st albans NOW April 17

st albans April 2017

NOW

Tickets for the

Red Hot Chilli Pipers!

Easter Fun for Everyone Bubbles, Jousting, Dragons & More!

NOW at The Alban Arena NOW at Verulamium Museum Walk, Talks & More What’s on and lots more

read ‘the NOW magazines’ monthly promoting local businesses, organisations and events since 2006

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Welcome to April

Red Hot Chilli Pipers Competition

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text to win tickets

It’s sunny and warm, there’s colour in the garden Easter Fun for Everyone and everyone you meet seems happier because choc-o-bloc fun spring is here! Not only that, but Easter is a time Luton Hoo Walled Garden for reflection so whatever your thinking, from the a work in progress Christian perspective and meaning of Easter to Bubbles, Jousting, Dragons & More! simply enjoying family time and Easter Eggs, you April fun for all can’t help but appreciate all that we have at this NOW at The Alban Arena time of year. music, comedy & more This month we’ve had lots of calls from new NOW at Verulamium Museum advertisers and lots of positive feedback from you exhibition, talks & crafts the readers saying how much you enjoy and use the magazines - so thank you to everyone for your NOW for some Music support and words of encouragement. We both organs, classical & rock enjoy working hard putting the magazines NOW at the Local Theatres together and are pleased when we hear you drama, poetry & musical theatre find them so useful.

NOW at the Cathedral Happy reading and remember Easter services & more the NOW magazines are Walk, Talks & More published monthly and are Just email rides, walks & talks always available to read on-line. jane@theNOWmagazines.com What’s on in April to be in the Jane & Wendy & May 07983 588291 May editions St Albans Lets Walk jane@theNOWmagazines.com Deadline: 6th April walking through history www.theNOWmagazines.com Index of Businesses

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aerials to windows & doors

STYLISTS AND TECHNICIANS

To Advertise: 07983 588291 jane@theNOWmagazines.com

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Win a pair of tickets to see the Red Hot Chilli Pipers!

Red Hot Chilli Pipers - Anniversary Tour Celebrating 15 years of Bagrock!

Harpenden Public Halls 28th April 7.30pm Bagpipes with attitude, drums with a Scottish accent and a show that should carry its own health warning! Known for their infectious style of feel-good music, the band have sold out shows across the globe. Described as 'the most famous bagpipe band on the planet', they have performed for A-listers including Paul McCartney, Samuel L Jackson, Ewan McGregor, and even Her Majesty The Queen.

They have played at BBC Proms in Hyde Park, the Rugby World Cup and the Bahrain Grand Prix. Get ready for an utterly unique experience as the Chilli Pipers fuse traditional Scottish music with rock and pop anthems including Don’t Stop Believing and We Will Rock You. This will be a performance to remember! £20 www.redhotchillipipers.co.uk

Just text ‘Chilli’ to 07983 588313 by 10th April to be in with a chance of winning, texts will be charged at your normal rate

Southdown Road, Harpenden AL5 1PD 01582 767525 www.harpendenpublichalls.co.uk

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Batchwood Bowling Club Why Not Try the Game of Bowls...

As a sport bowls has something to offer all the family and Hertfordshire is lucky to have many bowling clubs all offering members the chance to play competitively and at club level. There are opportunities for County coaches to visit all clubs to offer skills training and many clubs have their own coach.

Here in St Albans we have three clubs including my own which is Batchwood Bowling Club situated next to the new Tennis & Fitness centre on Batchwood Drive. We offer Open Days where you will be warmly welcomed and need only bring flat shoes as all other equipment is provided. Our Open Days are followed by a four session “Bowls4fun” course. Then the sky’s the limit!

Juniors have access to specialist training at different clubs in the County throughout the

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season, and these have proved so successful that some young players have gone on to represent the County in the Bowls England Championships.

Enjoy meeting like minded people? Then put your name down for club matches and meet other teams in a spirit of friendly rivalry.

How competitive are you? Clubs offer internal competitions against other members, and everyone has the chance to enter District and County competitions.

Weekends, weekdays, morning, afternoon and evening there is usually something going on with practice sessions, roll-ups, matches, competitions and social events.

Make friends, enjoy the exercise and surprise yourself with what you can do.

For more information call Christine Vickers 01727 852540 or Adrian Baddams 01727 873137

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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 Avicenna Pharmacy next to Waitrose, King Harry Lane, St Albans Home Visits Available Mondays, Tuesdays & Friday Evenings

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JB TV SERVICES EST 1960

REPAIRER OF LCD/PLASMA TV/VIDEO/AUDIO/DVD

 REPAIRS TO ALL

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SONY, JVC, PANASONIC TV/VIDEO/DIGITAL/TUNING/ FREEVIEW INSTALLATION & SET UP

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Easter Fun For Everyone Easter in Christopher Place 1st April Mr & Mrs Easter Bunny are giving away Easter treats from 12 noon 15th April Petting Farm 11 - 4pm 22nd April Bee and Butterfly event with free wildflower seeds being given out 11 - 4pm Christopher Place Shopping Centre St Albans AL3 5DQ www.christopher-place.co.uk

Eggstravaganza 1st - 17th April Choc-o-bloc family fun with the Easter Bunny, Easter Eggs and Bunny Hunts, shows, adventure play and farmyard fun.

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

Holiday Activities 4th - 13th April 10am, 11.15am, 1.15pm & 2.30pm Craft activities and baking for ages 4+ £3.50 Mill Green Museum, Hatfield AL9 5PD www.welhat.gov.uk/millgreenmuseum

Art & Craft Show 15th & 16th April Saturday 10am - 4pm / Sunday 11am - 5pm Exhibition and sale of original paintings, stalls, live music, children’s colouring competition, refreshments, raffle and young artist of the future competition. There’ll also be an Easter Egg Hunt and Treasure Map Hunt in aid of Keech Hospice.

All other proceeds towards funding for a replacement surface for the bowling green and other facilities at Redbourn Leisure Centre.

Redbourn Village Hall www.redbournvillage.org.uk

Easter Egg Festival 17th April 2pm - 5pm The earliest known record of eggs being cooked and given to villagers to celebrate Easter was in 1285, during the visit of Edward I to Chenies Manor. To celebrate this tradition there will be a children’s entertainer, an Easter bonnet parade, egg & spoon and sack races and an Easter Egg Hunt.

Chenies Manor, Bucks WD3 6ER www.cheniesmanorhouse.co.uk

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The Olde Watermill, Barton Le Clay MK45 4RF

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St Albans Girls' School, Sandridgebury Lane, St Albans AL3 6DB

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New Bike Shop NOW Open Cycle Tech Hertfordshire is proud to announce they have opened a bicycle shop in Bricket Wood, St Albans to complement their successful mobile repair and service business.

