St Albans Times issue 117

ST ALBANS TIMES

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Editor’s Note

For three years in a four year cycle, a third of the wards on St Albans district council are up for grabs, meaning there is often very little interest in what’s happening on the fourth year, when elections take place for the entire county council Despite what County Hall would have you believe, these elections never have the same attention as those for SADC

But the impending local government reform has prompted a race for district councillors to secure seats on HCC and protect their interests going forwards, with every possibility that the district council will vanish in the wake of the changes

The Lib Dems are also desperate to wrest control of County Hall from the Tories after many years at the helm, and were rather counting on certain easy wins across Herts to achieve this.

Unfortunately for them the issue of on-street car parking in Harpenden has rather thrown a spanner in the works, with residents and retailers up in arms about the charges

There are also four vacancies on the town council, which has threatened legal action against SADC over the fees, which could see a backlash from voters and a shift in political control there

These different elements mean that things could get rather interesting next Thursday, and we will be there at the count the following day to find out exactly what has changed, and what it will mean for the district going forwards In the meantime, please don’t forget to vote!

Editor MATT ADAMS

contributors

Laura Bill, Darren McCabe, Emma Kosh, Eris, Deborah Heath, James Cameron, Elena Hogg, Jim Standen, Nicola Sear, Robert Edrop, St Albans

Image by Danny Loo

We were back up the top of the Clock Tower as it opened for the 2025 season. More photos in this issue.

Single sex school heads: ‘You have to be true to yourself’

Even before the unprecedented High Court challenge against the Government’s imposition of VAT on private school fees, many independent establishments were already looking at ways of coping with the changes

While some schools have tried to absorb a percentage of the extra costs, others have looked at ways of increasing their pupil pool, such as switching from single-sex schools to coeducation

Locally we have seen Aldwickbury School welcoming girls this September for the first time since it opened in 1948, and the 1,000-year-old St Albans School becoming fully coeducational in 2026

But despite this shift, there remain girls-only schools which are determined to preserve their traditions of single-sex education, including St Hilda’s in Harpenden and St Albans High School for Girls Daniel Sayers, headteacher at St Hilda’s, said the impact of VAT has been pretty negligible for them

“I haven’t had any parents wanting to talk to me about it, and if it’s come up in conversations it’s been organically, not as a forced thing My only take on it is that in a town like Harpenden the level of general wealth is such that it’s not really impacting people, and most people who have mentioned it have just said ‘it’s a tax’

“But obviously, its impact has been seen very widely elsewhere I sense that maybe the secondary independents are feeling some impact when there's that natural break between prep and secondary or senior, with some pupils not

going through to the seniors who in other years would have done

“We always have one or two in our nursery who don’t stay for reception because we offer 15 hours funding so you can pretty much get a free, independent learning experience here.”

Turning to the issue of co-education, did he have any inkling about Aldwickbury and St Albans School’s plans?

“The boys school was a big surprise I knew that Aldwickbury were potentially going to go co-ed, I just didn’t know when, but with St Albans School I’m still really surprised.”

He is proud of not sending any sort of immediate riposte to the Aldwickbury announcement just before Christmas, instead choosing a measured and carefully pitched response.

“We have joined the Girls’ School Association, and I’m now the chair of the region for the Independent Schools Association, which gives me a bit more weight in promoting our vision and being involved ”

He also featured in The Daily Telegraph in the wake of an announcement about the impending closure of St Hilda’s in Bushy, which had caused a lot of confusion at the time

“It was really important to get that message across, which we did through social media and to our parents so they could spread the message that all is well here And lots of our exparents were really quick in putting out messages of support through social media

“But I don't think St Hilda’s in Bushey is closing because it's a single sex school I think it's because they're part of a group

and their numbers have been struggling for a couple of years I think also being a charitable trust means they've been hit by business rate relief being removed

“For many schools that’s another massive hit, but we ’ ve always had to pay business rates in full because we ’ re a proprietorial school, and then of course there’s the change in National Insurance contributions, which we have to bear as much as anybody else.”

Unlike many other independent schools, St Hilda’s is privately owned Founded in 1891, it became a limited company in 1977 and is now administered by a Board of Governors, but remains owned by Hutchinson family, who took it over in 1950

This has in some ways cushioned the school from the impact of many of these recent financial hits

“I think it’s a benefit, and obviously for the schools that are part of private equity groups have similarly always had to bear these costs

“But we ’ re aware of the challenges as much as anybody else, everybody’s finely tuned to it I think one of the really positive things is that we ’ re very lucky here to have brilliant parents who are really supportive and very involved, and it's kind of intertwined everybody even more ”

Daniel says he has been conscious of taking a positive and proactive approach towards advertising St Hilda’s: “We’ve put out a very carefully worded advert, just celebrating the fact that we are proudly a girls school and that we ' ve been educating girls for over 130 years I think it’s one of our big shout outs that we really do understand girls because that's what our business is about.

St Hilda’s headteacher Daniel Sayers and pupils.

“My other really big point is that you ’ ve got to be true to your USP. I get that we ’ re all running a business at the end of the day, but the boys schools that are going co-ed feels a little bit carefree in that they’re throwing away everything they stood for, in some cases for hundreds of years. ”

He explained his reasoning for not embracing co-education:

“I’ve been educating girls for over 20 years, and I do think girls do better academically in a single-sex school They have the inner confidence because those gender stereotypes are removed, they're much more prepared to be adventurous and to tackle science and technology and those kinds of things away from the boys I think it's really important for girls to be inspired by those subjects, thinking of their career prospects in the future and their career options

“Then on the flip side, I think boys are much more prepared to tackle creative arts and drama, music, that kind of thing, in a more fearless way

“In my ISA capacity, I've travelled around a lot and seen single sex education in action and I think that it’s proven that boys feel more comfortable doing those things when girls aren’t present.

“I think there’s a massive amount of ethos change that has to take place when you go co-ed, and I don’t think that’s been considered in the present circumstances ”

He said the feedback from St Hilda’s parents he has spoken to supports his thinking.

“We had a Parents Association quiz a couple of weeks ago and the chair stood up at the end and thanked me for standing firm on girls education and being true to who they are, and that received a massive round of applause from other parents

“I think we ' re well known for helping girls reach a very high standard academically, and helping girls who struggle with confidence, especially in this sort of image conscious era in which we live, and that’s not going to change. It’s all about believing in what you do well ”

Amber Waite, the principal of the St Albans Education Group, agrees that there has been a rush by some schools to go co-ed.

STEG was established last September by merging St Albans High School for Girls – both senior and prep – with Stormont School in Potters Bar to form a new foundation

“I think it's important that schools continue to offer a wide range of choice. One of the real benefits of the independent sector is we offer choice to parents who otherwise are limited by what happens to be on offer by their local area

“In fact, that's what has been presented to the High Court, this idea that limiting choice is in fact an infringement on fundamental human rights, which is the right to choice in education, and I do think that’s really important

“I think there has been quite a rush to go co-ed and honestly, I'm not saying it's not out there, but I haven't seen a good argument for it from any school that has made that decision

There are only really two reasons for going co-educational, and undermining everything that your school has stood for, however long it's been

“One is financial and if you ' re making that decision, I think you should be quite honest with the school community that actually by going co-educational, it means that you can hopefully maintain a critical minimum of numbers.

“The other is to change culture That can be results culture, because we do know that there's a gap between girls' achievement and boys' achievement, and when you bring girls into a mix, you sometimes get that boost of results

“In the wake of the #MeToo movement and the Everyone's Invited movement, it’s also a way of diluting a toxic masculine culture by literally having fewer toxic men around But unless you really get to the root of that culture, having girls there doesn't change the culture, it just brings in victims of the culture

“So I would just like to see a little bit more transparency on why these changes are being brought in, because either these schools are doing it for money, they're doing it for culture, or they genuinely have had a massive epiphany and have decided that whatever it is that they've stood for for the last 80, 100, 500 years is no longer palatable. And that's a really hard sell.

“I think girls need to have space where they aren't subject to ingrained societal sexism and bias, and in a girls' school, there's no option for girls other than to take on all the roles

“We teach STEM, girls do STEM We have leadership opportunities for children, they're all taken up by women and girls We need people to stand up and be representatives of their peers It's all girls, so those representatives are going to be young women.

“So the fact that it is a single-sex environment, means they are protected from the parts of discrimination and sexism that are completely out of their control

“It doesn't mean that they're not able to deal with it when they go out into what people like to call the real world. It just means that in their really important formative years, when they're deciding who they are, what they're good at, what they care about, and the changes they want to make in the world, when

Amber Waite.

they're making those decisions, they're making them an environment that's free from sort of ingrained discrimination.

“Then when they go off to university, for many of them it's the first time that they will see sexism in action, and it comes as a cold bath They think, ‘What? Why are you putting up with this? I'm not going to put up with this’ I think that puts them in much more of position where they can self-advocate and they can advocate for other women because it's intolerable ” STAHS has not avoided the impact of VAT fees, but Amber said they planned for this: “I think this is about being a wellrun business and not just a really good school We planned for VAT to take a toll

“Where we ’ re seeing it is in a higher number of girls who've been made offers at 11 plus taking up state school offers, which we fully anticipated, and we ’ re seeing a higher percentage of our girls leaving at Year 11 and taking up state school offers for sixth form because it's another natural break point

“However, we knew that would happen and it hasn't happened in a catastrophic way, so it was within our tolerances of what we ' ve budgeted for.

“We've made a very calculated decision that we don't want to lower the standards of the school We are an academically selective school. We teach at pace and with rigour, so we don't want to lower the bar to keep our numbers up

“What we ' ve decided to do is think about what our new numbers would be if we kept the bar where it is, and actually, it's not vastly different from where our numbers are now We are making a deliberate decision to have slightly smaller intakes, but at the same standard we ' ve always had so that in a few years time, we don't see a decrease in the outcomes for the girls and don't have to fundamentally change the nature of our curriculum ”

IN OTHER NEWS...

2025 Harpenden National Pub Sevens goes large

Harpenden RFC has revealed that the 59th National Pub Sevens (NP7s) will be part of the largest rugby sevens tournament in Europe

Selected to host the third leg of the LIT Super 7’s “Elite” Competition, this prestigious event will take place on Saturday June 21

Dating back to 1966, the NP7s is one of the oldest rugby sevens events in the UK

This year, the tournament will feature 16 Elite men’s teams and 12 Elite women’s teams, including renowned squads like the Hong Kong Dragons, Bath, the British Army, and the Vaquita Fiji Warriors Additionally, 36 social teams across men’s, women’s, and the battle-hardy Vets will compete, making it a truly inclusive and exciting event

The National Pub Sevens has a rich history of creating rugby legends In 2007, Andy Gomarshall rediscovered his passion for rugby by playing in the NP7s, scoring the winning try in the final Just a year later, he was representing England in the Rugby World Cup Final

Harpenden has also been the training ground for England’s current captain Maro Itoje and past captains Farrell and Ford, all of whom honed their skills at St George’s

This year’s event promises to be an unforgettable festival of rugby, with camping, inflatables, a food village, live bands, and bars and if you are brave enough why not get in the icebath!

Early bird prices are available until the end of April Children under 13, over 60s, and Blue Badge holders can attend for free Parking available Tickets are on sale now at https://buytickets at/hrfc/1635456

IN OTHER NEWS...

