forum - harpenden...st albans district. the group meets twice a week on wednesdays and fridays...

OPEN STUDIOSpage 2

HARDYNGE CHOIR page 11

HEARING DOGS FOR THE DEAF page 12

•Town Mayor’s Race Night•Christmas Poster

Competition• Farmers Market•Allotments

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

FORUMHARPENDEN TOWN COUNCIL’S AWARD WINNING QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER

C L O S E R T O T H E C O M M U N I T Y

Green Flag Success

Harpenden Sports

Christmas is Coming

SEPTEMBER 2013 - ISSUE 146

and

2 HARPENDEN TOWN COUNCIL, TOWN HALL, LEYTON ROAD, HARPENDEN, HERTS. AL5 2LX

New for Open Studios 2013, Harpenden and District Art Trail with Children’s Trail and Co-ordinated Opening TimesHerts Visual Arts (HVA) Open Studios for 2013 which runs from Saturday 7th September to Sunday 29th September 2013 is when Hertfordshire artists open their studios or homes so that you can experience their work first hand and talk to the artists themselves. A free brochure is available throughout the county, featuring comprehensive details on some 114 venues, listed by area. Many studios host groups of collaborating artists. Each venue has free entry on the days listed in the brochure.

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE, WITH A WIDE VARIETY OF ART FORMSThis year a total of 26 Harpenden and District artists are opening their doors at 19 locations throughout Harpenden, Kimpton, Redbourn and Wheathampstead, showcasing a diverse range of 2-D and 3-D art forms. New for 2013 is the Harpenden and District Art Trail. Designed for today’s busy lifestyle, Art Trail opening hours and days have been coordinated to ensure visitors can make the most of their time. Almost all Harpenden and District studios are open at some time over both the second weekend (Saturday 14th, Sunday 15th September) and second Wednesday 18th September. Visitors starting their trails at early-opening studios in Redbourn (Peter Brown) or Wheathampstead (Bel Bluemel) can plan their day through to the last, later closing studios in Harpenden itself.Redbourn-based figurative painter Peter Brown is well known for his paintings of Harpenden, Spain and other locations, while Bel Bluemel of Wheathampstead aims to create strong imagery inspired by life and the imagination in different media including printmaking and painting. The last studio to close on Harpenden Trail Days is where visitors can find painter and print maker Anna Perlin. Returning to Open Studios this year, Anna says “I strive to create a window onto the calm and peace of the country side with texture an important part of my work. I look forward to welcoming visitors to my studio.” The very few artists who are unable to open on Trail Days will have their work represented at one of the other Open Studios on the Art Trail, meaning no-one need miss out. Also new for 2013 are the

Trail Incentives: All children completing the trail will be eligible to purchase discounted art materials from Artscape, Harpenden’s premier art supplier. Adults completing the trail will be able to purchase a single art work from their selected artist at a discounted price. Of course, visitors to Harpenden and District Open Studios are very welcome to visit at any published Open Studios day or time, giving plenty

of opportunities for one or more visits to favourite studios during September, but those with limited time may benefit from focussing on Weekend or Mid-Week Art Trail days. Further information can be found on the dedicated website: www.hvaf.org.uk/Open-Studios/Open-Studios-2013/Harpenden or email: [email protected]

3Telephone: 01582 768278 • E-mail: [email protected] • Website: www.harpenden.gov.uk

HARPENDEN COMMON RECEIVES SEVENTH GREEN FLAG AWARD!Harpenden Common has received the prestigious Green Flag Award for the seventh consecutive year, a sign to local residents and visitors alike that the Common is one of the country’s best green open spaces.

A record number (1447) of UK sites have received a Green Flag Award this year ensuring that even more of us now have access to well-managed, high-quality green spaces so important for health and leisure activities.

“Harpenden Common is a wonderful asset, which is maintained at the high standard it has achieved through partnerships with a variety of organisations and agencies. I would like to congratulate Council officers, and particularly our partners, John O’Conner Grounds Maintenance Contractors and the Herts & Middlesex Wildlife Trust, for enabling the Council to retain its Green Flag accreditation for the 7th consecutive year. But the Town Council could not have achieved this result without the enthusiasm of the Project day volunteers and the commitment of the sporting clubs on the Common. Their support has been invaluable.” said Councillor Simon Leadbeater, Chair of Environment for the Town Council.”

The national award, handed out by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, recognises and rewards the best parks and

green spaces across the country. A Green Flag flying overhead is a sign to visitors that the space boasts the highest possible standards, is beautifully maintained and has excellent facilities.

Green Flag Award Scheme Manager Paul Todd said: “We are thrilled to announce yet another record-breaking year for Green Flag Award parks and green spaces. “A Green Flag Award provides national recognition for the hard work and dedication of all the parks managers, staff and volunteers who have helped to create these fantastic places for all to enjoy. “Quality green spaces are absolutely essential to happy, healthy communities. They are fundamental to our quality of life, whether in cities, towns or villages. That is why it is so significant that we have given out more awards than ever before.”

The Green Flag Award scheme continues to grow internationally with expansion into the Netherlands and Germany due to ambitious pilot projects. All this years award-winning sites can be found at www.greenflag.keepbritaintidy.org

If you would like to find out more about the Green Flag Award or anything to do with the Common, please contact Jenny Sherwen at the Town Council on Tel: 01582 768278

Harpenden Society continues to contribute to the Harpenden CommunityEvery year The Harpenden Society makes awards for developments which enhance the Town’s environment’. A Letter of Commendation was awarded to the new Strada restaurant in Amenbury Lane. Certificates of Merit were awarded to the Jubilee Arch in Thompsons Close and for the three Jubilee Crowns in Harpenden, Southdown and Batford as well as to the Pine Court block of flats in Carlton Road. The premier award, The Harpenden Society Plaque for 2012, was awarded to Jarvis Homes Ltd for the Foresters development behind Bowers Parade.

Chris Marsden, Society Chairman said, “The development is a significant improvement to this area of Harpenden.”

Mike Peters, Managing Director of Jarvis Homes Ltd accepted the award on behalf of the company, he said, “Jarvis Homes is delighted to have been honoured with this prestigious award from The Harpenden Society. It recognises the high quality of design and build of the properties which have transformed the area and provides much needed additional housing in Harpenden.”

