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2 AUTUMN 2017 NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS Neighbourhood NEWS In this issue...
Chair’s report 4-5 Chilean Ambassador visit 25 Councillor Janet Churchard Locals welcome him to Jersey Farm Woodland Park Woodland Park Mid-Summer Celebration 6-7 Sandridge Village Hall 27-28 Event proves a great success A listing of activities and regular hirers Parish Council Meetings 2017 8 Marshalswick Community Centre 29 Dates and venues of Sandridge Parish Council meetings A listing of activities and regular hirers Skys Wood Information Board 9 Jersey Farm Community Centre 30 A listing of activities and regular hirers Learn everything about the ancient woodland SandPit Theatre celebrates award win 31 Voted ‘Best Local Theatre’ Nomansland Local church news 33-35 Nature Find out what’s going on at your local churches Local Hero Awards 37 Quest Would you like to nominate a local hero?
That which Annual Household Canvass 39 Your vote matters, don’t lose it was lost 10-11 Heartwood Notice Board - Autumn 2017 12 Forest A list of contact points in the area parkrun Who do I contact? 13 Useful numbers for many local issues Encouraging people Sandridge Parish Council Office 14-15 40-41 to be healthier and An important role in the local community happier Education news 16-18 Noise pollution - One year on 43 Find out what’s going on at your local schools An update from St. Albans Quieter Skies Sandridge Neighbourhood Plan 19 Amazing talent 44 An update on progress Local schoolboy wins film award Summer at Heartwood 20-21 End of an era 44 The forest hosts a variety of popular events Herts Advertiser stops delivering to local area Serving the community 22-23 Free pensioners’ bus timetable 45 Parish Council grants ensure a good time is had by all! Sponsored by Sandridge Parish Council
Along with this edition of Neighbourhood News you will also receive a copy of the new Sandridge Parish Map, updated from the 1995 Community map
Cover photo - Woodland Park in Autumn (taken by Francesca Hayes) Published for and on behalf of Sandridge Parish Council
Published by: LOCAL PUBLISHING LTD Tel: 01727 757475 Circulation: Over 4,750 homes in Marshalswick, Jersey [email protected] Farm and Sandridge. This is equivalent to all of the www.localpublishing.co.uk AL4 9-- postcode area. Editor: STEFANIE HAYES [email protected] EDITORIAL DEADLINE Advertising: NICK HAYES [email protected] If you have an article you would like to be considered for the WINTER 2017 issue, please email it to the editor Address: Neighbourhood News, c/o Sandridge Parish by Thursday 2nd November 2017 Council, Marshalswick Community Centre, COPYRIGHT - Items in this publication are subject to copyright. The Ridgeway, St. Albans, AL4 9TU 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 in Neighbourhood News are accepted in good faith but neither Sandridge Parish Council nor the editor can be held responsible for goods or services advertised.
NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS AUTUMN 2017 3 Chair’s report Report by Councillor Janet Churchard
am pleased to St. Mary’s Church. See page 22 for a report write that there on this. I are more positives As usual, colourful hanging baskets have than negatives in my report. been put up in the Village, at St. Brelade’s Both Councillors and Officers strive to and in Marshalswick. maintain Sandridge Parish as a lovely place A team of Parish Councillors and Officers to live and work. We constantly review our spent a morning tidying and replanting the performance and when we, or our residents, tubs at the Bolingbrook roundabout. A ramp identify opportunity for improvement, we do up to the Parish Office has also been our best to do so. When appropriate, completed to make access easier. problems are referred to St. Albans District Residents are not always aware of how Council or Herts County Council. many local playgrounds are maintained by the Parish Council, although often ‘owned’ Grants by the District Council. In June, it was confirmed that the freehold The Parish Council continues to support a of Sherwood Park and Skyswood has been number of local organisations, although we transferred to Sandridge Parish Council. We have to budget more closely than in the past. intend to not just keep up the current This morning (mid August) I was hearing standard but to improve this valued area. about the success of Holidays at Home, an event which is run each summer by Improvements
Two play areas have had improvements. At Harness Way, the installation of a new basketball hoop has been much appreciated and is being well used. Over at Jersey Farm Adventure Play Area a new zip wire has been installed. It has been eagerly awaited and looks to be great fun.
Parish Councillors and Officers tidying and replanting the tubs at the Bolingbrook roundabout
4 NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS Some residents were a bit surprised to find I find it sad that a previously inclusive Parish, at the time of the County Council elections District and County boundary has been that they no longer live in the County changed. Division of Sandridge. Jersey Farm Woodland Park had a visit For as long as I can remember, the County from a Green Flag Award judge in at the end Division has had the same boundary as of June and it is good to know that they still Sandridge Parish Council. Also, the two consider us to have an excellent green open District Council wards of Marshaslwick space. North and Jersey Farm and the Village fitted Also in June was the Woodland Park neatly within the Parish Boundary as well. Summer Celebration where visitors were able to enjoy music, activities, a dog show Changes and a wonderful display by young horse In the interests of rationalising numbers, riders from the Parish. the Boundary Commission has made I would like to thank Sandridgebury changes; The Village is now part of Stables and Rebecca Pannese for organising Harpenden Rural and parts of Colney the horse riding display. A selection of photos Heath have been added to create the new of the day and a report from Rebecca can be County Division of Colney Heath and seen on pages 6 and 7. Marshalswick. No doubt this makes sense numerically, but Councillor Janet Churchard
St Mary’s Church Christmas SATURDAY 18TH NOVEMBER Fair 10.30am - 2pm Visit by Santa 11.30am Cakes & produce Crafts & gifts, Sweet shop Collectibles, Face painting Tombolas, Refreshments Chinese raffle (prizes donated by local businesses) and much more... Entrance 50p (accompanied children FREE) Proceeds to the church and its chosen charities For more information: Lucy 07949 933 167 Kathryn 07742 594 668
1 Sherwood Avenue, Marshalswick, AL4 9QA
NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS AUTUMN 2017 5 Event proves a great success Woodland Park hosts a fantastic Mid-Summer Celebration N Saturday 24th June, we hosted a you to Councillor Janet Churchard who Parish celebration on our beautiful stepped in at the last minute to be our judge OJersey Farm Woodland Park. after unforeseen circumstances prevented the There was a full programme of events original judge and organiser from being throughout the afternoon, including an there. We had participation rosettes for all, equestrian display, a tug of war, a dog show, plus presents and dog treats for the winners outdoor yoga sessions, plus many more of each class. In one class, we had over 40 creative activities and displays to entertain entrants! local families. Activities A live jazz band provided mellow background music, and, luckily for us, it was Many of the children (and adults!) enjoyed a lovely sunny afternoon. We also had some wood carving on the lathe, building insect of our very own Woodland Park bees on hotels and spending time at one of our Parish display in a glass hive, and our resident Brownie pack’s activity tables. expert bee-keeper was on hand to educate The scouts provided the catering and the enthusiastic onlookers. marquees, and the event was organised and Education managed by Sandridge Parish Council volunteers. We had an educational wall with a We are very much looking forward to our template of our new Parish Map, along with next summer celebration - look out for more identification posters of wild flowers, insects information coming in a future edition of and birds, all of which can be seen in and Neighbourhood News! around Woodland Park. The famous knitted Rebecca Pannese village was also on display! Project & Amenities Officer The equestrian team came from Sandridgebury Riding Stables and all the horses were impeccably behaved - despite all EDITORIAL COPY DATE being relatively new to musical ride displays! WINTER 2017 - Issue 87 Everyone thoroughly enjoyed watching the For inclusion in the next issue, please horses and riders ride in harmony to some ensure copy is submitted before exciting pop music. nd The dog show was a huge success. Thank Thursday 2 November 2017
NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS AUTUMN 2017 7 Parish Council Meetings 2017 Dates and venues of Sandridge Parish Council Meetings
Wednesday 11th October - Marshalswick Community Centre Wednesday 8th November - Marshalswick Community Centre Wednesday 13th December - Marshalswick Community Centre Wednesday 10th January - Marshalswick Community Centre Wednesday 14th February - Marshalswick Community Centre Please note: All meetings start at 7.30pm and are usually held on the second Wednesday of each month
8 AUTUMN 2017 NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS Skys Wood information board Everything you want to know about this ancient woodland
T the end of July, members of illustrated showing the fauna and flora of Sandridge Parish Council’s PEAP Skys Wood, as well as the history of this A Committee went along to Skys remainder of Marshalswick’s ancient Wood, which is part of the Sherwood woodland. The idea of placing information Avenue play and recreation area, for the boards around different sites of Sandridge installation of an information board about Parish is to enhance enjoyment and Skys Wood. understanding of the parish for all users. Whilst some, Rebecca and Mark in So, please come along and find out more particular, got on with the hard work of about this ancient woodland and, if you digging the holes for the board to stand in, would like to help us preserve and improve others of us provided encouragement and a Skys Wood, please join us on our winter bit of bramble clearing around the winter working groups. planted saplings. For more information on our working parties or anything else related to Skys Wood, Positive please contact the Parish Council office on 01727 831871 or visit our website The information board was soon in www.sandridge-pc.gov.uk position and attracting the attention of We also have a Facebook page where you many people enjoying walks and other can find local information. activities that morning. The information board is beautifully Councillor Jenny Roberts
Sandridge Parish Council’s Committee members were proud to unveil another new information board in the Sandridge Parish
NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS AUTUMN 2017 9 Nomansland Nature Quest That which was lost...
I was going to say it’s been a disappointing year with no archaeological ‘finds’ on Nomansland, but not everyone would agree. During June, various primary schools in Sandridge sent out year groups to take part in the Nomansland Nature Quest events, designed to enhance understanding of this very special environmental asset. AVING, it is thought, provided the success. original course for the River The climbing tree further east was H Thames before turning into a inundated with whole classes of young glacial lake in the last Ice Age, (the Anglian climbers and various re-enactments were one, a modest 450,000 years ago), performed nearby. Nomansland Common now hosts some of History Hertfordshire’s very rare heathland and a number of plants specific to such areas; Devised by Mark Carter, who runs these heather, sheep sorrel, heath bedstraw, dwarf events for both Sandridge and gorse and black knapweed amongst them. Wheathampstead, these are intended to This, along with all the associated wildlife, highlight some of the historic incidents that make it a perfect place to introduce the have taken place on the Common. young to the magic on their doorstep. They include the death of the shepherd in 1428 which sparked a bitter inter-monastic Collection dispute, the closing stage of the Second Battle of St. Albans on a rainy day in 1461, The events started off with an introductory and the notorious (if possibly fictional) walk and talk in the wooded bit, finding the activities of Katherine Ferrers, the Wicked pits from which brick-making clay was Lady, supposedly our very own extracted, learning how to tell the age of a highwaywoman, from around 1660. tree without cutting it down, watching out for Not forgetting, of course, the finding of the and naming the various forms of wildlife and 159 Roman gold coins, the Sandridge collecting specific varieties of flora. Hoard. The coins were discovered by a To keep things lively it wasn’t all about novice metal detector five years ago having birds and bees and butterflies, which could been buried sometime around 400AD and have become boring. Camps were can now to be seen constructed in an old clay pit area (opposite in the Verulamium the house where the mid 20th century Museum. children’s author Malcolm Saville lived) and attempts were made to use improvised Councillor John catapults or bows and arrows with varying Newton-Davies
Our young actors were asked to contrive their own depiction of the burying of the Sandridge Hoard (159 Roman gold coins) and its eventual unearthing one thousand six hundred or so years later, a task they each performed with gusto and imagination. One feels sorry for the Roman who failed to reunite with his valuable treasure but, if a family man, he would certainly have enjoyed seeing it being re-discovered by the youngsters of today! 11 Notice Board - Autumn 2017 A listing of contact points throughout the neighbourhood
PARISH COUNCILLORS DISTRICT/COUNTY COUNCILLORS SANDRIDGE VILLAGE WARD Lyn Bolton: DISTRICT - 20 Harefield Place, St. Albans, AL4 9JQ Tel: 01727 834699 Natalie Kemp: Blenhame, House Lane, Sandridge, E-mail: [email protected] St. Albans, AL4 9EG Tel: 01727 842489 E-mail: [email protected] John Hale: COUNTY (see Parish list) John Newton-Davies: Forge Cottage, 3 Church Janet Churchard: DISTRICT (see Parish list) End, Sandridge, AL4 9DL Tel: 01727 837507 E-mail: [email protected] Tom Clegg: DISTRICT - 33 Furze Avenue, St. Albans, AL4 9NF Tel: 01727 835004 [email protected] JERSEY FARM WARD Stefania Estacchini: 11 Harefield Place, Jersey Frances Leonard: DISTRICT - 14 Rose Walk, Farm, St. Albans, AL4 9JQ Tel: 01727 751325 St. Albans, AL4 9AF Tel: 01727 861860 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] John Hale: 37 Chandlers Road, St. Albans, AL4 9RT Beric Read: DISTRICT - 34 Windmill Avenue, Tel: 01727 837371 E-mail: [email protected] St. Albans, AL4 9TF Tel: 01727 760060 E-mail: [email protected] Bernard Roberts: 5 Pollicot Close, Jersey Farm, St. Albans AL4 9YL Tel: 01727 835509 CLERK TO THE COUNCIL E-mail: [email protected] Simon Thwaites: Marshalswick Community Centre, Jennifer Roberts: 5 Pollicot Close, Jersey Farm, The Ridgeway, St. Albans, AL4 9TU St. Albans AL4 9YL Tel: 01727 835509 Tel: 01727 831871 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected]
