st albans NOW Dec 20

Pick p me u I’m E FRE

st albans December 2020

NOW

Local businesses, what’s on and lots more inside

Tony and the Team at Tielsi Hairdressing wish you all a Safe and Peaceful Christmas

promoting local businesses, organisations and events since 2006

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Welcome to December We’re delighted to have found so many local events happening this month, we hope they will all go ahead as planned, but please make sure you check websites for any changes.

Lockdown has again highlighted the importance of local businesses to our community, so please continue to ‘think local’ when looking through the magazine to see who you need, from Bathing Mobilty to Windows and Doors.

If you’re interested in advertising, please get in touch.

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

We wish you all a safe and peaceful Christmas

Jane & Wendy @theNOWmagazines

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To Advertise 07983 588291 jane@theNOWmagazines.com

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Festive Fun for Everyone

Please check websites for any changes

Van Hage Garden Centre 3rd - 24th Dec Visit Santa in his traditional Christmas Grotto, which will be bigger than ever to allow for social distancing, receive a gift and have a photo with the man himself. £11.50 per child, please book Van Hage Garden Centre SG12 9RP www.vanhage.co.uk

Burston Garden Centre 3rd - 24th Dec Children can walk through Candy Cane Lane, spot the mini gingerbread men, create an elf name and take an elfie selfie. All activities will be non-contact to keep everyone safe. Each family can spend time with Santa, before choosing a present from his sack. The restaurant will be serving festive food, so why not stop off for breakfast, lunch or coffee and cake.

Burston Garden Centre AL2 2DS www.burston.co.uk

The Olde Watermill 3rd - 24th Dec Fri-Sun until 18th Dec then daily Believe in the magic of Christmas and let Santa put a smile on your face. The new COVID safe Grotto has been laid out to offer a 20 minute private family experience (3 - 6 people per booking). You will be greeted by cheeky Elf, Elfie Selfie and Tinseltoes, who will help you wish upon a star, make Reindeer food and belly laugh with their antics and magic tricks, before you meet Santa and Mrs. Claus. With a present for every child and photo opportunities this is an experience not to be missed. Please book The Olde Watermill, Barton-le-clay MK45 4RF www.tickettailor.com

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ZSL Whipsnade 3rd - 24th Dec Weekends until 19th Dec then daily See Mrs Claus and the cheeky elves, and join in with Christmas crafts before meeting the man himself. Every child will receive a gift.

VIP experience of breakfast with Santa also available. Please book ZSL Whipsnade Zoo LU6 2LF www.zsl.org

Woburn Sands Garden Centre Ice Rink 3rd Dec - 3rd Jan A skating rink with real ice, skates are included in the price, and skating aids will be available.

Please book Adult £7.50 - £14.50, child £5 - £9.50 Newport Road, Milton Keynes MK17 8UF www.wsemporium.co.uk

Hogwarts in the Snow 3rd Dec - 17th Jan Get into the festive spirit as this annual event returns with more snow than ever. For the first time Diagon Alley undergoes a wintery transformation with the cobbled stones and magical shop fronts given a festive makeover, draped in layers of filmmaking snow. Though Diagon Alley was not seen in the snow, the set was used for parts of Hogsmeade during the wintery scenes when Harry made use of his invisibility cloak to join the school trip without permission.

Warner Bros Studio Tour WD25 7LR www.wbstudiotour.co.uk

Vintage 1940s Christmas Grotto

Lunch With Santa

5th - 23rd Dec 10am - 3pm Weekends until 19th Dec then daily Enjoy a magical meeting with Father Christmas in the beautifully decorated Mansion, where children can tell him their Christmas wishes and take photos surrounded by vintage toys, Christmas trees and 1940’s decorations.

All children will receive a gift. Please book.

Bletchley Park MK3 6EB www.bletchleypark.org.uk

6th, 13th, 20th, 22nd, 23rd & 24th Dec 12 noon - 3pm Enjoy an early Christmas lunch of turkey and all the trimmings followed by Christmas Bakewell tart and ice cream, complete with a visit from Santa and a gift for every child.

