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st albans January 2021
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Welcome to 2021 We expect, like us, you’re hoping the New Year will bring all we normally take for granted, from the freedom to spend time with friends and family, to playing team sports and going to the theatre. 2020 has been a crazy time for everyone, and we have really appreciated the support from our advertisers and readers over the past year, so please continue to ‘think local’ when looking through the magazine to see who you need, from Bathing Mobility to Windows and Doors. If you’re interested in advertising we’d love to hear from you. The magazines are monthly and if you don’t have a copy handy, you can always find them on Twitter, Facebook or our website. We wish you all a safe and Happy New Year
Jane & Wendy @theNOWmagazines
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Out & About & Online! Broxbourne Old Mill and Meadows Listed in the Domesday Book of 1086, Broxbourne Old Mill has changed hands and roles many times over the centuries, and a catastrophic fire in 1949 means that today there’s little more than the 16th century floor still in existence. But you’ll still feel the atmosphere of this special place, and the echoes of a thousand years of history. It’s the ideal access point for the attractions of River Lee Country Park, where you can hire bikes, canoes and kayaks. Or you can take to the peaceful waters of the River Lee, with pedalos, rowing boats and electric craft for hire at the nearby Lee Valley Boat Centre. If fishing’s your thing try your luck with a day ticket anytime in the open season. Or take a stroll along the towpath to the wetland habitat of Silvermeade, where you might spot Water Voles, Muntjac deer and a host of other fascinating wildlife. Mill Lane, Broxbourne, Herts EN10 7AX www.visitleevalley.org.uk
RSPB Walk: Stocker's Lake 1st Jan 10am free A traditional New Year's Day walk around the local nature reserve. This event is run by RSPB volunteers. Meet by the café at the Aquadrome, Rickmansworth WD3 1NB Please book 01494 431289 / arwright@avnet.co.uk ww2.rspb.org.uk
Historic St Albans - A City Revealed 1st Jan 11.15am Led by St Albans Tour Guides, learn about revolting peasants, martyrs, heretics, monasteries and monks. Walk around the grounds of the Cathedral and admire the building that was started by the Normans and embellished by Lord Grimthorpe at the west front. Find out what’s unique to St Albans and see its medieval clock tower and parish memorials. £5 per person, please book www.stalbanstourguides.co.uk
Herts & Middx Wildlife Trust Suggested donation £5 per registration per event Learn to Sketch Birds 14th Jan 2pm online Grab a notepad and pencils and local artist, Martin Gibbons will show you how to begin field sketching
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birds by going through the basics of shape, form, depth and adding detail. He loves capturing light, landscape and wildlife in natural spaces, and as a keen birder has an eye for catching fleeting moments quickly in the field. Aimed at adults, but suitable for older children and teenagers. Talk: Geology of Hertfordshire 21st Jan 7pm online Learn about the geology of Hertfordshire and Middlesex and see how this affects the location and nature of the Trust's reserves in this talk and Q&A session. Presented by John Myres, volunteer at Herts & Middlesex Wildlife Trust. Suitable for adults but all welcome Learn About Badgers 28th Jan 7pm online This interactive, family event will focus on teaching children about badgers, what they look like, where they live and how to care for them. There will be a chance to ask questions, participate in quizzes and watch videos of the badger hide at Tewin Orchard. Presented by Chris Wood, chair of Herts & Middx Badger Group. Aimed at families but all welcome. www.hertswildlifetrust.org.uk
