harpenden NOW April 20

harpenden

Pick p me u I’m E FRE

April 2020

NOW

Local businesses, what’s on and lots more inside

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Welcome to April With spring here there’s lots to do outside in the open air from St George and the Dragon Festivals, Easter activities including Egg Hunts and trails, spring walks, new born lambs and a chance to see bluebells in all their glory. If you prefer something indoors why not join an art class, take up singing or maybe take a trip to the theatre. There’s also a fantastic new charity initiative, Tap2Beat where you can donate to local homeless charities using contactless payment, see page 32.

If you run your own business, and are interested in advertising with us, please get in touch, we offer a helpful, friendly service, working hard to make the magazines the best they can be.

They’re monthly and if you don’t have a copy handy, you can always find them on Twitter, Facebook or our website.

Jane & Wendy

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art for everyone

NOW at the Museums

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mainly for the kids

NOW at the Alban Arena 14 comedy, ballet & music

NOW at the Local Theatres 20 drama, bubbles & music

Eggs, Lambs & Dragons 24 fun for all the family

NOW at the Public Halls 26 Abba, Alter Eagles & Roy Ayers

NOW at the Cathedral 30

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Deadline 10th April for May edition www.theNOWmagazines.com

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Easter, music & tours

Do Something for Charity 32 thinking of others

Walks, Talks & More 32 bluebells, bees & more

Aeroplanes & More 36 Easter activities & more

NOW for some Music 40

barbershop, classical & folk

What’s on in April 42 & May 44 Index of Businesses 46

accountants to windows & doors

Spring Plants

Now Available

To Advertise 07983 588313 wendy@theNOWmagazines.com

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NOW for Some Art All or Nothing Somewhere, Some Place until 9th April Tues - Fri 12 noon - 4pm & Sat 11am - 5pm Art exhibition of original contemporary paintings Nude Tin Can Gallery, 125 Hatfield Road AL1 4JS www.nudetincan.com

Open Studios Call for Artists 12th Sept - 4th Oct Registration until 30th April Professional and amateur, visual artists, makers and designers who live or work in or near Hertfordshire are invited to be part of Herts Open Studios. To be part of this event, artists must first become a Herts Visual Arts member, and then apply to take part in the event. Being part of Open Studios is a cost-effective way for artists to reach a county-wide audience.

‘More creativity, more fun, more buzz, more laughter in our lives’ www.hvaf.org.uk

Five Slides - Artists Event 26th April 2.30pm Find out more about other Hertfordshire artists’ practices at this informal event, starting with 10 artists presenting their work in five slides. Please book either to present or as a non-presenter. £5 St Albans Museum + Gallery AL1 3DH www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk

Lecture: Thomas Hetherwick

30th April Thomas Hetherwick is an award-winning British designer. He and his studio team bring craft, 25th April 10am - 4.30pm design and urban planning together in a single High Street Methodist Church, Harpenden workspace. The Olympic Cauldron from the Featuring the inspirational work of local London Olympics being one of his designs. photographers. With subjects ranging from His innovative approach is in demand all over landscape, portrait, macro and street to sport the world and the lecture will highlight the broad and the natural world. Free entry range of his designs. Lecturer Anthea Streeter.

The Society is always keen to welcome new For more information members and caters for all abilities, from beginner www.theartssocietyharpendenareadfas.org.uk to the more advanced photographer.

A varied programme gives members the opportunity to enjoy and improve their photography, and visiting speakers give them the chance to learn and be inspired by different styles and genres. If you’re interested in joining, friendly HPS members will be on hand on the day to answer any questions. www.harpendenphotographicsociety.co.uk

Harpenden Photographic Society Exhibition

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FINANCIAL LITERACY WORKSHOPS FOR KIDS Age 10-13 and Age 14-18

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Fun, interactive workshops that teach kids how to manage and grow their money effectively in order to achieve financial freedom. Give your child a ‘Life Skill’ that will last a LIFETIME! BOOK ONLINE: www.MoneySavvyKids.co.uk Next Harpenden Workshops: 7th, 8th, 14th & 15th April & 26th & 27th May

Wrest Park Easter Adventure Quest 4th - 19th April 11am - 5pm Join the hunt for dragon eggs and crack the clues as you follow the trail through the gardens. Intrepid adventurers who track down the eggs will get a certificate and delicious chocolate treats. £1 per child plus normal admission.

St George's Festival 25th & 26th April 11am - 5.30pm Celebrate our green and pleasant land with a weekend of shows, battles, games, activities and performances, culminating in England's most legendary battle. Cheer on St George as he mounts his mighty steed and takes on his fiery green nemesis in the ultimate, dramatic show down. There's junior jousting, the chance to become a heroic knight, have a go circus skills, games, a WW2 obstacle course, and interactive medieval music workshops. Wander through the living history encampments and discover what life was like in England throughout the ages.

A fun day out for all the family.

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

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NOW at the Museums St Albans Museum + Gallery St Peter’s Street AL1 3DH 01727 864511 Exhibition: Handley Page until 7th June Local aviation company who manufactured planes for over 60 years. Free Aeroplane Spotter Trail 4th - 19th April Do you know your biplane from your bomber? Search for the silhouettes of WW2 planes hidden around the museum and then find out more about them in the Handley Page exhibition. Free 50 Artists - 80 Stunning Works - The First Hertfordshire Open 4th April - 21st June Explore a spectacular showcase of works from artists connected to Hertfordshire. Bringing together art in all its mediums, paintings and prints, film, photography and sculpture, the very first Hertfordshire Open creates a visual and sensory spectacle for all ages to enjoy. Free Paper Plane Engineering 8th April 10.30am - 12.30pm / 2pm - 4pm Test your paper engineering skills by making and flying paper planes in the Assembly Room.

