Community SUMMER 2013 INCORPORATING Recycling News Community News is published by St Albans City & District Council www.stalbans.gov.uk For changes to your recycling service see back page Come For The Pilgrimage, Stay For The Party! The Alban Weekend showcases over 2,000 years of history and remarkable heritage. We have great places to eat and drink, a fabulous shopping experience, and unique events throughout the weekend. Come on down to the biggest street party St Albans City Centre has ever seen! The Alban Pilgrimage (Sat) From St Peter’s Church, 11am. St Albans Folk Festival (Sat & Sun) Traditional Street Market (Sat) Alban Street Party (Sun) Alban Street Party Sunday 23 June, 11.30am – 9pm The Alban Weekend Saturday 22 June, Sunday 23 June Live Music Performance Art Dancers Sideshows Fantastic Food & Drink Museum Without Walls Re-enactments Medieval Guided Walks www.enjoystalbans.com [email protected]For details of all events
Transcript
CommunitySUMMER 2013
INCORPORATING Recycling News
Community News is published by St Albans City & District Council
www.stalbans.gov.uk
For changes to your recycling service see back page
Come For The Pilgrimage, Stay For The Party!
The Alban Weekend showcases over 2,000 years of history and
remarkable heritage. We have great places to eat and drink, a fabulous
shopping experience, and unique events throughout the weekend.
Come on down to the biggest street party
St Albans City Centre has ever seen!
The Alban Pilgrimage (Sat)From St Peter’s Church, 11am.
St Albans Folk Festival (Sat & Sun)
Traditional Street Market (Sat)
Alban Street Party (Sun)
Alban Street Party Sunday 23 June, 11.30am – 9pm
The Alban Weekend Saturday 22 June, Sunday 23 June
2 Summer 2013 St Albans City & District Council Community News
This summer, St Albans will be alive with exciting events, festivals, music, theatre and razzmatazz.
Magna Carta FestivalFri 2 – Sun 4 August. Including the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and St Albans Chamber Choir at the Cathedral (Fri) and a Medieval Festival in Verulamium Park (Sat & Sun). Details on page 3.
Olympic Legacy Sports FestivalSat 10 August – Verulamium Park. Sport, music and entertainment one year on from London 2012.
Covent Garden comes to St AlbansSun 11 August – Covent Garden Entertainment presents some of the UK’s premier street performers in the heart of the City.
Weds & Sats throughout August Buskers in the City centre.
Street EntertainmentSat 17, Sun 18, Sat 24, Sun 25 AugSt Albans City centre. A feast of street theatre and entertainment – magic, laughter and mayhem for all the family.
The Taming of the ShrewSun 25 August – Vintry Garden, near St Albans Cathedral. Foot in the Door Community Theatre presents Shakespeare’s most controversial comedy. Bring a picnic, and come prepared for mirth and merriment outdoor style. Free entry, limited space, tickets on a first come first served basis.
Other fabulous events this seasonLarks in the ParksSun 30 June, 12 noon – 5pm, including Batford Springs, Fleetville Recreation Ground, London Colney Community Centre, Roestock Park and Victoria Playing Field.This year’s theme is flight. Meet some very big birds and a bouncy Wing Commander, make a kite or a paper plane and have a go at winning the first Larks in the Parks Challenge trophy. Leave the car at home, bring a picnic and wing your way to your nearest Larks site for a great day out. Info at: www.stalbans.gov.uk/larks, www.facebook.com/larksintheparks; or call 01727 819320.
St Albans International Organ FestivalThu 11 – Sat 20 July.This summer sees the 50th anniversary of the world’s premier organ competition. Classical music, jazz, talks and an art exhibition feature at venues across the City including the Cathedral. For full details see: www.organfestival.com or call 01727 844765.
Heritage Open DaysThu 12 – Sun 15 September.Many attractions are open to residents and visitors free of charge. The District flings wide the doors of buildings normally closed to the
public. It is a once-a-year chance to discover our architectural treasures and enjoy a wide range of tours, events and activities that bring local history and culture to life. Information on 01727 864511.
