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2 WINTER 2017 NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS Neighbourhood NEWS In this issue...

Sandridge Neighbourhood Plan 4 Raise a glass to your local landlord! 23 An update on progress The Green Man landlord is relentless in his charity work Chair’s report 5 Councillor Janet Churchard Learn a traditional rural craft 6 Sandridgebury Why not have a go at hedge laying? Farm Dead trees 7 Are you worried about the health and safety of the trees on our verges? A busy farm at Parish Council Meetings 2017 8 the heart of our Dates and venues of Parish Council meetings community Litter picking 9 24-25 What else would you be doing on a Sunday morning? Defibrillators in the parish 10 Sandridge Village Hall 27-28 Equipment that could help save lives A listing of activities and regular hirers Community Centre 29 11 Tree A listing of activities and regular hirers Spencer Hall 30 identification A listing of activities and regular hirers walk Community Centre 31 A listing of activities and regular hirers Experts share their Local church news 33-35 wealth of knowledge Find out what’s going on at your local churches Serving our community 37 Notice Board - Winter 2017 12 Jersey Farm Community Centre A list of contact points in the area Supporting creativity in young people 39 Who do I contact? 13 SandPit Theatre news Useful numbers for many local issues Councillor profile 40-41 Heartwood Tea Rooms 14-15 Councillor June Reid Open for business Marshalswick North Residents’ Association 43 Education news 16-19 Representing local residents non-politically Find out what’s going on at your local schools Jersey Farm Carpet Bowls Club 20 How to deter burglars 44 PCSO Chris Stokes Keep active, stay healthy, make new friends IT Taster Sessions 21 Free pensioners’ bus timetable 45 How Marshalswick library can help you get online Sponsored by Sandridge Parish Council Cover photo - A frosty morning at Heartwood Forest (taken by Judith Parry ) 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 SPRING 2018 issue, please email it to the editor Address: Neighbourhood News, c/o Sandridge Parish by Thursday 15th February 2018 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 WINTER 2017 3 Sandridge Neighbourhood Plan An update on progress

HANK-YOU to everyone who has residents to comment before the plan goes to commented on our initial draft the District Council and then to an Inspector TNeighbourhood Plan. All the to be examined. We will publicise the comments received will be considered. We consultation in the new year, please respond have also met with officers on St. Albans when it happens. The aim is still to have the District Council to discuss the Sandridge Neighbourhood Plan finalised in 2018 by a Neighbourhood Plan and how it might be referendum. impacted by the District Council’s Local Plan. Transport

Homes In addition to the Sandridge Neighbourhood Plan and the St. Albans The District Council will be consulting in District Local Plan, County early 2018 on issues and options for its Local Council is consulting on a Local Transport Plan and we will be monitoring their progress Plan for Hertfordshire and will shortly be closely. The Government is changing the consulting on their Local Minerals Plan regulations regarding Local Plans including (which covers the quarrying of sand and how District Councils assess the number of gravel in the county). Both these plans have homes that are required. Under the new implications for residents of Sandridge and methodology, St. Albans District Council is the Neighbourhood Plan. expected to plan for an additional 913 homes each year. This is more than twice what had been proposed by the District Council. The Development Sandridge Neighbourhood Plan should assist in managing how and where that Finally, at the time of writing, the decision development occurs. to approve Taylor Wimpey’s application to build on Sandpit Lane has just been Roads announced. The implications are being considered in preparing the draft plan. We have also met with officers of If you would like to be kept informed on Hertfordshire County Council to discuss the progress or have comments on the draft Neighbourhood Plan and how the Parish Neighbourhood Plan, please contact the Council can work with the County Council Parish Council or email spc.neighbour- on the provision of appropriate [email protected] and we will add infrastructure such as roads. you to our email circulation list. We are using the feedback received from residents and the councils to produce a draft Councillor John Hale Neighbourhood Plan for consultation in early On behalf of the Neighbourhood Plan 2018. This will be a final opportunity for Working Group

4 WINTER 2017 NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS Chair’s report Report by Councillor Janet Churchard

URING the signs to replace the existing old and indistinct autumn, the signage, making both more welcoming. D Parish Council Sherwood Avenue Recreation Ground car looks carefully at its budget when considering park is to have CCTV coverage installed to its income and outgoings for the financial enhance security and safety in this area. Year 2018/19. As well as regular commitments, we also Improvements consider how we can deliver improvements to benefit as many of our residents as The redevelopment of the garage site at possible. Our playgrounds and open spaces Langley Grove has generated Section 106 are enjoyed by all ages and we try to keep money to be spent in Sandridge Village them in the best possible condition. (S.106 funding is provided by the developer This year, Jersey Farm Woodland Park to support the provision of leisure facilities in gained the Green Flag Award again. Our the vicinity of a development). recreation grounds are monitored regularly The St. Leonard’s play area and adjacent to keep them safe and suitable for use. We green space will receive improvements partly have provisionally budgeted for paid for by this money as well as council improvements beyond regular maintenance funds. We hope to create a new path across to five of our play areas. the green and install an outdoor table tennis table and a basketball net. The old, tired Updated multi-play will also be replaced. It is hoped these improvements will create a more Harness Way play area is prone to getting enjoyable area for residents. very muddy so resurfacing work will continue At Marshalswick Community Centre, the to try to alleviate this problem. A new, more toilets will be refurbished, the hall substantial goal post will also be redecorated, and a new PA System installed. installed. At both the The lighting at Jersey Farm Community William Bell and Centre will be updated to LED to conserve Damson Way energy. play areas, Although this is in no way an exhaustive there are list of what the Parish Council seeks to do in to be the next financial year, I hope it gives a new flavour of how we hope to improve facilities.

Jersey Farm Woodland Park gained the Green Flag award again this year 5 Learn a traditional rural craft

Why not have a go at hedge laying?

Before

After

EDGES are significant features Jersey Farm Woodland Park has already in our landscape, functioning been laid using material harvested from H as boundaries, barriers, and as the park. habitats for wildlife. Well managed This winter, the Parish Council will be hedges are dense and bushy at the running two sessions introducing the bottom, while unmanaged hedges basics of hedge laying at the Woodland become lines of thin ‘leggy’ trees. Park. They will be on Sunday 3rd Traditionally, hedges in the countryside December and Saturday 20th January, were laid to maintain their bushy, dense 10am - 1pm. Tea and tools will be character so that livestock could be provided, so please come and have a go. contained. Hedges are still laid to maintain their effectiveness as barriers, For more details, contact Sandridge but also to provide a good habitat for Parish Council on 01727 831871 or email wildlife. About 300 metres of hedge at [email protected] Dead trees Are you worried about the health and safety of the trees on our verges?

