st albans NOW April 22

Pick p u me m I’ E! FRE

st albans April 2022

NOW

promoting local businesses, events and much more since 2006

www.theNOWmagazines.com 07983 588291 jane@theNOWmagazines.com

2

Welcome to April

Now the lighter evenings are here let’s get outdoors and enjoy the sunny weather. This month its all-things Easter with lots of fun things to do with all the family, from trails and hunts to Easter crafts and even meeting the Easter Bunny himself!

Wendy went to see ‘Black is the Colour of my Voice’ at the new EMC in Rothamsted Park last week, it was an amazing show at our fantastic new venue in Harpenden.

If you run your own business, we’d love to include you, we offer a helpful, friendly service so please give us a call.

Jane & Wendy

@theNOWmagazines

Advertising Rates 12 months £33 per edition £40 per edition £49 per edition £84 per edition

3 months £43 per edition 1/4 page £52 per edition 1/3 page £64 per edition 1/2 page £110 per edition Full page

other options are available

You can NOW book advertising online Deadline 8th April for May edition jane@theNOWmagazines.com 07983 588291 www.theNOWmagazines.com

www.theNOWmagazines.com 07983 588291 jane@theNOWmagazines.com

3

The Alban Arena

Rapunzel 6th April 2pm & 5pm A theatrical treat with a witty script, original music and some songs you may already know! £14 & £12 The Sensational 60s Experience 7th April 7.30pm Five legendary names deliver a night of never to be forgotten music where you’ll find it impossible to remain in your seat. £28.50 Fast Love 8th April 7.30pm A tribute show to George Michael all his incredible music, his life and the great man himself. £27 Fireman Sam 9th April 10.30am & 1pm An all singing, dancing, action-packed show, watch the adventures unfold. £17, £16 Tim Vine is Plastic Elvis 11th April 7.30pm Feel the electricity as Plastic Elvis hits the stage backed by his incredible five piece band, and sing along with some of the King’s greatest songs. £26 From The Jam 14th April 8pm AGMP presents “Setting Sons” 40th anniversary concert and special guests. £25 Rave On - The Rise of Rock & Roll 16th April 7.30pm Featuring the sounds of Elvis, Buddy Holly, Chuck Berry, The Beatles, Neil Sedaka, The Kinks, Connie Francis, Lulu, The Shadows and many more. £21.50 The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party 17th April 7.30pm Utterly bonkers, this show is a mind-bending new twist on Lewis Carroll’s immortal classic. Age 8+ £15, £10 Spirit of The Dance 18th April 7.30pm This high octane extravaganza takes dance to the next level, in an explosive fusion of heart pounding Irish Dance combined with dance styles from round the world. £30.50 Ian Ashpitel & Jonty Stephens as Eric & Ern 19th April 7.30pm Bringing you sunshine, a show full of Morecambe and Wise’s most loved routines, songs and sketches and of course a musical guest. £24 Sandi Toksvig - Next Slide Please 20th April 7.30pm In an evening of love and laughter, Sandi explores reasons to be cheerful after months of coronacoaster gloom. Expect funny facts, silly jokes and a quick-fire Q&A. £31.50 A Luther Vandross Celebration 22nd April 7.30pm World premier show in celebration of ‘The Velvet Voice’ fronted by Harry Cambridge and his 10 piece band.

4 £23.50, £18.50

The Illegal Eagles 23rd April 7.30pm Featuring the best from the Eagles’ catalogue of classics including Hotel California, Desperado, Take It Easy and many more. £32.50 Civic Centre, St Albans AL1 3LD www.alban-arena.co.uk

Eric Morecambe Centre

Evita 30th March - 2nd April 7.45pm & Sat 2.30pm Presented by Harpenden Musical Theatre Company with an exciting combination of Latin, jazz, pop and more traditional songs and dances.

An Evening with Dolly Parton - The Rags to Rhinestones Story 7th April 7.30pm A dynamic, high energy show that has standing ovations every time. £19.50 Thank Abba for the Music 8th April 7.30pm Stunning costumes, a live band, interactive video projection and ABBA’s spectacular harmonies in this feel-good show! £21.50 Record Fair 9th April 10am - 4pm Whether you’re a collector or browser, there’s music for all tastes in all formats. Free admission A Head Full of Coldplay 9th April 8pm With songs such as Yellow, Charlie Brown and Viva La Vida this is a unique show for Coldplay fans. £21.50 Zog & The Flying Doctors 14th April 4.30pm & 15th April 10.30am, 1.30pm & 4.30pm A modern take on the classic fairy tale. £15.50, child £13.50 A Night Out With…Rory Bremner 21st April 8pm One of the UK’s finest impressionists and satirical comedians talks about his varied career, with a Q&A session. £25 Go Now! The Music of the Moody Blues 22nd April 7.30pm Gordy Marshall who toured with The Moody Blues for 25 years, Mick Wilson (lead singer of 10CC) and a group of class musicians recreate classic hits such as Nights in White Satin, Tuesday Afternoon, Forever Autumn and many more. £25 The Foundations 28th April 8pm Famous for hits such as Build Me Up Buttercup and Baby Now That I’ve Found You. The original lead guitarist/vocalist Alan Warner is keeping the sound of the band alive with a group of hugely talented musicians. £23 Rothamsted Park, Harpenden AL5 2HU www.the-emc.co.uk 01582 767525

www.theNOWmagazines.com 07983 588291 jane@theNOWmagazines.com

5

DJ&M Plumbing Services Ltd We care about your small jobs too! ● Electric and Power Showers Fitted ● Ball Valves and Overflows ● Blocked WC’s, Sinks, Baths and

