The SPRING edition APRIL 2015 inc SPORTS SUPPLEMENT Politicians & Public demand action Parliamentary candidates, local politicians and the audience who attended the political debate ‘Vision for Harpenden’ in Rothamsted Conference Centre on April 21 were all agreed...the time for talking is over and action is needed now to solve the Harpenden problems...building a new secondary school...providing new infrastructure to support the growing population...building affordable homes. All within the strategy of sustainability. Harpenden is sports mad! See our first ever sports section inside It’s a fact that Harpenden is full of sports clubs and associations, supported by equally enthusiastic groups of supporters. The sports section inside goes behind the scenes to tell the stories about these organisations, the people who run them and how you enjoy taking part. Cricket...Cycling...Football...Golf...Tennis and Rugby are featured in this edition including a FREE 3 months golf offer and how the 948 Sports Foundation gives grants to up and coming sports people and clubs. Also in this issue: Historic findings beneath proposed new school site in Batford Pension advice for ‘Baby Boomers’ Why promotional videos are essential for your business. How a Harpenden Charity Spearheads Research and Support The voice of young people – Youth Connexions Harpenden news updates Check out the Harpendia web site daily www.harpendia.com

Planned development for the Westfield former Allotment Site. An exhibition of the plans for the development of the land adjacent to the Westfield recreation ground was held on Thursday 2 April 2015, Park Hall, Leyton Road. Harpenden Town Council is proposing to build eleven 3 bed houses, five 2 bed, six 1 bed flats and two 2 bed flats. These will be ‘social’ From the Editor. homes run by a Housing Association (yet to be determined.) April 28 2015. More information to be available soon following the consultation. With all eyes focused on the results of the May 7 General Election one wonders whether the result will have much influence over the ongoing issues in Harpenden.

Some more homes will have to be built in Harpenden as will a new secondary school. See story on this page.

You have the power to influence decisions-take it.

Sporting activity is very important to many people of all ages in Harpenden, that’s why we have a large section in this edition.

Video is an increasingly powerful tool for business...read more inside.

A big thank you to all the contributors and the writers who have contributed to this edition. If you want to contribute to the Summer edition please contact me.

Ron Taylor. [email protected] Historic findings beneath proposed new school site in Batford

Alexander Thomas, (above) a PhD student in the Museum of London, it cannot now be ruled the Department of Archaeology and out that these features could be evidence of Anthropology at the University of Bristol, Harpenden’s Anglo Saxon heritage, perhaps a conducted a successful geophysical survey Great Hall. It is therefore essential that further on the farm field adjacent to Common Lane work is done on this site to establish what is under the field and what it will tell us about and the Lower Luton Road over the weekend Harpenden’s - and Hertfordshire’s - early history. March 14th - 15th.

Following in depth consultations with Alex’s PhD supervisors and other tutors – all eminent Further archaeological surveys and digging archaeologists - and fellow PhD students, an needed industry standard report which presents and The results of the survey are an extremely interprets the survey results has been made exciting development as not only might we be public. The results strongly suggest the field able to ascertain the age of Batford Mill but also does contain the remains of buildings associated the ancient origins of Harpenden. This can only with Batford Mill and which were built prior to happen with further surveys and digging. The 1766 as they feature in maps dating from that report therefore recommends an archaeological time. These can be explained by the anomalies evaluation before development is even in the first grid to the west on both the resistivity considered. Alex has deposited a copy of the and magnetometry surveys. However, the report with Historic Environment (Archaeology) resistivity survey also produced anomalies Department at the County Council, so they are consistent with other unrecorded buildings to the aware of the significance of these results and the east which is backed up by magnetometry. This now urgent need to protect this site in Batford is a very exciting discovery. However, what is which is at the heart of Harpenden’s ancient perhaps more interesting – and completely historic area. Alex has also created a record of unexpected – is that the magnetometry has also the survey with a national database to protect revealed post-hole like features arranged the results and also to ensure that everyone is rectilinearly, and on a different alignment to the aware of the importance of the site. other features. These strongly suggest an Further information is available by emailing unrecorded and substantial earlier structure Alex: [email protected]. below the surveyed buildings. Following further discussions with a consultant in Built Heritage at Article continues ... Picture explanation Article concludes... Picture shows Alex Thomas Delays inevitable with Secondary School site with professional surveyor and decision. PhD History candidate, Alex Portch, using the resistivity kit. Although David Cameron has given the approval for the new secondary school for Harpenden, a decision endorsed by The Resistivity measures the Education Funding Agency for the Harpenden Secondary electrical resistance of the Schools Trust there remains two further decisions. Firstly one of ground to a depth of one finance, the EFA will fund the building part of the project, leaving metre. Resistivity is ideal for Herts County Council to fund the purchase of the site. Secondly locating buildings, building a decision still to be finalised is the exact site for the school. debris and rubble. Site F in Batford remains the preferred location, but with local opposition and now the historic and archaeological importance What the maps mean: has been established, there appears to be no immediate This is an annotated solution. Local parents will remain frustrated for some interpretation/ trace plot of the resistivity results only. time to come? By layering and comparing current maps, the resistivity results and the historic maps it is possible to isolate the anomalies of known demolished buildings and therefore also highlight the anomalies of unknown demolished buildings. From this analysis we know that the buildings occupied an area of around 900 metres squared. But with other similar high resistance noise in the remaining 1800 metres squared it is likely other unrecorded buildings are present. Therefore, the areas filled black with white dots are regions of high resistance and are most likely in-situ walls. The areas coloured white with black stripes are areas of slightly lower resistance but likely to be rubble. The areas coloured black with white stripes are regions of low resistance and are likely to be geology. ‘Baby Boomers Beware’ By Geoff Newman.( below) Director. Lyndhurst Financial Management Ltd.

