st albans now October 12

st albans now october 2012 working with

promoting local businesses organisations and events since 2007

think local first

2

welcome to october

With the kids back at school, and hopefully a bit of time on your hands and the inspiration of the Olympics still buzzing in your mind, now’s a great time to get fit and healthy while enjoying the glorious colours and beautiful autumn sunshine. Why not have a flick through the magazine, as we have lots of ideas to get you started.

The Big Draw

4

drawing here there & everywhere

Tri-Force Juniors

12

swim, cycle & run for kids!

Triathlon & Duathlon

12

swim, cycle & run for adults!

Herts 10K

14

on your marks, get set

Remember... get in touch if you have an event you would like listed free of charge.

At The Alban Arena

18

poetry, music & comedy

jane & wendy

At St Albans Cathedral

think local first

20

tours by night & day

www.harpendennow.com

Apple Days

22

apples galore

to advertise call us now

Pumpkin and Apple Gala

24

pumpkins, squashes & gourds galore

At The Museum

07983 588291 07983 588313

30

tudors, roundheads & witches

WIN a Pair of

Autumn at Trestle

Opera Tickets!

what’s on in October & November

32

drama for everyone

see page 22

42 44

local events for everyone

copy deadline: 10th October for next editions harpenden now & st albans now

Index of Businesses

46

accountants to tv repairs

THE FLOWER SCHOOL “… love flowers but don’t know what to do with them…”

Let florist Anita Lindeman teach you how to make stunning arrangements with beautiful flowers and foliages, in a calm relaxed atmosphere. Delicious refreshments, lunch included on Childwickbury workshops.

NEW for 2012 Come and Make 4 Amazing Designs Four Thursday evenings from 15th November

7.30 - 9.30pm

Victorian Schoolroom, Childwickbury

Christmas Flowers for Your Home Thurs 15th November 7.30 - 9.30pm Sat 17th November 10.30 - 3pm

The Flower School, St Albans Victorian Schoolroom, Childwickbury

Make your own Christmas Door Wreath and Table Decoration Sat 15th December

10.30 - 3pm

Victorian Schoolroom, Childwickbury

Also available Vouchers for Courses - The Perfect Christmas Gift!

Flower Parties - Host a party in your home with friends and make something gorgeous!

Cost includes all flowers, materials and refreshments Half days £30, full days £65 07906 655641 or anita.lindeman@ntlworld.com

TO ADVERTISE CONTACT 07983 588291 or jane@stalbansnow.com

3

Come and join in the fun activities organised by SAASH Arts as part of the national Big Draw Campaign, most are free drop-in sessions, under 12’s must be accompanied by an adult.

27th Big Draw Day in St Albans

Events will be taking place from 10.30 - 3.30pm Interactive Architecture Workshops Outside The Alban Arena. Recreate the map of St Albans using October 5th Museum of St Albans 9a Hatfield Rd 5 - 8pm building blocks.

Pop Up Drawing Lab In a gazebo in Civic Square Listen to the story of Magna Carta using the Japanese art style ‘Manga’. Artists will be giving tips add to this collaborative piece of mapping work about St Albans without taking your pencil off the on how to draw in this style and historians will tell paper! you more about the Magna Carta. Your art will form Wild at Art Take inspiration from the garden at part of a comic book being published in 2013.

Grebe House, Verulamium Park with ‘Herts and 6th Museum of St Albans 9a Hatfield Rd 1- 5pm Middlesex Wildlife Trust’, and add your drawings to Meet a Tudor wise woman and find out about the their ‘mural’ to create something unique. cures she makes using food and herbs. Make a Bug Hotel! Inn on the Park Cafe, Verulamium Park. plague posie and a Tudor roundel. £1 Join the RPSB and help build a luxury hotel for 7th Trestle Arts Base Russet Drive 1 - 5pm creepy crawlies.

Be inspired by Trestle’s history, theatrical Bringing Lines to Life Inn on the Park Cafe, surroundings and iconic masks as you let your Verulamium Park. Lines can be anything, imagination run as free as the stroke of a brush. everywhere you look you see a line. Join students Artist Elaine Johnson will help you to draw and from Marlborough School to make outlines and take part in audience-led continual line drawing. figures with lines.

Bushcraft Inn on the Park Cafe, Verulamium Park.

11th Museum of St Albans 9a Hatfield Rd 6pm My Giant Colouring Book - who said drawing is for Join Luca Parrella, bushcraft expert, to use kids? Be inspired by the artwork of Jake and Dinos traditional skills and natural materials to create your Chapman and transform a traditional colouring book own kazoo! page into something entirely different, over 18’s only. Tracing the Lines of our Past Meet at the CMS marquee, by the Inn on the Park. Join the 13th Hilldyke Community Centre Hilldyke Road, ‘Countryside Management Service’ for a guided walk Wheathampstead 1 - 3.30pm of Verulamium Park looking at lines in the Design a ‘pants and vest’ set inspired by the book ‘The Queen’s Knickers’ to hang on our washing line! landscape, both natural and man-made, and how they have influenced over 2000 years of history.

20th The Weston Auditorium De Havilland The Large 2012 Labyrinth Verulamium Park, by Campus, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield the Splash Park. Help create a labyrinth made of 11am - Tony Ross will show you how he took a willow, wool and string which will be weaved in line for a walk to create characters including; Little a series of lines to make the numbers 2012.

Princess and Horrid Henry. 5yrs+ 1pm - Join The Etherington Brothers, creators of Monkey Nuts and Baggage for an action-packed 30th Redbourn Library Lamb Lane 2.30 - 5pm hour. 9yrs+.

Contribute to an informal map style series of one session: child £5, adult £2 / both sessions: child illustrations of St Albans. £7, adult £4 Big Draw activities are included in the November price of both events, to book call 01727 281127.

1st Marshalswick Community Centre 20th Verulamium Museum St Michaels Street The Ridgeway, St Albans 10 - 12 noon 1pm - 2.15pm & 2.30pm - 3.45pm Make a piece Design a ‘pants and vest’ set inspired by the book of art using willow inspired by the Museums ‘The Queen’s Knickers’ to hang on our washing line! collection. Book in advance 01727 827667.

St Albans Cathedral 10.30am - 3pm 25th Harpenden Library Vaughan Road ‘Taking a Line for a Walk’ explore the Cathedral 1.30 - 3pm - for adults and create your very own masterpiece.

3.30 - 5pm - for families Contribute to a local Mural Project, mapping out www.campaignfordrawing.org what Harpenden means to you, using your body to press into clay tiles to make impressions to form personalised maps. Book in advance 01727 827667.

4

TO ADVERTISE CONTACT 07983 588291 or jane@stalbansnow.com

5

pumpkins, squashes and gourds galore!

6

Bedfordshire Clanger, and find out about local orchards past and present.

The 2012 Pumpkin and Apple Gala, the sixth to be held at the historic Luton Hoo Walled Garden, takes place on Saturday 13th October from 10 - 4pm and promises to be the most exciting yet, with lots of new activities to keep the whole family entertained.