How far will yours fly? Free Aeroplanes and Aviation 9th April 10.30am - 12.30pm / 2pm - 4pm Land in the Learning Studio for a day of aerodynamic aviation themed crafts for all the family. Inspired by the Handley Page exhibition. £2 Try your hand at… Family Workshop 15th April 10.30am - 12.30pm / 2pm - 4pm Want to give your pictures some punch? If so this workshop led by artist Sarah Moroney will develop your artistic style to create a piece of work to take home. £2 per child accompanied by an adult

Verulamium Museum St Michael's AL3 4SW 01727 751810 Crafts in the Colonnade 16th April 2pm - 4pm, drop in Take part in themed craft activities.

Children must be accompanied by an adult. £1.50 From the Verulamium Vault 23rd April 2pm Handling session and unique stores tour with Curator David Thorold. For adults & children aged 10+ £5 www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk

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01582 864138 / 01727 453019

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NOW at The Alban Arena Jonathan Pie 2nd April 7.30pm £27.50, £19.50 This exasperated news reporter has been described as ‘brilliant, brave, raw and analytical without forgetting to be funny’ Electro Swing Project 3rd April 7.30pm £22 Where 1920’s meets 2020’s in an unforgettable night of dance, circus and electro swing music.

Calling Planet Earth 4th April 7.30pm £22.50 A journey through the electrifying 80’s, with songs from Duran Duran, Spandau Ballet, The Human League, Ultravox, Tears for Fears, Depeche Mode, OMD, Japan, ABC, Soft Cell and many more.

Miami Pro 5th April 2.30pm £19 The biggest fitness model championships in the UK and Europe.

The Bootleg Beatles 7th April 7.30pm £35, £32.50 The world’s premier Beatles tribute band with their flawless recreation of the greatest songbook of all time.

David Baddiel - Trolls: Not the Dolls 9th April 7.30pm £27 A comedy journey into our culture’s most dank virtual underground. You will come back safe and more able to deflect your own trolls.

Tubular Bells 11th April 7.30pm £25 The team at Us and Them bring you a stunning performance of the works of Mike Oldfield.

The Greatest Hits of Motown: How Sweet It Is 12th April 8pm £26 Live show delivering outstanding performances for the best Motown experience you will ever have.

The Tiger Who Came To Tea 14th - 16th April £14 Direct from the West End, join the tea-guzzling tiger in this delightful family show.

Rapunzel 17th April 2pm & 5pm £14, £12 Featuring high energy choreography, loveable characters, colourful set and costumes this promises to be a treat for all the family.

Rock and Roll Revolution 18th April 7.30pm £21.50 Award-winning band The Bluejays take you on a jiving journey through the fabulous 50s.

The Bowie Collective 19th April 7.30pm £25 This group of rock musicians, artists and performers recreate Bowie’s most iconic recordings against a spell-binding backdrop of lights and visual magic.

From The Jam: Setting Sons 40th Anniversary Concert 20th April 8pm £25 Celebrating the 40th anniversary of The Jam’s 4th studio album ‘Setting Sons’.

Rob Brydon: Songs and Stories 22nd April 7.30pm £37.50 Join comedian, singer, actor, presenter and impressionist for an evening of toe -tapping tunes and side-splitting laughter.

The Illegal Eagles 23rd April 7.30pm £27.50, £25.50 This critically acclaimed show features the very best from the Eagles’ including ’Hotel California’, ‘Desperado’, ‘New Kid In Town’, ‘Life In The Fast Lane’ and many more.

The Sensational 60’s Experience 24th April 7.30pm £28.50 Without doubt the most explosive 60’s show touring the UK. Vienna Festival Ballet: Swan Lake 25th April 2.30pm £16.50 - £24.50 The most popular ballet in the world, captures the full range of human emotions - from hope to despair, terror to tenderness and melancholy to ecstasy.

Saturday Night Fever 28th April - 2nd May 7.45pm & Saturdays 2.30pm £12 - £22.50 14 St Albans Musical Theatre Company.

With

www.alban-arena.co.uk 01727 844488

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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Scalp Micropigmentation / Tattooing with Jane Elizabeth Restores your confidence after hair loss Tiny dots of pigment are delicately tattooed on to your scalp to create the impression of much thicker hair. Suitable for men and women and a wide range of hair loss conditions.

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NOW at the Local Theatres Maltings Arts Theatre Ladies Day 2nd - 4th April 8pm & 4th April 3pm A comedy set in Yorkshire in 2005: the year in which Royal Ascot relocated to York racecourse. Focusing on four fish factory workers, for whom life is one hard slog, until the day they get tickets to Ladies’ Day at the races. £13.50, £11.50 Meet Me At Dawn 16th - 18th & 23rd - 25th April Two women wash up on a distant shore following a violent boating accident. Dazed by their experience, they discover that this unfamiliar land is not what it seems. £13.50, £11, £7.50 The Maltings Arts Theatre, St Albans AL1 3HL www.maltingsartstheatre.co.uk

Abbey Theatre Seussical The Musical 2nd - 4th April 7.30pm & 4th April 2.30pm Based on the stories of Dr Seuss, and narrated by The Cat in the Hat, this imaginative musical features wellknown characters such as Horton the Elephant, Gertrude McFuzz and Mayzie La Bird. Join Jojo on his adventures to Whoville in the Land of the Whos, a microscopic planet on a speck of dust.

