Hitchin Town Guide 2015 16 by Heritage Guides

2 | Hitchin Town Guide

Introducing Hitchin Most diverse town in North Herts Hitchin is a bustling market town and focus for the wider area of North Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire. With a population of around 32,500 it is economically the busiest and most diverse town in the North Hertfordshire District.

It is a key retail and market centre, has a mix of industry, services and agricultural activity and is a much sought after residential location. It straddles the major east/west route (the A505) is close to both the A1 and M1, and has a frequent and direct railway service to Cambridge, Peterborough and London Kings Cross/St Pancras which ensures a fast link to the European rail network. International travel is also

facilitated by the proximity to London Luton airport (8 miles), London Stansted (30 miles), and Heathrow Airport (48 miles). Culturally Hitchin has two theatres, two museums and is renowned for its wealth of live music venues including the hugely successful Rhythms of the World event. Hitchin has retained much of its historic townscape, centred around the impressive architecture of St Mary’s Church which is a landmark building. Hitchin appeals to so many as an historic town with an ability to adapt to the future; a town of enterprise and commerce nestled in the beautiful countryside; a town of community involvement – a town with a village feel.

Market Place

Contents Introducing Hitchin.............p2 Hitchin Initiative/BID..........p3 A bit of Hiz-story........... p6-7 Talking shop........................p7 Evening all...........................p7 In a class of its own..........p11 Stage set for music...........p11 Chief Herts church........... p13 Taking up alms................. p13 What a performance........ p17 Welcome to the world..... p17 Events diary...................... p17 Green spaces..................... p19 This sporting life.............. p19 Hitchin people............ p22-23 Local services.............. p26-27 Clubs & societies........ p28-31 Town Centre map............. p34 Street index...................... p35 Hitchin North map..... p36-37 Hitchin South map..... p38-39

The Hitchin Town Guide has been produced on behalf of Hitchin Initiative and Hitchin Bid by Heritage Guides ©2015. We are grateful to Robert Moore, Jane Clark and Scilla Douglas for their suggestions on the historical contents of this publication and to Tracy Hunt for coordinating the advertising support. This publication is copyright and may not be used, reproduced, copied or

transmitted in any form, in part or in whole without the prior permission of the publishers. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that all the information contained in this publication is correct at the time of going to print, neither Heritage Guides nor Hitchin Initiative/Hitchin Bid can accept any responsibility for unintentional errors or omissions.

Hitchin Initiative & Hitchin Bid 27 Churchyard, Hitchin, Herts SG5 1HP 01462 453335 info@hitchinherts.com www.hitchinherts.com Heritage Guides 7 Romilly Road, Barry CF62 6AZ 01446 405298 info@heritage-guides.com www.heritage-guides.com

The town with initiative Hitchin Initiative - first point of contact

During the course of this last decade, the emphasis has shifted from business to more community and social aspects; so much so that the decision was taken to drop the ‘Town Centre’ part of our name and change the company registration to simply ‘Hitchin Initiative’. This not only reflected the changing nature of our work but also reflected the wider area that we were trying to assist – outlying wards and the rural hinterland of a dozen or so villages which historically look to Hitchin as their service centre. Hitchin Initiative is the co-

ordinating organisation for Hitchin Festival and the Box Office is situated with us; we were at the forefront in establishing Hitchin as Hertfordshire’s first Fair Trade town and continue to provide support to these and many other groups. In 2007, Hitchin Initiative took over the management of Hitchin Market from North Herts District Council. Community ownership has brought great social benefit and the success was recognised in the award of ‘Market of the Year’ at the 2010 National Association of British Markets Authority Conference. Hitchin Initiative has seen a huge increase in Community Groups membership and also now individual residents. Groups that are members include The

Highest bidder In response to the desire of many town centre businesses to improve footfall and the general commercial environment of the town centre, Hitchin Initiative instigated the formation of a Business Improvement District in 2009.

Hitchin has always been at the forefront of innovation for the town and this fairly new concept was readily agreed to. In 2009 the proposal was overwhelmingly endorsed by a 70% "Yes" vote. Hitchin BID assists businesses in liaison with statutory authorities, keeps a watching

brief on issues to do with cleaning maintenance and general wellbeing of the town including Christmas lights and summer floral displays. Hitchin BID takes the lead in co-ordinating marketing, promotions and events that take place in the town centre. After 5 years the project was resubmitted to the businesses to seek a further 5 year mandate and the "Yes" vote was even more emphatic second time around. Hitchin BID and Hitchin Initiative are both managed from the office at 27 Churchyard. For further details contact: info@hitchinherts.com or telephone 01462 453335.

Hitchin Society, Hitchin Historical Society, Hitchin Forum, Black Squirrel Credit Union, Hitchin & District Scout Trust, Hitchin Youth Trust, Hitchin Town Football Club, Hitchin Rugby Club, Benslow Music Trust, and Hitchin Music Project. Hitchin Initiative acts as a Tourist and Information Office providing transport information in town including bus timetables, rail services and mobility details. We publish a monthly ‘Town News’ available to all and write a weekly ‘Town & Around’ what’s-on column for the local paper as well as a weekly interest article. Hitchin Initiative is here to assist residents, visitors and prospective residents with anything they need to know about the town.

Hitchin Initiative/Hitchin Bid 27 Churchyard, Hitchin, SG5 1HP. Open: Mon-Sat 9.30am-1.30pm. Closed Wednesdays. Tel: 453335. E: info@hitchinherts.com www.hitchinherts.com

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Hitchin Town Centre Initiative was formed in 1995 primarily by businesses, landlords, and North Herts District Council but also with community support.

Sun Street

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20 Market Place, Hitchin SG5 1DU Tel: (01462) 434273 www.gatwardsofhitchin.co.uk

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Est in 1760

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A bit of Hiz-story

One of the oldest continuously occupied towns in Herts

Hitchin is one of the oldest continuously occupied urban centres in Hertfordshire.

The ancient Icknield Way passes immediately to the north and there is evidence of Roman activity (for example, the Roman villa at Purwell). The origins of the settlement itself, however, probably start later with the Hicce, a tribe whose name is related both to that of the town and the River Hiz (the final z of which represents a “ch” sound, so the name should properly be pronounced “Hitch”). The first mention of the Hicce dates from about AD 658-675 in the Saxon period. In 792, the great Mercian King Offa established a Benedictine religious house here, probably a precursor of the church of St Mary. During the turbulence of the 9th century, Hitchin lay on the boundary between Viking Danelaw to the north east and the Saxon lands to the south west. Hitchin became the centre of an important Royal estate, the origin of its continued status as a Royal Manor. It was also central, with its Minster Church, to a large ecclesiastical area on the Hertfordshire-Bedfordshire border. The entry in the Domesday Book of 1086 famously records that “Rex Willelmus tenet Hiz” (“King William holds Hitchin”). There is evidence of a relatively large population at this time, the biggest between St Albans and Bedford. The fact that Hitchin’s market does not have a charter suggests that it was in existence long before the Crown began to use the granting of markets to control income from towns.

Reproduced by kind permission of North Herts Museum Service

Hitchin marketplace painted by Samuel Lucas (1805-1870) hanging in the North Herts Museum and Art Gallery.

King William Rufus granted Hitchin to the Balliols, a great family in the north who were eventually Kings of the Scots (and gave their name to an Oxford college). Hitchin was important to them because it was close to the Court in London. There is no mention that the town was ever formally constituted a borough, but it probably was in effect. Hitchin grew wealthy on grain, sheep, cattle, cloth-making, brewing, tanning and associated trades. Moneyed consciences were salved by investment in religious causes: the fabric of St Mary’s Church was significantly embellished with wool earnings, in 1317 Hitchin Priory was founded as a Carmelite Friary and in 1361 a Gilbertine monastery was established. In 1349 the Black Death struck and perhaps as much

as half the population of the town died. In the Tudor period, new prosperity came with malting and brewing. The town’s reputation for malt led to the alleged retort by Queen Elizabeth I to a Spanish nobleman who had been extolling the virtues of the vineyards at home: “My Hitchin grapes surpass them, or those of any country”. With the Dissolution of the Monasteries the Priory passed to the Radcliffes who held it until as late as the 1960s. Inclined to the Parliamentary cause during the Civil War, the town is said to have had a hard time during the Restoration. Yet by 1700 it was second in size in the county to St Albans. The eighteenth century over all saw a settled period of further prosperity. At this time many

Town Hall, Brand St, SG5 1HX. Includes collections from former Letchworth & Hitchin museums. New musum to be open by Summer 2015. www.northhertsmuseum.org

Hitchin Market

Churchgate, SG5 1DN. General market Tue & Sat (8am-4.30pm); antiques & collectables & general market Fri 8.30am-3pm; general market & car boot sale Sun 8am1pm. Farmers’ & Craft market last Sat. Contact 456202. www.hitchinmarkets.co.uk

Mobility

The fact that Hitchin’s market does not have a charter suggests that it was in existence long before the Crown began to use the granting of markets to control income from towns.

Talking shop Unlike many other towns, Hitchin has a rich diversity of independent businesses.

We are still able to boast independent food retailers, our own independent department store, amazing and innovative fashion retailers, a wealth of hair and beauty salons and an even greater range of independent tea and coffee shops and restaurants. The market itself remains an important part of the retail offer, now trading four days a week: Tuesday and Saturday, general market, Friday, bric-a-brac and collectibles and Sunday, car boot.

Wheelchairs and electric scooters for those over 18 years with walking difficulties for use of town centre facilities. Registration required, pre-booking advised. Mobility points at Waitrose, Bedford Rd (contact 423399), Cane & Able Healthcare, 28 Bancroft (contact 454521).

Evening all Hitchin has a vibrant evening economy not only for the range of music and entertainment that takes place, but for the choice of drinking and dining available. All types of cuisine are represented - in fact it has often been said that you can "eat your way around the world" in Hitchin at both well-known national restaurant chains as well as innovative independent establishments with unique food and drink offers.

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North Hertfordshire Museum

Hitchin Market

Photo: Dave Wood

timber-framed buildings acquired classical brick fronts. Although Hitchin was unusual in that its medieval fields were never formally enclosed, surrounding areas were consolidated and displaced farm hands came to the town to seek better fortune. New trades developed like iron-founding and agricultural machinery. Philanthropic endeavour improved local health and education with a local hospital and the foundation of the British Schools. Between 1801-51 the population grew as fast as at any time in the town’s history (from 3,161 to 7,077) and yet the accommodation did not expand much beyond its medieval framework. The result was gross overcrowding and serious disease. In 1848 Hitchin was one of the first towns to establish a Board of Health. In 1850 the Great Northern Railway placed Hitchin on the main line from London to the north. A corn exchange soon attracted merchants from as far away as Liverpool with grain moved by train. In 1894, Hitchin gained its own Urban District Council. In the late nineteenth century towns such as Watford and Luton increased in importance at the expense of Hitchin, but the town proved adaptable enough to maintain the niche position it still has today.

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In a class of its own

British Schools museum

Education

Hitchin has played a pivotal role in the development of education in England.

Equally radical, the first College for Women was established in 1869 in a large Victorian house at Benslow Rise adjacent to the then fairly new rail station. This was the forerunner of Girton College, Cambridge.

one of its kind in the world. The British Schools site today reflects all aspects of the development of elementary education in a gallery classroom (1853), girls‚and infants - schools and the headmaster's house (1857), and an Edwardian wing showing classrooms from the pre-war and post-war eras. The site remained a school until 1969 when it became part of Hitchin College. In 1990 the present Hitchin British Schools Trust (a Registered Charity) took over and developed the site into a museum of international importance.

