st albans NOW February 19

st albans February 2019

NOW

February Fun Snowdrops Galore NOW at the Museums

Walks, Talks & More NOW for some Art

What’s on & lots more

promoting local businesses, organisations and events since 2006

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Spread the Love this Valentines at Cove Spa A range of Spa Rituals can be experienced in our relaxing duo-treatment rooms; ideal for couples, family members, such as mother and daughter, and friends.

Why not treat a loved one to one of our popular Spa Rituals (take a look online), or alternatively call us to put together something more bespoke, just for you!

Call or book online www.thecovespa.co.uk St Albans 01727 833808

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Chiswick 020 8995 2293

Finchley 020 8445 2113

Hitchin 01462 440410

To Adv

Welcome to February... ...when we can expect everything from snowy days to beautiful bright sunshine, and the promise of spring around the corner.

Soon there’ll be colouful crocuses in our gardens, and lambs leaping in the fields. If you’re getitng married this year, it’s definitely worth visiting the Luxury Wedding Show at Ashridge for some inspration. The magazine is packed full again this month, with everything from Stargazing to Snowdrops and February Frolics to the Feb Fest.

If you run your own business, why not get in touch, we offer a helpful, friendly service, working hard to make the magazines the best they can be. The magazines are monthly so if you miss your copy you can always pick one up in town or read them on our social media pages.

Jane & Wendy 12 months £33 per edition £40 per edition £49 per edition £84 per edition

NOW at The Local Theatres

other options are available

Please get in touch jane@theNOWmagazines.com 07983 588291

Deadline 10th Feb for March edition www.theNOWmagazines.com

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Sooty, Sweep & more

Food for Thought

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gin, muffins & pancakes

NOW for some Art

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lots of photography

NOW at the Museums

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games & glass in the Galleries

Snowdrops Galore

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& the National Nest Box Week

Do Something for Charity

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thinking of others

Fun for the Kids

3 months £43 per edition £52 per edition £64 per edition £110 per edition

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music, films & bubbles

Lego, lambs & Lutons Feb Fest

Advertising Rates 1/4 page 1/3 page 1/2 page Full page

NOW at The Alban Arena

February Fun

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stars, magic & mayhem

Walks, Talks & More

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trees, mice & hedgehogs

NOW for some Music

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pop, jazz & classical

What’s on in February & March

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Index of Businesses

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art classes to windows & doors

To Advertise: 07983 588291 jane@theNOWmagazines.com

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with Steve Coogan and John C Reilly as Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy. £7, £5 Film: Smallfoot 21st Feb 10.30am Migo is a friendly Yeti whose world gets turned upside down when he discovers something that he didn’t know existed – a human. £7, £5 The Chicago Blues Brothers 1st Feb 7.30pm Film: Ralph Breaks the Internet: A high octane, adrenaline-pumping musical Wreck It Ralph 2 mash-up, with a modern twist on this cult classic 21st Feb 2.30pm and an energy and spirit that is irresistible. £23.50 Ralph and Vanellope use the arcade’s new connection to the Internet and encounter new Film: Fantastic Beasts: customs, worlds, and characters, including The The Crimes of Grindelwald Muppets, Star Wars, Disney Animation, Marvel 5th Feb 7.30pm Comics and Pixar characters. £5 Starring Eddie Redmayne, Katherine Waterston, Jude Law and Johnny Depp. £7, £5 Fairport Convention 22nd Feb 7.30pm Trust Fast Health with Dr Michael Mosley Showcasing the band’s musical sophistication and 6th Feb 7.30pm instrumental virtuosity, plus an opening performance The man behind the iconic 5:2 Diet, explodes common health myths and offers fascinating insights by special guests The 4 of Us. £26 into the workings of the human body. £23.50 All Star Superslam Wrestling 23rd Feb 7.30pm Horne Section A huge all-star line up of top talent from all over the 7th Feb 8pm world taking on the very best of British.

A heady mix of spontaneous stand-up, spectacular £15, £10, family £45 performance and outlandish musical talent led by the brilliant comedian Alex Horne. £16 Respect to Aretha 24th Feb 7.30pm Forbidden Nights Life-long Aretha Franklin fan and power-house 8th Feb 7.30pm vocalist, Letitia George stars in this heartfelt and A talented cast of acrobats, fire acts, aerial artists uplifting dedication to the Queen of Soul. and world-renowned circus performers. This sexy £24.50, £23.50 but classy evening is guaranteed to get your pulse racing. Yes ladies, circus just got sexy.

Buddy Holly & The Cricketers £18.50 - £24.50 27th Feb 7.30pm Buddy Holly and The Cricketers present Buddy Gaelforce Irish Dance Show in the way they feel he would perform today.

18th Feb 7.30pm Authentic arrangements, driving rhythms, energetic A celebration of Irish dance, music and song, with intricate choreography, and a compelling storyline of performances and wonderful musicianship, all delivered with charm and humour. £20 love, passion and tragedy. £25 Ben Portsmouth: The Amazing Bubble Man Taking Care of Elvis - The King is Back 19th Feb 2pm 28th Feb 7.30pm From square bubbles to rocket bubbles, tornado bubbles to flying saucer bubbles, he conjures shrieks The Number One Elvis Tribute Artist, he looks like Elvis, sings like Elvis and has a charisma that has of laughter and gasps of amazement from all ages. audiences believing at times they are watching the £12.50, £10.50 King himself. £31.50, £28.50 Film: Stan & Ollie 01727 844488 20th Feb 1.30pm & 7.30pm The Alban Arena AL1 3LD A biographical film from the screenplay by Jeff Pope alban-arena.co.uk

NOW at the Alban Arena

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Now in our 3rd decade of loyal service

Happy 80th Birthday L&D 14th Feb Luton and Dunstable University Hospital (L&D) is celebrating its 80th birthday on 14th February and everyone is invited to join in the preparations and celebrations.

There will be live music, an exhibition tracing the hospital’s history, special guests, a thanksgiving service and an 80th birthday themed cake competition judged by a local celebrity.

They are keen to hear from patients who have used the hospital over the decades, maybe with generations of children who have been born there or worked there, and are willing to get involved and share their stories. Ideally they would love to find a local resident who was a patient at the L&D when it opened in 1939.

When Queen Mary officially opened the hospital it had 170 beds, two operating theatres and 59 nurses who all lived on site, working around 52 hours a week and earning around £1.85 a month. It was built, equipped and maintained as a voluntary hospital for the first nine years thanks to the generosity of the local community.

There are now 660 beds, 15 operating theatres, and more than 4,300 staff including doctors, nurses, allied health professionals, administrative and support personnel, plus 300 volunteers from the local area.

If you would like to tell your story please email communications@ldh.nhs.uk or call 01582 497408.

For more information on the birthday plans visit the website where you can also enter the cake competition. ldh.nhs.uk

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NOW at the Local Theatres Abbey Theatre AL1 2DL

being persecuted? What sacrifices will she make to keep her position, and should she? ovotheatre.org.uk

The Sandpit Theatre AL4 9NX

Film: Young Picasso 17th Feb 3pm This film takes a look at the early years of Picasso; the upbringing and the learning that led to his extraordinary achievements. £5 Margo & Mr Whatsit 19th Feb 11.30am & 2.30pm Sophia’s imaginary friend Mr Whatsit, is always there with a joke or a game to play. But when she moves into her new foster home, he finds himself unimagined. Sophia has a new imaginary friend, the glamourous, grown-up Margo.

Can Mr Whatsit keep himself from being unimagined, and will Sophia manage to find The Radlett Centre WD7 8HL her forever home? £8, £6 Sooty's Magic Show Peter Pan & Captain Cook 9th Feb 11am & 2.30pm 21st Feb 11.30am Izzy Wizzy let's get busy! Sooty, Sweep, Soo Hear the tale of Peter Pan and his battle with and TV's Richard Cadell will amaze you with Captain Cook, known for his evil saucepans and impossible tricks and sidesplitting jokes. Be dastardly cook-offs. Join him on his journey to astounded at Sooty's flying car, Soo's singing Neverland, get lost with the Lost Boys and maybe unicorn and Sweep's levitating sausage! With special guests circus star Michael Jordan. A treat even help fight off some pirate baddies. £5, £3 for the whole family - including a chance to meet Film: Paddington 2 24th Feb 3pm Richard and Sooty after the show. radlettcentre.co.uk Paddington now happily settled with the Brown family in Windsor Gardens, has become a Maltings Arts Theatre AL1 3LH popular member of the community. £3, £2 Colder Than Here sandpittheatre.co.uk 14th - 16th Feb 8pm & 16th 3pm Nobody can ignore the fact that Myra is dying but Wheathampstead Dramatic Society in the meantime life goes on. There are boilers to Memorial Hall, Wheathampstead AL4 8AY be fixed, cats to be fed and the perfect funeral to That Good Night be planned. As a mother researches burial spots 22nd - 24th Feb 8pm £10 and bio-degradable coffins, her family are finally Romantic drama set in a beautiful villa in the forced to communicate with her, and each other, Italian countryside near Rome. It’s a story of as they face up to an unpredictable future. family relationships, love and forgiveness plus a few surprises. The four characters are Ralph a Contractions man in his 70s coming to terms with illness, Anna 21st & 22nd Feb 8pm his devoted younger wife, Michael his long23rd Feb 7.30pm, 9.30pm abandoned son, and Michael’s girlfriend Debbie.

