THESUMMER 2019 | ISSUE 9 | BROUGHT TO YOU BY BRITAIN’S OLDESTTIMES PUB | YEOLDEFIGHTINGCOCKS.CO.UK

FESTIVAL FEVER LOCAL HERO HE’S BEHIND YOU YOFC hosts YOFC catches Panto legend on Eric Herts’ first-ever up with a Morecambe, Tweenies all-day pub community and being a new dad festival, p3 champion, p4 again, p12 Mandy takes care of business, culture & tourism SOPHIE BANKS REPORTS Thousands descend on city for weekend of festivals IRELESS Save St Albans Pubs campaigner and friend of Ye Olde TFighting Cocks, Mandy McNeil, has won victories in both local and central government over the spring months, since the last YOFC Times was published. As vice-chair of the save St Albans Pubs campaign group, Mandy, who is also the voice of St Albans Taste and Radio Verulam, as well as being CEO of her own insurance and risk management company, Mandy McNeil International, was instrumental in the group THOUSANDS of festival-goers descended on St Albans over the weekend of 22 and winning an award for 23 June to take part in two days of celebrations. These included the annual Alban Campaigners of the Year from Pilgrimage followed by the city’s first-ever Roman Festival. On the Sunday, the Alban CAMRA earlier this year. Street Festival took over the city centre with live music, street performers, theatre, Following that victory, she dancing, amazing food and drink and a strongman challenge brought to the city by won the opportunity to speak Ultimate Strongman, the organisers of Channel 5’s annual UK’s Strongest Man. at parliament on behalf of the campaign, to the parliament select committee investigation holder for business, culture and Alban Weekend, and the Roman Festival, and I’m sure into the impact of business rates tourism. Christo Tofalli, landlord opening of the new Cathedral that will make it an even more on business. More recently, of YOFC, says: “We are very Welcome Centre and exhibition fascinating spectacle”. she was invited to attend the proud of Mandy. She is one of space. In her role as councillor, Christo continued: “Mandy All-Party Parliamentary Beer the hardest working people I Mandy said of this festival: will make a huge difference in Group inquiry into Unlocking have ever met. “The Alban Street Festival St Albans, like she has done Pubs’ Potential. “If Mandy is in your corner, is one of the most exciting with our Save St Albans Pubs And, also in May, she was you can be sure she will throw city-centre events of the year campaign, and St Albans is all victorious in the St Albans local her all into whatever she is doing and attracts huge crowds. the richer for having her bang elections, winning a Sopwell for you and make it a success.” This year, she said, the city the drum for these three vital seat (previously Labour), for the Since Mandy won her seat, was emphasising its “Roman areas of the city.” Liberal Democrats, and being the city has put on a Roman heritage, as the event is being Well done Mandy, we will announced as the portfolio Festival, to coincide with the held during their St Albans drink to that!

If you have a news story for The YOFC Times or are interested in being a YOFC Times partner, email [email protected] THE YOFC TIMES SUMMER 2019 Landlord’s hasty drivel The all-day family-friendly know she is going to smash it, ‘Mandy’s been an festival we held in May was so every day all day. epic that we are only having Someone else who always amazing supporter of another one on 24 August! So smashes it is my good old mate the pub, in fact, all of there’s a date for your diary. Bob Golding, and he’s our Big the pubs in St Albans, I want to say a massive Interview this issue, so sit back, and she’s now your congratulations to Mandy have a pint and a giggle as you portfolio holder for McNeil. This woman is read about what he’s been up Some want to call it editor’s unstoppable! to in his fantastic career, and business, culture and notes, but I’m not having any Mandy’s been an amazing what’s coming up for him this tourism’ of it supporter of the pub, in fact all year (clue: it’s behind you!). the pubs in St Albans, and she’s Finally – just want to say ERE we are again, now your portfolio holder for respect to Stacey who is half (CRUK) and awareness for The summer is in full swing business, culture and tourism way up a bloody mountain in Ollie Foundation – so big up to and the pub and its – three words which basically Africa as I write this (Kiliman- you Stacey and see you for a Hgarden are busy and rocking sum up what Ye Olde Fighting jaro), with the rucksack that the cold bottle of something with all the new live music we Cocks is all about. pub donated to her firmly on fizzy to celebrate when you are putting on with the help of Mandy won the Sopwell seat her back, as she raises mon- come back. Have a banging Empty Events. in the local elections, and we ey for Cancer Research UK summer everyone!

