harpenden now April 13

april 2013

view ‘the NOW magazines’ online

now

harpenden

promoting local businesses organisations and events since 2006

choose local first

YOUR LOCAL PLANT CENTRE

Now Open Every Day

01582 766728

Perennials Roses and Shrubs Bedding and Basket Plants GLORIOUS GARDENS all work approached with pride & precision

Handy-Man & Garden Maintenance - Mowing - Strimming - Hedges - Borders & Beds - Vegetable Patches Dug - Weeding & Leaves - Winter, Spring Tidy Ups

All Wooden Structures - Fencing & Sheds - Decking & Furniture - Pergolas & Gates - Rotten Wood Replaced - Wendy Houses - Wood Treatments & Painting

also offering Furniture Restoration & Carpentry

Brendon Burns Flamstead based, local references available

01582 842817 07958 927806 2

welcome to april

Hoo’s Kids Book Fest 8

Spring is finally here, just watch out for the April showers!

from dragons to dancing giraffes

This month we have reviewed two popular local restaurants; ‘The Cherry Tree’ and ‘PizzaExpress’. The new-look ‘PizzaExpress’ have kindly offered 5 lucky readers the chance to WIN a meal for two, have a look at page 24 to be in with a chance of winning!

Now’s the time to get your garden ready for ‘Harpenden in Bloom’, this year there are various categories, from photography to growing the tallest sunflower!

Swim, Cycle, Run 14 try tri-force juniors

NOW at the Public Halls 18 music, storytelling & comedy

WIN a Meal For Two 24 at new-look PizzaExpress Harpenden

A Local Treasure 25 fantastic Indian restaurant

Charity Golf Day 26

This month is also ‘Hoo’s Annual Book Fest’ Harpenden Lions Club which has a really great line up of children's WIN a family ticket authors, and looks well worth a visit. the pied piper of Hamelin Don’t forget you can read ‘the NOW magazines’ each month WIN NOW at the Alban Arena online at www.harpendennow.com a Meal for Two music, comedy & storytelling Happy Reading

at PizzaExpress

see page 25 to be jane & wendy in with a chance to advertise call us NOW of winning 07983 588291 / 07983 588313 WIN

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Harpenden in Bloom 38 gardening galore

What’s on in April 40 & May 42 local events for everyone

Index of Businesses 46 accountants to window cleaners

Fully Licensed and Air Conditioned

Good Food and Good Service Come and enjoy Authentic Indian and Bangladeshi Cuisine Cooked Daily with Fresh Meat, Chicken and Vegetables from Local Suppliers

Special Gourmet Nights £9.95 Tuesdays and Wednesdays

FREE HOME DELIVERY on orders over £10 with 4 mile radius

15% Discount on collected orders over £10 2 Grove Road, Southdown, Harpenden, AL5 1PX

01582 467676 / 469191 Easy Parking Available TO ADVERTISE CONTACT 07983 588313 or wendy@harpendennow.com

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andrew@arlandscapes.co.uk 4

TO ADVERTISE CONTACT 07983 588313 or wendy@harpendennow.com

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local walks Local Health Walks organised by the Countryside Management Service, take place whatever the weather, cater to all ages and abilities and are a great way to get active, best of all they are completely free!

www.humblestreeservices.co.uk

Heartwood Forest 6th April 2pm Sunday 21st April 10.30am Meet in the Heartwood Forest car park, St Albans Road, Sandridge for a 4-5 mile brisk walk.

Hatching Green Tuesdays 10.30am Meet at the White Horse pub, Redbourn Lane, Harpenden.

Two walks, a 1st steps walk for those just starting out and a longer 1-2 hour brisk walk.

Verulamium Park Wednesdays 7pm Meet outside Westminster Lodge Leisure Centre for a gentle 3 miles walk with some hills.

Wheathampstead Thursdays 10.30am Meet at the public car park behind The Bull, East Lane, Wheathampstead.

A moderate 2-3 mile walk.

For more information and other walks in surrounding areas visit www.hertslink.org/cms/healthwalks

Ken Hodson Local Computer Hardware and Software Repairs Upgrades and Advice for Home and Business • • • • • • •

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No fix, no fee for all repairs – you have nothing to lose!

Low hourly rate Most repairs carried out in your home, if not the computer will be picked up and delivered back to you Problems with Windows / Applications / Games / Internet / Networks fixed Friendly training and instruction available in plain English Advice given on upgrades – many older computers can be upgraded at a fraction of the cost of a new machine Upgrades of hardware and software 07974 156743 / 01582 794723 enquiries@kenhodsoncomputerservices.co.uk www.kenhodsoncomputerservices.co.uk

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from dragons to dancing giraffes

This year on 21st April, Hoo’s Kids Book Fest crams a feast of family fun into just one day and you can expect to see some of the biggest names in children’s books discussing everything from dragons to dancing giraffes all with lashings of ginger beer…

The line-up includes Sally Gardner, who was recently announced as the winner of the prestigious Costa Children’s Book Award, Guy Parker-Rees, official illustrator for World Book Day, and a host of stars from the children’s book world.

