s issue 93 summer 2019 w e n - sandridge summer 2019.pdfy o u r v o i c e i n t h e c o m m u n i t...

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NeighbourhoodNE

WS SUMMER 2019

Issue 93

Sponsored by Sandridge Parish Council for everyone in Sandridge, Marshalswick and Jersey Farm

www.sandridge-pc.gov.uk

www.sandridge-pc.gov.uk2 SUMMER 2019

CHILDREN’S BALLET, TAP, STREET/JAZZ, STREET DANCE AND MUSICAL THEATRE CLASSES

MORNINGSFOR AGES

18 MONTHS - 5 YRS(PAY-ON-DOOR)

AFTER SCHOOLCLASSES FOR

AGES 3-15 YEARS

Mondays in Cottonmill LaneTuesdays in Hatfield Road & Highfields Charters YMCA

Wednesdays in MarshalswickThursdays in St Stephens, Watling Street (opp King Harry pub)

Saturday mornings in Jubilee Centre, Catherine Street,Pilates Workshop at Magenta, Ronsons Way

Mondays in Jersey FarmTuesdays in Hatfield RoadFridays in Cottonmill Lane

Saturdays in Jubilee Centre (Catherine St)

4-7 CHAIR’S REPORTCouncillor Janet Churchard

8-9 SUMMER AT HEARTWOODA great timetable of activities

10-11 DEMENTIA DOG PROJECTDog Day event at Park Side View

12 NOTICEBOARD - SUMMER 2019Listing of contact points throughout the area

13 WHO DO I CONTACT?Useful numbers for many issues that arise

14-15 PUT YOUR BEST FOOT FORWARDWith First Footcare

16-19 EDUCATION NEWSFind out what’s going on at your local schools

20 COUNCILLOR PROFILECouncillor James Lancaster

21 JERSEY FARM WOODLAND PARK SUMMER EVENTSaturday 29th June, 1-5pm

23 WHO’S YOUR HERO?Sandridge Harvest Flower Festival

24-25 BLUE CROSS Pet shelter hosts open day ahead of renovation

27 LOOKING TO THE FUTUREBim Afolami MP

28 JERSEY FARM COMMUNITY CENTREA listing of activities and regular hirers

29-30 SPENCER HALLA listing of activities and regular hirers

31-32 SANDRIDGE VILLAGE HALLA listing of activities and regular hirers

33 MARSHALSWICK COMMUNITY CENTREA listing of activities and regular hirers

34 A WARM WELCOME! Meet your new local Councillors

35 PARISH COUNCIL PRECEPTHow the money is spent

37 SPENCER HALLA centre of activity

38-39 LOCAL CHURCH NEWSFind out what’s going on at your local churches

40-41 SUMER IS ICUMEN INLhude sing cuccu!

42 PARISH COUNCIL MEETINGS 2019Dates and venues of meetings

43 HAVING A CLEAR OUT?Make sure you dispose of your waste responsibly!

44 LOOKING FOR NEW MEMBERSAt Sandridge Carpet Bowls Club

45 FREE PENSIONERS’ BUS TIMETABLE

Published by: LOCAL PUBLISHING LTD Tel: 01727 757475 [email protected] www.localpublishing.co.ukEditor: STEFANIE HAYES [email protected]: NICK HAYES [email protected]: Neighbourhood News, c/o Sandridge Parish Council, Marshalswick Community Centre, The Ridgeway, St. Albans, AL4 9TU

EDITORIAL DEADLINE If you have an article you would like to beconsidered for the AUTUMN 2019 issue, pleaseemail it to the editor by Thursday 15th August 2019

COPYRIGHT - Items in this publication are subject to copyright. Copying in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.Unless specifically stated, views expressed in Neighbourhood News are not necessarily those of the editor or of Sandridge Parish Council. While sponsoredby Sandridge Parish Council, Neighbourhood News is an independent publication. The editor reserves the right to shorten, modify or reject submitted material.All advertisements, photographs and artwork supplied to Neighbourhood News are accepted in good faith (free of copyright). Neither Sandridge ParishCouncil nor the editor can be held responsible for goods or services advertised.

Circulation: Over 4,750 homes in Marshalswick,Jersey Farm and Sandridge. This is equivalent toall of the AL4 9-- postcode area.

Published for and on behalf of Sandridge Parish Council

24-25

10-11

21

Contents SUMMER 2019

Front cover - the Parish Council's 'Grow your Own' project at Marshalswick Community Centre

THIS report comes at the end of thiscouncil’s four-year cycle, and I havechaired the council during those four

years. There have been ups and downs, goodtimes and more challenging times, but theParish Council has continued to function well.This is largely due to our officers, whosecommitment to improving their service to ourcommunity is beyond doubt.

The Parish Council elections held in 2015 didnot fill all the fourteen places so, shortly after,there were co-options. Since then, the councilmembership has remained very stable,although we have sadly had memberillnesses and a resignation due to personalcircumstances.

Whatever the outcome of the elections inMay, I knew our officers would continue tosupport and advise the new council to ensurea seamless handover so that theresponsibilities of Sandridge Parish Council willbe carried out properly.

The following is a report about some of themany activities carried out by the ParishCouncil over the past year. As always, it isimpossible to include everything, but I hope

this will give an insight into how theofficers, councillors and

volunteers continue towork together to

maintain andimprovefacilitieswithin the

parish.

Community CentresThe Parish Council manages the

Marshalswick and Jersey Farm CommunityCentres. There are activities every night of theweek and during most days in the week. Atweekends, they are used by a variety ofgroups and for private parties and events.

Charges are intended to cover the day today running costs of the centres so that theyprovide useful and attractive facilities ataffordable rates. Major improvements to thecentres are funded from the Council Tax.

As well as regular maintenance at bothcommunity centres, further work has beencompleted inside and out. At MarshalswickCommunity Centre, new energy efficient LEDlighting and a new PA system have beeninstalled. The community centre has alsobeen redecorated.

As Jersey Farm Community Centre hadsimilar work done previously, this year hasseen some external improvements. Newbollards and a handrail have been installedto make it safer for those using St. Brelade’sPlace.

Both community centres continue to bepopular venues for a variety of activities.

Sports and RecreationThe Parish Council continues with its

maintenance and development programmeof play areas in all parts of the parish. Thereare also regular inspections and anindependent safety assessment of all

equipment. Among improvements thisyear have been:

Chair’s reportCouncillor Janet Churchard

4

Photos: Judith Parry

New basketball nets, an outdoor tabletennis table and a new multi-play area at St. Leonard’s Play area and green space. Inaddition, there has been a new path createdto make it easier for residents to access theplay area.

At Harness Way, new football posts havebeen installed and the area around thebasket swing has been improved by theaddition of wetpour.

Sherwood Avenue Recreation Ground hasbenefited from new tennis posts and nets. Anew CCTV system has improved the securityof the area.

The William Bell Play Area has had newtrees and hedging to improve the perimeterand to provide a better natural habitat andgreen pathway for small creatures. It alsoimproves the privacy and security of residentswhose homes back onto the area.

Jersey Farm Woodland ParkThe Woodland Park has a new five-year

management plan - the previous one havingfinished last year. This was put together by ourTree Warden and committee members,taking into account the evolving needs of thePark. Rather than planting trees, the focus isnow on managing the woodland and openspaces for the enjoyment of residents andvisitors.

New leaflet dispensers have been installed,although one person, on first seeing them,thought they were bird boxes. They arewooden and more durable, we hope, thanthe previous Perspex dispensers. At least 50posts either side of the track to WoodlandHouse have been replaced as they werebecoming rather loose and rotting. The newones are of the same wood and will weatherin to match quite quickly.

Major tree thinning in the Eastern Plantationhas been carried out by specialistcontractors. Our Tree Warden and a coupleof members of the Woodland Parkcommittee spent a morning marking up the

trees beforehand with the intention ofcreating more open space at ground level toencourage flora. The objective was also toencourage the better trees to grow straightand strong and form a good canopy.