THINGS TO SEE IN QUARTER 3 There’s LOADS going on in the Meraki Festival and Dylans getting involved, this is great outdoors near the pub over 23-25 August, Herts County one not to be missed. the summer! Here’s The YOFC Showground pubintheparkuk.com/st-albans Times pick ... This popular family-friendly summer festival returns for a third year and St Albans Food and Drink Festival JULY takes place at the Herts County 25-29 September UK’s Strongest Man Festival, Showground and is unique in that, The St Albans Food & Drink Festival 26th – 28th July once you’re in, all activities are free. is now in its 12th year, showcasing Athletics Ground, Verulamium Park There’s dancing, a fairground, the fantastic range of food, drink and This huge event is once again comedy, magic, movies, lego, even produce available throughout the being filmed for Channel 5, and is a free festival glitter!! And of course St Albans District. The festival starts weekend of fun with free children’s lots of music, which this year on 23 September with the St Albans activities, music and plenty of local includes Judge Jules, Paul Young Food & Drink Awards being held in food and drink, while watching in- and The Shires. the St Albans Museum + Gallery. credible feats of strength. merakifestival.com CAMRA Beer & Cider Festival kicks Who will win the title this year of off on Weds 25 September at the UK’s Strongest Man? Ye Olde Fighting Cocks all-day Alban Arena. A great Feastival Event Family tickets start at just £10 per festival, 24 August on Sunday 29 September will set person, plus booking fee. The all-day festival in May was so St Peter’s Street ablaze with street Tickets available from successful that Ye Olde Fighting food, demonstrations and general eventbrite.co.uk Cocks is doing it all over again! frivolity! Plus two weeks of events, Music, food, family fun – be there. activities, workshops, dinners and AUGUST yeoldefightingcocks.co.uk deals run through until 7 October. Much Ado About Nothing enjoystalbans.com/event/st- 1 and 2 August, Inn on the Park, SEPTEMBER albans-beer-cider-festival-2019/ Verulamium Park, St Albans Pub in the Park, 13-15 September Open-air theatre at its best! The Verulamium Park, St Albans TimeTurn: St Albans Vintage Retro cast of nine delivers a 90-minute brings his foodie Festival 22 September performance of William festival to Verulamium Park over This retro festival takes the city back Shakespeare’s brilliant comedy, the weekend of 13 -15 September. in time with each street themed to a preceded with a director’s talk With TV chefs such as Matt Tebbutt different era with a variety of activities and an exciting fun interactive and showcasing their for the public to enjoy. In partnership session with the audience. cooking skills and music from Will with Heritage Open Days, music, dramaimpact.com/much-ado- Young, Tom Odell and Razorlight, as food and fashion will all play their about-nothing-the-tour/ well as our very own Phil Thompson part in the festival. stalbansbid.com THE YOFC TIMES SUMMER 2019

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E Olde Fighting Cocks has unveiled plans to host the pub’s second Yall-day music festival after more than 800 people partied in the pub and garden at the first festival in May. The festival, organised for the pub by Empty Events, was Hertfordshire’s first all-day pub festival and was such a success, the organisers will he hosting another festival on 24 August, a bank holiday weekend. More than 20 bands and artists 800 rock up to pub’s performed across two stages at the festival. The event also helped to raise awareness for first all-day festival The OLLIE Foundation, a local charity that funds suicide inter- at the venue over the last few And, YOFC is now also including an Octoberfest party vention skills training for adults months and bands are starting introducing live music to the and a winter wonderland in the working with young people. to come from the surround- final Saturday of every month. garden in December.” The festival is part of a new ing counties, even as far as Owain Page, founding direc- YOFC would like to hear energy surrounding YOFC’s Cambridge. The pub has also tor of Empty Events said: “The from bands or musicians keen live music offering, which also enlisted the help of Kaspar idea is that we turn the YOFC to play at the gigs. To apply includes the new Friday Open Rapkin, a local blues guitarist, into a mini music venue, where to perform on Friday nights, Mic nights at the pub, which who will be helping to run the bands and musicians have the drop Empty Events an email on are proving very popular. Some Friday nights as well as a new chance to gain exposure. We [email protected] incredible artists have played Open Mic night on Tuesdays. also have other events planned emptyevents.com

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For young people with outstanding talent in Acting, Musical Theatre, Dance or Commercial Music Outstanding academic OPEN DAYS education offering GCSEs 4, 10, 11 October and 23 A Level options www.tringpark.com/opendays www.tringpark.com [email protected] or tel. 01442 824255 Image: gentlevisions.co.uk Tring Park School is a registered charity No. 1040330 THE YOFC TIMES SUMMER 2019 ‘Love where you live’ In the first of a new sure they have clean clothes, series of features on toiletries, sleeping bags and Local Heroes, Sophie hot food and drinks. But the Banks catches up with biggest thing we have done is St Albans resident and got to know them and we have community champion helped some back into their Sharon Linney own homes.” Why is she so passionate F YOU live in or near about St Albans? “My mantra St Albans, unless you have is #lovewhereyoulive,” she been living under a rock – says. “If you don’t like it, get Ior are not on social media – off your arse and do something you will know the name about it. We are blessed to live Sharon Linney. Sharon is in such a beautiful place.” synonymous with the mantra Shelly Henderson Credit: She cites the travel links, the #Lovewhereyoulive in St countryside, and “the lovely Albans, and boy does she on one of the biggest local which, she says was “set up by pubs and restaurants,” the practise what she preaches. Facebook groups, St Albans passionate, caring individuals Abbey and museum. But most An active supporter of the Past and Present Memories. who just could not walk on by”. of all, she says: “I love St city, its events, its attractions But, far from remaining behind “We had to do something. So Albans because we have such and its people, Sharon helps her laptop, she also gets stuck we set up the group and we fill a strong sense of community.” spread the word about all the in with community projects and the gap between the services And she should know: she is at things going on. In today’s in particular cares deeply about Open Door and Centre 33 the very heart of it. lingo, she’s what we’d call an the plight of the homeless. provide. Not everyone wants To find out about St Albans “influencer” and is the queen of She’s part of the force behind to go into these centres, for Action for Homeless, go to social media – she is an admin St Albans Action for Homeless, their own reasons so we make actionforhomeless.co.uk

By Patrick Barlow based on the Hilarity on novel by General 'Lew' Wallace a Biblical scale!