Building the Wall 24th, 25th & 28th - 30th April / 1st & 2nd May 8pm 26th April 2.30pm America, 2019. The President is impeached, a wall has been built on the border with Mexico and Rick is in prison awaiting sentence for the crime of the century.

He grants just one interview to Gloria, an African American historian. As this extraordinarily relevant new play unfolds, the truth is chillingly and inevitably exposed - or is it?

Abbey Theatre, St Albans AL1 2DL www.abbeytheatre.org.uk 01727 857861

The Sandpit Theatre Thoroughly Modern Millie 4th April 7pm Overture Performing Arts take you back to the jazz age in New York in this high-spirited musical, when "moderns," including a flapper named Millie, were bobbing their hair, raising their hemlines, entering the workforce and rewriting the rules of love. £12, £10

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Film: In Search of Haydn 5th April 3pm This biographical account of Haydn’s life is a visual and aural extravaganza, including performances by some of the world’s most celebrated musicians. £10 Easter in Art 12th April 3pm See the story of Christ’s death and resurrection which has dominated western culture for over 2000 years depicted by the greatest artists in history. £5 Live Cinema: 42nd Street 28th April 7pm A beautiful revival of an American classic with Bonnie Langford, Tom Lister, Clare Halse and Philip Bertioli.

Featuring iconic songs, We’re In The Money, Dames and I Only Have Eyes For You. Filmed live at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. £13.50, £10 The Sandpit Theatre, St Albans AL4 9NX www.sandpittheatre.co.uk

Trestle Arts Base Theatre Do Not Disturb 9th April Based on the true story of a cast member who had an accident and is in a coma. Trying to get through to him, his mum puts Fawlty Towers on his headphones, and his unconscious mind goes into overdrive. The result is singing sheep and French waiters, all set in a hotel which holds one big secret as well as numerous doors where nothing appears impossible. £10, £6 Trestle Arts Base, St Albans AL4 0JQ www.freewheelerstheatre.co.uk

High Street Methodist Church Still Life 16th - 18th April 8pm The play by Noel Coward, that Brief Encounter was based on, performed by the High Street Players. £10 from the Church office or www.hsplayers.org.uk High Street Methodist Church, Harpenden AL5 2RU

The Barn Theatre City of Tomorrow 24th April - 2nd May 100 years of England - comic, tragic, farcical and thrilling - seen through the history of the Garden City.

Two kids from either side of the tracks, meet and as they quarrel, banter and flirt their way round the landmarks of their birthplace, the ghosts of the past century come alive.

The Barn Theatre, Welwyn Garden City AL8 6ST www.barntheatre.co.uk

To Advertise 07983 588313 wendy@theNOWmagazines.com

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Hatfield House Exhibition: Lord Burghley 4th April - 27th Sept Elizabeth I learned of her accession to the throne when living at Hatfield. She ruled for over 40 years and at her side for most of that time was William Cecil, Lord Burghley. This exhibition celebrates his achievements and legacy on the 500th anniversary of his birth.

Easter Bunny Park Trail 4th April 10.30am - 12 noon Follow the trail on the Woodland Walks and find the coloured wooden bunnies, put your answer sheet into the box ready for the winners to be announced at a later date.

Tudor Legacies: Meet the Six Wives of Henry VIII 5th April 11am - 4pm A chance to interact and engage with the ‘Real Housewives Of Hampton Court’. Find out what it was like to be married to one of history’s most infamous kings, as the six wives regale you with their experiences in a royal court full of scandal, intrigue and beheadings.

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

British Schools Museum

Eggs, Lambs & Dragons St Albans Clock Tower 10th April 10.30am - 10.45am Every Good Friday the Mayor of St Albans opens the Clock Tower. Pausing by the front door holding the replica, Victorian, solid iron, 7lb ceremonial key and walking over the threshold as the first visitor of the season. The Clock Tower is then open every weekend and bank holiday until the last Sunday of September.

High Street, St Albans AL3 4EL

Easter Egg Hunt 10th April 1pm - 4 pm In its 6th year, this is an afternoon of family fun has an egg hunt for the toddlers and a challenge for the over 5’s both with a chocolatey prize. There’s also a cafe, a bar, glitter tattoos and a craft activity.

Harpenden Cricket Club, Southdown Road, Harpenden AL5 1PG

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Walk: Around Edward Bulwer-Lytton Country 4th April 10am - 1pm A 4/5 mile walk from Old Knebworth to Graffidge Wood and the Keeper’s Cottage, with local historian and writer, Mike Clarke. £7 please book Talk: Charles Dickens & Edward Bulmer-Lytton – a Literary Bromance 7th April 7.30pm A talk by Clare Fleck and Henry Lytton-Cobbold of Knebworth House on the remarkable story of two of the greatest Victorian writers. £5 please book Walk: Along Edward Thomas' Icknield Way: 18th April 10am - 1pm Edward Thomas (1878-1917) was a poet who wrote extensively on travel. An obsessive walker from childhood, he loved the solitude and natural beauty of the pathways of southern England. £7 please book British Schools Museum, Hitchin SG4 9TS www.britishschoolsmuseum.org.uk

BerkoBeerFest 25th April 12 noon - 11pm Back for its 6th Festival, with lots more beer, music and comedy. 48 cask and keg beers from local breweries and over 12 ciders. Come and enjoy the day!

