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2 SUMMER 2020 www.sandridge-pc.gov.uk Contents SUMMER 2020 4-6 CHAIR’S REPORT Councillor John Hale 7 PROJECTS AHEAD Throughout Sandridge Parish 8-9 LOCAL MUM MAKES HER MARK Adding a splash of colour to local pavements! 11 5K A DAY CHARITY CHALLENGE Local teen’s fundraising for South African village 12 NOTICEBOARD - SUMMER 2020 8-9 23 Listing of contact points throughout the area 13 WHO DO I CONTACT? Useful numbers for many issues that arise 15 ARTISTIC IMPRESSION Local man recreates beautiful parish scenery 16-20 EDUCATION NEWS Find out what’s going on at your local schools 21 MATCH FUNDING AVAILABLE Financial support for small businesses during pandemic 23 LOOKING AFTER YOUR MENTAL HEALTH Don’t neglect your mental well-being during lockdown 34-35 24-25 LIFE OUTSIDE DURING LOCKDOWN Sharing photos for those who are self-isolating 36-38 LOCAL CHURCH NEWS Find out what’s going on at your local churches 27 VITAL NEW ROLES Library staff are redeployed to critical services 39 COUNCILLOR PROFILE Councillor Lyn Bolton 28 JERSEY FARM COMMUNITY CENTRE A listing of normal activities and regular hirers 40-41 RENNIE GROVE HOSPICE CARE We need you now more than ever 29-30 SPENCER HALL A listing of normal activities and regular hirers 42-43 WILLS, TRUSTS AND PROBATE Why you should seek qualified professional advice 31-32 SANDRIDGE VILLAGE HALL A listing of normal activities and regular hirers 44 MEET OUR NEW COUNTRYSIDE RANGER Tanya Dickson 33 MARSHALSWICK COMMUNITY CENTRE A listing of normal activities and regular hirers 45 ONLINE SERVICES From Hertfordshire Library Services 34-35 CREATE YOUR OWN GARDEN OASIS Tips on how to improve your outdoor space 46 FREE PENSIONERS’ BUS TIMETABLE
Front cover image taken by Rebecca Pannese
Published for and on behalf of Sandridge Parish Council Published by: LOCAL PUBLISHING LTD Tel: 01727 757475 Circulation: Over 4,750 homes in Marshalswick, [email protected] www.localpublishing.co.uk Jersey Farm and Sandridge. This is equivalent to Editor: STEFANIE HAYES [email protected] all of the AL4 9-- postcode area. EDITORIAL DEADLINE Advertising: NICK HAYES [email protected] If you have an article you would like to be Address: Neighbourhood News, c/o Sandridge Parish Council, considered for the SUMMER 2020 issue, please Marshalswick Community Centre, The Ridgeway, St. Albans, AL4 9TU email it to the editor by Thursday 27th August 2020 COPYRIGHT - Items in this publication are subject to copyright. Copying in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Unless specifically stated, views expressed in Neighbourhood News are not necessarily those of the editor or of Sandridge Parish Council. While sponsored by Sandridge Parish Council, Neighbourhood News is an independent publication. The editor reserves the right to shorten, modify or reject submitted material. All advertisements, photographs and artwork supplied to Neighbourhood News are accepted in good faith (free of copyright). Neither Sandridge Parish Council nor the editor can be held responsible for goods or services advertised. Chair’s report Councillor John Hale
RADITIONALLY, we hold the Annual Community Centres Parish Meeting in April, and I would give Both the Marshalswick and Jersey Farm Ta report on the activities of the Parish Community Centres, which are managed by Council. This year, it has not been possible to the Parish Council, were well-used in 2019. hold that meeting yet, but I thought I should During the year, there were activities every still write the report so it can be published in evening Monday to Friday, and most days Neighbourhood News, as in previous years. throughout the week. I am looking forward to I am writing this report at the end of April, and, the many community groups returning to the by the time you read it, circumstances may centres. have changed. The council’s policy is to cover the running The report covers the period to the end of costs of the community centres from the fees March 2020, although the implications of the charged. As there are currently no fees being coronavirus disease (COVID-19) only started charged, the costs are having to be covered to impact here towards the end of that period. by the precept (council tax) and reserves. The I first wanted to thank everyone in our council has taken action to minimise those community who is playing their part in costs. protecting all of us; from those working in the During 2019, the council continued its NHS and care services, to our police officers programme of improvements to the and firefighters, shop workers, refuse community centres with the replacement of collectors, other essential workers, and all who windows in the Jersey Farm centre. have volunteered – thank-you. To those who have lost a loved one, I send my Sports and Recreation sympathies. In normal times, the Parish Council provides a One of the many benefits we have as range of facilities to local residents, and some residents of Sandridge Parish are the parks we of those facilities have had to close, but they can enjoy. While it has been necessary to will reopen as soon as allowed. close the children’s playgrounds, I know residents have been using the parks for exercise. In 2019, we made further improvements to the playground in Harness Way and have also installed football nets on the goal posts in William Bell and Harness Way. There has been no vandalism and very positive feedback from residents, who can now play football without hunting for hours in the bushes for the balls!
4 SUMMER 2020 www.sandridge-pc.gov.uk The decision of the Parish Council to proceed beginning to mature, there is no longer any with plans to install a skate ramp on the Jersey programme of tree planting. Farm Open Space has not been popular with I have also been told that the bees a local some residents. However, I am confident that beekeeper has on the site flourished in 2019. this is an appropriate location for a skate Also, in 2019, the Parish Council supported ramp. It will help to address the responses to and participated in the SuStAinable St. Albans the survey carried out by the residents’ festival and had planned to do so again in association that confirmed a lack of outdoor 2020. facilities for teenagers, and support for a skate Earlier this year, the Parish Council started to ramp in Jersey Farm. At the time of writing, I install some raised beds at the Marshalswick do not know when the ramp will be installed. Community Centre where we plan to have a community garden, but work on them has ceased due to the restrictions from COVID-19.
Verges, trees and green spaces The last part of the year saw significant rain, which resulted in very soft ground. As a result of inconsiderate behaviour by a few in driving and parking on those verges, there has been significant damage done, which is not going to be easy to repair. I am very grateful to those residents who have made repairs to the verges outside their homes. Our Green Spaces The Parish Council has raised this issue with In addition to the recreational areas, we the District Council and has asked that have a number of green spaces where consideration be given to introducing legal the Parish Council has for many years restrictions on parking on verges. encouraged wildlife. This includes the The planting of bulbs at the road junctions Jersey Farm Woodland Park, but also near the Quadrant resulted in a welcome smaller areas around the parish. splash of colour early in 2020. The bulbs The council is very grateful to all the should spread and provide a better show in volunteers who have helped out future years. throughout the year with a range of activities. This has included; Neighbourhood Plan •Planting of a wildlife hedge and native In 2019, we completed the drafting of the trees in William Bell Neighbourhood Plan, and, following local •Planting of orchard trees and native consultation, it was submitted to the District hedge in Harness Way Council in March. The next step is for the •Bird boxes erected in Skyswood and District Council to complete a further oak trees transplanted from Jersey Farm consultation before it goes to an inspector to Woodland Park (as well as volunteer be examined. The impact of COVID-19 means clearance of brambles and hazel that the consultation phase has been coppicing) delayed. This is a significant disappointment to those who have worked extremely hard, voluntarily, on getting it to this stage. The In the Jersey Farm Woodland Park, volunteers working group is pressing the District Council have helped with tree thinning and other not to delay and to make full use of modern maintenance projects. As the wood is now technology to consult.
www.sandridge-pc.gov.uk SUMMER 2020 5 Grants Each year, the Parish Council provides grants to local organisations. In 2019/20, grants were provided to: •Parkbury House for the community garden they have opened at the surgery in Sandridge Village •Jersey Farm Day Centre to help with the costs of providing the weekly events •St. Leonards PCC towards the maintenance of the cemetery •Sandridge Cricket Club for the maintenance of the cricket pitch •St. Mary's PCC for their summer activities for the elderly •Sandridge PCC to cover the cost of the water supply to the cemetery It will be some time before COVID-19 ceases •Elizabethan Club to help with their costs to have an impact on us. In the meantime, •Sustainable St. Albans towards the cost of the Parish Council will do what it can to the SuStAinable festival ensure residents have safe access to open If you are involved with a local organisation spaces for their enjoyment. that needs some financial help, please talk to the Clerk about our grants. Take care and keep safe
6 SUMMER 2020 www.sandridge-pc.gov.uk Projects ahead throughout Sandridge Parish
ESPITE the delay that the current Leonard) to finally come together. We were pandemic has caused, we are still due to start the week that lockdown was D enthusiastically working towards the announced, so we are very eager to get this planned improvement of facilities in underway. The roundabout will be planted Sandridge Parish for 2020. Here is a list of the with a mixture of wildflowers, bulbs and projects we have planned for this coming pollinator encouraging plants. summer.