Basins

● Repair/Renew Stopcocks and Taps ● Plumb in Washing Machines

and Dishwashers

● Repair Leaking Pipes ● Outside Taps

Dean Herrington 01727 764217 07830 159010 info@djmplumbing.co.uk www.djmplumbing.co.uk see our main advert on the inside back cover

6

www.theNOWmagazines.com 07983 588291 jane@theNOWmagazines.com

7

07500 801192

8

The Harpenden Shutter Company We Supply & Fit Beautiful Wooden Plantation Window Shutters Specialising in Bay Windows

Free No Obligation

Consultation, Measuring & Quotation

Spring Sale 25% off Shutters

20% off all Blinds Awnings Poles & Curtains

Teresa & Kevin Buckler

01582 461639

kevin.buckler@fit-ex.com www.fit-ex.com/hertfordshire 20 Bewdley Close Harpenden

www.theNOWmagazines.com 07983 588291 jane@theNOWmagazines.com

9

Out & About Harpenden Writers

1st April 10am Poetry workshop: 'The passage of time' presented by lecturer Michael King.

All welcome, includes a cuppa and a chat about writing and writers. Members £2, guests £4 Friends' Meeting House, Harpenden AL5 1PD www.harpendenwriters.com

Meet the Artist

Thomas D Wright (aka Tommy Fiendish) 2nd & 3rd April 11am - 3pm This London based artist draws from a background in street art, tattooing and typography.

Molasses House, Harpenden AL5 5SA www.molasseshouse.com

Luton Hoo Walled Garden

Guided Tour 6th April 9.50am Enjoy the tranquillity of the ancient private landscape, not otherwise open to the public, discover its history and learn about the landscape designed

by Capability Brown. The walk is about six miles, with plenty of opportunities to take photos, and will take place in all weathers. Please book, £10 Spring Open Day 13th April 11am - 3pm This year is the 21st anniversary of the start of the volunteer project to rejuvenate the Walled Garden, come and see the difference 21 years has made.

22nd April 10.30am & 25th April 8pm online Luton Hoo Walled Garden, Beds LU1 4LF Find out how to apply to close your road for www.lutonhooestate.co.uk children’s play and community building.

Free, please book Easter Egg Trail www.sustainablestalbans.org/playingout 11th - 18th April 10am - 4pm Hertfordshire Health Walks There are 10 trail points for you to find each with a different activity. You will discover what’s so special Walks are free, led by qualified volunteers and about this area in spring. Collect your activity sheet graded between 20-30 minutes (first steps) and from the visitor centre, then once you’ve finished 90 minutes (grade 4) please arrive 15 minutes return to collect your Rainforest Alliance chocolate before the start time egg. £3 Highfield Park YMCA Highfield Park Centre Dunstable Downs, Whipsnade LU6 2GY 59 Russett Drive, St Albans AL4 0DB www.nationaltrust.org.uk Mondays 9.30am, grade 2-3 Tuesdays 1.30pm, first steps & grade 2-3 Easter Funfair Wheathampstead 14th - 18th April East Lane car park, behind The Bull pub Harpenden Common AL5 AL4 8BL Tuesdays 10.30am, grade 3 www.harpenden.gov.uk Harpenden Conference Centre car park, Rothamsted Research, St Albans Easter 10K West Common AL5 2JQ 15th April 9.30am Thursdays 10.30am, grade 4 This flat, fast and chip timed, single lap event starts Greenwood Park and finishes in Highfield Park and runs along the Alban Way towards Hatfield before making a loop via Community Centre, St Albans AL2 3HW Sleapshyde before returning. The route is on tarmac Fridays 2pm, grade 2-3 Batford and mostly traffic free. Minimum age 15, entry from Marquis Lane car park, Harpenden AL5 5AA £21, please book 2nd April 2pm, grade 4 Highfield Park, St Albans www.activetrainingworld.co.uk Bricket Wood Riverside Way car park, Bricket Wood AL2 3TX Sustainable St Albans 10th April 10.30am, grade 3-4 Playing Out Information Sessions www.hertfordshire.gov.uk 10

Future Nature Tree Surgery & Garden Care All Aspects of Tree Work Fruit Tree Specialist Garden Clearance & Fencing “Always leaves a clean and tidy site” St Albans Based 35 Years Experience Contact Chris

01727 844243 07518 626938 chris.futurenature@gmail.com www.theNOWmagazines.com 07983 588291 jane@theNOWmagazines.com

11

12

£444.