In the winter edition of Harpendia Magazine I The research shows that many will use the reviewed the new pension reforms that come in flexibility and choice offered by the pension to place from 6th April, which as I write is less reforms to stay invested in their pension for than a month away. The reforms continue to be the hottest news in town and so it was with some dismay that I read a recent survey which revealed the concerning fact that 40% of baby boomers, those aged 55 to 74, have not started to save specifically for retirement yet, despite two-thirds of respondents understanding the State Pension will not be sufficient.

The survey found that Britain's baby boomers are some of the least prepared for their retirement. The challenge remains to encourage short-term savers to become long-term investors.

The findings show that 59% of respondents are concerned they will not live comfortably in retirement, while 63% hold their non-pension savings in cash, causing inflation erosion. Of the participants, 81% said they did not know how to access income with their pension savings.

longer, while taking regular income, and combine Pension reforms purchasing an annuity alongside it, From 6 April this year, 9% say they will invest their pension pot to generate an income, while potentially later in life. Meanwhile, almost one in five baby boomers may take advantage of the 8% will move their pension into a cash savings account. freedom to invest their money elsewhere, with half choosing a cash savings account. The survey highlighted that 28% of the respondents are undecided on what to do, while 26% plan to stay invested in their pension plan Taking Advice Our team are now really busy working with but take out cash regularly and use some of it to people who are seeking advice on what may be buy an annuity. Meanwhile 6% of participants the most important financial decision they have say they will use part of their pension to clear to make, how to fund their retirement in the new debt or similar, while 3% plan to blow the lot on world? However, we are always available to help whatever they desire. the people of Harpenden, after all that’s what we have been doing for the last 22 years. Approaching retirement If you are about to retire or are approaching your Geoff Newman retirement, it's important that you think Director, Lyndhurst Financial Management Ltd very carefully about how you will sustain your www.lyndhurstfm.co.uk income through a much longer retirement than previous generations. Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority NEW VOLUNTEERING ORGANISATION LAUNCHED ON Harpenden with the backing of over 20 local APRIL 22nd charities. These voluntary organisations Thanks to a new organisation called cover a wide spectrum of activity offering ‘Volunteer for Harpenden’ you can now go volunteers the opportunity to use many to a single web site and find out all there is different skills in varying locations to know about volunteering in Harpenden. with flexible hours and seasonal or regular Lots of people of all ages and interests want opportunities to suit your to help but find the process a little bit availability. daunting. Who can I help? What experience do I need? How do I make contact? Will I Now you can save time and effort by enjoy the work? approaching us to find a solution to becoming a volunteer. Just go to the web Questions like these are all important in the site below and explore all the exciting quest to find what’s best for you and the opportunities charity you want to help. That’s why this www.volunteerforharpenden.org.uk new service has been established here in 6 Good reasons why promotional videos are essential for your business.

1 Promo Videos Get Personal 5 Video is Another Touchpoint With Consumers Promo videos feel real when you see the character’s facial expressions, body Video is one of many marketing channels language and even hear their vocal tones. A but it is persuasive because it is often the promo video gives your business most memorable. Business videos work personality. because they bring all the other marketing messages together.

2 Promo Videos Are Great 6 Video is the future For Demos It is predicted that by 2016 online video will Internet Retailer tells us that consumers are make up 55% of consumer internet traffic. 85% more likely to purchase a product In 2017 that number will grow to 74%. after watching a video of that product. A Cisco predicts that 90% of online traffic will detailed written description cannot describe be video within 3 years. YouTube agree. a product as well as a promo video. The market shows no sign of slowing. Today, an estimated 45% of internet users watch at least one video online each 3 Watching a Video is Easy month. One source forecasts that by 2016, online video will make up 55% of consumer 60% of audiences prefer watching videos internet traffic. Another predicts that to reading text. People who watch videos number will grow to 74% by the following tend to stay on a website two minutes year. longer than those who don’t. Video makes information easier to digest when consumers receive multi-sensory stimulation. 4 Videos Entertain and Educate Videos play an important role in the consumer decision-making process. Promo videos work because consumers associate positive feelings with a business and product after watching a video that entertains and educates.

Article continues... Article concludes... The Facts watch videos tend to stay on a website two Online video saw explosive growth in 2014. minutes longer than those who don’t. Every month, YouTube attracts more than one billion unique global viewers spending To discuss how promo videos can help a collective six billion hours watching build your business contact videos. Users upload an average of 100 Mike Osborne on 07785 350838 or email hours of video every minute. [email protected]

Video has the unique ability to cut through the digital noise. By engaging multiple Check out our Video Package senses, video can command a viewer’s full Examples via the Gower website – attention. In seconds, a video can www.gower.co.uk effectively convey a complex message that would take paragraphs to get across in a blog post or text email.

