ST ALBANS TIMES INDEPENDENT, INSIGHTFUL, INFORMATIVE LOCAL NEWS KNITTED VILLAGE PROJECT RETURNS TO SANDRIDGE
ST ALBANS BEER AND CIDER FESTIVAL PICTURE SPECIAL
AS ONE DOOR CLOSES, A NEW ONE OPENS
ST ALBANS CATHEDRAL WELCOMES 11TH BISHOP REPRESENTING THE HISTORIC DISTRICT OF ST ALBANS, INCLUDING HARPENDEN, REDBOURN, WHEATHAMPSTEAD AND THE COLNEYS
ISSUE 191, SEPTEMBER 24 2026
Upstairs, Downstairs: Why Layout Can Matter More Than Square Footage RGENIO ROBERTO A ER SENIOR VALU
When searching for a new home, it's easy to become focused on the numbers. How many bedrooms? How many bathrooms? How many square feet? But those figures only tell part of the story. Two St Albans homes offering almost exactly the same amount of space can feel remarkably different once you step through the front door. One may feel generous, practical and easy to live in, while the other somehow feels smaller - even though, on paper, there's very little between them. Often, the difference comes down to one thing: layout. It's Not Just How Much Space You Have St Albans has an incredibly varied housing stock, from character cottages and Victorian terraces to Edwardian family houses, 1930s homes, modern apartments and contemporary developments. Each was designed for a different era and a different way of living. Older properties can have wonderful proportions and character, but the original layout may reflect a time when kitchens were tucked away at the back of the house, bathrooms were sometimes downstairs and family life took place across several separate rooms. Over the years, many St Albans homes have evolved. Kitchens have been extended, lofts converted, walls removed and bedrooms reconfigured – and the most successful changes aren't necessarily those that simply add the greatest amount of floor space. They're the ones that make the house work better. Downstairs: How Does the Home Flow? The way you move through a property can have a surprisingly big influence on how spacious it feels. A welcoming hallway, good connection between the kitchen and dining areas, easy access to the garden and enough separation between busy and quieter spaces can all make everyday life easier. For families, there are practical considerations too. Is there somewhere to leave school bags and shoes without creating an obstacle course in the hallway? Can you bring the shopping into the kitchen easily? Is there a downstairs cloakroom?
products, muddy sports kits and general household clutter somewhere else to live. These aren't necessarily the features that dominate a property listing, but they're often the things people come to appreciate most once they actually live there. Upstairs: Bedrooms Aren't All Created Equal The same principle applies upstairs. A property described as having four bedrooms may sound ideal, but how usable are those bedrooms? Four wellproportioned rooms can be very different from three generous bedrooms and a fourth where fitting a bed, wardrobe and desk becomes a challenge. This can become particularly important as children get older. A smaller bedroom may work perfectly well for a young child, but teenagers need space for clothes, studying and, inevitably, considerably more belongings. Bathroom arrangements matter too. A single family bathroom may be perfectly adequate for some households, while others will place an ensuite or additional shower room high on their wish list – particularly when several people need to get ready for school and work at the same time. And if a loft has been converted, how does that space connect with the rest of the house? A well-planned loft conversion can create a fantastic principal bedroom suite or additional bedrooms, but access, storage and bathroom provision can make the difference between simply having more floor space and gaining genuinely useful accommodation.
Can children be doing homework while someone cooks dinner without taking over the entire room?
Sometimes Less Space Works Harder This is why it's worth being cautious about judging a property on square footage alone.
Even something as simple as having a utility room can make the main kitchen feel calmer by giving washing, cleaning
Imagine one house with a huge formal dining room that's rarely used, while another has a slightly smaller footprint but
www.collinsonhall.co.uk 9-11 Victoria Street, St Albans AL1 3UB 01727 843 222
offers a kitchen/diner, separate living room, utility area and study. For a family juggling school, work and everyday life, the second home may actually feel considerably more spacious.
For families looking to put down roots in St Albans, thinking a few years ahead can therefore be just as important as finding a property that works today.
Likewise, clever storage can transform a property. Built-in wardrobes, understairs cupboards, loft storage and welldesigned shelving may not add a single square foot, but they can free up the space you already have.
Look Beyond the Floorplan Figures When viewing a property, the measurements and floorplan are important - but so is imagining an ordinary Tuesday morning.
It's less about having space for the sake of it and more about asking: does every part of this home earn its keep?
Where will everyone have breakfast? Where are the coats and school bags going? Can two people get ready at the same time? Where will you work? Where will the children study? And when everyone is home in the evening, can you spend time together without necessarily having to be in the same room? Those everyday questions can reveal far more about whether a property is right for you than its total square footage.
Think About Tomorrow, Not Just Today Layout also matters because our needs rarely stay the same. A playroom might eventually become a study. A home office could become a nursery. Children who once happily shared a bedroom may eventually want rooms of their own. And later in life, homeowners may decide they'd rather have fewer rooms and less maintenance.
At Collinson Hall, we've been helping people buy and sell homes across St Albans and the local area for generations, and one thing remains true: the biggest house doesn’t automatically make the best home.
Contact the experienced Collinson Hall Sales team today to arrange your free, no-obligation home valuation and start planning your next move with confidence 01727 843 322
Asking price £550,000
2
1
2 BED BUNGALOW FOR SALE IN HEMEL HEMPSTEAD ROAD, LEVERSTOCK GREEN, HP3
Brimming with period character, this charming Grade II listed barn conversion forms part of an exclusive farmhouse development within easy reach of St Albans. The beautifully presented accommodation features a welcoming entrance hall, two bedrooms and a shower room, while the impressive lounge provides a real focal point with its vaulted ceiling, exposed timbers and striking fireplace. Steps lead down to a compact open-plan kitchen, adding to the property’s distinctive character. Outside, the generous and secluded garden is framed by mature, established planting and includes a versatile garden room with power and lighting - ideal as a home office or creative space. The attractive development also provides ample parking and an allocated oversized garage. Conveniently positioned for St Albans, Leverstock Green and the M1, Dutch Cottage offers a rare combination of historic charm, peaceful surroundings and accessibility. EPC: F | Council Tax Band: E
Offers Over £750,000
3
1
3 BEDROOM HOUSE FOR SALE IN NORMANDY ROAD, AL3
Offered with no upper chain, this attractive three-bedroom bay-fronted period home combines character, generous proportions and a prime central location. Offering almost 120 sq m of accommodation across three floors, the property features a welcoming entrance hall and a spacious bay-fronted living and dining area leading through to the kitchen and garden beyond – creating a sociable layout for everyday living and entertaining. Upstairs are two well-proportioned bedrooms and a generous bathroom, whilst the converted loft provides an impressive third bedroom with additional storage. A useful basement adds further valuable space. Outside, the good-sized west-facing rear garden is perfectly positioned to enjoy the afternoon and evening sun, with convenient side access from Normandy Road. Ideally located within walking distance of St Albans city centre and the mainline station, this is a superb opportunity for families and commuters alike. EPC: D | Council Tax Band: D | No Upper Chain.
Editor’s Note
Highlights 2-3 Property 6-12 New Bishop 20 Eris 22-23 St Albans Sleepout 28-29 FOOD by Elena 32-35 Restaurant review 42-43 It’s OK To Say 53 Yesterday Once More 54-55 Wine Times 56-57 Flashback: 1962 63-65 Theatre review 66-67 10 from 50
Lesley Cowland reviews Company of Ten’s production of Home I’m Darling in this week’s issue. For the first three and a half years of the St Albans Times, our Yesterday Once More nostalgia page mainly featured photos donated to us by the widow of legendary local snapper Tony “Greg” Gregory, who was responsible for charting decades of local life through the lens. While the photo archives of the Herts Advertiser were thrown away many years ago, fortunately Tony kept copies and negatives, preserving these snapshots of St Albans news for posterity. We’ve proudly brought these back into the public domain possibly for the first time since they were taken, and shared his view on the world to a modern audience. But all good things come to an end, and although the page continues to showcase old pics thanks to the diligence of historian Mike Neighbour, we have reached the end of Tony’s collection. Rather than allow these to gather dust once again, the St Albans Times has donated all of his photos and negatives to St Albans Museums, to add to their extensive catalogue of local images, and ensure they are put to good use in the years to come. Far too often the treasures of the past are discarded with no thought for their future value, and we will continue doing what we can to preserve the heritage of St Albans and district for generations to come, instead of throwing it away. Our history articles aim to offer insights into our past which you won’t find elsewhere, ensuring all aspects of the story of our great city are recorded. There are plans to compile these in a special publication - St Albans Times Past - next year, so please watch this space for details...
Our regular contributors include: Laura Bill, Darren McCabe, Stacey Turner, Eris, Deborah Heath, James Cameron, Elena Hogg, Jess Unwin, Jim Standen, St Albans Tour Guides, John Andrews, Gary Wiles-Rourke, Ruth Newman, Lesley Cowland, Caroline Thain. Front page photo: Toby Shepheard Published by St Albans Media Partnership Ltd.
MATT ADAMS Editor
82-85 Sport
Photo by Danny Loo.
If you have any complaints or comments about the content of this magazine, or would simply like to get in touch, please email editor@stalbanstimes.co.uk.
St Albans welcomes 11th bishop More than 1,500 people packed into St Albans Cathedral on Saturday to mark the formal installation of the Rt Revd Dr Andrew Rumsey as the 11th Bishop of St Albans, with a further 4,000 viewers joining the service via livestream online. Combining ancient legal traditions with a lively community welcome, the historic service represented the first major public symbol of Bishop Andrew’s ministry across Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Luton, and Barnet. The proceedings began outside the Cathedral’s West End, where a festival atmosphere greeted arriving guests with live music from the Cameron Saint Trio and a local food trailer. Following the traditional ceremonial knocking on the West End doors by the incoming Bishop, the Archdeacon of Canterbury, representing the Archbishop of Canterbury, formally placed Bishop Andrew into his cathedra—the bishop’s chair that gives the Cathedral its name. During the ceremony, the Dean of St Albans, the Very Revd Jo Kelly-Moore, handed Bishop Andrew the diocesan crozier, the pastoral staff symbolising his role as shepherd to the Diocese. Speaking on the personal significance of the occasion, Dr Rumsey highlighted his deep connections to the region: “This is a poignant and powerful day for me, marking both a return home and a new beginning. “The faith, hope and love I found as a child in the Diocese of St Albans are very much alive today – and needed more than ever in our country and communities. “Our cathedral marks the origins of the Christian story in England, and I am humbled to serve and lead you in its next chapter.” During his installation sermon, Bishop Andrew brought those childhood memories vividly to life. He produced a small brown envelope containing a St Albans Easter Monday Pilgrimage badge from 1979, which he had recently uncovered in an old tin while packing up his home. Recalling his teenage years joining young people converging on the cathedral from across the diocese, he reflected on how those early pilgrimages planted “a Christianity that was alive.” Addressing current societal pressures, Bishop Andrew described the present day as “stony and thin-soiled times,” pointing to the scorched earth of the recent dry summer as a metaphor for modern challenges. He called on the congregation to “imagine your bit of the world differently” and to build a future grounded in “fresh planting and tenacious old roots,” adding: “We don’t have to be any better or holier, any more or less religious than we are. But the hour is at hand in our land and in our lives, and we must get going.” Holding up his 40-year-old pilgrim’s badge, which bears the motto ‘We’re on our way,’ Bishop Andrew concluded by stating it was the honour of his life to join the diocese on the journey ahead. The Dean of St Albans, the Very Revd Jo Kelly-Moore, reflected on the occasion: “It is a privilege to welcome everyone to St Albans Cathedral on this day of great joy.
