Christmas Carnival Spectacular!

CHRISTMAS in HARPENDEN DEC. 2012

“A bright and cool afternoon on Nov 25th saw crowds building in the High Street as they enjoyed all the activities of the Carnival including the annual parade. Despite the cancellation of the Farmers Market the town centre was busy with people enjoying all the events that had been organised by the Christmas Carnival Group, including the Town Council and several sponsors.

There was plenty to keep children happy too with entertainment on the sound stage sponsored by heart 97-107, with Stuart and Natalie from Heart Breakfast. Lots of exciting fairground stalls and of course Santa’s Grotto.

The ‘Lights Switch on’ ceremony by the Town Mayor, Councillor Mrs Nicola Linacre and the Christmas poster competition winner Zoe, from High Beeches Primary, with the cast of Dick Whittington concluded a fantastic event which will be remembered by everyone.” Ron Taylor. Editor.

News from Harpenden’s Christmas Carnival

Bang & Olufsen of Harpenden presented the 1st Snowglobe experience in Harpenden (in association with Photographic Synergy.(www.photographicsynergy.com)exclusive for the Harpenden Christmas Carnival.The Deputy Town Mayor, Councillor Rosemary Farmer, (right) joined the Town Mayor, Councillor Nicola Linacre (far left) in the Snowglobe for the first picture at 12.15.Families queued throughout the afternoon to experience the fun in the Snowglobe and this raised £150 for the Charity ReachOut plus. www.reachoutplus.org

The Bang & Olufsen shop was busy all day with Christmas offerings and a free prize draw. http://beostores.bang-olufsen.co.uk/hertfordshire-harpenden

Elsewhere on the High Street you could find traditional carol singing provided by the English Miscellany folk dance group. www.englishmiscellany.com

Exclusive interviews on the Harpendia YouTube Channel, Xmas Video.Hear what Peter Purves had to say about “Dr Who” - Witness the Lights On Ceremony. Listen to wine and food experts with their tips for Christmas food and drinks.

Click on the link to see the video http://youtu.be/8qrL3NfAmaY

http://www.photographicsynergy.comhttp://www.photographicsynergy.comhttp://www.reachoutplus.orghttp://www.reachoutplus.orghttp://beostores.bang-olufsen.co.uk/hertfordshire-harpendenhttp://beostores.bang-olufsen.co.uk/hertfordshire-harpendenhttp://beostores.bang-olufsen.co.uk/hertfordshire-harpendenhttp://beostores.bang-olufsen.co.uk/hertfordshire-harpendenhttp://www.englishmiscellany.comhttp://www.englishmiscellany.comhttp://youtu.be/8qrL3NfAmaYhttp://youtu.be/8qrL3NfAmaY

Southdown’s Christmas Light’s On in pictures

Santa’s Grotto raises £500 for local groups

Santa’s Grotto remained a popular destination for families on Carnival Day with approx. 240 visitors and a donation from Rotary. This will be distributed to the Carnival Procession participants:

Harpenden Army Cadet ForceHarpenden Police CadetsHarpenden Pipe Band795 (Harpenden) Sqn Air Training Corps4th Harpenden Scouts1st Harpenden Brownies LeaderHerts AdvertiserBlue Angel MajorettesHarpenden Hair Academy18th Harpenden BrowniesHarpenden TrustEnglish MiscellanyChrist ChurchKarate Club

HARPENDENNOW open on SUNDAY

for ALL yourChristmas Shopping

HARPENDENNOW open on SUNDAY

for ALL yourChristmas Shopping

Christmas shopping made easy with FREE Parking on Sundays+ A Farmer’s Market on December 23rd

For a list of all shops opening on Sundays visit:www.harpenden.gov.uk or www.harpendendirectory.co.uk

or www.harpendia.com Supported by:

Harpenden Town Council, The Harpenden Retail Partnership, Harpenden Directory and The Harpenden Society.

Why shop elsewhere whenHarpenden High Street has it all?

Independents • Chain stores • Cafés & Bars

Harpenden now open on SUNDAYfor ALL your Christmas shopping.

Lots of shops on the Harpenden High Street will be open for business on Sundays this Christmas.

Take a look a list below and plan a Sunday Christmas shopping trip here in Harpenden rather than going elsewhere.

And why not have lunch or a drink in town too. There’s a wealth of restaurants, pubs and coffee bars to choose from, or even visit a hair salon.

