St Albans Times issue 145

ST ALBANS TIMES INDEPENDENT, INSIGHTFUL, INFORMATIVE LOCAL NEWS

PARISH COUNCIL CAMPAIGN IS MOVING INTO NEXT PHASE

CRUZ BECKHAM AND BAND PLAY SECRET GIG AT THE HORN

COMIC TIMING

WHY THE MOMENT IS RIGHT FOR ST ALBANS’ INSTAGRAM SENSATION BRONWYN SWEENEY REPRESENTING THE HISTORIC DISTRICT OF ST ALBANS, INCLUDING HARPENDEN, REDBOURN, WHEATHAMPSTEAD AND THE COLNEYS

ISSUE 145, NOVEMBER 6, 2025

for sale

Guide price £700,000 2 BEDROOM APARTMENT FOR SALE IN LONDON ROAD, ST. ALBANS, HERTFORDSHIRE, AL1 A stylish and contemporary two-bedroom split-level apartment beautifully presented, featuring underground parking, two private terraces, and smart home technology. Set within the award-winning Gabriel Square development, the property is ideally located close to the vibrant city centre and just a short walk from the mainline railway station.

Guide Price £700,000

Offers Over £750,000

Offers Over £600,000

4 BEDROOM HOUSE FOR SALE IN THE CRESCENT, BRICKET WOOD, ST. ALBANS, AL2

4 BEDROOM HOUSE FOR SALE IN SOUTH RIDING, BRICKET WOOD, ST. ALBANS, AL2

2 BEDROOM APARTMENT FOR SALE IN ALMA ROAD, ST. ALBANS, HERTFORDSHIRE, AL1

Guide Price £685,000

Guide Price £1,250,000

Guide price £325,000

4 BEDROOM HOUSE FOR SALE IN JENKINS AVENUE, BRICKET WOOD, ST. ALBANS, AL2

4 BEDROOM HOUSE FOR SALE IN PALFREY CLOSE, ST. ALBANS, HERTFORDSHIRE, AL3

2 BEDROOM APARTMENT FOR SALE IN OLD MILE HOUSE COURT, ST. ALBANS, HERTFORDSHIRE, AL1

NEW PRICE

Helping you Sell, Rent, or Buy property in St Albans & the surrounding area since 1825

to let

£2,500 pcm (£577 pw)

£1,400 pcm (£323 pw)

£1,295 pcm (£299 pw)

4 BEDROOM HOUSE TO LET IN CHIME SQUARE, ST PETERS STREET, ST. ALBANS, AL3

1 BEDROOM APARTMENT TO LET IN HATFIELD ROAD, ST. ALBANS, HERTFORDSHIRE, AL1

1 BEDROOM APARTMENT TO LET IN LEMSFORD ROAD, ST. ALBANS, HERTFORDSHIRE, AL1

NEW INSTRUCTION

NEW INSTRUCTION

NEW INSTRUCTION

£1,950 pcm (£450 pw)

£1,375 pcm (£317 pw)

£3,800 pcm (£877 pw)

3 BEDROOM HOUSE TO LET IN GLENFERRIE ROAD, ST. ALBANS, HERTFORDSHIRE, AL1

2 BEDROOM MAISONETTE TO LET IN CHURCH END, SANDRIDGE, ST. ALBANS, AL4

5 BEDROOM HOUSE TO LET IN VESTA AVENUE, ST. ALBANS, HERTFORDSHIRE, AL1

NEW INSTRUCTION

NEW INSTRUCTION

WANT AN INSTANT PROPERTY VALUATION? Watch our short step-by-step guide to learn how it works and what to expect from your personalised property report.

RESIDENTIAL BLOCK MANAGEMENT LOOKING FOR A FRESH APPROACH? WE CAN HELP CLICK HERE

£2,200 pcm (£508 pw)

£1,750 pcm (£404 pw)

3 BEDROOM HOUSE TO LET IN DRAKES DRIVE, ST. ALBANS, HERTFORDSHIRE, AL1

2 BEDROOM APARTMENT TO LET IN ASHTREE COURT, ST. ALBANS, HERTFORDSHIRE, AL1

Editor’s Note

Highlights 2-3 Property 6-9 SADC budget 20-21 FOOD by Elena 22-24 Bronwyn Sweeney 34-35 Styled by Deryane 36 Eris 44-45 It’s OK To Say 46-49 Restaurant review 57 City Muse 58-59 10 from 50 62-63 Flashback: 1957

St Albans photographer Toby Shepheard was at the Cathedral for Poppy Fields - more photos inside.

Last week saw a desperate and cursory attempt by mainstream regional media publishers to beg for public support in the face of Government plans to remove the need to advertise changes to licensing conditions in their printed editions.

They claimed the move would threaten accountability and be a blow to local democracy.

It also made it easier for reporters to cover any relevant stories, they said, as they will have easy access to the ads when they are published, and can seek reactions from local residents to any proposals.

What it failed to mention anywhere is the huge revenue generated for these publishers because they have a monopoly on running such ads, that the information contained in those notices will probably reach a much wider audience under these proposals than the dwindling readership of print products, and that any reporter worth their salt should be doing a lot more than using licensing notices as the basis of their stories.

In fact this is a cynical scaremongering exercise designed to protect the profits of these media conglomerates, with claims that communities will no longer be consulted on any licensing changes completely spurious.

If these publishers really valued their communities then they would not have cut editorial resources to ribbons, closed offices and turned their websites into bastions of clickbait.

But then for these companies profits for their shareholders always seem to come first...

66-67 Wine Times 76 Brain challenge 87-89 Sport

Our regular contributors include: Laura Bill, Darren McCabe, Emma Kosh, Eris, Deborah Heath, James Cameron, Elena Hogg, Jess Unwin, Jim Standen, Robert Edrop, St Albans Tour Guides, Caroline Thain.

Published by St Albans Media Partnership Ltd.

MATT ADAMS Editor

64 Nostalgia

Photo by Danny Loo.

If you have any complaints or comments about the content of this magazine, or would simply like to get in touch, please email editor@stalbanstimes.co.uk.

Car parking fee increases and £6m community facilities investment are proposed for next year’s SADC budget Further hikes in car parking charges could be on the cards as

Damian Gaskin said: “The news that St Albans district council is

part of budget proposals being considered this week by SADC.

prioritising investment in the redevelopment of the William

The council’s public realm committee has set out various

Bird Pavilion is very welcome. Known locally in New Greens as

suggestions for cost savings and revenue generating measures

the long-derelict changing rooms at Toulmin Drive Playing

for 2026-27, with motorists hit hard by what’s currently on the

Fields, the building has for years been in an unusable, unsafe,

cards.

and unsightly state.

But it’s not all doom and gloom, as SADC is also proposing to

“There is broad and longstanding support across the

invest £6 million in the redevelopment of the William Bird

community for transforming this space into a modern,

sports pavilion site at Toulmin Drive in New Greens.

accessible facility that reflects the needs of New Greens today.

The replacement of pay and display machines – both off and on

“St Michael’s Parish Council recognises the enormous potential

street – to remove the option for cash payments would initially

this redevelopment holds — not only for sports users, but for

cost £150K, but would save £76,135 over the next three years.

local residents, families, young people, and voluntary groups.

Subject to consultation, fees in council car parks would be

”With imagination, forward thinking, and meaningful

increased by approximately five per cent, although

consultation, the site could become a vibrant community hub.”

Westminster Lodge would see bigger hikes, with £1 for an hour,

He suggested it could offer various facilities for the local area:

£1.90 for two hours (up from £1.50) and £3.50 for three hours

A much-needed café and welcoming gathering space for dog

(an increase from £3.20).

walkers, ramblers, families, and young people;

Resident, visitor and healthcare permits would also see

A venue for arts exhibitions, children’s parties, weddings,

increases, as would season tickets, and the council’s Access Pass

and community celebrations;

would go up 3 per cent to £195.

On street parking bays such as those introduced in Harpenden and St Albans city centre could also see a hike from £2.50 to £2.75.

But it’s not just car parking which could be affected. The committee will also consider increasing the cost of visiting the historic St Albans Clock Tower from £2 to £3, with the additional £1 per visitor going to SADC to contribute towards operating and maintenance costs for the Scheduled Ancient Monument.

Included in the proposals is a bid to restore the community facilities at the William Bird Pavilion following its closure three years ago, something which Lib Dem councillors have been actively campaigning for.

Council leader Cllr Paul de Kort said: “The aspiration to provide a new community facility at the William Bird site is a major investment in the district’s future and reflects the Liberal Democrats’ commitment to delivering modern, accessible amenities that reflect the values and aspirations of local people.

“Reaching a point where we can now propose this development is an even greater achievement given the desperate financial legacy left by the Conservatives, and reflects the tough but necessary choices we made to prevent the council’s bankruptcy.”

Funding will be derived from a mixture of grants from external bodies such as Sport England, housing developer contributions and other enabling schemes.

But while the news has been welcomed locally, the lack of any real consultation with interested parties has been questioned.

New Greens resident and St Michael’s Parish Council member

A dedicated space for youth projects, yoga, wellbeing sessions, and adult learning; A centre that strengthens community ties, generates local employment, and improves safety and visibility in the area.

Cllr Gaskin added: “Despite multiple emails over the past 12 months and the formal submission of a stakeholder list, St Michael’s Parish Council — the first-tier authority in whose boundaries the building sits — has not been contacted as a stakeholder in the process.

“This is despite district officers specifically requesting a list of local groups from the parish council, which was provided on July 29. In their reply, officers confirmed that the following organisations would be classed as stakeholders and included in consultation: Christ Church in New Greens, which has served over 15,000 free meals through its weekly Monday Suppers, operates a

“The parish council notes with interest the public claim that

food bank and youth club, and supports a thriving local

‘over the last year, key local stakeholders have been in

volunteer base;

discussions with council officers to ensure the project responds

Friends of Batchwood and William Bird Open Space, whose

to local needs’. This statement appears inconsistent with the

members maintain woodland, organise clean-ups of the

experience of the very groups identified and acknowledged by

playing fields, report fly-tipping, and promote

the council itself.

environmental improvements;

“We hope this can be addressed. We, and the other

New Greens Safer Streets Campaign, advocating for 20mph

stakeholders, are ready and willing and very keen to work

limits, pedestrian crossings, and safer parking around

constructively with St Albans district council to help realise the

schools and shops;

full potential of this project. If delivered in partnership with the

St Michael’s Parish Council, the statutory authority for the

wider community, the William Bird Pavilion could become a

area.

much-valued and multi-purpose asset — not only for New

“To date, none of these groups have been contacted.

Greens, but for the district as a whole.”

“SADC is also looking at investing in other services, including meeting the additional £15K annual costs of the Christmas lights due to a lack of sponsorship, refurbishing the shop at St Albans Museum + Gallery to create fresh income opportunities, replacing seats at the Alban Arena.

Savings options considered but not being taken forward include a proposal to introduce a weekday parking tariff on Sundays and bank holidays across all car parks, creating annual savings of £30K, and reducing the number of street cleaning operatives in the district, saving between £31K-£95K a year, depending on whether one, two or three staff members were let go.

Conservative group leader Cllr Matt Cowley responded to the car parking hikes: “Once again, we see that residents who are doing the right thing and getting out and about to spend money in our shops are being penalised by Lib Dem mismanagement of the council's finances. Every year under the Lib Dems, we pay more and get less. Next year looks like it will be no different.”

SADC’s public realm committee will be meeting this evening (Thursday) at 7pm when councillors will vote on whether to adopt the various proposals.

Campaign for parish council receives overwhelming initial public support An unprecedented number of residents have backed calls for St Albans city centre to have its own parish council to protect its assets and provide a local democratic voice.

Close to 2,000 responses were received to the first phase of SADC’s Community Governance Review consultation, which is looking at whether there is an appetite among residents for the creation of a St Albans City Parish Council.

Of these, 1,708 were in favour and just five were against.

The CGR comes in the wake of the local government reorganisation initiative, which will replace HCC and SADC with two or more unitary authorities.

Much of St Albans district has a parish or town council which organises community events and looks after assets such as open spaces, play areas and allotments, but a large section of the city is unparished including around 28,000 households in Batchwood, Bernards Heath, Clarence, Cunningham, Hill End, Marshalswick West, Sopwell, St Peter’s and Verulam wards.

Unparished areas cannot hold assets, whereas SADC currently owns a wealth of properties including car parks, green spaces, The Maltings Shopping Centre, the Abbey Theatre and Westminster Lodge Sports Centre.

Heritage assets include Beech Bottom Dyke, the Alban Arena, both St Albans Museum + Gallery and Verulamium Museum, Verulamium Park, the Clock Tower, properties in Market Place including those currently operated by WH Smith, Simmons, and Reiss, the Samuel Ryder Hotel and the Ryder Seed Hall both on Holywell Hill, the Vintry Garden; and the Lee Hall ruins and surrounding green space at Sopwell.

In September, volunteers from St Albans Civic Society, local residents and others delivered more than 10,000 leaflets across the unparished area, encouraging residents and businesses to make their views known before the October 6 deadline for the first consultation phase.

SADC expected some 500-600 responses, so must have been shocked to receive close to 2,000, and these will now be considered to inform and underpin the second phase of the consultation.

All 28,000 households in the unparished area will be sent a questionnaire outlining a number of options on local governance which they can then vote for, with this phase running until February.

The contents of the questionnaire will be decided by SADC’s strategy and resources committee, which has a responsibility to outline the benefits of a parish council, including engaging with residents, responding swiftly to local issues, and delivering services which reflect the unique character of its community. It must also be open and clear about how this would be funded.

Mary Conneely, chair of St Albans Civic Society, explained the importance of this next phase in the process.

“Our efforts aim to ensure that community resources and local representation are maintained once the UA is in place.

Photo by Cecelina Tornberg.

“A parish/town/city council, such as Harpenden Town Council, is the smallest and arguably most connected and communityrooted tier of governance: these hyper-local bodies are now being recognised as essential players in shaping the future of local democracy and public service delivery.

“We believe parish/town councils are uniquely positioned as they are embedded within the communities they serve, often acting as the first point of contact for residents on a wide range of local issues, understanding local needs, concerns, and aspirations, something that larger, more centralised authorities can struggle with; as such their role is not just relevant, it is vital.

“We want this stage of the CGR to cover the question of the parish precept sensitively. The precept is the means by which a parish council charges residents to cover the services it provides. At present, all council taxpayers in St Albans pay either a parish precept or ‘special expenses’, which cover much the same things. The difference is that there is less democratic accountability where there is no parish council. On average, the parish precept or special expenses make up less than 3% of the total Council Tax bill.

“Any questionnaire should reflect the opportunities that a parish council offers; engaging directly with residents and responding swiftly to local issues.

“These councils are not meant to be scaled-down versions of a unitary authority or district, but what they can be is the democratic voice for their communities and the lead for localism and community ambitions.”

IN OTHER NEWS...

Sustainability Festival 10th anniversary at Oaklands College The St Albans Sustainability Festival team are gearing up to close out 2025 with a very important milestone. Preparations for their 10 year anniversary celebrations are well underway with their biggest collaboration to date. The journey has been a decade of staunch campaigning, organising and more importantly - listening to the community voices.

Throughout 2025 the SustFest team have helped create three key weekends with the aim of building continuity and normalising conversations around local environmental issues.

The fourth and final ‘season’ of their calendar arrives in the form of a special event at Oaklands College on November 15, bringing together the best and most influential individuals and organisations to help develop the next 10 years and beyond. This is undoubtedly SustFest’s biggest stand alone event since 2024’s groundbreaking ‘Expo’ at the Alban Arena, where nearly 3,000 people attended the three day triumph.

Sustainable St Albans are well known throughout the district for their ethos of driving forward conversations around climate, environmental matters and community. Their choice of Oaklands is a clever and exciting location and creates a collaboration that is one to watch for the future. Oaklands, who recently opened their state-of-the-art sustainable construction centre, have been at the forefront of trailblazing sustainable architecture and development.

Spanning 3,000m², the new centre stands as the UK’s newest hub for teaching construction trades. It’s equipped with specialist workshops for plumbing, electrical, and renewable energy installation, alongside a Construction Lab, a VR learning suite, IT

classrooms, and flexible teaching spaces. Designed with sustainability in mind, the building features advanced green technologies like air source heat pumps, solar PV panels, and bricks made entirely from recycled materials—a pioneering innovation in the UK. Visitors to the SustFest event on 15th November will experience these excellent sustainable innovations first hand with Oaklands Students offering tours of the construction centre.

Sustainable St Albans will be sharing insights and stories of those who have been involved over the last ten years, including trustees, committee members and those who have been able to make local change and inspire the community to provide a long lasting impact.

With talks, workshops and displays all areas will be covered from fashion to fossil fuels, biodiversity to business . . . and beyond.

More information about the SustFest 10 Year Celebration event on November 15 can be found at sustainablestalbans.org/events.

Entrance is free, with tickets available via Eventbrite. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/sustfest-celebrating-10-yearstickets-1769701568029?aff=oddtdtcreator

Sponsored content

ONE GIANT LEAP FOR PETKIND CREATURE COMFORTS BRINGS HAPPIER VET VISITS TO CITY Since opening on Victoria Street in April, Creature Comforts has been changing the way local pet parents experience the vet. Independently owned and run by vets, the clinic has quickly become a cornerstone of the community, offering a more modern and compassionate approach to pet care.

