harpenden NOW April 18

harpenden April 2018

World of Dinosaurs

NOW

Sustainable St Albans Week

RAF 100 Herts Lit Fest 18 NOW at the Public Halls

Easter Fun What’s on & lots more

promoting local businesses, organisations and events since 2006

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Welcome to April Sustainable St Albans Week takes place this month and is packed full of environmental events and activities, with something for everyone. The World of Dinosaurs opens this Easter at Paradise Wildlfe Park with 10% off entry when you quote ‘NOW 10’, read all about the exciting Dino things to do on page 32.

There’s lots to do outdoors from the Bubble Rush and a Mad Hatters Tea Party to getting Muddy at Panshanger Park and Jousting for St George.

Make sure you sign up early for the St Albans Half Marathon in June, the sooner you do, the sooner you’ll start training and getting fit in time for summer, while raising money for a good cause.

And don’t forget if there’s something you need or want doing, have a look through the magazine to see if our local businesses can help.

Happy Easter!

Jane & Wendy 07983 588313 wendy@theNOWmagazines.com www.theNOWmagazines.com To be in the May editions just email wendy@theNOWmagazines.com

Deadline: 10th April

World of Dinosaurs

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Paradise Wildlife Park

NOW at the Public Halls

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music & comedy

NOW at the Local Theatres

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drama for everyone

Easter Fun & More

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for all the family

Sustainable St Albans Week

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all things environmental

Do Something for Charity

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thinking of others

Herts Lit Fest 18

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books galore

Out of Town

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trails, tours & a tea party

RAF 100

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celebrating 100 years

NOW for some Music folk, jazz & punk

NOW at the Alban Arena music, comedy & ballet

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What’s on in April & May

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Index of Businesses

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accountants to windows & doors

Please call

01582 766728 For seasonal opening times To Advertise: 07983 588313 wendy@theNOWmagazines.com

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NOW for Some Art

Harpenden Photographic Society Exhibition 21st April 10am - 4.30pm High Street Methodist Church, Harpenden AL5 2RU Featuring the inspirational work of many local photographers. Whether you love landscape, portrait, macro, street, sport or natural world, you will find it all in this exhibition.

The society is always looking for new members, and they will be on hand on the day to answer any questions. The programme gives you chance to enjoy and improve your photography. Visiting speakers give members the chance to learn about many different styles and genres. www.harpendenphotographicsociety.co.uk Beyond the Battlefields: Käthe Buchler’s Photographs of Germany in the Great War until 5th May Art and Design Gallery, University of Herts, College Lane Campus AL10 9AB View photographs never before seen in the UK, in this exhibition providing a window into life on the home front and showing Germans struggling with the everyday privations of war.

Exhibition: Our Wonderful Natural Environment 2018 1st - 27th April Free Mon - Fri & Sun 1st April 10am - 4pm The Peter Ingram Gallery, Frogmore Paper Mill, Hemel Hempstead HP3 9RY Held by ‘Save Butterfly World’, with work by artists from Harpenden and St Albans on display.

Gift Box Workshop 17th April The Open Door, Berkhamsted HP4 1HU A lovely way to spend time with friends, chat and learn a new skill. This workshop for adults, will teach you to make a square gift box using different types of paper, it promises to be fun and the uses for the boxes are endless.

Please book clairereaney@gmail.com

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Spring Special 25% off Shutters 20% off all Blinds, Awnings, Poles & Curtains

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NOW at the Public Halls Film: Loving Vincent 4th April 8pm £5 Exploring the life and unusual death of Vincent Van Gogh via stunning depictions of his artworks.

Darkside: The Pink Floyd Show 7th April 7.30pm £18.50 A tribute to Britain’s greatest prog rock band.

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Ed Byrne: Spoiler Alert Limited Availabilty 11th April 7.30pm £24 Are we spoiled brats, or filled with righteous anger at a world gone mad? See Ed take this question and shake it ‘til the funny comes out!

Chantel McGregor 13th April 7.30pm £15 Rocking out with her band or performing solo acoustic sets. With the tone of Jimi Hendrix and the intensity of the Black Keys.

Matt Forde 19th April 8pm £15 The UK’s leading political comedian.

Special Kinda Madness 20th April 8pm £18 Performing an authentic set from Madness and The Specials.

Harpenden Record Fair 21st April 10am - 4pm Free Whether you’re a collector or browser, there’s music for all tastes in all formats.

Film: Murder on the Orient Express 25th April 2pm & 8pm £5 Kenneth Branagh directs an all-star cast in this remaking of the Agatha Christie Classic.

Roy G Hemmings Soul & Motown Show 27th April 7.30pm Original Drifters member Roy brings together the sound of three of America’s iconic labels: Motown, Stax and Atlantic, in one action packed show.

The Bootleg Bee Gees 28th April 7.30pm £18.50 Dominating the hearts of millions, the music of the Bee Gees is uncannily reproduced with this brilliant interpretation as hit after hit is immaculately presented.

