FIREFIGHTERS had to cut the roof off a car to free an injured woman after a road accident.

They rushed to the scene in single-track country road Bedmond Lane, Bedmond, after the vehicle collided with a van at about 1pm today (Wednesday).

The woman was taken to hospital in an ambulance, said Hemel Hempstead Fire Station watch commander Paul Redhead.

A DOG owner is calling for street lights to be switched back on after he fell over while walking his four-legged friend.

Michael Sturman says all of the lighting has been turned off in the Grovehill cul-de-sac where he has lived for 29 years under money saving council cutbacks.

“There is not one light on. I would understand if they turned every other one off,” said Michael, of Ninian Road.

“It is just asking for trouble. They should leave some street lights on in a close.”

Herts County Council is switching 80 per cent of its lights to part-night lighting, which means they are turned off between midnight and 6am.

The 59-year-old, who uses a walking stick, was taking labrador Louie out to stretch his legs at around 12.30pm on Sunday, February 19, when he took a tumble.

Council spokesman Alice Newbon said: “The scheme is constantly under review and as a result of additional information being provided to us about particular areas, about 80 street lights which were converted to part-night lighting have been switched back and now remain on all night.

“A full review of the scheme will be carried out in the summer of 2013.”

Hockey

BERKHAMSTED maintained their good form at the weekend, as the men’s second XI and third XI both kept their promotion hopes alive.

The second team thrashed Cheshunt 8-0, while the third side beat South Adelaide 4-2 on Saturday and West Herts 7-2 on Sunday.

Cheshunt travelled to Berkhamsted with the same team that saw off Berko 9-1 at the beginning of the season, but the hosts showed how far they have progressed since then.

In a top passing display Berko swept their opponents aside to secure the comfortable win. Goals came courtesy of Simon Kaye, Dominic Johnson, James Edwards, Oliver Bowman (2), and a well-earned hat-trick from Paul Whitby.

The third XI, meanwhile, did well to pick up two wins in as many days.

First up, the side travelled to bottom of the table Southgate Adelaide and were made to work hard for their 4-2 win.

In a tougher game than Berko were expecting, Southgate took the lead against the run of play, but the visitors hit back through Mark Robinson.

The home side regained the advantage, but Robinson – pictured right – levelled things up before half-time with his second goal of the game.

Berko improved after the break, and Iwan Roberts put the visitors in front, before Robinson wrapped up the win as he completed his hat-trick.

With only one day’s rest, the thirds were in action again on Sunday, and swept West Herts aside to make it two wins from two.

Peter Allam, Roberts, Robinson and Tom Kemplen all found the net, as Berko moved up to third in the league.

A MAN who proposed to his partner by taking out a newspaper advert got the answer he was hoping for.

Doug Drury popped the question the day after Valentine’s by paying for a half page ad in last week’s HeraldExpress, pictured above.

He took his partner of eight years, Stephanie Barnes, to stand outside the now closed Wishing Well pub, in Marlowes, Hemel Hempstead – the place where they first met – before showing her the proposal and getting down on one knee.

The couple got together after a mutual pal set them up on a blind date.

Doug, 39, said: “We always read the paper anyway. It was just something I came up with.”

He is believed to be the first person to propose using the pages of Hemel Hempstead’s free paper and advertising staff gave him a discounted rate to celebrate the occasion.

Bride-to-be Stephanie, of Fennycroft Road, Gadebridge, says it was the perfect gesture.

She said: “I knew it was coming because we have been together so long now. He asked me if I wanted a grand gesture or something quiet. After eight years I thought I deserved a grand gesture.

“It was right up my street – he knows me better than anyone on this planet.”

The pair are hoping to tie the knot towards the end of the year and are planning a Pagan wedding with the help of Stephanie’s daughter Kelsei, aged 14.

A MAN was knocked down in Marlowes, Hemel Hempstead, this afternoon.

Paramedics and police officers were called to the scene, at the junction with Dacorum Way, at 1pm.

He was taken away in an ambulance and was thought to be mostly unhurt except for an injured leg which may have been broken.

The man was helped by several first-aiders who were present at the scene before emergency services arrived.

At the time of going to press the cause of the incident was not known.

]]> 1.3548617 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 16:23:47 +0000 http://www.hemeltoday.co.uk/cash_prizes_for_fun_run_fancy_dress_participants_1_3549096

TO celebrate the 30th anniversary of a town’s annual running challenge, a fancy dress contest has been added to the event’s programme.

The Berkhamsted Half Marathon will begin at the town’s cricket club at 10am on Sunday, March 4, and a five-mile fun run will begin there 30 minutes later.

There will be £50, £30 and £20 prizes for those who wear the best fancy dress during the fun run.

