st albans NOW Nov 20

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st albans November 2020

NOW

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Offer Extended to November Due to High Demand

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Welcome to November Lockdown has highlighted how important local businesses are to our community, so please ‘think local' when looking through the magazine to see who can help with those long awaited jobs. As always we’ve got lots of local businesses, with everything from Bathing Mobility to Windows & Doors and all sorts in between. November is a month for reflection, and this year, as well as local businesses, the Poppy Appeal needs your help too, see page 16 on how to get involved. We’ve found as many events as we can, some to enjoy from home and others out and about, just check websites for any changes.

If you’re interested in advertising, please get in touch.

The magazines are monthly and if you don’t have a copy handy, you can always find them on Twitter, Facebook or our website. Stay safe and well

Jane & Wendy @theNOWmagazines

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NOW at the Local Theatres

brand new, inventive production that is sure to put a huge smile on your face. £20, child £13.50 The Maltings, St Albans AL1 3HL www.maltingstheatre.co.uk

The Maltings Theatre

Abbey Theatre

On Behalf of a Madman 3rd - 7th Nov When footage from a West Wing staff party is leaked to a major news channel, the president is on the warpath looking for a culprit. Staffers scheme and second-guess each other amidst the misleading headlines, and politicians exploit the turmoil for their own ends. This is the musical catharsis you’ve been waiting for. £20, child £13.50 A Room of One’s Own 10th - 14th Nov Virginia Woolf’s 1928 exploration of the impact of poverty and sexual inequality on intellectual freedom and creativity. Take a wry, amusing, and incisive trip through the history of literature, feminism and gender. Meet Charlotte Brontë, Jane Austen, Aphra Behn and Shakespeare’s sister Judith. Go forward into the far-flung future of 2020, but whatever you do, Keep Off The Grass. Created in response to the changing shape of theatre during the pandemic. £15, child £10 Trestle 17th - 21st Nov Harry feels like life is beginning to tick down, his autumn years spent quietly caring for the community he loves. Denise thinks life begins in retirement and she’s dancing like she’s still at high school. When their paths cross at the village hall, their understanding of the time they have left changes irrevocably. What do community, growing old, and falling in love really mean? And who gets to decide anyway? £15, child £10 Express G&S 24th - 28th Nov Get ready to be swept away from Penzance to Titipu, from Venice to the Tower of London and from Portsmouth to Fairyland, as Charles Court Opera takes on the ill advisable challenge of performing the complete works of Gilbert & Sullivan in one night (or afternoon). The masters of G&S in small spaces are coming out of lockdown with this

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Relatively Speaking 6th - 14th Nov A rib-tickling comedy, it’s summer 1963 and Greg and Ginny have been co-habiting for about a month and things are getting edgy. Greg is bemused and hurt by gifts for Ginny of flowers and chocolates, which arrive hourly. He is perplexed by her decision to visit her parents without him.

Actually, Ginny is going to the home of her boss Philip, to put an end to their affair. Greg follows assuming he will meet her parents and ask to marry her. But, Philip thinks Greg is the lover over whom his wife, Sheila ostentatiously fantasises.

The situation becomes increasingly complicated and hilarious. Classic comedy is just what we need in these challenging times. Streamed live from the Main Stage, and with limited auditorium seating. £13, concs £12 www.abbeytheatre.org.uk

Class 19th - 21st Nov 8pm & 22nd Nov 5pm An award winning play by David Horan streamed live to you at home from the Barn Theatre Studio. www.barntheatre.co.uk

The Sandpit Theatre Uncle Vanya 27th Oct - 1st Nov 7pm Filmed at the Harold Pinter Theatre.

Sonya and her Uncle Vanya while away their time on an isolated estate, visited occasionally only by the local doctor Astrov. However, when Sonya’s father Professor Serebryakov suddenly returns with his restless, alluring, new wife Yelena, polite facades crumble and long repressed feelings start to emerge. As the conflicted family are forced to confront their despair, loneliness and each other, can the beauty of life help them find new hope?

This is a must-see event for our times. £16, child £13 www.sandpittheatre.co.uk

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Garden Fireworks Without the usual firework displays this year why not plant a few in your garden instead.

