There is a special gold trophy which weighs 4 pounds, stands 17 inches tall and known to the whole world as The Ryder Cup. Some locals are unaware that its founder, Samuel Ryder, was one of the greatest citizens that St Albans has ever had; as a business man, politician and churchman.
Sam moved to St Albans in 1895 and started a seed business which became successful on a national level. He also set up Heath and Heather (later to become Holland and Barrett) with his brother.For 13 years Sam was a local councillor and was elected Mayor of St Albans in 1905.
Faith played a significant part in his life and the Ryder family were quite involved with the Independant Chapel. Later, when his health was in decline, Sam’s friend Revd. Wheeler (from Trinity Congregational Church) encouraged Sam to take up Golf. Well, we can guess the rest! Sam was club captain 3 times and in 1927 he founded the first official Ryders Cup match between the US and Britian/Ireland.
To commemorate this, St Albans is holding the Samuel Ryder 18 hole Trail for those who want to visit the places associated with his life. There is also a Sam Ryder Exhibition taking place on 26/27 June 2010 at the Comfort Hotel.
Further details about this are on; www.stalbans.gov.uk ; for background history www.stalbanshistory.org and for tour times www.stalbanstourguides.co.uk
It’s official, the Christmas lights of St Albans are switched on! Entertainment and fun started yesterday at noon.By the afternoon, the town centre was filled with hundreds of happy little faces who were all set for the countdown with Santa, Elvis Schmelvis, Sarah-Jane Honeywell and The Little Mermaid Pantomine Stars. At exactly 5.30pm the canon went off shooting glitter into the sky and the lovely lights of St Albans were switched on. This officially starts the shopping season!
Another event worth attending this Christmas, is the Festival of the Trees (05-06 December 2009), organised by The Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust.This is a new event and hopes to be a major fundraiser.It will be held in the Town Hall and 50 decorated trees will be on display. Each tree is exhibited by a charity or group. Children can vote for their favourite tree (the People’s Tree Award). Entertainment will be laid on all weekend and the money raised will go towards the trust’s work. Entry for the weekend is £2.
Email Danielle.porteous@hmwt.org
Phone 01727 858901
St Albans city has had its share of ghosts and spooky tales of bygone days. This year, the St Albans Tour Guides have lined up an exciting week of Ghost Walks suited to all ages.
Below is a list of guided walks for all of you hoping to spot a ghost or two;
Wednesday 28th Oct – 8pm Ghost Walk
Thursday 29th Oct – 8pm Ghost Walk
Friday 30th Oct – 8pm Ghost Walk
Saturday 31st Oct - 4.30pm Verulamium Park Trail (childrens’ walk)
7.15pm Halloween Ghost Walk
7.30pm Halloween Ghost Walk
7.45pm Halloween Ghost Walk
8.00pm Halloween Ghost Walk
8.15pm Halloween Ghost Walk
8.30pm Halloween Ghost Walk
Note; all walks take around 1 – 1.5 hours, cost £3 per adult and £1.50 per child.
For information on November Memorial walks, click on www.stalbanstourguides.co.uk
St Albans Heritage Open Days, September 10th – 13th. Its one thing to read about the history of this city but to do a historic walking tour brings it so alive and will make you proud to be a resident here.
I experienced the historic walking tour, the Abbey Gateway tour, the Ryder Exhibition and the Spicer St Independent Chapel last weekend and would advise, that if you haven’t been before, then look out for the next Open Days and go along to one of the walks or buildings. It’s all free. Elizabeth, the historic walk guide, really knows her stuff and has a great sense of humour!
Visit these sites for more information; www.stalbanstourguides.co.uk www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk and www.st-albans.herts.sch.uk
Have any of you experienced the Historic Open Days? Let us know what you think.
St Albans is bracing itself for its 14th Beer and Cider Festival, held by CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale). This will take place between Wednesday 30th September and Saturday 3rd October 2009 at the St Albans Arena.
Up to 300 different British real ales and 30 real ciders and perries will be available from Britain and countries such as Belgium, Germany, Holland and Australia. Daily brewiana auctions, tombola and quizzes will be held. The Hamsters and the Rhythm n Blues Band will be providing live entertainment.
CAMRA has been campaigning for real ale, pubs and drinkers’ rights since 1971 and has over 100,000 members. Entry to the Festival is free for members.
On a final note; the Europe Brewers Report 2004 states that Real Ale, when consumed moderately, is not a health risk and may substantially reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. Whether that’s true or not, the buzz of the Festival atmosphere must surely be good for the stress hormones!
For more information, click on www.stalbansbeerfestival.com , realales@yahoo.com and.camra@camra.org.uk For those interested in working at the festival, email staffing@hertsale.org.uk
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