Zimbabweans thank Harpenden company-see Pgs 4 & 5

The SPRING edition 2012

Harpendia brings the news you need to know, exclusively: Grants for up to £1,000 for young people in sport...How the Harpenden Trust helps local people...Save 10% and learn how to make Cupcakes...How Digital can help the Harpenden High Street...How to have a calmer

Baby and be a beautiful expectant Mum...Learn about Harpenden history.

Exclusive articles

Meet the architects who designed the Olympic stadium + Book your transport + buy the book- see pages 6 to 9

In this issue.EDITORIAL COMMENT.Pg. 2. By Ron Taylor.

QUEEN’S DIAMOND JUBILEE EVENT Pg. 3 By Ron Taylor.

THE 52nd BEST SMALL UK COMPANYPg. 4 & 5. By Ron Taylor.

OLYMPIC STADIUM ARCHITECTSPg. 6 & 7. By Ron Taylor.

LONDON 2012 GAMES MEMENTOESPg. 8.

TRAVEL BOOKINGS TO THE OLYMPICSPg. 9. By Ron Taylor.

HOW DIGITAL CAN HELP OUR HIGH STREETPg. 10, 11, & 12. By Sarah Wood.

THE HERTS COUNTY SHOW.Pg. 13.

GRANTS FOR YOUNG SPORTS PEOPLE.Pg. 14 & 15. By Ron Taylor

THE HARPENDEN TRUSTPg 16 & 17.

CUPCAKE CLASSESPg 18. By Kathy Newport.

THE GARDENING PAGEPg. 19. By Renata Rybczyk-Savage

BABY CALMPg.20. By Corinne Rooney.

BEAUTIFUL EXPECTANTPg, 21. By Renata Rybczyk-Savage

HARPENDEN HISTORYPg. 22 & 23. By Ron Taylor

CREATIVE WRITINGPg. 24. By Judi Sissons

From the Editor. Spring 2012During March I asked a number of Harpenden business owners to complete a research document about their use of digital technology.

The information gleaned gave research company SwiSh thinking the background to produce a report with news and advice on how to use digital technology to help local business become more efficient and more effective. My thanks to Sarah Wood (an ex colleague -right) and founder of SwiSh thinking. You can read this fascinating report on pages 10, 11 & 12.

I have met many local people recently each of whom has a great story to tell. It’s all here in the Spring edition. I hope you enjoy the read and find some useful information.

Ron Taylor Editor 27th April 2012.www.harpendia.com

Please contact me to air your views on any aspect of Harpenden life. info@harpendia.com

Saturday 2nd June is going to be a day to remember with a fabulous event for all the family, organised by the Harpenden Town Council.

The focal point will be on the Common opposite the Harpenden Public Halls where a circle of straw bales will surround the stage and event arena. At 11.30, the Town Mayor will officially open the event with the National Anthem played by the Harpenden Rock Choir.This will be followed by a succession of entertainments in twenty to thirty minute slots featuring local schools inc Grove Infants, Roundwood Park Jazz Band , Sir John Lawes Jazz Band, The Lea Singers, Smarty Arty, Drama groups, a Steel Band. There will be Maypole Dancing, a Tug of War, Family fun Olympics and a Punch and Judy . Around the Common will be stalls and side shows including plenty of food and drink outlets. The town centre itself will be buzzing with lots of retailers joining the celebrations as will cafes, bars and restaurants.

Bad Weather Plan .Thereʼs a contingency plan should the weather be wet and windy. All the event activity will be moved into the Harpenden Public Halls and Park Hall, so come and enjoy yourself whatever the weather.

Street PartiesThere are already 16 parties scheduled for Harpenden. So be on the look out for road closures over that weekend.

Closing date for applications to close off your road is May 1st so you will have to move very quickly if you want to apply www.hertsdirect.org/diamondjubilee.Parties can be held on June 3, 4 or 5.

Join the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations in HarpendenBy Ron Taylor. Editor

Harpenden Common Discovery DaySaturday 16 June 2012, 10am until 5pm

Harpenden Common Discovery Day is a FREE family event on Saturday 16 June 2012, running from 10am until 5pm. It’s a wonderful opportunity to find out more about Harpenden Common, nature and the environment.More details on:www.harpenden.gov.uk. www.harpendia.com

According to the latest Sunday Times 100 best small companies to work for report, Harpenden technology business, Ensoft, has moved up 18 places in this 2011 countrywide survey. I reported on their success in last years Spring edition of Harpendia so it was a great pleasure to meet their Chief Technology Officer, Simon Chatterjee again.(below)

Looking after our staffSimon informed me that the two company founders have stepped down and he and two other homegrown directors now lead the company. “We have continued our policy of looking after our staff (57 and many local) in all aspects of their well paid employment from the installation of ergonomic Herman Miller chairs to providing free healthcare, subsidised sports facilities and ‘Away Days’ like last years 3 day trip to Valencia.”

Supporting relevant CharitiesLooking after their staff and delivering top quality work for their clients isn’t the end of the story. Ensoft have helped a number of Charities in the past but now felt they should connect with a Charity that would benefit from their technology expertise. “Our charity work is not just for publicity, it is meant to make a real difference to

the recipients and comes with the full support of all the staff.”

