A fresh bid for a traveller site in Bovingdon has been submitted to planners and opponents of the scheme are urging villagers to lodge their objections.

Dacorum Borough Council has this month opened a consultation on the plan for land west of the Bobsleigh Hotel in Hempstead Road.

The application requests a residential caravan site for eight gypsy families each with two caravans and a utility building.

Bovingdon Action Group has sent out an email urging people to submit their objections and comments before the consultation closing date of February 25.

The application had previously been postponed due to questions over the boundary and ownership of the land but it appears that these issues have now been resolved.

A campaign spokesman said: “If you have already submitted your objections and comments on this application, that’s great and thank you. There is no need to submit your objection again.”

But if people want to update previously submitted comments they must clearly mark the changes and indicate that it is an ‘updated objection’.

To find out more {http://www.savebovingdongreenbelt.org|click here}

Cinema has been known to borrow tricks from the theatre – and vice versa – but it’s not often the two combine, writes Becca Choules

Craig Warner’s Strangers On A Train does just that. It blurs the line between the two mediums and presents a hybrid cine film live on stage, with special effects and suspense aplenty – and to top it all, it features Berkhamsted’s Tim Ahern.

The actor – originally from Boston, USA – plays the doting father of Anne Faulkner, soon to be Haines, and he wasn’t fibbing when he admitted his time on stage was short when we spoke before my trip to London to catch the show.

His role extends as far as a quick telephone call and a couple of the Haines’ wedding snaps. But despite his lack of lines, the Mirrors actor dons his tailored suit and plays the part with panache.

Based on the plot of Patricia Highsmith’s 1949 novel, the West End stage adaptation showcases the chance meeting of two men on a train to Santa Fe take a sinister turn when they realise they can help each other commit the deadliest of crimes.

Talented architect Guy Haines is all set to marry the beautiful Anne, but his unfaithful first wife threatens to pull the plug on his new life by refusing to sign the divorce papers. How can he shut her up?

Enter Charles Bruno – a wealthy, irresponsible mummy’s boy with a pathological hatred of his father, who holds the purse strings and frowns upon his hedonistic lifestyle.

Jack Huston is a textbook sociopath as the chilling Bruno, who convinces himself the plan is a done deal and duly travels to Texas to throttle the life out of Guy’s wife.

That done, he informs his new pal of what he’s done and encourages him to complete his side of the bargain. Straight-laced Guy categorically refuses, which prompts Charles to embark on a campaign of letters and veiled threats to ensure his father’s life is snuffed out.

Sure enough, Guy – played by Laurence Fox – finally succumbs to the pressure and, driven to the brink of madness, blows the old man’s brains out – but only on the proviso that Charlie goes on his merry way.

Well, you can guess that doesn’t quite go to plan, and we see Charlie’s twisted obsession with Guy heighten and climax with his evil attempt to pass on a farmyard disease to pregnant Anne, putting her and her unborn child at risk.

Sadly, the only weakness in the cast was Laurence Fox as the stiff-collared main protagonist Mr Haines. He missed the opportunity to delve deeper into the creepy closeness which cropped up between him and Charlie, but instead he chose to keep him at arm’s length.

He spent most of the time babbling incoherently as he tried to portray madness on stage, but in all honesty I’d rather he had toned it down a little so I could actually understand what was coming out of his mouth. The final nail in the coffin was his woeful attempt at an American accent, which was less than convincing.

That said, what was perhaps the glue that held it all together was the incredible rotating set which provided swift and seamless switches between scenes – flitting between the Haines’ stylish marital home, Guy’s architect digs and the grandeur of the Bruno’s affluent pile.

Perhaps not one for theatre purists, but if you fancy being thrilled with a dash of discomfort and plenty of dark humour then Strangers On A Train is well worth a watch.

{http://www.strangersonatrainlondon.com/|But the show only runs until February 22, so you better book your tickets here quick.}

The most popular names for babies registered in Hemel Hempstead in 2013 will come as a surprise to many.

According to details released by Herts County Council this week, the top name for girls is Darcie while the number one name for boys is Riley.

Other popular names chosen by parents included Violet, Sophie and Amelia for girls; and Oliver, Lucas and Edward for boys.

