st albans NOW FEB 25

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st albans February 2025

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Welcome to February

With so many places to visit and things to do this month, we’ve squeezed in as much as we can from the Feb Fest, Football Legends, Feathered Friends, Lambing, Live Cinema and Luton Hoo to Star Gazing, Shuttleworth, Science, Workshops, Wildlife and Walks. To make sure you don’t miss out the magazines are available to read on line every month.

If you run your own business we‘d love to include you it’s so easy, just book your space online today.

Jane & Wendy

@theNOWmagazines It’s free to get the magazines each month in your inbox visit www.theNOWmagazines.com to subscribe

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Tree Surgery & Garden Care All Aspects of Tree Work including Stump Removal Fruit Tree Specialist Garden Clearance & Fencing St Albans Based 35 Years Experience

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

Future Nature

Contact Chris 01727 844243 07518 626938 chris.futurenature@gmail.com “Always leaves a clean and tidy site”

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NOW for the Kids Whipsnade Zoo

Walk of the Week 6th Feb Hidden Gems Seek out some of Whipsnade's hidden animal treasures which even the most ardent visitors may have overlooked.

13th Feb Birds at Whipsnade Fly, flutter or simply walk as you hear about some of the incredible birds that call Whipsnade home.

27th Feb Nature's Safe with ZSL Discover the vital work that ZSL and Natures SAFE are doing to save species, and preserve genetic diversity for the future.

Toddler Safari 25th Feb - 22nd July Tuesdays 11am Go on a mini adventure to explore the natural world. Please ensure children have suitable clothing for playing outside.

All activities are included in admission Whipsnade Zoo, Dunstable LU6 2LF www.whipsnadezoo.org 7th Feb 11am The BFG needs your help to make some wundercrump new dreams. Learn how Roald Dahl drew inspiration from the people and places in his life, explore the museum collection for inspiration and invent your own dream-story to take home in a dream bottle!

Ages 5-11, £6.50 per child, accompanying adults and under 3s free Discover Bucks Museum, Aylesbury HP20 2QP www.discoverbucksmuseum.org 15th - 23rd Feb With live lambing, newborn lamb bottle feeding demonstrations, visit the Lambing Pavilion to meet the shepherd, plus a full day’s programme of fleecy fun for a baa-rilliant day out.

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

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Watch the new-born lambs take their first steps in the Lambing Barn and keep an eye on the expectant ewes as you might even see a lamb being born. Have fun in the indoor playworld with drop slides, climbing frames and spinning platforms or adventure outside on the rollercoaster-esque Shaggy's Raceway.

Meet the other animals and get involved in the animal activities. From £16.75 Mead Open Farm, Leighton Buzzard LU7 9JH www.meadopenfarm.co.uk

Buckinghamshire Railway Centre

Steaming Days 16th - 19th Feb With a full-size steam train to take you up and down the track, miniature ride-on trains (extra £1.50), the Railway Museum, Visitor Centre, Railway Cafe and 25-acres of Railwayland to explore. £12.50, £11.50, £8.50 Paddington 23rd Feb Meet everyone’s favourite bear, tickets include entry to the Railway, unlimited steam train rides, Railway Museum entry and more. £14.50, £13.50, £10.50 www.bucksrailcentre.org

Burston Buds Spuds

BFG Dream Bottles

February Frolics

Lambing Week 15th - 23rd Feb

17th, 19th & 21st Feb 11.30am & 1.30pm Introducing children to the beauty of home-grown vegetables. Plant up seed potatoes, take them home and enjoy the rewards of your harvest.

Teaching children about sustainability, responsibility, nutrition and the cycle of plant growth. £6, please book Burston Garden Centre, St Albans AL2 2DS www.burston.co.uk

Ministry Of Science Live!

22nd Feb 12.30pm & 3.30pm With 20ft liquid nitrogen clouds, exploding oxygen and hydrogen balloons, fire tornados, hydrogen bottle rockets, ignited methane and even a self-built Hovercraft! 100% educational, 300% explosive and 400% fun. £15.50 - £66 Watford Palace Theatre WD17 1JZ www.watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk

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Sandscape 21st Feb 11.30am & 2pm £7 ages 2-7 This silent theatrical piece embraces the Beauty and Essence of Nature exploring the texture, weight and breath of sand on various materials, offering an ever-changing view of the sight of sand, swirling and creating shapes, prints, lines, games and landscape.

The Hat Factory LU1 2EY

Wardown House, Museum & Gallery

Feb Fest

Stockwood Discovery Centre

The Bluebird 17th Feb 11.30am & 2pm £7 ages 5+ Join Mirtel, a Seer, and her tree spirit Micky, on their quest to find the elusive bluebird and help unlock its mystery.

Qu-Razy Quests 20th Feb 11.30am & 2pm £7 ages 5-11 The Myth Hunter needs your help to find the most treacherous stories known to humankind.

Bring your best adventure outfit and join in with daring escapes, swordfights, weird creatures, interactive games and the chance to become an honorary member of The Myth Hunter Academy.

