ST ALBANS TIMES INDEPENDENT, INSIGHTFUL, INFORMATIVE LOCAL NEWS
WAS BOUDICCA’S FINAL BATTLE ON SITE OF PARK STREET ROUNDABOUT?
SCHOOL LIBRARIAN WINS NATIONAL READING CHAMPION AWARD
ZOMBIELAND
SIXTIES LEGENDS ARE BACK WHERE IT ALL BEGAN FOR WEEKEND FESTIVAL REPRESENTING THE HISTORIC DISTRICT OF ST ALBANS, INCLUDING HARPENDEN, REDBOURN, WHEATHAMPSTEAD AND THE COLNEYS
ISSUE 197, NOVEMBER 5 2026
As the Nights Draw In, What Makes Buyers Feel at Home? RGENIO ROBERTO A ER SENIOR VALU
Autumn has well and truly arrived. The clocks have gone back, evenings are darker, the temperature has dropped, and our homes suddenly become somewhere we spend considerably more time. It's also an interesting time for the property market. Nationally, buyers currently have more choice, affordability remains important and there is greater competition between sellers. Here in St Albans, however, the latest official figures show a more resilient picture, with the average house price reaching £656,000 in August - 3.2% higher than a year earlier.* It's a useful reminder that the property market is rarely as simple as a national headline suggests. For anyone selling this autumn, getting the fundamentals right matters. That means sensible pricing, good presentation and understanding what makes your particular property attractive to today's buyer. But there's another ingredient that's rather harder to measure. How does your home make someone feel when they walk through the door? Autumn Can Show a Different Side to a Home Spring and summer traditionally get plenty of attention in property, but autumn has its own advantages. A home that feels light, warm and welcoming when it's cold and dark outside can create a powerful first impression.
That makes presentation important - but it doesn't mean turning your home into a show home. Often it's much simpler. A clear hallway, uncluttered kitchen, clean windows and rooms that clearly demonstrate their purpose can help buyers understand how they might live there. And don't forget outside. Fallen leaves covering the path, overflowing gutters or an unlit entrance can detract from an otherwise beautifully presented property. A welcoming front door and outside light can make a surprising difference to an evening viewing. St Albans Isn't Just a Number
Good lighting becomes particularly important. Rather than switching on every overhead light, lamps and softer lighting can draw attention to different areas and create a sense of warmth.
Local knowledge becomes particularly valuable when national and local property trends aren't necessarily moving in exactly the same direction.
Period features also come into their own. St Albans has a wealth of Victorian and Edwardian properties, character cottages and older family homes where fireplaces, wooden floors and traditional features can feel particularly appealing at this time of year.
Different streets, property styles and price brackets within St Albans can behave differently too. A family house close to popular schools may attract a very different audience from a city-centre apartment or character cottage.
But contemporary properties can create that same feeling through good design, natural light and comfortable living spaces. Buyers Are Looking More Carefully In a market where buyers have choice, they're more likely to compare properties carefully.
That's why an accurate market appraisal should consider much more than an online estimate or an average St Albans house price. It's about understanding your property, its location, comparable sales, current competition and – importantly – the buyers who are likely to want it. *ONS Data October 2026
www.collinsonhall.co.uk 9-11 Victoria Street, St Albans AL1 3UB 01727 843 222
Creating the Right Feeling Price may determine whether someone finds your property in their search, and photographs may persuade them to book a viewing. But once they're standing inside, emotion inevitably plays its part. Buyers aren't simply looking at a living room. They're imagining themselves spending an evening there. They're looking at the kitchen and picturing breakfast around the table. They're wondering whether this could be the place they come home to. At Collinson Hall, our long experience of the St Albans market tells us that successful selling is about combining those two sides of
property: understanding the market and understanding people. Because however much data we have at our fingertips, buying a home will never be entirely about numbers. Sometimes, you simply walk through the door and know. Thinking about moving in 2027? Collinson Hall is now preparing for our New Year Property Launch. Arrange your no-obligation market appraisal now, with photography completed by late November, and make sure your home is ready for the New Year market.
Contact the experienced Collinson Hall Sales team today to arrange your free, no-obligation market appraisal & start planning your next move with confidence 01727 843 322
Guide price £550,000
2
2
2 BEDROOM FLAT/APARTMENT FOR SALE IN INKERMAN ROAD, ST. ALBANS, HERTFORDSHIRE, AL1
Set within the iconic Old Hat Factory in the heart of St Albans, this exceptional two-bedroom apartment combines Victorian character with striking contemporary design. One of just eight luxury apartments, the impressive first-floor home features soaring ceilings, industrial-style arched windows, exposed brickwork and beautiful hardwood flooring. The spacious open-plan living area provides plenty of room for dining and relaxing, plus a useful home-office recess, while the designer Poggenpohl kitchen features high-end appliances, polished concrete worktops and a dramatic floor-to-ceiling glass partition. Both bedrooms are generous doubles with fitted storage, with the principal benefiting from a stylish wet room, complemented by a separate contemporary bathroom. Flooded with natural light and offering a rare allocated parking space, this distinctive apartment delivers sophisticated city-centre living with St Albans’ shops, restaurants and amenities on the doorstep. EPC: B | Council Tax Band: E | Allocated Parking
Asking price £325,000
1
1
1 BEDROOM GROUND FLOOR FLAT FOR SALE IN BOUNDARY ROAD, ST. ALBANS, HERTFORDSHIRE, AL1
Offered with no upper chain, this beautifully presented one-bedroom ground-floor garden maisonette enjoys a prime central location, just a short walk from St Albans city centre and the mainline station. The bright and welcoming accommodation features an open-plan kitchen and living room with dual-aspect windows, creating a light and airy space for everyday living. A spacious principal bedroom is complemented by a contemporary wet room, while a versatile snug provides valuable additional space – ideal as a home office, reading room or occasional guest area – with a door opening directly onto the private, lowmaintenance garden. A generous storage cupboard adds further practicality. Combining its own outdoor space with an excellent city-centre location and convenient London connections, this attractive maisonette is an ideal choice for first-time buyers, commuters or those looking to downsize. EPC: C | Council Tax Band: C | No Upper Chain
Editor’s Note
Highlights 2-3 Property 6-8 Boudicca 12-14 Call for sites 18 Eris 22-24 St Albans Sleepout 26-27 FOOD by Elena 28-29 Sherrards 30-37 The Zombies 38-40 Budget analysis 50-52 Leisure review 54-56 Wine Times 58-59 Theatre review
Local band Run for Cover pictured at London Colney fireworks on Sunday, photos by John Andrews in this issue.
68-70 Theatre review
This week’s news cycle started off with a bang, and never really slowed down over the course of the following seven days, with the Budget yielding revelations on Local Government Reorganisation, the results of SADC’s call for sites exercise raising a few eyebrows over at least some of the proposals, and then a weekend which saw the return of homegrown heroes The Zombies for their latest Begin Here Festival - including a performance by the new Bishop on Saturday night... Phew! As we head towards Christmas, the district diary really does start to fill up, beginning with this weekend’s Remembrance services, always a major event in St Albans, Harpenden and the villages. And finally this week a plea for help... We’ve been asked to do our bit to assist local resident Rita Thompson in her quest to find a photo of her great grandmother on behalf of her 102-year-old mum before she dies. Great-granny was Rose Cleaver, married to George Cleaver and previously Harry Rope, who died on April 13 1964 aged 94. She lived at 46 Catherine Street and her maiden name was Thompson. Her childhood home was 14 Bernard Street. Her probate says she left her money to her daughter Rose Godwin, nee Rope. Come on St Albans, this is what you excel at! If anyone can help provide a photo then please drop me an email at the usual address: editor@stalbanstimes.co.uk and I’ll make sure it gets to Rita...
76-78 10 from 50 83-89 Sport
Our regular contributors include: Laura Bill, Darren McCabe, Stacey Turner, Eris, Deborah Heath, James Cameron, Elena Hogg, Jess Unwin, Jim Standen, St Albans Tour Guides, John Andrews, Ruth Newman, Lesley Cowland, Caroline Thain. Front page photo: Payley Photography Published by St Albans Media Partnership Ltd.
MATT ADAMS Editor and founder
66-61 Flashback: 1962
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.
Was Boudicca’s final battle on the site of roundabout works?
The site of Iceni warrior queen Boudicca’s final battle against the Romans may be under Park Street roundabout – adding new weight to concerns about preserving archaeology during the ongoing improvement works. That’s the theory mooted by acclaimed archaeologist Duncan Mackay in his book Echolands, a major investigation into the long-disputed location of the “Great Battle” where the Roman Governor Suetonius Paulinus finally crushed the Celtic rebellion. And where does he place the epicentre of this bloody battle, which left around 80,000 Britons dead? Park Street roundabout. As revealed by the St Albans Times, intensive digging took place at the roundabout as part of the access requirements for developer SEGRO’s strategic rail freight depot on nearby Radlett Aerodrome. But the A5183 is the route of the original Watling Street Roman road – perhaps the most important of its kind in Roman Britain – which exits the roundabout to the left of St Julian’s Hill where a new filter lane is being built. No archaeological assessment or effort to record and protect any historical remains has taken place either prior to the works or while they were underway, and any materials excavated from trenches dug at the site have been removed and disposed of. But although there is great value in preserving evidence of the Roman road, the site itself may actually be of much greater archaeological significance. In AD 60, after razing Camulodunum (Colchester) and Londinium (London), Boudicca’s alliance of Celtic tribes moved up Watling Street toward Verulamium, destroying a Belgic farmstead en route just south of Park Street roundabout, remains of which were found by archaeologists in 1943.
This destruction served as an immediate warning to the people of Verulamium before the town itself was sacked and burned to the ground by Boudicca’s forces, an event recorded by the Roman historian Tacitus in his Annals. But what happened next? Duncan explains how he came to place the following battle on the outskirts of St Albans. “The problem you have with Boudicca’s battlefield is that so many people have put forward candidate sites – it needs nothing more than for somebody to point to somewhere and say it could have happened here. “As an archaeologist, I’ve followed the evidence Boudicca’s revolt as closely as possible, and that led me to St Albans, and it didn’t go any further. “Tacitus, who is really the only proper source, says that after the fall of Verulamium the Roman general Paulinus ‘broke off delay and fought a battle’. That makes it sound like it should be pretty close, because Tacitus gives a really detailed reconstruction of this war. “He has Boudicca coming down from Norfolk to sack Colchester, he has her going from Colchester to London, he has the Roman general coming from Anglesey and he has the Ninth Legion getting involved. So it’s pretty detailed. “But then once Verulamium is destroyed, he just cuts dead and says ‘they broke off delay and fought a battle’, so I don’t understand how if could have carried on for another couple of weeks somewhere else. For me it was always going to be Verulamium-based. “And lo and behold, right next to Verulamium you have a shallow valley coming down from Windridge Farm to the Park
Would the roundabout site still have been of archaeological
Street roundabout, and at the head of that valley they
importance even if Boudicca’s Great Battle did not happen
discovered a load of Roman sling bullets.
there?
“Tying that all together, you’ve got a perfect storm of the
“If we remove the battlefield scenario, you’ve still got one of
archaeological evidence that a battle took place in the right
the main arterial routes of Roman Britain going straight
period, and you’ve got the historical evidence that she was in
through the roundabout, and you're on the edge of a major
that landscape, so I think Boudicca’s final battle is the strongest
Roman town. So in that sense, yes, there could be any sort of
candidate for the finds at Windridge.
archaeology there. You can’t second guess archaeology in that
“And if that’s the case, then putting her battle as Tacitus
way, there could be anything.
describes it onto the local landscape would put Park Street
“But battlefield artifacts are incredibly difficult to find, which
roundabout as the absolute epicentre of Boudicca’s army
makes Windridge Farm such an interesting site because these
before they head up that valley.”
things are so rare, and by default Watling Street was such an
What significance would the site have been in the conflict?
important route and has a great historical significance.”
“It would have been a huge sprawling camp. Tacitus says that
As an independent archaeologist, Duncan is cautious not to be
the entire British army, tens of thousands of people - the army
drawn on the politics surrounding the Park Street roundabout
and all of its civilians, non-combatants and baggage animals -
and whether any proper archaeological assessment should
were massacred. Part of the reason for that is they were caught
have taken place.
amongst their own baggage train, which arced around the back
However, he did offer an insight into what he would have liked
of them.
to happen.
“The roundabout would have been at the absolute centre of
“If for the sake of argument we say Boudicca’s battle happened
that camp, whjch would have probably stretched all the way up
there, in a British context we’ve never really excavated a
to St Julian’s and the River Ver. The attack would have started
battlefield from that era, so we really don’t know what to
at the roundabout and gone straight up that valley up the A414,
expect.
up to Bedmond Lane and Windridge Farm, where the Roman
“I think when it comes to any major groundworks across a
army would have been.
suspected Roman battlefield or indeed close to a Roman town
“The Romans would have punched them back down that
where we know there’s a lot of important Roman archaeology,
valley, and this great slaughter of as Tacitus says 80,000 dead,
I think it was a bit of a missed opportunity in terms of carrying
but we might comfortably halve that, would have been
out an assessment, whether that was exploratory trenches to
between the Park Street roundabout and the River Ver, that
assess the potential of the area, or a watching brief where
whole bit of land there.”
archaeologists watch the work in progress.”
COMING SOON... Don’t panic! Dad’s Army marches into the Abbey Theatre The Company of Ten brings Dad’s Army, the stage adaptation of the classic BBC sitcom by Jimmy Perry and David Croft, to the main stage of the Abbey Theatre this November. In Walmington-on-Sea, Captain Mainwaring and his Home Guard platoon are ready for action - at least in theory. In practice, orders are misunderstood, plans fall apart and confidence rarely matches ability. Whether you know the series or are discovering it for the first time, the hilarious characters in this brilliant comedy will leave you smiling long after the final curtain. First broadcast in 1968, Dad’s Army became one of Britain’s best-loved sitcoms, watched by around 18 million viewers at its peak. This production brings to the stage three classic episodes ‘The Deadly Attachment’, ‘Mum’s Army’ and ‘The Godiva Affair’ catchphrases and all. “Dad’s Army holds a special place in all of our hearts,” says director Katherine Barry. “Our actors have been working extremely hard to bring the characters to life with extraordinary effect, and even if you weren’t a regular viewer of the TV show, you will recognise such catchphrases as: “Don’t panic!”, “We’re doomed” and “Stupid boy”.” The production has a personal resonance for Katherine, who is dedicating it to the memory of her late mother, the actress Pamela Cundell, who played Mrs Fox in the TV series. In the very final episode, ‘Never Too Old’, broadcast on November 13 1977, Mrs Fox marries her long-time sweetheart Corporal Jones - a fitting end to the series, exactly 49 years before opening night. Performances are at 8pm on Friday November 13 and Saturday November 14, 2.30pm on Sunday November 15, and 8pm on Wednesday November 18 to Saturday November 21. There are no performances on Monday or Tuesday November 16-17. To book tickets see www.abbeytheatre.org.uk or call the box office on 01727 857861.
IN OTHER NEWS... Museums generating more income and additional visitors St Albans Museums is outperforming comparable museums across England, attracting significantly more visitors and generating a greater economic impact than the national median. During 2025/26, 260,976 people visited St Albans Museums' sites, compared with a national median of 157,589 visitors. Those visits generated an estimated £4.87 million economic impact, substantially higher than the national median of £3.57 million. The figures, published through the Annual Museum Survey benchmarking programme, also show that St Albans Museums increased its economic impact from £4.66 million in 2024/25 to £4.87 million in 2025/26, demonstrating continued growth in the service's contribution to the local economy. St Albans Museums contributed an estimated £4.87 million to the local economy in 2025/26, an increase from £4.66 million the previous year. The strong performance reflects a year of high-profile exhibitions, events and audience engagement across both museums. Highlights included Firm Foundations: St Albans School of Art (delivered in partnership with University of Herts Arts + Culture) and Luke Jerram's Helios sun installation at St Albans Museum + Gallery (pictured), alongside the nationally significant Roman and Iron Age collections at Verulamium Museum and public interest surrounding the archaeological excavations at the nearby Rose and Crown site. Farhana Begum, arts, tourism, culture and heritage manager and head of St Albans Museums, said: “These figures demonstrate that St Albans Museums is not only attracting more visitors than many comparable museums across the country, but also generating a greater economic impact for its local area. “Welcoming more than 260,000 visitors last year brought significant benefits to local businesses and helped reinforce St Albans’ reputation as a vibrant cultural destination. We’re incredibly proud that our museums continue to deliver cultural, educational and economic value for the district.”
Audience development manager Catherine Newley said: "It's fantastic to see the impact that our visitors have on the local economy. Every school visit, family day out, exhibition ticket, event booking and café stop helps support businesses across the district. We're committed to making our museums welcoming, relevant and accessible to as many people as possible, and these figures show that when people choose to spend time with us, the benefits extend far beyond our museum walls." Vivien Cannon, manager of St Albans City Centre BID, added: “This is such great news. The city’s forward thinking and ambitious museum team work incredibly hard to maintain and create interest for all. BID sits around the table with them in our St Albans Visitor Partnership meetings were those representing visitor attractions share and update each other on work plans and how things are going. We’ve been aware how well they are doing and it’s very impressive. “BID makes sure we support the promotion of venues and activities through our enjoystalbans.com visitor website, via our regularly circulated ‘What’s On’ press releases and published Visitor Guides to promote the city and encourage visits and footfall. When we have venues like the museum, delivering this work is a pleasure.”
Earmarked for development: call for sites reveals proposed locations for next Local Plan
Batchwood Golf Course. Photo: Google A smorgasbord of suggestions for future development across
They are also mooting building a community or leisure facility
the district have been submitted as part of SADC’s call for
for the benefit of local residents and a renewable energy
sites – including huge housing schemes for Green Belt land.
development on land south of Codicote Road in
The call for sites exercise is an opportunity for individuals,
Wheathampstead.
landowners and developers to suggest for development over
The St Albans Diocese’s finance board has suggested
the next 15-20 years ahead of the next Local Plan.
residential developments on land to the south-west of London
The only requirements were that they should be capable of
Colney allotments, on the site of Holy Trinity vicarage in
delivering five or more dwellings, or economic development
Frogmore, and to the north of Marford Road in
on sites of 0.25 hectares or more (or 500 square metres of floor
Wheathampstead.
space or more.