Big Garden Birdwatch 29th - 31st Jan It’s so easy to take part, and an hour watching the birds is a wonderful opportunity to sit back, relax and spend time with nature. So, pop the kettle on, put your feet up and start counting the birds. 1. Choose an hour between 29th - 31st January to watch the birds in your garden or local park. 2. Only count birds that land, not those flying over. The same birds may land more than once, so avoid double counting by recording the highest number of each species you see at any one time, not the total number you count over the hour. 3. Everyone’s count is important, so don’t worry if you don’t see anything. Observing which birds aren’t around is as important as seeing the ones that are. 4. Submit your results online 29th Jan - 19th Feb Last year’s results 1. House Sparrow 2. Starling 3. Blue Tit 4. Woodpigeon 5. Blackbird 6. Goldfinch 7. Great Tit 8. Robin 9. Long-tailed Tit 10. Magpie www.rspb.org.uk/birdwatch
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Fun for Everyone
Please check websites for any changes
Hogwarts in the Snow until 17th Jan Get into the festive spirit as this annual event returns with more snow than ever. For the first time Diagon Alley undergoes a wintery transformation with the cobbled stones and magical shop fronts given a festive makeover, draped in layers of filmmaking snow. Though Diagon Alley was not seen in the snow, the set was used for parts of Hogsmeade during the wintery scenes when Harry made use of his invisibility cloak to join the school trip without permission. Warner Bros Studio Tour WD25 7LR www.wbstudiotour.co.uk
Adventure Quest 26th Dec - 3rd Jan 10am - 4pm Enjoy this fun event with your family and discover fun facts and untold stories in the places where history happened. Hunt for clues and QR codes which reveal quirky tales and lead you to a small reward. It’s a great way to get out and about over the festive period. Wrest Park MK45 4HR www.english-heritage.org.uk
London’s New Year Day Parade 1st Jan 12 noon watch live via the website Organisers are planning to send a live TV and online welcome back message to the world. LNYDP are planning to deliver static performances at two iconic locations (yet to be revealed) bringing the world the message that the spirit of London is as alive, well and welcoming as ever. The start time of 12 noon is set in stone for the 35th year of this tradition and this year’s unique event will include an eclectic mix of performances from big name artists and community and cultural performance groups. Keep an eye on the website for details soon to be revealed. www.lnydp.com
Shuttleworth in Lights 1st - 3rd, 8th - 10th, 15th - 17th, 22nd - 24th & 29th - 31st Jan gates 4.45pm Discover an enchanting world of light and colour as
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you experience the illuminated 1.2 mile trail across Shuttleworth. Start the adventure at the famous Shuttleworth Collection Hangars, from here enter the Swiss Garden for a special laser display, go past the House where you can enjoy refreshments, then stroll down the Lakeside Parkland and back into the Swiss Garden, finishing with a visit to the shop and Runway Café. Please wear appropriate clothing and footwear. Adult £10, child £4 www.shuttleworth.org
Frosties Bottomless Brunch 2nd Jan 2pm - 10pm Listen to DJs, Soul Heaven, Mick Foster and Frostie playing a cross spectrum of everything soulful, while enjoying unlimited Prosecco, shots and cocktails for 3 hours. Limited to 100 people. Tables/bays to accommodate 2-6 people. £45 per ticket The Speakeasy Club, Hitchin SG5 1AE www.thespeakeasyclub.co.uk
Winter Light 7th - 31st Jan Thurs - Sat 4 -10pm / Sun 4 - 8pm Begin the New Year with sparkle and bright lights, see the gardens at Waddesdon Manor awash with colour and dazzling light displays. Go on an enchanted journey with a light art trail, sequenced projections on the Manor’s façade, an indoor immersive installation and a woodland lantern and star trail, with opportunities to enjoy winter food and drink. Please book Waddesdon Manor, Aylesbury HP18 0JH www.waddesdon.org.uk
Swap A Dress 10th Jan 6pm Hosted by Raindrops & Ribbons Vintage Dig out the dresses you no longer wear and swap them for ones you will. Sustainable, ethical and fun. After checking in your dresses, enjoy a mini wine tasting. Get a stamp for the amount you give in and choose the same amount to take home from the rails. Additional dresses you choose will be £8 each. Over 18’s, ladies only, £20 plus booking fee. Must Wine Bar, George Street, St Albans AL3 4ER FaceBook: @Raindropsandribbons · Vintage shop