Marathon challenge marks 20 years since brother’s passing

A St Albans man is taking part in this weekend’s London Marathon to mark 20 years since he lost his brother to a muscle wasting disease Ben Pusey, 32, is running in memory of his brother Lewis who lived with Duchenne muscular dystrophy and died at the age of 14 Ben hopes to raise over £4,000 for Muscular Dystrophy UK, the leading charity for the 110,000 adults and children in the UK living with one of over 60 muscle wasting and weakening conditions Ben recalls a happy childhood with his two brothers: “Some people may not understand this, but I never saw Lewis as having a disability,” said Ben “Yes, he was in a wheelchair, but he was just my big brother, and we did all the usual things siblings do We played PlayStation together, went to the cinema, played football in the park – he used to be the goalie in his wheelchair! He loved the Lord of the Rings and was a big Manchester United fan “I didn’t look at our life as being different, but of course Lewis was facing daily challenges I was just 12 when he died, and it was only after this as I got older that I fully understood the condition he was living with ” Lewis was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy at the age of four and started using a wheelchair shortly after “Unlike my younger brother Josh and I, Lewis knew exactly what his condition meant,” said Ben “I have always been incredibly inspired by the courage and bravery he had to not let his diagnosis change his outlook on the world He never showed he was struggling despite the challenges he faced I know that if I can have just an ounce of that mindset on the day of running the marathon, then it’ll be a walk in the park ” He added: ““This year is particularly poignant as it will be 20 years since Lewis sadly passed To acknowledge this unimaginable milestone, I wanted to push myself so signed up to run the London

Marathon in support of Muscular Dystrophy UK I haven’t done much running before, and I know the 26 miles will be a considerable mental and physical challenge But it feels insignificant compared to the challenges faced by my brother and others who live with this life-changing diagnosis ”

Ben hopes to raise over £4,000 for Muscular Dystrophy UK by running the London Marathon Follow his journey at www justgiving com/page/ben-pusey-1717579547111

Ben with his wife Lamer and (right) brother Lewis

IN OTHER NEWS...

Farmer's Boy on shortlist for National Pub & Bar Awards 2025

Much-loved St Albans pub The Farmer's Boy has been nominated for a prestigious National Pub & Bar Award

The annual event highlights an eclectic range of venues across the whole of the UK by naming 94 sites as the best in their respective counties

The Farmer's is one of three pubs from across the whole of Hertfordshire to make the county shortlist, alongside The Black Horse in Barnet and The Highwayman in Berkhamsted Landlady of the London Road venue Ros Kintu said: "We were invited to enter a couple of months ago, and I completed a questionnaire and gave lots of information about the music we put on, the craft beers we offer, along with other routine stuff I was stunned when an email arrived with thew news

"To be honest I'm lost for words, but obviously delighted and excited by the news!"

The awards are run by Pub & Bar magazine, with the aim of showcasing how valuable pubs and bars are to the fabric of society across the whole of the UK

Editor Tristan O’Hana said: “It has never been harder in hospitality Whether it’s a countryside pub with rooms or a city centre bar showing live sport, these operations deserve widespread recognition and more customers – hopefully the National Pub & Bar Awards can help with both ”

The London final will welcome all 256 nominees to come together and celebrate their success, before discovering which venues will go on to become County and Regional Winners

IN OTHER NEWS...

St Albans church leaders pay tribute to Pope Francis

Tributes have been paid to the leader of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Francis, who died on Monday morning after 12 years in the role

The 88-year-old had addressed crowds at an Easter Sunday service before passing away at 7 35am the following day Pope Francis had spent time in hospital with an infection - from which he was recently discharged

Rev Michael O’Boy, Parish Priest of the Roman Catholic Parish of St Albans said:

“In recent years Pope Francis challenged us to a more synodal way of being “At the heart of that call was the invitation to listen more carefully to each other and to the communities and cultures in which the church finds herself

“It wasn’t a call for radical change in the church’s teaching, it was an invitation to reflect on how we do things, how we relate

“In today’s world, where we are constantly minded of the conflicts that scar the lives of so many, Pope Francis’ call to listen and to dialogue couldn’t be more important ”

Dean of St Albans Cathedral the Very Rev'd Jo-Kelly Moore added: “The community of St Albans Cathedral is deeply saddened to hear of the death of Pope Francis

“With others we are agreed however, that Easter could not be a more fitting time

“Just [Sunday] Pope Francis proclaimed the truth of the risen Christ, of his hope and life, for all the world

“We are in no doubt that he now knows that resurrection life in all its fullness

We will always be inspired by Pope Francis’ devotion in prayer, his sacrificial service, especially to the most vulnerable, and his challenge to care for creation

“Committed to our ecumenical life, we pray for our Roman Catholic sisters and brothers at this time

“There is a place of remembrance and prayer for Pope Francis in the Lady Chapel of the Cathedral May he rest in peace, and rise in glory ”

A period of mourning has begun within Roman Catholic communities which will last approximately nine days

MAKING YOUR SMILE

What is a smile? A warm greeting? An expression of happiness, amusement and pleasure? A celebration of all that is best about how you look?

For the team at St Albans Smile Studio, the city’s newest dental practice, it is all of this and more.

Husband and wife team Gordon and Ishita Black are bringing their decades of experience in providing the highest quality of dental care to the local area by opening a visionary new Dental Studio at St Albans’ New House Park.

Their ethos is to focus on patients’ comfort and considerations, ensuring people feel relaxed and at ease when visiting their studio, which has been designed to capture the atmosphere of a spa rather than a cold and impersonal clinic.

“We wanted to create an environment to put people at ease,” said Ishita. “A welcoming, calm space where general dentistry sits alongside facial aesthetics to provide a complete package for our patients.”

So as well as routine treatments such as fillings, root canal treatment, dentures and check-ups, they also offer specialist treatments such as implants, facial fillers, Invisalign straightening, whitening, composite bonding and skin treatments, and the studio is CQC-registered so you can be assured of the highest levels of professionalism.

As local residents, they also wanted to contribute to the regeneration of the New House Park retail precinct, which has recently welcomed several other new businesses including Indian takeaway 71 St Albans, which saw a huge buzz on social media.

“There aren’t any other dental practices in this part of St Albans, and so we’d like to see local people popping in to register and come back for a consultation. We can carry out all the dental treatments in the studio, and so don’t need to refer elsewhere.”

As part of their services, they create digital records of a patient’s teeth, enabling them to highlight any concerns and fully involve them in treatment planning.

“It breaks down barriers and allows us to show any issues immediately,” said Ishita.

“The power of imagery is very impactful, and over time we can compare back to their original digital record to show any receding gums or wear to the teeth. Being able to present treatment in this way is very beneficial as we can show how teeth will look before and afterwards..”

Although St Albans Smile Studio does not take NHS patients, they’ve tried to keep their costs reasonable and affordable, and offer finance to spread the payments, ensuring their treatments are accessible to as many patients as possible.

St Albans Smile Studio opens its doors on April 28, although they are already taking pre-bookings via their website at stalbanssmilestudio.co.uk

They are also running an opening promotion of 25 per cent off Invisalign, implants and facial aesthetic treatments until the end of May (subject to assessment confirming suitability for treatment).

EYES ON HAYFEVER

Spring is in full swing here in St Albans the trees are in blossom, the birds are chirping, and for many of us, the pollen is pummelling Hayfever season can be a beautiful nightmare, especially for your eyes. If you ’ ve found yourself rubbing red itchy eyes more than usual youre not alone Around 1 in 5 people in the UK are affected by hayfever, and one of the most common symptoms is allergic conjunctivitis

So, what can you do to protect your peepers when the pollen count is high? Here are some eye-friendly tips to help you breeze through the season

1 Keep It Clean

During hayfever season, pollen gets everywhere on your clothes your hands even your eyelashes Make it a habit to wash your hands regularly and avoid touching or rubbing your eyes If your eyes are feeling irritated try using a cool, damp cloth as a compress rather than giving them a scratch It soothes the area and helps flush away allergens

2. Sunglasses: More Than Just a Fashion Statement (and available with your full prescription from EYES on St Albans…)

Wearing wraparound sunglasses when youre outdoors is a simple but effective way to protect your eyes from airborne pollen They act as a barrier and can reduce the amount of pollen that makes direct contact with your eyes We can advise on styles that can provide this coverage – and also help you find frames for indoor use that can still offer a degree of protection

3. Eye Drops Are Your Friend

Over-the-counter anti-allergy eye drops can work wonders to relieve itching and redness

They help flush out pollen particles and soothe inflammation If you ’ re unsure what kind to go for, pop in and ask us or consult your friendly local pharmacist

4. Contact Lens Caution

If you wear contact lenses, you might find they get uncomfortable more quickly during hayfever season Pollen can get trapped between the lens and the surface of your eye which can make things worse Consider switching to daily disposables if youre not already using them (we can advise on this), or take a break and wear your glasses on high-pollen days

5. Check the Pollen Forecast (it’s on the BBC weather app amongst many others!)

We check the weather - why not the pollen? On days when the count is high, try to stay indoors during peak hours (usually early morning and early evening), and keep windows closed when possible If you ’ re venturing out for a walk around Verulamium Park Heartwood Highfield or any of our other fabulous open spaces do it when the count is lower to give your eyes a break

6. Keep Up with Your Eye Examinations – we’ve said it before, we’ll say it again.

Hayfever symptoms can sometimes mask or mimic other eye conditions If your eyes are persistently sore, red, or watery, it’s always worth booking an eye examination just to be sure We can help distinguish between seasonal allergies and anything more serious

No plans to make St Albans a car-free city, says leader

SADC leader Cllr Paul de Kort has dismissed suggestions that he is ideologically in favour of making St Albans a carfree city - but other organisations seem more keen.

Keen cyclist Cllr de Kort has re-posted various X posts championing European cities which have imposed a ban on motorised traffic in their city centres, such as Groningen in the Netherlands, Pontevedra in Spain and Copenhagen in Denmark

But he explained that this did not mean he wanted to introduce the same policy in the district “A thriving town centre should include the right mix of access including cars, buses, bikes and walking

“I would observe that you do not have to be a keen cyclist to recognise the benefits of it as a form of active travel, such as reduced road congestion, environmental improvement or health and wellbeing Likewise, you do not have to be a keen motorist to recognise the mobility and convenience that having access to a car brings I own one bicycle and one car and use them both regularly.

“It's not ideology, it’s what makes sense in the specific circumstances For example, in my recent visit to Ghent, I arrived by car, parked in a car park, and then walked into the centre comfortably within five minutes ”

He said it was essential to ensure any community hubs remained vibrant and accessible to all residents, and suggested this was what SADC has achieved in Harpenden following the introduction of the new on-street parking charges

“Let’s take the example of Harpenden, there are four car parks surrounding the High Street From there it is a two to three minute walk to the centre.

“Recognising there are some people with mobility issues, then you would ensure that there are sufficient disabled bays, properly positioned outside GP’s surgeries and pharmacies.

“You would also be keen to ensure parents could drop off their children close to the day care business and primary schools nearby You would want there to be some availability in nearby parking bays, rather than have them clogged up with all-day parkers. You would also want them to do this without charge, so you would introduce a free limited stay period and not charge before 9am

“And you would also want your system to encourage footfall, so as well as making the High Street a more pleasant place to visit and spend time in, you would want drivers to have a good range of viable options in terms of parking availability and the length of need

“You would also need to have improved enforcement capability to ensure that drivers park in places that do not compromise safety, especially given the large number of vulnerable children and older adults that frequent the commercial space

“Throughout, listening to local residents’ feedback has been central in designing things this way in Harpenden, as it will be going forward

“Of course, if significant funds were made available to encourage more active travel that would, in my view, be

better for all, but that seems to be a way off across large parts of the country, sadly ”

He insisted his support of active travel initiatives and the way some European cities have tackled city centre congestion in no way influences his policy decisions as leader of St Albans district council.

“The most important thing I have to do as leader, is to ensure that it can sustain all the best elements of its service provision for all its residents This cannot be done without balancing the budget each year in increasingly challenging circumstances for all local councils This means there is no room for an ‘ideological’ approach to parking management or any other policy decision.

“Leading is about making choices and, to give one example, we did refuse to go down the local Conservatives’ suggested route of cutting our CCTV coverage, as we believe, under police advice, that this would have sharply increased business losses from shoplifting and endangered residents by the removal of this live deterrent ”

One of his predecessors as leader, Cllr Robert Donald, was a strong supporter of pedestrianising St Peter’s Street - so is this a policy he would also back?

