Official Hitchin Town Guide 2011 by Heritage Guides

HITCHIN

TOWN GUIDE 2011-12

WITH THE COMPLIMENTS OF HITCHIN INITIATIVE

breakfast Daily: 8.00 - 11.00am

lunch Mon-Sat: 12.00 - 2.30pm Sunday: 12.00-3.30pm

dinner Mon-Sat: 6.00 - 9.30pm Sunday: 6.30pm-9pm

“The food was flawless and the quality you get for a surprisingly low price made the venue one of the best value for money pub/restaurants in the local area.” - Opentable.com

Welcome to the Radcliffe Arms, Hitchin. With three restaurant areas, a terrace and outside tables, the Radcliffe Arms is perfect for any occasion, large or small.

The Radcliffe Arms 31 Walsworth Road Hitchin SG4 9ST

01462 456 111

Our Head Chef, James Nicholas, has developed menus that will never disappoint: whether it is our famous Full English Breakfast, Lunch with the Girls, or a delicious evening meal from our seasonal à la carte menu, we have something to suit everyone. Aside from our food The Radlcliffe Arms boasts a wine menu and well stocked bar, like no other, and with our friendly staff and buzzing atmosphere we’re confident that when you leave us, you won’t be able to wait to come back.

www.radcliffearms.com

Halseyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Deli, 10-11 Market Place, Hitchin SG5 1DR T: 01462 432023

Halseyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Delicatessen & Tearooms offer a mouth-watering selection of deli goodies and perfect foodie gifts. Delicious homemade food is prepared daily for the tearooms which are also available for private dining and our local food evenings. Catering is also on offer for business lunches, private functions and picnic hampers.

CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS Friendly, professional and local Here to help you and your business FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION 13 Bancroft Hitchin Herts. SG5 1JQ 01462 454545

30 Cambridge St St Neots Cambs. PE19 1JL 01480 404000

Peace of mind... www.bjca.co.uk

The complete Estate Agency service: l Residential sales and lettings l Land acquisition and development l Personal mortgage advice 4 Brand Street, Hitchin Tel 01462 438979 9 Market Place, Stevenage Tel: 01438 743999

l Free valuations l Add yourself to our mailing list at: www.stonegateonline.co.uk

Est in 1760

20 Market Place, Hitchin SG5 1DU Tel: (01462) 434273 www.gatwardsofhitchin.co.uk

INTRODUCTION

TOWN TICKS THE RIGHT BOXES Hitchin Market Place

itchin is a bustling market town and focus for a wide area of north Hertfordshire and south Bedfordshire. With a population of about 30,500, it is economically the busiest and most diverse town in North Hertfordshire District. It is a key retail and market centre, has a mix of industry, services and agricultural activity and is a sought after residential location. Its straddles the major east-west route (the A505), is near

CONTENTS

Introduction..................................5 Hitchin Initiative............................7 History.......................................7-8 College for Women.......................8 British Schools...............................9

both the A1 and M1 and has a frequent and direct railway service to London, Cambridge, Kings Lynn and Peterborough. What other towns of this size can boast two museums, two theatres, and (at one time) two town halls? The architectural historian Nikolaus Pevsner described Hitchin as the most visually satisfying town in the county after St. Albans, and whilst there have been many

changes to the townscape since Pevsner’s time, the historic centre, crammed with a wide range of shops, is still a delight to wander around. In the past 60 years Hitchin’s population has almost doubled and become more diverse, especially with the arrival of Caribbean and south Asian communities. The town’s built-up area has increased significantly, yet it can still be proud of its parks and open spaces.

Almshouses...................................9 St Mary’s Church...........................9 Hitchin people.............................10 Lavender.....................................10 Arts & festivals............................11 Town Hall....................................11

Parks & sports facilities ..............13 Contacts: local services..........17-20 Contacts: clubs & societies.....20-24 Map A: north..........................28-29 Map B: centre & south...........30-31 List of streets..............................32

Cover pictures: St Mary’s Church (main); Bucklersbury; Cadwell Farm, Ickleford (photograph courtesy of Cadwell Farm). The Hitchin Town Guide has been produced on behalf of Hitchin Initiative by Heritage Guides ©2011. We are grateful to Robert Moore, Jane Clark and Scilla Douglas for their help with the historical contents of this publication and to Keith Hoskins for coordinating the advertising support. The photograph of a lavender field on the cover and on page 10 is courtesy of Cadwell Farm.

This publication is copyright and may not be used reproduced, copied or transmitted in any form in part or in whole without the prior permission of the publishers. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that all the information contained in this publication is correct at the time of going to print, neither Heritage Guides nor Hitchin Initiative can accept any responsibility for unintentional errors or omissions.

Hitchin Initiative 27 Churchyard, Hitchin, Herts SG5 1HP T: 01462 453335 F: 01462 453336 E: info@hitchin.org.uk W: www.htci.org.uk and www.hitchinbid.com Heritage Guides 7 Romilly Road, Barry CF62 6AZ T: 01446 405298 F: 01446 461792 E: info@heritage-guides.com W: www.heritage-guides.com

• Private Chapel of Rest • 24 Hour Service • Pre-payment Funeral Plans • Specialist Vehicles • Funeral Stationery • Funerals arranged for all areas & denominations

44 Bedford Road, Hitchin, Herts. SG5 2TY. Tel: 01462 434375 Email: paul@chenery44.wanadoo.co.uk www.cheneryfunerals.co.uk

INITIATIVE / HISTORY

INTRODUCING THE INITIATIVE

itchin Town Centre Initiative was formed in 1995 primarily by businesses and landlords but also with community support. However, during the course of this last decade, the emphasis has shifted from business to more community and social aspects; so much so that the decision was taken to drop the ‘Town Centre’ part of our name and change the company registration to simply ‘Hitchin Initiative’. This not only reflected the changing nature of our work but also reflected the wider area that we were trying to assist – outlying wards and the rural hinterland of a dozen or so villages which historically look to Hitchin as their service centre. Also it recognised the enormous success of Hitchin BID – the Business Improvement District set up in 2009 by us in response to the desire of town centre businesses to improve the commercial environment of the town centre. Our office provides transport

information in town; it is the home of Hitchin Shopmobility with two further sites around town for electric scooters ; Hitchin Initiative is the co-ordinating organisation for Hitchin Festival and the Box Office is situated with us; we were at the forefront in establishing Hitchin as Hertfordshire’s first Fair Trade town and continue to provide support to these and many other groups. In 2007, Hitchin Initiative took over the management of Hitchin Market from North Herts District Council. Community ownership has brought great social benefit and the success was recognised in the award of ‘Market of the Year’ at the 2010 National Association of British Markets Authority Conference. Hitchin Initiative has seen a huge increase in Community Groups membership and also now individual residents. Groups that are members include The Hitchin Society, Hitchin Historical Society, Hitchin Forum, Black Squirrel Credit

HITCHIN HISTORY

itchin is one of the oldest continuously occupied urban centres in Hertfordshire. The ancient Icknield Way passes immediately to the north and there is evidence of Roman activity (for example the Roman villa at Purwell). The origins of the settlement itself, however, probably start later with the Hicce, a tribe whose name is related both to that of the town and the River Hiz (the final z of which represents a “ch” sound, so the name should properly be pronounced “Hitch”). The first mention of the Hicce dates from about AD 658-675 in the Saxon period. In 792, the great Mercian King Offa established a Benedictine religious house here, probably a precursor of the church of St Mary. During the turbulence of the 9th century, Hitchin lay on the boundary between Viking Danelaw to the north east and the Saxon lands to the south west. Hitchin became the centre of an important Royal estate, the origin of its continued status as a Royal Manor. It was also central, with its Minster Church, to a large ecclesiastical area on the Hertfordshire-Bedfordshire border. The entry in the 

Keith Hoskins, Hitchin Iniative Manager

Union (for whom we are a base), Hitchin & District Scout Trust, Hitchin Youth Trust, Hitchin Town Football Club, Hitchin Rugby Club, Benslow Music Trust, and Hitchin Music Project. Hitchin Initiative acts as a Tourist and Information Office and the last time we surveyed it we had over 8000 personal callers in the year – not to mention phone calls and emails. We publish a monthly ‘Town News’ available to all and write a weekly ‘Town & Around’ what’s-on column for the local paper as well as a weekly interest article. Bucklersbury, one of the historic streets leading to the Market Place

 Domesday Book of 1086 famously records that “Rex Willelmus tenet Hiz” (“King William holds Hitchin”). There is evidence of a relatively large population at this time, the biggest between St Albans and Bedford. That Hitchin’s market does not have a charter strongly suggests it was established long before the Crown sought to control towns in this way. King William Rufus granted Hitchin to the Balliols, a great family in the north who were eventually Kings of the Scots (and gave their name to an Oxford college). Hitchin was important to them because it was close to the Court in London. There is no mention that the town was ever formally constituted a borough, but it probably was in effect. Hitchin grew wealthy on grain, sheep, cattle, cloth-making, brewing, tanning and associated trades. Moneyed consciences were salved by investment in religious causes: the fabric of St Mary’s Church was significantly embellished with wool earnings, in 1317 Hitchin Priory was founded as a Carmelite Friary and in 1361 a Gilbertine monastery was established. In 1349 the Black

HISTORY / COLLEGE FOR WOMEN Death struck and perhaps as much as half the population of the town died. In the Tudor period, new prosperity came with malting and brewing. The town’s reputation for malt led to the alleged retort by Queen Elizabeth I to a Spanish nobleman who had been extolling the virtues of the vineyards at home: “My Hitchin grapes surpass them, or those of any country”. With the Dissolution of the Monasteries the Priory passed to the Radcliffes who held it until as late as the 1960s. Inclined to the Parliamentary cause during the Civil War, the town is said to have had a hard time during the Restoration. Yet by 1700 it was second in size in the county to St Albans. The eighteenth century over all saw a settled period of further prosperity. At this time many timber-framed buildings acquired classical brick fronts. Although Hitchin was unusual in that its medieval fields were never formally enclosed, surrounding areas were consolidated and displaced farm hands came to the town to seek better fortune. New trades developed like iron-founding

and agricultural machinery. Philanthropic endeavour improved local health and education with a local hospital and the foundation of the British Schools. Between 1801-51 the population grew as fast as at any time in the town’s history (from 3,161 to 7,077) and yet the accommodation did not expand much beyond its medieval framework. The result was gross overcrowding and serious disease. In 1848 Hitchin was one of the first towns to establish a Board of Health. In 1850 the Great Northern Railway placed Hitchin on the main line from London to the north. A corn exchange soon attracted merchants from as far away as Liverpool with grain moved by train. In 1894, Hitchin gained its own Urban District Council. In the late nineteenth century towns such as Watford and Luton increased in importance at the expense of Hitchin, but the town proved adaptable enough to maintain the niche position it still has today.

