Goodbye Green Belt...NO The SUMMER edition August 2014

Also in this issue: Harpenden House Hotel update

Pension advice & Investment opportunitiesDiamonds need not cost the earth

The future of cricket on the CommonThe biggest art show in the country

Foodbank now open.

St. Albans District Council has identified four potential Green Belt sites in its area including one in Harpenden for 500 homes...the field bordered by Ambrose Lane and Cooters End Lane (right) This is part of the District’s Strategic Local Plan based on independent research showing the district’s housing need of 8,720 new houses for the 20 years to 2031.

Better utilisation of land...YESThis area (right) bordering Cory- Wright Way in Wheathamsted is a perfect example of under utilised land that could be used for housing development.

Read the full story on local housing issues inside the magazine.

From the Editor.August 1st 2014.

We all know that England suffers from severe housing shortages and with house building at historically low levels house prices have risen outside London by 10.5% in the 12 months to May to an average of £262,000. I would guess Harpenden average figures are nearer £400,000.

With a growing population in the whole SADC region there is an immediate need for land to be found to build new homes now. Some homes will have to be built in Harpenden.

Editorials in this issue examine the issues in detail.Views from other sections of the Harpenden community will be featured in the Autumn edition.

A big thank you to all the contributors and the writers who have made this edition special.

Ron Taylor.info@harpendia.com

Harpenden news updates Check out the Harpendia web site daily

www.harpendia.com

Luton Airport expansion ok’d

What’s happening next? Follow the

ongoing story inside and at

www.harpendia.com

News about the new secondary school in Harpenden will be announced in September.

The Secondary School Trust is already working co-operatively among the three existing senior

schools and all three head teachers to ensure the new school is the equal of all senior schools in

Harpenden.

Follow the ongoing story atwww.harpendia.com

July 30. Record crowds attend Classics on the Common. Our thanks to Harpenden Village Rotary Club for

organising the event to such a high standard. Photo gallery live soon on www.harpendia.com

All change on the Harpenden High Street.

Follow the ongoing story at

www.harpendia.com

What exactly does everyone in Harpenden want?" pleaded St Albans District Council (SADC) Leader Julian Daly at the end of a two hour debate on the future of the Green Belt in Rothamsted's Flowden Hall on Thursday 12 June.

The meeting organised by The Harpenden Society was entitled 'Green Belt Development and Housing Issues in Harpenden.' The hall was packed with some 150 residents, mostly Harpenden Society members, anxious to have the opportunity to debate Harpenden's future. Facilitated by Harpenden Society Chairman, Chris Marsden, the session began with brief talks from Julian Daly, Joanne Whitehead (Harpenden Green Belt Association) and Mike Peters (CEO, Jarvis Group Developments).

Julian Daly (above) began by defending the District Council's position, or at least that of the Conservative Group, which has been seeking a revision of the 1994 local housing plan. Progress has been blocked by other political parties and the existing plan is now the oldest in use in the country. The plan is so out of date that it doesn't even include some of the roads in the district. The council is now working to the Coalition's National Planning Policy Framework and it is

important to understand that the law will often get in the way of residents' - and the council's - wishes on planning issues. Daly spelt out the simple fact that thanks to net migration and household formation (not to mention the fact that there are twice as many births as death in our own area) there are not enough houses to meet the government's needs. This will probably require building on the Green Belt.

Joanne Whitehead's (above) view was that just because there is a demand to release land from the Green Belt, it doesn't mean we should be tempted to build on it. SADC ought to be thinking more imaginatively what should be done, such as building on more brownfield sites and also looking to accommodate people sustainably beyond the Green Belt, perhaps in new garden cities. Building on the Green Belt is too easy an option, and it is interesting that in the same week, following the Rothamsted meeting, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Eric Pickles MP, appeared to echo Joanne's impassioned speech with the pledge that the Green Belt will be protected and that the Conservatives will do everything possible to preserve 'the character of the countryside.' (Sat. 14 June). Indeed in the Article continues...

Protecting Harpenden's Green Belt By Amanda Thomas

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past few months, Pickles has blocked the building of countless new developments in areas like Harpenden.

Whitehead went on to explain how the Green Belt is being nibbled away by town encroachment and the division of tranches of the belt into smaller plots which appears to soften the blow. Local authorities should not be asking, "Which bits of the Green Belt should we be building on?'" The question should rather be "Where else can we build?" and working with other councils to that end. Too often decisions on planning are being made for political reasons, asking the wrong questions and using the wrong tools. "We should hold our local politicians to account. It is not nimbyism to make them explain, justify and be challenged," concluded Whitehead. "We owe it to our children and our grandchildren."