The main feature of the Gala is the wild and wonderful display of hundreds of pumpkins, squashes and gourds that have been turned into all kinds of wonders by children from local primary and secondary schools, as well as cubs, brownies and a group from Keech Hospice Care.

This is the country’s biggest exhibition of decorated pumpkins and a sight not to be missed!

Apple fans will also be able to bring their apples along for identification by experts from the East of England Apples and Orchards Project; and get advice on growing apples. You can also taste some delicious apple juices, ciders and food made with apples, including the infamous

This year all the action will be centred around the Walled Garden with more than ever to keep everyone occupied. Butterfly World will be bringing all kinds of bugs and creepy crawlies; There’ll be Bedfordshire bats on show and Annabelle the model dairy cow will be making an appearance at the NFU’s “Let’s Talk Farming” road show van. There will also be demonstrations by quilters, weavers, lace makers and bee keepers.

Other highlights include the breath taking falconry display; working Clydesdale horses; chainsaw carving; a fun dog show; pumpkin and apple games and crafts; wandering pirate fairies and Morris dancers; farmers market and craft stalls.

Free entry into the ‘fun dog show’ is included with each entrance ticket. All profits go to the restoration of the Luton Hoo Walled Garden adult £7, child £3, concs £5 For more information see the centre pages. www.lhwg.org.uk www.facebook/ lutonHooWalledGarden

Bouncy Castle Hire from just ÂŁ50!

Indoor Hire Available

"Fantastic castle, reliable and friendly service"

TO ADVERTISE CONTACT 07983 588291 or jane@stalbansnow.com

7

Julia Reading BSC (Hons) MChS, HPC Registered Podiatrist

Book NOW for October and have a FREE Cut and Blow Dry with any colour work Specialising in cutting and colour work, and bridal hair all enjoyed in the comfort of your home.

Call Emma 07539 228 331 emmaboucher99@hotmail.com

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

01582 766614 / 760200 Tuesdays Nash Pharmacy (next to Waitrose) 2 Ermine Close, St Albans

Mon & Fri / Tues or Wed pm Southdown Clinic Harpenden

Home Visits Available

8

TO ADVERTISE CONTACT 07983 588291 or jane@stalbansnow.com

9

join us for a walk and a natter!

enjoy the autumn colours on the Healthwalks Enjoy the countryside on your doorstep with the popular St Albans, Harpenden & Villages Health Walks. Led by trained volunteers the walks take place whatever the weather, cater for all ages and abilities and are a fantastic way to get more active, have a good natter and improve your general wellbeing. Best of all they are completely free!

Every Monday at 9.30am and every Tuesday at 1.30pm in Highfield Park.

Meet at Charters Health Club car park, Hill End Lane, opposite Spar. For those just starting out there is a first steps walk on the Tuesday and also a 2-3 mile brisk walk.

Wednesdays, until 28th Nov in Verulamium Park 7pm Meet outside Westminster Lodge Leisure Centre for a gentle 3 mile walk with hills.

Fridays in Greenwood Park 2pm Meet outside Greenwood Park Community Centre, Tippendell Lane, Chiswell Green.

Saturdays at 2pm 6th Oct, 3rd Nov, 1st Dec at Heartwood Forest.

Sundays at 10.30am 21st Oct, 16th Dec at Heartwood Forest.

Meet in Heartwood Forest car park, St Albans Road, Sandridge A longer 4-5 mile brisk walk.

Sunday 18th Nov in Bricket Wood 10.30am Meet at Moor Mill Pub, off Smug Oak Lane for 4-5 mile brisk walk.

Most walks are followed by the option of stopping for refreshments.

Countryside Management Service 01462 459395 www.hertslink.org/cms/healthwalks

10 .

TO ADVERTISE CONTACT 07983 588291 or jane@stalbansnow.com

11

Tri-Force Juniors

Tri-Force Juniors is a non-profit making local Triathlon Club, unique in Hertfordshire as it is run by volunteers to enable children, whatever their sporting abilities, to take part in active sports.

In this the Olympic year we endeavour to encourage more children to take part in sport and get fit while having great fun.

Experienced qualified coaches and helpers provide their skills and time on a completely voluntary basis delivering training in swimming, cycling and running locally every Saturday afternoon. The ultimate aim is for the children to take part in triathlon events.

triathlon skills. I like this sport, as you are always training in a different way, working on all aspects of the three triathlon disciplines – Swimming, Cycling and Running – all this with the added bonus of experienced and skilled coaches”, and Matt “Tri-Force Juniors …… is fun for all children whether competing regularly or not. The Club has a real family feel to it, and whoever is competing, all the other athletes and parents give their support with lots of encouragement and cheering which makes me try even harder”.

For further details please visit www.tri-force.org/ junior-triathlon-club-hertfordshire/336/ or email simon.pritchard@dsl.pipex.com

In the words of our Club Captains, Hannah “Whether you turn up to keep fit or are a competitive triathlete, you can be certain you’ll have fun while improving your fitness and

2012 Herts Charity Challenge Triathlon & Duathlon Sunday 14th October Nuffield Fitness and Wellbeing Centre, St Albans 01727 290111 Herts Charity Challenge not only has a new and improved Triathlon, but now offers competitors the chance to take part in a Duathlon. David James, the Event Organiser said that ‘this is a hugely popular event and suitable for novices and veterans alike but with just 350 places up for grabs, tickets sell fast so book your place today!’

Over the last ten years competitors have raised over £1.2 million for ‘Hope and Homes for Children’.

12

Triathlon The triathlon race consists of a 400m indoor swim, a 21km cycle ride and then a 5km run on country roads around St Albans.

Duathlon The duathlon race consists of a 5km run, a 21km cycle ride and then a further 5km run.

• • • •

Enter in a team of 4 or as an individual Registration Fee: £15 Fundraising target of £485 per person 350 places available

To find out more visit www.sprinttriathlon.org

tell St Albans and Harpenden about Your Business...

SPORTS & HOLISTIC THERAPY Aromatherapy, Reflexology, Indian Head Massage, Facials

Treatment for Sports Injuries, Sports Massage & Gift Vouchers GEMMA BICKNELL promoting your City and your Businesses since 2007!

advertise here!

Jane or Wendy 07983 588291 07983 588313

IIHHT IIST clinic on first floor at: Sabrina & Co 103 Luton Road, Harpenden AL5 3BB

07887 762101

20% off New Clients with this Advert Established for 15 Years

www.stalbansnow.com

3 Pairs of Designer Glasses For ÂŁ99* *terms & conditions apply

TO ADVERTISE CONTACT 07983 588291 or jane@stalbansnow.com

13

on your marks, get set for the HERTS 10K

‘the 2012 HERTS 10K’ will take place on Sunday 14th October at 10am at Rothamsted Research, Harpenden.

Firmly established in the race calendar, the event attracts around 3,000 runners, and has been praised for its fabulous scenery, friendly atmosphere and great organisation, making it the perfect event for first time runners.

Created by Lawrence Levy of Levy Associates ‘The HERTS 10K’ is the single largest fundraiser for Iain Rennie Grove House Hospice Care.