The Woodland Park is about to be judgedfor this year’s Green Flag Award. This allows usto fly a flag at the Chiltern Road entrance tothe park indicating that it is one of ‘the bestgreen spaces in the country’. Keeping thepark up to the required standard takes a lotof work by committee members and officersand couldn’t happen without the support ofvolunteers. Hedge-laying continues to be apopular volunteer activity and many of ourlaid hedges are looking really good. Someexploratory ‘small ponds’ have been dug tofind out the best place to create the firstnatural pond on the site.

The Woodland Park continues to be part ofSustainable St. Albans each year.

SUMMER 2019 5www.sandridge-pc.gov.uk

Parish paths and environmentThe Parish Environmental Assets and

Paths Committee (PEAP) is responsible forhelping to secure improvements to thefootpaths and to help enhance areas ofenvironmental importance such as SkysWood. PEAP continues to use itsManagement Plan to guide its activities.Last year, they produced a parish map,which included outlines for four local walksof varying lengths. These are all delightfulwalks and we would encourage anyonewho hasn’t tried one yet to do so.

Neighbourhood PlanThe Neighbourhood Plan continues to

progress with a final draft now nearingcompletion.

Planning mattersWhile the Parish Council has no power to

approve or refuse plans, it does review andcomment on them to the District Council. APlanning Committee, to meet every fourweeks, was established in February last year.This cycle proved to be problematic so themeetings were changed to a three weeklycycle which is working better.

Council Precept (Tax)The Parish Council has to submit a request

to the District Council for the following year’s

Precept. The Finance committee looks atexpenditure requirements for the followingyear and then makes a submission to theParish Council Full committee.

This year, Sandridge Parish Council arerequesting an annual increase of less than £2in the amount of precept paid to the ParishCouncil for a Band D property. Sandridgecontinues to charge one of the lowestprecepts in the district. The aim is to strike abalance between keeping the precept lowand providing services to the community.


Neighbourhood News and parish website

Our parish magazine continues to bewell received by residents. The numberand variety of articles continues toincrease largely due to the pro-activeapproach by the independent editors.

Please contact them or the ParishOffice if you have an article you think willbe of interest to others.

The Parish Council website andFacebook page continue to facilitatecommunication between the counciland our residents. In recent months, ithas proved very effective in recruitingvolunteers for activities such as the litterpick, tree planting and hedge-laying. Itis also becoming a ‘go to’ place to findout what events are coming up in thelocal area.

GrantsAs well as those activities directly

funded by the Parish Council, we havealso provided grants to localorganisations. During the past year, thesehave ranged from £300 to £8,000. Mostgrants are nearer the lower figure butthere are sometimes exceptions for majorprojects.

This year we have supported theBaptist Church and Sustainable St. Albans among others. The ParishCouncil is always pleased to receiveapplications for grants from localorganisations, so please contact theParish Office if you would like moreinformation.

Local residents taking part in Sustainable St. Albans

Volunteers at a recent local Litter Pick

For news and information from the ParishCouncil and the surrounding areas

SANDRIDGE PARISH COUNCIL

VISIT OUR WEBSITE

AND FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK



Asset TransfersDuring the year, the Parish Council has

again been processing areas within theparish from the District Council. Since recentlytaking over control of the car park next toMarshalswick Community Centre, it has beenrelined and disabled bays added.

The Green Man in Sandridge Village hasbeen awarded Asset of Community Value(ACV).

The Parish Council decided not to proceedwith the proposal to take on Jersey FarmOpen Space due to ongoing issues with theLagoon.

Areas of concern to the Parish Council and residents

The Parish Council, through its councillors,officers and residents, keeps an eye on whatis happening around the parish. The possibledevelopment at Symondshyde and theactual development at Oaklands concernboth the council and many of our residents.We continue to monitor and are pleased tohear from residents who may be aware ofevents before us.

Car parksThere are a number of car parks within theparish; some under our control and some not.New signage has been installed at our carparks and relining has hopefully made use ofspace more efficient. At Spencer Meadow,extra bays have been provided and a veryuseful heavy duty boot scraper for thefootballers and hikers in particular.

The parish officeThis is the heart of our organisation. The

office is at the library end ofMarshalswick Community Centre. Thereis an access ramp for those who need alittle, or even a lot, of help. There is usuallya bright tub of plants at the entranceand a warm welcome from the officersworking inside.

Last year, our Deputy Clerk decidedshe needed a new challenge. Everyonewas sorry to see her go but understoodher need to ‘spread her wings’. Duringthe autumn we advertised for a newDeputy Clerk and were delighted to findsomeone who complements the existingofficers.

On behalf of all councillors, I would like tothank our Clerk, our Deputy Clerk, TheCommunity Centres Manager (who alsomanages the website) and the Projects andAmenities Officer for keeping everythinggoing during another busy year.

Their positive, cheerful and helpful attitudeis much appreciated by councillors andresidents alike.

Janet ChurchardChair, Sandridge Parish Council


Summer atHeartwood

HEARTWOOD Forest’s summer eventprogramme is offering a realplethora of activities this year. From

photography walks to late night exploration,

there is something for everyone. Advanced booking is essential as places

are limited. To book please visitwoodlandtrust.org.uk/events

HEARTWOOD THROUGH THE LENS –PHOTOGRAPHY WALK

Wednesday 26th June 10am-12pm

Explore Heartwood through a lens:join this walk around the forest andtake the opportunity to photographthe wild flower meadows anddeveloping woodland under theguidance of two experiencedHeartwood photographers. Meet inmain car park.

FAMILY BUTTERFLY WALK Sunday 30th June 10am-11.30am

Join our butterfly experts for a family friendly walkaround Heartwood. Discover just how manybutterflies there are and where is best to spot them.All ages are welcome, meet in the main car park.

AS DAY TURNS TO NIGHT –TWILIGHT WALK

Friday 2nd August 8pm-10pm

Join us as we exploreHeartwood as the sun sets.Our expert will guide youthrough the dusk chorus andtake you through the sightsand sounds as day turns tonight.

MOTH TRAPPING Friday 12th July 9.30pm – 12am

Join our local expert as we setup and check moth traps atHeartwood and identify whatwe find. Please bring a torch.

NATURE DETECTIVES LIVEThursday 22nd + Friday 23rd August

Timed sessions

Calling all budding NatureDetectives! Are you ready to solve awild mystery? Join us and some tree-loving friends for a fun-packeddetective session at HeartwoodForest, with tree tracking, bughunting and badge making.

WTML/John Bridges

WTML/Judith Parry

www.sandridge-pc.gov.uk SUMMER 2019 9


T HURSDAY 2nd May saw the start of thenew Dog Day Event within the St. Albans Hertswise hub at Park Side

View, Chiltern Road. The new Dementia DogProject is being run by the charity Dogs forGood partnered with Hertswise to providelocal trained dogs to attend a social group forpeople living with dementia, giving them the

opportunity to interact and spend time withthe dogs and take part in different activities.

Working closely with Hertfordshire CountyCouncil, St. Albans has been chosen as thesecond location in England for the project totake place, and so it is a very excitingopportunity for the residents living withdementia in the district.

Dementia Dog Project

11

All of the dogs had to commit to an eightweek training programme with local dogtrainers Kim and Sally of Training Tails(www.trainingtails.co.uk). This included amock dogs day to make sure that they weregoing to be comfortable, calm and gentlearound different people, and that they werehappy to be part of the day.

Assessments

They also had to pass two assessmentsduring the training period with The KennelClub and Dogs For Good. On completion oftheir training, their owners then took part inboth Hertswise dementia training andcompleted the Dementia Friends workshop -an initiative run by the Alzheimer’s Society. Thedogs and their owners were then qualifiedand ready to become part of the dog dayteam!

