This week’s court listings from the Hemel Hempstead Gazette

Neil Lang, 65, of no fixed abode. On December 25 at Hemel Hempstead committed assault by beating. Community order made. The defendant must comply with the following requirements by July 10, 2020: Rehabilitation Activity Requirement: Offender to comply with any instructions of the responsible officer to attend appointments (with the responsible officer or someone else nominated by them), or to participate in any activity as required by the responsible officer up to a maximum of 15 days. Unpaid Work Requirement: Carry out unpaid work for 80 hours within the next 12 months. This work will be supervised by the responsible officer. To pay compensation of £200, surcharge to fund victim services of £85, costs of £100 to the Crown Prosecution Service.

Neil Lang, 65, of no fixed abode. On December 25 at Hemel Hempstead without lawful excuse, destroyed emergency assistance unit to the value of unknown intending to destroy or damage such property or being reckless as to whether such property would be destroyed or damaged. Community order as listed above.

Neil Lang, 65, of no fixed abode. On June 6 failed without reasonable cause to surrender to custody at St Albans Magistrates’ Court, having been released on bail in criminal proceedings. No separate penalty.

Damien Carmody Case, 39, of Apsley Grange, Hemel Hempstead. On May 7 and 24 at Hemel Hempstead pursued a course of conduct which amounted to harassment and which you knew or ought to have known amounted to harassment of her in that on two occasions have sprayed a substance over his victims vehicle and spat on her vehicle. Discharged conditionally for 12 months. To pay compensation of £84, surcharge to fund victim services of £20, costs of £85 to the Crown Prosecution Service.

Ellie Traxon, 25, of Evans Wharf, Hemel Hempstead. On June 21 at Hemel Hempstead drove a Peugeot 308 on Barnacres Road, after consuming so much alcohol that the proportion of it in her breath, namely 83 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, exceeded the prescribed limit. Fined £320, to pay a surcharge to fund victim services of £32, costs of £85 to the Crown Prosecution Service. Disqualified from holding or obtaining a driving licence for 20 months. Disqualification obligatory for the offence. Disqualification to be reduced by 20 weeks if by August 23 the defendant satisfactorily completes a course approved by the Secretary of State. The cost of the course will not exceed £250.

Simon Gatehouse, 60, of Park Street, Tring. On or before February 7, 2018, executed or caused to be executed works to a listed building at 26 Park Street, Tring, by demolishing, altering or extending the listing building in any manner which would affect its character as a building of special architectural or historic interest without obtaining listed building consent, namely altering the external wall to create an opening to a conservatory. Fined £1,000 to pay a surcharge to fund victim services of £120, costs of £5,272.

Simon Gatehouse, 60, of Park Street, Tring. On or before February 7, 2018, executed or caused to be executed works to a listed building at 26 Park Street, Tring, by demolishing, altering or extending the listing building in any manner which would affect its character as a building of special architectural or historic interest without obtaining listed building consent, namely bricking up a doorway. Fined £250.

Simon Gatehouse, 60, of Park Street, Tring. On or before February 7, 2018, executed or caused to be executed works to a listed building at 26 Park Street, Tring, by demolishing, altering or extending

the listing building in any manner which would affect its character as a building of special architectural or historic interest without obtaining listed building consent, namely bricking up of a window. Fined £250.

Simon Gatehouse, 60, of Park Street, Tring. On or before February 7, 2018, by demolishing, altering or extending the listing building in any manner which would affect its character as a building of special architectural or historic interest without obtaining listed building consent, namely removing the downstairs w/c and associated wall/door. Fined £250.

This week’s cplanning applications from the Hemel Hempstead Gazette

4/01754/19/FUL, alterations to barn to form gym and office, change of use from agricultural to residential. Meadow Farm, The Grovells, Hudnall Common, Little Gaddesden, Berkhamsted, HP4 1QJ

4/01844/19/OTD, change of use from Class A1 (retail) to Class A3 (cafe) – cake and tea shop. 153 High Street, Berkhamsted, HP4 3HB

4/01947/19/FUL, demolition of garage. Construction of three-bedroom detached home. 34 New Park Drive, Hemel Hempstead, HP2 4QE

4/01948/19/FHA, two-storey and part single-storey rear extension. New bay to front elevation and new pitched roof to porch. Construction of cross over to front. 34 New Park Drive, Hemel Hempstead, HP2 4QE

4/01969/19/OUT, outline application (all matters reserved except for access) for residential development of nine dwellings. Morningside Farm, Icknield Way, Tring, HP23 4JU

4/01977/19/OTD, demolition of lotus house. Amaravati Buddist Monastery, St Margarets, Great Gaddesden, Hemel Hempstead, HP1 3BZ

4/01992/19/MFA, conversion of first floor retail storage office space to flats. Construction of two floors above existing building. Four-storey rear extension with undercroft parking for six cars. To create 33 flats. Ground floor flats entrances at rear of ground floor retail unit and alterations to service yard and access road to improve vehicular and pedestrian access. 160 Marlowes, Hemel Hempstead, HP1 1BA

4/01993/19/FUL, conversion of agricultural building to form three residential dwellings, formation of parking and access areas and gardens. Greinan Farm, Tower Hill, Chipperfield, Kings Langley, WD4 9LU