Please book, maximum 6 guests Knebworth Barns SG1 2AX www.knebworthhouse.com

Father Christmas visits Wardown Museum

12th, 13th, 19th, 20th & 21st Dec Enjoy a steam train ride and see Santa, where all children will receive a present. Please book Buckinghamshire Railway Centre, Quainton, Aylesbury HP22 4BY www.bucksrailcentre.org

5th - 23rd Dec 11am - 3pm, every 30 mins Enjoy a story in the library with Holly Claus before joining her father, Father Christmas in the dining room for a special gift from under the tree.

Afterwards, you can enjoy milk and cookies with the friendly elves and have a photo with Santa.

Adult £6, child £14, age 10+ www.culturetrust.com

The Enchanted Christmas Journey 5th - 24th Dec Make festive memories where your experience will be socially distanced but just as magical.

Discover the Enchanted Forest with magical portals, meet Father Christmas and his elves where children will receive a gift, learn to be an Elf at Elf Academy, decorate gingerbread and meet some adorable animals.

Mead Open Farm, Billington LU7 9JH www.meadopenfarm.co.uk

Leighton Buzzard Railway Santa’s Steam Specials 5th, 6th, 12th, 13th, 16th, 19th, 20th, 21st, 22nd & 23rd Dec Take a 25-minute steam-train ride over a historic narrow-gauge railway that’s more than 100 years old, and run by enthusiastic volunteers. Meet Santa in his grotto and receive a gift. And to help with your own present-hunting, the shop at Page’s Park station has the best selection of Thomas products, and much more besides.

Age 13+ £9, under 12’s £9.50 incl present Mince Pie Specials 27th & 28th Dec Santa will be off on his holidays once Christmas is over, but for a couple of days, you can still enjoy the festive steam train ride and seasonal refreshments. Adult £7.50, child £4.50 Page's Park Station, Billington Road, Leighton Buzzard, LU7 4TG. www.buzzrail.uk

Santa at the Station

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Christmas Show 12th Dec - 3rd Jan Featuring a menagerie of enchanting puppets in a magical show that adapts four of Eric Carle's beloved books for the stage, Brown Bear, 10 Little Rubber Ducks, the newly added Dream Snow and, of course, The Very Hungry Caterpillar.

A special, live, socially distanced performance for everyone to enjoy.

Hertford Theatre SG14 1PS www.hertfordtheatre.com

British Schools Museum 19th Dec 10am - 4pm Join Santa on his sleigh, all children will receive a gift. Please book www.britishschoolsmuseum.org.uk

Christmas Adventure Quest 26th Dec - 3rd Jan 10am - 4pm Enjoy this festively-fun event with your family and discover fun facts and untold stories in the places where history happened. Hunt for clues and QR codes which reveal quirky tales and lead you to a small reward. It’s a great way to get out and about in Christmas week.

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

Tracking Santa Every year on Christmas Eve, in a programme set up in 1965 by the North American Aerospace Defense Command, you can track Santa as he leaves the North Pole and delivers presents to children around the world. Visit the website from 1st December and watch the countdown to Santa’s launch www.noradsanta.org

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Christmas Story from the shepherds, wisemen and innkeeper. Whether you start at the Cathedral or one of the stops in town, make sure you collect all your stamps and return to the Cathedral to visit the Crib and collect a Christmas gift.

Lessons & Carols* 19th Dec 7.30pm 20th Dec 4pm (family friendly) & 7.30pm 21st Dec 7.30pm Featuring music from the Cathedral Choirs and traditional seasonal readings.

Christmas Eve A Tale on Christmas Eve 1pm & 2.30pm* Events are subject to change, and most Christmas A family friendly festive story time, telling the story services will be ticketed, with tickets being released of Papa Panov. from 3rd December. Please visit the website for the Evensong 5.30pm* latest information. Ticketed services* A quiet and reflective service marking the end of Talk: Royal Witches in St Albans Advent and the beginning of Christmas.

3rd Dec 7.30pm online via Zoom Midnight Mass 11pm* Exploring the history behind royal women accused of The first celebration of Christmas, with carols and witchcraft. Learn about their lives, the accusations music sung by the Cathedral Choir. against them, and their connections to St Albans.

Christmas Day £10, £6 Eucharist 9.30am* Virtual Willow Carol Concert Service for all ages sung by the Cathedral Girls 4th Dec 7.30pm online, YouTube & Facebook Choir and men of the Cathedral Choir.

