st albans NOW Sept 19

Pick p me u m I’ E FRE

st albans September 2019

NOW

Local businesses, what’s on and lots more inside

promoting local businesses, organisations and events since 2006

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Welcome to September This month there’s lots of different things going on from Festivals galore, Art Classes and Art Camps to Battle of Britain events and Heritage Open Days, or if you’re feeling adventurous why not sign up for the Mud Pack Challenge or Trek the Freedom Trail.

Please remember when you call our advertisers to let them know where you found them!

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 receive one, pick up a copy in town or read them on our social media pages.

Jane & Wendy

@theNOWmagazines

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Please get in touch jane@theNOWmagazines.com 07983 588291

Deadline 10th Sept for Oct edition

NOW at The Local Theatres

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lots of drama!

Festival Fun

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music, dance, drama & food

Out of Town

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Shuttleworth, Bletchley & more

St Albans Let’s Walk

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walking through history

Heritage Open Days

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celebrating 25 years

Do Something for Charity

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thinking of others

Family Fun

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lots to do for everyone

Wildlife & More

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bees, butterflies & dahlias

Walks, Talks & More

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out & about

NOW for the Kids

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Thomas, friends & more

What’s on in September & October

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Index of Businesses

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Adult Art Classes to the WI

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To Advertise 07983 588291 jane@theNOWmagazines.com

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concert celbrating the music of the worlds greatest Rock ’n’ Roll band.

Science Show 21st Sept 11am & 2pm £12, £10 Science like you’ve never seen it before. Age 4-7 Eric & Ern Hertford Theatre 22nd Sept 7.30pm £23.50 The Tiger Who Came To Tea An evening of Eric and Ern with Ian Ashpitel 1st Sept 11am & 2pm £14 Based on the book by Judith Kerr, direct from the and Jonty Stephens.

The Radlett Centre WD7 8HL West End, the Olivier Award nominated smash www.radlettcentre.co.uk hit show, is celebrating over 10 years on stage.

Ages 3 - 7 Abbey Theatre The Close-up Show Office Suite 21st Sept 8pm 20th - 28th Sept Close-up magic, trickery and sleight of hand with Two one-act plays from master storyteller 3 magicians, showcasing some of the best Alan Bennett. exponents from the sell out shows at The Magic Abbey Theatre, St Albans AL1 2DL Circle. Magicians perform a 25 minute set in turn, www.abbeytheatre.org.uk typically with cards, coins and borrowed objects.

The Barn Theatre Hertford Theatre SG14 1PS The Crucible www.hertfordtheatre.com 27th Sept - 5th Oct Radlett Centre Arthur Miller’s classic witch-hunt masterpiece, The Beach Boyz Tribute Show both literal with its 17th-century Salem setting 7th Sept 7.30pm £20 and with the wider allegorical commentary on Come and ride the wave of adrenaline and the McCarthyism and ‘un-American Activities’ nostalgia, guaranteed to leave you with a movement of the 1950s. Widely recognised as smile on your face and a song in your heart. one of the best plays of the 20th century and Marty Wilde and the Wildcats recently called ‘the perfect play for our 11th Sept 7.30pm £25 post-truth times’.

A chance to see live on stage one of the only The Barn Theatre, WGC AL1 2DL performing Rock'n'Roll Pioneers in the world www.barntheatre.co.uk today.

The Sandpit Theatre Complete Madness Hound of the Baskervilles 13th Sept 7.30pm £23.50 28th Sept 7.30pm A sensational theatre extravaganza featuring Follow Sherlock Holmes and his incomparable the amazing talents of this five-piece band. sidekick Dr Jane Watson in an inventive and Ed Byrne hilarious comedy mystery featuring two fearless 18th Sept 8pm £26 actors playing every role in this fast-paced farce.

Join Ed as he takes a long hard look at himself Arthur Conan Doyle’s classic mystery is brilliantly to decide if he has any traits worth passing on brought to life on stage in this acclaimed to his children! Age 16+ production. Ages 14+. £12 / £10 The Sandpit Theatre, St Albans AL4 9NX The Rolling Stones Story www.sandpittheatre.co.uk 20th Sept 7.30pm £23.50 Relive all the classic hits in this high energy

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NOW for Some Art Herts Open Studios 7th - 29th Sept The signature thumbprint of this year’s Open Studios represents the unique individual style of the artists and venues, from first-timers to longstanding participants opening their doors in this exciting art journey around Hertfordshire. Venues are free to enter, with a mix of working studios, demonstrations, exhibitions, workshops and more.

From early designs to finished pieces, you can see and experience work first-hand. You might even be able to try something yourself. This is a fantastic opportunity to join in and refresh your creative self.

Special launch events on 7th & 8th September include the 2 day Open Studios Showcase in the Assembly Room at St Albans Museum + Gallery.

Read the brochure online or pick up a copy in town. #HertsOpenStudios www.hvaf.org.uk

People's Landscape Exhibition 2nd - 29th Sept 11am - 4pm Featuring artists from all over the UK with work inspired by the British Landscape, with the opportunity to purchase the artwork.

Free event, normal admission applies Claydon House, Bucks MK18 2EY www.nationaltrust.org.uk/claydon

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NOW for some Music Keith Nichols Concert 14th Sept 7pm Keith will be accompanying a selection of silent films on the Weber Grand piano. £12.50 St Albans Organ Theatre AL1 5PE www.stalbansorgantheatre.org.uk

Absolute Bowie 28th Sept 9pm - 11pm This five piece tribute band has toured all over Europe faithfully performing the music of David Bowie with uncanny accuracy. The audience are taken on a journey experiencing the different personas of Bowie, from Ziggy Stardust and Aladdin Sane through to The Thin White Duke and the late 80's. £17 The Horn, Victoria Street, St Albans AL1 3TE www.thehorn.co.uk

Chamber Music Festival

26th - 29th Sept This year the Chamber Music Festival, Pour Bon Jovi UK 14th Sept 9pm - 2am L’Amour de la Musique is celebrating French Europe’s number one Bon Jovi tribute band capture repertoire. Artists will include Annelean Lenearts, their look, sound and electric atmosphere in a live, Principal Harp of the Vienna Philharmonic, flautist authentic tribute show. £12 Adam Walker, oboist Nicholas Daniel, clarinettist Julian-Bliss, the Navarra String Quartet plus the St Albans Peace Day 21st Sept 8pm - 11pm Faust Chamber Orchestra and Hertfordshire A local contribution to the Peace One Day campaign, with music ranging from the psychedelic Chorus for a grand finale. rock of The Mighty Orchid King and the steel guitar Hatfield House AL9 5HX www.hatfield-house.co.uk of John Crampton, to Glen Matlock, the musical inspiration of the Sex Pistols. There will be a Amadeus Chamber Orchestra 60 second ‘silence’ to acknowledge the damage 28th Sept 7.30pm that we’ve done to the planet and a 60 second Arvo Pärt: Cantus in memoriam Benjamin Britten. ‘silence’ for peace. In aid of the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) an organisation attempting Mendelssohn: Violin concerto no.2 in E minor op.64. Beethoven: Symphony no. 3 in Eb major to prevent young male suicide, and Meninos do (Eroica) op.55. £15, child £3 Morumbi, a project that strives to guide favela St Saviour’s Church St Albans AL1 4DF children in Brasil to a better future.

The Horn

Classical Guitar Tuition

www.merlinmiller.co.uk 07831572618 8

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Festival Fun Cool Britannia Festival 30th Aug - 1st Sept Celebrating the best of Indie and Dance music with sets by The Farm, The Bluetones, Soul II Soul, James a DJ set from Basement Jaxx plus many more. The Ministry of Sound Stage is back with an epic line up of DJs and Club Classics.

