Alternatively you can drag the corner of each page to move forwards and back through the magazine.
To move more quickly through the magazine, use the scroll bar to skip sections.
For a closer look, the ‘+’ magnifying button can be used to zoom in.
Use these icons to move to the next or previous page. Use this icon to make the magazine fill the whole page (Desktop only). Finally, whenever you see a QR code within an article - scan or click it to link to external content.
As you’ll have noticed, we’ve had a bit of a makeover! I’m really proud to be sharing this with our members and to be unveiling a confident step forward for us as a Society, as we embrace the next chapter of our journey.
Confidence sits at the heart of our rebrand.
It’s a theme that runs throughout this issue, and our colleagues have put together an in depth section explaining what’s changed and why. It’s an exciting time for Harpenden Building Society, and this transformation is just the beginning.
We are a mutual that puts people before profit. Big enough to compete, yet small enough to care. Our aim is to give both our members and our brokers the confidence you’re looking for: the kind of confidence you can build a future on.
I’m incredibly proud of the way my colleagues have delivered and embraced this change, and I can’t wait for our members to enjoy our new look and feel.
It’s been a little while since our last issue in September, and it’s made me reflect on just how much we’ve achieved over the past six months. We often have several projects running at once, all with the same purpose: to improve the service and experience we provide to you, our members. And while it can feel like we’re spinning a lot of plates at times, I’m proud of the dedication, professionalism and care our teams show every day.
One of our biggest milestones was the opening of our new Harpenden branch in January. It’s been a huge team effort and marks an exciting new chapter for us and for the local community. You’ll see some photos from the launch day in this issue, and while the rain made an appearance (as it so often does!), it certainly didn’t dampen the celebrations. And there’s more to come, with refreshes already underway for our Radlett and Leighton Buzzard branches too.
As I read through each issue of Mutual, I’m always struck by - and often smiling at - the stories our colleagues share. This edition is no exception, with some truly heart warming achievements and community initiatives featured throughout. We’re immensely proud of the difference our colleagues make, both within the Society and in the communities we serve.
You’ll also find updates on our 2025 charity grants as we begin work on applications for 2026. It’s inspiring to see the impact our charity partners have, and we’re proud to support the important work they do.
This issue also includes an update from our branch teams. Our branch colleagues work tirelessly to provide the best possible service, so it’s always a pleasure to share what’s been happening locally.
Technology plays an increasingly important role in all our lives, and we continue to share practical guidance to help keep you safe. In this issue, we look at ways to protect yourself from fraud, including advice on ‘shoulder surfing’ and courier scams, which are both sadly on the rise. We’re also pleased to welcome back Jon’s blog, which this time includes helpful guidance on ISAs.
We’re committed to sharing information that’s useful, relevant and easy to understand. If there’s anything you’d like us to cover in future issues, from online security to avoiding scams, or anything else, we’d love to hear from you. And of course, we’re always delighted to share your own stories and achievements as part of our growing community.
Thank you for being such an important part of the Harpenden family. I hope you enjoy reading Issue 7.
Tracie Meadows Chief Executive Officer
A fresh look – and the same Society at heart
You may have noticed that things look a little different lately. Our logo, colours, website, and branches have all had a refresh. This wasn’t change for the sake of it – it was about making sure the way we look, and sound today truly reflects who we are, and how we serve our members.
At its simplest, the rebrand is about confidence. Confidence for you as a saver or borrower. Confidence that we will be here for the long term. And confidence that, while the world around us keeps changing, our values remain steady.
A note from Tracie, our Chief Executive.
“When we began talking about refreshing our brand, my starting point was simple: this has to feel like us.
We’re proud of our history and our mutual roots, and that will never change. But we also know that the world our members live in today is different to even a few years ago. This refresh is about making sure we show up with clarity, confidence and warmth –while staying true to the values that have always guided us.
I hope the new look makes it easier to understand who we are and what we stand for, and that it feels reassuringly familiar as well as forward‑looking.”
If you’d like to read the full Q&A with Tracie, scan the QR code.
Over the last few years, a lot has changed. The way people manage money has evolved, expectations of digital services are higher, and life feels faster and more complex than it once did. As a Society, we’ve grown and modernised too.
What hadn’t quite kept pace was how we looked and explained ourselves.
Our previous branding had served us well, but it didn’t fully reflect the modern, forward-looking building society we are today. We wanted a look and feel that feels:
• Clearer and easier to understand.
• Warmer and more human.
• Confident without being flashy.
All while still feeling familiar and reassuring to our members.
(and what you’ll notice)
On the surface, you’ll see some obvious updates:
• A new logo and colours.
• Clearer, more welcoming photography.
• A redesigned website that’s easier to use.
• Refreshed branches, starting with our new Harpenden branch.