MARSHALSWICK NORTH (EAST) DEPUTY CLERK Janet Churchard: 58 Pondfield Crescent, St. Albans, Frances Grant AL4 9PF Tel: 01727 860368 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Claudio Duran: Woodland House, St. Helier Road, PROJECT & AMENITIES OFFICER Sandridge, St. Albans, AL4 9LQ Tel: 01727 850599 Rebecca Pannese E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] John Foster: 29 Chiltern Road, St. Albans, AL4 9SW Tel: 01727 862079 HALLS FOR HIRE E-mail: [email protected] The following halls located in the Parish are all available for hire by the public. Please telephone June Reid: 43 Windmill Avenue, St. Albans, AL4 9SJ the relevant contact person for more information. Tel: 01727 837953 E-mail: [email protected] Marshalswick & Jersey Farm Community Centres MARSHALSWICK NORTH (WEST) Martine MacRae Tel: 07399 403 650 Julie Booth: 31 Craiglands, St. Albans, AL4 9AH E-mail: [email protected] Tel: 01727 759066 Marshalswick Baptist Free Church E-mail: [email protected] Cath Cresswell Tel: 01727 861121 E-mail: [email protected] Geoff Churchard: 58 Pondfield Crescent, St. Albans, AL4 9PF Tel: 01727 860368 St. Mary’s Church Hall, Sherwood Avenue E-mail: [email protected] Mrs Mary Smith Tel: 01727 866877 E-mail: [email protected] Neil Harris: 73 The Ridgeway, St. Albans, AL4 9NR Tel: 01727 760781 E-mail: [email protected] Sandridge Village Hall Mr Brian Ollis Tel: 01727 867417 Graham Leonard: 14 Rose Walk, St. Albans, AL4 E-mail: [email protected] 9AF Tel: 01727 861860 Spencer Hall E-mail: [email protected] Nigel Rump Tel: 01727 835506 POLICE VERY URGENT 999 Non-emergency calls/report local incidents 101 Calling 101 will take you to a call centre, your call will be routed to the correct part of the service
12 AUTUMN 2017 NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS Who do I contact? Useful numbers for many issues that arise in our Parish
ISSUES WITH GRASS VERGES, POT HOLES ST. ALBANS HOUSEHOLD WASTE AND PROBLEMS WITH STREET LIGHTS AND RECYCLING CENTRE (RONSONS WAY) Hertfordshire County Council 0300 1234 051 (Wasteaware) www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/home Opening days are Monday, Thursday, or call 0300 123 4040 Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Summer times 10am-6pm. Winter times 8am-4pm OPEN SPACES AND RECREATION GROUNDS NON EMERGENCY POLICE CALLS - DIAL 101 Please call the Parish office on 01727 831871 or email [email protected] PROBLEMS WITH FLOODING Not all the open spaces are owned by Hertfordshire County Council Sandridge Parish Council but we are www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/home.aspx or happy to be the first point of contact. 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/#
NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS AUTUMN 2017 13 Sandridge Parish Council Office An important role in the local community
OCAL councils are responsible for Town and Parish Councils becoming more employing staff to meet the various empowered to respond to local taxpayers’ L statutory obligations placed on views in the way money is spent. them. This includes appointing a post holder It’s worth remembering that Council Tax responsible for the administration of its raised by the Parish Council is used financial affairs (the Responsible Financial exclusively within the Parish, unlike higher Officer) and for ensuring compliance with tiers of local government where taxes are various administrative tasks such as generally pooled and redistributed. convening meetings and minuting decisions This, combined with having an open office (the Proper Officer). on The Ridgeway, good local knowledge and By doing so, councils remain transparent greater opportunities for residents to contact in their financial dealings, accountable in us, directly results in a targeted and effective their decision making process and use of public funding. That is what much of comparable by producing accounts to a the Localism Act was created to achieve and prescribed format. illustrates how working within this level of local government can feel like a growth area Background in contrast to many other public services. The Localism Act also encourages Local Parish Councils and smaller Town Councils to recognise that assets such as Councils often combine these two key roles parks, car parks or open spaces might be into one and that is the position I hold in better managed by a more local body with Sandridge Parish as Clerk. It might be worth direct knowledge of local issues. This has clarifying at this point that Sandridge Parish already resulted in the transfer of assets from incorporates all Marshalswick to the north of the District Council to Sandridge Parish with Marshalswick Lane, all of Jersey Farm, and several others in the pipeline. Sandridge Village, including the outlying areas reaching right over through much of Nomansland Common to the John Bunyan pub. My background is in public sector finance, specifically housing finance. I joined Sandridge Parish Council in 2013 and became Clerk in 2015. Town and Parish Councils are the lowest tier of local government but are evolving in many ways to become the most rewarding to work within. In 2011, the Localism Act was introduced to encourage local decision b The hu making on local issues. This resulted in l of loca unity comm 14 issues This shift away from centralisation in the administrative support and ensuring sector should, for example, mean that a compliance with the rules governing resident contacting the Parish Office with meetings etc. concerns on a local issue will immediately Increasingly, we are also happy for the speak to someone who personally knows the Parish Office to serve as a hub for Sandridge location, could well have prior knowledge of residents to contact in respect of other local the issue and is able to either act or issues outside the Parish Council’s control collaborate with one of our partner such as highways or anti-social behaviour. organisations in finding a solution. This sometimes means raising issues highlighted by residents at meetings with Future partner organisations such as Herts Highways or the police. At the very least, we Recent examples of asset transfers are can usually provide reliable details of exactly Sherwood Park and Skyswood in who to contact and how to do so. Marshalswick, and Harness Way Open Space on Jersey Farm. In the same spirit, the Meetings Parish Council is working towards taking a Parish Council meetings are held on the lease on the Sandridge village allotments second Wednesday of each month (other from Hertfordshire County Council. than August) at 7.30pm in Marshalswick Moreover, the ongoing drafting of the Community Centre (entrance to the rear of Sandridge Neighbourhood Plan has been Marshalswick Library). You would be very invaluable in gathering the views, aspirations welcome to attend and may get a better idea and expectations of Sandridge residents. of the sorts of issues the Parish Council is As well as myself, the Parish Council involved in. Agendas are published in employs a Deputy Clerk, a Project and advance on the Parish Council’s website. All Amenities Officer and a Community Centres contact details may be found on page 12. Manager. Collectively, the office team do a great job servicing the eight formal Simon Thwaites, Parish Clerk committees as well as Full Council, providing On behalf of the Parish Office team
NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS AUTUMN 2017 15 Education news Find out what’s going on at your local schools
Sandringham School
E start the new school year on the back of further outstanding Wperformances at all levels and many developments to ensure the school continues to meet its ‘World Class Schools’ designation. Over the summer, we have completed our development and expansion of the main school hall. We have also undertaken a full renovation of the swimming pool and changing areas ready for the 2017-2018 season. In late September and early October, the school will be open for morning tours for prospective families. was packed with Opportunities The summer term xtended learning activities including e nd it for life week. Two On Thursday 2 November, we will be week, arts week and f nual 5-mile charity holding an introduction to the Sixth Form and key events were the an ld on the last day of the BeauSandVer post-16 Education Trust. run and sports day, he erfect examples of This is for anyone interested in joining the sixth the year. Both were p es as a community form at Sandringham and with our trust how the school operat s collectively. partners, Beaumont and Verulam Schools and and enjoys doing thing part of the BeauSandVer post-16 trust. If you are interested in finding out more about the th th fantastic opportunities available, contact the • Thurs 16 - Sat 18 November, 7pm school to reserve a place, or simply turn up in Whole School Show - Guys and Dolls the evening. A full Sixth Form Opening evening SandPit Theatre. will be held in early January. • Wed 29th November, 7pm I very much look forward to another International evening - SandPit Theatre wonderful year at Sandringham and to working closely with all members of our local • Thurs 30th November, 7pm community to further improve the lives of House choreography - SandPit Theatre people in this area. • Sat 2nd December, 11am - 4pm Alan Gray, Headteacher Xmas Fayre - throughout the main part of the school. Sandringham School, The Ridgeway, St. Albans, AL4 9NX Tel: 01727 759240 • Mon 11th December, 7pm www.sandringham.herts.sch.uk Carol Service - St. Leonard’s Church