4/01997/19/FUL, four-bedroom detached dwelling with new access. 1 Cangels Close, Hemel Hempstead, HP1 1NJ

4/01999/19/FUL, the cottage has current B1 use as offices. Proposed change of use to the building being used as a physiotherapy clinic. Change of use to D1. There is no external or internal change to the building required. Ashlyns Hall, Chesham Road, Berkhamsted, HP4 2ST

4/02021/19/FHA, demolition of existing garage and link building. Proposed two-storey extension with side return and single-storey back addition. Old River Hall, Old Watling Street, Flamstead, St Albans, AL3 8HN

4/02024/19/FHA, two-storey side extension; rear infill extension; loft conversion with dormer; roof windows. 58 Charles Street, Berkhamsted, HP4 3DJ

4/02037/19/FUL, demolition of existing dwelling and outbuildings and construction of two semi-detached dwellings. 1 The Orchard, Kings Langley, WD4 8JR

4/02043/19/FUL, demolition of outbuilding and construction of a detached studio flat with parking and amenity space. Land adjacent to 16 Charles Street, Hemel Hempstead, HP1 1JH

4/02053/19/TPO, T1 – large sycamore fell tree to ground level. Access would be required to the auction house car park to park a large

cherry picker beneath the tree crown toootball. Supply and plant one acre pseudoplatanus, 10-12. Trees to be planted between November and February. T2-T4 – three sycamores crown reduce by up to 6 metres all round, remove major deadwood, clear stem epicormic. Tring Fire

Station, Brook Street, Tring, HP23 5ED

Hemel Hempstead Town earned a hard-fought 2-0 win on the road at league newcomers Tonbridge Angels yesterday (Saturday) to move into second place in the National League South table.

It was the Tudors’ seventh win in 11 outings this term but the result could have been very different if the hosts had made more of their first-half chances and not missed a penalty in the second period.

Hemel were certainly not firing on all cylinders, but the fact they were able to grind out three points speaks volumes about the squad. They also notched their fourth clean sheet of the season.

It took the visitors a while to settle into the game, which was played in glorious conditions at the impressive Longmead Stadium, and they couldn’t really get a foothold early on, writes Steve Rundle.

They did come close to breaking the deadlock just after the quarter-hour when a corner was turned against the bar by Luke Howell, but this turned out to be the closest they came to scoring in the first 45 minutes.

The Angels, who gained promotion last year via the play-offs from the Isthmian League Premier, looked the more likely to score and increased the pressure as the game neared the break.

On 34 minutes stand-in keeper Danny Boness, making his third start in a row for the injured Sam Beasant, had to make a fine save to keep the scores level.

The keeper was called into action again minutes later as he stretched in mid-air to superbly tip wide a well-struck volley that was destined for the top corner.

It remained goalless at the interval and the travelling Tudor Army were hoping that the Angels would rue missing several good first-half opportunities.

The half-time pep talk from Tudors’ boss Sammy Moore looked to have made a big difference as Hemel looked a different side at the start of the second period.

A new-found confidence was evident and just three minutes after the re-start a flick-on by assistant manager/player Jack Midson found Liam Nash, who toe-poked the ball past Tonbridge keeper Jonathan Henly to put Hemel 1-0 ahead.

The Tudors continued to impress and on 55 minutes they won a free-kick just outside the box. Up stepped Nash, who was superb all afternoon, and he picked his spot with a beauty of a strike in front of the Tudor Army to make it 2-0 for his sixth goal of the season.

As expected, the home side responded by piling on the pressure to try to get back into the game and had a shot cleared off the line on the hour, while Boness staked a claim for the No 1 jersey permanently when he continued to thwart the Tonbridge threat.

The Angels’ best chance to narrow the deficit came in the 67th minute when they were awarded a somewhat dubious penalty when Boness was adjudged to have brought down a Tonbridge player after initially saving the shot.

But Hemel’s man of the match keeper wasn’t needed on this occasion as Joe Turner’s spot-kick was blasted high into the rafters, much to the delight of the travelling supporters.

With substitute Ricardo German then on the pitch, Hemel were still looking for a killer third goal and came close a few times, but it was mostly a case of having to dig in for the last ten minutes to keep the Angels at bay.

The Tudors were able to see the game out to earn maximum points and climb up one spot to second in the standings, two points clear of Havant & Waterlooville who lost 3-1 at home to Braintree Town.

After the victory, Tudors’ boss Sammy Moore said on Twitter: “Another big three points on the road.

“Lots of positives to take. The squad has been tested with players coming in and doing excellent for us.

“Onto the FA Cup next week.

“The fans were brilliant again; great support.”

Hemel defender Tyrone Sterling, who came off the bench after international duty for Grenada last week, said on Twitter: “Great to be back involved today. Sometimes it doesn’t matter how you win, but make sure you win.

“Well done to all the boys, a great three points.”

The Tudors will next be turning their attention to the FA Cup when they travel to Holloways Park in Buckinghamshire next Saturday, September 21, to take on Beaconsfield Town in the second qualifying round of the historic competition.

The Rams, who beat Combined Counties Premier side Sutton Common Rovers 3-1 in the first qualifying round, have endured a tough start to their season, losing seven of their opening nine games to hit rock bottom in the Southern League Premier South table.

However, they have rebounded of late, winning two of their last three.