Emma is brought in to discuss her recent wheathampsteaddramaticsociety.co.uk interactions with another co-worker by the HR Manager. Is she in breach of contract? Is she Beautiful Thing by Jonathan Harvey 8th - 16th Feb A gentle and hugely optimistic play. Teenagers Ste and Jamie are next door neighbours in south London: Jamie is being bullied at school, and Ste is being bullied at home. When it all gets too much Ste seeks refuge at Jamie’s and their awkward but joyous relationship develops.

Underscored by a Mama Cass soundtrack, it perfectly captures the wonder of first love.

This play contains mature language. abbeytheatre.org.uk

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Food for Thought

Gin Lovers Rejoice!

2nd Feb 1.30pm - 5.30pm & 7pm - 11pm A festival to take you on a journey of gin discovery, bringing together over 100 different gins from across the UK and beyond. Each one has been selected for its outstanding craftsmanship and flavour, with the aim of introducing you to some you may not have tried before. Put aside dry January and embrace a February full of amazing gin!

Watford Colosseum, Watford WD17 3JN watfordcolosseum.co.uk

Waddesdon Manor

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Artisan Food Market 9th Feb & 9th March 10am - 2pm Offering the best quality, fresh produce from local, small-scale independent food traders.

On the second Saturday of the month, the new Artisan Food Market offers seasonal produce, locally sourced with vegetables, meats, fish, dairy, baked goods and much more. Please remember to bring cash on the day, as many traders are unable to accept card payments.

Family Cookery School 16th - 24th Feb 11.30am - 3.30pm Have fun with the kids this half term and make a delicious lunch and a selection of sweet and savoury treats to take home. The fun and informal classes are run by chefs in the Manor Restaurant. Ages 7-11 years, children must be accompanied by an adult, £25 per person Waddesdon Manor, Aylesbury HP18 0JH waddesdon.org.uk

St Albans Pancake Race 5th March 12 noon The annual St Albans Pancake Race is open to businesses, organisations and charities. Teams of four can compete in either the ‘St Albans Running Pancake Race’ or the ‘St Albans Flippin’ Walkers Race’. The race takes place in the market place, in front of the museum. The prestigious trophies that have been passed on each year, will be awarded to the winning teams.

Cost £40 per team, all proceeds will go to Home-Start Hertfordshire.

To sign up just visit pancake.events

Oaty Apple Muffins The perfect healthy treat with ingredients that boast immune boosting properties and flaxseeds which help get a little extra Omega 3 into your diet.

They can be made with more or less sugar, or none at all!

140g plain flour 1 tbsp baking powder 1 tsp ground mixed spice 3 tbsp ground flaxseed (optional) 75g soft brown sugar 175g porridge oats 3 cooking or eating apples peeled, cored and finely chopped 2 eggs 125ml milk 125 apple juice 6 tbsp oil Preheat the oven to 200°C and line a 12-cup muffin tin. In a large bowl mix the flour, baking powder, mixed spice and flaxseed, stir in the sugar, oats and apples. In a separate bowl lightly beat the eggs, add the milk, juice and oil and beat until they are combined Pour the liquid into the dry ingredients and stir to combine (do not over mix).

Put the mixture into the cases and add a sprinkling of oats to the top of each one.

Bake for 20-25 minutes, until risen and golden brown Leave to cool for about 5 minutes

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NOW for a Good Read The Silkworm

by Robert Galbraith (J.K. Rowling)

Private Investigator Cormoran Strike is back. This time he’s been asked to find a missing writer. But when the writer turns up dead, his wife, Cormoran’s client, comes under suspicion. Are the clues to the real killer hidden in the writer’s last, unpublished book? A gripping crime novel with plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing to the end.

Hygge by Charlotte Abrahams Most of you will have heard of the Danish concept of hygge, it’s about wellbeing, cosiness and appreciating the little things, from candlelight and snuggly blankets, to dinner with friends.

Abrahams talks about how she’s embraced a more ‘hyggelig’ way of life and what it’s meant for her. There are no hard rules, no demands to cut back on this or stop doing that, just a focus on being kinder to ourselves, celebrating the ordinary and enjoying a simpler life.

The Girl Before by JP Delaney At first glance 1 Folgate Street seems like a renter’s dream.

Emma certainly thinks so, as does Jane, several months later.

But the minimalist house comes with some very strict rules, and as Jane learns of Emma’s death, she starts to wonder whether there’s a darker side to the landlord’s stipulations. A tense psychological thriller.

The Phantom Tree by Nicola Cornick Alison is stuck in modern day Britain, hundreds of years after she was born. Mary is back in Tudor England. But only Mary can reveal what happened to Alison’s son all those years ago. As Alison tries to follow the clues Mary left behind, she uncovers more than she was expecting. Historical fiction with a twist, this is a must for fans of Kate Morton and Barbara Erskine.

The Lauras by Sara Taylor When Ma bundles 13 year old Alex out of bed and into the car one night, neither knows just how long their road trip is going to last. Ma takes Alex across America, revisiting the places that shaped her as she was growing up, from foster homes to semiderelict squats. As their journey progresses, she tells Alex about the ‘Lauras’ – the girls and women who played key roles in her early life. Enthralling.

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Three Daughters of Eve by Elif Shafak Peri spent her childhood negotiating the distance between her parents. Now she acts the part of a dutiful, Turkish housewife. But when a half-forgotten photograph reminds her of long ago freedoms, Peri struggles to keep up the charade. She can’t help but look back to her days as a student in Oxford, the choices she made, the friends she left behind and the scandal that tore everything apart.

At The Local Libraries St Albans Main Library The Maltings AL1 3JQ Baby Rhyme Time Tuesdays 10.30am & 11.30am Toddler Tales Mondays 2.15pm A mix of lively stories, aimed at toddlers and pre-school children.

Enjoy the stories together and spend time browsing the picture books.

Saturday Stories 2.15pm Suggested donation £1

Marshalswick Library The Ridgeway, St Albans AL4 9TU Toddler Tales Thursdays 2.15pm - 2.45pm

Harpenden Library High Street AL5 2RU Toddler Tales Tuesdays 2.15pm Suggested donation £1

Redbourn Library Lamb Lane AL3 7BP Mon / Tues / Weds / Fri 2pm - 6pm Thurs / Sat 9am - 12 noon Harry Potter Book Night 7th Feb 5pm - 7pm, ticket only, age 8+ Visit Facebook: @Redbourn Library for all the wizarding details Rhyme Time Fridays 10am free Singing session for babies and toddlers.

Storytime Fridays 3.45pm free All welcome, but aimed at preschoolers.

Herts Libraries App You can manage your library account, reserve books, renew loans and borrow e-books and audio books via the BorrowBox using your Hertfordshire library account. hertfordshire.gov.uk

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NOW for some Art

British Wildlife Photography Awards A Celebration of British Wildlife until 24th March The awards celebrate the work of amateur and professional photographers and the beauty and diversity of British wildlife. Winning images are chosen from thousands of entries in fifteen separate categories including two junior categories. The extraordinary range of subjects and the imaginative way they are portrayed, shows that in Britain we have some of the most talented photographers in the world.

Pictured: Animal Portrait Winner, ‘Bean’ (Badger) from the Peak District National Park by Tesni Ward and British Seasons Winner ‘Seasonal Scottish Red Squirrel’ from Rothiemurchus Forest in The Highlands by Neil Mcintyre.

Stockwood Discovery Centre, Luton LU1 4LX bwpawards.org

Exhibition: Colour Snap until 7th Feb Five national and international artists investigate a playful approach to colour, exploring the ways in which it shapes our world. Using installation, moving image, painting and textile work, the exhibition encourages physical, emotional and personal responses to colour.