COMMUNITY GARDEN You may have already seen the new raised beds outside Marshalswick Community Centre. These were built alongside last year’s successful upcycled vegetable garden – inspired by our involvement with SusFest 2019. We are hoping to unite the local community through gardening, and once the restrictions on social distancing are lifted, we will be welcoming budding green fingered volunteers to join in the growing fun. PLAYGROUND IMPROVEMENTS This year’s enhancements include; •A new basketball hoop and dribble area at the William Bell Open Space •A replacement in-ground trampoline for Sherwood Park (a firm favourite amongst the little ones) •Outdoor gym equipment for Spencer Meadows •Wetpour surfacing under the basket swing at Sherwood Park •Half pipe skate ramp at Jersey Farm Open REDESIGN OF BOLLINGBROOK ROUNDABOUT Space (deferred from last year) The pots on this roundabout will be a thing of We hope that despite the inevitable delay the past once the new wildlife encouraging COVID-19 has caused, the new play design is installed. This has been a big project equipment will be installed and ready for the for the Parish Council, and has taken some summer holidays. time to get right. Due to its location on quite a steep slope, it has taken a lot of tweaks and Rebecca Pannese engineering brilliance (thank you Councillor Project and Amenities Officer
www.sandridge-pc.gov.uk SUMMER 2020 7 LOCAL MUM makes her mark F you have been out and about around is needed when you feel at your worst. the streets of Marshalswick and Jersey At the start of the COVID-19 situation, while I Farm, you would have noticed the everyone was panic buying their loo roll and beautiful chalk art that has been appearing starting their new homeschooling routines, on the local pavements! This fantastic display Zoe, like many others, was busy worrying of artwork is down to one very talented local about her mental health. Knowing that she mum of three, Zoe Andrews. struggles with her eldest child’s ADHD at the Creative best of times, she couldn't help but worry how she would manage an unknown amount of Zoe has a very personal reason behind her time stuck at home. decision to share the joy of her artistic talents She worried how she would cope without with the local residents during lockdown. the help of family and friends. Would she start As someone who suffers with mental health to feel trapped again, not only mentally but conditions, Zoe is aware of how much the physically? How would all of this affect her support of friends, family and the community children?
8 SUMMER 2020 www.sandridge-pc.gov.uk She started creating chalk drawings of her time! childrens’ favourite story books over the local “The target audience with my chalk art are pavements in a bid to keep herself sane and our wonderful key workers, whose mental occupied during lockdown, and she has health must be needing a huge boost right found that it has not only helped with her own now. I feel that as a community we must mental health issues at this difficult time, but is support their mental health while they work on also making many other people happy and our physical health. That’s why I endorse the smile! Mental Health Charity ‘Mind In Mid Herts’, who Boost are an independent charity affiliated with National Mind. They have supported me though some of my lowest times, with help “I love being creative, and I find art very from their councillors and being able to therapeutic, so I dug out the kids’ chalks and attend different courses run through them. some old soft pastels I had in the cupboard, sat outside and started chalking. I got a few strange looks at first, but the compliments I got Thanks started to outweigh them. That little boost of appreciation that you get when others enjoy “I chose this project to help raise the profile what you've created. I love seeing people of mental health with the hope that at some smile, and knowing that I helped contribute to time in the future, I may be able to give that smile makes me feel incredibly proud. something back. The five year dream would “I noticed other people had done some be to have a van and drive round to hospitals beautiful chalk art, so I thought I would set up or other high-stress work places and offer light a Facebook page where people could share relief art sessions to help people’s mental their chalk art, not only with local residents health who saw it in person, but with the whole of “I look forward to seeing more fantastic Hertfordshire.” chalk art from all you talented artists out there Zoe goes out at 5.30am to create her - yes, even those of you who “can’t draw". Pick masterpieces, and then sometimes in the up some chalk, squiggle a few lines and see early evening, with each chalk painting where your imagination takes you!” taking up to 3 hours. It’s also become a bit of At the time of printing, Zoe’s efforts had a family affair, with her 7 month old baby raised an amazing £745 for Mind In Mid occasionally coming along Herts through residents’ during nap donations. Your local NHS pharmacy Health Check & Vaccination Centre Be healthy home and abroad
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17 The Quadrant, St. Albans, AL4 9RB Tel: 01727 851053 www.quadrantpharmacy.co.uk
10 SUMMER 2020 www.sandridge-pc.gov.uk 5K A DAY charity challenge
Local teen, Archie Young, pledges to run 5k a day to raise money for his grandparents’ South African village
OU may have seen me running around raise money to help them. Jersey Farm Woodland Park, or up by It will help them to keep food on the table Ythe Quadrant, in my bright yellow shirt every day so they can keep a healthy lifestyle. with #5KM/DAY (South Africa) and wondered In South Africa, the government have not what that was all about. made arrangements to help people to restart Well, my family were due to travel to afterwards, and I want to help them get back Sedgefield in South Africa at Easter, where my to normal ways after the pandemic. granny and grandpa live, to celebrate my You can help me by spreading the word grandpa’s 80th birthday. My cousins from other about what I am raising money for. Even if you parts of South Africa and New Zealand were donate £5, you are still making a difference to all planning to come, but that did not happen someone’s life and helping them reboot their because of the global impact of COVID-19. company. This small town means a lot to me because I have visited multiple times, and I Impact am amazed every time I visit. I hope you can help me by making a small When talking to my granny, I was told how donation, or just spreading the word by telling COVID-19 was impacting their community, others about my challenge. It will mean a lot which has a number of small businesses to me, my grandparents and the business supported by the local tourism industry, which owners over in Sedgefield. is normally thriving, but this dried up overnight as a result of the lockdown. In some cases, it https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/ is a hand to mouth existence, and so I wanted sedgefield-community-fund to do something to help. I decided I would run 5km per day until the lockdown changes to Archie Young, aged 14
www.sandridge-pc.gov.uk 11 Noticeboard - Summer 2020 A listing of contact points throughout the neighbourhood
PARISH COUNCILLORS DISTRICT/COUNTY COUNCILLORS SANDRIDGE VILLAGE WARD Annie Brewster: COUNTY (Sandridge village) James Lancaster: 8 Forest View, 35 High Street, Fairways, Firs Drive, Gustard Wood, AL4 8LB Sandridge, AL4 9DD Tel: 07712 290 096 Tel: 01438 832255 [email protected] [email protected] Janet Churchard: DISTRICT (see Parish list) John Newton-Davies: Forge Cottage, 3 Church Tom Clegg: DISTRICT - 33 Furze Avenue, End, Sandridge, AL4 9DL Tel: 01727 837507 St. Albans, AL4 9NF Tel: 01727 835004 [email protected] [email protected] Clare Julien: DISTRICT - 139 The Ridgeway, JERSEY FARM WARD St. Albans, AL4 9XA Tel: 07961 903 284 Lyn Bolton: 20 Harefield Place, Jersey Farm, [email protected] St. Albans, AL4 9JQ Tel: 01727 834699 [email protected] John Hale: COUNTY (see Parish list) Frances Leonard: DISTRICT - 14 Rose Walk, John Hale: 37 Chandlers Road, St. Albans, AL4 9RT St. Albans, AL4 9AF Tel: 01727 861860 Tel: 01727 837371 [email protected] [email protected] Jon Hegerty: Tel: 01727 858656 Beric Read: DISTRICT - 34 Windmill Avenue, [email protected] St. Albans, AL4 9TF Tel: 07956 220 264 Jenny Roberts: 5 Pollicot Close, Jersey Farm, [email protected] St. Albans AL4 9YL Tel: 01727 835509 [email protected] CLERK TO THE COUNCIL Simon Thwaites: Marshalswick Community Centre, MARSHALSWICK NORTH (EAST) The Ridgeway, St. Albans, AL4 9TU Patsy Ann Cann: 20 Wheat Close, St. Albans, AL4 Tel: 01727 831871 [email protected] 9NN Tel: 07876 492 528 [email protected] DEPUTY CLERK Janet Churchard: 58 Pondfield Crescent, St. Albans, Emma Hostler [email protected] AL4 9PF Tel: 01727 860368 [email protected] PROJECT & AMENITIES OFFICER Claudio Duran: Woodland House, St. Helier Road, Rebecca Pannese [email protected] Sandridge, St. Albans, AL4 9LQ Tel: 07789 485 052 [email protected] COMMUNITY CENTRES MANAGER John Foster: 29 Chiltern Road, St. Albans, AL4 9SW AND WEBSITE MANAGER Tel: 07583 313 919 Martine MacRae Tel: 07399 403 650 MARSHALSWICK NORTH (WEST) [email protected] [email protected] Julie Booth: 31 Craiglands, St. Albans, AL4 9AH Tel: 01727 759066 [email protected] HALLS FOR HIRE Geoff Churchard: 58 Pondfield Crescent, St. Albans, The following halls located in the Parish are all AL4 9PF Tel: 01727 860368 available for hire by the public. Please telephone [email protected] the relevant contact person for more information. Neil Harris: 73 The Ridgeway, St. Albans, AL4 9NR Marshalswick & Jersey Farm Community Centres Tel: 01727 760781 [email protected] Martine MacRae Tel: 07399 403 650 [email protected] Graham Leonard: 14 Rose Walk, St. Albans, AL4 9AF Tel: 01727 861860 Marshalswick Baptist Free Church [email protected] Cath Cresswell Tel: 01727 861121 [email protected] POLICE VERY URGENT 999 St. Mary’s Church Hall, Sherwood Avenue Maureen Bentley Tel: 07974 961702 Non-emergency calls/report local incidents 101 Val Spears Tel: 07711 503079 Calling 101 will take you to a call centre, and your [email protected] call will be routed to the correct part of the service Sandridge Village Hall Mr Brian Ollis Tel: 01727 867417 COVID-19 If you think you might be infected, [email protected] self isolate and CALL 111 Spencer Hall Nigel Rump Tel: 01727 835506
12 SUMMER 2020 www.sandridge-pc.gov.uk Who do I contact? Useful numbers for many issues that arise in our parish
ISSUES WITH GRASS VERGES, POT HOLES AND ST. ALBANS HOUSEHOLD WASTE PROBLEMS WITH STREET LIGHTS AND RECYCLING CENTRE (RONSON WAY) Hertfordshire County Council 0300 1234 051 (Wasteaware) www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/home Opening days are Mon, Thurs, Fri, Sat, Sun. Summer times 10am-6pm. or call 0300 123 4040 Winter times 8am-4pm
OPEN SPACES AND RECREATION GROUNDS SEMI EMERGENCY HEALTH ISSUES - CALL 111 Please call the Parish office on 01727 831871 COVID-19 - If you think you might be infected, self isolate and CALL 111 or email [email protected] Not all the open spaces are owned by PROBLEMS WITH FLOODING Sandridge Parish Council but we are happy to be the first point of contact. Hertfordshire County Council www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/home.aspx or call 0300 123 4040 ISSUES WITH FLY TIPPING BUS TIMETABLES AND ISSUES St. Albans District Council on WITH PUBLIC TRANSPORT [email protected] Can be reported via the Intalink website or call 01727 809019 www.intalink.org.uk/#
www.sandridge-pc.gov.uk SUMMER 2020 13 EDITORIAL COPY DATE AUTUMN 2020 - Issue 98 For inclusion in the next issue of Neighbourhood News, please ensure copy is submitted before Thursday 27th August 2020
14 SUMMER 2020 www.sandridge-pc.gov.uk Artistic impression Local man recreates beautiful parish scenery
Paul has found his way of dealing with his isolation during lockdown
OCAL man, Paul King, was raised in and a drawing of a holly sprig and was around Sandridge Village, but the recent encouraged by Mr Cooke, the headteacher L lockdown has meant he is currently circa 1958, to continue to draw and paint! unable to visit his favourite local beauty spots, “I have always felt a great affinity with the such as Langley Woods - which was one of his village and surrounding areas, especially the late mother’s favourite places. Queens Head, but the lockdown has left me Paul has found a way of coping with his unable to visit my favourite places in the isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic, and parish. that is to bring the outside scenery to his own “Fortunately, two local residents, Pete Adkins home by recreating it in a series of water and Marian Fooks, posted some really colour paintings. inspiring photos on a local Facebook page “I have loved drawing and painting as long and gave me their permission to paint them. as I can remember. I attended Sandridge I hope people enjoy my interpretation of the Primary school and won an Art Certificate for woods and bluebells.”
www.sandridge-pc.gov.uk SUMMER 2020 15 Education news Find out what’s going on at your local schools Sandringham School
OW things have changed from the Demonstrator Schools because of the start of the year! We have all had to strength of use of technology to enhance Hlearn how to adapt to social learning, and will be supporting other schools distancing and working from home, and, like with their online delivery for the foreseeable all other schools in the area, Sandringham future. has constructed a virtual mode of delivery for its curriculum. Creative With the embedded use of technology across the school since 2013, the transition has In addition to the normal curriculum, staff been relatively straightforward, with students have been delivering some extra-curricular following their normal timetable of lessons activities with virtual choirs, dance groups and each day from home. Teaching staff have fitness lessons all taking place. We have also been delivering a number of ‘live’ lessons as encouraged students to use their ‘Gift of Time’ well as pre-recorded sessions and material to whilst on lockdown to pursue something they work on over an extended period of time. have always wanted to do but never seemed to have the time to do so. The creative Adjustments aspects of life have been one significant area that has developed and goes to show how We have learnt quickly and adjusted important the arts are to everyone. delivery to make sure it is sustainable over the Our wonderful Design and Technology faculty long-term, and feel that the balance is now have been busy making over 600 full-face PPE about right to ensure progress, but also be for the NHS, and these have been really well mindful of the well-being of everyone. received. I would like to thank the team for Sandringham has been selected to be their efforts and ingenuity in fabricating the one of 20 National EdTech PPE.
16 www.sandringham.herts.sch.uk I would normally calendar all the events coming up this term, but we have obviously had to change and cancel the vast majority. Sandringham in As things stand at the time of writing, we are still hoping that the secondary transfer day for Year 6 students can take place, albeit with the community th social distancing being observed, on 9 July. Mrs. Templeton has let us know that her son Theo has been helping her to make scrubs Open evening for the NHS. They were inspired by the DT department’s efforts with face masks. We are also considering the position of our Excellent work Theo! Open Evening on 6th July. Clearly, it will not be able to take place in its usual format, and, if we are able to open the doors, it will be under strict conditions of social distancing. However, this all depends on whether the government is in a position to further relax conditions around public events. So, for now, the most likely scenario is that we will post certain material on our website in early July, including a new school film (2020), a virtual tour of the school, the new school prospectus, and a short presentation about the school. We always open the school for S Page 1 tours during the day in the autumn term, and Now the combination of these events will give you offeri ng up to plenty of information on which to base your 30 ho c urs decisions about secondary education. hildcare One of the biggest losses for the community is use of the site for community activities such Sandridge as sports, the theatre and swimming. We Nursery School hope that these will be able to be reinstated PLACES AVAILABLE FROM in the near future for your benefit. SEPTEMBER 2020 Finally, we have launched a new website that can be found at • Fantastic outdoor areas providing stimulating learning experiences www.sandringham.herts.sch.uk, which is full of • Experienced, caring staff useful information for you. • Flexible sessions • Rated “Good” by Ofsted Alan Gray, Headteacher in March 2019
Visit us at: Woodcock Hill, Sandridge, Herts, AL4 9EB
Contact us on [email protected] or 01727 850576 for further information or to arrange a visit.
www.sandridge-pc.gov.uk SUMMER 2020 17 St John Fisher School
T St. John Fisher Catholic School, as the weekly Thursday 8pm clapping. part of the home learning, all classes Year 1 took on a class wellbeing challenge A have been encouraged to be of making people smile by creating crazy hair thankful to those who have been helping our dos! community during these difficult times. Even the teachers have filmed themselves Year 6 children were asked to make a reading their favourite stories accessible poster saying THANK YOU NHS FROM ST JOHN through the school website. FISHER SCHOOL, and to hold it up outside at
18 SUMMER 2020 www.sandridge-pc.gov.uk Sandridge Primary School
Learning in lockdown!