The event is organised by the Rotary Club of Berkhamsted Bulbourne, which gives all profits from entry fees to charities.

Learn more – or sign up for either event before Friday – at tinyurl.com/85btveq

London Colney 1 Kings Langley 2

Cup specialists Kings Langley progressed to their third semi-final of the season, toppling local rivals London Colney for the second time in eight weeks.

In a bruising encounter, Kings keeper Ross Channer was carried off after just six minutes, before defender Colin Wilson suffered the same fate with a quarter of an hour on the clock.

Kings had to dig deep, but responded magnificently, taking the lead when a Chris Mason left wing run and cross was glanced home by Jimmy Armstrong.

Within three minutes, the prolific marksman struck again, blasting in a Nathan Pooley corner to notch his 43rd goal of the season – breaking the previous campaign’s record by Lewis Toomey in the process.

John Butler headed in a free kick for Colney within 48 seconds of the restart, but with few chances at either end, Kings stood firm.

Winger Jack Johnson – forced to move to right-back – and keeper Ross Hampton were outstanding in a tremendous team performance.

The home side racked up four bookings and finally had striker Matt Newman sent off for one challenge too many on Hampton, before the final whistle brought jubilation for Kings and set up a semi-final at Ampthill.

Royston Town 1 Tring Athletic 0

AN own-goal five minutes from time knocked ten-man Tring out of the Premier Division Cup after a brave display at high-flying Royston Town.

Tring put in a gutsy effort in the semi-final clash, but it was Royston who ultimately booked their place in the final.

Athletic had been without a first team match for over three weeks, and it was hosts Royston who started the stronger.

Tring dug in, though, and apart from a couple of headers from set pieces, Royston failed to test stand-in keeper Nick Law who was deputising for the injured Mike Underwood.

Athletic were much more of a threat in the in the second half, and the visitors were thwarted by Royston’s excellent young keeper who saved a penalty from Graham Hall, as well as efforts from Hall, Mickey Swaysland and Jack Thomson.

A red card for Tring’s Matt Jarvis swung the tie in Royston’s favour and, in a cruel end for Athletic, a deflected goal five minutes from time sent Royston into the final.

The Little Hay Juniors teed off for the first time in 2012 as the half-term stroke play competition took place last week.

The clear winner was Harry Chapman with a net 71, second was Luke Wrathall with 76 and third was Ryan Howe with 77.

The juniors section has been growing for the last two years due to efforts by the club and the golf complex, and a full programme of coaching, competitions and matches has been arranged for 2012.

Any boys or girls wanting to take up the game or join the club should contact the Little Hay Golf Complex or phone John Poston, junior organiser, on 01442 873343.

Elsewhere, on Saturday, the men’s section competed for the Alan Irwin Trophy. Nearly 30 players entered and the winner was Phil Chester with a commanding 47 points over Keith Muir (38) and Nick Pinnock (36).

On Thursday, the 35 Little Hay senior men held an away day at Hatfield London Country Club where they played the new course.

Graham Cracknell shot the best individual score – 39 points. Nearest the pin was Derek Tarling and longest drive went to Geoff Selley.

The team prize was won by Cracknell, Roger Woods, Peter Humphrey and Jon Ridgewell.

Little Hay ladies’ competition was called off last week due to snow but the ladies will be welcoming interested new members for a chat over coffee on March 3 and 5.

For details, please call Carol Kent on 07976 559660.

Hemel Town 0 Banbury United 2

HEMEL Town were dumped out of the Red Insure Cup as Banbury United booked their place in the semi-finals.

New Tudors boss Mark Eaton was hoping to register his first win since taking over at Vauxhall Road, but two goals from Banbury early in the second half were enough to win the tie.

It was Hemel who made the brighter start of the teams, but the hosts could not turn their early dominance into goals.

Lewis Toomey saw an effort cleared off the line after a good interchange with full-back James Brighton, before new signing Rob Harworth squandered a good headed opportunity from a Dave Pearce cross.

Banbury began to work themselves back into the game, though, and Tudors keeper Ross Kitteridge was forced into a save from Josh Cole’s header.

From the resulting corner, Ricky Johnston rose highest to meet Wes Emery’s cross, but his header crept over the bar.

As the half went on, Banbury began to crank up the pressure on the Hemel goal, and Simeon Williams almost profited from some slack defending, only to see his effort fly wide.

Chances continued to fall to the visitors, and Emery was next to go close as his long range strike fizzed inches past the top corner.

Hemel boss Eaton would have been looking for a response from his side after the break, but it was Banbury who continued to press and finally managed to force the breakthrough.

Joe Colman found space down the right before delivering a cross to the back post where Williams was on hand to slot past Kitteridge.