Berkhamsted Cricket Club HP4 1HE

Ashridge Estate Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt 6th - 9th April 10am - 4pm £3 10th - 13th April 10am - 4pm £5 Stretch your legs and learn about some amazing nature, complete the Easter trail and receive a chocolate egg at the end.

Easter Crafts 14th - 17th April 10am - 4pm Make a nature-themed craft at the visitor centre. £2 Gentle Stroll - Signs of Spring 15th April 10.30am - 12.30pm A volunteer led walk looking for spring wildlife.

Meet at the visitor centre. £3 18th & 19th April 10am -1pm & 2pm - 5pm 20th April 2pm - 5pm Watercolour Workshops Join local artist Niki Bell to paint the famous bluebells. Materials and refreshments provided.

Please book, adult £35 Dockey Wood Bluebells 25th & 26th April & 2nd, 3rd & 8th - 10th May 10am - 4pm Learn more about this special woodland and its bluebells. The wood is free to enter at other times. £3, child £1 30th April & 9th May 6pm - 7.30pm Blissful Bluebells Walk Join mindfulness coach Michelle Ryan for a relaxing walk among the bluebells in the evening light.

Please book £8, child £5 Ashridge Estate, Nr Berkhamsted HP4 1LT www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Royal Gunpowder Mills Walking Tour 18th April Described by Historic England as the ‘most important site for the history of explosives in Europe’. The remarkable and beautiful landscape chronicles the development of explosives, propellants and rocket motors and fuels from the Civil War to the Cold War, including rare surviving WW1 factory buildings, and intriguing structures and earthworks.

The Royal Gunpowder Mills is a Scheduled Monument with over 20 listed buildings, and is also designated a site of Special Scientific Interest for its wildlife. Its alder woodland is undergoing conservation, and the site features a unique three level industrial canal system (now mostly dry). Refreshments will be provided.

Waltham Abbey EN9 1JY www.royalgunpowdermills.com

Heartwood Forest Walk: Heartwood Geology and Landscape 5th April 11am - 12.30pm A 2km walk taking in the top 10 selected events in geological and human history which have dramatically changed and shaped the landscape at Heartwood. Please book Heartwood - SOB Photo Walk 23rd April 10am - 12pm As part of the 'Save our Bluebells' campaign, enjoy this walk to photograph the bluebells at their best with two experienced photographers.

Please book www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/events

Chiltern Open Air Museum Easter Lambing 10th - 13th April 10am - 5pm Take part in fun family crafts, Easter trails and activities. Meet the gorgeous spring Oxford Down lambs, explore the traditional farm and lambing fold and learn about lambing traditions of the Victorian Chilterns.

St George and the Dragon 25th & 26th April 10am - 5pm Celebrate St George's Day with a weekend of knight and dragon inspired fun. Be enthralled and entertained by a magical mounted masquerade. A ripping yarn of good and evil full of mayhem, myth, mystery, fighting and romance and, of course, the Dragon. Take part in a dragon trail, dragon inspired crafts, meet St George and take a selfie with a real, armoured knight.

Chiltern Open Air Museum, Chalfont St Giles, HP8 4AB www.coam.org.uk

Lambing Days 4th, 5th, 10th - 13th, 18th & 19th April 10.30am - 4pm See a modern sheep farm at work, with over 2000 sheep to give birth, it’s a great chance to see lambs being born, taking those first few steps and suckling their mothers for the first time. There will also be pony rides, sheep shearing, tractor and trailer rides and wool spinning. Please wear wellies if the weather’s bad.

Watergate Farm, Hockliffe LU7 9LN www.watergatefarmturkeys.com

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NOW at the Public Halls Exciting Science 8th April 2pm £10 A new show putting the excitement back into science. With fun fact-filled experiments, watch in amazement as they recreate a volcanic eruption, turn a vacuum cleaner into a missile launcher or take aim at you with a smoke blaster! So stand clear and prepare for action as this show is full of wiz, bang, pop and splurt! Age 4+ Roy Ayers Ubiquity ‘Mystic Voyage’ 11th April 7.30pm £25 Celebrating the 45th anniversary of their seminal 1975 album Mystic Voyage, which has been sampled countless times in Hip Hop and was one of the foundations of the Jazz-Funk scene from the1970’s.

The Skids - Unplugged 17th April 7.30pm £20 The Skids formed in 1977 and after releasing an independent single and supporting The Clash in concert they were signed to Virgin Records in 1978. Their first singles were ‘Sweet Surburbia’, ‘The Saints are Coming’ and ‘Into the Valley’ – the latter reaching the UK Top Ten in early 1979. They released two final albums The Absolute Game (1980) and Joy (1981) before splitting.

Harpenden Record Fair 18th April 10am - 4pm free admission Whether you’re a collector or browser, there’s music for all tastes in all formats from a hall full of dealers, plus memorabilia, books and posters.

Thank ABBA For The Music 24th April 7.30pm £19.50 A theatre spectacular that captures the magic and excitement of one of pop history’s most successful and iconic bands. With stunning costumes, a 7piece live band, interactive video projection and of course ABBA’s spectacular trademark harmonies this is the ultimate feel-good party show!

The Alter Eagles 25th April 7.30pm £18.50 The six piece band have built a reputation as one of the most faithful tributes around, ensuring the audience enjoys a loving note-for-note recreation of songs like ‘Hotel California’, ‘Lyin’ Eyes’, ‘New Kid in Town’, ‘Take it Easy’, ‘Tequila Sunrise’ and ‘Life in the Fast Lane’, as well as more recent Eagles classics like ‘How Long’, ‘Busy Being Fabulous’ and ‘Long Road out of Eden’.

