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Can't anybody get a little nostalgic on this page about how they missed the 80's Hemel band scene, and who are, quite rightly, shocked to hear that the Pav is going, and concerned about what will spring up in it's place. On a lighter note, I'll be back in Hemel in August after a 3 year absence, and I'm looking forward to seeing the old places and faces I used to know and love. Shame I won't be able to have a beer in Snooks on Saturday lunchtime though.
Jason McConnell - 24 June 2002
You can email Jason at jasemc@aol.com

Yes change, but I think it should be for the better. Some people may enjoy a mound of earth at the end of the Marlowes for the last 12 years, I preferred the Wagon and Horses. Get My Point?
Colin Webster - 19 June 2002 (thread: hemelweb - 5 June 2002)

Just reading the e-mails about the pavilion being pulled down, I think it's a good thing. Yes I have fond memories of what I did there, but if nothing was changed we would all still be living in the dark ages. Hemel town has got to look forward not back.
Sally - 19 June 2002 (thread: hemelweb - 5 June 2002)

It blows me away that somebody said "yes, the Pavilion should come down, good idea" There are many who have already listed amazing artists that have come and gone that have performed..supposed to have been Bill Haleys last gig right? I have been blessed to have played there a bunch of times in various guises and it made me feel more than I really was, it was "coming home". Hemel will continually go down hill with the visionary tactics of the council as it is. What's left Wallyworld?, You guys need culture, not a "dumbing down", I will agree with the great Neil March..no one comes back!!! Sad times!~
Bern Webb - 18 June 2002 (thread: hemelweb - 5 June 2002)
You can email Bern at bernwebb@yahoo.com

What's knocking the Pav down about? Can't believe it. The main decent thing about growing up in Hemel was that theatre. Wally-World is hardly the same. Why is it happening?
Bob Brimson - 16 June 2002 (thread: hemelweb - 5 June 2002)
Anyone who can tell us the official reason, please let us know. We assume it's because the place was losing money, especially the recent panto that was staged there, plus the type of entertainment on offer was uninspiring to say the least (tribute bands etc.) Perhaps the facilities had become outdated? One thing that was really successful at the Pav in the last few years was the under 18's disco, (really needed in Hemel), this was run by an outside company and teenagers queued around the block to get in. Then the event was taken over and run "in house", this was a dismal failure, and within a couple of months it was scrapped, along with the popular Indie nights!
hemelweb

Ah, The Pavilion. Such sweet teenage memories. My first live gig - Man, circa '72. Does anyone remember any of these - Hawkwind, the time Bridget from Cavendish decided to join the fun on stage and strip; Clapton - the free gig which was a rehearsal for the Crystal Palace Garden Party and was "word of mouth" only; Rick Wakeman; Genesis supporting Yes - or was it the other way round?; Lindisfarne (several times); Chris de Burgh - long before he became a star (??) and they put seats(?) in, how embarrassing. Only went 'cos my girfriend liked him. There must be more.....
Mike Carrick - 15 June 2002 (thread: hemelweb - 5 June 2002)

I see the decision to demolish the Pavilion is generating quite a lot of discussion. I too was shocked to hear that it is being pulled down to make way for something new - something new that hasn't even been sorted out yet. Is this going to be Hemel Hempstead's answer to the Wembley fiasco? I'm so glad that I moved to Sussex 10 years ago, the town was going downhill when I left and on the few visits I have made since I don't see anything improving.
Jason Smith - 13 June 2002 (thread: hemelweb - 5 June 2002)
You can email Jason at jcsmith71172@aol.com

looking 4 old mates in Hemel or Potten End, I left Hemel in 1995. I used to work at E J Masters, and at kings langley building supplies. I used to drink in the Plough at Potten End, when Tony was the landlord. I'm trying to contact Mike Worth, who I rented his house in Chiltern Park Ave in Berko, also Nace, Chatty, etc who used to drink the Plough dry, with Ray (the mad drummer) Cooper.
Martin Cooke - 11 June 2002
You can email Martin at martincooke707@hotmail.com

I too am shocked that the Pavilion is being knocked down! What brilliant memories I have of the old place. Who's stupid idea is it to demolish it? I haven't lived in Hemel for 7 or 8 years now, but every time I return it seems as though they've removed even more of my memories! Hello to anyone who knows/knew me.
Fran Gwilt - 11 June 2002 (thread: hemelweb - 5 June 2002)

