The edition 2016 New Lights bring a Winter Wonderland

Above average weather ensured a large attendance on Sunday afternoon (Nov.27th) The whole town centre was packed with people enjoying all the events that had been organised by the Town Council and the Christmas Carnival Working Party

Business was brisk from the opening of the Farmers Market at noon and this trend continued all afternoon with cafes, restaurants, pubs and retailers all doing good business. “Let’s hope this is the start of good Christmas trading” said one retailer.

The Carnival Procession at 3pm drew huge support from thousands who lined the High Street. The cast of Cinderella who are performing at the Harpenden Public Halls over the Christmas period were in full costume. There was plenty to keep children happy too with entertainment on the sound stage from 12.30 with lots of acts including Heart Radio.

Lots of exciting fairground attractions, stalls including those from the Young Enterprise group and of course Santa’s Grotto.

The ‘Lights Switch on’ ceremony by the Christmas poster competition winner Imola Moody, from St Dominic Catholic Primary School concluded a fantastic event which will be remembered by everyone.

Many people have already commented that this year’s lights are the best they have ever had in Harpenden, and Town Mayor Cllr Linacre is in full agreement: “I think this year’s lights are stunning”. FABULOUS PRIZES TO WIN in the Free Prize Draw. See page 25 Harpenden’s Christmas Carnival in pictures Contents: Page 2. Christmas Carnival photos Page 4. ‘Christmas Past’ Page 6-7. ‘Christmas reading for Adults’ Page 10. ‘Harpenden artist, Ben Shalom’. Page 12-13. ‘Christmas reading for Children’. Page 16-17. ‘Old Fashioned Family Fun’. Page 18. ‘Christmas Reading for 5-8 yr olds’ Page 20. ‘Why I Became … A Florist’ Feature editorials /ads from all Page 22. ‘Christmas Reading for 5-8 yr olds’ the Harpenden retailers who Page 23. ‘My Harpenden’ are participating in the Page 24. ‘Christmas Reading for 5-8 yr olds’ Christmas promotion. Page 25. ‘Christmas Free Prize Draw’

Christmas Reading for 5- 8 year olds "Gobbolino the Witch's Cat" by Ursula Moray Williams

I read this when I was little and loved it. I read it to my son who also loved it. It’s a lovely story. Another good read is “The Adventures of the Little Wooden Horse” by the same author.

Gobbolino by Ursula Moray Williams is the charming tale of a witch's cat who would rather be a kitchen cat. Gobbolino has one white paw and blue eyes and isn't wicked at all, so his mother doesn't like him. He escapes to look for a kitchen home but is distrusted everywhere he goes and blamed for mysterious happenings, such as the farmer's milk turning sour and the orphanage children's gruel turning into chocolate. Christmas Past By Amanda Thomas

Who’s for a festive trip to Stonehenge? Cast aside gatherers, and there is certainly a link to the practice of the outmoded idea that one of our best known ancient . Whilst this involved door-to door singing, in monuments is the place to celebrate the mid-summer cider producing areas singers still visit orchards in the solstice. Over the past few years, archaeological hope that their music and recitations will ensure a excavations at Stonehenge and work by Professor Mike bountiful harvest in the coming year. It is hardly Parker Pearson have shown that it was here our ancient surprising that Oliver Cromwell banned the singing of ancestors gathered to celebrate the winter solstice. carols when so many of the lyrics harked back to a pre- Rather than a single isolated monument, Stonehenge is Christian era. However in the early years of the now understood to be part of an ancient burial complex nineteenth century, in the depths of the Industrial where people gathered to feast and remember their Revolution, two antiquarians set about preserving rural dead. Just as we travel to be with friends and family oral traditions which were fast disappearing. In their today at Christmas, our ancient ancestors journeyed 1823 work, ‘Carols Ancient and Modern’, Davies Gilbert with their animals from all over Britain to gather at and William Sandys published versions of ‘The First Stonehenge. Occurring very close to Christmas Day, Nowell’, ‘God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen’ and ‘I Saw between 21 and 23 December, the winter solstice marks Three Ships’. Carols and folk songs from all over Britain the shortest day of the year. What better event to – particularly Cornwall - were brought together and celebrate than the moment the days begin to lengthen, adapted to sing at Christmas; the 1823 compendium bringing with them the promise of spring? even included some French provincial songs.

It is therefore not surprising that we still decorate This is just a flavour of the origins of some of our our houses at Christmas with greenery such as , and as commercialised as the Christmas trees and branches of holly and ivy, though festive season has become in recent years, there are still over the years such customs have taken on a different many rituals which are the same today as they have significance. Red berries were once thought to ward off been for hundreds of years. Roast meat and poultry witches and green leaves were thought to bring good have been a staple of Christmas feasting since our luck. Yet they are also Christian symbols, particularly Stonehenge ancestors tucked into suckling pig, and when woven into a has wreath with holly and been loved - and red berries representing loathed - for centuries. the bloody crown of Here is a recipe that you thorns worn by at might like to try from the crucifixion. The use 1747: of trees as decoration or Plum Pudding religious symbols has Take a Pound of Suet gone on for millennia, cut in little Pieces, not evidenced by the too fine, a Pound of excavation of wood Currants, and a Pound henges encircling an of Raisins stone, eight inverted oak stump. Eggs, one half the However, the bringing in Whites, the Crumb of a of whole fir trees at Penny-loaf grated fine, Christmas probably one half a Nutmeg began in grated, and a Tea during the Medieval period. The tradition was brought Spoonful of beaten Ginger, a little Salt, a Pound of Flour, to England by German migrants and the Hanoverian a Pint of Milk; beat the Eggs first, then one half the Milk, royal family; Queen Victoria and Prince Albert are beat them together, and by degrees stir in the Flour and credited with its more widespread popularity Bread together, then the suet, spice and Fruit, and as Milk as will mix it all well together and very thick; boil it The log also has its origins in our pagan past five Hours. and the burning of a large block of wood has long been Hannah Glasse; Art of Cookery Made Plain and a tradition across Europe and Scandinavia. The fire Easy; www.theoldfoodie.com gives warmth but also light - yet another reminder that longer, sunnier days will return. Today not many of us With thanks to: have large open fires on which to throw massive lumps Christmas Customs and Traditions, Why We Do What of wood, but we do light candles and we also make We Do at Christmas, Dr R. Brasch, Angus & Robertson, delicious chocolate cakes. 1994. Why was the Partridge in the Pear Tree?: The History So many of our Christmas traditions have evolved of Christmas Carols, Rev Mark Lawson-Jones, The over time and many Christmas carols, such as ‘The Holly History Press, 2011. and the Ivy’ are old folk songs which barely hide their pagan roots. Some suggest that the singing and dancing to music goes right back to the Stonehenge . Good Sports is a family run Lister Interiors have a unique Sports Shop established in range of home and interior Harpenden over 25 years ago. gifts for Christmas We specialise in offering a good all round service and work very hard to ensure we are competitively priced, have good stock levels and something you can’t get on the internet… great face to face honest advice and guidance.