UHArts, Art and Design Gallery Hatfield AL10 9AB uharts.co.uk

Exhibition: AlbanArt Photography A year in the life of St Albans Arts Team 4th Feb - 26th April St Albans Arts Team are part of 1Life and deliver arts events and projects on behalf of St Albans

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City & District Council. Over the year they are responsible for programming live music and street theatre artists at events including the Alban Street Festival, the Food & Drink Festival and the St Albans Christmas Launch. They also manage the popular Larks in the Parks and IOFringe events as well as organising participatory community projects. The exhibition is a snapshot of their year just gone! Free Verulamium Park facebook.com/saasharts

Exhibition: Awakening Sensations with Glass Art 1st - 28th Feb Eva Edery, glass artist will be exhibiting her signature fine art with glass including her popular ‘Tree of Life’, ‘The Journey’ and ‘Finding the Balance’ series as well as her new compositions combining glass and resins. Her pieces are bold and timeless and she welcomes commissions. She is looking to awaken new sensations with glass art and will be offering guided tours of the exhibition.

The Radlett Centre WD7 8HL evaedery.com

Wild Shots Youth Photography Competition Waddesdon Manor 10am - 4pm Put your photography skills to the test and take inspiration from the grounds at Waddesdon to capture wild flowers, wildlife and woodlands.

For ages 10-15 years, please submit your entry by email to alice@waddesdon.org.uk, with the subject of the email as ‘Wild shots youth photography competition’ please include your name, address and date of birth.

Closing date 5th April The winner can choose either a place on the three day photography summer school run by Sharp Shots Photo Club (31st July-2nd Aug) worth £180 or a digital camera.

Waddesdon Manor, Aylesbury HP18 0JH waddesdon.org.uk

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NOW at the Museums

St Albans Museum + Gallery St Peters Street AL1 3DH Games in the Galleries until 3rd Feb Get competitive with giant games. Free Exhibition: Game Plan: Board Games Rediscovered The Trail of Lost Games until 3rd March Some of the game pieces have escaped the Game Plan exhibition and are hidden around the museum.

Pick up a trail sheet and hunt for the missing pieces.

The Great St Albans Games Swap until 3rd March Bring in your unwanted games and swap them, drop in and get gaming!

Finds Day 6th Feb 11am - 1 pm Every year archaeological objects are found by the public, pop in and explore a collection of found objects or bring your own and the Finds Liaison Officer will help you identify and report your items.

Liz West ‘Our Colour Reflection’ (pictured) 6th Feb - 19th March An installation of multi-coloured mirrors, creating an interplay between light, colour and architecture. Free Colours of the Rainbow Trail 9th - 24th Feb Explore the museum with a bright, colourful family trail inspired by Liz West’s art installation. Free Museum Treasure Hunt from 14th Feb Receive cryptic clues to your phone via text and embark on a treasure hunt around the museum.

Discover little known facts and features and learn more about the fascinating objects on display. £4.99 Exhibition: Wigram’s Wanderings 16th Feb - 19th May Mayor of St Albans in the 1920s, Edgar Wigram was an architect and painter. This exhibition explores his love of travel around Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. Wigram’s wanderings by bicycle in the early 1900s took him from Venice to the Rhine and from the Alhambra to Aleppo. With Wigram as a good humoured guide explore a world before mass tourism took hold. Free

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Model a Rainbow Mobile with artist Laura Ellis 18th Feb 10.30am - 12.30pm & 2pm - 4pm * ** Make a mobile that catches the light and fills your room with colour. Ages 4 - 14 years, £5 Crafting with Colour 19th & 20th Feb 10.30am - 12.30pm & 2pm - 4pm * ** Drop in as a family for some craft activities inspired

by Liz West’s art installation, these colourful and shiny crafts will be sure to surprise and delight. £2 Board Game Bonanza!

22nd Feb 10.30am - 12.30pm & 2pm - 4 pm A family day where you can play board games and meet the resident games experts. Free Museum Minis 26th Feb 10.30am - 11.30am & 1.30pm - 2.30pm ** Enjoy a story, craft activity and museum hunt.

Age 2 - 4 years, £3 Talk: What is the Oldest Game in the World?

by James Masters from Masters Games 28th Feb 7pm A lively and informal talk exploring over 5000 years of gaming. £10

Verulamium Museum St Michael’s Street AL3 4SW Crafts in the Colonnade 18th Feb 2pm - 4pm ** Themed craft activities. £1.50 plus admission fee Half-Term Museum Explorers Borrow items from the explorer kit to help you investigate the museum. What will you discover?

Free with admission Shadows of Rome 21st Feb 2pm & 3.30pm ** Join Tricia Brummer from Pomegranate Puppets for a magical shadow puppet show retelling the tale of Romulus and Remus! Age 6+ £5 *last entry 30 minutes before the event ends **children must be accompanied by an adult stalbansmuseums.org.uk

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01727 224802 www.theNOWmagazines.com

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Snowdrops Galore

Benington Lordship 6th Feb - 3rd March 12 noon - 4pm The gardens will be carpeted in a spectacular display of snowdrops around the remains of the Norman keep and surrounding moat. Hellebores, aconites and winter flowering shrubs will also be in flower. Two main species of snowdrop make up the spectacular display: the single common snowdrop Galanthus nivalis; and double Galanthus nivalis ‘flore pleno.’

The snowdrop walk was planted in the early twentieth century, and over the years, a collection of rare and unusual snowdrops has developed and many can be found growing in the borders.

A collection of 200 named varieties is kept in and around the kitchen garden. The tea room will be open Monday to Saturday 12 noon - 4pm during February. £5 / £6, child 12-16 years £2, under 12’s free Snowdrop Concerts St Peter’s Church Sundays at 2.30pm during the snowdrop openings, free Benington Lordship, Herts SG2 7BS beningtonlordship.co.uk

NGS Snowdrop Gardens NGS celebrates its fourth annual Snowdrop Festival, where you can visit gardens teeming with one of the earliest flowering plants of the year. We have included a couple of local gardens, but just visit the website to see all those taking part, some may require advance booking.

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Walkern Hall 9th Feb 12 noon - 4pm A winter woodland garden set in 8 acres, the carpet of snowdrops and aconites is a source of wonder. This medieval hunting park is known more for its established trees such as the tulip trees and a magnificent London plane tree which dominates the garden. Following on in March and April is a stunning display of daffodils and other spring bulbs. Home-made teas and soup will be on offer. £5, child free Walkern Hall, Stevenage SG2 7JA Old Church Cottage 16th & 17th Feb 11.30am - 3pm This small garden around a 400 year old thatched cottage adjoins a disused churchyard with ancient yews and a Norman tower being the remnant of a Chapel of Ease. The garden is laid out with raised beds with many species and varieties of snowdrops together with cyclamen, crocuses, irises and other early spring bulbs.

Park in the village as the garden is at the end of a narrow country lane. Mulled wine and shortbreads will be available. £5, child free Chapel Lane, Long Marston, Tring HP23 4QT

National Nest Box Week 14th - 21st Feb NNBW takes place each year and aims to encourage everyone to put up nest boxes in their local area to support the conservation of breeding birds. It always takes place at a time when small birds pair up ahead of the breeding season.

Natural nest sites for birds such as holes in trees or old buildings are disappearing fast as gardens are ‘tidied’ and old houses are repaired. So why not put up a box in your garden to celebrate NNBW or at any other time of the year and enjoy watching the breeding birds that you may attract to your garden.

Visit the website for more information, monitor your nest box and tell the British Trust for Ornithology what you see during NNBW! bto.org

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Planning a Party?

Celebrate in style with a party at The County Club, St Albans A private members club that has been in the heart of the city for over 125 years The Club is perfect for parties and we’ve hosted many 30th, 40th and 50th birthdays.

We have a great bar, function room and outdoor terrace and can also cater for buffets The Club is just 100 yards from the City Station and has onsite parking If you would like to view the Club or check availability, please call or email us, and we’ll do all we can to make your party special 29 Ridgmont Road St Albans AL1 3AG 01727 759445 manager@thecountyclub.org

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Do Something for Charity

The Hospice of St Francis Pledge to Volunteer As The Hospice celebrates its 40th birthday, one of their aims is to welcome more volunteers to join the 1,200-strong army who give up their time, like Ken Waldram, who at 90, is their oldest volunteer and has been helping at Marshalswick charity shop for nine years.