Stockwood Discovery Centre LU1 4LX

Roshni 18th Feb 11am & 2.30pm £7 all ages Take an emotional journey, through wordless storytelling, percussive dance, and humorous upbeat audience interaction. This feel-good show is a treat for the senses and beautifully demonstrates the connection between music and dance.

The Mountain Witch 19th Feb 11.30am & 2pm £7 ages 3-8 An adventurous tale of seasons gone awry, an ancient witch and the determination of children to put things right. With inspiring dance, songs and original music played live on clarinet, flute and cello.

Wardown House, Museum & Gallery LU2 7HA www.culturetrust.com

Hat Factory Arts Centre

Extra Super Mega Rockin’ Rock Show 17th Feb 11.30am & 2pm £7 ages 3-10 All the best bits from Kid Carpet & The Noisy Animals, with the catchiest songs, games, puppetry and video projection!

The Sticky Dance 18th Feb 10am & 2pm £7 ages 3 - 5 Three dancers' shimmy through the audience weaving a tapestry of sticky tape inviting you to tape, stick and groove, to see and feel sound or to be still, watch and listen. Audiences are encouraged to explore freely, and turn the rules upside down.

The Little Prince 19th Feb 11.30am & 2pm £7 age 7+ Take a whimsical journey with the Little Prince as he wanders the universe in search of the true meaning of friendship and learns how to notice the most important things in life.

The Rainbow Butterfly 20th Feb 10.30am, 12.15pm & 3pm £7 age 3+ An immersive experience, blending traditional storytelling with aerial circus, graceful contortion and dynamic contemporary and Hip Hop dance.

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in the year and a small front garden with lots of foliage interest. £5 www.ngs.org.uk

Herts Wildlife Trust

Winter Tree Identification Workshop 1st Feb 10am - 3pm Spend the morning in the classroom, learning how to identify trees using bud and twig characteristics, then walk around the Park Nature Reserve putting your learning into practice.

Bring a packed lunch.

Cassiobury Park Watford WD18 7LG Drop In Session At The Wildlife Garden 20th Feb 11am - 2pm Moving More in the New Year Walking helps you look and feel good, maintain a Explore the wildlife garden, make an apple bird feeder and meet Willoughby, the giant willowhealthy weight, strengthen bones and muscles, weaved hedgehog. Free, but weather dependent, and sleep better. Hertfordshire Health Walks aimed at children but all welcome. are sociable, a great way to explore your Grebe House, St Michael’s St, St Albans AL3 4SN neighbourhood and free. There are six regular, weekly walks in St Albans and the surrounding Walk: Herons, Egrets & Early Signs of Spring area, including a gentle ‘First Steps’ walk around 22nd Feb 10am - 12.15pm Highfield Park and weekend walking opportunities Learn about the Herons and Egrets that call this for those seeking a longer, brisker walk.

Nature Reserve home, and look for the early Everyone is welcome, simply turn up and if it’s signs of spring. Wear sturdy boots or wellies, your first walk please arrive 10 minutes early to event is weather dependent and may be complete a New Walker Form, or register cancelled at short notice. Donations appreciated online. To register your interest in becoming a Stocker's Lake, Health Walk volunteer please call 01992 555888 Rickmansworth Aquadrome WD3 1NB or email healthwalks.cms@hertfordshire.gov.uk www.hertswildlifetrust.org.uk Find a walk near you by visiting Herrings Green Farm www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/healthwalks Furry Friends 1st Feb 10.30am & 1.30pm Charity Hub Under the care of the animal keepers, children can meet and handle rabbits, guinea pigs, goats, Luton & Dunstable Hospital Penelope the skunk, and lots more.

Have you ever thought about volunteering? £4.50, child £9.99 The Charity Hub based in the Maternity Unit at L&D Hospital are looking for volunteers at the Feathered Friends 9th Feb 10.30am & 1.30pm following times: The falconer will introduce children to a variety of Mondays 3.30pm - 6.30pm smaller owls, such as the Little Owl and Barn Owl, Alternate Wednesdays 3pm - 6.30pm they can then handle some of the different Sundays 10am - 1.30pm & 1.30pm - 5pm species, before having the opportunity to fly them.

They are also looking for volunteers to take £4.50, child £9.99 the snack trolley round the hospital between Bird of Prey Encounter Monday and Friday 9.30am - 12.30pm and 23rd Feb 10am & 1st March 1pm 1.30pm - 4.30pm.

Spend time handling various Owls, Hawks, It’s a very friendly team, so if you’re interested Eagles and Falcons, as well as free-flying some of and over 18 please contact the birds in the arena. Then watch one of the CharityHub@bedsft.nhs.uk or 07800 711 370 flying displays and see the birds in action. £29 for more information.

