Events
Throughout the year, we offer a range of events for members and non-members. These include regular speaker evenings covering topical interests – for example we have included subjects varying from preserving the green belt to youth interests in St. Albans. The full diary of events is usually published in the Autumn.
There is an Annual General Meeting (usually held in June) when all members are invited to give their views on past and future happenings in our city.
Perhaps the highlight of the year is our Awards Evening where we celebrate best practice in current architecture and design – for both buildings and our green spaces.
Additionally, we participate in the St Albans Residents First Weekend and Heritage Open Days, and arrange visits to other interesting and historic towns.
Upcoming Events
In a reaction to the excessively ornate mainstream style of the Victorian era – described by art historian Nicholas Pevsner as “vulgarity in detail” – the Arts and Crafts movement promoted traditional craftsmanship, using simple forms, often medieval and romantic. This study day comprises three talks exploring the Arts and Crafts movement which emerged in Britain in the last decades of the 19th century. Proponents of the movement were also strong advocates of economic and social reform, bemoaning the rise of the industrial age. These talks aim to explore origins and influences of the movement in relation to other key figures and movements, and include, where possible, links to St Albans.
This Study Day is a partnership between Conservation 50 and the Cathedral. Price: £25 Click here to book
Past Events
Speakers: The Dean The Very Reverend Dr Jeffrey John and architect Andy Davey
Discussion and feedback on the Society’s Plan which sets out priorities and ideas for the next five years
Book now/reserve a place by email to eilyholmes@live.co.uk or tel: 01727 843389
or write to Brian Holmes, 16 Trevelyan Place, St Albans AL1 2DT.
Cheques for £35 to ‘St Albans Civic Society’
Presentation and discussion on this major planning application. Cllr Robert Donald from the City Council will explain what is proposed and we will discuss if it is indeed the “opportunity site” that the Council claim or a lost opportunity to enhance the city.
Explore the fascinating heritage on your doorstep during Britain’s largest heritage event! Most attractions are FREE during Heritage Open Days.
The Heritage Open Days brochure gives details of the walks, tours and attractions on offer in and around St Albans during this period.
This year’s awards presentation has been brought forward into the summer. The atmosphere will be informal, with table seating, drinks and canapés.
We hope it will appeal to even more members. Come along and celebrate!
Nearest parking in St Michael’s car park (Verulamium Museum).
City of St Albans Tour Guides have offered a guided walk specifically to celebrate Conservation 50. This will take in the modern Civic Area, the medieval core of the City Centre Conservation Area and its Georgian, Victorian and recent development. It will also concentrate on the history of conservation itself from its beginnings in the mid 20th century and the people who promoted it to the present day and what we are trying to do now. We are confident that this walk will be highly informative but perhaps also provocative when we consider the future role of conservation.
The first such walk will be on Sunday 7 July starting at 2.30 pm and is limited to the first 20 people to register. If there is greater demand it may be repeated on 14 July. The cost will be £6 per head.
For tickets click here
To mark and celebrate the 50th Anniversary of St Albans first Conservation Area, St Albans Civic Society in conjunction with the Abbey Precincts Residents Association and the Aboyne Residents Association have formed Conservation 50 and organised a series events for the community. These include a conference at Dagnall Street Baptist Church on Saturday July 6th (2.00 – 5.00 pm): chaired by BBC journalist, Julian Worricker, with a range of speakers:
- Emily Gee, South East Regional Director of Historic England;
- Ian Harvey, Executive Director of Civic Voice;
- Cllr Mary Maynard, St Albans City and District Council;
- Tim Boatswain, Chairman of St Albans Civic Society;
The conference will look at Conservation Areas in general as well as examining their current state and what they mean for residents of St Albans. Please come along, no pre-booking required, admission free.
View the Conservation 50 video here
For more details of all the events organised by Conservation 50 click here.
The event is free for Society members, but must be pre-booked, please contact Katherine Booth
kemb1@hotmail.com tel: 07711 946829