I just saw the news about the Pavilion and was gobsmacked. Okay, it didn't put much of any note on in recent years but that was more to do with the change of management style than anything else. Nevertheless, it was where, as a young teenager, I saw the Buzzcocks, Dr Feelgood, Squeeze, Stiff Little Fingers, U2 and scores of others. I also played there numerous times as a member of MSQ, Vince Pie & the Crumbs, the Asphalt Roof Orchestra and also in the Hemel and Dacorum Youth Orchestras. So it was part of my life from about 12 until I left Hemel at 24. I certainly hope it makes way for a bigger and better venue. It is ludicrous that a town the size of Hemel has nowhere for name acts to play and nowhere for upcoming local talent to aspire to play at. No wonder no-one stays.
Neil March - 11 June 2002 (thread: hemelweb - 5 June 2002)
You can email Neil at Neilpaulmarch@aol.com

Can't believe they're knocking down The Pavilion. Spent a big part of my youth there in the seventies and saw so many greats....Alex Harvey, Count Basie, Camel, Oscar Peterson, Duke Ellington, Buddy Rich, Strawbs, Ian Dury, Electric Light Orchestra, Manfred Mann's Earthband, etc, etc. Even saw Status Quo's comeback tour in 1972!!! And, held my own disco in the Culpin Room (later became Snooks).
Frank Church - 10 June 2002 (thread: hemelweb - 5 June 2002)
You can email Frank at frankchurch2001@hotmail.com

Wow....I came across this site by accident! Well I used to live in Hemel...Adeyfield about 7 years ago and I am now back in Australia and have been back over for a holiday 2 years ago and nothing much had changed. I miss Hemel very much and quite often think that it would be nice to come back, but I guess I will have to see what the future holds for me. I went to Astley Cooper School from '87 to '92, if anyone would like to email me then go right ahead. I would love to hear from anyone! See ya.
Joanne Morley (now Venus) - 5 June 2002
You can email Joanne at jjvenus@bigpond.com

The Dacorum Pavilion is closing on 30th June and being demolished to make way for... who knows? I'm sure it holds happy memories for many people. Lots of famous entertainers played there in the past, and many a Saturday night was spent strolling up and down the many staircases in the building, a difficult thing to do if you'd had one too many. The staff are holding a party in Snooks on Friday 7th June as a farewell before the building is demolished, quite a few old members of staff will be there. Let's hope it is replaced with something really beneficial to the people of HH, and not left derelict like the land at the other end of the Town Centre and parts of Jarman Park. As far as we know there are no plans as yet for the site.
hemelweb - 5 June 2002

My name is Bill Halsey, I lived in Hemel during the 1960's and worked at Rotax. I had a lot of friends at that time, but, as I have lived in Germany since 1971 I have lost contact. If anyone out there remembers me and would like to say hello, please do so. I would be very happy to hear from you.
William H Halsey - 2 June 2002
You can email Bill at whalsey@t-online.de

I'm looking for a reasonably-priced music rehearsal room or facility in the Hemel area. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Even a small hall would be good. Thanks in advance.
David Gomm - 30 May 2002
You can email David at david.gomm1@ntlworld.com

To George Franklin. Hi George, Saw your message on the Hemel website after being informed by a friend of my daughters. Tried to e-mail you but it kept getting rejected. If you have changed your e-mail address please get in touch. I remember well our days in Kilburn. Lots to talk about.
Brian Marron - 30 May 2002
You can email Brian at brilin@brilin.screaming.net

Hi everyone, I'm organizing a Hemel Hempstead Grammar School Class of '73 Reunion later this year and would very much like to get in touch with the following people: Lynn Davison, Jan Ingram, Anne Beeston, Susan Whalley, Elizabeth Horne, Varsha Bhagwat, Nazma Gulam, Diana Richards, Sue Kelly, Graham Fells, John Griffiths, Chris Thorne (USA), Richard Green, Tim Woodward, Andy Drummond, Duncan Page, Alun Jones, Martin Dollimore (Australia) and Graham Randell. If anyone knows the whereabouts of any of these, can they please get in touch with me ASAP, thanks.
Pete Wills - 30 May 2002
You can email Pete at pwills@marlin-ltd.co.uk