The team at Creature Comforts say they are “giving vet care an upgrade” - and it shows. The clinic promises a consistent, friendly vet team who get to know pets and their families for the long term, as well as a calm, purposebuilt space designed to put animals at ease. Added to this are completely transparent pricing, easy access to appointments, and even live chat with the vet team via an app for peace of mind in between visits.

It’s a change many local pet owners have welcomed with open arms, earning the clinic 109 five-star Google reviews.

“They go above and beyond on every level of compassion and care,” said one St Albans resident.

“My dogs drag me to the door, whether we have an appointment or not!”

Creature Comforts has also been busy building a community beyond the clinic walls.

Regular member events - from pet pawtrait sessions and behaviour workshops to local gatherings such as Bark in the Park - have helped bring St Albans pet owners together.

For Head Vet Dr Charlotte Cottle, it’s more than just a clinic - it’s a community built on continuity of care and genuine relationships.

Reflecting on the past few months, she shared: “Having lived locally for over 20 years, it truly feels like coming home! Every day, I love seeing our team come together with shared values and warmth - creating a calm, welcoming space for every pet parent who becomes part of our Creature Comforts family.”

Creature Comforts St Albans offers a full range of services from consultations to urgent care, with expertise in everything from dentistry to surgery to support every aspect of a pet’s wellbeing. Memberships include unlimited consultations, annual vaccinations, and discounts on routine treatments for £20 a month - all designed to make proactive, quality care more accessible.

Seven months on from opening, the clinic has already established itself as a trusted and much-loved part of the neighbourhood. With its focus on calmer visits, long-term care, and a genuine connection with the community, Creature Comforts St Albans is setting a new standard for happier vet visits - much to the delight of pets and their people across the area.

Book a vet appointment online at creaturecomforts.co.uk/locations/st-albans

01727 582020

creaturecomforts.co.uk

hello@creaturecomforts.co.uk

Annie takes on a new role supporting the Crown’s representative in Herts Former Herts High Sheriff and St Albans Mayor Annie Brewster has been appointed as one of four new Deputy Lieutenants for the county by The Lord Lord-Lieutenant of Hertfordshire, Robert Voss CBE CStJ, Annie, who lives in Gustard Wood, joins an esteemed group of individuals tasked with supporting the Lord-Lieutenant in his duties to represent the Crown in the county.

The Lord-Lieutenant’s office, originally established in the 1540s during the reign of King Henry VIII, has evolved significantly over the centuries. While its military origins included managing local defence and ensuring the King’s interests were upheld in the county, the role has expanded to encompass a range of duties.

Today, the role of the Lord-Lieutenant, held

by Robert Voss since 2016, is one of both ceremonial and practical significance. The Lord-Lieutenant is the monarch’s official representative in Hertfordshire, responsible for maintaining the dignity of the Crown, promoting civic pride and the ideals of voluntary service, supporting local charities and organisations and fostering strong relationships between the monarchy and the local community. He is a key figure in organizing royal visits, state occasions, presenting national honours and liaising with local magistrates and uniformed services.

Annie expressed her enthusiasm for her new role: “I am deeply honoured to be appointed as Deputy Lieutenant of Hertfordshire. I am committed to helping promote the county’s rich heritage, while also supporting the LordLieutenant in encouraging local engagement, fostering community spirit, and championing the invaluable voluntary service that makes Hertfordshire so special.”

Alongside Annie, Robert Voss has also appointed Charlie Hall QPM, former Police Chief Constable of Hertfordshire from Pirton, Quintin McKellar CBE, retired ViceChancellor of the University of Hertfordshire from Little Berkhamsted, and Enoch Kanagaraj, CEO of One Vision charity in Watford.

For more information about The Lieutenancy of Hertfordshire: https://www.lord-lieutenant-herts.org.uk.

(Above) Robert Voss and (below) Annie Brewster.

Skip the Click and love your high street: say ‘no’ to the online frenzy and ‘yes’ to real shopping this Black Friday St Albans’ The Maltings Shopping Centre is encouraging

centre flourish.”

people to love their high street this Black Friday with their

Businesses across The Maltings Shopping Centre are busy

‘Skip the Click’ campaign.

preparing a host of in-store events, exclusive promotions, and

Instead of joining the online rush for purchases, shoppers are

surprises for Black Friday weekend, with more details to be

encouraged to celebrate High Street Friday on Friday

revealed soon.

November 28, enjoying real experiences, friendly faces, and

One highlight already confirmed is a major Black Friday event

one-of-a-kind finds across St Albans’ amazing array of shops,

at Vache Bleue Galleries, featuring an exclusive silent auction of

restaurants and cafés.

artwork, memorabilia, and unique experiences in aid of Youth

Independent retailers and national brands throughout The

Talk, the local mental health charity for young people in the

Maltings will be joining forces to offer exclusive Black Friday

district.

promotions, in-store events, tastings, giveaways, and more.

Vache Bleue Galleries are also teaming up with fellow Maltings

The campaign taps into growing fatigue with impersonal online

businesses, including Hotel Chocolat and Rituals, to offer guests

shopping and reminds people that shopping locally helps

indulgent treats and sample products throughout the event.

sustain the heart of the community.

And that’s just the beginning, with many more stores set to

The Maltings centre manager Richard Marrett explained:

announce their own offers, tastings, and in-store moments as

“This campaign is about our retailer community coming

High Street Friday approaches.

together to remind people what makes shopping in St Albans so special. It’s not just about great products, it’s about the people

For the latest updates, in-store offers, and event

behind them, the conversations, and the sense of connection

announcements, follow The Maltings Shopping Centre on

you only find on your local high street. When we choose to

social media @themaltings_stalbans, and shoppers

shop local, we’re investing in each other and helping our city

can share their finds using #SkipTheClickStAlbans.

SPONSORED CONTENT

EYES ON THE OOHS AND AAHS There’s something magical about standing in a field, clutching a sparkler, wondering why you didn’t bring a thicker coat and pretending that your hot chocolate is still hot.

Bonfire Night in St Albans is nearly here – and whether you’re heading to Verulamium Park for the big display on Saturday November 8, cheering on Redbourn’s rockets, or watching fireworks from a soggy back garden, the golden rule is simple: look after your eyes while you’re looking at the sky.

We know, we know – we sound like the responsible ones at the party (which, to be honest, isn’t Jez’s true vibe but we all have to do grown up every now and again). But every year, A&E departments see people with avoidable eye injuries from fireworks, stray embers, or even flying bits of sparklers. So before you head out, here’s our mix of practical advice and mildly bossy humour to keep your eyes safe and happy.

5. Protect those peepers from the weather too.

1. Keep a sensible distance.

The forecast says wet and windy, so dig out the waterproofs

If you can feel the heat from the bonfire on your face,

and wellies. Verulamium does ‘mud bath’ well. A pair of

you’re too close. Sparks and smoke can irritate your eyes

glasses – clear or prescription sunglasses – can stop rain and

faster than you can say “ooh, pretty colours.” Step back,

grit blowing straight into your eyes while you’re watching the

enjoy the view – your retinas will thank you.

show.

2. Specs beat contacts.

If the worst happens and you do get something in your eye,

If you wear contact lenses, consider swapping to your

don’t rub it – rinse with clean water and seek help if it’s still

glasses for the evening. They’ll help shield your eyes from

sore.

smoke, wind, and any enthusiastic child waving a sparkler

At EYES on St Albans, we love a good sparkle (and an ooh and

a little too close for comfort.

an ahhh – but they’re usually when people try new frames on)

3. Smoke gets in your eyes – but it doesn’t have to.

– preferably the kind that doesn’t end up in your eyelashes.

If the wind changes direction, turn your back to the bonfire. Tears may be poetic in a fireworks finale, but not when they’re caused by smoke and grit.

4. Children + sparklers = adult supervision + gloves.

Simple maths. Hold sparklers at arm’s length, wear gloves, and have a bucket of water ready for the used ones. (We’re not being dramatic – the metal stays hot for ages.)

Whether it’s helping you see the fireworks clearly or fitting lenses that cut down glare from night driving, we’ve got you covered.

So wrap up warm, bring the marshmallows, and enjoy the show – safely. And if you see Jez at Verulamium Park, he’ll be the one in the yellow jumper, probably humming ‘Firework’, and definitely wearing proper eye protection.

Going (for) bananas Elena Hogg, founder of local culinary company FOOD by Elena, celebrates the joys of the yellow (and sometimes red) fruit...

Bananas. For me, one of the only comfort foods that can be eaten in its natural form, unadulterated by processing of any kind and yet still soothing to the soul.

Why so soothing? Well, unless you’re eating an unripe banana, which has a kind of woody bite to it and the capacity to dry out your mouth like you’ve just swallowed cotton wool, bananas are soft and yielding.

The taste is equally comforting because it’s honeyed and creamy, but still with that exotic flavour profile.

The ultimate in luxury, really, even though their ubiquity countermands such an accolade. After all, bananas are readily and cheaply available all year round and have quite the reputation for outstaying their welcome in the fruit bowl, becoming sad, sagging brown things. And whatever you do, never carry one around in your rucksack or handbag. Even the perkiest

banana becomes mush within precisely four minutes of being transported anywhere. Will not travel.

When I think back to my most treasured memories, I realise bananas feature with startling regularity, and hold a poignant place in our food journey through life. I remember, for example, my husband’s and my first big travel adventure, which was to India for a two-week cycling tour in Kerala, followed by eight days in Jaipur, Delhi and Agra.

On day one in Kerala, we discovered red bananas. We have since tried in vain to find them over here, and we still bore people at length about them. More buttery than their yellow counterparts, slightly less sugary and squatter in shape, they essentially fuelled our days’ cycling in thirty-plus degrees and up some serious inclines.

A wonderful family with whom we stayed on one particular cycling leg in Kottayam taught us another banana iteration which we have enthusiastically adopted into our everyday lives: steamed bananas for breakfast. What a revelation. Put over-ripe bananas, in their skins, into a steamer and wait about ten minutes. Don’t attempt with under-ripe – it doesn’t work. Once a knife finds no resistance at all when inserted into the banana, you know they’re done.

Be careful taking them out of the steamer because they’re very floppy by this point.

Once plated, slice along the length of the banana, just skin-deep, and pull apart the skin gently. I know I sound reverential, but this steaming, ambrosial banana flesh really is that good.

Perhaps it’s also because this method of cooking separates the liquid from the solid part of the banana, and that liquid somehow becomes rum-like. It’s akin to having a banana-infused hot toddy for breakfast and what could possibly be bad about that?

Back to that banana-punctuated life journey and I’m reminded of the simple but delicious banana bread that gets baked

for the husband almost every birthday, adorned with candles (and sometimes icing and sprinkles if the children feel especially creative) and with gifts and birthday cards for a backdrop. It’s his favourite, alongside lemon drizzle, so I capitalise to use up the very brown bananas I’ve inevitably frozen over the months.

Yes, bananas freeze extremely well, which really helps avoid waste when you don’t have time to make baked goods there and then or aren’t in the mood for a smoothie.

Make sure, though, that if you’re freezing them mashed up, you write on your zip-lock bag how many bananas are in it, in case it’s helpful when it comes to following a recipe.

There’s also the scrumptious and perfectly sliced banoffee pie we ordered almost every day from this fabulous patisserie on our very first skiing trip together, some 20 years ago, now.

That was our kind of après-ski indulgence – more restorative and satisfying than the alcoholic variety, and so delicious that it has never been forgotten.

Perhaps my fondest banana memory, though, is the banana muffins I made with a caramel-cream cheese topping not long after our first child was born. It was a tricky time for me, because becoming a mum had a huge impact on my sense of identity and my anxiety levels, and I recall the very day I chose to make those muffins.

My son would have been about four months old and, until that point, the idea of baking seemed laughable, given I could barely find time to brush my hair.

I came across a banana muffin recipe in a magazine, no doubt performing the one-handed page-turn because my other hand will have been jiggling the babybouncer in an attempt to hush its occupier.

I remember feeling empowered, like celestial light was beaming down on me, telling me I should rise up and go unto the kitchen. I WOULD bake again.

And so it was that I did. There is a video from later that same day of the baby on his playmat, kicking his legs and trying to roll over while his dad and I each gobbled down one of those very muffins, narrating the proceedings through great mouthfuls from behind the camera.

I’m not sure we cared too much if he rolled or not, they were so tasty.

St Albans’ Instagram hit reveals long journey to success as a stand-up comic LAURA BILL MEETS THE OBSERVATIONAL COMIC WHOSE MUSINGS ON ST ALBANS LIFE HAVE GONE VIRAL ON INSTAGRAM...

even though she was nervous her American accent helped

“Watching stand-up is like watching ice skating,” she says

spend on a little passion project. Some people did baking

before taking another sip of coffee. “It’s amazing when it’s

courses, some people did ceramics and I did a two-day

good, but don’t we kind of want them to fall?”

stand-up comedy course in Lewisham.

Comedian Bronwyn Sweeney and I met in Caffe Nero

“It seemed nerve-wracking. I used to say that I could sell

supposedly for me – my idea - to ask her some questions

anything but myself. And that’s what it felt like. Very

about how her Instagram following took off after she moved

exposing. Weirdly, I went in quite cocky because I’m a good

to St Albans… but we almost hit it off too well and I couldn’t

public speaker.

help accidentally oversharing with her.

“But going from being the funny friend to making strangers

She has that kind of personality. Warm and empathic –

laugh is a very different thing.”

everything that throws me off my professional hard-nosed

The first exercise was to stand up and describe themselves.

hack persona. I jest. (See? Being funny is hard. I can’t do

Afterwards the class members said how they saw the

it…)

aspiring comedian in terms of their appearance and any

She is definitely a people person, which comes out in her

preconceived ideas: “Does she look like a drug dealer? Could

observational style of comedy. She’s got beautiful teeth and

she be a teacher? Is she straight? Is she gay?”

is naturally hilarious. We talked about the function of being

We keep coming back to the identity thing and she tells me

a people-watcher and being able to see satire in everything

that when you’re a comedian as soon as you get up on stage

becoming part of our survival.

the audience decide what they think about you. It’s her job,

The 39-year-old started off in advertising where she worked

she explains, to disarm them in the first minute.

her way up to creative director. Around ten years ago she

This must be why Jo Brand makes jokes about eating cake. It

decided to dip her toe into the comedy world and said even

was the same in teaching. You have to draw attention to all

because she sounds like a confident woman giving a TED talk: “Around 2015 my agency gave everybody £100 to

your quirky things before the kids do. As a self-deprecating

some initial London gigs?

person I really relate to this - I’ve never found it a problem

“My Edinburgh Fringe experience could not have set me up

to laugh at myself, in fact I find it really grounding and it

more for success. I went up to the Fringe with a supportive

takes the pressure off.

agent and I lived in a great little student dorm

Bronwyn continued: “I was always trying to talk about my

accommodation. I had a month sabbatical from my job and

identity and trying to make that make sense to me.”

still got paid because I’d been at my agency for so long

The daughter of a plant engineer, she moved around the

“But it’s like walking through real-life social media every

world as a child. She said she got her accent from attending

day. You’re walking past all these posters with everyone

international schools and jokingly describes herself as

getting five-star reviews. Everyone’s talking about what a

“American’t”.

great time they’e having.

She was born in Blackpool to a Zimbabwean mum and an

“And like, I just, I struggled to get the numbers in early. So

Irish dad: “I went from Blackpool to the American

there was a lot of performances to quiet rooms.

equivalent of Blackpool. which is... Florida.” We laughed.

“A lot of people go to Edinburgh and make it. I was just

“But I grew up in Greece, I’m half Irish, half Zimbabwe and

lucky to survive.”

people say ‘Oh you’re Zimbabwean’ because that is what

She cried a lot and questioned whether she wanted to be a

they can see when they look at me. So the comedy teacher

comedian.

was right about that.”

After one of her shows, things seemed brighter when she

The conversation veers off as I notice a little black plastic

spotted Graham Norton in the audience: “I ran after him, I

box on the floor to poison mice with. Caffe Nero have

was just like, ‘Graham, did you like the show?’ And he

placed an A-frame sign over the top of it which is clearly

said it was really funny and then he put it on his social

failing to disguise its identity: “I’ve lived in houses with

media. I thought I’d made it and was so happy but the next

rodents in London,” Bronwyn tells me.

day there was just 12 people there again. I had seven people

What was her next step in comedy after the course and

walk out of a show once. Awful.”

Coming back to her working life in London, she questioned what she was doing: “I would have to hang out in the office until 8pm and then dart across London to go to a gig. You’re not on stage until 9pm.

“When comedy works, it’s like, it’s the biggest rush you’ll ever experience and it’s really satisfying.”

Somehow she managed to fit in some time for internet dating too which is how she ended up in St Albans: “I went on [dating platform] Hinge and I remember seeing my boyfriend - my now boyfriend - and thinking he’s really fit and he was from St Albans.”

Their first date was at Must Wine bar on George Street and she loved it.

The next day they had breakfast at Hatch. I thought: “Wow. This is delightful!”

They got into a relationship and she was still living in North London when she decided to make the move to St Albans: “I was walking home when I looked down an alleyway near my house and there was a woman taking a sh*t and I thought, wow, it’s time.

“I loved my time in London. But being here, I’ve just really enjoyed, like, the life that it’s giving me right now. I just feel really grateful and I think, I think it’s about recognising the privilege of it.

“It’s novel to me to live in a place like this. It’s a very walkable city with lots to do. What St Albans has given me, which is really nice and this is going to sound really cheesy, but what I’m really grateful for is it’s really helped me find my voice as a comedian.”