There are several stunning flowers that look like fireworks, such as red hot pokers or kniphofias, also known as torch lilies. Kniphofia ‘Brimstone’ has a rich yellowy-orange colour while ‘Little Maid’ has ivory-yellow flower spikes. ‘Fiery Fred’ has blazing orangey-red flowers, while ‘Alcazars’ are bright red.

They do well if planted out in early autumn in a sunny spot with well drained soil.

Crocosmias also provide colour at this time of year, Sustainable Holidays there’s ‘Lucifer’, with its flame-red, trumpet-shaped 9th Nov 7.30pm - 9pm - via Zoom flowers or ‘Canary Bird’ with golden yellow flowers Talks and discussion about taking your sustainable which thrive in sun or part shade in a well drained lifestyle on holiday with you. Contributors include but moist soil.

James Blake, CEO of the Youth Hostel Association. If you prefer fireworks like star clusters, consider Free event, please book sedums or ice plants, many of which have starwww.sustainablestalbans.org shaped flowers. Some sedums, such as ‘Autumn Joy’, are still in flower, and have the added joy of Herts & Middx Wildlife Trust attracting bees and butterflies.

Talk: Winter Wildfowl Identification - Online The angels’ fishing rods, Diorama, have arching 25th Nov 7pm - 8.30pm stems surrounded by broad, almost grass-like Talk and Q&A session for anyone wanting to learn leaves. The rich pink funnel-shaped flowers dangle about the wetland wildfowl (including ducks, geese, and sway in the wind and keep on bobbing back up rails, herons and grebes) found on the Herts & again, even on a windy day.

Middx Wildlife Trust wetlands in winter. By the Or why not consider growing lupins for summer, ‘My end of the session you'll know your Divers from Castle’ has rich red flowers, just like a rocket racing Dabblers and Goldeneye from Gadwall. Aimed at skywards. adults but suitable for keen young naturalists too.

If you prefer trees but space is limited, the Suggested donation £5 Kilmarnock willow is a good option, reaching a www.hertswildlifetrust.org.uk height of about 6ft after 10 - 15 years. It has long weeping branches and bright yellow fuzzy catkins in Feeding Garden Birds in Winter spring, much better than any Roman Candle.

Winter is a difficult time for birds, they need to find Finally, if you are having a bonfire, make it at the food for energy and to build fat stores to keep warm last minute to minimise the risk for hedgehogs or through long, cold nights. Smaller birds need to eat other wildlife hiding underneath. Hedgehogs are up to a third of their bodyweight each day. one of the gardener’s best friends, as they eat huge You can help them by growing plants that provide numbers of slugs and other garden pests. food, such as berries and seeds, and others that

by Pippa Greenwood provide a habitat for insects they can eat. Berries are an excellent source of antioxidants, helping them endure long periods of physical activity.

You can provide sunflower hearts and seeds, nyjer seeds, seed mixes, peanuts or suet in bird feeders when natural foods are in short supply, and snow and ice can make accessing them harder. It’s worth keeping feeders topped up all year round, as birds will get used to them and it saves them making a wasted journey.

They love fat cakes, especially in winter, as they provide energy and keep them warm. You can give them kitchen scraps such as cheese and dry porridge oats. Remember to provide fresh water for birds to drink and bathe in, even in winter. Bathing helps keep their feathers pristine and insulating, just make sure it doesn’t freeze over.

Out & About & Online!

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Time to Get Festive Please check websites for any changes

Christmas at Waddesdon 14th Nov - 20th Dec Weds - Sun 12 noon - 7.30pm Visit this enchanting outdoor extravaganza, soak up the sights, smells and sounds of Christmas with over 80 stalls all housed in wooden chalets, surrounded by twinkling trees. As twilight falls see the gardens sparkle with spectacular light displays bringing the extraordinary landscape to life. Treat yourself to a festive afternoon tea of savoury and sweet festive fancies. Please book Waddesdon Manor, Aylesbury HP18 0JE www.waddesdon.org.uk

Frost Fair 20th & 22nd Nov 10am - 5pm Gifts for all the family and home, original crafts, fine foods direct from the producers, festive entertainment and Father Christmas, all in heated and floored marquees. £7.50, child £1.50 Herts County Showground AL3 7PT www.battenburgevents.co.uk

