.

Wednesday 23 December 2009

On Today's Show - Ken Peak from London Colney Village Concern

Hi friends

On today's show we spoke to Ken Peak from the London Colney Village Concern. They are an informal group that started over 15 years ago to campaign against rising traffic levels.

They continue to meet regularly, campaigning for local issues and anyone who lives in the London Colney area is welcome to get involved.

For more information, email ken.peak@amserve.com

Danny
<><

Tuesday 22 December 2009

Interview with Margaret Pankhurst of Alban Lacemakers

Hi everyone,

This afternoon we had an interview with Margaret Pankhurst of the Alban Lacemakers.

The Alban Lacemakers was formed in 1983 with the aim of keeping in contact with other lacemakers in the area.

They now have around 90 members and meet monthly (except August) at Marshalswick Community Centre. Visitors are always welcome at the meetings where they have a variety of speakers on lace-related and other topics.

They also hold weekend workshops where members can enjoy tuition from teachers expert in lace making and other crafts such as Beadwork and making Christmas gifts and decorations.

Members have also regularly demonstrated the craft at The Living Crafts Exhibition at Hatfield House, the Flower Festival at St Albans Cathedral, The Knitting and Stitching Show at Alexandra Palace and school fairs and church flower festivals locally.

For more information check out www.albanlacemakers.co.uk.

Neil

Monday 21 December 2009

Playlist w/c 21st December 2009

Hi Guys & Gals

Here is our playlist for the forthcoming week:

Barry Manilow - Christmas Is Just Around The Corner
Bob Dylan - ALBUM: Christmas In The Heart
Chris de Burgh - The Bells Of Christmas
Dionne Bromfield - Ain’t No Mountain High Enough
Elio Pace - What A Day
Fyfe Dangerfield - She Needs Me
George Michael - December Song
Gurrumul - Gurrumul History (I Was Born Blind)
Joe McElderry - The Climb
Leddra Chapman - Story
Madness - Forever Young
Michael Bublé - Hold On
Neil Diamond – ALBUM: A Cherry Cherry Christmas
Norah Jones - Chasing Pirates
OneRepublic - All The Right Moves
Paloma Faith - Do You Want The Truth Or Something Beautiful?
Paolo Nutini - 10/10
Pet Shop Boys - All Over The World/It Doesn’t Often Snow At Christmas
Robbie Williams - You Know Me
Rod Stewart - Same Old Song
Sir Terry Wogan and Aled Jones - Silver Bells
Take That - Hold Up A Light
The Soldiers - A Soldier’s Christmas Letter
Thea Gilmore - That’ll Be Christmas

Items in BOLD are new additions

See you on the air.

Danny

The Ridiculously Difficult Music Question

Hi everyone,

Have a go at our ridiculously difficult music question....

- What was the biggest selling single that didn't reach the UK number one spot?

If you'd like to have a go, give us a call on 01727 839926.

Good luck!

Neil


Monday 14 December 2009

Interview with Karin Williams of St Albans Citizens Advice Bureau

Hi everyone,

On the show today we had our monthly interview with Karin Williams of the Citizens Advice Bureau.

Karin began by thanking all those who have come forward to be new volunteer advisers next year. They are still looking to fill one post which is the job of IT support - if you can help please contact the bureau.

Karin also reminded us that VAT is going back up to 17.5% next year. Also at this time of year when lots of people are busy shopping, it's good to be aware of your rights. For instance, if a trader has made a mistake and accidently marked goods at a lower price than they ask for at the till, they don't have to sell the goods to you at the lower price. Also, if you buy something from a trader outside the EU or UK, the sale will probably be subject to the laws of that country.

Karin also pointed out that it's important to keep warm over the winter period. If you're over 60, you're probably entitled to a winter fuel payment of £250 per household. For more information on this, call in to the bureau or call the Winter Fuel Payments helpline on 0845 915 1515. If the weather gets really cold (zero or below for 7 days) those on certain means tested benefits might get a cold weather payment too. There's also the Warm Front scheme for insulation which is available to people on certain benefits.

For more information on anything that Karin covered and anything else you need advice on, you can call into the bureau at 64 London Road, St Albans, or give them a call on 01727 855269, or visit http://www.stalbans-cab.org.uk/

Karin will next be interviewed on the 25th January at 5.35pm.

Neil

Playlist w/c 14th December 2009

Hi Friends and Friendesses!

Below is our drivetime new music playlist for the forthcoming week:

Barry Manilow - Christmas Is Just Around The Corner
Bob Dylan - ALBUM: Christmas In The Heart
Chris de Burgh - The Bells Of Christmas
Codeine Velvet Club - Hollywood
Dame Shirley Bassey - After The Rain
Davy Knowles - Coming Up For Air
Dionne Bromfield - Ain’t No Mountain High Enough
Elio Pace - What A Day
George Michael - December Song
Gurrumul - Gurrumul History (I Was Born Blind)
Leddra Chapman - Story
Michael Bublé - Hold On
Neil Diamond - ALBUM: A Cherry Cherry Christmas
Norah Jones - Chasing Pirates
OneRepublic - All The Right Moves
Paloma Faith - Do You Want The Truth Or Something Beautiful?
Pet Shop Boys - All Over The World/It Doesn’t Often Snow At Christmas
Pixie Lott - Cry Me Out
Robbie Williams - You Know Me
Rod Stewart - It’s The Same Old Song
ROX - No Going Back
Sir Terry Wogan and Aled Jones - Silver Bells
Take That - Hold Up A Light
The Soldiers - A Soldier’s Christmas Letter
Thea Gilmore - That’ll Be Christmas
Whitney Houston - I Look To You

Items in BOLD are new additions

If you would like a request or a dedication, please contact us during the show:

Telephone - 01727 839926
Email - studio@radioverulam.com

See you on the air!

Danny
<><

Thursday 10 December 2009

Interview with Malcolm Beagle of the Herts & District Metal Detecting Society

Hi friends

On today's show we chatted with Malcolm Beagle of the Herts & District Metal Detecting Society. They meet every Tuesday at the organ Hall in Borehamwood and currently have 130 members! For more information about this group, check out their website www.hdmds.co.uk

Danny
<><

Tuesday 8 December 2009

Interview with Global Harmony Community Choir

Hi everyone,

On the show this afternoon we heard from Caroline Holmes of the Global Harmony Community Choir. The choir numbers around 40 people from the age of 20 to 70. They meet in St Albans (at the Quaker Meeting House on Upper Lattimore Road, St Albans) on the 1st, 3rd and 5th Monday each month and new members are always welcome. Caroline said that being in the choir is a great way of building confidence and a good time is had by all.

The choir performs pieces of different styles including African, European, Reggae and Pop. All the songs are learn't by ear so you don't need to be able to read music to join.

The choir is part of a nationwide syndicate of choirs and is performing on sunday this week at the Old Town Hall in St Albans between 4pm and 6pm. Tickets (£7) are available from
St Albans Tourist Information or on the door.

For more information on the choir, visit http://globalharmony.tripod.com/.

Neil

The Gig Guide: Tracklisting - Fri 4th December 2009

Greetings all,

On last Friday's show we heard a mix of new and christmassy tracks with the anthems of battle for the finalists Of this Thursday's Battle Of The Band.

Good luck to all the finalists (being as neutral as I can!)

For those interested in going, it's on this Thursday 10th December at The Horn, St Albans. Entry is £6 and it starts at 8pm.


Tracklistings:

Subset – Dalston Blaster
http://www.myspace.com/subsetlondon

BATTLE OF THE BANDS:
Albany Down – Morning After
http://www.myspace.com/albanydownofficial
Nemo – Bells
http://www.myspace.com/nemoluton

TRACK OF THE WEEK:
The Pocket Gods – KFC (Kentucky Fried Christmas)
http://www.myspace.com/thepocketgods

OUTRO: Nirvana – Lithium


No Gig Guide this coming Friday as Danny is away, but we've got the Christmas Special next week so make sure you tune in for that.


