North Mymms News: 2018

Chancellor's School to resubmit building plans

Existing roads "able to support expansion" - report

Proposed location plan of new Sports Centre and General Teaching Block
Image courtesy of Chancellor's School

The planning application for a new sports hall and classroom block is to be resubmitted to Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council "immediately after the Christmas break", according to Chancellor's School. The decision follows the results of a survey into the likely transport impact of the plans on local roads.

Local residents urged to mark valuable presents

Free pens available in Brookmans Park and Welham Green
Image by North Mymms News released under Creative Commons

Hertfordshire police are giving away free UV (Ultra Violet) security marker pens so that local residents can mark any valuable gifts they receive over the festive period.

Officers suggest items such as bicycles, laptops, and mobile phones should be marked with the owner's house number and postcode to help locate the items in the event of theft.

Saturday collections over the holiday period

Festive season bin collection details from Welwyn Hatfield council

Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council and Serco have announced changes to the local waste collection services over Xmas and the new year period. The council says a regular service will be provided, including collections on Saturday 22 and 29 December and on Saturday 5 January.

"Another unnecessary expense" - group scout leader

Damaged door at Brookmans Park scout hut
Image courtesy of Brookmans Park Group Scout Leader, Ian Lewington

Brookmans Park's group scout leader, Ian Lewington says that there has been a break in at the local scout hut on Station Road.

Ticket office broken into, ticket machine damaged

Brookmans Park station ticket office - image by North Mymms News released under Creative Commons

Brookmans Park station ticket office - Wednesday 19 December 2018
Image by North Mymms News released under Creative Commons

British Transport police have been taking fingerprint dustings inside Brookmans Park station ticket office following a burglary overnight. The ticket window has been cordoned off while investigations continue.

Hertfordshire plans to raise £10.7m to strengthen force

Hertfordshire police officers - image courtesy of Hertfordshire police

The Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Hertfordshire has proposed an increase of around 50p a week per average household in order to "protect neighbourhood policing teams and investment in services for victims".

David Lloyd wants to add £2 a month to the average household council tax rate to build on his investment in more officers, bringing the total to more than 2,000.

Transport minister unable gift wrap promises

Transport minister Andrew Jones says he is unable to give a firm date when Oyster cards will be rolled out on the Welwyn Garden City line, but says it will be by the autumn of 2019, or sooner if possible.

He was responding during a debate about the local rail service, called by Welwyn Hatfield MP, Grant Shapps. You can view the debate below.

MP demands answers regarding "shambolic" services

Train at Welham Green Station - September 2018

Welwyn Hatfield MP Grant Shapps secured a debate at Westminster about what he describes as "the shambolic rail services" between the constituency and London.

In it he planned to "demand answers" about the performance of Great Northern Rail and make the case for Transport for London to take over the service.

Next steps for Local Plan confirmed

One of the Welwyn Hatfield Local Plan hearing sessions

Welwyn Hatfield has published its latest newsletter setting out the next steps for the borough's Local Plan.

The newsletter recaps a lot of what was covered on this site earlier this month when the independent inspector, Melvyn Middleton, ruled that the council's current plan failed to meet the need for housing.

Building plans to be resubmitted when complete

The main entrance to Chancellor's School - image by North Mymms News released under Creative Commons

Chancellor's School is waiting for the results of a new transport survey that will assess the likely impact of the proposed expansion of the school on the neighbourhood, in particular in terms of traffic flow and parking. The school hopes the results will be known later this month or early next year.

However a self-appointed group, which claims to have unanimous support of local residents is opposing the plans because "of the likelihood of increased traffic along Pine Grove, George's Wood Road, and at the junction with the Great North Road".

But the road will close daily for five hours not six

Pine Grove, Brookmans Park, due to be resurfaced from Friday 14 December
Image by North Mymms News, released under Creative Commons

Chancellor's School has confirmed that the resurfacing of Pine Grove, Brookmans Park could last until Thursday 20 December, although the school says the work is not expected to take that long.

The road will now be closed to traffic for five hours a day not the six originally thought. Hertfordshire County Council (HCC) had announced Pine Grove would be closed between 09.30 and 15.30, but Chancellor's School has spoken to the council and it's now been agreed that the road will reopen at 14.30 to allow for school traffic.

No vehicle access for six hours a day over five days

Road closure notice on Pine Grove. Image by North Mymms News released under Creative Commons

Hertfordshire County Council has notified residents in Pine Grove, Brookmans Park that the road will be closed for resurfacing work between 09.30 and 15.30 from Friday 14 December for five days.

Cars will not be allowed to use Pine Grove during the work hours, and drivers are asked to move their cars before work starts.

Inspector asks Council to investigate more housing sites

Welwyn Hatfield is set to carry out a further study of the possible sites for housing development in the borough.