Mike Peters (above) followed with the reassurance that Jarvis is not in favour of wide scale development in the Green Belt. The company has been in Harpenden for over a hundred years and has played a major part in its development. We should share our town with others and provide housing for key workers, though he was later challenged as to how key workers could afford the £1 million plus apartments in new developments such as Gleneagle Manor. Peters agreed that new building should be planned and controlled by local government and local residents, but a more practical and imaginative use of land was required. Without this, other less scrupulous developers will move in pretty swiftly. "Better the devil you know," he concluded.

There were plenty of questions from the floor. First on his feet was Richard Thomas of the Harpenden Green Belt Association. Thomas advised that our area is acutely short of water and there are no new sources, hardly the best situation in which to build hundreds of new houses. Clennell Collingwood, Chairman of the South Harpenden Allotments and Gardens Society, expressed his concern at the view that allotments were brownfield sites and should be looked at as an alternative to the Green Belt. "Allotments are a vital part of our community," he said, adding how they have become even more essential for people with small gardens thanks, in part, to infill housing development. Debate also ensued over an increase in traffic and the health concerns additional pollution brings, not to mention the pressure on local parking.

The panel commented again with Daly emphasising how SADC is obliged "by law" to build new houses, and that "we have to go through a process and have a policy which is defendable in the courts." Whitehead countered, "Decisions are not being made in the right Article continues...

Above: Confirmation on when the SLP will be ready for public consultation. Go to The Harpenden Society web site to find the presentation slides;www.harpendensociety.org

Article concludes...

way," and Peters added to this that a new plan was vital so proper decisions could be made and the town could move forward.

Melvyn Teare of the St Albans Green Belt Association asked why density and height were not being considered in developments to further ease pressure. However, the debate became more heated with questions on the use of Green Belt land at Falconers Field, and the redevelopment of the Harpenden House Hotel, a "destruction of our infrastructure." Another resident asked about the timescale of building new houses in Harpenden so that they could plan leaving the town altogether. Whitehead responded that we are "sucking people in from London" and that "development is creating a demand not satisfying a need." She also expressed concerns as to how arguments (such as traffic congestion) have been shifted and altered to suit a required outcome.

A final set of questions came from the floor. Archaeologist Alex Thomas asked why heritage issues were not being taken into consideration, and whether the council was aware that the District Archaeologist was so swamped with planning applications, he had no time to look at other issues, moreover the post of County Archaeologist no longer exists. John Davis asked why agricultural production was not being taken into consideration as much of the Green Belt was taken up with the production of our food. Another resident declared it "a disgrace" that James Marshall House had been sitting vacant for so long. Hitchin and Harpenden MP, Peter Lilley, was the last to comment. Whilst

sympathetic to residents' views, he reiterated how the pressure for new housing is a national problem, and Harpenden's position is exacerbated by its proximity to London. Nevertheless, he would do everything possible to ensure that our views are heard, but councillors are undoubtedly having to face some difficult decisions.

After a brief conclusion from the panel, Chris Marsden (above) summed up The Harpenden Society's position. The defence of our Green Belt should be taken forward on two fronts. First using Joanne Whitehead's position that the Green Belt should be built on only under exceptional circumstances, and then providing Julian Daly with a defensible position.

The meeting was at an end, but the debate will undoubtedly continue.

When speaking in March at The Society's AGM in reference to the Independent Assessment of Housing Needs and Strategic Housing Market Assessment: St Albans City and District Council (November 2013) Councillor Julian Daly, the District's Planning Portfolio Holder, said rather patronisingly to the audience, 'you would not understand it.'

There is some truth in this conclusion, in that the report is designed to obfuscate or, at least, blind with science, with its barrage of coloured diagrams, numerical tables, cumbersome jargon and sheer wordage. It is 317 pages long and weighs in on the kitchen scales at 1 lb 12 oz – my hardback volume of the complete works of Shakespeare manages only a puny 1 lb 2 oz.

The report offered some nine scenarios and options for housing over the twenty years, 2012 to 2031. The District Council appears to have

chosen the one that arrives at a total of some 8452 housing units. However, in practice that apparently means 436 new houses or flats every year. Where, then, is the need? There will be natural population growth and change over that time but the report argues that 'internal migration is the most significant single component of projected population change'. The figures are jumbled but the indication is that about a third of the required new houses would be for internal migration. Thus of those 436 houses, some 142 represent net inward migration, that is by how many the figure of prospective householders arriving in the District will outnumber those who leave; not replacements, mark, but extras. The plan predicts that each year 142 more house-seekers will come here than leave, so 142 houses must be built; the plan is adopted; the houses are built; the people roll up to live in them; the plan is justified. It is a win-win call for the planner, but it turns cause and effect around. If the houses weren't built, the incomers would have to go somewhere else or remain where they are.

It is a self-fulfilling prophecy.

It is largely based on the number of 'extras' who came here over the last few years – but that in itself is tantamount to the number of extra houses that were built!