Harpenden Public Halls AL5 1PD 01582 767525 www.harpendenpublichalls.co.uk

NOW at the Local Theatres Barn Theatre 2 Across 4th - 7th April 8pm A new comedy of crosswords and romance. Two strangers, board a 4am shuttle train with nothing in common other than the fact that they’re both tackling the same New York Times crossword. By the end of their 90-minute journey they’ve begun solving a lot more than crossword clues…This delightful and hilarious play, by one of America’s top sitcom writers, has been described as ‘smart, witty and poignant’.

Nell Gwynn 20th - 28th April 8pm The central character is Nell, orange-seller to celebrated actress, who negotiated a good sum for herself to become the mistress of King Charles II. This is a backstage tour from the heaven of Restoration London, with a mixture of bawdy humour, erotic delights and energetically sensual song and dance. £13 Barn Theatre, Welwyn Garden City AL8 6ST www.barntheatre.co.uk

Abbey Theatre Just So 5th - 7th April 7.30pm St Albans Youth Musical Theatre Based on the Just So stories by Rudyard Kipling, this show focuses on the creation of all the animals by the Eldest Magician, and the journey made by the inquisitive Elephant’s Child to stop the crab, Pau Amma, playing with the tides and disrupting everyone’s lives.

The Argument 20th, 21st & 24th - 28th April Darkly funny, showing how a small disagreement over an unimportant subject can lead to big arguments. A young couple have different opinions on a film and as the discussion becomes more heated, life-changing differences come to the fore.

Before long, family and friends are also engulfed.

Abbey Theatre, St Albans AL1 2DL www.abbeytheatre.org.uk

High Street Players Who Killed the Director? 12th & 13th April A Murder Mystery play, where the audience mull over the facts while enjoying a ploughman’s supper and see if they can work out ‘who dunnit’.

High Street Methodist church, Harpenden info@hsplayers.org.uk www.hsplayers.org.uk

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LAWN MOWER SALES & SERVICE All Makes Serviced & Repaired, Distributors of Alko, Cobra & Mitox Garden Machinery

SHEDS Distributors of Albany Sheds Supply, Erect & Base Construction

Water Softener Salt Townsend Lane Harpenden AL5 2RH 01582 713083 info@townsendnursery.com

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Verulam Fencing  All Fencing Products  Top Quality Fencing  Repair & Maintenance  Fence Painting & Treatment  Gates & Trellis  All work Guaranteed  Free Quotations  Friendly Reliable Local Service Call Nick 07737 284711 nick.morgan87@gmail.com Please visit Verulam Fencing on Facebook for reviews and pictures www.facebook.com/verulamfencing

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Out and About

spot signs of spring arriving, search the woods for hidden treasures and crack the secret woodland code. Ages 4 -11, £6

Luton Hoo Estate Walled Garden

Wild Kids Adventure Day: Bow & Arrow Making 6th April 10am - 3pm Discover how to use tools to make your own bow for some target practice in the woods. There’ll be games, crafts and play-time in the woods.

Ages 8 - 13, 6 -7 years welcome, but under 8’s must be accompanied by an adult.

Spring Open Day 4th April 10.30am - 1pm Historic garden tours & free children's activities. www.lutonhooestate.co.uk

Burston Garden Centre AL2 2DS Decorate Tasty Cookies & Face Painting 4th April 11am - 3pm All money goes to CRY Cardiac Risk in the Young. Cookies £2.50, face painting £5 Story Teller - Alexandra Jones & Decorate a Pot & Plant a Seed 11th April 1.30pm, 2.15pm age 6+ £2.50 www.burston.co.uk

Herts Wildlife Trust Weather permitting, there will be a campfire after each of the events listed Wild Families - Springtime Scavenger Hunt 5th April 10am - 12 noon & 1pm - 3pm * Families can work together in this challenge to

Wild Families - Muddy Madness 12th April 1pm - 3pm * Enjoy some muddy family activities including mud sculptures, mud paint, mud sliding and lots more. Ages 4 -11, £6 Wild Kids Adventure Day - Muddy Mayhem 13th April 10am - 3pm Are you ready to take part in the muddiest of challenges? Complete a mud assault course, slide the mud slide and play mud splat! There will also be games, crafts, and free play-time in the woods.Ages 8 - 13, 6 -7’s welcome, but under 8’s must be accompanied by an adult. * children must be accompanied by an adult Panshanger Park, nr Welwyn SG14 2NA www.hertswildlifetrust.org.uk

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GREENSHOUSE & GARDENS Fencing, Supply and Installation Gutter Clearance and Repair Power Washing Summerhouse and Shed Bases Sheds and Summerhouses Supplied and Erected Decking Landscaping Gardening, Tree, Hedge and Plant Care Property Maintenance Qualified Electrician Fully Insured

Call Roger 07949 969446 or 01582 400408 www.theNOWmagazines.com

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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

and Dishwashers ● Repair Leaking Pipes ● Outside Taps

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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M&M Decorators Fully qualified City and Guilds Over 20 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