Fullwoods. Leyton Road. 10am - 3pm on Dec 9,16, 23Nikki Kaye. Leyton Road. 12noon - 3pm on Dec 9,16, 23

Viyella. High St. on Dec 9,16Country Casuals. High St. on Dec 9,16

The Cutting Room. High St. 10am - 4pm on Dec 9,16, 23Martins. High St. 7am - 2pm 10am - 4pm on Dec 9,16, 23

East. High Street. 10.30 - 4.30 on Dec 9,16, 23Jo Jo Maman Bebe. High Street. 10 - 4pm on Dec 9,16, 23

Wine Rack. High Street. 11am - 10pm on Dec 9,16, 23 Odds and Ends. High Street. 10am -4m on Dec 9,16, 23 Total Looks. High Street. 11am - 2pm. on Dec 9 and 23 Sweetique. High Street. 11am - 2pm.on Dec 9 and 23

Purple. High Street, 11am - 4pm on Dec 9,16, 23 Cook. High Street, 10am - 4pm on Dec 9,16, 23

Serena Hart. High St. 11am - 3pm on Dec 9,16, 23 Glynn Griffiths. High St. 10am - 4pm on Dec 9,16, 23 Galloways. High St. 10am - 4pm on Dec 16 and 23

Breathing Space Spa, Gym and Studio 9am - 1pm on Dec 9,16, 23 Phase Eight. High St. 10am - 4pm on Dec 9,16, 23 Hacketts. High St. 11am - 4pm Dec 9,16 and 23

Harpenden Interiors. High St. 11am -4pm on Dec 9,16, 23 Reeds. High St. 10am - 3pm on Dec 9,16, 23

WH Smith High St. 10.30 - 4pm on Dec 9,16, 23 Threads. High St. 10.30 -4pm on Dec 9,16, 23 Thorns. High St. 11am - 4pm on Dec 9,16, 23

Rollings Wine. Station Rd. 11am - 2pm on Dec 9,16, 23 M&Co. High St. 11am - 4pm on Dec 9,16, 23

Harpenden House Hotel Dec 9,16, 23 Message, Station Rd. 11am - 4pm on Dec 9,16, 23

The Hairdressing Company 10.30 - 4pm on Dec 16, 23PLUS

The Farmers Market Sunday 23rd Dec 10am - 2pmAND

Lots more shops open on the day.

NB. Opening times could be subject to change.

All of our trees are grown at our farm in Perthshire, Scotland. (Photos on the right)

All Christmas Trees begin their journey of growth as miniature 25cm saplings, which in actual fact, are already five years old before they have made their transition from germination. Our saplings are of the finest quality and originate from Georgia, Russia from the Caucasus Mountain Range. From this point, it takes approximately one year for every foot that the trees grow.

Developing the trees is a year-round endeavor, being most intense during the trees’ fast growing period around May and June. During the entire growing process, we ensure that we maintain a healthy environment. We strive to look after wildlife to the best of our ability; our sheep are used to keep down the number of weeds, and by using restricted levels of fertiliser sprays, the birdlife and insects on the farm remain completely unharmed.

Before was can load our trees up in lorries and transport them down to London, we have to carry out a fastidious selection procedure. When it comes to choosing the right trees from our farm, we must depend on our efficiency in quality control. Height sticks and labels serve as reliable measuring tools during this process. Any trees that we believe to have the slightest imperfections or signs of unreadiness, we keep for the following year. This way, they are given the time they may need to find their ideal shape. Once we have selected the perfect trees, they are harvested in batches to ensure that they maintain their freshness, and then packed tightly together to not only protect them, but also reduce our carbon footprint during transport. It is perhaps worth mentioning that using our current growth system; for each tree we harvest, we plant at least five trees the following year in its place. In this respect, we are undeniably a carbon-negative company. The trees are now well on their way to their final point of sale.

Here at Pines and Needles, we take pride in the quality of our trees, and we are happy to tell you the history of any individual tree...because we can.

How we grow your Christmas Tree

When it comes to buying a Christmas Tree, there are two principal factors to take into account; freshness and quality. In our experience, Christmas Trees supplied by supermarkets and home hardware stores cannot boast the same level of quality control that we can. By driving incredibly high deals, such sellers rely on enormous quantities of trees, which quite simply cannot possibly retain their freshness, as they are cut so far in advance before sale. Our trees, on the other hand, are cut four days before they arrive at our main base in North Wembley. We would recommend that people buy their Christmas Trees from grower/retailers such as ourselves.

Ever wondered how to pick the perfect tree?

Well help is here, PinesandNeedles.com the Christmas tree specialists have put together the following guide for the exacting readers of Good Housekeeping.What to remember in storeSize matters. Determine your space- you don't want to swamp your room, but trees that are within 30cm (1 foot) of the ceiling are always most impressive.... Note that a Christmas tree is approximately half as wide as it is tall - so get an idea of the width of the space the tree will fill.

Variety - there are a vast array of Christmas trees - Nordman Fir, Norway Spruce, Lodge Pole Pine and Frazer Fir and are the most popular. The Nordman Fir is the nation’s favourite, a non-drop tree with a triangular shape and soft needles.

