Children's free drama workshops

Aspiring movie stars will be able to have a go at acting at FREE workshops in St Albans this weekend.

The Helen O’Grady Drama Academy will be offering free drama sessions for children in Westminster Lodge on Saturday. The workshops will run between noon and 3pm.

For more information contact Amy on 0771 0171851.

From St Albans & Harpenden Review

New community cafe in St Albans

A new community cafe in St Albans opened its doors for the first time today. Mayor Eileen Harris and the Archdeacon of St Albans Jonathon Smith officially opened the cafe in St Julian’s Church in Abbots Avenue.

Councillor Harris said: “I am very pleased to support this new community café.
“It will meet a real need in the Cottonmill area for a welcoming place where people can meet and socialise.

“I hope many people will enjoy meeting old and new friends here.”
The cafe, which offers wi-fi access, will open every Thursday between 10am and 3pm.

Taken from St Albans & Harpenden review

Things to do in November

The Big Lunch have come up with 8 things to do this month using the first letters of the word "November" find out what they are here

New information signs to go up in city centre

Visitors to St Albans will be able to explore the city easier, thanks to new information signs.
The district council will install signs in St Peters Street highlighting the main historic landmarks.
If the scheme is successful, more will be rolled out across the city centre next year.

Read more

Passengers could benefit from computer tool designed to deal with FCC train delays

Passengers travelling on First Capital Connect train services may benefit from a new computer tool designed to speed up the time it takes to deal with failed trains.

Engineers at FCC has developed a computer tool, which could lead to fewer cancellations and - if necessary - the quicker evacuation of passengers.

There is hopes the new system will save 45 hours worth of delays in its first six months of introduction.

Read more here

Issues affecting oldest and youngest residents discussed at conference

Representatives from community groups have met to discuss the district’s oldest and younger residents.

The annual Community Conference, which is organised St Albans and District Strategic Partnership, was held on November 1 with the theme Bridging the Generation Gap.

A host of guest speakers gave presentations on a number of issues including health and housing at the event, which took place in Rothamsted Conference Centre in Harpenden.

Councillor Julian Daly, chair of the St Albans and District Strategic Partnership, said: “This conference was aimed at developing intergenerational understanding.

“It brought together residents and community groups to discuss how issues affecting younger and older people may be overcome.

“The Strategic Partnership will now consider taking some of the ideas that emerged forward in its work in the community.”

Taken from St Albans & Harpenden Review

Advice centres planned to help residents with benefit changes

Advice surgeries could be held across the district next year to help residents understand the changes to the benefit system.

The district council plans to set up the service to assist the 2,500 people that the changes will affect.
Next year the Government will alter the council tax benefit system.

Plans to set up the advice surgeries will be discussed by the council’s cabinet on Wednesday, November 14.

Read more

Face to Face Event

St Albans Faith and Culture Enterprise (FACE) Invite you to: Face to Face

An event for the voice of faith and culture groups to be heard.

On Sunday 18th November 2012 From 2.30 pm

At Verulam School, Brampton Road, St Albans AL1 4PR

 

Dates for Christmas light switch on in Harpenden announced

With the festive season approaching fast Harpenden Town Council is preparing to brighten up the streets with Christmas lights.

The annual switch on will take place in the town centre on Sunday, November 25.
Southdown will follow on Friday, November 30 and Batford on Sunday, December 2.
Each area of the town will display a locally grown tree covered in festive lights.
Harpenden’s town mayor Nicola Linacre said: “This year our lights will be bigger and better than ever.

“We have gradually improved the lights every year based on feedback from our residents."

“Last year we had an estimated 10,000 people at the town centre switch on, making it the most successful community event in Harpenden, so come along and enjoy the celebrations.”


From St Albans & Harpenden Review

Hotel to host Christmas fair to raise cash for charity

A Christmas fair will be held in a Chiswell Green hotel this month to raise cash for two charities.
The organisation Doing it for Charity is holding the fundraiser to collect much needed funds for Macmillan Cancer Support and the Willow Foundation.

More here

Harpenden event will benefit Grove House and Children with Cancer UK

Women in Harpenden are joining forces to organise a Christmas gift fair to raise money for charity.
Cash collected during the fundraiser, which will be held on November 23 and 24, will be given to Breakthrough Breast Cancer and Harpenden Seniors Club.

The event, which is now in its 38th year, is being set up by members of the Harpenden Ladies Circle.
More than 50 stalls will be set up in Harpenden Public Halls selling a variety of gifts including ceramics, jewellery, accessories and cards.

There will also be a tombola featuring prizes donated by local businesses.

Last year the fair raised more than £12,700 for Grove House hospice and Children with Cancer UK.

From St Albans & Harpenden Review