Until next week,

Chris @
Radio Verulam 92.6FM

www.myspace.com/rvgigguide

Monday 7 December 2009

Interview with Herts & Middlesex Wildlife Trust

Hi everyone,

We've just interviewed Danielle Porteous of Herts & Middlesex Wildlife Trust. Danielle told us about the 'Festival Of Trees' which ran over the weekend. Over 47 local organisations took part, each decorating a tree which was displayed at St Albans Town Hall, and over 800 people visited to look at the decorated trees.

Many people then voted for the best dressed tree for a competition called the 'Peoples Choice Award'. The winners were Wheatfields Primary School, and as a prize they'll enjoy a day out at a local nature reserve.

And if you need a christmas tree, Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust are selling spare trees for a very reasonable £10 - available from the Trust offices at Glebe House, Verulamium Park,
St Albans.

And very soon, the Trust will be restoring some meadow land in near Hemel Hempstead called 'Long Deans'. If you can help either as a helper in a work party or through a donation, check out the Trust website for more information at www.hertswildlifetrust.org.uk.

Danielle also reminded us that this time of year is a great time to visit and explore local nature reserves. More information about places to visit can be found on the Trust website.

Neil

Playlist w/c 7th December 2009

Hi All

Below is our drivetime new music playlist forthe forthcoming week:

Barbra Streisand - If You Go Away (Ne Me Quitte Pas)
Barry Manilow - Christmas Is Just Around The Corner
Bob Dylan - ALBUM: Christmas In The Heart
Dame Shirley Bassey - After The Rain
Davy Knowles - Coming Up For Air
Dionne Bromfield - Ain’t No Mountain High Enough
Elio Pace - What A Day
George Michael - December Song
Gurrumul - Gurrumul History (I Was Born Blind)
Katherine Jenkins - Angel
Leddra Chapman - Story
Michael Bublé - Hold On
Neil Diamond - ALBUM: A Cherry Cherry Christmas
Norah Jones - Chasing Pirates
Paloma Faith - Do You Want The Truth Or Something Beautiful?
Pet Shop Boys - All Over The World/It Doesn’t Often Snow At Christmas
Pixie Lott - Cry Me Out
Richard Hawley - Open Up Your Door
Robbie Williams - You Know Me
Rod Stewart - It’s The Same Old Song
ROX - No Going Back
Seal - I Am Your Man
Sir Terry Wogan and Aled Jones - Silver Bells
Susan Boyle - Wild Horses
Take That - Hold Up A Light
The Soldiers - A Soldier’s Christmas Letter
Thea Gilmore - That’ll Be Christmas
Whitney Houston - I Look To You

Items in BOLD are new additions

See you on the air!

Danny
<><

Friday 4 December 2009

Vote for Radio Verulam!

Hi Everyone,

You may know that the Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust has put on an event called 'Festival of the Trees' at St Albans Town Hall.

On the 5th and 6th of December you can go along to the Town Hall and look at 50 decorated christmas trees, each one decorated by a different community group.

And then, why not support Radio Verulam by voting for our tree in the 'People's Choice Award'!

Here's the link to get voting:

www.hertswildlifetrust.org.uk/festival/vote.htm

Neil

Thursday 3 December 2009

The Gig Guide: Tracklsting - Friday 27th November 2009 (and what's on tomorrow)

Greetings all,

Apologies for the delay, it's been one of those stupidly hectic weeks. Here's last Friday's listings, with thanks to 33 Revolutions for coming in to the studio.


Tracklistings:

New Groove Formation – International Waste Of Time
http://www.myspace.com/newgrooveformation

No Exyt – Back When
http://www.myspace.com/noexyt

INTERVIEW: 33 Revolutions
‘Midnight Whispers’
TRACK OF THE WEEK: ‘Ticking Away’
http://www.myspace.com/thirtythreerevolutions

OUTTRO: The Bluetones – Marblehead Johnson


On tomorrow's show, it's an all music show with tracks from Subset and Battle of the Band nominees Albany Down and Nemo, as well as an unusual Christmas track from The Pocket Gods.

Until tomorrow...

Chris

www.myspace.com/rvgigguide

Tuesday 1 December 2009

On Today's Show...

Hi All

On today's show we were joined by Claire Gilbert, a former nursery nurse at Wheatfields school. She has just released a CD of children's songs and we were chatting about the process of writing and producing a CD.

For more information about this local project, why not check out Claire's myspace page:

www.myspace.com/goodnaturedmusic

Danny Smith
<><

Monday 30 November 2009

Interview with Kumud Ghandi of the Cooking Academy

Hi everyone,

We've just been speaking with Kumud Ghandi of the Cooking Academy. The Cooking Academy is still providing inspiring ideas and classes when it comes to cooking British, European and Asian Food.

They cover the mechanics of cooking and also take an educational approach by looking at the health benefits of different foods and recipes. They also challenge and encourage people to look beyond those usual recipes and make something new!

For more information and also for tips and ideas on Christmas recipes, you can check out the website: www.thecookingacademy.co.uk.

Neil

Help Support St Albans Cinema

Hi everyone,

As you may have heard, James Hannaway, CEO of The Rex Cinema in Berkhamsted has agreed a deal to buy and restore the Odeon Cinema on London Road, St Albans. James needs to raise around £3 million by January 2010. A packed public meeting was held yesterday at The Rex Cinema in Berkhamsted. At the meeting supporters were asked to complete an 'Expression of Interest' form as an indication of how they would like to help. You can still fill out this form - here is the link if you would like to support this great cause:

http://www.allaboutstalbans.net/cinema/odeon_form.aspx

Neil

Playlist w/c 30th November 2009

Hi All

Below is our drivetime new music playlist for the forthcoming week:

A-ha - Shadowside
Barbra Streisand - If You Go Away (Ne Me Quitte Pas)
Dame Shirley Bassey - After The Rain
Davy Knowles - Coming Up For Air
Dionne Bromfield - Ain’t No Mountain High Enough
Gurrumul - Gurrumul History (I Was Born Blind)
Katherine Jenkins - Angel
Leddra Chapman - Story
Leona Lewis - Happy
Lily Allen - Who’d Have Known
Michael Bolton - Murder My Heart
Michael Bublé - Hold On
Norah Jones - Chasing Pirates
Paloma Faith - Do You Want The Truth Or Something Beautiful?
Pet Shop Boys - All Over The World
Peter Kay’s All Star Band - The Official BBC Children In Need Medley
Pixie Lott - Cry Me Out
Richard Hawley - Open Up Your Door
Robbie Williams - You Know Me
Rod Stewart - It’s The Same Old Song
ROX - No Going Back
Seal - I Am Your Man
Susan Boyle - Wild Horses
Take That - Hold Up A Light
The X Factor Finalists - You Are Not Alone
Westlife - What About Now
Whitney Houston - I Look To You

Items in BOLD are new additions

See you on the air in 14 minutes!!!

Danny
<><

Friday 27 November 2009

Interview with Camilla Kerslake - Listen Again

Hi

On Tuesday's show we were joined by new singing sensation Camilla Kerslake. For your chance to hear this interview again, click below:


Christmas Floral Design Evening....

Hi everyone,

We've just had Viv Lawman of St Albans Bereavement Network on the show telling us about the Christmas Floral and Design Evening they are running.

It's going to be held at Trinity United Reformed Church (corner of Beaconsfield Road and Victoria Street, St Albans) on December 4th, 7pm - 9pm. There will demonstrations and lots of stalls plus a raffle.

Tickets are £7 which includes a glass of wine and a mince pie. Further details can be obtained by calling 01727 841914.

Neil

Monday 23 November 2009

The Gig Guide: Tracklistings - 20/11/09

Greetings all,

Big thanks to Zalinski for coming in to talk to the show and thanks to Jonathan for manning the decks while Danny was away. Normal service will be resumed this Friday.


