8.25, ages 3 - 8, please book inn-on-the-park.com

24

Rats, Bats and Cats 31st Oct 10am - 12 noon & 1pm - 3pm A frighteningly fun crafty day, with activities for ages 4-11, children to be accompanied by an adult. £5 per child, please book on 01462 420144 britishschoolsmuseum.org.uk British Schools Museum, Hitchin SG4 9TS

Pumpkin Trail & Treats 30th Oct - 1st Nov 12 noon- 4pm Wear Halloween fancy dress (yes, adults too!) to get in the spirit for the pumpkin activities and trail, then come to the Garden Terrace Tea Room at 3pm for the judging of the daily competition.

Children can bring along a pre-decorated pumpkin.

There’s a daily prize for the best one, judges will be looking for pumpkins that are mostly the child’s own work! There will be a variety of games, including “Terror Tunnel” and “What’s in the Box?”.

Complete your Passport by collecting stamps to claim a goody bag from the Gift Shop.

The Garden Terrace Tea Room the Gardens and Dinosaur Trail will also be open.

Adult £3.50, child £6.95, please book Knebworth House SG1 2AX knebworthhouse.com

Chiltern Gateway Centre Meet at the Centre for all events Autumn Colour Walk 7th Oct 10.30am - 12 noon Walk round the Whipsnade Tree Cathedral and enjoy the best of the autumn colours.

50 Things Club 7th Oct 2pm - 3.30pm On the first Sunday of every month enjoy a '50 Things to do before you are 11 ¾' event.

Autumn Fungi Walk 13th Oct 11am - 12.30pm At this time of mellow fruitfulness come and learn about the fungi found at Dunstable Downs.

Broomstick Making 20th, 21st & 26th Oct 10am - 11.30am & 1pm - 2.30pm Make a broomstick from materials found on the estate, and get your broomstick flying licence.

Pumpkin Trail 20th - 26th Oct 10.30am - 4pm Search for spooky species in pumpkin decorated Chute Wood.

Chiltern Gateway Centre, Dunstable Downs nationaltrust.org.uk

Shuttleworth Collection Hair Raising Halloween Trail 20th - 28th Oct Collect an activity sheet from the Visitor Centre, make your way round the garden and find the clues to complete the challenge. £8, concs £7, child free Halloween Helicopters & Bonfire Blasters 24th - 26th Oct Make rubber band powered Halloween helicopters and paint ‘firework’ rockets in the hangars.

Ages 5 - 12. £15, concs £12, child £1 Halloween at the Swiss Garden 27th Oct A family fun-filled evening, walk the spooky trail stopping for scary stories, then enjoy ghoulish games, please bring a torch, please book 01767 627933. £5, child £8, under 3’s free The Shuttleworth Collection, Beds SG18 9EP shuttleworth.org

Boo at the Zoo 20th - 31st Oct A spook-tacular range of activities, monster mythbuster animal talks and hands-on crafts.

Carve pumpkins, get up-close with invertebrates and discover the not-so-scary side to the amazing animals in the Super Natural Neighbours challenge. Indulge in some devilish fun with the amazing face painting at Hullabazoo, there's a whole range of designs, from pumpkins to spiders!

Additional charges apply for pumpkin carving and face painting.

Whipsnade Zoo zsl.org/zsl-whipsnade-zoo

www.theNOWmagazines.com

25

Walks, Wellies & Wizards Rye Meads Sunset Bat Walk 4th Oct 6.30pm - 7.30pm Embark on a bat hunt as the sun sets, learn about their habits, searching for these mysterious acrobats by sight, and listening for their clicks with bat detectors. After the walk enjoy a wellearned hot drink at the Visitor Centre. Wear warm clothes, bring a torch and bat detector if you have one.

Adult £10, child £7.50, please book Wildlife Watch 14th & 27th Oct 2pm - 4pm Join experienced volunteers in the hides and discover what wildlife you can see, free.

