st albans NOW June 14

st albans

NOW

June

2014

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Alban Weekend WW1 100 Years D-Day - 6th June 1944 Childwickbury Arts Fair NOW at The Alban Arena

Summer Music read ‘the NOW magazines’ monthly

What’s on and lots more

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Welcome to June

This month is a poignant time, as we remember the 70th anniversary of the D-Day Landings, and next month the 100th anniversary of the start of WW1 on 28th July.

We’ve included pages on each of these landmarks in history, so why not go along to one of the events planned to learn more about what those brave men went through all those years ago.

How lucky we are that because of them we can enjoy all that we take for granted today. So here we are 70 years later in the June sunshine enjoying sizzling BBQ’s, chilled Pimms and strawberries aplenty.

June looks set to be a fantastic month with lots going on, from The Alban Weekend, Summer Music, Harpenden Carnival and much more.

Thanks to ‘Alban Weekend’ for our lovely cover picture this month.

And of course don’t forget if you need a local business pick up ‘st albans NOW’ or just read it every month online.

jane & wendy www.theNOWmagazines.com To advertise call 07983 588313 / 291 To advertise call 07983 588313 / 291 jane@thenowmagazines.com Deadline for July: 10th June

www.theNOWmagazines.com Deadline for July: 10th June

Alban Weekend

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pilgrimage & festivals

Childwickbury Arts Fair

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art, music, food & fun

NOW at the Local Theatres 10 dance, drama & comedy

D-Day 12 6th June 1944

NOW at the Cathedral 14 tours, music & organs

Summer Music 18 lots of local music

NOW at the Alban Arena 20 comedy, music & Scooby Doo

Lots to do for Everyone 24 Harpenden Carnival & more

WW1 100 Years 30 remember them

50 Years of Guiding 32 walks for everyone

On Your Bike 34 get cycling

What’s on in June 40 & July 42 Abbot’s Kitchen 44 simple & summery

Index of Businesses 46 accountants to windows & doors

To Advertise: 07983 588291 jane@theNOWmagazines.com

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Join in the celebrations for Britain’s first saint, Alban, with fabulous street entertainment, music and St Albans Cathedral’s unique and dramatic Alban Pilgrimage.

The Alban Pilgrimage Sat 21st June St Peter’s Street www.stalbanscathedral.org Alban is honoured as the first British martyr, and his grave (on which the Cathedral and Abbey Church of St Alban was built) quickly became a place of pilgrimage. For over 1700 years, people have journeyed to this place to remember Alban, to pray for peace and healing, and to seek God. This special day begins with a procession through the city centre, where giant puppets will retell the story of Alban’s martyrdom.

It’s not only a stunning spectacle but a profoundly moving experience.

Procession starts at 11am from St Peter’s Church, there will also be various services taking place at the Cathedral during the day.

St Albans Folk Festival Sat 21st June www.stalbansfolkfestival.co.uk see page 26 Sandridge 900 Midsummer Gala Sat 21st June 2.30pm Jersey Farm Woodland Park www.sandridge900.com Zip Wire, Climbing Trees, Miniature Steam Engine Rides, Jazz Band, Salsa Band, Marching Band, Fancy Dress Competition, Pony Display, Zumba Dancing, Tug Of War, Maypole Dancing, Morris Dancing, Celebration Beacon and Fireworks Finale.

Free entry with a charge for certain activities.

Alban Street Festival Sun 22nd June St Peter’s Street 12 noon - 6pm www.enjoystalbans.com The City will come alive with fabulous street entertainment, music and exciting activities for all. Try your hand at arts and crafts, face painting, climbing and balloon modelling. Come, relax and enjoy the summer vibes with cool music, colourful street theatre and delicious food! Bring a picnic, eat at one of the City’s popular local restaurants or enjoy the artisan street food.

Come for an hour or stay for the day!

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Childwickbury Arts Fair 4th - 6th July Summer will soon be here and so will the Childwickbury Arts Fair, the marquees will go up, the beautiful Victorian stables will be open, artists will exhibit their work and musicians will perform. There are few places outside big cities where you will find such a wide choice of original art and craft for sale and the Childwickbury Arts Fair is one of them.

The relaxing but vibrant atmosphere is the perfect environment to start your own art collection – you can meet the artists, see them at work and discover the inspiration behind their ideas. With over 60 artists including fine art, sculpture, pottery, wood, textiles, jewellery, printing and more, there will be something to suit every taste.

In addition to the wonderful and inspiring art there will be live music all day Saturday and Sunday. High energy funk-pop band ‘OOMPHF’ from Brighton are headlining on Saturday and there’s plenty of room for dancing or just chilling with a Pimm’s. It’s late night on Saturday too - open till 10pm - so why not make an evening of it? Don’t forget… the music is included in your entrance ticket.

Children are well catered for with plenty of hands-on art activities throughout the day, and with fresh food and a licensed bar available the whole family can have a perfect summer’s day out. www.childwickburyarts.com www.facebook.com/ ChildwickburyArtsFair 01727 859495

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Heron Update This year the heronry at Verulamium Park has been very successful, with 13 nests on the islands and our best estimate of 30 chicks in total! The parents seem to be finding an abundance of fish to feed up the youngsters as well as frogs, crayfish and even mice! This means they are growing up fast and moving around independently and are ready to leave the nest. From previous records the birds generally disperse fairly locally, and not to more than a 60 mile radius. Last year however, one got all the way to Greater Manchester!

In total we have spoken to 10,337 people since February and our overall bird species list for the hit 73, what a fantastic total for an urban park! During our time in Verulamium Park we have seen little egrets, swifts, red kites, house martins, swallows, kingfishers, great crested grebes and even a tawny owl.

We would like to thank everyone that stopped to speak to us, and hope that it inspires you to play your own part in giving nature a home.

To find out how you can help the RSPB’s latest campaign please visit www.homes.rspb.org.uk See you again next year.

Debs Allbrook – Project Coordinator

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NOW at the Maltings Vicky Arlidge Guilty Secrets 13th & 14th June 9pm £12 Musical comedian Vicky Arlidge returns with her new one woman show. Nominated for the Funny Women Best Show Award 2013 Vicky is often compared to Victoria Wood and Bill Bailey.

Using a ukulele, piano, violin, sombrero, feather duster and fake moustache, Vicky will perform along with her own animations.

NOW at Abbey Theatre Dance Mania 2014 Street Dance Productions 7th June 7.30pm An action-packed evening of street dance styles. See local talent and guest performers from London, with kids through to adults. With diverse styles from street dance, hip hop and break dance to contemporary and street jazz, it promises to be a highly entertaining show.

Arms and the Man

by George Bernard Shaw Company of Ten 12th - 14th June 8pm 15th June 2.30pm / 18th - 21st June 8pm As the moon rises over a small Bulgarian town at the height of the Serbo-Bulgarian war of 1885, an exhausted solider takes refuge in the bedroom of Raina, a young Bulgarian woman. The play crackles with wit and humour as Shaw ridicules both the futility of war and romantic love. ’Allo ’Allo by Jeremy Lloyd and David Croft Company of Ten 3rd - 5th July 8pm / 6th July 2.30pm / 9th - 12th July 8pm Jeremy Lloyd and David Croft’s play, based on the wildly successful TV series. Set in a Parisian cafe during the Second World War, the story rotates around hapless owner René Artois.