For the first time ever, Cressida Cowell, author of the bestselling How to Train Your Dragon series and Lauren Child, author and illustrator of Charlie and Lola will be in conversation with the Director of National Literacy Trust, talking about their forthcoming releases.

There will be exciting interactive events taking place around popular children’s series. Julian from the Famous Five will be inviting children to enter a world of adventure revealing secret Famous Five interrogation techniques along the way. Followers of Beast Quest can participate in code-breaking events and fairy fans can help celebrate the 10th anniversary of Rainbow Magic. Plus there will be a storytelling tent recreating the magic of Roald Dahl.

And there will be local authors and illustrators Nigel Baines, Nick Schon, Julia Rigby and James Mayhew, back by popular demand. Helen Dennis, author of the thrilling Secret Breakers series, features Bletchley Park in her page-turning adventure.

Add to this a host of family-friendly activities including facepainting, garden trails, and visits from popular children’s characters and you have the perfect day out for all the family.

Meet the authors, discover new books or try your hand at writing your own story, there’s something for all ages.

Wandering entertainers and a travelling library all add to the fun on offer.

Outstanding Montessori in Harpenden “A truly unique and very special place” a current parent

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www.artisans.uk.com 07795 510 130 info@artisans.uk.com

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TO ADVERTISE CONTACT 07983 588313 or wendy@harpendennow.com

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developing life skills and confidence in an imaginative, warm and creative atmosphere Then Stagecoach Harpenden is the place to be!

Especially as this term Stagecoach is celebrating 25 years as the original, largest and still the best network of performing arts schools in the world.

Last term culminated in our end-of-term presentations which were enjoyed by students and parents alike. Don’t miss out and come and join us in our acting, singing and dancing classes, where you are sure to meet new friends, enrich your knowledge of the performance arts and also have a lot of fun!

Our school will be holding a celebratory 25th

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Silver Birthday Party at the end of the summer term so if you want to join in the fabulous fun planned, now is your chance to join us!

Places are limited for the beginning of the Summer Term with a start date of Friday 19th, Saturday 20th April, so please contact Liz Blower on 01525 717567 to book your place.

enrich your knowledge of the performance arts and also have a lot of fun!

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All we had to do was put the kettle on!” Mrs SC

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swim, cycle, run Tri-Force Juniors is a local non-profit making Junior Triathlon Club based in St Albans, run by volunteers to enable children, ages 8-16 to take part in swimming, cycling and running, whatever their sporting ability.

Experienced and qualified coaches provide their skills and time on a voluntary basis every Saturday afternoon.

All children, ages 8-16 are welcome to come along to this very friendly club and try a session. Non-member charges are only £6 per

swim session or £4 per cycle/run session.

For those juniors with some swimming and running or cycling experience how about entering this year’s Junior Triathlon in St Albans on Sunday 15th July? Or just come along and support our junior triathletes and see what it’s all about!

For those of you who are older, the club always welcomes new supporters and helpers. If you can spare some time on the 15th July please consider helping to marshal the bike and run course. Who knows, you may even see the next Brownlee brothers!

email: simon.pritchard@dsl.pipex.com www.tri-force.org/junior-triathlon-club-hertfordshire/336/

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TO ADVERTISE CONTACT 07983 588313 or wendy@harpendennow.com

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Love Language of Luton Alison Sesi, BA (Hons), QTS

Languages Teacher German and French GCSE Mandarin also offered

Holiday Revision Easter / Summer Adult and Younger Learners welcome Individuals or groups

www.love-language.co.uk info@love-language.co.uk 07951 953607

A window to another world!

Julia Reading BSC (Hons) MChS, HPC Registered Podiatrist

I Treat The Following Foot Conditions Corns * Callous * Fungal nails Ingrowing toe nails * Verrucas General foot health advice For an appointment please phone

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Home Visits Available

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NOW at the Public Halls Upbeat Beatles Friday 5th April 7.30pm It's 1963 and a new band is taking the country by storm, playing a heady mixture of Blues, Motown and Rock ’n’ Roll… Since 1997 The Upbeat Beatles have been the best at re-creating the excitement, raw energy and authentic sound of the original Fab Four. £18.50 Furry Tails Festival Sunday 7th April 11.30am, 1.30pm & 2.30pm Our Storyteller is on the run from those threeheaded monsters, trying to bring you the most fantastic tales from the Magic Land of Three. Are you really sure what happened to the wolf and those three little pigs? What about Goldilocks?