I am indebted to the District Planning & Building Control office for its courtesy, promptness and efficiency in providing me with the startling information that the report cost, with VAT, something like £44,000, almost twice the current average individual annual earnings. What a pity Councillor Daly didn't have a word with me. I could have put him in touch with Gipsy Petrulengo on the Golden Mile at Blackpool who would have offered an equally interesting piece of fortune telling for a couple of quid.

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Housing Wants in Harpenden By Eric Midwinter. An editorial from the forthcoming Autumn edition of The Harpenden Society Newsletter

Above: Eric Midwinter with the relevant documents and the complete works of Shakespeare

Article concludesThis is largely a housing 'wants' assessment. All those people would 'want' not 'need' to come to St Albans. And two critical elements are missing. One is infrastructure. The other is employment opportunities.

So. Subtract a third, say, 142 houses from the 436 total, then it would be just 294 'needed' a year. It would be more manageable, with little if any need of the Green Belt.

From a professional perspective, I have sufficient doubts about the somewhat outmoded bases the report uses in terms of the effects of older age and younger generation employment to suggest a few more houses could be shaved off that 294.

Hang on. Watch out. We'll soon be back to the modest 250 a year of the derided draft Core Strategy Plan...which we would be delighted to accept. Better to have turned for advice to my lighter weight Swan of Avon,as in Henry IV Part II: When we mean to build We first survey the plot, then draw the model; And when we see the figure of the house, Then we must rate the cost of the erection; Which if we find outweighs ability, What do we then but draw anew the model In fewer offices, or at last desist To build at all?

For more information about The Harpenden Society: www.harpendensociety.org

Can town centre business/retail sites be converted to housing developments?

With the demise of many small business enterprises and retail outlets in town centres the question arises on what should replace them. Three typical example in Harpenden being: Thompsons Close adjacent to Breathing Space. The building is now ripe for new development and offers great potential for apartments.

Almost complete are the Oakbridge built luxury apartments above the old Royal Mail centre where 6 units have already been sold and the final 3 will be on the market at the end of August.

Also under development are 10 flats in Vaughan Rd above Status menswear.

Lots of independent Harpenden retailers are posting special offers and details of new products each week. You are just one click away from seeing what’s on offer:

https://www.facebook.com/HarpendenShopping

The new way to help you shop in HarpendenThanks to Facebook

Join the fun and enjoy a day out for all the familyHarpenden will be launching its own Festival on Sunday September 28 from 10am - 4pm with a host of activities including live cookery demonstrations from the Cookery Theatre, a children’s food tent, competitions and events. It promises to be a fun day out for all the family on Church Green. Make a note in your diary now.Ongoing details: www.enjoystalbans.com and www.harpendia.com

Public exhibitions in the Town Hall w/c July 21 pictured right showed local residents the initial concepts for a housing development by Fairview Homes.

The key elements being: refurbishment and enhancement of the Grade ll listed building, safeguarding its future; developing the brownfield site for circa 30 high quality homes and apartments; introducing a comprehensive landscaping and management plan to enhance the open space, pictured below.Talk of the listed building being made into a boutique hotel has been requested by some community groups and individuals. The commercial reality though is not good. The hotel has been up for sale for two years without any serious interest. Fairview has indicated that they may convert the building into luxury apartments. This is early days in a protracted process.

Ongoing details will be published in www.harpendia.com Further information:http://harpendenhouseconsultation.com

New homes proposed for the Harpenden House Hotel siteBy Ron Taylor

Mr Watson attended one of public exhibitions at the Town Hall and offered these views:Apparently, Planning have requested Fairview more than once but Fairview’s team offered no elevations of the proposed buildings to show how they would fit in with the Grade II* listed Georgian house.I carried out an informal survey, took photos, and have produced the images (below) which

show how the main new structure (“Apartments B”) would look from the main road just south of the Silver Cup. I am confident that all aspects of perspective have been included, so it really would look something like this, the height and the bulk are accurate, and allowance has been made for foreshortening and the obliqueness.

See the impact of the proposed apartment block behind the Harpenden House HotelContribution from local resident and Harpendia reader B. Watson

In 1977, the film ‘Star Wars’ was released, Apple Computer was born, Concorde began scheduled flights from London to New York and Roy Roberts started work as a trainee car salesman at the former Oggelsby’s dealership on Luton Road, Harpenden. Exactly thirty-six years to the day later, 60 year-old Roy, who lives in Kimpton, returned to the same site, joining Brayley Kia and Mazda as its latest sales executive, albeit with a brand new desk.