Owners Mike and Mo Narramore felt this was the right time to start offering a wider range of products to the cycling market. The shop has a fully fitted Service and Repair Centre providing a service from a simple puncture to high end technical. Technicians are professionally trained and Di2, BOSCH certified.

Distributors of Orbea, Diamondback and Raleigh bikes with a great range from kids, youth, adults covering the Leisure, MTB, Road and e-bikes market.

A full range of BBB parts and accessories, a highly respected brand within the biking community are available.

You can be guaranteed a warm welcome, and with a small ‘Kids Zone’ area where younger children can play, you can browse at your leisure when you bring the family.

Conveniently located on Old Watford Road – close to the M25 and A405 junction – easy to find and with FREE parking it couldn’t be easier. Why not pay us a visit!

97 Old Watford Road, Bricket Wood, St Albans AL2 3UN 01923 674555 sales@cthcycles.co.uk facebook.com/CTH Cycles

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An Independent Bike Shop to Suit All

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Easter at Benington Lordship 16th & 17th April 12 noon - 4pm After the Snowdrops have faded in late March the gardens are covered by Scilla bithynica, a dainty relative of the Bluebell that’s just as invasive as its wild cousin. With large clumps of Daffodils flowering at the same time Easter is a good time to visit, the orchard in particular is a carpet of blue and yellow. £5, under 16's £2, under 12's free.

Benington Lordship, Stevenage SG2 7BS www.beningtonlordship.co.uk

HeronWatch Each weekend and bank holiday until 14th May from 11am - 3pm, volunteers with telescopes will be available in Verulamium Park to show you the heronry on the lake's islands. Last year there were nine active Heron nests and two Little Egret nests. There’ll be information available about Herons, the RSPB and local nature so why not pop along and have a look. If you'd like to volunteer please email st-albans-rspb@hotmail.co.uk www.rspb.org.uk/groups/stalbans

Open Day and Plant Heritage Fair 22nd April 11am - 3pm Spring has sprung at Luton Hoo Estate Walled Garden so why not go along and purchase those all important plants for your garden, there’ll also be free children's activities and tea, coffee and cake.

Tours are run to give an insight into this volunteer led garden revival. Go along and see how the garden has evolved since the project began in 2001.

Entrance £3, under 5’s free, tours £2 Access via the A1081 between Luton and Harpenden, West Hyde Road/Newmill End turning LU1 4LE not via the hotel. www.lutonhooestate.co.uk

NOW in the Garden  April is a good time to plant new shrubs and perennials, take a good look at your borders and plan changes before growth starts in earnest.  Save money by lifting and dividing summer flowering perennial that have outgrown their space. Replant the divided plants into groups of three or five. April showers should take care of watering, but if it’s dry, water the relocated plants regularly.  Weed borders; it’s dull but it has to be done once the temperature rises and weeds start to germinate. Remove every part of the roots of perennial weeds such as dandelions because any pieces of root left will grow into new weeds. And that’s frustrating!  Mulch borders after weeding and replanting, to retain moisture and suppress weeds.  Put plant supports in place in the border where needed. Supports made from pliable hazel pea sticks blend in well. Tie in the shoots of climbing and rambling roses horizontally to encourage side shoots to develop along their length.

More side shoots = more flowers.  It should be warm enough now to repair bare patches in the lawn by reseeding. Choose a seed which matches the existing lawn and prepare the ground by weeding, removing any large stones, levelling, and raking to a fine tilth before sowing.

Star plant for April: Amelanchier lamarckii A small tree or multi stemmed shrub. Abundant white blossom and bronze coloured new leaf growth.

Vanessa Blain www.vanessablaingardendesign.co.uk

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Garden’s Revival “Beautiful gardens without the diggers, just plants

• Beautiful plants • Luscious plant combinations • Long lived planting • All year round interest and mainly just a beautiful garden to enjoy!

If the above is what you want from your garden then don’t hesitate to contact Garden’s Revival, we offer a planting design service focusing on rejuvenation of plant borders or creation of new planting schemes.

For your FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION Please contact Jitka

07521 715638 www.gardensrevival.co.uk

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

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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

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NOW for a Good Read

Spring into Action

Our books this month are all about change, from shifting viewpoints to rewriting history

As our gardens start to grow and blossom fills the trees, it’s time to think about refreshing and re-energising our homes ready for spring.

If you don’t have the time to do all this yourself, just have a flick through the magazine, we’ve included local businesses that can help you from Cleaners and Decorators to Soft Furnishings, Blinds and Shutters.

Clear the Clutter There’s nothing like a good old-fashioned tidy up, so go through shelves and cupboards and get rid of anything you no longer need. If it’s broken, mend it or throw it away; don’t let worn out, unusable and unnecessary items take up space.

Clean the House After making space, you’ll probably want to give the house a deep clean, wiping shelves and light fittings, shampooing rugs, washing loose covers, curtains and duvets.

Tip: Clean mirrors and windows with scrunchedup newspaper and white vinegar to make them sparkle.

Have a Brush With Paint Has your paintwork seen better days and windows or door frames need touching-up? Or maybe a whole room could do with a makeover, it can be hard work but is always worth the effort.

Renew your Accessories Replace old accessories with new cushions and throws, duvet covers, vases, prints, small storage containers, mirrors, clocks, table lamps and plants. You don’t have to spend a fortune to overhaul your look dramatically.

Add Some Scent Use natural wax scented candles, reed diffusers with essential oils or just scented flowers. Try to dry laundry in the sunshine outdoors you can’t beat that beautiful fresh smell.

Bring the Outdoors in Now the warmer weather is here, open the windows to get the air circulating around your home. It might even be warm enough to sit outside, so think about pressure washing your patio, scrubbing up your barbecue and cleaning down your outdoor furniture.

After all, it’s not that long until summer…

Take Courage, Anne Brontë and the Art of Life by Samantha Ellis Anne is often seen as the ‘other Brontë’. Most of us would struggle to remember the names of either of her books. In part this is because of the way she’s usually portrayed – quiet, reserved and, well, less interesting than her siblings. Ellis goes to great lengths to show that this was far from the case. Anne’s novel, The Tenant of Wildfell Hall, was, in many ways, more subversive and ahead of its time than those of her sisters. As Ellis talks us through her research, a very different Anne Brontë starts to emerge. Take Courage is far from a dry clinical biography; Ellis is clearly indignant at Anne’s treatment and the book is a real pleasure to read.

All Our Wrong Todays

by Elan Mastai No one expects Tom Barren to amount to much.

They certainly don’t expect him to go back in time and completely change life as they know it. But that’s what happens. In Tom’s world 2016 looks rather different than it does to us. The discovery of a clean, almost effortless form of energy back in the 60s has made the world something of a utopia. But then Tom becomes the first time traveller, and accidently rewrites history. When he gets back to 2016, everything has changed.

