st albans NOW Oct 21 by wendy robertson

15thrsary

ive Ann dition! E

st albans October 2021

NOW

promoting local businesses, events and much more since 2006

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

0800 689 1987

Welcome to our 15th Anniversary Edition!

We’re proud to have been publishing the magazines for the last 15 years, and are looking to another 15! This month they are full of spooky things to do for Halloween, plus Apple Days, Flying Days, Knitting, Music Events, Theatre Shows and much more….as well as lots of local businesses waiting for your call. As always whatever you do or whoever you call please let them know you found them in the NOW magazines. If you run your own business we’d love to include you we offer a helpful friendly service so just give us a call. The magazines are monthly, if you don’t have a copy handy, you can always find them on Twitter, Facebook or our website.

Jane & Wendy

@theNOWmagazines

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other options are available

Please get in touch

jane@theNOWmagazines.com 07983 588291

Deadline 8th Oct for Nov edition www.theNOWmagazines.com

Future Nature

All Aspects of Tree Work Garden Clearance Fencing and Grass Cutting Always leaves a clean and tidy site St Albans Based 35 Years Experience

Contact Chris 01727 844243 07518 626938 chris.futurenature@gmail.com

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Morgan & West's Fantastic Family Magic Spectacular 3rd Oct 1pm & 3.30pm Fun, frantic frolics and fantastic facial furniture with tricks and silly nonsense ready to delight audiences of all ages. Age 5+, £12 The Old Town Hall, Hemel Hempstead HP1 3AE www.oldtownhall.co.uk

All About Spiders

NOW for the Kids Zoorassic Park!

until 31st Oct An immersive exhibition of life-size animatronic dinosaurs sure to thrill dino-mad kids and grownups! Time travel back 66 million years and come face-to-face with your favourite dinosaurs. Learn how they became extinct and how to save their modern-day equivalents from a similar fate. There will also be a fossil dig pit and safari car track. Whipsnade Zoo, Dunstable LU6 2LF www.zsl.org

Willows Activity Farm

Potato Shindig! until 2nd Oct Get your dungarees on, it’s time to dig up your free potatoes at Willows Potato Patch. There’s more than 20 tonnes of potatoes waiting to be harvested (that’s the equivalent of three and a half elephants) All paying children can take home a bag of spuds. Pumpkin Festival 16th - 31st Oct Pick your pumpkin from the Pumpkin Patch and enjoy pumpkin-tastic fun with your Willows favourites; Peter Rabbit’s Adventure Playground, Mr Todd’s Lair, The Big Dig sand and water play, Squirrel Nutkin’s Treehouse, The Farmyard, JCB Young Driver’s Zone, Bouncy Bounce inflatable pillows and more. There will be 1000’s of pumpkins to pick as well as a Pumpkin Hunt with a prize badge for those taking part. Visit Gourds Grotto and have your photo taken with the weird and wonderful gourds, squashes and pumpkin scenes. A great day out for all the family. Willows Activity Farm, St Albans AL4 0PF www.willowsactivityfarm.com

The Old Town Hall

Any Suggestions Doctor? 2nd Oct 7pm In this improvised Doctor Who parody travel anywhere in time and space, with hilarious improv comedy performers on an adventure made entirely from your suggestions. Age 10+, £13 4

3rd Oct 11am - 12 noon online Presenter: Dave Willis, People and Wildlife Officer, Herts & Middlesex Wildlife Trust. Hear about the amazing lives of the spiders in our houses and gardens. Learn how to identify them, about their fascinating lives and ask all your spidery questions. Aimed at children, but all welcome www.hertswildlifetrust.org.uk

City of St Albans Tour Guides £6, please book Ghosts and Ghouls Meet outside St Albans Museum + Gallery 7th & 21st Oct 7.30pm 28th - 30th Oct 7pm, 7.30pm, 8pm Haunted Harpenden Meet at the War Memorial on the Green 30th Oct 7.30pm www.stalbanstourguides.co.uk

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NOW for some Art Herts Open Studios

until 10th Oct An opportunity to experience the world of art first-hand and meet talented local artists. There are over 60 local studios and exhibitions opening their doors, all are free to enter. Many artists are also running special events and workshops and there are online virtual tours, and experiences on social media. at #HertsOpenStudios. www.hvaf.org.uk

UHArts

Giant Art Inflatables 27th Sept - 1st Oct Fantastic giant inflatable sculptures right in the heart of College Lane, make your way to Main Reception and don't forget to look up! In Pursuit of Flow 5th Oct - 14th Jan Adébayo Bolaji's solo exhibition on the sense of flow and the change in an individual's personal life journey. Please book, free Sculpture Walk 7th Oct 1pm Find out about the campus and its art collection. Please book, free Art + Design Gallery, Hatfield AL10 9AB www.uharts.co.uk

Harpenden Writers

1st Oct 10am Author Ruth Nason will introduce the theme ‘Rooms’ together with some writing examples. Includes coffee. £5 Friends' Meeting House, Southdown Road, Harpenden AL5 1PD www.harpendenwriters.com

Make The Change

1st - 31st Oct The Big Draw Festival is an annual celebration of drawing. This year it’s exploring and discovering ways to live in balance with the world around us, to reconnect with each other and demand a better world for future generations. Bring your community together through positive activism and creativity, and be part of The World's Biggest community of drawing enthusiasts. Anyone can sign up, so if you’re passionate about drawing why not register today! www.thebigdraw.org 6