CALA Homes is eyeing up land at Tippendell Lane whereas
The exercise will not determine whether a site should be
Burhill Group Ltd is proposing up to 650 homes on
identified for development or other uses, and they will be
Aldwickbury Golf Club, a scheme previously announced in
assessed through further technical work to determine their
2021 which was subsequently rejected.
sustainability, suitability and deliverability. The sites
Convene Construction, the company which took over Butterfly
considered most appropriate will then be subject to further
World in Chiswell Green following the closure of the tourist
public consultation.
attraction, is now proposing developing the site for
Some of the more unusual proposals put forward by
commercial use and/or housing.
individuals include housing on Batchwood Golf Course and
A site of almost 20 acres adjacent to Birklands Park, between
Salisbury Avenue Tennis Club, but there are also many other
London Road and the North Orbital Road, has been put
sites which companies are earmarking for development at this
forward by Catesby Estates for either 300 homes or other uses
early stage, including a bid by Lightwood Strategic to build on
including a care home and gym, while around 150 homes are
76 acres at Sandridgebury Farm and Pound Farm, which would
mooted by Longbourn Estates for land north of Sandridge and
link up with the residential extension to north St Albans
east of the B651.
included in the current Local Plan.
Local campaign group Save Our Sandridge responded to that
Tarmac is proposing mixed-use developments at two sites in
proposal: “SOS has long feared that more of the Green Belt
Tyttenhanger and Colney Heath which might include
surrounding our village would be put forward for
commercial facilities, whether that is industrial, logistics or
development. We raised concerns about the cumulative impact
storage, and uses such as petrol filling/EV charging station,
when objecting to both Shottfield and the Green Man
roadside restaurants targeted at drivers, a hotel, and associated
applications, and now we are beginning to see the potential
car and lorry parking.
scale of what Sandridge could face.
“We are shocked and deeply saddened by the extent of the land being promoted through the 2026 call for sites process. The prospect of another 150 homes behind Langley Grove, alongside proposals for Woodcock Hill and the much larger Sandridgebury Farm site, raises serious questions about the future of our village. “These are not yet planning applications, but the cumulative impact of potential development on our roads, infrastructure, countryside and village identity cannot be ignored. “Sandridge is a small village, not an endless opportunity for development. We urge the council to look at the bigger picture and properly consider the combined impact of these sites, rather than treating each one in isolation. “The future of Sandridge is at stake, and we will continue to stand up for our village.” But it isn’t all a case of concreting over our countryside. Highfield Park Trust wants to create a ‘green lung’ which will buffer St Albans from expected development to the south by expanding the existing park. Chairman Tim Abbott said: “The park is perfectly situated to buffer St Albans from the development risk to the south. In 2023, in response to the Local Plan consultation, we provided a bold vision of what an enlarged Highfield Park could look like in 2075. We have reaffirmed those ideas in the new consultation. “The land is predominantly owned by Hertfordshire County Council and the ideas we are currently exploring will build on the Watling Chase Community Forest Plan, which was published in 1995.
(Above) Sandridgebury Farm. Photo: Google; (below) Highfield Park.
“We are at a very early stage, but the ideas are exciting and will
people and young families struggle to find affordable places to
identify options to create spaces for people to enjoy
buy or rent. However, the council has established a concerning
recreational activities and for nature to recover.”
precedent. In the new Local Plan agreed in September, two
SADC Lib Dem leader Cllr Paul de Kort is keen to stress that
thirds of the new homes were allocated on Green Belt land.
just because locations have been put forwards doesn’t mean
“Now, as we look at the submitted proposed development sites
they will be included in the future Local Plan.
for the next Local Plan, doing more of the same is simply not
“Many sites put forward in this latest process were put forward
acceptable. We cannot keep taking the easy path of swallowing
in the previous one. This is not surprising as, even with the
up green fields across communities like Sandridge, Chiswell
over-15,000 hones allocated in the 2026 Local Plan, more than
Green, Colney Heath, Redbourn, London Colney and
three-quarters of those put forward did not meet our
Harpenden.
sustainable development criteria to the same extent as those
“For the next plan, Labour councillors want to see a genuine
finally selected did.
brownfield-first strategy and a new and ambitious balance
“As the last call for sites was quite a few years ago, the
between building up and building out. In line with national
circumstances of the landowners may well have changed,
policy, the council must exhaust urban regeneration and grey
leading them to put forward sites that they previously chose
belt opportunities before taking high-value Green Belt spaces.”
not to. In addition there are some sites being put forward for
Conservative leader Cllr Matt Cowley added: “The Local Plan
development as local energy generation; the economics and
process is a long one and our Conservative team will scrutinise
planning regulation that drive this interest will be quite
it at every stage. One of my early impressions is that once
different from that in place on the last occasion a call for sites
again it appears that the Lib Dems have failed to unlock any
was made.
substantial brownfield sites. That means they will be coming
“It is also important to recognise that landowners and
for our Green Belt once again.
developers can withdraw a site at any time in the process. For
“Rather than seek a strong, cross-party representation on the
example, Thames Water withdrew a site in Harpenden for new
Government’s high housing targets, their decision to make the
homes, after the Regulation 18 Consultation. That site is now
issue party political meant that some of the other parties on
being used to expand and upgrade the sewage treatment site.
the council didn’t support their motion. That, and the obvious
Clearly we Liberal Democrats applaud this alternative use and
politicisation in the motion, will make the Government take
the investment being made to finally help clean up the River
their representations much less seriously.
Lea.
“And we see this hypocrisy from the Lib Dems repeatedly. Less
“Regarding the Batchwood Golf Course site, this was not even
than a week after describing a plan for thousands of houses
considered as an option by the owner, St Albans district
near London Colney and Colney Heath as ‘outrageous’, the Lib
council, in either the previous call for sites or this one. This is
Dems at the county council have made a bid for (likely)
because of strong covenants that govern any developments on
thousands more houses near London Colney and Colney
the Batchwood Estate. It appears the site was put forward by an
Heath with their proposed site at Tyttenhanger.
individual rather than a landowner, which is a feature of the
“Residents in our district deserve better than development
Government-mandated call for sites process.”
policies built around soundbites that look good in a Lib Dem
Leader of SADC Labour group, Cllr Mike Hobday, responded:
leaflet; they deserve development that looks good in the
“St Albans urgently needs more homes, as too many local
district we represent.”
IN OTHER NEWS... Major changes to how planning applications are decided Councillors in St Albans district no longer have an automatic right to call-in and decide planning applications at a committee meeting. The change is the result of legislation which will see most applications determined by local authority planning officers without any councillor involvement. Under a new National Scheme of Delegation, councillors are not allowed to call-in Schedule One application categories. These include routine home extensions and residential developments of fewer than 10 homes. They will still be allowed to refer applications in Schedule Two categories such as applications for large scale residential or commercial developments. However, the Government guidance is that even in these cases, the over-riding presumption is that applications should still be decided by officers. Councillors who want to have an application referred to committee must now demonstrate it meets either or both Gateway Tests. The tests are that the application raises a major economic, environmental or social issue, or a significant planning matter. A nominated officer and councillor will decide whether that is the case and the application can go before a committee. Both need to agree or the referral will not go ahead and their decision is final. In another move, the size of planning committees is to be restricted to no more than 13 councillors - the current size of SADC’s development management committee. The aims of the reforms – which came into force last Saturday - are to speed up the planning process and bring greater consistency to decision making. SADC leader Cllr Paul de Kort, chair of its planning policy and climate committee, said: "These changes, affecting every planning authority,
represent a fundamental shift in how planning applications in our district will be decided. "The idea is that committees should be focused on key proposals that will have a major impact on their area, rather than on supposedly minor or technical applications. “While councillors will still be involved, it will mean that fewer applications will be considered before the development management committee and more decisions will be made by officers under delegated powers. "We have an excellent team of highly professional planning officers who will be able to rise to the challenge, but this will inevitability result in less democratic oversight overall. "Residents should be aware that their elected representatives will be deciding significantly fewer planning applications and, not necessarily, the most contentious in their neighbourhood. "Like other local authorities across the country, we will be looking closely at how the changes are received by our residents and what impact they have on our communities in the years ahead."
eris again asks, what would it take?
OPINION with BITE
British women have consistently polled as substantially less willing than men to fight or risk their lives in military service. In April 2025, they were half as likely as men to consider taking up arms. In October 2025, only 11 per cent of women aged 18-39 said they would definitely or probably fight for Britain compared with 27 per cent of men the same age. In July 2026, a You Gov survey found that in this age group, 39 per cent said they were unwilling to serve even when Britain faced an imminent invasion. Younger women are much less prepared to serve than older ones. There is no reliable information on how the sexes would differ if asked to sacrifice for Britain for example volunteering to help their community, or accepting personal hardship (for example, higher taxes and food rationing). Would women’s view change if they became aware of what was likely to happen to them if the country was attacked or invaded? If the country was bombed, there is likely to be widespread loss of factories, offices and infrastructure. Many people would be killed or injured. The NHS would quickly be overwhelmed, and normal service would be halted, impacting everything from maternity to elective surgery. Companies would close and jobs would be lost. Power, water and food supplies would be interrupted. There are likely to be food riots or general rioting as conditions deteriorate. Martial law is highly likely to be introduced. When Ukraine was invaded, women experienced widespread violence, intimidation, and in some areas, sexual abuse and gang rape by Russian soldiers. Women were abducted and detained and interrogated and in some instances transferred out of the occupied territories. Homes were occupied by invading soldiers The UN has concluded that Russian authorities committed widespread and systematic torture amounting to crimes against humanity. There is evidence that Russia’s treatment of civilians under occupation has strengthened Ukrainian women’s determination to resist Russia. Their willingness to take up arms rose from 44.2 per cent to 64.3 per cent between 2023 and 2024. This is no surprise. Women suffer disproportionately when countries are invaded. What happens varies depending on the country invading. Some enforce military discipline, protect civilians and allow independent authorities to investigate crimes. Others encourage or systematically organise violence against womenas a weapon of war.
Of course, as the British state collapses, businesses close down, jobs are lost, income stops, male family members are injured or killed in the fighting and homes are lost through bombing or occupation, women will suffer. Many will flee, although in Britain, there is not the option of walking over a border. Children will also be impacted. Ukrainian children have been abducted to Russia and there is enforced ‘Russification’ in Ukrainian schools with children being forbidden to speak their own language, enforced military training and indoctrination. War impacts women and children as much as men. Ask yourself why wouldn’t it happen if we can’t defend ourselves? What am I prepared to do to prevent it?
School librarian receives national Reading Champion achievement
The librarian at Fleetville Junior School has recognised
Working in the library one day a week, she began by
nationally in the HarperCollins Reading for Pleasure Awards
repainting it with calming colours and literary-themed
2026 and crowned the winner of the School Reading
displays.
Champion category.
She introduced the ‘Bookflix’ feature to showcase new
Run in conjunction with the Open University and the UK
additions and connect reading with familiar media, and an
Literacy Association (UKLA), the awards celebrate how
‘Author of the Month’ display, where children and staff suggest
teachers and school staff have found innovative ways to inspire
favourite authors to showcase, helping to spark conversations,
reading for pleasure in the classroom.
encourage recommendations, and sustain a vibrant reading
Polly-Anne Gibbs was recognised for her transformative work
environment.
in creating a new library at Fleetville and presented with her
The library was officially opened by children’s author Cressida
award by children’s author Mel Taylor-Bessent (pictured).
Cowell, whose visit helped raise its profile within the wider
She explained: “At Fleetville, I have worked extremely hard to
school community.
create a beautiful library and give every child access to books
Polly continued her work expanding the facility, fundraising
that spark their imagination and nurture empathy. In an age
for new books which she based on pupil recommendations and
dominated by screen time, helping young people discover a
sources such as BookTrust, Waterstones, local bookshops, and
genuine love of books is more vital to us than ever.”
publishers’ websites.
In September 2024, after two years as a school receptionist at
This resulted in expanded non-fiction and poetry sections and
Fleetville Junior School, Polly noticed the library was in poor
a new area for graphic novels.
condition, often empty and underused.
She launched a ‘Design a Bookmark’ competition in 2025 to
“As a keen reader, I discussed this with my headteacher and
boost library engagement, with the winning design
was given the opportunity to transform it into a warm,
professionally produced and stocked in the library. Now in its
welcoming space where children could enjoy books of their
second year, it continues to grow in popularity, with many
own choosing.”
designs displayed in reception.
Polly added: “The impact of these changes can be seen not just in the data, but in what we hear every day from children, staff, and parents. Children often come to share what they’re reading or ask for ideas about what to try next, and staff frequently remark on how much pupils enjoy and value their weekly library visits. “This is reflected in our Reading Cloud data too, with over 5,021 books borrowed across the school since September 2024. “Creating a welcoming and engaging library space has really encouraged the children to spend more time reading independently. Involving them in shaping the library has given them a real sense of ownership and pride, while the wider range of books has helped more children, including reluctant readers, find something they genuinely enjoy. “The library is now seen not just as a place to borrow books, but as a calm and valued space to relax and unwind. Perhaps most encouraging of all is hearing children talk enthusiastically about what they are reading and recommending books to each other, showing a growing and genuine love of reading. The library is now the beating heart of Fleetville Junior School.” After receiving the award, Polly said: “I am beyond excited, and deeply honoured, to receive the School Reading Champion award from HarperCollins. However, this honour belongs to our pupils just as much as it does to me. The little library we’ve built together at Fleetville Junior School has become such a special place. “By giving the children a real voice in choosing and growing our collection, they’ve developed a true sense of pride and ownership over their reading. Every school deserves a magical library; it’s how we give children the space and freedom to fall in love with books.” Fleetville Junior School headteacher Claire Whitehouse-Varney said: “We’re delighted to share that our wonderful librarian and receptionist, Polly Gibbs, has won the School Reading Champion award at the HarperCollins Reading for Pleasure Awards. “The awards celebrate the people who help children develop a love of reading. Polly’s entry, Reimagining the Library: Creating a Place for Reading for Pleasure, impressed the judges, who recognised her fantastic initiative, inspirational fundraising and the huge increase in book borrowing she has helped achieve. “Polly attended the awards ceremony to collect her award, and we couldn’t be prouder of her and all she has done to make our library such a special place. Her winning entry will soon be available on The Open University’s Reading for Pleasure website, where it can inspire other schools too.”
Cressida Cowell officially opens the new library while Polly looks on.
St Albans Sleepout: are you ready for one unforgettable night? World famous Britain’s Got Talent stars Electric Umbrella Choir will be performing for paricipants on arrival at this year’s St Albans Sleepout - followed by creative challenges, treasure hunts and local people coming together for an incredible cause. On Friday November 13, Oaklands College will be transformed into a hive of activity as the St Albans Sleepout returns for another evening of community spirit, entertainment, creativity and fundraising. With live performances, special guests, activities for all ages and a cardboard construction competition, this is no ordinary charity event. But behind all the excitement lies a powerful purpose: bringing our community together to raise vital funds and awareness for people experiencing homelessness. And this year, the organisers are pulling out all the stops. What better way to kick off the evening than with a
greeted by the band’s infectious energy, uplifting music and
performance from the incredible Electric Umbrella, the
feel-good atmosphere. If you’ve ever seen them perform, you’ll
inclusive music charity and choir known for appearing on
know they have an amazing ability to get everyone smiling,
BGT last year?
singing and feeling part of something special.
From 7pm, participants arriving at Oaklands College will be
And that’s exactly what the St Albans Sleepout is all about.
Move over, Grand Designs. St Albans has a new building
representatives from the charities benefiting from the Sleepout,
competition in town.
who will share insights into the work being done to support
At 8pm, the creativity begins as participants head to the
people facing homelessness.
Cardboard Collection Zone and Den Decorating Resource
There will also be live entertainment from local artists Elizabeth
Centre.
and Jameson, and, of course, the moment every cardboard
Think cardboard castles, colourful creations, imaginative
architect has been waiting for… The Deck Your Den winners will
structures and perhaps a few ambitious architectural disasters.
be announced!
The challenge? Create something spectacular using cardboard
By 10.30pm, the entertainment winds down and the atmosphere
and decorations, with prizes up for grabs in the Best Decorated
changes. The music stops, the activities finish and participants
Dens competition.
prepare to spend the night outdoors in November.
Whether you’re taking part with family, friends, colleagues or
And this is where the excitement of the evening gives way to
your community group, it’s a brilliant opportunity to get
something much more meaningful.
creative and work together. Just remember - no tents allowed.
For most participants, the experience will be cold,
This is strictly a cardboard affair.
uncomfortable and challenging. But when morning arrives,
There’s plenty more happening beyond the Cardboard
they’ll be able to return to the warmth and security of their
Construction Zone. The Activities Zone will be buzzing with
homes. For people experiencing homelessness, that security isn’t
things to do for all ages, including a treasure hunt, quizzes and
always there.
other entertainment.
The Sleepout is not intended to recreate the experience of
Emmaus Hertfordshire will be running a special mosaic-making
homelessness. Instead, it’s an opportunity to raise awareness,
workshop. Using colourful tiles, participants can create their
bring the community together and generate vital funds for local
own unique mosaic keepsake to take home. No artistic talent
organisations supporting people in need.
required, no experience necessary - just a willingness to have a
Throughout the night, hot drinks will be available, a designated
go.
indoor quiet area will provide somewhere to take a break, and
There will also be food vans on site, so everyone can enjoy
the Sleepout Team will carry out regular patrols to check
something delicious before the evening’s main entertainment
everyone is doing okay.
begins.
As the sun begins to rise at 5.30am, participants will be greeted
At 9pm, everyone will gather in the event marquee for the
with a well-deserved breakfast provided by the Watford Rapid
official welcome. The High Sheriff Anna Rankin and St Albans
Relief Team. After a challenging night, it’ll be a welcome
Mayor Cllr Matt Fisher will join the evening, alongside
opportunity to warm up, refuel and reflect on the experience.
Then it’s time to dismantle the cardboard creations, recycle the materials, clear the site and head home. The event officially finishes at 7am, with everyone required to leave by 7.30am. And while everyone will undoubtedly be looking forward to getting home, they’ll also be taking away something far more valuable - the knowledge that they’ve helped make a difference. Behind the music, laughter and cardboard creations is a serious purpose. The St Albans Sleepout brings together five local charities - Herts Young Homeless, Emmaus Hertfordshire, Open Door, The Living Room and Centre 33 - all working in different ways to support people facing homelessness and other challenges in our community. Last year’s Sleepout raised an incredible £27,763, and this year the ambition is even bigger. Every participant, every team and every pound raised helps make a difference. Whether you’re a family looking for a meaningful challenge, a business wanting to bring colleagues together, a community group or simply someone who wants to do something positive for St Albans, there’s a place for you. Participants should come prepared for a cold November night with warm clothing, plenty of layers, waterproofs, a torch, snacks and appropriate overnight essentials. Cardboard will be provided, although participants are encouraged to bring extra if possible - particularly if they’re
Please note that tents and alcohol are not permitted.
planning an award-winning creation. Don’t forget your
There’s still time to get involved.
decorations.
