stalbanslife

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.

Blue skies and melodious childrens’ voices greeted Bishop Stack and the Ss Alban & Stephen parish priests as they celebrated the opening of the new Prayer Garden at St John Fisher Catholic Primary school.The mass coincided with their saint’s feast day on June 22nd. Pupils, teachers, parents and friends of the school were present to enjoy this special  ’al fresco’  occasion.

Bishop Stack echoed this, “In every school, there needs to be an oasis of peace, calm and (to quote poet TS Eliot) a still point of a turning world. Its important that this is at the heart of every school; visual, tangable and close to nature.”

Several pupils had enthusiastic comments to make about their prayer garden. ” I will go there to say prayers especially if I am worried about sick relatives. I will have a peaceful time with God.” said a year 4 pupil.

Bishop Stack presented four symbolic plants to the school; sage, lavender, rosemary and thyme. He spoke about their physical and spiritual effects.The pupils presented the bishop with a plaque and CD of their wonderful choir, ‘ to enjoy on his M25 journeys!’

The school choir completed the mass with their own song which includes the words ‘We are children of St John Fisher School and we are sharing God’s peace, hope and joy.’  These words portray the  essence of what St John Fisher school and its new Prayer Garden is all about.

St Albans Festival 2010 has something very special to celebrate this year; the ‘The Magna Carta’!

Our city has played a central role in the drafting of this important document in 1215. This theme will be echoed in the Festival performances, museum activities and street events. The Rt. Hon.Lord Bingham and TV historian Dan Snow will be speaking and our own Mayor will lead the celebratory procession through the city centre.

Larks in the Parks, Buskers Week, Retailer of the Year Awards and entertainment in the Alban Arena are a few examples of the endless list of events planned for this festival. The Maltings Arts Theatre will feature the films of Stanley Kubrick, one of the most innovative film directors. Our local St Albans tour guides have organised the Sam Ryder Exhibition in the Comfort Hotel. I attended this exhibition last year and would highly recommend it. Get the diaries out and pencil in this years Festival!

Lots more information available on www.stalbansfestival.co.uk , BOX OFFICE 01727 844488 and www.stalbans.gov.uk.

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.

There will be a Christmas market at Charters Health Club, Russet Drive, St Albans, AL4 0DB on Friday 18th December 3pm til 9pm. Free Entry! Have a go at ice skating, fairground rides or visit Santa in his grotto; lots of craft and food stalls, festive refreshments, plus lots more fun for all the family. The event is being run by Highfield Park Trust, a charity which manages Highfield Park, a public park. All proceeds will be used to improve the Park. Tickets for ice skating and Santas’ grotto are limited, book in advance via the website – http://www.highfieldparktrust.co.uk.