When the charity was founded in 1979, they said they would ‘use every talent’ so whatever time or talent you have, The Hospice would love to hear from you. stfrancis.org.uk/volunteer

Join The Race for Life Get this year off to a great start by signing up for Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life. There are events for people of all ages and abilities taking place in Verulamium Park on 21st July.

Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life raises millions of pounds every year to help beat cancer by funding crucial research.

Annie Ashwell, Cancer Research UK’s St Albans Event Manager, said: “Our Race for Life events have been women-only since they started...but we now feel the time is right to open them up so that everyone has the chance to participate….This year we’re urging mums, dads, nans, grandpas, brothers, sisters, friends and workmates to show their support by joining the Race for Life. It’s a perfect example of everyday people doing an extraordinary thing – uniting in a common cause to beat cancer.”

Use code RFL30 to get 30% off entry fees if you book before 31st January.

To enter visit raceforlife.org or call 0300 123 0770

Trek India 7th - 17th Nov Why not take part in a challenge of a lifetime by trekking through the highest tea plantation in the world; Kolukkumalai and crossing the foothills of the second highest peak in South India. Following the trek you’ll spend two days supporting a children’s hospice on a range of activities to help improve facilities for the patients and their families. There is also the opportunity to extend your stay and relax on the beaches in Kerala or visit India's Golden Triangle.

To find out more please email claire.jones@stfrancis.org.uk stfrancis.org.uk

UK registered charity no 297489

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Fun for the Kids

Woolly Jumpers Play Barn for some imaginative indoor fun, and meet animal friends including goats, guinea pigs and rabbits. Daily live performances take place in the Peter Rabbit Theatre, there’s so much to do, so why not go along and enjoy a fantastic fun filled day.

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

St Peters Church

Vets in Action 9th - 24th Feb 10.30am - 12pm & 1.30pm - 3pm Aspiring young vets can put their animal care skills to the test and experience first-hand what it takes to be a vet at the UK’s largest Zoo. At the specially created Animal Hospital, budding vets will be placed at the heart of the action, learning how to examine, x-ray and perform treatments on different animals.

Watch the Zoo’s team of expert vets conduct a health-check on a replica lion and operate on a chimpanzee soft toy. Practice your newlylearned skills by carrying out health checks on soft toy animals.

There will also be talks on how the Zoo’s team of vets ensure the 3,000 animals stay fit and healthy. Free with entry cost ZSL Whipsnade Zoo LU6 2LF zsl.org

February Frolics 16th - 24th Feb

There’s plenty of fleecy fun to be had at the the cutest event of the year, with live lambing and activities for all the family to enjoy. See Tuck the Shepherd carry out live bottle feeding demonstrations. Visit Cotton Tail Village or

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Messy Church 1st Feb & 1st March 10am -11.30am A fun and informal way for families to enjoy church.

Split into two groups: Messy Toddler for pre-school children and Messy Church aimed at children from 0-11 years.

The sessions begin with a short bible-themed story, and move on to crafts and fun from glueing and painting, making sandwiches, playing with sand and play dough to decorating cakes and making bunting.

Sessions end with a prayer.

St Peters Church, St Albans AL1 3HG stpeters.uk.com

Legoclub St Albans 16th Feb & 16th March 12 noon - 2pm A relaxed event for children and young people to create, socialise and develop friendships.

Freestyle building with Lego and Bionicle Lego, and some Duplo too. Siblings welcome, you will need to stay to look after your young people.

They are usually content at Lego Club, as it’s easy going, inclusive and without judgement. So bring your book, newspaper or a friend, this is a place for the adults to take a breather too!

Coffee, tea and biscuits available, feel free to bring a packed lunch. £2 per child, ages 4 -14 Any questions please call 07735 072964 Fleetville Community Centre St Albans AL1 4LQ

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February Fun

Dunstable Downs Planetarium 12th - 15th Feb check website for times The planetarium is back. Astronomers, Martin and Alan from Dark Sky Wales will guide you through the skies, so relax, sit back and look up at the stars. £4 Family Stargazing 12th & 13th Feb 5pm - 8pm Enjoy this family stargazing evening including the planetarium, popcorn, alien-hunting and space games! £16, child £8 Valentine Stargazing 14th Feb 6pm - 9pm What could be more romantic than a journey among the stars guided by the experts from Dark Sky Wales and UK Astronomy. Start the evening with canapes and a celebratory drink. Adult £18 Please book for all events Dunstable Downs, Chiltern Gateway Centre, Whipsnade LU6 2GY nationaltrust.org.uk

The Close-Up Show 16th Feb 8pm £17.50 An intimate evening of close-up magic, trickery and sleight of hand with three talented magicians. The audience will be limited so you can be as close to the magic as possible.

Magicians of contrasting styles will perform a 25-minute set each, typically with cards, coins and borrowed objects. A short interval between acts will help you catch your breath before the show resumes. Prepare to be amazed! Age 10+ Hertford Theatre SG14 1PS hertfordtheatre.com

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Talk: Of Love and Lace 7th Feb 7.30pm - 8.30pm Share the love and join Head of Heritage and Collections to explore the museum's collection of fascinating Valentine's cards, including the exquisite paper lace ones. The tradition of sending love tokens and notes on 14th February has been around for hundreds of years, with the earliest surviving Valentines dating from the 15th century. However, it wasn't until the Victorian era that the beautiful paper lace Valentines began to emerge. This technique is said to have been discovered by Joseph Addenbrooke in 1834 when, while making embossed papers, he accidentally filed off the raised part of the paper and was left with a pattern of tiny holes that looked like delicate lace. Learn more fascinating facts about the development of Valentines cards, the introduction of mass production and get the chance to see some of the beautiful keep-sakes in the collection, some of which have never before been on display.

Age 12+, £12 Wardown House Museum & Gallery Luton LU2 7HA lutonculture.com

Mayhem in the Mad Lab! 16th - 24th Feb 10am Visit the "Science Stations" and try the hands-on experiments testing scientific theories, and make your own personalised slime and modelling dough. Lots of messy mayhem including "The Rocket Room" where you can create and launch an air powered rocket before taking it home.

Professor Nitrate will creates mayhem with interactive science shows at 11.40am, 1.40pm and 3.40pm where all the family can learn about things that go whizz, bang and crash!

For school-age children Royal Gunpowder Mills, Waltham Abbey, Essex EN9 1 JY royalgunpowdermills.com

Behind the Scenes Tours 9th, 10th, 16th, 17th Feb 11.30am - 12.30pm & 1.30pm - 2.30pm Take a look behind the scenes to see the team at work and have a go at some conservation techniques yourself. Work doesn't stop over the winter as the collection and the house get a deep clean and a tidy up. Join a tour and find out what the team get up to behind closed doors. £5 Claydon House Bucks MK18 2EY nationaltrust.org.uk

Wrest Park Dark Skies Month 2nd & 3rd Feb 6pm - 8pm In this introduction to astronomy you will hear expert talks and top tips, before looking through telescopes to explore the night sky. Sessions will be led by Luton Astronomical Society £12, child £8 Workshops: Awesome Archaeology 11th - 15th Feb 11am, 12 noon, 1pm, 2pm & 3pm This half term discover the amazing Archaeology Collections Store. Have a go at coin rubbing, recreate ancient faces with modelling clay then survey the artefacts and write up your findings. £10.90, child £6.50, concs £9.80 Wrest Park, Silsoe MK45 4HR english-heritage.org.uk

Mill Green Museum

Orienteering 16th - 24th Feb 10am - 3pm Enjoy some fun with the Thames Valley Orienteering Club, join them for a week of muddy adventures with different routes for different age groups, ranging from under fives to teens.

Complete the challenge and collect a medal as you orienteer around the grounds. £3 per route Waddesdon Manor, Aylesbury HP18 0JH waddesdon.org.uk

Exhibition: Hatfield 1914-1919 until 10th Feb Hatfield Historical Society marks the centenary of the First World War focusing on the experiences of the parish of Hatfield and its people.

Exhibition: Cresta Couture 10th Feb - 7th July The University of Herts celebrates the innovative and stylish fabrics created by local textile company Cresta Silks from the 1920's - 1970's. Original Cresta items from the museum's collection will be displayed alongside contemporary pieces and designs created by fashion students at the University who have been inspired by the iconic designs.

