st albans now April 13

april 2013

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welcome to april

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

Now’s the time to get your garden ready for ‘St Albans in Bloom’, and if you fancy a taste of the ‘Good Life’ this year have a look at page 14 for some tips for growing your own veg.

While we were out dog walking in Verulamium Park earlier in the month we stopped to look through the telescopes at the Herons nesting, it’s such a fantastic opportunity to see wild birds so close at hand, you could almost touch them! We were too early to see the chicks, but they might have hatched by now, so why not pop along and see if they have.

This month is also ‘Hoo’s Annual Book Fest’ which has a really great line up of children's authors, and looks well worth a visit.

It’s the time of year for more outdoor activities, why not try one of the City Walks, and learn a bit more about our historical city.

Don’t forget you can read ‘the NOW magazines’ each month online at www.harpendennow.com

jane & wendy to advertise call us NOW 07983 588291 / 07983 588313 cover picture courtesy of Ben Parker

WIN

a Family Ticket

Swim, Cycle, Run WIN a family ticket

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the pied piper of Hamelin

Grow Your Own Veg 14 tasty perfect veg

Big Ben’s Bong 16 it nearly didn't happen at all!

NOW at the Alban Arena 18 music, comedy & storytelling

City Walks 20 walking through history

Bird’s Eye View 20 hopping, flapping & snapping

Hoo’s Kids Book Fest 24 from dragons to dancing giraffes

NOW at the Cathedral 26 music, tours & trails

NOW at the Museums 30

e-mail your answer and contact details to: hayley@skewbaldtheatre.com In which country is the town of Hamelin?

WIN

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try tri-force juniors

storytelling & more

What’s on in April 42 & May 44 local events for everyone

Index of Businesses 46 accountants to TV repairs

TO ADVERTISE CONTACT 07983 588291 or jane@stalbansnow.com

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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/

small but perfectly formed Greenwood Park Cricket Club based in Chiswell Green start the new season in April and are always looking to attract new players to the club. Throughout the season the club play league fixtures on Saturdays and friendly games on Sundays, last year Greenwood Park only narrowly missed out on promotion, and will be very keen to go one better this time around! The club may not be one of the biggest cricket clubs in the area but it does have the benefit of being a very close knit friendly club, and has an excellent award winning pitch.

Throughout the year the club has many social events including a golf day, Christmas drinks and the much loved annual Presidents day.

All new members benefit from the first year being free of subscription charges so if you would like further information please visit www.greenwoodpark.play-cricket.com

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

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

07746 472781 Tuesdays Nash Pharmacy (next to Waitrose) 2 Ermine Close, St Albans

Mon & Fri / Tues or Wed pm Southdown Clinic Harpenden

Home Visits Available

TO ADVERTISE CONTACT 07983 588291 or jane@stalbansnow.com

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is your head banging?

Clearing your head the natural way As well as improving your general lifestyle, more sleep and exercise, less booze and stress, try the following: 1. Essential oils: either use them for massage or add them to your bath. Recommended oils include Lavender, Clary Sage and Roman Chamomile. (Not suitable for pregnant women).

2. Cooling headache pads: for some instant soothing relief, use these with medication or on their own.

3. Tiger Balm: a natural remedy that is often used. (Not suitable for pregnant women or under 2’s)

More than 10 million people in the UK suffer from regular headaches. But how do you know what type of headache you have and what the best treatment is?

Why does my head hurt?

A headache is caused when the blood vessels around the brain swell, along with tension in the muscles and nerves in surrounding muscles. If you’re stressed, not having enough sleep, drinking too much, dehydrated or eating lots of junk food, there’s more chance you’ll end up with a blinder.

Eye strain, blocked sinuses, a change in body temperature or blood pressure and hormonal changes are other known triggers. Headaches can also be as a result of a cold virus or other health condition. If you’ve suffered a blow to the head or have a rash accompanied with a headache, always seek medical advice.

Tension headaches are the most common type and feel as if someone has stretched a rubber band around the top and side of your head. The pain is normally more constant compared to the throbbing ache you may experience with a migraine, which can cause vomiting and sensitivity to light.

Cluster headaches tend to cause an intense pain around one or both eyes and can come on very suddenly. Sufferers may have one to three attacks every day for weeks or months and they are often more painful than a migraine.

Brewing up a headache It’s more the withdrawal of caffeine, found naturally in tea, coffee, chocolate and added to many energy drinks, than the stimulant itself that can lead to headaches.

Treating your headache You can buy a range of different painkillers over the counter or obtain stronger alternatives on prescription, including paracetamol, codeine, anti-inflammatory painkillers, such as aspirin and ibuprofen.

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4. Headache pillows: may help prevent or relieve headaches by providing support to your neck, improving your posture and reducing inflammation.

5. Acupuncture/massage/reflexology: these alternative therapies can be extremely effective at relieving a nagging headache.

by Julia Faulks

how much caffeine?