Bishop Andrew with St Albans Mayor Cllr Matt Fisher. Photo: Toby Shepheard
“This Cathedral and Abbey Church is the mother church for Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, Luton, and Barnet. Our history here began in Roman times with a simple act of welcome and shelter, when Alban, a local citizen, gave refuge to the fleeing priest Amphibalus. Holding to that same tradition of welcome, we are so glad to welcome Bishop Andrew as he comes to lead and minister with us. “Installing a new bishop is a monumental moment of celebration and renewal. We hope this service inspires our whole diocese to step with confidence into all that lies ahead.” Following the service, celebrations continued in the Cathedral grounds, where 1,000 complimentary celebratory cupcakes were distributed to well-wishers and congregation members. The service brought together civic dignitaries, including His Majesty’s Lords-Lieutenant of Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire, local MPs, High Sheriffs, and civic leaders, alongside ecumenical and interfaith representatives, visiting bishops, and community leaders from across the region. All photos by Toby Shepheard
Bishop Andrew looking forward to spending more time in city The Rt Revd Dr Andrew Rumsey, newly installed Bishop of St Albans, said returning to the city feels like coming home. Bishop Andrew returns to the diocese in which he was born and baptised, where his father served as a parish priest, and where he spent his early life, and he plans to hit the ground running. Speaking exclusively to the St Albans Times, he explained how he will be familiarising himself with the workings of the Diocese: “By getting out and about right away and having dozens of conversations! My role is about God, people and places, and the way these three relate – so I’m exploring and asking lots of questions. While the diocesan offices are here in St Albans (with a wonderful support team) the Church of England’s heart is in local communities, so I won’t truly know it until I’ve travelled around a bit more.” And there are plenty of places he is looking forward to exploring in the wider St Albans area, including all the places he knew in childhood but haven’t visited for years. “I grew up in Herts and Beds, where my late father was a vicar, so it really does feel like coming home. I’m passionate about history, so I’m already loving how much there is to discover on my doorstep, especially in Verulamium Park. There are some great independent shops, amazing restaurants, and a thriving music scene (not least at the Cathedral), all of which I’m hoping to sample before long. “So far, I’ve discovered Empire Records and Books on the Hill (which are wonderful), a very stylish Mid-Century interiors shop called A Fold of Chairs and Café Ver, by the Old Fighting Cocks, which is ideal for a flat white after the early morning dog walk.” He said he will be a different Bishop to his predecessor, Alan Smith: “Taking on a senior role is always daunting, and I’m thankful to have such a fine predecessor in Bishop Alan. The familiar advice to ‘just be yourself’ rings true, I think, as it’s also a reminder that I need others who are not like me – and to rely on God.” And visitors to the gardens at the Bishop’s House in Abbey Mill Lane need not be disappointed, as he plans to continue the practice of opening them up for charity: “The Abbey Gate House gardens are an extraordinary gift, and we hope to make the most of them.”
OPINION
WHAT LINKS TOMMY ROBINSON, ANDREW TATE AND THE NEW BISHOP OF ST ALBANS? REV PETER CRUMPLER, ASSOCIATE MINISTER AT ST PAUL’S CHURCH IN FLEETVILLE, WELCOMES THE ST ALBANS BISHOP TO THE DISTRICT... Andrew Rumsey grew up on the same Luton housing estate as political activist Tommy Robinson and attended the same secondary school as social media influencer Andrew Tate. But he’s taken a different direction in life to both controversial high-profile figures. Andrew Rumsey was welcomed as the new Bishop of St Albans in a service at the Abbey on Saturday. His father was the parish priest on that Luton housing estate in the 1970s where later Tommy Robinson would grow up. Bishop Andrew has said he suspects the only area of common ground he holds with Andrew Tate is his bleak assessment of their ‘sinking’ secondary school. As Bishop of St Albans, Andrew Rumsey serves a diocese that covers Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire and parts of north London. It includes Luton, Bedford, St Albans and Watford, as well as rural areas in the two counties. There are more than 400 churches in the diocese, plus many church schools and chaplaincies. It’s a big, demanding job. As a priest serving in the diocese, and under Andrew’s authority, I’m detecting an excitement about the appointment. I’m suspecting this is more than just ‘new manager bounce’ that football teams often enjoy when a new coach is appointed. Bishop Andrew has served as a priest in north and south London, and in Surrey. He was previously Bishop of Ramsbury, overseeing churches in Wiltshire, and is also an author and a singer-songwriter. His predecessors in St Albans include Robert Runcie – who went on to become Archbishop of Canterbury – Alan Smith and Christopher Herbert, who both combined their diocesan roles with national ministries in the House of Lords. Alan Smith was criticised by gambling companies for calling for the industry to be more closely regulated, while Christopher Herbert was a prominent voice against assisted dying legislation. Bishop Andrew’s appointment comes as the national church seeks to learn lessons from past child abuse cases and improve the way it responds to victims.
It also comes as a lively debate is going on about the role of the local congregation. In the Church of England, a campaigning group called ‘Save the Parish’ has published a manifesto calling for greater emphasis and commitment to the local church. Andrew Rumsey is known for having that commitment, and to localism generally. “Think eternally, act locally,” was the slogan he
suggested to an audience recently. It’s vitally true that ‘local’ matters – we learnt this during the pandemic, when we realised how much we were rooted to the area and community around us. Local matters, when churches are seeking to present the gospel in actions and words that are relevant to the people who live in the streets around our buildings. This summer, in Clacton and in Makerfield, we have seen national political issues taking over local communities. The debates around Nigel Farage’s re-election in the seaside town, and Andy Burnham’s election in Greater Manchester, were more focussed on national issues than the local. Politicians may come and go, but churches and other faith groups are there for the long term, rooted in their communities. Away from the headlines, in the small print of everyday life, churches are called to be making life better for the people on their patch and to serve with energy and enthusiasm. I welcome Andrew Rumsey’s appointment and will be joining many others in praying for a successful and fruitful ministry – one that’s rooted locally but with the eternal in mind…
Did delivery truck risk safety of queuing nursery children? These shocking photos show the moment a massive lorry
A spokesperson for Travis Perkins responded to concerns about
mounted the kerb to pull up near children queuing for
the incident: “We took this matter extremely seriously and
nursery while the driver checked his delivery details.
immediately investigated via our HSE business partner and
The incident occurred on Thursday morning at Fleetville Infant
operations director.
and Nursery School’s entrance in Woodstock Road South, while
“Our managing director and I were briefed on the investigation's
youngsters and their parents waited outside.
outcomes yesterday by our HSE director and I can now provide
The 26-tonne vehicle, part of a fleet owned by building
you with the following overview.
materials delivery company Travis Perkins, took up much of the
“After reviewing the onboard vehicle CCTV, we can clearly see
pavement, leaving prams struggling to pass.
from both the front-facing and passenger-side cameras that our
A parent of a Year 2 child at the school said: “While we
driver did not mount the kerb to park while pedestrians were in
appreciate the driver was trying to do his job, his actions showed
the immediate vicinity of the vehicle. The pedestrians are clear
a complete lack of thought for the welfare and safety of dozens
of the vehicle when this maneuver takes place and the CCTV
of young children using the road at that time of day.”
shows the pedestrians to the front of the vehicle when it is
Road safety concerns have been an issue in Woodstock Road
stationary.
South for many years, and Fleetville Infants headteacher
“However we do accept that the vehicle's parking obstructs the
Jennifer Gardner has urged parents not to use the road for drop-
path when stationary, restricting other pedestrians walking
offs or pick-ups in the morning and afternoon because it is a
alongside it on the pavement.
narrow street which becomes very congested.
“Upon interviewing the driver, it was explained that our driver
had the wrong address for the delivery. He was actually supposed to be delivering on Woodstock North, not South. “He pulled over to what he presumed was a safe spot while attempting to avoid blocking oncoming traffic on the street. In hindsight, the driver's assessment of the risk could have been improved and the safer alternative would have been to continue down the road and find another suitable location to park the vehicle. This alternative would have resolved both hazards: blocking the road for other users and restricting the pavement for pedestrians. “This will be discussed with the driver and the driver will be referred to our training team for further training on Dynamic Risk Assessments and delivery location assessments. “I want to assure you that Travis Perkins takes the safety of its employees and members of the public very seriously. We have numerous controls in place identified by our delivery risk assessments to avoid delivering near schools and nurseries during peak times, these are adopted in our delivery planning and scheduling system. “Sadly on this occasion, our driver and vehicle ended up near the nursery at this time due to human error and a poor judgement call. We will take the lessons learned from this incident and see how we can best utilise these in any upcoming driver training or engagement events.”
Notice of an application under the Licensing Act 2003 N o t i c e i s h e r e b y g i v e n t h a t : G e o f f r e y Va l e n t i n e H a r r i s o n in respect of premises known as: S t S a v i o u r ’s C h u r c h a n d H a l l , S a n d p i t L a n e , S t A l b a n s , AL1 4DF Applied to St Albans City and District Council for a variation of a premises licence. The proposed application is: - Allow sale of alcohol whilst young people are present subject to certain conditions including requiring them to be supervised by their parents or a responsible adult at all times - Allow sale of alcohol outside the Church and Hall within the curtilage of the church and grounds of the Church and Hall. Any representation by an interested party or responsible authority regarding the above mentioned application must be received in writing by Licensing Section, St Albans City and District Council, Civic Centre, S t Pe t e r s S t r e e t , S t A l b a n s , H e r t s A L 1 3 J E o r b y e m a i l t o l i c e n s i n g @ s t a l b a n s . g o v. u k n o l a t e r t h a n 2 5 O c t o b e r 2026 stating the grounds for objection. The register of St Albans City and District Council and the record of the application may be inspected at the address of the Council, given above, M o n d a ys -T h u r s d a ys 8 . 4 5 a m - 5 . 0 0 p m a n d F r i d a ys 8.45am-4.30pm. I t i s a n o f f e n c e k n o w i n g l y o r r e c k l e s s l y t o m a ke a f a l s e statement in connection with an application. The maximum fine for which a person is liable on summary conviction for the offence is £5,000.
IN OTHER NEWS... Joanna Lumley backs opening Of OVO’s new theatre The Barn Dame Joanna Lumley - patron of St Albans-based professional theatre company OVO - has shared her excitement at the imminent opening of its new theatre The Barn. The acting legend said: “I’m absolutely delighted to see The Barn announce its opening season. This beautiful, atmospheric new space will be a worthy home for bold, imaginative and inspiring theatre that challenges convention and excites audiences.” With the support of Joanna and its other patrons, including Ralph Fiennes, Brian Cox CBE, and Zoë Wanamaker CBE, and having raised nearly £1 million from investors, the 17th-century Grade II listed threshing barn is being lovingly brought back to life as an intimate, 120-seat performance space. With a full conversion planned for completion in 2027, the barn doors will open this autumn to present a series of site-specific productions staged in its ‘work-in-progress’ phase. Dame Joanna added: “The Barn’s new repertory company will provide a crucial training and development opportunity for emerging actors, creatives and crew building a career in the theatre industry, especially those from under-represented backgrounds. I’m looking forward to seeing the amazing work produced by The Barn.” Curated especially for the space, the autumn/winter 2026 season features the following productions: Macbeth by William Shakespeare (October 15 - November 8): A play that’s as old as the building itself, but with a fresh, urgent and contemporary staging. The Winding Stair by Jesse Norman (November 13-15): On the 400th anniversary of his death, this powerful new work will explore the life of Sir Francis Bacon, a stone’s throw from his final resting place. A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens (December 4-30): OVO’s acclaimed festive favourite will be reimagined for The Barn, retaining the immersive promenade style that has made it a staple of the Christmas season. OVO founder and artistic director Adam Nichols said: “The Barn is OVO's new canvas to dare mighty things. It’s the latest example of how we do things differently. We call it Free Range Theatre. And it means we are not constrained by a traditional repertoire or approach. Instead we challenge and reinvent contemporary theatre.” Tickets for all productions are on sale now at ovo.org.uk. Dame Joanna Lumley photo credit Gemma Levine/Getty Images.
eris looks at the issue of english national identity
OPINION with BITE
Rishi Sunak says national identity should not be determined by race. It’s an interesting debate, but is it the right one? 2026 research shows that English identity remains inclusive. 83 per cent of adults in England said someone can be considered English regardless of skin colour, while only 10 per cent said someone could only be considered English if white. The latter presumably are ignorant of the variety of successive waves of immigrants who over thousands of years became the English. Perhaps a more interesting debate is why people born and bred in England, don’t ‘feel’ English and the consequences of this. Across all age groups, the 2021 Census showed the percentage of people in England who identify their national identity (i.e. their selfdetermined sense of where they belong or think of as home) as English only is 15.3 per cent, a further 14.3 per cent identify as English and British and 56.8% per cent identify as British only. An earlier 2018 YouGov/BBC study of more than 20,000 adults showed 77 per cent of 18-24-year-olds identified very/fairly strongly as English whilst 87 per cent of over-65s did. However, crucially only 45 per cent of English-identifying 18-24-year-olds said they were proud of being English, compared with 72 per cent of those aged 65-plus. Perhaps this lack of pride in being English amongst the young is a result of indoctrination about the ‘evil’, racist, colonising English? Or is it a consequence of the lack of opportunity in this country? Priced out of the housing market because of our failure to build homes to serve our growing population,and squeezed out of jobs by Labour’s actions, by low-cost immigrants and by the growth of AI replacing entry-level professional jobs. Or is it our strident, oppositional politics which promotes discord? What are the consequences of young people not being proud of their country? First, why should they feel they have any obligations to it? An Ipsos poll in April 2025 identified that amongst 18-34-year-olds, 42 per cent said there were no circumstances in which they would be willing to ‘take up arms and go to war for Britain’ and 16 per cent did not know. An earlier YouGov study in 2024, reported that only 77 per cent of young men and 66 per cent of young women thought a direct attack or threat to UK territory was a reason to go to war. So nearly a fifth of young men and a third of young women would not want to go to war if we were invaded.