AST autumn, I reported 30 dead lose their trees and, worse still, see them trees in the verges in Marshalswick to replaced with the skeletons of dead trees. LHerts Highways, who took over The figure of dead and dying trees has responsibility for the safety and maintenance reached at least fifty since I reported this last of our trees about three years ago. autumn. In the forty years I have lived in Parish Councillor Geoff Churchard Marshalswick I haven’t seen such a decline in our street scene. Dead trees are potentially dangerous, certainly look unsightly, and give a general uncared for look to our environment. Unfortunately, only dangerous trees will be removed and there is little chance that trees felled will then be replaced.

Neglected

Already, some of our roads were looking distinctly shabby and neglected, and dead trees add to that air of neglect. I deposited the last £1,000 of my final County Locality Budget with Sandridge Parish Council to replace some of these trees. A replacement tree is approximately £40, plus the cost of planting. We could replace more trees if residents were willing to pay for new trees outside their homes or to share the cost with the Parish Council.

Help

New trees need some care in their first two or three years, such as a couple of buckets of water a week in dry spells and replacing a damaged tree tie. I know that many residents would be willing to do this. I would hate to see our verges gradually

Would you be willing to share the cost of new trees with your Parish Council?

NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS WINTER 2017 7 Parish Council Meetings 2017/18 Dates and venues of Sandridge Parish Council Meetings

Wednesday 13th December 2017 - 7.30pm - Marshalswick Community Centre Wednesday 10th January 2018 - 7.30pm - Marshalswick Community Centre Wednesday 14th February 2018 - 7.30pm - Marshalswick Community Centre Wednesday 14th March 2018 - 7.30pm - Marshalswick Community Centre Wednesday 11th April 2018 - 7.00pm - Marshalswick Community Centre Please note: April’s meeting is the Annual Parish Meeting and will commence at 7.00pm

8 WINTER 2017 NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS Litter picking What else would you be doing on an autumn Sunday morning?

For those who would have liked to have joined us but were unable to do so, our next “pick” will be in March 2018. Details will be posted on the Parish website, St. Brelades notice boards, in Neighbourhood News and along Jersey Lane. It is always amazing just how much we manage to collect from a couple of hours spent walking around our area. We wish we did not need to do it at all, but we ‘...if there is no nearby bin, just live in the hope that a neat and tidy environment will take it home and bin it there’ encourage everyone to keep it looking that way!

NCE again, the weather was kind positioning of waste bins very seriously and for our biennial litter pick. Many think we have chosen the most convenient Othanks to all those Councillors and places to site them. The simple message is, dedicated members of the public who ‘if there is no nearby bin, just take it home willingly gave up their precious Sunday and bin it there’. morning to go scrabbling under bushes and It is sad that it takes only a few thoughtless brambles to recover thoughtlessly jettisoned individuals to spoil our lovely open spaces bottles, cans and wrappers. while putting wildlife and pets at risk - just talk to any dog owner whose pet has been Unusual injured by a broken bottle. On a similar theme, if you know of an Amongst our “interesting” finds were an overflowing waste bin phone 0300 1234 051, electric fire and surround, a set of half- or site of dumped rubbish 01727 809019 buried unbroken mugs and, hidden in a ([email protected]). hedge, a bag containing the remnants of a The authorities are not telepathic. They picnic complete with large ceramic plates, need public help to enable them to do their cutlery and an untouched, still wrapped, job properly. cucumber! As a Parish Council, we take the June Reid, Sandridge Parish Council

NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS WINTER 2017 9 Defibrillators in the parish Equipment that could help save lives

F you come across someone who has access the defibrillator, you need to type in had a cardiac arrest, it is vital to call 999 the code that is located at the site to the right Iand, if necessary, start to perform CPR. of the machine. This will then release the When you call 999, the operator can tell you locking mechanism and you can then remove if there’s a public access defibrillator nearby. the defibrillator from the case. A defibrillator is a device that gives a high energy electric shock to the heart through the Action chest wall to someone who is in cardiac All that is required to use a defibrillator is arrest. This high energy shock is called to recognise that someone who has collapsed defibrillation, and it’s an essential life-saving may have a cardiac arrest and to attach the step in the chain of survival. two adhesive pads (electrodes) to the patient’s Accessible bare chest. Through these pads the defibrillator can both monitor the heart’s Sandridge Parish Council have three electrical rhythm and deliver a shock if and defibrillators for public use in our parish. when it is needed. It will provide audible They are located at the following locations; instructions to the user. Sandridge Village Hall, Jersey Farm These are essential tools in the survival Community Centre, and chances of a person suffering cardiac Marshalswick Community Centre. arrest. It is recommended that all The defibrillators are regularly people, where possible, attend regular serviced and checked to ensure they first aid courses to ensure their always remain fully functional and knowledge of emergency first aid is accessible to anyone, at any time. To up-to-date.

10 WINTER 2017 NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS Tree identification walk Experts share their wealth of knowledge with the public

N Sunday 29th October, Sandridge ensuring sustainable methods to maintain Parish Council hosted a Tree and manage the Woodland Park. O Identification Walk on our He discussed some of the task force days beautiful Jersey Farm Woodland Park. that we have coming up, and how we rely on We had two experts leading the walk, our volunteers to join in and help make the park own park warden Mark Carter, and a the beautiful area that we know today. representative from Herts and Middlesex Andy shared his vast knowledge of trees Wildlife Trust, Andy Holtham. Between and insects with the group, and many people them, they shared a wealth of knowledge had some interesting questions for him! We with the members of public and Councillors discussed him coming back to the park and present. having a bug hunt - something we think would be great for families. Watch this space! Educational The next taskforce day is Sunday 3rd December from 10am until 12noon, where From identifying the native trees on the we will be focusing on hedge-laying. Please park, to learning about resident bugs and contact the Parish Council office for more insects which live on the trees themselves, the information or to volunteer. morning was fun, informative and Email me on facilities@sandridge- educational. pc.gov.uk, call 01727 831871 or send a Mark discussed how he manages the message to our Facebook page. plantations on the park and was keen to share the Woodland Park Management Rebecca Pannese Committee’s forward-thinking ideas of Project & Amenities Officer