Harpenden Public Halls, Southdown Road 01582 767525 www.harpendenpublichalls.co.uk

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NOW at the Cathedral Tower Tours 4th & 25th April 10am 11.30am 1pm 2.30pm 5th April 2pm 3.30pm / 22nd April 11am 12.30 £9.50 please book Palm Sunday Procession 5th April 9.30am Meet by the Clock Tower on the High Street, to join the procession to the Cathedral. Bring some greenery to wave as you walk and recall Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem.

Address & Compline 6th - 8th April 8pm Maundy Thursday 9th April Chrism Eucharist 11am / Maundy Eucharist 8pm Good Friday 10th April Pre-school Children’s Service 10am Preaching of the Passion 12 noon The Liturgy of Good Friday 1.30pm Unity at the Cross 8pm Easter Eve 11th April Evensong 4pm Easter Vigil 8pm Easter Day 12th April Parish Eucharist 9.30am Matins 11.15am Evensong 3.30pm Weekend Wisdom Tour: Images for Easter Day 12th April 1.30pm Stories of Jesus’ death and resurrection told in the stunning glass, paint and stone of the cathedral. Free Easter Monday Pilgrimage 13th April People young and old walk to meet and gather in the Cathedral from 2pm, service 3pm.

Family Discovery Morning: Spring!

16th April 10am - 12.30pm free Explore the Cathedral with this trail bringing animals and nature to life. Then get creative with Easter activities.

Ages 3 -11 children must be accompanied by an adult Mozart Requiem 25th April 7.30pm With St Albans Choral Society. From £10 The Alban Bun - The Original Hot Cross Bun The Alban Bun, now available at the Abbot’s Kitchen Café, has been a part of the Cathedrals Easter tradition for nearly 700 years. This predecessor of the Hot Cross Bun is said to originate in St Albans, where in 1361, a monk - Brother Thomas Rocliffe, developed an original recipe and gave the bun to the poor on Good Friday. www.stalbanscathedral.org

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Do Something for Charity Mayor’s Charity Golf Tournament Harpenden Common Golf Club 2nd April In aid of The Harpenden Trust and the Luton & Dunstable Hospital Charitable Fund.

The pairs event - 4 Ball Better Ball Stableford. Coffee and bacon rolls will be served at 12 noon for a shotgun start at 1pm; there will be a buffet and award ceremony at the end of play. Tickets £130 per pair.

To enter email jane.juby@harpenden.gov.uk or visit the Town Council Info Point

TAP2BEAT An innovative way to raise money for charity has been launched in St Albans, using contactless payment through glass activation. Tap2Beat created by OnBrand will be fundraising for homelessness utilising their office window to encourage passers-by to ‘tap to donate’ for charities including: Open Door, Centre 33, Herts Young Homeless, Emmaus and Druglink by setting a £3 donation per tap.

OnBrand Group Ltd, 12-14 Victoria Street, St Albans AL1 3JB www.onbrand.co.uk

Walks, Talks & More Luton Hoo Walled Garden Spring Walks 1st & 8th April 10am A three hour walk in the ancient private landscape, not otherwise open to the public. Please book £5 Spring Open Day 15th April 10.30am - 1pm With children's activities, a plant and produce stall and a historic garden tour, ages 4+ £3 Bluebell Walks 22nd & 29th April 10am & 2pm Walks take approximately two hours.

Please book £5 Talk: Gertrude Jekyll in Bedfordshire 24th April 10.30am. Please book £5 Estate Office Lecture Room, Luton Hoo LU1 4LF www.lutonhooestate.co.uk/events

Herts & Middx Wildlife Trust Discover Hedgehogs 8th & 15th April 2pm - 3pm Learn basic hedgehog facts; where they live, what they eat, the problems they face and why they're in decline. Meet a rescue hog and see where they are being nursed back to health. £8, child £6 Hornbeam Wood Hedgehog Sanctuary AL5 5HA Talk: The Wonderful World of Wild Bees 15th April 6.30pm - 9pm Join the Trust's Senior Reserves Officer and bee enthusiast, Josh Wells, for a talk on the wild bees that you can find in Hertfordshire, how they live and how to help them. £5, concs £4 Park Hall, Leyton Road AL5 2LX Please book www.hertswildlifetrust.org.uk

Rye Meads

UK registered charity no 297489

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Wildlife Watch 27th April 2pm - 4pm Join an experienced volunteer in one of the hides and discover what wildlife is around. A fantastic opportunity to improve your bird ID skills and enjoy nature. Free Rye Meads, Stanstead Abbotts SG12 8JS ww2.rspb.org.uk

