The document summarizes several sporting activities and organizations in Harpenden, England. It discusses the history and popularity of sports clubs in the town, supported by enthusiastic residents. It profiles some local clubs, including cricket, cycling, football, golf, tennis and rugby. It also discusses the challenges clubs face in attracting new members from the growing population. Finally, it highlights the success story of Harpenden Town Football Club which was rescued from closure in 2013.

1. Politicians & Public demand action
The SPRING edition APRIL 2015 inc SPORTS SUPPLEMENT
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
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.

2. From the Editor.
April 28 2015.
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.
info@harpendia.com
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’
homes run by a Housing Association (yet to be determined.)
More information to be available soon following the
consultation.

3. Alexander Thomas, (above) a PhD student in
the Department of Archaeology and
Anthropology at the University of Bristol,
conducted a successful geophysical survey
on the farm field adjacent to Common Lane
and the Lower Luton Road over the weekend
March 14th - 15th.
Following in depth consultations with Alex’s PhD
supervisors and other tutors – all eminent
archaeologists - and fellow PhD students, an
industry standard report which presents and
interprets the survey results has been made
public. The results strongly suggest the field
does contain the remains of buildings associated
with Batford Mill and which were built prior to
1766 as they feature in maps dating from that
time. These can be explained by the anomalies
in the first grid to the west on both the resistivity
and magnetometry surveys. However, the
resistivity survey also produced anomalies
consistent with other unrecorded buildings to the
east which is backed up by magnetometry. This
is a very exciting discovery. However, what is
perhaps more interesting – and completely
unexpected – is that the magnetometry has also
revealed post-hole like features arranged
rectilinearly, and on a different alignment to the
other features. These strongly suggest an
unrecorded and substantial earlier structure
below the surveyed buildings. Following further
discussions with a consultant in Built Heritage at
the Museum of London, it cannot now be ruled
out that these features could be evidence of
Harpenden’s Anglo Saxon heritage, perhaps a
Great Hall. It is therefore essential that further
work is done on this site to establish what is
under the field and what it will tell us about
Harpenden’s - and Hertfordshire’s - early history.
Further archaeological surveys and digging
needed
The results of the survey are an extremely
exciting development as not only might we be
able to ascertain the age of Batford Mill but also
the ancient origins of Harpenden. This can only
happen with further surveys and digging. The
report therefore recommends an archaeological
evaluation before development is even
considered. Alex has deposited a copy of the
report with Historic Environment (Archaeology)
Department at the County Council, so they are
aware of the significance of these results and the
now urgent need to protect this site in Batford
which is at the heart of Harpenden’s ancient
historic area. Alex has also created a record of
the survey with a national database to protect
the results and also to ensure that everyone is
aware of the importance of the site.
Further information is available by emailing
Alex: alex@alex3.net.
Article continues ...
Historic findings beneath proposed
new school site in Batford

4. Picture explanation
Picture shows Alex Thomas
with professional surveyor and
PhD History candidate, Alex
Portch, using the resistivity kit.
Resistivity measures the
electrical resistance of the
ground to a depth of one
metre. Resistivity is ideal for
locating buildings, building
debris and rubble.
What the maps mean:
This is an annotated
interpretation/ trace plot of the
resistivity results only.
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.
Article concludes...
Delays inevitable with Secondary School site
decision.
Although David Cameron has given the approval for the new
secondary school for Harpenden, a decision endorsed by The
Education Funding Agency for the Harpenden Secondary
Schools Trust there remains two further decisions. Firstly one of
finance, the EFA will fund the building part of the project, leaving
Herts County Council to fund the purchase of the site. Secondly
a decision still to be finalised is the exact site for the school.
Site F in Batford remains the preferred location, but with local
opposition and now the historic and archaeological importance
has been established, there appears to be no immediate
solution.
Local parents will remain frustrated for some
time to come?