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Article continues on next page... Sporting Excellence all

across Harpenden By Ron Taylor. Editor

With so much green belt, parkland and Did the London 2012 Olympics inspire school playing fields is it any wonder that you? Harpenden has a plethora of sporting clubs The promise that hosting the Games would actively supported by young and old alike. generate excitement and masses of memories AND deliver a fitter population This edition of Harpendia Magazine focuses across the country with more people playing on several sporting activities some of which sport in the years ahead. Excitement and have a long history in Harpenden. Times they memories YES but nationwide there are no are a changing though, with an increasing more playing sport than three years ago. new population and new trends in how Maybe Harpenden is an exception? people relax and participate in sport the clubs and associations need to raise their Be inspired now...read on and find the profiles and ‘sell’ themselves to this new sport that matches your interest and generation. ambitions. Football’s future secured for Harpenden By Ron Taylor. Editor

Match day expectation...walking to the Club House refurbishment work ground...sharing the atmosphere... buying starts towards the end of April. a programme...checking team news...signature tune heralds the team Within days of the final game of the season arrival...cheering the players...the big kick contractors will start work on transforming off...the roar of the crowd. the run down building into a brand new look with a new entrance opening on to the park Now Harpenden has a club worthy of real with a south facing terrace, new changing support where you can watch an exciting rooms, new showers and a new kitchen all and competitive game of football under a new roof with security fencing. This starting in early August. How can this be? will make it one of the most progressive Club Houses in Hertfordshire. Funded with Back from the brink...to division a £70,000k FA grant and local backers this development was necessary to meet the leaders national standards or be relegated. “This grant In the late Spring of 2013 Harpenden Town from the FA is a huge vote of confidence in the Football Club was on the verge of closure way Harpenden Town football club is following the resignations of senior progressing.” said Roman. management, some coaching staff and a lack of working capital. A sad end in site after a As part of their community commitment the history stretching back to 1891. Thankfully a new bar and cafe will be open to the public on ‘white knight’ by the name of Roman match days. If it gains public support and Motyczak recognised the potential of the club makes financial sense the cafe could open and with Kevin Hodge, Steve Fakes and Steve during other busy periods. Hartnup rescued the club from oblivion. There will be an official opening event to Pumping in more working capital, reassessing mark the new season in the summer and the club structure and appointing a new they will highlight the date later on. management team in time for the 2013/14 season. The club finished that season in 10th place and at the time of going to press the club is in 6th place exceeding last years points total. The club led the division earlier in the season but with a lack of games being played in Dec. and players becoming unavailable the CLUB HOUSE REFURBISHMENT early season momentum was lost. STARTED END OF APRIL STOP PRESS: Harpenden Town scored a thumping 3-1 victory away to Amersham on Sat. April 25 in their last game of the season. The result puts Harpenden sixth in the Spartan South Midlands Football League on 70 points with a magnificent 20 wins, 10 draws and 10 losses. Article concludes on next page... Behind the scenes teacher David Keenleyside playing on loan for So who is Roman Motyczak and why the club from St Albans City. Harpenden Town Football Club? For starters he has been associated with HTFC Ambitions for 2 years as the official programme editor. He The short term is all about improving on the is also football mad and as a long time Reading current performance, attracting some new FC supporter he has tasted some success and players, developing existing players and experienced the ups and downs of medium integrating the promising players.. sized clubs. As a successful business operator “In the long term the club are looking to install focusing on engineering and accountancy he an all weather pitch so matches and training has used these skills to build succesful can take place 24/7.” said Kevin Hodge, fixture businesses. He used his practical skills to start secretary. to build the club.

New Club Structure There is now a First team playing in the Spartan South Midlands League, managed by Danny Plumb and a Reserve team. Just like the Premiere League life in the lower leagues is very competitive. “As an example players for other teams are paid up to £100 per week. In Harpenden the players pay for pleasure! If there was enough finance, £25k would win us the title.” said Roman. Above: Steve Hartnup (left) and Roman Motyczak in the Club Trophy Room. “We want to start winning cups again” Crowd Control said Roman. The ground has a capacity for 1,000 including a covered stand for 100. It’s a short walk from Your team, your town the car park or the main Rothamsted Park Make a date in your diary now... Saturdays in entrance. With their own floodlights matches August and start a new trend. Following HTFC. are also played in the evenings on a full “We want to make Rothamsted the home of specification grass pitch. And it’s just £5 to football in the town and to be proud of our watch. team” said Roman.

The Players More information It’s a young team with an average age of 23. Follow the web site for updates on match Coached by Pete Waller with an equal reports and ground developments: emphasis on developing skills as well as www.harpendentownfootballclub.co.uk physical ability. Harry Hunt is a leading name Below: April 14. Match day action (left) against Arlesey Town as the third top striker in the league. The core Reserves and pre game training. HTFC won 4 - 0. A great of the team are based in Harpenden with result on the season’s last home game. Roundwood Park School alumni making up a number of the team. Currently they have local British and European awards for local sports stars...with a little bit of help from the 948 Sports Foundation.