• One mug of instant coffee: 100mg • One mug of filter coffee: 140mg • One mug of tea: 75mg • One can of cola: 40mg • One can of energy drink: 80mg • One 50g bar of plain chocolate: approx 50mg • One 50g bar of milk chocolate: approx 25mg Recommended daily caffeine limits: 300mg Just 3 cups of coffee!!

lifestyle tips Water: up your fluid intake and reduce alcohol and caffeine Relax: take up a sport or relaxing hobby to help manage stress levels Breathe: get lots of fresh air and take regular slow and deep breaths Sleep: make sure you have enough sleep with lots of early nights Posture: reduce tension by improving the way you sit, stand and move Smells: switch strong perfumes or chemicals for a more natural alternative Eyes: have regular eye checks Nutrition: think about the food you eat and write a headache trigger diary

TO ADVERTISE CONTACT 07983 588291 or jane@stalbansnow.com

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NOW at Trestle

Blown Away

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

7th April 11.30am & 2.30pm What if, one windy night a little girl arrives in your bedroom and tells you she’s the wind? Join us as a small boy finds himself swept up and whisked away on an unforgettable journey with her. A beautiful and engaging show containing live music, shadow puppetry and movement from Birds Nest Theatre. For ages 3 - 6 years adult £11, concs £9, family £36 01727 850950 Trestle Arts Base Russet Drive www.trestle.org.uk

NOW at the Maltings God Of Carnage 10th - 13th April 8pm When two eleven year-old boys get into a scuffle in the local park, their parents meet to try to resolve the issue on their own. Despite attempts at courtesy and social nicety, hard truths and insecurities arise in a painfully funny exposé of how parents can behave worse than their children. A brutally comic dissection of bourgeois values. £10 07807 521436 www.ticketsource.co.uk/ovo

The Half 20th April 8pm presented by Guy Masterson & Theatre Tours International

A 50 year old actor, down on his luck, attempts to reverse his fortunes by doing a one man show.

Nothing new there... except that he's chosen Shakespeare's Hamlet - uncut - four-and-a-half hours! He's sold his car and his father's gold watch to pay for it all and his wife has left him. Everything rides on it. It's his opening night - 35 minutes before curtain up (The Half) and he is starting to unravel...

Will he make it to the stage or will he self-destruct? adult £12, concs £10 0844 8700 887 www.ticketsource.co.uk/ovo

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TO ADVERTISE CONTACT 07983 588291 or jane@stalbansnow.com

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time to talk

buggies. Computer activities have many good points, but they are essentially solitary, or if interactive, participants look at screens, not each other. There are now television screens in bedrooms, the kitchen, even the car, all distracting children from focussed listening.

Speech issues are increasing amongst children and the most frequent is indistinct enunciation and sparse vocabulary. Often the result of immaturity, these should improve with time and a broadening of experiences, building playing, singing and chatting both vocabulary and to children is fun and confidence.

Pronunciation difficulties never time wasted So try to make the most of are better identified as children your time with your baby, face-to-face mature, so although substitution of the initial letter contact is crucial. It's not conversation, but sounds of words is common, as are lisps and stammers, children grow out of them. However, as exchanging sounds and chatter which is the start.

Babies study your face moving while listening. Try you are so tuned in to your child, it can take an singing, the tune is unimportant, just the sounds, outsider to point out how best to correct the articulation and the interaction. If you think you mispronunciations early (as soon as the child can differentiate between the sounds they hear) rather don’t have time, remember that playing, singing and chatting to children is precious and fun, and than let bad habits linger. never wasted time.

Research routinely finds that low income families Mandy Wilkins do not have the means to access all available opportunities, but wealthier families do not always Mandy is head of the Montessori nursery at Beechwood Park School, Markyate, near St Albans. She has more help their children’s speech. Frequently travelling than ten years experience in working with and teaching by car, children sit in safety seats, not seeing nursery and reception age children. anybody else’s face or they sit in front-facing

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developing life skills and confidence in an imaginative, warm and creative atmosphere Do you want your child to develop life skills and confidence in an imaginative, warm and creative atmosphere? Then Stagecoach St Albans 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 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 Saturday 20th April, so please contact Mandy Vazquez on 01525 630183 to book your place.

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

TO ADVERTISE CONTACT 07983 588291 or jane@stalbansnow.com

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UK Beauty Therapist of the Year two years running!

From London’s King’s Road and the celebrity island of Mustique, high profile hairdresser Emma Boucher is now available for appointments.

Specialising in cutting and colour work, and bridal hair all enjoyed in the comfort of your home.

Emma 07539 228 331 emmaboucher99@hotmail.com

Earlier in the year ‘Skin & Tonic’ attended a glamorous black-tie Awards ceremony at London Hilton, Park Lane.

After a champagne reception and three course dinner the winners were announced by presenter Claudia Winkleman. It was revealed that I had won ‘Therapist of the Year’. To win two years running is very rare and I am thrilled to bits. I am enjoying celebrating with the girls at ‘Skin and Tonic Beauty Salon and all our wonderful clients.

Winning a Professional Beauty Award is a huge achievement for me and to win again is amazing, it’s great that all my hard work and dedication has been recognised by beauty industry experts. I was delighted to take my award back to the salon and positioned it in pride of place in reception. The judging process involves a written entry, trade test and an interview in front of a panel of judges, ensuring the Professional Beauty Awards are fair and non-biased.

Alison Smith, Skin & Tonic

01727 859 498

The Kebelo system....

Think no more frizz and smooth out those curls!

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FREE gift pack £99 short hair £130 long hair Ask for details!

Come in and treat yourself to frizz free hair!

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2013

Beauty Treatments Every Saturday

Thursdays 'Special Offers' Any Colour, Cut & Blow-Dry' only £55

Dry Cut £14 Wash & Cut £18 Cut & Blow-Dry £27 Gents £12 Under 12’s £8 Colouring Half Head Foils £40 Full Head Foils £55

Daily Brow Bar

Moroccanoil Stockist

22 High Oaks St Albans 01727 857118 www.chestnuthair.co.uk Facebook - chestnut hair

TO ADVERTISE CONTACT 07983 588291 or jane@stalbansnow.com

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grow your own veg This year why not have a go at growing your own veg because it doesn’t need to be difficult and has the potential to be one of the most productive and fun things you’ve ever done.

