A statutory consultation from Central Government begins.
After the previous consultation held by Three Rivers District Council, we know that TRDC prefers two. But Central Government would also like to hear from all residents about what they think about the Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) – two, three or four unitary authorities.
Please read more about it and find survey link below:
https://www.hertfordshire-lgr.co.uk/
Click green map below to zoom in.
The application for the Catlips Farm development between Chorleywood and Mill End, the far side of M25, is now open for public comment on the Three Rivers District Council planning portal.
If you or neighbours want your views considered, it’s important to respond before the consultation deadline 20th May.
Please support stall holders and local businesses at the Sunday Market in Rickmansworth High Street. Also come and find our RDRA stall to have a chat – 10:30 to 14:30!
Markets happen on the last sunday of every month from March until December – put all the market dates in your diaries:
Dates taken from rickmansworthevents.co.uk
Message from Joan of Arc Catholic Secondary School.
All Saints Catholic Academy Trust is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms Sadie Whyte as the new Headteacher of St Joan of Arc Catholic Secondary School in Rickmansworth, following the forthcoming retirement of the current Headteacher.
Joining from Oaklands Catholic School and Sixth Form College in the Diocese of Portsmouth, where she is currently Deputy Headteacher, Sadie brings nearly 30 year of experience in leading teaching and learning, whole school leadership and improvement, Catholic life and mission, safeguarding and student wellbeing.
Her career has been rooted in Catholic education, with a strong focus on ensuring that faith and learning are closely connected and reflected across all aspects of school life. As a Catholic Schools Inspector, she has also worked across multiple dioceses, gaining a broad perspective on effective leadership and school development.
In her current role, Ms Whyte has led key initiatives to embed Catholic Social Teaching throughout the curriculum and wider school experience, alongside driving high academic standards through data-informed strategies and targeted support for students, including those who are disadvantaged.
She will also bring experience in staff development, wellbeing, and building collaborative leadership cultures, as well as contributing to national conversations on Catholic education through her ongoing doctoral research.
The appointment marks the next chapter for St Joan of Arc, building on its strong reputation as a high-performing Catholic school with a clear sense of mission and community.
Ms Whyte said: “I’m delighted to be joining the community of St Joan of Arc Catholic School as Headteacher. It’s a privilege to have been selected to serve such a vibrant, happy and successful community. I’ve worked in Catholic secondary schools for 28 years across two different dioceses and my two children attended their local Catholic schools. I’m driven by the Church’s mission to provide an excellent education for all with Christ at the centre. I look forward to working with students, staff and families in September to build on the strong foundations laid by Bernadette O’Hanlon and the team.”
The CEO of All Saints Catholic Academy Trust, Stephen Wheatley, said: “Following an extensive recruitment process I am delighted that we have been able to recruit an exceptional candidate, in Ms Whyte, to take over from Mrs O’Hanlon as the next Headteacher of St Joan of Arc Catholic School. I am excited to work with Ms Whyte, in due course, to foster the ongoing flourishing and success of the school for the very best of all of its students and the community that it serves.”
The new Headteacher will take up post in September 2026.
It was a privilege to co-host a very successful and well-attended dementia awareness event with Radfield Watford & Borehamwood at William Penn on 5th March. This event formed part of the RDRA 100+ Club initiative.
All the exhibitors and speakers demonstrated a high level of expertise in their respective fields. They provided comprehensive answers to all questions posed by the delegates, contributing to the event’s informative and engaging atmosphere.
Short and sociable walks across Hertfordshire led by friendly volunteers. Find out how to join a weekly Health Walk or become a volunteer, visit: www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/healthwalks or call 01992 555 888. Click for our leaflet. Please arrive 10-15 minutes before walks with suitable shoes and clothing. We recommend you bring a water bottle. Maybe stay for cuppa afterwards!