For the first afternoon the attendees hadthe opportunity to meet the dogs and chat to

their owners, meet other people at the group,and take part in doggy bingo! A highlight ofthe afternoon was the ‘star dog’ visit wherebyRhoda Burdett from J9 Agility visited with herdogs to show off some brilliant tricks and skills.

For some of the group it was a lovelyopportunity to reminiscence about pets orspend time with dogs if they otherwise nolonger have any pets. The group is open toboth residents at Park Side View and peopleliving locally, as well as family members andcarers too.

The dog days are a monthly event held onthe first Thursday of every month at Park SideView. If you are interested or know someoneelse that may like to come along, please getin touch with Sam Dukelow on 07376 423 541or [email protected] to discuss furtherand book your place.

Or, if you would like any information orsupport around dementia or memory loss, getin contact with Hertswise on 0300 123 4044.



Noticeboard - Summer 2019A listing of contact points throughout the neighbourhood

PARISH COUNCILLORSSANDRIDGE VILLAGE WARDJames Lancaster: 8 Forest View, 35 High Street,Sandridge, AL4 9DD Tel: 07712 290 [email protected]

John Newton-Davies: Forge Cottage, 3 ChurchEnd, Sandridge, AL4 9DL Tel: 01727 [email protected]

JERSEY FARM WARDLyn Bolton: 20 Harefield Place, Jersey Farm, St. Albans, AL4 9JQ Tel: 01727 [email protected]

John Hale: 37 Chandlers Road, St. Albans, AL4 9RTTel: 01727 837371 [email protected]

Jon Hegerty: 4 Cromwell Close, St. Albans, AL4 9YETel: 01727 [email protected] Roberts: 5 Pollicot Close, Jersey Farm, St. Albans AL4 9YL Tel: 01727 [email protected]

MARSHALSWICK NORTH (EAST)Patsy Ann Cann: 20 Wheat Close, St. Albans, AL49NN Tel: 07876 492 [email protected] Churchard: 58 Pondfield Crescent, St. Albans,AL4 9PF Tel: 01727 [email protected]

Claudio Duran: Woodland House, St. Helier Road,Sandridge, St. Albans, AL4 9LQ Tel: 07789 485 [email protected]

John Foster: 29 Chiltern Road, St. Albans, AL4 9SWTel: 01727 862079

MARSHALSWICK NORTH (WEST)Julie Booth: 31 Craiglands, St. Albans, AL4 9AH Tel: 01727 [email protected]

Geoff Churchard: 58 Pondfield Crescent, St. Albans,AL4 9PF Tel: 01727 [email protected]

Neil Harris: 73 The Ridgeway, St. Albans, AL4 9NR Tel: 01727 760781 [email protected]

Graham Leonard: 14 Rose Walk, St. Albans, AL49AF Tel: 01727 861860 [email protected]

DISTRICT/COUNTY COUNCILLORSAnnie Brewster: COUNTY (Sandridge village)Fairways, Firs Drive, Gustard Wood, AL4 8LBTel: 01438 832255 [email protected]

Janet Churchard: DISTRICT (see Parish list)

Tom Clegg: DISTRICT - 33 Furze Avenue, St. Albans, AL4 9NF Tel: 01727 [email protected]

Clare Julien: DISTRICT - 139 The Ridgeway, St. Albans, AL4 9XA Tel: 07961 903 284

John Hale: COUNTY (see Parish list)Frances Leonard: DISTRICT - 14 Rose Walk, St. Albans, AL4 9AF Tel: 01727 [email protected]

Beric Read: DISTRICT - 34 Windmill Avenue, St. Albans, AL4 9TF Tel: 07956 220 264 [email protected]

CLERK TO THE COUNCIL Simon Thwaites: Marshalswick Community Centre,The Ridgeway, St. Albans, AL4 9TU Tel: 01727 831871 [email protected]

DEPUTY CLERKEmma Hostler [email protected]

PROJECT & AMENITIES OFFICERRebecca Pannese [email protected]

COMMUNITY CENTRES MANAGERAND WEBSITE MANAGER

Martine MacRae Tel: 07399 403 [email protected]@sandridge-pc.gov.uk

HALLS FOR HIRE The following halls located in the Parish are allavailable for hire by the public. Please telephonethe relevant contact person for more information.

Marshalswick & Jersey Farm Community CentresMartine MacRae Tel: 07399 403 [email protected]

Marshalswick Baptist Free ChurchCath Cresswell Tel: 01727 [email protected]

St. Mary’s Church Hall, Sherwood AvenueMaureen Bentley Tel: 07974 961702Val Spears Tel: 07711 [email protected]

Sandridge Village HallMr Brian Ollis Tel: 01727 [email protected] HallNigel Rump Tel: 01727 835506

POLICENon-emergency calls/report local incidents 101Calling 101 will take you to a call centre, your call will berouted to the correct part of the service

VERY URGENT 999


ISSUES WITH GRASS VERGES, POT HOLESAND PROBLEMS WITH STREET LIGHTS

Hertfordshire County Councilwww.hertfordshire.gov.uk/home

or call 0300 123 4040

OPEN SPACES AND RECREATION GROUNDS

Please call the Parish office on 01727 831871or email [email protected]

Not all the open spaces are owned bySandridge Parish Council but we are happy to be the first point of contact.

ISSUES WITH FLY TIPPING

St. Albans District Council [email protected]

or call 01727 809019

ST. ALBANS HOUSEHOLD WASTE AND RECYCLING CENTRE (RONSON WAY)

0300 1234 051 (Wasteaware) Opening days are Monday, Thursday,

Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Summer times 10am-6pm. Winter times 8am-4pm

SEMI EMERGENCY HEALTH ISSUES - DIAL 111

PROBLEMS WITH FLOODING

Hertfordshire County Councilwww.hertfordshire.gov.uk/home.aspx or

call 0300 123 4040

BUS TIMETABLES AND ISSUES WITH PUBLIC TRANSPORT

Can be reported via the Intalink websitewww.intalink.org.uk/#

Who do I contact?Useful numbers for many issues that arise in our parish


I am always asked what it is I like so much about feet. I have always found feet really interesting – unlike most people who

almost shudder when I tell them I look afterother people’s feet - so it was no great surprisethat, over 20 years ago, I began studyingabout the natural nail and began to offerpedicure and manicure.

Study

Over a number of years, and manypedicures and manicures, more and moreclients would talk to me about problems theyexperienced with their feet and toe nails.

My curiosity grew, and I decided it was timeto become more involved in the medical side

of feet. I stoppedwork and studiedfor 18 months atthe SMAE Institute tobecome a Foot CareHealth Professional.The SMAE is one ofthe oldest facilities training Chiropodists,Podiatrists and Foot Healthcare Professionals,just celebrating their 100th year in 2019.

I see some clients at my clinic at home inNapsbury Park, London Colney, but themajority of my work takes me on home visitsto clients throughout St. Albans, and as far asHarpenden and further in to North WestLondon.

Put your best foot forward

Renée Baum - Foot Healthcare

Professional MCFHP MAFHP

It becomes more of a challenge to lookafter your feet as you get older.

I am very fortunate to enjoy working withmany lovely clients, a large number of whomare more mature. Many need my help as theycan no longer reach their feet comfortablythemselves, and, if they can, or their familymembers can, the skin and nails are often stilltoo difficult to manage.

Difficulty

As we age and our bodies begin tochange, our nails become thicker and harderand our skin becomes dryer and flaky. Thelevels of moisture and elasticity lessen, andthis, coupled with medications often required,can have quite an impact.

The treatments I offer can assist with all ofthis and more. All treatments finish with arelaxing, hydrating and enjoyable footmassage. I have sent many a client to sleepwhilst massaging their feet, and I am oftentold their feet feel light and bouncy

afterwards. I cannot emphasise the importance of a

good foot massage – not only is it relaxingand hydrating, but it can really help withcirculation too.