Hemel’s next league action is on Saturday, September 28, when they return to Vauxhall Road to host tenth-ranked Bath City, a team who have proved to be a bogey opponent in recent years.

Hemel’s line-up v Tonbridge: Danny Boness, Tosan Popo, Jake Howells (Tyrone Sterling, 79 mins), Munashie Sundire, Connor Essam (captain), Mitch Dickenson, Liam Nash, Luke Howell, Isaac Galliford (Ricardo German, 60 mins), Jack Midson, Sam Ashford (Craig Braham-Barrett, 69 mins). Sub not used: Jacques Kpohomouh.

Tudors’ man of the match: Danny Boness.

Attendance: Not yet confirmed by Tonbridge.

Between Tuesday 10 and Thursday 12 September, four police forces came together for a proactive operation focusing on the major road networks in the south east of the country.

Officers from the forces’ proactive and roads policing teams worked together patrolling the road networks, supported by a joint intelligence team who also monitored ANPR cameras across all force areas.

Over the three day operation, 95 people were arrested on suspicion of offences including possession with intent to supply class A drugs, conspiracy to burgle and handling stolen goods. These 95 arrests also included a number of individuals who were wanted for offences including aggravated burglary.

Detective Inspector Andy Alexander, tactical commander for the operation, said: “I am pleased that we have been able to work with a large number of colleagues across the south east for this three day operation.

“Working collaboratively is a priority for us all as we work to keep our communities safe. We will continue to work together as we investigate these offences fully.”

KFC is planning to open 13 new restaurants in Hertfordshire - including ones in Hemel and Berkhamsted.

The company, which is based in Kentucky and whose menus largely involve chicken, has announced plans to open over 500 new restaurants across the country.

These include drive-thru restaurants in Hemel Hempstead and Berkhamsted.

A company spokesman said: “We have bold ambitions to have over 1,000 stores in the UK and Ireland by 2020 and we are looking to build over 50 new stores a year.”

other planned locations are Hertford, Royston Drive, Cheshunt/ Hoddesdon, Hitchin, Potters Bar, Rickmansworth, St Albans, Stevenage, and two in Watford.

Transport bosses are working on a countywide scheme to get bus companies and local authorities to work together and improve services throughout Hertfordshire.

Herts County Council is consulting on plans for an ‘Intalink Enhanced Partnership’. Key proposals include giving buses priority on congested roads and measures such as:

• Prioritising bus and coach services in traffic;

• Improving the image of bus travel;

• Upgrading bus infrastructure;

• More closely integrating the bus network;

• Making smarter use of data and information.

Cllr Derrick Ashley, cabinet member for growth, infrastructure, planning and the economy, said: “We need to make sure that bus travel is an attractive and practical option for people trying to get around our county, and the planned enhanced partnership will help us do that. Many people will still rely on their car for essential journeys but where there are alternatives we want to encourage people to leave their cars behind.“With 100,000 new homes expected in the county by 2031 we need to make sure we have the infrastructure, including an effective bus network , in place to help us cope with that growth. We need to get people out of their cars if we want to keep the county moving and our economy thriving. That’s why we’re making improvements to walking, cycling and public transport a priority in all our transport plans.

“We want as many people as possible to have their say on these proposals so please do visit the website and let us know what you think about our plans.”

To find out more or have your say, visit www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/intalinkpartnership by November 10. Paper copies of the proposed partnership are also available in libraries across Hertfordshire.

Climate protesters collapsed and died lying on the ground in Tring on Saturday.

The ‘die-in’ began with a funeral procession through Tring High Street, organised by the Extinction Rebellion group, with the coffin marked ‘ACT NOW’ to highlight the need for action to stop climate change.

And it ended with campaigners falling to the ground in Dolphin Square to remind people what lies in store for the entire human race if we fail to take action.

An Extinction Rebellion spokesman said: “We have been working very hard in the local community to lobby local politicians and to inform and inspire local people to think about ways in which they can reduce their own impact on the environment.

“But the Extinction Rebellion movement as a whole believes that, although what we do as individuals is important, the changes we need to make can only take place when those in power take notice and act, which is why action is continuing to grow both in the UK and worldwide.”

Council bosses must do more to support a food bank which supplies vital provisions to hundreds of local residents every week.

That is the demand of Cllr Ron Tindall, who will propose a motion to Dacorum Borough Council on Wednesday (September 18).

The DENS food bank supplies emergency packages of food to people and their families, who may otherwise be forced to go hungry.
And the demand for their vital service is growing - with 4,763 people receiving support from the food bank last year (2018/19) - 700 more people than the year before.
Cllr Tindall wants councillors to agree that the council should contribute to the funding of the role of co-ordinator at the food bank, from October 1.
Speaking in advance of the meeting Cllr Tindall - who is also a member of Hertfordshire County Council - said: “This is a matter of urgency.
“We have a proportion of our community who are suffering for a variety of reasons.
“And I feel it is right the council should support the food bank and put some money in to it.”
Cllr Tindall says he’s been advised that council funding for the co-ordinator role would offer the organisation - which is supported by charitable donations - a sense of permanency.
He says he recognises the council has its own funding issues, and says he has not attached a sum to the motion to enable the motion to be supported by councillors of all parties.
The DENS food bank put together three-day packages of food for individuals, couple or families - designed to match the facilities they have, whether that’s a cooker, a kettle or just cold water.
And if they find residents are repeatedly coming back - in excess of three times in a row - they’ll check to see that they have appropriate support.
The motion to the council also points to a number of factors that are impacting on residents and their need for support from the food bank.
It highlights the ‘adverse’ impact Universal Credit is having on vulnerable communities, even though it has yet to be fully rolled out in Dacorum.
And it highlights the need for holiday clubs with lunch provided for disadvantaged children, supported by the county council.
The motion will be debated at a meeting of Dacorum Council on Wednesday (September 18), at 7.30pm. Meetings of the council are open to the public.