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01582 864138 / 01727 453019

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Email: concordeaerials2@gmail.com

To Advertise: 07983 588313 wendy@theNOWmagazines.com

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Harpenden Window Cleaning Fully Insured Gutter Vac (Gutters ● High Access Cleaned) ● Fully Experienced Window Cleaners ● Inside Windows Cleaned (if required) ●

Lots of recommendations and references from Harpenden customers Based in Milton Road 07757 499296 01582 450934 www.harpendenclean.co.uk

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 Ironing collection / delivery on request Reliable key-holders Proficient in alarm systems

Phone for a free quotation 01582 750995 07719 657125 www.merrivac.co.uk ~ Taking Care of Your Home ~ 22

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Easter Fun & More

Easter Adventure Quest 30th March - 2nd April 11am-5pm Calling all valiant adventurers this Easter weekend to join in the hunt for legendary dragon eggs. Set off with an intrepid character from the past to crack the clues and claim your chocolate reward. £1 plus entry cost Adult £10.90, concs £9.80, child £7.50 Wrest Park, Silsoe MK45 4HR www.english-heritage.org.uk

Ashridge at Easter Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt 30th March - 2nd April 10am - 4pm Tumble down the rabbit hole and learn about animals that have lived at Ashridge throughout the ages and get a chocolate prize at the end. £5, just ‘hop’ in between 10am - 4pm Easter Crafts 9th - 13th April 10am - 4pm Make and decorate your own Easter craft, £2 Ashridge Visitor Centre, Berkhamsted HP4 1LP www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ashridge

Easter Egg Hunt 30th March - 2nd April 11am - 4pm On this trail discover the science of plants and learn why the Victorians were so fascinated by them. Follow the clues to claim your chocolate prize. £2.50 Claydon House, Bucks MK18 2EY www.nationaltrust.org.uk/claydon

Eggciting Easter 30th March - 2nd April 10am - 5pm Join in fun family crafts and activities, with an Easter hunt around the Museum. Discover the origins of Easter traditions and customs. Dress up in decorated bonnets - take a selfie and send it to the Museums Facebook page!

Chiltern Open Air Museum HP8 4AB www.coam.org.uk

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Easter Eggstravaganza 24th March - 15th April Choc-o-bloc family fun with the Easter Bunny, Easter Egg and Bunny Hunts and chocolate prizes.

Plus adventure play and farmyard fun with all the animals including chicks and bunnies, the usual shows, fun fair rides, inflatables, tractor rides, acres of outdoor and under cover activities and Peter Rabbit Adventure Playground. Promising a fun packed day out for all the family.

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

Exhibition: River of Tea: From Bengal to Britain 14th April - 8th July 10am - 5pm, free Tea enjoys a special place in British culture and the tea industry has played a key role in building links between Britain, India and Bangladesh. Behind Britain’s cup of choice is a fascinating story that is rarely told. Over 500,000 British-Bangladeshis now live in Britain. Over 90% are of Sylheti origin, from a district in northern Bangladesh that was once part of Assam, the first tea growing region in British India.

This exhibition reveals the extraordinary story of how the British love of tea led to Sylheti’s first coming to Britain and explores how the early tea trade led to strong links being built between modern-day Bangladesh and Britain.

Stockwood Discovery Centre www.lutonculture.com

Easter Medieval Jousting 1st & 2nd April 12.30pm & 2.30pm Knebworth House SG1 2AX The turrets and towers of Knebworth House provide a spectacular backdrop to the costumed knights on majestic warhorses galloping at full tilt across the arena in a fantastic display of horsemanship. Knights demonstrate their skills in hand to hand combat to the delight of the crowds who are encouraged to cheer, and jeer at their favourite knights. Cost is included in the Park and Gardens admission ticket.

Knebworth House SG1 2AX www.knebworthhouse.com

St George's Festival 21st & 22nd April 10.30am - 6pm Celebrate everything that’s fantastic about our green and pleasant land, as you immerse yourself in the story of England. Gasp as the lances shatter in the medieval joust, marvel as feathers fly in the falconry and chortle at the cheeky jester. Meet a roaming monarch or two and watch fearsome fellows battle it out with club and shield in the Clash of Romans.

There's plenty for the kids with have go circus skills, knight school and arts and crafts to name but a few.

The undeniable highlight is of course England's most legendary battle - see gallant St George upon his mighty steed take on his fiery green nemesis in England's ultimate show down. Throughout the day, wander the medieval encampments to see, smell and hear what life was like hundreds of years ago.

A great day out for all the family.

Wrest Park, Silsoe MK45 4HR www.english-heritage.org.uk

St George and the Dragon 21st & 22nd April Celebrate St Georges Day with a weekend of knight and dragon inspired fun. Take part in a dragon trail around the museum, enjoy some dragon inspired crafts and meet the famous knights from East and West. Choose your champion and cheer for them as they compete in trials of skill and armed combat to take the title of The Bravest Knight.

