Events

The summer of 2014 offers a real treat for cyclists in and around London – whether it’s a gentle amble through the great British countryside, or a more intense sprint with a competitive edge, Bike Events has something for everyone. Bike Events are the UK’s biggest organiser of recreational and sponsored bike rides and they’ve been organising events for over 20 years now. The 2014 calendar is well underway and this year over 50 rides were scheduled to take place.

1st August sees the formal launch of an exciting new website celebrating the ‘living history’ of the Sopwell area of St Albans. Funded by the National Lottery the website, www.sopwellmemories.org.uk, contains stories and photographs contributed by local people, as well as an extensive and increasing archive of oral history interviews with both recent and long-standing residents. It aims to capture memories of living in Sopwell as it changed from a rural farming community to a culturally diverse suburb of St Albans.

After the success of last year’s event, the Grove House Herts Cycle Challenge is back! Join them on Sunday 6th July 2014 and cycle your choice of two fantastic routes – 25 miles or 50 miles – through the scenic Hertfordshire countryside.

'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.'

Butterfly World, St Albans, will welcome David Bellamy this Sunday 10th October. David, the well-known conservationist, is patron to Butterfly World and will be there in person to meet visitors and speak about the decline in the butterfly species.

Rennie Grove Hospice Care is launching its annual Light up a Life ceremonies, which take place across Bucks and Herts during November and December 2016. The non-denominational services offer an opportunity for families and friends to come together and reflect on the memories of loved ones in a supportive and peaceful environment. They are open to everyone, not just those touched by hospice care.

There has never been anything quite like The Red Hot Chilli Pipers, from their formation in 2002 and a cameo appearance at T in the Park in 2004 with the Darkness to opening the main stage in their own right in 2014. The past fifteen years has seen the Red Hot Chilli Pipers become the most famous bagpipe band on the planet…ever! Bagpipes with attitude, drums with a Scottish accent and a show that carries its own health warning. The band’s achievements have reached incredible heights with their groundbreaking fusion of traditional Scottish music and rock/pop Anthems which they proudly call “Bagrock”. The Red Hot Chilli Pipers are a genuinely unique experience.

May 6th almost certainly sees two elections in St Albans. But which way will they go?

A St Albans bookclub have decided to take their friendship one step further; actually it will be a few thousand steps further! This bookclub have not just formed a great bond, but have taken steps to help those around them.

‘Let World Car-free Day be a showcase for just how our cities might look like, feel like, and sound like without cars…365 days a year.’(www.worldcarfree.net).