All will be revealed when our Storyteller unfolds these fantastic stories with fabulous puppets and a foot-tapping soundtrack.

One performance plus workshops child: £7.50, adult: 1 free with every child workshops only child: £2, adult: free Come on Everybody Friday 12th April 7.30pm The biggest and best Rock ‘n’ Roll MUSIC tribute show in Britain. Dig your drape jackets and circle skirts out of the back of the wardrobe for an evening of unashamed fifties nostalgia from Bell Hayley and Eddie Cochran to Jerry Lee Lewis and Buddy Holly. £17.50, concs £15

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Peacock & Gamble Don’t Even Want To Be On Telly Anyway Saturday 13th April Everybody’s favourite comedy nice boys, Ray a and Ed with another show full of fun, idiocy and handsomeness live on a stage. £10 The Elephant Bridesmaid Sunday 21st April 2.30pm This is a magical musical about weddings and wombats and the loveliest elephant the world has ever known. Based on a story from ‘How The Koala Learnt To Hug and Other Australian Fairytales’ this show has just the right balance of games, songs and heart warming elephant antics to make any day feel like your special day, ages 4 - 104. Author Steven Lee will be signing copies of the book which will be on sale at a reduced cost after the show. £8.50 child £6.50 Lee Nelson Work In Progress Thursday 25th April 7.30pm Get yourselves along to Lee’s brand new show for a night of qwaliteeee jokes, games and banter. Plus he’ll be bringing Dr Bob, Jason Bent and a few others. Go on, it’s not like there’s anything else to do in Harpenden!!! £15 Harpenden Public Halls 01582 767525 www.harpendenpublichalls.co.uk

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Prestige Plumbing and Heating Services james@prestigeplumbingandheatingservices.com 183 The Ridgeway St Albans Herts

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films for you

Wednesday 10th April Argo cert 15 Oscar winning political thriller, the true story of the 1980 joint CIA-Canadian secret operation to extract six fugitive American diplomatic personnel out of revolutionary Iran, stars Ben Affleck.

Wednesday 24th April Amour cert 12 Oscar winning emotionally powerful French subtitled movie about one elderly couple's love for each other.

Thursday 9th May Anna Karenina cert 12 Atonement director Joe Wright's bold new vision of the classic Russian love story - stars Kiera Knightly, Jude Law and Aaron Taylor-Johnson.

Thursday 23rd May Untouchable cert 15 Award winning, emotionally uplifting French subtitled film about the unusual friendship between a white middle class quadriplegic and his male black carer.

A story of friendship and acceptance.

Harpenden Film Society Harpenden Public Halls, 8pm Tickets from WHSmith or www.harpendenfilmsociety.co.uk 22 members ÂŁ3.50, non-member ÂŁ5

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NOW at PizzaExpress The popular PizzaExpress restaurant, situated at the top of the town has been given an exciting new makeover, and we were delighted to be invited for lunch.

WIN a meal for two at new-look PizzaExpress

As you would imagine, the staff were warm and welcoming, the food was delicious and the decor modern, spacious and fresh. As we arrived before the lunchtime rush, the restaurant was quiet, but there was still a happy, buzzy air about the place and a warmth among the staff that made it a nice place to be.

To celebrate the launch of its exciting new-look restaurant, PizzaExpress in Harpenden is offering five fabulous prizes of a meal for two to the value of £40.

All you have to do is send a text with the heading “PizzaExpress Harpenden” with your name and contact phone number to 07983 588313 or 07983 588291 by 12 noon on Monday 8th April and the lucky winners will be contacted a few days later.

Our table was by the window, a perfect spot to sit and watch the world go by. In the warmer weather the glass-fronted restaurant will open up proving ‘al-fresco’ dining, with patio heaters for cooler evenings.

We were served by George, who told us a little about the background of PizzaExpress.

Apparently the founder, Peter Boizot, now in his 80’s is still actively involved with the restaurants, staff training and the good service and food they provide. He started his first restaurant in Soho in 1965, after travelling through Europe and finding he was unable to eat an authentic pizza slice in London!

Terms and conditions: Offer

a happy, buzzy air about the place and a warmth among the staff that made it a nice place to be

available at PizzaExpress Harpenden every day except Saturdays. Cannot be used with any other offer or set menu including Tesco vouchers. Can be used on takeaway orders.

The editors decision is final.

We didn't have to wait long for our starters to arrive, and enjoyed Roasted Tomatoes and Mozzarella and Tomato Salad, followed by Pollo Ad Astra Leggera and Veneziana Pizzas all of which were really tasty and hot. The restaurant filled up with a mixture of young families, older diners and those enjoying business lunches, creating that perfect buzz of chatter and laughter. All ingredients used are fresh, and the portions generous, so much so that as we really wanted something sweet, but were feeling rather full we chose Dolcetti; mini puddings that come with coffee or tea, a perfect ending when you have managed a whole pizza on your own!

