St Albans City Youth FC U12 Girls North, isolation training during Covid-19 Lockdown

Gloomy (but sunny) April, and we are all locked down due to the Covid-19 Pandemic.  As I write this on 13th April 2020, deaths in the UK so far have reached over 10,000, with a forecast (or hope) that it won't go above 20,000!

Since all football has been cancelled, and schools are closed, our wonderful coach Ben Kilner organised and put together this video, made from the girls individual clips, and showcasing the wonderful City of St Albans.  One to look back on with a smile.

Go City, here's to getting back to playing and winning real soon.
Annie x

A Small Guide for Starting Year 7 - Thank You Verulam School!

Jasper has his last day in Year 7 at Verulam school tomorrow (St Albans).  I cannot believe how quickly this academic year has gone, all the anxieties and worries of last September seem lightyears ago!   He's made new mates, experienced new sports, pushed his boundaries (and then some) and has come through happy and smiling.  

First day of "big" school!

He didn't do so well in his end of term exams (according to him - personally versus his targets he did pretty well), but the fact that he wants to do better has to be a good thing.   After all "the goal is excellence"!

I thought I'd write a few notes to attempt to reassure other parents about to embark on this new adventure with their sons, and hopefully offer a few tips to help you all through.

Firstly, I can absolutely vouch for the fact that the school knows "boys", knows how to educate them, direct them and push them, but overall make their school days a great experience - yes I know it's early days, and those darn hormones will play a part over the years, but let's focus on the here and now.

ALSO, if you have any problems or queries or questions along the way, the staff are brilliant at responding, be it the front of house staff or the teachers themselves, I cannot fault their attention to detail and personal touch in response, very reassuring in itself!

AND find that FB page for your year group, this has been invaluable to us all am sure, and we've also made new friends along with way, a bit like the NCT but for the older ones, a group of parents experiencing the same obstacles and helping each other over them)!

Uniform
You will be given a detailed list of the uniform and equipment required.   Some of the uniform is optional, for instance the jumper.  It seems that some years embrace the jumper, but others don't.  In my opinion I wouldn't invest in the jumper until your son says he wants one.  In September it's not usually too cold anyhow, it may save you some money if he doesn't want one, but you can always get

Summer Shirt

at a later date if he does.

The tie will have coloured stripes to match their house!  So make sure you know which house they are in before you get the tie.  I'd advise getting a spare just cos (no explanation required)!

The tracksuit is also optional, Jasper has made use of his, but I know lots who haven't used theirs, so again see how you get on.

The Summer Shirt is very cool, means they don't have to wear a blazer or tie, but they have to wait until the Summer term to be invited to wear it!

Blazer Buttons - the blazers are great quality, but we did lose the buttons several times over.  It appears however that Stevensons will give you spares, and even offer to sew them back on for you! Great service!

Uniform Sale - the school PTA runs a uniform sale, a great way to pick up uniform and/or spares!

Pastoral Care
They have the most amazing Matron at Verulam, so patient and so lovely, if your son feels ill or out of sorts she will look after him no problem, so nurturing, it's very reassuring to know she is there (she rocks)!

Packing the Backpack
I found using a concertina file invaluable, with his timetable stuck on the front.  In the early days I would help pack his bag the night before (you either help them swim or let them sink, I opted for the former).  The file contains labels for all his lessons, and he can pack his bag from there accordingly.   Saves them lugging every single book around every day - which I believe happens.

We also put a file for homework at the back, and another for projects, to be moved into the subject file when completed.  Can you tell I used to be a PA :)

Book Care
In our day we used to cover our books in wallpaper, these days you can get plastic covers from Rymans, worth doing to keep the books in good order, Jasper narrowly escaped a C for the state of one of his books.

Lake District Trip
Have to add a special note with regard to the Lake District trip.  It was so professionally executed and the boys had a wonderful time.  Many memories made.  I am updating this in September and am still hearing anecdotes!   There is quite a long list of "stuff needed" but they are able to let you borrow some items, and why not contact a previous year group who've already had to purchase a lot of the items already!  I know I'd be happy to share waterproofs etc.!

If I can think of anything else I'll add it onto her, but that's all I can think of for now!