British Schools Museum, 41/42 Queen St, SG4 9TS Open mid Feb to Nov: Tue 10am-4pm, Sat 10am1pm, Sun 2pm-5pm. Contact 420144. www.britishschoolsmuseum.org.uk

Stage set for music making

In 1929 a local Hitchin musician and Quaker, Mary Ibberson, identified the need for teaching centres for young musicians who wanted to continue making music outside of school. She formed the Rural Music Schools Association which went on to establish around 20

centres in different counties. The organisation’s headquarters later moved to a large Victorian house called Little Benslow Hills, left to it by a member of the Seebohm Quaker banking family, and Benslow Music Trust is there still. As local education authorities started their own music services, the RMSA centres were forced to close. A group of mainly local members saved the Hitchin centre and brought with them new vision which involved expanding the scope of the organisation to cater for all amateur musicians. In 1986 the organisation’s name was changed to Benslow

Palmer Hall, Benslow Music Trust Photo: Benslow Music Trust

Benslow Music Trust is a unique organisation offering residential and day courses to non-professional musicians from across the word. There is a fascinating history to how the organisation came to be located in Hitchin.

Music Trust and membership was opened to all comers (it had been by invitation only until then).

Benslow Music, Ibberson Way, Benslow Lane Hitchin SG4 9RB Tel 01462 459446 info@benslowmusic.org www.benslowmusic.org

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The British Schools Museum in Queen Street occupies a group of listed school buildings with a history going back to the beginning of the 19th century. Joseph Lancaster, a Quaker, had founded a school for the "children of the labouring poor" in Southwark in 1798. He developed the "monitorial system" in which the master taught older pupils who then taught the younger ones. When Lancaster came to Hitchin in 1808 he met local lawyer and philanthropist William Wilshere. Two years later, in 1810, Wilshere opened his own Lancasterian School. The 'monitorial schoolroom' seen in the museum opened in 1837 and is the only surviving

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Chief among Herts churches Largest parish church in the county outside of St Albans

Photo: Dave Wood

St Mary's Church

St Mary's church was probably founded in AD792 and there is earlier evidence of Saxon foundations below the nave. It was listed in the Domesday

Book as a 'Minster', suggesting that it had enjoyed royal patronage. Parts of the tower (which include reused Roman tiles) date from the 12th century but the main body of the church, most of

Taking up alms

it funded by wealth from the wool trade, dates from the 13th and 14th centuries. Much of the church is built with flint. The tower is surmounted by a typical Hertfordshire 'spike', the characteristically slender spire found on many churches in the county. Unusually there are two porches, the south one being particularly fine and incorporating the heraldic symbols of both Trinity College Cambridge (which controls the living) and the Staple of Calais, a symbol of the wool trade. The bright and spacious interior has many interesting features including a carved angel screen of 1475 (in the south aisle) and monuments including those to the Balliols and the Radcliffes. Skynner's Almshouses on Bancroft, dating from the 17th century.

Over the years, Hitchin has looked after its vulnerable

The Biggin, originally built in 1361, was a Priory for the Gilbertines, uniquely an English religious order. The brothers fell into poverty and the Biggin became a private house before the Dissolution of the Monasteries. It was rebuilt in the 17th century and was used variously as a house, a school and almshouses. It is a good example of Hitchin's

numerous timber-framed buildings: this building method was popular before bricks were cheap in an area where building stone was in short supply but woodlands plentiful. On Bancroft, Skynner's

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A number of almshouses survive in Hitchin of different dates.

Almshouses (illustrated) are brick-built and date from 1670 and 1698, and have been modified since. They are a testament to the generosity of John Skynner, solicitor and Steward of the 13 Manor, and his brother Ralph.

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What a performance

Queen Mother Theatre, Walsworth Rd, SG4 9SP. Box office: 455166 (open MonSat 12.30-1.30pm & MonThu 8-9pm & 45 mins before performances). www.queenmothertheatre.org.uk Market Theatre, Sun St, SG5 1AE. Box office: 433553 (open hour before show). www.markettheatre.co.uk

Cultural activity reaches peak in July Hitchin has a long history of cultural activity which over the years has expanded considerably and reaches a peak every July with the Hitchin Festival.

Street is a small 70-seat theatre which specialises in one-hourlong productions hosting a variety of genres from farcical comedy to terrifying thrillers. The theatre also has a cabaret style studio venue, home to smaller productions, jazz and the popular monthly Mostly Comedy night. A must-see each year is their Adult Panto which takes some saucy liberties with those well-known, traditional yuletide stories! Both theatre studios host film nights. Live music is a huge part of the town's entertainment with many venues hosting a range of music styles - classical at

Throughout the year there are performances at our own two theatres. The Queen Mother Theatre is the only theatre in the country named after Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother who often visited the town. Recently it was extended to include the new Richard Whitmore Studio hosting smaller productions. The Market Theatre on Sun

Benslow, Hitchin Folk Club at The Sun Hotel, up-and-coming bands at Club 85 with traditional and modern jazz at several pubs. July is truly festival month with around a hundred different events including lunchtime concerts, comedy, walks, talks, poetry, films, drama and all styles of music in venues across town.

Regular events diary

The event started in Hitchin Town Hall in 1992 as a series of performances by local artists, Councillors Surgery Market Place First Sat, 10.30-noon

Hitchin Beer & Cider Festival Various pubs around the town June www.hitchinbeerfestival.org.uk

Local Produce & Craft Market Riverside/Churchyard Last Sat, from 8.30am

Hard Half Marathon & 10K From Priory to Preston and back Sunday at end of June www.h3m.co.uk

Pancake Festival Market Place Shrove Tuesday & Sat before.

Hitchin Festival Locations throughout the town First 3 weeks in July www.hitchin-festival.co.uk

Hitchin Fashion show Market Place Saturday in May Fair in the Square Market Square Saturday in June www.britishschoolsmuseum.co.uk

Hitchin Fashion show Market Place Saturday in October Hitchin Wine & Food Festival The Sun Hotel, Sun St Saturday in November www.rcoht.org/fwfest Christmas Lights Switch-on Friday 4-5 weeks before Christmas Christmas Tree Festival Holy Saviour Church, Radcliffe Rd, Usually 2nd weekend of Dec wwwholysaviourhitchin.org.uk

Rhythms of the World Hitchin Priory Weekend during the Festival www.rotw. org.uk

Markets Christmas Gala/Land Train High Street & Market Place Usually 2nd Sun in December

Food & Drink Festival Market Place Weekend in September.

Rotary Carol Singing Churchyard Evening in week before Christmas

Find out the latest

www.hitchinherts.com

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organised by local Oxfam campaigners. The festival moved in 2008 to Hitchin Priory. Now the two-day event regularly attracts up to 30,000 visitors. There are over 100 different music acts from all over the world and related arts, dance and cuisine displays.

Rhythms of the World has grown into a major celebration of world music taking place over a weekend during the Hitchin Festival.

Photo: Bellanova Photography

Welcome to the world

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Where green spaces abound There are gardens both formal and informal throughout the town Small and large green spaces throughout Hitchin provide a wide variety of opportunities for recreation and leisure. Bancroft Gardens on Bancroft is the closest to the town centre, and includes formal gardens, a bandstand, tennis courts and bowling green. North Herts District Council is consulting on plans to improve the facilities in the park, to include the creation of an informal games area. Windmill Hill provides panoramic views over the town centre and was so named after the mill that once stood on it until it burnt down in the 19th century. The parkland was given to the people of Hitchin by the daughters of Frederic Seebohm in 1921. Butts Close is so called because it was supposedly an archery ground in medieval times. This 11

acre park once occupied almost all of the area between Bancroft and Bedford Road, but has been encroached in recent years by the grammar school and swimming centre. Local landowner and businessman Francis Ransom donated land between Nightingale Road and Grove Road to the townsfolk in 1929 creating Ransom's Recreation Ground. Residents in the immediate area have now created a community garden in the corner of the park, the Triangle Garden (named after this area of town), giving all those involved the opportunity to tend plants for both decorative and food purposes and create wildlife habitats. Walsworth Common is part of the string of informal green spaces along the Purwell River which includes the Purwell

Meadows Nature Reserve. There is another nature reserve located at Oughtonhead Common, a piece of land to the north west of the town near the source of the River Oughton. It accommodates a variety of wildlife habitats and includes a walkway along the length of the river to Bedford Road. Physic gardens are traditionally associated with monasteries and great houses and are where plants with medicinal properties are grown. Hitchin is fortunate to have its own public physic garden: the William Ransom Physic Garden next to the library on Paynes Park is named after the 19th century chemist of the town who had his business on Bancroft. It is laid out with plants and herbs that would have been familiar in the 17th century. Bancroft Gardens.

Hitchin Swimming Centre

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Hitchin Sports Centre

Grammar School Walk, SG5 1JB. Open: (term time) Mon-Fri 6pm-10pm; Sat 9am-5pm; Sun 10am-5pm; (school holidays) Mon-Fri 8am-10pm; Sat 9am-5pm; Sun 10am-5pm. Tel 459270. www.hbssportscentre.co.uk

This sporting life The town has two main sports centres. There have been swimming facilities in the town since 1840, but in 1938, a new outdoor pool was opened on Fishponds Road and this well-maintained facility continues in use alongside new indoor facilities opened in 1991. The sports hall on Grammar School Walk is a dual use

facility for Hitchin Boys School and the community. It is open every evening, from 6.00pm, at weekends and during school holiday periods. Activities available include badminton, trampolining, table tennis, and fencing. Fooball, rugby, hockey and cricket all have their own grounds 19 close to the town centre.

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Fishponds Rd, SG5 1HA. Open: Mon-Fri 6.30am-10pm; Sat & Sun 7am-6pm. Tel 441646.

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Story told through town's people Here are some of the prominent people who have been connected with Hitchin over the years. n Jack Wilshere (born 1992) plays fooball for Arsenal and is an England international. He was Arsenal’s youngest ever league debutant at the age of 16. Born in Stevenage, he grew up in Hitchin and attended the Priory School where he captained the school football team to County and District Cup victory.

n Jill Grey (1919-1987), above, was a code and cypher officer with the Royal Air Force during the Second World War. She was posted to the USA between 1944 and 1947 and spent time as personal assistant to Frank Whittle, inventor of the jet engine. After the war she moved to Hitchin where, over 25 years, she amassed an extraordinary collection of 37,000 objects

relating to the history of education, now in the care of the British Schools Museum in the town. She was also responsible for the British Schools being awarded listed building status and dreamt of it becoming a museum. Sadly, this did not became a reality until after her death, but the British Schools Museum now celebrates her amazing life and legacy.

Jill Grey dreamt of the former British Schools becoming a museum but this was sadly not realised until after her death. n One of the country’s best known conductors, Sir Henry Joseph Wood (1869-1944), lived in north Hertfordshire in later life and attended St Mary’s Church in Hitchin. He had been engaged in 1895 by the impressario Robert Newman to conduct a series of concerts designed to have a broad appeal - these later became the

Proms and Wood conducted them, first at the Queen’s Hall and then (when that was destroyed in the Second World War) in the Royal Albert Hall, until his death. His funeral was held at St Mary’s with the BBC Symphony Orchestra playing for the occasion, and musicians and admirers attending from throughout the country.

n James Bay (born 1990), below, is a singer-songwriter and guitarist who has released charttopping singles, EPs and an album. he received the Critics’ Choice award at the Brit Awards in 2015. He grew up in Hitchin and attended Hitchin Boys School.

Photo: Justin Higuchi

n Richard Whitmore (born 1933) is a writer and actor and is perhaps best known for his work as a BBC newsreader in the 1970s and 1980s. He famously appeared in the Morecambe and Wise Christmas Show in 1977. He was born in Hitchin, attended the Grammar School, and still lives here.

n Henry Bessemer (1813-1898) is chiefly remembered in connection with the Bessemer process of steel manufacture. He was born in Charlton on the edge of Hitchin where his father had bought a small estate on the proceeds of an invention to make

gold chains. Henry went on to make a number of engineering discoveries. In 1855, he developed his process which involved removing impurities from iron by oxidation, reducing the cost and increasing the speed of steel manufacture.

