17 Jul 2025
It’s the highlight of the calendar for residents of Cottonmill and Sopwell, and this year’s annual Gathering was the biggest ever.
Hundreds of people braved soaring temperatures to descend upon Cottonmill Community and Cycling Centre on Sunday to enjoy a wealth of family-friendly activities, stalls and refreshments.
Highlights included a 70ft inflatable assault course, a miniature railway sponsored by the Abbey Line Community Partnership, and live music from the likes of the Purple All Stars and Sopwell Singers.
The event was sponsored by Herts Domestic Abuse Helpline and organised by Sopwell Residents Association (SRA).
Gail Jackson, chair of SRA said: “This was a fantastic day out for over 1,000 people – sponsored by Herts Domestic Abuse Helpline. It was organised by our amazing events team led by the indomitable Elaine Rainsford. Michelle Mackenzie produced amazing posters and artwork for the festival, Jo Cooney ensured all our policies were in place. Chris Blanch managed the music stage and Janet Charles managed the volunteers on the day. One of our aims is to help create joy for our local community – and to bring people together – and this event has smashed it!”
Elaine Rainsford, lead for the Events Team said: “Our volunteers on the day included Sally Anne who created a fabulous craft tent for the children, Denise Jeram created the kids Story Tent, Ed and Andy did the litter-picking, and many other volunteers organised the Assault Course, setting up – and clearing up! the combined churches managed the Afternoon Tea, and the extraordinary St Albans Community Pantry provided hot cooked food – rescued from local supermarkets! Thanks to Everyone Active for their strong support on the day – and thanks to all the local stalls, businesses and community groups who turned up to provide things to do, and lovely crafts and food for people to explore.”
Photos by SRA volunters.