Good Me, Bad Me by Ali Land Can a child brought up to be a killer change her fate? That’s the question posed in this gripping psychological thriller. Milly is in foster care with a new family and a new name. All she wants is a fresh start. But Milly’s mum is a serial killer, and Milly was the one who put her behind bars. As the trial approaches, Milly has to decide what she wants from life, and how far she’s willing to go to get it.

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Homegoing byYaa Gyasi The story follows the descendants of two African sisters – one sold into slavery, the other married off to a slave trader. We meet warring tribes in Ghana, brutalised slaves on American plantations, men forced into hard labour once slavery has supposedly been outlawed, drug addicts and numerous other characters. Brilliantly written, vivid and, at times, harrowing.

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Bubbles, Jousting, Dragons & More

Family Fun Day 2nd April St George's Festival 22nd & 23rd April 10am - 6pm Celebrate the story of England at the biggest St George's Day celebration in the country.

Gasp as the lances shatter in the medieval joust; feel the earth tremble as the Roman Soldiers march; marvel as feathers fly in the falconry; and chortle at the cheeky jester.

Have a tea party with Georgian ladies, mind your manners with the manor house butler, meet a roaming monarch or two and watch fearsome fellows battle it out with club and shield in the Clash of Knights. Kids can have a go at circus skills, knight school, arts and crafts and more. The highlight is England's most legendary battle - see gallant St George upon his mighty steed take on his fiery green nemesis in England's ultimate show down. Throughout the day, wander the medieval encampments to see, smell and hear what life was like for the English hundreds of years ago.

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

PAW Patrol 8th & 9th April A weekend of PAW Patrol fun as characters Chase and Marshall celebrate the opening of the new African hunting dog exhibit. There’s also special Meet and Greet Pup Boogie sessions for families to show off their best doggy dancing moves! The sessions are free on a first come, first served basis, available at 10am and 12 noon. Normal admission charges apply.

ZSL Whipsnade Zoo, Dunstable, LU6 2LF www.zsl.org/zsl-whipsnade-zoo

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12 - 5pm Art and crafts; Little Kickers Football Appearances from Spiderman, Peppa Pig and more. XLR8 Dance & Fitness; Dance taster session; Kollection Dance Group performing; Mini disco, Bouncy Castles and more. £2, child £1, under 2's free.

St Albans Girls' School, Sandridgebury Lane, St Albans AL3 6DB

Chiltern Open Air Museum A Truly Scrumptious Day Out 14th - 17th April Celebrate all things sweet and sticky! Make delicious traditional treats, discover the origins of Easter traditions, make an Easter-themed craft, and dress up in decorated bonnets and more.

Springtime Lambs 22nd & 23rd April Meet the spring lambs born at the Museum and explore the traditional Chilterns farm and lambing fold. Learn about the lambing traditions of the Victorian Chilterns in the historic working farm and get involved in fun family craft activities.

Elizabethan Artillery 30th April & 1st May Learn about life in the 16th century, watch Elizabethans duel for your entertainment, and see exciting displays of artillery from the longbow to the gun in this family friendly, living history event.

Take part in the Children’s Bill Drill and see if you’ve got what it takes to be a member of the militia.

Newland Park, Chalfont St Giles HP8 4AB www.coam.org.uk

NOW at Knebworth House

The Amazing Bubble Man 15th April 11.30am & 2pm Louis Pearl, the Amazing Bubble Man has been delighting audiences of all ages around the world for thirty years, with his unique show of art, magic, science and fun of bubbles. He explores the breathtaking dynamics of bubbles, combining comedy and artistry with audience participation and spellbinding bubble tricks to keep you mesmerized. From square bubbles, fog and helium bubbles, giant bubbles, volcanoes, tornados and trampolines, Louis conjures shrieks of laughter and gasps of amazement from all ages. £11, family £42 Hertford Theatre SG14 1PS www.amazingbubblemanuk.co.uk

Carriage Tours at Woburn Abbey 8th April & 6th & 7th May Ride in an historic Landau Carriage around the grounds and gardens. Experience history brought to life as horses hooves are heard on the courtyard cobblestones.

Enjoy breath-taking views across the grounds of the Abbey from the comfort of the carriage which was frequently used here in the mid-1800s. Tours depart from North Court, where the Estate's blacksmith was once housed. The ride takes take you through the deer park and gardens as well as areas not usually accessible to the public. Timed slots run from 10.30am until dusk. £125 for up to 4 adults, includes tea / coffee and cake and entrance to the Gardens.

Please book 01525 290333 Woburn Abbey, Beds MK17 9WA www.woburnabbey.co.uk

Easter Trail 14th & 15th April 11am Explore the Maze and Dinosaur Trail.

Try the slides, zip wire and splash water play features at the huge Adventure Playground. Visit the gift shop and tea room for Easter treats and have a go at the Easter quiz trail, find the symbols in the Garden and Park to claim your reward.

Easter Medieval Jousting 16th & 17th April 11am Jousting displays, both days: 12.30pm & 2.30pm See knights on warhorses in a display of horsemanship as they demonstrate their skills in hand to hand combat. Try your hand at archery with the Green Dragon Bowmen, there is a small charge for 6 arrows.

Hertfordshire Garden Show 29th April - 1st May 9.30am See a wide variety of exhibitors including some of the best nurseries and specialists across the region. Talk to the growers for inspiration and new ideas.

All events cost £9.50 per person, family £34 which includes entry to Fort Knebworth, the Adventure Playground, the Gardens, Park and Dinosaur Trail. www.knebworthhouse.com

Stockwood Country Fair 16th & 17th April 11am - 4.30pm This family-friendly fair has something for everyone, from archery and animals to fresh breads and pies at the farmers market. While creative craft stalls offer a shopping experience with a difference with unique, hand-made jewellery, art and knitwear for perfect gifts and treats. £4.50, concs £3.50, under 5s free Stockwood Discovery Centre LU1 4LX www.lutonculture.com

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NOW at the Alban Arena The Sensational 60s Experience 1st April 7.30pm Seven legendary names take to the stage for a night never to be forgotten. Herman’s Hermits, Chris Farlowe, New Amen Corner, The Swinging Blue Jeans, The Fortunes, The Ivy League and Alan Mosca from Freddie and The Dreamers.

Naomi’s Wild & Scary 5th April 1.30pm Children’s TV presenter Naomi Wilkinson brings her show packed full of fun and surprises as she’s joined on stage by ‘Animal Mark’, and some of his scariest creatures. Ages 5+ Champions Of Magic 7th April 7.30pm Witness the impossible, including disappearances, teleportation and a heart stopping finale that sees one performer walk through the spinning steel blades of a giant industrial fan, all presented with lighting and pyrotechnics to rival the biggest arena productions.

New Jersey Nights 9th April 7.30pm A spectacular celebration of the music of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons.

Dick & Dom Live!

