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Image the traffic chaos when the M1 is closed due to an accident and HGV’s travel on the A1081 through Harpenden to reach the Centre.

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.”

The charity Playpark Action Rothamsted Committee (PARC), 1179147, has donated its funds to the Pioneer Club St Albans.

PARC was formed in September 2018 with the aim of raising funds for a new play area in Rothamsted Park, Harpenden, Hertfordshire.

The charity succeeded in raising a large amount of funds for the new play area in Rothamsted Park, working with Harpenden Town Council and the new play area was then built and opened in July 2021. It has been a tremendous success. 

Following this success the charity worked with Harpenden Town Council to determine what else the local community wanted in Rothamsted Park. 

The survey showed that many people wanted to replace the present Rothamsted Park skatepark with a new skatepark. This was because the present skatepark has deteriorated.

 PARC started to raise funds for the new skatepark but, unfortunately, Harpenden Town Council decided this year not to proceed with the new replacement skatepark. 

The PARC charity therefore has returned donated funds and some donors requested that their donation went to charity.  The PARC team wanted to donate any monies left to a charity with similar aims and the Pioneer Club was a worthy cause. 

The Pioneer Club is a registered charity, charity number 302455, and has  indoor as well as an outdoor skatepark at their facilities. It does some incredible work teaching skateboarding and supporting children.

The PARC charity had a residual sum of £2,432.04 which was donated to the Pioneer Club on 6th December 2024. ( See photo below)

Finally, the PARC team would like to thank everyone who donated so generously for a new skatepark in Rothamsted park.

By, Rod Cooley, Co-Chair of Playpark Action Rothamsted Committee (PARC)

SEPT 25 UPDATE.

The ugly site of Pan Autos in Southdown is now well under development  with the new Care Home called Harpenden Springs. 

Due for completion in the Spring 2026.

Eco friendly with all power from electricity, solar panels and heat pumps.

A welcome new addition

to Harpenden.

Final Award from the Harpenden Society presented to Katherine Warington School on Sept 19 for their All Weather Pitch

SPLASH-A new fun experience for all the family now at ARTSCAPE.

Studio photo below

Sept 23. HARPENDEN

BUSINESSES JOIN FORCES

WITH TOWN COUNCIL TO

OVERCOME CHALLENGES

Business representatives joined Harpenden

Town Council at the first meeting of their

Business Forum on Sept 15. The meeting

offered local organisations the opportunity

to help shape the Town Council’s support

offering.

Large numbers of local business stakeholders attended the meeting so organisers were able to listen to opinions and understand challenges from individual sectors, each with their own priorities.

1. •Retailers raised the importance of maintaining a village feel in the Town with independent shops being the key to the vibrancy of the High Street and shopping hubs, many were concerned about the threat of increasing rates and business charges.
   

2. •Freelancers, forming a separate group, discussed the need for collaborative business relationships, a challenge previously identified by the Town Council who aim to use the Forum as a networking opportunity in a supportive environment.
   

3. •Other challenges identified included the recent changes to parking fees, effective marketing and sales generation, and increasing financial pressure.
   

4. •Crime and antisocial behaviour also featured highly in the list of key concerns from high street based organisations. Officers from the Local Constabulary attended the meeting in order to offer advice on prevention of shop lifting and an update on recent successes.
   

In line with one of its key priorities, to promote the economic and commercial vitality of local businesses, Harpenden Town Council set up the Business Forum to offer an opportunity to business owners, managers and leaders in the area to gain vital support. It is hoped that establishing a group that offers opportunities to get advice, collaborate, and understand and respond to specific business challenges will be a big step in promoting local independent businesses. Harpenden Town Council is focused on offering solution based support, not only acting as facilitator of networking and collaborations, but in overcoming specific business requirements including financial challenges, learning and development and business growth.

Cllr Beth Fisher, Mayor of Harpenden said:

“The Town Council is keen to engage with local organisations from all industries, from small start-ups to larger local businesses, to understand challenges, share ideas and promote partnerships within the business community. It is hoped that this Forum will play a supportive role, offering assistance where it is needed and ultimately helping to boost a local economy where independent businesses thrive.”

The meeting was held at, Town Council partner, The Harpenden Collective’s new offices in Harpenden. The Business Forum is run in collaboration with The Harpenden Collective, an independent business offering co-working space, opportunities to collaborate, connect and learn. Harpenden Town Council has a successful partnership with The Harpenden Collective, who together are creating business support channels in the Town. Recently the partnership also hosted a Business Mentoring Support Seminar which helped to form new relationships, and develop a Harpenden Mentoring pathway. Further information about this and other business support can be found on the Town Council website: https://harpenden.gov.uk/business-support

Sept 5. The Harpenden

Society awarded its

Prestigious Plaque to

the Harpenden & District

Local History Society

for the Harpenden

Museum which opened

at the Eric Morecambe

Centre early 2024.