Having started his motor industry career “one foggy September morning in 1972” as an apprentice at the Vauxhall plant in Luton, Roy graduated as a design engineer from Hatfield Polytechnic, now the University of Hertfordshire, before joining Oggelsby’s, where he sold Vauxhall Vivas, Victors and Chevettes for the next thirteen years.Ultimately becoming Dealer Principal of Oggelsby’s, Roy then moved on to other roles within the motor industry before returning to Harpenden in 1994 to set up his own used car business in Southdown, which he managed for over ten years. Sales positions at two other dealerships in Hertfordshire followed, prior to his

appointment at Brayley Kia and Mazda, which remains the only new car showroom in Harpenden.

Married for 34 years with a family of two daughters, Roy admits to having petrol in his veins:“It’s great to be back and in a way it feels like coming home. Back then we had a fuel forecourt at the front of the dealership and the old cinema was next door. Car retailing has evolved massively since my first job but I’ve always enjoyed meeting new people and looking after them and that’s never changed.”

Brayley Kia and Mazda’s Managing Director, Paul Brayley, first met Roy in 1991 when they both worked for the former Davenport Vernon car retail group. Commented Paul:“Many of the team at Harpenden today weren’t even born when Roy first started here but despite all the advancements in cars, good old fashioned customer service remains timeless and Roy’s skills are testament to that. We’re delighted to see him back where it all began.”

Roy returns after 36 years to the day

Pictured left is Roy Roberts, sales executive at Brayley Kia and Mazda in Harpenden. When he first started his career at Oggelsby’s in 1977, car cleaning was an expected part of the salesman’s job. Roy needn’t worry now as Brayleys’ has a dedicated on-site valeting team.

!

Great ValueSALES | SERVICE | TYRES | PARTSACCESSORIES | ALL MAKES MOTs

Brayley Mazda17 Luton Road, Harpenden, Hertfordshire AL5 2UA01582 447361 www.brayley-mazda.co.uk

Brayley Kia17 Luton Road, Harpenden, Hertfordshire AL5 2UA01582 447361 www.brayley-kia.co.uk

Your local Kia and Mazda dealership in Harpenden

Brayley Kia17 Luton Road, Harpenden, Hertfordshire AL5 2UA

It’s our policy to treat every visitor as a welcomedguest in our home – every day, every time,

without fail, no exceptions

Harpenden people love their cars and support Classics on the Common every year

What is love? And how can you fall for Loveweds in Harpenden?

Simple really. It’s what makes them special and so different from all other jewellers in Harpenden. You’ll notice a relaxed atmosphere as soon as you walk into the store...there’s no hard sell, no pushy sales techniques and no obvious special offers.

But what you will find is a top quality range of product from a jeweller you can trust. They are directly connected to the heart of the UK diamond business in Hatton Garden with established relationships with the major diamond merchants and precious metal suppliers. Unlike most jewellers they don’t need to mark up their prices, so their customers effectively pay trade prices.

Then there’s exclusivity, many of their customers demand to be different; not a regular designed ring to celebrate a most important and personal occasion but one that is individually designed,(below).

Our close links with the trade enable us to commission a diamond miller who cuts stones and metals into unique designs which can then be set into a wide choice of rings.

“Lots of our clients have their own concept they want translated into a finished ring.They bring in photos of rings worn by celebrities or family heirlooms for example. We spend time with the client looking at all the options including a budget, then proceed to custom make the ring of their choice.” (Mitchel Barres Loveweds’ owner)

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Falling in love with Loveweds is so easy By Ron Taylor

Article concludes...Recent Examples:The sterling silver ring above right was ‘cut’ with industrial diamonds to give the appearance of real diamonds....the cost, surprisingly just £50.

The yellow gold ring with hallmark,(above left) was ‘cut’ with industrial diamonds and costs a mere £300.

Both these rings can be ordered and delivered within 24 hours, thanks to Loveweds’ direct links with Hatton Garden.

Two thirds cheaper than the competitionLoveweds work on low margins so are able to pass on the benefits of lower prices to their clients but without cutting back on service or the quality of the product.

 

“Time for a cup of coffee?I’d love to show you what Loveweds can offer so why not pop in for a coffee with me Mitchel Barres.” Loveweds’ owner.“We also sell a range of mens and ladies watches which are on display.”

Custom-Made Wedding Rings In precious metals such as 9/18ct Gold, Palladium,

Platinum sold to you at more affordable prices. With numerous designs all sold by weight.

Loveweds Jewellers69c High Street, Harpenden. AL5 2SL. T. 01582 761866. M. 079 5633 4262

Finance news to help small businesses grow.Provided by TaxAssist Accountants, Harpenden.

PayPal to offer working capital to small business customersOnline payments giant PayPal is to offer loans to small firms in the UK for the first time. The website will offer working capital to existing business customers; specifically targeting SMEs from the autumn. PayPal has said users, including sole trader eBay sellers, will have access to an interest-free merchant cash advance against their future sales.