Home grown food tastes better, uses little if any air miles, can save you a packet and is enormously rewarding because you’re getting the top end of market produce.

Remember to grow what you like and what your garden can grow well - this may take some experimenting, but don’t be afraid to admit that some things are trickier than others.

If you’re an organic gardener or you simply want to produce pesticide free vegetables, you might need to spend more time thinking about what to grow and how you can best nurture it so that pests, diseases and other problems take a back seat.

Seed and plant catalogues are now more likely to let you know which varieties are relatively pest or disease resistant.

You can also encourage some of the naturally occurring insects that prey upon the garden pests, or bigger animals such as frogs, toads, hedgehogs and many birds. Insects include: Ladybirds: The larvae and the adults both consume huge numbers of aphids.

Lacewings: The young or larvae are brilliant predators, eating mainly aphids, but also eating other pests such as thrips and moth eggs.

Hoverflies: The soft-bodied yellowy grey larvae

are great aphid eaters, a single one eating up to fifty in a day, nearing 1,000 in its lifetime.

Ground Beetles: Often seen scuttling off at speed when you move pots, low-growing plants or loose slabs, they are mostly black and often shiny and are brilliant predators of many pests including slugs, vineweevils and some insect eggs.

Solitary Wasps: Some feed their larvae on aphids, weevils and other insects.

Some of these insects may already be in your garden, but by growing some suitable plants you can really build up their numbers. On the whole the simple, non-double varieties are the most insect friendly, so try some of these: Phacelia: A hardy annual with bluish perfumed flowers, perfect for direct sowing.

Limnanthes douglasii (the poached egg plant): This yellow and white flowered hardy annual is loved by hoverflies.

Eschscholzia (the Californian poppy): This pretty yellow, orange and cream flowered plant can be direct sown and thrives in sunny well -drained sites.

Iberis (candytufts): One of the easiest hardy annuals, it has readily available pollen and nectar, perfect for many beneficial insects.

The rewards are plentiful - a regular supply of tasty vegetables, picked when ripened to perfection, gathered as and when you need them and in the quantities you need plus you can choose the varieties you find tastiest.

by Pippa Greenwood

Make the District Bloom This year why not enter the ‘St Albans District in Bloom’ gardening competition organised by St Albans City and District Council. This competition is about more than flowers and is designed to encourage a sustainable approach to planting. The judges will look at how entrants have helped to enhance the appearance of the District and their use of sustainable gardening techniques.

The award categories include: Best Sustainable Garden Best Front Garden Public Nomination: a garden nominated by the public Enter online at www.stalbans.gov.uk/leisure-and-culture/parks-and-green-space/districtinbloom or pick up an entry form from the Council’s offices at the Civic Centre or Aylett Nurseries.

The deadline for entries is 30th April

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TO ADVERTISE CONTACT 07983 588291 or jane@stalbansnow.com

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the story of Big Ben’s bong!

What could be more British than Big Ben? You hear the bong of the 13ton bell every time you watch ITN’s evening news or listen to the 6pm and midnight news on Radio 4. And even if you try to avoid the news you’ll have heard the Westminster Chimes – played on the four quarterbells that live with Big Ben in the Elizabeth Tower at the Houses of Parliament – probably more than any other piece of music. Distantly descended from a tune in Handel’s Messiah, they’re in alarm clocks, doorbells, ice cream vans, possibly even ringtones wherever you go. When you finally arrive at the Pearly Gates and ring for admission, you’ll probably hear them then too!

But there’s even more to Big Ben’s Britishness than mere ubiquity. Because there’s nothing more British than a right old foul-up, and Big Ben started its career with not one foul-up but two.

One night in October 1834 the Houses of Parliament were burnt to the ground. Next day some fool decided to rebuild them and – shazzam! – a mere 24 years later they were rebuilt. The project was masterminded by Sir Charles Barry but the design of the Great Tower (only re-named last year to mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee) was assigned to the great Gothic revivalist Augustus Pugin. Looks like stone, doesn’t it? Looks can be deceiving, though, the shaft of the tower is brick, and the bell chamber and spire are cast iron. The stone is only cladding, like Jack and Vera’s house in Coronation Street!

Naturally a great bell had been commissioned.

The 16-ton monster was cast in a foundry in Stockton-on-Tees and named after Sir Benjamin

Hall, who supervised the rebuilding. In 1856, before the Great Tower had been topped out, Big Ben was hung up in New Palace Yard and tested. It promptly broke.

Whoops! Just time to order a new one, from the Whitechapel Foundry just across the City. Smaller this time, at a mere 13 tons; but still called Big Ben. It was cast on 10th April 1858 and took 18 hours to haul the 200 feet up to the bell chamber to be tested. And guess what?

Yes, it broke too. The clapper, it turned out, was twice the recommended weight. It took three years to repair and, apart from 1916-18 when people thought Zeppelins might hear it, it’s been bonging almost uninterrupted ever since. It didn’t even stop during the blitz, when the Luftwaffe totalled the chamber of the House of Commons but spared the Great Tower.

The Britishness doesn’t stop there, though. The design of the clock itself, a prestige project if ever there was one, was entrusted to a couple of amateurs. Edmund Denison was actually a lawyer, while George Airey was the Astronomer Royal. Theirs was a completely new and quite revolutionary design, such that the clock is accurate to a second a day and is regulated by a pile of pre-decimal pennies, adding a penny advances the clock by 0.4 of a second a day.

