Alongside the publication you are reading, the St Albans Times runs a website (www.stalbanstimes.co.uk) featuring highlights from the weekly magazine alongside a handful of online exclusives.
The idea behind this approach is to offer readers a mix of platforms to enjoy the stories we're running, and from the statistics we've seen over the past few months, it seems to be working.
What you won't see on our website are listicles pulled together from Trip Advisor reviews, the latest bump and shunt on the M25, or stories from outside our patch which are really of no interest to anyone living locally.
Our core remit when launching the St Albans Times was to bring our readers quality local journalism, and we hope that you appreciate our efforts to ensure this remains the case week-in, week-out.
Further down the line we'd love to supplement our digital offering with an actual printed version of the StAT, but we're still some way away from making that dream a reality!
Mind you, just under four months in and things are going from strength to strength on a weekly basis, so it might be sooner than you think!
Thanks as always to everyone who has supported us during these first few months.
Editor MATT ADAMSFifty-five years after its doors first opened, the Alban Arena remains the biggest entertainment venue in the St Albans district - but is it still able to deliver the goods?
One of a selection of new civic buildings constructed in the 1950s and '60s, City Hall - as the Arena was then known - was completed in 1968
Along with other contemporary premises like Forrester House in St Peter's Street and the now-demolished police station, City Hall was designed by architect Sir Frederick Gibberd in the Modernist style, and built from brick with a flat roof, metal windows and horizontal lines. The building was supposed to represent a 1930s cruise liner, with the glass corners hovering over two small areas of water as if at sea, balconies representing decks, big windows and a flagpole on the roof
Beneath the wooden floor is a 3rd century Roman mosaic discovered during excavations of the site in 1931, and rarely exposed to the public
Over the years it has hosted the likes of Morecambe and Wise, Sir Cliff Richard, Motorhead, Status Quo, Sir Andre Previn and Ricky Gervais, but the first production was Orpheus in the Underworld by the St Albans Operatic Society, now the St Albans Musical Theatre Company
The name 'Alban Arena' was adopted when the venue reopened following a £1.3m refurbishment in 1990-1991 following a competition to rename it Not long afterwards IRA terrorists Patricia Black and Frankie Ryan were killed when a bomb intended for the Blues and Royals military band, who were playing at the Arena, detonated prematurely in the doorway of a nearby bank.
In November 2021, SADC announced plans to demolish the Arena and replace it with a new entertainment venue as part of the CCOS (City Centre Opportunity Site) North project, following discussions with a group of key stakeholders including representatives from the Civic Society, OVO theatre company and the University of Herts business school
At the time, Cllr Robert Donald said: "The Alban Arena has served the district well since the late 1960s but it has been evident for some years that it is in need of a major refurbishment if not a rebuild.
"It cannot, for example, stage some major touring productions as it does not have modern back-stage facilities and is not fit for purpose in terms of the number of seats or flexibility it can provide
"The stakeholder consultative group, including representatives of local businesses and community organisations, has considered various options to create this new cultural offer
"They have recommended that the best way forward is to create a completely new theatre in a different position on the site rather than refurbish the existing theatre which will cost a lot and still not provide what is really needed " By last June the project had moved on to the point where a cultural strategy was to be developed to determine what arts facilities were needed in the district, and community consultation and communication on whether to refurbish the Arena or demolish it and rebuild it elsewhere on the site
There would also be an analysis of the environmental carbon impact of either scheme.
In a bid to balance this year ' s council budget, CCOS North became one of several major capital projects to be placed on hiatus, with a view to restarting the scheme in the next couple of years once the economic situation improves. While we wait for the financial winds to change, the St Albans Times spoke to stakeholder group member Adam Nichols, founder and artistic director of OVO, to find out more about the reasons why demolition and rebuilding was recommended as the preferred option for the Alban Arena.
"In 2020 I produced a version of Peter Pan at the Alban Arena to replace that year ' s pantomime, and before it was cancelled due to the Covid Christmas, we had issues as a theatre company with the venue itself
"It has a very outdated configuration and is restricted in how it can be used The Proscenium Arch raised stage can only be used in one way, the auditorium is in difficult straight lines with seats at the side offering a very poor view
"Most theatres built in the last 20 years allow for a three-sided configuration, but at the Arena you can't create the right relationship between the stage and the audience - it's hard to move in and out of the stage and access itself is limited
"There is a small loading door so you cannot roll in sets from trucks in the street, something many touring shows do "The feel of the place is also soulless - it feels like a municipal building I actually like the architecture, but there is a lack of atmosphere
"Backstage the facilities are very poor and not accessible from a disability perspective
"It is also a strange size [the Arena caters for 856 seated, 1,400 standing] so it is rarely full With more flexibility, perhaps 4-500 seats and an adjacent smaller space, this could be opened up when required, such as for the pantomime.
"But ultimately there's nothing you can do to improve the Arena without a massive reconfiguration as it is very much of its time, and we felt this would not be a god use of the public asset "
He suggested that the Arena's communal areas were wasted, and should be open for community use during the daytime
"This is valuable city centre real estate but is only open 510 per cent of the time "
Adam, who once acted as an advisor to Prime Ministers David Cameron and Gordon Brown, stressed that the membership of the stakeholder group was completely transparent throughout the process, and nobody was in any capacity whereby they may have taken advantage of a business development opportunity
He laughed off social media suggestions that members were carpetbaggers who were paid for their contributions.
"The Liberal Democrats' pockets would have had to have been very deep!
"In fact, there was a great deal of frustration last year when the scheme did not move forwards, and the stakeholders were constantly challenging the Lib Dems on delivery
"However, we hadn't reached the stage of public consultation. There had been very robust discussions, and we were looking into things like the environmental impact.
"The costs of refurbishment were certainly going to be higher than knocking it down and rebuilding, and we had reached the stage where we were comparing the impact of demolition with redevelopment when Liz Truss happened "
Although any Alban Arena project is now on pause, Adam is conscious of the bigger picture when it is finally possible to move forwards again.
"What was lacking was a discussion of a wider strategy around arts and culture Most major touring shows won't
come to St Albans because we ' re only half an hour from the West End, and Milton Keynes tends to be the nearest venue to take them, so we shouldn't duplicate what they're doing
"Ultimately we will need to ask what the Arena is for, and that is a broader conversation SADC needs to get away from doing everything itself, and look for partners within the private sector.
"It also needs to run sustainably SADC is fixated on the build and design, but how will it be funded and run? The answer to that question has to be incorporated into the design "
On the other side of the argument is St Albans Civic Society, which has stated it is favour of retaining and refurbishing the venue
A Facebook group Save St Albans City Hall (The Alban Arena) was set up in November 2021, but its remit seems to have expanded over time to encompass anti-Lib Dem rhetoric along the same lines as sister group St Albans Voice Admin David Kaloczi said at the time of launching the page: "The City Hall/Alban Arena has served our city well for the last 50+ years. Discos, banquets, balls, concerts, gang shows, parties, book sales, wrestling, auctions, pantos, beer festivals and cinema to name just a few of the many events this versitle building has hosted.
"All I'm hearing other than the obvious maintenance issues is that the behind stage area is not big enough for modern theatre This building is not just a theatre!
Surely an extension along with a refurbishment/upgrade would be the best most sustainable way forward?"
For the time being, the future of the Alban Arena remains a story which has paused at the interval The curtain will inevitably rise on the second act, the only question is: when?
Historical details based on research by Penny Thei and Diana Brimblecombe. The proposed site of the new theatre is the council car park
The standard rate of corporation tax has risen from 19% to 25%, while the dividend allowance of £2,000 has been halved, and is set to be halved again for the 2024/25 tax year
Dividend tax rates also remain high
What can company directors do to reduce tax and optimise their finances under these circumstances?