First steps: Meet up in the Cafe – Wednesdays at 11am (except 8th April)
Address: Mill End Community Centre, Church Lane WD3 8HD
Grade 1-2: Meet outside the Cafe – Tuesdays at 2pm
Address: Cafe in th Park, Rickmansworth Aquadrome, Frogmore Lane WD3 1NB
Grade 4+: Meet at the Tea Shack – Friday 9:30am
Address: Woodoaks Farm, Denham Way, Maple Cross, Rickmansworth WD3 9XQ
Grade 4 to 4+: Meet outside the Cafe – Sunday at 2pm (29th March, 26th April)
Address: Cafe in th Park, Rickmansworth Aquadrome, Frogmore Lane WD3 1NB
Click for the full timetable of Health Walks in different areas.
A free interactive messaging service from Hertfordshire Constabulary. Residents can receive information and updates about crime in your area, local police events and initiatives.
Visit www.hertsconnected.co.uk to sign up for Herts Connected messages.
And also follow Hertfordshire Constabulary on all social platforms: @hertspolice.
Report Fraud
Always report scam emails, texts, websites, adverts & phone calls as follows:
Let us know if you have incurred financial loss or have been hacked as a result of responding to a scam – call 0330 123 2040 or visit reportfraud.police.uk.
Which
Find out about product reviews, consumer rights and sign-up for free scam alerts newsletter – which.co.uk.
Beacon
Hertfordshire’s Victim Care Cntre supporting victims of all crime in Hertfordshire – hertfordshirebeacon.org.
Cifas
The UK’s Fraud Prevention Community. Offers protection against identity theft – cifas.org.uk/individuals.
HM Land Registry
Sign up to the free Property Alert service to help protect your property from fraud – gov.uk/guidance/property-alert.
The Electoral Register & the ‘Open Register’
Make sure people cannot buy these lists to obtain your details. Opting out of these lists does not affect your right to vote – gov.uk/electoral-register/opt-out-of-the-open-register.
Telephone Preference Service (TPS)
Your details may be publicly available in various online telephone directories (UK Phone Book, 192, BT Find a person, Yell), even when you are ex-directory! Register for Telephone Preference Service to avoid unsolicited calls: https://www.tpsonline.org.uk/register.
Financial Conduct Authority – FCA
The FCA Warning List shows firms and individuals that are not authorised or registered by the FCA and are operating without permission or running scams – fca.org.uk/scamsmart.
National Cyber Security Centre (a part of GCHQ)
Advice and free tools on how to stay secure online. Visit ncsc.gov.uk.
Get Safe Online
Check a website URL before you visit at getsafeonline.org.
Stop Scams UK
Call 159 – the safest way to contact your bank urgently if you have suspicions and concerns about your bank accounts. Visit stopscamsuk.org.uk.
Pwned
Check if your email has been exposed in a data breach or leaked online. Sign up to be notified: haveibeenpwned.com.
Trading Standards at Citizens Advice
Contact us if you think a business or tradesperson has broken the law or acted unlawfully. Or you need help finding a trusted trader. Call 0808 223 1133 or visit citizensadvice.org.uk.
Visit the Sensory Room at Watford FC, Vicarage Road Stadium for a weekly look back through the decades using football history and music to evoke personal memories. For people living with dementia and their carers and/or loved ones. Sessions are supported by volunteers, guest speakers, former players, memorabilia, respite for carers/families, monthly excursions, music and dance through the eras and chair-based exercise. In partnership with the Alzeheimer’s Society. Click for case study.
Contact Tablina, Health & Wellbeing Older Adults Project Officer on 07561 290200 or Tablina.Mavlonazarova@watfordfc.com.
Call 01923 606030 or email compassion@renniegrovepeace.org for more information.
Express Yourself – last Thursday of every month, 1:30 to 3pm
Oxhey Library, Bridlington Road, South Oxhey WD19 7AG
Enjoy arts and crafts activities and connect with others over a cuppa. Open to anyone who is lonely due to illness or bereavement. Carers and families welcome. No need to book, refreshments available. In partnership with Healthy Hub Three Rivers. Visit our website.
Keep Active – last Monday of every month, 10:30am to 12:30pm
Elvira’s, Henderon Hub, High Street Abbots Langley, WD5 0AT
Join in with our wellbing activities, connect with others and find out what support is available to you. Open to anyone diagnosed with a serious illness, carers and families welcome. Visit our website.
