AUGUST & September2026
SUMMER IS HERE at THOMPSONS CLOSE CAFE
Owner Damien Tidd has a few words of welcome...
We are embracing the warmer weather and introducing some Spring & Summer specials to the menu alongside our existing much loved breakfast, brunch and lunch dishes.
We are also serving our refreshing iced coffees and selection of 16oz milkshakes to help cool you down … giving you a few more reasons to call in to TCC!
Inside and outside.
New look fonehouse store open now with a fantastic display of ‘working’ phones for you
to try out.
Call in and chat to Daoud who will show you how.
Opposite Waitrose.
Harpenden Photographic Society
Photography Exhibition
Final Week at the EMC -Ends July 31
EMC EXHIBITION SERIES SHOWCASES BREADTH OF LOCAL TALENT WITH IMAGES BY MEMBERS OF HARPENDEN PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY
Throughout July the Eric Morecambe Centre has been hosting a showcase of work by the Harpenden Photographic Society as part of the ongoing Exhibition Series, launched last year.
Over 30 images from HPS members are on show including: wildlife, landscapes, street shots, creative takes, mono, colour, a little something for everyone.
Harpenden Photographic Society Chair, Steve Collins, comments: “We’re very excited to have brought more of our members work for the community to enjoy via the Exhibition Series at The Eric Morecambe Centre. With just one more week to go, pop down to the EMC while you have chance, and enjoy the incredible and inspirational images that our members have created.
HPS is a friendly club, from complete beginners through to very experienced photographers. If you love photography, or even just want to learn, why not come along, take a look, and maybe think about joining us?”
The free exhibition is open to the public until 30th July, during EMC Box Office opening hours, 10am – 2pm daily.
Illustrated below are just a few of the Society works.
ART ON THE COMMON July 4 & 5 2026
Harpenden’s outdoor arts fair raises an incredible £7,000 for Cancer Research UK Harpenden
Harpenden Common was buzzing with arty activity at the weekend as Art on the Common staged another brilliantly successful event.
An amazing £7,000 was raised for Cancer Research UK whilst our local art and culture scene was celebrated.
Harpenden and Berkhamsted MP, Victoria Collins visited on Saturday and rolled up her sleeves to participate in helping children make a mosaic not to mention donning full protective overalls for an Artsplash session! It was a wonderful opportunity for her and our visitors to meet and chat with many of the local artists exhibiting.
Music from live bands and a display from Harpenden Dance School added to the sunny vibes and relaxed atmosphere as visitors browsed and bought.
15 % of all sales at the event are donated to Cancer Research UK.
Art on the Common will be back next summer in style to celebrate its 50th anniversary!
AUGUST ONWARDS
SUMMER SALES, SPECIAL OFFERS & NEW SEASON FASHIONS ON THE HARPENDEN HIGH STREET,
RIPPLES SALE NOW ON.
Swanne Boutique NEW SEASON FASHIONS , and Serena Hart SALE in full swing. ALL on THE HARPENDEN HIGH STREET
MUNSTER DEALS AT FONEHOUSE -opp Waitrose
DARLISH ICE CREAM IS BACK IN HARPENDEN TILL END AUGUST
at the Pop Up Shop opp Waitrose
JULY 4 - SEPT 5 Summer Reading Challenge at Harpenden Library
Harpenden Photographic Society
Now in its 90th year, Harpenden Photographic Society caters for all abilities – from beginner to more advanced photographer. We’re a lively and friendly club of around 85 members.
Meetings are held from September to June on the first and third Tuesday each month. Our varied programme gives members the chance to enjoy and improve their own photography, and to mix and chat with other likeminded enthusiasts. Regular visiting speakers allow members the opportunity to learn and be inspired by the many different styles and genres.
Teddy Bears plan Park take-over at their annual Harpenden picnic
Harpenden’s children and their bears are cordially invited to join Harpenden Town Council at the Teddy Bears’ Picnic in Rothamsted Park on Wednesday 5th August, 11am – 2pm. This event is an exciting highlight of the year and we are delighted to announce a fantastic line up once again!
The Teddy Bears Picnic is a celebration for pre-schoolers, and their families and carers. Rothamsted Park is a wonderful setting for the Picnic, helping to make this a magical experience for children. A wide variety of activities and entertainment are planned, and attendees are encouraged to bring along a picnic blanket, refreshments, bags of energy and of course their favourite bear!
This year, the event includes the much-loved Teddy Bears’ Hospital, Monkey Music will perform three shows throughout the day, also attending are Fizzy Facepaints, Sandy Art, and Harpenden Library will host Storytime. Little Gym will also be there running activities and a show, plus ABC bouncy castles and soft play are coming along to provide even more fun. Stalls will include Tappy Toes, local theatre Eric Morcambe Centre and local charity Herts Young Homeless.
We again have two exceptional local organisations as our Gold Sponsors; we are very grateful to Nursery on the Green and The Children’s Clinic for their support which enables the Town Council to organise such a wonderful day.
Dr Felicity Taylor, Medical Director at The Children’s Clinic said,
“ The Children’s Clinic is delighted to be supporting this much-loved event for the second year running, and we look forward to welcoming children and their teddy bears to enjoy the day’s exciting activities.
Consultant Paediatrician (and Harpenden Mum) Dr Felicity Taylor set up The Children’s Clinic to bring world-class paediatric healthcare close to home for families in Harpenden, St Albans and further afield in Hertfordshire. Whether you require a one-time consultation for a particular concern, or wish for your child to be seen annually to promote their health and wellness, The Children’s Clinic provides comprehensive paediatric care for all aspects of your baby or child’s health, development, and well-being.
For more information, visit www.thechildrensclinic.uk, or visit us at our stand next to the Teddy Bear Hospital. We can’t wait to meet you!
Nursery on the Green Manager, Carli Toal said,
“We’re proud to be sponsoring the Teddy Bear’s Picnic again this year. It’s a wonderful opportunity for local families to come together, enjoy a day of fun and encourage children’s learning through play. We’re delighted to support an event that strengthens our community and creates memorable moments for people of all ages.”
About ART ON THE COMMON
ART ON THE COMMON is an annual charitable event run by a small team of volunteers, which is organised and supported by Harpenden Photographic Society in conjunction with Cancer Research UK. All proceeds from exhibitor pitch fees and a percentage sales commission on all art sold goes to Cancer Research UK.
For further information, please contact:
AOTC Organiser: Liz Thompson
General inquiries: aotc.harpenden@gmail.com
Photos above courtesy Steve Collins.
Photos below by Ron Taylor
Photos. Above left. Sally Miles. Above right. Zoe Beaumont. Below left Fused Glass by Laura. Below right. Visitors galore on the Common.
Saturday 12 September at 10:15 for 10:30 am,
UNA Harpenden will be hosting a public lecture on The Future of Neoliberal Capitalism by Professor Radhika Desai, (Visiting) London School of Economics & Political Science, at the Salvation Army Hall, Leyton Green, Harpenden AL5 2TG. Register here for the talk.
The NEW OFFICE, a bit like ‘working from home” only better!