Painting in Oils & Watercolour

2nd & 3rd Oct / 6th & 7th Nov 10am - 5pm With Christiane and Katharina Kubrick and Camilla Clutterbuck. If you've always wanted to have a go at painting but didn't know how or where to begin then a Childwickbury Art Course is the perfect starting point. Choose a day or a weekend as an introduction and book more if and when you want. Classes are open to all abilities and are relaxed and friendly, where everyone is made to feel welcome and at ease. These professional artists will teach composition and colour mixing enabling you to develop your technique and style in oils and/or watercolour. Gift Vouchers are also available. £100 for the weekend / £50 for one day Childwickbury, St Albans AL3 6JX www.christianekubrick.com

Harpenden Photographic Society

Hertfordshire's fastest-growing camera club runs a varied programme giving members the chance to enjoy and improve their photography, and to chat with like minded enthusiasts. They meet fortnightly and are hoping to resume these at The Harpenden Trust Hall in Southdown, with some meetings via Zoom. Discovering Nature Photography - Japan & Beyond 19th Oct Alan Walker talks about wildlife photography in extreme conditions in Japan, the Kalahari Desert, Canada and more. Annual membership £45 (individual) or £80 (joint) www.harpendenphotographicsociety.co.uk

Harpenden Arts Club Exhibition

29th - 31st Oct Fri & Sat: 10am - 5pm / Sun: 10am - 4pm This free exhibition at Harpenden Trust Centre, Southdown Road AL5 1PS, has over 250 exciting, original artwork from more than 55 talented artists in a wide range of styles and media. The Club also runs a programme of artist demonstrations, studio practice, life drawing sessions and technique workshops from September to May on most Thursday evenings at the Salvation Army Hall, Leyton Green AL5 2TG New members are welcome. www.harpendenartsclub.org.uk 01582 793174

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Halloween Walk for the RSPCA

Out & About Highfield Park

Apple Day 3rd Oct 10am - 2pm This will be an Apple Day with a difference, pull on your walking boots, grab a quiz sheet and find out how much you know about Highfield Park for the chance to win a Hamper. There will be music from a great local band, homemade cakes and tea from the Apple Café, non-alcoholic apple cocktails and the Trusts apple juice and cider to buy. Plus apple juicing demonstrations, apple based games, craft stalls and a local bee keeper talking about bee conservation and selling his honey. Bug Hunt 27th Oct Children will receive a guide sheet and specimen jar before setting off on a hunt for hidden wooden bugs and real mini-beasts which can be examined in more detail and hopefully identified. There will be magnifying glasses and microscopes available to help with this. All insects and mini-beasts will then be released back into the park. Child £5 Highfield Park Visitor Centre, St Albans AL4 0RA www.highfieldparktrust.co.uk

Floral Demonstration

5th Oct 2pm Harpenden Floral Decoration Club meeting with Peter Bodnar presenting floral demonstration ‘2 for 1’. All welcome 01582 621757 Salvation Army Hall, Harpenden

Autumn Pop-Up Shop

5th - 17th Oct A collection of small businesses selling homewares, candles, unique artwork, cards, handmade jewellery and stunning wardrobe updates perfect for autumn. Don't forget it's not too early to start thinking about getting ahead with some Christmas shopping. 29 High Street, Wheathampstead AL4 8BB Facebook & Instagram @villagepopup

Celebration of Apples

17th Oct 10am - 4pm This year there will be unusual varieties of apple to try and buy, including apple juice from Shenley Park, apple juice demonstrations, tea, coffee and apple cakes to enjoy. Plus plant sales, a jam and chutney stall, and wood turning demonstrations and wood products to buy. Entry by voluntary donation Shenley Park Walled Garden WD7 9DW www.shenleypark.co.uk 8

30th Oct Treat yourself to a hair-raising hike around some of London’s scary streets and historic haunts. Gather your bravest guys and ghouls to make up a team - or go it alone if you dare. Dress to distress. There are zombie rest stops, and if you get back in one piece there's a macabre medal, a glass of Devil's fizz, horrific hot food and a souvenir bobble hat to ward off the spirits as you head home. 10k / Half Marathon £7.50 21km / Marathon / 42km £10 Oval Cricket Ground, London SE11 5SS www.rspca.org.uk

Tulip Mania

Tulips will bring colour and texture to your pots and beds. Try the Kaufmanniana types such as ‘Johann Strauss’ (dark red flowers with yellow edges and mottled leaves), or Greigii tulips which have maroon patterning on the leaves, such as ‘Red Riding Hood’ (rich red and black). Try combining the richly purple-black leaved Pittosporum ‘Tom Thumb’ with any purple tulip such as ‘Passionale’, or for a wackier effect choose one of the frilly petalled parrot-tulips with green streaks on their petals, or the green ‘spring green’ tulip, combined with any lowgrowing shrub. Start planting in autumn and transform your garden for spring, bulbs are best planted from the end of October and into November, plant too early and the bulbs can be damaged by ‘tulip fire’ a fungal disease affecting leaves and flowers. If you have clay soil tulips may suffer and are less likely to come back after their first wet winter. A heavy loam works well but anything that isn’t well drained may cause problems. This can be solved by digging an extra-large planting hole and putting some horticultural gravel or grit in the base before planting the bulb. When planting containers shorter varieties look best. Good drainage is essential so make sure there are plenty drainage holes and crocks in the base.