A place to met others, socialise and build up friendships over a cuppa while living well. Everyone welcome! In partnership with Radfield Home Care and Rennie Grove Peace. Call 01923 624 674 or visit our website.
Address: Stanborough Church, 609 St Albans Road, Watford WD25 9JL.
Are you living with dementia or worried about memory loss? Visit: www.memorysupportherts.org.uk.
Call 0300 131 3946 (Mon-Fri, 9am-4pm) or email info@memorysupportherts.org.uk.
Young Onset Dementia Support – tailored support for those under 65 who are living with dementia, including those who also have a learning difficulty and those with rare forms of dementia.
Admiral Nurses – when things get challenging, we work alongside family/carers to give one-to-one support, expert guidance and practical solutions.
Dementia Friendly Communities – working with local organisations, communities and new accreditation scheme to make Hertfordshire a place to live well with dementia.
Our home care services empower people to lead the lives they want in comfort and familiarity in their own home. Personalised award-winning care. Regulated by Care Quality Commission. Call us for a chat 01923 624 674 or visit watford@radfieldhomecare.co.uk.
Visiting care
We can help you with: Personal car, Domestic assistance, Nutrition and hydration, Getting home from hospital, Medical assistance, Overnight carer, Respite care, Companionship and outings.
Live in care
Benefits of live in care: Personalised attention and care, Comfort, familiarity and flexibility, Safety and support, Independence and dignity at home, Cost-effective.
Connected care
Our connected care solutions: OKEachDay – daily check in, Go GPS – location reassurance, Careline – Fall detctor and MiiCare – Home sensors.
Day care
What’s included in day care: Qualitified Care Professionals, Regulated care plan management, Warm shared space with two-course lunch, Individual activities and Personalised care plan.
Extra help when you need it most. We can show you how you might be able to get regular financial assistance to help you remain independent in your own home and make your life easier. We offer a no win no fee service to help you fill in complicated forms. Disability Rights UK Member. Visit our website.
Call us on 07752 086507 or email info@grey-matters-consultancy.com.
For more information and to take a look at the forms yourself, visit: www.gov.uk/attendance-allowance.
The upcoming Three Rivers Environmental Network is taking place on Wednesday 18th March at Leavesden HIVE College Road WD5 0NX from 7.30-9.30pm focusing on Sustainable Transport.
We hope you are able to attend and please do spread the word with friends, colleagues, neighbours and community groups.
More information: https://moderngov.threerivers.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=1146&MId=1846&Ver=4
Agenda
Previous meeting minutes are here, for interest.
JRA is a politically independent umbrella organisation for all Residents’ Associations across Three Rivers including RDRA, which allows us to work together on matters of common concern.
If you are not already aware, our MP Gagan Mohindra decided to come out publicly to support the Matthew Pennycookpost Housing Minister’s decision to place a hold on the new Local Plan. Below is an extract from Hansard of the debate on New Social and Affordable Housing:
“As the House will know, local plans are the method by which we can identify affordable homes and make sure that they are built in the right place at the right time. Since I was elected back in December 2019, I have consistently asked the Liberal Democrat Three Rivers district council to get on with the local plan. However, as the Housing Minister will know, the latest version of that plan did not have sufficient evidence. He has therefore rightly called it in. Does he agree that the Lib Dems need to get on with delivering the local plan and that they should not continue to fail my residents in South West Hertfordshire?”
This is despite knowing that the JRA and local Parish Councils all objected to the delay in getting a new Local Plan in place. One could suspect that this intervention was done for narrow party-political considerations with the May Local Council Elections in mind, without any consideration of the consequences for residents of his constituency, particularly as, within hours, his intervention had appeared on his Facebook feed.
In response to this, we have prepared the attached open letter to be sent to Gagan and local media in the name of the Joint Residents Association.