The right tree – make sure that your tree has a healthy mid green colour with the same colour extending to the tips. Make sure all the branches are in tact and are not drooping. Feel a branch in your palm and feel for healthy springy needles. Unhealthy trees have limp needles and appear dark and waxy looking.

Preparing the tree - ask the sales assistant to prune any unsightly branches or excess ‘leader’ (the top of the tree). A fresh cut 2cm from the base of the tree will enable the tree to soak up water from your all-important water-holding stand.

Cinco stands – these robust stands will help keep your tree stay fresh longer. They come in a variety of sizes, it is recommended to get one size too big if you have an inquisitive toddler!

Once You are HomePlacement – make sure that if possible you

keep the tree away from direct heat sources. This will prolong the life of the tree and minimize any risk of danger.

Putting it up – put the tree in the stand whilst it is still netted. Drive the tree into the central spike, making sure the trunk is central and any low branched fall either side of the bolts. Securely tighten the bolts ensuring the leader is nice and straight.

The best side- like us all trees have their best side. Simply rotate the tree once in its stand until you are sure its just right.

Feed your tree – a healthy tree does not yet know that is has been cut down if you keep your stand topped up with water every few days it will last far better.

For St Albans and Harpenden Residents, you can find us at your local store:Pines and Needles Christmas TreesVerumlamium Park,St Michaels Street, St Albans, AL3 4SNwww.pinesandneedles.com

Pines and Needles Christmas Tree Buying Tips!

http://www.pinesandneedles.comhttp://www.pinesandneedles.com

Good food and wine are essential to make your Christmas the best ever. It’s the time to indulge and choose something to make the festive season special for all the family and your friends.

Wines, beers, champagnes with a difference are to be found in Station Road at Rollings Wine Company.Paul will give you advice on what will best suit your taste and your budget, then deliver it to your home for free (Min order 6 bottles of wine) And you can taste before you buy from theirEnomatic Wine Dispenser so you won’t be disappointed on the big day.

(Below. Liz Rollings with the Enomatic )

Rollings Wine Company are by far and away the wine experts in Harpenden as was evidenced on Nov 30th at their Annual Wine and Food Tasting event where several suppliers presented their offerings in Park Hall. A taste sensation for all who attended.Rollings Wine Company. 26 Station Road, Harpenden, Hertfordshire AL5 4SE. 01582 769538 www.rollingswine.co.uk

A delicious selection of Christmas food was presented by Jay’s Delicatessen from Southdown. (Below: First photo) Call into their Deli and see for yourself. Fantastic cheeses, speciality Christmas Puddings and hand made Italian Chocolates are just a few of the items that will make your Christmas a taste experience to

be remembered. Jay’s Delicatessen.122 Southdown Road.Southdown. 01582 713 389www.jaysdelicatessen.co.uk

Whilst you’re in Southdown why not order a fresh turkey from the area’s only independent butcher.

Jelley’s Meat. 137 Southdown Road, Southdown.

Choosing Christmas wine and food from Harpenden’s expertsBy Ron Taylor

http://www.rollingswine.co.ukhttp://www.rollingswine.co.ukhttp://www.jaysdelicatessen.co.ukhttp://www.jaysdelicatessen.co.uk

Nick and Julie Pike (below) have just opened their new Azita Tapas Bar at 1 Harding Parade. The design was largely the work of Julie who wanted to create a unique alternative to the many dining options of Harpenden.

The result is a stylish venue with an Andalucian mood. The blend of rustic bricks and oak furniture add warmth and colour. Handmade lanterns from the Spanish city of Granada hang over the bar where guests can sit and watch cocktails being prepared. Drinks may only be served with food but tapas portions are all less than £5 each. The tapas menu is based on a selection of Bar Azita’s best loved Mediterranean dishes. The food is complimented by a range of unique spirits and exciting cocktails devised by bar manager Luke Jones who joins Azita from Mokokos in St Albans. He has a wealth of experience in cocktails and a passion for the art of mixology .

Bar Azita Restaurant & Tapas Bar is now open all day from 12 noon till midnight. In the afternoon you can sample our special ‘Tapas Bundle’of 3 dishes for £12 or why not drop in on the way home from work between 5pm and 7pm for ‘Bubbles & Bites’ with a glass of Cava and 2 tapas again only £12.

The tapas bar is seating only and reservations are not normally taken so guests can pop in for a quick drink and a bite or diners can enjoy a drink before their meal in the restaurant.

Bar Azita sets Harpenden alight!