Second, why not take as much as you can get from the state? Nearly a million under-24s are unemployed, with many claiming extra benefits for being ‘ill’. Third, why not go somewhere you can do better? Long term emigration of UK nationals runs at around 250,000 per year. Around 66 per cent of departing British nationals are under 34. So, perhaps society, particularly politicians, schools and the media need to start making the young proud to be English. Start by providing more jobs, more homes, more opportunity and a new paradigm of how great England is and how lucky we all are to live here.
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EYES ON WHAT WE SEE THAT YOU CAN’T Most of us think we know what happens during an eye test. You read a few letters. Cover one eye. Cover the other. Answer the age-old question of “better... or worse?” Then, hopefully, leave with a reassuring “See you in a couple of years.” In reality, that’;s only a small part of the story. “When people come to see us, they’re often surprised by just how much we’re looking at,” says Jez Levy from EYES on St Albans. “An eye examination isn’t just about whether you need stronger glasses. It’s one of the most fascinating health checks you can have.” That’s because your eyes are extraordinary. They’re the only place in the body where an optometrist can directly see blood vessels, nerves and living tissue without surgery. It’s a unique window into your health, and one that’s quietly working away while you’re
“Believe it or not, that’s our favourite outcome,” says Jez.
concentrating on reading the bottom line of the chart.
“People sometimes think we’re disappointed if there’s
It also means an eye examination can reveal far more than
nothing to report, but it’s exactly the opposite. Telling
many people realise.
someone their eyes are healthy is one of the nicest
“We’re checking the overall health of your eyes every time,”
conversations we have.”
explains Jez. “We’re looking at how everything is working
At EYES on St Albans, every appointment lasts around an
together, monitoring for changes and building up a
hour, giving plenty of time not only for a comprehensive
picture over time. That’s why regular eye examinations are
examination but also to explain what’s happening and
so important, even if you think your vision hasn’t changed.”
answer questions. It’s an approach that’s been there since
The key words there are “over time”.
the practice first opened, alongside a philosophy that
Most eye conditions don’t suddenly appear overnight.
many of the advanced tests other practices charge extra
They develop gradually, often with little or no obvious
for should simply be part of looking after people’s eyes
symptoms in the early stages. Having regular eye
properly.
examinations means your optometrist isn’t just looking at
“We’ve always believed good eye care should just be good
your eyes today; they’re comparing today’s findings with
eye care,” says Jez. “People shouldn’t feel they’re choosing
previous visits, making it much easier to spot subtle
from a menu of optional extras when it comes to their
changes long before you would ever notice them yourself.
eyesight.”
Sometimes those changes relate to common eye
As National Eye Health Week reminds us this September,
conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts or age-related
looking after your eyes isn’t just about seeing clearly today.
macular degeneration.
It’s about protecting your vision for the future.
Sometimes they can provide clues that suggest a
After all, your eyes have been quietly looking after you
conversation with your GP would be worthwhile.
every day of your life.
And quite often...
Perhaps it’s time to return the favour.
Everything looks exactly as it should.
Spex, hugs and rock’n’roll.
St Albans Sleepout 2026: the homelessness you don’t see When you picture homelessness, you might picture someone
my bag’s at another. Who has this stuff? Who has that stuff?
sleeping in a doorway or on your local high street. But for
Where can I go next? You’re always thinking about what’s going
many young people, homelessness is almost invisible.
to happen. It’s quite scary and it damages your mental health,
They might still be going to college. Still turning up for work.
because you don’t really have a safe space.”
Still seeing their friends. But at night, they don’t have a safe,
They also described what they would do if they had nowhere at
secure place to call home.
all to stay: “If it really came to it, I wouldn’t sleep, I’d just walk
They could be sofa surfing, moving between friends’ houses
and keep myself awake until the next day.”
because they have nowhere else to stay. They may be living in
Supporting people facing homelessness isn’t only about helping
temporary or unsuitable accommodation, or
those who are sleeping rough.
staying somewhere they don’t feel safe simply because the
It’s also about recognising the warning signs, reaching people
alternative is having nowhere to go.
earlier and helping prevent a difficult housing situation from
This is hidden homelessness - and it can be incredibly difficult
becoming a crisis.
to spot.
Herts Young Homeless, the lead partner for the St Albans
For anyone, not knowing where you’re going to sleep next week
Sleepout 2026, supports vulnerable young people across
- or even tomorrow night - can affect every part of your life.
Hertfordshire who are homeless, threatened with homelessness
Education, work, relationships and mental wellbeing can all
or experiencing housing difficulties.
suffer.
Alongside practical support, HYH has a strong focus on
One young person who sought support from Herts Young
prevention and early intervention:
Homeless (HYH) after experiencing sofa surfing and occasional
- helping young people understand their options and find
rough sleeping described the constant uncertainty:
support before they reach crisis point.
“You’re never really in one place... my clothes are at one place,
Because behind every statistic is a young person trying to
continue with everyday life without the security many of us take
Last year, over 100 people took part and raised an incredible
for granted.
£27,763. This year, the aim is to double that and make the St
On Friday November 13, people from across St Albans and
Albans Sleepout bigger than ever. The St Albans Sleepout is
Hertfordshire will come together at Oaklands College for the St
open to individuals, families, friends, businesses, schools, clubs
Albans Sleepout 2026.
and community groups. Entry is FREE, with everyone taking
The event raises vital funds for five local organisations - Herts
part asked to commit to raising at least £100 per person.
Young Homeless, Emmaus, Open Door, The Living Room and
When you register, your own online fundraising page is
Centre 33 - all working in different ways to support people
automatically created, making it easy to share your challenge
experiencing homelessness, hardship and vulnerability.
with friends, family and colleagues. You’ll also receive
Spending one night outside can never replicate the experience
fundraising ideas and resources to help you reach your target.
of not having a safe and secure place to call home - and that isn’t
So, who could you persuade to join you? Your family? Your
what the Sleepout is trying to do.
colleagues? Your school? Your sports team? A group of friends?
Instead, it’s about taking positive action.
Sleep out. Fundraise. Start a conversation. Make a difference
It’s about raising vital funds, starting conversations and raising
locally.
awareness of the homelessness we see and the homelessness we
Find out more and register at www.stalbanssleepout.org.uk or
don’t.
email events@hyh.org.uk.
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COMING SOON... Hilarity and heart-stopping adventure in one riproaring package! A thrilling adventure and laugh-out-loud comedy await audiences when John Buchan’s classic tale of spies and derring-do comes to the Abbey Theatre. The 39 Steps serves up one of literature’s best-loved escapades, and this award-winning parody adapted by Patrick Barlow features an added fast-paced and wildly funny physical comedy too. Dashing man-about-town, Richard Hannay, is drawn into an evil conspiracy when a mysterious woman turns up dead soon after telling him about a dangerous plot. Wrongly accused of her murder, Hannay embarks on an epic journey across England and Scotland to hunt down the spies and clear his name, involving train chases, a good dose of romance, betrayals and hilarious cliffhanger moments. As LondonTheatre.co.uk puts it: “It’s no mystery why this affectionate parody is still delighting audiences. Balancing suspense with slapstick, and a cracking yarn with theatrical in-jokes, it’s a welcome piece of thoroughly escapist entertainment.” Director David Bailey says: “The 39 Steps presents its audience with an irresistible bag of theatrical tricks. With love interest and political jiggerrypokery woven into its evershifting narrative, we willingly suspend disbelief and go with the flow. High comedy is served up at breakneck speed with farcical disregard for theatrical convention. And the play embodies a story reminding us that even in the most unlikely of circumstances love will prevail. “I first saw the play on a whim when it was on in London some years ago and was blown away by it, becoming from that time on a lifetime supporter of The National Theatre of Brent, whose production it was. It never occurred to me that I'd get an opportunity to direct it. “With the invaluable support and input of my assistant director, Victoria Lenza, rehearsals have been incredibly encouraging and uplifting. The cast have embraced the ensemble approach the play demands with commitment and purpose. Suffice to say they also happen to be an extremely talented bunch. Last but not least, I have a creative team blessed not only with technical expertise but also a willingness to go the extra mile.” Performances take place in the Studio from Friday to Saturday October 16-17 at 8pm, Sunday October 18 and Saturday October 24 at 2.30pm, and Tuesday October 20 to Saturday October 24 at 8pm. There is no performance on Monday October 19. Book tickets at www.abbeytheatre.org.uk or phone the box office on 01727 857861, Monday-Friday, 9.30am-12 noon.
Dad of eight fighting incurable brain cancer launches appeal A London Colney dad and grandad diagnosed with terminal
It is generally impossible to surgically remove every infiltrating
brain cancer is hoping to spend what time he has left making
cell without potentially damaging healthy and functioning areas
memories with his family.
of the brain.
Adem Ahmet, who has lived in the village for 14 years, initially
Surgery is therefore followed by radiotherapy and
set up a GoFundMe account to provide some financial support
chemotherapy. These treatments attempt to destroy or suppress
while fighting the disease, hoping that after surgery,
the remaining tumour cells and delay recurrence, but there is a
radiotherapy and chemotherapy, he would eventually be able to
very high risk that this will happen eventually.
get back to some sort of normality and return to work.
Avid Spurs fan Adem, who has 11 grandchildren, said: “I have
But now he has been told that he cannot return to the job he
been given a prognosis of approximately three to five years,
loved, having spent 30 years working in retail, first at Tesco and
although nobody can say exactly what will happen or when.
then more recently in Sainsbury’s at Colney Fields and St
“I will need lifelong scans, monitoring and further treatment
Albans.
whenever it is needed.
Although his treatment is helping to control the cancer, it has
“I am not giving up. I will continue fighting, researching new
also left him living with severe fatigue, seizures, weakness,
treatments and clinical trials, asking questions and making sure
anxiety and other long-term side effects.
my name is known if an opportunity becomes available.
“Work was a huge part of who I was,” he said. “Accepting that I
“I am also researching possible treatments abroad, including
cannot safely return has been one of the hardest things I have
options that are not currently available or funded through the
faced outside the cancer itself.”
NHS. These treatments, specialist consultations and the travel
Adem has glioblastoma, an aggressive grade 4 brain cancer. It is
involved could cost a significant amount of money, but if there
treatable, but it is not curable, and is expected to return at some
is something that could give me more time with my family, I
point.
want to be in a position to explore it.”
Glioblastoma does not normally grow as one completely
Tackling the financial strain of his illness was also difficult, as he
contained lump. Although surgeons may successfully remove all
never wanted to ask for help, but eventually the toll became too
of the tumour that can safely be seen, microscopic glioblastoma
much and he reluctantly set up a fundraising account.
cells can infiltrate surrounding brain tissue.
“Donations help with household bills and everyday living costs,
allow me to make precious memories with Linda, my children and grandchildren, and could also help towards the cost of accessing treatment abroad if a suitable option becomes available. “I want to thank every single person who has already donated, shared my page, sent a message or supported me and my family. Your kindness has meant more than I can ever properly put into words. “If you can donate, even a small amount would genuinely help our family. If you are unable to donate, please share this page—one share could help it reach somebody new. “Thank you for standing beside us through the hardest chapter of our lives. I will never forget it.” Adem is already more than halfway towards his target of £5,000, a sum which will ease some of the pressures faced by his family while he continues treatment. If you would like to donate, click here.
Do you feel like chicken tonight? Elena Hogg, founder of local culinary company FOOD by Elena, has plenty of poultry plans for her dinner table... I can think of a long list of things I love about chicken. Top of the list would probably be that it’s versatile. Chicken has a powerful aroma – there’s nothing that quite beats the smell of a chicken roasting in the oven – but quite a neutral flavour, meaning it can absorb a marinade or dressing well, and it can sing from the treetops as the protagonist in a stew. But chicken can also quietly complement powerful flavours that sit alongside it on a plate, as with chicken saltimbocca, for example, where chicken breasts are wrapped in Parma ham and baked in the oven. Saltimbocca literally means ‘jump in the mouth’ and I like to think this refers to the piquancy of the crispy prosciutto on the tongue rather than it coming alive and jumping from plate to mouth unbidden. Horror film scenes aside, the chicken doesn’t compete with its salty, spiky ham
wrapping, but rather lets it win, providing a succulent, mild backdrop so the dish remains balanced. Chicken is a team player. And it’s cosmopolitan: we in the UK have adopted a great many of its international guises into our own eating culture. There’s the aforementioned Italian saltimbocca, the chicken curry (whether that be Indian, Thai or Malaysian), Afro-Portuguese piri piri, Ukranian chicken Kiev and Japanese yakitori, to name but a few. Yes, there’s a chicken dish to suit every mood, every budget, every skill level and every timeframe. If you’re in a bit of a rush for a quick weeknight supper between getting home from work and running out the door for book club or spin class, or whatever other wellness-enhancing activity I assume you all do, not only does pounding a chicken breast flat with a rolling pin and sprinkling it with a
Schwartz jar of ready-made seasoning mean the meat takes mere minutes to then cook in a frying pan or air fryer, but the bashing part is deeply therapeutic. Perhaps you made a delicious roast chicken at the weekend and have a carcass and some leftover pan juices you’d like to use up? Sweat some onions in a pan, then, once they’re soft, add the chicken carcass and loosen any residual juice/jelly/burnt-on bits from the roasting pan with some boiling water and add this to the onions and carcass. Add more boiling water to cover the carcass and throw in a bay leaf or two, if you have any, and a handful of black peppercorns. Season with salt, let it all simmer and after about half an hour you have a delicious stock. I then strain it, bring it back up to the boil and add some giant cous cous or pearl barley, some carrots, sweetcorn, greens and either shredded leftover chicken or some jarred white beans (or both), and I have myself a really flavoursome, comforting soup. If, however, you find yourself inspired to flex your culinary pectorals a little, you could always make a chicken pie. Pies always deliver visually, especially because even the imperfections add to the appeal (who doesn’t love a caramelised overspill of gravy down the side of a golden pastry crust?).
