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harpenden September 2026

NOW

promoting local businesses, events and much more since 2006

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Welcome to September With the children going back to school, why not sort out those jobs around the house and garden. As always we’ve got lots of local businesses from accountants to window repairs and replacements to help you out, so have a look through to see who you might want to call. To make sure you don’t miss out the magazines are available to read online every month. Run your own business? We‘d love to include you too, just book your space online today.

Jane & Wendy

@theNOWmagazines

Advertise in the October magazines

Book online today - Deadline 3rd September theNOWmagazines.com wendy@theNOWmagazines.com 07983 588313

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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

07983 588313

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

wendy@theNOWmagazines.com

07983 588313

wendy@theNOWmagazines.com

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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

Please quote NOW26 when making an enquiry The Bespoke Flooring Company Ltd

01582 341 540 lisa@bespokeflooring.uk

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

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Out & About Willows Activity Farm

Summer Spectacular until 2nd Sept Family fun, outdoor adventures and more. Spud-Tacular Wild West Adventure 5th, 6th, 12th, 13th, 19th & 20th Sept Grab a spade and start digging for your own delicious spuds and enjoy singing, games and arts and crafts. Willows Activity Farm, St Albans AL4 0PF willowsactivityfarm.com

Whipsnade Zoo

Join the Zoo Crew! until 2nd Sept With role-play and costume dress-up activities. Exhibition: ZSL at 200 until 31st Dec Showcasing the Zoo’s rich history. Dunstable LU6 2LF whipsnadezoo.org

Luton Hoo Estate

Open Wednesdays until 30th Sept 10.30am - 4pm See the Capability Brown walled garden. £7.50, £2.50 The Outdoor Film Club 11th Sept: Grease doors 6pm, film 8pm 12th Sept: The Goonies doors 12.30pm, film 2pm 12th Sept: Mrs Doubtfire doors 6pm, film 8pm Enjoy live music before the movie, street food and a fully stocked bar. Please book outdoorfilmclub.com Heritage Open Day 18th Sept 11am - 3pm free The Walled Garden will be open for visitors to enjoy. Luton Hoo Estate LU1 3TQ lutonhooestate.co.uk

St Albans Museum + Gallery

Campus West

West Side Jazz 2nd Sept 7.30pm £19.50 Whether you're a devoted jazz enthusiast or just looking for a night of entertainment, join West Side Jazz for an evening to remember. The Best in Comedy 5th Sept 8pm £24.50 A line-up of top comedy talent: Mark Watson, Hal Cruttenden, Justin Moorhouse and Ninia Benjamin. MJ Eternity - A tribute to a legend 12th Sept 7.30pm £27.50 With dazzling costumes, stunning choreography, the mannerisms, trademark vocals, the magic and the moves, Danny Oliver delivers a Michael Jackson performance that captivates audience’s the world over. 5 Mistakes that Changed History 19th Sept 7.30pm £25 A hilarious historical storytelling show from historian and comedian, Paul Coulter, about five people and how their mistakes (big and small) changed the world. The Bohemians: Queen Greatest Hits 25th Sept 7.30pm £26.50 One of the UK’s longest running Queen Tribute bands, take you on a roller-coaster ride of a concert. The Dolly Show 26th Sept 7.30pm £28 Kelly O’Brien, world’s number one Dolly Parton tribute is wowing audiences with hits from Jolene and 9 to 5 to Islands in the Stream and Here You Come Again, plus heartfelt storytelling, laughter and Dolly’s signature warmth. Campus West, Welwyn Garden City AL8 6BX campuswest.co.uk

Craft Workshop: Play with Clay 1st Sept 10.15am & 11.30am, £6.50, ages 5-11 Hand Drawn Animation Day 12th Sept 10am, adult £35, ages 13 - 19 £25 Talk: English Magic & Witchcraft 16th Sept 7pm Exploring the beliefs of people in later medieval and early modern England. £10, Zoom £6 Glass Suncatcher Workshop 26th Sept 10.30am & 1pm £30 for teens & adults stalbansmuseums.org.uk

Guided Walk: Wednesday Wanders

2nd Sept 11.45am See the diversity of wildlife that call the reserve home at this time of year. £5, please book RSPB Rye Meads Nature Reserve, Ware SG12 8JS events.rspb.org.uk

