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harpenden December 2026

NOW

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Welcome to December

A big thank you to all our advertisers, readers and those who have contributed to another successful year of the NOW magazines. There’s lots of festive fun happening this month from Santa’s Grottos, Panto’s Galore, a Nutcracker Trail, Festive Workshops, the Rudolf Run, Carol Singing, Christmas Markets, Illuminations and so much more! Run your own business? We‘d love to include you too, just book your space online today. Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas!

Friendly, professional tax advice for individuals in Harpenden, St Albans & surrounding areas

Jane & Wendy

 Self Assessment

Tax Returns  Making Tax Digital  Capital Gains Tax

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Christmas Trees Hardwood Dried Logs Bespoke Fresh Wreaths Winter Pansies & Violas 5 mins from Harpenden Town Centre

East Hyde LU1 3TS 01582 766728

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Conveyancing, Family Law, Immigration, Litigation, Landlord and Tenant, Road Traffic Offences, Private Client We are a small friendly law firm and understand that when facing a legal problem it can be stressful, so our aim is to make you feel as comfortable as possible and assist you with achieving the results you desire by listening to you. We specialise in Conveyancing, Family Law, Immigration, Litigation, Landlord and Tenant, Road Traffic Offences and Private Client, and our rates are very reasonable for this area. Book a free 20 minute appointment to discuss how we can help. There is free parking for an hour right outside. Prepare for the future and protect yourself and your family.

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The Flooring Professionals You Can Trust

StallAlbans Experts in Types of Flooring Visit our Local Showroom 200 Watford Road, Chiswell Green, St Albans AL2 3EB

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M & M Decorators

Showroom open: Mon, Wed-Sat 10am-4pm

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Fully qualified City and Guilds Over 25 years experience All interior and exterior work undertaken Specialist in all types of wallpaper All work finished to a high professional standard Free quotations at competitive prices Matthew Hayden 01582 270715 01727 867660 07970 720911 mandmdecs@gmail.com mandm_decorators

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enquiries@gjsmithroofing.com

01582 511867

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07500 801192

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It’s Panto Time! Snow White

Where’s Santa?

Burston Garden Centre until 24th Dec selected dates child £15, adult £1.50 St Albans AL2 2DS burston.co.uk

27th Nov - 24th Jan Gordon Craig Theatre, Stevenage SG1 1LZ everyonetheatres.com

Van Hage Garden Centre

A Christmas Carol: The Panto

until 24th Dec selected dates £30 - £95 Great Amwell SG12 9RP events.bluediamond.gg

29th Nov - 3rd Jan Watford Palace Theatre WD17 1JZ watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk

Whipsnade Zoo 21st Nov - 24th Dec

Dick Whittington

Willows Activity Farm 27th Nov - 24th Dec

2nd - 6th Dec Redbourn Village Hall, High Street AL3 7LW ticketsource.co.uk/redbourn-players

Peter Pan

4th - 31st Dec Watersmeet Theatre WD3 1EH watersmeet.co.uk

Beauty & the Beast

4th Dec - 3rd Jan The Alban Arena, St Albans AL1 3LD everyonetheatres.com

Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs

4th Dec - 3rd Jan Grove Theatre, Dunstable LU4 5GP everyonetheatres.com

Meet Santa, enjoy festive crafts, animal activities and more. Whipsnade Zoo LU6 2LF whipsnadezoo.org Meet Santa in his Grotto, enjoy the festive funfair, meet the reindeer, and lots more. St Albans AL4 0PF willowsactivityfarm.com

Buckinghamshire Railway Centre

28th Nov - 22nd Dec selected dates Meet Santa while enjoying a steam train ride, watch a pantomime and meet Mrs Claus and the elves. HP22 4BY bucksrailcentre.org

Hatfield House 28th Nov - 23rd Dec

Enter the Old Palace for a magical story through the Knot Garden and fairy-lit Lime Walk, then meet Santa for a photo and a gift. AL9 5HX hatfield-house.co.uk

Lee Valley Animal Adventure Park

Rapunzel - A Tangled Tale!