Look what has been achieved with raw talent, sheer hard work and some financial support! Swimming...Judo and Taekwondo. Sporting success and personal enjoyment that could be open to a lot more young people in Harpenden and St Albans in a whole world of sporting activity. The 948 Sports Foundation (based in St Albans) exists to help budding young sports men and women who live within the area.

University graduate and Taekwondo master Hannah Johnson (photo top right) is hoping her hard work and increased participation in European events will enable her to compete in the Rio Olympics in 2016. Educated at St Albans School she is currently an assistant Behaviour Coordinator at Batchwood School. A Third Degree Black Belt she competed for St Katherines Taekwando Club in London and won Silver in -73kg at the British Nationals and has featured in the Dutch and German Opens alongside Olympian and World Champions. The 948 funding will help Hannah in pursuit of her Olympic dream.

St Albans teenager Harry Parker ( photo right) represented the England East swimming team last September in the Sainsbury’s School Games, held in Manchester. The 948 funding helped Harry develop his specific racing skills to enable him to compete at this high level.

St Albans Girls School are proud of Lucy Day and her achievements in the British and European Judo championships. In her first European cup in Croatia she progressed through to the 3rd round before being knocked out. In Italy Lucy progressed to the quarter finals. She then had a few weeks off and competed in the English Junior (<21yrs) Open and English Senior Open and won silver medal (photo right) in both these events. Lucy is now ranked on the IJF world ranking as well, which helps no end. Article continues on next page... Article concludes... Lucy’s hope now is that she will be selected for the Romania and Portugal European Cups and then for the main event of the year, the 2015 European Championships. 948 funding allows her to travel, enter competitions and buy IJF competition judo suits, or the strength, conditioning, physio and massage she needs to enable her to perform intensively at this level.

Do you need funding in your pursuit of a sporting dream? The 948 Sports Foundation can help you. They want to donate grants to local sports clubs, schools and individuals to help develop their sporting aspirations and help to make them the champions of the future. Harpenden and St Albans are the prime areas.

All applications must be supported by accreditation from coaches, sports associations, National bodies – without this applications will not be considered. For more information and an application form go to: www.the948sportsfoundation.org

Above: Owen Farrell (right) of Saracens, England and British and Irish Lions Rugby fame told a recent 948 audience how important it is to have support when you are a young player. Pictured with Geraint John, Chair of the 948 Sports Foundation and Annie Brewster St Albans Town Mayor 2013/2014 Below. Sir Craig Reedie, ( left) Vice President of the St Albans Architect becomes first Briton IOC, presenting the medal to Geraint John in Nov to receive IOC’s Pierre de Coubertin medal 2014 The award for outstanding service to the Olympic Movement. was awarded by The International Olympic Committee to Geraint John the first British recipient of this special decoration since the medal was inaugurated in 1997. The Pierre de Coubertin medal reflects the Olympic values of respect, excellence and friendship. Geraint has proved to be a great friend to the Olympic community, both in Britain and around the world, and brings a wealth of experience and expertise to Olympic design. Golf really is good for you!

Golf can be good for your health and your heart. Playing 18 holes involves walking about 6 miles and can burn off anything between 1,200 and 2,000 calories. It can improve fitness and strength, muscle tone and endurance. You may even find yourself losing a little weight. The game requires plenty of concentration, so you tend to put aside day-to-day worries and as a result, feel relaxed and stress-free after your round. Taking up the game is now much easier. At Harpenden Common Golf Club we have provisional membership schemes that can get you into the game whatever level you are at. Why not phone our General Manager, Terry Crump on 01582 711325 or email him at [email protected] You could end up feeling much, much better.

Harpenden Common Golf Club

Cravells Road, East Common, Harpenden, Herts AL5 1BL www.harpendencommongolfclub.co.uk www.harpendencommongolfclub.co.uk months 3 FREE Golf on the Common! Harpenden Common Golf Club are offering a limited number of trial memberships starting this Spring For just £300 you can enjoy the course, practise grounds, a new clubhouse and all the facilities for 3 months. If you then become a full member, we’ll refund £200. Renew your membership in 2016 and we’ll refund the remaining £100 – you would then have enjoyed 3 months’ golf for FREE! Our fine course is now complemented by a new clubhouse which has superb dining on two levels, two impressive bars, first-floor balcony and terrace overlooking the 18th green. Unlike some other golf clubs, you do not have to book tee times, you just turn up and play – subject to club diary and competitions. If joining one of the most progressive clubs in Hertfordshire appeals to you, please call Terry Crump on 01582 711325 or email him at [email protected] Terry will also be able to tell you about our Ladies Golf Academy, Junior Academy and some great family membership offers. You can visit our website at www.harpendencommongolfclub.co.uk

Harpenden Common Golf Club Cravells Road, East Common, Harpenden, Herts AL5 1BL Offer limited on a first-come first-served basis. Terms and conditions apply. New to cycling or an experienced biker All roads lead to Redbourn By Ron Taylor. Editor Getting started Cycling has always been popular with all So if you or your family want to start cycling ages but in recent years it’s popularity has where do you go? There’s always large grown exponentially encouraged I think by impersonal retailers and the perils of the the success of the GB cycling teams in the internet OR you could choose a business with and other high profile hands on experience like ‘The Hub and The events. Top riders have become national Bike Loft’. They are owned by Lindy Fox & celebrities to rank alongside footballers and Simon Barnes who has been involved in other sporting superstars. Think Sir Bradley cycling for many years, competing at a high Wiggins, , Sir level in road races and owned a and . professional cycling team for five years.