Berkhamsted took the chance to boost their goal difference in Saturday’s clash between the league’s top and bottom sides.

Table-toppers Berko raced into a 4-0 lead in the opening 15 minutes, while Jonathan Lacey went on to grab a hat-trick.

Hosts Wantage, who have yet to collect a league point and are in rebuilding mode after losing their manager and most of the team that won the Hellenic League last season, had no answer in the air as Berko headed home three goals from dead balls.

Ryan Kinnane opened the floodgates with a powerful header from a Lacey corner in the fourth minute.

Ten minutes’ later Daneil Akubuine played a good long ball over the home defence and they dithered, allowing the speedy Lewis Toomey to win the ball and double the lead with a lob over young keeper Charlie McCready.

Another Kinnane header from a Lacey corner made it 3-0 and it became 4-0 in the 25th minute when Lacey beat his man down the left and cut in to score with a low shot into the far corner.

Saul Williams made several probing passes and in the 55th minute he released Akubuine, who laid the ball back for Lacey to net Berko’s fifth.

Will Summerfield, who has been out with injury for much of the season, continued his comeback by coming off the bench.

Lacey completed his hat-trick in the 65th minute, cutting in to score from the right wing after a cross-field pass from Danny Murphy had cracked open the Wantage defence.

With 20 minutes left The Comrades gave game time to Josh Chamberlain and Stephen Dodd. The latter won a free-kick on the left, which he took himself, crossing for the tall Dodd to thunder in a header for the visitors’ seventh.

Berko remain top of the Southern League Division One Central on goal difference from Corby Town after six games.

The Comrades are hoping for a bumper crowd at Broadwater this Saturday when they host mid-table Didcot Town.

Four journeys to Biggleswade last term brought nothing but disappointment for Tring Athletic, so Saturday’s 1-0 away victory over Biggleswade United was sweet indeed.

It also pushed Tring to the top of the early SSML Premier table after six games.

The strength of Tring’s squad was evident as the win arrived despite the absence of three key players.

They also had to make a change before the half-hour when Chris Vardy exited due to injury, yet there was no drop off in Athletic’s play.

There were solid performances all around the pitch but Jay Lovell deserved particular credit for marshalling a re-shuffled back-line.

Goal-scorer Louie Collier put in a superb 70 minutes on his first start for Athletic, while Oran Swales terrorised the Biggleswade defence with his skills and trickery.

The hosts felt they were a tad unfortunate to be a goal down at half-time, but the Tring faithful felt the visitors dominated and could have led by more. Several chances went begging, two for Charncey Dash and two for Swales, while a Frazier John goal was disallowed for off-side.

By contrast, Biggleswade had an early chance that went off-target and little else.

Tring broke the deadlock in the 33rd minute with a fine team goal. A sweeping attack initiated by keeper Charlie Mann had the ball in the back of the net in just four moves and five seconds. It culminated in a great cross from Swales that was smashed into the net by the on-rushing Collier.

In the second-half Tring continued to create opportunities as they vied to extend the lead.

Dash scuffed a shot, Collier shot just wide and United’s keeper Emanuel Olajide saved well from a bullet header from Lovell from six yards.

The Tring back-five remained solid and well organised to the end. Although a one-goal lead is always precarious, Athletic were able to see the game out without undue concern.

The visitors nearly netted a second in the third minute of stoppage time when Luke Dunstan got through on goal to force another exceptional save from Olajide.

Due to other teams playing in the FA Vase, Tring moved to the top of the table, having successfully taken maximum points from three away games in succession.

Next up for Tring is the visit of bottom-but-two side Potton United this Saturday.g

Leverstock Green

Fellow SSML Premier side Levy Green, who are in 14th place in the table, had the weekend off.

This Saturday it will be their turn to play seventh-ranked Biggleswade United when they visit Green’s Pancake Lane home.

Berkhamsted Sunday Football League results from the weekend:

Herts FA Intermediate Cup first round:

Phoenix Res 4 The Midland 0.

Queens Head 5 (Dale Colls, 2, Ross Handley, Jordan Ashmore, Charlie Bristow) Ricky AFC 0.

The Snug Bar 3 Focus 6 (Craig McMahon, 3, Adiel Mannion, 2, Sam Flood).

Berks & Bucks FA Intermediate Cup first round:

Magpies ‘91 3 (Harry Loakes, Nick Bull, own goal) Pobbers FC 2.

BSFL Premier Division:

Berkhamsted Tornadoes 3 (Mikey Armorgie, Conor Blake, Sonny French) Flaunden 1 (Ed Canham).

Maclay 1 (Luke Gurney) Leverstock Green Athletic 1 (Ray Wood).