Messy Wellies 17th Oct 10.30am - 11.45am Spend a morning learning about and playing with nature. Explore the reserve and make a craft. £4.50 per child, under 5s, please book Wild Things at Halloween 27th Oct - 4th Nov 10am - 4pm Help the good witch Esmerelda Raventree to foil Morag Spindlefingers’ evil plans by completing Wild Challenge activities and finding clues. Build a den, follow tracks and signs, face your fears, create a creepy craft and take part in a photo competition by posing with the giant Rye Meads Pumpkin. You’ll also receive a Wild Challenge sticker and certificate. Normal entry charges apply plus £2 per child Rye Meads, Rye Road SG12 8JS rspb.org.uk

Chiltern Open Air Museum Family Harvest 13th & 14th Oct Explore the sights, sounds and smells of harvest past, with the Museum’s restored 1947 threshing machine processing the year’s wheat crop, weather permitting, and see display of harvest produce in the chapel. Take part in family friendly Harvest themed craft activities from 11am - 3pm.

Treat yourself to tasty home-cooked food from the BBQ, hear traditional and modern folk songs from The COAM Folk Collective. Admission prices apply

26

Awesome Autumn 23rd Oct 11am - 3.30 pm Enjoy the scavenger hunt, make autumn inspired crafts, create your own tussie mussie, chat to the RSPB about local wildlife and more.

Halloween Spectacular 26th Oct 5pm - 9pm Enjoy a daring fire and LED performance. Take a trip around the spooky walk, discover witches, wizards and ghouls inhabiting the historic buildings. Listen to spine-tingling tales from the scary storyteller. Watch a spooky horse show and much more.

Adult £8, child £12.50, under 4s free (ticket required) Chiltern Open Air Museum HP8 4AB coam.org.uk

Dr Gore's Spooky Mad Lab! 20th - 28th Oct 10am - 3pm Things are getting ever so spooky as Professor Nitrate goes on holiday and lets evil twin Dr Gore take over. Dr Gore's Spooky Mad Lab is the perfect half term treat for all the little ghosts and ghouls out there The Mad Lab is where you will find the slime station to make all types of glorious goo. And cause a stir creating potions for secret purposes. Get creative making witches hats and miniature broomsticks, if your broomstick doesn't get you off the ground try making a rocket instead! Adult £10.50, concs £9, child £8.50 Royal Gunpowder Mills, Waltham Abbey EN9 1 JY royalgunpowdermills.com

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

With a heated big top and an electric atmosphere this promises to be a truly magical experience for the whole family.

Harpenden Common circus-zyair.co.uk

M&M Decorators Fully qualified City and Guilds Over 20 years experience All interior and exterior work undertaken Specialist in all types of wallpaper All work finished to a high professional standard Free quotations at competitive prices Matthew Hayden 01582 270715 01727 867660 07970 720911 mandmdecs@gmail.com

01727 224802 www.theNOWmagazines.com

27

Do Something for Charity their way round the wet and muddy course, raising a phenomenal £130k for the Hospice. Among those who took part were Rob and Jenna Waiser. Rob explained: “It was a great event, just the right balance of physically challenging but manageable….we all stuck together and helped each other where necessary, which was all part of the fun!” Entry is £37.50 and all Mud Packers are asked to raise at least £50 stfrancis.org.uk

Hertfordshire Half Marathon Willow 10K 10th Anniversary 7th Oct 11am This annual race is great for beginners and experienced runners alike and includes 5K and Junior 1K routes, plus a Tiny Tots Scamper for the little ones. This year marks the events 10th anniversary, and the race has seen thousands of runners over the years, whose fundraising has helped to provide hundreds of Special Days for seriously ill young adults in the UK. The route weaves around the grounds of Hatfield House, giving you a chance to see parts of the estate not normally open to the public.

10K entry fee £22.50 / 15-17 years £12.50 5K entry fee £15 / 11-17 years £7.50 Junior 1K, 14 & under £5 Parents can run with children on the 1K Tiny Tots Scamper free Hatfield House willowfoundation.org.uk

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

All runners will receive a chip timed result, unique themed medal, limited edition finishers technical t-shirt, free event photographs and post-race goodies. £34 knebworthhouse.com

Herts 10K 14th Oct Run or walk this beautiful multi-terrain course through the Hertfordshire countryside, starting and finishing at Rothamsted Research, Harpenden. The event attracts thousands of runners and walkers every year, raising valuable funds to support Rennie Grove’s services to local patients suffering from life-limiting illness and their families.