444

www.theNOWmagazines.com 07983 588291 jane@theNOWmagazines.com

13

The Flooring Professionals You Can Trust KC Flooring Specialists Ltd are experts in all types of flooring

Visit our Local Showroom KC Flooring Specialists LTD 200 Watford Road, Chiswell Green, St Albans AL2 3EB 01727 869 692

www.kcflooring.co.uk

14

We Clean & Restore...

Our services include:  Roofs - moss removal, soft

washing, cleaning, sealing, colour coating  Driveways - cleaning, sanding, sealing  Patios - cleaning, jointing, sealing  Gutters - vacuuming, guard supply & installation  Gutter/Fascia cleaning  Conservatory valets  Render cleaning

01582 757304 All major credit/debit cards accepted

www.arroofcleaning.co.uk

ar.roofandhardsurface@gmail.com

www.theNOWmagazines.com 07983 588291 jane@theNOWmagazines.com

15

16

www.theNOWmagazines.com 07983 588291 jane@theNOWmagazines.com

17

18

Delivering Hearing Excellence Since 1981 At Hearing Healthcare Practice, our hearing experts continue a rich tradition of clinical excellence that’s been refined for over 40 years. We’ve been a constant presence in Harpenden since we first opened our doors in 1981. We’ve never moved away or wanted to establish multiple branches in other towns as we know this would disrupt the level of care we provide to our local community. For us, small really is beautiful.

Instead, our focus has always been on developing new skills and increasing the range of services and hearing treatments we provide. Our specialists have been handpicked to help us achieve the best possible success for our clients and, over the years, we’ve collected award-after-award for our near fanatical levels of customer service. Our clients now travel significant distances to see us, and we’ve become a renowned centre for hearing care excellence, not only in Harpenden but in the UK, and beyond. But, although our client community has grown significantly we’ve always stayed close to our ethos of staying small.

‘What’s the best hearing aid?’

It’s a question we hear all the time! But what seems like a simple question is actually very difficult to answer. Because, in fact, there isn’t one answer! There are many, many excellent hearing devices, but every patient has their own individual best solution, expertly programmed for their personal needs. One size does not fit all.

Just like a musical instrument, where you only get to appreciate how beautiful it sounds in the hands of a great musician, a hearing aid is much the same, only performing properly if it’s tuned by a skilled hearing specialist. That’s where our audiologists truly shine and why our clients become such strong advocates for our approach, helping to create our unique reputation.

If you’re interested to find out more about what makes us different and, perhaps to become one of the thousands of converts to our approach to hearing healthcare, please get in touch.

It would be our pleasure to help you.

www.theNOWmagazines.com 07983 588291 jane@theNOWmagazines.com

19

20

How to reduce heat loss from your home - ‘The fabric first approach’ We all know that we are being asked to to identify areas of excessive heat loss in your on the way to creating an eco-friendly do ‘our bit’ in being more eco-friendly. home building, using thermographic equipment is a How can we achieve this in our homes? A family asked EcoTiffin to do just that and after enlisting their help, they commented: “EcoTiffin saved us 37% in energy bills whilst increasing our square footage by 35%, giving us a warm and welcoming home.”

Moisture in brickwork is the worst possible ingredient to have in your property and every effort should be made to prevent the ingress of moisture. Moisture in the brickwork reduces the bricks thermal capacity to retain heat and it has a chilling effect like a fridge on your home. Solid brick walls are by far the worst. Remember; wet walls are cold walls!

The fabric first approach is essential when improving insulation to roofs, walls, floors and windows which are just some of the ways of reducing heat-loss. The use of thermography (thermal imaging) is an exciting and relatively new application in the building world. If you want

good place to start.

Robert Tiffin (descendant of the original family) and highly respected building expert and Quantity Surveyor, has seen a rise in the number of families wanting to make their homes work more efficiently by reducing heat loss. Evidence from thermograms help to provide much of the data to substantiate Robert’s bespoke reports for each property in “seeing the unseen”. To the trained eye, the results can reveal important information enabling a clear diagnosis.

Homeowners can look forward to maximising their comfort to a warm, cosy and cost effective, healthier environment for themselves and their families.

www.theNOWmagazines.com 07983 588291 jane@theNOWmagazines.com

21

Spring Walk and Lunch with Head Gardener 22nd April 10.30am Seasonal highlights and a tour of the Swiss Garden with the Head Gardener, who will share the garden’s story and explain how it is cared for today. In spring the garden is full of colour and scent, and the Rhododendrons are in full flower.

Enjoy lunch, and chat with the garden team.

Clayton and Shuttleworth Tour 24th April 1pm The Clayton and Shuttleworth company started in 1845, building its first portable steam engine and in 1849 built its first threshing machine. Over the next 80 years they also built tractors and planes.