Image ©Cresta Silks Ltd (Debenhams plc) Mill Green Museum, Hatfield AL9 5PA welhat.gov.uk

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More Fun for the Kids Roald Dahl Museum Chiddlers' Hours: 10.30am - 11.30am 1st Feb The Magic Finger 8th Feb The Enormous Crocodile and The Twits 15th Feb George's Marvellous Medicine Songs, craft and play based on storytelling from the book chosen for each session.

Pack Your Trunk!

2nd & 3rd Feb 11am & 4.30pm Celebrate 30 years of Boy and step back into Dahl’s childhood to pack your own trunk or tuck box for school, just like he did. What obscure objects or tricksy treats would you pack?

Mini Norwegian Landscapes 16th Feb 11.30am, 12.30pm, 2pm & 3pm Make a 3D landscape inspired by Dahl’s childhood trips to Norway. Use marvellous materials to fill your own tray; make tremendous trees out of twigs or shimmering lakes out of cellophane. Or be inspired by your childhood memories to create your own special scene.

Tremendous Tuck Boxes 17th Feb 11.30am, 12.30pm, 2pm & 3pm Hear tales of Dahl’s school tuck shop, The Grubber, then make your own box to keep your favourite treats in using quirky junk craft material.

Crackling Clay Badges 20th Feb 11am, 12 noon, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm & 4pm Dahl’s schools had their own badges and houses.

Take a closer look at these, then create your own clay one to take home.

Discover Dahl's Archives 21st & 23rd Feb 12 noon, 2pm & 3pm Take a close up look at Dahl's letters and manuscripts, find out secrets about your favourite Dahl books, and get the chance to ask the experts all your burning questions!

Wonka's Wrappers 23rd Feb 11.30am, 12.30pm, 2pm & 3pm Become a chocolate bar inventor and design a wrapper for it.

Scoff 'n' Stroll 24th Feb 2pm & 3pm Walk in the woods and fields that inspired Dahl, listen to extracts from My Year, then get stuck in to a delicious afternoon tea.

The Roald Dahl Museum, Bucks HP16 0AL roalddahl.com/museum

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Feb Fest Full House Theatre Company present a fantastic festival for children and young people.

18th Feb Rabbit Girl and the Search for Wonder 11.30am & 2.30pm Ages 3 - 8 Stockwood Discovery Centre Join Rabbit Girl and her Dad around a campfire as they share their stories and adventures.

Pop Stars 11am & 2.30pm Ages 6 - 12 Luton Library Theatre Learn a medley of pop songs with a professionally trained actress and sing your heart out.

19th Feb Getting from A to B 11.30am & 2.30pm Luton Central Library A dance adventure around the library, looking at choices we face in our lives, the highs, the lows and everything in between. Children must be accompanied by an adult Art Stars 11am & 2.30pm Ages 6 - 12 Wardown House, Museum and Gallery Find inspiration around the museum and create your own piece of mixed media artwork.

20th Feb Four Go Wild in Wellies 11.30am & 2.30pm Luton Library Theatre Ages 3 - 5 A whimsical adventure featuring bobble hats, scarves and tents that have a life of their own Film Stars 10.30am - 3.30pm Ages 6 - 12 Wardown House, Museum and Gallery Learn how to create and star in your own movie, filmed on location at the Museum.

21st Feb Mischief and Mystery in Moominvalley 11.30am & 2.30pm Ages 3 - 7 Wardown House, Museum and Gallery An unforgettable journey to Moomin Valley where everyone is welcome, nature thrives and adventures are plentiful.

Theatre Stars 10.30 - 3.30pm Ages 6 - 12 Luton Library Theatre Fun filled day learning dance routines, songs and much more.

Finale 4pm Luton Library Theatre A sharing of the work by the Feb Fest Film stars. fullhouse.org.uk lutonculture.com .

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February in the Garden

Plastic Free Living It’s been just over a year since the Blue Planet 2 series and what a change we have seen in our awareness about plastics. You might have even changed some of your plastic habits or are thinking of reducing your use of single use plastics, so here are a few ideas.

It can be hard to know where to begin, so start with a few or maybe even just one swap and once it’s ‘normal’ try the next one. Whatever you do, share the swaps and the great products you have come across on your plastic free journey on FaceBook and Twitter.

How Can You Help?

A few years ago, we all used single use plastic bags, now we think nothing of taking reusable bags to the supermarket. We need a similar cultural change in how we use other single use plastics, and it’s in our power to make that change.

Here are a few things you can do: Refuse the Straw ask for your drink be served without a plastic straw.

Remember your Reusables carry your own reusable coffee cup, water bottle and straw. Download the Refill app to find somewhere to refill your water bottle. Visit the website to see the Plastic Free St Albans map to find out where you can get a takeaway coffee discount for bringing your own cup, or if you forget it, where you can get a compostable takeaway cup.

Get Back to Glass – switch to having your milk delivered in glass bottles (it’s all done online now – check out Find Me A Milkman to find a delivery service), and try to buy juices in glass bottles rather than plastic.

Reject the Wrapper – avoid excessive packaging at supermarkets, buy loose fruit and veg rather than prepackaged, use local markets incuding St Albans charter market and the farmer’s markets, or refill your containers at bulk stores like Eat Wholefoods.

Bypass Bathroom Plastics – reduce your bathroom plastics by switching to shampoo bars (available at Lush in the Maltings) and traditional soap instead of liquid.

Identify micro plastics by scanning barcodes using the Ban the MicroBead app.

Or reduce your plastic waste even further and make a trip to zero waste shop, The Refill Pantry, St Albans AL1 1NG To support the campaign visit plasticfreestalbans.org.uk Twitter & FB @plasticfreesta

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Now is a good time for a tidy up in the garden ● When tackling borders, don’t make them too tidy, as you may cut down the protection that faded top-growth provides. ● Collect slugs and snails while they’re snoozing! ● It’s too early to cut your lawn but clear twigs and leaves, adding leaves only to your compost heap. ● Clean and replant pots with fresh compost and new plants. ● Remove dead fruit from fruit trees, as they often harbour disease. ● Use a stiff brush to scrub over patios, if freezing weather is not forecast, wash with water. ● A trip to your local garden centre will give you plenty of ideas for what’s looking good this month. You can buy pots of snowdrop bulbs which are not far from flowering so ‘cheat’ a little and pop a few of these into the ground.

Winter flowering heathers and pansies can also be used to great effect.

by Pippa Greenwood

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Walks, Talks & More Herts Middx & Wildlife Trust Community Orchard Day 2nd Feb 10am - 3pm Blows Down Community Orchard, Dunstable LU5 4EY Learn how to care for and manage an orchard and get an in-depth look at the orchards’ heritage.

Training £10, family activities £3 per child Open to everyone Winter Tree Identification Workshop 6th Feb 10.30am - 3pm Hertford Heath SG13 7PW Learn how to identify trees in their winter state, starting in the classroom and then heading to Hertford Heath and Balls Wood.

Adults and older children welcome £7 Easy Access Oak Walk 16th Feb 10.30am - 12 noon * Panshanger Park, B1000, Hertford SG14 2NA Join volunteer David Neal for a fascinating stroll from Panshanger Mansion, find out about the people who lived, visited, or were associated with it, take in Repton's landscape, hear about his work at the Park and visit the magnificent “Panshanger Oak”.

Family Conservation Day 16th Feb 10am - 2.30pm Harpenden Common AL5 1QH Help out with conservation tasks on the Common, learn how to cut down trees and help manage the woodlands. Bring a packed lunch, for all ages, children must be accompanied by an adult. Free Mice are Nice!

22nd Feb 9am - 1pm Stanmore Common Local Nature Reserve, Warren Lane HA7 4LB Training day on mammal trapping, marking, measuring and releasing, for those interested in biological surveying. This is a rare opportunity to see wild mice and voles. Ages 8+ Talk: Hedgehogs and How to Help Them 26th Feb 8pm - 10pm * Howlands Baptist Church, WGC AL7 4RW Learn about the hedgehogs history, hibernation and threats. Mary Barrow from local hedgehog rescue centre: Hetties Hedgehogs, will advise on

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what you can do to help, how to deal with vulnerable hedgehogs and the work of Hetties Hedgehog Rescue. *Suggested donation £5 hertswildlifetrust.org.uk

RSPB Walks All events are run by RSPB volunteers and are free with an optional donation of £1 to the RSPB Harpenden Lea Valley 3rd Feb 8am - 10.15am Guided walk identifying local birds. Meet on the River Lea bridge, at the junction of Crabtree Lane and Marquis Lane.

