PARK STREET AND DISTRICT RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION
NEWSLETTER - No 79, CHRISTMAS 1998
available in booklet form to members via post - please note, the most current issue will not be shown on this page
EDITOR: MR. JOHN BAKER, 40 PARK STREET LANE, PARK STREET, ST. ALBANS, HERTFORDSHIRE.
GENERAL WEBSITE EDITOR: BEN WILKINSON - psraonline@hotmail.com
ARTICLES SIGNED BY ED. OR EDITOR ARE FROM JOHN BAKER. MOST ARTICLES WHICH ARE NOT MARKED WITH A NAME ARE BY JOHN BAKER. B.W. REFERS TO THE WEBSITE EDITOR.
GARDENS, PATIOS & POT PLANTS
Winter is a time in the plant year when a large number of plants are dormant, waiting for warmer and lighter days, to begin growth again. For plants that produce tubers, rhizomes or corms (swellings in the roots), these are usually stored in sheds or greenhouses, in a frost free place and dry conditions. Some require to be stored in peat. These need to be checked regularly for mildew, any traces gently rubbed off and dusted with flour or sulphur.
On dry days, dig flower beds and borders, lifting the soil and turning to reveal lower soil levels. This aerates the soil and brings soil pests to the surface, allowing natural frosting of the soil and eradication of some plant pests.
For patios, tubs and flower boxes, these should be filled with fresh general purpose compost and Spring flowering bulbs. Plant daffodils and narcissus bulbs to 6 inches and crocus, etc. to 4 inches from compost surface. Cover with mesh to prevent being disturbed.
In rural areas with a number of trees shedding their leaves in winter, these need to be raked off gardens, lawns and cleared from flower border gullies. Bag leaves collected and dispose of them at refuse tips. Leaves left in gullies encourage garden pests and on lawns cause yellowing and poor growth.
For the next few weeks, the local horticultural trading store will be closed. The store will be opening again on the first Saturday in February 1999.
I would like to wish all those who read and use some of these gardening tips, a Merry Christmas and every success with their plants in the coming New Year.
Eve R. Green.
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PARK STREET NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH
The annual general meeting of the PSNW was held on 29th September. Briefly, the group now has approximately 500 members, which for its first year in being, is considered to be reasonable. More co-ordinators are needed as only half the area has representation.
There has been a slight change in the composition of the committee. Bryan Ferris (chief co-ordinator) and Eileen Hedges have resigned. Phil Harris (P/S 874119) has now taken over. He is easily recognised as he tours the area endeavouring to build up membership, as the man who carries spare footware slung around his neck, as by the time he arrives back home he has worn out the pair with which he started out. At least that is what I have been told!
At the open meeting which followed, an amusing and instructive police film was shown, operated by the local crime prevention squad and which showed ways and means of protecting one's premises.
Any reader who is interested should get in touch with Phil Harris.
John Baker
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FROGMORE CRICKET CLUB
Another season for the FCC has come to an end. It has been a 50-50 season for us with both the Saturday and Sunday sides finishing about equal in the win/loss figures. The June tour to Eastbourne was a particular success though we did not win either game.
We would have benefited from greater depth in the squads. With a few more players who will commit themselves on a regular basis we will be able to make better fist of it. Even so, the players conducted themselves well within the spirit of the game and promoted the good name of the village.
Because the season has come to an end playing wise does not mean we will all go into hibernation - not a bit of it! We have an active winter social life, and winter nets will be starting at Harpenden, with qualified coaches. So if you think you have what we need, give us a ring. We'll be pleased to see you.
If you like to watch but feel playing is too energetic, why not come and umpire or score for us - you get free tea! and a lift to away games! and any training you need. Give us a ring.
Lastly, an appeal from all of us. I know we all as a community use the recreation ground for our own particular pleasures, but it does not reflect well on the name of the village when opposition visitors are confronted by numerous piles of dog mess. Especially when you slip on it and stain your whites. This is no doubt echoed by the football clubs, and by parents with small children. Whilst we do not want to encroach on dog owners' rights to exercise their pooches, we do ask, can owners clear up their mess.
