Latest news with #StAlbans
BBC News
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Gladiator exhibition opens at Northampton Museum & Art Gallery
A touring exhibition exploring the world of Roman gladiators has opened in Museum & Art Gallery is hosting Gladiators of Britain, which offers insight into the gladiators who lived in the county and the wider finds included two Nene Valley vessels depicting gladiators, fragments of an engraved glass from a Roman villa near Nether Heyford, and a clasp knife discovered in Birrell, curator at Northampton Museum & Art Gallery, said: "[The items] show us the Romans who did live here engaged in spectacle culture... they made objects that have gladiators depicted on them and bought them, used them and lost them in the county." Gladiators are traditionally associated with arenas like the Colosseum in Rome, but many fights took place across was no amphitheatre in Northamptonshire, with the closest being at St Albans - formerly known as Verulamium. There were 25 artefacts in the exhibition, including the Hawkedon Helmet - the only confirmed piece of gladiatorial armour from Roman Britain. It was possibly plundered from Colchester - known then as Camulodunum - during Boudica's rebellion of to the British Museum, the heavy bronze helmet originally had a tinned surface, and the wearer's face would have been encased in a hinged mask with eye guards. Another key exhibit is the Colchester Vase from AD175, discovered in a Roman-era grave in Willi, the curator for ancient Mediterranean life at the British Museum, added: "There are misconceptions about gladiatorial fights... we are trying to dispel some of these myths. "For example, there were rules to the fights, there were umpires, and people didn't always fight to the death. In fact, a bout would last around 15 minutes because a dead gladiator was much more expensive than a wounded one that could fight more."Gladiators of Britain is at Northampton Museum & Art Gallery until 7 September. Follow Northamptonshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
The uniqueness of a village is what really arouses me
Maybe its an age thing, an ongoing mid-life crisis if you will, but we recently had the annual conversation about moving to pastures new. Despite not really meaning it, and going so far as to use the local estate agent whose time we happily waste to see how much our drum would be worth, we had a forced introspective as to how much we really enjoy living in a village. Having resided in towns and the big smoke, villages are, if mine is a yardstick, very much engrained in a 'us and them' mentality. St Albans, which is not a million miles hence, always seems to get the funding and the 'glory' despite us paying the same, if not more, council tax than they do, for which we get in return not an awful lot. Want to save a few quid? Turn out the villages streetlights at night but keep St Albans' on. Want to dump a new unaffordable housing development in the vicinity? Go to the village, where the voter base is not so harmful on our chances of re-election, and so it goes on, as the little guy gets smashed from all sides, and ultimately, inevitably, loses some of the battles. Our local 'big' car park, frequented by those popping into the shops for a pint of semi-skimmed or a box of takeaway chicken is soon to become a paid for exercise which will add further nails into local businesses' coffins who struggle to keep their heads above the waterline at the best of times. Why? No one seems to know, its not near a station, but such is a village's lot: to take their beating and not forget to say thank you, please for the privilege of being milked like the cash cows we are. It is the uniqueness of a village that arouses me. You actually know, and speak to, your neighbours despite never really feeling like you truly belong, but that's ok, as they were born on their Nan's kitchen floor in Kings Road, have lived here man and boy, and they remember when it was 'all fields'. Pop to the Co-op and, at any time, dawn or dusk, there is the woman wearing pyjamas, a dressing gown and slippers, but that's the new norm and she has now become something of a monument to village life. There's the chap who dresses like a cowboy and, rumour has it, 'lives in' the roundabout. The traveller family whose horse is often left to graze on the verge in the cul de sac and the local slimming club whose members never seem to lose any weight except for from their wallets, once they enter the ramshackle, but endearing, community centre. The online community forums are the pulse of the village life, and many now choose to post anonymously, only to be outed as we all know each other so well, so we can fathom who the poster is from the tone of the post and the inevitable spelling mistakes. And then we have the village idiot who, I am sure, may well be me. I prefer the term 'jester' but, either way, reputations are easily made in the village and hard to dismantle should they become embedded. But move back to the smoke? Not on your nelly. It's nice to give your neighbours a cheery wave, and trust them to look after your cats when away, and even share a cold tinny in the back garden at the first sign of sun, as you all rub along nicely as they aren't the enemy, are they? That mantle lies with the local big boys and we have our pitchforks ready in unison for when they come for us once again, as they plunge us into darkness and charge us for daring to support local businesses as we doff our caps in village style semi-complicity… Brett Ellis is a teacher