A Night Out With My Chums 29th Jan 7pm - 2am An evening of Motown and Soul hosted by The Voice of Arsenal and radio presenter, Paul Burrell. Live music from the sensational Clayton Stevens and Sophia Soul. Price includes two courses of soul food, bubbles on arrival and an evening full of amazing entertainment. Dress to impress, over 18’s. £45, for tickets visit bit.ly/38sykLO The Riverside Suite, Venue 360, Luton LU1 3JH
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Reduce Your Home Energy Consumption Sustainable St Albans has two thermal imaging cameras that you can borrow for free to see where you are losing heat from your home. Check your radiators: Use the camera to check if heat is leaking to the outside behind your radiators. Reduce heat loss by putting foil behind them to reflect the heat back into your home. The camera can also detect radiators that have partially silted up and need flushing out. Examine your windows or doors: Spot gaps around frames that could be sealed. You can also reduce heat loss by closing the curtains at dusk or by fitting a door curtain. Is heat escaping through your roof? The camera can show whether your loft hatch is insulated and any loft areas which have inadequate insulation. Other low-cost tips to reduce your energy consumption: Keep the heat where you want it, adjust the thermostats on radiators, and close the doors to rooms you're not using. Be a real turn off, switch off lights and appliances when not in use. Fit a chimney balloon to any chimneys that you don’t use. This article is extracted from a Sustainable St Albans blog by Lesley Flowers. To book a free information session and borrow a camera visit www.sustainablestalbans.org/ thermal-imaging/
01727 648674
The Harpenden Shutter Company We Supply & Fit Beautiful Wooden Plantation Window Shutters Specialising in Bay Windows
Free No Obligation Consultation, Measuring & Quotation
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Our Planet Our Future: Rising to the Challenge: a Life on our Planet 11th Jan 7.30pm Netflix / Zoom Watch David’s Attenborough’s film, hear his impressive and thought provoking witness statement (on your Netflix at home) and take part in an evening of discussion on how we can rise to the Climate Emergency challenge. How do we put nature at the heart of our decisions? Explore energy, food, restoring nature and finance. Free online zoom event, please book www.sustainablestalbans.org
Teresa & Kevin Buckler
01582 461639 kevin.buckler@fit-ex.com www.fit-ex.com/hertfordshire 20 Bewdley Close Harpenden
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Caring & Sharing Christmas Tree Collection 9th & 10th Jan Teams of volunteers from the Hospice of St Francis will be in Harpenden and St Albans collecting trees for recycling, you don't need to be in, just leave your tree outside your property and they’ll do the rest. Last year the scheme was fully booked so visit the website to register your tree for collection as soon as possible, registration closes when fully booked or 6th January at midday, donations welcome. The Hospice Christmas Tree Collection has tripled in size in just 3 years, raising over £23,000 to date. This year The Hospice is facing the biggest drop in income in its 40 year history, so by supporting this scheme you will ensure it can be there for patients and their families during these challenging times. To volunteer as a driver or assistant tree collector please call 01442 869555. www.stfrancis.org.uk
Brew Monday 18th Jan The third Monday in January, thought to be ‘Blue Monday’, is being turned into Brew Monday by the Samaritans to encourage everyone to reach out to others. Feeling alone with your problems can have a big impact on your mental health. Reach out to a friend, colleague or family member for a chat, it could be the start of someone feeling less alone. Share the warmth and socialise safely; there are many ways you can connect virtually; Skype, Microsoft Teams, WhatsApp, Zoom, Facebook messenger or just a phone call. By using your gettogether to raise money for the Samaritans, you'll help give people having a tough time somewhere to turn when they need to talk. Every donation can bring warmth to someone at their toughest time. www.samaritans.org
Charity Fun Quiz Night 23rd Jan 7.30pm Zoom Soroptimist Women's Group in aid of women's refuge www.sigbi.org/st-albans/2020/zoom-quiz or call Jane on 07834 345796.
