stalbanslife

St. Albans is rapidly acquiring a reputuation as a good venue for comedy gigs. The Alban Arena frequently gets national names to visit and perform. We now even have our very own comedy ‘festival’ annually, with Laughs in the Park. Now I wouldn’t say it is anywhere near Glastonbury’s exalted position in the national psyche, but as it’s only the second year of existence, it still has time.

Like last year, the main attraction is Eddie Izzard, but this year ably supported by Ross Noble and Tommy Tiernan. The compere duties were given to Ross Noble on the day we attended, which worked well as his surreal take on life enabled him to run with ideas and events thrown at him and then bring back ideas and references into later material.

First of the ‘main’ acts was Tommy Tiernan, one of Ireland’s top comedians, but little known over here. A high energy performer that enjoyed running with ideas at breakneck speed. Lots of laugh out loud moments and an impressive set. The usual topics of family, aging and religion got the Tiernan treatment. He wouldn’t be an Irish comic if he didn’t rip into the Catholic Church. Easy target these days, but he was still able to find a few new twists.

Last up was Eddide Izzard, fast becoming a national institution after his marathon heroics of a couple of years ago and all-round nice guy persona. I saw him back in the 90s when he was somewhat infamous for his cross-dressing and surreal humour. I really like Eddie Izzard, but like his 90s shows, I rarely had laugh out loud moments. Very amusing, but not memorable.

Finally we had the fireworks, withh all the acts wandering through the crowd to get a prime view. They were not disappointed. So overall a good evening out at an event with a lot of potential for the coming years. Food deserves a special mention, varied choices and my burrito was fab. Looking forward to next year already. maybe my namesake Tim Minchin could be added to the bill?

Verulamium Park

February’s weather is cold and dull but  there is plenty on in this city for the family to get out and enjoy. Here are just a few examples but follow the links to find out lots more about each venue.

ST ALBANS ARENA – THE ST ALBANS GANG SHOW 2011

Wed 16th – Sat 19th February 7.30pm (Matinee Sat 2.30pm) Tickets £6-£13

32nd time for this very popular show! Energetic song, dance and comedy by the local guides, scouts and young leaders. Ph Nicola Wells 01727 830397          www.alban-arena.co.uk   for address and more details

MUSEUM OF ST ALBANS – HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES

21st – 24th Feb 10.30am – 12.30pm Theme of Medieval Mayhem Sessions for 6 to 13 year olds. Book in advance at the museum or tel 01727 819340 www.museumofstalbans.co.uk

VERULAMIUM MUSEUM - MEET QUEEN BOUDIKA

26th Feb from 2 – 4.30pm It’s a wonderful experience to listen to Queen Boudika tell her stories and engage the children. Entry FREE for residents. www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk

PLAY IN THE PARKS (Feb Half Term Break)

Play in the parks offers free activity sessions for children 8 yrs and under in parks all over the district! No need to book, just turn up. This year, some of the sessions will be indoors too. Contact Mark Caldwell on 01727 827 667 or lots of interesting information is available for families on www.activestalbans.com

WILLOWS FARM VILLAGE - LAMBING SEASON

21st – 26th Feb. As always, Willows Farm Village has a host of exciting events lined up including new lambs to be enjoyed everyday, Triston the Tractor – rides, Ice Rink, Country Fair Rides and Meet the Shepherd! Click on www.willowsfarmvillage.com for lots more info including times, prices and membership.

TRESTLE ARTS THEATRE – PETER AND THE WOLF

Sun 6th Feb, 2pm and 4pm. Performance of Prokofiev’s musical tale including folk songs, gypsy music and classical favourites. Suits age 3 upwards and runs for 45 mins. Family tickets £25. click www.trestle.org.uk to find out about all the shows running in the coming months and to book tickets.

I love fireworks, simple as that. I can’t get enough of them and the annual display at Verulamium Park is always excellent. Luck favoured the brave and the evening was still and crisp. The rain held off till later in the evening allowing for one of my favourite displays for some years. Here is an image to give a flavour of what we enjoyed. See you there next year…..

St Albans is extremely proud to have the world’s largest butterfly park, which is a £25 m project. Currently known as Future Gardens, it will eventually become Butterfly World.

It consists of 27 acres of land in the green belt area north of the M25 in Chiswell Green, St Albans. There are 12 inspiring gardens which have something for everyone, including The Very Hungry Caterpillar Garden for children. There is the Wildflower Meadows, a tropical butterfly house, a butterfly garden and a café.

Clive Farrell, a lepidopterist (butterfly enthusiast) is the inventor of this project. He has opened butterfly houses in Florida, Switzerland and Stratford-upon-Avon. When finished, the aim is to have 10,000 tropical butterflies of 250 species. These will freely fly under the 300ft-wide, walk through dome.

David Attenborough is concerned about the decline of butterflies in recent years but is delighted that the plants are already flourishing in this new habitat. David Bellamy, the celebrated botanist, is one of the trustees of this project and has already spotted some species of butterflies and bees at the gardens.

One little hiccup to overcome, it seems, is the issue of finding the place! Some signs say Future Gardens and some show a flower. This has caused some complaints but perhaps the stalbanslife readers can let us know how it went for them?

For information on opening times and directions, visit www.butterflyworldproject.com  or email info@butterflyworldproject.com .

This is actually my first ever blog and it is a great honour to be writing it for a website such as stalbanslife, as I consider this city very special and think that the website will reflect all that is good (and sometimes not-so-good) about it.

Yesterday, as I wandered across the Verulamium with two of my children, I wanted to photograph so many aspects of it; the scene of the lake with its swans, the River Ver, the ancient Fighting Cocks Pub, the rise up to the truly magnificent Cathedral (Abbey) of St Albans!

I wonder if everyone has that same connection and sense of belonging that I feel while sitting in the Cathedral. Whether it’s an official event going on or a quiet Saturday afternoon, it gives me a sense of awe. I feel the past meet the present here. When the choirs practice, its like magic in the air from the floors to the ceiling. The Christmas festivities are really worth coming for, if you want to be moved to tears. Personally, I like to ponder on the fact that Rowan Atkinson (Mr Bean) swung across the altar here during the making of Johnny English.

Anyway, the point I want to make is that this majestic city, with its amazing history, its churches, cafes, restaurants, museums, pubs and parks, is good enough to share with the rest of the world. And stalbanslife is hoping to do just that!