Events 2025
SPECIAL EXHIBITION – TO APRIL 2025.
At Harpenden’s History Museum
GROWTH OF HARPENDEN: FROM VILLAGE TO TOWN – 1860-1914
The most popular exhibition on Harpenden Local History Day was the Growth of Harpenden charting the development of Harpenden. We now have the exhibition in Harpenden’s Museum in the Eric Morecambe Centre in installments changing every few months, with substantial additions to the displays last April.
Roger Butterworth, chairman, said, “Harpenden grew from a village to a town between 1860 (population 2,000) and 1914 (population 6,000). This growth was driven by the arrival of the railway and the release of farmland for building houses. It set Harpenden on a very different path to Wheathampstead and Redbourn, which in the 1860 were of comparable size. Development occurred around the original village green and related developments at Southdown (then called Bowling Alley) and Batford. Even today the centre of Harpenden is still referred to as ‘the village’ – its layout is very much as it was 150 years ago.”
Dr Philip Smith, trustee and researcher, added, “At Mr Ridley’s corner [the HSBC bank building] was a very old wooden farmhouse with its brickyard extending behind and up the side of the lane. About opposite the rise to the station, with large gardens in front of them stood two ancient, thatched cottages, and between this point and Sun Lane were meadows and the old brewery premises. Vaughan Road and Victoria Road account for the disappearance of part of these.
Harpenden – From Village to Town runs to April in the Eric Morecambe Centre in Rothamsted Park.
Below. The History Museum with Roger Butterworth, chairman
Open 11am-3pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, but check the website for confirmation www.harpenden-history.org.uk
Join Mike Hodge, known as the Harpenden Busker, along with a lineup of local musicians and vocalists for a delightful and laid-back sing-along featuring hits from the 60s and 70s.
Date: Friday, 9th May
Time: 7:30 PM (doors open at 7 PM)
Location: Bennet’s Hall (behind the
British Legion)
Ticket Price: £25 each, which includes
Godfrey’s Fish and Chips.
Refer to Godfrey’s website for allergen
details and be sure to note any allergies
or intolerances on the checkout page.
Tickets can be purchased individually or
as tables of 10.
Details about our fantastic performers!
Mike Hodge, the Harpenden Busker has
been strumming on the street and
elsewhere for more than 20 years.
Ben le Fleming prepares for our performances with a guitar strapped to his back, travelling the world as a professional aviator.
Simona Morecroft sang and danced in the West End and New York and now treads lightly on the local boards.
Joe Boyson brings live music to the population of North London
Brian Hocken and Jim Hobley are retired members of the Kings of Herts.
Sponsored by Hamptons
All proceeds to the AT Society.
RICHARD THOMPSON IS COMING TO THE
ERIC MORECAMBE CENTRE!
"Richard Thompson"
The Eric Morecambe Centre, Harpenden
Friday, 25th April 2025, at 7.30pm. Standard Ticket: £37.50.
The Los Angeles Times called Richard Thompson the finest rock songwriter after Dylan and the best electric guitarist since Hendrix; and Rolling Stone Magazine has named him one of the Top 100 Guitarists of All Time.
A founding member of Fairport Convention, Richard Thompson’s musical influence cannot be overstated. His genre defying mastery of both acoustic and electric guitar, along with engaging energy and onstage wit, continue to earn him new fans and a place as one of the most distinctive virtuosos and writers in Folk Rock history.
In 2011, Richard Thompson received an OBE (Order of the British Empire) personally bestowed upon him by Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace. He has received lifetime achievement awards for songwriting from Britain’s BBC Awards, the Americana Music Association, and was awarded the prestigious Ivor Novello Award.
His song “1952 Vincent Black Lightning” was named one of TIME Magazine’s “100 Greatest Songs Since 1923.” A wide range of musicians have recorded Richard’s songs, including Robert Plant, Elvis Costello, R.E.M., Sleater-Kinney, Del McCoury, Bonnie Raitt, Tom Jones, David Byrne, Don Henley, Los Lobos, and many more. His massive body of work includes many Grammy nominated albums as well as numerous soundtracks, including Werner Herzog’s "Grizzly Man".
Join Richard for this special solo acoustic performance – an unmissable evening for folk music fans. Richard will be supported by harmony singing, guitar playing and songwriting duo Smith & Brewer.
Sunday April 27. Your invitation to meet Jack Davis at Clarendon Fine Art Harpenden. 1 -3pm
Katherine Warington School's Production of "Legally Blonde" Triumphs with Sold-Out Shows
Katherine Warington School is thrilled to announce the resounding success of its recent production of "Legally Blonde," which captivated audiences and sold out all four shows last week. The school's innovative performing arts course, led by the talented Year 12 students, played a pivotal role in bringing this beloved musical to life.
The production showcased the incredible talents of Katherine Warington School's students, who delivered outstanding performances that left the audience in awe. Their dedication, hard work, and passion for the arts were evident in every scene, making "Legally Blonde" a memorable experience for all who attended.
A special tribute was paid to Mr. Bullock, whose unwavering support and commitment have been instrumental in the school's performing arts achievements. Over the past three and a half years, Mr. Bullock has provided the opportunity for no less than five musicals, fostering a vibrant and dynamic arts culture within the school. His efforts in creating a new performance space have further enhanced the school's ability to host such remarkable productions and Legally Blonde was his final show with the school.
The success of "Legally Blonde" is a testament to the school's dedication to nurturing the artistic talents of its students and providing them with the resources and opportunities to shine. Katherine Warington School looks forward to continuing its tradition of excellence in the performing arts and celebrating the achievements of its talented students.
Quotes from Students:
"Being part of 'Legally Blonde' has been an incredible experience. The support from our teachers and fellow students has been amazing, and it's been so rewarding to see our hard work pay off." - Ella, Year 12
"Mr. Bullock's dedication to the performing arts has truly inspired us. His efforts in creating a new performance space have given us the opportunity to showcase our talents in the best possible way." - Sapphira, Year 12
"The energy and enthusiasm from everyone involved in the production were contagious. We are so grateful for the chance to be part of such a fantastic show." - Oscar, Year 11
After the event, we go to Pasta Cibo, an Italian restaurant, for lunch. You will need to reserve a place and wait for an email confirmation before attending lunch.
Register here: REGISTER FOR EVENT/LUNCH
Are we Becoming an Irreligious/Unethical Society?
You are invited to a discussion meeting where we will be discussing the above topic.
We will be meeting in a local pub where refreshments and food may be purchased.
As places are limited, please register if you wish to participate in this discussion and wait for our email confirmation before attending the meeting.
Wednesday, 7 May
10:45 for 11:00 am
Oddfellows Arms, 15 Leyton Green, Harpenden AL5 2TG
Anyone Can Register
Free To Participate
Limited Places
REGISTER HERE
Wait for Email Confirmation
Please see the UNA Harpenden Discussions page for more information.
Upcoming Discussion (Registration Required)