The City centre will be the stage for buskers, outdoor theatre, music, street performers and other activities to delight and entertain. Visit www.enjoystalbans.com, pick up a brochure at the Tourist Information Centre and other outlets, or contact [email protected], 01727 819320.
The Alban Weekend – see coverSat 22 June, Sun 23 June. Featuring the Alban Pilgrimage, traditional street market, St Albans Folk Festival and the Alban Street Party.
Alban Street PartySun 23 June, 11.30am – 9pmSt Albans City centrewww.enjoystalbans.com/albanstreetparty The biggest street party St Albans has ever seen.
Summer in the City!Summer in the City!
For a full list of events visit www.enjoystalbans.com
www.stalbans.gov.uk 3
Magna Carta: The Journey Starts Here1 June – 15 September. A fun packed programme of music and medieval mayhem.
This summer, St Albans commemorates the 800th
anniversary of its unique place in the history of the Magna Carta.
This historic document sets out the basic rights and freedoms of common people and continues to underpin legal systems worldwide.In 1213, churchmen and barons, led by the Archbishop of Canterbury, met in St Albans to discuss their grievances against King John. This led ultimately to the sealing of the Magna Carta at Runnymede in 1215.
For more information see www.enjoystalbans.com
Magna Carta 1213: The Journey Starts HereMuseum of St Albans, Hatfield Road. Sat 1 June to Sun 15 September. Free. Fascinating, thought provoking displays challenging injustices through time.
The 1215 Magna Carta on display at St Albans Cathedral A rare opportunity to see the 1215 Magna Carta, on loan from Lincoln Cathedral. Includes a special exhibition. Sat 3 to Thu 29 August. Viewing times vary.Tickets: In advance – £3/£2. On the door – £4/£3. U16 free when accompanied by an adult. Alban Arena Box Office: 01727 844488, www.alban-arena.co.uk (booking fee).
Magna Carta Medieval FestivalEnjoy St Albans in 1213. Historical encampment; re-enactment of the conflict between King John, the barons and the church; equestrian, combat and archery displays; craft activities. Verulamium Park, St Albans, Sat 3 and Sun 4 August, 10am – 5pm.
Magna Carta Concert The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and St Albans Chamber Choir present a programme inspired by the themes and spirit of the Magna Carta. St Albans Cathedral, Sat 3 August, 7.30pm. Tickets: from £2 to £27.50, Alban Arena Box Office: 01727 844488, www.alban-arena.co.uk (booking fee).
Magna Carta Solemn Evensong with ProcessionSt Albans Cathedral, Sun 4 August, Evensong 6.30pm, procession leaves Verulamium Museum at 5pm. Free.Sung by the choir of St Paul’s Episcopal Church, Rochester, New York. Conducted by the Rev Prof Diarmaid MacCulloch, an authority on church history and the Magna Carta period.
The New British ConstitutionA lecture by Vernon Bogdanor, Professor of Government, Institute for Contemporary British History, King’s College, London. St Albans Cathedral, Fri 2 August, 7pm.Tickets: £10 (includes a glass of wine and viewing of the 1215 Magna Carta). Tickets:Alban Arena Box Office: 01727 844488, www.alban-arena.co.uk (booking fee).
Giant MonopolyFun for all the family. You can even meet Mr Monopoly! www.stalbans.gov.uk/giant-monopoly, 01727 819531.
St Albans Food and Drink FestivalWed 25 September – Sun 6 October.The fun starts with the CAMRA Beer Festival and ends with the grand Food and Drink Festival Market in the City centre. St Albans Food and Drink Festival celebrates the warmth and hospitality of our fantastic restaurants, hostelries, markets, eateries and food producers. Lots of special offers and events are laid on including cooking demonstrations, wine tasting, and masterclasses. www.stalbansfoodanddrink.com
Play in the ParksTue 23 July to Fri 30 August.FREE sport and play activities for under 12s in parks and open spaces across the District. Details at www.stalbans.gov.uk/playintheparks, 01727 819531.