Knebworth House SG1 2AX www.knebworthhouse.com

Polonia Festival 14th Sept Polish and Eastern European festival with music, dance, visual arts, children’s activities, sport, food and workshops.

St George’s Square, Luton Face Book @PoloniaFestival

Kensington Karavan Festival

24th Sept 10am - 5pm 25th Sept 10am - 4.30pm This mini-festival brings you two vintage caravan theatres, a pop-up café/bar in a vintage horsebox, street-food vans and a music stage. The quirky miniSouthdown Festival 6th - 8th Sept venues will showcase brilliant new writing, uniquely Following the success of last year’s inaugural event, commissioned to be relevant to this location, and a there’s even more going on at this year’s weekend of rolling programme of exciting live performances. fun. With the Southdown Fete at Grove School on Playwriting Workshop: 24th Sept 10am Saturday, 11am - 4pm, with live music, BBQ, As part of the festival leading playwright Chloe Todd craft stalls, sports, fire engine, ice cream van and a Fordham will introduce the basic principles of bouncy castle. Other Festival highlights include live playwriting. Free, but please book. music at The Plough and Harrow and The Carpenters UHArts University of Hertfordshire, Arms. Plus comedy at The Plough headlined by College Lane Campus, Hatfield AL10 9AB Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalist Graeme Mathews. www.uharts.co.uk Harpenden Trust is also having an open day on Saturday afternoon, with a charity quiz in the evening.

The two-day beer festival at The Carpenters Arms went down a storm last year, so that’s back again too!

Check out @SouthdownFestival on Sundown Cinema Facebook and Instagram for more details Luton Hoo LU1 3TQ 1st Sept: Studhambury Festival 7th Sept 1pm The Greatest Showman This Festival started in 2013 to provide a great event with local bands, and to raise money for Clic Sargent, Gates 7pm, film 8.30pm a charity for children with cancer. So far they have Hitchin Lavender Cadwell Farm raised over £37k. Line-up: Toffees, Common People, 4th Sept: 10 Things I Hate About You Alternative Rhythm & Sound Experience and more 5th Sept: Mean Girls Red Lion, Studham LU6 2QA 6th Sept: Jurassic Park www.studhambury.com 7th Sept: Bohemian Rhapsody 8th Sept: The Greatest Showman Pub in the Park 13th - 15th Sept Gates 7pm, films 8.15pm Bringing together brilliant food, live music and www.sundowncinema.co.uk Michelin-starred chefs all served up in our beautiful park, making for the ultimate pub garden unlike any Luna Cinema other. With an array of the nation's latest and greatest Waddesdon Manor Aylesbury HP18 0JH restaurants and pubs serving their best food.

13th Sept: A Star is Born Alongside music from Tom Odell and Scouting for Gates 6pm, film 7.30pm Girls to Razorlight, Will Young, The Christians 14th Sept: Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again and more.

Gates 6pm, film 7.30pm Verulamium Park, St Albans 15th Sept: Bohemian Rhapsody www.pubintheparkuk.com Gates 6pm, film 8pm www.thelunacinema.com

Open Air Cinema

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Call Stacy today 07908 133000 wecleananyproperty@outlook.com www.wecleananyproperty.com

EnjoyLifeWhileWeClean

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Out of Town Shuttleworth Collection Vintage Airshow 1st Sept gates 9am Celebrating the best in lovely old aircraft, artisan crafts and steam punk/vintage outfits. Plus a vintage village, vintage bus rides, pilot chat, music by Fiona Harrison, the best of The Collection’s aircraft and a full display of all exhibits. Come wearing your best vintage or Steam Punk attire! £25, child free Workshop: Autumn Propagation 7th Sept 10am - 1pm Includes tips and demonstrations on taking and growing cuttings, collecting seeds and dividing perennials, selecting cutting material, mix growing media and aftercare. Includes materials and refreshments. Suitable for beginners, age 16+ £25 Chops and Props 8th Sept 10am - 3pm, free Have a look at the variety of customer motorcycles and vehicles on display at this NCC Bedfordshire’s Custom Motorcycle and Classic Vehicle event.

Heritage Open Day 18th Sept 9.30am - 5pm, free, please book tours Swiss Garden Tours 11.30am & 2.30pm House Tours 10am & 1pm The Swiss Garden, created in the ‘Swiss Picturesque’ style in the early 19th century has beautiful wroughtiron bridges, ponds, sweeping lawns and a magnificent grotto and fernery. The 200 acres of listed historic parkland is the perfect setting for the beautiful Grade II listed House.

Model Air Festival of Flight 21st & 22nd Sept gates 8am Enjoy radio controlled, free flight, and control line flying. Watch the action, or bring your own and take part. Dogs on leads welcome £13, child free Shuttleworth, Beds SG18 9EP www.shuttleworth.org

RAF London Spitfire Selfie Station until 1st Sept 11am - 5pm Sit in the Spitfire Mk XVI, in goggles and a pilot’s helmet, and take a selfie £3 Battle of Britain Fighter Aircraft Tour until 1st Sept Let expert guides amaze you with a fascinating tour

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of the Battle of Britain fighter aircraft. Discover the thrilling story of each aircraft, and the people who maintained and flew them. Please book £8 Spitfire Cookie Decorating until 1st Sept 10am - 5pm Decorate a Spitfire cookie, scrumptious fun for a summer’s afternoon. £3.50 per kit, age 3+ Battle of Britain Night 14th Sept 6pm - 10pm Get a close look at the unique WWII aircraft, including the Battle of Britain Spitfire, and take advantage of photographic opportunities in this special after hours event. £15, over 18’s Battle of Britain Day 15th Sept 1pm - 6pm A day of living history with re-enactors bringing the past to life. Other activities include a Merlin engine display, powerhouse of the Spitfire and the Hurricane.

Dress up as a Spitfire pilot in the RAF uniform photo booth. Hear about this aerial campaign and view a Battle of Britain Memorial Flypast (weather permitting). Free RAF Museum London, Hendon NW9 5LL www.rafmuseum.org.uk

Duxford Battle of Britain Air Show 21st & 22nd Sept An unforgettable air show bringing to life Duxford’s finest hour as an important WWII fighter station. Step back into summer 1940 with epic flying, historic aircraft, vintage fashion and movie magic.

Step into Duxford’s remarkable past as the museum, hangars, airfield and showground are transformed with re-enactors, 1940s music and dance, entertainments and activities. Witness daring air displays, dogfights and aerobatics, ending with the splendour of a mass Spitfire flypast in the skies where history happened. Please book IWM Duxford CB22 4QR www.iwm.org.uk

Bletchley Park Autumn 1940s Vintage Weekend 28th & 29th Sept 9.30am - 5pm Why not dress to impress in 1940s attire, or join one of the guided in-depth tours of the Park. There’ll be live music from the Bevin Boys, Down for the Count, the Last Chance Ragtime Band and the Baily Dolls, with the wonderful Swing Dance MK overseeing the music marquee and providing dance classes for all the family. There will be plenty of delicious offerings from Bandit Street Food, the Good Times Cafe, Mrs Bishop’s Cafe and the Gin Nook.

Try your luck on the vintage lawn games and browse the collection of vintage vehicles. There will also be plenty of historical displays and re-enactors and a chance to pick up a vintage treat. Entry included in admission price Bletchley Park, Bucks MK3 6EB www.bletchleypark.org.uk

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Come and Join Kingsbury WI And Make Some New Friends We meet every 3rd Tuesday 9.45am - 12 noon Dagnall Street Baptist Church Hall We have a Book Group, a Scrabble Group, Very Interesting Speakers and 2 or 3 Outings Every Year You will be given a very warm welcome For more information please call Pat Legerton on 01727 822157

Food Intolerance Testing A food intolerance is not the same as an allergy which is a different type of reaction, and in some cases such as anaphylaxis, can be life threatening.