The Society recently organised a primary schools competition with 2,000 entries from eleven of the town’s thirteen primary schools. The theme was ‘What do I like about Harpenden’. There were 42 awards for categories covering art, photography, drama, music and creative writing.

The Society’s public meetings resume in September. Please see the What’s on section on Page 16 for further details.

Chris Marsden, Society Chairman and Mike Peters, Managing Director Jarvis Homes

Town Mayor, Ground Work Team and Common Volunteers


Charity Walk SundaySunday 29 September - Harpenden Village Rotary Club is organising a Charity Walk on Sunday 29th September. With starting times between 1.00pm pm and 2.30pm from the Royal British Legion in Leyton Road there are opportunities to join walks ranging from 1.5 to 10 miles. Sponsorship money will be shared with 75% going to the walker’s charity with the remaining 25% going to Rotary supported charities. Contact us by email at [email protected], by text/voicemail on Tel: 07968 351661 or for more information go to www.hvrc.net

The Harpenden TrustGraham Westwell has been elected Chairman of the Harpenden Trust. He succeeds Roy Brimblecombe who has stepped down after six years in the chair, but will continue an active role, particularly in the work of the Home Visitors. Graham, a former Secretary of the Trust, has run the Christmas Appeal for the past eight years comments “The Trust will continue its 65-year tradition of helping local individuals and families in need, but it’s also on the look out for more local community organisations in need of funds. The Trust’s Community Fund was set up for this purpose in 2008 following the transfer of monies from the Harpenden Abbeyfield Society and currently it would welcome more applications. Interested organisations should contact the Trust on Tel: 01582 460457 or at [email protected] “

Harpenden Arts ClubAfter much hard work by Chairman, Roy Bentley, a very generous grant was awarded by Harpenden Town Council to enable the Harpenden Arts Club to purchase a brand new video presentation system. The new system enables members of the Club to view close-up from a large screen details of a demonstration, which otherwise might be missed. It will also enable some members who have difficulty standing around the demonstration table to view the

proceedings seated and will be a visual help to others.

The new system was installed for the first time on 18 April when Phil Madley, an encaustic wax artist, gave a very interesting presentation on ‘The Wonders of Wax’. As well as enjoying the demonstration there were many comments from members of the audience about the success and the great benefits of the new equipment. Many thanks to Roy and the Harpenden Town Council!

James Marshall FoundationCouncillor Mrs Nicola Linacre, last year’s Town Mayor, has been nominated by the Town Council as Trustee to succeed Mr Christopher Grenside who has recently retired as a Trustee of The James Marshall Foundation after 20 years unstinting service. The Trustees of the Foundation are able to award grants to residents of Harpenden and Wheathampstead who are aged under 25 years to help improve their work opportunities. As the Foundation mainly helps young people aged 16 years and over, a large part of its work is in supporting students at university and at College as well as with Apprenticeships, travel costs, protective clothing and equipment for work. However, grants are also awarded to under 16s for school trips, school uniform, extra tuition, music tuition, instruments and computers. Further details are in the Foundation’s advert on page 9.

Girlguidingis very strong in Harpenden, however the youngsters are not the only ones to enjoy the camaraderie of this long established organisation. As an ex-member of the Guides perhaps you would like to re-capture some of the experiences of your youth and enjoy new ones by joining Trefoil. Trefoil is a worldwide part of the Guiding movement and there is a strong unit in Harpenden that meets monthly enjoying fun, friendship and laughter. The programme includes interesting speakers, quizzes and outings. There is also the opportunity to again

enjoy camping or craft days and so on - similar to when you were younger but in a mature fashion. Members are also invited to help with activities in which the younger generation take part. New members, whether ex Guide movement members or not, would be most welcome. The meeting place is the Guide HQ in Townsend Lane, Harpenden during the evening of the second Thursday of each month. Further details from Barbara Kershaw on Tel: 01727 862225.

The Daylight Clubis a lively social club for adults of working age living in the St Albans District. The group meets twice a week on Wednesdays and Fridays giving our members the opportunity to get involved in a wide range of activities like music, drama, dance, exercise, guest speakers and day trips. We have recently run a four month music and singing workshop with Herts Music Service and are planning a show case soon to show everyone what fun we have had! The Club has its own wheelchair accessible mini bus so it can collect its members from their homes and drop them to the club and home again – although we do encourage those who can make their own way to the club to do so. The club is very much member led in that the members decide what activities and trips they want and they also get involved in arranging these if they want to.

The Wednesday group meet at St Johns Church, Southdown from 10.00am to 4.00pm and we currently have spaces for new members, so if you have a physical disability and would like to meet a group of friendly people, please get in touch on Tel: 01727 819214 or email: [email protected] . Likewise if you are interested in doing some volunteering with us please get in touch!

Harpenden Quakers This year, Quakers have been meeting in Harpenden for 80 years. They are celebrating this special anniversary during

‘Quaker Week’ in October, with an ‘open house’ day for interested passers-by. The open day will be on Saturday 6 October and there will be live music, children’s’ entertainment and home-made cakes!

There is another reason to celebrate. The Quaker Meeting House, a familiar sight opposite Harpenden Common, is about to undergo a refurbishment. “We are thrilled that our refurbishment plans are finally going ahead. The building has been pretty much the same since 1972 and needs updating to meet our needs, as well as making the place work better for the many community groups who regularly use our building. The work will make the building more open and attractive. There will be three rooms available for hire, a new, larger kitchen, easy access for wheelchairs, and a lovely garden available to users of the building, with mature fruit trees and children’s play equipment” says a local Harpenden Quaker. The Meeting House Appeal currently stands at £160,000. Another £90,000 is needed to complete the project. Donations are welcome to https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/harpendenquakermeeting1. For more information, please email [email protected] or visit our website www.harpendenquakers.org.uk

Citizens Advice BureauThe Harpenden office located on the First Floor of the Town Hall in Leyton Road, Harpenden, has changed its opening hours and is now open for free independent advice on Monday, Thursday and Friday 10.00am – 1.00pm. Tel: 08444 111 444.

Harpenden and District Local History Society Mounts quarterly exhibitions in Park Hall on the first Saturday of March, June, September and December between 2.30pm and 4.30pm. For further information or membership enquiries contact Miss Parrott on Tel: 01582 764359 or Mr Casey Tel: 01582 712998.