Other EventsWe have listed many of the Council’s events here. There are lots of other events happening across the District too. Details at: www.enjoystalbans.com.
4 Summer 2013 St Albans City & District Council Community News
More residents are satisfied overall with the way the
Council runs things, with 70% expressing satisfaction, up 16 points from 2010.
Similarly, satisfaction with the District’s museums and leisure facilities has increased by five percentage points over the last two years. The full Community Survey 2012 findings are available at www.stalbans.gov.uk/performance, or call 01727 819501.
Satisfaction levels up
Wonder WednesdaysExplore what’s on offer at our local museums in a fun and relaxing way on Wonder Wednesdays, with special activities for parents and children to enjoy together. Sessions run from 10am to 5pm at the Museum of St Albans in Hatfield Road, and from 2pm to 5pm at Verulamium Museum, St Michael’s Street.
Sunday Stories are delightful story time sessions for under 7s, held on the last Sunday of each month, from 3pm to 4pm at the Museum of St Albans. Cost £1. Details: 01727 819340.
Arthouse ExhibitionUntil 30 June, Museum of St Albans, Free. All the works in this exhibition have been selected from the Arts Council Collection. Including: Martin Creed, Tracey Emin, Leo Fitzmaurice, Steve Johnson, Yoko Ono, Cornelia Parker, Nina Saunders, Jane Simpson, Mark Wallinger, Richard Wentworth and Rachel Whiteread.
Magna Carta 1213: The Journey Starts Here (Exhibition)Until 15 September, Museum of St Albans.
Thursday Lecture: A Short History of Women’s Rights, Dr Jane GrantThu 4 July, 7.30pm, Verulamium Museum, £8. This is part of our Magna Carta exhibition programme. This talk explores the history of women’s rights in the UK and internationally.
Roman ToursSat 13, Thu 18, Thu 25, Sat 27 July. 11am and 2pm, 20 minute tour of Roman stores, Verulamium Museum. 12pm and 3pm, 1 hour tour of Verulamium park with images of original excavations, £5. Bookings: 01727 751810.
Manga Carta and Breaking BarriersSat 3 and Sun 4 August, Clock Tower. Manga Carta – Sat 3 and Sun 4 August, 10.30am – 4pm. Create your own Manga Carta art with a Japanese manga artist. Breaking Barriers – Sat 3 August, 11am. Music, poetry and performance on perceptions of autism.
Thursday Lecture: The Romanisation of Britain – St Albans Evidence Thu 30 August, 7.30pm, Verulamium Museum, £8. With District Archaeologist, Simon West.
www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk/what-s-onAll events are subject to possible change.
The museums are using exciting new formats to explore history, heritage and lots more.See www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk, also on Twitter and Facebook, call 01727 819340.
What’s on at the museums
We are making a further bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund
(HLF) to create a fantastic new museum in the iconic former Town Hall building in central St Albans.
The HLF views the project as “a priority for support” and sees the rationale for moving the Museum of St Albans to the Town Hall as strong.
The Council is contributing financially to the project, but there is also a need for other funds. We are
working with St Albans Museums and Galleries Trust and other partners and will launch our fundraising appeal this summer. There will be plenty of opportunities for the community to get involved. We also want to encourage and recognise wealthy benefactors who appreciate the importance of St Albans heritage. For more information contact: 01727 819558, [email protected].
Museum fund raising
www.stalbans.gov.uk 5
Residents are less concerned about anti-social
behaviour than they were two years ago, according to a recent independently conducted survey.
Now more than 85% of residents say drugs, vandalism and drunken or rowdy behaviour are not a significant problem. Four out of five residents feel the same about litter.
The community survey also shows that 80% of residents agree that the police and other local public services are successfully dealing with these issues. This is a significant increase on the survey conducted two years ago. The Community Survey findings are available at www.stalbans.gov.uk/performance, or call 01727 819501.
