June 2015
An article in the papers last week said it was a bumper year for English apricots – and the proof is here in Hertfordshire – in Piccotts End! I planted my apricot tree (bought from Ayletts in St Albans) 5 years ago and every year until now it has yielded nothing. One of the problems is that it flowers very early, in March, and the buds are killed by frost. This
July 2015
Warm, sunny weather greeted the dozens of residents who attended this year’s July 4th summer garden party at Riverbank. BBQs cooked tasty skewers of chicken and lamb, and burgers by the dozen, and when it came to the puddings everyone was spoiled for choice.
June 2015
One of the most distinctive sights in Piccotts End is Blue Gate, the rather quaint and attractive entrance to the home of Keith & Jayne Barber. While on holiday in Sicily recently we took a trip to the island of Panarea en route to see Stromboli, one of the Med’s only active volcanoes. While strolling about the pretty back streets I was delighted to
June 2015
A pair of gates which once graced the Gadebridge home of Sir Astley Paston Cooper, and thought to have been lost, have found their way to Piccotts End. The eminent 19th century surgeon lived at historic Gadebridge Park where the gates can be seen in this old photo.
June 2015
A Piccotts End resident has spent the past year working on a centenary DVD commemorating Hertfordshire’s invaluable contribution to the 1914-18 war effort. A County at War contains images of a bygone era and it’s all the work of James Dingle, who is a film editor at Elstree Studios and has been a tenant at Wyndurst while the owners are away.
April 2015
This year’s AGM was held in April. Top of the agenda was the proposed development of Marchmont Fields. Local resident & GP Dr Lynne Dyson told the meeting that while the proposal was affecting the sale of houses on the east side of Piccotts End, including her own, it was not yet a done deal.
March 2015
Back in the winter of 1963 I remember it being so cold for so long that the headmaster of Berkhamsted School made a dramatic announcement. We could all wear an extra layer of clothes to keep warm! My choice was a bright red knitted jumper which did the job but drew a few unkind comments from my more conservatively dressed classmates. 50 years
January 2015
Plans are under way to stage a Safari Supper on Saturday September 26th this year. For those unfamiliar with the format residents host a table for 4 or 6 at their home.
December 2014
Last Christmas I gave my son and his wife a voucher for lunch and a trip to the top of the Shard. There is always a sense of anticipation when opening a present and their faces lit up with delight at seeing the contents. It was more than halfway through the year and I asked if they’d enjoyed the experience. There was a pause. ‘Well actually dad, we forgot to go and the voucher has expired.’ This set me thinking about Christmas presents. It’s all about the day. An inexpensive present is as warmly
December 2014
St Mary’s Church in the Old Town was filled to capacity for the funeral of Professor Stanley Hartland, who has died at the age of 82. Stanley was a well-known figure in the village since moving with his wife Ena into the newly rebuilt Mill House in Piccotts End nearly 14 years ago. He was born on 29th October 1932 in Sheffield where his father was a baker.