Left: A caricature of Henry Bessemer from Vanity Fair.

George Chapman is said to have completed his famous translation of Homer on Hitchin Hill. n William Ransom (18261914) founded what is now the UK’s oldest independent pharmaceutical company, Ransom Naturals Ltd, still based and manufacturing in Hitchin. He was born and raised on the family farm at the north end of Bancroft and educated at the

Isaac Brown Quaker Academy in Hitchin where Joseph Lister was a contemporary. He established his company in 1846 in a barn on the farm, distilling plants such as belladonna, cucumber, poppy, lavender, hemlock and dandelions. He also kept a shop on Sun Street where he sold his products.

he found that spraying surgical instruments with carbolic acid greatly reduced infection. n Frederic Seebohm (1909-1990) was born into a Quaker banking family in Hitchin. The family bank was taken over by Barclays of which Seebohm eventually became chairman in 1965. He was created a life peer and served as High Sheriff of Hertfordshire. He was involved in a number of socially oriented organisations. His daughter is the biographer and novelist Victoria Glendinning.

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n George Chapman (c.15591634), below right, was born in Hitchin and is known chiefly for his pioneering translation of Homer, about which 200 years later Keats wrote his poem “On first looking into Chapman’s Homer”. He is said to have completed the translation on Hitchin Hill. He knew Shakespeare and Bacon and was an important playwright and poet in his own right.

n Joseph Lister (1827-1912), pictured right, helped to revolutionise surgery by promoting the idea of sterility at a time when the prevailing wisdom was that post-operative infections were due simply to "bad air". Born in Essex, he attended the Isaac Brown Quaker Academy based in what is now the Lord Lister Hotel. Joseph’s father, Joseph Jackson Lister, was a wine merchant and, in his spare time, researched into optical science, his work leading to the invention of an improved microscope. His son went on to research at Glasgow University where

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Local services 26 | Hitchin Town Guide

LOCAL GOVERNMENT North Herts District Council Council Offices, Gernon Road, Letchworth Garden City, SG6 3JF. Tel 474000 Mon-Fri 9am-5pm). www.north-herts.gov.uk Hertfordshire County Council Pegs Lane, Hertford. Tel 0300 123 4040 (Mon-Fri 8am-8pm, Sat 9am-4pm). www.hertsdirect.org Member of Parliament • Hitchin & Harpenden Constituency: Peter Lilley (Con) 01582 834344. www.peterlilley.co.uk

PUBLIC TRANSPORT • Intalink - general information on public transport in Hertfordshire. www.intalink.org.uk • Buses run from Hermitage Road and railway station to nearby towns. Traveline tel 0871 200 2233. www.travelinesoutheast.org.uk • Trains from Hitchin to London Kings Cross, Cambridge and Peterborough. National Rail Enquiries tel 0845 748 4950. www.nationalrail.co.uk

COMMUNITY CENTRES

HEALTH

NHS Direct • Non-emergency number for health advice over the phone: 111. Emergency only: 999. Hospitals & clinics • Lister Hospital, Corey’s Mill Lane, Stevenage, SG1 4AB. 24-hour A&E. Tel 01438 314333. www.enherts-tr.nhs.uk • Hitchin Health Centre, Bedford Rd, Hitchin, SG5 1HF. Special clinics only. Tel 427100. • Pinehill Hospital, Benslow Lane, SG4 9QZ. Private hospital. Tel 422822. www.pinehillhospital.co.uk

• Gas 080 111 999.

• Hitchin Town Hall Brand St, SG5 1HX. Tel Halls NHDC 434658. • St John’s Community Centre, St John’s Rd, SG4 9JP. Tel Liz Taylor 421225. • Westmill Community Centre, John Barker Place, SG5 2PG. • St Michael’s Community Centre, St Michael’s Rd, SG4 0QY. Tel 432635. • Walsworth Community Centre, 88 Woolgrove Rd, SG4 0AU. Tel Janet Walker 459821. • Bancroft Hall, Bancroft Gardens, SG5 1DD. Tel 474000. • Ravidassia Community Centre, Wilbury Way, SG4 0TY. Tel 442877. • Woodside Hall, Walsworth Rd, SG4 9SP. Contact Ann Crook 434181.

• Water 0845 782 3333 (Veolia Water), 0800 771881 (Anglian).

GENERAL INFORMATION

Dentists • Bancroft Dentistry, 7 Bancroft Court, SG5 1LH. Tel 451167. www.bancroftdentistry.co.uk

EMERGENCIES & HELPLINES • Fire, police, ambulance 999 (emergencies only). • Childline (for children in distress) 0800 1111. • NSPCC Child Protection Helpline (for anyone concerned about the safety of a child) 0800 800 5000. • Samaritans: 0845 790 9090; textphone 0845 790 9192. Utilities (Emergencies) • Electricity (Eastern Region) 0800 783 8838.

• Floodline 0345 988 1188.

GENERAL SERVICES Courts • Magistrates: The Court House, Danesgate, Stevenage, SG1 1XH. Office open: 9am-4pm. Tel 01438 730412. • County: County Court & Family Court, 2nd Floor, Crest House, Alma St, Luton, LU1 2PU. Open 9am-4pm. Tel 0844 892 0550 (9am-5pm). Police Station • College Rd, Hitchin, SG5 1JX. No front counter service; outside public telephone. Tel Herts Police 101 (non emergency). Emergency only 999. Stevenage Registration Office • Danesgate. Stevenage, SG1 1WW. Tel 0300 123 4045.

Library • Paynes Park. Open: Mon-Fri 2-7pm; Tue & Thu 9am-7pm; Sat 9am-4pm; closed Wed & Sun. Contact 0300 123 4049. (Enquiries: Mon-Fri 8am-8pm & Sat 9am-4pm). www.hertsdirect.org/services/libraries Citizens Advice Bureau • Thomas Bellamy House, Bedford Rd, SG5 1HL. Drop-in: Tue & Thu 9.3012noon. Telephone service: Mon-Fri 10am—4pm. Closed Fri pm. Tel 0344 411 1444. www.northhertscab.org.uk Employment • Jobcentre Plus, 2 Station Rd, Letchworth, SG6 3AZ. Tel 0845 604 3719. Finance • Black Squirrel Credit Union, 9 Paynes Park. Open Sat 10-11.30am and at other times by appointment. Tel 613060 (general) or 613061 (members).

GPs • Orford Lodge Surgery, 100 Bancroft, SG5 1ND. Tel 432042. www.orfordlodgesurgery.co.uk • Portmill Surgery, 114 Queen St, SG4 9TH. Tel 434246. www.portmillhealth.co.uk • Regal Chambers Surgery, 50 Bancroft, SG5 1LL. Tel 453232. www.regalchambers.co.uk • Courtenay House Surgery, Bancroft, SG5 1LH. Tel 434239. www.courtenayhousesurgery.co.uk

• Vernon Dental Practice, 37 Hermitage Rd, SG5 1BY. Tel 434512. www.vernondental.co.uk • Hitchin Dental Care, Cartman House, 5 Payne’s Park, SG5 1EH. Tel 451300. www.hitchindentalcare.co.uk • High St Dental Surgery, 1 High St, SG5 1BH. Tel 434708. www.dentist-hitchin.co.uk • Old Park Dental Surgery, 72 Old Park Rd, SG5 2JT. Tel 432707. • Bucklersbury Dental Studio, 27 Bucklersbury, SG5 1BG. Tel 437850. • Tilehouse Dental Clinic, 19 Tilehouse St, SG5 2DY. Tel 455855. www.tilehousedental.co.uk

Kerbside collection NHDC provides purple bin for nonrecyclable items; grey bin for mixed recycling; blue box for paper only; brown bin for food waste and organic garden waste. Rubbish & recycling bins are collected alternate weeks. www.north-herts.gov.uk Household waste recycling centres • Blackhorse Rd, Letchworth Garden City, SG6 1HB. Open Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun 10am-6pm. Closed Tue, Wed, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and News Year's Day. • Caxton Way, Stevenage, SG1 2DF. Household waste only. Open Mon, Tue, Wed & Sun 10am-6pm, Sat in summer 8am-6pm. Closed Thu & Fri, Christmas Day, Boxing Day & New Year’s Day. www.hertsdirect.org.uk

EDUCATION

For information about childcare and pre-school playgroups contact Herts Family Services Directory (Open MonFri 9am-5pm) tel 0300 123 4040. www.hertsdirect.org.uk Infant & primary • Highbury Infants School, Standhill Rd. Tel 630500. www.highbury.herts.sch.uk • Strathmore Infant & Nursery School, Old Hale Way. Tel 459558. www.strathmore.herts.sch.uk • Highover JMI School, Cambridge Rd. Tel 622333. www.highover.herts.sch.uk • Oughton Primary School, Mattocke Rd. Tel 450716. www.ohjm.herts.sch.uk • Purwell Primary School, Fairfield Way. Tel 432950. www.purwell.herts.sch.uk • Mary Exton JMI School, St Michael’s Rd. Tel 456997. www.maryexton.herts.sch.uk • Our Lady’s RC Primary School, Old Hale Way. Tel 622555. www.ourladys.herts.sch.uk • Samuel Lucas School, Gaping Lane. Tel 456737. www.samlucas.herts.sch.uk • St Andrew’s CofE Primary School, Benslow Lane. Tel 459160. www.standrews.herts.sch.uk • The William Ransom Primary School, Stuart Drive. Tel 624777. www.wransom.herts.sch.uk

• Whitehill Junior School, Whitehill Rd. Tel 621313. www.whitehill.herts.sch.uk • Wilshere Dacre Academy, Fishponds Rd. Tel 459215. www.wilshere.herts.sch.uk Independent Preparatory • Kingshott School, Stevenage Rd. Tel 432009. www.kingshottschool.com Secondary • Hitchin Boys’ School, Grammar School Walk. Tel 432181. www.hbs.herts.sch.uk • Hitchin Girls’ School, Highbury Road. Tel 621300. www.hgs.herts.sch.uk • Priory School, Bedford Rd. Tel 622300. www.priory.herts.sch.uk Further/adult/basic skills • North Hertfordshire College, Cambridge Road. Tel 424242. www.nhc.ac.uk

PLACES OF WORSHIP

Anglican • St Mary’s, Churchyard,. Vicar: Revd Michael Roden 452758. www.stmaryshitchin.org.uk • Holy Saviour Church, Radcliffe Rd. Vicar: Revd Ian Todd 456140 or 452758. www.holysaviourhitchin.org.uk • St Mark’s, St Mark’s Close,. Vicar: Revd Dr Jane Mainwaring 434686. www.stmarks-hitchin.org.uk Anglican & Methodist • Saint Faith’s, Woogrove Road. Vicar: Revd Melanie Crowley 456842. www.stfaithshitchin.org.uk Methodist & United Reformed • Christchurch, Bedford Rd. Minister: Revd John Hardaker 451720. www.christchurchhitchin.org.uk Baptist • Walsworth Rd Baptist Church. Minister: Revd Andrew Henton Pusey 420681. www.wrbchitchin.org.uk • Tilehouse Street Baptist Church, Upper Tilehouse St. Minister: Revd John Matthews 456765/453740. www.ths-baptist.org.uk Congregational • Grace Baptist Church, Queen Street Minister: Pastor Revd Steven Green 636245. http://grace-baptist.org.uk • The Courtyard Church, currently meets at Hitchin Boys Sports Centre, Grammar School Walk. Tel: Pastors Jonathan and Jennifer Baynes 07766 305225.