Chiltern Open Air Museum HP8 4AB www.coam.org.uk

Historical and Spy Fiction St George's Day 22nd April A fun packed day including, Meet Monty the Moggerhanger Dragon, See the Birds of Prey, Watch the Falconry Display, Meet the Knights, Take part in a Chainmail Race, Try Archery, Watch the Morris Dancing, Make a Shield and Sword, Try the Inflatable Jousting or Pillow Bash, BBQ, Refreshments and more £3.50, child £2, family £10 Moggerhanger Park, Bedford MK44 3RW www.getintobed.org/moggerhangerStGeorge

Roman Coins & Cakes Clay Play: Roman Coins 2nd April 2pm - 4pm Welwyn Roman Baths, AL6 9FG Create a hoard of Roman coins out of clay.

Roman Honey Cakes 9th April 2pm - 4pm Have a taste of Roman food by making your own Honey Cakes.

No booking required but places are limited. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Ages 4+ Free admission for one adult with each child £3.50 www.welhat.gov.uk/romanbaths

25th April 8pm - 10pm £10 Four authors chat about their bestselling novels which have all received national press coverage. Rachel Malik’s novel is set in WWII which is loosely based on her grandmother, Antonia Senior has written a trilogy set in the 18th century, Howard Linskey, also author of contemporary crime novels, has written about Germany in WWII and Mick Herron is a multiaward-winning author of several bestselling spy thrillers. Ticket price includes a goody bag, drink and raffle entry to win a signed copy of one of the books. Harpenden Books will be there to sell the books on the night.

Bennet's Club Leyton Road, Harpenden AL5 2HU www.eventbrite.co.uk

The Clock Tower Open 30th March - Sept The clock tower and its fine bell is the only surviving medieval tower in England and has survived over 600 years of use. There are 93 steps to climb to the top, but the view over the City and the surrounding countryside is breathtaking, and definitely worth the climb.

Adult £1, child free

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Shop Local Independent Shopping Trail 21st - 30th April This vibrant and award-winning week is packed Win a fantastic prize bundle by visiting with environmental events and activities. It kicks off independent shops in Harpenden. with “Our Planet, Our Future” in Harpenden and the www.Harpenden.gov.uk/shoplocal ends with the “Know How Festival” in After School Safari St Albans. There’s something for everyone and 23rd April 4pm - 5.30pm most events are free, look online to see all the Batford Springs AL5 5AQ details, here’s a taster of what’s planned.

Join in the bug hunt, looking for creatures that live Our Planet Our Future: Inspiring Short Talks in the grassland and under the water. on the Environment and Us www.hertswildlifetrust.org.uk/events 21st April 1.30pm - 8.30pm Talk: Climate Change and British Wildlife Rothamsted Conference Centre 24th April 7.30pm Harpenden AL5 2JQ Marshalswick Community Centre AL4 9TX Short talks from seriously sustainable speakers Looking at how climate change is affecting our Act 1: Reducing your carbon footprint, learning with wildlife, ages 16+ Please book nature, housing for the future. www.hertswildlifetrust.org.uk Act 2: Money matters, investing in solutions, art in Earthworks Open Evening the environment.

Act 3: How many and how much? alternative foods, 25th April 5.30pm - 8pm Hixberry Lane, St Albans AL4 0TZ active travel, how we can all make a difference.

Earthworks St Albans offers horticultural training for Tickets include an evening reception to meet the those with learning disabilities, at the event there speakers and continue the discussion. will be a free Seed and Seedling Swap, and the Adult £15, concs £10, under 21’s £5 launch of a new project called Earthworks On Conference: From Penguins to Pollinators Wheels. www.earthworksstalbans.co.uk 21st April 9.30am - 5.30pm Sustainable Swish - Clothes Swap Trinity United Reform Church 27th April Beaconsfield Road, St Albans AL1 3RD Premier Inn, Adelaide Street, St Albans AL3 5BH With influential environmental speakers: drop-off items 11am -12pm, event 1pm - 4pm Dave Goulson founder of Bumblebee Hertfordshire WasteAware Partnership encourages Conservation Trust you to bring in good quality clothing that you no Peter Fretwell British Antarctic Survey and longer wear and swap them for something different. member of the Bedmap2 project www.bit.ly/2rrgCb9 Patrick Parkham the author books including Walk: Understanding Carbon Capture of Badger lands: The Twilight World of Britain's

by New Woodland Most Enigmatic Animal Peter Marren a wildlife writer, journalist and 28th April 11.30am - 1pm authority on invertebrate folklore and names Wildlife walk contrasting the ‘carbon footprint’ of new woodland with prior agricultural use. £15, concs £7.50 Please book, £5 www.woodlandtrust.org.uk www.eventbrite.co.uk Know How Festival Open Food Gardens 29th April 10am - 4pm Come and see what fruit and vegetables can be Fleetville Junior School, St Albans AL1 4LW grown locally and receive free advice to help you The finale to the week is a practical skills-sharing grow your own, just turn up at these venues: day, where you can learn skills to help you be more 21st April 2pm - 5pm Riverside Allotments by junction of Station Road sustainable in day-to-day life, here’s just a taster of what’s happening on the day. and Coldharbour Lane, Harpenden AL5 4XT 22nd April 11am - 2.30pm Street Party Information Session Cottonmill and Nunnery Allotments Cottonmill If you’ve thought about holding a street party Lane, St Albans AL3 1HJ - tours on the hour here’s a chance to chat with people who have 28th April 1.30pm - 4pm done it before.