ESPITE the strange and surreal times we circumstances comes at a price - literally. The are all currently experiencing, the additional resources, equipment and Dchildren and families of Sandridge consumables that are required in order for School have embraced home learning and children, staff and their families to be (and have demonstrated amazing levels of feel) as safe as possible, are simply creativity and innovation. unaffordable for many schools. We do not Children have not only been completing have the budget to sustain the ongoing daily Maths and English activities, but have purchase of large quantities of aprons, enjoyed a wide range of topics, including ‘VE disposable gloves, sanitiser, hand wash, Day’. We even had our very own socially paper towels, cleaning products and cloths. distanced VE Day party in school for our key In order to adhere to social distancing worker children. measures, we require children to be spread out across the entire school site. This will Experiments require outdoor tables and seating, marquees/gazebos, outdoor sinks and resources to zone off the school building and We have also been sending out science grounds such as cones, marker tape and experiments to have a go at, and suggestions playground paint. for documentaries to watch. One pupil was so inspired by ‘Seven Worlds, One Planet’ that Help she wrote a letter to Sir David Attenborough - and got a reply! If you are able to donate in a practical way, At the time of writing, we are preparing for please contact our school office. Alternatively, the possible re-opening of schools to targeted if you can help financially and would prefer year groups on 1st June, and are planning for to make a donation, please see our ‘Just different ways of teaching our children, Giving’ page www.justgiving.com/ alongside ensuring that it is safe for everyone sandridgepta. who decides to attend school. Thanks from all at Sandridge School. We However, planning for the health and safety hope you and your family stay safe and well of the school community in such challenging during this time. www.sandridge-pc.gov.uk SUMMER 2020 19 Wheatfields Junior School
UR staff and families at Wheatfields Junior School have all had to adapt to Onew ways of working during these strange and challenging times. As a school, we continue to work with our pupils and families in a variety of ways to support learning and wellbeing, and to ensure we keep spirits up. Teachers are regularly keeping in contact with their classes and sharing work through class and school blogs. We also send out weekly assembly videos to keep the school community connected. Our aim is to maintain a flexible approach and provide a good balance of learning through fun, creative and engaging activities.
Creativity
We have been so impressed by the enthusiasm and creativity the children (and their parents) have shown. Staff have also used screen casts and videos to support teaching. Over Easter, we made a video message from all of the staff to the children, which was very positively received by everyone in our school community. At the same time, we are also maintaining provision for our children of keyworkers at school to ensure they too are well supported in their learning and wellbeing. We are missing our children incredibly and look forward to when our Wheatfields family can be back together again.
Janice Tearle, Headteacher
SANDRIDGE PARISH COUNCIL www.sandridge-pc.gov.uk
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Photos: Judith Parry
20 SUMMER 2020 www.sandridge-pc.gov.uk Match funding available for small businesses Helping to overcome the financial challenges of COVID-19
ERTFORDSHIRE Local Enterprise To qualify, your business will need to be Partnership and Visit Herts are working located in Hertfordshire and be a micro or Hin partnership to offer small and micro small business primarily operating in tourism, businesses within the tourism, leisure, leisure, hospitality, retail, arts or culture sectors. hospitality, retail, arts and cultural sectors the You will need to demonstrate that your chance to unlock between £2,000 and £5,000 business has been affected by COVID-19 and in match funding to help overcome the how you would use the funding to adapt your challenges of COVID-19. current business to either operate during The £200,000 Hertfordshire LEP fund will be lockdown, or to adjust to post lockdown administered by Visit Herts and delivered measures. You will also need to clearly through the Crowdfunder Pay it Forward demonstrate that the adjustments you intend platform. Participating businesses will raise to make will help protect jobs directly within money for their project through pledges from your business. their community and loyal customers. Once a If you think your business is eligible and are business secures their target through the interested in finding out more information, Crowdfunder campaign, successful please visit the Visit Herts website for details of applicants will be able to unlock between how to get involved: £2,000 - £5,000 in match-funding from the https://www.visithertsbusiness.co.uk/ Crowdfund Hertfordshire: Small Business get-involved/crowdfund-hertfordshire- Innovation Fund. small-business-innovation-fund/ Body Endurance Paul Innes
tdoor and ou Carpentry or Carpentry Indo lasses in itness c d f ead an hampst Wheat reas nding a surrou • Door Hanging • Flooring r table fo sses sui Cla men of • Repairs • Stairs and wo men es and s, abiliti all age els • Kitchens • Decking nce lev experie REE • Bedrooms • and more SION IS F FIRST SES ing nal train We are happy to Perso ble o availa slots als ofer a FREE I also have personal training slots available Quotation 461 lkner 940 112 Rob Fau 07 Call: 07970 611389 www.sandridge-pc.gov.uk SUMMER 2020 21 22 SUMMER 2020 www.sandridge-pc.gov.uk Looking after your mental health
Rachel Solanki MRPharmS Superintendent Pharmacist - Quadrant Pharmacy
OCIAL distancing and self-isolation have 8. Do things you enjoy – And if you cannot do become part of our everyday the things you normally enjoy, think about how Slanguage. However, whilst some of the you could adapt or try something new. initial restrictions have been lifted, it is 9. Focus on the present - rather than worrying important that we recognise the impact about the future. Relaxation techniques can COVID-19 has, and still is having, on everyone. also help some people deal with feelings of Many people are living lives that are vastly anxiety. different to before the pandemic, and, with one in six people reporting they experience a 10. Look after your sleep - Try to maintain common mental health issue like depression regular sleeping patterns and keep up good or anxiety, it is important to recognise the sleep measures – avoid screens before bed, ongoing impact on your mental health. cut back on caffeine, and create a restful There is no one fix for everyone, but environment. recognising the fact you are not alone may ease the burden of worry. Here are ten tips for Help is at hand if you need it. Speak to your improving your mental health: local community pharmacist who can help you understand your worries and help you 1. Stay connected with people - Those you find local information. normally see, or maybe with old friends. If you prefer to look things up: https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind- 2. Talk about your worries - It's normal to feel matters/ worried, scared or helpless, and it’s OK to At all times, it is important to know in an share your concerns with others. If you prefer, emergency, if you or anyone are at risk of try online help. immediate harm, to call 999. 3. Support and help others – Remember, It is also possible to call Samaritans for free, helping someone else may benefit you and on 116 123 (24 hours a day, 365 days a year). them. You don't have to be suicidal to speak to them. 4. Feel prepared - Think through your week: how will it be affected, and what do you need to do to solve any problems. 5. Look after your body - Eat healthy meals, It’s essential to remember drink enough water and exercise regularly. that you are Avoid smoking, drugs and try not to drink too not alone much alcohol. during this difficult time 6. Stick to the facts – If you want information, find a credible source you can trust. 7. Stay on top of difficult feelings - Try to focus on the things you can control, such as your behaviour, who you speak to, and where and how often you get information.
www.sandridge-pc.gov.uk SUMMER 2020 23 Pete Adkins Nigel Bateson Christine Life outside du
Local residents bring o those in the community
Nigel Bateson Pete Adkins Caroline
Sally McBean Caroline Young Gill Og e Nutton Joanna Guagenti-Pongan Caroline Young uring lockdown
our beautiful parish to y who are self-isolating
Sullivan Sally McBean Gill Allen
gilvie Pete Adkins Rebecca Corcoran SANDRIDGE PARISH COUNCIL www.sandridge-pc.gov.uk
AND FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK and INSTAGRAM For news and information from the Parish Council and the surrounding areas
26 SUMMER 2020 www.sandridge-pc.gov.uk Vital new roles Marshalswick library staff are redeployed to work in critical services during COVID-19 ng in the tays sitti rt Bear s spot Booksta hildren to or local c pandemic window f
IBRARY staff from Marshalwick Library, as advice on health, wellbeing and education, well as others across the county, have digital escape rooms and more. L been working with Hertfordshire County Meanwhile, the Bookstart Bear has been Council’s new Redeployment Hub while very visible in the front window of library doors are closed. Marshalswick Library, joining the local Nearly 850 staff from across the council community in putting teddies in windows for have been redeployed to work in critical children to spot on their daily walks. services to help fight COVID-19 and find new ways of helping residents. Skills
Vulnerable Cabinet Member for Libraries, Councillor Terry Douris, said: “Library staff who already do These new roles include ringing vulnerable such a fantastic job fulfilling their usual duties, residents to make sure they are safe and well, are now stretching themselves even further, as well as providing some human contact utilising their skills and experience to help their while we are in lockdown. local communities during this challenging The team at Marshalswick Library have also time. been finding ways to keep their customers “This determination to help in any way they entertained and informed during these can over the last few weeks shows that if we difficult times. This has included creating a pull together and support each other, digital Baby Rhyme Time session and Mini whether in the jobs we do or in the way we Rhyme sessions for families to sing along to, deal with those vulnerable residents in our and using the library's Facebook page to communities, we will get through this share quizzes, links to trusted information, challenging time.”