The Sun
24-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
I've cut my energy bills to nothing and set to earn £600 this year – a little-known scheme could help you do it too
SAVVY homeowners can save thousands of pounds on energy bills without cutting down on usage, thanks to a clever scheme. Judith Leary-Joyce, 75, not only saves but actually makes money through this home improvement and green energy initiative. 2 2 She had a 'deep retrofit ' on the Victorian end-of-terrace in St Albans, Hertfordshire she has shared with husband John, for more than 47 years. As part of the makeover to improve the property's energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions, the couple had two sets of solar panels installed. This has saved more than £1,000 a year on their annual energy bil l, plus 'earns' them cash by exporting surplus electricity generated. It comes after the average energy bill jumped up to £1,849 a year last month. Judith, author of Beginner's Guide to Eco Renovation and blog told The Sun: 'Solar panels may cost a lot upfront, but over time, you will recoup the cost.' The couple got their first eight panels installed in September 2021 at a cost of around £6,000. A few years later, in October 2024, they got a further 10 panels installed for £14,300 – and this included a battery. With a battery storage system, energy from the solar panels is stored to provide power irrespective of the weather or the time of day. 'The decision to get solar panels was primarily down to me really caring about the planet,' said Judith. 'But at the same time, I like the idea of saving a shedload of money, too.' What is the energy price cap? Finding an installer was relatively straightforward, according to the energy-saving whizz, though she recommends speaking to friends for recommendations. She also suggests getting three or four quotes. 'Our house faces east-west, so we decided to put as many panels on the roof as we could fit in the space,' said Judith. 'In the first installation, we got five on the front of the roof and three on the back.' The couple then got an additional 10 panels installed a few years later after building a large garden room extension with a south-facing roof. Thanks to this – and the retrofit – Judith and John have been able to get rid of gas altogether, considerably lowering their energy bills. In addition to this, it's possible to 'earn' money from having solar panels by selling or exporting energy back to the National Grid. Judith said: 'It was only in October last year that we went onto the tariff that pays us for exporting electricity generated. "The amount we earn will, of course, vary, according to the time of year.' In March this year, the household used 550 kWh (kilowatt hours) of energy – and generated 501 kWh, according to Judith. 'As a result, we paid just £22.72 to Octopus Energy, our energy supplier, that month,' said Judith. As the days have become longer and sunnier, the couple have made more energy than they have used meaning they have been able to export £300 worth back to the National Grid. On summer days, Judith reckons her solar panels will mean she has to pay 'next to nothing.' She added: 'I anticipate we will be pretty much self-sufficient over the coming months.' With big savings up for grabs, the solar panels are a win for Judith and John. 'According to Octopus, our annual energy consumption as a household is around £1,700,' said Judith. 'However, thanks to the 'export', we will make a very healthy £2,300 worth of energy over the year. This means we'll be 'quids in' – earning around £600 more than we're paying out for the year.' Actual savings will depend on what happens to energy prices and the specific earnings will depend on the weather. How much do solar panels cost? You need to be aware that the initial outlay for solar panels is high. If you are thinking about getting panels installed, you need to view this as a long-term investment. Solar panels are usually fitted on to the roof to absorb the sun's rays and turning them into electricity to power your home. The position and size of your property determines how many panels you can get - and the overall cost. However, the average home can expect around ten solar panels which is a typical investment