Her Instagram posts about St Albans life started the day that the Charter Market was cancelled because of high winds: “And the winds were actually a light breeze. I did a little video. It was just funny to me and my boyfriend.

We have been talking for hours when she looks down at her

It was a light breeze. And people liked it.

phone and sees a message from the founder of Glaze bakery

“And there’s a joke I said about my wallet being stolen in St.

in George Street who she is going to see next.

Albans and it’s the only place where that happens and you

I had a few more minutes to ask about her upcoming sell-

get it back with more money in it than in it before.”

out gig at The Pioneer Club on November 20: “I love The

She said that that line did well at a London gig so she

Pioneer Club. I first went there to party to with the retired

decided to put it on her Instagram and it “blew up”.

ravers but it wasn’t until I went there to plan the comedy

She then posted something about St Alban Day and the

night that I realised what an amazing space it is and all the

festival which people responded well to, as well as

incredible things they do.

reflections on the new vape shop in Victoria Street.

“Places like The Pioneer are so important. Did you know

Her boyfriend was already a keen golfer, so they have

they do book quizzes there? And it’s a skate park. Maybe I

started playing in Redbourn: “Golf is fun because there’s a

should run a children’s comedy course?”

goal. When you get good at hitting the ball, you can try to

Finally I ask what she would say to somebody who fancied

hit the ball further. And then when you hit it further, you

taking up comedy: “You won’t get better by just being funny

can hit it to a direct place. There’s always something you can

to your friends. You’ve got to get up on stage and you’ve got

learn and do.

to try it.”

“And I really like the driving range that we go to in

I was buzzing for hours after we met up – Bronwyn is truly

Redbourn because everyone is really friendly. You just roll

inspiring, and her mix of strength, insight and vulnerability

up.

is both intriguing and entertaining.

“It’s such a nice way to decompress from the day.”

She’s won awards, been on the BBC and hit the London and

We had a chat about how many things that women do

Edinburgh scene but I can’t help but feel she is going to be

involve over- thinking and talking loads. And I cannot

an even bigger sensation over the years to come, and it all

disagree with her, as an overthinker and an ‘overtalker’

kicked off here in St Albans...

myself – is that a word?

To follow Bronwyn on Instagram go to @bron_com

ST ALBANS TIMES “If you live in the city and thought that real community journalism had died out, only to be replaced by tiresome clickbait, then you're in for a pleasant surprise.”

St Albans beer and cider festival recommends the st albans times Support the future of the St Albans Times and proper journalism by paying a regular direct debit for as little as £5 a month.

Click on this page to set up.

We will automatically sign up new subscribers for a £5 monthly donation unless you contact us direct to arrange a different payment.

We’re also looking for sponsors and advertisers to become regular patrons - if you’re interested in being associated with the St Albans Times, please email us direct at editor@stalbanstimes.co.uk

Onlin e every Thurs day

IN OTHER NEWS...

Great-great-grandmother celebrates her 102nd birthday A remarkable St Albans resident who has lived through World War II, five monarchs and 21 Prime Ministers has celebrated her 102nd birthday surrounded by family and friends.

Margaret Davies marked the milestone occasion with cakes and a party at Verulam House Care Home in St Albans, where she has lived for the past four years.

Born in Letchworth in 1923, Margaret was just 16 years old when the Second World War broke out in 1939.

She spent the war years becoming a skilled seamstress following the Government's 'Make do and Mend' campaign, which encouraged people to make and repair their own clothes to conserve resources for the war effort. Her talent for dressmaking continued throughout her life, and she always made clothes for herself and her family.

Margaret married Ken Davies in 1964, and together they raised a large family of four children – three girls and a boy. She is now a great great-grandmother.

Throughout her working life, Margaret was a secretary in various organisations including the NHS and a school for children with special educational needs. She eventually became head of the typing pool at Eastern Electricity in St Albans.

Margaret and Ken shared a love of travel and would go caravanning to Devon with their beloved cats and dog, creating cherished family memories.

Margaret's granddaughter, Toni Boswall, who visits every week with her dog, said: "Nan had such a good birthday. She has led a wonderful life and I think the secret to her long life was her very happy marriage to our granddad, Ken. He was an old-fashioned gentleman who took care of her and she always knew she was loved.

"Due to her dress-making talents she had beautiful clothes and always looked very elegant."

Verulam House home manager Neil Copping added: "It was a privilege to celebrate Margaret's 102nd birthday with her, and her family and friends. I made sure I got my guitar out to serenade her on this very special occasion."

Despite her age, Margaret enjoys regular visits from her family and friends and takes part in various activities with the team at Verulam House.

IN OTHER NEWS...

Feelgood Hollywood classic comes to the Abbey Theatre This November, the Abbey Theatre is inviting audiences to rediscover the magic of It’s a Wonderful Life — a timeless tale of love, hope, and second chances — reimagined for the stage in a captivating new production.

At the centre of the story is George Bailey, a man whose dreams of adventure and travel are continually put aside for the sake of others.

When despair leads him to believe the world would be better off without him, his guardian angel Clarissa intervenes to reveal just how many lives he has touched — and how truly wonderful his own life has been all along.

This stage version beautifully translates the scope of the much-loved Hollywood classic into an intimate live experience. With some creative updates, Mary Elliot Nelson’s adaptation brings a fresh charm to a familiar story that celebrates the best of humanity.

Director Tina Swain said: “The play has been described by members of the cast as capturing the heart of the original film. I think this is the perfect way to explain how the scope of a much-loved Hollywood film has been adapted to a live stage production. Angel Clarence has become Clarissa, Uncle Billy is now Aunt Dilly, and the cast of 11 play more than 20 characters. It’s a real ensemble piece around the central character of George Bailey – but don’t expect any dance floors to turn into swimming pools in our production!”

This feel-good, family-friendly production promises to be the perfect way to step into the festive season. It’s a celebration of kindness, community, and the enduring power of hope — themes that resonate now more than ever.

Performances are from Friday November 14 to Saturday November 15 at 8pm, Sunday November 16 at 2.30pm, and Wednesday November 19 to Saturday November 22 at 8pm.

There is no performance on Monday November 17 or Tuesday November 18. To book tickets please go to www.abbeytheatre.org.uk or call the box office on 01727 857861.

Ex-councillor joins Sleepout to raise awareness of homelessness A former district councillor will be swapping his bed for a sleeping bag for one night to help raise vital funds for Open Door and people experiencing homelessness in our community.

Aaron Jacob will be taking part in place of St Albans Mayor Cllr Teresa Heritage, as part of this year’s Sleepout event on Friday. He’ll spend the night outdoors at Oaklands College’s Smallford campus to help raise both awareness and muchneeded funds for Open Door, a local charity providing shelter and support for those experiencing homelessness.

Aaron said: “I’m taking part in the Sleepout to raise awareness and support for those experiencing homelessness. Spending one night outside is a small act, but one that can spark important conversations about the challenges faced by people without a safe and stable home.

I’m proud to support the critical work that Open Door does in our community, and my hope is that awareness turns into action.”

The Sleepout is an annual event that brings together members of the community who are willing to give up their beds for one night in solidarity with those who have no choice. The funds raised go toward helping Open Door continue its essential work: offering emergency accommodation and practical support to individuals facing homelessness in St Albans.

Aaron added that taking part is about more than just one night in the cold. It is about understanding and empathy.

“This is very much a reminder that homelessness is not a distant issue. It is something that touches lives right here locally,” he said.

Those wishing to support Aaron’s Sleepout can visit: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/mayor-st-albanssleepout-2025 You can find out more about Open Door here: https://www.opendoorstalbans.org/

Student uncovers her family’s wartime past ahead of Remembrance Day A chance discovery in her parents’ loft unlocked a journey of discovery for a St Albans history student which revealed new insights into her family’s wartime past.

Rosie Fitzpatrick, who is in Year 11 at The Marlborough Science Academy, found handwritten notes by her greatgrandmother relating to her training for the Auxiliary Fire Service prior to the outbreak of the Second World War. She has used this information as the basis for a project on the period to coincide with Marlborough’s annual Remembrance Day commemorations.

TMSA head of history Andrew Pressland said: “It was during a parents’ evening that Rosie’s father said they’d found his grandmother’s – so Rosie’s great-grandmother’s – diary and lecture notes from when she was training to be in the AFS.” Rosie continued: “I guess my great-grandmother would have passed it down to my grandad, and everything from him is in a box in the attic. He recently passed away, so my dad had been looking through all his stuff, which is when he found my great-grandmother’s journal.”

She discovered that Alice Rosie Fitzpatrick (1904-1979) was part of the volunteer fire service supporting regular fire brigades during air raids. The organisation, which was made up of men and women, was formed in January 1938 to prepare for the eventuality of enemy air attacks, with the possibility of war growing ever stronger.

Members fought thousands of fires during the Blitz, and they were dubbed “heroes with grimy faces” by Prime Minister Winston Churchill for their valiant efforts.

Alice’s notes relate to the period 1938-1939, and show how

Rosie Fitzpatrick with some of her family records.

seriously she took her role, with details on how sprinkler

people and taking them in or giving other firefighters food for

systems work, what fire extinguishers are used for petrol

the night.”

and oil, and the names of the different fire officers she

Mr Pressland elaborated: “We uncovered lots of different

would be working with and how their ranks could be

stories about how these women dealt with various aspects of

identified.

the Blitz, which included driving lorries to carry petrol, going

Rosie explained: “We first looked through the journal, and

on motorcycles through bombed streets, maintaining

then started researching about the actual Auxiliary Fire

telephone services when they were damaged during air raids,

Service.”

and preparing meals for firefighters and delivering them

The date of 1938 shows how Alice was already being trained

during the night, which would have been more dangerous.”

well ahead of the start of the war.

Throughout the research process they have worked closely

“They knew what must have seemed inevitable,” said Mr

with archivist Alan House at the Firefighters’ Memorial

Pressland, “so they started to prepare early, which links into

Trust, who revealed that a lot of women didn’t know they were

one of our GCSE topics, which is the causes of the Second

entitled to a medal for their service, which is something Rosie’s

World War and Britain’s policy of appeasement.

family are considering applying for.

“One of the arguments defending Britain’s policy of

Meanwhile, Alice had no idea at the time of writing her journal

appeasement was that [Prime Minister Neville] Chamberlain

that her son Peter, Rosie’s grandfather, would subsequently be

was buying time, and actually this does support that.”

evacuated from London to escape the dangers of the very raids

Rosie said reading the journal has helped her understand

she was fighting in the City of Westminster, right in the heart

more about the life of a relative she never met: “It does kind

of the capital.

of feel like I know her. She was a warden and had driving

“His sister was also evacuated as well, but they weren’t

duties, which meant she would drive through freshly

evacuated together. Peter went first to Brighton, and then

bombed streets in the middle of the night, either looking for

eventually to Wales,” said Rosie.

(Clockwise from above left) Peter prior to his evacuation; Peter’s wedding - Alice is to his right; handwritten pages from Alice’s wartime journal; Peter while completing his National Service in the British Army.

“He used to have a lot of stories from his time in Brighton

sometimes we add to it with any coins we might have around.”

because he really didn’t like the boys he was staying with, and

Mr Pressland said: “Rosie was very close to her grandfather,

eventually he was moved because the family couldn’t afford

and I think that helped her become emotionally very invested

to feed so many children – he said his least favourite food at

in this project. It’s a real-life Goodnight Mr Tom story,” he

the time was stinging nettle soup!

added, referring to the novel by Michelle Magorian about a

“When he moved to Wales he ended up on a farm with a man

London evacuee’s transformational time in the care of an

called Mr Ward, and that was his absolute favourite place

elderly recluse.

because he said that it changed his life.

Rosie said finding out more about her family’s history has

“When he lived in London his dad was a drinker and his mum

been a fascinating experience, as it has shown her history from

worked in a factory, whereas working on the farm gave him

a personal level.

structure and routine. He said Mr Ward gave him a job but

“It’s one thing learning it in class, but to know that my grandad

made him save all his money, which was something he

was actually evacuated really puts it all into perspective.”

continued doing for the rest of his life, just saving everything

Mr Pressland added: “The dedication Rosie has put into this

he earned.”

project has just been wonderful, but the final point is, if her

She produces a handwritten ledger book showing Peter’s

generation doesn’t keep these stories alive, then they will be

savings from the time.

lost forever. Resonating with the past, and our descendants is

“That’s a habit which he passed down to my dad, and then us

what we try to encourage here at The Marlborough Science

[Rosie and her siblings] as well. When we were little he bought

Academy, not only during the Festival of Remembrance, but

us a jar and he’d make us put our spare change in it, or any

on battlefield trips to France and with any opportunity in our

coins we found in the street. It still sits on my sister’s shelf, and

curriculum.”

Lest we forget: remembering Stephen Golsby - casualty of Neuve Chapelle In a quiet corner of St Peter’s Church graveyard in St Albans is the family grave of Joseph and Sarah Golsby. Laid on top of this grave is a modest stone shield with a simple inscription.

‘Stephen Charles Golsby Who died for his country at Neuve Chapelle March 10th 1915 Aged 21 years’ Stephen Charles Golsby, born in 1894, was the youngest son of Joseph Golsby, a bricklayer, and Sarah (Kiff) Golsby. His mother died aged 46 years, when he was three years old, and he would have been brought up by his elder sisters.

He grew up at 14 Blacksmith Row St Michael’s, St Albans, along with two elder brothers and five sisters, in what must have been the crowded conditions of a two- bedroom terraced house. His father died in 1906, and the family later moved to Warwick Road, close to Bernards Heath.

Just three months after war had been declared on August 14 1914, he joined the Army on November 7 under his middle name Charles and was later posted to D company 2nd Battalion of the Middlesex Regiment (the Die-Hards).

At this time there was widespread support and enthusiasm for the war. It was generally expected to be of short duration. It will all be over by Christmas, they said.

One can imagine the excitement and enthusiasm of a 20 year old young man, coming from cramped confines in St Albans, joining the Regiment, and going off to war.

The battle of Neuve Chapelle started on March 10 1915, and went on for three days.

It is considered to be the first major battle in the First World War where the British Expeditionary Force was involved in a deliberately planned offensive. The attack was intended to rupture German trenches and fortifications, to allow a breakthrough. It was commanded by General Sir Douglas Haig.

The battle is regarded a tactical success, the village of Neuve Chapelle was captured, but overall, it had little strategic value in the war. The Allies gained a few miles of territory, but further advances were not possible due to an acute shortage of artillery shells, and the attack petered out.

The battle of Neuve Chapelle is also notable for the large-scale deployment of the Indian Corps of the British Army.

A photo by Italian photographer Fortutinia Matania (right) shows victorious Bengal Lancers returning from the battle, with German caps and helmets impaled on their lances.

The casualties at Neuve Chapelle were at the time considered

The Golsby family grave with Charles’ memorial stone lies in

very heavy but pale to insignificance when compared with the

the southernmost corner of St Peters graveyard. Find it with

overall losses of the Great War.

what3words ‘ hangs.dusty.pace ’

British casualties in this battle were 7,000 dead or wounded.

Charles Golsby is remembered at the City War Memorial, St

The Indian Corps lost 4,200 men. German casualties were about

Peter’s Street, and at panels 31 and 32 of Le Touret war

8,500.

memorial in France, maintained by the Commonwealth War

Overall losses in the Great War were approximately 880,000

Graves Commission. He died 90 years ago, aged 21.

British, 74,000 Indian, 65,000 Canadian, with total deaths

His remains were never found. He has no known grave.

estimated between 15 and 22 million.

Words by Ambrose Killen.

IN OTHER NEWS...

St Albans Community Showcase returns to the Cathedral The third annual St Albans Community Showcase saw 65 local charities and community organisations fill the nave with the highest footfall so far.

The event was organised by a working group drawn from the Cathedral’s Social Justice Group, Mission Giving Group and Eco Group.

A spokesperson for the organising working group said: “It was inspiring to see so many groups coming together with one shared goal — to make life better for others. The Showcase reminds us what’s possible when people unite in compassion and hope. We’re already looking forward to building on this year’s success for next year’s event.”

STYLED BY DERYANE Denim Dedication: Finding Your Perfect Pair of Jeans - by Deryane Tadd of The Dressing Room If there’s one wardrobe essential that never goes out of style, it’s the perfect pair of jeans. But as we all know, finding the one can feel like the ultimate fashion challenge. The good news?

With the right guidance, your denim soulmate is out there, I promise!

A great pair of jeans should make you feel amazing — comfortable, confident and completely yourself. Whether you live in slim leg denim, love a wide leg, can’t resist a chic straight cut or like myself you prefer the fashion fit of a barrel leg, it’s all about discovering the fit that flatters your body, fits your lifestyle and makes the statement that you want.

So which shapes and brands are best for you? The really depends on what you are looking for. A great slim leg or flared jean will give you a sculpted silhouette and will make you feel dressed to kill whilst being a base layer that you can build the rest of your look around.

Style a beautiful blouse or shirt and blazer with a pair of slim leg jeans and you have a effortlessly stylish look.

Slim leg denim is often slightly cropped to sit at the ankle, so it’s a great option for flats, trainers or heels. A flared jean will often be slightly longer and is best worn with heels for an elevated look.

