28 Oct 2026
We ask a different figure from the local community to choose 10 questions to answer from a list of 50. This week: Steve Collins, an award-winning photographer based in Harpenden, who is also chair of the town’s photographic society and has been a qualified member of The Guild of Photographers for over a decade. See www.stevecollinsphoto.co.uk
CD, vinyl, download or streaming?
I bought my first CD player back in 1983 (early adopter!). Over four decades later, I still listen to my CD collection via a Cambridge Audio player connected to Sonos, so I can play my CD albums in any room. I also stream my music library from my Mac or iPhone.
What TV did you watch as a child?
My favourite show when I was a kid was The Six Million Dollar Man. I really wanted to be Steve Austin! I can’t believe after 50 years it hasn’t been remade yet. A movie version has been talked about for ages. Of course inflation would probably make it The Six Billion Dollar Man!
Which three people, living or dead, would be your ideal dinner party guests?
I’d love to have Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen and Joni Mitchell… my three favourite songwriters/musicians… and just listen to them chatting and who knows, maybe a jamming session. Joni’s said some negative things about Bob in the past though, so Leonard might need to be the peacemaker in case sparks start to fly!
Have you ever asked for an autograph?
Having been in marketing for some of the Hollywood film studios over the last 30 years, I have lots of autographed items. Some of my most treasured are from when I worked at Fox – including Star Wars Trilogy sleeves signed by George Lucas, Dave Prowse (Darth Vader) and Anthony Daniels (C-3PO), Batman: The Movie signed by Adam West and The Rocky Horror Picture Show signed by Richard O’ Brien and the late Tim Curry. I also have a First Edition of The Incredible Hulk Omnibus, which the legendary Stan Lee signed for me when I was at Universal, working on the release of the second Hulk movie. It’s such a large heavy book, you need to be the Hulk just to pick it up!
What is your most-missed Harpenden shop, pub, café or restaurant?
I really miss seeing Emilio’s vintage blue van on the concourse in Harpenden – which felt like the heart of the high street, especially in summer. The town hasn’t felt the same since it disappeared.
What’s your favourite hidden gem in the district?
It’s not really a hidden gem, but I can’t believe how many Harpenden-based people I meet who have still not heard of the Eric Morecambe Centre, or have no idea where it is. To have such a first-class entertainment venue on our doorstep is amazing. I am proud to have some of my Harpenden Icons artwork in the downstairs bar area, and to have exhibited there. I just wish more folk knew about the venue!
Odyssey or Netflix?
I love the Odyssey (and sister venue The Rex in Berko), but don’t visit enough. I watch streaming services and MUBI is probably my favourite. However, if you want the best picture quality for home viewing, then 4K UHD Blu-ray is the way to go! You can’t beat the joy of curating a personal collection of movies to own forever on your preferred format of choice, be that DVD, Blu-ray or 4K.
What’s your favourite Harpenden pub?
From a photographic perspective, I love The Harpenden Arms and The Silver Cup – both beautiful and iconic buildings that signpost a warm welcome to the town. When you see them, it feels like you’re home! I also enjoy having morning coffee and toast with friends at The George.
What was your first job?
I had many student jobs: potato picking; silver service waiter; working 12-hour night shifts in a frozen food factory in Grimsby during summer holidays. After university, I took a part-time job at the electrical retailer Comet to help fund a Diploma in Management Studies. During this time, I won two national competitions: Compact Disc Player Salesperson of the Year and Electrical Retail Salesperson of the Year. On the back of that success, Comet offered me a marketing role as Junior Product Manager in their head office in Stanmore. I think of this marketing role as my first “proper” job.
Where do you buy your coffee in Harpenden?
There are so many options in Harpenden – we’re truly blessed for coffee shops. My current favourites are Brad and Dills on the Park, and also one of the newer ones, Unmatched Club.