Since its beginning in 2006 the event has raised over £600,000 for the St Albans based hospice.

The race will see trophies awarded to the first three men and women who cross the finishing line with all runners and walkers who complete

14

the course receiving a medal and a t shirt.

Gillian Barnett, Fundraising Director at the hospice said, “The HERTS 10K attracts many first time runners who have trained over the summer months for the event. On the day it is fantastic to share in the achievement of runners as they cross the finishing line....It is thanks to the support of the local community who each year dig deep and raise money for the hospice that we can continue to offer the services that ensure people living with cancer and other life limiting illnesses get the care and support they deserve.”

Entry cost is just £17 and includes a t shirt and a medal. For more information visit www.herts10k.com

TO ADVERTISE CONTACT 07983 588291 or jane@stalbansnow.com

15

at the abbey theatre 16

12th - 20th October

The Beauty Queen of Leenane by Martin McDonagh Up in the mountains of Connemara, County Galway a plain and lonely woman gets her first and possibly last chance at love. The obstacle she must overcome is her aging and manipulative mother. Watch the terrifying denouncement unfold before your very eyes.

16th - 24th November

Blithe Spirit by Noël Coward Noël Coward's 1941 spooky comedy sees Charles Condomine lumbered with both his second wife and the bickering spirit of his first wife after a séance lead by the preposterous Madame Arcati goes horribly right.

21st - 30th December

The Witches by Roald Dahl adapted by David Wood The fearsome Grand High Witch and her grotty coven want to get rid of all England’s youngsters by injecting every sweet in the land with a magic potion to turn children into mice. Only Bruno, his friends and his granny try to stand in their way. As the Evening Standard put it: “....this verminous entertainment has a good hiss-boo rating and can be warmly recommended to dutiful parents as well as to their children.”

Abbey Theatre Westminster Lodge, St Albans Box Office 01727 857861 or online at www.abbeytheatre.org.uk

TO ADVERTISE CONTACT 07983 588291 or jane@stalbansnow.com

17

at the Alban Arena

3rd October 8pm John Cooper Clarke featuring Mike Garry & Luke Wright John is the only ‘punk poet’ you’ll ever see, you won’t find any modern day lyricist like him… and that distinctive voice tempting you to buy pizza in the Domino’s ad? Yep, that’s our John! £17.50, concs £15 4th October 7.30pm Richard Street lead singer of The Temptations ‘71-93’ in Concert Richard presents the music of The Temptations in its original 5 man group format with all the best loved hits. £21.50, concs £19.50 7th October 8pm Stephen K Amos - Laughter Is My Agenda with Support The maestro of feel good comedy and star of television and radio is back with his new stand up show. age16+ £18.50 9th October 7.30pm An Audience With Sally Morgan Observing how the spirit world can communicate with us is an enlightening experience. £24.50

18th October 7.30pm The Manfreds 50th Anniversary Original Manfred Mann members Paul Jones, Mike Hugg, Tom McGuinness and Mike d’Abo, are joined by Rob Townsend, Marcus Cliffe and Simon Currie as the new line-up of The Manfreds, featuring both lead singers from the 1960’s band. £24, £22 19th October 8pm Dodgy in Concert Plus Support Dodgy have successfully completed a UK tour previewing ‘Stand Upright In A Cool Place’ in its entirety. £15 21st October 11am - 6pm Christmas Exhibition Shopping for a Christmas gift that’s individual or wanting to stock up with delicious treats then this is a one stop festive shopping experience you can’t afford to miss. £3, under 12s free 23rd October 7.30pm John Lees’ Barclay James Harvest See this band after their successful high profile concerts last year. £22

10th October 1.30pm Film: The Lodger cert PG

24th October 1.30 & 7.30pm Film: Anna Karenina A bold, theatrical new vision of this epic story of love.

10th October 5pm & 8pm Film: The Expendables 2 cert 15 12th October 7.30pm 10cc Live In Concert One of the definitive sounds of the 1970’s, 10cc have sold over 30 million albums worldwide. £27.50, £25.50 15th & 16th October 8pm Rhod Gilbert - The Man With The Flaming Battenberg Tattoo Rhod’s stand-up rants on life’s minor irritations are legendary, but this year he even let someone tattoo a Battenberg on him. Could it be the Mr Angry of comedy as you’ve never seen him before? £25

30th October - 3rd November Kiss Me Kate presented by St Albans Operatic Society 7.45pm Wed & Sat Matinee 2.30pm SAOS have a reputation for putting on great shows and Kiss Me Kate is no exception, from large casts, glorious sets and sumptuous costumes they’re always worth watching. £16.50

18 01727 844488

The Alban Arena

www.alban-arena.co.uk

Nick The Handyman All aspects of Property Maintenance ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

Kitchen Fitter Tiling & Carpentry Fencing & Roofing General Brickwork Patios & Driveways Electrical Repairs Painting & Decorating, Inside & Outside No Job too Small Free Estimates References Available Friendly & Reliable Service 07737 284711 nick.morgan87@googlemail.com

DJ&M Plumbing Services Ltd We care about your small jobs too! ● Electric and Power Showers Fitted ● 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 01727 764217 07830 159010 info@djmplumbing.co.uk www.djmplumbing.co.uk see our main advert on the inside back cover

TO ADVERTISE CONTACT 07983 588291 or jane@stalbansnow.com

19

at St Albans Cathedral

Tower Tours 6th October 10am, 11.30am, 1pm, 2.30pm Enjoy a spectacular Tower Tour!

On your way to the top of the tower, you visit the north transept gallery, the ringing chamber and the bell chamber, before your final climb out onto the roof of the tower with extensive views in all directions. Tickets are limited so book early to avoid disappointment. Tours last approximately one hour.

Tickets cost £8 per person (minimum age 11, restrictions apply see www.stalbanscathedral.org for full details). Tickets can be booked in advance at the Cathedral Bookshop or on 01727 890213.

More to Explore Tours 7th October: And The Walls Came Tumbling Down....Nearly How the Victorians averted a major catastrophe.

More to Explore tours take place on the 1st Sunday of the month unless otherwise stated. Starting from the West End of the Cathedral at 3pm these special subject tours are FREE and all are welcome.

Abbey by Night 10th October 8pm and 8.30pm (drinks reception half an hour before) See St Albans Cathedral in a whole new light!

This unique, atmospheric tour gives you the rare chance to explore this magnificent Cathedral by candlelight. As darkness descends, you are guided around the Abbey by Guides dressed as monks and historical characters who bring to life the building’s remarkable history and highlights.

Tickets: £10 available from the Cathedral Book Shop or on 01727 890213.

Children aged 10 -18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Please let us know if you require wheelchair access.