The Plaque was presented to Roger Butterworth (right ,chair of the History Society)  by Jeff Phillips, Harpenden Society Chair on September 5th. Also present at the ceremony were Town Mayor Cllr Beth Fisher.

The Museum is an important asset to the Town, a valuable source of information for it’s residents and a vital history guide for visitors to the Town. A worthy award winner.

In presenting the Society's award to the Harpenden History Society, Jeff Phillips said that it was to recognise that the museum represented a treasure trove of artefacts and historical documents that bring Harpenden's history to life, and which is readily accessible to the whole community.

Roger Butterworth thanked the Mayor and the Harpenden Society for the Award.  He emphasised that the Museum would not have been possible without decades of nurturing of artefacts, documents and images by volunteers at the time, the legacy of an enthusiast, Les Casey, the vision of trustees, and the guidance and support of St Albans District councillors and officers in making the project happen.

Town Mayor Cllr Beth Fisher said 'I was delighted to join the Harpenden Society on their presentation of a Prestigious Plaque to the Harpenden and District Local History Society at their Museum in the EMC. I took the opportunity while there to tour the Museum which is a fascinating collection of information, stories and exhibits and I recommend a visit to anyone interested in Harpenden's story'

     I spoke to the brilliant people who originally curated, designed and organised the Museum and who continually refresh the artefacts and carefully consider how to make the exhibits accessible, interesting and relevant. I also visited the archive room which had some new donated materials that we discussed. There are some quietly passionate people involved in this wonderful local attraction, who were welcoming and kind, and the plaque is well deserved.

Aug 28. Harpenden Society Award to Lea Grange Care Home in Coldharbour Lane. A much needed facility in Harpenden.

The Plaque was presented to  Care Home Manager Teresa Torres by Jeff Phillips. Society Chair on August 28. Also present at the ceremony were regional director, Matthew Anstee-Brown and  Harpenden’s deputy Town Mayor Kirsti Wenn.

Lea Grange Care Home offers 24-hour residential, nursing, dementia and respite care within an environment purpose-built for the practical delivery of high-quality care whilst still being stylish, and comfortable.

Residents enjoy a generously sized bedroom with an en suite wetroom, as well as numerous communal living areas for socialising with loved ones, engaging in their hobbies and dining. Plus they have access to a state-of-the-art gym, cinema, café and hair and nail salon.

And many other features making this a worthy award winner.

Katherine Warington School Receives Certificate of Merit from the Harpenden Society for its All-Weather Pitch

Katherine Warington School (KWS) is delighted to announce that it has been awarded a Certificate of Merit by the Harpenden Society for its outstanding All-Weather Pitch. The award recognises the significant contribution the facility has made to both the school and the wider community since its opening in early 2024.

The state-of-the-art pitch, which provides a high-quality playing surface in all weather conditions, has been a transformative addition to the school's sports facilities. It has significantly enhanced the physical education curriculum for KWS students and provides an excellent venue for competitive sports and extracurricular activities.

"We are incredibly proud and grateful to be recognised by the Harpenden Society with this prestigious award," said Dean Inns, School Business Manager. "The All-Weather Pitch was a major project for us and wouldn’t have been possible without the financial support of the Football Foundation, and this award is a testament to the vision and hard work that went into creating a facility that benefits so many. It has been a game-changer for our students, allowing them to train and play sports year-round, regardless of the weather."

Beyond the school's gates, the All-Weather Pitch has become a valuable community asset. KWS has partnered with local sports clubs to ensure the facility is utilised to its full potential, providing a much-needed resource for the community. A prime example of this partnership is the collaboration with Wheathampstead Wanderers, a local football club.

The Harpenden Society's Certificate of Merit is awarded annually to projects that demonstrate a high standard of design and a positive contribution to the local environment and community. The selection panel commended the Katherine Warington School for the thoughtful design and the extensive community access provided by the new pitch.

"The Katherine Warington School All-Weather Pitch is an excellent example of a project that serves both its primary users and the wider community," said Ron Taylor, Chair of the Harpenden Society. "The Harpenden Society was impressed not only by the quality of the facility but also by the school's commitment to making it accessible to local groups. It is a deserving recipient of our Certificate of Merit."

Photo L-R - Dean Inns, Isobel James, Aaron Nartey, David Martin, Ron Taylor, Emily Ball, Ollie Turner,, Jamie Alexander

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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