Join the tour guide and explore the rich history of this company and their ties to the Shuttleworth Collection. £20 Hatfield House Access All Areas and Lunch with Head All events included with admission to Park and Engineer 28th April 10.30am Grounds, adult £9.60, child £4.80 Join the Head Engineer for an exclusive backstage Spring Opening Weekend tour around the Shuttleworth Collection. Get up 2nd & 3rd April 10.30am - 5.30pm close to the exhibits and learn their stories from See the gardens as they blossom into a new the man responsible for running and maintaining season and enjoy exploring the Park. this historic collection. £60 Tudor Legacies 9th April 11am - 2pm Birdsong Walk 29th April 10.30am Interact with Henry VIII, his six wives, his children Enjoy a guided stroll through the Swiss Garden and many other historical characters. Find out and adjoining lakeside Woodland Walk, listening what it was really like to be married to one of out for birdsong and hopefully seeing some history’s most infamous kings. popular garden and woodland birds. Tickets also CJ’s Birds of Prey Experiences allow access to the Visitor Attraction £17.50 24th April 11am - 3pm Collection at Night with Live Music See a variety of birds including the second 29th April 5pm strongest Eagle the Crowned Hawk Eagle, the See the Shuttleworth Collection at night, while stunning Snowy Owl and more. There will be enjoying a burger, and a pint from local breweries. photographic opportunities and the team will be on With any luck you’ll see visiting aircraft flying, then hand to answer questions. as you settle down on the Runway Viewing www.hatfield-house.co.uk Paddocks you can enjoy live music from of local musicians.

Knebworth House www.shuttleworth.org Tickets for both events include access to Knebworth Park, Gardens, Adventure Playground Waddesdon Manor with Fort Knebworth and Dinosaur Trail.

Alice's Wonderlands 23rd March - 30th Oct Easter Trail 15th - 18th April Celebrate the life of Alice de Rothschild, Follow the Trail around Knebworth Gardens, discover her key role in Waddesdon’s history gather all the clues, solve the word jumble and with exhibitions, displays, special tours and claim a prize. Plus craft activity from 12pm - 3pm. themed activities. Free with house and grounds admission.

Hertfordshire Garden Show 30th April - 2nd May Producers’ Market Get plenty of inspiration for spring and summer 9th & 10th April 10am - 5pm and browse the wide variety of goods for sale Set within the picturesque grounds, discover some including garden furniture, water features, tools, of the finest arts and crafts makers, and food and sculptures and more. drink producers in the local area. With stalls offering seasonal produce and local traders selling www.knebworthhouse.com unique and handmade products.

Shuttleworth Easter Holidays 13th - 24th April 10am - 5pm Easter Bunny Fly-In and Egg Hunt See spring come to life with a nature-inspired trail.

17th April 10am Follow your map, make your own nature Look to the sky at around 11am to see the Easter discoveries and collect your Rainforest Alliance Bunny arrive. Follow them into The Swiss Garden chocolate egg at the end. and collect as many Eggs as you can, then take Normal grounds admission applies them to The Discovery Hub to collect your Easter Please book, £3 per trail Egg. Adults must have an admissions ticket. £2 www.waddesdon.org.uk

Out of Town

22

St Albans

Professionally handmade curtains, blinds, cushions and bedcovers Call for a free quotation or to discuss your requirements sue.m.smyth@gmail.com 01727 842394

www.theNOWmagazines.com 07983 588291 jane@theNOWmagazines.com

23

NOW at the Cathedral Printmaking Workshop 2nd April 10am - 3pm An introduction to the art of printmaking giving you the skills needed to make your own monoprint. £10 Guided Walk: The Great Survivor Tour 2nd April 2.30pm Walk the outline of the Cathedral and hear stories of the communities and people who have loved and saved it over the centuries; monks, martyrs, parishioners, Victorian restorers, royals and archbishops. £7, concs £6, child £3 JS Bach - St Johns Passion 2nd April 7.30pm Performed by St Albans Bach Choir. £12 - £30 More to Explore - What happens here at Easter? 3rd April 1.30pm At Easter Christians remember the death and resurrection of Jesus but how do they do this?

What is Lent? Why does the date of Easter change each year? Where do Hot Cross Buns and Eggs come into it? For people of any faith or none: the essential guide to Easter. Free Passiontide Service 3rd April 6pm A powerful meditative service of music, poetry and prayer, marking the start of Passiontide. Sung by the Cathedral Girls Choir and Lay Clerks.

Tower Tours 9th April 10am & 30th April 3.30pm Climb 211 steps to the top of the tower and enjoy fantastic views of St Albans. See the Cathedral's Rose Window up close, explore the roof spaces and visit the ringing and bell chambers, before climbing onto the roof of the tower. £10, concs £9 Palm Sunday Procession 10th April 9.30am Eucharist with Procession of Palms. Meet by the Clock Tower, High Street AL3 4EL ready to set off for the procession to the Cathedral. Bring a branch or some greenery to wave as you walk, and recall Jesus' journey to Jerusalem.