5-13 july 2019 Box Office: 01727 857861 Main Stage www.abbeytheatre.org.uk This amateur production of Ben Hur is presented by special arrangement with SAMUEL FRENCH LTD THE YOFC TIMES SUMMER 2019

ANGIE CRONIN REPORTS TV comedians HE popular TV chefs headline city’s James Martin, Matt ‘Love where you live’ Tebbutt and Angela comedy night THartnett will be joining Tom ST ALBANS’ comedy scene Kerridge at the Pub in the Park has received an injection of festival in St Albans this year. activity over the last few years The three-day food and music with the launch of comedy club event, which is taking place in HatsOffComedy, which has Verulamium Park from 13-15 been bringing top-class September, will also see model comedians to St Albans. and publican Jodie Kidd The brainchild of St cooking up a storm with some Albans residents Andrew Ryan, of her mouth-watering dishes Michael O’ Shea and Penny from the menu of her gastro TV chefs join Rainford, the comedy nights pub The Half Moon Inn. have been a hit with comedy Martin, who hosts Saturday lovers in the city. “Don’t be Morning with James Martin on surprised if you haven’t heard ITV will be demonstrating his festival line-up of us,” said Rainford, “our cooking skills by bringing his shows sell out so quickly we signature dishes to life at the the Kings Arms and Thompson and The Christians. There barely get around to advertising festival’s Friday session and St Albans are both featured will be plenty of activities the dates.” Tebbutt, who hosts restaurants at the event. to keep children entertained The organisers have been Saturday Kitchen on BBC1 Alongside the impressive too including a cinema tent, a enticing some big-name acts to will be demonstrating his at the food and drink line-up that kids’ kitchen, arts and crafts the city such as Andy Parsons, festival’s Sunday session. will also have a wide range of and giant outdoor games such Andy Askins, Zoe Lyons and St Albans own chef Phil pop-up pubs, restaurants and a as Connect4 and Jenga. Rosie Jones. They have also Thompson from Thompson St shopping village, the festival Tickets for the Saturday of hosted the city’s first comedy Albans will also be taking part will feature some of the UK’s the festival have sold out, but festival earlier this month. in the cooking workshops and most famous rock and pop there is still availability for HatsOffComedy’s next gig is demonstrations at the Saturday stars including Tom Odell, Friday and Sunday. on the 20 September and tickets evening and Sunday afternoon Razorlight, , The pubintheparkuk.com/ are on sale now. sessions. And both Dylans at Rifles, Toploader, Stereo MCs st-albans hatsoffcomedy.co.uk Is your Conservatory too hot in the summer and too cold in the winter?

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PARTNER FEATURE Making space for CASE STUDY JPA was tasked with a greener future project managing the relocation of a When it comes to putting business in Redbridge. the environment first in This included space business, JPA Furniture planning and design of really is a company that the new workspaces, practises what it dismantling and preaches. Angie Cronin transporting existing has a chat with commercial furniture, supplying and director Fiona Edwards moving crates to the new to find out about its location, specifying, award-winning delivering and installing recycle, refurbish and the new items, and, rehome strategy rehoming and recycling any unwanted furniture. PIONEERING St JPA Furniture ensured Albans-based company that all of the furniture at has a lot to shout about the Redbridge company’s Aafter adding another award to its original office was trophy cabinet last month. rehomed in the JPA, which employs 27 staff community with no in its St Albans HQ, won the Created by JPA, workspace that caters for a variety of furniture going to landfill. Green Award 2019 at the individual work styles and preferences The furniture was Inspiring Hertfordshire rehomed across several ceremony recently for its efforts This maximises all existing don’t know what to do with organisations including: at putting sustainability and the items, meaning nothing their furniture once they no Rothamsted Research, environment at the heart of its else has to be made or longer need it. Nothing Emmaus, ShopMobility operations, as well as saving manufactured, and once this has goes to landfill.” Marlowes, Community businesses more than £350,000 been addressed, only then do JPA have rehomed over Action Dacorum and over the last five years. we address the specification and 3,500 items locally in the last Isabel Hospice. The family business has supply of new furniture items. five years, and recycled another This project saved 6.3 carved out an excellent “Our repair and maintenance 20,000 items, that’s more than landfill tonnes, £16,071 reputation, over 45 years, for services provide furniture 390 landfill tones saved, with for the client in furniture supplying new furniture to solutions and solve office community furniture savings reuse, and equated offices, education and furniture headaches, saving time in the region of £350,000 – no to £8,630 in furniture healthcare environments, and money in a variety of mean achievement. donation to the but recently has also ways such as resetting task JPA’s workplace assessments community. developed a range of services chairs for users who aren’t also help companies to increase that saves organisations money comfortable anymore, their operating efficiency, and helps reduce their carbon supplying spare parts and streamline communication and we are better able to respond footprint as well. replacement keys, advising on workflow and improve their quickly. Locality also means “The core of our business is fire and health and safety, spaces for optimal results. They more effective networking of new office furniture supply and compliance, repairs and also create 2D and 3D design organisations to help us find solutions,” says commercial refurbishment, not renders of sample rooms so homes for rehoming.” director Fiona Edwards, “but forgetting collection for that clients can really visualise And, as JPA’s green vision we begin each project by end-of-life recycling when old what their furniture office space continues to grow, it looks like assessing whether our clients furniture is simply no longer could look like and experiment the company may need to get a really do need new furniture in needed and just in the way. with different layouts for peace bigger trophy cabinet – but will the first instance. We provide “We help at every step of the of mind before committing to it be a new or preloved one? full workplace assessments on way – pre-purchase, in-use and final purchase. The locality of existing furniture, and work when no longer needed – with JPA’s offering is key. “Because • The one-stop furniture with clients to see if and how our hallmark of value through our operation is local to our shop has a newly launched existing items can be repaired, sustainability. Our end-of-life client base, our resources are website demonstrating the refreshed, reupholstered, relo- reuse and recycling schemes where our clients are, so fleet breadth of their services. cated or reconfigured for con- provide a much-needed service miles and emissions are reduced www.jpa-workspaces.com tinuing use in the new scheme. for organisations who simply whilst service levels higher as tel: 01727 840800 THE YOFC TIMES SUMMER 2019 UK’s Strongest Man returns to city