September St Albans City Walks

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

All walks £10, please book 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd & 30th 2.30pm Historic St Albans 6th, 13th, 20th & 27th 11am Historic St Albans 5th 11am Roman City Revealed 5th 2.30pm Wheathampstead 6th 2.30pm Coaching Inns Phone for a free quotation 12th 2.30pm Wars of the Roses 07909 091325 12th 2.30pm Discover Harpenden 13th 2.30pm Victorian St Albans ~ Taking Care of Your Home ~ 19th 2.30pm Tudor St Albans 20th 2.30pm A Monastery Revealed 26th 2.30pm Pubs of St Albans 27th 2.30pm Medieval St Albans 16stalbanstourguides.co.uk07983 588313 wendy@theNOWmagazines.com

What if your home could feel calm, organised, and easy to manage? Based in Harpenden and serving St Albans and the surrounding areas, Reset Style provides professional home organisation and decluttering services tailored to your individual needs. Life can be busy, and it's easy for clutter to build up and become overwhelming. We take a gentle, supportive, and non-judgemental approach, helping you create organised, functional spaces that work for you. Whether you're looking for a wardrobe reset, a whole-house declutter, or practical support before or after a move, we're here to guide you every step of the way. Your home should support you, not overwhelm you. Let us help make that happen. Book your free, no-obligation consultation today

07909 398319 hello@resetstyle.com

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“Reset Style worked their magic on my kitchen and the results were incredible. My cupboards are now so beautifully organised that I actually enjoy opening them! Everything has a logical place, which makes day-to-day life so much easier. What was once a source of stress is now a space I love. Professional, fast, and worth every penny."

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DJ&M Plumbing Services Ltd We care about your small jobs too! ● Electric and Power Showers Fitted ● Ball Valves and Overflows ● Blocked WC’s, Sinks, Baths and

Basins

● Repair/Renew Stopcocks and Taps ● Plumb in Washing Machines

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

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wendy@theNOWmagazines.com

Getting your extension approved - without the guesswork If you’ve been putting off an extension or a loft conversion because you can’t work out what the design stage will cost, you are not alone. For most homeowners it’s the part that feels hardest to budget for, and the part that puts people off starting at all. Hampshire Build was set up to take that uncertainty away. Based at the STANTA Business Centre in St Albans, we are a fixed-fee residential architectural practice working with homeowners across St Albans, Harpenden and the surrounding villages on extensions, loft and garage conversions. Fixed fee means exactly that. You are quoted one price before any work begins, and it covers the measured survey, the

design drawings, the planning application and the building regulations package. No hourly rates, no percentage of your build cost, no surprise invoice halfway through. The approach works. We hold a 98% planning approval rate, which comes from understanding what the local planning authority will and will not accept and designing for that from the very first sketch, rather than submitting and hoping. Founder Mark Eden runs every project personally, so the person who sits at your kitchen table at the first consultation is the same person who sees the application through to approval. If you are thinking about extending next year, now is the

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moment to begin. Planning determination alone takes eight weeks, and the better builders are booking months ahead. The first consultation is free and there is no obligation.

01722 548911 hampshirebuild.co.uk

wendy@theNOWmagazines.com

Out & About Oaklands College

Oaklands Connect 2nd Sept 10am - 12 noon Whether you're a start-up, freelancer, or established company this is the place to meet like-minded professionals, exchange ideas, and build relationships. St Albans Campus Harvest Festival 3rd Oct 12pm - 5pm A day of fun at the zoo, farm and orchard, with tractor rides, a scarecrow walk, and the chance to learn more about agriculture and the natural world. St Albans Campus Open Events 10am - 3pm 10th Oct Welwyn Garden City Campus 17th Oct St Albans City Campus Learn about apprenticeships, university level courses and courses for 16+ school leavers and adults. oaklands.ac.uk

Ready to Read 3rd Sept 1.30pm

Fun games and activities to help your child develop their skills. Ages 3 - 5, £4.40 Harpenden Library, High Street AL5 2RU hertfordshire.gov.uk

Harpenden Beer Festival

4th & 5th Sept With over 40 real ales and ciders and live music. Harpenden Common

Knebworth House & Gardens

Adventure Cinema 4th - 6th Sept Visit website for films being shown. All About Dogs Show 12th & 13th Sept Take your dog along for some four-legged fun! Stevenage SG1 2AX knebworthhouse.com