Roman Catholic • Our Lady Immaculate & St Andrew, 16 Nightingale Rd. Priest: Father Michael Lambert 459126. www.hitchin-rc.org.uk The Religious Society of Friends • Meeting House, Paynes Park. Tel Roger Jarvis (Clerk) 422837. www.hertfordandhitchinquakers.org.uk Evangelical • Hitchin Christian Centre (Church of God), Bedford Rd. www.hcc.org.uk • Covenant Praise Church Meets at Strathmore Infant School, Old Hale Way. Pastor: Janet Graham 452658 / 07922 034733. www.covenantpraisechurch.org.uk • Redeemed Christian Church of God Meets at Bancroft Hall, Bancroft Gardens. Minister: Rev Oluwatoyin Olamiji 07713 615604. Pentecostal • Church of God of Prophecy Meets at Holy Saviour Church Hall, Radcliffe Rd. Minister: Pastor Linton Grant 01582 492926. • New Testament Church of God, Willian Rd. Minister: Pastor Nigel Williams 814213. • International First Born Church of the Living God. Meets at Tilehouse St, Baptist Church. Pastor Monica Stuart 626721. • Built on Faith Bibleway Church Meets at Holy Saviour Church Hall. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints • Hitchin Chapel, Heathfield Rd. Bishop: Steven Kilbey 450943. Spiritualist • Hitchin Spiritualist Church Whinbush Rd. President: Alan Coe 07581 492507. www.hitchinspiritualistchurch.co.uk Jehovah’s Witnesses • Kingdom Hall, Grove Rd. Tel 01582 751236. Muslim • Hitchin Mosque & Islamic Centre 28 Florence St. Tel 456478. Sikh • Guru Singh Sabha Gurdwara 50 Wilbury Way. Tel 432993. www.gurdwara-of-hertfordshire.org • Guru Nanak Gurdwara 37 Wilbury Way. Tel 431973. • Ramgarhia Gurdwara Bearton Ave. Tel 422532.

| Hitchin Town Guide

RECYCLING & WASTE

Clubs & societies 28 | Hitchin Town Guide

ARTS

Music • Hitchin Symphony Orchestra: Wed 7.30-9.30pm at Kingshott School, Stevenage Rd. Tel Clifford Rowe 433102. www.hitchinsymphonyorchestra.org.uk • North Herts Music Service groups: North Herts Youth Orchestra, North Herts Youth Jazz, North Herts Youth Choir. Tel Nicky Footer 434052. www.hertsmusicservice.org.uk. • Hitchin Band: Mon & Thu 7.459.45pm at Rugby Club, Old Hale Way. Tel Michael Thorn (Sec) 07789 184363. www.hitchinband.co.uk • Hitchin Youth Band - Mon 6.307.30pm at Rugby Club, Old Hale Way. Tel Alice Bailey 423534. • Hitchin Folk Club: concerts Sun 8.15-11pm at the Sun Hotel, Sun St. Tel Maureen Jones 812391. www.hitchinfolkclub.idnet.net • Hitchin Light Orchestra & Singers: Tues 7.30pm-9pm at Wilshere Dacre Junior School, Fishponds Road. Tel Chris Pyne 431206. www.hitchinlightorchestra.org • Holy Saviour Church Choir: rehearses Thu 7.30pm for Sun 9.30 service. Tel Trevor Hughes 675496. www.holysaviourhitchin.org.uk • St Mary's Church Choir: Sings Sun 9.35am & 6.30pm, occasionally 11.15am in St Mary's, Churchyard. Girls rehearse Tue 5.30-6.30pm & boys 6.307.30pm. Tel Alan Childs 816244. www.stmaryshitchin.org.uk • North Herts Guild of Singers: choir rehearses Thu 7.30-9.30pm (term time) at Hitchin Boys' School, Grammar School Walk. www.nhgs.org.uk • The Hitchin Allstar Choir: all ages and abilities welcome. Mon 7.30-10pm at Friends Meeting House, Letchworth. Tel Annette or Charlie 438382 /07973 376605. www.allstar-acappella.co.uk • Singing Aloud: Tue 7.30-9.30pm at Christchurch, Bedford Rd. Tel Ruth White 07916 798655. www.singingaloud.com • Radcliffe Singers: ladies' choir. Mon 7.30pm at Holy Saviour Church, Radcliffe Rd. Tel Trevor Hughes 675496. • Orpheus Choir: meets Tue 8-10pm in a variety of venues. www.orpheusnorthherts.com • Laudate: music group leading worship at St Mary's Church, Churchyard. 1st Sun 11.15am. www.stmaryshitchin.org.uk

• Hitchin Community Choir: Tue 8pm at St Faith's Church, Woolgrove Rd. Tel 01525 838199. • Market Theatre Singers: Mon pm term time at The Market Theatre. www.markettheatre.co.uk/choir.html Drama/Dance/Opera • Hitchin Thespians: opera and singing. Meets at Woodside Hall, Walsworth Rd as follows: Tue 7.30-10pm (choir), Wed (principals) & Thu (all) 7.30 -10pm. Tel Lynne Leggat 01767 261548. www. hitchinthespians.org.uk • Young Thespians: Sun 10am-12noon at Woodside Hall, Walsworth Rd. Tel Ann Crook 434181. • Bancroft Players: amateur dramatic society. Rehearses at The Queen Mother Theatre, Walsworth Rd. Tel Box Office 455166. www.queenmothertheatre.org.uk/ bancroftplayers/index.html • Market Theatre Kids' Club & Youth Group: acting, singing, improvisation & dance. For ages 5-19, various times on Sat, term time at The Market Theatre, Sun St. Tel box office 433553. www.markettheatre.co.uk/choir.html • Big Spirit Youth Theatre: for ages 1418. Sun 3-5.30pm & one other evening a week at The Queen Mother Theatre. www.bigspirittheatre.co.uk • The Drama Troupe: drama training for young people aged 11+. Meets Tue 7-8.30pm term time at Walsworth Road Baptist Church Hall. Tel Louise Winstone (Director) 731388. www.wrbchitchin.org.uk/ dramatroupe.html • Curtains: drama group for all ages. Rehearses fortnightly Tue 8pm at Christchurch, Bedford Rd. Tel Tony Edmonds 456045 or Michael Short 434810. www.christchurch.org/worship/drama • The Junior Bancroft Players: for ages 8-13. Sat am (term time) 11am-12 noon, occasionally Sun, at The Queen Mother Theatre, Walsworth Rd. Tel Box Office 455166. www.queenmothertheatre.org.uk/ juniorbps • Offley Morris Men: traditional Cotswold dancing. In winter Fri 8pm at Holwell Village Hall; in summer displays at pubs, fairs etc. Tel Bill Davis 624210 or Godfrey Leak 790343. www.offleymorris.org.uk • Staplers: folk dancing club. Meets Mon 8.10pm at St John's Community Centre, St John's Rd. Tel Ces Mills (Sec) 01582 881966. www.staplers.org.uk

Visual Arts • Hitchin Art Club: Tue 7.30pm at Kingshott School, Stevenage Rd. Tel Vic Stedman 638265. website: www.hitchinartclub.co.uk • Hitchin Camera Club: Thu 7.45pm (Sep-May) at Christchurch, Bedford Rd. www.hitchincameraclub.org

CARING GROUPS

Counselling • Tilehouse Counselling: Coach House, rear of 84 Tilehouse St. One-to-one & group counselling services for women & young people aged 13-19. Tel 440244 / 440674. www.tilehouse.org Elderly • Hitchin African, Caribbean, Seniors & Carers Lunch Club: Fri 10am-4pm at Bancroft Hall. Tel Jean Small (Tue-Thu 9.30am-4pm) 432242 / 07951 026005. • Hitchin Healthwise: exercise, healthy eating, interaction & mental stimulation to alleviate dementia & depression. Tel 07772 173027. • Kingfisher Club: day club for older people with memory loss. Tue 10am3pm at Walsworth Community Centre. Tel Helen Cairns 683307. • Hitchin Senior Citizens: gives grants to affiliated clubs. Contact Mrs Mick Furr 452098. • Alzheimer Society, 2 Grove Rd. Tel 433999. Telephone help and information line 0845 300 0336. Families & children • Home Start: supports families with children under 5. Thu 10.15-12.30 at Westmill Community Centre, John Barker Pl. Contact 678861. www.homestartnorthherts.org.uk • Oughton Children's Centre, Mattocke Rd, SG5 2NZ. Services & projects for 0-5 year olds & their families, support services from pregnancy to reception age. Tel Diana Foley (Centre Manager) 456329. www.hertschildrenscentres.org.uk/ oughton • Hitchin Angels: for parents/carers of children with autism and ADHD. Tue 10am-12 noon (term time) at Children's Centre, Mattocke Rd. Creche available. Tel Leise Cooper 07815 458355 or Jane Waring 07718 755167. • Up on Downs: support group for families with children with Downs Syndrome. Usually meets 2nd Sat 2-4pm at Walsworth Rd Baptist Church Hall. Tel 630459 / 01582 462541. www.upondowns.com

Town twinning • Hitchin Link: supports twinning activities with twin towns of Nuits St Georges (France) and Bingen (Germany). Tel Ann White 455102.

Minorities • North Herts Minority Ethnic Forum: Unity House, Whinbush Rd. Resource centre for black & minority ethnic people. English lessons, etc. Open MonFri 9am-5pm. Contact 440224. www.nhmef.org.uk

Residents • The Hitchin Society: works to protect the character and charm of Hitchin against the threats of inappropriate modern development. Meets 3rd Mon, 8pm at the British Schools, Queen St, SG4 9TS. Refreshments from 7.30pm. Tel Jane Clark 450599. www.thehitchinsociety.org.uk • Hitchin Forum: formed in 1992 as a non-political group to represent the views of people who live and work in Hitchin. Organises public meetings. Tel 07554 270891. www.hitchinforum.org.uk • West Hitchin Action Group: formed in response to proposals by NHDC to build houses on greenbelt land west of Hitchin. www.westhitchinag.org.uk

Mutual support • Hitchin Carers Cafe: meets 1st & 3rd Wed 10am-12noon at the Croft Bar & Restaurant, 107a Bancroft. Tel Crossroads North Herts 455578. • Helping Hands: charity for people with disabilities, the elderly, and their carers. Social events & transport provision. 2nd Sat, 2.30pm - 5pm at Westmill Community Centre, John Barker Place. Tel Joan Kirby 626235. Physical disability • Physically Handicapped & Able Bodied Club: encourages able bodied and physically handicapped to mix on equal terms. Activities include pool, table tennis, board games, music, as well as special events. Meets alternate Fri 7.30-10pm at Westmill Community Centre, John Barker Place. Contact 640293 (Fri 7-10pm). www.hitchinphab.org.uk Needy • North Herts Sanctuary, 25 Nightingale Rd. Community services, e.g. shelter for homelesss & drug & alcohol support in Hitchin. Tel 435835. www.northhertssanctuary.org.uk Religious • Churches Together in Hitchin Group comprising 18 churches in Hitchin seeking ways to cooperate on projects, Christian initiatives & workshops. www.cthitchin.org.uk General • Royal British Legion. Meets 1st Mon 8pm. Tel Mr G Prowse (Pres) 431628.

CIVIC GROUPS

Business • Hitchin Fair Trade Town Steering Group: holds events in town. Tel Helen Richardson (Chair) 435595 / 07880 682681.

