Bits and pieces

The east end of St Albans gets its moment of glory on Sunday 8th July, when the Olympic torch is carried along Hatfield Road.  The accompanying motorcade will form up at near the Comet at Hatfield, and torchbearers will run along St Albans Road West and Hatfield Road, reaching Oaklands at around 4 o'clock.  Fortunately, this timing may enable Morrison's shoppers to clear the supermarket before then so that the Fleetville roundabout is not congested.  The route leads to the St Peter's Street roundabout and then Catherine Street before the motorcade re-forms at St Michael's for a speedier journey to Hemel Hempstead.  

Sander's loading platform, Alban Way, near Camp Road

The most frequent comment I have heard recently from those who have dipped into St Albans' Own East End Volume 1: Outsiders, is "I didn't know that .... ," to be followed by a particularly interesting piece of text which surprised them.  One drawing which drew the attention of two different people in one day was of the old Marshalswick House, home to the former Marten family.  Another was "that strange platform thing" on Alban Way.  The one referred to on this occasion was the remains of the loading platform on the west side of Camp Road's blue bridge.  This was the loading platform for Sander's the once-famous orchid specialist, whose nurseries were where SS Alban and Stephen Junior School is now.  The platform probably only had a ramp at the road end.  Although not designed as a passenger station or halt, I have no doubt that if an intending passenger signalled with an outstretched arm, the approaching train would stop. Nowadays there are an increasing number of people who have no knowledge of this horticultural wizard who produced classy orchids for those with expensive floral tastes – and that included royalty – who would visit discretely and leave their orders.

St Paul's Church, Blandford Road

Well done to St Paul's Church, who hosted another in its series of Community Days on Saturday 21st April.  Many events were accommodated in the various rooms of the recently extended and renovated premises; and concerts were held in the church itself.  I was there too, in the capacity of author, and there was much interest in St Albans' Own East End.  I was fortunate to share space with an exhibition based around the Olympics, comparing the 1948 Games with those for this year.  Also present was a medal winner from a recent Special Games, an event regrettably less well-known than the main Games and held in the year following.  I remember the first Community Day being very crowded; this year's event seemed almost as busy.

The author's caravan of events next pauses at the Fleetville Community Centre on Wednesday 25th April, where I shall be giving a presentation on an aspect of local history featured in the book: the long history of Beaumonts Manor.  As may have been advertised in an earlier era "illustrated by lantern slides!"  All are welcome at 7.30pm.