5. In the winter edition of Harpendia Magazine I
reviewed the new pension reforms that come in
to place from 6th April, which as I write is less
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.
Pension reforms
From 6 April this year, 9% say they will invest
their pension pot to generate an income, while
8% will move their pension into 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
but take out cash regularly and use some of it to
buy an annuity. Meanwhile 6% of participants
say they will use part of their pension to clear
debt or similar, while 3% plan to blow the lot on
whatever they desire.
Approaching retirement
If you are about to retire or are approaching your
retirement, it's important that you think
very carefully about how you will sustain your
income through a much longer retirement than
previous generations.
The research shows that many will use the
flexibility and choice offered by the pension
reforms to stay invested in their pension for
longer, while taking regular income, and combine
purchasing an annuity alongside it,
potentially later in life. Meanwhile, almost one in
five baby boomers may take advantage of the
freedom to invest their money elsewhere, with
half choosing a cash savings account.
Taking Advice
Our team are now really busy working with
people who are seeking advice on what may be
the most important financial decision they have
to make, how to fund their retirement in the new
world? However, we are always available to help
the people of Harpenden, after all that’s what we
have been doing for the last 22 years.
Geoff Newman
Director, Lyndhurst Financial Management Ltd
www.lyndhurstfm.co.uk
Authorised and Regulated by the Financial
Conduct Authority
‘Baby Boomers Beware’
By Geoff Newman.( below) Director. Lyndhurst Financial Management Ltd.

6. NEW VOLUNTEERING
ORGANISATION LAUNCHED ON
APRIL 22nd
Thanks to a new organisation called
‘Volunteer for Harpenden’ you can now go
to a single web site and find out all there is
to know about volunteering in Harpenden.
Lots of people of all ages and interests want
to help but find the process a little bit
daunting. Who can I help? What experience
do I need? How do I make contact? Will I
enjoy the work?
Questions like these are all important in the
quest to find what’s best for you and the
charity you want to help. That’s why this
new service has been established here in
Harpenden with the backing of over 20 local
charities. These voluntary organisations
cover a wide spectrum of activity offering
volunteers the opportunity to use many
different skills in varying locations
with flexible hours and seasonal or regular
opportunities to suit your
availability.
Now you can save time and effort by
approaching us to find a solution to
becoming a volunteer. Just go to the web
site below and explore all the exciting
opportunities
www.volunteerforharpenden.org.uk

7. 6 Good reasons why promotional
videos are essential for your business.
Promo Videos Get Personal
Promo videos feel real when you see the
character’s facial expressions, body
language and even hear their vocal tones. A
promo video gives your business
personality.
Promo Videos Are Great
For Demos
Internet Retailer tells us that consumers are
85% more likely to purchase a product
after watching a video of that product. A
detailed written description cannot describe
a product as well as a promo video.
Watching a Video is Easy
60% of audiences prefer watching videos
to reading text. People who watch videos
tend to stay on a website two minutes
longer than those who don’t. Video makes
information easier to digest when
consumers receive multi-sensory
stimulation.
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.
Video is Another Touchpoint
With Consumers
Video is one of many marketing channels
but it is persuasive because it is often the
most memorable. Business videos work
because they bring all the other marketing
messages together.
Video is the future
It is predicted that by 2016 online video will
make up 55% of consumer internet traffic.
In 2017 that number will grow to 74%.
Cisco predicts that 90% of online traffic will
be video within 3 years. YouTube agree.
The market shows no sign of slowing.
Today, an estimated 45% of internet users
watch at least one video online each
month. One source forecasts that by 2016,
online video will make up 55% of consumer
internet traffic. Another predicts that
number will grow to 74% by the following
year.
Article continues...
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8. Article continues on next page...
Talking Heads
www.gower.co.uk
Animated Logos
Events
Interviews
Product Promos
Conference Presentations
Video is the
Future
to discuss how promo
Videos can help build
your business
contact mike osborne
on 07785 350838 or
email mike@gower.co.uk
gower
Creative Communication
Article concludes...
The Facts
Online video saw explosive growth in 2014.
Every month, YouTube attracts more than
one billion unique global viewers spending
a collective six billion hours watching
videos. Users upload an average of 100
hours of video every minute.
Video has the unique ability to cut through
the digital noise. By engaging multiple
senses, video can command a viewer’s full
attention. In seconds, a video can
effectively convey a complex message that
would take paragraphs to get across in a
blog post or text email.
Blog posts that include videos attract three
times as many inbound links as those that
only contain text. Sixty percent of
audiences prefer watching videos to
reading text. A single minute of video is
worth 1.8 million written words. People who
watch videos tend to stay on a website two
minutes longer than those who don’t.
To discuss how promo videos can help
build your business contact
Mike Osborne on 07785 350838 or email
mike@gower.co.uk
Check out our Video Package
Examples via the Gower website –
www.gower.co.uk