And let’s not forget his tone-deaf wife Edith, sexy Yvette CarteBlanche, leather-clad Herr Flick and – of course – the Fallen Madonna with the Big Boobies. Slapstick, farce and oodles of sexual innuendo.

The Tempest 19th - 21st June & 25th - 27th June 8pm £10 / £7.50 Presented by OVO, Maltings resident theatre company.

Deposed duke Prospero has endured twelve years of imprisonment. His young daughter Miranda remembers little of life outside their cell, but now Prospero is set to conjure a great storm that will throw his enemies into his power…

Maltings Arts Theatre, St Albans www.maltingsartstheatre.co.uk www.ticketsource.co.uk/ovo 0333 666 3366

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The Odyssey Homer’s classic tale reimagined by Ian Jordan Company of Teens, Studio 16th - 18th July 8pm The powers that be at Olympus Inc. run a tight ship. Keeping track of these mortals is a tricky business, particularly when the brave Odysseus has irked the gods as he travels home to Ithaca. In a new retelling of the classic tale by Homer, the Company of Teens follow the trials of Odysseus as he battles shipwrecks, monsters and gods to return home to his wife and son. A mixture of modern and classic, this adaptation looks at the fickle nature of the gods and the powerlessness of mortals in a fun and exciting production by a talented group of young actors.

Abbey Theatre Westminster Lodge 01727 857861 www.abbeytheatre.org.uk

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D-Day 6th June 1944

On 6th June we celebrate the 70th anniversary of the victory of democracy over tyranny. And while most of the coverage of this great day will rightly focus on the unflinching selflessness of the 50,000 Allied soldiers, it’s worth sparing a moment to contemplate why democracy won.

The young men confronting the Third Reich on D-Day may not have known it, but the soldiers opposing them had already been fatally undermined. A leadership that was corrupt, incompetent, divided and alternately swollen with pride and prostrated by fear, had made so many idiotic decisions over the past two years that no heroism on the part of its troops could redeem it.

And at the heart of all the double-dealing, betrayal, and rottenness stood Adolf Hitler.

After the invasion of Russia, Hitler more or less retreated to his Eastern HQ, surrounded by a small cadre of yes-men who told him only what they thought he wanted to hear. And despite his remoteness he insisted on making even the smallest tactical decisions himself.

This chaos effectively crippled the Germans defending Normandy. They had almost no armoured support. Rommel, the commander on the ground, knew that tanks couldn’t move from rear to front because of Allied air-power, and wanted the armour right at the water’s edge. To the commander of Panzer Group West, Geyr von Shweppenburg, this was heresy. Hitler’s compromise was that the armour should be divided between them, but that von Schweppenburg couldn’t move without Hitler’s express orders, which, of course, came too late.

There should have been a fleet of war-winning jet fighters overhead, for the Germans had been ahead of the Allies in the technology. But Hitler cancelled work on a feasible jet because a crony, Willi Messerschmidt, persuaded him to favour the Komet rocket-plane instead. As a result the Me262 didn’t appear until much later.

Hitler accepted bad advice that chimed with his preconceptions, and ignored sound advice that cost the Germans dear on D-Day. And here’s the contrast between tyranny and

democracy. Churchill wasn’t short of bad ideas 12

himself, trying to stop Nazi bombers by dropping parachute mines on them being one. And the Allied leaders argued bitterly. But Churchill and Roosevelt surrounded themselves with strong, capable advisers who weren’t afraid to argue their corners. Dowding, in charge of Fighter Command, threatened to resign in May 1940 when Churchill proposed to send more fighter squadrons to prop up the French. And Churchill bowed to his superior judgement!

The Allies made mistakes. But the reason that the 159,000 troops who landed in Normandy broke through with fewer than 5,000 killed was that their leaders weren’t driven by fear of a despot; laid rational plans based on professional expertise and sound intelligence; and represented a society that could bury its differences and make sacrifices in defence of shared values.

On D-Day, democracy proved to be strong and tyranny weak.

by Ted Bruning

D-Day Weekend Fri 6th - Sun 8th June Witness a Lancaster in flight, Listen to D-Day stories and take part in games. Get an insight into the museums D-Day artefacts, watch Saving Private Ryan on the big screen in one of our famous hangars surrounded by historical aircraft.

Sit beneath the Avro Lancaster and Spitfire 5B on beanbags and watch Tom Hanks and Matt Damon in this D-Day classic. A day out for all the family.

Royal Airforce Museum, Hendon, NW9 5LL www.rafmuseum.org.uk

The D-Day Darlings Sat 14th June 7.30pm £18.50 A delightful smash hit musical show including the songs that won the war; We'll Meet Again, Now is the Hour, White Cliffs of Dover, Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy and many more...

Harpenden Public Halls 01582 767525 www.harpendenpublichalls.co.uk

D-Day 70th Anniversary Concert Sat 28th June 7.30pm £22, £19, £16 Adoramus Choir, in association with the Royal British Legion, presents an inspiring concert. The programme includes the world premiere of Alex Poelman’s new presentation of D-Day, the theme to The Longest Day, Hymn For The Fallen from Saving Private Ryan, Agincourt Song from William Walton’s Henry V Suite and Edward Elgar’s Pomp and Circumstance March No. 4 Join us to pay tribute to the brave men and women who took part in this significant event.

The Alban Arena 01727 844488 www.alban-arena.co.uk

0800 612 1350

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NOW at the Cathedral Tower Tours 7th & 22nd June, 19th July Enjoy a spectacular view from the top of the great Norman Tower Booking essential, restrictions apply, £8.

More to Explore Tour: ‘Three of the Best’ 1st June 3pm Richard of Wallingford, John of Whethamstede, and Thomas de la Mare made major contributions to the Abbey. Discover the men and their legacy, free.

Oslo Cathedral School Choir Afternoon Recital 8th June 3pm Choral works both medieval and modern performed by the choir of Oslo Cathedral School, free.

Lunchtime Organ Recital 11th June 12.30pm Ellie Lovegrove and Richard Moore.

Trumpet and Organ Recital, free.

The Alban Pilgrimage 21st June see page 4 The Choirs & Orchestras of the Purcell School 2nd July 7.30pm, £15, £12, concs £10, £5 Psalmfest - A Concert of Music by John Rutter 12th July 7.30pm, £25, £20, £15, £10, concs £10, £15 St Albans Bach Choir Concert 19th July 7.30pm, £30, £25, £20, £10, concs £10 Sunday Afternoon Organ Concert 27th July 3pm, free

Harpenden Common Discovery Day Sat 14th June 10am - 4pm A free, family event including: Sheep Shearing, Ridgeside Lurchers, Falconry Flying, Fun Dog Show, Have-a-Go Archery, Circus Workshops, Ferret Racing, Goats, Spinning, Craft Activities for Children and lots more.

Art on the Common Sat 14th June 10am - 5pm Sun 15th June 11am - 5pm Running for over 30 years, Harpenden Common is the perfect location for a wide variety of local artists to exhibit their work including paintings, jewellery, greeting cards, ceramics and fine art photography.