We stock a wide range of equipment, footwear and clothing for all ages from major brands which include Nike, Under Armour, Babolat, Canterbury, Asics and Speedo plus some of the Choose from luxurious Nobilis faux fur smaller specialists like 1000 Mile and Tecnifibre. throws and cushions, Ian Mankin paisley throws and velvet cushions, statement lamps, Zoffany chairs and reindeer head hooks. Celebrate the New Year with a new look for your home

Our services also include basic gait analysis which ensures you buy the right running shoes. We hold several Demo tennis rackets so you can try out before you buy, plus a restringing and re gripping service for Tennis, Badminton, and Squash rackets.

Interior design consultations for the New Year are now being booked. For advice on curtains, blinds, wallpaper, paint, carpets, rugs and lighting, please call us on 01582 764270 or pop into the shop. Follow us on Twitter @mygoodsports for all the latest offers and promotions. LISTER INTERIORS Find us opposite on Leyton Road opposite 6 Leyton Rd. Harpenden. Waitrose www.listerinteriorsltd.co.uk Christmas reading for Adults by Claire Millins

“The Forgetting Time” Noah is four and wants to go home. The only Sharon Guskin trouble is he's already there. Noah is a little boy who knows things he shouldn't and remembers things he should have forgotten. This is another Richard & Judy Book Because as well as being a four-year-old called Club book – review on Harpendia Noah, he remembers being a nine-year-old called coming soon. It’s all about the idea of Tommy. reincarnation and is woven into a lovely story. He remembers his house...His family. His mother. And now he wants to go home.

Two boys. Two mothers One unforgettable story . . .

“The Reader ” Guylain Vignolles lives on the edge of existence. Working at a book pulping factory in a job he Jean Paul Didierlaurent hates, he has but one pleasure in life . . .

This looks a lovely read and will Sitting on the 6.27 train each day, Guylain recites definitely be on my Christmas list. aloud from pages he has saved from the jaws of his monstrous pulping machine. But it is when he discovers the diary of a lonely young woman, Julie - a woman who feels as lost in the world as he does - that his journey will truly begin.

“Purity” Pip Tyler doesn’t know who she is. She knows that her real name is Purity that she’s saddled with Jonathan Franzen student debt and a reclusive mother, but there are few clues as to who her father is or how she’ll Far too many thrillers out there and ever have a normal life. sometimes we all need a good laugh. Then she meets Andreas Wolf – internet outlaw, This looks like a book that might be charismatic provocateur, a man who deals in the answer. secrets and might just be able to help her solve the mystery of her origins.

“Golden Hill” New York, a small town on the tip of Manhattan Francis Spufford Island, 1746. One rainy evening, a charming and handsome young stranger fresh off the boat from According to the Saturday Review on England pitches up to a counting house on Golden Hill Street, with a suspicious yet BBC Radio 4, this is the best 18th compelling proposition -- he has an order for a Century novel since, well the 18th thousand pounds in his pocket that he wishes to Century. Could it out Austen Jane cash. But can he be trusted? This is New York in Austen? its infancy, a place where a young man with a fast tongue can invent himself afresh, fall in love, and find a world of trouble . . . “Quicksand” Wildly funny and unceasingly surprising, Quicksand is both a satirical masterpiece and an Steve Toltz unforgettable story of fate, family and friendship.

This, again looks like a great read and Aldo Benjamin may be the unluckiest soul in will be on the Christmas list. human history, but that isn't going to stop his friend Liam writing about him. For what more could an aspiring novelist want from his muse than a thousand get-rich-quick schemes, a life- long love affair, an eloquently named brothel, the most sexually confusing evening imaginable and a brief conversation with God?

“5 Rivers Met on a Wooded Plain” 'There exists in all of us a song waiting to be sung Barney Norris which is as heart-stopping and vertiginous as the peak of the cathedral. That is the meaning of this This is Harpenden Books, book of the quiet city, where the spire soars into the blue, week (at the time of writing) and looks where rivers and stories weave into one another, a really good read. The reviews are where lives intertwine.’ full of praise for the author.

“The Little Book of Hygge” Denmark is often said to be the happiest country Meik Wiking in the world. That's down to one thing: hygge.

Hygge is the word of the moment it 'Hygge has been translated as everything from the art of creating intimacy to cosiness of the soul to appears, so what better way to taking pleasure from the presence of soothing introduce yourself to it, than this little things. My personal favourite is cocoa by book. It’s definitely on my list. candlelight...'