BSFL Division One:

Adeyfield Tudors 3 (Sean Foster, 2, Lewis Wornham) AFC Aylesbury 7 (Lee Parrack, 2, Nick Gurney, 2, Tom Burton, 2, Jamie Knight).

Gossoms End 2 (Matt Dalton, George Liveing) Hemel Tudors 0.

Old Amersham 3 (Nathan Hart, Bradley Lodge, Jack Boxhall) Jam United 1 (Ryan Pereira).

BSFL Division Two:

Berkhamsted Athletic 2 (Liam Gavin, Lewis Coccomazzi) Bowman Athletic 0.

Chesham Athletic 7 (Jason Duncan, 3, Dale Smith, Jack Grant, James Daley, Tom Morley) Rose & Crown 1.

Hemel Raiders 11 (Gareth Cox, 3, Aaron Moriarty, 3, Jacob Mwenda, 2, Kenny Harrington, 2, Bradley Reid) AFC Aylesbury Reserves 5.

Landrovers 2 (Jack Hollylee, James Howell) Old Bellgate 6 (Matt Durrent, 3, Kirrin Taylor, Alen Jenkins, Tom Robertson).

Pioneer 3 (Tom Finch, Callum Humphries, Daniel Moss) Hemel Harriers 1 (Chris Kinley).

The Goat 3 (Jack Wood, Luke Kelly, John Murray) Black Horse 2 (Jack Lander, Casey Birkett).

West Herts League

Premier Division:

Bovingdon A 0 Potten End 2.

Langleybury Cricket Club 2 Kings Sports 3.

Tring Athletic A 1 Hemel Hempstead Rovers 2.

Division One:

Chesham United (Youth) Men 2 Oxhey A 4.

Croxley Community Reserves 7 Evergreen A 0.

Global AFC 2 Sun Sports 1.

Hemel Hempstead Rovers Reserves 1 Caddington 4

Oxhey Academy 1 Hunton Bridge 10.

The belated first home league game of the new season proved to be a reality check for Kings Langley on Saturday when they went down 2-0 to Hednesford Town.

Kings, who have arguably been the better side in each of their five away games this term, faced a powerful Hednesford side whose workmanlike performance was good enough to take all three points in a dour match at the newly-named Orbital Fasteners Stadium.

Kings had started their season with such a long stretch of away games due to extensive pitch renovation works at their home ground.

The earliest chance fell to Kings when a Charlie Ruff through-ball was latched onto after a superb turn by Mitchell Weiss, but Town keeper Daniel Platt was swiftly off his line to block the shot and when the hosts tried a different tactic, Roddy Collins’ 25-yarder was just high of the bar.

Town answered with bustling centre forward Kieran Wells heading just wide, but the award of a penalty in the 17th minute for a clumsy challenge by the newly-arrived Lloyd Doyley on Reece King gave Hednesford the chance of an early lead.

Wells went for power with his spot kick, but Kings keeper Melvin Minter made a superb save.

Eager to atone, the striker put a toe-poke just wide on the half-hour, but it was Kings, anxious to exploit the lifeline, who finished the first-half strongly, with efforts by Collins and Ruff just wide.

Kings in general and their young, attacking midfield trio in particular, had the better first period against a tall side, but the second-half was only five minutes old when Hednesford struck the first blow that was to put them on the path to victory. Their physical presence finally told with Tom Elliott forcing the ball home from a goalmouth melee.

Kings laboured, but made little headway against the physically imposing Town and it was no surprise when the visitors went further ahead. A breakaway from a corner in the 68th minute was switched from right to left before Wells finished cleanly.

A flowing move between Weiss and Max Hercules almost gave Ruff an opening, while Harry Crawford had the ball in the net after an Eoin McKeown shot cannoned off Platt and into Crawford’s path, but it was ruled out for offside.

These were mere interludes, as Town demonstrated why they have the best defensive record in the league to comfortably see out the game to give Kings plenty to ponder after the brakes were put on their bright start to the term.

Last Tuesday night, Kings earned a gritty 1-0 win away at Biggleswade in the Southern League Challenge Cup preliminary round thanks to a Ruff penalty in the 77th minute.

Kings were due to be back in action again last night (Tuesday) as the Gazette was going to press when visiting winless St Ives Town.

This Saturday Kings host Isthmian League Premier side Folkestone Invicta in the second qualifying round of the FA Cup.

Hemel Storm are continuing to strengthen their squad ahead of the fast-approaching new league season later this month.

American 6ft 2ins guard Mike Williams, who has played for New Jersey college team Rutgers for the past four years, is the latest overseas name to join the Storm ranks.

It follows hot on the heels of last week’s signing of 6ft 6ins forward Greg Poleon, who has signed following the end of his college tenure at Pace University in New York.

Subject to visa clearance, it will be the first time a Storm roster has boasted two American talents since top-class basketball returned to the town in 2010.

The 22-year-old Williams captained Rutgers in his final year and was considered by many to be the heart and soul of the team. He is described as a hard worker, shoots with range and is a good defender.

He was also one of the best rebounding guards in his college division last season.

Williams, who hails from Brooklyn, New York, said: “I am ecstatic to be able to put on the orange and black uniform to represent the Hemel Storm organisation, compete with my new team-mates, as well as being excited to play in front of the Storm faithful.

“I would like to thank [Storm] chairman Tony Humphrey, director of basketball Jon Burnell and the entire Hemel Storm family for giving me this opportunity.”