An intolerance may result in unpleasant symptoms, but is not life threatening, and not usually permanent.

Food intolerances tend to occur due to digestive issues, for example, an imbalance of bacteria in the gut and can cause an endless list of symptoms.

While it’s possible to isolate some of these foods, it can be a long process.

Food diaries can help identify patterns between what we eat and when symptoms are worse, and in some cases this is helpful, but where there are multiple food intolerances, results can be confusing.

Food intolerance testing is a simple way to cut out this problem. We offer a simple finger prick blood test, that tests for 134 food and drink reactions.

The price is £195 and includes a free consultation.

Once problem foods are omitted from the diet, many clients experience a profound improvement, and in time, can often begin to re-introduce these foods with no further symptoms.

We always recommend that client’s see their GP regarding any health concerns before seeking help from us, in order to rule out any serious health conditions. www.visionholisticweightconsultancy.co.uk

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Historic People and Places Brought to Life!

Fully qualified guides have been showing people around our City and District for 50 years. Join us on 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 September & October 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 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th September @ 11am 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th September @ 2.30pm 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th October @ 11am & 2nd October @ 2.30pm A Roman City Revealed 7th, 21st September & 5th, 19th October @ 2.30pm Meet outside Verulamium Museum Fishpool Street - Rags and Riches 14th, 28th September & 12th October @ 2.30pm Meet outside Verulamium Museum Historic Pubs of St Albans 6th October @ 2.30pm Aristocrats, Paupers & Philanthropists 8th September @ 2.30pm A Monastery Revealed 15th September @ 2.30pm There’s More to Tudors Than Henry VIII 1st September & 20th October @ 2.30pm Crime & Punishment 13th October @ 2.30pm Victorian St Albans 29th September @ 2.30pm Coaching Inns 22nd September @ 2.30pm Discover Redbourn 22nd September @ 2.30pm Meet in the Car Park by the Cricket Club Discover Harpenden 7th September @ 2.30pm Meet by the War Memorial Ghosts & Ghouls Ticket Only-Book Online 10th, 24th, 25th, 26th, 28th, 29th, 30th October @ 8pm 31st October @7pm, 7.30pm & 8pm Haunted Harpenden Ticket Only-Book Online 31st October @ 7.30pm

www.stalbanstourguides.co.uk

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Donate Your Old Bikes Central Beds County Council are asking for old bicycles that are no longer needed. Bikes will be refurbished, made road-worthy and found new homes. Many will be given to young people to get to school or college; unemployed people to travel to new jobs; as lifelines for those who are feeling isolated; or to help those who are recuperating.

Since 2017 the venture has seen more than 300 bikes saved from the scrapheap, restored, and given new homes.

For more information call 01582 813018 or email travelchoices@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk

Five Miles to Fabulous Cycle Ride

Fit For Life Electric Bikes Tours Chilterns Tea Rides 1st, 7th, 8th, 14th & 15th Sept 10.30am Guided tour with a cream tea, via Berkhamsted Castle, Ashridge Woods, Bridgewater Visitor Centre, Ashridge House and The Grand Union Canal. £40 includes tour guide, eBike hire, safety equipment and cream tea. Ages 14+ Meet at Dacorum Cycle Hub HP2 7BA To book please call 0800 133 7674 or email support@electricbiketours.co.uk www.electricbiketours.co.uk

South Herts Weds Evening Rides

New Cycling Map

23rd May 2020 Join thousands of ladies at the famous Lee Valley VeloPark for a 50km or 100km cycle through London at night in aid of three invaluable Women V Cancer charities.

You’ll start at the VeloPark, home of the 2012 Olympic velodrome, with entertainment, motivational music, speeches and an energising warm-up.

Then set off pedalling past Westminster Abbey, the London Eye, the Tate Modern, West End Theatres and many more spectacular buildings, lighting up London with your bright pink Ride the Night vests and sparkling Women V Cancer spirit.

All the while getting fit and making a bunch of new friends.

Over the last six years the event has raised over £6 million for Breast Cancer Care, Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust and Ovarian Cancer Action.

Places are limited so register as soon as possible to secure a place. www.dream-challenges.com

A new free cycling map for the St Albans District is now available from cycling shops, leisure centres, St Albans Museums, Council offices and online at www.stalbans.gov.uk. It promotes key cycling routes, indicating important features such as whether they are traffic free, shared with walkers or well-surfaced.

Among the routes is the Green Ring, a continuous 6.5-mile cycling and walking path that circles the City. The map also covers parks, nature reserves and heritage sites, and shows the National Cycle Networks within the District and a section of the 170-mile Chiltern Cycleway. Sites of particular interest such as play areas, historic features, cafes and sports facilities are marked out.

It’s been produced by St Albans City and District Council with the St Albans Cycle Campaign and updates a 2014 edition.

To suggest ways of improving cycling in the District, please email contactus@stalbans.gov.uk

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7th Sept 9.30am Meet at Morrisons, Hatfield Road, St Albans by the cycle stands, gentle paced ride with coffee stop. Bring a roadworthy bike, wear suitable clothes, and bring money for coffee. New riders welcome. www.southhertsctc.org.uk Starting from St Albans War Memorial AL1 3HG Rides are between 15 & 20 miles long at a brisk pace, with destination arrival time of 9pm.

It’s essential that you have front and rear lights, puncture outfit, tyre levers, pump and spare tube.

Bring a guest entry form if not a member of the CUK/CTC. Call for more information 07746 821781 www.southhertsctc.org.uk

Ride the Night - Register NOW!

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Heritage Open Days celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, with thousands of free events, offering you the chance to explore places not normally open to the public, and to learn more about the heritage on your doorstep. This year a special programme of ‘People Power’ themed events will focus on highlighting historic and contemporary communities, groups and individuals who have affected positive change.

Here’s a taster of what’s happening locally Luton Hoo Estate Walled Garden LU1 4LF 13th Sept 11am - 3pm free This 5 acre Walled Garden designed by Capability Brown for the 3rd Earl of Bute in 1769 is now being restored to its former splendour. Step into living history as you walk through the garden’s ancient walls and discover plants grown during the times of Bute, tools used during the last century and buildings that tell the fascinating stories of gardeners past. www.lutonhooestate.co.uk St Mary’s Parish Church Luton LU1 3JF 13th Sept 2pm - 5pm 14th Sept 10.30am -12.30pm & 2pm - 5pm This magnificent Grade I listed medieval building, the largest in Bedfordshire, is regarded as one of the finer medieval churches in England.

Bletchley Park 13th - 22nd Sept 9.30am - 5pm free A chance to visit the once top-secret home of the WWII Codebreakers. Highlights include the restored Codebreaking huts, beautiful grounds, atmospheric soundscapes, galleries and exhibitions with hands-on displays. Discover the new immersive cinematic experience ‘D-Day: Interception, Intelligence, Invasion’, exploring Bletchley Park’s secret D-Day role. To mark the 80th anniversary of the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF), a new pop up display can be found outside the newly restored Teleprinter Building – The WAAF at 80.

Discover the secrets of Bletchley Park with a series of exciting missions in different important locations to giving a sense of what happened here in WWII. Bletchley Park, Bucks MK3 6EB www.bletchleypark.org

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St Albans Cathedral 13th - 22nd Sept This year the Cathedral’s offering for this festival of history and culture is bigger and better than ever, with Tower Tours, including the Three Towers Challenge, pop up talks, guided tree trails and visits to the Cathedral archive. www.stalbanscathedral.org Dagnall Street Baptist Church St Albans AL3 5EE 14th Sept 10am - 6pm 15th Sept 1pm - 5pm Dating from 1885, visitors may be interested in the Baptistry which is located in the Apse, the mosaic floor of the Choir and the Bevington organ.