“Transport investment is a matter for the county council, and therefore SADC is not an authority that could affect such change. It’s not on any horizon that I am aware of.”

However, St Albans Friends of the Earth says it does support the idea of car-free cities as a way of encouraging sustainable transport, reducing levels of harmful air pollutants and boosting local businesses

Spokesperson Amanda Yorwerth said: “A city centre that has as many vehicles going through it as St Albans has high levels of health damaging air pollution, it's noisy and people on foot or on bicycles are crammed into a small space

“It doesn't feel like a welcoming place or a pleasant place to spend time, and it's an unhealthy place for people to work

“I quite understand why a friend of mine refused to meet in St Albans, saying it was ‘just full of traffic’ and chose to meet in Hitchin instead, where significant areas of the town centre are now pedestrianised.

“Whilst local businesses would be understandably concerned about a huge change like making St Peter's Street car-free, the evidence suggests that, actually, local businesses should benefit

“The Pedestrian Pound report, which came out last year and was produced by Living Streets, provides evidence that pedestrian-friendly spaces lead to increased spending in local businesses, with pedestrianised town centres enjoying higher sales

“If St Peter's Street was closed to cars, it would be a great opportunity to really kickstart sustainable travel across St Albans by investing in the cycle infrastructure that we would need to get to the town centre without a car

“I think my main concern is about how the buses would

fit into all of this Buses are an essential part of a sustainable transport system and many people rely on them, but I can't see how buses and people on foot could safely mix ”

But Cllr Simon Grover, leader of the SADC Green and Independent group, offered a less strict option: “St Albans Green councillors campaign to transform St Albans into a cleaner, healthier urban space This isn't about banning cars or being ‘car-free' It's about creating a city where people don't need to use them for every journey.

“We want to see St Albans city centre become a thriving place where people can walk, wheel and cycle safely The narrow medieval streets of our historic city were never built for heavy traffic They should be spaces for people to enjoy.

“We call for proper investment in new cycleways and footpaths throughout St Albans This will help more residents choose active travel for local trips.

“We must tackle air pollution in St Albans The congestion on routes like London Road and Holywell Hill and many surrounding streets affects our health and wellbeing We want reliable, affordable public transport to provide real alternatives to cars.

“Other cities show what's possible Free bus schemes boost local shops Pedestrianised areas create vibrant community spaces.

“St Albans should be a place where children can travel safely, where everyone can breathe clean air, and where our historic streets serve communities, not just traffic ”

Clintons promising to bring a fresh shopping experience to The Maltings as part of Mooch store transformation

Beloved British retailer Clintons is excited to announce the opening of its new store in The Maltings Shopping Centre following the transformation of the former Mooch store. As part of the same parent company, this change brings a refreshed shopping experience, offering an expanded range o greeting cards, gifts, and exciting new additions to the store’s offerings.

The new Clintons store will feature an even wider selection of cards and gifts, including an exclusive, brand-new soft toy ra of Poplings from Poppy and Duckling These adorable soft toy are set to become a must-have item for collectors and giftgivers alike

To celebrate this exciting launch, Clintons is hosting a specia event on Friday May 23 The first 100 customers to spend a minimum of £1 will receive a free tote bag, offering an exclusive gift to mark the occasion James Taylor, trading director at Clintons, said: “We’re thrilled be opening our doors in The Maltings Shopping Centre, right i the heart of St Albans. Our new Clintons shop is full of brilliant finds – from heartfelt cards to quality gifts, all at great value

Our regular monthly feature bringing you the latest news and updates from The Maltings Shopping Centre.

Win a £50 St Albans Gift Card

Snap a picture on our stunning seasonal bench this month, and follow and tag @TheMaltings StAlbans for your chance to win a gift card worth £50!

The St Albans Gift Card is a great gift for any occasion, and ensures that your money is spent locally, so you’re supporting the local businesses with your purchase We can’t wait to see your photos!

Whether you’re after something thoughtful or simply browsing, there’s plenty to explore We’re really looking forward to welcoming the local community!”

The grand opening event is sure to be a highlight for the community, as Clintons continues to build on its reputation as a go-to destination for quality gifts and cards, making it the perfect place to find a special something for any occasion.

New Look Denim Drop-In Day proves to be a roaring success!

Karen Jennings of Styling Out 50 teamed up with New Look to host a denim drop-in day, helping hundreds of you solve your denim dilemmas and discover new favourites New Look has a fantastic range of denim with all the cuts, fits and washes you’ll love from baggy and relaxed, to fitted boot cut Look out for in-store offers

Sanrizz is hosting a fun and empowering day of education, self-care and confidence-building at their Your Health is Your Wealth event on Sunday May 4 from 10am-2pm, part of St Albans Fashion & Beauty Week 2025

Sharon Cox, educational director at Sanrizz, said: “Many of our clients come to us with concerns about hormonal changes, often feeling overwhelmed and unsure where to turn. It’s easy to reach for products on the market without fully understanding your body’s and hair's needs and that’s where we want to help ”

This special event is designed to educate, empower, and support people and will cover all things hair, hairstyling, skin health, internal wellness, nutrition, and the impact of exercise

It will also include a series of short, informative talks followed by complimentary one-to-one consultations to address individual needs and boost confidence

This is so much more than just a hair event we’ll be diving into beauty, skincare, makeup, nutrition, and wellness, and opening up conversations around topics that often feel taboo

This event is open to everyone and is a free event. Please reserve your spot via Event Bright or by calling 01727 846611

A night of fashion, fragrance and glamour

IIn case you missed the news in last week’s issue, The Alternative Beauty is hosting an unforgettable evening of fashion, fragrance, and glamour in partnership with the inspiring Hammasa Kohistani former Miss England and acclaimed fashion designer

Free to attend, it takes place on Thursday May 1, from 5 307.30pm, and the event will mark the UK launch of three new fragrances from Matin Martin and showcase Hammasa’s capsule dress collections

Guests will be welcomed with saffron tea, dates, and a scentswept atmosphere inspired by Arabian nights, setting the stage for an evening of warmth, storytelling, and sensory discovery

“We’re so proud to collaborate with Hammasa her grace, her story, and her vision align beautifully with what we stand for,” says Alexandra Sandu, founder of The Alternative Beauty.

“It’s more than a launch it’s a celebration of beauty in all its forms ”

Hammasa added: “For me, this collaboration is about more than fashion. It’s about cultural expression, empowerment, and sharing something meaningful with the world

“I’m honoured to partner with The Alternative Beauty in a space that celebrates authenticity ”

The event will also feature a charity raffle in support of MOA (Mothers of Afghanistan) with 100% of proceeds going toward aid for children in Afghanistan

Two lucky winners will take home one of Hammasa’s signature dresses and one of the latest Matin Martin.

Sanrizz hosting health and wellbeing day as part of Fashion & Beauty Week

Selling spring greens

Elena Hogg, founder of local culinary company FOOD by Elena, has been encouraging her children to sample spring greens...

When I hear the term, ‘spring greens’, I have an almost Pavlovian reaction of general distaste. I even think my nose screws up a bit. This must be founded in my childhood sense that all things made with ‘greens’ would be either very mushy or very tough, and quite sour in flavour. They’re very good for you, of course, but dismally unappealing. ‘Eat your greens’, they all say, as though anticipating reluctance. And reluctant I was indeed.

Children start out deeply wary of any green food and obstinate in their refusal to try any of it. I remember my feeling of smugness when I made my then-six-yearold’s favourite meal of spaghetti with meatballs, but had secreted into the meatball mixture some finely chopped

broccoli that I’d steamed to within an inch of its life. Mummy 1 – child 0 (but winning nutritionally).

This same child is now 13 and becoming much more tolerant of green food. He even ate mushrooms in a stir-fry the other day. At the end of the meal, I’d fully expected to see a neat arc of carefully picked out mushrooms around the rim of his plate, but he’d eaten them all. My nine-year-old makes a huge fuss of eating peas and broccoli, but devours leafy salads with gusto. It’s bemusing, though I suspect the amount of vinegar she adds has something to do with her enjoyment, being a pickles-junky already, despite her tender years.

But spring greens specifically remain unconquered by both my children thus far,

and remembering my own childhood aversion, I find myself sympathising. But I do also reassure them that a time will come when the glory of this vegetable, its vibrancy and its sweet, nutty flavour, will be a firm favourite for them as it is for me.

It’s a nutritious vegetable, which scores it even more highly in my book: a good source of vitamins C and K, as well as iron and insoluble fibre, of course. If I’m honest, it’s not overly versatile, because it’s not great raw, but in its cooked form it’s a veritable party animal, happily diving into soups and stews, or hanging out with other side dishes, dressed in olive oil and lemon juice, and even a little crushed raw garlic to really bring out its brassica brawn.

Soup is almost synonymous with winter, but introducing a vivid handful of sliced spring greens into proceedings catapults soup firmly out of the cold and into the season of birth and new growth. It’s incredible how much vitality you can inject into a simple broth swimming with verdant colours and nourishment.

But spring greens can turn their hand to indulgence, too. I recently made a pasta dish to use up some spring greens stranded in the crisper drawer, and it was far more successful than I’d been expecting. What’s more, it all came together in the time it took the pasta to boil.

Slice up a smallish head of spring greens and add to a pan with some oil – garlic oil works well, or chilli oil if you like a kick. Let them start to cook down (you really don’t want them to be too tough), and add salt, black pepper (unless you used chilli oil) and some paprika (sweet, smoky, whatever you’ve got).

Halve some cherry tomatoes and add them to the pan once the greens are mostly cooked – you want them warmed through and just starting to collapse in on themselves, ideally. If you have a lemon to hand, grate the zest and throw that in too. Give it all a good mix with a few tablespoons of the pasta cooking water to bring everything together a little.

The children wandered in while my husband and I were eating this pasta dish and we took the opportunity to tempt them into trying some and finally breaching the spring greens no-fly zone. I mean, if anything’s going to render a foodstuff child-friendly, it’s pairing it with pasta, surely. And – who knows – perhaps it was the seasonal vibe of new beginnings, but both children hoovered up the lot. Happy spring (greens), everyone!

RESTAURANT REVIEW

THE WHITE HORSE

MATT ADAMS WHILES AWAY A SPRING EVENING AT THE HARPENDEN COUNTRY

PUB

A word to the wise: it’s actually a lot further to walk from pre-dinner drinks in the centre of Harpenden to The White Horse on Redbourn Lane, although you do get to indulge in a bit of property envy walking past the sprawling mansions and quaint cottages of West Common en route

It’s definitely worth the effort when you get there, as the patio was heaving with patrons enjoying the last of the day’s sunshine, with some even spilling into the secret garden area to the rear (a quick caveat hereour exterior photos were taken earlier in the day to take advantage of the better light, hence why the pub garden looks empty!)

It was starting to get a bit chilly though, so we were pleased to take a table indoors, although I’m not sure the more reserved diners sitting adjacent appreciated the arrival of our somewhat lively daughters That said, The White Horse certainly does not discriminate, and the restaurant area was filled with a mix of couples, other young families, and older guests meeting friends for an early evening meal, all greeted with enthusiasm and warmth by manager Bronte BellWard, celebrating her 10 year at the venue th

The pub’s new spring menu has been compiled in collaboration with chef and author Gemma Ogston, and features a variety of seasonal dishes including her famous Rainbow Lasagne, which comes packed with 15 different veggies from red pepper to butternut squash, served in a cashew sauce with bechamel and pesto It’s one of several new plant-based additions, all with an emphasis on providing nourishing food which is also good for the soul

But any attempts to encourage the fiveyear-old and the near-teen to sample anything out of their normal comfort zones unfortunately fell on deaf ears and so for starters they opted for a carb combo of warm sourdough with salted butter and a portion of halloumi fries

The bread and butter was actually so good it was soon being shared across the table, while the fries were just on the right side of gooeyness and also polished off in quick succession.

