The bunting is up and the buzz is palpable as the district gears up for this weekend's Coronation. Whether you're a royalist or a republican, hopefully there will be plenty to entertain over the long bank holiday. Next week's Times will feature extensive coverage of events taking place locally, so if you have any photos you'd like to share please email editor@stalbanstimes.co.uk to ensure they're included in our round-up.
Thanks to everyone who took the time to comment on last week's Mythbusted feature investigating the conspiracy surrounding St Albans Charter Market. It has proved to be one of our most popular articles to date and really cements what we're trying to do as a publication, namely offer independent, insightful and informative local content which cannot be found elsewhere.
This week we speak to the manager of St Albans BID, Vivien Cannon, to lay to rest some of the rumours surrounding the organisation and find out what they've been up to and have planned for the future. There seems to be a real sense of impetus surrounding the new team, so with tourist season upon us let's hope that translates into footfall!
Finally, if you're reading this issue on Thursday and have yet to cast your vote in the district and parish council elections, please try to get to your local polling station and have your say!
Editor MATT ADAMS
Although the acronym is mentioned in connection with various activities within St Albans city centre, there are still some people none the wiser about the remit of St Albans BID (a nationwide abbreviation for Business Improvement District, whether there is a need for improvement or not!), and its relationship with the district council.
In fact, the BID is an umbrella organisation which represents the business community within a defined area of central St Albans They receive a compulsory levy payment of just under £500,000 from their members paying business rates of £12K or more, which they aim to use to support a commercially vibrant, thriving, sustainable and resilient city centre
The BID is not part of SADC and does not receive any grants from the council Neither is it there to replace existing public services, but instead offers something that goes above and beyond what is provided, the “icing on the cake” as it were
This coming visitor season will see a new team at the helm of the organisation - manager Vivien Cannon (pictured) and communications, marketing and destination manager Kate Cohen – offering a fresh start after a degree of controversy in recent years
“People have their own perceptions of what we do, but don’t follow through by asking us directly,” Vivien explained “We’re all about opening up dialogue, empowering and supporting our levy-payers ” This includes answering questions about topics as diverse as licensing, buskers, chuggers and pedestrianisation, but also encouraging businesses to take action themselves, in case there is a time in the future when the BID no longer exists
There is one area which the BID will not be venturing into again, however
“We have no intention of running markets,” Vivien insisted “Our job is to promote the Charter Market as a destination ”
The Inside-Out markets which the BID operated during Covid were designed to give retailers another opportunity to trade under social-distancing restrictions, but met with accusations of undermining the city’s celebrated Charter Market As restrictions lifted, they quietly vanished, along with the BID Rangers who had helped during the pandemic
She also clarified the BID’s stance on city centre road closures: “We’ve got to remain neutral - we ’ re here to facilitate feedback We have QR codes on posters and signage and have messaged businesses directing them to comment We’re not a statutory authority, we ’ re there to advocate and represent, so we have no powers and can’t have a view on issues like this
"We’ve established conversations between Herts county council and businesses pro- and anti-pedestrianisation, and we support a well-run trial, not a half-hearted one, which needed both a winter and summer season to assess the next move ”
The BID also doesn’t receive any cash from the district council to run city centre activities, despite suggestions from some quarters, and actually contributes grants to events - including £30,000 on last year ’ s Jubilee Weekend, Food and Drink Festival and Christmas Cracker - or provides complimentary attractions, such as the court jesters planned for this year ’ s medieval-themed Alban Weekend
What it also does is provide financial aid for initiatives aimed at driving footfall in the city centre – which saw an increase of more than 200K between December ’21 and ’22 – and supporting the business community which remains at the heart of its ethos
This has included £5K for Shop Mobility to maintain their scooters and wheelchairs, £1,500 towards the ShopSafe radio scheme linking retailers to SADC’s CCTV service, Easter and Christmas trails, a choir for Valentine’s weekend, work with local historians to improve the heritage alleyways, and £68,000 on Christmas lights and street decorations.
The St Albans Visitor Guide is distributed to locations within a two-hour drive of the city with a view of attracting day tourists, but also provides a useful guide to residents wanting to know what is going on locally over the course of the year “Local people are just as important to us as visitors,” insisted Vivien “They are our bread and butter, they value our independent businesses and we want to build really good relations with them ”
Some of these residents now sit on the BID board, which is open to anyone who lives and/or works in the city, especially if they can bring skills to the mix which are unrepresented by other members
The current make-up of directors includes Sarah Gillow from Galio jewellers in George Street, Leafy owner Oliver Zissman, former councillor Mandy McNeil and senior Barclays director Paul Bedi
After several years where messages from the BID might have been seen as lacking, the new team aims to promote better communication via newsletters and social media, while also increasing opportunities to meet them face-toface
Vivien added: “St Albans made a good recovery post-Covid, but then businesses were hit with new challenges from Brexit, the war in Ukraine and the cost-of-living crisis, so times are hard again
"But we ’ re looking to the future and want to be responsive to our levy payers, so we can be seen to be delivering on what they appreciate and understand.”
St Albans BID has partnered with Collective Gallery to create a community mural in Drovers Way on the wall of Bar Meze Restaurant It is based on the theme of connection and features many city landmarks and local faces
The additional rate threshold was cut to £125,140 from £150,000 from 6 April, so certain higher earners will see a larger proportion of their salary fall into the highest income tax bracket.
But careful planning can see pension savers reduce their tax bill – and boost their retirement prospects
Some individuals could save up to £81,000 on tax in one year.
Pensions can be particularly valuable for those with earnings above £100,000. If you earn over £100,000 per year the minimum pension tax relief your contribution will get is 45% and for certain individuals it can be as high as 60% Expert, independent advice can help provide clarity
This is one of the areas covered in our free Financial Health Check.
The standard annual allowance for pension contributions has risen from £40,000 to £60,000. Those with an adjusted income above £260,000 will see their annual allowance tapered down to a new minimum threshold of £10,000 For example, someone with earnings of £150,000 could contribute £60,000 to their pension, and achieve total tax savings of £30,000 (including the top-up contributions paid by the government)
Certain individuals may be able to make higher contributions by ‘carrying forward’ unused annual allowances from the three previous tax years You must use the annual allowance in the current tax year first before carrying forward from prior years Carry forward from 2020/21 must be used in the 2023/24 tax year, or it will be permanently lost.
Your pension can be passed on to your children, or other beneficiaries, without being subject to inheritance tax It may be possible to repeat this over several generations, leading to even greater tax savings Pensions passing to beneficiaries before the age of 75 can also be taken free from all income tax
Understanding pensions and complex tax rules can be daunting, but an independent financial adviser can explain complexities and help you fully optimise available tax breaks and allowances as part of an efficient financial plan. Call 03300 564 446 to find out more, or get in touch via our contact form.
A team of Year 8 pupils from Beechwood Park School, Markyate, has been crowned National Champions at the Rotary Club of Great Britain and Ireland’s’ Youth Speaks Competition.
