13 Feb 2024
We ask a different figure from the local community to choose 10 questions to answer from a list of 50. This week: Jonny Seabrook, who presents the Mix Weekend Breakfast Show, Saturday from 7am and Sunday from 9am and is the match day announcer for St Albans City FC at Clarence Park.
Where do you walk when you want to think?
I like to head out over Highfield Park, into the fields around Tyttenhanger. It’s great to be in the countryside within a few minutes. There are loads of lovely walks to get away from everything and everyone.
What TV did you watch as a child?
Saturday morning with Noel Edmonds on Swap Shop was a must as was the TV show Monkey.
When I studied Theology and Religious Studies at university, I was blown away to find it was based around Buddhist Scriptures on the Monkey god. As a child I just loved the funny fight scenes.
Were you well behaved at school?
Impeccably, I went to an old-fashioned school in north London and once got in trouble for wearing brown shoes outside!!!! My sons are always horrified to hear this.
Have you ever asked for an autograph?
Yes, back in 1980 I was staying in a hotel with the England World Cup winning goalkeeper Gordon Banks and after being spurred on by my parents I asked for his autograph at breakfast one morning.
Dogs or cats?
I’m a changed man. It was cats and I had a lovely cat growing up, but now it’s dogs all the way since getting my first dog four years ago, a lovely little toy cockapoo.
What was your first job?
I worked as a football coach on summer soccer schools. I took my coaching qualifications and am still coaching football 35 years later as part of my job and for St Albans City Youth FC.
What is your most-missed St Albans shop, pub, café or restaurant?
The Fleetville café. It was classic old school from the old net curtains to the layout, tables to the iconic English breakfast. A slab of their bubble and squeak could keep you going for days.
What’s your favourite hidden gem in the district?
It’s got to be Clarence Park Football Stadium. It has such a special vibe both empty and full.
Recently it hasn’t been that much of a hidden gem as the attendances are growing massively, which is great. I’m lucky enough to be the stadium announcer and love being part of the whole match day experience.
What’s your favourite St Albans pub?
The Mermaid without question. It is a classic traditional pub. It has everything a pub needs: great beers, a lovely atmosphere and great place to meet and chat to friends.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
A radio presenter. I dreamed of presenting the Capital Radio Breakfast Show. Chris Tarrant ruled the airwaves and wherever you went in London between 6-10am his show was playing out. Sadly that wasn’t to be for me but presenting the Weekend Breakfast on ‘Hertfordshire’s Mix 92.6’ every Saturday and Sunday morning is just as fun!
