st albans NOW March 16

st albans March 2016

NOW

Easter Events Lambing Weekend

St Albans Shakespeare Festival Do Something For Charity NOW at the Local Theatres

NOW at the Cathedral

What’s on and lots more

WIN TICKETS for

The Beat and Dirty Dancing: Tribute Show

read ‘the NOW magazines’ monthly promoting local businesses, organisations and events since 2006

choose local first 1

Historic People and Places Brought to Life!

Fully qualified guides have been showing people around our City and District for 50 years. Join us on any one of the 16 walks and hear about the fascinating yesteryears from the Romans to Victorians. Walk well known and lesser known places.

You will be surprised by the many tales about people who have built, lived and worked here for 1000 years.

Walks for March & April Meet at the front of the Old Town Hall unless otherwise stated Buy tickets from the guide on the day or from the Tourist Information Centre.

Walks last about one and a half hours . Adult £4, child £2 (5-15 years) Visit our website for full details of our walks and other information Coaching Inns 25th March, 17th April @ 2.30pm A Monastery Revealed 27th March, 24th April @ 2.30pm Historic St Albans - A City Revealed 27th, 28th March, 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th April @ 11am A Roman City Revealed 26th March, 9th, 23rd April @ 2.30pm Meet outside Verulamium Museum Historic Pubs of St Albans 28th March @ 2.30pm Ghosts and Ghouls 9th, 23rd March @ 8pm Fishpool Street - Rags and Riches 2nd, 16th, 30th April @ 2.30pm Meet outside Verulamium Museum There’s More to the Tudors than Henry VIII 3rd April @ 2.30pm Discover Redbourn 3rd April @ 2.30pm Meet in the car park on the Common by the cricket pavilion Aristocrats, Paupers and Philanthropists 10th April @ 2.30pm Discover Wheathampstead 24th April @ 2.30pm Meet in the public car park at the rear of The Bull

Tourist Information Centre 01727 864511 www.stalbanstourguides.co.uk

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Welcome to March

With Mothers Day and Easter nearly here we look forward to spoiling our mums and enjoying lots of Easter Eggs, as well as getting involved with some of the many events planned to celebrate this time of year.

This month we’ve got tickets to give away for two great local shows, just turn to page 6 and send us a text to be in with a chance of winning, it’s as easy as that!

We’re sure you’ll have noticed our beautiful cover photo, courtesy of local wildlife photographer Tom Mason, if you have a similar passion why not join him at Rye Meads and improve your skills, see page 12 to find out how.

We’ve both been working hard at getting fit this winter, Jane at the gym and Wendy running with the dog, and we’ll be putting this to good use by taking part in Sport Relief! If you need some inspiration to have a go yourself, just read Emma’s story on page 36.

Don't forget, if you need something doing choose local first, and as always we’d love to hear from you with news of events and what's happening locally, so please do get in touch.

Jane & Wendy www.theNOWmagazines.com jane@theNOWmagazines.com 07983 588291

WIN Tickets Harpenden Public Halls

St Albans Shakespeare Festival 8 400th anniversary events

Lambing Weekend 15 all the fun of the farm

NOW at the Local Theatres 18 music, drama & comedy

Clean for the Queen 20 for Her Majesty’s 90th

NOW at the Cathedral 22 music, tours & more

Easter Events & More 24 all things Easter

Do Something For Charity 28 why not get involved

An Inspirational Lady 36 with ‘Team Easy Does it’

NOW for Some Music 38

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classical, choirs & more

What’s on in March 42 & April 44 Index of Businesses 46

accountants to windows & doors

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To Advertise: 07983 588291 jane@theNOWmagazines.com

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NOW for a Walk or Two RSPB Walks Walks led by local RSPB volunteer groups Harpenden Lea Valley Walk 6th March & 3rd April 8am - 10.15am Meet by the bridge across the River Lea, near the Marquis of Granby Pub. Free, £1 donation welcome Brocket Park Walk 23rd March 9.45am Half day walk, contact the leaders Ann and Roger on 01582 764226 for meeting point. www.rspb.org.uk

Hertfordshire Health Walks Free, guided, local walks. Just turn up!

Highfield Park Mondays 9.30am Tuesdays 1.30pm Charters Health Club Car Park, Hill End Lane AL4 0DB Wheathampstead Thursdays 10.30am Saturdays 5th March & 2nd April 2pm East Lane public car park behind The Bull AL4 8BL Hatching Green Thursdays 10.30am Redbourn Lane, Harpenden AL5 2JP on road parking only Greenwood Park Fridays 2pm Greenwood Park Community Centre, Tippendell Lane, Chiswell Green, St Albans AL2 3HW Heartwood Forest Sunday 17th April 10.30am Meet at Heartwood Forest car park AL3 6JB Bricket Wood Sunday 20th March 10.30am Moor Mill Pub car park, off Smug Oak Lane, Bricket Wood, AL2 3TX 01992 588433 www.hertslink.org/cms

FOOT CARE I provide foot care in the comfort of your own home I am qualified to treat Corns Verrucae Callouses Fungal Nails Cracked Heels Ingrowing Nails Athlete’s Foot Together with Nail Clipping and Filing Experienced in dealing with the Elderly and Dementia sufferers 01582 761390 / 07806 409723 Cherry Aquitaine MCFHP, MAFHP, Foot Health Practitioner

Julia Reading

BSC (Hons) MChS, HPC Registered Podiatrist

Battle of Berkhamsted Common Walk 6th March 4pm This Battle was a historic victory for ordinary people who saved this open space from wealthy landowner, Lord Brownlow who enclosed the common for his own use. In the dead of night on 6th March 1866, a specially commissioned train brought carriages of East End hard men and labourers to Tring. By moonlight, they joined locals to tear down the iron fences that Lord Brownlow’s agents had erected around the common. The fences were never put up again and The Common was reclaimed by the villagers. £15, child £10, please book www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ashridge-estate

Good Friday Guided History Walk 25th March 2pm - 4pm Village Centre Car Park, Abbots Langley Abbots Langley, birthplace of the only English pope, was once a country retreat for Victorian gentlemen and the insane. There will be tales of fine country houses, ancient hedgerows, the asylum for insane paupers (now a country park), the 12th century village church and much more.

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I Treat The Following Foot Conditions Corns * Callous * Fungal nails Ingrowing toe nails * Verrucas General foot health advice For an appointment please phone

07746 472781

Tuesdays Nash Pharmacy (next to Waitrose) 2 Ermine Close, St Albans Mon & Fri / Tues or Wed pm Southdown Clinic Harpenden Home Visits Available

01582 483749

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WIN Tickets Harpenden Public Halls An Evening of Dirty Dancing: The Tribute Show

JUST TEXT TO

WIN

24th March £19, concs £17 Celebrating its 6th record-breaking year, the show is a fully choreographed, highly interactive celebration of music from the TICKETS for iconic movie. Musical theatre stalwart The Beat and Julian Essex-Spurrier leads having played Dirty Dancing: iconic roles in Saturday Night Fever and Tribute Show The Rocky Horror Picture Show. A high energy roller-coaster of a show with breathtaking choreography and buckets of nostalgia.

Includes the classic songs: Big Girls Don’t Cry, Hey Baby, Wipeout and many more. Producer, Paul Spicer said “The atmosphere is always electric. We totally encourage our audiences to sing, dance and immerse themselves in the summer of ’63. I watch people leave the theatre on a real high….I challenge anyone to come along and not have a fantastic time.”