Increase to the standard corporation tax rate
The corporation tax rate has increased from 19% to 25% as of 1 April 2023 for limited companies with profits exceeding £250,000 Companies with profits between £50,000 and £250,000 can benefit from tapered relief
Company directors with high profit levels may wish to consider strategies to extract profits from the company in a tax-efficient manner
Taking a salary
It is very common for company directors to take a salary that is equal to, or less than, the personal allowance limit (this is currently £12,570), but above the ‘lower earnings limit’ (which is £6,396 for the 2023/24 tax year) This allows directors to build up qualifying years for their State Pension, without actually paying any National Insurance contributions. Salaries also count as an ‘allowable expense’, so a company director can pay themselves a salary to reduce their corporation tax bill
Dividend tax rates are currently high
Dividend tax rates remain high A planned 1 25% reduction to 2023/24 dividend rates was cancelled in October 2022 with rates currently 8 75% for basic rate taxpayers, and 33 75% and 39 35% for higher rate and additional rate taxpayers respectively.
The tax-free dividend allowance, which was formerly £2 000 has been cut to £1 000 for 2023/24 and is set to be reduced to £500 from 2024/25
Dividends are paid out of retained profits, on which corporation tax has already been paid. This could mean there are less dividends to distribute once a tax charge of 25% has been applied
A thorough review of various income strategies and streams may be able to help company directors substantially reduce their tax bill.
Pension contributions can help reduce tax
For a company director, paying into a pension via employer contributions can be a tax-efficient way of extracting profits from their business, while saving more towards retirement Pension contributions are an allowable business expense, resulting in corporation tax savings Another significant benefit is that employers can also save on the 13.8% National Insurance tax charge by contributing directly into a pension, rather than paying it on a salary
You can now contribute up to £60,000 to your pension per year unless you are a higher earner and subject to a tapered annual allowance The maximum contribution with tax relief can be up to £180,000 in a single tax year, if you have unused allowances from the prior three tax years and were a member of a pension plan You must use up your annual allowance from the current tax year before carrying forward
Unlike personal contributions, employer contributions via the company are not restricted by relevant UK earnings. With the right financial planning, business owners can reduce tax and boost retirement outcomes
To find out more call the Lumin team on 03300 564 446, or get in touch via our contact form.
Almost a year since the district council vowed to investigate enforcement action against an unauthorised Green Belt development, still nothing has been done to rectify the situation.
Back at the start of 2022 work took place to clear a former landfill site behind The Moor Mill pub, Smug Oak Lane, Bricket Wood The land was surrounded by metal fencing and filled with demountable buildings by a company which hires, buys and sells portable accommodation for the construction industry.
No planning permission was sought before the work took place, and SADC subsequently launched an enforcement investigation following complaints about the site, which included the apparent destruction of local wildlife
Christine Traill, strategic director for community and place delivery, said in a statement released at the time:
“We have made the business concerned aware of a potential breach in planning law and they now have 28 days in which to cease operations
“The business has the option instead of applying for retrospective planning permission in which case they can continue to operate until that application is decided
“If neither of those actions is undertaken the council will consider whether it is appropriate to take formal enforcement action. “We realise that some residents may be disappointed that we cannot act immediately to stop the site being used as a business premises However, we must and will follow the correct statutory procedures for an enforcement investigation ”
The company did apply for retrospective planning permission to remain on the site, but this was withdrawn at the end of last year, with landowners Tarmac stating in December
that an alternative location for the business was being investigated.
When this failed to materialise, Tarmac commenced legal action to bring their lease to an end, but the earliest this could be achieved is May 2024, so another notice was issued in respect of breach of the company ’ s lease for failing to adhere to all planning and other regulations But as yet nothing has happened to remove the business from the site and commence restoring the land to its original condition.
Local resident Gary Broadbent has been involved in objecting to the scheme He told the St Albans Times: “This company has completely ignored all planning laws and destroyed a Green Belt site that was in the process of long-term rewilding. They replaced that with an ugly compound, reminiscent of a prison, without even bothering to apply for planning permission
“When challenged by numerous locals via St Albans council, they waited as long as possible and then submitted a retrospective planning application. When they knew that could not possibly succeed, they withdrew it, again very late, knowing that St Albans council would take a very long time to take enforcement action against them (this still hasn’t happened)
“They have used every trick they can think of to stretch out their time on the site, and Tarmac, who own the land, have done very little to stop them, despite all their claims of sustainability and environmental stewardship.”
Gary questioned SADC’s planning department about their lack of action with regards to what was effectively a huge illegal development that destroyed nesting birds, trees and numerous wildlife, as well as potentially contaminating the Ver and maybe the watercourse.
He received a shocking response from an unnamed officer: “At this stage we do not have an update for you with regards to the case you have raised This is because we are currently dealing with an extremely large number of existing cases Once we have an update for you, we will let you know.”
The St Albans Times contacted SADC, and received a reply from Chris Traill, strategic director for community and place delivery, who confirmed: “We are investigating an alleged breach of planning permission at a site at Moor Mill Lane “We have been talking to the land owner as we always try to reach a solution through negotiation rather than through enforcement action “Government guidelines require us to take this approach and it is not unusual for such discussions to take some time before a resolution is reached ”
Tarmac was contacted for a comment but did not respond
A handful of councillors have the power to halt the imminent sale of the former Radlett airfield for a strategic rail freight terminal - and force their peers to reconsider the proposals.
Thanks to St Albans Lib Dem Cllr Sandy Walkington, HCC has been forced to refer its decision to agree terms for the sale for further scrutiny by elected members of the county council
Sandy said: “Frankly it was shocking that the deal was about to be done by officers with elected members expected to accept the decision as a fait accompli As local campaigners have shown, there are a whole load of unanswered questions and the rush to sell the land stinks
Members of the overview and scrutiny committee will have the opportunity to call-in the scheme and refer it for further consideration
They are Cllrs David Andrews (C, Chair), Sandy Walkington (LD, Vice-Chair), Richard Butler (Lab), Terry Hone (C), Jeff Jones (C), Michael Muir (C), Stella Nash (C), Anthony Rowlands (LD) and Richard Thake (C)
Sandy added: "Elected members should have the opportunity of probing these important concerns and making sure they have been taken into account in the proposed deal, If we are not reassured by the answers, I hope the members of the committee will be brave enough to refer the whole decision back for reconsideration The people of St Albans and Hertfordshire deserve something better than a hole-inthe-corner decision by unelected officers.”
He elaborated on why he had strived to achieve this result: "The ruling administration at County Hall has always parroted that they are ‘reluctant sellers’. The county council’s legal advice says that the council can choose not to sell the land if there have been major changes in circumstances since the Secretary of State granted planning permission
"Well since that decision in 2014 we have had Brexit with all its implications for rail freight and there has also been the entirely unforeseeable explosion in e-commerce with the consequent huge increase in white van traffic.
"Both of these are potentially hugely impactful on the need for the terminal and the kind of traffic and burden on the road network it will generate
"So has the council sought independent analysis of the impact of these issues?
“The other issue is whether SEGRO are going to pay for all the required highway improvements, come what may, or whether there will be hidden future costs for the country council and council tax payers making the deal even less good in financial terms."
The special meeting will take place at 10am on Wednesday
Terrie Smith, one of the leaders of the Save St Albans; Fight the Freight campaign said: “ We welcome this development. We have been concerned about the way HCC have continually ignored the weight of evidence we have presented to them that highlight changes since planning was approved in 2014 and show that the rail freight terminal is no longer viable And we hope that once all councillors consider this evidence they will do the right thing and stop the sale ”
The petition calling on Herts CC to stop the sale of their 300 acres of Green Belt on the site has attracted 8,000 signatures
The Fight the Freight campaign have organised a public meeting at the Vision Hall in Radlett on Sunday (May 21) at 2pm to update residents on the likely impact should the terminal go ahead.