Fleetville Diaries 14th Sept 2pm - 5pm guided walks 2.30pm & 4pm Fleetville Community Centre, Royal Road AL1 4LQ Take a guided walk around Fleetville's streets and alleys. Visit the Community Centre, a converted emergency war nursery building and enjoy three local history exhibitions hosted by local history group, Fleetville Diaries.

Marlborough Road Methodist Church St Albans AL1 3XG 14th Sept 10am - 4pm A self-led trail explains key features and a special display tells the story of the building and congregation.

Smallford Station & Hatfield & St Albans Railway St Albans AL4 0HF 14th Sept 10am - 4pm See Smallford Station, on the Alban Way with an exhibition illustrating the history of the Station, the Hatfield-St Albans Railway it served, and the impact these had on surrounding communities.

Guided walks: Smallford Station to Nast Hyde Halt Rothamsted Manor Harpenden AL5 2BG 14th & 15th Sept 10am - 5pm Guided tours showing the rich history and beautiful rooms of The Manor and rarely seen 16th century murals and paintings. Visit the beautiful gardens, enjoy lawn games or visit the Courtyard Cafe for cream tea. Please book 01582 938500

Redbournbury Watermill St Albans AL3 6RS 14th & 21st Sept 9am - 1pm 15th & 22nd Sept 12 noon - 5pm 18th century restored working watermill, producing organic stone-ground flour and bread. Museum, milling demonstrations and artisan bakery on site.

St Peters Church St Peters Street AL1 3HG 15th Sept Church: 2pm - 5pm Tower tours: 3pm & 4pm Hear about its history, climb the church tower or relax in the tranquil churchyard with it’s orchard, wildflower meadow, storyteller's circle and Garden of Hope.

Ashlyns School Chesham Road HP4 3AH 15th Sept 1pm - 5.30pm, Tours 1.30pm & 3.30pm Former Foundling Hospital (1935-1955) offering guided tours by former Foundlings, who will tell you about their childhood. Please book 01442 865158 Mill Green Museum & Mill Hatfield AL9 5PD 15th Sept 2pm - 5pm Look behind the scenes and tour the museum's fascinating object stores, see a display of vintage Murphy TVs and Radios manufactured by one of Welwyn Garden City's biggest employers. Plus local craft demonstrations, and the chance to see the watermill in action.

Wardown House, Museum & Gallery LU2 7HA 15th Sept 11am - 1pm & 2pm - 4pm, drop-in Enjoy the view from the roof of Wardown House, and see the wonderful chimneys and historic WW1 graffiti in an exclusive tour.

21st Sept 11am - 1pm & 2pm - 4pm, drop-in Take a look at the superb straw work collection of straw marquetry, plaited baskets, dolls and more.

Bentley Priory Museum Stanmore HA7 3FB 19th Sept Tours: 11am & 2pm Find out about the Priory’s critical role as RAF HQ Fighter Command during the Battle of Britain in 1940.

Please book 020 8950 5526 Berkhamsted Castle Brownlow Road HP4 19th & 21st Sept 10am Guided tour of Berkhamsted’s historic centre: A Walk Back in Time. Please book 01442 865158

St Albans Clock Tower AL3 5DL 19th - 22nd Sept 10.30am - 4.45pm Climb the atmospheric spiral stone staircase, see the clock and the huge medieval bell, and enjoy views of St Albans and the surrounding countryside.

St Albans Signal Box & Railway Museum Ridgmont Road, St Albans AL1 3AJ 21st & 22nd Sept 10am - 5pm See how a Signal Box works, pull the levers and ring the bells. See Thomas the Tank Engine on the garden railway and ride behind a steam engine in the road outside. A fun venue with lots to do for all ages. www.tlr.ltd.uk Piccotts End Medieval Cottage and Wall Paintings Hemel Hempstead HP1 3AU 22nd Sept hourly tours 10am - 4pm An early sixteenth century Tudor Hall House with rare wall paintings, created just before Henry VIII's break with Rome. Please book www.eventbrite.co.uk Abbey Gateway Tours St Albans School AL3 4HB 22nd Sept hourly tours 10am - 4pm Tour of the most complete medieval gateway in England including a museum relating to the history of St Albans School, founded in 948 AD. Time Turn; St Albans Vintage Retro Festival St Albans City Centre 22nd Sept 11am - 5pm St Albans’ vintage/retro/heritage/classic car spectacular, turns the City back in time. Each street will be themed to a different era with a variety of activities to enjoy. Historic vehicles, cars, motorbikes, scooters and commercial vehicles will line the streets, and shops, restaurants and pubs will all join in the fun by creating their own retro feel. Music, food and fashion will all play their part.

The Roman Theatre Gorhambury Drive, St Albans AL3 6AE 22nd Sept 10am - 5pm Built in 140AD it’s the only one of it's kind in Britain, being a theatre and stage rather than an Amphitheatre, and is thought to date from the First century.

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Do Something for Charity

donations from the local community. If you would like to help, are friendly, enthusiastic, knowledgeable about your local area and have good communications skills, contact volunteer@renniegrove.org or call 01727 731000.

Trek the Freedom Trail 12th - 17th June 2020

Hospice of St Francis Make A Will Month The Hospice will be teaming up with local solicitors offering you the chance to make or update a Will this month. Participating solicitors will waive their usual fees for their standard Will writing service in return for a donation to the Hospice.

Open Afternoon 22nd Sept 2pm - 5pm As part of the 40th birthday celebrations, there’ll be live music, tours of the gardens, children’s activities and a chance to learn more about the Hospices services over tea, Prosecco and birthday cake on the lawns, and a chance to buy works of art donated by local artists at a silent auction. www.stfrancis.org.uk

A stunning trek through the rugged Pyrenees and along the beautiful Costa Brava coastline awaits experienced walkers looking for the trip of a lifetime. Rennie Grove Hospice Care (RGHC) is offering you the chance to follow in the footsteps of wartime escapees who fled Nazi-occupied France to Spain by following a challenging route known as The Freedom Trail.

This inspirational trek is home to stories of great bravery and hardship endured by WWII airmen who crashed or were shot down over Europe, and hundreds of Jews and refugees desperate to flee to freedom.

A £335 fee is payable to secure your place. You are then asked to fundraise at least £2,500 for RGHC, with support from the charity’s fundraising team.

The cost includes flights, transport, accommodation, meals, local guides and support crew, trekking permits and 24-hour emergency support.

01442 890222 www.renniegrove.org

Macmillan’s World’s Biggest Coffee Morning 27th Sept 8.30am - 12noon Enjoy a freshly ground coffee and homemade cake. Get together with fellow tea drinkers and cake munchers and be part of this popular event. All money raised from cake donations will go to Macmillan Cancer Support.

The Courtyard Café 11 Hatfield Rd, St Albans AL1 3RR www.coffee.macmillan.org.uk

Rennie Grove Hospice Care Could you be a Community Champion Rennie Grove’s community champions help the fundraising team in many ways from displaying posters on noticeboards and placing and collecting collection boxes in local shops and pubs, to being ambassadors who can talk about their work to local groups or accept a cheque on behalf of the charity and give a thank you speech. Rennie Grove is a charity providing specialist care and support for adults and children with a life-limiting illness in West Herts and Bucks. The care is free and is made possible by generous

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UK registered charity no 297489

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Medieval Daze ‘Party Like it's 1539’

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17th - 21st Sept Britain's experts on Medieval life will be revealing the tales, tunes and skills that got us through the Plantagenet’s, in a series of events in St Michael's Church and Kingsbury Barn, St Albans to raise money for the maintenance of the Church. The Friends of St Michael's Church Chairman John Verulam said: "St. Michael's requires regular maintenance. It's the oldest and most significant Anglo-Saxon building in Hertfordshire, it was built in the late 10th century, and is now a Grade One listed building and we want to ensure it survives another 1000 years."