Wide leg denim gives the illusion of ‘70s styling that nods to a fashion statement whilst elongating the leg if you tuck a voluminous blouse in. The look is universally flattering on all body shapes and can balance out wider hips and thighs. Great worn with heeled boots for glam styling or cropped at the ankle and worn with a flat for a more relaxed look.

A Barrel leg or curved leg jean is a statement in itself and will be the main event for your outfit, the rest of your look can be pared back to make it all about the denim.

The shape works on a petite frame or a taller, curvier frame and especially when worn with confidence and pair of heels!

In terms of ‘the rise’, this is where the denim sits on your waist. Low rise has thankfully fallen out of favour and mid or high rise is really where you will find most jeans sit now.

Often around the belly button or above for a fashion fit, the mid to high rise jean is a much more flattering look for most.

In terms of brands, then let me give you a low down on who nails each look:

an inch to give the illusion of slimmer, longer legs and the back pockets are sized

Paige is our go-to for soft, sculpting denim that moves with you thanks to their super stretch Transcend fabric.

The brand was founded by the former denim fit model, Paige Adams Geller and she sure knows how to make the most of the curves on a woman’s body. The waistband on Paige denim is double banded so it doesn’t dip down, the side seams are brought forward

to give the look of a pert bottom!

Paige denim is perfect for everyday wear and easy to dress up or down and will give you that dressed to kill look with heels.

If you’re drawn to that effortless Californian cool, Frame delivers sleek silhouettes and a touch of LA luxury; think elevated denim that looks just as good with heels as it does with trainers.

Already famous for their Le Slim Palazzo

flare and Le Sleek straight, this brand are now making their mark on the barrel leg with The Bubble jean.

If you’re drawn to that effortless Californian cool, Frame delivers sleek silhouettes and a touch of LA luxury; think elevated denim that looks just as good with heels as it does with trainers.

Already famous for their Le Slim Palazzo flare and Le Sleek straight, this brand are now making their mark on the barrel leg with The Bubble jean.

For those who love premium craftsmanship, Citizens of Humanity is a must-try. Their attention to detail and beautifully structured fabrics make every pair a lasting investment. And if you lean towards an edgier aesthetic, Rag & Bone has that cool-girl energy down to a tee — a mix of modern cuts and relaxed styling that works from brunch to bar and their Miramar fabrication is a must try for that off duty styling that is super soft and luxurious.

We all know that we can pick up a pair of jeans almost anywhere these days, so why invest in premium denim? What is the difference and what is all the fuss about?

Well premium denim is built to last and is designed with longevity and sustainability in mind. Take a brand like Citizens of Humanity, they champion sustainability through every stage of production, prioritising regenerative agriculture to restore soil health, reduce carbon emissions and create denim that’s as kind to the planet as it is to the people who make it.

Premium denim brands like Paige, Frame, Citizens of Humanity, and Rag & Bone all use advanced fabric technology and expert tailoring to create jeans that sculpt, stretch, and hold their shape beautifully.

The quality of the cotton, the softness of the weave, and the precision of the cut mean you’ll get a fit that flatters and feels incredible from morning to night and will last the test of time.

My top tip? Try different rises and leg shapes — you’ll be surprised how transformative the right pair can be. Once you’ve found your perfect jeans, everything else just falls into place. For more information on styles and fits, visit our blog: or have a look at our denim videos over on Instagram @thedressingroomsocial and visit our care guide to find out how to care for your denim for a lifetime of wear.

Come visit us at The Dressing Room in St Albans, and let our team help you find your denim happily ever after, book your denim appointment here: and we guarantee to find you the most perfect pair of jeans within 30 minutes.

Deryane x

ERIS: OPINION WITH BITE the class enemies In the last General Election 73 per cent of St Albans and 61.3 per cent of Harpenden and Berkhamsted voted for progressive parties, standing for higher taxes, a bigger state and the transfer of wealth from rich to poor. Labour promised “those with the broadest shoulder will bear the heaviest burden”.

The Liberal Democrat manifesto promised significant tax rises on capital gains, and their local leader called for increased taxes on larger properties.

The Greens promised increased taxes on the highest earners, a wealth tax, extended NI rates and taxes on savings and pensions.

Now, Rachel Reeves is preparing the ground for huge tax increases. No surprise, socialists always run out of other people’s money. There could be tax rises for everyone, but commentators think the following are likely.

A tax on incomes over £45K, 20 per cent of UK earners.

What is significant about this, is that it shows the level of income at which progressives brand people as ‘rich’. This is around half the population in this area, as the median income is £45K. Swingeing increases in council tax on mansions, defined as the top two tax bands.

Locally, there are 65,616 homes, but only four per cent are in the highest tax band H, with 24 per cent in the top two. In Harpenden, 40 per cent of homes are in the top two bands.

Many of their owners bought decades ago and now have modest incomes. Families who bought more recently often have very high mortgages and limited disposable income.

Many will not be able to afford another £4,000 per annum. If they sell-up, how will this impact the housing market? If a glut of properties come onto the market, will all local house prices collapse, trapping their owners in negative equity?

17% of the district’s population are pensioners. The full state pension is £11,973 per year, the average income for a pensioner in the UK is around £14,664 per year.

Younger pensioners may have savings, but these are needed to fund 20+ years in retirement and expensive care in extreme old age (currently £80-100K per year).

Progressives view these savings as ‘unfair’ and are looking for ways to tax them.

How will pensioners react? If they sell up and leave the country – what about Labour’s proposed 20 per cent ‘exit fee’?

The final group is the 14 per cent of local people who are self-employed. Accountants, lawyers, management consultants, hairdressers, farmers, builders, tradesmen, but not self-employed NHS workers like GPs. They are in the firing line with increases in NI and new taxes on partnerships.

Clearly the private sector self-employed are considered the ‘rich’ and thus fair targets for re-distributive policies.

The bad news is that more than half the people living locally are considered rich and will face tax rises. The good news is that they are mainly rich middle-class folk who voted progressively. They will now get what they wanted, the state taking money from them and giving it to more favoured groups (public sector workers and the unemployed). Who did they think the ‘rich’ were - other people?

Chancellor Rachel Reeves. Photo by Toby Shepheard.

St Albans SEND parents take protest over service failings to steps of County Hall St Albans parents of children with special educational

They pointed out the poor communication with families,

needs who say they have been failed by Herts county

lengthy delays in preparing education, health and care plans

council joined a nationwide protest which reached the

(EHCPs) for children, and the poor quality when these were

steps of County Hall this week.

produced.

The Every Pair Tells A Story campaign encourages families

A priority action and improvement plan was introduced

to use a pair of empty shoes to represent youngsters let

following the report, which promised extra investment into

down by local authorities and the SEND system which was

SEND provision, more school places and a fresh approach to

supposed to protect and support them.

autism and ADHD assessments, but there were little obvious

This movement is not only for children missing from

signs of improvement.

education. It stands for every child whose needs have been

But despite a change in administration after the Liberal

ignored, misunderstood or dismissed. It is for those isolated

Democrats took control of HCC in May’s elections, many

in classrooms without the right support, pushed into

parents feel Hertfordshire continues to face deep challenges

unsuitable mainstream schools, or waiting months and years

in providing timely and adequate support for children and

for Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) that are

young people with SEND.

delayed, denied or disregarded.

A heartbreaking 173 pairs of empty shoes were placed

Every pair tells a story of exhaustion, heartbreak and

outside County Hall on Monday, highlighting a fraction of

families forced to fight for the very basics that every child

local cases.

deserves: education, inclusion and respect.

Herts spokesperson for Every Pair Tells A Story, Savannah

The extent of the SEND crisis in Herts was identified

Ashlea, said: “While 173 pairs is a powerful sight, we know

following an inspection in July 2023 which saw Ofsted and

it’s only a small reflection of the thousands more families

the Care Quality Commission highlight widespread and

across Hertfordshire still living this reality every single day.

systematic failures across the county which had “significant

“To everyone who came, who donated shoes, who shared

negative impact on the experiences and outcomes of

posts, who whispered their child’s name into that sea of

children and young people”.

silence – thank you, we are so sorry you had to. You should

never had needed to.

“But your courage, your presence, and your stories turned grief into solidarity and silence into strength. Those 173 pairs will now go on to help others – donated to homeless and disability charities – a symbol of how love and community can still create hope, even in the face of failure.

“And to those who couldn’t attend, this event was for you, too.

Your stories, your children, your journeys – they were all there with us. We may have laid down 173 pairs of shoes, but we stand for every child still waiting to be seen. The fight for ordinary continues.”

One St Albans mum, who asked not to be named, told us: “We are were today with a sad but powerful display, along with 92 other locations nationally. The UK is a first-world country, our children should have access to a suitable education.

“Many parents cried or had tears in their eyes when they arrived. Their children and they have been let (badly) let down, it just hits you.

“HCC hasn’t got enough money, staff or special schools. That makes them behave in unhelpful and unlawful ways. Innocent children and their exhausted families pay the price.

“Many of the tags on shoes here talk about the damage and trauma children with special needs sustained in mainstream education. I personally know over 20 of the children represented here today. All of them, at some point, had no suitable school for months or years on end, felt lonely and had poor mental health. Many of their parents had to give up work.

“At the protest I heard of things happening right NOW parents who had four EHC coordinators in eight months (and still without a school for 10 months), another five coordinators in five months.

“Parent-blaming, lack of access to PALMS (Patient Assessment and Liaison Mental Health Service) or CAHMS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) for their children who are so anxious they can’t leave the house or so traumatised by school that they don’t want to be alive anymore. One lad with many diagnoses suffers weekly exclusions but there is no special school for him to go to.

“Undoubtedly the current Ofsted inspection will be satisfactory because they have chosen very narrow criteria and data to assess. The most favourable files were hand-picked to evaluate and families will not be asked for their opinion on this occasion!”

St Albans mum Steph Curtis has been writing the blog Steph’s Two Girls since her youngest daughter Sasha was diagnosed with a sub-type of autism called Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) at the age of two-and-a-half.

She said: “I couldn't be there in person but a kind local mum took along my representative pair. On our attached tag were the words ‘For our daughter, who has been let down badly by the LA and education system since the age of 10. Not given the support she needed to thrive; now, at the age of 18, forgotten, isolated and part of the ever-increasing number of NEET young adults. Time for the education system to change, to be fully inclusive and recognise all different types of learning ability."

Mother’s fight to get daughter placed in a school suitable for her SEND needs A St Albans mum of a SEND daughter, who requested

has small classes and no uniform but isn’t a special school -

anonymity to protect her child’s wellbeing, has told her

she is a bright young person, who really wants to learn.

own story of being let down by Herts county council.

"The county council took this to ‘panel’ and decided that her

“My daughter, who previously had 100 per cent attendance,

original secondary should be the named school - even

started struggling going to school in January 2022 when she

though they had tried for the last three years and my

was in Year 6.

daughter has been unable to attend. Their argument was

“This stemmed from bullying which was quashed quickly

that she hadn't tried with an EHCP before. The school tried

but seemed to knock her confidence, caused a lot of anxiety

everything they could but fundamentally my daughter is

and meant that for the remainder of Year 6 she only went to

ulnable to cope with the sensory overwhelm she gets with at

school sporadically.

school. It’s too noisy and busy etc.

“She started secondary school in September and from the

“Eventually the panel agreed to pay for the place at St

off struggled to go in - having breakdowns in the mornings.

Albans Independent College, but it should never have gone

Small things would set her off such as forgetting a

so far.

mouthguard etc.

“This whole situation has caused significant stress for our

“For the next three years the school tried various methods to

family. Not only having to deal with a SEND child who has

help, such as reduced timetables, no queue lunches, wearing

high anxiety and is unable to attend school but actually

PE kit rather than uniform because of the sensory demands,

having to fight for what she needs.

but she was unable to attend regularly.

“When she was still at her mainstream school she was unable

“She was diagnosed autistic in spring 2023 after we had to

to attend but the council put a lot of pressure on us as

pay for an assessment as the NHS waiting lists were so long,

parents to prove that she was ill and not just missing school

then with Inattentive ADHD this spring - also private for the

because we were too lazy to take her. This is a child who had

same reasons. Her psychiatrist suggested we apply for an

many years 100 per cent attendance in primary school.

EHCP so we did in March of this year.

“Also with the NHS the waiting list to get assessed for ASD /

“Originally HCC said she didn't need an assessment - which

ADHD are years. We had to pay for both in order to get her

apparently came from one report about her ADHD

the support she needed. This cost us £3.5K. Parents I know

symptoms - they ignored the rest of the evidence we had

who hadn't got formal diagnoses struggled to get the ‘proof'

about her ASD and the struggles she had with attending

they needed their children were struggling.

school.

“There needs to be more investment in suitable settings for

“By some magic I managed to speak to someone in the

children who do not have learning disabilities but are unable

council who saw sense and managed to get them to reassess

to cope in such a large school environment and with the

the case and the ‘panel’ decided that she did need an EHCP,

demands of large schools. This is a significant gap in the

so the assessment went ahead.

provisions HCC has - they have SEMH [Social, Emotional,

“Anyway we get to the summer and her EHCP is in draft and

and Mental Health] schools but not really any that would

we even got them to state she needed smaller class sizes. We

help a lot of children out there. I know of lots of other

asked for her to attend St Albans Independent College as it

children who would benefit from a similar setting.”

Can a 20 minute routine of electronic muscle stimulation really replace a gym session?

A quick science lesson: the human body relies on electrical

Chris explains the concept: “My wife and I worked in the

impulses from the brain to muscles, which trigger

corporate world for 20 odd years, and always tried to keep fit

contractions to create movement, and the harder you engage

and look after ourselves. Last year we discovered EMS

those muscles using resistance or cardiovascular exercise,

(electrical muscle stimulation) which is the technology behind

the fitter you become.

Bodystreet, and we were so impressed with what it did we

But what if you could harness this process to mimic the effects

thought, wouldn’t it be brilliant if everyone could do this?

of hours spent lifting weights or pounding the treadmill in the

“Everyone should have the chance to keep fit even if they’re

gym?

short of time.”

That’s the principle behind an innovative process which

Bodystreet is a German company which has been running for

promises to completely shake-up St Albans residents’

around 18 years on the continent, but is slowly taking hold in

approach to fitness.

the UK, with the St Albans set-up the 13th in this country.

Bodystreet involves positioning electronic conductor panels

Chris says: “Because it’s a very new thing, we do trials to give

next to the skin to send an electrical current to the area,

people the chance to understand what a session looks like and

causing rhythmic muscle contractions.

how it feels. It’s an unusual feeling, it’s not painful or

It’s a similar process used to help treat some muscle injuries,

anything, it’s just odd.”

as the currents also help improve blood flow and stimulate

With just a few months to go before I hit my mid-50s, the fat

muscle fibers.

has started to build up on my chest and around my waist

It has been introduced in St Albans by husband and wife team

despite the occasional run along the Alban Way. Juggling the

Chris and Dina Hart, who recognised that there were a lot of

demands of the St Albans Times with family commitments

people locally who wanted to keep fit, but were too time poor

takes up a lot of my free time, and gone are the days when I

to devote hours at the gym.

could fit in a few weekly HIIT sessions at Nuffield.

So an innovative new exercise regime which takes just 20 minutes a week ticks all the boxes, and I agreed to embark on a three-month programme to see what benefits it could bring, while reporting on my progress over a series of articles.

Bodystreet St Albans is based out of one of the historic shops down Holywell Hill, with large glass windows designed to show to people sitting in the traffic queues exactly what they do as exercise takes place in full view of passers-by – something we have the Germans to thank for, apparently, although Chris has fitted blinds for the more self-conscious participant.

Things start off with a simple consultation, measuring my height and weight, checking my blood pressure, and then it’s time to don one of their special suits to begin a calibration process.

Imagine wearing a skintight dry suit, cut off at the elbows and knees. This has 24 panels inside which deliver electric pulses to all of the major muscle groups, and are controlled individually, in pairs or all together.

“It’s very tight because we want those electrodes to be right up against the skin,” Chris explains, and it certainly left no room for modesty, resembling some sort of superhero costume without the cape.

Once I’ve prised myself into this outfit - which involved a lot of breathing in to do the zip up properly – Chris hooks on what looks like a charging pack for a cordless drill into a sling on my back and clips it into place. This is the device which powers the panels and links up to a computer monitor showing my various workout levels so there’s no room to hide.

He then carries out a full body scan to determine my muscle mass, water content and metabolic age. It picks up on everything from hydration through to cellular health, so provides a complete picture which can be used as a guide during the course of my programme.

Unsurprisingly, I’m a little overweight, my fat levels are towards the higher ends of the “desirable” levels, and although I’m generally healthy, there is definitely room for improvement, something the Bodystreet process promises to achieve.

On a very positive note, my metabolic age is actually 43, which means compared to other people of my age, my body’s energy-burning efficiency is much better, something which is linked to the ratio of muscle to fat, my diet, the amount of exercise I do and even my genetics.

Having gone through all the pre-exercise protocols, it was time to begin my first session. These are tailored to an individual’s requirements, with relevant data fed into a digital profile to determine how I’m getting on over the course of time.

Following a brief warm-up to stimulate both my heart rate and get some heat into the suit, Chris takes me through a basic course of exercises, with his colleague Ben sharing the responsibilities as my personal trainer for the remainder of my programme.

The two sessions had basic similarities, but showed the variety of different activities you can do over the course of time, mixing it up to avoid repetition, familiarity and boredom.

So what did it feel like?

Most of the exercises required getting into a particular position and engaging muscle groups by tensing them in time to ride the electrical wave.