Youth Speaks: A Debate is organised and promoted by Rotary International, and is designed to support and encourage the development of effective communication skills in children aged 11 to 17. Teams of three pupils prepare and deliver a short debate on a topic of their choice in front of an audience.
The Beechwood team, composed of 12-year-old Aidan Burger, Josh Davies and Tommy Hubback, both 13, had fought their way through local, district and regional qualifying rounds, before travelling to the Lawrence Sheriff School in Rugby to take part in the finals.
The Beechwood Team’s topic focused on the monarch and whether or not it should be abolished. Confidently chaired by Aiden, Tommy and Joshua then eloquently and articulately argued for and against this motion, combining a confident delivery and well-reasoned arguments with touches of wit. Despite strong competition from the other schools, the judges were unanimous in their decision that the Beechwood boys should lift the 2023 Intermediate Youth Speaks trophy. Not only did the team win the overall competition, but Aiden was also named Best Chairperson, and Joshua Best Opposer.
From Spider-Man to Star Trek, Conan to the Umbrella Academy, there are stacks of goodies available for this year's Free Comic Book Day.
Chaos City Comics in Heritage Close will be giving away exclusive titles to customers on Saturday from 11am - but only five per person! - while stocks last.
FCBD was created to encourage newbies to explore what's on offer a their local comic shop, and is supported by a host of publishers including Marvel, Image Comics, Boom! Studios, Viz, Kodansha and DC.
gracious, young figure dedicated to God’s service and to ours.”
I’ve been looking at the Coronation souvenirs, Union Jacks, bunting and paper plates on sale in local supermarkets and gift shops – and wondering how much enthusiasm is around for Saturday’s Coronation.
I’ve found myself reflecting on the current mood of the country, and attitudes within it. And how they compare to the Queen’s Coronation in 1953.
Faith groups will be celebrating the Coronation and all it means, and local street parties will mark the event.
Many churches across St Albans and Harpenden will be holding special events and praying for the Royal Family during services. St Albans Cathedral will be live-streaming the Coronation service and procession and has invited people to come along and bring a picnic with them.
But, just a few months ago, I found on sale in a Welwyn Garden City charity shop some magazines from 70 years ago celebrating Queen Elizabeth’s Coronation. It was a real find.
They included a copy of the Radio Times covering the week of the Coronation, and a ‘Coronation Guide Number’ of weekly magazine, ‘Illustrated.’ There were also souvenir post-Coronation editions of the Daily Herald, and Picture Post magazine.
The publications were packed with photographs and articles about the young Queen, and every aspect of the service. The high level of enthusiasm was easy to spot and is backed up by first-hand recollections of the day.
The then Archbishop of Canterbury, Geoffrey Fisher, wrote in Radio Times, “The Coronation gathers together the continuity of our national life, the heritage we have received of Christian character and achievement, the sense of purpose, duty, and aspiration to which we are called – and it links us all to one lovely,
That dedication to service, demonstrated by the Queen throughout her life, was much influenced by her deep Christian faith. But 2023 is very different to 1953, and there have been many changes in our society in those 70 years.
A recent YouGov poll, conducted for the BBC’s Panorama programme, showed just 32 per cent of 18-24 year-olds, and 48 per cent of 25-49 year-olds wanting the monarchy to continue. Across all ages, only 58 per cent were in favour. The research makes tough reading for many royalists, but – given the unpopularity of politicians – it’s hard to think of a candidate that might win universal approval as a head of state. So I shall be praying for King Charles and for Queen Camilla as they step into their new roles. I shall be praying for the pressures that they, and all their family, will face, and also that they will be a unifying force in our nation, committed to serve all parts of the country and everyone living within it.
A Coronation prayer, published by the Church of England, prays that “King Charles and all who are in authority under him may order all things in wisdom and equity, righteousness and peace.” I’ll say Amen to that, and God save the King.
REV PETER CRUMPLER, ASSOCIATE MINISTER AT ST PAUL’S CHURCH IN FLEETVILLE, IS GEARING UP FOR THE NEW KING'S CORONATION.1. Who was the celebrated Harpenden artist who painted both royalty and US Presidents?
2 Which year did Queen Elizabeth 11 visit Rothamsted?
3 Men of the Royal Tank Regiment were billeted in private houses in which road?
a) Station Road
b) Grange Court Road
c) Milton Road
4 There was pub in Lower High Street called Royal ***
5 Princess Diana visited Harpenden True or False
6. The Queen Mother , born in Hertfordshire, often visited Harpenden Was that to
a ) visit friends;
b) go shopping;
c) get a takeaway?
7. Princess Margaret planted an oak tree in 1961 in Batford. Where can it be seen?
8 Queen Elizabeth 1 slept here True or false?
9. When Prince Philip visited Rothamsted in 1953 he enjoyed
a) A tractor ride?
b) Driving a horse-driven plough?
c) A quick whiskey in the cafe?
10 Which organisation owns Bennett's in Leyton Road?
Compiled by St Albans Tour Guides with grateful thanks to Harpenden Local History Society for the information. All the answers are on the HLHS website and in next week's magazine Want to know more? Why not join the guided walk of Harpenden on Saturday June 11th and Sunday September 9th? Check these websites for details of booking stalbanstourguides co uk, harpendenhistory org uk
It is almost three months since we launched the St Albans Times and in that time it has swiftly built up a reputation for challenging the establishment, offering controversial opinions, setting a new standard for community-led journalism, and providing in-depth analysis of issues which affect us all - but this is only the beginning of our journey...
Some of the comments received so far:
“May I congratulate you on your simply incredible new voice of St Albans and its fabulous district. Very, very well done. Only criticism, the articles are so deliciously rich, I'm going to arrive late at my breakfast meeting... in fact, late for every Thursday morning meeting from now on!" - Herts County Council Chairman Annie Brewster
"Exactly the kind of news I like to read about our city " - Lee Wood, St Albans Sustainability Festival
"Well done on the Times, it's a good read." - national journalist and author Alex Johnson
There is a saying that everyone has a book in them. However, for many people life and self-doubt get in the way of realising a dream. Well, we can all be inspired by local crime author Heather Critchlow who after years of honing her craft alongside her day job in business journalism, not to mention being a busy mother, now celebrates the launch of her first published book 'Unsolved'.
This is a gripping tale of two women who disappeared 35 years ago and the investigation into their cases by true crime podcaster Cal Lovett. I love crime fiction at the best of times and this extremely wellcrafted book has highlighted that I need to try new releases alongside the classics. As well as being an intriguing page-turner the story has an extremely relatable main character in Cal. There is always something appealing about an ordinary person solving a crime – it thrusts the reader into co-detective role, something that can be missing from a police crime novel.
The book also taps in well to the current phenomena of true-crime podcasts. Heather explained:“In 2014 there was an early true crime podcast called ‘Serial’ which my husband and I became hooked on.
"After this, I developed a particular interest in the true crime podcasts exploring cases that had long since left the public eye yet were still preying on the minds of the families involved. Suddenly these cases had captive audiences who were looking at old crimes through new eyes. In fact, 'Serial' led to the release of Adnan Syed who had been wrongly convicted of murder.
