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The guide to local rivalries between Hertfordshire towns : Part 1
Hertfordshire is a county like no other. Well that is according to many of its residents. Whether you were born and bred in Hertfordshire or moved to one of the Hertfordshire towns for a piece of that fine Hertfordshire life, you will know that it is one of the best places to live in the UK.
Hertfordshire continues to poll high in many surveys looking at living standards, income and overall happiness. These have included the ‘Sunday Times Best Places to Live’ and independent surveys from the likes of USwitch.
Whilst this has been great for ‘team Hertfordshire‘, polls looking at individual Hertfordshire towns (and ranking them) have created division and a touch of snobbery. Historically, there have always been rivalries between towns located near each other however, there are some unique rivalries between Hertfordshire towns. Over a series of posts and potentially a documentary, we are going to create ‘The guide to local rivalries between Hertfordshire towns‘.
The guide to local rivalries between Hertfordshire towns
- Does St Albans believe its head and shoulders above the rest because of their city status?
- Who really cares Watford
havehad a premiership team? - Do Letchworth & Hitchin still vie over the number of pubs they have?
These are the types of friendly rivalries we would like to get to the bottom of. We are not talking purely sports rivalries. That would be too simplistic. We will be looking at the history of local ‘friendly’ rivalries between Hertfordshire towns. Our goal is to focus on:
- Historical ties that have caused rivalries
- Rivalries started because of local amenities
- Bizarre claims to fame
- and last but not least, simple old jealously.
What next?
At this stage, we want to get local input from residents in Hertfordshire. We want to know which town you come from and who you which Hertfordshire town do you think is your towns rival?
We have ranked the various Hertfordshire towns based on populations and selected the top 20. We will collate the views and opinions from Hertfordshire locals on who they think is their town’s rival and why.
| # | Settlement | District | Population (2011) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Watford | Watford | 131,982 | |
| 2 | Hemel Hempstead | Dacorum | 94,932 | |
| 3 | Stevenage | Stevenage | 89,663 | |
| 4 | St Albans | St Albans | 82,146 | |
| 5 | Welwyn Garden City | Welwyn Hatfield | 48,380 | |
| 6 | Cheshunt | Broxbourne | 45,832 | |
| 7 | Hoddesdon | Broxbourne | 42,253 | |
| 8 | Bishop’s Stortford | East Hertfordshire | 37,838 | |
| 9 | Hatfield | Welwyn Hatfield | 37,577 | |
| 10 | Borehamwood | Hertsmere | 35,489 | |
| 11 | Hitchin | North Hertfordshire | 34,266 | |
| 12 | Letchworth | North Hertfordshire | 33,249 | |
| 13 | Harpenden | St Albans | 30,240 | |
| 14 | Hertford | East Hertfordshire | 26,658 | |
| 15 | Bushey | Hertsmere | 25,328 | |
| 16 | Rickmansworth | Three Rivers | 23,973 | |
| 17 | Potters Bar | Hertsmere | 22,639 | |
| 18 | Berkhamsted | Dacorum | 20,641 | |
| 19 | Abbots Langley | Three Rivers | 19,574 | |
| 20 | Ware | East Hertfordshire | 18,799 |
How to get involved?
At this stage, we would love to hear your thoughts and opinions on the subject. You can leave them at the bottom of the page. You can discuss it on social media with us using #TrendLifeHertfordshire or you can follow the discussions on Facebook – We are adding the Facebook group chats overtime.
All Things St Albans – Facebook discussion
We are from Hitchin – Facebook discussion
Hoddesdon, Hertford & Ware Local Community – Facebook discussion
Why are we doing this?
For fun and to learn more about the history of our towns from a different perspective. We as Hertfordshire locals always hear funny reasons why people have their favourite towns or towns they avoid. We want to find our some of the reasons and present them to residents of Hertfordshire. At this stage, we are only looking at Hertfordshire but we plan to do the same for Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire. Then we can look at the picture across the Three Counties.
Sustainable St Albans is gearing up for its annual Sustainability Festival, SustFest24, from June 7 to 16. This community-led event is packed with activities designed to promote environmental sustainability and inspire positive change. Among the many exciting events this year, the Preloved Charity Fashion Show and Sustainable Style workshop stand out, emphasizing eco-friendly fashion choices.
Preloved Charity Fashion Show
The Preloved Charity Fashion Show will take place on June 7 at the Alban Arena. This fashion show is a unique event that combines style with sustainability, showcasing outfits created entirely from second-hand and upcycled clothing. By highlighting the beauty and creativity that can come from preloved items, the show aims to challenge the fast fashion industry and promote a culture of reuse and recycling. This event not only supports local charities but also demonstrates that sustainable fashion can be both stylish and accessible.
The fashion show will feature local models and designers, bringing a community feel to the runway. Attendees can expect an evening of high fashion, innovative designs, and inspiring stories behind the outfits. Tickets for the event are available for £10 and can be purchased here (Sustainable St Albans) (Sustainable St Albans).