From the specials, I went for the sweet chilli and paprika chicken wings, served with a sprinkling of fresh chilli and spring onion to balance out the lush sticky sauce, while my partner opted for the classic prawn cocktail, which came with a Bloody Mary dressing to die for, and although echoing the original hors d’oevre of many a seventies dinner party, was much more contemporary when it came to flavours and presentation.

We also enjoyed some glasses of south eastern Australian Shiraz, which offered hints of plums and berries and proved the perfect accompaniment to my choice of mains

While the progeny went for a small cut of sirloin steak and chunky chips and the homemade mac and cheese, my eyes were drawn to the braised beef and ale pie, which came with buttered mash, seasonal greens and a jug of gravy

The pastry shell was just as I like it, shortcrust so thick you have to crack it open like some sort of egg, only to discover an opulent filling of succulent meat inside I rarely indulge in mash as it spikes my blood sugar to soaring heights, but there’s nothing wrong with treating yourself once in a while, and this was definitely worth the inevitable crash at the end of the night. That doesn’t even take into account the fresh and crunchy veg and the rich and deeplyflavoured gravy, which was worthy of celebration on its own.

Again selecting from the specials board, my partner chose the market fish of the day: pan-fried sea beam fillet, new potatoes, tenderstem broccoli and brown butter

Fresh and light, it was a real spring dish, offering delicate flavours in perfect synchronicity, simple yet stand-out in its offering

After forcing them to traipse all the way from town to get here, and with a similar walk back, we couldn’t deny the children some dessert, and of course it would have been rude if we didn’t indulge as well…

While they opted for various combinations of chocolate brownie and ice cream, we took a deep dive into the sinful dishes of the pudding menu My partner had the dark chocolate fondant, which despite coming with caramelised white chocolate sauce and caramel cookie dough ice cream was by no means overwhelming in its sweetness, the fondant featuring a hint of bitterness which counteracted the rest of the dish. Always one for the classics, I selected the cherry bakewell tart, which was served with a berry compote and vanilla ice cream. This was a warming, satisfying hug of a pudding, packed with fresh fruit flavours wrapped up in a crunchy shell, the sort of dessert you’d return to time after time Fresh seasonal ingredients and a perfect balance of flavours are at the heart of everything on the menu at The White Horse, and in all the years we’ve visited we’ve never once been disappointed by their delicious food, the welcoming atmosphere or the phenomenal service, with this evening being no exception

Satisfaction guaranteed then, and always worth going out of your way to visit, even if that does mean walking all the way from town with two grumbling daughters in tow…

Wicked accessibility coordinator pleads for help to save family dog

A St Albans-based accessibility coordinator who worked on Hollywood blockbuster Wicked is in desperate need of the community's help to save her beloved family dog.

Single mum Chantelle Nassari ensured the hit film was completely accessible to all of its cast, including actor Marissa Bode, who made history as the first disabled actress to ever play the part of Nessarose Now she's fighting for a cause closer to home - her rescue dog Benji

She explained his story: “Last week Benji appeared to be having back pain and couldn’t weight bear on his rear legs. We immediately took him to the vet where they diagnosed him as having a prolapsed intervertebral disc They gave him relevant painkillers and anti-inflammatories and we came home

“But within an hour he was paralysed from the waist down We took him to the Royal Veterinary College and they discovered that he had several prolapsed discs in his lumber region. He had surgery and an insane amount of disc material was removed

“The vet said the surgery was successful, however this was on Thursday and he is still there because he has not regained feeling or movement in his lower half This is normal and will take time to recover, but in the meantime he has to be catheterised The estimate is coming in at £8,000 and rising so I am trying to raise funds to help him ” Chantelle and her family first encountered Benji when they were holidaying in Portugal over Easter 2019

“There was this very skinny bald street dog covered in ticks and fleas who was hovering by the road entrance to our villa. It took him five days of circling our house-to get the courage to approach us

“When he did, we cleaned him and fed him and he lay on our doorstep for the duration of our holiday

“We could go out for the whole day and when we got back, he was waiting for us like he had decided we were his family He has the sweetest most gentle temperament

“We took him to the vet and had him checked for a microchip and within the hour the vets had castrated him, given him all the relevant vaccinations and found a transport company to bring him door-to-door 21 days later, we were the proud owners of Benji, our Portuguese water dog rescue

“We already had a full house with two rescue dogs, Shabba and Angel, a rescued house rabbit Rasta and a cat Navy, but he has formed such a bond with everyone, we can’t imagine life without him He adores and is best friends with Rasta and Navy

“Never in my life have I known an animal with so much compassion and love He totally understands my disability and he moves sensitively alongside my wheelchair, understanding my physical capabilities.”

Chantelle said she and her daughter Maya, 17, can't imagine life without him, but the bills are mounting, and they are still short by £3,000 having pulled together all available funds

“He has a real human quality and empathy that I have never experienced in an animal before. When we bought him back from the vet, both Rasta and Navy got in the crate with him and lay by his face while he deteriorated physically When it first happened, he was trying to bury his face in my body to take away his pain

“He is Maya's protector and best friend. We used to play hide and seek with him and I would hold him while Maya went and hid, he would find her every time He loved that gamehe would wait for me to count down and then he would gallop straight to her He is definitely equipped to be an emotional support animal because if you are ever in any pain physically or emotionally, he won’t leave your side Everyone who meets him falls in love with him

“He is so strong and healthy in every way I cannot justify euthanising him because I do not have enough money I need to raise a minimum of £3,000 to complete the veterinary bills otherwise he will not receive the treatment he needs and the only other option will be to end his beautiful life "

Chantelle has set up a GoFundMe page to try and raise the remaining funds, and personally asked the St Albans Times to help spread the word: https://www gofundme com/f/lifesaving-surgery-for-benji-6-year-old-rescued-street-dog

Reintroducing local charity It’s OK To Say

From creating heartfelt campaigns and writing endlessly for leading publications, inspiring listeners through heartfelt radio interviews, sharing her voice and story, and appearing on TV, Stacey Turner’s passion for mental health shines through every step of her journey.

She’s brought stories to life for nursery children, inspired minds in schools, colleges, and universities, held meaningful conversations with the Lord Speaker at the House of Commons, and even recorded a powerful song of hope with the Desert Penguins.

She’s climbed Kilimanjaro to raise awareness, championed local businesses, and - perhaps most impactfully - founded It’s OK To Say, a mental health and wellbeing charity like no other.

As founder and CEO, Stacey Turner launched the charity with a bold mission, to offer FREE mental health care through various modes of support and now with a dedicated helpline, empowering people to reach out.

“The mission has always been to campaign for better mental health care and to remind people that it’s OK to consider what they need on a daily basis and put those needs in place - to ask for help and know that the help is available without lengthy waiting lists. At street level, I was determined to create a safe and calm space where people feel truly seen, heard, and supported because that’s where profound change happens.”

And if you need a reminder of what It’s OK To Say is all about - they’re a mental health care and wellbeing charity offering one-to-one, family, and group therapeutic sessions with professional clinicians, widening the pathways of access in community psychology for all ages.

They also host support groups, workshops, and more to support complete well-being. All of this, alongside the ongoing campaigns and everything else so passionately led, is a testament to Stacey’s unwavering dedication to mental health and community care.

Stacey also led an astonishing mission to support Afghan escapees, rallying the local community to donate clothes, toys, and everyday essentials.

Thanks to this incredible wave of generosity, everything was lovingly sorted, boxed, and delivered alongside a specially created mental health care support pack, thoughtfully interpreted to meet their needs. And the kindness didn’t stop there. With the community’s help, Stacey sourced flooring, paint, and fully furnished a home for a young family with a baby offering them not just shelter, but a fresh start. It’s a relationship built on care and compassion, and they are proud to be still supporting that family today, as well as also offering care and support to other families in the same situation.

Amidst all of this, It’s OK To Say has also lovingly developed a student program that beautifully aligns with the heart and ethos of the charity - and the importance of this work is truly profound. Not only does the program offer students a chance to grow in confidence, resilience, and self-awareness, it also enriches the charity itself, bringing fresh voices, vibrant energy, and lived experience into the work they do, helping them to evolve. It’s a powerful, two-way exchange of learning, compassion, and growth.

Stacey continued: “We’re thrilled to share the news that thanks to the incredible sponsorship from Everyone Active’s Westminster Lodge, their mission is reaching even greater heights! With their amazing support, It’s OK To Say is continuing to break down barriers around mental health offering life-changing therapeutic support.

“This and other powerful partnerships mean we can keep doing what we do best, creating safe, welcoming spaces, starting honest conversations, and making sure no one has to face their mental health journey alone. Together, we’re building a future where wellbeing is a priority - not a privilege - and we couldn’t be more excited for what’s ahead!

“More and more businesses and organisations are waking up to the impact It’s OK To Say can bring and they’re inviting us in to help place mental health right where it belongs: at the heart of their culture. Together, we’re supporting their teams with meaningful, therapeutic care and creating workplaces where wellbeing isn’t just talked about - it’s truly lived.”

And today, Stacey is thrilled to share an exciting milestone: “We’re beyond excited to have secured a beautiful, peaceful space right in the heart of St Albans, yet tucked away from the hustle and bustle where we’re now offering FREE therapeutic support to people of all ages. We believe money should never be a barrier to getting help. No matter your situation, we’re here to walk alongside you. And if we’re not the right fit or need to offer more, we’ve built a bursting directory to guide and signpost anyone who needs it.

“Our website is currently a work in progress, and we’re fully aware of the incredible potential it holds to become a vibrant hub of support, connection, and resources. Behind the scenes, we’re pouring our hearts into shaping something that truly reflects the soul of our organisation and the depth of care we offer.

“In the meantime, please know that people of all ages can be referred to us by GPs, social prescribers, or other health professionals - and we’re here, ready to listen and support, every step of the way.”

With warmth, courage, and an unwavering belief in community care, Stacey and It’s OK To Say are rewriting the narrative around mental health, creating safe spaces, starting real conversations, and building a movement where everyone feels seen, heard, and deeply supported.

Buzz St Albans pledges support

A local networking group has adopted It’s OK To Say as its charity of the year

Richard Lalchan, host of Buzz St Albans, said they will be supporting and promoting It’s OK To Say to raise awareness of their vital work

He said: “Having cared for my mother with Alzheimer’s for the past four years, I know how life-changing it is to have someone to talk to - a safe, judgmentfree space where you’re truly heard I thank God for those who’ve been that for me ”

Oaklands announces next phase of regeneration project

Up to 470 new homes could be built on land adjacent to Oaklands College in order to fund the replacement of outdated facilities with state-of-the-art sustainable buildings,

The project is the next phase of the redevelopment of the St Albans campus in order to enhance learning opportunities for students and benefit the entire community The project will be funded by Taylor Wimpey North Thames, which is proposing new homes and a mixed-use development on part of the college’s land

The plans align with SADC's Local Plan and the Sandridge Neighbourhood Plan, with the aim of providing muchneeded homes for local people, including affordable housing. There will also be well as a new local centre to provide a central hub for residents and 80 extra care homes to meet local community needs

The broader investment plan for the St Albans campus includes an expanded special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) provision with a new High Needs Centre for those with profound learning difficulties, updated

recreational and sporting facilities for the whole community, the creation of a creative gateway for the film and TV industry and the restoration of the historic Mansion House

Safeguarded space for a primary school is also being proposed, along with enhanced open spaces including improved access routes, boosted biodiversity, new play spaces and better accessibility

Oaklands principal and CEO Andrew Slade said: “The plans for Oaklands College will not only provide excellent facilities and improve accessibility, particularly for our SEND students, but will benefit the St Albans community as a whole, together with local businesses

“We’re excited to be partnering with Taylor Wimpey – the housebuilder prioritises the environment in its schemes and is helping to make our plans to improve the college a reality, as well as providing much-needed new homes and amenities for the community "

Local county councillor John Hale responded to the plans: “Any further development on this site needs to include infrastructure for not only the new homes, but also those

previously built on Oaklands College land – the Oaklands Grange development.

