06 Nov 2025
We ask a different figure from the local community to choose 10 questions to answer from a list of 50. This week: Robert Kehr, an IT professional in the financial sector who loves being outdoors, is passionate about the environment and wants to get as many new experiences in life as he can.
Where do you walk when you want to think?
To really have a good think and put the worries of life out of mind and bring back into context the greater world I do love to go for a walk around the Bedmond Lane meadow. With the variety of flora and fauna that it holds and the myriad of change that it is always going through as the year progresses it provides a unique experience with each visit and really allows me to unwind, and put the pressures of life into perspective. I find it so very soothing and relaxing being amongst nature and the meadow is an excellent example of nature at her best!
What’s the first thing you do after you’ve woken up in the morning?
It usually starts with a groan and moan about it being too early to get up but once past those phases of denial it moves into the acceptance phase that the day has now begun.
The first task is dog walking, to get our lovely Toller out for a stretch and a play. The joyous greeting she gives when you come down stairs makes the day start that just bit better.
We head for a walk to either Verulamium Park or to the local wildlife meadow on Bedmond Lane. The park allows her to run around mingle with other dogs as part of her morning business.
Whereas the meadow allows her to sniff, explore and wander around the wildlife. There have been occasions where we have come across rabbits, foxes and even badgers!
Who was your favourite cartoon character when you were a kid?
Astro Boy! I would watch the show religiously as a child and look forward to a new season of it. I had them all recorded on VHS tapes and would watch them when they were not being shown on TV. A boy robot who can fly, is super strong with the ability to save adults from themselves – what would there not be to admire and imitate? Even now I have the original Japanese versions with the missing English dubbed episodes which I have been re-watching. It’s dated but it brings back memories of a childhood long ago and long lost touch friends.
Odyssey or Netflix?
The Odyssey without a doubt. I always enjoy going there and getting the full experience. The seats with a table, snacks and a drink make for an evening unmatched. Watching movies on the big screen in the view that they were intended is a very different experience to sitting at home watching Netflix. I always check for what new showings they have coming up and it’s great to see. I recently saw Jaws, Blade Runner and The Shining for the first time on the big screen at The Odyssey. I know, I know but I was too young when they first came out and by the time i was old enough the world had moved on. Watching it now with the history of time and a new prism of life and experience meant that I was able to appreciate them in a way that I never would have before.
What’s your favourite hidden gem in the district?
Having grown up in Australia in a desert some 1,500 km from the nearest city where everything was dry and hot all year round (20+C in winter to 45+C in summer) with over 300+ days of sun, surrounded by red sand and far too much wildlife that will kill you the Bedmond Lane meadow is a clear favourite for its complete contrast.
Seasons didn’t really happen where I grew up and Australia being predominately evergreen and aside from the rare chance of rain from a passing tropical cycle which would bring the desert into bloom (and there could be years between rain) there was very little change in seasons.
The meadow though just captures each change of season and provides very distinct phases.
I had heard stories from my grandparents from when they lived in Europe, about autumn colours, spring time blooms, frost and even the magic of snow, and that in winter they had to cover up with multiple layers of clothing and not just short and t-shirts, which was something I could never comprehend until I arrived in the UK. So far removed from the reality I had experienced growing up.
The meadow itself shows all seasons transitioning seamlessly to the next providing a delight all year round and gives you that feeling of escape from suburbia into the wild.
Having grown up in a very remote outback area that had remained mostly untouched by humans, the rewilded meadow provides a window into the soul of what Hertfordshire and this area would look like if nature was left to her own devices.
Wednesday or Saturday market?
It will have to be Saturday. Whilst I end up working in London on Wednesdays and aside from the Covid years I haven’t ventured much to the Wednesday market but the Saturday one is always an amazing experience and a chance to potter from stall to stall buy from independent retailers and have food from a van. It is just amazing that this has been going on for a thousand years! We always try to make the Sunday food market as well and stock up on pies, sweets, cheeses, biscuits, crayfish cakes, dog treats and so much more.
Where in St Albans would be your preferred choice for a sandwich?
When we go out for a sandwich we would usually end up in Hatch and more than likely going for a bacon butty! it usually involves a nice walk into town with our dog so having a place – and in St Albans we have a lot of places – that is dog friendly.
Do you ever Google yourself?
Yes. I am always interested in finding other people in the world with the same name and what they are doing. My family’s surname was unique in Australia to just my family so the idea that there were other people out there with the same surname, let alone the same first name was something that has captivated me since the early days of the internet search sites.
Do you have any phobias?
Having grown up in the desert surrounded by the world’s venomous spiders and snakes, yes… there is one. Spiders not so much but snakes. Those lay in wait in grass, some can be extremely aggressive (I remember being chased by one whilst riding my motorbike through the bush!) if they feel threatened, can move extremely fast, can climb, can hide and are lightning fast with their strikes. We had the fear of death installed into us as a child on how to deal with a snake and snake bite first aid in primary school. Something which has lasted well into adult hood. Spiders I can deal with but snakes… Ugh!
Where do you go to listen to music?
Different situations have different locations. Live music at The Horn or the Fighting Cocks. A nice pub with atmosphere and a band playing to enjoy an evening. I have a small group of friends to get out for a beer each month and enjoy a new pub and enjoy the live entertainment.
Most of the time when I listen to music on the out it’s when I go out for a run taking in the many lanes, footpaths and bridle ways we are blessed to have here in St Albans. The Bedmond Lane meadow is usually the wind-down at the end, where I can walk to enjoy, catch my breath, clear my mind and recover before heading back into the daily grind.
Bedmond Lane photos by Dr Robert Wareing