ZubaBoxesThey have been building three £25,000 Internet Cafes, called ZubaBoxes,(above and below) for Computer Aid International this year. The basic units are sturdy shipping containers which are converted into working units with solar panels in Brighton. They are transferred to London for the final installation of PC’s, monitors and all electrical work, before being shipped to their final destinations in Zambia, Nigeria and Zimbabwe where local partners manage and maintain them, also providing training on how best to use them. They are used primarily in agriculture, teaching and medical practice.

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Ensoft in Harpenden, the 52nd best small UK company to work for.By Ron Taylor. Editor

Article concludes.For example local farmers can go online to access weather forecasts, solve crop problems and access market prices. Hospitals can get specialist advice to treat patients and order appropriate medicine. Teachers can source relevant subject matter and e-learning. All users, of course, improving their IT skills.

The first installationThe first ZubaBox ( right with local celebrations) is now installed in Zimbabwe. The UNESCO organisation that was on hand to help set it up said “it was jubilation all over from the community expressing its joy. We thank you for the job well done”. The second is traveling overland from Tanzania to Zambia, and the third in en route by sea to Nigeria.

Ensoft at workEnsoft is a leading supplier of networking software, specializing in the highly complex software that runs some of the most cutting-edge communications devices in the world.

Click on this link to see a 10 minute BBC video about one of the Zubabox prototypes: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hy6MHM8rIMs

Ensoft www.ensoft.co.uk

“It is hard to believe that my Mayoral year is coming to an end already. It has been a busy and momentous year for me and I have met many special people.

Visitors to Harpenden so often say how welcoming, attractive and vibrant our Town is. As we approach the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee we hope to make it even more so. It really is a great place to live and work in.

The Annual Meeting of the Council will take place on Monday 14 May in Park Hall, at 7.30 pm. The Meeting will include the election of the new Town Mayor and Deputy Town Mayor for 2012/13, who were nominated at a previous meeting. Members of the public are very welcome to attend.

I wish the new Town Mayor and Deputy Town Mayor every success as they take on their new roles for the coming year.”

A personal message from Town Mayor Mike Weaver to end his year in office.

The Olympic Stadium design objective‘Sustainability as the legacy’ and how it is being delivered. By Ron Taylor. Editor

Renowned British architect Professor Geraint John of Populous has been giving talks to local institutions to explain how their architectural practice solved this semantic problem on behalf of their client, the Olympic Delivery Authority. I attended his presentation on March 20th at the University of Hertfordshire and this article is a summary of his talk with some added research.

So what is sustainability and legacy? According to the ODA Board meeting minutes of Jan 25th 2007. “The best solution would be for athletics, non- Premiership football, and rugby to share the Stadium. Potential uses for the Stadium building itself had also been considered including sport and health related uses, and education and community uses, taking account of its context in the post-Olympic park.”

Developing The Olympic ParkThe process started with the first 10 milestones – known as ‘Demolish, Dig, Design’ – focused on preparing the site for the main construction of the venues and infrastructure. The second 10 were the first phase of construction ‘The Big Build: Foundations’. They focused on putting in place the foundations of the main venues and infrastructure.These were followed by the next phase – ‘The Big Build: Structures’ which

covers the actual build to completion which is where Populous became directly involved, having won the contract against fierce opposition.

Sustainability and LegacyTo meet these objectives in practical terms required using a mixture of existing buildings, some with modifications, temporary locations and new permanent buildings, but with no white elephants. Plus innovative use of materials both new and recycled.

Existing buildings - A few examples:Lords Cricket Ground will be used for ArcheryThe ExCel Conference Centre will be used for Boxing and Table TennisWembley Stadium will be one of the stadiums used for football

Temporary - A few examplesHorse Guards Parade will be used for Beach Volleyball. A temporary arena will be built, with sand brought in to create London’s very own 'beach’.Hyde Park will host the Marathon, Swimming and Triathlon events where temporary seating will be built

Below. Professor Geraint John on March 20th.

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Article continues...New and Permanent BuildingsA few examples:Westfield the Stratford Park Shopping Centre, newly open and hugely successful will serve the local community after the Games.The Aquatics Centre will be the venue for Swimming, Paralympic Swimming, Diving, Synchronised Swimming and the swimming element of the Modern Pentathlon. After the Games The Aquatics Centre will be transformed into a facility for the local community, clubs and schools, as well as elite swimmers. It will also have a creche, family-friendly changing facilities and a cafe, alongside a new public plaza.The Velodrome will be the venue for Track cycling, Paralympic cycling and BMX events. After the Games a new mountain bike course and road-cycle circuit will be added to create a VeloPark for the local community, sports clubs and elite athletes. It will include a café, bike hire and cycle workshop facilities, helping to make London the cycling capital of the world.

Designing The Olympic Stadium* (Architecture by Populous) The most important building of all it is located in the south of the Olympic Park on an ‘island’ site, surrounded by waterways on three sides. Spectators will reach the venue via five bridges that link the site to the surrounding area. This makes security and visitor access more controllable. Spectator services, refreshments and merchandise outlets will be located outside the venue on a ‘podium’ that will surround the Stadium. The London 2012 Olympic Stadium is the most sustainable ever built. With steel a resource in short supply, the build was made 75 per cent lighter in terms of steel use than other stadiums. It has been said that the Stadium in London used about a third of the steel used in the Beijing Stadium. It also features a low-carbon concrete, made from industrial waste and containing 40 per cent less

embodied carbon than usual.The top ring of the Stadium was built using surplus gas pipes; a visual testament to London 2012's 'reduce, reuse, recycle' approach to sustainability. Steel and concrete use was further reduced by designing the lower section of the stadium to sit within a bowl in the ground. The translucent roof avoids shadows forming on the pitch.