Meanwhile, Storm have further bolstered their squad by signing promising point guard Nick Allin and 7ft 3ins centre Ollie Dykes.

Allin, 22, and Dykes, 21, played for Storm at the recent Howell Tournament and against the Team USA Select side in Hemel’s friendly victory last weekend, both providing valuable minutes and giving a good account of themselves. Their performances have convinced Hemel’s management to sign them to contracts.

Allin has been involved with the club for many years and represented Hemel’s second team in Division Four last term, where he was one of the league’s top players, scoring consistently and defending the opponent’s best player to a high level.

Dykes, who will become the league’s tallest player, should offer great protection around the basket and be a force to be reckoned with in the low-post.

At the Howell Tournament, Dykes’ ability to be dominant on defence was recognised as he picked up best defensive player honours.

The signings are part of a plan to develop young, talented players who will represent Storm in the years to come, the club said.

They plan to use Allin and Dykes for Storm in Division One as well as for the second-string side in Division Three, with the intention of developing their experience on and off the court.

The new signings will be a huge boost to new Storm head coach Dru Spinks ahead of the season-opener in ten days’ time.

Hemel start their Division One campaign with an away trip to Liverpool next Saturday, September 28.

Their first home game is on Saturday, October 5, (7pm tip-off) when Nottingham Hoods visit Hemel Hempstead Leisure Centre.

For tickets or further details, visit the website www.stormbasketball.net.

Last Tuesday saw Little Hay Golf Club’s seniors out in force to compete for the annual Vic Allen Charity Shield.

With two players scoring 41 points, the result had to be decided in the clubhouse via a card play-off.

Edward Theobald won the shield by virtue of a better back-nine, with Wael Aljawd the runner-up and David Smith in third with 39 points.

A significant sum of money was also raised for the club’s chosen charity for the year, Great Ormond Street Hospital.

The September men’s Stableford competition held on Sunday was another event that had to be settled in the clubhouse with a card play-off.

Patrick Ashton (40 points) was the eventual winner due to his better back-nine.

Paul Rolfe (40 points) was the runner-up, while Tong Tse (39 points) took third spot.

A quartet of Gade Valley Harriers completed half-marathons on Sunday.

Julian Smith and Leona Flaherty were in action at the Great Bristol Half, Rich Coles competed in the Harrow Half and David Thompson took on the Run Reigate Half.

Despite picking up a stitch, Smith clocked 1:26:14, ahead of Flaherty in 2:06:25.

Coles was taking on his first long-distance race since a knee operation just over three months ago but still took bronze in the male vets’ 40+ category in 1:20:25.

Thompson hit 2:29:43 in rural Surrey.

Phil Mercer finished three races in five days, collecting a personal best (PB) time of 19:32 and a silver medal in the MV40 age group at the Chase the Sun Olympic Park 5k last Wednesday, before clocking 1:41:11 in the Woodstock 12-miler in Oxfordshire on Saturday and 2:44:55 in the Ponton Plod 17-mile event in rural Lincolnshire on Sunday.

Also in action on Sunday were George Einchomb and Darren Burkke, competing in challenging, hilly trail races.

Einchomb picked up a PB at the Shardloes 10k, with a time of 55:05 and Burke completed the Wendover Woods 10k event in 54:17.

Last Wednesday Tracey Cotton broke her own 5km FV35 club record and picked up a PB in the second race of the Hatfield 5k series, which runs monthly between August and October.

She crossed the line in 22:03.

Berkhamsted Swimming Club’s Ciara McKenna is looking forward to competing in Sardinia this week to represent Great Britain in the European Down-Syndrome Swimming Championships.

As part of the lead-up to the major meet, Ciara attended a successful week-long swim camp with the British squad in Newcastle earlier this month.

She had the opportunity to train at the Royal Grammar School, with morning and afternoon pool sessions as well as physiothrapy, psychology and tailored land-training sessions.

The swimmers received visits from top swimmers to support their efforts and the volunteer coaching team. Ciara has been training hard in preparation for the event in Sardinia, which opened on Sunday and runs until this Sunday, September 22.

She is very excited to be representing her country and people can check on her progress via Twitter by following the @DSSGB1 account.

Meanwhile, the club had a great time at the annual Hoddesdon Novice Open event to begin the new season, which heralds a hectic phase of competition for members.

Held at Southbury Road pool in Enfield, it provided the usual rich pickings for Berkhamsted in the form of personal best (PB) swims and a healthy medal haul.

The opening event, the girls’ 200m individual medley (IM), brought gold and silver for Keira Wharton and Abbie Briers, respectively, in their age groups, with Wharton lowering her PB by five seconds to 2:45.17 to be the fastest swimmer on the day.

In the boys’ 200m freestyle there was a first-time swim for Ezi Svichla-Fekete and a PB for Pierce Philbin (2:50.72), while brother Ronan took silver in 2:42.95, right on his best.

Open meet newcomer Ava Bartlett dropped an amazing seven seconds in her 50m freestyle for fifth place and Issy Whitaker improved her time to 36.34 for sixth.

Briers finished fourth in the 13-years age group, just behind Lydia Wisely, who started her campaign with a PB of 31.35 and silver. Wharton’s great meet continued with gold in 30.15, just 3/100ths off her best.