Who better than Meik Wiking to be your guide to all things hygge? Meik is CEO of the Happiness Research Institute in Copenhagen and has spent years studying the magic of Danish life

“The Joy of Quiz” 'An absolute must-read for anyone who loves quizzes ... I loved it!' Richard Osman Alan Connor A jaunty journey into the world of the quiz, from For anyone who likes quizzing history the question editor of BBC2's Only Connect, – not the history round in quizzes! sometimes in the form of 300 excellent quiz questions

“500 Words You Should Know” Ever wanted to ameliorate your atavistic lexicon, Caroline Taggart engage in a little intellectual badinage or been discombobulated by tricky diction? 500 Words Do you ever struggle sometimes to You Should Know has you covered. This book will remember the right word for inspire the reader to use uncommon words in their something? Or even if you just want correct context, utilize the English language to its to impress your friends by sounding full potential, and test themselves on the words like you swallowed the dictionary, this they think they already know. is probably the book for you. Rebecca Jade Health and Beauty is a brand new luxury salon in the heart of Harpenden. We offer a full range of treatments and pamper sessions which include manicures and pedicures, including Shellach and Bio Sculpture. Enjoy a full range of massages or choose to have those perfect lashes and brows with a spray tan and professional make up for that special occasion. Scrubs and skin care facials, hair removal, non surgical liposuction and facelifts along with a range of treatments for skin tags, pigmentation, thread veins are all available. We have three treatment rooms including a spa room where our fully qualified and dedicated therapists will look after you, pamper you and make your experience a relaxing and enjoyable one. Please contact us for a treatment menu or feel free to pop in and have a chat and a look around.

Have a wonderful and beautiful Christmas and New Year Rebecca Jade: 30 High St. 01582 280078 We love talking about wine...you love drinking wine. When can we meet? Your local wine merchant is not just for Christmas – and Champagne as well as wine – and also some but it is the perfect time to make your first visit and locally produced Chutneys, Nik the Greek Olives discover a fantastic range of wines hand-picked by and Summerdown Mint Chocolates. Paul Rollings. Located in Station Road so very handy for the commuters amongst you when you come off the train – the shop is also a wine bar with wines available by the glass from the ‘Wine Juke Box’ which are very competitively priced so why not enjoy a tipple whilst choosing what to take home from the excellent range we have on the shelves. Try our Wine on Tap – the green way to buy wine! We have wines to suit all budgets and also offer A selection of single estate wines available at free delivery within Harpenden for purchase of 3 excellent value bottles plus. For purchases of six bottles benefit from a 5% discount and for twelve bottles 10% discount.

We can also assist you with matching wine to food for your Christmas needs and at any other time – we love talking about wine so don’t be afraid to ask! If you are looking for Christmas gifts we also have a range of packaging to make your gift look extra special. We have a great selection of Spirits Rollings Wine: 26 Station Rd 01582 769538. www.rollingswine.co.uk Would you like to have the tastiest turkey for Christmas?

If you want a really tasty turkey for Christmas mature bird. And on maturity the birds are dry then order it from R&M Butchers in Station Rd. hand plucked and ‘rested’ for 2 weeks to You can of course ensure any excess water order from a is removed. (Turkey supermarket. So skin is very porous and what’s the can easily absorb difference? water to boost the R&M’s turkeys weight.) come from a free range farm in You also order free Leighton Buzzard range, Geese, Ducks where they grow all and Game. the feed the turkeys Make sure you order eat until maturity-(at before Dec 15 to 24 weeks) The ensure you have the turkeys have to most memorable, tasty reach maturity to Christmas lunch ever. ensure they are full of flavour. Different breeds R & M BUTCHERS: 10 grow to different sizes on maturity so you can Station Rd. 01582 969819. have a small fully mature one or a large fully [email protected]

Purple Menswear... essential gifts and stocking ideas from premium brands

The Festive period is fast approaching and Purple Menswear gifting has come a long way in recent years. No 1 The Forresters longer just an item to be worn once then High Street condemned to the sock drawer. Harpenden Hertfordshire Purple Menswear have essential gifts and AL5 2FB stocking ideas from premium brands; Hugo Boss, Armani, Michael Kors and many more. T. 01582 763791 M. 07825 2160696 Hugo Boss Shirts From £79.95 www.purplemenswear.com Armani Knitwear From £99.95 Michael Kors Polo From £64.95 Eton Ties From £64.95 Derek Rose Underwear From £34.95 Hugo Boss Socks From £14.95

And if you cant decide what to buy then why not choose a Purple gift voucher. Harpenden artist, Ben Shalom started painting when he was just three years old. “I painted, I drew, I created sculpture, “ he explains, “I was born an artist.” Luckily for Ben his early life was spent in some of the most inspirational places on the planet. Born in Haifa, Israel, at 22 he went to Bologna where his love affair with Mediterranean colours, flavours and textures continued. This influence is evident in his paintings today - oils on canvas composed of layer upon layer of vibrant, rich persimmon oranges, egg yolk yellows, together with Mediterranean turquoises and purples. However, Ben did not travel to Italy to study art. He attended the world’s oldest university at Bologna where he took a medicine degree, eventually specialising in gastrointestinal disorders. Whilst studying at the Università di Bologna he Painting for Ben is akin to a spiritual experience and he lived in Florence, immersing himself in Italian art and freely admits that he goes into a trance-like state when he culture, and it was in Florence that he met his English wife, is working, blotting out sounds and unconsciously Rebecca. choosing colours. His impasto technique is achieved mainly with a palette knife, layering paint to achieve a wonderful – and quite unique - depth and texture. Oil paint can take weeks to dry and so he works on several paintings at once. “I paint for love,” Ben add, “I spend my time struggling and thinking … the paintings are my babies.” Ben’s passion for art is contagious and he doesn’t keep it to himself. He teaches art at Camp School in St Albans and on Monday mornings can be found at Harpenden’s Community Meeting Point on Station Road. The charity was set up around 20 years ago and is a hub for local people suffering from mental health problems. “It is very rewarding,” Ben explains, as he can see how much his students enjoy being able to express themselves through Ben has now been in England for over 30 years and has painting. “Some of them create unbelievable pieces of lived in Harpenden for 20. Like most people he moved to art.” the town because it is a lovely place to live, it was convenient for his wife’s work and his own at Bedford Hospital. “Art was always in me,” Ben adds, “and giving up medicine was a difficult decision to make.” But now art is once again part of Ben’s life and he spends about four days a week painting in his studio at the bottom of his exquisite Roundwood garden. “When people visit my studio it is a botanical, artistic experience!” he exclaims, though often he will not even be aware that people have come to see his work.