28th Nov - 24th Dec selected dates £15 - £30 Meet Santa and his elves, enjoy festive shows, visit Mother Christmas, and more. Enfield EN9 2EF leevalleyfarm.co.uk

Snow White

28th Nov - 3rd Jan selected dates from £31.85 Enjoy an Elf Hunt, Mini Tractor Play, Bouncy Castle, Dance Tunnel and Meet and Greet with Santa Pooh. Borehamwood WD6 3BA aldenhamcountrypark.co.uk

Sleeping Beauty

Meet Santa and enter a world of festive magic and secret Christmas operations! £15 Milton Keynes MK3 6EB bletchleypark.org.uk

Aladdin 6th Dec 2pm

Meet Santa, visit the North Pole Post Office and the Elves workshop, and more. From £37 Billington, Beds LU7 9JH meadopenfarm.co.uk

5th - 30th Dec Eric Morecambe Centre, Harpenden AL5 2FR everyonetheatres.com

Bletchley Park 5th - 23rd Dec selected dates

5th Dec - 31st Dec Radlett Centre WD7 8HL radlettcentre.co.uk 5th Dec - 10th Jan Milton Keynes Theatre MK9 3NZ miltonkeynes-theatre.co.uk Marford Memorial Hall, Wheathampstead AL4 8AY wpcevents.co.uk

Dick Whittington

11th Dec - 3rd Jan Campus West, WGC AL8 6BX campuswest.co.uk

Jack & the Beanstalk

11th Dec - 3rd Jan Beam Theatre, Hertford SG14 1PS beamhertford.co.uk

Aldenham Country Park

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Mead Open Farm 5th - 24th Dec selected dates

Stockwood Discovery Centre

11th - 24th Dec £27.50 Meet Santa and his whimsical elves and create a festive keepsake. Luton LU1 4LX culturetrust.com

Knebworth Barns 13th & 20th Dec £45, child £35 Enjoy a Christmas dinner with Santa and His Elves. Knebworth House SG3 6PY knebworthhouse.digitickets.co.uk

Round Table Santa Float

Keep an eye out for the charity floats, check their Facebook pages to find out when they will be visiting your street. @harpendenroundtable / @stalbansroundtable

wendy@theNOWmagazines.com

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wendy@theNOWmagazines.com

Out & About Cards for Good Causes

Table Arrangement Workshops 19th & 20th Dec 10am £35 Includes materials, foliage and a candle and refreshments. Christmas Craft Children's Activity £7.50 21st - 23rd Dec 9.30am, 10.30am & 11.30am St Albans AL2 1DH aylettnurseries.co.uk

The Barn until 20th Dec

Roald Dahl Museum

Selling a wide range of charity Christmas cards. Harpenden URC Church AL5 4ED Mon - Sat: 10am - 5pm cardsforcharity.co.uk