And there’s a protest demonstration planned at County Hall in Hertford on Tuesday May 23 before an HCC meeting where campaigners will be urging councillors to stop the sale
An HCC spokesperson said: “County council officers have been working to finalise the legal agreements and complete the sale of land at the former Radlett aerodrome site to SEGRO since Cabinet approved the sale of land in December 2022.
“The overview and scrutiny committee meeting on Wednesday May 24 will give councillors an opportunity to discuss the process which resulted in the decision to sell the land, and the reasons behind it “Since the planning application for a rail freight terminal on this site was submitted to SADC in 2006, the county council consistently objected to the scheme However, following the Secretary of State’s decision, after a public inquiry, to give planning permission for the rail freight terminal, we reluctantly accept that we have no legal option other than to sell the land Our focus is therefore on trying to negotiate the best deal we can for local residents ”
The meeting will be livestreamed at www hertfordshire gov uk/watchmeetings
The city centre's controversial road closures experiment may have lost the hearts and minds of people living in the vicinty of the scheme. Several of the local residents associations have come out against the current scheme by submitting formal objections ahead of the deadline, including Abbey Precincts Residents Association (APRA), which represents St Albans Cathedral quarter and includes both domestic and commercial residents of George Street
To recap, High Street, George Street and part of Verulam Road were originally closed by Herts county council to allow for social distancing measures during the pandemic. Following a temporary lifting, they returned last October as part of a wider experiment into pedestrianisation
This time round, George Street, Market Place, Spencer Street and Upper Dagnall Street were permanently closed throughout the trial, but High Street and Verulam Road were only shut from Friday evenings until early Monday mornings
The scheme has resulted in traffic congestion caused by motorists trying to navigate the closures, with a knock-on effect in surrounding roads
John Hedges, chairman of APRA, explained why they are objecting to the closures: "The HCC project team acknowledge the problems but have done little to address them, apart from recently reinstating the loading bay at the top of the Romeland Hill bus parking bay
"This is odd because one of the benefits of using the experimental traffic regulation order (ETRO) process rather than the normal TRO is that it allows the scheme to be tweaked rather than starting afresh
"There are several plausible reasons for this: either they don't have the cash or they wish to avoid reopening the ETRO six month objection window again Either way, not very satisfactory. Since an ETRO can be made permanent at the stroke of a pen after the 12 month trial it's also possible that following a likely positive response to a public consultation in the warm summer months, as the al fresco spirit flows, they'll just ignore residents' objections and go ahead anyway. "
APRA has objected to the orders as currently implemented being continued in force indefinitely on the following grounds: loss of amenity for local residents, adverse impact of displaced traffic, and a deeply flawed Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) plan
Should HCC introduce measures to mitigate the impact the closures have had on local residents then the objection will be withdrawn, but as it stands APRA is opposed to the current scheme
The organisation states: "The initial implementation of the trial, in force for almost six months, has resulted in much loss of amenity to local residents of George Street, including the loss of parking, loading, taxi and Blue Badge holder spaces in an area already under intense pressure for such space "
High Street is open during the week but closed at weekendsAPRA also highlighted how illegal access to the closed streets during permitted times was causing increased danger to residents, particularly from speeding transit cars in the now one-way George Street, much illegal parking and loading just outside the access control gates and the resulting nuisance, day and night, and the almost complete absence of parking/traffic regulations enforcement which compounds the adverse impact, including some anti-social behaviour.
"Although enforcement is not a matter for HCC it is unreasonable for a scheme to be introduced that necessitates additional enforcement, that arises from a flawed scheme, and which is not readily available from other authorities."
Although APRA accepted the trial had reduced traffic and associated problems of congestion, pollution and noise while increasing pedestrianised space in the scheme streets, there is no comparable assessment of the adverse impact of displaced traffic elsewhere "This results in significantly increased traffic flows in often narrow residential streets and comes with increased congestion, pollution and noise for residents and longer journey times and fuel consumption for drivers This is not a sustainable scheme "
As a result of the closures, narrow residential streets in the immediate vicinity of George Street are seriously impacted: particularly Welclose Street, now used by midsized school buses, and Lower Dagnall Street, the latter seeing traffic volumes more than doubling "The weekend closure of the A5183 High Street affects traffic flows across the broader St Albans road network, particularly to the north of the only other cross-town route, the already congested Folly Lane/Catherine Street corridor Although even narrower, this largely residential route has comparable pollution levels to the High Street but has to take much of its displaced traffic, particularly in the absence of diversion signage.
"Since the Folly Lane/Catherine St route is already at or near capacity the displaced traffic takes to the adjacent smaller residential streets creating rat-runs."
Finally, six months into the trial there is still no coherent Monitoring and Evaluation plan in place, despite considerable engagement with the HCC project team by the traffic subgroup of the Central St Albans Combined Residents and Community Association (CCRA). Their main criticisms are that: metrics are ill-defined or inappropriate for intended use; baseline data is not available for many metrics; targets, if set, are modest and in many cases will be achieved inevitably from closure; little or nothing is in place to monitor displaced traffic and its impact; there is no method to weigh improvements in scheme streets against residents’ loss of amenity and the widespread impact of displaced traffic; and the closure of each of the three streets cannot be separately assessed.
"This strongly suggests that the robust evidence base needed for a decision to make permanent the closures is unlikely to be available," APRA's statement concludes
A special ceremony took place this week to mark the 50th anniversary of the opening of the new St Albans City Station
The original station was built in 1868 by the Midland Railway to transport watercress grown in the city to London and Manchester, but the newest incarnation opened for business in 1973
A mural depicting the locomotive City of St Albans and replica nameplate was unveiled on Monday at an event attended by local dignitaries including MP Daisy Cooper, council leader Cllr Chris White, Mayor Cllr Geoff Harrison and representatives from St Albans Community Rail Partnership, the BID and St Albans South Signal Box
This week's images are largely taken from private collections belonging to late reporter Beryl Carrington and photo archivist Ian Tonkin, and include scenes from a street party in Alma Road, the 1948 St Albans Pageant and a view of the High Street with the old drinking fountain
Although we have hundreds of photos in our archives dating back over the centuries, it would be great to share some readers' submissions on these pages Please send us your old images to editor@stalbanstimes co uk with as many details as you can provide, and we'll publish them in a future edition
Emma Kosh is an Interior Designer and award winning Designer on CBBC's The Dengineers. Emma has a passion for creating one of a kind Interiors and Empowering people to celebrate their Uniqueness through design. She joins us to share her thoughts on Home and Interior Style.
As I fast approach a joint 40th trip to Las Vegas with my husband and our tribe it got me thinking how important hotel style is when I am choosing a holiday destination. When we head off in June we are staying at the Cosmopolitan hotel which is a visual buffet for my design hungry eyes. You may be thinking about booking a break away so I want to share with you some of the treats I have discovered both here and abroad. I have found so many wonderful places this may end up being a two week feature. From the chill to the wonderfully ridiculous.
Everything in bigger and more amazing in Vegas and the hotel design is no different. It is Interior Design on the most epic scale with something for everyone. I love the Cosmpolitan, it has an modern art based style so as you explore there is so many artworks to discover. Famous for the chandelier bar (right) but for me the appeal is what you see looking up, down, underneath and around as they have considered every surface and designed it to perfection. It is an education in how far you can push design.