Enjoy this annual concert hosted by founders Bob Eucharist 11.15am* and Megs Wilson. With popular carols from Service sung by the boys and men of the Hertfordshire Chorus, musical performances and Cathedral Choir. more, tune in at home, with mince pies, mulled wine Daily Tours* and your nearest and dearest for a fun evening in Free tours with Cathedral Guides support of Special Days. Free, donations gratefully Weekdays: 11.30am, 1.05pm, 2.30pm received Saturdays: 11.30am, 1.05pm, 2pm Advent Carols Service 6th Dec 6pm* Sundays: 1.05pm, 2.30pm Candlelit service combining readings and music Exhibition: The Power of Pilgrimage marking the start of Advent.

See the story of St Alban and the history of the Quiet Abbey 7th & 14th Dec 7.30pm Cathedral brought to life in new displays and audio Lit only by candlelight, the Cathedral will be open visuals. Learn about the Abbey and how the monks for quiet reflection and prayer. created beautiful manuscripts in this digital tour and Christingle Service 13th Dec 3pm* experience a year in the life of the Cathedral.

This service uses a special symbol, a decorated Tree Trail orange, to explore the story of God’s love for the Discover the history of some of the most ancient world at Christmas. trees in St Albans, on this trail starting with the Talk: Who was Thomas Becket? famous cedar tree in Sumpter Yard.

His Portrayal Through Time Download the trail from the website 16th Dec 7.30pm online via Zoom www.stalbanscathedral.org Marking the 850th anniversary of St Thomas Beckets death, whose image is emblazoned on the walls of the Cathedral, painted during the medieval period onto a pillar of the nave, and re-illuminated as part of the ‘Alban, Britain’s First Saint’ project. £10, £6 Pop Up Carols 19th Dec 10am-3pm Throughout the day an assortment of musical ensembles will perform festive favourites around the Cathedral. There will also be a chance to watch a Nativity play and take part in the Nativity Trail.

Nativity Trail 19th Dec 10am-3pm Pick up one of the new Nativity Trails, and hear the

NOW at the Cathedral

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Out & About & Online!

St Albans Museum + Gallery

Herts & Middx Wildlife Trust

Exhibition: Looking Back, Looking Forward until 31st Jan online 2020 marks the 175th anniversary of St Albans & Hertfordshire Architectural & Archaeological Society, the home for people curious about the history of St Albans. Telling the story of the city and surrounding district, this exhibition highlights a series of fascinating objects, including a model of the Clock Tower, the only medieval town belfry in England.

See this free exhibition online by visiting www.stalbanshistory.org Exhibition: Cabaret Mechanical Marvels 3rd Dec - Feb 21 Explore the fascinating world of automata with Cabaret Mechanical Theatre and see the tools used to create them. These whimsical mechanical artworks illustrate their inner workings at the push of a button or turn of a lever, enabling a greater understanding of mechanics, engineering and art. They simpley but effectively demonstrate the basic principles behind cams, drives, linkages, pulleys, ratchets, gears and levers. They also showcase the creativity of their makers from funny scenes to intriguing stories the simple movements bring these sculptures to life. Adult £4, child £2

Talk: Winter Tree Identification 3rd Dec 7pm online * Andy Holtham, HMWT volunteer talks about how to use keys and guides to help identify trees in Hertfordshire in their winter state. With Q&A, and handouts to download.

Talk: Introduction to Spiders 10th Dec 7pm online * An introduction to spider biology, behaviour, conservation and ecology, with a chance to ask questions. * Please book, suggested donation £5 per registration www.hertswildlifetrust.org.uk

St Albans Tour Guides’ Walks Ghosts and Ghouls 3rd & 9th Dec 7pm / 10th Dec 8pm From Tudor St Albans To Roman Verulamium: A Walk Back in Time 5th & 12th Dec 11am Historic St Albans - A City Revealed 6th, 13th, 28th Dec & 1st Jan 11.15am Each walk is £5 per person, please book www.stalbanstourguides.co.uk

RSPB Events Zoom Online Talk: Inspired by Birds 4th Dec 7.30pm free, please book martinrjspc@hotmail.com 01763 249459 Zoom Online Talk: Recovering UK's Most Threatened Birds 9th Dec 8pm £3.50 With Gwyn Williams who has been involved in helping our most threatened species, including bittern, black tailed godwits, stone curlew and cirl bunting.