Organ Concert: James McVinnie 10th April 3pm free Organ Concert: Tom Winpenny 13th April 12.30pm free Maundy Thursday 14th April 11am - Chrism Eucharist 24

8pm - Liturgy of Maundy Thursday with Stripping of the Sanctuary and Watch at the Altar of Repose Good Friday 15th April 10am - Children's Service Aimed at primary school children with crafts, music, storytelling and a journey with Jesus to the Cross.

12pm - 3pm - Three Hours Devotion 8pm - Unity at the Cross Easter Eve 16th April 4pm - Evensong 8pm - Easter Vigil Easter Day Services 17th April 9.30am - Parish Eucharist 11.15am - Choral Eucharist 3.30pm - Evensong Oaklands College Art Exhibition 21st - 28th April Students research what happens to the waste we create, how and if it’s actually recycled and what is the impact on our environment. They explore these questions through a variety of media.

Music for Troubled Times - Haydn’s Nelson Mass and Blackford’s Pietà 23rd April 7.30pm Performed by St Albans Choral Society Beginners' Latin starting 25th April 7.30pm 5 week course with local Latin tutor Clare Harvey introducing you to the language and giving you the basic skills needed to read and translate original texts. £60 The Practice and Theory of Christian Ethics starting 26th April 7.30pm 5 weekly sessions examining four important areas of human life: LGBT+ relationships, violence, racism and mental health. £70 32 Paths of Wisdom: an Introduction to Jewish Mysticism 27th April 7.30pm With Rabbi Adam VIP Guided Tour 29th April 1.30pm New guided tour for individuals with visual impairments. Free, please book 01727 890290 www.stalbanscathedral.org

Local St Albans Plasterer M&M Decorators Fully qualified City and Guilds Over 20 years experience All interior and exterior work undertaken Specialist in all types of wallpaper All work finished to a high professional standard Free quotations at competitive prices Matthew Hayden 01582 270715 01727 867660 07970 720911 mandmdecs@gmail.com mandm_decorators

Jason Moffat All Aspects of Plastering Reliable Clean Trusted Very High Standard Plastering in St Albans for over 20 Years For Any Advice or a Quotation Please Call Today

07955 555 120 183 The Ridgeway St Albans AL4 9XE

01727 224802 www.theNOWmagazines.com 07983 588291 jane@theNOWmagazines.com

25

Herts & Middx Wildlife Trust Talk: Water Shrews: the Wolverines of the Wetlands - Online 5th April 7pm What UK mammal is black, white and venomous?

What survival strategies mean you can outlast sabretooth tigers and mammoths? Find out the answers about the incredible water shrew, a little-known but fascinating predator which lives in and around our waterways. Aimed at adults but all ages welcome Signs of Spring at Panshanger Park 5th, 9th & 12th April 11am - 3pm Panshanger Park, Hertford SG14 2NA Find out more about how nature comes to life at this time of year and enjoy family friendly activities.

Dawn Chorus at King's Meads 5th April 6am King's Meads, Ware SG12 9XD Each spring, King's Meads attracts a wide range of birds to its reed beds, trees and meadows. Including reed warblers, sedge warblers, grasshopper warblers, whitethroats, plus many other favourite birds bursting into song each dawn. Watch as the sun comes up over this ancient floodplain meadow and start your day soaking up the sounds.

For adults and ages 8+ Creatures of the Night 6th & 12th April 8pm Panshanger Park, Hertford SG14 2NA Go along and see what creatures come out as twilight beckons. Hear bats and owls, and learn the tricks to their superb hearing. All ages Woodland Wildflowers Wander 12th April 10.30am Stocking Spring Wood, Welwyn AL6 9BL Enjoy a guided walk with the Reserves Team learning about the woodland wildflowers, where and when to find them and how to identify them.

For adults and older children Dragonflies of King's Meads 15th April 11am King's Meads, Ware SG12 9XD This is one of the best nature reserves in the county for damselflies and dragonflies with a wide variety of habitats providing everything these incredible insects need. For adults and ages 8+ Home Farm Glamping - Bat Walk 27th April 8.30pm Aldenham Road, Elstree WD6 3AZ Join the wildlife expert to discover the bats found here. Using detectors, you’ll be able to hear them echo-locating in trees, hedgerows and over the lakes, seeking out moths and insects for their supper. All ages www.hertswildlifetrust.org.uk 26

NOW at the Museums St Albans Museum + Gallery

St Peter's Street AL1 3DH Crime Scene Investigation at the Museum 2nd April 7pm Immerse yourself in the world of forensics with real Crime Scene Investigator, Hayley Scott as the Museum becomes the scene of a murder.

With the historic backdrop of the old courthouse and cells. Adults only, £35 Family Block Printing Workshop 6th April 2pm Artist Anna Ray uses simple block printing techniques. Learn how to make different shaped stamps, to block print directly onto cloth.

