October 2021
Calling all budding writers! The village Book Club is holding a short story event in which all residents are invited to take part. It’s not a competition, just a chance for anyone who thinks they could tell a good tale to put their words into action. Entries should be between 500 and 5000 words and written under a pen name.
October 2021
An eye-catching arrangement of garden flowers garnished with tomatoes triumphed in the village’s first ever Harvest Festival. Carly Smith, of the Boar’s Head, won the accolade by impressing the guest judge, Ena Hartland of the Old Mill with her original creation pictured here. Villagers made the most of a sunny afternoon to admire and taste the many entries on view, From plum jam and home-made scones topped with cream and raspberry jam to blackberry vodka and rhubarb gin, residents showed plenty of spirit! Alongside Carly’s win, Ena also voted Bob & Liz Chendlik’s ‘country yokel’ as the pick of the scarecrows.
October 2021
The village scarecrow festival has been a great success. All sorts of wonderful creations have appeared on walls and garden gates. From a fisherman at Riverbank to Sederick the Boar at the Boar’s Head, they have brightened up our days for the past couple of weeks. And remarkably few crows have been spotted. Photos of all the entries are now in the Gallery (together with several from the recent summer garden party). The winner will be announced at Saturday’s Harvest Festival event (2pm-4pm) at the paddock opposite No 62.
September 2021
From cassoulet and quiche to raspberry roulade and apricot cake, the village’s cooks created some tasty treats for the Safari Supper. Twenty residents switched between houses to spring a surprise on their hosts, and vice versa, in a merry-go-round of mouthwatering menus. The popular event ended at the home of Margaret Stanier with delicious desserts and animated chatter. The verdict? A most enjoyable evening. Pictured here: Madalena Borg, Mark Chapman and partner Vee.
September 2021
After what the owner described as ‘a disastrous year’ the village’s historic medieval cottages will be open on September 18th and 19th.
With all the last 12 months’ fund-raising activitues cancelled, Karen Murphy said ‘This is vital for us, as unfortuately we also did not qualify for any grants at all to help us through this crisis.
September 2021
A few small geraniums have blossomed into a fantastic splash of colour beneath the Piccotts End sign by the Marchmont Arms this summer. They were planted by Yvonne Metcalfe, who lives at nearby No 42. ‘I bought them from Aldi when they were tiny plants’ she said. ‘Now look at them!’
August 2021
Calling all cooks! The village’s popular Safari Supper is under starter’s orders. Organisers are on the lookout for households to take part in the event on the evening of Saturday September 25th. How does it work? Volunteer households will provide either a starter or main course for up to 4 other guests. You won’t know know who to expect until they arrive!
August 2021
The twice postponed Garden Party didn’t let another drizzly day dampen spirits. In fact the skies brightened as the village’s music talent took to the stage. Jane McClelland , Simon Lilystone and Paul Borg entertained picnickers with a medley of classical and contemporary songs and tunes. There was also fun and games in the form of Tin Can Alley and Hoopla as residents chatted and exchanged village news. The oldest guest was Ena Hartland, who recently celebrated her 90th birthday, and the youngest, one-year-old Phoebe, daughter of Ian and Kate Keevil. Watch the video highlights here.
August 2021
Residents can breathe a sigh of relief with the news that Dacorum’s Town Plan has been delayed. The council has announced that the plan, which would surround the village with housing developments, requires further study and review before being signed off. This could take at least two years. Further details can be found here.
August 2021
The village garden party, due to take place on Saturday 7th, has been postponed. Forecasts of thundery showers have put a damper on the event and the organising committee decided it prudent to re-schedule. It will now take place on Saturday August 21st from 2pm – 6pm. All residents welcome.