Shuttleworth

Comedy Night 4th Sept 6.30pm, £25, 18+ Wedding Show 6th Sept 11am - 3pm free Bedfordshire Steam & Country Fayre 18th - 20th Sept 9am - 5pm From £17, child £5 With steam engines, working demonstrations, heavy horses, fairground organs, craft and food halls, vintage vehicles and an old time fairground. Alder Drive, Beds SG18 9EA shuttleworth.org

The Old Town Hall

The Alban Arena

Chuckl. With Sara Pascoe & Special Guests 4th Sept 7.30pm A fantastic night of live stand-up comedy. The Dualers 5th Sept 7.30pm 9-piece Jamaican Rhythm & Blues band with a unique sound that sets them apart from the rest. Adam Garcia’s Emerald Storm 6th Sept 7.30pm An immersive celebration of rhythm, energy & talent. The Smyths: The Queen Is Dead 40th Anniversary Tour 11th Sept 7.30pm A celebration of a band that changed lives. James B Partridge - Primary School Bangers 12th Sept 7.30pm Expect massive singalongs, laugh -out-loud moments and the songs you somehow still remember every word to! UK Pink Floyd Experience 17th Sept 7.30pm Performed by top-flight musicians, this is a celebration of the UK’s most visionary rock band. Endless Love the Show - A Tribute to Diana Ross & Lionel Richie 19th Sept 7.30pm An electrifying, joyful and emotional rollercoaster, guaranteed to get you singing along and on your feet. Nurse Georgie Carroll: Infectious 29th Sept 7.30pm A live comedy powerhouse and a natural storyteller, she’s razor sharp and riotous! everyonetheatres.com

Hatfield House & Park

Fantasy Forest: Libertalia 4th - 6th Sept 4pm - 7pm, adult from £36.95 Live music, a Medieval Village, Pirate Camp, Post-Apocalyptic area, Cosplay Court and more. Firework Champions 12th Sept 4pm - 10.30pm Three firework companies compete against each other followed by a huge finale display. £30, child £20 The Hatfield Rural Show 12th & 13th Sept 10am - 5pm, £15, child £5 From vintage vehicles and a live working steam sawmill to hands-on craft workshops and more. Old Hatfield Farmers Market 20th Sept & 18th Oct Willow 10k 27th Sept 10am 10K: £25 | 5K: £16 | virtual entry: £7.50 1.8K family fun run: £7.50 A great race for all ages. Hatfield House Music Festival: Celebrations 8th - 11th Oct 1.30pm - 5pm, from £5 Celebration lies at the heart of music, this year’s Festival reflects that, with programmes that move across centuries, from Renaissance consort music to contemporary composition. Hatfield AL9 5HX hatfield-house.co.uk

Richard Jones: The Sound of Magic 4th Sept 7.30pm £26 age 7+ The only magician to conquer the stage of Britain's Got Talent. Now, with never-before-seen tricks up his sleeve, Richard will have you questioning the very fabric of reality! Film: EPiC - Elvis Presley in Concert 8th Sept £5 This is more than a documentary and more than a Harpenden Festival concert film - this is Elvis in his own words. 5th Sept 12 noon - 6pm The Brain-Bending Science Illusion Show An action packed day of free activities and 26th Sept 2pm £15 age 6+ entertainment with live bands, talented local acts, Prepare to be astounded by cognitive conundrums, a family zone, street entertainment, walkabout mind melting mysteries and spectacular surreal performers, ferret racing, a climbing wall, circus psychology. skills and much more. Hemel Hempstead HP1 3AE oldtownhall.co.uk harpenden.gov.uk 22 07983 588313 wendy@theNOWmagazines.com

www.arlandscapes.co.uk

07983 588313

wendy@theNOWmagazines.com

01582 766728

A local family business offering regular, occasional and one off gardening and maintenance services Lawn Mowing I Hedge Cutting Weeding I Garden Clearance Fencing I Power Washing/Sealing Turfing I General Maintenance + Much more… Contact us now for a free quote!