Ben exhibits regularly and his paintings can also be found upstairs at the Vine Leaves restaurant in Vaughan Road, where they meld perfectly with the middle eastern cuisine. Prices start at around £150 and Ben also accepts commissions.

For more information visit Ben Shalom’s website at www.benzioncanvas.com Editorial by Amanda Thomas

We’re about making healthy & indulgent food At Fonehouse Harpenden, you will find great & drink that taste customer service and offers to suit you. From fantastic! tailored Business contracts on O2 and EE to onsite same day phone repairs. We have sim You probably think Nice only only contracts with massive data allowances offers sweet-treats for children– on the 3 network starting from £10 per month. but it has become equally Pop in to store see the latest range of handsets popular with adults seeking and deals. freshly prepared, healthy food for lunch or as a snack. We also aim to have your mobile phones protected with the latest accessories from UAG phone cases Our savoury menu includes low- to Premium Tempered glass screen protectors. We carb crêpes, bagels and can also cut invisible shield screen protectors to flatbreads with a large array of size with our new Zaag machine. fillings. Locally sourced coffee roasted in small batches to preserve flavour, unrivalled tasting hot chocolate, and pure fruit smoothies are amongst the favourites.

Our convivial table can seat up to 16 people, and we are happy to reserve it for groups from Christmas Deals: Monday to Friday, 9:00 – 14:30. Free iPhone 7 from £45 per month, Unlimited And if you choose to host your calls, texts, 8GB data. With £50 worth of free PTA/Class Meeting at Nice we’ll accessories included! put 5% of your spend towards a raffle prize for your next event. Unlimited calls, texts and 4GB data from £10 per month ! So why not book your Christmas social at Nice. Unlimited calls, texts and 25GB of Data from 01582 966760. £40 per month, 180 minutes to call to and from Europe. Limited time offer! Free Samsung S7 Don’t forget our popular Nice gift included. (Normally £53 per month) cards –- a great stocking filler! 4c Leyton Rd. 01582 769442 Christmas reading for Children 9-12 year olds The books on these lists are not books all relating to Christmas, since I believe this limits when you can read them, i.e., only at Christmas. So here are a list of books, by ages and in no particular order that I think your children, both boys and girls will like: By Claire Millins

"Odds & The Frost Giants" A thrilling, wintry Nordic epic from the truly Neil Gaiman magical combination of author Neil Gaiman and illustrator Chris Riddell, weaving a tale of legend, This is on the list of books to buy magic and adventure which will grip and enchant readers from beginning to end.

"The Snow Spider" Gwyn’s grandmother leaves him five gifts: a Jenny Nimmo brooch, a piece of dried seaweed, a tin whistle, a scarf, and a broken toy horse. She tells him they will help make him a magician – but can Gwyn use This is on the list of books to buy. them to bring his missing sister, Bethan, home?

On Angel Wings is a beautifully poignant and "On Angel Wings" atmospheric Christmas story from Michael Michael Morpurgo Morpurgo and Roald Dahl's beloved illustrator, Quentin Blake. This is on the list of books to buy. One cold Christmas night, a shepherd recounts the magical story of how he came to be the first visitor to the newborn Christ child - ahead of the other shepherds, and in complete secret.

"The Wolf Wilder" Feodora and her mother live in the snowbound Katherine Rundell woods of Russia, in a house full of food and fireplaces. Ten minutes away, in a ruined chapel, This is on our book shelf to read lives a pack of wolves. Feodora's mother is a wolf and I bought a copy for my son’s wilder, and Feo is a wolf wilder in training. A wolf friend who thought it was wilder is the opposite of an animal tamer: it is a person who teaches tamed animals to fend for brilliant. themselves, and to fight and to run, and to be wary of humans.

"The Lost Island of Tamarind" Three children. Alone on the ocean waves, after a Nadia Aguiar fierce storm throws their parents from the Pamela Jane into the icy waters below. Maya, Simon and We could not put this book down. Penny now face a wild rescue adventure that will lead them to a truly magical place . . . It is truly brilliant. Descriptive and full of adventure. We have also Imagine an island with green mountains looming read the 2nd book – also fabulous over pink sandy beaches and tide pools lit by the – and there is a 3rd book that has moon. An island with the darkest of secrets, just been released. Might be a where pirates lurk and jaguars roam - and a Christmas purchase. precious stone holds a power that is both wondrous and terrifying. This is where the children must go. "The Wizz Pop Chocolate Shop" Enter a world filled with magical chocolate, evil Kate Saunders villains, and an adventure twins Lily and Oz never could have dreamed. . . . We’ve read it twice it is that good Lily and Oz Spoffard have just inherited a magical – I still have visions of a large cat house with a mysterious boarded-up chocolate crashing into McDonald’s!! It’s shop on the ground floor. The twins’ great-great- uncles were famous chocolatiers, and their super funny. There is a sequel chocolate was ANYTHING but ordinary. In fact, it called “The Curse of the had magical properties. Chocolate Phoenix”, which is Now an evil gang is after the secret recipe, and it’s equally good. up to Lily and Oz to stop them. The fate of their family, and the world, depends on it.