10th April 10am & 2pm A show not to be missed! Live on stage and bringing their unique bundle of fun and anarchy to life!

Robin Hood 12th & 13th April Another laugh a minute, all-singing, all-dancing roller coaster ride through pantoland.

Living The Dream Easter Showcase 15th April 6.30pm A variety showcase created by young people who want to make a difference through the arts, having fun, growing in talent and confidence and feeling empowered to believe in their dreams.

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Dire Straits Experience 19th April 7.30pm Chris White and Terence Reis collaborating again, with a stellar band of some of the finest professional musicians the UK has to offer.

An Audience with Ian Waite & Natalie Lowe Somewhere In Time 21st April 7.30pm Strictly’s favourite couple are back with a bang with a mix of Ballroom and Latin, fun filled entertainment and a close up history of all things related to their life.

Cinderella 22nd April 2.30pm Vienna Festival Ballet presents the classic tale of Cinderella, one of the bestknown rags-to-riches fairy tales of all time.

Spamalot 25th - 29th April 7.45 pm Sat 2.30pm Presented by St Albans Musical Theatre, inspired by the classic, Monty Python and the Holy Grail, this tells the legendary tale of King Arthur, his squire, Patsy and a selection of knights, who go on an epic quest to find the Holy Grail. This musical diverts from the traditional version of the legend as Spamalot features a flatulent Frenchman, beautiful dancing girls and killer rabbits! 2 for 1 offer on front stalls on Tuesday evening.

The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain 30th April 7.30pm Pure entertainment, dead-pan British humour and foot-tapping music. Always doing the unexpected, whether re-imagining folk songs, twisting classical music favourites, uncovering quirky versions of rock covers, or playing the performers’ own all-original compositions. www.alban-arena.co.uk 01727 844488

Linda & Karen Cleaning Services

8th April 10am - 4pm Harpenden Public Halls 1,000's of Records, CD's, Memorabilia, Rarities and Bargains If you have some old vinyl to sell, why not book a table Free entry Refreshments all day 01582 762880

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NOW at Verulamium Museum

Exhibition: All in it Together until 30th April Featuring the reflections of local students on the role of our diverse community in the two world wars and beyond. Inspired by recruitment posters including those produced by St Albansbased printers, Dangerfield Printing Company, free for local residents.

Holiday Activities for Ages 6 - 11 please book, £6 Keep Calm and Colour On 4th April 10.30am - 12.30pm & 2pm - 4pm Design a T-shirt inspired by the famous wartime slogan and discover the impact of posters both in war and in peacetime.

Memories and Mementos 5th April 10.30am - 12.30pm & 2pm - 4pm Hear stories from the home front and from soldiers writing home. Discover the mementos that became so special and create your own keepsake inspired by ‘All in it Together’.

Front Page News - Tales and Tabloids 12th April 10.30am - 12.30pm & 2pm - 4pm Turn reporter for the day and design your own newspaper front page splash to take home.

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Crafty Capers 6th, 7th, 13th & 14th April 2 - 4pm Inspired by ‘All in it Together’, make your own ‘Visit St Albans’ poster and an aeroplane mobile.

Ages 3+, accompanied by an adult.

Drop in activity, £1.50 Paper Engineering Workshop 11th April 10.30am - 3pm Make pop-ups with illustrator and paper engineer John O'Leary. Inspired by ‘All in it Together’, create 3D designs exploring ideas of change, transformation and misdirection. Bring a packed lunch and advise of any food allergies when booking. Ages 8 - 13, £15 Meet a Roman Soldier 15th April 2.30pm & 3.30pm Meet Marcus Aurelius Saturnius, a Roman merchant selling olive oils and spices. Originally from Carthago in North Africa, Marcus served in the Roman army for 25 years as a centurion.

Drop in, free.

Talk: Muslims in the First World War 26th April 7pm - 8pm Learn about the experiences of the Muslim soldiers who fought for Britain during WWI. Historian and former advisor to the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, Jahan Mahmood will use his 'travelling military museum' to lift the veil on their forgotten histories. Please book, £5 Mosaic Workshop for Adults 29th April 10am - 4pm Taking inspiration from the roman mosaics, create your own mosaic masterpiece. Audrey Montet, of Montet Designs, will show you how to make a mosaic pot or board. Using glass, ceramic and stone tiles. Please book, £75 Verulamium Museum www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk 01727 751810

Kimpton Art Show 28th April - 1st May Part of Kimpton May Festival Weekend.

Paintings, ceramics and glass, with works from £20, there's something for everyone.

28th: 6pm - 9pm £5 includes a glass of wine 29th: 11am - 5pm £1 30th: 12.30pm - 5.30pm £1 1st May: 10am - 3pm £1 The Parish Church of St Peter and St Paul SG4 8RS www.kimptonartshow.co.uk

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NOW for some Music Heinrich Schütz St Matthew Passion Performed by Carillon Chamber Choir. The work is sung in English and performed as part of the two churches’ observance of Lent. Free 2nd April 6.30pm St Johns Church, Harpenden AL5 1DJ 9th April 6.30pm St Mary’s Church, Old Welwyn AL6 9LX www.carillonchamberchoir.org

St Albans Organ Theatre Organ Concert 8th April 7.30pm Phil Kelsall MBE, President of the Theatre Organ Club brings the 'Blackpool' sound to St Albans. £10, under 11’s £5, please book Musical Sunday Afternoons 9th April & 14th May drop in 2pm - 4.30pm £7, child £3, family £15 03003 656565 www.stalbansorgantheatre.org.uk

Boot Led Zeppelin 15th April 8pm - 11pm The Horn, St Albans AL1 3TE The UK's leading Led Zeppelin tribute band capture the magic and excitement of their

concerts from the early 70's. They perform classic songs, from mellow acoustic tracks such as 'Going To California' and 'That's The Way' to epics such as 'Kashmir' and 'Stairway To Heaven'.

With costumes, stage props and multimedia stage production come and enjoy the ultimate Zeppelin experience.

Advance tickets £12 www.thehorn.co.uk/tickets

Faire is the Heaven 22nd April 7.30pm St Nicholas’ Church, Church Green, Harpenden A concert by the Music Makers Choir of Harpenden. Come and enjoy a beautiful collection of choral masterpieces from across Europe, including works by Lotti, Bruckner, Rachmaninov, Finzi, Howells and Harris. £12, concs £10, student £6 07887 968 063 or on the door.