You can of course buy a pack of ready-rolled puff pastry, which will expedite matters and get you to the eating stage quicker. I fully endorse this. But if you feel inclined to spend some time on your kitchen pursuits, and don’t mind having to wait for your pastry to rest (because it buys you time to read that article you’ve torn out and kept, or do your Duolingo), then making your own shortcrust pastry is the ticket. Even with a savoury recipe, there’s a biscuity taste to homemade shortcrust which adds a real more-ishness to each bite – both in terms of flavour and texture. Despite its reputation for being unforgiving and fiddly, shortcrust is actually relatively robust, and even if you’ve had to re-roll it because it’s ripped or stuck to the surface, it will still taste delicious once baked. You just need to leave a little more overhang if
you’ve worked the pastry more than once, as it will want to shrink, rather than stay at the size you’ve rolled it to. I use the BBC Food recipe for ‘Easy shortcrust pastry’ and it’s pretty reliable. I deviate from it only in that I use salted butter – I have no idea why baking recipes always ask for unsalted. I’m no such puritan. When it comes to bringing the dough together, it may feel quite dry and crumbly. My advice is to resist adding more water immediately; keep kneading a little and it might come together without extra water, though if it really does need it, wet your hands rather than adding water to the mixture directly, as this distributes the moisture more evenly and guards against adding too much. As for the filling, use chicken thighs because they are cheaper, tastier and more juicy than breasts. Poach them in a combination of milk
and chicken stock, then use the poaching liquor to make a simple roux. Next, sweat some sliced leeks in butter very slowly so they’re melty-soft and add them to the roux with the chicken thighs, which need roughly dicing up. Roll out your rested pastry and line a cake tin or pie dish with it. Save some for making a lid. Don’t feel nervous because the pastry senses it and then misbehaves. Spoon your chicken and leek filling into the dish or tin and roll out a lid that’s actually slightly smaller in diameter than the rim of the pastry lining, so there’s a few millimetres’ gap between the lid and the casing. This will let steam out and avoid any explosions, but still allow for slight spillage and that delicious caramelisation I mentioned earlier. Perfection is all well and good, but a gnarly, rustic homemade pie is a little slice of heaven.
Pioneer goes ‘Unplugged’ for a day away from the screens Young people across the local area are being invited to put
skill or simply discovering something they didn’t know they
down their phones, step away from their screens and discover
were interested in.
something new when Pioneer goes ‘Unplugged’ on Sunday
Pioneer’s skatepark will also be getting involved, with free taster
October 18.
sessions running throughout the afternoon, giving newcomers
The youth-focused event will see Pioneer open up its entire
the opportunity to get onto the ramps and experience the
venue for a special day designed specifically for 12–16-year-olds,
skatepark in a supportive environment.
giving them the chance to try their hand at a wide range of
And, of course, there will be plenty of food available throughout
activities, meet local people and organisations, and perhaps
the day, with local favourites La Scatola Pizza and Glaze Bakery
discover a new passion along the way.
on site to keep everyone fuelled up.
From music, sport, creativity and everything in between, the
Pioneer hopes the event will showcase just how many
event will feature a packed programme of hands-on activities
opportunities there are for young people to get involved in
led by passionate local providers.
activities away from their screens – and how much can be
The idea behind Unplugged is simple: encourage young people
achieved when they are given the opportunity, space and
to take a break from the digital world and experience what can
encouragement to try something different.
happen when they get involved, get creative and try something
The organisers are encouraging young people to come along
for themselves.
with an open mind, try something they’ve never done before
Rather than simply watching, scrolling or gaming, visitors will
and see where it takes them. Tickets cost just £5 and are on sale
be encouraged to have a go – whether that means picking up an
now. The message from Pioneer is clear: leave the screens
instrument, getting creative, trying a new sport, learning a new
behind and discover what you’re capable of.
RESTAURANT REVIEW
MILLER & CARTER THERE IS A DRAMATIC TWIST ENDING WHEN JAMES CAMERON VISITS THE CITY CENTRE STEAKHOUSE...
There is a positive and a negative side to Miller & Carter setting up shop in the old library building on Victoria Street. The positive is that it saved me from any more questionable nights at O’Neill’s, the previous occupant (especially around St Patrick’s Day). The negative is that it takes away the reason for visiting their other location, at the Bull Inn in Wheathampstead, a lovely old riverside pub with some of the only parking spaces in the village. M&C are certainly good at choosing venues, as the building containing their St Albans branch is rather more impressive than the current library in the Maltings. Built in 1911 with money donated by American robber baron Andrew Carnegie (who I didn’t know was so passionate about literacy in St Albans), the ornate space has been transformed in the style of a classic New York steakhouse, with gold surfaces and bull emblems everywhere. In fact the classiness of the space can be at odds with the effort put in by most of the diners, but that I suppose is the curse of the chain restaurant.
We were there on a Thursday night to take advantage of their mid-week set menu (available Wednesday to Friday, which is stretching midweek somewhat), however the menus featuring the deals were not forthcoming and we had to ask for them. This deal is so good they really don’t want you to have it (more on this later). At its core it is three courses for £36.50, however there are Subwaylevels of customisability, some of which feature additional charges so you could be paying up to £50 if you were going for full-on luxury. We were able to be relatively restrained, and went basic for all but one of our choices, but it still felt like a treat. Our starters were not too heavy but full of flavour, and got us suitably excited for the meal to come. Soy & Mirin Pork Belly was long juicy strips of charred meat, smoky on a crunchy slaw with the zing of fresh lime. It came with one of my favourite Thai sauces, here called Crying Tiger sauce but forever known to me as ‘Why, Tiger Cry?’ after a particularly poorly translated takeaway menu. This is rich and fruity, and all those flavours create a real mouth party dish. Burrata, by contrast, was all fresh creaminess. This was kept from being cloying by some acidic tomatoes and basil leaves bursting with flavour. A simple dish, but with quality ingredients it absolutely delivered. The main dining room is dominated by the pass, so as we waited for our mains we could observe the other dishes going out with a mixture of hope and envy. We did not have too long to wait, in fact they arrived before our starters were cleared away creating a bit of confusion and dish juggling. We had no cause to regret our choices when they were presented to us, though. Miller & Carter describe this as the ‘Steak Experience’, and there certainly is a lot going on. As well as the main event there is whichever side you chose, an onion loaf, a tomato and some watercress, a little pan of your chosen sauce and a wedge of lettuce covered in something. If you have decision paralysis this is not the place for you, as there are many opportunities to make decisions that you later regret (much like in the O’Neill’s days). The steak itself was absolutely fantastic. I went for the 50-day aged sirloin, whereas my companion went for the similarly aged ribeye, and both came with a lovely pat of their signature butter. The meat was juicy, tender and plentiful. This is kind of to be expected, you wouldn’t last long as a steak house if you couldn’t cook a decent steak, but it is still far from universal. Now, to the sides. The onion loaf was a great discovery, like a big onion hash brown. The tomato had a balsamic glaze that took it straight from pointless to a valuable addition to the meal. I had my wedge of lettuce covered in blue cheese sauce and stilton, and it proved that if you cover anything with blue cheese sauce and stilton it becomes fantastic. By having a dining companion also experiencing the steak experience I was able to compare my choices with theirs, and for lettuce covering I definitely picked the winner.
He definitely won the sides and sauce battle though. I went for the Cafe De Paris Butter Sauce, which was somewhat reminiscent of a mediocre stroganoff. I kept it away from the steak which had no need of it, and instead used it to dip my chips in until I realised that they also tasted better without it. Another black mark for the French. These chips were the sole item we paid a surcharge for (a hefty £1) and were supposedly triple-cooked but I found this hard to believe. They didn’t have much flavour on their own, and were floury on the inside without being crispy on the exterior, and at the end of the day were not much more than standard chunky chips. The fries gave a better showing, having something of McDonald’s about them but superior even to that. Even these were not universally crispy, though. The sauce was that classic steak companion, peppercorn, and it got exactly the right balance of pepperiness and creaminess, elevating everything it came into contact with. We also received steak knives so substantial I worried about it being given to my teenage son. Unfortunately he refused to join me on Carter’s Signature Chocolate Bar Dessert, which was only available as a sharing option. Apparently just me reading out the description was enough to make him feel nauseous from the sweetness of the language. Instead I went for the relative lightness of a lemon tart. This had a great sherbetty zing, but conversely could have done with a bit more sweetness. It was also served with both raspberry sorbet and whipped cream, a combination that didn’t quite work for me. Having denied me the Chocolate Bar Dessert my companion went instead for a not particularly insubstantial Sticky Toffee Pudding. Again I think he got the best of this round (making the final score 3-1 for those counting), as it had all the sweetness without being too cloying. This was served with some spot on ice cream and caramel sauce. Drink options were plentiful, and the bar itself is a wonder to behold. There is Peroni, Madri and Neck Oil on tap, a long wine list and a happy hour for cocktails. They advertised a Birthday Cake Martini which particularly intrigued me, but instead we finished off with some fresh mint tea, spot on with a biscuit curl and served in a very stylish teapot. Food service was very prompt, we were never long without something to munch on, but servers were not always present when you wanted anything else, such as the bill, and we had to ask twice for tap water which seems fairly standard these days. As we were walking home afterwards it started to strike me that the bill had actually been fairly hefty considering the deal we had gone for, and when I got home and was able to check properly I realised that they hadn’t actually taken this into account. I should have noticed this at the restaurant, but this was a bit of a case of ‘be careful what you wish for’.
I have often been known to complain about being presented with the bill and then the server disappears for a far longer time than it takes to verify it, whereas in this case the card machine was already present and ready to go when I got it, meaning I only gave it a cursory glance to see if a tip was included. The couple of pints I’d had probably didn’t help either. They were suitably apologetic and I was able to get the money back, but it involved a phone call, an e-mail and then having to go back into the restaurant a few days later. This was quite a lot of faff for an amount of money that was just about, but only just about, worth it. Was Miller & Carter worth the faff, then? The first thing to say is it is not in the same league as Prime, so if your budget can stretch to that then the choice is clear. There aren’t many vegan or vegetarian options, but really I can’t think of many vegans who would enjoy being surrounded by so much copious cow flesh. If you want to do something fairly celebratory, say to treat a mid-tier relative who you are generally well-disposed to, then why not. It feels suitably opulent, they do very good steak and when the deal is applied it is pretty good value. Just make sure you check your bill afterwards.
A prominent Sandridge house.
Knitted Village project returns to Sandridge The Sandridge Knitted Village – created to celebrate the 900th anniversary of St Leonard’s Church in 2014 – returned to the village at the weekend. Many of the models, created by a close-knit group of volunteers, were on display as part of the church’s heritage and harvest weekend. As always, the models turned heads as local people saw their village reproduced in wool, with many details faithfully depicted. Among the visitors was Sue Pearce, who was publican of the Queen’s Head pub in 2014, and hosted knitting sessions on Monday evenings. She was able to see that the model of the pub she created more than 12 years ago was still in excellent condition. Words and photos by Peter Crumpler.
(Left) Sue Pearce, who was the publican at the Queen's Head while the knitted village was being created, with the model of the pub that she knitted; (below) the Sandridge butcher and (bottom) Lee Myers, churchwarden, and Jenny Dundon, assistant churchwarden, with the knitted model of St Leonard's Church.
(Left) St Leonard’s Church and (right) cottages in Church End, adjoining the Queen's Head
(Left) The sports hall, (right) another familiar cottage in Church End, near the church, (below) The Queen’s Head.
The Sandridge Scout hut.
(Left) The Rose & Crown, (right) Sandridge village hall, (below) The Green Man.
