the monthly newspaper for Kings Langley and surrounding district
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ISSUE NO: 276/8
May 2015
Community Award Winners 2015 A
t the Annual Parish Meeting held on Thursday 10th April, Cllr Bob McLean along with Cllr Gerry Angiolini congratulated and presented all the nominees for the Community Award with a framed certificate for their efforts within the village. The following are the actual nominations:
Andy Miles
Regularly once a fortnight, Andy collects the community bus and picks nine or ten of us up from our homes in the village to take us to Sainsburys. He loads our shopping into the continued on page 3 . . .
L-R Cllr Ron Smith, Paul Tucker, Alan Johnson, Andy Miles, Ann Martin, Cllr Gerry Angiolini
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Parish Council News Kings Langley Community Awards 2015 The 2015 Kings Langley Community Awards were presented at the Annual Parish Meeting on Thursday, 9th April. The awards went to Andy Miles, Ann Martin, Alan Johnson and Paul Tucker. For further details see elsewhere in this publication.
Best Kept Gardens’ Competition (July) Here’s a reminder to get your entry forms in. You should have received one last month with your invitation to the Annual Parish Meeting, but they are also available from the office and on the Council’s website. Remember that your garden or display has to be in the Parish to qualify, and also that commercial premises (pubs,
shops etc.) and allotments don’t have to complete a form; they are judged anyway.
up after their dogs who need to be encouraged to make use of the bags.
The Village Environment - High Street Hanging Baskets
Dacorum Borough Council
The Council has taken a record 51 hanging basket orders this year, and these will soon be adorning the High Street. The intentions are that they will follow a similar theme to the barriers troughs with a repeat of the colours of last year – those glorious begonias! Thank you to everyone who is joining us in trying to keep the village beautiful.
Dog-Litter Bags The Parish Council provides dog-litter bags, free of charge to people who live or walk their dogs in Kings Langley. These are available from the Council office. Please clean up after your dog and deposit the bags in an appropriate bin. It is particularly important not to leave bags anywhere near farms, as farm animals can choke on them. There are still too many dog owners who are not cleaning
01442 228000 is now the single number for all contact with Dacorum Borough Council. It is now automated with voice recognition. So for your Housing needs, Council Tax enquiries etc. and other issues, such as litter / fly-tipping, illegal parking, abandoned vehicles, overgrown hedges and missed collections, this is the number to call. You can also contact Customer Services via email on: customer.services@ dacorum.gov.uk. If you wish to contact the environmental team, you can still do this via email cleansafegreen@ dacorum.gov.uk, the website www.dacorum.gov.uk/ cleansafegreen or Clean, Safe & Green, Cupid Green Depot, Redbourn Road, Hemel Hempstead, HP2 7BA.
Hertfordshire County Council (Herts Highways) For highways issues, such as potholes, unlit
lamp columns, etc., contact Hertfordshire County Council (Highways) on 0300 123 4047, or on-line at: http://www. hertsdirect.org/actweb/hfr/ Contact the Police on 101 for all non-emergency calls in Hertfordshire, including vehicles that are parked dangerously and / or causing an obstruction. You can also contact the members of the Community Policing Team on this number.
Forthcoming Meetings Kings Langley Parish Council: Full Council – Tuesday: 2nd June 2015 Planning & Licensing Committee – Tuesdays: 26th May and 2nd & 16th June 2015. Kings Langley Parish Council, Charter Court, Vicarage Lane, Kings Langley, Herts, WD4 9HR. Office hours: 09:30 to 12:30. Telephone: 01923 261828. Email: klpc@kingslangley-pc.gov.uk, Website: www.kingslangley-pc.gov.uk
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PAGE 2 | KINGS LANGLEY VILLAGE LIFE | May 2015
also Meat Pies, Cakes, Bread, Eggs, Vegetables, Cold Meats, Cheeses and much more
Continued from front page
Alan Johnson
bus after we have coffee and delivers us back to our doors with all our bags. There is usually a helper with him. He is a skilled bus driver and the bus has a tail lift for wheelchairs and walking frames for which less mobile people are very grateful. Nominated by Pamela Wells
I would like to nominate my husband who has been exceptionally active on behalf of the community of Kings Langley for many years, despite holding a busy role in London for most of this time.
Ann Martin The Evergreen Club for our elderly people in the village has been transformed over the last two years due to the sustained efforts of Mrs Ann Martin. The numbers attending has risen to sixty through her vigorous efforts. Ann shows enormous enthusiasm in organising many activities and motivates volunteer helpers to achieve the high standards the club now enjoys. Ann has a warm affection and sympathy for elderly people. Ann is also Vice Chairman of the Good Neighbours Association, where she plays a vital role helping people of all ages. We therefore nominate Ann for a Community Award for exceptional and sustained service to the community in particular for running the Evergreen Club. Everything she does is carried out with enthusiasm, cheerfulness and efficiency. Her regard and affection for everyone she deals with is remarkable. Nominated by Donald & Sheila Abbott and Harold Taylor
• Chair of Kings Langley Scout Group for 16 years, nearly doubling its numbers of Beavers, Cubs and Scouts. Overseeing the refurbishments of the scout hut and extension which is due to be completed in 2015. • Ran the London Marathon to raise funds to send a member of the scouts to the Scout Jamboree in Japan. • Taken responsibility for the Scout’s allotment in Primrose Hill, growing daffodils for scouting mums on Mother’s Day, potatoes for Abbeyfield Homes, pumpkins for Beavers to carve on Halloween and sunflowers planted by the Beavers. • School Governor at Kings Langley Primary School for fourteen years, the last ten as Chair of the Personnel Committee and Premises Committee, also a member of the Finance Committee. One of four trustees who set up the Schools charitable foundation “The 100 Club” to raise funds for the school, which has enabled a significant improvement in the school environment and equipment.
Village Life
Advertising Julie Barton, Charter Court, Vicarage Lane, Kings Langley, WD4 9HR Phone: 01923 270160 e: julie@villagernews.co.uk Reporter Joy Mann Phone: 01923 264298 Accounts e: accounts@villagernews.co.uk Sign up for our additional weekly email, full of lots of useful informtion for Abbots Langley, Kings Langley and surrounding areas. Contact events@villagernews.co.uk to be added to the mailing list or sign up through our website:
www.villagelife.org.uk
• A regular helper at the Kings Langley Christmas Lights Festival. • Now retired Alan has been elected Secretary and Treasurer of the Kings Langley Good Neighbours Association. • Volunteered to help organise the Carnival in 2015. • Deputy Chair of a retired staff association and chairs a book club, a family history society and a running club in London. • Organises an annual six-a-side cricket competition near Hampton Court in memory of an explosives officer killed in a terrorist bomb and a five-a-side football competition in Battersea Park, all raising funds for London based charities. Nominated by Ann Johnson
Paul Tucker Paul has served as Chairman of the Kings Langley Christian Aid
Committee since 2009. The committee comprises Anglican, Baptist, Methodist, Roman Catholic and Quakers’, all driven by a strong desire to help victims of disaster and to root out poverty and injustice around the world. Paul has played a central part in raising awareness of the plight of the world’s poor and disadvantaged with a balance of fundraising and campaigns. He has gained support of local traders and the wider community. Paul led a group from Kings Langley to Gambia in 1995 to foster links between our schools and the town of Bakau. He has also served on the Kings Langley Parish Council and as assistant lay minister at Christ Church Baptist. Paul is motivated by a deep desire to serve the neighbour both locally and internationally, so making for a more compassionate society. He manages the heavy workload of Christian Aid whilst holding down stressful, professional responsibilities involving long working hours. I believe he deserves public recognition and endorsement. Nominated by Harold Taylor Well done to all, truly deserved!
• Raised funds for Life
Contacts for
Editorial Julie Barton, Charter Court, Vicarage Lane, Kings Langley, WD4 9HR Phone: 01923 270160 e: julie@villagernews.co.uk
Opportunities Trust for people with disabilities by resurrecting the Kings Langley Puffaten Road Race having helped organise it when it was run from the senior school. Alan now plans to make it an annual event from the primary school.
Sport Editor Tony Thompson The Hornets, Croft lane, Chipperfield. WD4 9DU Tel: 01923 265690 Features Andrew Selby, 8 Belham Road Kings Langley WD4 8BY Tel: 01923 264479 Find us on Facebook and Twitter for up to date news and events
The Publishers take all reasonable steps to ensure the accuracy of the content of The Villager but cannot accept responsibility or be held liable for any errors or claims made by advertisers. The Publishers also ask you to note that they do not necessarily agree with views expressed by contributors Reproduction in whole or part prohibited without permission
Copy deadline for next issue: strictly Monday 25th May
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www.oliverlandpower.co.uk KINGS LANGLEY VILLAGE LIFE | May 2015 | PAGE 3
Table Top Sale Saturday 16th May
Kings Langley Community Centre
A
Table Top Sale, organised by a local Facebook page (Kings Langley Matters) will be held at Kings Langley Community Centre on Saturday 16th May, the same day as the Local Food Market, from 10am to 12pm, so a good excuse to pop into the village.
Lots of bargain bric-abrac as well as new items, refreshments and activities for children. Free entry, everyone welcome. All tables are now fully booked but depending on the success of the first sale, there may be more in the future.
Church Lane School Reunion
Friday 19th June, 12 noon Kings Langley Services Club
T
he annual Church Lane School Reunion will take place on Friday 19th June from 12 noon at the
Kings Langley Services Club. Anyone who attended the Church Lane School in Kings Langley is welcome to attend.
PAGE 4 | KINGS LANGLEY VILLAGE LIFE | May 2015
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Kings Langley Puffaten
ith memories of the London Marathon still fresh in our minds, there's no better time to get those trainers on and start training for the three Kings Langley Puffaten races (1.5k, 3k and 10k) on 14 June. Or not. "Last year there were mums and dads with their push chairs taking part," said Head Teacher Paula Harris, "with our young boys and girls tearing off round the school field, determined to get to the finish." "In order to get more of our children taking part this year we are having trophies for the quickest boys and girls, but also age specific trophies for Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2," Paula added, "but the important thing is there is something - a medal
- for everybody who takes part. Ideally we'd like to see other local schools taking part and taking advantage of the opportunity to raise funds." All the races start from the school field at Kings Langley Primary School so there's plenty of room for runners and spectators who want to enjoy a very friendly, village event. For anyone else, there is no escaping the more serious runners or would be marathoners in the 10k event as the race passes along the north end of the High Street and past the Methodist Church. If you’d like to know more, email: a.johnson@ kingslangley-pri.herts.sch. uk or have a look at the front page of the Kings Langley Primary School website.
Christian Aid Week Please support the events for Christian Aid Week 9 May, 9.30 to 12.00: Stall in the High Street 10-16 May: House to House Collection
10 May, 10.00am: United Service, Kings Langley Methodist Church, Hempstead Road, speaker: Revd. Dr. Susan Durber from Christian Aid 16 May: 10.00 to 12.00 Coffee Morning: Christ Church Baptist, The Nap
Kings Langley Country Market Celebrates 30 Years Why are they waiting? Walk along the High Street at 09.45 on any Thursday morning and glance down the alleyway between Little Hayes and the empty opticians shop and you will see a queue, chatting and laughing alongside the Oddfellows Hall, in all weathers.