www.arlandscapes.co.uk

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arrangement or a hand-crafted gift for someone special. All materials provided. Then explore the Swiss Garden at your leisure. £45 Cheese and Wine Night 7th April 5pm - 8pm Enjoy cheese and wine at this open house evening as you learn about the interesting building and the family who lived here. Explore the House and grounds and see areas not normally open to the public. £10 Murder Mystery: The Mystery of the Missing Egg 10th April 7pm Join Dorothy Shuttleworth and travel back to the 1940s when her Peacock Breeding and farm was at its peak. Her 4-toed rare Peacock is the envy of the country, so when a Faberge Egg made to celebrate it Bletchley Park goes missing, suspicion falls on staff and guests - but all events are included with admission would they resort to murder? A classic immersive Exhibition: Never Alone whodunit evening, includes a 3 course dinner. £60 3rd April - 1st Nov 9.30am There are now more devices connected to the internet ‘Bring a Picnic’ Bank Holiday than people on the planet. These can make us safer, 13th April 9.30am - 5pm A rare opportunity to picnic in the lovely surroundings bring people together and make life easier. Yet for many, the connected world is still uncharted territory. of the Swiss Garden. £8.50, child £2, concs £7.50 Spring Walk & Lunch with the Head Gardener This exhibition gives you the chance to think about 24th April 10.30am - 2pm decisions you make when you click ‘OK’. Discover stories from Bletchley Park’s history that prove Hear about the garden’s story and how it is cared for. concerns about privacy and surveillance are not Enjoy lunch in the Garden Room and chat to the unique to the internet age. garden team about what you’ve seen. Highlights include swathes of daffodils, Rhododendrons, spring Easter Holiday Activities drop-in, ages 5 - 14 flowering shrubs and alpine plants in the Rock 7th - 16th April 11am - 3.30pm Garden. Age 16+ £35 Fun family-friendly activities involving mysterious Access all Areas and Lunch with the Head maps. Take on the role of a codebreaker during Engineer 30th April 10am WW2, crack secret coded messages. Have a go at making a sliding map puzzle or create your See behind the scenes, get up close to the exhibits own maze. and learn their stories from the man who maintains 10th - 13th April 11am - 3.30pm this historic collection. Experience the engineering Nigel Amies, historical educator, will be the Morse hangar from the other side of the barrier and watch as Trainer and Drill Sergeant. Find out about WW2 kit work is carried out on some of the last surviving and equipment and have a go at a Morse code aircraft of their kind. Take a vintage bus to the House message of your own. Make sure to turn up for Home and enjoy lunch while the Head Engineer answers Guard drill on the lawn – broom handles provided! your questions. £65 Shuttleworth Collection, Biggleswade SG18 9EP Family Tours: Amazing People, Amazing www.shuttleworth.org Machines 4th - 6th, 17th - 19th April 11am - 3pm Could you have been a Codebreaker, a Wren or a RAF London dispatch rider? Hear about the amazing people and machines that helped break the Enigma cipher during Animal Easter Trail 4th - 19th April 11am - 3pm WW2. Explore life at Bletchley Park in 1941 and take The Easter Bunny’s animal friends are hiding in the Museum, find them all for an Easter egg treat. £3 part in some secret war work. Ages 5 - 14 RAF London NW9 5LL www.rafmuseum.org.uk Children’s Author Workshop: Christopher Edge 18th April 1pm - 2.30pm & 3pm - 4.30pm de Havilland Aircraft Museum Join Christopher Edge for a workshop based on his Children’s Easter Activities latest book, ‘The Longest Night of Charlie Noon’.

7th - 19th April Tues - Sundays & Easter Monday Includes a talk, fun activities and Q & A session.

Explore the timeline of flight with the iconic aircraft, Ages 8 -14, please book £6 and have fun unscrambling the Big Bugs anagram Bletchley Park, Milton Keynes MK3 6EB hunt. Make your own 3D Queen Bee, and find out www.bletchleypark.org.uk how insects inspired the aircraft names. de Havilland Aircraft Museum, Shuttleworth Collection London Colney AL2 1BU 01727 826400 Easter Floristry Workshop 4th April 10am - 1pm www.dehavillandmuseum.co.uk Led by qualified florists, create a floral table

Aeroplanes & More...

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NOW for some Music

DJ&M

Mozart’s Mass in C Minor 4th April 7.30pm Performed by Music Makers Choir of Harpenden with a professional orchestra, including works by Bruckner, Haydn and Schubert. £17, concs £15, £8 High Street Methodist Church, Harpenden www.musicmakerschoir.wordpress.com

St Saviour’s Church For Folk’s Sake 18th April 5.30pm - 11pm An evening of live music with 14 artists organised by local musician Alex Scott who has battled cancer 3 times, and is raising money and awareness for Cancer Research UK. www.eventbrite.co.uk St Albans Chamber Choir – Dixit Dominus 25th April 7.30pm Musical genius from the Baroque and Romantic eras. £15, child £5 St Saviour’s Church, St Albans AL1 4DF stalbanschamberchoir.org.uk

Encore Screening: Michael Ball & Alfie Boe: Back Together 26th April 2pm £15 Ball and Boe reunite to tour their third album. The superstar pair will take on their favourite musical theatre, pop and rock tracks, including songs from The Lion King, The Greatest Showman and The Phantom of the Opera as well as a brilliantly arranged 'Queen Medley'.

Hertford Theatre, The Wash Hertford SG14 1PS www.hertfordtheatre.com

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

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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

Come sing with us, say The Kings If you sing in the bath, sing along with the radio, sing in the car - and are of the male of the species - keep an ear open for the sound of a special invitation dropping through your letterbox.

The 30-strong Kings of Herts barbershop chorus is canvassing for more men to sample the thrill and satisfaction of making a great sound singing in unison.

It is launching a five-week Learn to Sing Barbershop course starting on 23rd April. The chorus meets weekly in Harpenden but also draws members from St Albans and villages across central Herts.

At the end of the Kings’ last course, close on a dozen newcomers were awarded certificates by the British Association of Barbershop Singers. The Kings, performing for charity since 1983, sing from a wide repertoire in locations ranging from schools, clubs and town halls to festivals and theatres.

For more information email info@kingsofherts.co.uk or visit www.kingsofherts.co.uk or their Facebook page.

