Playlist w/c 28th September 2009

Hi Everyone

Phew - what a day! My apologies for not posting this sooner but here is our weekly new music playlist:

Alison Krauss - The Lucky One
Cerys Matthews - Arlington Way
Chris Rea - Come So Far Yet Still So Far To Go
Colbie Caillat - Fallin’ For You
Foo Fighters - Wheels
Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu - Bapa
Hockey - Song Away
John Fogerty ft. Don Henley and Timothy B Schmit - Garden Party
Lisa Hannigan - Lille
Madonna - Celebration
Megan Henwood - What Elliot Said
Michael Bolton - Just One Love
Michael Bublé - Haven’t Met You Yet
Mika - We Are Golden
Natalie Imbruglia - Want
Nell Bryden - Second Time Around
Newton Faulkner - If This Is It
Paloma Faith - New York
Pixie Lott - Boys And Girls
Robbie Williams - Bodies
The Yeah You’s - Getting Up With You
Whitney Houston - Million Dollar Bill

Items in BOLD are new additions

See you on the air!

Danny Smith
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The Gig Guide: Tracklisting - Friday 25th September 2009

Greetings all,

Here's this week's tracklistings for you. Special thanks to Shaun and Kai for joining us in the studio:


The Second Post – Another Night Begins
http://www.myspace.com/thesecondpost

TRACK OF THE WEEK: The Harringtons – You Might Never Get It
http://www.myspace.com/harringtonsband

Toxins – Wasted Breath
http://www.myspace.com/toxinsuk

Outtro: Blur - Charmless Man


Join us next Friday where we'll be hearing from The Scratch and listening to the latest tracks from their new album.

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

Coming up this week.....

Hi everyone,

A few things to listen out for this week are:

- on Wednesday, Simon Carver will be presenting the weekly Film Guide at 5.30pm

- on Thursday at 5.35pm, we have an interview with John Simmons of the St Albans Chess Club

- on Friday at 5.35pm, we have an interview with Howard Smith of the Harpenden Choral Society

So tune in and enjoy!

Neil

Interview with Karin Williams from St Albans Citizens Advice Bureau

Hi everyone,

On the show today we heard from Karin Williams from the St Albans Citizens Advice Bureau. Karin was here for the Citizens Advice Bureau monthly interview, and today the theme was employment.

We were informed that some people on low incomes may actually be entitled to some benefits even though they are working. These benefits include tax credits, income support, help with mortgage interest payments, housing benefit and council tax benefit. In some cases it's even possible to claim for travel expenses to get to interviews. For more information, you can contact your local job centre or the Citizens Advice Bureau.

Karin also talked about the problem of bullying in the workplace. It's something the Citizens Advice Bureau have a lot of enquiries about. Bullying at work is when someone or an incident causes you alarm or distress - the message was don't put up with it. For help and more information, Karin recommended that you contact ACAS.

And the final topic was about being ill on holiday. As a result of a ruling by the European Court of Justice, if you are sick whilst on holiday, you can claim this time as time off as sick leave and preserve your holiday entitlement.

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.

A very interesting interview.

Neil

Interview with St Albans Signal Box Preservation Trust

Hi everyone,

On the show today we heard from Keith Webster of the St Albans Signal Box Preservation Trust. This organisation has renovated and restored the signal box near St Albans City station from what was a very run down building.

In 2002, a group of people decided to do something about the run down grade II listed building, and restoration work started in 2006. It's now fully restored and open to the public. It's next open on Sunday this week from 2pm - 5pm and can be found on Ridgmont Road which is just by the car park at platform 4 of the city station. The trust will be giving signalling demonstrations, where you can help change the signals and ring the signal box bells! You can see the box in action in old movies, and view an interesting variety of old signalling equipment in the museum, or you can just have a cup of tea and stroll around the garden! Entrance is free.

If you would like more information on the Trust, go to www.sigbox.co.uk. If you would like to join the Trust, which now has 150 members, membership details are on the website. As a member you can help out at the 'working day' held on the 2nd Sunday of each month.


Have a great weekend!

Neil

Is it counsellor or councillor???

Hi Guys

On today's show we chatted with Councillor Chris Brazier about the current consultation about the development and future of St Albans. It's not too late for you to comment on this important issue and more information is available on the Council's website www.stalbans.gov.uk

There is also a shop in the Maltings (opposite Costa Coffee) where you can look at the plans and make your feelings known. Hurry though as te consultation ends on Monday!