Please book, £10 Town Hall Tours: Mayors, Magistrates & Museums 8th April 2.30pm Discover the fascinating historic spaces within the Museum. From the Assembly Room to the Cells below where prisoners were held, discover the hidden stories of this local landmark. Free, please book What's in your Suitcase? 13th April 2pm What would you take in your suitcase if you had to go on a long journey? What special objects remind you of home? Explore these questions in this drop-in craft activity while reflecting on the Arriving and Belonging exhibition. Free Commemorating the Leader of the Peasants’ Revolt A Blue Plaque celebrating the life of John Ball, a leader of the Peasants' Revolt in 1381, was recently unveiled at the Museum. Although it was unsuccessful it shook the country nearly causing the unseating of Richard II. Under John’s influence the townsfolk of St Albans rose up against the King, broke into the jail and besieged St Albans Abbey. John was an priest, famous for his revolutionary sermons where he preached equality and freedom from oppression. Following the failure of the Revolt, John Ball's trial was held in Moot Hall in St Albans, which was demolished in 1572 and replaced by the Town Hall building, now St Albans Museum + Gallery. Ball was sentenced to death, offered the chance to repent but refused, he was hung, drawn and quartered in the presence of Richard II on 15th July 1381.

Facebook: @blue-plaques-st-albans

Verulamium Museum

St Michael's Street AL3 4SW Crafts in the Colonnade 11th - 22nd April Make a Roman mask or recreate a Roman arena with a gladiator and lion. Drop in, children must be accompanied by an adult www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk

www.theNOWmagazines.com 07983 588291 jane@theNOWmagazines.com

27

Caring & Sharing Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal

More than a million people have fled their homes to escape conflict in Ukraine. Disasters Emergency Committees (DEC) charities are in Ukraine and neighbouring countries meeting the needs of all refugees and displaced people. Please donate what you can. £30 could provide essential hygiene supplies for 3 people for a month, £50 could provide blankets for 4 families or £100 could provide emergency food for 2 families for a month www.dec.org.uk

Easter Eggs for Children in Hospital

Each year at Easter the charity team at the L&D and Bedford Hospitals give Easter eggs and activity packs to the children’s wards. If you want to get involved please contact Fundraising@ldh.nhs.uk

Keech Hospice Care

Raise vital funds to give care for adults and children living with life-limiting or terminal illnesses. The Hospice rely on our community for 70% of funding.

Abseil the Iconic ArcelorMittal Orbit 1st April - 31st Oct Take on the UK's highest freefall abseil and see London from 262ft up. From the top, you will begin an exhilarating descent to the ground, with breath-taking 20-mile views across London. £30, minimum sponsorship £220 Queen Elizabeth II Olympic Park E20 2AD Wing Walk 7th May Take on the ultimate experience for hardened thrill-seekers, instead of jumping out of a plane why not stand on top of one! Registration £100, fundraising target £599 (including £399 for the wing walk) Damyns Hall Aerodrome RM14 2TN Skydive 8th May Enjoy the thrill of a tandem skydive from 10,000ft and raise money for your local hospice.

Hinton Skydive Centre, Brackley NN13 5NS www.keech.org.uk

finishing in central London and taking in 60 miles in the beautiful Essex countryside. Sign up today and enjoy the ride while making a real difference to the lives of patients and their families. www.stfrancis.org.uk

Rennie Grove Hospice Care

Question of Sport 28th April 6pm An evening of quizzing, eating and auctioning, it's the perfect opportunity to get friends and colleagues together and pit your sporting knowledge against the best, hosted by Sky Sports reporting legend Geoff Shreeves. Fantastic prizes are on offer in the auctions and the raffle.

Sopwell House, St Albans AL1 2HQ Open Water Swim 28th May 10am Take on the "get in and splash challenge" and raise just £30 to fund an hour of physiotherapy to help patients live independently. Or challenge yourself to swim as many loops of the lake as you can (100m, 500m or 750m) and aim to raise £150 to fund 5 hours of specialist care for a hospice at home nurse to help patients stay at home with their families.

Merchant Taylors' Lake, Northwood HA6 2HT 01442 890222 www.renniegrove.org

The Hospice of St Francis

Moor Park Golf Day 26th April With drinks and bacon rolls on arrival, shotgun start at 1.30pm, Beat the Pro, Nearest the Pin, Longest Drive Competitions and a 3 course evening meal. Walk this course in the footsteps of champions including Arnold Palmer, Seve Ballesteros, Sir Nick Faldo and Sandy Lyle. £70 for members, £105 for non-members Moor Park, Rickmansworth WD3 1QN Brighton Marathon 10th April Sign up for a charity place and receive support from the Hospice’s Fundraising team.