Treatment

A foot healthcare treatment typically lasts45 minutes and, during the treatment, there istime to catch up on all that has beenhappening since my last visit. I love to hear myclients’ news and also to share informationabout foot care and recommendations oncomfy footwear and accessories. This usuallyextends to chatting about new books, recipes,hobbies, clubs and places to go!

I'm a people person, so I am very lucky thatI get to look after people’s feet whilst gettingto know them.

If you would like to find out more, or haveany specific questions, please call Renée on 07831 662191 or email:[email protected]

• Leaflets • Posters • Stickers • Folders • Newspapers • Magazines • Booklets • Greetings Cards • Business Cards and Stationery

• Banners • Scratch Cards • Fundraisers • & much more

01727 [email protected]


Education newsFind out what’s going on at your local schools

Sandringham School

Alan Gray, Headteacher

BRITISH Science Week tookplace in March this year.With numerous activities

taking place throughout the week,this really stimulated interest in STEMsubjects.

There was an amateur radio daywhere students built radios andcontacted people around the world.For the first time, three schools,Sandringham, Verulam andRidgeway Academy, also workedtogether to stage one of the biggestlessons ever taught.

Experience

Students from all three schoolsparticipated in the lesson in their ownclassrooms through the use of livebroadcasting through the web. Withover 2,500 students participating; this

was one of those ‘Golden Moments’ inlearning. The lesson focussed on thePeriodic Table to celebrate the 150th

anniversary of its existence from the workof Russian chemist, Dimitri Mendeleev.

Three teachers, one from each school,explored key concepts of groups andperiods to show how the elements areorganised according to their properties.This was an amazing experience andshows what you can do with a littleeffort! A reminder that our Open Evening forprospective families is on Tuesday 9th

July this year.


www.sandringham.herts.sch.uk

Monday 17th - Sunday 23rd JuneAnnual Activity WeekYear 10 students will be out on workexperience with Year 8 in France andGermany. Other students will be taking part ina variety of activities including our annualcommunity work to support local people.

Tuesday 25th June - 6pmYear 7 Project Fayre ShowcaseYou are more than welcome to come andwatch some fantastic presentations from ouryear 7 students.

Friday 28th June - 6.30pm Year 11 Prom. You are more than welcometo watch our lovely year 11 students arrive invarious forms of exotic transport for their year11 prom at the school.

Tuesday 2nd July - 7pm Summer Music Concert. SandPit Theatre.An evening of outstanding music. Everyone iswelcome and tickets can be obtainedthrough the box office.

Wednesday 3rd July - 7pmHouse Arts Show. Sandpit Theatre. This eventwill showcase activities produced throughoutthe House Day.

Thursday 4th July - 7pmIgnite Dance Show. Sandpit Theatre. This isour Lower School Dance Show – not to bemissed!

Friday 5th July - 10.30am startAnnual 5-mile Charity Run. The wholeschool will be running a lovely course aroundMarshalswick, Jersey Farm and Sandridge. Ifany member of the public would like toparticipate please contact the school.

Tuesday 9th July - 5.45pm - 8.45pm Secondary Transfer Open Evening.For Secondary Transfer 2019.

Monday 15th July - 7pm Annual Sports Awards evening. Sandpit Theatre.

Friday 19th July - 10am - 12pm School Sports Day. You are welcome tocome and watch the sporting talent in actionon the school fields.


The school is open everyday to visitors.Secondary transfer will begin soon, and Iwould strongly recommend that familiesconsider looking around during the schoolday. Simply contact the school to arrange avisit.


AND FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK

For news and information from the Parish Council and the surrounding areas

VISIT OUR WEBSITE


SANDRIDGE PARISH COUNCIL

More recently, at the start of the summerterm, we took delivery of ten ‘Living Eggs’.

The eggs arrived in a special incubator andinside each egg was a baby chick nearlyready to hatch. A couple of days later,everyone became very excited as theyarrived at school to find four chicks hadalready hatched! All the children and staffwatched tentatively (with the help of awebcam) and visited the chicks throughoutthe week to watch the other chicks crackingopen their shells and springing to life.

Unbelievably, all ten eggs hatched - wehad five brown female chicks and five yellowmale chicks. Though the male chicks have allgone back to the farm, we have decided tokeep our girls – May, ChiChi, Bonnie, Sunny

andEmma – and watch them grow into hens. Weare looking forward to watching themdevelop and grow over the next few months.

Sandridge Primary School

The dogs and chicks have had a verycalming effect on both staff and children.After our very successful Ofsted inspection on18th-19th March, it has been lovely to be ableto take a little time to enjoy our special visitorsand experience a little ‘animal magic’!

Animal Magic!DURING the spring term, we were

fortunate enough to borrow twoadorable dogs for a couple of weeks

and have them as our temporary pets!The children of Sandridge are desperate for

their own school dog so it was great to seehow well Winnie (a lively mini-daschund) andMolly (a friendly chocolate Labrador) fitted into the school routine, encouraged children

with their learning and helped them to feelmore confident in themselves.

The children enjoyed reading to them,taking them for walks and generallyinteracting with them each day. Our new four-legged friends have promised to visit usregularly each week from now on until we geta school dog of our own.



ORIGINALLY from NorthDevon, I moved toSandridge with my

fiancée in 2018. Having grown upin a village myself, I have alwaysunderstood the importance ofthe local community andmaintaining the character ofvillages such as Sandridge.

I feel very fortunate to live insuch a beautiful village and will always getinvolved in any issues or activities wherepossible.

I work within the Data and Procurementindustry, owning several online basedsoftware and consultancy businesses andcan often be found working from one of thelocal pubs. Before that, I attended SwanseaUniversity and then lived and worked in

London for five years, beforereturning to my country roots. Mypersonal interests usually revolvearound cricket and rugby.

I hold passionate interests forbetter access to healthcare andpublic transport for thecommunity of Sandridge, as wellas promoting our wonderful openspaces, local businesses and

pubs (one of which I am having my weddingreception in next year).

Protection

I am passionate about our village andensuring it remains a viable and great placeto live for future generations. I often hearpeople talking about what an amazingvillage Sandridge is to live, and they’recorrect. I want to protect our community sothat Sandridge continues to be the fantasticvillage we all love to live in.

I am always available to listen to anyconcerns or ideas of residents in the villageand plan to have an open forum attitude inmy role as Parish Councillor, as well as playinga large role in promoting the interests of thewhole community. Please feel free to contactme with any concerns or suggestions orapproach me when I am around the village.

Councillor profileCouncillor James Lancaster

Claire - 07719 442 971Sarah - 07717 380 131

Cat Sitting, Dog Walking, Pet Feeding and Visits

www.verulampetservices.com

EDITORIAL COPY DATE

AUTUMN 2019 - Issue 94For inclusion in the next issue of

Neighbourhood News, please ensure copy is submitted before

Thursday 15th August 2019

FOLLOWING on from the previous twosuccessful Jersey Farm Woodland ParkSummer Celebrations, we have

decided upon a date for this coming summer- Saturday 29th June from 1–5pm.

Sandridge Parish Council will hold theirsummer fete on the beautiful Woodland Park.There will be an afternoon of entertainmentand activities planned, including anotherexciting equestrian display fromSandridgebury Equestrian Team, birds of prey,a family fun dog show, woodcarving,bushcraft and much more.

There will be a large marquee with the

resident bee keeper and his glass hives, Hertsand Middlesex Wildlife information table, arepresentative from a local hedgehog societyand much more.

La Pizzetta will be providing delicioushomemade authentic Italian pizza, plus therewill be a refreshment stand, an ice cream vanand lots of crafty activities for children.

If you’d like to be involved or have a stall,get in touch soon! Tel: 01727 831871.

Come along and join in the mid-summer fun!

