Archive

  • Firefighters meet tough charity challenge

    ST ALBANS firefighters are used to carrying out all sorts of daring and dangerous deeds, but even they would admit that their latest challenge was amongst their toughest assignments so far. Months of hard work and dedicated fundraising by the men of Blue

  • Outrage at Green Belt hotel plan

    FURIOUS villagers condemned plans to build a massive hotel complex on Green Belt land in Bricket Wood as "absolutely disastrous", "horrific" and "sacrilegious" on Tuesday. More than 200 angry residents packed St Luke's Church hall to voice their concerns

  • Resurfacing closes roads

    RESURFACING will cause road closures in the Shenley Lane and Napsbury Lane area of St Albans over the next two weeks. Work on Shenley Lane at the A414 overbridge, Napsbury Lane and the connecting A414 slip roads, due to start on Thursday, December 13,

  • Couple in a pickle - but it's a dream come true

    CHRIS and Bridget Cumming make tracklements so beautiful that the contents of their jars are a feast to the eye before they ever reach the plate. I like to dream of my store cupboard shelves groaning with potted fruit, vegetables, pickles, chutneys and

  • Principal takes a lesson from the Iron Duke

    HELEN Parr says her role model is the Duke of Wellington, victor of the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. At first sight the petite recently-appointed principal of Oaklands College has little in common with the Iron Duke, but may soon need both his toughness

  • Church celebration marks a year's adventure

    A YEAR of hard work by children at a Garston church, culminated in a celebration at an Investiture service held on Saturday, December 8. The Stanborough Park Adventurer Club is part of the world-wide Seventh-day Adventist Church pathfinder and adventurer

  • Hunt for hit-and-run driver who injured cyclist

    A CYCLIST was "left for dead" after flying through the air when she collided with a car early Monday morning. The 33-year-old woman was cycling along Shepherd's Lane towards Rickmansworth when a car pulled out of Williamson Way and collided with her before

  • Hockey: Harp defeated, but hope stays strong

    HARPENDEN suffered only their second defeat of the season on Saturday when they failed to pick up any points away in Upminster, following a 5-2 defeat. It was a crushing blow considering that they could have almost finished off their opposition's title

  • Hornets Buzz with Oliver Phillips

    WATFORD are entering the critical period of their season, one that can determine whether it is judged a success or a flop. Sunday's victory at Coventry City was due to a few slices of luck, Coventry's indifferent finishing and Watford's determinedly-applied

  • Hatters Chat with Brian Swain

    MANAGER Joe Kinnear is ready to go "Christmas shopping" as Luton approach the hectic holiday football programme. He was well pleased to see his team win at Hartlepool last week, despite being down to ten men for the last half hour, but fears his squad

  • Boxing: Club fights back

    RECENT losses for Ian Eldridge and James Yelland have not floored the St Albans and London Colney Amateur Boxing Club. In fact, the club has been enjoying a minor rejuvenation recently and Paul Rees, who trains both Eldridge and Yelland out of the St

  • Ryman League: Wood team remain optimistic

    A TRIP to third-placed Braintree Town might not have been the ideal introduction for Boreham Wood's new player-managers Lee Harvey and Micky Engwell, but despite Saturday's (December 8) 2-0 defeat, Harvey is optimistic they can make a successful transition

  • Controversy mars girls derby

    THE Herts Girls League clash between Watford Ladies under 15s and Bushey Rangers ended in controversy as Watford claimed a hard-fought victory. In this derby clash, Watford just shaded the early stages with Wiz Hunt and Gemma Davison the pick of the attacking

  • Residents need assuarances

    I READ with interest Councillor Muspratt's comments in the Watford Observer, November 16 regarding the moving of the zebra crossing. The quote from the article read: "People's safety and security has to be the main priority, and after listening to local

  • Hornets: Formation striking right balance

    WATFORD are set to persevere with 4-3-3, which enables them to field a third striker. "We have switched to a back four in the last couple of games. I want to keep playing three midfield players and that enables me to play three forwards if you like,"

  • Has Luca cracked it? Not yet

    HAVE Watford and Vialli cracked it? Vialli sounds a note of caution: "I was talking the other day with David Platt and we both agree this is a difficult division, not only because of the number of games you play but also the players you manage," he said

  • Vialli calls for fans to make voices heard

    AS WATFORD enter a crucial phase which could determine the direction of their season, Vialli asks for maximum vocal support on Saturday, December 15, against Crystal Palace and then on Wednesday at Hillsborough. Looking first to Saturday's game, Vialli