Tracklistings:

The Raid – On A Scale
http://www.myspace.com/wearetheraid

J Stark – Take It While You Can
http://www.myspace.com/jstarck

INTERVIEW: Zalinski
TRACK OF THE WEEK: 'Apology To The Feminine’
‘Soar’
http://www.myspace.com/zalinskiband


On the next show, 33 Revolutions will be in the studio. Join us this Friday, 6:30pm-7:00pm

Chris

www.myspace.com/rvgigguide

Playlist w/c 23rd November 2009

Hi All

Below is our drivetime new music playlist for the forthcoming week:

A-ha - Shadowside
Alesha Dixon - To Love Again
Barbra Streisand - If You Go Away (Ne Me Quitte Pas)
Camilla Kerslake - Rule the World
Davy Knowles - Coming Up For Air
Gurrumul - Gurrumul History (I Was Born Blind)
Ingrid Michaelson - Maybe
James Morrison - Get To You
Katherine Jenkins - Angel
Leddra Chapman - Story
Leona Lewis - Happy
Lily Allen - Who’d Have Known
Michael Bolton - Murder My Heart
Michael Bublé - Hold On
Mika - Rain
Norah Jones - Chasing Pirates
Pet Shop Boys - All Over The World
Peter Kay’s All Star Band - The Official BBC Children In Need Medley
Pixie Lott - Cry Me Out
Richard Hawley - Open Up Your Door
Robbie Williams - You Know Me
Rod Stewart - It’s The Same Old Song
Ronan Keating - Stay
Rosanne Cash feat. Bruce Springsteen - Sea Of Heartbreak
ROX - No Going Back
Seal - I Am Your Man
Susan Boyle - Wild Horses
Take That - Hold Up A Light
The X Factor Finalists - You Are Not Alone
Westlife - What About Now

Items in BOLD are new additions


Best wishes

Danny Smith
<><

Friday 20 November 2009

Current and new cinema films and DVDs to try.....

Hi all,

Here's a selection of current and new cinema films and DVDs to try:

2012

12A 158 mins
Contains sustained moderate threat and one use of strong language

A Christmas Carol

PG 95 mins
Contains mild threat, scary scenes and mild language

Harry Brown

18 104 mins
Contains very strong language, strong violence, hard drug use and sex.

Up

U 102 mins
Contains mild threat.

The Men who stare at goats

15 94 mins
Contains strong language and comic drug references

The Fourth Kind

15 98 mins
Contains strong psychological horror

Fantastic Mr. Fox

PG 87 mins.
Contains mild violence and scary scenes.

Michael Jackson's This Is It

PG 111 mins
Contains infrequent scary images

The Fourth Kind

15 98 mins
Contains strong psychological horror.

An Education

12A 100 mins
Contains moderate sex scenes

Jennifer’s Body

15 102 mins
Contains very strong language, bloody horror, sex references and drug use

New Cinema releases:

The Twighlight Saga: New Moon

Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner. In ‘New Moon’, the hugely anticipated sequel to ‘Twilight’, Bella Swan is distraught by the sudden departure of her vampire love, Edward Cullen.

However, Bella’s spirits are lifted by her relationship with the irresistible Jacob Black. But now she finds her loyalties are put to the test, as she is drawn into a world of werewolves and old enemies of the vampires.

12A 131 mins
Contains moderate fantasy violence and horror.

A Serious Man

Michael Stuhlbarg, Richard Kind, Fred Melamed, Sari Lennick. The latest film from Joel & Ethan Coen, ‘A Serious Man’ explores faith, responsibility, mortality and dentistry…!

Larry Gopnik, a physics professor, discovers his wife is leaving him for one of his acquaintances. Meanwhile his unemployable brother is sleeping on the couch, his son is in constant trouble and his daughter is stealing money to fund a nose job. If that wasn’t enough, a student is also trying to sue and his neighbour torments him by sunbathing in the nude. Visiting three different rabbis for advice, Larry struggles to get his life back on track and become ‘a mensch’ – a serious man.

15 105 mins
Contains strong language and soft drug use

The Informant!

Based on a true story about the highest-ranking whistle blower in American history, ‘The Informant’ stars Matt Damon as Mark Whitacre, a rising star in the Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) corporation.

When Whitacre goes to the FBI to expose his company’s price-fixing conspiracy they equip him with a hidden tape recorder to collect evidence. However, they soon discover their star witness has been helping himself to the corporate coffers, and it becomes impossible for them to separate fact from fiction. As Whitacre’s over-active imagination leads the investigation to a series of dead-ends it threatens bring down one of the world’s biggest corporate cover ups.

If you liked ‘Erin Brokovich’ and ‘The Sentinel’, you’ll love ‘The Informant!’.

15 108 mins
Contains strong language.

DVDs

Bill Bailey's Remarkable Guide To The Orchestra

Musical comedy

Transatlantic Sessions - Series 4

Filmed and recorded in 2009 at the stunning location of Glenlyon House, Perthshire

Jeremy Kyle - Access All Areas

Films to check out.....

Hi all,

Here are some films you might want to check out:

Friday

Black Book

10:00pm - 12:50am
More4

Paul Verhoeven's first film made in his native Holland since 1983's The Fourth Man - after which he left for Hollywood and the likes of RoboCop and Basic Instinct - returns to the subject of the Dutch Resistance, which he first tackled in 1977's Soldier of Orange. Based loosely on a real character, Rachel (Carice van Houten) is a Jewish singer who, after seeing members of her party of escaping Jews massacred, joins the underground and infiltrates the local Nazi HQ, via the bed of officer Ludwig Müntze (Sebastian Koch). Verhoeven delivers a rollicking yarn that's surprisingly traditional, if convoluted, and, as usual, nudges happily at the boundaries of sexual imagery. The performances are universally good and the bloody action is typically well handled but, while Black Book certainly entertains, it lacks the cultural tensions and mischievous satire that characterise the best of his American films.

Sunday

Spider-Man 3

6:20pm - 9:00pm
Five

Spider-Man turns bad and has a blast doing it, in Sam Raimi's second sequel to his 2002 hit. Swinging in at a hefty 140 minutes, it sees Peter Parker (Tobey Maguire) now at ease with his alter ego and the public adoration it attracts, leaving girlfriend Mary Jane (a sympathetic Kirsten Dunst) constantly neglected. Events are complicated when contact with a parasitical alien substance brings out Spidey's dark side and exacerbates a personal vendetta against one of the tale's three villains, Sandman (a molecularly displaced Thomas Haden Church). Visually, this comic-book spectacle can't be faulted, with eye-popping effects intensifying a clutch of exciting set pieces. However, the self-indulgent running time and cluttered plotline frequently render the scenes in-between unfocused and plodding. Raimi works hard to compensate, contrasting the characters' repetitive emotional angst with a fun dose of fanboy-friendly humour. But the overall magic remains diluted, making an enjoyable picture fall short of brilliance.

Tuesday

Carlito's Way

11:10pm - 2:00am
ITV4

Ten years after Scarface, Al Pacino and director Brian De Palma reunited here for another crime-doesn't-pay drama. Pacino plays Puerto Rican hoodlum Carlito Brigante, who leaves jail with the aim of going straight. However, his lawyer Sean Penn has other ideas as he fancies himself a gangster, so it's not long before Pacino is meeting up with old acquaintances and heading back into trouble. Bolstered by regular scriptwriter David Koepp's smart and funny script, De Palma's visual flair comes into its own in the seedy clubs and backstreet dives of New York. The set pieces - a pool-room fight, a 15-minute subway chase and shenanigans on a train-station escalator - are among the most thrilling De Palma has ever filmed, while Pacino's restrained performance as the leather-clad, gently lisping Carlito allows plenty of scope for the supporting cast to chew the scenery.