ANGIE CRONIN REPORTS absolutely huge and could cause a real upset at the finals. HE excitement is The line-up is phenomenal, starting to build as and fans can once gain look St Albans gears up to forward to what promises to be Thost the UK’s Strongest Man a nail-biting finale.” competition from 26-28 July The competition kicks off on with the finalists for the contest the Friday with 16 finalists but being unveiled after three this number is whittled down months of cruelling qualifying to eight by the finals day on rounds reached their conclusion. Sunday, when the remaining Paul Bad Boy Benton won strong men will go head to head Scotland’s Strongest Man to be crowned UK’s Strongest last month to secure his place Man 2019. alongside Wales’s Strongest The family friendly, three-day Man Mark Jeanes, England’s festival is once again being Strongest Man Gareth Blake filmed for Channel 5, and is a and reigning UK and Ireland weekend of fun, food and live champion Pa O’Dwyer. music with free children’s An achilles injury has forced activities. The team from Ye former UK, European and Britain’s Strongest Man, the is one of the biggest strongmen Olde Fighting Cocks will be World Champion Laurence Lancashire Strongman Graham in the world. He won England’s serving up lunch and dinner to Shahlaei to pull out of the event Hicks. Graham wrote himself Strongest Man in front of 7,000 VIP guests and athletes. after he vowed to regain his into the history books in April fans in Telford earlier this year. Tickets can be bought for each UK’s Strongest Man title when when he lifted a new British The five-times UK’s single day, or for the whole he lost it to Pa O’Dwyer last Log Lift record. He raised an Strongest Man Glenn Ross was weekend. Family tickets start year at the three-day festival of impressive 214kg, almost 34st. full of praise for the newcomer. at just £10 per person, plus strength in Verulamium Park. And new on the scene is the “Gareth is like the new Giant booking fee. Shahlaei will be replaced by 6ft 7in giant Gareth Blake, who Haystacks,” he said. “He is ultimatestrongman.tv/ Enjoy some park life this summer WAFTS of suntan lotion fill within walking distance of the air and everyone’s praying Letchworth Garden City. Some for a sunny affair. The shorts 63 acres of grass and woodland are at the ready, the ice creams are waiting to be explored and are held steady, and people are the tennis courts and pool are raring to get outdoors and enjoy calling on those hot days. the sunshine. So, what better way to enjoy summer than to Cassiobury Park spend time discovering An absolute favourite for its Hertfordshire’s open spaces. sessions in the bandstand, this park has been voted one of the Verulamium Park top 10 parks in the UK. When Nestled in St Albans City, the weather gets a little balmy, Verulamium Park should be on the paddling pools and water your shortlist for picnicking. features are a welcome treat. This park will also appeal to history buffs as it’s named Fairlands Valley Park after the Roman city on which This is a park for those who it stands, and you can find the just can’t sit still. With a sailing artefacts found in the grounds centre and 20 acres of open in the museum in the park. water, it’s safe to say you can soon clock up those nautical Norton Common miles. If you fancy a canter, the Stroll into this hidden gem and horse and pony route takes in you’d never guess you were some of the best of the parkland. THE YOFC TIMES SUMMER 2019

PARTNER FEATURE To marry or to cohabit: that is the question Sherrards is a leading law firm based in St Albans and , offering a broad range of legal services to support businesses and private individuals across the UK and internationally. Many of the company’s solicitors are leaders in their fields and have a reputation for delivering high-quality legal services based on excellence, which includes providing fully tailored solutions, based on a commitment to understanding their clients and their businesses. In the first of a series of Your Life and the Law features, Donna Payne, Senior Solicitor and Mediator at Sherrards, looks at whether it is better for couples to cohabit or get married.