St Michael's Church 17th Sept 7.30pm Talk: My Life and Times in Music

by Harry Christophers, founder of The Sixteen Kingsbury Barn 20th Sept 7.30pm Performance: ‘Remembering King Arthur: Tales from Logres’ 21st Sept 10am - 8pm Talks, Demonstrations and Activities English Martial Arts The Longbow and Medieval War Bow How to Draw a Dragon Armour from Movies and Television The Works of Giants: The Anglo Saxon Experience in Verulamium Tricycle Jousting Nerf Archery Led Troubadour and the Broadswords Medieval Games and more 01727 835027 www.stmichaels-parishchurch.org.uk

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Family Fun Redbourn Classics Motor Show and Village Fete 7th Sept 12 Noon - 5pm See 300 classic cars, trucks, tractors and motorbikes on the Common in the heart of the village. With go-karts, children’s fairground rides, live music and lots of food and drink stalls, it promises to be fun for all the family. This is a fundraising event run by volunteers for local charities, so there will be donation buckets at the gates, suggested donation adult £2, family £5.

Redbourn Common AL3 7BU

Tudor Legacies: Meet the Six Wives of Henry VIII 29th Sept 8am - 5pm The Tudor Legacies, a living history group of Tudor enthusiasts return again, giving you the opportunity to interact and engage with the six wives of Henry VIII. The Real Housewives Of Hampton Court.

Find out what it was like to be married to one of history’s most infamous kings. Meet the personalities behind the portraits, as all six wives regale you with their experiences within a royal court full of scandal, intrigue and beheadings.

Also featuring little Princess Elizabeth, amidst the beautiful backdrop of her childhood home. The future Queen of England, Elizabeth I and daughter of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn.

Hatfield House AL9 5HX www.hatfield-house.co.uk

Potato Shindig Brambleton Model Railway Club Open Day 7th Sept 2pm - 5.30pm Open days are a great way of showing off to the public what the club is all about. It provides an opportunity to run the railway as it was originally intended, while giving visitors the chance to see a great variety of rolling stock (O gauge circuit) and live steam narrow gauge (16 mm). £2.50, child £1.50 Brambleton Model Railway Club Ambrose Lane, Harpenden AL5 4BX www.brambleton.org.uk

2nd - 30th Sept 10am-5pm Get your dungarees on, it's time to harvest your free bag of potatoes at Willows Potato Patch.

There are more than 20 tonnes of creamy pinkeyed Picasso potatoes waiting to be harvested so grab a spade and start digging. There’ll be Peter Rabbit and friends, potato printing, and Mr Tod will be available for meet and greets and live shows in the theatre. Undercover fun includes the Farmyard, Cotton-tail Village and Woolly Jumpers soft play area.

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

66 Book Club 14th & 15th Sept 10am - 6pm Open for one weekend each month, 66 Book Club offers members the chance to buy books at 70% off the original cover price and has a vast warehouse full of books for all the family. Membership is £2 per year and you can join at any one of the open days.

Unit 2, Eastman Way, Hemel Hempstead HP2 7DU Facebook @66bookclub

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Wimpole Craft & Produce Fair 7th & 8th Sept 10am - 5pm Browse a selection of unique crafts and food stalls selling home-made or home-grown delicacies, in the picturesque grounds of Wimpole Mansion. There will be live music, a beer tent serving local ales, a craft tent and face painting. Free, normal charges apply to visit the gardens, farm or house.

Wimpole Estate, Royston SG8 0BW www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Stockwood Discovery Centre Interactive Science Exhibition until 8th Sept 10am - 5pm Fully interactive, innovative, fun, educational and entertaining exhibition for all ages. Produced by World Touring Exhibitions in collaboration with a team of scientists, physicists, geologists and astronomers, Combining knowledge and fun challenges with interactive machines to experience and play with science. £3.50, ages 7+ Meet the Gardener 19th Sept 10.30am - 12 noon Meet the Head Gardener for a short walk around the gardens where he will talk about the activities planned for September, this will be followed by tea in the café where you can ask him any gardening related questions. £10 Exhibition: International Garden Photographer of the Year 23rd Sept - 24th Nov 10am - 4pm free With stunning work from both amateur and professional photographers, the exhibition captures beautiful images of plants, habitats and amazing landscapes.

Now in its twelfth year, it has quickly grown to 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 level can develop their artistic life. Garden photography encompasses many aspects of other types of imagemaking - you can create mini-landscapes, stalk and photograph all kinds of wildlife - or you can make your flowers look like Hollywood starlets'.

Stockwood Discovery Centre LU1 4LX www.lutonculture.com

St Albans Fire Station Open Day 7th Sept 12 noon - 4pm Watch a cooking oil fire demonstration, look around a fire engine, bring your teddy for a 'parachute drop' from the top of the drill tower, see dog handling and enjoy the family friendly stalls and attractions.

St Albans Fire Station, London Road, St Albans AL1 1TQ www.hertfordshire.gov.uk

The Pop Up Farm until 1st Sept 10am - 4pm Pick Sunflowers and super sweet Sweetcorn, explore the Sunflower trail or play on the Bale Maze. Take part in daily events and workshops and meet the amazing Team. Try the new Pop Up Farm Pizza and super sweet corn on the cob 'barbequed with a twist' in front of your eyes.

Open on selected days depending on weather and when the crop is ready!

Junction 9, Harpenden AL3 8HT Facebook @thepopupfarm

Royal Gunpowder Mills Battlefields Trust Study Day: Firepower in the Napoleonic Age 7th Sept 9.30am - 5.30pm Explore firepower on land and sea during the Napoleonic period with the experts, and see live firing demonstrations by re-enactment groups, all within the place that played such an important role at the time.

Take guided tours to explore the site, and see the main exhibition, rocket vault and armoury. Expert interpreters and guides will be on hand to explain the evolving production processes of gunpowder, Cordite and explosives and rockets that were produced on this secret site for over 300 years. £40 includes lunch Woodland Wildlife Safari 21st Sept 7pm - 10pm Set off on a a tractor trailer tour just before dusk to see and learn about the beautiful environment of this 170-acre site. Most of the site is designated of Special Scientific Interest, featuring open grassland, woodland, waterways and a derelict factory site, providing an abundance of wildlife habitats. You’re likely to see various birds, and possibly deer. After the initial tour and refreshments you will take another trip to see and hear activity after dark. Because the animals are living wild there are no guarantees to what you will see. Previous watches have seen Fallow Deer, Muntjack Deer, Badgers, Foxes and Owls. £20, age 14+ Royal Gunpowder Mills, Waltham Abbey EN9 1JY www.royalgunpowdermills.com

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Remap Needs Your Expertise A blind lady bought an induction hob so she could cook safely. No naked flames or hot surfaces to cope with. There was however a small problem. How do you know if your saucepan is in the correct place for it to be heated?

This is a problem that Remap Hertfordshire South (RHS) was presented with recently.

One of our volunteer engineers got creative and made a cover sheet of toughened glass with holes cut in the right places and placed over the hob to ensure the saucepans could be put in the correct place allowing access to the controls.

With help from a specialist company to cut the holes, this was made and fitted and the lady loved it. The hard bit was thinking of the solution in the first place, that’s why we need resourceful and inventive volunteers.

RHS is a local branch of a national charity. Our group of dedicated volunteers help people with disabilities to overcome everyday challenges and improve their quality of life. We endeavour to design and make aids and equipment for people of all ages and disabilities to use in their homes, schools and workplace using the skills of experienced mechanical, carpentry, electrical and computing engineers.