What are they waiting for? At 10.00 the door will open and the Country Market producers will be waiting behind tables laden with home made Cakes, savouries and full fruit preserves as well as fresh garden produce and craft. This year the Kings Langley Country Market is celebrating its 30th year of
trading on June 18th with a free draw for a Market Hamper; coffee and a slice of birthday cake for all our customers Our Country Market is a small co-operative; one of about 300 nationwide, We try to cater for single and elderly customers as well as families, with many items in smaller packs. We can supply cakes etc for people with special dietary needs to order, and can make simple cakes for special events. If you haven’t visited us yet do come along and sample our produce. Try to be early as we sell out quickly. If you can’t manage a Thursday we will also be with the Kings Langley’s Street Market every third Saturday in the month, near the doctors surgery, and at the Carnival on the Common on June 20th We look forward to seeing you.
Kings Langley Country Market Every Thursday 10am to 12 noon Oddfellows Hall
Village Litter Pick The next Village Litter Pick will be held on Sunday 31st May, starting at 10am Please meet at Charter Court (bottom of Vicarage Lane) for a safety briefing, a hi-vis jacket, litter-picker and black sacks
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General Election: Not long now…! I
love living in this wonderful part of the world and although we are often the first to criticise, we are also first to fiercely defend it. When I first came here it was a Labour seat with a lot of Labour councillors. Now things are very different and I think that is because Hemel Hempstead – which clearly dominates the constituency is maturing from its post-war ‘New Town’ era. I believe one of the biggest changes is that people have greater aspirations – they want to see things in place for their kids and live their dreams. My big love is sport and am immensely proud of our local teams and want to see success for local clubs such as Kings Langley Football Club, and for us to create more of the Max Whitlocks of the world. Just after I was first elected as the area’s MP, Hemel’s business district was
devastated by the Buncefield explosion, but we asked, do we sit back and let the town deteriorate, or encourage people to come here and change things? I backed Dacorum Council’s plans to rebuild and their efforts to attract big businesses. The fact that more and more big businesses are now locating in the Borough is proof that we’re making progress. We’re making changes in other areas as well, we’re building the first council houses in the Borough for 25 years with more on the way. Schools – such as Kings Langley – are getting a major rebuild and entertainment areas are receiving a facelift. Things are on the up! I was delighted to see so many villagers turn out for the for the Hustings last month and I very much hope that you will re-elect me as your MP on 7th May. The Rt Hon Mike Penning
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Kings Langley Carnival Saturday 20th June
W
ith just over a month to go, it's time to start planning your trip to the Kings Langley Carnival on 20th June on Kings Langley Common. This year one of the many attractions is the Company of 1415 in celebration of the English army at the Battle of Agincourt. The Company of 1415 was founded by a group of like minded enthusiasts who wanted to share their passion for all things to do with medieval archery, especially with their role at Agincourt defeating a French army four times their size. (The archers also initiated the two finger salute to the enemy after the French threatened to remove the index finger of every archer they captured). Now the group provides a 'Living History' display, with authentic medieval cooking, maille making, loom weaving and various other trades that took place on the campaign during the War of The Roses. For the younger generation, the Company also have an armour tent where the children can try on different parts of the armour and if the adults are feeling brave they can even try on a full set of Armour ! There will also be more familiar local entertainments including the Community Choir, the Senior School Jazz Band, the Skehill Academy of Irish Dancing, Vivo D'Arte, Kings Langley Brownies and the Primary School Choir and orchestra the stage giving the Carnival that genuine ‘village’ feel. Forr regular or new attendees there will be
lots of other entertainments, including the ever popular dog show and petting farm, together with such diverse distractions as the Little Bike Company (for 2-5 year olds), the Elite Laser Company, Kings Langley Bowls Club and the wonderful people at Phasels Wood will be there with games for youngsters of all ages.. So why not come and spend the afternoon at the Carnival. The event is supported by many local organisations and all money raised will go to local charities and groups for use within the village. If you would like more information, contact details are: Stalls or brochure advertising email julie@villagernews.co.uk Dog show email enquiries@grwe.com All other enquiries email – kingslangleycarnival@ hotmail.com Pop the date in your diary and come along and have some fun.
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The Village Pump N
ow I must begin by admitting that I’m in a bit of a quandary this month. Let me tell you why, if I may. As I sit down to type this I can hear the build up to the start of this year’s London Marathon broadcast on the radio, let’s hope your generous sponsorship helps Terry fly around the course within his target time of 4 hours. Should I wait a while and find out how he does before I submit this article and test the editor’s patience even further, it’s already overdue, or should I press on? I also promised to introduce you to Barry, one of the key members of the Kings Langley crew, so that you could begin to get to know a few of the personalities from the Fire Station. Indeed, when I popped in to see Barry he’d actually gone to the trouble of arranging his extensive collection of Fireman Sam memorabilia for me to see, which was nice. Or should I tell you a little bit about when we were called out early on Wednesday morning to a cow that had somehow found its way into the canal? I must be honest,
my experience of cows is rather limited, although firefighter training does include a section on ‘large animal rescue’, so I should have realized that there was always the chance that our training would need to be put to use. The only problem was, the cow didn’t look in need of rescuing. Yes, it was stood in the canal with the water lapping around its ankles, but it didn’t seem distressed or unhappy. (To be honest, I don’t know what it would have looked like if it was distressed or unhappy!) Anyway, you’ll be pleased to know that the combined might of Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service and Bob the Farmer with a bag of cow treats, managed to entice the paddling cow out of the canal unharmed. Please do come and see us on Wednesday 27 May at the Fire Station Open Day, from 2pm. We’re in Common Lane, the road that runs off the High Street by the Post Office. Refreshments and entertainment will be available. George
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KINGS LANGLEY VILLAGE LIFE | May 2015 | PAGE 7
From PCSO 6012 Ian Martin Home security
A
s the weather gets warmer a reminder to residents that leaving windows (or doors) open to cool the house, can offer opportunities to criminals. We are very fortunate that the level of crime, particularly burglary, is very low in Kings Langley - however the lure of an open window or door will encourage opportunistic criminals. It’s a fact that burglars prefer to use as little force as possible and stay quiet, so tend to avoid damage and noise – an open window or door is an invitation to a burglar. Please ensure all windows and doors are kept closed and locked whenever possible – in particular ensure Upvc doors are locked with the key as just lifting the handle leaves them insecure. During hot spells,
particularly at night use windows that are not easily accessible or can be locked in a semi open position. Keep downstairs windows and windows above flat roofs closed. There is a great deal that residents can do themselves to reduce the risk of their property and home being targeted:
Kings Langley Fire Station Open Day Wednesday 27 May, 2pm to 5pm
W
atch Commander Matt Day and his crew would like to invite you all to an open day at Kings Langley Fire Station during half term week, where there will be the opportunity to demonstrate your skills with a fire hose and enter
a competition or two. Light refreshments will be available and you will also have the chance to check out the fire engine and fire station. Keep your eyes open for the posters in the village with more details.
• Check that all ground floor windows and doors are closed and locked when you are in the back garden, leave the house or go to bed. Upstairs windows should be closed and locked when the house is unoccupied • UPVC doors can only be properly locked by lifting the handle and using the key • Car and house keys should be kept out of sight. Don’t leave them on display on window sills, in porches, hallways or kitchens • If you are away overnight or on holiday, use timer switches indoors to turn lights on and off, giving your home a “lived-in‟ look • A good quality alarm and external dusk till dawn low energy lighting, fitted near doors and other entry points, are excellent deterrents • Register your valuables on the free database www. immobilise.com - it is quick and easy to do and can help police return them to you if they are lost or stolen. It also helps police to prove that property found in a suspect’s possession is stolen. Joining or starting up a Neighbourhood Watch in your street can reduce the risk of crime, deterring criminals and bringing communities together. You can find out
Contact Ian on: 01442 271012 or via 01707 354192. (You may have to leave a message for him to call back) Police Non-Emergency No:
101
if there is a scheme where you live, and more about Neighbourhood Watch, at www.owl.co.uk. For comprehensive crime prevention advice visit our website at www.herts.police. uk or contact me via the non-emergency number 101. You can also use the nonemergency number to report any suspicious activity, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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Christian Aid Kings Langley WEA ‘Silent Auction’ – Day School Goes Live! Saturday 16 May at 2-30 pm
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ver wondered what it's like being a fireman? Or a bell ringer? Would you like a chance to train alongside an Olympic athlete? These are just some of the attractive 'lots' in our Silent Auction, which runs from 10th May to 5th June. There are several leisure trips on offer, including one in a Bentley. Local shops and pubs have been very generous donating meals, B&Bs, plus many other exciting items. There are also some interesting antiques donated by members of the churches – and even a week in a cottage on the Isle of Mull. The catalogue-containing over 70 items, can be accessed on line at: www.kings-langleychurches.org.uk/ SilentAuction.html or just Google ‘Silent Auction Kings Langley’. There are plenty of bargains – see what you can
The Secret Life of Still Life presented by Nicola Lowe, Art Historian Kings Langley Community Centre, The Nap
bid for. If you don’t want to use the web you can pick up a catalogue from various places in the village. Then you can register and bid by phone or in writing to All Saint’s Church office, Church Lane, Kings Langley WD4 8JS. You can place bids on line, in writing or by phone. Further details can be obtained from Kings Langley Christian Aid (01923 269599) email: auction@kings-langleychurches.org.uk Thank you to all who have so kindly donated items and services and we now look forward to lots of bids! Help us fight poverty today Paul Tucker
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icola Lowe has presented a number of popular courses on Art History, on behalf of Kings Langley WEA. She will be returning on 16 May to present a Day School of two sessions, in which she will explore the art form of ‘the still life’. The Day School starts at 2-30 pm – doors open at 2-15 pm. Tickets cost £10 per person, and include light
refreshments. ALL ARE WELCOME To reserve a ticket please contact Mrs Hilary Robins, Day School Organiser on 01442 264741 Further information about the content of the Day School, can be found on our web page www.eastern.wea.org.uk/ map/by-county/hertfordshire/ kings-langley
Cut off date for next issue: Monday 25th May
KINGS LANGLEY VILLAGE LIFE | May 2015 | PAGE 9
Kings Langley WI W
e were saddened to hear that one of our members Mrs Susan Garnett-Harper recently passed away, our condolences go to her family. The Soup Lunch in March was well attended and enjoyed by all. A trip to Althorp House has been arranged for August, a trip to Hampton Court in July and a Safari supper to be held in June. The Mayor of Dacorum is holding a coffee morning on 15th May and we were asked if any members would like to attend. We will again be attending the Kings Langley Carnival in June, volunteers asked to make cakes and help man the stall. Our Book Clubs, Debating Club and Rambling Club are still going strong and well supported. The film club will re-commence in September. We will be running a Knit
You're Never Too Old!
