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Leisure Centre wins Merit Award

A Harpenden Society ‘Certificate of Merit’ Award for noteworthy local developments completed in 2020 was presented last week ( Dec 3) to St Albans District Council for the Harpenden Leisure Centre in Rothamsted Park, which has greatly increased the range and extent of sports facilities available to people in the town. Anthony Rowlands, SADC’s lead councillor for the public realm received the Award from Society chairman Phil Waters.

Cllrs Anthony Rowlands and Robert Donald thanked the project team of council officers, contractor Willmott Dixon and operator 1Life for successfully delivering this challenging project and thanked too the previous administration for initiating the project and their current colleagues for supporting the project to its conclusion.

Phil Waters said 'The Society is delighted to make an Award to recognise the significant contribution that the completely rebuilt and updated Leisure Centre will make to the Harpenden community. The improved facilities are excellent and will be central to helping ensure the well-being of our community long into the future'.

Seen, front row, left to right, are: Peter Simpson, director of Space & Place, the architects responsible for the Leisure Centre design; Cllr Robert Donald, SADC commercial and development portfolio holder; Cllr Anthony Rowlands; Phil Waters; Society Awards secretary Penny Ayres; and Tony Marmo, SADC’s head commercial & development officer.

Michael Weaver hits his target of over £1,000 for Keech Hospice Care thanks to sales of his memoirs “It’s not over until it’s over’.

His book went on sale locally and nationally in December 2020 and has achieved significant sales which helps this local charity that supports terminally ill children.

Many of you will know of Mike’s involvement in local politics and his successful business life as a Harpenden retailer with the C&A Store.

Keech chief fundraiser Steve Albon said ‘Michael is a really great advocate for Keech Hospice Care, inspiring others to support their local hospice. The donations raised from his book sales helps us to ensure we can continue to provide our vital service to so many.

Caption. Mike presents his cheque for £1,100 to Steve Albon.

All meetings are held in the Dining Hall of Roundwood Park School at 7.45pm followed by tea and coffee. Non members are most welcome at an entrance fee of £4.00.

13 September‘Towards sustainable gardens’

Chris Thorn, Aylett Nurseries

11 October‘Knots & Bowers, the Tudor Garden’

Michael Brown, Garden historian.

8 NovemberBreeding better plants’

David Coop, Elsoms the seed specialists.

6 DecemberQuestion Time  with our OWN experts

It is hoped to offer day trips in May to Anglesea Abbey and the Cambridge Botanical Garden and in July to Lamport Hall Gardens and The Old Rectory in Haselbech. These had to be postponed in 2020 and 2021 due to Covid restrictions.  Confirmation and dates to be announced soon.

Live Baby Rhyme times and Storytimes running again at Harpenden Library! 

Of course you can come in anytime to spend time in our Children's area. Tuesday Storytime starts at 2.15pm every week and Saturday Storytime will start on 26 February 10am and continue on the 2nd and 4th Saturday's of each month. 

For Baby Rhyme Time (Thursdays) you need to book: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/.../united.../baby-rhyme-time/

25th Anniversary for Harpenden Writers

Did you know there’s an established

writers group in Harpenden?

They have entertaining and educational

event programmes at monthly meetings.

If you are a writer and looking for new

ideas?  If you like to talk writing with

like-minded people?  And  meet new

contacts, develop your writing skills

and make friends.  Why not come along

to one of their meetings.

They meet on the first Friday of each month at 12 Southdown Road (The Friends' Meeting House) with a programme that runs from September to July (no meeting in August).  They have meetings led by professional writers, in addition to read arounds, special events, and annual prose and poetry writing competitions.

July 1st is the AGM. 10am - 1pm Followed by member readings + Harpenden Writers 25th anniversary celebration and refreshments with invited guests.

Learn more: http://www.harpendenwriters.com and our contact details for membership and general enquiries: enquiries@harpendenwriters.com

Music in Lydekker returns for its fourth year-Saturday Aug 27. A fun event for all.

Organised by Harpenden Town Council.

Music in Lydekker will be returning to Lydekker Park on Saturday 27th August 2021, 12pm-4pm. This FREE event will include incredible live music, guaranteed to get the audience on their feet, performed in the beautiful surroundings of one of Harpenden’s most treasured green spaces.

Performing this year are Tennessee Boogie Boys and Threefold, bands that are guaranteed to get the crowds up off their deck chairs! Tennessee Boogie Boys promise upbeat authentic 1950’s rock ‘n’ roll, rockabilly, country with a little bit of blues added in; with hits from Elvis, Bill Haley, BR549, Fats Domino and many more. Threefold is an exciting acoustic covers trio who explore interesting takes on songs, classic to contemporary, with smooth three part harmony as a specialty.

Food will be provided by Hertfordshire family business Dough with the Flow, simply the best woodfired pizzas around, while drinks come courtesy of Little Italy Bar Co.

This popular summer highlight, organised by Harpenden Town Council, is a fantastic opportunity for Harpenden residents to unwind and enjoy the afternoon sun. Music in Lydekker is a free event, booking is not required, but attendees are encouraged to arrive on foot where possible as parking at Lydekker Car Park is limited.

Further information updates will be available on the Harpenden Town Council website and their social channels: www.harpenden.gov.uk