“It’s always interesting to see what names are chosen. Very often it’s the unusual ones which get all the attention but generally we find that the popular names are still the traditional ones,” said Richard Thake, County Hall’s cabinet member for the registration service.

“Whatever choice parents make, they can celebrate the birth and naming of their child at a civil naming ceremony organised by Hertfordshire’s registration service.

“It is an ideal way for parents to formally name their child and welcome them into the family.”

{www.hertsdirect.org/civilnaming|Click here for more information on civil namings} or call 0300 123 4045.

The top five names for girls registered in Hemel Hempstead were:

1, Darcie; 2, Violet; 3, Sophie; 4, Amelia; 5, Isabella

For boys, the top five list reads:

1, Riley; 2, Oliver; 3, Lucas; 4, Edward; 5, Ethan

A dilapidated Hemel Hempstead landmark is to be restored with the help of a £10,000 lottery grant.

Dacorum Heritage Trust teamed up with the Hemel Hempstead Local History & Museum Society and South Hill JMI School to make the Heritage Lottery Fund bid to restore the water fountain and lamp outside Boxmoor Hall.

Dacorum Borough Council has contributed £500 to the project, which will see the monument renovated to its original condition by craftsman Tim Millard.

The fountain will be the focus of local history displays and a history trail through the town, which will be developed through work with South Hill JMI and other local community partners including Boxmoor Hall, The Society of Friends, St John’s Church and Roman Fields School in Box Lane.

The Grade II Listed ‘fountain’ and gas lamp standard was erected for the public good in 1835 and commemorated the printing of the first English bible in 1535.

The inscription concludes with a Bible quotation about the words of Jesus being like a well of water springing up into eternal life (John 4.13-14).

The Cranstone’s iron founding/ironmongery business, then based in Hemel Hempstead’s High Street (Market Street), provided the structure, which has a decorative metal outer layer over a wooden frame.

The senior Joseph Cranstone, who was born in 1747 in Surrey, married Sarah Pollard of Hemel Hempstead in 1782.

After several business ventures failed, the Cranstones came to live in the town in 1798, at first renting a shop and house in Market Street.

On Joseph’s death, his widow and his son George ran the ironmongery business very successfully.

Joseph Jr became involved and after completing his studies in engineering, he set up an iron foundry on the premises, known as the Phoenix Works – a name which has been adopted for Dacorum Heritage Trust’s project to establish a local history centre at The Bury.

The Cranstone family were Quakers and so the nearby Meeting House in St Mary’s Road provided a convenient place of worship.

The Quaker tradition of service to the community was upheld by the younger Joseph, who took on many public service roles in the area.

The pupils of South Hill School hope to produce a DVD on the story of the structure, its renovation and the Cranstone family.

Boxmoor Hall, now privately owned, will provide space for a DHT exhibition on this innovative community project and there will be other displays locally.

None of this would have been possible without the support of the Heritage Lottery Fund and the borough council.

Hemel Hempstead MP Mike Penning MP believes the project is an opportunity to highlight the town’s rich local history and, since annual Remembrance Day parades pass the fountain as they make their way from the town centre to the war memoial at St John’s, to reflect on the past contributions of local people.

The Heritage Lottery Fund’s Robyn Llewellyn said: “We are delighted to be able to offer this grant so that the Dacorum Heritage Trust can embark on a real journey of discovery.

“Heritage means such different things to different people and HLF’s funding offers a wealth of opportunities for groups to explore and celebrate what is important to them in their area.”

To find out more contact DHT chairman Roger Hands on 01442 393381

Sweet little girl Holly is around 18 months old and, although very shy to start with, she is very friendly once she gets to know you.

To find out more contact Cats Protection on 0845 371 1851 or {http://www.cats.org.uk/dacorum|click here}

Paddy is a 12 year old crossbreed and is about the size of a large retriever. He is a gentle, kind dog, who is used to living with children, older people, cats and other dogs. Paddy is in good health for his age.

Contact the Chilterns Dog Rescue Society or visit their website by {http://www.cdrs.org.uk|clicking here}

A volunteer at a riding school out the outskirts Hemel Hempstead has been recognised for her hard work and dedication at an awards ceremony.

Margaret Keith – instructor for Gaddesden Place Riding for the Disabled – was nominated for an accolade at the Pro-Action Awards in St Albans, which honours volunteers across Hertfordshire who give up their time for free.