 The move will be initially available to selected merchants before opening up more widely next year. It comes amid pressure from the UK Government for banks to lend more to ambitious, growing businesses. PayPal has recently launched a push for its products to be used in existing physical shops, on market stalls and in more

upmarket High Street department stores, and claims it will offer faster loan approvals for customers as they will be able to draw on their existing sales history.

Funds will be available to the customer within five minutes of their application. Loan repayments will be collected as a percentage of new sales, so customers will not be forced to touch their reserves if they are struggling. PayPal will not charge any interest or late fees either, with no external credit checks carried out. Cameron McLean, managing director, PayPal UK, believes the time is right for firms like PayPal to make a difference.“Small businesses are the lifeblood of the British economy. But seven years after the start of the credit crunch, many of them are still struggling to get funding,” said Mr McLean. “According to the British government, around a third of SMEs rely on retained earnings or the owner’s own finances rather than bank or equity funding.

“This means that many find it difficult to finance their present needs or future growth. And the problem is acute for smaller, online businesses. PayPal is well placed to make a difference.” PayPal launched a similar loans programme in the US last year, providing more than $140 million in cash advances to SMEs.

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www.taxassist.co.uk/harpenden01582 760154

Follow us on:* TaxAssist Accountants, 126 Southdown Road, Harpenden AL5 1QQ  ( 01582 760154 )www.taxassist.co.uk/harpenden

Article concludes...TaxAssist Accountants in Harpenden help to make life easy for local businesses in many ways sourcing constructive information and data from a variety of government and industry sources then publishing it for their

clients. Managing Partner Mike Melling pictured below left commented “We want to take some of the financial burdens off our clients leaving them to do what they do best, delivering great service to their customers”

Workplace Pensions and Auto Enrolment can be a tough ask for smaller companies who don’t have the resources available to research the rules, analyse their staff, make key decisions about the levels of contributions and how they might be calculated. Help is at hand from the pensions regulator in the form of guidance notes but if that doesn’t make complete sense or you just don’t have the time then you may want to employ the services of an external workplace pensions consultant.

Companies with fewer than 60 employees will be staging from October this year. That is just 10 weeks away. If you haven’t already started this process it may be too late for you to meet your obligations. Some traditional pension providers do not have the resource to even entertain the idea of a quote unless they have 3 months notice. More realistically if you have a staging date which is 6 to 12 months away which are companies with 50-60 staff members you should have a timetable of events and action points that you are already working through.

What happens if I am behind on my Workplace Pensions timetable?Ultimately you may be facing fines and penalties if you do not meet your obligations. However if you have not yet reached your staging date we may be able to help you avoid penalties.

When is it best to start looking at workplace pensions?In order to have the greatest market choice and to obtain the best possible scheme for your employees you really need to start looking at this 12 months ahead of your staging date. There are many alternatives to the government run scheme which offer features that may be appealing to you as an employer as well as a pension contract that may be more suitable for your employees.

These take time to research and due to the high demands they take time to implement. You also want to allow yourself enough time to communicate to your staff the actions you are taking and how they should opt out of the scheme if they so wish.

Do you have an existing scheme and will this be a qualifying scheme for auto enrolment? If you are unsure you need to contact the provider or the financial adviser who set the scheme up to see if you can use this scheme for auto enrolment. The provider may place certain restrictions on the scheme or reject it for auto enrolment which may result in you looking elsewhere to better suit your needs.

We are happy to help but the later you leave it the harder it gets and you are at a greater risk of penalty. Call us on 01582 715777.

Workplace Pensions – Advice for Employers By Geoff Newman. Director. Lyndhurst Financial Management Ltd.

If Workplace Pensions are demanding and confusing let us help

Cricket on the Common on a warm Saturday afternoon. The reference to summer warmth may be a little fanciful, but the sight of cricket being played on Harpenden Common has been a feature of our Town for over 150 years. For many of us who love the summer game, the cricket club is one of the defining features of our town, one of the many reasons we love the place so much.

These days, the Club plays host to some of the very best cricketers below first class level, as well as offering a way into the game for hundreds of boys and girls. Indeed the sight of hordes of happy kids enjoying their first experience of the summer game on a Sunday morning is another distinctly Harpenden scene.

The Club’s Saturday first team features as many as five Hertfordshire County players. One of their number, James Latham, played through the age groups within the Harpenden Colts structure. A huge number of highly promising home-grown cricketers are representing the Club’s senior teams week in, week out. The Club really is thriving on all fronts. So much so that the Hertfordshire County Club is choosing Harpenden as its

preferred venue for both three and one day games on an increasingly regular basis. The Harpenden wicket is regarded as one of the truest in the County.

The one area where the Club has arguably fallen behind is its pavilion. The current version has been in place for 40 years, and it’s starting to look tired. It’s becoming more and more expensive to run as the repairs list increases, and needs to be replaced. Plans are now afoot to seek the necessary permissions from the St Albans District Council, and to raise what’s likely to be a huge sum of money to replace the current structure.