Two experts were on hand to answer an array of questions 11 Notice Board - Winter 2017 A listing of contact points throughout the neighbourhood

PARISH COUNCILLORS DISTRICT/COUNTY COUNCILLORS SANDRIDGE VILLAGE WARD Lyn Bolton: DISTRICT - 20 Harefield Place, Natalie Kemp: Blenhame, House Lane, Sandridge, St. Albans, AL4 9JQ Tel: 01727 834699 St. Albans, AL4 9EG Tel: 01727 842489 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Annie Brewster: COUNTY (Sandridge village) John Newton-Davies: Forge Cottage, 3 Church Fairways, Firs Drive, Gustard Wood, AL4 8LB End, Sandridge, AL4 9DL Tel: 01727 837507 Tel: 01438 832255 Email: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Janet Churchard: DISTRICT (see Parish list) JERSEY FARM WARD Tom Clegg: DISTRICT - 33 Furze Avenue, St. Albans, AL4 9NF Tel: 01727 835004 Stefania Estacchini: 11 Harefield Place, Jersey Email: [email protected] Farm, St. Albans, AL4 9JQ Tel: 01727 751325 E-mail: [email protected] John Hale: COUNTY (see Parish list) John Hale: 37 Chandlers Road, St. Albans, AL4 9RT Frances Leonard: DISTRICT - 14 Rose Walk, Tel: 01727 837371 E-mail: [email protected] St. Albans, AL4 9AF Tel: 01727 861860 E-mail: [email protected] Bernard Roberts: 5 Pollicot Close, Jersey Farm, St. Albans AL4 9YL Tel: 01727 835509 Beric Read: DISTRICT - 34 Windmill Avenue, E-mail: [email protected] St. Albans, AL4 9TF Tel: 01727 760060 E-mail: [email protected] Jennifer Roberts: 5 Pollicot Close, Jersey Farm, St. Albans AL4 9YL Tel: 01727 835509 E-mail: [email protected] CLERK TO THE COUNCIL Simon Thwaites: Marshalswick Community Centre, MARSHALSWICK NORTH (EAST) The Ridgeway, St. Albans, AL4 9TU Tel: 01727 831871 Janet Churchard: 58 Pondfield Crescent, St. Albans, E-mail: [email protected] AL4 9PF Tel: 01727 860368 E-mail: [email protected] DEPUTY CLERK Claudio Duran: Woodland House, St. Helier Road, Frances Grant Sandridge, St. Albans, AL4 9LQ Tel: 01727 850599 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] John Foster: 29 Chiltern Road, St. Albans, AL4 9SW PROJECT & AMENITIES OFFICER Tel: 01727 862079 E-mail: [email protected] Rebecca Pannese E-mail: [email protected] June Reid: 43 Windmill Avenue, St. Albans, AL4 9SJ Tel: 01727 837953 E-mail: [email protected] HALLS FOR HIRE MARSHALSWICK NORTH (WEST) The following halls located in the Parish are all Julie Booth: 31 Craiglands, St. Albans, AL4 9AH available for hire by the public. Please telephone Tel: 01727 759066 the relevant contact person for more information. E-mail: [email protected] Marshalswick & Jersey Farm Community Centres Geoff Churchard: 58 Pondfield Crescent, St. Albans, Martine MacRae Tel: 07399 403 650 AL4 9PF Tel: 01727 860368 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Marshalswick Baptist Free Church Cath Cresswell Tel: 01727 861121 Neil Harris: 73 The Ridgeway, St. Albans, AL4 9NR E-mail: [email protected] Tel: 01727 760781 E-mail: [email protected] St. Mary’s Church Hall, Sherwood Avenue Graham Leonard: 14 Rose Walk, St. Albans, AL4 Mrs Mary Smith Tel: 01727 866877 9AF Tel: 01727 861860 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Sandridge Village Hall VERY URGENT 999 Mr Brian Ollis Tel: 01727 867417 POLICE E-mail: [email protected] Non-emergency calls/report local incidents 101 Spencer Hall Calling 101 will take you to a call centre, your call will be Nigel Rump Tel: 01727 835506 routed to the correct part of the service

12 WINTER 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 WINTER 2017 13 Heartwood Tea Rooms

After months of planning and re-development, Heartwood Tea Rooms is now open for business and has already become a popular meeting point for villagers, dog walkers and cyclists Open for business FTER a lengthy planning and welcome in the front room and outside. building process, Heartwood Tea They offer a lovely afternoon tea - with Rooms were excited to open their bottomless tea and sandwiches. Afternoon A rd door on Tuesday 3 October. tea must be booked at least 24 hours in They applied for a ‘change of use’ permit advance as all the food is prepared freshly on on the residential part of the building, site. meaning you’re sitting in the living room, kitchen, dining room or storage area when Positive you’re in the tearooms. They boast 20 different types of loose leaf There are also gift vouchers for afternoon teas, so there is one to suit everyone. teas, which are perfect for this time of year However, the red coffee machine is always if you’re stuck with a gift idea! ready to go if you’re not a tea drinker. There’s been some lovely feedback from customers, and the new business has already Variety acquired some regulars! However, they always love seeing new faces too, so why not Heartwood Tea Rooms open 7 days a pop in and sample what’s on offer? week, 9am - 5pm, serving a variety of Parking is available in the village at the free breakfasts 9am - 10.45am weekdays, which car park off the high street. is extended until 11.45am at the weekend. Find Heartwood Tea Rooms on Twitter, Lunch is then until 4pm. Dogs are also Facebook and Instagram. Heartwood Tea Rooms Breakfasts Light Lunches Cream Teas Afternoon Teas Open 9am-5pm, 7 days a week

27 High Street, Sandridge AL4 9DD www.heartwoodtearooms.co.uk Find us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram

NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS WINTER 2017 15 Education news Find out what’s going on at your local schools

