30 Dec 2024
Despite hitting a milestone 100 issues, there was a reluctance at the St Albans Times to appear too self-congratulatory in marking the occasion.
However, long-term supporter Rev Peter Crumpler, associate minister at St Paul’s Church in Fleetville, persuaded us otherwise when he offered a heartfelt testimonial on the achievement.
He said: “The 100th edition of the St Albans Times is a milestone to celebrate. Matt Adams has confounded those who said the publication would not survive and built a firm foundation for its future.
“The Times is providing a depth of local coverage unseen in this area for many years. It has also held elected representatives to account and highlighted the vital grassroots work being done by numerous organisations and people.
“Independent quality publications, funded through sponsorship, advertising and donations may well be the future of local journalism – and the St Albans Times is a pioneer in this important movement.”
The Rt Rev Alan Smith, Bishop of St Albans, said: “My congratulations to the St Albans Times on your 100th issue of local news reporting. In a world where global events are communicated within seconds, it’s great to have a much-valued newspaper that still tells the stories of people living and working in our communities here in Hertfordshire.
“Thank you for bringing to our attention the problems and challenges of our district, as well as celebrating our local successes. Long may your strapline remain true: Independent, Insightful, Informative Local News.”
St Albans MP Daisy Cooper said: “The St Albans Times has quickly become an authoritative go-to community magazine, keeping local people informed and entertained, and holding local politician’s feet to the fire – including mine! A vibrant local media landscape is essential to a healthy democracy so I congratulate the St Albans Times on reaching its 100th issue and sincerely hope it continues to publish hundreds more.”
Steve Walker, managing director of Collinson Hall estate agents, has been supporting the St Albans Times since the start: “It is so easy to take the press for granted. Without Matt and the St Albans Times, we would only ever have a succession of self-promoting press releases and articles designed to boost a ‘click-through’ rate. This is not journalism.
“I live locally and I want to read in-depth articles and have our elected politicians challenged by writers with an understanding of the topic and the city. From the outset, I thought Matt deserved our support, and yes, we are very happy with the marketing objectives that the St Albans Times meets for us. Congrats to Matt and those around him who contribute and support the publication. Edition no 100 is well worthy of a decent celebration – cheers!”
Chief executive of mental health charity Youth Talk, David Barker, said: “Huge and sincere congratulations to Matt and the St Albans Times on the wonderful milestone of your 100th edition!
“Your dedication to quality independent journalism, sharing local stories, championing community voices, and keeping us all informed plays such a vital role in the life of our community.
“Here’s to many more editions of making a difference – thank you for all that you do!”
Environmental campaigner Dr Robert Wareing, who is fighting to prevent the development of Bedmond Lane Wildlife Meadow, said: “The St Albans Times is unsurpassed for all local news, analysis and opinion. It’s a brilliant and colourfully presented independent St Albans journal which is, above all, a reliable and balanced source of information.
“This is not surprising really, given that its creator and maestro, Matt Adams, has 30 years’ experience as a journalist, was the 13th editor of the Herts Ad and in post for 14 years; and, has lived through the implosion and transformation of journalism, reinventing himself and successfully maintaining the ethos of those early years. Congratulations: 100 not out!”
Susie Evershed, marketing manager for Company of Ten and the Abbey Theatre, said: “How was there a time before the St Albans Times? Thank you for bringing back in-depth, investigative journalism to St Albans, shedding light on the issues that matter and supporting the community in so many ways. Here’s to 100 more issues – and beyond!”
Professor Tim Boatswain, chair of Blue Plaques St Albans, said: “Congratulations – for the 100th edition of the St Albans Times. This milestone is not just a number, but a testament to the dedication, journalistic integrity, and community engagement that have defined this publication.
“For a hundred editions, the St Albans Times has been more than just a source of news; it has become a part of our community.
“It has chronicled our triumphs, mourned our losses, and sparked conversations that have influenced our society. Through its pages, we have witnessed history unfold, explored diverse perspectives, and been inspired to action.
“I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Matt Adams and his colleagues behind this remarkable achievement. Matt’s tireless efforts, his passion for truth, and his commitment to quality journalism have made the St Albans Times an indispensable part of St Albans’ life. His dedication to informing and engaging our community on very little resource is truly commendable.
“It is a milestone to celebrate, from uncertain beginnings to acknowledged success, the St Albans Times continues to evolve but remains true to its core values. It is a child of the changing landscape of media, embracing new technologies while preserving the essence of traditional journalism.