C O L U M N
WHEN GOODBYE FEELS HARDER THAN IT SHOULD It’s OK To Say founder and CEO Stacey
Last week, I wrote about the many changes that come with
Turner reflects on separation anxiety...
guardians and carers too, and let’s include grandparents.
going back to school for children, young people and parents, But there is another part of September and even October that can be particularly difficult for some families, and that is separation. We often hear the words separation anxiety and immediately picture a small child clinging to their parent or guardian at the school gates, crying as they walk away. And yes, separation anxiety is a very normal part of early childhood. But it doesn’t always disappear simply because a child gets older. It can return during times of change, stress or uncertainty, and for some children and teenagers, being away from the person who makes them feel safest can feel genuinely overwhelming. Believe it or not, separation anxiety can actually be a show of your connection with your child – and, in a strange way, a compliment. You are their safe person. You are the person they trust, the person they know will look after them, and the person they feel safest with. However, that doesn’t mean we should simply accept it as something they have to live with, or that we should feel guilty every time we walk away. A strong connection is wonderful, but our children also need the opportunity to develop confidence in themselves and discover that they can feel safe and capable even when we aren’t right beside them. Sometimes separation anxiety is obvious. A child may become tearful, clingy or distressed on the way to school or when you leave. They may struggle to settle at school, repeatedly ask when you are coming back, worry that something terrible might happen to you, or find sleepovers, school trips or even seeing friends difficult. Other times it can be much harder to recognise. Tummy aches, headaches, feeling unwell on school mornings, disturbed sleep, irritability, avoidance or suddenly not wanting to do things they previously enjoyed can all be signs that anxiety is sitting underneath the behaviour. And this is where I think we sometimes need to pause. Because when a child says, “I don’t want you to go,” it can be tempting to respond with, “You’ll be fine,” or “There’s nothing to worry about.” We mean it lovingly, of course. We want to make the worry disappear. But for a child experiencing anxiety, the feeling is very real. What they often need first is for us to recognise it: I can see this feels really hard today. Tell me what you’re worried might happen. That conversation can tell us so much. Perhaps they are worried something will happen to you while they are away. Perhaps they are worried about being unable to cope without
58 St Peter’s Street, St Albans,
you. Perhaps something has changed at school. Perhaps they
AL1 3HG
have had a difficult experience that has made the world feel
www.itsoktosay.org.uk
a little less predictable.
01727 482457
Or perhaps they simply need some time and support to rebuild their confidence after a long period of change. Perhaps we can think about it as three simple steps: notice, express and support. Notice. Start by noticing the changes and patterns. When does the anxiety appear? What seems to trigger it? Is your child suddenly complaining of tummy aches on school mornings, struggling to sleep, becoming unusually clingy or avoiding things they would normally enjoy? Behaviour is often communication, and sometimes what looks like reluctance, anger or “not wanting to go” is actually a child telling us that something feels difficult. Express. Find a way to help your child get those feelings, niggles and worries out, rather than keeping them all inside. And this will look different depending on their age. For a younger child, you might suggest expressing feelings through colour – perhaps painting or colouring how they feel, choosing a colour for their worry or drawing what is happening inside their head. It doesn’t have to make sense to anyone else. The important thing is giving the feeling somewhere to go. For an older child or teenager, you might try something a little less “little child”. At It’s OK To Say, we might use something like a Feelings Monster – a place where they can write down a worry or niggle on a note and then physically post or zip it into the monster’s mouth. There can be
That doesn’t mean forcing a child through something they
something surprisingly powerful about writing down the thing
find frightening. It means listening first, understanding what
that’s been going around in your head and then getting it
the worry is telling us, and then finding manageable ways to
out.
help them discover, I can do this. I can be away from my
It doesn’t need to be complicated, and it doesn’t necessarily
parent or guardian and still be safe. And they come back.
need to be a big conversation. Sometimes it’s simply about creating a safe way to say, this is what’s bothering me,
There is also something important here for us as parents,
without having to sit down face-to-face and explain
guardians and carers. We can feel separation anxiety too. We
everything.
can worry about leaving our child, especially if we know they
The idea is to help children and young people learn that
are struggling. We can feel guilty walking away when they
feelings don’t have to be kept inside. They can be expressed,
are crying.
shared, understood and worked through.
Sometimes their anxiety meets ours at the school gate, and
Sometimes, once a worry is outside of our heads, it can feel a
suddenly neither of us feels particularly confident.
little less overwhelming.
So perhaps this September, instead of seeing separation anxiety simply as a difficult goodbye, we can see it as
Support. Once we’ve noticed and helped our child express
communication. A little person, or even a much bigger one
what’s going on, we can think about what support they might
telling us that something feels difficult and asking us, in
need. That might be reassurance, a predictable goodbye
whatever way they can, to help them understand it.
routine, practising small periods apart, talking to school, or
If you’re unsure whether what you’re seeing is separation
simply knowing that someone is listening.
anxiety, start by noticing the pattern. When does it happen?
We can certainly help you find age-appropriate ways to do
What seems to trigger it? What does your child say they are
this at It’s OK To Say.
worried about? And how much is it beginning to interfere with
Sometimes the right starting point isn’t asking, “What’s
everyday life? If anxiety is persistent, getting worse or
wrong?” but finding a way of saying, “Let’s get some of those
affecting school, family life, friendships or activities, it is
niggles out.”
worth talking to your GP, school or another appropriate
There isn’t one magic answer, but small, predictable steps can
professional.
help and we can get creative. Talk about what is going to
At It’s OK To Say, we talk about mental health because
happen before the separation rather than only in the
understanding something can be the beginning of changing
moment. Create a simple goodbye routine. Practise small
how we experience it and we have anxiety specialists. You can
periods apart where appropriate. Let them know when you
find out more about our work and the support available at
will return and, importantly, follow through.
itsoktosay.org.uk, including resources and information to help
A familiar object, a little ritual or something that connects
recognise worries and start conversations.
them to home can also provide comfort.
Because sometimes the most helpful thing we can do isn’t to
And remember, confidence doesn’t usually arrive before we
make the worry disappear. It’s simply to make sure our child
try something.
doesn’t have to carry it alone.
Sometimes it grows because we try it.
It really is OK To Say, “I’m finding this hard.”
500 years ago, a book printed in Worms changed the world Five hundred years ago, a hunted scholar in Worms, Germany,
Tyndale was born around 1494 and studied at Oxford
completed an act that would change the world: translating the
University.
Bible into English. His name was William Tyndale. His
In 1524, unable to find supporters in England to fund his plan to
translation was smuggled across borders, burned by bishops,
translate the New Testament into English, he travelled to
and ultimately cost him his life.
continental Europe. In 1525, he attempted to print in Cologne,
But the words he left behind not only shaped the English
but authorities raided the printing workshop; only a single
language but also established a fundamental idea: that ordinary
surviving fragment is now held in the British Library.
people have the right to read Scripture for themselves.
He then moved to Worms, where, with the help of printer Peter
On October 3, a special dramatic performance entitled ‘The
Schoeffer, he produced the first complete printed English New
Book That Changed the World: William Tyndale and the Battle
Testament in 1526. Copies were smuggled back to England
for the English Bible’ will take place in Worms.
hidden in barrels and circulated widely, to the great alarm of the
Organised jointly by the twin cities of St Albans and Worms, the
authorities.
event is a part of the 2026 quincentenary programme marking
In 1535, Tyndale was betrayed in Antwerp and imprisoned near
the 500th anniversary of Tyndale’s New Testament. The
Brussels.
performance is written and presented by St Albans resident
The following year, he was declared a heretic and sentenced to
Professor Tim Boatswain, with Dr Florian Ruths also
death by burning. He was ultimately strangled at the stake
performing. Conducted in English, it combines live drama,
before his body was burned. Yet his words did not die.
projected images, and a gripping staged debate between Tyndale
According to modern estimates, approximately 83 per cent of
and his inquisitor.
the text of the 1611 King James Bible derives directly from
Audiences will witness the clash between authority and
Tyndale’s 1534 translation.
conscience, tradition and translation, fear and freedom. The
The twinning relationship between St Albans and Worms dates
performance will begin with background introduction before
back to 1957 and is St Albans’ longest-standing twin city
moving into the dramatic debate, bringing history vividly to life
partnership. Located on the Rhine, Worms is one of Germany’s
on stage.
oldest cities, with Celtic, Roman, and medieval heritage.
St Albans will also host the same performance on October 15 at
The two cities maintain active exchanges in municipal, cultural,
St Peter’s Church as part of the twin-city commemorations:
and educational fields: from choir visits to football club
https://www.stalbanscathedral.org/Event/the-book-that-
friendlies, from museum professional exchanges to jazz festival
changed-the-world
performances.
District council rethinks consultation on tenancies A controversial consultation into council housing tenancies is to be carried out again following confusion over the proposals. As part of a complete overhaul of SADC’s secure tenancy agreement, a consultation carried out earlier this summer featured a Table of Proposed Changes. These included the following terms: Eviction Threats for Missed Appointments: Tenants faced losing their homes and paying full council court fees if they failed to answer or miss communication from third-party gas and electrical safety contractors. Mandatory Photos: Every single person named on a council tenancy agreement was to be legally forced to submit a photograph of themselves to a council database. The Total Loft Ban: A strict blanket statement was added to the contract rules stating residents “must not use or enter the loft” for health and safety reasons. This would prevent ordinary storage (like Christmas decorations or suitcases) for families who have lived here for decades and have no alternative storage space. Seizing Compensation: If a tenant wins a compensation case against the council for massive housing failures like severe damp or black mold, the council would be able to legally seize that money to offset separate disputes rather than paying the cash out to the tenant to replace ruined belongings. Property Access: In the small print, the council said it was slashing the standard notice required to enter homes from 48 hours down to just 24 hours. Vulnerable tenants, the elderly, and those with support needs require longer notice periods to arrange assistance or prepare, not less. Home Alterations: Tenants would have to formally apply for written permission for minor, ordinary changes. If a family
contractor text messages, force them into a mandatory photo
makes an improvement without jumping through council
database, ban them from their own lofts, or seize their repair
hoops, the text states the tenant will be forced to pay the full
compensation cash.
cost out of their own pocket to rip it down and return the
“Many tenants feel intimidated by these changes. The official
property to its original state.
survey forces people to input their exact names, addresses, and
Visitor Responsibility: SADC slipped in clauses making the
personal details to object, meaning vulnerable people are too
tenant entirely legally liable for the behaviour of any visitor.
afraid of council retaliation to reply. I’m deeply concerned
If a guest or family member uses “insulting words” or is
about the timescale and how many tenants are actually aware of
accused of any form of verbal “abuse” near the property, the
these punitive changes – it could now be too late to fight back.”
council can hold the tenant liable.
SADC strategic director for community and place delivery Chris
In a letter to tenants requesting their views on the changes,
Traill responded at the time: “Our tenancy agreement has not
SADC stated: “St Albans City and District Council is reviewing its
been updated since 2014 so is in need of a review. We are
tenancy agreement to ensure it is clear, fair and up to date… The
working to ensure the updated agreement will be easy to
proposed changes form part of our wider service improvement
understand and reflect current legislation and good practice.
work and are intended to support safe and well-managed homes
The changes we are proposing are minor and in most cases are
and neighbourhoods and clearly set out tenant and landlord
simply a clarification of existing procedures...
responsibilities.”
“We can assure them that our updated tenancy agreement will
But a tenant who contacted the St Albans Times on condition of
be fair, consistent and transparent, support well-managed
anonymity said: “Nothing in the Regulator’s standards requires a
homes and set out the responsibilities of both the council as
council to threaten vulnerable tenants with eviction over missed
landlord and the tenant.”
But at last week’s meeting of SADC’s housing and inclusion
consultation on our proposed changes and this was assessed.
committee, an officer admitted the consultation had not gone
“Before we moved on to the next stage, we decided we needed
the way they expected: “When we received the consultation
to address a number of comments and concerns some of our
responses, some respondents indicated that they hadn’t fully
tenants had expressed.
understood the proposals. As a result, we're carrying out a
“In view of that, we are now holding a follow-up consultation
further consultation with updated frequently asked questions
aimed at clarifying the issues raised and tenants have been sent a
and additional supporting information.”
letter informing them of this.
London Colney Labour councillor Emma Turnbull, who sits on
“Included with the letter, explaining the reasons for this second
the committee, responded: “We are pleased the council has
consultation, are our answers to the most frequently asked
recognised the need for a second consultation. The fact that
questions.
tenants reported not fully understanding the original proposals
“We have provided more detail in these responses to the issues
suggests the first consultation fell short of the standard residents
some tenants were unsure about. This includes the clauses on
should expect when changes to their tenancy agreement are
loft storage, service standards for repairs and personal data.
being considered.
“We hope this information will deal with all concerns raised and
“These are important changes which could affect the rights and
help our tenants to contribute to the consultation
responsibilities of more than 4,000 households, including the
“Again, all feedback will be considered before we finalise the
rules around eviction. Tenants deserve clear, accessible
tenancy agreement and then put it before councillors on the
information and a meaningful opportunity to have their say.”
housing and inclusion committee for approval.