News in brief


WILDLIFE WATCH RECENT ACTIVITIES…

As part of the consultation process for the new management plan, a public meeting was held in June for people to hear more detail and raise any concerns. This meeting was followed by the 2013 Common Walk on an evening in June. This walk was also management

plan themed and participants were shown some of the key work happening on the Common as well as having an opportunity to discuss proposals for the future management.

You may have noticed large congregations of rooks on the Common earlier in the year. The rooks were feeding on chafer grubs and their activities led to areas of open ground. The Town Council put a couple of posts in on the hayfield to mark the worst affected areas, to monitor the condition. As suspected, this natural rotivation has been beneficial, as this has reduced some of the more competitive plants and grasses and has allowed wildflowers to flourish. We have seen common spotted orchids, birds foot trefoil (identified by its fiery red and yellow flowers, sometimes known as ‘eggs & bacon’!), yellow spikes of St Johns Wort and also more of the lovely purple harebells that are widespread across the hayfield in late summer.

Welcome to this new regular article on all things wildlife on the green spaces in and around Harpenden. Did you know that Harpenden Common is one of Hertfordshire’s Local Wildlife Sites - designated for its rare acid grassland. Residents of Harpenden live very close to wildlife and this article aims to keep people up to date with what’s been going on and also what to see!

Herts & Middlesex Wildlife Trust have been working in partnership with the Town Council on the new management plan for Harpenden Common and you will probably have seen activities as part of the public consultation, maybe you even went to this years Common Walk, more details are below.

For further information about the Common and to obtain a leaflet about the Common including the Nature Trail please contact Jenny Sherwen at the Town Council on Tel: 01582 463667 or email: [email protected]

Fungi Foray – Wednesday 23 October (10.00am – midday)

Did you know there are over 200 species of Fungi on the Common? Alan Outen, the Hertfordshire County Fungi Recorder will be leading a Fungi Foray on Harpenden Common.

Please email [email protected] if you would like to book a place as there are a limited number of places available.

Project Days - monthly between October and March.Would you like to help volunteer with conservation tasks on the Common? Please get in touch if you are interested.

HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED…

Migratory birds such as redwings and fieldfares arriving in October to spend the winter. They feed on berries and invertebrates in the soil.

Look out for…

Common Walk 2013, photo by Linda Haynes

Common Spotted Orchid, photo by Ian Denholm

Fungi, photo by Julie Rees

Redwing, photo by Dave Kilbey


Golf has been played on Harpenden Common since 1895, but Harpenden Common Golf Club itself was founded in 1931 and benefits from its wonderful location on Harpenden Common to the east of the main A1081 which runs through Harpenden from St Albans to Luton with its mixture of mature trees and gorse set in the well-manicured parkland part of the Common, which has recently been awarded the Green Flag for the seventh consecutive year. A major revision took place to the well established course in 1996 under the guidance of Honorary Member and former Ryder Cup player, Ken Brown, extending the course to 6,214 yards from the white tees, which included the addition of six holes in an area formerly known as the Jockey Field, which have now matured into tree-lined fairways with a mix of silver birches, water and superb, well-kept greens which are expertly maintained by the experienced and hard working greenkeepers. The course is on well-draining land, which means that the course is able to stay open for play in all but the most extreme weather

conditions. The course is well known for being challenging from all the tees and has lush, well-manicured fairways from which shots into the flags need to be accurate as golfers are faced with some well-protected greens with often testing pin positions. The greens vary in size and have some subtle breaks which need careful reading as they will provide a good test of any golfers putting ability.A real asset to the Golf Club is the rebuild of the Clubhouse, which was officially opened earlier this year, on the same plot as the old clubhouse so therefore retains the unique and dramatic position overlooking the 18th green. The two-floor layout includes floor-to-ceiling glass windows at both levels which provide spectacular and uninterrupted views of the green. In addition, the first floor balcony overlooks the entire par three 18th hole and the adjacent 1st fairway, providing a great setting from which players and spectators will be able to watch the unfolding final-hole drama of competitions, matches or perhaps just friends or colleagues completing their rounds.

For further information about hiring the Clubhouse, please contact the office on Tel: 01582 711320.

Harpenden Common Golf Club has a membership of over 600 made up of Men’s, Ladies, Juniors, Mixed and ABs (Senior Men) sections and offer a full schedule of competitions, team fixtures, roll-ups and events aimed at players of all standards. They compete in various local leagues at all levels with several friendly events run throughout the year and offer an extensive and varied social calendar.

If you are interested in joining the Club, they welcome applications for membership in all categories either by invitation from existing members or alternatively, if you don’t know anyone at Harpenden Common then please speak directly to either Terry Crump, the General Manager or Alison or Dawn in the office to discuss things further. Tel: 01582 711325 or emailing [email protected]

HARPENDEN COMMON GOLF CLUB – GOING FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH

Harpenden Common Golf Club played host to the 3rd Harpenden Mencap Charity Golf Day in June where over £5,600 was raised for Harpenden Mencap: a local charity supporting local people with learning disabilities.

Eighteen teams of golfers took part in the Stableford competition and enjoyed a competitive game of golf on the superb course at the Common Golf Club with the evening’s proceedings held in the golf club’s stunning new club house with an enjoyable meal and concluding with a raffle and auction. Harpenden Mencap are extremely grateful to many local

businesses that supported the golf day by sponsoring holes and tables, displaying banners or generously donating raffle and auction prizes. But none of this would have been possible without the generous support of Harpenden Common Golf Club and their assistance in making this one of the most important dates in the golfing calendar.

