September 2014
Piccotts End iron man Graham Witham has officially become a Guinness World Record-holder. Graham, who lives in Mill Close, was a part of the oldest crew to row the Atlantic last year and has just received his certificate from Guinness World Records. You can find out more about his exploits here.
July 2014
Piccotts End musician Professor Timothy Blinko has gained an important new ally in his battle against a proposed new building at the rear of the Mediaeval Cottages. Prof Blinko, who lives with this family in the house adjoining the cottages, believes the new house will loom over the cottages in a way that badly jars with their historic context.
July 2014
PERA chairman Dave Stanier and his wife Margaret have celebrated their golden wedding anniversary with a party for family and friends. The couple, who are one of the village’s longest standing residents, were sent a card of congratulations on behalf of the residents’ association. ‘It must be something in the air at Piccotts End because we’ve spent 45 of those 50 years in the village,’ said Dave.
July 2014
Once again the sun shone on the PERA summer garden party. ‘It was a wonderful occasion and everyone had a great time’ said a delighted Annette Harrison, who organised the event with her team of helpers who included husband Paul and son Leon.
May 2014
Villagers have sent ‘get well soon’ messages to Professor Stanley Hartland who has recently come out of hospital. Stanley, pictured here in his days as a chemical engineer, is the husband of PERA committee member Ena and on behalf of all in the village we send her and Stanley our very best wishes.
April 2014
Three Piccotts End houses have been broken into and valuables stolen. The burglars struck during the morning when the owners were not at home. They are believed to have kept a low profile by parking away from the houses so as not to arouse suspicion. Police are investigating.
March 2014
Come and join us! That’s the invitation from Little Gaddesden Bowls and Croquet Club, who have launched a campaign to extend membership to 100. Club captain Alun March has written to PERA saying residents are welcome to come and try their hand. Click here for more details.
March 2014
A campaign to turn the site of Piccotts End’s rare 15th century murals into a museum has been launched by Dacorum Heritage Trust. The Trust’s campaign manager Mark Stephens said: ‘The murals are unique survivors of national importance. It is imperative they are saved.’ Anyone interested in contributing to the museum fund should call DHT on 01442 879525 or email info@dacorumheritage.org.uk
January 2014
Village newcomer Deirdre O’Donohoe received a warm welcome by all attending the 12th Night drinks party at the Marchmont Arms.
December 2013
December gales brought down a large tree in the village, blocking the entrance to a house and damaging an old brick wall. The trunk fell across 158 Piccotts End, narrowly missing overhead powerlines. Fortunately no one was hurt but one of the brick piers bordering the entrance took the full force of the fall and broke off.