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and Natter club, details to be arranged. We then held a Tri a Craft, several of our members then demonstrated some of their crafts and members were encouraged to try these. These included Box Folding, Card making, Napkin Folding with Ribbon Flowers, Black work, Crosstitch, and folded Angels. This was enjoyed by the members Our meetings are held at 7.30 in the Community Centre, the 2nd Tuesday in the month All ladies welcome enquiries to: - Mrs Linda Brady 01442 831763 or Mrs Rene Gardener on 01923 264754. Wendy Buckland
ducating the over-60s was the theme of the joint Evergreen/Good Neighbours’ Association event on an April afternoon in the Community Centre. The “tutors” were on a panel of experts representing the local police, fire service, AgeUK and other organisations. Plenty of advice was given regarding home safety and security, with a number of “freebies” for folk to take home, e.g., alarm whistles,
secure purses, mini-torches, etc. It was certainly a popular and successful occasion, ask any of your older neighbours! During the month, Easter was celebrated at the Good Neighbours’ Tuesday Lunch Club with Spring-themed cupcakes and bunches of daffodils for each of the members to take away. Remember our Helpline No: 07790 668 672, available daily, 9 am to 5 pm.
• Special Occasions • Wedding Day • School Prom
01923 267700 / 07766 203109 www.regencyweddingcarhire.co.uk PAGE 10 | KINGS LANGLEY VILLAGE LIFE | May 2015
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Local Woman Pulls The Trump Card
pril Banbury from Kings Langley is in the running to represent Great Britain at Donald Trump’s Miss Universe pageant. April is a designer and stylist to London’s most elite women and will be one of around 40 women to take part in Miss Universe Great Britain 2015 in Cardiff in June. In the run up she will be tasked with a series of challenges and fundraising for Strongbones – a charity which helps children from all over the UK with diseases of the bone. The final in June will be a three day event and includes an empowerment day lead by one of the UK’s foremost leadership coaches; a celebration dinner with friends and family; and a catwalk show before a panel of judges from the beauty and fashion industry. April said: “I am really excited to have been chosen as a finalist for Miss Universe Great Britain this year and will be doing all that I can in the next few months to prepare. Miss Universe is one of the biggest pageants in the world and I think it’s going to be a huge adventure as well as a lot of fun.” April is known in the public eye for coming 3rd on The Bachelor staring Gavin Henson. Since then April has set up her own fashion business where she has designed and made garments for a number of celebrities such as Emmerdale’s Gemma Oaten. As well as this she also offers style London’s most Elite ladies at Louise Kennedy in Knightsbridge. She also feels strongly about empowering other woman to encourage and inspire them to follow their dreams and goals just like she is by chasing her dream of becoming the first
independent business woman to become the next Miss Universe GB. The Miss Universe Great Britain operates a NOT IN VAIN campaign as part of the competition which acknowledges the efforts and calibre of finalists. In 2015, three awards under the NOT IN VAIN campaign will be presented to finalists. They are an award for the finalist who raises the most for charity through the experience presented by Strongbones; an award for the most inspiring finalist who shows dedication to empowering young women presented by the Miss Universe Great Britain national director; and a Miss Universe Great Britain business bursary offering high-level business coaching by Elsby & Co Chartered Accountants in Northamptonshire to a finalist who is either in or entering the world of business. As well as getting the opportunity to represent the UK for around three weeks at an exotic overseas location later this year at Miss Universe, the winner of Miss Universe Great Britain will receive an extensive prize package including a wardrobe of designer cocktail and evening wear from MacDuggal; pearl jewellery from Orchira; swimwear from Sandstorm and a series of international travel opportunities including a holiday in Bali. National director of Miss Universe Great Britain, Paula Abbandonato, said: “Pageantry in the UK is bigger than ever and we have the most amazing line-up of young women from England, Scotland and Wales vying for the crown this year. It’s going to be an excellent competition and I wish them all
the very best of luck. The UK has never won Miss Universe but I think that this year could be our year!” Around 90 countries take part in the Miss Universe event. The dates and location for 2015 has yet to be announced. The current Miss Universe Great Britain is 25-year-old
Grace Levy from London. The current Miss Universe is Paulina Vegas from Columbia. www.missuniversegb.co.uk www.missuniverse.com You can support April by voting for her: WRITE: GB April AND SEND IT TO: 64343
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Thank you to all volunteers for delivering this paper down their road. If you would like to help, there are just a few roads left in Kings Langley or you could volunteer to fill in when necessary KINGS LANGLEY VILLAGE LIFE | May 2015 | PAGE 11
We Will Remember Them Each month we will remember all those who died, either killed in action or died of wounds from WW1. Walter Leslie Monk was the ninth man connected with Kings Langley who died for our country
Walter Leslie Monk Ordinary Telegraphist of the Royal Navy HMS “Invincible” Reg No. J/28565 Walter Leslie Monk was born in Chippenham, 15th June 1898 He was educated at the Royal Naval School, Greenwich. The family
is recorded as living in Shendish, Kings Langley, with his mother Agnes and father, Charles, being a chauffer at Shendish, On 31st May 1916, Walter was killed or died as a direct result of enemy action during the Battle of Jutland and his body never recovered. HMS Invincible was a battlecruiser, the first of her type and lead ship of her class of three. Launched in 1907, she took part in the Battle of Heligoland Bight, the battle of the Falklands Islands and was destroyed by a magazine explosion during the Battle of Jutland, near Denmark, after her “Q” turret was penetrated. Walter is commemorated at the Portsmouth Naval Memorial and on the Hemel Hempstead Memorial.
HMS Invincible returning from the Battle of the Falklands having been hit 22 times
Open Gardens, BBQ and Live Music
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The Royal British Legion Abbots Langley Branch We welcome all those interested to join us. Monthly meetings are held at the Abbots Langley Men's Club on the 1st Monday of the month (except on Bank Holiday when we assemble on the 2nd Monday) at 8pm. Everyone welcome.
The Abbots House Gardens Saturday 6th June 11.30am – 4.30pm
he Friends of St Lawrence are really pleased to invite you to come and explore the delightful gardens of The Abbots House in the centre of our village on 6th June. There will be a BBQ, live music in the Barn, wine/beer/tea/coffee, and some large garden games
for you to try your hand at. Come along and have a great time – just to wander, sit and listen, or enjoy the BBQ. Entrance (via St Lawrence Close) is £5 per adult (£2 for children under 12, toddlers under 2 are free). There will be a small extra charge for the BBQ and drinks.
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Social evenings are held at the Manor House, Abbots Langley on the second Thursday of each month from 8pm to 10.30pm. There are also a variety of outings organised throughout the year that are announced at our social meetings.
All Ready for Glorious Hospice Garden Party A
heady mix of Pimms, cream teas, hot barbecue lunches on the terrace, fabulous stalls, live jazz and children’s entertainment will be on offer at the annual Hospice of St Francis Garden Party, taking place in the beautiful grounds of Ashridge House on Sunday 31st May (1-5pm). Over 3,500 people flocked to last year’s event, raising a record £30k for the Berkhamsted charity, which supports people living with life-limiting illnesses across Herts and Bucks. The Garden Party, this year sponsored by Churchill Retirement Living, is a chance to show support for your local Hospice and help it raise the £4.7 million it needs every year to help fund its care. At this year’s event there will be live music from popular jazz quartet, the Jolly Jazzers and the The D’ukes of Ashridge ukulele band, a choice of lunch from the BBQ and delicious home-made cream teas and cakes as well as the popular Sumner & Tabor Pimms stall out on the lawns and locally brewed beers at the bar. A wide variety of quality and new stalls will be there,
with many local companies and producers offering speciality food & drink, gifts and handmade craft items, jewellery and fashion as well as beautiful accessories for your home and garden, summer bedding and herbaceous plants. This year classic cruiser motorbikes will be on display for the first time. And there’ll be plenty to entertain the children, including the popular Circus Skills workshop, Punch and Judy, magic shows, balloon modelling, Beat the goalie and Face painting. Sarah Adjer, Community Fundraiser at The Hospice, said, “The Hospice Garden Party is a fantastic afternoon out for all the family and is our biggest community event of the year that raises important funds as well as awareness of our vital work. “It offers the perfect way to spend a relaxing afternoon wandering around the stalls and exploring the beautiful gardens of Ashridge House before enjoying afternoon tea or a glass of Pimms and soaking up the atmosphere.” Dolores Kelly, Marketing Manager of Ashridge House adds, “We are delighted to
Garden Party held in 2014 welcome back The Hospice of St Francis for its annual Garden Party and look forward to welcoming local people to enjoy the beautiful gardens and parkland of Ashridge. This year we’ve increased the number of parking spaces available to help keep traffic moving through the Estate and are ready to welcome the crowds.” Yvette Christy, Marketing Executive for Churchill Retirement Living, which has a regional head office in St. Albans, comments: "The Hospice is a very important part of the community here in Hertfordshire. The Garden Party is a fantastic event and something we were keen
to get behind and support. We wish the Hospice every success and hope it raises a significant sum to help continue its vital work." Advance tickets priced £5 are available from the Hospice main reception in Spring Garden Lane, Berkhamsted, all of its High Street shops as well as its furniture showroom, Returned to Glory, in Northbridge Road, Berkhamsted, from the end of April. Alternatively, they can be purchased on the day for £6 per adult. Admission free for 16’s and under. For more information visit www. stfrancis.org.uk/gardenparty, or call 01442 869555.
Advice Column From Your Local CAB I bought a new mobile phone six months ago, and I used the signal checker on the website, but I never have any signal at home or work at all. I want to cancel my contract and go back to my old mobile company as I always had good service with them, but my new provider says I’ll have to pay all 18 months of the contract remaining if I want to cancel. I can’t afford to pay that all at once and a new contract, but I also can’t have a mobile phone that never works when I need it. What can I do? Most mobile phone contracts last 24 months, but often they don’t specify minimum standards of service, so it can be tricky to get out of them without paying a hefty fee. Your best bet is to keep a log of times when your phone doesn’t work. Then contact your service provider and ask them if there is anything they can do. This might solve the problem without you needing to cancel. It might say something in
your contract about how much reception you should get: if so you should be able to cancel the contract without paying. Unfortunately, you can’t rely on what an online coverage checker will say as they’re just a guide and will only ever give an idea of the average signal someone can expect outside in that area. If the phone doesn’t work in your house or workplace but does work outside, the problem might be with those buildings themselves. In that case you wouldn’t normally be able to cancel without paying. It might be that the signal just isn’t strong enough, so you should ask your provider to carry out a signal strength check. If there’s no signal in your whole area, you might be able to cancel under the Supply of Goods and Services Act. Very poor service most of the time might mean the network is breaking your contract. Some contracts have terms and conditions which mean they’re allowed to not provide service sometimes, so you need to get advice to see if this applies to
you. Before anything else, contact your service provider, share any evidence of poor service and explain why you should be let out of your contract early. They might well allow you to cancel. If you need more advice on any issue, contact your local CAB.