These devices are custom made to meet the specific needs of individuals and are provided free of charge. Sometimes it doesn’t take much to improve people’s lives.

Many clients have difficulty with windows because the handles are out of reach. A simple device was designed by one of our members and is made from standard pipes and fittings. It takes about 10 minutes to glue together.

Other clients need chairs, sofas or beds raised, custom access ramps or custom made electronic equipment, the list is long and varied.

If you have metal or woodworking skills, electronic, electrical or computer skills or are just good with your hands why not consider joining us as a volunteer. We also need support with admin and PR projects.

Remap Herts South is the local branch of Remap, a national charity providing custom designed equipment for the disabled For more information call 01727 613177 You can view some of our work at www.hertfordshire-south.remap.org.uk

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Wildlife & More

Camping will take place from 6.30pm until 10am, when you will then be free to spend the day in the Zoo. This is a family friendly event and children must be aged 5+ to take part. £75 ZSL Whipsnade Zoo, Dunstable, Beds LU6 2LF www.zsl.org

CJ’s Birds of Prey

Whipsnade Zoo New Aquarium From flooded forests to dark mysterious caves, take an interactive journey through the new aquarium and head below the surface to discover the deepest, darkest secrets of freshwater fish.

Uncover some of the rarest and most critically endangered fish on the planet. Learn how fish have adapted to some of the world’s most challenging habitats, including the mangrove killifish which can survive out of water for 66 days.

Fish Tales until 2nd Sept 11.30am Take a journey to discover who calls the river home, and who eats who to survive.

Ages 1-5 years ZSL in Action! until 2nd Sept 10.30am - 5pm Test the river water and learn what happens to fish after a disaster hits. Ages 6-12 years Be a Keeper for a Day This amazing experience gives you a once in a lifetime opportunity to get up close to some of the Zoo's most popular animals. You’ll work with an expert zoo keeper who will show you how some of the incredible animals, including rhinos, giraffe and elephants are looked after every day. £295 (April - Oct) / £149 (Nov - March) Nature Night Camping until 7th Sept ZSL Whipsnade Zoo is excited to bring you an overnight experience like no other.

Have you ever wanted to know what animals get up to at night? Well, now’s your chance.

Pitch your tent on the main lawn and spend the evening discovering what native and exotic animals get up to at night. Learn what to look for when tracking them down before going on a torchlight expedition around the Zoo to see what you can find and who is still awake.

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8th Sept 11am - 4pm See owls, hawks, falcons and an eagle at these fun, informative and educational sessions.

Normal farm admission prices apply.

Hatfield Park Farm, Hatfield House AL9 5HX www.hatfieldparkfarm.co.uk

Aylett Nurseries Butterfly Corner until 15th Sept Walk among tropical Butterflies and exotic plants and look out for Butterflies emerging in the Puparium. The specially constructed, temporary Butterfly Corner will be open during normal opening hours. A treat for all the family. Free Autumn Festival 5th - 15th Sept An autumnal celebration with spectacular displays of Aylett’s’ home-grown Dahlias.

A marquee features as the centrepiece of the festival showcasing cut blooms of over 40 Dahlia varieties while the Dahlia Field and Celebration Garden will be ablaze with colour, a sight not to be missed.

Aylett Nurseries, St Albans AL2 1DH www.aylettnurseries.co.uk

Woburn Abbey Honey Festival 22nd Sept The Bedfordshire Beekeeper's Association will be holding their annual Honey Show with demonstrations and talks about beekeeping, honey and hive products. Try on a beekeepers outfit and look down a microscope at bee anatomy. Take a close-up look at an observation beehive and see bees at work. Demonstrations will include the traditional craft of skep-making and candle rolling as well as a variety of children's activities. There will be a range of stalls selling local honey, candles, other beeswax related products and food items.

Cost is included in the entrance ticket £8.25, concs £7.25, child £5.50 Woburn Abbey and Gardens, Beds MK17 9WA www.woburnabbey.co.uk

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Walks, Talks & More St Albans & District Footpaths Society This friendly local group has been walking and maintaining footpaths in the area for over 50 years.

They have weekly walks on Thursdays and Sundays.

For more information please visit www.stalbansfootpaths.org

Luton Hoo Walled Garden Open Wednesdays until 25th Sept 10.30am - 4pm Tours of the garden and Victorian Farm Buildings (extra £3). Seasonal fruit and vegetables, apple juice, Luton Hoo honey and honeycomb will be on sale. £5, under 4’s free Talks on Fridays 27th Sept & 25th Oct 10.30am £5 The last Friday of the month hosts a varied programme of talks in the Estate Office Lecture Room. The first one is "Fabergé and Luton Hoo"

by Fiona Lean.

Luton Hoo Estate LU1 4LF (take West Hyde Road/ Newmill End turning off A1081) www.lutonhooestate.co.uk

Ashridge Volunteer Open Day 1st Sept 10am - 3pm Go along to the visitor centre to find out more about volunteering opportunities at Ashridge.

Gentle Stroll: Golden Valley 10th Sept 10.30am - 12.30pm Join the knowledgeable volunteers for a gentle walk through one of ‘Capability’ Brown’s greatest landscapes. Meet at the Golden Valley track.

Grid reference SP993128. £3, cash only Ashridge Estate, Berkhamsted HP4 1LT www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Herts and Middx Wildlife Trust Workshop: Discover Hedgehogs in Harpenden 3rd & 17th Sept 2pm - 3pm Learn about the fascinating lives of hedgehogs with an expert from Hornbeam Wood Hedgehog Sanctuary. £8, adults only.

Talk: ‘The Garden Jungle’ 11th Sept 7pm - 9pm Professor Dave Goulson will be talking about the issues raised in his new book "The Garden Jungle: or Gardening to Save the Planet". He will explain what

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lives in our compost piles, behind our trees’ bark and beneath our lawns and then will use those small creatures to explain entire ecosystems. Issues will be discussed such as how bee-friendly are the supposedly bee-friendly plants sold in garden centres and nurseries? Should you use peat rather than compost? Why do urban bee hives often produce more honey than those in the countryside? And what are the repercussions of using lawn treatment chemicals on your lawns, or of encouraging garden areas to turn into natural meadow? For anyone who has a garden, and cares about our planet, Dave’s book is essential reading. £10, concs £8 The Sandpit Theatre, St Albans AL4 9NX Photographing Nature Workshop 26th Sept 10am - 4pm For keen photographers focusing on camera techniques and understanding image composition to achieve creative nature images. £39, age 14+ Grebe House, St Michael's St, St Albans AL3 4SN Land Art 28th Sept 2pm - 4pm Learn how to make art from the natural things we find around us. Thinking about uses and sustainability as well as what we leave behind in the woods.

Harpenden Common AL5 1QH www.hertswildlifetrust.org.uk

Sustainable St Albans Open Food Gardens Be inspired and visit one of these unique gardens and see what fruit and veg are grown locally.

8th Sept 3pm - 5pm The Holt, Holtsmere End Lane, Redbourn AL3 7AW 14th Sept 3pm - 5pm 2 Cowper Rd, Harpenden AL5 5NG www.sustainablestalbans.org What Can You Fix? 9th Sept 7.30pm Pullman Room, The Harpenden Arms AL5 2TR An ‘Our Planet Our Future’ event featuring The Repair Shed from Dacorum, and the Restart project, with practical ideas about how St Albans district can reduce waste and consumption at the same time.

Free but please book www.sustainablestalbans.org FoodSmiles Vegetable Plot Open Day 28th Sept 2pm - 4pm Free Take a tour of the vegetable farm where FoodSmiles members grow food and share the harvest. See how they grow veg all year, using raised beds, polytunnels, rainwater harvesting, composting and solar power to increase efficiency and productivity.

