St Albans Art Society

This morning we spoke to Edward Bevin of St Albans Arts Society.

The society has played a major role in helping to enhance the history and status of St Albans for well over a century. They host a variety of lectures and demonstrations and the opportunity to take part in workshop studies and life drawing sessions.

The flagship event of the year - the summer exhibition - will undisputedly add to the overall culture and visual arts scene, not only to this corner of Hertfordshire, but to the county as a whole. The exhibition takes place Wednesday 22nd July - Sunday 26th July at the Town Hall in St Albans.

For more information, go to www.stalbans-artsociety.org.uk

Interview with The Battlefields Trust

This morning we spoke to Peter Burley from The Battlefields Trust.

Nearly everyone in the UK lives within half an hour’s drive of a battlefield. Some, like Hastings, Bosworth and Culloden, are familiar to most of us. Others are relatively unknown. Yet the battles fought on them all played their part in shaping the way that we live today. The Battlefields Trust is based in St Albans and helps to ensure that these priceless historical sites are preserved for everyone to understand and enjoy, both now and in the future.

The Battlefields Trust campaign both locally and nationally to defend battlefields from inappropriate development or even destruction. They work hard to make the most of their educational and recreational potential. Members have helped set up information boards at sites across Britain and also prepared battlefield trails for you to follow.

Joining the Trust is a great way of learning more about  battles and battlefields. Many members are experts in their field and are happy to share their knowledge. Regular talks and study days take place and there’s a full programme of battlefield walks, sometimes in areas not normally accessible to the public. You can also become part of a local group, dedicated to the care and interpretation of an individual battlefield. Many people have commented on how they have made new friends and learned new skills as a result of their membership.

Visit www.battlefieldstrust.com for more information on membership. It's also a superb source of information if you’re studying or visiting a battlefield and has a resource centre.

Legal Matters with Stowe Family Law

On Monday we had a Q & A session on legal matters with our show sponsors Stowe Family Law.

Our next session will be Monday 20th July at 10.45am. Tune in to hear it on 92.6FM or www.radioverulam.com

Folk by the Oak

This morning, Phil spoke to Hannah from Hertfordshire-based charity Willow, about the folk and acoustic event Folk by the Oak.

Willow has been Folk by the Oak’s chosen charity since the festival began in 2008, receiving 50p from every ticket sold. Last year was record-breaking, raising more than £7,000 in ticket sales and donations.

Tickets are selling fast for this year’s festival of folk’s finest acts taking place in the grounds of Hatfield House on Sunday 19 July. It's a compact, leafy site making it perfect for families, and as well as the top class performances you can enjoy children's activities, craft and vintage stalls, real ale bar, delicious food stalls and more. You can even bring a picnic and a drink!

Emma Dexter, marketing manager for Folk by the Oak, says: “We are delighted to be working with Willow again. We feel it is important for events such as Folk by the Oak to give something back to the community and our on-going relationship with Willow allows us to do this in a very special and positive way. We would like to offer our sincere thanks to the kind people who join us at Hatfield House each year and give so generously to Willow.”

Willow is the only national charity working with seriously ill young adults aged 16 to 40 to fulfil uplifting and unforgettable Special Days. Each day is a life-affirming experience that can lift spirits, reunify families and be a source of strength when it’s needed most.

Pop along to Willow’s tent to meet the fab team of volunteers and to find out more about Special Days and the many ways in which you can support Willow.

Tickets are currently £37 for adults, £17 for children aged five to 15, with family tickets (2 adults and 2 children) £100.

Doors will open at 12.30pm and the music starts at 1.30pm. The event finishes around 10.30pm. To book and for more information visit: www.folkbytheoak.com For more information about Willow visit: www.willowfoundation.org.uk