So, What's it Like to be a Parish Councillor?

St Albans Parish Council is holding a community meeting at Dagnall Street Baptist Church on Friday 20 November, from 19:00 to 20:30. The evening is built around a panel of serving and former parish councillors, who'll talk through their responsibilities, the challenges they've faced, and what the role has actually been like for them. Once they've set out the ground, the floor opens up for questions from the audience, so you can pick their brains directly rather than just listening to a presentation.

The whole thing is billed as a community session ahead of the May 2027 elections for a new central St Albans parish council. If you've ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes of local government, or if you're thinking about standing yourself, this is a good place to get a sense of the day-to-day reality before the polls open. It's a chance to hear from people who've actually done the job, rather than just reading a brochure about it.

The venue is Dagnall Street Baptist Church, a city-centre church on Cross Street. The meeting is in Room 3, at 1 Cross Street, St Albans, AL3 5EE. The church's meeting and community spaces regularly host public talks and local-group events, so it's a familiar spot for this kind of thing. Seating is limited, so they're asking people to book in advance. Entry is by donation, and the session runs from 19:00 to 20:30.