WatfordRSPB@gmail.com 01582 792843 Zoom Online Talk: Hedgehogs 10th Dec 8pm £2.50 Dr Pat Morris MBE will shed light on the conservation efforts crucial to the survival of these charming creatures. Please book carolsmithuk@hotmail.com 01923 897885 Zoom Online Talk: Moths and Butterflies of RSPB Reserves 11th Dec 8pm £3 Describing the rarer butterflies and moths of Nature Reserves around the UK. Please book pbandb.rspb@gmail.com Walk: The Misbourne Valley, Old Amersham, Bucks 12th Dec 10am, Free A morning walk alongside the Misbourne chalk stream.

Please book 01494 431289 arwright@avnet.co.uk Zoom Online Presentation: My Life as a Wildlife Photographer 15th Dec 8pm £3 Bob Johnson will cover tigers, great whites, grizzlies, polar bears, golden eagles,common cranes, humming birds and a host of UK wildlife.

Please book se_herts_rspb@yahoo.co.uk ww2.rspb.org.uk

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St Albans Clock Tower Our Clock Tower is the only surviving medieval town belfry in England and is designated as a Scheduled Ancient Monument.

The people of St Albans built the tower, which was completed by 1405 as a symbol of their resistance against the power of the Abbot of St Albans. It allowed the town to sound its own hours and, until 1863, the curfew. The Clock Tower's bell rang out for the 1st Battle of St Albans during the Wars of the Roses in 1455. Today, the tower, and its 600 year old bell, still stands face to face with the Abbey's tower and provides fantastic views over St Albans and the Hertfordshire countryside.

You can now explore the Tower with a virtual tour, go to the website, click on ‘visit’, enter the door, climb the stairs and enjoy the view. www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk

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FREE Oven Liner (RRP £12) with all cleans completed by 30/12/20

St Albans’ Cookers are now going to be Turkey Ready!

St Albans’ homeowners welcome the news that Duane Smith is now not only cleaning ovens but gleaming them! Duane is your local OvenGleamer for St Albans and the surrounding areas.

Fear not, your cooker, oven or range can now be gleamed to a fresh, hygienic and “as new” looking finish ready for you to cook that Turkey or Nut Roast this year. The smoking and greasiness will be ecologically gleamed away using a vegetable-based paste; OvenGleamers prides itself as being the only local oven cleaning company that never uses harmful chemicals in your home.

Duane explains “The Covid-19 safe cleaning process is not only child, pet and asthmatic friendly but also includes a post clean anti-virus sanitisation of all surfaces.”

Book now to guarantee your Turkey comes out of the oven as fresh as it goes in, call Duane on 01727 743480 or go to www.ovengleamers.com for more details.

We supply Laminate Engineered Solid Wood Carpet Vinyl Safety Flooring We only deal with the highest quality brands such as Kahrs, Quickstep, Elka, and Polyflor.

Our Fitters are Professionally Qualified, and we offer a Free Sample Service, Free Brochures, Free Quotes, and In-House Appointments.

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We specialise in HOME AND BUSINESS CLEANING Quality service Daily, weekly or one-off cleans Tailored to meet your needs

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Time to Get Festive Please check websites for any changes

Christmas at Waddesdon 3rd - 20th Dec Weds - Sun 12 noon - 7.30pm Visit this enchanting outdoor extravaganza, soak up the sights, smells and sounds of Christmas with over 80 stalls all housed in wooden chalets, surrounded by twinkling trees. As twilight falls see the gardens sparkle with spectacular light displays bringing the extraordinary landscape to life. Treat yourself to a festive afternoon tea of savoury and sweet festive fancies. Please book Waddesdon Manor, Aylesbury HP18 0JE www.waddesdon.org.uk

Christmas Afternoon Tea 4th, 5th, 11th, 12th, 18th & 19th Dec 3pm Treat yourself to a selection of sandwiches, a spiced scone with clotted cream and jam, other festive treats and a glass of Kir Royale.

