March 2021
Villagers haven been warned to watch out for strange markings that might be a signal to dog-snatchers. There have been a spate of thefts during the pandemic and one trick used by culprits is to leave a mark in bright coloured paint on a tree or bush outside a house where there is a dog.
February 2021
New streets lights have been installed in the village but they are not to everyone’s liking. The low energy LED lights are meant to be more environmentally friendly than the old halogen variety. However one resident says they are much brighter than the old ones and are staying on longer.
‘I do hope they eventually go out, as they have stayed on all night since they changed them,’ said Carly Smith at the Boar’s Head. ‘Not good for light pollution and the wildlife.
‘I have to say prefer the old ones.’
February 2021
Once upon a time Hemel Old Town was bustling with people and alive with shops selling everything from fruit and veg to furniture. Today it’s a ghost town, empty, desolate and looking like something out of The War of the Worlds or The Day of the Triffids. But on our daily walk this week I espied a glimmer of light. Up ahead was a colourful stall displaying apples, oranges, carrots and tomatoes to name a few.
February 2021
A plan for 400 houses on the other side of the Leighton Buzzard Road has been received by Dacorum Council. Documents lodged with the planning dept show a large development between Galley Hill and the Pumping Station.
Residents Association secretary Michael Nidd says the plan is not a planning application but a ‘scoping document’ to test the temperature. In other words, how will the council and local residents react to it.
‘It’s currently grazing land, and would, if granted, further encircle Piccotts End,’ said Mr Nidd. ‘It’s a stinker.’
January 2021
New arrivals in Piccotts End are never more welcome than when they come in a little bundle of joy! So we offer our warmest congratulations to Kate and Ian Keevil of Wall Cottage, proud parents of baby Phoebe. She was born in October and her mum has already labelled her ‘a little rascal’! We believe she is the first village baby in at least a decade. At last some cheering news on these grey days of lockdown.
January 2021
Dacorum has recently published details of its new local plan, part of which will have far-reaching consequences for Piccotts End.
Michael Nidd, our residents’ association secretary, is urging everyone who wishes to make their feelings known during the consultation process to do so before the closing date of February 28th.
December 2020
Happy new year everyone. 2020 has given everyone plenty of time for reflection. What have we learned to value from such a dreadful year? Counting our blessings might be one. Sue Leach and her husband Michael, pictured here, have lived in the village for nearly 20 years. I was chatting to Sue last week about the community spirit she and her Riverbank neighbours showed in ringing bells on Christmas Eve. ‘We do have a great sense of community here and lovely neighbours at Riverbank. After our Christmas celebrations Michael said to me “why would we ever think about moving away from here?”
December 2020
A warm welcome to Sam and Andy Ramsden who have just moved to the village. They are the new owners of Astley House, No 138, previously owned by Tim & Julia Blinko. Sam is a barrister and Andy is a solicitor and they come to Piccotts End from south London via roots in South Africa. ‘We’re looking forward to getting to know everyone in the village and the area better as we are newcomers to Hertfordshire, although I have family close by in Bucks’ Sam told us.
December 2020
It was Christmas with a difference, but residents found novel ways of celebrating despite the Coronavirus lockdown. Following a Christmas Eve ringing of bells, at 11am on Christmas morning many tuned in to a virtual carol recital performed by our musicians Jane McClelland and Simon Lillystone. Hark the Herald Angels Sing and O Little Town of Bethlehem rang out across a dozen homes with residents joining in the festive spirit.
December 2020
Piccotts End was a picture of lights and echoed to the ring of bells on Christmas Eve. Determined not to let Covid ruin the festive season, villagers pulled out all the stops on decking homes with some amazing displays of twinkling lights and illuminated reindeer. And at 6pm Riverbank residents, accompanied by Holly Cross at Piccotts End Farm, rang bells and made merry. Annette Harrison, social secretary of the Residents Association and a Riverbank resident, said ‘Everyone has made special effort to brighten up their homes for Christmas and the bell-ringing made for a great atmosphere. I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas.’