Leisure

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.

The Birthday of the Infanta is a special performance which takes place at the Trestle Arts Theatre, St Albans on 2 - 5th March. "Adults and young people alike are invited by the Infanta, the Spanish princess

On a crisp Saturday morning, if you wander down French Row in St Albans, you might find a bearded man wearing a cap and strumming his guitar. In front of him is a sign which reads ‘Leukemia Busters’. I wanted to find out more about this man known as Breezy…

I still have strong memories of watching Abigail's Party on the BBC back in 1977. I was a young teenager and alternately bemused, amused and appalled at what I saw and heard. It left a lasting impression and I have followed the work of Mike Leigh and Alison Steadman ever since. It is not the safest of choices for a local theatre, although it can be hilarious in places, the characterisation is very strong and the reputation of the original production is so strong that any new production has a lot to live up to.

There are hundreds of would-be Sinatras and Bowies roaming the UK and earning a very good living but tribute acts playing the music of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers are a little thin on the ground. Even rarer is a group of musicians who are perfectionists and go to great lengths to recreate the impressive, tuneful rock music created by the singer-songwriter-musician from Gainesville in Florida. Petty died one year ago at the relatively young age of 66 but his music will live on for future generations.

St Albans Cycle Campaign is holding a free meeting – Get ready for winter – on Wednesday 22 November 2017. You can keep cycling throughout the winter if you are prepared for the weather and riding conditions, and make sure your cycle is properly maintained. The main speaker will be Neil Watts of Addiktion Cycles who will demonstrate the basic skills in looking after cycles and preparing them for bad weather.

Every year St Albans holds one of the largest charitable events in Hertfordshire, the St Albans Half Marathon. This year will be no exception.....

Regarded by many as one of the best live bands of the 80s, Sad Café are back. Original members Ian Wilson and bassist Des Tong are joined by long-time associate, singer/songwriter Sue Quin, the exciting vocal talent of Barry James Thomas and lead guitarist Dave Day along with multi-instrumentalist Neil Shaw-Hulme, keyboard player Matt Steele and drummer Bryan Hargreaves to once again perform their catalogue of great songs including the unforgettable Every Day Hurts, My Oh My, Strange Little Girl and many more. Support comes from Sunbirds. The man who once told us he loved us from the bottom of his pencil case, founder Beautiful South member Dave Hemingway returns with his new band.

I've just found time to add a post about the Alban Opera. I must admit to an interest here as I'm singing in the choir. So very busy for the next week with rehearsals and then 5 performances in 4 days.....

Next Saturday, I will be enjoying 'old meets new' when the St Albans Symphony Orchestra, performs a musical journey under their new conducter Bjorn Bantock. The orchestra will play well-known and loved pieces like Dvorak's Symphony No 9.....