The movement, being more than 150 years old, has been a wee bit stop-start since the 1970s, but Big Ben itself, complete with the original crack, bongs on. It did chime 30 once – but that was deliberate, to announce last year’s opening of the 30th Olympiad.

So next time you hear Big Ben’s bong remember it nearly didn’t happen at all!

local walks Join the local Health Walks organised by the Countryside Management Service, and led by trained volunteers. They take place whatever the weather, cater to all ages and abilities and are a great way to get active, have a natter and improve general wellbeing. Best of all they are completely free!

Highfield Park Mondays 9.30am and Tuesdays 1.30pm Greenwood Park Fridays 2pm Heartwood Forest Saturday 6th April 2pm / Sunday 21st April 10.30am Verulamium Park Wednesdays 7pm For more information visit www.hertslink.org/cms/healthwalks or call CMS on 01462 459395

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Justin Leon Garden Maintenance All Aspects of Gardening Undertaken

Including Decking Overhaul Patio Washing & Repair Also offering Painting and Decorating

07789 961233

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

TO ADVERTISE CONTACT 07983 588291 or jane@stalbansnow.com

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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

Living The Dream 13th & 14th April 7.30pm An award winning performing arts company run by young people, for young people. These talented students will inspire you through dance, acting, singing and live music. £12, conc £8 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

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 The St Albans & District Family Fair 2013 20th April 11am-5pm free

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. Stunned by what he learns he’s taken back to his childhood on the tough streets of 1970′s Soho Hold on to your seats as he plummets through the trap door of failure, then trampolines back up to catch the trapeze of success! £24.50 Joe Brown 5th April 7.30pm Rock ‘n’ roll legend Joe Brown and his five piece band and the musical styles in his new show break more boundaries and are as unique as the man himself. £25, £23 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 Miami-Pro World Championships 7th April 7.30pm Fitness models and natural bodybuilders from all over the word compete to see who will be crowned the next World Champions. £26.50, £20.50, £13.50

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www.alban-arena.co.uk

Hertfordshire Wedding Fair 21st April 11am - 4pm free 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 Shaolin Warriors – Return Of The Master 25th April 7.30pm A breath-taking theatrical Kung Fu Show which is an extravaganza of scenery, atmospheric music, beautiful lights, and hundreds of costumes. £21, £19, £16, family £64 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.

Which promises to be another success with its glorious sets and sumptuous costumes. £16.50

The Alban Arena

01727 844488

TO ADVERTISE CONTACT 07983 588291 or jane@stalbansnow.com

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city walks Saturday 6th April Sunday 7th April

Saturday 13th April Sunday 14th April Saturday 20th April Sunday 21st April Saturday 27th April Sunday 28th April

2.30pm 11am 2.30pm 2.30pm 2.30pm 11am 2.30pm 2.30pm 11am 2.30pm 2.30pm 11am 2.30pm

Rags and Riches A City Revealed Crime and Punishment Inns of Redbourn Verulamium in a Nutshell A City Revealed All Change at St Albans Rags and Riches A City Revealed Aristocrats, Paupers and Philanthropists Verulamium in a Nutshell A City Revealed Saturday Night and Sunday morning

All walks start outside the Old Town Hall (by Merchant Tea & Coffee) except: Rags and Riches meet outside Verulamium Museum Verulamium in a Nutshell meet outside Verulamium Museum Inns of Redbourn meet at the car park by Redbourn Cricket Pavilion All Change at St Albans meet outside the main entrance of St Albans Station For further information please visit www.stalbanstourguides.co.uk or call the Tourism Information Centre 01727 864511

a birds eye view!

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It's always the quiet ones like me that you have to look out for. I'll be hopping, skipping, flapping and snapping.

Add some blood-curdling cries and throw in some wild plumage, and you begin to get a picture of my courtship dance.

For most of the year, I hunt alone, stealthy and patient. But this is forgotten when it's time to breed and lots of us get together and build nests in the treetops, one metre across, right here in the centre of St Albans in Verulamium Park.

See us hunt, choose our mates and raise our chicks: you'll have front row seats because the RSPB will be on hand with telescopes and binoculars to get you right into the drama.

There will also be a camera installed on the island for extra special views of us in our nests. Come along to the viewpoint in the park at the southern end of the lake, where RSPB staff and volunteers will be on duty and you can see live footage of our chicks as they hatch and grow. When can you see us?

Wednesday-Sunday up to 28th April 10.30am - 4.30pm www.rspb.org.uk/datewithnature

Domestic Appliance Repairs Washing Machines ● Dishwashers Tumble Driers ● Electric Ovens * No Callout Charges * * All Makes Repaired * * Honest & Reliable Advice * * Full Electrical Safety Tests * * Evening & Weekend Appointments * * All Work Guaranteed *

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

TO ADVERTISE CONTACT 07983 588291 or jane@stalbansnow.com

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top 5 money saving apps The mobile application market represents a cultural shift for the human race. Smartphones are now the ultimate universal digital Swiss Army Knife for every possible facet of our lives, and a broad cross section of money-saving utility is now in your pocket. So here’s some of the best money-saving apps available for both Apple and Android devices.

Skype Free www.skype.com These days, Skype is practically a household name but many overlook the mobile version of this brilliant Internet telephony software as a supremely useful money-saving tool. Encourage everybody you know to download Skype on their mobile device and you have suddenly significantly reduced the chances of ever using up all of your free minutes. For those of you who find yourselves with £10-£50 (or more) in excess fees, this simple app could save you hundreds in the long run.