John Hurrell Walk Ver Valley 21st Feb 10am Guided walk looking for kites, buzzards, lapwings and golden plover. For further information contact John 01582 792843 or Ian 07507 776425. Meet at St Michael's Car Park, St Albans by the Museum.

Morning Walk in the Ver Valley from St Albans 27th Feb 9.45 am A half day birdwatching walk. Please call the leaders for further details 01582 764226. rspb.org.uk

Ashridge Half Term Trail and Crafts 18th - 22nd Feb 10am - 3pm An Ashridge hedgehog has woken up too early from hibernation, got lost in the woods and needs your help to find his way home. Head into the Visitor Centre to complete your craft before following the hedgehog trail around the woods. £3 nationaltrust.org.uk

Luton Hoo Walled Garden Talk: History and Time The Walled Garden Sun Dial 22nd Feb 10.30am - 12.30pm An overview of how time has been measured over the centuries and specific aspects relevent to the estate such as the sun dial, and watches that were presented to the Lancers in WW1. £5 lutonhooestate.co.uk

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South Herts Cyclists SHC are part of Cycling UK, the cyclists' champion. Since 1878 they have championed a simple belief, that cycling is a wonderful activity that should remain accessible and available to all. They enjoy sociable cycle rides on quiet lanes in South Hertfordshire, usually starting in St Albans, Hatfield or Hertford. All starting points are near train stations and parking facilities.

It is a non-competitive cycling club with weekly rides on Sundays and Wednesday evenings.

There are shorter and easier fun rides and womenonly rides on some Saturday mornings. Please visit the website to see all rides available.

Forthcoming Wednesday Rides 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th Feb 7.30pm - 9pm meet at St Albans War Memorial, St Peters Street southhertsctc.org.uk

Hertfordshire Orienteering Club What is orienteering?

You get a map showing a series of checkpoints for you to visit as fast as you can. People walk, jog, or run, but the shortest route may not be the quickest! With experience you’ll go off-trail and use a compass, on the run. You can hire a timing chip which registers each checkpoint.

Orienteering is for families Try it with your kids. Soon each of you will be on your own courses and comparing with your own friends. It’s healthy exercise in varied locations.

Kids love meeting and taking part. They will drag you back!

Orienteering is for runners You’ll work harder because you’re distracted by the navigation, even the easy stuff. As you progress, this trick gives you the best workout of your training programme. Swap variety for those endless reps.

Visit the website for more details herts-orienteering.club/newcomers

Harpenden Half Marathon 10th March An environmentally friendly and sustainable half marathon through the stunning grounds of Rothamsted Research and surrounding area. info@harpendenhalf.co.uk activetrainingworld.co.uk

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Herts Coach Education Week 18th - 24th Feb With plans to train a workforce of coaches across Hertfordshire, this year’s programme also offers a range of learning opportunities. On Monday 18th February Richard Cheetham MBE (awarded UK Coaching Coach Developer of the Year 2018) will address a free ticketed audience discussing the holistic side of coaching. Additionally, a women and girls coaching breakfast talk will highlight the success of the ‘This Girl Can’ campaign.

A wide range of partners have engaged with this year’s programme including the Hertfordshire Sports Village Sport and Performance Team, National Governing Bodies of Sport, Hatfield based charity Pro Action, the Herts Disability Sports Foundation and various leisure operators.

Coach Education Week organiser Chris Samways said; ‘We are keen to ensure coaches have useful and engaging development opportunities that encourage lifelong and independent learning. The value of coaches is evident in supporting an active nation and county, and we must do our utmost to encourage coaches to connect with their participants so they can thrive.’

For more information and to book on to a course, visit the Herts Sports Partnership website at sportinherts.org.uk

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British Schools Museum

NOW at the Cathedral

Talk: Poetry Recital: War and Peace 8th Feb 8pm £10 The Archdeacon of St Albans will be looking to poets who give insights into how humanity turns enmity into war, and the subsequent longing for and making of peace.

Joseph Lancaster was a visionary pioneer of elementary education. The Museum boasts the world's only remaining Lancasterian Schoolroom, built to the exact specifications of Lancaster himself. Despite being born into humble circumstances, he started a revolution in education which brought schooling within reach of millions of children around the world. He was remembered as 'The Poor Child's Friend'. He left an enduring legacy; the British and Foreign School Society, who took on his work and gives around £1 million each year to educational charities across the world.

"The real wealth of a nation lies in its prepared people; education from an early age is essential."

Joseph Lancaster 1778 - 1838 There will be video, audio and interactive elements, all presented to retain the Museum's unique authentic experience.

Kids Discovery Day 20th Feb 10am - 12 noon & 1pm - 3pm * Get creative making Victorian inspired toys and games. From kaleidoscopes to peg dolls, there will be lots of traditional toys to design, plus a large scale collaborative work for all to contribute to and play with. Child £5, ages 4-11 years, booking recommended.

Dancing for Fun 21st Feb 10am - 12 noon * Maypole Dancing and English Country Dancing £3 per child, ages 6+ please book *Children must be accompanied by an adult British Schools Museum britishschoolsmuseum.org.uk

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Lunchtime Recital 9th Feb 1pm free Period Music for classical guitar, with vocals, from Purcell, Dowland, Schubert and Britten.

Lunchtime Organ Recital 13th Feb 12.30pm free Jonathan Lee, Organist, Berkhamsted St Albans International Organ Festival Recital 16th Feb 5.30pm free David Hill, Conductor and Musical Director, UK Building Mayhem!

21st Feb 10am - 12.30pm The first church was built on this spot over 1700 years ago, find out how the Cathedral was built, learn about some of the objects found during the recent archaeological dig and enjoy some wonderful arts and craft activities.

The Sixteen Choir & Orchestra Monteverdi’s Vespers of 1610 23rd Feb 7.30pm Famed for its thrilling rhythms, grand choruses and beautiful solo movements. £17 - £30 Exhibition: Jewish Living Experience 26th Feb - 7th March An ideal opportunity to learn more about the Jewish faith.

Talk: Driverless Cars: The Impact on Society 28th Feb 7.30pm £10 Professor Helen Atkinson, CBE, draws on her expertise in engineering and education to explore some of the effects of technology such as driverless cars on human society. stalbanscathedral.org

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Florally Speaking Long captivating us with their beauty, individuality and scent, for centuries flowers have been a tradition at almost every human celebration and ceremony, as well as being found in art, literature and religion.

It was the Victorians who truly embraced flower symbolism and elevated it into an art form called floriography. During the sexually repressed Victorian era, using 'the language of flowers' made it easier to convey a sensitive message, via a bouquet or with flowers printed on a greetings card, than expressing it verbally.

Today a red rose remains a traditional way to say 'I love you' on St Valentine's Day. However, many other flowers also offer declarations of love, including the red tulip (passionate love), anemone (unfading love), gladiolus (love at first sight) and the self-evident forget-me-not.

The little bouquets so beloved by the Victorians were known as 'tussie-mussies' - a term that dates from the 1400s and was used to describe a bunch of sweet-smelling flowers and herbs that had symbolic meaning. Such bouquets were used in medieval times where living conditions were fairly unsanitary. Carrying tussie-mussies or nosegays ('gay' means 'ornament' in old English) was not only a good way to disguise bad smells, it was also considered essential to wellbeing as flowers were believed to ward off disease.

Becoming fluent in floriography is easy, as many plants have more than one meaning and different cultures place their own interpretation on them. To complicate matters, the colour of a flower can change its meaning - for example, giving a yellow rose means friendship, while a pink rose signifies affection.

It is believed that the first floriographical dictionary was Dictionnaire du Language des Fleurs by Joseph HammerPugstall in 1809.

The Duchess of Cambridge paid homage to floriography when she chose her wedding bouquet. Sticking to the Royal tradition of using only white flowers, she carried lily of the valley (a return to happiness), sweet william (gallantry), hyacinth (constancy in love), ivy (fidelity) and myrtle (marriage). The myrtle is said to have come from a bush grown from a sprig in a nosegay presented to Queen Victoria

by Prince Albert's grandmother.

This Valentine's Day why not try resurrecting this tradition by giving your love a mussie? Just ensure you avoid basil, candytuft and dogbane, as you would be sending a message of hatred, indifference and deceit!

by Catherine Rose

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NOW for some Music Maltings Arts Theatre St Albans AL1 3HL Herts Jazz: Clark Tracey Birthday Gig 5th Feb One way of spending your 57th birthday is to put on a gig with some old chums and play some great tunes to a room packed with jazz lovers.

