07 Feb 2024
We ask a different figure from the local community to choose 10 questions to answer from a list of 50. This time: Sarah Gillow, creative director of George Street jewellers Galio, and director of St Albans BID.
Where do you walk when you want to think?
I have a favourite circular walk I often use to clear my head. It’s different every time, the light and the season give it nuance and keep it interesting. Sometimes as the sun is setting it’s awesome.
It starts at Market Place, continues down to the Cathedral (the most fabulous building that never gets boring!) via the Vintry Garden to the Orchard, down passed Ye Olde Fighting Cocks and on to Verulamium Park, around the lake and back up to town via George Street.
I have been doing some version of this for the last 30 years, it never gets old and inspires me. I was heartbroken when one of the big old trees fell and am sad when the lake floods. But whatever the weather or circumstance I always end up feeling grateful to have the opportunity to enjoy this walk, literally on the doorstep of the city centre!
Where do you most like to have a picnic in St Albans?
I’d probably have to say the Vintry Garden- it’s always got a special place in my heart whatever the season, also it’s the only place in St Albans city centre with nice views and benches!! Let’s face it no one wants a wet bum from sitting on the ground and it rains a lot!!
CD, vinyl, download or streaming?
Depends on the mood… Streaming and vinyl are joint faves. Vinyl has the best memories for me and I love its nostalgia and the authentic sound from an old system. I recently rediscovered my teenage self through playing my old collection of vinyl… what a walk down memory lane! But…I also adore being able to discover new things and pop in and out of music genres and podcasts – so flexible, only possible in the age of streaming. Everyday you can learn and experience something new. It’s great to open the mind…
How often do you check your phone?
Wow… too often I think, probably every hour at least… it amazes me how reliant I am on the little thing and how much I can do with it. When you think back to life pre-phone growing up with no-one knowing where you were when you went to the park. It’s hard to know whether, as a tool, it’s given us more freedom because you aren’t fixed to one point in order to work and communicate or whether it has made us less free because you can never escape that communication or be unavailable…
Sometimes the power of its connectivity is a double-edged sword, particularly when you think of social media exposure which is not always a positive experience.
Dogs or cats?
For sure dogs. I have had my lovely Lhasa Apso for 17 years. He’s now a very tired boy but he has been my anchor and my loyal companion, how could I choose a feline over the best friend a woman could have? No judgement just love!!
Odyssey or Netflix?
Odyssey, make an evening of a special movie…why not! I wish it was easier to park there though.
Which day of your life would you most like to relive?
Would have to be my wedding day… so much joy! I look back at the pictures and smile you can’t help but feel the happiness of everyone there. I don’t know if it’s rose coloured glasses, but I just remember being on cloud nine and my face aching from the amount of smiling I did.
Where do you buy your coffee in St Albans?
I like to support independents so spread my coffee love around. If I’m sitting in a café garden it has to be the George Street Café. I love Nkora too, their coffee is unique. If I need deli food or a sandwich, I would choose Silver Palate. However if I want a space to chill or work it has to be The Hub… So many great places!!
What’s your favourite St Albans pub?
Dylans @The Kings Arms, cozy, easy, friendly and AMAZING BAR SNACKS!
Wednesday or Saturday market?
Saturday – I love the bustle and more recently the choice of amazing artisan stalls. Often I’m working and don’t get a lot of time to browse so it’s great to be inspired.