How to buy the right bike Safety first “Buying cheap could end up costing more Helmets, lights and traffic awareness are all in the long run” says Simon. There are essential. At The Bike Loft we will ensure many variables to get right before you you are fully equipped with the right buy...different makes have differing products and knowledge before you take to sizes...there are many different styles and the road. variations to suit your budget. You need to visit a bike shop, get advice from the staff and ‘test’ which bike meets your criteria. Then think about after sales service. After seeing what’s on offer you may think about the Cycle to Work Scheme or one of their second hand bikes.

Article continues... Article continues.. After sales service You may want to add an accessory or new gadget, have damage repaired or part exchange your bike for a new model. The Bike Loft offer all these services to ensure you remain a valued customer. We even offer maintenance courses including a ladies only option.

Fit, fun and healthy Whatever your level of interest cycling offers many benefits. A regular ride in the open air is much healthier then being stuck in the gym and you get to see the local Serious cycling countryside, then mavbe stop off for You can join the ranks of serious cycling at refreshments with like minded bikers to chat The Bike Loft where we have access to all about your day. The Hub in Redbourn is well the latest high performance bikes and established as social centre for cyclists and equipment . We can custom build to your attracts a wide range of bikers from learners requirements, carry out frame and gear to celebrities like TV Presenter , repairs. The Bike Loft's Andy Brown, with Professional Cyclist Rob Hayles, TV Cycling international experience, provides a degree Presenter David Harman plus footballers Ian of mechanical expertise unsurpassed in the Wright and Les Ferdinand. who come to area. ALSO we are the only local bike have coffee and cakes. business with APEX.

This system will evaluate your ride and maximise your performance and comfort by measuring your seating/saddle position & height, brake lever positioning and reach plus maximise your power output. Full details of the APEX options are available on line at: www.apexbikeperformance.com

Article continues... Article concludes... A passion for cycling On Sunday July 5th The Bike Loft and The Hub will again be organising a major summer event in Redbourn, the Fete du Velo. A family fun day with the backing of the British Cycling Federation, Herts County Council and the Herts Police. Centred around Redbourn Common there will be rides and races for all ages and skills with a closing race on closed roads for the more serious riders.

Around the Common will be refreshment stalls and stalls from cycling specialists. The Hub of course will be open all day serving food and drinks.

Contact details: THE HUB BIKE LOFT COFFEE & CYCLISTS REFUGE BIKE SALES & SERVICING 22 Hight Street, Redbourn. AL3 7LL 80 High Street, Redbourn. AL3 7LN 01582 792389 01582 742900 E. hubmeister@hubcoffeebikes.com W. www.hubcoffeebikes.com

The Future is bright for cricket in Harpenden By Ron Taylor. Editor

English cricket has endured a terrible fourteen months since the abysmal Australian tour in 2014. There has been only limited improvement since with some Test wins against India, a one - day series win in the Caribbean and the most recent humiliations in the World Cup. Cricket in Harpenden however is going from strength to strength.

New Season started April 11 Groundsmen have been at work for several weeks on Harpenden Common bringing the playing surface (the Square) back to tip top shape. There are eleven ‘wickets’ within the Square, one of which is used each week. Set within a natural viewing arena the matches attract sizable crowds on Saturday and Sunday afternoons for what is an idyllic English pass time. Changes have been slow to happen in cricket, like the length of time it takes to play a Seniors and Colts traditional match-starting at 1pm and finishing The Club has a healthy 400+ members with six around 7pm. However the recently launched to sixteen year old boys and girls in the Colts Herts 20/20 Tournament for Under 19’s is gaining and approx 80 senior playing members. There in popularity taking around two hours to are six Saturday teams playing in the complete. Hertfordshire Cricket League, two Sunday teams playing in the Slazenger Chess Valley League. At Colts level they run league sides at Under 9, Under 10, Under 11,Under 12, Under 13, Under 14 and Under 15 age groups with a number of Colts playing at County, Area or District level. We also run a Minis section for Under 8's (who play the occasional friendly) and a Girl's section, which is open to all ages. The Club has affiliations with local Schools so matches and training also take place at Sir John Lawes and St. Georges with additional games being played in the grounds of Rothamsted Research.

Article continues Article concludes...

