Residents will be saddened to learn of the death of our Village Warden Arthur Hirst. Arthur died in hospital on 3 January following a short illness. Arthur was a wonderful ambassador for the Parish Council and thoroughly enjoyed his work in the village. Our deepest sympathy goes to his wife Joy, their sons David and Clive and their families.

People who remember John and Rene Holt who lived in Little Windmill Hill and left the village about 20 years ago, will be sorry to hear that Rene died in December following a long illness. John Holt is now seriously ill and needs much care and attention. He is determined to remain in his own home as long as possible and the fact that he is blessed with two wonderful neighbours is helping him to fulfil his wish, with considerable help from Kaye and Graham.

Jean Nagel of Queen Street died at home on Christmas morning. Our condolences go to her sisters Barbara and Ann.

Harriet Dorothy Heathcote – Wells was born on Saturday 18 December at 1.29pm at Watford General Hospital weighing 7lb 12oz. She is the first child for Annabel and Mike from 34 Croft Close, Chipperfield. She is the eighth grandchild for Dorothy and Michael Heathcote, Dorothy Heathcote Florists in Watford.

Pauline and Tom McAuliffe of 89 Scatterdells Lane are delighted to announce the arrival of their second grandchild Finley William Victor on Tuesday 16 November 2004. Mother and baby are doing fine.

Should you happen to be travelling on an Arriva bus from Hemel Hempstead to Victoria, your young driver could be Rosie Oliver, daughter of Sylvia of Queen Street. Rosie has followed her late father Jack in being involved with buses and as a conductor he, also, would have been very proud of her driving to Victoria and back twice daily. Rosie was driving locally and is thoroughly enjoying the challenge of this new job. Well done Rosie: there are many people who would hesitate to take a car into London, never mind a big coach!