TOUGH cost-cutting targets have been set as part of an ambitious plan to clean up Watford. A high-tech call centre to handle complaints about bins and litter will be introduced, and photographs taken to make sure the town's streets are kept up to scratch
MEMBERS of the North Watford Air Rifle and Pistol Club put on a display of safe shooting for MP Claire Ward on Friday, September 27. the MP is urging locals to have their say on proposed changes in gun law. Hot-shot Marion Salter, aged 16, was one of
DISABLED and elderly people have accused Watford Council of discrimination, claiming a cemetery barrier is preventing them from visiting the graves of loved ones. Lecturer Ms Helen Morrison is one of at least a dozen people who have written to the council
IT'S time to sign up for The Watford Observer's ever popular Reading Passport project for junior school children. The passport is a pocket-sized workbook developed for Key Stage 2 pupils who work on reading-based activities using The Watford Observer.
THE friends and family of a woman who served thousands of school dinners to the children of Woodhall Primary School, South Oxhey, will attend her funeral on Friday, October 4, at 2pm, at West Herts Crematorium, in St Albans Road, Garston. Mrs Kathleen
COUNCILLOR Rabi Martins jetted off to Kashmir on Sunday on a fact-finding mission, hours before a new round of killings rocked the war-torn region. As part of a high-level Liberal Democrat delegation, which includes Baroness Shirley Williams and Lord
A UNICORN is a fabulous one-horned animal but there wasn't a mythical creature in sight when I visited its namesake, The Unicorn, in Gallows Hill, Abbots Langley, last week. Instead I found a mishmash pub of allsorts. Not quite traditional and certainly
A UNICORN is a fabulous one-horned animal but there wasn't a mythical creature in sight when I visited its namesake, The Unicorn, in Gallows Hill, Abbots Langley, last week. Instead I found a mishmash pub of allsorts. Not quite traditional and certainly
THE Clarendon was always something of a goldmine and when I re-visited last week it was teeming with life. Despite the crowds service was quick as there were four bar-staff. I had to pinch myself to check I wasn't dreaming - was this really Tuesday lunchtime
SURELY one of the best things about those heady days of summer is pub beer gardens and the opportunity they give you to sit for literally days on end smiling contentedly at the cloudless skies on rickety picnic benches. Of course in reality even the idyllic
I HADN'T been to the Crooked Billet in Colney Heath for about 18 months an omission I'm going to rectify regularly in future because this is a brilliant pub. A real gem. Beer, food, quaint building, little bars, filled with people talking on a weekday
A CAMPAIGN to embarrass pubs and clubs into contributing cash for CCTV cameras in Watford town centre was launched by Mayor Dorothy Thornhill this week. The mayor proposed "naming and shaming" bars that refuse to help fund the costly security system at
AN application to build a house in Hillside Road had to be adjourned this week after it emerged St Albans District Council had not notified residents of amendments to the scheme. An initial application to build the house, which would be a mirror image
A RARE heart condition that could not be clearly diagnosed by doctors caused a baby's death, St Albans Coroners Court heard on Monday, September 30. Thirteen-month-old Faiequl Islam died at his home in Longfield Road, Harpenden, on July 11 last year.