Who’d be an Umpire? Cricket umpires have considerable power and May 9 - Sept 13 so plenty of opportunities to the respect of the players. There are strict rules show your batting, bowling and fielding skills which go unchallenged and should a player and attain a reasonable level of fitness. show dissent they will be banned for at least two games. The Herts League has a panel of New Pavillion qualified umpires who are appointed for all A planning application for a brand new Pavillion League matches. was placed with St Albans District Council Planning Authority in February. This will provide New Members welcome a new home with superb facilities for the There’s a friendly welcome waiting for anyone cricketing club and a catering area on the with an interest in playing cricket whatever their upper floor giving panoramic views across the ability. The club has over 20 fully qualified Common. Imagine how this will improve the coaches to help develop your game and whole look of the Common with the added improve those who already play. There’s also benefits for the local community. lots of social activities which will improve considerably when the new Pavillion is built. - More information and how to join; More of that later. Please contact Mick Brookes at Membership costs; Colts £95 pa. Seniors £130 [email protected] pa plus £7.50 for each league game you play in. The League season in Harpenden runs from Dr. Who’s Tennis Tardis in Harpenden by Ron Taylor. Editor

Having lived in Harpenden for over twenty I was greeted by Sarah Villarreal (Media Officer) five years I have always been aware of tennis and then introduced to David Lawlor (Head activity behind the car park in Amenbury Coach) and Magali Brown (Administrator). All Lane but never quite sure of the what was three exuding bonhomie and keen to give me hidden behind the trees and hedges. information about their beloved Tennis Club.

That is until I went to meet some of the New Members welcome management team on Wednesday March 25. Although they have 460 active juniors and 625 Walking into the grounds from the car park active adults they are still looking for more new through a narrow entrance was a bit like members for both categories. “We are a entering the Tardis. Once inside I was transfixed genuinely friendly club with tennis for all ages by the sheer scale of the landscape before my and skills.” said Sarah “If you are a beginner we eyes. A huge expanse of tennis courts, some can help you to learn the basics and if you have grass, several hard courts and three futuristic serious ambitions we can give some domes (known as Airhalls) plus a large Club professional coaching” said David. House on the northern perimeter. “Membership costs vary...as an example an adult playing membership comes in at just under £300.” said Magali. If you are interested in joining, please in the first instance call Magali in the office between 9am and 12 noon Monday - Friday

Above;:Another Airhall and 2 more hard courts Above from L2R: Sarah Villarreal, David Lawlor Article continues... and Magali Brown. Article continues... Playing for pleasure The Club is open throughout the year and with made cakes and her famous bacon butties. so many courts, both outdoor and indoor you From April to December there are several social can usually find a vacant court or in the winter events to suit all age groups. you could easily book a game in advance. Plans for extending the social side are already (Airhalls, which cover 5 courts from October underway following a recent members survey through April and floodlights must be booked which prompted feed back of all sorts from well and paid for in advance) On average a game of over 50% of the membership. an hour and a half provides good fun and an exhilarating work out.

Playing to win The club is also very involved within the Hertfordshire tennis community and has teams in various local and national leagues, singles and doubles. This enables members to play matches at their level and enjoy the excitement of competitive tennis and meeting lots of new people.

Professional coaching Head coach David Lawlor (Level 5 LTA registered professional) manages a team of five full time and three part time coaches. “It’s all Above. Tennis coach Aaron Meredith giving lessons about raising standards and maximising on the forehand grip to a couple of Harpenden members. potential” said David. “Some members just Below: Inside one of the Airhalls. Tennis all year want to enjoy the game more, others want to round whatever the weather. play at Wimbledon” Coaching cost vary from £20 - £35 per hour for individual tuition, but group coaching is available for both adults and juniors for very much less

Socialising The large clubhouse is ideally located giving access to all parts of the ground and good viewing of some close courts. There’s an excellent well stocked bar with drinks and snacks plus plenty of seating to relax after a game. On Saturday mornings Ellie’s Kitchen takes over the kitchen supplying a range of home Article concludes... Top table Martin Corrie, a club committee member and the club’s LTA liaison will become President of the LTA. A great honour for Martin and Harpenden Lawn Tennis Club Harpenden Lawn Tennis Club.

Junior Fun Day On Monday 4th May, juniors, their families and new members are encouraged to join in the annual fun day, with fun sessions on the courts for the juniors and a barbecue for all.

Great British Tennis Weekend On Friday 12th June from 2pm to 4pm the club will participate in the Great British Tennis Above L2R: Freddie Simpson, Tom Attenborough, Weekend, where clubs throughout the nation Elliott Lowe and James Styles. Below: Ed Corrie with get involved in encouraging more people to Novak Djokovich in 2014. play tennis more often. The doors and the courts will be open for non-members, adult and junior, to come in and try out their tennis skills in some fun sessions run by the coaches. Members will be on hand to answer questions about the club and membership.

Harpenden's Ed Corrie ranked number three in Great Britain An exciting run of good form from Harpenden's Ed Corrie sees him achieve his highest ATP tennis rankings since he starting competing on the professional tennis tour in 2011. He is now ranked number three in Great Britain, behind only Andy Murray and James Ward, and number 215 in the world. His doubles ranking rises to 147.