Anne Hignell, Trustee of Harpenden Mencap said: “We have worked hard to raise the profile of Harpenden Mencap as a local charity helping local people and our annual golf day has become an important event in our fundraising

programme. We use the golf day to raise money for our building fund which helped us achieve our ambitious plan to open 11 self contained flats in Carlton Road. Our golfers are very generous and have returned each year to support our cause and for this we are very grateful.” And next year we are doing it all over again at our 4th Harpenden Mencap Charity Golf Day on Friday 20th June 2014. For early booking of your team’s place in the event please contact Natalie Chaston, Event Coordinator, on email: [email protected]

£5,600 RAISED FOR HARPENDEN MENCAP AT CHARITY GOLF DAY AT HARPENDEN COMMON GOLF CLUB

HARPENDEN SPORTS


THE POTTERERHaving gardened all my life, I made the decision a year ago to set up my own gardening business – “Jo Kelly Gardens”. I have a passion for plants and planting schemes and wanted to learn more about propagation and growing my own plants, both for myself and for my clients. With the help of a Royal Horticultural Society course and plenty of trial and error I started producing plants to sell. One thing led to another and I approached the Town Council about taking a stall at the Harpenden Farmers Market. They were wonderfully encouraging and before I knew it there I was trading

under the name ‘The Potterer’ and have been there most months since December 2012 selling a range of perennials, annuals, herbs and gift pots. An experiment with a cut flower bed has been successful and means I occasionally have some cut flowers for sale as well. The Farmers Market has a friendly, relaxed atmosphere and there is plenty of opportunity to talk to gardeners and non gardeners who stop by the stall to buy my plants and pots and exchange plant and gardening advice. If you wish to contact me please telephone Tel: 07969 030915 or email: [email protected]

Once again the Town Council are delighted to offer a single market stall to local charitable and community groups at the 2014 Farmers Market. This is an opportunity to fundraise and raise awareness for your organisation.Applications close on Friday 22 November 2013, groups that were on the Market in 2013, will not be considered and all applicants will be chosen by ballot. The local charities and community groups must be based in Harpenden.If your group is interested in having a stall, please email Alexandra Baron, the Farmers Market Officer on: [email protected] or Tel: 01582 463668.

HARPENDEN FARMERS MARKET FOCUS ON A STALL HOLDER

HARPENDEN FARMERS MARKET 10.00am to 2.00pm

FREE 2014 MARKET STALL FOR LOCAL CHARITIES AND COMMUNITY GROUPS

2013Sunday 22 September

Sunday 27 October

Sunday 24 November – 12 noon – 6.00pm

Sunday 22 December

2014Sunday 26 January

Sunday 23 February

Sunday 23 March

Sunday 27 April

Sunday 25 May

Sunday 22 June

Sunday 27 July

Sunday 24 August

Sunday 28 September

Sunday 26 October

Sunday 23 November – 12 noon – 6.00pm

No market in December

BESPOKE METALWORK& SPECIALIST WELDINGRichard SweetlandWrought iron works, fences, gates, ornamental works plus general welding, repairs and fabrication.

T: 07974 430 532 or 01582 831 496E: [email protected]


Forum is a quarterly newsletter, produced every March, June, September and December with a distribution of approx 13,000 to households and businesses in the Town along with copies displayed at the library, Town Hall and Post Offices. The current and past copies of the newsletter are also available on the dedicated webpage on the Town Council’s website. The charges to advertise are very reasonable at the following rates:

1/16th Page £ 71.00 + VAT £85.20 per issue 1/8th Page £136.00 + VAT £163.20 per issue 1/4th Page £276.00 + VAT £331.20 per issue

Advertising is flexible so advertisers can choose which issues they would like to advertise in to suit their business needs. If you are interested in taking up an advert or would like further information, please contact Heather Scott at the Town Hall on Tel: 01582 463664 or by email at [email protected].

On a recent three week visit to the town Richard Okotel said “Harpenden’s generosity has made a great difference to many lives in the slum area of Musoto, Uganda’. During his time in Harpenden he spent time with schools and local groups to tell first hand of the work Harpenden Spotlight on Africa (HSoA) has done. As HSoA project manager, he spoke passionately of the two schools that have been built so that more children have access to an education, boreholes that have been drilled to give clean water to the community, goats that have been provided for widows and orphans so that dignity and independence can be restored, and of a programme of training Community Health Promoters (CHiP’s) to raise standards of health and hygiene. All of this has already given the Musoto community improved living standards and hope for a better future.

But while so much has been achieved, Richard emphasised there is so much more to be done. Plans for further school resources, boreholes, and a much needed Health Clinic are being made – all requiring urgent funding. Please support our next event, a fun Quiz Night on Saturday 28th September at Park Hall, Leyton Road. Tickets are available from the Town Council offices or contact [email protected]. Another event is the glittering annual Spotlight Ball on Saturday 23rd November at Brocket Hall- reserve your tickets for a memorable night!

ADVERTISING IN THIS NEWSLETTERForum now has space to take on new advertisers.

SPOTLIGHT ON AFRICA VISITOR FROM UGANDA THANKS HARPENDEN

Sympathetic & professional treatment for all podiatry/chiropody problems

Clinic appointments & home visits

Tel: 01582 467667

www.headandshort.co.uk/podiatry Clinic at 64b High Street, Harpenden, AL5 2SP

Richard Okotel at Harpenden Carnival

Ken Hodson Local Computer Har dwar e and Softwar e Repairs,

U pgrades and Advice for Home and B usiness Te l. 07974 156743 / 01582 794723

Email [email protected] www . kenhodsoncomputerservices.co.uk

• N o fix, no fee for all r epairs – you have nothing to l ose. • Low hourly rate. • M ost re p airs carried o ut in your home, if not the computer w ill be p icked up fr om and deliver ed back to you. • P r oblems w ith W indows / A pplications / Games / Inter net / networks fixed . • Friendly training and i nstruction available in plain English. • U pgrades of har dwar e and softwar e carried out . • P r event childr en viewing i nappr opriate inter net sites.


The Harpenden Seniors Forum is coordinating its very own International Day of Older People event to coincide with the UN International Day of Older People. The event is planned as a national celebration of the achievements and contributions that older people make to society. Already planned for the event which takes place at the Public Halls, Southdown Road from 11.30am to 2.30pm are over 30 local and national information and trade stands, sampling of Community Meals food, cakes by Harpenden Country Market with entertainment by Batford Scottish Dancers, Harpenden Barbershop Harmony and Music by Charles Scott and much more. The event is FREE to all, so go along and enjoy being part of the community and help to combat isolation and loneliness. For further information telephone Tel: 01582 462926 or www.harpendenseniorsforum.org.

Why not attend leisure courses with Harpenden WEA?

Like to keep your brain active? Want a stimulating leisure activity to make you alert and interested in the world? The Harpenden Branch of the WEA (Workers’ Educational Association) can help. Every year it runs courses on a large number of topics. The courses start in September and January, meet for two hours a week,

and last for ten weeks. No qualifications are required to attend, and there are no exams! Learning with the WEA is a friendly, informal and enjoyable experience.