St Leonard’s Church AL4 9DL

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Out & About Hatfield House

Chamber Music Festival 29th Sept - 3rd Oct With concerts, masterclasses, talks, schools events and a family concert to celebrate its 10th anniversary, the Festival spans the wealth of musical history connected with the House, with pieces from the archives through to the present day. On Saturday afternoon families can enjoy Holst’s Planet Suite brought to life through storytelling and painting by artist, James Mayhew. www.hatfieldhousemusicfestival.org.uk Run With Willow 10th Oct 10am With a half marathon, 10k, 5k and Junior 1k plus a Tiny Tots Scamper, this event has something for everyone. With music along the course, food and games stalls, and a physio on hand to ease any aches and pains. Every penny raised helps provide Special Days for seriously ill 16 to 40-year-olds. Half Term Halloween 28th - 31st Oct 10am - 12.30pm & 1pm -3.30pm Enjoy family fun, as you follow a trail with surprises around every corner. With creepy characters telling scary stories, spooky songs, and a Halloween Disco. Join in and pimp-a-pumpkin where you can get crafty, creative and carving. Ages 2-10, adult £10, child £15, family £40 The Veil of Despair 28th - 31st Oct 5pm -11pm Brace yourself for a terrifying immersive experience as you join the woodland search, for a girl that’s gone missing in the grounds of the House. A reward is being offered for her recovery. There’s just one problem, a mysterious veil of light in the woods that seems to be pulling people in. Afterwards go along to The Sneaky Sisters Sideshow Spectacular with creepy cabaret, live bands overtaking the carousel, street food and drink, sideshows, stalls and a walkabout performance. Adults only, £55 www.hatfield-house.co.uk

Wardown House Museum & Gallery

Music in the Museum: Jazz 10th Oct 2pm Multi-award winning vocalist Tina May, is a former winner of the BT Jazz Award and regularly sings with the BBC Big Band. Tina's Version of ‘Come Fly With Me’ became widely known as the theme for hit TV series ‘Airport’. Bagshawe's Antarctic Adventure 25th & 26th Oct 11am, 12 noon & 2pm Ever wondered what the Antarctic is like? Hear Thomas Bagshawe and his friend Max, tell their humorous exciting tales, as they've just arrived back from a year long adventure to the Antarctic. In fact 2021 marks exactly 100 years since they left on their expedition. Ages 8 - 11 The Ghostly Gardener 27th - 30th Oct 7.30pm Meet Vernon, Wardown's Ghostly Gardener and discover his spine-tingling insight into history. He's worked at Wardown Park for as long as anyone can remember, and has plenty of stories to tell, from the mystical to the downright spooky. Taking place outside, so please dress appropriately. Age 10+ Wardown House Museum & Gallery LU2 7HA www.culturetrust.com

Hertfordshire Oktoberfest

15th - 17th Oct Live Oompah Band, Bavarian beer, German food stalls, DJs, axe throwing and up and coming local artists. £19.99, 18+ Harpenden Common www.hertsoktoberfest.com

Celtic Harmony Camp

Volunteering Celtic Harmony promotes the ethos of ‘learning through doing’ and its lifelong learning programme aims to stimulate a more active and sustainable way of life. Are you a young person or adult interested learning more about conservation, crafts or outdoor education? Then a volunteering role may be for you, there’s all sorts from Heritage Conservation to Education. www.celticharmony.org

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Planes Galore & More!

Shuttleworth

Autumn Walk and Lunch with Head Gardener 1st Oct 10.30am Seasonal highlights and a tour of the Swiss Garden with the Head Gardener, who will share the garden’s story and explain how it is cared for today. Highlights include Autumn leaf colour including Acer, Robinia and Tulip trees, autumn Crocus and autumn flowering bulbs. Enjoy lunch and chatting with senior members of the garden team. £35 Race Weekend 2nd & 3rd Oct 10am On Saturday the finest racing aircraft of the period, including the winning de Havilland DH88 Comet, will celebrate Richard Shuttleworth’s racing career from the 1930s. On Sunday classic racing cars will thunder down the runway at the Shuttleworth Sprint. Perfect family days out, with thrilling air displays from historic aircraft and a chance to explore the beautiful Swiss Garden. Aviation Photography Night Shoot 8th & 9th Oct 12 noon - 9pm Including three aircraft running engines under floodlights on the grass airfield. Selected hangars will be illuminated and vehicles and re-enactors will add atmosphere and photographic opportunities. Open to anyone with a camera, but it’s recommended you have a basic understanding of night photography to make the most of the event. The Tale of the Lost Pilot 29th - 31st Oct 5pm - 7.30pm half hour sessions Legend has it that on Halloween, as the dusk creeps in, a mysterious spell sweeps through Shuttleworth. Listen to tales of terror and intrigue in the spooky surroundings of the hangars and go in search of mysterious apparitions in the gloomy gardens. Explore the glowing paths, interact with fiendish characters, try not to be tricked by the witch, collect clues along the way and solve the mystery of The Lost Pilot. £7, child £14 www.shuttleworth.org