Contact numbers: SATURDAY SKIPPER - Mark Baskett - (St Albans) 763541
SUNDAY SKIPPER - Alan Eliff - (Harpenden) 655673
VILLAGE CONTACT - Ken Alden - (St. Albans) 872252
John Soper
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PENN ROAD - a poem
My long-sufferiong suspension strains and jolts its way uphil,
And the hub-caps stay connected by what must be force of will,
Though my vision's quite distorted by the rhythm of the bumps,
I can gaze upon the landscape and quite disregard the humps.
I enjoy the view ascending with the verges either side
Showing green against the muddy bits which tyre tracks divide.
And I glimpse tall trees still standing as my head bobs on my neck
And I fleetingly consider, as the fender hits the deck,
That through changes great in number, I see charms that still remain,
Through the motion of the bra-straps can cloud judgement with the pain!
No, I love my journey homeward, there is only one small blip...
I just wish the speed restrictions could give me a smoother trip!
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WHY THE DICK TURPIN STORY APPEARS
Every two weeks, on average, I visit the Civic Centre to inspect the weekly planning proposal sheets to find out what is in store for our area.
Earlier this year I chanced upon a pamphlet , a very interesting pamphlet publication indeed it was, giving a short history of Nomansland Common. What intrigued me was the front cover. That cover showed, hiding behind a large tree, a female figure clad in garments of a bygone cntury and with the face concealed behind a mask. "Ah!" I thought, "that must be the Wicked Lady."
I got in touch with my unreliable historic researchers and requested that they proceed forthwith to see if they could find a story which had never been published. This, I realised, would not be an easy task as the trail would be cold by now. They went quite willingly when I bribed them. It is amazing what a can of coke and a packet of crisps can do! The story of their research follows...
The Wicked Lady, the sobriquet as latterly discovered, was used by Lady Elizabeth Ferrers when she was indulging in a little unpleasant highwaywomanship near Welwyn on the Great North Road. She did this because her Dad, who was a belted Earl or something like that, was very mean and would not give her allowance sufficient for her needs. In those days women of class were not allowed to go out to work otherwise she would, no doubt, have taken employment at a checkout at the local supermarket of the day.
One day she was surprised to find herself accosted by a big, burly bloke on a big, black horse. "Who the devil are you?" she quoth. "Dick Turpin" was the reply. "I have come to take over your territory but you can be my partner on a 50-50 basis." She had no choice. The deal was struck. Another example of male chauvinism. .She also discovered the reason for his coming to her part of the world.
Dick used to work the Watling Street in various sections and at various times, presumably to confuse those who were trying hard to take him to Tyburn to exercise his neck muscles. One time it would be from Little Venice along Maida Vale to Willy's Den Lane, where he had a mate, after whome the track to Willesden was named. He would hole up in the den when things became fraught. Back on the road he would ride peacefully until reaching Elstree when he would resume his nefarious ways, finishinhg at the Park Street Roundabout. Black Bess (always tired after a long run), always refused St. Julians Hill.
The wealthy inhabitants of Radlett collected many guineas to pay a posse to be on standby whenever it was known Dick was about, in order to capture him or chase him out of the district. The posse never caught him and usually gave up the chase between the Black Horse and the Red Cow. By now Bess was travelling so fast that when she swerved to take the bend by the Holy Trinity Church, Dick would be flung out of the saddle and into the swamp land adjacent. (There was water in the River Ver in those days). Dick was not amused by these soakings. That is why he moved to the Great North Road.
It is understood that the partnership worked well for many years until both realised that they were not so young as they used to be. They decided to quit the game and retire to a calmer exixtence. They managed to get a council house near Digswell where, it is said, they lived unhappily afterwards.
That, Dear Reader, is the story given to me and which I present to you. I do not vouch for its accuracy!
John Baker
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PANTOMIME
Chaplin's Panto will perform "Jack and the Beanstalk" at Greenwood Park Leisure Centre, Tippendell Lane, Chiswell Green on Monday, 28th December 1998 at 5.15pm.
There will only be one performance which will last for about two hours. Refreshments and snacks will be available before the show and during the interval. A licenced bar will also be open during those times. Children admitted free, but must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets, £4 in advance or £5 on the day at the door. Up to a max. of 3 children per adult.