Sandringham School

E have had another fantastic start to the new school year with 145 sixth form students Sat 2nd Dec - 11am - 3pm progressing on to the top Universities across Annual Christmas Fayre. W Free entry. following their exceptional performance at A- level. This includes both OXBRIDGE successes and our Mon 11th Dec - 7pm first student for a number of years studying veterinary St. Saviour’s Church - science. GCSE results were also outstanding, placing the Carol Service. FREE tickets in school in the 100 top performing non-selective state advance from the Box Office. schools in England for the fifth year running, resulting in Tues 16th Jan - 6.30pm almost 200 students starting the sixth form in September. Sixth Form Information The school has always had a keen interest in Evening. Open to everyone developing the whole person with programmes such as including external students. the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, the Extended Mon 29th Jan - 9-11am

Project Qualification, the massive extra-curricular arts th options and, more recently, the drive on STEM (science, (and Mon 5 Feb) Open Morning for technology, engineering and maths) activities. sixth form entrance. In September, we launched our new Character Programme which aims to help our students develop Thurs 1st, Sat 3rd Feb 2018, their character in six areas: aspiration, confidence, 7pm and Sat 2pm initiative, integrity, resilience and tolerance. Velocity Dance Performance. All members of the community are welcome to attend Sandpit Theatre. the following events - tickets can be obtained from the Mon 5th Feb 2018 - 7pm SandPit Theatre Box Office as usual. Gym Display. SandPit Theatre. Have a very merry Christmas everyone! Wed 7th Feb 2018 - 7pm Alan Gray, Headteacher Battle of the Bands. SandPit Theatre.

Tues 20th Feb 2018 - 7pm Senior Recital Evening.

Mon 5th March 2018 - 6pm A-level dance performances.

Tues 13th March 2018 - 6pm. Chemistry Show. SandPit Theatre

Mon 26th March 2018 - 7pm Spring Music Concert. www.sandringham.herts.sch.uk SandPit Theatre. Wheatfields Junior School

E recently breathed a sigh of Cipher code breaking, coding using Scratch relief to have reached the and, to finish, the Cup Song! Impressive too WOctober break, following a was hearing Hashim read his writing in frantic, but exciting first half term. Our new braille. Well done everyone. Year 3 children settled very quickly and are During the week before half term, a now very much an established part of our number of our Year 6 children bravely school. volunteered to take part in the French In light of our very pleasing OFSTED Spelling Bee, which is now an annual event. inspection in the summer, we are now busily This required great listening skills, excellent working on our plan to maintain what we use of the memory, translation and feel we do very well, as well as to further spelling…. all in French! Congratulations to improve where possible. our overall winners, Beth, Katie and Fin. Success To emphasise the variety and depth the curriculum has to offer, we plan focus days A recent assembly by one of our Year 6 and weeks throughout the year and the most classes summarised perfectly what life in recent were art days. During these, the school is like for the children and how much children were exploring and refining a range they achieve in a short space of time. The of art skills and techniques, inspired by twenty minute assembly was crammed with Seurat, Picasso, Larkin and Cezanne. Thank lovely examples of their key topics this term, you to Mrs Awiah for organising the art days including: English linked to The Nowhere for us. Emporium, examples of their World War Lyndon Evans, Headteacher Two homework, (including a brilliant [email protected] Dunkirk animation from Ben B.), Pigpen [email protected]

The proud winners of the French Spelling Bee!

NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS 17 Sandridge Primary School Celeb rating He ctor’s 100th birt hday!

Students of all ages helped Hector celebrate his special birthday

T a very special assembly held on with a handmade book of their writing, Thursday 28th September, the drawing and research about the past century. A children and staff of Sandridge Hector, who was born in and spent his Primary School thoroughly enjoyed having early childhood in London’s East End, was the opportunity to help local resident, Hector delighted to receive several additional gifts, Darby, celebrate his 100th birthday. including a book detailing 100 years of London life through photographs, some Entertainment chocolates and a bottle of Scotch. As a fitting finale, there was a rousing ‘Happy Seated next to the traditional card from the Birthday’ from the whole school, whilst Queen, Hector was introduced by Hector blew out the candles on his cake and Headteacher, Lisa Roberts, then entertained told everyone how much he had enjoyed the occasion. by the school choir - led by Music teacher, It’s rare that we celebrate anybody’s 100th Emma Taylor. They sang their version of birthday, so it was a very special experience ‘Congratulations’, with revised lyrics for everyone; especially the children of appropriately tailored to the occasion. A Sandridge. group of pupils then read a ‘This is Your Life’-style tribute, before presenting Hector Lisa Roberts, Headteacher

18 WINTER 2017 NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS Skyswood Primary School

HILDREN at Skyswood Primary new bench, said: “We’re delighted to support and Nursery School now have a the community with this initiative, which will Cdedicated place to make friends, ensure that children at Skyswood Primary thanks to home improvement retailer Wickes, and Nursery School can now have a unique which has donated a ‘Buddy Bench’ to the place to make new friendships. With a school. brightly coloured, eye-catching bench in the Designed to combat loneliness and foster playground, we hope more children will be friendship in the playground, the ‘Buddy encouraged to use it to open up to their peers Bench’ initiative has been rolled out by and help build their confidence at school.” Wickes across various schools and aims to Bob Bridle, Headteacher at Skyswood help improve children’s confidence. Primary and Nursery School, said: “The new Buddy Bench is a very welcome addition Donated to our school. “Social and emotional development has a A playground bench, made of recycled high priority at Skyswood and sometimes materials and painted in bright, welcoming children just need a quiet place to have a little colours has been donated by Wickes to time out. ” Skyswood Primary and Nursery School. Phil Palmer, Store Manager at Wickes St. Albans who officially unveiled the

Making friends

19 Jersey Farm Carpet Bowls Club Keep active, stay healthy, make new friends - play bowls!

F you are looking for Bowls is a sport for all a new pastime, why ages, genders and abilities. It I not join the Carpet is gaining in popularity as it Bowls Club at Jersey is inexpensive, easy to learn, Farm Community Centre and is no longer perceived as on a Thursday evening? an older person’s sport. The club has been run In addition to actively by husband and wife, participating in the sport, the Dorothy and Ben club prides itself on its Shepherd, for over 10 sociable atmosphere, and they years, but the club itself opened over 20 years always hold a Christmas night out. This ago. year they have planned a dinner at the King Popular William. To learn more about the club, or to They meet every Thursday night 7.30 - arrange a free introductory session, please 9.30pm, and the £2.50 cost per person contact Dorothy Shepherd on 01727 includes tea and biscuits. 834606.