IWM Duxford

Flying Days: Best Of 2021 9th Oct 10am - 6pm Highlights from this season the show promises to end the year full of highs! £28.50 Duxford Dash 17th Oct Become a ‘Duxford Dasher’ at the airfield that made history. Whatever your goal, this flatcourse race with chip-timing will motivate you to go the extra mile, as you run past aircraft lined up on the Flightline and collect your race medal. Then take a selfie in front of a spectacular Spitfire and share your moment in history. Children can race around the new family-friendly 1 mile course in pilot overalls or aviation googles! Then enjoy a great day out at Duxford all included in your entry fee. 5k & 10k: age 15+ £26 / family mile £13 www.iwm.org.uk

de Havilland Aircraft Museum

DH Mosquito B35 Cockpit Experience This is the only Museum in the world to have three de Havilland Mosquitos on display where the prototype was originally designed and built. This is a unique opportunity to enter the Mosquito B.MK.35 Cockpit where a guide will provide a special commentary on the aircraft, its controls and history. Cost £50 donation to the New Hangar Fund. To book email generalmanager@dehavillandmuseum.co.uk LINK Simulator Experiences The LINK ground simulator was designed between the 1930s and early 1950s as an aid to pilot training. It was used extensively during WW2 helping to train over 50,000 pilots. It has a full set of working instruments and controls. Now it’s your chance to get in the cockpit and fly this historic simulator. An experienced instructor will guide you through the trainee pilot test. Age 16+ Cost £15 donation to the New Hangar Fund To book call 01727 826400 or email aeroshop@dehavillandmuseum.co.uk www.dehavillandmuseum.co.uk

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NOW for the Kids Stockwood Discovery Centre

Ogg, Ugg and the World's First Dogg 10th Oct 11.30am & 2pm The comic tale of how a long, long time ago two hunter-gatherers, Ugg and Ogg, palled up with their enemies the wolves and invented man's best friend, the dog. Join the young heroes and the wolves Tooth 'n' Nail on their fun-packed adventure. Expect sabretoothed tigers, beat-boxing wolves, raging forest infernos, and even a time-travelling stick before you get the chance to pat the world's first Dogg. Age 3+ Stories From The Trees 29th Oct 11.30am & 2pm A rich collection of stories from Ireland, India and beyond. From different cultures and faith traditions, the stories celebrate our shared connection with nature and humanity. Age 6+ Stockwood Discovery Centre, Luton LU1 4LX www.culturetrust.com

Paradise Wildlife Park

Dinos After Dark 22nd - 24th, 29th - 31st Oct 5.30pm - 8.30pm Take a magical trip around the World of Dinosaurs and see them come to life by moonlight. You can also enjoy The Rex Express, Safari Stage Shows, outdoor play areas and crazy golf. £14 Halloween Spooktacular 23rd - 31st Oct During half term the park will be dressed for Halloween with photo opportunities. If you’re lucky you might see the tigers enjoying some pumpkin enrichment in their amazing new homeland. Paradise Wildlife Park, Broxbourne EN10 7QA www.pwpark.com

Pumpkin Spooktacular!

23rd - 31st Oct With a pumpkin for every paying child, get ready for stacks of spooky fun. Help Little Red Riding Hood find her way to Grandma’s house in Scary Tales, brave Mr Topper’s Twister and meet gruesome ghosts and ghouls in the Haunted House and more. £12.45 - £16.25, child £11.45 - £15.25 Mead Open Farm, Billington, Beds LU7 9JH www.meadopenfarm.co.uk 18

Half Term Trail

25th - 28th Oct 12 noon - 4pm Follow the map and find facts about the reserve and its wildlife on this self-led trail. Free Batford Springs, Harpenden AL5 5AQ www.harpenden.gov.uk

Harpenden Library

Workshop: Try 3D Pens at the Library! 25th Oct Write, draw and model in 3 dimensions. Book Sleuths in a Bind: A Very Puzzling Case 28th Oct 5pm The Book Sleuths have a mystery on their hands, and need the audience’s help to crack codes, unravel riddles and pore over puzzles. Only by working together can the ‘mysterious mystery’ be solved. After the performance you can meet the cast with a Q & A session. Ages 7 - 11. Adult £7, child £5 Please book at the library, on the website or @harpendenlibrary www.bit.ly/HertsLibBookSleuthTour

Storytelling: The Slippery Sloth

26th Oct 10.30am Author Chris Quelch will be reading from his book The Slippery Sloth, and will be joined by illustrator Zoe McCabe. Please book, free Books on the Hill, St Albans AL1 1ER www.books-on-the-hill.co.uk

Big Red Bath

27th Oct 11.30am & 2pm Rubba-Dubba-Giggle, Rubba-Dubba-Laugh, there's magic to be found in the Big Red Bath. Join in with this barmy bath time adventure as it travels around the world and home again celebrating all things bath time. Please book, ages 2 - 5 Luton Library Theatre, St George's Square LU1 2NG www.culturetrust.com

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

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Are you having a difficult time?

Whatever your situation, if things aren’t okay for you, then you can call the Samaritans anytime, free from any phone on 116 123 or e-mail jo@samaritans.org Current times can be challenging, and for lots of people, anxiety is heightened right now. Many people call to talk about a range of feelings; isolation, boredom, grief, anxiety, stress and money worries, to name but a few.

