stalbanslife

Radio Verulam is Hertfordshire’s first community radio station. They have been broadcasting from their Victoria Street premises since 2007 but will move to new premises on Hatfield Road after Easter. The reception will be much better and reach a wider area.

The station takes pride in being a non-profit organisation and works in partnership with local organisations and community groups. They rely on volunteers and are always happy to welcome new people to join their team.
Elspeth Jackman, a Sunday presenter on Radio Verulam, is passionate about her work. She states,” This is our OWN community radio where local events, travel, people are really important, and anyone can have an input. I’m proud of it, running 24/7, knowing too that nearly all the broadcasters have had professional experience. There’s so many specialist music programmes to fit every taste, and I’d really like to highlight the daily Drive Time shows. I reckon we might be the best local community radio station in the country!’
So turn on and tune in to 92.6FM! A continued support of our local radio station will ensure that we have personal, local and relevant information on all that is happening in our St Albans community.
For further information; phone Phil Richards 07711286488 or www.radioverulam.com for online listening.

For those interested in supporting or volunteering, email studio@radioverulam.com Announcements can be made through administrator@radioverulam.com .

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