Hello everybody!!! My name is Birgit and I am a 20 years old girl from west Germany. I live in Korschenbroich this is near cologne. I went to Hemel many times and I love this lovely place a lot! Here in Germany I am a trainee waitress. I work in the DORINT Hotel in Mnchengladbach. Next year, in January 2003, I am finish with the trainee and I will come to Hemel Hempstead. I want to come in February 2003 and I am really looking forward!! I need your help. I am searching a job in Hemel for around 6 months from February - July 2003. Who can help me? I'm also looking for some nice people who want to write me!!! Lots of love from Germany.
Birgit Schneider - 29 May 2002
You can email Birgit at Sch_Birgit@web.de

Anybody want to make contact who may have gone to Broadfield Infants circa.60/63 or Corner Hall Boys School 63/67, Adeyfield Youth Club in Field Road. Any members of 'The Zeniths' where are you Barry Morris, John Groves, Steve Bicknall. Where are the 'Queens Head' mob 1978 or the Sunday Lunch time groovers from 'The Railway'? Anybody remember 'The Hole in the Wall Disco'? Any members of the Hemel Hospital Radio team (mid 70's) tuned in? l haven't heard anybody mention, on this site, the hip peep's that frequented 'SCAMPS' (previously STRIPES) mid 70's Oh we were so cool then!!! I hope some of you old geezers have joined the 21st century and know how to use a computer, so you can get back to me. Hope to hear from any of you soon.
Ray Penny - 28 May 2002
You can email Ray at penmar@tesco.net

Hello, I am a university graduate looking for similar positioned people to rent a flat or house together near Apsley railway station, in Hemel Hempstead. I prefer to move in mid september. If you are interested join me, please call me on 01223-722990 and we'll get to know each other better.
yueyang - 28 May 2002
You can email yueyang at yz206@cam.ac.uk

I am a french student. I am looking for accommodation (flat or room for two persons) starting 2 June up to 31 august 2002 in Hemel Hempstead. Indeed, I have a work placement in Hemel Hempstead for 3 months and I would like to find a room (for two people) or a flat with shared facilities. I look Forward to hearing from anyone soon.
Cecile - 27 May 2002
You can email Cecile at cecilelde@hotmail.com

Hi I lived in Hemel from 1955 untill 1982, I now live in Borehamwood. I lived in Hawthorn Lane and went to Micklem School in Boxted Rd, then in 1961 went to Warners End Sec. Mod until 65. My name then was Joan Peck, and would love to hear from anyone who remembers me. My friends then were Brenda Jackson, Susan Thompson and Lesley Sparks. I still go to Hemel to see my brother John who lives in Bennets End. Hope to hear soon.
Joan Preece - 27 May 2002
You can email Joan at petewilliam@aol.com

It's great to read your page, I've moved around a lot in the last 12 years and still miss Hemel. Wondering if anyone out there remembers me from Cavendish School between 1970 & 1977 in Maxwell Form. Not very good at remembering names but here are a few, Jean Kent, Graeme Van Ass, Elaine Clark, Elaine Paige, Veronica Watkins, Helen Grant, Timothy Dean, Sally Hobbs, Nicky Wright, They are just a few I remember.
Vera Hull - 24 May 2002
Email address not supplied

Grove Hill School 1968-1973. Anybody reading this from that time, especially Jenny Collins? I now live in Devon, Still support Chelsea? What are you all doing? love to hear from you.
Jeanette Pezare - 22 May 2002
You can email Jeanette at pezare@aol.com

This is from a former resident of the West Herts Area, now living in Texas. I attended Corner Hall Secondary Modern School for girls in the 1949/51 years. I like to keep up with what is going on in the general area, Hemel, Berkhamsted, Apsley, etc. Shall be visiting the "Old Stomping Ground" this coming September, looking forward to possibly meeting up with some old friends. Keep up the good work, enjoy reading all the info. 'Bye y'all, from Houston, Texas.
B. M. Davidson - 10 May 2002
You can email B. M. Davidson at davidson2000@msn.com