This production is not affiliated with Dirty Dancing: The Classic Story on Stage in the West End or on tour in the UK or worldwide.

Just text ‘Hey Baby’ and your name to 07983 588291 by 10th March to be in with a chance of winning a pair of tickets The Beat 25th March £20 Known for hit singles, including Mirror in the Bathroom and Too Nice To Talk To, their songs of peace, love and unity fuse ska, pop, reggae and punk rock.

Their first single Tears Of A Clown, was given a completely new feel, and was backed with their own composition Ranking Full Stop. The single stormed into the Top 10 in 1979. Backed by Arista, the band formed their own label Go -Feet Records producing another Top 10 hit in 1980, Hands Off... She’s Mine, this was the first of twelve chart singles for the band on this label.

The band released three albums I Just Can’t Stop It (1980), Wha’ppen (1981) and Special Beat Service (1982), with tracks that demonstrated their more politicised and socially-conscious leanings.

“The Beat. Who needs the brave new world when the old school is still this good?” Sunday Mirror

Just text ‘The Beat’ and your name to 07983 588313 by 10th March to be in with a chance of winning a pair of tickets

Also...at the Public Halls Circus of Horrors - Welcome to the Carnevil 1st March 7.30pm Wedding Singer - Harpenden Light Operatic Society 14th - 19th March 7.30pm Jenny Eclair - How to be a Middle Aged Woman (Without Going Insane) 27th March 7.30pm

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01582 765464 Harpenden Public Halls www.harpendenpublichalls.co.uk

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St Albans Shakespeare Festival 2016 marks the 400th anniversary of the death of the greatest and most famous playwright in history. Running from March to June, this Festival celebrates Shakespeare’s legacy through a variety of artistic media including theatre, choral singing, symphonic music, poetry, stand -up comedy and dance. It takes in all 37 Shakespeare plays (and poems) in some form, comprising 31 performances by 14 different artists and companies in a dozen locations across the city. Many events will take place at the Maltings Arts Theatre, home of OVO theatre company, the Festival organisers.

Pocket Dream 12th March 3.30pm & 6.30pm Maltings Arts Theatre A fast-moving, easily understood and visually stunning, 60 minute version of an award-winning production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Allmale Shakespeare company, Propeller combines a rigorous approach to the text with a physical aesthetic creating a production full of clarity, poetry, humour and imagination. Q & A session with the actors afterwards.

West Midlands with a penchant for poaching? Now’s your chance, come and meet Will in the pub and he’ll tell you everything. Why he came to London.

Why you don’t need to be posh to write great plays. Nicholas Collett takes the lid off a legend in your local.

Shakespeare defending his reputation, playing a few of the greatest hits and having a pint. Classical theatre mixed with stand-up, music and a bit of dance.

Henry V 19th March 8pm Maltings Arts Theatre The story of young King Henry’s famous victory at Agincourt while outnumbered, but underestimated, by the French.

Merely Theatre has honed a style that strips the Bard back to basics with just the actors, the audience and the text. Now the company is stripping back something more profound: the concept of gender. For any given performance five actors, regardless of gender, take to the stage – you may see a female Henry V, or a male? Using football shirts to separate the French and English armies this is an exciting, humorous and profound portrait of the birth of modern England.

Hold Off The Earth 29th March - 2nd April 8pm Maltings Arts Theatre

By Stephen Tomas – after William Shakespeare’s Hamlet The King of The Devil Speaks True Denmark is dead. Home for the funeral, 15th March 8pm his son Hamlet finds preparations Maltings Arts Theatre already underway for his mother’s Macbeth as told by marriage to his uncle, Claudius. In Banquo. Goat and retreat from his public role at court, Monkey Theatre Hamlet finds comfort in the company of Company invites you in this unique and immersive take on the last hours of Banquo’s life. In complete his childhood friend, Ophelia, but when the truth of darkness, this innovative production cuts the words his father’s death is revealed, a cycle of personal betrayal and violence is unleashed that no of real ex-servicemen into the original text, while friendship can survive, and which threatens to using projection, scent, special effects, magic and bring a nation to its knees. dance to explore the post traumatic stress of Drawing on the earliest editions of Hamlet, this is Macbeth’s brother-in-arms Banquo, and the an original and radical reimagining of journey to his death.

Shakespeare’s most famous play.

Your Bard Nicholas Collett 18th March 8pm The Maltings Arts Theatre Maltings Arts Theatre The Maltings Arts Theatre, St Allbans Who is William Shakespeare? Did he really write www.maltingsartstheatre.co.uk all those plays? Or was he just a waster from the

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01727 298 007

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A Successful 10 Years I first came up with the idea of Women with Waders 10 years ago. It started off with just two of us, and I soon realised I had come up with a good idea, a pond maintenance company run by someone who had experience in the aquatic trade and knew about ponds.

Since then we have seen a steady growth in business and our workforce increased to 13 during our busiest period last summer. As many of you may know, we are no longer an all female company; some of our team are men.

One highlight of the last 10 years was my time on BBC Radio 4`s Women’s Hour. I was chosen, along with two other women in business, to be featured for a year showing the highs and lows of running a small expanding business. I was given a mentor for the year who taught me a lot; the whole experience was invaluable. Even now, new customers mention they first heard of Women with Waders on Women’s Hour.

Another highlight was in 2012 when we won “Most Enterprising Business” in the FSB’s Hertfordshire Business Awards. It dawned on me that other people thought I had a great business too.

2015 was also a great year for Women with Waders when the demand for our services was unprecedented; mainly due to the great bunch of people who work for WWW. Here’s just some of the feedback we’ve received from our customers: “Prompt, professional and friendly” “Tidy and efficient” “Commitment to the job” “Overall excellent service” So if you need work carried out to your pond, why not give us a call.

Jo, Women with Waders

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Verulam Fencing  All Fencing Products  Top Quality Fencing  Repair & Maintenance  Fence Painting & Treatment  Gates & Trellis  All work Guaranteed  Free Quotations  Friendly Reliable Local Service Call Nick 07737 284711 nick.morgan87@googlemail.com Please visit Verulam Fencing on Facebook for reviews and pictures www.facebook.com/verulamfencing

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Photograph Wildlife for a Day You can’t have missed our beautiful cover picture this month, courtesy of professional photographer Tom Mason. Tom is offering a day of wildlife and nature photography at Rye Meads Nature Reserve. He knows the reserve like the back of his hand and will be an excellent guide as you walk around.

He’ll be focusing on the key skills needed to help you improve your photography, and will answer all your questions.

Just bring your camera and lunch and enjoy a great day out.

Tom hopes to offer courses in St Albans in the future so watch this space.

Photography Workshops Sunday 13th March 10am - 3pm Sunday 10th April 10am - 3pm RSPB members £30, non members £40 Please book as spaces are limited 01992 708381 or debs.allbrook@rspb.org.uk To see more of Toms’ work visit www.tommasonphoto.com Rye Meads Nature Reserve Stanstead Abbotts SG12 8JS www.rspb.org.uk/ryemeads

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Justin Leon Garden Maintenance All Aspects of Gardening Undertaken

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

07789 961233

Fircroft Tree Surgery Ltd Noke Lane, St Albans, Herts AL2 3NY

BUY YOUR FIRELOGS NOW!