But underneath that, we also spent time agreeing what really matters to us as a Society – and how that should come through in every interaction you have with us.
It’s important to say this clearly: the fundamentals of your building society have not changed at all.
We still put people before profit. We still make decisions for the long term, not short-term gain. And we are still rooted in the communities we serve.
The rebrand wasn’t about changing who we are – it was about expressing it better.
We boiled things down to a few simple ideas that guide how we work.
Built with purpose, not for profit.
Because we don’t have shareholders, we can focus on what’s right for our members and communities – now and in the future.
Money matters can be complicated enough. Our job is to make things clear, transparent, and easy to navigate.
Empathy in every interaction.
Everyone’s situation is different. We take the time to listen and understand, rather than rushing to a one-size-fits-all answer.
We do what we say we’ll do. People trust us because we’re consistent, dependable, and here for the long term.
We also talked a lot about personality. Not in a marketing sense, but in a very practical one: how it feels to deal with us.
We aim to be:
Wise.
We’re experienced, calm, and considered. We’ve been around a long time, so we’re confident in making the complex simple.
Interested.
We’re warm, human, and curious. We want to understand people and their lives, and just listen.
Can‑do.
We’re positive, practical, and direct. When people come to us with their challenges, we show we’re ready to help.
Occasionally playful.
We’re light-hearted, upbeat and fun. While money is serious, it doesn’t have to be dull.
That’s what we want you to experience whether you visit a branch, call us, or use our website.
We’ve been around since March 3rd 1953, originally helping the local community and members, to afford homes.
Imagine that; we started in a year that celebrated the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, the launch of the Royal Yacht Britannia and the first published James Bond novel Casino Royale! We’ve got over 70 years of service and experience in helping our members and securing their financial futures. Our Society was built upon the vision of helping customers achieve their ambitions for the future, to serve our members and strive to help them secure their financial future so that their dreams and aspirations were made possible.
This founded the basis for thinking about what the new brand would be like and to help bring our ideas to life, and find something that embodied both the confidence, and the reimagined heritage of Harpenden Building Society. Whether you’re popping into a branch, going online or giving us a ring, you’ll find someone who is eager to lend you a hand and help.
Our new emblem – the hart – is rooted in our local heritage. You’ll find it in Hertfordshire’s coat of arms, and references to it go back centuries. It’s a symbol of strength, wisdom, and confidence, as well as deep local roots.
For us, it neatly captures both sides of our Society: long-standing experience, and a confident eye on the future.
Alongside the fresh look, we’ve also launched a new website. The aim was simple: make it easier for members to find what they need and manage their finances online.
We looked carefully at what members told us they wanted, and focused on clearer navigation, improved functionality, and a more accessible design – all wrapped in our new visual style.
The refresh also gave us the opportunity to invest in our physical spaces. Our new Harpenden branch is a good example of what we’re aiming for: welcoming, comfortable, and designed around real conversations, not transactions.
Other branches will follow with updates, and throughout it all, our commitment to serving our local communities remains unchanged.
This rebrand is about confidence, clarity, and continuity.
A clearer way of showing who we are. A more modern experience for our members. And the same trusted building society at heart – owned by you, and here for the long term.
We’re proud to share it with you, and we’re only just getting started.
The Harpenden Hopper continues to be a shining example of community spirit in action, with its dedicated team of volunteers recently nominated for the prestigious King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS). This nomination came from three loyal regular passengers, who wished to recognise the outstanding commitment and friendly service provided by the Hopper team. Their heartfelt endorsement highlights the invaluable role the minibus service plays in connecting local residents and fostering a sense of belonging.
In February, a small team of assessors met with the Harpenden Hopper Trustees, including riding on the scheduled bus service to understand how it operates and to talk to the passengers in addition to checking the organisation’s processes, procedures and other documentation.
Passenger numbers have continued to climb, demonstrating the growing popularity and necessity of the Hopper within Harpenden.
In 2025 alone, the service averaged an impressive 912 passenger journeys each month, underscoring its importance to the community and the positive impact it has on daily lives.
The community bus service will reach its 10th anniversary later in 2026. To mark this key milestone and achievement, Harpenden Connect is planning a 10th anniversary event on 3rd July.
Harpenden Building Society remains proud to sponsor the Hopper and to support the volunteers who make this service possible.
Over the Summer of 2025, Leighton Buzzard’s Co Lab became a rich and buzzing hive of activity. The Co Lab was visited by 1836 participants and 348 volunteers from Leighton Buzzard and the neighbouring rural villages and towns.
Led by South Side Studios CIC, the local consortia of Culture Co:LB, local government, a private landlord, local business owners and volunteers came together to negotiate, access and set up the Co Lab space. The Asset team at Central Bedfordshire Council waived the business rates and local traders ensured the property was safe. It started as a month-tomonth meanwhile-use project, with July 2025 confirmed and no guarantee beyond that. The collective sent a call out to the community for expressions of interest for programming activity in the space.