The chorus meets at 7.30pm on Thursdays at Wood End School, Yeoman’s Avenue, Harpenden AL5 3EF

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

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What’s on in April

until 11th April Thurs - Suns Easter at The Barn gifts, jewellery, paintings, furniture & more www.sarahcollinsbarn.com 2nd - 4th Seussical The Musical page 20 4th Easter Floristry Workshop page 36 Craft Fair St Albans Organ Theatre, 11am - 4pm Thoroughly Modern Millie page 20 Mozart 'C minor Mass' page 40 4th - 23rd Events at the Museums page 6 5th Vintage Tea Party St Albans Organ Theatre, Camp Road AL1 5PE, 2.30pm, please book www.stalbansorgantheatre.org.uk 5th - 13th Easter at the Cathedral page 30 6th - 9th Children’s Easter Paper Plate Pals Aylett Nurseries, St Albans AL2 1DH, 10am - 4pm 6th - 9th & 14th - 17th ArtShed! Holiday Art Camps page 5 6th - 17th Ashridge Easter Events page 25 7th Cheese & Wine Night at the House page 36 History of Flowers Harpenden Public Halls, The Harpenden Floral Decoration Club, 2pm 7th - 19th de Havilland Children’s Easter Activities pg 36 8th Exciting Science Live page 26 Italy & the Mystery of the Extra Lire St Mary's Church, Childwickbury AL3 6JJ, St Albans, Harpenden & District Philatelic Society, 8pm 8th & 15th Discover Hedgehogs page 32 10th Harpenden Easter Egg Hunt page 24 10th - 13th Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt Claydon House, Bucks MK18 2EY, 12 noon - 4pm, £2.50 Day out with Thomas Buckinghamshire Railway Centre, Aylesbury HP22 4BY, 10.30am - 5pm 14th Talk: ‘Plants for Dry Places’ Roundwood Park School, 8pm www.harpendengardeningsociety.org 15th Talk: The Wonderful World of Wild Bees pg 32 16th 3D Pen Workshops Harpenden Library, £3, 6+ please book www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/libraries Spring Smartphone Safari St Albans, 2pm,

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please book, £15 www.hertswildlifetrust.org.uk 16th - 18th Still Life by Noel Coward page 20 18th Harpenden Record Fair page 26 Textiles with Mary Hearne The Hat Factory Arts Centre, Luton LU1 2EY, 11am - 12.30pm www.culturetrust.com 18th - 20th Watercolour Workshops page 25 22nd & 29th Luton Hoo Bluebell Walks page 32 23rd Heartwood: save our bluebells photo walk pg 25 Floral Demonstration Colourful Delights All Saints Church, Evening Floral Group, 7.30pm, £8 Kings of Herts: Learn to Sing Barbershop Wood End School, 5 wk course www.kingsofherts.co.uk 24th Rothamsted Cinema: Yesterday Rothamsted Conference Centre, 7.30pm, 01582 938500 Spring Walk & Lunch with the Head Gardener page 36 24th, 25th & 28th - 30th April & 1st & 2nd May Building the Wall page 20 24th April - 2nd May City of Tomorrow page 20 25th Exhibition: Harpenden Photographic Society page 4 Dixit Dominus page 40 Hemel Hempstead 60th Anniversary Model Railway Exhibition Leverstock Green Community Centre HP3 8QG, 10.30am - 4.30pm 25th & 26th Dockey Wood Bluebells page 25 St George’s Festival page 6 St George & the Dragon page 25 26th Harpenden Street Food Social opposite Harpenden Library, 10am - 2pm Harpenden Farmers’ Market 10am - 2pm 26th & 28th Harpenden Bowling Club Open Days page 43 28th Talk: ‘175 years of the ‘Arc & Arc’ Harpenden Public Halls, St Albans Architectural & Archaeological Society, 8pm Moor Park Golf Day www.stfrancis.org.uk 28th & 29th Open Evenings at Oaklands page 27 30th Talk: Thomas Hetherwick page 4 Blissful Bluebells Walk page 25

Local, Reliable, Dependable Providing help to those that need it in and around the home, from simple tasks to assisting with outings, companionship and offering respite to carers who may simply need a break.

Contact us today

Celine: 07742 064245 Sarah: 07742 064246 info@caringconnections.co www.caringconnections.co

Tailor made assistance with independent living

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What’s on in May

1st Bat Walk Heartwood Forest, 8pm, please book www.woodlandtrust.org.uk 2nd & 3rd DogFest www.knebworthhouse.com 3rd VE Day! airshow www.shuttleworth.org 5th Flights of Fancy Harpenden Public Halls, The Harpenden Floral Decoration Club, 2pm 7th Living Crafts www.hatfield-house.co.uk 8th VE Day - 75th Anniversary 11am - 4pm www.hatfield-house.co.uk VE Day 75 Church Green, 2pm - 4pm, vintage singer, pipe band & bar to raise a toast 8th & 9th VE Day 75 Celebration Bletchley Park, 9.30am - 5pm www.bletchleypark.org.uk 10th Dawn Chorus Heartwood Forest, 6am, please book www.woodlandtrust.org.uk Bubble Rush Gadebridge Park, Hemel Hempstead www.stfrancis.org.uk 15th - 17th Luna Cinema on Harpenden Common 15th: Rocketman / 16th: Grease 17th: Knives Out www.thelunacinema.com 16th The Salvation Army Spring Fair Leyton Green, dog show, pony rides & more, 10.30am - 3.30pm Spring Fair High Street Methodist Church Hall in aid of The Children’s Society, 10am - 2pm Evening Airshow: Spies & Intrigue! www.shuttleworth.org 17th Dan Friedman Harpenden Public Halls, £27.50

