05 Aug 2026
The first presentations for this year’s Harpenden Society annual awards have recognised unique aspects of the town’s buildings and site developments.
The awards, which have been running for more than 40 years, have now expanded to include people who have given their voluntary services across a wide range of subjects.
Society awards secretary Ron Taylor, who presented the awards, said: “This year’s awards demonstrate how wide-ranging the Society’s activities cover in Harpenden by acknowledging these amazing individuals and businesses.”
A letter of commendation was given to Harpenden resident Sue Hobley in recognition of more than 40 years’ volunteer working for Harpenden and District Macmillan Cancer Support, as active member of the charity’s committee, for most of that time as its chairman.
As one of the original trustees for the Runcie Day Care Hospice, now known as Rennie Grove Peace Hospice, she helped raise funds for the hospice’s Macmillan Building, and has also run the Grove House garden volunteer teams for 25 years.
Also presented with a letter of commendation was Mike Hodge in recognition of more than two decades of outstanding fundraising and service to the local community. Through golf events, musical performances, busking, leadership roles and voluntary work, he has raised in excess of £300,000 for a wide range of charities.
A certificate of merit was presented to Artichoke Bake & More after they transformed a former schoolwear shop in Leyton Road into a full service retail bakery with a coffee bar.
