17 Jan 2024
We ask a different figure from the local community to choose 10 questions to answer from a list of 50. This time: Lee Wood of Ember Designs, river bailiff and events co-ordinator for the Ver Valley Society, member of Sustainable St Albans ‘SustFest’ committee, trustee of Grow Community Sopwell and member of The Green House eco hub project.
What TV did you watch as a child?
Lots of Scooby Doo, you can beat it. As a toddler I used to sneak downstairs in the early hours to watch Sesame Street. When I was older, I loved Knightmare, the show where three friends had to guide a fourth friend through a fantasy realm of challenges. I seem to remember a group of lads from St Albans actually won the whole thing.
Are things getting better or worse?
Depends on what mood you catch me in. On the whole, I’m very much of the ‘half glass full’ mentality. If the challenge exists, then so does the solution.
What is your most-missed St Albans shop, pub, café or restaurant?
Riders Toys & Sports (where Fat Face is now). The double premises was a proper ‘old school’ toy shop; board games, model kits, action figures, cuddly toys. Then you’d walk through into the sports side of the shop. It’s where I bought my first replica England kit in 1988.
What is your favourite single item of clothing? Undoubtedly my 1992/93 St Albans City replica shirt. Blue and yellow stripes with the legendary Roy of the Rovers sponsor. It’s a little snug now admittedly but it just brings the memories flooding back of my first full season watching the mighty Saints. The likes of Steve Clark, Martin Gurney, Allan Cockram and Co, running riot at Clarence Park. We were denied promotion that year because we had an oak tree slap-bang in the middle of the terrace and it was deemed a safety risk. Absolutely farcical.
What’s your favourite St Albans pub?
I can often be found in most of them to be honest. The Great Northern is my local, love it in there. Got a lot of time for the Garibaldi too, such a characteristic little pub. Three generations of my family ran The Beehive through the 80s/90s so that will always have a huge place in my heart too.
How long would you survive a zombie apocalypse?
Fairly optimistic that I’d last longer than most. I know all the short cuts and best hiding places in the city.
What’s your favourite hidden gem in the district? The Watercress Wildlife reserve on the corner of Riverside Road and Cornwall Road. Initially a little reluctant to share the location but it’s such a wonderful green space, just ten minutes walk from the centre of town, everyone should be able to enjoy it. Four acres of nature at its stunning best.
Where do you buy your coffee in St Albans? Artoplasia, the Greek bakery on London Road. Although a notable shoutout to Brad & Dills slightly further up the street too. The perfect rocket fuel to help start your day.
Who is your favourite St Albans musician or band? Kaspar & The Swamp Dogs are fabulous. An eclectic mix of blues, jazz and soul that puts a smile on your face and rhythm in your bones. They always get the place rocking.
Have you ever asked for an autograph?
Oh, absolutely. David Attenborough’s signature is one of my prized possessions.