Abbots CAB are recruiting new advisers. Please call into the CAB to find out more, or apply via the national Citizens Advice website: citizensadvice.org.uk
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03444 111 444 From Mobile: 0300 3300 650 Web pages: www.adviceguide.org.uk , www.dacorumcab.org.uk/
KINGS LANGLEY VILLAGE LIFE | May 2015 | PAGE 13
French Leave by Voyager Comparisons with life in France from a former resident
A dying breed… N
otwithstanding some fabulous April weather, Saturdays have been lousy. This is tough on marketeers, for whom week-ends are their best days. If it is wet and blustery, the people stay away in droves, which I find wimpish, because, being English, the weather is irrelevant. One does not turn out for the weather, one turns out for the market, doesn’t one? If you waited for fine weather before venturing out in England, you would be in danger of becoming a hermit. Paradoxically, we don’t buy much; some veg perhaps; a pair of socks; the odd plant… so we don’t really need to go at all. So why bother? And I guess the answer is that even after 20 years (this month) in France, markets have a particular allure, even the small ones. It may be a cliché, but it’s the combination of the smells and the sounds: paella bubbling away in woks; chickens, or ham-joints turning on vertical spits in front of gas grills, and the ubiquitous crepes prepared before your eyes. All contribute to the tantalising aromas that trickle down from the stalls, to be blended by unsuspecting legs. Then there’s
the bustle, and a “grande crème”, and the weekly treat of a fatinducing croissant, ideally on the terrace to watch the world in its remarkable variety of shapes go by. Many Bretons have a distinctive shape, which is to say shortish and round, witness to the vast amount of bread they consume. There are exceptions, but by and large you can easily spot a Breton. On the coast, where we have again moored our caravan in campsite geriatricus, the first invading hordes arrive during the Easter holidays, with Parisians and Nantais in particular beelining for the sea. Sitting on the café terrace, it’s easy to spot them. Most are taller and slimmer. And richer. So, strolling through the market on one unpromising morning, accompanied by our Jack Russell, Augustin, we were suddenly distracted by a dog barking at him. Augustin quivered and looked for the source of this challenge to his authority, but of the miscreant there was no sign. The sound came from a little stall selling Muscadet and offering a free tasting. “Little tasting,” Monsieur calls. “Not now, thanks,” I reply, proud of my supreme effort of will, for
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looking up the road, the fag-end of the market doesn’t look much to write home about. As usual, it’s stalls selling cheap clothing, much of which is naff, but the sellers still seem to ply their trade and apparently make it worth driving long distances so to do. Nonetheless, we persevere and discover a tiny battered caravan tucked between the last two stalls. Handwritten signs proclaim that portions of country pâté among other delights are available for ridiculously cheap sums, viz 2€. Given that 24,3% (44,3% if he’s VAT registered) of what he takes goes straight to the treasury to top up the bottomless bucket that is the French state, how he makes a living is beyond understanding. Mrs. V, whose foody homing instincts are akin to a kind of culinary Formula One, immediately disappears, returning shortly after with a portion of said pâté, to which she adds the intelligence that the young man is also offering a three course, take out meal consisting of paté, lamb stew and crème brulée for 10€. Clutching our purchase, not to mention a walnut cracker, a garlic crusher to replace the fancy one from IKEA, which, unusually for IKEA, didn’t work, and a plastic “doseur” for dispensing Pastis, none of which we knew we wanted until we saw them, we return in the direction of the phantom dog. By the time we reach the stall, it is past 11, so standing on tiptoe on a box the sun would have been just visible over the yardarm, were it not covered by low, rain-sodden clouds. Monsieur’s stall is eye-catching, with a bright yellow and red parasol, sheltering a table bedecked in a patterned, red cloth. On it stand his wares: two varieties of Muscadet at 3€ and 3.5€, one sparkling Muscadet at 4.5€ and a Chardonnay. He is of indeterminate age, but he must be in his sixties and is probably older. A bush of grey hair, quietly receding, sits atop a round, weather-beaten face, while narrow eyes and an impish smile complete the picture. Behind him stands his stockroom, a battered
blue van stuffed with boxes. Muscadet comes from around Nantes on the western end of the Loire. Although the area has produced wine since Roman times, it dates only from the early 18th century after the “great frost of 1709” destroyed many vineyards. Written off as poor quality during the 20th century, it has enjoyed something of a revival in the last 30 years as producers have worked to improve quality. Monsieur has an easy patter, which continues as he pours the first glass to taste. Does he realise he missed his life’s opportunity to make a fortune selling ice to Eskimos, had he but known? Unlikely. His wine is excellent value. “So where’s the dog?” asks Mrs. V. “Zere is no dog,” he replies, “it was I. It is something I can do,” he continues, doing it again. (Augustin, confused, agrees.) An amiable man, he launches into a story about how he periodically winds up his village. One of his neighbours has hunting hounds and, waking at 2 a.m., he opens the window, leans out, barks vigorously and waits for the dogs to erupt. They do. On another insomniac night, he has slipped out of his house and crept round the village barking, triggering a canine chain reaction. The following morning at the café the unruly dogs are the talk of the village. Didn’t you hear them, someone asks. No, didn’t hear a thing. We get talking. He and his wife have a house at up the road at Sarzeau, not far from Vannes. They drive the hundred or so kilometres every week-end and he stands two markets and has done for 40 years. Yes, he’s always there, rain or shine. He chats on until another client hoves into view and we leave with seven bottles of wine that we also didn’t know we wanted. And that’s another reason why I like markets: the last generation of elderly countrymen like him, who love their products, and whose infectious enthusiasm seduces clients. Alas, a dying breed.
Local Resident Family Problems? Publishes Her First Book R Ask Danielle Messenger from Pictons Solicitors for Top Legal Advice
achel McGrath, a local resident who grew up in Brisbane, Australia, where she studied business, before moving to the United Kingdom in her early thirties where she met and married her husband, and has a professional career in human resources. Rachel has always had a passion for writing both fiction and non-fiction. Since her early teens, she has created many short stories as well as smaller pieces that have never been published. Finding the Rainbow is her first published work, a memoir capturing a difficult time in her life. She is passionate about sharing this with a wider audience. You can visit her website at http://www.findingtherainbow. net/ The new book which will be publishd on 21st May Finding the Rainbow is the fascinating and honest insight into a world that, thankfully, many of us cannot begin to understand. McGrath tells the story of her battle with infertility and recurrent miscarriage with unrestricted honesty and directness, leaving the reader in no doubt as to her feelings and thoughts, and the courageousness with which she
I’m worried about the process of splitting a Pension in a Financial Settlement. I want a quickie divorce so think I should ignore it?
deals with a very difficult era. The first book from Rachel lifts the lid on the sometimes taboo issue of infertility and miscarriage, whilst still leaving room for humour, happiness and philosophy. Copies of Finding The Rainbow can be purchased direct from the publisher by visiting the website at www. pegasuspublishers.com or by calling 01223 370012 or on the Amazon website www.amazon. co.uk
Professional balloon decorating by a local family
Q. My husband has a work pension that he has been paying into for a number of years. However, I am intending to ignore this when it comes to agreeing a financial settlement, as I have heard that dealing with pensions really complicates matters and I am hoping to reach a quick settlement. I also worry that in dealing with his pension, means that I will be dependant on him in retirement which I really want to avoid. A. I hear this all the time. People often decide to ignore pensions because they don't want to look at things they don't really understand. But I always say to clients 'if your husband had been saving £500 per month and there were now savings of £100,000 would you be ignoring this cash?' Of course not! A pension fund has a cash value which is easy to obtain. This is known as the current equivalent transfer value (CETV). This helps us to see the overall assets of the marriage. The most typical order in respect of pensions is a Pension Sharing Order (PSO). This means a percentage of the cash value is transferred out of your husbands’ scheme into a completely separate pension fund set up in your name. This happens at the time of the divorce so you are immediately separating the pension, so you can achieve your clean break. Often, rather than taking a share of the pension, parties may agree to consider the value of the pension and allow the other party a greater share of the other assets i.e. more from the house, to compensate them for their lack of pension. This means it is still imperative to understand the value of the pension so fair compensation can take place. This can all be explained and dealt with easily by an experienced family solicitor. Take legal advice and do not just ignore what could be a valuable asset. Email: danielle.messenger@pictons.co.uk Telephone: 01442 229644 Address: Pictons Solicitors, 1 The Waterhouse, Waterhouse Street, Hemel Hempstead, Herts, HP1 1ES Danielle Messenger is a qualified Solicitor and Associate at Pictons with over 10 years of experience in Family Law Facebook: Pictons Solicitors Twitter: @pictons
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www.specialoccasionballoons.co.uk sales@specialocasionballoons.co.uk KINGS LANGLEY VILLAGE LIFE | May 2015 | PAGE 15
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KINGS LANGLEY VILLAGE LIFE | May 2015 | PAGE 17
No job too small
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Dog Fouling and Under 11s School Dog Control in Places for 2015 Public Spaces T - tell us what you think
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hree Rivers District Council is interested in your views concerning a proposed Public Spaces Protection Order. A Public Spaces Protection Order (or PSPO) is a new power introduced by the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. This order is about dog fouling and dog control. This power allows councils to prohibit specified things being done in the restricted area and/ or require specified things to be done by persons carrying out specified activities in that area. Exemptions: The Order will not apply to persons requiring the need of a recognised
Assistance Dog. Penalties: A person who fails to comply with the terms of the Order may be liable to a £75 Fixed Penalty Notice, or upon summary conviction to a fine not exceeding Level 3 on the standard scale (currently £1000). We welcome your views on the proposal to introduce the Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) that will seek to replace and extend existing powers relating to dog fouling and dog control in public places. More information can be found at www.threerivers.gov.uk - closing date is 15th May 2015
his year 95 per cent of Hertfordshire children have been allocated a place at one of their preferred primary, junior or middle schools. Of the 15,267 applications for reception places received by Hertfordshire County Council, 14,408 have been allocated a ranked primary school. Of these, 12,425 were allocated their first ranked school - an increase of 255 on last year. This is despite an increase of 392 in the number of applications compared to last year. Applicants who have not been offered their first preference school will automatically be placed on the continuing interest list for any schools named higher on their application form than the school offered. An extra 325 places have been made available through this process, with schools across the county expanding to meet local demand. 30 new places have been
created at Abbots Langley School. Andrew Simmons, Director of Education and Early Intervention, said:“We want all children to have access to a good education so they can reach their full potential, with the right number of school places in the right location , so I’m delighted that the vast majority of children have been allocated one of their ranked schools. “This is a significant challenge given there are 10,000 more children under the age of four in Hertfordshire today than a decade ago. However, we are committed to ensuring that where the county’s population grows we build the appropriate infrastructure and have spent £170m to provide more than 3,000 additional reception places, including 195 permanent places for September 2015.”