Bar Azita Chefs. L2R: Albert, Sunnil and Ediwww.barazita.co.uk

Bar Azita Bar service from Dale and Belle.

http://www.barazita.co.ukhttp://www.barazita.co.uk

 

PLEASE MAKE A NOTE OF THE DATES NB. DATES CAN NOT BE GUARANTEED. Sunday 2nd Area 15: Southdown leading up to Wheathampstead Road.Monday 3rd Area 18: Batford.Tuesday 4th Area 10: Topstreet Way, Fairmead & Highfield Ave, Barnfield Rd, Meadow Walk, Piggott’s Hill, Churchfield.Wednesday 5th Area 6: Breadcroft, Stewart Rd, Bowers Way, Sauncey Ave, Crossway, Waveney Road, Elliswick, Browning Rd.Thursday 6th Area 13: Roundwood Area incl: Roundwood park, Medlows, Falconer’s Field, Park Hill, Park Mount, Park Rise.Friday 7th Area 12: Town Central Cowper, Overstone, Milton, Crabtree Area: Weybourne, Glemsford, Holly Walk.Monday 10th  Area 17: Ox Lane, Sauncey, Manland AveTuesday 11th Area 16: Poets Area, Around Tennyson, Wordsworth, Hillside Road

Wednesday 12th Area 5:  Dalkeith Road, Crabtree, Granby Ave, Grasmere Ave, Lyndhurst Dr, Marquis, Station Road.Thursday 13th Area 1: Top end of Tufnell’s, Vale, Farm Close and other roads around the Kinsbourne Green area of town.Friday 14th  Area 19: East Common.Sunday 16th Area 3: Townsend Lane, Claygate, Barnsdene, Broadfield, Moreton End Lane, Douglas Road.Monday 17th  Area 7: West Common.Tuesday 18th  Area 14: Aldwickbury Estate incl Chesterton Ave.Wednesday 19th Area 2/4: Cross-Farm (Southdown).Thursday 20th Area 11: Westfield Road Friday 21st  Area 9:  Wood End Area incl Ridgewood, Ashley Gdns.Saturday 22nd Sainsbury – 10am -2pm.Monday 24th Area 8/8a: The Avenues. 

To find out more visitwww.harpendenroundtable.org. 

 

Harpenden Round Table Santa Collection 2012

Santa Claus will be

coming to town

again this December

with Harpenden

Round Table's

annual Charity

collection.

http://www.harpendenroundtable.orghttp://www.harpendenroundtable.org

The St. Albans Fire Service want everyone in the region to have a safe Christmas and New Year and have produced a set of guide lines to help local residents. These are based on the evidence of the most frequent problems the Service tackles over the festive period.Many of them can be avoided with simple commonsense and planning.

Chimney fires. Have your chimney swept and don’t overload with fuel. A hose full of water down your chimney will put out the fire but make a real mess of your room.

Christmas tree lights. Don’t leave them on all night and don’t overload your sockets with too many plugs. Fires can easily start this way.

Wheelie Bins. Be careful not to tip in hot fat and don’t fill with wrapping paper both of which could ignite. Keep these separate and store till collection day.

T Lights (candles). Always use them with proper T-light holders and never leave them directly on the surface of plastic or wood surfaces. They could heat the surface and ignite it. Lost keys. If you loose or forget your house keys and request the Fire Service to help it will be costly and messy. Unless it’s an emergency you will be charged and they will break the door/lock etc to effect entry. So contact a locksmith instead, it will be a lot cheaper.

Flooding. Burst pipes leads to flooding and pumping out water is a messy and stressful problem. In periods of very cold weather make sure your home is well insulated and your central heating is left on when you are out.

There’s a comprehensive leaflet covering all aspects of Winter safety which can be accessed on line at: www.hertsdirect.org/services/commsafe/commprotect/besafethiswinter/

Keeping safe at Christmas Advice from Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service By Ron Taylor. Editor

http://www.hertsdirect.org/services/commsafe/commprotect/besafethiswinter/http://www.hertsdirect.org/services/commsafe/commprotect/besafethiswinter/http://www.hertsdirect.org/services/commsafe/commprotect/besafethiswinter/http://www.hertsdirect.org/services/commsafe/commprotect/besafethiswinter/http://www.hertsdirect.org/services/commsafe/commprotect/besafethiswinter/http://www.hertsdirect.org/services/commsafe/commprotect/besafethiswinter/

Editor. Ron TaylorContact: info@harpendia.com

Daily news updates: www.harpendia.comVideo Channel: Type ‘harpendia’ in the Youtube

search boxEditorial consultant. Amanda Thomas

COMING SOONChristmas in Harpenden with Harpendia.

“I’d like to wish all Harpendia followers a very happy Christmas and a healthy New Year. Thank

you for reading and viewing all the news and articles during 2012.”

Ron Taylor. Editor

Coming soonHarpendia Winter 2013 Edition