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Seasonal Opening Times

Crown Reducing  Stump Grinding Hedge Trimming  Dead Wooding Felling & Dismantlement Seasoned Firewood  Pollarding Tree Reports Fully Qualified & Insured Staff Local Authority Approved Contractor

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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

01727 869 692

www.kcflooring.co.uk

07983 588313

wendy@theNOWmagazines.com

M & M Decorators

Harpenden Blinds

We Supply & Fit Beautiful Wooden Plantation Window Shutters Specialising in Bay Windows

Free No Obligation

Consultation, Measuring & Quotation

Autumn Sale 25% off Shutters

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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20% off all Blinds Awnings Poles & Curtains

Kevin Buckler

Harpenden Blinds harpendenblinds@outlook.com

01582 461639

20 Bewdley Close Harpenden

wendy@theNOWmagazines.com

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

Out & About NGS Open Gardens

102 Cambridge Road AL1 5LG 5th & 6th Sept 2pm - 5.30pm £8 Serendi 22 Hitchin Road SG6 3LT 6th Sept 1pm - 4.30pm £5 Jazzy Rose Flowers The Common WD4 9BL 12th Sept 1pm - 5pm £5, child £2 A stunning flower farm where everything is grown with the seasons, from peonies and phlox to sunflowers and dahlias, plus a large wildlife pond where the habitat is allowed to be wild and undisturbed. findagarden.ngs.org.uk

Waddesdon

Chilli Fest 5th & 6th Sept from £3 Sizzling hot food, live music, family fun and more. Heritage Open Days 19th & 20th Sept free Enjoy free access to the House, Grounds, and Windmill Hill that celebrates the conservation and environmental work of the resident Rothschild Foundation with cutting edge art and architecture. Bucks HP18 0JH waddesdon.org.uk

Herts Open Studios 5th - 27th Sept

Discover an array of work in studios, homes, galleries and pop-up venues. Meet artists and discover unique, handmade work, from painting and printmaking to ceramics, jewellery, textiles and more. All venues are free, and everyone is welcome. hvaf.org.uk

Chiltern Open Air Museum

Free with admission unless otherwise stated 5th Sept: Ropemaking Demonstration 5th & 6th Sept: Crafts & Skills of the Iron Age 6th, 12th, 13th Sept & 18th Oct: Blacksmithing Demonstration 20th Sept & 25th Oct: Chair Making 26th & 27th Sept: Traditional Cooking or Baking Harvest Weekend: Traditional Rural Skills & Celebrations 26th & 27th Sept Discover the rich traditions of farming history with live demonstrations, hands-on heritage skills, and the sights and sounds of the countryside. £16.50, child £11.50 Newland Park, Bucks HP8 4AB coam.org.uk

Stockwood Discovery Centre

Stockwood Living History Festival 5th & 6th Sept 11am - 5pm, £9, family of 4 £34 See living history encampments, mediaeval knights, heritage craft demos, try bygone skills and listen to the musical sounds of our past. Please book Exhibition: British Wildlife Photography Awards 18th Sept - 31st Oct 11am -5pm, closed Mons & Tues Recognising the achievements of amateur and professional photographers while highlighting the rich variety of wildlife and natural landscapes across Britain. Free, please book London Road Luton LU1 4LX culturetrust.com

St Francis Sportive 6th Sept

beautiful scenery. 25 miles £40, 50 miles £45, 75 miles £50. Starting and finishing at The Hospice of St Francis, Berkhamsted HP4 3GW stfrancis.org.uk

Charity Skydive 6th Sept

Take an unforgettable 13,500ft jump and raise funds for local charity, the AT Society. Skydive Netheravon, Wiltshire SP4 9SF atsociety.org.uk

St Albans Cathedral

Parish BBQ 6th Sept 12 noon - 2pm £10, child £5 Everyone is welcome, take chairs or picnic blankets and enjoy burgers, sausages, salads, dessert and a glass of Pimms. Cathedral House Garden Bag Blessing Service 13th Sept 9.30am Special service to celebrate the start of the new school year. Installation of the 11th Bishop of St Albans 19th Sept 2pm Tickets are limited, please book More to Explore: Unmasking the Apostles 20th Sept 1.30pm Explore representations of the apostles in the Abbey, notably Matthew, Thomas and Andrew, and learn more about their lives. Tour: Wondrous Wall Paintings 30th Sept 2pm stalbanscathedral.org

Café Scientifique - Can we predict the future of farming? 8th Sept 7pm free

Hear Rothamsted scientist Dr Ellen Maas discuss this critical question. All welcome The Harpenden Arms AL5 2TR rothamsted.ac.uk