Free with entry unless otherwise stated Charlie’s Crackling Christmas Crafts weekends from 28th Nov & 21st & 22nd Dec Crodscolloping Christmas Bingo 17th - 22nd, 27th - 31st Dec & 2nd & 3rd Jan Pick up your Bingo cards from the ticket desk and Wrest Park head off to explore the galleries. Walking with the Snowman Santa at the Museum 5th & 12th Dec until 10th Jan 10am - 4pm Pick up a trail map at the visitor centre, then wander around the grounds to see Magic with Colonel Custard age 5+ £5 how many snowmen you can spot. Each one hides a 30th Dec 11.30am, 12.30pm, 1.30pm & 2.30pm Jaw-dropping illusions, mind-bending tricks and secret letter. Collect all twelve to reveal a Christmas mesmerising moments. word. Included with admission. Bucks HP16 0AL roalddahlmuseum.org Festive Fun Redbourn Christmas Market 5th - 20th Dec (weekends only) 10am - 4pm Enjoy a festive day out and make magical memories 29th Nov 11am - 5pm as you explore and enjoy seasonal activities. Over 100 stalls selling food, crafts and gifts, Included with admission. Meet Santa £12 and festive tunes from local talent. Silsoe MK45 4HR english-heritage.org.uk Cumberland Gardens & Village Hall, Redbourn High Street AL3 7GH Exhibition: Everyday Life in redbournchristmasmarket.com Inter-War Harpenden until Jan free Hatfield House Tues & Thurs 11am-3pm, Sat 10.30am-3.30pm Old Hatfield Craft Pop-Up Eric Morecambe Centre, Rothamsted Park 29th Nov, 6th, 13th & 20th Dec harpenden-history.org.uk Browse handmade crafts, original artwork, ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas’ candles and gifts from local makers and traders. 20th Nov - 2nd Jan from 4pm Live Music at the Coach House Kitchen: Follow the illuminated trail where enchanting light, Mike All Bublé 4th Dec sound and storytelling bring festive wonder to life, Enjoy Michael Bublé's greatest hits from with a spectacular projection transforming the House, tribute act Mike All Bublé. and immersive moments to delight all ages. Then Christmas Candlelight Concert explore the Christmas market, with seasonal treats, 5th Dec warming drinks and shopping. Experience the Great Hall of the Old Palace by Ashridge House, Berkhamsted HP4 1NS candlelight as the London String Trio & Quartet ashridgehouse.org.uk perform classical music and festive favourites. Christmas Nutcracker Trail Live Music at the Coach House Kitchen: 21st Nov - 3rd Jan A Twist of ABBA at Christmas 18th Dec Look out for the Nutcrackers around the city, Enjoy Abba favourites from this tribute act. complete the trail quiz and enter the prize draw for hatfield-house.co.uk the chance to win a St Albans Gift Card. Collect trail maps from St Albans Museum + Gallery 10am - 4pm Rennie Grove Peace Skydive 1st - 20th Dec except Mondays except 24th - 26th Dec enjoystalbans.com Feel the rush of adrenalin as you jump out of a plane Christmas Wonderland and make memories to last a lifetime. Registration 21st Nov - 24th Dec selected dates £70, £450 minimum sponsorship Climb aboard the digital Polar Express experience, Hinton Airfield, Northamptonshire NN13 5NS watch out for the elves, meet Santa and more. Rudolph Run Hertfordshire Zoo, Broxbourne EN10 7QA 6th Dec registration 10am hertfordshirezoo.com Don your Christmas outfits and antlers for the 1.5k or 5k route through the city streets, starting and Aylett Nurseries finishing at the Waterend Barn pub on Wreath Decorating Workshops St Peter’s Street. Perfect for runners and walkers 28th & 29th Nov 10am / 4th Dec 2pm & 7pm of all ages and abilities. £12, child £8, family £35 6th Dec 10.30am £45 renniegrovepeace.org Includes real wreath, materials and refreshments. Thurs - Sun: 10am - 5pm A seasonal treasure trove of gifts, paintings, jewellery, bags, bracelets artwork and more. The Barn, Wheathampstead AL4 8RQ sarahcollinsbarn.com

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W lun e als ch o trip es & enjoy s to the get atre h er

 A great way to meet new people  No need to read music  No auditions  Not for profit

Harpenden Salvation Army Hall AL5 2TG Wednesdays 10.45am - 12.15pm Wheathampstead Mead Hall AL4 8BP (free parking) Mondays 1.30pm - 3pm

Enjoy your free time and let us do the hard work for you General household and office cleaning Moving in / out cleans Experienced in elderly or housebound clients Reliable key-holders Proficient in alarm systems