CAMBRIDGE CONNECTION

large Victorian house, now a nursing home, on Benslow Rise in Hitchin played a pioneering role in the development of women’s education. In 1869, well before before any English university would admit women for degree courses, women’s rights campaigner Emily Davies founded a “College for Women” in this house with the aim of gaining admission for her students to degrees at either London or Cambridge Universities (from which Hitchin was more or

less equidistant by rail). Academics travelled to Hitchin to tutor the students. London University initially seemed the most reluctant candidate (although it did eventually became the first English university to admit women on equal terms with men in 1878). So, in anticipation of eventual acceptance by Cambridge, Davies moved her students (whose number had increased from five to 15) from Benslow House to the village of Girtonin 1873 on the edge of that

town (still suitably distant from the male colleges). In the event, it was not until 1881 that Cambridge allowed students from Girton to sit its examinations and receive certificates (but not degrees), and incredibly it was only in 1948 that women were admitted to full membership of the university.

CHURCH / ALMSHOUSES / BRITISH SCHOOLS

WOOL BUILT MINSTER BEST OF BRITISH

T S

t Mary’s is the largest parish church in the county after St Alban’s Abbey. Probably founded in 792 there is earlier evidence of Saxon foundations below the nave. Parts of the tower (which include reused Roman tiles) date from the 12th century but the main body of the church, much of it funded by wealth from the wool trade, dates from the 13th and 14th centuries. Much of the church is built with flint. The tower is surmounted

by a typical Hertfordshire ‘spike’. Unusually there are two porches, the south one being particularly fine and incorporating the heraldic symbols of both Trinity College Cambridge (which controls the living) and the Staple of Calais, a symbol of the wool trade. The bright and spacious interior has many interesting features including a carved angel screen of 1475 (in the south aisle) and monuments including those to the Balliols and the Radcliffes.

ALMS AND THE MANOR

number of almshouses survive in Hitchin of different dates. The Biggin, originally built in 1361, was a Priory for the Gilbertines, uniquely an English religious order. The brothers fell into poverty and the Biggin became a private house before the Dissolution of the Monasteries. It was rebuilt in the 17th century and was used variously as a house, a school and almshouses. It is a good example of Hitchin’s numerous timber-framed buildings: this building method was popular before bricks were cheap in an area where building stone was in short

supply but woodlands plentiful. On Bancroft, Skynner’s Almshouses (below) are brick-built and date from 1670 and 1698, and have been modified since. They are a testament to the generosity of John Skynner, solicitor and Steward of the Manor, and his brother Ralph.

he British Schools Museum in Queen Street occupies a group of listed school buildings with a history going back to the beginning of the 19th century. Joseph Lancaster, a Quaker, had founded a school for the ‘children of the labouring poor’ in Southwark in 1798. He developed the ‘monitorial system’ in which the master taught older pupils who then taught the younger ones. When Lancaster came to Hitchin in 1808 he met local lawyer and philanthropist William Wilshere. Two years later, in 1810, Wilshere opened his own Lancasterian School. The ‘monitorial schoolroom’ seen in the museum opened in 1837 and is the only surviving one of its kind in the world. The British Schools site today reflects all aspects of the development of elementary education in a gallery classroom (1853), girls’ and infants’ schools and a master’s house (1857), and an Edwardian wing showing classrooms from the prewar and post-war eras. The site remained a school until 1969 when it became part of Hitchin College. In 1990 the present Hitchin British Schools Trust (a Registered Charity) took over and developed the site into a museum of international importance. The museum houses the Jill Grey Collection of educational materials.

LAVENDER / PEOPLE

FLOWER POWER

avender has been much sought after over the centuries both for its perfume and its anti-septic qualities (it was said to protect against the plague). In the 16th century Hitchin was one of two major Lavender growing areas in England (the other being Carshalton/Mitcham) - the free draining, chalky soil and open landscape was ideal for the plant. In the early 19th century the Perks family of Perks and Llewellyn chemists in Hitchin began making lavender products and cultivating the plant. They exhibited at the London and Paris exhibitions of 1862 and 1867. Another local business, William Ransom and Son, carried out the distillation. Perks and Llewellyn were were still making their products in Hitchin as late as the 1960s. The town-centre shop was eventually sold for redevelopment, but the wooden interior which dates from the 19th century was preserved and eventually re-erected in Hitchin museum in 1990. Lavender and associated products are now again an important feature of Hitchin life after the Hunter family of Cadwell Farm in Ickleford started growing plant in 2000. They have 12 acres under cultivation constituing one of the most important lavender farms in the country. The flowers are harvested in July and August, distilled and made into a variety of products including soaps, oils and pot pourri.

HITCHIN HEROES

he list of prominent people connected with Hitchin is legion. Here are just some.

George Chapman (pictured above) (c.1559-1634), born in Hitchin, is known chiefly for his pioneering translation of Homer, about which 200 years later Keats wrote his poem “On first looking into Chapman’s Homer”. He is said to have completed the translation on Hitchih Hill. He knew Shakespeare and Bacon and was an important playwright and poet in his own right. Henry Bessemer (pictured below) (1813-1898) is chiefly remembered in connection with the Bessemer process of steel manufacture. He was born in Charlton on the edge of Hitchin where his father had bought a small estate on the proceeds of an invention to make gold chains. Henry went on to make a number of engineering discoveries. In 1855, he developed his process which involved

removing impurities from iron by oxidation, reducing the cost and increasing the speed of steel manufacture. Joseph Lister (pictured below) (1827-1912) helped to revolutionise surgery by promoting the idea of sterility at a time when the prevailing wisdom was that post-operative infections were due simply to “bad air”. Born in Essex, he attended a Quaker school based in the present-day Lord Lister Hotel. In his research at Glasgow University he found that spraying surgical instruments with carbolic acid greatly reduced infection.

Frederic Seebohm (1909-1990) was born into a Quaker banking family in Hitchin. The family bank was taken over by Barclays of which Seebohm eventually became chairman in 1965. He was created a life peer and served as High Sheriff of Hertfordshire. He was involved in a number of socially oriented organisations. His daughter is the biographer and novelist Victoria Glendinning.

ARTS / FESTIVALS / TOWN HALL

ARTS PLAY THEIR PART

he arts have for long played a vital role in Hitchin community life. There are two indoor theatres (plus a rehearsal studio which is sometimes used for performances), quite an achievement for a town of this size, and an extremely active amateur and professional dramatic sector. The Queen Mother Theatre on Walsworth Road is owned and run by the Bancroft Players (active in Hitchin since 1942). Built in 1983, it is the only theatre in the country named after Queen Elizabeth the

Queen Mother who often visited the town. The Market Theatre on Sun Street is a small 70-seat theatre which specialises in onehour-long productions. It is based in a former industrial building converted in 1996. The Hitchin Thespians sometimes use their rehearsal space near the QMT for performances. The town is also an important centre of musical activities. Back in 1929 a local musician, Mary Ibberson, identified the need for teaching centres for beginners and

amateurs who wanted to continue making music after school. She formed the Rural Music Schools Association which established around 20 centres in different counties headquartered in Hitchin. As local education authorities started their own music services, the centres closed, but local support kept Hitchin open. Benslow Music Trust now runs Little Benslow Hills and continues to contribute to the musical life of the town. The town is also home to North Herts Music School on Highbury Road, run by the county music service and holding a wide variety of school-age music groups.

HOME TO FESTIVALS

HALL STORY

itchin has - or had at one time - two town halls on the same street. The Old Town Hall, built in 1840 on Brand Street, is now a bar. This neo-Classical building was erected as a venue for public events but proved too small for the purpose, so a new Town Hall was erected further up the street in 1901. It is neo-Georgian in style and was designed by E W Mountford and Geoffry (sic) Lucas (a prominent figure in the garden city movement). Following years of underutilisation, negotiations are currently under way to transfer it from North Herts District Council to Hitchin Initiative. It will be a community resource providing both a venue for local groups and a home for a new district museum and art gallery.

hat can explain why Hitchin’s status as one of the liveliest towns in the UK for festivals? Contributory factors must be its variety of suitable venues, both indoor and outdoor, the multi-cultural nature of the town, and the strong community spirit which includes the business community just as much as residents. Although there are regular events that take place throughout the year, the height of festivities is reached over about four weeks in July during the huge Hitchin Festival which includes a wealth of jazz, classical, song, dance, comedy, walks, talks, poetry and drama in indoor and outdoor venues across the town centre. The event is so successful that it has spawned “fringe” activities such as the Hitchin Film Festival showing art films at the Queen Mother Theatre over part of the

festival period. But the festival itself was started over 16 years ago to build on the success of an existing regular event, Rhythms of the World, which was rapidly building a name for itself. Now a “festival within a festival”, Rhythms of the World is a major celebration of world music and takes place in the grounds of the Priory conference centre. It was originally organised in 1992 by local Oxfam campaigners and has evolved into one of the biggest world music festivals in the UK with around 25,000 people attending over two days in early July. There are usually over 100 different music acts from all over the world and attendant arts, dance, and cuisine displays. Hitchin Initiative acts as the secretariat for the Hitchin Festival and provides ticketing for the other events as well. The Box Office opens mid June. For more details about staging an event or for programme details, email info@ htci.org.uk

Refer a friend to Xchange Fitness and get 2 Big Wave plate sessions, with an instructor COMPLETELY FREE!

t.01462 437757 www.xchange-fitness.co.uk The Exchange, Queen Street, Hitchin SG4 9TW

Hitchin is home to supermarkets carrying fair trade label products and many independent shops selling a large variety of Fair Trade goods, from tea and coffee, chocolate and food to clothes, furnishings, jewellery, musical instruments, CDs, gifts and much more.

HITCHIN: PROUD TO BE Hitchin also boasts Hertfordshire’s only BAFTS registered shop, Harvest Moon (established in HERTFORDSHIRE’S FIRST 1994) where 70% of goods are Fair Trade. Pick up Hitchin’s Fair Trade Town Directory and ensure FAIR TRADE TOWN your purchases make a difference .