KINGS LANGLEY VILLAGE LIFE | May 2015 | PAGE 19
A Day in the Life of a Charity Shop Manager W
e spoke to Kim Campbell, Manager of The Hospice of St Francis’ Kings Langley
shop Q: What’s your motivation for working for the hospice? A: The good the Hospice does for the patients and their families – for me that’s what it’s all about, helping them to deliver that care. Q: What does a typical day look like for you and your team? A: I tend to get in around 7.45am to make a cup of coffee, check my emails and get a feel for what I need to do. No two days are the same because you never know what’s going to come through the door. We get between 50 and 80 bags of donations a day and most come in late in the day so these need sorting into sellable and non-sellable and anything we can’t sell goes to rag - nothing is wasted. My volunteers arrive at 9am, I brief them about any promotions going on, then the steaming, ticketing, dating, sizing and pricing begins. Out of season stock is saved, in season stock goes out on the shop floor and then there’s the steady stream of customers to serve and help. Of course there’s all the paperwork too, which I like to keep on top of on a daily basis. Q: Is it a challenge managing all the black bags and their contents? A: Oh yes, it’s hard work! We get some really nice donated clothing – high-end labels like Hobbs, Phase Eight and Karen Millen as well as some quite good men’s and children’s’ wear but we’ve also and damaged bric-a-brac. For some people it’s a short cut to the dump – especially now many local re-cycling centres are closed two had a bag of dirty nappies, kitchen waste, clothes screwed up in a tight ball caked in mud, broken days a week. Q: How often do regular customers visit – everyday? A: Some of our regulars come in at least once, sometimes twice a day, especially on their way to and from school. One of our regulars, a lady called Ruth Farley, has bought
200 plates, cups and saucers for her daughter’s wedding reception and 70% of it has come from us! The stock is refreshed daily so you never know when you might pick up a gem and if you see one you have to snap it up or it might be gone! I always like to keep the window interesting too to draw people in and we’ve actually had men coming in to say how lovely and colourful it looks – which is praise indeed! Q: What are the most unusual / worst items you’ve had donated? A: The most unusual item was a fake, leather-bound book full of Viagra tablets! The worst item has to be the soiled nappies. Q: What have you done to involve the shop in the local community? A: I think reaching out and getting involved in the community is really important and we’ve done all sorts of things. When the Council changed the name of the village to Kings Landing for the release of the new Game of Thrones DVD, we did a special window display to get involved. I borrowed props from the Kings Langley Players and had to carry a knight in armour from their warehouse, which got me some very strange looks! We’ve supported Kings Langley Festival of Lights and the annual Carnival with a stall. We had a Christmas Shopping Evening for our customers which the volunteers and I did all the catering for. We have held children’s painting competitions at Easter and a Name the Polar Bear competition for our first Christmas. Community is everything. Q: What is the shop’s role in promoting hospice events? A: We help wherever we can. We’ve got a picnic-themed window at the moment to help promote the annual Garden Party, coming up on 31st May at the beautiful Ashridge House. We have a mannequin in a gorgeous neon pink Midnight Walk T-shirt encouraging people to sign up for the big new route, new neon-themed night on 27th June. Six of us – myself and volunteers –
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Kim in the doorway with regular customer Ruth Farley entered a team last year and it was great fun! Q: How important are the volunteers and how vital have they have been to the success of the shop? A: We couldn’t manage without them. We have 28, many of whom live in the village and because we recruited a lot of them before the shop opened, they feel a sense of ownership and are very proud of their shop. They work so hard doing all the jobs that need doing, serving and helping customers – almost like personal shoppers. One lady, who does the jewellery, is in here every day, tidying up and titivating the window if it needs it – we can’t keep her away! It feels like a great team, we’ve had evenings out together and we have a lot of laughs and fun too. They’re all worth their weight in gold. We’d love some more Saturday and Monday morning volunteers though - we’re very flexible – even if it’s just for a couple of hours, it all helps! Q: People might donate to the shop but do some items end up on eBay? A: Yes, people want to support
the Hospice and this is all about achieving the best value for our donations, especially the more collectable items, like jewellery and silverware. We had an old musical box of a Swiss dancing figure which went for £300 and a set of old school reading books from the ‘70’s which sold in two lots for nearly £1,500! Q: How important is Gift Aid in raising money for the Hospice? A: It’s crucial. Every person who donates to our shops should be asked for their Gift Aid identity number and if they don’t have one, we can sign them up in a matter of minutes. For every item we sell that has a Gift Aid number attached, we get an extra 25% in the pound! Last year we claimed £70k in Gift Aid across our shops and this year we are aiming for £90k. You just have to be a UK tax payer to register. Q: What type of donations do you need? A: Good quality, saleable clothing, accessories, bric-a-brac and books please – in the condition that you would like to buy them in.
Film Festival A
Chipperfield family who have developed a film distributing company “Renown Pictures Ltd” have just organised their first film festival which took place in February at Watersmeet in Rickmansworth. Attended by hundreds of film enthusiasts, the festival was opened by Brian Murphy who is well known for his role in “George and Mildred” and “Last of the Summer Wine”.
There was an opportunity to view a selection of classic British movies and documentaries and to listen to talks by Jonathon Croall, Robert Ross, Jess Conrad and Tim Langley. Neil Cronin and daughter Sarah Cronin Stanley with Neil Stanley who run Renown Pictures were on hand to answer questions about their films. A great success. Terry Simmonds
Chipperfield Spring Show C
hipperfield Horticultural Society held their Spring Show in the Village Hall on the afternoon of Saturday 21st March. Lots of lovely entries to the show this year, daffodils, narcissi, floral arrangements, cakes and handicrafts, amongst the exhibits which is always nice to see. Childrens' classes included posters for "Keep Chipperfield Tidy" Sue Tyler won the Abrahams Cup for the most
points in the show and John Hopkins won the H Simmonds Cup for the runner up. After the prize giving, everyone enjoyed cream teas and an auction of the produce along with a raffle. The next show will be the Summer Show which will be held on 20th June in the Village Hall from 2.30pm with, weather permitting, some splendid examples of roses and sweet peas.
Sarah Cronin-Stanley introduces Brian Murphy who opened the festival (Photo by Terry Simmonds)
Elizabeth Attenborough from Kings Langley won 1st for her painting (photo by Terry Simmonds)
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Transition In Kings News
Alien Plant Invades Kings Langley!
Transition Streets, now in full flow! Those who have been following the development of the Transition in Kings Langley (TiK) movement will be aware that one of its arms, Transition Streets (TS) is now active. Well established in other parts of the country, TS aims to bring groups of people together in order to promote greater awareness of community, discussion of local issues and the implementation of ideas relating to the conservation of the earth’s precious, and diminishing, resources. The TS pilot scheme began in March 2015 and is now at its midway point. The idea is to unite small groups of households within particular streets and to share and disseminate relevant information and good practice. Each group has a leader and will have a succession of around half a dozen meetings, possibly monthly or more frequently as the groups decide. Ideally, between six and eight households form each discrete assembly and the current pilot scheme involves around three dozen households. What might one gain from participation in this scheme? • Getting to know other people in your area. • Sharing advice and information about grants, websites, resource management, good local firms and trades people ---and thereby saving money! • Having access to such
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services as the infra-red photography of your house, pinpointing its heat losses. How can you get involved? The best way is to attend the monthly meetings of TiK. These are held on the second Saturdays of each month at Charter Court, Parish Council Rooms, Vicarage Lane from 10-12 am. Otherwise contact us at transitioninkings@ gmail.com. If you would like to begin your own TS group in your street we can provide you with information, guidelines and a mentor to help you get started. TS is a way of promoting local and community issues as well as the wider concerns about the husbanding of the earth’s resources. It can also just be fun! If you have some spare time and are interested in these matters, do get involved. Finally, don’t forget the monthly local produce market, every third Saturday of the month in the High Street. Good quality, locally produced food at reasonable prices.
strange and interesting new plant form has been observed in multiple locations around and about the village. Keen amateur naturalists describe the plant’s key features: a couple of feet high - currently; long, creeping tendrils; an outsize, ever-open mouth (so probably carnivorous) with vicious teeth. Which begs the question - what does it eat? Villagers have named the plant Audrey 2 and already spotted her outside the library, at a bus stop in the High Street and sunning herself on the Common.
Where will she pop up next? And what does it all mean? It means that Kings Langley Players are up to tricks rehearsing for a thrilling production of mega musical LITTLE SHOP OF HORORS -June 24 -27 ! For more info and tickets to see Audrey 2 growing and growing on stage, before your very eyes, visit the Players website at www.klp.org.uk Keep your eyes peeled for further Audrey 2 sightings. And heed the Players’ warning: Please don’t feed the plant!
Julian Mincham
Support groups: Bereavement and Loss groups Self-esteem and confidence groups Women’s monthly Sunday creative support groups Support group for people with chronic illness Counselling for individuals and couples Complementary Therapy Clinical Aromatherapy specialists. Hynotherapy Caring for you in a way you deserve, we are as unique as you are!
Call or text on 07538 175557 (confidential answering service) www.acornwellbeing.co.uk 44 Old High Street, Hemel Hempstead (Through the arch of the Rectory next to The Enchanted Oak)
PAGE 22 | KINGS LANGLEY VILLAGE LIFE | May 2015
Cost of 118 calls Benefit Claim Man Prosecuted W
e’ve all seen the fancy TV ads, and some of us have used the services – but do you know just how much it does cost to use one of the 118 directory enquiries? All the companies charge a one off fee followed by a cost per minute – 1 minute and 1 second will be charged as two minutes – costs below are from the companies web sites and are based on a call from a land line (calls from mobiles “can” cost more)
118500 - £1.99/call + £2.46/minute
118118 - £1.88/call + £2.57/minute 118247 - £1.53/call + £1.83/minute
(Other service providers are available) So a 1 minute call to 118118 will cost £1.88 + £2.57 = £4.45, a 2 minute call will cost £7.02, the operators may offer to connect you to your chosen number, which sounds great but the cost per minute continues. So a 15 minute call could cost over £40!
Interested in advertising your business? Email julie@villagernews.co.uk
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n 3 March 2015, Mr Paul East previously of Ovaltine Court, Kings Langley, pleaded guilty at St Albans Magistrates Court to dishonestly making a statement or representation which he knew to be false. Mr Paul East failed to inform Three Rivers District Council and The Department for Works and Pensions that he was actually working. Failure to declare this information resulted in Mr East receiving Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit exceeding £11,000. Mr East was sentenced to
a 12 month community order with a requirement of 100 hours unpaid work. He was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £60 and ordered to pay £250 contribution towards prosecution cost. Mr East will also be required to repay the £11,000, which includes the Jobseekers’ Allowance he wrongly claimed. Residents can report any concerns about possible wrongful Benefit claims by ringing the Council’s hotline in complete confidence on Freephone 0800 458 9200 or emailing us fraud@ threerivers.gov.uk
Kings Langley Country Market Every Thursday, 10am to 12 noon at The Reading Room, High Street, Kings Langley
KINGS LANGLEY VILLAGE LIFE | May 2015 | PAGE 23
The Kings Langley Light Opera Company
A Revival of 1954’s The Pajama Game T
With that memorable sound of the Tango
he 1950s – ‘2015 style’ gave great scope for innovation on stage at The Nap. Difficult in 2015 to contemplate a musical about a union at a pajama factory, such very different times but it all becomes compelling when you meet the characters and hear the wonderful singing, especially that Tango music and the clicking castanets and the emotional Sid singing, “Hey There” tearing his heart out in duet with his own tape-machine. The Kings Langley Light Opera Company did away with the heavy machinery of the factory workshop - too cumbersome on stage. They set the scene with fascinating lighting and clever use of mime. The 1950s big band sound was successfully achieved under the direction of Clive Swan and the enthusiastic performance was both directed and choreographed by Gilli Morris-Monk. The 1950s was a decade of industrial unrest. The Pajama Game is a
musical based on Richard Bissell’s novel ‘71Ž2 Cents’. The pajama factory union was fighting to get a well deserved rise for the powerless women machine workers in what was actually a sweat-shop in the American mid-west. The overbearing, miserly and obnoxious business owner, Miron (Geraint Whalley) grunted as he refused to give them their just deserts fending off the Union that campaigned tirelessly. It is in the last scene his factory superintendent Sid (James Yank) suddenly became aware that the boss had in fact raised his prices some months previously and pocketed the difference. He who had been a loyal member of staff was visibly taken aback and the union was put in a strong position to get the rise its members so deserved. The ‘downtrodden’ workers were utterly astounded to find they had won out. The storyline is based on the attraction of the loyal factory superintendent, Sid,
PAGE 24 | KINGS LANGLEY VILLAGE LIFE | May 2015
and the forthright leader of the Union Grievance Committee, Babe (Elise Allanson). Love - an impossible love - at first sight. Babe was so edgy when taunted by the factory floor women as they joined her with, ‘I’m Not At All In Love’. Hassler (Geraint Whalley)) was a skinflint of a boss and, Vernon Hines, played with Germanic precision by Brian Baxter, was the bullying, fanatical time and motion man. On the factory floor the women were powerless and browbeaten as he tried to make them work faster and faster and they reacted as automatons singing along with his incessant ticktock. The whole performance was enchanting bringing out the wider aspects of factory relationships. Vernon’s attraction to the beautiful but devious Gladys (Jo Martin) and the bombastic Vernon’s maniacal reactions and use of knife throwing, Gladys flirting
first with Prez (Ben Brewer) and then attaching herself to Sid when Babe rejected him. The minimalist approach to the scenery was the only 2015 way to cope with the smelly, noisy, cluttered 1950’s sweatshop. The use of light gave us the factory roof-light, office windows, the fresh feel of the outdoor on the annual work’s outing. and most importantly the red lighting that brought us the Spanish style night-club, Hernando’s Hideaway. The audience had a wonderful evening with a great musical that has withstood the intervening years. The voices and acting were superb and all the cast put their whole into their parts. The colourful costumes and head scarves, swirling skirts, and dark suits, so well chosen. This was an interesting and informative treat. Joy Mann
Regular Events at Christ Church Baptist Kings Langley,,The Nap www.christchurchbaptist.co.uk
C
hrist Church Baptist is a friendly mediumsized church for all ages, situated in the heart of Kings Langley – just off the High Street in The Nap. We offer groups for children and young people from the ages of 0-18 years old on Sunday mornings. During the week our popular Kings Bookshop and Coffee Shop offers a terrific range of cards, gifts and Fairly traded tea and coffee and yummy homemade cakes! A great welcoming place to meet, especially if you have children or are getting on in years. Why not pop in and see us soon, you would be very welcome!