Gather your friends, round up the family, persuade your
And most importantly, bring your completed registration form,
colleagues and start planning that cardboard masterpiece.
as you won’t be able to participate without it.
Sign up now at www.stalbanssleepout.org.uk/sign-up.
IN OTHER NEWS... Tributes paid to founder of Harpenden Child Contact Centre Harpenden Child Contact Centre (HCCC) is mourning the death of its founder, Loretta Ramswell, who died in early October, in the month the charity marks 20 years since its launch. Loretta was 64 and had recently retired from the library of the London School of Economics when, in 2005, she heard a radio report about child contact centres. These give children of separated families a safe place to spend time with a parent they do not live with. Having lost touch with members of her own family, she knew how painful separation could be, and there was no such service in Harpenden. She asked the Rev Elizabeth Inall, then vicar of All Saints, for help. When Elizabeth appealed to the congregation, 22 volunteers came forward. Loretta was clear from the outset that the centre should be independent and open to everyone, regardless of faith or background, and it has remained so. The centre was officially launched on October 20 2006 and held its first session on November 11. For the first four sessions, a single little girl was the only child to attend. Loretta served as coordinator and, in the early days, was at every session. Under her leadership the centre won a Vision for Action community award in February 2007 and, in 2008, gained accreditation from the National Association of Child Contact Centres (NACCC), which it has held ever since. Loretta stood down from the committee in 2018 but stayed in close touch with volunteers. Twenty years on, the centre has helped hundreds of children keep in touch with a parent. Run entirely by volunteers, it opens on the second and fourth Saturday of each month at All Saints' Church Hall, Station Road. The service is free to families, and anyone can make a referral, including parents themselves. Jay Sharma, HCCC chair of trustees said: "Loretta saw a need in our community and simply got on with meeting it. Thanks to her compassion and determination, hundreds of children have been able to keep a relationship with a parent that might otherwise have been lost. Every Saturday session is part of her legacy, and we will carry it on." Reflecting on the centre's history, Loretta herself said: "To everyone who travelled the journey of HCCC together with me – from the first to the last – my deepest heartfelt thanks." Loretta asked that donations in her memory be made to Harpenden Child Contact Centre. Donations can be made at justgiving.com/charity/Harpenden-CCC.
Andrew Boxer It is with deep sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Andrew Boxer, age 77, on 15th October. A dedicated and deeply respected retired headteacher, Andy spent his career shaping young minds, a commitment to community that extended far into his retirement, generously volunteering his time for his grandsons’ primary school as well as numerous community organisations and charities across St Albans. He was the deeply loved husband to Sue, with whom he shared 56 wonderful years of marriage. He was a proud and devoted father to Richard, Joanne, and David, and a cherished and much-involved granddad to Lana, Jake, Fred, Evie, Ruby, and Toby. His warmth, wisdom, humour and community spirit will be profoundly missed by all who knew him. The family kindly requests no flowers. If you wish to make a gesture in his memory, donations to the local organisations he was personally involved with can be made directly online at https://gofund.me/25c695564
Not just an old chestnut... Elena Hogg, founder of local culinary company FOOD by Elena, introduces her mother Marialba as guest columnist this week... This issue, I’m shaking things up and, after a nostalgic conversation we had last week about seasonal treats, have asked my mum to write about her fondness for the humble chestnut. Over the years I’ve been writing these fortnightly columns, I’ve mentioned my Italian mother Marialba countless times, so some of you may already feel she’s familiar. Passo a te, Mamma! Autumn. The nights draw in, the air is crisp and cool, the mind turns to comforting, warming food. Pumpkins, of course, are ubiquitous for Halloween, but also for soups, pies and all things nice, both savoury and sweet. In Italy we have a seasonal equivalent, chestnuts. In cities at this time of year you see ‘i caldarrostai’, the chestnuts roasters, who, placed on strategic street corners while their chestnuts roast steadily on the hot embers, fill their paper cones with the
beautiful hot nuts. We used to roast them at home too, of course, on the hob in a special perforated pan, which allows the heat to have direct contact with the chestnuts for a smoky, charred flavour. Alternatively, boiling them in water with a bay leaf or a fennel sprig and a pinch salt would bring out their distinctive sweetness. I am also very fond of marrons glacés, or candied chestnuts, a common sight on supermarket shelves from September onwards; a real treat, the memory of which still makes my mouth water. Though not as popular, it is certainly possible to find marrons glacés in this country as well. We have a long history of chestnut gathering and eating in Italy. Before the post-war economic boom, ours was a poor country, and chestnuts were often a godsend, especially in the countryside, when little grew at this time
of year. Farmers eked out a precarious existence, and chestnuts were appropriately called ‘the bread of the poor’, especially in the Apennine regions, where chestnut trees were plentiful. Wheat being so expensive, chestnuts, which could be foraged in the woods and cost nothing, saved many people from starvation. Hard to think that times were so difficult then, in these days of relative affluence, but it is no bad thing to be reminded sometimes and not take things for granted. Like pumpkins, chestnuts can be used for both sweet and savoury dishes, and a lot of them need chestnut flour rather than the actual nut. Unlike gram, or chickpea, flour which is found in every shop and supermarket, it’s not so easy to source chestnut flour. Some Italian delicatessens stock it – though not all by any means – and here in St Albans you can find it at this time of year in Eat Wholefoods on Hatfield Road, and possibly other small retailers. One savoury dish I encountered in Tuscania, an Etruscan town in Northern Lazio where we used to have a house – look it up, it’s an amazing place – is a soup made with both chestnut and chickpea flours. We had gone to a restaurant in an old but still functioning abbey, where the monks were both cooks and waiters. It has since been converted to a hotel-cum-cheftraining establishment.
The soup was so delicious I had to ask the monk who was serving us for the recipe. He reluctantly told me the ingredients and roughly how to put them together. Now, when I manage to find chestnut flour, I make a version of it which bears a passable resemblance to the original. In a nutshell (excuse the pun), garlic, chilli and rosemary are chopped very finely and sweated in olive oil to release the aromas, then the two flours and some salt are added, and finally enough vegetable stock to achieve a creamy consistency. I find a whisk useful for this purpose. No quantities given – you can leave out the chilli, or only add a smidgen, but it’s fun to experiment. The result is subtle and satisfying; perfect for an autumn evening. But the dish which for me epitomises the chestnut season is castagnaccio. It is originally from Tuscany, from where it spread more widely across central Italy and beyond. It is a strange, aromatic flat cake, a bit of an
acquired taste, especially for non-Italians, who may be less familiar with cakes made with olive oil and rosemary. It isn’t overly sweet and not too difficult to make at home. You need to gradually mix 300g of chestnut flour with 350ml of water until you achieve a loose, batter-like consistency. At this point you add 2 tbsp of olive oil, 50g of sugar and a pinch of salt. Pour into an oiled 24cm round tin and scatter pine nuts, sultanas or raisins and a few sprigs of rosemary on the surface. Drizzle some olive oil over it, and bake in a preheated oven at 180C for approximately 45 minutes. The cake is ready when the top starts developing a few cracks. You can eat it hot or cold, and it will last a few days. You’re now set up to withstand the rigours of the season, or bask in its mellowness, whatever our climate decides to offer, smug in the knowledge that your body has been well and truly nourished.
S P O N S O R E D
C O N T E N T
SELLING A LEASEHOLD FLAT IN 2026? THINGS TO SORT OUT BEFORE YOU PUT IT ON THE MARKET Selling a leasehold flat invariably involves more documentation than selling a freehold house. With significant leasehold reform under way, there is even more reason for sellers to make sure their paperwork is in order before accepting an offer. Here are five things worth checking before putting a leasehold property on the market. 1. How long is left on your lease? Do not wait for the buyer’s solicitor to tell you that the remaining lease term is an issue. The length of the lease can affect value and mortgageability. If the term is becoming short, take advice before marketing about whether a lease extension should be considered. The law relating to lease extensions is itself undergoing significant reform, so current advice should always be obtained rather than relying on what may have applied when the property was purchased. 2. What does your lease say about ground rent? Check both the current ground rent and any provisions for it to increase. Ground rents have been a significant issue for lenders and buyers in recent years and the Government is now proposing further fundamental reform of existing ground rents. The precise terms of the lease therefore need to be considered rather than simply looking at the amount currently being paid. 3. Are there major works on the horizon? Buyers will want to know the current service charge, whether there are arrears and whether substantial expenditure is anticipated. If the managing agent has already indicated that major works are planned, it is usually better to deal with the issue openly at the beginning. Questions about who will pay for works taking place after completion can then be addressed as part of the negotiations rather than immediately before exchange.
Asha Ngai Partner & Co-Head of Residential Real Estate asha.ngai@sherrards.com 01727 832830
4. Have you made alterations to the flat?
Leasehold is changing
Removed a wall? Changed the flooring? Replaced windows?
Leasehold law is currently undergoing substantial reform.
Reconfigured the layout?
The Government has published a draft Commonhold and
Your lease may have required the landlord’s consent.
Leasehold Reform Bill and intends commonhold ultimately to
If consent should have been obtained but was not, identifying that
become the default tenure for new flats, alongside a proposed
issue before marketing gives your solicitor time to consider how
prohibition on most new leasehold flats. That does not mean
best to deal with it.
existing leasehold flats cannot be bought and sold. Millions of homes remain leasehold and will continue to change hands. It does
5. Order the management pack early
mean that obtaining specialist advice is increasingly important.
One of the most avoidable causes of delay in leasehold
The best leasehold transactions are often those where the legal
transactions is waiting for information from the landlord or
work begins before the buyer has even been found.
managing agent.
If you are considering selling a leasehold property, getting the title
The buyer’s solicitor is likely to require information about service
and lease reviewed at the outset can identify potential problems
charges, insurance, planned works and management arrangements.
and give you time to resolve them before they threaten your sale.
Ask your solicitor what information can be requested as soon as
To find out more, please contact our Residential Property
you decide to sell.
Team.
The Keyboard King returns for Zombies Begin Here Festival
All photos by Payley Photography -www.payleyphotography.co.uk/ The applause would not stop. The emotion could not be
These local lads and humble octogenarians gave fans more
contained and for one glorious moment, a packed Cathedral
than they had hoped possible.
audience became aware one of the most extraordinary
Our boys were back in town – back in the place where they
moments in music had unfolded before their eyes, writes Julia
began in the early ‘60s and where Rod’s musical journey began
Bell.
as a chorister in the Cathedral.
Rod Argent, the founder member of St Albans group The
Fans from all over the globe had flown in for this night to
Zombies was back, returning to the stage following a stroke
remember as part of the annual Begin Here Festival. Now in its
two and a half years ago. Patiently and with hopes, dreams and
third year, the event offered fans a chance to mix, mingle with
prayers, fans had waited, yearning for him to be well enough to
their homegrown heroes, experience record signings and a fact
perform again.
and heartfelt Q & A and capture a Cathedral concert from
Against the odds, on Saturday Rod joined his lifelong friend
Colin and guests.
and founder member Colin Blunstone in a candlelit Cathedral
The new Bishop of St Albans – the Rt Rev Dr Andrew Rumsey,
concert.
a Zombies fan, and accomplished singer songwriter - opened
Colin’s extraordinarily beautiful ethereal voice filled every
the concert with a sincere welcome. His recently written song
corner of the venue with a string quartet adding beauty to
‘Verulamium ‘ warmed up the eager audience showing with
enhance the much loved songs.
grace how community, music and the Cathedral could align to
Acoustic trio Arc began the show, honouring the memory of
speak out to the world beyond those ancient walls. History was
the late Jim Rodford, his granddaughters’ intimate acoustic
captured. Miracles were achieved with music, and a return to
performance continuing his multi-generational musical legacy.
where it all began for The Zombies. It felt that even the angels
Russ Ballard, one of England’s most respected songwriters,
were applauding. “I was truly honoured to be part of this
Dave Bainbridge and Soren Koch gave the audience more than
memorable and moving night,” said Bishop Andrew.
they could believe possible on one night of music, but when
For Rod it was more than special. “I was really nervous,” he
Rod sat down behind the keyboards, a tsunami of emotion
said. “I had not performed publicly for two and a half years
erupted.
and I knew I was ready, but he reaction from the audience on
the night took my breath away. I felt honoured this outpouring of love was happening and it meant so much to me.” Colin enthused: “I always feel emotional when I come back to this area. It is more beautiful than I ever remember. I had my own nervousness. But I got up on stage, stayed focussed and it was such a wonderful reaction.” Founder Zombies members Hugh Grundy and Chris White, who were in the audience with family, were also blown away. “It was truly sublime,” said Hugh. Fans from the US, Argentina, Scandinavia, UK and France echoed their appreciation. “It was the best night ever, another level,” said Nancy from the United States, who had flown in for the festival. “To hear Rod return and perform in the setting of the Cathedral was simply incredible.” Earlier in the afternoon, during a soundcheck in the nave of the Cathedral, one local fan broke down in tears as he sat listening to the band that he grew up on. “I can hardly speak,” he said. “I love this band. I can’t come tonight as my wife is not well enough. But hearing this soundcheck and talking to Colin means the world to me.” In addition to the Cathedral concert, fans were treated to an afternoon Q & A hosted by former St Albans Mayor and current Deputy Lieutenant of Herts Annie Brewster. Beneath the exquisite chandeliers in the Assembly rooms of the Museum - the very space where the St Albans schoolboys had played at the beginning of their career - a remarkable and energetic afternoon unfolded with all four band members, Rod, Colin, Chris and Hugh revealing pockets of memorable moments . “It was an honour to be in the Cathedral and hear Rod play for the first time following his stroke,” said Annie. “And to hear Colin’s voice soar to the top of the Norman Tower. “What is remarkable is that The Zombies have lived their life backwards. Most bands peak in their twenties and spend the rest of their lives looking back on their heyday. The Zombies however were only inducted into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame in 2019 performing live to an audience of 17,000 while in their seventies. Their music is also finding an ever-growing audience in today’s world, featuring in television shows such as Schitt’s Creek and Slow Horses.” Additional Zombies related events throughout the weekend gave fans the opportunity to be with the band members. It is hoped Begin Here and these much loved local heroes will return again to St Albans in 2027. A special thanks to Cindy da Silva, Chris Tuthill and Jackie Bobinski from the Zombies US management team for making the Festival possible and treating fans far and wide to a weekend to remember.
Budget 2026: analysing the Chancellor’s announcements Business leaders and politicians from across the St Albans district have responded to the announcements outlined in the first Budget of new Chancellor John Healey. Sean Hughes, spokesperson for hospitality campaign group Save St Albans Pubs, said: “The Budget does nothing to help or support the pubs in St Albans. Still no business rate reform, alcohol duties increase from February which will add 5-10p per pint, no cuts in VAT, no cuts in the horrific employers’ National Insurance jobs tax and a huge 3.9 per cent increase in wages meaning at least 5 per cent on a pint from May next year “The £8 pint is in the sights of 2027 sadly. Far from the cavalry arriving as Andy Burnham exhaled as he flew into Downing Street, we have an increase of at least 60p a pint heading towards us like a boulder down a mountain.” St Albans MP Daisy Cooper, who is also the Liberal Democrats’
“The additional support on business rates is particularly
Treasury spokesperson, said it did not go far enough: “What
welcome for St Albans. Raising the threshold at which qualifying
Britain needed was a Budget that would strike a new Growth and
retail, hospitality and leisure businesses pay no business rates
Defence Partnership with Europe to grow the economy, in order
should provide meaningful support for many of our smaller
to cut people’s bills and put the country on a path to lower taxes.
independent businesses, while the wider measures should offer
Instead, what we got was a steady-as-she-goes Budget which just
greater certainty to a sector that has faced sustained cost
won’t cut it.
pressures.
“There are some welcome temporary measures for households
“While businesses continue to face pressures from energy,
and small businesses, but this cannot credibly be described as
employment and other operating costs, there is still a strong
the transformative change Labour promised voters.
sense of ambition across St Albans. From independent
“Whilst the Government’s decision to remove energy charges in
businesses and start-ups to major employers, our local business
a year’s time and to freeze fuel duty for now are welcome, the
community is innovative, determined and keen to grow.
Chancellor’s support package is too timid - failing to give
“What businesses need now is a stable and predictable
families and businesses real breathing space or the certainty
environment that gives them the confidence to invest, create
they need to plan, budget and invest for the long-term.
jobs and pursue new opportunities. The Chamber will continue
“The extra business rates relief for some small businesses,
to champion those conditions, supporting businesses to thrive
particularly those on our high streets, is welcome but Labour
and, in turn, contribute to the wider prosperity of our local
promised a fundamental overhaul of the broken business rates,
community.”
not further tinkering around the edges.
Lisa Spearman, partner at local chartered accountants Mercer &
“It’s also disappointing that alcohol duty will rise again, making
Hole, said the Budget included a number of announcements
it more expensive to enjoy a pint, making one of life’s little
aimed at supporting the smaller high street businesses which she
treats more expensive and once again putting up costs for our
believed was good news here in St Albans.
pubs and hospitality businesses.”
“The main announcement was extending the exemption from
President of St Albans District Chamber of Commerce, Susan
business rates to properties with a rateable value of £18,000
Glenholme, said: “For businesses across St Albans and the wider
(previously £12K) so hopefully this will help many smaller
district, this Budget will ultimately be judged on whether it gives
businesses and there are changes to the amounts you can claim
them the confidence to invest, recruit and grow. Against a
on capital allowances: the tax relief you claim on plant and
backdrop of rising costs and continued global economic
machinery etc in your business.
uncertainty, the Chancellor emphasised the Government’s
“There will be changes to the way in which family businesses
commitment to providing a Budget built on fiscal discipline and
can take profits out of the business and also pass on the business
giving Britain ‘breathing space on the cost of living and the cost
to their families.
of business’.
