2017-11-07 Earthworks bakers invited to tea with St Albans Mayor
The Mayor of St Albans was so impressed with the cake-making talents of Earthworks’ supporters after visiting the horticultural training charity that he invited them for tea.
The Mayor judged the cake-making competition at the charity’s annual fundraising summer fair back in July. He was amazed by the standard of the creations baked by Earthworks’ supporters, members and volunteers and asked them all to tea in his parlour.
The charity Earthworks provides horticultural training for people with learning disabilities at a three-acre site in Hixberry Lane, St Albans. Members learn how to maintain the gardens, heritage orchard and vegetable beds.
The charity also has a stall at the monthly St Albans Farmers’ Market where members sell fruit, vegetables, herbs and craft products produced at Hixberry Lane.
The Mayor of the City and District of St Albans, Councillor Mohammad Iqbal Zia, said: “Earthworks is a fantastic charity that helps young people with learning disabilities develop new horticultural skills.
“I had a wonderful day judging the cake-making competition at the charity’s summer fair and seeing all the great work that is done at Hixberry Lane. I was really impressed with the delicious cakes created by Earthworks’ members using produce from the site, as well as by the charity’s many supporters.
“I thought I would re-pay the fantastic hospitality shown to me by inviting volunteers, members and supporters to tea.”
Bianca Badham, Project Leader for Earthworks, said: “It was a privilege for our bake-off winner Marion, and runners-up Simon and Doug to be invited to tea at the Mayor's Parlour. It was a real sense of occasion for our winners and Earthworks’ representatives and an excellent opportunity to celebrate our City, learn more about the Mayor's role and hear about local initiatives. The Mayor and the Mayoress were very welcoming and engaging. Our Earthworker Simon particularly enjoyed donning the Mayor's chain and trying his chair out for size!
“Earthworks runs a number of events throughout the year. Our next event, the Earthworks Christmas Fair is on 25 November, running from 12 noon to 3pm at our Hixberry Lane site. Everyone is welcome to come along. There will be festive refreshments, carol singers, an inclusive Santa's grotto and our hand-made crafts and cards for sale.”
More information about Earthworks St Albans is available on the charity’s website.
The Right Worshipful the Mayor of the City and District of St Albans, Councillor Mohammad Iqbal Zia
Contact for the Mayor’s office:
Alison Orde, the Mayor’s Civic Officer
Tel: 01727 819544
Email: mayoralty@stalbans.gov.uk
Contact for the media:
Amanda Wilkinson, Senior Communications Officer
St Albans City and District Council
Tel: 01727 819317
Email: amanda.wilkinson@stalbans.gov.uk
www.stalbans.gov.uk
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