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

John Bunyon Pub Quiz Night 14th Sept 7.30pm A fun quiz night, with bar snacks available. £1 Coleman Green Lane, St Albans AL4 8ES www.johnbunyanpub.co.uk

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so go prepared. Ages 18 months to 4 years. £6 per child, please book Wildlife Watch 7th, 8th, 28th Sept / 5th, 13th, 26th Oct 10am - 12 noon Join an experienced volunteer in one of the hides and discover what wildlife is around. A fantastic opportunity to improve your bird ID skills and enjoy nature. Free RSPB Rye Meads, Hoddesdon, Herts SG12 8JS ww2.rspb.org.uk

Day Out With Thomas 7th & 8th Sept 10.30am - 5pm Thomas runs short train rides all day long, along side other activities such as face painting, kids shows, meet the Fat Controller, miniature train Burston Garden Centre rides, badge making and much more, so go until 15th Sept 9am - 6pm (Sun 9am - 5pm) whenever you like, and stay as long as you like, Visit the new summer garden for children which it's all included in the ticket price. If you've got will be enclosed and accessible by a gate, so you Thomas the Tank Engine fans, make their can watch your children play in the sun while you dreams come true by bringing them to take relax. A hot and cold menu, ice creams, snacks a ride on their favourite train. and cakes will be available from the café.

Buckinghamshire Railway Centre, Drop-in, for under 5s Quainton, Aylesbury HP22 4BY Burston Garden Centre, St Albans AL2 2DS www.bucksrailcentre.org www.burstons.co.uk

NOW for the Kids

Rye Meads Family Summer Trail: Nature Pirates until 1st Sept 10am - 4pm Transform into a nature pirate and become part of Captain Swift-Tyde’s crew aboard the Sea Raven. Heed her call and take part in a trail where you can make your own treasure chest, explore the reserve, collect ‘treasures’, walk the plank, see the mysterious ‘blue flash’, build a crow’s nest and enter the photo competition by taking a photo in the Sea Raven. Dress as a nature pirate and try not to wake the Kraken on your quest around the reserve. Trail £2 Rye Meadlings 2nd & 16th Sept / 7th & 21st Oct 10.30am - 12 noon A group for parents and toddlers on the 1st and 3rd Monday of every month. Being in nature is proven to lower stress in adults and children, so what better way to relax with your little one than at the beautiful nature reserve, where you will meet other parents and be immersed in wonderful wildlife. Sessions are hands-on and sensory to encourage child led exploration and natural play. Activities may include water play, mud kitchen time, bug hunting, bird spotting, pond dipping, games, crafts, storytelling and more. You will be outside whatever the weather

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Luton Library Theatre

Roald Dahl Day 14th & 15th Sept 10am - 4pm Join in with this marvellous fun-filled weekend of free crafts and activities for children to celebrate Roald Dahl's birthday! Dress up as your favourite Dahl character and have your picture taken using a selfie frame. Free Hey Diddle Diddle 15th Sept 11.30am - 12.20pm Fresh from the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Goblin Theatre present a hilarious adventure. When the full moon shines bright there's magic in the air, and all the animals come out to play, in a brilliant new take on the classic nursery rhyme.

The Scarecrow's Wedding 28th & 29th Sept Sat: 2pm, Sun: 11am & 2pm Betty O'Barley and Harry O'Hay are excellent scarecrows. Their wedding plans are coming together until the devilishly smooth Reginald Rake tries to take Harry's place. This epic love story promises wit, drama and wedding bells!

Packed with live music and laughter, this is one hour's magic that you and your children will never forget!

Luton Central Library, St George’s Square LU1 2NG www.lutonculture.com

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What’s on in September 42

until 8th Sept 100 Years of the Hertfordshire Women’s Institute St Albans Museum + Gallery until 15th Sept Children’s Activities at Burston page 40 30th Aug - 1st Sept Cool Britannia Festival page 10 31st Aug & 1st Sept Medieval Warbow Chiltern Open Air Museum, Chalfont St Giles HP8 4AB www.coam.org.uk 1st Volunteer Open Day page 38 2nd - 29th People's Landscape Exhibition page 6 6th Focus Harpenden Public Halls, 7.30pm 6th - 8th Southdown Festival page 10 7th Redbourn Classics Motor Show & Fete page 32 7th & 8th Exhibition: The Art of Grieving page 6 7th - 29th Herts Open Studios page 6 7th Sept - 27th Oct Exhibition: A Rothschild Treasury Waddesdon Manor, Bucks HP18 0JH, Weds - Sun, 12pm - 4pm 8th Sunday Afternoon Organ Recital St Albans Cathedral, Marko Sever, Organ Scholar, 3pm, free 9th Our Planet Our Future page 38 10th - 14th Statty Fun Fair Harpenden Common, 6pm-10pm 11th Talk: ‘The Garden Jungle’ page 38 We’ve Only Just Begun Harpenden Public Halls, Toni Lee is the voice of Karen Carpenter, 7.30pm.

13th Complete Madness page 4 Jack Lukeman Harpenden Public Halls, 7.30pm 13th - 15th Pub in the Park page 10 13th - 22nd Heritage Open Days pages 22 & 23 14th Keith Nichols Theatre Organ Concert page 8 The Magic Voices Choir St Nicholas Church, Harpenden, pop classics & songs from musicals & shows, 7.30pm, £12, child free, 01582 760733 14th - 15th WW1 Living History Chiltern Open Air Museum, Chalfont St Giles HP8 4AB www.coam.org.uk

15th Dogs in the Park page 41 Afternoon Tea Knebworth Barns SG1 2AX, 2pm, £28, child £12.50 www.knebworthhouse.com Battle of Britain Day page 12 Hey Diddle Diddle page 40 Black Dyke Brass Band Harpenden Public Halls 17th - 21st Medieval Daze page 28 18th Specks, Spots & Nonsense St Albans, Harpenden & District Philatelic Society, 01582 762284, St Mary's Church, Childwickbury, 8pm 20th St Albans Hats Off Comedy Club page 28 The Christians Harpenden Public Halls, 7.30pm 20th - 28th Office Suite page 4 21st Harpenden Record Fair Harpenden Public Halls Family Matters Watford Palace Theatre, comedian Sindu Vee, £16, £17.50 21st & 22nd Duxford Battle of Britain Airshow page 12 22nd Hospice Birthday Open Afternoon page 26 Hercules Festival of Sport Verulamium Park, St Albans, 7am - 3pm www.herculesevents.com 23rd Sept - 6th Oct St Albans Food & Drink Festival see back cover 26th Jasper Carrott: Stand Up & Rock Watford Colosseum WD17 3JN 27th Reformation, Fascination In Suburbia Harpenden Public Halls, 8pm The Take That Experience The Radlett Centre, 7.30pm, £23.50 www.radlettcentre.co.uk 27th - 29th Herts Jazz Festival www.hertsjazzfestival.co.uk 27th Sept - 5th Oct The Crucible page 4 28th Wedding Dress Ball see opposite page FoodSmiles Open Day page 38 Bad Manners Harpenden Public Halls, 8pm Amadeus Chamber Orchestra Concert page 8 Guitar Recital St Albans Cathedral, 1pm Hound of the Baskervilles page 4 28th & 29th The Scarecrows Wedding page 40