of around £5,000-£6,000, according to energy firm Ovo. Surplus energy produced can be sold back to the grid. If you want to store extra energy, you'll need to invest in a battery, costing another £5,000 on average. The amount you sell energy, depends on your provider. As a guide, you may be able to recoup the cost of installation in as little as five to seven years – though in some cases it will take longer. Judith says her solar is due to be paid back through savings in six years Earlier this month, we reported how thousands of homes could qualify for free solar panel grants. Judith said: 'For me, there's no two ways about it, I love my solar panels – not least because I know we're making energy from the sun. "When it's sunny, I love looking at my smart meter and thinking that we can essentially use the washing machine – and other appliances – more or less for free.' The rate of solar panels installations on UK homes was up 40.7% in March, from the same period last year, according to analysis from Coventry building society. More than 17,000 solar panels were installed on UK homes in March, a jump from the 12,168 installations during March 2024. To get an idea on how much you could potentially save by getting panels installed, check out the free calculator from the Energy Saving Trust. Other ways to save money on bills Solar panels are just one of a wide range of energy-efficient measures that Judith has put in place. 'We got a lot of 'green' improvements done during Covid in 2020,' she said. 'John and I spent many months living in a cramped corner of an extremely dusty room.' The couple added more insulation to the loft and external walls. They also installed insulation under the suspended floors themselves – before calling in the experts to put in under-floor heating. At the same time, the pair have taken a number of steps to cut out draughts. Some of the more costly measures the couple have invested in include triple glazing and an air source heat pump. 'All the windows on the extension are triple glazed,' said Judith. 'We also paid around £13,000 four years ago for a heat pump – though we did take advantage of the Boiler Upgrade Scheme to bring the cost down to £5,500.' This scheme provides homeowners with up to £7,500 to install heat pumps and other green technologies. Judith said: 'I love the fact that making my home warmer and comfortable not only means it's cheaper to run – it's also having a big impact on carbon emissions.' She also estimates the house is now worth at least £90,000 more than its equivalent house without a retrofit - making all the energy efficient investments financially worthwhile too. How to save on your energy bills SWITCHING energy providers can sound like a hassle - but fortunately it's pretty straight forward to change supplier - and save lots of cash. Shop around - If you're on an SVT deal you are likely throwing away up to £250 a year. Use a comparion site such as uSwitch or to see what deals are available to you. The cheapest deals are usually found online and are fixed deals - meaning you'll pay a fixed amount usually for 12 months. Switch - When you've found one, all you have to do is contact the new supplier. It helps to have the following information - which you can find on your bill - to hand to give the new supplier. Your postcode Name of your existing supplier Name of your existing deal and how much you payAn up-to-date meter reading It will then notify your current supplier and begin the switch. It should take no longer than three weeks to complete the switch and your supply won't be interrupted in that time.
The Sun
20-05-2025
- The Sun
Ex-England footie star, 42, banned from driving for speeding for FOURTH time
FORMER England striker Jermain Defoe has been hit with a fourth driving ban for speeding. The ex-Premier League star, 42, was barred for a year after being clocked at 82mph in a 70mph zone last October. 2 2 Defoe, who played 57 times for England, was driving a Land Rover in Wormley, Herts, JPs in St Albans were told. His barrister said the ex- Spurs ace deserved credit for pleading guilty. Defoe, who was not in court, was fined £660 plus £90 costs and a £266 victim surcharge. He also got three points to add to the nine already on his licence. Defoe was previously banned from the road for six months in July 2008 for speeding. He received another six-month ban for the same offence the following year. He later admitted driving at 45mph in a 30mph zone in Portsmouth in May 2008. He was given an additional four points on his license. The star ended up in court again in October 2010 after being caught with a phone behind the wheel while driving in Loughton. He was handed three points - narrowly avoiding another ban - and fined £800. Defoe was then slapped with his third six-month ban two years ago when he was clocked doing 56mph in a 30mph zone in Rutherglen, South Lanarkshire in December 2020.