Environmental • Friends of the Earth: Campaigns on environment. Meets 3rd Thu 7.30pm (ex Aug & Dec) at Friends' Meeting House, Paynes Park. Tel Matt Sutcliffe 07706 897365. www.nhertsfoe.co.uk • The Chiltern Society: works to preserve the natural beauty of the Chiltern Hills (Hitchin is at the northern end of this 650 square mile area). Tel 01494 771250. www.chilternsociety.org.uk • North Herts Association of the National Trust: meets 1st Wed (OctMay) 7.30pm at Christchurch, Bedford Rd. Tel Colin Cropley 713391. • The Triangle Garden: runs community garden at Ransom's Rec, Grove Rd. Tel Liz McElroy on 07887 725962. www.trianglegarden.org • Friends of Walsworth Common: keeps common and river tidy. Meets 3rd Sat 9.30am in car park, Woolgrove Rd. Tel Andy Lickfold 624336. • Friends of Purwell Valley: monthly conservation tasks. Tel Derek Turner (Countryside Management Service) 01992 588433. • Friends of Oughtonhead Common: maintains the open grassland and nature reserve next to Swinburne Ave recreation ground. Tasks usually on a Monday. Contact Heidi Hutton (Countryside Management Service) 01992 588433.

Historical • Hitchin Historical Society: arranges speakers & trips, publishes books, carries out research. Meets 4th Thu (not summer) 8pm at Church House, Churchyard. Tel Leslie Mustoe (Sec) 423209. www.hitchinhistoricals.org.uk • Triangle History Group: informal discussion group. Meets monthly on a Mon 7.30pm in the Albert, Walsworth Rd. Tel Val 454552. HOBBIES • Hitchin Film Club: screenings take place at the Studio Theatre, The Queen Mother Theatre, Woodside, SG4 9SP. www.hitchinfilms.co.uk • Buzzwords Bee Discovery Centre, Old Hale Way Allotments: community beekeeping project & training centre. Tel Christine Gray (Administrator) 07805 506785. buzzworks.org.uk • Hitchin Bridge Club: duplicate bridge for all abilities. Plays Mon/Wed 1.30pm, and Wed/Thu 7.30pm at Church Hall of Our Lady Immaculate & St Andrew, Nightingale Rd. Tel Margaret Eddleston (Pres) 623447. www.bridgewebs.com/hitchin • Hitchin Horticultural Society: meets 2nd Wed 7.30pm at Hitchin Girls School, Highbury Rd. Annual show on last Sat in June at Westmill Community Centre, John Barker Place. Tel Ida Doolan 450928. • NHDC allotments; Old Hale Way, Burford Way, Pirton Rd, Ransom’s Recreation Ground. Tel NHDC 474000. • Hitchin Allotment Association. Tel Roger Sandy 455907. • Herts County Council allotment: Gaping Lane. Tel Lambert, Smith & Hampton 01727 896219. • Hitchin Floral Art Club: meets 3rd Wed (not Dec) 7.20pm for 7.30pm at Church House, Churchyard. Tel Joy McCarthy 434410. • St Mary's Church Bellringers: practice Mon 7.30-9pm. Tel 452758. • IT Club: Computer skills training for all ages. Sessions at Christchurch Computer Centre, Bedford Rd. Tel Ken Ryder 01438 83208. • University of the Third Age: interest groups on a variety of topics. www.hitchinu3a.org.uk • Workers Education Association: a variety of 10 week courses each term at 11.45am on Tue/Wed at Christchurch, Bedford Rd. Tel 338740. 29

| Hitchin Town Guide

Learning disabilities • Gateway Club (Mencap): social club meets alternate Sat 2.30-4.45pm at the Catholic Church Hall, Nightingale Rd. Tel Pamela Brannigan 632587.

30 | Hitchin Town Guide

SOCIAL • Hitchin Leisure Group: debates, speakers, discussions for over 50s, Wed 2pm at Woodside Hall, Walsworth Rd. Tel Claire Morgan 474226. • Good Companions: activities for senior citizens, Wed 2pm at Bancroft Hall. Tel Joan Kirby 620649. • Whist Drive: for senior citizens, Wed 1.30-4pm at Westmill Community Centre, John Barker Place. Tel Mrs Mick Furr 452098. • Westmill Friendship Club: social activities for senior citizens, Tue 1pm at Westmill Community Centre, John Barker Place. Tel Mrs Mick Furr 452098. • Tea Dance: for ages 50+, Mon 2-4.30pm at Westmill Community Centre, John Barker Place. Tel Mrs Mick Furr 452098. • Sequence Dancing: for ages 50+, Thu 6.30pm (lesson) & 8-10pm (social dancing) at Westmill Community Centre, John Barker Place. Tel Mrs Mick Furr 452098. • Bingo: takes place 7.30-10pm at Westmill Community Centre, John Barker Place. Tel Mick Furr 452098. • Good Old Days Lunch Club: last Wed 11.30am at Holy Saviour Church Hall, Radcliffe Rd. Tel Audrey Stewart 453353. • Lions Club: monthly business meeting 2nd Mon 8pm at The Highlander, Upper Tilehouse St. Occasional social meetings. Tel David Kelsall 0845 833 9816. • Probus Clubs: for retired/semi-retired men aged 55+. Hitchin & District meets 2nd & 4th Tue 12 noon for 1pm at Hitchin Priory, Tilehouse St, Les Farley (Sec) tel 432850; Hitchin Bancroft normally meets 2nd Thu 12.30pm for 1pm at various venues, Robin Harwood (Sec) tel 453858; Hitchin Priory meets 1st Tue at 12 for 12.30pm, venue changing shortly to Mount Pleasant Golf Club, Station Rd, Lower Stondon, Frank Harding tel 459124 / 07899 897702.

• Lunch Club: for the elderly & socially isolated, Mon 12.30pm at Tilehouse St Baptist Church. Tel Gill Mayes 434919. • Round Table: charity fund raising & social. 1st & 3rd Tue 7.30pm usually at The Sun Hotel, Sun St. www.hitchinroundtable.org.uk • 41 Club: friendship and fellowship for past members of the Round Table, 2nd Tue 7.30 for 8pm usually at Sun Hotel, Sun St. Tel Mike Wells 450185. • Rotary Clubs: charity fund raising & social. Hitchin meets Mon 1pm at Sun Hotel, Sun St, SG5 1AF. Tel Chris Bradburn 451240. www.rchitchin.org.uk Hitchin Tilehouse meets Fri 7am for 7.15am at Sun Hotel, Sun St. www.tilehouserotary.org Hitchin Mimram meets Mon 8-9.30pm at Sun Hotel, Sun St. www.hitcinmimramrotary.org Hitchin Priory meets Mon 7.30pm for 8pm at Hitchin Rugby Club, Old Hale Way. Tel John Hartshorn 677047. SPORTS Badminton • Christchurch Badminton Club, Wed 7.30-10pm (not Jul & Aug), Christchurch, Bedford Rd. Contact Wendy Guinan 07856 768685 or 421303. • Hitchin Town Badminton Club: Thu 8-10pm, Sports Centre, Grammar School Walk. Tel Anthony Searle 436297. • Icarus Badminton Club: Wed 7.30pm10.00pm, Sports Centre. www.icarusbadmintonclub.org.uk • Purwell Badminton Club: Thu & Fri eve, Sports Centre. Tel 01525 860850. • Broadway Badminton Club: Tue & Fri eve, Sports Centre. Tel 01438 216297. Bowls • Hitchin Town Bowls Club, Bancroft Gardens. Ladies', men's & junior sections. Coaching available. www.hitchintownbowlsclub.org.uk • Riverain Bowls Club, Woolgrove Rd. Summer & winter bowling (8 indoor rinks & 6 outdoor). Coaching available. Tel 420617. www.riverain.co.uk

• Branch Out Social Club: for single people aged 40+, Mon 8.30pm at Cromwell Bar, Sun Hotel, Sun St. Tel Lorna 233657.

Cricket • Hitchin Cricket Club, Lucas Lane. Tel Ian Mills 07540 304331. www.hitchin.play-cricket.com

• Tilehouse Coffee Club: 1st Wed 10.30-12 noon at Tilehouse Street Baptist Church Hall, Tilehouse St. Tel Gill Mayes 434919.

Cycling • Hitchin Nomads: social and competitive cycling, Sun 9am in Market Square. http://hitchin-nomads.net

Fencing • Hitchin Fencing Club: tuition available, Mon 6pm at Hitchin Girls School Sports Hall, Highbury Rd. Tel Tony Middleton 07738 971077. www.hitchinfencing.com • Hitchin Blades: tuition available. Tel 811336. Fitness • Family Fitness: tel Maggie Hackney 07815 196910. www.family-fitness.co.uk Yoga • Classes: tel Sarah O'Connor 637867. www.yogamindspace.com Football • Hitchin Town FC, Fishponds Road. Contact Roy Izzard 07803 202498 or 459028. www.hitchintownfc.co.uk • Hitchin Town Youth FC: under-7s to under-18s. Tel Kerry Haynes 07973 614749. www.hitchintownfc.co.uk/ hitchin_town_youth • Hitchin Town Belles FC: for girls. Tel Jason Slade 07976 671631. www.hitchinbelles.com • Wymondley Park Youth FC: plays at Lucas Lane. Tel Derek Austin 459717. www.wymondleyparkfc.co.uk • Hitchin Hearts Ladies FC: plays at Ickleford Sports & Social Club. Trains Wed 7.30-9pm. Contact Phil 07980 295453 or John 07855 812749. • Hitchin Town Ladies FC. Trains Wed 7.30-9.30pm at Ickleford Sports & Social Club. Contact Emma Chamberlain 07702 212141. www.clubwebsite.co.uk/ hitchintownladies Rugby • Hitchin Rugby Football Club: men's, youth, minis, ladies' teams. Plays at King George V Playing Fields, Old Hale Way. Tel 432679 (Clubhouse) or Tim Jeffries 07787 125577. www.hitchinrfc.com Hockey • Hitchin Blueharts Hockey Club: men's, ladies', youth teams play at Sports Centre, Grammar School Walk. Clubhouse: Lucas Lane. Tel 434468. www.blueharts.org.uk Martial Arts • Kickboxing: Wed 7.15pm at Sports Centre, Grammar School Walk. Tel Ian Rowe 07825 224847.

Tennis • HBS Lawn Tennis Club: plays at Hitchin Boys School, Grammar School Walk. Junior coaching, adult social & competitive tennis. Tel 07527 640599. www.hbsltc.co.uk • Hitchin Lawn Tennis Club: plays at Bancroft Gardens. Three all-weather floodlit courts. Coaching available. Tel 07580 342622 (text only). www.hitchinlawntennisclub.co.uk Swimming • Hitchin Swimming Club: trains weekday evenings at at Swimming Centre, Fishponds Rd and in Letchworth. Tel centre 441646. www.hitchinswimmingclub.co.uk WOMEN'S GROUPS • St Mark's Thursday Group: 8pm on 1st Thu at St Mark's Church Hall. www.stmarkshitchin.org.uk • Mothers Union: St Faith's group 1st Tue 7-9.30pm. Tel Mary Goose 435605. www.stmarkshitchin.org.uk St Mary's group 2nd Thu 8pm in Church House, Churchyard. Tel Audrey Forde 631938 or Parish Office 452758. www.stmaryshitchin.co.uk • Ladies' Friendship Circle: Tue 7.45pm (not Jan/Jul/Aug) at Christchurch, Bedford Rd. Tel Elizabeth Morton 454480. www.christchurchhitchin.org.uk • Ladies' Circle: social/charity fund raising, for ages 18-45. Meets 2nd & 4th Thu 8pm, various venues. Tel Joanna Banks 622464.