Also on the show today we spoke to Geri Russo of the Herts & Beds Counselling Foundation. They provide valuable counselling services in our area and training in counselling. For more information you can call 01727 856693 or visit their website www.esacc.org.uk

If that wasn't enough, we also spoke to Clive Glover, chairman of Radio Verulam about the current petition to get the Government to increase it's support of the Community Media Fund. If you would like to support this worthwhile cause and sign this petition, please visit www.allthevoices.org - but hurry as the petition closes at midnight tonight!

Until tomorrow...

Danny Smith
<><

[Posted with iBlogger from my iPhone]

Interview with Cerys Matthews - Listen Again

Hi everyone

By clicking on the above button you should be able to listen again to our recent interview with Cerys Matthews. This was originally broadcast on Monday 21st September 2009 at 4.35pm.

For more information about Cerys, why not check out her website? www.cerysmatthews.co.uk

Danny Smith
<><

Interview with Kumud Ghandi from The Cooking Academy

Hi everyone

On today's show we had a very informative interview with Kumud Ghandi from the Rickmansworth Cooking Academy. The classes run include learning how to cook British, European and Asian food at home- and they only cost £99!

Kumud specifically concentrates on Asian cookery due to the many medicinal properties found in a lot of the common ingredients. This is what makes the cookery academy unique; not only does it teach you cook great food for yourself at home but also educates you in the mechanics of why certain ingredients are used in recipes. For example, mustard is often paired with meats such as lamb and beef because it breaks down the amino acids in the protein. This therefore makes the food easier for your body to digest.

Kumud's cookery school also clears up many misconceptions about food such as you shouldn't eat curry if you are trying to lose weight as they are fattening. However, you will be pleased to know that this isn't the case! In fact, spicy foods such as chilli raise you metabolism so you will end up burning calories faster. Also, Cardamom pods will calm hunger pangs so you wont be reaching for that afternoon biscuit!

Kumud is passionate about home cooking so encourages students at the school to ditch the ready meals and sharpen their knives. As cooking is all about the preparation, if you plan ahead you can whip up a tasty and healthy meal in less 20 minutes and handy tips such as freezing your spices only adds to the convenience.

If you want to learn how to cook up a storm from scratch and learn all about the medicinal properties of the ingredients in the process then visit www.thecookingacademy.co.uk or alternatively ring 01923 720697 for further details.

Enjoy the rest of your week!

Ruth

Interview with Cerys Matthews and also the Centre for Voluntary Services

Hi everyone,

On the show this afternoon we had Cerys Matthews being interviewed! Cerys, who has been writing songs since the age of 9, has a new single out on the 28th September. It's called Arlington Way and both an English and Welsh version are going to be released. It's only available from itunes. Cerys also has a new album out in October and will playing at the Alban Arena on Friday 23rd October.

A little later we had Michelle Hart from the Centre for Voluntary Services (CVS) being interviewed. Michelle informed us that the 1st October is Older Persons Day and this is a good time to remember how important volunteering with the elderly is - for instance at local day centres and through the Good Neighbour Scheme. There are many ways of getting involved - it's great experience and good for the CV!

Michelle also remined us that the CVS also gives advice to local organisations, especially to do with funding. The CVS is holding a funding surgery on the 1st October between 9am and 1pm at its offices in Catherine Street, St Albans - the idea is to give advice and guidance to local organisations on the issue of funding.

For those looking to volunteer, Michelle mentioned some of the opportunities the CVS currently has:

- Active Lifestyles, a Caribbean lunch club, are looking for help in the kitchen.
- the Alzheimers Society is looking for good companion volunteers.
- and the Good Neighbour Scheme is looking for volunteers to provide transport to those who are less able to get around.

Michelle also mentioned that the CVS also has a Transport Officer, Keith, who works with drivers in providing tranport for those who are less able to get around.

For more information on these positions and many more, you can visit www.cvsstalbans.org.uk or call in and see them at the offices in Catherine Street, St Albans.


Have a great week!

Neil

Coming up this week.....

Hi everyone,

We've got lots for you to enjoy this week, including:

Today - at 4.35pm we're interviewing Cerys Matthews, and at 5.35pm we have an interview with Michelle Hart from St Albans Volunteer Centre.

Tues - we have an interview at 5.35pm with Kumud Ghandi of The Cooking Academy.

Wed - we have the Film Guide with Simon Carver at 5.30pm.