Rebecca PanneseProject & Amenities Officer


Jersey Farm WoodlandPark Summer event

Saturday29th June 1 - 5pm

Who’s your hero?Sandridge Harvest Flower Festival, 4th- 6th October

THE theme for the Sandridge HarvestFlower Festival on 4th - 6th October thisyear will be “Saints and Heroes.” It goes

without saying that the heroes can be maleor female, animal or human, real-life orfictional figures!

Sandridge Flower Festival is unusual not onlyin being an annual event, but in being a realcommunity event in which everyone of anyage or level of experience is welcome to takepart.

Imaginative

The flowers and plants themselves, togetherwith the imagination and ideas of thecontributors, are what really make the displaysspecial - not the level of technical skill.

Lots of our contributors do an arrangement

just once a year on behalf of their club ororganisation and every year we welcome first-timers – the results are always amazing andmuch admired by our many visitors.

Whether or not you have participatedbefore, if you would like to celebrate a saintor hero/heroine who inspires you, please docontact me to talk over possibilities.

The church has many nooks and cranniesof all sizes which can be decorated. Thesetting up will take place on Wednesday 2nd

and Thursday 3rd October.Please do book the dates for the weekend

of the festival itself and spread the wordamong your friends and family. We lookforward to welcoming you to St. Leonard’s!

Christine Nutton 01727 [email protected]

23

Pet shelter hostsOpen Day ahead

of renovation

AFTER 70 years of helpingHertfordshire’s homeless andunwanted pets, the Blue Cross

rehoming centre at Kimpton Bottom is longoverdue an upgrade. On 19th May, thecentre hosted an Open Day, Dog Show andVirtual Cat Show to raise much neededfunds to help bring the centre up to modernwelfare standards.

Blue Cross Hertfordshire invited animal-lovers and kind hearts to come along to theevent which promised lots of fun, games,refreshments, and canine cheer for thecommunity, whilst raising money to rebuildthe centre and give homeless pets the futurethey deserve.

Support

Kellie Brooks, Centre Manager atHertfordshire Blue Cross, said: “We alwayslook forward to our events, and we can’t waitfor future events to meet even more dogsand their loving families, all coming togetherto help sick, injured and homeless pets in thecare of our charity. We couldn’t do the workwe do if it wasn’t for the support of ourcommunity, and we are thrilled that we cando all this whilst enjoying a cuppaand some games.

“The rebuild of the centre is achance for us to really make adifference to pets, and all themoney raised on the day is goingto help us do that - it’s not just abuilding, it’s a future for pets inneed.”

Owners entered pooches into

the dog show for the chance to win a rosetteand some tasty treats in the classes includingGolden Oldie, Best Sausage Catcher, CutestPuppy and Prettiest Girl, plus many more.

Feline fanatics were also not left out, asthere was a Virtual Cat Show with classesincluding Most Handsome Tom, PrettiestQueen and Best ‘If I fits, I sits’. Cat ownersbrought photos of their pets for thecompetition.

Changes

The building works for the rebuild start inAugust 2019, with a target of completion inSeptember 2020. During this time, therehoming centre facilities will be closed asthe dog kennels, cat kennels, main receptionarea and a handful of buildings will beupgraded to bring them up to modernwelfare standards.

During the build, Hertfordshire’s dedicatedteam of staff and volunteers will be runninga streamlined rehoming service via theirHome Direct scheme, meaning pets will berehomed straight from their current homeinto their new home without the need to gointo a shelter.

For more information about the rebuildand to help towards the appeal, please visitwww.bluecross.org.uk/hertfordshire

For more information about all the petscurrently looking for homes at theHertfordshire rehoming centre, call 0300 7771490, email [email protected] visit www.bluecross.org.uk

25


Fun, Games, Crafts, Activitiesfor school years 3-6

Tuesdays 6.15pm-7.30pm Term time

Marshalswick Baptist Free ChurchSherwood Avenue

Contact 01727 857786 for more details or just come along!

TrAsH!

6th July

Sandridge School, Woodcock Hill, Sandridge, AL4 9EB

Adults £2.00Kids free

Adults £2Kids Free

3-6pm

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To find out more or book an appointment, call 1st Footcare

Looking to the futureBim Afolami MP (Member of Parliament for Hitchin and Harpenden)

A we have all seen over the past fewweeks and months, public concern about climate change is growing to

unprecedented levels and, regardless ofviews on the merits of school strikes and cityprotests, the voices being raised reflect thegrowing intensity and urgency of publicdebate on this issue.

The threat of global warming has neverbeen more apparent, as highlighted by thesobering conclusions of the IPPC’s specialreport on global warming. But, in parallel, weare also now witnessing an unstoppablemomentum towards a more ambitious globalresponse, as demonstrated by agreement ona ‘rulebook’ for the Paris Agreement at themost recent round of UN talks.

I welcome this transition of the climatedebate from niche to mainstream. WheneverI go around the constituency, I am asked (byyoung people in particular), what I believe weneed to do locally, as well as nationally, totackle this crisis and make our constituency abetter place to live in. The broad themes Ithink we can best address locally aretransport, recycling and protecting our greenspaces.

On transport, we need to greatly increasethe usage of electric cars, and we can do thisby making sure that people in rural areashave access to enough charging points. Wealso need to increase the accessibility ofpublic transport – such as buses – andalternative methods of transport such ascycling.

Support

We also need to give greater support tolocal businesses who are working to reducethe amount of single use plastics that theyuse, as well as improving provision ofrecycling centres by St. Albans District Counciland North Herts District Council.

Finally, a majority of this constituency isGreen Belt land, and we need to keep it thatway. Keeping our green spaces is great forthe environment, and we need to protectGreen Belt land as much as possible.

These are straightforward and achievablegoals, and I believe everyone in ourconstituency will be far better off if weembrace these goals now and can worktowards a better future for the nextgeneration.

27

S

28 SUMMER 2019 www.sandridge-pc.gov.uk

9.40am - 11.10am PENNY WATERMAN SCHOOL OF DANCE(Baby/Tots ballet)Penny Waterman Tel: 01727 858632

1.30pm - 3.00pm YOGAKellie Brown Tel: 07929 230 011

4.00pm - 7.00pm LEA VALLEY KARATE ACADEMY(4 years and over) Daniel Hollister Tel: 07894 528 283

7.30pm - 11.00pm ST. ALBANS BRIDGE CLUBRoger Thornhill Tel: 01582 763560

10.30am - 3.30pm JERSEY FARM DAY CENTRELyn Bolton Tel: 01727 834699Kathy Green Tel: 01727 839565

4.20pm - 5.40pm SOCATOTS (Soccer play for 1-5 year olds)Lauren Tel: 07815 966 099

6.00pm - 7.00pm HERTBEATS EXERCISE CLASSRoger Miller Tel: 07879 466 079

8.00pm - 10.00pm THE ST. ALBANS CAMERA [email protected]

9.30am - 11.00am RIDGEWAY CHURCH TOTS TIMETricia Campbell Tel: 01727 869703

7.00pm - 8.00pm HATHA YOGABrigitta Harris Tel: 07901 517 630

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

1.00pm - 3.00pm STORY FROG (story time for 2-5 yrs)Fiona Carter Tel: 07917 696 980

5.30pm - 7.00pm BROWNIESAnn Dickinson Tel: 01727 850960

7.30pm - 9.30pm CARPET BOWLSDorothy Shepherd Tel: 01727 834606

10.00am - 11.30am HARVESTERS PLAYTIMETim Dale Tel: 07747 062 110

2.30pm - 4.15pm RIDGEWAY CHURCH COMMUNITY CAFETricia Campbell Tel: 01727 869703

6.15pm - 7.15pm RIDGEWAY CHURCH KIDS CLUB(school years 1-6)Tricia Campbell Tel: 01727 869703