Sign up today at herts10k.com

Mud Pack Challenge 21st Oct A five or ten mile course, including deep muddy trenches for you to wade through in the beautiful grounds of Ashridge House in aid The Hospice of St Francis. Last year saw a record 900 people slip, and slide

28

UK registered charity no 297489

JB TV SERVICES EST 1960

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

 REPAIRS TO ALL

MAKES & MODELS  AUTHORISED REPAIRER OF

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

07961 420535

Email: concordeaerials2@gmail.com

www.theNOWmagazines.com

29

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

The Winter’s Tale live from The Globe 4th Oct 7.15pm A story of jealousy, loss and reconciliation. Directed by critically acclaimed Blanche McIntyre, starring Will as Leontes, Priyanga Burford) as Hermione and Annette Badland as Old Shepherd.

The Importance of Being Earnest live from the Vaudeville Theatre 9th Oct 7.15pm Oscar Wilde’s much-loved masterpiece throws love, logic and language into the air to make one of theatre’s most dazzling firework displays.

Cliff Richard Live: 60th Anniversary Tour 12th Oct 8pm & 14th Oct 3pm Featuring some of his greatest hits across six decades, this will be Cliffs most exciting tour yet. His incredible energy and passion on stage will sweep you off your feet and be sure to have you swaying in the aisles.

Mayerling live from The Royal Opera House 15th Oct 7.15pm & 21st Oct 2pm Dangerous desires, family secrets and political intrigues twist through every moment in Kenneth Macmillan's ballet inspired by true events.

They Shall Not Grow Old 16th Oct 6pm To mark the centenary of the WWI, this film uses the voices of veterans combined with original footage to bring to life the reality of war on the front line. Footage has been colourised, converted to 3D and transformed with modern techniques to show never before seen detail. Created with footage from Imperial War Museums’ film archive and audio from BBC archives.

Funny Girl - The Musical 24th Oct 7.30pm Based on the life and career of Broadway star, film actress and comedienne Fanny Brice and her stormy relationship with entrepreneur and gambler Nick Arnstein. Praised by critics and hailing Sheridan Smith as “the greatest star by far”.

Die Walkure Live from The Royal Opera House 28th Oct 5pm This is the second opera in the cycle of four, and features, the sparkling Magic Fire Music and the electrifying Ride of the Valkyries. But among the musical fireworks and Norse mythology, at the centre of this opera are unforgettable characters and their complex entanglements.

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

30

UHArts Art and Design Gallery Upswing 1st - 4th Oct This circus theatre company will be creating content for an action research project which combines circus with academic theory. Free Exhibition: Inside the Art Collection 12th Oct - 24th Nov A chance to see works from the UHArts Collection not usually on display, many are on view for the first time. Free

Weston Auditorium Private Peaceful 25th Oct 7.30pm 26th Oct 10.30am Direct from the West End and to commemorate the 100th year anniversary of the end of WWI, reliving the life of Private Tommo Peaceful, a young soldier awaiting the firing squad at dawn. During the night, he looks back at his short but joyful past growing up in rural Devon: his exciting first days at school; the accident in the forest that killed his father; his adventures with Molly, the love of his life; and the battles and injustices of war that brought him to the front line. Age 8+ £14, concs £12 concession, child £7 Film: ‘Scars of Dracula’ 30th Oct 7pm Halloween screening of this Hammer classic starring Christopher Lee. Including special guest interview with actress Valerie Leon. In partnership with Studio Canal, UHArts are hosting a series of Elstree Original films. £5 herts.ac.uk

www.theNOWmagazines.com

31

NOW for Some Art level can develop their artistic life. Garden photography encompasses many aspects of other types of image-making - you can create minilandscapes, stalk and photograph all kinds of wildlife - or you can make your flowers look like Hollywood starlets' Stockwood Discovery Centre, Luton LU1 4LX lutonculture.com

Hand Drawn Action Packed until 11th Nov A new exhibition, of ten international artists, exploring narrative in drawing and its many forms.

The artists make imaginative use of their tools, from pen and ink to a smartphone and a stick of charcoal.

St Albans Museum + Gallery AL3 5DJ stalbansmuseums.org.uk

The Arts Society This leading arts education charity, with a global network of local societies, celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. The local branch in Harpenden also celebrates its own 50th anniversary this month with a lecture on 18th October about David Hockney’s picture, Mr & Mrs Clark (and Percy). For further details, to become a member or attend as a guest visit theartssocietyharpendenareadfas.org.uk

Exhibition: Walk a Day in My Shoes 1st Oct - 30th Nov To coincide with World Homeless Day (10th October), the St Albans Arts Team will be displaying poignant images, which formed part of the Squatlife Exhibition. Young people from Herts Young Homeless/Live Life worked with professional photographer Pete Stevens, to document their lives.

