New weekly advice service comes to Harpenden


Citizens Advice St Albans District and the Harpenden Trust are pleased to announce the launch of a new weekly advice service in Harpenden.


In partnership with the Harpenden Trust, Citizens Advice St Albans District is expanding its services in Harpenden, giving local people another way to access the advice and support that it provides.


From September, a drop-in service will be available every Wednesday from 11:30am to 1:30pm at the Harpenden Trust Well Bean Community Café, located directly above the Co-op on Southdown Road.


At these sessions, local people will be able to meet a Citizens Advice adviser, who will discuss their problems with them and help them to find a way forward.


Citizens Advice’s help is free and confidential and it can help with a wide range of issues, including welfare benefits, housing, debt, and other money problems, consumer rights and family matters.


As part of this expanded service, Citizens Advice will be working with Harpenden Trust front-line volunteers, including befrienders and home visitors, to share useful knowledge about people’s rights and entitlements which can be passed on to people in need. It will also build relationships with other charities and organisations supported by the Trust.




















For reference the photograph features:

Richard Nichols - Chair, The Harpenden Trust

Debbie Nichols- Citizens Advice St Albans District (CASTAD)

Lisa Reiner- Partnership Development , Citizens Advice St Albans District

Gill Haynes - Deputy Mayor, Harpenden 

June Chapman- Chief Executive, Citizens Advice St Albans District (CASTAD)

Nick Luckett- Chair, Care Fund, The Harpenden Trust

Pat Ring - People Director, The Harpenden Trust


The Ribbon cutting was held in 

The Well Bean Café, Harpenden Trust Halls , 130 Southdown Road , Harpenden AL5 1PU


Richard Nichols, the Chair of the Harpenden Trust, said:

“The Harpenden Trust has been supporting individuals, families and community organisations in the Harpenden area for more than 75 years. We are delighted to be able to host this expansion of Citizens Advice’s service in Harpenden.

 

June Chapman. Chief Executive of Citizens Advice St Albans and District, said:

“We are very excited to be working with the Harpenden Trust to expand our support for the people of Harpenden. There is lots of evidence that receiving good advice on issues such as benefits, housing and debt has a positive effect on people’s mental well-being. So, it makes perfect sense for us to have a presence in the Well Bean Café.”


Gill Haynes, Harpenden’s Deputy Mayor, added "I think this is a brilliant initiative".

Oct. E-scooters being confiscated and destroyed by police in Hertfordshire

 

E-scooters illegally ridden on the streets of Hertfordshire are being confiscated and destroyed by the police, the Chief Constable has assured the Police and Crime Commissioner.

PCC Jonathan Ash-Edwards asked the Chief Constable Charlie Hall about the enforcement of the laws around the electronic scooters during his monthly Accountability and Performance meetings.













In the discussion, which is broadcast live on the internet, Mr Hall said that action is being taken against riders who are breaking the law by using them on public roads and pavements.


Mr Ash-Edwards said: “E scooters are primarily on the agenda today because they have driven probably the largest amount of correspondence into my office over recent months compared to any other topic.

“There are particular community concerns from residents about the use of these scooters in town centres, specifically from blind people and those with disabilities, around the of impact of people whizzing around town centres.”

Asked for clarification on the legality of using E-scooters the Chief Constable replied: “It's not unlawful to sell these scooters. These scooters can only be used on private land but they are not lawfully to be used on public roads, pavements, or other pedestrian areas, and there is a reason for that is.


“An E-scooter is something called a mechanically propelled vehicle and effectively it becomes classified as a motor vehicle. You can only lawfully use a motor vehicle on the road if it fits certain criteria, and that would include it needing to be insured and taxed. It will need to have passed certain safety testing regimes set by the Department of Transport and as there is no such regime, as a result it is unlawful to use E-scooters on a public road.”

When questioned about what the police are doing about them being ridden in dangerous ways in public Mr Hall replied: “Firstly, we recognise the danger both to the individual riding these scooters, and we have in Hertfordshire dealt with a handful of cases where people have come off these and of course quite significant injury to themselves, so that there's definitely a risk to the people riding these.


“But I think many members of the public would equally rightly identify the risk to other road users, or particularly pedestrians, and we've had some examples of injuries have been caused to members of the public by people riding E scooters as well. So we absolutely recognise the need to bear down on this where it is happening.


“Our broad approach is to look, to educate and encourage people to comply with the law in the first place. We think that has some benefits and is a reasonable policing response to this. We've also worked inside schools and colleges.

“We have certainly looked to target that advice into places where we know people are constantly using E scooters. This year so far we've seized 22 E scooters, last year it was over 30 and the year before that it was also 30. So we're seizing those sorts of numbers of these scooters and they are being disposed of.