FoodSmiles Hammonds End Farm, South Herts Cyclists Harpenden, Herts AL5 2AY Demonstrating puncture mending and www.TransitionStAlbans.org offering advice on cycling from their extensive knowledge and experience. www.sustainablestalbans.org

21st - 29th April

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In aid of Rennie Grove House and St Albans and District Foodbank

www.1life.co.uk

UK registered charity no 297489

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Herts LitFest starts this month with a selection of children’s book related activities followed by adult events later in the month.

Visit the blog for more Information http://bit.ly/BlogWhatsOnMarch

Children’s Events Horrid Henry Storybook Making 4th April 2pm - 3.30pm, ages 5 - 11, £2 Berkhamsted Library HP4 3HB Fun with Fiction 9th April 9.30am - 12 noon. ages 8-12, £5 Harpenden Library, High Street AL5 2RU A fantastic opportunity for your child to reveal or improve their writing ability.

Lou Treleaven 12th April 2pm - 3pm, £2 Harpenden Library, High Street AL5 2RU Stories and crafts.

Favourite Toys 13th April 10.30am - 12 noon, ages 5 - 11, £2 St Albans Library, The Maltings AL1 3JQ Children and parents can explore old toys and create a comic strip.

Book in Danger 29th April 2-3pm, £2 Welwyn Garden City Library AL8 6AJ Family show with Booster Cushion Theatre, with lots of audience participation to give children the oy of using their imagination.

Children must be accompanied by an adult at events

Adult Events Kimberley Chambers : Life of Crime 18th April 7.15pm St Albans Library, The Maltings AL1 3JQ Call the Midwife with Philip Worth and Suzannah Hart 19th April 10.30am - 11.30am Hatfield Library AL10 0LT Leigh Russell: Class Murder 19th April 7.15pm Harpenden Library AL5 2RU All adult events £7, concs £5, please book online, at the library or call 01707 281533 www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/services

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Paradise Wildlife Park, voted Hertfordshire’s No. 1 Outdoor Attraction by Trip Advisor is set in the beautiful surroundings of Broxbourne Woods in the heart of the Hertfordshire Countryside.

It’s home to over 800 exotic wild animals and is the only zoo in the UK to house five different big cat species. Paradise looks after one of the largest collection of small Monkeys in the UK and the largest Anaconda. They also hold 20 different animal talks, feeds and shows every day.

NEW for 2018… Meet some life-size animatronic Dinosaurs at the incredible World of Dinosaurs, one of the UK’s biggest and most spectacular attractions of its kind, set in acres of natural woodland. It features 30 life-size, moving and roaring dinosaurs, a real thrill for any dinosaur adventurer!

From cunning Velociraptors, to vast Brachiosaurus, from terrifying Spinosaurus to unpronounceable Pachycephalosaurus, plus of course, a mighty TRex, they are all here! There’s a Dino Dig area and lots of other Dinosaur themed treats for all the family.

Visitors will be able to experience the Dinosaur Train, the ‘Rex Express’ through the World of Dinosaurs, where every twist and turn will reveal a new prehistoric scene or a scary surprise.

World of Dinosaurs opens at Paradise Wildlife Park on 25th March, just in time for the Easter Holidays, book your visit now at www.pwpark.com 01992 470490 Paradise Wildlife Park, Broxbourne EN10 7QA see our advert on page 5

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Out of Town Bletchley Park Exhibition: Hut 11A: The Bombe Breakthrough 24th March - 1st March 2020 9.30am Tells the story of the Bombe machines in the location that housed the actual machines which broke Enigma and explains the challenges posed

by Enigma and shows how Alan Turing and others devised a machine to solve it. Some of the documents in the exhibition have never been seen by the public before. Free Think, Make, Do The Bombe: Family Activities 3rd, 5th, 10th & 12th April 11am - 3.30pm free Drop in, ages 5 - 14 years, children must be accompanied by an adult.

Classics at Bletchley 22nd April 9.30am - 5pm Entry included in admission price Browse a variety of classic vehicles, relax to the soulful sounds of jazz singer Alison Carter and grab a bite to eat from the Good Times Cafe.

Bletchley Park, Milton Keynes MK3 6EB www.bletchleypark.org.uk

Shuttleworth Collection 30th March - 17th April - Spring Trail Around the Swiss Garden - Wicked Wheels Trail Around the Collection Collect an activity sheet for each trail from the Visitor Centre and make your way around finding clues to complete the challenges.