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Cricket on the Common: Harpenden plans for the future By David Josephs. Main photo below courtesy (Marc Aspland/The Times

Article concludes...A small group of volunteers has been considering the kind of replacement required. The group has been mindful of the need to balance the needs of the Cricket Club’s future viability alongside its environmental impact. Everyone would like a new Pavilion that enhances the current landscape, and, indeed, which provides our local community with an attractive destination for hire in light of the disappearance of our local hotels. A new pavilion would provide a welcome new local option, as well as a crucial revenue stream for the Club.Discussions will continue with the Harpenden Town Council this year, with the aim of presenting a formal planning application to St Albans District Council before the year is out. That’s the point at which the formal fundraising programme will begin.You don’t have to be a huge cricket fan to enjoy the spectacle of cricket on the Common. Feel free to wander round to the pavilion and buy yourself something cool and refreshing from our bar. And if you fancy hauling down the whites from the loft, come and introduce yourself. We cater for all standards of cricketer!

Photo above courtesy (Marc Aspland/The Times) Below and at base of first page. Photos courtesy Harpenden Cricket Club.

Also online at www.hvaf.org.uk

Are you doing the ‘The Tour’?Why not extend the summer holiday mood with a self-guided tour of some of Hertfordshire’s finest artists, craftmakers and artisans? Artists are opening their doors for the biggest county-wide art event in Hertfordshire - Herts Open Studios 2014. This annual autumn show, organised by Herts Visual Arts, runs for three weeks from the 6 – 28 September and entry to participating exhibitions is free.What gets you going?In the 17th and 18th centuries young ladies and gentlemen set off on a once-in-a-lifetime ‘Grand Tour’ through Europe to expand their cultural experience, following a traditional route. These days we’re aware of our carbon footprint so supporting a local event is a better idea. For many art lovers Open Studios is an educational or cultural experience with the opportunity to meet artists, and at some venues, see the way they work. For others it can be anything from a great trip out to retail therapy.Linda Warminger, Open Studios project manager, says “Herts Open Studios 2014 has 154 artists exhibiting in 94 unique exhibitions across Hertfordshire. There’s a mix of regular exhibitors and new artists and craftmakers, all showing their latest pieces, and keen for you to see what they’re doing.” Here is a taster of what you can find in the Harpenden area.For the sort of paintings that will reinvigorate or update any décor visit Fiona Gaskell who creates boldly simplified and vibrant still life oil paintings. For something magical visit Artscape Arts to view Sue Wookey’s watercolour paintings inspired by nature, symbols, dreams and inner journeys. Also on show are photographs, prints and cards. Also at Artscape Arts you can find fine and precious Raku porcelain by Pauline Ashley, some with gold leaf inlays. Pauline also has a background in restoration, professionally restoring ceramics, glass, resin and alabaster. If you are looking for carefully crafted figurative drawing, sculpture and painting then visit Paul Diggins’ studio to see his inspirational works. For bold and unusual works visit Opal Seabrook at Starburst Glass who creates stained glass mirrors, fusion table and wall art and jewellery – with demonstrations as part of her exhibition.Create your own routeThis is just a glimpse of what’s available – there are many more talented artists on show in the area. All you need to create your own self-guided tour – or series of trips with friends or family – is the Herts Open Studios brochure containing venues and

opening times. Find this at main libraries, tourist information centres and local galleries or view online. Entry to participating exhibitions is free. If you like something you see spoil yourself or a friend and make a purchase - or commission a special piece direct from the maker. Enjoy ‘The Tour’!For details about Herts Visual Arts, or to obtain a copy of the Herts Open Studios brochure visit www.hvaf.org.uk, email openstudios@hvaf.org.uk, or ring 07813 100651. Follow our activities all year round on Twitter @HVAF and Facebook – HertsVisualArts.

The best tasting bread this side of Milan Now you can enjoy real Italian bread baked locally. By Ron Taylor

The smell of freshly baking bread is one of the top ten aromas that arouse our senses, so when I visited the EATALIA bakery (London Road, Flamsted) recently I knew I was close when the drifting aroma of baking bread invaded my senses. Once inside I was greeted in effusive Italian style by the owner Terenzio Di Francesco (below) who was already at work on that night’s orders, kneading individual focaccia into shape on a baking tray. His assistant Seb was also hard at work slicing the dough into shape for small ciabatta loaves.

Once the trays were placed into the ovens Terenzio stopped work to tell me the story of their family restaurant and baking dynasty. “It all started back in 1970 when

my father and his sister opened the Garibaldi restaurant in St Albans. They created various Italian dishes to suit the tastes of the local residents; like most Italians they were passionate about the food they cooked having their own personal preferences on the way food was prepared and presented. This often led to heated arguments, providing ‘entertaining’ interludes for customers as they waited patiently for their food in the restaurant. I started my career as a waiter in the Garibaldi, learning all there is to know about cooking good Italian food and why we are so passionate about food, in all its forms.”