“I think ultimately it needs further support from government legislation to really make it very clear what position is on the use of these E scooters.”

Following the meeting Mr Ash-Edwards said:

 

“I know that the illegal and dangerous use of e-scooters on pavements in town centres is a concern for many residents. Due to the way the police deal with this challenge, the public won’t always see the follow up and intervention at a later stage where there is evidence. The starting point is to educate people about the law, which is sensible, but I am pleased that this can also lead to enforcement and seizures where appropriate.”

 

Dec. Hertfordshire Police & Crime Commissioner strongly opposed to Government’s plans to scrap Jury trials

Hertfordshire’s Police & Crime Commissioner has expressed his strong opposition to the Government’s proposal to abolish Jury trials in all but the most serious cases, as announced by Justice Secretary David Lammy to Parliament yesterday.


Jonathan Ash-Edwards (above) has warned that the move risks undermining centuries-old principles of justice, weakening public confidence and damaging the legitimacy of the criminal justice system.

Police & Crime Commissioner Jonathan Ash-Edwards said:

“The right to be judged by a jury of your peers has been a safeguard in the criminal justice system for hundreds of years. It is a fundamental constitutional protection, not an inconvenience to be swept aside at the whim of a Minister.


“Juries provide important transparency and independence from the state. They increase the chance of a defendant being judged by someone who understands their life. And they ensure that justice is seen to be done fairly.


“A number of years ago, I was called to serve on a jury. I saw firsthand the inefficiencies and delays in the Court system that have a significant impact on victims. But none were the jury’s fault – 12 men and women turned up on time every day and did their civic duty.


“Instead of dismantling historic British liberties, the Government should open Courts that currently sit empty some days and fix the inefficiencies within the system that let victims, witnesses and people working in the criminal justice system down”.

Feb. A new home for Harpenden police officers

Harpenden’s neighbourhood policing team is moving to a new base in the town centre this month. The move will enhance joint working with the Town Council and ensure residents continue to benefit from a visible, accessible local police presence.


Hertfordshire Constabulary and the Police & Crime Commissioner’s Office have worked closely with Harpenden Town Council to co-locate the neighbourhood policing team at the Town Hall in Leyton Road. The move keeps officers at the heart of the community while supporting modern, efficient ways of working and better value for money for taxpayers.

District Neighbourhood Inspector Paul Caro said: “Moving to the Town Hall ensures our new hub remains in the town centre. 


“My team spend most of their shifts out and about engaging with the public and dealing with crime and anti-social behaviour (ASB). The new location will be a base for them to complete paperwork and make calls.”

He added: “We already work closely with the town council to deal with crime and ASB and being in the same building is a real positive, as shown by our co-location at St Albans Civic Centre district council offices.”

Police & Crime Commissioner Jonathan Ash-Edwards said: “This is a positive move to strengthen local policing in Harpenden, continue joint working with the Town Council and improve value for money for taxpayers. Neighbourhood policing officers will be based in Harpenden, engaging with the public, responding and solving crime and keeping the town and surrounding rural areas safe”.


Cllr Beth Fisher, Town Mayor of Harpenden, said “I am delighted that we’ve been able to work with the police to bring their team to the Town Hall, where they can remain close to the Harpenden community in our town centre location. We are committed to helping our communities feel safer and facilitating accessible services. Harpenden Town Council plays an active role in the partnership with local police and we are looking forward to continuing this work and addressing the concerns of local people.” Residents can contact their local officers directly at harpenden@herts.police.uk and make an appointment to see them. If you know the name of your local officer, you can email them directly using this format - first.surname@herts.police.uk


You can also contact your

officers via our website and

report incidents online

at www.herts.police.uk/report.

In an emergency,

always dial 999.

SUNDAY 12TH APRIL HERTFORDSHIRE WOMEN'S SENIOR CHALLENGE CUP FINAL.

PLAYED AT THE COUNTY GROUND LETCHWORTH.

STEVENAGE WOMEN FC      3       HARPENDEN TOWN WOMEN       2          HT 1-0.

What an exciting match this turned out to be as the Harps Ladies came back from twice being a goal down and with the match seemly heading to penalties Stevenage Ladies popped up with a winning goal in the 90+5 minute to take the trophy for the sixth time with a 3-2 scoreline and break the hearts of the Harpenden Ladies.