Volunteering Please get in touch

Call Jane or Wendy 07893 588291 07983 588313 jane@theNOWmagazines.com

www.theNOWmagazines.com

They are always looking for volunteers to join the local branch whether as a listener or a support volunteer, and training takes place via Zoom. If you would like to find out more please email: recruitment@swhertssamaritans.org.uk

Donations

Donate to this vital work via their website www.samaritans.org

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NOW at the Alban Arena

act this is simply paying tribute to the music legends. That’ll Be The Day 21st Oct 7.30pm £27, £25 A rollercoaster ride through the ‘golden’ Rumours of Fleetwood Mac age of Rock and Roll and Pop. 3rd Oct 7.30pm £36.50, £26.50 The ultimate tribute to one of the most remarkable Whitney Queen Of The Night bands. Personally endorsed by Fleetwood 22nd Oct 7.30pm £26, £22 Mac founding member, Mick Fleetwood. A celebration of the music and life of one of the greatest singers, described as “a powerhouse Jim Davidson ‘UNLOCKED’ performance that delivers on every level…” 6th Oct 7.30pm £24.50 Jim Davidson asks you join him on a Superslam Wrestling hilarious white-knuckle get-away. 23rd Oct 7.30pm £15.50, child £10.50 A night of non-stop action that should have you Beyond the Barricade on the edge of your seat. 7th Oct 7.30pm £24 Featuring past principal performers from Les Miami Pro Miserables, delivering the best of Broadway 24th Oct 2.30pm £19 and the West End, ending with a stunning The biggest Fitness Model and Physique Les Mis. Finale. Championships in the UK and Europe. Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour Big Girls Don’t Cry - Yellow Film Programme 25th Oct 7.30pm £28 8th Oct 7.30pm £14 The iconic sounds of Frankie Valli & The Four A thrilling night of adventure with a brand-new Seasons recreated by a phenomenal cast and collection of short films from the world’s most live band. prestigious mountain film festival. Dr Richard Shepherd ‘Unnatural Causes’ Stick Man 26th Oct 7.30pm £25 12th Oct 1.30pm & 4pm Meet the forensic pathologist who has solved the 13th Oct 10.30am, 1.30pm & 4pm mystery of many sudden and unexplained deaths. £15, child £13 He has performed over 23,000 autopsies, A morning jog becomes quite the misadventure including some of the most high-profile cases of for Stick Man: a dog wants to play fetch with him, recent times. a swan builds a nest with him, and he even ends Show Of Hands up on a fire! How will he ever get back to the 27th Oct 7.30pm £29, child £15 family tree? Performing their iconic signature tracks from the Hats Off to Led Zeppelin last 25 years, including their two Folk Award14th Oct 7.30pm £25 winning songs, ‘Arrogance Ignorance With glowing endorsements from Led Zeppelin’s Greed’ (AIG) and ‘Country Life’. tour manager Richard Cole, plus audience and Magic Of Motown critical acclaim this is a show not to be missed. 29th Oct 7.30pm £29.50 Mad About The Musicals With classics from Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, 15th Oct 7.30pm £21.50 Stevie Wonder, The Temptations, The Supremes, From the heart of London’s theatre land to the The Four Tops, Martha Reeves, The Jackson 5, glitz of Broadway, this critically acclaimed show Smokey Robinson and many more. celebrates the very best from the shows we all Jonathan Pie know and love. 30th Oct 7.30pm £27.50 & £19.50 Rock for Heroes If no news is good news then good news is fake 16th Oct 7.30pm £20 news. Pie returns to berate the people in power, With music from Queen, The Eagles, David and the journalists apparently holding Bowie, Van Halen, Toto, Bon Jovi, Guns N Roses, them to account. Age 16+ AC/DC, Dire Straits and more. This isn’t a tribute www.alban-arena.co.uk 22

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Ashridge Visitor Centre, Berkhamsted HP4 1LX www.chilternsociety.org.uk

Rothamsted Manor

Out & About

Afternoon Tea 10th Oct from 12 noon Enjoy afternoon tea in the beautiful Great Drawing Room and Library. Please book £23.95, child £10.25 Film: Hampstead 22nd Oct 7.30pm Emily is an American widow occupying a posh apartment she can no longer afford, and Donald is an Irish loner living off the land in a makeshift cabin. When his home is threatened by developers, Emily believes she has found her new cause, but gets more than she bargained for. £10, child £6 www.rothamstedenterprises.com

Wedding Fair

Knit One, Purl One!

3rd Oct 11am free With wedding professionals covering every aspect of your special day including some you might not have considered. The Conservatory, Luton Hoo Walled Garden LU1 4LF www.lutonhoo-walledgarden.co.uk

RSPB Events

Harpenden Lea Valley Walk 3rd Oct 8am Guided walk identifying local birds. Meet on the footbridge over the River Lea near the 'Marquis of Granby' Pub. £1 donation to RSPB Group Birding Holiday to Suffolk 11th - 15th Oct Suffolk is one of the best birding hot spots in the country. Enjoy a relaxing time with a friendly group. staying at Ufford Park Hotel, Woodbridge and traveling by coach. For further details contact: pbandb.rspb@gmail.com Trip to Gibraltar Point National Nature Reserve 17th Oct This large nature reserve, near Skegness incorporates miles of coastline, lakes and woodland and is a hot spot for passage migrants at this time of year. It’s planned to go by coach. £16, child £8 Walk: Panshanger Park 28th Oct 9.30am A morning walk at this site which has seen Osprey at this time of year. Meet in the car park off Thieves Lane, Hertford SG14 2WN. Free ww2.rspb.org.uk

An Introduction to Map Reading

10th & 20th Oct 10am Learn to know where you are on a walking scale map from the book ’60 Choice Walks in the Chilterns’ included in the cost, on a scenic 6 mile walk around Ashridge Estate. £15, please book 07927 256666 dick.chapman@ntlworld.com