"Winterling" Sarah Prineas Fer has always felt that she doesn't belong. She hears the call of the wild wood, the secrets it A fantastic read. My son and I whispers. When her grandmother reveals clues could not get enough of this about the disappearance of her father and his book, we loved it so much. The mystical bond to her mother, Fer begins to unlock secrets about the parents she never knew. Led to 2nd and 3rd books in the trilogy a reflecting pool which uncovers The Way, Fer are also truly magical. I cannot finds an enchanting and dangerous land. recommend this book enough

"The Imagination Box" There is a box. Anything you imagine will appear Martin Ford inside. You have one go, one chance to create anything you want. What would you pick?"

Another one of those books you That's exactly the question ten-year-old Timothy pick up and realise you have Hart gets to answer after discovering The picked up a true gem. This, again Imagination Box. The greatest toy on earth. is brilliant. The sequel is also great and the 3rd and final book The top-secret contraption transforms his life but is out in the Spring of 2017. We when the box's inventor, Professor Eisenstone, can’t wait. We love Phil the Finger goes missing, Tim knows he has to investigate. Monkey.

"The Uncommoners" Dive head first into the world of Lundinor in this Jennifer Bell magical adventure story for anyone with a Hogwarts-shaped hole in their life. Again, this is on our book shelf to read, when we’ve finished the When their grandmother Sylvie is rushed to hospital, Ivy Sparrow and her annoying big current book. brother Seb cannot imagine what adventure lies in store. Returning to Sylvie’s house, they find it has been ransacked by unknown intruders – before a mysterious feather scratches an ominous message onto the kitchen wall. A very strange policeman turns up on the scene, determined to apprehend them . . . with a toilet brush. Ivy and Seb make their escape – only to find themselves in a completely uncommon world, where ordinary objects have amazing powers. The forces of evil are closing in fast, and Ivy and Seb must get to the bottom of a family secret . . . before it’s too late. l Its official ! CY Hair is the new trendy place to be seen. We promote ourselves on being The Family Salon where you can just walk in, sit on our luxury massage chairs, while we wash your hair and your children are getting a light trim next to you.

CY Hair welcome the whole family to come celebrate Christmas with us, as we all prepare for the big day its self. In the build up to Christmas we will help you relax with a lovely head massage in a calm and friendly environment. A welcome cup of tea and a awaits our valued customers.

You’d be mad not to pop in and meet our team of experienced hairdressers in this very exciting month. 7 Bowers Parade. 01582 713694.Book online for a consultation www.cyhair.co.uk or just walk in either way, the team will be ready and waiting for you.

Looking for a gift... You will be sure to find some interesting and unusual gift ideas in this delightful shop, packed to the rafters with gifts for all.

www.serenahart.co.uk Serena Hart 10 Bowers Parade, High Street Harpenden. AL5 2SH 01582 761681

At 20/20 Eyecare we love Christmas and planning for our Christmas window displays starts in June!

They always reflect our family friendly We are open Tuesday – Friday 9.00 – 5.30 & approach to eye care and are a source of Saturday 9.00 – 4.30. Or call us on 01582 great delight to people of all ages in 766613. Harpenden. But that’s not to say we don’t take looking after eye health seriously – we do but in a caring and relaxed environment. We see lots of families and many of the children look forward to their trip to 20/20!

Our team of staff have over a century of experience and knowledge between them in hospital, community and high street settings.

But don’t just read about us – come and meet us in person. Old Fashioned Family Fun By Amanda Thomas