Parkland Tour 25th April 9.45am £15 A 2 hour walk for competent walkers around the parkland of the Estate. Learn about its history and its modern day management and preservation.

Mad Hatter’s Tea Party 29th April 11.30am - 4.30pm Watch Morris and Maypole dancing, enjoy crafts, storytelling and a magic show. Be entertained by Alice in Wonderland characters, bring your own Mad Hatter picnic, and dress up if you can.

Adult £10, child £2, under 3’s free The Shuttleworth Collection, Beds SG18 9EP www.shuttleworth.org

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Foundation Day 1st April The RAF turns 100 this month and the museum will be celebrating this special birthday with theatre, family activities and a special appearance from the RAF Baton Relay Team.

The new restaurant, Claude's will be open, so why not make a day of it. There might even be a birthday cake, it's not every day the RAF turns 100!

1918: Foundation: 1pm - 4pm, Hangar 2, free On the 1st of April 1918 the RAF and the Women’s RAF were formed during WW1. Hear the voices of the people that are part of the story as Front of House Theatre Company breath life into these amazing stories set amongst the WW1 exhibition.

Baton Relay: 4pm - 5pm Serving RAF personnel will carry the Baton across the country and around the world, visiting 100 locations in 100 days. The team will be running from central London to the Museum. Come and cheer them on, show your support and help them commemorate and celebrate a century of the RAF.

Spitfire 100K Challenge 1st April - 10th July This Challenge celebrates the centenary of the RAF, so why not take up the challenge and walk, run or jog your way to 100K in 100 days!

You have until 10th July to complete it. You choose the time and the place whether it’s on the road, in the gym, or walking the dog. Just sign up and download the Distance Log and keep track of how far you've gone. Show your progress on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using #Spitfire100K100days.

On completion you’ll be awarded an exclusive 100K Spitfire Challenge medal.

Sign up today and take on the Challenge.

100 Open Cockpits and Cabs 27th April 6pm - 9pm To celebrate the centenary visitors have the rare chance to get a closer look inside 100 cockpits and vehicles from the museum’s collection not usually open to the public.

You’ll get a feel for what it was like to fly or drive these much-loved machines.

Please book £13.50 RAF Museum London NW9 5LL www.rafmuseum.org.uk

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NOW for some Music Maltings Arts Theatre

NOW at the Alban Arena

Herts Jazz Club is moving from The Campus, Welwyn Garden City to The Maltings Arts Theatre. The gigs will take place on Tuesday evenings, starting on 3rd April from 7.30pm - 10pm, with popular US saxophonist Scott Hamilton. www.hertsjazz.co.uk Na-Mara & Sue Farthing & Megan Wisdom 6th April 8pm Na-Mara brings together singer songwriter and guitarist Paul McNamara and mandolin player Rob Garcia who have built a reputation for fine story-telling and musicianship. Folk musician Sue Farthing will be accompanied by ace guitarist Clive Carey. New Roots finalist Megan Wisdom is a singer of traditional songs. £12, £11, £7.50 Maltings Arts Theatre, St Albans AL1 3HL www.maltingsartstheatre.co.uk

5th April: The Bootleg Beatles 7.30pm

Bedford Corn Exchange

20th April: Iain Stirling: ‘U OK Hun? X’ 8pm

2-Tone Tribute Tour 21st April 7.30pm Featuring fantastic tributes to the Specials, Bad Manners and Madness!

3 Bands … 2-Tone … 1 Fantastic Night! £19.50 in advance www.seetickets.com

St Albans Organ Theatre Richard Hills F.R.C.O Concert 14th April 7.30pm Internationally acclaimed classical and theatre organist. www.stalbansorgantheatre.org.uk

Harpenden Mencap Music Medley 28th April 7.30pm High Street Methodist Church Enjoy an evening’s entertainment performed by local acts who have given their time to help raise money for Harpenden Mencap. The evening will include, Musical fun with Abafando, St George’s School Jazz Band, Captain Noah and His Floating Zoo by Harpenden Musical Theatre Company and performance by local dance academy. Tickets £15, concs £10 from 07961 015272 or Harpenden Mencap Charity Shop AL5 1PX www.harpendenmencap.org.uk The Horn London Calling 28th April 9pm The Clash’s premier tribute act will be paying homage to this epic band.

