October 2018
The BT Infinity box is only just down the road but some residents are reporting that their so-called high speed broadband is running at only a snail’s pace. Speeds of only 1 or 2 megabits per second are being reported in parts of the village. Residents plan to raise the subject at the next agm in March.
July 2018
Phew! What a scorcher. Words we never thought would apply to the washout that’s a typical British summer. But this year it’s been nonstop sunshine and villagers made the most of the glorious weather to enjoy the annual barbecue. Once again they were treated to a musical interlude beautifully sung by Tim & Julia Blinko, Jane McClelland and special guest Simon Lillystone.
May 2018 The Spring Brunch proved another hit with residents. Nearly 20 came to the Marchmont Arms earlier this month for a morning natter over coffee and croissants.
March 2018
Three cheers for Piccotts End resident Holly Cross! Holly ran this year’s London Marathon to raise money for Anthony Nolan, the charity which helped save the life of her son Rupert (pictured here with his mum after the big race).
Despite the heat Holly, who lives at Piccotts End Farm, completed the 26 miles in the very respectable time of 5 hours 46 minutes.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.