25% of all sales and commissions will go to Cancer Research UK. www.harpenden.gov.uk Cathedral and Abbey Church of St Alban 01727 890283 www.stalbanscathedral.org

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homes from £185,000 Come along to our open weekend and see what our parks are all about, meet the family and staff, view our beautiful show homes, available plots and talk to Park home manufacturers.

Our park homes combine the peace of the country with all the advantages of a modern lifestyle in attractive tranquil surroundings.

Despite its rural feel, the parks are close to many local amenities, the local village is less than a mile away and Harpers fabulous new delicatessen and coffee shop is just a short stroll.

Designed for the semi-retired and retired our parks are all about quality of life and being able to enjoy the perfect retirement with all the advantages of a modern day lifestyle.

Our new homes are designed and developed to exceptional standards with double-glazing and central heating as standard.

Each home is fully furnished and offers an attractive fitted kitchen with quality integrated appliances, modern and luxurious bathrooms, light and airy lounges and also offers its own private garden and dedicated parking area.

Please call or email us to find out more information and discover for yourself the benefits of park home living.

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Singers Summer Singing Festival St Albans and Harpenden ring with the sound of many different singing groups, from cathedral choirs to choral societies and children's choirs to rock choirs. This month Lea Singers are launching a new project to give all singers the opportunity to meet, discover and sing together over one weekend.

28th June

St Albans Summer Music A collection of six St Albans-based musical organisations will be presenting concerts and dance events over one month this Summer.

The Tony Wigram Festival of Music An Evening of Music and Wine with the Piatti Quartet Sat 7th June 7.30pm The Tony Wigram Foundation Concert Sun 8th June 6pm St Saviour’s Church, Sandpit Lane 07789 008 160 or tonywigramfestival@gmail.com Hertfordshire Philharmonia Festival Concert Sat 14th June, 7.30pm St Saviours Church, St Albans www.hertsphil.org.uk Carillon Chamber Choir Shakespeare and the Sea Sat 21st June 7.30pm St Peter’s Church, St Albans www.carillonchamberchoir.org

St Albans Folk Festival Folk on Redbourn Common Sun 15th June 2 - 5pm Old Town Hall Folk Day Sat 21st June, 10am - 6pm Day of Dance in St Albans city centre Sat 21st June 10.15am - 5pm Festival Concert at the Town Hall Sat 21st June Old Town Hall, 7.30pm St Michael’s Street Folk Evening Weds 2nd July 8pm www.stalbansfolkfestival.co.uk St Albans Symphony Orchestra Festival Concert Sat 28th June 7.30pm St Saviour’s Church, St Albans www.saso.org.uk St Albans Chamber Choir Go Brazilian!

Sat 5th July 7.30pm St Peter’s Church, St Albans www.stalbanschamberchoir.org.uk www.stalbanssummermusic.org.uk

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Singing Discovery Workshops 2pm - 6.30pm Rothamsted Manor A fun afternoon of singing with three inspiring workshop leaders in jazz, world music and classical.

No previous singing or sight reading experience needed.

29th June Festival Eucharist 9.30am - 11am St Nicholas Church The Lea Singers will lead worship and congregational singing. Come and enjoy the stirring hymns and uplifting music of Anglican Eucharist.

Lunchtime Lieder 1pm - 2pm Rothamsted Manor Prize-winning British baritone, Marcus Farnsworth sings one of Schubert's greatest and most moving masterpieces, Die Schoene Muellerin.

Young Singers Masterclass 2.30pm - 3.30pm Rothamsted Manor Marcus will work with four young local singers - Nina Vinther, Caspar Singh, Hannah Bennett and Helen Charleston. Come along and learn how young singers develop their voices.

Lea Singers Concert 7.30pm - 9.30pm Rothamsted Manor A celebration of music from Britten to Brahms, madrigals to pop songs. Come and enjoy some beautiful choral music and the gorgeous gardens at the Manor.

For tickets and more details leasingers.co.uk 07766 238416 wegottickets.com

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Miles Jupp: Is The Chap You’re Thinking Of Sun 1st June 8pm £15 Perrier Award nominated Miles uses his toff persona to great comedic effect, combining superbly patronising remarks with ungainly attempts at laddish.

NOW at the Alban Arena

LDN Wrestling: Television Taping Sat 7th June 7.30pm £15, concs £12, family £45 Top names including British Heavyweight Champion, Alan Lee Travis, Pirate Paul Malen, the Masked Man of Mystery, the Dark Lord and many more! This event is being filmed for TV! The Billy Fury Years Sun 8th June 7.30pm £18 Michael King and his musicians bring you Fury’s greatest hits including: Jealousy, I Will, In Thoughts of You and Halfway to Paradise, to name but a few!

That’ll Be The Day Tues 10th June 7.30pm £24, £22 The nation’s favourite Rock ‘n’ Roll variety show with a fantastic line up of hits from the 50s, 60s and 70s, plus hilarious comedy routines.

Joe McElderry Fri 13th June 7.30pm £19.50 One night only for you to see this popular singer performing songs from Rock, Pop and Classical.

The Energy Show Fri 20th June 7pm / Sat 21st June 2pm & 7pm Sun 22nd June 2pm Methane bubbles are set alight to make fireballs, liquid nitrogen freezes flowers, hydrogen balloons explode and rockets are fired into the audience!

Stand back and cover your ears – produced by the Science Museum in London.

Retailer of the Year Mon 23rd June 8pm £6 Retailers from the City centre celebrate the best of St Albans business life. The awards trumpet the achievements of the city’s unsung heroes.

Scooby-Doo: The Mystery of The Pyramid Tues 24th - Thurs 26th June 6.30pm £19.50, child £14.50 Scooby, Shaggy, Fred, Velma and Daphne arrive in Egypt, where they must solve the mystery of Pharaoh Hatchepsout’s Pyramid.

The Peatbog Faeries Fri 27th June 8pm £17.50 The figurehead trailblazers of the Celtic Dance Music renaissance.

Drawing upon a myriad of influences from traditional jigs and reels through jazz, hip-hop, reggae and more, they take traditional Scottish music and bring it fresh-faced and breathless into the 21st century.

Adoramus Choir: D-Day 70th Anniversary Concert see page 12 Sat 28th June 7.30pm £22, £19, £16

Fame: The Musical Mon 30th June - Sat 5th July 7.30pm Weds 1.30pm, Sat 2.30pm £20 - £30 This exciting new production will take you on a roller coaster ride through dizzy heights, and crashing lows. Set in modern day New York, at the world famous High School for Performing Arts, young, talented hopefuls undertake the journey of their lives. Ambition, triumph, heartbreak and romance conspire to steer them off course.

But these kids are determined to live forever!

The Alban Arena www.alban-arena.co.uk 01727 844488

Join the Grove House Midnight Walk Saturday 12th July Join hundreds of people dressed in pink taking part in either a 5 or 10 mile walk around St Albans until the early hours, raising money for Grove House.

Starting at 10pm at Westminster Lodge in St Albans. You can soak up the atmosphere with music, refreshments prior to the event. Get out your glitter, flashing ears, feather boas and sparkly hats and join in! It’s open to anyone 12 years and over, men are welcome too; as long as they’re not afraid to get in touch with their feminine side!

Unfortunately, no dogs are permitted. Entry £17 per person, includes a T-shirt and a surprise at the end of the walk. For more info and to register visit www.renniegrove.org/midnightwalk or call 01442 820741.