www.sandridge-pc.gov.uk SUMMER 2020 27 All activities at this Community Centre have been cancelled by COVID-19. Please call or email Martine for further information. Jersey Farm Community Centre Activities and regular hirers Martine MacRae Tel: 07399 403 650 TO BOOK THIS HALL CONTACT E-mail: [email protected]
MONDAY 9.40am - 11.10am PENNY WATERMAN SCHOOL OF DANCE (Baby/Tots ballet) Penny Waterman Tel: 01727 858632
1.30pm - 3.00pm YOGA Dawn Donovan [email protected]
4.00pm - 7.00pm LEA VALLEY KARATE ACADEMY (4 years and over) Daniel Hollister Tel: 07894 528 283
7.30pm - 11.00pm ST. ALBANS BRIDGE CLUB Roger Thornhill Tel: 01582 763560 TUESDAY 10.30am - 3.30pm JERSEY FARM DAY CENTRE Lyn Bolton Tel: 01727 834699 Kathy Green Tel: 01727 839565
4.20pm - 5.40pm SOCATOTS (Soccer play for 1-5 year olds) Lauren Tel: 07815 966 099
6.00pm - 7.00pm HERTBEATS EXERCISE CLASS Roger Miller Tel: 07879 466 079
8.00pm - 10.00pm THE ST. ALBANS CAMERA CLUB [email protected]
WEDNESDAY 9.30am - 11.00am RIDGEWAY CHURCH TOTS TIME Tricia Campbell Tel: 01727 869703
7.00pm - 8.00pm HATHA YOGA Brigitta Harris Tel: 07901 517 630
THURSDAY 10.30am - 12.00noon AWARENESS THROUGH MOVEMENT (50+) Miriam Dobson Tel: 01707 371816
5.30pm - 7.00pm BROWNIES Ann Dickinson Tel: 01727 850960
7.30pm - 9.30pm CARPET BOWLS Dorothy Shepherd Tel: 01727 834606
FRIDAY 10.00am - 11.30am HARVESTERS PLAYTIME Tim Dale Tel: 07747 062 110
2.30pm - 4.15pm RIDGEWAY CHURCH COMMUNITY CAFE Tricia Campbell Tel: 01727 869703
6.15pm - 7.15pm RIDGEWAY CHURCH KIDS CLUB (school years 1-6) Tricia Campbell Tel: 01727 869703
SATURDAY 10.00am - 11.00am LITTLE BLACKBELTS (4-8 yrs) Jon Curtis Tel: 07825 505 099
SUNDAY 9.00am - 12.30pm SOCATOTS (Soccer play for 1-5 year olds) Lauren Tel: 07815 966 099
28 SUMMER 2020 www.sandridge-pc.gov.uk All activities have been cancelled by COVID-19. Please call or email Jacky for further information.
Jacky Davis Spencer Hall (Behind Sandridge Village Hall) Tel: 07956 767 617 Activities and regular hirers [email protected] Sandridge Rovers Football Club bar TO BOOK THIS HALL CONTACT (evening only) Tel: 01727 835506
MONDAY Morning AVAILABLE FOR HIRE
Afternoon AVAILABLE FOR HIRE
7.30pm - 11.00pm MID HERTS JAZZ ORCHESTRA Liz Shrimpton [email protected]
TUESDAY 9.00am - 12.00pm SANDRIDGE BABY & TODDLER GROUP TERM TIME ONLY Louise Moyles [email protected]
Afternoon until 5.00pm AVAILABLE FOR HIRE
5.00pm - 6.45pm IRISH DANCING - WALSH ACADEMY Louise Bishop Tel: 07803 375 348
6.45pm - 8.00pm ABSOLUTE WELLNESS GROUP Sarita Gray Tel: 07753 174 068
Evening from 8.00pm YOGA Niki Clark [email protected]
8.00pm - 11.00pm CRIB (summer) / DOMINOES (winter) (in the bar) Nigel Rump Tel: 07973 798 045
WEDNESDAY 9.30am - 1.00pm BRIDGE GROUP Shirley Pinner Tel: 07746 095 060
Afternoon AVAILABLE FOR HIRE
7.30pm - 10.30pm PEACE-TRAIN (LINE DANCING) Tony, Kathy & Michelle Risley Tel: 07774 983 467 (Tony) 07808 772 987 (Michelle)
8.00pm - 11.00pm LADIES DARTS (in the bar) Nigel Rump Tel: 07973 798 045
THURSDAY Morning AVAILABLE FOR HIRE
Afternoon AVAILABLE FOR HIRE
6.45pm - 8.00pm ABSOLUTE WELLNESS GROUP Sarita Gray Tel: 07753 174 068
Evening from 8.00pm AVAILABLE FOR HIRE
8.00pm - 11.00pm MEN’S DARTS (in the bar) Nigel Rump Tel: 07973 798 045
FRIDAY Morning AVAILABLE FOR HIRE
Afternoon AVAILABLE FOR HIRE
Evening AVAILABLE FOR HIRE www.sandridge-pc.gov.uk SUMMER 2020 29 SATURDAY Morning AVAILABLE FOR HIRE
Afternoon AVAILABLE FOR HIRE
Evening AVAILABLE FOR HIRE
Afternoon SANDRIDGE ROVERS FOOTBALL CLUB (Sept-Apr) (sports field/changing rooms) Nigel Rump Tel: 07973 798 045
Afternoon/evening SANDRIDGE CRICKET CLUB (May-Aug)
(sports field/changing rooms) John Murphy Tel: 07881 505 265
SUNDAY Morning AVAILABLE FOR HIRE
Afternoon AVAILABLE FOR HIRE
Evening BINGO Jacky Davis Tel: 07956 767 617
Morning/afternoon SANDRIDGE ROVERS VETERANS FOOTBALL (sports field/changing rooms) Kim Nguyen Tel: 07801 235 972
SANDRIDGE ROVERS YOUTH FOOTBALL John Pinkham Tel: 07545 262 304
-The Sandridge Youth & Sports Community Association (SYSCA) is a registered charity whose management committee meets on a Monday evening every odd month (Jan, Mar, May etc) to discuss matters concerning the Hall. If you would like to help in the smooth running of the SYSCA, please contact the chairman, Colin Winton, on 07752 642788.
30 SUMMER 2020 www.sandridge-pc.gov.uk All activities have been cancelled by COVID-19. Please call or email Brian for further information.