Plunge at Home! Why not get sponsored to take part in St Albans’ 6th Polar Bear Plunge, with a socially-distanced
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difference! The Plunge usually sees families, workmates and sports teams, many in fancy dress, taking a dip in the icy pool of St Albans Sub Aqua Club, all for charity. This year, we can’t do that but we can Plunge at home in the Polar Bear Plunge Sustainable Icy Bucket Challenge, and keep the Plunge spirit alive! Fancy dress is welcomed, you might even win a prize. Past plungers have included penguins and elves, a stormtrooper, a hotdog and ketchup, hippies and pirates, a family of rainbows and the pubs of St Albans! All proceeds raised go to local charities, to find out more visit www.polarbearplunge.org.uk
Winter Walk & Push Start 2021 by walking and pushing your way to support disabled people throughout the UK to get active this year, with this new charity event from WheelPower, the national charity for Wheelchair Sport. You’ll have the whole month to complete your challenges and it’s up to you what your target distance is. Whether you want to push for 1 mile, walk a 5-mile route in one day, push for 20 miles over a fortnight, or walk 1 mile a day for the whole month, it’s entirely up to you. Whatever you choose to do WheelPower will support you every step and roll along the way, they just ask that you set up a fundraising page for your challenges. 2020 has been an incredibly tough year for charities, and WheelPower saw a 50% loss in income, so now more than ever, every single penny counts. Entry is free, just sign up at www.walkpush.co.uk
Dryathlon Take on the ultimate test of willpower and go alcohol-free for January, while raising funds for Cancer Research UK and helping bring forward the day all cancers are cured. The charity is working hard to reach its goal of 3 in 4 people surviving cancer by 2034, but every step taken relies on every pound raised. By entering the challenge, you'll be helping fund this vital life-saving research, and you’ll also have an entirely hangover-free month. Sign up at www.cancerresearchuk.org
Red January Give your mental wellbeing a sporting chance this January. Whether you run, swim, cycle or choose your favourite fitness activity, set your goal and enjoy support from the RED community every step,
splash and pedal of the way. Kick start 2021 in a positive way and raise funds for Sport in Mind, the mental health charity that uses sport to empower and improve people’s lives. www.redtogether.co.uk
The Lancaster Challenge Celebrate 80 years since the first flight of the iconic Avro Lancaster and sign up from the 9th January to take part in this virtual challenge. You have 80 days to walk, run, hike, cycle or row your way to the virtual finish line. Choose to complete 80K, 150K or 500K. The Challenge starts on the 2nd March and closes on 21st May. By entering the Challenge, you are supporting the RAF Museum Charity and enabling the museum to share stories of the crews who showed incredible bravery flying missions for Bomber Command. Once you have signed up you will receive a record sheet to keep track of your distances. When completed, submit your log and receive an exclusive Lancaster Challenge medal. Under 16’s must be accompanied by an adult. Entry £20, all proceeds will go to the RAF Museum. www.rafmuseum.org.uk
fabrics and materials. RECOVER offers people lifechanging experiences, apprenticeships and professional qualifications in furniture up-cycling. Along the way they also gain a love of furniture and design and a belief in supporting the local community, environment and economy. Each item is as individual as the volunteers that work on them, they never duplicate, so you can be assured of a ‘one of a kind’ piece of furniture art. Have a look at their amazing work at www.recoverteam.co.uk
Donate Used Stamps Whether they’re British or overseas, new or used, send your old postage stamps to Against Breast Cancer, to be turned into funds to support breast cancer research. Stamps are sold by weight, they receive around £20 for 1kg. Cut away any excess paper, leaving 1cm around the stamp avoiding any damage to the stamp itself, and post to: Stamp Recycling Scheme, Against Breast Cancer, Leathem House, 13 Napier Court, Barton Lane, Oxon OX14 3YT www.againstbreastcancer.org.uk
Shopmobility This charitable scheme provides battery powered scooters and manual wheelchairs to help people with limited mobility get around St Albans city centre. You don't have to be registered disabled or elderly to use the service, simply register at the Shopmobility Office, call 01727 819339 for further details or to make a booking. - Daily Scooter Hire, 9.30am - 4pm: free - Wheelchair Hire, 9.30am - 4pm: free - Weekly Wheelchair Hire: £5 per week St Albans Shopmobility is on the ground floor entrance of Drovers Way car park (off Catherine Street) and open Mon - Sat 9.30am - 4pm.
