Spring and summer exhibitions

We get the occasional exhibition devoted to the east end of St Albans; and Fleetville Diaries has annually presented an exhibition as part of its programme.

2014 is different, in that at least three exhibitions may be expected, and all are of fascinating general interest to residents.  While none is yet far advanced, the author is involved in curating all three and so is able to provide readers of this blog with an introduction to what might be expected.

The first to air will be CAMP ROAD by Fleetville Diaries.  This 16-panel display reveals the history of development along what once called Camp Lane, from Camp Hill to Ashley Road.  Beginning with the little community at the top of Camp Hill, it also reveals the difficulties horses encountered, the alternative route, and how it was possible to avoid paying the toll on the Turnpike (Hatfield Road).  The estates on either side of the road grew slowly and the shops came and went.  Of course, allotments flourished in their hundreds, some of them between the houses; and way out east, the lane was eventually intersected by the ring road.  Nearly fifty photos are included, including one of a horse in a trench, and the arrival of the Rubber Works (currently Dexter Close).  It is displayed at Fleetville Festival on Sunday 23rd March at St Paul's, and Larks in the Parks at Fleetville Rec on Sunday 29th June.  There will be other dates, still to be announced.

Kingshill Avenue, Marshalswick © Mike Neighbour

The people of St Leonard's Parish Church are presenting an exhibition celebrating the 900th anniversary of the formation of the parish, formerly part of St Peter's.  The exhibition, THE STORY OF A PARISH, will open at the Museum of St Albans on Friday 25th April for a period of one month.  In addition to telling the story of the parish church, there are sections on the village of Sandridge, its people and occupations over a long period of time;  an explanation of what came to be known as Sandridge New Town, based on the daughter parish of St Saviour; and the thriving and energetic residential estates of Marshalswick and Jersey Farm, together with their daughter church of St Mary.

Difficult-to-reach Smallford Station © Mike Neighbour

Finally, a project, previously mentioned in these blogs: SMALLFORD, THE STORY OF A COMMUNITY AND ITS STATION.  Since preparations are still at a formative stage the title is provisional.  The project group has been meeting regularly at the University, and between times, has carried out wide-ranging research.  The exhibition is part of a longer project related to the renovation of the still-extant Smallford Station.  So, the exhibition will relate the story of the hamlet itself, and its satellites; the construction of the railway between Hatfield and St Albans; the impact of the railway; economic activity which was attracted to the line side; Smallford Station itself; and the goods which were moved along the tracks.  The Smallford Project is an excellent example of collaboration between enthusiastic people with a variety of skills and interests.  The exhibition is slated for sometime this summer, but no further details are yet available.

Here are, therefore, at least three events for you to pencil into your diaries for 2014.