This started off at a fairly low level, but as the regime continued my trainers would adjust the settings to build up the power.

If you’ve ever tried one of those electrical abs stimulators you stick onto your belly then you’ll have an idea of how this feels.

It’s like a deep vibration within your muscles which gradually builds in intensity, and you can feel the burn deep inside in the same way that you might after an extreme workout.

We do some lunges and different combinations of stretches and muscle contractions, with a focus on keeping my core engaged, breathing out as the pulse wave kicks in, and making sure I’m tensing all the relevant parts of my body for each

What sort of permanent results it produces only time will tell,

exercise. Was it difficult? Not once I got into the swing of it,

as this is really just the start of my journey and there’s a long

and the second week was much easier as I understood what

way still to go. In the meantime, I’ll be watching my diet,

was required from the process.

ensuring I drink at least two to three litres of water daily, and

And the time passed very quickly. So much so that it seems

supplementing the process with the odd run and plenty of

impossible to think that the overall routine is supposed to be

walking.

the equivalent of a 90 minute conventional workout in the

You can find out whether Bodystreet has the transformational

gym.

effects on my physique it claims to produce in the next part of

Although immediately afterwards I was a little bit tingly and

this series in a few weeks’ time, but if you’re interested in

sore, the real pain didn’t kick in until a few days later, when it

finding out more about the process, visit the website at

felt as though I’d completed some sort of extreme assault

https://www.bodystreet.co.uk/studio/bodystreet-st-albans to

course challenge, so at least I could tell it was working.

book a trial appointment.

IN OTHER NEWS...

The Pioneer Club (re) launches U18 club night This Friday The Pioneer Club is going back to its roots and putting on a club night for young adults aged between 14 and 17.

The venue is looking at making their 'Young Pioneers' club night a regular feature of the calendar and providing a much-needed space for young people to come and dance together.

Commercial director Jon Prayer said: “Youth is at the heart of who we are as a charity, and putting on this event is desperately needed in St Albans as there really is nowhere for the young people to go and just enjoy themselves. This alongside our many other youth and community events will help refocus The Pioneer Club as a key part of the young community.”

Tickets are £5 in advance from the Pioneer website www.pioneerclub.co.uk

Cheers! New exhibition explores city's Victorian pubs and alehouses

Temperatures starting to fall as October arrives October was relatively dry but dull with colder days and warmer nights, according to experts at Rothamsted Research in Harpenden.

Rainfall was 57.3mm which is 24.01 mm below average.

We had 17 days with 0.2mm or more of rain and five with over 5.0mm. The greatest rainfall was 13.1mm which fell on the 22nd .

Sunshine was below average with 80.0 hrs (-33.03 hours); the most was 9.1 hours on the 6th. There were three days without sunshine.

The mean maximum air temperature was below average with 14.0 ºC (-0.32) and the mean minimum air temperature was above average at 8.3 ºC (+0.81). The highest temperature was 19.7 ºC on the 6th and the lowest was 3.1 ºC on the 26th .

There were two ground frosts and no air frosts.

A new exhibition is inviting people to step back in time to the late 19th century, when St Albans was home to nearly 100 commercial drinking establishments.

With one of the highest densities of pubs per square mile in the country, St Albans is renowned for its wealth of historic hostelries - some dating back centuries - and its uniquely varied, characterful drinking scene.

Inspired by the 1884 verse The City Pubs, composed by ‘Baron’ Martin, the Inns and Alehouses exhibition at the Museum + Gallery uncovers the stories behind the city’s vibrant drinking culture. The lively composition lists 92 drinking locations - all within a one-kilometre radius of the museum - many of which are brought to life through stories, objects, photographs and Victorian memorabilia.

Curator David Thorold said: “Of the 92 establishments mentioned in the verse, 30 are still open today - and remarkably, St Albans has about the same number of pubs now as it did 200 years ago. It’s a testament to how well our pubs have adapted and stood the test of time.”

The exhibition shines a light on St Albans’ diverse venues - from bustling beerhouses to cosy taverns - and explores the social and cultural forces that shaped their fortunes as the city moved into the 20th century.

Throughout the Victorian age, these inns and alehouses faced pressures from rapid social, cultural, and economic change. Improved road links brought more travellers through the town, but fewer stayed overnight as journeys became faster. The arrival of the railways diverted trade elsewhere, while new licensing laws saw an explosion of smaller, locally focused establishments. By the century’s end, the rise of the Temperance Movement sought to reduce or even end alcohol consumption altogether.

This exhibition explores how St Albans’ publicans and innkeepers navigated these challenges, revealing the resilience and ingenuity that defined the city’s pub culture in this period.

SADC arts, tourism, heritage and culture manager Farhana Begum explained: “Inns & Alehouses in Victorian St Albans deepens our understanding of the city’s rich and complex past, exploring the places where people gathered to work, celebrate and connect.

"Through this exhibition, we’re able to reflect on how those social spaces helped shape the city we live and work in today - and invite visitors to see familiar streets and buildings in a new, thought-provoking yet delightful way.”

Sean Hughes, landlord of battlefield pub The Boot in Market Place, added: “Pubs have always been at the heart of the St Albans community - places where people have gathered, shared stories, and raised a glass to life for centuries. It’s fantastic to see an exhibition that shines a light on this rich pub history."

Inns & Alehouses in Victorian St Albans runs from November 28 to March 15 in the Keeper’s Galleries.

C O L U M N

HEALING THE ROOTS OF SELF-SABOTAGE Stacey Turner, founder of It’s OK To Say mental health care and well being charity continues her look at why we self-sabotage and self-awareness

Writing from London again, I am surrounded by the familiar hum of city life, but I am aware my thoughts are still with the conversations that began after my last two articles on self-sabotage.

Since writing about self-sabotage, I’ve loved receiving your stories, reflections, and thoughts. Many of you wrote about moments of recognising yourselves in the patterns I described, the times you got close to something good and somehow found a way to step back.

Some of you asked why we do it, why we turn on ourselves just when things seem to be getting better. And that’s exactly what I want to talk about today.

Because self-sabotage is not about failure, laziness, or weakness, remember - it’s about attachment.

Most people don’t realise that self-sabotage is a protective mechanism, often born from old experiences where connection, safety, or love felt uncertain or unpredictable.

Perhaps there were times where love had conditions, where we had to earn approval or where our needs weren’t always met, we learn that safety doesn’t come from being open, it comes from being prepared. It comes from controlling what we can, and expecting loss or disappointment before it happens.

So when life starts to offer something good like a relationship, an opportunity, a feeling of peace, there’s a part of us that doesn’t trust it. That part says: This is too good. Something’s going to go wrong. And before the world can take it away, we do it ourselves. That’s self-sabotage, not a lack of willpower, but a deeply learned survival strategy. It’s like walking around with a smoke alarm in your chest that goes off every time something feels “too safe.”

Sometimes, that rush of excitement can feel like an alarm, not because it is, but because our body learned long ago to be cautious when things feel intense. Over time, we unknowingly made peace with those feelings, and they became our norm, a familiar rhythm that feels safe, even when it keeps us on edge.

Over the past week, I’ve been reflecting on how these internal alarms show up for people in everyday life.

For some, it’s procrastination - waiting until the very last moment, not because you don’t care, but because doing well might raise expectations you’re scared you can’t meet again.

For others, it’s pushing people away, ending relationships first, because intimacy feels unpredictable. Sometimes, it’s overthinking everything, trying to control every variable so you never feel that horrible sting of uncertainty again.

If this sounds familiar, it’s because self-sabotage often sits at the crossroads of fear and unmet need.

58 St Peter’s Street, St Albans, AL1 3HG

A snippet from my recent daily journalling:

www.itsoktosay.org.uk

“Maybe sabotage is the unfamiliarity of ease, stability and

01727 482457

being accepted or loved as is.”

And I think that’s true for a lot of people.

What type of person do I want to be?

When we start to see self-sabotage as a part of us trying to

How do I want to connect to others and to the world?

protect rather than destroy, everything changes.

What aspects of life are important to me?

Instead of fighting it, we can get curious about it. We can ask:

What do I truly value?

• What is this part of me afraid of?

Write freely, get scribbling, please don’t overthink it. The goal

• What does it need to feel safe?

isn’t to have perfect answers, but to notice what comes up

• When did I first start feeling like this?

instinctively. These reflections often reveal the deeper truths

These are not easy questions, they take patience and

underneath self-sabotage, the values that have been

compassion. But they start to loosen the hold that old

overshadowed by fear.

fears have on our present.

If you’d like a book to accompany this reflection, I highly

At It’s OK To Say, the charity I founded seven years ago, we talk

recommend The Mountain Is You by Brianna Wiest.

a lot about the importance of community and conversation in

It’s one of those books that feels like it’s speaking directly to the

healing.

part of you that’s tired of standing in your own way. And for

No one heals in isolation, even though isolation is often where

your next morning walk or coffee break, the Mel Robbins

pain begins.

Podcast is an excellent listen, she has a gift for cutting through

When people come together and share their stories about

the noise and getting to the heart of what keeps us stuck, aka

mental health, grief, trauma, or self-sabotage, something shifts.

Let them-Let me!

We begin to realise that the parts of ourselves we thought were

So, as I finish this piece, still listening to the wind tapping

shameful are actually universal and that we can be cruel to

against the window, I want to leave you with this thought...

ourselves without realising, instead of being kind.

Self-sabotage is not a sign of weakness. It’s a sign that a part of

If you’ve been reading these articles and thinking,

you is clinging onto self protection. But, every time you choose

That sounds like me, I want to remind you, there is nothing

self-awareness over self-punishment, you begin to rewire that

wrong with you, you’ve been doing your best and protecting

belief. You teach your nervous system that safety can exist in

yourself the only way you’ve ever known how.

calm, not just in chaos.

But perhaps now, it’s time to learn a new way.

And maybe, just maybe, that’s the beginning of truly coming

And that begins with awareness, my favourite word!

home to yourself.

Here’s a small reflective exercise for you to try this week, one

Fact: Did you know that the body experiences the same physical

that prepares for the next article, which will explore the stories

sensations when we’re excited as when we’re anxious? The

we tell ourselves and how to rewrite them.

difference lies in how our brain interprets those signals, t’s not always what we feel, but how we’re wired to understand it.

Reflective Task:

I look forward to writing my next article from my cosy office in

Ask yourself, What is important to me in life?

town on awareness and how truly life changing it can be if you

To help you explore this, think about these questions:

allow it and please keep writing, I love receiving your stories.

RESTAURANT REVIEW

COSY CLUB CAN THE CITY’S NEWEST RESTAURANT LIVE UP TO THE HYPE? ASK MATT ADAMS...

You wait months for a new restaurant to open in St Albans, and then two of them come along in a matter of weeks.

Shortly after the remarkably successful launch of the new Pho eatery in Christopher Place Shopping Centre, it’s the turn of its neighbour, the city’s first Cosy Club.

The former French Connection store and snooker club has been completely transformed in what has been the biggest redevelopment of the centre since it first opened its doors in the 1980s, providing a massive space for a properly glamorous offering.

Featuring disco balls, fish tanks, bespoke patterned fabrics, carpets, mirrors and wallpapers, dramatic statement lighting, and sumptuous soft furnishings, there's really nothing quite like it anywhere else in the city centre.

Being unable to make last week’s VIP night due to holiday commitments was probably a good thing, as it meant I was able to go along on a typical Wednesday evening to experience the restaurant as it should be, free of pressure and pretension, just doing what it does well.

In the company of fellow Fleetville school dad Chris, we settled down to explore the menu over a couple of pints… There’s a pretty decent selection of draught options available, including the likes of Hawkstone Session Lager and Brixton Reliance Pale Ale, but it’s the cocktails where the Cosy Club excels.

Although we stuck to the beers for the night, a previous pre-opening visit to meet the team gave me an unexpected opportunity to sample not one, but two of the house cocktails. The first was a Tiramisu Martini, which blended vanilla vodka, Kahlúa, Baileys and milk chocolate to mimic the classic Italian dessert, but because they had yet to receive stock of ladyfinger biscuits - the special accompaniment to the drink - the manager insisted I have something else as well…

So in the middle of a Friday afternoon I quaffed both the martini and a classic margarita made with El Jimador Tequila, Cointreau and freshly squeezed lime juice, which certainly wasn’t the end to my week I’d expected, but no less pleasant as a result. Both were exceptionally crafted, and served to reawaken my somewhat dangerous predilection for quality cocktails…

Anyway, I’d better get back to Chris before he wonders why I’ve disappeared on some sort of meandering aside, and turn our attention back to the food on offer that evening, which included an exciting mix of small plates recommended for sharing as a starter.

We opted for Asian Buttermilk Fried Chicken, which came with a sticky soy, ginger, sesame and chilli glaze, Pulled Beef and Smoked Bacon Croquettes with black garlic aioli and crispy leeks, and Halloumi & Hot Honey served with a mizuna (a Japanese leaf which tastes like a cross between mustard greens and arugula) and picked onion salad.

If there was an opening act worthy of applause, it was this trio of tantalising taste triumphs. You could arguably just fill up on a selection of small plate choices and wouldn’t be in any way disappointed, as these were exceptional in their presentation, texture and flavours. Whether it was packing a punch with the hot honey, the croquettes melting in your mouth, or the extravagance of the crunchy chicken combo, these dishes were firing on all cylinders.

With a choice of 10 different options to mix it up

with, this approach offers diners the chance to enjoy a variety of little snacks with a fascinating fusion of flavours, and Chris and I are both already planning what to sample on our next visit.

Meanwhile, rather than overwhelm the customer with a second barrage of dishes to choose from, there is a somewhat restricted selection of mains available, with the focus obviously on top-level steaks and burgers.

Options included the likes of King Prawn & Cod Linguine, Chestnut Mushroom, Tomato and Spinach Curry, Panko-Crusted Cod and Chips, and a Warm Salad of Harissa & Maple Roasted Carrots, but who were we trying to kid? We wanted burgers…

Getting a burger right is an art form. How often have you been served something which is just too overwhelmed with fillings that you would have to defy laws of physics to render it eatable, where the bun is soggy and decomposing because of an abundance of sauces, or where the patty itself needs more seasoning and grill-time?

Thankfully none of those shortcomings applied to our Cosy Club fare.

Chris went for the Cosy Smash Burger, a double beef rib loaded with Cheddar, pickles, house bacon jam, caramelised onions and gravy mayo, served – much to my acute jealousy – with dipping gravy.

Almost any savoury dish is elevated to new heights by the inclusion of dipping gravy, it’s an actual fact.

Fortunately, I wasn’t disappointed by my choice of the Cosy House Burger, a beef rib patty, pickles, house bacon jam and mizuna. OK there wasn’t any gravy, but for once I could overlook that if only because the combination of the other ingredients was just so sublime.

But the bacon jam was the unquestionable king of the plate, offering a sweet and salty dollop of perfection into the heart of the burger, which perfectly complemented the tanginess of the pickles. Top work Cosy chefs.

Had we not stuffed our faces with so many starters, then two burgers and a heap of fries, perhaps we might have ventured onto the dessert menu, if only to explore the delights of the Brúléed Miso Carmel Custard Tart, which came with vanilla pod ice cream and shortbread crumb.

Other offerings included a Rich Chocolate Delice, a classic Rhubarb and Bramley Apple Crumble, and a Lemon and Raspberry Parfait.

Next time…

So we weren’t disappointed with the food or the drinks, but how did the rest of the venue measure up to scrutiny?

Despite an early evening mid-week booking, the restaurant was hopping and buzzing, with a great atmosphere which allowed for lively parties or intimate couples, with a great layout that took full advantage of the copious amount of space.

Service was simply faultless. Our host Justine was charming, attentive and informed, and a true credit to the intensive training regime imposed by general manager Deborah Benelli. If the restaurant can continue such exceptional standards going forwards, then that would be a spectacular achievement. It’s easy to hit the high notes in your opening week, but trying to maintain an aria months down the line is much harder to achieve.

The front of the Club is noticeably distinct from the restaurant, and caters for guests who might just want a drink, offering a sophisticated cocktail bar vibe which echoes upmarket London establishments in its approach. Well worth checking out if you’re looking for somewhere different to enjoy a night out with friends.

By all accounts, it’s been a two-year process to bring Cosy Club to Christopher Place, and judging from our experiences last week, it was worth every second.

10 years of SASA - still breaking down barriers in the performing arts

In 2015, 18-year-old Marlborough school-leaver Phoebe

“I’m from a working class family,” she explained. “Working

Shergold-Willis was in a quandary. She had excelled in the

hard was ingrained in me from a young age.”

performing arts at her nurturing school, worked hard at her

Phoebe soon became so well established and respected as a

A-levels and yet didn’t want to continue on the

teacher that she eventually brought and incorporated the

school/university treadmill at that point, writes Debbie Heath.

Living The Dream’ performing arts school into her own

Having grown up in the East End of London, only moving to

portfolio of classes. Eventually in 2018 she rebranded as SASA;

St Albans in her late teens, Phoebe was painfully aware of how

things were on a roll and it looked like nothing could go

a child’s socio-economic background can be a barrier to

wrong.

pursuing their dreams of theatrical success with after-school

“It was a whirlwind,” she smiled “My pupils took part in the

training being too expensive for many.

procession for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and performed as

Sitting down at the kitchen table with her mother Elvie, a

the main act for the Mayor Of London’s Duke of Edinburgh

marketing guru, Phoebe quickly established her intention – to

Awards evening at Mansion House. We also performed at the

set up an acting school for St Albans young people run by

Wembley Arena for a youth charity event, being introduced

young people.

by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle! It was amazing going

She sketched her business logo on a Post-It note and soon

from a small local stage to an audience capacity of 12,500.”

began a small acting class which grew and grew. Over the next

Of course, we all know what happened in 2020: COVID was

few years, Phoebe continued to teach and run her business

bad news all round including for small businesses.

alongside studying for her Theatre Arts degree at Middlesex

“We were days away from having to shut down,” Phoebe

University where she specialised in production management

reflected.

and technical theatre.