It follows the public examination of the council's Local Plan by independent inspector Melvyn Middleton who ruled that the current plan failed to meet the need for housing.

17-year-old 'killed instantly' 200 miles from home

The headstones for 'Herby' and his parents, Annie and Henry Town
Image by the North Mymms History Project, released under Creative Commons

The curiosity of a four-year-old, visiting St Mary's churchyard, North Mymms, with his dad more than 25 years ago, started a process that eventually shed light on the mysterious death of a local teenager in 1888.

Attempting to read the faint and fading etching on the headstone of Herbert George Town resulted in a father-and-son research project that gradually pieced together the story of 'Herby', as he became known to the pair.

Scheme to be introduced next year

Oyster card and wallet. Image by North Mymms News released under Creative Commons

Rail travellers from Brookmans Park and Welham Green stations will be able to use the Oyster Card system next year, according to the Department for Transport (DfT).

No firm date has yet been set for the rollout, but the DfT says it will be early 2019, and introduce in a phased approach.

Local residents kept completely in the dark

Eden and Molotov on Brookmans Park station - Thursday 21 May, 1942
Screen grab from Imperial War Museum film

It was a massive news event that, apparently, Brookmans Park residents totally missed.

In 1942, the then foreign secretary, Anthony Eden, and his Russian counterpart, Vyacheslav Molotov, met on Brookmans Park station.

Two local women were on the platform at the time, but they were too busy making sure they caught their train to notice.

Free entry, free parking, licensed bar

A charity which offers a stimulating work environment for local people with learning disabilities is holding its Christmas event on Sunday, 2 December.

It's a chance to support a cause that offers a work experience opportunity to people from the local community, a number of whom require additional help which is provided by the charity’s leisure, education and occupational services.

Police says don't do drugs and drive

Image of cars in Gobions car park courtesy of Hertfordshire Constabulary

Image courtesy of Hertfordshire Constabulary

"Two lads" escorted home to "unimpressed" parents

Responding to reports of suspicious activity in Gobions Open Space car park this week, officers found two 17-year-olds who had "clearly taken something" and were "unfit to drive".

Sergeant Stephen Hynes says police spoke to the "two lads" - who were not local - and decided to escort them home where they were met by their parents who were "unimpressed and supportive of the police action".

The history of North Mymms as a film location

Dr Smart-Alec arrives at Narkover in the film Boys Will Be Boys (1935)

Screen grab from film by Paul & Hilary Marston

The first motion picture known to have been shot in North Mymms was released more than 110 years ago; the most recent was filmed in the last 12 months.

In the intervening years North Mymms has proved to be a popular destination for directors of feature films and TV series, producing big screen blockbusters, cult TV favourites, and TV soap operas.

But company "considering a change in investor"

Brookmans on Bradmore Green, Brookmans Park
Image by North Mymms News released under Creative Commons

One of the owners of Peach Pubs has brushed aside speculation about the company's future saying it's business as usual at Brookmans pub and restaurant on Bradmore Green and that "nothing is changing".

RSPCA supporters decorate post boxes with festive scenes

Swanley Bar Lane - Hawkshead Road junction, Little Heath

Image by North Mymms News released under Creative Commons

The support group for the RSPCA at Southridge has brought a bit of festive fun to postboxes in North Mymms by decorating them with knitted Christmas scenes. It's part of a fund-raising campaign that aims to add festive cheer and boost donations.

Just 10 tickets left for Al9ddin

Rehearsals are continuing this week for the three performances of Aladdin - renamed Al9ddin in this postcode-localised remake - at North Mymms Memorial Hall on Friday and Saturday. At the time of writing there are just 10 tickets left for the show.

Plan is to deliver to 3,000 local addresses

The new NMPC community directory could on your doormat next year
Image by North Mymms News released under Creative Commons

A community directory, containing news and information about North Mymms parish, could be delivered door-to-door early next year.

North Mymms Parish Council (NMPC) has agreed a proposal which could see the directory being put through around 3,000 letter boxes by April, perhaps even sooner.

News updates, history, local information, and walks

North Mymms now has a Facebook page for those who want to follow the latest updates from North Mymms News, the North Mymms Local History Project, and Hertfordshire Walker.

Parish council discusses the introduction of fees

The car park at Gobions Open Space
Photograph taken Saturday November 24, 2018

Image by North Mymms News released under Creative Commons

Councillors on North Mymms Parish Council (NMPC) have been considering the introduction of car parking charges at Gobions Open Space in Brookmans Park, according to council minutes. It's understood the charge, if it ever goes ahead, would not apply to North Mymms residents.