Phone for a free quotation 07909 091325 ~ Taking Care of Your Home ~

Out & About Dunstable Downs

Art Club: Father Christmas 1st Dec 10.30am £20 A fun, relaxed Father Christmas themed workshop. Post your letter to Santa 1st - 23rd Dec 10am - 4pm Get creative before posting your letter in the special post box, with direct delivery to the North Pole! Seasonal Wreath Making Workshop 5th Dec 6.30pm £75 Make a festive wreath using fresh seasonal foliage, dried fruits and ribbons. Crafty Christmas Weekends 5th & 6th, 12th & 13th, 19th & 20th Dec 11am - 3pm £2 Take inspiration from nature and get crafty making creative and unique gifts. No need to book Help Santa Find his Reindeer! 12th - 23rd Dec 10am - 4pm £2 Set off on a family adventure to search for Santa's missing helpers. Whipsnade Road LU6 2GY nationaltrust.org.uk

St Albans Cathedral

West Herts Hospitals Charity Christmas Concert 1st Dec 7.30pm £10, child £5 A festive selection of Christmas songs to entertain and uplift you. Willow Christmas Carol Concert 2nd Dec 7.30pm £19 - £24.50, child £10 Christmas Carols sung by the Hertfordshire Chorus and Bishop's Hatfield Girls' School. Tour: Turbulent Tudor Times 4th Dec 10.30am £12 Hear the story of the English Reformation, its impact on the Abbey and those associated with it. Lecture: Medieval Carols 4th Dec 7.30pm £15 Workshop: Festive Handblock Printing 5th Dec 10am £95 St Albans Bach Choir Carol Concerts 5th Dec 3pm & 7pm £4 - £19 Carol Concert by The Hospice of St Francis 6th Dec 6.30pm £8 - £20 Quilts for Charity 7th Dec 10am - 3.30pm A display of about 100 quilts made by local sewing groups, which will be donated to Womens refuges, teenage care-leavers and special care baby units. Gabrieli Roar Presents Mr Handel’s Christmas Story 9th Dec 6.30pm Includes highlights from Messiah alongside movements from other Handel oratorios, adapted to create a programme that tells the Christmas story. The Cathedral Choir at Christmas 11th Dec 7.30pm £10 - £16 Christmas favourites, readings and carols. Carols on the Hour 12th Dec 11am - 5pm Live Nativity Trail 12th Dec 12 noon - 3pm Follow the Live Nativity Trail map and see the story of Christmas brought to life. Parish Eucharist with Nativity 13th Dec 9.30am See children of the Cathedral star in this heart warming retelling of the first Christmas.

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Christingle 13th Dec 2pm A service using a decorated orange, to explore the story of God’s love for the world. Lessons & Carols 21st & 22nd Dec 7.30pm A beautiful service that opens with the choir singing Silent Night, as candlelight spills through the cathedral. Crib Services 24th Dec 11am & 2pm A celebration of Christmas for children and families. Choral Evensong on Christmas Eve 24th Dec 5pm Midnight Mass 24th Dec 11pm, doors 10.20pm Carols on Boxing Day 26th Dec 4pm Tour: The Wars of the Roses 30th Dec 10.30am £12 Hear about the power struggle for the throne between the royal houses of York and Lancaster in the 1400s and into the 1500s. stalbanscathedral.org

The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde 2nd - 4th Dec 8pm & 5th Dec 2.30pm Presented by High Street Players. £12 Southdown Performing Arts Centre, Harpenden hsplayers.org.uk

Christmas Concert 3rd Dec 7pm

With the fabulous children's primary school choir, Southdown Singers, plus mulled wine, mince pies and a raffle, in aid of local charity, the AT Society. St John’s Church AL5 1DJ atsociety.org.uk

Burston Garden Centre

A Magical Shopping Evening 3rd Dec 5.30pm - 7.30pm Celebrate the start of the festive season with live entertainment, seasonal treats and plenty of Christmas shopping inspiration. Christmas Wreath Making 7th Dec 11am £55 Make a Christmas Table Centrepiece 14th Dec 11am £55 Magical Elfie Breakfast 19th & 20th Dec 10am - 11am An enchanting breakfast for little elves packed with magical delights. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Please book North Orbital Road, St Albans AL2 2DS burston.co.uk