Open Rehearsal: Bach’s Christmas Oratorio 8th Sept 7.45pm With Harpenden Choral Society, free entry. membership@harpendenchoralsociety.org URC Church, Harpenden AL5 4ED

Harpenden Gardening Society Talks A funny thing happened on the way to the potting shed 8th Sept 7.45pm Gardening for wildlife 13th Oct 1.30pm All Saints Church Hall, Harpenden AL5 4UU

Lea Singers: Open Rehearsals

9th & 16th Sept 7.30pm The choir is looking for adult singers and have some internships available for talented teenage singers. Go along and sing for the evening, and see if it’s your kind of thing. Old Library, St. George's School AL5 4TD leasingers.co.uk

Abbey Theatre

Lecture: ‘Bernini & Baroque Rome’ 9th Sept 10.30am £7.50 With The Arts Society St Albans, exploring Bernini’s sculptures, fountains and paintings and his contribution in transforming Rome from a medieval state into a Baroque centre. Home, I’m Darling 18th - 26th Sept An intriguing comedy of domestic bliss. The 39 Steps 16th - 24th Oct A wildly funny and physical comedy. £15, £13 St Albans AL1 2DL abbeytheatre.org.uk

For cyclists of all abilities, with three routes promising 30 07983 588313 wendy@theNOWmagazines.com

01582 511867

enquiries@gjsmithroofing.com

Can the sky warn us of the earth's most devastating tremors? The Pain of My Immortal Soul, by Ronald Karel presents a breathtaking memoir that bridges the gap between atmospheric science, seismology, and the profound depths of human spirituality. Born in Istanbul to a family that could not understand his gifts, Karel sought refuge in the sky, developing a lifelong obsession with clouds and weather forecasting. At the age of sixteen, a fateful observation of abnormal cloud formations moments before the devastating 1970 Gediz earthquake altered the trajectory of his life forever. What follows is a solitary and courageous struggle for scientific recognition. Karel introduces his pioneering concept of "Meteoquakes"- the controversial but meticulously documented correlation between atmospheric magnetic fields, low-level clouds, and imminent seismic activity.

07983 588313

Shunned by orthodox science and battling relentless familial opposition, his journey takes him from the shores of Istanbul to the meteorological institutions of Paris and London, driven by an unwavering conviction to save lives. But this book is more than a scientific crusade. It’s a profound philosophical exploration of reincarnation, the laws of karma, and a bold vision for a ‘New World Order’, aimed at eradicating global poverty and restoring human rights. Karel weaves a rich tapestry of true-life struggles, celestial observations and spiritual awakenings. Discover a unique blend of science and soul. Dive into the incredible true story of a man who danced with the clouds to unlock the secrets of the earth. Available to buy on Amazon at £11.13

wendy@theNOWmagazines.com

07500 801192

Back to School Why Separated Parents Should Start Talking Now Although we’re still in the middle of the school holidays, many parents will already be looking ahead to September. For those with children due to start secondary school next year, it's also the time to start considering school applications, with deadlines usually falling at the end of October. Choosing the right secondary school is an important decision. Catchment areas, academic performance, friendships, travel arrangements and extracurricular opportunities all play a part. For separated parents, however, agreeing on the best choice is not always straightforward. Where both parents have parental responsibility, decisions about a child's education should, wherever possible, be made jointly. Starting those discussions over the summer gives everyone time to visit schools, attend open evenings and properly consider the options before the pressure of application deadlines sets in. If communication is difficult or has broken down, it’s often helpful to seek advice at an early stage. A family solicitor can explain each parent's legal position, help identify the key issues and 34

07983 588313

encourage constructive discussions aimed at reaching an agreement. In some cases, mediation may also be an appropriate way of resolving differences. If agreement cannot be reached, the court can decide which school a child should attend. However, judges expect parents to have made every reasonable effort to resolve matters first, and court proceedings should always be a last resort. Seeking legal advice early can often help avoid unnecessary conflict and ensure there is sufficient time to deal with any issues before school application deadlines. At Rayden Solicitors, we understand that decisions about children can be among the most sensitive issues separated parents face. Our experienced family law team provides clear, practical advice to help parents resolve disagreements wherever possible and, where necessary, guide them through the court process. If you are concerned about choosing a secondary school or any other issue relating to your children, please get in touch. Nicola Caffery, Partner Rayden Solicitors Harpenden

wendy@theNOWmagazines.com

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.