OHABITEES are at a serious disadvantage to married families on Cseparation. A number of issues can arise. An unmarried partner who stays at home to care for children cannot make any claims in their own right for property, maintenance or pension-sharing. Cohabiting couples are not legally obliged to support each other financially, but married partners have a legal duty to support each other. If you are the unmarried partner of a tenant, you have no rights to stay in the accommodation if you are asked to leave, but each married partner has the right to live in the “matrimonial home”. Cohabitees also have no automatic inheritance rights. If one cohabiting partner dies without leaving a will, the surviving partner will not serious tax disadvantage left to a spouse or civil partner death, is not available to automatically inherit post death. which is 100% exempt from cohabitees passing assets to their anything – unless the couple Inheritance tax can be a major inheritance tax. In addition, the children. So be warned, and act jointly own property. problem for cohabiting couples. surviving spouse/civil partner early. Things can be done to A married partner would Cohabitees with property and can “inherit” the other party’s reduce the negative impact. inherit all of the estate, if there other assets with a combined nil-rate band, meaning the full It is important for everyone to are no children. Where there value of more than £650,000 £650,000 can pass to other make a will and make are children, the first £250,000 face an inheritance tax (IHT) beneficiaries, such as children, arrangements to be as tax personal items and half the charge if one party dies. on the death of the second efficient as possible but it is remainder of the estate, with This is because unmarried spouse/ civil partner. imperative for non-married the balance being shared partners can only pass assets up This transfer of the nil rate partners to get their affairs in between the children. to the value of the nil-rate band band is not available to order – or maybe this article Cohabiting partners cannot of £325,000 free from unmarried couples. will lead to a number of hasty access their partner’s bank the imposition of inheritance In addition, the new proposals? A word to the wise account if they die, whereas tax. Everything that passes Additional Residence Nil Rate though – do not mention married couples may be from one partner to the other Band, potentially giving inheritance tax planning allowed to withdraw the above that sum is taxed at 40% married couples and civil advantages during the course balance providing the amount is of that value. partners additional exemptions of the proposal. small. Cohabitees are also at a Compare this with anything of up to £300,000 on the second sherrards.com THE YOFC TIMES SUMMER 2019 Sean Lock leads comedy line-up Football club seeks new SOPHIE BANKS REPORTS Carol Decker, Garry Christian, and kit sponsors RAB your glitter and much more. find your festival togs Festival founder ST ALBANS Ladies FC is on – Meraki is back for its Kerry Marks is proud the lookout for new sponsors Gthird year. of the festival as the club prepares to launch a The three-day St Albans credentials. “Meraki new football kit. music, comedy and family is the UK’s only The club’s first team finished festival is hitting the Herts family festival where runners-up in the league cup showground from 23-25 all activities are free,” final and third in the league and August and has announced the she said. “This means have already started pre-season inimitable comedian Sean Lock that once you walk training as they look to start the as the comedy tent headliner. through the gates, you new season in a strong position. Best known for being a team don’t have to spend a Club secretary Michelle captain on Channel 4’s popular penny on the Chandler said: “We would panel show 8 out of 10 Cats activities, which be thrilled to speak to any and 8 out of 10 Cats Does include the businesses with a sponsorship Countdown, Sean is one of the fairground, budget. We can promote our best-loved comics in the UK workshops, free sponsors through social media, and will be headlining circus training, display banners at our home the comedy tent on Saturday face-painting, ground and weekly write-ups in 24 August. (Please note this is movies, the Herts Advertiser paper.” an adult-only show and it magic, archery The football club is also starts at 4pm). climbing, caving, looking to recruit new players Meraki also has a fantastic laser tag … there’s lots to do.” party pass – there is something for its under 18s team. music line-up again this year, You can buy a ticket for the to suit everyone. If you are interested in which includes The Shires, whole weekend, with For more information becoming a sponsor or trialling Judge Jules and a live 10-piece camping, a one-day ticket for go to the website at with the under 18s, email band, Carwash, Paul Young, any of the days, or an evening merakifestival.com [email protected]