16 AUTUMN 2017 NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS Wheatfields Infants and Nursery School
HE School has achieved an One can imagine what happened - there outstanding result in this year’s were mud pies, mud trails, mud statutes, mud TNational Phonics Screening test. An words and muddied faces, including some incredible 98% of children across Year 1 members of staff! passed the necessary target of 32 marks out of 40. The National Average will not be Development published until the Autumn, but last year it was 81%! Following on from this, we are improving an area of the playground as a permanent Muddy discovery area so that the children can There was an exciting end to this year’s develop an understanding and love of the learning when the children celebrated outdoor area. International Mud day. The school’s Nursery provision has been increased by the agreement of Jousters to accept children aged 3+, both for their breakfast and after school clubs. We are also still offering places for children who qualify for the ‘30 hour free child care’ recently introduced by the government. Anyone who is interested in applying please telephone 01727 859978 or email admin@wheatfieldsinfants. herts.sch.uk
NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS AUTUMN 2017 17 Wheatfields Junior School
HE summer term was, as ever, during 2016/2017, and we were all quite extremely eventful at Wheatfields staggered to see the break-down! In total, the Tand the children and staff were all children attended 826 sporting clubs and relieved to start their summer holiday! events, with 96 of these trying a sports club In June, we had a visit from OFSTED and for the first time. The children have played we are delighted that the outcome was very against each other and other schools on a positive, with the inspector reporting that we regular basis and our trophy cabinet is now continue to deliver a very good standard of bulging as a result of their successes. education. We were really pleased with the strengths identified by the inspector and that Effort we are now able to start the new school year with a clear agenda, taking into account Sports clubs and events are made available constructive feedback regarding ways in for both girls and boys and children of all which to further improve our excellent abilities are very welcome. This is a fantastic school. achievement and is down to the dedication Farewell and hard work of the staff and coaches. Thank you all! As always, it was sad to say goodbye to our We all now look forward to a brand new Year 6 leavers. They were a delight to work school year and to welcoming our new Year with and achieved great things at 2 children, as well as one or two new staff Wheatfields. Their end of year SATs results members. As ever, if you would like to know were high and were all well above the more about what we get up to at Wheatfields, national and Hertfordshire results. We are or are interested in helping the children in proud of the progress that each and every some way, please do not hesitate to contact one of the children made, not only in SATs, us. You would be very welcome. but in terms of their overall personal, social Contact details can be found on our and academic achievements. website www.wheatfieldjm.herts.sch.uk As the year came to an end, our sports or call 01727 757443. staff did some analysis around the range and quantity of sporting events and achievements Lyndon Evans, Headteacher
Year 6 students performing their end of year play ‘Alice’
18 AUTUMN 2017 NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS Sandridge Neighbourhood Plan An update on progress
INCE the beginning, our approach Sustainable Development - policies has been that neighbourhood relating to home building and how the Parish S planning should be community-led to develops over the coming years including ensure it remains true to residents’ policies on the Environment, Health and aspirations for their community and Wellbeing; environment. Sustainable Transport - policies about As a result, over 60 individuals have the transport needs of the Parish; and contributed to the Plan as members of Community Working Parties and Policy Sustainable Commerce - policies to Working Groups. The initial surveys were support the retail and commercial activity in completed by over 900 residents and have the Parish. been the basis on which the Plan has been The drafting of the policies has taken developed. The Plan could not have been longer than we had hoped and, therefore, the produced without this support. timetable for producing the Plan has had to be extended. We continue to monitor how Draft the District Council progresses with their Since the last update, we have prepared an Strategic Plan as it influences the initial draft of the Neighbourhood Plan Neighbourhood Plan. However, completion which has been shared with the Parish of our Plan is not dependent on the Council. Subsequently, a copy has been sent St. Albans District Strategic Plan. to St. Albans City and District Council and We now hope to have a Draft Plan by the other third parties for comment. end of the year so that formal consultation Before we produced that initial draft, and a referendum on the Plan can take place public meetings were held in Sandridge, in 2018. If you have any questions about the Jersey Farm and Marshalswick. We are Plan, please contact the Parish Office. grateful to everyone who attended and Councillor John Hale provided feedback. Further public meetings On behalf of the Neighbourhood Plan will be held as the Plan progresses. Working Group The guiding principles for the Sandridge Neighbourhood Plan are based on the UK Government’s Guiding Principles for Sustainable Development and the National Planning Policy Framework’s core principle of “a presumption in favour of sustainable development”. We have, therefore, grouped the resulting policies in the Plan under three headings:
NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS 19 Summer at Heartwood The forest hosts a variety of popular events
HAT a fabulous summer we have had at Heartwood this year. Our volunteers Whave been out in full force delivering guided walks around the woods, looking after the woodland or monitoring the wildlife, ready for our major event, the Heartwood Summer Festival. Now in its ninth year, we welcomed over 1,000 people through the gates on Saturday 8th July to enjoy a lovely day out at Heartwood. Our Wildlife Zone was jam packed with children making bug hotels, dissecting owl pellets and having a go at trapping the newly spotted rainbow toy mouse! Meanwhile, volunteers were able to talk and share about their findings of the many types of birds and butterflies.
Activities
Other activities included the ever popular willow weaving, dog show, axe throwing, yoga sessions and our favourite Teddy Bears’ Picnic. It was lovely to see so many happy faces, while also supporting local businesses and suppliers in the glorious sunshine. The Mayor of the City and District of St. Albans, Councillor Mohammad Iqbal Zia, who attended the Heartwood Summer Festival, said: “Visitors were treated to a wonderful mix of outdoor entertainment when they flocked to Heartwood Forest near Sandridge for the annual summer festival.”