Fortunately, with her business background and gritty

Her life was extremely full-on at this point but if anything that

determination, she rose to the challenge and applied for Arts

seemed to invigorate her more.

Council funding which was duly awarded.

“We don’t churn out loads of profit but that’s not who we are. We want to help people. That’s our USP – we are one of the only performing arts schools in the district that offers financial help to their pupils.

Growing up in the East End helped me to see where there are pockets of poverty amidst wealth.”

In 2025 Phoebe was proud to win the National Community and Social Impact Award for Hertfordshire.

As a young business woman with widening participation in the arts at the heart of all her ventures, it seemed like Phoebe has so much to be proud of but I asked her to pick SASA’s top three achievements to date.

“Well surviving COVID is one.” She smiled “The second is the community ethos we have built with children from such a range of backgrounds. Honestly, if I could bottle up the feeling families get from when we do a show I would be a millionaire. Lastly, it would be that amazing performance at Wembley Arena.”

Looking to the future, Phoebe is excited to have just incorporated a Kings Langley dance school into the SASA portfolio and is looking forward to establishing it.

However, she has a bigger dream and that is to address the problem that she faced in the sixth form – wanting do a practical performing arts course rather than traditional A levels.

“My big dream is to open our own premises, not just for our classes and performances but as an arts hub too [SASA is currently based at The Pioneer Club]. We could then use the facilities to deliver a BTEC in Performing Arts. Failing that I would be genuinely interested in having a conversation with local sixth forms to see if we could run one at their school.”

I have no doubt that this idea will soon become reality.

Phoebe is such an inspiring person to interview with a passion to succeed not for herself but for the benefit of others. She believes, as I do, in the power of performing arts and the right for every young person to have the opportunity to try it. I really look forward to seeing what happens next for SASA. Details of SASA classes in St Albans and Kings Langely can be found on https://sasaarts.co.uk/classes If any local businesses are interested in helping with bursaries they can contact phoebe@sasa-arts.co.uk

School’s drama department shortlisted for prestigious national awards A St Albans school’s drama department has been named a

students eager to push their craft further. The original

finalist in the prestigious Music & Drama Education Awards

production, written by Mr Griggs, was performed at the

2026.

Welwyn Garden City Youth Drama Festival to fabulous

These national awards celebrate the outstanding contributions

feedback and won first place. We were also delighted to

of schools, educators, and organisations that enrich lives

celebrate several student nominations at the National School

through music and drama.

Theatre Awards, where Claramae Collins won the prestigious

The Marlborough Science Academy has been recognised in the

Outstanding Contribution Award for her dedication to drama at

category of Outstanding School Drama Department.

Marlborough.

Head of drama Claire Griggs said: “We are absolutely thrilled to

“This year promises to be equally exciting. In December, our

be shortlisted. At Marlborough, we passionately believe that the

students will take to the stage in Marlborough’s first ever

arts are not a luxury, but an essential part of education and

original musical, written and composed in house, a fresh take

personal development.

on A Christmas Carol, featuring a cast of around 70 students

“At a time when young people are navigating social media

from Years 7–13. We will also support students preparing for

pressures and increasing mental health challenges, the creative

National Youth Theatre auditions, Drama School and LAMDA

arts offer a vital space for connection, expression and

exams, where we are proud to have achieved a 100 per cent

community. Most importantly, we are committed to ensuring

distinction rate in recent years.

that every student, regardless of background or experience, has

“This nomination reflects the passion and hard work of our

access to meaningful performing arts opportunities.

staff, students and families. We could not be prouder of our

“Our department continues to grow and thrive. We offer a wide

community and look forward to another inspiring year ahead.”

range of clubs, workshops and performance opportunities

The winners of the Music & Drama Education Awards will be

across drama, dance and music.

announced in February 2026 at an awards ceremony in

“Last year we proudly launched our school Drama Company for

London.

IN OTHER NEWS...

Charity Christmas wreath-making workshop at local museum The de Havilland Aircraft Museum at London Colney is hosting a workshop for festive crafter.

Taking place on Saturday November 29 from 2 to 4pm, organiser Rachel Oxborough (pictured right) will provide all the materials and tuition required to make a unique decorative wreath.

To add to the seasonal atmosphere, admission will include a glass of bubbly and a mince pie.

The event is in aid of ColourMeIn, a non-profit organisation that uses art therapy to help individuals cope with their mental health challenges.

Rachel explained: “Unfortunately, modern lifestyles do impact on the mental health of so many. Some may struggle with talking therapies. However, art therapy can frequently help individuals to explain and identify their circumstances and begin to overcome them.”

Individual tickets are £95 or £600 for a table for seven people. Families are welcome with children over eight years old and can be obtained from https://www.colourmeinwellbeing.com/category/fundraising-event

Major St Albans through-route is set to be closed for four nights The A1081 London Road route into and out of St Albans will be closed for four nights next week to allow for essential railway bridge inspections.

The work is taking place overnight at the bridge between Colindale Avenue and Orient Close on November 10-13 between 11pm to 6am.

Outside of the working times the highway will be open to the public without any obstructions. Access for gritting and emergency services during the closure periods will be maintained by National Rail and pedestrian marshals present.

Cllr Sandy Walkington, county councillor for St Albans South, said: “These inspections have to be done, we all want our rail infrastructure to be safe. At least confining the road closures to overnight will minimise the pain to residents when it affects such a significant road.”

Entrepreneur named among leaders driving positive change Harpenden-based Gavin Malone, founder and chief operating officer of Energy Park, has been named as one of this year’s Meaningful Business 100 (MB100), a global award programme recognising leaders who combine profit and purpose to address key social and environmental challenges.

The MB100, now in its seventh year, celebrates 100 individuals worldwide who are driving positive change through business. This year’s winners were selected from over 900 nominations across 86 countries, evaluated by a panel of expert judges representing organisations including Google, Mastercard, Unilever, SAP, Temasek and the World Economic Forum.

Gavin joins the MB100 after being assessed across five key areas: equity, impact, innovation, leadership and scalability. As part of the MB100 programme, winners will have access to investment opportunities and pro-bono services from a range of leading organisations, including EY, Hogan Lovells, Forster Communications, Green Frontier Capital, Kenya Climate Ventures and The Portman Estate.

Headquartered in Harpenden, Energy Park is a certified B Corp that provides end-to-end electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions for residential and commercial properties. Gavin said: “It’s an honour to be recognised among so many inspiring leaders who are using business as a force for good. At Energy Park, we’re passionate about driving fairer, more accessible EV charging solutions for everyone, especially those living in existing apartment buildings, and this award reflects our team’s commitment to creating lasting environmental and social impact.”

Harpenden Magic Voices at Art on the Common earlier this year. Photo: Steve Collins.

Harpenden Magic Voices boost AT Society with Christmas charity concert There’s nothing like a favourite carol or festive song to get you

This year’s event will take place at St John’s Church on

in the mood for Christmas, but for the members of

Thursday December 4, sponsored by Harpenden Building

Harpenden Magic Voices, it also means an opportunity to raise

Society and featuring music from Harpenden Youth Choir and

money for a Harpenden-based charity that supports children

‘Harpenden Busker’ Mike Hodge.

and adults with a rare genetic condition, writes Gillian Thornton.

Christmas has a special significance for Magic Voices founder

Ataxia Telangiectasia, or AT, is a complex genetic disorder

Andy Rumble who, in 2010, was picking up his career as a

affecting a number of different systems within the body. Classic

musical arranger in television and theatre after a challenging

AT progressively affects coordination and movement, weakens

life period.

the immune system, and raises the risk of specific cancers.

“I was playing a few gigs in the area when somebody asked me

Individuals are affected in different ways but the average life

if I would put a choir together for Harpenden Christmas

expectancy is just 25 years.

Carnival, so we all gathered together in a Scout hut and I wrote

Based at Thrales End Business Centre in Harpenden, the AT

a few Christmas arrangements,” says Andy, who now lives in the

Society began in 1989 as a support group. Today it is the UK’s

Midlands but still holds Harpenden dear.

only charity dedicated to funding vital research as well as

“I had no intention of forming a permanent choir but it went so

supporting families affected.

well that I decided to continue in the New Year and we met on a

“The relationship between Magic Voices and the AT Society

casual basis every Monday whilst I gradually added more

developed from a chance meeting between choir member Jon

arrangements. I now have 19 choirs across the country, but

Quick and the charity,” says Sally Milligan who handles

Harpenden was the first one and is still very important to me.

fundraising and community partnerships for the Society.

Some members have been with me for the whole 15 years!”

“This year will be the third time that Magic Voices have

In July this year, Harpenden Magic Voices were one of the first

performed at our annual Christmas concert, and last year we

musical acts to play amongst the arts and crafts stalls at the

raised more than £4,000 from an audience of almost 200.”

popular Art On The Common event, and last year, they

(Above) Harpenden Magic Voices’ AT Society concert last December; (below) performing at St Albans Cathedral.

performed an hour’s free afternoon concert in the magnificent

the Magic Voices website. Membership fees are paid monthly or

setting of St Albans Cathedral.

quarterly by direct debit.

But although concerts are a great way to help the local

“It is one of the great pleasures of my week to run this fabulous

community, Andy Rumble has always regarded rehearsals as the

choir,” says Artie Reed, musical director of the Harpenden

most important thing: “Singing together is a natural anti-

choir. “We tackle a diverse repertoire and get to perform in

depressant and a real boost to mental health and happiness,” he

some fabulous spaces. I also think it is populated by a rather

says firmly.

lovely group of people!

Potential new members are welcome to attend a free taster

“But the most important thing is that everyone has fun, so I

session. No nerve-wracking audition and definitely no dancing!

strive to strike a balance between pushing us forward musically

This mixed community choir is all about the joy of singing

and keeping the sessions light-hearted. So I am really looking

together, and the repertoire, all arranged by Andy in five-part

forward to the Christmas concert where we can bring musical

harmonies, includes pop classics and musical theatre. So

cheer to others and raise money for a wonderful local charity.

whether you are a fan of The Greatest Showman or The Sound

Who could ask for more in the festive season?”

of Silence, Let It Go or Let It Be, Magic Voices will perform

Book a taster singing session at www.magicvoices.co.uk.

songs that you love.

Tickets for the Christmas Concert at St John’s Church on

Members meet in the theatre space at Katherine Warington

December 4 from 7-9pm are available from

School at 8pm on Monday evenings during term time and the

www.atsociety.org.uk/events/concert-2/ - £12 in advance or

arrangements can be downloaded from the members’ section of

£15 on the door if still available.

OBSERVATIONS AND THOUGHTS ON LOCAL LIFE

CITY MUSE

FILMING> SPORT>

SAMMY THE SAINT IS SEEN TO BE WORSE FOR WEAR It couldn’t have got any worse for St Albans City this weekend after their 6-0 defeat to Burton Albion on Saturday.

Video footage emerged after the game which apparently shows their mascot Sammy the Saint falling over drunk before being escorted off the field.

The comedy character was unsteady on their feet and apparently tipsy at the FA Cup tie.

A video of the performance has been shared across various football Facebook pages since the incident took place, and even featured in the pages of The Sun. In a statement, the club said: “St Albans City FC is aware of the video filmed at Burton Albion involving the club mascot, Sammy the Saint.

“As a community football club at the heart of the city, St Albans City FC takes this matter very seriously. An internal investigation is underway to determine how this incident occurred, and new protocols have been introduced to ensure it cannot happen again.

“The club would like to apologise to anyone who was offended by the mascot’s actions.”

RETAIL>

TENANT FOUND FOR JUBILEE SQUARE PAVILION

Rumours are circulating that a tenant has finally been found for ‘The Pavilion’ at Jubilee Square, SADC’s flagship city centre development, which was officially opened in July 2024.

Despite a lack of toilet facilities, outdoor seating or the ability to serve hot food, the commercial unit at the front of Francis Bacon House has apparently been taken on by a well-known national operator, details of which will be announced soon.

10 FROM 50 ALEX DUGGAN

We ask a different figure from the local community to choose 10 questions to answer from a list of 50. This week: Alex Duggan, a former police officer turned writer, whose new novel Fortunes Fools is the story of two people who win the lottery in 2015, one from St Albans, the other from Harpenden, and the story of the next ten years of their lives. His previous novel, We Appy Few, was a comedy based on a group of men who move to St Albans to train before going off to fight the Battle of Agincourt. Copies from: https://amzn.eu/d/1Fhw9A4

Where do you walk when you want to think?

Verulamium Park. It’s got a pub and a Cathedral, so it caters for every spirit.

If you could travel back in time and offer your younger self some advice, what would it be?

Take the risk, you really have nothing to lose.

What's your favourite meal?

I was going to say steak and chips. Plenty of restaurants to get that in St Albans. So instead, I will go with anything from L'Italiana. I love cooking, so this is a great place to get some ideas.

Do you play any musical instruments?

The guitar (badly).

Odyssey or Netflix?

The Odyssey. It’s just a shame the parking can be a bit of a problem.

What’s your favourite St Albans pub?

Ye Olde Fighting Cocks and The Garibaldi.

I’m fat and I look like I won a kebab shop. I would be bait for every zombie on the Hatfield Road...

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

Fleur de Lys Pub. What’s your favourite hidden gem in the district?

The Wick. It’s one of those strange parks that just exists for no apparent reason.

How long would you survive a zombie apocalypse?

Not long. I’m fat and I look like I won a kebab shop. I would be bait for every zombie on the Hatfield Road.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

A great writer. Hopefully, there is still time.

ST ALBANS’ FAVOURITE HOME INTERIORS STORE

COSITAS | 32-34 HOLYWELL HILL, ST ALBANS, AL1 1BZ | 01727 530592 FOR MORE DETAILS CONTACT EMMA AT EMMA@COSITAS.CO.UK

Flashback: 1957 WHAT MADE THE NEWS IN THE HERTS ADVERTISER DATED: FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1957

ADVERTISEMENTS

50 YEARS AS ORGANIST

Harpenden Embassy Showing Island in the Sun, with James Mason, Joan Fontaine, Joan Collins and Michael Rennie.

Poppy Day Please give generously - not as charity but as payment of a debt.

Following our recent acquisition of a bound volume of the Herts Ad from 1957-1958, we present a unique 52part series looking at the stories, ads and photographs featured in the corresponding week 68 years ago, reflecting a period of 20th century history which saw major changes both in St Albans and across the wider district...

Tributes paid to Mr R G Thompson, in the Faulkner Hall, St Albans, on Saturday, revealed the achievement behind his 50 years as choirmaster and organist at Trinity Congregational Church. A social was held to celebrate his golden anniversary.

“What a story it has been,” said Mrs TNS Scarfe, “a story of triumphant struggles, and some failures. Fifty years ago, the deacons of the church were having a meeting to appoint an organist. They were not agreed, for the young man who had applied was a very young man indeed. Mr Samuel Ryder said he was keen and enthusiastic and that is all you want.

“They fixed him on the job on trial for a few months. So far as I can gather that trial is still going on.”

Mrs Scarfe recalled some of the amusing incidents which befell Mr Thompson. “At one point the organ had to be patched up with elastoplast...”

She presented him with a gold watch and Mrs Thompson with a bouquet.

Dividend Week is here!

At St Albans Co-operative Society Ltd in Victoria Street.

Motorist of 84 fined

Harpenden man faces trial

Archbishop at St Albans

An 84-year-old motorist was ordered not to drive again until he passes a test, after being found guilty of driving without due care and attention.

A 21-year-old Harpenden man has been committed to trial for a serious offence against a 15-year-old girl which has left her pregnant.

The Archbishop of Westminster confucted a confirmation service at the Church of SS Alban and Stephen, where 243 children were confirmed.

LEAD STORY: A DECISION TO DISPOSE OF 400 ACRES OF FARM LAND AT HILL END HOSPITAL HAS BEEN MADE BY MID HERTS GROUP HOSPITAL MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE WHAT IT’S FUTURE USE WILL BE IS AS YET UNKNOWN.

SPOTLIGHT STORY: THE BIG GALE RIPPED THROUGH ST ALBANS The clanging of a burglar alarm broke through the quiet of Lower Dagnall Street during the early hours of Monday. The sleepy-eyed neighbours looked across the road to see who was breaking into the C Victor Ltd clothing factory.

This was no burglar. The alarm had been set off by the gale which ripped through the town leaving a trail of damage estimated at hundreds of pounds.

A large part of the factory roof and a chimney-pot had been blown off. An official at the factory this week estimated that the damage amounted to £200.

For four hours the alarm bell rang on, making sure that the people in nearby houses were kept awake for the rest of the night. The Police were unable to contact any members of the firm who would have been able to enter the factory and switch the alarm off. It finally died out at 7am when the batteries ran down.

In other areas shopkeepers and householders told a story of damaged roofs, smashed fences and broken windows.

On the St Julian’s council estate five asbestos garage roofs were orn off in Kempe Close. Two trees were also blown down.