A HARPENDEN pub landlord will have to pay more than £4,000 after being found guilty of substituting expensive spirits. William Ferncombe, landlord of The Cross Keys in High Street, pleaded due diligence to charges of mislabelling and selling vodka and
IF you are planning an event in the Hertfordshire countryside this autumn or winter, then the Countryside Agency wants to hear from you. The agency is urging local authorities, charities and community organisations to let it know about special events
THE funding crisis facing West Herts Hospitals NHS Trust has prompted St Albans MP Kerry Pollard to call an urgent meeting of health officials. Mr Pollard has written to chief executive Val Harrison to discuss the situation after being contacted by a
A MEMBER of the Royal family is to visit members of the Watford Social Centre for the Blind on Thursday 11th October to celebrate the club's 50th anniversary. His Royal Highness The Duke of Gloucester will join about 70 people for festivities at the centre
WATFORD, with two successive home games against struggling sides, have a great chance to consolidate their position just behind the leaders, but Ray Lewington warned of the need to focus on the task ahead to reap the benefit of good away results. "We
We're not out of the woods yet, but suddenly doesn't life feel so much better. This time last week our beloved club was under threat with nothing but another dour season struggling mid-table lying in wait. Okay, we're still in the sh*t, but at least it's
Red Division Borehamwood 2000 1 Hemel Hempstead Blue 1; Bushey Rangers 3 Evergreen Youth 0; Leverstock Green 0 Riverside Hibernian Green 2; London Colney 1 Sun Postal 5; Pinnacle Youth 2 St Albans City North 2. White Division: Alexandra Park North 5 Comet
Red Division Borehamwood Youth 1 Hemel Hempstead Town 3; Enfield Rangers 3 Leverstock Green 0; Evergreen Youth 1 Garston Juniors 1; Garston Boys 5 Hemel Celtic 2. White Division: Bovingdon 1 St Albans Rangers White 4; Cassiobury Rangers 1 Whetstone Wanderers
Sunday, September 29. ANOTHER fine performance from the westcoast of st albans. Two long ranged efforts from Ryan McNally and a own goal from the Martin at the back. October 3, 2002 17:00
A HERTFORDSHIRE policeman has been arrested on suspicion of making indecent images of children. The 32-year-old has been on the force for 12 years and was arrested on Monday morning (September 30) following a three month investigation. A police spokesman
Sunday, September 29. GOALS from Everett Rovers' Matthew Stone(2),Carl Giacone, Simon Ross and Sean Marron finally saw off a resiliant Evergreen Colts. October 3, 2002 17:00
Sunday, September 29, 2002 EVERGREEN got off to a quick start with a goal within the first threeminutes and this was followed by another four goals before half time. During the second-half Evergreen scored a further six goals with seven of the Evergreen
Series of new works exploring the processes of casting. Art and Design Gallery, Faculty of Art and Design, Hatfield Campus. Runs until Saturday October 26; 9.30am to 5.30pm Monday to Saturday. Tel: 01707 285376 October 3, 2002 15:00
Large scale photographs of figures in landscape. Margaret Harvey Gallery, Hatfield Road, St. Albans. Thursday, October 10 to Saturday, November 16; 11am to 5pm, Wednesday, October 9 to Saturday, October 12. Tel: 01707 285376. October 3, 2002 15:00
Martinu String Quartet and Christopher Langdown on piano. Radlett Centre, 1 Aldenham Avenue, Radlettt; 8.15pm on Wednesday, October 9. Tel: 01923 857186. October 3, 2002 15:00
Hilarious observations and pontifications from the award winning Landlord of Opinion; Alban Arena, Civic Centre, St Albans; 8pm; tickets 16.50 from the box office on 01727 844488. October 3, 2002 12:00
Starring Jim Tavare, John Moloney and Andre Vincent; Alban Arena, Civic Centre, St Albans; doors open 7.30pm, show starts 8.30pm; tickets 6.50 in advance from the box office on 01727 844488 or 7.50 on the door. October 3, 2002 12:00
An evening of chamber music by Handel, Mozart, Haydn and Schubert, played on original instruments, surrounded by displays from the Flower and Craft Festival; St Albans Abbey; 8pm; tickets 12 to 15 from 01727 859430. October 3, 2002 12:00