Carols at the Castle 4th Dec 5.30pm, free Donations to local charities welcome. Hertford Castle SG14 1HR hertfordcastle.co.uk

Artists & Makers Fair 4th - 6th Dec Celebrate the festive season at the historic Dairy, with a fair showcasing the work of 25 talented local artists. Waddesdon, Aylesbury HP18 0JH waddesdon.org.uk

A Christmas Carol 4th - 30th Dec £15 - £29.50 OVO take you on a promenade journey through atmospheric spaces, immersing you in the spirit of Christmas past, present and yet to come. The Barn, St Michaels Street AL3 4SW ovo.org.uk

wendy@theNOWmagazines.com

07983 588313

wendy@theNOWmagazines.com

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Out & About

The Pioneer Club

The Horn

Christmas Party with The Maida Vales 4th Dec free Indie Rock classics from the 60s to present day. Michael Mathers: A Tribute to Eminem 5th Dec £15, 14+ Desert Penguins Crimbo Bash 11th Dec free It's Christmas Time with The 88 18th Dec, 18+ Don't Be Home Alone 19th Dec free Festival anthems with local covers band Half Life. New Years Eve 31st Dec £15, 18+ Allergy bring their alternative party soundtrack to kick-start the New Year. The Horn, St Albans AL1 3TE thehorn.co.uk

Shuttleworth

Shuttleworth in Lights 4th - 6th, 11th - 13th, 18th - 20th Dec & 1st - 3rd Jan See the Collection and Garden transformed into an amazing, illuminated experience, explore the Swiss Garden aglow in vibrant colours, and see the hangars bathed in light. From £17, child £11 Murder Mystery: Christmas Special 4th & 18th Dec 7pm, over 18s only please book Step inside the Victorian mansion house and become part of a tale of mystery, intrigue and murder. Tickets include a drink on arrival, two-course dinner and live theatre experience. Christmas Market 5th & 6th Dec 10am - 4pm Enjoy the magical setting of the Jacobean-style mansion house while browsing a range of craft and gift stalls. Free entry Alder Drive, Beds SG18 9EA shuttleworth.org

Luton Hoo Walled Garden

4th Dec - 3rd Jan 10am - 8pm Three experiences on one extraordinary estate, step into a brand-new festive world of light, skating and Christmas discovery. The Grotto - meet Father Christmas, from £42.60. Skating Rink from £10.65. Light Trail - follow the glow into a garden full of wonder, from £15.98 Luton Hoo Walled Garden LU1 4LF lutonhooestate.co.uk

Boogie Wonderland - Where Disco Meets House Day Party 5th Dec 1pm, from £16.96 2 rooms with an unforgettable vibe! Age 18+ SKA Club All Dayer - Death Of Guitar Pop 12th Dec 1pm, from £32 DJs bands and general good vibes. All ages Songwriting Meet Up 16th Dec 8pm, free Join the creative community where musicians, lyricists and songwriters come together to share, collaborate, and grow. Age 18+ St Albans AL3 5AY pioneerclub.co.uk

Barn Theatre

Comedy at the Barn 5th Dec 8pm Three excellent comedians, one questionable compere and no guarantee on how it will work out! The Box of Delights 10th - 19th Dec 8pm & 19th Dec 2.30pm An enchanting stage adaptation of John Masefield’s classic story of magic, fantasy and saving the future of Christmas. Welwyn Garden City AL8 6ST barntheatre.co.uk

St Albans Museum + Gallery

St Albans Creative Christmas Market 5th Dec 10am - 4pm free entry With jewellery, candles, ceramics, artwork, local puzzles, cakes, Christmas gifts and stocking fillers, from over 20 small creative businesses. Talk: Hepworth: Carving New Spaces in Modernism 10th Dec 6pm, £10, zoom £6 Carving, organic shapes, and fascination with colour, reflect on Hepworth's deep connection between the human form and the natural world. The Doorstep Elves St Albans 19th Dec 10.30am, 1.30pm, 3pm £12.50 With audience participation, singing, dancing, magic, lots of silliness, and the chance to meet the elves and Mrs Claus after the show! St Peter's Street AL1 3DH stalbansmuseums.org.uk