The Salcombe Harbour Hotel is a slice of chilled nautical heaven on the coast of Devon. It has the most incredible views and is family friendly. The pared back palette of blues and whites combined with the texture of wood is a balm to the soul. With buzzy bar, rooftop restaurant and luxury spa what more do you need?
Park of the Locke Group, Eden Locke in Edinburgh looks like the set of a Wes Anderson film with its delicious palette of pastels, like an interior icecream waiting to be licked With locations in UK, Ireland and Germany there are plenty of places to discover from the base of these beautifully curated one of a kind aparthotels Check out @lockehotels on Instagram for more info.
Another one I have actually stayed in- Mystery Hotel Budapest Located in the heart of Budapest this 5 star retreat plays with Baroque style but merges it with sense of humour and traditional Budapest styling. The stunning architecture combines with carefully considered colour and pattern use There is so much to enjoy here and takes what could have felt old fashioned and elite and flips it on its head, which I love
Next week I will feature design led hotels in Ibiza, Derbyshire and Japan so make sure you come back for Part Two!
The St Albans International Organ Festival will be marking its 60th anniversary in July with nearly two weeks of concerts celebrating the organ and so much more. Tickets are selling quickly, and music fans have been advised to book soon to secure the best seats.
For the final Saturday concert before the Festival celebrations, the international prize-winning organist Mona Rozdestvenskyte will perform at St Albans Cathedral. Mona was born in Moscow and lives and works in Germany, were she is organist and music director at St Johann Church in Bremen. She was awarded ‘most outstanding overall performance’ at the online St Albans International Organ Competition in 2021.
Mona’s programme will combine classics of the organ repertoire with some music which is very rarely heard, particularly in Britain.
Amongst the familiar names is JS Bach, whose Organ Passacaglia in C minor was the first of his three masterpieces in this form, and concludes with ‘a climax worthy of many a Romantic symphony’.
Ernst Pepping’s name will be familar to a few scholars of neo-classical German composers, and new to nearly all of the rest of us. Composed in Berlin during the Second World War, his powerful and somewhat sinister Toccata is based on Luther’s versification of the ancient mediaeval antiphon Media Vita, ‘In the midst of life we are in death’. Other music in this varied and lively programme will include versions for organ of the Overture to Mendelssohn’s oratorio St Paul (arranged by the Victorian organist WT Best) and Mona’s own transcription of one of the most popular and colourful scenes in all Russian opera, Borodin’s Polovtsian Dances from Prince Igor – a riot of wild rhythm and energy.
The concert will take place at St Albans Cathedral on Saturday May 20. As always with the International Organ Festival ’s Saturday Concerts, admission and programme are free.
Immerse yourself in 1700 years of history.
From Britain’s longest nave and a stunning collection of medieval wall paintings, to an interactive exhibition and two beautifully restored medieval shrines, all in the heart of St Albans.
Open daily 8.30am to 5.30pm
www.stalbanscathedral.org
St Albans South Signal Box is holding a special open day for prospective new members and volunteers.
The trust which looks after the restored Grade 2 signal box and its surrounding garden is run entirely by volunteers who maintain the site and show the public around on open days. Following the lead of King Charles, the trust is hoping to recruit new members to its team.
The open day is this Sunday, May 21, from 2-5pm.
Trust chairman John Telford said: "St Albans South is often considered to be one of the city’s hidden treasures and we are keen to continue the good work that has been undertaken over the last few years.
"No previous experience is necessary –an interest in railways would be an advantage but is not vital – and a variety of activities can be undertaken."
Full details can be found on the trust’s website www.sigbox.co.uk together with booking arrangements.
Since we launched the St Albans Times earlier this year it has swiftly built up a reputation for challenging the establishment, offering controversial opinions, setting a new standard for community-led journalism, and providing in-depth analysis of issues which affect us all - but this is only the beginning of our journey...
Some of the comments received so far:
“May I congratulate you on your simply incredible new voice of St Albans and its fabulous district. Very, very well done. Only criticism, the articles are so deliciously rich, I'm going to arrive late at my breakfast meeting... in fact, late for every Thursday morning meeting from now on!" - Herts County Council Chairman Annie Brewster
"Exactly the kind of news I like to read about our city " - Lee Wood, St Albans Sustainability Festival
"Well done on the Times, it's a good read." - national journalist and author Alex Johnson
In the kaleidoscope of the wine world, where colours speak volumes, there's a rising star that has captured the attention of both connoisseurs and curious sippers alike It's a wine that defies conventions, seduces the senses, and leaves a lasting impression on the palate. We're talking about none other than the captivating orange wine Join me on a journey as I unravel the enigmatic beauty of this ancient winemaking technique that has been reborn for the modern wine enthusiast
Orange wine, also known as amber wine, showcases a breath-taking spectrum of captivating hues that range from sunset gold and burnt sienna to amber and copper These striking colours, reminiscent of autumnal landscapes or a mesmerizing sunset, hint at the fascinating story behind this unique elixir
Though seemingly new to many, orange wine traces its origins back thousands of years. Revived from ancient winemaking techniques, it draws inspiration from the cradle of
wine civilization Georgia Here, traditional winemakers fermented white grapes on their skins, imparting a distinctive hue and complexity to the final product
Today, artisans around the world are reviving this time-honoured practice, blending history with innovation. Orange wine's allure lies in its distinct winemaking process
Unlike typical white wine production, where the grape skins are quickly separated from the juice, orange wine thrives on an extended maceration period
This means that the grape skins, seeds, and sometimes even stems are left in contact with the juice for days, weeks, or even months
This gentle yet extended exposure gives rise
to a wine that marries the freshness of white wine with the structure and tannins usually associated with reds
Just as the colours of orange wine captivate the eye, its flavours and aromas dance on the palate
Offering a diverse sensory experience, orange wine can exhibit an enticing range of tasting notes
Expect to be embraced by nuances of dried apricots, orange peel, honeyed figs, and exotic spices, all interwoven with an invigorating acidity and a
gentle grip With every sip, a new facet unfolds, making it a truly captivating wine for exploration.
Orange wine's versatility extends to its food pairing prowess
Its textured and complex profile allows it to mingle effortlessly with an array of culinary delights
Picture it alongside a charcuterie board, where its weight and structure play harmoniously with cured meats and sharp cheeses. Or, let it elevate a Mediterranean feast, complementing roasted vegetables, marinated seafood, or fragrant Moroccan spices
Don't be afraid to experiment orange wine rewards the adventurous palate
This week’s wines were introduced to me by Penny Edwards at Cellar Door
wines and first up is the Cluricaun Skin 2021 (£16 70 from Cellar Door Wines).
Nestled within the enchanting landscape of Quinta do Montalto, which has been under the stewardship of the same family for five generations, the 2021 Cluricaun "Skin" from Lisboa, Portugal, is a testament to the region's winemaking heritage
With approximately 15 5 hectares of vineyards nestled on clay-limestone slopes with optimal sun exposure, this wine showcases the character and authenticity of the Denomination of Origin Encostas D'Aire.
Crafted with utmost care and minimal intervention, this wine takes us on a captivating journey through its use of
different vessels and traditional winemaking techniques
It unveils a beautifully pure and textured palate that captures attention from the first sip It entices with a fresh nuttiness and delicate spice notes that add depth and complexity As the wine develops on the palate, the flavours of tangerine and a hint of marmalade emerge, infusing the experience with a touch of delightful sweetness The purity of citrus fruits shines through, showcasing the wine's vibrant character
The wine presents itself as juicy, linear, and highly expressive. The finish leaves a lingering impression with a refreshing and invigorating salty tang that adds a distinct and memorable twist
My second recommendation is Daschbosch Skin Contact 2022 wine
(£18 95 from Cellar Door Wines)
Yes, that’s right, I had to include a South African wine from Cellar Door Wines, and this is a modern masterpiece that showcases the best of orange wines
It's part of the DaschBosch experimental range which takes you on an unexpected journey showcasing “the other side” of DaschBosch
It depicts the winemaker’s love to push the boundaries and experiment with the unusual The wines are produced in limited quantities and crafted with minimal interference. With its enchanting aromas of dried citrus peel and orange marmalade, followed by a palate brimming with orange tango bonbons, brown sugar, and almonds, it offers a sensory journey like no other
Whether you choose to explore its gastronomic potential or savour it leisurely in the warm sunshine, this wine promises an extraordinary and captivating experience
Penny, and her wonderful team at Cellar Door wines are more than happy to welcome you at either of their shops and will walk you through their impressive choice of orange wines.