Crown Reducing Stump Grinding Hedge Trimming Felling & Dismantlement Seasoned Firewood Dead Wooding Pollarding Tree Reports Fully Qualified & Insured Staff Local Authority Approved Contractor

For ALL Aspects of Professional Tree Surgery PLEASE CALL 01923 682201 or visit www.fircrofttreesurgeryltd.co.uk

GREENSHOUSE & GARDENS Fencing, Supply and Installation Gutter Clearance and Repair Power Washing Summerhouse and Shed Bases Sheds and Summerhouses Supplied and Erected Decking Landscaping Gardening, Tree, Hedge and Plant Care Property Maintenance Gas Safe Boiler Servicing Qualified Electrician Fully Insured

Call Roger 07949 969446 or 01582 400408

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World Book Day on 3rd March is a celebration of authors, illustrators, books and most importantly a celebration of reading. Thanks to National Book Tokens, publishers and booksellers in partnership with schools all over the country will be handing out £1 Book Tokens to every young person in the UK under 18.

When you get yours just take it to your local bookshop and exchange it for one of ten free books. Or, get £1 off any full price book or audio book costing over £2.99.

Tokens are valid 29th Feb - 27th March www.worldbookday.com World Book Day Party 3rd March 3pm - 5pm Celebrate World Book Day and join in with storytelling, drop-in crafts and exchange your World Book Day token in the shop. This year Roald Dahl’s The Great Mouse Plot features as one of the special edition £1 books.

Roald Dahl Museum, Great Missenden Free, all ages www.roalddahl.com

Seussical The Musical 19th March 2.30pm & 6.30pm A musical based on the works of Dr Seuss weaving together his most famous tales and characters, follows the adventures of Horton.

He soon discovers that within a tiny speck of dust exists the smallest planet in the universe!

Characters fall in love, have desperate adventures and some even save the world!

Seussical is a musical for all the family from young to old and is brought to you as part of the West Herts Music Theatre. £9 / £7 Sandringham School, St Albans AL4 9NX www.sandpittheatre.co.uk

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NOW at the Local Theatres

Kimpton Memorial Hall The Alban Arena Jay Rayner - A Night of Food & Agony 3rd March 7.30pm Renowned restaurant critic, MasterChef judge and occasional jazz pianist Jay Rayner invites you to join him for a night of food and agony. Jay examines our love affair with lousy reviews, rants about his most hated restaurants fads, describes some of his most excruciating nights out and reads from the worst reviews he’s ever received!

Parton Sings Parton 4th March 7.30pm An evening of music, song and laughter, with audio visual through the lives of Dolly Parton and her family, as portrayed by sister, singer, songwriter and actress Stella Parton.

Fairport Convention 5th March 7.30pm A mix of favourites and new material from their recent studio album ‘Myths And Heroes’. There’ll also be a performance by Brighouse-based singer-songwriter Roger Davies whose quirky and entertaining songs reflect his love of Yorkshire and its people.

The Bootleg Beatles 7th March 7.30pm They have drawn critical-acclaim across the globe with a little help from their orchestral ensemble.

High School Musical - On Stage!

10th & 12th March 7.30pm On the front steps of East High, it’s the first day after winter break (Wildcat Cheer). The Jocks, Brainiacs, Thespians and Skater Dudes find their cliques, recount their vacations, and look forward to the New Year (Start of Something New).

Nathan Carter & His Band 16th March 7.30pm Nathan has now captivated audiences all over Ireland, the UK and beyond and has become a household name, with fans of all ages flocking to see him and his six piece band.

Lee Nelson - Suited & Booted 18th March 7.30pm Fresh from headlining Glastonbury with Kanye West and bribing Sepp Blatter at FIFA’s headquarters, it’s time to see Lee Nelson at his absolute best, live and unleashed. www.alban-arena.co.uk 01727 844488

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Old Time Music Hall 26th & 27th Feb / 3rd, 4th & 5th March The Kimpton Players are a thriving amateur dramatic group, who started in 1943 and have raised thousands of pounds for local and national groups and charities. The group has an energetic youth section; the Junior Kimpton Players, who produce their own shows and take part in other productions. The Players are always looking for new members from 11 years+ to get involved with acting, stage management and painting scenery. Visit the website for more information. www.thekimptonplayers.co.uk/about/

Abbey Theatre Tosca 15th - 19th March 7.30pm St Albans Chamber Opera A tale of love and passion by Puccini, a grand opera and an enduring masterpiece. Featuring a large chorus and the boys’ choir from St Columba’s School in Te Deum, with wellknown local singers and some exciting new talent.

Abbey Theatre, St Albans 01727 857861 www.abbeytheatre.org.uk

Trestle Arts Base Falling 21st March 7.30pm

by Theatre Alibi What happens when terra firma isn’t firm at all?

It’s five o’clock on a normal weekday evening.

Claire and her teenage daughter Alice are making tea. Alice pops out to fetch some apples from the shed. But in the blink of an eye she’s disappeared down a hole that’s suddenly yawned open on the lawn. What happens when life swallows you whole and terror is only a heartbeat away?

This production combines powerful performance, projection, puppetry and a thrilling live soundscape to tell a raw and intimate story.

Suitable for 14+ Tickets: £12 / £10 Trestle Arts Base, Russet Drive, St Albans, 01727 850950 www.trestle.org.uk

Dawn Photography Shoot 19th March 5am - 8.30am As the sun rises over a misty airfield, silhouettes of aircraft will emerge from the haze, providing unique and atmospheric photographic opportunities. £55, please book, for ages 16+ The Shuttleworth Collection SG18 9EP 01767 627927 www.shuttleworth.org

Women in Aviation Science & Engineering 19th March 11am - 4pm A free event to commemorate International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month.

Various women who work in science and engineering will be giving pop up lectures beneath the Bristol Beaufighter.

RAF Museum London NW9 5LL www.RAFmuseum.org.uk

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Clean For The Queen 4th - 6th March Clean for The Queen is a campaign launched by Country Life magazine in partnership with Keep Britain Tidy to clear up Britain in time for The Queen’s 90th birthday in June. It hopes to rally an army of volunteers to clean up their local areas and includes a special clean-up weekend on 4th - 6th March.

Hatfield House 4th - 6th March Work with local communities to clear up Hatfield Park, black sacks and litter grabbers will be available from Station Lodge (opposite Hatfield Railway Station) from 7am for volunteers to use.

Large skips and bins will also be placed at the Lodge for people to dispose of the litter they collect.

Cllr Chivers Community Litter Pick 5th March Verulamium Park 10.30am - 11.30am Meet at the top of the causeway by the bridge leading to the crossing on King Harry Lane.

Cllr Chivers holds regular litter picks in Verulamium Park, usually working at the top of the park, in the wooded area, reaching litter that isn’t easily seen. Just turn up everyone welcome!

Spring Clean for The Queen 20th March 10am - 12 noon Meet in the car park, Park Street recreation ground AL2 2NE Help make the village look its best for the big day. All are welcome to help clean the streets

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and green spaces and maybe even give some of the street signs a quick scrub!