We would definitely recommend you visit the new-look restaurant, so why not text us to be in with a chance of winning one of five £40 prizes!

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PizzaExpress Harpenden

01582 765714

www.pizzaexpress.com

a local treasure Imagine our delight when we found our dream home 2 years ago, not only does it back onto the fields but is within 2 minutes walk of what we believe to be a local treasure; the best Indian restaurant and take-away around!

‘The Cherry Tree’ not only serves fantastic, fresh and truly authentic Indian food, but the service is second to none. There is a spacious conservatory suitable for larger parties at the rear, while the front of the restaurant lends itself to more intimate dining.

When we moved in we held a party for about 70 friends, and ordered food (in advance) from ‘The Cherry Tree’. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed it, and most had seconds, so even though the portions were very generous, not much went into the freezer! The staff were so helpful lending us their saucepans, and making sure it all went smoothly, everyone said it was a great evening, but especially the food!

My husband loves to cook, and is going through

a real curry phase, the children are being very patient! However on a Friday night, we often find ourselves popping along the road to ‘The Cherry Tree’, it’s very good value and they always use fresh ingredients, so the taste whether dining in or taking away is fantastic.

It’s just 2 minutes drive out of Harpenden as you head towards Wheathampstead from Batford, and there’s plenty of parking.

We would heartily recommend it, either for a family meal, a night out with friends or an intimate dinner for 2, ‘The Cherry Tree’ really is a local treasure!

Wendy, Wheathampstead

Opening Hours Mon - Thurs 5pm - 11.30pm Fri - Sat 5pm - Midnight Sun 12 noon - 11pm

Sunday Buffet 12 noon - 5pm Adult £8.95 Under 12 £4.95

Delivery Service Available within 3 mile radius minimum order £15

10% Discount on collected orders over £15

Ample Parking

Indian Food at its finest Planning an evening out with friends, a romantic dinner or Sunday buffet with the family, a warm welcome is always waiting for you here at The Cherry Tree

Large Conservatory for parties up to 50 people

A large selection of authentic dishes including fish, duck and vegetarian The Cherry Tree 261 Lower Luton Road Wheathampstead AL4 8HW 01582 832398 / 832342 www.thecherrytree.co.uk

TO ADVERTISE CONTACT 07983 588313 or wendy@harpendennow.com

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The Lions Club Charity Golf Day On Friday 17th May Harpenden Lions Club will be holding their annual Charity Golf Day at Aldwickbury Park Golf Club, Harpenden. The day is very popular for corporate entertainment and groups of friends to have an enjoyable and special round of golf.

All profits from the day go to good causes; the beneficiary this year is ‘Combat Stress’ the UK's leading charity that specialises in the treatment and support of British Armed Forces Veterans who have mental health problems. www.combatstress.org.uk Cost is £260 per team of four which includes a ploughman’s lunch, a Stableford four ball competition and a concluding three course dinner. There will be prizes for the winning team as well as a range of individual awards for the longest drive, nearest the pin etc. Companies can sponsor a hole at £50 per hole.

To enter and to enquire about sponsorship call Russell King on 07909 990277 or e-mail russell.king@harpenden-lions.co.uk For further information visit www.harpenden-lions.co.uk/golf

Save Money, Reduce Tax!

Year End & Management Accounts Bookkeeping, VAT, Payroll Business Start-Up Advice Buy to Let, Capital Gains Tax, C.I.S. Tax Returns & Advice Out of Hours & Home Visits Modest Fees, Easy Payment Options Friendly Local Service

For a FREE consultation contact Mike Melling 01582 760154 or mikemelling@taxassist.co.uk 126 Southdown Road, Harpenden AL5 1QQ

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business for sale

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We also service, upgrade and maintain existing alarm systems For a free estimate and consultation please contact us -

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01582 864138 / 07720 089269

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Domestic Appliance Repairs Washing Machines ● Dishwashers Tumble Driers ● Electric Ovens

WIN a Family Ticket e-mail your answer and contact details to:

* No Callout Charges * * All Makes Repaired * * Honest & Reliable Advice * * Full Electrical Safety Tests * * Evening & Weekend Appointments * * All Work Guaranteed *

hayley@skewbaldtheatre.com

In which country is the town of Hamelin?

WIN An Interactive Storytelling Adventure for young audiences and their families When a mischief of ravenous rats run riot in the sleepy town of Hamelin nobody knows what to do! Luckily a strolling minstrel with a magic pipe agrees to help, but at what price?