Brian Ollis Sandridge Village Hall Tel: 01727 867417 Activities and regular hirers E-mail: TO BOOK THIS HALL CONTACT [email protected]
MONDAY 9.30am - 3.30pm PATCHWORK & EMBROIDERY (South Room) Tricia Tominey Tel: 07740 264 469
10.00am - 12.30pm PATCHWORK & EMBROIDERY (North Room) Kathy Osborne Tel: 07831 439 230
1.45pm - 4.00pm W.E.A. DISCUSSION GROUP (current affairs) (North Room) Bill Bond Tel: 01727 851152
4.30pm - 6.00pm MARGUERITA HOARE SCHOOL Rosalie Ollis Tel: 01727 766430
6.30pm - 8.45pm WOODLAND YOGA (North Room) Louise Neicho Tel: 07459 112 675
7.30pm - 8.45pm YOGA Jane Hardy Tel: 07779 297 654
TUESDAY 9.00am - 12.30pm START ART CLASS Sarah Saunders Tel: 01727 848463
9.30am - 3.30pm PATCHWORK & EMBROIDERY (South Room) Tricia Tominey Tel: 07740 264 469
10.00am - 12.30pm PATCHWORK & EMBROIDERY (North Room) Kathy Osborne Tel: 07831 439 230
1.00pm - 2.00pm PILATES (PRIVATE) Jenny Beckwith Tel: 07814 412 231
1.00pm - 4.00pm PATCHWORK & QUILTING CLASSES (North Room) Judith Wilson Tel: 01582 832679
2.15pm - 3.15pm YOGA Jenny Beckwith Tel: 07814 412 231
4.30pm - 7.15pm MARGUERITA HOARE SCHOOL Rosalie Ollis Tel: 01727 766430
7.15pm - 9.45pm THE HEARTS BRIDGE CLUB (1st Tuesday in month) Shirley Pinner Tel: 01727 811638
7.30pm - 10.00pm SANDRIDGE W.I. (2nd Tuesday in month) Jenny Roberts Tel: 07834 320 101
WEDNESDAY 9.30am - 10.30am WOODLAND YOGA (North Room) Louise Neicho Tel: 07459 112 675
10.00am - 1.00pm ARTFUL DODGERS ART GROUP
1.00pm - 4.00pm PATCHWORK & QUILTING CLASSES (North Room) Judith Wilson Tel: 01582 832679
4.30pm - 7.30pm MARGUERITA HOARE SCHOOL Rosalie Ollis Tel: 01727 766430 www.sandridge-pc.gov.uk SUMMER 2020 31 WEDNESDAY 6.30pm - 8.45pm WOODLAND YOGA (North Room) Louise Neicho Tel: 07459 112 675
7.00pm - 9.00pm LODGE ALBANUS (South Room) Mrs Ann Jensen Tel: 01462 893569
7.30pm - 9.30pm EVENING PILATES Claire Morris Tel: 07921 678 756
7.30pm - 9.00pm SANDRIDGE VILLAGE HALL TRUSTEES (1st Wednesday bi-monthly) Brian Ollis Tel: 01727 867417
THURSDAY 9.30am - 10.30am MORNING PILATES Claire Morris Tel: 07921 678 756
1.30pm - 4.30pm U3A IMPROVERS BRIDGE CLUB (South Room) Glenys Vaughan Tel: 01727 831356
2.00pm - 4.00pm U3A CRAFT GROUP (North Room) Judith Wilson Tel: 01582 832679
4.30pm - 7.00pm MARGUERITA HOARE SCHOOL Rosalie Ollis Tel: 01727 766430
7.30pm - 9.30pm PLANT HERITAGE (Herts & Beds) (North Room) Helen Haran Tel: 01727 869437
7.30pm - 9.30pm EVENING PILATES Claire Morris Tel: 07921 678 756
FRIDAY 9.30am - 10.30am MORNING PILATES Claire Morris Tel: 07921 678 756
9.30am - 1.30pm MONTET DESIGN MOSAICS (North Room) Audrey Montet Tel: 07762 875 226
9.15am - 3.30pm PATCHWORK & EMBROIDERY (South Room) Tricia Tominey Tel: 07740 264 469
12.30pm - 4pm SANDRIDGE SILVER THREADS (Fortnightly) Jacky England Tel: 01727 853218
4.30pm - 7.00pm MARGUERITA HOARE SCHOOL Rosalie Ollis Tel: 01727 766430
7.30pm - 10.00pm SANDRIDGE CARPET BOWLS CLUB Janice Sankey Tel: 01727 863243
SATURDAY 9.00am - 1.00pm PATCHWORK & QUILTING CLASSES (South Room) Tricia Tominey Tel: 07740 264 469
9.30am - 10.30am WOODLAND YOGA (North Room) Louise Neicho Tel: 07459 112 675
SUNDAY 9.00am - 6.00pm MARGUERITA HOARE SCHOOL Rosalie Ollis Tel: 01727 766430
9.30am - 10.30am WOODLAND YOGA (North Room) Louise Neicho Tel: 07459 112 675
Sandridge Village Hall Management Committee meets on a Wednesday evening every two months. If you would like to help in the smooth running of the Hall, please contact Brian Ollis on 01727 867417.
32 SUMMER 2020 www.sandridge-pc.gov.uk All activities at this Community Centre have been cancelled by COVID-19. Please call or email Martine for further information. Marshalswick Community Centre Activities and regular hirers Martine MacRae Tel: 07399 403 650 TO BOOK THIS HALL CONTACT E-mail: [email protected]
MONDAY 9.10am - 1.00pm MARSHALSWICK PRE-SCHOOL & NURSERY (2-5 YEARS) (term time only) Nita Patel Tel: 07421 321 994 3.45pm - 4.45pm YOGA Penny Prapatti Tel: 07729 901 874 5.30pm - 7.00pm BROWNIES Mrs Pearson Tel: 01727 861158 7.30pm - 9.30pm CARPET BOWLS Les Fielding Tel: 01727 831586 TUESDAY 9.10am - 1.10pm MARSHALSWICK PRE-SCHOOL & NURSERY (2-5 YEARS) (term time only) Nita Patel Tel: 07421 321 994 2.00pm - 4.00pm EXTEND (exercise for the over 60s) Mrs M Blackman Tel: 01727 853001 5.00pm - 7.00pm WEIGHTWATCHERS Tel: 0844 507 5051 7.15pm - 8.00pm MEDITATION CLASS (1st, 2nd, 4th Tuesdays a month) Penny Prapatti Tel: 07729 901 874 7.00pm - 10.00pm ST. ALBANS FLOWER CLUB (once a month only) Lesley Marsh Tel: 07932 035 033
WEDNESDAY 9.10am - 1.10pm MARSHALSWICK PRE-SCHOOL & NURSERY (2-5 YEARS) (term time only) Nita Patel Tel: 07421 321 994 2.30pm - 4.30pm PENNY WATERMAN SCHOOL OF DANCE (Ballet/ballroom) Penny Waterman Tel: 01727 858632 4.30pm - 5.30pm TAI CHI Sally Golding Tel: 01727 837697 7.00pm - 10.00pm ST. ALBANS ART SOCIETY (1st, 3rd, 4th week in month) Edward Tel: 01727 862472 7.00pm - 10.00pm CITY W.I. (2nd week in month) Barbara Harvey Tel: 01727 865631 THURSDAY 9.10am - 1.10pm MARSHALSWICK PRE-SCHOOL & NURSERY (2-5 YEARS) (term time only) Nita Patel Tel: 07421 321 994 2.30pm - 3.30pm MEDAU MOVEMENT Mrs R Smith Tel: 01727 864577 4.00pm - 5.00pm CHAIR YOGA (1st Thursday every month) Penny Prapatti Tel: 07729 901 874 6.00pm - 7.00pm RAINBOWS Louise Smellie Tel: 01727 848101 7.30pm - 10.00pm AVAILABLE FOR HIRE
FRIDAY 9.10am - 1.00pm MARSHALSWICK PRE-SCHOOL & NURSERY (2-5 YEARS) (term time only) Nita Patel Tel: 07421 321 994 6.00pm - 7.00pm YOGA (not 2nd week in month) Penny Prapatti Tel: 07729 901 874 6.00pm - 10.00pm ALBAN LACEMAKERS (2nd week in month) Mrs M Carey Tel: 01582 769235 SATURDAY 9.30am - 12.00noon PENNY WATERMAN SCHOOL OF DANCE (Ballet/disco/jazz) Penny Waterman Tel: 01727 858632 SUNDAY 8.30am - 11.30am SOCATOTS (Soccer play for 1-5 year olds) Lauren Tel: 07815 966 099 www.sandridge-pc.gov.uk SUMMER 2020 33 Create your own
HIS year, we’re staying at home more than ever, but we can still enjoy fresh air Tand wildlife in our own gardens and Garden outdoor spaces. Here are some top tips on how to create a garden oasis for you and your family this summer. OASIS Keep it colourful For children, watching colourful flowers bloom can be really inspiring. While they’re spending more time at home, why not help your children plant some easy to care for flowers in pots or into the ground and document their growth? Good examples of flowers to plant are Sunflowers, California Poppy (which doesn’t mind being in dry soil if you forget to water it!), and Marigolds (which grow fast and may appeal to impatient youngsters!).
Attracting wildlife Why not consider encouraging bees and other wildlife in your garden by allowing a mixture of Photo: Pete Adkins Dandelions and Daisies to grow as these provide a source of nectar for the bees throughout the summer. If you’re feeling creative, you could even create a bee hotel! There are many ideas online that may help with your design. If you would like to encourage butterflies into your garden, you could include Buddleia or Verbena. Both are colourful plants that are loved by our flying friends. It’s easy to encourage birds into your garden by making your very own bird bath to give birds a safe and reliable source of water in any weather. Youngsters will love to watch the small creatures in your garden too, so why not make a range of small den areas in dark spaces with soil and
Photo: Pete Adkins leaves?
