The St Albans we know today has a lovely and vibrant atmosphere, with its bustling market, fine historic buildings and, of course, our splendid Cathedral. But throughout its long history there has lurked a seedier side with every type of rogue, rascal and n’er-do-well you could imagine. From corrupt Victorian politicians,...
After more than 20 years have passed since your crimes, it’s not unreasonable to think you’ve got away with it. Then one day, quite out of the blue, comes an unexpected knock at the door, and your life begins to unravel before your eyes. In 2002, Alec Housden kidnapped and seriously...
When you think of primary school I bet you imagine yourself sat on a shiny wooden floor – or if it’s a Year 6 memory on The Benches – belting out “sing Hosanna, siiiiing Hosanna” or “who put the colours in the rainbow?” writes Laura Bill. If you are of a...
Stacey Turner, founder and CEO of St Albans charity It's OK To Say, reflects on changing the narrative when it comes to mental health. Mental Health Awareness Month invites us to reflect on something that shapes every part of our lives, yet can be difficult to see or define. Our mental...
Elena Hogg, founder of local culinary company FOOD by Elena, explores different ways to take it with a pinch of salt...
Fathima Hakkim has never stopped drawing. Raised in a strict orthodox Muslim household in the Indian state of Kerala, she channelled frustrations with her neurodivergency and a domineering patriarchal society into her art. Now 34 and living in St Albans with her husband and young son Amari, Fathima is open about...
Elena Hogg, founder of local culinary company FOOD by Elena, has been out foraging for some wild garlic.. If you’re anything like me, you’ll have had more than you’re fair share of Easter treats over the past few weeks and now feel instantly nauseated every time you walk past the chocolate...
“Are you a Mod or a Rocker?” a reporter asked Beatle Ringo Starr in the film ‘A Hard Day’s Night’. “Um, no, I’m a Mocker,” was his reply, giving the title some 60 years later to a book about the fashion, trends and music of the Swinging Sixties and its...
For 22 years, Annie Thomson has been the figurehead of The Marlborough Science Academy. Ahead of her retirement this summer, she sat down with Laura Bill to discuss a career in St Albans which has spanned 36 years across four secondary schools. She is extraordinary, intriguing, super intelligent and warm. Yet...
The BAFTA-winning Netflix film I Swear has cast new light on the misunderstood and underrepresented condition Tourette syndrome. Charity Tourette’s Action UK defines Tourette syndrome as “a genetically determined neurological condition, the key features of which are tics, involuntary and uncontrollable sounds and movements”. They add that the condition is complex and...
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