The Sun
17-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Sun
Inside Britain's most notorious naked village – with nude vicars, bush wars and strict sex rule
ARRIVING at the residential community of Spielplatz, which is conveniently located a mile off the M25, not far from St Albans in Hertfordshire, I am greeted by Andrew Welch, a 60-year-old marketing consultant. He is wearing sandals and carrying his phone. 8 8 8 Other than that, he is stark naked. I pretend not to notice the elephant in the room and we shake hands. Andrew is one of about 50 people who call Spielplatz – German for 'playground' – home. It is the only residential naturist community in the UK. The inhabitants are, he says, all perfectly normal – they just happen to prefer living their lives without clothes on. They include a female teacher, a retired BT engineer, a town planner and a mechanic. Until recently, I'm told by one resident, a Church of England vicar lived here, with the full blessing of his superiors. Naturism seems to be having a moment in the UK. One recent survey found that 14 per cent of Brits describe themselves as naturists or nudists – that's around 6.75million people, a huge increase on previous estimates. In 2001, the figure was a lowly two per cent. At Spielplatz, 33 attractive wooden bungalows – all of a similar size – are dotted around the 12-acre estate, as well as a number of caravans. 'Ask why people do it [naturism] and you'll get 100 different answers,' says Andrew. 'For me, it's about the freedom.' Andrew shows me around, past a house with a sign saying 'Get Naked' next to the front door and a car with a personalised number plate, which is a corruption of the word 'naked'. The grounds are a brightly coloured oasis of wild and cultivated flowers, shady spaces, an immaculate lawn and a heated pool. There's a 1970s Scandinavian vibe and a strange sense of having gone back in time. I'm half expecting a naked Abba to pop out from behind a bush. On the day of my (fully-clothed) visit, it is hot and sunny and five or six men and women are relaxing on the lawn. A few others are by the pool, while a couple are seated at the bar, having a drink. Everyone is completely naked. 'Invisible' It's strange, but after five minutes I've grown used to the nudity and have a mounting sense of being conspicuous in my clothes. 8 8 8 The nudity has become 'invisible', as Andrew said it would. Well, up to a point. In the clubhouse, which has a pool table, there is inevitably something a little Carry On-like about seeing a naked man seated at the bar and another naked man serving behind it. Social events are held here throughout the year. If it's cold outside, residents might start off the evening dressed, then unpeel their clothes, as the mood takes them. In the clubhouse is Joanne Hudson, a 59-year-old mum-of-two who used to own a bridal shop in St Albans. 'I moved here in 2020,' she says. 'I live by myself and I love it. 'It's so easy and friendly and comfortable here. 'I've had breast cancer recently and the people here have been amazing. 'I tell everybody where I live. Some people get it, some don't.' Joining her is Vicki Keeble, a 50-year-old mum-of-two, who runs a farm 20 minutes up the road. She sold a caravan she used to keep at Spielplatz three years ago, but still visits regularly. 'Once I've done my work up the farm, I whizz up here,' she says. 'There's nothing like coming here after work and getting your kit off. It's a total leveller.' Some Spielplatz residents are perfectly open with colleagues and family about where they live. Others, however, prefer to live here on the quiet. To many outsiders, there are suspicions that naturism is all about sex. But the residents say it absolutely isn't. 'We've had a few people turn up and ask: 'What time does the orgy start?',' says Alan, a 76-year-old retired BT engineer who declines to give his surname. 'But it's not about sex. The image is different from the reality.' The residents say they are sometimes asked what happens if someone gets 'excited' in public. It never happens, they say. Joanne says Spielplatz, which allows guests, is occasionally visited by people with the 'wrong idea'. 'If that happens, which is rare, the guys [other residents] are really good at dealing with it and will get them out,' she says. Andrew Welch, who lives in a bright, airy bungalow, says naturists have found 'an elixir of life'. 'A lot of people here don't look their age,' he says. 