And don’t forget, their ‘Wines of South Africa Summer Tasting’ which is taking place on Saturday 24th June at
‘The Riding School’, Hatfield House. The afternoon is dedicated to showcasing the best of South Africa You will have the opportunity to meet over 20 winemakers, producers and winery representatives showcasing their wines and telling you their South African story, taste up to 100 South African wines and enjoy some fabulous South Africa Babotie and Bunny Chow from Jane White’s ‘Now Now Chow’ food stall
So, the next time you find yourself seeking a wine adventure, allow orange wine to be your guide Uncork the allure of orange wine and embark on a journey that celebrates the harmonious convergence of ancient wisdom and contemporary innovation
Cheers to embracing the vibrant revolution of orange wine!
Contact me via mccabetwe@gmail com or @mccabe thewineenthusiast
I have had a great couple of weeks in and around St Albans trying out various restaurants as well as food and drink pop ups. Check out below those that are worth a visit...
Verdi's Italian Kitchen - Located in Clarence Park the food and Aperol Spritz is authentic. Whether you are eating in or taking away there is something for everyone. Family orientated with board games, a kids menu and lovely staff.
Leafy & Schnitzel - The best Chicken Schnitzel this side of Golders Green - no joke! Served with salad and an abundance of fries. Salad by day and add Schnitzel from 5.00pm. Just inside Christopher Place - also serving beer and wine in the evening.
Chicken George Jnr - A pop up van on St Albans Market (Wednesday) with a queue down the road! How have I never been before? Wings, strips, chicken burgers and parmesan fries!
The Secret Truffletier - I made chocolate! Lots of it, for all of the family. A short drive from St Albans the secret location has a coffee/hot chocolate shop, serves luxury afternoon teas and also offers chocolate making workshops. All with the finest swiss chocolate.
Brookmans Pub - Another short drive but worth it. Serving breakfast, lunch dinner and SUNDAY LUNCH! If you like The White Horse in Harpenden then this part of the same group. They also host events including Tapas Night.
Bill's - Having just turned 10 years old they are still serving their yummy breakfast but they have had a face lift. Family friendly, dog friendly and great cocktails.
Nonno's Pizza - Have you ever seen a meter long pizza? Me neither! I love the Nostrana Pizza and the traditional Spaghetti Bolognese. The kids also love it as they get to see the huge wood fired oven.
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School's are out at the end of next week for May Half Term, I will be highlighting lots of local activities in the next issue. #SATimes
Karen
Wondered why the bins along Hatfield Road in Fleetville are always chocker with rubbish? We've heard that it's because some of the private flats in the street don't have their own council refuse bins and instead have to use public ones for their domestic waste
With many of these properties just converted houses with direct access onto the pavement, locations to store the ever-increasingly number of SADC receptacles might be lacking but surely there's a better solution than dumping all of their trash, unsorted into recycling and landfill, into the on-street containers? One good gust of wind and it ends up strewn across the footpath
It's no wonder we regularly see bags of domestic rubbish piled high in Fleetville Recreation Ground - there's just nowhere else to put it
'Stop the Herts chainsaw massacre' placards accompanied chants of "Stop the chop!" as campaigners protested against SADC's plans to fell more than 250 mature trees across the district As reported in last week's St Albans Times the scheme apparently focuses on highways trees which are dead, dying or considered a health and safety risk
David Markham of Benbow Close, St Albans added: This is a short term, blinkered, and ‘business as usual’ view of health and safety No St Albans resident has ever been killed by a falling tree or branch, but many have been killed by heat stress Trees cool our cities and pavements As the climate heats up we need to reconsider our priorities and we should cherish every single tree ”
BUSINESS>
There's a new card shop in town! Literally days after the demise of Paperchase, a very similar prospect has emerged in its former premises in The Maltings Shopping Centre
Apart from a fresh lick of paint and slightly different stock, Mooch has barely changed with even the original shelves kept in place!
We ask a different figure from the local community to choose 10 questions to answer from a list of 50. This week: St Albans Civic Society President Professor Tim Boatswain.
When I was approached by the St Albans Times to answer a choice of 10 questions, I blithely thought that's fine and it could be fun. In reality to answer the questions has been more of a challenge than I had originally envisaged. When I reflected on the task I realised there were at least a couple of issues for me: the first was what to choose; and second I realised, with a modicum of self-awareness, that I am not naturally a very forthcoming person, and so could I answer the questions honestly rather than manufacturing an answer? This must seem rather precious and I can hear the scorn, “Just get on and answer the questions. It is no big deal!”
What's the first thing you do after you've woken up in the morning?
This one is easy as I have a routine: it is making some coffee. This isn't any old coffee it is what I call a 'Balkan coffee' (often allocated to a nationality: Turkish, Greek, Cypriot, and so on). First you pour water into a small pot, add a very finely ground coffee to the water, bring to the boil and then serve – you can add sugar if you like that 'poison'!
If you could have a conversation with someone who had died who would it be? It would have to be Sigmund Freud, the founder of psychoanalysis (best known for his theory, the Oedipus complex) I don't necessarily agree with all his ideas but he changed modern culture with his understanding of the conscious and unconscious mind.
Were you well behaved at school?
Looking back I think I was pretty well-behaved. Because my parents moved a lot around the country in my childhood. I went to six different schools and my elder sister to nine. With all these changes of environment, and as often the outsider, my main focus was to fit in.
What's your favourite meal?
Every few months I have a get-together with some exwork colleagues and after a few beers we end up in that excellent Italian restaurant Cosa Nostra. I infuriate my friends as I always order the same meal: lasagne.
What was your first job? Leaving aside holiday jobs my first full-time post was at The Barber Institute, which is attached to the Uni of Birmingham. I was thrilled, as a Research Fellow in Numismatics, to receive a salary of £1,000 per year – it was just after the extinction of the dinosaurs!
What’s your favourite hidden gem in the district? This has to be the Christopher Inn Succubus which people have so generously donated to conserve. This is not the place to explain what a succubus is, so readers will have to look it up (but a photo is attached).
Who is your favourite St Albans musician or band? This has to be Pat and the Butchers: Julie, Ham, all their colleagues and followers are just lovely people!
Odyssey or Netflix?
This has to be the Odyssey. St Albans went for 17 years without a cinema once the Odeon closed. The building nearly became a set of apartments. All the people involved in making the Odyssey happen need a resounding round of applause - it is a gem.
What I admire about Ted is that he wasn't a famous or important person but just an ordinary man who showed exceptional bravery to save his comrades.
What’s your favourite St Albans pub?
There are a lot of great pubs in St Albans. I think we are blessed. If I have to pick one I will choose two and this is because they both reveal the masterful aesthetic taste of their landlord – yes, it is Sean Hughes at his welcoming establishments, The Boot and Dylans.
Most inspirational St Albans person - living or dead?