SPORTS & RECREATION

TOWN OF PARKS AND GARDENS

mall and large green spaces throughout Hitchin provide a wide variety of opportunities for recreation and leisure. Bancroft Gardens on Bancroft is the closest to the town centre, and includes formal gardens, a bandstand and tennis courts and bowling green. North Herts District Council is consulting on plans to improve the facilities in the park, include the creation of an informal games area. Windmill Hill provides panoramic views over the town centre and was so named after the mill that once stood on it until it burnt down in the 19th century. The parkland was given to the people of Hitchin by the daughters of Frederic Seebohm in 1921. Butts Close is so called because it was supposedly an archery ground in medieval times. This 11 acre park once occupied almost all of the area between Bancroft and Bedford Road, but has been encroached in recent years by the grammar school and swimming centre. Local landowner and businessman Francis Ransom donated land between Nightingale Road and Grove Road to the townsfolk in 1929 creating

Butts Close, once an archery ground; below: Hitchin Swimming Centre

Ransomâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Recreation Ground. Residents in the immediate area have now created a community garden in the corner of the park, the Triangle Garden (named after this area of town), giving all those involved the opportunity to tend plants for both decorative and food purposes and create wildlife habitats. Walsworth Common is part of the string of informal green spaces along the Purwell River which includes the Purwell Meadows Nature Reserve. There is a another nature reserve located at Oughtonhead Common, a piece of land to the north west of the town near the source of the

SPORTS FACILITIES

he town has two main sports centres. There have been swimming facilities in the town since 1840, but in 1938, a new outdoor pool was opened on Fishponds Road and this wellmaintained facility continues in use alongside new indoor facilities opened in 1991. The sports hall on Grammar School Walk is a dual use facility for Hitchin Boys School and the

community. It is open every evening, from 6.00pm, at weekends and during school holiday periods. Activities available include badminton, trampolining, table tennis, and fencing. There are numerous recreation grounds in the town where sports are played both formally and informally.

River Oughton. It accommodates a variety of wildlife habitats and includes a walkway along the length of the river to Bedford Road. Physic gardens are traditionally associated with monasteries and great houses and are where plants with medicinal properties are grown. Hitchin is fortunate to have its own public physic garden: the William Ransom Physic Garden next to the museum on Paynes Park is named after the 19th century chemist of the town who had his business on Bancroft. It is laid out with plants and herbs that would have been familiar in the 17th century.

Business Advisers & Chartered Accountants

Contact us for your FREE initial consultation Portmill House, Portmill Lane, Hitchin, Herts SG5 1DJ Telephone: 01462 420042 Facsimile: 01462 421043 E-mail: info@hw-associates.co.uk Accounts • Audit • Corporate & Personal Tax Litigation Support • Payroll & Bookkeeping Services

The Sun Hotel

‘The perfect venue for every occasion’ • 16th Century traditional coaching inn • Courtyard bar and restaurant • 32 comfortable en-suite rooms including 4-poster suite • Function and conference facilities• Wedding venue with civil licence • Wireless internet for all customers We pride ourselves on our standards of service, presentation, quality of food and friendliness of staff. For more information please telephone 01462 432092 Sun Hotel, Sun Street, Hitchin, Herts, SG5 1AF Email: sun.hitchin@greeneking.co.uk Web: sunhotel-hitchin.com

Tel: 01462 422322 29 Ensuite bedrooms, licensed bar, spacious car park, free wireless broadband

83 Bedford Road, Hitchin, Herts SG5 2TY www.firshotel.co.uk

THE LORD LISTER HOTEL

n A beautifully upgraded 18th century listed building. n 20 rooms, all with en-suite n Cosy bar and residential TV lounge. n Wireless Internet access. n Car park at rear. Reasonably priced. 1 Park Street, Hitchin, SG4 9AH Tel: +44 (0)1462 432712 Fax: +44 (0)1462 438506 www.lordlisterhotel.co.uk info@lordlisterhotel.co.uk

CONTACTS (telephone dialling code is 01462 unless otherwise stated)

LOCAL SERVICES Hitchin Initiative 27 Churchyard, Hitchin, SG5 1HP. Open: Mon-Sat 9.30am-1.30pm. Tel: 453335. info@hitchin.org.uk www.htci.org.uk / www.hitchinbid.org Manager: Keith Hoskins. Promotes the town and sees through initiatives to improve amenities.

GENERAL SERVICES

LOCAL & NATIONAL GOVERNMENT

Police Station Grove Rd. Open Tue & Thu 9am-1.30pm; Fri 1.30-7.30pm; Sat 10am-2pm. Contact Herts Police (24 hour switchboard) 0845 330 0222. Emergency only 999.

North Herts District Council Council Offices, Gernon Road, Letchworth Garden City, SG6 3JF. Tel: 474000. www.north-herts.gov.uk Responsible for building regulations, environmental health, housing, leisure, local planning, minor roads, tourism, allotments, waste collection, etc. Hertfordshire County Council Pegs Lane, Hertford. Tel: 0300123 4040 (Mon-Fri 8am-8pm, Sat 9am-4pm). To report highway faults, contact 01438 737320. www.hertsdirect.org Responsible for education, fire and rescue, libraries, roads, social services, strategic planning, trading standards, transport and waste management. Member of Parliament Hitchin & Harpenden Constituency Peter Lilley (Con) 01582 834344.

EMERGENCIES & HELPLINES

• Fire, police, ambulance 999 (emergencies only). • Childline (for children in distress) 0800 1111. • NSPCC Child Protection Helpline (for anyone concerned about the safety of a child) 0800 800 5000. • Samaritans: 0845 988 1118. Utilities (Emergencies) • Electricity (Eastern Region) 0800 783 8838. • Gas 080 111 999. • Water 0845 782 3333 (Three Valleys), 0800 771881 (Anglian). • Floodline 0845 988 1118.

Courts • Magistrates: Bayley House, Sish Lane, Stevenage. Office open: 9am-4pm. Contact 01438 730412. ?????• County: Old Park House, Old Park Road, Hitchin. Open 9.30am-4.30pm. Contact 0844 892 0550 (9am-5pm).

Register Office Hitchin Sub-office, Centenary House, Grammar School Walk. Open (appointment only): Mon 9.30am12.30pm & 1.30pm-3.30pm; Wed 2-3.30pm; Fri 9.30am-12.30pm & 1.30pm-3.00pm. Contact 01438 316579.

HEALTH

NHS Direct For information & advice at any time 0845 4647. www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk Hospitals & clinics • Lister Hospital, Corey’s Mill Lane, Stevenage: district general hospital with 24-hour A&E. Contact 01438 314333. • Laburnum House (Hitchin Hospital), Talbot Street (elderly care only). Contact 01438 781370. • Hitchin Health Centre, Bedford Rd (special clinics only). Contact 427100. • Capio Pinehill Hospital, Benslow Lane (private). Contact 422822. GPs • 100 Bancroft. Contact 432042. • 114 Queen St. Contact 434246. • 50 Bancroft. Contact 453232. • Bancroft Court. Contact 434239. Dentists • Bancroft Dentistry, 7 Bancroft Court, Bancroft. Contact 451167. www.bancroftdentistry.co.uk • Vernon Dental Practice, 37A Hermitage Rd. Contact 434512. www.vernondental.co.uk • Hitchin Dental Care, 5 Payne’s Park. Contact 451300. www.hitchindentalcare.co.uk • L Granhed, 1 High St. Contact 434708.

17 • SR Woodhouse, 72 Old Park Rd. Contact 432707. • DJ Vosloo, 27 Bucklersbury. Contact 437850. • Tilehouse Dental Clinic, 19 Tilehouse St. Contact 455855.

PERSONAL FINANCE

Black Squirrel Credit Union 23 Milton View. Community-led savings and loan organisation catering for residents in most of North Herts. Contact Bernard Lovewell 642045.

COMMUNITY AMENITIES

Theatres • Queen Mother Theatre, Woodside, Walsworth Rd. Box office 455166 (open Mon- Sat 12.30-1.30pm & Mon-Thu 8-9.30pm & 45 mins before performances). www.queenmothertheatre.org.uk • Market Theatre, Sun St. Box office 433553 (open Thu-Fri 7-8pm, Sat 6.307.30pm; during Adult Panto also open Mon-Wed 7pm-8pm). www.markettheatre.co.uk Museums • The British Schools Museum, 41/42 Queen St. The most complete surviving elementary school in Britain. Open Mar-Nov: Tue 10am-4pm and at other times in summer holidays. Groups by appointment. Contact 420144. www. hitchinbritishschools.org.uk • Hitchin Museum & Art Gallery, Paynes Park. Displays of local industries and domestic life. Temporary exhibitions workshops, demonstrations & special events. Open: 10am-5pm (closed Wed, Sun & Bank Holidays). Contact 434476. Sports centres • Hitchin Swimming Centre, Fishponds Rd. Indoor and outdoor pools. Indoor pool open: Mon-Fri 6.30am-10pm; Sat & Sun 7am-6pm. Wed eve 8-10pm ladies only. Thu eve 8-10pm adults only. Contact 441646. • Hitchin Boys’ School Sports Centre, Grammar School Walk. Facilities for the use of the school and community. Open: Mon-Fri 6pm-10.30pm; Sat & Sun 9.30am-10pm (open longer during holidays). Contact 459270.

Allotments • NHDC allotments; Old Hale Way, Burford Way, Pirton Rd, Ransom’s Recreation Ground. Contact 474000 or Stephen Sears, Allotment Administration, NHDC 474253. • Herts County Council allotment: Gaping Lane. Contact Lambert & Hamden 01727 896219. Hitchin Town Hall Brand St. Main Hall, Lucas Room & Gym Annexe for hire. Contact Halls NHDC 434658. www.north-herts.gov.uk

COMMUNITY CENTRES

• St John’s Community Centre, St John’s Rd. Contact Liz Taylor 421225. • Westmill Community Centre, John Barker Place. Contact Mick Furr 452098. • St Michael’s Community Centre, St Michael’s Rd. Contact 432635. • Walsworth Community Centre, 88 Woolgrove Rd. Contact 459821. • Bancroft Hall, Bancroft Gardens. Contact 434658. • Shri Guru Ravidassia Community Centre 2 Knowlpiece.

INFORMATION

Library Paynes Park. Open: Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri 9am-8pm; Mon 10am-8pm; Sat: 9am4pm. Contact 01438 737333 (Enquiries: Mon-Fri 8am-8pm & Sat 9am-4pm). Citizens Advice Bureau Thomas Bellamy House, Bedford Road. Drop-in: Tue & Thu 9.30-12noon. Telephone service: Mon & Fri 9.3012noon & Mon-Thu 1-4pm. Closed Fri pm. Contact 0845 688 9897. www.northhertscab.org.uk Jobcentre Plus 2 Station Rd, Letchworth. Contact 0845 604 3719.

YOUTH

Bancroft Centre for Young People 29 Bancroft. Contact 624802 Hitchin Youth Trust Lambourne House, 111 Walsworth Rd. Charity encouraging activities for young people. Educational or recreational grants and financial assistance. Contact Alan Doggett 422505.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT

Buses run from Hermitage Road and railway station to nearby towns. Contact Traveline 0871 200 2233. www.traveline.org.uk Hitchin railway station is located in Walsworth Rd.Trains to London Kings Cross, Cambridge and Peterborough. Contact National Rail Enquiries 0845 748 4950. www.nationalrail.co.uk

SHOPPING

Shopmobility Wheelchairs and electric scooters for those over 18 years with walking difficulties for use of town centre facilities. Registration required, prebooking advised. Shopmobility points at Waitrose, Bedford Road (contact 423399), Cane & Able Healthcare, 28 Bancroft (contact 454521) & HTCI, 27 Churchyard (contact 453335). Hitchin Market Churchgate. General market Tue, Fri & Sat (8am-4pm); antiques & collectables Fri; general market & car boot sale Sun am. Farmers’ & Craft market last Sat. Contact 456202. www.hitchinmarkets. co.uk

REGULAR EVENTS

Hitchin Festival Variety of events over first 3 weeks in July covering music, drama, art history and environment. Contact 453336. www.hitchin-festival.co.uk Rhythms of the World (ROTW) Largest free festival of world music in the UK. Takes place over a weekend during the Hitchin Festival in July. Contact via website: www.rotw.org.uk Hitchin Beer & Cider Festival Held in March. Run by the Horth Hertfortshhire Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) in association with Hitchin Round Table. Contact Andrew Rawnsley 01438 816938 or Simon Hunt 07525 835100. Hitchin Wine & Food Festival Takes place at Hitchin Town Hall, Brand St in November. Organised by the Rotary Club of Hitchin Tilehouse. Local Produce & Crafts Market along St Mary’s riverside, last Sat of month. Contact 453336.