Please keep this date free. this is exceptional value for money. Last year Chaplin's performed "Dick Whittington." A fantastic time was had by all who attended. This show is organised for the local community by St. Stephens Parish Council. For further information please telephone P/S 874867, Monday to Thursday between 9.30am and 12 noon.
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WITHIN SIGHT OF THE M25
About 6 o'clock one evening in late Spring, my door bell rang. On answering there stood an agitated man in his forties with two very wet but obedient black labradors. "Can you contact a vet urgently?" he panted.
It appeared that he had been walking across the fields near the M25 motorway and where cows are at pasture had come across the pathetic sight of a cow in dreadful labour - the calf could not be properly born. Bravely he had tried to help but to no avail. He was sur that the cow was dying. He had rushed across the fields and there he was at my door, which is close by, to telephone for a vet.
My vet sent us on to a large animal vet, a Mr. Dean of Health Vetinary Hospital, who lived on the other side of St. Albans. To my pleas he agreed to come as quickly as he could, although we did not know by whom the cow was owned. Eventually the vet arrived, a big man and very professional, and went across the fields. In about half an hour he slowly returned now clad in green covering him from head to toe, long rubber boots and covered in blood up to the shoulders of his bare arms. "The calf is dead" he announced. "I am going back to give the cow an injection."
Another wait. When he returned he said that as he approached the cow got up and slowly walked away. I has bad dreams that night about the poor creature. Meanwhile, the man and his obedient dogs had to leave.
Mr. Dean, the vet, came into my house and divested himself of his gory apron and boots, washed in the kitchen and had a well deserved cup of coffee. I noticed that his arms were bruised and grazed from coping with the poor animal.
He and I were very anxious to find out who owned the cow. The vet took the view that the herd was suffering from neglect. The owner must have known that calving was imminent. The herd should have been visited every day. (Incidentally, I had heard that other dead calves had been seen in these fields). Also, the vet had a professional fee to recover.
As far as we were aware, even three or four weeks later, the owner had not been traced. No one else appeared during this drama and apart from the vet, only the unknown man and myself knew about the incident which took place adjacent to the M25 and How Wood Station.
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Man's inhumanity to domestic animals which occurs more than we like to hear makes, at times, one wonder.
* This article was held over from the previous edition, not for lack of space but for my lack of memory *
Editor
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ST. STEPHENS PARISH COUNCIL MILLENNIUM CELEBRATIONS
The St. Stephens Parish Council in partnership with parish organisations is arranging a major celbration on Sundsy 11th July 1999. The event takes place in Greenwood Park and there will be a free bus service covering the parish. Provision will be made for the infirm and disabled. Admittance will be free.
The celebration will start with a "five churches" service and this will be followed by a series of playlets on an historical theme performed by our local schools. These will be linked by the local drama group who will later circulate in the crowds dressed as clowns, stiltwalkers, etc. There will be a fancy dress competition for children on the theme of "the next thousand years". There will be dance demonstrations, a tug-of-war competition and a microlight flypast. The climax of the afternoon is a mock battle between parliamentarians and Royalists performed by the Sealed Knot historical re-enactment group. There will also be static displays from local interest and environmental groups in a giant marquee. The local arts group will be staging an exhibition in the sports hall and prizes will be awarded for the parish wide photographic and art competitions.
The organising committee are considering the arrangement for the supply of refreshments at this event. We have commitments from the PARK STREET RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION to provide a quality meats barbecue which will include a pig or lamb roast [so we expect to see you ALL along eating our food! BW] The cubs and scouts will provide more traditional barbecue fare and the leisure centre staff are going to provide ploughman's lunches. We have approached a vegetarian cook and a chinese cook to provide some savoury alternatives.
We need volunteers to help with the food on the day or to provide some alternatives to the committed refreshments. If you are prepared to volunteer as a helper please ring the number below so that you can be registered.
Charities and clubs can sell food to raise funds. If you want to provide food you will also need to register. Comercial providors can attend but they will be charged a pitch fee of £2 per foot.