Music 10th October 12.30pm Lunchtime Organ Recital Admission free: retiring collection in aid of cathedral music funds 20th October 7.30pm Hertfordshire Chorus with London Orchestra Da Camera Conductor: David Temple; Soloists: Naomi Harvey (soprano); Diana Moore (mezzo soprano); Joshua Ellicott (tenor); Graeme Danby (bass) Beethoven: Missa Solemnis Adult: £25, £20, £15; £7.50, student: £5. Available from the cathedral box office on 01727 890256. Also available on www.herfordshirechorus.org.uk by email tickets@hertfordshirechorus.org.uk or 0870 4580445 28th October 3pm Sunday Afternoon Organ Concert Admission free: retiring collection in aid of cathedral music funds

The Big Draw

see page 4 1st November 10.30am - 3pm Get creative at the Cathedral! Budding artists, young and old, are invited to explore the Cathedral and create their very own masterpieces inspired by the theme of this year’s Big Draw, ‘Taking a Line for a Walk’. Helpers will be on hand with suggestions, photographs, artefacts and materials.

Free, suitable for all ages.

20 01727 860780 Cathedral and Abbey Church of St Alban

www.stalbanscathedral.org

irrational theatre a new, young, profit-share professional theatre group presents a new, young Romeo and Juliet cut down to 21st century size and set in a school near you!

The performances will happen in and around the Maltings Arts Theatre, St Albans. Please visit the website for further information.

20th - 25th November www.irrationaltheatre.co.uk www.maltingsartstheatre.co.uk

TO ADVERTISE CONTACT 07983 588291 or jane@stalbansnow.com

21

WIN a Pair of Tickets!

to win answer this simple question: What nationality was the opera composer Verdi? email campuswest@welhat.gov.uk headed ‘TRAVIATA NOW COMPETITION’ or phone 01707 357117 by 5pm Monday 29th October

apple days Celebrate English Apples at the Highfield Park Apple Day Sunday 7th October 2 - 4pm Highfield Park, St Albans has two old orchards, with new trees that have been planted to replace those lost over the years. Each year the apples are picked, pressed and turned into delicious juice, both apples and juice will be available to buy. There will be apple pressing demonstrations, craft stalls and refreshments, together with many varieties of apple not often seen in supermarkets.

Apple Day was launched by Common Ground in 1990 and has grown significantly in popularity, with many apple days now being held all over the country. The idea is to celebrate the variety of apples still being grown in Britain.

22

Apple Day at Shenley Park Walled Garden Sunday 21st October 12 - 5pm There will be many unusual varieties of apples to try and buy, apple juice, apple games, homemade refreshments and a bouncy castle for the kids! Enter the cookery competition to win top prizes.

A great family day out! adult £2, child free Shenley Park, Radlett Lane, Shenley 01923 859644

Furniture Restoration

The Harpenden Shutter Company

All Aspects of Repair Re-polishing Cabinet Making & Carpentry

Specialising in Bay Windows

Virtually anything in wood

We Supply & Fit Beautiful Wooden Plantation Window Shutters

Free

No Obligation

Consultation, Measuring & Quotation

Autumn Sale!

25% off Shutters 20% off all Blinds Awnings Poles & Curtains

Kitchen Refurbishments Garden Furniture, Gates & Pergolas Fencing & Wood Treatments, Rotten Wood Replaced

Also offering: Garden Maintenance, mowing & hedge cutting, decking.... anything in the garden Property Maintenance

Flamstead Based References Available

Teresa & Kevin Buckler

01582 461639 Brendon Burns 01582 842817 07958 927806

kevin.buckler@fit-ex.com www.fit-ex.com/hertfordshire 20 Bewdley Close Harpenden

TO ADVERTISE CONTACT 07983 588291 or jane@stalbansnow.com

23

24

the ghost of St Peters

there was a shortage of wheat. The poor were hardest hit, thousands died, including 15,000 in London.

He described in graphic terms the scenes.

Dead bodies were found in the muddy streets, in pigsties and on dunghills. “When several corpses were found, large and spacious holes were dug in the cemeteries and a great many bodies were laid in them together”. There was sickness too, and people would not shelter the sick and dying for fear of infection.

Scientists now think the cause was a large volcanic eruption possibly in Mexico or Indonesia, as thick layers of ash have been found around There are many reported sightings of the world and dated to 1258. Sulphates from the ghosts in St Albans, but the earliest explosion formed a ‘dry fog’ in the atmosphere. dates from 1258. It is said that an old man The ’fog’ blocked out the sunlight causing a drop with a long flowing beard stood on the tower of in temperature of 4⁰C and an increase in rainfall.

St Peter’s church crying “Woe, Woe, Woe to the Starvation, malnutrition and breathing difficulties World!” This was taken to be an ill omen and due to the sulphur dioxide in the atmosphere are his meaning soon became clear as poor thought to the causes of the disease that weather and famine followed.

Matthew recorded.

Matthew Paris a monk at St Albans Abbey wrote So, the grim warning from the ghost St Peter’s that at the start of the year there was such an was more accurate than would have appeared at “unendurable cold that it bound up the face of the time when he cried aloud “Woe, Woe, Woe to the earth”. As a result the land could not be the World!” cultivated and young cattle died and by June Elizabeth Eastwood, City & District of St Albans Tour Guide

Pumpkin Trail and Treats Knebworth House 29th - 31st October There's plenty of pumpkin fun in Knebworth Gardens this Halloween. Come in costume for our annual pumpkin treat trail (goody bag prize on completion). Why not complete your afternoon with a children's disco and party in the Lodge Barn?

Numbers for this event are limited, please book in advance. Children must be accompanied by an adult .

Pumpkin Trail 12 noon - 4.30pm adult £3.50, child £5.50 under 2's free.

Disco and Party 4.30 - 6pm adult free, child £5 includes hot snack and squash Call to book 01438 810931 or visit www.knebworthhouse.com

TO ADVERTISE CONTACT 07983 588291 or jane@stalbansnow.com

25

Domestic Appliance Repairs Washing Machines â—? Dishwashers Tumble Driers â—? Electric Ovens * No Callout Charges * * All Makes Repaired * * Honest & Reliable Advice * * Full Electrical Safety Tests * * Evening & Weekend Appointments * * All Work Guaranteed *

Leigh Hibon daytime 07841 652496 evening 01582 842764 www.ldhdomesticappliancesrepairs.co.uk 90 Trowley Hill Road, Flamstead AL3 26

Let us Create a Beautiful Floor For You We Supply and Fit Solid Wood, Engineered Wood, Laminate and Vinyl • Various designs including parquet, herringbone and borders • Re-sand existing floors (95% dust-free)

80% of our Work is from Customer Recommendation Fully Insured For a free consultation 01707 373336 07834 412105 info@creativewoodflooring.co.uk www.creativewoodflooring.co.uk 12 Garden Court Welwyn Garden City AL7 1BH

TO ADVERTISE CONTACT 07983 588291 or jane@stalbansnow.com

27

life’s a puzzle! number cruncher 17. 28 Across multiplied by five (4) 18. 2 Down minus 7 Down (2) 20. 27 Down minus 7 Down (2) 21. One third of 12 Across (2) 22. One third of 28 Across (3) 24. One twelfth of 28 Across (2)26.