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

10. Match day expectation...walking to the
ground...sharing the atmosphere... buying
a programme...checking team
news...signature tune heralds the team
arrival...cheering the players...the big kick
off...the roar of the crowd.
Now Harpenden has a club worthy of real
support where you can watch an exciting
and competitive game of football
starting in early August. How can this be?
Back from the brink...to division
leaders
In the late Spring of 2013 Harpenden Town
Football Club was on the verge of closure
following the resignations of senior
management, some coaching staff and a lack
of working capital. A sad end in site after a
history stretching back to 1891. Thankfully a
‘white knight’ by the name of Roman
Motyczak recognised the potential of the club
and with Kevin Hodge, Steve Fakes and Steve
Hartnup rescued the club from oblivion.
Pumping in more working capital, reassessing
the club structure and appointing a new
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
early season momentum was lost.
Club House refurbishment work
starts towards the end of April.
Within days of the final game of the season
contractors will start work on transforming
the run down building into a brand new look
with a new entrance opening on to the park
with a south facing terrace, new changing
rooms, new showers and a new kitchen all
under a new roof with security fencing. This
will make it one of the most progressive Club
Houses in Hertfordshire. Funded with
a £70,000k FA grant and local backers this
development was necessary to meet the
national standards or be relegated. “This grant
from the FA is a huge vote of confidence in the
way Harpenden Town football club is
progressing.” said Roman.
As part of their community commitment the
new bar and cafe will be open to the public on
match days. If it gains public support and
makes financial sense the cafe could open
during other busy periods.
There will be an official opening event to
mark the new season in the summer and
they will highlight the date later on.
Article concludes on next page...
Football’s future secured for Harpenden
By Ron Taylor. Editor
CLUB HOUSE REFURBISHMENT
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.

11. Behind the scenes
So who is Roman Motyczak and why
Harpenden Town Football Club?
For starters he has been associated with HTFC
for 2 years as the official programme editor. He
is also football mad and as a long time Reading
FC supporter he has tasted some success and
experienced the ups and downs of medium
sized clubs. As a successful business operator
focusing on engineering and accountancy he
has used these skills to build succesful
businesses. He used his practical skills to start
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.
Crowd Control
The ground has a capacity for 1,000 including a
covered stand for 100. It’s a short walk from
the car park or the main Rothamsted Park
entrance. With their own floodlights matches
are also played in the evenings on a full
specification grass pitch. And it’s just £5 to
watch.
The Players
It’s a young team with an average age of 23.
Coached by Pete Waller with an equal
emphasis on developing skills as well as
physical ability. Harry Hunt is a leading name
as the third top striker in the league. The core
of the team are based in Harpenden with
Roundwood Park School alumni making up a
number of the team. Currently they have local
teacher David Keenleyside playing on loan for
the club from St Albans City.
Ambitions
The short term is all about improving on the
current performance, attracting some new
players, developing existing players and
integrating the promising players..
“In the long term the club are looking to install
an all weather pitch so matches and training
can take place 24/7.” said Kevin Hodge, fixture
secretary.
Your team, your town
Make a date in your diary now... Saturdays in
August and start a new trend. Following HTFC.
“We want to make Rothamsted the home of
football in the town and to be proud of our
team” said Roman.
More information
Follow the web site for updates on match
reports and ground developments:
www.harpendentownfootballclub.co.uk
Above: Steve Hartnup (left) and Roman Motyczak in the
Club Trophy Room. “We want to start winning cups again”
said Roman.
Below: April 14. Match day action (left) against Arlesey Town
Reserves and pre game training. HTFC won 4 - 0. A great
result on the season’s last home game.