And it did not take long for the Puritans to double their advantage as Dior Angus rocketed an unstoppable volley into the top corner from 30 yards.

That effectively ended the game as a contest as Hemel heads dropped, and Banbury booked their place in the semis.

EIGHT “luxury camping pods” are being planned at Whipsnade Zoo as charity chiefs aim to make it a year-round attraction.

The Lookout Lodge pods are set to open up a new market for the 80 year-old hilltop attraction.

“Everything we do has mission overlay,” said Zoological Society of London (ZSL) director David Field. He explained that the zoo wants to give visitors experiences that turn them into champions of Whipsnade and to reconnect people with nature.

Mr Field became a champion of nature at a very young age and wants other people to have experiences that do the same for them.

ZSL aims to put 10 per cent of its turnover into conservation efforts around the world. In a good year that can add up to £10million.

Also on the cards this year are a sophisticated indoor play area and refurbishment of the sealion enclosure as the zoo aims to give visitors more of what they want from a day out in the Chilterns.

Last year, some 500,000 people went through the zoo’s gates, with more than ever during the warmer than average winter months.

“We want to encourage people to visit the zoo throughout the year, not just during bank holidays in August,” said Mr Field. He added that by encouraging people to make repeat visits, its conservation efforts can continue into the long term.

> See our video interview with David Field at www.hemeltoday.co.uk/news/business

Headteachers across the borough and an MP have backed a crackdown on parents who take pupils for school holidays during term time.

There was widespread support for Education Secretary Micheal Gove’s proposals, which call for headteachers to no longer be able to sanction up to two weeks a year of “authorised absence” during school term.

Hemel Hempstead MP Mike Penning said: “I am completely supportive. My headteachers at the schools have told me it is a nightmare for them.

“Kids have an awful lot of time off during holidays and when term time is on they should be in school.

“I appreciate holiday companies put prices up outside term time, but it has always been like that.

“I do not know if it is getting worse, but I know it is an issue headteachers have been talking about for some time.”

Kings Langley School headteacher Gary Lewis said: “I feel quite strongly about it but as with most things it is never black and white.

“Any headteacher in the world would not advocate parents taking children out of school in term time.

“We are very forthright in our treatment of parents who we feel are abusing the system, but having said that, I am understanding of genuine circumstances.

“The statistics are pretty stark that the children who do not attend regularly do not do as well in examinations.”

Tring School headteacher Susan Collings said: “Holidays are an active choice and should not be taken during term time.

“It is very important students attend school. We do not authorise holidays during term time.

“You just cannot have parents taking children out from their valuable time for learning. It is about children getting consistency of learning, enabling them to progress.

“Whatever the nature of the holiday, it actually has an impact and it is usually quite negative.

]]> 1.3546547 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 10:36:35 +0000 http://www.hemeltoday.co.uk/tailbacks_across_hemel_hempstead_due_to_car_breakdown_1_3546369

MOTORISTS faced long tailbacks across Hemel Hempstead this morning (Wednesday).

They were caused by a broken down black Daewoo that had blocked two lanes of the A41 between Hemel Hempstead and Kings Langley.

Police were called just before 9am to help the female driver remove her car from the dual carriageway.

Described as “24 for grown-ups”, Homeland has already won a Golden Globe and critical acclaim. As the show begins in Britain on Channel 4, its main star Damian Lewis talks to Shereen Low about portraying a US marine sergeant suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and why he really wants to play Don Draper from Mad Men.

Damian Lewis has been up since 7am, but is on remarkably fine form – and has an admission to make.

“You need to know I’m in my pyjamas, clasping a coffee,” he reveals, chuckling down the phone from America, where the working day’s just starting.

The London native, best known for being in The Forsyte Saga, Band Of Brothers and Life, has made North Carolina his temporary home for the past five months to film new US TV series Homeland.

In doing so Lewis has made the ultimate sacrifice – being apart from his family, actress wife Helen McCrory and their two children, five-year-old daughter Manon and son Gulliver, four.

“North Carolina is a beautiful place and I like it here a lot. But I miss my family when they’re not here with me, although they were with me all summer,” he admits in his clipped Old Etonian accent.

“I also miss London because I love London – it is the greatest city in the world. I miss the culture, the vibrancy and bombing around on my bicycle from one place to the next.”

Homeland, the Golden Globe-winning psychological thriller, which also stars Claire Danes and fellow Brit David Harewood MBE, was created by Howard Gordon and Alex Gansa – the brains behind 24.

“The parallel with 24 is inevitable, but this is far more of a psychological, political drama. It’s something we don’t see often – plus you need a black man and a redhead on a show!” he quips.

