stalbanslife

 A St Albans bookclub have decided to take their friendship one step further; actually it will be a few thousand steps further!

This bookclub have not just formed a great bond, but have taken steps to help those around them. Recently they did a public performance of the Haka warrior dance, at a farewell party, for a New Zealand member of their club. Now, they are about to undertake a 25 mile circular challenge, climbing the three highest peaks of Yorkshire. They aim to complete this within a 12 hour period. And is this for the sake of their health? No!

Stephen Barbour, bookclub member and organiser of the challenge explains,”‘We are raising money for a charity that supports people with a relatively unknown condition. Motor Neurone Disease (MND) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that attacks the upper and lower motor neurons. Degeneration of the motor neurons leads to weakness and wasting of muscles, causing increasing loss of mobility to the limbs and difficulty with speech, swallowing and breathing. This is often a terminal disease affecting 2 people in 100,000.”

Stephen’s friend, Howard, is one of the unlucky two. Howard, a popular man in our St Albans community,  is a terrific dad to three boys and husband to a supportive wife.

Stephen says “Life is just not fair, since his illness was diagnosed, he has continued to be very positive and do as much as he can with the boys and you will never hear him moan about his illness.”

Louise Coxon, communications manager at the Motor Neurone Disease Association, says:”We rely entirely on voluntary donations from the public to help support and care for people with MND and to fund ground-breaking research to find a cure for this cruel disease. We are committed to fighting MND and so we really value the passion and commitment of our supporters because every penny raised helps to make a real differance to the individuals and families affected by MND.”

The walk will take place on 4th September and the ‘boys’ would welcome your donations. Click on www.justgiving.com/Stephen-Barbour0   and follow instructions.

Information on MND is available on www.mndassociation.org

Verulamium Park

The word Verulam stems from Verulamium (St Albans). You may have noticed this word associated with companies or entertainment all over this city. If not, read on and see who you can support.

Radio Verulam  (92.6 FM) -  St Albans local community radio station  works with local groups and organisations. For details on specialist programmes and opportunities see www.radioverulam.com or email studio@radioverulam.com

Verulam Writers Circle – This local writers’ group meets regularly and welcomes new members.  www.verulamwriterscircle.org.uk or email info@verulamwriterscircle.org.uk

Verulam IT – Quality web design and hosting services; webmaster of this wonderful stalbanslife website!  See www.verulamit.co.uk  or email nigel@verulamit.co.uk

Verulam Electrics – Qualified and reliable electrician based in St Albans. See website for more details www.verulamelectrics.co.uk or contact richard@VerulamElectrics.co.uk

Verulam ASC – St Albans based swimming club which provides training sessions in Marlborough and Westminster Lodge pools. www.verulam-asc.org.uk

Verulam Clinic – Health clinic providing care for adults, children and pregnant women, using both traditional and complementary methods.

www.verulamclinic.com or phone 01727 833100

Verulam Tiles – Located off the London Road,St Albans, Verulam Tiles has a vast collection of tiles and helpful staff. See  www.tile-warehouse.co.uk

B N I Verulam – BNI Verulam operates locally but is part of the larger Business Network International which is a business referral group.  See more information and current vacancies on www.bniverulam.co.uk

Verulam Golf Club – St Albans challenging 18 hole golf course is home to the Ryder Cup and boasts good drainage for all- year-round playing. www.verulamgolf.co.uk

Two merry ladies

‘If you go down to the park today,

You’re in for a pink surprise,

There are thousands down in the park today,

Running to save some lives’

I am referring to the 3,100 (+) females of all ages who turned up, mainly in pink, at the Verulamium Park in St Albans! In support of Cancer Research UK, they ran, walked, jogged and even wheel-chaired around the 5k course.

This is the 13^th year that St Albans has hosted this popular event. The atmosphere was electric with the presence of personalities like Stuart Miles of Heart FM and Jean Christophe Novelli, ‘the Nation’s Favourite Chef.’