"I started thinking about the podcasters themselves and what motivates them to get so immersed in a case and it was this imagining that led me to create Cal, my lead character.”
In the novel, Cal, who is experiencing both domestic and professional problems, takes on a cold case which leads him to rural Aberdeenshire, where Heather
herself grew up. He soon realises that the disappearance case he thought he was investigating might in fact be murder... When studying history and latterly social sciences at Cambridge, Heather took a module in criminology and soon developed an interest in social issues, human behaviour and sibling relationships. This knowledge combined with Heather’s passion for the theme and the setting really shines through in her writing. I asked her how she balanced being true to herself as a writer against writing something that she knew would sell.
“Writing to sell wouldn’t work,” she answered quickly. “The market moves so much. You should write about what you want to but it helps to keep an eye on the market.”
I wondered if she had any more tips for aspiring crime writers?
“Actually, I didn’t initially see myself as a crime writer,” she admitted. “It was obvious to other people even though it wasn’t to me!”
Author Heather Critchlow and (inset) her debut novel 'Unsolved'.She continued: “I recognised that I needed help with structure and pace so I did a writing course in London about five years ago and have stayed in touch with a group of fellow writers.
"We support and challenge each other and it’s a really helpful group so I’d recommend finding a network of people who understand. Also, it’s important to acknowledge what stage you are at in your writing and what you can reasonably cope with. Generally, you just need to write a lot and learn to edit your work."
As well as her professional circle Heather receives considerable support from her two “cheerleader” children Rachel and Adam, as well as husband Will.
As an entrepreneur, Will understands Heather’s writer-bravery and in fact they have taken it in turns to help each other through riskier moments in their careers. Many creative people struggle with worklife balance and I wondered how Heather manages it.
“The good thing about writing is that you can do it a bit at a time, in whatever time or space you have available,” she said. “I usually try to write 1,000 words a day but this might be in a coffee shop or even in the car!
"I also like having my day job (business writing) – it’s an important part of my identity and it’s less subjective than creative writing."
As always, I moved on to the question ‘What do you love about St Albans?’ Heather answered:“Having grown up in the countryside, I really like the fact that
within minutes you can be in open fields and yet have the benefit of being in a small city that has a lot going on. "Especially with a career like writing when you can spend long periods locked in your own head, it’s great to be able to go for a run or walk the dog and bump into people."
Heather has already finished the second book in the Cal Lovett series which is due to be published in January next year and is about to start writing the third. She has also had her short stories published in crime anthologies 'Afraid of the Light', 'Afraid of the Christmas Light'
and 'Afraid of the Shadows', a project where all authors donated the proceeds to charity.
This is testament to the kind, gentle person that Heather is and it is rewarding to see her succeed after working so hard to fine tune her writing style. Resilience is so important as a writer and indeed Heather had two books rejected before she struck gold with this one. It’s an inspiring situation. “I wanted my children to be proud of me,” said Heather “And to see that it is worth being brave." 'Unsolved' is a gripping, suspenseful debut novel which is available from May 11.
Free Entry | Tours | Café | Shop
Immerse yourself in 1700 years of history.
From Britain’s longest nave and a stunning collection of medieval wall paintings, to an interactive exhibition and two beautifully restored medieval shrines, all in the heart of St Albans.
Open daily 8.30am to 5.30pm
www.stalbanscathedral.org
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Emma Kosh is an Interior Designer and award winning Designer on CBBC's The Dengineers. Emma has a passion for creating one of a kind Interiors and Empowering people to celebrate their Uniqueness through design. She joins us to share her thoughts on Home and Interior Style.
Bathrooms have long been easy-to- clean practical spaces to do all the practical things our bodies require. This clinical vibe has seen every bathroom suite turned white and the very soul sucked from a room that I believe offers another opportunity to inject style and personality in your home.
Wallpaper in a bathroom is now a possibility due to the developments in self adhesive wallpapers that have a Matt look but are essentially sticky back plastic. Many are antibacterial and all are splashproof/wipe clean so incredibly easy to maintain. There are styles to suit every personality and budget and couldn't be easier to apply- peel and stick. They are a great option to brighten up rental bathrooms too as removable.
I have used regular wallpaper in both of my bathrooms, I applied a coat of Decorators varnish over the top to make it more durable and resistant to moisture. Decorators varnish - sometimes called 'Decorators Scumble' is widely available and easy to apply but test on a sample piece first. Pictured brand is Polyvine and is available in three finishes.
PHOTO BONNIEBOLDWALLPAPER ON ETSY
PHOTO HILLTOWNHOUSE.COM
The image on the right shows an acrylic panel that can be used as a replacement for tiles in showers, behind baths and sinks. They are 100% waterproof and because they come in custom sizes in one piece they are easy to fit over existing tiles and a lot less labour intensive that retiling. They are super easy to keep clean and really pack a punch style wise. The one pictured is from rocksaltprints.com. They have many styles from simple white marble to bold and playful so have a look or google 'acrylic shower panels' and slip into that wipe clean rabbit hole of the internet.
Think creatively about where to place the wallpaper - like in the image on the left you can combine plain bathroom fittings with beautiful wallpaper to create stunning effects. I absolutely love how it looks like the fish are swimming around in the 'tank' which is actually a basic shower cubicle. Protecting the wallpaper from water with a little innovative thinking.
Haveyoueverwonderedwhyyourrivalssucceedin securingmediacoverageandyourcompanynever getsalook-in?
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It’simpossibleforanybusinesstoignoretheneedfora strongmediapresence,butactuallyachievingthis goalisbestlefttotheexperts,qualified-professionals whounderstandhowtobeattheforefrontofthenews agendaandreachthewidestaudiencepossible.
WorkingalongsidetheStAlbansTimes,StAlbans MediaPartnershipoffersbespokemediatrainingby qualifiedjournalistswhoknowthelocalmarketplace andhowtoattractreaders.
Weareexperiencedindamagecontrolandmanaging badnews,andwecanshowyouhowtoturneventhe driestannouncementintoapressreleasewhichsings.
A St Albans church will be hosting an evening on artificial intelligence (AI) at 7pm on Sunday May 7, looking at the benefits and challenges of the fastdeveloping new technology.
St Paul’s Church in Blandford Road, Fleetville, has organised the event – called ‘AI – gift or danger?’ – as a chance to look at the way AI could change the world. Rev Peter Crumpler, associate minister, explained: “There are so many stories around about how AI could take over people’s jobs and maybe, in time, become some of kind of ‘out-of-control’ technology.
“We’d like to try and sort out the science fiction from the known facts, help us all understand what AI is all about and look at the issues that it raises.”
The event will include a presentation by Canon Tim Bull, of St Albans Cathedral, a Christian communicator with doctorates in both Computer Science and Theology, and an interview with Nigel Kingsman, a member of the St Paul’s congregation, who works in AI risk management.
All welcome. Admission free.
ACTING,DIRECTING,BUILDING,MAKING,PAINTING,LIGHTING, SERVING,WRITING,MARKETING,WATCHING–ANDSOMUCH MORE.WHATEVERYOURINTERESTINTHEATRE,THECOMPANY OFTENHASANOPPORTUNITYFORYOU.