“Finally, many people are used to paying tax twice a year on
“While the main rates of Income Tax on employment income,
their unearned income and from 2029 that tax may have to be
National Insurance and Corporation Tax remain unchanged, the
paid more regularly. We will have to look at the fine detail as it
Budget introduces several tax changes affecting businesses,
comes out but for now people will need to start to think about
employers, individuals and landlords.
budgeting for that so they are not caught out.”
As part of the Budget announcements, the Government said it was in the final stages of agreeing a Mayoral Strategic Authority for Hertfordshire, describing it as a significant opportunity to unlock growth, investment and opportunity for communities across the county. HCC leader Cllr Steve Jarvis welcomed the news: “This is positive development for Hertfordshire, and an important step towards unlocking the county’s full potential. We are ready to work with Government and our partners to finalise the agreement of a Mayoral Strategic Authority as soon as possible so that the residents and businesses Hertfordshire can start to benefit.” Local party leaders offered a mix bag of reactions to the Chancellor’s announcements. Cllr Paul de Kort, Liberal Democrat leader of SADC, said: “I have made it a priority to ensure we build the homes our community desperately needs and can afford. This would end the injustice of local families being forced to live in temporary accommodation without a home to call their own. “This Budget appears to add only limited additional funding for the affordable and social housing that is required. Councils need to have the power to ensure they are actually delivered. This means being given more control of the building process. The Government appears to have ducked the opportunity to give councils extra funding powers in order to build or acquire new homes. Should they reconsider this in the months ahead, we Lib Dems stand ready to accelerate the work we have done locally to tackle the housing crisis and deliver the homes local people need.” St Albans Greens and Independents leader Cllr Simon Grover said: “The new Chancellor had an opportunity to set a different course today, but this Budget largely continues the approach of his predecessor. There are some welcome measures, including help with energy bills this winter, yet they deal with the
Lisa Spearman, partner at local chartered accountants Mercer & Hole.
symptoms of the cost of living crisis rather than its causes.
package that cuts bills or freezes them for retail, hospitality, and
“I am particularly concerned that the speech made no mention
leisure properties. Over half of these businesses across England
of the climate crisis, after a summer in which heatwaves and
will pay zero business rates entirely, giving our local economy
wildfires caused real harm to communities and public services.
the breathing room it needs to thrive.
There was no new investment in renewable energy or in helping
“Beyond immediate relief, this Budget provides fresh hope for
places adapt to extreme weather, and the Chancellor’s figures
our region through targeted investments in housing and future
assume the Rosebank oilfield will be approved.
growth. The confirmation that Hertfordshire is entering the
“The Green Party has set out how fairer taxes on the largest
final stages of a mayoral deal means we will finally control our
fortunes and profits could pay for lower energy bills, warmer
own economic destiny, with direct powers over local bus routes,
homes, a brake on rents and free bus travel for young people.
spatial planning, and job creation. Instead of begging central
Households in St Albans would benefit from that kind of long-
government for piecemeal grants, an elected Mayor will ensure
term thinking.”
local tax revenues and strategic investment go straight into
Labour group leader Cllr Mike Hobday was very positive about
Hertfordshire's roads, council homes, and high streets.”
the announcements: “The Budget delivers essential breathing
Cllr Matt Cowley, leader of St Albans Conservative group, was
space for families across our community while laying down firm
less complimentary: “The country desperately needs bold ideas
foundations for our future. By freezing fuel duty and extending
- to fix our flatlining economy and get people into work, to fund
the 5p cut, we are directly protecting motorists from soaring
our defence in a more uncertain world, to put more money back
travel costs, ensuring everyday life remains manageable. While
in people’s pockets. Instead of a budget of bold ideas, Andy
opposition parties offer only reckless spending cuts or uncosted
Burnham’s first Budget was a budget of gimmicks and
gimmicks that threaten vital public services, the Labour
giveaways.
Government is standing shoulder-to-shoulder with ordinary
“It is clear to anyone looking seriously at this country that we
people.
need to get the welfare budget down, get the cost of energy
“Our local high streets and hardworking business owners are
down and reduce the burden on business. I’m afraid the Budget
receiving unprecedented backing, with a comprehensive rates
has fallen well short of that.”
OPINION
‘YET AGAIN THIS ECONOMICALLY INEPT GOVERNMENT FAILS TO UNDERSTAND THE IMPACT OF TAX ON BEHAVIOUR’ HARPENDEN CONSERVATIVE CAMPAIGNER AND FORMER SADC GROUP LEADER MARY MAYNARD OFFERS HER PERSPECTIVE ON THE BUDGET... Britain is facing major challenges. Foreign aggression, with the Secretary for Defence saying we will be at war within 1,000 days. A denuded military, not capable of defending the country. The threat of asymmetric warfare, with Russia cruising the seas around our waters mapping our essential energy and communication pipelines. Foreign aggressors bankrolling attacks on our military installations and using propaganda to encourage ‘useful idiots’ to cause disruption. Europe going up in flames, with rioting across many countries. Hordes of undocumented men crossing the Channel, costing billions of pounds to the UK taxpayer, bringing crime and unrest and some possibly acting on behalf of unfriendly powers. Blatant shoplifting and rising fraud. The highest amount of national debt ever, with the Government taking out more debt to pay off the interest on the debt already incurred. A fast-rising cost of living, with out-of-control energy bills, driven by ideological dogma. 48 per cent of the country paying for the other 52 per cen and a quarter of working age people not working. One million under 25-year-olds jobless. Low productivity. Sluggish GDP/head. Low growth. The highest rate of taxation….ever. So what do Healey, Burnham and Labour do? Before the Budget, they addressed the problems of defence, resilience and asymmetric warfare, which will likely cause food shortages, distribution issues and power cuts, by asking us to stockpile beans. Presumably so either we can throw the cans at passing drones/missiles or to generate the hot air they seem to mistake for strategic defence decisions. During the Budget, they generated even more hot air, with vague promises to raise the amount of GDP spent on defence. They even set up a committee to look at it, the “Innovative Defence Finance Taskforce”. What is that, accountants who use an abacus instead of their fingers? This will all really terrify Putin. Worse than that, it has since been revealed that there was an unexpected £1B in military savings, which Healey removed from the defence budget, presumably to fund benefits. Was Healey’s widely admired principled
stance in resigning as Minister of Defence just an underhand political ploy to get rid of Starmer, replace him with Burnham and get rewarded with a top job? Having trashed defence, Healey turned his attention to Labour’s true love, benefits. Naturally, he increased them. He did it in three ways. The first was to throw freebies at people, in the hope the Red Wall in the North will vote Labour in the next election. A ‘household energy payment’ of £100 will be given to people in Council Tax Bands A-D. That’s around half the homes in the district and only c21 per cent of homes in Harpenden. Andy Burnham’s OK though, approximately 93 per cent of homes in Makerfield are Band A-D. The majority of Healey’s constituency also has around 93 per cent of homes in these bands. It won’t cover the cost of increases in energy costs though, forecast to rise by £400 in January. The second was to make taxes even more ‘progressive’, fiddling with energy charges so people who work and pay tax or live in older, less energy efficient or larger houses pay a lot more. For example, the gas bill standing charge was scrapped and re-allocated to usage charges. So, the older and less energy efficient your house the more you pay. Pity the pensioners or young families living in drafty flats or houses they cannot afford to modernise. They intend to do the same with electricity. A more significant move was the hydrogen levy, which has not been applied yet, but will be scrapped. They are moving it to general taxation. You may not be aware that the Government has already made £11.4 billion in funding commitments for hydrogen production, green hydrogen construction grants, and carbon capture, utilisation and storage. This will not now be borne by all householders. Just the minority who work and those who pay tax. Those on benefits will not pay and those who work, save, have private pensions and contribute will pay a lot more. The third was to increase working age benefits
in line with inflation, whilst pay rises in the private sector are expected to dip below inflation whilst, of course, taxes rise. Who is paying for the Government’s largesse? Labour’s bogey men, the banks, savers and landlords, all of whom will see taxes rise. Yet again, this economically inept Government fails to understand the impact of tax on behaviour. They seem to think the Laffer Curve is a comedy routine. How will the banks react to rising taxes? They will recoup the cost by increasing the cost of debt, particularly impacting mortgage rates in Middle England, and entrepreneurs, who will find it harder to raise money, depressing economic growth. How will savers react? Why save when it only disappears in tax? Why stay in this country when the Government is clearly going to take away most of your earnings, then go after your savings? How will landlords react? Naturally, they will increase rents, making it even harder for young people trying to get on the housing ladder or sell up, reducing the stock of rental properties even further. This Budget addressed none of our major issues. It confirmed that Andy Burnham meant it when he said “National security can’t come at the expense of social security”, and that this is a Chancellor who asks: “Who can we tax in order to pay benefits to others?” What has the reaction been? The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) said it has done nothing to ease household pain. The Confederation of British Industry said it “did not live up to the scale of challenges” and delivered “poorly targeted support”. The public sector unions are unhappy as their anticipated pay rises were delayed and senior doctors are about to strike as they see their income decline in real terms, especially given all these tax rises. Kemi Badenoch said: “We have overspent, overborrowed, overtaxed, and are drowning in an out-of-control welfare system. And this is his answer? It is simply not good enough.”
‘This is a mess, and it is residents and council staff who’ll pay for it’
The fiasco surrounding Local Government Reorganisation
county will continue.
for St Albans and Hertfordshire continues to rumble on, with
“We will now carefully consider the implications of this
the Government now reassessing its own plans for four
announcement on Hertfordshire’s LGR programme and the
unitary authorities.
work to establish a Mayoral Strategic Authority for
After dismissing SADC’s call for the county to be divided into
Hertfordshire as soon as possible following the announcement
West Herts (Dacorum, Hertsmere, St Albans, Three Rivers,
in the Budget.
Watford) and East Herts (Broxbourne, East Herts, North Herts,
“Hertfordshire’s councils remain committed to working
Stevenage, Welwyn Hatfield), Westminster is now taking a
collaboratively, engaging constructively with Government and
fresh look at the whole process.
ensuring that we are prepared for the next stage of the process
A decision on the preferred option will be made in the coming
once further clarity is provided.”
months, although shadow authority elections will take place in
Local politicians have offered their thoughts on the revised
May 2028, with the new authorities going live on April 1 2029,
process.
one year later than originally planned.
SADC leader, Lib Dem Cllr Paul de Kort, said: “I am pleased
The Government has also confirmed that it will release half of
that the Government has confirmed that Hertfordshire with
the allocated transition funding, approximately £2 million, to
have a Strategic Mayor from 2028. This represents real
Hertfordshire in November, with the remaining funding
devolution rather than the false one that Local Government
provided once a final decision has been reached.
Reorganisation was presented as.
Angie Ridgwell, the senior responsible officer for
“We wait to hear exactly what the scale of the financial powers
Hertfordshire Local Government Reorganisation at HCC, said:
will be. We need to watch carefully that the transfer of business
“While [this] announcement means there is no confirmed
rates income to the new mayor does not negatively impact the
reorganisation model for Hertfordshire, work across the
provision of local services currently funded by it, but it does
not need to.
this important change right. I support the Government’s July
“Allowing local residents and businesses a stake in the
proposal for four unitary councils across Hertfordshire, pairing
economic growth of the county is a powerful idea as it
St Albans with our Hemel Hempstead neighbours in Dacorum.
provides a balance of incentives which the current system does
Four councils was the choice of six out of 11 Hertfordshire
not. For far too long, the burdens of growth have fallen locally
councils. It was the choice of the largest number of residents
whilst almost all the rewards are taken centrally.
consulted.
"The withdrawal of the four unitary model, although a
“I hope that we will return to this proposal after the
shambolic episode, does at least allow the new Minister to
Government has thought again about all the options.”
properly assess the proposal St Albans District and Herts
Cllr Simon Grover, leader of St Albans Greens and
County Council strongly favoured, which is a two-way split
Independents, said: “This is a mess, and it is residents and
between west and east Hertfordshire.
council staff who’ll pay for it. Councils across Hertfordshire
“We were baffled by the decision of the previous minister to
have spent months planning for four new unitary councils.
choose the four unitary option; a view shared by many other
Now that decision’s been withdrawn, and we don't know when
important stakeholders. I urge the new ministerial team, which
a new one will come or what it'll be.
has committed to look at the data fresh, to arrive at the correct
“Greens never wanted this reorganisation. Merging our
decision as soon as possible. The uncertainty, dithering and
councils into fewer, bigger ones moves decisions further away
delay is costly and wasteful, and the case we made was very
from the people they affect. But if it has to happen, we've
clear.”
always backed four councils for Hertfordshire, because they'd
Labour group leader Cllr Mike Hobday has always supported
stay closer to local communities than two or three larger ones.
the four unitaries model: “I am eagerly looking forward to
I’d urge the Government to stick with that.
Hertfordshire moving to a new system of unitary councils. It is
“What we need now is a clear decision and a proper timetable.
ridiculous that one council collects our bins while another
Council staff need to know where their jobs will be, and
disposes of the waste; and that one manages parking
residents need to know who’ll be running their bins, parks and
regulations while another owns the road and verges.
planning. Another year of uncertainty helps no one.”
“This is hopelessly inefficient and leads to residents being
Tory group leader Cllr Matt Cowley said: “The Government's
confused at best, passed-around at worst.
local government disorganisation programme has cost
“Creating unitary councils will end this runaround, establishing
taxpayers in Hertfordshire dearly. Rather than getting on with
a single, clear authority accountable to our community for
fixing our roads and cleaning our streets, Council officers are
local services.
locked in an endless purgatory of Government demands about
“When it arrives, Local Government Reorganisation will
the internal workings of future councils. That’s politics at its
benefit local residents. It will stop administrative waste.
worst.
Hertfordshire does not need 11 council chief executives and 11
“Labour initiated its plan to abolish our councils in
senior management teams. Streamlining local governance will
Hertfordshire without any clear vision for what it might
allow us to redirect money into frontline services - fixing roads
replace them with. That lack of vision is why we are now back
and improving early years education and social care support
at square one, because politicians in Westminster and officials
for our children.
in Whitehall can’t decide where the boundary of our councils
“Of course, I am disappointed by the delays in delivering this
should be. It is no way to run a Government; and no way to
change, but it is worth the Government taking the time to get
establish new councils that will deliver for our residents.”
IN OTHER NEWS... First clerk appointed for St Albans City Parish Council The first clerk of a newly-created parish council covering 28,000 households in central St Albans has been appointed. Claire Molyneux will start in the interim role at St Albans City Centre Parish Council on Thursday November 12. She will work with the shadow parish council to establish the new organisation and prepare for elections of 25 councillors in May next year. Claire said: “I am delighted to have been appointed as interim parish clerk. St Albans is a beautiful and historic city with a real sense of community, and it is a privilege to be helping to establish its new parish council. I am looking forward to working with councillors, partners and residents to help create a parish council that truly reflects the city it serves.” Claire, who was brought up in Oxford, has spent the past 21 years working in public service and local government, most recently as a parish clerk in Buckinghamshire. She has a Master’s Degree in Public Leadership and is a Fellow of the Society of Local Council Clerks, the highest level of membership. SADC voted in July to create the new council for the unparished area of the city following a Community Governance Review. Leader Cllr Paul de Kort, said: “Claire’s appointment is a major step towards the establishment of the new St Albans City Centre Parish Council. “She is an experienced and highly-qualified local government officer who has the knowledge and skill to get the new council up and running.” Mary Conneely, chair of St Albans Civic Society, said: "It's great news to have the city's first parish council clerk appointed! We wish Claire Molyneux all success in her role and look forward to working with her. “The importance of the interim prish council and the period between now and the elections next May should not be underestimated: it's a critical moment - the best chance to put the
Claire Molyneux. right processes and resources in place to ensure that the new City Centre Parish Council gets off to the best possible start." The new parish council will cover the nine district council wards of Batchwood, Bernards Heath, Clarence, Cunningham, Hill End, Marshalswick West, Sopwell, St Peters and Verulam. The shadow council is composed of a district councillor from each of the nine wards as well as the interim clerk. It will develop a governance framework, identify appropriate office space and raise awareness amongst the community. Parish councils give communities a local voice and can be responsible for delivering grassroots services. Once established after the May elections, the new parish council will be able to charge householders a precept on their Council Tax to pay for its operations. There are currently nine other parish and town councils in the district: Harpenden Town, Harpenden Rural, Redbourn, Wheathampstead, London Colney, Sandridge, Colney Heath, St Michael and St Stephen.
Discover what it takes to be a city centre parish councillor Residents in St Albans are being invited to find out what it really means to be a parish councillor at a special community event taking place on Friday November 20 from 7-8.30pm at Dagnall Street Baptist Church. The informal meeting, entitled “So, what’s it like to be a Parish Councillor?” will feature current parish councillors from across the district who want to ensure that the upcoming St Albans City Centre Parish Council gets off to the best possible start. The meeting offers local people the opportunity to hear first-hand from serving parish councillors about their experiences, the challenges, and rewards of the role, and how they can make a real difference to their communities. There will be plenty of opportunity to ask questions, share your thoughts and join in the discussion. Speakers include St Stephen parish councillor David Yates, Redbourn parish councillor Tim Finnis and Colney Heath parish councillor Hilary Brazier. They will be joined by Chris Brazier, former Colney Heath parish councillor, Tony Lillico, London Colney parish councillor and David Mitchell, Redbourn parish councillor for a Q&A. Organised by the St Albans Parish Council Campaign, the event comes as preparations continue for the new City Centre Parish Council, with the shadow parish council and interim parish clerk now in place, and elections for parish councillors planned for May 2027. The campaign brings together concerned residents and representatives of local community groups keen to ensure the new council is best positioned to become a strong, effective voice for the local community. A key aim is to encourage people from all backgrounds to consider getting involved in local democracy and to help ensure the new parish council genuinely reflects the needs and aspirations of St Albans residents. The campaign believes that parish councillors, regardless of their political affiliations, should be committed to putting the interests of the city and its communities first, acting as genuine community champions.
Gail Jackson, chair of Sopwell Residents Association, said: “We have a number of community champions in Sopwell ward who would make fantastic parish councillors - and this kind of event looks perfect to provide information and context about the real experience of being on a parish council.” The event is free and open to anyone with an interest in their local community, whether they are thinking about standing for election, want to understand more about parish councils or are simply curious about how local decisions are made. Places are limited due to the size of the venue, and residents are encouraged to book in advance. To reserve a free place or find out more, visit https://bit.ly/talkparishcouncil
What next for Chiswell Green as development work begins?
