Founded in 1924, the Association has played an important role in the development of Berkhamsted and its organisations, most notably the Local History & Museum Society, the Graham Greene Birthplace Trust, The Chiltern Society and the Town Hall Trust.

It also supported setting up branches of national organisations in the town, e.g. The Citizens Advice Bureau.

It continues its major role in taking an active part in seeing that the changes in Berkhamsted and Northchurch are an improvement to the area.

You can download an application form here.

You will need to join them as they are reluctant to interact with anyone who is not a member.

I was taken on to replace John Cook in 2000 to be the editor of their newsletter (The Citizen). I was not a member and was asked to join as the editor had never not been a committee member. I should point out that I was charged with only producing the newsletter using material provided by members (under pain of being excommunicated).

Naturally, material was not always forthcoming, so I became a contributor as well. I also set up their web site at my own expense.

In 2011 I was told I was no longer the editor or to run my web site due to my not renewing my membership. All communications have apparently ceased.

Why did I not renew my membership you may well ask. At the 2010 AGM, it was agreed that the Association would become more pro-active instead of re-active. I informed the Chairman and committee that until it carried out the democratic wishes of the membership in this matter, how could I remain a member. However, I said I was happy to continue managing my web-site that the Association, in effect, was their window to the residents as well as continuing to produce the Newsletter (remember, I was not a member in the first place). In no uncertain terms I was told that I was ‘sacked’.