Christmas Fair 21st Nov 11am St Julian’s Church, Abbot’s Avenue AL1 2HY www.ststephenandstjulian.org

Vintage 1940s Christmas Grotto 21st Nov - 23rd Dec 10am - 3pm Give your children a magical experience and meet Father Christmas in this Vintage 1940s Christmas Grotto. Please book Bletchley Park MK3 6EB www.bletchleypark.org.uk

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Hertford Castle Christmas Market 27th - 29th Nov Fri 3.30pm - 8pm / Sat & Sun 11am - 7pm The first Christmas Market to be set within Hertford Castle’s spectacular grounds will have stalls offering homeware, crafts, jewellery and much more.

Hertford Castle SG14 1HR www.hertford.gov.uk

Santa's Grotto 28th Nov - 24th Dec Children can walk through Candy Cane Lane, spot the mini gingerbread men, create an elf name and take an elfie selfie. All activities will be non-contact to keep everyone safe. Each family can spend time with Santa, before choosing a present from his sack. The restaurant will be serving festive food, so why not stop off for breakfast, lunch or coffee and cake.

Burston Garden Centre AL2 2DS www.burston.co.uk

Christmas Cards Galore Christmas may be different this year, but one thing’s for sure we’ll still want to send messages of love in Christmas cards to friends and family.

The Hospice of St Francis has a range of high quality cards, available in their charity shops and online. Make sure you get yours while stocks last. www.stfrancis.org.uk

Cards for Good Causes St Albans Cathedral 4th Nov - 16 Dec Mon - Sat 10am - 4pm Sun 12 noon - 4pm Christmas cards, wrapping paper and gifts, which can be purchased in the Cathedral or ordered online www.cardsforcharity.co.uk

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Planes, Lights & Action!

Please check websites for any changes

Shuttleworth Shuttleworth in Lights 30th Oct - 1st Nov & 6 - 8th Nov Enjoy an after-dark adventure, as you discover an enchanting world of light and colour on the illuminated trail across Shuttleworth from the Swiss Garden over the Lakeside Parkland around the historic House and down the Shrubbery walk, looking out for highlights from the Shuttleworth Collection. Groups of up to 6 people.

Drive-in Fireworks & Aerobatic Display 7th Nov gates open 4pm Enjoy Fireworks Night with a thrilling aerobatic display, including dare devil stunts from the world famous Mark Jefferies pyrotechnic aerobatic display. Park in your own COVID secure box and enjoy the show. Visit the Shuttleworth shop to pick up a souvenir or to stock up on some original Christmas gifts. www.shuttleworth.org

RAF London Photography Workshop 14th Nov 11am A unique, hands-on workshop, where you will learn the theory behind aviation photography, pick up tips and tricks and try out your newly learned skills in a range of settings, scenarios and cameos in and around the Museum. To commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Britain you will spend time learning how to photograph the Battle of Britain fighter four with the chance to take close up shots as well as being allowed access to the WW1 Exhibition after hours between 5pm- 6pm. Suitable for all abilities. £75 (includes lunch), please book Photography Night Shoot 21st Nov 5pm - 10pm For the first time, the Museum will be teaming up with Threshold Aero to offer an evening shoot with the fantastic collection of aircraft. Each aircraft will be lit up with professional lighting giving you the opportunity to capture pictures like never before and without the public. Suitable for all abilities £25 www.rafmuseum.org.uk

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Wear Your Poppy With Pride The Poppy Appeal is the Royal British Legion’s biggest fundraising campaign and despite the Covid-19 pandemic, they are working hard to make sure the nation can come together to show its support for our Armed Forces Community and ensure they are never forgotten.

Volunteers usually distribute over 40 million poppies, but this year many are unable to so here are some new ways to support the Appeal.

Poppies in the Post Request 20 poppies free of charge by completing an online form. Give them to your friends, family and neighbours, and ask for a donation. Along with the poppies, you will receive information on how you can give as well as how to distribute the poppies safely.

My Poppy Run - until 30th Nov Run, walk or jog any distance, whenever and wherever it suits you and even take your fourlegged friend along too. Free registration, with an option to purchase a medal and t-shirt.

