Christmas in Harpenden

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Exciting NEW opening for

Harpenden.

DARLISH Ice Cream Parlour

Opp Waitrose

Darlish Ice Cream was created in 2017 by

St Albans resident Laura Dawson, initially

starting on the St Albans Farmers Market

selling ice cream from their ice cream cart.

In 2018 they graduated from the market,

opening their St Albans ice cream parlour

by the Clock Tower. Since then they have

opened parlours in Hatfield House and

Central London, but have always wanted to open in Harpenden as well. It was just a matter of waiting until the right shop became available & they were delighted when 6B Leyton Road came on the market.

Over the last few years they have also opened pop ups in Selfridges and Bicester Village, and have also been stocked in Waitrose.

Their ice cream is made in a traditionally English style - so creamy, and also not too sweet (and no eggs)... and they work really hard on creating magical combinations which excite, intrigue and taste really good!

Here you can find a list of their current flavours

Darlish.com

Christmas Community Lunch at the Salvation Army

It's that time of year again when

Harpenden is being festooned in lights.

Our favourite Christmas songs are

starting to play in the shops, and many

of us are already planning the much

anticipated turkey feast. Yet,

underneath the magic and excitement,

Christmas can be a difficult time.

Perhaps this is your first Christmas

without a loved-one. Or maybe you

are planning to spend the festive

period alone. Whatever your circumstances are, we want you to know you are certainly not on your own. There will be plenty of people in Harpenden who will also be dreading the big day. And if you wish to celebrate with others, know that there are people who will celebrate with you, not because they have to, but because they truly want to.

On 25th December, The Salvation Army in Harpenden will be opening its doors for a special community lunch that promises delicious grub, entertaining company and no end of festive cheer. The get-together is not just open to older people who may be alone this Christmas. It invites couples who may only have each other and are hoping to socialise with a bigger group. Moreover, if one or both of you are disabled and have difficulties cooking, you can just come for a break.

Doors will be open from 11am, starting with mince pies and coffee. From 11:30, there will be carols around the Christmas tree, followed by a traditional lunch at 12:30. The day will end with watching the King's Speech at 3pm, before parting ways at 3:15.

If you or someone you know may be interested in attending, we advise you book asap as the team need to know numbers. You can register your interest by emailing Kenneth Guest (below) at kenneth.guest@salvationarmy.org.uk

Alternatively you can call the Salvation Army on 01582469399 or drop by the centre on Leyton Green, Harpenden, AL5 2TG

It can be daunting asking for help, or feeling like you are a charity case. But the truth is, you are not a charity case. I have been volunteering at the Dementia Cafe at the Salvation Army for three months now, and I feel I get more out of it than the guests I work with. They are fascinating people and I am always learning new things and having a laugh with them. I see them as friends. And any volunteer/carer who doesn't respect you like a friend, who makes you feel like they are doing you a massive favour or causes you to feel embarrassed, doesn't deserve your time or energy. Know your value. Know that people are lucky to spend time with you. And know that your stories and your company could bring joy to others this Christmas, as well as making yourself feel less alone in the process.

Finally, a message to people who, like me, are privileged enough to have lots of people around them this Christmas. Send Christmas cards. Invite your neighbour who may be on their own for a mince pie on the big day. Or take time to phone them up, anything to show that you care.

Story by Charlotte Bateman