18 Sep 2025
We ask a different figure from the local community to choose 10 questions to answer from a list of 50. This week: Ian Ridley, locally-based writer and publisher.
Where do you walk when you want to think?
I go via George Street and Romeland to the Abbey and light a candle for my late wife, the trailblazing sports journalist Vikki Orvice, before settling in a space for private prayer. I meditate, ask for courage and give thanks. I first went there the morning after my son was born 35 years ago and have been going at least once a week since. On the walk back, through Sumpter Yard and up Waxhouse Gate, I usually feel lighter.
Do you remember your first kiss?
Yes. Her name was Sharon, it was after Youth Club and I was worried I’d chipped a tooth.
What items do you always carry with you?
I’ve been a recovering alcoholic for 36 years now and in AA you’re given a ‘chip’ to mark anniversaries of quitting drinking. I always keep my latest in a trouser pocket to remind me of how lucky I’ve been in life due to the fellowship. That and a key ring given to me by Vikki on what proved our last wedding anniversary. It says ‘I still do.’
Are things getting better or worse?
I have a Stage 4 cancer so time is limited and I have the luxury of looking back on a blessed life. But I fear for my children and grandchildren. I can only hope that extremism withers, decency prevails and AI is used for good. Usually the British pull back from the brink so here’s hoping.
If you could travel back in time and offer your younger self some advice, what would it be?
Feel the fear and do it anyway. It’s the title of a book by Susan Jeffers. It’s a terrible, title I reckon… Why would you need to read the book when such a great piece of advice is all you need to know?
What is your favourite single item of clothing?
A claret waterproof fleece bearing the logo of Weymouth Football Club and bought at the club shop 20 years ago when I was chairman. I wear it on autumnal walks and to Non-League games. I have a soft spot for St Albans City of course, having lived around here for more 40 years, and was chair at Clarence Park for a while, but WFC is my link with my roots.
Which three people, living or dead, would be your ideal dinner party guests?
Agatha Christie, Bill Wilson, Audrey Hepburn. I went to Cambridge University at the age of 65 to do a Masters in Crime Writing and have written two crime novels. Would love to pick Agatha’s brain. Bill W was the founder of AA and I’d like to say thank you. I’d ask Audrey to sing Moon River and just swoon. Life made.
What is your most-missed St Albans shop, pub, café or restaurant?
I do miss the West Cornwall Pasty Company. After a morning’s writing, I often used to nip in for a ‘medium traditional’ (brown sauce essential) to fortify for another afternoon at the laptop.
What’s your favourite St Albans car park?
I can hear Vikki telling me that I have to answer this one! She took the mickey out of my parking obsession. Christopher Place. Handiest for the Abbey, my barber and restaurants.
Odyssey or Netflix?
Definitely the Odyssey, even if I did have Netflix. My kids bought me an annual membership for Christmas and I love losing myself in a matinee. I used to feel watching movies in the day was decadent but at my age I’ve earned the right. I love its comfort and the sheer worship of film that oozes from the sumptuous decor.