Please book, maximum 6 guests Knebworth Barns SG1 2AX www.knebworthhouse.com

Christmas Weekend 5th & 6th Dec 10am - 4pm Find out how Christmas was celebrated in the past and see some of the Museum's historic buildings traditionally decorated. There’ll be a small artisan Christmas market and the Museum's shop will be full of local handmade products including jewellery, candles, preserves and gin. Listen to carol singing and have your family portrait taken (additional charge). Grounds and gardens £5, please book Chiltern Open Air Museum HP8 4AB www.coam.org.uk

British Schools Museum Christmas Craft Fair 5th & 6th Dec 10.30am - 2pm Beautiful local crafts for unique seasonal gifts.

Festive Headmaster's House 9th - 31st Dec 10am - 4pm See the decorated Victorian Headmaster's House like you’ve never seen it before.

Christmas School-yard Sale 12th Dec 10am - 2pm Bric-a-brac, books and cakes.

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Winter Wonderland 13th, 19th -24th Dec 10am - 4pm A magical Winter Wonderland experience.

Christmas Readings 19th Dec 10am - 4pm Hear costumed characters reading excerpts from favourite Christmas books.

Please book for all events www.britishschoolsmuseum.org.uk

St Albans Mummers St George and the Dragon 26th Dec St Alban's Mummers are hoping to present this traditional play in various locations in the city centre, if the COVID-19 rules will allow it, the show will go on! Check the website for up to date information www.stalbansmummers.org.uk

Hospice of St Francis Christmas Cards The Hospice has a range of high quality cards, available in their charity shops and online.

Make sure you get yours while stocks last. www.stfrancis.org.uk

Cards for Good Causes raises up to £100k for charity each year in St Albans alone, sellling Christmas cards and gifts. The 250 charities supported by them will suffer due to the lockdown as they can’t trade in the usual way. So they have introduced a Click and Collect service at selected locations, and new ones are being added daily so please check back or place orders via the website. www.cardsforcharity.co.uk

Local Markets St Albans Christmas Charter Market 12th - 24th Dec daily 9am - 4pm St Peters Street AL3 5DJ Festive cheer with gifts, produce and more.

St Albans Farmers’ Market 13th Dec 8am - 2pm St Peters Street AL3 5DJ Local specialities, seasonal fruit and veg, top quality meat and game, freshly baked cakes and bread and hand crafted goods, plus entertainment.

Harpenden Farmers’ Christmas Market 20th Dec 10am - 2pm Rothamsted Research Conf Centre AL5 2JQ Live choirs, chestnuts, mulled drinks and more as well as a visit from Father Christmas and a Christmas craft activity for the children.

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

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

Festive Fun Please check websites for any changes

The Queen's House Ice Rink 3rd Dec - 10th Jan A magical place to skate with unbeatable views of the Thames and Greenwich Royal Park as you weave (or wobble) your way around the rink. Safety measures are in place with a larger ice rink than usual so you can skate with confidence. Please book www.rmg.co.uk

Hampton Court Palace Palace Ice Rink 3rd Dec - 3rd Jan Located in front of Henry VIII’s historic home, this stunning rink offers something for everyone, from novice to expert. Enjoy a daytime skate, perhaps followed by a visit to the palace, or soak in the ambience of an evening session, when the historic Tudor gate is bathed in light. The ice rink is bigger than ever this year, allowing extra space for you to skate safely. Enjoy a hot drink or sweet treat while you soak up the festive atmosphere at the heated Ice Rink Café Bar. Everyone is welcome in this relaxing, festive spot, whether you're a skater or a spectator. www.hamptoncourtpalaceicerink.co.uk Festive Fayre 4th - 6th & 11th - 13th Dec 10am - 4.30pm The perfect start to your Christmas celebrations Eat, drink and be merry in the Palace courtyards and East Front gardens which will be transformed into a food-lover's Christmas wonderland. Soak up the atmosphere with singalong festive classics and indulge in delicious street food and festive drinks. Browse the unique gift stalls, perfect for that foodie Christmas treat. Please book, entrance is included in Palace entry cost. www.hrp.org.uk/hampton-court-palace

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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

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

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

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NOW at the Local Theatres Please check websites for changes

Winter Concerts 4th, 5th, 18th & 19th Dec 7pm Rothamsted Manor will be joining forces with Steve Moss, musical director of Les Miserables to host four special festive concerts featuring some of the UK’s leading musical theatre actors. Each concert will be socially distanced, with groups seated apart.