40 years of experience“In 1989 I opened Verdi’s Trattoria in St Albans and over the next 5 or so years a further two restaurants in the town followed. Then in 2003 I developed The Breakfast Club which offered home made and properly cooked Italian breakfasts from early morning to 3pm. That makes over 40 years of experience from the humble beginnings of a waiter...the skills required to cook great food and the management expertise in running large restaurants.”

Article concludes...New beginnings“Although I still own Verdi’s on the Park it is managed by another team and last year I decided that a bakery would be a fresh challenge - enabling me to concentrate on making the best bread in the whole area.

Too many breads are bland and flavourless whilst our breads are bursting with flavour.The current unit was a useful start point enabling me to develop the new business and create a local market for Italian breads, pasta and pizza and we now also frequently supply outside catering events such as family parties, lunches etc. Now well established I’m looking for a bigger unit to expand the business.What’s so good about Italian bread?We use only the finest natural ingredients without any preservatives, all made by hand with loving care. The various breads require different techniques and the finished results are so good they are almost a meal in themselves, with the help of some good olive oil or some butter and home made jam.”

How can you buy it?You can place an order over the phone and we will arrange a personal delivery.

What are the costs?Focaccia - with various toppings- between £3.25 and £5.50Ciabatta. 60p each/£2.25 for 4Ciabatta Granary loaf - £1.75Large rustico white or granary £2.25White Breads: Baguette 400gr  £2.00Baguette 200gr  £1.20. White Pizza bread £1.75Croissants & Brioche - made to order

PizzasHome made ‘al taglio’ pizzas can be ordered with the toppings you want. Margherita, Pepperoni, Mushrooms, Tuna, Napoli, Pancetta, Courgette, Ham & fresh pineapple.

A half tray (with 2 toppings) is perfect for 4-6 people and costs just £17.50 and a Full tray ( with 4 toppings) is perfect for 6-8 people and costs just £25.00Contact details: EATALIA01582 842681 07758 873578www.eataliatheworkshop.net

Having been warned that the first day, Friday, was schools day, I arrived with some trepidation, ready to paint and talk about my work. Children came by in waves, all well behaved and asking intelligent questions. Some had pre-prepared forms they had to fill in. “What are the 3 primary colours?” one asks me. At this point my mind went blank. “Good question” I say and throw it back at them “Who can can give me one?” “Blue” someone shouts. I’m away, from then on it was really good fun chatting to the children.

Day two, much more serious, 10am to 10pm painting and talking. I met some very interesting people and a whole range of ages. There was the small self assured boy who was a very discerning art critic and was going to buy a piece of artwork from each of the artists at Childwickbury, but his Dad had other ideas. Then there were some, more mature patrons of the arts (“just visited that Tate Modern, load of rubbish”), who liked to see paintings they could understand. I lost count of the people who asked me “are they photographs?” No they’re paintings. “They’re not photos!!” No they are oil paintings, go closer and have look. Article continues...

My first Arts Fair By Steve Parkes

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Day three, no painting sold but over the past two evenings I’ve been printing more and more business cards, they were going like hot cakes. Third day, good weather, more people and more and more people. Unbelievable numbers of people and it’s the men’s final at Wimbledon! A very enthusiastic lady comes back for the third time and buys a canvas. Her husband is not with her, I do hope he likes the painting. What a nice way

to spend a weekend, I may do it again next year.

Just a few of the artists who displayed their work in the same marquee.

Top left: Sue GrayLeft: Lee BurrowsBottom left: Jan GardinerTop right: Penny GermanAbove: Ali Yanya

Summer is probably the most popular season for gardeners and those that enjoy the great outdoors. These days though, summer can be a bit unpredictable and the weather can be up or down. So how do you keep summer extended in your garden? Take good care of your garden and work your plants to extend the season. Here are some simple methods.

Most flowering plants will put all their energy to producing seeds, so by dead heading (above) your flowering plants and shrubs you will be rewarded by constant blooms. This method won’t take you into winter but it will extend most flowering life in plants as they will try to keep on producing flowers and seeds.

However, they will be using a lot of energy to produce more blooms so you need to feed your plants. Water alone won’t get you good results. Feed can come in lots of different ways and you can choose which suits you from adding pellets into the ground, liquid feed in your watering can to lightly spraying a foliar feed on your plants. It’ll guarantee you get the best out of your plants. Also, try to keep on top of weeding as those pesky little plants will try to out drink and feed your home grown cultivars. As well as being greedy, weeds can also introduce pests and diseases to your beds and borders so keep an eye out for unwanted plants. Avoid using weed killer, especially on windy days as you can accidently kill plants that you want to keep.