Herts Jazz: Ari Hoenig Trio 12th Feb Listen to the world famous drummer Ari Hoenig who has developed a unique style of drumming that has influenced thousands of young players.

Herts Jazz: Art Themen/Xhosa Cole Sextet 19th Feb Another mix’n’match gig by Clark featuring HJ Patron, Art Themen, alongside the winner of this year’s BBC Young Jazz Musician, Xhosa Cole.

Herts Jazz: John Turville Quintet featuring Julian Arguelles 26th Feb Showcasing John Turvilles’ music performed by some great jazz musicians. maltingsartstheatre.co.uk

Hertford Theatre SG14 1PS Pop Divas Live!

9th Feb 2pm & 6pm The best songs from your favorite female stars in one fun-packed show. Little Mix will cast some Black Magic and Taylor Swift will Shake It Off as four very talented girls bring you up close and personal with the greatest female pop performers of today. Meghan Trainor, Ariana Grande, Beyoncé and Rihanna will all be dropping in to the biggest Pop Party ever so make sure you're there! This is the perfect pop concert experience for the little divas in your life. hertfordtheatre.com

St Peter's Church St Albans AL1 3HG Songs of Chaos & Eternal Night 9th Feb 7.30pm With Carillon Chamber Choir performing Monteverdi Lamento d’Arianna, Haydn Insanae et vanae Curae - The Heavens are telling and Purcell “Mad Songs”.

With Emily Owen Soprano and Toby Carver on Lute and Theorbo, and the choir’s new conductor Crispin Lewis. £15, concs £13 / £5 01582 832312 carillonchamberchoir.org

UHArts

Weston Auditorium, Hatfield AL10 9EU Debussy Centenary Concert Watford WD17 3JN 10th Feb 3pm Bob Marley's Birthday An all-French tribute to Impressionist composer 6th Feb 8pm Claude Debussy presented by the de Havilland A celebration of a musical icon, on his birthday!

Philharmonic Orchestra featuring his Prélude à Featuring ‘Legend’, the Bob Marley Tribute Band, l’après-midi d’un Faune, Ravel’s Le Tombeau de and the ‘London African Gospel Choir’. Together Couperin & Saint-Saëns’ Piano Concerto no. 2. they will recreate Bob Marley's timeless hits £18, concs £15, child £8 including Could You Be Loved, Is This Love, One uharts.co.uk 01707 281 127 Love, No Woman No Cry, Jammin’, Buffalo Soldier, Get Up Stand Up, Waiting in Vain, I Shot St Saviour’s Church the Sheriff and many more classics.

St Albans AL1 4DF This is a tribute show and is no way affiliated with Mystic Voices any original artists/estates/management 16th Feb 7.30pm companies or similar shows.

St Albans Chamber Choir perform watfordcolosseum.co.uk Alexander L’Estrange: The Prophet - sixtieth anniversary commission High Street Methodist Church Sergei Rachmaninoff: The Liturgy of St John Harpenden AL5 2RU Chrysostom. £15, child £5 ‘Come and Sing’ Haydn’s Harmoniemesse stalbanschamberchoir.org.uk 9th Feb 1pm

Watford Colosseum

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If you enjoy singing and can read music, you are very welcome to join us for a rehearsal and scratch performance of Haydn’s last major work..

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Classical Guitar Tuition

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Event Cinema

The Royal Opera House Live: La Traviata (Opera) 3rd Feb 2pm From the thrill of unexpected romance to a heart breaking reconciliation that comes too late.

Richard Eyre's beautiful production provides the perfect setting for Verdi's opera about a courtesan who sacrifices all for love.

The Royal Opera House Live: Don Quixote (Ballet) 19th Feb 7.15pm & 24th Feb 2pm Love and friendship triumph in Carlos Acosta's vibrant production of this dazzling ballet, as the story follows Don Quixote’s picaresque journey to do deeds in honour of his imaginary noble lady, Dulcinea. Sunny, charming, funny and touching, this is a ballet as full of uplifting emotion as it is of astonishing ballet technique.

Northern Ballet's Bite Size Ballet: Elves & The Shoemaker 23rd 2pm & 24th Feb 2pm & 3.30pm A hard-working shoemaker struggles to support his family. But when he sees a poor lady in need of help, he gives her his final pair of shoes. The next morning he wakes to find that his last piece of leather has been transformed into the most magnificent pair of magical shoes. But who has mysteriously made them? With playful characters and spellbinding music, this adorable ballet is sure to have your little ones dancing with excitement! £9, concs £8 Lady Windermere’s Fan 27th Feb 7pm A four-act comedy by Oscar Wilde, first performed on in February 1892, at the St James's Theatre in London. The story concerns Lady Windermere, who suspects that her husband is having an affair with another woman.

CW Entertainment, Campus West, WGC AL8 6BX cwentertainment.co.uk

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What’s on in February 42

until Feb 2023 Exhibition: Veterans’ Stories see page 45 1st The Chicago Blues Brothers see page 4 1st - 24th Roald Dahl Events see page 26 2nd Gin Lovers Rejoice! see page 10 Children’s Author Workshop: Paul Morris see page 45 5th Clark Tracey Birthday Gig see page 38 6th Bob Marley’s Birthday see page 38 6th Feb - 3rd March Snowdrops at Benington Lordship page 18 6th Feb - 19th March Liz West ‘Our Colour Reflection’ see page 16 7th Talk: Of Love & Lace see page 24 Horne Section see page 4 8th Talk: Poetry Recital: War & Peace page 34 Forbidden Nights see page 4 8th - 16th The Priory The Barn Theatre AL8 6ST barntheatre.co.uk 9th Lunchtime Recital see page 34 Sooty’s Magic Show see page 8 Carillon Chamber Choir see page 38 9th, 10th, 16th & 17th Behind The Scenes Tours see page 25 9th - 24th Vets in Action see page 22 Colours of the Rainbow Trail see page 16 10th Claude Debussy Centenary Concert page 38 12th Herts Jazz: Ari Hoenig Trio see page 38 12th - 15th Stargazing at Dunstable Downs see page 24 13th Lunchtime Organ Recital see page 34 14th Happy 80th Birthday L & D see page 6 15th The Style Councillors Harpenden Public Halls, Style Council tribute band, 7.30pm £15 16th St Albans International Organ Festival Recital see page 34

16th Feb - 19th May Exhibition: Wigram’s Wanderings page 16 17th Grimethorpe Colliery Band Harpenden Public Halls, best known for its contribution to hit film Brassed Off, 3pm, £20 Film: Young Picasso see page 8 18th - 21st Feb Fest see page 26 18th - 22nd Burston Half Term Activities see page 27 Ashridge Half Term Trail & Craft see page 30 18th - 24th Herts Coach Education Week see page 32 19th Margo & Mr Whatsit see page 8 Art Themen/Xhosa Cole Sextet see page 38 The Amazing Bubble Man see page 4 19th - 21st Cyber Secrets - Family Activities see page 45 21st Peter Pan & Captain Cook see page 8 Building Mayhem! see page 34 Lecture: Les Parisiennes by Anne Sebba, story of women’s lives during the Nazi occupation, The Arts Society Harpenden Area DFAS theartssocietyharpendenareadfas.org.uk 22nd The Searchers: The Farewell Tour Bedford Corn Exchange bedfordcornexchange.co.uk Fairport Convention see page 4 22nd - 24th That Good Night see page 8 23rd The Sixteen Choir & Orchestra Monteverdi’s see page 34 24th Respect to Aretha see page 4 Film: Paddington 2 see page 8 26th Talk: Howard Roberts from Hammonds End Farm Harpenden Public Halls, the challenges & rewards of growing arable crops in this part of Herts, 8pm John Turville Quintet featuring Julian Arguelles see page 38 Talk: Hedgehogs & How to Help Them see page 30 26th Feb - 7th March Exhibition: Jewish Living Experience see page 34 28th Talk: Driverless Cars see page 34

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What’s on in March 44

1st Big Country Harpenden Public Halls, 8pm, £25 Quadrophenia The Album - Live!