Construction began in May 2008 and was completed in just under three years. After the Games the Olympic Park will be transformed into one of the largest urban parks created in Europe for more than 150 years.

Stadium images courtesy of London2012 and Populous

Rod Sheard, Senior Principal at Populous, the Stadium architect said: “The construction of the world’s most environmentally friendly Olympic Stadium has taken just over 1,000 days, in the world of major construction it could be considered a sprint, its completion marks the beginning of the end of the construction phase of London’s Olympic Games”

Geraint John commented “This has been an exciting period, to see so much designed, so much constructed on time and to such high architectural standards”

*’Stadium’ comes from the Greek word stadion a measure of length equalling the length of 600 human feet.

Left. A diagram showing where the main events in London will take place .Nearly all the "new-build"is in the Olympic Park . The other locations are nearly all temporary or existing facilities

London 2012 Sustainable Design, £49.99 Beginning with the bidding process, planners for London's 2012 Olympics envisioned nothing less than a transformation of East London with permanent structures that would bring to life the driving creative principle of sustainability. London 2012 Sustainable Design, documents this visionary undertaking in brilliant full colour—with in progress construction photos, computer-generated visualisations, and detailed construction drawings.

Arranged around individual case studies, starting with the large-scale infrastructure and transport work in Stratford, the book then addresses individual structures, including the Olympic Stadium and the Aquatics Centre, as well as finer design details.Written by Hattie Hartman, an architect and the sustainability editor of the Architects Journal, London 2012 Sustainable Design is a wide-angle look at how environmental thinking has informed all aspects of staging and planning the Olympic games

- from transportation to entertainment and nowhere more than in the design of specific venues.- Includes 250 colour images including specially commissioned photography - Examines key Olympic structures, including the Olympic Stadium, the Velodrome, and the Aquatics Centre - Includes the landscape plan for the Lea Valley - Sheds light on other design elements, including lighting, product design, and graphics - Includes key data and metrics throughout highlighting sustainability standards.

Team GB Commemorative Teddy Bear, £85.00 Merrythought have created 5,000 official limited edition teddy bears in support and celebration of Great Britain's team at the London 2012 Olympic Games. This adorable, patriotic bear is entirely handmande in England using the finest soft white mohair and features fully moveable arms and legs, a soft bean-filled tummy and a carefully hand-stitched nose. The iconic 'Team GB' logo, with Olympic Rings, is embroidered onto his wool felt footpad and he is finished with a beautiful blue satin ribbon worn around the neck. Presented in an exclusive black and gold box.

I love London 2012 pin badge, £6.00 This London 2012 pin badge speaks for itself featuring a love heart and the ever popular London 2012 Union Jack logo.

How to buy.Itʼs so easy, simply click on the link below for all the details.www.shop.london2012.com

Make these new items your legacy of the Games

Tours of the Olympic Park and special London 2012 backpacks are being offered by the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) as prizes to persuade Olympic spectators from the St Albans area to book their travel to the Games.  There are a number of Olympic ticket holders in St Albans, Harpenden and Redbourn who have so far failed to book their seats on trains,  coaches  or park-and-ride sites . The ODA are concerned that the take up of trains, coaches or park-and-ride sites tickets for travelling spectators has been much slower than expected. Of the over million journeys expected to be booked, just 100,000 have so far been made. There are warnings that event ticket holders risk having to pay over the odds if they delay making travel arrangements.London 2012 has joined together with train operators across the UK to offer specially reduced fares for spectators on many routes, but travellers will need to be quick as regular advance rail tickets for the Games period will go on sale to the general public at the end of April. You can book via:www.london2012.com/travel . Main Olympic travel routes from the St Albans area  are:1. Rail: Harpenden or St Albans to London St Pancras 2. 2012 Games Coach Service: Luton Airport to London Olympic Park and ExCel3. Park and ride at the Herts County Showground at Redbourne, if attending the Olympic Park or Excel4. Park and Ride at Hatfield University if attending Lee Valley5.Park and Ride if attending other venues From early May, normal advance rail tickets will go on sale, open to the general public rather than just to Olympic spectators. Those who

book after that point risk missing out on cheap ticket deals as well as the added flexibility offered by the 2012 Games train tickets. Hugh Sumner, Director of Transport at the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) said:“This is an entirely public transport Games and using your car to get to London is simply not an option. By failing to book your transport ticket early, you are likely to pay more than you have to and get far less flexibility for your travel plans. If you leave it until the last minute you will risk getting stuck in a long queue and maybe even failing to get a seat on a train or coach at all.” The ODA has also arranged a special park and ride service, which will allow spectators to park their cars at designated sites around the country. The ODA have also arranged direct coach services to the Olympic Park and Excel with pick up points in various locations. Spaces on both the Park-and-ride and direct coaches also need to be booked in advance. See: www.london2012.com/travel 

Olympic tour prize aims to boost Harpenden-St Albans area Games travel bookingBy Ron Taylor. Editor

PRIZE DRAW.Any ticket holder who books their travel on line to the Games by 7 May 2012 will be entered into a prize draw to win a guided bus tour of the Olympic Park. Click here to : Read the prize draw terms and conditions

Ok, let’s be honest. Technology by itself can’t fix the high street. But understand its place, the role it can play and how it can be used and it can be a powerful way to reduce costs, increase revenue opportunities and emphasise what your business is great at.