Cinderella, Harpenden’s ‘all star family panto’ is a working once more with Jess Robinson with whom he Christmas must-see. Running from 10 to 22 appeared in Aladdin at the Churchill Theatre, Bromley December 2016 at the Public Halls, this year’s show last year. stars Honey Fine as Cinderella, Luke Roberts as Buttons, Steve Leeds as the Prince, and Jess Luke’s background is in children’s television and is Robinson as the Fairy Godmother. There are also best known for Hi-5 which is shown on CITV and performances by Harpenden and St Albans children Cartoonito; “It’s like Blue Peter presented by S Club from The Dance Studio. Harpendia Editor, Ron Taylor 7,” he explained, laughing. Luke and Hi-5 co-star and I caught up with some of the stars during Emma Nowell now work as a duo and together rehearsals. perform A Song for A Day for pre-school children at festivals and shopping centres all over the country. Local girl Honey Fine from Bushy is in her final year at London’s Italia Conti Academy. Last year Honey’s Steve Leeds plays Prince Charming. Steve’s singing career took off when, as part of the girl band career began as a backing dancer and singer. He was Mon Amie, she appeared on ITV’s the X Factor. plucked from an early line up of boy band The Wanted Knocked out at the Six Chair Challenge stage, the by well known record producers Steve Crosby and band split up recently but not before completing a UK Mike Stock. They had created a show called Go! Go! tour supporting Jason Donovan. Honey’s friend, Go! which they knew Steve would be perfect for. Lauren Rammell, was competing in this year’s X Factor Choreographed by Paul Domaine, Go! Go! Go! features in the girl band 4 of Diamonds. on the children’s channel Nick Jr. and has toured as a stage show around the UK. Steve has also toured with Honey is thrilled to be playing Cinderella. She Mamma Mia! in the role of Pepper, and whilst he landed the role almost by chance thanks to her old enjoys dancing and singing, his first love is acting. singing teacher who heard – through Facebook- that Last year he appeared in Cinderella with Brian Conley producer Chris Law was looking for someone to play and Lesley Joseph in Southend, close to his home in the title role. The character of Cinderella is a Leigh-on-Sea, Essex. Steve loves doing panto and demanding one but Holly relishes working under has high praise for this year’s production in pressure, particularly as she finds she learns lines Harpenden: “It’s amazing to get families together in faster that way. Her dream is to be a television this way and this production has got such a family presenter but Holly’s first love is singing. In Cinderella feel.” she will be performing hits from the likes of Jess Glynn and One Direction, “The best group to have ever come Good, clean family fun is what has always out of the X Factor!” characterised Harpenden’s annual panto, thanks to the guiding hand of producer Chris Law. This year Chris Children’s TV presenter Luke Roberts plays has also taken on the role of Baron Hardup, Buttons, a role he was initially reluctant to take as he Cinderella’s father. Chris wrote the script for had always played principal boy. However, Chris Cinderella, adapting the story by Charles Perrault to persuaded Luke to join the cast and he soon realised include topical references and some extraordinary what a great role the part of Buttons is: “I’m glad Chris illusions and special effects. asked me!” In addition Harpenden is an easy commute from Luke’s home in Bexley, Kent, and he is There are also plenty of the latest songs, would be lovely to have a purpose-built venue and it impressions by impersonator Jess Robinson, and will be nothing but positive for the town. I’m looking good, clean jokes. Chris was keen to stress that forward to it.” Cinderella has none of the vulgarity or smuttiness which has crept into so many these Not as much as we are to see this year’s production days. “Let me give you an example of one of the of Cinderella! jokes,” he added. “I woke up this morning and found the house full of aeroplanes. I’d left the landing light Tickets are available from on!” www.harpendenpublichalls.co.uk/events/ cinderella/ or by telephoning 01582 767525. Chris’ day job is as a consultant for television companies in Salford ensuring nothing goes wrong on set, pre-empting disasters such as fires and also setting up rehearsals for emergencies such as bomb scares. A far cry from the fantasy world of Cinderella. However Chris’ eye for detail is evident in this production. The show is worth coming to see just for Cinderella’s transformation scene when she is made ready for the Prince’s ball. Her coach will be pulled by a real Shetland pony (named Snoopy) and the costumes will be as wonderful as ever, created by panto veteran Pat Moss in Sussex and at the Public Halls, Fiona Clark, Cinderella’s Wardrobe Mistress.

In conclusion, we asked Chris what he thought about the proposals for a new theatre in Harpenden and if Christmas Carnival Nov 27. Above left Jessi Robinson with Luke he would be sad to leave the Public Halls. “As lovely Roberts. Above right: Steve Leeds with Honey Fine as the building is, it has been here a long time. It

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A warm welcome awaits you at Oui. We pride ourselves on providing a friendly, professional service within a relaxed atmosphere. Come in and enjoy browsing our Winter collections and get some great ideas or create a wish list for yourself.

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Christmas Reading for 5- 8 year olds “The BFG” by Roald Dahl Let’s face it who doesn’t like Roald Dahl books. They’re perfect for children. The BFG is on this list purely as it coincides with the film release on DVD. But any Roald Dahl book would be a great read. On a dark, silvery moonlit night, Sophie is snatched from her bed by a giant. Luckily it is the Big Friendly Giant, the BFG, who only eats snozzcumbers and glugs frobscottle. But there are other giants in Giant Country. Fifty foot brutes who gallop far and wide every night to find human beans to eat. Can Sophie and her friend the BFG stop them? Let's hope so - otherwise the next child a gruesome giant guzzles could be YOU. Remember car service Silver Palate Deli as well as carol service Delicious ... There’s nothing more certain to spoil your Christmas than the car breaking down, just when you need it most. Advice is at hand, however, from the experts at Brayley Harpenden, who can ensure you’re well prepared over the festive season.

During December, the dealership is offering £20 off all manufacturer standard services, plus MOTs for just £29 for any make and model. Not only that but Brayleys is providing motorists with a free battery, wiper and bulb health check. If any of these needs replacing, they’ll also fit it for free if you purchase the item from them.

Brayleys’ tips for reliability on the roads this Christmas: Christmas is the time for something special and what better way to treat your friends and family BATTERY Conserve power by switching off all auxiliaries before than with the sumptuous offerings at the Silver turning your engine off. Palate Delicatessen. Newly opened in Vaughan ENGINE Rd it’s a few yards away from the highly renowned Check the coolant reservoir regularly and top-up with Silver Palate restaurant. anti-freeze if need be.

SCREEN As soon as you walk in your taste buds will be Protect the windscreen and wipers from frost using an old sheet or specialist protector. Never use boiling aroused by the smell of fresh coffee mingling with water. aromas of cheese and olives. Looking around you’ll see a vast selection of both fresh produce and TYRES Check tyre pressures regularly. The minimum legal shelves of specialty products to tempt you. tread depth is 1.6mm, but at least 3mm will provide better grip in wet and icy conditions. Why not have a coffee and a croissant while you EQUIPMENT make up your mind? Carry these items in your car, in case of a long traffic delay: hi-vis jacket; coat and gloves; chocolate and a bottle of water; mobile phone charger.

BODYWORK Wash the car frequently to get rid of road salt, which can cause corrosion.

Paul Brayley, Managing Director of Brayleys said: “We’d like to wish all our customers and residents of Harpenden a very happy and peaceful Christmas and New Year.” www.brayleys.co.uk Like all good delis their cheese, meats and salamis are to die for! Their olives, oils, pastas, jams, chutneys and other speciality products are in profusion. And their breads, cakes, and biscuits are very tempting.

Looking for a Christmas gift to impress then choose a Hamper, ready made or made to a budget. Silver Palate Deli, 7 Vaughan Rd. 01582 349521 Why I Became … A Florist Stephanie Randall – owner of The Flower Studio in Harpenden By Claire Millins Tell me about your journey in floristry? I have been a florist for 20 years, training at Oaklands College in St Albans. I have been working for myself for 12 years.