Furniture Up-Cycling RECOVER is a vibrant furniture up-cycling charity and social enterprise, that creates pathways into volunteering and work. At its heart is a commitment to sustainability; upcycling old unwanted furniture and working with materials either donated or reclaimed from the local area. They offer vulnerable adults new fulfilment and purpose. Volunteers up-cycle furniture right from design; researching current trends and techniques, planning how they can make a saleable piece while still putting their personal stamp on it. They produce outstanding and original items and receive professional training and support in re-using
UK registered charity no 297489
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Local St Albans Plasterer M&M Decorators Fully qualified City and Guilds Over 20 years experience All interior and exterior work undertaken Specialist in all types of wallpaper All work finished to a high professional standard Free quotations at competitive prices Matthew Hayden 01582 270715 01727 867660 07970 720911 mandmdecs@gmail.com
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07955 555 120 183 The Ridgeway St Albans AL4 9XE
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Lessons learned from 2020 Communication and Isolation FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) took on a whole new meaning in 2020. Now we all have to contend with listening to people at a distance, through a shield or face mask or on a Zoom call, more and more individuals are realising what it can be like not to hear, and many more people are now seeking our help. Hearing care is a vital part of healthy living – a fact that’s now supported by overwhelming research evidence which proves hearing well allows us to connect socially, thrive mentally and blossom emotionally. Over 40 years, Hearing Healthcare Practice has become established as Harpenden and Hertfordshire’s premier community-based audiology and hearing specialist. Defiantly independent, our Practice is locally owned and managed. We’re 100% focused on delivering a hearing care service which is acknowledged, not only locally and nationwide, but internationally too. So, we all wish you a happy, healthy and connected New Year. And please, if you are having issues with your hearing, let last year’s lessons encourage you to come in and see what we can do to help you reconnect with your world. Hearing Healthcare Practice can be found at 26 Burgundy House, The Foresters, Harpenden. 01582 767218 or email info@hearinghealthcare.co.uk
...hearing well allows us to connect socially, thrive mentally and blossom emotionally...
“Man is by nature a social animal,” so said the legendary Greek philosopher, Aristotle. It’s true of course, with the evolution of human social behaviour came the need to communicate. Like bread and water, communication is now a fundamental human need. We rely on language: being able to hear, interpret, understand and respond in order to function. So, it stands to reason that when our ability to congregate and communicate is restricted, our physical and mental wellbeing can be adversely affected. We’ve all become acutely aware of this over the past year of course but now, with the start of 2021, hope springs eternal and we’re all planning to be social animals again! Last year’s lockdowns forced us all to accept some degree of isolation, possibly for the first time in our lives. For us at Hearing Healthcare Practice, it made us appreciate even more the isolation described by our clients due to their less than acute hearing. Indeed, in our work, the importance of the fundamental need to communicate with others is at the very heart of everything we do.
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Fight The Frosts With frost, rain and perhaps snow, at this time of year our gardens can be in for quite a battering. Although most garden plants are fairly frost resistant, here’s what you can do to minimise the damage to those not so hardy. Plants in containers are particularly vulnerable to freezing or frost, so where possible dig a hole in the soil and place the plant in its pot in it. Or wrap it in several layers of bubble wrap, polythene or old curtains. If very harsh weather is forecast or a spell of mild weather has promoted new growth, drape a double layer of horticultural fleece over the top growth of the plants and anchor it well. This can be used on plants in beds and borders too, or to protect slightly tender wall shrubs. Larger plants
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can be protected with a home-made ‘cage’, wrap a framework of four sturdy canes with netting or chicken wire, then fill the central space around the plant with dry straw or leaves. Evergreens in containers and open ground may suffer from drought, as well as foliage or stem growth, so continue to water these, especially if they are in a sheltered spot or the weather has been dry. A deep mulch applied to the soil or compost surface before the ground freezes will help keep them moist. Although most fruit trees like apple, pear, cherry and plum are hardy, they are also prone to damage. The main risk is to new blossom, though the buds themselves may be damaged too, with late frosts being the most harmful. If you are planting new fruit plants, it pays to buy from a specialist nursery and to buy late-flowering varieties if there is still a risk of frost. Finally, use fleece to cover any seeds already sown as it will help provide protection and warmth for germinating. If you’re planning on sowing early varieties of crops such as broad beans or lettuce, cover the soil before you sow. A layer of wellanchored polythene will keep off excess rain and allow warmth to build up, so when you sow the seeds they won’t suffer from excess sogginess and get such a cold shock. by Pippa Greenwood