YOU’LLFINDUSATTHEABBEYTHEATRE,NEXTTOWESTMINSTER LODGELEISURECENTRE.
NEWMEMBERSALWAYSWELCOME, NOEXPERIENCENECESSARY.
Hertfordshire ME/CFS Support Group will be supporting ME Awareness Week and the #MillionsMissing campaign running throughout May. They will be displaying information and creative work by members expressing life with ME, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and long Covid on the railings of St Albans Museum + Gallery from May 9.
There will also be a stall at St Albans Art Market on Sunday May 14 where some members will be selling artwork and raising money and awareness for the group.
The group is keen to become more visible in our community, get their voices heard and campaign for more research and better treatment.
ME is a very isolating illness. Those severely affected are unable to leave their bed and the majority of sufferers are unable to work and experience symptoms including debilitating fatigue, feeling very ill and weak, cognitive dysfunction, difficulty standing upright, flu like feeling, sensitivity to light and sound, digestive issues, food intolerances and much more.
The number of people with ME is rising fast due to long Covid as many patients diagnosed will experience Post Exertional Malaise (PEM) which meets the criteria for diagnosing ME, or as it is also known, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. This means millions more people will be experiencing this debilitating illness. Find out more at www.hertsmecfs.org
IN-FILLDEVELOPMENTPROGRESSES HOUSING>
Darlish is back! The luxury ice cream shop has taken over a vacant unit at Christopher Place Shopping Centre, and opened for business on Saturday
If you haven't sampled their wares before then check out some mouthwatering flavours inspired by natural botanicals and the magical flavours of the Middle East Together with the delicious range of ice creams sold by Verdi's in Clarence Park we really are spoilt for choice come summer
ATOUCHOFITALYINFRENCHROW
The custom installation was the work of I Want Plants, and totally transforms that stretch of the historic throughfare Bellísimo!
This week, as the nation eagerly prepares for the Coronation of our revered monarch, there is no better way to celebrate this historic event than with a glass or two of English sparkling wine
Over the past decade, English sparkling wine has soared to remarkable heights, earning global recognition for its exceptional quality and unique terroir In this article, I explore the finest English sparkling wines, including Raimes Classic Cuvée, Roebuck Classic Cuvée, Nyetimber Blanc de Blancs 2014, and Hattingley King's Cuvée, and how they
can add a touch of elegance to the momentous occasion of the King's Coronation And for those of you who could not give two hoots about the Coronation, please do read on, you can switch off the TV, put down the newspaper, pop the cork on these beauties and toast another three-day weekend!
My interest and now love of English sparkling wines started during those awful Covid lockdowns
Pre-Covid lockdowns we would head to France during the summer holidays and enjoy many sunny evenings tasting copious amounts of French
wine and champagne However, Covid forced us into a number of staycations in the South of England and during those trips we came across a vast number of excellent English vineyards Since then, everywhere I go, both physically and virtually, I cannot escape the huge growth and popularity of English Wines – even Oz Clarke invested his time in publishing a book on English wines
English sparkling wine has captured the attention of many wine enthusiasts, and its allure lies in its striking resemblance to Champagne With a nod to tradition, it uses the
and employs the esteemed "traditional method" of production In this method, the wine undergoes a second fermentation within the bottle, resulting in those delightful bubbles that tantalize the palate As the wine ages gracefully on the yeast, it acquires a delightful character reminiscent of buttery brioche And that’s not all, the vineyards of English wine flourish in the verdant soils of the South Downs, rich in chalk, they bear an uncanny resemblance to the revered Champagne region of France.
I have chosen four English sparkling wines, and tried to include some less well known, but absolutely stand out wines
Raimes Single Vineyard Classic Cuvée (2018 Vintage, £34 from www.raimes.co.uk)
Founded by the Raimes family, the vineyard has been nurtured with
passion and dedication since its establishment. Their grapes are handpicked selecting the ripest and best quality They are then taken to the winery and pressed within a few hours very gently.
The wine displays vibrant notes of ripe orchard fruits, such as apple and pear, accompanied by subtle hints of citrus and a delicate floral bouquet. The fine acidity provides a refreshing backbone, while the extended time on the lees imparts a captivating depth and complexity. This wine was also awarded a Silver Medal at the 2022 London Wine Competition
Roebuck Classic Cuvée 2016 (£38 www.roebuckestates.co.uk)
Roebuck has stormed onto the English wine scene and has made heads turn since 2020 when it won the Platinum Medal and Best in Show at Decanter's annual awards for its 2014 Classic Cuvee
Sourcing its fruit from four prime sites in Sussex - the oldest of which were planted in 2006 in the Upperton vineyard, just outside Petworth, the producer is setting its sights on England's top spot.
Carefully selected bunches of the three grape types are harvested by hand and fermented in the finest Burgundian oak barrels and bottleaged for a minimum of 36 months adding richness and complexity to their flagship cuvée This 2016 vintage is also an award winner, receiving a silver award from Decanter in 2022 It is bursting with aromas of green apple and citrus fruit, and on the palette the stone fruit flavours are layered with a biscuity richness and a long finish
Nyetimber Blanc de Blancs 2014 (£41 from The Wine Society, Stevenage)
Nyetimber, a trailblazer in the English sparkling wine scene, consistently sets
the bar high with their remarkable offerings The Blanc de Blancs 2014 is a standout example, made exclusively from Chardonnay grapes sourced from their pristine vineyards in West Sussex and Hampshire. With its pale golden hue and fine bubbles, this wine exudes an air of elegance
Its citrusy aromas, complemented by delicate floral and pastry notes, create a sensory experience fit for a royal celebration
The Nyetimber Blanc de Blancs 2014 is sure to add a regal touch to the Coronation festivities
A delicious sparkling wine that would give many Champagnes a run for their money If you have the patience, this will certainly develop into something more exciting with a few more years in the cellar.
If not, it is an absolute joy to drink now
Hattingley King's Cuvée 2015 (2015 vintage available at £85 from www hattingleyvalley com)
For something extra special to celebrate the Coronation, the Kings Cuvee 2015 is the perfect choice, created by blending a few select barrels of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier.
Kings Cuvée is a vintage wine made in extremely limited quantities It is unique for Hattingley - and for most sparkling wines - in that the base wine is 100% barrel fermented in old Burgundy oak barrels using only the best parcels of carefully selected fruit Typically, with a minimum of six months in barrel and then a minimum of four years on lees in bottle this wine has a rich character with developed fruit flavours, toast and smoke complemented by a luxurious texture and depth to the flavour profiles
Before you ask, this has nothing to do with royalty - It is actually named after Kings Farm which is the farm that makes up the rest of the Hattingley estate. The Kings was originally a bit of an accident, a random barrel was overlooked from the first vintage, and no one knew exactly which grapes were inside. As the wine had been inside the barrel for more than twice the length as the other ones, no one was quite sure how it would taste, as luck would have it, it was fantastic and they now make this every year, vintage permitting So, whether you are celebrating the Coronation, or just another long weekend, be sure to pop the cork on some of our amazing English sparkling wines
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A thought process that I’ve come across a lot in my work is that of the belief that other people have “got it worse than me” therefore I shouldn’t complain, or conversely my suffering is so much worse than others so I should get so much more attention and sympathy than others.