• Hitchin Tangent: for past members of Ladies Circle. Varied programme. Meets 1st Thu at various venues. Tel Gail Edwards (Sec) 421124. • St Mary's Wives Group: social group (not restricted to Church members or married women). Meets 1st & 3rd Thu (not Aug) 8pm at Church House. Tel Parish Office 452758. • National Women's Register (NWR): social group, discussions, occasional outings. Meets Tue 8pm in members' homes. Tel 0845 450 0287. www.nwr.org.uk • Townswomen's Guild: Bancroft group 2nd Tue 7.30pm (not Feb) at Our Lady Immaculate Church, Nightingale Rd,. Tel Mrs L Rea 623297. Walsworth group 1st Wed 7.30pm at Walsworth Community Centre, Woolgrove Rd. www.walsworthtg.org.uk

YOUTH GROUPS • Bancroft Centre for Young People/ Youth Connexions Centre, 29 Bancroft, SG5 1JW. Open: Tue-Thu 7-10pm; Sat 11.30am-2.30pm. Offers a range of groups for young people aged 13-19 (or up to 25 with learning difficulties). ZAP (for young Asians) Mon 6.309.30pm; After-school Club Tue 3.30-6.30pm & Wed 3.30-6.30pm; Youth Club Tue & Thu 7.30-10pm & Sat 1-4pm; Youth Group for those with Aspergers or High functioning Autism, Thu 4.30-6.30pm; Snappy G for ages 13-25 with special needs, Mon & Wed 6.30-9.30pm. Tel Gary Leask 07747 762829 / 01438 843340 or centre 640340. • Market Theatre Kids' Club & Youth Group: acting, singing, improvisation & dance. for ages 5-19, Sat morning in term time at The Market Theatre, Sun St. Tel box office 433553. www.markettheatre.co.uk/choir.html • Big Spirit Youth Theatre: for ages 1418. Meets Sun 3-5.30pm & one other evening a week at The Queen Mother Theatre, Walworth Rd. www.bigspirittheatre.co.uk • The Drama Troupe: drama training for young people aged 11+. Meets Tue 7-8.30pm in term time at Walsworth Road Baptist Church Hall. Tel Louise Winstone (Director) 731388. www.wrbchitchin.org.uk/ dramatroupe.html • Hitchin & District Scouts: beavers, cubs, scouts & explorers. www.hitchinscouts.org.uk

• Hitchin Sea Cadets: for boys and girls ages 10-18. Tue & Fri 7.15-9.40pm at TA Centre, Bedford Rd. Tel 440027. www.sea-cadets.org/hitchin • 1066 Hitchin Squadron Air Training Corps: for ages 13-20. Mon & Wed 7.30-9pm on at TA Centre, Bedford Rd. Tel 436805 or 450785. www.hitchinaircadets.co.uk • Hitchin Army Cadet Force: for ages 13-18. Mon & Thu 7.30pm at TA Centre, Bedford Rd. Tel Major Barlow 01992 582423. • Guides, Brownies, Rainbows: tel Tammy Hawkins (Hitchin East) 450894 / 07760 477857; Jan Clark (Hitchin West) 457342. www.girlguidinghertfordshire.org.uk • Christchurch Youth Groups: Afterschool Club (ages 14-18) Mon 3.455pm. Epic (ages 11+) Sun 7-9.30pm. www.christchurchhitchin.org.uk/young/ teens • Walsworth Rd Baptist Church groups: Jam Club (school years 2-10) Sun 10.30-11.45am; Friday Adventurers (school year 6 to age16+) Fri 7.3010pm. Contact Matt Beamish (Youth Worker) 07867 567468. www.wrbchitchin.org.uk/youth.html • Hitchin Youth Trust, 111 Walsworth Rd. Supports youth groups and individuals. Tel 422505. www.hitchinyouthtrust.co.uk If you are involved in a community group in Hitchin and would like to add to or amend the information in this list, please contact Heritage Guides on 01446 405298 or e-mail info@ heritage-guides.com. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the data in this section, the publishers and promoters cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions. You are advised to check details directly with the organisations and groups concerned. Organisations are included in the above categories for ease of reference. Inclusion within one category or the other does not imply incompatibility with any of the categories listed. Organisations are listed in this section in good faith, but inclusion within this section does not imply any endorsement by Hitchin Initiative/Hitchin Bid or Heritage Guides of the organisation concerned, nor can these bodies be held responsible for any of the organisations' failure to comply with legal or professional requirements. 31

| Hitchin Town Guide

• Thai Boxing: Mon & Wed 5.308.30pm at Sports Centre, Grammar School Walk. Tel Rob Brooks 07799 646031. • Shotokan Karate (ATSK): Thu 6.30pm at Strathmore Infants & Nursery School, Old Hale Way. Tel Sensei Stark 01234 353865 / 07986 986278. www.atsk.co.uk • Shotokan Karate: meets at Hitchin Girls' School Gym, Highbury Rd. Tel Roy Hazelwood 07885 437262. • Hitchin Karate Club: Sat 9.3011.30am at Hitchin Boys School Sports Centre, Grammar School Walk. Tel John Froy 01582 451396. www.hitchinkarateclub.org.uk • Hitchin Judo Club: Tue & Thu term time at Sports Centre, Grammar School Walk. Tel Michael Orton 455568 / 07889 598765 or Christopher Stutley 07581 179901. www.hitchinjudoclub.co.uk

| Hitchin Town Guide

Town centre map 34

100

150

200

Bancroft Gardens

250 Skynner’s Almhouses

Metres Hitchin Boys’ School

Swimming Centre

Butts Close

Sainsbury’s

OL W AL K BR AN D

ST RE E

C HU RCH YA R

PA R

MARKET PLACE CH U

HY AR

RC HG

AT E

The Biggin

STRE ET

ST RE

LYLES ROW SUN STRE

Market

BR IDG ES TRE ET

Y WA

OLD C

K PAR

HAR LTO NR

RA TTO R N

B UC K

LERS BUR

EA ST

TIL EH OU

r Hi

HOLL OW L

Asda

EEN

A505

HANGE YARD

CH UR C

Windmill Hill

A NE

ST ANDREWS PL

Corn Exchange

St Mary’s Church

PA YN

THE AR CA DE

LA NE

QU EEN

WES T AL LEY

Physic Garden

CHURCHYARD

CL O S E

POR TM ILL

Friends Meeting House

STR EET

GR A

North Herts Museum

NUN’S

HER MITA GE R OAD

B656

C.A.B.

To Queen Mother Theatre and Railway Station

BA NC ROF T

Waitrose

RO Christchurch AD

MM AR SC HO

Rive

BAN CRO

EW ALK SID

BE DF O

ELM

A505

| Hitchin Town Guide

Based on an illustration produced by Oxford Cartographers on behalf of Hitchin Initiative.

Grace Baptist Church British Schools Museum Key to map symbols Car park Hotel Library

Hitchin Priory

Place of worship Police station Public conveniences

Hiz

Railway station

Riv

Superstore

A602

Theatre

B656

Acre Piece................................6d Alexandra Road.....................3d Andersons House...................4d Alpine Close............................7d Arlesey Rd................................1b Armour Rise............................ 2e Arnold Close........................... 4e Ash Drive.................................8d Ashbrook Lane........................ 8e Aspens, The............................. 6e Aston Rise............................... 6e Avenue, The.............................5d Baliol Road.............................. 3c Balmoral Road........................3b Bancroft................................... 4c Bancroft Court....................... 4c Bearton Avenue.....................4b Bearton Green........................3b Bearton Road..........................3b Beaumont Close....................3a Bedford Road....................2b/4b Bedford Street........................4b Beeches, The...........................6d Beechwood Close..................2a Bell Close................................. 6e Benchley Hill...........................4f Benslow Lane.........................4d Benslow Rise..........................4d Bessemer Close......................2b Biggin Lane............................. 5c Bilton Road.............................2d Bingen Road...........................3a Blackhorse Close...................7d Blackhorse Lane.....................7d Bowmans Ave......................... 5e Bowyer Close..........................3a Bradleys Corner......................3f Bramfield................................. 5e Brampton Park Rd................. 3c Bramshott Close.................... 7c Brand Street........................... 5c Brick Kiln Lane.......................7b Bridge Court........................... 5c Bridge Street.......................... 5c Broadmead.............................. 6e Broadmeadow Ride...............7d Brook View...............................6f Browning Drive...................... 4e Bucklersbury........................... 5c Bunyan Road.......................... 4c Burford Way...........................2a Burns Close............................. 4e Burymead Road..................... 2c Butchers Lane......................... 7c Byron Close............................. 4e Cadwell Lane..........................2d Cam Square.............................2d Cambridge Road.....................3f Campbell Close...................... 4e Castle Court............................3b Cedar Avenue.........................1b Cemetery Road....................... 6c Chapel Row............................. 4c Charlton Road........................6b Chaucer Way...........................4f Chennells Close...................... 2e Chestnut Court......................4b Chestnut Walk.......................7d Chiltern Road.........................5d Chilterns, The..........................5d Churchgate............................. 5c Churchyard.............................. 5c Clare Gardens.........................4d Coach Drive............................. 7c Coleridge Close...................... 4e College Road........................... 4c Collison Close..........................2f Common Rise.........................3d Conquest Close......................7d Convent Close........................4d Cooks Way...............................3d Coopers Yard...........................5b

Crabbs Close...........................5b Cranborne Avenue................6a Crescent, The..........................3a Crow Furlong..........................5a Cubitt Close.............................5f Dacre Road..............................4d Dale Close................................ 7c Deacons Way..........................3b Desborough Road...................3f Dower Court........................... 6c Dugdale Court........................3a Dukes Lane.............................. 4c Duncots Close........................1b East Close................................ 3e Elderberry Drive.....................7d Elmside Walk..........................4b Eynsford Court.......................6d Exchange Yard........................5b Fairfield Way...........................4f Fells Close................................ 4c Finches, The............................5d Firs Close.................................4b Fishponds Road......................4b Florence Street....................... 4c Folly Close...............................7d Forge Close..............................4d Foster Drive.............................7d Francis Close...........................7d Frank Young Court................3b Franklin Gardens................... 3e Frensham Drive.......................2f Friday Furlong........................4a Fyffes Court............................ 4c Gainsford Crescent................2f Galleywood.............................1b Gaping Lane............................5a Garden Row............................4d Garrison Court........................6d Gibson Close........................... 4e Girdle Road.............................2d Girons Close............................ 5e Gosmore Ley Close................ 8c Gosmore Road........................ 7c Grammar Sch Walk............... 5c Grange Close..........................7d Granville Road.........................3f Grays Lane...............................5a Green Lane.............................. 3e Greenfield Avenue.................1b Greenside Drive......................4b Grove Road..............................3d Grovelands Avenue................2f Half Acre..................................6a Halsey Drive............................ 5e Hampden Road.......................3f Hardy Close..............................5f Harkness Way..........................2f Harrison Close........................4d Hawthorn Close.....................6b Hazelwood Close................... 4c Heathfield Road..................... 3c Hensley Close......................... 5e Hermitage Road..................... 5c High Dane................................ 2e High Street.............................. 5c High Street (Gosmore)......... 8c High View................................5a Highbury Road.......................5d Highover Way......................... 3e Hillfield Avenue.....................2d Hillgate.....................................1d Hine Way.................................3a Hitchin Arcade.......................5b Hitchin Hill.............................. 6c Hitchin Road (Gosmore)...... 8c Holdbrook................................ 5e Holden Close............................5f Hollow Lane............................ 5c Hunting Gate..........................1d Ibberson Way..........................5d Ickleford Road........................ 3c Ivatt Close................................5f

