stalbanslife

St. Albans is rapidly acquiring a reputuation as a good venue for comedy gigs. The Alban Arena frequently gets national names to visit and perform. We now even have our very own comedy ‘festival’ annually, with Laughs in the Park. Now I wouldn’t say it is anywhere near Glastonbury’s exalted position in the national psyche, but as it’s only the second year of existence, it still has time.

Like last year, the main attraction is Eddie Izzard, but this year ably supported by Ross Noble and Tommy Tiernan. The compere duties were given to Ross Noble on the day we attended, which worked well as his surreal take on life enabled him to run with ideas and events thrown at him and then bring back ideas and references into later material.

First of the ‘main’ acts was Tommy Tiernan, one of Ireland’s top comedians, but little known over here. A high energy performer that enjoyed running with ideas at breakneck speed. Lots of laugh out loud moments and an impressive set. The usual topics of family, aging and religion got the Tiernan treatment. He wouldn’t be an Irish comic if he didn’t rip into the Catholic Church. Easy target these days, but he was still able to find a few new twists.

Last up was Eddide Izzard, fast becoming a national institution after his marathon heroics of a couple of years ago and all-round nice guy persona. I saw him back in the 90s when he was somewhat infamous for his cross-dressing and surreal humour. I really like Eddie Izzard, but like his 90s shows, I rarely had laugh out loud moments. Very amusing, but not memorable.

Finally we had the fireworks, withh all the acts wandering through the crowd to get a prime view. They were not disappointed. So overall a good evening out at an event with a lot of potential for the coming years. Food deserves a special mention, varied choices and my burrito was fab. Looking forward to next year already. maybe my namesake Tim Minchin could be added to the bill?

The name Battle Proms comes from the Battle Symphony by Beethoven.  On an annual basis, this popular event takes place on the grounds of 400 year old Hatfield House, home of the 7th Marquess of Salisbury.

The whole concept of ‘Prom’  is to increase the popularity of classical music by playing at an informal setting, in which crowds can move around, eat, dance or whatever they choose. I performed all four actions last Saturday as I absorbed myself  in this charismatic event for the third time.

The crowd varied from young children to 90 year olds. We enjoyed everything from the beautiful orchestral pieces of music, the Napoleonic camp, the traditional fairground, a Diablo winestand but my personal favourites were the Infantry Displays (truly outstanding and a must-see) and the ever amazing 1812 Overture with its live canon fire.

The Sailor’s Hornpipe and Jerusalem brought a huge reaction (and maybe a joyfully patriotic tear or two!)  from the crowd, as did Elgar’s Pomp and Circumstance March No 1.  The Grace Spitfire (which served in World War II) did acrobatics overhead as the orchestra played appropriate music in the background. I am not a fan of warplanes but this Spitfire experience sent shivers down my spine. And did I mention the fireworks? I must have taken about 50 photos of them in my desperation to capture the brilliant effect!

My children are pop music fans but have always enjoyed the Battle Proms, especially when the sun sets and little lights appear everywhere. My 12 year old said ‘I love  the sense of community and the way the crowd is so enthusiastic.’

If you want to share your experiences of Battle Proms, please add your comment below.

To note;  Hatfield House is twenty minutes from St Albans town centre. Good bus connections. More information on www.battleproms.com and Hatfield House events; www.hatfield-house.co.uk

View from Clock Tower

It’s that active time of year again and both the Willow Foundation (special days for seriously ill 16-40 yr olds) and Every-Man Campaign (stamping our male cancer)  hope that the event will be as successful as ever.

Taking place on Sunday 12th June, the St Albans Half Marathon is a charitable event and all monies raised will benefit the above charities. You can choose from the 5K race, the walking Half Marathon, the ever- popular 1.5 Mile Children’s Fun Run and the affiliated Half Marathon. All these events will start and finish at the Verulamium Park.

Note that no late entries are possible on the day and the closing date for postal entries is Friday 3rd June.  The online entry and walk-in entry closing date is Tuesday 6th June.

To enter click on www.stalbanshalfmarathon.co.uk or email stalbanshalf@leisureconnection.co.uk  Tel; 01727 827667

For more on Willow Foundation see www.willowfoundation.org.uk  and for the Everyman-Campaign, see www.everyman-campaign.org .

EVERY LITTLE HELPS A LOT!

Verulamium Park

February’s weather is cold and dull but  there is plenty on in this city for the family to get out and enjoy. Here are just a few examples but follow the links to find out lots more about each venue.

ST ALBANS ARENA – THE ST ALBANS GANG SHOW 2011

Wed 16th – Sat 19th February 7.30pm (Matinee Sat 2.30pm) Tickets £6-£13

32nd time for this very popular show! Energetic song, dance and comedy by the local guides, scouts and young leaders. Ph Nicola Wells 01727 830397          www.alban-arena.co.uk   for address and more details

MUSEUM OF ST ALBANS – HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES

21st – 24th Feb 10.30am – 12.30pm Theme of Medieval Mayhem Sessions for 6 to 13 year olds. Book in advance at the museum or tel 01727 819340 www.museumofstalbans.co.uk

VERULAMIUM MUSEUM - MEET QUEEN BOUDIKA

26th Feb from 2 – 4.30pm It’s a wonderful experience to listen to Queen Boudika tell her stories and engage the children. Entry FREE for residents. www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk

PLAY IN THE PARKS (Feb Half Term Break)

Play in the parks offers free activity sessions for children 8 yrs and under in parks all over the district! No need to book, just turn up. This year, some of the sessions will be indoors too. Contact Mark Caldwell on 01727 827 667 or lots of interesting information is available for families on www.activestalbans.com

WILLOWS FARM VILLAGE - LAMBING SEASON

21st – 26th Feb. As always, Willows Farm Village has a host of exciting events lined up including new lambs to be enjoyed everyday, Triston the Tractor – rides, Ice Rink, Country Fair Rides and Meet the Shepherd! Click on www.willowsfarmvillage.com for lots more info including times, prices and membership.

TRESTLE ARTS THEATRE – PETER AND THE WOLF

Sun 6th Feb, 2pm and 4pm. Performance of Prokofiev’s musical tale including folk songs, gypsy music and classical favourites. Suits age 3 upwards and runs for 45 mins. Family tickets £25. click www.trestle.org.uk to find out about all the shows running in the coming months and to book tickets.

‘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