Our Charter Market has scooped a top award as – the Best Large Outdoor Market in Britain.
The historic Market took the coveted title at the Great British Markets Awards 2024 which is run by the National Association of British Markets (NABMA).
Councillor Jacqui Taylor accepted the trophy on behalf of the Council at NABMA’s annual conference in Birmingham.
The judges praised the Market for the support given to new traders and said: "These efforts have secured a diverse range of both traders and commodities for sale. The Market has recently been modernised in both layout and infrastructure as it has recovered from the pandemic.”
Photo: Cllr Jacqui Taylor, 3rd from right, at the NABMA awards with Market Manager James Ó Nuanáin, 4th from right, and Market Officers Geeta Rebaudengo, 5th from right, and Charlotte Graham, 6th from right with NABMA officials.
A new street in St Albans has been named after local hero - Jenny Huggard-Sena.
Mum-of-two Jenny, who died four years ago aged 53, was a popular teaching assistant and child health campaigner.
The street was created to serve a Council development of seven new family homes in Sopwell.
We asked the community who they would like the road named after and Jenny came top of the poll.
St Albans Mayor, Councillor Anthony Rowlands, joined the official naming ceremony along with a huge number of Jenny’s family, neighbours and friends.
Photo: left to right, Cllr Robert Donald, who was formerly the Lead Councillor for the Jenny Lane project, Mayoress Annie Stevenson, the Mayor, Jenny’s husband Jose and daughter Charlie at the naming ceremony.
|
Councillors have agreed to raise the Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) fine for fly-tipping in the District to a maximum of £1,000.
New Government rules allowed for the increase from the previous maximum of £400.
Householders who commit a ‘duty of care’ offence – allowing rubbish to be taken away by someone without a waste carrier licence – now face a maximum £600 FPN.
Since January last year, we have issued 67 FPNs for fly-tipping and waste related offences.
Under the new system, which will come into force on Friday 1 March, there will be a sliding scale of fines based on the fly-tip's size and other factors.
Repeat offenders, very serious incidents and fly-tips committed by licensed waste carriers will be dealt with by a prosecution rather than an FPN.
You can support good local causes by taking part in the St Albans District Community Lottery which has a jackpot prize of £25,000.
LeeAnnas Wish is one of the many charities that benefit from ticket sales.
Based in the Sopwell area, they support young people and families to develop essential life skills, access resources and build friendships.
Their activities include a Saturday Club for young people aged 11 and over as well as women’s football sessions (pictured).
They are currently fundraising for a minibus and you can help them – and other good causes – by playing the lottery here. There is a weekly draw and at least 60p from each £1 ticket supports community groups.
Measles is more than just a rash – it can make people seriously unwell and one in five children affected by the disease ends up in hospital because of complications.
It can be serious for adults too and catching it while pregnant could harm the baby.
Unfortunately, there has been a recent, worrying increase in cases and outbreaks across England.
Measles spreads very easily between people who aren’t vaccinated which is why it’s so important to make sure children have had their MMR vaccinations.
As there is no medical treatment for measles, MMR vaccination is the best protection. It is safe and provides long-lasting protection against three serious illnesses - measles, mumps and rubella.
The vaccine is available free on the NHS and is given in two doses, the first at the age of one and the second, before starting primary school. You can have the vaccine at any age, so if you or your child have missed out on a dose, it’s not too late to get that protection.
 Secure your vote for important local elections on Thursday 2 May!
There are elections for 18 of the 56 seats on St Albans City and District Council as well as an election for the Herts Police and Crime Commissioner.
Anyone aged 18 and above who is not registered at their current address can do so here. The deadline for the May elections is Tuesday 16 April 2024.
Anyone voting at a polling station is reminded that they will need to bring approved photo ID.
If you do not have any suitable photo ID, you can apply here for a Voter Authority Certificate by 5pm on Wednesday 24 April.
Here are dates for some of the major events being held in the District this year. You can find more information about these and other events on the Enjoy St Albans website.
Foodies Festival, Friday 31 to Sunday 2 June, Oaklands College, Hatfield Road: music, food and drink with live bands, cooking demonstrations by top chefs, artisan market, feasting tent, kids’ activities and more.