Jeeves Yard.............................. 5c Jill Grey Place......................... 5c John Barker Place..................3a Kardwell Close........................6d Keats Way.................................5f Kendale Road..........................6d Kent Place...............................4b Kershaws Hill.......................... 5c King Georges Close...............2b Kings Hedges..........................3a Kings Road..............................3d Kingsdown............................... 5e Kingswood Avenue................3f Kipling Close............................5f Knowl Piece............................1d Lammas Mead........................ 2c Lancaster Ave.........................3b Lancaster Road......................3b Langbridge Close...................7d Larch Avenue..........................8d Latchmore Close.................... 6c Laurel Way..............................1b Lavender Fields......................5a Lavender Way.........................4a Limes, The................................5b Lindsay Avenue...................... 6e Linten Close.............................6f Lister Avenue.......................... 7c Lodge Court............................1b London Road........................... 7c Lovell Close.............................6d Lower Innings.........................4a Lucas Lane...............................4a Lyles Row................................. 5c Lynsford Court.......................6d Manor Close............................1b Manor Crescent..................... 6e Manton Road.......................... 6e Maples Court..........................4b Maples, The............................. 6c Market Place........................... 5c Masefield..................................5f Matthew Gate........................7d Mattocke Road......................3a May Trees................................6d Maydencroft Lane.................8b Maylin Close............................4f Mead, The................................ 2c Mead Industrial Esate.......... 2c Meadow Way.........................6b Meadowbank.......................... 3e Mermaid Close....................... 5e Mews, The............................... 4c Midland Cottages..................3d Milestone Road......................2a Mill Close..................................4f Mill Lane..................................8d Mill Road.................................8d Millard Way.............................2f Millfield Lane..........................8d Millstream Close....................2d Milton View.............................5f Moormead Close...................6b Moormead Hill.......................6a Moss Way................................3a Mount Garrison..................... 5c Mount Pleasant.....................5a Mountjoy..................................3f Mowbray Gardens.................7d Mulberry Way.........................2a New England Close...............7d Newlands Cl East.................. 7c Newlands Cl West................. 8c Newlands Lane....................... 7c Newtons Way.........................6d Nightingale Rd.......................4d Nimbus Way............................5f Ninesprings Way................... 6e North Place.............................3a Nuns Close..............................5b Nursery Hill............................. 6c Nutleigh Grove.......................3a

Oaks Close............................... 7c Oakfield Avenue..................... 7e Offley Road.............................5b Old Bakery...............................5b Old Charlton Road................5b Old Hale Way....................2c/3b Old Park Road.........................5b Orchard Close...................off 8d Orchard Road......................... 3e Orlando Close.........................6d Osier Court.............................. 4c Oughton Close.......................4a Oughtonhead Lane...............4a Oughtonhead Way................4a Paddock, The...........................7d Park Gate................................. 6c Park Street............................... 6c Park Way..................................6b Passingham Avenue..............6d Paynes Park.............................5b Peppercorn Walk................... 5e Peppermint Road................... 4c Periwinkle Lane...................... 3c Pirton Close.............................5a Pirton Road.............................5a Poplar Close............................ 6e Portman Close........................2a Portmill Lane.......................... 5c Priory End................................ 6c Priory Way............................... 7c Pullman Drive......................... 5e Pulters Way.............................6d Purwell Lane............................4f Queen Street.......................... 5c Queenswood Drive.................3f Radcliffe Road........................4d Ransom Close......................... 7c Redhill Road...........................4a Redoubt Close........................3d Regal Court............................. 4c Riddy Hill Close......................5d Riddy Lane...............................5d Ridgeway, The........................6a River Mead..............................2a Riverside Court......................3d Roundwood Close..................2f Rowan Grove..........................7d Ruskin Lane..............................5f Russells Slip............................5b Ryder Avenue.........................1a Ryder Way...............................1a St Andrews Place.................. 5c St Annes Road........................4d St Augustine Close................ 4c St Elmo Court......................... 7c St Faiths Close....................... 3e St Johns Path.......................... 6c St Johns Road......................... 6c St Katherines Close...............1b St Marks Close.......................3b St Michaels Mount............... 4e St Michaels Road.............4e/5f Sandover Close...................... 6e Sandy Grove............................ 6c Sanfoine Close........................4f Seebohm Close.......................3a Sharps Way.............................3d Shelley Close...........................5f Shepherds Mead.................... 2c Silver Court............................. 4c Spellbrooke.............................4a Sorrel Garth............................ 5e South Place.............................3a Southill Close.........................6d Spurrs Close............................ 5e Standhill Close....................... 6c Standhill Road........................ 6c Starlings Bridge..................... 4c Station Approach..................4d Stevenage Road (Hitchin)...7d Stevenage Road (Ashbrook).8f Sterling Close..........................5f

Storehouse Lane.................... 6c Stormont Road....................... 3c Stotfold Road..........................2f Strathmore Ave...................... 3c Stuart Drive............................. 5e Sturgeons Road..................... 2e Sturrock Way...........................5f Sun Street............................... 5c Sunnyside Road.....................6d Swinburne Avenue................2a Sycamore Close......................7d Symonds Road........................4a Talbot Street...........................4a Talisman Street.......................5f Tall Trees..................................7d Taylors Cottages....................4b Taylors Hill............................... 6c Temple Close...........................7a Tennyson Avenue...................5f Thatchers End....................off 4f Theobald Busines Centre.....1d Tilehouse Street.....................5b Times Close.............................2b Trevor Road.............................4d Triangle, The............................ 6c Tristram Road......................... 2e Troopers Yard.......................... 4c Truemans Road......................2a Tudor Court.............................5a Turnpike Lane.........................1b Uplands Avenue..................... 6e Upper Tilehouse St................5b Verulam Road.........................4d Victoria Road..........................4a Wallace Way...........................2d Walnut Close..........................6d Walnut Way............................1b Walsh Close............................5b Walsworth Road....................4d Waltham Road.......................6d Water Lane.............................. 3c Wedgewood Road................. 5e Wedmore Road......................6d Wellingham Avenue.............3a West Alley...............................5b West Close.............................. 2e West Hill..................................5a Westbury Close......................4a Westfield Close......................5b Westfield Lane.......................5b Westmill Lane...................1a/2a Westmill Lawns......................3a Westmill Road........................3a Westwood Avenue................6d Whinbush Grove.................... 4c Whinbush Road..................... 4c Whitegale Close.....................6d Whitehill Close.......................6d Whitehill Road.......................6d Whitehurst Avenue............... 3c Wilbury Way...........................2d William Ransom Way........... 5c Willian Road............................3f Willoughby Way....................6d Willow Lane............................6a Willow Tree Way................... 2c Willows, The...........................7d Wilshere Crescent..................4f Wilton Road............................ 3c Windmill Hill..........................5d Winston Close........................5b Woodside Gardens................ 4c Woolgrove Rd......................... 3e Woolpack, The........................ 4c Worsdell Way......................... 5e Wratten Close........................5b Wratten Road East................5b Wratten Road West..............5b Wymondley Close..................5d Wymondley Road.................. 5e York Road................................ 3c

| Hitchin Town Guide

List of streets

Locations refer to maps on pages 36-39

WELL D OS

RO AD

A CED

ESEY A RL

EI L D NF EE GR

ER SEM ROAD

LAMMAS MEAD

T AV

STREE T

YORK ROAD

HURS WHITE

ROA D

STARLING S

IN B

MINT

E WHIN NT BU

USH

TENNIS

HAZE LWOO D CL

FYFFES C T

BANCROFT GARDENS BOWLS

PEPPER

W AY

GRA MM AR S CH

THE WOOLPACK

FELLS CHAPEL CLRW FOR

LING

WEL

HA LE

OLD

BEARTON AVE

S ROA

SIDE DR

AND H

SH G

BANC ROFT

BEDFO RD

R OA D

I LL L N HAM

EA VE

NORTH

HERTS LEGE RD SANCTUARY COL

MEW S

ST AUGUSTINE CLOSE

VER

ABBS CL K PAR

OLD

AN DS

LA WATER

OSIER C BANCROFT COURT TROOPERS YARD

AD RO

UE EN AV

RD REGAL COURT SILVER COURT

T HE

WA Y

D EA D IEL HF AT HE

PERIWINKLE

D ICKLEFOR D ROA

HILL

E OR HM AT TR

ORD

WEST

ROAD

ELMSIDE WALK

ONT ROAD RM STO

DUKES LA AN NY BU

O BUTTS EEN KENT IA RD UGH R PLACE CLOSE TO TAYLORS N COTTAGES REC HEA W D LAVENDER T W AY LUCAS RD S O OAD F D BE LANE MAPLES E LAN COURT GA PIN G OLD

UE EN

BALIOL ROAD

SWIMMING CENTRE

BAKERY

LAVENDER FIELDS

RK ROAD PA

F IS H P O N D S

BEDF

TALBOT STREET

HITCHIN TOWN FC

LTO N

AL RD

ROAD

CHESTNUT CT

CHALKDELL PATH

VICTOR

BALM OR

T LANCAS ER AVENUE LANCASTE R RD

L FIRS C

MEAD INDUSTRIAL ESTATE

M RY BU

WAY

GRN

D ON

ER H IZ

SHEPHERDS MEAD

ON BRAM P T

BE A R T

HINE

HALE

ROAD

L HP

T CL MON

T SOU

CL RY

CRICKET

HITCHIN RFC

ST MARKS CLOSE

(DAY)

ANE

OUGHTON CLOSE

YOUNG COURT

RIV

TENNIS

BEARTON

U BEA

TH P

S YM

KING GEORGE V PLAYING FIELDS

FRANK O N

H LEIG NUT

NOR

LOWER INNINGS OUG HTO NL

TA CENTRE

CT CASTLE

AD RO

FURLONG

WY OW TREE WILL

D THE M EA

DEACONS W AY

BOWYERS CLOSE

AD RO

L H IL RED SPELLBROOKE W FRIDAY ESTBU

OLD

ILL STM

OUGHTON CHILDREN’S CENTRE

S BE

KING GEORG ES

E ENU AV

NT CR ESCE THE

A RO

WAY OSS M EDG SH ES

E CK

TTO MA

EC DAL T DUG

KING

N TO LE S

J.B

TIMES CLOSE

R OA D BEDFORD D BEDFORD R

CL HM

E 3 BING

OOD C L

STM E WE

KER AR

INDUSTRIA ESTATE

PO R

SEE BO

N CL T MA

BEECHW

WESTMILL

D NR

RRY WY MULBE

E RIV

R EL

TON GH OU

BEDFO

AY D W FOR R U B D ROA NS A EM TRU

LA N

ICKLEFORD ER RIV

OUGHTONHEAD COMMON NATURE RESERVE

I LL

I KE

LAU

E LAN

ILL STM WE

ST M

MANOR CL

E AN

FLOREN CE

Y WA

TUR

ER RYD

V ER A RYD

T L O D G E C DUN C S C L OT

L SC

N GR

INE HER KAT

AY W

GALLEYWOOD A600

R b

ICKNIELD CLOSE

GREENFIELD LANE

TC AT WY

UE EN AV

| Hitchin Town Guide

UP PER

WOODSIDE GARDENS

WILLIAM

HER RANSOM WAY MIT AGE RD POR TM

H THE

Hitchin North map

RO A

UCER HA W AY

SO N

OS E

KEA TS

IPL IN G

RKNESS HA

RR IS

DA NE HI GH

MEAD WO

GI B

THATC

H E R S E ND

WAY

PA TH

| Hitchin Town Guide

RE WAY

HI GH OV

HAR D R OA ST FAIT D HS C L L K N G DS

ORC

LFI EL DA VE

Y WA HIL

ILB

LOW

SCE NT

REC

SHEL LEY

RUS

Y RD S E HA

WE D G

CL O

BEN S

CRE

SA N

ELL RW

E FIN CHE IBBER S SON

IN CL MAYL

ILL EY H CHL N E B OI N E CL LAN E

R OAD

NU E AVE OOD D WAY GSW FIEL KIN AIR

WIL SHE RE

LEYS C OR

E TH

WORSDELL WAY

W PULLMAN O O DR

NT J O

RI LE CO

L NC

(PRIVATE)