Sunday Morning 10.30am – Morning Service followed by refreshments (with groups for children and young people) Monday Morning 10.30-12.30pm Kings Bookshop and Coffee Shop Wednesday Morning 10-12 noon Kings Bookshop and Coffee Shop Thursday Morning 10-12 noon Kings Bookshop and Coffee Shop Thursday Morning 10-11.30am First Steps ('Toddlers Group) Saturday Morning 10 – 12 noon - Kings Bookshop and Coffee Shop
KINGS LANGLEY VILLAGE LIFE | May 2015 | PAGE 25
Annual Parish Meeting 9th April 2015
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nce again the Annual Parish Meeting had a good attendance from residents. We heard reports from Mr Eric Martin (Trustee of the Kings Langley Charities), Mr Gary Lewis (Head Teacher at Kings Langley School), Mrs Frances Stickley (Chair of Governors of Kings Langley School), County Councillor Richard Roberts, Borough Cllrs Alan Anderson and Bob McLean, Cllr Alan Anderson (Parish Council accounts and budget), PCSO Ian Martin, Mr George Tucker (Kings Langley Village Warden). A summary / highlight of the Parish Council’s Chairman’s report is as follows: Community Safety: The crime figures have fallen for the past three years. Thanks to PCSO Ian Martin were recorded for
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regular attendance at Council meetings and crime updates. Neighbourhood Watch coverage of virtually 100% across the parish. Thanks to Sandra Jackson were recorded. Back to the front (Kings Langley & Abbots Langley): WW1 Remembered: To commemorate the centenary of the start of World War One, an Exhibition and Candle-light Vigil were held in August 2014. Thanks to Julie Barton, Ron Smith, Beverley Ross, All Saints Church and Nick Taylor were recorded and to everyone else who helped and attended. They were both very memorable and moving events. Twinning Project: Achiet Le Grand: Christopher Cox VC plaque – the Parish will expect a gold plaque in March 2017! Best Kept Gardens Competition: In excess of £750 was raised for the Hospice of St Francis – don’t forget to get your application in for this year. Christmas Lights Festival: Excellent once again, thank you to all the sponsors, volunteers and attendees. This year the event will be held on Saturday 28th November.
The Focus for 2015/16 and Beyond: • Road Safety / Speeding • Parking • Litter and graffiti • Youth facilities • Anti Social behaviour
STUMP REMOVAL LOPPING / TOPPING RE-SHAPING HEIGHT REDUCTION ALL TYPES OF FENCING/GATES DOMESTIC & INDUSTRIAL All insurance work undertaken
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• Annual Carnival • Best Kept Gardens Competition • Christmas Lights Festival • Maintain look of the Village to “Best Kept Village” standards • Flower beds and parks • Children’s’ play areas Just before the Community Awards were presented (details on front page of this issue), Cllr Bob McLean thanked Cllr Ron Smith for all his hard work and dedication over the past four years as a Parish Councillor. Ron was the driving force behind the entry into Village of the Year Competition (which we won) and the Candlelit Vigil, Chairman of the Environment Committee and latterly, Council chairman. Unfortunately Ron was not selected as a candidate by the Conservative party to stand as a councillor again in this year’s May elections. A round of applause from everyone in the hall was very touching. Anyone who would like full copies of the reports presented to the meeting can obtain these from the Council offices.
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Tree Surgery Fence & Gate Specialists
Car Parking: New schemes for London Road / Shendish Edge and Rockliffe Avenue area.
The Parish Council will maintain an involvement and assist and drive the following village activities.
Monday to Saturday 9.30am to 5pm FREE HOME DELIVERY • FREE HOME DELIVERY • FREE HOME DELIVERY
PAGE 26 | KINGS LANGLEY VILLAGE LIFE | May 2015
FREE HOME DELIVERY • FREE HOME DELIVERY
RAWLINGS
Village Environment: Next Volunteer Litter Pick will be Sunday 31st May. Free dog litter bags are available from the Parish Council, despite this, there is still a problem where dog owners are not clearing up after their dog.
Speeding / Road Safety: Road Safety issues remain, especially around the bottom of Vicarage Lane, but County Cllr Roberts has promised further reviews. A new speed warning sign in Hempstead Road which appears to be slowing traffic down. Another device has been budgeted for 2015-16 for the south side of the village.
07780 974646
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Carnival: Excellent event, attended by thousands. This year it will be held on Saturday 20th June run by a new committee – thanks to the Rotary Club were recorded which had organised the event for many years.
Dacorum Folk Festival Dacorum Folk Fest predicts BBC Radio 2 Folk Award Best Duo winners for two years running and returns for a third year Performing at a small local festival seems to bring good luck to the country's top folk performers. Or perhaps the organisers have an intuition to rival Paul the 'psychic' octopus. Dacorum Folk Fest, held in Hemel Hempstead since 2013, has featured two duos as headliners: Phillip Henry and Hannah Martin in 2013, Josienne Clarke and Ben Walker in 2014. Both went on to win the most coveted prize in folk the following year, for the first time in their careers. The festival will return to Hemel Hempstead on Saturday 11 July 2015 After two very successful years, Dacorum Folk Fest, supported by Dacorum Arts Partnership, is becoming a
firm fixture in the local music calendar. To be held on Saturday 11 July 2015, the festival will focus on showcasing local talent: all of the acts booked, except the headliners Merry Hell, are from the local area. It will also aim to attract a wider audience, featuring bands on the roots, folk rock and indie folk (rather than traditional folk) spectrum. The event will be held in a new venue, the beautiful and historic St Mary’s church in the Old Town, Hemel Hempstead. Tickets available from mid May Dacorum Folk Fest 2015 will include a Local Roots Showcase and an Evening Concert.
Local Roots Showcase The afternoon showcase will feature Emma McGrath, a sensational 15-year-old singer-songwriter, and two fantastic local roots bands Jipsy and The Caution Horses. It will be a fun-
packed, energetic and eclectic afternoon of music. Bring your dance shoes.
Evening Concert The evening music session will also feature three acts. The headliners of the evening concert and Dacorum Folk Fest 2015 are Merry Hell. Merry Hell, founded in their native North West of England, are a folk-rock band with a history, a pedigree and a bright future. In four short years they have risen to become festival favourites, their first two albums finding favour with critics, broadcasters and music fans alike. They are continuing to develop an enviable reputation for the quality of their song writing, recorded work and live performances. Their latest album, The Ghost in Our House and Other Stories, has been gathering rave reviews across the board. Their reputation to deliver a spectacular live show is unbeatable.
Support will be provided by acclaimed local artists: Minnie Birch from Hemel Hempstead and KARA from Kings Langley. Minnie Birch is an outstanding local singersongwriter with a distinctive voice. Her songs have been featured on BBC Radio 1 and Radio 2. KARA are a fast rising “unique and innovative” local band championed, in particular, by The Telegraph (Best Folk Albums of 2014 List) and R2 Magazine (Best of the Year 2014).
KINGS LANGLEY VILLAGE LIFE | May 2015 | PAGE 27
OBITUARY
Susan Harper S
usan Harper was a prominent figure in the local community for many years mainly for her tireless voluntary work running the Watford Social Centre for the Blind in Cross Street, Watford. This covers the WD postal areas, so people in Kings Langley and Abbots Langley have benefitted from it over the years. Susan took over the role of Chairman of the Trustees and the day to day running of the centre in the early 1990’s after her own mother, Rene Milton, who had started the club just after the war, fell ill. However she had attended the meetings from a very early age and taken on the fund raising campaigns as a young adult. The members enjoy not only weekly meetings where they are entertained by various visiting groups and individuals, but regular outings to local golf clubs, garden centres and further afield, all arranged by Susan. All the members, who were able to, were encouraged to join the group holidays she organised after which she enjoyed listening to the many escapades they got into. The club has been taken over by her daughter Jenny who, with the other
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volunteers, will continue to run the club in same vein. Susan, over the last 40 years, has raised over £100k through fundraising for the benefit of the club and its members. Many will remember the fantastic Jazz evenings at Hunton Park, Shendish Manor and Abbots Hill School where Terry Lightfoot and his band entertained hundreds of supporters. Through these events she managed to raise enough money to completely update the centre to include a new kitchen, roof and safer flooring. During her time as chairman she had dedicated herself to helping those with visual impairments and the blind. Susan took great satisfaction in knowing that she could provide a comfortable, safe and friendly environment where members could meet regularly and support each other through a life changing stage in their lives. Many members are indebted to Susan for helping them through a very traumatic and frightening transition from sighted to being visually impaired. Her goal was always to make their lives easier. This could have been as simple as ordering a talking watch to
arranging for someone from the relevant organisations to visit them in their home to make any necessary adaptions. Susan was deservedly awarded the British Empire Medal in the Queen’s Birthday Honours of 2012 for services to the blind and the local community. She proudly accepted her medal from the Lord Lieutenant of Hertfordshire, the Countess of Verulam and was invited to attend a Garden Party at Buckingham Palace. In addition to her work with the Blind Centre, Susan was a trustee of Goslings House, an Almshouse for local women in Watford and was a director of The Herts Society for the Blind. She was a huge supporter of Kings Langley Swimming Club especially when her children and then her grandsons were active members always helping on poolside when needed. Susan was a member of the Kings Langley WI and a playing member of Rickmansworth Tennis club. Susan had a formidable energy about her that few could match. She had been diagnosed with Myeloma cancer four years ago which she was determined would
not affect her life and she achieved this until late last year. In December, after many tests, she was further diagnosed with a rare condition Cardiac Amyloidosis. Unfortunately she was unable to continue at her normal pace but continued to take a great interest in everything going on at the Blind Centre and her family. She leaves her husband, Richard, past chairman of the Kings Langley Local History and Museum Society and churchwarden at All Saints’ Church, Kings Langley, son Tim, daughter Jenny and grandchildren Toby, Edward and Michael.