Many find digital overwhelming, too time consuming or alien. But not everything needs to lead to big projects, or require lots of money or drain lots of time. Often the small things count.

So what is your businesses conveying in the digital world? What can you learn from others? What issue are you trying to address? What experience are you enhancing?

Darwin’s survival of the fittest has never had such modern day relevance as the battle being played out on the high street. Don’t be beaten by the competition, higher business rates and restricted access issues. See how digital can extend your armoury and take you fighting into the future.

1. Make the most of location – get found• Cover the basics. Get listed on Google

maps• Go a little further. Promote time based

offers and raise your profile on FourSquare• Make an event of it. Bring your street to life

on Layar or Google goggles. Ahead of the curve but a powerful talking point. Find all you need to know about something just by pointing your phone at it!

Good for? All businesses. It’s the essence of the high street.

2.Sell where your customers buyFull ecommerce solutions aren’t always appropriate. But the extra online revenue can help off-set high shop-costs.

• Can your prices compete online? Or are your products unique? Or is the service outstanding?

• Don’t lose the essence and personality of your business when you move online. It differentiates you.

• If the sale can’t be completed online. How far can you go? Consider reserve and collect, qualifying processes etc.

• Or, sell unwanted stock via a discounted ebay shop

Good for? Businesses whose customers or competitors are shopping online.

9 ways digital can help our High Street.By Sarah Wood. Founder, Director at SwiSh thinking

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What is the point of a Beer Boutique vs a Beer shop?

When our local speciality beer merchant opened they defied our expectation and succeeded where others had failed.They focused on what they were excellent at. A Beer Boutique –not a store - dedicated to sharing new tastes and temptations. Everything supports this. From savouring a beer pavement-side, to speciality tasting evenings, to enhancing the taste sensation with a homemade Indian snack. A local, tantalising and unique experience. They are DR.iNK of Fulham. Although not a focus, a website captures their compelling story, with quality images, an extensive online product catalogue, clean lines and simple navigation. Importantly their uncluttered in -store principles are emulated online.Testimonials, and events promote their excellence, persuading the most unlikely of beer drinkers (yes I’d be one!) to give them a shot. Even the parts that don’t work show steps in the right direction – their twitter is healthy and would add a sense of community if streamed into their website. Their blog and Facebook, if nurtured, has huge potential to drive promotions, spark discussion and drive

3. Search beyond GoogleAdwords have a place but not everything needs to be paid for. Get found online with these quick principles.

• Write for your mum. If it makes sense to her it will make sense to Google. If it’s too long or woolly she stops listening.

• Pictures speak a thousand words. Give them titles (it won’t work otherwise) and get in Google images.

• Get social and link with other businesses. Seriously. Other people’s words count for more. And there’s more of them than there are of you!

Good for? This is a no-brainer. For everyone

4. Mobilise - Have you checked how your site looks on a mobile phone?Mobile is not just about virtual working. How often do you or your customers use a smartphone to get contact details or check product information?

• On a basic level, make it easy to find your contact details. Check how your site looks on your mobile.

• Make it easier for your customers. SMS alerts on appointments, promotions, new arrivals etc.

• If competition is really tough online consider going further with apps – but test first!

Good for? Eventually all businesses, it’s where we’re heading. For now, Estate agents (property search sites already have) and shopping.

5. Influence, learn, listen and adaptNo matter how hard we try we always miss something. Check what your customers really think.

• Ask questions; get feedback and ideas with Facebook and survey tools.

• Check Pinterest to see what people really like when they pick themselves.

• Recruit your best customers, local influencers and bloggers. Invite them to test the new thing. Get them to write about it, tweet and tell others.

• Don’t hide it. A good answer to a negative comment brings the best results. Few people expect perfection.

• Check analytics – but don’t get lost in them.

Great for? Getting ideas and testing new websites, products, services and campaigns. And for businesses where experience really matters.

             Did you know?

78% of affluent families, business travellers and trendsetters in the US, use location-based apps on their phone; 29% use them multiple times a day.1

Where they go the rest of us usually f follow. With a percentage this high it won’t be long.

Did you know?

Social sharing now produces an vestimated 10% of all web traffic and x31% of referral traffic to sites from vsearch engines and social networks.3  

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Did you know?

Mobile shopping is now more popular iiithan online among 15-44 year olds.2

6. Create seamless experiences – link up your channelsThink of your business like a journey. It starts when you first get your customers attention. It ends at the point of sale (and aftercare).

Your shop, business, website, email, social networks, events are the points on the map. The best journey’s have clear sign-posting, are easy to follow and provide points of interest along the way.

• Sort the sign-posting. Link between your sites, social networks, emails and even your printed materials e.g. bags, business cards, leaflets, posters

• Entice with reassuring sneak previews. Share pictures on twitter and Facebook. Likewise stream twitter to your site, showcase comments (or full sites) in-store.

• Educate and engage. Provide stops along the way. Build the story with videos and events.

• Be consistent. Too many names, identities and email addresses can be confusing

Good for? Everyone but particularly complex and involved services that need more explaining e.g. finance

7. Create as little as possible. Make use of free online toolsNot everything needs to cost a lot of money.

• Use powerful tools like Wordpress for most mobile and web sites. Easy to set-up and maintain yourself. Build it for FREE or buy a $35 theme for a design to suit you.

• Crowdsource your bigger design challenges. Put a brief online for designers around the world to create something bespoke for you. At prices from $299.

• Use social media platform - the ultimate in free tools. Great to extend your customer service and promotions.