Sustainable Style Workshop
On June 10, the Sustainable Style workshop will provide practical tips for creating a sustainable wardrobe. This interactive session will cover various aspects of eco-friendly fashion, including how to choose sustainable fabrics, the benefits of buying second-hand, and techniques for upcycling old clothes. Participants will learn how to reduce their carbon footprint through mindful fashion choices and sustainable practices.
The workshop will be led by experts in sustainable fashion who will share their insights and experiences. It’s a fantastic opportunity to gain knowledge and skills that can help transform your wardrobe into a more sustainable one. Tickets for the Sustainable Style workshop can be found here (Sustainable St Albans).
The Impact of Fast Fashion
The fast fashion industry is notorious for its significant environmental impact. It is responsible for approximately 10% of global carbon emissions and produces a vast amount of waste, with around 85% of textiles ending up in landfills each year. Fast fashion also consumes massive amounts of water; it takes about 2,700 liters of water to make one cotton shirt, which is equivalent to what one person drinks in two and a half years.
Why Sustainable Fashion Matters
Sustainable fashion aims to minimize the negative environmental and social impacts associated with the fashion industry. By choosing eco-friendly materials, supporting ethical brands, and embracing second-hand shopping, consumers can play a vital role in reducing the demand for fast fashion. Sustainable fashion helps conserve resources, reduce waste, and promote more ethical labor practices.
Join SustFest24
SustFest24 is a perfect platform to learn about and engage in sustainability practices. The Preloved Charity Fashion Show and Sustainable Style workshop are just two of the many events designed to inspire and educate the community. By participating in these events, you can contribute to a more sustainable future and enjoy a variety of activities focused on environmental conservation.
For more information and to view the full schedule of events, visit the Sustainable St Albans website. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to be part of this incredible festival and make a positive impact on the environment.
Mark your calendars and join us in celebrating sustainability with style at SustFest24!
Milton Keynes’ much-anticipated landmark visitor destination, Unity Place, has now opened all of its remaining facilities and is officially fully open. Located directly opposite MK Station Square, Unity Place is more than just a venue; it’s a vibrant community hub set to redefine the urban experience in the heart of the city.
A Culinary Haven: Diverse Dining Options Under One Roof
Unity Place offers an unparalleled shopping and dining experience. At the heart of this destination is the Urban Food Market, featuring an eclectic mix of street food vendors that cater to every palate. Here, you can indulge in rustic Italian delights at Raffaele Pizza, savor Taiwanese rice boxes and bao buns from Bian Dang, or enjoy the rich flavors of Mexican cuisine at Cantina Carnitas. For those seeking an elevated dining experience, Dipna Anand’s Kitchen & Bar is a must-visit. Celebrity chef Dipna Anand brings authentic Punjabi and South Indian cuisine to your table, with signature dishes such as tandoori lamb chops, paneer tikka, and lamb shish.
Convenience Meets Quality: Shopping Essentials at Unity Place
Unity Place isn’t just about food. It’s designed to cater to all your needs under one roof. The Corner Store offers everyday essentials, while Baker’s Room tempts with freshly made bread, pastries, cakes, and coffee. Even grooming is covered, thanks to the high-end barbershop ROK, perfect for a stylish fresh trim.
Work and Play at Unity Place: The Ideal Balance
For those blending work and leisure, Unity Place provides an innovative solution. Partnering with co-working provider x+why, it offers flexible working spaces perfect for freelancers, entrepreneurs, and remote workers. The ground floor houses the public Santander Work Café, which includes co-working desks, bookable meeting rooms, and a branch for everyday banking needs. With over 60,000 sq. ft. of contemporary office space, Unity Place ensures a productive environment with breakout spaces, private offices, enterprise suites, and mission rooms.
Sip and Savor at Unity Place: A Destination for Drinks
Unity Place is also a haven for those who enjoy a good drink. The rooftop bar, Unity Sky Lounge, offers stunning panoramic views of the city alongside a fantastic selection of food and beverages. Whether you’re winding down after a long day or starting your evening, this is the perfect spot to relax. Additionally, Dipna Anand’s bar provides a cozy atmosphere for a pre-dinner cocktail or mocktail, while the fully stocked Unity Bar boasts an extensive drinks list to satisfy any preference.
Why Visit Unity Place?
Unity Place is more than just a visitor destination; it’s an experience. Here are a few reasons why you should make it your next stop:
- Variety: With a wide range of dining options, there’s something for everyone.
- Convenience: Everything you need, from food to shopping to workspaces, is available under one roof.
- Community: It’s a vibrant hub that fosters community and connection.
- Quality: High-end amenities ensure a premium experience.
- Scenery: Enjoy breathtaking views from the rooftop bar.
Whether you’re a local or a visitor, Unity Place is set to become a cornerstone of Milton Keynes. Come and experience it for yourself – the future of urban living is here.