Lewis, pictured, plays US Marine Sergeant Nicholas Brody, who has been held as a prisoner of war for eight years by Al Qaeda and presumed dead.

He is celebrated as a war hero on his return, but mentally unstable CIA agent Carrie Mathison (Danes) suspects he has been ‘turned’ into a sleeper agent and is now a threat to Homeland security.

“Ambiguity is a complex thing to play. You have to be lightning quick and nimble, there’s a mental and imaginative agility in the performance which is really fun,” says Lewis, 41.

“Inserting a bipolar disorder into the heart of a paranoid thriller is a brave move, as it conveniently allows us to judge Carrie. Is this man a danger to the United States or is she over-reacting? It’s intense. You’re going to love it!”

The series, which has been renewed for a second season, already has famous fans, with US President Barack Obama and his cohorts reported to have called in four DVD box sets.

“It’s exciting when you’ve entered the cultural zeitgeist in such a way,” says Lewis, who last worked in the US on the short-lived NBC cop drama Life.

“The Clintons are now watching it, and it’s gone right through to the top levels of the American administration. They’re all asking for box sets so they can see what their bosses are watching.”

But it could all have turned out differently as Lewis admits: “I very nearly said no to Homeland.

“My experience on Life, which I loved, was at quite a lot of personal cost, from a family point of view. That sounds a bit melodramatic - we’re all still together - but it was long hours working, with Helen sitting in the house with the kids.

“I wasn’t prepared for quite the workshop hours you work on some American TV shows, so I said to my agent I would do this only if it’s extraordinary and is on cable TV.”

The actor particularly enjoys his scenes with Romeo And Juliet actress Danes. “Danesy is whip-smart, extremely committed and focused. She plays that interactive Scrabble game, Words With Friends, endlessly.

“She has about five or six games going on with different people, and got half the crew doing it as well. It’s her way of relaxing.”

Like the audience, Lewis is kept in the dark about his character’s plotlines. “The fundamentals of my character were discussed but the details weren’t fleshed out,” he says.

“It’s fun getting surprises with the episode each week, like reading a novel. It keeps it fresh and interesting.”

The British actor - who attended the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and performed with the Royal Shakespeare Company - did what little research he could.

“I spoke to soldiers, read a lot of literature, looked at documentary footage and tried to understand what it is like to be held as a prisoner of war.

To be authentic in its portrayal of Afghanistan prisons, Lewis had to endure routine torture scenes in which he was stripped of his clothes and subjected to gruelling punishment.

The scenes don’t affect him though, and he jokes: “It leaves me needing a beer! I don’t take my work home with me. I’m not that kind of method actor.

Lewis seems content with his lot, but there’s one person he’d gladly switch places with - Jon Hamm of Mad Men fame.

“I wish I had got the Don Draper role. I’ve got a little bit of a man crush on him!” he laughs.

]]> 1.3546104 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 09:04:20 +0000 http://www.hemeltoday.co.uk/it_s_the_final_countdown_the_big_strictly_dance_off_is_this_weekend_1_3545202

THE final countdown to the big Strictly dance-off has officially begun and, with just a few days to go, practice sessions have gone into overdrive.

I was pretty impressed when I totted up the hours dedicated to dancing last week – 40 minutes on Monday, two hours on Wednesday, an hour on Thursday, an hour on Saturday, an hour on Sunday morning followed by almost two hours at the regular Sunday night class with our fellow enthusiastic dancers.

But as my ever reluctant dance partner Michael Carillo has put little effort into dancing for the last five weeks – that’s when he’s not trying to get out of it all together – we had a lot to catch up on.

And there’s been plenty of help – a private lesson with dance teachers Shirley and Brian made a big difference and we’ve had the benefit of rehearsal space thanks to professional fighter Denniston Sutherland, who has allowed us to twirl around his Hemel Martial Arts gym, and Boxmoor Lodge Hotel owner Andrew Rickett who has offered up the venue’s dance floor whenever we require it. This has saved us from many bumps around the living room.

And it looks like the dancing drive is about to get ramped up further – Michael woke me at 5am on Monday morning to suggest we rehearse before he headed off to work. I won’t tell you the reply he received before I turned over and returned to my slumber.

So far this week, we’ve practised together on Monday night and then attended a jive class on Tuesday evening in a bid to pick up some fancy footwork.

Dancers were given a run down on how the big night at Berkhamsted’s Centenary Hall will work during Sunday’s practice, which set the nerves off but we were all given a boost with some kind words from the lady who will be the lead judge on Saturday – director of nursing and clinical governance at the Hospice of St Francis, Alison Briant.

She told us: “You have been transformed from clumsy ducklings into graceful swans.

“To be able to dance two complex dances within a few weeks’ practice is amazing – you should all rightly be very proud of yourselves.”

