November 2011
Berkhamsted’s climb up the culinary ladder continues. I heard last week that Raymond Blanc will soon be joining the likes of Chez Gerard, Villagio, the King’s Arms and the Gatsby. Fantastic! I’ve been to M. Blanc’s more famous establishment, Le Manoir, a couple of times. It is a very special experience, and not just for your wallet! Let’s hope
October 2011
Reading James Hannaway’s latest Rants & Pants in the Rex Cinema programme about the closure of Berkhamsted Post Office (now an M&S but the post box still remains) reminded me of one of the best days of my life. Back in the early 1960s I became addicted to postal betting. In those days you could place a bet by post as long as it was time-
September 2011
The Moor End Road saga has hit the national headlines for trapping 17,000 unsuspecting motorists and raking in more than £600,00 in fines in less than a month. Before I knew it, I also became a victim. Yes I saw all the signs warning of
August 2011
End of the road for the Boar’s Head, or as it was affectionately known, the Whore’s Bed. It’s always sad to see the passing of a hostelry that’s been there for more than 100 years but the reality is that pint-sized Piccotts End couldn’t sustain a pub in today’s economic climate. There’s always the excellent Crown & Sceptre a mile down the road at
July 2011
Well done to Shirley Hall Florists in Hemel Old Town for providing not only a colourful addition to the High Street but a teashop into the bargain. We called there one Saturday afternoon and it was a treat to sit down amongst all the flowers and perfumes and be served an excellent cup of tea with a delicious coffee and walnut cake. With the Old Town’s other
June 2011
I see Dacorum Council have painted the hill road from Berkhamsted to Potten End with hideous yellow lines. Why don’t they just ban parking along the whole length of the hill with a notice at either end instead of defacing a pleasant country road. Here in Piccotts End we try to keep the place looking attractive with plantings under the village signs. The only problem is that plants need water. I’ve
May 2011
I’m sure there is a sort of Room 101 at The Rex Cinema, Berkhamsted, where a phone constantly rings and no one answers it. We have invited some friends for the weekend and have promised them a visit to our renowned local cinema. The problem is that we are in France the weekend the tickets go on sale and so a special plan is put in place.
April 2011
I must try to keep my blog more up to date. I’m writing this two months in arrears and I’m struggling to recall even May let alone April. But yes, I remember a late frost that has caused havoc in the garden. Re-reading a post last year about my apricot tree not producing any fruit, I’m now beginning to see why. Apricot trees flower before peaches and if you’re
March 2011
Plans are afoot to make the Old Town one way. Apparently it will cost £1.3 million. I suppose it will improve safety and make the area more attractive but why don’t they go all the way and pedestrianise it? Apparently shopkeepers are against the idea because they fear it will deter drivers because there will be nowhere to park. But that’s not borne out
March 2011 A new one-way system has been announced for the Old Town. I hope it brings the improvement to amenities that the area needs. The Old Town is caught in a vicious circle of boarded up shops and lack of investment. I can’t see a one-way system making matters much better. It’s tinkering…