stalbanslife

St Albans Cathedral

This week is special for St Albans Abbey and Cathedral as 4,300 graduates from the University of Hertfordshire will be celebrating their acedemic success there. The ceremonies run from Tuesday 9th  to Friday 12th November.

The University of Hertfordshire has a student community of over 24,500 including over 2,000 international students from at least 85 different countries. This year the honorary awards are recognising Hertfordshire-based Holocaust survivor, Mrs Kitty Hart-Moxon for her commitment to education on the consequences of  ‘discrimination and bullying’.

Also being recognised for an honorary award is Michelle Mone, UK’s most respected business woman and Barbara Follet, the former Stevenage MP.   Mr Philip Waters of UH will be leading the procession and says “For the university, this is always a special time of year as people travel to St Albans from all over the world to take part in this celebration of academic success.”

Visitors are encouraged to use public transport if possible and there will be a shuttle service from Westminister Lodge carpark for those who travel by car.   For more information, contact the University of Hertfordshire on www.herts.ac.uk or St Albans Cathedral on www.stalbanscathedral.org/news/events

You live in St Albans, you are wondering what’s on to entertain you in the evening…..Read on because  we have listed some interesting events for you to choose from!

1) ST ALBANS FIREWORK SPECTACULAR – Verulamium Park – Sat 11th November

This is always an amazing event  and for £10 per family ticket, it’s good value too!

Starts at 7.30 PROMPT, car parking is free and for tickets call 01727 844488

Website; www.alban-arena.co.uk

2) JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR (Andrew Lloyd Webber’s and Tim Rice’s Rock Opera) performed by the great St Albans Operatic Society (SAOS). It takes place in the St Albans Arena, Civic Square, St Albans

Runs from 9^th – 13^th November (7.45pm) with a Saturday Matinee 2.30pm

Phone 01727 844488 or visit www.alban-arena.co.uk  SEATS – £16.50 (£10 for restricted view – a bargain!)

To find out more about the St Albans Operatic Society visit www.saos.org.uk

3) ST ALBANS BACH CHOIR – St Albans Cathedral – Sat 13th November

‘A celebration of Peter Hurford’s Birthday’

This outstanding choir will perform J S Bach’s Magnificat, Cantata no.29 and Motet-Der Geist hilft; Handel’s Organ Concerto op.4 no.4

Andrew Lucas – conductor

Tickets range from $10 – £25. Concert begins at 7.30pm

Website www.stalbanschoir.org.uk or telephone 01582 769608

4) Chekhov’s THREE SISTERS at OVO Theatre, Pudding Lane, St Albans

Directed by St Albans own Imogen De La Bere, this is a new adaptation of an all-time classic set in Russia. It promises a top cast and a fantastic evening’s entertainment with beautiful music!

Runs from 17^th – 27^th November at 8pm. Tickets between £7.50 – £12.50

Book online at www.ovo.org.uk or phone 07807 521436

5) Comedy with HAL CRUTTENDEN at the Maltings Arts Theatre, St Albans

‘The Times’ describes this man as hugely talented, so a good evening is promised.

Friday 12^th November at 8pm. Tickets from £10.50 to £12.50. Phone 01727 844222 or email matlings.arts@stalbans.gov.uk

Butterfly World, St Albans,  will welcome David Bellamy this Sunday 10th October. David, the well-known conservationist, is patron to Butterfly World and will be there in person to meet visitors. David will speak about the decline in the butterfly species and ways that we can help reverse the situation. Maybe it is not all bad news! The Very Hungry Caterpillar will also be wandering around…

David will speak at 2pm and 4pm in the Garden Room (near cafe). While you are there, don’t miss the Tropical Butterfly House and the Future Gardens as they are a wonderful experience. The little shop is great too as it has a vast range of Hungry Caterpillar products.  We would welcome your feedback on your experience of Butterfly World.

Lots more information on www.butterflyworldproject.com

Melissa Caneppele painted masterpieces on children’s faces last Sunday, 26^th September. Melissa was not alone in providing fun for the family. From giant games and circus tricks, to sport activites and rickshaw rides, there was a vibrant atmosphere in St Peter’s Street for the all-important Car-free Event run by the St Albans City and District Council.

The aim is to encourage people to leave their cars at home and try out a different form of transport. If you were short of ideas, there was plenty of inforfmation provided about car-sharing, cycling to work and lots more. The Cycle Campaigners had a ‘bright’ presence with their bikes, information leaflets, Rickshaw and electronic bike. Historic walking tours and bikes races took place and even Dr Bike was there to check your bike for free.

This event coincides with the National Car-free day, 22^nd September. ‘Let World Car-free Day be a showcase for just how our cities might look like, feel like, and sound like without cars…365 days a year.’(www.worldcarfree.net).

The St Albans District Council is committed to achieving a 60% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2025 and thankfully next year they aim to close off St Peter’s Street for the day, from traffic!’

That will indeed be a beautiful, serene sight for our ancient, historic city. If only it could last….

For national information read www.worldcarfree.net

For Melissa’s (Facepainting and Arty Party) website (worth a look!); www.honeybeearts.co.uk or phone 07930 222567

St Albans Liftshare scheme www.stalbanstravel.com