The horse-lover spends her spare time at the riding school in Briden’s Camp, which enables disabled riders to get in the saddle.

The application form from her colleagues said: “She is an outstanding instructor to us, the volunteers and to her riders and also has a deep understanding of the ponies.

Even though Margaret – who has volunteered at the riding school for three years, – didn’t win, she said: “I felt very honoured.

“It was very humbling, and I know there are lots of others who give so much time, energy and commitment to volunteering.”

Find out more about the stables at www.gaddesdenplacerda.org.uk.

The organisers of the Royal British Legion’s 2013 to 2014 Poppy Appeal have thanked the people of Berkhamsted and Tring for their donations.

Berkhamsted Poppy Appeal organiser Keith Bayliss said: “I would like to personally thank all the people of Berkhamsted and surrounding villages for their magnificent effort this year in raising over £23,000.00.

“Special thanks must also go to my team of helpers without whom, none of this would have been possible.

“These selfless people counted, collected, made up boxes and walked the streets delivering and collecting boxes. All I had to do was supervise - the easy part.

“Once again twenty three thousand thank yous to all concerned.”

Mr Bayliss, who is also chairman of the Berkhamsted and Tring District branch of the Royal British Legion, said organising the collection was an ‘honour and privilege’.

Tring Poppy Appeal organiser Caroline Hind said: I am very pleased to report that a total of £18,076.95 was raised for the Poppy Appeal last November by Tring and surrounding villages.

“Thank you to all who contributed on behalf of those who will now benefit from your support.”

If you want to help the Tring Poppy Appeal this year - for instance, by making or distributing collection boxes - contact Natasha Robertson on 01279758220 or nrobertson@britishlegion.org.uk

“Dead or alive, you’re coming with me!”

Let’s take a look into the not so far away future – it’s 2028, when the world’s worst crime hotspots can be safely sorted thanks to US-made military grade drones which deliver lethal force for any who transgress.

Not in the USA itself, though – citizens have backed a law forbidding robots being able to take life, which is vexing multinational OmniCorp boss Raymond Sellars (Michael Keaton) as it’s a market where his firm could make billions.

Director José Padilha’s ‘Robocopy’ reboot of Paul Verhoeven’s classic 1980’s ultraviolent robot-em-up is a valiant effort but the tale has very much been toned down from the grisly over the top action/dark satirical humour of the original – Robocop 2014 is slick, slow origins tale.

The hero cop who gets fused into the titular bionic robo-body bobby is Alex Murphy (Joel Kinnaman) – and he just might be the future of law enforcement, as well as a way for OmniCorp to win over the US public.

Robocop is the brainchild / creation of Dr. Dennett Norton (Gary Oldman) who comes across like a future Frankenstein, enraptured by his ability to bring man and machine together.

But where does Murphy’s humanity reside and how far will OmniCorp redact his emotional responses in order to make him a ‘better law enforcer’?

Kinnaman is tasked with carrying the film’s emotional core – especially in his strained relationship with his lovely wife Clara (Abbie Cornish) and doe eyed young son David (John Paul Ruttan).

Padilha’s film feels most at home when the action kicks off – and that shouldn’t be a surprise to viewers as his previous flicks have been the crunchingly violent, tough cop Elite Squad movies.

Everything in the 2014 Robocop looks machine tooled to be cutting edge – the new armour comes in foreboding black and the image is reinforced by Murphy’s macho new motorbike.

Overall this reboot does a decent job of taking an iconic film hero and successfully toning it down for a wider audience. It loses its cult classic status in the process but I’d rather watch this again than some other remakes, such as the similarly neutered Total Recall.

Sci-fi fans can look forward to more ‘new’ Robocop if this makes enough money, and I’d certainly buy that for a dollar!

The panel which allows the public to have a say on police matters in Herts meets on Thursday.

The Hertfordshire Police and Crime Panel session on Thursday at the Civic Centre in St Albans starts at 7pm.

Agenda items include progress with the county’s police and crime plan and reports on the integrity of crime statistics reporting.

{http://www.hertspcp.org.uk|Click here to find find out more about the panel and its work}

Parents with children who were born between September 1, 2010, and August 31, 2011 who want to apply for a Herts County Council nursery place for their child should get online now.