Wheathampstead 10K Marford Road Playing Fields AL4 8AY www.wheathampstead10k.co.uk 21st - 23rd The Railway Children The Memorial Hall, Marford Road, Wheathampstead, 01582 621357 23rd Spring Butterflies Heartwood Forest, 10am, please book www.woodlandtrust.org.uk Slumdunk Festival - A Day to Remember 12 noon - 11pm www.hatfield-house.co.uk 23rd May - 7th June Sustainability Festival 100+ public events www.sustfest.org 24th Harpenden Vegan Market Church Green, Harpenden, 10am - 2pm 25th Bring a Picnic Bank Holiday Monday www.shuttleworth.org 25th - 29th Ashridge Through the Ages Trail & Craft Ashridge Estate HP4 1LT 10am - 4pm, £3 26th Redbourn 70 years ago, seen through the camera lens of John Heather Harpenden Public Halls, Harpenden Local History Society, 8pm 26th - 29th ArtShed! Holiday Art Camps page 5 28th Open Day Batford Springs Nature Reserve, scavenger trail & pond dipping, 11am - 3pm, free 29th The Handlebards 2020 Tour - The Comedy of Errors outdoor theatre www.shuttleworth.org 31st Canine Capers Ashridge Estate HP4 1LT, see ProDogs demonstrate agility then try with your dog, 10am - 12.30pm, £3

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

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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W lun e als oe ch trip es & njoy s to the get atre h er

Herts Musical Memories Founded in 2017 to continue the important Singing for the Brain service originally provided by the Alzheimer’s Society, they are committed to providing stimulating music sessions where families can share happy and moving moments together in a fun and relaxed environment. You don’t have to be a great singer, the aim is to socialise, have fun and enjoy group singing in a safe and friendly environment. Sessions incorporate gentle seated exercise to music, voice and breathing exercises, an eclectic mix of songs, simple rounds and partner songs. There is time before to have a chat over a cuppa.

Wheathampstead: Mondays 10.30am - 12 noon St Albans: Fridays 2.15pm - 3.45pm To join call 020 8950 5757 or visit www.hertsmusicalmemories.org.uk

Tea & Memories is a chance for those living with dementia and their loved ones to gather in a friendly informal setting, with comlimentary hot drinks and homemade cake.

Every 2nd & 4th Tuesday of the month 2pm - 3.30pm Cornelia’s Café St Nicholas’s Church, Harpenden AL5 2TP

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Index of Businesses Accountants Hicks Art Classes Start Art! Bathing Mobility Bathing Mobility Advisory Service Beauty The Beauty Room Blinds Harpenden Blinds Bowling Club Harpenden Bowling Club Building / Refurbishment AJR Building Services Kingsholme Open Plan Solutions Car Body Repairs Prestige Paint Shop Car Servicing / Repairs M Chapman Auto Services RTI Auto Services Ltd Charities Harpenden Trust Traid

Home Care Conservatory Roof Solutions 9 Caring Connections 31 Nu-Look Dance & Drama 4 Penny Waterman School of Dance Stagecoach 41 Dental Practice Redbourn Dental Practice

Computer Repairs Ken Hodson

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Home Counties Loft Ladders

10 Furniture Workshop Woodstock 16 Garage Doors Garolla 16 Garden Nursery / Centre 17 Bridge Valley Townsend Nursery 30 Vanstone Park 32 Garden Centre

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43 Finance / Financial Workshops AMR Financial Management 30 8 6 2 Money Savvy Kids

Gardening / Landscaping AR Landscapes Ltd Back Cover King Acre Landscaping Centre Children’s Art Camps Protea Garden Service Artshed!

5 Hair Loss Tattooing Chiropodist Jane Elizabeth Cosmetic Kathy Witchard 19 & Medical Tattooing

College Oaklands College

Locksmiths Lock Around the Clock 7 Locksmith Services 7 Loft Ladders

Oven Cleaning Oven Gleamers 18 Domestic Appliance Repairs Spin Doctor 28 Painters & Decorators CB Decorators 40 Electricians Anderton Electrics 13 M & M Decorators

Charity Event St Albans Half Marathon

Cleaning Domestique Merrivac Molly Maid

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28 15 15

Pest Control Wasp Guys

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Plasterers A Merson Plastering

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Plumbers DJ&M Plumbing Services Ltd

40 & 47

Roofing GJ Smith Roofing

3 Security 37 Harpenden Alarms Ltd Maximum Security 34 33

Singing Club Clover Singing Club

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Slimming 35 Lighter Life Front Cover 35 Smart Home Solutions Smart Port Europe 13 19 Tree Surgeons Fircroft Tree Surgery Ltd

Hairdresser 29 Image Mobile Hairdressing 45 28 29 Healthcare Spire Harpenden Hospital 22 & 23 27 Hearing Services Hearing Healthcare Practice 21 44

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Venue Hire Harpenden Trust

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Will Planning / Writing Westminster Wills Ltd

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Windows & Doors Cloud 9 Kings Windows

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Effective Low Cost Advertising that Really Works!

Advertise in the NOW Magazines for as little as ÂŁ33 per month

Call Jane or Wendy 07893 588291 / 313 www.theNOWmagazines.com

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.

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Dean Herrington 07830 159010 01727 764217 info@djmplumbing.co.uk

www.djmplumbing.co.uk

To Advertise 07983 588313 wendy@theNOWmagazines.com

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