Ian Harris 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 tines. He hops 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 Chris Marsden in 1984.

Helen has lived in Harpenden since 1974. She joined Harpenden Helping Hand (HHH) ten years later. In those days HHH was a larger organization aimed at helping anyone in Harpenden who needed assistance.  As far as possible every significant road had a designated Local Helping Hand and roads were grouped together under District Helping Hands, who served on the General Committee. Helen was initially assigned to Piggottshill Lane and later became District Helping Hand for the surrounding roads. Most of her work was befriending and helping with shopping. In 1990 she was persuaded to become Vice-Chair of HHH and became Chair in 1992.

Helen stood down as chair in 1996 and became less involved in HHH as she was teaching full-time. When she returned to part-time work in 2003, she volunteered as a driver, as by then there was a greater need for drivers. She joined the committee again, as vice-chair and then secretary. She was chair from 2014 until 2021: the last three years of that time she acted as secretary when the previous secretary left.

Apart from helping clients with lifts, shopping and befriending, some of which she does with the Harpenden Trust, Helen does the secretarial and membership paperwork, including DBS checks, and is part of the transport organising team. She also enjoys opportunities to network with related charities.

Harpenden Helping Hand Faces Crucial Volunteer Shortfall

 

Over 30 people attended HHH’s AGM  which was held in the Plough and Harrow Function Room on Thursday 23rd October 2025. The Chairman, Chris Marsden, began the meeting by presenting long serving members with a gift mug.

Committee members then gave  their reports on the past year, confirming a positive and thriving organisation.

Chris Marsden continued by thanking the dedication of the  50+ volunteer drivers and the small team of administrative helpers.  However, he warned that without an influx of new volunteers, the charity could face a crisis within the next two to three years. and emphasised the urgent need to plan for the future.

“We are currently managing well, but by 2027 we will need at least ten new drivers, several new administrators, a secretary, a transport coordinator, and a future chair if HHH is to continue meeting demand,” he said.

HHH provides highly valued transport to surgeries and hospitals and offers limited shopping assistance for those unable to manage alone.

Chris urged members and supporters to help recruit new volunteers — particularly those who might assist with administration, communications, or committee roles.

“There should be room in Harpenden for small organisations like HHH to thrive,” he said. “But unless we act now, the future of this essential local service is uncertain.”

Following the business part of the meeting, Vivienne Ford and Monica Merino from Community First Responders and Tony Stennett from The King’s Pantry,  described the use that they have made of HHH’s donation last year and it was agreed HHH would continue to support them  financially this year.

HHH remains a vital and much-appreciated service for Harpenden residents. Anyone able to help with driving, administration, or communications is encouraged to get in touch.

Contact details. email: secretary@hhhand.org.uk