“Specifically, I will be looking for a site for a primary school, a community centre, improved paths for pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders, including the provision of at least three pedestrian crossings on Sandpit Lane In addition, local bus services will need improving to provide a service to the new homes. We also need to take this opportunity to tackle the issue of speeding on the local roads

“Some of this has been promised in the announcement, we need confirmation that it will be delivered ” Oaklands College is now inviting residents to share their views and give feedback on the plans, with a community drop-in event today, Thursday April 24, from 3 30-7 30pm in the college's Construction Centre

This aims to provide the local community with further information and hear their views on the proposals ahead of submission to SADC in June. If approved, works at the college are expected to start in 2027, with the new educational buildings open and operational by 2030

Residents can also visit the dedicated project website at www stalbansvillageconsultation co uk, email the team at info@stalbansvillage-consultation.co.uk, or call the Freephone number on 0800

Campaign calling for driving ban for motorists awaiting trial

A grieving family is calling for tougher controls for motorists awaiting trial for dangerous driving following the death of their beloved brother.

On the morning of March 3, 29-year-old Bobby Smith was on his way to work at 4PX Express in Dunstable, driving his moped along the A5183 Watling Street from his home in Markyate

But a driver coming from the opposite direction attempted to overtake another vehicle and didn’t see Bobby the impact was instant, and it tragically took his life Bedfordshire Police subsequently arrested a man in his 40s on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and later released him on bail

His sister Caidee said: “Bobby was the kindest-hearted, most loving person one could know, passionate about his work and adored his dogs. He died well before his time, and our family has been left shattered by this senseless loss

“Too often, drivers who cause such devastation continue to hold their driving licenses until they are found guilty in court This not only poses an immediate danger to other road users but also causes additional pain to the families grieving their loved ones Delays in legal proceedings can stretch on for months, if not years, exposing the public to unnecessary risks from those who have already demonstrated reckless and dangerous behavior on the roads

“Suspending or revoking driving licenses of individuals charged with causing death or serious harm through

dangerous driving, while they await trial, would serve as an immediate safeguard

“This measure would ensure the safety of all road users and provide some sense of justice and security to the victims' families ”

Bobby’s brother-in-law, and Caidee’s husband, Callum, added: “Bobby had a heart of gold and would do anything for anyone, even if it meant putting himself out.

“He was hardworking, kind, and deeply devoted to his family Humble and full of life, he was adored at home and respected by everyone at work.

“He loved his two dogs, Mia and Letty, and had just begun preparing to drive his theory test was booked for that very week, and his first car was already waiting for him at home

He was so proud of it But he never got the chance

“Losing Bobby has left an unbearable hole in our lives. The pain of losing him so young, in such a senseless way, is something we carry every day Life isn’t the same without him and it never will be ”

The family are calling for legislation that mandates the suspension or revocation of driving licenses for individuals awaiting trial for these severe crimes By doing so, they believe they can prevent further tragedies and work towards safer roads for everyone.

You can sign the petition by visiting https://www.change.org/p/suspend-licenses-fordangerous-drivers-pending-trial

St Albans firefighters have something to shout about

Day and night they’re there; ready for a call to run towards burning buildings, help trapped people out of vehicles and even cats stuck up trees They can get dressed faster than anybody else you know and now they are happy to wash your car during their downtime to help raise money for charity. Heroic, much?

St Albans Fire Station on London Road is taking part in a national car wash fundraiser on Saturday April 26 to raise money for two worthy causes.

Every year, hundreds of firefighters across the UK wash as many cars as possible to raise money for the Fire Fighters Charity. It provides a vast range of support for people who work or have worked in the service MIND is a mental health charity providing counselling, peer support, advocacy and more to people affected by mental ill health

that it’s a public service.

Warren Wyeth, also of Green Watch, explained: “The charities we are supporting do fantastic work and as such we are always more than happy to support them in any way we can

He explained that the Fire Fighters Charity supports every member of the UK’s fire family by providing them with easy access to proactive health and wellbeing as well as information and lifestyle advice which is specific to the fire community

He said the charity helps firefighters live well throughout their lives: “But, when something goes wrong and a need arises, they are always there too ”

Warren said what he loves most about his job is knowing that his actions at an incident are helping someone get back to their family and added: “It’s always a good feeling ”

Firefighter Darragh Greaney of Green Watch at St Albans fire station told us what it means to him: “Having lots of people come along to the station to have their cars washed will make a huge difference.

“As a station, we very much enjoy putting on these events Charity car washes are something we can do to raise money and at the same time make people’s cars shine ” Darragh said that the last charity car wash they held in September 2024 raised £830 and beating that total would be “amazing”

You might ask why firefighters have to raise money, given

He said: “As no day is the same for us at work, we are always kept busy

“Being part of a team is great Green Watch St Albans have always been a good bunch who love a laugh and a joke. Long may it continue, as you need a way to de-stress with all the unfortunate incidents we deal with ”

Warren is also running the London Marathon in aid of both charities

The car washing, sponsored by Autoglym, will take place at St Albans Fire Station on Saturday April 26 between 10am and 1pm

ERIS: OPINION WITH BITE

what is a man?

The Supreme Court judgement last week gave clarity to an issue that seems to have obsessed our liberal elite for years. We have mass youth unemployment aka ‘long term sickness’, looming war, worryingly fragile military, energy and food security. However, our dear leaders worry about what is a man and what is a woman.

Something that has been pretty obvious for thousands of years. How decadent is your society when this is the issue that captures attention?

A man is a biological man and a woman is a biological woman. There are only two sexes. For those who did not pay attention in school, that means a man has a YX chromosome and a woman has an XX chromosome. This difference can be detected in every cell in the body and starts at conception. It means baby boys are more fragile as they don’t have the protection of a double X chromosome.

Proportionately more girls are born than boys, and typically more boys than girls die in every

age group. Thankfully, modern medicine has helped address this imbalance.

The Y chromosome impacts hormone production. The average boy is demonstrably bigger, faster and stronger than the average girl. They are probably also more aggressive and physical, but this could of course be cultural. Although it does seem to be prevalent in every culture. Those cultures who try to change this (ours?) seem to have limited success. If in doubt, attend a Millwall match. If you are a middle-class parent who rejects this, ask yourself: are you OK with your teenage daughter having compulsory boxing competitions with the boys in her year, when the boys have been instructed to treat girls the same as boys?

You would just have to hope they came from homes which insist boys are gentle with girls. Or not mind your daughter being beaten up so long as you stay ideologically pure. Or be thick as mince.

There are also clearly recognisable cognitive

differences, which can be observed over large groups, but not necessarily on an individual basis. We are all clearly unique.

Of course, the vested interests are not going to let this go. Too much at stake in terms of time, money and career prospects.

At the moment, they are wittering on about who pees where. Here’s a revolutionary concept, make all toilets single cubicle and keep them clean. Men won’t like it when they have to queue, but it’s the price they pay for progress. The real losers out of all of this are of course the trans people. They have been used as fodder in the culture wars.

Perhaps we should all just leave them alone to live their lives. Treat any trans person you know with dignity and respect. Afford every person the courtesy of being treated the way they wish. That is what ‘being kind’ really means. It’s not performative banner waving or social media posturing.

It’s treating the people you actually know, the way you would want to be treated.

IN OTHER NEWS...

Local Music Night Hits the right chord at The Pioneer Club

There’s something stirring in the heart of St Albans. A pulse of creativity, colour and counterculture And right at the centre of it all is The Pioneer Club, the city’s home of grassroots energy and alternative spirit.

Next Tuesday night, following on from a successful debut, it plays host to Live & Local, a gig that puts the spotlight on some of Hertfordshire’s finest rising musical talent.

This electrifying evening is brought to life in partnership with Mix 92 6 FM and it's legendary host Steve Simpson! It’s more than just a night of great music, it’s a celebration of community, creativity and the power of local voice

Your line up for April includes: Shalini Rani delivering genre-blending soul/jazz with a magnetic stage presence

Matty Ram, who’s indie rock channels heartfelt acoustics and lyrical honesty.

Steve Warner’s bringing melodic folk, and thoughtful songwriting with a sharp edge

And closing the night is special guest Troi Parker-Roth bringing her soulful, folk style to the Pioneer stage Pioneer cusic and commercial director John Prayer said: “Whether you’re a die-hard gig-goer or just curious about the local music scene, Live & Local is the kind of evening where you’ll walk in not knowing what to expect and walk out with a new favourite artist.

“There’s no better backdrop for a night like this than The Pioneer Club Moments from the city centre, this former youth centreturned-cultural hub has become a cornerstone of alternative life in St Albans With its roots in DIY culture and its heart firmly in the community, it offers an intimate, honest space where real music thrives.”So if you're looking for something real this April, something live, local and full of heart, then head to The Pioneer Club It might just be the best Tuesday night you’ll have all year Tickets are available via https://www pioneerclub co uk/events3/mix-92 6-live-%26-local-

Mother and daughter fighting election for different parties

A mother and daughter are going head-to-head in next week’s county council elections after standing for different parties in the same division

Former St Albans Mayor, Frances Leonard, is standing for the Conservatives in the Marshalswick and Colney Heath Division, but campaigning against her for the Green Party is her daughter Sally

Frances said: “Over the years we have learned that politics is something we just don’t agree on, Sally thinks I’m wrong about almost everything whereas I know I’m right ”However, I like to think that Sally’s love of the environment does, in some part, come from me because caring for our natural environment is something close to my heart and we both really enjoy gardening, Sally is probably even more hands on than I am in her garden but worked on environmental projects with Sandridge Parish over many years ”

But the campaign is a lot more amicable than you’d think: “I’m sure we probably see eye to eye on quite a few things, we both want what’s best for our communities ” So are there any major issues locally which they disagree on?

“This is going to sound really pathetic but we have learned that, for the sake of family harmony, it’s best not to get into anything vaguely political

“From chatting to friends who have children of similar ages, this is a very familiar situation so we just find other things to talk about We do spend quite a lot of time together as a family and politics always takes a back seat ”

Clock Tower re-opens for 2025

St Albans’ iconic medieval Clock Tower has re-opened for the 2025 season, offering unparalleled views over the city centre and beyond - if you can manage the 93 steps to the top!

St Albans Mayor Cllr Jamie Day carried out the traditional Good Friday opening ceremony, accompanied by volunteers from St Albans and Hertfordshire Architectural and Archaeological Society and St Albans Civic Society, who ensure it is open to the public each year

On a clear day, from the top of the Tower you can see as far as the M25, Dunstable Downs, Gorhambury and Luton Airport, but it’s the opportunity to see over the rooftops of the city centre and beyond which make it so worthwhile. This year new signs were unveiled on the parapet giving information about the Tower and its history They complement others around the edge which explain what can be seen in each direction

Built in 1405, the Clock Tower is now the only surviving medieval town belfry in England, and over the centuries has been a shop and a government telegraph station during the Napoleonic wars.

Gabriel, the Tower’s original one ton bell, remains in place, and in past times would have sounded the Angelus and the evening Curfew. It would have also rung out an alarm in case of “fire or fray”, such as at the First

The present clock dates from 1866, and uses a mechanism invented by Lord Grimthorpe, who not only restored the Cathedral but also designed the mechanism used by the clock for Big Ben at Westminster

The Tower, which is designated as a Scheduled Ancient Monument, will be open every weekend and Bank Holiday until Sunday September 28 from 10 30am to 5pm

Battle of St Albans in 1455

Caroline Howkins – Clock Tower organiser for SAHAAS, John Morewood – President of SAHAAS, Mayor of St Albans Cllr Jamie Day, Mary Conneely – chair of the Civic Society, and Robert Osborne – Clock Tower organiser for the Civic Society.

