Simply Fresh Opening Event 1130am Saturday July 15th

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More pictures on  https://1drv.ms/f/s!Ag38CUQlLMNpg9xWDX9AusWZrK26ZA   and shortly in the Photo Gallery we hope. Thanks to Mark Bolitho.

 

The opening of the Simply Fresh store on Hatfield Station on July 15th was another milestone in the regeneration of Old Hatfield. Lady Salisbury cut the ribbon, Simply Fresh laid on Bucks Fizz, and there were words of thanks for some of the very many people who have been involved in the Old Hatfield project so far. The project still has a way to go, but the opening of the store is an important step on the journey.

 

There has been a dramatic increase in the number of residents in Old Hatfield over the last two or three years, as people recognise how good a place it is to live in, and building conversions from offices to housing continue. This brings its challenges of course, such as Parking, but it is generally a good thing for the community. The next major step in the regeneration will we hope be the planned and long-awaited redevelopment of the square itself.

General

We have the feeling that things are about to start moving again in Old Hatfield. The opening of the retail units in the Station in the spring will make a big difference.

 

Several Office-to-Residential conversions are nearing completion, and more are in the pipeline awaiting approval. This means more residents in Old Hatfield, which is a good thing, though Parking could be an issue. The refurbishment of York House is expected to complete in November 2017, and we are hopeful that a resolution can be found to enable the main development to begin in 2018.

 

As well as Social Events (the next will be the Christmas Songs/Carols) we aim to keep an eye on development plans, in Old Hatfield and further afield, and to keep the place looking good.

 

Blooming Old Hatfield

 

We are very lucky to have Margaret Stephens living in Old Hatfield. There are areas which seem to belong to no one, properties which are empty, or are just unloved, and she plants them up, and looks after and waters them, with a tiny bit of help (see Working Parties under Next Events). We congratulate her on being shortlisted as a Welwyn Hatfield Times Community “Valiant Volunteer” finalist.

 

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We have been given a grant by ARISE to purchase a watering device – pictured with Margaret above – which should make things a bit easier in dry spells, and will we hope encourage others to help keep the place looking beautiful. Thanks to Marychurch for allowing us to house the device in their garden.

 

The OHRA also tries to persuade residents, and especially management companies like those of Park Close and Dunham Mews, and Willow, to look after their patch. Margaret can’t do it all, valiant though she undoubtedly is.

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Saturday 27th August 2016 Summer Picnic

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Pictures in the Gallery, £260 raised for Save the Children.

It was a good picnic I thought, though we could have coped with more people. And it didn't rain! I personally especially enjoyed the "regulars" and the new items - Jill's ukuleles, Angie's tea and cakes, and Andy's beer and BBQ were very welcome. It's a great team effort, which is much appreciated. I wonder what it will be like next year*?

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Things to enjoy included the usual suspects:
Kens games
History corner
Marychurch stalls
Peta shaw bags
Real tennis
Dog show
Tug of war
Blooming old Hatfield colouring
Find a teddy
Face painting
Treasure chest by George
Music and compere by PK

plus, New for this year
BBQ and drinks  by 8 bells
Coffees teas and cakes by Angie's deli
Ukulele workshop and presentation by Jill knight 
Neighbourhood watch stall
OHRA stall

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---------------   Old News --------------------------

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June 9th 2016 cricket: village vs Estate

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This was a good event, won (again) by the village

 

June 23rd 2016 OHRA General meeting

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11th Jan 2016 - Cafe Scientifique at 7pm in the Red Lion "What's Lurking in your Kitchen'!

 

27th Feb 2016 - Ceilidh Country Dance to be held at Mary Church Hall in the evening.  Please contact us if you would like tickets and on how to book.

 

Works in Salisbury Square - GCE are starting preliminary works in the Square.  They are removing the covered walkway and planters and installing drainage works.  Please be aware of any short term signage and/or diversions.

 

 

Autumn News 2015

 

CHRISTMAS CAROLS:  Thank you to all who came and made this another successful evening of song and festivities.  We raised over £350 for Breaks Manor Youth Club which was brilliant.  We also would like to recognise local business's RSA and Simmons for their help and donations that make the night happen and of course the musicians.

 

SUMMER PICNIC: The annual picnic was a great success with lots of stalls, games, fun for kids, dog show and music on the day.  Thank you to everyone who participated and made it such a fun event.

 

BLOOMING OLD HATFIELD:  This is ongoing throughout the summer months and has just got underway with volunteers planting, clearing and maintaining areas in the Old Town. Please feel free to contact Margaret Stephens or Janet Giblin via the OHRA email with any questions, suggestions or offers of help be it time, effort or plants.

 

JACOBS LADDER:  Another success for Old Hatfield!  The re-opening of the steps went ahead in September and they are now operational.  Thank you to everybody who helped make this happen, a piece of history restored.

 

Summer cricket - Residents Vs Hatfield House :  Sadly this event did not get off the ground this summer for various reasons.  We hope that 2016 will see teams from both sides on the pitch.