Join Skewbald Theatre at the Inn on the Park, Verulamium Park, St Albans as they bring this fun fairytale to life using their famous blend of toe tapping music and songs, puppetry and storytelling that will keep audiences young and old entranced. www.skewbaldtheatre.com 020 8367 5257 Tickets £7

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Leigh Hibon daytime 07841 652496 evening 01582 842764 www.ldhdomesticappliancesrepairs.co.uk 90 Trowley Hill Road, Flamstead AL3

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Harpenden Blinds We Supply & Fit All Types of Blinds Awnings & Shutters Curtains Tracks & Poles Specialising in Bay Windows

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actively campaigning for Harpenden people ‘The Harpenden Society’ is a voluntary, independent and non-political organisation for the town’s residents and those who work in it. It is a Civic Society whose members wish to preserve the good things about Harpenden and propose constructive changes. It works with all levels of Government: our MP; County, District and Town Councils as well as local businesses and other organisations.

Seven Working Groups comprising member volunteers cover public order, environment, transport, health and welfare, education and leisure, the built environment, including planning issues, and the local economy.

Recent issues addressed include plans for resurrecting the Red House hospital’s facilities, relocating the library, making the Lower High Street and Thompsons Close ‘shared space’ between pedestrians and cars, providing café, toilet and other facilities near the children’s play area in Rothamsted Park and redeveloping the Public Halls. The Society has objected vigorously to the Luton Airport proposed expansion because

of anticipated road and rail congestion and noise problems.

Annual awards for developments which enhance the Town’s environment are presented. In 2012 the Society shared the cost of three memorial structures with the Town Council to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee; they are located in Batford, Southdown and central Harpenden A celebration of the Society’s work and plans, including a brief AGM, will take place at the Harpenden House Hotel from 7.30pm on Thursday, 11th April. All are welcome.

To join The Harpenden Society visit www.harpendensociety.org or call 01582 760625.

Pictured: from left, Chris Marsden, Chairman of ‘Harpenden Society’, Ben Beardsley, Education Officer and David Beer, Chairman both of ‘Harpenden Parents Group’ and Eric Midwinter from ‘Harpenden Society’

Traditional and Modern Upholstery

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NOW at the Alban Arena

Feast Of Fiddles Celebrates 20 Years 2nd April 7.30pm The current band will be joined by all its past performers. The show includes 13 fiddles, 2 drummers, 3-piece brass section, 4 guitars, keyboards, harp and accordion! £22.50

The Solid Silver 60’s Show 18th April 7.30pm Relive the 60’s with original artists singing their greatest hits! £26, £24

The Boy With Tape On His Face 3rd April 8pm Stand-up with no talking, mime with noise and punch lines without words! This boy has to be seen to be believed.

2012 saw him sell out his month long run at the Edinburgh Festival ending with him winning the prestigious Edinburgh Comedy Award. £15 Suggs – My Life Story In Words And Music 4th April 7.30pm Madness frontman takes to the stage in a hilarious, yet moving, one man tour de force. The death of his cat on his fiftieth birthday triggers a personal quest to discover what happened to the father he never knew. £24.50 Jack Bruce & His Big Blues Band 6th April 7.30pm Hailed as one of the most powerful vocalists and greatest bassists of his time, with his improvisational skill and unique, free-spirited approach to composition. In 2011 Jack formed The Big Blues Band with a sell out tour of the UK. £28.50

www.alban-arena.co.uk

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The Illegal Eagles 19th April 8pm Established as the ultimate tribute to The Eagles, and one of the foremost authentic and talented Tribute Shows in the world. £22.50, £20.50 Joan Collins One Night With Joan 23rd April 7.45pm In her internationally acclaimed one woman show Ms Collins will share the stories and secrets of her celebrated career as one of the world’s most glamorous and intriguing personalities. £35, £30 Jimeoin- What!?

26th April 7.30pm The biggest comedy tickets seller at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, an evening spent with Jimeoin is one that guarantees a great time and a good old-fashioned laugh. £14.50 Boogie Nights 27th April 7pm - midnight All Live On Stage in one Brilliant Night. Hit After Hit After Hit this Boogie Night has it all. £28.50 Guys & Dolls 30th April - 4th May 7.45pm / Saturday 2.30pm St Albans Operatic Society are proud to present their new Production, Guys and Dolls.

The Alban Arena

01727 844488

before

after

enjoy your free time and let us do the hard work for you General household and office cleaning Regular or special cleans Moving in / out cleans Landlord/end of tenancy cleans Experienced in elderly or housebound clients Ironing collection/delivery on request Reliable key-holders/proficient in alarm systems Fully insured with public liability cover of ÂŁ2,000,000 Phone for a free quotation 01582 750995 www.merrivac.co.uk 07719 657125 - taking care of your home -

TO ADVERTISE CONTACT 07983 588313 or wendy@harpendennow.com

37

enter this years Harpenden in Bloom For entry forms contact 01582 768278 harpenden.town.council@harpenden.gov.uk Best Wildlife Photography Deadline 17th May Best Front/Back Gardens Best Communal Garden Best School Garden Best Public House Displays Deadline 3rd June Tallest Sunflower Deadline 10th September www.harpenden.gov.uk/harpenden-in-bloom

Heritage Opera bring their smash hit production of La Bohème to Hatfield House on Saturday 20th April Be sure to bring a handkerchief, as you're going to need it for the heart-breaking finale of Puccini's master study of young love and loss. Can you live on love alone?