20 WINTER 2017 NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS IT Taster Sessions How Marshalswick library can help you get online

What is a Taster Session? www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/libraries for the current times). They give free one-to- An informal one-to-one introduction to basic one advice and assistance in using the Public computing at your own pace. These hands- PCs or personal devices. on sessions are aimed at adults with little or We also have books and magazines about IT no experience of using a PC or a tablet. The and information on other local IT courses. session takes about an hour.

Is there a charge? ONLINE SERVICES AVAILABLE The charge is £7 per person per session. • Free E-books and Currently there is no charge for library E-audiobooks with Overdrive. members who have a disability, or who are • More e-audiobooks on a low income and receiving benefits. through Borrowbox. What Taster Sessions are available? • Free computer courses with Atomic Learning. 1. Getting started with a PC Using a mouse and keyboard. • Free downloadable Finding your way around on-screen. magazines with RB Digital. Staying safe online. • A huge amount of information, 2. Getting started with a tablet from the Encyclopaedia Britannica Using the touchscreen. to Hertfordshire Names Online, Using the main tablet functions. through our Online Reference Accessing the Internet. Library. Downloading an app. • Our very own Herts Libraries App. 3.Using the Internet: an introduction The Internet - what it is and how to use Check out it safely. www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/libraries Using websites. for the full list Using the Google search engine.

Other help in getting online All visitors can use our Wi-Fi for free, and all Library Members get one hour free use of the Public PCs. Library staff can help with quick questions, help you set up an email account, and book Taster Sessions. IT Champions are available for two hours at a time at certain times during the week. (Please ask in branch or look us up on WINTER 2017 2211 22 WINTER 2017 NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS Raise a glass to your local landlord! The Green Man landlord is relentless in his charity work

OCAL man, Mike Eames, has been House Hospice, National Lifeboat landlord of the Green Man Public Association, Marie Curie , Lucy - Children’s L House in Sandridge since 1988. As charity, and Prostate Cancer. well as running a busy pub, he has managed During June this year, Mike joined a group to find the time to raise thousands of pounds of his customers and, over five days, cycled for local and national charities, with his main up the West coast of Ireland, covering charity being the Rennie Grove House 700km. To date, the team have raised Hospice. £6,500 for the Bath Rugby Foundation in Amazing support of Ataxia-telangiectasia (A-T), which is an increasingly severe disability to children and young adults. Ably supported by his wife, Lesley, and a Prostate Cancer has also benefitted from small staff team, Mike has raised a staggering Mike’s charity work to the tune of £2,985. £69,097 over the past 10 years, with his Again, there is a certificate of gratitude from tenacity and generosity being acknowledged the national charity in the pub. by Rennie Grove House with a certificate that is proudly displayed in the pub. Growing In 2016, Mike Lastly, a mention must be made of the raised an infamous carrot competition. Customers amazing £7,559 purchase seed from the pub and then through a variety of compete for both the largest and most charity events, such as: unusual carrot. This generated more than bike ride, golf day, quiz £300 last year, which was added to the nights, bonus ball, book Rennie Grove House Hospice total. sales, Lardy boys dieting, and Mike is a donations from charity boxes. particularly modest Fishing individual, but his work to raise money for local and Once a month, Mike and others take national charities is some children with Special Educational relentless and, in Needs fishing to a lake near Hertford. Mike our opinion, not only helps with the fishing, but he deserves some provides all the food and drink and, in the recognition. summer months, is also the chef for a BBQ. The pub bar has seven different charity M ike has boxes, those being: Samaritans, Herts Air raise d nearly Ambulance, Rennie Grove £70,0 00 over the past 10 years NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS 23 Sandridgebury Farm

Sandridgebury is a busy farm, riding school and livery yard, with over 70 horses and 156 acres, split between 80 acres of grazing land and around 76 acres of arable land. The owners are the Burrows family, who have owned and managed the farm since 1928.

N 2018, the Burrows family will be ‘John the Butcher’, next to the yard. Here celebrating their 90th year at you can buy your meat, pies and ISandridgebury. Originally purchased by confectionary, and sit outside with a drink Ernie and Kate Burrows in 1928, the farm and a delicious sausage roll, whilst watching was once a thriving dairy business, with short the hustle and bustle of the stables on a busy horned cattle grazing the land. Saturday afternoon. Ernie and Kate were very involved in Sandridge village life, with Kate supporting Horses the local Women's Institute, Silver Threads Sandridgebury Stables have excellent and Meals on Wheels, until she passed away facilities for horses and riders - boasting three in 2013 at 104 years old. arenas, many kilometres of private tracks, In recent years, however, the cattle have been replaced with horses, the milking lots of jumps, poles, and an array of parlour turned into a feed room, and the equipment for clients to use. Horses are kept yard is a busy community of horses and as a mixture of stabled horses and ones that ponies, riding school clients, horse owners live out in the field all year round. and yard staff. It sits on the edge of Over the winter, the horses in the field are Heartwood Forest, which has many given hay to ensure they have plenty to eat, kilometres of bridleways and footpaths. and to turn the energy from the forage to You will also find our local butchers shop, heat themselves on the cold, dark nights.

24 WINTER 2017 NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS The riding school itself has a busy client Livestock on the grazing land include 40 base, with a mixture of adults and children. British long horned cows (farmed for Lord Many local children spend their weekends and Lady Verulam at Gorhambury Estate), and school holidays helping out at the stables and a flock of sheep at Cheapside Farm. You and grow up learning how to ride and care may have seen the sheep with their lambs for their four-legged friends. The life skills during springtime as you come over the that caring for the horses and ponies in all railway bridge at Cheapside Farm. weathers every day, including Christmas Day, Variety is invaluable. In addition to the riding school horses, In addition to the farming, the family also there are 45 privately owned horses and have a grounds maintenance element to their ponies that are kept at livery on the yard, so business. This includes cutting the you can guarantee that whatever time of day meadowland at Jersey Farm Woodland Park you arrive, there will always be a smiley face for us each year, as well as helping with the to greet you in the yard! local Spencer Meadow sports pitches. Lots of other activities and events go on Land over the year too, from gymkhana competitions to summer barbecues and Sandridgebury Farm has a total of just rounders matches. under 80 acres of arable land on the In total, the Sandridgebury Farm and premises, with a further 2,000 acres of arable stables employ up to 15 people, including and 1,000 acres of grass land farmed and riding instructors, farm staff and grooms, as managed by the Burrows family, all of which well as providing business for farriers, vets is within 3 miles of the farm. This includes and animal feed merchants. Cheapside Farm, which is also within the The community spirit is what makes parish. Sandridgebury Farm and Stables so special. The arable land has a variety of crops A shared love of horses and the outdoors grown in rotation, including oats which are brings everyone together. grown for cereal bars, wheat for biscuits and bread making, barley for Adnam’s beer, and Rebecca Pannese oilseed rape for cooking oil. Project & Amenities Officer