34 SUMMER 2020 www.sandridge-pc.gov.uk Tidy up Create art with nature To keep your garden looking its best, summer Once you’ve created your own garden oasis, is the perfect time to prune hedges and trees why not get creative with the kids by creating as this is when they are at their strongest and works of art with the leaves and flowers from healthiest. However, avoid pruning deciduous the garden. Maybe you could stick them to trees and bushes in summer as these use a lot paper and make a work of art, or simply leave of energy to develop their leaves in spring. them in the garden. Cutting them off in summer will mean the plant won’t be able to re-purpose the nutrients come autumn. It’s best to prune these in the colder months so they are able to stay healthy and strong. Also try to avoid doing any pruning on hot days when the sun is strong as the exposed foliage could become damaged and scorched.
Feed your lawn A seasonal lawn feed will replenish your lawn with much-needed nutrients and make it grow greener and stronger. A fertiliser can also reduce the likelihood of weeds.
www.sandridge-pc.gov.uk SUMMER 2020 35 Local church news Find out what’s going on at your local churches Marshalswick Baptist Free Church
LTHOUGH our buildings are closed, Any donations can be left on the doorstep of except for key worker child care 4 Sherwood Avenue anytime! A during the COVID-19 Pandemic, We also have jigsaws available for loan or Marshalswick Baptist Free Church is still here swap! If you have any that you have finished for you! and can donate, or would like to swap, do A weekly service is available on CDs and on contact us to arrange the handover! line at www.mbfc.org.uk as podcasts in audio If you need practical help or someone to talk and on YouTube with pictures!! to, do call us. We continue to support the community by We plan to have our regular activities up and being a collecting point for the FEED Food running again as soon as it is possible to do Bank and for Tools With A Mission which so. recycles old gardening, carpentry and For more information see www.mbfc.org.uk mechanics tools for use in developing or call 01727 857786 countries.
Ridgeway Church
HERE is no such thing as no church! That difficult time, on our church website home is one of ‘7 things we’ve learned in page there is a short message, ‘Hope beyond Tlockdown’, introduced by Marshall the Coronavirus’. puppet as part of our weekly YouTube Tricia Campbell services (Ridgeway Church, St. Albans YouTube). Although not able to meet physically over the past few weeks we are still very much a church, a community of God’s people, meeting virtually or on the phone, to learn together, pray together and support one another in our various circumstances. Contact
The church office is still open so if you are in need of practical help, or want someone to chat to or pray with you, why not get in touch? If you would like to know how the Christian www.ridgewaychurch.net 01727 869703 good news speaks to us at this strange and [email protected]
36 SUMMER 2020 www.sandridge-pc.gov.uk St. Mary’s Church
N the last issue, we wrote about our plans Sunday, and we upload a video of the for spring and summer, having no idea service, now complete with readings and I that only a few weeks later we would be prayers from members of the congregation in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. and hymns with words so you can sing along! We think of our church as an extended For several weeks, Church of England clergy family, so not being able to meet up has been were not allowed to lead services in their hard. Like many churches, we have had to churches so the Vicar’s dining room became find ways of keeping in contact both with our “church”! each other and members of our wider Connections community. This has meant using our website more, editing and uploading services to St. Mary’s Coffee Shop is usually held YouTube, and holding online meetings – often 10.30am to 12.30pm so, whilst we cannot learning new techniques as we use them! physically get together, we have virtual Coffee Shop on Zoom, and we have 20-30 Access households popping in and out. Peppercorn Place, our communal garden, We realise that not all our congregation is not yet open, but a few people are have internet access, so we keep in touch maintaining it and planting seeds. As with those people through phone calls, cards St. Mary’s was closed at Easter, we had an or letters. outside Easter Garden instead of the usual We have “Stay at Home News” on the one under the altar. website where people say what they have We hope you stay safe and healthy and been doing in lockdown. One of our that life will soon find a “new normal” so, once congregation who had been training for a again, like our banner, we can say “Welcome (cancelled) marathon ran her own personal to St. Mary’s - Open to God, open to you” marathon in a local school playing field, raising money for a new St. Albans charity, “Up on Downs”. Tel: 01727 851544 [email protected] Fr. Grant celebrates Holy Communion each www.marshalswick.org.uk www.sandridge-pc.gov.uk SUMMER 2020 37 LIFE GOES ON at St. Leonard’s Church
E were delighted to welcome Rev. Facebook page, or on Sandridge900, which Kate Daymond as our interim covers a wider range of news, issues and Wminister on Sunday 16th February. photographs. The current emergency has closed the Changes church building, but has definitely not closed down the life of St. Leonard’s. Our Sunday The church magazine has become a morning services continue through the Zoom digital publication distributed by email as a conferencing app, which can now be complimentary service while the restrictions accessed with just an ordinary telephone. The last. Details of how to ask for a copy are on order of service is also posted on the church the church website. website, or can be delivered on paper. The Easter Experience, initially planned as Afterwards, we continue with a virtual coffee a self-guided tour of the events of Holy Week and chat session. for visitors to the Church, moved outside into the churchyard. There were illustrated Connections laminated meditations posted on conveniently distanced trees, and a garden Our phone-network system of “church tomb, created by two church members, buddies” continues to evolve and strengthen. erected on the grass. The national Daily Hope phoneline 0800 804 With present uncertainties, there can be no 8044 is also available 24 hours a day and guarantee that this year’s Flower Festival will offers a choice of options including hymns be able to go ahead as usual in October. If it and a recording of the weekly national online is not possible to hold it in the church, a virtual service. Flower Festival with the title ‘A Harvest of The church website is a great source of Words’ may take place with arrangements information and practical, spiritual and created at home and shared online. This may psychological support. Our prayer list be a Flower Festival unlike any previous one, continues to be kept up to date and is but the tradition will carry on. circulated by email. If you would like to receive the list, please let us know. News and Christine Nutton photos can also be found on the church
Rev Kate Daymond may be contacted via the church website, or by email at [email protected] or on 07395415057 www.sandridgechurch.org.uk www.sandridge-pc.gov.uk SUMMER 2020 37 Councillor profile Councillor Lyn Bolton
last wrote a profile about four years as District Councillor. myself for Neighbourhood I learnt many more facts and I News in Spring 2009. I wrote techniques and became much then about my life’s work history more political in my which had three distinct and judgements. I chaired Plans different parts: one in nuclear Central, a body of councillors physics research, followed by who make decisions on twenty-two years in Human planning applications which Resources, and, finally, as a have been “called in” by a Financial Consultant with my district councillor, for two of own business; passing this over those four years. I also served to a lady much younger than on the Audit Committee, the myself when I finally retired in Licensing Committee and the 2007. Budget Scrutiny committee. I first became involved in local affairs in 1995, although I Elected had moved to Jersey Farm from London in 1987. My first foray was to join Jersey Farm In 2019, I lost this district seat but had stood Residents’ Association (JFRA), and I am still a for the parish, and four of us were elected member of the JFRA committee. I was chair unopposed in Jersey Farm. So, here I am of JFRA for nine years and relinquished this again. position in 2008 for someone else to have a I still fervently believe that party politics go. should not play a part in Parish Council, but unfortunately this still does occur from time to Activities time. Working together is the way to achieve our goals, even though we may not all always I have been the co-ordinator of Jersey Farm have the same point of view. We should have Day Care Centre (JFDCC) since 2008, the debate, take a vote, and then act with although I first became involved in 2006 as a collective responsibility. driver of the minibus which collects the clients Work for constituents in our respective from their homes so that they can attend the wards is also an activity which can be centre each week. challenging and interesting. I am chair of the I became involved in Sandridge Parish Community Centres Committee and serve Council (SPC) in 2002 when I was co-opted also on the Finance Committee. The rewards onto the council. I resigned in 2005 on a for being a Councillor are often intangible, matter of principle, but was elected again in almost always substantial, and, on the 2007. I served on many of SPC’s committees downside, they are time consuming - but we over the next eight years, and I believe I made know that before we stand. a solid contribution to the activities of the My work with JFRA and JFDCC is council. complementary to the position of Parish In 2015, I stood for District Council in Councillor, and they are all practised by me Marshalswick North, and I won that seat. I did with the aim of achieving the best outcomes not, at the same time, stand for the Parish for the residents of Jersey Farm and the parish Council. I enjoyed (and worked hard) for the as a whole.