22 Across multiplied by 21 Down (5) 28. Inches in nine yards (3) 29. 9 Across plus 11 Across plus two (3)

down

across 1. One eighteenth of 26 Across (3) 4. 14 Down minus 15 (3) 6. 19 Down plus 3025 (5) 9. 12 Across plus 15 Across plus 21 Across (2) 11. 1 Across minus 27 Down (3) 12. Five ninths of 15 Across (2) 28 13. One eighteenth of 28 Across (2) 15. 24 Across multiplied by two (2) 16. 5 Down multiplied by nine (4)

1. 5 Down plus 27 Down (3) 2. One quarter of 28 Across (2) 3. 20 cubed (4) 4. 2 Down plus two (2) 5. 9 cubed plus 11 squared (3) 7. One third of 23 Down (2) 8. 12 Across plus 27 Down (2) 10. 5 Down multiplied by 27 Down (5) 12. 185 squared minus square root of 169 (5) 14. 12 Across plus 22 Across plus 25 Down (3) 15. 24 squared minus 26 Down (3) 19. 9 Across squared plus 212 (4) 21. 12 Across plus 22 Across plus five (3) 22. 30 per cent of 50 (2) 23. 8 Down plus one third of 22 Down (2) 25. 21 Down multiplied by five (3) 26. Pounds in one stone (2) 27. Seven squared (2) answers on page 46

Electrical Problems? does your house wiring need some attention?

Fully Qualified Local Electrician All domestic & small commercial work Eight years experience All jobs from small repairs to full re-wires Free no obligation quotes & competitive prices A “extremely pleasant and competent service” “highly recommended” answerphone

01727 894843

mobile

I & B ELECTRICAL Free Quotes & Competitive Prices ♦PAT

Testing Lights & Sockets ♦Carbon & Smoke Detectors ♦Rewires & Fuse Boxes ♦Security Lighting ♦Additional

Periodic Inspections & Testing carried out by our independent NAPIT registered engineer Local to St Albans

07977 114068

deborahcole-electrical@live.co.uk www.deborahcole-electrical.co.uk registered with

daytime

evening (6-9.30pm)

07861 398 288 01707 262771 www.ib-electrical.co.uk

JB TV SERVICES EST 1960

REPAIRER OF LCD/PLASMA TV/VIDEO/AUDIO/DVD

• REPAIRS TO ALL

MAKES & MODELS • AUTHORISED REPAIRER OF

SONY, JVC, PANASONIC TV/VIDEO/DIGITAL/TUNING/ FREEVIEW INSTALLATION & SET UP

07961 420535

TO ADVERTISE CONTACT 07983 588291 or jane@stalbansnow.com

29

october at the museum

Museum of St Albans 9a Hatfield Road 01727 819340

www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk

Terrific Tudors

see page 4 6th October 1pm & 5pm Family event for the Big Draw and Food and Drink Festival

Book Awards voting and Halloween activities.

Cost £1 All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Roundheads vs Cavaliers

Half Term Holiday Activities

13th October 1pm & 5pm Watch an exciting battle re-enactment using model soldiers. Who will win, the Cavaliers or the Roundheads?

Free, children must be accompanied by an adult

Sunday Stories 28th October There's Room on the Broom so come along for witchy stories. Story time session for the under 7’s. Join us for the Children’s

29th October - 2nd November 10am - 12.30pm Varied and creative activities based on the theme ‘Things that go bump in the night’ Monday 6 - 11 year olds Tuesday - Thursday 6 - 13 year olds Under 8’s must be accompanied by an adult, cost £5 Please book in advance either at the Museum of St Albans or by calling 01727 819340.

AXIM UM SECURITY SYSTEMS LTD.

We are a family run business with over 35 years experience in home security and crime prevention.

We treat all our customers with respect and a level of service that ensures they are 100% happy with the commitment given by us.

SPECIALISTS in the installation of •

Burglar Alarms wireless or wired systems, with alerts to your mobile

• •

CCTV can be linked to mobiles or laptops giving you total access Access Control Systems to flats and gated entrances

We also service, upgrade and maintain existing alarm systems For a free estimate and consultation please contact us -

sales@maximumsecuritysystems.co.uk

01582 864138 / 07720 089269 30

TO ADVERTISE CONTACT 07983 588291 or jane@stalbansnow.com

31

autumn at Trestle 6th October 7.30pm Agnes and Walter - A Little Love Story A story of secret wishes, suppressed desires and a garden shed inspired by 'The Secret Life of Walter Mitty', Set to a soundtrack of cinematic scores and popular songs, a company spanning three generations reveal that not far beyond theordinary lies the extraordinary. adult £12, concs £10 7th October 2.30pm Snow White No dwarves! No prince! Just an extraordinary journey into the mysterious world of our scrumptious Snow White. Created through technology, movement and music. adult £10, concs £8 3rd November 7.30pm It Needs Horses / Home For Broken Turns ‘It Needs Horses’ tells the tale of two down at heel performers and their increasingly desperate attempts to entertain the crowd.

‘Home for Broken Turns’ expands the story of this faded ringmaster and his bedraggled assistant. adult £12 conc £10

5th November 2.30pm The Mysterious Vanishment Of Pobby And Dingan Pobby and Dingan are Kellyanne’s best friends.

Her brother Ashmol hates them because they’re invisible. Then they go missing and Kellyanne gets sick. Ashmol must find them, but where do you look for something you can’t even see? adult £10, conc £8 Trestle Arts Base Russet Drive, St Albans 01727 850950 www.trestle.org.uk

before

tell St Albans and Harpenden about Your Business...

32

promoting your Town and your Businesses since 2007!

after

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 01727 835244 07970 720911

TO ADVERTISE CONTACT 07983 588291 or jane@stalbansnow.com

33

NOW could be the right time to start a new business?

a sparky little invention

The outlook for the economy doesn't appear to be getting any better. So for new start-ups it could seem like the worst time to start a new business. But, if you have a sound business plan and financial strategy this could be the very best time to take that leap of faith.

If you are either out of work, or feel that your current job opportunities have hit a brick wall, yet, you have always dreamt about owning your own business then take a look at just a few of the reasons why this could be the right time to become a new start-up. Job security has never been so low, there is an abundance of cheap and talented people looking for work, mountains of cheap office space, office furniture and equipment, eager customers looking for a better deal and competitors are falling by the wayside.

If you’re thinking about starting your own business you’ll need the right advice to ensure you do it in the right way, and with a solid business and financial plan behind you. Get this wrong and you could be another statistic to

34

Thanks to the humble matchstick, we aren’t lighting our birthday cake candles, bonfires and gas stoves by striking sparks off a flint with a piece of steel.

As early as AD 577 in China, small sticks of pinewood impregnated with sulphur were used to produce instant flame. In Europe, it wasn’t until 1669 that the alchemist Hennig Brandt discovered the flammable nature of phosphorous.

In 1680 an Irish physicist, Robert Boyle (of Boyle’s Law fame) coated a small piece of paper with phosphorous and coated a small piece of wood with sulphur to produce a flame however he didn’t develop his idea into a useable match.

