Pumpkins, Pies & Punk Poetry! 🎃

Right, that's it – the big coats are officially out of storage, the heating's gone on timer, and we're fully embracing autumn in all its cosy glory! But just because the nights are drawing in doesn't mean we're hibernating yet. Oh no! Harpenden is absolutely buzzing this week with everything from pie 'n' mash nights and pumpkin festivals to punk poetry and ballet bootcamps. Whether you fancy learning CPR, dancing to Northern Soul, or just enjoying a warm cuppa at one of our lovely community cafés, there's something for everyone. So grab your favourite scarf, fill up your flask, and let's see what's happening around town! ☕🎃

Thursday 16th October

9:30am Body Tone at The EMC with Rachel – start your day the right way by getting those muscles working! Rachel knows exactly how to whip you into shape while keeping things fun. Perfect for shaking off the morning cobwebs and feeling fabulous! 💪

10am-10:30am Baby Rhyme Time at Harpenden Library – bring your little ones for a delightful half hour of songs, rhymes and giggles! It's a lovely way for tiny tots to discover the joy of words and music, and donations are always welcome to keep these wonderful sessions going 🍼

11:30am-12pm Baby Rhyme Time at Harpenden Library – missed the earlier session? No worries! Here's your second chance to join in the rhyming fun. Perfect timing if you needed that extra hour to get everyone out of the house! 👶

12pm-2pm The Athena Network Harpenden online via Zoom – calling all professional women! This is networking done properly – building genuine, quality relationships with other brilliant businesswomen who'll support and inspire you to reach even greater heights. It's £30 for visitors but free for members, and honestly, the connections you'll make are priceless 💼

1pm-3pm Recharge & Renew at Belief Dynamics Hypnotherapy – this one's specifically for all you amazing carers out there who give so much to everyone else. You know how much you pour into others, so here's your chance to actually fill your own cup for once! Using gentle relaxation and visualisation with just 8 people max, it's intimate, supportive and costs £60. You absolutely deserve this 💚

2:15pm u3a fortnightly general meeting at Abbeyfield Hall – fancy exploring London's Underground without actually going down there? This fascinating talk covers the art, architecture and design of the Tube system. Who knew those daily commutes could be so culturally significant? Perfect for curious minds who love a good learning session 🚇

6pm-8:30pm Pie 'n' Mash night at the Marquis of Granby – oh, this is a proper treat! Traditional pies with the softest mashed potato you've ever tasted, plus your choice of special gravies and traditional liquor, all washed down with beer or wine. It's £20 and booking is by far the best idea because this sells out faster than you can say "another pint, please!" 🥧

7pm Body Tone at Katherine Warrington School with Rachel – if you couldn't make the morning session, Rachel's got you covered this evening! She's also running loads more classes throughout the week including Zumba and Pure Stretch, so check out her full schedule and get yourself booked in 🏃‍♀️

7pm-9pm CPR & Defibrillator Awareness Training at Harpenden Town Hall – this could literally save a life, including someone you love. The Harpenden Community First Responders run these brilliant hands-on training sessions completely free, but you absolutely must book as spaces fill up fast. Two hours that could make all the difference 🚑

7:30pm Imagine Lennon at The EMC – get ready for an intimate and absolutely unforgettable evening celebrating the legendary John Lennon! The internationally acclaimed Tyson Kelly brings Lennon back to life on stage in a way that'll give you goosebumps. From £27 for an evening of pure musical magic 🎸

7:30pm-9:30pm Life Drawing at Harpenden Art Club, Salvation Army Halls – whether you're a complete beginner or a seasoned sketcher, this inclusive and super friendly club welcomes everyone! Tonight's all about life drawing, and honestly, there's something quite special about creating art with a room full of lovely people. Grab your pencils and join in! 🎨

8pm Quiz Night at The Harpenden Arms – it's Thursday, which means it's time to gather your cleverest mates (up to 6 of you) and battle it out in the ultimate test of random knowledge! Will you triumph in the geography round? Nail the 80s music? Only one way to find out! 🧠