La Bohème tells the story of the lives and loves of four struggling artists living in a draughty garret in Paris in the 19th Century.

Puccini's best-loved opera charts the love affair of Rodolfo, a writer, and Mimi, his neighbour, as they eke out a living on the breadline. Life is harsh, and they soon find that you need more than passion to survive. Opera doesn't get more romantic than this!

Performed in 19th Century period costume, accompanied by piano, and sung in a new English translation.

Box office 0161 402 3272 www.heritageopera.co.uk Tickets £27.50

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TO ADVERTISE CONTACT 07983 588313 or wendy@harpendennow.com

39

what’s on in april 40

up to 28th April RSPB Heron Watch Verulamium Park, St Albans, Wednesdays - Sundays, 10.30am - 4.30pm, free 2nd - 5th Magical Mayhem Holiday Club Museum of St Albans, 01727 819340,10.30 - 12.30, £5, for ages 8+ Holiday Theatre Workshops ages 3-12 Sophia's Street Dance ages 7+ The Hurst Children's Theatre Group www.hurstchildrenstheatregroup.co.uk 2nd - 14th Easter Fun Stockwood Discovery Centre, 01582 548600, various times throughout the week www.lutonculture.com 3rd Children’s Event at Burston Garden Centre St Albans, see page 7 sunflower planting & story telling: free, 11 - 3pm pot decorating & face painting: £2, 11 - 3pm Honey Bee Arts Pot Painting Session Harpenden Public Halls, 07930 222567 please book, for ages 4+ 10.30 - 11.30am Stiff Little Fingers Bedford Corn Exchange, www.bedfordcornexchange.co.uk 4th Suggs My Life Story see page 36 5th & 6th The Pied Piper of Hamelin see page 30 7th Batford Springs Conservation Clear Up Batford Park, just turn up, 10am 8th Annual Town Council Meeting Park Hall, Leyton Road, 7.30pm 8th - 12th Fabulous Pharaohs Holiday Club Museum of St Albans, 01727 819340, 10.30 - 12.30, £5, for ages 8+ 9th Talk: Val Bourne on ‘The Spring Cottage Garden’ Roundwood Park School, Harpenden Horticultural Society Meeting, 8pm, £3 www.harpendenhorticulturalsociety.org 13th Peacock & Gamble: Don’t Even Want to be on Telly Anyway see page 18 Charity Quiz Night St Albans & District Soroptimists, Homewood Road Church Hall, St Albans, 07944 725226, fish & chip supper, 7.15pm, adults £12.50, child £6 14th GTI Spring Festival Santa Pod Raceway, Wellingborough, Northants, 01234 782828 www.santapod.com

16th Tuesday Trail: Flora & Fauna Stockwood Discovery Centre, 01582 548600, 10 - 10.30am / 11 - 11.30am, outdoor trails for toddlers, £1.50 17th Meeting: Display: ‘Fiji’ St Albans, Harpenden & District Philatelic Society, St Mary's Church, Childwick Green, 01582 762284, 8pm 18th - 27th A Number Abbey Theatre, St Albans, 01727 857861, a play raising many issues such as the meaning of identity & the conflict between nature & nurture, a moving, thought-provoking theatrical experience, 8pm 20th The St Albans & District Family Fair The Alban Arena, 01727 844488, 11 - 5pm, free From the Jam Bedford Corn Exchange, www.bedfordcornexchange.co.uk La Boheme see page 38 21st Hoo’s Kids Book Fest see page 10 Verulam Golf Club Open Day see page 39 St George's Day Parade Harpenden, with Harpenden Pipe Band, 12 noon The Elephants Bridesmaid Harpenden Public Halls, 01582 767525, a magical musical about the loveliest elephant in the world, 2.30pm, adult £8.50, child £6.50 Family Fun Day Buckinghamshire Railway Centre, 01296 655720, adult £12, child £9 Hertfordshire Wedding Fair The Alban Arena, 01727 844488, 11 - 4pm, free St George’s Day Sunday with the Family British Schools Museum, Hitchin, 01462 420144, dragon-related fun & games 23rd Community Book Fair Verulamium Museum, St Albans, £1, 6 - 10pm Joan Collins: One Night with Joan The Alban Arena, 01727 844488, 7.45pm, £30 - £35 26th - 28th Swimathon see page 45 27th Harpenden Music Makers Spring Concert see page 38 The Great Curry Run in aid of ABF The Soldiers Charity, organised by St Georges School, 9am start www.stgeorges.herts.sch.uk Boogie Nights The Alban Arena, 01727 844488, 7pm - midnight, £28.50 Dambusters Ball Harpenden Public Halls, 01582 767525, 7.30pm, £45 28th Lanwarne Landscapes at Burston page 7