“Looking ahead, I am confident that the St Albans Times will continue to thrive and inspire for many editions to come. It will remain a beacon of truth, a platform for diverse voices, and a catalyst for positive change.”
Vanessa Gregory, chair of Look! St Albans, an advocate of collaborative planning and locally produced design codes, said: “When you published the first edition of the St Albans Times, I did breathe a sigh of relief.
It was a huge risk for you personally I appreciate. However, thank you so very much for taking that risk. I felt and still feel journalistic standards had dropped in recent years and it was near impossible to find unbiased actual news.
“I am delighted you are encouraging and nurturing young people to become our fearless and factual journalists of the future.
“Facts not spin, not leaning one way or another or merely rearranging a few words in press releases. I am a passionate believer in democracy and in particular respectful and reasoned debate on local issues. I also love the city of my birth and hearing about those who make a positive impact on community life in St Albans, be it our faith community on which we were built, individuals, charities, groups or businesses, and this you cover in abundance.
“There is no denying the most important issues of our time locally are providing good quality and sympathetically designed new homes that speak of St Albans not St Anywhere.
“Especially genuinely affordable for community cohesion and providing the required services, whilst ever mindful of human impact and stewardship of the natural environment. Not something easy to achieve, but far from impossible if we work together.
“Congratulations on your 100th issue. I know the St Albans Times will continue to report and encourage thoughtful debate and celebrate all that is good and positive in St Albans, but nor shy away from tackling contentious issues.”
MP for Harpenden and Berkhamsted, Victoria Collins, said: “Congratulations to the St Albans Times for their 100th issue and for providing colour, insight and diving into local community issues. As a politician working with the community, the importance of a hard-working local press has become increasingly apparent. Thanks to the St Albans Times for flying that flag.”
Amanda Yorwerth, coordinator of St Albans Friends of the Earth, said: “Congratulations to all at the St Albans Times on the 100th issue.
“With social media increasingly spreading conspiracy theories, muddying our awareness of important issues, the need for quality, local journalism, informing us about crucial, local news has never been greater.
“We hope that the St Albans Times will continue its good work for many issues to come.”
OVO artistic director Adam Nichols added: “Arthur Miller said that a good newspaper was a nation talking to itself.
“What Matt and the team have managed to do in the first hundred issues of the St Albans Times is to reflect the rich diversity of our city’s voices, places and issues; to highlight its challenges as well as its triumphs and to show what a brilliant place St Albans remains to live and work – with independence, integrity and affection. Congratulations, and here’s to the next 100 and beyond!”
Nigel Gardner, the former Conservative candidate for Harpenden and Berkhamsted, said: “Whatever your politics, the St Albans Times is the go-to place for local journalism. I think all of us who stood in this year’s General Election would agree about that. Traditional on the-ground reporting, rooted on our home turf.
“Please make a new year donation to help fund the paper that plays a crucial role in our community. Without Matt’s first-class journalism, St Albans, Harpenden and our amazing villages would be worse off.”
Photographer Steve Collins, chair of Harpenden Photographic Society, said: “To be honest, I was a little surprised to find that it’s only 100 issues old (not even two years), as it is now so well established in the region that it feels like it’s been around for far longer.
“I have enjoyed contributing images many times since your launch, and I particularly love that the St Albans Times is the most photography-friendly of all the regional media available.
“The St Albans Times really is the ONLY place go if you want to see extensive photographic coverage of local events, and it is clear that you understand the immense importance of a visual record to document the times we live in. Your support of local photographers is greatly appreciated.”
Hertfordshire High Sheriff Annie Brewster had the last word: “One hundred editions is, indeed, a milestone worth celebrating very loudly. When you first mentioned your idea to produce an online only publication, I felt a pang of fear of the unknown. As an established leader in the media world, I never doubted you would inform, inspire, challenge and connect your audience with all the stories that matter. However, I had no idea what a masterpiece you were about to unleash.
“St Albans City and District is a very special place, with very special people and with so much happening. It takes an even-more special person to capture it all. And that you do with aplomb. Week after week your unrivalled journalistic integrity, drive and creativity covers dozens of fascinating pages, only made possible by your monumental work ethic, relentless thirst for news but, above all, love and passion for the community in which you live.
“Here’s to many years of us all enjoying the excellence of the St Albans Times ahead … thank you!”