Recently I was involved in the installation of a Blue Plaque for Edward (Ted) Warner, who posthumously received the Victoria Cross for heroism in WWI. At a time when the terrible war in Ukraine is in the news I think of the sacrifice that Ted and other people made to protect our nation and values. What I admire about Ted is that he wasn't a famous or important person but just an ordinary man who showed exceptional bravery to save his comrades.
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Left over middle, right over middle, left over middle… There’s something almost mesmeric about plaiting hair, as your conscious mind relaxes control over your fingers and lets instinct take over.
In fact, the very process of learning to braid rewires the brain in the same way that learning to drive does, and you soon forget the actual process and go into some sort of automatic pilot, relying on your body to perform the repeated pattern without focusing on the action itself. It’s a remarkable thing to learn, and having barely managed anything more complicated than a ponytail before, I was keen to fulfil a long-standing promise to my almost 11-year-old daughter to ensure she at least spent the last few months of primary school with a hairstyle like her peers.
In fact, dads learning to plait their daughters’ hair was what made St Albansbased business Braid Maidens into a
global phenomenon, with founder Annis Waugh enjoying appearances on the likes of This Morning, in the pages of The Washington Post, and a host of other media slots at home and abroad. We’ve covered Annis’ journey from producing to plaiting in the St Albans Times recently, so won’t go over old ground here, focusing instead on the courses she teaches and how easy it is for an absolute newbie to learn some hairstyling tricks to wow offspring and partners alike.
Over a two-hour session in the comfort of my own home, using a plastic head rooted with a blend of real and fake hair, I found myself embracing a skill I never knew I had, as I immersed myself in a new world of plaits and ponytails, buns and braids. Of course, as you can imagine, the rhythmic process of plaiting hair allows conversation to flow, and proved the perfect opportunity to chat to Annis about
her experiences since taking the bold decision to make Braid Maidens her fulltime career.
“It all started with Frozen. My daughter Gracie had been a fan for five years and so a friend and I decided to run an Elsa and Anna hairstyle stall at the school fair. The kids were delighted, but what I noticed was how the parents watching wanted to know how to create the different styles, and I realised there was a gap in the market to teach people.
“There are many teachers in my family, but never did I think I would end up learning how to teach, that was the biggest surprise."
Following delays caused by the pandemic, Annis eventually started her business in October 2021, since which time she has taught more than 1,000 people the craft.
“All I do is give people the confidence to try,” she told me. “I tell you what to do with the hair and your hands will find their
own way. The thing to do is not have a negative mindset, to worry about being all fingers and thumbs, but just to have a go and see what happens.”
It really is a case of teaching old dogs new tricks, as I discovered once I started work on my first plaits.
“It’s two-thirds preparation,” Annis said. “Brushing the hair properly, having the right tools [I was armed with a brush, pintail comb, crocodile clips and assorted hairbands]… and only then do you start plaiting.”
We started off by creating a simple ponytail, dividing it into two plaits, before moving onto more complicated styles featuring multiple flourishes, but all relatively straightforward to create, and definitely impressive to behold. Some of the other styles included a half-up butterfly bow-bun, a pull-through braid, and how to bubble braid – good for high ponytails or bunches at a party or school disco.
Weirdly, having had long hair at various times in my life, I was used to putting in hairbands into ponytails without seeing the actual action, and found I had to look away in order to add them to the end of my plaits, letting my fingers work automatically. The brain is indeed a very complex, very wonderful machine. The more advanced courses cover things like Dutch braids, fishtails and French plaits, if you decide this is something you’d like to take further. Annis said the learning continues after classes, as your brain things through the process subconsciously, and it is true that when I came to tackle my daughter’s long locks a few days later my hands went to work almost without any thought. Working on an actual human is very different from a doll, but although tilting her head meant my plaits were a bit lopsided, I found actually doing them came instinctively, and it was a wonderful bonding moment for us both.
I dropped Annis an email with some photos, and she came back to me later with some very reassuring feedback: “Lovely parting and a great job! This is the start of such a lovely thing for you both, I love it.
"Great to hear it’s coming naturally too - I could see it was on your last plait yesterday. You got the flow!”
I'm now planning on expanding my braiding repertoire with further styles, ensuring I'm fully up to speed when my youngest daughter - just three-and-a-half with some shoulder length curls - sits still long enough for me to give her the Elsa plait she has always longed for!
Find out how you can learn to plait at braidmaidens.com – solo courses, group sessions, fundraiser events and parties are all available to book in person, as are online sessions you can take part in from the comfort of your own home. You can also pick up all the necessary equipment from her online shop.
(Far left) Some of the designs created during the session; (top) Anwen was the first human model for my braiding, and (left) some of the designs you can learn with Braid Maidens.
The 2021 Census revealed that more than half of adults aged 24 and under still live with their parents, an increase of 13.6% in the decade between 2011 and 2021.
This is an increase from about 4.2 million to 4.9 million people and involves 3.8 million families. The average age of adults living in their parent’s home is now 24, a year older than in 2011. It is no surprise that these adults were more likely to be unemployed.
Men outnumber women by 3 to 2. In St Albans, 19% of families have adult children living with them, so this is a local as well as a national issue.
The closer you get to London, the higher the percentage. In Hertsmere - 24.6%, in Barnet26%, in Harrow - 29.9% and Enfield - 31.9%. The high cost of houses to buy or rent is driving this and those parts of the country where costs are highest show the greatest number of adults failing to become independent.
The traditional cheaper route of social renting is closed to most of these young people, due to the shortage of social rented properties. Costs are high because of lack of housing supply.
Despite government posturing, for the last 20 years, we have not built enough homes for the growing population.
The overall population of England and Wales rose by around eight million since 2001 – rising from 52 million to nearly 60 million (despite a falling birth rate) and we have comprehensively failed to meet this rising demand.
The reason why houses are not being built are clear and relatively well understood.
An impossible planning regime designed to block development; an industry of planning professionals and lawyers making a very good living out of the status quo; an army of middle class nimbys determined to use every means possible to block development anywhere near them and media who support the nimbys. Look at our local papers whenever a housing development is proposed.
Good news! With so much of the negative variety around at present, I am pleased to report that TASSA (The Arts Society St Albans) are building momentum towards its 50th Anniversary/Golden Jubilee in July
Along with other members, I have recently been treated to an understanding of Cubism, an insight into The Roaring Twenties and more
I am now looking forward to other talks, on subjects as diverse as The Queen’s Paintings, The Ming Dynasty and The Musical Magic of Christmas
In addition to ten lectures per year, there are approximately four visits arranged each year; e.g. Westminster Abbey after dark,
It shows the protestors with their sad spaniel eyes and well-crafted banners carefully positioned next to trees or lovely countryside. Not the young people struggling to get their first home. Or the families living in cramped, overcrowded and unsuitable accommodation. Or the ‘rent generation’ paying large sums with no capital growth.
What’s needed is a wholesale dismantling of the planning system and the removal of Green Belt legislation.
The nimbys will continue to be selfish, congratulating themselves as they block young people’s future.
Their political influence will ensure politicians do nothing.For example, Michael Gove said "There simply aren’t enough homes in this country", after he blocked a housing development in Kent.
Central Government is clearly running scared of this issue. Tinkering with the rules on renting will probably only reduce the number of properties available for rent.
The truth is nothing will happen without countervailing pressure from the young. They need to get politically active. Make it clear. In the 1980s it was jobs. In the 2020s - ‘Gie’s a home.’
Burghley, etc. … together with the opportunity to travel further afield, with associated bodies
We meet, on the second Wednesday of the month, at The Abbey Theatre
A number of memberships are currently available.
If any readers are interested to join, more information can be found at www theartssocietystalbans org uk
Bob Moore Oakwood Drive, St AlbansFive years after residents of a St Albans street decided to honour their forgotten fallen of the First World War a memorial has been unveiled to ensure the names of the 15 who perished will be remembered forever.