Alternatively why not clean up your own street, just register online and then apply for a litter picking kit from the Council’s Recycling Officer Louise Palmer on 01727 819428 or louise.palmer@stalbans.gov.uk www.cleanforthequeen.co.uk www.keepbritaintidy.org

Sopwell Residents Association

Community Litter Pick “Clean for the Queen” Sunday 6th March 2pm

Meet in Cottonmill Lane by railway crossing All equipment provided contact: info@sopwell.org.uk 01727 865061 www.cleanforthequeen.co.uk

Linda & Karen Cleaning Services

before

after

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NOW at the Cathedral Talk: Open Forum on Faith and Science 3rd March 8pm An opportunity to engage in a discussion, considering some of the assumptions that underpin science and Christianity, by Tim Bull, Canon at St Albans Cathedral. £5 J S Bach: St John Passion 5th March 7.30pm Harrow Choral Society £25, £20, £15, £10, child half price Mothering Sunday 6th March 8am Eucharist / 9.30am Parish Eucharist 11.15am Sunday Choral Eucharist sung by the Cathedral Choir / 6.30pm Evensong More to Explore Tour: The Watching Chamber 6th March 3pm free Revealing some of the building’s hidden gems and little known secrets.

Lunchtime Organ Recital 9th March 12.30pm Rachel Mahon, St Paul’s Cathedral, free St Albans Bach Choir 12th March 7.30pm Fauré - Requiem Mozart – Mass in C Minor £12 - £30, concs £12 (not for top price tickets) Tower Tours 12th March 10am / 11.30am / 1pm / 2.30pm 13th March 2pm / 3.15pm / 4.30pm 30th March 11am / 12.30pm Taking you to the top of the Norman Bell Tower, north transept gallery, ringing and bell chambers and onto the tower roof. £8

Passiontide Service 13th March 6.30pm Meditative service of music, poetry and prayer.

Palm Sunday Procession 20th March 9.30am Meet by the Clock Tower, High Street, to set off on the procession to the Cathedral.

Bring some greenery to wave as you walk!

Sunday Afternoon Organ Concert 20th March 3pm James McVinnie, Concert Organist, free Compline and Address 21st - 23rd March 8pm 24th Maundy Thursday Eucharist 8pm 25th Good Friday Services 10am Pre-school Children’s Service 11.30am Children’s Event Time 12 noon - 3pm Three Hours Devotion 8pm Unity at the Cross 26th Easter Eve 4pm Evensong 8.30pm Easter Vigil 27th Easter Day 9.30am Parish Eucharist 11.15am Matins 6.30pm Evensong 28th Easter Monday 2pm Pilgrimage 3pm Service Become an Official Explorer of the Cathedral Whenever you visit, with our Children’s Explorer Guide you can find out more about Saint Alban, follow a fun trail around the Cathedral and learn fascinating facts as you go. £1

01727 890290 www.stalbanscathedral.org 22

Chipped Glassware

Come and Join Kingsbury WI Make Some New Friends We meet every 3rd Tuesday 9.45am - 12 noon Dagnall Street Baptist Church Hall Excellent Speakers Walking Group Book Group and Scrabble For more information please call Pat Legerton on 01727 822157

We restore Crystal and Antique Wine Glasses, Tumblers, Jugs, Vases, Bowls, Decanters and Candlesticks.

We Can Remove up to 90% Dishwasher Bloom SYMPATHETIC GLASS CARE Collection and Delivery Arranged

Martin 01923 859351

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Easter Events & More Knebworth House

Dogs and Daffs Charity Dog Walk and Fun Dog Show 13th March Banish those winter blues and put your best foot forward for charity. The beautiful grounds of Hatfield House will be open for walkers and their dogs with four rambles for all abilities.

There will be a fun dog show where proud owners can show off their faithful friends in categories such as ‘Most Handsome Dog’, ‘Dog Most Like its Owner’ and ‘Prettiest Bitch’.

A vet will be on hand to discuss the benefits of micro-chipping and owners will have the chance to have a professional photo taken.

Organised by the Digswell Place Group Riding for Disabled Association the event hopes to raise much needed funds.

Dog walks: adult £5, children and dogs free Opens 10am / Dog Show 2pm (£3 per entry).

The Stable Yard shops and Coach House restaurant will also be open.

Hatfield House www.hatfield-house.co.uk

Cream Teas 2.30pm - 4.30pm Come and enjoy a cream tea served on Sundays and Bank Holidays between 27th March - 30th October.

With home made scones made from the Mills own flour and a cup of Fairtrade tea.

Served by volunteers, all proceeds support the museum.

Mill Green Mill & Museum Bush Hall Lane, Mill Green, Hatfield AL9 5PD

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Easter in the Gardens & Park 25th & 26th March Explore the Maze and Dinosaur Trail, enjoy the spring flowers and birdsong, try out the new Bouncy Castle in the Adventure Playground, ride on a Vintage Bus and take part in the Children’s Easter Quiz Trail. £1 Jousting 27th & 28th March 12.30pm & 2.30pm The Knights of Arkley are jousting again with the turrets and towers of Knebworth House providing a spectacular backdrop to the action. Costumed knights on majestic warhorses will gallop across the arena in a fantastic display of horsemanship while others will demonstrate their skills in hand to hand combat.

Before each performance children will have a chance to try fighting for fun with the knights and their squires at ‘Knight School’.

The Green Dragon Bowmen will also offer visitors the chance to try archery for a small charge.

For £9.50 you can enjoy the jousting, the Park, Fort Knebworth, the Adventure playground, the Gardens and the Dinosaur trail. A great family day out.

Knebworth House www.knebworthhouse.com

Lambing Weekend 12th & 13th March 10am - 3pm free Come and watch the lambs being born and enjoy the Farm Trail, Farmers Market, Donkey Rides and access to Oaklands' Animal Care Centre with a range of creatures from reptiles to rabbits.

You can also find out about the range of Landbased courses available at Oaklands including Animal Care, Horticulture and Equine Studies Please don’t attend if you may be pregnant, and leave dogs at home.

Oaklands College, Hatfield Road, St Albans, AL4 0JA see advert on page 15

Easter Art and Craft Show

Easter Egg Festival 26th - 28th March 2pm - 5pm This is the first afternoon the House and Gardens are open for the season. In 1285, during the visit to Chenies of Edward I, the earliest occurrence is recorded of eggs being cooked and given to the villagers to celebrate Easter. Following this tradition, there will be egg and spoon races, sack races and Easter egg spotting throughout the house. Come and join in the fun!

Chenies Manor, Bucks WD3 6ER 01494 762888

26th March 10am - 4pm 27th March 11am - 5pm Exhibition and sale of original paintings, stalls, live music, children's colouring competition, Easter egg hunt and Young Artist of the Future Competition entitled ‘My Favourite Film’ is for 11-18 year olds, first prize £50, entries up to A3, can be paintings, drawings, collage or mixed media. Submit your entry by 21st March to Redbourn Leisure Centre, Dunstable Road.

Redbourn Recreation Centre www.redbournvillage.org.uk

Fun at Dunstable Downs Mother's Day Crafts 5th March 11am - 3pm £1.50 per card, £2.50 per posy Make your mums day with a handmade card, badge and a posy of spring flowers to show how much you love her.

Cadburys Easter Egg Hunts 25th - 28th March 11am - 3pm £2.50 The Cadbury's Easter Bunny has been up to his old tricks again, hopping all over the Downs and leaving lovely chocolate eggs behind! Come and join in the fun-filled Easter Egg Hunt.

