stalbanslife

It takes the Japanese to organise an event with such efficiency and ease  in such a short time, as they did last weekend. I am referring to the Japan Tsunami Appeal ‘Stay Strong Japan’ in St Albans. In just a few hours, they managed to raise £14,475.00 with more donations still coming in. They prepared this event in just 5 days!

Marie Otchi, a member of the Japanese Club, said,  ‘Such an amount could only be raised through true community action. Everyone came together, the people in the street, local schools, businesses, associations and churches.We have been encouraged by many kind words and gestures. It’s amazing how people come together at times of tragedy.’

The spirit of their pulling together with positive attitude for an unthinkably sad event was moving in itself. To watch the Japanese ladies buzz about the Jubilee Hall merrily preparing the goods for sale, to see the older members help the children do oragami, to listen to the great  drums, the violinist and taste their homemade sushi all made for a cultural experience in itself.

But sadly, over 4,300 people have died in the disaster and many thousands more are still missing or injured. The costs of rebuiding homes and lives are immense. If you are willing to contribute, please email marieotchi@hotmail.com .

The word Verulam stems from Verulamium (St Albans). You may have noticed this word associated with companies or entertainment all over this city. If not, read on and see who you can support.

Radio Verulam  (92.6 FM) -  St Albans local community radio station  works with local groups and organisations. For details on specialist programmes and opportunities see www.radioverulam.com or email studio@radioverulam.com

Verulam Writers Circle – This local writers’ group meets regularly and welcomes new members.  www.verulamwriterscircle.org.uk or email info@verulamwriterscircle.org.uk

Verulam IT – Quality web design and hosting services; webmaster of this wonderful stalbanslife website!  See www.verulamit.co.uk  or email nigel@verulamit.co.uk

Verulam Electrics – Qualified and reliable electrician based in St Albans. See website for more details www.verulamelectrics.co.uk or contact richard@VerulamElectrics.co.uk

Verulam ASC – St Albans based swimming club which provides training sessions in Marlborough and Westminster Lodge pools. www.verulam-asc.org.uk

Verulam Clinic – Health clinic providing care for adults, children and pregnant women, using both traditional and complementary methods.

www.verulamclinic.com or phone 01727 833100

Verulam Tiles – Located off the London Road,St Albans, Verulam Tiles has a vast collection of tiles and helpful staff. See  www.tile-warehouse.co.uk

B N I Verulam – BNI Verulam operates locally but is part of the larger Business Network International which is a business referral group.  See more information and current vacancies on www.bniverulam.co.uk

Verulam Golf Club – St Albans challenging 18 hole golf course is home to the Ryder Cup and boasts good drainage for all- year-round playing. www.verulamgolf.co.uk

Radio Verulam is Hertfordshire’s first community radio station. They have been broadcasting from their Victoria Street premises since 2007 but will move to new premises on Hatfield Road after Easter. The reception will be much better and reach a wider area.

The station takes pride in being a non-profit organisation and works in partnership with local organisations and community groups. They rely on volunteers and are always happy to welcome new people to join their team.
Elspeth Jackman, a Sunday presenter on Radio Verulam, is passionate about her work. She states,” This is our OWN community radio where local events, travel, people are really important, and anyone can have an input. I’m proud of it, running 24/7, knowing too that nearly all the broadcasters have had professional experience. There’s so many specialist music programmes to fit every taste, and I’d really like to highlight the daily Drive Time shows. I reckon we might be the best local community radio station in the country!’
So turn on and tune in to 92.6FM! A continued support of our local radio station will ensure that we have personal, local and relevant information on all that is happening in our St Albans community.
For further information; phone Phil Richards 07711286488 or www.radioverulam.com for online listening.

For those interested in supporting or volunteering, email studio@radioverulam.com Announcements can be made through administrator@radioverulam.com .