Tourism

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.

Today Pope Benedict XVI has landed in Scotland for the first of a four day state visit to the UK. Although St Albans won't be graced by his presence, many local catholics are set to see him in London.

Alban is a two act community opera involving over 150 performers which has been commissioned by the St. Albans Cathedral Music Trust. It will be given five performances (including a matinee) in St. Albans Cathedral between May 20-24 2009, bringing together a wealth of local talent. Singers, actors, dancers and musicians of all ages drawn principally, though not exclusively, from parish and school choirs across Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire will join a core of experienced professional performers.

The recently proposed "Twenty Is Plenty" (speedlimit) for St Albans is something all drivers might benefit from! The Green Party and St Albans Cyclist Campaign members have asked the council to support this idea, but a county council cabinet member says that the decision would need the support of the full community.

St Albans is covered in a pretty thick blanket of snow. It happens to be one of the busiest weekends of the year with people buying last minute gifts and preparing for parties. Yet the state of the roads make this extremely difficult.

The name Battle Proms comes from the Battle Symphony by Beethoven. On an annual basis, this popular event takes place on the grounds of 400 year old Hatfield House, home of the 7th Marquess of Salisbury.

St Albans Heritage Open Days, September 10th – 13th. Its one thing to read about the history of this city but to do a historic walking tour brings it so alive and will make you proud to be a resident here.

The pretty snowdrops are out and so is the snow! Yes, St Albans is experiencing the familiar sight of snow yet again. Nearby Luton airport has had to cancel many flights due to heavy snowfalls on the runway. However, local schools have remained open.The road conditions are reasonably good, if you manage to ignore the huge potholes! More snow is expected tomorrow night.

Just when parents thought that life was getting back to normal in this first week of the New Year, heavy snowfalls have turned St Albans into a winter wonderland once again. The children of St Albans have just returned to school after their Christmas break but today most of the local schools are closed. It is predicted that they may be shut for a few more days.

The New Year is almost upon us! If you have eaten too much pud and want to get out and about experiencing St Albans life, consider these events;