Contact Louise Miller on 01727 731 028 email louise.miller@grove-house.org.uk or for further details visit our website

www.grove-house.org.uk/makeyourwill Registered Charity No 1003462

TO ADVERTISE CONTACT 07983 588313 or wendy@harpendennow.com

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what’s on in may 42

2nd Rejoice & Sing Concert St Albans Abbey, 01727 860780, in aid of Grove House, 7.30pm 5th Beating the Bounds Kingsbury Watermill, St Michael’s Village, St Albans, 2pm, the route is just over 2 miles & takes 2.5 hours, free 7th Harpenden Floral Decoration Club Harpenden Public Halls, 01582 621757, demonstration 'Movies from the Mansion', 2pm 9th Reginald D Hunter - In the Midst of Crackers The Alban Arena, 01727 844488, 8pm 9th & 11th May Dido and Aeneas 9th: St Leonard's Church, Sandridge 11th: St John's Church, Harpenden 01582 621603, Purcell's only true opera, presented by St Albans Chamber Opera, 8pm, 9th - 18th May The Cherry Orchard Abbey Theatre, St Albans, 01727 857861, daily 8pm & matinée 2.30pm on 12th May 10th -12th Nickelodeons Dora The Explorer Live The Alban Arena, 01727 844488, £14 - £18 11th Salvation Army Spring Fair Leyton Green, Harpenden, 01582 469399,10 -2pm

14th Talk: ‘Wrest Park - 300 years of Garden History’ by Dr Twigs Way, Roundwood Park School, Harpenden Horticultural Society Meeting, 8pm, £3, 01582 761222 www.harpendenhorticulturalsociety.org 17th Harpenden Lions Charity Golf Day see page 26 18th Grand Vintage Fair Jubilee Centre, Catherine Street, St Albans, 01582 831481, 10- 4pm 19th St Albans Charity Cycle Ride 01727 852260 24th Beechwood Park School Open Morning see page 9 25th & 26th Hertfordshire County Show Herts County Showground, Redbourn, 01582 792626 26th Harpenden Farmers Market Lower High Street, 01582 768278, 10 - 2pm 29th The Lumberjacks The Alban Arena, 01727 844488, 8pm, £16 30th Jools Holland & his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra The Alban Arena, 01727 844488, 7.30pm, £27.50 standing, £34 seated

Nick The Handyman All aspects of Property Maintenance ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

Kitchen Fitter Tiling & Carpentry Fencing & Roofing General Brickwork Patios & Driveways Electrical Repairs Painting & Decorating, Inside & Outside No Job too Small Free Estimates References Available Friendly & Reliable Service 07737 284711

SIMPLY JOBS Handy people to know!

Home maintenance by courteous, reliable, mature staff.

Decorating, electrical work, plumbing and all general home maintenance work. · No job too small · No call out charge · Fully insured · Trustmark approved

01582 767201 www.simplyjobsharpenden.co.uk

nick.morgan87@googlemail.com

TO ADVERTISE CONTACT 07983 588313 or wendy@harpendennow.com

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life’s a puzzle general knowledge crossword

across 1. Local church community (6) 4. US artist, Andy ___ (6) 9. Leader of a Jewish congregation (5) 10. Fabric made of silk (7) 11. Centre of an atom (7) 12. Spew forth lava and rocks (5) 13. Mythical container enclosing all human ills (8,3) 18. Malicious burning to destroy property (5) 20. Framework erected over an oil well (7) 22. Receptacles for cups (7) 23. Medieval and Renaissance wind instrument resembling an oboe (5) 24. Statue with the body of a lion and the head of a man (6) 25. Colour of the rainbow (6)

down 1. Father or mother (6) 2. Daphne du Maurier novel (7) 3. River which flows through Paris (5) 5. Fishermen (7) 6. Follower of a major religion (5) 7. Rough shelter at the side of a house (4-2) 8. Root used in the preparation of a sharptasting condiment (11) 14. Underground prison (7) 15. Japanese paper-folding art (7) 16. French sweet blackcurrant liqueur (6) 17. With hands on hips and elbows extending outward (6) 19. Compass point at 180 degrees (5) 21. Unprocessed thick sap from a tree (5)

44 answers on page 46

enrol now visit all entry fee and sponsoring money goes to Marie Curie Cancer Care log on select Harpenden Pool and register!