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Consumer Advice NOW Jonathan Vernon-Smith is the Sony Award winning mid-morning show presenter for BBC Three Counties Radio. During his consumer hour he helps listeners with their consumer problems and now shares his advice here with you.

Avoid those Holiday Scams With the holiday season upon us, I thought it would be a good time to warn you about some of the common holiday related scams that people fall for.

Only book holidays with good reputable companies THAT YOU’VE HEARD OF! It never ceases to amaze me how many people simply google ‘Cheap holiday’ and part with hundreds of pounds on a website that may or may not be genuine. Always do your research to make sure you’re paying a proper UK based company with a good reputation. It’s also advisable to use a company that is both a member of ABTA and ATOL for your protection.

Having booked your holiday with a genuine company, make sure you purchase travel insurance from a bona fide company. Again use a quality British insurer that will actually answer the phone if you find yourself in need of making a claim from the poolside in Faliraki!

While you’re organising your health protection be aware that applying for your EHIC European health insurance card (which provides you with free or reduced health care in European countries) SHOULD be FREE! There are websites that will charge a fee for applying for the card on your behalf. Apply directly with the NHS or the post office and avoid be being ripped off!

Like me, you’ll probably hire a car and there are various scams to watch out for. Only ever use good, recommended firms, avoid the dodgy backstreet hire car company that charges half the price.

One very important thing to watch out for when hiring a car abroad is that you ensure you have signed paperwork from the hire car company to confirm the condition of the car. Very often people drop off their hire car in a rush to get their flight home and don’t insist on this. It is imperative!

I have known people who have returned to the UK, checked their credit card, only to find a £500 charge for ‘damage’ to the car. Trying to prove that you didn’t cause it, when you’re no longer in the country

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and with no paperwork to support your argument, will be a nightmare.

Finally you MUST be aware of the dreaded ‘Timeshares’ or ‘Holiday Clubs’. I lose track of the number of times I’ve dealt with complaints from consumers on my radio programme about these.

Picture the scene: You’re strolling down the seafront, all bronzed and relaxed when a lovely, attractive (probably British) person approaches you and offers you either an invitation to an event or a scratch card that will provide you with the invite. Your guard is down as you’re on holiday so you agree. You’ll then be whisked off to a luxury venue, plied with pinot grigio and then forced to endure a hard sell on the advantages of joining their club. Sadly I have known even the most forceful, savvy consumers get caught like this and the results have been awful. Very often timeshare and holiday club contracts are difficult, sometimes impossible, to get out of. Holiday club memberships can be passed down to your children, meaning many years of misery not only for you, but for your family when you’ve died!

My advice is that when approached by anyone offering you something ‘for free’, particularly when your guard is down on holiday – KEEP WALKING! Why not tune in weekdays from 9am at BBC Three Counties Radio to hear my show.

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Play Tennis For Free Open Days: 7th June One day free event for all the family, could include: Cardio Tennis, Tennis Xpress, Mini Tennis, call your preferred venue for more information.

Harpenden Sports Centre 2pm - 6pm 01582 767722 Batchwood Tennis Centre 8am - 6pm 01727 844250 Batchwood Drive, St Albans Verulamium Park St Albans 8am - 6pm 01727 868227 Great British Tennis Weekends 21st-22nd June, 28th-29th June, 19th-20th July Local venues are offering free tennis and coaching for people of all ages and abilities. It’s the perfect day out for family and friends, book your free session now.

The Bard’s Birthday Sat 14th June 7.30pm, £10 St Leonard’s Church, Sandridge An evening of music to celebrate Shakespeare’s birthday in a building that’s twice his age!

Sat 21st June 8pm, £25 Verulamium Museum, St Michael's Street, St Albans An evening of music to celebrate Shakespeare’s birthday with a glass of wine and dessert from ‘The Pudding Stop’.

Tickets from 01727 858307

Harpenden Sports Centre 01582 767722 21st June 1pm - 6pm 22nd June 10am - 6pm 28th June 2pm - 6pm 29th June 10am - 4pm David Lloyd Club Mosquito Way, Hatfield 01707 255140 21st, 22nd, 28th & 29th June 2pm - 5pm Family Time, Adult Coaching, Cardio Tennis, Mini Tennis and Tots-Mini Tennis Verulamium Park 21st & 22nd June 9am - 6pm 28th & 29th June 8am - 6pm Townsend Lawn Tennis Club Waverley Road 01727 846333 22nd June 10am - 3pm Cardio Tennis, Tennis Xpress, Family Time, Mini Tennis, Adult Coaching, Junior, Teenage Starters, General Play Batchwood Tennis Centre St Albans, 01727 844250 28th June 8am - 6pm www.greatbritishtennisweekend.com

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St Albans Beach Volley Ball Courts Come and try something new, book some time on the Beach Volley Ball Courts, free on Saturdays for ages 11 - 25 just call to book 01727 816 531. www.stalbans.gov.uk/ beach-courts

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Knebworth Festival of Transport 15th June 10am Classic cars and motorcycles, concours competitions, trade stands and display vehicles. £9 www.classicshows.org

Charles Dickens at Knebworth 27th June 6.30pm Enjoy an evening of selected readings from Dickens’ most enduring works, hear a snapshot of the life of the great man and learn about his visits to his great friend, Edward Bulwer Lytton at Knebworth House. £20 www.knebworthhouse.com

Shuttleworth Air-Show

Larks in the Parks Sunday 29th June A free day of fun in the sun for all the family Fleetville Recreation Ground Hatfield Road, AL1 4QL Victoria Playing Field Folly Lane, AL3 5JQ Batford Springs Nature Reserve 12 noon - 5pm www.stalbans.gov.uk/community-and-living 01727 866100

Sunday 15th June A flying display including some of our popular aircraft and, weather permitting, a flypast with a Spitfire, Dakota and Hurricane formation.

Shuttleworth also welcomes the Light Aircraft Association (LAA) who will bring a selection of their ‘homebuilt’ aircraft each the result of many hours of dedicated labour and skill.

Pre-show entertainment includes live music, children’s craft ‘creation station’ and the Collection’s historic vehicle parade, featuring the 1924 Triumph cc Type SD – a classic British motorcycle.

Why not bring Dad along for a special Father’s Day gift and treat him to a truly memorable experience.

Gates open at 9am, flying display 2pm.

The Shuttleworth Collection Shuttleworth (Old Warden) Aerodrome Nr. Biggleswade, Beds SG18 9EP 01767 627927

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Planting in Small Gardens

Warm colors (like red, yellow and orange) appear to advance toward us, whereas cool colors (like blue, green, pink and purple) appear to recede and blend in with the landscape. Planting warm coloured plants near the house and cool coloured plants further away will create the illusion of Choosing the right distance and your garden will appear larger as a plants is particularly result. For warm coloured plants consider important in a small Nandina domestica and for cool coloured plants garden, consider try perennials such as Verbena bonariensis and plants that provide Echinacea purpurea. year round interest; Leaf texture can also create the illusion of including evergreens distance. Plants are texturally categorised into and dramatic shapes fine, medium and coarse. Like warm coloured to provide a plants, coarse textured plants tend to catch the framework year eye, while fine-textured plants demand less visual round and varieties attention and therefore seem further away. that provide To create the illusion of distance, plant fine and seasonal interest like medium textured specimens, such as Brunnera, scent, colour, fruit, Lamium and Heucheras at the beginning and end berries or seedof the garden with coarse textured plants for heads. For example, example Melianthus major or Fatsia japonica, Choisya are no further than the centre. attractive evergreen shrubs that give two periods Utilising height in your garden can also make a of bold white flower around April to May and then huge difference, trees are of course ideal in this again in August to September. respect, as long as their spread is less than their Plants are not only important for their visual height. This can be achieved with more shrub like appeal but can also be used to make your garden trees, such as Photinia ‘Red Robin’, Viburnum look larger by taking into consideration the impact tinus lucidum or Magnolia grandiflora. of colour, texture and size.