The Live Music Project 4th Birthday Bash 29th April 7.30pm £5, age 14+ An amazing line-up with headliners The Trailer Trash Orchestra bringing their blend of fuzzed up guitars, voodoo-swamp drumming and lap-steel, fiddle and mandolin that instils spine tingling delirium wherever they play. The Project is run by local music promoter/supporter, Denise Parsons. If you’d like to volunteer for the event or sign up to perform, please contact her at theparsonsknows@outlook.com Trestle Arts Base, St Albans AL4 0JQ www.trestle.org.uk

Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band

Saxophone Teacher Currently in the 2nd year of a music degree at LCCM £15 half hour Happy to teach any age Please call Isaac 07715 862094 30

30th April 7.30pm Bedford Esquires MK40 2QG Geno Washington and the Ram Jam Band (pictured) became established as the most exciting live band in Britain, regularly topping the bill over world famous artists. His latest live double album “It’s Geno Time”, recorded at the legendary Half Moon in Putney, is widely regarded as his best work to date. £15 www.seetickets.com

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NOW at the Local Theatres Maltings Arts Theatre St Albans AL1 3HL The Wonder Dish by John Mole 1st April St Albans based John Mole is one of the country’s leading poets writing for adults and children. Mole’s insights into the hopes, fears, joys and sorrows of modern life are both an uplifting celebration and searing indictment of the world in which we live. In 2016, he joined up with Tabae Words and Music to create The Wonder Dish, a delicious cornucopia of words, sounds and music. Their poetry and theatrical style combine perfectly to create a delightful melange of readings, dramatisations, soundscapes and music brought alive and kicking to the mainstream theatre stage. £7.50 - £12 0333 666 3366 www.maltingsartstheatre.co.uk

Abbey Theatre St Albans AL1 2DL Loserville

by James Bourne and Elliot Davis 6th - 8th April 7.30pm & Sat 2.30pm St Albans Youth Music Theatre It’s 1971, and misfit computer geek Michael Dork and his friends are about to change the world. Michael’s also discovered a girl, Holly, a prospect almost as exciting as his love of binary.

If only he had the courage to talk to her…‘Bursting with colour and energy and packed with jokes’.

The Ride Down Mt. Morgan

by Arthur Miller 21st & 22nd / 25th - 29th April 8pm When Lyman Felt is hospitalised after a serious car accident, he wakes to find both his wives at his bedside. Theo and Leah had no idea they were married to a bigamist, and Felt finds himself in the impossible position of having to explain his actions. Exploring themes of truth, betrayal, self-deception and love, the scenes move with a dreamlike fluidity between past and present when memories merge with reality.

01727 857861 www.abbeytheatre.org.uk

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Stockwood Discovery Centre Stockwood Discovery Centre Luton LU1 4LX Wow Said the Owl 10th & 11th April Mon 11.30am & 3pm; Tues 10.30am, 1pm & 3pm Explore the wow-world of colours with this curious little owl who’s determined to stay awake to see what day light brings. From the warm pink glow of dawn through to a day filled with bright colours of green leaves, blue sky, grey clouds and, finally, a stunning rainbow, 'WOW!'. But despite the beauty, the little owl decides that the night stars are the most beautiful of all. With a blend of beautiful story-telling, puppetry and music.

Ages 2 - 5 years www.lutonculture.com

Harpenden High Street Players High Street Methodist Church, Harpenden Callisto #7 27th & 29th April 8pm & Sat 3pm Harpenden’s High Street Players have been granted permission to perform Alan Ayckbourn’s family play Callisto #7. This is thought to be the first time it will be performed by an amateur group.

A thrilling comedy adventure set on the edge of the final frontier.

Alone in space on the outermost moon of Jupiter! Inside Dome #7 of the remote Callisto Science Station, 14 year-old Jodi and her young brother Jem wait for rescue following a serious systems failure. Where are their parents? What's happening to the rest of the team? Are they the only ones left alive?

Or is there something else out there on the moon's surface? £8, £9 on the door www.ticketsource.co.uk/hsplayers

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Matthew Hayden 01582 270715 07970 720911

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NOW at the Cathedral

Easter Services Quiet Abbey 8pm - 9.30pm Every Monday during Lent, for prayer and reflection.

1st April St Albans Bach Choir 7.30pm Dvořák - Stabat Mater £30, £25, £18, and £12 6th April Family Discovery Morning Space: The Final Frontier 11.30am Explore space, the stars and medieval astrology with activities ranging from winding up the clock and making stained glass windows.

Ages 3 -11, accompanied by an adult 6th April The Devil’s Passion 7.30pm A new and engaging play depicting the Passion from the Devils point of view. www.justinbutcher.co.uk/devilspassion 8th April Come and Sing: Stainer’s The Crucifixion rehearsal: 2.30pm, performance: 6.30pm Learn Stainer’s The Crucifixion in an afternoon, with the Master of the Music, Andrew Lucas, for a performance in the evening. £12 to take part, £5 for the performance 20th & 24th April Oaklands College Exhibition: Re-Make, Re-Model, Re-Boot Work displayed from disciplines such as ceramics, photography, painting and drawing, print, graphics, fashion, textiles and three dimensional design.

26th April Lunchtime Organ Recital 12.30pm Gary Sieling, Director of Music, St Mary the Virgin, Henley-On-Thames, free.

27th April Talk: Climbing Everest 7.30pm £10 Rob Lucas one of the leading supporters of the Alban, Britain’s First Saint project became one of the first mountaineers to reach the summit of Mount Everest since Nepal closed the area after avalanches and an earthquake killed 16 guides and 19 climbers.

2nd April Passiontide Service 6.30pm A meditative service of music, poetry and prayer.

9th April Palm Sunday Procession 9.30am Meet by the Clock Tower in the High Street, for the procession to the Cathedral. Bring a branch or some greenery from home to wave as you walk!

10th - 12th April Compline and Address 8pm 13th April Maundy Thursday Chrism Eucharist 11am With the clergy and lay ministers for an act of commitment to ministry and blessing of the holy oils.

Maundy Eucharist 8pm Service includes washing the feet of 12 people, followed by the stripping of all decoration from the altars. A vigil of prayer is kept until midnight.

14th April Good Friday 10am: Pre-school Children’s Service 12pm - 1.30pm: Preaching of the Passion 1.30pm - 3pm: The Liturgy of Good Friday 8pm: Unity at the Cross Led by Churches Together in St Albans 15th April Easter Eve Quiet day of preparations for Easter celebrations 4pm: Evensong 8pm: Easter Vigil First service of Easter begins quietly in darkness, but ends in joyful light and noise.

16th April Easter Day Festival services throughout the day 9.30am: Parish Eucharist 11.15am: Matins 6.30pm: Evensong 17th April Easter Monday Pilgrimage People, young and old, walk to the Cathedral to meet from 2pm. Service 3pm.

www.stalbanscathedral.org

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Mayor's City Sprint Triathlon

Do Something for Charity

Bubble Rush Herts 30th April Last April over 2,000 people experienced the sheer joy of running 5k through hundreds of foamy bubbles to raise funds for The Hospice of St Francis and the Bubble Rush is coming back to Gadebridge Park, Hemel Hempstead again this year. Snap up your place quickly as last year’s inaugural event sold out in record-time.