This thinking can then lead to a kind of triaging where we rank the urgency and validity of our pain and the pain of others.
I’m not by any means suggesting that there isn’t a spectrum of suffering in the world - some people’s situation is clearly markedly worse than others; what I do question is how helpful this way of thinking is.
To give an example, I was talking recently with someone about birth trauma and the effects of this on men.
Often quite rightly the focus is on the mother, but the father, grandparents and even siblings can be overlooked suggesting that resources such as compassion and empathy are in short supply and that we have to ration them to the highest priority rather than recognise that everyone’s pain is valid and worthy of support.
This person is understandably struggling, and so this other person! Fathers feel too!
We see this often in supporting the bereaved, namely that the individual as well as the world around them is tempted to compare which bereavement is worse or better and that society at large can rank them overtly.
This is also done covertly where regard to how much compassion is given depending on where the loss is on this invisible league table? Consider bereavement leave policieshow much compassionate leave are you entitled to if your best friend dies or your dog?
This also happens on a larger scale with subgroups of society where there can be tensions regarding which group is the most oppressed or victimised, who are the most marginalised, therefore what groups needs should be prioritised above all others?
This starts to sound like sibling rivalry when resources are scarce.
“Please give to me because I’m more deserving!”
If we are short on the emotional resources to care, if we are finding it hard to love our fellow human being then maybe there is some work to do on what is going on for us?
Are we choosing to cut off our humanity for this person or that group, and what is that about?
Do we feel threatened by them and so we need to protect ourselves?
When is it difficult for you to love?
Often the people that are most difficult to love are the ones that need it most, admittedly we might need some boundaries in place so that we don’t get hurt!
Again, what might it be like to say that we all have needs and can we look at hearing everyone out and do what we can to support all those that we are able to?
In groups I often hear people say “What’s going on for me is nothing compared to what’s going on for others in the group!” If we get rid of the idea of some kind of hierarchy then we can make space for everyone’s experience. Everyone is worthy of attention.
Family | Community | St Albans
It's time to celebrate! Another Bank Holiday and four day week, as well as the Coronation of His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen . Here is my round-up...
Saturday 6th May - The Coronation
www.stalbansmums.com
ST ALBANS MUSEUM + GALLERY
11.00 - 5.00PM
St Albans will have live entertainment throughout St Peters Street and the market including this drop in activity to create your own Coronation Crown.
ST
FROM 10.00AM
Watch the Coronation in the nave of the Cathedral followed by a bring-your-own lunch and cash bar. Evensong will be sung by the Cathedral choir at 5pm. Admission is free, donations welcome.
Sunday 7th May - The Big Lunch
3.00 - 10.00PM
There will be live music, a big screen showing highlights of the Coronation, activities, food and drink stalls and a fireworks finale.
Everyone is welcome and the event is free.
Neighbours and communities are invited to share food and fun together!
The Big Coronation Party on Redbourn Common is from 4pm to 8pm, including a funfair and live music with residents asked to bring their own picnic and drinks.
London Colney Big Lunch, with musical entertainment and a fancy dress competition, at the Caledon Community Centre. Tickets for the lunch are on sale at £7 per person
Karen Snook Family Blogger
ALBANS CATHEDRAL
GREENWOOD PARK
Lend a hand. Make a change. This is a day to celebrate the work of charities, voluntary groups and schools. Visit the website https://www.thebighelpout.com/ for more information and local groups and see how you and your family can help out.
The Girl Guides
The Girl Guides will have a stall on the concourse, outside the library, planting and giving out flowers as an act of kindness and will highlight their community work.
The Quadrant
Volunteers play a significant role in charity shop operations. Trial out as a volunteer to raise vital funds to help support and campaigning for the elderly.
Various locations and times
St Albans Cathedral from 10.30am
Redbourne Parish Centre car park from 10.30am
We ask a different figure from the local community to choose 10 questions to answer from a list of 50. This week: the landlady of the Farmer's Boy, Ros Kintu.
Who is your favourite St Albans musician or band?
Being an avid music fan, it has to be The Zombies. Having started making records in the '60s and still touring today, you've got to take your hat off to them. Their first single, 'She's Not There', has a timeless quality that sounds as good today as it ever did! Eminem even covered probably my favourite Zombies track, 'Time of the Season'. Local legend Jim Rodford played and toured with them for many years and his son Steve still carries on the family tradition...
CD, vinyl, download or streaming?
I've never been into downloading or streaming, though the rest of the family do. I used to have an amazing vinyl collection, which sadly was streamlined down with various house moves, and I now no longer have. Hindsight is a wonderful thing, some of them would have been worth a lot of money now. I've also streamlined my CD collection over the years due to limited space, and wish cars still had CD players as standard. Last year I treated myself to one for home, and play one of my favourite CDs whilst doing my housework!
What is your most-missed St Albans shop, pub, café or restaurant?
Harry Smith's Wine Bar. I used to love their happy hour from 5-7 on a Monday to Friday, and frequented it often. Made lots of good friends there, and have memories of fantastic times.
Odyssey or Netflix?
Odyssey, obviously... it's got to be the coolest cinema in the world!
Dogs or cats?
It's got to be cats every time As many have said, "you don't own a cat, it owns you", which is so true. Superior creatures in so many ways: independent, can take themselves out for walks, bury their poo and wash themselves at least nine times a day...
What's the first thing you do after you've woken up in the morning?
A cup of strong black coffee from my Nespresso machine. Then another cup, and if I'm not in a hurry possibly another...
How long would you survive a zombie apocalypse?
I asked my husband Doug this question, and he thinks we would survive as apparently he would hit them all over the head with a cricket bat and then seek shelter in our nearest pub, The Farmer's Boy, like they did in Shaun of the Dead.
What’s your favourite St Albans pub?
There are so many fantastic pubs in St Albans, we are spoilt for choice. I obviously am a little biased, but The Farmer's Boy is my favourite one! The garden's covered and heated, and if it's a music night, you can be sure it will be of a high standard. The specialist craft beer offers possibly the best choice in town, and above all it has always felt like a safe pub for women by themselves to go to.
Do you speak any foreign languages?
I am rubbish at learning languages! My mum was fluent in French and wanted me to be too. Despite having French lessons from the age of seven and lessons with a neighbour who was French, I failed my GCSE. At school as well as French, we were taught Ancient Greek from age 11. I can remember, and will never forget, one phrase: "Pathemata Mathemata", which means learning through pain and suffering!
Wednesday or Saturday market??
It's got to be both. People come from miles around to our market, we are renowned for it. Donovan even sang about it: "On a windy Saturday, St Albans market day..."
People come from miles around to our market, we are renowned for it. Donovan even sang about it: "On a windy Saturday, St Albans market
Two years after starting work in a leading city stockbrokers, I jacked it all in for a career in journalism which has lasted almost 30 years
I was looking for a vocation which I felt could make a difference, instead of padding out the bank accounts of super-rich investors, and haven’t regretted it for a second.