Chilterns Gateway Centre, Dunstable Downs 01582 500920 www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Easter Eggstravaganza 19th - 28th March Come and enjoy choc-o-bloc family fun with the Easter Bunny, Easter Egg and Bunny Hunts, shows, adventure play and farmyard fun.

The Easter Bunny will be visiting every day, there’s an Easter Egg and Bunny Hunt with free chocolate treats for the kids, pig racing and goat milking, family shows, adventure play, funfair rides, Tristan the Runaway Tractor and plenty of farmyard animals in the outdoor pens and under cover animal barn.

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

The Hare & Hounds pub, St Albans will be taken over by Easter bunnies and entertainment on 26th March between 1-5pm when it will be crammed full of Easter treats for all the family, from face painting to games and crafts for the kids. Test out your bidding skills in the charity auction and from 7pm the entertainment kicks off with live music. Don’t miss this family fundraiser in aid of Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice!

A bit about us… we are three second year Event Management students at the University of Hertfordshire. Aspects of this event will be assessed for our final grades, we’re really excited to get on with the practical side to our degree and wanted to create an impact in our local community. Rosanna - 22 / Danielle -19 / Hollie-Louise - 20

Like our Facebook page for upcoming

Easter at Ashridge Cadbury Easter Egg Trail 25th March 10am - 4pm £3 Put on your wellies and eggsplore the secrets of the woodland at Ashridge. Answer questions along the way and collect your Cadburys Easter Egg at the end. Trail starts: Ashridge Estate Visitor Centre Easter Crafts 27th March - 15th April 10am - 4pm £2 Join in the fun Easter activities, making a Bunny mask and lots more.

Ashridge Estate Visitor Centre 01442 851227 www.nationaltrust.org.uk

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Do Something for Charity Harpenden Battle of the Bands - Apply NOW! If you’re part of a youth band from St Albans or Harpenden get your application in ASAP to take part in this years Harpenden Battle of the Bands, to be held in Harpenden Public Halls on 23rd April. Bands must perform two numbers and prizes will be awarded for the best ‘Original’ and best ‘Cover’ performances.

You must be 18 or under at the date of the event, just download an entry form from www.harplions.com The event raises funds for worthy causes and provides a platform to showcase the talents of young musicians and youth bands.

This years charities are The Brain Injury Rehabilitation Trust, ‘Eyes Alight’ Appeal and ‘Kids in Action’, a local charity that supports those living with special needs and disabilities.

Tickets £10 www.harpenden-lions.co.uk www.harpendenpublichalls.co.uk

Auction of Promises 4th March 7.30pm In aid of Sunnyside Rural Trust, a charity supporting over 120 local people with learning disabilities through horticultural activities. Join in and bid for some unusual and interesting promises for you or to give as a gift!

Tickets £7.50 includes a glass of wine refreshments and entertainment.

01442 863364 Aubrey Park Hotel Redbourn AL3 7AF www.sunnysideruraltrust.org.uk

Dark & Twisty

Bubble Rush

17th April This exciting, family-friendly event is coming to Gadebridge Park, Hemel Hempstead. Organised by The Hospice of St Francis and open to all the family you can run, walk, crawl or dance your way through Bubble Stations as you are blasted by cannons blowing out crazy-coloured Bubbles, covering you in safe, frothy, foam. There are no age restrictions and the 5km route is child friendly.

Register now at www.stfrancis.org.uk/bubblerush

Here at ‘the NOW magazines’, we’ve just had the pleasure of reading Dark & Twisty, the latest work by new local author, Rachel McGrath, it’s an anthology of short stories, and is a great read that keeps you guessing to the end with each story, just as the title suggests, but it’s probably more twisty, than dark!

The book is dedicated to both Rachel’s father and aunt who are currently fighting battles with cancer, and she wanted to do something to support further research on finding a cure. All profits will be donated to Worldwide Cancer Research (and as Rachel has funded the production of the book there are no overheads to be covered).

Dark & Twisty is available from Amazon or alternativley donations can be made direct via: justgiving.com/darktwisty

A Special Way to Remember The Hospice of St Francis is designing a new Forget-Me-Not Remembrance Garden, with the capacity to display 1,500 beautiful handcrafted flowers will be opened in May. Flowers produced by the team who brought a sea of poppies to the Tower of London will give people the chance to remember a loved one.

Priced at £25 each, they will be available from March, on display in the garden in May, and sent to those who have purchased one as a special keepsake in June.

For more information contact vanessa.howden-smith@stfrancis.org.uk 01442 869555

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Chilterns Cycle Challenge 20th March Grab your bike and join Rennie Grove Hospice Care for its annual sponsored cycle ride through the beautiful Chiltern Hills. This popular challenge offers you a choice of 10k, 35 mile or 75 mile routes; all of them starting and finishing in Aylesbury town centre.This will be a fabulous day for novice and experienced cyclists of all ages.

To register please visit www.renniegrove.org

Muddy Mucker 10th April Rennie Grove Hospice Care’s Muddy Mucker challenge will take place this year in Chiswell Green. Sign up to test your strength, stamina and team work, and take part in a gruelling five mile muddy obstacle challenge.

Registration is £30 per person, with a minimum sponsorship of £50 to support Rennie Grove Hospice Care, or £65 per person without raising sponsorship. Your entry fee includes a T-shirt and water enroute. Team entries are encouraged and it’s promised to be tough, but great fun! www.renniegrove.org/muddymucker

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UK registered charity no 297489

Do Yourself Proud and enter Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Games NOW! Walk, run, swim or cycle in one of over 1,000 events across the UK. Here are just a few you might like to take part in.

18th - 20th March Harpenden Swimming Pool and Westminster Lodge Leisure Centre, St Albans Complete your Swimathon challenge of 1.5k, 2.5k or 5k either on your own or in a team of up to five people. Adult £12, concs £9 20th March The Harpenden Mile Rothamsted Park, Harpenden Camp Green and Harpenden Sports Centre invite you to do your Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Mile around our beautiful local countryside.

Distances: 1, 3 or 6 miles Adult £7, child £3, family £17 20th March The London Flagship Mile Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London E20 2ST Relive the atmosphere of the London 2012 Olympic games as you walk or run around the Olympic Park.

Distances: 1, 3 or 5 miles Adult £11, child £5, family £27 Visit the website to register for one of these events or any of the many others taking place around the country www.my.sportrelief.com

Five Miles to Fabulous Ride 5th March Ladies why not start the cycling season on International Women's Day. Meet at Morrisons, Hatfield Road, St Albans at 9.30am by the cycle stands.

The rides are for women who want to cycle, but are put off by the state of the roads, the traffic and lack of suitable group rides. This is an easy 5 mile ride with a coffee stop, using quiet roads and traffic free-routes. The ride gives an opportunity to gain confidence and discover routes that avoid busy roads. Any bicycle is fine, but please check the tyres are pumped up and brakes work. www.southhertsctc.org.uk

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Meet Marjorie

Lobster Ravioli, Tomato Consomme & Basil Pesto serves 4 people / time: 20 minutes 1 x cooked lobster 1 x won ton pastry (pre rolled) 1kg tomatoes (ripe & fresh) Egg yolk Basil pesto 1 square of muslin Place the lobster in the freezer for two hours, then de-shell, and using only white lobster meat, cut lobster tail into squares. Using two won ton sheets, put 25g of the lobster tail into each pastry piece.

Brush with egg yolk, fold over and press down firmly. Using a cutter, cut into shape.