Enjoy!

Neil

Tuesday 17 November 2009

Interview with St Albans Bereavement Network

We spoke today with Viv Lawman from the St Albans Bereavement Network.

This is a well established local charity organisation that offers free support to those who have suffered a bereavement and that live in the St Albans and surrounding area.

It's been in operation for six years now and is made up of over 120 dedicated volunteers and a team of enthusiastic officers.

In connection with this organisation, there's a special event happening this Sunday 22nd November which is the Annual Service of Remembrance & Thanksgiving. This is the second year that it's being held at the Abbey and so far there will be 700 adults and more than 100 children attending this special event. As well as the main service at 3pm, there will be a balloon release taking place at the main entrance to the abbey at 2:30 pm.

This promises to be a very special event and further details can be obtained on the website: www.sabn.org.uk. Alternatively, telephone their helpline on St Albans 841841. Details can also be found at St Albans library or by emailing: admin@sabn.org.uk.

The Gig Guide: Tracklisting - Fri 13th November 2009

Greetings again,

Thanks goes to the guys from The Art Of Reason for dropping into the show to talk about their upcoming projects and to hear some of their tracks. Don't forget to check out their website (details below).


Tracklistings:

TRACK OF THE WEEK: Nemo – Pray
http://www.myspace.com/nemoluton

Minnie Birch – Step Up
http://www.myspace.com/minniebirch

INTERVIEW: The Art Of Reason
‘Falcon’
‘Death’s Story’
http://www.myspace.com/theartofreason

OUTRO: The Smiths – This Charming Man


On this Friday's show we've got Zalinski coming on to talk about their new EP and we'll be hearing more tracks from West Herts most talented acts.

All on the Gig Guide, Fridays, 6:30pm-7pm

Chris

www.myspace.com/rvgigguide

Monday 16 November 2009

Interview with the Friday Night Club

Hi all,

This evening we had some youngsters being interviewed from the Friday Night Club, based at Dagnall Street Baptist Church.

Some members of the group have being practising a dance that they will be performing to raise money for Children in Need. They'll be performing the dance at 4pm outside the Townhall and also by the Clock Tower - both in St Albans.

They'll also be having a party and a treasure hunt afterwards!

So why not go along and support them.

If you would like to go along to the club that meets every Friday (they meet 7pm at the Baptist Church, Dagnall Street) then you need to contact the church for more information.

Neil

Monthly Interview with Michelle Hart of the Centre for Voluntary Services

Hi everyone,

Today we had our monthly interview with Michelle Hart from the Centre for Voluntary Services.

Michelle told us that with Christmas approaching, lots of opportunities exist to get involved and help out within the community during Christmas and New Year. For instance, you could help Open Door serve Christmas lunch, help the Salvation Army distribute parcels or help Mencap run a playscheme.

For more information on these or any other positions, contact the Centre for Voluntary Services in St Albans on 01727 852657 or email them at enquiries@cvsstalbans.org.uk or call in and see them at 31 Catherine Street, St Albans. You can also get more information at www.cvsstalbans.org.uk.

Michelle also highlighted that a very interesting role to take up is the role of Trustee. They are especially looking for people with HR, Legal or IT experience. A recruitment event for positions of Trustee is being planned for March next year.

And finally, Michelle pointed out that the Centre for Voluntary Services has seen an increase in enquiries from new volunteers - possible due to the current economic situation. They currently have a range of opportunities available and want especially to get those under 25 involved in the community.

Neil

Playlist w/c 16th November 2009

Hi All

Here is our drivetime new music playlist for the forthcoming week:

A-ha - Shadowside
Alesha Dixon - To Love Again
Barbra Streisand - If You Go Away (Ne Me Quitte Pas)
Davy Knowles - Coming Up For Air
Ingrid Michaelson - Maybe
James Morrison - Get To You
Katherine Jenkins - Angel
Leddra Chapman - Story
Leona Lewis - Happy
Lily Allen - Who’d Have Known
Michael Bolton - Murder My Heart
Mika - Rain
Newton Faulkner - Over And Out
Norah Jones - Chasing Pirates
Paolo Nutini - Pencil Full Of Lead
Pixie Lott - Cry Me Out
Richard Hawley - Open Up Your Door
Robbie Williams - You Know Me
Rod Stewart - It’s The Same Old Song
Ronan Keating - Stay
Rosanne Cash feat. Bruce Springsteen - Sea Of Heartbreak
ROX - No Going Back
Seal - I Am Your Man
Susan Boyle - Wild Horses
Westlife - What About Now
Will Young - Hopes and Fears

New additions are in Bold

See you on the air in 23 minutes!!!

Danny
<><

Friday 13 November 2009

Interview with Anne Hunt of Reachout.

Hi everyone,

On todays show we interviewed Anne Hunt of Reachout. Reachout have a small fleet of canal boats and provide day trips and holiday trips on the Grand Union canal. The organisation takes people with learning difficulties and disabilities on to the canal to experience the peacefulness and tranquility of the waters.

Reachout are always looking for new volunteers to help in many different capacities including fundraising. If you would like to get involved, please email Anne Hunt at annehunt@reachoutprojects.org.uk. If you or someone you know would like to use the service, you can call Reachout on 01727 818168 for more information or for general information visit www.reachoutprojects.org.uk.

Have a great weekend.

Neil

Monday 9 November 2009

The Gig Guide: Tracklisting - 6th November 2009

Greetings all,

Details of this week's selected tunes can be found underneath. Thanks again to all who contribute their music to the show. Keep the tracks coming in everyone.


Tracklisting:

Phantom Sound – That I Knew
http://www.myspace.com/139635830

The Caution Horses – Eleven Moons
http://www.myspace.com/rayandfrizz

Cosmic Blaze – No Way
http://www.myspace.com/cosmicblaze1

TRACK OF THE WEEK: The Pocket Gods – Carry On Behind
http://www.myspace.com/thepocketgods

OUTTRO: Alice Cooper – No More Mr Nice Guy


On the next show we have The Art Of Reason in with us, so tune in this Friday for more of the best local music in the West Herts area

Chris
www.myspace.com/rvgigguide

Interview with Barry Hilliard of St Albans City Football Club

Hi

This afternoon, we had Barry Hilliard of St Albans Football Club on air talking about the latest St Albans City football club news.

Barry told us about the latest match at Basingstoke where St Albans City drew 1-1. It was a good result against a difficult team, made difficult with the St Albans goal keeper being sent off.

That leaves St Albans City in 16th place in the league. They have an away game tomorrow against Woking who are 4th in the league, and an at home game on Saturday against Braintree.

For more information about the club you can go to www.sacfc.co.uk.

Neil

Interview with Phil Aldridge of the Illegal Eagles

Hi everyone,

We've just interviewed Phil Aldridge - drummer and founder of the band 'The Illegal Eagles'.

The band was formed in 1996 and they perform all the classic Eagles tracks and even some of the new material.

As part of a 37 venue tour, The Illegal Eagles are playing at the Alban Arena on Sunday 15th November at 7.30pm. For more information on the gig, check out the Alban Arena website.

Neil

Playlist w/c 9th November 2009

Hi All

Here is our drivetime new music playlist for the forthcoming week:

A-ha- Shadowside
Alesha Dixon - To Love Again
Athlete - Black Swan Song
Beverley Knight - In Your Shoes
Beyonce - Broken-Hearted Girl
Bon Jovi - We Weren’t Born To Follow
Cheryl Cole - Fight For This Love
Ingrid Michaelson - Maybe
Jace Everett- Bad Things
James Morrison - Get To You
Jamie Cullum - I’m All Over It
JLS- Everybody In Love
Leona Lewis - Happy
Lily Allen- Who’d Have Known
Michael Bolton - Murder My Heart
Mika - Rain
Newton Faulkner- Over And Out
Norah Jones - Chasing Pirates
Paolo Nutini - Pencil Full Of Lead
Peter Andre- Unconditional
Pixie Lott - Cry Me Out
Rod Stewart- It’s The Same Old Song
Ronan Keating - Stay
Rosanne Cash feat. Bruce Springsteen - Sea Of Heartbreak
Seal- I Am Your Man
Stereophonics- Innocent
Susan Boyle - Wild Horses
Westlife - What About Now
Will Young - Hopes and Fears

Items in BOLD are new additions.