Hope you all have a great experience too, take care all, and enjoy the Summer!
Annie x

Gravity Force Launches in St Albans - Discount Codes AND a chance to WIN Free tickets!

I’ve teamed up with Gravity Force to give you the chance to win FOUR free jump sessions at the brand new St Albans trampoline park

·         Gravity Force is the leading provider of trampoline parks in the UK

·         St Albans park opens 17^th August (near Dunelm Mill)

·         Pre bookings available now - 50% off if booked before Sunday 24/7 (see     

        details below) 25% discount after Sunday through to 16th August.

      When I showed this to the kids, and told them we will be popping along, I was officially "the" best mummy in the world, course it didn't last long (I ruined their tea apparently), but hey!

I've teamed up with Gravity Force to offer you the chance to win four free jump sessions at their St Albans site, which opens 17^th August.  

There is something for everyone at Gravity Force. “Gravity Jump” is the core session and gives you access to all the park’s facilities. “Gravity Tots” kids’ class is suitable for toddlers from walking age up to five-years-old, along with any parents or guardians. “Gravity Fit” provides a high intensity, low impact structured fitness class that burns fat whilst building, toning and defining muscle. Children can also host their birthday parties at the trampoline park.

Gravity Force is the ultimate UK trampoline park. Whether you’re a freestyle pro looking to showcase an insane routine on the Tumble Tracks or an average Joe looking to get stuck into a game of trampoline dodgeball there really is something for everyone.

AVAILABLE FOR PRE-BOOKINGS NOW

There will be 50% off Gravity Jump, Gravity Tots, Gravity Fit, and birthday parties, if booked by Sunday 24th July, by using the respective codes – ‘JUMP1’, ‘TOTS1’, ‘FIT1’, ‘PARTY1’. To book and find out more about the sessions available visit www.gravityforce.co.uk or call 0845 498 9049.

One lucky reader will win 4 free Jump sessions, entry is simple.........good luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Gravity Force has given us some free Jump session in return for this post, I might even give it a go myself, watch this space!

#TeamHonk is coming to #StAlbans 4th February 2014

Yes, St Albans, you weren't seeing things, on the 4th February, you did witness Mayor Annie, in a onesie, on a scooter, surrounded by Zippy and George (of Rainbow fame for my younger listeners) and Buzz Lightyear, also on a scooter, alongside other bizarrely dressed honkers, racing through town with THE baton!   

I was so proud to be part of this effort, the buzz (pardon the pun Helen) on the day was amazing, and most importantly the 2 schools Mandeville and St Peters, with their human chain and running tracks, had THE most fun ever for a school day!   

As I write this update the baton has reached Birmingham already, on it's way to John O'Groats, and with another month to go, TeamHonk are already at 95% of their £20,000 target!!!!! WOW!!!!! I have no doubt they are going to smash that any day soon!

Anyhoo, go TeamHonk, here's a few pics from our day!   Thanks for reading, and don't forget you can support our local effort here!

In the old Courthouse

One of my faves from the day

Thank you Bakehouse

Talking to Year 5 at St Peters

A fine sending off from St Peters

In the old Cells

The first ever Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Games take place from Friday 21st to Sunday 23rd March 2014. The public can join the fun and games by running, swimming or cycling their way to raising cash at over a thousand venues around the country, including the landmark events at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
As one of the biggest fundraising events, Sport Relief brings the entire nation together to get active raise cash and change lives. The money raised by the public is spent by Comic Relief to help transform the lives of some of the poorest and most disadvantaged people both at home in the UK and across the world.
And here's our little bit........................Three lovely friends and fellow bloggers went to Ghana 2 years ago, with Davina McCall and Jonathon Ross et all, as you do.  Tanya Barrow Penny Alexander and Annie Spratt made up TeamHonk They did a fantastic job raising awareness and also raised over £10K to boot.  Pretty impressive stuff.

Well this year TeamHonk HQ came up with the idea of getting a baton from Lands End to John O Groats, purely by blogger power, in aid of Sport Relief......hoping to raise awareness of this fine organisation and ultimately to raise even more money this year!