Following the meeting, Chris Traill confirmed SADC’s updated
“The proposed new tenancy agreement and supporting
approach: “Our current tenancy agreement has been in place
documents, including the questions and answers sheet, are
since 2014 and needs to be updated, partly to take account of
published on our website.”
new legislation.
To view the documents, visit:
“We received valuable feedback earlier this year from our
https://www.stalbans.gov.uk/tenancy-agreement-consultation
MP calls for probe into the UK beer industry MP Daisy Cooper announced a new Liberal Democrat party policy at the opening of this week’s St Albans Beer and Cider Festival. The Treasury spokesperson told guests at the Alban Arena that her party would be calling on the Competition and Markets Authority to investigate whether there were any unfair advantages enjoyed by big brewers over smaller independents. She was supporting a call by festival organisers CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) for a review into whether the larger companies were misleading consumers over their products’ craft credentials and geographical origin. This year’s beer festival opened yesterday (Wednesday) and runs until Saturday from noon to 11pm every day. Guests will be able to enjoy a choice of more than 300 cask ales, craft beers, lagers, international brews, ciders and perries to explore - plus street food and live entertainment Tickets are still available here.
Beer writer Roger Protz.
(Left) Peter Hill, who spent six years visiting all 4,429 boozers featured in the 2020 edition of the Good Beer Guide, finishing up at The Mermaid in St Albans.
Former councillor and Mayor Geoff Harrison and Father Richard Watson from St Saviour’s Church.
Local CAMRA chair Ian Boyd and MP Daisy Cooper.
Yesterday Once More: pictures from the archives
Fleetville historian Mike Neighbour continues his journey through the 20th century using photos scanned from old editions of the Herts Advertiser.... Mike is the author of the two-volume St Albans’ Own East End, a comprehensive guide to the eastern districts of the city from the early years of the first millennium through to 1960. From 1922, we have a view of the new premises of J Sainsbury’s in St Peter’s Street, designed by renowned architect Percival C Blow and to be constructed by C
Miskin and Sons of St Albans. The building is nowadays occupied by Costa Coffee. Next up are some May Day revels by Redbourn children on the Common, and Kitty, said to be the smallest pony working in harness in the world, at a Whit Monday celebration in Clarence Park. Finally, we have St Albans 2nd XL preparing to take on Luton 2nd XI at WArdown Park in Luton for the first match of the 1922 season. The St Albans men won by six runs.
Wine Times DARREN MCCABE OFFERS HIS WEEKLY WINE RECOMMENDATIONS (@DMC_UNCORKED)
Forget the wine aisle confusion: these three French wines cover just about every occasion With hundreds of bottles lining supermarket shelves, choosing wine can often feel more complicated than it should be. Les Deux Pins is a collection of approachable French wines available exclusively at Ocado, between them covering almost every occasion. From a crisp Sauvignon Blanc to a smooth Merlot and a full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon, each priced at £7.25 a bottle, the range offers an easy
answer for shoppers seeking dependable, affordable and foodfriendly wines. Choosing wine shouldn’t feel intimidating. The Les Deux Pins range shows that great everyday drinking needn’t be complicated — each bottle is versatile enough to enjoy on its own or to pair effortlessly with a wide variety of dishes. Whether you’re hosting friends, cooking a family meal or picking up a bottle for the
weekend, these three take the guesswork out of choosing. Les Deux Pins comes from Groupe GCF (Les Grands Chais de France), a family-owned wine business founded in 1979 by Joseph Helfrich and still headquartered in Petersbach, Alsace. It has grown into one of Europe’s largest wine companies, working across France’s major regions — Languedoc-Roussillon, Bordeaux, Burgundy, the Loire and beyond — as
well as vineyards in Spain and Chile, and exporting to some 178 countries. The group says it now accounts for roughly one in four bottles of French wine sold in the UK, and that all of its estates are organic, biodynamic or in transition reassuring credentials behind a bottle this accessible. Les Deux Pins Sauvignon Blanc, France — £7.25 (11 per cent ABV) Fresh, zesty and bursting with citrus and tropical fruit, lifted by a touch of acacia blossom on the nose and a clean, well-balanced lemon finish on the palate. Pairings: Seafood, grilled chicken, salads, goat’s cheese and Asian-inspired dishes. Serve well chilled - it’s the bottle you’ll reach for throughout the warmer months. Les Deux Pins Merlot, France — £7.25 (13.5 per cent ABV) Soft, smooth and fruit-forward, with a garnet-red colour, a bouquet of red fruit and blackcurrant, and silky, gentle tannins that make it an easy-drinking all-rounder. Pairings: Equally at home with pasta, burgers, pizza, roast chicken, or a relaxed evening with friends. Best served at 15–16°C. Les Deux Pins Cabernet Sauvignon, Languedoc-Roussillon — £7.25 (13 per cent ABV) For heartier meals, the Cabernet Sauvignon offers deep garnet colour, richer black-fruit flavours, a hint of spice and fine, persistent tannins. Pairings: Perfect with steak, lamb, roast beef and mature cheeses. Serve at 14–16°C - it’s an ideal bottle for Sunday lunches, dinner parties and cosy evenings as the seasons change. Three wines, three occasions, no complications - proof that everyday drinking doesn’t have to mean everyday compromise.
FLASHBACK: 1962 STORIES MAKING THE NEWS IN THE HERTS ADVERTISER DATED: FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 1962
Swinging into the ‘60s, our 52-part series looks at the stories, ads and photographs featured in the corresponding week of the Herts Advertiser 64 years ago, reflecting a period of 20th century history which saw major changes both in St Albans and across the wider district...
MARSHALSWICK GETS ITS PUBLIC-HOUSE A new £30,000 public-house was opened at Marshalswick by Mr JA Briggs, managing director of Benskins Watford Brewery, yesterday, It is the first public-house on the estate. Called the Baton after the word Marshal in Marshalswick, the pub has indeed a military flavour. Regimental coats of arms are pinned to bar walls, and a Field Marshal’s baton rest gently against a soldier’s knapsack displayed in a glass case. The Baton was designed by the brewery’s architects at Watford. It forms part of the
Marshalswick development and is located near the new shopping area. The house is designed on the most modern lines in pursuit of the brewery’s policy of providing better facilities for their customers. For those who like a meal with their drink, light refreshments are laid on and a large car park has been provided and access to the garden at the rear is through a covered loggia from both bars. The licensees are Douglas Sanderson “Sandy” to his old customers at The Boot and his wife Margaret.
2 , 0 0 0 y e a r s o n, c i t y h a s s e c ond ‘ Ro ma n’ t h e a t r e
Advertisements Harpenden Embassy The Music Man, starring Robert Preston and Shirley Jones. Daily Mail - for busy thinkers The amazing accuracy of Daily Mail reports on national trends is today’s big talking point. National Opinion Polls, published regularly in the Daily Mail, are recognised as Britain’s most reliable source of public opinion. Unbiased comment on all major issues has done much to increase the trend to the Daily Mail, which informs without seeking to unduly influence its readers.
Sixth formers at St Albans School are taking a special interest in Roman drama - they are building their own Roman theatre in the school grounds. Seven tiers will surround the orchestra, four doric pillars will eventually be erected to give the impression of a temple front, and a bowl will be placed in the centre of the orchestra. Between 30 and 40 boys have been engaged in building the theatre in their spare time.
Tiny box with a bleep calls hospital doctors A new radio conrol system is being used to get messages to doctors at St Albans City Hospital. They carry a personal receiver the size of a spectacle case which emits a high pitched bleep, loud enough to be audible only to the doctor called or those immediately around him. When he hears the “bleep”, the doctor gets in touch with the hospital switchboard from the nearest telephone. The hospital secretary, Mr GH Fennell, described he new system as a great improvement on the old system of flashing lights, or on any loudspeaker system. The doctors can be reached by the system anywhere at the City Hospital, at the Mid Herts Wing in Church Crescent, at the doctors’ house opposite and even at Bleak House in Catherine Street. The receivers are powered by tiny batteries which last, at maximum output, for four to five weeks.
Back to normal after strike Production at the St Albans factory of Ballito Hosiery Mills Ltd, is back to normal following a return-towork on Monday by 600 members of the National Union of Hosiery Workers, who had been on strike. The strike, which went on for four weeks, was over non-union labour. The union’s national executive committee recommended a returnto-work afer the management had recommended nonunion labour to join a union. Most of the 50 women who were not union members have now joined.
THE SECRET OF BUNKER FIVE CHARLIE FOUR Eight feet down in the bowels of the earth a group of men worked at the weekend cramped in a 14ft by 7ft concrete bunker in St Albans, measuring the density and path of radioactive fall-out from several assumed nuclear explosions. The information these men have been trained to obtain and pass on might well represent the difference between life and death for hundreds and thousands of people should the horrors of H-bomb welfare come to Britain. The men - among them a timber merchant, a public relations officer, a metallurgist - were volunteer members of the Royal Observer Corps, taking part in the largest nuclear fall-out exercise ever held in this country. For the first time the Press was allowed into the underground protected accommodation used by the corps at post-operational sites during a national exercise.
The bunker - code name: Five Charlie Four - is situated a few hundred yards off a main busy highway. The entrance to it sticks out from the ground for 2ft, then it’s a sheer 8ft drop. An iron ladder enables the men to get down the narrow shaft. In a nuclear war it would be the job of these men to guide and inform the civil defence workers and landbased military forces. They would be the key to Britain’s entire civil defence system. Just as in the last war when its 32,000 men and women spotted, plotted and reported enemy aircraft attacking the United Kingdon, enabling RAF fighters and anti-aircraft gunners to get to grips with the attackers, so in a nuclear war they would be the only organisation in Britain equipped and trained to report on deadly nuclear fall-out on a national basis.
New moves to reopen Chequers Moves towards reopening the former Chequers Cinema were taken last week. The licence of the cinema was transferred to Panton Film Distributors, who have an office in London. At a meeting of Hertfordshire Local Licences Committee, the body which decides these matters, it was agreed that the transfer should be carried out. A spokesman at County Hall said that although it had been closed for three months, the cinema had a current licence for film showing and it was only a matter of transferring it to the new company, which could start showing films whenever they wished. “I am afraid I am unable to comment - you know as much as we do,” said Mr K Hemmings, of Town and Commercial Properties Ltd, which bought the property and aim to open it as a supermarket. After planning permission had been refused by the city council, a Ministry inquiry was held, and the result is awaited.
*LETTERS to the EDITOR* Sir - The September 21 issue of your paper contains two reports of recent activities involving young people in Colney Heath. One of these, given headline prominence and eight inches of column, suggests a terrifying situation at the local playing field due to a small minority of high-spirited youths. The second report, conained in a three-inch long report, describes the teenagers’ service recently held at St Mark’s Church, at which some 40 to 50 young people were present. I suggest that the relative publicity afforded these two local happenings gives a false impression of the true situation concerning our local youth, and that more might be made of the fact that there is a majority who are growing up to be decent Christian citizens. It might be of interest to recall that within the last 18 months, no fewer than 44 teenagers from Colney Heath and district have been confirmed at the parish church. Most of them belong to one of the young people’s
organisations attached to the church and from time to time you have included reports in your paper of the useful work they are doing for the church and parish. Several also belong to the Colney Heath Youth Club, which seems to have incurred an undeserved bad name as the result of recent events. I thought it only fair to draw your attention to the very pleasant fact that, in spite of the vandalism by the few, Colney Heath youth, on the whole, are as well-behaved and well-mannered as those of any village community in the country. Moreover, so far as the church and churchgoing are concerned, they are certainly giving a very good and perhaps embarrassing example to their elders, including many who are only too quick to find fault with the youth of to-day. WE Butland (Rev), St Mark’s Vicarage, Colney Heath
Reinventing retirement? Nestled away from view behind Burston Garden Centre is a
The only real difference is that the residents of the 126
surprising find, an entire village community designed to
apartments and cottages have to be 65-plus, with the aim of
provide quality accommodation for the district’s older
providing an alternative yet accessible retirement experience
population.
to that found elsewhere in the district and beyond.
It’s a self-contained 13-acre space just outside Chiswell Green
Viewers of Netflix series The Boroughs will have an idea of
on the North Orbital Road, open to visitors from the local area
what to expect, albeit without any brain-sucking aliens lurking
and beyond, providing somewhere which the owners believe
in the shadows (that I noticed).
their own parents would want to live.
There’s a real Center Parcs vibe to the site, with Scandi-style
“The first thing we hear when sons and daughters come here
accommodation surrounding landscaped lawns and footpaths,
with their parents, is ‘This is amazing, I could live here’,”
and a curtain of mature trees around the boundary. All roads
explains Sandy Spencer, director of strategy, customer and
lead to the central hub, which has high hopes of becoming a
brand.
lively focus for the entire local community, with nearby
City centre shoppers might have come across a unit at
neighbours comfortably popping in for a coffee or a meal.