Everybody from tots to teens and grown-ups to grandparents can take part and enjoy running, walking or dancing through safe, frothy multicoloured foam. www.stfrancis.org.uk/bubblerush

7th May Westminster Lodge, St Albans AL1 2DL in aid of Rennie Grove Hospice Care Take part in the 200m swim (8 lengths), 5km cycle (on indoor stationary cycling machine) and 3km off road run.

If you don't want to take on all three disciplines yourself, you can have a team of up to three.

Entrants must be 12 years + (under 18's must be accompanied by an adult).

Entry: individual £20, team £30, 12 -16 years £10. Includes chip timing, t-shirt and a certificate on completion. No minimum sponsorship, but it would be great if people could raise at least £50 which will fund two hours of specialist nursing care in a patient’s home. www.renniegrove.org

Wheathampstead 10K & 2k Family Fun Run

Swimathon 7th - 9th April This is your challenge and chance to make lives better by raising money for Marie Curie.

Choose 1.5k, 2,5k, 5k or the SimplySwim challenge where you complete your own distance in your own time. You could even form a relay team to tackle the 1.5k and 5k distances. Whatever you do, the money you raise will help people living with terminal illness and their families.

Individual: 1.5k, 2.5k & 5k - £13, concs £9.75 Team: 1.5k & 5k - £26, concs £19.50 Visit www.swimathon.org to find out where your local event is taking place

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21st May Marford Playing Fields AL4 8AY The 10k race starts at 11am and is chip-timed mat to mat, it’s a challenging off-road course with outstanding scenery in a friendly village setting, suitable for all levels of runners.

The 2k Family Fun Run starts at 10am, and is an off road, circular run on good footpaths and the local playing field. It’s ideal for families and for a pre-10K warm up, suitable for runners and walkers of all ages.

Sign up, and collect your race packs on 6th or 7th May between 9am - 12pm from Beech Hyde School, Wheathampstead AL4 8TP, or on the day.

There are no entries on the day for the 10K. Trophies will be awarded to the first 3 placed male and female runners with medals for all finishers. The morning ends with a BBQ and children’s entertainment, great fun for all the family.

Twitter @Wheaty10K Facebook www.facebook.com/wheaty10k www.wheathampstead10k.co.uk

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Walks, Talks & More

Ashridge Events Easter Crafts 3rd - 7th April 10am - 4pm Ashridge Estate Visitor Centre HP4 1LT £2 per craft Cadbury Egg Hunt 10th -13th April £3, 14th -17th April £5 10am - 4pm Ashridge Estate Visitor Centre HP4 1LT

Five Miles to Fabulous Bike Rides 8th April & 6th May leaving at 9.30am If you want to get fit and look fabulous this summer, the answer is simple…. 5 Miles to Fabulous women only cycle rides, who are celebrating ten years of fun, fabulous rides this year. The rides are on Saturday mornings, leaving Morrisons, Hatfield Road, St Albans (meet at the cycle stands).

South Herts Cyclists also organise mixed Saturday morning ‘Saunters’ and longer all-day Sunday rides. www.southhertsctc.org.uk

Sherrardspark Wood, Welwyn Garden City This wood covers about 200 acres and is one of Hertfordshire's largest and most important oak and hornbeam woodlands.

Spring Bird Walk 22nd April 7am With Geoff Ralph, Wood Warden.

Cowslips and Bluebells Walk 29th April 2pm With Neale Holmes-Smith, Environmentalist and Wood Warden.

Woodland Photography Walk 14th May For beginners and improvers, with photographer David Foster, please book for start details.

Walks start from Pentley Park entrance AL8 7SF Donation £3, under 15s free, please wear suitable footwear and keep dogs on leads.

To book call 01707 324718 www.sherrardsparkwoodwardens.org.uk

Fish Surveying on the River Ver 25th April 7.30pm - 9.30pm Talk on fish surveying by George Horne from the environment agency with an emphasis on brown trout. Just turn up, donation £2 St Stephens Parish Centre, Bricket Wood AL2 3PJ

Redbourn Through the Centuries 29th April 3pm - 5pm Talk by Kate Morris, local historian, author and former Mayor of St Albans on the 18th Century with as much reference to Redbourn as possible!

Parish Centre, Redbourn www.redbournvillage.org.uk

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Dawn Chorus Walk 29th April 5am - 7am Experience and identify early morning birdsong in a glorious setting with the rangers, breakfast at Bownlow Café included. £15, child £10, please book Dockey Wood Bluebells HP4 1NF 29th & 30th April & 1st, 6th & 7th May 10am - 4pm Visit the wonderful bluebells and learn more about this special forestry plantation. Countryside staff and volunteers will be on hand to chat about conservation at Ashridge and what they are doing to protect the special natural habitats.

Entry outside the times given is free.

Adult £3, child £1 Ashridge Estate, Berkhamsted HP4 1LT www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ashridge-estate 01442 851227

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Time for Tea Believed to have originated in Southern China, tea drinking dates back to around 3000 BC. It was made fashionable in England in the 17th century, when Charles II and his Portuguese wife Catherine de Braganza brought it over from her native country.

Samuel Pepys referred to it in his diary of 1660: ‘…I did send for a cup of tee (a China drink) of which I never had drank before’.

Coffee houses sold loose leaf tea so that women, who did not frequent them, could enjoy it at home.

Tea was the privilege of the wealthy. It was expensive to import and seen as a valuable commodity, kept locked inside ornate caddies.

As it was so expensive, the tea smuggling trade flourished. In 1785, following pressure from tea merchants, the government slashed the high import tax on tea, making it more affordable and so tea drinking grew in popularity among the working classes. This sparked a debate, whether tea was bad for the health, causing ‘idleness’ and ‘melancholy’ among other things. Eventually, alcohol came to be viewed as the greater evil and working class people were encouraged to become ‘teetotal’.

Tea served with food was only introduced in the mid-19th century by Anna Russell, the seventh Duchess of Bedford, to bridge the gap between lunch and dinner. Soon friends were joining her for ‘afternoon tea’ at her home in Woburn Abbey, and the custom became fashionable among the upper classes.

During the Victorian era, a wider selection of tea was imported from Sri Lanka (Ceylon) and India.

Tea rooms were popular among women as it was one of the few places where they could meet without a chaperone. By the early 20th century, many had musicians playing and were holding tea dances in the afternoons.

Today, tea is an integral part of our daily life and could be described as Britain’s national drink.

Although invented in America in the early 20th century, the tea bag didn’t become popular in England until the 1970s, when it revolutionised our tea drinking habits and put fortune tellers who read tea leaves into decline!

Afternoon teas are still served by many top hotels offering a vast selection of tea blends, along with a ‘tea sommelier’ to help you choose.

They are often booked up months ahead - a testament to tea’s enduring popularity.

