October 2009

Good news from the Delmé Radcliffe papers appeal : it has just about reached its target, so HHS has now handed over the £5000 we pledged towards the cause. More good news as we published two new leaflets describing Hitchin streets in September, and John Lucas’s book will be published at the end of this month. Further details of both follow below, plus two outings reports with photos, and some pictures of Hitchin on a wonderful autumn day. Hope you enjoy them.

Phebe’s Hitchin Book

Don’t forget the launch of John Lucas’s book this month! John has transcribed and edited the diaries of Phebe Glaisyer, née Lucas, and the result is HHS’s newest publication, Phebe’s Hitchin Book: Memories of life in Regency Hitchin. The launch is on Saturday 31st October 2009 from 10am to 2pm at Philpotts of Hitchin, 10-11 Sun Street, and you are cordially invited.

Invitation to the launch

Invitation to the launch

If you can’t join us for the launch, the book will be available for purchase in Hitchin from Eric T Moore Books, Waterstones and the Museum and Art Gallery; and in Letchworth from David’s Bookshop.

Launch of two new “Walks Along…” leaflets

These additions to our Walks Along… series, covering Tilehouse/Bridge Street and Sun Street, were launched on 12th September in Hichin Market Place.

Hitchin Market Place

Hitchin Market Place

Morris Dancers in the Market Place

Morris Dancers in the Market Place

The sun shone and people poured into the town centre for Saturday shopping. With several other stalls in the Market Place that morning, street cafés and the unexpected appearance of the Morris Men with their bells, handkerchiefs and cheery music, it was a lively and colourful occasion.

HHHS sales team

Some of the team: Vicki, David, Pauline Humphries (sales),
Zena, Barrie, and an Associate


Brisk trade: Vicki, David and Pauline at work

Brisk trade: Vicki, David
and Pauline at work


Trade was brisk, we sold scores of leaflets, and the authors Zena Grant and David and Bridget Howlett, plus Vicki Lockyer who did all the time-consuming ‘test walks’, and Barrie Dack, who designed and printed the leaflets for us, were delighted to receive small presentations as a ‘thank-you’ for all the work they had put into researching, writing and publishing these informative little illustrated guides.
Scilla Douglas thanks Bridget Howlett

Scilla Douglas thanks Bridget Howlett…


...and David Howlett

…and David Howlett