The Council is close to beginning work on the new
Batchwood golf, bowls, tennis, judo and squash centre following the devastating fire in 2011.
The building contracts have been agreed and final arrangements for funding are being negotiated. If all goes according to plan, the golf and bowls pavillions will be completed this summer and the new centre will open in summer 2014.
Even though the next elections aren’t scheduled until next
year, it’s still important to make sure your name appears on the electoral register.
A by-election can happen at any time and if you aren’t registered, you can’t vote. Your credit rating may also be affected. The electoral register is separate from Council Tax, so even if you’ve told the Council that you’ve moved
house, you still need to complete a registration form.
See www.stalbans.gov.uk/elections, or contact [email protected], 01727 819294.
Anti-social behaviour concerns fall
Batchwood update
Register to Vote
www.enjoystalbans.com
For visitor information on St Albans and surrounding towns and villages, visit www.enjoystalbans.com
• Things to do • What’s on• Where to stay • Eating & drinking• Travel & mapsSt Albans Tourist and Information Centre The Town Hall, Market Place, St Albans, AL3 5DJ.01727 864511, [email protected], Mon-Sat: 10am-4.30pm (closed on bank holidays).
via the Alban Arena, 01727 844488. Nominations are open to find
this year’s fabulous community champions. This year’s categories: Community Champion; Young Person of Distinction; Community Oriented Business; Community Project; Environmental Champion; Cultural Innovation Award, Voluntary Sector Award, Inclusive Communities Award. For details see www.stalbans.gov.uk/mayorsprideawards, or call 01727 819369. Nominations close 12 July.
Book your FREE tickets now for an evening of family fun, live entertainment, complimentary buffet and bags of feel good factor.
You can save yourself a wait by making your Council
payments by direct debit, or online at www.stalbans.gov.uk.
You can also pay via your bank, at the post office or at any shop showing the Pay Zone sign. There is also an automated telephone payment line – call 0161 7853880.
Easier ways to pay
6 Summer 2013 St Albans City & District Council Community News
Market datesSt Albans Market every Wednesday and Saturday
St Albans Farmers’ Market 2nd Sunday of the month
Harpenden Farmers’ Market 4th Sunday of the month
We are looking for polite, friendly people to join our
wonderful Shopmobility volunteers. Shopmobility is friendly and
sociable. Volunteering is a great way to get out of the house and meet new
people. You don’t have to commit to a regular slot. We also need volunteers who can fill in occasionally. Full training is given and we pay travel expenses. Please contact: 01727 819267, [email protected].
The Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) and The Centre for
Voluntary Service (CVS) have moved offices. Both are now located at the Civic Centre in St Albans.
In addition to the CAB and the CVS’s Volunteer Centre, you can find a wide range of other independent, confidential and impartial advice and guidance at the Civic Centre. These include services from St Albans District Credit Union, Oaklands College, Youth Connexions, Aldwyck Housing Group and Hightown Praetorian & Churches Housing Association. Information on opening times for each organisation is available at www.stalbans.gov.uk/civiccentre, or on 01727 866100.
The idea is to share facilities with partners and make it as easy as possible for residents to access a wide range of services from one location.
Services at the Civic Centre Want to have your say on issues affecting the district?
Check out the latest consultations and Council meetings online at www.stalbans.gov.uk. Many meetings are webcast and can be watched from home, or you can just turn up on the night. You can find contact details for your ward councillors at www.stalbans.gov.uk/councillors. To contact Council officers, see back page.
Taking part
If you are the owner of an empty property in need of
renovation, you may be able to get a loan to help make it habitable.
Terms and conditions apply. For more information, please contact 01727 819447, [email protected]. We can also offer advice on letting your property.
Empty property?
Shopmobility volunteering
Splash Park
The splash park in Verulamium Park, St Albans is open all summer long for children up to 12 years of age. There’s nothing finer on a hot summer’s day than a picnic and a splash about. Open 10am to 6pm every day until 8 September 2013. www.stalbans.gov.uk/splashpark
www.stalbans.gov.uk 7
A local charity, Community Development Action
Hertfordshire, is on the look out for gardening enthusiasts
to join a new community gardening project.