We are lucky enough to have been invited to be part of the #StAlbans leg of the journey, the whole team is listed here :) Team Honk Jenny Soppet Smith Annie Robb Renata Blower Siobhan Calthrop Steph Curtis Paul Hooker Penny Carr Kirsty Hornblow Clare Goldthorp Rudd Carolynne Ashworth Lisa Pearson Chrissie Michelle Saunders Hannah Brewer

Thanks guys!
Annie x

St Albans Film Festival 2013

The lovely Leoni Kibbey is the brainchild behind the first Film Festival being held in our wonderful City.  Some exciting films and workshops etc.  You can buy tickets online, or visit the shop in Market Place (the old Past Times shop) and have a chat about what's going on.  You can also follows @StAlbansFF for the latest news. 

		ISSUE #002						View Online?

St Albans’ first ever Film Festival, 8th -10th March 2013 – Tickets on Sale. Are you a professional filmmaker, interested in getting into filmmaking or just love watching great movies? St Albans First ever Film Festival has something for all ages and interests. A FESTIVALPASS IS GREAT VALUE AT £40 FOR THE 3 DAYS (£30 Concessions) & gives you discounts around the city. You can also buy individual tickets to workshops and events. Download our full Festival Programme here Don’t miss our amazing events, talks and workshops, including stop-frame animation workshops. Children will be encouraged to get dressed up in film-themed fancy dress, there will be a film Pub Quiz, interactive events where people will have a chance to get on camera or try things out behind the scenes, and celebrities from the world of film, art and music milling around the town. Come and join the festival fun! If you would like to find out more you can see our website http://www.stalbansfilmfestival.com & here is a lovely promo film we made to inspire children to make films: St Albans Film Festival Promo Leoni Kibbey Festival Director VINYL Feature Film Vinyl will open the Festival on March 8th ahead of its UK-wide release with stars of the film attending. Directed by Sara Sugarman, and starring Phil Daniels, Keith Allen, Perry Benson and up and coming young actor Jamie Blackley. A Cat in Paris Oscar-nominated A Cat In Paris. The film tells the story of a young Parisian girl whose cat leads her to unravel a thrilling mystery over the course of a single evening. Kids are encouraged to dress up as a Cat .. or French person! SuperMassive Casual Breakin' began his turntablism in the heady rave days and is now a regular face on the London breaks and electro dance music scene, smashing up air waves, clubs and carnivals alike. Copyright St Albans Film Festival 2013    Unsubscribe

St Albans Film Festival - Get Involved

St Albans is to host is first ever Film Festival and there are only a few weeks left to enter as the deadline for entries to the festival is the end of Jan 2013. You don’t need to be based in Herts, anywhere is fine, UK and International entries already!

 

There are six prize winning categories and they will be awarding a prize to the best short film made by a school age child age 5 -15. The films can be dramatic films, animation or documentary and can be on any subject they like. They can be as short as 1min but no longer than 20mins.

 

They will be choosing the best films and screening them to a live audience at the festival March 8^th – 10^th and they will invite the short-listed film-makers to take part. One will win the cash prize. We have lots of press covering the festival so it will be great for the students and schools involved. They have films submitted already from schools and also from individual children. It’s just £5 to enter a film. There will be lots to take part in alongside the screenings including workshops, talks and events throughout the festival.

 

If you would like to find out more you can see their website & here is a lovely promo film they made to inspire children to make films: YouTube

 

If you have any questions on the competition, please email: stalbansfilmfest@gmail.com

This is so exciting folks, get involved, cannot wait :)
Annie x

 

Summer activities for St Albans kids 2011

Here is the link for Summer activities in our local parks, going to check them out this week :)
They include Sports and Crafts :)
Annie x

Re-Launch of the Waterend Barn, St Albans

This sounds very cool and we will certainly be attending the parent and coffee morning next Thursday

J.D. WETHERSPOON

THE WATEREND BARN

CIVIC CLOSE, ST ALBANS, AL1 3LE

Tel: 01727 814100

email: waterendbarn@gmail.com

RE-LAUNCH WEEK

We are holding a re-launch week between 18^th – 24^th July 2011 and will be inviting local businesses and members of the St Albans community to come and sample our menu for free and taste our spirits and wines.  We want to show who we are, where we are, and what we can offer to the public of St Albans.  