Why did you become a florist? I decided to become a florist because I am creative with my hands and I love flowers and foliage.

What qualities should a budding florist have? I think any budding florist should have an eye for colour and textures.

What are your busiest times of the year? Our busiest times of year Valentine’s Day, the week of Mother’s Day and, of course, Christmas.

How many arrangements do you typically make in a day? It varies on a day to day basis, but generally on a Saturday probably between 20 and 30 arrangements.

What’s the biggest event you’ve ever prepared arrangements for? The biggest event I prepared arrangements for was a function at The Mansion House in London for Princess Anne.

What are you 3 favourite flowers and why? Peonies for their scent and beauty Tubrose for their scent Roses

What do you like doing in your spare time? In my spare time I like sewing and swimming.

Orders for Christmas are now being taken. Christmas Wreaths are £35 or £45. If you would like something more bespoke, please speak to Stephanie. The Flower Studio is located at 2 Leyton Road in Harpenden (in between Manor Pharmacy and Friends) Telephone: 01582 769919 Website: www.stephanierandall-theflowerstudio.co.uk Fashion essentials for Christmas from Fullwoods

Be party ready this Christmas with the perfect pair of jeans, we have Salsa jeans at £96. Add a Pako Litto lurex glitter top for festive night out. Or need something a little dressier? How Join us at The Harpenden Arms about an Onjenu Velvet dress on Wednesday 14 December for for the party. an evening of live music with the Fullwoods for Gift ideas fantastic and very talented Mary Portas Kinky knickers make great “Swing Out Santa Band”. stocking fillers £15. Winter scarves from £29. Now the town lights have been switched Sparkle gloves £12. on, it’s full steam ahead at The Arms this Leather clutch bags from £30 . December. We’ve been mulling everything in sight, baking trays of delicious mince pies, putting up the decorations, dusting off the Christmas jumpers and really getting into the swing of the festive season! Come along and see for yourselves!

Underwear from Wacoal and Marie Jo for the lady in your life. We still have spaces Bobble hats. available for parties Jewellery from £15. Also on Monday 5 December in support of the Alzheimer’s Society, we are hosting a Dementia Awareness information evening in the Pullman Room from 7.30pm with our guest speaker, Angela Scarlett-Marshall. All are welcome to attend.

Treat yourself For more information, call to knitwear by YAYA from £49 Nick Williams on 01582 461113 or something Lacey from Rosemunde. The Harpenden Arms Comfy pumps that fold in half to pop www.harpenden-arms.co.uk in your bag by Butterfly Twist from £29. Gift Vouchers and gift boxes. FULLWOODS Leyton Rd. Opp Waitrose 01582 968939 Christmas Countdown Christmas Reading for at Breathing Space 5- 8 year olds 4 weeks of offers in the run up to Christmas Little Old Mrs Pepperpot (and other stories" by Alf Proysen

These were my some of my favourite reads when I was little. I loved the adventures Mrs Pepperpot got up to.

Whoever heard of an old woman becoming queen of the crows? Or riding through the snow on the back of a cat? Or tricking a mouse into cleaning her house? Well, with the amazing Mrs Pepperpot, anything can happen - and usually does - especially when she can shrink to a few inches high without a moment's notice! But being so small can have its advantages, especially when it means you can also talk to the animals ...These classic stories about the 28th Nov-4th Dec much-loved Mrs Pepperpot hold a timeless 10% off Home and exercise gifts - ESPA and Archipelego magic for young children everywhere. candles and diffusers, Studio equipment eg swiss balls, exercise grip socks, yoga mats, foam rollers 5th Dec -11th Dec Body week- buy one of the ESPA Body collection boxes and book an ESPA Body wrap for £30 to be used in Dec or January (saving of £29) Includes ESPA gift boxes- 12th Dec -18th Dec Facial treats and Jessica offers Buy an ESPA Facial Christmas gift Box and Book a Age Defyer Facial in January for £50 usually (£85)

"Mudpuddle Farm" by Michael Morpurgo This is a lovely book with some really lovely and funny stories in. They are written almost in comic strip form which is perfect for beginning readers

A charming series of adventures for younger readers, featuring a family of all sorts of animals that live in the farmyard behind the tumble-down barn on Mudpuddle Farm… Six fantastic stories in one volume!

Create you own facial gift box to include 3 products from the range of cleansers, toners, moisturisers and exfoliators and receive a 20% discount. We will box and package for Christmas. 10% off all Jessica gift sets 19th Dec – 24th Dec Santa Specials – 10% off ESPA Christmas Boxes plus many other treats. BREATHING SPACE: Thompsons Close 01582 462223. www.breathingspacespa.co.uk MY HARPENDEN Harpenden Town Mayor – Nicola Linacre