www.sandridge-pc.gov.uk SUMMER 2020 39 40 SUMMER 2020 www.sandridge-pc.gov.uk www.sandridge-pc.gov.uk SUMMER 2020 41 WILLS, TRUSTS AND PROBATE Why you should seek qualified professional advice and guidance with wills and estate planning
T is often quoted by financial institutions offer up some commercial opportunities. that 60% of people have not made a will! Prices are not quoted, as costs inevitably I Unfortunately, they omit to tell you what increase, which means it is an open structure. percentage of those who have made a will Within solicitor’s practices, Will Storage was review it or update it. “free”, due to the fact the solicitor’s practice Changes in legislation, beneficiaries who would be executors, and their charges at this have moved or died, and newborns who end of the process will normally be expressed need to be included, are all things that need as a percentage of the estate, plus to be taken into consideration. disbursements and travel costs. Also, the initial solicitor’s practices may have merged, ceased, or suspended operations. Worries The practical aspects of this are the person you dealt with, along with their ethics and Nowadays, there are several storage their ethos, may have been challenged for centres where the Will Documents and Title their commercial reasons and have changed Deeds for properties and other important significantly. documents may be kept at an annual cost, and for which they are fully insured. If you Problems keep your will or title deeds at home, you need to check: Does your house insurance This may be a concern if they were policy (or any other insurance contract) cover appointed as executors, and the powers them? Is your Will safe from water or fire written into the will may state “any officer or damage, destruction by explosion, burglary, director or of the firm may act “. or infestation? Have you told your executor Whilst this may be good practice, it does where the will is kept?
42 SUMMER 2020 www.sandridge-pc.gov.uk We have seen property prices increase attorney(s) to look after the best interests of almost uncontrollably, and children have the Donor, under section 8, “with their best seen “their inheritance” increase substantially. interests uppermost”. Abuse of this may be Some want their inheritance often before their challenged by the Office of the Public parents have had the opportunity to use their Guardian, the courts, or police. cash/assets, leading to the undue influence We experienced children taking control of of children looking after their own needs their parents’ money and assets, depriving rather than the parents. them of income or information – in their attempts to access these funds without Assets notifying the HMRC with regard to tax implications – or just depriving their brothers You need to work out a lifetime cash flow and sisters of their share of the inheritance. using your assets and liabilities to ensure you Speak with a professional who operates maintain your desired lifestyle for your own with qualifications, Professional Indemnity benefit – not the aspirations of children, Insurance, and under a code of Compliance grandchildren, or other third parties. such as the Institute of Professional Will Writers Any care or care home needs will be (IPW), Society of Trustee and Estate assessed by local Councils, and all assets, Practitioners (STEP), and trading standards. including property, may be included in the Pay a fee for the work carried out to someone calculations and used to fund care costs. Any who is independent and with your best distributions may be classed as Deprivation of interests uppermost, now and for the future. Assets. Lasting Powers of Attorney is a deed Ian Lees, Westminster Wills enforceable under law and requires the 01727 867888
www.sandridge-pc.gov.uk SUMMER 2020 43 Meet our new Countryside Ranger Tanya Dickson
OME readers may have already met me be working hard to talk on their daily exercise or dog walks at to and engage with as S Nomansland Common. If not, my name many residents of is Tanya and I am your new Countryside Sandridge and users Ranger. of Nomansland Common as possible. I have been working in the environmental However, with COVID-19 and the lockdown, sector since graduating university in 2014, and this has not happened. I am passionate about protecting our The common has been quiet, although community green spaces. I have been everyone I have met (at a socially looking after the common since the appropriate distance) has been super beginning of February this year, which has friendly. I would be happy to hear from any meant that I have witnessed Nomansland residents who have any questions about the burst into life as spring marches forward common or ideas for how we can improve it regardless of our human lockdown. for local wildlife and the community. You can reach me at Wildlife [email protected] I hope that you have also had an I have seen the beautiful bluebells opportunity to appreciate the wildlife around blooming, the golden gorse buzzing with you this spring, even if just from the comfort of bees, the heather starting to burst into life after your garden or out of your window at home. I winter, and the bird song in the woods - the am privileged to be able to say that most beautiful musical symphony - has Nomansland is my ‘office’ and look after this somehow seemed louder this year. fantastic community space for you. Please So far, this has been a very strange spring. look out for me when you are next on the Normally, when taking over a new site, I would common and give me a wave.
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44 SUMMER 2020 www.sandridge-pc.gov.uk Online Services from Hertfordshire Library Service
HERE are so many ways that Ancestry - Did you know you can access Hertfordshire Library Service can help Ancestry online as well? Just visit our website Tyou through lockdown and beyond. and look up Reference Library Online. E-books and E-Audiobooks - Our E-Library Research - Why not check out the complete was already a great resource, but we’ve online Encyclopaedia Britannica and The expanded it massively during the lockdown. Dictionary of National Biography? They’re There are hundreds of free E-Books and both great for helping the kids with their E-Audiobooks you can borrow. No fines, no schoolwork, or just for passing the time. worries, and no need to leave your house. Online courses - In the Learning Section of Just go to www.hertfordshire.gov.uk and our Online Reference Library, you can get free look up E-books and Audiobooks to find the access to online courses. Universal Class gives link to our E-Library. You’ll need to download you access to over 500 high quality online the BorrowBox app. courses, from art and photography, home Like a physical library, there are only so and garden, to writing skills. Courses have real many copies of a particular title available at instructors to guide the learning and provide a time. But each month, Hertfordshire a collaborative learning environment. Future Librarians make a select number of titles Learn provides courses from top Universities, available for hundreds of people to borrow at and Learn My Way helps you sharpen your once. computer skills. Book Group - You can even join Herts Follow the Marshalswick Library Facebook Libraries’ online Book Group – Readers Page for more updates and ideas on ways to Connected. It’s run through the main pass the time and stay safe and well. Hertfordshire Libraries Facebook Page and features a new book each month. They’re all Richard Marpole available through BorrowBox to as many Library Manager for Marshalswick Library people as want to borrow them. Social Media - The Hertfordshire Libraries Facebook Page and Twitter account also share a ton of useful and interesting information – including a daily activity that you can share with your baby or child under 5! Newspapers and magazines - As a Hertfordshire Library Service member, you can get the Pressreader and/or RBDigital app for free and choose from thousands of titles in downloadable form. Visit www.hertfordshire.gov.uk and look up newspapers.
www.sandridge-pc.gov.uk SUMMER 2020 45 CURRENTLY SUSPENDED DUE TO COVID-19 FREE Pensioners’ Bus on Wednesdays Sponsored by Sandridge Parish Council
ROUTE 247 (PPH COACH) - Wednesdays mornings ROUTE 248 (PPH COACH) - Wednesdays mornings OUTWARD JOURNEY - from Sandridge village OUTWARD JOURNEY - from The Quadrant
DEPART DEPART Opposite St. Leonard’s Church 09.53 Hughenden Road (near the dry cleaners) 10.30 Langley Grove / High Street 09.55 The Ridgeway / Kingshill Avenue 10.40 Langley Grove / Shotfield Close 09.58 The Ridgeway / outside Sandringham School 10.42 High Street / Rose and Crown PH 10.00 The Ridgeway / Windmill Avenue 10.44 St. Albans Road / St. Helier Road 10.03 The Ridgeway / Barnfield Road 10.46 Sandringham Crescent / Belsize Close 10.05 The Quadrant (outside the library) 10.48
Sandringham Crescent / Blackberry Jack PH 10.07 ARRIVE St. Peter’s Street 11.00 ARRIVE St. Peter’s Street 10.20 RETURN JOURNEY DEPART St. Peter’s Street (outside Tesco Store) 12.45 RETURN JOURNEY DEPART Return journeys retrace outward routes stopping at The St. Peter’s Street (outside Tesco Store) 12.00 Ridgeway / Windmill Avenue, The Ridgeway / Barnfield Road and outside Marshalswick Library at The Quadrant
46 SUMMER 2020 www.sandridge-pc.gov.uk www.sandridge-pc.gov.uk SUMMER 2020 47 Thank-you to our
KEY WORKERS
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