She reminded us that we are all doing this for a fantastic cause and encouraged dancers to enjoy the night.

Senior community fundraiser Fran Martin, who is in charge of organising the event, is also full of praise.

“Not only have our lovely dancers had to learn their steps, they’ve also had to raise sponsorship money for the Hospice of St Francis too, and I’m thrilled to say they’ve excelled in both.”

The others making up the judging panel are Linda Venables, a former winner – along with husband Frank – of world, European, British, UK and international championships, competing in both Latin and ballroom dancing; Katherine Coburn, who teaches dance across South Bucks and is studying for a BA in dance; and Daniel Fox, a morning presenter on Heart Breakfast.

> Sponsor Victoria at http://www.justgiving.com/victoriaandmichael

SO, our whole economic system is suffering from a massive hangover but it’s binge drinking that’s going to get sorted out.

You may wonder whether that nice Mr Cameron has got his priorities right – but there’s no denying that, if he can make some headway, he’ll have made as big a contribution to public health as his unlamented Labour predecessors did by introducing the smoking ban.

There’s a strategy on the way, of course, but for starters the PM has called for bars and supermarkets to help tackle a problem that costs the NHS £2.7bn a year.

But it shouldn’t be about money, and we shouldn’t even be thinking about a ban.

And the PM ought to be looking to recruit far beyond the pint-pullers and grog floggers to help achieve this admirable end.

It’s one of those issues – like seat belts and the smoking ban, which have been great successes, and the ban on using your mobile at the wheel, which is still a boil to be lanced – where the vast majority of us are just waiting for someone to take a sensible lead.

And the way to do it is to make life more difficult for the drinker – and when I say drinker, I don’t just mean the lager-fuelled lout or the alcopop addled teenager – I mean all of us.

I’m fed up of all sorts of expensive measures being put in place to pick up the pieces of other people’s lack of self-control. The aim has got to be to stop people regarding the act of getting completely hammered as an option for a night out, or even a night in.

So here are a few ideas to throw into the mix, for the PM to consider over a relaxing glass of wine one evening.

Number 1, ban all alcopops. Strong drink isn’t supposed to taste like lemonade.

Number 2, restrict the sale of all spirits to people over the age of 25. If I had my way I’d also make it illegal to use mixers to soften the taste of hard liquor, for the same reasons that alcopops have to go, but I do enjoy the occasional gin and tonic so that one will have to stay on the drawing board.

Number 3, by all means introduce a higher unit price for alcohol but don’t penalise those who enjoy a bracer but know when to stop – jack up the pub prices only after the first two drinks, introduce maximum purchase rules in supermarkets and the like just like they have for painkillers these days, and halt the sale of alcohol in containers larger than one litre, especially if we’re talking about super strength cider.

Number 4, forget street pastors and people being paid by the public purse to get drunk and incapable kids home safely. Employ them instead to wander town centres at closing time, corner people who have had a skinful, and paint their faces purple.

The paint should not be permanent, of course, but it should be pretty much immovable for a week or so as evidence of a bender that would last a lot longer, and be a lot more visible, to the world at large than a hangover.

Then it would be for the rest of us to bring peer pressure to bear, and sneer and snigger at the victims for long after whatever memory they had of a good night out had faded. Purple paint would make them pariahs, and we’d soon change their habits.

THE body of a Hemel Hempstead serviceman killed in action is due to be brought home to the UK on Thursday.

Senior Aircraftman Ryan Tomlin, 21, was fatally wounded by small arms fire from an insurgent attack while on patrol in Afghanistan on Monday, February 13.

The former Astley Cooper schoolboy was rushed to a field hospital at Camp Bastion by air but died of his wounds.

Ryan, pictured, joined the Royal Air Force in October 2008 after leaving school at the age of 16 in 2006.

His form tutor, Bex Howe, who is now deputy headteacher at Astley Cooper School, paid tribute to the much-loved pupil who was due to return to the classroom during his next visit home to talk to youngsters about his front line experiences.

>For the full report pick up a copy of this week’s Gazette.

Rugby

Camelot came away with all three points from their trip to Welwyn on Saturday.

The visitors were on top throughout and made a blistering start to the game as number 7 Craig Bailey crashed over the line for the first try of the match after just four minutes.

And it was not long before the Hemel side extended their advantage.

Full-back Alex Wilby sold a dummy to break through the defence before spinning the ball out wide to winger Carl Buckingham who scored in the corner.

Hemel were in complete control and made it 15-0 after 24 minutes as number 8 Hadyn Morgan crashed over the line.

Welwyn hit back with a penalty, but Hemel extended their advantage to 22-3 as Buckingham sprinted round the defence to score his second try which fullback Alex Wilby converted.