Hi, I am currently trying to find any photos of Felden for a jubilee street party. If anyone knows of any internet resources or has any old photos I could scan into my PC, I would be very grateful. I like the website excellent info. Thanks in advance.
Ian Phipps - 30 April 2002
You can email Ian at ian.phipps@btinternet.com

Hey. My name is Stine Schou, and I'm from Denmark. In July I will be an educated chef. I always have had a thing for England. I'm looking for addresses to Pubs and restaurants where It's possible to apply for work. Hope to find some help.
Stine Schou - 24 April 2002
You can email Stine at Stineschou04@hotmail.com

Hi, does anyone remember the Pullen Family, Linda, Janet and Ann, our brothers Douglas and Ian were only toddlers when we left. We lived in 65 Micklem Drive, Warners End. We migrated to Australia in November 1964. We lost contact with a lot of old friends from where we lived, many years ago. There were the Squires girls, the Bryant boys, the Brookes kids (I know they came to Australia). Linda went to Secondary school, Ann and I went to Primary school. Before we left a picture was taken of a bunch of us kids at a street sign.
Janet Thompson (Pullen) - 22 April 2002
You can email Janet at chubjan@hotmail.com

Hi for anyone that remembers Simon Goodgame who lived at Hobbs Hill road in the 70s and early 80s. I have the sad news that my brother Simon died from complications of diabetes, a disease that he suffered from his whole life. He was just 37 years old. His funeral will be held in Wales on Friday, 19th April. Any messages of condolences can be sent to Mrs. M. Goodgame, 38 High St, Ynysybwl, Mid Glam, S. Wales. Thank you his sister Gillian.
Gillian Goodgame - 17 April 2002
You can email Gillian at englishrose51@aol.com

As you probably heard 'The Cellar' under the Old Town Hall in Hemel is closing it's doors to live music, due to new disabled access laws. We hope you will be able to join us for the Final event on Friday 19th April for one last night of good music and expensive beer! Bands playing are:
'Scratch':- A brilliant local originals band who are moving on towards great things and are storming the current local battle of the bands competition.
'SCAMM' :- Chris and Smurf and the boys playing your favourite covers one last time at the cellar. For more details contact:- chris@centurianmusic.co.uk.
Carole Munro - 14 April 2002

Hi I'm Laura, Hemel Hempstead is where I was born! In 1986 so I'm only 16 years old. What I am doing on here is requesting a search for for a Mr David Marsh (who is my father) I would like to meet you Dad! Also I would like to know anything about his family? Some hints its my Dad:
He had a wife called Jackie around 18-19 years ago, he had a daughter named Emma who was born in January 1984 and a second child called Laura who was born in February 1986. He lives near the Aquasplash swimming pool in Hemel, his mother still lives in the town of Hemel in a flat, he should have a tall muscular build, brown hair and glasses and Smokes. If you know or think you him please e-mail back a.s.a.p.
Laura Ann Marsh - 12 April 2002
You can email Laura at lazylaura1@hotmail.com

PLEASE HELP!! I left in Hemel in 1989 to join the RAF, but would love to hear from anyone that remembers me including the rabble from Cavendish....even if they only remember the bad bits!! Would also love to hear from Emma Harpley who I now believe may be Emma Mansbridge. If you know where she is PLEASE ask her to get in touch. Fourteen years is way too long!!
Emma Richardson (nee Barnett) - 3 April 2002
You can email Emma at family.richardson11@ntlworld.com

Trying to put together a mini-reunion of Mrs. Hall's 5th Year class of 1969 at Corner Hall Girls. Would love to locate Chris Palmer, Susan Knapp, Jane Howe (Head Girl that year)and her best friend Diane Fells. Still missing two of "the three Sally's" - Sally Eve and Sally Richards. Also Anita Goad and 'Nessa Batchelor. If anyone out there knows them, please tell them to get in touch.
Ann (Donovan) Wells - 28 March 2002
You can email Ann at wellsice@wmconnect.com