12. 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.
British and European awards for local
sports stars...with a little bit of help from the
948 Sports Foundation.
Article continues on next page...

13. 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
IOC, presenting the medal to Geraint John in Nov
2014
St Albans Architect becomes first Briton
to receive IOC’s Pierre de Coubertin medal
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.

14. 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 manager@hcgc.co.uk
You could end up feeling much, much better.
Harpenden Common Golf Club
Cravells Road, East Common, Harpenden, Herts AL5 1BL www.harpendencommongolfclub.co.ukwww.harpendencommongolfclub.co.uk

15. Golf on the
FREE
months
3
Harpenden Common Golf Club are
offering a limited number of trial
memberships starting this Spring
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.
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 manager@hcgc.co.uk
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
Common!
www.harpendencommongolfclub.co.uk

16. Cycling has always been popular with all
ages but in recent years it’s popularity has
grown exponentially encouraged I think by
the success of the GB cycling teams in the
Olympic Games and other high profile
events. Top riders have become national
celebrities to rank alongside footballers and
other sporting superstars. Think Sir Bradley
Wiggins, Mark Cavendish, Sir Chris Hoy
and Victoria Pendleton.
How to buy the right bike
“Buying cheap could end up costing more
in the long run” says Simon. There are
many variables to get right before you
buy...different makes have differing
sizes...there are many different styles and
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.
Safety first
Helmets, lights and traffic awareness are all
essential. At The Bike Loft we will ensure
you are fully equipped with the right
products and knowledge before you take to
the road.
Article continues...
New to cycling or an experienced biker
All roads lead to Redbourn
By Ron Taylor. Editor
Getting started
So if you or your family want to start cycling
where do you go? There’s always large
impersonal retailers and the perils of the
internet OR you could choose a business with
hands on experience like ‘The Hub and The
Bike Loft’. They are owned by Lindy Fox &
Simon Barnes who has been involved in
cycling for many years, competing at a high
level in British cycling road races and owned a
professional cycling team for five years.

17. 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.
Serious cycling
You can join the ranks of serious cycling at
The Bike Loft where we have access to all
the latest high performance bikes and
equipment . We can custom build to your
requirements, carry out frame and gear
repairs. The Bike Loft's Andy Brown, with
international experience, provides a degree
of mechanical expertise unsurpassed in the
area. ALSO we are the only local bike
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
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
countryside, then mavbe stop off for
refreshments with like minded bikers to chat
about your day. The Hub in Redbourn is well
established as social centre for cyclists and
attracts a wide range of bikers from learners
to celebrities like TV Presenter Phil Liggett,
Professional Cyclist Rob Hayles, TV Cycling
Presenter David Harman plus footballers Ian
Wright and Les Ferdinand. who come to
have coffee and cakes.
Article continues...