See you on air in 6 minutes!!!

Danny Smith
<><

Friday 6 November 2009

Interview with Val Chapman of Christian Aid - St Albans Branch

Hi everyone,

On todays show we heard from Val Chapman of Christian Aid
- St Albans Branch. This group works to fundraise for Christian Aid with an annual collection. The money then goes to Christian Aid who are working internationally to help individuals, groups and communities overseas.

Nationally, Christian Aid is currently running various projects and campaigns and wants to put an end to poverty. To end poverty, Christian Aid is challenging the causes of poverty, not just the symptoms. You can get involved with Christian Aid locally through a
St Albans church and for more information on the work of Christian Aid, you can go to www.christianaid.org.uk

Have a great weekend.

Neil

This weeks Film Guide

Hi all,

Simon Carver wasn't able to do the Film Guide this week so Danny struggled through it! Here's details of what was covered:

New Cinema Releases:

A Christmas Carol 3D (PG)


• Film running length: 95 min
• UK release date: 6/11/2009
• Directed by: Robert Zemeckis
• Distributor: Walt Disney Studios Interntl

Who´s in it?
Jim Carrey, Gary Oldman, Robin Wright Penn, Colin Firth, Bob Hoskins

The Men Who Stare at Goats (15)

• Genre: Drama
• Film running length: 94 min
• UK release date: 6/11/2009
• Directed by: Grant Heslov
• Country: United States
• Language: English
• Distributor: Momentum Pictures

Who´s in it?
George Clooney, Ewan McGregor, Kevin Spacey, Jeff Bridges


The Fourth Kind (15)

• Genre: Thriller
• Film running length: 98 min
• UK release date: 6/11/2009
• Directed by: Olatunde Osunsanmi
• Country: United States
• Language: English
• Distributor: Entertainment Film Distributor


Who´s in it?
Milla Jovovich, Elias Koteas, Will Patton, Corey Johnson


Bright Star (PG)

• Genre: Drama
• Film running length: 119 min
• UK release date: 6/11/2009
• Directed by: Jane Campion
• Country: United Kingdom
• Language: English
• Distributor: Warner Bros Distributors Ltd


Who´s in it?
Ben Whishaw, Abbie Cornish, Kerry Fox, Paul Schneider


Paper Heart (PG)

• Genre: Romantic comedy
• Film running length: 88 min
• UK release date: 6/11/2009
• Directed by: Jake Johnson, Nicholas Jasenovec
• Country: United States
• Language: English


Who´s in it?
Charlyne Yi, Michael Cera


DVD Releases

Public Enemies

Released: November 2nd

Johnny Depp plays John Dilinger in this authentic and exciting portrayal of the real-life gangster and his dramatic life as he perpetually evaded capture from the FBI.

Brüno

Released: November 9th

Sacha Baron Cohen returns with another outrageous character, this time playing a gay, Austrian fashionista touring around America, who leaves chaos, shame and gross-out comedy in his wake.

Night At The Museum 2: Battle Of The Smithsonian

Released: November 9th

Ben Stiller returns to the museum to save his formerly inanimate friends from a terrible fate and once again experiences the surprises and dangers of museum artefacts coming to life at night.

Desperate Housewives: Season 5

Released: November 9th

The domestic ladies of Wisteria Lane return for yet another year of mystery, betrayal, murder and baking in the hugely popular show starring Teri Hatcher and Eva Longoria.

Family Guy: Season 8

Released: November 2nd

The eighth season sees Peter injected with a 'gay gene' as part of a scientific experiment, Lois landing a job at Fox News, Stewie building a time machine, and Brian travelling back to Poland, 1939, and getting caught up in the Nazi invasion. Just another day in the Griffin household then...

Peep Show: Series 6

Released: November 2nd

Six seasons in and Mark and Jeremy are still sharing a flat, only this time Sophie is pregnant and either of them could be the father. Meanwhile Mark is pursuing Dobby, and Jeremy has fallen in love with his dream woman, dope-dealing-musician-activist Elena.

Mock The Week: Too Hot For TV 2

Released: November 9th

Produced exclusively for DVD, here are three hilarious hours of the country's finest comic minds battling it out on TV's most outrageous comedy show.

Russell Brand - Scandalous - Live At The 02

Released: November 9th

Controversial tabloid favourite, radio DJ, writer, ladies' man, and now Hollywood star, Russell Brand, goes back to his comedy roots in this live stand-up show. Fresh from his scene-stealing turn as a pretentious rock star in FORGETTING SARAH MARSHALL, Brand brings his unique, often surreal, observational musings to London's O2 arena as part of his 2009 SCANDALOUS tour.

Films on TV

Fever Pitch

Friday 6th November
10:35pm - 12:50am

ITV1 London


Dragonslayer


Saturday 7th November
2:00pm - 3:40pm
BBC2 London & South East


The Quest


Saturday 7th November
9:00pm - 11:00pm
ITV4


Angel Heart


Saturday 7th November
11:00pm - 1:10am
ITV4


Duel

Sunday 8th November
3:00pm - 4:30pm
ITV4


Octopussy

Sunday 8th November
3:50pm - 6:15pm
ITV1 London


Die Hard 4.0

Sunday 8th November
9:00pm - 11:30pm
Channel 4


The Yakuza

Sunday 8th November
11:40pm - 1:45am
ITV4


An American Werewolf in London

Monday 9th November
11:00pm - 12:45am
Five


K-19: the Widowmaker

Tuesday 10th November
1:00pm - 3:25pm
Channel 4


That's it for this week - tune in Wednesday next week at 5.30pm for the next edition of the Film Guide.

Calling All Eagles Fans!!!

Radio Verulam are giving away 3 pairs of tickets to see the Illegal Eagles at the Alban Arena on Sunday 15th November 2009.

The first pair will be given away on tomorrow's Solid Gold Music Show from 9am - 1pm and the other pairs of tickets will be given away on Verulam AM with Phil Richards and West Herts Evening with Danny Smith.

In addition, Danny will be interviewing a member of the Illegal Eagles on West Herts Evening Next Week.

Danny Smith
<><

Thursday 5 November 2009

The Gig Guide: On tomorrow's show - Fri 6th November 2009

Greetings all,

On today's show, we have tracks from The Caution Horses, The Pocket Gods, Cosmic Blaze and Phantom Sound

Listen in from 6:30pm-7pm, on 92.6FM or at www.radioverulam.com

Also, if anyone has any suggestions about what to play for the last show of the year on 18th December, it would be good to hear your thoughts. Any requests?

Thanks all,

Chris @
Radio Verulam 92.6FM

www.myspace.com/rvgigguide

Monday 2 November 2009

The Gig Guide: Tracklisting - Friday 30th October 2009

Greetings all,

Another Friday, another show and it was a great show what with Katie and Simon from Polly Poison & Her Electric Antidote coming on the show. The pictures of them at the White Rabbit gig at The Horn are now up on their MySpace page (link below)


Tracklistings:

TRACK OF THE WEEK: 33 Revolutions - Midnight Whispers
www.myspace.com/thirtythreerevolutions

Swanvesta Social Club - I Predict A Riot
www.myspace.com/swanvestasocialclub

INTERVIEW: Polly Poison and her Electric Antidote
'Polly Attack'
www.myspace.com/electricantidote

OUTRO: Ash - Halloween


Until next week...

