Elspeth Jackman is a well-known Radio Verulam Presenter, as well as a local Artist. This month Elspeth is releasing her book ‘Enjoying Later Life’which is a positive celebration of life for

Future Gardens
over 60′s.
Filled with practical advice, humour and spirituality, is has already been described by Pam Rhodes as, ‘A beguiling mixture of practical advice and spiritual celebration.’
Elspeth adds ‘You are not winding down – the secular world thinks that! You are coming to a culmination of fruitfulness.’
‘Enjoying Later Life’ will be launched on April 19th and available online from www.amazon.co.uk for £7.99. To follow the Elspeth’s blog, click on elspethjackman.blogspot.com

Pull up your Christmas stockings and polish your baubles; Waiting For Katherine are coming to town! WFK’s sack is bulging with their own riotously enthusiastic, catchy party stompers so head down to The Horn for a thumpingly good romp on the dancefloor, and a night you will never forget! In the space of just one year Waiting for Katherine have taken the local scene by storm, winning the Horn’s Battle of the Bands 17 (and their first heat performance was only their third ever gig!!) They pride themselves on putting on a great live show, with fun being the operative word.
WFK combine sing-a-long choruses with heavy pop-punk riffage and surely the most enthusiastic front man for miles around. A good time is guaranteed, just ask any of their loyal followers!! ?
Support from Richard Bailey + GREG JACKSON
Buy your tickets on the door! Get their early to avoid disappointment!
£5 Door- 9-2am
www.thehornstalbans.co.uk

Michael Bundy
‘Verdi’s highly dramatic requiem demands a big choir and orchestra and the St Albans Choral Society will join forces with the City of Canterbury Chamber Choir and the Bushey Symphony Orchestra on Saturday 2nd July to perform the popular world at Bushey Academy at 7.30pm (SACS).’
Under the baton of George Bass, Michael Bundy (baritone), Susie Self (mezzo-soprano), Claire Seaton (soprano) and Paul Badley (tenor) will perform at the concert.
Alison of the St Albans Choral Society says ‘Although it is Verdi’s only large-scale work not intended for the stage, the Requiem is unashamedly theatrical in style, with passages of great tenderness and simplicity contrasting with intensely dramatic sections.’
‘The first performance of the Messa di Requiem took place on 22 May 1874, the first anniversary of Manzoni’s death, in St Mark’s Church, Milan. Special permission had to be obtained from the Archbishop for the inclusion of the female choristers, who were hidden behind a screen and clad in full-length black dresses and mourning veils.’
’ The restrained circumstances and prohibition against applause produced a somewhat muted reaction. In contrast, the second performance three days later, at La Scala Opera House, had a tumultuous reception from the capacity crowd. The Requiem became an overnight sensation, and has been as popular with audiences all over the world ever since.’
Tickets (£16, £1 children)are available from the BSO ticket line 01923 774229. More information on www.choralsociety.com
Note; St Albans Choral Society was established in 1944 and is based in Dagnell St Baptist Church, St Albans.

As we are a community website, we encourage you to think local and choose local. Following are some of our popular local party providers whom I can personally recommend!
LITTLE COOKIES; Having a Little Cookies party involves learning about food, while creating delicious dishes with your friends, all in the comfort of your own home. Owner Francesca Barbour says,”For busy parents, or those whose skills lie outside the kitchen, it’s a trouble-free way to introduce your children to cooking, and no mess for you to clear up!’
Provided for you are, ingredients, equipment, invitations, chef’s hat, apron, recipe sheets ,setting up and clearing away. If this takes your fancy, contact Francesca on
HONEYBEE ARTS / Melissa Caneppelle; Melissa is an artist, craftswoman and facepainter. She will come to your home and deliver any themed activity for the children or paint their faces (kids choose from examples in book). Charges are £35 for first hour (includes materials) and £25 per hour thereafter. Tel;07930 222567 or
www.honeybeearts.co.uk to make enquiries or bookings
POTS OF ART ; This award-winning company is based in Holywell Hill, St Albans (parking best at the Maltings or on London Road Carpark) Choose your piece of pottery from their large range, paint it and collect one week later when glazed. Party bag for all guests. Costs approx £12 per child. Contact 01727 739933 or
info@potsofart.co.uk
ST ALBANS BOUNCY CASTLES; Don’t be misguided by their name because this company supplies everything from Sumo Suits and Combo-Castles to Wigglecars and Bouncy Assault Courses! Their prices start at £50 and the website reviews are good. Freephone 0808 2255300. Info or book on
stalbansbouncycastles@mail.com
WILLOWS FARM VILLAGE; A party at the popular Willows Farm Village would include everything from the party invitation, party host, party take-home bags, a card and voucher for the birthday child, themed party room, hot/cold menu, Woollies Barn and an adult can go free with every paying child! The rate is £15.95 per child. Contact 07801299718 or click on
www.willowsfarmvillage.com
Let us know of other local party providers and we will add them to the above list!
I rarely write posts, but feel I must now. On Saturday 16th Aprill 2011, returning from buying some DIY stuff from Wickes, I foolishly decided to drive home along Highfield Lane. A policeman stepped in front of my car and beckoned me to pull over. He then informed me I was doing 43mph in a 30mph zone. news on me, not a single sign showing the speed limit had changed from 40 to 30mph anywhere along the road. Apparently he had detected my speed from 180 metres away with his speed gun! Now I have a £60 fine and 3 points on my license.
So beware as apparently he is often there on Saturdays, generating more revenue by this underhand and outrageous behaviour. Put up speed cameras, fair enough, you know where you are, but on an unmarked road with no indication of a speed change, it is, to me, tantamount to entrapment. Public sector cuts? In this case one less policeman getting overtime to would be fine by me…..
Anyone else been affected like this, please comment and help warn others.