stalbanslife

James Hannaway, owner of the beautifully renovated Rex Cinema in Berkhamsted, is now in the final phase of purchasing The Alpha (previously the Odeon Cinema) in St Albans. It is hoped that the last £100 K will be pledged or donated in the coming week bringing it to a total of £1 million.

James states ‘ The best way to win the race to secure the site is through sponsored chairs. There are 500 seats ‘for sale’ at £1000 a seat! The best news is: we can buy the site with £1 million of real St Albans money, small and huge, and ALL extraordinary. This is a whole city putting its money where its heart is. So perhaps in return, I owe you the will and energy to make it work.’

James’s sensational, art-deco Rex Cinema in Berkhamsted is impressive in every aspect. The comfy red seating, table lamps, the bar, walls-of-great-glory; its elegance would truly suit the ambiance of  St Albans.

Local residents have been concerned that the needs of our teenagers are considered when renovating The Alpha. At present they have to travel to other cities to see movies. How wonderful it would be for the environment and for their finances, if they could stay in their own St Albans. For more information, email therexberkhamsted@googlemail.com or send your cheques to The Rex, High St, Berkhamsted HP4 2FG.

As you all doubtlessly know, there is a campaign, led by JamesHannaway of the Rex cinema in Berkhamstead. Here’s some useful info from James:

“So far in only three weeks since the bank account was opened you have paid in over £100,000. Still cheques only until we have card machines installed. Not long but more than a week. Cheques with full names addresses, emails and WHAT FOR to: The Alpha St Albans (address below). Watch allaboutstalbans.com for updates. A very big apology to those who have gone missing from our answering system. Please contact the Rex again therexberkhamsted@hotmail.co.uk.”

“If all fails before 15 February and the site is bought for development, all your money will be returned in full. Thanks to the extraordinary leap of faith from the one who sent a cheque for £25,000 with just the line: ‘Please acknowledge receipt’.”

Here’s what we’ve raised up to last week… 27 Jan

I was rather hesitant about going to this year’s Christmas Pantomime at the St Albans Arena. For the past few years, I paid over £100 to see the pantomimes with my family and had not come away feeling satisfied. Last night, however, my child and I were enthralled by The Little Mermaid from start to finish. I spoke to other parents who were equally as awed by this show.

Sarah Jane Honeywell was as professional as ever. Her strong voice and pretty looks were perfect for the part of Mermaid. I didn’t anticipate enjoying the 3D effects but as advertised, the technology used is seriously groundbreaking! It was scary, credible, moving and captivating. The experience of being brought through the bottom of the ocean (by Cecil the Seahorse), encountering characters that almost grab you, had me on the edge of my seat.

My favourite character was Long John Silver (also known as Buster). He was engaging and charismatic from the minute he walked on stage. Throwing mischievous glances frequently to the audience, Buster included us from the very start. He has that ‘Michael McIntyre’ sort of wholesomeness about his character and he was so relaxed in the funniest way possible. It came as a complete surprise that this is his first Pantomime!

This show has comedy to suit everyone, outstanding performers with dazzling costumes, incredible 3D effects and top musical entertainment; I would recommend you see this. It does give great value for money especially as you experience good quality on your own doorstep.

A word of warning: Some younger children may find parts a little frightening. It is perfect for ages 5 – 95. And, OH YES, watch out for dear old Churchill!

Extra information;

For tickets and more information, click on www.alban-arena.co.uk or phone 01727 844488.

The show runs twice daily until January 3rd 2010 (except Christmas and New Years Day)

Prices vary from £15 to £20 (group discounts available).

After years of stalled plans and failed planning applications,  St Albans Odeon is now in the hands of James Hannaway – the person who restored the wonderfully successful Rex cinema in Berkhamsted. If the money can be found, there is a fighting chance that we could have the Odeon up and running in similar style. There is nothing the people of St Albans would like better than simply to have their cinema back and this is the chance to do it. Please come to the meeting at the Rex 12:30 pm on Sunday 29 November to find out more and get involved in this great local endeavour.

Click on the image  above to open in a new window and read the full details of the flyer.

The summer holidays are fast approaching – but don’t panic as Willows Farm Village near St Albans is holding their Summer Spectacular event with plenty to keep children busy from the 18^th July to 6^th September.

Willows’ farmer Andrew Wolfe has planted an A-maize-ing Maze – grown completely from maize. Finding your way around the maze is an exciting adventure the whole family will enjoy, but make sure you don’t get too lost and are out in time to take part in some of the other fun activities that are taking place this summer at Willows.

There will be traditional sports day races, including egg and spoon and sack races, with certificates for all children who take part.

Also returning to Willows this year is the fun Summer Panto which takes place in Woolly’s Showtime Theatre with a new show and the popular Sing-a-long-a Woolly sessions which see Farm Village mascot Woolly Willow the Sheep leading children in well-known nursery rhymes.

Outdoors, there are all the farmyard animals to see, and children can let off steam on Woolly’s Workout agility play trail before trying their hand on the new Frisbee Golf course. If the weather takes a turn for the worse, there is still plenty of fun to be had with Willows’ indoor play barn, Woolly Jumpers, featuring active play, ball pools and three exciting slides.

Andrew Wolfe, farmer at Willows, says: “The nice spring weather we have had has allowed the maize maze to grow really well this year – making it harder than ever and even more fun to find your way around!

“Tristan, our Runaway Tractor, helped me with the ploughing and planting of the maize this year but he is rather forgetful and managed to misplace lots of his things in the field. Visitors can help search for Tristan’s lost belongings and fill in a form as they find their way through the maze. We will draw a winner from the completed forms to win a £100 Farm Shop voucher.

“Farms are wonderful in the warm summer months. There is plenty of space to run around, and the animals are all very relaxed and enjoy meeting the children every day. Now is also a great time to come back to the farm and visit the baby animals from the spring – children will be amazed at how much they have grown!”

The Summer Panto shows are scheduled to take place in Woolly’s Showtime Theatre at 11am and 4:15pm daily. Sing-a-long-a Woolly takes place in the sheep show stand at 12:45pm and 2:45pm daily with summer sports day races at 3pm each day.

For the full programme of events and activities visit www.willowsfarmvillage.com or call 0870 129 9718.