Back then it was far less common for people to switch careers, with “lifers” often found approaching retirement in the same trade or company where they had started working as an apprentice
Nowadays we find the situation has reversed, with people of all ages choosing to do something different and embracing the challenges of entirely different jobs We spoke to a selection of local individuals to find out why they had made the move
From the stage to the kitchen St Albans Times columnist Elena Hogg, founder of catering company FOOD By Elena, came from a background as an actor and singer
“After completing a regular degree, I applied to the London School of Musical Theatre to do a one-year vocational course After graduating, I was lucky enough to sign an agent and began touring with small theatre companies across the UK. I also worked at lot at London fringe venues
“Whilst I auditioned regularly for West End roles, and even got down to the last two for Phantom’s ‘Madame Giry’, I was never quite lucky enough to land a big role Probably one of my most exciting jobs was the lead for the resident theatre company on a huge cruise ship "The theatre capacity was 3,000 and the stage was amazing – revolving, rising, lowering, tilting – you name it!”
But on a practical basis, Elena eventually found it tiresome never knowing where or when her next job might be
She explained: “There was a lot of living out of a suitcase, with tours taking me all over the place, and I remember not being able to ever book holidays unless they were lastminute ones, because you would never know if you might land a job that would then clash Pay was also extremely low most of the time.
“On a psychological level, I became very jaded because there’s a lot of rejection in the performing arts "You develop a thick skin, because it’s not really an indictment of your ability or talent, but it does get wearying.
“I realised over the course of a year or so that, having got married and having started thinking about moving away from London to start a family, auditioning was no longer my priority ”
Before setting up her catering business, Elena had always loved cooking for friends and family, finding giving pleasure through food hugely rewarding. Eventually, after delays caused by having children and the pandemic, she decided to take the plunge and expand her love of feeding people into a profession. The transition did not prove as difficult as one might imagine “There is hygiene and food safety training that needs to be done, but the courses are online and I was able to learn everything in a week The culinary side of things I’d been doing for decades anyway, just not professionally!”
So what is it about her new job that brings the most satisfaction? “As much as this makes me sound ultraegocentric, it’s when people tell me how delicious my food is, and how happy their guests were eating it, that I glow inside
“My first career involved performing on stage, so it’s not a shock I still want to ‘perform’ and be applauded, in some capacity I find that deeply satisfying I’m aware I sound like a real show-off!”
She offered advice from her own experiences of switching careers: “I certainly understand the fear there is in change, which puts a lot of people off trying something new People’s individual circumstances affect how much risk they can afford to take in changing career, too
“So whilst I wouldn’t want to flippantly urge everyone to throw caution to the wind, I would say don’t allow fear alone to hold you back, because they say that you regret what you don’t do far more than what you do do.”
Jessica Chattrabhuti was an operator at a global shipbroking company, in charge of operating more than 30 ships at a time, transporting commodities such as grain, coal, steel, bauxite and wood chips
She was working up to 80 hours a week and always on call 24/7, which did not prove easily compatible with raising a young family, so started a new career as a personal trainer
“It would have meant I wouldn't have been able to spend much time with my first baby, leaving for work at 7.30am and only returning after 6.30pm. The childcare cost would also have made it unprofitable for me to go back ”
Having always wanted to work in the fitness industry, Jess did her base qualification while working in her corporate role.
“After my first son was born I was chatting with an instructor - who is now a very close friend - in our local gym and decided to qualify as a spin instructor, which with completion and lots of shadowing him and another instructor friend helped me into teaching classes.
“I undertook a lot of courses, some before and or during maternity leave and others while I already started working in my new career. ”
Her new career has not only improved her work-life balance, but brings her much more satisfaction
“ I enjoy helping others to improve their fitness/strength and wellbeing Seeing them getting stronger and feeling better mentally and physically brings me absolute joy.
“Now with two children I am able to do school and nursery drop-offs and pick-ups and take them to afterschool activities, as well as spending time with the youngest when he is not in nursery ”
She offered her own advice on taking the plunge into a new career: “I’d advise researching and networking with others that already work in the industry you would like to change into Go and shadow people, as you can learn so much about the job and can take tips and tricks with you on your journey.”
(Above) Elena Hogg and (below) Jessica Chattrabhuti
At the end of 2015, Stuart Beck had spent 16 years working for a London-based financial services company, progressing from a technical support position through account management and finally into marketing, but he craved more creativity.
“For someone who prefers the mountains and nature to city life, I felt a little at odds in an industry that I could only describe as a bit nerdy, but also technically challenging On the flip side it was a long-standing firm that was almost like a family run business, unlike the many other stiff financial institutions of that time It was also a surprisingly humourous environment during the early time I was there Lots of laughter, banter and a ton of partying, aided by the fact the office was located bang in the middle of Shoreditch.
“When you compare it to today’s working environment, I would describe the first several years as working in the Wild Wild West! For all that, it actually kept me going because I didn’t have any feelings for the actual industry
“I have even less now, when you realise how much the world is weighted towards wealth management, because that solves the world’s problems right? Hence we take little care of all our public-related services and our planet that should benefit the majority, in favour of wealth creation for the minority whilst the government pedal the same old story, we will buy our way out of another crisis by spending more money!
“I think the crisis is with humanity and that was the disillusionment on my side, not just that fact I was in the wrong job.”
After the company he worked for was purchased by an equity firm, he found the change brought out the worst in people and the new owners treated it as little more than a commodity to dress up and sell for profit
“In all honesty, I never wanted to work there in the first place and as things deteriorated I became more disgruntled by the environment I was working in and also at myself for not knowing what I wanted to do instead.
“On the upside, I met my partner of now 21 years at the firm, and we spent every bit of our holiday time travelling in backpacker style around the world, even managing two sabbaticals along the way for some really long road trips
“In the end I requested the opportunity for redundancy and when it was eventually offered, I grabbed it with open arms and fled!”
Stuart was 48 His partner had also taken redundancy and they had a six month old baby girl to look after But although he still had no idea what he should be doing with his life, he considered it an open book and a positive opportunity
“I know from experience that life can be short and so quality of life was important
"I just wanted to find one thing that I could get paid for that felt like there was some sort of calling for me to do it," he confessed
“I took on numerous home and garden projects for people because I have always been very hands-on as a DIY person. I also worked in a business that made furniture for a while and all the time I kept thinking about my hobby of painting and the more I thought about it, the more it became a rational idea. Can I become an artist
"Eventually I realised I simply didn’t have any other ideas where I could work and be happy at the same time In 2018 I began the process of doing the things that you need to do to become an artist.”
Although he had been painting for a hobby for a long time, turning professional meant allowing his natural feel for abstract art to emerge, and to do so with intent and confidence in a way that was both presentable and saleable.
“To be successful as an artist is to find your audience and build up that audience over time It is your audience that decides on how successful you are, as much as it is how successful you are at finding your audience Of course none of this is ever that easy, unless you know the right people or get very, very lucky!