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF OLDER PEOPLE TUESDAY 1 OCTOBER 2013

Find local shops, business and community information and special offers at www.harpendendirectory.co.uk

Don’t forget to use your Loyalty Card to takeadvantage of these great offers.

Courses starting this coming autumn, or spring 2014, are:* The Lost Gardens of

Hertfordshire* China: Its History &

Civilisation* Russia Since 1900* German Opera* Shakespeare in Music* An Introduction to Japanese Art* Piero della Francesca &

Caravaggio* The English Scene in Literature

* Odd Women: Literature in the late 19th & early 20th Centuries

* Current Affairs* Introduction to the

Chemical World

There are also two one day courses (on Saturdays):* History of London’s

Underground* Defeat of the Spanish

Armada

The courses meet in the Harpenden Trust Centre, 90 Southdown Road, Harpenden, AL5 1PS. There is a break for the Harpenden schools half term.The first course starts on Tuesday 17th September, and many courses start the following week, so get your application off soon! If you would like more details about the courses in Harpenden, visit www.weaharpenden.org.uk, or contact the Hon Sec, R W Spence, 16 Greenacres, Leverstock Green, Hemel Hempstead, HP2 4NA; Telephone: 01442 254375; email: [email protected]

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SO HOW IS NHS 111 DOING IN HERTFORDSHIRE?

It may surprise you to know that Hertfordshire’s NHS 111 service has been operating very successfully

since October 2012. The service is provided by Herts Urgent Care (HUC) a not-for profit organisation which has also been providing Hertfordshire’s Out of Hours GP Service since 2008.

“What if my husband wakes in the night with unexplained leg pain?” or, “my wife falls in the shower on Saturday morning and hurts her arm?” These cases demand medical advice, but to be fair, might not require a 999 ambulance call; so, what do you do?

Over the early May bank holiday weekend, Hertfordshire’s NHS 111 service took almost 4000 such calls with around 1400 hundred of those coming within a single day; the number of monthly calls average around 30,000.

One patient using the service over the May bank holiday weekend described their experience as a “gold standard service all round”. Dr Keith Hodge and Dr Vishen Ramkisson are GP’s in Hertfordshire; they said, “The 111 service has received some poor publicity in the national media recently. This is a great shame as the Hertfordshire service that launched in October 2012 is working very well

and has not encountered the problems so vividly described elsewhere. The local service is robust, well established and coping in a timely manner with all the demands placed upon it. We would like to take this opportunity to assure local people that 111 in Hertfordshire remains the number of choice for urgent and out of hours medical care”.

NHS 111 makes it easier for you to access local health services. If you live in or are visiting Hertfordshire, you can call 111 when you need medical help fast, but it is not a 999 emergency.On calling 111 you will be assessed by a member of the Hertfordshire team of fully trained call advisors and clinicians; they will assess your symptoms, give advice, and direct you straight away to the local service that can help you best. That could be a late opening pharmacist, community nurse, an out of hours GP, a minor injuries unit, an urgent care centre or an A&E department.You can ring the 111 number 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Calls from landlines and mobile phones are FREE.Please be assured, if it turns out that you do need an ambulance, one can be despatched as quickly as if you called 999. You can find out more at about the service by logging on to www.nhs.uk/111

Harpenden Youth Town Council has finished their year with a flourish. Exciting work has been delivered in the past three months with our participation in Discovery Day raising money for our nominated Charity “Young Minds”. Roadshows in local schools were a huge success with many young people visiting the stand showing a genuine interest in the work that we do with a keenness to support events and get involved in future ideas. In fact we have recruited new Youth Town Councillors as a result and from our last Forum article we have received positive interest in joining so good news all round.

The Youth Town Council was also delighted to deliver its’ Summer Activities Discount Scheme. Working with Leisure Connection, Jolie of Harpenden, Harpenden Cycles and Youth Connexions we arranged activities at discounted rates for young people to participate in during the Summer Holidays, for example swimming, use of the gym, file & polish, bike maintenance and dance workshops. It is hoped that this could become a permanent scheme with more partners signing up. The scheme also fully aligns with the County Youth Council Herts 1125 priorities so the profile of the Youth Town Council is ever growing.

The opening of the Youth Centre in the High Street (above the Library) has been a key moment. Youth Town Councillors were Ambassadors at the launch updating Councillors, Senior Officers and local Community representatives on the excellent work being carried out in the town and promoting ideas for future improvements. The Youth Town Council will be working closely with the Youth Centre and supporting its programme to deliver activities chosen by young people for young people.

We now look forward to a new year, elections take place at the end of September from which a new action plan will be developed to reflect the aspirations of young people in the town. We look forward to promoting ourselves and becoming involved with local Town events such at the Christmas Carnival and wider county/national initiatives such as Local Democracy week.

Exciting times are ahead and we would welcome more young people to get involved. The meetings are monthly for about an hour and a half and you could make a real difference. If your not sure get in touch at [email protected] and we will happily talk with you or simply pop along to a future meeting to see what we do and how we do it. We look forward to meeting you.

Finally we would like to extend our best wishes and sincere thanks to outgoing Chair Ciara Scott who is off to University.

YOUTH TOWN COUNCIL

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HARDYNGE CHOIR

After the very successful performance of Elijah in St Albans Abbey in 2011, the Hardynge Choir as a constituent member of the St Albans St Cecilia Festival Society, are again participating in this years 2013 Festival on Saturday 26th October at 7.30pm. For this years performance, Musical Directorship of the Festival passes to Bjorn Bantock, conductor of the St Albans Symphony Orchestra and promises to be another outstanding musical evening with the tonal orchestral work by Oliver Messiaen The Ascension, followed by Brahms A German Requiem.

Tickets £25, £20, £15 reserved and £8 unreserved with restricted view. £1 for accompanied children. Box Office Tel: 0845 4751664.