10.00am - 11.00am LITTLE BLACKBELTS(4-8 yrs) Jon Curtis Tel: 07825 505 099

9.00am - 12.30pm SOCATOTS (Soccer play for 1-5 year olds)Lauren Tel: 07815 966 099

Jersey Farm Community CentreActivities and regular hirers

TO BOOK THIS HALL CONTACTMartine MacRae Tel: 07399 403 650E-mail: [email protected]

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY


Spencer HallActivities and regular hirers

TO BOOK THIS HALL CONTACT

Jacky DavisTel: 07956 767 617

[email protected]

Sandridge Rovers Football Club bar(evening only) Tel: 01727 835506

Morning AVAILABLE FOR HIRE

Afternoon AVAILABLE FOR HIRE

7.30pm - 11.00pm MID HERTS JAZZ ORCHESTRALiz Shrimpton [email protected]

9.00am - 12.00pm SANDRIDGE BABY & TODDLER GROUP

TERM TIME ONLY Louise Moyles [email protected]

Afternoon until 5.00pm AVAILABLE FOR HIRE

5.00pm - 6.45pm IRISH DANCING - WALSH ACADEMYLouise Bishop Tel: 07803 375 348

6.45pm - 8.00pm ABSOLUTE WELLNESS GROUPSarita Gray Tel: 07753 174 068

Evening from 8.00pm YOGANiki Clark [email protected]

8.00pm - 11.00pm CRIB (summer) / DOMINOES (winter)(in the bar) Nigel Rump Tel: 07973 798 045

9.30am - 1.00pm BRIDGE GROUPShirley Pinner Tel: 07746 095 060


7.30pm - 10.30pm PEACE-TRAIN (LINE DANCING)Tony, Kathy & Michelle Risley Tel: 07774 983 467 (Tony)

07808 772 987 (Michelle)

8.00pm - 11.00pm LADIES DARTS(in the bar) Nigel Rump Tel: 07973 798 045



6.45pm - 8.00pm ABSOLUTE WELLNESS GROUPSarita Gray Tel: 07753 174 068

Evening from 8.00pm AVAILABLE FOR HIRE

8.00pm - 11.00pm MEN’S DARTS(in the bar) Nigel Rump Tel: 07973 798 045



Evening AVAILABLE FOR HIRE

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

(Behind Sandridge Village Hall)

FRIDAY




Evening AVAILABLE FOR HIRE

Afternoon SANDRIDGE ROVERS FOOTBALL CLUB (Sept-Apr)

(sports field/changing rooms) Nigel Rump Tel: 07973 798 045

Afternoon/evening SANDRIDGE CRICKET CLUB (May-Aug)

(sports field/changing rooms) John Murphy Tel: 07881 505 265



Evening BINGO

Jacky Davis Tel: 07956 767 617

Morning/afternoon SANDRIDGE ROVERS VETERANS FOOTBALL

(sports field/changing rooms) Kim Nguyen Tel: 07801 235 972

SANDRIDGE ROVERS YOUTH FOOTBALL

John Pinkham Tel: 07545 262 304

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

-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.


9.30am - 3.30pm PATCHWORK & EMBROIDERY(South Room) Tricia Tominey Tel: 07740 264 469

10.00am - 12.30pm PATCHWORK & EMBROIDERY(North Room) Kathy Osborne Tel: 07831 439 230

1.45pm - 4.00pm W.E.A. DISCUSSION GROUP (current affairs)(North Room) Bill Bond Tel: 01727 851152

4.30pm - 6.00pm MARGUERITA HOARE SCHOOLRosalie Ollis Tel: 01727 766430

6.30pm - 8.45pm WOODLAND YOGA(North Room) Louise Neicho Tel: 07459 112 675

7.30pm - 8.45pm YOGAJane Hardy Tel: 07779 297 654

9.00am - 12.30pm START ART CLASSSarah Saunders Tel: 01727 848463


10.00am - 12.30pm PATCHWORK & EMBROIDERY(North Room) Kathy Osborne Tel: 07831 439 230

1.00pm - 2.00pm PILATES (PRIVATE)Jenny Beckwith Tel: 07814 412 231

1.00pm - 4.00pm PATCHWORK & QUILTING CLASSES(North Room) Judith Wilson Tel: 01582 832679

2.15pm - 3.15pm YOGAJenny Beckwith Tel: 07814 412 231


7.15pm - 9.45pm THE HEARTS BRIDGE CLUB(1st Tuesday in month) Shirley Pinner Tel: 01727 811638

7.30pm - 10.00pm SANDRIDGE W.I.(2nd Tuesday in month) Jenny Roberts Tel: 07834 320 101

9.30am - 10.30am WOODLAND YOGA(North Room) Louise Neicho Tel: 07459 112 675

10.00am - 1.00pm ARTFUL DODGERS ART GROUP

1.00pm - 4.00pm PATCHWORK & QUILTING CLASSES(North Room) Judith Wilson Tel: 01582 832679


MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

Sandridge Village HallActivities and regular hirers

TO BOOK THIS HALL CONTACT

Brian Ollis Tel: 01727 867417

E-mail:[email protected]


6.30pm - 8.45pm WOODLAND YOGA(North Room) Louise Neicho Tel: 07459 112 675

7.00pm - 9.00pm LODGE ALBANUS(South Room) Mrs Ann Jensen Tel: 01462 893569

7.30pm - 9.30pm EVENING PILATESClaire Morris Tel: 07921 678 756

7.30pm - 9.00pm SANDRIDGE VILLAGE HALL TRUSTEES(1st Wednesday bi-monthly) Brian Ollis Tel: 01727 867417

9.30am - 10.30am MORNING PILATESClaire Morris Tel: 07921 678 756

1.30pm - 4.30pm U3A IMPROVERS BRIDGE CLUB(South Room) Glenys Vaughan Tel: 01727 831356

2.00pm - 4.00pm U3A CRAFT GROUP(North Room) Judith Wilson Tel: 01582 832679


7.30pm - 9.30pm PLANT HERITAGE (Herts & Beds)(North Room) Helen Haran Tel: 01727 869437

7.30pm - 9.30pm EVENING PILATESClaire Morris Tel: 07921 678 756

9.30am - 10.30am MORNING PILATESClaire Morris Tel: 07921 678 756

9.30am - 1.30pm MONTET DESIGN MOSAICS(North Room) Audrey Montet Tel: 07762 875 226


12.30pm - 4pm SANDRIDGE SILVER THREADS(Fortnightly) Jacky England Tel: 01727 853218


7.30pm - 10.00pm SANDRIDGE CARPET BOWLS CLUBJanice Sankey Tel: 01727 863243

9.00am - 1.00pm PATCHWORK & QUILTING CLASSES(South Room) Tricia Tominey Tel: 07740 264 469


9.00am - 6.00pm MARGUERITA HOARE SCHOOLRosalie Ollis Tel: 01727 766430


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.