Knebworth House

Wreath Making 5th Dec 11am £65 please book Christmas Party Night Featuring Robbie Williams Tribute 11th & 18th Dec 6.30pm £85 With Robbing Williams, a 3 course dinner and disco. Christmas Party Night Featuring Michael Bublé Wilstone Winter Wildfowl Walk Tribute 12th Dec 6.30pm £85 5th Dec 1pm Step into a festive evening of smooth vocals, If you’re a keen birdwatcher or curious about the timeless classics and a touch of seasonal sparkle. wildlife around you, why not go along and take A Christmas Carol 18th Dec 4pm & 7.30pm a look at the birds that call this reserve home. Step back in time for a magical retelling of this Herts & Middx Wildlife Trust, Tring HP23 4PA Christmas favourite. £23, £17 age 8+ hertswildlifetrust.org.uk Simply at Christmas 20th Dec 4pm & 7.30pm £23 Angel-voiced Oliver Darley and pianist Chad Lelong Festive Weekend 5th & 6th Dec Step into a traditional Dickensian Christmas, explore bring you classic songs and captivating stories from sights and sounds of 19th-century celebrations, with the Great American Songbook. seasonal music, festive storytelling, craft stalls, and a Stevenage SG1 2AX knebworthhouse.com visit to Father Christmas. £16.50, child £11.50 Our Lady of Lourdes Chiltern Open Air Museum HP8 4AB 6th Dec 12 noon - 2pm coam.org.uk Traditional Christmas Fair selling cakes, craft, gifts and toys. Lourdes Hall, Harpenden AL5 1PD

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Visit our showroom at

108 Southdown Road Harpenden AL5 1QQ and discover our stunning range of carpets and flooring

We will beat any like-for-like quote Bedroom Carpet fitted from £300 Engineered Wood flooring from £39 per sqm Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) Wood straight plank from £26 per sqm Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) Wood Herringbone plank from £32 per sqm Stair Runners (carpet) from £500 Laminate from £14 per sqm

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www.bespokeflooringherts.co.uk Sign up at theNOWmagazines.com to get a digital copy of harpenden NOW every month 29

Out & About

Festive Fairytales: A Christmas Concert with James Mayhew

6th Dec 2pm & 4pm £15, £18, child £10, Meet a magical wintry version of Father Christmas, along with Cinderella and Hansel & Gretel as James Mayhew tells these fairytales and illustrates them live projected on screen, while the de Havilland Philharmonic Orchestra casts a spell with music by Humperdinck, Rimsky-Korsakov and Prokofiev. University of Herts, Hatfield AL10 9EU uharts.co.uk

Local Markets

Vintage Market 6th Dec 9am - 3pm St Albans Festive Market 9th - 13th Dec Wednesdays & Sundays 12 noon - 7pm Thursdays - Saturdays 12 noon - 9pm Selling gifts, treats, stocking fillers and street food and drinks. Civic Close AL1 3JZ St Albans Market 10th - 24th Dec 9am - 3pm Harpenden Farmers Market 21st Dec 10am - 2pm

St Albans Tour Guides Walks

6th & 13th Dec Historic St Albans 11am 10th Dec Ghosts and Ghouls 7.30pm 20th & 27th Dec Christmas Walk 11am £10, please book stalbanstourguides.co.uk

Hardynge Choir: Glorious Christmas

Carols in the Park 12th Dec 4pm Highfield Park, St Albans AL4 0RA highfieldparktrust.co.uk

Salvation Army Christmas Concert 12th Dec 6.30pm free Featuring the Band and Songsters. The Salvation Army, Harpenden AL5 2TG