Tomato Consommé Blend the tomatoes with salt, and pour into the muslin over a bowl, allowing the juice to fall clearly.

Cook the ravioli in boiling water for 2½ minutes, heat the consommé, pour over the ravioli and serve with the basil pesto.

Alternative options: prawn, scallop or langoustine Auberge du Lac Brocket Hall, Welwyn AL8 7XG 01707 368888 www.aubergedulac.co.uk

Marjorie, the new Sommelier, at Auberge du Lac, Brocket Hall was born in Bordeaux, the wine capital of the world and moved to the UK in 2003 where she worked with wines at La Trompette, Chiswick (1 Michelin star), The Glasshouse, Kew (1 Michelin star) and Harvey Nichols where she was Head Sommelier for 7 years. Since arriving at Auberge du Lac, she has increased the number of bins to just over 300, adding to the classic list to accommodate the clientele that Auberge du Lac hosts.

Finding the right wine to match your food can be tricky, the key is to consider all different elements of the dish, are they light and delicate or bold and rich?

Our ‘Lobster Ravioli, Tomato Consomme & Basil Pesto’, is proving to be really popular. Lobster is a wonderful seafood and can be matched with many wines.

It’s common to serve lobster ravioli with bisque, where a creamy, oaky chardonnay from Burgundy or Australia would be ideal to match the richness of the sauce.

However, in our case, the sweet, succulent lobster ravioli comes with a delicate and refreshing tomato consommé and aromatic basil pesto, so a lighter, fresher wine is required. A medium body white wine without any oak, but lots of fresh citrus and stoned fruits would be ideal, like an Albariño from Rias Baixas, Spain or an aromatic Pinot Gris from New Zealand. As lobster is such a special food, a special wine would seem appropriate, so a lovely Champagne Blanc de Blancs would be just right!

I usually like to find a wine from the same area the food is from or inspired from. Here, the Italian influence is quite clear, so a Vermentino from Sardinia will be fantastic: zingy citrus fruits, delicate aromas of peach and a beautifully refreshing finish. A must try!

All these wines can be found at your local Waitrose.

Marjorie

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after I've gone, I know they will still receive an enormous amount of support.

When the Hospice was chosen to be the main beneficiary of the St Albans Half Marathon, I saw the Walking Half Marathon event and I thought: ‘why not?!’ I emailed my personal trainer and asked if he thought I could do it - he did, so I applied and added it to my bucket list!

Being diagnosed with cancer changes your mind-set. You look at life in a whole new light. I don’t sweat the small stuff, I’m more laid back and if I want something, I get it!

Emma Young, 36, is a busy mum-of-three from Hemel Hempstead living with secondary A few friends have also signed up now and our team is called 'Easy Does It'. I thought the name breast cancer. But far from curling up in a was quite apt - I'll be walking slow and steady! ball, she’s added the 2016 St Albans Walking Half Marathon to her bucket list…

Having never even run a race before, the half marathon distance will be a physical and mental "Being a single mum and living with cancer is extremely hard. Some days I struggle to wake up challenge which is really going to test me. I get tired just walking around town! But it feels like a and get out of bed and I’d give anything for an good time to do something out of my comfort extra hour's sleep - but my children are the zone to support a fantastic cause that’s helped reason I get up. They keep me going, they need me so much. me to keep it together, they are the reason I soldier on.

So many members of the Hospice team have gone out of their way to support me and the Don’t get me wrong, some days I don’t have the strength to physically do anything and sometimes children and I hope I can thank them by raising money and awareness of all the good that they I feel sad, but once I've had a good cry I feel ready to face the world again. I call these 'waves' do. I’m hoping lots of people will sponsor me to help the Hospice and it will be fabulous if of emotion and I've learnt to 'ride' them. I’ve someone reads my story and learns more about always been a tough cookie which I think has the Hospice’s services and how they can help helped and me, and the children get amazing support from our local hospice, The Hospice of St people living with a serious illness.”

Francis.

If you would like to join Emma in the Walking Half Marathon for the Hospice of St Francis, or have I’ve had Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) your own charity you would like to raise money with a wonderful specialist community nurse as for, this is a great community event to get well as the opportunity to attend the Hospice’s involved with!

HOPE (Help Overcoming Problems Effectively) course. It has helped me to manage An event where the community come together to my problems and worries in a more positive way inspire one another to be active while raising and gave me the chance to meet some lovely money to support local voluntary organisations people who are in a similar situation and and charities! With races for all ages and understand what I’m going through. abilities, it’s the perfect event for anyone looking My children also receive so much support. Gracie for a challenge, to raise money for any charity or just a great way to get the whole family active. has attended therapy sessions which she found Races include Running Half Marathon, Walking helpful because she didn't want to burden me Half Marathon, 5K and 1.5 Mile Fun Run. with her worries. Daisy has really enjoyed the art therapy group and Louis and Daisy have both For more information and to enter please visit attended craft sessions. The Hospice also www.stalbanshalfmarathon.co.uk holds Pony Days in the summer where we get to To sponsor Emma and “Team Easy Does It” meet other families in similar situations, but the visit www.justgiving.com/Emma-Young28/ icing on the cake was the Children’s Christmas Party organised by the Children’s Supportive Care team.

I'm really pleased that the children have been able to look at the Hospice as a safe place and,

An Inspirational Lady

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NOW for some Music St Albans Symphony Orchestra 5th March 7.30pm Glinka - Overture 'Ruslan and Ludmila' Mendelssohn - Violin Concerto (Christian Grajner De Sa - violin) Britten - Four Sea Interludes Hindemith - Symphonic Metamorphosis of Themes by Weber £15, £10, student £5, child £1 01727 852768 tickets@saso.org.uk St Saviour’s Church, St Albans

Love and Peace 5th March 7.30pm St Michael’s Church, St Albans Quorum Singers Spring Concert Sacred, and more light-hearted music, ranging from Mendelssohn’s ‘Hear My Prayer’ and Wesley’s ‘Blessed be the God and Father’ to Spirituals by local composer Ewart Hopkins and contemporary music by Bob Chilcott, Jonathan Willcocks and Howard Goodall. There will also be songs on the theme of love from well-known films. So a little bit of everything for all music tastes!

Quorum Singers have been entertaining audiences in and around St Albans for 26 years, raising thousands of pounds for charity.

Admission is free with a collection in aid of development of Youth Music at St Michael’s Church. www.quorumsingers.org.uk

The Wedding Singer 14th - 19th March Harpenden Light Operatic Society It's 1985 and rock-star wannabe Robbie Hart, who still lives with his grandmother, is New Jersey's favourite wedding singer. He's the life of the party until his fiancee leaves him at the altar. He’s so distraught he makes every wedding as disastrous as his own. When he meets a young waitress, he falls in love but she is about to marry a Wall Street shark, and unless Robbie pulls off the performance of the decade, she will be gone forever. With a fantastic

38

1980s score, the show takes us back to a time when hair was big, collars were up and a wedding singer might just have been the coolest guy in the room.

Tickets from 07817 331150 hlostickets@live.co.uk www.harpenden-operatic.co.uk Harpenden Public Halls Himmelskönig: Bach Cantatas for Lent 15th March 7.30pm Continuing their acclaimed performances of the Bach’s vocal masterpieces, Amici Voices and Amici Baroque Players perform three Bach Cantatas 106, 161 and 182.