The hosts bagged a consolation try shortly before the final whistle, but it was too little too late and Hemel took the points.

It was a valuable victory for Camelot who retain fifth position in the league while putting pressure on fourth-placed Chiswick.

The two sides meet on Saturday, 2.30pm kick-off at Chaulden Lane.

Berkhamsted finally returned to action after a prolonged break, but Mick Vipond’s side came away empty-handed from their trip to Hadley.

Having not played since January 28 as a result of the big freeze earlier this month, Berko were keen to get their season back on track.

However, Hadley goals either side of half-time put paid to the Comrades’ chances and gave the hosts all three points.

“I think overall they probably deserved it,” said Berko boss Vipond. “Second half they were the better side and we had a couple of scares before they scored. They had one or two decent players.

“If you want to win games in this division you have to play well for 90 minutes and we didn’t do that.”

Vipond was able to welcome Dale Sears back into the starting XI for Saturday after his ankle break in September.

Tyler Hatherley was also recalled following suspension in a strong looking Berko line-up, but it was Hadley who took the lead as Nick Chrysanthou slotted home in the 14th minute.

The lead did not last long though, with Berko’s Matt Wardle firing home his ninth goal of the season five minutes later to restore parity.

The third goal looked as though it would determine the outcome of the game, and it was Hadley who struck next to claim the win.

Mid-way through the second half, Dom Petrucci ran on to a through-ball and rounded Ed Farmer to bag the points for his side.

>See tomorrow’s Gazette for more

]]> 1.3544992 Tue, 21 Feb 2012 16:45:30 +0000 http://www.hemeltoday.co.uk/jewellery_taken_during_break_in_1_3544991

Jewellery that was of sentimental value to its owner was taken from a home during a break-in where thieves smashed a window to get in.

It happened between 2pm on Friday, January 27 and 7.30pm on Monday, February 6, at the home in Lybury Lane, Redbourn.

Once inside thieves closed the curtains before carrying out their raid.

Among the goods taken was a square, silver compact with the initials MM and WP on it, a gold bracelet with 18th Aug 1971 inscribed on the inside. A solitaire diamond and baguette white gold ring with three while gold balls soldered onto the inside and a gold pocket watch with initials on the back.

A Toshiba flat screen television with built in Freeview was also taken.

Det Con Karen Webb said: “I would appeal to anyone who may have seen or been offered these items for sale to contact us. Some of the items stolen had belonged to the victim’s mum, who passed away recently. The victim had hoped to pass them down the generations of her family.

“I would also ask for people to be vigilant if they see their neighbour’s curtains closed and this is unusual. If you are concerned please call police.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Ms Webb via the Herts Police non-emergency number 101 quoting crime reference number F2/12/216. Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Chesham United 2 Hemel Hempstead Town 1

NEW Hemel Town manager Mark Eaton got off to a losing start as his side were beaten by Chesham.

Eaton was appointed by Hemel last week, but he could not make an immediate impact as the Tudors slipped to defeat.

Despite the loss, though, Eaton was upbeat about his team’s display. “There were a lot of positives,” he said. “We got a good response from the players even though we haven’t had much time to work with them.

“I think the players took on board what we wanted. We tried to encourage them to get the ball down more and, in parts of the game, we did that.

“We could have got a point from the game but, on the balance of things, Chesham just about edged it.

“We had a period where we were on top but what was a bit disappointing was that we didn’t really smell blood and turn the screw.

“I’ve spoken to all of the players and asked them to think about where we can improve.”

After nearly three weeks without a game, both teams looked rusty on Saturday in a match affected by strong wind.

Following a scrappy start, Hemel keeper Ross Kitteridge produced a good save from a Steve Wales free-kick after nine minutes, but Chesham took the lead from the resulting corner.

Ryan Moran headed goalwards and Brad Wadkins was on hand to tap home and put the hosts in front.

Chances were few and far between for the rest of the first half, with winger Dave Pearce looking the Tudors’ most threatening player.

Kitteridge was forced into a good stop at the start of the second half, but the Tudors responded well and produced their best spell of the game – resulting in the equaliser.

Marquin Smith was felled in the area by Danny Gudgeon, and Pearce stepped up to dispatch the resulting penalty.

After Hemel’s dominant patch, a quiet spell followed and it was Chesham who eventually bagged the decisive third goal.

Steve Wales played the ball to Simon Thomas who shrugged off a challenge from Barrie Matthews, and set up Chris Watters to net the winner for the hosts.

THESE were some of the new recruits to make their scouting promises after being enrolled into their pack on Monday night.

Twelve new scouts pledged allegiance to The Queen on the high ropes course at the XC and joined the new month-old Lockers Park School pack.