The Horn, St Albans AL1 3TE www.thehorn.co.uk

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6th April: The Hollies 7.30pm 7th April: Martine McCutcheon 7.30pm 8th April: Living The Dream’s Easter Showcase 6.30pm 9th April 2pm & 4.30pm 10th April 11am & 2pm Dinosaur World Live 12th April: You Win Again: Celebrating the Music of the Bee Gees 7.30pm 13th April: Big Girls Don’t Cry 7.30pm 14th April: The Ultimate Civic Disco featuring Slade 7pm 15th April: Miami Pro World Championships 2.30pm 19th April: Gilbert O’Sullivan 7.30pm 21st April: The Sleeping Beauty 2.30pm 24th & 25th April: Jasper Carrott’s Stand Up & Rock 7.30pm 26th April: The Dreamboys 7.30pm 27th April: The George Michael Legacy 7.30pm 28th April: An Audience with Ian Waite & Oti Mabuse: Rhythm of the Night 7.30pm The Alban Arena AL1 3LD 01727 844488 www.alban-arena.co.uk

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Hertswise can help with: Local community groups in St Albans and Harpenden One to one support, information and advice Carers support groups and advice specialist advisors and much more

Call our team now 0300 123 4044 Mon - Fri 8am - 6pm Brought to you by the Hertswise Partnership

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What’s on in April 42

29th March - 2nd April Easter Funfair Harpenden Common, 6 - 10pm 30th March - 2nd April Family Fitness Festival see page 30 1st RAF Foundation Day see page 36 1st & 2nd Medieval Jousting see page 24 2nd - 13th Easter Holiday Activities St Albans Museum www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk 4th & 28th Tower Tours St Albans Cathedral, £9.50 5th The Bootleg Beatles see page 38 5th - 7th Just So see page 6 5th, 6th & 11th - 13th Herts Wildlife Trust Family Events page 12 6th Harpenden Writers Meeting Friends’ Meeting House, Southdown Road AL5 1PD, all welcome, £4, 10am - 12 noon www.harpendenwriters.com 7th Darkside: The Pink Floyd Show see page 6 8th Live Cinema - Wind in the Willows The Musical WGC Cinema AL8 6BX www.cwentertainment.co.uk 9th - 13th ArtShed Easter Art Camps see page 33 10th Floral Demonstation Harpenden Public Halls, Harpenden Floral Decoration Club, 2pm 11th Ed Byrne: Spoiler Alert see page 6 12th & 13th Who Killed The Director see page 6 13th Chantel McGregor see page 6 14th April - 8th July Exhibition: River of Tea see page 25 17th Start Art first week of 11 week course for beginners & improvers, Sandridge Village Hall, 9.30am, call Sarah 07845 663633 see page 4 18th Lunchtime Organ Recital St Albans Cathedral see page 28s 19th Gilbert O’Sullivan see page 38 19th & 20th French Market St Peter's Street, St Albans, 9am

20th Special Kinda Madness see page 6 20th - 23rd Exhibition: Oaklands College - Your Future in Your Hands St Albans Cathedral 20th - 28th Nell Gwynn see page 6 21st Five Miles to Fabulous Women Only Bike Ride see page 43 The Messiah St Albans Cathedral, St Albans Choral Society with Orchestra Nova & four soloists, 7.30pm Exhibition: Harpenden Photographic Society see page 4 Street Food Social Harpenden Common, with Emilio & friends, 4pm Harpenden Record Fair see page 6 Baby & Children’s Market Bennet’s Club, Leyton Road, Harpenden AL5 2HU, 10am 21st & 22nd St George’s Festival see page 25 St George & the Dragon see page 25 21st - 29th Sustainable St Albans Week see page 26 22nd Classics at Bletchley see page 36 Batchwood Bowling Club Open Day www.batchwoodbowling.club NGS Open Garden: Amwell Cottage Wheathampstead AL4 8EA, 2pm - 5pm, £4 Harpenden Antique Fair Rothamsted Conference Centre AL5 2JQ, 10am - 4pm, £2 23rd Discover Harpenden Common please book www.herts.wildlifetrustevents.org 11am - 1pm 24th Start Art Drawing Workshop for all abilities St Leonards Church, 07845 663633 see page 4 24th & 25th Jasper Carrott’s Stand Up & Rock page 38 25th Historical & Spy Fiction see page 25 27th George Michael Legacy see page 38 28th Harpenden Mencap Music Medley see page 38 The Bootleg Bee Gees see page 6 Watercolour Workshop 1.30pm - 4.30pm, £30, please book www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ashridge 29th Mad Hatters Tea Party see page 36 Bubble Rush Herts see page 31

The FA Girls’ Football Week 23rd - 29th April Whether you play regularly or are lacing up your boots for the first time, it’s a great opportunity for all girls to get active and meet new friends. This is a fun filled week of activities designed to get as many girls playing football as possible.

For information, support and resources visit www.hertfordshirefa.com

Ladies Cycling South Herts Cyclists women only cycle rides are supporting Sustainable St Albans Week this month with a Challenging Saturday Fun Ride on 18th April at 10am cycling to Stanbororugh Lakes, leaving from Morrisons, Hatfield Road, St Albans and expecting to be back by lunchtime.