Chris
www.myspace.com/rvgigguide

Interview with Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust

Hi everyone,

Today we interviewed Paul Thrush from the Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust. Paul told listeners that there is much wildlife to see in Hertfordshire at this time of year - especially birds. At this time of year you can see red wing migrating from Scandanavia, especially between September and March. You can also see wagtails nesting in urban areas.

This time of year is a great time to see winter ducks at some of the Trusts nature reserves. You might even see starlings roosting, blue tits, grey tits, nut hatch and the gold crest which is the smallest bird in Europe!

Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust have lots of events coming up including autumn walks - details of which can be found by checking out the website: www.hertswildlifetrust.org.uk.

A really interesting event coming up is the Festival of the Trees. This week long event will take place from the 30th November to the 6th December in St Albans Town Hall and will showcase over 50 community groups through decorated trees and displays. Over the 6 days, people can visit the festival to view the trees, be entertained by local performers and have their photo taken with the Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust badger! The event will include a black-tie opening gala on Monday 30th November. Tickets for the black tie event can be obtained by calling 01727 858901 or emailing info@hmwt.org.uk.

The Trust is also looking for volunteers - if you can spare some time and would like to get involved you can call the office for more information on 01727 858901 or email info@hmwt.org.uk

Have a great week!

Neil

News from St Albans Football Club

Hi everyone,

Today we spoke with Barry Hilliard of St Albans City Football Club. The team have recently played 2 games - one last Wednesday and the other on Saturday. The match last Wednesday against Lewes was called off due to fog and will have to be replayed. However the match last Saturday, against Weymouth, ended up in a 2-1 win! Initially
St Albans struggled but then scored twice.

Matches coming up include an away game playing against Basingstoke on Saturday, a game against Braintree Town at Clarence Park on the 14th November, and an away game playing Woking on the 10th November. Also playing tomorrow evening are the Under 18's team - they're playing Colchester United as part of the FA Youth Cup.

Neil

Playlist w/c 2nd November 2009

Hi Everyone

Below is our drivetime playlist for the forthcoming week:

Alesha Dixon - To Love Again
Athlete - Black Swan Song
Beverley Knight - In Your Shoes
Beyonce - Broken-Hearted Girl
Bon Jovi - We Weren’t Born To Follow
Cheryl Cole - Fight For This Love
Dame Shirley Bassey - Nice Men
Daniel Merriweather feat. Adele - Water And A Flame
Dionne Bromfield- Mama Said
Ingrid Michaelson - Maybe
Jace Everett - Bad Things
James Morrison - Get To You
Jamie Cullum - I’m All Over It
JLS - Everybody In Love
Leona Lewis - Happy
Michael Bolton - Murder My Heart
Michael Jackson - This Is It
Mika - Rain
Norah Jones - Chasing Pirates
Paolo Nutini - Pencil Full Of Lead
Peter Andre - Unconditional
Pixie Lott - Cry Me Out
Ronan Keating - Stay
Rosanne Cash feat. Bruce Springsteen - Sea Of Heartbreak
Snow Patrol - Just Say Yes
Stereophonics - Innocent
Susan Boyle - Wild Horses
Will Young - Hopes and Fears

Items in BOLD are new additions

If you would like to make a request or dedication, please call us on 01727 839926 or email us at studio@radioverulam.com

See you on the air!

Danny Smith
<><

Friday 30 October 2009

Interview with Verulam Writers Circle

Hello everyone,

On todays show Danny spoke with Mark Clementson of Verulam Writers Circle. This organisation has been in existence for over 50 years and has around 40 members.

It doesn't matter how competent you are at writing - everyone is welcome - and the group has members with all levels of writing ability. Some members are just beginning to take the first step in writing whilst others have had work published, although to join you don't need any experience. The group meetings involve reading other peoples work and giving feedback, and sometimes feature guest speakers and workshops.

The group meets every other Wednesday at St Michaels Church Hall (near Verulamium museum) at 8pm. And on the other Wednesdays they meet at the Six Bells pub in St Michaels. The next meeting is Wednesday 4th November at St Michaels Church Hall.

Of particular interest is a conference the group is holding next year. It's going to be at the University of Hertfoordshire on the 20th Feb 2010. At the conference they'll have authors, speakers and workshops. For more information on this and for information about the organisation (including how to join and membership fees) visit www.vwc.org.uk

Have a great weekend!

Neil

Interviews this week included....

Hi everyone,

On Tuesday, Danny spoke with Phillip Kenchington of
AllAboutSt Albans.com.

On Wednesday, Danny interviewed Julie Littlemore of St Albans City Band. For more information, you can visit www.stalbansband.co.uk

And on Thursday, we had an interview with Jenny Nicholas of
St Albans Book Club. For more information, you can contact Jenny at jennifer.m.nicholas@gmail.com

Neil

Thursday 29 October 2009

On this week's Gig Guide - Fri 30th Oct 2009: Polly Poison and her Electric Antidote!

Greetings all,

On this week's Gig Guide we have the fabulous Polly Poison and her Electric Antidote on the show to talk about their gig that night at The Horn.

We also have tracks from 33 Revolutions and another of The Swanvesta Social Club's cuban-flavoured covers.

All this on The Gig Guide, Radio Verulam 92.6FM, Fridays 6:30pm-7:00pm

Chris

www.myspace.com/rvgigguide

Monday 26 October 2009

The Gig Guide: Tracklisting - Friday 23rd October 2009

Greetings all,

It's good to be back after this brief rest and now we're back to full strength for the winter shift.

It was good to catch up with Paul Littler again and catch up with him about his latest ventures as well as hearing about the awesome White Rabbit gig coming up this Friday at The Horn.

Here's this week's tracklisting:


TRACK OF THE WEEK: The Fabulous Weapon – Alright Jack
http://www.myspace.com/thefabulousweapon

Zalinski – Alive
www.myspace.com/zalinskiband

Paul Littler - Aint No Need
http://www.myspace.com/paullittlermusic

Bebop & Rocksteady – No Long Time
http://www.myspace.com/beboprocksteadyuk

OUTRO: Foo Fighters – Wheels


Tune in next week for some more info on Friday's White Rabbit gig and all the latest music happenings in the West Herts area

Chris @
Radio Verulam 92.6FM
www.myspace.com/rvgigguide

Interview with Karin Williams of St Albans Citizens Advice Bureau

Hi everyone,

On todays show we spoke with Karin Williams of St Albans Citizens Advice Bureau. With Christmas and New Year not that far away, the Citizens Advice Bureau is looking for volunteers to help 2 days per week in giving advice. In becoming a volunteer, you would receive lots of training and learn about all sorts of issues. For an information pack, call in to the Bureau at 64 London Road, St Albans or email bureau.stalbanscab@cabnet.org.uk.

Karin also mention that around Christmas alot of people end up in debt. If you are considering credit the advice was always read the small print. Also, if you don't pay on time you can end up paying additional interest. It's also worth remebering that currently no legislation exists on irresponsible lending, so be careful and shop around if you're going to borrow money.

Karin also mention that as the cold season approaches, it's importnat to keep warm. If you find keeping warm expensive, you can always shop around for a cheaper tariff or even ask your current supplier about a social tariff. A social tariff is a reduced tariff for those who are sick or disabled.

And the good news is that from the 2nd November, child benefit will no longer be counted as income for those applying for housing benefit or council tax benefit. That basically means you're likely to receive more benefit.

For more information or to contact the St Albans Citizens Advice Bureau, you can call 01727 855269 or go to www.stalbans-cab.org.uk. For information on saving money and money related issues you can also check out www.moneysavingexpert.com

Have a great week!

Neil

Interview with Peter Antram of the RSPB

Hello everyone,

On Thursday last week we heard from Peter Antram of the RSPB - St Albans group. The RSPB St Albans group is a great way to meet friendly, like-minded people in the area while learning more about birds and wildlife.