Here are some things you might not know about us…

·       Exceptionally fast food-delivery times (average under 10mins) serving until 10pm

·       High quality menu choices such as hand-battered cod (£6.10) and Aberdeen Angus 35-day matured 14 oz rump steak (£12.20)

·       Lavazza coffee served from 9am and take-away available all day

·       Quality wine range from a bottle of Hardy’s (£8.90) up to classics such as Faustino Rioja Gran Reserva (£19.40).  And on Fridays ‘wine down for the weekend’ where you can buy a bottle of Pinot Grigio Rose, Benchmark Shiraz or Villa Maria Sauvignon Blanc for just £9.99 a bottle

·       2 areas available to hire for functions or business meetings (TV, projector, sound system)

·       Global beers such as Heineken, Amstel and Leifmans Fruit Beer available on draught

·       Free WiFi throughout the pub and courtyard

·       Annabel Karmel dishes on children’s menu, free colouring pencils & fruit bags with every meal

We hope you can join us at one of the following events.  If you cannot make any of the specified times then please contact us to arrange another booking within the re-launch week.

RE-LAUNCH EVENTS

Wednesday 20^th July

12 – 2pm

Customer Liaison Lunch

Join us for a free lunch if you take part in a customer liaison meeting where we will ask for your opinions about The Waterend Barn

Thursday 21^st July

10am– 12pm

Parent & child coffee morning

Bring your children into The Waterend Barn to discover more about local activities for your children in the area and sample our children’s menu for free

Friday 22^nd July

12 – 2pm

Lunch at the Waterend Barn

Do you work in St Albans?  If so, come in and sample our lunchtime menu for free when you book in advance (via email or telephone) and see how quickly we deliver our food!

Friday 22^nd July

5-9pm

Re-launch Party

Help us celebrate the re-launch of the Waterend Barn where the following will be happening:

·       Spirit suppliers in pub giving tastings to all customers (Makers Mark Bourbon, Skyy Vodka, Pimms, Hendricks Gin) and making cocktails for everyone to sample

·       A chance to meet our wine suppliers who will be giving samples & imparting their knowledge of the wines we stock which include Chablis, Barolo and many more

·       Charity Raffle in aid of CLIC Sargent with prizes kindly donated from the St Albans businesses & retailers such as free personal training sessions, full-body massages, boxes of cupcakes, brewery tours and many more

·       Plus some surprise entertainment & special guests

Please ‘like’ us on facebook & ‘follow’ us on twitter for more updates & special offers!

facebook.com/waterendbarn

twitter.com/waterendbarn

Beautylase, St Albans :) #blogginbeauties event

We were recently invited to Beautylase St Albans, to meet the staff and sample some of the treatments.  We were welcomed by Juliet and her staff, and offered champagne!  There were 9 of us mummy bloggers in total, and we'd mostly met at previous events, so it was lovely to be out with them again :)


I have to admit that I'd never been into Beautylase before, and I put this down to my misconception that it would be expensive.  However, I can happily confirm that the treatments I'm interested in are reasonable and good value for money.


Firstly, I had my eyebrows threaded, which was something I was looking forward to!   Whilst it wasn't completely pain free, the effect was wonderful.  It felt like when you first ever plucked your eyebrows, but after a bit it was fine.  Threading costs just £12.50.  I used to have mine waxed but it doesn't last very long, and threading lasts around 3 weeks!  I will be back!

I then had my make up done, and was thrilled.  I'd never had it done before, even did my own for both weddings, and again I loved it.  If I was going to a big event I would definitely have it done again, or even just to give me a lift.   Full make up costs £25, though you can pay just to have  your eyes done.


The other girls had similar treatments, nails painted and gels applied, and a couple had their hair done too!  We really should have got a group photo done, a wee bit remiss whoops, but suffice it to say it was a really lovely evening and am grateful to the generosity of Juliet and her staff.  Next time would like to talk about colours and products etc. that I could use, as my make-up bag really is circa 1983 but reflecting 1957 (ex rockabilly)!  For further information see the Beautylase website!


Thanks again to all the ladies, and look forward to visiting again soon!  Also keeping tabs on your facebook page :) 
Annie x