In 1827, John Walker, an English chemist and apothecary coated the end of a stick with certain chemicals and let it dry, starting a fire by drawing the stick across rough surfaces. His yard-long sticks were cumbersome however, and he never patented it. A version of Walker’s match was eventually patented by a Samuel Jones, however they also had problems; an initial violent reaction, an unsteady flame and unpleasant smell.

“if you have a sound business plan and financial strategy this could be the very best time to take that leap of faith”

make economic headlines that little bit worse.

Get it right and your new business will start out in the very best place ready to grow hard and fast when the economy turns a corner.

If you’re thinking about starting a new business and you would like some inexpensive and professional help, Ann Coleman offers a cost effective Start-Up Package for new businesses in St Albans and around Hertfordshire, why not contact them on 01727 860413 or info@anncolemanaccountancy.co.uk

In 1830 a French chemist, Charles Sauria, substituted white phosphorous for the antimony in Walker’s mixture. White phosphorous is poisonous and the new matches made people sick with an ailment dubbed “phossy jaw”. In 1855, Swede Johan Lundstrom used red phosphorous instead of white and for many decades Sweden held a worldwide monopoly in the manufacture of safety matches.

A Philadelphia lawyer named Joshua Pusey invented the matchbook in 1889 developing small paper matches bound into a pocket sized book.

His idea was used by the Mendelssohn Opera Company to advertise their New York opening and suddenly paper matchbooks were everywhere, advertising everything.

Save Money, Reduce Tax!

Year End & Management Accounts Bookkeeping, VAT, Payroll Business Start-Up Advice Buy to Let, Capital Gains Tax, C.I.S. Tax Returns & Advice Out of Hours & Home Visits Modest Fees, Easy Payment Options Friendly Local Service

For a FREE consultation contact Mark Fordham 01582 760154 or markfordham@taxassist.co.uk 126 Southdown Road, Harpenden AL5 1QQ

TO ADVERTISE CONTACT 07983 588291 or jane@stalbansnow.com

35

sub aqua club gets £50k

“This is a fantastic funding project that will deliver a real legacy from the London 2012 Games”

36

A Sub Aqua Club in St Albans, based at the old Cottonmill Swimming Pool, has secured Olympic legacy funding from Sport England’s Inspired Facilities fund.

The Inspired Facilities fund is part of the £135 million Places People Play legacy programme that is bringing the magic of a home Olympic and Paralympic Games into communities across the country.

Every sports facility that receives funding will carry the London 2012 Inspire mark, celebrating the link to the Games.

St Albans Sub Aqua Club will receive £50,000 funding to fulfil their project objective of ‘Pool Rejuvenation and Increased Access for All’. Over the many years that the Club has rented the premises from the council, the pool has been filled and maintained by the club for the benefit of its members and guests. However in recent years greater maintenance has been required putting the long term viability of this unique facility under threat.

To find out more about ‘The Inspired Facilities’ fund visit www.sportengland.org/ inspiredfacilities.

Places People Play is being delivered by Sport England, working partnership with the British Olympic Association and the British Paralympic Association with the backing of The London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) and the London 2012 Inspire mark.

LOCOG Chair, Seb Coe, said: “This is a fantastic funding project that will deliver a real legacy from the London 2012 Games. It will provide a whole range of sporting opportunities for young people through improved facilities and will I hope inspire them to take up sport.”

CARPET AND UPHOLSTERY CLEANING

Linda & Karen Cleaning Services

• 28 Years Experience • Simple Honest Pricing • Friendly and Reliable • Service You Can Trust

CLEANING COMPANY Carpets - Upholstery - Oriental Rugs Leather Cleaning and Recolouration Carpet Repairs - Anti Dust Mite Soil Protection - Hard Floors Amtico Floors - Stain Removal Call for an Appointment

01582 418777

albright conservatory cleaning “the bright choice”

before

after

• Fully Comprehensive Conservatory

Cleaning Inside and Out • Repair and Maintenance • Solar Reflective Film Available

10% discount with this advert albrightcleaning@gmail.com www.albrightwww.albright-cleaning.co.uk 0800 0029452 07810 712006

TO ADVERTISE CONTACT 07983 588291 or jane@stalbansnow.com

37

enjoy some tulip mania

tulips are amazingly good value and October is the best time to plant them So why not indulge in some tulip bulbs that will transform your flower beds and tubs next spring with their silken-petalled, strikingly coloured blooms.

late planting Tulip bulbs are best planted after your other spring flowering bulbs. Planting from the last half of October and well in to November generally works best. Plant too early and the bulbs will be far more prone to damage by the fungal ‘tulip fire’ disease which damages the leaves and flowers.

gritty bed If your garden soil is clay based and rather heavy, tulips may suffer and are certainly less likely to come back after their first wet winter.

A heavy loam works well but anything that isn’t well drained may cause problems. You can solve this to a good extent by digging an extra large planting hole and putting an inch or two of horticultural gravel or grit in the base of the hole before planting the bulb.

contained colour Tulips make great plants for containers. All types do well, but shorter varieties generally look best.

Good drainage is essential so make sure you put plenty of crocks in the base of the container and that it has lots of drainage holes. Either a loamfree multi-purpose compost or use this mixed 50:50 with a loam-based compost and a bit of added grit.

fantastic foliage Tulips are best known for their gorgeous flowers, but also their foliage which can help to bring colour and texture to your pots and beds.

Try the Kaufmanniana types such as ‘Johann Strauss’ (dark red flowers with yellow edges and mottled leaves), or the Greigii tulips which have maroon patterning on the leaves, such as ‘Red Riding Hood’ (richest red with black).

long-lived lovelies In most gardens tulips are not the longest living bulbs, however you can always try growing the so-called species tulips such as Tulipa Sprengeri or Tulipa Turkestanica. They have smaller, less-showy flowers and will be considerably more expensive initially but they look gorgeous, tend to last longer and, better still, spread extensively in the right spot. After a few years a carpet of species tulips can be achieved, and will take your breath away.

good companions Tulips look great with each other or with many other plants. Try combining the richly purpleblack leaved Pittosporum ‘Tom Thumb’ with any purple tulip such as ‘Passionale’, or for a wackier effect choose one of the frilly petalled parrot-tulips with green streaks on their petals, or the green ‘spring green’ tulip, combined with any low-growing shrub.

So whether your garden is large or small, or you’re restricted to a paved backyard or a balcony, this is the best time of year to think tulips and all they have to offer your garden.

Start planting now ready to transform your garden in the spring.

by Pippa Greenwood

38

TO ADVERTISE CONTACT 07983 588291 or jane@stalbansnow.com

39

Autumn is a time to use all the wonderful orchard fruits that grow in this country. There are many ways to do this but the most traditional English way is to make a pie or tart. The basic short crust pastry recipe for these uses half fat to flour combination for any quantity you want.

basic short crust pastry 8oz / 200g self raising flour 2oz / 50g butter or margarine cold & cubed 2oz / 50g lard or white vegetable fat cold & cubed

pinch of salt cold water to mix

Mix together the salt and flour, rub in the fat until mix resembles breadcrumbs.