There are just 26 tickets available per concert, so book now to avoid disappointment Rothamsted Manor, Harpenden AL5 2JQ www.rothamstedenterprises.com

That’ll Be The Day’s Rock & Roll Christmas Show 5th Dec 7pm online Join this rollercoaster sleigh ride through the ‘golden’ age of Rock & Roll and Pop, a sparkling mix of Christmas hits, hilarious comedy and nostalgia. Grab your chance to see this new prerecorded Christmas show from the comfort of your armchair. Buy your ticket and receive a link to watch the show online direct from the Gordon Craig Theatre, Stevenage. www.thatllbetheday.events

Barn Theatre The Best Man 10th - 13th Dec 8pm online A richly dark and comic tale that absorbs the listener and makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end. Telling the story of Bailey, the best man at his oldest friend’s wedding, this is a tale of love and cheating, with a sting.

City of Tomorrow 16th - 18th Dec Celebrating the 100th Anniversary of Welwyn Garden City. www.barntheatre.co.uk

lashings of magic, mischief, music and makebelieve, and a little sprinkle of fairy dust. Capacity is reduced to 40% so tickets are limited. £1 from every ticket sold will be donated to Great Ormond Street Hospital.

The Alban Arena AL1 3LD www.maltingstheatre.co.uk

The Sandpit Theatre Matthew Bourne’s Cinderella 12th Dec 7pm A thrilling love story set in London during WW2.

A chance meeting results in a magical night for Cinderella and her dashing RAF pilot, together just long enough to fall in love before being parted by the Blitz. This story is heart-stopping and takes you into the heart of Prokofiev’s magnificent score.

Concerto: A Beethoven Journey 16th Dec 7pm Filmed over 4 years, leading concert pianist Leif Ove Andsnes attempts to understand and interpret some of the greatest works for piano ever written: Beethoven’s five piano concertos. Considered one of the top pianists of the age, Andsnes offers rare insights into the mind of a world-class pianist.

Dream Maker 19th & 20th Dec 11am, 2pm & 4pm Discover the mysteries of Dream Making and share the secrets of mixing the perfect dream. An inclusive, interactive show that families can enjoy together safely. Visit the Dream Shop in your family group and have your own space to work and play together to create a fantastic dream.

A perfect return to the theatre. Age 3+ www.sandpittheatre.co.uk

The Secret Garden

12th - 30th Dec 7.30pm & 2.30pm In theatre and live streamed When Mary Lennox's parents suddenly die, she is sent to live with her uncle, on his remote country estate deep in the Yorkshire moors. While exploring, she discovers a hidden magical garden.

A classic tale of discovery and friendship, just what we need in these challenging times. Join us at the Peter Pan 11th Dec - 3rd Jan theatre or from the comfort of your own home.

The Maltings Theatre presents a musical version of £15, concs £9 JM Barrie's classic, much loved play, told with Abbey Theatre AL1 2DL www.abbeytheatre.org.uk OVO’s customary irreverence and wit. With

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Guide Dogs Christmas Wishes 12th Dec 6.30pm - 7.30pm online You are invited to an evening of yuletide cheer including a silent auction and raffle and celebrity appearances from Adrian Chiles, Aled Jones, Alan Titchmarsh, Jonathan Antoine and Classical Reflection, all from the comfort of your sofa.

Get in the Christmas spirit and help celebrate all the incredible wishes that have been granted this year, for children and adults living with sight loss.

Guide Dogs need your support now more than ever and the cost of your ticket will help make even more wishes come true next year. ÂŁ10 www.guidedogsauction.org.uk

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

Free No Obligation Consultation, Measuring & Quotation

Winter Sale 25% off Shutters 20% off all Blinds Awnings Poles & Curtains

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01582 461639 kevin.buckler@fit-ex.com www.fit-ex.com/hertfordshire 20 Bewdley Close Harpenden

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Caring & Sharing

St Albans Old People’s Trust Established over 20 years ago this independent charity has helped over 500 residents over the age of 60 by paying for goods and services that, for various reasons, they couldn’t afford.