• Host your videos on Vimeo or YouTube.• Use tools that work via apps on your phone.

Mostly free but even the expensive £5 apps can save time.

• Resource doesn’t need to be draining. Once created, ask your friends to help. Employ an intern for a few hours a week. Start with one thing first and build.

8. Don’t be afraid to experimentStart with one thing. Focus on it. Build it. Test it. If it doesn’t work, understand why. If necessary - bin it. Oh, and you don’t need to do everything. But remember always plan it. Unless you don’t mind where your customers or business ends up it’s best to consider where on the map and what role your ‘experiment’ plays.

9. Don’t forget who you areYour business will have a character, a point of difference, an essence that is unique. Whatever you do must support and be in keeping with this. If it doesn’t, don’t do it. Seems obvious but Marks & Spencer and Mothercare have both forgotten this at some point and paid the price. Put the same thought into planning digital activity as you would if extending or opening another shop.

1  Mobile Insights Report by JiWire, December  20102  InMobi  as  cited  by  MobiAD,  May  20113  Starcom  MediaVest  Group  and  Rubinson  Partners  as  cited  by  Brandchannel.com,  June  2011

www.swishthinking.com | @swishthinking

Article concludes

SwiSh thinking is about how digital can support, enhance and help grow your business. We offer

a range of products which are customised to place our client’s needs at the heart of the

process.

SwiSh thinking is an international business providing solutions for organisations of all sizes in the UK and France. We are market neutral

with clients in the retail, charity, social enterprise, fashion, IT and Design sectors.

Changing rooms. Digital meets real life.

In Mexico City, in 2010 the Common People concept store opened. Designed to be “a place to be filled by uncommon things for common people”. The grand colonial building, the welcoming personal shoppers, the vibrant collaboration of buyers and designers contribute to a unique and eclectic experience. They have a website but it is in the changing room where they most surprise. Hang up your garments and watch images of your items appear on an adjacent touch screen. Alongside them the screen invites you to learn more, recommends accessories, or invites you to email or tweet to friends.This isn’t just a gimmick. It up-sells, it learns what people like and think and the RFID technology it uses smartly and efficiently keeps inventory controlled. Most notably it builds on the premise of uncommon experiences. Core to their business, it is why their customers return.

HERTFORDSHIRE COUNTY SHOW

A great day out for all the family on The Queen’s Diamond Jubliee weekend.

For all the latest details and a full listings of the events with a timetable click on the web site:

www.hertsshow.com

Open to individuals, schools, sports clubs and community bodies, this charitable foundation has money available now for sports people in Harpenden, Redbourn, Wheathamsted and St. Albans who need support for a sporting project.

I met Geraint John (Chairman of The Trustees, below) recently at their headquarters, Woollam Playing Fields in Harpenden Road, St. Albans to find out more. Looking out over the vast playing fields backed by an amazing pavillion and club house it’s not difficult to understand why sport is so popular here. “The 948 Sports Foundation are passionate about increasing the sporting activity of young local people who may be struggling through lack of finance” said Geraint. “You may be surprised to learn that sporting activity locally among young people is actually on the decline across many sports, with the exception of rugby, cricket and soccer.”

I suspect a lot of today’s tech savvy youth are more proficient on playing computer games than getting wet and cold playing ‘real’ games outside on a sports field.

Geraint told me they have a fund of almost half a million pounds from which they can allocate numerous grants up to £1,000 every quarter.

Who can apply?The key criterion for applicants is that the project must benefit the residents of Harpenden, Redbourn, Wheathamsted or St. Albans. This seemed to be difficult concept to understand so I asked Geraint to give me an example. “We are approached by applicants who live outside our boundaries , but who practice sport here . We can approve those. Also, of course, we can approve of those who live here , but play or participate elsewhere. This would be particularly true of high level performers.“

What sports can be considered?We use the very long list of sports recognised by Sport England.

What is covered by the grant?a. Equipment or facilities.b. Specialist trainingc. Developing the activity within a group or team

Is there an age limit?There is no age limit.

How to apply?Complete a detailed on line application form (This has full guidelines)

When will the Grant be confirmed?The Trustees meet quarterly in with grants being confirmed within a month.

Financial help for young people in sport from the 948 Sports Foundation in St Albans.

By Ron Taylor. Editor

Article concludes.

Look who has benefittedA brief historyThe 948 Sports Foundation was established by the OA Sports Club (Old Albanians) who gifted £500,000 to promote participation in sport by young people in the St Albans district. The Foundation was launched in February 2003 and by the end of June 2005, the Trustees had made 55 grants totaling close to £60,000.

These included awards to individuals across a range of sports, junior soccer clubs such as Harvesters and St Albans City Youth, team sports clubs based at Woollams, ten schools and Harpenden's Skateboard Park Appeal. In addition £5,000 has been awarded to the Saracen's Foundation for the involvement of local primary schools in the "Ready for Rugby" initiative.

Max Baggio and Dan Bigsby are just two of many recent successful applicants.

What to do next.Go to our web site below, read the application form, then discuss with your school, your parents or sports group to decide exactly what to say on the form before returning it.

OR contact Julia Dekker for information at:julia.dekker@ntlworld.com

www.the948sportsfoundation.org

Above: Members of the 948 committee with guests following a recent lunch at Woollams.