Sunset for Forge End Green Belt - two days before site clearance started. Site clearance of the Green Belt land behind Forge End and
The arrangements approved by SADC would have allowed
Long Fallow in Chiswell Green has started this week with
Cala to use wire mesh fence panels during construction, only
local residents dismayed at the destruction of protected trees,
installing wooden fencing at the end, without any obligation to
established hedgerows and acres of green fields.
use concrete posts or gravel boards.
Work is starting on the 150-unit development following an
Residents of neighbouring Hammersgate and Chiswell Green
agreement reached on October 14 with residents’ group, Keep
Lane have been painfully aware of the intrusion on their
Chiswell Green.
privacy, the constant noise and the high levels of dust they
The agreement secures additional protections for
have had to endure while Taylor Wimpey undertook
neighbouring residents and brings to a close a series of
construction and secured the boundary to their site with Heras
fourlegal challenges by KCG to try to protect the Green Belt
fencing - metal mesh - on the land adjacent to the Cala Homes
site south of Chiswell Green Lane.
site.
The agreement cannot reverse the outline planning permission
The agreed fencing will give residents bordering the Cala site
granted by the then-Secretary of State, Michael Gove, in
immediate privacy, although whether they will be able to open
March 2024, nor the reserved matters approval granted by
their windows, hang out laundry, or enjoy their gardens during
SADC in February 2026, but it secures a number of practical
the construction phase remains to be seen. However, it will
improvements for existing residents, both during construction
allow these residents to plant immediately on their own side of
and once the development is occupied, compared to what was
the boundary to screen the fence, rather than having
approved by the council.
to potentially wait years. The terms of the agreement also
One of the more immediate benefits will be the installation of
require Cala to maintain the fencing during construction and
2.1m high close board fencing, with concrete posts and gravel
make good any damage before leaving the site.
boards, along the boundary with existing properties.
The agreement contains commitments by Cala Homes, given
This will be installed at the start of the development, following
directly to KCG, regarding the specific noise protections for
boundary levelling works.
the pumping station behind numbers 36 and 38 Forge End.
Yesterday’s work on the site - half the previously protected poplars behind Forge End have now been felled. Following a petition to councillors by the residents of Forge
maintenance and repair, as well as the low-level hum from the
End, the planning committee tried to secure some protections
operation of the machinery.”
for these residents by imposing a condition on the approval.
Further commitments by Cala include a reduction of 225mm
KCG has secured a legally enforceable route to require
in the ridge height of the roofs of two terraces, one behind
compliance by Cala Homes with these protections including
Forge End, the other behind Long Fallow, both of which will
for acoustic fencing and an agreed process for assessing
now have shallow hipped roofs instead of gable ends where
background noise and the noise from the pumping station.
they give onto existing properties, a nominated residents’
Additional planting will help shield views of the pumping
contact with liaison meetings when necessary, and white
station from nearby homes.
noise reversing alarms instead of the usual beepers wherever
Shirani St Ledger McCarthy, spokesperson for KCG, explained:
reasonably practicable.
“This agreement lays out the very specific terms that Cala has
Although SADC approved Saturday working from 7.30am to
to comply with to protect local residents.
1pm, Cala has given written confirmation that it does not
“Residents can now ensure that these protections are locked in
usually work on Saturdays, and verbal confirmation that it
without the risk that SADC just lets Cala off, or allows any
does not intend to. Cala has also committed not to carry out
reduction in protection when it comes to discharging the
construction work on Saturdays of bank holiday weekends,
condition.
except in emergencies or other limited circumstances.
“It also specifies when the baseline surveys for ambient noise
For KCG, the settlement also raises the important question as
are to be conducted – from 2pm on a Saturday until 6am on a
to why a small group of unpaid volunteers had to bring legal
Monday, when Taylor Wimpey is not working and causing
proceedings to secure protections that it says should
background noise - and where they are to be carried out, being
have been required of the developer in the first place.
the location where the noise is likely to be at its worst for
“At significant cost and stress to existing residents, our
neighbouring residents.
negotiations with Cala have eventually led to a constructive
“The condition agreed by SADC did not contain these
working relationship between us, but what we can achieve
protections. Cala has also agreed to install acoustic fencing and
now is limited compared to what could have been achieved
to provide additional planting to screen views of the pumping
before the reserved matters application was given final
station and fencing from the nearest neighbours. Without
approval; any major changes after an approval is granted
these protections, local residents risked having to live with the
might mean re-opening the planning permission – a risk that
noise of water sloshing, alarms ringing, noise from
developers are, inevitably, unwilling to take,” said Shirani.
“However, as can be seen from the commitments given to us
settlement agreement. Convene also offered Cala space for its
by Cala and from our discussions with them, there was plenty
construction compound on the Butterfly World site and access
of scope in the planning stages for modifications to have been
into the Cala site, both free of charge. This could have
made that would have materially reduced the impact of this
completely negated the need for a Forge End access.
development on existing residents while still being acceptable
However, by this stage, Cala already had approval to use Forge
to Cala.”
End and its leadership vetoed the proposal because of the
The rules governing planning in the UK (the NPPF) specifically
upfront cost of laying a temporary road across its own site.
require local planning authorities to maintain acceptable living
Shirani explained: “Had Cala been urged to find a better
standards for existing residents. This can include protecting
solution to the Forge End access earlier in the process, there
existing residents from loss of daylight, sunlight and privacy,
might have been the chance to move all the construction and
as well as protecting the road network from severe impacts.
residential traffic generated by the development off the
Shirani said: “We know SADC is in a difficult position, that the
Watford Road.
Government puts pressure on SADC directly to deliver its
“With more than 500 new houses to be built along the Miriam
target quota of housing, but the process of consultation during
Lane border, a better access solution to the Cala site could have
reserved matters applications gives the council plenty of scope
been a major benefit to all residents of Chiswell Green.
to influence what the final proposal looks like.
“When Cala’s reserved matters application was decided by the
“In particular, adherence to the council’s own policies could
planning committee, Forge End residents petitioned
have enabled it to oblige Cala to position all new properties a
councillors about the pumping station, the planning
minimum of 11m away from the boundary.
committee listened and imposed a condition.
“The two terraces whose ridges Cala has agreed to lower are
“Even then, we still had to take legal action and negotiate
positioned only 2m away from the boundary, and without the
directly with Cala to get basic safeguards we believe the council
modifications we negotiated with Cala, the householders of the
should have insisted on before approving the plans.
adjacent properties were due to have had an 8m high gable end
“However, under the new Government rules that came into
wall 2 metres behind their garden fence.
force on October 31, we are particularly worried that residents
“While these impacts directly affect specific properties, a key
will have substantially less say in planning decisions.
point of discussion between us and Cala during our
“Residents can still submit their comments about an
negotiations was changing the access to the development. The
application in writing, but they lose the opportunity to have a
sole approved access for Cala’s 150 new houses is through
clear voice in the process – to speak at a public meeting and to
Forge End, a small residential cul-de-sac that currently serves
put those concerns directly to the committee in public.
53 properties. Anyone who knows Forge End can see why
“The council has to fulfil a target of 15,000 new houses under
adding traffic from another 150 properties is going to cause
the newly adopted Local Plan, and a further 10,000 under the
problems.”
next Local Plan, but it is of major concern that, from now on,
KCG proposed to Cala and to Convene Construction, owners
many of the applications in which the district’s residents are
of the Butterfly World site, that access to the Cala development
most interested will be decided by officers alone, behind
should be via Miriam Lane - the access road from Noke Lane
closed doors, with no opportunity for public debate.
to the Butterfly World site. They put Cala and Convene into
“Going forward, direct negotiation with developers or claims
direct contact and facilitated discussions between them that led
for judicial review may be the only way that residents can
to a Miriam Lane access being included in the draft
influence what gets built in their area.”
IN OTHER NEWS... By Two Studio celebrates national award for creative business
Natalie Roukin and Jenna Stopforth celebrate their Silver Award at the Best Businesswomen Awards 2026 gala St Albans interior designers Natalie Roukin and Jenna Stopforth are celebrating By Two Studio’s Silver Award in the Best Businesswoman in a Creative Business category at the Best Businesswomen Awards 2026. Winners are selected by an expert judging panel based on evidence of their achievements. Rooted in the district, and regular columnists in the St Albans Times, Natalie and Jenna strive to champion the value of local connections, working alongside architects, makers and specialist suppliers to create thoughtfully designed homes. In September, they supported the first St Albans Home and Interiors Week, celebrating the creativity and expertise within the city’s homes and interiors community. Building on their established work together at Natalie Roukin Interiors, Natalie and Jenna launched By Two Studio in 2026, bringing their complementary strengths and personal client care to full-home renovations, extensions and new builds. “Our clients are balancing demanding careers and family life. Their home needs to feel beautiful and work effortlessly, with a place for everything and every detail considered,” says Natalie. “We bring thoughtful recommendations rather than endless options, taking the weight of decisions off their shoulders. We help them see the vision for their home unfold, so they anticipate each stage with confidence and excitement.” Building on 12 years of residential interior design since 2014, By Two Studio grew from Natalie Roukin and Jenna Stopforth’s collaboration at Natalie Roukin Interiors. Their shared love of thoughtful design and personal client care continues to shape the studio today. Their work together has earned multiple Best of Houzz Customer Service Awards and Silver for Customer Service at the Best Businesswomen Awards 2025.
Less rain and more sun for October October was sunnier, warmer and drier than average, according to weather experts at Rothamsted Research in Harpenden. Rainfall was 75.0mm which is 6.33mm below average. We had 20 days with 0.2mm or more of rain, and five days with over 5mm. The most was 18.4mm on the 24th. Sunshine was above average with 137.3 hours (+24.21 hours); the most was 8.7 hours on the 8th. There were four days without sunshine. The mean maximum and mean minimum air temperatures were above average with 16.2 °C (+1.91 °C) and 8.2 °C (+0.66 °C) respectively. The highest maximum was 22.3 °C on the 5th and the lowest minimum was 4.6 °C on the 28th. We had no air frosts and one ground frost.
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LEISURE REVIEW
BREAD AHEAD PIZZA-MAKING MATT ADAMS TAKES THE FAMILY TO THE HARPENDEN BAKERY’S INAUGURAL COOKING CLASS...
I love pizza. It’s one of those amazingly versatile dishes which is not only defined by its toppings (even pineapple!), but also the particular preparation of the dough, tomato sauce and choice of cheese. You can eat takeaway pizza from Dominos and it will taste completely different to one ordered from Nonno’s, or sit in at Cosa Nostra and enjoy a slice which is nothing like you might find in Zizzi’s. Whether independent or chain, no pizza is really the same, and that’s one of the reasons why I love it. But enough about me, I wasn’t hands-on during a pizza-making session at Harpenden’s new artisan bakery Bread Ahead, I just looked after the words, the pictures, and the obligatory taste-test at the end…
One of the highlights of Bread Ahead’s flagship site at Borough Market in London is the baking school, where you can learn how to craft croissants, dabble with doughnuts and roll out a roulade, alongside various other creative courses. This ethos is also at the heart of the recently-opened Harpenden venture, which welcomed its first bakers over half-term for a pizza the action in the brand new cooking classroom upstairs. Youngsters from across the town were given the opportunity to get down and doughty by creating their own Margherita masterpieces under the supervision of tutors Catherine and Victor, using the same ingredients and processes behind the bakery’s daily dose of Italian heaven. My partner Hillary and six-year-old daughter Connie were tasked with producing pizzas which didn’t disappoint my high expectations. The hour-long class was in two parts, focusing on different aspects of the process. With the ideal pizza dough allowed to rest and rise for a few hours, the first segment was a demonstration of dough-making, and then in the best Blue Peter-fashion, they used some which had been made earlier for their own pizzas. Catherine’s simple recipe for pizza dough involved just four ingredients: 250g of bread flour, 4g of salt, 10g of fresh yeast (or 5g of the dried concentrated version) and 150g of water. It couldn’t be easier. These components are mixed together in a bowl until there is no residue on the sides, and then transferred to the table for kneading, with a sprinkling of semolina or polenta to avoid sticking (don’t use flour, as this tends to burn). The technique takes a while to master, but involves holding with one hand and stretching out with the base of the other. Gradually the gluten in the flour starts to develop and after about six to eight minutes the dough is stretchy and malleable. The pizza-makers were encouraged to hold it up and see if they could see the light through it, but not stretching it so thin that it broke. Once it had reached this consistency it was returned to a ball shape and put back in the bowl, which is then covered with cling film, a disposable shower cap (!) or a damp tea towel, and left at room temperature for a few hours until it doubles in size. The finished dough can be stored overnight in a fridge, so you can do the prep ahead of making the actual pizza the following day…
Presented with the pre-made dough, the youngsters (and Hillary) placed it on top of a semolina-sprinkled pizza peel, one of those wooden trays with a handle which are used to put the finished pie in the oven. The semolina – or polenta – not only stops it from sticking but also produces a satisfying crispy base. Then it was a case of pushing the dough out from the centre to stretch it into a disc, spinning on the fingers to make it bigger, but always keeping within the confines of the peel. Our pizza-makers produced a variety of shapes as well as the conventional circle, including squares and hearts. This was probably the most tricky part of the process, and Connie struggled with stretching her dough sufficiently, requiring intervention from Mummy to ensure it didn’t end up as some amorphous mass in the centre of her peel. “It was very squidgy and gooey,” Connie explained. “It was fun to make but a bit hard.” Once everyone was happy with their finished base it was time to add Victor’s homemade tomato sauce, a mix of chopped onion and garlic fried until softened and then added to tomatoes probably a tin at this time of year – and some fresh herbs, before being blended until smooth. All that is really needed is a couple of tablespoons, and how much you spread it towards the edge determines whether you want a puffy crust or not. Then tear up a ball of mozzarella and scatter across the top, add some chilli flakes or basil to taste, and you’re done. The finished products were then slid off the peel into the oven, and allowed to cook for about 10 minutes at 230 degrees in a fan-assisted oven while we munched on the pizzas made earlier by Catherine and Victor. There really is something exceptional about a simple Marguerita made well and served piping hot. The highlights were definitely the dough and the sauce, which just goes to show how individual the making of a pizza can truly be. Change something here or there and you end up with a totally different pie. Crunching into the crust of Hillary’s spicy slice, having already tasted Connie’s cheese-packed fare, and it’s fair to say there would be nothing left of either by the time we got home… “Buonissimo!” Bread Ahead will be holding a variety of classes at their new Harpenden venue over the coming months – keep an eye on their Facebook page for details.
Wine Times DARREN MCCABE OFFERS HIS WEEKLY WINE RECOMMENDATIONS (@DMC_UNCORKED)
Autumn’s Juicy Reds
Four soft, fruit-packed reds for Bonfire Night Remember, remember the fifth of
These are the wines that sit between summer’s chilled rosé and winter’s
I’ve picked four from Laithwaites that tick every box – one each from New
mighty Barolo. Plenty of ripe, generous fruit, a lick of freshness to
Zealand, Italy, Spain and Romania – and, crucially, every one comes in at
lighting up the St Albans sky tonight, it’s the perfect moment for the reds to
keep you coming back, and soft tannins that won’t fight your food.
£20 or under. Whether you’re hosting a back-garden
come out of hiding. But before you reach for something heavy and brooding, let me make the case for the
They’re the reds you can open on a Tuesday with a midweek stew, and they’ll still look the part on a Sunday
display, warming up after the big fireworks night or staying in with the curtains closed, there’s one here
juicy red.
when the roast comes out.
for you.
November – and remember to bring a decent bottle! With the clocks gone back, bonfires lit and fireworks
Rapaura Springs Marlborough Pinot Noir Reserve 2024 New Zealand – RRP £20 Marlborough is world-famous for Sauvignon Blanc, so let’s swap the Sauvignon for Pinot. Rapaura Springs is owned by the Neylon family, who started out farming mussels and apples before deciding that wine was much more their thing – and on this evidence, they made the right call. For this Reserve, grapes were selected from parcels right across the region to make a wine that balances fruit, freshness and structure. In the glass: Silky and smooth, with bright red cherry, raspberry and wild strawberry fruit, gentle savoury notes and just a whisper of spice from the oak. Light on its feet but with real depth – cool-climate Pinot at its most charming. Did you know? In the winery, the team ferment in open-top tanks and plunge the skins down into the juice several times a day – exactly as they do in Burgundy, Pinot Noir’s spiritual home. It’s a gentle way of drawing out colour and flavour without making the wine harsh, and it’s finished with a light touch of oak maturation. Pair it with: Roast chicken Sunday? Serve this. It’s equally happy with roast pork, mushroom risotto or a slab of seared salmon. Bartolomeo Lorenzi Rosso Veronese 2022 Italy – RRP £15 Take a trip to the softer side of Italian reds. This Rosso Veronese is made by Cantina di Negrar in Valpolicella and is built around Corvina, the region’s flagship grape. Laithwaites buyer Leo has worked with the team for years – “And that could be why I’m able to bring in a wine usually kept at home in Italy,” he confesses. In the glass: Juicy cherry and plum fruit with freshness and spice, and, as Leo puts it, very distinctly Italian. There’s a lovely depth here too – a hint of dried fruit and warmth that makes it feel like far more than a £15 bottle. Did you know? Grapes come from the cool Marano Valley, where they take longer to ripen – which is what builds the depth and character. Then comes the secret weapon: a dash of Amarone is added to the blend. Amarone is made from grapes left to dry for months before pressing, concentrating their sugars and flavours, so even a splash adds richness and a raisined, velvety edge. Pair it with: Having game this autumn? You need this. Think pheasant, venison sausages or a slow- cooked ragù – and it’s terrific with a wedge of aged Parmesan.