Verulamium Park, railings adjacent to The Fighting Cocks Pub facebook.com/stalbanssquatlife

International Garden Photographer of the Year until 26th Nov 10am - 4pm, free With stunning work from both amateur and professional photographers, the exhibition captures beautiful images of plants, habitats and landscapes.

It was started by a group of professional garden photographers 11 years ago, and has quickly become the world's premier competition and exhibition specialising in garden, plant, flower and botanical photography.

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

32

The Big Draw 1st - 31st Oct This year’s theme is Play. For big and small kids alike, the Festival is all about letting loose, discovery, and most importantly having fun with those HBs! St Albans Museums Try out different drawing techniques and be inspired by the more spooky and curious objects in the museums collections.

30th Oct 10am - 5pm Verulamium Museum With artist Jo Hammond, free with admission 31st Oct 10am - 5pm St Albans Museum + Gallery With artist Libby Dillon, free

Printmaking Course 20th & 21st Oct 10am - 5pm A 2 day course with Childwickbury Art School taught by Ali Yanya, a regular exhibitor at the Childwickbury Arts Fair. At the end of the course you’ll take home your own completed prints.

Print Room, Childwickbury Estate, St Albans £120 christianekubrick.com/pages/printmaking-courses

www.theNOWmagazines.com

33

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

Free No Obligation Consultation, Measuring & Quotation

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

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

Teresa & Kevin Buckler

01582 461639 kevin.buckler@fit-ex.com www.fit-ex.com/hertfordshire 20 Bewdley Close Harpenden

34

www.theNOWmagazines.com

35

Apple Days In 1990, dismayed by the loss of so many traditional orchards and amazed at the 3,000 or so varieties of apples grown here, the organisation Common Ground created ‘Apple Day’. The first Apple Day was held on 21stt October 1990 in the old Apple Market in Covent Garden, bringing fruit back there for the first time in 17 years. Since then, they have worked to extend, support and promote it countrywide through nurseries, fruit farms, restaurants, National Trust and RHS gardens, museum, art centres, community groups and schools. Sue Clifford of Common Ground says; “Apple Day is not a marketing device, its creation has been impelled by altruism and idealism for living better with nature – the apple and the orchard are symbols of hope. They demonstrate how we can have our trees, bees, bats, butterflies, birds and badgers whilst growing good fruit to eat and drink.”

Highfield Park Centre 7th Oct 2pm – 4pm Highfield Park Centre, St Albans AL4 0DB Live music, homemade cake, apple bobbing, juicing displays, visit the traditional orchard and the local bee keeper. Apple Juice and cider from the orchards of Highfield will be on sale.

Tewin Orchard 7th Oct 2pm - 4.30pm Tewin Orchard and Hopkyns Wood, AL6 0LZ There’ll be apples for sale along with apple juice, preserves, tea, coffee and cake. Experts can identify varieties of apple and provide advice on fruit tree care. Alongside guided walks around the orchard and a scavenger hunt for the kids.

Hitchin 13th Oct 10am - 2pm Old Market Place, Hitchin SG5 1DY Traditional and new apple varieties for sale, local apple juice, apple cakes and goodies, kids’ activities, local food stalls and more.

36

√ Environmentally Friendly

√ No Noxious Smells

√ No Harmful Chemicals

√ Animal Friendly √ DBS Checked √ Fully Insured 07742 251052 ovengersuk@gmail.com www.ovengers.co.uk

Now in our 3rd decade of loyal service

for ALL domestic cleaning weekly or fortnightly clean one off ‘Deep Clean’ service

Call Michelle for a free estimate 01582 431386 07763 427134

www.theNOWmagazines.com

37

Critters on the Reserve 22nd Oct 9am - 10.30am Come along and see some of the small mammals close-up. Check the traps left out the night before and learn about small mammal ecology and behaviour. All mammals will then be released back to their habitats. Free, but please book Batford Springs, Harpenden AL5 5AQ hertswildlifetrust.org.uk

Justin Leon Garden Maintenance All Aspects of Gardening Undertaken Including Decking Overhaul Patio Washing & Repair Also offering Painting and Decorating

07789 961233 38

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@gmail.com Please visit Verulam Fencing on Facebook for reviews and pictures www.facebook.com/verulamfencing

www.theNOWmagazines.com

39

How much do you care about your health?

Many of us go on day by day putting off lifestyle changes: “I will start my diet tomorrow…..next week…..next year”.