18. 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
COFFEE & CYCLISTS REFUGE
22 Hight Street, Redbourn. AL3 7LL
01582 792389
E. hubmeister@hubcoffeebikes.com
W. www.hubcoffeebikes.com
BIKE LOFT
BIKE SALES & SERVICING
80 High Street, Redbourn. AL3 7LN
01582 742900

20. 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
traditional match-starting at 1pm and finishing
around 7pm. However the recently launched
Herts 20/20 Tournament for Under 19’s is gaining
in popularity taking around two hours to
complete.
Seniors and Colts
The Club has a healthy 400+ members with six
to sixteen year old boys and girls in the Colts
and approx 80 senior playing members. There
are six Saturday teams playing in the
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
The Future is bright for cricket
in Harpenden
By Ron Taylor. Editor

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

22. Dr. Who’s Tennis Tardis in Harpenden
by Ron Taylor. Editor
Having lived in Harpenden for over twenty
five years I have always been aware of tennis
activity behind the car park in Amenbury
Lane but never quite sure of the what was
hidden behind the trees and hedges.
That is until I went to meet some of the
management team on Wednesday March 25.
Walking into the grounds from the car park
through a narrow entrance was a bit like
entering the Tardis. Once inside I was transfixed
by the sheer scale of the landscape before my
eyes. A huge expanse of tennis courts, some
grass, several hard courts and three futuristic
domes (known as Airhalls) plus a large Club
House on the northern perimeter.
I was greeted by Sarah Villarreal (Media Officer)
and then introduced to David Lawlor (Head
Coach) and Magali Brown (Administrator). All
three exuding bonhomie and keen to give me
information about their beloved Tennis Club.
New Members welcome
Although they have 460 active juniors and 625
active adults they are still looking for more new
members for both categories. “We are a
genuinely friendly club with tennis for all ages
and skills.” said Sarah “If you are a beginner we
can help you to learn the basics and if you have
serious ambitions we can give some
professional coaching” said David.
“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 from L2R: Sarah Villarreal, David Lawlor
and Magali Brown.
Above;:Another Airhall and 2 more hard courts
Article continues...

23. Article continues...
Playing for pleasure
The Club is open throughout the year and with
so many courts, both outdoor and indoor you
can usually find a vacant court or in the winter
you could easily book a game in advance.
(Airhalls, which cover 5 courts from October
through April and floodlights must be booked
and paid for in advance) On average a game of
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
about raising standards and maximising
potential” said David. “Some members just
want to enjoy the game more, others want to
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
made cakes and her famous bacon butties.
From April to December there are several social
events to suit all age groups.
Plans for extending the social side are already
underway following a recent members survey
which prompted feed back of all sorts from well
over 50% of the membership.
Above. Tennis coach Aaron Meredith giving lessons
on the forehand grip to a couple of Harpenden
members.
Below: Inside one of the Airhalls. Tennis all year
round whatever the weather.

24. 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
Weekend, where clubs throughout the nation
get involved in encouraging more people to
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,
when he followed his older brothers into the
club. Coming from a strong tennis family, with
his parents both playing in the club's teams
and his mother coaching, it was perhaps
inevitable that Ed would become a keen tennis
player himself.
November Tennis Triumph for Harpenden
Youngsters
Four boys from Harpenden Lawn Tennis Club
used their half-term holiday last week to
compete in regional tennis tournaments in the
9-and-under category, and were rewarded with
significant success.
Want to know more
The web site has full details of all the Club’s
activities and costs.
www.harpendenltc.co.uk
OR phone 01582 713202
Harpenden Ladies Win National Title,
Advance to Europe
In November 2014 Harpenden Lawn Tennis
Club Senior Ladies won the National Inter-
club 40+ Finals in a hotly contested match
against St. George’s Hill, Surrey. They now
advance to represent England clubs in the
European club championship to be played in
La Manga, Spain, in September 2014.
Above L2R: Freddie Simpson, Tom Attenborough,
Elliott Lowe and James Styles. Below: Ed Corrie with
Novak Djokovich in 2014.