The 50m fly provided bronze for Euan Donald with his first sub-30 swim (29.75), with George Thorne just behind in fourth. They swam in adjacent lanes with Donald’s longer reach taking the day in the final strokes.

All four girls hit PBs in the 100m backstroke. Kate Hopper posted 1:27.91 for fourth, Briers was fourth in 1:21.22, Wisely took bronze in 1:19.79 and Wharton a third gold in 1:15.19.

Both Philbin brothers completed the 100m breaststroke for the first time, with Ronan coming out on top in 1:41.72, while in the girls’ 50m breaststroke, Ella Langdon’s first Open meet produced a smooth-looking 1:01.22.

In the 50m backstroke Thorne grabbed silver medal in 33.00.

The 100m freestyle saw Issy Whitaker post 1:22.97 for fourth place as a marker for the future. Bartlett dropped six seconds to 1:37.38 for sixth and Hopper collected her first County Consideration Time (CCT) in 1:13.81 having attacked the race from the off to storm her heat and improve by seven seconds.

Briers reversed the 50m placings with Wisely claiming silver in 1:09.53 and Wharton a silver in 1:08.66.

The morning session finished with the boys’ 100m IM and Donald improved again to take silver in 1:07.95.

The afternoon began with a bang as Lawson Gray romped to a massive 20-second PB and a silver medal in 3:20.50. Brother George improved by eight seconds to clock 3:15.38.

Eric Batt continued the PB streak in 3:06.08 and Alex Kalverboer pocketed silver, with Donald collecting bronze.

The girls’ 200m freestyle included a first-time swim for Heidi Batchelor-Hannaby (3:38.47), a 15-second PB for Bella Walker (3:30.89), a 12-second drop for Phoebe Goss (3:02.98) and a 16-second PB for Mia Maslen-Wollington (fourth in 2:40.75), completing a clean sweep of best times.

Nat Costelloe set a first-time 50m freestyle PB in 45.42 and Riley Milne’s first effort produced 38.99, before Kalverboer and Thorne were in the medals again in 30.27 for silver and 27.50 for bronze respectively.

In the girls’ 50m fly, Bartlett and Batchelor-Hannaby completed first-time efforts, Maslen-Wollington took fifth, Wisely earned a bronze and Wharton claimed another gold in 31.50.

Batt lopped an impressive 12 seconds from his 100m backstroke best for fourth (1:24.76), Svichla-Fekete replicate his own PB time in 1:32.97, while Kalverboer and Thorne won their classes.

In the 100m breaststroke Lucy Franklin’s first attempt produced 2:13.52, Goss won her heat in a PB time of 1:45.13 and Emma Hockney showed her recent huge improvements with a gold in 1:30.56 to take her heat win into the bargain.

In the 50m breaststroke, Will Franklin clocked 58.75, Lawson Gray came away with a bronze in 47.95 (PB), Batt took silver in 44.23 (PB) and there was a brace of bronzes for George Gray and Kalverboer.

Lucy Franklin’s initial effort in the 50m backstroke was 1:01.15, Walker lowered her PB by six seconds to 48.82, Maslen-Wollington was sixth, Hockney fifth, Wisely produced another PB to pick up a gold in 35.72 and Wharton’s haul included another gold after clocking 34.56,

Lawson Gray touched the pads in 1:22.03 in the 100m freestyle to win his heat and take bronze, improving one second to 1:22.03. George Gray went just over half-a-second faster than his previous best in 1:18.10 and Thorne was again frustratingly close to the 60-second barrier after a heavy day, posting 1:00.84 for a silver medal.

The final event was the girls’ 100m IM and the swimmers were still improving their times. Goss posted 1:35.22, Batchelor-Hannaby dropped inside two minutes for the first time in 1:59.66, Bartlett shaved off 3/10ths of a second to go to 1:50.69 and Wisely capped her meet with a bronze in another best time of 1:22.53.

Places are now being released for next year’s London Marathon, courtesy of Rennie Grove Hospice Care.

The charity, which cares for people with life-limiting illnesses, has a number of ‘Gold Bond’ places which are reserved for people who are sponsored to take part in the 26-mile race.

But you will need to be quick as competition is hotly contested!

Claire Redrup, community fundraising manager at Rennie Grove, said: “To apply for one of Rennie Grove’s London Marathon Gold Bond places please get in touch with our friendly fundraising team to register your interest. We will then ask you to complete and return an application form.

“Successful Gold Bond applicants will become members of Rennie Grove’s team and you will be eligible to join an exclusive Facebook group, receive weekly emails full of useful training tips and fundraising advice, a branded running vest, a range of sponsorship materials and lots of support from the fundraising team. You will also be invited to team social get-togethers including our famous pasta night.

“We ask all our Gold Bond runners to pledge to raise a minimum of £2,500 in sponsorship. This year Rennie Grove’s marathon team raised enough sponsorship money to fund a nurse for a whole year.”

The official online ballot for The Virgin London Marathon places closes at the end of October. Anyone who enters the ballot and is lucky enough to obtain a place is also welcome to choose to support Rennie Grove; they will also be eligible to join Rennie Grove’s team and receive the same benefits as our Gold Bond runners. The only difference is that they have sponsorship target.

If you would like to join Rennie Grove’s London Marathon team in 2020 then register your interest by contacting community@renniegrove.org or 01727 731028.