  • Open Mic Session

    Every Wednesday, hosted by local band organised by St Albans blues/rock trio Mojo, guest performers and floor spots are welcome and all performers get a free drink get there early to book your place; Mermaid pub, Hatfield Road, St Albans; admission free

  • Herts Jazz

    Matt Wates Sextet; The Fairway, Fairway Suite, Old Herns Lane, Welwyn Garden City; Sunday, December 16; doors open 7.30pm, music starts at 8pm; admission 6 for members and 7 for non-members. December 14, 2001 21:00

  • Nick Page Trio

    Melodic jazz and bossa nova every Friday in the bar; Batchwood Golf and Tennis Club, Batchwood Drive, St Albans; 8.30pm; entry free. December 14, 2001 21:00

  • Traditional and Contemporary Folk and Blues

    A warm welcome for all every Thursday evening at the Hollybush Folk Club; informal singers night; Old School Room, Hollybush pub, Church End, Redbourn; 8.15pm to 11.15pm; admission 2 on the door; further information on 07710 471862 or 07850 163241. December

  • Traditional Music Sessions

    Every Thursday mainly English and Irish traditional tunes and songs everyone welcome to listen or to play; Rose & Crown, St Michael's Street, St Albans; 9pm. December 14, 2001 21:00

  • Christmas Craft Exhibition

    Showcasing the work of local craftspeople; Watford Museum, Lower High Street, Watford; runs until Saturday, January 5; admission free. December 14, 2001 21:00

  • Toys Galore

    An exhibition of toys, games and childhood memorabilia;Bushey Museum and Art Gallery, Rudolph Road, Bushey; runs until Saturday, February 23; open Thursday to Sunday, 11am to 4pm; admission free. December 14, 2001 21:00

  • Ballroom and Latin American Dance

    New members welcome; The Orbital Community Centre, Haines Way, Watford; Tuesday, December 18, 2pm to 4pm. Tel: Alison 01923 681054 for further details. December 14, 2001 21:00

  • Latin Dance Classes

    Moonglow Dance Studios, 38a Estcourt Road, Watford; Tuesday, December 18, 5.30pm to 7pm. Tel: 01923 225195 for further details. December 14, 2001 21:00

  • Grand Christmas Dance

    With Jean Martyn, organised by Watford Organ and Keyboard Club, Henderson Memorial Hall, Abbots Langley; Saturday, December 15, 8pm; tickets 5.50. Tel: 01923 238657. December 14, 2001 21:00

  • Clownerella

    Presented by Krazy Kat Theatre Co; Harrow Arts Centre, Travellers Studio, Uxbridge Road, Hatch End; Sunday, December 16, 2pm and 4pm; tickets 4. Tel: box office 020 8428 0124. December 14, 2001 21:00

  • Stuff The Turkey It's Christmas!

    Presented by Blag Theatre Company; The Pump House, Local Board Road, Lower High Street, Watford; runs to Sunday, December 23, 7.30pm; tickets 7. Tel: box office 01923 772320. December 14, 2001 21:00

  • Children: Ebenezer

    Pump House Children and Youth Theatre, Local Board Road, Lower High Street, Watford; Wednesday, November 28 to Saturday, December 1, and Wednesday, December 12, to Saturday, December 15, 7.30pm, Saturday matinee 2.30pm; tickets 6.50 adults, 4.50 children

  • Festive concert

    THE Friends of St Thomas Church in Old Uxbridge Road, West Hyde, will be holding a Christmas concert on Wednesday, December 19, at 7.30pm. The concert, to raise money for the upkeep of the church, will feature the Walbrook Singers. For tickets and more

  • Terry Challis cartoon

    . . . . Due to techical difficulties, the Terry Challis cartoon on Watford FC was not produced in full in the Watford Observer of Friday, December 14. The cartoon in full is reproduced here. December 14, 2001 15:00

  • Euro MP aims to break down language barriers

    EURO MP, Mrs Eryl McNally was demonstrating her cookery skills in Portuguese as part of a display by Britain's Labour MEPs in the Brussels parliament building last month. The presentation, a contribution to the European Year of Languages, was the result

  • Mayor's charity fund set hit festive high

    MAYOR John Peters' Fund for the Future, launched in July to provide a long-term endowment for local charities, is set to top £20,000 for Christmas. Helped by some substantial donations from individuals, and companies such as Laing Homes and Fairclough

  • Accident fuels row over traffic volume

    AN accident which left a child with a broken ankle has re-ignited concerns over traffic problems along Dark Lane in Harpenden. The boy was knocked down at a pelican crossing at the junction of Dark Lane, Grove Road and Coleswood Road on Tuesday, December