ABOVE: Ernie Burrows with his dog, outside Sandridgebury Farm in 1948 TOP INSET: Farrier at Sandridgebury Stables BOTTOM INSET: John the Butcher 26 WINTER 2017 NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS 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 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

NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS WINTER 2017 27 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 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. If you would like to help in the smooth running of the Hall, please contact Brian Ollis on 01727 867417. Winter Fair

Saturday 9th December 3pm - 6pm P KSHO ’ WOR ELVES

MRS CLAUS’ CAFE

SA NTA ’S G RO TTO

Santa’s Grotto Gift stalls Silent auction Raffle IN AFT CAB Elves’ workshop Face painting CR

Games Refreshments Sponsored by Bottle Tombola Sweet Tombola

Adults £2.00 Children free Fun for all the family!

Sandridge School, Woodcock Hill, Sandridge, AL4 9EB

28 WINTER 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 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 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 Afternoon AVAILABLE FOR HIRE

6.00pm - 10.00pm ALBAN LACEMAKERS (2nd week in month) Mrs N Treacher Tel: 01582 712646 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 WINTER 2017 29 Nigel Rump Spencer Hall (Behind Sandridge Village Hall) Tel: 07973 798045 Activities and regular hirers Sandridge Rovers Football Club bar TO BOOK THIS HALL CONTACT (evening only) Tel: 01727 835506

MONDAY Morning AVAILABLE FOR HIRE Morning AVAILABLE FOR HIRE 7.30pm - 11.00pm MID HERTS JAZZ ORCHESTRA Geoff Scott Tel: 01438 226930 TUESDAY 9.00am - 12.00pm SURE START BABY & TODDLER GROUP TERM TIME ONLY [email protected] Afternoon AVAILABLE FOR HIRE 6.45pm - 8.00pm ABSOLUTE WELLNESS GROUP Sarita Gray Tel: 07753 174068 8.00pm - 11.00pm CRIB (summer) / DOMINOES (winter) (in the bar) Nigel Rump Tel: 07973 798045 WEDNESDAY 9.15am BODY ENDURANCE Rob Faulkner Tel: 07940 112461 Afternoon AVAILABLE FOR HIRE 7.30pm - 10.30pm PEACE-TRAIN (LINE DANCING) Tony, Kathy & Michelle Risley Tel: 07774 983467 (Tony) 07808 772987 (Michelle) 8.00pm - 11.00pm LADIES DARTS (in the bar) Nigel Rump Tel: 07973 798045 THURSDAY Morning AVAILABLE FOR HIRE Afternoon AVAILABLE FOR HIRE 6.45pm - 8.00pm ABSOLUTE WELLNESS GROUP Sarita Gray Tel: 07753 174068 8.00pm - 11.00pm MEN’S DARTS (in the bar) Nigel Rump Tel: 07973 798045 FRIDAY Morning AVAILABLE FOR HIRE Afternoon AVAILABLE FOR HIRE Evening AVAILABLE FOR HIRE 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 798045 Afternoon/evening SANDRIDGE CRICKET CLUB (May-Aug) (sports field/changing rooms) John Murphy Tel: 07881 505265 SUNDAY Morning AVAILABLE FOR HIRE Afternoon AVAILABLE FOR HIRE Evening BINGO Nigel Rump Tel: 07973 798045 Morning/afternoon SANDRIDGE ROVERS VETERANS FOOTBALL Kim Nguyen Tel: 07801 235972 SANDRIDGE ROVERS YOUTH FOOTBALL John Pinkham Tel: 07545 262304 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 WINTER 2017 NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS 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: 07940 854535

4.00pm - 7.00pm LEA VALLEY KARATE ACADEMY (4 years and over) Daniel Hollister Tel: 07894 528283 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 966099 6.15pm - 7.15pm HERTBEATS 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 Tricia Campbell Tel: 01727 869703

Afternoon AVAILABLE FOR HIRE

6.30pm - 8.30pm WEIP SOCIAL Adam Garland Tel: 01582 967960

THURSDAY 10.30am - 12.00noon AWARENESS THROUGH MOVEMENT (50+) Miriam Dobson Tel: 01707 371816

Afternoon AVAILABLE FOR HIRE

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 062110 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 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

NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS WINTER 2017 31 2017 / 2018 Nursery places still available Messy play Come and meet other parents and carers at our free ‘Stay & Play’ sessions Songs • Rhymes • Games • Puppets Drink & biscuits Wed 22nd & 29th November 2017 Wed 10th, 17th, 24th and 31stJanuary 2018 from 1 -2pm

Sandridge School, Woodcock Hill, Sandridge, St. Albans, Herts, AL4 9EB Tel: 01727 850576 [email protected] www.sandridge.herts.sch.uk

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 District Council

32 WINTER 2017 NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS Local church news Find out what’s going on at your local churches

Ridgeway Church

E were delighted to see many of you at our Macmillan event this Wyear where we raised £540. Thank you for your support, and also to Tesco Local who donated some raffle prizes. Christmas will soon be here! Why not kick off the festive season by joining us for Carols at the Blackberry Jack (plus mulled wine and mince pies) at 6.30pm on Thursday 7th December. For the first time, this year we will be holding an All Age Service at 4pm on Christmas Eve. Why not plan to have your presents wrapped, the turkey trimmed and sprouts prepared so that you can come and help us celebrate as we remember Jesus 17th December, and a Christmas Day being born and think about why he came. All Age Service at 11am. You would be We also have a most welcome. Carol Service at 4pm on Sunday Tricia Campbell Marshalswick Baptist Free Church

SUNDAY 17TH DECEMBER HRISTMAS is coming, and preparations are well under way to 10.15am Carols and Readings with activities celebrate Christmas at for Children C Marshalswick Baptist Free Church in 6.00pm ‘Light comes into the darkness’ Sherwood Avenue. All age Family Carols A whole range of services have been CHRISTMAS EVE planned for the whole community. Everyone, young or old, is invited to share 10.15am Family Christingle Service for all ages in the celebration of the birth of Jesus - the 11.30pm Christmas Eve Communion light of the world!