Wine Times

DARREN MCCABE OFFERS HIS WEEKLY WINE RECOMMENDATIONS (@DMC UNCORKED)

National Steak Day - April 25 2025

I’ll find any excuse or celebration to mark the opening of a bottle of wine to two! This week it’s time to indulge in one of the most beloved culinary traditions - National Steak Day on April 25 Whether you prefer your steak rare, medium, or well-done, this day is all about savouring the rich flavours and textures of a perfectly cooked steak

I’ll be hosting a steak night with my family on Friday evening and will be presenting steak boards, featuring fillet, sirloin, rump, tomahawk and picanha. This cut is less well known in the UK but popular in South American cuisine and is known for its rich

flavour and tenderness Picanha is typically cut from the top sirloin cap and is often grilled or roasted, making it a favourite for barbecues While we may have missed Malbec Day, which was on April 17, there are still plenty of reasons to pop the cork and enjoy a glass of wine with your steak The robust and fruity notes of Malbec pair wonderfully with the savoury and juicy cuts of steak, making it a match made in culinary heaven Apart from Malbec there are many other wines that complement steak beautifully and so I’m also including an Argentinian Cabernet Franc

All four recommendations are from Zuccardi, a distinguished wine producer from Mendoza, Argentina. The winery was established in 1963 by Alberto Zuccardi, who initially aimed to showcase the effectiveness of his irrigation system. Over time, this vision transformed into a deep passion for winemaking, leading the Zuccardi family to cultivate vineyards in Maipú, Santa Rosa, and the Uco Valley. Today, under the leadership of Sebastián Zuccardi, the winery continues to explore and understand the diverse factors that influence wine quality Their commitment to research

and development has been instrumental in producing wines that truly reflect the unique terroir of the Uco Valley

Among Zuccardi’s impressive range of wines, their Malbecs and Cabernet Franc are particularly noteworthy Here are three Malbecs and a Cabernet Franc from Zuccardi that you should definitely try with your steaks:

Zuccardi Serie A Malbec 2023 (RRP £14.00 from TESCO)

The Zuccardi Serie A line showcases the diverse wine regions of Argentina, with the ‘A’ representing the “Argentina Series”. The Serie A Malbec is crafted from grapes grown in the Uco Valley, known for its highaltitude vineyards This wine is characterised by vibrant acidity and intense fruit flavours, with notes of blackberry, black cherry, and subtle oak. It offers a wellstructured palate with a delightful balance of fruit and velvety tannins

Zuccardi Q Malbec 2023 (RRP £14.00 from Majestic and OCADO)

The Zuccardi Q series represents the best parcels of Zuccardi’s vineyards The 2023 Q Malbec is sourced from select vineyards in Paraje Altamira and Los Chacayes in the Uco Valley This wine is known for its rich, fruity character, featuring notes of red plum, red cherry, and a hint of spice It is aged in concrete and used oak barrels, which enhances its complexity and depth. Can be uncorked now or cellared for up to 10 years

Definition by Majestic Malbec 2022 (£9 99 from Majestic)

Crafted exclusively for Majestic by Zuccardi, the Definition Malbec 2022 showcases the best of the Uco Valley The vineyards, situated between 800 and 1,400 meters above sea level, provide the ideal conditions for this grape variety

Half of the wine is aged in French oak for 10 months, while the other half is aged in concrete egg vats to preserve the purity of the fruit This Malbec features aromas of wild blueberry and blackcurrant, with flavours of plum and spice It pairs beautifully with grilled ribeye (other meats are available) and roasted vegetables

Zuccardi Apelación Paraje Altamira Cabernet Franc 2020 (RRP £19.99 from Oxford Wine Company, Harvey Nichols, Latitude Wines, Noble Grape Wines)

The Apelación Paraje Altamira Cabernet Franc 2020 is produced from grapes grown in the Paraje Altamira region of the Uco Valley It boasts bold, enticing notes of blackberries and blackcurrants, combined with hints of spices, cedar, and wild herbs

The wine has a robust structure with firm, wellintegrated tannins and a long, elegant finish It is aged in French oak barrels, adding a layer of sophistication This Cabernet Franc is known for its smooth texture and lush balanced acidity, making it a versatile and enjoyable wine. Will keep for several years and in addition to steak it pairs brilliantly with spicy foods and all kinds of roasted vegetables

So, fire up the grill, prepare your favourite steak recipe, and pour yourself a glass of wine Cheers to good food, great wine, and wonderful company!

“It Ain’t All Honey and It Ain’t All Jam” - here come the Edwardians

Out of the smog from the coal fires of Victorian St Albans, rose a new look and a new sense of change. It was 1901, Queen Victoria was dead and Edward VII, known as Bertie, had succeeded to the throne. Lampooned as Edward the Caresser by novelist Henry James, Bertie was notorious for his love of gambling and horse racing and his self-indulgence in fine wines, food and women. Especially women. Glamour and style returned to the court.

Unlike his mother, Queen Victoria, Edward VII made no official visits to St Albans, although he did once end up in Harpenden by accident. In February, 1907, his car broke down on the way to Luton Hoo and he spent a couple of hours by the Common awaiting a relief car. Bertie’s reign was short. He died in 1910. However, the Edwardian era is generally accepted to extend to 1914.

There is often a nostalgic, rose-tinted view of Edwardian England. The calm before the storm which was to come. The writer, Saki, wrote in 1913 that England was “a land where it seemed that it must always be summer”. Victorian inventions of telephones, photographs, typewriters, the penny post, bicycles, motor cars, underground railways and electric trams became familiar sights in Edwardian England and helped to spread job opportunities and prosperity.

It was a time of the unstoppable rise of Progress with a capital P. The Wright Brothers took to the skies for the first time and the largest ship in the world, RMS Titanic, was under construction. Although we know how that ended.

There was real hope for greater equality. Unrest amongst working people demanding a more powerful voice in government and better working conditions helped push a ‘new liberalism’

More women could access education and thus new ideas and information. Their demands for a political voice grew stronger. In 1908, the Women’s Social and Political Union, inspired by a Salvation Army fundraising practice, held their first Self-Denial Week, raising £7,000. The WSPU branch led by Emmeline Pankhurst adopted more controversial tactics. But then they were fighting against the attitude that “you may as well give votes to dogs as to women” (said by the husband of the writer, Edith Nesbit).

But times were changing. Society was definitely turned on its head when in Folkestone in 1907 a Beauty Show for Gentlemen was held. Tickets sold like hot cakes, there was standing room only and over a thousand spectators were turned away. Female audience members were the judges and the mood, as you can imagine, was ‘boisterous’. The winner was awarded a bicycle and a silver watch. By the 3rd annual competition, a thirty-year-old “tall and handsome widow” offered herself as a prize saying she would marry the winner, so long as he was good looking and earned £100 a year. A potentially romantic story if only the winner hadn’t already been engaged. These changes gradually became reflected in fashion.

From America came the ideal of female perfection, personified by the “Gibson Girl”. This image was created by artist, Charles Gibson, who drew luscious looking women with S-shaped silhouettes and seriously big hairstyles.

The all-important S-shape had to start with the appropriate lingerie. By now, underwear and general clothing was mass produced in factories and available by mail order or in department stores, like Fisks of St Albans.

Established in 1834, Fisks spread over four buildings in the High Street selling everything from general drapery and clothing to carpets and furnishings. In 1908 the Fisks bought 17 High Street and this became its footwear department.

Three years later, the Little Red Lion pub next door lost its licence and the Fisks bought this as well. Business was obviously booming.

William Fisk wanted to knock down the medieval shops at 17, 19 and 21 High Street in order to replace them with something more modern, but thanks to protests, number 17 survived.

So, if a female resident of St Albans wanted to buy lingerie, she would have headed to Fisks.

There, she could choose a chemise, often highly decorated with lace and satin ribbons, a pair of drawers and a corset to go over these. Edwardian corsets were described as ‘health’ corsets as they were less restrictive than the Victorian corsets of the previous century, which were all about creating a tiny waist.

But now the focus was on the S-shaped silhouette. This could be enhanced by bust improvers.

By 1912 ‘combinations’ had become popular with younger women, combining the chemise and drawers into one piece to which garters could be attached to hold your stockings.

And if you’re quietly laughing to yourself at the contraptions into which women strapped themselves for the sake of fashion and vanity, just bear in mind that corsets were recommended for men too. “Stout” men. These were much simpler, just a strip or belt of fabric.

It was suggested that they could be explained as helpful for bad backs. With these looser corsets, or sometimes no corsets at all, and with the very daring wearing culottes, came the freedom for women to play sports like golf or tennis and participate in motoring or cycling.

Outfits became adapted to work for both sport and daywear. Lace was very much on view. Wealthy women wore evening or tea dresses of silk, satin, damask or chiffon, often festooned with lace. For those on smaller budgets, Irish crochet was substituted. Two-piece outfits became popular with decorated tops blousing loosely from skirts.

As the century wore on, French designer Paul Poiret led the way in creating long loose dresses shockingly free of corsets. By 1910, influences from the East, the Art and Crafts movement, as well as Art Nouveau, created a move away from the S shaped silhouette. A narrower, slimmed down look came into being, decorated with natural, sinuous patterns and simple ‘handmade’ designs.

The seriously big hairstyles of long hair swept up into buns or coils needed big hats, which became known, for obvious reasons, as cartwheels. But sailor hats and boaters were also popular.

Men gradually moved away from frock coats. The more daring started wearing tuxedos at evening events, although these were first seen as disgracefully informal.

For daytime, three-piece suits were still worn, with starched shirt fronts and neckties. Then ‘sack suits’ started to come into fashion, a suit style familiar to most men today.

Linen suits for summer were topped by a straw boater or Panama hat – often made in St Albans. Bushy moustaches were lovingly cultivated.

The Edwardian period not only brought change to the appearance of the people of St Albans but added more variety to St Albans’ hotchpotch of historical styles. There was a surge in demand for larger houses close to the railway station for commuters to London.

New Edwardian villas of red brick with tidy front gardens began to be built, many with mock-Tudor cladding, porches with wooden frames and parquet flooring.

Red brick was also used in the new larger buildings, such as the Salvation Army Citadel in Victoria Street. It was decorated with terracotta ‘dressings’ and its roof crenellated like a fortress. The Salvation Army was a significant part of St Albans life with its Campfield Press print works employing over 350 people.

Just opposite the Salvation Army Citadel was the Carnegie Public library, its foundation stone laid in 1910. Previously, the St Peter’s Brewery had stood here. But where once beer had fermented, the people of St Albans could now browse amongst the shelves and borrow books for free. All thanks to philanthropist Andrew Carnegie’s generosity.

Edward VII and Alexandra of Denmark in their coronation robes – painting by Samuel Fildes

The Salvation Army building in Victoria Street Credit: St Albans Museums

Gibson Girls, “Picturesque America”

Another striking building was constructed where once stood the Bull Inn on Holywell Hill, a popular pub since Tudor times. In 1911, when there seems to have been an awful lot of building going on, architect Percival Blow was commissioned by Samuel Ryder to design a new head office for his mail order seed business.

Built by Miskins & Sons, it was of red brick, naturally, dressed with carvings of bath stone. A stained-glass dome on the first floor flooded the interior with light. It is now the Samuel Ryder Hotel. Samuel Ryder was a significant influence on Edwardian St Albans, not just as a major employer, but also serving as a councillor and mayor. In 1906, while he was mayor, he led the protest against the Postmaster General’s plans to erect telegraph poles along St Peter’s Street. The complaints were so vociferous that the Post Office backed down. And that’s why we now have trees lining the street, not telegraph wires. As life became easier for many, there was a bit more ready cash to spend on just having fun. There were weekend sporting events and racing.

And in the evenings, it had to be a trip to the music hall. These were massively popular. Vesta Victoria, a popular English performer who crossed the Atlantic to become a star in America, had a huge hit with the song, “Daddy Wouldn’t Buy me a Bow Wow”. Her other hit song, “It Ain’t All Honey and It Ain’t All Jam”, proved an appropriate description of the end of the Edwardian era. Dark undercurrents were stirring in Europe. This short period of peace and prosperity ended with an assassin’s bullet in Sarajevo, kicking off world-shattering events which changed England for ever. It definitely wasn’t all honey and jam.