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STUDENT from London Colney is part of a choir that has Awon the much-coveted BBC Songs of Praise Senior School Choir of the Year 2019 competition for the second time in four years. London Colney student Stephanie Costi, 18, who is a Stephanie Costi (above) pupil at the prestigious Tring and the Tring Park 16 Park School for the Performing (right) Arts, is a member of the Tring Park 16 Chamber Choir, who were crowned BBC Songs of incredible, once-in-a-lifetime the choristers, but we all felt Tring Park School is both a Praise Senior School Choir of experience for me. I am truly the pressure of maintaining the day and boarding school for the Year 2019 last month. honoured to have been a part school’s record. students aged 8 to 19.and a The final saw the Tring Park of this amazing opportunity “The choristers are number of students from St School chamber choir, also alongside my friends.” incredibly passionate about Albans attend the school. known as the Tring Park 16, Talking about the Tring Park their singing, and were Alongside a broad academic impress the judging panel with 16’s success Songs of Praise determined to do their best. I curriculum, the school offers their performance of ‘Steal series producer Matthew Napier couldn’t have asked more from courses in dance, acting and Away’. The judges included: said: “Tring Park delivered them and I feel honoured and musical theatre to children up vocal coach and TV presenter the quality of sound, the vocal proud to work with such to the age of 16. Sixth Form Carrie Grant; JB Gill from the technique and the all-important amazing young people.” students are able to study acclaimed boyband JLS; and wow factor. They are deserved Tring Park School has a Acting, Musical Theatre the tenor Russell Watson. winners – again!” glittering alumni for the and Commercial Music up to Talking about taking part in Reflecting on the choir’s students to be inspired by. age 18 while dancers the competition, Stephanie, success, Tring Park director These include: Daisy Ridley can take a three-year course, who has been a student at Tring of music Liz Norriss said: (Star Wars: The Force graduating at age 19. Open Park School since she was 11 “Having won the competition Awakens and The Last Jedi); days for 2020 admissions are and prior to that attended the back in 2016, I was thrilled the Lily James (Mamma Mia taking place on 4, 10 and 11 Fair Field Junior school in choir were able to represent Here We Go Again and October. From September, the Radlett, said: “Competing in the school again by winning a Disney’s Cinderella); and school will be running buses the Senior School Choir of place in this year’s semi-final. Jessica Brown-Findlay (Down- from Tring railway station to the year competition was an It was a brilliant experience for ton Abbey). the school. tringpark.com Stacey achieves Pupil to perform at Fringe Kilimanjaro goal A STUDENT from St Albans is set to make her debut at the LOCAL mental health Edinburgh Festival Fringe in August. awareness campaigner Stacey Victoria Beavis, 17, who was a pupil at Marlborough Science Turner has accomplished her Academy until last June, will be taking to the stage at PQA Venues ambition to climb Mount @Riddle’s Court to perform in Three by playwright Harriet Braun. Kilimanjaro and raise the The play focuses on the lives and loves of six teenagers during a profile of the It’s OK To Say long, hot summer. Victoria is a first-year student at The campaign as well as funds for Pauline Quirke Full-Time Academy of Performing Arts in Cancer Research UK at the Islington, London’s newest full-time theatre school, studying for a same time. Stacey, a children’s author and anxiety specialist, Diploma in Performing Arts. The academy was set up by TV star teamed up with the Herts Ad to launch the It’s OK To Say Pauline Quirke, best known for her role as Sharon in the popular campaign to encourage people of all ages to speak out about TV series Birds of a Feather. Victoria will be performing at the mental illness. Speaking to The YOFC Times shortly after she Edinburgh Festival Fringe alongside other students from th reached the summit, Stacey said: “Before you even begin to full-time drama school in the play Three. climb up to the summit, you endure days of rough sleeping, the Victoria said she was “extremely excited to be performing at the effects of altitude, poor appetite, pain and exhaustion. Suffering Edinburgh Festival”. both physically and mentally along the way, I used every tactic I “It is such an amazing opportunity and experience to be able to could think of to override the pain. I was determined and I’m so share with my friends.” grateful for the support which I carried with me. It will always Students looking to pursue a career in the performing mean so much.” arts, should go to pqacademy.com/full-time-academy/ THE YOFC TIMES SUMMER 2019 Telling the story of Britain’s first Saint SOPHIE BANKS REPORTS DID YOU KNOW? • St Albans Cathedral T ALBANS Cathedral has became a cathedral in unveiled its new 1877, before which it visitor centre and was a church of the old Sexhibition area after many years Benedictine Abbey, which of planning and building work. is why locals call it the The new centre is part of the Abbey. Alban, Britain’s First Saint • Much of its architecture project, a once-in-a-lifetime dates from Norman redevelopment opportunity times, and the Norman funded by the National Lottery tower was built in 1077 Heritage Fund and more than using recycled Roman 1,000 donors. Craig Shepheard Credit: bricks from Verulamium. The aim of this project was to • It is the only 11th-century build a new visitors’ (Welcome) in a national and international programme of events and by great crossing tower still centre, connecting the Norman context. There are also new the time this goes to print, the standing in England Cathedral with the 20th-century displays, trails, artefacts and Cathedral will have had its • Alban was Britain’s first Chapter House. audio visuals allowing visitors annual Alban Pilgrimage, a new saint and lived in In addition to the building of to explore the Cathedral and London to St Albans Pilgrimage Verulamium. He was the Welcome Centre and its manuscripts and some of its and a nine-day Roman-themed beheaded on the spot refurbishment of the Chapter hidden spaces. Children can also festival. So, whether you are a where the Cathedral House, a new exhibition area enjoy new activities, regular at the Cathedral, or have stands, after sheltering a transforms the way in which including brass rubbing, never been before, this summer priest from soldiers and the Cathedral tells the story of dressing up and explorer is a good time to visit. becoming a Christian, in Alban, featuring a timeline that backpacks. The transformation The Cathedral is open daily around the year 300. brings his story to life and of this part of the Cathedral and free to enter. Please check stalbanscathedral.org places St Albans’ local history enables a more dynamic the website for opening times. THE YOFC PAPER SUMMER 2019 The Golding boy of St Albans panto Sophie Banks catches up with Bob Golding to chat Bob, second right, and the panto cast for 2019, about an incredible acting including, from left, Jemma Carlisle, Andy Day, career that has included Rita Simons and Ian Kirkby Olivier Awards, performing for the Queen, voicing Thomas the Tank Engine’s friends Stephen and Sidney, and being a Tweenie!