Children's theatre lots of audience participation, rhymes, songs and fun with Henry Hedgehog who needs to hibernate but can't get to sleep; age two to seven; Maltings Arts Theatre, The Maltings, St Albans; 3pm; tickets 4 from the box office on 01727 844222
Acoustic roots duo Steve Knightley and Phil Beer nominated as Best Group and Best Live Act at this year's Radio 2 Folk Awards; The Radlett Centre, Aldenham Avenue, Radlett; 7.30pm; tickets 10 to 8; tickets and details 01923 859291. October 3, 2002 12:
WATFORD Mayor Dorothy Thornhill admitted this week she would despair if the council's beleaguered accounts are disclaimed for a third time. Her confession was made after councillors agreed the draft statement of accounts for 2001/2002 at a Watford Council
PLANS for a gay youth group in Watford were axed this week as a cost-cutting measure by cash-strapped health bosses. Hertfordshire's Gay Men's Team (Herts GMT) was told on Monday not to proceed with the project intended to promote sexual health among
SARACENS' latest back-row star Ryan Peacey is managing to combine a career as a professional rugby player and study for a degree at the same time with great effect. Peacey, who studies sports therapy at The University of Hertfordshire in Hatfield, made
ON entering the low ceiling bar there were a couple of "we don't like strangers in these parts" looks, which perhaps could just be interpreted as interest in someone new to this pub just outside Radlett. Around the three bar areas were small diverse groups
ON entering the low ceiling bar there were a couple of "we don't like strangers in these parts" looks, which perhaps could just be interpreted as interest in someone new to this pub just outside Radlett. Around the three bar areas were small diverse groups
THE Clarendon was always something of a goldmine and when I re-visited last week it was teeming with life. Despite the crowds service was quick as there were four bar-staff. I had to pinch myself to check I wasn't dreaming - was this really Tuesday lunchtime
SURELY one of the best things about those heady days of summer is pub beer gardens and the opportunity they give you to sit for literally days on end smiling contentedly at the cloudless skies on rickety picnic benches. Of course in reality even the idyllic
I HADN'T been to the Crooked Billet in Colney Heath for about 18 months an omission I'm going to rectify regularly in future because this is a brilliant pub. A real gem. Beer, food, quaint building, little bars, filled with people talking on a weekday
A 14-METRE high mobile phone mast is to be erected, despite more than 60 objections from residents who are worried about its appearance and potential health risks. Telecommunications giant T-Mobile is set to install the mast and two adjoining equipment
SINGLE women in St Albans have more chance of finding a spouse than their sisters in big cities like London and Sheffield. Research published this week by the Office for National Statistics found that men aged 25 to 45 are more likely to find a partner
A MOVE to put more community wardens on the streets of Hertfordshire has raised concerns that it could lead to less policing in the county. The Home Office has awarded Hertfordshire just over £161,000 to fund 14 community safety officers (CSOs) to work
ST ALBANS has a growing population with a marked shortage of young people, census results published this week show. The population of the area covered by St Albans District Council, which includes Harpenden, was 128,982 on census day, April 29, 2001 2.2
BRAVE volunteers are needed to take part in a sleep-out at St Albans Abbey this winter. The sleep-out, which has become an annual event, is held to raise money for Open Door, the city's shelter for single homeless people. Over the past seven years it
MEXICAN cuisine is packed with colour, excitement and fiery flavours, and I have chosen a very simple recipe for a light vegetarian supper or starter you can share. You can substitute a few of the fresh bits for their ready-made, canned alternatives if