Five Miles to Fabulous 21st April 9.30am Women only cycle ride, meet at Morrisons, St Albans, near the cycle stands. It will be a five to ten mile loop with a coffee stop, at an easy pace using traffic free routes and quieter roads. www.southhertsctc.org.uk

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What’s on in May

1st Floral Demonstration Harpenden Public Halls, Harpenden Floral Decoration Club, 2pm 2nd Sari Schorr & The Engine Room Harpenden Public Halls, jaw-dropping voice & live show that erupts like a volcano, 7.30pm, £15 Gentle Stroll - Bluebells meet at Ling car park, off Beacon Road HP4 1NF volunteer led walk through the bluebell woods, 10.30am, £3 2nd May - 26th Sept Open Wednesdays at Luton Hoo www.lutonhooestate.co.uk 4th - 7th Kimpton Art Show Parish Church of St Peter & St Paul SG4 8RR www.kimptonartshow.co.uk 5th Psalmfest Methodist Church, High Street, Harpenden, 07947 800153, Music Makers Choir, music includes John Rutter’s Psalmfest & Leonard Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms, 7.30pm 7th Prime Brass St Albans Cathedral, 1pm, free 11th The Music of Bob Marley, Legend Harpenden Public Halls, 7.30pm, £20 11th - 13th & 15th - 19th On Golden Pond Abbey Theatre, St Albans AL1 2DL 12th World Food Festival Welwyn Garden City town Centre, 11am - 5pm www.oaklands.ac.uk 13th Beating the Bounds ceremony walking the boundary of St Albans, starts 2pm, Kingsbury Watermill, St Michaels Village, St Albans

Harpenden Blues, Rhythm & Rock Festival Harpenden Public Halls, 01472 349222, 2pm, £22 16th Dean Friedman Harpenden Public Halls, one of the finest songwriters of his generation, £25 Lunchtime Organ Recital St Albans Cathedral, 12.30pm, free 19th Sarah & Duck Big Top Birthday The Weston Auditorium, Hatfield AL10 9EU, with puppetry, storytelling & music, 7.30pm www.herts.ac.uk 20th Wheathampstead 2k & 10k Fun Run 21st Andy Hamilton - Change Management The Alban Arena, 01727 844488 Bird Watching for Beginners Lydekker Park, 10am - 11.30am 24th Rothamsted Research Tour 6.30pm - 8.30pm 26th Markyate Plant Sale 64 High Street, Markyate in aid of St Francis Hospice, 10am Joseph & His Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat St Albans Cathedral, Tring Park School for the Performing Arts, 7.30pm 26th & 27th Herts County Show www.hertsshow.com 27th The Skids & Spear of Destiny Bedford Corn Exchange, doors 7pm, £27.50 28th May - 1st June Half term Trail & Crafts Ashridge Visitor Centre, Berkhamsted HP4 1LP, 10am - 4pm, £3

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Index of Businesses Accountants Hicks

27

Aerial Installations & Repairs Concorde Aerials 19 Art Camps / Classes ArtShed Start Art!

33 4

Beauty Lavender & Stone

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Bicycle Repairs Cycletech Herts

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Bicycle Shop CTH Cycles

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Blinds / Shutters Harpenden Blinds

4

Builders Merchants Gibbs & Dandy

14

Building Services Brockhall Building Services Open Plan Solutions

20 20

Car Body Repairs Prestige Paint Shop

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Car Servicing / Repairs M Chapman Auto Services

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Charities The Harpenden Trust The Hospice of St Francis Traid

47 31 30

Chiropodist Kathy Witchard

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Cleaning Domestique Merrivac

23 22

Computer Repairs Ken Hodson

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Loft Ladders Conservatory Roof Solutions Nu-Look 7 Home Counties Loft Ladders Dance & Drama Penny Waterman School of Dance Stagecoach Dementia Support Hertswise Domestic Appliance Repairs Leigh Hibon

Music Lessons The Rock Project 28 29 Painters & Decorators CB Decorators M & M Decorators 41 Plasterers A Merson Plastering

21 28 17 17 17

15 Plumbers DJ&M Plumbing Electricians Services Ltd 15 & 47 Robinsons Electrical Harpenden Plumbing 16 Services 19 Property Maintenance The 50 Plus 15 Fencing Verulam Fencing 11 Removals Stephens Removals 22 Finance AMR Financial Management 47 Roofing GJ Smith Roofing 18 & 22 Fostering Luton Fostering Service 29 Security Maximum Security 18 Garden Centre / Nurseries Bridge Valley Nursery 3 Burston Garden Centre 13 Shutters 34 Townsend Nursery 10 Just Shutters Slimming Gardening / Vision Weight Loss Consultancy 43 Landscaping AR Landscapes Ltd 12 Tree Surgeons Garden Life Landscapes 10 Fircroft Tree Surgery Ltd 11 Greenshouse & Gardens 13 Venue Hire Hearing Services OA Sport 43 Hearing Healthcare Practice 40 Wildlife Park Paradise Wildlife Park 5 Insurance NFU Mutual Back Cover Will Planning Westminster Wills Ltd 27 Kindergarten Artisans 30 Window Cleaners Halo Window Cleaning 23 Lawn Maintenance Harpenden Window Cleaning 22 Lawn Science 8&9 Windows & Doors Locksmith Cloudy2Clear 35 Lock Around the Clock 18 Kings Windows 34

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