A St Albans bookclub have decided to take their friendship one step further; actually it will be a few thousand steps further!This bookclub have not just formed a great bond, but have taken steps to help those around them. Recently they did a public performance of the Haka warrior dance, at a farewell party, for a New Zealand member of their club. Now, they are about to undertake a 25 mile circular challenge, climbing the three highest peaks of Yorkshire. They aim to complete this within a 12 hour period. And is this for the sake of their health? No!
Stephen Barbour, bookclub member and organiser of the challenge explains,”‘We are raising money for a charity that supports people with a relatively unknown condition. Motor Neurone Disease (MND) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that attacks the upper and lower motor neurons. Degeneration of the motor neurons leads to weakness and wasting of muscles, causing increasing loss of mobility to the limbs and difficulty with speech, swallowing and breathing. This is often a terminal disease affecting 2 people in 100,000.”
Stephen’s friend, Howard, is one of the unlucky two. Howard, a popular man in our St Albans community, is a terrific dad to three boys and husband to a supportive wife.
Stephen says “Life is just not fair, since his illness was diagnosed, he has continued to be very positive and do as much as he can with the boys and you will never hear him moan about his illness.”
Louise Coxon, communications manager at the Motor Neurone Disease Association, says:”We rely entirely on voluntary donations from the public to help support and care for people with MND and to fund ground-breaking research to find a cure for this cruel disease. We are committed to fighting MND and so we really value the passion and commitment of our supporters because every penny raised helps to make a real differance to the individuals and families affected by MND.”
The walk will take place on 4th September and the ‘boys’ would welcome your donations. Click on www.justgiving.com/Stephen-Barbour0 and follow instructions.
Information on MND is available on www.mndassociation.org
The word Verulam stems from Verulamium (St Albans). You may have noticed this word associated with companies or entertainment all over this city. If not, read on and see who you can support.
Radio Verulam (92.6 FM) - St Albans local community radio station works with local groups and organisations. For details on specialist programmes and opportunities see www.radioverulam.com or email studio@radioverulam.com
Verulam Writers Circle – This local writers’ group meets regularly and welcomes new members. www.verulamwriterscircle.org.uk or email info@verulamwriterscircle.org.uk
Verulam IT – Quality web design and hosting services; webmaster of this wonderful stalbanslife website! See www.verulamit.co.uk or email nigel@verulamit.co.uk
Verulam Electrics – Qualified and reliable electrician based in St Albans. See website for more details www.verulamelectrics.co.uk or contact richard@VerulamElectrics.co.uk
Verulam ASC – St Albans based swimming club which provides training sessions in Marlborough and Westminster Lodge pools. www.verulam-asc.org.uk
Verulam Clinic – Health clinic providing care for adults, children and pregnant women, using both traditional and complementary methods.
www.verulamclinic.com or phone 01727 833100
Verulam Tiles – Located off the London Road,St Albans, Verulam Tiles has a vast collection of tiles and helpful staff. See www.tile-warehouse.co.uk
B N I Verulam – BNI Verulam operates locally but is part of the larger Business Network International which is a business referral group. See more information and current vacancies on www.bniverulam.co.uk
Verulam Golf Club – St Albans challenging 18 hole golf course is home to the Ryder Cup and boasts good drainage for all- year-round playing. www.verulamgolf.co.uk
The recession has had a negative effect on many of St Albans shops. Woolworths was the first to go and many others like Tchibo, Jaeger and West One have followed. However, it is not all doom and gloom in St Albans town centre. Today, I came across three new stores.
Mr P’s is a newsagents which has such delights as Pic n Mix as well as toiletries, food, drinks, magazines and papers. It is situated where the jewellers was, opposite the Town Hall. Although there is another newsagents further up St Peter’s Street, this one is handy for those catching the nearby buses. This store is sterile and clean and the staff are open and eager to answer my questions.
Another shop known as ‘Near, Far and Fair’ has opened up near Tesco’s on St Peters’ Street. This is full of locally sourced produce, Fair Trade foods and Eco products like toilet rolls and soaps. Free range eggs, including duck eggs and fresh bread are also sold here. I have just tasted their cherry scones and they pass the test! For those who enjoy the Farmer’s Market each month, this is a sort of miniature version of it. It felt a bit cluttered but was full of shoppers.
Another recent addition is The Calender Store, which has opened in the place of the Tchibo store in the Maltings shopping centre. Full of calenders to suit every possible taste, I would assume this is just for the Christmas season! It will be a big hit with the masses of teenagers who fill this centre every weekend.
The sad news is that the Woolworths building is still empty and forlorn. There was talks of a restaurant opening in its place but who knows…..Seriously, who knows? We would love to hear from anyone who does!
On 22 January 2009, the St Albans City and District Council, Harpenden Town Council, Oaklands College, Job Centre Plus, Credit Union and other representatives held a roundtable summit on the local economy. They discussed measures which would make the district less vulnerable in the recession.
The short term measures include;
An Executive job forum (to launch in February 09), in which local unemployed professionals can get advice and support in job search activities.
Information and support – Local agencies (e.g. St Albans Enterprise Agency) will give advice to small businesses. CAB will advise on debts. Local ‘value for money’ services, such as leisure centres, will be promoted by the Council.
Council Tax – The council has pledged to keep council tax at or below inflation.
Economic sustainability – With the aim to reduce St Albans CO2 emissions, economic sustainability will inform the council’s corporate priorities and service delivery for 2009-12.
The medium term measures include;
Promoting local trade and hold on to wealth generated within the community.
The long term measures include;
City Vision Project – The council will develop ways to encourage economic independence in order to reduce dependence from the City of London and the financial sector.
Councillor Melvyn Teare expressed confidence that St Albans would weather out this (economic) storm.
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