Davenport House Patient Group

THE ESSENTIAL GUIDETO THE HEALTH GALAXY

You, your childrenand their health

Health Fair, September 28th 2013

10.00 - 2.00pmHarpenden Public Hall

1993-2013

20years

Independent Optometrists and Contact Lens Practitioners

tel: 01582 712845www.skyes.co.uk

1 Bowers Parade, Harpenden, Herts, AL5 2SH

Designer frames & sunglasses Full contact lens service Glaucoma screening Retinal photography

Vision related dyslexia assessments

SkyeOptometrists


National charity Hearing Dogs for Deaf People are desperately seeking volunteers to train their loveable puppies in Harpenden and the surrounding area. The Charity currently have over 800 working partnerships between deaf people and hearing dogs across the UK – and are now hoping to attract new and enthusiastic volunteers in Harpenden and across Hertfordshire.The new catchment area for volunteer puppy socialisers will include most of Hertfordshire as well as some additional Buckinghamshire and Cambridgeshire towns.Along with support from the Charity’s training team, volunteer puppy socialisers play a vital role in the successful training of a hearing dog. Volunteers teach their puppy basic obedience skills while also introducing them to all the different people and environments that they will need to become comfortable with in their future career as a hearing dog.Charlotte Peters, Media and Campaigns Manager at Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, says “We could not possibly continue our work without the support of our kind hearted volunteers. By searching for new volunteers in the Hertfordshire area, we hope that many more people will relish the opportunity to train one of our adorable and potentially life-changing puppies”. “Not only is training a puppy heaps of fun, but that puppy may then go on to become a fully-fledged hearing dog and change the life of a deaf person. Hearing dogs give new levels of independence, confidence and companionship to a deaf person and help to remove some of the loneliness and isolation that deafness can bring.”As a non-government funded organisation, Hearing Dogs for Deaf People relies on the support of its volunteer network to ensure the demand for its life-changing service is met. Hearing dogs transform deaf people’s lives by alerting their recipient to important household sounds and danger signals such as the alarm clock, doorbell and smoke alarm in the

home, at work and in public buildings.Puppies are placed with their volunteer socialiser at around eight weeks of age and will work with them at home for around a year, before they return to the Charity for a 16-week advance sound work course at one of Hearing Dogs’ two national training centres. They are then matched with a deaf recipient and will go on to transform that person’s life. Since the Charity was launched in 1982, over 1,750 partnerships between hearing dogs and deaf people have been created. Volunteers receive full financial support from the Charity plus regular home visits and support from the Hearing Dogs for Deaf People puppy socialising training team. The Charity also supplies all food, bedding, toys and equipment, as well as covering vet bills. Hearing Dogs for Deaf People can arrange holiday cover for puppies when necessary.Volunteers should be at least 18-years-old, based at home for the majority of the day and be able to ensure that any potential puppy is not left alone on a frequent basis. For more information on becoming a puppy socialiser for Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, go to: www.hearingdogs.org.uk or call 01844 348100.

HEARING DOGS FOR DEAF PEOPLE Calls For Life-Changing Volunteers In Harpenden

INFORMATION DOCUMENTSThe Town Council has a requirement to produce certain documents. These documents are approved by Council and are available on the Council’s website. Copies are also available in the Town Hall.

PUBLIC AND STATUTORY DOCUMENTS:www.harpenden.gov.uk/documents/public-and-statutory

ANNUAL REPORT 2012/2013sets out the performance and achievements during 2012/2013. It also incorporates the key targets that the Town Council aim to achieve in 2013/2014 which reflect the policies and priorities of the Council.

POLICY STATEMENT 2013/2014 this document, which includes Statements for all the Standing Committees of the Council, reflects the declared policies and statement of intent in delivering services of the Town Council.

FINANCIAL AND TRANSPARENCY DOCUMENTSwww.harpenden.gov.uk/documents/financial

ANNUAL RETURN 2012/2013which summarises the Town Council’s transactions for 2012/2013 and includes it’s Annual Governance Statement. They are prepared in accordance with the required code of practice and accounting standards for smaller local authorities. At the time of going to print this document was an unaudited statement.

BUDGET 2013/2014which sets out the budgets for the service areas and the precept for the Town Council. Further details were provided in the March edition of Forum.

MOTORSTORES


EAST HARPENDEN GARDENING CLUBIf you have ever fancied trying your hand at gardening and are interested in fresh air and even fresher food, you could choose to rent one of Harpenden’s allotment plots.Everyone has an image in their minds of glorious sunshine and gorgeous plentiful crops. Before you rush headlong into paying out rentals and buying tools and other necessary items ask yourself the following questions.

1. Do I enjoy gardening, especially digging.2. Can I happily spend a couple of hours digging over the

ground and get some satisfaction from seeing a nice freshly turned over, weed free area.

3. Do I have at least four hours per week to spend on the allotment, at certain times of year probably six to eight hours.

4. Can I easily get myself and equipment back and forth to the site.

If the answers are Yes then come along and see the sites and plots available in the East of Harpenden and we will be pleased to talk to you. Society members are happy to meet with anyone interested in taking on an allotment to discuss their individual plans and requirements and offer advice. We are now approaching the best time to take on an allotment, Autumn not Spring. Like all activities and projects, preparation is the key to success. Autumn is the time to get the plot dug over, manure and fertilisers etc applied so that when Spring arrives you are ready to sow and plant. Even in the midst of Winter when conditions are right, if the ground is relatively dry and there are no icy winds blowing, you will find there are jobs to get on with on a crisp cold day, you will soon get warm and you may have company. Jack Longdon Chairman (East Harpenden Garden Society). For further details about obtaining an allotment please contact Phil Batchelor on Tel: 01582 462866 or email: [email protected]

ALLOTMENTS

The Griffith family

SOUTH HARPENDEN ALLOTMENTS AND GARDENING SOCIETYPlotholders, the Griffith family who have an allotment at the Dark Lane site were asked about their experiences of having an allotment.

Where is your allotment and how long have you rented it?Dark Lane, 4 years

What is your favourite thing about having an allotment? Watching how things grow with not too much effort and of course eating/sharing all the rewards!

What is the best vegetable growing tip you’ve picked up and where did it come from?Pick off the tips of broad beans to prevent black fly taking over your crop.

What is your favourite fruit or vegetable to grow on the allotment?Sweetcorn as they are easy but impressive

Have you got a tasty allotment recipe to share?I made a courgette, pea and broadbean salad at the weekend that was quite tasty. The recipe can be found here… www.easyrecipescooking.com/Main-Ingerdient/broad-bean-butter-bean-courgette-pea-and-feta-salad/

What items or tools could you not do without on the plot? Fork, spade, trowel, small fork, dibber and slug pellets!