OB Golding is a local legend. He is the undisputed star of the BAlban Arena’s annual panto for which he picked up an award (for Cinderella!) at the 2019 Great British Pantomime Awards earlier this year. And he also won the Best Actor award at the St Albans Film Festival in 2017 for his portrayal of Eric Morecambe in short filmThe Last Laugh. But St Albans people might be surprised to know about his long and illustrious career in acting, on both stage and screen. Bob is also a lovely guy: modest and wonderful company (so funny – he has me in stitches) and a firm friend of Ye

Olde Fighting Cocks, and is Paul Clapp Credit: often to be found having a laugh with Christo at the bar. Alban Arena panto, they’re routine involving a lot of You have recently become a incredibly loyal and most water and Kirkby and I, and the father again! Massive Hi Bob, let’s get panto out the importantly of all, they get wonderful West End star Lisa congratulations to you and way early on! involved! That’s what panto is Davina Phillip. What’s not to Nikki on the arrival of the Congratulations on your na- all about. They’re the best, so I love! Book now. beautiful Nella! I have never tional award – everyone in St know they won’t be seen such cute pictures of Albans would agree that it’s disappointed with this year’s How did you become the papa a baby as I have on your well deserved. I have recently line up in Sleeping Beauty. of panto in St Albans? Instagram account! How seen you in the local paper We have some well-loved Hahaha! Well, after a few years has it been? Are your other launching this year’s panto – returning stars including the touring a one-man play about children thrilled with their what is it and who’s in it? brilliant Jemma Carlisle, my the late great Eric Morecambe, new sister? That’s very kind of you thank dear pal and all round ace Evolution Pantomime producer I’m very proud of Nikki, Nella you. As most panto-goers actor, Ian Kirkby, Andy Day Paul Hendy approached my and my three older children, know, it’s not really about one is coming back too, straight agent asking if I’d like to be in Georgie, Lilly and Ernie are the performer in panto, it’s the after his latest Cbeebies series panto at the Alban Arena. That absolute best things/people whole team of people present in and our very own foxy Roxy was 2010 and I’ve not looked nutters in my life and the love the room at the time, especially Rita Simons is our evil fairy back since. Next year will be they all have and show each the 876 people watching it. So, Carabose also returning after a my 10th in St Albans. Aaaghh! other makes me swell with as lovely as it is to receive an crazy couple of years touring Where do the years go? So yes, pride daily. Georgie, Lil and accolade like a Great British with various theatre pieces and it’s all Mr Hendy’s fault. Ern could not be happier having Pantomime award, I can’t let it of course her stint in the jungle He is also one of the most a new baby sis....Plus they are all be mine. eating animal genitals. dedicated producers I have the best baby sitters. Haha! As We have such a fantastic A couple of secret weapons ever met. It’s a joy being part of well as my awesome in-laws audience every year at the too in a totally new slapstick his and Emily’s Panto family. Mick and Aly who are legends. THE YOFC PAPER SUMMER 2019 The Golding boy of St Albans panto

Bob as Eric Morecambe with Eric’s son Gary at the statue to the comic legend in Morecambe

You have had the most varied People don’t realise what goes and how it came about. career of any actor I know. into such productions, but I could talk about Eric What was it like to be a suffice to say it paid off. Baftas all day I really could. Tweenie?! and NTAs etc, but mostly, the I was always an “Varied” works for me. I think public’s response to it was enthusiastic fan of any actor would want varied as overwhelming. It was a show vintage comedy it keeps it all fresh and exciting with heart and I think it really growing up. My and stimulating, like any good set a standard for children’s parents would find me art should be. Believe it or not, television the likes of which with those massive we spent four years filming had not been seen. I’m grateful 1970s headphones on Tweenies ( 20 years ago this and proud of my involvement listening to classic year) and it all seems a lifetime in Tweenies. They should bring comedy in my room ago, but what a fab job to land. it back! as a young lad, I voiced the characters Milo everything from and Max and a pretty large You were nominated for an Will Hay and Laurel team of real pros came Olivier for your portrayal of and Hardy to The together under the guidance Eric Morecambe in the one Goons, Arthur Askey of the creators Iain Lauchlan man play Morecambe, which and of course Eric and Ernie. and Will Brenton. Composers, ran at the Duchess Theatre in I approached a small group of basis of the play Morecambe. actors, puppeteers, 2010 (the play actually won pals in the industry to write and The story of Eric’s life. Tim animatronic technicians, an Olivier). That must have create a one man play for me Whitnall (the playwright) designers, carpenters, been an incredible career to take to the 2009 Edinburgh disappeared for a few days and electricians, prop makers, highlight! Tell us about your Fringe Festival and we all put came back with the first 10 directors. The list goes on. passion for Eric Morecambe our heads together to form the pages, and before we knew it, ST. ALBANS VERULAMIUM PARK 13-15 SEPTEMBER 2019 THE BIGGEST CELEBRATION OF GREAT FOOD, AWARD WINNING PUBS, MICHELIN-STARRED CHEFS AND LIVE MUSIC