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What’s on in October

2nd - 6th & 9th - 13th Object Handling Waddesdon Manor, Aylesbury HP18 0JH 1.30pm www.waddesdon.org.uk 3rd Talk: Changing Luton - As Seen Through Old Photographs Wardown Park Museum LU2 7HA 7.30pm - 9pm www.lutonculture.com 4th - 6th Harvest Flower Festival Theme: Who’s Your Hero? St Leonard’s Church, Sandridge 5th Bach to Rheinberger St Saviour’s Church, St Albans AL1 4DF, Carillon Chamber Choir, 7.30pm, £15, concs £13, child £5, 01582 832312 Apple Day Oaklands College, The Howard Centre, St Albans AL4 0JA, 10am - 3pm www.eventbrite.co.uk 8th - 12th The Addams Family Harpenden Public Halls, Harpenden Musical Theatre, 01582 767525 www.harpendenmusicaltheatre.com 11th Confessions of a Cockney Temple Dancer Luton Library Theatre LU1 2NG, 7.30pm - 8.45pm 12th St Albans St Cecilia Festival Society Concert St Albans Cathedral, 7.30pm, £10 - £28, child £1 Elizabeth Harrison Concert St Albans Organ Theatre AL1 5PE, 7pm, £12.50 12th & 13th Reptile Weekend Paradise Wildlife Park, Broxbourne EN10 7QA 9.30am - 5pm Wild About Wool Chiltern Open Air Museum, Newland Park, HP8 4AB, 10am www.coam.org.uk 13th The Mud Pack Challenge page 26 16th The Ships that Linked New Zealand & Australia & England St Albans, Harpenden & District Philatelic Society, St Marys Church AL3 6JJ, 8pm 16th - 19th Keep the Home Fires Burning Wardown Park Museum, LU2 7HA, 7.30pm, Sat 2.30pm & 7.30pm 18th - 26th The 39 Steps The Barn Theatre, WGC AL1 2DL lightning-fast costume changes by just 4 actors 18th - 20th & 25th - 27th Deer Rut Walks Ashridge Estate, £10, child £8, please book 01442 85122, 7am 19th Mendelssohn’s Elijah St Albans Cathedral, Hertfordshire Chorus, 7.30pm, from £16 19th & 20th Make a Seed Bird Feeder & Apple Festival Aylett Nurseries, St Albans AL2 1DH 10am - 4pm Tabby McTat The Alban Arena AL1 3LD, 1.30pm 44 & 4pm / 11am & 2pm www.alban-arena.co.uk

19th Oct - 3rd Nov Howl-o-ween Paradise Wildlife Park, Broxbourne EN10 7QA, 9.30am - 5pm www.pwpark.com Pumpkin Festival Willow's Farm, St Albans AL4 0PF, 10am - 5pm www.willowsactivityfarm.com 22nd & 23rd Messy Stockwood Discovery Centre LU1 4LX 11am & 2pm www.lutonculture.com The Horrid House Tour Wardown Park Museum, Old Bedford Rd LU2 7HA, 11am - 11.45am 24th Milkshake! Live: Milkshake Monkey’s Musical The Alban Arena AL1 3LD, 12 noon & 3.30pm 24th - 26th Wait Until Dark Memorial Hall, Marford Road, Wheathampstead, masterfully constructed thriller, Wheathampstead Dramatic Society, 8pm, £10 25th The Stylistics Watford Colosseum, 7.30pm 26th Oct - 3rd Nov Space Trail: To the Trinity & Beyond!

St Albans Cathedral 27th Justin Live: Justin Fletcher MBE Watford Colosseum, 11am & 2pm www.ents24.com 28th - 31st Pumpkin Scooping Aylett Nurseries, St Albans AL2 1DH, 10am - 4pm www.aylettnurseries.co.uk 28th Oct - 1st Nov ArtShed! Children’s Holiday Art Camps page 7 Space Voyage St Albans Cathedral, incredible light & sound installation Make & Take Sessions The Marlowes Shopping Centre Stay & Play area, Hemel Hempstead, 11am - 4pm, Halloween & bonfire themed crafts 29th Dancing for Fun British Schools Museum, Hitchin SG4 9TS, Maypole & English Country Dancing, ages 6+, 10am - 12 noon, £3, please book www.britishschoolsmuseum.org.uk 30th Autumn Open Day Luton Hoo Walled Garden, 10.30am - 1pm 31st Light Party High Street Methodist Church, Harpenden, for primary school children, games, craft, songs, messy challenge, come dressed in your brightest colours, 5.45pm - 7pm, £3 www.highstreet.church Space: The Final Frontier St Albans Cathedral, explore, learn & then create a piece of space themed art, 10am - 12.30pm Rats, Bats & Cats Halloween Fun Day British Schools Museum, Hitchin SG4 9TS, ages 4 - 11 years, 10am & 1pm, £5, please book www.britishschoolsmuseum.org.uk

Do You Want Peace of Mind for Your Loved Ones?

Living Together Those who are living together have no rights to their partner’s estate. They may share joint ownership of a property, perhaps through a mortgage, and for those with children, the death of a partner can create great financial hardship. Any mortgage debts which remain in place transfer to the surviving partner.

Your Children Where there is no will, the Laws of Intestacy automatically come into play, which means the Courts decide: ● Who gets your assets, and in what amounts after all the tax has been paid; ● Who will be appointed guardians of your children – they could be taken into care while these decisions are made; ● Have you made provision for your funeral and/or your organ donation?

Where guardians have been appointed in your will, have you made any financial provision for your children? Are funds specifically set aside for your children? Are your funds protected?

At what age will your children inherit?

For more information please get in touch Westminster Wills Limited STANTA Business Centre 3 Soothouse Spring, St Albans AL3 6PF 01727 867888 www.westminsterwills.co.uk

Wills - Tax - Family Trusts - Financial Planning

www.theNOWmagazines.com

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Index of Businesses Adult Art Classes GDS Art School Start Art!

Electricians 6 Alban Electrical Services 6 Anderton Electrics

15 14

Art Exhibition The Art of Grieving

Fencing 6 Verulam Fencing

37

Bicycle Repairs Cycletech UK Building Open Plan Solutions Car Body Repairs Chips Away Charity Traid Charity Events The Mud Pack Challenge Wedding Dress Ball Children’s Art Camps ArtShed!

Chiropodist Kathy Witchard Cleaning Daily Poppins Domestique WeCleanAnyProperty.com

Food & Drink Festival 16 St Albans Food & Drink Festival Back Cover 13 Garage Doors Garolla

35

47 Garden Centre Burston Garden Centre

39

26 Gardening Green Edge Gardens

37

27 Guided Walks 43 St Albans Tour Guides

18

Hearing Services 7 Hearing Healthcare Practice Front Cover 19 Locksmith Lock Around the Clock 11 Loft Ladders 11 Home Counties 11 Loft Ladders

Conservatory Roof Solutions Nu-Look 9 Dance & Drama Penny Waterman School of Dance Stagecoach Domestic Appliance Repairs Leigh Hibon Education Kumon

Mobility Bathing Mobility Bathing Advisory Service

15

21

Pest Control Verminator UK

47

Pilates Intelligent Pilates Totally Pilates

19 3

Plasterers A Merson Plastering

29

Plumber DJ&M Plumbing Services Ltd

34 & 47

Roofing Claridge & Hall Bros Ltd GJ Smith Roofing

15 14

Shutters The Harpenden Shutter Company

30

Slimming Lighter Life Vision Weight Consultancy

17 16

Soft Furnishings Sue Smyth

30

Tree Surgeons Fircroft Tree Surgery Ltd

39

TV Repairs JB TV Services

34

25

Music Tuition 41 Merlin Miller 2 New Homes

Wedding Show Luxury Wedding Show

5

8

Will Planning Westminster Wills Ltd

45

Beechcroft

24

Windows & Doors Cloud 9 Kings Windows

31 3

Women’s Institute Kingsbury WI

16

Painters & Decorators 35 CB Decorators M & M Decorators 41

29 29

Effective Low Cost Advertising that Really Works!

Advertise in the NOW Magazines for as little as £33 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 .

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To Advertise 07983 588291 jane@theNOWmagazines.com

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