TO ADVERTISE CONTACT 07983 588313 or wendy@harpendennow.com

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index of businesses

Accountants Hicks TaxAssist Accountants Aerial Installations Concorde Aerials Harpenden Digital Services

Bicycle Repairs Allied Cycles Cycletech Hertfordshire

Business for Sale Extra-Help

Financial Management AMR Financial Management

27

Pet Care Personal Petcare

42

Flooring Creative Wood Flooring 17 LP Flooring

23 23

Plasterer A. Merson Plastering

22

2

Flower Workshops 19 The Flower School 18 Funeral Directors LC Weston Funeral 33 Directors Gardening / Landscaping 23 AR Landscapes Ltd Garden Life Landscapes Glorious Gardens 27 Lanwarne Landscapes

20

Chiropodist Julia Reading Cleaning Big Yellow Cleaning Company Harpenden Power Wash Merrivac Mobile Maid Services Mollymaid Murray’s Cleaning Services Computer Repairs Ken Hodson Counselling / Sex Therapy Michael Stock

37 31 31 31

Car Body Repairs Prestige Paint Shop Ltd

Children’s Development Classes Gymboree Play & Music

13

Painters & Decorators CB Decorators M & M Decorating N.S. Decorating

41

Charity Grove House Hospice

Lifestyle Management Simply Sorted

29 28 29

Cabinet Makers Sequoia Bespoke

Car Servicing / Repairs M Chapman Auto Services Ltd Pan Auto Services

5

17

33

Beauty Lavender & Stone

9 12

Electricians I & B Electrical MLC Electrical Selmon Electrical Services

Art & Picture Framing Bloom Artificial Grass Grass UK

Lawn Maintenance Lawn Science

Oven Cleaning Ovenmaster

30 30

Builder David Lewis

life’s a puzzle!

29 Education 28 Love Language

Appliance Repairs / Sales Appliance Refrigeration Leigh Hibon

Blinds Harpenden Blinds

46

Dance & Drama Classes 27 Penny Waterman School of Dance 26 Stagecoach

20 19

Garden Nursery / Centre Bridge Valley Nursery Burston Garden Centre

47

33 4 4 2 7 2 7

Gas K25

21

Golf Club Verulam Golf Club

39

Health & Fitness 41 Harpenden Holistic Health 15 Intelligent Pilates 14 11 Rosemary Conley Diet & Fitness Classes 16 The Fit Lab 15 17 Hearing Services The Hearing Healthcare Practice 32 35 37 37 Insurance back cover 36 NFU Mutual 35 35 6

Kindergarten / Nursery Artisans Kindergarten The Kinsbourne Common Nursery & Pre-school

17

general knowledge crossword across: 1 Parish, 4 Warhol, 9 Rabbi, 10 Organza, 11 Nucleus, 12 Erupt, 13 Pandora's box, 18 Arson, 20 Derrick, 22 Saucers, 23 Shawm, 24 Sphinx, 25 Indigo down: 1 Parent, 2 Rebecca, 3 Seine, 5 Anglers, 6 Hindu, 7 Lean-to, 8 Horseradish, 14 Dungeon, 15 Origami, 16 Cassis, 17 Akimbo, 19 South, 21 Resin Wordsearch: French proverb: Honey is sweet but bees sting.

8 11

Plumbers DJ&M Plumbing Services Ltd Prestige Plumbing & Heating Services

21 / 47 21

Pond Maintenance Women With Waders

42

Printer PrintShop

45

Property Maintenance Green’s House & Gardens Mr Handyman Nick The Handyman Simply Jobs

43 22 43 43

Restaurants Pizza Express Shapla Restaurant The Cherry Tree

24 3 25

Rubbish Clearance Clear A Waste.co.uk

45

School Beechwood Park School

9

Security Maximum Security Systems

28

Tiling Cedar Ceramics

23

Tree Surgeons Fircroft Tree Services.co.uk Paul Humbles Tree Services

4 6

Tyre Fitting Big D’s Tyres

19

Upholstery Traditional & Modern Upholstery by Ralph Martin

34

Window Cleaner Harpenden Window Cleaning

35

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.

DJ&M PLUMBING SERVICES LTD ●

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Complete Bathroom, Cloakroom and Shower Installations

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Local Family Run Business, Over 25 Years Experience

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Honest and Reliable Service Free Consultation/ Quotation for all Enquiries

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Tiling Plastering Electrical

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Discounts On All Bathrooms Supplied

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

Dean Herrington 07830 159010 info@djmplumbing.co.uk

01727 764217 www.djmplumbing.co.uk

TO ADVERTISE CONTACT 07983 588313 or wendy@harpendennow.com

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