20 AUTUMN 2017 NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS “I was really impressed with the work that is being done by the Trust to create this beautiful LOOKING AHEAD... vast forest that will provide a haven for wildlife Before we say goodbye to the for years to come.” summer for another year we will be The great weather continued for our running another guided walk: Heartwood Summer Picnic on Sunday 13th August as part of the Woodland Trust Summer AFTERNOON WALK TO VISIT Event, ‘Invite a Tree to Tea’. THE NEWLY CREATED For one day only, nearly 200 people followed a HEARTWOOD ARBORETUM Nature Trail which was installed for children to England's newest and largest find as they followed the Magical Meander Walk arboretum with all the trees and to the Great Picnic Table inside Magical Woods. shrubs native to the British Isles. The fun didn’t stop there. Crafts were available, You will see 60 different species and including making magnetic butterflies and learn how they have been used over colouring in sheets, drawn by our very own the centuries. They are still small volunteer Chloe Harmsworth, plus the chance to saplings, but you will be able to watch them grow in coming years. pick up a fundraising pack. th Beauty Saturday 30 September 2pm - 3.30pm The woods are a great place to bring a picnic (Meet in Nomansland car park) and family games to enjoy the great outdoors, so Donation: we encourage it a lot! Please remember to take £5 per person all rubbish home with you. (suggested, payable on the day) Thank you to all who attended, it was great to see so many of you and we look forward to To book, email: welcoming you to Heartwood in the not so [email protected] distant future. or call 07887 988053 Louise Neicho, Heartwood Forest
Heartwood Tea Rooms Breakfasts Light Lunches Cream Teas Afternoon Teas
Open 8am-5pm, 7 days a week
27 High Street, Sandridge AL4 9DD www.heartwoodtearooms.co.uk Find us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram
NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS AUTUMN 2017 21 Serving the community Parish Council grants ensure a good time is had by all!
E live in a vibrant society. Our entertainment by the ‘Jolly Jazz’ band. Keep community centres, churches, an eye out for details of next year’s event. W p ubs, schools and scout huts are teeming with activity. From IT training at the Help Baptist Church, to charity fundraising at The Green Man, there are numerous activities The Jersey Farm Day Care Centre also every single day. recently received support. It provides a When organisations are short of cash to weekly meeting place and activities for meet their aims, they sometimes approach residents suffering from disability, dementia, the Parish Council. Around 7% of the or simply loneliness, and offers some carers Council’s annual budget is allocated to a short respite from their duties. provide grants for local activities. Cllr Lyn Bolton, the coordinator, said “Our very regular attendance figures attest Enjoyment to the value members place on the Day Centre. Without the Parish Grant we would St. Mary’s Church has successfully applied struggle to run this service for the older for funding for their ‘Holiday at Home’ in community” August. This four day event provides the opportunity for elderly folk, most of whom M any lo live alone, to get together, socialise and laugh. p cal eople p took “We are very grateful for the support we art in Holid at ay receive from Sandridge Parish Council”, says Home Father Grant, the vicar. This year there were musical and magical performances, lots of tea and chatter, art have-a-go’s, and even a cruise on the River Lee with fish ’n chip lunch and The Marshalswick Youth Project is also among those given assistance. It provides a place for young people to drop in after school, and hang about with friends every Wednesday afternoon at the Sherwood Avenue Youth Centre. A wide ranging menu of activities is on offer including arts and crafts and games.
Activities
During the summer term, primary school children from Wheatfields and Sandridge Schools participate in the Nomansland Nature Quest, another supported activity. It includes a wildlife hunt, camp building and concludes with bows and arrows. Educational and fun too.
Councillor Neil Harris
NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS AUTUMN 2017 23 24 AUTUMN 2017 NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS Chilean Ambassador visit Locals welcome him to Jersey Farm Woodland Park
IS Excellency, the Ambassador of It grows 1-1.5 m (3-5ft) in diameter and 30- Chile Mr Rolando Drago, visited 40m (100-130 ft) in height. It is the hardiest Jersey Farm Woodland Park on species in the conifer genus Araucaria. Due Hth Sunday 9 July. to the longevity of this species, it has been The Ambassador commented how described as a living fossil. beautiful the park is and was impressed by At the same occasion, Mr Robert Hart the tranquillity, cleanliness and how well from Wing in Buckinghamshire, treasurer for maintained it is. the Anglo Chilean Society, was awarded the Care Bernardo O’Higgins Medal by the Chilean Government for his long service to the well- Councillor Claudio Duran explained to being of others. This award is the highest him that Sandridge Parish Council manages civilian honour granted to a non-Chilean the park, while many Councillors and citizen. Mr Hart said that it is an honour and volunteers take care of this and other open privilege to receive this recognition, spaces available to the community by especially when he loves what he does for the participating in work days. organisation. Mr Drago then proceeded to plant an Mr Jaime Muñoz, Consul of Chile, who Araucaria - a national tree of Chile, also was in attendance, was very interested in commonly known as Monkey Puzzle, learning about the importance of the green monkey tail tree, Chilean pine, or pehuén, in belt and the history of the park. the garden of Woodland House. Councillor Claudio Duran
The newly planted Monkey Puzzle trees can be seen at Woodland House between the Community Award Green Flags
NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS AUTUMN 2017 25 26 AUTUMN 2017 NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS Brian Ollis Sandridge Village Hall Tel: 01727 867417 Activities and regular hirers E-mail: [email protected] TO BOOK THIS HALL CONTACT
MONDAY 9.30am - 3.30pm PATCHWORK & EMBROIDERY (South Room) Tricia Tominey Tel: 07740 264469 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 (Beginners Modern & Tap 6-8 years) Rosalie Ollis Tel: 01727 766430 6.30pm - 7.30pm YOGA (North Room) Louise Neicho Tel: 07887 988 053
TUESDAY 9.00am - 12.30pm ART CLASS Sarah Saunders Tel: 01727 848463 9.30am - 3.30pm PATCHWORK & EMBROIDERY (South Room) Tricia Tominey Tel: 07740 264469 10.00am - 12.30pm PATCHWORK & EMBROIDERY (North Room) Kathy Osborne Tel: 07831 439 230 1.00pm - 3.15pm PILATES Jenny Beckwith Tel: 07814 412231 1.00pm - 4.00pm PATCHWORK & QUILTING CLASSES (North Room) Judith Wilson Tel: 01582 832679 4.30pm - 7.15pm MARGUERITA HOARE SCHOOL (Tap Grades 2-6) 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) Pat Forward Tel: 01727 858703