What was your biggest or most embarrassing allotment hiccup?Not really doing much with it last year (we had our second child on the way) as it resembled overgrown scrubland – we were surprised we did not get a letter telling us to tidy it up!

If you had one piece of advice for an allotment beginner, what would it be?We were always told ‘do a bit at a time’, its good advice as then you really enjoy it and it does not become laborious, also don’t be afraid to try growing different things and asking others for advice!

EAST HARPENDEN GARDENING CLUBBATFORD, opposite Holcroft RoadRIVERSIDE, off Lower Luton RoadPICKFORD HILL, off Lower Luton RoadMARQUIS LANE, off Station RoadCRABTREE LANE, off Crabtree LaneWESTFIELD, off Westfield Road

SOUTH HARPENDEN ALLOTMENTS AND GARDENS SOCIETYALDWICKBURY, off Dark LaneHARPENDEN RISE, off Luton RoadCROSS LANE, off Welbeck RiseTOPSTREET WAY, off Topstreet WaySIBLEY AVENUE, off Grove RoadHEATH CLOSE, off Southdown Road

OAKLEY ROAD, off Grove RoadCHURCHFIELD, entrance from Somerfield Supermarket car park.PIGGOTTSHILL, off Grove Road

For further details about obtaining an allotment please contact Mr Chris Overton on Tel: 01582 765744 or email: [email protected]


CHRISTMAS IS COMING!

HARPENDEN CHRISTMAS CARNIVAL Sunday 24 NovemberThis year’s event will once again be held in conjunction with the monthly Farmers Market. With the event running from 12 noon to 5.00pm, the Farmers Market running from 12 noon to 6.00pm, stage acts on the stage area at Church Green from 1.00pm and the main event of the switching on of the Christmas Lights from the stage at 5.00pm. In all the fun don’t forget to witness the arrival of the Town Mayor and celebrities processing along the High Street at 3.00pm and pay Santa a visit at his Grotto at Thompsons Close.

SOUTHDOWN’S CHRISTMAS LIGHTSAre to be switched on at 6.00pm on Friday 29 November with live music, children’s fairground rides and a Christmas Fair and Batford’s Christmas lights are to be switched on at 5.30pm on Sunday 1 December. Why not extend the Christmas fun by visiting these lighting up events too.

Effective Solutions for IndividualsCall 01582 765111 or visit www.taylorwalton.co.ukOffices at: Luton, Harpenden & St Albans

Your family matters

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Harpenden Forum 1/2 Page

TOWN COUNCIL MEETINGSare held in the Town Hall or Park Hall in Leyton Road at 7.30pm. Members of the public are very welcome to attend all Council meetings.

FULL COUNCIL MEETINGSMonday 30 September – Town Hall, Leyton Road

Monday 25 November – Town Hall, Leyton Road

For a full list of Council meetings please see the notice boards in the Town, visit the website: www.harpenden.gov.uk or contact Harpenden Town Council on Tel: 01582 768278. If you would like to raise a question at any Council meeting, please contact the Town Clerk.

CIRCULATION The Forum Newsletter is distributed to 12,500 homes and businesses throughout Harpenden.

TOWN COUNCILIf you would like to contribute to the content of the next issue of Forum (December 2013), please write to Heather Scott at the Town Hall at the address below or e-mail: [email protected] by 14 October 2013.If you wish to raise any matters concerning the Harpenden area, this can be done by contacting the Town Hall at the address on the end of this page.The Town Council Office and the Information Point in Leyton Road are open between 10.00am to 4.00pm Monday to Friday. Tel: 01582 768278. Email: [email protected] with the Town Clerk at other times by appointment.Forum Editor: John Bagshaw, Town Clerk.

Whilst every effort was made to ensure the information in this newsletter was correct at the time of going to print, the Town Council cannot accept legal responsibility for any errors, omissions, nor can they accept responsibility for advert content, or of the standing of advertisers or by the editorial contributions.

Town Mayor Councillor Rosemary FarmerDeputy Town Mayor Councillor Mary MaynardNORTH WARD John Chamberst. 01582 715550

James Newnst. 07753 618106 e. [email protected] Pawlet. 01582 620617 e. [email protected] Weavert. 01582 713128 e. [email protected] WARDBrian Ellist. 01582 767621 e. [email protected] Rachel Frosht. 07790 757306 e. [email protected] Kentt. 01582 764161 e. [email protected] Thomast. c/o 01582 768278

EAST WARDMichael Ellist. 01582 462630 e. [email protected] Farmert. 01582 712076 e. [email protected] Maynardt. 07774 783509 e. [email protected] Vincentt. 01582 624846 e. [email protected] WARD Daniel Chichester–Miles t. c/o 01582 768278 e. [email protected] Simon Leadbeatert. 07833 308750 e. [email protected] Linacret. 01582 766245 e. [email protected] Williamst. 07733 225464 e. [email protected]

HARPENDEN NORTHJulie Bellt. 01582 624714 e. [email protected] Pawlet. 01582 620617 e. [email protected] Turnert. 01582 769882 e. [email protected] EASTRosemary Farmert. 01582 712076 e. [email protected] Russellt. 07801 750720 e. [email protected] Wakelyt. 01582 764688 e. [email protected] SOUTHBrian Ellist. 01582 767621 e. [email protected] Heritaget. 01582 761014 e. [email protected] David Heritaget. 01582 761014 e. [email protected] WESTMichael Weavert. 01582 713128 e. [email protected] Chichester-Milest. c/o 01727 819281 e. [email protected] Dalyt. 01582 715645 e. [email protected] Albans District Council t. 01727 866100

COUNTY COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES

NORTH EASTDavid Williamst. 07733 225464 e. [email protected] WEST Teresa Heritaget. 01582 761014 e. [email protected]

HARPENDEN TOWN COUNCILLORS 2013/2014

DISTRICT COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES


Harpenden Town Council, Town Hall, Leyton Road, Harpenden, Herts. AL5 2LXTel: 01582 768278 Fax: 01582 760026E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.harpenden.gov.ukExtra free copies of Forum are available from the Library or the Town Hall.