Thurs - at 4.35pm we'll be talking to Cllr Chris Brazier who is Portfolio Holder for Planning and Conservation on St Albans City and District Council. And at 5.35pm we'll be interviewing Gerry Russo from the Herts and Beds Counselling Foundation.

Fri - at 5.35pm we have an interview with Keith Webster from the St Albans Signal Box Preservation Trust. And at 6.30pm, Chris Saunders will be presenting the Gig Guide.

Hope you enjoy!

Neil

Playlist w/c 21st September 2009

Hi Everyone

Just got back from a few days away and am now frantically rushing to get today's show together! However, below you will find our weekly drivetime new music playlist:

a-ha - Nothing Is Keeping You Here
Alison Krauss - The Lucky One
Basement Jaxx - Feelings Gone
Cerys Matthews - Arlington Way
Chris Rea - Come So Far Yet Still So Far To Go
Cliff Richard and The Shadows - Singing The Blues
Colbie Caillat - Fallin’ For You
Coldplay - Strawberry Swing
Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu - Bapa
Hockey - Song Away
Madonna - Celebration
Mark Knopfler - Border Reiver
Megan Henwood - What Elliot Said
Michael Bolton - Just One Love
Michael Bublé - Haven’t Met You Yet
Mika - We Are Golden
Natalie Imbruglia - Want
Nell Bryden - Second Time Around
Newton Faulkner - If This Is It
Paloma Faith - New York
Pete Yorn and Scarlett Johansson - Relator
Pixie Lott - Boys And Girls
Taylor Swift - You Belong To Me
The Yeah You’s - Getting Up With You
Whitney Houston - Million Dollar Bill

Don't forget that we will be chatting with Cerys Matthews on today's show so I hope you can join us from 4pm!

Danny Smith
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Radio Verulam Film Guide with Simon Carver

In today’s feature, Simon Carver, our resident film guide highlighted the following new cinema releases:

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs (U)
90 minutes; Contains mild language and mild comic threat

Away We Go (15)
98 minutes

Gamer (18)
95 minutes; Contains bloody violence and sexualised nudity

The Firm (18)
90 minutes; Contains strong language and strong violence

He also recommended the following DVD releases:

The September Issue

State of Play

Battlestar Galactica

Portrait of a Miner ( NCB Collection 1947 )

Finally, Simon’s recommendations for the films on free-to-air TV for the next week are as follows:

Wed 16th ITV4 23:15 - 01:30
United 93

Thu 17th BBC4 22:00 – 23:30
Gregory's Girl

Fri 18th Film4 16:55 – 18:50
Girls! Girls! Girls!

Sat 19th ITV1 21:15 – 23:05
Casino Royale

Sun 20th ITV1 16:20 – 18:30
Goldfinger

Mon 21st Film4 21:00 – 22:50
Persepolis

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

Interview with David Utting from St Albans Symphony Orchestra and the Theme Tune Challenge!

Hi everyone,

On todays show we heard from David Utting from the St Albans Symphony Orchestra. The Symphony Orchestra comprises professional and amateur musicians all of a high standard from throughout Hertfordshire and beyond.

Its members include professionally trained musicians, teachers and music college students. The orchestra is developing into one of the UK's leading non-professional ensembles and currently has 60-70 members and they're always on the look out for new players, particluary those that can play string instruments.

The next concert will feature the Verdi Requiem, and is going to be held at St Albans Abbey on the 17th October at 7.30pm. For tickets or for more information on the orchestra, go to www.saso.org.uk

Also on the show, we had another round of the Theme Tune Challenge. We had our new Studio Assistant, Ruth, taking part who scored 6 correct answers and 1 pass. Here's the latest leaderboard with her score included:

Position	Date	Name	Area	Score	Passes
1	7th Aug	Chris	R.V. Gig Guide	15	2
2	26th Aug	Simon	R.V. Film and TV Guide	9	1
3	15th Sept	Ruth	R.V. Broadcasting Assistant	6	1
4	24th Aug	Energy	R.V. Afternoon Favourites	5	1
5	7th Sept	Phil	R.V. Verulam AM	5	2

Have a great week,

Neil

Interview with Cerys Matthews on Monday's show next week

Hi everyone

Next week on Monday 21st September at 4.35pm we are having an interview with Cerys Matthews.

Cerys is most famous for being the lead singer of the Welsh rock band Catatonia. She also appeared inthe 2007 version of 'I'm a celebrity, get me out of here!', coming fourth behind Jason 'J' Brown, Janice Dickinson and the eventual winner of the series, Christopher Biggins.