“Painting and selling my work just feels right The creative process always has ups and downs and that is how it is supposed to work A bit like life, it can’t be
amazing all of the time, otherwise how would you know when it is good?
“Selling the work is the stamp of approval, the payday and coming together with really nice people of whom are happy to share their enthusiasm for what you do, with you. It is amazing and I can’t express it in words any more than that It isn’t something I have ever experienced as an employee in the many, many jobs I have had over the years ”
Being made redundant provided Stuart with an opportunity to pause and consider priorities for himself, his partner and their little girl, blessing them with the opportunity to spend valuable time with her during her first seven years
“It is difficult to express how meaningful that is, but I can say it feels like a hugely significant achievement in our life It hasn’t come without sacrifice, but it is with gratitude that we were able to see forward enough to know what was most important at the time and act accordingly
“I finally found my calling and when the work is flowing, it’s brilliant There are also times when I don’t know when or where my next pay cheque will come in, but we find new things to keep us going and life is not dull or regimented or controlled by anyone else ”
From producing to plaiting Annis Waugh is the founder of Braid Maidens, offering classes teaching how to braid hair, a venture which has seen her appear on This Morning and BBC News, in The Washington Post and Rob Beckett and Josh Widdicombe’s podcast Parenting Hell. Before this she had what she described as “ a very squiggly career ”
“I studied broadcast journalism with sociology, politics and law and started out in TV production working on Big Brother, Robot Wars and other early noughties shows. “Wanting a non-freelance life, I went into medical sales (so not me!) and recruitment, then back into production as a digital advertising producer which was a riot, and I started my own recruitment business after I had my daughter.
“After my second maternity leave I needed even greater flexibility I saw an entrepreneur, Shaa Wasmund, do a talk about creating online courses and found her story so inspiring I signed up for her course and wrote/made courses for entrepreneurs. It wasn’t what I hoped for financially and after a couple of years I applied for a job with Shaa herself I didn’t get the job I applied for (thankfully) but instead I became her podcast producer and worked on her course content ”
With all her previous jobs, Annis felt she ended up putting a huge amount of effort into other people’s success and careers instead of looking after her own She suggests this is why every few years she would have a complete change of role, as she wasn’t personally fulfilled by what she was doing.
“It was actually my husband who called it and said, ‘When are you going to stop spending all your energy making other people look good and spend it on yourself?’
I’d never really felt brave enough before but after working for brave and irreverent people for years –some of it had finally rubbed off!”
Annis had first had the idea for Braid Maidens five years before, but hadn’t done anything serious with the idea. She booked a few workshops just before lockdown but then had to cancel and found herself back at square one But as a parting gift, Shaa gave her a place on her femaleonly business retreat, where she had an epiphany
“On the retreat someone asked me how I’d feel if someone else did my idea I felt a HUGE pang of jealousy and within two weeks had organised my first class and that was that
“Just ask yourself how you’d feel if you saw someone having great success doing the thing you really want to do If it moves you enough, you’ll do something about it Also
it’s not the 1960s, we don’t have jobs for life anymore. If it doesn’t work out, there will be other opportunities If you don’t believe me, look me up on LinkedIn.”
Her new career has not only provided that personal fulfilment she had unconsciously been searching for, it has proved both satisfying and challenging in a way her
other roles failed to achieve.
“I’ve been learning on the job since the day I started I’ve taught myself how to teach braiding, not just to be able to braid, and every class and every student or braiding client teaches me something That ticks a lot of boxes for me
“I also choose the hours I work and it generally works around term times which is what we need as a family But, because it is my business I do the classes, generate all the ideas, social media, bookings, EVERYTHING, so it’s hard to switch off from it
“If we go away I try to have a few days entirely off social and emails Plus I always have an Out Of Office on so that I can manage expectations and not feel like I have to reply at all hours I’m a mum, I send messages and emails after the kids are asleep too but I don’t want people to expect a reply at 11pm.
“I had a student recently called Russ He came into the class and looked a bit freaked out He’s not the first and he won’t be the last He said: ‘This is SO WEIRD ’ He had no experience with hair at all and his daughter doesn’t like having it done. He eventually got into it and really applied himself
“At the end of the class he was so happy with his skills and progress. “This is THE NUTS!” he shouted.
“The next day I got a picture of a ponytail into a plait from the school run. It was a win on so many levels for him; him as a dad, for his daughter For his partner THAT gives me a lot of satisfaction Seeing people leave with confidence and new skills is so uplifting!”
The cases both for and against the Monarchy are well-rehearsed.
Monarchs are popular with the public. 60% of people polled recently are in favour of having a Monarchy, with only 25% in favour of an elected head of state. Support is highest in the over 65s, with 78% in favour compared with only 32% of those aged 18 to 24. Monarchs and their heirs have considerable soft power, which enhance Britain’s political influence, trading relationships and make us more secure in an uncertain world. This was evidenced recently in in a hugely successful state visit to Germany. The Monarchy is estimated to generate £150m worth of trade for the UK annually and the net gain for the UK economy when income from the Crown Estate and tourism is included is estimated at £1.8B per annum.
The Monarch also represents a living link to ‘our island story’ and acts as a focus for our national identity and pride in our country.
The arguments against the Monarch are also clear.
It is costly, costing £102.4m in 2021/2 and many people who are struggling to buy food may ask why it is needed.
Couldn’t that money be put to better use? It also seems anti-democratic and unequal to have a hereditary leader at the top of politics, religion and the military, even if they have limited actual decision-making power. Monarchs are unaccountable to the people for their actions, despite the King being probably the most scrutinised person in the country. Wouldn’t it be better to have an elected head of state?
The question alone shows that republicans share the deep human need to have a single, representative leader. In the absence of a Monarch, who would take the role? Most probably, it would be a choice between the main political party’s candidates, who are most likely to be senior politicians that their parties would like to reward in their retirements or remove from front line politics. Tony Blair? Jeremy Corbyn? Boris Johnson?
Looking at other countries and a passing glance at history, makes it clear that most countries are controlled by a single leader, and that it can be difficult to get rid of a ‘dear leader’ once they are in power. The Americans are still suffering from the fallout from a leader who called foul on the election which ousted him.
A hereditary, constitutional Monarchy can protect democracy. The military take their orders from Parliament but are led by the King. It would be difficult for a UK politician to take over the military. Every Prime Minister and Minister knows they are only temporary place holders and importantly, so do the public. The Monarch sits at the heart of the democratic process and helps ensure legal democratic election processes and a smooth hand over of power.
So, enjoy the Coronation on Saturday, and rejoice in having a stable and enduring form of government. Monarchy is our longest running soap and this next episode will be a spectacular show. God save the King.
It feels a little bit like the beginning of a duckling to swan or basement to ball type situation. And I think that might be exactly what is unfolding as St Albans-based founder Nadya Giffen prepares to take on her new business model and premises this week.
I walk away from the small concrete building that has obviously served Nadya Giffen Therapies well for more than three years. She is surrounded by boxes, donning Ugg boots and a slightly anxious smile.
While it has seen many happy customers during the last three years, she describes herself as “having outgrown” the current premises and I can see why. Nadya exudes strength and determination but is far more humble than she could be: “I don’t want this to be about me,” she says.