I can not believe that our long fought for Hospital is yet again in trouble. I now hear that the scbu (special care baby unit) is closing at the end of April and transferring to Watford, taking with it the maternity unit. After all our efforts in the past to keep it open, it looks as though there is a determined body of people hell bent on closing it down. Only 4 weeks ago we were celebrating the decision to keep maternity and the scbu in Hemel and also the added news from a goverment minister that we will become a centre of excellence? WHAT A LOAD OF CRAP ALL THAT WAS... WHO THE HELL DO THEY THINK THEY ARE REPRESENTING? I know they say it's for safety reasons (staff shortages) but transferring to Watford with their own staff shortages will only exacerbate the problem. 23 years ago On Monday 14th May 1979, more than 10,000 people marched through the streets of Hemel in support of a new hospital. Now is the time for the people of Hemel and the surrounding areas to stand up and be counted again. The 'Post-Echo' headline read 'Town on the march for new hospital'. Maybe we should march again and show these so called NHS managers that we are still fighting and we won't go away.
Jerry Hazell - 27 March 2002

I'm searching for my ancestors who are reported to have come from Hemel Hempstead about 1673 Hempstead, L.I., NY. I need to find a website or researcher who may point me to records that might be of help.
David S. Flower - 26 March 2002
You can email David at dflower@umich.edu

Can anyone help me? I'm looking for an Irene Landon. Approx. 70 years old. Irene's parents used to live on Deimos Drive in Hemel Hempsted. Irene was married to Tommy Fallon in the 1950's. They lived in Los Angeles, California, USA. They divorced in the 1960's. Irene possibly moved back to the U.K. in the late 60's. She has two sons: Tommy and Terry (me). Unk if she ever remarried. Do you know Irene or any of her family members? If so please contact me at the e-mail address below. Thanks!
Terry Fallon - 26 March 2002
You can email Terry at tfleb@earthlink.net

Hello I'm looking for anyone that went to George Street JMI (leaving year 1989-1990) especially Jessica O'reilly, Elanor Andrews, Angelica, Natasha, Steven, Trevor (soz can't remember names) email if you remember me I'd luv to catch up thanks.
Melanie Stride - 25 March 2002
You can email Melanie at melamine23@hotmail.com

Hi - I'm trying to contact anyone who attended Apsley Grammar School during the years 1956-1963 and remembers me. I emigrated to Canada in 1966 and have been living in Florida, USA since 1991. My parents lived in Bennetts End.
Robert Sydney Byrch - 24 March 2002
You can email Robert at robertbyrch@earthlink.net

Hi I went to Adeyfield from 58-62. I remember Mr. Phillips, Mr. Taylor, Mrs. Dean, I enjoyed my time there. Does anyone know how Bennetts End got its name, were there farmers named Bennetts that owned the land? My name was Marlene Hooper now it's Easterling. My family still live there, If anyone knows where Paul Alexander lives he married Eileen McArthy. Ask him to E-mail me.
In reply to Hazel's message on 17 October 2000, she asked were there any connections with Hemel and witchcraft in the past? I lived in Hemel from 1956-66, went to Adeyfield Secondary Modern. If you go to the old town cemetery at St Marys Church, then you might be lucky to see sprits walking around, It started after the head stones were removed. Also the lady with the green dress up on the Redborne Road, she waits with her lamp in the window, for none other than her lover Oliver Cromwell. The last highwayman hanged was interned at Two Waters. We used to see him around the fall every year. Then there is 51 South Hill Road, there are three sprits there. One we called Fred, he hung himself then there was the old couple with the dog, even the police saw the dog. I lived in that house in the 60s . Fred made our tea when we came home, he liked our ciggs, so we never blamed anyone when they came up missing. Next time you are in one of the old pubs, talk to the old people over seventy, they probaly know more than I do.
Marlene Hooper - 23 March 2002
You can email Marlene at dave@innosense.net

Hi, I am new to this site. I am trying to find anyone who went to Westwick JMI school at the same time as me, 1962 onwards. I then went to Corner Hall girls school which changed to Mountbatten while I was there. My friend at the time was Maureen Seager does any one know where she is now?
Mary Johnson (nee Clarke) - 20 March 2002
You can email Mary at randmjohnson@tiscali.co.uk

I was born in Hemel at Hammerfield Glenview Gardens in 1931. I attended school at Cowper road, St Johns then Corner Hall girl's school. I worked at Hemel Manufacturing, John Dickensons then International Aeradio at Bovingdon. In 1953 emigrated to the United States. I now live in Charleston South Carolina. I was so thrilled to see a web page from Hemel. Great site and thank you for a wonderful service and pleasent memories. Will be pleased to hear from anyone from my time in Hemel.
Rose (Wheeler) Kennedy - 20 March 2002
You can email Rose at roseekennedy@aol.com