CHRISTMAS DAY To find out more, contact 01727 857786 10.15 -11.00am Family Christmas Celebration or visit us at www.mbfc.org.uk

NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS WINTER 2017 33 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

EDITORIAL COPY DATE SPRING 2018 - Issue 88 For inclusion in the next issue, please ensure copy is submitted before Thursday 15th February 2018

34 WINTER 2017 NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS St. Leonard’s Church

• Sat 2nd Dec - 7.30pm Concert with the Village Voices choir (tickets £5 at door) • Sun 3rd Dec - 3pm. Craft Christingle Service. Toddlers upwards (with their parents or carers) make Christmas crafts and celebrate with special Christingles. • Sun 17th Dec - 6pm. Carols by Candlelight • Christmas Eve - 3pm and 5pm. Crib Services Especially for the children, and good for all ages. • Christmas Eve - 11.30pm. First Communion of Christmas Traditional carols and a communion service. • Christmas Day - 10am T. Leonard’s will be All Age Celebration Marking the birth of celebrating Christmas Jesus Christ and join in communion. with the following events: S Rev Em Coley & Rev Peter Crumpler www.sandridgechurch.org.uk

St. Mary’s Church, Marshalswick

HETHER you’re a regular New plans coming soon for member of our congregation or our communal garden, Wjust fancy trying us out, a warm Peppercorn Place. welcome and a cuppa awaits you at www.marshalswick.org.uk St. Mary’s this festive season. [email protected] 01727 851544 Advent Workshop Sat 2nd Dec - 3pm. Crafts for the artistically-gifted and the cack-handed alike, with a lot of chat and CHRISTMAS SERVICES tea. Workshop will begin with a short act Sun 17th Dec - 6.30pm of worship. Carol Service rd Christingle Sun 3 Dec - 4pm. Worship Christmas Eve with sweets stuck into oranges. Mmm. Crib Service and Fayrfax Consort Christmas Nativity Play - 5pm Cracker, Wed 13th Dec - 8pm. Midnight Mass - 11pm Entertainment by candlelight. Tickets £7 Christmas Day - 10am from 01727 852364 Family Eucharist

NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS WINTER 2017 35 36 WINTER 2017 NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS Serving our community Jersey Farm Community Centre

OR a healthier life, try a visit to Jersey Brownies pack have a lot of fun achieving Farm Community Centre. The Yoga their various badges, but for those of you Fgroup is for beginners and offers free who wish to join, there’s a waiting list. For the taster sessions. Exercise is also on offer at under 5’s, there is ballet with Penny ‘Awareness through movement’ while Waterman, Karate and Qi Kwon Do with ‘Hertbeats’ specialises in helping people who experienced black belt Jon Curtis. In addition have experienced cardiac problems, as well to long standing Harvesters Playtime, we as those who wish to avoid them. now have Socatots and Kids Club. If children at play are too noisy for your Activities taste, pop along and meet a friend at Ridgeway Church’s Friday Community Sporting types might keep fit with a weekly Cafe. There’s no need to be lonely. session of carpet bowls, one of the clubs that We also have a book exchange, so please has been going for very long time. Elderly bring along your discarded books for the folk can get out of the house and meet each benefit of others and take one for yourself. other at the Day Centre, and people with Recently, local resident Emma Newton learning difficulties can practise and improve and friends hired the hall for their children’s birthday party. She stated; “It was absolutely their social skills with WEIP. perfect for our kids.” Those of an artistic nature should try the Contact Martine MacRae on 07399 403 Camera Club, another long standing 650 to book your event. organisation, while the intellectually inclined For a full list of sessions and groups that might enjoy a round of bridge at our Bridge meet at the community centre, see page 31. Club. Kids have lots of choice. St. Albans 25th Councillor Neil Harris

NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS WINTER 2017 37 38 WINTER 2017 NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS Supporting creativity in young people SandPit Theatre news What’s On EXT year welcomes the start of our upper school drama Santa in Love Nand dance practical Sunday 3rd December - 2pm examinations. Based on the campus of Find out the secret about Santa Claus and a school with Artsmark Platinum status the thing he secretly loves best. A fun-filled and that champions the arts, The family musical complete with games, giggles SandPit Theatre prides itself on being a and all your favourite Christmas songs. Santa facility that allows students to grow and will be available after the show to meet your develop in all aspects of creativity. little ones and give them a present. Talent Charity Christmas Concert The season kicks off on Thursday 11th th January with Caucasian Chalk Circle, Thursday 14 December - 7pm Metamorphosis and 5 Kinds of Silence, West end stars and local talent come the first of which has been designed by together to raise money for Home Start one of the A Level students. Moving Herts. into February, we see the GCSE dance A Christmas Carol students showcase their choreography talents, and March brings us a month of Saturday 16th December - 3pm devised student work. With the help of a large 60cm tall pop up There is a wealth of research book and lots of humbugs, this very surrounding the benefits of the entertaining version of the Dicken’s classic performing arts. It is said that being tale takes the audience back to Victorian creative and learning to make creative England using mime, voice, and a couple of choices helps students in identifying suitcases loaded full of ghosts! alternative solutions to situations, allowing them to form alternative views on the the world around them. Support

The performances are open to the public so please grab yourself a ticket and come along to support these young people and see the fantastic work that they have produced.