Adult £15, concs £5 from 01582 462024 St John’s Church, Harpenden AL5 1DJ

The Creation 19th March This year The Hardynge Choir celebrate 50 Years and to mark this they will be performing three concerts during the year, starting with Haydn’s Magnificent Oratorio; The Creation, in which the composer celebrates what he regarded as his masterpiece, the creation of the world as described in the Book of Genesis and Milton’s Paradise Lost.

Adult £12, concs £6 0845 475 1664 Harpenden Methodist Church www.hardyngechoir.org

Anniversaries 19th March 7.30pm Carillon Chamber Choir Gerald Finzi God is gone up; Lo, the full, final Sacrifice Edward Bairstow Blessed City, heavenly Salem; Lord, Thou hast been our Refuge H K Andrews Before Dawn; Ah! See the fair Chivalry Conducted by Alex Hall with Beaumont School Vocal Ensemble and Nicholas Freestone (organ) Tickets £14, concs £13, child £5 St Johns Church Harpenden AL5 1DJ 01582 763774 ward.geoff.t21@btinternet.com

Killer Queen Return 2nd July

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Start Art in Herts!

Enjoy art, but struggle with subjects and techniques?

Love drawing and painting, but don't know where to start?

Or would you just like to express your creative side with friendly, likeminded people?

If so, the adult art classes run by Start Art in Herts are perfect for you!

Courses are suitable for complete beginners and more experienced students, and cover a range of mediums over eleven weeks, including pencil, watercolour and acrylic paints. Each three hour session offers an inspiring project, and with step-by-step tuition, students learn a selection of techniques to achieve an impressive piece of work - like these beautiful poppies!

All papers, drawing and painting materials are included in the cost. Each course concludes with an Art Show, where students can invite family and friends to see their finished masterpieces!

Classes are currently held on Tuesday mornings in Sandridge Village Hall, and further morning and evening courses in St Albans and Harpenden are planned. Bookings are being taken now for the next course starting mid April.

One-off Art Workshops are also available - the next one is Tuesday 5th April, 9.30am -12.30pm in Sandridge Village Hall.

For more information and to reserve your place, please contact Sarah on 07845 663633.

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Gary Rackley High Quality Decorator Interior & Exterior Insurance Work Undertaken Established 26 Years City & Guilds Qualified 01923 460701 07721 624326 garyrackley@hotmail.co.uk

M&M Decorating Fully qualified City and Guilds Over 11 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 07970 720911

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What’s on in March 42

26th & 27th Feb & 3rd - 5th March Old Time Music Hall see page 18 until 6th March (not Sundays) Snowdrops Benington Lordship Gardens Stevenage SG2 7BS, 08701 261709 spectacular display of snowdrops, adult £5, concs £4 / £2, 12 noon - 4pm, guided walks Mons & Weds, 2pm, £1 www.beningtonlordship.co.uk 4th An Auction of Promises see page 30 Parton Sings Parton see page 34 4th - 6th Clean for the Queen see page 20 5th Love & Peace Spring Concert see page 38 Five Miles to Fabulous Ride see page 31 JS Bach - St John Passion see page 22 Fairport Convention see page 34 5th March - 2nd April Lutonia festival bringing literacy talent to the fore www.lutonculture.com/whats-on 6th Walk: Battle of Berkhamsted Common see page 4 50 Things Walk Chilterns Gateway Centre, Dunstable Downs, 01582 500920, join the rangers for a family walk, 2pm - 3pm www.nationaltrust.org.uk Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea The Shuttleworth Collection, Nr Biggleswade SG18 9EP, 01767 627 933 www.shuttleworth.org Mother’s Day at Knebworth see page 36 7th Street Party Information Session Beech House pub, St Peters Street, how to close your street for a party, 10.30am hertsplayingout@gmail.com The Bootleg Beatles see page 34 9th Great Britain Revenue Stamps St Albans, Harpenden & District Philatelic Society, St Mary's Church, Childwickbury, 01582 762284, 8pm 11th Mayor of St Albans Ball Sopwell House, 01727 731028, an evening of fine dining & dancing in aid of Rennie Grove Hospice, £50 12th & 13th Lambing Weekend see page 15 13th Dogs & Daffs Charity Dog Walk & Fun Dog Show see page 24 Wildlife Photography Workshop see page 12 Bangers & Charity Quiz Lower Red Lion, Fishpool Street, St Albans, bangers & mash, in

aid of local charities, 6pm, book by donating £12.50 on www.virginmoneygiving.com/Ed2NorthPole www.Ed2NorthPole.org Luxury Wedding Show see back cover Passiontide Service see page 22 13th & 15th - 19th Tosca see page 18 14th - 19th The Wedding Singer see page 38 15th Himmelskönig: Bach Cantatas for Lent see page 38 18th Live Jazz & Curry see page 39 Lee Nelson - Suited & Booted see page 34 Dub Pistols + Kuena I Tambu + Easydread Bedford Corn Exchange, £13 in advance, 8pm www.seetickets.com 18th - 20th Sport Relief Games see page 31 19th Seussical the Musical see page 16 Anniversaries Convert see page 38 Women in Aviation, Science & Engineering see page 19 Dawn Photography Shoot see page 19 Jacques van Oortmerssen Organ Recital St Saviour’s Church, 5.30pm - 7pm www.organfestival.com 19th - 28th Easter Eggstravaganza see page 25 20th Palm Sunday Procession see page 22 Chilterns Cycle Challenge see page 28 21st Falling see page 18 Soroptimist Women's Group Chiswell Green United Reformed Church Hall, St Albans, an evening focused on Education with speakers & discussion, 8pm www.sigbi.org/st-albans 22nd Art in Herts Art Show Sandridge Village Hall, 07845 663633, work by beginners & experienced students, find out about courses, 11am - 12.30pm 25th Shaw’s Corner House & Gardens re-open for the year, 12 noon shawscorner@nationaltrust.org.uk 26th Easter EGG-stravaganza see page 25 27th Easter Egg Hunt & Fun Day see page 16 27th & 28th Knebworth Jousting see page 24

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What’s on in April 44

1st The Magic of Motown The Alban Arena, 01727 844488, 7.30pm 2nd 1 True Grit see page 28 An Evening with Ian Waite & Camilla Dallerup Campus West, Welwyn Garden City, 8pm, adult £26, concs £23 Soroptimist Women's Group Charity Quiz Homewood Road Church Hall, St Albans, 07884 185925, fish & chip supper, 7.15pm, adult £12.50, child £8 www.sigbi.org/st-albans Chas & Dave The Alban Arena, 01727 844488, 50th Anniversary Concert, 7.30pm 3rd Classic Motor Show The Shuttleworth Collection SG18 9EP www.shuttleworth.org 5th Art Workshop see page 40 St Albans Electric Bike Tour Mill Green Mill, Hatfield, 01442 927522, 10.30am - 2.45pm www.electricbiketours.co.uk 6th April Film: Suffragette cert 12A Harpenden Public Halls, 8pm www.harpendenfilmsociety.co.uk 6th - 8th The Wonderful Wizard of Oz Campus West, Welwyn Garden City, £14, concs £9 7th The Three Degrees Harpenden Public Halls, 01582 765464 7th - 9th Our House see page 18 9th Shakespeare Unmasked Maltings Arts Theatre, mask workshop for all ages from 8+, 4pm www.maltingsartstheatre.co.uk 10th Muddy Mucker see page 28 Wildlife Photography Workshop see page 12 11th Mister Maker The Alban Arena, 01727 844488, tons of arty fun for all the family, 1pm 13th Chris & Pui The Alban Arena, 01727 844488 CBeebies’ favourite double act is coming to town, 11am & 2pm Forgeries St Albans, Harpenden & District Philatelic Society, St Mary's Church, Childwickbury, 01582 762284, 8pm 14th His Way! Harpenden Public Halls, 01582 765464, The Frank Sinatra Story 16th The Tempest Maltings Arts Theatre, St Albans