Christmas Tree Festival Usually held 2nd weekend of Dec at Holy Saviour Church, Radcliffe Rd. Unique exhibition of Christmas trees, decorated by individuals & organisations. Musical entertainment and refreshments provided. Contact Brian Caswell 422762. Winter Gala Street entertainment, fairground rides, shop promotions, carol singing, free parking. Usually 2nd Sun in Dec. Contact 453335. Walsworth Festival Takes place annually on Walsworth Common in May. Family entertainment, stalls, musicians, dancers, performers. Contact Ray Shakespeare-Smith 453823 www.walsworthfestival.org.uk Shrove Tuesday Pancake Festival Usually held on Shrove Tuesday & Sat before. Organised by the Hitchin Priory Rotary Club. Raises money for local charities. Pancake races, fancy dress etc. Contact Peter Hull 454431 or Richard Butcher 434937. Hitchin Triangle Festival Annual cultural festival held on Ransom’s Recreation ground, Nightingale Rd. Musicians, acrobats, jugglers, magicians, workshops.

RECYCLING & WASTE

Kerbside collection NHDC provides grey wheeled bin for non-recyclable items; black box for glass, cans, aerosols; blue box for paper, magazines, telephone directories; brown bin for food waste, cardboard, organic garden waste. Grey wheeled bins are collected alternate weeks, recycling boxes & brown bins collected in between. Contact Veolia on 0800 328 6023. Recycling Facilities Portmill Lane Car Park, Woodside Car Park (Walsworth Rd), John Barker Place, Waitrose Supermarket (Bedford Rd), Woolgrove Road Car Park, North Herts College (Cambridge Rd). Recycling Centre Caxton Way, Stevenage. Open daily 8am-6pm. Household waste only. Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day & New Year’s Day. Contact NHDC 474000. www.north-herts.gov.uk

CONTACTS (telephone dialling code is 01462 unless otherwise stated) POST OFFICES/BANKS Post Offices • 20 Highbury Rd. • T Brooker & Sons, 39 Bucklersbury. • Redhill Rd.

Banks & building societies • Lloyds TSB, 1 Bancroft. 0845 300 0000. • HSBC, 1 Market Place. 0845 740 4404. • Barclays, 5 High St.0845 755 5555. • Natwest, 12 High St. 0845 301 8250. • Santander, 23 Brand St. 0845 765 4321. • Cheltenham & Gloucester, 3 Brand St. 453828. • Halifax, 25 High St. 669206.

EDUCATION

Family Information Service For information about childcare and preschool playgroups contact Herts Family Information Service (Open Mon-Fri 8am4.30pm): 0300 123 4052. www.hertsdirect.org.uk Infant & primary • Highbury Infants School, Standhill Rd. Contact 630500. www.highbury.herts.sch.uk • Strathmore Infant & Nursery School, Old Hale Way. Contact 459558. www.strathmore.herts.sch.uk •Highover JMI School, Cambridge Rd. Contact 622333. www.highover.herts.sch.uk •Oughton Primary School, Mattocke Rd. Contact 630926. www.ohjm.herts.sch.uk • Purwell Primary School, Fairfield Way. Contact 432950. www.purwell.herts.sch.uk • Mary Exton JMI School, St Michael’s Rd. Contact 456997. www.maryexton.herts.sch.uk • Our Lady’s RC Primary School, Old Hale Way. Contact 622555. www.ourladys.herts.sch.uk • Samuel Lucas School, Gaping Lane. Contact 456737. www.samlucas.herts.sch.uk • St Andrew’s CofE Primary School Benslow Lane. Contact 459160. www.standrews.herts.sch.uk • The William Ransom Primary School Stuart Drive. Contact 624777. www.wransom.herts.sch.uk • Whitehill Junior School, Whitehill Rd. Contact 621313. www.whitehill.herts.sch.uk

• Wilshere Dacre Junior School, Fishponds Rd. Contact 459215. www.wilshere.herts.sch.uk Independent Preparatory • Kingshott School, St Ippolyts. Contact 432009. www.kingshottschool.com Secondary • Hitchin Boys’ School, Grammar School Walk. Contact 432181. www.hbs.herts.sch.uk • Hitchin Girls’ School, Highbury Road. Contact 621300. www.hgs.herts.sch.uk • The Priory School, Bedford Rd. Contact 622300. www.priory.herts.sch.uk Further/adult/basic skills • North Hertfordshire College, Cambridge Road /Willian Rd. Contact 424242. www.nhc.ac.uk

MEDIA

Print • Hitchin Comet (weekly). Contact 01438 866000. www.thecomet.net • Hitchin Advertiser (weekly), 34 Bancroft. Contact 441020. Radio • BBC Three Counties Radio (95.5fm / 103.8fm / 104.5fm). Contact 01582 637400. • Mill FM, youth led internet based radio station. Contact Diane Hedley 01707 255182. www.millfm.co.uk • Heart FM (Beds, Bucks & Herts) (97.6fm). Contact 01582 676 200. www.heart.co.uk • Jack FM (106fm). Contact 01438 422106. www.106jack.com Blind/partically sighted •Stevenage & North Herts Talking Newspaper Free service. Articles from the Comet and other local papers on cassette for the blind and partially sighted. Contact Edith Wilkins 01438 313303.

PLACES OF WORSHIP

Anglican • St Mary’s, Churchyard Vicar: Revd Michael Roden 452758. Services: Sun 8am, 9.35am (with Sunday School), 11.15am (1st Sun Storyteller service, 3rd Sun Matins), 6.30pm (BCP, 2nd Sun Choral); Tue 10am; Thu 12.15pm. www.stmaryshitchin.org.uk

• Holy Saviour Church, Radcliffe Rd Vicar: Revd Ian Todd 456140. Services: Sun 8am (Communion), 9.30am (with children’s group). 1st Sun: 11.15am (with Sunday school), 2nd Sun: 4pm Evening Prayer (winter), 6pm (summer). 3rd Sun: 11.15am (Family Communion). Wed: 9.30am (Holy Communion). www.holysaviourhitchin.org.uk • St Mark’s, St Mark’s Close Vicar: Revd Dr Jane Mainwaring 434686. Services: Sun 8am, 10am; 3rd Sun 10.am Family service, 11.15 Holy Communion; Wed 9.15am Morning Prayer. www.stmarks-hitchin.org Anglican & Methodist • Saint Faith’s, Cambridge Road Vicar: Revd Charmaine Sabey-Corkindale 432179. Services: Sun 9.30am (Holy Communion Service) & 11.30am. www.stfaithshitchin.org.uk Methodist & United Reformed • Christchurch, Bedford Rd Minister: Revd Philip Turner 451720. Services: Sun 9am (1st Sun only), 10.45am, 6pm; other services as announced. www.christchurchhitchin.org.uk Baptist • Walsworth Rd Baptist Church. Minister: Revd Andrew Henton Pusey 420681. Services: Sun 10.30am (with Sunday School) & 6.30pm. www.wrbchitchin.org.uk • Tilehouse Street Baptist Church, Upper Tilehouse St . Minister: Revd John Matthews 456765/453740 (hm). Services: Sun 10.30am (with Junior Church) & 6.30pm. www.ths-baptist.org.uk Independent • Grace Baptist Church, Queen Street Minister: Pastor Revd Steven Green 636245. Services: Sun 11am (Explorers Sunday School starts 9.30am) & 6.30pm. http://grace-baptist.org.uk • The Courtyard Church, meets in homes, pubs or cafés. Worship: Sun 10:30 am. Contact: Pastors Jonathan and Jennifer Baynes 07766305225. Roman Catholic • Our Lady Immaculate & St Andrew, Grove Road. Priest: Father Michael Lambert 459126. Mass: Sat 10am, 6pm. (Confession 10.30-11.15am); Sun 8.30am, 10.30am, 5pm; www.hitchin-rc.org.uk

The Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) • Meeting House, Paynes Park Meeting: Sun 10.30am. Contact Roger Jarvis (Clerk) 422837. www.hertfordandhitchinquakers.org.uk Evangelical • Hitchin Christian Centre (Church of God), Bedford Rd. Minister: Revd Tony Summerfield 442238. Services: Sun 10.30am. Check website for updated service times. www.hcc.org.uk • Covenant Praise Church Service: Sun 11am at Strathmore Infant School, Old Hale Way. Pastor: Janet Graham 452658. www.c-p-c.org.uk • Redeemed Christian Church of God, meets at St Johns Community Centre, St Johns Rd. Minister: Rev Oluwatoyin Olamiji 0771 3615604 or rccgbethesda@hotmail.co.uk. Service: Sun 10am-12 noon. Pentecostal • Church of God of Prophecy Service: Sun 12pm at Holy Saviour Church Hall, Radcliffe Rd. Minister: Pastor Linton Grant 01582 492926. • New Testament Church of God, Willian Rd. Minister: Pastor Nigel Williams 814213. Services: Sun 11.30am & 6pm (not 1st Sun). Spiritualist • Hitchin Spiritualist Church, Whinbush Rd. Presdient: Alan Coe 07581 492507. Service: Sun 6.30pm; healing Tue 2pm & 7pm; monthly discussion group/ clairvoyance 7.30pm on Wed. Open House Tue 2pm. www.hitchinspiritualistchurch.co.uk Jehovah’s Witnesses • Kingdom Hall, Grove Rd. Contact 01582 751236. Muslim • Hitchin Mosque & Islamic Centre, 28 Florence Street. Contact 456478. Sikh • Guru Singh Sabha Gurdwara, 50 Wilbury Way. Contact 432993. www.gurdwara-of-hertfordshire.org • Guru Nanak Gurdwara, 37 Wilbury Way. Contact 431973. • Ramgarhia Gurdwara, Bearton Ave Contact 422532. www.hitchingurdwara.org