Herrings Green Farm MK45 3DT www.birdsofpreycentre.co.uk National Garden Scheme Walkern Hall Stevenage SG2 7JA St Albans City Walks 1st & 2nd Feb 12 noon - 4pm Historic St Albans This eight-acre winter woodland garden, has a 2nd, 9th, 16th & 23rd Feb 11.15am carpet of snowdrops and aconites. Home-made soup, tea, coffee and cakes will be available in aid Ghosts and Ghouls 6th & 20th Feb 7.30pm of St Mary's Church and 10% to the National Garden Scheme. £6 City Centre Highlights 9th Feb 10.30am 8 Gosselin Road Bengeo, Hertford SG14 3LG 5th & 7th Feb 1pm - 4pm Wars of the Roses With over 250 varieties of snowdrop, deep 16th Feb 2.30pm borders packed with perennials and grasses later £6, please book online www.stalbanstourguides.co.uk

Out & About

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Dunstable Downs

More Out & About Highfield Helpers

4th, 11th, 18th & 25th Feb 9am - 3 pm Highfield Helpers provide support to the grounds staff in keeping the park in tip-top condition.

Tasks include improvement of the paths, clearing brambles, maintenance of borders, litter picking and tidying up. Volunteers are young and old alike, its good fun and keeps you fit. Stay as long as you like, tea, coffee and biscuits are provided.

Please wear comfortable clothing and sturdy footwear.

So, if you’re free on Tuesdays, why not get involved, its a great way to help the environment, meet new people and support a charity. No experience is needed. Meet at the Visitor Centre Highfield Park, Hill End Ln, St Albans AL4 0RA www.highfieldparktrust.co.uk

Sustainable St Albans Thermal Imaging Cameras Harpenden: 5th & 25th Feb 8pm Zoom St Albans: 13th & 24th Feb 8pm Zoom Watch a short online zoom session to learn how to use the camera, then book to borrow one.

Open Days - Victorian Terrace Eco House 8th Feb & 8th March 9.30am - 11am & 11.30am - 12.30pm A tour of a Victorian terrace in Bernard’s Heath with owner Judith Leary-Joyce, author of the Beginner’s Guide to Eco Renovation.

Repair Fair 15th Feb 5pm St Albans District Fixers will help repair household fabrics and electrical items.

Please book Quaker Meeting House, Harpenden AL5 1PD Our Planet Our Future - Book Club 27th Feb 7.30pm Blue Machine: How the Ocean Shapes Our World - Helen Czerski The Cross Keys, Harpenden AL5 2SD www.sustainablestalbans.org

The Mum Club Brunch Club

7th Feb 10am - 12pm For all mums, bumps and babies. Please book Beech House, St Albans AL1 3EG www.themumclub.com 10

Valentines Day: Blind Date With a Book 8th - 14th Feb 10m - 4pm Let Cupid's clues guide you to find a new love with pre-loved books, guaranteed date success at this second-hand bookshop! Selected and wrapped by staff, the books will make the perfect 'me time' curl-up companion. £2 donation February Fun for Everyone 15th - 23rd Feb 10am - 3pm Get outdoors and closer to nature, pick up an activity sheet and set off on a mini adventure.

With no set route, explore the beauty of the Downs your own way, no matter your ability. £2 donation www.nationaltrust.org.uk

St Albans South Signal Box

9th Feb 2pm - 5pm 19th Feb Half-term Opening 2pm - 5pm Visit the largest preserved Midland Railway signal box in the UK open to the public and next to a main line railway. See signalling demonstrations, operate working signals, a point and more. Free 5 Ridgmont Road, St Albans AL1 3AJ www.sigbox.co.uk

Shaws Corner Volunteer Open Day

14th Feb 12 noon - 3pm drop in Interested in volunteering at Shaws Corner?

If so register your interest, talk to staff and volunteers about the role, join a house tour, and see how volunteers help to look after this special place. Refreshments available To reserve your place call 01438 820307 or email shawscorner@nationaltrust.org.uk Shaw's Corner, Ayot St Lawrence AL4 9BX www.nationaltrust.org.uk

The Bishop of St Alban’s Garden

15th, 16th, 22nd & 23rd Feb 2pm - 4pm Enjoy the snowdrop display (weather permitting). £5, child free, dogs on leads welcome. Please wear suitable footwear, proceeds to the Beds and Herts Historic Churches Trust.

Abbey Gate House, Abbey Mill Lane AL3 4HD

Winter Wednesdays Tea & Talks

Refreshments 10.30am, talk 11am Book for your group, club or society, £10 per person (min 10 people) 2 weeks’ notice required Choose from the following talks:  A History of Luton Hoo Walled Garden  Conservation at Luton Hoo Walled Garden  The Women’s Land Army 1914-1919  Successes and Setbacks in the Walled Garden in the 20th century  Luton Hoo Opens to the Public 1947-1950 Luton Hoo Walled Garden LU1 4LF www.lutonhooestate.co.uk

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Are your feet getting you down?

I offer a wide range of footcare treatments on Tuesdays at Verulam Pharmacy (by Waitrose) King Harry Lane, the last Thursday each month at Jersey Farm Pharmacy or I can visit you in the comfort of your own home.