01727 260701 www.staopt.org

Rennie Grove Hospice Care Virtual Christmas Wreath Making 3rd Dec Make a wreath at home or host your own Zoom call with mulled wine and mince pies. Sign up for your wreath kit by 11am on 1st Dec and collect it from Grove House, AL3 5QX on 3rd Dec. £30 Rudolph Run 1.5K Physical Event 6th Dec 10am - 1.30pm Meet at the Waterend Barn AL1 3LE Dress up in your best festive attire and they'll provide the antlers. Groups limited to six. Adult £10, child £6 Sign up closes on 4th Dec at 10am 1.5K Virtual Event Complete your 1.5K on any day in December.

Put on your festive outfit then run, walk or even scoot around your local park or garden. Adult £10, child £6. Sign up closes 18th Dec at 5pm.

Virtual Light up a Life Service 13th Dec 5pm - 6pm Hosted by Pam Rhodes, with a reading, solo singer, a poem, a moment for reflection and the opportunity to light a candle and watch the Christmas Tree lights being switched on.

Order your Light up a Life pack online. www.renniegrove.org

The Hospice of St Francis Gifts & Crafts Winter Market 5th Dec 10am - 4pm Stalls selling gifts, food, drink and local produce from handmade toys, accessories and skincare to treats for your pets and stunning local art.

Berkhamsted Cricket Club HP4 1HE Christmas Shopping Weekend 5th & 6th Dec 10am - 4pm Gifts, decorations, upcycled pieces and more.

Returned to Glory, Berkhamsted HP4 1EH Light up a Life 6th Dec 4.30pm online This moving event, features readings, songs, the lighting of the Hospice Tree lights and the chance to remember the special people in our lives. www.stfrancis.org.uk

Christmas Jumper Day 11th Dec

UK registered charity no 297489

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Get your silliest jumper out and give £2 to Save the Children. It might not seem much, but it helps kids to have food, be healthy, learn things, and change the future. You don't need a new jumper, just dig out last year's, or add some tinsel to an old one instead. Together we can make the world better with a jumper. Sign up now www.savethechildren.org.uk/christmas-jumper-day

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07941 563424

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Index of Businesses Bathing Mobility Bathing Mobility Advisory Service

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Building Complete Refurbishment & Roofing 7 Kingsholme Back Cover Open Plan Solutions 27 Car Servicing / Repairs M Chapman Auto Services

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Charity Traid

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Chiropodist Kathy Witchard

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Cleaning A&R Exterior Cleaning Services Ltd Molly Maid WeCleanAnyProperty.com

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Conservatory Roof Solutions Nu-Look

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Domestic Appliance Repairs Spin Doctor

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Education Kumon

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Electricians Alban Electrical Services Anderton Electrics

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Flooring Dunstable Flooring & Kitchens Ltd Garage Doors Garolla Hairdressers Tielsi Hairdressing

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Front Cover, 16 & 17

Healthcare Spire Harpenden Hospital

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Hearing Services Hearing Healthcare Practice

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Locksmiths Lock Around the Clock Locksmith Services

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Loft Ladders Home Counties Loft Ladders

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Oven Cleaners Oven Gleamers

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Painters & Decorators CB Decorators M & M Decorators

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Pest Control The Verminator

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Plasterer Jason Moffat

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Plumber DJ&M Plumbing Services Ltd

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Roofing GJ Smith Roofing

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Shutters The Harpenden Shutter Company

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Singing Club Clover Singing Club

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Tree Surgeons Fircroft Tree Surgery Ltd

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Windows & Doors Cloud 9 Kings Windows

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Effective Low Cost Advertising that Really Works!

Call Jane or Wendy Advertise in the NOW Magazines for as little as ÂŁ33 per month

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 .

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To Ad

DJ&M PLUMBING SERVICES LTD ●

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Complete

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Bathroom, Cloakroom, Shower Room and Kitchen Installations

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Tiling Plastering Electrical

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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 Wishing all our Clients a Safe and Peaceful Christmas and New Year

To Advertise 07983 588291 jane@theNOWmagazines.com

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