stalbanslife

St Albans families are in for a huge treat when one of Europe’s biggest circuses comes to town.

The Netherlands National Circus will set up its Big Top at WESTMINSTER LODGE, HOLYWELL HILL for performances from TUESDAY 24th to SUNDAY 29th APRIL.

The huge all-human circus will be in Hertfordshire as part of a major British Tour. The Dutch believe their national Circus company is simply the best – so much so that it’s claimed to be every Dutch child’s dream to star under its magnificent Big Top! The Netherlands National Circus has been the pride of Holland since it was established in 1948. The Circus’s public facilities are more like a portable Theatre than a circus, and the performance standard maintains the high level you’d expect from a respected national institution.

A circus spokesman commented: “It’s marvellous to be on tour here with such a special show. This Circus is from Holland, but the idea of circus performance was a British invention, and the circus is close to people’s hearts everywhere”. He added: “We’re helping families fight back against the cost of living — seat prices are competitive, and travel costs are low because WE come to YOU!

There are no animals, and innovation and quality are at the top of the agenda for the international company of human performers.

The NETHERLANDS NATIONAL CIRCUS 2012 features:

Nice and funny – Clown ANGELO
Princess of Balance DESIRÉE
The FLYING ACES triple-level aerial daredevils
Springboard acrobats the CRETZU TROUPE
Stylish elegance: CAROLINE on the swinging trapeze
DAVID ROBERT defying gravity on the rola-rola
Unique unicyclists THE JACKSON FAMILY

and a full International supporting company in a dazzling show for all the family.

FOR INTERVIEWS AND PHOTOS, contact CHRIS BARLTROP on 07836 573600 / press.here@barltrop.com

The NETHERLANDS NATIONAL CIRCUS performs under the Luxury Theatre Big Top at SAINT ALBANS, WESTMINSTER LODGE (by the Leisure Centre), HOLYWELL HILL AL1 2DL

FromTUESDAY 24th to SUNDAY 29th APRIL
BOX OFFICE on site daily 10am to 8pm, or ring 0844 415 5228
Early bookers’ DISCOUNT at www.netherlandscircus.eu

Pull up your Christmas stockings and polish your baubles; Waiting For Katherine are coming to town! WFK’s sack is bulging with their own riotously enthusiastic, catchy party stompers so head down to The Horn for a thumpingly good romp on the dancefloor, and a night you will never forget! In the space of just one year Waiting for Katherine have taken the local scene by storm, winning the Horn’s Battle of the Bands 17 (and their first heat performance was only their third ever gig!!) They pride themselves on putting on a great live show, with fun being the operative word.

WFK combine sing-a-long choruses with heavy pop-punk riffage and surely the most enthusiastic front man for miles around. A good time is guaranteed, just ask any of their loyal followers!! ?

Support from Richard Bailey + GREG JACKSON

Buy your tickets on the door! Get their early to avoid disappointment!

£5 Door- 9-2am

www.thehornstalbans.co.uk

Future Gardens

If you have children in or around the St Albans area, you may already be well aware of the recently opened Butterfly World in Chiswell Green and the ever- popular Willows Farm Village near London Colney.

BUTTERFLY WORLD PROJECT

Butterfly World is now in Phase III of its £27 M project and has been visited by 25,000 people since it opened just two years ago. The focus for this season is on the lifecycle of the Butterfly and making people aware of how fragile it is. Any schools who would be interested visiting  their education zone can apply via the website. Spread the word…

The children’s playground extension is now completed and suitable for all ages.  This consists of wobbly sheep, willow tunnels, rope bridge and log climbing- frame as well as sandpits. This year the tropical butterfly house is home to 600 species of butterflies!  The wildflower meadows are spectular! Bring a camera along to capture the beauty of the 12 unique Future Gardens (my personal favourite!). And finally, many locals are awaiting the opening of the massive biome (27 acre site designed in the shape of a butterfly’s head) in Autumn 2011.

  See www.butterflyworldproject.com for full information and prices (incl membership) The website also contains good photos as well as the story of how it all came to be. Really worth a look! Enjoy.

WILLOWS FARM VILLAGE

Like Butterfly World, this famous farm village  is both educational and fun yet has a charming atmosphere of its own! Willows started as a working farm and gradually developed into one of the top leisure attractions in Hertfordshire.

It now includes reindeer, wallabies, sheep racing, duck trails, Tristan Tractor Rides,Panning for Gold, fair rides, bouncy castles, Woolly’s Barn (great active fun for a rainy day), lakeside walks, guinea-pigs in dozens (our favourite) and many more attractions as well as good food and coffee.

From 23rd July to 4th  September 2011, the maize is open to all (see website). Parents may be pleased to hear that Activity Day Camps will be available for children at  approx £35 per day (8.30am – 5.30pm). And if you want to have a glimpse into the daily stuff, read the Farmer’s Blog on their flash website. There is even an interactive map on there too!  Note; some activities are seasonal – especially Santa’s visit!!

www.willowsfarmvillage.com

If you have enjoyed your visit to either attraction,  let us know.

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 .