Author Archives: 4dm1npic0

Fed-up residents demand traffic ban

March 2018
Residents have voted in favour of seeking a rush-hour traffic ban to stop motorists using the village as a rat run. Concerns were aired at the AGM about the unacceptable number of cars clogging the village, many travelling well in excess of the 30mph speed limit. PERA’s secretary Michael Nidd will take up the matter with Hertfordshire Highways. He will ask for a ‘no entry’ sign to be erected at the entrance to the village off the Leighton Buzzard road, with the restriction limited to the rush hour. Mr Nidd pointed out that a similar sign had been erected many years ago but was removed after complaints by residents in Potten End that they had been denied a similar sign.

Mystery of the disappearing daffodils

February 2018
This year’s show of daffodils by the village sign near The Marchmont will be a bit thin on the ground. The bulbs, which were planted during the winter, were coming up nicely until the middle of February. Then they fell victim to an unkind cut. As our photo shows, they have been razed to the ground.  Dacorum Council have denied they were responsible and so have the Marchmont. So it’s a mystery that may never be solved.

Planning worries to be aired at AGM

February 2018
This year’s PERA AGM will take place on Tuesday 13th March at 110 Piccotts End at 8pm, hosted by by David and Margaret Stanier. The agenda will include a report by PERA secretary Michael Nidd on Dacorum’s development plans for the neighbourhood. If you are unable to attend the AGM and would like to raise an issue that concerns Piccotts End please email Michael at oldbakery@aol.com. If you can attend the AGM please RSVP David at stanierdavid@gmail.com a week before if possible as space is limited.

Twelfth Night is a Call to Arms!

January 2018
Residents gathered at the Marchmont Arms for one Last Hurrah of the festive season. Among the guests was village newcomer Susie Hust, who is planning to move into No 97 later in the year.

Planning threat to village – join the protest!

December 2017
New plans drawn up by Dacorum Borough Council threaten to engulf our historic village with a massive new housing development, dwarfing even the one set to be built on Marchmont Fields. PERA has drawn up a guide on how you can join the growing protest against the latest plan which would totally surround the village.

Here is what you can do, but there is not much time.

TO PROTEST YOU NEED TO ACT BY WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 13TH.

Firework fun ends the social calendar with a bang!

November 2017
It’s one of the most eagerly awaited events on the social calendar and this year’s fireworks party lived up to expectations. Despite a dismal, damp start to the day the skies cleared in time for everyone to enjoy an evening of convivial chat, fabulous food and fantastic fireworks. Special thanks to Annette and Michael who cooked up lashings of delicious soup and pork & apple rolls. Pictured here are Paul & Madalena Borg and family. More photos in the Gallery.

Thumbs up for the Safari Supper!

October 2017
This year’s Safari Supper was another big success, thanks to all the villagers who cooked up a treat for their guests. More than 20 took part, including Lynne Riley, Jonathan Culverhouse and Val Corbett, entertaining surprise guests with starters and main courses. The popular event ended at the Medieval Cottages for dessert and more social chat. Special thanks to the organisers Margaret Stanier and Carole Cohen, and to Karen Murphy and Alison Wright for the use of the cottages.

Village cheers the big race

September 2017
Villagers turned out to cheer on cyclists as the Tour of Britain zoomed through Piccotts End.  The international event, with more than 100 riders taking part including British riders Mark Cavendish and Geraint Thomas, set off from Hemel on Stage 7. The race started in the town centre, taking riders through the Old Town, along Piccotts End Road and into the village before turning right on to the main road for the 120-mile race to Cheltenham.

Sign here to stop speeding motorists

September 2017
Village resident Judy Wade is behind a new campaign to stop the increasing number of cars speeding through the village. Judy, who lives at No 95, has started a petition to hand to the Council.