16th & 17th Oct 11am - 4pm Knitting is a traditional craft dating back to the 11th century in Egypt. During WWI men, women and children knitted large volumes of clothing and accessories to help with the war effort making socks, scarves, sweaters, hats and balaclavas for the troops. Discover different types of wool and help solve your knitting conundrums by talking to the experts. All ages and abilities. Included with general admission, £7.50, child £6 Chiltern Open Air Museum, Chalfont St Giles HP8 4AB www.coam.org.uk

Talk: Crawling Horrors

29th Oct 7pm Talk with Daisy Butcher and Janette Leaf about their new book ‘Crawling Horrors’, the perfect event to get you in the Halloween spirit. £5.98, please book Books on the Hill, St Albans AL1 1ER www.books-on-the-hill.co.uk

Whipsnade Tree Cathedral

This incredible Tree Cathedral, made from trees, shrubs and plants, was created after WWI in the spirit of 'faith, hope and reconciliation'. Open 10am - 4pm, free Whipsnade, Dunstable, Beds LU6 2LQ www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Burston Knitters

10am - 12 noon Knitting, crocheting and sewing group on the first Tuesday of every month. Take anything you are working on, as well as your own wool, needles, crochet hooks, sewing kits and materials. Everyone is welcome, all abilities, free Burston Garden Centre, St Albans AL2 2DS www.burston.co.uk

Working from home and need a space to call your own?

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NOW at the Local Theatres The Maltings Theatre

Fake News 30th Sept - 2nd Oct 7.30pm A budding young journalist stumbles on an earthshattering story and clicks publish. But the story is untrue. This is a thrilling snapshot of what the news is really like, from someone who has lived and breathed it, and is bringing it the stage like nobody else can. Ages 12+ £19 Les Liaisons Dangereuses 12th - 23rd Oct 7.30pm Two former lovers come together in pre-revolutionary France to corrupt the innocent and virtuous for selfish kicks and fresh sexual conquests. But when he falls in love for real, she realises she is playing a game with something and someone that she can't bear to lose. And when they turn on each other, it’s win or die. Shocking, seductive and hilariously funny. £19, child £15 Vinegar Tom 28th Oct - 6th Nov A renowned “witch-finder” arrives in a village held by a grip of superstition and slander, and it’s not long before almost every woman in the village has the finger of suspicion pointing at them. This bold musical drama was first performed in 1976 and continues to resonate today. By turns beautiful, brutal, funny and moving, this electric fusion of seventeenth century folklore and modern folk-rock contains strong language and disturbing scenes. £19 Maltings Shopping Centre, St Albans AL1 3HL www.ovo.org.uk

Abbey Theatre

Five Kinds of Silence 8th - 16th Oct 8pm Billy is dead. Or at least his family hopes he is. After all, they shot him twice just to make sure. Finally free from a lifetime of abuse, Billy’s wife and daughters struggle to find their new place in the world. But no one reached out to help them while they suffered, and no one seems able to understand what they’re going through now. Billy may be dead, but the memory of him is still very much alive. A shocking exploration of domestic violence, this is a powerful example of ‘In-yer-face’ drama. With strong language and adult themes. £13, concs £12 G&S Gems 22nd & 23rd Oct 8pm & 23rd 4.30pm St Albans Chamber Opera return with a new Gilbert 26

and Sullivan evening. The first half will be presented by regulars Leila Saleh, Katy Bingham-Best, Peter Martin and Des Turner, then the full company will perform a staged production of Trial by Jury – with some modern twists! £12 www.abbeytheatre.org.uk

Wheathampstead Dramatic Society

Faith Healer 14th - 16th Oct 8pm Hardy, an itinerant Irish faith healer, his wife, and his manager tell stories that don’t quite gel with each other, leaving you to wonder about truth and memory, lies and storytelling. The play was voted as one of the 100 most significant plays of the 20th century in a poll conducted by the Royal National Theatre. Tickets 01582 621357 Memorial Hall, Marford Road, Wheathampstead www.wheathampsteaddramaticsociety.co.uk

The Comedy Bar

Joshua Robertson 15th Oct 7.30pm Self-deprecating, edgy humour covering life as a disabled person, from everyday reality to dating and sex. Josh tackles the thorny aspects of disability, from the tame to the outlandish. Age 16+, please book £6 The Hat Factory Arts Centre, Luton LU1 2EY www.culturetrust.com

Barn Theatre A Bunch of Amateurs 15th - 23rd Oct 8pm A comedy with a twist, featuring a fading Hollywood hero who is keen to boost his flagging career. Jefferson Steele arrives in England to play King Lear but instead of Kenneth Branagh, Dame Judi Dench and John Cook, the cast are a bunch of amateurs trying to save their theatre. As acting worlds collide and Jefferson’s career implodes, he discovers some truths about himself - along with his inner Lear. www.thebarntheatre.co.uk

Trestle Arts Base

Sessions 29th Oct 7.30pm Tunde’s 30th birthday is fast approaching. He’s just started therapy as he hasn’t been able to get to the gym for weeks and a recent one-night stand ended in tears – his. Interrogating the challenge of opening up and accepting our own vulnerabilities, this raw, funny, bittersweet play deep-dives into the complexities of masculinity, depression and therapy. 16+, £12, concs £10 Trestle Arts Base, St Albans AL4 0JQ www.trestle.org.uk