  • War memories of St Albans

    DESPITE its proximity to London and, during the second world war, the de Havilland fighter plane factory at Hatfield, St Albans emerged relatively unscathed from the two world wars. In the first world war the city was an important "billeting" centre,

  • Simple story of the man who gave his name to a city

    The story of the man who gave his name to St Albans is a simple one, but this story alone would not be enough to enable us to gauge its importance or its continuing resonance. When aligned to what we see around St Albans though; a thriving city steeped

  • First lady of the "new sex" is still as sassy

    SO YOU think the current crop of superchefs turning gastronomy into the new sex on our screens every night is the first? Think again! Before Delia ever boiled an egg, or Floyd had a little slurp and even before the Two Fat Ladies were thin, we had celebrity

  • Rat on the loose in Tesco store

    A RAT loose in a Rickmansworth supermarket on Sunday, December 9, gave shoppers cause for concern. The vermin entered Tesco in Harefield Road after a member of staff left a door open at the store, which backs on to the Grand Union Canal. However, its

  • Rugby Union: Gutsy Saints fall to Scottish

    ST ALBANS RFC will feel hard done by this week after getting far less than they probably deserved from a determined display against London Scottish at the weekend. The hard work the team has put in on the training ground looked like it would bare fruit

  • Rugby Union: OAs demolish Vees

    OLD ALBANIANS broke the trend of tight matches between themselves and Old Verulamians, as they demolished local rivals 41-0. In last season's corresponding fixture, Vees took the honours with a single-point victory, and looked to end a disappointing sequence

  • Judo: Paveley's season ends on high

    LISA PAVELEY capped what has been a terrific individual season with another couple of medals at the St Albans Judo Club Championships. These come just a fortnight after she claimed a silver and gold at the National Ladies Junior Championships in Hereford

  • Watford Academy: Impressive Under 17s take the points

    The Under 17s had a good day, running out 3-1 winners over the Tractormen, who had seven scholars and the England Under 16 striker in their line-up. After Herd, Young and Ben Hammond had gone close Hammond put the full back under so much pressure, the

  • Watford Academy: Under 19s turned over by Tractorboys

    WATFORD Under 19s were caught on the counter-attack against Ipswich, then conceded a second to a calamitous mix-up and then had what looked a valid goal disallowed. "Over 90 minutes, a 1-0 defeat would have been a fairer result," said youth team boss

  • Financial future safe - but transfer pot is empty

    WATFORD have spent £15m on players over the past three years, chief executive Tim Shaw told to shareholders at the annual meeting of Watford FC on Thursday, December 5. To shareholders' questions as to whether Luca Vialli has more money to spend, the

  • Hornets: Flying Dutchman set to take off

    NORDIN WOOTER has been given early permission to try and arrange a transfer. The Dutch winger, whose contract expires next summer, is unlikely to be offered a new deal by the Hornets. Explained Vialli: "He is not playing a lot and we understand his frustration

  • Bad Manners

    Buster Bloodvessel returns with the world famous ska band; The Horn, Victoria Street, St Albans; Wednesday, December 19; admission 8. December 14, 2001 21:00

  • Battle of the Bands V

    12th heat with Shrapnul plus Surfacing plus Reco; The Horn, Victoria Street, St Albans; Tuesday, December 18; admission 3. December 14, 2001 21:00

  • Song Session Group

    Every Monday, traditional and contemporary songs, everyone welcome as singers or spectators; The Bull, High Street, Redbourn; 8.30pm; admission 1; more details from John on 01923 404566. December 14, 2001 21:00

  • Open DJ Night

    Funky guest DJs alongside resident DJ Hansi; The Horn, Victoria Street, St Albans; Sunday, December 17; admission free. December 14, 2001 21:00

  • Sunday Open Mic Night

    Every Sunday, house band plus guests, floorspots, players and singers welcome; The Portland Arms, Portland Street, St Albans; 8.30pm. December 14, 2001 21:00

  • Semi-acoustic Weekend Wind Down

    Grae J Wall & the Young Trash Lovers present their Christmas gig; The Blue Angel Acoustic Caf; The Horn, Victoria Street, St Albans; Sunday, December 16, 8.30pm to 10.30pm; admission free. December 14, 2001 21:00

  • 3

    Who are in fact now five, as vocalist Helen MacDougall, guitarist Neil Soutar, and Spike Bayne on saxes are joined by Colin Balch on bass and Rickie Edwards on percussion; a wide range of vibrant jazzy/slow funk acoustic material; Saturday, December 15