Highly qualified in massage therapy, a great people-person and a passionate businesswoman with more than two decades of experience in aromatherapy, sports massage and fitness, the 43-yearold is keen to make sure everybody involved gets mentioned in this feature by name. That in itself says a lot about her working ethos.
“I am really really excited – and a bit scared,” she tells me as we sit down together:
“It has always been a little dream of mine to open an aromatherapy gift shop. I have been an aromatherapist for more than 20 years and I am also qualified in blending the oils."
She goes on to explain that she mixes up bespoke, healing oils prior to carrying out her massage sessions as she was taught.
I can tell she genuinely loves what she does and wants to make a difference to people’s lives.
The launch of Nadya’s new business will facilitate so much more: the introduction of
other highly sought-after therapists providing acupuncture, reflexology, lymphatic drainage and sports and aromatherapy massage.
Additionally customers will be able to choose from a range of aromatherapy oils, candles, skincare, organic bath and bodycare and beard oil to treat themselves or buy as gifts.
The bringing in of other professionals in a similar field has a great sense of community and I can hear Nadya has a desire to champion other women. Selfemployment can be a lonely road at times and I wonder if there is a desire to lighten that burden also.
Nadya explained that the UK has ‘taken a battering’ financially and that she chose to stock products made here to help other people. It was important that local businesses were involved in getting the new building up to scratch; Fonteyne Signs made and erected the signage and a supplier in Bedford crafted some reclaimed scaffold shelving.
Nadya Giffen outside her former business premises LAURA BILL MEETS ENTREPRENEUR AND THERAPIST NADYA GIFFEN AHEAD OF THE OPENING OF HER LATEST VENTURE...Brands such as I am Scentered, Frozen Gorilla – a St Albans-based bath bomb producers, and Amphora Aromatics will be welcomed by those who know about – or want to get to know – the power of aromatherapy.
So, let’s get back to the mixing of magic potions (my words, not hers!!) because I am perimenopausal and basically looking for anything that could possibly make me feel less murderous on a daily basis. So I ask Nadya which oil might be good for this.
She is super easy to talk to and nonjudgey and suggested geranium saying it is great for its mood-balancing properties. It smells amazing and is worth a go, right?
On discussing the impact of the two-year lockdown she said: “I didn’t know if I
would have a job to come back to after the pandemic.
"I felt like I wanted to put something into the community. Even just being able to employ three receptionists, provide space for therapists and get our signage from Fonteyne Signs has felt great.”
Nadya said that without a grant from St Albans district council her business would not have survived lockdown. She also describes her colleague and staff member Rosina Basile as “her backbone” and the gratitude there is mutual. Rosina, 25, who went to Nicholas Breakspear School said: “I have never met anyone so kind and willing to give other people such opportunities.
"Nadya really helped me at a time when I was feeling low and gave me a job as well
as the push to launch my own business."
Nadya is hoping for visits from her regular customers to her new premises at The Quadrant - previously a travel agent's - as well as attracting new ones with all the different services and products now on offer
"There has been a lot of excitement from my current clients. Everything in my shop I have chosen personally and they are all products that I would love to use myself! I can’t wait to welcome my new colleagues and customers.”
To book appointments with acupuncturists Bea Masters and Kasia Krompiec and/or massage therapists Rachel Moffatt, Alison Orde, Nicky Goss and Olivia Howell pop into the shop or visit nadyagiffentherapies.co.uk
Vicky Pope, Rachel Moffat, Bea Master, Nadya Giffen, Kasia Krompiec and Rosina Basile.
It took the Saints until extra-time to find their way past a tricky Chelmsford side, with Shaun Jeffers’ late goal sending the team through to the playoff semi-finals.
Chelmsford started the game the brighter of the two sides but were unable to convert their early chances
The Saints soon played their way back into the game but they too weren’t able to find their shooting boots
This saw the match go through to extra time where after just five minutes City found their breakthrough with Jeffers firing the team into a slender lead against his former club
Chelmsford piled men forward late on in the game, but a number of excellent saves from Berry allowed David Noble’s men to hold on and take the victory
There was one change to the starting XI that defeated Farnborough 2-0 on Saturday, as Ben Smith was drafted in to replace the injured Kyran Wiltshire with Huw Dawson taking Smith’s place on the bench
Chelmsford started the game the brighter of the two sides, with their first chance coming when a corner found Cameron James at the backpost who fired his close range shot straight into
The Saints began to play themselves into the game and came close to opening the scoring after 20 minutes, when Moore was allowed to take down a cross inside the Clarets area before sending his half volley wide of the post Cooper would threaten the Chelmsford goal just minutes later latching onto Moore’s cross to head goalwards however Eddie Beach was able to comfortably catch
Blackwell was causing City trouble down the left flank for much of the first half and would come close to breaking the deadlock, with his glancing header creeping just wide of the far post Chelmsford’s last chance of the half would prove to be their best with Oluwo leaping above the St Albans defence to send his power header marginally over the crossbar
Both teams entered the half time break with work to do as the scores were tied Stanley came close to threading Weiss through in behind however his ball was slightly beyond Mitchell s reach rolling through for Beach to collect
The Clarets were making good use of set pieces and were inches away from taking the lead when skipper Dave Winfield headed the ball over from within the six-
yard-box
Both sides struggled to create chances as the half drew on however this stint would be broken shortly before the end of regular time with Banton’s through ball picking out Jeffers perfectly, who drove at goal and shot wide of the far post City had a chance at scoring a freak goal deep into added time when Beach came rushing off his line to clear a ball over the top, falling to Weiss who couldn’t sort his feet out quickly enough to make use of the opportunity
Jeffers fired the Saints into the lead early into extra time with Weiss bursting run down the left flank resulting in him pulling the ball back across the box for Shaun to prod right into the Chelmsford net
Following the goal Berry was required to make a number of excellent saves after Robbie Simpson pushed his men forward the best of which from David Winfield’s header with Dylan reacting quickly to palm the ball away which was destined for the top corner
They would soon have the ball in the back of the net when Blackwell turned home a cross to the backpost however it would be chalked off as the referee deemed him to be offside much to the dismay of the home support
It would be a nervy end to the game however Chelmsford couldn’t find their equaliser as David Noble’s side held on to progress to the next round
Chelmsford City: Beach James (Barnum-Bobb 64′) (Hockey 72′), Trotter, Winfield (C) Oluwo Johnson Folivi (Jackson 83′), Blackwell, Jones, Brookes, Krasniqi (McGregor 105′)
Subs (not used): Blanchfield
Bookings: Trotter 81′
Goals: N/A
St Albans City: Berry Stanley FrancisClarke, Adebiyi, Blackman (C), Banton (Dawson 113′) Weiss (McConnell 97′) Mukena, Moore (Jeffers 43′), Smith, Cooper (Neal 67′)
Subs (not used): Di Trolio
Bookings: Francis-Clarke 74′ , Blackman 110′
Goals: Jeffers 95′
Referee: Farai Hallam
Attendance: 2 346