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

WEDNESDAY


9.10am - 1pm MARSHALSWICK PRE-SCHOOL & NURSERY (2-5 YEARS)

(term time only) Nita Patel Tel: 07421 321994

5.30pm - 7.00pm BROWNIESMrs Pearson Tel: 01727 861158

7.30pm - 9.30pm CARPET BOWLSLes Fielding Tel: 01727 831586

9.10am - 1.10pm MARSHALSWICK PRE-SCHOOL & NURSERY (2-5 YEARS)


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



2.30pm - 4.30pm PENNY WATERMAN SCHOOL OF DANCE(Ballet/ballroom)Penny Waterman Tel: 01727 858632

4.30pm - 5.30pm TAI CHISally 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



2.30pm - 3.30pm MEDAU MOVEMENTMrs R Smith Tel: 01727 864577

6.00pm - 7.00pm RAINBOWSLouise Smellie Tel: 01727 848101

9.10am - 1pm MARSHALSWICK PRE-SCHOOL & NURSERY (2-5 YEARS)


6.00pm - 7pm YOGA(not 3rd week in month) Penny Prapatti Tel: 07729 901 874

6.00pm - 10.00pm ALBAN LACEMAKERS(2nd week in month) Mrs M Carey Tel: 01582 769235

9.30am - 12.00noon PENNY WATERMAN SCHOOL OF DANCE(Ballet/disco/jazz)Penny Waterman Tel: 01727 858632

8.30am - 11.30am SOCATOTS (Soccer play for 1-5 year olds)Lauren Tel: 07815 966099

Marshalswick Community CentreActivities and regular hirers

TO BOOK THIS HALL CONTACTMartine MacRae Tel: 07399 403 650E-mail: [email protected]

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

PICTURED LEFT TO RIGHT: Claudio Duran (Marshalswick North - East), John Foster(Marshalswick North - East), Geoff Churchard (Marshalswick North - West), John Hale (Jersey Farm Ward/County Councillor), Patsy Cann (Marshalswick North - East), John Newton Davies (Sandridge Village Ward), Lyn Bolton (Jersey Farm Ward), Graham Leonard (Marshalswick North - West), Julie Booth (Marshalswick North - West),James Lancaster (Sandridge Village Ward), Neil Harris (Marshalswick North - West),Jon Hegerty (Jersey Farm Ward), Janet Churchard (Marshalswick North - East/DistrictCouncillor) and Jennifer Roberts (Jersey Farm Ward).

A warm welcome!


Meet your newlocal Councillors


Parish Council PreceptHow the money is spent

THIS year, the Parish Council limited theannual increase to £1.81 for a Band Dproperty. This is the lowest increase for

over five years. The precept is that part of the Council Tax

you pay that goes to the Parish Council and,as in prior years, for every £1 of Council Taxpaid, about 3p goes to the Parish Council. For2019/20 the total amount will be £56.59 for aBand D property, and therefore Sandridgecharges one of the lowest amounts in thedistrict.

The Chair’s report on pages 4-7 in thisedition of Neighbourhood News sets out someof the activities the precept is used to fund.More details will be given in the 2018/19accounts when they are issued during thesummer.

As in prior years, the Parish Council is usingreserves built up in prior years to limit the

increase this year. We are fortunate to havethose reserves, but we are limiting how muchwe use them, in order to avoid the need for asignificant increase at some future date.

Improvements

Every year, some of the precept is used forimprovements to the playgrounds the councilmaintains. In 2018/19, the council spentapproximately £24,000 on improvements andthis year the budget is to spend almost£26,000. This level of expenditure means theplaygrounds are maintained to a high level. Ifyou have any thoughts on how they could beimproved, please let the clerk know.

Finally, the council is looking at how it canbe more sustainable and reduce its carbonfootprint and LED lighting has now beeninstalled in the community centres.

In Harness Way OpenSpace, we have new footballposts, and in the play areathe notoriously boggy grassunder the basket swing hasbeen replaced with wetpour.

Last year we installed a new basketball hoopand dribbling area at St. Leonard’s OpenSpace, as well as a robust outdoor table tennistable and a new colourful multi-play.


47 The Quadrant, Marshalswick, Tel: 01727 858 405 [email protected]

We provide:

• Comprehensive eye examinations• Complete contact lens fitting and aftercare• Complete dispensing of spectacle and prescription sunglasses• Large selection of frames to suit your budget including environmentally friendly frames made out of recycled plastic• Recycling services for your old eyewear and contact lenses

Delivering exceptional eyecare for the entire family

TUCKED away behind Hopkins Crescentin the centre of Sandridge is SpencerHall. The home of Sandridge Rovers

Football Club and Sandridge Cricket Club, italso provides accommodation for a range ofother community events, get-togethers andparties.

It’s a good place to meet like-mindedpeople doing a wide range of interestingactivities. It will accommodate over 100people, depending on the type of event, and,unlike other halls in our area, includes alicensed bar.

Variety

If you’re a musician, you might enjoy theMid Herts Jazz Orchestra which meets therefor practise on Monday evenings. Dancershave a choice between the Irish dancinggroup on Tuesday evenings and line dancingon Wednesday evenings. Both provide anexcellent opportunity to release yourenergies, improve your fitness anddevelop your dancing skills.

Those who wish to

improve their fitness have two other options.There’s an Absolute Wellness Group that meeton Tuesday and Thursday evenings, and yogaalso on Tuesday evening.

Youngsters are catered for with an activeBaby and Toddler Group on Tuesdaymornings - a boom for hard pressed parents.

For those that like bridge there’s anexpanding group that have just moved to thehall on Wednesday mornings.

Darts, cribbage, dominos and bingosessions are all organised on a regular basis,and most of these enjoyable activities areplayed in the relaxing atmosphere of the bar.The Wednesday evening darts event is aladies only affair while men compete onThursdays.

For a full list of events please see pages 29-30.

If you would like to book the hall for acommunity or private event, then contactJacky Davis on 07956 767 617 or e-mail:

[email protected]

Spencer Hall can accommodate over 100 people and is thevenue for many community events, get-togethers and parties

A centre of activityTucked away behind Hopkins Crescent

in the centre of Sandridge is Spencer Hall


Local church newsFind out what’s going on at your local churches

Marshalswick Baptist Free Church

WE are looking forward to a sunnyand fun summer for all ages! Wecontinue to have our regular weekly

services at 10.15am with Creche andChildren’s Activities and 7pm every weekthroughout the summer. Minibus transport isavailable for the morning service on request.

Community Link on Thursday Afternoons1.30pm - 4.30pm continues through thesummer with activities including Table Games,Knitting, Art, help with tech problems and, ofcourse, tea and cake - and it’s free!

Tools with a Mission We also welcome thedonation of old gardening, mechanics,electricians and plumbers tools, knittingmachines, sewing machines andhaberdashery items for refurbishment beforebeing sent on to DR Congo. Tanzania,Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe to assistindividuals set up self sufficient businessesand community workshops.

For more details about any of these and ourother events and groups visitwww.mbfc.org.uk or 01727 857786

St. Mary’s Church, Marshalswick

Come and give us a try. We’d love to see you. 01727 851544 [email protected]

WE are an open Church – open to Godand open to you. The Church is opendaily - you are welcome to come in

to look around, to pray or to just sit in thestillness. You could do this outside in fineweather as Peppercorn Place, our communalgarden, is also open daily. The garden hasseating and a picnic table. Entrance is at theright hand end of church car park.

Second Sunday Service - Coffee at 9.30amwith time for chat before the service at 10am.Sometimes, as on Pentecost Sunday 9th Juneand Sunday 8th September (our parish’sspecial feast day) the Rainbows, Browniesand Guides make a major contribution to ourworship. This monthly service is for all so comealong with a friend!

Songs of Praise Service 4.30pm PentecostSunday 9th June followed by refreshments. Wewill sing some of the congregation’s favouritehymns or worship songs. All welcome!

Holiday-at-Home - 5th - 8th August – is foranyone over 75 in our parish who lives alone.Details and booking forms available from Fr. Grant Holmes at St. Mary’s Church.

Tricia Campbell


Tel: 01727 869703 [email protected]

A eighty people from RidgewayChurch went to All Nations College inWare for their annual Away Day on

Saturday 4th May. It is always a greatopportunity to take a day out from the variousdemands on our lives and spend time withone another and hear some talks based onsomething from the Bible.

Emotional

They heard a couple of sessions on ‘GettingBiblically Emotional’, which explained howGod has designed us with a whole range ofemotions and how to follow the example of

Jesus who felt passionately about things, butalways handled his emotions in a godly way.

There was the opportunity for a walk in thebeautiful grounds, some board games orvolleyball and lots of time to chat to people ina relaxed environment.

On Sunday, after church, we had lunchtogether and discussed what lessons wewould take away from the weekend. A veryworthwhile time!