Ed started hitting a tennis ball on the courts of Harpenden Lawn Tennis Club aged just two, Harpenden Ladies Win National Title, when he followed his older brothers into the Advance to Europe club. Coming from a strong tennis family, with In November 2014 Harpenden Lawn Tennis his parents both playing in the club's teams Club Senior Ladies won the National Inter- and his mother coaching, it was perhaps club 40+ Finals in a hotly contested match inevitable that Ed would become a keen tennis against St. George’s Hill, Surrey. They now player himself. advance to represent England clubs in the European club championship to be played in November Tennis Triumph for Harpenden La Manga, Spain, in September 2014. Youngsters Want to know more Four boys from Harpenden Lawn Tennis Club used their half-term holiday last week to The web site has full details of all the Club’s compete in regional tennis tournaments in the activities and costs. 9-and-under category, and were rewarded with www.harpendenltc.co.uk significant success. OR phone 01582 713202 The Benefits of an Online Video Channel. The OARUGBY.tv online service has been a The Match Day Process great success since it’s conception 2 seasons The success of the service is about keeping the ago. It provides the opportunity to view the process as simple as possible. Each match is games you can’t attend or relive some great videoed and then uploaded to the dedicated Old Albanian 1st XV matches. OARUGBY.tv FTP site. The video is then edited and uploaded to www.OARUGBY.tv. The service has allowed Members, Supporters and Sponsors to be more engaged with the top The Service Providers rugby union team in Hertfordshire. Being online OARUGBY.tv has been developed by Gower - makes it possible for OA Rugby fans to follow Creative Communications to provide a their team from anywhere in the world. specialist online video channels. Established 1981 with offices in London and Hertfordshire Every 1st team match has to be videoed under Gower operate in the UK, Germany, Russia and the rules of the RFU so we have maximised the India providing multi-media communication benefit of that asset while also enhanced the services. image of the club. In the UK Gower produces the TV program ITV With the huge growth in video as the way to Nightscreen daily and is broadcast nationally reach consumers an online TV service provides on ITV1, 2, 3 and 4. businesses with a major opportunity to connect with their market. www.OARUGBY.tv The Future of Sports Therapy is in Harpenden! By Amanda Thomas

Bodyrefine is a ‘bespoke exercise and Resolving Sport-Related Problems massage therapy for body equilibrium’* and David and his team are used to dealing with has recently opened at Breathing Space in people of all ages with a diverse range of Harpenden’s Thompson’s Close. Run by problems caused by sports such as golfing, corrective exercise therapist David McGill, swimming, running, cycling, and skiing. Bodyrefine (below) offers a specialised However they are well aware that an injury or persistent ache may not be straight forward personal training service which is very and often derives from poor posture rather than different to anything else available locally. I injury. Bodyrefine also specialises in treating met up with David in the fabulous Breathing post-natal women who benefit enormously Space Blueberry café to find out more. from postural correction and remedial massage therapy. One-to-One consultation The new facility has taken off very quickly since it was opened in January this year. Many of David’s clients have been referred to him by local medical professionals. However, Bodyrefine’s reputation has spread rapidly by word of mouth and a considerable amount of his custom has come from people who have been damaged by existing exercise regimes and therapies, or have been incorrectly misdiagnosed. “We look at the root cause of pain,” David explains. “You don’t need to live with discomfort.” An initial one-to-one private consultation focuses on the needs of the individual and this is followed up with further consultations and a personalised regime of floor-based exercises which can be done at home.

David is supported by a formidable team. Jade Revell is a sports therapist who specialises in deep tissue and remedial massage, and Marsha Brierley and David Fry are corrective exercise therapists and specialist personal trainers. The team’s ethos is exciting with a focus on holistic care to enhance general good health – they will even advise on nutrition. “Pain is mood changing,” David concluded, “and it gives me a lot of satisfaction to help people in this situation.”

Bodyrefine is not a gym, David and his team are not personal trainers, and corrective exercise therapy is not a fad. The future of sports therapy is right here in Harpenden and further information is available on the Bodyrefine website*: www.davidmcgill.com. Harpenden – The voice of young people – Youth Connexions. By Graeme Endersby

Moving forward from our last entry in Harpendia we are firmly establishing our footing in the “Places for young people in Harpenden.” Over the recent months we have had the pleasure of working with a loud group of In return HYTC will make the most of all social young people. Not in the sense of noisily loud media opportunities to promote the supporting but loud in a practical sense. Over the years businesses. This will hopefully enable young Harpenden Town Council and Youth people to have a cheaper summer holiday and Connexions have supported the electoral process which through the local schools elects raise the profile of smaller local businesses in young people to be a representation of the Harpenden. A win win all around and some voice of young people. This group is known enterprise thinking from the HYTC. If you as, Harpenden Youth Town Council (HYTC). would like further information on how your business could take part in the scheme the The group from aged 13 and above meet contact David Grant at Harpenden Town together at the Town Council Offices or The Council. Youth Centre. The main aims are to identify a general youth led need and look at ways they Meanwhile back at The Harpenden Youth can either campaign or be practical in what Centre things have been moving forward. We young people want. This year the group are now have regular 30 users in attendance. We building on the development of last years, The have covered topics of drugs education and Summer Discount Scheme. During the most importantly how to manage your summer holidays 2015 the group are working relationships. Young people always have with local businesses and leisure providers to plenty to say on the different kinds of enable young people to receive discount on relationships they have. Most importantly it’s selected stores and services in the Harpenden creating a space where young people can talk area. For example they would like to see about the trickier relationships such as family. reduced rates at the leisure centre. If this took We have had good support for the England place they believe young people would use it games in both Rugby and Football. more frequently. We are looking forward to the Summer and look forward to working more around the green spaces of Harpenden in the summertime. Please don’t forget the wealth of resources available at the centre for all young people. Full internet ready computers, Apple Macs, Skysports WIFI enabled and to finish a full mirrored dance studio. We have a purpose built education room for those needed presentation rehearsals. We look forward to seeing you soon. Youth Connexions, St Albans Team. Above: A group from Harpenden Youth Town Council on Harpenden Common Discovery Day June 2014 with Harpenden Mayor Mary Maynard Harpenden Charity Spearheads Research and Support By Amanda Thomas