CLUBS &

SOCIETIES ARTS

Music Hitchin Symphony Orchestra Adult orchestra, 2 concerts a year. Meets first 2 terms Wed 7.30-9.30pm at Kingshott School. Contact Clifford Rowe (Chair) 433102. www.hitchinsymphonyorchestra.org.uk North Herts Music School Activities in Hitchin • North Herts Youth Orchestra. For ages 12-19 of at least grade 5 standard. Mon 5.30-7.30pm at Benslow Music Trust, Little Benslow Hills. • North Herts Youth Jazz. Tue 5-6.30pm at Highbury House, Highbury Rd • North Herts Youth Choir. Juniors (ages 8-12) Sat 10.30-11.15am, intermediates (ages 12-18) Thu 4.30-5.30pm, at Highbury House, Highbury Rd. For all the above activities contact Nicky Footer 434052. Hitchin Band Practices Mon & Thu 7.45-9.45pm at Rugby Club, Old Hale Way. Contact Tina Lovell 07905 772249. www.hitchinband.co.uk Hitchin Folk Club Organises concerts with professional artists every Sun 8.15-11pm at the Sun Hotel, Sun Street. Contact Maureen Jones 812391. www.hitchinfolkclub.co.uk Hitchin Light Orchestra & Singers Welcomes all ages and standards. Termly concert. Meets Tues 7.30pm-9pm at Wilshere Dacre Junior School, Fishponds Road. Contact Chris Pyne 431206. www.hitchinlightorchestra.org Holy Saviour Church Choir Sings for Sun 9.30am and, festival services and concerts. Rehearses Thu 7.30pm in Holy Saviour Church, Radcliffe Rd. Contact Trevor Hughes 675496. www.holysaviourhitchin.org.uk St Mary’s Church Choir For ages 7+ (girls, boys & adults). Sings Sun 9.35am & 6.30pm, occasionally 11.15am. Concerts, sings in cathedrals, occasional tours. Contact Alan Childs 816244. www.stmaryshitchin.org.uk

North Herts Guild of Singers Mixed choir of over 100. Peforms major choral repertoire, 4 concerts a year. Rehearses Thu 7.30-9.30pm (term time only) at Benslow Music Trust, Benslow Lane. Contact Sue Rowley Jones (Sec) 742832. www.nhgs.org.uk The Hitchin Allstar Choir A capella ensemble singing African, European, Gospel & pop. All ages and abilities welcome. Meets Mon 7.3010pm at Friends Meeting House, Paynes Park. Contact Annette or Charlie 630282. www.allstar-acappella.co.uk The Saturday Sing 2 informal singing groups meeting 1st & 3rd Sat (ex Aug) 10-30am-1pm. 1st Sat in Letchworth; 3rd Sat in Hitchin Town Hall. Contact Annette or Charlie 630282. Radcliffe Singers Ladies’ choir, wide range of music. Welcomes new singers. Meets Mon 7.30pm at Holy Saviour Church, Radcliffe Rd. Contact Trevor Hughes 675496. Orpheus Choir Repertoire from Renaissance and Baroque to 20th Century. New members welcome. Meets Tue 8pm at Benslow Music Trust, off Benslow Lane. Contact John Lever 01763 288393. Laudate Music group leading worship at informal services in St Mary’s Church, Churchyard. 1st Sun 11.15am, 3rd Sun 6.30pm. Contact Rosemary Read after the service. www.stmaryshitchin.org

Dance & Drama Hitchin Thespians Operatic society & choir. Usually 2 stage shows a year in Stevenage and concerts in Hitchin and elsewhere. Meets Woodside Hall, Walsworth Road as follows: Tue (choir), Wed (principles) & Thu (full company) 7.30 -10pm. Contact Lynne Leggat (Sec) via website. www.hitchinthespians.org.uk Young Thespians Rehearse Sun 10am-12noon at Woodside Hall, Walsworth Rd. Contact Ann Crook 434181. Bancroft Players Amateur dramatic society. Welcomes new members. Rehearses at The Queen Mother Theatre, Walsworth Rd. Contact Box Office 455166. www.queenmothertheatre.org.uk/ bancroftplayers/index.html

CONTACTS (telephone dialling code is 01462 unless otherwise stated)

Big Spirit Youth Theatre For ages 14-18. Offers training programme and puts on 2 shows a year. Meets Sun 3-5.30pm & one other evening a week at The Queen Mother Theatre. www.bigspirittheatre.co.uk

Visual Arts Hitchin Art Club Demonstrations, talks, discussions. New members welcome. Meets Tue 7.30pm at Kingshott School, Stevenage Rd. Contact Vic Stedman 638265.

North Herts Minority Ethnic Forum Unity House, Whinbush Rd. Resource centre for black & minority ethnic people. English lessons, etc. Office open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm. Contact 440224. www.nhmef.org.uk

The Drama Troupe Drama training for young people aged 11+. Meets Tue 7-8.30pm in term time at Walsworth Road Baptist Church Hall. Contact Louise Winstone (Director) 811120. www.wrbchitchin.org.uk/ dramatroupe.html

Thursday Art Club Meets Thu 9.30am-12 noon at St John’s Community Centre, St John’s Rd. Beginners and experienced artists welcome. Contact centre 421225.

Hitchin Senior Citizens Charity administering grants to affiliated clubs. Contact Mrs Mick Furr 452098.

Curtains Drama group for all ages. Rehearses fortnightly on Tue 8pm at Christchurch, Bedford Rd. New members welcome. Contact 451720 or Chris Blackman 451573. The Junior Bancroft Players For ages 8-13. Meets Tue (term time only) from 6.30-7.45pm, & in Spring term on Sun 10.30am-12.30pm, at The Queen Mother Theatre, Walsworth Rd. Contact Box Office 455166. www.queenmothertheatre.org.uk/ bancroftplayers/juniors.html Granville School of Dance Holds variety of classes for all ages in classical ballet, tap & modern at Baptist church schoolrooms, Upper Tilehouse St. Contact Mollie Gilbert 432240. The Market Theatre Dance Classes Beginners Tap & jazz dancing for ages 16 and above. Tap class meets Mon 7-8pm at The Market Theatre Studio. Jazz class meets Mon 8.15-9.15pm. Just turn up or contact the Box Office 433553. www.markettheatre.co.uk/classes.htm Lesnick School of Ballet RAD ballet & modern jazz classes for ages 2 to adult held throughout the week at Queen Mother Theatre, Walsworth Rd. Contact Vickie Lesnick (RAD RTS IDTA) 07956 525659.

Hitchin Camera Club Speakers, competitions, practical sessions. Meets Thu 7.45pm (Sep-May) in Town Hall, Brand St. Contact via website. www.hitchincameraclub.org

CARING GROUPS

The Friendship Scheme Volunteers required for 2-3 hours a week to talk to people recovering from anxiety, stress & depression and accompany them on outings. Training available. Contact Susie Taylor 440241. Home Start Supports families with children under 5. Meets Thu 10.15-12.30 at Westmill Community Centre, John Barker Pl. Contact Charmaine Rogers 678861. Tilehouse Counselling Coach House, rear of 84 Tilehouse St. Provides professional one-to-one & group counselling services for women & young people aged 13-21. Contact Susan Barnes 440244/440674. www.womens-counselling-centre.org Oughton Children’s Centre Mattocke Rd. Brings together services & projects for 0-5 year olds & their families in the local community provides support services from pregnancy to reception age. Contact Diana Foley (Centre Manager) 456329. www. hertschildrenscentres.org.uk/oughton

Offley Morris Men Traditional Cotswold dancing. In winter meets Fri 8pm at Holwell Village Hall; in summer displays at local pubs, fairs etc. Contact David Hinton 01438 359332. www.offleymorris.org.uk

Hitchin Angels For parents/carers of children with autism and ADHD. Meets Tue 10am to 12 noon (term time only) at Coffee Bar, Children’s Centre, Mattocke Rd. Creche available. Contact Lisa Cooper 07815 458355.

Staplers Folk dancing club. Meets Mon 8.10pm at St John’s Community Centre, St John’s Rd. Contact Ces Mills 01582 881966 or Sarah Heiermann 457244. www.staplers.org.uk

Up on Downs Support group for families with children with Downs Syndrome. Meets 2nd Sat 2-4pm at Walsworth Rd Baptist Church Hall. Contact via website. www. wrbchitchin.org.uk/upondowns.html

Helping Hands For people with disabilities, the elderly, and their carers. Also provides transport. Meets at Westmill Community Centre, John Barker Place, 2nd Sat, 2.30pm 5pm. Contact Joan Kirby 620649. Royal British Legion British Legion House, Paynes Park. Meets 1st Mon 8pm. Contact Mr D Blowers 432855. Guide Dogs for the Blind (Hitchin & Letchworth) Collections, fundraising. Contact Mrs Wisbey 432245. Physically Handicapped & Able Bodied Club Encourages able bodied and physically handicapped to mix on equal terms. New members welcome. Ages range from 18 to 45. Activities include pool, table tennis, board games, music, as well as special events. Meets alternate Fri 7.30-10pm at Westmill Community Centre, John Barker Pl. Contact Joy Cox 456752. Alzheimer Society (North Herts & Stevenage) 2 Grove Rd. Contact 433999. Telephone help and information line 0845 300 0336 (8.30am-6.30pm). Gateway Club (Mencap) Social club for adults with learning disabilities meets alternate Sat 2.304.45pm at the Catholic Church Hall, Nightingale Road. Contact Pamela Brannigan 632587. North Herts Sanctuary 25 Nightingale Rd. Providers of community services incorporating shelter for the homelesss & drug & alcohol support in Hitchin. Contact Paulette Williams (Deputy Manager) 435835. Churches Together in Hitchin Group comprising 13 churches in Hitchin seeking ways to cooperate on projects, Christian initiatives & workshops. www.churches-in-hitchin.org.uk

(telephone dialling code is 01462 unless otherwise stated)

Chamber of Commerce & Industry Represents businesses throughout the town. 8 breakfast meetings a year. Contact 453335.

The Chiltern Society Environmental society working to preserve the natural beauty of the Chiltern Hills (Hitchin is at the northern end of this 650 square mile area). Contact 01494 771250. www.chilternsociety.org.uk

Hitchin Bridge Club Duplicate bridge for all abilities. Plays Wed 7.30pm at Bancroft Hall, Bancroft Recreation Ground. Beginners class Thu 7.30pm (Oct-Jun), Improvers & less experienced Thu 7.30pm. Contact Margaret Eddleston (Pres) 623447.

Hitchin Link Town Twinning Association. Supports twinning activities with Hitchin’s twin towns of Nuits St Georges (France) and Bingen (Germany). Exchange visits organised. Contact Roy Brazier 457903.

North Herts Association of the National Trust Meets 1st Wed (Oct-May) 7.30pm at Christchurch, Bedford Rd. Non members welcome. Contact Barbara Alexander (Sec) 440845.

Hitchin Horticultural Society Meets 2nd Wed 7.30pm at Hitchin Girls School, Highbury Rd. Annual show on last Sat in June at Westmill Community Centre. Contact Ida Doolan 450928.