Friday 17th October

9am-10am THC Run Club (Members Only) – meet up with fellow running enthusiasts in the garden at Red Gables for a quick warm-up before heading out on the chosen route. The vibe is super relaxed and all abilities are genuinely welcome, plus it's completely free! What better way to start your Friday? 🏃

9:30am-10:15am Adult Ballet Bootcamps at Musicale by St George's School – this isn't your typical ballet class! It's designed to sculpt and strengthen your body while releasing all that tension in your neck and back. You'll feel refreshed, lengthened and surprisingly graceful. Who says ballet is just for kids? 🩰

9:30am Body Tone at The Harpenden Trust with Rachel – it's Friday morning and Rachel's ready to help you finish the week strong! Book online and start your weekend feeling absolutely brilliant. Your body will thank you! 💪

11am Ballet with Zoe at The Harpenden Trust – calling all 2-3 year olds! These lively ballet lessons are the perfect introduction to dance for your tiny dancers. Zoe makes it fun, engaging and magical for little ones who are just discovering the joy of movement. To book, email [email protected]💃

12pm-2pm Release Chronic Pain workshop at Belief Dynamics Hypnotherapy – if you're living with chronic pain, you know how isolating it can be. This workshop brings together people who truly understand what you're going through, using gentle techniques to help release mind-body conditions. It's £60 for a maximum of 8 people, keeping it supportive and personal 🌈

12:30pm-2pm FREE Menopause Workshop at THC with Harpenden Medical and Marchon – whether you're in perimenopause, post menopause, or just thinking ahead about your health, this is absolutely brilliant! Clinical director Lesley Hastings and head coach Alex Reeder will give you both medical and practical advice to help you navigate this phase with confidence. Best of all? It's completely FREE and open to everyone in the community! 💪

2pm Ballet with Zoe at The Harpenden Trust – this session's for the 3-4 year olds (and there's also a Wednesday 4pm class for 4-6 year olds). Email [email protected] for a trial class and watch your little one pirouette around the living room for days afterwards! 🎀

Friday evenings Top Hat Stage School at Roundwood Park School – got kids aged 4-17 who love performing? This is their moment! No experience needed and there's a free trial, so they can just rock up and discover their inner star. Who knows, you might be raising the next West End sensation! 🎭

7:30pm Some Guys Have All The Luck at The EMC – celebrating Rod Stewart's 80th birthday in absolute style! Paul Metcalfe brings swaggering showmanship, authentic costumes and sensational live musicians to the stage for a night of Maggie May, Do Ya Think I'm Sexy and all those classics. Tickets are £30.50 and trust us, you'll be dancing in your seat! 🎤

Saturday 18th October

All day Pumpkin Festival at The Pop Up Farm near Redbourn – this is autumn family fun at its absolute best! Explore 12 acres of pumpkin patches, climb the massive Big Bales Stack for gorgeous views, let the little ones go wild in the tractor tyre sandpit, and shop for the perfect pumpkin from The Red Shed. Whether you're carving jack-o-lanterns, cooking up something delicious or just decorating for autumn, they've got you covered. The Pit Stop Café serves hot dogs, drinks and ice cream (including vegan options!). Basically, it's pumpkin heaven! 🎃

10am-10:30am Saturday Storytime at Harpenden Library – these interactive story sessions are absolutely perfect for pre-schoolers and their grown-ups! Join in with picture books and rhymes, and best of all, it's completely free with no registration needed. Just turn up and enjoy the magic of storytelling! 📚

3pm Harpenden RFC Men’s 1st XV v London Irish Wild Geese – fancy watching some proper rugby action? Head down to support the local team as they take on London Irish Wild Geese. Nothing beats the atmosphere of live sport on a Saturday! 🏉

7:30pm Dvorak and the Romantics at High Street Methodist Church – the Music Makers are performing a delightful programme of choral music featuring Dvorak Mass in D, perfect for easing you into the mellow autumn season. Tickets are £18 (or £15 if you booked before 1st October), students pay £10 and under 16s get in free! This is proper, gorgeous choral music that'll give you all the feels 🎵