Rachael Donlan, Theatre Manager www.sandpittheatre.co.uk

NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS WINTER 2017 39 Councillor profile Councillor June Reid

OUR accent, you’re not where the next four years were filled with from round here are you?” study and a wide variety of holiday jobs in “YThe reply? “No, but a bit of Europe. Taking these on was a bit scary as yes after all this time”. My roots are there was no idea of what you were letting definitely Northern. If you look back at the yourself in for, but I am so glad that I did. I family history, it’s cotton, cotton, cotton - learned to be self-reliant and experienced the spinning, weaving and every other aspect you everyday culture of different countries which can think of. have since changed so much. I grew up on the Fylde coast with the I had always wanted to be a teacher and advantages of both sand and countryside. became a member of the “Mobile Staff ”. Primary school sports days were determined That meant I was in a school until it too by the tide table as they were usually held on came into contact with the demolition ball. the beach! These had been tough areas which reflected the real meaning of “community” and it was Rules sad to see the street you had walked down in the morning reduced to rubble by the time This was not the case at the grammar you went home. The population were to be school where a far more formal approach given a better lifestyle in concrete tower was expected in everything. Heaven help you blocks. if you were caught eating in the street or not Memories wearing your white gloves in the summer! It was not really approved of but most of us Particular memories of that era were ITA, had Saturday jobs to boost funds. unstructured days, open plan classrooms and As I grew up, the range widened to include caretakers who saw me on to the bus “fr yr such delights as frying onions on the Golden own good lass”. Mile, Rock Rolling and manic Saturday Next move? The open skies and flat fields morning changeovers in the busy promenade of Cambridgeshire, and the Fens where I hotels. spent some very happy years in both School behind me, I moved on to Uni, mainstream and special schools.

40 WINTER 2017 NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS There is a strong possibility that we would Woodland Park and, later, Heartwood Forest. still be there had my husband not been I was also a founding member of what offered an interesting proposition by became HARC. Marconi. Moving always creates some I will always love the North, its scenery, its problems, but we had the additional people and their outlook, but St. Albans has headache of how to re-locate twenty-four become my home. bee hives in August - supers and all. You get We moved into Marshalswick as the first odd looks driving very gently down the A1 bricks were being laid for Jersey Farm. I have wearing a bee veil. great affection for the City, its history and the surrounding countryside, which is why I Beginnings decided to stand as a Parish Councillor. Living in the area helps me understand the I took on another teaching job, but the move had made me restless, and, after a problems that local residents have to deal couple of years, I became a student again. with, and this is one reason why I am so keen Armed with further qualifications and a new to see the success of the Sandridge Parish career, I went on to work in three different Neighbourhood Plan. industries. Our Green Belt is coming under increasing The time was right for children, and I had threat, and it seems inevitable that some will two sons within three years. Although I was be lost to housing development. This is why not “working”, I joined many local groups, it is so important for us to plan how we, the participated in lots of voluntary activities and local residents, want our surroundings to continued as a school governor. work for us. As my children grew, I became involved I cannot put my finger on what makes with more and more groups and helped in St. Albans such a special place, and I doubt the creation and planting of the Jersey Farm if I ever will.

June helped with the planting of Jersey Farm Woodland Park and Heartwood Forest

NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS WINTER 2017 41 42 WINTER 2017 NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS MNRA (Marshalswick North Residents’ Association) Representing local residents non-politically

UR recent Annual General of. We may not be able to solve all the Meeting filled the seats at problems, but we will have more ‘clout’ if we OMarshalswick Community Centre. act together to try to enhance the good things We heard updates on issues of local about our neighbourhood. interest such as the Oaklands planning application in the context of the St. Albans Support Local Plan, and the proposed housing development at Symondshyde. We have attracted new members from across the Marshalswick North area and have Active a new committee member, although we would like more of both! The Association has also been active Have a look at our website during the year in making representations on www.marshalswicknorth.org/ or increased aircraft noise and nearby Facebook page, or email us at quarrying proposals. [email protected] Bob Bridle, Headteacher at Skyswood Let us know your views about issues in School, addressed the meeting on the subject Marshalswick North and join us by of the school’s involvement with the downloading the membership form from our community, still conveying an infectious website. enthusiasm about education after 30 years. We will try and keep you informed and Residents raised issues of concern about road offer non-political representation of the safety, parking and the condition of footways. views of the community. MNRA has acted on a number of individual concerns raised with it over the Mary Ternouth year, and it is something we want to do more MNRA Committee

We are going to feature the history of the wonderful Jersey Farm Woodland Park in a future edition of Neighbourhood News. Perhaps you have memories of participating in some of the early planning or planting of the park? You may even have photographs you would like to share with us. The history of Please feel free to contact us on 01727 831871 or Woodland Park [email protected]

NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS WINTER 2017 43 How to deter burglars PCSO Chris Stokes To report a non-emergency incident, call 101 In an emergency (if life is in danger or a crime is in progress), always dial 999 HERE are some quick and easy through the letterbox. crime prevention tips you can follow Try to ensure parcels are not left on your Tto help reduce the chances of being doorstep by arranging for delivery when you a burglary victim, especially as the darker are home or ask for them to be left with a nights draw in. neighbour. As well as securely locking all windows and Offenders don’t like dogs so anything that doors, give your home the lived-in look and gives them the impression that there is a dog try to avoid being burgled this winter. at the address is a deterrent. You’re in a rush to get to work, drop the children off at school or late for an Patrols appointment and you drive off, leaving your Local police have stepped up high-visibility house all day without thinking about how it patrols and will be visiting homes which have looks in the dark before you get home. This previously been burgled to help prevent any can make your home vulnerable to an increase in repeat burglaries. opportunist thief. As darkness begins to fall It can take less than five minutes for a earlier in the day, your home can look burglary to take place, and most burglaries unoccupied, and more inviting for burglars, occur between 12 midday and 8pm. But the if there are no lights on. good news is that the majority of burglaries Deterrent could be prevented by occupants locking windows and doors and How about installing a timer giving their homes the ‘lived in’ look. switch so it isn’t as obvious that You could also sign up to your house is unoccupied? Neighbourhood Watch via the You could ask a neighbour to Online Watch Link (OWL) at park on your drive if you are away www.owl.co.uk to receive free for a few days or on holiday, and emails about crimes happening in your ask a neighbour to make sure area with relevant crime prevention your post is pushed properly advice.

44 WINTER 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 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 WINTER 2017 45 46 WINTER 2017 NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS WINTER 2017 47 Published by Local Publishing Ltd. Tel 01727 757475 www.localpublishing.co.uk [email protected]