WEDNESDAY 9.30am - 12.30pm ARTFUL DODGERS ART GROUP
10.00am - 12.30pm THE HEARTS BRIDGE CLUB (North Room) Shirley Pinner Tel: 01727 811638 1.00pm - 4.00pm PATCHWORK & QUILTING CLASSES (North Room) Judith Wilson Tel: 01582 832679 4.30pm - 7.30pm MARGUERITA HOARE SCHOOL (Tap Inter - Advanced 2) Rosalie Ollis Tel: 01727 766430 6.30pm - 7.30pm YOGA (North Room) Louise Neicho Tel: 07887 988 053 7.00pm - 9.00pm LODGE ALBANUS (South Room) Mrs Ann Jensen Tel: 01462 893569 7.30pm - 9.00pm SANDRIDGE VILLAGE HALL TRUSTEES (1st Wednesday bi-monthly) Pat Forward Tel: 01727 858703 8.00pm - 9.00pm EVENING PILATES Claire Morris Tel: 07921 678 756 THURSDAY 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
NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS AUTUMN 2017 27 Brian Ollis Sandridge Village Hall Tel: 01727 867417 Activities and regular hirers E-mail: [email protected] TO BOOK THIS HALL CONTACT
THURSDAY (CONT.) 4.30pm - 7.00pm MARGUERITA HOARE SCHOOL (Modern & Tap Grade 3) Rosalie Ollis Tel: 01727 766430 7.30pm - 9.30pm PLANT HERITAGE (Herts & Beds) Helen Haran Tel: 01727 869437 FRIDAY 12.30pm - 4pm SANDRIDGE SILVER THREADS (Fortnightly) Jacky England Tel: 01727 853218 1.00pm - 4.00pm PATCHWORK & QUILTING CLASSES (North Room) Judith Wilson Tel: 01582 832679 7.30pm - 10.00pm SANDRIDGE CARPET BOWLS CLUB Donald Spankie Tel: 01727 857028 SATURDAY 9.00am - 1.00pm PATCHWORK & QUILTING CLASSES (North Room) Judith Wilson Tel: 01582 832679 SUNDAY 9.00am - 6.00pm MARGUERITA HOARE SCHOOL Rosalie Ollis Tel: 01727 766430 8.00pm - 9.00pm MIXED MARTIAL ARTS CLASS Graeme Burnett Tel: 01727 832250 Sandridge Village Hall Management Committee meets on a Wednesday evening every two months to discuss matters concerning the Hall. If you would like to help in the smooth running of the Hall, please contact Brian Ollis on 01727 867417.
E V I E S R W Y E O LC N O E M E WORRIED THAT YOUR MIND IS NOT AS QUICK AS IT USED TO BE?
WOULD YOU LIKE TO KEEP THAT OLD GREY MATTER STIMULATED? DO YOU NEED TO USE IT OR LOSE IT? OR AT LEAST KEEP THINGS TICKING OVER? WHY NOT COME AND PLAY BOARD GAMES, CHAT OR DO CROSSWORDS IN FRIENDLY COMPANY! ENJOY TEA, COFFEE AND CAKES IN A WARM AND WELCOMING ENVIRONMENT! NO NEED TO BOOK, SIMPLY DROP IN ON THURSDAYS ANY TIME BETWEEN 1.30PM & 4.30PM
MARSHALSWICK BAPTIST FREE CHURCH, SHERWOOD AVE, AL4 9QL (NEAR THE QUADRANT) For more information please contact 01727 857786 or visit www.mbfc.org.uk A project of Marshalswick Baptist Free Church and Smarterthinking with welcome support from St Albans District Council
28 AUTUMN 2017 NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS 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 - 12.10pm PRE-SCHOOL PLAY GROUP Nita Patel Tel: 07421 321994 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 PRE-SCHOOL PLAY GROUP Nita Patel Tel: 07421 321994
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
7.00pm - 10.00pm ST. ALBANS FLOWER CLUB (once a month only) Lesley Marsh Tel: 07932 035033
WEDNESDAY 9.10am - 1.10pm PRE-SCHOOL PLAY GROUP Nita Patel Tel: 07421 321994 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 CITY W.I. (2nd week in month) Barbara Harvey Tel: 01727 865631 THURSDAY 9.10am - 1.10pm PRE-SCHOOL PLAY GROUP Nita Patel Tel: 07421 321994 2.30pm - 3.30pm MEDAU MOVEMENT Mrs R Smith Tel: 01727 864577 6.00pm - 7.00pm RAINBOWS Louise Smellie Tel: 01727 848101 7.30pm - 10.00pm ELIZABETHAN CLUB Mrs S Brooks Tel: 01727 830639 FRIDAY 9.10am - 12.10pm PRE-SCHOOL PLAY GROUP Nita Patel Tel: 07421 321994 1.30pm - 2.30pm ZUMBA GOLD 50+ EXERCISE CLUB Jacqui McGrath Tel: 07864 978666 6.00pm - 10.00pm ALBAN LACEMAKERS (2nd week in month) Mrs N Treacher Tel: 01582 712648 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 966099 2.30pm - 4.30pm TAI CHI Erik Foxcroft Tel: 01727 837697
NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS AUTUMN 2017 29 Jersey Farm Community Centre Activities and regular hirers Martine MacRae Tel: 07399 403 650 TO BOOK THIS HALL CONTACT E-mail: [email protected]
MONDAY 9.30am - 12.00noon PENNY WATERMAN SCHOOL OF DANCE (Baby/Tots ballet) Penny Waterman Tel: 01727 858632
1.30pm - 3.00pm YOGA June Rowlands Tel: 01582 620696
SPACE AVAILABLE SPACE AVAILABLE SPACE AVAILABLE
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
6.15pm - 7.15pm HEARTBEATS EXERCISE CLASS Roger Miller Tel: 07879 466079
8.00pm - 10.00pm THE ST. ALBANS CAMERA CLUB Michael Shaw Tel: 01727 862788
WEDNESDAY 9.30am - 11.00am RIDGEWAY CHURCH TOTS TIME Tel: 01727 869703 Tricia Campbell
4.00pm - 6.15pm LEA VALLEY KARATE ACADEMY (4 years and over) Daniel Hollister Tel: 07894 528283
6.30pm - 8.30pm WELP SOCIAL Adam Garland Tel: 01582 967960
THURSDAY 10.30am - 12.00noon AWARENESS THROUGH MOVEMENT (50+) Miriam Dobson Tel: 01707 371816
SPACE AVAILABLE SPACE AVAILABLE SPACE AVAILABLE
5.30pm - 7.00pm BROWNIES Ann Dickinson Tel: 01727 850960
7.30pm - 9.30pm CARPET BOWLS Ben Shepherd Tel: 01727 834606
FRIDAY 10.00am - 11.30am HARVESTERS PLAYTIME Tim Dale Tel: 07747 062110
2.30pm - 4.15pm RIDGEWAY CHURCH COMMUNITY CAFE Tel: 01727 869703 Tricia Campbell
6.15pm - 7.15pm RIDGEWAY CHURCH KIDS CLUB Tel: 01727 869703 (school years 1-6) Tricia Campbell
SATURDAY 10.00am - 11.00am QI KWON DO MARTIAL ARTS (4-12 yrs) Jon Curtis Tel: 07825 505099
SUNDAY 9.00am - 12.30pm SOCATOTS (Soccer play for 1-5 year olds) Lauren Tel: 07815 966099
30 AUTUMN 2017 NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS SandPit Theatre celebrates award win Voted ‘Best Local Theatre’
N July 2017, The SandPit During Antigone Theatre was nominated and rehearsals I won the ‘Best Local Theatre’ category in the Muddy Stiletto Awards. Muddy Stilettos’ ethos is all about celebrating and supporting the most unique and interesting lifestyle businesses and the blog was nominated as a finalist in the Best Arts and Culture category in the 2017 UK Blog Awards. With up to 100,000 daily votes across the Muddy Stiletto sites, we are documentary honoured that so many people voted for us art films to the screen. This autumn sees and thank you for your dedication and feature-length screenings about loyalty to the venue if you were one of them. Michelangelo, Canaletto and David With this award under their belt, The Hockney. Tickets for these films are only £5 SandPit Theatre is embarking on a journey including a hot drink and biscuits. to expand their already varied events See our website for more information. programme, ensuring they are providing for the whole community. So what can you Rachael Donlan expect this autumn? Theatre Manager
NEW Professional Touring Theatre www.sandpittheatre.co.uk The Unknown Soldier - a moving look at the First World War from a new perspective, through the eyes of a man who has survived the carnage but who finds it hard to return home. Antigone - Actors of Dionysus’ radical new adaptation of Sophocles’ masterpiece is set in a dystopian, post-truth age where birds are drones and someone is always listening.