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NOW at Shuttleworth Classic Rally and Autojumble 2nd April 10am - 4pm A vast array of classics on display from the pre and post war era, as well as some of the best loved cars of the 80’s. With witty commentary in the live arena and judges awarding class winners and ‘Best in Show’, plus trade and autojumble stands and craft stalls. There’ll also be flying displays of large scale RC models from The Old Warden Model Club. £8, child £4, family £24 Workshop: Garden Design 8th April 10am Learn the basics of garden design and pick up expert tips from garden designer, Philippa Pearson, RHS and Chelsea Flower Show award winner. Using the Swiss Garden as a base for looking at garden layout and landscape design, this workshop will include practical sessions and a tour of the garden.

Refreshments and lunch included. £40 NGS Open Day 22nd April Enjoy the garden in all its spring colour. £8, concs £7, child free Talk: Celebrating National Tea Day with Malcolm Ferris Lay 23rd April 12pm & 1.30pm With nearly 50 years of tea experience, Malcolm provides great insight into the history of tea and how to grow it. There will be tasting pots and demonstrations on blending tea followed by afternoon tea in the House. Please book £26.95 Mad Hatters Tea Party 30th April gates open 11am There’ll be Morris and Maypole dancing, crafts and storytelling, croquet and picnics and entertainment from Alice in Wonderland characters. Enjoy a performance of ‘Down the Rabbit Hole – Adventures in Wonderland’. Join Alice as she meets some strange characters. Follow the white rabbit into a world of magic and make believe and have a cup of tea at the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party. Bring your own Mad Hatter picnic and dress up if you can, mad hats at the very least! £10, child free.

The Shuttleworth Collection, Beds SG18 9EP www.shuttleworth.org

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What’s on in April 42

until 25th June Dodos Exhibition Tring Natural History Museum, HP23 6AP free www.nhm.ac.uk/visit/tring until 2018 Exhibition: Root & Branch Ashridge Estate Visitor Centre HP4 1LT www.nationaltrust.org.uk 2nd Family Fun Day see page 24 Luxury Wedding Show Brocket Hall, Welwyn, 11am - 3pm www.luxuryweddingshow.co.uk Classic Rally & Autojumble see page 40 3rd - 13th Play in the Parks www.stalbans.gov.uk/playintheparks 3rd - 7th Easter Crafts see page 38 4th, 5th & 12th Holiday Activities - Verulamium Museum pg 28 5th Open Day Chenies Manor, Bucks WD3 6ER 2 - 5pm www.cheniesmanorhouse.co.uk 6th - 8th Loserville see page 32 7th - 9th Swimathon see page 36 8th Come & Sing: Stainer’s the Crucifixion see page 34 Record Fair see page 27 Family Volunteer Day Celtic Harmony Camp SG13 8NY please book, free, 10am-1pm Childrens’ Pony Pampering Day Two Oaks Pony Sanctuary HP4 3RJ 12 - 2pm, please book, £5 www.twooaksponysanctuary.wixsite.com Workshop: Garden Design see page 40 9th Circus Workshop The Hat Factory LU1 2EY ages 7+ 11am - 12pm, £2 Rye Meads Spring Fun Day RSPB Rye Meads Nature Reserve SG12 8JS, 10am - 4 pm, £2 10th Dick & Dom Live! see page 26 10th - 17th Cadbury Egg Hunt see page 38 11th Family Bird Safari RSPB Rye Meads Nature Reserve SG12 8JS, 10am - 12 noon & 2pm - 4pm look for birds & discover how to recognise their songs & calls, please book, £6, child £3 12th Hippity Hoppity Easter at Burston see page 19 South Sudan St Mary's Church, Childwickbury AL3 6JJ St Albans, Harpenden & District Philatelic Society, 8pm

14th - 17th Vintage Easter Weekend Bletchley Park MK3 6EB activities free with admission, 11am - 2pm Easter Fun Fair Harpenden Common, 6pm- 10pm 15th Hop Along For Easter Fun see page 12 Boot Led Zepplin see page 30 The Amazing Bubble Man see page 25 15th & 16th Easter Art & Craft Show see page 12 16th & 17th Easter Medieval Jousting see page 25 Stockwood Country Fair see page 25 17th Easter Egg Festival see page 12 19th Dire Straits Experience see page 26 21st - 23rd & 25th - 29th The Ride Down Mt Morgan see page 32 21st - 29th The Matchgirls see page 4 22nd Open Day & Plant Heritage Fair see page 18 NGS Open Day see page 40 22nd & 23rd St George’s Festival see page 24 22nd & 30th Introduction to Phonescoping RSPB Rye Meads Nature Reserve SG12 8JS learn to take pictures of birds with your mobile & a telescope, please book, 10am -12pm, £15 25th - 29th Spamalot see page 26 27th & 29th Callisto #7 see page 32 28th Red Hot Chilli Pipers see page 24 28th April - 1st May Kimpton May Festival kimptonmayfestival.co.uk 29th The Live Music Project 4th Birthday Bash see page 30 Art Demonstration RSPB Rye Meads Nature Reserve Visitor Centre SG12 8JS see local wildlife artist at work, free, 10am - 4pm 29th April - 1st May Hertfordshire Garden Show see page 25 Bubble Rush Herts see page 36 Mad Hatters Tea Party see page 40 1True Grit Benington Lordship SG2 7DG www.onetruegrit.com 30th April & 1st May Elizabethan Artillery see page 24

Freephone: 0800 688 9576 07950 975848

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What’s on in May 44

3rd Gentle Bluebells Stroll Ashridge Estate, meet at Ling Ride car park HP4 1NF just turn up, 10.30am -12.30pm, £3 6th Talk: Food Traditions of St Albans Verulamium Museum, 01727 751810, 2pm - 3pm, please book, free Christopher Nibble Sandpit Theatre, The Ridgeway AL4 9N 11.30am & 2.30pm, £8, concs £6 7th Mayors City Sprit Triathlon 5km cycle, 200m swim & 3km run, in aid of Rennie Grove Hospice Care www.renniegrove.org 11th Chocolate Replicas Verulamium Museum, learn how museum replica objects are made, includes wine or a soft drink, 7pm - 9.30pm, £20 12th - 14th & 16th - 20th She Stoops to Conquer Abbey Theatre, AL1 2DL 01727 857861, a comedy of manners with romantic entanglements & brilliantly comic characters 13th Organ Concert St Albans Organ Theatre, 03003 656565, music & entertainment with Howard Beaumont, well-known concert artist, 7.30pm, £10, under 11’s £5, please book www.stalbansorgantheatre.org.uk Brambleton Model Railway Club Open Day Highfield Oval, Harpenden AL5 4BX 2pm - 5.30pm 14th Film: Van Gogh: A New Way of Seeing Sandpit Theatre, The Ridgeway AL4 9N 2pm, £5 includes refreshments Cake in the Garden Grove House, St Albans, 01727 731010, enjoy the beautiful grounds with tea & cake, 2pm - 5pm, £5 17th House & Garden Tour Southill Park, Beds, 01727 731010, £12, in aid of Grove House 18th Talk: Spies in the Sky: The Secret Battle for Aerial Intelligence during World War II RAF Museum London, NW9 5LL www.rafmuseum.org.uk 19th Ask an Archaeologist - Comedy Night Verulamium Museum, 01727 751810, with comedian & archaeological expert Paul Duncan McGarrity, 8pm - 10pm, please book, £7