Registration £40, sponsorship target £500 Ride London-Essex 100 29th May A new 100-mile traffic-free route, starting and 28

UK registered charity no. 297489

W lun e also che en trip s & t joy s to hea tr get her e

www.theNOWmagazines.com 07983 588291 jane@theNOWmagazines.com

29

Campus West - Live Cinema

La Traviata 13th April 6.45pm & 17th April 2pm From the Royal Opera House. Courtesan Violetta sings some of Verdi’s most acclaimed arias including the joyous ‘Sempre libera’, in her poignant and passionate encounters with Alfredo and Germont.

National Theatre Live: Henry V 21st April 7pm Fresh to the throne, Henry V launches England into a bloody war with France. When his campaign encounters resistance, this inexperienced new ruler Voix De Vivre must prove he is fit to guide a country into war. This 2nd April 7.30pm exciting modern production explores what it means J S Bach Singet dem Herrn / Der Geist hilft to be English and our relationship to Europe.

Bruckner Locus iste /Christus factus est The Winter’s Tale 28th April 7.30pm MacMillan O radiant Dawn / Lux aeterna In the kingdom of Sicilia, King Leontes and Queen Stanford Three Latin Motets. £16.50, seniors £14 Hermione are expecting their second child. Hermione St Peter’s Church, St Albans AL1 3HG comes under the wrath of her husband and is accused www.voixdevivre.org of adultery, and refusing to believe her innocence, Leontes banishes the child which he believes is Abbey Theatre Footloose 7th - 9th April 7.30pm & 9th April 2.30pm not his. www.campuswest.co.uk This feel-good musical will leave you feeling uplifted and energised. Produced by St Albans Youth Music Come and Sing - Verdi's Requiem Theatre. £12, concs £11 23rd April 3 Women 22nd - 24th & 26th - 30th April times vary With Harpenden Choral Society Actor and comedian Katy Brand explores modern-day Registration 10.30am, event 11am - 3.30pm dilemmas in this frank and funny exploration of what it £17 in advance, £20 on the day, includes lunch means to be a woman, a mother or a daughter in the High Street Methodist Church, Harpenden 21st century. £13, concs £12 tickets@harpendenchoralsociety.org 01727 857861 www.abbeytheatre.org.uk www.harpendenchoralsociety.org

NOW for your Entertainment

The Old Town Hall

I, Elizabeth 8th April 8pm Elizabeth I: Queen at 25, political phoenix and famously unmarried, but who was the woman beneath the crown? Using only Elizabeth's words, Rebecca Vaughan explores the queen’s struggle to reconcile the desires of womanhood with the duties of sovereignty. £15, concs £13, child £12 Harriet - The Piano Sessions 9th April 8pm A singer songwriter whose music is inspired by Fleetwood Mac, Carole King, The Carpenters, Adele and Lana Del Rey. £18, concs £16 Eugene 23rd April 8pm A comedy theatre show that comes with integrated captioning via The Difference Engine, delivering part of the story through your smart device, so every performance is deaf friendly. £15, concs £13, child £12 The Old Town Hall, Hemel Hempstead HP1 3AE www.oldtownhall.co.uk

St Albans Organ Theatre

Theatre Organ Concert 9th April 2.30pm With Michael Wooldridge, please book Sunday Afternoon Opening 10th April 3pm Please book Vintage Tea 24th April 4pm Enjoy tea, sandwiches and cake, while being entertained by some of the quieter instruments in the collection. Please book by 15th April, £20 www.stalbansorgantheatre.org.uk 30

Barn Theatre Hangmen 25th March - 2nd April 8pm & 2nd April 2.30pm As the noose is abolished in 1960s England, the country’s second-best hangman, now running a neighbourhood pub, reflects on his life and profession with both regulars and a mysterious stranger. £13 September in the Rain 6th - 9th April 8pm & 9th April 2.30pm 30 years of love and arguments in not-so-sunny Blackpool. This play will leave you feeling warm, happy and strangely nostalgic for British family holidays by the sea. £10 The Lifeblood 22nd - 30th April 8pm & 30th April 2.30pm It’s 1588, Mary Stuart is held captive with only Claude Arno, her loyal French secretary, for company. One day a stranger, Thomas Gorge appears who tells Mary that the Catholic thrones of France and Spain stand ready to rescue her. £13 Welwyn Garden City AL8 6ST 01707 324300 www.barntheatre.co.uk

The Sandpit Theatre

Terry Alderton It’s Terry 29th April 7.30pm One of the most exciting comedians around, picking up the odd award and performing in comedy festivals all over the globe. He also played ‘Terry Spraggan’ in BBC EastEnders. £17 www.sandpittheatre.co.uk

01582 712222 www.molasseshouse.com

Molasses House 3 Station Road, Harpenden AL5 5SA info@molasseshouse.com

www.theNOWmagazines.com 07983 588291 jane@theNOWmagazines.com

31

NOW for the Kids

Easter Eggstravaganza

2nd - 18th April Enjoy an egg-cellent day of family fun including an Easter Egg Hunt, Easter Grotto, funfair rides, adventure play and Peter Rabbit and Friends will be there with egg-stra special shows and meet and greets. www.willowsactivityfarm.com

