OFS Visit to St Albans

7th September 2013

The last time I visited St Albans it was as a member of a group of seven year olds on a school trip. It occurred to me then that there was more to do than throw clumps of goose grass onto a friends’ T shirt, and that I should have to make time to get back. One of the great bonuses of belonging to OFS is the opportunity to visit the places one always means to go back to, in the company of friends. And so we set off to St Albans for a day of grown-up fun, with a mature sense of appreciation (and perhaps even a sense of patriotic curiosity) for a site whose long history commemorates England’s first Christian Martyr.

We trundled off in a distinctly period bus, which, despite its retro appearance, ate up the miles to Sandridge. Here, after manoeuvrings in the cramped confines of the village hall conveniences, we started our walk.

For those who tramp the historic and traditional landscapes of Oxfordshire, it was a reminder of how landscapes (however bucolic) are created by human activity. This was a countryside shaped by the needs of a suburban population, and demonstrated how valued is open space in an urban context.

It’s a source of recreation: we walked through the well nibbled fields of a riding centre and caught a glimpse of the future Woodland Trust plantations at their newly acquired Heartwood Forest.

There’s space to experiment, to try new varieties and fashions in food. Farmed emus skewered us elegantly with their fierce gaze. Immensely scrumpable varieties of pick your own soft fruit were a tasty alternative to hedgerow blackberries (you know who you are!)

There were roads to cross – and very polite drivers who were startled enough by the flock of walkers to stop. The day was a mix of golden sun and grey clouds which, along with crab apples in the hedgerows was a hint that summer was at its tipping point. We should be grateful for such days; and we were. Relieved too; it rained short and sharply enough to justify having packed the rain gear but not to spoil the day.

Finally, we enjoyed a pilgrim’s eye view of the Abbey and Cathedral, on the skyline, as we made our way towards that great pilgrim tradition - the communal meal. Lunch was at the Blue Boar, comfortable and roomy enough for us all, and our clobber, and for Liz to field plates until we were united with our orders.

The afternoon was for exploring. There was much to see and do to satisfy any interest – from well stocked plant stalls in the market and convivial refreshment in the delectable teashops, to the Abbey and the fascination of architectural development from the Saxon period to the present day.

Inside the Abbey a practising choir added an ethereal top note to the hush and the murmurs of the guides. Outside; Roman walls, Roman mosaics and hidden archaeology blended with the shrieks and chatter of families enjoying Verulamium Park.

Somehow, all the groups came together at five o’clock for the journey home, thoroughly briefed with the summer activities of much travelled OFS members, and perhaps slightly more in touch with our Anglo Saxon roots. Thank you again Liz and Michael for doing so much to ensure a successful day, and an imaginative choice of venue. (And there wasn’t a scrap of goose grass on my clothes when I got home).

Helen Walker