A FAMILY from London Colney are teaching their daughter at home after being refused a place at single sex schools in St Albans. Eleven-year-old Anoushka Saminaden's mother and father applied for her to attend Loreto RC Girls' School and St Albans Girls
A BUSINESSMAN claims St Albans has been sold out to advertising after a promotional plaque was fixed to a new welcome sign leading into the city. Sponsored by Sopwell House Hotel and Country Club, the welcome sign, on London Road, is on one of the busiest
WATFORD'S fans have been assured they have nothing to fear from the sale of the Vicarage Road ground. The man behind the deal, new vice-chairman, David Meller, gave that assurance this week. "As long as we pay our rent, then there is no issue. We can't
WATFORD'S chairman, Graham Simpson, has written to former director Sir Elton John, asking him to help the club in "its hour of need". The former chairman has come in for criticism for pulling out of Watford after the collapse of ITV Digital and just prior
League Cup Group A: Bushey Eagles 0 Evergreen Youth 2; Borehamwood Sharks 0 London Colney 10; Oxhey Youth 1 Edmonton Rangers 2; Kingsbury Town 0 Harvesters South 2. Group B: Hadley Rangers 3 Wood Boys 7; Bedmond Ajax 0 Echoes 3; Harvesters North 9 Omonia
League Cup Group A: Elstree Vale Blue 0 Aldenham Warriors RD 9; Borehamwood Youth 1 Sarratt Rebels 1; Pinnacle School 10 Nascot Wood Rangers 0. Group B: Evergreen Youth 1 Echoes 2; Everett Rovers Green 5 Wood Rangers 1; Harvesters South 0 Harpenden Falcons
Group One Alexandra Park East 16 Hertsmere 0; Edmonton Rangers Panthers 3 Borehamwood 2000 6; Northwood 13 Chorleywood Common 1. Group Two: Echoes Amber 4 Nascot Wood 0; St Albans City South 2 Harvesters North 4; Harpenden Colts Jets 0 Croxley Guild Eagles
Challenge Cup Round One Chiltern 1 Pinnacle Youth 2; Harvesters North 0 Riverside Hibernian 8; Hertsmere 5 Alexandra Park Youth 0; St Albans City West 1 Oakhill Tigers 3; Echoes Amber 4 Abbots Youth 1; Northwood Red 12 Chorleywood Phoenix 0; Cassiobury
Challenge Cup Round One Chiltern United 8 Kings Langley 0; Hertsmere Colts 6 Chipperfield 1; Omonia 1 Acorn Raiders 0; Evergreen Youth 0 Hertsmere 2; Tornadoes 6 Croxley Guild 5; Echoes 7 Pinnacle Youth 1; Harpenden Colts Panthers 2 London Road 0; Borehamwood
Red Division Finchleians Youth Red 0 Pinnacle Youth 2; Finchleians Youth White 1 Sun Postal Scorpions 2; Garston Boys 0 St Albans City East 1; Harpenden Colts Pumas 0 St Albans City West 3. White Division: Borehamwood 2000 6 Enfield Youth 3; Bushey Rangers
Sunday, September 29 GARSTON BOYS had to step up a gear in the second half to see off a spirited Hemel Celtic team. Garston took the lead from a Graeme Chesters goal in the first half, only to see Hemel equalise at 1-1 before half time. The home side
Sunday, September 29. ENFIELD RANGERS made a good start to the game with some early chances that produced an outstanding save from the Bedmond keeper. Bedmond were first to score with a quick break that saw Enfields defence break down, the second came
Sunday, September 29. HERTSMERE only had ten men at the start of this game giving them the disadvantage from the start. The game went ahead and Hertsmere started brightly creating a number of chances. Daniel Eddon gave a great account of himself in midfield
Sunday, September 29. A MATCH that Rangers were favourite to win ended up as just a narrow victory. Rangers, clear favourites to win the league this year, with three new signings were without doubt wthe driving force in the first half. The starting line
Sunday, September 29. HERONS YOUTH and Echoes Youth started the game both unbeaten in the league before the match, so on paper it was going to be hard to predict the outcome. Both sides created early chances before Sam Allen scored for Echoes Youth on
Exhibition of paintings and craft work. All items for sale. Stanmore Library, Stanmore Hill; open during library hours (closed all day Wednesday and Friday, October 11. Tel: 020 8952 1498. October 3, 2002 15:00
Exhibition of work by local artists. Exhibition area, Harlequin Centre, Watford. Runs until Saturday, October 5. Tel: Gill Crawson 01923 330340. October 3, 2002 15:00
Artisan. Acapella group from West Yorkshire. Performed on Monday, October 7. October 3, 2002 15:00