I am searching for my cousin whose maiden name was Brenda McDowell. Brenda was born in 1948 and lived at Warners End from the age of around 12 years. Brenda had 2 nieces, Susan and Gillian McDowell, who also lived in Warners End. I have not seen her for about 27 years and would love to see her again.
Pamela Triggs - 14 March 2002
You can email Pamela at pamtriggs@northampton811.fsnet.co.uk

Hey. Does anyone remember my mum or dad? Their names are Steve Rudling and Jean Wallace and I was just interested. Mum went from Great Gaddeden CoE JMI to Corner Hall girls in about 1963. She was a bit on the short side so if you know her, you'll remember her. I think my dad went to Bennetts End, but I wouldn't know.
Helen Rudling - 12 March 2002
You can email Helen at madge1984@yahoo.com

Does anyone remember Mike, Val & Jane Smith who attended Dacorum Phab Club from 1978-89? If so, would love to hear from you.
Val Smith - 10 March 2002
You can email Val at email@carpenters95.freeserve.co.uk

Hi. I am looking for anyone that used to belong to the Gadevalley Custom Car Club that used to meet up at The Marchment Arms on a Wednesday evening. Jim McGhee is organising a reunion of fellow members, if you have his phone number please phone him, if not you can email me Donna and I will pass your emails on. Anybody reading this that is in touch with anyone that was a member please ask them to contact us.
Donna Bigg - 8 March 2002
You can email Donna at donna.bigg1@btopenworld.com

I am looking for information on the postmaster for Hemel, in the early 50's. Does anyone know who they were?
Sue - 7 March 2002
You can email Sue at sgilroy@onetel.net.uk

Hi, I was a pupil at Gadebridge Park School from about 1949 to 1953. I would love to hear from anyone who may remember me or 'Bailey.' We went by last names back then with a Major, Minor or Minimus added and it was all boys. Bailey and I got beaten every Monday morning by the headmaster, along with 3 or 4 occasional 'bad boys' and I am really curious as to whether Bailey is a success nowadays. I suspect he is. Another name was a fellow who played Goaly for us on the school team named Wrigley. Mr. Churchill Dawes (spelling?) was one of the headmasters at the time. Please let me know if any of this rings a bell!
John W. L. Slade - 4 March 2002
You can email John at Slade@ojp.usdoj.gov

Would like to hear from anyone from mid-late 1990s who knew me...Only one person really mattered....I really miss Steph......XXXXXXXXXX. Would also love to hear from anyone from JDS...1980-1994....Especially business forms..Dillon, Scooby..Gerald, Zippy..Big Al, Baz, Ta, Piper, Smut, all you lads I Miss. Get in touch 07754015332.
Andy Babington - Ist March 2002
You can email Andy at andybabington@aol.com

I was at Maylands Infants [1960-1962], Maylands Junior [1962-1966] and Highfield School [1966-1971] - Mr. Driver's class, remember Headmaster Cotton, Duffield, Pat Miller [geography], Griffiths [history], Perry [english], Whittaker [maths], Dogget [art], Last [phys ed] to name but a few. A few names from the past - Kay Wardell? Elaine Miller? Chris Carter [Australia now]? Remember Natalia Hanson? I moved on to Toronto, Canada twenty-six years ago but I visit often. Send me an e if you were in Driver's or Duffield's classes from 1966-71.
Jim Garnett - 25 February 2002
You can email Jim at garnett_james@hotmail.com

Attended Corner Hall Secondary Modern School for Girls 1962-1965. Emigrated to New York in November 1965. Now reside in Paradise (San Diego, California). Will be in UK sometime this year - would love to meet up with any former classmates!
Hazel Fox - 24 February 2002
You can email Hazel at hfox@coronadotravelgroup.com

ROOM NEEDED SOON - Professional graduate, easy going ns male would like like to know if anyone has a (cheap!) room to rent in the Hemel (Industrial Estate) area. I will only be needing the room from Sun-thurs night as I will be returning home every weekend. Many thanks.
Mike - 24 February 2002
You can email Mike at Mike.johnson@ftnetwork.com

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