The online nursery application system for the 2014-15 intake opens today, Monday.

County Hall hosts an on-line application system for parents to apply for a place at a nursery school or class. You can state which nursery you would most prefer and the days you would like your child to attend.

Parents should apply for a place by Friday, March 21.

{http://www.hertsdirect.org/nurseryadmissions|Click here to visit the site}

A leaflet is being distributed to families across the county, which explains all you need to know about making an application online.

The leaflet also explains about free nursery places available at private, voluntary and independent (PVI) nursery settings across the county.

To find your nearest nursery follow the link to use the easy online mapping facility – enter your postcode to find nurseries in your area.

While the online system allows applications to nursery schools and classes, the ‘nearest nursery’ online mapping system includes all nurseries, schools and PVI providers, offering the 15 hours of free early years entitlement

To access nursery offers, parents must log back into their online application on Tuesday, April 29. Places can be accepted or rejected immediately online.

County Hall’s cabinet member for children’s services Councillor Richard Roberts said: “The first years of a child’s school life set the foundations for future success and we want to make the application process as simple and straightforward as possible.

“Applying online is quick, safe and efficient and if you do not have internet access at home you can use the free public computers in county libraries or in your local children’s centre.”

Students from across Dacorum were at Berkhamsted School on Thursday for a free Medicine Day, with experts on hand to teach them all about medical professions.

The youngsters were given tips on topics including which medical school to apply to, how to write a personal statement, how to apply to study medicine, and interview techniques.

The event attracted Year 12 students from 15 different schools in the area.

The students were given guidance on how to get work experience and coached on ethical scenarios by the doctors, dentists and vets who supported the event.

Berkhamsted School’s head of careers Helen-Claire Burt said: “It is a very competitive profession to get into. The students will already know that the standard for grades is high.

“But now is just making the most of the opportunities that they will have in Year 12 to do work experience, to be involved in meeting, learning, reading and getting themselves ready to do a very competitive application.”

Views are being sought on the future shape for Hertfordshire’s children’s centre programme.

Herts County Council is seeking views on the way that children’s centre services are delivered, and how health services for young children could be more closely linked to the network.

Children’s centres are run by a mix of providers and County Hall says that the quality and range of provision, while generally good, inevitably varies between providers.

Consultation with councillors, health providers, agencies involved in delivering children’s centre services, parents and other stakeholders is now under way.

The feedback will help to shape the future service and will then be subject to a formal public consultation which is likely to start in May.

Councillor Richard Roberts, the county’s cabinet member for children’s services, said: “I am delighted that we have this opportunity to recommission early years services, of which the children’s centre programme is so important.

“Working closely with public health and other partners is a real chance to make the best difference for children and families in Hertfordshire.”

Copies of the briefing document are available at local children’s centres or online – {http://www.hertsdirect.org./childhoodsupport|click here to find the survey}

Police attempting to trace the owners of stolen jewellery have released pictures in a bid to return the items to their rightful homes.

The stash of earrings, bracelets, necklaces and watches were seized following an investigation into burglaries in West Herts, resulting in the search of a vehicle on October 18.

The items – which vary in value – are thought to have been stolen from people living in Hemel Hempstead, Kings Langley and Watford.

Det Con Georgina Fenge, from the Herts specialist investigation team, said: “Despite our best efforts to find the owners of these items, we have so far been unsuccessful.

“We would like to hear from anyone who believes they recognise the jewellery.

“It’s possible these items hold significant sentimental value and so it would be great to be able to return the items to their rightful owners.”

Anyone who believes the property pictured in the slideshow above belongs to them should contact Det Con Fenge on the police non-emergency number 101. They will then be asked for proof of ownership.

Homeless people will be getting extra help and support this year after staff and visitors to the Regus business centre at Breakspear Park, Hemel Hempstead donned a woolly hat and raised money for St Mungo’s, one of Britain’s largest charities supporting people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness in London and the South.

The Hemel Hempstead centre was one of more than 100 Regus centres across the south of England taking part in the charity’s annual Woolly Hat Day at the end of January who together raised more than £3,000.

The money raised will help St Mungo’s to continue supporting homeless people to rebuild their lives away from homelessness, including job training and employment advice, education projects, counselling and support with health issues.