Art Film Screenings Exhibition on Screen is the originator and pioneer of bringing exhibition-based art
NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS AUTUMN 2017 31 32 AUTUMN 2017 NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS Local church news Find out what’s going on at your local churches Marshalswick Baptist Free Church
ARSHALSWICK Baptist Free food, crafts and worship for the whole family Church in Sherwood Avenue at least once a term M welcomes children of all ages Sunday Club. Crafts and activities for all to its activities, as well as on Sundays! ages as part of our Sunday worship every Kanga and Roo Baby and Toddler week from 10.15am. group.Toys, activities and singing for all pre- MYP (Marshalswick Youth Project) schoolers and their carers. Mondays 1.30 - Calling all Secondary School children. Drop 3pm in after School for a chat, refreshments, play TrAsH for active 7 - 11 year olds. Games on the WiiU, meet your friends. Every and activities. Tuesdays 6.15 - 7.30pm Wednesday 3.30 - 5.30pm in the Children’s Centre in the Sherwood Avenue FROG - for all young people over 11 with Recreation Ground. It’s free! (Thanks to crafts, games and trips out and ‘a thought for funds from Sandridge Parish Council) the week’ every Friday 6.30 - 8pm For more information drop in, call us on Messy Church. A Saturday morning of 01727 857786 or visit www.mbfc.org.uk Ridgeway Church S well as our Sunday morning us raise funds for this very worthwhile services, each week we hold a charity. A number of groups at the Jersey You would, of course, be welcome at Farm Community Centre. any of our Sunday services, 10am Wednesday 9.30 - 11am - Tots’ Time at Sandringham School. for babies and toddlers. Toys, craft, Bible stories and singing. Fridays 2.30 - 4.15pm - Community Café. Why not come along for a cup of tea and some home-made cake? There is always someone to chat to. Friday 29th September - Annual Macmillan afternoon. Come and help
Tricia Campbell
NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS 33 Individual Tuition
Fully qualified and experienced teacher Dyslexia Institute Diploma
Early intervention and support Phonics, multi-sensory learning, SATS, Key stages 1-3, support for Numeracy basics.
Helen Bishop Taylor Close, St. Albans AL4 9YB Tel 01727 730825
34 AUTUMN 2017 NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS St. Mary’s Church, Marshalswick
UN and friendship were enjoyed at Autumn Fair - Sat this year’s Holiday-at-Home for 18th November. Fpeople young at heart but mature in Your chance to buy body (see page 22). Other events coming up: Christmas bargains, have a flutter on the Harvest Weekend - 7 - 8 October. tombola and raffle, Harvest Supper (tickets in advance) on and tuck into coffee, Saturday night and Parade Service with lunch, tea and our Guides, Brownies and Rainbows on cakes. Sunday morning. Instead of fresh produce Advent Workshop - Sat 2nd December. we collect food items for the FEED project It doesn’t matter if you’re cack-handed or an run by the Vineyard Church. artistic genius, you’ll still have fun trying out Service of Thanksgiving and festive crafts and joining our friendly congregation for a short service of worship. Remembrance - Sat 4th November, There’ll be tea too as we do love a cuppa at 3pm A chance to remember your loved St. Mary’s. Children are very, very welcome. ones, to be still and perhaps to light a candle. Refreshments in Hall afterwards. Chris Bromley St. Leonard’s Church
ELEBRATING and remembering goods donated will be given to the FEED are key themes for St. Leonard’s foodbank, St. Albans. Church, Sandridge, this autumn. The Sandridge Flower Festival takes C th Harvest Festival services on Sunday 8 place in church from Friday 6th October to October with an All-Age Celebration at Sunday 8th October, on the theme of 10am and a Harvest Communion ‘Journeys and Adventures’. Entry free. Service at 6pm. The majority of the The Village Voices choir will be singing Harvest on Saturday evening at 8pm. Admission £5 at the door. The Remembrance Day service on Sunday 12th November when we gather around the lychgate outside the church from 10.45am to remember all those who died in war, and continue with an all-age service inside the church. More information, including finding about christenings, weddings and funerals, at www.sandridgechurch.org.uk. Or follow the church on Twitter @StLeonards2016 or Facebook.
NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS AUTUMN 2017 35 36 AUTUMN 2017 NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS Who would you nominate as your local hero?
We know that there are people all over the Sandridge Parish who go the extra mile to help others in our community We also know that some are doing quite extraordinary things, without even realising it! That’s why we are very proud to launch the Sandridge Parish Council Local Hero Awards
Do you know someone who selflessly gives their time to a local club or society who you feel deserves recognition for their efforts? Perhaps someone you know has carried out a particularly brave, compassionate or courageous act. Whatever their story, nominate them now for a Local Hero Award!
In each edition of Neighbourhood News, one ‘Local Hero’ will be chosen from the entries and have their story and photograph featured.