Happy Gardening!

James Lanwarne, Lanwarne Landscapes

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Conservation Day Sunday 15th June This event at Butterfly World brings together partner wildlife and environmental organisations from across the region to provide hands-on, interactive activities for the whole family. Visitors can see, touch, learn and explore our 27 acres of specially created habitats, tropical butterfly house, wildflower meadows and designer gardens, all showing the beauty, importance and fragility of butterflies. Butterfly World has a dedicated ongoing conservation and education programme.

Louise Hawkins, resident butterfly and ecology expert, explains how creating wildlife-friendly

Food Smiles Do you wish you had access to local, organic and sustainably produced fruit and vegetables?

Do you enjoy growing food but don’t have the time for or access to an allotment?

Are you keen to develop a greater sense of community and get to know more local people?

At the end of last year a group of St Albans residents invited farmers, local food producers, suppliers and residents to come together to explore the possibility of growing food locally for supply to local people.

Just six months later, the group accepted an offer of land at Hammonds End Farm and have begun planting their first vegetables.

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habitats can really help “When Butterfly World first opened in 2009 it was a bare patch of earth with no resident butterflies. Less than five years later, 28 different British species have been recorded here, making it one of the best butterfly sites in the district.”

If you are part of a wildlife charity, organisation or small business and would like to get involved, please contact info@butterflyworldproject.com Butterfly World Project Miriam Lane, St Albans 01727 869203 www.butterflyworldproject.com

The idea of the scheme is that the members will work together to grow fruit and vegetables and then share all produce equally. The members share the benefits and the risks of food production; enjoying nutritious, local, sustainable and organic food that is grown with a real sense of community spirit; but also accepting the risks of poor harvest or crop failure.

The project is limited to 30 members but there are still some spaces left, if you don’t wish to join you might still like to support the project by donating money, tools, labour or skills.

Pease get in touch at foodsmiles.info@gmail.com www.transitionstalbans.org

Justin Leon Garden Maintenance All Aspects of Gardening Undertaken

Including Decking Overhaul Patio Washing & Repair Also offering Painting and Decorating

07789 961233

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WW1 100 Years

Exhibition: Keeping the Home Fires Burning

Biggles and Chums June sees the launch of a First World War art exhibition of the drawings and watercolours of Captain WE Johns, the creator of Biggles, and his contemporaries, at the RAF Museum, Hendon. The images have never been exhibited before and all were produced during or immediately after the war.

13th June - 16th November An exhibition looking at the Impact of WWI on St Albans and the Twin City of Worms in Germany. Free

Aeroplanes, historic actions, the new operational procedures of air warfare and portraits of the young men who flew will also be on display alongside medals, clothing, badges, Zeppelin fragments and other exhibits.

Museum of St Albans Hatfield Road 01727 819340 www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk

The Flying Services; Royal Flying Corps and Royal Naval Air Service, played a very significant part in the Great War. For the first time the fighting extended into the air above the battlefield, and this space became vital for reconnaissance of the enemy’s positions and intentions.

At sea, aeroplanes and airships were able to see far over the horizon as well as spotting for submarine raiders around Great Britain’s coasts. Both sides tried to stop each other taking advantage of this over-view, and hence aerial fighting developed.

The exhibition will run until January 4th, 2015 pictured: 2nd Lieutenant James Herbert Sayer No 15 Squadron RFC

Royal Airforce Museum, Hendon, NW9 5LL www.rafmuseum.org.uk

Armed Forces Day 28th June 12 noon - 4pm The Common Triangle outside Harpenden Public Halls

A Reflection on WW1 in poetry, drama and song High Street Players ‘mini’ production, £5 21st June High Street Methodist Church at 8pm 22nd June Lourdes Hall at 8pm www.hsplayers.org.uk

Veteran Parade, Cadet Drill Routine Inflatable Obstacle Course Flintstone Tank Games Tug of War, Climbing Wall Town Mayor Prize Giving, Cadet Displays www.harpenden.gov.uk

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A Home From Home 14th June 7pm During the First World War Talbot House in Poperinge, Belgium a few short miles behind the front line, became a haven for thousands of allied troops, a ‘home from home’ where they could enjoy some of the comforts of home and remember the men they really were. Run by a diminutive chaplain named Tubby Clayton the house became known by its army signaller’s code of ‘Toc H’ and ultimately would be the inspiration for the association with that name.

Aimed at a family audience, this feelgood and moving play, with the aid of poetry and music from the Great War, gives a taste of the history of the house and the atmosphere that was felt by the troops that visited it.

Hawthorne Theatre, WGC www.hawthornetheatre.co.uk

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CITY & DISTRICT OF ST ALBANS TOUR GUIDES CELEBRATING

50 YEARS OF GUIDING

St Albans, the unheralded jewel of Hertfordshire, a 1000 year old city at the heart of English history!

Join the highly qualified guides on any walk and explore and hear about the fascinating yesteryears of the City.

Walks for June & July Meet at the Tourist Information Centre unless otherwise stated, please check the website before setting off. All tickets can be bought from the guide on the day, or in advance from the Tourist Information Centre or website.

A City Revealed 1st & 15th June & 6th,13th & 27th July @ 11am / 29th June @ 2.30pm Crime & Punishment 7th June &19th July @ 2.30 pm Discover Wheathampstead meet in public car park at the rear of The Bull Pub 8th June @ 2.30pm There’s More to the Tudors than Henry VIII 8th June @ 11am / 22nd June @ 2.30pm 20th Century Architecture in St Albans 8th June & 27th July @ 2.30pm / 20th July @ 11am Verulamium in a Nutshell meet at Verulamium Museum 14th June, 5th & 26th July @ 2.30pm Rags & Riches meet outside Verulamium Museum 21st June & 12th July @ 2.30pm Eat, Drink & Be Merry 22nd June @11am / 1st June &13th July @ 2.30pm Aristocrats, Paupers & Philanthropists 29th June @ 11am / 6th & 20th July @ 2.30pm Discover Sandridge meet at St Leonard’s Church Sandridge 27th July @ 2.30pm Tourist Information Centre 01727 864511 www.stalbanstourguides.co.uk

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June @ 2.30pm @ 2.30 pm e rear of The Bull Pub

y VIII pm ns @ 11am m Museum

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13th July @ 2.30pm ts 30pm ch Sandridge

anstourguides.co.uk

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On Your Bike!

Bike Week, 14th - 22nd June, the biggest nationwide cycling event in the UK, encourages people to join in events, rethink their everyday journeys and switch to cycling as the most convenient way to get around.