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I was on stage alone performing a full play to the public and more terrifyingly, the friends and family of the great man. It was a nerve-wracking time, but led onto the West End run, the two Olivier award nominations and the win. What an honour. I have the award all shiny and polished at home. I even went on to perform as Eric at the Royal Variety Performance and met the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh. I shared a dressing room with all the other comics on the bill including, Roy Walker, , Paddy McGuinness, Adam Hills, Hal Cruttenden and Paul Zerdin, and we shared the bill with Bette Bob and his wife Nikki Midler, Lady Gaga, Whoopi on their houseboat that Goldberg, Michael Bublé, they call home in Bedford Diversity and more. A surreal marina day to remember. All a bit of a whirlwind, but the real honour of the play’s journey was meeting and favourite subject ! It’s heaven. move back tomorrow. Do you embarrasses himself almost becoming close friends with I wouldn’t move back into a think they’d let me plonk it into daily doesn’t he? But he’s one Eric’s family. Joan, Gary, Gail, house now if you paid me... the lake at Verulamium park? of the best fellas I know and Stephen and all the family well maybe if it was lots of We’d be no bother really. we are lucky to have him at the members have been so money – haha! Fighting Cocks. He did all the ST. ALBANS incredibly supportive and We have been living on a big Every time I see you, you food for our wedding VERULAMIUM PARK loving which has truly touched ole boat for four years and we seem to be super happy. you know? It was superb. my heart. Being involved with love it; in fact we love it so What makes you happy? He’s superb. this play changed my life and I much we have just Ha! I’m laughing because I couldn’t be more grateful. commissioned a new boat build know what Nikki would say to Are you watching Love 13-15 SEPTEMBER 2019 to be our next home. Oh man, I that question. He’s a grumpy Island? And if so, who’s your THE BIGGEST CELEBRATION OF GREAT FOOD, AWARD Apart from panto – any other hope work comes in or we’ll be git! I am a glass half full bloke tip to win? projects you’re working on homeless. Boat life has a though. My dad is an eternal Ah yes the question on WINNING PUBS, MICHELIN-STARRED CHEFS AND LIVE MUSIC that you can tell us about? calming influence on me. I optimist and I think it’s rubbed everybody’s lips right now. I try to keep busy with lots of need it. My poor wife needs me off a bit. I do believe in daily I have never seen Game of RIDAY TURDA UNDAY stuff really, voiceovers are a big calmer too. It’s so restful being laughter. We are all here so Thrones or Breaking Bad or F SA Y S part of my year and I have just on water. The wildlife just briefly on this planet, so why any of those popular TV shows finished another series of outside the window is stunning get angry or jealous or negative sadly, but I do have Noddy for Dreamworks on a daily basis. It’s a perfect and miserable about yourself two teenage daughters who which is airing now. Still home for us. The kids love it. or those around you? Certain against my advice watch Love continuing on Thomas the Tank subjects do rub me up the Island religiously and love engine which will run forever Did you grow up around the wrong way though. Let’s move Tommy. I think it’s televisual I’m sure and I’m in my third St Albans/ Herts area? on shall we ? torture and I’ve usually got SOLD OUT year being the voice of I spent my school years in other stuff to do at 9pm every Oral B dental products on TV Chingford in northeast London, What’s your idea of the week day like sandpaper a tiny commercials. then I left home at 16 to live perfect day/evening? piece of insignificant wood In on-screen work, I’m near the college I attended in That’s simple. Wife, kids, or practice underwater soot TOM ODELL RAZORLIGHT WILL YOUNG waiting to hear about a Hitchin ( North Herts College) friends, music, wine. juggling. Curtis and Amy totes rom-com movie shooting in where I met a girl from to win obvs! Rome later this year which St Albans. But it wasn’t until Any embarrassing stories Plus Scouting for Girls, Stereo MCs, Toploader, The Christians, The Rifles and more. would be great if I can get it! I started filmingTweenies in about Christo you can share? What’s your favourite tipple? 1999 that I moved to St Albans Oh fishing for dirt are we? Thanks well if you’re buying, What is it like living on a and made it my home for 16 Well as I’m sure he’ll tell you, the finer the claret, the better, Buy your tickets now PUBINTHEPARKUK.COM houseboat? (Bob lives on a years. I love the city with all we’ve spent many a night at the any occasion, but I do houseboat in Bedford marina of my heart and if there was a Fighters over many years and love an espresso martini ... oh with wife Nikki). body of water big enough to I can honestly say he’s never how I love them. Sigh. Cheers Follow us Ah now you’ve got me on my plop our house boat into I’d embarrassed me. I mean he to that! KIDS TICKETS

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