The Alban Arena, 7.30pm, £22 1st & 29th March Tours: Mayors, Magistrates & Museums St Albans Museum + Gallery, 2.30pm, free but ticketed stalbansmuseums.org.uk 2nd Disco Inferno - Heatwave & Gwen Dickie The Alban Arena, 8pm, £27, £26 5th St Albans Pancake Race see page 10 6th Film: Bohemian Rhapsody Harpenden Public Halls, 8pm, £5 7th Soroptimist International Women's Day Event SandPit Theatre, St Albans AL4 9NX with speakers & discussion, 7.30pm www.sigbi.org The South Harpenden Public Halls, celebrating the Beautiful South legacy, 7.30pm, £25 8th Steve Harley Acoustic Trio Harpenden Public Halls, 7.30pm, £27.50 A Luther Vandross Celebration The Alban Arena, 7.30pm, £22.50 9th Mnozil Brass The Alban Arena, 7.30pm Cali – R Harpenden Public Halls, dance the night away to the greatest Soul & Motown tracks from the 60s, 70s & 80s, 8pm, £12 Five Miles to Fabulous Ladies Bike Ride from Morrisons, Hatfield Road, 9.30am, gentle pace, new riders welcome southhertsctc.org.uk 10th Luxury Wedding Show see back cover Harpenden Half Marathon see page 32 Wilko Johnson with special guest Glenn Tilbrook The Alban Arena, 7.30pm, £32.50 12th The Chemistry Show The Sandpit Theatre AL4 9NX, loud noises & lots of mess! 6pm 13th & 14th Ricky Gervais: Supernature: Warm-up Shows Watford Colosseum watfordcolosseum.co.uk 14th - 16th Footloose The Alban Arena, 7.30pm, £16.50 16th Lea Singers St Nicholas Church, Harpenden AL5 2TP, Bach Magnificat & Roth A Time to Dance, 7.30pm, £15, concs £5 leasingers.co.uk Workshop: Spring Propagation shuttleworth.org

Charity Concert by Magic Voices Harpenden High Street Methodist Church, £10, child £5 from Church office, 7.30pm 17th Here Come The Girls The Alban Arena, 7.30pm £29, £28 19th A Clockwork Orange Weston Auditorium, Hatfield AL10 9EU, includes Q&A with special guest from the film, 7pm, £5 uharts.co.uk Bring Your Own Baby Comedy Hertford Theatre, SG14 1PS 12 noon hertfordtheatre.com 19th & 20th Ben & Holly's Little Kingdom The Radlett Centre, WD7 8HL radlettcentre.co.uk 20th Nish Kumar: It’s In Your Nature To Destroy Yourselves The Alban Arena, 7.30pm, £22.50 20th & 23rd FoodSmiles Open Days Hammonds End Farm, Harpenden, 1.30pm - 4pm 21st - 24th The Father Maltings Arts Theatre AL1 3LH, look at the world through the eyes of a man with dementia 22nd Soulfish Harpenden Public Halls, soul band, in aid Harpenden Mencap, 7.30pm, £18 22nd & 23rd Room on the Broom - Live on Stage Hertford Theatre SG14 1PS hertfordtheatre.com 22nd - 30th Bingo Abbey Theatre AL1 2DL using Shakespeare to look art & capitalism Dinner The Barn Theatre AL8 6ST 23rd Bach’s St John Passion St Albans Cathedral, St Albans Choral Society, 7.30pm 24th March Movies Concert Weston Auditorium, Hatfield AL10 9EU, 3pm, £18, £8 uharts.co.uk Big Fish Little Fish Family Rave Watford Colosseum WD17 3JN 2pm - 4pm 26th Talk: One Hundred Years On ‘World War One in the Air’ by David Keen formerly of the RAF Museum, Harpenden Public Halls, 8pm 26th - 30th South Pacific Harpenden Public Halls, 01582 767525, Harpenden Musical Theatre, 7.30pm, £16, £17 harpendenmusicaltheatre.com 30th Joseph & the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat The Sandpit Theatre AL4 9NX

Out of Town

Bletchley Park

Shuttleworth

Author Workshop: Paul Morris 2nd Feb 10am - 12.30pm & 2pm - 4.30pm Join children’s author Paul Morris in this workshop based on his book ‘Time Traveller Danny and the Codebreaker’ focussing on the life and legacy of Alan Turing including his war work and the challenges facing him. You’ll also have a chance to try some creative writing of your own. Ages 8 -12 * Book signing 1.30pm - 2pm in the book shop £8, child £7 Cyber Secrets - Family Activities 19th - 21st Feb 11am - 3.30pm How secure is your password? Can you spot the signs of a phish? Are you able to tell internet fact from internet fake?

Join in fun digital games and activities exploring themes of online safety and codebreaking. During WWII Enigma operators had to set a 3-letter message key, like a password, for every message they sent. This was meant to be randomly chosen for each message by the German Enigma operator. But just as we tend to do with our own passwords, the operators chose letters that were memorable to them, and used them repeatedly. At Bletchley Park, the codebreakers guessed that this might be happening, and it helped them to work out that day’s Enigma machine settings. Ages 5 - 14 * ** Exhibition: Veterans’ Stories until Feb 2023 9.30am Showcasing many of the stories of life and work at Bletchley Park during WWII. The exhibition uses Bletchley Parks Oral History collection and the Roll of Honour to allow Veterans to tell their stories through photographs, quotes and audio points.

Twenty four Veterans from all aspects of signals intelligence are included, from cooks to Codebreakers. ** ** Entry included with admission * Children must accompanied by adults Bletchley Park, Bucks MK3 6EB bletchleypark.org.uk

Visit the House (pictured) 10th Feb 9.30am - 12.30pm Learn more about this interesting building and the family that lived there, explore the rooms and grounds and see other areas not normally open to public. £5, child £1 Afternoon Tea 10th Feb 1pm, 1.30pm, 2pm & 2.30pm Enjoy a quintessentially English afternoon tea, in the grand setting of the House, which will be open from 9.30am, giving you the chance to learn more about this interesting building, explore the rooms and find out about the Shuttleworth Family and Old Warden Park. £30, (£36 incl a glass of bubbly), child £15 Wedding Show 17th Feb A opportunity to find out about weddings at Shuttleworth, the team can show you round the House and Parkland, just book a tour on arrival.

You can also meet suppliers ready to offer their products and services. Vintages buses will be running between The House and The Swiss Garden.

Free Shuttleworth, Old Warden Aerodrome, Beds SG18 9EP shuttleworth.org

RAF London Workshops: Flying Goggles 20th - 22nd Feb 11am - 3pm drop-in Every pilot needs a pair of flying goggles.

In these special workshops what kind of goggles will you design?

Book your tickets in advance, or just drop in.

Age 5 + £4 RAF Museum London, Hendon NW9 5LL rafmuseum.org.uk

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Index of Businesses Art Classes Start Art!

Domestic Appliance Repairs 31 15 Leigh Hibon

Beauty Binas Beauty & Nails The Cove Spa

Education 40 Kumon 2 Electricians Alban Electrical Services 15 Anderton Electrics 13 Fencing Verulam Fencing

Building Services Brockhall Building Services Open Plan Solutions Cabinet Makers Arthan Home Furniture Car Body Repairs ChipsAway Care For The Elderly Caring Connections Carpentry / Joinery Chris Smyth Charity Traid Children’s Early Learning Gymboree Chiropodist Kathy Witchard Cleaning Daily Poppins Domestique Mobile Maid Services

23 33 31 29

37 Gardening Chrysalis Garden Services 20 Green Edge Gardens Hearing Services 23 Hearing Healthcare Practice

Plumber DJ&M Plumbing Services Ltd

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27

Slimming Lighter Life Vision Weight Consultancy

41 40

28 3

Soft Furnishings Sue Smyth

36

Tree Surgeons Fircroft Tree Surgery Ltd

29

TV Repairs JB TV Services

33

Venue Hire The County Club

19

5

Loft Ladders 6 Home Counties Loft Ladders 11 7 6 Mortgage Services Ashdale Mortgage Services 19

Conservatory Roof Solutions Nu-Look 9 Music Tuition Merlin MIller Dance & Drama Penny Waterman Orchestra School of Dance 23 Abbey Gateway Orchestra Stagecoach 27 Oven Cleaning Dog Training Classes Ovengers Dogs Trust Dog School 47

17

Shutters The Harpenden Shutter Company

43

41 Locksmith Lock Around the Clock

Plasterers A Merson Plastering

13

5

7 Garden Centre Burston Garden Centre

17 17

Roofing GJ Smith Roofing

2 Fireplaces & Heating Fireplaces & Heating Direct 33 5 Garage Doors Garolla

Painters & Decorators CB Decorators M & M Decorators

39 39 7

Wedding Show Luxury Wedding Show Back Cover Will Planning / Writing Rennie Grove Hospice Care Westminster Wills Ltd

21 21

Windows & Doors Cloud 9 Kings Windows

35 37

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