The Harpenden Trust was set up in 1948 by residents concerned for local people in need. The town had, within its community, both the needy and the well off. The one, they maintained, could help the other. This concept was described by a national newspaper at the time as a “social experiment without parallel in this country.” Early in 1949 a leaflet was delivered to every house in Harpenden under the joint signatures of the founder-president of the Trust, Dr Charles Hill, nationally known for his regular broadcasts as the “radio doctor”, and Dr Agnes Kelynack, Trust chairman.64 years on Dr Hill’s daughter, Mrs Susan Fairbairn is now president of the Harpenden Trust.

By 1952, although many fundraising events were held, it became evident that the Trust needed more funds and so it was decided to make an annual appeal at Christmas. Suitable envelopes were prepared, delivered and collected by volunteers over the Christmas period. 60 years later, the Appeal Committee is now headed by Graham Westwell, supported by a dedicated band of more than 200 area organisers and collectors. The first Appeal in 1952 raised £302.16s.10d. In 2011 the Christmas Appeal raised a record £33,000.

In the early fifties the Trust took over a boarding house in Clacton for a week to give pensioners a breath of sea air. Today Penny Haines and her volunteer team organise a Tea Party every autumn and annual day trips for pensioners to Clacton in June as well as local coach outings.

Ernie Ackroyd, who was a committee member of the Trust from the start, and his wife Olive, played a large part in the development of the Trust. They delivered bread and milk door-to-door to local families in the 50s and got to know lots of people. This knowledge of local families was an immense asset to the Trust. In the early 50s members of the management committee made their visits to local people by bus, bicycle or on foot to establish the degree of need. In 2012 our team of dedicated Home Visitors are still visiting people in their homes to find out their needs. Last year they visited 537 homesArticle continues...

Helping Harpenden people for over 60 years

Some of the ways your money helped individuals in Harpenden last year.

THE TRUST IS NEEDED NOW MORE THAN EVER

The Harpenden Trust

INSIDE: Grove House, Girl Guides, and one man and his van

Please help us this Christmas

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Loneliness, especially among elderly people, has always been an important concern of the Trust. Ernie and Olive Ackroyd suggested that the Trust should start coffee mornings in the village on Thursdays, that day being the day most pensioners visited the post office to collect their pension. These coffee mornings (below) are still going strong in 2012 at the High Street Methodist Hall every Thursday morning and at The Trust Centre in Southdown on Tuesday mornings at 10.00 am.

Keeping the very young and the very old warm has always been a priority need for the Harpenden Trust. In 1950 the Trust arranged the delivery of coal to 85 families with the help of local merchants and by 1951 this had increased

to 350 families. In the 1960s, when households changed from coal to gas and electricity, the Trust committee authorised the issue of cheques to cover gas and electricity bills. This service is still operating today.

By 1965 the Harpenden Trust was a well established social organisation doing valuable work in the community and in 1967 the Trust was able to acquire the former St John’s Church Hall. Today the Hall (below) still serves as the Harpenden Trust Centre and its two rooms, available for hire, are in constant demand.

In 2008, the Harpenden Trust celebrated 60 years of service to Harpenden and received the Queens Award for voluntary service. This was also the year that the Harpenden Abbeyfield Society merged with the Harpenden Trust, bringing with it substantial funds. As part of the merger agreement, those funds were placed in a ring fenced Community Fund and the income used primarily to help Harpenden’s community groups.

The Trust publishes a summary of all its activities in our annual newsletter which is delivered to households in Harpenden.

In 2012 the Harpenden Trust will be celebrating two Diamond Jubilees – the Diamond Jubilee of Her Majesty the Queen and also the Diamond Jubilee of The Trust Christmas Appeal.

For more information on the trust's work and how you might help, visit our website at www.theharpendentrust.org.uk 

Colour Photos c Harpenden Photographic Society 

After more than two years of making celebration cakes for the people of Harpenden, Cracking Cakes’ Kathy Newport has started running regular cupcake decorating classes.

“I love making cakes as much as I did when I started, but I thought it would be nice to pass some of my knowledge onto other people. Whether you want to make cakes for pleasure or think you might wish to take it further, taking a cupcake decorating class is a whole lot of fun. So far my students have been mostly mum’s of young children who not only wanted to learn a new skill but also have a little “me time”. But whoever you are, if for a couple of hours you want to relax, have a laugh, meet new people and be creative this is for you.”

The sessions are held at Kathy’s home in Harpenden, giving the classes a relaxed and informal atmosphere – parking is easy too.

The classes last three hours and cost £50.00 per person. There is a maximum of six and minimum of four students per session.

During the morning each student will :Be given an introduction to a variety of equipment and materials and how to use them.

Learn numerous decorating techniques including; colouring and rolling out fondant to achieve a flawless finish, using cutters, embossing mats and moulds to create stunning decorations, piping buttercream onto cakes, using lustre dusts and glitter to give your cakes a special little something and how to make your own modelling paste.

The classes are suitable for those with limited or no experience of cupcake decorating or those who are a little out of practice and wish to brush up on their skills.

At the end of the morning each student will leave with six beautifully decorated, delicious works of art – sure to impress friends and family.

As a special introductory offer to Harpendia readers, all bookings received before May 31st will receive a 10% discount.

For further details on classes and forthcoming dates send an email to mail@crackingcakes.biz or for further details on Cracking Cakes visit their website:www.crackingcakes.biz

Cracking Cupcake ClassesBy Kathy Newport

Over the last couple of years the UK has seen drought and subsequently hose pipe bans.

Unfortunately we can’t control nature’s forces but we can do something to help our gardens thrive and give the wildlife that depends on our green spaces a chance to survive during hard times, giving us a garden to enjoy over the dry seasons.