Last Post by artist Renato Niemis, on the side of 1 King's Road, features metal bricks depicting the names, regiment and civilian occupation of those who died in the conflict. It was unveiled by Joan Stanley, the niece of one of the victims, helped by Major Rhys Little from the Royal Anglian Regiment and standard bearers from the Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regimental Association.
The memorial was the idea of resident Judy Sutton who co-authored an illustrated history about the King's Road fallen with Helen Little.
Judy, who has lived in Kings Road for more than 30 years, said: “I can hardly believe this has finally happened after almost five years of hard work.
“The idea of a memorial came to me after I went to a local exhibition to mark the centenary of the Great War’s Armistice and was struck by how many men from Kings Road had lost their lives.
“The street suffered among the highest number of First World War casualties of any other city centre road and I felt it was important that we should have a memorial here to remember them
“I am delighted that we have now honoured their memory and sacrifice in this way and I thank all of the many people and organisations who have helped bring this about ”
Artist Renato Niemis, whose work includes a memorial sculpture for missing US warplanes at the Imperial War Museum at Duxford, Cambridgeshire, said: “The memorial is partly about finally bringing these men home from the war It reflects the fact that the men who died were the bricks and mortar of the road “Details from each soldier’s life are included in the sculpture’s bricks to bring each of these individuals to life It was fascinating to learn about their history, how young some of these volunteers were and how varied were their occupations
”The bricks are also designed to look a little like the telegrams which the families would have received with news of their loved one’s death at the front “I wanted to create a memorial that would stand out and catch people’s eye rather than a block of stone with the men’s names chiselled in and I hope I have done that with this design I want people who walk by to really notice it ”
Among those at the unveiling were St Albans Mayor Cllr Geoff Harrison, and the Rev. Jonny Lloyd, newlyappointed vicar of nearby St Michael’s Church who blessed and dedicated the memorial. The Mayor said: “This will be one of the last engagements that I perform as Mayor and it will also be one of the most memorable.
“The Kings Road community are to be commended for coming together in this way to honour the Great War dead from their street. It is an awesome memorial, a very fitting and eye catching way of remembering those we owe a great debt to.”
A bugler played a Call To Arms at the beginning of the ceremony, attended by more than 100 people, and the Last Post at the end which was followed by a moment of reflection. Each house where the men had once lived displayed a picture of them for the occasion.
Photos courtesy of Steve Gledhill and SADC.
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There was nothing small about the Airfix Model World show at the de Havilland Aircraft Museum in London Colney The event proved to be one of the biggest in the venue's calendar, attracting displays from across the UK, including 42 clubs and 13 traders
Thanks to Spike Brown for the photos
I’ve spent the whole of my life becoming the person I am today; was it worth it? There is only one person who is with you the whole of your life, and every minute of that life, and that is you. How you view, judge, and treat yourself is fundamental to the quality of your existence and ultimately what my brand of counselling and psychotherapy is about.
How do we assess if we are worthy, or do we consider that we are worth less than others? Are we loveable and deserving?
Where do we learn about how this all works? Has it been implied that I’m only loveable if I’m successful, clever, attractive, useful? What messages have I received about what I have to do to be loveable?
Of course, some people have not been loved sufficiently and they often will internally interpret this as a failing in them. If a child doesn’t receive warmth and love or indeed is the target of others’ resentment and rage then they are likely to draw the conclusion that they are inherently wrong, bad, and unlovable. It can then take many years to unpack this experience and to realise that it was the adults’ inability to love rather than the child being unlovable that is the issue.
Unfortunately, those that feel unlovable often don’t know then how to give and receive love going forward; if I believe I’m not lovable then I have nothing to lose so, why make the effort?
I give up hope and tolerate being treated without love or respect by those around me. I may even bully and dominate others to get my needs met or become very passive hoping someone will come along and make everything alright.
Others would have been rightly praised for doing well, however did we then feel that the love that we experienced was dependent on “keeping up the good work” and if so, what happens to our self-esteem when we fall short, as inevitably we will at some point? For whatever reason we may not perform perfectly, or we may be not very good at something (especially if we are learning something new).
We may feel that in certain situations we cannot make everything all right for other people and we fail to live up to the expectations that we put on ourselves. In short, we believe that love is conditional upon our wealth, status, attractiveness, or ability to help. If this is the case, then even the possibility of not hitting the standards we set for ourselves results in anxiety and a fear of rejection and we may indeed have experienced this when we’ve not met the expectations of others.
Does this then mean that we are worth less than other people?
Do we see this as a competition for love?
Certainly, there are a lot of messages that reinforce this way of thinking such as the clear hierarchy in terms of how much someone’s time is worth depending on what job or profession they are in, and how important it is to be “liked” on social media with its inevitable ranking.
People in the public eye are constantly being rated on their beauty, prowess on the sports field, number of awards they’ve earnt in the arts and how many people voted for them. Also when people fall off of the pedestal that we put them on the backlash is often brutal!
This must in turn give us all a message about our worth being comparative - what if I lose the race?
What then? Am I still worthwhile? Do we have enough experience of being loved no matter what? How would it be if I said you don’t have to do anything to be loveable? Wouldn’t that be a wonderful place to be?
If we can accept ourselves in this way, then perhaps we can be on our own side and at least start acting as if we love ourselves. By love ourselves I don’t mean the false arrogance of thinking we are better than others, but rather the more subtle belief that we are inherently OK even if we have some issues or struggles along the way. How would you like to treat someone you love when they stumble? Would you berate them and call them stupid, or would you help them up with kindness? How about not only doing that for yourself but also seeking out others who treat you well?
What could you do right now to show yourself that you love yourself?
Do you know an amazing school eco-councillor who is helping their class with green initiatives? Or maybe a faith group going above and beyond to help rewild the local area. Maybe someone in your street is helping biodiversity or arranging regular community litter picks?
Local company Ember Designs have launched their Eco Awards for the second year, open to everyone in the St Albans district.
Ember owner Lee Wood explained: "We are fortunate to have people who are give their time, expertise, knowledge and passion to benefit our community by working tirelessly to improve the environment . Now it’s time to celebrate their achievements.
"We want to make sure that all champions have the opportunity to be recognised and with this in mind, we’ve made a slight change to the format this year by introducing specific categories. This award is open to everyone in the St Albans district, although you can only make one nomination per category, so get those thinking caps on."
The categories are simple: under 18s, over 18s and community group.
To submit a nomination, simply send your full name along with that of your chosen recipient(s) and a brief synopsis of why you believe they deserve to be recognised to info@emberdesigns.co.uk
Deadline for all nominations will be 6pm on Friday 9th June 9. An announcement will then be made a week later to coincide with the conclusion of the Sustainability Festival - see www.sustainablestalbans.org/sustfest
Lee added: "Ember Designs are delighted to have once again collaborated with the talented team at Heartwood Glass to produce the stunning trophies for the winners. "The design is based around the eco climate stripes and subsequent roots which extend from that to represent the passionate people and groups which bring our entire community together in the battle against climate change. "I’m so excited to be able to read the nominations, recognise and share the fantastic work of our community."
More than 50 community organisations are being invited to St Albans Cathedral to provide them with an opportunity to network and inform the public about their work, their challenges and plans for the future.
The inaugural St Albans Community Showcase will take place on Saturday June 10 between 11am-3pm, and will highlight charities, not-for-profit and other organisations that operate locally to support social justice and environmental issues and build a stronger, more inclusive community.