  • The Barnstormers plus Pump

    A night of rocking covers, until 1am; The Horn, Victoria Street, St Albans; Saturday, December 15; admission 5. December 14, 2001 21:00

  • Route 66

    Mermaid pub, Hatfield Road, St Albans; Friday, December 14; admission free. December 14, 2001 21:00

  • Jumpin

    The best hits from the 60's to the 00's to help you party and keep you dancing, until 1am; The Horn, Victoria Street, St Albans; Friday, December 14, admission 5. December 14, 2001 21:00

  • Stanhope Art Society

    Presents its art exhibition; The Radlett Centre, Aldenham Avenue, Radlett; runs until Saturday, December 15; admission free. December 14, 2001 21:00

  • Reflecting Light

    Presented by Jeanette Perry; Watford Museum, Lower High Street, Watford; runs until Saturday, January 5; admission free. December 14, 2001 21:00

  • Art Exhibition

    Fine line drawings of Croxley, Rickmansworth, Bushey and Watford by John Kirkham; Croxley Green Library, Barton Way, Croxley Green; runs until Monday, December 24, 10am. December 14, 2001 21:00

  • Mum and Dad Argument 2

    Presented by Abbi Torrance; The Bull Gallery, High Street, Barnet; runs until Sunday, January 13. December 14, 2001 21:00

  • Paintings by John Phillips

    Local scenes of the Rickmansworth area; foyer of Three Rivers District Council Offices, Northway, Rickmansworth; runs until end of December. December 14, 2001 21:00

  • Orbital Dance Club

    Ballroom dancing; Orbital Community Centre, Haines Way, Watford; new members welcome; every Tuesday, 2pm to 4pm. Tel: 01923 681054. December 14, 2001 21:00

  • Tea Dance

    YMCA, Charter Place, Watford; mainly for senior citizens; every Thursday, 2pm to 4pm; admission 1.50. December 14, 2001 21:00

  • Children's Disco

    Moonglow Dance Studios, 38a Estcourt Road, Watford; Saturday, December 15, 11am to 1pm, learn to dance to the latest pop styles. Tel: 01923 225195 for further details. December 14, 2001 21:00

  • Dominic Holland

    The Old Town Hall, High Street, Hemel Hempstead; Saturday, December 15, 8.30pm; tickets 9. Tel: box office 01442 228091. December 14, 2001 21:00

  • Belly Dance Classes

    A beginners class for ladies; The Oracle, 12 Market Street, Watford; Monday, December 19, 7pm to 8pm and 8.30pm to 9.30pm. Tel: 020 8421 5178. December 14, 2001 21:00

  • Club Tropicana over 30's disco

    Bushey Country Club, High Street, Bushey; Friday, December 14; 9pm to 2am. Tel: 01737 360547 for further details. December 14, 2001 21:00

  • Argentine Tango

    School of Dancing, 14 Nascot Road, Watford; Thursday, December 20, 8pm, followed by practice session; no partner required, complete beginners welcome. Tel. 01923 210016 for further details. December 14, 2001 21:00

  • Dick Whittington

    A 24-carat seasonal spectacle; Palace Theatre Watford, Clarendon Road, Watford; runs until Saturday, January 12. Tel: box office 01923 225671 for times and ticket prices. December 14, 2001 21:00

  • Aladdin and his Wonderful Lamp

    Dacorum Pavilion, Marlowes, Hemel Hempstead; Wednesday, December 21, to Sunday, January 6; tickets 9.50/12.50 adults, 6.50/9.50 children. Tel: box office 01442 228700 for times. December 14, 2001 21:00

  • The Wizard of Oz

    Gala Charity Preview Show; Alban Arena, Civic Centre, St Albans; Tuesday, December 18, 7pm; tickets 15; Wednesday, December 19, to Sunday, January 6, tickets 8.50 to 16. Tel: box office 01727 844488. December 14, 2001 21:00

  • Chorleywood Choral Society

    Concert of carols and Christmas music; St Mary's Church, Rickmansworth; Saturday, December 15, 7.30pm; tickets 8.50 includes wine and mince pies. Tel: 01923 284482. December 14, 2001 21:00

  • Children: Dick Whittington

    A 24-carat seasonal spectacle; Palace Theatre Watford, Clarendon Road, Watford; Saturday, November 24, to January 12. Tel: box office 01923 225671 for times and ticket prices. December 14, 2001 21:00