Mary Everest, runner, panted at the end of the race ‘It’s hot but well worth it.’ Her friend Samantha Ponte, another runner, said ‘It’s the girl power for me.’ Both ladies then headed off for their well-deserved cider!

Cancer Research UK is the biggest, single, funder of cancer research in Europe. It supports the work of 4,800 scientists, doctors and nurses in the UK. (Excerpt from Cancer Research Website) It was announced that so far, over £300,000 has been raised at today’s event in St Albans. That’s girl power for sure!

For further information on the work of Cancer Research Uk, go to

www.cancerresearchUK.org

PLAY IN THE PARKS,  ST ALBANS

This is free to all parents and children each summer. Running from 26^th July until 1^stSeptember, your 5-12 yr olds can go along to any of the 15 open spaces across the district. However, under 8’s need to be accompanied by a parent.

Activities include Drama Workshops, Creative Games and Sports Specific Sessions. For further details, maps etc, click on www.stalbans.gov.uk .

WILLOWS PARK FARM, LONDON COLNEY

Willows is just magical for children and whatever the weather, there is always plenty to do. The ever-popular ‘maize’ maze activity runs from 24^th July until 5^thSeptember. There is Woollys Jumper Play Barn, the Sheep Show (my kids favourite!), Daft Duck trails, Fun Fair Rides. You can hold the Guinea-Pigs, drink a smooth latte or play Frisbee Golf. Lots more information on events, times and prices on www.willowsfarmvillage.com .

THE SNOW CENTRE, HEMEL HEMPSTEAD

It might be summertime but why not get ready for the Ski Season? The Ski Centre is a 15 minute drive from St Albans and offers Holiday Courses from £60. The kids use up their energy on the slope while you unwind in the Edge Café Bar and look on! It’s a win/win situation! Click www.thesnowcentre.com .

Note; Our local newspapers, The Herts Advertiser www.hertsad.co.uk  and The St Albans Review www.stalbansreview.co.uk  have the latest info on theatres, arts and sports events.

The Winter’s Tale, July 2010

Rooftop Theatre Company are delighted to be performing their next production, The Winter’s Tale, in the stunningly restored 14^thC  Kingsbury Barn, St Albans.

Shakespeare’s compelling drama The Winter’s Tale is a moving story of the consequences of jealousy and tyranny and the power of remorse. Leontes, King of Sicilia is thrown into violent rage and jealousy at the perceived affair between his wife Hermione and best friend Polixenes. The results resonate through 16 years and across the seas to Bohemia. After this the redemptive effects of time, love and forgiveness bring a surprising and bittersweet conclusion.

Rooftop Theatre Company, based in St Albans, have a strong track record of entertaining and accessible productions of Shakespeare’s plays. Their most recent was Twelfth Night at the Old Town Hall which followed Taming of the Shrew and Love’s Labour’s Lost at Inn on the Park. They present plays in a visual and dramatic style with innovative interpretations which drive the energy and passion of the plot. They seek unconventional venues and their productions complement the surroundings. Kingsbury Barn provides a perfect setting for the contrasting locations in The Winter’s Tale: the corrupt Court of Sicilia and the bucolic earthiness of Bohemia.

“Innovative direction, good acting and an unusual (and magnificent) setting…a delight.”
Candy Whittome, St Albans Arts on Twelfth Night

“Extraordinarily compelling…Rooftop have lifted open-air Shakespeare in St Albans to a new dimension”
Herts Advertiser on Love’s Labour’s Lost

Performances:

Thursday 8^th July                    7.30

Friday 9^th July                         7.30

Saturday 10^th July                  7.30

Monday 12^th July                    7.30

Tuesday 13^th July                   7.30

Thursday 15^th July                  7.30

Friday 16^th July                       7.30

Saturday 17^th July matinee    1.30

Saturday 17^th July                  7.30

Tickets

Full price                                 £12.00

Concessions (students, unwaged) £10.00

Children under 14                   £8.00

For tickets and further details: www.rooftoptheatre.co.uk, 01727 846397