In the first few minutes of the match saw captain Becca Dowdall take a throw-in down the right wing which somehow found Sophia Amanor inside the box and after closing in on goal saw her blocked by the Stevenage keeper Faye Hazelton with some people saying it was a foul but the referee waved play on but Amanor stayed down and eventually received some treatment to play on. Stevenage then hit a long ball forward which found their captain Sarah Wiltshire who closed in on the Harps goal but their keeper Daisy Strouts was quickly off her line to clear the danger. Then for the Harps, saw Belle Shannon hit a deep cross into the box from the left which Faye Hazelton safely gathered as Amanor and Ellie Deville closed in. Play switched from end to end before in the 11th minute saw Stevenage open the scoring when Hannah Savage and Rosy Woodhams combined to get the ball over which was not cleared and then headed into the path of Amber PEARSON to shoot inside Strouts near upright to give Stevenage a 1-0 lead.















Harpenden tried to hit back and Ella Mercer fired one shot just over and then had another blocked by Elly Wade and Zoe Allen-Thomas following up saw her effort blocked as well and these chances came about after great work by Ellie Deville who always likes running straight at defenders. Then Amana Oguntuga  swept over a low cross from the right which found Sophia Amanor but her first time effort flew just wide of the far post and then later Belle Shannon picked up a loose ball and from 25 yards struck a quick snapshot which whistled past the near upright with Hazelton thinking thank goodness that was close. Ella Mercer then had a another strike at goal which Faye Hazelton saved low down to her right whilst at the other end Lucy Webster found Sarah Wiltshire but her shot was blocked by Lucy Ford and then Wiltshire did well down the right to put over a deep cross to the back post and Amy Makewell headed just wide with the goal at her mercy.















Sophia Amanor then saw her firm drive beaten away by Hazelton after she setup by a good pass from Ella Mercer as the Harps started to find some space but they had to be aware of the nippy Sarah Wiltshire up from for Stevenage who set up Gemma Croucher but she shoot just wide and then later Wiltshire got away clear but her shot went straight into the arms of keeper Daisy Strouts. Then came an injury to Amana Oguntuna after she was involved in a 50/50 challenge with Hannah Savage( both players were numbered 16)

and eventually took no further part in the match and was replaced by Leah Shellard. Chloe Dinsey then had a fine strike saved by Hazelton and Sarah Wiltshire also had an effort saved as both teams went in search of goals.

      Early in the second half saw Harpenden draw level and what a cracker it was, Ellie Deville and Zoe Allen-Thomas combined well down the right and found Sophia Amanor who instantly found LEAH SHELLARD just outside the box and despite having two defenders close by she quickly switched the ball to her right foot and struck an awesome shot into the top right corner giving Hazelton no chance to make a save as the ball whistled past like a rocket to make it 1-1. What a goal Leah, what a goal Leah it was a beauty.



















This was a shock to Stevenage as it came right out of the blue and Sarah Wiltshire pressing forward to regain the lead saw her effort well saved by Strouts and at the other end Belle Shannon went close with two efforts the first of which was a cracking free kick which flew just wide of the near upright and then her second shot went just wide of the far post

after she had received a lovely pass from Mercer, Shannon was always looking to get a shot away from distance because that is where she was most deadly from with one of her thunderbolts.

Then as the game progressed Stevenage struck to go into a 2-1 lead when Amber Pearson put the ball over from the right whereupon Sarah WILTSHIRE raced in to volley the ball past Strouts for her 46th goal of the season(46 on the league's full time). Rosy Woodhams then had a shot blocked by the outstretched leg of Daisy Strouts and the ball was quickly hit back in by Amber Pearson only to see her effort hit the top of the crossbar and go over. Once again Belle Shannon never gave up trying to score from distance and after receiving the ball from Amanor, Shannon saw her sizzling shot go just over the bar. Ellie Deville and Ella Mercer then were replaced by Erin Shacklock and Seryan Kabongo who nearly found plenty of space after just coming on only for a timely tackle from Elly Wade who slid in to clear the danger just as Kabongo was going to shoot. Minutes later Kabongo picking up the ball from Amanor saw her goalbound effort blocked inside the six yard box by Becca Edge and then the Harps won a corner kick as they went in search of that equalising goal. Belle Shannon took the kick and curled into the goalmouth whereupon Faye Hazelton pulled off a good save to stop the ball curling into the goal by catching the ball right under the crossbar

















With the clocking ticking down saw the Harps Ladies snatch another goal to make it 2-2 when Leah Shellard the scorer of the first Harps goal slipped the ball through to SERYAN KABONGO and once the Harps drew level with yet another fine goal as she drilled the ball low past Hazelton into the far left corner to make it 2-2 on 90+3 minutes. So the match looked like it was going to penalties but no Stevenage thought otherwise and within 45 seconds they had regained the lead when Sarah Wiltshire picked up a throw-in deep in the Harps half and sped away to cross the ball in from the right wing for Amber PEARSON to tuck the ball away and make the score 3-2 to Stevenage and break the Harps hearts. Still it was not all over as the Harps won a corner kick and with everybody going up for it including keeper Daisy Strouts to try to score another equaliser, it was not to be as the ball was headed clear and Leonie Telford chased the ball with a wide open Harps goal in front of her saw Seryan Kabongo catch her up and clear the ball for a throw-in with the final whistle being blown and so Stevenage won 3-2 but they certainly known they had been in a match.  Tezza says he was proud of all you throughout the entire match, it might cost me a few drinks now I have said that!