CIVIC GROUPS

Hitchin Forum Formed in 1992 as a non-political group to represent the views of people who live and work in Hitchin. Organises public meetings. Contact 07554 270891. www.hitchinforum.org.uk The Hitchin Society Works to protect the character and charm of Hitchin against the threats of inappropriate modern development. Meets 3rd Mon, 8pm at the British Schools, Queen St. Refreshments from 7.30pm. Contact Jane Clark 450599. www.thehitchinsociety.org.uk Triangle Residents’ Association Represents area between the railway station, Verulam Rd, Ransom’s Recreation Ground & surrounding streets. Contact Wendy Bowker (Treasurer) 452295. West Hitchin Action Group Formed in response to proposals by NHDC to build houses on greenbelt land west of Hitchin. Contact via website. www.westhitchinag.org.uk Cadwell Lane Residents Group Fights against the expansion of the junction & increased traffic on Cadwell Lane & surrounding roads. Contact Lisa Courts (Chair) 07961 126760.

ENVIRONMENTAL

Friends of the Earth Campaigns on transport, climate change, wildlife habitats, recycling, housing and food issues. Meets 3rd Thu 7.30pm (ex Aug & Dec) at Friends’ Meeting House, Paynes Park. Contact Dan Gomm 632479. www.nhertsfoe.co.uk Hitchin Allotment Association Campaigns for proper care of allotments. & represents tenants on NHDC allotment sites. Contact Roger Sandy 455907.

The Triangle Garden Community garden at Ransom’s Rec, Grove Rd. Contact Vicki Wyer on 621585. www.trianglegarden.org Friends of Walsworth Common Keeps common and river tidy. Meets 3rd Sat 9.30am in carpark, Woolgrove Rd. Contact 07813 597891. Friends of Purwell Valley Carries out monthly conservation tasks. Contact Derek Turner (Countryside Management Service) 459395. Friends of Oughtonhead Common Maintains the open grassland and nature reserve next to Swinburne Ave recreation ground. Contact Phil Lumley (volunteer warden) 459395.

HISTORICAL

Hitchin Historical Society Arranges speakers & trips, publishes books, carries out research. Meets 4th Thu (not summer) 8pm at Church House, Churchyard. Contact Leslie Mustoe (Sec) 423209. www.hitchinhistoricals.org.uk Triangle History Group Informal discussion group. Usually meets monthly on a Mon 7.30pm in the Molly Malone pub, Nightingale Rd Contact Andrew Holland 441509.

HOBBIES

Hitchin Film Club Run by volunteers with a small grant from the Arts Council. Screenings take place at the Studio Theatre, The Queen Mother Theatre, Woodside. See website for details and to join mailing list. www.hitchinfilms.co.uk The Bee Centre A site is currently being prepared at Old Hale Way Allotments for a community beekeeping project. Contact Robin Dartington 450707.

Hitchin Floral Art Club Meets 3rd Wed (not Dec) 7pm for 7.30pm at Church House, Churchyard. Open meeting in Nov at Queen Mother Theatre. Contact Joy Lower 01438 356364. St Mary’s Church Bellringers Service ringing Sun. Practices Mon 7.45pm. Contact David Kemp 454785. Book Club Meets 3rd Tue, 9.30pm at Molly Malone pub, Nightingale Rd. Contact Andrew Holland 441509. www.mollymaloneshitchin.co.uk IT Club Computer skills training for all ages. Sessions at Christchurch Computer Centre, Bedford Rd, as follows: Mon 10am-12 noon; Thu 10am-12.30pm, 1.30-3pm. Contact John Eve 450957 or Ken Ryder 01438 83208. University of the Third Age Specials interest groups on wide variety of topics. Maingroup meetings held alternate Mon 2-4pm at Christchurch Hall, Bedford Road. Contact via website: www.hitchinu3a.org.uk Workers Education Association Runs a variety of 10 week courses each term for all ages at The Queen Mother Theatre, off Walsworth Rd, 10-11.45am on Tue & Wed. Contact Ivor & Adeline Darvill 683852.

SOCIAL GROUPS

Hitchin Leisure Group For over 50s. Debates, speakers, discussions. Meets Wed 2pm at Woodside Hall, Walsworth Rd. Contact Claire Morgan 01462 474226. Good Companions Activities for senior citizens. Meets Wed 2pm at Bancroft Hall. Contact Joan Kirby 620649.

Whist Drive For senior citizens. Meets Wed 2-4.30pm at Westmill Community Centre, John Barker Place. Contact Mrs Mick Furr 452098. Westmill Friendship Club Social activities for senior citizens. Meets Tue 2pm at Westmill Community Centre, John Barker Place. Contact Mrs Mick Furr 452098 (centre). Tea Dancing For ages 50+. Held Mon 2-4.15pm at Westmill Community Centre,John Barker Place. Contact Mrs Mick Furr 452098. Sequence Dancing For ages 50+. Meets Thu 6.30pm (lesson) & 8-10pm (social dancing) at Westmill Community Centre, John Barker Place. Contact Mrs Mick Furr 452098. Homestart Self help group for young mums. Meets Thu 10.30am -12.30pm at Westmill Community Centre, John Barker Place. Contact Mick Furr 452098. Good Old Days Lunch Club Meets last Wed 11.30am at Holy Saviour Church Hall. Contact Audrey Stewart 453353. North Herts Green Drinks For anyone interested in green issues. Meets 1st Tue from 8.30pm at the Millstream pub, Cambridge Road. www. greendrinks.org Lions Club Monthly business meeting 2nd Mon 8pm at The Highlander, Upper Tilehouse St. Also monthly social meeting. Contact 0845 833 9816. www.hitchinlions.org.uk Probus Clubs For retired/semi-retired men aged 55 and over. • Hitchin & District meets 4th Tue 12 noon for 1pm at The Three Horse Shoes, Norton. Contact Derek Chapman (Sec) 676462. • Hitchin Bancroft normally meets 2nd Thu 12.30 for 1pm at various venues. Contact Robin Harwood (Sec) 453858. • Hitchin Priory meets 1st Tue at 12 for 12.30pm usually at North Herts College, Cambridge Rd. Contact Bob Turney 451050. Tilehouse Coffee Club Guest speakers, outings etc. Meets 1st Wed 10.30-12 noon at Tilehouse Street Baptist Church Hall, Upper Tilehouse St. Contact Gill Mayes 434919.

Lunch Club For the elderly & socially isolated. Meets Mon 12.30pm at Tilehouse St Baptist Church. Contact Gill Mayes 434919. Round Table Charity fund raising & social. Meets 1st & 3rd Tue 7.30pm at The Sun Hotel. Contact Simon Hunt (Chair) 07525 835100. www.hitchinroundtable.org.uk 41 Club Friendship and fellowship for past members of the Round Table. Meets 2nd Tue 7.30 for 8pm usually at Sun Hotel. Contact Mike Wells (Chair) 450185. Rotary Clubs Charity fund raising & social. • Hitchin meets Mon 1pm at Sun Hotel, Sun St. Contact Chris Bradburn 451240 / 07793 435310. www.rchitchin.org.uk • Hitchin Tilehouse meets Fri 7am for 7.15am at Sun Hotel, Sun St. Contact Robert Bewell (Pres) 422507 or 07793 435310. www.rcoht.org • Hitchin Mimram Meets Mon 8-9.30pm at Sun Hotel, Sun St. Contact Frances Mallen (Sec) 01438 871624. www.hitcinmimramrotary.org • Hitchin Priory meets Mon 7.30pm for 8pm at Hitchin Rugby Club, Old Hale Way. Contact Peter Hull 454431 or Richard Butcher 434937.

SPORTS

Badminton • Christchurch Badminton Club meets Wed 7.30-10pm (not Jul & Aug) at Christchurch, Bedford Rd. Contact Wendy Guinan (Sec) 07856 768685 or 421303. • Hitchin Town Badminton Club meets at Hitchin Boys School Sports Centre Thu 8-10pm. Contact Anthony Searle 436297. • Icarus Badminton Club meets at Hitchin Boys School Sports Centre Wed 7.30pm-10.00pm. Contact via website. www.icarusbadmintonclub.org.uk Bowls • Hitchin Town Bowls Club, Bancroft Gardens. Ladies’, men’s & junior sections. Coaching available. Public bookings through HTCI (453335). Contact Ken Porter (Sec) 433255. www.hitchintownbowlsclub.org.uk • Riverain Bowls Club, Woolgrove Rd. Summer & winter bowling (8 indoor rinks & 6 outdoor). Disabled facilities. Coaching available. Contact 420617. www.riverain.co.uk

Cricket • Hitchin Cricket Club, Lucas Lane. Contact Ian MIlls 07540 304331. Cycling • Hitchin Nomads. Social and competitive. Meets Sun 9am in Market Square. Contact Richard Bland 01480 405126. http://hitchin-nomads.net Fencing • Hitchin Blades. For adults and juniors aged 8 and over. Club, individual or small group classes available. Further details from coach David Moxley 01234 825324 / 07901 683822. Fitness • Fitness Connection, Bridge St. Fitness club. Contact 01462 437757. www.fitrness-connection.co.uk • Family Fitness. Contact Maggie Hackney 07815 196910. www.family-fitness.co.uk • Yoga. Contact Sarah O’Connor 637867. www.yogamindspace.com Football • Hitchin Town FC. Ground: Fishponds Road. Contact Roy Izzard 07803 202498 or 459028 (club). www.hitchintownfc.co.uk • Hitchin Town Youth FC. For boys, under-7s to under-18s. Contact Joanne Webb (Sec) 07825 040111 / 458104. • Hitchin Town Belles FC. For girls’. Trains Tue, Wed & Thu evening at Ickleford (summer) and Priory (winter). Contact Tim Stephenson 434206 / 07894 573790. (Sec) 621030. www.hitchinbelles.com • Wymondley Park Youth FC. Plays at Lucas Lane fields. Under-10s and below play Sat. Under-11s and above play Sun. Contact via website: www.wymondley-park.org.uk • Hitchin Hearts Ladies FC. Plays at Ickleford. Trains Wed 7.30-9pm. Contact Phil 07980 295453 or John 07855 812749. www.hitchinheartslfc.co.uk Rugby • Hitchin Rugby Football Club. Men’s, youth, minis’, ladies’ teams. Plays at King George V Playing Fields, Old Hale Way. Contact 432679 (Clubhouse) or Chris Kelly (Pres) 456409. www.hitchinrfc.com Hockey • Hitchin Blueharts Hockey Club: men’s, ladies’, youth. Plays at Hitchin Boys School. Clubhouse: Lucas Lane. Contact 434468. www.blueharts.org.uk

Martial Arts • Thai Boxing. Mon 5-6pm (ages 6-13); Tue 7-8.30pm (ages 13-adult) at Hitchin Boys School Sports Hall. Contact Rob Brookes 07885 333591. • Shotokan Karate. Wed 6-7pm (juniors), 6.45-7.30pm-8pm (family, teens & adults), at Hitchin Girls’ School gym. Contact Roy Hazelwood 07885 437262. • Hitchin Karate Club. Meets Sat 9.30-11.30am at Hitchin Boys School Sports Centre. Contact John Froy 01582 451396. www.hitchinkarateclub.org.uk • Hitchin Judo Club. British Judo Association registered. Juniors (7-16) Tue 7-8.30pm; seniors (16+) Tue 8.30-10pm & Fri 7.30-9.30pm in term time at Town Hall Gym, Brand St. Contact Michael Orton 455568 / 07889 598765. www.hitchinjudoclub.co.uk

Ladies’ Circle Social/charity fund raising, ages 18-45. Meets 2nd & 4th Thu 8pm, various venues. Contact Joanna Banks 622464.