Enjoying Away Day!BOUT


IN case you are thinking our editor has failedto proof-read this edition, think again! Theseare the first lines from a short early 12th century

poem written, inevitably, by Anon. Although other birds might disagree, cuckoos

are in decline. They are summer visitors, arrivinglate March or early April and departing in July orAugust. So, if they choose to visit Sandridge, theycould be audible in June and July, during thetime of our Nomansland Nature Quest events.

One of the activities during those events, whichSandridge and Wheathampstead parishes fundfor groups of our primary school children, mightwell be a re-enactment of the squabblesbetween the two parishes over the body of ahapless shepherd who died on the Common inthe 15th century. Each claimed he had died intheir parish.

The shepherd wasn’t the only contentionbetween the Abbeys of St. Albans andWestminster, respective landlords of Sandridgeand Wheathampstead, as gallows had beenerected on the Common in 1427 by one, only tobe pulled down by the other, each claimingownership of the land.

Sumer isicumen in -

Lhude singcuccu!

The dispute between the two was finallyresolved in 1429, and a Hertfordshire puddingstone has marked the agreed boundary eversince.

Another episode in the history that gets re-enacted is the closing stage of the SecondBattle of St. Albans. That happened on 17th

February 1461 and Nomansland was where itall ended with the rout of the Yorkists by theLancastrians and Queen Margaret reclaimingher husband, the King. He is said to havebeen sitting beneath a tree, reading poetry.

Wicked

Skipping a couple of quiet centuries, wecome across Lady Katherine Ferrers (1634-1660), the Wicked Lady of highwaywomanrepute. She, and her partner in crime, RalphChaplain, certainly deserve some impromptuplay acting.

Skipping past the agricultural workers strikeand the brick-making in the 19th century, and,

coming right up to date, we have re-enactments of the metal detector findingthe 159 Roman gold coins.

Their burial pre-dates our cuccu as thatmust have happened around AD 400, shortlybefore the Romans left these islands.

In case you are thinking our NNQ events areonly about re-enacting history, think again!Much of the time is spent in finding andidentifying flowers, leaves and wildlife andwith working out the ages of trees. Duringotherwise idle moments, you can build dens,perhaps climb the climbing tree, or getinvolved in a game of tag with our ownWicked Lady!

So, something around the early 12th

century? The best I can offer is theconsecration of our Parish Church, St. Leonard’s, about 1114. St Helen’s,Wheathampstead, came much later, in the13th century!

Councillor John Newton-Davies



Parish Council meetings 2019Dates and venues of Sandridge Parish Council meetings

Wednesday 10th July - 7.30pmWednesday 11th September - 7.30pmWednesday 9th October - 7.30pm

All meetings will take place at Marshalswick Community Centre (entrance to rear of library) and are open to the public

9

Having a clear out?Make sure you dispose of your waste responsibly!

MANY of us will be choosing thewarmer months as the perfect timeto have a clear out either at home or

in the garden. Household Waste Recycling Centres are

open during bank holidays, however they canbe busy. Have a quicker trip to the tip byremembering to sort your waste into thedifferent material streams before you go.

You can check online for queues beforeyou go by viewing their live webcams whichare available online. For more informationabout what materials are accepted at theHWRCs, as well as locations, opening hoursand restrictions, visit: www.stalbans.gov.uk/environmentandwaste/rubbish-waste-and-recycling/recyclingsites.aspx

If you are having a clear out at home youmay wish to double check you are putting theright materials in the right bin - you can do sousing the information on our recyclingwww.stalbans.gov.uk/environmentandwaste/rubbish-waste-and-recycling/bincontents

If you are planning on getting rid of itemsthat still have plenty of life left in them,remember that it is much better for theenvironment to give them a new life secondhand by either selling them, donating them tocharity, or giving them away for free. There area range of different ways you can do this,such as charity shops, Facebookmarketplace, eBay, and many more.

If you have larger items that no longer workbut need to be disposed of, the council offersa Bulky Waste Collection service which givesyou the opportunity of having your itemscollected from your home.

To find out more, visit www.stalbans.gov.uk/environmentandwaste/rubbish-waste-and-recycling/specialrefusecollection.aspx

Always follow the S.C.R.A.P. code, whichprovides a useful check list to follow whenarranging collections of waste.

SUSPECT all waste carriers; do not let themtake your waste until they have proven

themselves to be legitimate.

CHECK their waste carrier’s registrationdetails, then verify them by searching the

Environment Agency or by calling 03708 506506.

REFUSE unsolicited offers to have anyrubbish taken away.

ASK what exactly is going to happen to your rubbish and seek evidence that it is

going to be disposed of appropriately.

PAPERWORK should be obtained. Makesure you get a proper invoice, waste

transfer note or a receipt for your wasteremoval – this should give a description of thewaste and provide the waste carrier’s contactdetails.

Find out more about fly tipping:www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/services/recycling-waste-and-environment/recycling-and-waste/wasteaware-campaigns/lets-scrap-fly-tipping.aspx

All householders and businesses have a legal ‘Duty of Care’.Leaving items out for collection or using an unlicensed waste carriercan mean that your items end up fly-tipped. If they are traced backto you, you will be the one who can face an unlimited fine! 43

44 SUMMER 2019

The club’s Open Day is set to take placeon Sunday 28th April 2019

WE would welcome new members tojoin us at carpet bowls on a Fridayevening. If you think you would like

to give this fun game of bowls a try just comealong to the Village Hall, Sandridge at 7.30pmany Friday evening.

You don’t need to worry about equipmentas this is provided. A comfortable pair of flatshoes is all that is needed. We play from

7.30pm to 9.30pm with break for tea/coffee,biscuits etc. A time for catching up with localnews.If you would like to know more you cancontact:

Avril: 01727 [email protected]: 01727 [email protected]

Looking for new membersAt Sandridge Carpet Bowls Club

FREE Pensioners’ Bus on WednesdaysROUTE 247 (PPH COACH) - Wednesdays morningsOUTWARD JOURNEY - from Sandridge village

DEPART

Opposite St. Leonard’s Church 09.53

Langley Grove / High Street 09.55

Langley Grove / Shotfield Close 09.58

High Street / Rose and Crown PH 10.00

St. Albans Road / St. Helier Road 10.03

Sandringham Crescent / Belsize Close 10.05

Sandringham Crescent / Blackberry Jack PH 10.07

ARRIVESt. Peter’s Street 10.20

RETURN JOURNEY DEPARTSt. Peter’s Street (outside Tesco Store) 12.00

ROUTE 248 (PPH COACH) - Wednesdays morningsOUTWARD JOURNEY - from The Quadrant

DEPART

Hughenden Road (near the dry cleaners) 10.30

The Ridgeway / Kingshill Avenue 10.40

The Ridgeway / outside Sandringham School 10.42

The Ridgeway / Windmill Avenue 10.44

The Ridgeway / Barnfield Road 10.46

The Quadrant (outside the library) 10.48

ARRIVESt. Peter’s Street 11.00

RETURN JOURNEY DEPARTSt. Peter’s Street (outside Tesco Store) 12.45Return journeys retrace outward routes stopping at TheRidgeway / Windmill Avenue, The Ridgeway / Barnfield Roadand outside Marshalswick Library at The Quadrant

Sponsored by Sandridge Parish Council



[email protected] www.sandridge.herts.sch.uk

Specialising in:• Podiatry and Chiropody• All routine nail care• Custom made Arch

supports - Insoles• Osteopathy / Sports Injuries

CALL TODAY: 01727 763749

[email protected]

Tuesday 24th September 2019at SANDRIDGE SCHOOLBig Top opens at 4.30pm

Show 5-7pm (30 min interval)

Food & refreshments available.EVERYONE WELCOME

Book tickets online : https://www.pta-events.co.uk/sandridgeschoolpta/

Published by Local Publishing Ltd. Tel 01727 757475 www.localpublishing.co.uk [email protected]

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