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NOW at St Albans Museum + Gallery NOW at the Cathedral

Poetry Exhibition: Lifting Light 1st - 22nd Oct Experience the work of the Cathedral's first poetin-residence in this exhibition of words and verse. Dan Simpson has explored the unique space's past and present, people and architecture, stories and memories to create a poetically written record of the cathedral. Read extracts of the poems around the Cathedral on your own poetry walking tour. Mozart Mass in C Minor 16th Oct 7.30pm An evening of grand and moving Mozart music from Hertfordshire Chorus. Lecture: A Celebration of Robert Fayrfax 24th Oct 4.30pm On the 500th anniversary year of his death, celebrate the influential Tudor musician Robert Fayrfax. One of the foremost musicians in the country during the reigns of Henry VII and Henry VIII, Fayrfax worked at the Abbey between 1498 and 1502 and was there at the time of his death. His strong connection meant that the Abbey was renowned for its music during his lifetime. £10 What a Wonderful World? 26th - 30th Oct Take a journey from sunrise to sunset with a spectacular world themed son-et-lumiere. This stunning installation sees the inside of the Cathedral transformed into a visual journey to reflect upon life on today’s planet in a single 24 hour period. Witness the sun, the oceans and the clouds, as you move through the building. £8.50, child £4.50 www.stalbanscathedral.org

Exhibition: The Chroniclers until 31st Oct This exhibition brings together some of the finest examples of medieval manuscripts. The Remarkable World of Trees until 23rd Jan Inspired by Kate Bretherton's book, The Remarkable Trees of St Albans, this exhibition will help you explore the world of trees from the soil they grow in, to the insects, birds and animals that call them home. Get ideas on how you can help trees, hedgerows and our whole environment. Free Tours: Mayors, Magistrates & Museums 1st, 15th & 29th Oct 2.30pm Follow a guide through the newly restored building and discover the fascinating functions and features of different historic spaces inside the Museum. Please book, free Pressing Issues 3rd Oct 3pm Suman Gujral shares her reflections as a poet and her expertise as an artist using print. Make your own print trying linocut and monoprint. £40 Glittering Gilders 24th Oct 10am Illuminated manuscripts are among the most dazzling and intriguing objects ever created, join renowned scribe and illuminator Patricia Lovett MBE and learn how these were created. £80 Lecture: Blacks Britannica 27th Oct 7pm Historian Dr Nubia will select and critically assess: history, mythology and mythos to reveal diversity. £10, online £8 Crime Scene Investigation at the Museum! 30th Oct 7pm Immerse yourself in the world of forensics as the Museum becomes the scene of a murder. With the historic backdrop of the old courthouse and cells, find out what it takes to be a forensic scientist, working in teams to search for clues, examine the crime scene and catch the murderer. Aimed at adults, £35 St Albans Museum + Gallery AL1 3DH www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk

07500 801192

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Caring & Sharing Go Sober this October

Go booze-free in October to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support and raise vital funds so they can continue providing much-needed physical, financial and emotional support to the millions of people living with cancer. Sign-up and choose 31, 21 or 14 days sober, then just ask friends and family to sponsor you. Benefits of Going Sober: A Clearer Head, More Energy, Sleeping Better, Weight Loss, Sense of Achievement and more. www.gosober.org.uk

Silver Sunday

3rd Oct This is a national day where people of all generations can come together by hosting fun and free activities for older people. It’s a day where they can meet new people, visit new places, try new activities, and connect with their local communities and the generations around them. Metro Bank Silver Sunday 3rd Oct 11am - 4pm Everyone is welcome to enjoy in the fun and games, or maybe just a chat over a cuppa. Metro Bank St Albans AL1 3ED www.silversunday.org.uk

VIII's private residence. This route is a mix of trail and road, taking in Ashridge House Estate before finishing back in front of the Grade 1 listed house. All entries will receive a handmade wooden medal. All abilities welcome. Ashridge House, Berkhamsted HP4 1NS www.stfrancis.org.uk

Abseil the ArcelorMittal Orbit

24th Oct 11am Raise vital funds to help Keech Hospice Care continue caring for adults and children living with life-limiting or terminal illnesses while taking on the UK's highest freefall abseil and see London from 262 feet up! From the top, begin an exhilarating descent to the ground, with breath-taking 20-mile views across London. £30 with minimum sponsorship pledge of £220 Queen Elizabeth II Olympic Park, London E20 2AD www.keech.org.uk

Big Herts Virtual Quiz Night

7th Oct 7pm via Zoom Raise funds for Herts Young Homeless in the Big Herts quiz. With 5 rounds of fun and challenging questions including picture and music rounds, you can play as a team of 6 logging in from different locations with access to a private chat room to discuss answers, or invite friends round and be together on the same screen. Min donation £10 www.hyh.org.uk

Rennie Grove Hospice Care

Virtual Herts 10K / Half Marathon 10th Oct Sign up and start your training today. Virtual Bingo 22nd Oct 6.30pm - 7.30pm via Zoom Enjoy 4 games of bingo from the comfort of your own home, playing for 1 line and then a full house. There are prizes for all the family. Tickets £5 and must be bought in advance from the website. www.renniegrove.org

Ashridge House Fun Run

17th Oct Get your running shoes ready for an exclusive 5k or 10k in the stunning grounds of Ashridge House, King Henry 30

UK registered charity no. 297489

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NOW for some Music Farewell Celebration