Scout leader Jan Maddern said: “We decided to set up the troop because the boys enjoy cubs at the school so much and for many of the boarders it is the only opportunity they would ever have to join scouts.”

]]> 1.3542728 Tue, 21 Feb 2012 15:00:04 +0000 http://www.hemeltoday.co.uk/chalk_mines_will_be_made_safe_next_year_1_3544684

WORK to fill chalk mines that have blighted homes in Nash Mills, making it impossible for people to sell their properties, should be completed by April next year.

But while contractors work to fill the underground pits some people will have to temporarily move out of their Hemel Hempstead homes.

Last year Dacorum Borough Council secured just over £2million for works to make the area safe after a collapsed garden patio in Highbarns in 2007 revealed the problem.

The mines, located around Highbarns, Pond Road and East Green, are believed to have been dug in the 19th century to produce chalk for paper making at John Dickinson.

>For the full story pick up a copy of this week’s Gazette.

An exciting future lies ahead for rugby league in Hemel following the announcement that Hemel Stags will make the step up to semi-professional level at the start of the 2013 season.

In a press conference held at Stags’ Pennine Way ground, Hemel chairman Bob Brown and RFL chief operating officer Ralph Rimmer confirmed that the club will be plying their trade in the re-vamped Championship One competition.

> See tomorrow’s Gazette for full story.

AN INQUEST has been opened following the death of a student on Hemel Hempstead Road.

Craig Burns, 18, of Keats Close, Hemel Hempstead, was a pedestrian when he was hit by a Citreon C3 near the junction with Appspond Lane and Beechtree Lane last Wednesday at 4.55pm.

The provisional cause of death is multiple traumatic injuries.

Craig was a student at West Herts College and tributes have been posted on Twitter and YouTube.

College principal Gill Worgan said: “To hear that a young life has been cut short in such tragic circumstances is always difficult.

“The thoughts of everyone at the college are with Craig’s family and friends.”

]]> 1.3544334 Tue, 21 Feb 2012 12:42:27 +0000 http://www.hemeltoday.co.uk/just_champion_community_sport_cash_is_a_winner_1_3544265

THERE’S a serious summer of sport on the way, with the Olympic Games in London, the Euro 2012 football tournament, and all manner of other high profile competitions to catch the attention.

But that doesn’t mean grass roots sport takes a back seat – and the Gazette has got together with the Riverside Shopping Centre in Hemel Hempstead to create a community sport programme which will see two local clubs or sporting ventures each scoop a £1,000 windfall

The Community Sports Awards scheme, which will be officially launched at the centre on Saturday, aims to help and support local sports clubs and groups in and around Dacorum in celebration of this exciting Olympic year.

The shopping centre is coming up with the cash to back the venture, which will run throughout the spring and will see members of the public playing a key role in deciding where the funds end up.

But to kick things off, we need to hear from clubs who could put those funds to good use.

So if your club needs new kit, your school has its eye on new sports equipment, you know an Olympic hopeful who needs financial help along the way or your facilities need a makeover, we want to hear about it.

The awards will be launched at the centre on Saturday, between noon and 3pm.

If you’d like to get involved, all you have to do is send a representative to the centre to talk through the details.

And don’t worry if this weekend’s fixtures mean you can’t get to the town centre – there will be opportunities for everyone to get involved, and full details will appear in the Gazette in the coming weeks.

But Saturday’s launch is well worth checking out, because it’s not just an information session – there are demonstrations and displays by the Zumbaboyz, WingTsun Martial Arts and Dacorum Majorettes – pictured above – scheduled during the day..

Centre manager David Robinson said: “There are so many fantastic sports organisations and clubs around the area that deserve some extra support and we would like them to come forward and tell us how we can help.

“The Community Sports Awards is something brand new for us and we are all very excited about how the money that we donate will be able to help local projects and groups.”

Gazette editor John Francis added: “We’re delighted to be teaming up with the Riverside to make sure that as many sports organisations in Dacorum know that this wonderful windfall is available.

“The Gazette is the number one paper for local sport, and we’re always keen to help local firms get their message across – especially when grass roots sport stands to get such a welcome shot in the arm.”

Tring Athletic ploughed past Stevenage to reach the final of the Hertfordshire Women’s County Cup.

Braces from Amanda Wainwright and Sally Green and a goal from Trisha Richards saw the visitors cruise to a 5-0 victory.

Read more in The Gazette.

Saracens 19-20 Leicester Tigers

Defending champions Saracens took on last year’s runners up, Leicester Tigers, at Vicarage Road on Sunday afternoon.

In front of a large crowd, Saracens dominated the majority of the game but were unable to pull clear.