20th Rossini - Petite Messe Solennelle High Street Methodist Church, Harpenden AL5 2RU Carillon Chamber Choir, £5 - £15, 7.30pm www.carillonchamberchoir.org 20th Broken Objects Verulamium Museum record & document your broken objects & get advice on how to prevent future damage to your treasured things, drop in, 10am - 4pm, free Amadeus Chamber Orchestra St Saviours Church AL1 4DF music by Mozart, Beethoven & Janacek, 7.30pm, £15, child £3 www.amadeuschamberorchestra.org.uk Nestbox Watch RSPB Rye Meads Nature Reserve SG12 8JS 01992 708384, join the Ringing Group checking for chicks, suitable for all with an interest in birds, 1pm - 3pm, £8 Enchanted Museum Night Opening Chiltern Open Air Museum, Chalfont St Giles, HP8 4AB 4pm - 8.30pm www.coam.org.uk 21st Wheathampstead 10K & 2k Family Fun Run Marford Playing Fields www.wheathampstead10k.co.uk Plant Fair Ashridge Estate, 11am - 4pm, free entry 23rd Talk: My Dream Job at the BBC Natural History Unit by Mike Salisbury OBE, Harpenden Local History Society Meeting, Harpenden Public Halls, 8pm 27th Old Mcdonald & the Three Pigs Sandpit Theatre, The Ridgeway AL4 9N 2pm, £6, concs £4 Herts County Show Herts County Showground, Redbourn, with animals ranging from huge bulls to tiny ducks, spectacular displays & more www.hertsshow.com 27th & 28th Duxford Air Festival Imperial War Museum Duxford CB22 4QR www.iwm.org.uk 29th Larking around on Northchurch Common join rangers to count & record singing Skylarks & parachuting Meadow Pipits, children’s activities, call 01442 851227 for directions, 10am - 4pm 29th May - 2nd June Make Do & Mend May Half-Term RAF Museum London, NW9 5LL www.rafmuseum.org.uk 31st Old School Archaeology Verulamium Museum, drop in activities, 10.30am - 12.30pm & 2pm - 4pm, £1.50

Historic People and Places Brought to Life!

Fully qualified guides have been showing people around our City and District for 50 years. Join us on any one of our walks and hear about the fascinating yesteryears from the Romans to Victorians. Walk well known and lesser known places.

You will be surprised by the many tales about people who have built, lived and worked here for 1000 years.

Walks for April & May Meet at the Clock Tower unless otherwise stated Buy tickets from the guide on the day Walks last about one and a half hours. Adult ÂŁ5, child ÂŁ2 (5-15 years) Visit our website for full details of our walks and other information Historic St Albans - A City Revealed 9th, 16th, 17th, 23rd, 30th April, 1st, 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th, 29th May @ 11am A Roman City Revealed 1st, 15th, 29th April, 13th, 27th May @ 2.30pm Meet outside Verulamium Museum A Monastery Revealed 2nd April, 1st May @ 2.30pm Fishpool Street - Rags and Riches 8th, 17th, 22nd April, 6th, 20th May @ 2.30pm Meet outside Verulamium Museum Historic Pubs of St Albans 9th April, 7th May @ 2.30pm Aristocrats, Paupers & Philanthropists 14th April, 14th May @ 2.30pm Coaching Inns 16th April, 21st May @ 2.30pm Victorian St Albans 23rd April, 28th May @ 2.30pm Discover Redbourn 23rd April @ 2.30pm Meet at the Car Park on the Common Medieval Lives 30th April, 29th May @ 2.30pm Discover Wheathampstead 30th April @ 2.30pm Meet at East Lane Car Park, rear of The Bull Pub Discover Harpenden 7th May @ 2.30pm Meet at the War Memorial

Visitor Information Centre 01727 864511

www.stalbanstourguides.co.uk

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Index of Businesses Domestic Appliance Repairs Aerial Installations & Repairs 35 Concorde Aerials 10 Leigh Hibon Art Classes Start Art!

Education 29 Kumon

Bicycle Repairs Cycletech Hertfordshire

Electricians 16 Alban Electrical Services

10

Bicycle Shop CTH Cycles

Fencing 17 Verulam Fencing

19

Bowling Club Batchwood Bowling Club Building Services Brockhall Building Services Open Plan Solutions Café Inn on the Park - Easter Egg Hunt Carpentry / Joinery Chris Smyth Children’s Nurseries Redbourn House Day Nursery Chiropodist Julia Reading Kathy Witchard Cleaning Daily Poppins Domestique Linda & Karen Cleaning Services Time For You Domestic Cleaning

3

2 21

14 Gardening / Landscaping Garden Life Landscapes 31 Garden’s Revival Justin Leon

20 19 21

Gas Heating Engineers 14 Heatfix HomeServe

35 2

9 Hearing Services 9 Hearing Healthcare Practice

Plasterer A. Merson Plastering

31

35 & 47

Pond Maintenance Women With Waders

21

Recruitment Highfield Lane Nursery Open Hairdressing

15 3

Reflexology ReKlein

6

Removals Akers

5

Roofing GJ Smith Roofing

41

Saxophone Teacher Isaac

30

Shutters The Harpenden Shutter Company

31

8

Slimming LighterLIfe

27 Insurance 47 NFU Mutual

5

Soft Furnishings Sue Smyth

31

27 Locksmith Lock Around the Clock

5

Stairlifts Age Uk Stairlifts

41

Tree Surgeons Fircroft Tree Surgery Ltd

20

TV Repairs JB TV Services

10

23 Loft Ladders Home Counties Loft Ladders 11 Conservatory Roof Solutions Nu-Look 7 Oven Cleaning Joe Oven Cleaner 27 Dance & Drama Penny Waterman School of Dance Stagecoach

29

Plumber DJ&M Plumbing Services Ltd

Finance 6 AMR Financial Management 4 Furniture & Homeware 41 Zoohause 43 Garden Centre Burston Garden Centre

Picture Framing Misty Blue Framing

Painters & Decorators 13 CB Decorators 13 Gary Rackley M & M Decorators

33 33 33

9

Windows & Doors Cloudy2Clear Back Cover Kings Windows 39 Sash Restorations Ltd 39

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