Gradually add the water until the mix combines into a soft ball and chill for ½ hour.

traditional apple pie 6oz / 175g short crust pastry 1½ -2lb / 600g-1kg cooking apples, peeled & cored 4oz / 100g soft brown sugar

½ a lemon zest & juice 1tsp ground cinnamon 1 egg

Flour the work surface and roll out the chilled pastry to about 1/4 inch thick, and wide enough to cover a 1½ pint pie dish. Cut to size and use the remaining pastry to roll out a thin strip to fit the outside edge of the pie dish. Quarter the apples and place half in the pie dish, cover with the sugar, lemon and cinnamon. Add the remaining apples. Brush the edge of the dish with beaten egg and place the thin strip of pastry around this and cover the dish with the rest of the pastry. Brush the top with the beaten egg. Bake for 20 minutes at 200C / 400F / gas 6, then reduce the heat to 180C / 350F / gas 4 for a further 20 minutes or until the pastry is set.

Sprinkle with caster sugar and serve hot or cold with custard, cream or ice-cream.

pear and ginger meringue tarts 6oz /175g short crust pastry 1½lb / 600g pears peeled, cored & diced 4oz /100g soft brown sugar 2 pieces of stemmed preserved ginger, chopped 1 tbsp / 50ml of the juice from the stemmed ginger ½ lemon zest & juice

For the meringue: 2 eggs separated, reserve some of the yolk for brushing the pastry 3oz / 75g caster sugar

Place the pears, lemon and ginger juice in a small pan, heat gently and simmer until the fruit is soft, stir in the ginger pieces and set aside to cool.

Roll out the pastry and cut out 12 tart bases, line a 12 tart baking tin with these placing a small square of greaseproof paper in each with a few baking beans.

Blind bake the tarts at 180C / 350F / gas 4, for 10 minutes, remove the beans and paper and cook until the pastry is just lightly coloured. Remove from the oven and brush with a little of the separated egg yolk. While the pastry cases and pear mix cool, make the meringue; whisk the egg whites until stiff peaks are formed and gradually stir in the sugar whisking slowly until the meringue is glossy in appearance.

Spoon enough of the pear mix to fill the tarts ¾ full, cover the top of each with the meringue. Bake at 200C / 400F / gas 6 for 5 - 8 minutes until the meringue is golden on top. Serve with clotted cream.

40

Abbots Kitchen Cathedral & Abbey Church of St Alban Mon - Sat 10 - 4.30pm / Sun 12.30 - 4.30pm www.abbotskitchen.org

Justin Leon Garden Maintenance All Aspects of Gardening Undertaken

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

07789 961233

TO ADVERTISE CONTACT 07983 588291 or jane@stalbansnow.com

41

what’s on in october 42

until 7th St Albans Food & Drink Festival various venues www.stalbansfoodanddrink.com 1st - 31st Family Autumn Trail Ashridge Estate Visitor Centre www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ashridge 3rd - 30th Alban Arena Events see page 18 5th Deirdre Adamson Townsend School, High Oaks, 01727 822143, Scottish solo accordionist in concert with Herts Accordion & Fiddle Club, 8pm, £6 5th Oct - 1st Nov Big Draw Events see page 4 6th Harpenden Art, Craft & Antiques Market High Street Methodist Church, 10 - 4pm Hertfordshire Philharmonic Sea Theme Concert St Pauls Church, Blandford Road, 7.30pm, adult £14, child £1 Creative Writing Autumn Workshop Luton Hoo Walled Garden, 07976 374206 Macmillan Quiz Night see opposite page 6th - 7th Hertfordshire Country Fair Herts County Showground, 10 - 6pm www.livingheritagecountryshows.co.uk 7th Willow 10K Run Hatfield House, www.willowfoundation.org.uk Steam in the Park Stockwood Discovery Centre, steam vehicles & stationary engines working in all their noisy glory, 11-3pm, free 12th - 20th The Beauty Queen of Leenane see page 16 13th Pumpkin & Apple Gala see pages 6 & 24 Feed the Birds Dunstable Downs, 01582 500920, make a bird feeder, 11 - 3pm 14th St Albans Farmers Market St Peters Street, 8am - 2pm Triathlon & Duathlon see page 12 Dog Olympics Hatfield House, Animal Care Trust present Olympics for your dog! 11am www.rvc.ac.uk/act Herts 10K see page 14 NCT Sale see opposite page

17th St Albans, Harpenden & District Philatelic Society Meeting St Mary's Church, Childwickbury, 01582 762284, all welcome, 8pm 17th - 21st The Moscow State Circus Harpenden Common www.moscowstatecircus.com 20th 70’s Night! St Stephens Church Hall, Watling Street, 07944 725226, Soroptimist fundraiser, 7.30pm, £25 includes supper 21st Lanwarne Landscapes at Burston page 39 25th & 26th Trial by Jury & Oberons Birthday Maltings Arts Theatre, 01727 858307, short opera by Gilbert & Sullivan, 8pm 27th Autumn Scout Auction see page 44 27th - 30th Samhain Winter Celebrations Celtic Harmony Camp, Brickendon, nr Hertford, 10 - 4pm 27th Oct - 4th Nov Willows Farm Village Pumpkin Festival 10 - 5.30pm, free pumpkin with entry 28th Harpenden Farmers Market 10 - 2pm 29th - 31st Pumpkin Trail & Treats see page 25 29th Oct - 2nd Nov Play in the Parks free activities for 5 - 12 years in local parks www.stalbans.gov.uk/playintheparks 30th & 31st Halloween Fun see page 25

Butterfly World Miriam Lane, St Albans 01727 869203 www.butterflyworldproject.com

27th Oct Pumpkin Carving 29th Oct Bee Zone lots of fun and education about bees 31st Oct Big Draw art session 1st Nov Interactive Theatre Drama 3rd Nov Have your Caricature Painted 4th Nov Firework Display with music synchronised for a perfect evening's entertainment, £5, gates 5pm, display 6.30pm Butterfly World craft sessions throughout the week including insect handling and face-painting every day.

TO ADVERTISE CONTACT 07983 588291 or jane@stalbansnow.com

43

what’s on in nov

3rd La Traviata see page 22 Fireworks Display Hatfield House, gates 5pm, bonfire 6.30pm, adult £6, child £3 St Albans Fireworks Display Verulamium Park, 01727 844488, gates 6pm, display 7.30pm, £5 4th Butterfly World Fireworks see page 42 10th The Hardynge Seasons High Street Methodist Church, Harpenden, 0845 475 1664, Hardynge Choir, 7.30pm, adult £12, child £6 Christmas Market Hatfield House, 01707 262632 www.hatfield-house.co.uk Opera Highlights Rothamsted Manor, Harpenden, 01727 858307, 8pm 11th Remembrance Service War Memorial, St Peters Street, 10.20am Handcrafted & Vintage Market Old Town Hall, St Albans, 07930 312059, 10 - 4pm 12th Dino Dig Stockwood Discovery Centre, fun & creative toddler activities, £3 www.stockwooddiscoverycentre.com 16th - 18th Knebworth Christmas Fair Knebworth House, 01438 812661, adult £5, child £3 16th - 24th Blithe Spirit see page 16