Cerys is now a solo artist and will release her first CD in two years on September 28th 2009. The album, entitled Don't Look Down will be released in two versions, one in English and the other in Welsh.

So make sure you tune into Radio Verulam, 92.6 FM!

Interview with Philip Edgington and the Theme Tune Challenge

Hi everyone,

On the show today, we heard from Philip Edgington from Harpenden. Philip has recently returned from a two week trip to Mozambique organised through an organisation called Oasis. This organisation is a global Christian charity that helps people who are living on the fringe of society.

For Philip, and the five others that went with him, it was a chance to make a difference and help others. Philip worked on building a community water point, and also took part in city clean up day where 500 people gathered together to clean up the local community.

Philip said that one of the highlights was spending time with the local children who were very welcoming. He also said that the trip has taught him to appreciate what he has and to make more time for other people.

For more general information about Oasis, visit www.oasisuk.org and for information about Oasis that is specific to Mozambique, visit www.oasismz.org/EN/index.htm.

Philip also took part in our Theme Tune Challenge! He scored 7 correct answers and 2 passes. Here's the latest leaderboard with his score included:

Position	Date	Name	Area	Score	Passes
1	28th July	Kev	St Albans	12	3
2	24th Aug	Graham	Devon	10	0
3	11th Sept	Costa	St Albans	9	1
4	14th Aug	Rick	Hatfield	9	2
5	30th July	Mick	Welwyn Garden City	9	3
6	1st Sept	Bo	St Albans	8	3
7	31st July	Kate	St Albans	7	2
7	7th Aug	Mike	Marshalswick	7	2
7	14th Sept	Philip	Harpenden	7	2
10	11th Aug	Wendy	Marshalswick	6	1

Keep listening!

Neil

Playlist w/c 14th September 2009

Hi Guys

Please find below our new music drivetime playlist for the forthcoming week:

7 Worlds Collide - Too Blue
a-ha - Nothing Is Keeping You Here
Alison Krauss - The Lucky One
Basement Jaxx - Feelings Gone
Cerys Matthews - Arlington Way
Chris Rea - Come So Far Yet Still So Far To Go
Cliff Richard and The Shadows - Singing The Blues
Coldplay - Strawberry Swing
David Gray - Fugitive
Hockey - Song Away
Jason Mraz and Colbie Caillat - Lucky
Jon Allen - Down By The River
Madonna - Celebration
Mark Knopfler - Border Reiver
Megan Henwood - What Elliot Said
Michael Bolton - Just One Love
Mika - We Are Golden
Natalie Imbruglia - Want
Nell Bryden - Second Time Around
Newton Faulkner - If This Is It
Paloma Faith - New York
Pete Yorn and Scarlett Johansson - Relator
Pixie Lott - Boys And Girls
Taylor Swift - You Belong To Me
The Yeah You’s - Getting Up With You
U2 - I’ll Go Crazy If I Don’t Go Crazy Tonight
Whitney Houston - Million Dollar Bill

Items in BOLD are new additions

See you on the air!

Danny Smith
<><

St Albans Boys Brigade and the Theme Tune Challenge

Hello everyone,

During the show today we had a visit from Boys Brigade leader Marion Morrison and two youngsters. The Boys Brigade is a Christian organisation for those aged between 5 and 18 years old and the St Albans Boys Brigade meets every Monday during term time in the Lower Hall, Dagnall Street Baptist Church (opposite Christopher Place car park). The meeting times are:

5-10 years old: 5.45pm - 6.45pm
10-14 years old: 7pm - 8.15pm
14+: 7.30pm - 9.45pm

For more information on this organisation, visit:
http://1stalbans.boys-brigade.org.uk/

Also on the show, we had another round of the Theme Tune Challenge! Costa from St Albans played and his score has been added to the leaderboard:

Position	Date	Name	Area	Score	Passes
1	28th July	Kev	St Albans	12	3
2	24th Aug	Graham	Devon	10	0
3	11th Sept	Costa	St Albans	9	1
4	14th Aug	Rick	Hatfield	9	2
5	30th July	Mick	Welwyn Garden City	9	3
6	1st Sept	Bo	St Albans	8	3
7	31st July	Kate	St Albans	7	2
7	7th Aug	Mike	Marshalswick	7	2
9	11th Aug	Wendy	Marshalswick	6	1
10	4th Aug	Douglas	St Albans	5	2

Hope you all have a great weekend!

Neil