Croxley Plumbing, Heating & Bathroom Supplies All major boilers, Bathroom suites Installations arranged Radiators, Polypipe, Fittings, Tools Trade discounts General public welcome Mention this advert for 10% off your purchase! 7am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday; 8am to 1pm Saturday Winton House, 2 Winton Approach, Croxley Green, WD3 3TL
PAGE 28 | KINGS LANGLEY VILLAGE LIFE | May 2015
01923 229857
Help in the Home “My Home Helper is perfect and I don’t know what I would do without her” Age UK Hertfordshire’s Help in the Home service is a real lifeline Age UK Hertfordshire’s Help in the Home is a service like no other. Our Home Helpers are carefully chosen, trusted and reliable. They enjoy their role and are happy to do the tasks around the house that you find difficult. Home Helper Donna says “I like to see my clients with a smile on their face when I carry out my weekly visit.” People have Home Helpers for many different reasons. Sometimes it is a relative who contacts us because they live far away and they want someone reliable and trustworthy who can provide the support their loved ones need. Miss Smith* says “Thank you all for your support. I really appreciate it and I know Mum does. We couldn’t manage without your excellent caring and efficient team. I feel reassured to know Mum is in such safe and capable hands.” Some of our clients use the service because they have health issues. Mrs Jones* says “My husband used to do the housework before suffering ill health so I am really glad of the service. It is a great help to both of us.” Whatever the reason our Home Helpers are there to anything you need from making the beds to dusting those hard to reach places. We appreciate that as an older person you want to retain your independence so our Home Helpers will only do the tasks you want them to and just the way you like it. You can enjoy an even better quality of life whilst remaining very much in control.
Age UK Hertfordshire’s Home Helpers can: • clean floors, windows, kitchens, bathrooms and wash up etc • change your bedding, do the laundry, iron and put away clothes • collect your prescription,
dry cleaning or shopping • keep the fridge clean and check sell by dates • prepare light meals • help keep your home looking tidy • provide companionship
How it works You can have as many visits as you like, it’s up to you. However, we ask that each visit is for a minimum of 1.5 hours duration. You pay £15.50 per hour and you pay by Direct Debit only, to help us keep our administrative costs as low as we can. You pay a one off assessment and registration fee of £20.00. This is paid when you have your pre-service visit. Your Home Helper will come from a local team who have been trained in Health and Safety, Food Hygiene and First Aid. Home Helpers also receive Dementia Awareness Training We will arrange a preservice visit before booking a Home Helper to come and see you. At the preservice visit we will discuss what tasks you would like your Home Helper to do ie: cleaning, laundry, cooking, shopping etc, talk about the service in detail and answer any questions you may have, outline our terms and conditions and look at other areas we may be able to help. Mr Ellery* says “I rely on Sarah coming each week. She is perfect and I don’t know what I would do without her.”
Our Home Helpers are: • carefully chosen, interviewed and checked through • references and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) • reliable, trustworthy and all work to the same high standards • specially trained to give an effective service • ready to listen to your concerns and maintain confidentiality • able to help you access our services
and I enjoy having a clean home.” “We greatly value the range of services offered by Age UK Hertfordshire and everyone is always so helpful. It is very reassuring to know that we can turn to Age UK Hertfordshire in times of need. I take every opportunity to sing your praises to others who might benefit from contacting your organisation.”
A name you can trust
Age UK Hertfordshire has been providing services and support to older people for over 50 years and we are recognised as an expert in this field. So you can feel safe in the knowledge that you are getting the best possible service from a name you can trust. Mr Jones* says “I am very happy with my Home Helper. We have a good laugh together and I really look
forward to seeing her every week”.
Are you interested in having a Home Helper? If so just call our Help in the Home Team and they’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have and to arrange a pre-service, no obligation, visit.
South West Hertfordshire Covering Watford, Three Rivers, Dacorum and Hertsmere Tel: 01923 224472 Email: helpinthehome.sw@ ageukherts.org.uk Age UK Hertfordshire is a registered charity number 1116662. *names have been changed to protect identity
Mrs Billington* says “I want to let you know how much we appreciate the service. Your team are always helpful and considerate; my husband enjoys the company
KINGS LANGLEY VILLAGE LIFE | May 2015 | PAGE 29
Kings Langley Football Club Champions of the Spartan South Midlands League! Tuesday 24th March Spartan South Midlands League – Premier Division Kings Langley 3 (Carter 19, Campana 47, Jackson 50) Hoddesdon Town 2 (Udoh 78, Metivier 90) After a very poor run in the new year, Hoddesdon have shown signs of revival lately and they took the game to Kings from the start of this encounter, more than holding their own in midfield and showing enough pace up front to keep the defence busy. Kings had the first chance though, Reece Buck palming over a Mitchell Weiss shot and they drew first blood when Tom Carter finished a left wing run by cutting inside and unleashing a fierce shot into the far netting. That’ was to be how it remained until the interval, with little to choose between the teams, who seemed to have a mutual agreement that a hard, dry pitch was not to be trusted and resorted to keeping it the air as much as possible. The second half was minutes old when Kings suddenly shook off this malaise, showing just why they are top with two goals in three minutes. Mitchell Weiss seized onto a blocked shot, slipped the ball to Alex Campana and he made no mistake with a low
angled shot, before the scorer turned provider by popping up on the other wing and delivering a teasing cross to the head of Weiss. His effort beat Buck, but was cleared off the line and fell to Nick Jackson, on the edge of a well populated box. The skipper delivered a spectacular volley that powered into the goal like a heat seeking missile and Kings were cruising, with Lee Burgoyne hitting a post soon after. But Town dug in to show the fighting spirit that had typified their first half performance and got behind the home defence, who were perhaps looking for the offside. They still had time to close ranks, but the lively Dan Udoh was rewarded for a night’s high work-rate, by picking his spot to close the gap. A free-kick on 90 minutes resulted in Kevin Metivier coming forward to net from close range and set home hearts briefly pumping, but Kings closed to take the points without reaching recent heights. Team;- 1 Crowley – 4 Pattison 5 Deaton 6 Adebiyi – 2 Hutchins 7 Burgoyne 8 Munday 3 Carter – 11 Jackson – 9 Weiss 10 Campana Subs used:- Hitchcock, L Toomey, Cox Not used:- Warrell Saturday 28th March Spartan South Midlands League –
Premier Division Wembley 0 Kings Langley 1 (Campana 23) One moment of magic from Alex Campana saw Kings take a giant step towards the title, taking all three points from one of their two nearest challengers at Wembley. Already without two regulars, Kings lost Nick Jackson in the warm up and were forced to reshuffle the pack, but they made all the early running and were rewarded with what turned out to be the decider after 23 minutes. A Callum Adebiyi run was halted with a trip on the edge of the box and Alex Campana placed the ball virtually on the left hand corner of the area before delivering a curving shot into the top left of the goal that Bart Fogler got a hand to but couldn’t influence. Dean Hitchcock had a shot blocked as Kings sought the killer second, but Wembley came out after the interval with more bite and Joe Wright went close in an early attack. The visitors responded with Lewis Toomey suddenly breaking clear, but with only Fogler to beat, his intended chip cleared both keeper and bar. Twenty minutes later he came closer still and was unlucky to see his shot shave the outside of the post, before Campana brought an outstanding save from the home custodian and then Ollie Cox had a point blank shot scrambled off the line. Despite all that, the lead was still a slim one and Wembley threw everything forward in the last ten minutes with shots from Fekiete, Witham and Humphries all narrowly off target. But Kings had given a controlled performance, having the better of possession and chances, while Lee Burgoyne was outstanding in a midfield that allowed Wembley little chance to be creative. With four strikers on the pitch having a tally in excess of twenty goals each, it was a good day for the defences, but Kings showed that they have the ability to ‘win ugly’ and close out games when protecting a narrow lead. . Team;- 1 Crowley – 4 Debayo 5 Deaton 6 Adebiyi – 2 Cox 7 Burgoyne 8 Hitchcock 3 Carter – 9 Weiss – 10 Campana 11 L Toomey Subs used:- Atkins Not used:A Ladyman, L Ladyman Tuesday 31st March Spartan South Midlands League – Premier Division Kings Langley 4 (L Ladyman 60, L Toomey 74, Deaton 77, Weiss 86) Berkhamsted 1 (Chamberlain 55) This began as a difficult match for Kings Langley, as local rivals Berkhamsted were clearly fired up and intent on avenging two Cup dismis-sals at the hands of their neighbours. Mitchell Weiss had an early opportunity when an offside appeal was ignored, while 0Charlie Crowley saved at the feet of BJ Christie and tipped over a volley from the same
PAGE 30 | KINGS LANGLEY VILLAGE LIFE | May 2015
striker soon after. But mostly it was a fast and ferocious affair, with Lee Burgoyne and Dean Hitchcock more than holding their own in a combative midfield and both attacks held by well organised defences. However, it all changed ten minutes into the second half when Berko, who had been demonstrating some neat approach work, saw Frankie Jowle sweep the ball cross field to Josh Chamberlain and he beat an unprotected Crowley from eight yards. The away celebrations were jubilant as the possibility of a prized scalp loomed, but the event proved to be the forerunner to their downfall as Kings seemed to take it as a personal affront and turned on half an hour of pressing, attacking football that few teams would live with. The lead was short-lived as mounting pressure resulted in a Luke Ladyman shot through a crowded box eluding Carl Tasker and once level, Kings were rampant. A Weiss shot was just wide and Tasker tipped a Stuart Deaton effort round the post, but could do nothing about an Ollie Cox piledriver that was adroitly helped in by a touch from Lewis Toomey or an Alex Campana free kick that was converted at the far post by Deaton. Dean Hitchcock took the ball to the corner flag to deliver a wicked cross for the head of Mitchell Weiss to complete the scoring, while the night ended on a sombre note with a serious injury causing a half hour delay in the closing minutes of the game. All at Kings Langley wish Jamie Gavin a good and speedy recovery. Team;- 1 Crowley – 4 L Ladyman 5 Deaton 6 Adebiyi – 2 Cox 7 Burgoyne 8 Hitchcock 3 Carter – 9 Weiss – 10 Campana 11 L Toomey Subs used:- Ward Not used:- A Ladyman, Debayo, C Toomey, Munday Saturday 4th Apri Spartan South Midlands League – Premier Division Kings Langley 2 (L Toomey 48, 68) Leverstock Green 0 With the finishing line in sight, Kings produced a strangely subdued first half performance as Leverstock Green, 15 places and 51 points in arrears of their hosts, gave a spirited and cultured account of themselves, attacking from the off. Charlie Cowley was forced into a superb tip over in the third minute and Luke Ladyman made a perfectly timed recovery tackle on Sledge Mubama when the latter was