Hertfordshire Year of Cycling is also in full swing, with a number of local events planned, for more information visit www.hertsdirect.org Big Herts Cycle Challenge 30th June - 20th July A fun, free competition encouraging people to experience the joy and benefit of cycling. Lots of fantastic prizes on offer from cinema tickets and local restaurant vouchers to bike gear. It’s all about participation. Hertfordshire businesses will compete against each other to see who can get the most staff to ride a bike for at least 10 minutes.

There are six categories ranging from: 500+ staff to 3-6 staff. It’s all about who can encourage the most people to give cycling a go. If you don't have a bike you can borrow one at one of the free 'try-a-bike' events. Please register at www.lovetoride.net/hertfordshire Beachboys Bikers 1st June Gracemead Back Lane Chalfont St Giles, Bucks HP8 4PB Nightrider London 7th June 100km ride through London at night Alexandra Palace Alexandra Palace Way, London N22 7AY Sky Ride Local Sky Ride Local is also encouraging people to get out on their bikes this summer. The rides are

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guided by trained British Cycling ride leaders.

Register to take part at goskyride.com 1st June 2pm Start: Harpenden Leisure Centre 8th June 2pm Start: Redbourn Village School 15th June 2pm Start: Highfield Park Centre

Useful websites • www.bikeweek.org.uk • Cycleweb www.hertsdirect.org • Cycle Maps, Routes and Leaflets

www.hertslink.org/cms/getactive/cyclerides/ • Cycle Route Viewer and Journey Planner

www.hertsdirect.org/maps www.transportdirect.info

The South Herts CTC have several rides planned: Sat 14th June Five Miles to Fabulous women-only easy pace ride with a coffee stop (9.30am from Morrisons, Fleetville) Sun 15th June 60 miles, pub lunch in Tring and coffee stops (9am War Memorial, St Peters Street, St Albans) Weds 18th June 15 - 20 mile loop (7.30pm from War Memorial to the White Lion in St Albans) bring lights Sun 22nd June 60 miles into Bedfordshire (9am East Lane Car Park, Wheathampstead) bring lunch and cash for coffee stops. www.southhertsctc.org.uk

Action plan for local cycling recently published

by St Albans City and District Council  improving facilities for cycling  improving cycle safety  improving cycle security within the district, including rail station car parks  promoting a cycle friendly culture  increasing cycle use

The Herts Cycle Challenge Join us on Sunday 6th July and cycle your choice of two routes 25 or 50 miles, through the Hertfordshire countryside, while supporting local charity Rennie Grove Hospice Care. The event starts at The Old Albanian Rugby Club, St Albans. While it’s open to over 18s only, there will be family-friendly activities on site so children are welcome to support you on the day.

Entry costs ÂŁ20 and includes a T-shirt and a medal on completion and water on route. It promises to be a fantastic day, and by taking part and raising sponsorship money you will be supporting local patients and families. www.renniegrove.org/hertscycle

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NOW for a Puzzle General Knowledge Crossword Across 1 Plant materials and animal waste used as fuel (7) 5 How a result is obtained or an end achieved (5) 8 Dipsomaniac (9) 9 Group which released the album Meltdown in 2004 (3) 10 Island in the Bay of Naples (5) 12 Widow woman (7) 13 Transformation of a larva into an adult (13) 15 Cattle farms (7) 17 Those who cannot tell the truth (5)

19 Country, capital Washington DC (inits) (3) 20 Scarcely detectable amount (9) 22 Sleazy or shabby (5) 23 Erle Stanley ___, writer of detective novels featuring Perry Mason (7) Down 1 Highest peak in the Alps, Mont ___ (5) 2 Imaginary monster or ogre (3) 3 Belief that there is no God (7) 4 Savoury accompaniment such as vinaigrette or mayonnaise

Quick Crossword Across 1 Type of pudding (7) 5 Trimmed (5) 8 Large pebbles (5) 9 Brutal (7) 10 At right angles (13) 11 Without effort (6) 12 Grieves for (6) 15 A protest (13) 18 Financial system (7) 19 Beverage (5) 20 Stairs (5) 21 Hauled (7) Down 1 Sticky liquid (5) 2 Accompanies (7) 3 Assorted (13) 4 Split (6) 5 Book of facts (13) 6 Snarl (5) 7 Removes weapons (7) 11 Goes on forever (7) 13 Fence (7) 14 Remained (6) 16 Large deer (5) 17 Nude (5)

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1

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(5,8) 5 Large parrot (5) 6 Absence of the sense of pain without loss of consciousness (9) 7 Globes, orbs (7) 11 Ruler who is unconstrained by law (9) 13 Nobleman (in various countries) ranking above 3

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a count (7) 14 Sheath for a handgun (7) 16 Arctic sled dog (5) 18 Ringo ___, former Beatle (5) 21 System that links computers and other devices (abbr) (3) 7

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Answers on page 46

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A Moveable Fountain In 1870 Mrs Isabella Worley a wealthy widow offered to provide a drinking fountain for St Albans.

One site suggested was the more affluent part of the city, St Peter’s Street in front of the Town Hall. But the town’s people wanted it to be in front of the Clock Tower, and Mrs Worley supported them as she wanted it to be “of benefit to poor people”. Close by were old inns yards now slum dwellings. Not all the landlords provided running water for their tenants.

There might be one tap in a yard, paid for by one person, but several others were helping themselves to the water. Petty theft of water was rife in the poorer areas of the city. And in 1878 two women were prosecuted by the St Albans Water Company for stealing water. So the drinking fountain supplied a real need, and was not just for show.

The wrangling over the site prompted one exasperated councillor to suggest placing the fountain on wheels, so it would be moved at whim!

The designer of the fountain was the architect George Gilbert Scott. One of his best known works is the Midland Grand Hotel at St Pancras.

The fountain was finally built in 1874. But the years were not kind to the fountain.

By the 1920s traffic was increasing in the town, so it was proposed to remove the fountain. The fountain was dismantled and split into two parts.

The bowl portion was for a time in front of the Waterend Barn, while the top part ended up in a private garden. There were unsuccessful attempts to reunite the two parts. After a time the bowl was considered an obstruction and it was moved back to the Clock Tower. Finally it was reunited with the top and was placed as the centre piece of Victoria Square – on the site of the former prison – which is now the new office complex named Fountain Court, close to the City Station.

Elizabeth Eastwood St Albans City & District Tour Guides

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Do you have a skill or interest you would like to share with primary school children?

We deliver a wide range of exciting after-school activities and need leaders who want to share their passion with children, anything from

Crosswords to Cupcakes, Sudoku to Science Experiments, Music to Maths.

Latin, Sports, Maths, English, Science and Media Skills are particularly welcome.

Short and long term opportunities available.

Further details and rates of pay are available on our website. www.spiral.herts.sch.uk admin@spiral.herts.sch.uk Mandeville Primary School, St Albans & Chaulden Junior School, Hemel Hempstead

The ONSIDE Project These sessions delivered by qualified Watford FC's CSE Trust coaches give young people the opportunity to come and enjoy a range of activities including football in a relaxed environment. For ages 8 - 16, cost ÂŁ1 Harpenden Wheathampstead Batchwood Sopwell To Register just email your child/s details michael.jones@watfordfc.com and turn up with your ÂŁ1 on the night! www.watfordfccsetrust.com/onside

ART CLASSES FOR KIDS!