Snappy G Ages 13-25 with special needs. Wed 6.30pm at Bancroft Centre for Young People. Contact Phil 07818 012320.

Hitchin Tangent For past members of Ladies Circle. Varied programme. Meets 1st Thu at various venues. Contact Gail Edwards (Sec) 421124.

Guides, Brownies, Rainbows Contact Diana Taylor (Commissioner Hitchin East) 634709; Jan Clark (Commissioner Hitchin West) 457342. www.girlguidinghertfordshire.org.uk

St Mary’s Wives Group Social group (not restricted to Church members or married women). Meets 1st & 3rd Thu (not Aug) 8pm at Church House. Contact Parish Office 452758.

Holy Saviour Youth Activities Group Crafts for ages 4-12. 1st Sun 2.30pm. Contact Stephanie Kirby 432102.

Tennis • HBS Lawn Tennis Club. Plays at Hitchin Boys School. Junior coaching, adult social & competitive tennis. Contact David Morley (Chair) 438501 / 07905 911378. http:// hbsltc.co.uk • Hitchin Lawn Tennis Club, Bancroft Gardens. 3 all weather floodlit courts. Contact club 455317 or via website. www.hitchinlawntennisclub.co.uk

Bancroft Town’s Women’s Guild Meets 2nd Thu 7-9.30pm at Our Lady Immaculate Church, Grove Rd. Contact Margaret Piddock 437842.

Swimming • Hitchin Swimming Club. Training weekday evenings at various times & Sun at Hitchin Swimming Centre and St Christopher’s School, Letchworth. Contact 07812 774690. www.hitchinswimmingclub.co.uk

WOMEN’S GROUPS

St Mark’s Thursday Group Meets 1st Thu at St Mark’s Church Hall. Contact Val Marlow via church website. www.stmarkshitchin.org.uk Mothers Union • St Mark’s: meets 2nd Fri (ex Aug) 10-11.30am in members’ homes. For further information see website: www. stmarkshitchin.org.uk • St Mary’s: meets 2nd Thu 8pm in members’ homes & last Fri 2.30pm in members’ homes. Corporate Communion in St Andrew’s Chapel, St Mary’s 1st Tue 10am. Contact Parish Office 452758. Ladies’ Friendship Circle Meets Tue 7.45pm (ex Jan, Jul & Aug) at Christchurch, Bedford Rd. Contact Elizabeth Morton (Sec) 454480.

National Women’s Register (NWR) Social group, discussions, occasional outings. Meets Tue 8pm in members’ homes. Contact Elaine Duff 01438 727683.

YOUTH GROUPS

The Voice of Hitchin Youth Hitchin’s Youth Council for ages 1121. Meets alternate Tue 6.30pm at Soundbase. www.hitchinvoice.com Bancroft Centre for Young People 29 Bancroft. Open: Tue-Thu 7-10pm; Sat 11.30am-2.30pm. ZAP (for young Asians) Mon 6.30-9.30pm; After-school Club Tue 3.30-6.30pm & Wed 3.306.30pm. Youth Club Tue & Thu 7.3010pm & Sat 1-4pm. Contact 624802. Market Theatre Kids Club Meets Sat morning in term time. Groups for ages 5-18. Contact theatre 433553 or see website for details. www.markettheatre.co.uk/kidsclub.htm Hitchin & District Scouts For details of local beavers, cubs, scouts & explorers groups contact Graham Woolley 0845 0946031 or see website. www.hitchinscouts.org.uk Hitchin Sea Cadets For boys and girls ages 10-18. Parade nights Tue & Fri 7.30-9.30pm at TA Centre, Bedford Road. Contact 851660 / 440027 (parade nights only). http://units.ms-sc.org/hitchin Hitchin Army Cadet Force Ages 13-18. Parade Mon & Thu 7.30pm at TA Centre, Bedford Rd. Contact Major Barlow 01992 582423.

Tilehouse Street Baptist Church • Wizz Kids (ages 7-11) mon 6.15pm. • FNF (ages 11-14) Fri 7.30pm. • Edge (ages 15-18) Fri 8.30pm. For above, contact Mary Deller 643915. Parish Youth Group Ages 11-18. 1st Wed 7.30-9pm at St Mark’s Vicarage, St Mark’s Close. Contact Revd Charmaine SabeyCorkindale 435497. Youth Fellowship Attached to Christchurch, ages 14-18. Sun 7.45-9.30 term time, various venues. Contact Chris Blackman 451573. Walsworth Rd Baptist Church • Jam Club. School years 2-10. Sun 10.30-11.45am. • Adventurers. Ages 13+. 8.30-10pm alternate Fri. • The Friday Club Ages 8-12. Alternate Fridays 7-8.30pm. Contact Karen or Kevin on 07780 66198 / 07795 244125.

If you are involved in a community group in Hitchin and would like to add to or amend the information in this list, please contact Heritage Guides on 01446 405298 or e-mail info@heritage-guides.com. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the data in this section, the publishers and promoters cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions. You are advised to check details directly with the organisations and groups concerned. Organisations are included in the above categories for ease of reference. Inclusion within one category or the other does not imply incompatibility with any of the categories listed. Organisations are listed in this section in good faith, but inclusion within this section does not imply any endorsement by Hitchin Initiative or Heritage Guides of the organisation concerned, nor can these bodies be held responsible for any of the organisations’ failure to comply with legal or professional requirements.

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THE HALF MOON

57 QUEEN STREET HITCHIN SG4 9TZ

- FOR GOOD BEER AND GOOD FOOD REAL ALES: ADNAMS AND YOUNGS SPECIAL 6 GUEST ALES, REAL CIDER & PERRY Food available lunchtimes and evening Beer Garden - Patio - Car Park - Wi-Fi Monday-Thursday noon – 2.30pm Friday - Saturday noon – 1am Sunday noon – 11pm

Tel O1462 452448

5 – midnight

email: howen.halfmoon@btconnect.com www.thehalfmoonhitchin.co.uk

OF HITCHIN

The complete dance wardrobe for children & adults

Leotards, shoes, tights, etc.

Fancy dress for all ages, plus a large range of novelties Bridesmaids’ & ballroom shoes 102 Bancroft, Hitchin Telephone: 01462 435988 Open: Monday-Friday 9.30am-5.30pm, Saturday 9am-5pm Website: www.danceonthenet.co.uk

u Hitchin maps, guides & accommodation details u Local bus & train times, including airport links

27 CHURCHYARD, HITCHIN TEL: 01462 453335 info@htci.org.uk Hitchin Initiative is a not-for-profit partnership set up by businesses with North Hertfordshire District Council & community groups

u Event information, Hitchin Festival Box Office u Local council contacts and market details u Postcards, souvenirs, Hitchin lavender u Business information & networking

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© Copyright Heritage Guides 2011. No reproduction of this map is permitted without the prior approval of the publisher. The existence of a route on this map cannot be taken as evidence of a right of way.

HITCHIN INDUSTRIAL ESTATE

PIECE

Allotment Bus stop Cash dispenser......... Children’s play area Icknield Way............. Letterbox.................. Public house............. Public telephone ...... Other features..........

Mosque.................. Museum................. Petrol station.......... Police Station ......... Post Office............. Public conveniences Railway station ..... Recycling point...... School ................... Sports centre.......... Superstore............. Theatre..................

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Key to map symbols Car park ................. Church .................. Citizens’ Advice...... College................... Community centre.. Fire station ............. Gurwara................. Hotel ...................... HTCI ....................... Library.................... Market Medical centre .......

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LIST OF STREETS

Street locations refer to map A or B on pages 28-31, followed by grid reference.

Acre Piece............................B2d Alexandra Road...................A3d Andersons House.................A4d Alpine Close.........................B3d Arlesey Rd............................A1b Armour Rise.........................A2e Arnold Close........................A4e Ash Drive.............................B4d Ashbrook Lane..................... B4e Aspens, The.......................... B2e Aston Rise............................ B2e Avenue, The..........................B1d Baliol Road........................... A3c Balmoral Road.....................A3b Bancroft............................... A4c Bancroft Court..................... A4c Bearton Avenue...................A4b Bearton Green......................A3b Bearton Road.......................A3b Beaumont Close...................A3a Bedford Road..................A2b/4b Bedford Street......................A4b Beeches, The.........................B2d Beechwood Close.................A2a Bell Close............................. B2e Benchley Hill.........................A4f Benslow Lane.......................A4d Benslow Rise........................A4d Bessemer Close....................A2b Biggin Lane.......................... B1c Bilton Road..........................A2d Bingen Road........................A3a Blackhorse Close..................B3d Blackhorse Lane...................B3d Bowmans Ave...................... B1e Bowyer Close.......................A3a Bradleys Corner.....................A3f Brampton Park Rd................ A3c Bramshott Close................... B3c Brand Street......................... B1c Brick Kiln Lane.....................B3b Bridge Court......................... B1c Bridge Street........................ B1c Broadmead.......................... B2e Broadmeadow Ride..............B3d Brook View............................B2f Browning Drive....................A4e Bucklersbury........................ B1c Bunyan Road........................ A4c Burford Way.........................A2a Burns Close..........................A4e Burymead Road.................... A2c Butchers Lane...................... B3c Byron Close..........................A4e Cadwell Lane.......................A2d Cam Square.........................A2d Cambridge Road...................A3f Campbell Close....................A4e Castle Court.........................A3b Cedar Avenue.......................A1b Cemetery Road.................... B2c Charlton Road......................B2b Chaucer Way.........................A4f Chennells Close....................A2e Chestnut Court.....................A4b Chestnut Walk......................B3d Chiltern Road.......................B1d Chilterns, The........................B1d Churchgate.......................... B1c Churchyard........................... B1c Coach Drive.......................... B3c Coleridge Close....................A4e College Road........................ A4c Collison Close.......................A2f Common Rise.......................A3d