On Monday, the city council received 60 emergency calls from tenants who had suffered damage during the night. Council workmen went first to Townsend Avenue where the road had been blocked by a falling tree.

A class of 35 boys at Beaumont school were evacuated to another classroom, when they arrived at school on Monday to find a 120 square foot hole gaping in the asbestos roof of their temporary classroom.

In London Road, a blind which had been left out over a radio shop, crashed down through a window. Another window of a shop in St Peter’s Street was also broken when a length of guttering was brought down by the wind on Monday night.

Building firms in the town were kept busy throughout the week replacing damaged tiles.

One builder said that the worst hit areas were Marshalswick, St Stephen’s and parts of the town centre.

HOUSES TORN APART IN HATFIELD’S NIGHT OF TERROR Roofs were sliced off homes like “a piece of cheese” as a storm ripped through Hatfield, leaving scenes of devastation in its wake.

About 50 homes were affected, and 26 roofs were blown completely off.

Blame for the damage was said to rest squarely on the shoulders of the Development Corporation, said Hatfield New Town Residents Association, who highlighted that thousands of these sort of houses exist in new towns across the country.

“The construction of these roofs, without loft space and merely with aluminium covering, plus a quilt to insulate against heat loss and to counteract the noise of heavy rain, ranks as the meanest of building economies...

“The fundamental considerations of roof design seem to have been forgotten, especially those concerning wind pressures, local weather conditions and a high factor of safety.

“This tragedy is not the cause of an act of God, it is the cause of bad building at its worst.”

The Vipers caused excitement

Sir - It has been brought to our attention that last Saturday afternoon a party of men and women on horseback, with dogs, appeared in the neighbourhood of Crabtree Lane, Harpenden, in pursuit of a wild animal. We were told that the whole affair was watched by a number of people, including many children.

May we appeal to those who engage in this sort of activity to keep it away from populated areas, where it is likely to cause a great deal of distress to many of those who see and hear it? May we further appeal very earnestly to those concerned to ask themselves seriously whether or not hunting is a form of recreation suited to civilised society? It is one thing to kill beasts for food or because they are pests; it is quite another to make their slaughter a matter of pleasure.

We are writing, not as members of any anti-cruelty organisation, but as ordinary citizens concerned for the welfare of our community. We wonder if hunting people realise just how much their sport is deplored, not only by those whom they may consider to be cranks, but very often by the ordinary man in the street.

Rev Roydon G Homewood and his wife, Carlton Bank, Harpenden

Extra Police had to be called to Market Place on Saturday morning, when a crowd of 500 excited teenagers thronged the entrance to the newly-opened Record Shop.

The reason for the excitement was a personal appearance

by The Vipers skiffle group and crooner Jim Dale.

Nearby shop proprietors looked on anxiously as the pressure of the crowd endangered windows, and the extra Police arrived after one shopkeeper had picked up a telephone to complain.

The personal appearance of The Vipers marked a special occasion - the first anniversary of their first recording, and the proprietors celebrated the occasion by having a birthday cake on band.

Then followed a busy hour for the artistes as they signed recordings and autographed photographs.

Yesterday Once More: pictures from the archives

A busy pilgrimage procession at St Albans Cathedral kicks off this week’s collection of images. We also have a photo of St Albans Mayor Ian Fulton (1974-75) on a visit to the city’s Pasta Foods spaghetti factory at Verulam Industrial Estate - now home to Cellar Door Wines and famous for appearing in the legendary BBC April Fool’s hoax about spaghetti farmers harvesting their crop from trees. Finally, it’s a rainy occasion for Mayor Ken Davies (1989-90). All photos by Tony “Greg” Gregory.

Cllr Paul de Kort attending the opening of Harpenden Mencap’s new site.

Harpenden Mencap’s 15-year search for new homes is finally over The district council has intervened to provide new homes for

explained that the charity’s Stairways building on Douglas Road

adults supported by Harpenden Mencap – ending a 15-year

has remained largely unchanged since 1980, and as a result is in

search for suitable accommodation while their main site is

need of redvelopment to bring it up to modern standards and

redeveloped.

meet the needs of people with learning difficulties, particularly

Harpenden Mencap provide support for adults with learning

with regards accessibility and building regulations.

disabilities across the district, including a supported living

“Stairways previously housed 19 adults with learning disabilities

service which allows these adults to live independently.

across both our Supported Living Service and higher-needs

With the facilities at their main Harpenden site in Douglas Road

Residential Service. Relocating the tenants was a major

in urgent need of redevelopment, the charity has spent the last

undertaking. There were no comparable facilities in Harpenden

15 years searching for suitable private properties to rent or buy,

that could meet the complex housing needs of the people we

to ensure they can continue providing this service while

support.

redevelopment takes place.

“Many sites for a Stairways replacement have been assessed

After this difficult search SADC stepped in to provide a number

over the years, in partnership with a housing association.

of homes at a new Harpenden site, which are being rented to

However, none could provide the facilities needed to ensure

the charity at cost.

affordable, flexible accommodation.

Now that the new residents have settled in, Harpenden Mencap

“The lease of the properties in Batford will give us the

recently held an official opening of the site, which was attended

opportunity to redevelop our current site in Douglas Road

by SADC leader Cllr Paul de Kort, who said: “It was wonderful

which could not be undertaken until homes were sourced for

to join the team at Harpenden Mencap to officially open this

everyone. We are now leasing the Stairways site to another

new supported living site, and hear how much the new residents

charity at a peppercorn rent while working with the housing

are enjoying living there.

association on a planning application.

“After the charity has faced such a tough housing search, it’s

“Our goal is to modernise the site so it can once again serve as a

brilliant that the council was able to step in and offer this

high-quality, accessible, affordable environment for adults with

solution.”

learning disabilities that will be suitable for their changing

Harpenden Mencap chief executive officer Angela Duce

needs.”

Wine Times DARREN MCCABE OFFERS HIS WEEKLY WINE RECOMMENDATIONS (@DMC_UNCORKED)

Celebrating Sherry Week – ‘As it comes or in a cocktail’ As Sherry Week returns from 3rd to 9th November, wine lovers across the globe raise a glass to one of Spain’s most storied and versatile wines.

Whether you’re a seasoned sherry drinker or a curious newcomer, this is the perfect moment to explore the diverse world of sherry - a wine that spans the spectrum from bone-dry to lusciously sweet, and pairs beautifully with everything from seafood to chocolate.

Often seen as an old person’s drink, the lighter Fino style is becoming increasingly popular with the younger generations and mixologists are finding ways to add a sherry twist to traditional cocktails. I first explored, and to my surprise, enjoyed sherry during a trip to Jerez with two of M&S’ top wine buyers.

We sat at a long table in a Bodegas at 8pm, surrounding me were nine wine glasses, little did I know that I was about to have a three-course meal and nine sherries. The next day started with tasting seven different sherries!

What is sherry?

Sherry is a fortified wine made primarily from the Palomino grape, produced exclusively in the Sherry Triangle of southern Spain: Jerez de la Frontera, Sanlúcar de Barrameda, and El Puerto de Santa María. It’s aged using the solera system, a fractional blending method that ensures consistency and complexity.

There are seven main styles of sherry: Fino – Pale, dry, intense rich and generous.

Manzanilla – a dry, pale, well-

structured wine with evocative aromas of roasted almonds.

Amontillado – balanced acidity and extraordinary rich aromas and flavoured. It enhances any food its paired with – ideal for exotic cuisines.

Oloroso – Rich, dark, powerful - the ideal wine for red meat, and mature cheese.

Palo Cortado – the most sophisticated of Sherry’s great - a rare hybrid of amontillado and oloroso. Pedro Ximénez (PX) – Intensely sweet, made from sun-dried grapes, I love to taste this with ice-cream.

Cream – A delicious balance of sweetness and elegant palate, so velvety in the mouth.

This week two sherries have been selected by Penny Edwards at Cellar Door Wines.

Diatomists Medium Sherry (£21 Cellar Door Wines) Founded by three friends - Antonio from Jerez, George from Oxford, and Tommy from Barcelona - Diatomists is a boutique project focused on terroir-driven, grower sherries. Their wines are vibrant, floral, and fruit-forward, challenging traditional perceptions of sherry.

This medium sherry is a deep amber delight with aromas of walnuts, marmalade, sultanas, and a hint of bitter orange. The texture is velvety, balanced between sweet and savoury, and finishes with a tangy freshness. Made with 90 per cent Palomino (Oloroso), and 10 per cent Pedro Ximénez, it’s aged for 19 years in a single bota (barrel) Serve slightly chilled with chicken liver pâté, aged cheeses like Manchego or Pecorino, or savoury desserts. Or try it in a Sherry Old Fashioned - substitute bourbon with Diatomists Medium for a nutty twist. Álvaro Domecq Manzanilla La Jaca (£22.95 Cellar Door Wines) Named after one of Álvaro Domecq’s beloved horses, La Jaca is a tribute to the elegance and spirit of Andalusia. Domecq, a pioneer in both wine and equestrian arts, has upheld the legacy of Jerez winemaking with precision and pride.

This Manzanilla is bright and pale yellow, with aromas of green olives, almonds, and sea breeze. On the palate, it’s dry, fresh, and saline, with a crisp finish that evokes the Atlantic coast. Made with 100 per cent Palomino it’s aged for four years under flor in Sanlúcar de Barrameda.

Perfect with prawns, anchovies in vinegar, seafood rice, or fried fish. If you prefer cocktails, use it in a Sherry Martini with dry vermouth and a lemon twist for a coastal aperitif. Or turn it into a Sherry Negroni Recipe (Manzanilla Twist), 30 ml Álvaro Domecq Manzanilla La Jaca, 30 ml dry vermouth (or a lighter white vermouth) 30 ml Suze or Cocchi Americano (for a gentler bitterness than Campari) and orange twist, for garnish This version is lighter, more aromatic, and leans into the coastal freshness of the Manzanilla. It’s ideal as an aperitif, especially with seafood tapas like anchovies, olives, or fried calamari.

Sherry Week is more than a celebration it’s a rediscovery. These two bottles showcase the depth, diversity, and delight that sherry offers. Whether you’re sipping solo, pairing with tapas, or mixing up a cocktail, sherry deserves a place in your glass this November.

COMING SOON...

Remembrance Day Parade and Service in St Albans city centre St Albans Mayor Cllr Teresa Heritage will lead the city’s annual Remembrance Day Parade and Service on Sunday.

Residents are expected to turn out in force to pay their respects to members of Britain’s armed forces who lost their lives in two World Wars and other conflicts.

Faith leaders, honorary aldermen and councillors from county, district, town and parish councils will also be in attendance.

At 10.30am, the Mayor will see off a parade that will walk along St Peter’s Street to the War Memorial near St Peter’s Church.

It will include representatives of the Royal British Legion, air, sea and army cadets, the Guiding and Scout movements, the Police and other uniformed services. Cllr Heritage will be accompanied by her Macebearer and both will wear their official robes.

The Remembrance Sunday Service will begin at 10.50am and be conducted by the Revd Mark Dearnley of St Peter’s Church.

A bugler will play the last post which will be followed by a twominute silence at 11am.

Rabbi Daniel Sturgess of St Albans United Synagogue will read from the Hebrew Scriptures.

A faith leader from the St Albans Islamic Centre will read from the Holy Qran and a representative of the St Alban and St Stephen

Catholic Church will read from the Christian New Testament.

Syeda M Rahim, Jenny Taylor and Ann Scorer from the St Albans Women's Interfaith group will read a poem.

Wreath laying will be led by Mr Akhtar Zaman, Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Hertfordshire, followed by the Mayor, Daisy Cooper, MP for St Albans, and representatives of Herts Fire and Rescue, Police and Ambulance Services and other groups.

After the National Anthem is sung, there will be a procession to a saluting stand where the Mayor will take the salute of the parade.

The Mayor said: “This is an occasion when people of all ages and from all parts of our community will join us to pay their respects to our war dead.

“We will be recognising the huge debt we owe to the men and women who defended our country and the freedoms we enjoy today. We must always remember them.”

She added: “I urge people to give generously to this year’s Poppy Appeal to help the Royal British Legion carry out the fantastic welfare work it does for our Armed Forces families.”

Other town and parish councils within the district, including Harpenden Town Council, are also organising Remembrance Sunday services at their war memorials.

Christmas Cracker to kick off St Albans' festive season There are just a few weeks to go until the St Albans Christmas Cracker - the free family-friendly event which brings thousands of people into the city centre for the start of the countdown to December 25.

It takes place from noon until 6pm on Sunday November 16 with St Peters Street closed to traffic for the duration.

Among the attractions will be live music, fairground rides, Santa’s grotto, street entertainers and dozens of market stalls selling hot food, drinks and seasonal gifts.

Festive decorations and installations will be illuminated throughout the event and there will also be guest appearances from some of the cast of this year’s Alban Arena pantomime, Aladdin.

The Christmas Cracker is organised by SADC with sponsorship from St Albans City Centre BID and support from local businesses including Costa Coffee, Code Ninjas and Ovo. It is part-funded by the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

To ensure the event is accessible, British Sign Language Interpreters will be available at the activities throughout the day and Sight Guides for the visually impaired will be available on request.

There will be an accessible viewing zone by the main stage,

priority seating and ramps on kerbs for wheelchair access.

Public realm committee chair Cllr Helen Campbell said: “I am thrilled that we are organising another St Albans Christmas Cracker. This is a fantastic way to launch the district’s festive season. It is free to attend, accessible to all and attracts thousands of people to the city centre to create an exciting atmosphere.

“I urge our residents not to miss out on the fun as there is great entertainment for people of all ages.

“The event also boosts the local economy by bringing many extra visitors to the city centre where they will use our shops, pubs, cafés and restaurants as well as the market stalls.”

Vivien Cannon, Manager of St Albans City Centre BID, said: “We are delighted to be working with the council and Father Christmas in his Santa Grotto helped by our St Albans Rotary Club friends.

“BID will make sure the Christmas lights are ready for the celebration and our Christmas Bauble Trail will be available to do on the day or when you revisit in the following weeks. “The event will provide a seasonal spotlight on the city, highlighting the rich retail offer and fabulous hospitality venues for gift ideas and social gathering venues. There is always something for everyone in St Albans.”

RESTAURANT REVIEW

THE COWSHED JAMES CAMERON TAKE A JAUNT OUTSIDE THE CONFINES OF THE CITY TO EXPLORE A RURAL RESTAURANT BY THE RIVER...

Tiring of the smog and urban decay of St Albans, for this week’s dining experience we escaped to the idyllic Tewin Bury Farm, just north of Welwyn Garden City. If you’ve never been to Tewin Bury Farm before, it is a kind of rural tourism complex, nestled by River Mimram and surrounded by pleasant hills and a very large viaduct.

When we first went there these many moons ago it was mainly used for Tesco management meetings with a few random bedrooms tucked in amongst the meeting rooms. Now it serves multiple purposes, from weddings to afternoon tea gatherings and weekend flits from St Albans.

What this meant was when we popped to the Stables Bar for a pre-dinner drink the place was already packed with various guests, wedding and otherwise, and we were banished to the outside seating area. This wasn’t a disaster as if you can put your ecological qualms aside there was an effective heater to sit under, and we were by the river. We couldn’t see it in the dark, but we could feel its calming presence.

There was a short cocktail list, but the daiquiri I ordered was properly mixed. It was more bitter than I was expecting, but pleasant enough and though it wasn’t quite the posh hotel bar experience we were anticipating it was a fun way to start the evening.

Things carried on in a similar vein when we ventured across the farm yard to the restaurant in the old cow shed. The first view was very encouraging, enticing us in from the dark and the cold with a positively glowing bar island. The decor I would describe as like a trendy neighbour’s kitchen, with exposed brickwork and calming blues and greys. Our table was less inviting though, squeezed in beside a busy thoroughfare.

We had taken advantage of a very good deal that gave you a room, breakfast and a three course dinner for two people for £289. Whilst this isn’t crazy cheap, for the quality of what’s on offer it is very good value for an indulgent weekend getaway. This is reflected somewhat in the service, though. It was friendly and competent rather than luxurious perfection.

There was some confusion about how to cater for a vegan within the set three-course menu that came with the deal, as only one item was suitable.

They dealt with it very well, however, as the chef seemed to take it as a challenge rather than an inconvenience and no-one felt short changed.

To start with there was a Butternut Squash, perfectly cooked to be neither squishy nor hard and swimming in a lovely creamy sauce. This creaminess was offset by richness from a smattering of pumpkin seeds and bitterness from a herb oil, plus a big crispy crisp.

My starter was a venison scotch egg, crisp crumbs enveloping rich smokey meat which in turn contained an egg with a yolk of perfect runniness.

It was perched on a dash of celeriac puree and jauntily sported some mysterious but intriguing dark pickles.

After a strong start the main courses were not quite up to the same standard. I ordered Cod Bouillabaisse, which I think I had mentally conflated with Bouillion as I was expecting some form of soup. What actually arrived was a good chunk of fish sat in a bowl of what reminded me of Japanese curry sauce. It was spicier than expected and was served with strands of fennel that had their own very strong flavour, so there was definitely a lot going on. It was like a party that was always on the verge of descending into

anarchy but where the lid is just about kept on and despite some smoothing over needed with the neighbours the next morning no one actually called the police. There were also some very cute little parmentier potatoes, like croutons in the not-soup.