La Cuadrilla de Sobreno 2023 Spain – RRP £13.99 This red is made by Oscar Martin at Bodegas Sobreno, a family-owned cellar founded in the 1990s in Toro, in Castilla y León, north-west of Madrid. Winters here are cold and summers hot, and the local grape – Tinta de Toro, the region’s own strain of Tempranillo – has thicker skins that help it ripen beautifully in the heat. In the glass: Bright blackberry and cherry fruit front and centre, with a soft, rounded texture and just enough structure to stand up to hearty food. Oscar has put the fruit ahead of oak and alcohol – exactly what you want from a juicy red. Did you know? Toro wines once had a reputation for being big, bruising and boozy – often up to 16 per cent alcohol. “I work with producers who have started picking earlier, giving us balanced, fruit-driven wines,” explains Laithwaites buyer Sarah Everden. It’s a quiet revolution that has transformed the region’s style. Pair it with: It’ll be lush with autumn meat dishes like shepherd’s pie, or for Bonfire Night, ladle out a big pot of chilli con carne or chorizo stew to eat round the fire – it’s a match made for cold hands and warm hearts. Wolf Warrior Fetească Neagră 2024 Romania – RRP £13.99 My wildcard – and possibly my favourite discovery of the four. Laithwaites works with English-born, Napa-trained winemaker Stephen Donnelly at Budureasca, one of Romania’s most forward-thinking estates. Wolf Warrior has been made specifically as a fresh, modern take on Romania’s flagship red grape. In the glass: Juicy plum and blackberry aromas with spice and a hint of cedar, leading into a silky- smooth palate. Generous and easy-going, but with enough character to get the conversation going at the table. Did you know? Fetească Neagră translates as “black maiden”, and it’s one of Romania’s oldest native grapes. The fruit for this wine comes from the sun-drenched Dealu Mare hills – and the name Dealu Mare simply means “big hill”. Romania is one of Europe’s largest wine producers, yet so few of its wines reach our shelves – this is a great place to start. Pair it with: This is my Bonfire Night red. If the grill’s coming out for one last outing, or you’re just piling hot dogs and sticky sausages into buns by the fire, its smoky spice and juicy fruit are made for it. Smoky ribs and burgers love it too. The Last Word Juicy reds are the unsung heroes of the autumn wine rack – affordable, food-friendly and endlessly versatile. Whether it’s a Romanian black maiden by the bonfire tonight, Tinta de Toro with a steaming bowl of chilli, Corvina with game or Pinot with Sunday’s roast, there’s a bottle here for every autumn evening. Enjoy the fireworks – and keep the sparklers well away from your glass! Cheers! All wines are available from Laithwaites (laithwaites.co.uk). If you’re enjoying my column, check out my Instagram for more Wine Reviews dmc_uncorked
THEATRE REVIEW
MACBETH WHERE SHALL WE THREE MEET AGAIN? WELL DEBORAH HEATH IS AT THE BARN THEATRE FOR OVO’S VERSION OF THE SCOTTISH PLAY...
All photos by Mili Branston.
With ‘Macbeth’, OVO made a superb choice for the opening show in their new Barn space; timing Shakespeare’s supernatural thriller with Halloween season. Of course, the autumn brings with it some weather challenges, and if like me, your initial attempt to see this show was thwarted by the (now mended) leaking roof, entering the space for the first time became particularly exciting. There is something very raw and exposing about this 17th century Grade II listed barn. The fact it isn’t fully converted gave the audience a feeling of being let in on a secret, and sitting together in a small space surrounding the central stage felt even more intimate than a standard staging in the round. OVO provided cushioned chairs and blankets which were welcome as the light faded and the air got nippy – something that actually added to the atmosphere and put us suitability on edge as the play unfolded. I saw the first incarnation of Adam Nichols’ superb adaptation in The Maltings some years ago so was already prepared for the circular raised central stage. However, this didn’t lessen my delight as the witches’ limbs emergence from the concealed central core, along with steam from their cauldron.
This core, sometimes covered, sometimes open, also became a table and a means of exit. It was manually turned by the witches as if they were mixing the characters into the potion of the story – a marvellous piece of storytelling from designer Simon Nicholas. The addition of the three scaffold towers was another pleasing idea which enabled moments such as “Is this a dagger I see before me?” to shine with a witch holding it in the air in front of Macbeth. Maddie Powell’s costumes were a good mix of timeless pieces and I particularly liked Lady Macbeth’s sparkly black number, although the low light levels meant I couldn’t see them as well as I would have liked. As one has come to expect from OVO, the play was extremely well cast. Maisie Armah, Grace Bassett and Flora Squires as the three witches were our almost constant companions and did a marvellous job of keeping us involved. Emma Wright’s strong Lady Macbeth was perfectly balanced showing adoration, ambition and remorse and opposite her, Ludovic Hughes in the title role gave a superb performance. The rest of the company, including two young performers, were extremely talented
and I am sorry I cannot mention them all. OVO’s new performance space is utterly charming and feels like a great home for any period piece. There are still some practical issues to overcome such as mitigating the sound of actors’ footfall as they walk around the space which occasionally drowned out some lines. It really is extremely dark in the Barn and some of the lights were positioned in a way that shone directly into the audience’s eyes. I can only begin to imagine how difficult it is to rig lighting from a listed building and feel confident that this problem will be addressed in future productions. Going to see ‘Macbeth’ in OVO’s new home is well worth the outing. You can of course expect a wonderful piece of entertainment and a well-adapted script but there is something special about this new space that gives the play an edge. I can’t wait to see how their “free range theatre” idea will work out and will shortly be booking my ticket for “’A Christmas Carol’. In the meantime, their next show ‘The Winding Stair’ has a short run from November 13-15 . If you would like a new experience, grab yourself a ticket, enjoy some of their lovely food and drink and open your minds up to something a bit different.
FLASHBACK: 1962 STORIES MAKING THE NEWS IN THE HERTS ADVERTISER DATED: FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1962
Swinging into the ‘60s, our 52-part series looks at the stories, ads and photographs featured in the corresponding week of the Herts Advertiser 64 years ago, reflecting a period of 20th century history which saw major changes both in St Albans and across the wider district...
A YEAR OF PROGRESS - 40 PAGES TO-DAY To-day’s issue of the Herts Advertiser marks a year of outstanding progress. At this time last year, we were ready to change over to a new rotary printing press, which in addition to reducing the size of the pwper to more readable proportions, also gave us the opportunity to produce more pages. Previously, we had been restricted to 24-page issues, but during the year the Herts Advertiser has averaged over 30 pages a week, with larger issues of 34, 36 and 38 pages. To-day, almost a year since the changeover, we publish a 40-page issue for the first time in the 107 years history of the paper. Apart from the up-to-date news and pictures which are a feature of the Herts Advertiser,
to-day’s issue contains an eight-page “Shop Early for Christmas” supplement, full of suggestions, ideas and hints to help readers with their Christmas shopping, and containing local advertisements to keep them in touch with the variety of gifts to buy this Christmas. Another step forward in the continuing progress achieved by the Herts Advertiser has been the increasing demand from new readers. The latest available figures show that in October the net sales of the paper reached a record figure - 39,891 copies per week, an increase of 3,026 copies over the same period last year. The aim of this newspaper will be to make further progress in giving readers the best possible service in news, sport, pictures and advertisements.
Maudling’s car ‘budget’ shocks the traders
Advertisements Watford Empire Kirk Douglas, Laurence Olivier, Jean Simmons, Charles Laughton and Peter Ustinov in Spartacus. Carefree car-free towns It is in Britain’s New Towns that the most dynamic and far-reaching experiments in modern living are taking place.This week, The Sunday Times Colour Section takes you amongst the piazzas and arcades of Britain’s “towns of tomorrow!”... the spectacular oases of serenity where modern planning has worked is greatest miracle by putting “the motor-car in its place in mind, but out of sight”.
Mr Maulding’s car purchase tax move on Monday has of the most important British sales factors, he said. given local dealers a shock. Overnight, it is estimated Mr K Cockram, of Marshalswick Motor Company Ltd, they lost over £60,000. The Quadrant, described the news as “a complete bolt One St Albans dealer told the Herts Advertiser this out of the blue”, but he added: “We shall recover and I week that the Chancellor’s gift to the industry had cost think it will help new car sales.” him between £4,000 and £5,000. The average drop in He thought his company had the largest stock of latethe value of secondhand cars varied between £50 and model used cars in the district and, therefore, had £150, according to the model, he said. probably fared the worst of all. Sales of new cars have also suffered. In most cases He quoted the example of a 1961 Jaguar which he had members of the public have preferred to forfeit their been forced to reduce by £150. There had been a large deposits rather than take delivery of new cars ordered at number of inquiries from the public as to how much the end of last week. Nevertheless, the dealers have had various cars had been reduced. to pay the purchase tax on these cars. It was too soon to be able to say how sales would be The only happy note in a dismal local tune is that affected by the move. They appeared to be normal at dealers have been cutting down on their stocks in present. preparation for the annual winter drop in sales. Their “New car sales have gone mad. People are rushing in,” losses migh have been much worse, they said. said a spokesman for St Albans Motor Company, “It is supposed to help the motor industry, but I don’t London Road. Their losses on used cars amounted to see how it can do anyone any good,” said Mr LG Cobb, about £500. of the Victoria Service Station, Verulam Road. “It will get rid of the ‘Bomb-site boys’, the back street “There are a lot of people driving around in cars which traders who off-load any old junk on the public, and we are worth less than the money they owe the finance don’t want them in the trade anyway,” said Mr WM company,” he said. Chalkleigh, of WM Couper Ltd, Catherine Street. The cut did not help the man who wanted to replace his car for a new one. Second-hand car prices had fallen almost as much as new prices. The only person to benefit was the man who was buying a car for the first time. “My other major complaint is that dealers who bought new cars way back and paid the purchase tax on them, and still have not sold them, have no recompense. Though the cars are sitting unsold in their showrooms, they cannot get any of the money back.” He said it would have been far better to have reduced the tax by stages over a period of months. Then dealers could have absorbed the losses gradually. He criticised the Chancellor for not consulting the traders before taking this step. It would have been far better to have reduced the purchase tax on petrol. That would have increased sales as fuel consumption was one
Identity of mystery woman sought Police throughout Hertfordshire have been asked to help establish the identify of a welleducated, smartly dressed, middle-aged woman who walked into St Albans Police Station on Monday and said: “I have lost my memory.” Yesterday the woman was still unable to recall the past and was residing at St Albans City Hospital. She has a cultured voice with a slight Australian or New Zealand accent, wears a London-tailored grey two-piece suit and two gold rings. The only money in her purse was 4s 2d.
WILL THIS BE THE ST ALBANS OF 1984? When the citizens of St Albans stroll down St Peter’s Street in 1984 what are they likely to see? Will it be so choked with traffic that the only possible view of i will be from adjoining skyscraper buildings? There is a warning light in the shape of things to come in some of the exhibits being prepared for St Albans Civic Society exhibition which opens in St Albans Town Hall on Monday. There is a startling artist’s impression of St Peter’s Street in about 20 years time if development and alterations are allowed to go unchecked; its trees are lopped to garish shapes and its road is solid with traffic. A collection of photos of good and bad features of the city has been gathered and mounting them for exhibition this week have been Mr M Cobert and Mr DR Owen. It is appropriate that the exhibition is being held in St Albans Town Hall which has the threat of execution hanging over its head.
Will it be bought by St Albans City Council for £25,000 and preserved for local use, or sold by Hertfordshire County Council for £225,000 and he site re-developed? The society is running what it calls an “unofficial referendum” because it feels that citizens should be consulted before the future of the Town Hall is settled, and forms will be available at the exhibition. The other problems facing St Albans in the next few years are shown, and the society urges the preparation of a full and clear plan for comprehensive redevelopment of the centre of the city. While it compliments St Albans City Council - which is also taking part - on many of its steps to preserve the character of the town, the society is anxious to see the initiative for planning, layout and the design of buildings retained by the local authority, and not allowed to pass into the hands of big property development companies.
Drummer is a bridegroom A singer and drummer with a popular local rock’n’roll group, “The Bluetones”, Mr MIchael Rose was married at St Paul’s Church on Saturday to Miss Marion Skelton. She was attended by Miss Jane Skelton and Mr James Rodford was best man.
Rock group leader fined On his arrival at Southend Airport on Tuesday, following a tour of Guernsey with his professional rock’n’roll group, a London Colney guitar player tried to smuggle an echo unit through the customs. Southend magistrates fined William Gordon Haigh, 20-year-old leader of “The Trespassers”, one of St Albans’ leading rock’n’roll groups, £50 for attempting to evade customs duty. Haigh, of Coombes Road, London Colney, pleaded guilty. He admitted purchasing the unit in Germany in August for 987 Deutschmarks.
*LETTERS to the EDITOR* Sir - May I, through the columns of your newspaper, send my thanks to the person, or persons, who, afer what must have meant long hours of inquiries, were able to track down the culprits who so severely injured the swan at Verulam golf course last June, and which later died. As a lover of all animals, I much regret that it was not possible to order corporal punishment for the culprits. Mrs I Murday, of Markyate, who first took such an inerest in this case deserves everyone’s thanks. Julie Devon (Mrs), 174 Hatfield Road, St Albans Sir - In your report of the Diocesan Conference discussion on Civil Defence and the dangers of nuclear war, there appears a statement by a clergyman that the people are “ignorant of the facts, because for every one killed there would be thousands alive who would need help”. Such statements give people a false sense of security. But perhaps the clergyman was wrongly reported, for the truth is far more likely to be nearer one alive for every thousand killed. By modern standards the Hiroshima bomb was a mere baby. One ten-megaton bomb has 500 times the destructive power of a Hiroshima bomb. Its lethal effect in a strong south-east wind might spread over an area of about 3,000 square miles in an ellipse from below Birmingham to beyond Liverpool (about 125 miles).
The 10-megaton bomb is a mere child compared with the 50-100 megaton bombs now being tested by both the US and the Soviets. Ernest Nightingale, St Albans Sir - I would appreciate the opportunity to correct a statement made by Councillor Bickerton in last week’s BBC “Town and Country” programme which dealt with the question of rent rebates to St Albans City Council house tenants who go on strike. He stated that all hardship rebates to council house tenants came from a common fund which is made up from the accumulated rents of other council house tenants. This may be true of the city council but I would like to make it quite clear that in St Albans Rural Council all such rebates are charged directly to the ratepayer. Incidentally, I found it very hard to swallow his explanation on how men were forced to go on strike. His story of the men not being able to go to work because they were turned away by “wild-cat strike” pickets, was particularly indigestible. Had the men who are being Mr Bickerton attended their union meetings and taken an intelligent interest in its affairs then the activities of the “wild-cat boys” would have been nipped in the bud. WF Craik (Councillor, St Albans Rural Council) 264 Watford Road, St Albans
Yesterday Once More: pictures from the archives
Fleetville historian Mike Neighbour continues his journey through the 20th century using photos scanned from old editions of the Herts Advertiser.... Mike is the author of the two-volume St Albans’ Own East End, a comprehensive guide to the eastern districts of the city from the early years of the first millennium through to 1960. This week we have a special focus on Wheathampstead, with a selection of images from the August 1923 Hospital Carnival, presumably some sort of fundraiser, but exactly which hospital is not revealed in the photo captions. The pictures include a Cinderella float, a living scarecrow, members of the village fire brigade and Women’s Institute, and two youngsters in fancy dress.
St Albans photographer wins prestigious national award A St Albans photographer has been named Fashion
studio on London Road, which she ran for 10 years.
Photographer of the Year 2026 at The British Photography
“She is now based at Barbone Studios at the top of George
Awards, adding another prestigious accolade to an already
Street.
impressive 20-year career.
Speaking about her latest achievement, Hannah said: “It is such
Hannah Couzens won the coveted Judges’ Choice Award in the
an honour to receive such a prestigious award. The standard of
Fashion category for her image Strength in Simplicity, standing
entries is so high at these awards, it was an honour just to be
out among more than 14,000 entries submitted for this year’s
shortlisted! I never thought for one second I would take home
awards.
the award!”
The win marks Hannah’s fifth award and celebrates her
The finalists gathered for a gala dinner at the Royal Lancaster
continued passion for photography, which has seen her work
Hotel in London on Sunday evening to celebrate the 2026
extend far beyond Hertfordshire.
awards, a non-profit initiative that recognises outstanding
An established international speaker and educator, Hannah
photographic talent, with entrants also making a donation to a
works with multiple photography brands, sharing her expertise
charity of their choice.
with photographers around the world. Her international work
For Hannah, the recognition is particularly meaningful as she
has taken her to China, the Nordics and across Europe, where
continues to balance her photography career with family life: “I
she teaches and inspires other photographers.
always strive to push myself, regardless of how many years I
Despite her international profile, Hannah remains firmly rooted
have been working, but it’s definitely more of a challenge with
in St Albans, where many locals will remember her photography
two small children — although apparently not impossible!”
‘We will not be ignored’ - New Greens residents clear eyesore after six weeks of waiting in vain
Residents in New Greens took matters into their own hands
In September a local district councillor acknowledged the
and cleared a neglected council-owned site after weeks of
problem and said: “The site looks appalling and I have asked
requests for action failed to produce results.
many times for it to be cleared. The contractors get stern
Saturday saw volunteers from the New Greens and Batchwood
warnings and then do nothing.”
litter-picking groups - alongside young people completing their
Despite further correspondence and requests for action, the
Duke of Edinburgh Awards - once again out cleaning residential
rubbish remained.
streets and public spaces on their 330th litter pick.
In October, volunteers used extended litter pickers, poles, nets
But this weekend marked an important milestone. Four adult
and considerable ingenuity to retrieve waste from outside the
volunteers finally tackled the remaining rubbish inside a fenced-
perimeter without entering the fenced area. A video featuring
off, council-owned area behind New Greens Social Club on
Duke of Edinburgh students helping with the clean-up attracted
Partridge Road.
more than 25,000 views on social media.
The site, once an attractive green space, has been fenced off and
Yet the heavier or unreachable rubbish, inside the enclosure,
used by council contractors. Residents say it has become a
remained.
dumping ground, with accumulated litter and waste clearly
On Saturday, four adults decided to finish the job themselves.
visible through the fencing. Nearby, council-owned garages
Using ladders and taking safety precautions, two volunteers
have also been left unused and rotting away.
entered the fenced area, supported by others, and removed the
The New Greens Residents Association first raised the issue with
accumulated waste.
local councillors in September, offering to clear the site
A spokesperson for the New Greens Residents Association said:
voluntarily if access could be arranged.