Voucher Cloud Free www.vouchercloud.com Most people are familiar with the idea that we’re now in a digital era of cutting coupons. Voucher Cloud is an app for all of the best digital offers. Firing it up will find you everything from free fiveday passes to your local gym to discounts on driving lessons and reduced prices in restaurants. It’s worth taking the time to sit down and check the T&Cs so you know exactly what it is you’re signing up for. Spending a little time being thorough on the small print however will save you hundreds of pounds per year.

RedLaser Barcode Scanner Free redlaser.com Ever found yourself in a shop whereby the little voice in your head is asking you whether you might find the item cheaper on the Internet or just round the corner?

All that’s needed to answer the question is your smartphone device and a Wi-Fi or mobile Internet connection. Photograph the barcode using the on-board camera and it will recognise the item and then cross reference prices with department stores, a vast array of websites, including Ebay, and even local stores. It’s worth noting that the latter feature works best in larger towns and cities. It’s practically impossible to scan a barcode which is not recognised by this incredible app so scout for bargains and save money.

Direct Debit Control Centre Free www.directdebit.co.uk There’s nothing worse than trying to stay on top of your finances, thinking you’re almost there and subsequently getting stung with excess overdraft fees for an unexpected direct debit. The Direct Debit Control Centre helps you keep on top of when your direct debits are leaving your account via its early warning system. It will save you money and give you peace of mind. iXpenseIt £2.99 www.fyimobileware.com So, what will you do with all this money saved? One small but wise investment would be to buy an app that helps you stay on top of your expenditure and few are better than iXpenseIt. There’s a lite version which can be downloaded for free so you can try before you buy. This is as good as mobile money management software gets and the app has won several awards including one from CNN Money Magazine.

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Tuesday 2nd - Friday 5th April Monday 8th - Friday 12th April 1pm - 2.30pm 11’s and under 3pm - 4.30pm all ages £5.25

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23

from dragons to dancing giraffes

This year’s 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.

discover a world of imagination with the best in children’s literature

Add to this a host of family-friendly activities including face-painting, 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.

This year’s theme is ‘Discovering The World’ in honour of the 300th anniversary of the birth of the 3rd Earl of Bute founder of the Luton Hoo Walled Garden, first ‘director’ of the Royal Botanic Garden, Kew and Prime Minister, 1762-1763.

Organiser, Charlotte Phillips, says: “Lord Bute, who built the Walled Garden at Luton Hoo 250 years ago, was a fascinating man with a passion for learning. Whether it was plants or fossils, stones or stars he amassed a vast collection of books on every subject to enrich his life. As a passionate reader myself I hope that by bringing the world of books alive for children we will inspire them to follow Lord Bute’s example and discover for themselves the joy and magic amongst the pages of a book”.

For further information visit www.hoobookfest.org.uk

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TO ADVERTISE CONTACT 07983 588291 or jane@stalbansnow.com

25

NOW at the Cathedral Saturday 6th April 7.30pm The Sixteen, The Choral Pilgrimage 2013, The Queen of Heaven Allegri’s Miserere and works by Palestrina and MacMillan. £10 - £30 Sunday 7th April 3pm More to Explore Tours: Hidden Brasses Meet at the West End Time to get on your knees…not to pray, but to discover the wonderful brasses hidden beneath the carpets. Free Thursday 11th April 10 - 12.30pm Family Discovery Morning: Let's Build a Church Meet in the North Transept So what do you need and how do you build an amazing building like this? For all ages, children must be accompanied by an adult.

Free, donations gratefully received.

Saturday 13th April 7.30pm Harrow Three Choirs Concert Verdi et al - Messa per Rossini Harrow Philharmonic Choir; Harrow Choral Society; Stanmore Choral Society; Trinity Orchestra £25, £20, £15 (restricted view), £10 Wednesday 17th April 12.30pm Lunchtime Organ Recital Neil Taylor, Director of Music, Sheffield Cathedral.

Admission free, retiring collection in aid of Cathedral music funds.

Saturday 20th April 7.30pm St Albans Choral Society & Orchestra Nova JS Bach St John Passion BWV245 sung in German £25, £20, £15, £10 St Albans Cathedral www.stalbanscathedral.org 01727 860780

Rejoice and Sing St Albans Abbey will provide the backdrop for a celebration of great British music to be performed by the Purcell School in aid of Iain Rennie Grove House Hospice Care and the St Albans Cathedral Music Trust. The conductors for the Rejoice and Sing Concert, on Thursday 2nd May at 7.30pm will be Joy Hill and Quentin Poole. The programme will include works by Vaughan Williams, Elgar and Britten. The Purcell School, Bushey is Britain's oldest specialist music school. adult £12, £15 reserved seats, students / concs £10, child £5 To purchase tickets please call the school office on 01923 331109 or the Abbey Box Office on 01727 860780. .

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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

TO ADVERTISE CONTACT 07983 588291 or jane@stalbansnow.com

27

calling all musicians and singers

Music in the Parks June 2013 onwards Submissions are now being accepted for ‘Music in the Parks’. Any band, singers, music groups or DJ’s (of any style) interested in performing should email information and web links to Grae at: grae.wall@leisureconnection.co.uk

or call 01727 866100.

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NOW St Albans Museum

www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk Museum of St Albans 9a Hatfield Road 01727 819340

Storytelling Workshop

Sunday Stories

1st April 1pm - 3pm Part of the Lion Under The Stairs Storytelling competition.