Fully insured, DBS Certified - Renée Baum Foot Healthcare Professional MCFHP MAFHP

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NOW

for some Entertainment Abbey Theatre

Ladies’ Day 24th Jan - 1st Feb 8pm & 26th Jan 2.30pm Hilarious comedy following the fortunes of ladies as they take advantage of Royal Ascot’s shift to York Racecourse for one year only. £14, £12 An Evening with David Pleat 11th Feb 8pm David has lived a life at the heart of football, from his debut as an England Schoolboy International in 1960 to his time as a scout for Spurs up to 2024. He is joined by Brian Horton, Pleat’s captain, and Clive Allen who scored 49 goals for Spurs during the 1986/87. £30 Girls Like That 13th -15th Feb 8pm This powerful play explores the impact of social media on teenage identity and relationships. It follows a group of high school girls who navigate the complexities of popularity politics, self-image and societal expectations surrounded by online pressures. £12, £10 All My Sons 28th Feb - 1st March & 4th - 8th March 8pm & 2nd March 2.30pm It’s August 1947, Joe and his family are forced to confront their painful past. Tensions rise as secrets are revealed in this poignant reflection on materialism, moral responsibility, the consequences of dishonesty and the burden of guilt. £14 £12 Holywell Hill, St Albans AL1 2DL www.abbeytheatre.org.uk

Northern Soul Live 22nd Feb 7.30pm Hear this 10 piece band playing authentic style of Northern Soul Music, your feet won’t stop dancing. £30 The MozART Group 27th Feb 7.30pm Two violinists, a violist and a cellist, hysterical, even if you don’t know your Mozart from your Bach! £32.50 80’s Live 28th Feb 7.30pm Including hits Girls Just Wanna Have Fun, Tainted Love, Love Shack, Living on a Prayer and more. £34 The Alban Arena, St Albans AL1 3LD www.everyonetheatres.com

The EMC

Phil Walker Happy Bunny 1st Feb 7.30pm Come join this award-winning comedian in his brand new show for a night of laughter guaranteed. £17.50 Live at The EMC 6th Feb 8pm A selection of the best circuit comedians and rising stars. £20 John Barrowman - Laid Bare 8th Feb 7.30pm Unwavering and uncensored about his passion for life and his profound love of song and story. £30 - £40 Ward Thomas 14th Feb 7.30pm Twin sisters Catherine and Lizzy Ward Thomas, hailed as the UK’s most successful country act are on an intimate, acoustic UK tour. £28.50 - £37.50 Teach Rex 15th Feb 10am & 12.30pm The Pioneer Club Using life-like dinosaurs to teach children about the Bushrod + Yung Yusuf 1st Feb 7pm anatomy and life of one the most mesmerising London-based Bushrod cultivates a brand of infectious, creatures that ever roamed our planet. £11.25, age 3+ humble music, bridging the gap between alternative Arts Society Harpenden Area 20th Feb 10.30am hip-hop and rap. And local rapper Yung Yusuf, who’s Making an Old Master: Apprenticeship and Studio Life playful wordplay and unique energy keeps listeners for the Would-Be Artist. on their toes. £10, age 14+ Fairport Convention 21st Feb 7.30pm Book Club Battle Quiz Night - Noir At The Bar Featuring founding member Simon Nicol on guitar and 6th Feb 7pm vocals, Dave Pegg on bass guitar, Ric Sanders on Join hosts and local authors Luke Deckard and violin, Chris Leslie on fiddle, mandolin and vocals. £35 Heather Critchlow to see who has the best book brain.

My Heart Will Go On 22nd Feb 7.30pm £30, tables of up to 6, age 18+ Celebration of the music of Celine Dion. £30.50 Heathlands Drive, Harpenden Rd, St.Albans AL3 5AY Oasiz 28th Feb 7.30pm www.pioneerclub.co.uk Playing all the big anthems that you would expect The Alban Arena from a greatest hits tour. £24 Johns’ Boys Choir 1st Feb 7.30pm Eric Morecambe Centre, Harpenden AL5 2FR One of the most decorated British male choirs in www.everyonetheatres.com history, the first British Male Voice Choir to win the The Radlett Centre Pavarotti ‘Choir of the World’ prize. £29.50 Richard Herring: Can I Have My Ball Back St Albans Scout & Guide Gang Show 1st Feb 7.30pm £16.50 12th - 15th Feb 7.30 & 15th Feb 2.30pm In 2021 Richard Herring had testicular cancer and had A fun packed variety show. From £10 the murderous gonad removed. Hear him talk bollocks Jim Davidson - The Next Chapter 16th Feb 7.30pm and answer the question on everyone's lips: Is a Jim invites you to join him for another evening of ripsevered gonad a fitting prize for Taskmaster? www.theNOWmagazines.com 20 roaring, grown-up comedy. £30

5, 6, 7, 8 - The Steps Experience 2nd Feb 7.30pm High energy tribute to Steps, with hits One For Sorrow, Say You'll Be Mine and many more. £28.50 Evening with Teddy Sheringham 3rd Feb 8pm Hosted by GB News Sport and Tottenham Hotspur Matchday Pitch Presenter, Paul Coyte. £40 - £80 Diana & Lionel - Endless Love The Show 7th Feb 7.30pm Celebrating artists Diana Ross & Lionel Richie. £28.50 Josh Widdicombe: Work in Progress 26th Feb 7.30pm £19.50 Join Josh as he warms up ahead of his brand-new tour Sean Conway - Endurance 28th Feb 7.30pm 105 Iron Man competitions in 105 days, the first to swim the length of Britain, the fastest unsupported cycle across Europe and a 4200 mile continuous triathlon. £20.50 Aldenham Ave WD7 8HL www.radlettcentre.co.uk

and lows of the famous explorer, Sir Walter Raleigh.