HARPENDEN TOWN COUNCIL

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SEPTEMBERSaturday 7- Thursday 29 HERTS VISUAL ARTS OPEN STUDIOS - Twenty-six Harpenden and District Artists are opening 19 separate studios as part of this annual county-wide event. From drawing to painting, print-making to photography, textiles to ceramics and glass, there’s something for everyone. New this year: Harpenden and District Art Trail, including children’s ‘Treasure Hunt’. Website: http://www.hvaf.org.uk

Tuesday 10HARPENDEN HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY – Sally Gregson speaking on ‘’Ornamental Vegetables’’, on 8 October Lila Das Gupta speaking on ‘’An Evening of Perfumed Gardens’’ and on 12 November Mary Lynch speaking on ‘’ Plants and People in Southern Greece ‘’ all at Roundwood Park School at 8.00pm. Visitors welcome and for further information telephone Roger Marshall Tel: 01582 761222 or visit their website: www.harpendenhorticulturalsociety.org

Saturday 21CANCER RESEARCH UK – “Big Breakfast” at the Old Cock Inn, High Street at 8.30am to 11.00am. Tickets £6.50. For further info Tel: 01582 765210.

Tuesday 24HARPENDEN AND DISTRICT LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY – meeting led by Jon Mein on “From Pint Pot to Coffee Pot” at Harpenden Public Halls at 8.00pm. Parking at rear of halls. For further information telephone Diana Parrott on Tel: 01582 764359 or visit: www.harpenden-history.org.uk

Thursday 26HARPENDEN EVENING FLORAL GROUP - Charles Barnard presents ‘The Work of Natures Hands” and on 24 October Jane Ellis presents ‘Mornings of Mist”. Both to be held at All Saints Church Hall, Station Road at 7.30pm. New members very welcome. Visitors £5.

OCTOBERTuesday 1HARPENDEN FLORAL DECORATION CLUB – floral demonstration by Rayna Shiach entitled “Happy Holidays” and on 5 November floral demonstration by Melanie Harris entitled “Christmas Advent-ure”. At the Harpenden Public Halls at 2.00pm. Visitors very welcome. For further details Tel: 01582 621757

Tuesday 1 OctoberINTERNATIONAL DAY OF OLDER PEOPLE - to coincide with the UN International Day of Older People, event with trade and informational stands, food sampling, music and dancing. Public Halls, Southdown Road from 11.30am to 2.30pm. Entry is FREE. For further information please Tel: 01582 462926 or visit www.harpendenseniorsforum.org.

Saturday 19NCT NEARLY NEW SALE – Items for sale include baby and toddler equipment, maternity wear, children’s and baby clothes, toys and books and much more. At the Public Halls, Southdown Road. (early access at 9.30am for members with membership card) 9.45am to 11.15am. No pushchairs allowed into the public halls on the day of the sale. www.nct.org.uk

Tuesday 22HARPENDEN AND DISTRICT LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY – meeting led by Nigel McMurray on “Frank Salisbury – Stained Glass Artist and Designer” held at Harpenden Public Halls at 8.00pm. Parking at rear of halls. For further information telephone Diana Parrott on Tel: 01582 764359 or www.harpenden-history.org.uk

Thursday 24HARPENDEN SOCIETY - meeting to discuss the new Library facilities in the High Street (speaker to be confirmed). To be held at Park Hall, Leyton Road, Harpenden starting at 7:30pm, light refreshments will be served beforehand. There is no admission charge. For further details visit www.harpendensociety.org.

Saturday 26FIELD OF REMEMBRANCE - The Harpenden Branch of The Royal British Legion will be launching the Harpenden Poppy Appeal 2013 at War Memorial, Church Green at 11.00am with the Field of Remembrance. All welcome. Tel: 01582 763736

NOVEMBERSunday 10REMEMBRANCE DAY SERVICE – Parade from Royal British Legion, Leyton Road starting at 10.40am processing to War Memorial, Church Green for 10.50am service.

Thursday 14HARPENDEN EVENING FLORAL GROUP - Carola Kean presents a Christmas Demonstration entitled “Christmas Clutter”. Tickets £15 includes glass of wine and nibbles to be held at Harpenden Public Hall 7.00pm for 7.45pm. Enquiries Tel: 01582 761277 or 01582 873196

Friday 15 to Sunday 17HARPENDEN ARTS CLUB – The 55th Exhibition will take place at the Southdown Hall at the Harpenden Public Halls from 10.00am until 6.00pm on Friday and Saturday and from 10.00am until 4.00pm on Sunday. For further information visit www.harpendenartsclub.org.uk

Sunday 24CHRISTMAS CARNIVAL – running from 12 noon to 6.00pm with lights switch on at 5.00pm, stage acts at Church Green from 1.00pm. Santa’s Grotto at Thompsons Close, Farmers Market stalls, charity stalls and much more. For further details visit www.harpenden.gov.uk

Tuesday 29HARPENDEN AND DISTRICT LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY – meeting led by Redbourn Local History Society on “Films of Old Harpenden” at Harpenden Public Halls at 8.00pm. Parking at rear of halls. For further information telephone Diana Parrott on Tel: 01582 764359 or www.harpenden-history.org.uk

Friday 29SOUTHDOWN LIGHTS SWITCH ON – Lights switch on at 6.00pm. Shops opening late and other entertainment. For further details visit www.harpenden.gov.uk

DECEMBERSunday 1BATFORD LIGHTS SWITCH ON – Lights switch on at 5.30pm. Children’s fairground and other entertainment. For further details visit www.harpenden.gov.uk.

Tuesday 3HARPENDEN FLORAL DECORATION CLUB – floral demonstration by National Demonstrator Pat Dibben entitled “Winter Solstice”. At the Harpenden Public Halls at 2.00pm. Visitors very welcome. For further details Tel: 01582 621757.

WHAT’S ONDON’T MISS A THING!

PARK HALL, LEYTON ROAD AVAILABLE FOR HIRE

IDEAL VENUE FOR CHILDREN’S PARTIES/DISCOS, MEETINGS, CHRISTENINGS, DINNER/DANCES, WEDDING RECEPTIONS, QUIZ NIGHTS, SALES, TRADE FAIRS AND ALL OTHER EVENTSThe hall includes a fully equipped kitchen, disabled toilet with baby changing facilities, portable stage

and private car park to rear. Fully accessible to disabled users.For further details please contact Harpenden Town Council on Tel: 01582 768115

Email: [email protected] or web: www.harpenden.gov.uk

forum - harpenden...st albans district. the group meets twice a week on wednesdays and fridays...

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