131 - 133 Hatfield Road, St Albans AL1 4JS 01727 839162 07955 952 250 info@abbeylaw.org

www.abbeylaw.org

Out & About

Brambleton Model Railway Club

12th Sept 2pm - 5.30pm See the railway as it was originally intended, plus a variety of rolling stock (O gauge circuit) and live steam narrow gauge (16 mm). £4, child £3, Highfield Oval, Ambrose Lane, Harpenden AL5 4FB brambleton.org.uk

Talk: Roman Britain in Twenty Towns

14th Sept 7pm Verulamium is one of the most important Roman towns in Britain, drawing from his recent book hear Richard Hingley put Verulamium in its national context. Verulamium Museum AL3 4SW stalbansmuseums.org.uk

Sustainable St Albans

Talk: How to Make Sustainability Irresistible 14th Sept 7.30pm, please book Panshanger Park The Harpenden Arms AL5 2TR Heritage Open Days 12th & 13th Sept free Harpenden Sustainability Market With tractor tours, walks, talks, a chance to meet 20th Sept 10am - 3pm the Iron Age Pigs and more. Please book Eco providers, sustainable food stalls, interiors, Dragonfly Guided Walk 19th Sept 11am free fashion, repair and reuse and more. Dive into the world of these incredible insects and learn Harpenden Common about their lifecycles, hunting techniques and unique sustainablestalbans.org resting behaviours. Shaw's Corner Hertford SG14 2NA panshangerpark.tarmac.com Garden Tour: Day in the Life of a National Trust The Pioneer Club Gardener 16th Sept 2pm - 4pm £15 Escape To The City 12th Sept 2pm from £21 Hear insider stories, tips on sustainable gardening, Festival showcasing some of the best new talent on the how to increase biodiversity and build resilient habitats independent music scene. The theme is ‘fun’ with and more. styles ranging from alt-rock and pop to cheeky indie. Apple Day 18th Oct 10.30am - 5.30pm Songwriting Meet Up Enjoy apple tastings, garden tours, children’s games, 16th Sept 8pm free, please book, 18+ chatting with the gardeners and more. From £5.50 For seasoned pros or those just starting out, these Ayot St Lawrence AL6 9BX nationaltrust.org.uk sessions are the perfect space to spark your creativity, The Full Monty refine your craft, and connect with like-minded artists. 17th - 26th Sept 8pm & 26th Sept 2.30pm Satellite 50yrs of Punk 18th Sept 7.30pm from £12 Six ordinary blokes…one extraordinary idea! Northern Soul 19th Sept 7pm £10 18+ Barn Theatre, Welwyn Garden City AL8 6ST With DJs from the original nights at Pioneer in the barntheatre.co.uk 70s alongside new DJs playing all the hits. Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Charity AL3 5AY pioneerclub.co.uk Charity Bingo Night 17th Sept 5pm £22 St Albans Organ Theatre Includes a welcome drink and dinner. Organ Concerts 12th Sept & 10th Oct 3pm Mecca Bingo, Luton LU4 0JB Mechanical Instrument Concerts Charity Skydive Challenge 26th Sept 13th Sept & 11th Oct 3pm Experience the thrill of a tandem skydive while raising 320 Camp Road AL1 5PE much needed funds. Peterborough Airfield PE8 6NE stalbansorgantheatre.org.uk bedfordshirehospitals.nhs.uk/charity

St Albans South Signal Box Open Days 12th & 13th Sept: Heritage Open Days 10am - 5pm 11th, 25th & 28th Oct 2pm - 5pm 5 Ridgmont Road, St Albans AL1 3AJ sigbox.co.uk

Rennie Grove Peace

Hertford Castle: Heritage Day

20th Sept 12 noon - 4pm Enjoy storytelling, archery demonstrations, and Viking battle re-enactments. Hertford SG14 1HR hertford.gov.uk