In addition to stalls in the Nave, panels will be running throughout the day on four topics: Homelessness, Supporting the Vulnerable in a Cost of Living crisis, Community Engagement; Volunteer Recruitment, and Environment and Climate Issues. There will be a specific focus on how these issues impact the community in St Albans and the local areas – and what can be done about them. The panel members will include key individuals from the various participating organisations and other speakers. Will Gibbs, Canon for mission and pastoral care at St Albans Cathedral said: "It will be my privilege to welcome so many from our community to the first-ever Showcase. "We are so excited to see the amazing enthusiasm and interest from charities and organisations across our community and many important dignitaries and guests who will be there.
"We know that this event and the conversations and networking will be the start of a new chapter of collaboration and opportunities as we work together to support a wide range of people in need and community projects."
The event will coincide with the beginning of SustFest, highlighting environmental issues in the local area.
The showcase will be open to everyone and free to attend, with children’s activities and refreshments available in the Cathedral grounds. Come and discover how you can make a difference to your local community.
Rennie Grove’s annual Question of Sport fundraising evening scored a personal best by raising a record £80,000
Hosted by Sky Sports presenter Geoff Shreeves, the event took place at Sopwell House, and also included a raffle and live auction, with prizes including tickets to a recording of the TV show ‘A League of Their Own’ Lisa Meagher, corporate partnerships manager at Rennie Grove, said: “It was incredible to see the business community in and around St Albans come together to support this year’s event From buying tickets to bidding on auction prizes and taking part in the raffle, every single person who came along helped us to reach this record-breaking fundraising amount "
Following their success in the recent local elections, in which they gained a second councillor, St Albans Green Party has announced its candidate for the St Peter’s byelection on June 13.
Juliet Voisey lives with her husband and three children, and has been in St Albans for 17 years.
She is very active in the community, coordinating the local Greenpeace group and volunteering with Butterfly World, St Albans Community Pantry and her school PTA. Recently she’s been working with a group that is lobbying SADC to reduce its use of harmful pesticides.
She’s also been involved in the new local campaign challenging the council over the felling of 250 mature trees.
Green councillor Simon Grover described Juliet as “a genuine, hard-working campaigner who knows how to get the job done. She works with me here in St Peter’s ward and would be a brilliant addition to the council.”
The by-election in St Peter’s ward has been caused by the resignation of Lib Dem councillor Danny Clare.
A new exhibition will explore the fascinating journey of tea from leaf to cup and the worldwide significance of this popular beverage.
Time for Tea opens on Friday at St Albans Museum + Gallery. The free event, which includes complementary, immersive activities, runs in the Weston Gallery until November 5.
Curator of post-medieval to contemporary at St Albans Museums, Sarah Keeling, said: “We are delighted to bring this wonderful exhibition to St Albans. Time for Tea celebrates the nation’s love affair with tea exploring its history, how it’s made, drunk and its significance across the world. Visitors can also enjoy a nostalgic look at the tea houses and cafés St Albans has been home to in the past.
“There will be engaging imagery, including ‘A Tea Party at Napsbury’ by artist Louis Wain, beautiful displays of ornate tea bowls and decorative teapots from our collection, and after a wander through the exhibition visitors can relax with a cuppa in the museum’s Courtroom Café.”
On their first visit to St Albans, The London Ballet Company presents two new ballets at the Abbey Theatre.
Their version of the classic Cinderella forms half of a double bill alongside a thrilling and entertaining spy spoof, 00 & His 7.
Sophie Wright established TLBC in 2010 to provide performing opportunities for young professional dancers. The company developed rapidly, as dancers from all over the world auditioned to join the tight knit team.
Original works have been created with TLBC artists and performed over the last 10 years in theatres nationally, and internationally, in addition to bespoke performances. An Abbey Theatre spokesperson said: "This is the perfect evening’s entertainment for anyone who loves dance and doesn’t want to travel into London to see a professional company."
You can find out more about the company and even watch a short clip of 00 & His 7 on their website https://www.thelondonballetcompany.com/performances Tickets £18 full price, £15 18 and under. Book online https://www.abbeytheatre.org.uk/whats-on/balletdoublebill/
A public meeting is taking place about Legal and General's plans to build over 550 homes on Green Belt land to the north-west of Harpenden.
Up to 550 homes are proposed for land at Cooters End Lane and Ambrose Lane to the north-west of the town, on arable fields close to King’s School, Spire Hospital and The Oval.
The scheme - proposed by Legal & General (Strategic Land Harpenden Ltd) - involves up to 168 affordable homes, and 130 for integrated retirement living.
The outline application calls for: “Up to 550 dwellings including circa. 130 C2 integrated retirement homes, 40% affordable housing, early years setting, public open space, allotments and publicly accessible recreation space (including junior sport pitches). All matters the exception of the means of access to the site.”
Campaign group Stop L&G, formed to oppose the development, said: "This is our first chance as local residents to make our voice heard directly to our local councillors about the scheme and we want them to be in no doubt about the strength of local feeling about L&G’s proposals.
"We would like as many of our supporters as possible to attend and take part in the meeting, which will be held at Park Hall, Leyton Road from 7pm on Tuesday May 30."
It was heartbreak for the Saints in the Promotion Final, as a rampant Oxford side were able to coast to victory and gain promotion to the National League for the first time in their history.
Oxford were dominant in the opening phase of the game, pinning the Saints back and finding themselves with a 2-nil lead after just 15 minutes
City began to play their way back into the game slightly as the half progressed, however the Hoops continued to find a route past the visitors extending the lead to 4 by the stroke of half-time
Attacking changes saw David Noble s team gain some semblance of control in the second-half but despite all their possession they struggled to create clear cut chances
A compact Oxford side were happy to see out the rest of the game, winning themselves a place in the National League
David Noble made one change to the line-up which faced Dartford last-week, with Tafari Moore returning from injury to demote Jeffers to the bench
Cooper came close to opening the scoring in the 1st minute, with the rebound from Weiss’ close range shot falling straight to him before diverting the ball wide of the target
The Hoops made quick work of taking the lead, with captain Reece Fleet firing the ball past Berry after receiving a lay off from McEachran
They wouldn’t wait long to make it 2 with Berry gifting possession to the home side when playing out from the back allowing McEachran to slot the ball home into an empty goal
Ashby would be next to find the back of the net to make it 3 in 30 minutes, as he was played the ball inside from the left flank before curling his effort into the far corner beyond the reach of Berry
Oxford would complete their first half demolition by adding a 4th as a counter attack found Josh Parker who twisted past multiple City defenders before stroking the ball into the bottom corner
Noble’s side came out of the break much improved testing Haigh in goal early on as he was required to prod Jeffers swerving
long range effort over the bar
Cooper would look to spearhead a comeback with an ambitious half volley which he guided marginally wide of the near post
Substitute Neal would look to make an early impact shortly after coming on, receiving the ball in behind and forcing the Oxford defence to make a strong last ditch block to deny him
The Saints continued to dominate possession late into the game however they failed to pose any serious goalscoring threat meaning Ross Jenkins’ side were happy to sit deep and see out a historic win
Oxford City: Haigh, Miccio, Ashby, Burley, Coyle, Fleet (C), McEachran (Wilson 78′), Parker (Lolos 88′) Potter (HumphreyEwers 24′) , Williams-Bushell, Carroll
Subs (Not Used): Davies Iaciofano
Bookings: N/A
Goals: Fleet 4′ McEachran 14′ Ashby 30′ Parker 45+1′
St Albans City: Berry, Stanley, Francis-Clarke, Adebiyi (Jeffers 36′), Blackman (C) Banton Weiss (Neal 56′) Mukena Moore Smith Cooper (McConnell 56′)
Subs (Not Used): Clark Dawson
Bookings: Francis-Clarke 72′ , Blackman 88′
Goals: N/A
Referee: Ben Atkinson
Attendance: 3 100