History in colour: www.stalbanstourguides.co.uk. Offering public walks and private walks and talks.

(Above left) Punch cartoon comparing fashions of 1901 and 1911; (above right) Oilette Postcard of middle class women smoking cigars By Phil May, 1910s Part of Newbury’s Leonar and Lauder Collection of Raphael Tuck & Sons Oilette Postcards; ( right) 1903 Art Nouveau poster of A Lady by George de Feure

(Above) Fisks, credit St Albans Museums; (below) 1911 Caricature of a woman in culottes Ansichtakarten-markt de; (right) 1911 Men’s corsets. French patent no.12380, Mme de Dalmas.

IN OTHER NEWS...

Call for action to stop littering and protect green spaces

Harpenden MP Victoria Collins is calling for urgent action to address the growing problems of litter across the town and the surrounding villages

Littering in Harpenden was first raised by pupils from St Dominic’s Primary School when they visited Parliament and mentioned their litter picks with Victoria

Residents across the constituency have since raised serious concerns about the state of the local environment, with one constituent describing driving along local roads as "like driving through a landfill site.".

Alarming statistics have reinforced the urgency of this issue

- 48 per cent of people admit to dropping litter, and More than two million pieces of litter are dropped every day across the country

Victoria has identified several factors contributing to this crisis, including reduced council waste management budgets, increasing fast food consumption leading to more disposable packaging, and a general lack of public awareness about the environmental impact of littering.

Roadside litter collection is carried out by SADC as part of a contract with Veolia, and residents who see litter are advised to report it to use the Recycling, Rubbish and Street Cleaning page on their website

Victoria said: “People are rightly upset about the amount of rubbish they encounter everywhere, from roadsides that look like rubbish dumps to litter-strewn public spaces

“This is not just an eyesore, but a serious environmental and social problem."

Victoria has praised the exceptional work of local volunteer groups: “I view the litter picking teams in our constituency, such as the Litter Angels in Harpenden, as well as St Dominic’s school, with an immense amount of pride

“These groups give me the confidence that many constituents not only highly value our environment but have the desire to take action to protect it Some of these groups have been running for years and serve an important role in the community and I know there are many more who would like to help I would encourage those interested to join these groups ”

“Our towns, cities, and countryside should not be spoiled by litter This can be a solvable problem with the correct resources, enforcement and public engagement I want to get litter off of our streets, making our communities and roads spaces that we can be proud of ”

CITY MUSE

BUSINESS>

MOTORBIKESDISTURBANCEATSHOPOPENING

Thick billowing clouds of polluting fumes and revving motorbike engines controversially marked the opening of a new takeaway on Hatfield Road

More than two dozen bikes and various high-performance cars held an impromptu meet outside Big Juicy Burgers when it opened its doors for business on Friday evening

The event, which was dubbed 'St Albans shutdown' on Facebook, resulted in police being called to the scene as bikes raced up and down the road

Chief Inspector for St Albans, Martin Turpin, said: Police received a number of calls to Hatfield Road from 7 30pm on April 18 to reports of a number of cars and motorbikes being driven/ridden in an anti-social manner

"Officers attended the location to disperse the vehicles, and one was seized The matters have been raised with the local neighbourhood policing team who will monitor the situation and deal robustly should any incidents of a similar nature occur ”

Also on the scene was SADC Clarence ward councillor Matt Fisher, who added: "On Friday evening while out canvassing along Hatfield Road for the upcoming elections, I came across a significant crowd and long queues outside Big Juicy Burgers which appeared to be hosting a launch event It was great to see a new local business generating such interest and energy

"Unfortunately the positive atmosphere was marred by what seemed to be an impromptu car and bike meet nearby From quite a distance, the loud revving of engines was clearly audible, and as the evening went on, the noise levels escalated More concerning were the reports of dangerous driving at estimated speeds of over 70mph on a busy and residential stretch of road

"The police were notified and responded swiftly, and I want to thank them for their quick and effective presence at the scene

"While I’m not against responsible car meets Hatfield Road is simply not a suitable or safe location - especially given its proximity to a children’s play park, several pelican crossings, and local churches on a significant day like Good Friday The noise perceived intimidation risk to pedestrians, pollution, and road damage are all serious concerns raised by residents

"I know from following the work of the Police and Crime Commissioner that dedicated funding is being put towards tackling illegal and disruptive car meets and I’ll continue to support this important work

"If I am elected as a county councillor in addition to my current role, it will give me greater scope to influence and help shape road safety initiatives across our area ensuring we strike the right balance between supporting vibrant community events and maintaining public safety and peace of mind for residents Let s keep backing our local businesses while making sure our streets remain safe and welcoming for everyone "

Hundreds join Easter Pilgrimage to Cathedral

More than 600 people gathered at St Albans Cathedral on Easter Monday or a day of reflection, celebration, and community as part of the Diocese’s 79th annual Easter Monday Pilgrimage

A tradition stretching back nearly eight decades, the pilgrimage brings together people from across the Diocese and further afield Some walk all the way from their home churches, others join along the route, and many travel by car, bike or bus Among the crowd this year were visitors from as far as Hong Kong and Iran

The theme of the day was Joy, inspired by Psalm 16 and Matthew 28, and explored through reflections from two local ordinands: AJ Wade, who will soon begin serving as Assistant Curate at St Mary’s Church, Marshalswick, and Becki Chafe, training at St Luke’s Church, St Albans Their reflections were about how the joy of the Resurrection shows up in our lives

photos by Toby Shepheard

Prayers were led by young people from St Andrew’s Church, Biggleswade, offering a thoughtful contribution to the service.

The celebration concluded with communion, led by the Bishop of Bedford, the Rt Revd Richard Atkinson, and finished on a high with the rousing Easter hymn Thine be the Glory, sung by hundreds inside the Cathedral.

Churches from across the region shared their experiences, many of them walking miles to reach the Cathedral. Flitwick Parish Church said: “We made it!!! Pilgrimage from Flitwick to St Albans over 2 days … 24 miles…. 62,000 steps and we picked up a few extra walkers along the way!”

From Watford, members of St John’s and St Luke’s walked eight and nine miles respectively “We walked beneath a canopy of grace, with hearts open and spirits eager,” shared St John’s And St Michael and All Angels, Birchwood summed up the mood of the day simply: “Easter Monday Pilgrimage 2025 lived up to its name JOY ”

Among the many walkers, a team from St Mary’s Church, Baldock took on a 24-mile route just shy of a marathon raising an impressive £1,500 as part of their pilgrimage They set off early on Monday morning, walking the full distance from their church to the Cathedral in time to join the afternoon celebration

Reflecting on the day, organiser Alex Huzzey said: "There is nothing like the St Albans Easter Monday Pilgrimage for sheer unadulterated Easter joy The nave was rammed with adults, dogs and children gathered from all over the Diocese as we raised the Cathedral rafters with our worship and celebrated together the joy and new life of the Resurrection " All photos by Toby Shepheard

10 FROM 50 WOMEN WHO WALK

We ask a different figure from the local community to choose 10 questions to answer from a list of 50. This week: Women Who Walk, a social group founded by Sophie and Lisa for women looking to meet new people, make friends and enjoy the great outdoors: @womenwho walk

Where do you walk when you want to think?

Sophie: The Munden Estate in Bricket Wood, a lovely circular walk and it’s always very quiet.

Lisa: I love getting out to the mountains, ideally Snowdonia or the Lakes.

Where do you go to listen to music?

Sophie: You can find us in The Boot whenever there’s live music on! And The White Swan for more ‘late night’ music.

Lisa: Love the Ye Olde Fighting Cocks when they have music outside in the garden.

Do you ever Google yourself?

Sophie: Ha ha, only ‘Women Who Walk’ to check our SEO!

Lisa: I tend to Google other people, it’s good to check them out.

CD, vinyl, download or streaming?

Soph: Streaming. “Alexa! Play country!” is the most used phrase in my house

Lisa: Vinyl, love using my record player.

What is your most-missed St Albans shop, pub, café or restaurant?

Sophie: I used to love the Bell, it was so great when I was a teenager.

Lisa: Batchwood nightclub, bring it back!

Where do you buy your coffee in St Albans?

Sophie: Silver Palate every time!

Lisa: Nkora, best coffee in town.

Where do you most like to have a picnic in St Albans?

Sophie: It’s got to be the Abbey Orchard! Watching people come and go whilst eating Silver Palate sandwiches.

Lisa: In Verulamium Park, watching the photographers trying to snap the Kingfisher.

What's the first thing you do after you've woken up in the morning?

Sophie: Feed my two cats and make a green tea.

Lisa: Hop straight in the shower.

“Alexa! Play country!” is the most used phrase in my house

What’s your favourite place to have breakfast in St Albans?

Sophie: TOAST, hands down. Lisa: Hatch, love their food, so delicious.

What’s your favourite hidden gem in the district?

Sophie: The Brocket Arms, it’s not such a hidden gem but there’s a walk there I love from Sandridge and it always feels so good when you see the Brocket Arms after hiking through fields to get there!

Lisa: Punchin' Palooka's secret garden, great suntrap.

Yesterday Once More: photos from our archives

It’s carnival time again in the first of this week’s images, with the cast from the Christmas production of Cinderella parading alongside the Fairy Godmother’s carriage and the ponies which will undoubtedly pull it on stage Can anyone work out where this photo was taken from?

The other photo shows Mayor Ken Hayward with St Albans Ladies Bowling team, around ‘82/’83

Both photos are by Tony “Greg” Gregory

COMING SOON...

It's Jurassic Farm at Willows this bank holiday

Dinosaur fans can come face to face with a Tyrannosaurus Rex, Velociraptor and some prehistoric hatchlings this May Bank Holiday weekend at Willows Activity Farm

Dino Ventures, a three-day celebration of ancient reptiles, kicks off on Saturday May 3 when visitors can look forward to a packed prehistoric programme of activities

Future palaeontologists can unearth some ancient fossils in the farm’s Big Dig sand pit with every child receiving a certificate, along with their fossil, to take home While intrepid explorers can track down dinosaurs in a fun hunt every day of the long weekend

Willows chief executive Lyssa Elster said: “We’ve crammed 165 million years into three days with back-to-back Jurassic japes and Cretaceous capers throughout the bank holiday weekend

“As well as fossil finding and a dinosaur hunt, we also have roar-some activities for our younger guests to make in our arts and crafts marquee ”

The Dinosaur Encounters show takes place eight times a day where visitors will be able to see the cretaceous creatures with their handlers and watch live as the giant reptiles have their huge teeth cleaned There will also be different baby dinosaurs to meet in special shows about the prehistoric hatchlings

Lyssa added: “It’s going to be a raptor-ous weekend where only boredom will be extinct ”

In addition to a programme of Dino Venture activities this bank holiday weekend, there is also all the usual Willows farm fun for visitors to look forward to including the Peter Rabbit Adventure Playground, funfair rides and inflatables, Tristan the Runaway Tractor and the Puddle Play Park

Tickets include all activities, shows and adventure play and can be purchased in advance online with savings on family tickets For more information, call 0333 331 2060, go to www willowsactivityfarm com, or like and follow @Willows Farm on Facebook and Instagram for all the latest news and updates

IN OTHER NEWS...