If you’re on top of your beds and borders then you want to start thinking about preparing for winter. If you grow your own then start working on cleaning pots and trays to prevent diseases spreading. A simple wash and scrub with some washing up liquid and a brush works well and if you do this on a hot day then you can just leave your pots drying in the sun.

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Keeping summer as long as possible By Renata Rybczyk-Savage. The Plantsitter.

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Some veg can be grown from seed in the summer so look out for seeds that can be sown over July and August. Japanese onions are a particular favourite of mine as they are sown in August, are hardy over winter and you can harvest them much earlier than other varieties of onion but taste just as good.

Other fruit and veg can be harvested now and the beds prepared for a new season. Remember to crop rotate to keep pests and diseases at bay. It’s all so simple and if you apply a little gardening in your time you can enjoy a longer summer, whatever the weather.

Photos left: Ground cleared and sown with fennel for October harvesting. Above: Examples of liquid feed and pellets. Below: Renata Rybczyk-Savage.

Contact me via: www.theplantsitter.co.uke.mail: renata@renatauk.com

The official opening on June 3rd marked a major step forward for helping local families in crisis. What crisis you may ask? Well, official figures revealed that from April 2013-March 2014 17,968 people in Hertfordshire were provided with three days of emergency food.

The service is NOT supplying a general need for general food shortages but an emergency service for families who may be suffering short term problems.It is run on the Trussell Trust model.

How does the system work?It is based on vouchers which are issued bydoctors, health visitors, social workers, Citizens Advice and police who identify those families in need.

Where are the vouchers redeemed?The Early Years Centre, Holcroft Road, Batford is open from 1pm - 3pm every Friday.

Who donates the food?Non perishable food is donated by schools, businesses, religious groups and supermarkets.

How is the food received and stored?Rothamsted Research have made space available in the original Russell building which housed the library. Here a team of volunteers under the leadership of Jane-Anne Wardley manage the process. Food is delivered into the storage area, split into various categories and stored on shelving.

How is the donated food collated into appropriate bags/boxes?Plastic boxes which hold enough food for one person over three days are used. As food stocks vary on a daily basis staff have to use the latest stock list and pick out the relevant content from the shelving and fill the boxes as required. The completed boxes are then delivered to The Early Years Centre.Article continues...

Foodbank now open in HarpendenA sign of the times?By Ron Taylor. Editor.

Article concludes...Making it all tickJane-Anne Wardley read all about the food bank concept several months ago and was enthused by the potential. She attended a launch meeting and put her hand up to volunteer. In the set up period it became a 20-30 hour a week job at the Rothamsted base. Jane used to work in the City for a famous bank so I can only assume it was the use of the word ‘bank’ again that attracted her to the job. She used her organisational and operational skills to set up the structure and processes to manage the ‘business’ efficiently and her social skills to deal with the wide range of people who are involved daily.

“ I find the work incredibly satisfying but equally demanding given the increasing number of families who need support” Jane-Anne Wardley.

The Trussell TrustThe foodbank network is part of the Trussell Trust, a Christian charity committed to community action against poverty and marginalisation in the UK and Bulgaria. However the St Albans and District Foodbank supports people of all faiths and those of no faith.

More information can be found here:http://www.trusselltrust.org

Above and below: Racking space for food and plastic boxes filled ready for distribution.

Would you like to help?Volunteers and donations are still needed. Please contact staadfoodbank@yahoo.co.uk

Plans to expand Luton Airport which will see up to 150 extra flights a day have been given the go-ahead by the Government despite all the counter arguments by various local bodies including Harpenden Town Council.

The effects of increased road and rail traffic, increased noise levels and pollution do not seem to matter.

Eric Pickles, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, has decided not to call in the airport’s expansion plans, meaning Luton Borough Council – which owns the facility – can grant planning permission for the project.

Passenger capacity will increase from 12.5 million to 18m a year by 2026, with 55,000 more flights a year – increasing from 102,000 to 157,000 by 2028.

Expanding the airport and the terminal buildings will take place over three phases, as well as a dual road from the Holiday Inn

roundabout to a newly configured road system in front of the central terminal area. The new connection road from the M1 is well under way.

A new parallel taxiway and a multi-storey car park will also be built. The cost of the development will be £100m and all work should be completed by 2026.

Glyn Jones, managing director of Luton Airport, said: “We are delighted that after a thorough process, the council can proceed to grant planning permission for London Luton Airport. We see this as a real vote of confidence in the airport and its future, underlining the determination of our new owners – Ardian and Aena – to develop and radically improve the airport and deliver a better airport experience for our passengers in the years to come.”

“The opportunities it brings for the local economy in terms of jobs and investment are significant, and Luton can now press ahead with making its local airport bigger

Luton Airport expansion go aheadBy Ron Taylor

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