through. Kings did produce a good move mid half that ended with Lewis Toomey netting, but that was disallowed for offside and apart from a Mitchell Weiss shot past the post, they ended the half as distinctly second best. The management duo of Ritchie Hanlon and Paul Hughes were not amused, making two substitutions and switching to a 4-3-3 formation and things improved almost immediately. Mitchell Weiss hit the bar and Lewis Toomey buried the rebound with a stooping, close range header, but Green refused to be daunted by that set-back and Callum Wright failed to capitalize on an error by his namesake as the usually reliable defence still showed an uncharacteristic vulnerability. Carl McClusky went close for the visitors, but Langley finally ensured that the form book was ratified when a Weiss cross from the left was headed home in emphatic style by the experienced Lewis Toomey. Dan McNicholas made a great fingertip save onto the crossbar to deny Ollie Cox, while Green went to the end, still putting together some neat interpassing moves, without a real cutting edge. For Kings, it was a case of not playing particularly well, but still grinding out a win and that is exactly the quality needed to become champions. Victories in the next two matches would see expectations exceeded and that title bestowed next Saturday. Team;- 1 Crowley – 4 L Ladyman 5 Deaton 6 Adebiyi – 2 Cox 7 Munday 8 Hitchcock 3 Carter – 9 Weiss – 10 Campana 11 L Toomey Subs used:- Burgoyne, Pattison, Ward Not used:- A Ladyman, C Toomey Tuesday 7th April Spartan South Midlands League – Premier Division Hertford Town 3 (Campbell 9, 35, Louis Rose 65 pen) Kings Langley 1 (Cox 18) Hertford were the latest team to raise their game and attempt to take the scalp of the league leaders and on this occasion they were successful, ending Kings Langley’s 17 game unbeaten run in the process. They used Kings’ own successful tactic of intense pressure with pace and power from the start and it was not against the run of play when a run and cross from the right was volleyed home from close range by Kardan Campbell. Town threatened to over-run their visitors, with Sam Ruff firing just wide, but the champions elect dug in and the runs of Mitchell Weiss and Lewis Toomey began to make an impact. Their comeback put them on equal terms in the twentieth minute, when a sublime Weiss through ball gave Toomey the opportunity to shoot on the run, but Harry Ricketts pulled off a good save. Unfortunately for him, the parry fell to Ollie Cox, who lashed home the equaliser. The crisis seemed to have passed and both sides looked for the next goal, but it was Hertford who restored the advantage when a free kick from the home keeper caused consternation in the visiting box and although Charlie Crowley blocked an initial strike, he was stranded as Campbell blasted home his second. Kings resumed the second half with a period
Champions Kings Langley with the Spartan South Midland League Premier Division Trophy - photo by Chris Riddell of pressure of their own and a superb angled 25 yard rocket by young Steve Ward hit the far post and travelled back across the face of goal before being scrambled away. However, that proved to be the turning point and after a penalty was awarded for a tackle on the edge of the box, Louis Rose gave Town a two goal buffer that an out of sorts Kings never looked like reducing. A reality check, but Kings still hold the cards and will look to put this behind them and take the penultimate step with a win on Saturday at Biggleswade. Team;- 1 Crowley – 4 Pattison 5 Deaton 6 Adebiyi – 2 Ward 7 Burgoyne 8 Hitchcock 3 Carter – 10 Cox – 9 Weiss 11 L Toomey Subs used:- Campana, Jackson, C Toomey Not used:- L Ladyman Saturday 11th April Spartan South Midlands League – Premier Division Biggleswade United 0 Kings Langley 2 (Carter 2, Campana 4) Kings put themselves one step from the title with an incident packed opening four minutes at Second Meadow. They had the ball in the net inside sixty seconds, but finisher Alex Campana was judged offside. They responded immediately when 18 year old Steve Ward, who looked as if he’d occupied the number 2 shirt all season, rode three challenges to deliver the perfect pass with the outside of his foot to Tom Carter. The other wing back kept his cool to steer the ball past Grant Beckwith and Kings were on their way. Two minutes later, Lewis Toomey took the ball far right, bemused two defenders in taking the ball to the byeline and crossed for Campana to side foot home at the far post. With the sporting home crowd fearing the worst, United were to be applauded for closing ranks, marshalled by Nyasha Sagwete and although Kings turned on the style with their slick approach work, a Lewis Toomey chance when through, denied by Beckwith, was the closest they came to adding the vital third. On the resumption, both Toomey and Carter were guilty of misses, before United gambled, sacrificing Sagwete, going to
three at the back and introducing Carbon up front. It led to their first on- target shot when Ant Ladyman had to tip over a Jack Boyd volley, but Kings responded with Nick Jackson just wide after a flowing move, before Beckwith finger-tipped Tom Carter’s close range shot onto the post, with the word ‘goal’ on everyone’s lips. When the keeper blocked a point blank shot from Lewis Toomey, it became apparent that the buffer of a third was not going to arrive and as United continued to try to play attractive football, the home support believed in a comeback until the final minutes of an entertaining and sporting encounter. Team;- 1 A Ladyman – 4 L Ladyman 5 Deaton 6 Adebiyi – 2 Ward 7 Burgoyne 8 C Toomey 3 Carter – 11 Jackson – 9 L Toomey 10 Campana Subs used:- Cox Not used:- Crowley, Debayo, Munday, Bateman Tuesday 14th April Spartan South Midlands League – Premier Division Kings Langley 2 (L Toomey 54, Hutchins 62) Leverstock Green 0 KINGS LANGLEY ARE CHAMPIONS of the Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division at the first time of asking after a 2-0 victory over Wembley at Gaywood Park last night. This brings promotion to the Evo-Stik Southern League Division 1 at Step 4 of the National League and is an astonishing follow up to last season’s elevation from Step 6. There were bold managerial decisions ahead of the potentially historic encounter resulting in a recall for Danny May, disappointment for Tom Carter and Ollie Cox and a change of formation to the fashionable 4-2-3-1. Kings showed no sign of nerves and opened well with Alex Campana testing Bart Fogler and a Lewis Toomey flick just wide, while at the other end Yassine Fehmi-Gil shot straight at Ant Ladyman. Wembley are a strong side who like to move the ball quickly, so there was a fair amount of cancelling out and although Kings had the better possession and chances they had to wait until the 54th
minute before Lewis Toomey brought the crowd to its feet. The run of Mitchell Weiss was forced across the defence, but he cut the ball back from wide left and Toomey’s flick seemed to have been saved by Fogler, but the keeper fumbled and the alert striker scored from close range. Kings now had one hand on the trophy and strengthened that grip when a similar run across the back four, this time by Toomey, saw him lay the ball back to Danny Hutchins and his shot from 25 yards arrowed into the net. When Attila Fekete was dismissed for a bizarre kick at Campana, Wembley bowed to the inevitable and the following 25 minutes were a stress free prelude to King’s coronation. It’s been a wonder-ful achievement by players and management, playing football in a style that has brought plaudits from opposition all season, and one that has turned preseason dreams into end of season reality. Team;- 1 A Ladyman – 2 Pattison 4 May 5 Deaton 3 Adebiyi – 6 C Toomey 7 Burgoyne – 8 Hutchins 9 Weiss 10 Campana – 11 L Toomey Subs used:- Jackson, Ward, L Ladyman Not used:Crowley, Carter Saturday 18th April Spartan South Midlands League – Premier Division Kings Langley 5 (Hutchins 17, C Toomey 45, Cox 46, L Ladyman 52, Weiss 74) St Margaretsbury 0 Champions Kings Langley enjoyed a stress free afternoon as they celebrated their tile win with a comfortable victory over St Margaretsbury. After Charlie Crowley saved at the feet of Mark Summers in the opening minutes, Kings went ahead when Nick Jackson and Mitchell Weiss combined to find Danny Hutchins wide left. Simon Dent seemed to be late in reacting to his shot and the wing back celebrated his twentieth of the season. The rest of the half lacked any drama until the home side put the contest to bed with two goals in the two minutes either side of the interval. Connor Toomey lashed home a shot after seizing on the rebound of a blocked Weiss effort
KINGS LANGLEY VILLAGE LIFE | May 2015 | PAGE 31
Voted one of the top five Indian Restaurants in the UK Fully Licensed -Air Conditioned Langley Road, Abbots Langley, WD5 0AB www.abbotstandoori.co.uk and then Ollie Cox was played in by a delicate Weiss forward header to give Dent no chance with his volley. A relaxed Kings were now showing their full repertoire of skills and made it four when a Danny Hutchins free kick into the box was met by the forehead of skipper Luke Ladyman to deliver a textbook conversion. Fifteen minutes from time, Mitchell Weiss was rewarded for an unselfish afternoon’s work when Jack Pattison began a move that saw promising Steve Ward provide a through ball for the striker to run on to and take the ball round the beleaguered Dent for his twenty-ninth of the season. Home support was treated to the rare sight of alternate keeper Ant Ladyman brought into the action up front, due to an injury to Nick Jackson, but there was to be no headline grabber here and at the conclusion of the match the spectacular League trophy was presented to Kings Langley. Attention now turns to the prestige battle between first and second at London Colney, the achievement of breaking the one hundred points barrier and the League Cup final against today’s opposition on May 2nd. Team;- 1 Crowley – 2 Pattison 5 L Ladyman 6 Adebiyi 3 Carter – 7 Cox 4 C Toomey 11 Jackson – 8 Hutchins 9 Weiss 10 Campana
Subs used:-Debayo, Ward, A Ladyman Not used:- none Tuesday 21st April Spartan South Midlands League – Premier Division London Colney 2 (Ewington 2, Geraldes 79) Kings Langley 2 (Hutchins 28 pen, May 64) First versus second produced an intriguing encounter in which the likely runners up took their unbeaten run to twenty two games, having got off to a flyer, but ended with them rescuing a point eleven minutes from time. Kings were slow to react to a home attack and when the ball found James Ewington in the inside right position, his well-placed shot gave Ant Ladyman little chance. Boosted by this, London Colney had far the better of the first half hour and Kings struggled to get into the game, their passing lacking its usual crispness. That changed when a typical rampaging run down the left by Callum Adebiyi was blocked in no uncertain terms as he cut inside to the byeline. Half time opinion was divided, but the trajectory of the well-built defender in full motion was painful to watch and resulted in him retiring from the game seven minutes later. Danny Hutchins dispatched the penalty
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in customary confident fashion, and a rejuvenated Kings had a Lewis Toomey shot parried and the follow up saved. A thirty yard thunderbolt from Lee Burgoyne was tipped round the post by Jack Smith and this was to result in the keeper’s half time departure with a hand injury. The even contest continued in the second period, with Stefan Geraldis seeing his header just over, before Kings took the lead on the sixty fourth minute. A free kick was cleared, but fell to Danny May, nearly thirty yards out, and his powerful low shot flew past substitute keeper Charlie May into the net, thus creating a pub quiz moment of brother scoring against brother. Kings looked likely to now see the game out, but a defensive error saw the ball squared across the keeper and Geraldes turn the ball in while under pressure. While a point apiece satisfied the pride of both protagonists, it was probably a fair result on reflection. Team; 1 A Ladyman – 4 Pattison 5 May 6 Adebiyi – 2 Hutchins 8 Debayo 7 Burgoyne 3 Carter – 9 Weiss – 10 Campana 11 L Toomey Subs used:-Hitchcock, Cox Not used:- Crowley, L Ladyman
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