For ages 13-18, free

27th April 3pm - 4pm Storytelling for children under 7, £1

Magical Mayhem Holiday Club 2nd - 5th April 10.30am - 12.30pm Children will experience magic and mayhem as they explore a different story from the ‘Tales of Narnia’ to ‘George's Marvellous Medicine’. for children aged 8+ £5 per session or £20 per week per child

Storytelling Workshop 3rd April 1pm - 3pm Part of the Lion Under The Stairs Storytelling competition. For ages 8-12, free

Fabulous Pharaohs Holiday Club 8th - 12th April 10.30am - 12.30pm Children will become Egyptians for the day and explore everything from mummies to gods, and also curators and display objects from our Egyptian collection.

For children aged 8+ £5 per session or £20 per week per child

Goth Exhibition Launch 25th April 6pm - 11pm A special evening event to open our display exploring Goth culture. Free

Play, Pause, Rewind Exhibition Launch 27th April, 12-3pm We’re launching the first exhibition curated by our Youth Group. Free

community book fair Community groups will be raising funds by selling used books at a Community Book Fair in Verulamium Museum on World Book Night, Tuesday 23rd April from 6pm - 10pm Councillor Mike Wakely, Portfolio Holder for Sports, Leisure and Heritage for St Albans City and District Council, said: “This is a wonderful opportunity for community groups around the District to raise much-needed funds” Why not pop along and pick up a good read and support your local community.

Admission £1 www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk

30

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life’s a puzzle general knowledge crossword

32

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)

answers on page 46

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33

we are family

My Family and Other Animals

by Gerald Durrell

For kids, April means the Easter holidays. Time for enforced fun, ill-fated camping trips and long drives squished in the back of the car, with your siblings breathing in your face. We’ve picked some of the best books about family life and how to survive.

Two weeks off…are we there yet?

domesticity. There was little empathy for the character when the book was first published and certainly she can be read as a very selfish protagonist, but subsequent generations have come to recognise Edna’s plight, her need for a sensuous relationship and ultimately, her freedom.

Eccentric but enchanting, Durrell recalls his blissful childhood growing up on a Greek Island. Scorpions and snakes abound, as well as colourful characters and the all-round air of plain bonkersmadness that we associate with family life. Chaotic and hypnotic, Everybody Jam this book is hugely funny and

by Ali Lewis hasn’t lost any of its appeal The Dawson family is used to over the years. harsh climates and tough situations: they run a cattle Little Women

by Louisa May Alcott station in Australia’s Northern Never were there such devoted Territory. Plagued by drought, sisters…until you add domestic this year’s ‘muster’ will be turmoil, death and boys into the another battle with the mix. Amy, Beth, Jo and Meg are elements. But there’s more to the March sisters growing up contend with than the outdoors during the Civil War era. Jo this year. Eldest son Jonny has doesn’t want to cut her hair off been killed but no one talks and Meg doesn’t want to be a about it, 14 year old Sissy is governess, but you have to pregnant after ‘rooting’ with an admit that Beth comes off worst! Aboriginal lad and there’s a new It’s an all-American classic and Pommie house girl who can’t is a definite must-read for any even make toast. Told through teenage girl, whether you have the eyes of 13 year old Danny, sisters or not. it’s a story of a strong clan who overcome adversity and survive, The Awakening way out in the outback.

by Kate Chopin This is the hopeless tale of The Red House New Orleans housewife Edna

by Mark Haddon Pontellier who struggles like a How do siblings become total caged bird, batting against the strangers? Brought together by bars and confines of the death of their mother,

34

Angela and her brother Richard have only really communicated through phone calls for the last decade or so. Now Richard has invited Angela and her growing brood to spend a week with them in deepest darkest Wales.

The book flits between characters but once you’re into the rhythm of how these two families tick, it’s a great read that’s full of sibling-rivalry, trips and falls down memory lane and getting to know each other all over again.

We Need to Talk About Kevin

by Lionel Shriver

This is the shocking and disturbing story of a family torn apart when the eldest son carries out a massacre at his school. It’s powerfully told through a series of letters written by his mother, Eva to her husband Franklin as she tries to come to terms with the atrocities carried out by Kevin. It brings up all kinds of questions about nature versus nurture and how siblings and parents impact on each other’s lives. Throughout the book we can begin to piece together exactly what took place in the high school gym, but it still won’t prepare you for the startling conclusion. Quite simply, a brilliant thriller.

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NOW at the abbey theatre

The Wiz 4th - 6th April, Main Stage 7.30pm Matinee on Saturday 6th April 2.30pm St Albans Youth Music Theatre follows the success of last year’s production of Honk! with this fun and funky retelling of The Wizard of Oz. Guaranteed to get all the family dancing down the Yellow Brick Road! adult £8 - £10

A Number by Caryl Churchill 18th - 27th April, Studio 8pm Matineé: Sunday 21st April 2.30pm From one of the UK’s most successful modern playwrights, A Number raises many issues; the meaning of identity, and the conflict between nature and nurture being just two of them. A moving, thought-provoking theatrical experience.

Bernard confronts his father with the belief that he has been cloned. At first his father denies it, but eventually confesses that there are ‘a number’ of other Bernards, triggering some unexpected consequences. This intriguing play is not about the ethics of cloning, but about the complexities of family relationships, guilt and grief. adult £10.25 - £12.25 Abbey Theatre Westminster Lodge, St Albans Box Office 01727 857861 www.abbeytheatre.org.uk

36

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Verulamium’s Little Queen The cemeteries of Roman Verulamium lay outside the city as Roman law forbade burials in towns.

While there would have been many tombstones none have survived.