25. The Benefits of an
Online Video Channel.
The OARUGBY.tv online service has been a
great success since it’s conception 2 seasons
ago. It provides the opportunity to view the
games you can’t attend or relive some great
Old Albanian 1st XV matches.
The service has allowed Members, Supporters
and Sponsors to be more engaged with the top
rugby union team in Hertfordshire. Being online
makes it possible for OA Rugby fans to follow
their team from anywhere in the world.
Every 1st team match has to be videoed under
the rules of the RFU so we have maximised the
benefit of that asset while also enhanced the
image of the club.
With the huge growth in video as the way to
reach consumers an online TV service provides
businesses with a major opportunity to connect
with their market.
The Match Day Process
The success of the service is about keeping the
process as simple as possible. Each match is
videoed and then uploaded to the dedicated
OARUGBY.tv FTP site. The video is then edited
and uploaded to www.OARUGBY.tv.
The Service Providers
OARUGBY.tv has been developed by Gower -
Creative Communications to provide a
specialist online video channels. Established
1981 with offices in London and Hertfordshire
Gower operate in the UK, Germany, Russia and
India providing multi-media communication
services.
In the UK Gower produces the TV program ITV
Nightscreen daily and is broadcast nationally
on ITV1, 2, 3 and 4.
www.OARUGBY.tv

26. The Future of Sports Therapy is
in Harpenden!
By Amanda Thomas
Bodyrefine is a ‘bespoke exercise and
massage therapy for body equilibrium’* and
has recently opened at Breathing Space in
Harpenden’s Thompson’s Close. Run by
corrective exercise therapist David McGill,
Bodyrefine (below) offers a specialised
personal training service which is very
different to anything else available locally. I
met up with David in the fabulous Breathing
Space Blueberry café to find out more.
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.
Resolving Sport-Related Problems
David and his team are used to dealing with
people of all ages with a diverse range of
problems caused by sports such as golfing,
swimming, running, cycling, and skiing.
However they are well aware that an injury or
persistent ache may not be straight forward
and often derives from poor posture rather than
injury. Bodyrefine also specialises in treating
post-natal women who benefit enormously
from postural correction and remedial massage
therapy.
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.bodyrefine.co.uk

27. 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
young people. Not in the sense of noisily loud
but loud in a practical sense. Over the years
Harpenden Town Council and Youth
Connexions have supported the electoral
process which through the local schools elects
young people to be a representation of the
voice of young people. This group is known
as, Harpenden Youth Town Council (HYTC).
The group from aged 13 and above meet
together at the Town Council Offices or The
Youth Centre. The main aims are to identify a
general youth led need and look at ways they
can either campaign or be practical in what
young people want. This year the group are
building on the development of last years, The
Summer Discount Scheme. During the
summer holidays 2015 the group are working
with local businesses and leisure providers to
enable young people to receive discount on
selected stores and services in the Harpenden
area. For example they would like to see
reduced rates at the leisure centre. If this took
place they believe young people would use it
more frequently.
Harpenden – The voice of young people –
Youth Connexions. By Graeme Endersby
In return HYTC will make the most of all social
media opportunities to promote the supporting
businesses. This will hopefully enable young
people to have a cheaper summer holiday and
raise the profile of smaller local businesses in
Harpenden. A win win all around and some
enterprise thinking from the HYTC. If you
would like further information on how your
business could take part in the scheme the
contact David Grant at Harpenden Town
Council.
Meanwhile back at The Harpenden Youth
Centre things have been moving forward. We
now have regular 30 users in attendance. We
have covered topics of drugs education and
most importantly how to manage your
relationships. Young people always have
plenty to say on the different kinds of
relationships they have. Most importantly it’s
creating a space where young people can talk
about the trickier relationships such as family.
We have had good support for the England
games in both Rugby and Football.
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