Get family and friends involved to raise funds, you’ll be joining a community of runners doing their part to support the Appeal during these difficult times.

The Poppy Appeal was founded to help those in need following a National crisis. For nearly 100 years, the Royal British Legion has been fighting for the Armed Forces community. It works tirelessly to ensure that those who have served and made sacrifices for us, along with their families, are being looked after, no matter what challenges the country faces.

No one should have to walk the road to recovery alone, together, we’re unstoppable. www.britishlegion.org.uk St Albans Cathedral Remembrance Services 8th Nov Traditional Requiem service in the Nave 11th Nov 11am The Last Post will be played from the Cathedral tower to signal the beginning of two minutes' silence

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Fireworks NOW

Look Up Together 7th Nov This year to keep everyone safe St Albans Cathedral is planning a ‘reimagined’ firework display that can be seen from most residential areas across the city, meaning about 50,000 people can see the fireworks without leaving home, as the usual display has been cancelled. ‘Look Up Together’ sees a number of 10minute simultaneous displays fired from undisclosed locations with the fireworks rising up to 400ft. It will also be streamed live on the Cathedral's YouTube channel. The cost is usually covered by ticket sales so, instead, a crowdfunding appeal aims to raise the £20k needed for the fireworks, but organisers are hoping for £30k, so local charities can benefit as they have previously. If the campaign is successful surplus funds would go to the Hospice of St Francis, Youth Talk in St Albans and the Cathedral's Covid-19 financial recovery plan. If insufficient money is raised, the event will be cancelled and donations returned.

Keep Your Dogs Safe & Calm Top tips from the National Animal Welfare Trust to help keep your pet calm during the firework season.

Ensure your pet’s microchip is up to date and he’s wearing a collar and ID tag, in case he gets frightened and escapes from home.

Exercise your dog earlier in the day so he’s more relaxed, tired and back home before it gets dark.

Avoid letting your dog out into the garden, if he needs to go out, keep him on a lead.

Avoid leaving your dog alone, occupy him with toys, games and food-filled toys, such as Kongs.

Close windows, draw the curtains and turn on the TV to help muffle the sound of fireworks.

If your dog likes to hide when he’s scared, create a safe space, where you can keep an eye on him. Let him pace around, whine or hide away if he wants to.

Don’t coax him out, he’ll come out when he’s ready.

Try not to show you’re worried as they can pick up on this and become more anxious. Check your garden for firework debris the next day. www.nawt.org.uk

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Christmas Post Boxes For the last couple of years, I’ve been responsible for co-ordinating the covering of postboxes at Christmas, with a variety of crafted crocheted knitted Christmassy scenes, as well as making many of them myself. It all started when an expert charity fundraiser and friend of mine, Clare Suttie, who, knowing I was a keen crocheter, asked if I would get involved, as a way of promoting the annual Polar Bear Plunge and raising some extra funds. The first year we made 23, last year this increased to a massive 54 and the number of crafters increased too. We are now working on this year’s creations with around 30 crafters helping out. Some of us make a whole topper, some just a base and some just characters to sew on the top. I also co-ordinate everything from what needs to be sewn together to where the creations will be placed. This requires a spreadsheet of multiple colours to ensure sponsors are allocated and crafters’ masterpieces are matched with a suitable postbox. The postboxes have become a year round activity. My friend Lucy spends much of the year creating masterpieces and has made some fantastic ones including the ever popular plate of crocheted mince pies! Even my children have taken part, sewing parcels and sewing them onto the toppers. The postboxes have been hugely popular and successful, raising an amazing £12,500 for local charities Earthworks, Age Concern St Albans and Small Acts of Kindness last year. Every penny raised goes directly to the charities. The time, skills and materials are donated free of charge by everyone involved, without whom this would not be possible. This year’s charities are St Albans and District Foodbank and Open Door St Albans who have already benefitted from the summer flower postboxes. You can contribute by looking out for them this Christmas and donating via the website www.StAlbansPostboxes.org.uk or by scanning the QR code attached to each postbox. Thank you for always supporting us (even in these difficult times) we really appreciate it.

Candy Stuart

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We specialise in HOME AND BUSINESS CLEANING Quality service Daily, weekly or one-off cleans Tailored to meet your needs

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EnjoyLifeWhileWeClean Is Heat Leaking From Your Home?

