Category Archives: 2012

Professor Scott Rice of San Jose University in California is the founder of the annual Bulwer Lytton Fiction Contest, which since 1982 has challenged entrants to “compose the opening sentence to the worst of all possible novels”.  Despite that, he … Continue reading →

Usually I would wait until December to mention our “A Christmas Carol” evenings, but this year I am going to remind you in November.  The reason for this is that I suspect all six performances will sell out well in … Continue reading →

Due to his unhappy marriage, Edward Bulwer Lytton’s two children spent much of their early lives with and Irish “godmother”, a saintly spinster named Mary Letitia Greene.  Mary died in Dublin in 1859 and the Lytton family’s only subsequent contact … Continue reading →

Every historic house that relies on visitors for its survival would like a “Brideshead Revisited” or a “Downton Abbey” to raise its profile.  Knebworth House has hosted Miss Marple, Poirot, Inspector Lynley, DCI John Barnaby, Detective Superintendent Christopher Foyle and … Continue reading →

“It was a dark and stormy night…” declared the Red Hot Chili Peppers as they took to the stage in Knebworth Park on 23rd June, and with rain clouds filling the sky this was nothing to surprise the 50,000 strong … Continue reading →

I’ve never been to Verulamium Museum.  I’ve studied Classical Civilisation for O level, A level, even as part of my screenwriting career, but I’ve never been to Verulamium Museum.  I’ve visited the Colosseum in Rome, the ancient ruins of Pompeii, … Continue reading →

“Gon-isphere!” read the headline in The Comet.  After three successful years, our music festival Sonisphere has been cancelled for 2012.  A victim of the economy?  An overcrowded summer of events?  Too late to announce its acts?  Or simply beaten by … Continue reading →

Our Parish Open Day was blest with beautiful sunshine – a perfect Spring day – and enjoyed by 1183 children, families and teachers from Knebworth Primary School and 367 parishioners.  We were particularly pleased to welcome the school for its … Continue reading →

Ann Judge has asked me to record more extracts from my great-uncle Antony’s letters for the excellent Herts Memories website – www.hertsmemories.org.uk.  It is a little strange for me to be exclaiming aloud for the microphone how much I enjoy … Continue reading →

I have two invitations for you this month, both free to the people of Knebworth.  Firstly, on Saturday 17th March we are hosting a Star Party – no, not a Celebrity Bash, an actual Star as in “twinkle twinkle” Party.  … Continue reading →