Dear Gagan,
Your question in the House of Commons on 23rd February, in which you expressed support for the Housing Minister’s decision to prevent the final public consultation on the draft new Local Plan for Three Rivers, will cause direct harm to your constituents. Without a new Local Plan, the District remains exposed to the current flood of speculative planning applications on some of the District’s most valuable Green Belt land, for example the application to build 333 new houses on Catlips Farm in Chorleywood published just this week. Every week of delay increases the risk to our Green Belt.
The Minister’s intervention is undemocratic. It prevents residents from having their say on a plan that will shape their communities for decades. You took this position despite being fully aware that Residents’ Associations and Parish Councils across the District had written to the Minister opposing his action.
In your comments, you cited a supposed lack of evidence supporting the plan. This does not withstand scrutiny. In early 2025, Three Rivers Council paused the plan following the publication of the new National Planning Policy Framework to gather additional evidence, which has now been delivered. Conservative Councillors opposed that pause at the time, arguing the Council should press ahead without the extra evidence. As recently as January this year, Conservative Councillors were arguing that housing numbers could be reduced further, again without providing any evidence to support this. You cannot credibly claim there is insufficient evidence when your own party’s councillors have repeatedly argued that no more was needed.
We call on you to withdraw your support of the Minister’s action without delay and to throw your full support behind the current draft plan proceeding to consultation and examination, giving Three Rivers residents their democratic opportunity to support or oppose the draft plan. The Three Rivers Joint Residents’ Association represents thousands of residents across every part of the District. They will remember.
We are happy to meet with you at your earliest convenience to brief you fully on the Plan and why Residents’ Associations across the District are united in their support for moving the draft plan forward without further delay.
Yours sincerely,
Barry Grant
Chair – Three Rivers Joint Residents’ Association
Full letter from Housing and Planning Minister Matthew Pennycook here: IMPORTANT: Local Plan Reg 19 Suspended
Response to Housing Minister letter from Independent District Councillor Rue Grewal here: https://rickmansworthresidents.org/2026/02/why-ive-written-to-the-minister-and-why-im-not-giving-up/
Message from Colne Valley Regional Park.
Our key points are:
Agenda:
10:00: Arrival & Registration.
10:15: Welcome & Opening Remarks.
Why dementia awareness matters • Dignity, safety & quality of life • Overview of the day.
10:25: Understanding Dementia & Alzheimer’s.
Early signs • Support options • Local resources by Carer in Herts.
10:55: Financial Support That Matters for someone living with Dementia.
Practical guidance for planning ahead by Grey Matters Consultancy.
11:10: Comfort Break/Networking.
11:30: Staying Active in Later Life.
Gentle movement, balance & everyday wellbeing by Georgina.
11:50: Staying Safe: Scams & Fraud Awareness.
Protecting older adults and families by Chen Herts Police.
12:05: Living with Dementia – Through the Eyes of a Carer.
Dementia Through Carer’s eyes by Memory Support Hertfordshire.
12:30: Community Networking & Refreshments.
Information stalls • Local support • Tea & coffee.
12:55: Closing Remarks & Thank You.
Event Invitation:
Rickmansworth Resident’s Association (RDRA) warmly invites all residents to attend a Dementia Information Day on Thursday, 5th March. The event will run from 10:00 to 13:00 at the William Penn Leisure Centre, Shepherds Lane, Mill End, Rickmansworth, WD3 8JN.
About the Event:
This free event is designed for anyone who wishes to enhance their understanding of dementia, learn about the support available locally, and engage with experts and organisations who can offer guidance to those living with dementia, as well as their families and carers.
Partnership and Community:
Hosted in partnership with the Radfield Home Care Watford & Borehamwood, the day provides a friendly and welcoming environment to learn, ask questions, and connect with the wider community.
Contact Information:
For further details or to reserve your space/s, please contact Anne Littlejohn at
events@rickmanswothresidents.org.
All Are Welcome:
Everyone is welcome to come along and discover how you can support those affected
by dementia, whether you’re a caregiver, family member or simply interested in understanding dementia.
Please scan QR code on poster or click link below to get tickets so we can cater appropriately :
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/dementia-information-day-tickets-1982400995743?aff=oddtdtcreator