Christopher Place Shopping Centre last year which offered an
There are different outdoor terraces, lounges and spaces,
insight into what The Oakleigh had to offer and explaining its
aimed at ensuring members of the public would feel just at
ethos.
home having a cup of coffee there as a resident coming down
Devised by Elysian Residences (the name comes from a
in the morning.
paradise which forms the final resting place of the heroic and
“We’ve got an all-age approach to social vibrancy and
virtuous in Greek mythology) The Oakleigh is based on a
movement which is important in making residents feel they’re
concept which has already proved successful in Australia and
not just with people of their own age. It gives you the feel of an
New Zealand, and includes a bar, library, gym, events spaces,
open community. The right way to age is remaining connected
restaurant and private dining, in fact everything you’d expect
to other generations and all of your local community.
from a typical out-of-town development.
“We don’t want to create a gated community which is shut off
from other people, so while security is very important, we also want to keep the doors open.” Although there are still construction crews on site making the final touches, The Oakleigh hopes to be welcoming its first residents next month, so there is an obvious focus on checking the facilities over with a fine toothcomb. Served a barista-made mocha from the bar, I pull up a chair alongside Sandy, who explains that the whole concept of The Oakleigh is to challenge perceptions of what retirement is and can be. “Some people have misconceptions of what it means to live in a community environment because this country doesn’t really have many good examples, so they don’t realise it can be a really great option for downsizing in later life. “My parents are in their mid-70s, and they want all the things I’m sure many others want at that age, continuing a vibrant life, feeling very independent, maintaining a great sense of their own character and identity. This year the boomer generation turned 80, and they feel young, they feel good, and they’re looking at options that feel right for them. “We wanted to create a place that has all of the soul and vibrancy and fun that you might expect in your mind’s eye of what retirement can be. We’re not here trying to please the stereotype, everyone’s very different and you have to design for that.” It’s not just the accommodation and environment which residents are paying for, they also have the option to pick up extra services, whether that’s housekeeping, gardening, or even transport services into the city centre. “We don’t want them to see any loss of connection to their life and community, so we have a car here that takes people into town for shopping trips, cinema visits, and even into London for the theatre, art galleries and other events. “A lot of people want to maintain that connection to the wider world, but sometimes access and transport becomes tough.” Probably until around the 1980s, elderly relatives were very much a part of the family, only for this long-established pattern to be replaced with a move to push them out and isolate them in retirement communities solely aimed at people of their own age. “The British way is to age gracefully and go quietly, and not ask for anything you need to avoid being a burden on families, and I think that’s a real trap as it often results in physical and emotional loneliness. We want to offer options which encourage them to leave their larger houses for somewhere warm and inviting which feels like home.” The soaring property prices in St Albans, Harpenden and the villages have meant a lot of older people who bought their homes in the ‘60s and ‘70s have been left property rich but cash poor, and they cannot afford to downsize elsewhere in the area. In contrast, The Oakleigh is designed to allow people to sell, downsize and release equity, and if other similar schemes elsewhere in the country are anything to go by, these properties actually increase in value, ensuring residents’ children are still left with a legacy when their parents die rather than becoming some sort of money trap. Heading off on a tour of the facilities we check out the Botané restaurant – typical seasonal dishes include crispy calamari
and courgette, beetroot and goat’s cheese salad, wild mushroom tagliatelle, fish and chips and grilled sirloin steak – we head past the TV and games room and the entry area, where a shop stocked with Burston food and drink replaces the typical reception desk. The accommodation itself is surprisingly spacious, with the cottages offering high ceilings into the eaves of the roof, and nowhere has that “care home” feeling, instead being very much along the lines of your typical new build on a suburban housing estate. There are also plenty of activities available to keep both body and mind active, either booked in person or using a bespoke app, including arts classes, supper lectures, Zumba, backgammon, boules and a gardening club, all either run by or featuring local experts. It’s a lot to offer, but Sandy is convinced it’s the right approach for their residents, and wants to encourage more people from the local community to explore the facilities. The Oakleigh team is hosting an open event on October 3 from 2-5pm, offering a first-hand opportunity to look around the grounds and accommodation, as well as take part in autumn wreath-making workshops, and sample food and drink from Botané. Other attractions include children’s activities, live music, and hand massages by Neal’s Yard in the library, with the aim of providing a relaxing taste of what The Oakleigh has in store. To register your interest visit https://elysianresidences.com/newsevents/oakleigh-community-launch.
THEATRE REVIEW
HOME I’M DARLING LESLEY COWLAND IS AT THE ABBEY THEATRE FOR COMPANY OF TEN’S TAKE ON A CLASSIC...
In a world that is full of uncertainty who wouldn’t want to step back in time to the seemingly simple years of the 1950s? This is what Judy and her husband Johnny agreed to do some three years ago. Their house in Welwyn Garden City is filled with genuine 1950s furniture, kitchen appliances, wallpaper and they both dress in the fashion of that time. Judy is the housewife, while Johnny the wage earner dons his hat and leaves for the office every morning. On the surface they seem blissfully happy, living the Doris Day/Rock Hudson movie romance. Real life outside the home moves on and when reality kicks in, is Judy going to be able to continue in this sweet, sugar-coated life? Beccy Baird’s set design was excellent, and the production team should be applauded for creating a two level house complete with bedroom, living room and kitchen. The details of the set created a 1950s family home: from the brightly patterned wallpaper in the sitting room to the authentic kitchen cabinet and even a record player, all plain and simple with no fancy gadgets.
The main character, Judy, is a challenging role as she is on stage virtually the whole time and has to portray an array of emotions. It is her interaction with the other characters which drives the highs and lows of the story. Amy Wedgewood did a grand job and congratulations to her for learning a difficult script. She created a believable woman desperately trying to live like a 1950s housewife in the early 21st century and holding on to the dream of being a happily married couple despite the subtle changes in her interactions with the other characters. The relationship with Johnny is key to this play and Bruce Taylor, with his soft accent and gentleness, portrayed the right amount of light and shade, temper and love in his scenes with Judy. He is struggling to maintain the deceit of living a lifestyle with which he is no longer so comfortable. Johnny is working in the real world where he is hoping for promotion. Hayley Morson’s performance as Judy’s long-time friend Fran, provided a nice foil to Judy’s sweetness. The blend of wonder at how Judy is a
perfect housewife she would like to imitate, but that is mixed with a knowledge that she certainly wouldn’t be able to live her life in the same way. Angel Candrea as Marcus, Fran’s husband, plays his first major part which was well done. However, a little more volume and diction would have helped his performance, especially in his scene with Judy. Sylvia, Judy’s mother, cannot understand why her daughter wants to revert to the 1950s. Suzanne Brower gave a great performance showing contempt for Judy’s lifestyle choices when her generation had fought hard to move away from the stereotypical housewife. She showed believable anger yet care for her daughter. Her tirade against the “simplicity” of the ‘50s was well delivered. Claudie Crowther in the role of Alex, Johnny’s new boss, provided a real contrast as the slick, determined, business woman not understanding the 1950s vibe at all! There was a good choice of 1950s music between the scene changes, which was a useful distraction as some of the set changes were a little too long. Absolutely this would be due to costume changes, but it would have been better to keep things simpler and quicker to keep the momentum of the story. The wardrobe department, Katherine Reeve and her team, provided an authentic range of ‘50s style outfits which enhanced the fantasy they were creating. As a first time director, Dee Tidy produced an interesting and entertaining play. She did well to bring out the nuances in Laura Wade’s complex script showing the differences between old and new values. There is still time to get your tickets and have an enjoyable break watching someone else’s fantasy.
10 FROM 50 JAIYA BHANDARI
We ask a different figure from the local community to choose 10 questions to answer from a list of 50. This week: Marta Nicholson, a St Albans painter and self-taught portrait artist who creates work that emerges from a meditative space, where the creative process becomes a path to freedom and reconnection with the inner child. . She is taking place in this year’s Herts Open Studios at Kingsbury Barn. Find out more here.
What's the first thing you do after you've woken up in the morning? Wash my face, drink warm water and practice breathwork and meditation. What object would you save first if your house was on fire? I have a beautiful book in my bedside cabinet by a spiritual teacher from India. It’s no longer published, and it’s full of life wisdom that always seems to be exactly right for whatever I’m going through whenever I open it. It’s the first thing I’d grab. It would fit in my pocket, so perhaps I’d have time to save a favourite painting too! If you could travel back in time and offer your younger self some advice, what would it be? Go for it, whatever it is. Follow your gut, and don’t be afraid to fail. Taking a leap might lead to more success than you imagined - or it might teach you something important and help you grow. Either way, you’ll move forward.
Go for it, whatever it is. Follow your gut, and don’t be afraid to fail. Taking a leap might lead to more success than you imagined - or it might teach you something important and help you grow.
Are things getting better or worse? In my opinion, people love much louder than they used to so things are getting better. The people who spoke or acted from a place of fear and hatred used to be louder or get more air time, but over time I’ve seen people who stand for peace and love gain the confidence to love more loudly. There was always a lot of good in the world, it’s just becoming more and more visible and I hope that continues.
Wednesday or Saturday market? Wednesday! I love its quieter pace and community feel - it’s lovely seeing familiar local faces and having time to stop and chat. It also makes a great lunch break from work, and the food stalls are always a treat!
What’s your favourite hidden gem in the district? My husband recently took me to Watercress Wildlife Reserve for an evening walk after we’d logged off from work. It was so peaceful, and I couldn’t believe that after living here for six years, I’d never heard of somewhere so close to home.
What did you want to be when you grew up? I wanted to swim with dolphins and orcas. I’m not sure what job that would have been, but I absolutely loved them - and I’ve had many dreams about them too!
Odyssey or Netflix? Odyssey, any day. It’s a gem, and we’re so lucky to have it— especially when there are seats available at one of the tables downstairs.
What was your best subject at school? Art, of course - but closely followed by maths and chemistry.
Have you ever asked for an autograph? Yep - from lots of Disney characters at Disney World!
IN OTHER NEWS... Banking Hub campaigner receives Harpenden Society praise The Harpenden Society has awarded local banking champion Derek French the Society’s Letter of Commendation. This recognises the effort and energy he has put into campaigning for the provision of Banking Hubs in communities where the High Street banks have closed down all the branches, not just in Harpenden but across the country. His involvement in the Campaign for Community Banking services for almost 20 years and beyond, focused on lobbing banks and the Government to slow the rate of closures and developed a wellresearched alternative neutral, shared facility for a community, which became the model for banking hubs, and which was finally adopted by the industry in 2022. Derek (pictured right with Society chairman Jeff Phillips) has deservedly become a national figure on the issue of banking hubs, both in the press and other media, but also had time to lobby Harpenden Town Council to get behind an initiative to deliver an interim banking hub for the town based in the council offices. This was as a precursor to the opening of a permanent presence on the High Street, which finally opened on June 26. The Society has been a vocal supporter of his efforts on behalf of the residents of Harpenden to get the High Street banking hub up and running. The Banking Hub is a shared banking space, funded collectively by the banks. It provides a counter service operated by the Post Office, where customers of all major banks and building societies can carry out regular cash transactions, Monday to Friday. It also offers a community banker service where customers can talk to their own bank about more complicated issues.
New daytime choir where you don’t need to be able to sing! A new daytime choir has launched in St Albans, giving local people the chance to sing, socialise and make new friends - with no audition and no previous singing experience required. The Collaboration Choir is led by choir director Amy Cordina who is an experienced Disney teaching artist. She is also a Vocal Balance accredited vocal coach who trained in musical theatre and dance, and loves performing alongside being a choir director. Her favourite songs include ‘Best Day Of My Life’, originally sung by American Authors and ‘Man I Need’ originally performed by Olivia Dean. Amy explained the ethos behind the choir: “I really believe that with the right support, singing together can be a transformative, joyous experience and a brilliant way to build confidence that you can take away and weave into your everyday life.” The St Albans choir will meet on Tuesdays at St Mary’s Church Hall from 10.30am for 90 minutes of singing, laughter and fun. The group, which welcomes beginners alongside more experienced singers, is designed to offer a fresh opportunity for people to brighten up their week and works perfectly for those who might not be able to make an evening choir. Amy added: “I’m excited to be opening this daytime choir in St Albans. Not only will singing together give people a midweek boost, there’s also a real sense of purpose to be gained from all the charity fundraising we do - we’re building up to something very exciting this autumn and I’d love to see as many of the local St Albans community join us as possible!” Book a free trial: https://thecollaborationchoir.com/find-localchoir/st-albans-choir/
Harpenden school welcomes back former pupils and staff St Hilda’s School in Harpenden welcomed around 60 former
detested, scratchy summer boater.
pupils and staff back through its red doors on Saturday for the
Teachers featured particularly strongly in the stories shared,
school’s very first Alumni Event, bringing together generations
with former pupils remembering individuals who had
of its community for an afternoon of memories, friendship
encouraged them, supported them and made a lasting
and celebration.
difference to their lives.