28. If you have never heard of Ataxia-
Telangiectasia, or A-T, it is because it is a
rare genetic condition which affects only
one in 300,000 in the British population.
There are around 200 sufferers and it
generally affects children. Around 1% of
the population carries the recessive gene
which causes A-T and symptoms become
apparent when a child is about two or
three years old. It is a condition not
dissimilar to cerebral palsy and for that
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
Maureen and Vincent are still involved,
the charity is now led by Chief Executive
William Davis (right) and an administrative
team including Fundraising and
Relationship Manager, Suzanne Roynon.
I met William and Suzanne at their offices
to find out more about what can be done
to help young people with A-T and also
how they are funding the quest for a cure.
The Poupards set up the Society when
they and 12 other families were contacted
many years ago by Professor Malcolm
Taylor at the School of Cancer Sciences,
University of Birmingham. He was
interested in A-T and its relationship with
cancer, and since this initial interest further
research is also being conducted by
Professor Steve Jackson at the Gurdon
Institute in Cambridge. The Society’s
website (www.atsociety.org.uk) explains
how research has progressed the
understanding of the condition:
‘A-T is one of a family of genetic
diseases caused by inherited defects in
the detection, signalling and/or repair of
DNA damage, also known as ‘DNA-
damage response diseases’ (DDR
diseases). A-T is caused by the loss of or
mutations in the DNA-damage signalling
protein ATM. Other DDR diseases include
hereditary breast and ovarian cancers
caused by defects on the proteins BRCA1
or BRCA2 and Bloom’s syndrome, which
leads to cancer predisposition and
developmental disorders.
Article continues...
Harpenden Charity Spearheads Research
and Support
By Amanda Thomas

29. Article concludes...
Recent work has highlighted a new
potential therapeutic approach for DDR
diseases, and also for other inherited
human diseases, based on the
concept known as synthetic viability. In
simple terms, problems caused by loss of
one protein can be alleviated by the loss/
inhibition of another protein. Such
relationships can be explained if the first
gene is needed to remove a toxic product
created by the second, or if it controls the
activity of the second gene, which becomes
overly active and toxic in its absence.
Work by Professor Jackson and others
has established that the effects of nearly
every DDR gene mutant can be largely (and
in some cases almost totally) alleviated by
mutating another gene. It has also recently
been demonstrated that in mouse models
the DDR protein BRCA1 can be fully
suppressed by inactivation of a particular
component. This approach may well lead to
the suppression of tumour formation in
people with BRCA1 mutations.’
The research is exciting and has the
potential of finding the causes – and a cure
– not just for A-T but also one of the
deadliest forms of cancer, the profile of
which has been so effectively raised by
Angelina Jolie. The Society is keen to
progress research and William Davis has
instigated the A-T Clinical Network which
brings clinicians together every two years to
discuss their work. Much has also been
done to help sufferers and their families.
Clinics dedicated to the condition were set
up first in Nottingham by the Poupards and
then in Papworth and these are now
supported by the NHS. The Society also
funds an annual Family Day. The amount of
organisation for these is phenomenal,
particularly as it is difficult to find hotels
with enough disabled rooms to
accommodate so many people with
impaired mobility. However, such days are
essential for the sharing of information and
to give the specialist support families need.
“Everyone with A-T has a life to live,”
William commented, “and these people will
wring every last drop of value out of their
lives.” Last year the Family Day focussed
on sport and activities included riding and
wheelchair football. A less virulent form of
A-T can affect older people and it was a
real inspiration for sufferers at the Family
Day to have the chance to meet paralympic
sportsmen with mild A-T who were not only
high achievers but also understood the
condition. “It is a cruel, cruel disease,”
William added, “but some of the people
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
help raise money in other ways – perhaps
become a patron and involve other
professional contacts? It is extraordinary to
think that by lending our help we could not
only find a way to eradicate Ataxia-
Telangiectasia but also some of the nastiest
cancers known today.
Further information is available on the A-T
Society website at www.atsociety.org.uk.
DrJosepForment,oneoftheresearcherson
ProfessorJackson'steam.

30. Coming soon
Harpendia Summer Edition 2015
Editor: Ron Taylor
Contact: info@harpendia.com
Daily news updates: www.harpendia.com
Video Channel: Type ‘harpendia’ in the
Youtube search box
Editorial Consultant: Amanda Thomas