St Albans Organ Theatre

Organ Concert 12th Dec 3pm £15 Mechanical Instrument Christmas Special 13th Dec 3pm £12 320 Camp Road AL1 5PE stalbansorgantheatre.org.uk

The Pixie & The Christmas Pudding

12th - 24th Dec £9 Age 4+ An enchanting musical, bringing a tale from Scandinavian folklore to life with puppetry, original music, and a sprinkling of pixie magic. The Old Town Hall, Hemel Hempstead HP1 3AE oldtownhall.co.uk

Table Arrangement Workshop

13th Dec 10am - 12 noon Design a festive centrepiece to add seasonal warmth to your Christmas. Mill Green Museum, Bush Hall Lane AL9 5PD millgreenmuseum.co.uk

St Albans South Signal Box

Open Day 13th Dec 2pm - 5pm 5 Ridgmont Road, St Albans AL1 3AJ sigbox.co.uk

7th Dec 8pm £18, student £9, child free Talk: io Saturnalia: Happy Christmas Vivaldi’s Gloria, Chilcott A Little Jazz Mass and Carols the Roman Way! 15th Dec 7pm £10 for Choir and Audience. Revel in the ancient and modern artwork behind our St John’s Church, Harpenden hardyngechoir.org festive season. Comedy Crackers 10th Dec 7.30pm age 14+ Verulamium Museum AL3 4SW With Sara Pascoe, Charlie Baker, Daniel Foxx & more stalbansmuseums.org.uk The Alban Arena AL1 3LD everyonetheatres.com Around the World in 80 Days

Christmas Tree Festival

11th Dec 2pm - 8pm & 12th Dec 12 noon - 8pm See beautifully decorated Christmas trees created by local charities and businesses, and have the opportunity to vote for your favourite. Harpenden URC Church Vaughan Road AL5 4ED harpenden.gov.uk

Stockwood Illuminated

11th - 31st Dec 4.30pm - 8pm, from £10 See the gardens transformed into a sparkling wonderland of dazzling lights, interactive installations and magical music, all leading up to a spectacular light-show finale. Stockwood Discovery Centre, Luton LU1 4LX culturetrust.com

18th - 29th Dec £16 - £10 A fresh, fast-moving take on the classic tale by Jules Verne. Abbey Theatre AL1 2DL abbeytheatre.org.uk

A European Christmas 19th Dec 7pm

St Albans Choral Society perform traditional carols from across the Continent. St Peter’s Church AL1 3HG stalbanschoralsociety.org

Carols on the Common 24th Dec 6pm

A free event for everyone to enjoy singing carols and Christmas songs together. Harpenden Common

New Year’s Eve Casino Gala Night

31st Dec 7pm An eight-course tasting menu, live entertainment, 12th Dec £12, target readers 8-12 years casino tables and a night of celebration. Dress up, Talk: 11am / Creative Writing Workshop 2pm gather your favourite people and make a night of the Join this bestselling children's author for a fascinating last evening of the year. insight into her books, writing journey and the St Michael’s Manor Hotel, St Albans AL3 4RY inspiration behind her stories. stmichaelsmanor.com St Albans Library, The Maltings AL1 3JQ hertfordshire.gov.uk 07983 588313 wendy@theNOWmagazines.com