Create a more energy efficient home this winter, borrow one of Sustainable St Albans’ thermal imaging cameras to find draughts coming from your window frames or doors, or to check if your roof is adequately insulated. It’s free and easy to use just book onto an online session for some basic training on using the camera, which you can then borrow.

Sessions are held throughout the winter www.sustainablestalbans.org/thermal-imaging

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Care at The Hospice of St Francis

Caring & Sharing Children in Need 13th Nov The charity supports over 3,000 charities and projects across the UK which help children facing a range of disadvantages such as poverty and deprivation and those who have been victims of abuse or neglect.

The BBC Children in Need Appeal Night is an evening of entertainment with celebrities singing, dancing and doing crazy things to help raise money. There are also one-off specials of favourite TV programmes, which have included Doctor Who, Strictly Come Dancing, The One Show and EastEnders.

Before Appeal night you can get tips and ideas on lots of fun stuff to get involved with. For every pound donated, a minimum of 95p goes directly towards changing the lives of disadvantaged children and young people across the UK. Visit the website to get involved or to find out what’s happening locally. www.bbcchildreninneed.co.uk

If you, or someone you know, is living with cancer or a life-limiting illness such as a heart, lung, kidney or neurological condition The Hospice of St Francis might be able to support you. They offer free support from early diagnosis, through to treatment and remission. If you need their help just fill in the online referral form. www.stfrancis.org.uk/selfrefer 01442 869555

British Heart Foundation Urgent Autumn / Winter Clothes Appeal British Heart Foundation (BHF) shops urgently need quality preloved jumpers, fleeces, hats, gloves, coats, jackets and boots. Donating is easy, just drop off any items at a BHF shop and don’t forget to add Gift Aid to boost your donation’s value by 25%.

Local BHF shops: 214 Marlowes, Hemel Hempstead HP1 1BH 39 Fretherne Road, Welwyn Garden City AL8 6NS www.bhf.org.uk

Sleepout at Home 20th Nov Sleepout in the garden, on the sofa or maybe build a den to support this worthy cause. The aim is to raise awareness of homelessness in Hertfordshire. Five local charities, Centre 33, Emmaus, Herts Young Homeless, Open Door and The Living Room will benefit from any sponsorship you raise. There will be a live Zoom event on the night with music and entertainment. www.stalbanssleepout.org.uk

Pet Blood Bank UK This is the only charity that provides a canine blood bank service for vets across the country. The aim is to advance animal health and welfare and relieve suffering by providing quick and convenient access to blood. Similar to the human blood service, owners bring along their dogs to give blood which is taken to the processing centre to be separated into red blood cells and plasma products, and then stored ready for dispatch. By getting involved you will help to save the lives of pets across the country. Every effort, big or small, counts.

Whether you give funds, time, or have a pet that can give blood, there are lots of ways you can support this charity.

Nearest vets taking part: Davies Veterinary Specialists, Hitchin Wendover Heights Veterinary Centre, Aylesbury www.petbloodbankuk.org

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Recycling Bin No-No’s ‘Sorted by machine’ sounds easy but it’s not; because things are included for recycling that hamper the process and spoil the end product.

All the plastics, cans, tins and glass that we put out for recycling are sorted on escalator-like conveyor belts by a Materials Recycling Facility (MRF). It uses tumblers, magnets, magic eyes, and puffs of air to do this.

Plastics are then sorted further, and each type is made into compressed bales of usable material. Sold to the highest bidder, they make new items like bottles, tubs, garden pots, and guttering.

Too much contamination makes this difficult.

That’s where you and I come in.

Wash and Squash Clean out as much residual food and drink as possible - use water at the end of washing up for rinsing. Vermin and health hazards aside, residue gums up the works and contaminates the end product, degrading the overall quality of baled material, leading to rejection and disposal in landfill.

There’s no need to remove bottle tops, lids, labels and sleeves on plastic bottles. The MRF deals with those.

What Not to Put in your Recycling Bin No plastic bags, cling film or film that covered supermarket purchases. These get stuck in the machinery, causing factory downtime and expensive repairs.

