March 2012
Will Dell has been building brick walls man and boy so he seemed an ideal choice to repair the wall which borders Piccotts End Road down to the Link Road roundabout. The brick and flint wall dates back around 200 years but has been allowed to fall into disrepair. Knowing that our cash-strapped local authority wouldn’t be interested in restoring it, I
February 2012
Very sad to learn of the death of PERA chairman Robin Corbett. As Lord Corbett of Castlevale and Hemel’s former MP he was one of politics’ most influential characters but to all of us in Piccotts End he was plain Robin, always friendly, helpful and concerned. When we first moved here nearly 10 years ago he was among the first to give us a warm
January 2012
It was good to see so many residents at the 12th night drinks party, especially as there was some confusion over the date. I have to take some of the blame here as my research convinced me it was January 5th. Afterall, if the first day of Christmas is December 25th then the 12th day is January 5th. Apparently it doesn’t work like that. 12th night is
December 2011
I’d love to know who’s responsible for turning the piece of land bordering Beechwood Lane (on the way to Markyate) into a tip. They should be put in the stocks and pelted with rotten tomatoes! This used to be a pretty lane with green verges and pristine hedges. But then the owner of the land on the south side allowed it be used as a site for storing
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