If you have never heard of Ataxia- Telangiectasia, or A-T, it is because it is a rare genetic condition which affects only University of Birmingham. He was one in 300,000 in the British population. interested in A-T and its relationship with There are around 200 sufferers and it cancer, and since this initial interest further generally affects children. Around 1% of research is also being conducted by the population carries the recessive gene Professor Steve Jackson at the Gurdon which causes A-T and symptoms become Institute in Cambridge. The Society’s apparent when a child is about two or website (www.atsociety.org.uk) explains three years old. It is a condition not how research has progressed the dissimilar to cerebral palsy and for that understanding of the condition: reason, and because it is so rare, it is often misdiagnosed. A-T is characterised by neuromotor and cerebellar degeneration, it weakens the immune system and sufferers have a pre- disposition to cancer. There is no cure, no screening, and life expectancy is limited to about 26 years old.

The A-T Society is based in Harpenden because some years ago two local children, Caroline and Gregory Poupard, were diagnosed with the condition. Their parents, Maureen and Vincent, were trailblazers in raising awareness of A-T and today the society continues the work they started; sadly Caroline and Gregory died in 2001 and 2002. The Society is based at Red Gables in Rothamsted and whilst ‘A-T is one of a family of genetic Maureen and Vincent are still involved, diseases caused by inherited defects in the charity is now led by Chief Executive the detection, signalling and/or repair of William Davis (right) and an administrative DNA damage, also known as ‘DNA- team including Fundraising and damage response diseases’ (DDR Relationship Manager, Suzanne Roynon. diseases). A-T is caused by the loss of or I met William and Suzanne at their offices mutations in the DNA-damage signalling to find out more about what can be done protein ATM. Other DDR diseases include to help young people with A-T and also hereditary breast and ovarian cancers how they are funding the quest for a cure. caused by defects on the proteins BRCA1 or BRCA2 and Bloom’s syndrome, which The Poupards set up the Society when leads to cancer predisposition and they and 12 other families were contacted developmental disorders. many years ago by Professor Malcolm Taylor at the School of Cancer Sciences, Article continues... Article concludes... Clinics dedicated to the condition were set Recent work has highlighted a new up first in Nottingham by the Poupards and potential therapeutic approach for DDR then in Papworth and these are now diseases, and also for other inherited supported by the NHS. The Society also human diseases, based on the funds an annual Family Day. The amount of concept known as synthetic viability. In organisation for these is phenomenal, simple terms, problems caused by loss of particularly as it is difficult to find hotels one protein can be alleviated by the loss/ with enough disabled rooms to inhibition of another protein. Such accommodate so many people with relationships can be explained if the first impaired mobility. However, such days are gene is needed to remove a toxic product essential for the sharing of information and created by the second, or if it controls the to give the specialist support families need. activity of the second gene, which becomes “Everyone with A-T has a life to live,” overly active and toxic in its absence. William commented, “and these people will wring every last drop of value out of their Work by Professor Jackson (below) and lives.” Last year the Family Day focussed others has established that the effects of on sport and activities included riding and nearly every DDR gene mutant can be wheelchair football. A less virulent form of largely (and in some cases almost totally) A-T can affect older people and it was a alleviated by mutating another gene. It has real inspiration for sufferers at the Family also recently been demonstrated that in Day to have the chance to meet paralympic mouse models the DDR protein BRCA1 can sportsmen with mild A-T who were not only be fully suppressed by inactivation of a high achievers but also understood the particular component. This approach may condition. “It is a cruel, cruel disease,” well lead to the suppression of tumour William added, “but some of the people formation in people with BRCA1 mutations.’ living with it are incredibly positive.” There is no doubt this is also thanks to the Society’s amazing work, their enthusiasm and determination.

The A-T Society is completely reliant on fund raising and many organisations in Harpenden have given support in the past. These include the Heel and Toe Club, Harpenden Rocks, and Harpenden Cricket Club. But much more needs to be done. Suzanne would like to hear from you if you want to take part in the Ride London cycling event or the London 10K – or even if you just want to organise a cake bake sale at school. The A-T Society also welcomes the support of those who think they could The research is exciting and has the help raise money in other ways – perhaps potential of finding the causes – and a cure become a patron and involve other – not just for A-T but also one of the professional contacts? It is extraordinary to deadliest forms of cancer, the profile of think that by lending our help we could not which has been so effectively raised by only find a way to eradicate Ataxia- Angelina Jolie. The Society is keen to Telangiectasia but also some of the nastiest progress research and William Davis has cancers known today. instigated the A-T Clinical Network which brings clinicians together every two years to Further information is available on the A-T discuss their work. Much has also been Society website at www.atsociety.org.uk. done to help sufferers and their families. Editor: Ron Taylor Contact: [email protected] Daily news updates: www.harpendia.com Video Channel: Type ‘harpendia’ in the Youtube search box Editorial Consultant: Amanda Thomas

Coming soon Harpendia Summer Edition 2015