I VE DR

MO U

G OU

CAMPBELL CLOSE

D OO SW EEN

PURWELL

BOR D ES

IA N

GR O

AY W

D ROUNDWOO CL

D AR

PURWELL MEADOWS NATURE RESERVE

LANE

BENSLOW MUSIC TRUST

IL L

D ER VILL N A GR

RWEL L

G IN

RISO HAR

BENSLOW

M HA

N BR O W

FR A LA

RI V ER P U

V E

A505

AD RO

GE ID BR M CA

BYR N O MT

TRIANGLE

ILL

M CHE

THE

STAT

TRE VO R

HITCHIN YOUTH TRUST

WOODSIDE HALL (HITCHIN ESPIANS)

ARNOLD CLOSE

BURNS CLOSE

CH OA PR AP RIS

TH OR SW

G REEN

N IO

AD CL L WA

ELS S T M I CHA

RO CLARE GARDENS

C O M MON R I S AY SW OK W CO RP S SHA

AM UL

ST ANNES ROAD

ROAD

DACRE ROAD

E ROAD RADCLIFF

GARDEN RW

L RGE C

GE S D COTTA MIDLAN

D KINGS ROA

RECREATION GROUND

N E L LS C L

WAY

WALSWORTH

RA RD ALEXAND RANSOM’S

ALE NIGHTING

WALSWORTH COMMON

TRIANGLE COMMUNITY GARDEN

DERSONS HOUSE

OA D

ES TC ER EA ST C

WO OL GR OV E

RMO U

REDOU BT C

I S T RA M

S AND AVEN U EL E V O DC GR R FO Y NS WA AI M DR HA NS E FR

C EAM L S TR

RIVERSIDE AD COURT

NS RGE O STU

LE RD

MIL

COLLISON CL

HITCHIN INDUSTRIAL ESTATE

TO CE BIL LLA CA WA DW EL L LA NE REC

SQUA

ROAD STOTFOLD

C AM

© Copyright Heritage Guides 2015. No reproduction of this map is permitted without the prior approval of the publisher. The existence of a route on this map cannot be taken as evidence of a right of way.

L CL

HUNTING GATE

MIL

HITCHIN INDUSTRIAL ESTATE

PIECE

Cash dispenser........ Children’s play area Cycle route.............. Icknield Way........... Letterbox................. Public house ........... Public telephone..... Other features ........

Museum ............... Petrol station....... Police Station ...... Post Office ........... Public conveniences Railway station.... Recycling point.... School .................. Sports centre ....... Superstore............ Theatre ................. Allotment............. Bus stop ...............

THEOBALD BUSINESS CENTRE

ATE

KNOWL

G HILL

e Key to map symbols Car park ................ Church.................. Citizens’ Advice .... College .................. Community centre Fire station ........... Gurdwara .............. Hotel ..................... Hithin Initiative.... Library................... Market................... Medical centre...... Mosque .................

K IN

PEPPER

ANE

STOR E HO USE

EY NS

JO HN S

CEMETERY

REC

L AP

TH E M

LA T TCHM OR

NSOM CL LA RA BRA ND M SH S OTT LA CL NE

A W

CL OS

E OS CL

N DO

DA L E

Bus stop .................. Cash dispenser........ Children’s play area Icknield Way........... Letterbox................. Public house ........... Public telephone..... Other features ........

L SC

N LO

TE LIS

E K AV OA

N CO

H AC CO

DOWER CT BUTCHERS LANE ST ELMO E V I COURT DR

ROAD

LANE

L MP

NEWLAND CLOSE EAS NEW

NEWLANDS CLOSE WEST

HITCHIN CL

S TR

E ET

FT LAN E

LEY RE

CRO

GOSMO

H IGH

© Copyright Heritage Guides 2015. No reproduction of this map is permitted without the prior approval of the publisher. The existence of a route on this map cannot be taken MA YD as evidence of a right of way. EN

ROAD

Petrol station.......... Police Station ......... Post Office .............. Public conveniences Railway station....... Recycling point....... School ..................... Shopmobility .......... Sports centre .......... Superstore............... Theatre .................... Allotment................

ME TER Y

Key to map symbols Car park ................. Church.................... Citizens’ Advice ..... College ................... Community centre Fire station ............ Hotel ...................... Hitchin Initiative ... Library.................... Market.................... Medical centre....... Museum .................

CEMETERY

DH ILL

STAN

PRI OR

CHARLTON

KILN

LL O

SH E W ALWS HILL SP

E MOR

BRICK

USH

QUEE N

BIGG I

PARK

TAYL ORS HILL SANDY

G OS

K ER

HITCHIN HILL HI ST JOHNS LL PATH PRIORY END

HITCHIN HILL

IN B

BANC ROFT

STR EE

ST HIGH

RIV ER H PRIORY PARK

LYLES ROW

BRIDGE JILL GREY COURT PLACE JE EVES Y BRID BRITISH GE ST SCHOOLS THE TRIANGLE

LANE

CH A

N LA

PARK GA

WINDMILL HILL

RO LA AD NUR SER YH L IL

GRA MM AR S CH

OLD CHA RLT ON

KITCHEN GARDEN THE COURT PRIORY (CONFERENCE CENTRE)

SUN STR EET

WAY

DOW MEA

H TH

MT GA R RI

IN CH H IT

UE ORNE AV EN WIL LO W

HAWTHOR N

R LTON ROAD

A NB

REC

B U CKLERSBU RY

I N ST

WALS L HC

IM E

HIGH VIEW

FURLONG

CROW

LF HA C R E

THE RIDGEWA

WILLIAM

HER RANSOM WAY MIT AGE RD POR TM IL L LA

ST A N D R

HILL

WRATTEN RD EAST

WOODSIDE GARDENS

HILL CL STAND TE

MOORMEAD CLOSE

N ATTE CL

SON

WRAT SLIP TEN R DW AD RO

MINT

ST OUSE TILEH R E UPP RUSSELLS

Y WA

A505

D EA

Y LE FF

M OR

ON CL

AN DS

MEW S

EWEST YN ALLEYHITCHIN PA CHURCHYARD COOPERS ARCADE MARKET YARD CHURCH EXCHANGE PLACE GATE YARD

PARK

MOUNT PLEASANT

NUNS CL

MOUNT PLEASANT

WESTFIELD CLOSE

TIL

PIRTON CL

ROAD

LANE

TUDOR

B655

PIRTON

GR A YS

WESTFIELD LA

HILL

WEST

THE L

LAVENDER FIELDS

ABBS CL ROAD K PAR

OLD

BAKERY

T HE

| Hitchin Town Guide

E WHIN NT BU

SH G

HAZE LWOO D CL

BANCROFT COURT TROOPERS YARD

ELMSIDE WALK

S PA RK

ORD

CRICKET

TENNIS

COURT SILVER COURT

ORIA RD UG KENT CLOSE HT PLACE ON TAYLORS COTTAGES H REC EA W D LAVENDER W AY D ST LUCAS R O OAD F BED LANE bMAPLES LANE COURT GA PIN G OLD

UCER HA

OS E

KI PL IN G

STE RLI NG CL W

AV E

ELD

LINTEN CL

BR O O

CL MAN TO

AV E N

VIEW

MANOR CRESCEN

V EN

L LO W S

CK RO UR

E FI

E NNY SO N

GI R

THE

HA LS

O NS C L OSE

WYM O ND LEY C L SORR EL GA RT H

E H I LL

D ROA

TS OLY I PP

ASTON RISE

Y WA

OK BRO

OAKFIELD

Y SA ND

LD F IE AK

E AV

A602

THE WI

E E PADDOCK

GI B

HIL L

ER N S

BEE NUT C CHE L S

THE

SO N

L BEN S WY

PA TH

INCH IBBE ES RSO N

THE F

E LOVEL

KI N

CL O

SYCA

LL TREES

ROWA

E C

ASHBROOK

R OAD

HIGHBURY

ROA D

PIE C

N TALI MA S

MIL

H IC M

G S DO

OVE R

IL L

K IN

SA ND

WAY

K OO BR LD

SHEL LEY

RUS

Y RD S E HA

WE D G

BELL

RI LE CO W

STEV ENA GE

B656

GOSMORE

ST IPPOLYTS

CHA R

RESC

T EN

E LAN

| Hitchin Town Guide

LA N R OO K

M ILL

MI LL

FIEL

MT A

EADOW RI ADM BRO

ANE DL

FIE AM BR

UPLANDS

KEA TS

NIMBUS PEPPERCORN WAY WALK MERMAID HOLDEN CL E CL IVATTR O A D LS CL CUBITT EY DRI CL V

D OA

R NG

DS ST W ENGLAND CLOSE

REC

E AV

KHORSE CL BLAC GDNS BRAY

SE OR KH RA C BLA

RO A

RO ALPINE CL AD

CH LA R E CL IDG GBR L LAN DR EC DR RY NG ASH BER K ELDER U T W STN CHE

MA T T

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BR O AD

LA N

A ME

MOW

FRANCIS CLOSE F O STER E GAT

C POPLAR

WHI T

AD RO

N AGE

ND L

CL ST UE NQ

STE VE

FOLLY CL

LE Y

ASPENS

SF O

GARRISON COURT

WYM O

M A NS

L WA

DE YSI NN SU

L YN

D C

TD RIV

BO W

SUNNYSIDE

SPURRS CLOSE

NI N E

Y TRE

ORLANDO

ST U AR

EH I

REC

TCHER S E ND

Hitchin South map

WORSDELL WAY W PULLMAN O DR

CLOSE WA L Y KARDWELL WIL OU G HB CL WE S TW OO D A S

IT WH

KENDALE W Y WARD LT WEDMORE SF OR HAM ROAD

DC T

INGHAM PASS AV E WHITEG A

L CL

e (PRIVATE)

RIDDY HILL ILT CLOSE

LE CL

SOU

PU LT E

BENSLOW MUSIC TRUST

LANE

THE

RIDDY LA

NEW TO NS

E PIN

HILTERN ROAD

IL L H I

NORTH HERTS MUSIC SCHOOL

AVENUE

NDM

E TH

L NC RISO HAR

WOODSIDE HALL (HITCHIN HESPIANS)

BENSLOW d

HITCHIN YOUTH TRUST

ICH

TH OR SW L WA

CLARE GARDENS

AD CL

TRE VO R

RIS

OAD

40 | Hitchin Town Guide

THE LORD LISTER HOTEL

n A beautifully upgraded 18th century listed building. n 20 rooms, all with en-suite n Cosy bar and residential TV lounge. n Wireless Internet access. n Car park at rear. Reasonably priced. 1 Park Street, Hitchin, SG4 9AH Tel: +44 (0)1462 432712 Fax: +44 (0)1462 438506 www.lordlisterhotel.co.uk info@lordlisterhotel.co.uk

Hitchin Market

Shopping the traditional way at Hitchinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s biggest department store.

General Market - Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays Antiques and Collectors - Fridays Local Craft & Farmers Market - Last Saturday of the month Car Boot Sale - Sundays All enquiries to: Hitchin Markets Office 20 Churchgate Hitchin, Herts SG5 1DN Tel 01462 456 202

info@hitchinmarkets.co.uk www.hitchinmarkets.co.uk

Menswe ar & Ladie swe ar

6 -8 T HE A RCA DE HITCHIN S G5 1E D Give u s a ca l l : 0 14 62 458523 Alte r na tivel y, ema il u s : in fo @t w is te d fa b r ic .c o.u k

TINYS TAXIS LTD HITCHIN Family run business established since 1966

HITCHIN 888 888 (01462)

CALL FREE 0800 220 339 Desmond Court, Kings Road, Hitchin, Herts SG5 1RD Licensed and regulated by North Herts District Council

www.tinystaxis.co.uk Member of the Federation of Small Business since 1979