This local group also runs events in the area. Coming up is an event called 'A Date with Nature' which will be held from the 9th November to the 15th November at Verulamium Lake, Verulam Park - look out for the RSPB caravan. Also coming up is a Guided Walk at Tring Reservoir on the 15th November which is a chance to view good numbers of wintering wildfowl including shoveler, wigeon and teal and perhaps a late migrant or two. The walk starts at 9.30am and is free.

The RSPB St Albans group also meets in St Albans on the second Tuesday of each month, September to May, at 8pm in St Saviours Church Hall, Sandpit Lane, St Albans. For more information on the group you can visit www.rspb.org.uk/groups/stalbans/

Neil

Playlist w/c 26th October 2009

Hi Everyone

Below is our drivetime playlist for the forthcoming week:

Alesha Dixon - To Love Again
Alex Cornish - Untied
Athlete - Black Swan Song
Ben’s Brother feat. Anastacia - Stalemate
Beverley Knight - In Your Shoes
Beyonce - Broken-Hearted Girl
Bon Jovi - We Weren’t Born To Follow
Cheryl Cole - Fight For This Love
Dame Shirley Bassey - Nice Men
Daniel Merriweather feat. Adele - Water And A Flame
Dionne Bromfield - Mama Said
Emily Maguire - Lighthouse Man
Ingrid Michaelson - Maybe
Jace Everett - Bad Things
James Morrison - Get To You
Jamie Cullum - I’m All Over It
JLS - Everybody In Love
Katherine Jenkins - Bring Me To Life
Leona Lewis - Happy
Michael Bublé - Haven’t Met You Yet
Michael Jackson - This Is It
Norah Jones - Chasing Pirates
Paolo Nutini - Pencil Full Of Lead
Peter Andre - Unconditional
Shèna - Nasty Little Rumour
Snow Patrol - Just Say Yes
Spandau Ballet - Once More
Stereophonics - Innocent
Will Young - Hopes and Fears

Items in BOLD are new additions

See you on the air!

Danny Smith
<><

Friday 23 October 2009

Interview with Chris Rea Part 4 - Listen Again

Here is the final part of our recent Chris Rea interview, originally broadcast on Friday 23rd October 2009:


Interview with Chris Rea Part 3 - Listen Again

Here is part 3 of our recent interview with Chris Rea, originally broadcast on 23rd October 2009.


Interview with Chris Rea Part 2 - Listen Again

Here's part 2 of our recent interview with Chris Rea, originally broadcast on Friday 23rd October 2009:

Interview with Chris Rea Part 1 - Listen Again

Hi Guys

Below is part 1 of our interview with Chris Rea, originally broadcast on Friday 23rd October 2009. Other parts to follow!

Danny Smith
<><

Wednesday 21 October 2009

Interview with Tony Christie - Listen Again

Hi everyone

Some months ago we spoke to Tony Christie, who came on the show to promote his new single. If you missed it at the time, you can now listen to it again by clicking below:


The Film Guide with Simon Carver

Greetings

On this week's film guide, Simon informed us of the following new cinema releases:

Cirque Du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant
Action, Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy, Horror, Thriller
John C. Reilly, Josh Hutcherson, Chris Massoglia, Jessica Carlson
12A 105 mins
Contains moderate violence and fantasy horror images.

Fantastic Mr. Fox
Adventure, Animation, Comedy
Featuring the voices of George Clooney, Meryl Streep, Jason Schwartzman, Willem Dafoe and Bill Murray,
PG 87 mins.
Contains mild violence and scary scenes.


The following were Simon's DVD recommendations for the forthcoming week:

Dead Set
Comedy, Drama, Horror
Jaime Winstone, Andy Nyman
18 142 mins

Tru Blood - Season 1
Drama, Fantasy, Horror
Anna Paquin, Stephen Moyer, Chris Bauer
18 691 mins

ER - The Complete Series
Drama
George Clooney, Anthony Edwards, Noah Wyle
15 9999 mins


Finally, Simon took a look ahead at the forthcoming films on free-to-air TV and made the following recommendations:

Thursday

Ladies in Lavender
7:00pm - 9:00pm
Film4

Shall We Dance
10:00pm - 11:45pm
BBC4


Friday

The Fifth Element
9:00pm - 11:30pm
Film4


Saturday

The Truman Show
8:00pm - 10:00pm
Channel 4


Sunday

The Constant Gardener
9:00pm - 11:35pm
ITV3


Monday

All about Eve
4:20pm - 7:00pm
Film4


Tuesday (Recommended by Danny)

The Way We Were
4:55pm - 7:15pm
Film4

Clear and Present Danger
9:00pm - 11:40pm
Film4

We also gave away copies of the DVD Dead Set during the show and will give one away to the first person who leaves a comment on this blog - don't say we don't look after our bloggers!

Until next time...

Danny Smith
<><

Tuesday 20 October 2009

Interviews today....

Hello everyone,

On the show today we heard from a band called 'The Soldiers'. The band is made up of 3 actual serving army soldiers called Gary, Richie and Ryan. They said they found being in a band great fun and a great experience despite a bit of ribbing from colleagues! They have a single and an album out on Monday next week - both are called 'Coming Home'. Money raised from these releases will go to the Army Benevolent Fund, Help For Heroes and the Royal British Legion.

Also on the show we heard from Roger Page from the St Albans Diving Club. The club has been going since 1976 and is for those aged 8 years and older. The club has been based at Westminster Lodge for many years but will be based out of Hemel Hempstead once Westminster Lodge is replaced by a new leisure centre. This is because the new leisure centre won't have any diving facilities. The club covers both springboard and platform diving and competes at a local, regional and national level. For more information, visit www.sadc.org.uk where you'll find contact details.

Have a good week!

Neil

Monday 19 October 2009

It's Chris Rea Week on West Herts Evening!!!

Hi Everyone

Chris Rea will be joining me on Friday's show to talk about his illustrious career. To celebrate the release of his brand-spanking new greatest hits CD we will be giving away copies all this week on the show. To be in with a chance of winning, simply tune in from 4pm on 92.6FM in West Herts or online at www.radioverulam.com

For those of you that follow the blog, you will also get a chance to win a copy! All you have to do is leave a comment on the blog this week and we will randomly select one of you to win this great prize.

Best wishes

Danny Smith
<><

Coming Up This Week...

Hi chaps and chapesses!

Coming up on the show this week:

Monday - Ian Rogers from St Albans City Football Club & Michelle Hart from the Centre for Voluntary Services.

Tuesday - We will be chatting to the newest pop sensation The Soldiers (pictured) & Roger Page from St Albans Diving Club.

Wednesday - The Radio Verulam Film Guide with Simon Carver (not pictured!).

Thursday - Peter Antram, Leader RSPB St Albans Local Group

Friday - It's the two Chris's, Rea & Saunders. One will be chatting about his career and the other will be bringing us the Radio Verulam Gig Guide (but you'll have to tune in to find out which is which!).

See you on the air!

Danny Smith
<><

Playlist w/c 19th October 2009

Hi Everyone

Below is our drivetime playlist for the forthcoming week:

Alex Cornish - Untied
Athlete - Black Swan Song
Ben’s Brother feat. Anastacia - Stalemate
Beverley Knight - In Your Shoes
Beyonce - Broken-Hearted Girl
Bon Jovi - We Weren’t Born To Follow
Cheryl Cole - Fight For This Love
Chris Rea - Come So Far Yet Still So Far To Go
Dame Shirley Bassey - Nice Men
Daniel Merriweather feat. Adele - Water And A Flame
Dionne Bromfield - Mama Said
Emily Maguire - Lighthouse Man
Foo Fighters - Wheels
Jace Everett - Bad Things
Jamie Cullum - I’m All Over It
JLS - Everybody In Love
John Fogerty ft. Don Henley and Timothy B Schmit - Garden Party
Katherine Jenkins - Bring Me To Life
Leona Lewis - Happy
Lisa Hannigan - Lille
Michael Bublé - Haven’t Met You Yet
Michael Jackson - This Is It
Nerina Pallot - Real Late Starter
Paolo Nutini - Pencil Full Of Lead
Peter Andre - Unconditional
Robbie Williams - Bodies
Shèna - Nasty Little Rumour
Snow Patrol - Just Say Yes
Spandau Ballet - Once More
Stereophonics - Innocent

Items in BOLD are new additions.


