Harpenden Society Awards for developments completed in 2024

Lea Grange Care Home in Coldharbour Lane. A much needed facility in Harpenden.

The Plaque was presented to  Care Home Manager Teresa Torres by Jeff Phillips. Society Chair on August 28. Also present at the ceremony were regional director, Matthew Anstee-Brown and  Harpenden’s deputy Town Mayor Kirsti Wenn.

 

Lea Grange Care Home offers 24-hour residential, nursing, dementia and respite care within an environment purpose-built for the practical delivery of high-quality care whilst still being stylish, and comfortable.

Residents enjoy a generously sized bedroom with an en suite wetroom, as well as numerous communal living areas for socialising with loved ones, engaging in their hobbies and dining. Plus they have access to a state-of-the-art gym, cinema, café and hair and nail salon.

And many other features making this a worthy award winner.

The Harpenden Society awarded its Prestigious Plaque to the Harpenden & District Local History Society for the Harpenden Museum which opened at the Eric Morecambe Centre early 2024

The Plaque was presented to Roger Butterworth (chair of the History Society)  by Jeff Phillips, Harpenden Society Chair on September 5th. Also present at the ceremony were Town Mayor Cllr Beth Fisher.

The Museum is an important asset to the Town, a valuable source of information for it’s residents and a vital history guide for visitors to the Town.

A worthy award winner.

In presenting the Society's award to the Harpenden History Society, Jeff Phillips said that it was to recognise that the museum represented a treasure trove of artefacts and historical documents that bring Harpenden's history to life, and which is readily accessible to the whole community.

Roger Butterworth thanked the Mayor and the Harpenden Society for the Award.  He emphasised that the Museum would not have been possible without decades of nurturing of artefacts, documents and images by volunteers at the time, the legacy of an enthusiast, Les Casey, the vision of trustees, and the guidance and support of St Albans District councillors and officers in making the project happen.

Town Mayor Cllr Beth Fisher said 'I was delighted to join the Harpenden Society on their presentation of a Prestigious Plaque to the Harpenden and District Local History Society at their Museum in the EMC. I took the opportunity while there to tour the Museum which is a fascinating collection of information, stories and exhibits and I recommend a visit to anyone interested in Harpenden's story'

I spoke to the brilliant people who originally curated, designed and organised the Museum and who continually refresh the artefacts and carefully consider how to make the exhibits accessible, interesting and relevant. I also visited the archive room which had some new donated materials that we discussed. There are some quietly passionate people involved in this wonderful local attraction, who were welcoming and kind, and the plaque is well deserved.

Katherine Warington School Receives Certificate of Merit from the Harpenden Society for its All-Weather Pitch

Katherine Warington School (KWS) is delighted to announce that it has been awarded a Certificate of Merit by the Harpenden Society for its outstanding All-Weather Pitch. The award recognises the significant contribution the facility has made to both the school and the wider community since its opening in early 2024.

The state-of-the-art pitch, which provides a high-quality playing surface in all weather conditions, has been a transformative addition to the school's sports facilities. It has significantly enhanced the physical education curriculum for KWS students and provides an excellent venue for competitive sports and extracurricular activities.

"We are incredibly proud and grateful to be recognised by the Harpenden Society with this prestigious award," said Dean Inns, School Business Manager. "The All-Weather Pitch was a major project for us and wouldn’t have been possible without the financial support of the Football Foundation, and this award is a testament to the vision and hard work that went into creating a facility that benefits so many. It has been a game-changer for our students, allowing them to train and play sports year-round, regardless of the weather."

Beyond the school's gates, the All-Weather Pitch has become a valuable community asset. KWS has partnered with local sports clubs to ensure the facility is utilised to its full potential, providing a much-needed resource for the community. A prime example of this partnership is the collaboration with Wheathampstead Wanderers, a local football club.

The Harpenden Society's Certificate of Merit is awarded annually to projects that demonstrate a high standard of design and a positive contribution to the local environment and community. The selection panel commended the Katherine Warington School for the thoughtful design and the extensive community access provided by the new pitch.

"The Katherine Warington School All-Weather Pitch is an excellent example of a project that serves both its primary users and the wider community," said Ron Taylor, Awards Secretary of the Harpenden Society. "The Harpenden Society was impressed not only by the quality of the facility but also by the school's commitment to making it accessible to local groups. It is a deserving recipient of our Certificate of Merit."

Harpenden Trust

The Harpenden Society presented a ‘Letter of Commendation’ to  the Harpenden Trust on August 14th. Recognition for the significant improvements made at No. 130a Southdown Road in Southdown centre.

Now with four rooms for hire, all located on the first floor. The halls are fully accessible for the disabled and less mobile, with a lift to the halls at the rear of the building from the car park at the Co-operative supermarket. An excellent new facility for the Harpenden community.

Harpenden Society Annual Awards 2024.- Brad & Dills for The Park Restaurant

The Harpenden Society has awarded a Letter of Commendation to Brad & Dills for the significant changes made to the ground floor hospitality area of Pegasus Leyton Road during 2024. They created a superb new restaurant with 60 or so covers offering breakfast, brunch and lunch all with a wide variety of options. PLUS a coffee bar and their famous bagels. All with great service from their friendly and professional staff.

Presented to one of the co founders Alex Rollings on August 28th by Harpenden Society Awards secretary Ron Taylor.