Nominating your Local Hero couldn’t be easier. Simply send the name of your local hero and their story (in no more than 200 words) to the following email address: [email protected]
Nominations can also be sent to: Local Hero Awards, Sandridge Parish Council, The Ridgeway, St. Albans, AL4 9YU
Please also send your name and contact details so we are able to contact you for further information
NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS AUTUMN 2017 37 38 AUTUMN 2017 NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS Annual Household Canvass 2017 Your vote matters; don’t lose it
HE annual household canvass return your completed form by post. began in July and each residential The Council maintains the electoral Tproperty within the district received register and is required by law to review it a Household Enquiry Form. each year to make sure it has an up-to-date Reminders were sent at the end of August register of electors who are eligible to vote. and canvassers will begin visiting properties If you don’t register, you may lose your right that have not responded to either of the to vote at elections. mailings in September. More information about the annual voter registration canvass and voting is available at Action www.stalbans.gov.uk/elections If you haven’t yet responded, please do so If you don’t register, you may now, even if there are no changes. This can lose your right to vote at elections be done online, by using our free phone or by text registration service (standard network rates will apply). Details of how to do this are included on the form. Alternatively, please Heartwood Tea Rooms Breakfasts Light Lunches Cream Teas Afternoon Teas Open 8am-5pm, 7 days a week
27 High Street, Sandridge AL4 9DD www.heartwoodtearooms.co.uk Find us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram
NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS AUTUMN 2017 39 Heartwood Forest parkrun Encouraging people to be healthier and happier!
N Saturday 29th July, parkrun you are walking, jogging or running, you’ll arrived in the beautiful always be welcome as we pride ourselves on Osurroundings of Heartwood being fully inclusive. Forest. For those who aren’t already aware of parkruns, they are volunteer-led, 5km, timed Achievement events set up for the benefit of local Because the parkrun is timed, you can communities. These are free for anyone to monitor your progress week-on-week, participate in, you just need to register online and print out your unique barcode. whether you are taking part in the NHS Couch to 5K programme, or have your own Encouragement personal goals; there is always a great sense of achievement from seeing a new personal Each time you take part, your individual best! time will be processed and uploaded online. Heartwood Forest parkrun relies You’ll be encouraged by marshals all the way completely on volunteers each week. These round and, as there is always a tail walker, are largely people who, instead of walking or you don’t need to worry about coming last! running the event, give their time to take on The very nature of parkrun makes it a lovely, family activity for a Saturday morning. varied roles such as marshalling, barcode You can even take the dog! scanning, photography or timing. Despite the name, parkrun isn’t just about Other volunteers include those who may running. It’s about getting people connected, not normally take part, such as participants to help each other to be healthier and of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award youth happier, and building a community. Whether charity.
40 AUTUMN 2017 NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS As well as the physical aspect of parkrun, promoting the wider aims of the government the social aspect is equally important and to improve health and well-being through many friendships are forged over coffee and exercise and volunteering opportunities. cake. Funding for the event was matched by Herts Each week after parkrun, we make our way Sports Partnership. A defibrillator was to the Queen’s Head who kindly open early purchased through the support of local for us to re-fuel with bacon rolls whilst running clubs. volunteers process the results. Now the Personally, since I started participating in Heartwood Tearooms are open, I’m sure parkrun over 5 years ago, I’ve become there will be many visitors there also. healthier, more confident, gained new skills through volunteering and have made many Support firm and life-long friends. I can’t imagine my Saturdays without All this wouldn’t be possible without the parkrun. Why don’t you give it a try and generous support of the Woodland Trust. To discover the many ways in which it can launch the event, we received funding from enhance your life also? Active St. Albans, which is the local To sign up and for more information, visit community sport network for the St. Albans www.parkrun.org.uk/heartwoodforest District. Active St. Albans supports new sporting Kate Tettmar opportunities locally in line with the council Volunteer, runner and Event Director of priorities to increase physical activity, Heartwood Forest parkrun
NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS AUTUMN 2017 41 SANDRIDGE PARISH COUNCIL www.sandridge-pc.gov.uk
VISIT OUR WEBSITE AND FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK For news and information from the Parish Council and the surrounding areas
42 AUTUMN 2017 NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS Noise Pollution - One year on An update from St. Albans Quieter Skies
year ago, a group of concerned local designed to minimise such impact. residents wrote an article for The priority for this autumn is to write to A Neighbourhood News about the the CAA setting out why the new route increase in flights from Luton airport and the introduced last year (RNAV) has failed to noise. The subsequent well attended public achieve the originally advised objective meeting resulted in the formation of described by Luton Airport as “the overall St. Albans Quieter Skies. intention is to agree a track which has the Since then, STAQS has been active raising least noise impact for local communities”. awareness through leaflets and Facebook. The group now has supporters from across Review North St. Albans, Jersey Farm, Sandridge The CAA is due to perform a Post- and Wheathampstead. We have also lobbied Implementation Review of the route later the airport, councillors and MPs to take this year, looking at amongst other factors the action to reduce the impact of noise on this impact on local communities. Part of the area. evidence the CAA will consider is the Links number of complaints the route has generated. If you have been impacted you More recently, STAQS has linked up with can find out how to complain by going on nearby action groups - LADACAN and our website (see below) or Luton Airport’s Harpenden Sky, as well as Save our Skies. As website. a result of this joint action, St. Albans City As you may have seen reported, Luton and District Council has agreed to set up a airport is likely to look to expand further and St. Albans and District Airtraffic Working STAQS will be fighting any such proposals. Group to ensure the air traffic environmental STAQS will also be inputting into the plans impact, resulting from the expansion of Luton Airport has to make changes to their Luton airport, upon SADC communities is routes as they look to introduce newer significantly reduced. The working group will technology. hopefully start meeting this autumn. It has been a busy year and it will be just Earlier this year, STAQS responded to the as busy in the coming months. Government’s consultation on their policy You can contact STAQS through their for airspace changes and has also responded Facebook Group and separate Facebook to a related Civil Aviation Authority Page as well our website (www.STAQS.uk) consultation. We have argued that St. Albans Quieter Skies there needs to be a clear requirement that the impact of noise on local communities is considered and flight routes
NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS 43 Amazing young talent Local schoolboy wins film award
OCAL boy Jamie Simmons was thrilled to s Jamie ha receive a prestigious award at the St. Albans shown an e Film Festival 2017. incredibl L t for film Jamie, who has just moved on from talen ng Year 6 at Wheatfields Junior School, has maki already shown an incredible talent for movie making. He recently entered two short animation films into the St. Albans Film Festival Young Student category (ages 5- 15). Both were shortlisted and his family, friends and teachers were all delighted to hear that Jamie’s film ‘Mr Stickynote and the Infectious Plasticine’ won! Jamie was given the award by actress and singer Asha Banks, who opened the awards ceremony at The Odyssey cinema by singing an Oscar-nominated song from La La Land. Naturally, Jamie’s family, along with everyone at school, are extremely proud of him!
End of an era Herts Advertiser stops delivering to our local area
OCAL newspaper, Herts Advertiser, The Village Stores in Sandridge will still has announced that it is making cut receive copies for people to purchase but L backs on its distribution and, as a with immediate effect, residents in this result, is no longer going to be delivered to postcode will no longer receive a free copy houses in the AL4 9 postcode area. through their door.
44 AUTUMN 2017 NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS 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
NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS AUTUMN 2017 45 46 AUTUMN 2017 NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS AUTUMN 2017 47 Published by Local Publishing Ltd. Tel 01727 757475 www.localpublishing.co.uk [email protected]