No ‘mixed material’ items, such as pill packaging. The box can go in the paper and card recycling box, but the plastic blister pill pack can’t go in your recycling bin, nor can Pringle tubes, tetrapaks or disposable takeaway drink containers.

Also, no plastic toys, coat hangers, CDs and cases, videos and tapes, toothpaste tubes, biros or credit cards in your recycling bin.

If we all try a little harder these few steps should ensure that more of what we send for recycling can actually be reused and prevent the MRF having to send so much contaminated material to landfill.

Taken from blog by Liz Sefton, supporter, sustainablestalbans.org

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A Short Guide for Parents Supporting a Child at University This time of year is often particularly stressful for young people starting at university, and with the added pressures of social distancing, leaving home for the first time may become especially tricky. But here are some steps you can take to ensure your child is aware of the strong support system they have back at home.

Expect phone calls An uneasy and unsettled student is likely to be making plenty of phone calls back home, possibly due to homesickness or if they’re low on money. It is important to keep communication lines open to ensure that your child feels as supported as possible. On the other hand, no phone calls are just as likely, and is often a good sign.

Stay calm: Calm Parent = Calm Student It may come as a shock when the house is empty for the first time, but it is important to respect the process your child is going through, and to not worry them about it. Staying calm is often the best way to reassure your child so they feel as though they have made the right decision.

Have a visit planned Once your child has settled in, book in a lunch visit or a day out in their university city. It gives both the parent and the student something to look forward to after the first few busy weeks at university.

Make your child aware of wellbeing and mental health support Your child’s university is likely to have a Wellbeing Centre or a support system in place that is open to all students. It is important as a student to be aware of these to feel as supported as possible in this new environment.

Katy Phillips

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Once Upon A Woodland 7th & 8th Nov 10am Online A virtual magical and interactive 2 days of fun with a woodland theme for ages 2-10 years.

Immerse yourself in magic with Tiny T's Rainbow Fairies and Wizards. Step into the virtual woodland, enjoy a dancing class and yoga in the Unicorn Mountains, potion class in the Potion Place, story time in the Wizard's Hut, cookery in Miss Bake's Kitchen and more all while feeling safe at home. www.wegottickets.com

British Schools Museum Storytelling Crafts 14th Nov 11.15am Listen to a story and make something to take home. Free with entry ticket School-Yard Sale 21st Nov 10am - 2pm Bric-a-brac, books and home-made cakes. Free Victorian Lessons 28th Nov 11.15am & 29th Nov 3pm Experience a Victorian Lesson and don't be late! Free with entry ticket Quiz@Home 28th Nov 7.30pm via Zoom Test your general knowledge at this monthly online quiz. Book your tickets and receive instructions on how to join in.

Top prize £15 Amazon voucher £5 each or £15 for a team www.britishschoolsmuseum.org.uk

Helping Children believe they can do anything Singing, dancing and acting for 4 -16 year-olds

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Index of Businesses Bathing Mobility Bathing Mobility Advisory Service Beauty The Cove Spa

Front Cover 2

Building Complete Refurbishment & Roofing 5 Kingsholme Back Cover Open Plan Solutions 7 Charity Traid

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Chiropodist Kathy Witchard

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Dance & Drama Penny Waterman School of Dance Stagecoach

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Domestic Appliance Repairs Spin Doctor

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Education Kumon

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Electricians Alban Electrical Services Anderton Electrics

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Flooring Dunstable Flooring & Kitchens Ltd Garage Doors Garolla

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Healthcare Spire Harpenden Hospital

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Hearing Services Hearing Healthcare Practice Locksmiths Lock Around the Clock Locksmith Services

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Loft Ladders Home Counties Loft Ladders

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Museum de Havilland Aircraft Museum

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Oven Cleaners Oven Gleamers

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Painters & Decorators CB Decorators M & M Decorators

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Pest Control The Verminator

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Plasterer Jason Moffat

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Plumber DJ&M Plumbing Services Ltd Roofing GJ Smith Roofing

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Shutters The Harpenden Shutter Company

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Singing Club Clover Singing Club

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Slimming Vision Weight Consultancy

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Soft Furnishings Sue Smyth

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Tree Surgeons Fircroft Tree Surgery Ltd

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Windows & Doors Cloud 9 Kings Windows

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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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