2nd Oct 7.30pm Carillon Chamber Choir with Amici Voices and Baroque orchestra conducted by David Ireson perform their final concert including: J S Bach Magnificat, Vivaldi Gloria, Stanford Three Motets and works by Byrd, Schütz, Parry and Mendelssohn. £15 01582 832312 carillonsec@gmail.com St Saviour’s Church, St Albans AL1 4DF www.carillonchamberchoir.org

Voskresenije Choir

4th Oct 7.30pm This professional choir from St Petersburg will be performing Russian sacred and folk music. Please book £15 Palladian Church, Ayot St Lawrence AL6 9BZ www.ayotstlawrence.com

The Horn

Roddy Woomble & Michael Anguish 5th Oct Regarded as one of Scotland’s finest songwriters Roddy is known for his enigmatic lyrics, warm baritone voice and consummate gift for a tune. Michael is a band of one man, and a singer of tenderisingly sad songs with an emotional range and raw inventiveness. £19 October Drift 12th Oct With an irresistible combination of feedback and harmonies, they have been building a growing fan base throughout the country. £12 Avalanche Party 14th Oct “The most exciting rock & roll band in the UK right now” BBC Radio 1.£8 Haunt the Woods 19th Oct Blending sounds from alternative, prog, folk and pop and channelling influences from the likes of Pink Floyd, Muse, Fleet Foxes and Bon Iver. £8 Coach Party 20th Oct The perfect grunge-pop sound. £12 The Estevans 21st Oct A captivating four piece indie-rock band with an energetic, youthful, raw sound. £8 Moon Panda 27th Oct A worldly wise duo fully prepared to gently launch you into the dreamy electric currents that govern deep space. £8 The Horn, Victoria Street, St Albans AL1 3TE www.thehorn.co.uk 32

Herts Jazz Festival

15th - 17th Oct Featuring headliner gigs from the Darius Brubeck Quartet, Liane Carroll Trio, and Simon Spillett’s Big Band. Weekend £130, student £30 Sat £50, student £15 / Sun £60, student £15 South Mill Arts, Bishop’s Stortford CM23 3JG 01279 710 200 www.hertsjazzfestival.co.uk Herts Jazz Club Established in 1969, Herts Jazz has become renowned as ‘the’ venue for jazz fans young and old. Gigs featuring the very best jazz talent in the country take place every Sunday at 7.30pm at the Maltings Arts Theatre, St Albans. www.hertsjazz.co.uk

A Russian Evening

16th Oct 7.30pm Rachmaninoff - Vocalise, Shostakovich - Piano Concerto No.2 - Veronica Shoot Tchaikovsky - Symphony No.4 £18, £13, student £5, child £2 St Saviour's Church, St Albans AL1 4DF www.ticketsource.co.uk

Gin & Jazz

22nd Oct 6pm -10pm & 23rd Oct 2pm -10pm Live music with Jazz from Fi Wilkins and her band, food and great independent shopping. George Street, St Albans

Cliff Richard: The Great 80 Tour

27th Oct 7.45pm live on screen Broadcast live from the Royal Albert Hall, Cliff's passion and energy on stage will sweep you off your feet. Sir Cliff Richard hits the road in celebration of his 80th birthday! The legendary pop rocker has been in the spotlight since the 1950s and has gone on to become one of the best-selling vocalists of all time. Why not go and be part of one of the most fabulous big screen parties of the year. Campus West, Welwyn Garden City AL8 6BX www.campuswest.co.uk

The South

29th Oct An impressive 9 piece band featuring former members of The Beautiful South including singer Alison Wheeler and sax player Gaz Birtles. With tracks such as A Little Time, Perfect 10, Rotterdam and many more. Eric Morecambe Centre, Harpenden www.thesouth.co.uk

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Index of Businesses Bathing Mobility Bathing Mobility Advisory Service

Building Complete Refurbishment & Roofing Open Plan Solutions

25 29

Car Servicing / Repairs M Chapman Auto Services

Charity Traid

Children’s Art Classes ArtShed!

Cleaning A & R Roof & Hard Surface Cleaning & Restoration Ltd Domestique WeCleanAnyProperty.com

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Conservatory Roof Solutions Nu-Look

Dance & Drama Penny Waterman School of Dance Stagecoach Education Kumon

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Electrician Alban Electrical Services Flooring KC Flooring Specialists Ltd

16 Back Cover

Garage Doors Garolla

Gardening Future Nature

Healthcare Spire Harpenden Hospital

12 & 13

Hearing Services Hearing Healthcare Practice

Home Care Visiting Angels

Locksmiths Lock Around the Clock Locksmith Services

16 17

Loft Ladders Home Counties Loft Ladders

Painters & Decorators CB Decorators M & M Decorators

31 31

Pest Control The Verminator

Plasterer Jason Moffat

Plumber DJ&M Plumbing Services Ltd Recruitment Visiting Angels

16 & 35 3

Roofing GJ Smith Roofing Maccabees Roofing

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Shutters The Harpenden Shutter Company

Slimming Lighter Life

Front Cover

Soft Furnishings Sue Smyth

Tree Surgeons Fircroft Tree Surgery Ltd Windows & Doors Cloud 9 Kings Windows

9 27 27

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New flooring showroom now open in Chiswell Green, St Albans KC Flooring Specialists Ltd are experts in all types of flooring Authorised retailers of Karndean Hugh Mackay carpets Elements London carpets

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