They meet again though at Bedford Town FC in the ERWFL League Cup Final on Sunday 10th May kick-off 3pm.





















Team Harpenden: Strouts, Warren, Ford, Dowdall, Shannon, Dinsey, Mercer, Allen-Thomas, Oguntuga, Deville, Amanor. Subs played: Shellard, Shacklock, Kabongo. Did not play; Hughes, Wilson.

Team Stevenage: Hazelton, Webster, Edge, Wiltshire, Makewell, Croucher, Pearson, Carr, Savage, Woodhams, Wade. Subs played: Telford, Delaney, Stojko-Down. Did not play: Shults, Goddard.


NEXT UP FOR THE HARPS LADIES IS AN AWAY MATCH AT WROXHAM LADIES IN THE LEAGUE SUNDAY 19TH APRIL KO 2PM.


Terry Edwards.   FOOTBALL AS IT'S MEANT TO BE.

 

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My wife and I were privileged to have a private viewing of the panels in February this year. They are incredibly beautiful and still in remarkable condition for their age.


A single image can change the face of History

Portrait imagery was the key aspect of the programme. Images whether painted or photographed could have an incredibly powerful influence on the population. Examples featuring Winston Churchill, Queen Elizabeth I, Queen Victoria, and Margaret Thatcher were used to demonstrate this power. Clever or deceptive dependent on your personal position.


Saving the Cottages for the Nation

The current owner, Ms Murphy, from Hertford, explained that she and business partner Alison Wright bought two adjoining cottages, which house the mural between them, specifically to find a way for the paintings to be brought into public ownership.

"The panels should be in the care of the nation - we are committed to finding a way of doing it."

"They are so rare that the paintings must be preserved for both present and future generations, as a sign of those past beliefs and turbulent times," he said.

"We have been pursuing this aim for a number of years and have now launched a public appeal as the only way to preserve them for posterity."

The owner added that if the money couldn't be raised, they would have to apply for a change of use to residential.


Hopefully Simon Schama’s programme will awaken the local Herts authorities to take action now.


Ron Taylor. Editor. Harpendia.com


Hemel’s hidden treasure featured by Simon Schama on BBC TV’s ‘The Face of Britain’

Simon Schama visited Piccott’s End Cottages to show an important aspect of the history of British portraiture, revealing some beautiful and compelling images that demonstrate their eternal power.















Defacing religious paintings

The cottages in Hemel were a resting place for Pilgrims on their journey from Ashridge to nearby St Albans Abbey in the 1530’s. The interior wall panels had been painted extensively with religious murals reflecting imagery of the Christ, the Virgin Mary, and Saints. Scenes include Jesus's baptism, St Catherine of Alexandria, St Peter and St Margaret. During the Reformation the faces of Jesus, Mary and the Saints were obliterated (defaced- see below) to make the images powerless in the sight of anyone who visited the cottages. At some time post Reformation the panels were covered by linen and NOT seen again until 1953.

If you like Brioche style bread then CHALLAH from Zuckermaus will be a new taste experience.

It’s made from enriched dough with sesame seeds and poppy seeds giving a light crust with a soft texture inside. Toast it and spread with butter for a taste sensation.(Challah is fixed in Jewish cuisine being eaten on ceremonial occasions and holidays)

The range of cakes from Zuckermaus Artisan Bakery is pretty amazing as you will have seen on earlier reports.

This  time it was another test for my taste buds.


Starting with Cinnamoned Apple cake. This had 2 layers of Bramley apples encased in a dairy free cake glazed with apricot jam.


Next to taste was Austrian Applestrudel. Homemade filo pastry, bramley apple slices marinated in cinnamon, sugar, flaked almonds and raisins. Warm it in the microwave and serve with custard or cream.


Finally and my favourite,  Linzer cake, named after a town in Upper Austria. Ground almond, cloves and cinnamon in the base with a layer of red currant jam, topped with a pattern and flaked almonds. Very like Bakewell tart.

ORDER NOW:

http://www.zuckermausbakery.com

Phone: 07766072772

Free deliveries in Harpenden, St Albans and surrounding villages


September, Local journalist Charlotte Bateman investigates Charity Shops in Harpenden