W lun e als oe ch trip es & njoy s to the get atre h er
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NOW at St Albans Museum + Gallery NOW at the Cathedral Course: The Spirituality of St Paul Tuesdays 12th Jan - 9th Feb 7.30pm via Zoom Seeking to mine the letters of St Paul to explore his spirituality; his core understanding of how he related to God in Christ. £60 Course: Introduction to Christian Doctrine Thursdays 14th Jan - 25th March via Zoom What does it mean to think theologically? An exploration into what this means and what sense can be made of religious language. £110 Talk: The Origins of Western Art 21st Jan 7.30pm via Zoom Tracing the development and stylistic characteristics of Western Art. £10, student £6 Workshop: Connecting from Home 28th Jan 7.30pm via Zoom Join Poet-in-Residence, Dan Simpson, for a creative poetry workshop, connecting you to the cathedral, the world and yourself. £10, student £6 Digital Guide of the Cathedral Discover fascinating facts and stories with this new digital tour, all available on your phone. Whether you’re looking for information about the Cathedral at home, or walking down the longest Nave in England on your way to the Shrine of St Alban, enjoy learning all about its rich and varied history. Volunteering Over 600 volunteers keep the Cathedral running, there are various ways to volunteer including: Bell Ringing, Flower Arranging, Parish Singers, Parish Orchestra, Textile Guild, Youth Work, Concert Stewarding and Cathedral Guides. If you would like to volunteer please email volunteers@stalbanscathedral.org Exhibition: The Power of Pilgrimage See the story of St Alban and the history of the Cathedral brought to life in new displays and audio visuals. Learn about the Abbey and how the monks created beautiful manuscripts in this digital tour and experience a year in the life of the Cathedral. Tree Trail Discover the history of some of the most ancient trees in St Albans, on this trail starting with the famous cedar tree in Sumpter Yard. Download the trail from the website www.stalbanscathedral.org
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Exhibition: Looking Back, Looking Forward until 31st Jan online Telling the story of the city and surrounding district, this exhibition highlights a series of fascinating objects, including a model of the Clock Tower, the only medieval town belfry in England. See this free exhibition online by visiting www.stalbanshistory.org Exhibition: Cabaret Mechanical Marvels until Feb Explore the fascinating world of automata with Cabaret Mechanical Theatre and see the tools used to create them. These whimsical mechanical artworks illustrate their inner workings at the push of a button or turn of a lever, enabling a greater understanding of mechanics, engineering and art. Adult £4, child £2 Chaos Dancing Cosmos 16th Jan - 2nd March This stunning art installation by Rosana Antolí uses around 2km of rubber and copper piping, and pervades the space like a pulsating three-dimensional drawing. www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk
Helping Children believe they can do anything Singing, dancing and acting for 4 -16 year-olds
HARPENDEN 01525 717567 stagecoach.co.uk/harpenden
ST ALBANS 01525 630183 stagecoach.co.uk/stalbans
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NOW at the Local Theatres Please check websites for changes
The Alban Arena Peter Pan until 3rd Jan The Maltings Theatre presents a musical version of JM Barrie's much-loved play, told with OVO’s customary irreverence and wit. With lashings of magic, mischief, music and make-believe, and a little sprinkle of fairy dust. Capacity is reduced to 40% so tickets are limited. £1 from every ticket sold will be donated to Great Ormond Street Hospital. The Foundations 20th Jan 8pm One of the biggest groups of the Swinging Sixties, with chart-toppers ‘Build Me Up Buttercup’ and ‘Baby Now That I’ve Found You’. Now original lead guitarist/vocalist Alan Warner keeps the magnificent sound of The Foundations alive with a group of hugely talented musicians. £23 Roy Orbison & The Traveling Wilburys Experience 22nd Jan 7.30pm A real up-tempo, feel good show that has wowed audiences with it’s uncanny visual, vocal and musical resemblances to the original band. With tracks not just from the Wilburys; Handle with Care, End of the Line, Tweeter and the Monkey Man and others, but also from the back catalogue of the famous five themselves; from Dylan’s Blowing in the Wind and Mighty Quinn, to Tom Petty’s always rousing Runnin Down A Dream, plus Harrison’s Here Comes the Sun and Mr Blue Sky by Jeff Lynne. £23 & £35 The Alban Arena AL1 3LD www.alban-arena.co.uk
Swan Lake 9th Jan 7pm Filmed live at Sadler’s Wells Theatre, Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake is a thrilling and witty production, best known for replacing the female corps-de-ballet with a menacing male ensemble. It shattered convention, turned tradition upside down and took the dance world by storm. Retaining the iconic elements of the original staging Bourne has
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created a ‘spellbinding’ re-imagining of this classic production. The Sandpit Theatre AL4 9NX www.sandpittheatre.co.uk