The BRICK People 19th Feb 10am, 11.15am, 12.45pm, 2pm & 3.15pm LEGO® related activities and workshops. £7.50 Fluff 21st Feb 8pm A darkly comedic play exploring memories and the choices we make in life. £16 Connor Burns: 1994 26th Feb 8pm Prolific joke writer with razor-sharp wit.

Hemel Hempstead HP1 3AE www.oldtownhall.co.uk

Live Event Cinema

The Horn

Les Misérables: The Staged Concert Live!

2nd Feb 2pm & 11th Feb 7pm Enjoy this spectacular staged concert on the big screen with an all-star cast including Michael Ball, Alfie Boe, Carrie Hope Fletcher and Matt Lucas. £15, £14 Macbeth: David Tennant & Cush Jumbo 5th Feb 7.30pm & 9th Feb 2pm £17.50, £16.50 See a stellar cast in this enthralling new production, filmed at the Donmar Warehouse in London.

National Theatre Live: The Importance of Being Earnest 20th Feb 6pm & 23rd Feb 2pm A joyful reimagining of Oscar Wilde’s celebrated story of identity, impersonation and romance. £17.50 £16.50 Royal Ballet & Opera: Swan Lake 27th Feb 7.15pm & 2nd March 2pm £20.50, £19.50 Campus West, Welwyn Garden City AL8 6BX www.campuswest.co.uk

Old Town Hall Arts Centre

A Monster Calls

7th - 15th Feb 8pm & 15th Feb 2.30pm Breath-taking fantasy, physical theatre and raw emotion. £15 Barn Theatre, Welwyn Garden City AL8 6ST www.barntheatre.co.uk The Rolling Clones 8th Feb 9pm No better deliverers of masterly musicianship and charisma on the tribute circuit. £16 The DekkerTones 15th Feb 9pm This 9-piece ska / reggae / rocksteady / 2tone covers band plays authentic ska and reggae. £16 U2 Tribe 22nd Feb 9pm £15 Taking you on a journey of the history of U2's music.

Cutting Crew 26th Feb 8pm They’ll win your hearts with their razor-sharp musicianship, wit and emotional performance including their USA No 1, (I Just) Died in Your Arms. £27 Victoria Street, St Albans AL1 3TE www.thehorn.co.uk

Love is in the Air 9th Feb 4pm

de Havilland Philharmonic Orchestra perform Glazunov: Winter and Spring (from The Seasons) and Concerto for Alto Saxophone, Prokofiev: Fifth Symphony. £18, concs £15, child £8 UH Arts, Weston Auditorium, Hatfield AL10 9EU www.herts.ac.uk

Juicebox Live 6th Feb 8pm An electrifying night of musical local talent. £10, 18+ Rob Newman: Where The Wild Things Were 7th Feb 8pm £20, age 14+ Bugsy Malone See Rob in his all new comedy show.

10th - 22nd Feb 7.30pm & 22nd Feb 2.30pm £17.50 The Sandpit Theatre, St Albans AL4 9NX Alice Armstrong 8th Feb 8pm www.sandpittheatre.co.uk Alice’s music creates a heady amalgamation of blues, soul, funk, rock, pop and country. £18 Ladies Down Under 13th - 22nd Feb Eshaan Akbar: Can’t Get No Satisfakshaan Full of humour and fun but with real-life angst 9th Feb 8pm £18.50 and pathos. £15 Refreshingly funny, a big talent in the making.

The Maltings Theatre, St Albans AL1 3HL That Knave, Raleigh 13th - 15th Feb www.ovo.org.uk Taking us on a journey through the588291 astonishingjane@theNOWmagazines.com highs 07983 21

M & M Decorators

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NOW at the Cathedral

Be a Chorister for a Day (Girls) 1st Feb 2pm An opportunity for girls in year 3 to experience the life of a chorister at the Cathedral.

The day will include musical games, the chance to learn new songs, a tour of the Cathedral and meeting current choristers. The afternoon ends with the chance to sing at Evensong with the Cathedral Choir.

More to Explore Tour: The Nave Screen, Up Close & Personal 2nd Feb 1.30pm Rory Young's engaging Martyrs' Statues have been installed on the nave screen since 2015.

This tour gives a rare opportunity to study them in depth looking at the crystal cross, angels ancient and modern and some striking graffiti.