The number of police officers in Hertfordshire has exceeded 2,000 for the first time since 2011.

According to a report by Police and Crime Commissioner David Lloyd, 14 new police officers graduated into Hertfordshire Police in July.
And in the same month another cohort began the 16-week training course - which included the force’s 2,001st officer.
That is the first time since 2011 that the Hertfordshire force has had more than 2,000 officers.
And it is said to reflect the Police and Crime Commissioners commitment to frontline policing.
Earlier this year the commissioner increased the policing element of the council tax across Hertforshire by £2 a month, based on a Band D property.
And he pledged that the biggest chunk of the additional funds would be use to increase the number of police officers.
The increase to more than 2,000 police officers is said to be a reflection of that commitment.
The number was reported to a meeting of the county council’s community safety and waste management cabinet panel on Thursday (September 19).
Although Mr Lloyd did not attend, his chief executive Chris Brace said the force was continuing to recruit to meet the ‘establishment’ figure of 2,034.
The so-called ‘establishment’ figure is a measure of the funding for police, expressed as the number of officers.

Hemel Hempstead Town manager Sammy Moore issued an apology to every single one of the travelling Tudor Army who made the short trip to Beaconsfield Town today (Saturday) after his side’s shock exit in the FA Cup second qualifying round.

The long-suffering Hemel fans have been yearning for a decent run in the historic cup competition, but every season the side somehow fails to deliver.

The Tudors came into this tie in good form, riding high in second place in the National League South, while their opponents have been struggling at the bottom of the division-below Southern League Premier South, with only two wins in their past nine games.

Every Hemel fan at Holloways Park was expecting nothing short of victory, but as this was the FA Cup, they all knew about the upsets and drama in the long history of the competition.

There was little sign of anything to trouble the visitors as they took the game to their hosts, indeed Ricardo German could have had a hat-trick inside 15 minutes but was denied by the excellent Myles Bowman in the Beaconsfield goal.

He stopped a shot with his legs after five minutes, then another by just getting a hand to the ball, before blocking again with his legs -- all from the unfortunate German who should probably have made at least one of the chances count.

With Beaconsfield struggling to get out of their own half, a corner was fizzed across the face of the goal and Luke Howell just failed to get a vital touch with the goal begging in front of him.

Luke Howell had to go off around the 35-minute mark due to picking up an injury, with Jacques Kpohomouh coming on as a replacement.

There was still time at the end of the period for German to head over from six yards from another corner and The Rams were relieved to go in at the break still on level terms.

The second-half saw the hosts gain in confidence as Hemel seemed to drop their work rate, almost waiting for something to happen.

Tosan Popo had an early chance but hit his shot tamely at Bowman, who saved easily.

German then headed over again from close range before Liam Nash had a shot well-saved by Bowman, who pushed the ball away when it looked to be heading for the top corner.

Although Beaconsfield were getting more of the ball, they rarely troubled Danny Boness in Hemel’s goal and the game started to drift towards what looked like an inevitable replay back at Vauxhall Road on Tuesday night.

But with just nine minutes of normal time left, the referee awarded a somewhat dubious free-kick against Hemel skipper Connor Essam for a handball -- just what he was supposed to do when the ball was fired at him from such close range is anyone’s guess.

The free-kick was quickly taken and a run and cross down the left was met by Reece York, who couldn’t miss from just a yard out and the upset was well and truly on.

It was Beaconsfield’s first real attempt on target, but it was all they needed and they were then in no mood to surrender the tie.

Hemel started to push forward with more urgency and really should have levelled when Isaac Galliford was put in the clear, firing his shot high over the bar as the keeper closed him down, much to the dismay of the visiting fans.

With the clock ticking down, Hemel substitute Sam Ashford had an even better chance with just the keeper to beat, but he miscued his shot and it drifted harmlessly wide.

That was all Hemel could muster as The Rams held on, understandably content to waste time and frustrate Hemel until the final whistle went.

It was met with near-silence from the terraces as the few Beaconsfield fans in attendance were vastly outnumbered by the visitors, but the Rams players celebrated with glee as they moved into the hat for the third qualifying round.

Hemel’s fans were left to reflect on another FA Cup exit at an early stage and will now have to concentrate their efforts on the league.

Moore said after the game on Twitter: “Apologies to every single fan that travelled today.

“We as a group -- management and players -- have let you down today. Nowhere near good enough. That aside, if you don’t take your chances you don’t win games of football.

“Good luck to Beaconsfield in the next round.”

Next up for the Tudors is a home clash with tenth-placed Bath City next Saturday, September 28.

Hemel’s line-up v Beaconsfield: Danny Boness, Munashe Sundire, Jake Howells (Tyrone Sterling, 67 mins), Tosan Popo, Connor Essam (captain), Mitch Dickenson, Liam Nash (Sam Ashford, 60 mins), Luke Howell (Jacques Kpohomouh, 35 mins), Isaac Galliford, Ricardo German, Craig Braham-Barrett. Subs not used: Joel Nketia, Jack Midson, George Paulin, Aluin Magagada.

Tudors’ man of the match: Essam.

Attendance: Not yet published by home side.

Not all of these restaurants have the coveted Michelin Star, but all come highly recommended by the prestigious guide. Here are some of the top places to eat in the area.