Jurassic Encounter 2nd - 18th April

As you explore the park, beware of dinosaurs at every twist and turn, they’ll be hiding in the bushes, grazing in the treetops and towering above your heads. Get up close to the T Rex the king of the Jurassic Era, walk in the shadows of the long-necked giants Diplodocus and Brontosaurus and come face-to-face with snarling caged raptors! Grab a bite to eat, dig up a fossil, ride a dino or try a VR experience. £16, child £14 Cassiobury Park, Watford WD17 3EX www.jurassicencounters.uk/#opening

Easter at Whipsnade

An Easter Trail with a Difference! 2nd - 24th April Eggs-plore Whipsnade and look out for the giant eggs, each connected to one of the wonderful animals.

There’ll also be special golden eggs hidden around the zoo, if you find one you'll win a 'egg-stra' special prize.

Meet & Greet Bluey & Bingo! 9th - 12th April Meet the playful pup from Down Under, Bluey and her younger sister Bingo. Kids (and maybe grown-ups too) will love the chance to get up close to this adorable Aussie phenomenon! www.zsl.org/zsl-whipsnade-zoo

Easter Chicken Quiz

6th April 10.30am - 2.30pm Collect your quiz sheet from the Visitor Centre to take part in this Easter treasure hunt, then return your completed quiz to collect your prize.

Highfield Park Visitor Centre, St Albans AL4 0RA www.highfieldparktrust.co.uk

Celtic Harmony Camp

6th - 10th April 10am - 4pm Enjoy a family adventure this Easter and relax with good food, fun activities, friction fire lighting demos and storytelling. Explore the woodland on a dragon quest, make a clay egg and Celtic dream catcher or practice your aim on the Mammoth. Please book, £12.50 Celtic Harmony Camp, Brickenden SG13 8NY www.celticharmony.org

East Egg Hunt 15th April 10am - 4pm

There will be 10 clues leading to Easter themed signs on the Common, when the clues have been solved, children can collect their egg from the Cricket Club, where there will be refreshments, a bake stall and face painting. The Hunt is organised by Friends of Harpenden Academy. Harpenden Common www.harpenden.gov.uk 32

www.theNOWmagazines.com 07983 588291 jane@theNOWmagazines.com

33

Index of Businesses Art Gallery Molasses House

31

Flooring KC Flooring Specialists Ltd

14

Bathing Mobility Bathing Mobility Advisory Service

27

Garage Doors Garolla

12

Building Complete Refurbishment & Roofing 20 Eco Tiffin 21 Kingsholme Back Cover Open Plan Solutions 8

Gardening Future Nature

11

Healthcare Spire Harpenden Hospital

16 & 17

Car Servicing / Repairs M Chapman Auto Services

Hearing Services Hearing Healthcare Practice

18 & 19

Charities Rennie Grove Hospice Care - Will Writing Traid Children's Art Classes ArtShed!

12

29 28 5

Children’s Development Classes Gymboree Play & Music

32

Chimney Sweep The Local Chimney Sweep

23

Cleaning A & R Roof & Hard Surface Cleaning & Restoration Ltd Domestique Conservatory Roof Solutions Nu-Look

15 15 7

Dance & Drama Penny Waterman School of Dance Stagecoach

33 33

Dog Boarding Wagging Tails

10

Education Kumon

32

Electrician Alban Electrical Services Estate Agents Ashtons

6 35

Infant Sleep Consultant The Good Mood Brood

2

Locksmiths Lock Around the Clock Locksmith Services

9 9

Loft Ladders Home Counties Loft Ladders Online Learning for Business RLBM Learning

13 3

Painters & Decorators CB Decorators M & M Decorators

25 25

Plasterer Jason Moffat

25

Plumber DJ&M Plumbing Services Ltd Roofing GJ Smith Roofing

6 & 35 23

Shutters The Harpenden Shutter Company Singing Club Clover Singing Club Slimming Lighter Life

9 29 Front Cover

Soft Furnishings Sue Smyth

23

Tree Surgeons Fircroft Tree Surgery Ltd

11

Windows & Doors Cloud 9 Kings Windows

3 6

Effective Low Cost Advertising that Really Works “It’s amazing, we get so much work from our advert in ‘harpenden NOW’, more than anything else, including yell.com and Yellow Pages, I would say it’s amazing!” Mike, Prestige Paint Shop Ltd

34

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

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 ●

Complete

●

Bathroom, Cloakroom, Shower Room and Kitchen Installations ●

●

●

●

●

Local Family Run Business, Over 35 Years Experience

●

Honest and Reliable Service

●

Free Consultation/ Quotation for all Enquiries

●

Tiling Plastering Electrical

●

Discounts on all Bathrooms & Kitchens 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 01727 764217

info@djmplumbing.co.uk

www.djmplumbing.co.uk

www.theNOWmagazines.com 07983 588291 jane@theNOWmagazines.com

35

36