7:30pm-midnight Harpenden Soul Club at Bennets – get ready for a fantastic evening of Northern Soul and classic Tamla Motown! Alan Fox, Bob Hutchins, Sean Haywood and Andy Bebbington are on the decks spinning the absolute classics. For just £6, you can dance the night away to music that never gets old 🕺

9:30pm-midnight Blacksmith at The Plough & Harrow – this 5-piece rock covers band knows how to bring the energy! Perfect for a Saturday night when you want to let your hair down and rock out to all the classics. Grab your mates and prepare for a brilliant night! 🎸

Sunday 19th October

Sunday mornings Jigsaw Performing Arts Schools at Katherine Warrington School – for ages 3-18, this is where young performers can really shine! There's a two week trial available, so they can try it out and see if it's their thing. Call 01923 701803 to find out more and unleash their creativity! 🎭

11am-3pm Wedding Show at Rothamsted Manor – calling all loved-up couples planning their big day! Head to the stunning Rothamsted Manor to meet the team and chat to suppliers about your wedding plans. Whether you're just starting to dream or you're deep in the details, this is your chance to see the venue in all its glory and get expert advice. Best of all? It's completely FREE! 💍✨

Monday 20th October

9am-11am Supercharged by Motherhood at Belief Dynamics Hypnotherapy – calling all mums who are returning to work! This workshop uses gentle relaxation and visualisation to help you reflect on and enhance your thoughts about this big transition. It's £60pp with a maximum of 8 people, so it stays supportive and intimate. You've got this, mama! 👶

9:30am-10:45am Monday Morning Yoga at Batford Memorial Hall – start your week feeling centred and calm! There's a free trial session available, so email [email protected] and give yourself the gift of an hour's peace and stretching. Your Monday self will thank you! 🧘

10am-12pm Bennets Coffee Morning for parents and toddlers – bring the little ones along to play in a safe, welcoming space at Bennet's Royal British Legion while you actually get to finish a cup of coffee and chat to other adults! It's the simple things that make all the difference ☕

10:30am-12pm Coffee Morning at Harpenden Library – pop in every Monday for a lovely cuppa and a chat! It's a wonderful way to meet people, catch up with friends, and support your local library. Plus, there's usually cake involved, which is never a bad thing! ☕

1pm-3:30pm Mencap Harpenden Allotment Club – fancy getting your hands dirty? This practical, outdoor social club at a vibrant local allotment is all about learning to plant, harvest, water and weed! Email [email protected] to join and discover the joy of growing your own veg 🌱

3:45pm-4:45pm LEGO Club at Harpenden Library – kids can tackle fun challenges that build problem solving, spatial awareness and creative thinking! It's £4.40 per session and places are limited so definitely book ahead. Children under 8 need an adult with them, which means you get to play with LEGO too! 🧱

Tuesday 21st October

2:15pm-2:45pm StoryTime at Harpenden Library – another lovely half hour of stories for little ones at the library! Everyone's welcome and donations are appreciated to keep these sessions going. It's such a gentle, sweet way to spend a Tuesday afternoon 📖

9pm Weekly Quiz at The Engineer – fancy yourself as a quiz master? Get your team together (maximum 6 people), pay your £1 entry and compete for actual cash prizes! It's the perfect Tuesday night activity when you need something to look forward to mid-week 🧠

Wednesday 22nd October

9:30am-11:30am THC Networking Breakfast at Brad & Dills at The Park – this is networking done right! Meet and connect with other local businesses in a super relaxed environment over a delicious bagel and cuppa. It's free for THC members and £15+VAT for non-members, and honestly, the connections you'll make over breakfast are brilliant 🥯

10:30am 50+ gentle Pilates class at The Harpenden Trust – this class is specifically designed to be gentle and suitable for the over 50s, so you can strengthen and stretch without any pressure 🧘

11:30am-1:30pm The Well Bean Community Café at The Harpenden Trust – drop in every Wednesday for this lovely community café above the Co-Op. It's a brilliant way to meet neighbours, enjoy a cuppa and feel part of the Harpenden community. Everyone's welcome! ☕