Bleed kits installed at key locations in St Albans city centre

Special kits designed to tackle extreme bleeding likely to cause death within minutes have been installed in St Albans city centre

Three bleed control kits have been donated by local charity Hearts for Herts and installed in community defibrillator cabinets thanks to a partnership with St Albans City Centre BID (Business Improvement District) They can be found outside Barclays Bank in St Peter's Street, Christopher Place and The Maltings

They contain a tourniquet to restrict blood flow, haemostatic gauze that helps stop bleeding rapidly, a trauma dressing, gloves, and a chest seal

The location of each bleed control kit is registered with the East of England Ambulance Service control staff, who can quickly direct a 999 caller to the nearest kit by phone and give them the code This helps any member of the public or staff give vital treatment before paramedics arrive

Jonathan Ash-Edwards, Police and Crime Commissioner for Hertfordshire cut the ribbon on the cabinet housing the first kit at Barclays

Hearts for Herts chair Justin Honey-Jones who is also a paramedic said: "We are delighted to collaborate with St Albans City Centre BID by adding the kits into the existing secure locked cabinets at Barclays Bank, Christopher Place and The Maltings, which already contain an automatic community access defibrillator

We have fundraised for 350 kits to date and are rolling these out across Hertfordshire along with 120 public access defibrillators "

BID manager Vivien Cannon added" “Justin contacted us after reading about the community defibrillators being installed and it makes absolute sense to work together to build resilience in our community and increase survival rates whilst witing for emergency help to arrive ”

Justin will now be arranging dates to deliver the Hearts for Herts charity’s free training: Heartstart Lifesaver Programme

A platform for young voices

Have you ever felt ignored, patronised or angry because your opinion wasn’t valued due to your age? Do you think you have something worthwhile to say about the issues which matter to you? Do you want to be heard?

The St Albans Times wants to give you that opportunity. We believe in providing a platform for the district’s young people to have their say, and we want to give you a chance to reach an audience in the tens of thousands.

Our new initiative, Write Now St Albans, aims to show the importance of allowing the young generation to have a voice by creating a movement for open and informed writing. We are looking for between 400 and 1,000 words – printed, emailed, handwritten – on a subject which you feel passionate about, for publication in a future edition of the St Albans Times and on our website.

You could write a report on an eco-campaign, review the latest restaurant, comment on the performance of a local sports team, present your thoughts on the Ukraine war or examine the impact of climate change on local wildlife. It’s your choice, your voice, your opinion.

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Rules of entry

Make sure your entries are valid by following the rules detailed below:

You must be aged between 11 and 17

Entry is free and you can submit as many entries as you wish

·Each submission must be between 400 and 1,000 words in length

You can choose one of the categories listed or write about a subject that you are passionate about You can handwrite or type on A4 paper or enter via email

Please include your full name, age, full address, contact details and name of the school you attend with your entry

Each entry must be your own, original work and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) is not permitted You retain the copyright of your works but by submitting to this contest you allow the St Albans Times to publish your work(s) across their media channels

Winners

·Every person who enters will get feedback on their submission from the editorial team at the St Albans Times

Each month we will publish winning submissions Winners will be contacted in advance of publication In March 2025 an awards ceremony will be held to celebrate the category winners and crown the young writer of the year

How to enter

Send your submissions by email to editor@stalbanstimes co uk

Post your submissions to Write Now, St Albans Times, 26 Clifton Street, St Albans, AL1 3RY

Don’t forget to include your name, age, address, contact information and your school

Contact us

We are here to help! If anything is unclear or you have questions email us at editor@stalbanstimes co uk

POINTAPIECEASTHESAINTSFAILTOCAPITALISEON ATTACKINGOPPORTUNITIESINENFIELDCLASH

The Saints made the trip to The Dave Bryant Stadium for a 3pm Good Friday showdown against Enfield Town FC (‘The Towners’).

Despite adverse travel conditions fans travelled in numbers and packed out the away end for this highly anticipated relegation clash – a sell-out crowd

The Saints approached the game on a steady run of form But with just one win against Farnborough, from their last four league outings time was slipping away There was now no margin for error; survival demanded results

For The Towners the stakes were no lower Separated from the Saints by just six points with three games remaining this clash had all the makings of a sixpointer And with Enfield unbeaten in seven – four wins and three draws, they came into the fixture brimming with belief With survival at stake this was a dramatic fight where every point mattered: a clash that could tip the balance for either side

Eager to set the tempo, the Saints came out of the blocks flying Creating two early chances, City looked to seize control from the first whistle

After just three minutes Longe-King played a direct, hopeful long ball from the back His lofted pass sailed over the Towners’ defence, finding Shaun Jeffers in space The Saints’ number 9 was through on goal one-on-one with the keeper, with a golden chance to put City

ahead But unfortunately for the Saints Jeffers miscued his effort, and Joe Wright was able to gather Moments later and City were back on the attack Olly Davis surged down the left wing with pace breezing past his marker before cutting inside onto his right foot

All photos by Jim Standen

With eyes on goal the on-loan Ipswich man rifled a powerful strike towards the near post; but once again Wright was equal to it

Eager to make their fast start pay off, the Saints took the lead with a seismic goal in the 17th minute A torpedo throw by Gio Rasulo bypassed the entire Towners’ back line, finding Zane Banton at the back post The in-form midfielder met the bouncing ball with venom, rifling it home to give City a deserved lead

However in an end to game it didn t take long for the hosts to draw level The Towners launched a ball into the box

With Michael Johnson unable to clear the danger, Cian Dillon was on hand to turn it home and find the equaliser

Both sides had chances to take the lead before the half-time whistle but neither could capitalise on their opportunities

The Towners came close through Jack Bates, who broke through and fired a low strike towards the front post Michael Johnson reacted brilliantly diving to his near post to deny the effort and keep the scores level

For the Saints, it was danger man Olly Davis who nearly made the difference A perfectly weighted lofted pass from Gio Rasulo found the winger in behind But with only Joe Wright to beat Davis’s first touch let him down, allowing Enfield to recover and clear the danger After an end-to-end half, the sides found themselves level at 1-1 going into the break

With stakes so high at the crunch end of the season the second half was a tentative affair The Saints had the opening chance of the half after some good interplay down the left wing between Olly Davis and Zane Banton

Receiving the ball Davis took aim but his shot was weak, and the hosts were able to clear

In the 58th minute, the hosts carved out opportunities of their own First, Jack Bates unleashed a fierce effort from outside the area His powerful shot was well struck but flew whiskers wide of the post

Moments later, Bates was involved again, finding space at the front post to direct a flick on target This time, Michael Johnson was level to the effort producing a sharp save for the Saints

In a bid to change the game Culverhouse turned to his bench with a series of substitutions He brought on Aidan Coyne in place of Alfie Bendle in the 61st minute Then just six minutes later, he introduced Harrison Smith in place of Shaun Jeffers

As the game edged towards its conclusion chances opened up at both ends In the 72nd minute, Ken Charles came close for the Saints following yet another dangerous long throw Rasulo once again the provider, launched a trademark power throw that found Charles on the edge of the box

The Saints forward met it with a well struck effort Arrowing towards the bottom corner he was denied by a superb fingertip save from Joe Wright

The hosts created a late chance of their own as they looked to steal the points at the death After some great interplay, Mickey Parcell played through Bayley Brown

Running through on goal, Brown attempted the chip in what was a heartin-mouth moment for the Saints To their relief his shot sailed just wide of the post After a nail-biting six minutes of additional time the referee blew his whistle In what was an intense relegation clash, the Saints left The Dave Bryant Stadium with a point apiece

Report by Robert Edrop

SALISBURYTENNISCLUB CROWNEDHERTSLTA CLUBOFTHEYEAR2025

Salisbury Tennis Club has been named Herts LTA Club of the Year 2025 in recognition of its remarkable transformation and the community spirit that defines the club.

The accolade celebrates the Fleetville-based club s achievements across all areas of tennis, from grassroots development and coaching to facilities volunteering and community engagement Club chairman Jonathan Watson said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to receive this award It s fantastic recognition of all the great things that have happened at the club in recent years from the new courts and lighting to the incredible commitment of our volunteers and the warm, inclusive community we ’ ve built together Salisbury really is a special little club

Over the past few years, Salisbury Tennis Club has undertaken a major programme of improvements including resurfacing courts, installing new LED floodlights, and enhancing its grounds Beyond the facilities, the club has become a hub for local tennis lovers of all ages and abilities Members support charity events for The OLLIE foundation Mind in Mid Herts and Youth Talk and volunteer their time to help the club thrive

The club’s coaching programme continues to grow, offering opportunities for juniors and adults alike, while its welcoming atmosphere has helped it become an inclusive and community-focused club

Jonathan added: “Thank you to everyone who has supported us members volunteers the committee past and present, and those who kindly nominated the club If you would like to visit Salisbury Tennis Club, St Albans, they are holding their annual Open Day on April 26 from 25pm for juniors and adults to play at the club and meet the coaches You can find the club on Salisbury Avenue or visit their website at https://clubspark lta org uk/SalisburyTennisClub/

BATCHWOODHOPETO BOUNCEBACKAFTER REDBOURNDEFEAT

In a closely contested match, Batchwood Hall Bowling suffered a narrow 79-81 defeat against Redbourn Bowls Club last week.

Despite a strong showing across several rinks and a determined effort throughout the game, Redbourn edged ahead to secure the win by just two shots The friendly match was played in good spirit with both sides displaying impressive skill and sportsmanship

Although disappointed with the result the mixed Batchwood team can take pride in a solid performance on an alien surface and will look to bounce back in their next fixture The Top Rink was John Bell, Beryl Birch and Dave Richardson

Over the Easter weekend Batchwood held two open days for members of the public to try their hand at bowls Both days were well attended; one couple enjoyed it so much they came along on both days!

If you missed the event, the next open day is on Monday May 25 between 2-5pm Please wear flat soled shoes For more information please contact Secretarybatchwoodbc@gmail com or 07957572715

KENCHARLES’HEADERMEANSSAINTSTAKEALLTHREE

POINTSINTHEHERTFORDSHIREDERBY

The penultimate game of the season saw the Saints take on their local rivals Hemel Hempstead in a Hertfordshire derby

Their last match saw the Saints draw 1-1 away to Enfield Town thanks to a strike by Zane Banton early on, but the Saints were soon pegged back to take away the 3 points

In the Saints’ last home game of the season, they found themselves in the relegation zone but were still in with a chance to avoid the drop

The Saints started the game slightly better than their opponents finding some nice positions on the left wing, but the final pass was missing for the Saints to begin with

The first chance did, however, fall to the Tudors 25 minutes in as Brosnan escaped the challenge of James down the left wing He drove into the box and shot across the goal, but went just past the post

Another chance fell to the Tudors a few minutes later as Brosnan again found room on the left wing He got into the Saints area and cut the ball back to Wiltshire, but he couldn’t keep his shot down and it went high over the bar

St Albans finally created their first chance of the game in the 37th minute Brandon Mason escaped down the left wing and swung a beautiful cross which found the head of Jack James, but his header went wide of the left post No more chances occurred for either side as the referee blew the whistle, and the Saints went into the break goalless

The second half continued a similar pattern to the first half Neither side really imposed themselves on the game, and few chances occurred However after a slow start, Ken Charles sprang to life He was played into the Tudors’ box and rifled a shot at the near post, but the keeper saved it well

From the resulting corner Rasulo s cross found the head of Smith, who flicked the ball towards the back post but James

was unable to direct it into the net

The Saints continued their good spell of chances Again, Ken Charles was slipped through into the area and fired a shot at the near post, but got underneath the ball and it went over the bar

Another chance fell for the dominant Saints as Smith almost broke the deadlock with a brilliant free kick fired towards the top right corner, but the keeper tipped the ball over the bar

All photos by Jim Standen

Finally, after all the Saints’ chances, one found the net Harrison Smith found the ball just outside the area and fired a strike at goal His shot ricocheted off the Tudors defender perfectly onto the head of Ken Charles who looped the header into the back of the net

The Saints, with the lead, kept up the pressure and Hemel Hempstead were unable to escape their own half The Tudors in the 89th minute were able to fashion their own chance to worry the Saints supporters, as Davis cut inside from the left wing and curled a strike at goal but Johnson pushed the ball away from danger and the follow-up shot was blocked by the Saints defence for a corner

In added time, there was another scare for the Saints, as a long free kick was launched into the area and missed the onrushing Michael Johnson, but Bendle was there to clear the ball from rolling in an empty net Despite the late pressure, the Saints were able to hold onto their 1-0 lead and push the relegation fight to the final day, where the Saints travel to Truro City

Report by Robert Edrop