Holiday Workshops and Term Time Classes in ST ALBANS

www.fineart4kids.com

07949 293463

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What’s on in June 40

31st May - 1st June St Albans Steam & Country Show Oaklands College, Smallford Campus, Hatfield Road, adult £6, child £3 www.hertssteam.org 1st Garden Party Ashridge House HP4 1NS, stalls, live music & kids entertainment, in aid of Hospice of St Francis, 1-5pm, adult £6, child free Vienna Festival Ballet Radlett Centre, 01923 859291, 2pm & 5pm 5th Older Person’s Forum Westminster Lodge Leisure Centre, St Albans, discussion on bus routes, 10am -12 noon 7th Harpenden Carnival see page 25 Open Archery Afternoon Wheathampstead Archery Club, Folly Fields (off Lower Luton Road), 1 - 4pm, min age 10, donation required Dance Mania see page 10 7th June - 3rd August The Gardens of the Rose St Albans 10 - 5pm, adults £6, child free, dogs on leads welcome www.rnrs.org.uk 8th King Silly & Friends Hawthorne Theatre, WGC, mime artists & puppeteers gather at the palace grounds to entertain King Silly 11am & 2pm, £8, family £25 www.hawthornetheatre.co.uk St Albans Half Marathon see page 24 Radlett Festival www.radlettfestival.com 8th - 14th Verulam Golf Club Festival London Road, www.verulamgolf.co.uk 9th Soroptimist Women's Group Meeting learn about local charity ‘The Living Room’, Chiswell Green, United Reformed Church Hall, 8pm www.sigbi.org/st-albans 12th Play with Clay - Dragonflies Natural History Museum, Tring, 11am & 2pm, under 5’s £1.50 www.nhm.ac.uk 12th - 21st Arms And The Man see page 10 13th June - 16th November Exhibition: Keeping the Home Fires Burning see page 30 14th Summer Fete St Georges School Harpenden Common Discovery Day see page 14

14th & 15th Art on the Common see page 14 15th Conservation Day see page 28 Dads & Lads Leighton Buzzard Railway, Page's Park Station, dads, sons & grandsons can enjoy free steam & diesel cab rides www.buzzrail.co.uk Working Heavy Horse Show Chiltern Open Air Museum, Chalfont St Giles, 01494 871117 www.coam.org.uk Festival of Transport see page 24 Oaklands College Summer Fayre see page 14 21st St Albans Folk Festival see page 18 Shakespeare at Verulamium Museum see page 24 Shakespeare and the Sea see page 18 UB40 Hatfield House, 01775 768661, 5pm, £38 21st & 22nd The Alban Weekend see page 4 A Reflection on WW1 in poetry, drama & song see page 30 22nd Lanwarne at Burstons see page 26 Ashridge Trail Half Marathon 13 mile trail run through the beautiful Ashridge Estate www.renniegrove.org 24th Talk: Luton’s Markets & Fairs by John Newbury, Harpenden Public Halls, Harpenden Local History Society meeting, 8pm 24th - 26th Scooby-Doo: The Mystery of The Pyramid The Alban Arena, 01727 844488 Scooby, Shaggy, Fred, Velma & Daphne arrive in Egypt, where they must solve the mystery of Pharaoh Hatchepsout’s Pyramid, 6.30pm adult £19.50, child £14.50 26th Harpenden Town Council Common Walk meet at Harpenden Common Golf Club car park, 6.30pm 28th Armed Forces Day see page 30 29th Larks in the Parks see page 25 Bus & Coach Show Herts Show Ground, adult £8, child £4 www.presbuspublishing.com Scooby Doo at Willows Farm Willows Farm Village, 10am - 5.30pm 0870 129 9718 www.willowsfarmvillage.com 30th June - 5th July Fame: The Musical see page 20

Have you ever considered writing your life story for your family and close friends?

As your writing partner, I will provide guidance with the writing, editing and layout with illustrations, and when the manuscript is complete, produce just the number of copies required in the size and binding of your choice.

Whether you are just thinking about it, have already made a start and got stuck, or have completed your manuscript, we have the expertise to help you finish your book.

The Life Story Specialists For more information and a free introductory meeting contact Sally Gray on 01582 861407 biographies@resource24.net www.boundbiographies.com

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What’s on in July

2nd St Michael's Village Folk Evening see page 18 Classic Car Rally Luton Hoo Walled Garden 3rd - 12th ‘Allo Allo’ see page 10 4th The Big Sing Community Choir Concert Abbey View School, proceeds to Rennie Grove Hospice Care 4th - 6th Childwickbury Arts Fair see page 6 5th Go Brazilian! see page 18 Festival on the Field Sir John Lawes School, Harpenden, UK's best tribute bands: One Step Behind (Madness), One Direction, Katy Perry & Rihanna plus Sir John Lawes & Manland School Bands & Choirs, adult £15.50, child £8.50, under 5s free 6th The Herts Cycle Challenge see page 35 12th YWAM Summer Fete YWAM Harpenden, Highfield Oval, Harpenden, BBQ, stalls, dog show, kids games & live music, 2-5pm Psalmfest see page 14 12th & 13th Medieval Life Chiltern Open Air Museum Chalfont St Giles www.coam.org.uk 13th National Garden Scheme Open Day Luton Hoo Walled Garden, 11am - 4pm, £3 Harpenden Highland Gathering Rothamsted Park, Harpenden, 10am - 5pm

Meet Tree Fu Tom Willows Farm Village, riding in on his magical leafboard, Tree Fu Tom pays a special visit to 'the big world' www.willowsfarmvillage.com 16th - 18th & 24th - 26th A Midsummer Nights Dream Inn on the Park, Verulamium Park, St Albans, tickets on the door £7 - £12 17th - 20th Sherlock & the Case of the Horrible Thing Harpenden Public Halls, 07568 363104, Hurst Children’s Theatre Group 19th Film: Treasure Planet (U) + Craft Workshop UHArts, The Weston Auditorium, de Havilland Campus, Hatfield, workshop: 10am, film: 11am - 1pm, film workshops designed to introduce children to film-making crafts, theme is Fantasy & Adventure, film £2.50, workshop: create a galaxy & set sail on an adventure, child £4 19th Battle Proms Hatfield House, 01432 355416, 4.30pm www.battleproms.com 19th July - 31st August Willows Farm Summer Spectacular Willows Farm Village, 10am - 5.30pm 0870 129 9718 www.willowsfarmvillage.com 20th Folk By the Oak Hatfield House 01432 355 416, 1pm www.folkbytheoak.com/tickets 30th Classics on the Common Harpenden Common, 2pm - dusk, Britain's biggest mid-week classic car meeting, 1000 classic cars & 250 motorbikes & scooters, spectators free

Centre 33 needs you!

Centre 33 is a local St Albans charity that provides a welcoming environment for people who are homeless or socially disadvantaged. We provide: Hot meals and drinks, Shower facilities Second hand clothes and blankets and sleeping bags for those sleeping rough The summer holidays can be challenging as we lose many volunteers to their well deserved summer breaks so we’re looking for additional volunteers to prepare hot meals at the Centre. Please register your interest on the website by Friday 20th June to ensure that references and the necessary training can be carried out. www.centre33.org Centre 33, 2A Spicer Street, St Albans 42

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work) dip it into the egg whites and then the panko, covering it in bread crumbs. Leave in the fridge to set. Once set heat the rapeseed oil until very hot and carefully drop your egg in and let it fry until golden brown. Your egg is ready!