WE EXPECT A SUBSTANTIAL ATTENDANCE because: It's free! All of the local schools will be participating and children equals parents and grandparents. The Sealed Knot battle will also be advertised beyond the parish. Ours is one of the first millenium celebrations so the audience will not be suffering celebration fatigue.
Tony Stephens P/S 873612
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WHERE WAS DIDLEM HALL? Taken from Park Street & Frogmore Society Journal (Autumn)
I first came across mention od DIDLEM HALL during a recorded interview with Claude Pinnock. He was describing the various locations of the watercress beds worked by his family...
"We had them down at Taylor's, Moor Mills; Sir Holland Hibberts, we had 'em out there at Munden; Old Colonel Ansell's at Codicot, we had the beds there, and we had Didlem Hall, that was down the bottom of Hollaway Hill, where the swimming pool is, that over there, there was allotments there and the beds went right through the middle of that and they come out into the river just below the Duke of Marlborough and then we had up Gorhambury drive, we had cress beds there, we was one of the biggest in the country in them days, oh yeah... we got rid of some cress."
The recording quality was poor because one hundred yards away they were making the James Bond film on the old airfield. We had helicopters flying overhead, explosions and the constant noise of traffic on the A5183. Unfortunately Claude died before I could go back and ask him about Didlem Hall, and because the tape was garbled and he mispronounced some words (ie. Hollaway Hill instead of Holywell Hill), I stopped searching.
However, I was looking at a book called The Railways of Hertfordshire by F.G. Cockman and came across this reference to the Abbey Flyer line. "The line ends at St. Albans Abbey but the original plans show a further mile past Didlem Hall to the Parish of St. Michael's." These two references combined place the hall at the bottom of Holywell Hill and somewhere on a reasonably straight line between the Abbey Station and Darrowfield House in St. Michael's, which would have been the terminus.
I have had the opportunity to look at those maps in the Museum of St. Albans which are contemporary with the building of the line and no building called Didlem Hall is apparent. Indeed in that location we only find named St. Stephens House, Westminster Lodge and Verulam Hills Farm.
The obvious conclusion is that Didlem Hall was a local slang name for a building in this area from which some doubtful business was transacted, or which was the home of a businessman known for sharp practice in his dealings with the public. Maybe it was the gasworks or the North Western Hotel on the corner of Prospect Road. If you know where or what it was and why it was given that name, please contact me on P/S 873612
Tony Stevens
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WISE WORDS
"It is better to choose what you say than to say what you choose."
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"Drawing on my fine command of the English language, I said nothing."
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PETITION
The anti - motor cycle track (Smug Oak Lane) petition issued under the auspices of St. Stephen Parish Council is being handled by the residents' associations of Bricket Wood and Park Street. Should anyone wish to add his or her name to that petition, forms are available at the three Post Offices in the area.
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VILLAGE HALL NEWS
Park Players are presenting the pantomime "Babes in the Wood" in the hall on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday 14th, 15th, 16th and 17th January 1999. There will be matinees on Saturday and Sunday with evening shows on the three week days.
Since their inception the players, both actors and back-up, have progressed in proficiency. You will be sure of an enjoyable time watching performers many of whom will most probably be known to you.
Please make a note in your diary of the date which suits the best and watch out for the publicity which will appear early in the new year.
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MORE VILLAGE HALL NEWS
I cannot imagine that anyone living in Park Street and probably miles around is unaware of the great efforts that are being made to raise funds to build a new village hall to replace the present one which is very much needed. Experts say that to repair or even re-build is not a viable proposition.
One money raising enterprise is quiz nights. Since September, three quiz evenings have been held, each one more successful than the previous one. In all, a total of £660 has been placed in the coffers. However from that sum £60 was given towards the fund raising morning for the McMillan Trust.
There will be a dance - profit to the hall funds - on 5th December. THis newsletter will not have reached you by then but have a pleasant time should you go.
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AND FINALLY
"No man should plant more in his garden than his wife can hoe"
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"If you are looking for a helping hand, there is one on the end of your arm"
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END OF NEWSLETTER ISSUE 79
ISSUE 80 WILL APPEAR ON THIS WEBSITE WHEN ISSUE 81 IS DELIVERED TO MEMBERS