The well-used car park is accessed via Jonas Way off Moffats Lane, and is popular with dog walkers, anglers fishing at Gobions Pond, and walkers visiting Gobions Wood. (Grid Reference: TL 24978 03958).

At 10am on Saturday morning, November 24, there were 16 vehicles parked at Gobions Open Space.

Image of typing by North Mymms News released under Creative Commons

The minutes for the October meeting of North Mymms Parish Council (NMPC) have been uploaded to the council's website.

They are for the meeting that was held on Wednesday October 24, 2018 at 19:00 in the council offices at 1a Bushwood Close, Welham Green.

Two or three local residents required

Campfire - one of the activities of the North Mymms Youth Project in 2017

Leaflets have been delivered door-to-door by the North Mymms Youth Project (NMYP) inviting applications for the role of volunteer trustee for the charity.

The project is hoping to appoint two or three new trustees to help ensure that the legal requirements of the charity are met.

Aim to create "a legacy for generations to come"

North Mymms Cricket Club Pavillion - August 5, 2018
Image courtesy of North Mymms Cricket Club

North Mymms Cricket Club (NMCC) has made an early new year's resolution for 2019. It's to "create a sporting legacy" for the local community in order to "inspire everyone to play and support cricket".

To achieve the aim the club plans to visit every school and every community group in North Mymms during the year ahead to "talk about the exciting cricket project" the club is embarking on.

Talks underway to secure pub's future

The Hope And Anchor, Station Road, Welham Green - August 2018 Image by the North Mymms History Project, released under Creative Commons

The Hope and Anchor - August 2018
Image by the North Mymms History Project, released under Creative Commons

There had been fears that the Hope and Anchor on Station Road, Welham Green had closed, with rumours circulating on social media that the last pint had been pulled at the Grade II listed North Mymms pub.

But Ei Group, who own the building, have confirmed that they are not looking to close the pub, but are working with the current tenant to ensure the 19th century inn continues to serve beer as it has for 180 years.

Comparing the parish outline 100 years ago

The North Mymms History Project has created an interactive map showing the outline of the parish of North Mymms as it was in 1914, and the outline in 2018.

100 years ago, North Mymms stretched as far as The Forum in Hatfield and included parts of south Hatfield and Roestock.

Police move rubbish to side of the road

Fly-tipping along Bulls Lane, Sunday, November 11, 2018
Image by North Mymms News, released under Creative Commons

Police warning signs have been positioned either side of a large dump of fly-tipping along Bulls Lane between Bell Bar and Welham Green.

It's the second time rubbish has blocked the lane in as many weeks.

Shadows on pews for 100th anniversary

Silhouettes at St Mary's Church

Image by Mike Allen of the North Mymms History Project

40 life-size head-and-shoulders silhouettes have been placed at the end of the pews in St Mary's church, North Mymms as part of the 100-year commemoration of the end of WWI. Attached to each of the black cutouts, designed to look like the shadow of a soldier, are details of servicemen from the parish who died during the 'Great War'.

Charity's warehouse "trashed" overnight

Isabel Hospice shop in Haldens, WGC

Image courtesy of Isabel Hospice

Isabel Hospice says its appeal for the public's help to try to salvage warehouse stock damaged overnight has been met with such a good response that help is no longer needed at the Welwyn Garden City warehouse, "trashed" after a break-in.

However the charity says it now needs to replenish damaged stock, and has put out a fresh appeal for donations to sell in the local charity stores.

Charity appeals to public to help salvage stock

Salvaging stock from the Isabel Hospice warehouse
Image courtesy of Isabel Hospice

Isabel Hospice is appealing for the public's help to salvage warehouse stock damaged overnight.

According to the charity, its Welwyn Garden City warehouse was broken into, "water pipes trashed and our shop stock is being ruined".

Wartime archaeology on private land

Photograph of A type 24 pillbox in the fields of Boltons Park Farm owned by the Royal Veterinary College Image by the North Mymms History Project released under Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 4.0

A type 24 pillbox in the fields of Boltons Park Farm owned by the RVC
Image by the North Mymms History Project released under Creative Commons

Standing in the corner of a field south of Hawkshead Road, Little Heath, with good views to the north, south, east, and west, is the only pillbox in North Mymms.

It's a type 24 box, and was part of the local WWII defences set up to protect London from invasion.

To the north and east of the pillbox is a dip in the land, formerly the trench that was part of the outer London anti-tank defence line.

Checks carried out in Welham Green and Little Heath

The speed warning sign on Bluebridge Road, Brookmans Park
Image by North Mymms News, released under Creative Commons

Recent speeding checks in North Mymms found that an average of 22% of motorists driving through Welham Green and Little Heath were travelling above the legal speed limit. Police say some offenders lived locally.

