Harpenden Helping Hand
Life Stories
One of the rewards our helpers delight in is the fun of meeting often long term residents of Harpenden, who have fascinating life stories to tell, see example below.
Ian Harris (pictured) needed a lift to the Village Surgery from his home on the southern fringes of Harpenden, to receive treatment for his damaged foot. In the car and while waiting for his appointment, Ian regailed HHH chair, Chris Marsden with tales of old Harpenden, where Ian has lived all his life. Born in the Red House in 1956, Ian apprenticed with Jarvis and then worked as a plumber for over 40 years serving more than 500 customers, all within the town.
Before his foot damage, caused by diabetes 4 years ago, Ian was a very good golfer playing at the Common on a handicap of 12. It had been 6 in earlier times. He hopes to return to the club later this year.
Ian's father used to work for Sir Reginald Pearson, the Managing Director of Vauxhall Motors. The company looked after 6 properties in Harpenden for their senior staff and Ian's father did their gardens and maintenance jobs, one of which, a house in Bloomfield Rd, was owned by Sir Reginald Pearson and subsequently was bought by our Chair, Chris Marsden, in 1984.