Free, but please book Tour: Divine Designs 6th Feb 2pm & 8th Feb 10.30am Join this tour during UK National Astronomy Week (1st - 9th Feb) and encounter the work of a medieval abbot whose fascination for mathematics and astronomy led him to invent one of the most technologically advanced clocks of his time. £12 Talk: A Journey Back to the Beginnings of the Universe 6th Feb 7.30pm £12 Hertfordshire Chorus - JS Bach St John Passion 8th Feb 7.30pm Ben Johnson Evangelist / Andrew Ashwin Jesus Zoë Brookshaw soprano / Diana Moore alto Gwilym Bowen tenor / Ashley Riches bass Hertfordshire Chorus and The Hanover Band. £35, £26, £10, £5

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Music by Moonlight 9th Feb 4pm The Cathedral Choir present an atmospheric concert of moon-themed music under the stunning Museum of the Moon, a captivating installation of a huge spherical illuminated model of the moon in the Nave of the Abbey. £12 Music Trust Lunchtime Concert 10th Feb 1pm The St Albans Cathedral Music Trust presents this concert to highlight the great work being done by local students and to inspire others.

Talk: The Wars of the Roses 15th Feb 10.30am Learn about how the power struggle for the throne between the two royal houses of York and Lancaster left its mark on the fabric and people of the monastery in the 1400s and 1500s. £12 Interstellar 10 15th Feb 7.30pm Roger Sayer, the organist on the original film soundtrack will perform a suite of Hans Zimmer’s music from the film, plus intergalactic favourites from 2001: A Space Odyssey and Holst’s The Planets. There will also be an audience Q&A. £25, £21, £18, £15 Invisible Wonders: Nanotechnology & the God of Creation 26th Feb 7.30pm Look down the microscope and discover a world of tiny wonders with Professor Russell Cowburn, FRS, Canon Scientist. £10, £6 Oaklands Shrines Exhibition 28th Feb - 10th March Oaklands College Art students present an exhibition of works in print, ceramics, graphics, photography, textiles, painting and drawing put together after researching shrines across a range of religions and cultures. Free St Albans Cathedral AL1 1BY www.stalbanscathedral.org

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Out of Town

Go 'behind the ropes' and learn about the history of the aircraft and aircrew who fought in the skies over France and Britain. From Hawker Hurricanes and Supermarine Spitfires to a Bristol Blenheim and the last airworthy Curtiss Hawk-75, a guide will take you up close to the exhibits and aircraft.

IWM Duxford, Cambridgeshire CB22 4QR www.iwm.org.uk

Waddesdon Winter Weekends until 9th Feb Saturdays & Sundays 10am - 4pm Enjoy a walk and admire the beauty of the gardens in winter. Entry to the grounds is free Putting the House to Bed Tour 1st - 23rd Feb Saturdays & Sundays 11am & 1pm Discover how the house and collection are ‘put to bed’ and cared for by the conservation stewards while its closed during the winter months. £27.50 Winter Walking Tours 2nd Feb - 23rd March Wednesdays & Sundays 11.30am Highlights include the Elephant Family, Daffodil Valley and winter and spring blooms. Meet by Visitor Information Centre, included in grounds admission Valentine's Stargazing Dinner 14th Feb 6.30pm A night of indulgence, discovery and romance, enjoy a four course dinner with wine pairings, followed by a stargazing experience with expert guidance from UK Astronomy. £150 Spring at Waddesdon 15th Feb - 23rd March Wednesdays - Sundays 10am - 4pm Take a walk through the grounds, see the birds at the Aviary and enjoy refreshments from the Coffee Bar or Stables Café.

Normal grounds admission applies Outdoor Adventure Workshops 15th & 19th Feb A 2-hour adventure where children can explore the woods, enjoy den building, fire lighting, animal tracking, bushcraft, nature education and games. £28, ages 6 - 9, please book Eythrope Parkland Spring Tours 19th - 21st Feb 10.15am Wednesdays 26th Feb - 30th April 10.15am Visit this private park and woodland garden accompanied by Eythrope’s guides. Tickets include transport to and from Eythrope, lunch, grounds admission to Waddesdon Manor. £50 Waddesdon, Bucks HP18 0JH www.waddesdon.org.uk

IWM Duxford

Scramble! The Summer of 1940 until 23rd Feb 11am & 1.30pm Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays

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Afternoon Tea at Cafe Van Hage

until 26th April Enjoy a selection of sandwiches, freshly baked scones cream and jam, pastries and cakes. £20.95 Van Hage Garden Centre, Great Amwell SG12 9R www.bluediamond.gg

Dark Skies 1st Feb 5pm - 8pm Celebrate the night skies with an evening of stargazing, educational talks and activities including a mobile planetarium. Artificial lights will be switched off to allow stars to be seen without glare or local upward light. Experts and enthusiasts, including The University of Hertfordshire: Bayfordbury Observatory and the Hertford Astronomy Group, will come together to raise awareness of the effects of lighting at night on humans and the surrounding ecology. £2 The Castle, Hertford SG14 1HR www.hertford.gov.uk `

Learning Lunchtimes

All free, no need to book Taking Good Photographs 3rd Feb 11am Photography enthusiast David Knapp, will share practical tips on how to take better photos using cameras and smartphones, that will instantly elevate your photography.