We have lots in store for you on West Herts Evening this week. Look out for a separate blog entry to tell you all about it.

Best wishes

Danny Smith
<><

Thursday 15 October 2009

The Film Guide with Simon Carver

Hi Everyone

Apologies for no film guide blog last week but there just wasn't enough hours in the day! However, we are back and below are Simon Carver's recommendations for films on free-to-air TV for the coming week, as well as a round-up of new cinema releases and his selections of new DVDs:

New Cinema Releases

Couples Retreat
Vince Vaughn, Kristen Bell, Malin Akerman, Jason Bateman
Comedy
Cert 15 113 mins
Contains moderate sex references.

The Imaginarium Of Doctor Parnassus
Starring Heath Ledger in his final role – which was later taken over by Johnny Depp, Colin Farrell and Jude Law.
Adventure, Fantasy, Mystery
Cert 12A 123 mins.
Contains infrequent strong language, scenes of threat, hanging and smoking.

Triangle
Melissa George, Liam Hemsworth, Rachel Carpani, Emma Lung
Horror, Mystery, Thriller
Cert 15 99 mins
Contains strong violence, horror and language.

DVD Recommendations

24: Season 7 Kiefer Sutherland has another bad day

The Lions 2009 South Africa: Living with the Pride

The Ashes 2009: The Official Story

Big Bang Theory - Season 2 Science graduate comedy series

TV Recommendations

Wednesday (Repeated on Monday 19th October at 9pm)

Million Dollar Baby
9:00pm - 11:35pm
Film4


Friday

East Is East
11:00pm - 12:55am
E4


Saturday

Muriel's Wedding
10:10pm - 11:50pm
BBC2 London & South East

Saw
11:20pm - 1:20am
Channel 4


Sunday

The Last King of Scotland
9:00pm - 11:30pm
Channel 4


Monday

Mars Attacks!
7:45pm - 10:00pm
ITV4


Tuesday

The Bridges of Madison County
6:20pm - 9:00pm
Film4

We hope you enjoy the above selection of films. Why not leave us a comment to let us know what you think?

Don't forget to catch the Film Guide each Wednesday at 5.30pm on your favourite community station!

Danny Smith
<><

Tuesday 13 October 2009

Interview with the Magic Carpet Theatre Company

Hi eveyone,

On todays show we heard from Jon Marshall of the Magic Carpet Theatre Company. They're one of the UK's busiest children's theatre companies, touring productions and workshops to schools, theatres and to festivals in the UK and abroad. They play to around 45,000 children and their families each year in schools and arts venues throughout the UK and to venues as far as Singapore, Rome, Venice and Milan. Magic Carpet Theatre was founded in 1982 and has been touring ever since.

Magic Carpet are especially interested in the traditional skills of the variety theatre, circus and puppetry. Clown, slapstick, illusion and conjuring, physical theatre and melodrama are some of the elements often incorporated in Magic Carpet's productions. Magic Carpet combine theatrical and educational experience with performance skills to make their highly entertaining and unique style.

And the Magic Carpet Theatre Company is coming to St Albans this weekend! They'll be at the Maltings Arts Theatre at 11am on Saturday presenting a 'Wacky Wizards Workshop' where they will be showing children how to be wizards! And then at 3pm, they will be putting on a show called 'Wizard of Castle Magic'. For tickets and further details call the Maltings Arts Theatre on 01727 844222. For more information on Magic Carpet Theatre, go to www.magiccarpettheatre.com

Neil

Interview with Marcus Brigstocke - Listen Again

Hi Guys

I am slowly adding more interviews to the blog and this one is the first one I ever did! This is from last October and is with comedian Marcus Brigstocke.

Enjoy!

Danny Smith
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Monday 12 October 2009

Interview with Nell Bryden - Listen Again

Hiya

On Monday's show we chatted with Nell Bryden. If you missed the interview or would like to hear it again, you can do so by clicking below.

Stay tuned for more celebrity interviews!

Danny Smith
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Interview with Kumud Ghandi of the Cooking Academy

Hi

We also had Kumud Ghandi of the Cooking Academy being interviewed on the show today. Kumud has been cooking from a young age, studied food science and is interested in how to work with food for health.

Kumud set up the Academy three and a half years ago and it offers courses in British, European, Indian and Thai cooking. The Academy also caters for those who don't know alot about cooking and also looks at the medicinal uses of food, aswell as offering a chance to learning about spices and how to cook with them.

Kumud is also keen to promote healthy eating in schools - it can be very beneficial for young people to eat certain foods to help development. Kumud also believes that learning to cook at school is a really good skill and can equip people with practical life skills.

For more information on the Cooking Academy, call 08450 685848 or visit www.thecookingacademy.co.uk

Neil

Interview with Nell Bryden

Hi everyone,

On the show today we heard from Nell Bryden who has today released her album 'What Does It Take'. Nell told us that she comes from a very musical background - her mother was a musician and Nell spent alot of her childhood around musicians. Nell began writing her own material and after touring in pubs and clubs for years in Europe, relased a single 'What Does it Take' which really took off. Nell describes her music as 'Americano' and has many influences including old jazz, Jimi Hendrix and the Beatles, and is always open to new styles. Nell will be touring over the next couple of months - for more information about this and about Nell, go to www.nellbryden.com.

Neil

Coming up this week.....

Hi everyone,

Coming up this week we have:

- On Tuesday at 5.35pm we have an interview with Jon Marshall of Magic Carpet Theatre

- On Wednesday at 5.30pm we have the Film Guide with Simon Carver

- On Thursday at 5.35pm we have an interview with Pete Eddlestone of the St Albans Green Party

- On Friday at 5.35pm we have an interview with Roger Martin from St Albans Abbey Gateway Orchestra

Lots for you to enjoy!

Neil

Playlist w/c 12th October 2009

Hiya

Below is our drivetime playlist for the forthcoming week:

Alex Cornish - Untied
Aviv Geffen - It’s Alright
Ben’s Brother feat. Anastacia - Stalemate
Beyonce - Broken-Hearted Girl
Bon Jovi - We Weren’t Born To Follow
Cheryl Cole - Fight For This Love
Chris Rea - Come So Far Yet Still So Far To Go
Colbie Caillat - Fallin’ For You
Dame Shirley Bassey - Nice Men
Daniel Merriweather feat. Adele - Water And A Flame
Dionne Bromfield - Mama Said
Emily Maguire - Lighthouse Man
Foo Fighters - Wheels
Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu - Bapa
Jace Everett - Bad Things
John Fogerty ft. Don Henley and Timothy B Schmit - Garden Party
Katherine Jenkins - Bring Me To Life
Lisa Hannigan - Lille
Michael Bublé - Haven’t Met You Yet
Nell Bryden - Second Time Around
Nerina Pallot - Real Late Starter
Robbie Williams - Bodies
Shèna - Nasty Little Rumour
Spandau Ballet - Once More
Whitney Houston - Million Dollar Bill

Items in BOLD are new additions


Must dash - on air in 6 mins!!!

Danny Smith
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Coming Up On Today's Show - Nell Bryden!

Hi Everyone

On today's show we will be chatting with Brooklyn singer-songwriter Nell Bryden. She is taking the UK music scene by storm and her new album comes out today!

For more information about Nell, why not check out her website?

www.nellbryden.com

See ya'll laterz (as the kids say!)

Danny Smith
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