Class 21st - 23rd Jan 8pm & 24th Jan 5pm live online Brian and Donna’s son is nine years old and he’s struggling. That’s what his teacher says and that he should see a psychologist. But Brian and Donna, who are recently separated, never liked school and never liked teachers. A heart-breaking but humorous exploration of failing education systems, prejudice, and parent-teacher relationships. Barn Theatre AL1 2DL www.barntheatre.co.uk
Trestle 26th - 30th Jan Harry feels like life is beginning to tick down, his autumn years spent quietly caring for the community he loves. Denise thinks life begins in retirement and she’s dancing like she’s still at high school. When their paths cross at the village hall, their understanding of the time they have left changes irrevocably. What do community, growing old, and falling in love really mean? And who gets to decide anyway? This is a warm hearted, funny and moving look at two retired people brought together each week as they fold away a trestle table in their community hall. Presented by OVO The Maltings Arts Theatre AL1 3HL www.maltingstheatre.co.uk
Endgame 26th - 30th Jan A timely revival of Beckett’s bleakly comic masterpiece. Four characters, spanning three generations, are all ‘locked down’ together facing death in a comfortless world. There’s Hamm, a grandee who can neither walk nor see, Clov, his servant who walks with difficulty and cannot sit, and Hamm’s elderly parents, Nagg and Nell, who are reduced to living in dustbins. Outside their room is no discernible life. But as Nell remarks, ‘Nothing is funnier than unhappiness’. Presented by the Company of Ten. £13, concs £12 Abbey Theatre AL1 2DL www.abbeytheatre.org.uk
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Index of Businesses Bathing Mobility AHM Installations Ltd Bathing Mobility Advisory Service Building Complete Refurbishment & Roofing Kingsholme Open Plan Solutions
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Front Cover Back Cover 19
Car Servicing / Repairs M Chapman Auto Services
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Charity Traid
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Children’s Art Camps ArtShed!
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Chiropodist Kathy Witchard
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Cleaning A&R Exterior Cleaning Services Ltd Domestique WeCleanAnyProperty.com
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Conservatory Roof Solutions Nu-Look
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Garage Doors Garolla
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Health Intelligent Pilates
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Healthcare Spire Harpenden Hospital
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Hearing Services Hearing Healthcare Practice
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Locksmiths Lock Around the Clock Locksmith Services
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Loft Ladders Home Counties Loft Ladders
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Painters & Decorators CB Decorators M & M Decorators
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Pest Control The Verminator
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Plasterer Jason Moffat
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Plumber DJ&M Plumbing Services Ltd
Dance & Drama Penny Waterman School of Dance Stagecoach
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Roofing GJ Smith Roofing
Domestic Appliance Repairs Spin Doctor
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Shutters The Harpenden Shutter Company
Education Kumon
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Singing Club Clover Singing Club
Electricians Alban Electrical Services Anderton Electrics
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Flooring Dunstable Flooring & Kitchens Ltd
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11 & 31 14
Slimming Lighter Life
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Tree Surgeons Fircroft Tree Surgery Ltd
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Windows & Doors Cloud 9 Kings Windows
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Effective Low Cost Advertising that Really Works! Call Jane or Wendy Advertise in the NOW Magazines for as little as ÂŁ33 per month
07893 588291 / 313 www.theNOWmagazines.com
We have made every effort to ensure that any material published in st albans NOW is correct and can accept no liability for any errors or delays in publication or distribution, st albans NOW accepts no responsibility for its advertisers .
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To Ad
DJ&M PLUMBING SERVICES LTD ●
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Complete
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Bathroom, Cloakroom, Shower Room and Kitchen Installations
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Local Family Run Business, Over 35 Years Experience
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Honest and Reliable Service Free Consultation/ Quotation for all Enquiries
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Tiling Plastering Electrical
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Discounts on all Bathrooms & Kitchens Supplied
Electric and Power Showers Ball Valves and Overflows Blocked WC’s, Sinks, Baths and Basins Repair/Renew Stopcocks and Taps Plumb in Washing Machines and Dishwashers Repair Leaking Pipes Outside Taps
Dean Herrington 07830 159010 01727 764217 info@djmplumbing.co.uk www.djmplumbing.co.uk Wishing all our Clients a Safe and Peaceful New Year
To Advertise 07983 588291 jane@theNOWmagazines.com
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