stalbanslife

James Hannaway, owner of the beautifully renovated Rex Cinema in Berkhamsted, is now in the final phase of purchasing The Alpha (previously the Odeon Cinema) in St Albans. It is hoped that the last £100 K will be pledged or donated in the coming week bringing it to a total of £1 million.

James states ‘ The best way to win the race to secure the site is through sponsored chairs. There are 500 seats ‘for sale’ at £1000 a seat! The best news is: we can buy the site with £1 million of real St Albans money, small and huge, and ALL extraordinary. This is a whole city putting its money where its heart is. So perhaps in return, I owe you the will and energy to make it work.’

James’s sensational, art-deco Rex Cinema in Berkhamsted is impressive in every aspect. The comfy red seating, table lamps, the bar, walls-of-great-glory; its elegance would truly suit the ambiance of  St Albans.

Local residents have been concerned that the needs of our teenagers are considered when renovating The Alpha. At present they have to travel to other cities to see movies. How wonderful it would be for the environment and for their finances, if they could stay in their own St Albans. For more information, email therexberkhamsted@googlemail.com or send your cheques to The Rex, High St, Berkhamsted HP4 2FG.

For those new to St Albans and who may not be aware, there is a RSPCA centre nearby. The Southridge RSPCA Animal Centre is ten minutes from St Albans town centre. If you want to adopt an animal, there is great range of cats, dogs, some ponies, chickens and other little creatures needing a loving home. We adopted our cat from there.

However, bring your purse/wallet, because each visit now costs £2 (donation) due to the effects of the financial downturn. Bring earplugs if you intend to view the dogs and don’t go on a Wednesday. It’s closed that day!

Some details; Southridge RSPCA Animal Centre, Packhorse Lane, Potters Bar, Hertfordshire EN6 3LZ. Tel; 0870 4427104, Website; www.rspca.org.uk/home Open; Everyday 11am – 4.15pm, except Wednesdays.

As the 29th St Albans Half-Marathon Event approaches, its time for us all to pull out the T-Shirts, trainers and log onto stalban@leisureconnection.co.uk to sign up.

Fancy-dress, fun characters, free ice-cream, free T-Shirts and medals for the children, are all part of the day. From the age of 6 months to eighty, all ages turn up and simply have fun! This annual event takes place on Sunday 13th June 2010 and includes the 5k run, 1.5 mile Fun Run, Walking Half marathon and Healthy Hearts Jog.

Last year, the British Heart Foundation were extremely pleased with its success. Robert Cox, the organiser, showed great appreciation, ”People turned up in droves and I would like to thank all involved.” More than £37,000 was raised , with BHF and other charities being the recipients.

Next year (2011) will be the 30th Anniversary of this event. To celebrate this, the organisers are asking residents to send in any memories, stories and photos of their Half Marathon experiences, to help with an event biography. Email Stalbanshalf@leisureconnection.co.uk

For more information: Phone 01727 827 666 or click www.stalbanshalfmarathon.co.uk/ or email stalban@leisureconnection.

As you all doubtlessly know, there is a campaign, led by JamesHannaway of the Rex cinema in Berkhamstead. Here’s some useful info from James:

“So far in only three weeks since the bank account was opened you have paid in over £100,000. Still cheques only until we have card machines installed. Not long but more than a week. Cheques with full names addresses, emails and WHAT FOR to: The Alpha St Albans (address below). Watch allaboutstalbans.com for updates. A very big apology to those who have gone missing from our answering system. Please contact the Rex again therexberkhamsted@hotmail.co.uk.”

“If all fails before 15 February and the site is bought for development, all your money will be returned in full. Thanks to the extraordinary leap of faith from the one who sent a cheque for £25,000 with just the line: ‘Please acknowledge receipt’.”

Here’s what we’ve raised up to last week… 27 Jan

We all know that Christmas is a magical time of year, everyone is more relaxed and full of good cheer. Well there are lots of things to see and do in St. Albans, so there’s no excuse not to get out and enjoy a bit of stalbanslife!

1) Wednesday 9th December 8pm

St Albans Ghost Walk, meet outside the Town Hall.
Tel; 01727 864511 (tickets £3 per adult, half price for children)
www.stalbanstourguides.co.uk

2) Saturday 12th December 3pm

Annual Family Carol Concert in St Albans Cathedral (St Albans Bach Choir and Alberti Brass). Tickets £10 per adult or £5 concession, sold at door. Highly recommendable!
Tel; 01727 890 256 or www.stalbansbachchoir.org.uk/concerts

3) Saturday 12th December (daily until 3rd January 10)

Family Pantomine ‘The Little Mermaid’ at the Alban Arena. Civic Centre.
Tel; 01727 844488 or www.albanarena.co.uk

4) Monday 14th December, 4pm

Mayor’s Carol Concert outside the Alban Arena and refreshments afterwards in the Council Chamber. A fun evening for the community! Tel; 01727 819544

5) Wednesday 16th – Sunday 27th December, various times

‘Treasure Island’ performed at the Abbey Theatre, St Albans. Very good value for money!
Tel; 01727 857861 Tickets £5 – £9.50 or www.abbeytheatre2.org.uk

6) Saturday 19th December, 11am – 4pm

Carols performed every hour at St Albans Abbey Cathedral; 11am, 12 noon, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm and 4pm. Free and festive, this is worth attending.
Tel; 01727 890256

7) Saturday 19th – 23rd December, 2pm every day

Family Christmas Show ‘Giraffes Cant Dance’ by the Blunderbus Theatre Company at Trestle Arts Theatre Base, Russet Drive, St Albans. Lovely setting and affordable fun.
Tel; 01727 850950 Tickets £8 per adult, Concs £6, Family £25
www.trestle.org.uk

Monday 28th December, 11am

St Albans City Walks ‘Historic St Albans’ covers 1200 years of people, buildings and events in the city. Meet outside the Old Town Hall, Market Place, St Albans. Not to be missed! Tel; 01727 864511 Tickets £1 -£3 www.stalbanstourguides.co.uk