'It's a healthy way of life. We're outdoors when it's sunny, we're getting Vitamin D on our bodies. We swim. 'Body issues fly out of the window.' While you don't have to be naked all the time at Spielplatz – the British weather would make that a form of madness in winter – it is mandatory to swim naked in the heated pool. Heather Warren, a 58-year-old carer, lives with her husband, Neil, a 68-year-old catering engineer. When they wed in 2020, they had their marriage blessed at Spielplatz by a Church of England naturist vicar who was living there at the time. 'It was February and cold, so we wore clothes for the blessing,' says Heather. 'The vicar who did the blessing lived here for about four years. His bosses knew all about his living situation. 'My daughter's OK about it, but she's a prude, so she only visits in winter when we're dressed.' Agueda Urdanibia, 53, is also sunning herself by the pool. She's been a naturist since her twenties and is visiting for the day. 'It's non-judgmental and it's nothing sexual,' she says. 'It's just getting down to the basics. It doesn't matter what you do for a living, or how much money you've got.' Occasionally, though, there is trouble in paradise. 'We're just like any other street and there are neighbour disputes,' says Alan, the retired BT engineer. 'There'll be a row about a hedge, or something like that. We're a close knit community, so inevitably there are tensions sometimes.' There are currently six houses for sale at Spielplatz – an unusually high number. 'Hiding behind clothes' One resident has gone into care, others have moved away. Prices vary, but to buy a wooden bungalow with kitchen, living room and one or two bedrooms, will set you back around £250,000. It's such a lovely spot that the naturists here fear the properties might attract the wrong sort of people – unsociable types who wear clothes. I meet Beverly Kelly, a youthful 70, who is the granddaughter of Charles Macaskie and his wife Dorothy, who founded Spielplatz in 1929. Beverly grew up here and now runs the site with her brother Grant. As well as attending to the needs of the full-time residents, there are a number of caravans on site which can be lived in for six months of the year, and chalets where people can stay for nine months of the year. She's wearing clothes today because she's got jobs to do and says it's more practical. Beverly says it is quite common for people not to tell their families they've come to Spielplatz. There was one especially unfortunate case, she says, when a man from Ireland visited, but died on his first night. 'His family didn't know and later came here to see where he'd died,' she says. Beverly has known other visitors who resort to tricks to hide where they've been. 'When I was growing up, a girl of around 16 or 17 used to visit,' she recalls. 'Before she left, she would dip her swimsuit in the pool so it looked as though she'd worn it in the pool.' Beverly says Spielplatz gets the occasional visitor who behaves mysteriously, as though they've come here to escape from the wider world. She says: 'There was a man who had no bank account and insisted on paying his rent in cash each month. I don't know what that was about.' Tom Dryer-Beers, 69, lives at Spielplatz with his wife, who has chosen not to be identified. He looks after the pool and grounds. 'My wife and I moved here in 2017,' he says. 'Nudity is not a big deal. What's important is the person inside the body. 'I wish everywhere was like Spielplatz. I like the fact I wake up to birdsong and flowers and trees. 'People are much more visible when they're not hiding behind clothes.' 8 8 What is Naturism? Naturism, also known as nudism, is a cultural and lifestyle movement that advocates for and practices social nudity in both private and public spaces. The philosophy behind naturism emphasises harmony with nature, self-respect, respect for others, and a sense of community. Naturism is a diverse and inclusive lifestyle choice that encourages individuals to embrace their natural state, foster a deeper connection with nature, and build a community based on mutual respect and equality. Naturists believe that naturism promotes a healthy and accepting attitude toward the human body, regardless of shape, size, or imperfections. Many naturists are also advocates for environmental conservation and sustainable living, believing in a close connection with nature. Naturism also fosters a sense of equality, as clothing often signifies social status, and its absence can help break down these barriers.