Conquest Close....................B3d Convent Close......................A4d Cooks Way...........................A3d Coopers Yard........................B1b Crabbs Close........................B1b Cranborne Avenue...............B2a Crescent, The........................A3a Crow Furlong.......................B1a Cubitt Close..........................B1f Dacre Road..........................A4d Dale Close............................ B3c Deacons Way........................A3b Desborough Road.................A3f Dower Court........................ B2c Dugdale Court......................A3a Dukes Lane........................... A4c Duncots Close......................A1b East Close............................A3e Elderberry Drive...................B3d Elmside Walk........................A4b Eynsford Court.....................B2d Exchange Yard......................B1b Fairfield Way.........................A4f Fells Close............................ A4c Finches, The..........................B1d Firs Close..............................A4b Fishponds Road....................A4b Florence Street..................... A4c Folly Close............................B3d Forge Close..........................A4d Foster Drive..........................B3d Francis Close........................B3d Frank Young Court................A3b Franklin Gardens..................A3e Frensham Drive.....................A2f Friday Furlong......................A4a Fyffes Court.......................... A4c Gainsford Crescent................A2f Galleywood..........................A1b Gaping Lane.........................B1a Garden Row.........................A4d Garrison Court.....................B2d Gibson Close........................A4e Girdle Road..........................A2d Girons Close......................... B1e Gosmore Ley Close.............. B4c Gosmore Road..................... B3c Grammar Sch Walk.............. B1c Grange Close.......................B3d Granville Road......................A3f Grays Lane...........................B1a Green Lane...........................A3e Greenfield Avenue...............A1b Greenside Drive....................A4b Grove Road..........................A3d Grovelands Avenue...............A2f Half Acre..............................B2a Halsey Drive......................... B1e Hampden Road.....................A3f Hardy Close...........................B1f Harkness Way........................A2f Harrison Close......................A4d Hawthorn Close...................B2b Hazelwood Close................. A4c Heathfield Road................... A3c Hensley Close....................... B1e Hermitage Road................... B1c High Dane............................A2e High Street........................... B1c High Street (Gosmore)......... B4c High View.............................B1a Highbury Road.....................B1d Highover Way.......................A3e Hillfield Avenue....................A2d Hillgate................................A1d Hine Way..............................A3a Hitchin Arcade......................B1b Hitchin Hill........................... B2c Hitchin Road (Gosmore)....... B4c Holdbrook............................ B1e Holden Close.........................B1f Hollow Lane......................... B1c Hunting Gate.......................A1d

Ibberson Way.......................B1d Ickleford Road...................... A3c Ivatt Close.............................B1f Jeeves Yard........................... B1c Jill Grey Place....................... B1c John Barker Place.................A3a Kardwell Close.....................B2d Keats Way.............................B1f Kendale Road.......................B2d Kent Place............................A4b Kershaws Hill....................... B1c King Georges Close..............A2b Kings Hedges.......................A3a Kings Road...........................A3d Kingsdown........................... B1e Kingswood Avenue...............A3f Kipling Close.........................B1f Knowl Piece.........................A1d Lammas Mead..................... A2c Lancaster Ave.......................A3b Lancaster Road....................A3b Langbridge Close.................B3d Larch Avenue.......................B4d Latchmore Close.................. B2c Laurel Way...........................A1b Lavender Fields....................B1a Lavender Way.......................A4a Limes, The............................B1b Lindsay Avenue.................... B2e Linten Close..........................B2f Lister Avenue....................... B3c Lodge Court.........................A1b London Road........................ B3c Lovell Close..........................B2d Lower Innings......................A4a Lucas Lane...........................A4a Lyles Row............................. B1c Lynsford Court......................B2d Manor Close.........................A1b Manor Crescent.................... B2e Manton Road....................... B2e Maples Court.......................A4b Maples, The.......................... B2c Market Place........................ B1c Masefield..............................B1f Matthew Gate......................B3d Mattocke Road.....................A3a May Trees.............................B2d Maydencroft Lane................B4b Maylin Close.........................A4f Mead, The............................ A2c Meadow Way.......................B2b Meadowbank.......................A3e Mermaid Close..................... B1e Mews, The............................ A4c Midland Cottages................A3d Milestone Road....................A2a Mill Close..............................A4f Mill Lane..............................B4d Mill Road.............................B4d Millard Way...........................A2f Millfield Lane.......................B4d Millstream Close..................A2d Milton View...........................B1f Moormead Close..................B2b Moormead Hill.....................B2a Moss Way.............................A3a Mount Garrison.................... B1c Mount Pleasant....................B1a Mountjoy..............................A3f Mowbray Gardens...............B3d Mulberry Way.......................A2a New England Close..............B3d Newlands Cl East................. B3c Newlands Cl West................ B4c Newlands Lane.................... B3c Newtons Way.......................B2d Nightingale Rd.....................A4d Nimbus Way..........................B1f Ninesprings Way.................. B2e North Place..........................A3a Nuns Close...........................B1b Nursery Hill.......................... B2c

Nutleigh Grove.....................A3a Oaks Close........................... B3c Oakfield Avenue................... B3e Offley Road..........................B1b Old Bakery...........................B1b Old Charlton Road...............B1b Old Hale Way..................A2c/3b Old Park Road......................B1b Orchard Close.................off B4d Orchard Road.......................A3e Orlando Close......................B2d Osier Court........................... A4c Oughton Close.....................A4a Oughtonhead Lane..............A4a Oughtonhead Way...............A4a Paddock, The........................B3d Park Gate............................. B2c Park Street........................... B2c Park Way..............................B2b Parkside............................... A4c Passingham Avenue.............B2d Paynes Park..........................B1b Peppercorn Walk.................. B1e Peppermint Road................. A4c Periwinkle Lane.................... A3c Pirton Close..........................B1a Pirton Road..........................B1a Poplar Close......................... B2e Portman Close......................A2a Portmill Lane........................ B1c Priory End............................ B2c Priory Way............................ B3c Pullman Drive....................... B1e Pulters Way..........................B2d Purwell Lane.........................A4f Queen Street........................ B1c Queenswood Drive................A3f Radcliffe Road......................A4d Ransom Close...................... B3c Redhill Road.........................A4a Redoubt Close......................A3d Regal Court.......................... A4c Riddy Hill Close....................B1d Riddy Lane...........................B1d Ridgeway, The......................B2a River Mead...........................A2a Riverside Court.....................A3d Roundwood Close.................A2f Rowan Grove.......................B3d Ruskin Lane...........................B1f Ryder Avenue.......................A1a Ryder Way............................A1a St Andrews Place................. B1c St Annes Road......................A4d St Augustine Close............... A4c St Elmo Court....................... B3c St Faiths Close......................A3e St Johns Path........................ B2c St Johns Road...................... B2c St Katherines Close..............A1b St Marks Close.....................A3b St Michaels Mount...............A4e St Michaels Road.......... A4e/B1f Sandover Close.................... B2e Sandy Grove......................... B2c Sanfoine Close......................A4f Seebohm Close....................A3a Sharps Way..........................A3d Shelley Close.........................B1f Shepherds Mead.................. A2c Silver Court.......................... A4c Spellbrooke..........................A4a Sorrel Garth......................... B1e South Place..........................A3a Southill Close.......................B2d Spurrs Close......................... B1e Standhill Close..................... B2c Standhill Road...................... B2c Station Approach.................A4d Stevenage Road (Hitchin).....B3d Stevenage Road (Ashbrook).. B4f Sterling Close........................B1f Storehouse Lane.................. B2c

Stormont Road..................... A3c Stotfold Road........................A2f Strathmore Ave.................... A3c Stuart Drive.......................... B1e Sturgeons Road....................A2e Sturrock Way.........................B1f Sun Street............................ B1c Sunnyside Road....................B2d Swinburne Avenue...............A2a Sycamore Close....................B3d Symonds Road.....................A4a Talbot Street.........................A4a Talisman Street.....................B1f Tall Trees..............................B3d Taylors Cottages...................A4b Taylors Hill........................... B2c Temple Close........................B3a Tennyson Avenue..................B1f Thatchers End................. off A4f Theobald Busines Centre......A1d Tilehouse Street...................B1b Times Close..........................A2b Trevor Road..........................A4d Triangle, The......................... B2c Tristram Road.......................A2e Troopers Yard....................... A4c Truemans Road....................A2a Tudor Court..........................B1a Turnpike Lane.......................A1b Uplands Avenue................... B2e Upper Tilehouse St...............B1b Verulam Road......................A4d Victoria Road.......................A4a Wallace Way.........................A2d Walnut Close........................B2d Walnut Way..........................A1b Walsh Close.........................B1b Walsworth Road..................A4d Waltham Road.....................B2d Water Lane........................... A3c Wedgewood Road................ B1e Wedmore Road....................B2d Wellingham Avenue.............A3a West Alley............................B1b West Close...........................A2e West Hill..............................B1a Westbury Close....................A4a Westfield Close....................B1b Westfield Lane.....................B1b Westmill Lane.................A1a/2a Westmill Lawns....................A3a Westmill Road......................A3a Westwood Avenue...............B2d Whinbush Grove.................. A4c Whinbush Road.................... A4c Whitegale Close...................B2d Whitehill Close.....................B2d Whitehill Road.....................B2d Whitehurst Avenue.............. A3c Wilbury Way.........................A2d William Ransom Way........... B1c Willian Road.........................A3f Willoughby Way...................B2d Willow Lane.........................B2a Willow Tree Way................... A2c Willows, The.........................B3d Wilshere Crescent.................A4f Wilton Road......................... A3c Windmill Hill........................B1d Winston Close......................B1b Woodside Gardens............... A4c Woolgrove Rd......................A3e Worsdell Way....................... B1e Wratten Close......................B1b Wratten Road East...............B1b Wratten Road West..............B1b Wymondley Close................B1d Wymondley Road................. B1e York Road............................ A3c

And then there were two... Due to customer demand, Hitchin’s favourite health spa, Pebble Hand & Foot Sanctuary, has now opened a second location allowing full body treatments and new specialities such as Indian Head Massage and Reflexology. We now have a twin treatment room to enable couples, friends or mothers and daughters to enjoy a massage together!

• Manicures • Nail extensions • Pedicures • Massage • Reflexology • Chiropody

•Eyelash & eyebrow care • Hair removal • Spray tanning • Twin treatment room • Lava shell massage • Gift vouchers

For our full range of services, visit www.pebble-sanctuary.co.uk PEBBLE HAND & FOOT 1 Churchyard, Hitchin, Hertfordshire, SG5 1HR Tel: 01462 458882 PEBBLE SANCTUARY 17-18 Bucklersbury, Town Centre, Hitchin, Herts. SG5 1BB Tel: 01462 458885 Opening times: Monday-Wednesday Thursday 10:00am-7:00pm Friday 10:00am-6:00pm Saturday 9:00am-5:00pm

TINYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S TAXIS LTD Family run business established since 1966

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0800 220 339

HITCHIN (01462)

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Desmond Court, 1C Kings Road, Hitchin, Herts SG5 1RD www.tinystaxis.co.uk