Officers have issued an invitation to local residents to volunteers in order to help catch speeding motorists. They say members of the public are "more than welcome" to help carry out their own speed checks using police equipment.

Local history team digs deep in the archives

Hawkshead Road, Little Heath - left 1967, right 2018
Mix of photographs by R Kingdon (1967) and the North Mymms History Project (2018)
Montage by North Mymms History Project, released under Creative Commons

The North Mymms History Project (NMHP) has been examining how the Hertfordshire parish has changed since Victorian times by selecting images from its archives and comparing the scenes with modern day snaps of the same spots. And the results are fascinating.

Council debunks mythical poop cleaner

Pink and lilac posters have been pinned to trees and gate posts around both Gobions and Moffats open spaces in Brookmans Park, to remind dog owners that there is no magical solution to dealing with dog mess other than to pick it up and put it in one of the many disposal bins at the council-owned site.

The North Mymms History Project (NMHP) has produced a digital record of the nine war graves in the grounds of the parish church.

Using existing records, old maps, and new research, the site has created an dedicated page which includes recent photographs of the headstone and their details.

North Mymms joins national tribute - 'Battle's Over'

The metal bench at the North Mymms War Memorial - October 2018
Image by Peter Miller of the North Mymms History Project

A black metal bench, depicting silhouettes of soldiers serving in WWI, has been installed at the North Mymms War Memorial outside North Mymms Park off Tollgate Road.

Fly-tipping on Bulls Lane, North Mymms
Image by North Mymms News, released under Creative Commons

The road between Welham Green and Bell Bar, in North Mymms was blocked on Sunday morning with rubbish dumped on both sides of Bulls Lane. The authorities have been notified.

The front page of the new Mighty Men of Mymms website

A Welham Green man who has spent a total of six years researching and writing about the lives of 59 North Mymms servicemen who died during WWI, has now published the material online.

The result is a digital memory of the Mighty Men of Mymms, the name given to the men by their former schoolmaster, Benjamin Mallett, who taught many of them at Welham Green Boy's School.

Christmas fayre and carols around the tree

Two festive events take place in Brookmans Park on Saturday December 1, and both are free of charge. The first is the popular community Christmas Fayre held at Brookmans Park primary school. That's followed by the lighting of the Christmas tree on Brookmans Park's Bradmore Green.

The minutes for the September meeting of North Mymms Parish Council (NMPC) have been uploaded to the council's website.

They are for the meeting that was held on Wednesday September 26, 2018 at 19:00 in the council offices at 1a Bushwood Close, Welham Green.

Bell Bar's 18th century milestone removed

Demolition work at the Swan, Bell Bar
Photograph by Peter Miller taken 24 October 2018

The supervisor in charge of the demolition of the former Swan Inn, Bell Bar has given assurances to a representative of the North Mymms History Project (NMHP) that the historical 18th century milestone, that has probably stood on the corner of Bell Lane and the Great North Road for almost 200 years, is safe.

Parish council's "temporary solution" put in place

Pothole repairs along Jonas Way - photograph taken October 24, 2018

Image by North Mymms News released under Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 4.0

Half a dozen deep potholes along Jonas Way have been filled in as part of a "temporary solution" to "patch up" the popular track that leads to Gobions Open Space.

The road, which is frequently used by dog owners, anglers, guardians taking children to use the play equipment, and those accessing a network of local footpaths, had become difficult to drive along because of the depth of the holes.

Tickets now on sale for annual show

The flyer for the 2018 Little Heath fireworks display

This year's community bonfire and fireworks display at Little Heath, North Mymms takes place on Saturday November 10. Family, adult, and child tickets are now on sale.

Tickets on sale now for Al9ddin

There'll be a local twist when the popular panto comes to the North Mymms Memorial Hall as local laundry boy Aladdin, renamed Al9ddin for this postcode-localised remake, searches for his magic lamp in Gobions Wood.

There will be three performances of the show - two on successive evenings and one Saturday matinee - which is being staged to raise funds to support the upkeep of hall. Tickets are on sale now.

Concern for safety of historical milestone

The Swan being demolished - October 17, 2018
Image by Peter Miller

Work is underway to clear the site of Swan Lodge, Bell Bar, and build eight one and two bedroom apartments. The area has been fenced off as workmen demolish the old building that once served as a important coaching inn along the Great North Road. Local historians are keen to ensure that the 18th century milestone that leant against the wall of the building is preserved, as stipulated in the conditions of the planning consent.

Surface water building up along busy road

Blocked grid along Station Road close to Welham Green
Image by North Mymms News released under Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 4.0

Five months after Station Road was resurfaced, gravel is still blocking the grids and gullies preventing rain water escaping. This despite Hertfordshire Highways being told to "sort it out" by a local councillor.