How long have you lived in Harpenden? Where’s been your most memorable meal? Nearly 30 years. We had a delegation from our twin town of Alzey Where did you grow up? during the summer and we went to Lussman's and I grow up in Royal Tunbridge Wells in Kent, and used their private dining room upstairs. then came to Harpenden via the University of What do you think Harpenden needs most? Surrey and London. I would say a large department store. Are Harpenden & Tunbridge Wells similar? If you could do anything as Mayor (money being Tunbridge Wells is bigger and has different areas of no object) what would be your top priority? shopping. However, they are probably similar as I would make donations to the really small local you can get "disgusted of Harpenden" just as much charities (not the ones that have shops along the as "disgusted of Tunbridge Wells". High Street) but the really local ones that do Which do you prefer? amazing work. My two I genuinely prefer charities this year are Harpenden. I miss the both small local charities: choice of shops that you Youth Talk and The Tyler get in Tunbridge Wells, but Reader Brighter Future as a place to live Fund. Harpenden wins. What’s your favourite What would you miss Harpenden discovery? most about Harpenden if Definitely the fact that the you had to leave? security shop next to I would miss friends. That Chef Peking used to be would be a big thing. And the local town lock-up for I'd miss the friendliness of drunkards. Harpenden. I remember What are your home when I first moved from comforts? London going into Boots Snuggling up with a and being genuinely good book. shocked at everyone being What are you reading so polite and pleasant. at the moment? In Harpenden, we are spoilt for coffee shops, I have just started a Sharon Bolton book. She has which is your favourite? written a series of 4 about Detective Lacey Flint and I don't have one as I don't drink coffee or any hot someone recommended them to me. I have just drinks. I can't stand the smell of coffee. started the first one and it has dived straight into Do you have a favourite Harpenden view? the action, which is good. I must admit I love the view over Rothamsted Park. What are your extravagances? Which Harpenden shops do you rely on? Books, definitely books. The staples really; Waitrose, Boots, M&S, What’s your life philosophy? Springfield. The importance of kindness to the people you love. What advice would you give a tourist? I would advise them to go on a guided walk which Interview by Claire Millins would give them a good background to Harpenden and an appreciation of how it developed. Christmas Reading for “You are a diamond dear, they can’t break you!” 5- 8 year olds "The Diary of Dennis the Menace" Steven Butler For all Beano fans, young and old, this is a brilliantly funny “Menace Diary”. Again an easy read for emerging readers. This is the 1st in a series of 6,so far. The Diary of Dennis the Menace gives readers the inside story on every cheeky trick and prank played by the star of The Beano. Written by Roald Dahl Funny Prize- shortlisted author of The Wrong Pong series, Steven Butler, this hilarious book will delight Beano fans. Meet Dennis, Gnasher and friends (and enemies!) and explore Beanotown with Dennis as your guide. This is a brilliant celebration of classic British comedy in the year that The Beano celebrates its 75 birthday.

Your love story- our passion! Custom made; Wedding, Engagement & Eternity Rings; Forever & Always The Wombles" CALL US NOW FREE QUOTATION: Elizabeth Beresford As someone who grew up with the television series as an introduction to The Wombles, 01582 761866 these books are a brilliant reminder of their adventures. The first ever recyclers. I can www.lovewedsjewellers.co.uk hear Bernard Cribbens’ voice when I read 69C High Street, Harpenden, Hertfordshire, AL52SL them as well. “The Wombles" is the first ever Wombles book and introduces the stern but kindly Great Uncle Bulgaria; Orinoco, who is particularly fond of his food and a subsequent forty winks; general handyman extraordinaire Tobermory, who can turn almost anything that the Wombles retrieve from Wimbledon Common into something useful; Madame Cholet, who cooks the most delicious and natural foods to keep the Wombles happy and contented; and, last but not least, Bungo, one of the youngest and cheekiest Wombles of all. CHRISTMAS FREE PRIZE DRAW A big thank you to all the businesses who donated these fabulous prizes

PRIZES • Three x £50 Cash prizes.

• Three Wembley tickets to see England play The Harpenden Retailers Christmas free in a World Cup qualifier (donated by prize draw is open to all Harpenden residents via the official entry form on the leaflet below. Brayleys) PICK UP A LEAFLET IN THE SHOPS BELOW • Books from No Exit publishers Simply complete the entry form and put it in Pulp! The Classics A by the ‘Christmas Draw’ box at any of the Charles Dickens; Perfume River by Robert participating retailers listed below. Olen Butler; Montecristo by Martin Suter; Free Prize Draw details and rules are also on Willnot by James Sallis; Last Bus to the HARPENDIA web site Coffeeville by J. Paul Henderson www.harpendia.com A painting by Harpenden RULES • • All entrants must be over 18 years of age. artist Ben Shalom, • Closing date for entries is December 19th “Red Roses” 2016. • Winners will be drawn on December 21st by the Town Mayor Cllr Nicola Linacre and advised by email or phone. • The winners list (names only) will be published on the HARPENDIA web site on December 23rd. • There is no cash alternative to the prizes. • A fashion Voucher from OUI Brayleys Special Offers for Breathing Space you this Christmas REAT GIFT G S X A Designers Guild cushion from Lister S* * M • CY Hair AL A E S D P A W R E T N I * E fonehouse S S * Interiors R X E M F

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S Gallery Rouge S HARPENDEN Good Sports HIGH STREET • A mini Hamper from the Silver Palate Deli Harpenden Arms The Harpenden High Street is THE place for your Christmas Listers shopping. There’s an amazing choice of retailers offering An Aromatherapy Full Body Massage from almost everything you need to • Loveweds make your Christmas very Musical Images special and more affordable. Breathing Space ART - BEAUTY - CAFES - CARS Nice EYEWARE - FASHION - FOOD INTERIORS - GIFTS - HAIR Oui CARE - JEWELLERY - PHONES PUBS - RESTAURANTS - SPORTS • An invisible shield screen protector cut to Purple GEAR - VIDEO - WINE & SPIRITS R & M Butchers size for your mobile with our new Zaag Rebecca Jade machine. From Fonehouse Harpenden one-stop site for everything you need to know about living Rollings Wine Just cut out the coupons and take them to the Serena Hart retailers to claim your offer. FREE PRIZE DRAW Silver Palate Cash prizes, three Wembley tickets to see England play in a World Cup qualifier; new books and more. Complete your details on the 20/20 Vision reverse & hand in to any of the featured retailers. Closing date Dec 19 2016 Threads PRODUCED BY Editor: Ron Taylor Contact: [email protected] Daily news updates: www.harpendia.com Video Channel: Type ‘harpendia’ in the Youtube search box Editorial Consultants: Amanda Thomas and Claire Millins

Coming in March 2017 Harpendia Spring Edition