The truth is, that we often don’t begin taking notice of what we eat and other lifestyle factors until we have a health crisis. Maybe we think that it won’t happen to us, but can we really be sure?

As a holistic weight consultant, all too often I see people that have put off essential lifestyle changes until they have serious health issues.

The following scenario is not uncommon, and I see it in my practice.

Weight gained over the years results in clinical obesity, which can lead to the development of sleep apnoea. This can cause the blood pressure to rise (if the weight gain hasn’t already done so).

In addition, sleep apnoea and weight gain increase the chance of type 2 diabetes.

Untreated sleep apnoea can make losing weight extremely difficult, making it difficult to deal with type 2 diabetes, lessening the chance of reversing it. This situation can also lead to heart disease and stroke.

This is the harsh reality for too many people, with obesity at an all time high, measures are being taken as companies reduce the sugar in food products and energy drinks and more accurate food labelling, but realistically, unless we take responsibility for our own health, changes will be slow and everyday we put off doing this, we are likely to be putting ourselves at risk of serious health problems.

Don’t wait until this becomes a reality for you. It is amazing the difference a few simple changes could make. Never take good health for granted.

At Vision, we offer a free, no obligation appointment to all new clients, to allow them to find out more about our holistic approach to weight loss, because weight loss is not just about cutting calories, it is also about many other issues such as nutrition, sleep, and stress.

Our bespoke weight loss programmes are tailored to you as an individual and use a number of approaches, depending on your requirements.

We listen to your needs and in discussion with you design a programme that you are happy with.

This is reviewed and adjusted as necessary in follow up appointments.

40

For the Ladies Style St Albans 19th Oct 7pm & 8.15pm An evening of style, fashion, hair, makeup and inspiration as 10 local fashion brands strut their stuff on a bespoke catwalk in the newly renovated Assembly Rooms. There’ll be cocktails and shopping as well as styling tips for the party season. £22.50 - £27.50 St Albans Museum + Gallery AL3 5DJ eventbrite.co.uk

Ladies Lunch in aid of Breast Cancer 20th Oct 12 noon - 7pm Prosecco and a three course lunch, raffle and 1XV League Rugby. £25 per head or £225 for a table of ten All profits to Breast Cancer Care Please email events@hrfc.com Harpenden Rugby Club Redbourn Lane AL5 2BA hrfc.com

3D Trilogy Ice Advanced Laser Hair Removal Introductory Offers Available - Call Us Now! Safest and most comprehensive hair removal solution available √ Achieving maximum results √ Combing the proven benefits of three wavelengths with different penetration and absorption levels √ Suitable for all skin types √

www.thecovespa.co.uk St Albans 01727 833 808

Hitchin 01462 440 410

Chiswick 020 8995 2293

North Finchley 020 8445 2113

www.theNOWmagazines.com

41

What’s on in October 42

until 6th Oct WarHorse Milton Keynes Theatre, 0844 871 7652, from £22.40 26th Sept - 8th Oct St Albans Food & Drink Festival see page 2 1st - 4th Upswing see page 30 1st Oct - 4th Nov Case Covered Claydon House, Bucks MK18 2EY, 11am - 4pm nationaltrust.org.uk/claydon 1st Oct - 30th Nov Exhibition: Walk a Day in My Shoes page 32 3rd Brian Blessed see page 6 5th - 7th Herts Jazz Festival see page 10 Harvest Flower Festival see page 38 6th Concert: Carmina Burana see page 10 7th 50 Years of The Alban Arena see page 6 Willow 10K see page 28 Sunday Café St Matthews Care Home, Chequer Lane, Redbourn AL3 7QG, live piano music, Rennie Grove Choir, 3pm, just drop in, free 8th World Mental Health Day: Mental Health Challenges Facing Women Chiswell Green URC Church, St Albans, AL2, Soroptimist Women's Group, 8pm 9th - 13th Oliver! Harpenden Public Halls, Harpenden Musical Theatre Company £15, ticketsource.co.uk/hmtc51 11th Talk: In the Footsteps of Shackleton page 8 12th - 14th & 16th - 20th Dangerous Corner see page 16 13th An Evening With Eric & Ern see page 6 Photography Night Shoot see page 12 Concert: Animal Cracker’s see page 10 14th Herts 10K see page 28 17th Lunchtime Organ Recital see page 4 18th The Wellbeing Village St Albans Girls School AL3 6DB wellbeing & mental health support for children & families, 2.30pm - 7pm Brunch with Queen Victoria see page 8 Talk: Modern Warfare - More Trying to Win Peace see page 4