Simple and Summery Adam the manager of the Abbot’s Kitchen cafe, shares with us one of his seasonal dishes.

Cider Seared Pork Fillet, Pan Fried Asparagus, Deep Fried Poached Egg and Parma Ham Crisp Don’t let the title of this dish put you off, it sounds complicated but it’s so simple, which is why it's so fantastic!

For 2 servings you will need 1 Bottle of Good Cider (Aspalls Organic for me!) make sure it’s sparkling not scrumpy, the fizz brings out the flavour but the scrumpy overpowers it 2 Pork Fillets (6 - 8oz each) Asparagus 3 Eggs (from the fridge) Panko Bread Crumbs Parma Ham Rapeseed Oil Olive Oil Ice Poaching the Eggs Grab a frying pan (I prefer them, because they heat up quickly and are shallow) boil some water in the kettle and pour in. Crack your egg into a cup and leave the water on a medium heat to simmer for a few minutes and pour your egg into it. For a soft poached egg you will need around 2 minutes, a hard one 4 minutes. I would go for a softer option.

Once the egg is poached, take it out with a slotted spoon and dunk it into iced water to stop it cooking straight away. Leave for about 5 minutes, take it out, place on a piece of kitchen roll to dry.

Now separate your other egg in a small bowl whisk up the white to break it down, once this is done, pour out some panko bread crumbs and get messy! Get your poached egg (remember it needs to be dry otherwise this won’t

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Parma Ham Crisp Literally the easiest part, put some grease proof paper on a baking tray, place a couple of slices of Parma Ham flat on the tray, put it in the oven for about 15 minutes on a low heat (keep checking on it though!) When it’s ready it will go a dark brown, like really crispy bacon.

Pork Fillet Either get your butcher to do this or you can do it yourself, but you need pork fillet medallions. So nice large circles please. Put a frying pan on a medium heat with a splash of olive oil. Once hot, place your medallions into the oil carefully and sear for about 1 minute on each side. Once this is done crack open your cider and splash some in the pan, (be careful if you’re using gas as you’ll probably have a big flame once the alcohol evaporates). You should now have gorgeous tender pork medallions, let them cook for 1 more minute on each side and they're ready to go.

Asparagus England's celebrity vegetable (makes an appearance once a year!) grab a bunch but make sure its British. Take a frying pan with some oil, let it heat, trim your asparagus (cut off the bottoms) and put in the frying pan. Cook for a couple of minutes and then voila!

Cider Sauce Once the pork is cooked add a splash of cream to the pan you cooked your meat in, let it warm through. The meat juices, cider and cream make for a lovely sauce.

Putting it together I would advise you to prepare the egg and parma ham crisp first. Then the pork and asparagus at the same time, finally deep frying your egg to put on top. It will also look fantastic when you plate it up - Aspargus, Pork, Parma Ham, egg and then a drizzle of your sauce!

That’s all there is to it folks, I hope you enjoy!

by Adam Msetfi Abbots Kitchen St Albans Cathedral Sumpter Yard, St Albans www.abbotskitchen.org Mon - Sat 10am - 4.30pm Sun 1pm - 4.30pm

Bespoke Framing Service

GALLERY 105 Victoria Street (Between Stevensons & Cotswolds, opposite Iceland)

St Albans AL1 3TJ

01727 833 557 Bespoke & Ready Mades. Traditional & Contemporary. Canvas Stretching

The widest selection of Frames in the Country!

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Index of Businesses

Accountant / Book Keeper Kate Hannaby Books TaxAssist Accountants

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Aerial Installations Concorde Aerials

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Architectural Design Daniel Design

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Domestic Appliance Repairs Leigh Hibon

Art Directory Artists Info

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Education Mandeville Primary School

Beauty Skin & Tonic

37

Bicycle Repairs Cycletech Hertfordshire

34

Counselling / Sex Therapy Michael Stock Dance & Drama Theatretrain

Electricians Alban Electrical Services I & B Electrical MLC Electrical Sol Projects Ltd

Hot Tubs A5 Hot Tubs

5

2

Oven Cleaning Ovenmaster

9

9

Painters & Decorators CB Decorators M & M Decorating

11 11

Picture Framing Bespoke Framing Service

45

45

39 15 15 13 15 & 47

Plasterer A. Merson Plastering

8

Plumber DJ&M Plumbing Services Ltd

21 & 47

Biographer Bound Biographies

41

Fencing Verulam Fencing

21

Pond Maintenance Women With Waders

Builder Selfgen

19

Flooring Creative Wood Flooring

17

Property Maintenance Nick The Handyman

21 41

29

Cabinet Makers Sequoia Bespoke

17

Foot Care Golinska Foot Care

35

Removals TS Removals

Carpentry / Joinery Chris Smyth

17

Garden Centre Burston Garden Centre

27

Retirement Homes McFarland Park Homes

16

Shutters The Harpenden Shutter Company

11

Slimming Lighter Life

33

Art Classes Creative Space FineArt4Kids!

38 39

Chiropodists Kathy Witchard

35

Cleaning Carpet Brite ChemDry Daily Poppins Domestico Domestique Linda & Karen Cleaning Services Murray’s Cleaning Services

6 7 9 7 8 7 9

Gardening / Landscaping Garden Life Landscapes Garden Tidy Justin Leon Lanwarne Landscapes Supagrass

27 29 29 26 29

Gas K25

21

Glassware Repairs Chipped Glassware Health & Fitness The Fit Lab Hearing Services The Hearing Healthcare Practice

Tiling St Albans Tiling

3

Tree Surgeons Fircroft Tree Services.co.uk

28

13

TV Repairs JB TV Services

15

37

Windows & Doors AA Window Repairs Cloudy2Clear Markyate Windows & Doors Sash Restorations Ltd

31

22 back cover 23 23

NOW for a Puzzle General Knowledge Crossword Across: 1 Biomass, 5 Means, 8 Alcoholic, 9 Ash, 10 Capri, 12 Dowager, 13 Metamorphosis, 15 Ranches, 17 Liars, 19 USA, 20 Scintilla, 22 Seedy, 23 Gardner.

Down: 1 Blanc, 2 Orc, 3 Atheism, 4 Salad dressing, 5 Macaw, 6 Analgesia, 7 Spheres, 11 Potentate, 13 Marquis, 14 Holster, 16 Husky, 18 Starr, 21 LAN. Quick Crossword Across: 1 Steamed, 5 Edged, 8 Rocks, 9 Vicious, 10 Perpendicular, 11 Easily, 12 Mourns, 15 Demonstration, 18 Economy, 19 Drink, 20 Steps, 21 Dragged.

Down: 1 Syrup, 2 Escorts, 3 Miscellaneous, 4 Divide, 5 Encyclopaedia, 6 Growl, 7 Disarms, 11 Endless, 13 Railing, 14 Stayed, 16 Moose, 17 Naked

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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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 30 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 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 info@djmplumbing.co.uk

01727 764217 www.djmplumbing.co.uk

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