“For three years, our community has worked incredibly hard to
make New Greens one of the cleanest and most welcoming neighbourhoods in St Albans. “We have asked politely. We have offered to help. We have reported the rubbish. We have even cleaned what we could from outside the fence. “Six weeks later, the council-owned site was still an eyesore. So, on Saturday, we finally finished the job ourselves. “What troubles me most is what this says about how our neighbourhood is treated. Would an eyesore like this have been allowed to remain for so long in some of the more affluent parts of St Albans? “New Greens is a community full of people who care deeply about where they live. We have wonderful volunteers, young people and residents who demonstrate that care every single weekend. “We deserve the same respect and commitment from the council that we show our own neighbourhood. We will not be ignored. We will not accept neglect as normal. We are proud of New Greens, and we will continue to look after it.” The association is now calling on SADC to explain why the site was allowed to deteriorate, why requests for clearance did not result in timely action, and what measures will be taken to prevent the problem recurring. They also want the council to address the deteriorating garages behind the Social Club and ensure that council-owned land in New Greens receives proper maintenance. “Our volunteers have done their bit. By Monday there was more rubbish there! Now we need the council to do its bit too.” The New Greens and Batchwood litter-picking groups - 'The Batchwood Pickers’, have contributed more than 3,250 volunteer hours over the past three years, transforming the appearance of their neighbourhood. Over five recent weekends alone, around 100 volunteer attendances have helped collect five cages of rubbish. The groups have demonstrated extraordinary commitment to their community, with residents and young people giving up their weekends to keep local streets, green spaces and footpaths clean, but volunteers believe their efforts should be supported by the council, not undermined by neglected council-owned land.
IN OTHER NEWS... Mobile-first shopping experience at new Maltings fashion store Leading British menswear brand Charles Tyrwhitt is set to open its newest store at The Maltings Shopping Centre on Saturday noticeably without a traditional till point as part of the brand's continued investment in a mobile-first approach to retail. The idea is that by moving away from a fixed checkout, team members will be able to engage with customers across the shop floor, using technology to support assisted selling and complete transactions while maintaining the sales conversation through to payment. To celebrate the opening, customers can look forward to complimentary drinks, including bubbles and Tyrwhitt Pilsner beer. The first 20 customers to make a purchase will receive a gift, while an in-store golf ball activation will give shoppers the chance to win prizes. Maltings centre manager Richard Marrett said: "What a brilliant addition to The Maltings! We’re delighted to welcome Charles Tyrwhitt to St Albans as the brand celebrates its 40th anniversary. Bringing a dedicated menswear store to the centre is a great boost to our retail offering and gives shoppers another reason to visit. “With several exciting new brands opening at The Maltings this year, there’s real momentum behind the centre. It’s another strong vote of confidence in St Albans as a thriving shopping destination, and we’re proud to be part of that success. We can’t wait to see Charles Tyrwhitt open its doors this Saturday!” Founded in 1986 by Nick Wheeler OBE while studying at the University of Bristol, Charles Tyrwhitt began as a mail-order shirt business with the ambition of making a proper shirt that didn’t cost the earth. Four decades later, the brand has grown into an international menswear retailer with more than 100 stores across cities including London, Paris, New York, Chicago, Dubai and Mumbai.
Discover more about Tudor St Albans and Sir Richard Lee Two new books from St Albans and Hertfordshire Architectural and Archaeological Society offer a fascinating insight into local life and powerful figures during the Tudor period, exploring how St Albans adapted to political, economic and religious change in these tumultuous times. Part of SAHAAS’ Concise Histories series, From Abbots to Mayors: Tudor St Albans 1539-80 and Sir Richard Lee of St Albans draw on painstaking research carried out by the society’s Tudor Research Group. For almost 750 years, St Albans Abbey had dominated the town which had grown up around its walls, controlling many aspects of local life, with its power and influence stretching even further, including land holdings across much of south-west Herts. But in 1539 all of this was to change, as Henry VIII’s Dissolution of the Monasteries forced the dispersal of the Abbey’s monks, its land was seized and treasures confiscated, leaving a huge vacuum at the heart of local government.
The ruins of Sir Richard Lee’s Sopwell home. Photo by John Morewood
The impact transformed the nearby town forever, with its
windows smashed. Hopes that the abbey would be refounded
people having to adapt quickly to the rapidly changing
under the Catholic revival of Queen Mary were dashed with her
circumstances of the time, with five different monarchs
death in November 1558.
pursuing different approaches following the end of Papal
The full story of St Albans during this period is revealed in
control.
SAHAAS’ new book, which is edited by Ailsa Herbert and
There is little firm evidence about how the town was governed
Jonathan Mein.
following the removal of the abbot, and it wasn’t until 1553 that
Throughout this period, one of the most influential men in
Edward VI granted St Albans a charter, vesting responsibility for
Tudor St Albans was Sir Richard Lee, a skilled military engineer
many of the Abbey’s former functions in the hands of a mayor
who designed and built fortifications to defend England against
and burgesses.
France and Scotland under four successive monarchs.
This also granted the abbey church to the new Corporation of St
Rewarded with land and property, much as a result of the
Albans, which included the responsibility of keeping it in a state
dissolution, he created a substantial estate at Sopwell on the site
of repair, a seemingly impossible task for such a small body.
of the former priory, the ruins of which can be seen today.
The charter brought certainty to the government of the town,
He was appointed bailiff for Sopwell by 1536-7 and St Albans in
set out the corporation’s geographic scope, and named the
1544, served as JP from 1543-61 and 1562-75, and was briefly MP
Mayor (initially John Lockey, and after elections Henry Gape)
in 1545. But he has a rather negative reputation locally as the
and the 10 principle burgesses who formed the ‘Common
man responsible for removing stone from the dissolved
Council’. It provided a period of stability following the
monastery and derelict abbey site for his own building projects,
uncertainty after the dissolution, with government of the town
even though there is no evidence from the time that this was in
now in the hands of local men with long ancestries.
any way reprehensible.
The corporation controlled the market, from which it could
Further afield he fought against Scotland in the War of Rough
derive income, and was gifted the Clock Tower and the
Wooing (1544), during which time he was involved in the
inaugural Town Hall on the corner of Upper Dagnall Street and
pillaging of Holyrood Abbey, bringing back a brass font which
Market Place by the Crown.
he presented to the abbey church, and the Dunkeld Lectern
It was also permitted to sell freedoms, the liberty to trade within
which he gave to St Stephen’s Church. He died in 1575 and is
the borough boundaries, and lease properties within its estate.
buried at St Peter’s Church.
The reign of the young Edward VI brought a renewed focus on
Susan Bellamy, Judith Fingland and Sally Pearson’s new book
Protestantism, with an Act of Parliament in 1549 requiring the
recovers Lee’s reputation, showing how he used his power and
removal of images from churches. It was during this period that
influence to benefit the local community in St Albans.
the shrines of St Alban and St Amphibalus may have been
Both of the latest Concise Histories volumes will be available
broken up and used as infill for a nearby wall, the abbey’s wall
soon from the society’s website. Sir Richard Lee of St Albans will
paintings were covered with whitewash, the statues on the high
be launched at a free event in St Peter’s Church at 7.30pm on
altar screen were defaced and destroyed, and stained glass
Wednesday November 11. Tickets are available here.
THEATRE REVIEW
STAGE TWO LESLEY COWLAND IS AT THE ABBEY THEATRE FOR FOUR NEW PLAYS PRODUCED BY THE COMPANY OF TEN WRITERS GROUP
Come In Number 8
It was a worthwhile innovation for the Abbey Theatre to give The Company of Ten Writers Group the chance to stage four of their plays in the studio. Each of four performances were either sold out or very well attended, which suggests that audiences are ready to see new material from different writers. Staging these plays in the studio was an excellent choice; with very little scenery and the close proximity of the audience to the players it created an intimate space to share the stories being unfolded. Come in No 8 By Marc Harris, directed by Beverly Hyman A poignant story set in a hospital geriatric ward where a new patient joins two others who have been there for some time. The stage set was well thought out: three chairs with a small side table next to each one instantly suggested a hospital ward. A great idea as beds take up room and necessitate the actors climbing on and off. From the upper-class accent to the fluffy dressing gown Margie Skinner created Barbara, the
newcomer to the ward. Clearly a lady who knows her place in the world but has never been in hospital before so is, naturally, frightened and not too keen to make friends. Beverley Robley portrayed Judith, with a nicely grounded working-class persona, a pleasant lady who has been on the ward for some time with various medical needs. She does her best to befriend Barbara, which doesn’t go well until they find a common ground which unites them. Then there is poor Charlie, christened by Barbara as ‘Come in No 8‘ because she is in bed No 8. Charlie is in a world of her own. She clearly has some form of dementia and takes very little notice of the other two women. Throughout the play Shelley Bacall gave a realistic performance of a dementia patient, staring at nothing, rocking her body and keeping a monotone voice. The play highlighted the plight of older people, particularly those with mental health problems, who get forgotten and abandoned in the wrong place. Well written and directed it created an uplifting play with laughter, friendship and hope.
Gerald
Ready to Go By Becky and Polly Alexander, directed by Maureen Bukht What happens when your only daughter is getting ready to go to university? For this mum, who just happens to be a huge fan of ‘Race Across the World’, you go on a hitch-hiking trip to Italy. On a blank stage the two large rucksacks, brought on by Mum and Daughter, certainly suggested they were in the middle of nowhere. The occasional passing vehicle noises, nicely reinforced that they were trying to hitch a lift to their next destination. Mum played by Paula Jeffs is desperately trying to have a fun time with her somewhat stroppy daughter, Hatty Hardy. There was a believable connection between the two characters. Paula kept the upbeat, happy chat going throughout even when it was met with hostility and teenage angst. Hatty kept up the typical teenage responses, sometimes just using facial expressions which were louder than words. In addition to the naturalistic dialogue, each character had a monologue which added to their back story and expressed their inner feelings which was well directed.
Hatty realistically expressed the relationship difficulties she had had at school and the fear of being alone at university. Paula spoke from the heart worrying about her daughter and reminiscing about her husband and their life as a family. This piece was written by a real mother and daughter which explains why the relationship between the characters was very genuine. Gerald By Jane Fookes, directed by Deborah Heath Gerald is a belligerent old man who lives alone. He doesn’t like visitors so is not very welcoming when his son, Adrian arrives on his doorstep with his girlfriend Mel. They are not welcome and the visit is not at all what Mel was expecting. The action is set in a living room with armchair, sofa and occasional tables, all slightly scruffy, nicely reflecting the man who lives there. Rory Byrne depicted a very cantankerous Gerald. The anger isn’t over done, but it is constant. There is a little gentleness when he talks to Mel, but that doesn’t last. The only time he really softens is when he talks about the spirit of a young girl he believes is looking after him all the time, her name is Serentity.
Adrian, played by Simon Gibson, was a great foil for Gerald. From the beginning it is clear he doesn’t want to be anywhere near his father and has only agreed to go because Mel wants to meet him. He does try to speak kindly, but soon stops and falls back on the normal frustration and irritation. Very good facial expressions and body language spoke louder than words. Poor Mel, constantly called Margory, was the butt of Gerald’s rudeness. Alison Wright played a woman who was trying to bring these two warring men together. She moved realistically from gentle compassion to deeply hurt and downright anger. Her interaction with Adrian was nicely done encouraging him to be kind to his father and then realising how awful Gerald was, to actively wanting to leave the house. The end of the play sees Mel revealing something about Serenity which angers Gerald to such an extent that she and Adrian flee the house in great distress. Jane Fookes created three very rounded characters. The casting and the directing was extremely good. Core Values By Deborah Heath, directed by Tina Swain Peta is struggling to make her Pilates classes financially sound and with so many new Pilates classes popping up she has decided to start a new Early Morning Stretch class. However this isn’t a play about Pilates, but about the people who turn up for this new class. Peta, played by Jenny Kilcast, is a generous soul but this isn’t going to help her business survive. Jenny clearly does Pilates herself and looked very comfortable going through the moves. The exercises were nicely simple but realistically performed, both by Jenny and the other cast members. Jules, played by Suzanne Brower is a client of Peta already. She has had a shock that morning which will affect her marriage. Suzanne showed genuine heartbreak when she blurted out what she had found in her husband’s pocket. Smantha Thien portrayed Sarah as a strong, no-nonsense woman, wanting a free trial class, but this hard exterior collapses when she talks about her mother’s dementia and the problems she is having with care funding. Rosemary, played by Linda Vincent, was very convincing in her role of friendly newcomer and managed her developing story line very well. Then there is Ed who has been sent to the class by his wife to try and get him fit after an accident at work. Mick Dawson was very funny in his role as the only man in the class, he did a great job with the exercises too. They all have a life and their interaction with the other class members was beautifully written, acted and directed.
(Top) Ready to Go; (centre) Core Values; (bottom) Geralrd.
Is this the youngest-ever head chef of a five-star London hotel? A young chef from St Albans – who swapped a promising rugby career with Saracens for the kitchen – has been appointed to one of the most senior culinary positions in luxury hospitality. Rukh Gupta was appointed to the top culinary role at the prestigious Great Scotland Yard Hotel in Westminster at the age of just 23. In an industry in which reaching such a senior position typically takes decades, he is already responsible for one of the most demanding kitchen operations in the capital. Plus, under his leadership, the hotel’s culinary offering has evolved from a lifestyle-led food concept into a more elevated luxury dining experience, encompassing a fine dining restaurant and awardwinning afternoon tea. Rukh’s journey to the top of the London restaurant scene began in St Albans, where he first developed his skills and discovered his passion for cooking while working in local restaurants. But as a teenager, Rukh was a promising rugby player within the Saracens development set-up and was on track to pursue a future in professional sport. Instead, he made the decision to change direction, swapping the rugby pitch for the kitchen to commit entirely to a career in hospitality, working at The Speckled Hen, and then Megan’s and Lussmanns in St Albans. That ambition and determination saw him build his repertoire in top-tier professional kitchens, including a stint at Sketch in Mayfair and a role as head chef at Doppo in Soho, before securing the head chef position at Great Scotland Yard Hotel. Based in the heart of Westminster, the hotel is part of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt. As head chef, Rukh oversees a diverse and high-pressured culinary operation. Beyond exceptional cooking, he is responsible for leading kitchen teams, developing menus, and ensuring absolute consistency across the hotel’s dining experiences, including its contemporary dining room, The Parlour. Since taking the reins, Rukh has introduced his own culinary identity to the hotel, focusing on quality ingredients, seasonal produce, and contemporary presentation. Recent menus at The Parlour have featured dishes such as hand-dived Orkney scallops pan-fried with heritage curried carrot purée, alongside carefully sourced meat and fish dishes. Rukh, who is now 24, said: “I never imagined that changing direction from rugby to cooking as a teenager would lead me here. I started out working in restaurants in St Albans, learning the basics and discovering just how much I loved being in a kitchen. I’ve always been ambitious and wanted to keep pushing myself, but being given the opportunity to become head chef at a luxury London hotel at 23 was something incredibly special. “It’s been a huge responsibility, but also an amazing opportunity to learn, develop and work with talented people. I’m still young and have a lot more I want to achieve, but I’m incredibly proud of how far I’ve come.”
IN OTHER NEWS... Friends of Jersey Lane hold Annual General Meeting The Friends of Jersey Lane held their Annual General Meeting on Tuesday October 27 at Jersey Farm Community Centre, welcoming several new members to the group. The evening began with light refreshments and plenty of friendly conversation before chair Jim Watson opened the meeting. During the meeting, a tribute was paid to founding committee member Andy Boxer, who sadly passed away last month. His longstanding commitment to Jersey Lane and the wider community was warmly acknowledged. Following the formal business, Fay Hope gave an overview of the group’s work over the past year. This included hedge planting, creating wildflower areas, general maintenance, litter picking and clearing flytipped waste. Fay also highlighted the new sharedusage signs installed by Hertfordshire County Council, encouraging all users to “Share with Care” along the Lane. Looking ahead, the Friends confirmed that bollards are due to be replaced at road and path junctions and that they plan to improve sections of the Lane by “laying” hedges helping to create a more attractive and environmentally friendly boundary. The group was delighted to welcome St Albans Mayor Cllr Matt Fisher as guest speaker. In an engaging and good-humoured talk, the Mayor discussed environmental projects across St Albans and emphasised the importance of community-led action in improving neighbourhoods and supporting biodiversity. Residents who use Jersey Lane or live nearby are warmly invited to join the Friends of Jersey Lane and support their ongoing work. To receive updates on future activities, please email: friendsofjerseylane@gmail.com
IN OTHER NEWS... Graffiti legend Banksy is subject of next Arts Society talk The Arts Society St Albans is hosting an illustrated talk by Raymond Warburton on the subject ‘Banksy: The A-Z of a Street Artist’. The lecture - on Wednesday, November 11 - begins at 10.30am at The Abbey Theatre, with doors open (and refreshments available) from 10am. Banksy first came to prominence on the Bristol graffiti scene in the 1990s. Since moving to London in 2000, he has used a stencilbased approach to his street art. It is quicker to execute, with less risk of being detected or apprehended. Some of his most memorable stencilled pieces have entered the nation’s consciousness. They include rodents, chimpanzees, girls with
balloons, flower-throwing freedom fighters, and housewives who fight back. He sometimes dabbles in ‘fine art’, but usually with the aim of mocking the art market. Raymond has had a life-long love of art and became a guide at Tate Britain and Tate Modern in 2011. He then studied art history at the Open University and at the University of Buckingham, where he gained an MA. He is a member of his local Arts Society, in Blackheath. Non-members are welcome, but are requested to contact the Membership Secretary, Madeleine King - in advance - on 01727 853672. The cost is £7.50 per person.
OPINION
BARKER’S Bites
Monthly musings from David Barker, chief executive of Youth Talk, the local charity providing free, confidential mental health support and counselling for 13–25-year-olds living, working or studying in St Albans, Harpenden and the surrounding villages.
Boys Don’t Cry. Or Do They? “Boys don’t cry!” Words that stopped me in my tracks a couple
Imagine navigating that as a teenager. You’re told it’s good to
of weeks ago. I was helping at our Squirrel Scout meeting in
talk, but you’re also picking up messages, sometimes from a
Sandridge when one of our five-year-old boys took a tumble
remarkably young age, that certain emotions should be
and burst into tears. Before I could offer any reassurance,
hidden. You want to be yourself, but you don’t want to stand
another little boy confidently announced to him that “Boys
out for the wrong reasons.
don’t cry”.
And perhaps that’s why simply telling boys to “talk more” isn’t
Five years old and already learning that showing emotion is
enough. We need to think about what makes it difficult for
somehow something boys shouldn’t do. I found that rather
them to talk in the first place.
sad. Not because I thought the boy was being deliberately
Our Break the Silence partners met again recently to plan the
unkind, but because somewhere along the way he’d picked up
next stage of the project. One of the things I’m most excited
a message that has been passed down through generations.
about is that we’re not simply sitting around a table of adults
That being a boy means being tough, holding things in and
deciding what boys need to hear. We’re trying to understand
certainly not crying.
the world through their eyes, challenge our own assumptions
Then, just a few days later, I heard something else that stayed
and work with young people to find approaches that might
with me. It was a story about a young man whose father hadn’t
genuinely make a difference.
given him a hug for more than two years. I don’t know the
Because this isn’t about telling boys there’s something wrong
circumstances of that relationship, and I wouldn’t presume to
with being masculine. Quite the opposite. It’s about
judge. But it made me think about how we express affection,
questioning some of the narrow ideas of masculinity that can
particularly between men and boys, and what happens when
make life unnecessarily difficult.
that affection becomes something we struggle to show.