It could have done with some greenery to calm proceedings down, but green was certainly not lacking in my companion’s dish. This was Jerusalem Artichoke Tortellini in a very murky green sauce, like tortoises that had wallowed too long and allowed the moss to grow on them.

The sauce was tangy, landing just on the right side of saltiness, and the mushroom crisps added texture. Texture was possibly a bit too present in the tortellini, though, as it required quite a chew and could probably have done with a bit more cooking.

For dessert I had the intriguingly titled Popcorn Panna Cotta. This came complete with a little blob of ice cream and what I thought was a drizzle of sauce but which held its shape when I attacked it like a Bear Yo-Yo. The popcorn was definitely needed to add variety to the dish as ironically the generosity of the portions actually worked against this dish as otherwise it was like a large slab of unbronzed creme brulee.

My companion had to go for the general standby for vegan desserts, the sorbet, but it was a revelation. The rhubarb sorbet was surprisingly creamy in texture for something lacking entirely in cream and had a tangy aftertaste which blended well with the upfront sharpness of its passionfruit companion in sorbeting.

Overall the food was of a good quality, with fine ingredients shining through and very generous portions.

The three course meal is available to non-residents for £35 which considering the range and depth of cooking is really commendable. Where the restaurant does fall down against truly great hotel dining experiences, such as St Albans’ Sopwell House, is in the service.

We ordered tap water, but were not trusted enough to keep hold of a jug and so had to rely on the waitress topping us up. This would be fine if it happened regularly but there wasn’t a single time where we didn’t have to ask for it. Eventually they relented and allowed us to gain possession of the jug, but this was right at the end of the meal. I would presume this was to punish us for our thriftiness in ordering the free option but it was equally difficult to get drinks you had to pay for. I resorted to leaving both my empty glasses at the edge of the table, assuming that we could actually benefit here from our prime location right by the waiting staff’s migratory route, but they would rush past many times before I could actually get someone’s attention.

Waiting times between courses were also significant, with the whole meal taking close to three hours. This is excusable for dishes that have to be prepared but when you are looking at over half an hour wait to serve up sorbet and panna cotta it seems a bit rum. Things calmed down towards the end, and in fact the only time we were asked if we wanted more drinks was just after we had been served our peppermint tea.

This was the only really discordant note of the evening, however, and is possibly the price you have to pay for some very nice food in delightful surroundings at a not exorbitant cost. I would not be in a rush to return to Tewin Bury, and given it’s rate of expansion I assume by the time I do it will be a sprawling mega-city, but if you do fancy a change in scenery and feel you have earned a small treat then you could do a lot worse.

EVENT REVIEW

LUXMURALIS POPPY FIELDS NIKI SYKES VISITS ST ALBANS CATHEDRAL FOR THE RETURN OF THE REMEMBRANCE LIGHT SHOW

I moved to St Albans in 2002, shortly after the birth of my eldest son, with the Cathedral pretty much on our doorstep, visiting sporadically to pay respects and instil some culture.

Luxmuralis’ Poppy Fields light show was previously seen in 2018, but has returned this year for a revised interpretation of the Remembrance theme.

Essentially, Poppy Fields is an art installation of light, colour and music with the aim of immersing the senses and stimulating the emotions.

It brings together the symbolism of the iconic poppies seen in the battlefields of the First World War alongside the stories of participants, allowing a chance to reflect and honour those in conflicts past and present.

This year, I am in my fifth year of an Open University degree with the focus on Europe 19141989: War, Peace and Modernity – so there really was no excuse.

Like others before me, I have seen the pictures from the previous year and spoken to friends who have been, but I genuinely had no idea what to expect, and even afterwards it was difficult to find the words that do it justice...

With the clocks having gone back the week before, queuing outside in the dark somehow added to the experience.

Inside, the members of the clergy were warm, welcoming, respectful and extremely helpful throughout.

Arriving with wheels and having to negotiate almost vertical ramps in darkness is not something I would recommend for the faint of heart. Side note, the Cathedral does have ramped access throughout for those (like myself) that need it, I just think on this occasion I needed to eat more carrots and work on my night vision.

Inside, the building is illuminated only by candles and low-level lighting, which evoked the emotions immediately in a way I was not expecting.

I am not an expert in classical music but there was a soundtrack playing throughout the show, with each and every aspect of the Cathedral showcasing a different aspect of the First or Second World War. The installation was divided into six very distinct sections. Firstly, as we entered the church, we were invited to sit on the pews to watch

poets Sigfried Sassoon and Wilfrid Owen reflecting on the experiences and the sacrifices that they witnessed during the horrors of the Great War. This led though to a spectacular representation of falling leaves, created to symbolise the 16 million civilian lives lost to both the First and Second World Wars combined, followed tribute to nursing, dating back to Florence Nightingale and following through to the present day. Thank you, NHS! A section entitled The Second Day told the story of the outbreak of the First World War, with a roll of honour directly opposite submitted by the general public to honour their relatives in service who have lost their lives.

The show concluded with the entire space of the Nave filled with the most beautifully artistic representation of Poppy Fields before the audience was guided through events to the celebrations of VE Day and the end of the Second World War. The whole experience took me just over an hour, but will stay with me for much longer and is a great reminder of the history and the horrors of war and generations past, what it is we remember and we honour each November, and why it is important that we do not forget.

It was very much an evocative and fully immersive kaleidoscope of colour and light that has stayed with me since and I daresay will do so for a while yet.

Going in, I did not know what to expect; coming out, it did not disappoint.

All photos by Toby Shepheard.

Keep your brain alive!

According to medical research, attempting brain exercises for short periods of time each day may well prevent memory loss and at the same time increase mental fitness and preserve and enhance your brain’s capabilities.

Each week St Albans-based mathematician Gareth Rowlands, a campaigner for people living with memory loss, will be compiling a brain enhancement exercise aimed at keeping the grey matter active. Find out more about his work at www.battledementia.co.uk 1. How many triangles are there in this diagram?

2. What is one quarter of one fifth of a half as a decimal number?

3. Work out the two missing decimals indicated by a - in this series of numbers: 0.001 0.01 - - 10 20 4. Which number does not fit into this list of numbers and what should it be?

1.5 3 4.5 6 6.5 9 10.5 5 A farmer stands on the bank of a wide river. His dog is on the bank on the opposite side of the river. When the farmer calls the dog it immediately crosses the river without getting wet and without using a bridge or a boat. How did the dog do this?

6 What can you place between 8 and 9 to make the outcome greater than 8 but less than 9?

7 Work out the answer to 24 ÷ 6 + 4 – 3 x 9 + 19 8. Using the digits 9, 5 and 7 in the number 957 write down six three digit numbers, six two digit numbers and three one digit numbers.

9. A spy’s code is devised using the alphabet and number system so that a is 1, b is 2, c is 3 and d is 4 and so on in that order using all the letters in the alphabet.

Use the code to change the words in the message “for your eyes only” into a numerical code.

Last week’s answers 1. £50, £20, £10, £5 (notes) £2, £1, 50p, 20p, 10p, 5p, 2p, 1p (coins) £177.76 (two of each) 2. 11 degrees 3. 3 4. 20 5. Back home 6. B C D G J all have curves 7. He is not tall enough to reach for the 15 th floor lift button!

8. 0, -25, -50 9 “in” belongs to imperial units; the others are metric units “in” is the odd one out

Fireworks season kicks off with a bang London Colney Parish Council’s annual fireworks event took place on Sunday at Morris Playing Fields, and St Albans Times photographer John Andrews was there to capture the display, live music, food stalls and funfair.

Cruz Beckham plays secret gig at The Horn Cruz Beckham - youngest son of football legend David and Spice Girl Victoria - gave a surprise performance with his band The Breakers at iconic grassroots music venue The Horn last Wednesday night.

They were appearing at the Amplify new music night - a spotlight event showcasing and supporting up-andcoming musicians by providing a platform for them to perform their original music and gain exposure to a wider audience. Also on the bill were local bands Monkey Foot Down and Syndicate.

Cruz's first double single EP, 'Optics' and 'Lick the Toad', was released recently, and he has been promoting the material with a series of intimate secret gigs across the country.

The Horn's head of bookings and promotion, Luke Hinton, said the gig had been months in the planning stages, but he was delighted it had finally gone ahead.

He added: "It was a pleasure to welcome Cruz Beckham and The Breakers and the rest of their team to The Horn.

They’ve been a genuine pleasure to work with on this show throughout.

"It highlights the trust in what we do from the wider industry, and adds him to a fantastic list of artists including Yungblud, Tom Grennan, Chrissie Hynde, Tom Walker and Years & Years who’ve all chosen our stage for secret warm-up shows in recent years."

TIMES SPORT SAINTS ARE PUNISHED WITH SIX OF THE BEST AS THEIR FA CUP JOURNEY COMES TO AN END FA Cup, 1st round - Burton Albion 6 St Albans City 0 From Jess Unwin at the Pirelli Stadium. Photos by Dean Pegg.

Football is full of ‘what if?’ moments and Saints will look back at two of those in a game that saw their FA Cup journey come to an end with what some would argue was an undeserved scoreline against League One side Burton Albion.

Having made the worst possible start to Saturday’s cup tie by going 1-0 down in the very first minute, City showed the resilience that’s been evident in recent weeks and what if moment number one came in the 25th minute when skipper Zane Banton was denied an equaliser when his shot forced an outstanding save from Albion keeper Kamil Dudek.

Saints started the second half very much still in the game and what if moment number two arrived on 46 minutes with Harrison Smith also denied an equaliser – his header from Lewis Page’s cross hit the inside of the post and bounced away to safety.

Instead of the scores being levelled at 1-1, a long throw at the other end just a minute later was flicked on to the back post where Charlie Webster was able to drive home to make it 2-0 to Albion.

It was a cruel blow that swung momentum in the home side’s favour and despite the continuing incredible support from the travelling Saints fans a further four goals followed with City’s defences in disarray by the final whistle.

Albion manager Gary Bowyer was gracious enough to say in a BBC interview after the game that he thought the final result was harsh on St Albans and admitted he wasn’t happy with his team’s first half performance.

Not surprisingly, Saints’ interim player manager Michael Bostwick agreed. Speaking to the club’s social media, he said: “It was always going to be hard if you go 1-0 down within a minute, but I thought the lads showed great character after that because I actually thought we were the better team in the first half. Some of the football we played was really good.

“Little moments like Harrison’s header change the game.

They go up the other end and score and you sort of see all the air go out of everyone. It’s hard to recover from something like that. One minute you think you’re back in it and then you’re two down. The game changed from there really.

“It wasn’t a 6-0 game today – that’s the downside because I don’t think we deserved that.”

Reflecting on the exit of St Albans manager Ian Culverhouse and his assistant Paul Bastock just four days before the cup tie, Bostwick revealed: “It was a massive shock and you could tell today we missed the gaffer. Everyone has their reasons and sometimes that happens and you just have to pull together.

“I’m used to being out there and trying to make a difference but obviously it’s harder to do that from the dugout. It’s disappointing at the end of the day but we have to pick up and go on with our aim in the league.”

Before the match, more than 600 Saints fans arrived at the Pirelli Stadium full of hope, but a tough task was made much harder when City were caught cold in the 1st minute.

Albion defender Alex Hartridge was allowed to bring the

ball to the halfway line, and then Fabio Tavares had too much time to find Tyrese Shade, who slipped the ball under keeper Magnus Norman to make it 1-0.

City fought back to dominate possession for a spell midway through the first half but couldn’t find an equaliser and Albion missed several chances to go further ahead.

Kyran Lofthouse and Webster should have done better, while Shade could also have netted after Josh Taroni’s cross-cum-shot hit hit the crossbar and rebounded to him, but he headed over.

In the second half, after the excellent Webster had made it 2-0, he got his second and Albion’s third with the goal of the game, running from near the halfway line with City players in his wake before unleashing an unstoppable low shot into corner of the net to make it 3-0.

The crowd of 2,523 then saw Shade add his second goal on 80 minutes to make it 4-0, before Tavares scored twice on 83 minutes and 96 minutes as the Brewers finally showed they had the extra class where it mattered to emphatically finish Saints’ cup dreams.

WILL CUP DEFEAT TO BREWERS LEAVE SAINTS WITH A HANGOVER AS THEY RETURN TO LEAGUE CAMPAIGN? After the froth of FA Cup excitement, City supporters will hope the 6-0 Brewers result hasn’t left the players feeling flat, writes Jess Unwin.

The cup run has helped the Saints squad to gel, but now attention will return to the challenge of climbing the Isthmian League Premier Division table to push for promotion and an immediate return to the National League South.

City will have to shake off any cup defeat hangover if they are to collect points in two tough upcoming league fixtures – away to seventh-placed Dulwich Hamlet this Saturday and then at home at Clarence Park against league-leaders Brentwood Town the following Tuesday night at 7.45pm.

Dulwich’s most recent game was a resounding 4-0 win in the Velocity Cup against Harrow, while Brentwood’s wobble in form continued with a second defeat in a row, going down 2-1 to Whitehawk.

With these opponents in mind, it was a Saints side of under23 players that beat AFC Welwyn 4-2 in the Herts Senior Cup on Monday night this week. City’s scorers were Beardon, Sippetts (2) and Jennings.

A club statement said: “The decision was made to field a weakened team in order to give the interim management team two full training sessions with the first team ahead of Saturday’s match at Dulwich Hamlet, allowing the squad to recover appropriately after the weekend’s FA Cup game.”

Michael Bostwick will continue as the focal point of that interim management team with the search for a permanent replacement for Ian Culverhouse ongoing.

However, two new players have joined the club, having signed for the Saints ahead of Saturday’s Burton defeat.

Experienced centre back Adrian Mariappa, 39, who counts Watford, Crystal Palace and Bristol City among his former clubs, was in the starting line-up for the FA Cup game at the Pirelli Stadium.

Mariappa captained Wealdstone last season, playing 43 games in the National League, and this season had taken up a coaching role at Watford before coming to Clarence Park.

Supporters will no doubt speculate he’s arrived to step in for Bostwick, who has suffered a hamstring injury.

Recovery times for hamstring injuries vary based on severity but can be anything from three weeks to several months.

St Albans City FC Director of Football Harry Wheeler said: “Adrian will bring a great deal to this squad, both on and off the field.

“He’s been training regularly with Watford this season while settling into his new coaching role there.

“Since pre-season, Adrian and I have been in regular contact with the goal that, at some point, he would join the group.

Despite receiving several offers from clubs in higher divisions, the timing now feels perfect for both Adrian and the current and future needs of the squad.”

Joining the Saints on an initial month-long loan deal from Arsenal is 18-year-old striker Daniel Oyetunde. Daniel played for the Gunners in July’s pre-season friendly at Clarence Park and he also made his first City appearance in the Burton cup match, coming on as a second-half substitute.

Going the other way and leaving Clarence Park is forward Nick Ralfe.

The 23-year-old, a product of the St Albans academy system, scored a memorable goal to secure victory over Bishop’s Stortford in last season’s Herts Senior Cup.

MISSING PLAYERS STIFLE SAINTS’ PERFORMANCE Dussindale @ Hellesdon Women 3 – 0 St Albans City Women The Saints fell to a deserved defeat at the hands of Dussindale @ Hellesdon in deepest Norfolk .

The loyal band of Saints supporters travelled more in hope than expectation to this fixture which was played at Norwich City’s training ground just to the north of the city.

Dussindale had played City on three previous occasions and had come out victorious each time. While the preceding encounters had been close run affairs, this one definitely was not.

Manager Anthony Gosling certainly has his work cut out at the moment with no less than eight players on the injured list plus the loss of regular starters Liv Syson and Erin Pope who have left the country for sunnier climes. Players were missing in all areas of the pitch with the acutest being at centre forward and goalkeeper.

Mel Hall filled in up front but received virtually no service all afternoon, and the stand-in goalkeepers were Scarlett Robb and Chloe Farrell who were both blameless for the defeat.

Dussindale are a well organised team with a very solid back line with two impressive centre backs in Tink and Larkins who easily snuffed out the danger that The Saints offered.

Scarlett was forced to make a good save from a long range Odell shot before the hosts were given a rather soft penalty for a foul on Millie Baggott by Sofia Santangelo. Leila Gooding crashed home the penalty with a right foot shot high past Scarlett’s right hand. It took 24 minutes for City to register a shot of any kind, and Millie Constantine’s effort thumped into the high fencing behind the goal without

troubling custodian Amber Locker.

It would be easy to believe that Locker will not have a quieter outing for the rest of the season given the fact that The Saints had six goal attempts in the whole match one of which was blocked and the other five flew either high or wide.

The match was virtually settled as early as the 27th minute when following a left wing cross Kyla Lang fired home from 15 yards with a crisp right-footed shot giving Scarlett no chance of saving.

City huffed and puffed in the second half but lacked any penetration whatsoever and were reduced to a few very long range efforts. Dussindale wrapped up the points in the fifty-eighth minute when The Saints failed to clear a right wing free kick properly and Gooding shot into the left hand corner of the net for the third.

Overall a poor performance from The Saints, possibly even worse than the defeat to lower league Newmarket Town in the Isthmian Cup. Obviously there were mitigating circumstances here, with all of the missing players being vitally important to the squad.

The fact that Gosling could only name two out of the permitted five substitutes speaks volumes for the problems in his squad numbers. With the club’s transfer budget only being allowed to furnish the men’s first team, Gosling will have to conjure up some magic in the loan market to replenish his squad numbers until he can get the walking wounded back on the pitch.