Among those attending was former headmistress Mary
Indeed, some of the old girls were able to tell these individuals
Piachaud, who led the school from 1986 until 2002 and whose
how much of an impact they had on them, with beloved former
family have owned the school since 1950.
staff including Stephen Lloyd, Fiona Arbury, Su Dean, Barbara
The oldest former pupil in attendance was in her mid-80s, the
Grant, Wendy Swingler and, of course, Mary Piachaud enjoying
youngest her mid-teens; whilst several families were
the occasion.
represented by two or three generations of St Hilda’s girls —
Current headmaster Dan Sayers said, “The Alumni event was the
including Mary herself, who was joined by her daughter and
first of its kind, bringing together old girls who hadn’t seen each
granddaughter.
other in decades. It was wonderful to witness those who
An exhibition of artefacts from across the school’s rich history
attended rekindling old friendships as well as making new
took centre stage, offering former pupils the opportunity to
connections.
revisit photographs, memorabilia and objects from their own
“The gathering was a reminder that a school’s history is not
school days, prompting memories and conversations about how
simply found in its buildings, photographs or
much - and how little - had changed over the years.
archives; it lives in the people who have passed through its
Indeed, former pupils from across the decades quickly found
doors and in the memories they carry with them.
themselves exchanging stories and discovering connections
“As former pupils reconnected and old stories came back to life
through their shared experience of St Hilda’s.
it became clear that, whilst much of school life may have
Former pupils recalled swimming outdoors throughout the
changed considerably over the years, the sense of community
year, including breaking the ice to get into the pool during
that we so cherish at St Hilda’s remains at the heart of the
winter; receiving house points and order marks in equal
school.
measure; the chiming of the grandfather clock, which still stands
“And perhaps that is the most enduring St Hilda’s story of all:
at the heart of the school today; and the beloved winter hat but
once a St Hilda’s girl, always part of the story.”
IN OTHER NEWS... Celebrating 80 Years of Mencap at Trinity Community Project St Albans Mencap members, volunteers and staff came together with the Mayor of St Albans to celebrate the 80th birthday of the Royal Mencap Society. Around 50 supporters attended the event at Trinity Community Project at St Albans URC Homewood, which included music, games and a fish and chips supper. St Albans Mayor Cllr Matt Fisher also joined in the celebrations and spent time chatting with members, volunteers and staff. He said: “It was a pleasure to join St Albans Mencap to celebrate 80 years of Mencap. The atmosphere was wonderful, and it was particularly good to meet members, volunteers and staff and hear about the important role that the charity plays in bringing people together. “Celebrations like this are a great example of the community spirit and sense of belonging that make St Albans such a special place.” Chair of St Albans Mencap David Keen said: “It was a really special afternoon and a wonderful way to celebrate 80 years of Mencap. The sheer sense of joy in the room was fantastic – members, volunteers, staff and supporters all coming together and enjoying themselves. “We are very proud to be part of the wider Mencap family, but we are equally proud of the community we have built here in St Albans. Our members are at the heart of everything we do, and it was wonderful to see everyone celebrating together.” Dean Davis, service manager at Trinity Community Project, added: “It was fantastic to see so many people coming together to celebrate. Trinity is all about people having opportunities to meet others, build friendships, take part in activities and feel part of their community, so an event like this really captures what we are about. “The atmosphere was brilliant and it was lovely to see members, volunteers and staff celebrating together.” Mencap was founded 80 years ago by families who wanted better lives and greater opportunities for people with learning disabilities. Eight decades later, that spirit of inclusion remains just as important. St Albans Mencap continues that work locally, supporting children and adults with learning disabilities and mental health challenges, alongside their families and carers. The Trinity Community Project provides opportunities for adults to socialise, learn new skills, try different activities and build friendships in a welcoming environment.
IN OTHER NEWS... Willow opens new charity shop in heart of St Albans city centre Herts charity Willow has opened its first shop in St Albans. The store is at 10 Chequer Street, formerly Timpson, and showcases a range of pre-loved clothing, accessories and homeware, with every purchase supporting their mission to create lasting memories for young adults faced with challenging serious illnesses. The shop opening was attended by St Albans Mayor Cllr Matt Fisher and the ribbon was cut by Marian, who told the crowd about her experience of illness and the joy of her Willow experience. She said: “On behalf of my family we would like to say thank you so much for gifting us a beautiful holiday in the Cotswolds. It was a break for us, but especially for the children, to take some respite from what they’ve witnessed, from what our family has experienced with critical illness. “I was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer in my thirties. I was young fit and healthy with no family history, and yet I still got it. The holiday that Willow gifted us will last us through our lifetime. It will remind them that it is a choice to actually go out there and enjoy yourselves, and to respect our bodies and our time with each other. That’s actually what Willow has done for us and our family. It’s not just a holiday, it was actually about self care. Thank you so much.” Willow’s CEO, Jonathan Aves, added: “Everything about these shops is about raising funds to be able to provide more Special Days to our beneficiaries. Thank you to all the Willow staff and to everyone who worked so hard to make this shop such a fantastic looking shop in St Albans.”
Time running out to choose your favourite local design
Queen’s House. There’s still time to have your say on what city centre
Moka, Ryder Seed Hall, Holywell Hill - the former Samuel
restoration project you think is worthy of recognition from the
Ryder Exhibition Hall saw a major refurbishment and
past year?
restoration to reopen as the contemporary Indian restaurant
The bi-annual St Albans Civic Society Awards, taking place later
Moka Dining in December 2025;
this year at the Abbey Theatre, celebrate the creativity and skills
Verulam Point, Station Way - this office building witnessed
that contribute to our thriving historical city, highlighting the
a comprehensive, high-quality refurbishment to transform a
mix of craft-led restoration projects and inventive new designs
four-floor headquarters building into a contemporary
that together enhance the historical character of St Albans.
workspace, boasting strong sustainability credentials;
This year the Civic Society is teaming up with the St Albans
Jubilee Square, Victoria Street - a multi-million mixed-use
Times to launch the first-ever People’s Choice Award, running
regeneration project built by Morgan Sindall Construction
in addition to the existing awards decided by the Society’s
on the site of the old police station;
judging panel.
Queen's House, 58 Victoria Street - a comprehensively
Judges will assess the nominees against the criteria for each
refurbished building transformed from a former hat factory
award category, with the People’s Choice chosen by our readers.
into a design-led co-working and office space;
The shortlisted entries for the first People’s Choice Award are:
Old Electricity Works, Campfield Road - this architectural
The Hedges Social Housing Project, Woollam Crescent - a
refurbishment and adaptive reuse project transformed a
St Albans City and District Council social housing project in
locally listed, early 20th century industrial asset into a high-
the High Oaks area that delivered 12 sustainable homes in
density mixed-use development;
spring 2025;
Flats 1-5, 42 Verulam Road - an imaginative refurbishment
Ibēros, George Street - the previously empty premises on an
that added a new roof and entryway to this mixed-use
iconic St Albans street underwent a major renovation before
property featuring five residential flats alongside the Rug
opening as tapas restaurant Ibēros on November 25, 2025;
Maker showroom.
You can vote for your favourite design by clicking here. You can find out more about the Civic Society Awards and the work of St Albans Civic Society here. The winner will be announced at the awards presentation at the Abbey Theatre on October 13.
(Above) Ibēros and (below) Moka.
(Above) Old Electricity Works in Campfield Road; (below) The Hedges Social Housing Project; (bottom) Verulam Point.
(Above) Jubilee Square and (below) 42 Verulam Road.
TIMES
SPORT ‘PROFESSIONAL’ PERFORMANCE MEANS ST ALBANS CITY WILL TAKE ON HARBOROUGH NEXT IN THE FA CUP Witham 0 St Albans City 3 (FA Cup second qualifying round, replay) Photos by Jim Standen The FA Cup ‘gods’ failed to smile on St Albans City, presenting them with a third successive away tie and opponents from a higher level in the football league pyramid, writes Jess Unwin. Saints’ reward for getting past the challenge of Essex side Witham on Saturday is an October 3 clash with Harborough Town, who currently sit mid-table in the National League North. The Leicestershire outfit will prove City’s toughest test yet in the famous old knockout competition as the Bees earned their place in the sixth tier of the game by winning the Premier Division Central of the Southern League last season. However, the men from Clarence Park won’t be short of confidence after a good weekend win at Witham. City got off to the best possible start after just four minutes when teenage defender Zak Sowden-Fletcher proved his burgeoning talents include goalscoring by heading home an Alex Dyer corner kick. Witham, who have been in good form so far in the Isthmian League North, didn’t fold and some swift and clever passing took them into the City box, where claims for a penalty were waved away by the referee.
Moments later, the home team got even closer to levelling the scores when they hit the post and turned home the rebound – only to be denied this time by an offside decision. On a hard pitch and in a swirling wind at The Simarco Stadium, St Albans had their own chances, falling to Inih Effiong and Darcy Turner, but at half time there was still only one goal separating the two sides, giving Witham hope they could still stage a comeback. City keeper Sam Donkin blocked one close-range shot before Remi Sutton was called upon to head clear from the St Albans goal-line. On 62 minutes, it looked like midfielder Turner had got his first goal for the club, but the 20-year-old’s powerful effort sailed just wide and the result remained in the balance. Two goals in quick succession finally put St Albans into the next round. First, on 71 minutes, Effiong did well to reach a high cross from substitute Kai Brown and score on the volley, taking his goal tally to six in all competitions and making him City’s current leading marksman. Then, just two minutes later, another teenager, Sam Ayolie, kept his cool in the box to set up Jake Gray, who slotted home to make it 3-0 to Saints.
St Albans manager Gary McCann told the club’s YouTube channel: “In general, we really put a professional performance together. We still tried to play but didn’t take unnecessary risks.” Pleased with another clean sheet, the fourth in five games, he also had praise for striker Ollie Knight, who made a rare start for City since his arrival from Enfield Town in the summer. McCann said: “He’s had someone in great form playing ahead of him in Mikey Faulkner and he’s been patient. His application and attitude have been excellent.” Faulkner and skipper Zane Banton were missing from Saturday’s squad because of, respectively, a calf injury and illness – but Frankie Musonda, who has now recovered from injury, started for the first time this season. Charlie Edwards has left Saints by mutual agreement. The midfielder, aged 34, signed in the summer from Brentwood Town but has not been able to nail down a regular spot in City’s matchday starting line-up. His departure has prompted the loan signing of 18-yearold midfielder Jai-Dea Moulton from Watford’s academy set-up. Moulton should be available for St Albans this coming Saturday (26) when they have another cup tie. This time it’s the FA Trophy against Bury Town (Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk), who play in the Southern League Premier Division Central. Kick-off is 3pm. Match tickets are now available from the club’s newly launched St Albans City Football Club mobile phone app, as well as from City’s website and, of course, at the turnstiles on the day. Saints players Alex Dyer and Darion Furlong have been called up for international duty with Montserrat. As a result, City’s league matches against Aveley (October 3) and Brentwood Town (October 6) will be rescheduled.
SPIDER TAKES TO THE GREEN FOR MEMORIAL GAME The President’s Day last weekend was well attended by members and a good sum was raised for the RNIB, the chosen charity of President Ian Connaughton. He said: “The reason I chose RNIB is because one of my best friends became blind from a relatively young age. He has been a source of inspiration and bravery to anyone that knows him including myself.” Ian provided a buffet for members and guests which was prepared by Brenda Bennett. After the buffet a game of triples took place and the winners were Ian Teo, Ian Young and Ashby Young (her first time playing bowls at Batchwood). After an eventful afternoon on the green a raffle took place in the clubhouse with funds raised going to Batchwood BC. A tribute was paid to past President Beryl Birch who sadly died recently. Members participated in playing a SPIDER – the proceeds raised went to Beryl’s charity Rennie Grove Peace Hospice Care. How the SPIDER works: A jack (the small target ball) is placed right in the centre of the green. All participating players take one of their bowls and spread themselves around the outer edges of the green, standing with one foot in the ditch. On a designated signal all players deliver their single bowl simultaneously towards the central jack. The player whose bowl stops closest to the jack wins the game. Because dozens of bowls are rolled at the exact same time toward the middle, the event usually involves a lot of humorous collisions and moving targets as the jack gets knocked around. The player nearest to the jack was Mark Trembling. On a sunny September afternoon Batchwood played a friendly game of four mixed triples away against Townsend BC. They finished with one draw, one won by one shot, then one lost by one shot. Everyone was on tenterhooks waiting for the fourth rink to finish. They won by six shots so an overall win for Batchwood but a close game all round. The top rink for Batchwood was Richard Cleal, Joshua David and skip Gary Costen. Batchwood ladies played Potters Bar BC at home on two rinks. One rink lost by two shots the other rink won 24–8. Batchwood winning the match. The top rink was Jackie Kenealy, Pat Batchelor, Joyce Hopkinson and skip Sue Swain.
From then...
To now...
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