The Palmyrene inscription underneath is more poignant and translates as “Regina Freedwoman of Barates. Alas”. Further proof of Barates’ grief is the elaborate tombstone itself, which dates from the 2nd Century AD. Palmyra was in what is now modern Syria. And the tombstone is similar to others from Syria and points to a sculptor from Palmyra.

The Catuvallauni were our local tribe and Verulamium was their most important settlement.

But a tombstone of one Regina may have been sold as a slave by her local woman was found in family who had fallen on hard times. Perhaps she the cemetery of the civilian was sold in the forum or market at Verulamium. settlement close to the Later she was freed and married her master Roman Fort of Arbeia, Barates. But how did she end up in what is now now South Shields, Tyne and Wear. Her name is South Shields? A further clue may come from Regina. Her face is damaged but is unlikely to nearby Corbridge which has a simpler memorial to have been a likeness. She is shown sitting in a Barates from Palmyra. It is thought that this is the chair, on one side is her work basket with wool, on same Barates. Aged 62 when he died, he was a the other a box perhaps containing jewellery. On ‘vexillarius’ probably a merchant or manufacturer her lap is a distaff for spinning. While she looks of military standards. This is a simple stone with very much the Roman matron her origins were far an inscription. Perhaps Barates was no longer more humble as we shall see. doing so well in business. Or perhaps he had no The inscription is unique in Roman Britain in that it one to grieve for him and erect an expensive is in both Latin and Palmyrene. The first part in tombstone in his memory.

Latin tells us that Regina was the freedwoman and Elizabeth Eastwood wife of Barates, from Palmyra. A member of City & District of St Albans Tour Guide Catuvallauni tribe, she was 30 when she died.

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39

recipes from Abbots Kitchen at the Cathedral April can be a month that is neither quite summer nor winter so why not try these recipes that can span the seasons! Also this year with Easter falling early and the children on school holidays for the first part of the month why not make a special family two course supper with their help.

Children love to chop and prepare food and it also then encourages them to try unfamiliar foods.

curried parsnip soup 450g parsnips, sliced 1 onion, chopped 25g / 2 tbsp butter or margarine 15ml / 1 tbsp curry powder 600ml / 2½ cups vegetable stock 300ml / 1Ÿ cups milk salt and freshly ground black pepper 15ml / 1 tbsp parsley, chopped Put the parsnips, onion and butter/margarine in a pan. Fry (sautÊ) gently, stirring for 3 minutes. Add the curry powder and fry for 1 minute. Stir in the stock and bring to the boil, reduce the heat, cover and simmer for 15 minutes or until the parsnips are tender. Puree in a blender or food processor. Return to the pan. Stir in the milk, season to taste and add parsley. Heat through and ladle into warm soup bowls.

duck and cranberry pilaff The richness of the duck and tang of the cranberries complement each other 2 British duck legs, skinned 2 cardamom pods 1 red onion, chopped 2 tbsp olive oil 1 tsp fresh root ginger, grated 2 large garlic cloves, crushed 225g long grain and wild rice 600ml hot chicken stock 125g fresh cranberries zest 1 small orange, grated 3 tbsp fresh coriander, chopped Preheat the oven to 190C/170C fan/gas 5. Rub the duck breasts with olive oil.

Roast for 30 minutes, until the juices run clear. Tear into bite-size pieces.

Lightly squash the cardamom. Heat the oil in a pan, add the onion and cook over a medium heat for 10 minutes. Add the ginger, garlic, rice and cardamom and cook for 1 minute, stirring.

Pour the stock into the pan; add the cranberries and duck and season. Stir, cover and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, until the stock is absorbed and rice is tender. Stir in the orange zest and coriander and serve straightaway.

Abbots Kitchen Cathedral & Abbey Church of St Alban Mon - Sat 10 - 4.30pm / Sun 12.30 - 4.30pm www.abbotskitchen.org 40

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41

what’s on in april 42

up to 28th April RSPB Heron Watch see page 20 2nd - 5th Magical Mayhem Holiday Club see page 30 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 sunflower planting & story telling: free, 11 - 3pm pot decorating & face painting: £2, 11 - 3pm Stiff Little Fingers Bedford Corn Exchange, www.bedfordcornexchange.co.uk 4th Suggs My Life Story see page 18 4th - 6th The Wiz see page 20 5th Upbeat Beatles Harpenden Public Halls, 01582 767525, the authentic sound of the original fab four, 7.30pm, £18.50 5th & 6th The Pied Piper of Hamelin see page 8 6th - 28th City Walks see page 20 7th Blown Away see page 8 8th - 12th Fabulous Pharaohs Holiday Club see page 30 10th - 13th God of Carnage see page 8 12th Mayors Charity Beer Tasting Old Town Hall, St Peters Street, 01727 819544, includes tasting a variety of beers, 7.30pm, £10 13th Peacock & Gamble: Don’t Even Want to be on Telly Anyway Harpenden Public Halls, 01582 767525, a live show of fun, idiocy & handsomeness, 8pm, adult £10 Charity Quiz Night St Albans & District Soroptimists, Homewood Road Church Hall, 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