Folk Music, magical blend of traditional music & storytelling, 8pm Shalamar The Alban Arena, 01727 844488, performing live with an exciting blend of funk, disco and soul to every live show, 7.30pm Volunteer Open Day Shaw’s Corner, recruiting volunteers, 10am - 2pm, book on 01438 820307 sue.morgan@nationaltrust.org.uk Clare Hammond - Piano Campus West, Welwyn Garden City, adult £17, concs £5 Rewind Harpenden Public Halls, 01582 765464 16th & 17th East of England Food Festival Knebworth House, 10am - 5pm www.knebworthhouse.com 17th Bubble Rush see page 30 Afternoon Tea Knebworth Barns, 01438 813825, adult £26, child £20 www.knebworthhouse.com 18th Sean Lock The Alban Arena, 01727 844488, for ages 15+, come & see what he’s blithering on about this time, 8pm 19th Art Course Sandridge Village Hall see page 40 Bee Coffee Morning Chenies Manor, Bucks, 01494 762888, talk with founder of the Bumblebee Conservation Trust, £8 www.cheniesmanorhouse.co.uk 20th Don Giovanni - Mozart Hatfield House, Heritage Opera, 7.30pm www.hatfield-house.co.uk 23rd Shakespeare in the City various locations around St Albans, on the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death, OVO Theatre Company will perform some of his most famous scenes & speeches www.maltingsartstheatre.co.uk Battle of the Bands see page 30 Shakespeare Songs & Sonnets Hatfield House 10.30am - 2.30pm www.hatfield-house.co.uk 28th Clipper Down Guided Walk Ashridge Estate, nr Tring, explore Clipper Down’s medieval & pre-historic archaeology with expert Gary Marshall, adult £8, child £5, booking essential, 5pm - 7pm www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ashridge-estate/whats-on 28th - 30th The Secret Tent Redbourn Players, 7.30pm www.redbournvillage.org.uk 29th The Simon & Garfunkel Story Harpenden Public Halls, 01582 765464 30th April - 2nd May Hertfordshire Garden Show Knebworth House, 10am www.knebworthhouse.com

A Mothers Day Gift Dear Mum, FromYou To Me We’ll admit, this is as much of a gift to you as it is to her. Unlike a normal journal, this one uses prompts to help your mum record her memories. The idea is that she’ll pass the book back to you when she’s finished writing in it, so that you can get to know her better and have a record of her life to treasure. Some of the prompts are great conversation starters; not only will you learn more about your mum, but you’ll have an awful lot to talk about.

According to Yes by Dawn French Rosie Kitto is one of those characters it’s pretty much impossible not to like. Ever optimistic, slightly eccentric and warm-hearted to boot, primary teacher Rosie sets off from England to work as a nanny for the upper-class WilderBinghams in Manhattan. She helps them learn to stop living by their social conventions, and start saying yes to new possibilities. At times funny, at times poignant, and with a fair few sex scenes to liven things up, this is an easy, lighthearted read that just may leave you questioning some of your own conventions.

The Secret Life of a Slummy Mummy

by Fiona Neill

As a Newsnight Producer, Lucy Sweeney had it all under control, but her life as a stay-at-home mum is anything but orderly. From trying to dodge the yummy mummies and alpha mums at the school gates, to fantasising about Sexy Domesticated Dad, Lucy bounces from one hilarious mishap to the next. A great gift for mums of young children who sometimes wonder if everyone else’s life is quite as chaotic as theirs.

Eating Well Made Easy by Lorraine Pascale If mum’s harking after a new cookery book, Lorraine Pascal’s latest endeavour should be top of your shopping list. While it focuses on healthy eating, these recipes are far from bland.

They’re also simple to follow and use ingredients you can pick up from your local shop. Most can be prepared quickly, although some are more time-consuming for when the mood suits. Recipes include Sichuan Bang Bang Chicken, Mushroom and Chestnut Lancashire Hotpot, and No-Cook Chocolate Espresso Cheesecake Squares.

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Index of Businesses

Accountant TaxAssist Accountants

19

Education Kumon

Electricians 40 Alban Electrical Services Sol Projects Ltd

Adult Art Classes Start Art! Aerial Installations & Repairs Concorde Aerials

26

Basement Conversions St Albans Basement

27 26 & 47

Fencing Verulam Fencing

43 Financial Management AMR Financial Management

Beauty Templespa

5 Football Camps St Albans City Youth FC

Bicycle Repairs Cycletech Hertfordshire

31 Foot Care Feet First

Café Inn on the Park - Easter Event

Charity Traid Childrens Nursery Redbourn House Day Nursery Chiropodist Julia Reading Kathy Witchard Cleaning Daily Poppins Domestique Linda & Karen Cleaning Services Mobile Maid Murray’s Cleaning Services

32 Gardening / Landscaping Garden Life Landscapes Greenshouse & Gardens 30 Justin Leon Lanwarne Landscapes Supagrass 17 Gas K25 4 5 Glassware Repairs Chipped Glassware 21 23 21 20 21

Hearing Services Hearing Healthcare Practice Organ Theatre St Albans Organ Theatre Oven Cleaning 5 Ovenmaster

Complementary Health Perfectly You Conservatory Roof Solutions Nu-Look

9

Dance & Drama Stagecoach

17

Domestic Appliance Repairs Leigh Hibon

29

EFFECTIVE Low

Plumber DJ&M Plumbing Services Ltd

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29 & 47

Pond Maintenance Women With Waders

10

19

Property Maintenance The 50plus

27

Removals Akers Koplex Removers Ltd

45 45

Roofing K & D Flat Roofing

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Security Maximum Security Systems

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12 13 12 11 10

Shutters Just Shutters The Harpenden Shutter Company

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Soft Furnishings Sue Smyth

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Tree Surgeons Fircroft Tree Surgery Ltd

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TV Repairs JB TV Services

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23 7 39 21

Painters & Decorators CB Decorators Gary Rackley M & M Decorating

Plasterer A. Merson Plastering

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Carpentry / Joinery Chris Smyth

ADVERTISING

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Wedding Show Luxury Wedding Show

Back Cover

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

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Call Jane or Wendy

07893 588291 / 07983 588313 www.theNOWmagazines.com wendy@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 46 errors or delays in publication or distribution, st albans NOW accepts no responsibility for its advertisers .

DJ&M PLUMBING SERVICES LTD ●

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Complete

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Electric and Power Showers Ball Valves and Overflows Blocked WC’s, Sinks, Baths and Basins Repair/Renew Stopcocks and Taps Plumb in Washing Machines and Dishwashers Repair Leaking Pipes Outside Taps

Dean Herrington 07830 159010 info@djmplumbing.co.uk

01727 764217 www.djmplumbing.co.uk

To Advertise: 07983 588291 jane@theNOWmagazines.com

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