2:15pm-3pm Active Rhyme Time at Park Hall Community Hall – this free 45-minute session is packed with fun, active rhymes and songs for babies and toddlers! Older siblings are welcome too, so bring the whole crew and get everyone moving and grooving 🎶

6pm-8pm On the Frontline workshop at Belief Dynamics Hypnotherapy – this one's specifically for frontline workers in health, care, education and emergency services who are feeling burnt out. If you've been giving everything to help others and you're running on empty, this workshop is designed for you. Using gentle relaxation and visualisation, it's time to look after yourself too 💙

8pm Dr John Cooper Clarke plus special guest Mike Garry at The EMC – the Godfather of Punk Poetry is coming to Harpenden! John Cooper Clarke is a genuine literary phenomenon and cult hero whose influence spans literature, music and fashion. He created some of the most iconic poetry of our era (including "I Wanna Be Yours" – yes, THAT wedding poem!). Tickets start from £30 and this is one of those evenings you'll be talking about for years 🎭

What an absolutely packed week ahead in fabulous Harpenden! 🌟

It's Back! Whittaker & Co's Christmas Window Design Competition 2025! 🎄✨

Get those creative juices flowing because Whittaker & Co's fabulous Christmas Window Design Competition is back for another year! If you've got a budding artist at home (or you fancy having a go yourself!), here's your chance to see your festive design taking pride of place in the Whittaker & Co window throughout the whole of December!

Pop into their office to pick up an entry sheet, get drawing, and make sure you submit your masterpiece by November 3rd. The big reveal happens during the Harpenden Lights Up event on November 23rd, so you'll have to keep those fingers crossed until then! Imagine walking down the high street and seeing YOUR design lighting up the town – how brilliant would that be? 🎨🌟

Ongoing Activities – Join In Anytime! 🌟

Fancy some rugby? 🏉 If you're interested in getting into rugby, or getting the little ones involved in Mini's rugby, just drop a line to [email protected] and they'll get you sorted! There's nothing quite like being part of a rugby club – the camaraderie, the muddy knees, the post-match snacks. It's brilliant!

Keep your mind active with Harpenden Learning for Leisure! This wonderful voluntary group runs local educational leisure courses for the whole community on all sorts of diverse topics. It's affordable, it's sociable, and it's a fantastic way to learn something new while meeting lovely people. 📚

Harpenden & District Local History Society 🏛️ needs you! The museum (located in the Eric Morecambe Centre and open 11am-3pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays) is run entirely by volunteers, and they'd absolutely love more people to get involved! Whether you fancy joining the museum rota or helping with other roles, they're particularly looking for a marketing secretary and website editor right now. Many hands make light work, and you'd be helping preserve Harpenden's fascinating history!

While you're there, don't miss their exhibitions! George Hogg: Son of Harpenden, Hero in China, 1915-45 has been extended by special request until the end of November. Hogg became a genuine hero in China for his contributions to journalism, the co-operative movement and education during the war, yet he's barely known in his own hometown. Time to change that! Plus, running until January 2026, Everyday Life in Edwardian Harpenden explores our town's glamorous yet politically turbulent past with a focus on those gorgeous street views. Absolutely worth a visit! 📸

Coming Up – Pop These in Your Diary! 🗓️

Saturday 25th October, 11am at the War Memorial, Church Green – The Opening of The Field of Remembrance and launch of the Poppy Appeal. An important moment to pause, remember, and support this vital cause 🌺

Saturday 25th October, 3pm-6pm at The EMC – Diwali in Harpenden! Learn the story of Diwali, enjoy Indian sweets and savouries, let the kids get creative with arts and crafts, and join in with interactive games. It's a wonderful celebration of light, colour and community! 🪔✨

Thursday 30th & Friday 31st October, 10:30am and 2:30pm sessions – Mini Professors Spooky Science at 1st Harpenden Scout Hut, Granary Lane! Perfect for 3-9 year olds who want some Halloween-themed scientific fun. It's £15 per child and booking is essential, so get in quick before all the spaces vanish like magic! 🧪👻

Got a local event or special day you'd like us to feature? We'd love to hear from you! Just drop us a line at [email protected] and we'll shine our spotlight on your community happenings! ✨

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