The garden is located off Hixberry Lane in St Albans
on land provided by Oaklands College. If you’re interested in growing vegetables, herbs, fruit
or flowers, here’s your chance. For details, call Kate Belinis on 01707 695503. The project is part funded by St Albans District Strategic Partnership’s Targeting Change Fund.
GREEN ISSUES
Groundwork Hertfordshire and Herts & Middlesex Wildlife
Trust will be fitting free water saving devices and advising local residents about water saving this summer.
Hertfordshire households have one of the highest water consumption rates in the country. The project, is funded by Hertfordshire County Council and Affinity Water. To book a home visit, call 01707 255182 or email [email protected].
FREE water saving devices
Free, fun, local guided bike rides are on offer from British
Cycling this summer. Sky Ride Local runs through to September.
All rides are guided by friendly ride leaders along scenic planned routes. They’re a great way to get out and explore the local area with family and friends. There are levels to suit everyone. Look out too for Breeze bike rides for women and rides organised through Social Cycling Groups, British Cycling’s social network for cyclists.
Visit www.goskyride.com for details or call 01727 819464.
Enjoy summer bike rides!
The Council is seeking more volunteers to help protect local trees. Details: www.stalbans.gov.uk/treewardens,
12,000 free tailor-made travel packs including tickets,
cycling tips and route advice are being distributed to households in the District this summer.
TravelSmart packs are being offered to help make it easier for people to travel on foot, by bicycle or on public transport. The programme is being delivered by Sustrans and partners Socialdata with support from the county and district councils. For more information on www.stalbans.gov.uk/travelsmart, 01727 819466.
Get involved in community gardening
Become a tree warden
8 Summer 2013 St Albans City & District Council Community News
Now on Twitter @StAlbansCouncil
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St Albans City & District CouncilCivic Centre, St Peter’s Street, St Albans, Herts AL1 3JE
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Opening hours: Mon-Fri 10am-4pm
Telephone: 01582 768278
Alternative formats: If you want to receive this newsletter in an alternative format, such as Braille, or in another language, please call 01727 819572. See www.disabledgo.com for information about access to local facilities.
Cardboard recycling
FREE food waste caddies
Please do not put shiny cardboard in with your green
waste, otherwise it has to be rejected and sent to landfill.
By the autumn, all streets will move over to a new system where cardboard can be recycled with your paper. We will send you full details when the new scheme comes to your area. If your street has not yet moved over to the new system, please put the shiny cardboard in your black bin for the time being.
Residents in parts of Redbourn, London Colney,
Harpenden and New Greens in St Albans will be first to receive a free food recycling caddy from July.
A full list of roads covered in the first distribution round is available at www.stalbans.gov.uk /foodcaddies.
The caddies are designed to hold up to five litres of food waste which can be transferred to green wheelie bins for recycling. A starter pack of compostable liners will also be provided.
The Council hopes to reduce food waste going to landfill.
The initiative is part of the Council’s campaign to boost the recycling rate above the 60% mark.
Together, for a Cleaner District
Keeping the District Clean and Green
The Cleaner District Hotline: 0845 125 8000 Email: [email protected]
...please contact
If you spot a problem with...
• Abandoned vehicles • Illegal • or litter • Dog fouling or stray dogs • Dumped rubbish • Illegal • Overgrown hedgerows• Spills from refuse collection • Accumulation of leaves • Pest control • Damaged street furniture • Street cleaning required • Drugs paraphernalia • Trees (overgrown/obstructing highway) • Empty/derelict property • Air pollution
Now on twitter: @StAlbansCouncil
Purple sacks Residents who are issued with purple refuse sacks
are reminded that we are able to take a maximum of four sacks every fortnight.
Purple sacks are provided to residents in roads that are unsuitable for wheelie bins. We deliver the purple sacks twice a year, in June and December.