Regus UK chief executive John Spencer said: “We were really pleased our network of centres in London and the South could help by taking part in Woolly Hat Day and raise vital funds for such an important cause. We extend our thanks to everyone who got involved and made donations to St Mungo’s.”

Christine Mortensen of St Mungo’s added: “Hats off to Regus for a great team effort by their centres who had a lot of fun whilst helping make a difference to the lives of homeless people.”

{http://www.woollyhatday.org.uk|Find out more about the fundraiser here}

So far around 80 calls have been made to a helpline set up in the wake of the discovery of an administrative error which meant treatment to patients with cancer symptoms was delayed.

West Herts Hospitals NHS Trust launched the phoneline for people who fear they may have been victims of the failure.

Last week the trust, which runs Hemel Hempstead, Watford and St Albans hospitals, held its hands up to the blunder, which meant that patients who missed their first appointment after being referred to the hospital by their GP or dentist were not sent a second appointment.

Instead they were wrongly discharged - and the trust has already admitted that this breach of NHS rules has contributed to one person’s death.

A review of the cases of 121 people still continues and an independent external investigation has been launched.

Those affected - totalling 810 - have already been contacted by the trust but a helpline was still opened to assist those who may have concerns.

A trust spokesman said: “The majority of calls have been from people about whom we had no concerns but who had received a letter and wanted further reassurance.

“This is completely understandable in the circumstances. We have offered them the opportunity to talk through their notes with a clinician.”

The helpline - open seven days a week from 8am to 8pm - is 01923 217100.

{http://www.hemeltoday.co.uk/news/local/we-have-let-cancer-patients-down-says-hospital-boss-after-admin-error-reveals-delays-in-care-1-5854725|>We have let cancer patients down says hospital boss after admin error}

{http://www.hemeltoday.co.uk/news/local/hospital-boss-in-charge-when-cancer-cases-admin-blunder-happened-has-retired-from-his-top-nhs-job-1-5858219|>Hospital boss in charge when cancer cases admin blunder happened has retired from his top NHS job}

HIV and sexual health charity Herts Aid and C-sure, the countywide chlamydia screening programme, are teaming up to run three sexual health awareness days for West Herts College students this week.

The team will offer free condoms, sexual health advice and chlamydia tests to students at the Hemel Hempstead campus on Wednesday, in King’s Langley on Thursday and at Watford on Friday, which is Valentine’s Day.

They aim to raise awareness of HIV and sexually transmitted infections and encouraging students to protect themselves by using condoms.

Students will also be able to pick up the sexual health c-card which enables them to collect free condoms from accredited locations across the county.

High rates of sexually transmitted infections among young people suggest many are still putting themselves at risk through unsafe sex and some will already have an infection and not know it.

Herts Aid director Suzanne Bannister said: “Love is in the air around Valentine’s Day, but we want young people to remember their condoms if they are having sex.

“You may think it’s unlikely your partner has an infection but why take the risk? Students with questions or concerns about sexual health should feel free to come and chat to us when we’re at the college, we’re there to help.”

Chlamydia screening will be available each day. Students can provide a urine sample, or women can provide a swab if they prefer, which will be sent off to be tested.

Results can be sent by text, letter, email or phone call and are normally available within two weeks. Offering chlamydia testing at college may encourage students to test who wouldn’t normally consider it or who find a sexual health clinic environment off putting.

To speak to anyone about HIV or sexual health, call 01923 803440, 01920 484784, or email admin@hertsaid.co.uk to arrange an appointment.

{http://www.hertsaid.co.uk|For more general information click here}

{http://www.sexualhealthhertfordshire.co.uk|To find your nearest sexual health service click here}

New parking spaces could be installed outside of a village shopping area after parish leaders complained that long-stay drivers are hogging existing slots.

Nearby signs clearly state that motorists are only allowed to leave their vehicles there for 20 minutes – and must not return within 40 minutes of leaving.

But Northchurch Parish Council chairman Alan Fantham says the legislation that accompanied the rule is now out-of-date and unenforceable.

He says that since 2011, when a Tesco Express opened on the site between Darrs Lane and the High Street in Northchurch, parking nearby has been ‘horrific’.

He said able-bodied drivers regularly ignore signs marking out two disabled bays.

But he said: “There is no legal come-back. The parish council decided that it must do something to improve the situation.”