St Albans Farmers' Market St Peters Street, 9 - 2pm 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, see page 20 20th The St Albans & District Family Fair see page 18 From the Jam Bedford Corn Exchange, www.bedfordcornexchange.co.uk La Boheme see page 27 21st Hoo’s Kids Book Fest see page 25 Verulam Golf Club Open Day see back cover St George's Day Parade Harpenden, with Harpenden Pipe Band, 12 noon The Elephants Bridesmaid Harpenden Public Halls, 01582 767525, 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 see page 18 St George’s Day Sunday with the Family Hitchin British Schools Museum, 01462 420144, dragon-related fun & games 23rd Community Book Fair see page 30 Joan Collins: One Night with Joan see page 18 26th - 28th Swimathon see page 4 27th Boogie Nights The Alban Arena, 01727 844488, 7pm - midnight, £28.50 Dambusters Ball Harpenden Public Halls, 01582 767525, 7.30pm, £45 Auction / Bric-a-Brac & Book Sale Wadley Scout Hut, Watford Road, bric-a-brac: 10am, auction viewing:12 noon, sale:1pm The Great Curry Run in aid of ABF The Soldiers Charity, organised by St Georges School, 9am start www.stgeorges.herts.sch.uk 28th Lanwarne Landscapes at Burston page 19

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what’s on in may

2nd Rejoice & Sing Concert see page 26 3rd - 6th Kimpton May Festival www.kimptonmayfest.co.uk 5th Beating the Bounds Kingsbury Watermill, St Michael’s Village, 2pm, the route is just over 2 miles & takes 2.5 hours, free 9th Reginald D Hunter - In the Midst of Crackers The Alban Arena, 01727 844488, 8pm 9th & 11th 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 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 Carillon Chamber Choir St Saviour's Church, Sandpit Lane, the choir performs with James Bowman (counter-tenor) & Rogers CoveyCrump (tenor) 7.30pm, adult,£13, concs £11 Salvation Army Spring Fair Leyton Green, Harpenden, 01582 469399, 10 -2pm Midnight Walk starts at St Albans Football Club, 5 & 10 mile routes, www.midnightwalk.org 1920’s Special Themed Night St Albans Organ Theatre, 320 Camp Road, 03003 65 65 65, 7.30pm

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11th & 12th Indoor Market The Old Town Hall, Market Place, 9am - 5pm 18th Grand Vintage Fair The Jubilee Centre, Catherine Street, 01582 831481, 10- 4pm Amadeus Chamber Orchestra St Saviour's Church, Sandpit Lane, 01727 864511, 7.30pm, adult £12, concs £9 Victorian Fete The British Schools Museum, Hitchin, 01462 420144, 10 - 2.30pm, steam engines, Victorian bicycles & Punch & Judy 19th St Albans Charity Cycle Ride 01727 852260, fun event suitable for everyone from families to cycling fanatics Lanwarne Landscapes at Burston page 19 24th Beechwood Park School Open Morning see page 10 25th Dancemania Abbey Theatre, 01727 857861, street dance, hip-hop & breakdance to contemporary & street jazz, 2pm & 8pm Inside Out Open Day Courtyard Cafe, Hatfield Road, in aid of the charity Mind, 1 - 6pm 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

TO ADVERTISE CONTACT 07983 588291 or jane@stalbansnow.com

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index of businesses

Accountants Ann Coleman TaxAssist Accountants

39 38

Aerial Installations Concorde Aerials

Electricians Alban Electrical Services I & B Electrical MLC Electrical

41 41 41

43

Financial Services Keystone Trust

39

Appliance Repairs / Sales Appliance Refrigeration Leigh Hibon

21 21

Flooring Creative Wood Flooring LP Flooring

Art & Picture Framing Bloom

37 37

36

Garden Centre Burston Garden Centre

19

Beauty Skin & Tonic

13

Bicycle Repairs Cycletech Hertfordshire

44

Business For Sale Extra-Help

31

Cabinet Makers Sequoia Bespoke

35

Carpentry & Joinery Chris Smyth

37

Children’s Development Classes Gymboree Play & Music 9 Chiropodist Julia Reading Cleaning Big Yellow Cleaning Company Daily Poppins Domestique Linda & Karen Cleaning Services Mobile Maid Services Molly Maid Murray’s Cleaning Services Counselling / Sex Therapy Michael Stock

life’s a puzzle!

Dance & Drama Classes Penny Waterman School of Dance Stagecoach

5 29 29 28 31 28 29 31 5

Gardening / Landscaping Garden Life Landscapes Glorious Gardens Justin Leon Lanwarne Landscapes

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Gas K25

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Glassware Repairs Chipped Glassware

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Golf Club Verulam Golf Club

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Hairdressers Chestnut Professional Hairdressing Emma Boucher Phoenix Hairdressing Health & Fitness Intelligent Pilates Rosemary Conley Diet & Fitness Classes The Fit Lab

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Hearing Services The Hearing Healthcare Practice

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Interior Furnishers Michele Reid Interiors

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Lawn Maintenance Lawn Science

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Oven Cleaning Ovenmaster

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Painters & Decorators CB Decorators M & M Decorating

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Plasterer A. Merson Plastering

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Plumber DJ&M Plumbing Services Ltd

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Pond Maintenance Women With Waders

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Printer PrintShop St Albans

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Property Maintenance Mr Handyman Nick The Handyman

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Rubbish Clearance Clear A Waste.co.uk

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School Beechwood Park School

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Security Maximum Security Systems

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Shutters The Harpenden Shutter Company

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Tiling Cedar Ceramics

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Tree Surgeons Fircroft Tree Services.co.uk

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TV Repairs JB TV Services

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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.

we have made every effort to ensure that any material published in st albans now is correct and can accept no liability for any errors or delays in publication or distribution, st albans 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

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call Wendy or Jane 07983 588313 07983 588291

photo courtesy of Ben Parker

TO ADVERTISE CONTACT 07983 588291 or jane@stalbansnow.com

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