19th Style St Albans: Fashion Show see page 40 Wine & Beer Tasting Fleetville Community Centre, 7.30pm 20th - 28th Dr Gore’s Spooky Mad Lab! see page 26 20th - 22nd & 27th - 29th Give it a Go Sessions Claydon House MK18 2EY, 11.15am, £10, please book 0344 249 1895 20th - 31st Halloween Events see centre pages 21st The Mayor of St Albans Civic Service page 4 22nd Past, Present, Future: Codes & Ciphers Bletchley Park, Milton Keynes MK3 6EB, 10am - 3.30pm, £11 bletchleypark.org.uk 24th Night Golf Batchwood Sports Centre & Golf Course, 01727 844250, 6pm, £10 24th - 31st Halloween at Burston see page 22 25th We Were There: Meet the Veterans & Eyewitnessess see page 14 Whitney: Queen of the Night see page 6 25th & 26th Private Peaceful see page 30 26th Jackson Live in Concert see page 6 26th & 27th Poppy Field see page 4 Blackout Bletchley Bletchley Park, Milton Keynes MK3 6EB, 5.30pm - 9.30pm from £24.30 bletchleypark.org.uk 27th An Evening With Andy Hamilton Harpenden Public Halls, 01582 767525 Stampfest - Bringing our Hobby to a Wider Public County Club, St Albans AL1 3AG 01582 762284, St Albans, Harpenden Philatelic Society, 10am-4pm stalbharpstampclub.org.uk 27th Oct - 15th Nov St Albans Legacy see page 14 28th Wings of Windrush see page 12 Memorial Service see page 4 29th Oct - 5th Nov St Albans City Football Camps see page 23 30th Oct - 3rd Nov Cilla -The Musical Milton Keynes Theatre 0844 871 7652, from £13 30th Oct - 4th Nov Circus Zyair see page 26

www.theNOWmagazines.com

43

What’s on in November

1st Mostly Comedy see page 16 Clay all Day Mill Green Museum AL9 5PD ages 4+ £3.50 welhat.gov.uk 2nd Choral Eucharist for All Souls St Albans Cathedral, 8pm 3rd St Albans Firework Display Verulamium Park stalbanscathedral.org Butterflies The Sandpit Theatre, St Albans AL4 9NX uplifting tale of friendship, courage & facing your fears, 11.30am & 2.30pm, £7 / £5 6th - 10th Chitty Chitty Bang Bang The Alban Arena, St Albans Musical Theatre Company, £12 - £22.50 7th & 21st Mayors, Magistrates & Museum: A Town Hall Revealed see page 14 9th - 11th Winter Festival Knebworth House, 200 craft, gifts, food & drink stalls & Santa’s grotto knebworthhouse.com 9th - 11th & 13th - 17th Electra Abbey Theatre, St Albans AL1 2DL one of dramatic literature's most compelling studies of the extremes to which vengeance can lead abbeytheatre.org.uk 10th Craft Fair Fleetville Community Centre, 1pm - 4.30pm, free entry The Lea Singers - Remembrance St Albans Cathedral, 7.30pm, £20, child £10 Britten’s Nicolas St Saviour's Church, St Albans AL1 4DF St Albans Choral Society, 7.30pm choralsociety.com 10th & 11th Exhibition: Wheathampstead During the Great War Wheathampstead Memorial Hall, 10am - 6pm Walk: Battles Over: WW1 Beacons of Light Ivinghoe Beacon car park, nationaltrust.org.uk/ashridge 10th Nov - 2nd Jan Wednesdays - Sundays Christmas Carnival Waddesdon Manor, Bucks HO18 0JH, carnival themed displays, Winter Light Trail, 11am - 6pm waddesdon.org.uk 11th Remembrance Sunday Services St Albans Cathedral 10.55am Harpenden: parade from Rothamsted Park at 10.15am to the War Memorial, service 10.50am WW1 "Beacons of Light" Ceremony Harpenden Common Triangle, 6.55pm

