A Hertfordshire county councillor has been elected as the new president of St Albans and Hertfordshire Architectural Society following its annual general meeting last week.

Sandy Walkington, who represents St Albans South at county level, takes over the reins from Helen Bishop, who held the role for the last three years.

Speaking at the meeting, Mr Walkington said: “It is an immense honour to have been asked to be president of SAHAAS.  The society has a remarkable history as the premier history society in Hertfordshire - over 500 members who between them have formidable knowledge and skills.

“The society effectively saved the clock tower - which it still co-manages with St Albans Civic Society.

“It founded the former City Museum in Hatfield Road - and is an enthusiastic supporter of the new Town Hall museum project - and it was the prime mover in the excavations of Roman Verulamium by Sir Mortimer Wheeler.

“We are 173 years young. Our job is to continue to hold a torch for our local heritage and history. 

“We do that through excellent publications, a significant programme of distinguished lectures, and a number of different study groups drilling down into different aspects of our city and county.  People come to St Albans because it is special.  SAHAAS holds the corporate memory of what makes it so special and unique.”