Firstly, making sure that you have adequate water storage would be the most useful. Water butts come in various sizes and disguises nowadays to suit most gardens. These can still be expensive and ideally need to be in place before any dry season occurs. The way in which you water plants will also determine their survival in your garden. Short watering sessions will encourage roots to stay close to the soil’s surface, whereas a good soak will allow the soil to remain wet deeper down, giving established roots the drink that they need. To add to your watering solutions a good way to prevent the evaporation of water is to add mulch or compost regularly. So remember to keep topping up your heap!

Plant selection can be a key factor in having a good looking, hassle free but dry garden. Plants that are established are usually great survivors as their roots will be deep and therefore won’t require too much watering. When you’re thinking about your beds and borders consider plants that are drought tolerant. The characteristics of such plants are fleshy, spikey or hairy leaved, which can give you an unusual and colourful garden. My top drought tolerant plants for beds and borders are: sea holly (Eryngium), the campion flower (Lynchis coronaria) and alliums (Allium). There are plenty more plants to choose from though, such as the architectural Adam’s needle (Yucca filamentosa) and the shrub beauty berry (Callicarpa bodinieri var. giraldii ‘Profusion’), which will produce purple berries in winter.

Finally, remember that while there are amazing drought tolerant plants thriving in your garden alongside all the cared for plants that need more water, there will also be insects and animals that would be grateful for a drink. Do keep your bird baths topped up (and clean to prevent any spread of disease) and if you have a resident hedgehog provide them with a saucer of water in dry times. You may even catch sight of the odd bee taking a sip during the day when they get to work in your flower garden!

Contact me via.www.theplantsitter.co.ukrenata@theplantsitter.co.uk

Photo 1: campion flower. Photo 2: sea hollyPhoto 3: bee on allium

Giving Nature a helping hand By Renata Rybczyk-Savage. The Plantsitter.

The answer is BabyCalm, a proven concept nationwide that I’m bringing to Harpenden, to help parents gain a deeper understanding of their baby and enjoy life with their new babies.

With over 100 licensed teachers in the UK, thousands of families around the UK have already benefitted from BabyCalm workshops and courses, including celebrity and new mum Michelle Heaton.

There’s a vast amount of pregnancy and birth support available in the UK, but a real lack of support available to new parents with very young babies.  Many new parents are left to muddle through alone during this tricky time. They can feel disempowered by the many books and parenting experts giving advice that often doesn’t fit with their baby.

Parents who have attended a BabyCalm course will not only be able to calm their baby's crying, avoid colic and aid restful sleep, but feel more able to trust their instincts and confidently make their own parenting decisions. 

BabyCalm offer 3 different course formats: 1.The BabyCalm antenatal workshop for couples picks up from where birthing antenatal classes by other organisations stop; it prepares parents-to-be to welcome their baby in a calm and confident way;

2. A colic and crying workshop, often taken at home during the evening as an emergency workshop when baby is under 10 weeks old; or

3. A 4-week, 8-hour course for mums with babies up to 20 weeks old, designed to soothe babies and fill new mums with confidence.

Coming soon are further workshops on baby-led weaning onto solids, & baby slings.

ToddlerCalm courses also available.

In addition, I was in the first cohort of ToddlerCalm teachers trained in March, so ToddlerCalm workshops and courses will soon be helping local parents to understand their toddler's frustrations, avoid tantrums and aid restful sleep and reduce picky eating - all helping bring calm to parents too.

Meet me to find out moreTo find out all about BabyCalm and ToddlerCalm please visit me at the Harpenden Baby Show on Saturday May 19th at the Harpenden Public Halls, 10am - 4pm; see the national websites: www.babycalm.co.uk and www.toddlercalm.co.uk, and Facebook pages; or drop me an email: corinne@babycalm.co.uk

BabyCalm and ToddlerCalm Harpenden and SurroundsPhone: 07813 975 551Email: corinne@babycalm.co.ukFacebook: BabyCalm & ToddlerCalm Harpenden, St Albans & CheshamWebsite: www.babycalm.co.uk & www.toddlercalm.co.uk

How to turn your crying baby into a calmer baby and become a happier parent.By Corinne Rooney

When I first became pregnant the one thing I dreaded was shopping for maternity clothing. Some clothes shops just didn’t stock maternity wear and while others did, I just didn’t find the limited choice much good. Although being pregnant only took up nine months of my life and of those months, only the last five required me needing maternity wear, I still wanted to look and feel good.After having both my children I decided to create an online shop that would specialise in maternity wear for women in the UK, and for those in Harpenden and the surrounding areas, an opportunity to try the clothing on by visiting those ladies in their own homes for comfort.

Sourcing a good manufacturer wasn’t easy but eventually my search paid off as I found a company that ticked all the right boxes. Not only did they make maternity clothing in Europe but also made the clothes in a very clever way; these items could fit before and after pregnancy too, so you wouldn’t have to find clothes for just that short space of time only. I had spent a large amount of time working on a business plan and came up with the name Beautiful Expectant. I’d even entered the plan in a local competition thinking that nothing would become of it only to realise that I was a finalist for West Hertfordshire Entrepreneur of the Year 2011! This gave me the inspiration

to carry on with the plan and realise the business in the very near future. So, Beautiful Expectant was launched on February 29th 2012, selling clothes that are cleverly tailored and will follow trends. Currently, I am stocking some pretty summer dresses, smart work wear, trousers and some trendy tops. Beautiful Expectant has now also added skincare for mother and baby in its retail range, using products that are not only kind to delicate skin due to natural ingredients that are paraben and sulphate free, but are also made right here in the UK. Whichever item you may want to buy will be gift packed for no extra cost. Take a look at my website: www.beautifulexpectant.co.uk to see the whole range.