St Albans SustFest (Sustainability Festival), Friday 7 to Sunday 16 June: a programme of events and activities throughout the District to inspire people to live more sustainably
Alban Pilgrimage, Saturday 22 June: a parade of giant puppets (pictured above) to celebrate Saint Alban, Britain's first Christian martyr. His story will be recreated in a procession of Roman chariots, centurions, lions and executioners.
Pub In The Park, Verulamium Park, Friday 6 to Sunday 8 September: an action-packed weekend of live bands and amazing food created by award winning restaurants and top chefs in a stunning setting.
The St Albans Feastival, Sunday 22 September: the climax to the District’s Food and Drink Festival with street entertainment, music, cooking demonstrations, market stalls and much more.
We are asking residents, businesses and community groups to give their views on how to improve crime prevention in the District.
Please take a few minutes to fill in a questionnaire on issues such as antisocial behaviour, drug dealing, burglary and the protection of vulnerable people. You can do so here.
The consultation, which runs until Sunday 31 March, will help the St Albans Community Safety Partnership complete its strategy for 2024/25.
The partnership is an umbrella group of public agencies, including the Council and Herts Police, that work together to reduce crime in the District.
Photo by Ethan Wilkinson on Unsplash
|
We are supporting a Herts Police campaign to raise awareness of the crime of cuckooing.
This is where criminal gangs exploit vulnerable individuals by taking over their homes to conduct illegall activities such as drug dealing.
The campaign aims to help people understand how to spot cuckooing if it is happening in their community.
Please complete this short survey to help the Police combat this harmful crime.
 Wildlife is flourishing at our green spaces with Kingfishers becoming star performers again at Verulamium Park.
The birds are attracting numerous professional and amateur photographers as well as catching the eye of hundreds of park users.
Their favourite spots are tree branches spanning the River Ver near Ye Olde Fighting Cocks pub.
This stunning photo was taken by local photographer Lello Ametrano. You can find more of his photographs here.
Former St Albans Mayor Geoff Harrison (pictured first from the right) has been elected as an Honorary Alderman in recognition of his long public service.
Geoff served as a St Albans City and District Councillor for 23 years before retiring last year and was the Mayor on two occasions.
The current Mayor, Councillor Anthony Rowlands, presented Geoff with his badge of office and thanked him for his many years of dedicated service to the community.
|
Becoming Us: African Caribbean St Albans, from Friday 16 February until Sunday 30 June, Keeper’s Galleries, St Albans Museum + Gallery, Free.
This major exhibition celebrates the role of the African Caribbean community in St Albans.
It will focus on the years between 1948 and 1971, though it will also refer to black residents from before this time and highlight achievements up to the present day.
Among the main themes are – Windrush and arrival, working lives, overcoming adversity, African Caribbean culture and commercial music.
Still Life Drawing, Museum + Gallery, Sunday 18 February, Thursday 29 February and Sunday 3 March, £10 a session, check website for times.
Local artist Donna Borg hosts a series of still life workshops focusing on dynamic arrangements inlcuding historic objects. She will guide you through the process of drawing in charcoal to create volume, depth and contrast.
The workshops are suitable for all levels of ability, from complete beginners to those with experience. Materials are provided but feel free to bring along your own.
More information about what is happening at the Museums is available here.
|
 St Albans Healthy Hub is your free one-stop-shop for health and wellbeing information, advice and support.
You can get advice on many issues including how to lose weight, quit smoking, cut down on alcohol, become more active and manage money.
The organisations involved include Citizens Advice, Communities 1st, Mind in Mid Herts and many more. You can find more information here.
Advice and support are available this winter to help every resident deal with the rising cost of living.
Our partner organisation Hertfordshire County Council has highlighted the services that are available on the flashcard pictured above,
There is information about who to contact for advice on managing debt, applying for benefits, dealing with bereavement and other issues.
A county-wide scheme has been launched to help breastfeeding mums recognise the places where they will be welcomed and can feel comfortable.
Breastfeeding Friendly aims to encourage businesses and public places across Herts to cater for people who are breastfeeding.
You'll be able to recognise those who are supporting the scheme because they will display a Breastfeeding Friendly sign in their window.
Businesses and other organisations can sign up here.
|
Hertfordshire Community Foundation funds local causes through grants to small charities and community groups.
It is looking for applications from organisations working to counter domestic abuse and provide services to victims.
Grants from £10,000 to £50,000 are available and you can find out more here. Applications close on Thursday 7 March.
|