18th Orienteering & Treasure Hunt see opposite page Lanwarne Landscapes at Burston page 39 Tree Planting Heartwood Forest, Sandridge, 10 - 3pm Christmas Lights Switch On St Peters Street, market 10am, lights 5.30pm 20th - 25th Romeo & Juliet see page 21 22nd Festive Event see opposite page 23rd & 24th Harpenden Ladies Circle Gift Fair 9.30 - 4.30pm, Harpenden Public Halls, £2 23rd - 25th Frost Fair Hatfield House, 01707 357117, 10 - 5pm, adult £4, child free 25th Annual Service of Remembrance & Thanksgiving St Albans Cathedral, 01727 890200, dove release: 2.30pm, service: 3pm Christmas Carnival & Lights Switch On Harpenden Town Centre, market & carnival 12 noon - 6pm, lights 5pm 29th Vardo Stockwood Discovery Centre, help decorate a Vardo, a traditional gypsy caravan, free, www.stockwooddiscoverycentre.com

autumn auction

Ist St Albans Scouts are holding their Autumn Auction / Bric Brac & Book Sale on 27th October at the Wadley Hut, Watford Road, St Albans. Entry is free, and items can be donated by contacting Steve on 07775 544344 /ordosteve@btinternet.com Bric Brac sale: 10am / Auction: 1pm

44

“We have been working hard to improve The Scout Hut for over three years, including raising the funds, final piece was the substantial funding offer made by Lafarge Aggregates & Concrete UK through the Landfill Communities Fund. We have extended the foyer by moving the entrance door outwards and built an external level paved area, which is accessed via a ramp and set of steps. The levelling of this area will improve the access for all. Why not view the improvements when you come to our Auction?"

Stephen Lindsay Chairman, 1st St Albans Scout Group

a man & his music

His army of fans follow him from venue to venue and it is his own inimitable voice and sense of fun that keeps them coming back for more.

In showbiz for over 40 years he has packed out everywhere from the London Palladium to the Royal Albert Hall and toured extensively across Australia and the USA. He slips easily from ballad to jazz, blues and rock ’n’ roll and therefore it is no surprise that he has received gold and platinum discs for his albums. The latest The Impossible Dream, in collaboration with Musical Director Andy Mudd captures the magic of hearing Joe Longthorne live in concert.

Back in June singer Joe Longthorne was honoured with an MBE by HRH Queen Elizabeth II for services to entertainment and charity work.

Working tirelessly for his charities the Anthony Nolan Trust and DCWC Nepal, Joe was bestowed with a silver heart award from the Variety Club of Great Britain in 2010 in recognition of his work and dedication to these causes.

Joe Longthorne: A Man & His Music Joe will be visiting ‘The Radlett Centre’ this 27th October, 7.30pm month as part of his current sell-out tour of Tickets £25 theatres and concert halls up and down the The Radlett Centre country. In his live show Joe mimics some of the Aldenham Ave, Radlett worlds’ singing stars with impersonations so 01923 859291 accurate it is as if they have joined him on stage. www.radlettcentre.co.uk

family orienteering fun St Albans Lions Club is running an ‘Orienteering event and Treasure Hunt’ on Sunday 18th November.

The Orienteering will be an exciting adventure with teams comprising of a maximum of 4 people who will receive a set of instructions to navigate the course. You will require an Ordnance Survey map of the Bricket Wood area and a map reading compass and be suitably dressed for cross country terrain.

There will also be a family fun Treasure Hunt event taking place. There is no limit on the number of family members per team, provided it is deemed reasonable by the competition judges!

There will be team prizes for the winners of both events and the money raised will go to Grove House.

For further details please contact Alan 01727 872450 or alanhross@hotmail.co.uk

TO ADVERTISE CONTACT 07983 588291 or jane@stalbansnow.com

45

index of businesses Accountants Ann Coleman TaxAssist Accountants

35 35

Aerial Installations Concorde Aerials

31

Appliance Repairs / Sales Appliance Refrigeration Leigh Hibon

26 26

Architects / Surveyors Survite Beauty Skin & Tonic Bicycle Repairs Cycletech Hertfordshire Bouncy Castle Hire St Albans Bouncy Castles Cabinet Makers Sequoia Bespoke Carpentry & Joinery Chris Smyth

19 8 21 7 27 27

Children’s Development Classes Gymboree Play & Music 7 Children’s Shop JoJo Maman Bébé Chiropodist Julia Reading

5 8

Cleaning Big Yellow Cleaning Company Domestique Linda & Karen Cleaning Services Murray’s Cleaning Services

37 37

Conservatory Cleaning Albright

37

Counselling / Sex Therapy Michael Stock

14

Dance Penny Waterman School of Dance

37 36

Education Little Linguists

7

Electricians Alban Electrical Services Deborah Cole Electrical I & B Electrical MLC Electrical

29 29 29 31

Event Hosting The Conservatory

47

Fancy Dress & Dancewear FunZone Flooring Creative Wood Flooring

6 27

Home Help Extra Help

16

Optometrists Paul Adler

13

Oven Cleaning Ovenmaster

32

Painters & Decorators CB Decorators M & M Decorating

33 33

Pest Control The Verminator

33

Picture Framing Bloom

23

Flower Arranging Workshops The Flower School 3

Plumber DJ&M Plumbing Services Ltd

Furniture Restoration Brendon Burns

Pond Maintenance Women With Waders

41

Property Maintenance Mr Handyman Nick The Handyman

21 19

Security Maximum Security Systems

30

Shutters The Harpenden Shutter Company

23

23

Garden Centre Burston Garden Centre

39

Garden Landscaping Garden Life Landscapes Justin Leon Lanwarne Landscapes

41 41 39

Glassware Repairs Chipped Glassware

16

Hairdresser Emma Boucher Karla Jordans Hairdressing Health & Fitness Harpenden Holistic Health Health Performance Centre Intelligent Pilates Classes Jon Bell Fitness Rosemary Conley Diet & Fitness Classes Hearing Services The Hearing Healthcare Practice

8 9 13 15 15 10

Taxis Gold Line Taxis St Albans

2

Tree Surgeons Fircroft Tree Services.co.uk

41

TV Repairs JB TV Services

29

11

17

5

life’s a puzzle! 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.

19 & 47

wordsearch “Ghosts like ladies don't speak til spoke to” Richard Harris-Barham

DJ&M PLUMBING SERVICES LTD ●

●

●

●

Complete Bathroom, Cloakroom and Shower Installations

●

●

●

Local Family Run Business, Over 25 Years Experience

●

Honest and Reliable Service Free Consultation/ Quotation for all Enquiries

●

●

Tiling Plastering Electrical

●

Discounts On All Bathrooms Supplied

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

Dean Herrington 07830 159010 info@djmplumbing.co.uk

01727 764217 www.djmplumbing.co.uk

TO ADVERTISE CONTACT 07983 588291 or jane@stalbansnow.com

47

please recycle me, but not until your next copy arrives!