From Big Stripes to Small Spikes: How your local safari park is contributing to native and global conservation efforts 10th Feb 11am With conservation being a key role of a modern safari park, Woburn Safari Park partnered with the Forest of Marston Vale. Katie Chapman will present the park’s native and global conservation efforts, while touching on the stories of some of the species living there.

Gardens an Hour (or so) from Bedford 17th Feb 11am Discover a selection of hidden garden gems and hear about unique and lesser-known gardens like Rousham Park and Copped Hall, each with its own charm and history.

Forest of Marston Vale, The Forest Centre, Marston Moretaine, Beds MK43 0PR www.marstonvale.org

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More Out of Town

Shuttleworth

Scale Model Exhibition 16th Feb 10am £12.50 Explore the Engineering hangar where you’ll find plenty of modellers showcasing their work.

Filming Tour & Bridgerton Afternoon Tea Engineering Open Workshops 5th - 29th Feb 1.30pm Weds & Sats 22nd & 23rd Feb 10am Featured in series such as The Crown, Antiques Roadshow and Bridgerton, take a tour round Wrest Take a look behind the scenes at what it takes to Park which has been the back-drop for some of TVs restore, rebuild, maintain and operate one of the world’s most extensive collections of working most dramatic moments. There’ll be a chance to vintage agricultural exhibits. Sit in a genuine 1942 strike a pose in costumes from the Georgian era.

Mark Vc Spitfire, AR501, which among other duties After the tour, afternoon tea will be served in the in WW2 escorted the infamous USAAF B-17 dining room. £46.50, please book ‘Memphis Belle’, for which tickets are £20.

Half Term History Makers Open House & Tours 22nd & 23rd Feb 11am 15th - 23rd Feb 10am - 4pm £14, child £8.50 Immerse yourself in the history of the Shuttleworth Join characters from the past for heritage-inspired family at Old Warden Park and visit the Grade II hijinks and hands-on shenanigans.

House. Entry as part of Engineering Open Silsoe, Beds MK45 4HR Weekend, buy an event ticket to visit the House. www.english-heritage.org.uk £10. You can also book to take a more in depth Ashridge House guided tour for £10 per adult.

Champagne House Tour 9th Feb 2pm Shuttleworth, Biggleswade SG18 9DT Led by resident history expert, uncover secrets www.shuttleworth.org nestled behind ancient bookcases, and dive into Half Term Family Activities 700 years of captivating history. £30 17th - 21st Feb Afternoon Tea 23rd Feb Learn about Enigma, one of the cipher machines Enjoy a selection of homemade cakes and and find out how different parts of it worked, create savouries, accompanied by teas and coffees. a strong cipher and have a go at breaking one Ashridge House, Berkhamsted HP4 1NS yourself. Make a rotor, set up a plugboard, have a www.ashridgehouse.org.uk go at cribbing and more. Age 5-15, must be accompanied by an adult. Included in admission RAF Museum STEM Week Bletchley Park, Milton Keynes MK3 6EB The Bubbly Maths Show www.bletchleypark.org.uk 15th - 18th Feb 11am & 2pm Guinness World Record holding artist Caroline Ainslie will take you on a journey full of bubbles, giant balloons and laughter as she encourages children to love learning and enjoy maths and science, with lots of audience interaction and massive visual props. £6.50, ages 4-10 Airfix Make-and-Take Workshops 17th - 19th Feb 11am, 1pm & 2.30pm Build a model of the Sopwith Pup, kits can be made on-site or taken away and completed at home. £5, age 7+ Paper Airplane Designing Contest 19th - 21st Feb 11am, 12pm, 2pm & 3pm £3 Have you got what it takes to make a stream-lined jet that will go the distance? Find out by designing and refining your paper plane to try and win the Museum’s Paper Airplane Designing Contest, the current record is 19 metres. Age 4+ Laser Tag 20th - 23rd Feb 11am, 12noon, 1pm & 2pm Young cadets can shoot fellow participants to claim their place at the top of the leader board. There’ll be lots of games planned so don’t miss out on being the top space cowboy! £6.50, age 8+ 07785 563364 Grahame Park Way, London NW9 5LL www.rafmuseum.org.uk

Wrest Park

St Albans

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NOW at the Museums Harpenden Museum

Harpenden: From Village to Town: 1860-1914 January - March Tuesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays 11am-3pm An exhibition telling the story of how Harpenden in the period up to WW1 was transformed from a rural village to a town. Triggered by the coming of the railways, when the population tripled and the core of the Town we know today was created. The story is explained and illustrated through displays, and commentary on original photos, maps, documents and individual memories from Society archives.