Photo 1 & 2: One of Beautiful Expectant’s dresses. This one has a removable waist band so that you can wear the dress with or without it, creating a look to match your shape during and after pregnancy.Photo 3: The range of skincare products now available.

Become a Beautiful ExpectantBy Renata Rybczyk-Savage.

When you look at some of Harpenden’s older houses, do you ever wish you knew about the people who lived there in times gone by? Well, the journals of Theodora Wilson will give you a fascinating view of local life from Victorian times through to just before the Second World War. Theodora lived at Rivers Lodge (the house just next to Rothamsted Experimental Station) from 1872 to 1926 and then in Topstreet Way.

You will need to thank more than just Theodora’s dedication in writing her journals for more than 50 years. You will need to thank the Harpenden and District Local History Society, to whom the journals were given more than 30 years ago, in the form of a box of 11 exercise books. And in particular local historian Amy Coburn, who picked out the most telling parts for Harpenden, and editor Ruth Nason who became involved 3 years ago to help turn the material into a book.

The book was published in February and one result was that Ruth and Amy and other members of the Local History Society were invited to a tour inside Rivers Lodge, which is now used as offices.

Inspiring local studentsTheodora started to write her journals when she was 17. She wanted to write a record of her world, to interest people in the future. Maybe that might inspire Harpenden 6th formers to compare their world now with Theodora’s and to write some more Harpenden history for the future. Theodora’s descriptions of events include the building of St. George’s school in 1886.

Creative art directionSome history books are dull and boring to look at with no thought on how to communicate the importance of the content. Ruth and her design colleague, Carole Binding, have created a format that is easy to read, visually appealing and full of lively detail.

Important eventsTheodora took a keen interest in national and world events, as well as in her local community. She describes specific events like Queen Victoria’s Golden and Diamond Jubilees; the Hendon to Edinburgh air race when planes flew low over the Common in 1911; World War One and how it affected Harpenden; and the great railway strike in 1919.

Photos.Top left. Rivers Lodge where Theodora lived till 1926.

Article continues...

Harpenden History brought to lifeBy Ron Taylor. Editor

Article concludes.

Buying the bookIt’s available at £15 from the Harpenden and District Local History Society. Seewww.harpenden-history.org.ukfor details of how to buy a copy

Photos. Top Right.At the Annual General Meeting of the Harpenden Society, its president Ian Fulton announced his retirement from the post after a much-praised 20-year term of office. To mark the occasion he was presented with a copy of the Local History Society’s recently published book Theodora’s Journals. The Harpenden Society’s Richard Thomas (left) made the presentation. 

Bottom.Amy Coburn, bottom left. Ruth Nason, top left. Gavin Ross, top right and Rosemary Ross of the Harpenden Local History Society on the steps of Rivers Lodge.

    

Keech Hospice Care is 21 in 2012!Come & celebrate their Birthday & help us raise funds.

On Thursday May 3rd10.00am – 3.30pm

Rothamsted Manor, Harpenden HertsAL5 2JQ

25 of the best independent retailers many new to shop@eventswith an gorgeous range of new seasons products.

A group of aspiring writers met in Luton Hoo Walled Garden on Saturday 14th April to take part in The Garden Path spring writing workshop.

This was the first of four one-day writing retreats we have planned for this year in the magical setting of the walled garden. On this glorious spring morning, the group started the day with a guided, meditative walk to explore the historic five acre garden and its structures, soaking up the atmosphere and recording their sense impressions before returning to the Visitors’ Centre to develop their ideas in the classroom.

The participants, some of whom had never tried creative writing before, went on to explore their

own memories of a garden and were amazed at the powerful writing that emerged from the exercises offered.

The distinctive approach to writing, using the garden as setting and stimulus, was devised by Christine Hollywood and myself. We are both experienced facilitators of writing groups and members of the National Association of Writers in Education and Lapidus, the organisation which promotes the use of writing for health and wellbeing.

The octagonal walled garden at Luton Hoo is a perfect space in which to encourage creativity to flow; the high, red brick walls designed by Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown have survived since 1770 and enclose a haven of tranquillity.

The writers on the spring workshop all agreed that it was an inspirational day and are looking forward to taking part in future workshops in the series.

A Year in the Walled Garden - Future dates:Summer – Saturday 7th July Autumn – Saturday 6th Oct. Winter – Saturday 26th Jan. 2013For information and booking please contact enquiries@thewritingspace.co.ukThe Garden Path is on Facebookhttp://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Garden-Path/241375255951996

The Garden Path writers will be in The Secret Garden Tent at the Children’s Book Festival on Sunday 20th May where they will be offering creative writing activities for children. More information at http://www.lhwg.org.uk/ChildrensFestival.html

Judi Sissons also runs a regular evening class at The Writing Space in Harpenden.

Photos: Top left. Writing in the Cactus House.Bottom left & centre. On Sunday 18th March, Mothers’ Day, the Garden Path writers ran a Newsprint Poetry competition at the Walled Garden Open Art exhibition which attracted entries from adults and children.

Creative Writing blossoms in the Walled GardenBy Judi Sissons