The first half consisted of Saracens seeming to kick the ball away at every opportunity, while Leicester scored four penalties in the opening period from the boot of fly-half Toby Flood – the England player released to gain game time with his club.

But it was Saracens who scored the only try of the first half as they secured a loose line-out.

Schalk Brits made a fantastic break and was aware enough to offload to scrum-half Neil De Kock.

The South African raced through the gap and beat the last man to go over. The try was converted by Alex Goode and the full-back added a penalty to draw the gap to 12-10 at half time.

Goode added a further two penalties after finding his kicking boots in the second half, but a well-worked try by Ed Slater put Leicester ahead once more.

Goode nearly secured the win with a last minute touchline penalty, but Leicester still had time for one more attack.

They held onto the ball well despite a disciplined Saracens defence. The home side could not give away any penalties and so the Tigers took valuable ground.

Eventually, they worked a position for captain Geordan Murphy to strike over an ugly drop goal in extra time, giving them a deserved win.

BSFL

COMETS Sports Club saw their cup dreams shattered as they were knocked out of the FA National Sunday Cup by Lakeside Athletic.

Comets had enjoyed a fine run in the competition over the past few seasons, but their hopes of lifting the trophy were ended in a disappointing 3-1 defeat.

Chris Marsh netted the consolation goal for Comets.

It was better news for AFC Boars, however, as a Sonny French Brace was enough to see off Nicholas Breakspear 2-0 in the fifth round of the Herts Sunday Senior Cup.

In the league, meanwhile, Berko Tornadoes breezed past Hemel Town Celtic in a 5-2 victory.

Ricky Shepherd bagged a hat-trick for Berko, and Andy Wheeler-King and Tom Kelly completed the scoring.

The Herald were also on form as Lee Simper (2) and Karl Davidson helped them to a 3-0 win over Boxmoor, while a Matt Gunary double gave Gossoms End a 2-1 win over Park Rangers.

AFC Rovers were the big winners in Division One, thrashing The Midland 8-0 courtesy of goals from Danny Tomkins (3), James Heward, Lawrence Kain, Rob Buckland, Tom Hardy and Dean Howie.

Warners End also won well, driving past Landrovers 4-1 with efforts from Ned Ozkasim, Marc Biswell, Dave Ferguson and Lee Picknell.

The Old Grey mare landed the odds at Berko Raiders as Greg Dormer (2), Kevin Turnham and Pete Hay earned a 4-3 win, and Greenacres II saw off VFC by the same scoreline.

Mark Crampton, Michael Tearle, Alex Palmer and Paul Hanafan got the goals for Greenacres.

Sportspace and The Robin Hood could not be separated, with Paul Baker and Dave Wilkinson on target in a 1-1 stalemate.

In Division Two, Drays Athletic kept on track with a 7-0 thumping of FC Intervino.

Livewire marksman Nick Jackson bagged a brace, and Adam Durrant, Lee Clarke, Jamie Smith, Ben Durrant and Russell Kercher completed the scoring.

It was a sweet day for Matt Honey as he hit four goals for KLCC in their 7-2 win at Tring Royals.

Honey led the way in front of goal, and Colin Wilson, Al Gunning and Steve Alderman also netted for KLCC.

Blackbirds Rangers also picked up three points as they put The Queens Head to the sword.

Gareth Carder (2), Jack Copson and Paul Lelliott got their names on the scoresheet in a 4-2 triumph.

Echoes had Paul Joyce and Oli Gurney to thank for their 2-0 win at Comets Reserves, while a last minute own-goal handed Run DFC a 1-0 win over Berko Tornadoes Reserves.

The Steamcoach were the biggest winners in Division Three – crushing AC Grapes 3-0 thanks to strikes from Graham Aikman, Gareth Cox and Gino Metcalfe.

Inter Hemel Sunday also won well, beating Park Rangers Reserves 3-1 with goals from Ryan Smith (2) and Jack Fender.

Sean Workman, Matt Richardson and Jamie Russell were the match-winners for AMG United in their 3-2 victory over the Three Blackbirds, but Potten End Sunday and Hemel Corinthians could not be separated.

Ben Poole and Lee Owens found the net for Potten End, but an Andy Deaton brace ensured the game ended all square.

In Division Four, two players shared all eight of Big GC FC’s goals in their 8-2 trouncing of Hemel Corinthians Reserves.

Adrian Keane helped himself to five, while Dan Fitzgerald completed the scoring with a hat-trick.

The Old Bell Gate took the three points in their clash with Apsley Athletic, with Dale Camper and an own goal doing the damage.

Palace and Green Park Rovers played out a 1-1 draw as Matt Wollacott hit the target for Palace and Paul Wilkins replied for Rovers.