London to Brighton Cycle Ride 13th Sept Open Rehearsal - Vivaldi Gloria Sign up and take part in this iconic 55-mile ride from 21st Sept 7.30pm Clapham Common to Brighton as part of Team Rennie The Hardynge Choir invites all voice types Grove Peace and raise funds for local hospice care. (soprano, alto, tenor and bass) to join them. Walk & Talk 17th Sept free St Helen's Primary School, Wheathamstead AL4 8AN For older people and those with a life-limiting illness hardyngechoir.org who want to keep active, spend time in nature, and Amadeus Chamber Orchestra Concert meet new people. Family members, carers over 18, and well-behaved dogs are welcome. There will be rest 26th Sept 7.30pm £18, child £1 Ravel: Pavane pour une Infante Défunte breaks, but you must be able to walk for 15 minutes. Weber: Clarinet Concerto No. 2 in E♭ Woodoaks Farm, nr Rickmansworth Schreker: Der Geburtstag der Infantin Chilterns 3 Peaks Challenge 20th Sept A family (and dog) friendly event in the scenic Chiltern St Saviour's Church, Sandpit Lane AL1 4DF amadeuschamberorchestra.org.uk Hills, for anyone who enjoys walking, with routes ranging from 7 to 18.5 miles. renniegrovepeace.org 36 07983 588313 wendy@theNOWmagazines.com

Discover New Possibilities at Oaklands Oaklands College is encouraging adults across Hertfordshire to discover new possibilities this autumn, through its wide range of Adult Learning courses which support career development and personal growth. The College continues to deliver strong results for adult learners, with achievement rates increasing significantly over the past year. This success has seen Oaklands make meaningful progress, rising 31 places in the national rankings. Gain qualifications, build new skills, change careers or pursue a personal interest through expert-led, industry-relevant programmes in a welcoming and supportive environment. Courses include Employability Skills, English, Maths and ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages), alongside professional and university-level programmes built to help adults upskill, retrain and progress in their careers. For those looking to pursue a passion or try something new, Oaklands also offers a variety of leisure and evening classes, including Pottery, Printmaking, Languages, Digital Photography,

Floristry and Creative Writing. These courses provide a chance to learn new skills, explore your creativity and connect with like-minded people. Whatever your next step, Oaklands can help you get there. Learn from industry experts to advance your career, develop a new hobby or achieve a personal goal. Find out more about Adult Learning opportunities at Oaklands and discover where learning could take you next. oaklands.ac.uk

Index of Businesses Garden Nursery Bridge Valley Nursery

Gardening / Landscaping AR Landscapes Ltd Detail Gardening & Maintenance

24 25

Gutter Cleaning Gutter Busters

Author The Pain of My Immortal Soul

Hairdressing Image Mobile Hairdressing

Blinds & Shutters Harpenden Blinds

Healthcare Spire Harpenden Hospital

12 & 13

Accountants Hicks Tax Assist

32 15

Air Conditioning Cool Solutions Engineering Ltd

Architect Hampshire Build

Building AJR Building Services Highpoint Construction Open Plan Solution

18 21 33

Car Body Repairs Prestige Paint Shop Ltd

Car Servicing / Repairs RTI Auto Services Ltd

Care Home Caring Homes - The Orchard

Children’s Art Classes ArtShed!

Chimney Sweep Home Sweep Home

Back Cover

Cleaning Merrivac

College Oaklands College

Front Cover & 37

Dance & Drama Penny Waterman School of Dance Stagecoach

Hearing Services Hearing Healthcare Practice

Home Reorganisation Reset Style

Locksmiths Lock Around the Clock Locksmith Services

29 29

Loft Ladders Home Counties Loft Ladders

Memory Café Lea Grange Care Home

Painters & Decorators CB Decorators M & M Decorators

28 28

Pest Control KPI Wasp Nest Treatment The Verminator

24 3

Plumber DJ&M Plumbing Services Ltd

18 & 39

4 4

Property Maintenance The 50 Plus

Electrician St Albans Sparks

Finance Lumin Wealth

Roofing GJ Smith Roofing Residential Roofing & Repairs

31 31

Flooring The Bespoke Flooring Company KC Flooring Specialists

Singing Club Clover Singing Club

11 26

Footcare Healthy Feet Clinic

Solicitors Abbey Law Rayden Solicitors

35 34

Funeral Directors Austin’s

Tree Surgeons Fircroft Tree Surgery Ltd

Garage Doors The Complete Garage Door Co

Will Writing Westminster Law

Windows Cloud 9 Glazing Kings Windows

26 27

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07983 588313

wendy@theNOWmagazines.com

Discounts

DJ&M

PLUMBING SERVICES LTD ●

●

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

info@djmplumbing.co.uk

01727 764217

www.djmplumbing.co.uk

07772 023603 tovey@mail.com

07983 588313

wendy@theNOWmagazines.com