44

Sunday Café St Matthews, Redbourn AL3 7QG, with talk ‘Back to the future with organic farming’ enjoy a cuppa & a chat, 3pm - 5pm, all ages welcome, just drop in, free An Audience with Simon Reeve The Alban Arena, 7.30pm, £25 12th Hazel O’Connor & Breaking Glass The Alban Arena, special evening with the award-winning singer songwriter, 7pm, £25 14th Lunchtime Organ Recital St Albans Cathedral, 12.30pm, free Wishbone Ash XLIX UK Tour with support from Félix Rabin Harpenden Public Halls Bismark to the Fall of the Wall & Aviation, Flying & Aircraft Stamps St Mary's Church, Childwickbury AL3 6JJ, St Albans, Harpenden & District Philatelic Society, 8pm stalbharpstampclub.org.uk 10cc in Concert The Alban Arena, 7.30pm, £35 15th Henning Wehn: Get On With It The Alban Arena 8pm, £19.50 16th Live at The Alban Arena the biggest names in stand-up, £25 17th St Albans Bach Choir to mark the centenary of the end of WW1 St Albans Cathedral, 7.30pm, from £12 18th Hertfordshire Half Marathon see page 28 St Albans Christmas Lights Switch On festive fun, music & entertainment 23rd & 24th Ten of Herts Abbey Theatre, St Albans AL1 2DL The King of Herts male voice harmony chorus abbeytheatre.org.uk 24th Christmas Fayre St George's School, Harpenden AL5 4TD, Christmas gifts, 1pm - 4pm St Albans International Organ Festival Concert St Albans Cathedral, 5.30pm 24th & 25th Childwickbury Christmas Market 10am childwickburyarts.com 25th Harpenden Christmas Carnival & Christmas Lights up 29th Wheathampstead Christmas Lights Up

www.theNOWmagazines.com

45

Index of Businesses Electricians Aerial Installations & Repairs Concorde Aerials 29 Alban Electrical Services Beauty The Cove Spa Building Services Abbey Building Services & Maintenance Brockhall Building Services Open Plan Solutions Cabinet Makers S. Nicholl Furniture Carpentry / Joinery Chris Smyth Charities The Hospice of St Francis Traid Children’s Early Learning Gymboree Chiropodist Kathy Witchard Cleaning Daily Poppins Domestique Mobile Maid Services

Fencing 41 Verulam Fencing

29 39

Fireplaces & Heating Fireplaces & Heating Direct 33 11 Football Camps 7 St Albans City Youth FC 15 Garage Doors Garolla 15 Garden Centre Burston Garden Centre 13 Gardening Justin Leon 43 Hearing Services 28 Hearing Healthcare Practice 21 Insurance NFU Mutual

23 13

Plumber DJ&M Plumbing Services Ltd Property Maintenance SCS Home Maintenance Roofing GJ Smith Roofing

27

14 & 47 33 7 & 13

22

Shutters The Harpenden Shutter Company

34

38

Slimming Vision Weight Consultancy

40

Soft Furnishings Sue Smyth

34

Tree Surgeons Fircroft Tree Surgery Ltd

39

TV Repairs JB TV Services

29

45

Back Cover

41 Kitchen Appliances MA Washvac Services

Plasterers A Merson Plastering

47

37 Locksmith 37 Lock Around the Clock 7 37 Loft Ladders Home Counties Loft Ladders 17 Conservatory Roof Solutions Nu-Look 5 Mortgage Services Ashdale Mortgage Services 19 Dance & Drama Penny Waterman Oven Cleaning School of Dance 20 Ovengers 36 Stagecoach 21 Painters & Decorators Domestic Appliance Repairs CB Decorators 27 Leigh Hibon 31 M & M Decorators 27 MA Washvac Services 31 Pest Control Education Multipest 38 Kumon 21 Michael Hooper 20

Venue Hire The County Club

3

Will Planning Westminster Wills Ltd

19

Windows & Doors Cloud 9 Kings Windows

35 34

Effective Low Cost Advertising that Really Works!

Advertise in the NOW Magazines for as little as ÂŁ33 per month

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

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

46

To Adv

DJ&M PLUMBING SERVICES LTD ●

●

●

●

Complete

●

Bathroom, Cloakroom, Shower Room and Kitchen Installations

●

●

Local Family Run Business, Over 35 Years Experience

●

Honest and Reliable Service Free Consultation/ Quotation for all Enquiries

●

●

Tiling Plastering Electrical

●

Discounts On All Bathrooms Supplied

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

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

www.djmplumbing.co.uk

To Advertise: 07983 588291 jane@theNOWmagazines.com

47

48