Being strong and being emotionally open aren’t opposites. You
It also reminded me of a song I grew up loving. Back in 1979,
can be courageous and frightened. Independent and in need of
The Cure released Boys Don’t Cry. Beneath its brilliant tune
support. Confident and occasionally overwhelmed.
was a poignant message about heartbreak, regret and the
You can be a boy who loves football, rugby, gaming or
pressure on men to hide their feelings. Nearly half a century
climbing trees and still need a hug when life gets tough.
later, I find myself wondering how much has really changed.
And we adults have a responsibility here too. Children learn an
At Youth Talk, we’ve been exploring precisely this question
enormous amount from what they see and hear around them.
through our Break the Silence project, working alongside the
How often do we tell boys to toughen up? Do we show
University of Greenwich, Verulam School and St Albans
affection freely? Do the men in their lives feel comfortable
School to better understand the barriers preventing boys and
admitting when they’re struggling?
young men from talking openly about their mental health.
On November 19, we’ll mark International Men’s Day, with its
And what we’re learning is fascinating.
UK theme of ‘Supporting Men and Boys’. It’s a timely
The boys and young men we’ve been listening to aren’t
opportunity to celebrate the positive contributions men and
necessarily questioning whether talking about feelings is
boys make, but also to think about the expectations we place
helpful. Many already know it is. The difficulty is that knowing
upon them.
something is good for you and feeling comfortable actually
I keep coming back to that little boy at Squirrels. He wasn’t
doing it are two very different things.
trying to make a statement about masculinity. He was simply
They worry about being judged. About appearing weak. About
repeating something he’d learnt. And that’s what troubles me.
what their mates might think. About whether asking for help
If a five-year-old already believes boys shouldn’t cry, what
somehow makes them less masculine.
other messages might he carry into adolescence and
What’s particularly interesting is that they’re also questioning
adulthood? Perhaps it’s time we stopped teaching boys what
these expectations themselves.
they’re not supposed to feel and started showing them that
They recognise the contradiction between being encouraged to
every emotion is part of being human.
open up and feeling pressure to keep everything bottled up.
Because boys do cry. And thank goodness they do.
10 FROM 50 IAN BOTT
We ask a different figure from the local community to choose 10 questions to answer from a list of 50. This week: Harpenden artist and illustrator Ian Bott, whose career spans book and magazine publishing, design, advertising, film and television worldwide. He has enjoyed a prolific 25-year working relationship with the editorial team behind The Aviation Historian, and since 2010 has documented his travels for work and pleasure. Some of his artwork can now be seen in the Eric Morecambe Centre as part of the EMC Exhibition Series. The giclee prints in this exhibit emphasise his fascination with capturing moments of atmosphere, light and colour in a wide variety of locations as well as his local area
Being alone high over the stark beauty of the Mojave Desert with just an air traffic controller on the radio in distant LA for company was unforgettable and exhilarating.
If you could have a conversation with someone who had died who would it be? My parents and grandparents. I’d love to find out how they’re getting on, give them a catch-up on all the gossip and introduce my grandparents to my lovely wife and their equally lovely, great-granddaughter. Are things getting better or worse? Work in the news business covers pessimistic subjects regularly, making it easy to conclude things are worsening, which they may well be. However, I also cover many positive topics, particularly in science and medicine, and choose to believe the direction is generally to the better. We live in a genuinely miraculous age. For example, I’ve just used a satellite network 20,000km above Earth to locate my AirPods in my house.
What is your favourite single item of clothing? To say I have no fashion sense is an understatement. However, I adore my San Francisco Derby jacket, as popularised by Clint Eastwood in the Dirty Harry movies. I’m on my second one and they’re stylish, warm and practical. Have you ever asked for an autograph? There’s one I had the chance to but always regretted I didn’t: At a 1990s Los Angeles airshow I saw the astronaut Bill Anders, there displaying his beautiful P51 Mustang fighter. Anders took the iconic Earthrise photo as he and Apollo 8 crewmates came around the Moon on Christmas Eve 1968. He was one of my great heroes but because I was an uptight, reserved Brit, I never went over to tell him that and ask for a signature.
Where do you buy your coffee in Harpenden? Mo’s coffee stand at the Station. A Harpenden commuting institution run by one of the nicest people I know. An artwork of the stand is in the exhibit. What’s your favourite Harpenden pub? My local, the Carpenters, the smallest pub in Harpenden. Cozy in the winter and a nice spot to to sit out in the summer. What’s your favourite meal? My weekly delicious Indian takeaway from the Sarakh restaurant in Southdown. I’ve had a beer while waiting for it almost every Wednesday since they opened and I love the routine. Most inspirational Harpenden person - living or dead? Either fighter ace and de Havilland test pilot John ‘cat’s eyes’ Cunningham, very funny man Eric Morecambe or movie genius Stanley Kubrick. What’s your favourite hidden gem in the district? The de Havilland Aircraft Museum tucked away in the countryside south of St Albans. A treasure trove of historic aircraft run by an enthusiastic, talented and dedicated team. It’s the only place in the world you can see three beautiful dH Mosquitoes together in the same place, including the unique original prototype. Which day of your life would you most like to relive? The first day I flew an aircraft on my own for a long distance. Heading East from San Diego in California I reached the Colorado River then turned South to arrive at an airport in Yuma, Arizona. Being alone high over the stark beauty of the Mojave Desert with just an air traffic controller on the radio in distant LA for company was unforgettable and exhilarating. I don’t think I’ve ever felt more in the moment.
Village unites for annual fireworks spectacular St Albans Times photographer John Andrews was on the ground for London Colney Parish Council’s annual firework display at Morris Playing Fields on Sunday night. This popular and well attended event offered funfair rides, food stalls and music from local band Run for Cover. LCPC events officer Hayley Barrow said: “It was wonderful to see our local community come together for this event, it's a favourite on our annual events calendar!” All London Colney Parish Council events are listed on their website londoncolney-pc.gov.uk
TIMES
SPORT
SAINTS MUST BOUNCE BACK FROM OFF-COLOUR DEFEAT IF THEY ARE TO CONTINUE TO CLIMB THE TABLE Aveley 1 St Albans City 0 (Isthmian League Premier Division). Photos by Amy Hughes After this disappointing midweek defeat, St Albans City manager Gary McCann warned his team they will have to be “a lot better” – starting this Saturday against secondplaced Welling United, writes Jess Unwin. After weeks of various cup competition distractions, Saints are now focused on climbing the Premier Division table and chasing the club’s pre-season target of a top-three finish. McCann told the club’s YouTube channel he expects the game against Welling at Clarence Park to be “a tough game” and added: “We’ve got to show a reaction from the Aveley disappointment.” He continued: “We’re a good side and that’s been proven in recent weeks. We’ve had a blip and it’s now about getting back on the horse and being prepared for another really tough fixture. “We’ve got to be a lot better than we were against Aveley...I’ve no doubt the players can pick themselves up.” Alejandro Machado’s second-half goal on 53 minutes – a longrange drive from a free kick – was enough to condemn St Albans to defeat against the Aveley on Monday night. Club skipper Zane Banton did earlier have a first-half shot from a tight angle blocked, but it was the Essex side who were closest to opening the scoring, denied only by St Albans keeper Sam Donkin’s excellent low save.
After the break, Alex Dyer’s strike from the edge of the area was high and wide, and later Zak Sowden-Fletcher probably had City’s best chance to score but his header was cleared off the line. Aveley very nearly doubled their lead in the dying moments when Machado jinked his way into the penalty box and unleashed a shot that Donkin did well to keep out. McCann said: “I’m really disappointed with the team and I’ve not said that too often this season.” Despite periods when Saints controlled the game, he was unhappy that “our final ball and our desire to get more bodies in the box just wasn’t good enough”. Inih Effiong, who dropped to the bench for Monday’s Aveley game, scored a hat-trick for St Albans on Saturday against bottom-of-the-table Whitehawk, securing three league points and avenging City’s recent FA Trophy defeat to the Hawks. Effiong and strike partner Kai Brown are now engaged in a game-by-game contest to be the club’s top scorer – a situation that’s a welcome improvement on the club’s overreliance last season on Leo Sery. Whitehawk were 1-0 up a half-time after taking the lead on 38 minutes through Kamarni Ryan, but Saints were a different side following the break. Effiong headed his first on 56 minutes before adding his
second on 62 minutes, calmly slotting home when put through one-on-one against the home side’s goalkeeper Hugo Fisher. City’s burly number nine made is 3-1 after 85 minutes by rounding Fisher and finishing from a tight angle. St Albans manager Gary McCann’s changes in the second half included moving Brown inside to pair with Effiong for the first time this season. That, said McCann, and a flat-four shape in midfield allowed City to be “a little more aggressive, get up the pitch and sustain attacks”. On Effiong, he told the club’s YouTube channel: “There’s an awkwardness about him when you’re watching him at times but, let me tell you, defenders don’t want to play against him, and all of his three goals were proper centre forward goals of high quality.” He added: “I’m really pleased for him. He’s been out for a couple of weeks after a minor procedure and we’ve missed him. Those three goals today served us really well.” The City boss said pairing Effiong and Brown together was an “an absolute handful” for any opponent and added: “It’ll be something we’ll be looking at going forward for sure.” • Saints’ game against Welling United this Saturday (7) is a 3pm kick-off at Clarence Park. On Tuesday next week (10), they’re home again for a Herts Senior Cup tie with Welwyn Garden City. Kick-off is 7.45pm. Match tickets are now available from the club’s St Albans City Football Club mobile phone app, as well as from City’s website and, of course, at the turnstiles on the day.
HARPENDEN BOSS SPOTLIGHTS NEVER-SAY-DIE SPIRIT AFTER DRAMATIC COMEBACK IN THE FA VASE Harpenden Town 3 West Essex 2 (FA Vase), photo by Steve Lynes Harps gave their supporters one hell of a scare – fitting on Halloween – but eventually progressed into the Third Round Proper of the FA Vase, thanks to a remarkable comeback completed by a 92-minute winner from Jon Clements, writes Jess Unwin. Already a goal down by half-time at Rothamsted Park on Saturday, a second goal for West Essex after the break looked like it might prove a stake through the heart for Town’s cup chances. But Charlie Smith’s excellent left-footed free kick on 75 minutes brought Harpenden back to life and with just two minutes of ordinary time left, substitute Zach White tapped in from close range to level the scores at 2-2. With time running out, Smith’s cross was headed back into the visitors’ six-yard box, where Shay Kelly rose highest to head towards goal before Clements poked the ball home to make it 3-2. Talking to the club’s social media, manager Jimmy Gray said: “Credit to the lads – they’ve got a never-say-die attitude and it shows. I think that’s three games on the spin we’ve been down one or two goals and still managed to get something out of the game. The resilience and the camaraderie are good
and it’s nice to be in the hat for the next round.” He added: “Fair play to West Essex, they gave a good account of themselves. I thought they were great on the counterattack... but we probably had enough chances to make the game far more comfortable than we did. “We’re giving ourselves mountains to climb in some games because of lack of discipline or making the wrong decision in the final third.” While Gray might prefer it if his side were winning matches the easy way, they nevertheless continue to get results and are now unbeaten since defeat to Newport Pagnell on September 5 – a statistic which the Harps boss rightly pointed out is “no mean feat”. Nevertheless, Town were knocked off top spot in the Spartan South Midlands Football League Premier Division on Monday night as rivals Risborough Rangers beat Kings Langley 5-3. On Tuesday night, there was more cup action at Rothamsted Park as Harpenden Town beat a Watford XI 5-1 in the Hertfordshire FA Senior Challenge Cup. Next up for Harps is a home game on November 14 against Potton United. Kick-off at Rothamsted Park is 3pm.
SAINTS WOMEN BREAK ATTENDANCE RECORD AT CLARENCE PARK St Albans City 2, Atlético London 3 Match report: Oliver Parker Photos: Jim Standen St Albans City Women’s and Girls’ Day saw a record crowd for a women’s match at Clarence Park, bringing over 450 attendees to the ground. The Saints welcomed Atlético London, who sat top of the league entering the match, in the ERWFL, as City returned to Clarence Park on a Sunday for the first time since the opening day of the season. Six changes were made to the Saints’ starting XI following their defeat to Chelmsford City in the League Plate the previous week, with Grainne Kellett most notably returning to the starting eleven. Terri Harvey, Jess Burke, Frankie Webster, Sammy Edgar and goalkeeper Nicole Spittle also returned to the starting line-up. Following a strong start, the visitors took the lead through Ammarah Ali, who slotted her effort past Nicole Spittle in goal. Shortly afterwards, the Saints unexpectedly levelled the match with their first attack. A high press saw the ball fall into the path of Terri Harvey, whose chipped effort caught the goalkeeper off guard. The midfielder grabbed her second goal of the season to bring the Saints level heading into the break. A strong start to the second half saw Atlético London grab two goals in quick succession through Rea Laudat Thomas-Arayo and Iesha Swaby. Late in the match, Liv Martin provided a lifeline for the Saints, finding the back of the net from an Aimee O’Malley cross. Despite late pressure in search of an equaliser, the Saints suffered another defeat, although the scoreline didn't reflect what was a brilliant day off the field with a real community spirit at Clarence Park.
DERBY CLASH SEES CONFIDENT SAINTS STORM TO VICTORY St Albans City 78 Harpenden 22 Saints produced a relentless attacking display en route to an emphatic derby victory at Redbourn Lane. The team ran in 12 tries in a performance characterised by attacking intent and clinical finishing. From the opening whistle, Saints set about imposing themselves on the contest. Billy Griffiths ran in the opening score with Josh Shepherd converting. Will Batchelor crossed for the second try, with Shepherd once again adding the extras to make it 14-0. George Elliott then got himself on the scoresheet as Saints continued to turn their attacking pressure into points. Cameron Macewen was next with an excellent finish in the corner to secure the try bonus point on the half hour mark. The winger was unlucky not to make it a brace a few minutes later as the visitors continued to apply pressure. Will Taylor followed with his first try of the afternoon, converted by Shepherd, as the visitors moved into a commanding 33-0 lead. Griffiths grabbed his second with the last try of the half, again converted by Shepherd. The visitors showed no signs of easing off after the interval. Griffiths completed his hat-trick just four minutes into the second half, with Shepherd adding the conversion. Elliott then crossed the line for his second of the game before completing his hat-trick. Shepherd converted the latter as Saints passed the half century.
Harpenden registered on the scoreboard just after the hour mark with two tries in succession. Saints responded through Will Taylor crossing the line for his second. Harpenden responded again before Griffiths secured his fourth try of the afternoon. Shepherd added another conversion. Taylor then completed his hat-trick with another converted try before the hosts had the final attack to secure a try bonus point. Saints will take plenty of confidence from such a comprehensive victory and the strength of the attacking performance. The 2nd XV were awarded a walkover win in their league fixtures as Bishops Stortford Abbotts were unable to raise a side. Thank you to Chesham who stepped in at short notice. The team ran in eight tries in a 54-12 victory. Ewan Mills led the try scoring with a brace plus singles from Daniel Jones, Calum Dow, Josh Johns, Callum Sharpe, Alex Webb and Feran Kolaru. Daniel Jones was near perfect with the tee with seven conversions. There is now a break week for both teams as the Autumn Nations Series begins next weekend. Saints return to action on November 14. The 1st XV host Letchworth 1924s and the 2nd XV travel to Cheshunt to face their 3s.
Photos by Jakob Ebrey Photography
ST ALBANS RACING DRIVER BARNABY BREWER BUILDS EXPERIENCE IN GINETTA JUNIOR WINTER SERIES DEBUT Fresh from being crowned the 2026 Fiesta Junior Rookie Cup Champion, St Albans’ Barnaby Brewer headed to Snetterton to make his competitive debut in the Ginetta Junior Winter Series with MK Racing. The Ginetta Junior Winter Series gives young drivers the opportunity to gain further competitive experience at the end of the main season, while providing an opportunity for drivers like Barnaby to gain some initial experience in the category. The event features four races in the Ginetta G40 Junior Evo, a rear-wheel-drive car that presents a different challenge to the front-wheel-drive Fiesta Barnaby raced throughout 2026. With his long-term ambition of progressing towards GT Racing in the UK and Europe, the Winter Series offered Barnaby a valuable opportunity to continue developing his skills and adapting to a new car and category. Joining MK Racing for the Snetterton event, Barnaby had to adapt quickly to the Ginetta G40 Junior Evo. After qualifying 10th for his first race, he found himself in the thick of the action from the opening lap. He crossed the line 10th on the road, but a five-second penalty for track limits dropped him to 12th in the final classification. Saturday’s second race brought a very different challenge. Heavy rain created difficult conditions, with Barnaby taking on his first full-wet weather race in a new car. He made an excellent start, climbing from 10th to seventh on the opening lap, before the challenging conditions saw him slip back through the field to finish 11th.
For a driver still learning the characteristics of a new car, it was another valuable experience. Sunday brought further disruption as a storm affecting much of the UK caused a power outage at the circuit, delaying qualifying. Barnaby eventually secured 11th on the grid and made progress in the third race, climbing as high as eighth before a series of close battles. He fought back within the field, eventually crossing the line in 10th. The fourth and final race of the weekend gave Barnaby one last opportunity to put the experience gained across the event into practice. Starting from 12th on the grid, he continued to build confidence in the Ginetta, recording one of his fastest laps of the weekend. He ultimately crossed the line in 12th in the closely contested field with improving pace and valuable experience to build on for the future. Reflecting on his debut, Barnaby said: “It’s been a huge learning curve, but I’m really pleased with the progress I made across the weekend. The weather brought an additional challenge alongside the move into a new car, but we chipped away and improved the lap times each time out, which was the main goal!” With the Fiesta Junior Rookie Cup title secured and his first Ginetta Junior races under his belt, Barnaby now turns his focus to the 2027 season, with the aim of continuing his progression in a Ginetta championship.
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