Dacorum Borough Council has now said that it may be able to install a new ticket machine for the area before the end of the financial year in May.

This, alongside other legislation, would aim to stop long-stay drivers from parking there.

Northchurch Parish Council would also like to see new parking spaces installed on a small spinney nearby that lies between two roads, both called High Street.

They could easily be created after getting rid of all of the shrubland that is currently there, said Mr Fantham.

He said: “At present, we have no idea how long this is going to take before it is implemented.

“But when money is needed, in addition to paying from our own pocket, we propose to ask Tesco to contribute.”

The spinney is owned by Herts County Council. Spokesman Andrew Dawson said: “We are in discussions with the parish council about how we can resolve the parking issues, but it is very early days and there are no formal plans at this stage.”

Tesco spokesman Bryn Woodward said: “We are always looking to make improvements for our customers and we will review any proposals the parish council bring forward.”

A selection of the opportunities available this week through Volunteer Centre Dacorum.

ROYAL NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR THE BLIND

Make a difference to blind and partially-sighted people in your community by making regular collections of money donated into RNIB’s Sooty boxes from shops, pubs and leisure centres or from street and supermarket collections throughout the year.

The sooner the money is received by the charity, the sooner it can be put to good use offering support and advice to almost two million people with sight loss.

Last year more than £700,000 was raised in small change alone.

Volunteers should be 18 or over, have good organisational and planning skills and ideally, use of a car.

Hospice of St Francis

This hospice is looking to recruit up to five new trustees to join its board.

Trustees with specific expertise are needed to help the hospice maintain and develop its excellent care and continue to raise money in these challenging economic times.

One of the new trustees will be a GP with an interest in palliative care. Another will be a business or commercial lawyer and a third will have senior charity experience.

In addition, The Hospice is looking for a trustee with excellent business or commercial expertise and another who has senior PR and communications experience.

The right candidates would play a significant part in developing our services and ensuring our future funding.

The board of trustees meets six times a year on a Monday evening, with an annual conference on a Saturday to review strategy and performance. In addition, trustees are asked to serve on board committees, which involves attending additional meetings throughout the year.

Age UK Dacorum

This home grown charity is looking to recruit a volunteer who can speak Hindi, Punjabi or Urdu to befriend an elderly lady in Markyate.

An hour of your time will make such a difference, even if it’s only once a fortnight!

To find out more {http://www.volunteerdacorum.org|visit the website|Click here for the Volunteer Centre Dacorum website} or call 01442 247209

Blood donors can make a donation at Tring’s Bishop Wood School in Frogmore Street on Saturday.

There are two sessions planned, between 9.30am and 12.30pm and 2pm and 4pm.

Call 0300 123 2323 to make an appointment in advance, or you can just drop in on the day.

Blood is something we all expect to be there for us when we need it, yet only four per cent of us give blood – many people would not be alive today if it wasn’t for the generosity of blood donors.

Most people can give blood, but all donors have to meet the eligibility criteria before their blood is accepted.

If you are generally in good health, age 17 to 65 (if it’s your first time) and weigh at least 50kg (7st 12Ib) you can donate – {https://my.blood.co.uk|find out more here}

Three people have been arrested after a Hemel Hempstead house burglary led to a police officer being struck by a stolen car.

Two men and a woman now face further action in connection with the incident, in which car keys were stolen from a first-floor flat in Bayford Close between Saturday and Sunday, February 1 and 2.

A week later, on Saturday night, officers were called to reports of a suspicious vehicle in the town’s Temple Mead. The car sped off before eventually stopping in Woodhall Lane, but not before hitting a police officer who was attempting to stop it. The officer suffered cuts and bruising and a man and woman, both 20, were arrested at the scene.

David Molloy of Thumpers was charged with burglary, driving with no insurance, handling stolen goods, driving above the alcohol limit, taking a vehicle without consent and attempted GBH. He appeared at Hatfield Remand Court yesterday and was remanded into custody.

Danielle Hammond of Old House Road was charged with handling stolen goods and being carried in a motor vehicle which had been taken without the owner’s consent. She is due to appear in court today.

An 18 year old man from Hemel Hempstead was also arrested yesterday on suspicion of burglary, in connection with the same incident. He has been released on police bail pending further enquiries.