Latest news with #CroxleyGreen
Yahoo
18-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
'Gentle, kind and caring' WW2 engineer dies aged 102
Tributes have been paid to a "gentle, kind and caring" Second World War engineer after he passed away aged 102. Dad-of-two John Tatham died at Watford General Hospital on July 4, having lived in Croxley Green since 1957. His son David told the Watford Observer that John was a "true gentleman" with a "wonderfully dry sense of humour", who counted music and football among his passions. On his fond memories of his father, David recalled that "his smile lit up even the coldest room". John with David. (Image: Bethany Tathum.) He was an electronics engineer in the Royal Armouries Ordinance Core between 1942 and 1945 and was awarded the 1934-1945 War Medal for his service. A late in life adopter of the violin, he was a founder member of the Bushey Symphony Orchestra and performed at their 50th anniversary concert earlier this year. When it came to football, he followed a number of teams in the North East where he was born before moving to Croxley Green, later adopting Watford as one of his teams before his son grew up as a Hornet. John Tatham (Image: Bethany Tatham) In recent years he was a particular fan of the women's game, enthusing that - unlike their male counterparts - players "score goals and do not just roll around on the floor". John married wife Marcia in 1964 and the couple had two children - David and Sarah - as well as grandchildren Bethany, Daniel and Owen. John on his wedding day. (Image: Bethany Tathum) Bethany told the Watford Observer that "grandad's hugs were the best hugs".When proposing to Marcia, he told her: "If you marry me, I will always look after you." Crosswords, listening to swing jazz, amateur film-making and mending other people's electronic goods made up John's other hobbies. John was an engineer during WW2. (Image: Bethany Tatham)Speaking to the Watford Observer in 2022 for a piece to mark his 100th birthday, he said: "I just got on with life, I never complained, things were difficult." (Image: Bethany Tathum) He was an incredibly healthy man, with son David noting that the only time he was ever in an ambulance was being transported to Watford General on the day he died. John's funeral is to be held at West Herts Crematorium on July 23 at 3.30pm. John on his 102nd - and final - birthday. (Image: Bethany Tathum) John as a baby being pushed in a pram. (Image: Bethany Tatham)
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
On This Day: Little Green and Malvern Way celebrate 70 years since opening
On this day in 2019, pupils and staff from Little Green Junior School and Malvern Way Infant and Nursery School celebrated 70 years since both schools opened their doors in 1949. The week-long festivities, held from June 10 to June 14, aimed to strengthen the already solid relationship between the two Croxley Green schools. Year groups from both institutions were paired up to engage in joint learning experiences, which included story writing, gift creation, baking, and a large picnic at Little Green School. Mr Duncan Roberts, headteacher of Little Green Junior School, said: "We are committed to recognising our role in supporting and building a community. "Our work with our family school benefits everyone." Read more On This Day: 'Heartbreaking loss' as John Lewis closes On This Day: Beloved Watford chippy to close after 20 years On This Day: Family-run butchers announces closure after 50 years on high street Previous students were invited back to share their memories, including those from the very first year. Malvern Way hosted an open afternoon for past staff and community members, where children performed a celebratory dance. Mrs Holly Butcher, Deputy Headteacher, said: "Seeing every child from our school dancing together was a truly unforgettable experience." [From the Watford Observer of July 10, 2019]
Yahoo
25-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
The promising young athletes getting support from medal-winning sportspeople
Young athletes across Three Rivers are set to gain vital support as part of a national sports talent development programme. The scheme, run by Everyone Active, is now in its ninth year and has helped more than 7,000 athletes reach their sporting potential. Advertisement The initiative provides free access to more than 230 leisure facilities, including South Oxhey Leisure Centre, William Penn Leisure Centre, and Rickmansworth Golf Course. This year's selected athletes from Three Rivers represent a diverse range of sports, including swimming, football, and cross-country running. Among the chosen athletes are 11-year-old Arthur Mee and Summer Evason from Croxley Green. Arthur Mee. (Image: Everyone Active) Arthur plays for the Tottenham Hotspur Academy and recently represented Watford FC Trust at the regional finals of the Utilia Cup. Summer is a promising swimmer and runner who came fifth in the country at the 400m individual medley at the national swimming championships. Advertisement As part of the scheme, these athletes will receive mentoring and guidance from world and Commonwealth champions, and Olympic and Paralympic medallists. The panel includes athletes like Richard Kilty, Lauren Steadman, Maisie Summers-Newton, and Harry Aikines-Aryeetey. New to the panel for 2025 is Team GB cyclist Emma Finucane. Summer Evason. (Image: Everyone Active) John Sewell, Everyone Active's contract manager for Three Rivers, said: "We're so proud to see such a strong line-up of local athletes joining the Sporting Champions scheme this year. "It's fantastic to know that our centres are playing a role in nurturing these rising stars, supporting their development both in and out of competition." Advertisement Councillor Chris Lloyd, Three Rivers District Council's lead member for leisure, added: "We are incredibly excited for all the amazing talent we have in the district to take full advantage of this scheme. "It's great to see that some aspiring athletes are returning to the scheme and I wish them the best of luck for future competitions." Alongside the mentoring and guidance, the scheme also includes hands-on workshops and webinars in collaboration with national governing bodies. These sessions aim to equip the young athletes with practical tools and techniques to excel in their respective sports. For more information about the initiative, visit
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
The next 21 teams from Watford Observer's junior football photo special
Another football season is coming to a close but we wanted to show our support for local youth football by shining a spotlight on local clubs and school sides. This week the Watford Observer published a special 16-page supplement featuring those clubs and schools who sent us their pictures for inclusion. The second batch of 21 teams are pictured below. The first set were published on online yesterday and can be seen via this link, but if your side has not appeared yet keep an eye on this website tomorrow. Croxley Green FC Girls U10 Onyx (Image: Supplied) Croxley Green Onyx U10 Girls (Image: Supplied) Croxley Green Onyx U12 Girls (Image: Supplied) Croxley Green U10 Open Girls (Image: Supplied) Evergreen Eagles U10's (Image: Supplied) Evergreen Falcons U10's (Image: Supplied) Evergeen Falcons U13's (Image: Supplied) Evergreen Falcons U15 Girls (Image: Supplied) Evergreen FC Dragons U10 Girls (Image: Supplied) Evergreen Griffin Whites U11 (Image: Supplied) Evergreen Hawks U17 Girls (Image: Supplied) Evergreen Ravens U10's (Image: Supplied) Evergreen U7 Bulldogs (Image: Supplied) Evergreen U7 Eagles (Image: Supplied) Evergreen U7 Hornets (Image: Supplied) Evergreen U7 Tigers (Image: Supplied) Evergreen U8's (Image: Supplied) Evergreen U8's (Image: Supplied) Evergreen U8's (Image: Supplied) Evergreen U11 Spartans (Image: Supplied) Evergreen U14 Pythons (Image: Supplied)