Winter Reads with MG Leonard

St Albans & District Foodbank St Albans & District Foodbank is urging people to support their community. Being in a position where you need to use the foodbank can happen to anyone. For Amy*, a local Mum, everything changed overnight. Her husband walked out and she was left with debt, a painful divorce, and mounting legal and financial pressures. Suddenly she was a single parent, and her salary didn’t cover the bills. She turned to the foodbank, and the emergency food parcels meant her children didn’t go hungry. Amy found that life is even harder over the winter months “I am petrified about Christmas. I want to give my children some good memories, but I don’t know how I’m going to be able to afford it. I can’t even save any money for Christmas. After bills, there is no money left. As a single Mum, it’s such a struggle. People who aren’t living in this situation are oblivious to how difficult Christmas is - I was before this happened to me, I just wasn’t aware of it.” At the foodbank, the Wellbeing Team supported her, uncovering benefits she was entitled to but didn't know about, and with Citizens Advice on site, she received the support needed all in one place. Last Winter there were over 130 new local households referred to the foodbank. Almost 3,000 food parcels were provided and around 40% were for children. Rukia Augustine, CEO at St Albans & District Foodbank, says “Winter brings extra pressures, such as rising heating costs and Christmas pressures particularly for families. We frequently hear from parents and grandparents at our foodbanks, who are desperate to give their children or grandchildren a happy Christmas experience, but they can’t even cover the cost of their food bills.” Any way people can support, from food or financial donations, sharing the appeal with friends and family, or volunteering, will make a difference to the local people accessing the foodbank. And thanks to the More Than A Foodbank approach, you will be supporting much more than an emergency food parcel - you could also help provide holistic, wraparound support - to help people move out of crisis and towards a more stable future. * name changed to protect identity stalbansdistrict.foodbank.org.uk

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wendy@theNOWmagazines.com

Index of Businesses Accountants Heartwood Accountants Front Cover Hicks 5 Verulam Tax 3 Air Conditioning Cool Solutions Engineering Ltd

Beauty Tropic Skincare

Building AJR Building Services Highpoint Construction Open Plan Solutions Car Body Repairs Prestige Paint Shop Ltd

Electrician St Albans Sparks

Flooring KC Flooring Specialists The Bespoke Flooring Company

Painters & Decorators CB Decorators M & M Decorators

12 12

10 29

Pest Control The Verminator

Back Cover

Plumber DJ&M Plumbing Services Ltd

27 & 35

Funeral Directors Austin’s

Garage Doors Complete Garage Door Co

27 2 15

Garden Nursery Bridge Valley Nursery

Property Maintenance The 50 Plus

Gardening / Landscaping AR Landscapes Ltd Detail Gardening & Maintenance

9 9

Roofing GJ Smith Roofing 14 Residential Roofing & Repairs 14

Car Servicing / Repairs RTI Auto Services Ltd

Hairdressing Image Mobile Hairdressing

Chimney Sweep Home Sweep Home

Healthcare Spire Harpenden Hospital

20 & 21

Hearing Services Hearing Healthcare Practice

Home Care Alina Homecare Nannies 4 Grannies Visiting Angels

16 34 16

19 19

Locksmiths Lock Around the Clock Locksmith Services

8 8

Loft Ladders Home Counties Loft Ladders

Cleaning Merrivac College Oaklands College: Basketball Club Dance & Drama Penny Waterman School of Dance Stagecoach Driveways & Patios Hertsmere Driveways Ltd

Rubbish Removal Monster Junk

Singing Club Clover Singing Club

Solicitors Abbey Law Rayden Solicitors

6 7

Tree Surgeons Fircroft Tree Surgery Ltd

Waste Management Dubetta

Will Writing Westminster Law

Windows Cloud 9 Glazing Kings Windows

10 11

Providing personalised home support and companionship you can trust “A local friendly home help service” 7 Days a week covering the St Albans District, Radlett and Shenley

www.nannies4grannies.co.uk 01727 857 988 01582 764 305

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

07983 588313

wendy@theNOWmagazines.com

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PLUMBING SERVICES LTD ●

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Bathrooms, Shower Rooms, Cloakrooms and Kitchens from Design to Completion

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

Local Family Run Business, Over 40 Years Experience Honest and Reliable Service Free Consultation/ Quotation for all Enquiries

given on all Bathrooms & Kitchens supplied

Tiling Plastering Electrical

Dean Herrington

07830 159010

01727 764217

info@djmplumbing.co.uk www.djmplumbing.co.uk Wishing all our Clients a Happy Christmas and a Peaceful New Year

07983 588313

wendy@theNOWmagazines.com