Downstairs at the EMC, Rothamsted Park AL5 2FR www.harpenden-history.org.uk

Verulamium Museum

Exhibition: Mapping an Uneven Path: Stories of Health & Disability at Verulamium until 23rd Feb Exploring the ways in which Romans practiced and understood medicine and healing, as well as their cultural attitudes towards disability.

Talk: Roman Coins 11th Feb 7pm Join curator David Thorold, as he shares his extensive knowledge of Roman coins from Verulamium and across the Roman world. £10, please book Archaeology for Families 18th - 21st Feb 10.30am Learn how archaeologists record what they find in the ground by analysing genuine finds.

Age 7 - 12, free with admission Clay Workshop for Families - Make a Roman Cup 20th Feb 10.30am & 11.30am Craft and decorate a Roman style cup or beaker.

Age 7+ £6.50 Talk: Living in Comfort? 28th Feb 7pm Focusing on the multisensory experience of living in Roman residences at the heart and edge of the Roman Empire. £10 St Albans AL3 4SW www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk

St Albans Museum + Gallery

Exhibition: Catching the Chain until 25th April Inspired by the Museum's cells and courtroom 32

this explores the history of criminal justice and the ways in which local communities have dealt with crime from the Iron Age to today.

Exhibition: Outsiders - a Journey Through Homelessness 17th Jan - 16th March free A documentary photography project which captures a snapshot of homelessness in modern Britain. Including personal testimony from the participants alongside environmental monochrome portraits taken using a mix of digital and vintage film cameras.

Messy Monday Mornings 3rd, 10th, 17th & 24th Feb 10.15am - 11.45am Enjoy messy play and creative activities with your child. Drop in, under 5’s, £6.50 Generations: Drop in!

8th - 22nd Feb 10.30am -12.30pm The Museum is looking for those with a connection to South Asian countries to get involved in their next community co-curated exhibition - Generations: Stories from South Asian St Albans. Do you have objects you could share? How do you tell your stories, and what does 'South Asian St Albans' mean to you.

Museum Minis 14th Feb 10am & 11am A story, a craft activity and a museum treasure hunt. Age 2 - 4, £6.50 Make a Thingambob!

18th Feb 10.15am, 11.30am, 1.30pm & 2.45pm Fun and creative craft workshops inspired by the imaginative work of Maria Meyer, currently on display in the gallery. Let your imagination run wild and invent your own quirky Thingamabobs!

Age 5+ £6.50 Make a Model Lion & Unicorn 19th Feb 10.15am, 11.30am, 1.45pm & 3pm Look for the lion and the unicorn behind the magistrate’s chair in the courtroom, then make your own pair of animals from colourful polymer clay. Models will need to be baked in the oven at home. Age 5+ £7.50 St Albans AL1 3DH www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk

Natural History Museum Tring

Bird Feeders with the RSPB 18th Feb 10am Make an apple bird feeder while hearing all about the work of the RSPB and how you can become involved in helping nature. Free, drop in Explore Reptiles 18th, 19th & 20th Feb 10.30am & 2pm Get hands on with some scaly specimens and discover what makes reptiles so turtle-y amazing!

Free, drop in Behind the Scenes Tour 27th Feb 2,30pm Themed around the Voyages of Discovery, this tour gives you the unique opportunity to get up close to some historical specimens, including those linked to Charles Darwin, Alfred Russel Wallace and Ernest Shackleton. Adult £10 Tring HP23 6AP www.nhm.ac.uk

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Index of Businesses Accountants Hicks

Bathing Mobility Bathing Mobility Advisory Service Blinds & Shutters Harpenden Blinds

Building

Open Plan Solutions Care Home The Orchard

Children’s Art Classes ArtShed!

Chimney Sweep

Home Sweep Home

Choir

Somewhere 2 Sing

Dance & Drama Penny Waterman School of Dance Stagecoach

Education Kumon

Electrician 14

29

St Albans Sparks

Flooring 25

KC Flooring Specialists Ltd

Footcare 29 27 12 7 30

1st Footcare

Funeral Directors Austin’s

14 Back Cover

Detail Gardening & Maintenance 11 Future Nature 3 Greenleaf Garden Company 35 Sunshine Gardens 3 Tierra Designs 9

Healthcare

Spire Harpenden Hospital Hearing Healthcare Practice

Home Care 5

Nannies 4 Grannies You & I Care

5

Locksmiths

6

Lock Around the Clock Locksmith Services

Loft Ladders

Home Counties Loft Ladders

34

Alex Sutton CB Decorators M & M Decorators

22 22 22

Personal Development The People Equation

19

Pest Control

The Verminator

11

Plasterer

Gardening

Hearing Services 18

23

Painters & Decorators

J C Moffat

29

Plumber

DJ&M Plumbing Services Ltd

29 & 35

Property Maintenance 16 & 17

The 50 Plus

Roofing 15

GJ Smith Roofing

Slimming 34 2

Lighter Life

24 Front Cover

Solicitors

Rayden Solicitors 33 33

Tree Surgeons

31

Windows

Fircroft Tree Surgery Ltd Cloud 9 Glazing

33

13 11 24

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