Scan to find out more about
We wish the team every success with their King’s Award nomination and thank them for their unwavering dedication to the town.
The programmed activity was co-designed by the community and reflects the diverse range of current cultural interests. There were 51 activities, originating from 32 EOIs (expressions of interest) and 19 external hires to hold a diverse set of 17 types of activities.
The space was used for a total of 192 hours, roughly 4.5 hours a day over the period. At least 10 new artworks, content, IP, products and/or services were created in this space. Additional activity would have been possible, but progress was hampered by the uncertainty of a rolling lease, which made it difficult to plan or confirm bookings far in advance. The inability to commit to regular or long-term programming limited the capacity to establish a consistent schedule - something that would represent a significant and sustainable income stream for any future space. HBS GRANT £3,000
These included Leighton Buzzard Arts Society renting rooms as art studios on a rolling monthly basis. Others made films, digital content and held photoshoots. Community events included a LEGO event that attracted 550 participants in one day, regular historical society displays, art installations and a variety of workshops; from singing to sound baths, to early years sensory sessions. One member even ran a paranormal investigation!
Citizens Advice St Albans District (CASTAD) is a local advice charity with volunteers providing free advice and practical support that is confidential, impartial and independent to help local people deal with a wide variety of problems.
Despite advising around 40 local people every working day, we are regularly approached by a further 10 people a day who we cannot help because we don’t have the resources or people needed. We always aim to support people to do as much as possible to resolve their problems for themselves.
Increases in the cost of living have caused people to worry about how they can pay household bills and driven them to seek advice about managing debts. Advising so many people to manage their money better - our team wanted to do even more by way of prevention. We were keen to start early and influence children to develop good money decisionmaking skills.
With help from Hertfordshire Community Foundation, we secured a grant in 2024 from Harpenden Building Society. This enabled us to run a pilot project designed to teach 10 -11-year-olds to make good financial decisions. Our volunteers ran workshops helping 581 pupils to understand key money concepts such as budgeting, investing, risk and reward, interest, savings and earnings. We developed games that the children choose to play. The aim is to be the pupil with the most money at the end of the session. Each pupil is given an initial notional stake of £500. They are shown the games they can choose and in between changing gameswe introduce key concepts.
HBS grant: £4,718.75
Youth Talk’s vision: Every young person can talk to someone who can help with whatever’s worrying them.
The games include magnetic darts with the harder targets attracting a premium but being more difficult to achieve so more uncertain. This introduces balancing concepts of risk and reward. In other games, children can elect to build towers with blocks. Higher towers attract more gain but equally are more likely to fall over, losing the time and effort invested. Star jumps earn income, but the children have to rest every few minutes to mirror the pattern of work. Most exciting is the recording of a phone call from Rich Ricky with a ‘too good to be true’ investment offer that is revealed as a fraud scheme. In Autumn 2025, a further grant from Harpenden enabled us to tackle our waiting list and reach 325 more pupils across 5 schools.
A group of 24 remarkable individuals have recently returned from Mount Kilimanjaro, having completed the challenge of a lifetime in support of local charity Youth Talk.
Youth Talk is based in St Albans and provides free, confidential psychodynamic group and individual counselling for young people aged 13-25 in St Albans and the surrounding areas. Demand for their services is constantly growing, with 120 young people being seen every week, and another 80 on the waiting list. The costs of the charity are met by fundraising, from a
combination of grants from a variety of trust funds, corporate sponsors, individuals and community fundraising events.
Kilimanjaro is the highest free-standing mountain in the world, towering 5895m above Moshi, providing an awesome backdrop to arrivals at Mt Kilimanjaro Airport. It’s renowned for being the highest peak which can be summited without technical climbing knowledge – but that comes with a warning that it is incredibly tough!
Fifteen years ago, the group leader Alfie Jourdan set himself a goal: one day he would summit Kilimanjaro. In 2024, the moment felt right to turn the thought into action. As a long-time supporter of Youth Talk, Alfie decided to turn his dream into a fundraiser, inviting friends and family to join him. With Youth Talk’s Fundraising and Partnership Manager, Jim Lewis, signing up, the team quickly grew.
On Friday 13th February 2026, the group departed from Heathrow Airport, embarking on a journey that would push them physically, mentally, and emotionally. Over six days of trekking, the team faced altitude, exhaustion, and moments of doubt - but also shared support, resilience, and lasting friendships. Callum Hutchinson, the youngest participant, joined during his gap year ahead of university.
“Mentally and physically, it has been one of the most difficult challenges I have ever faced. Even as a reasonably fit group of people, I don’t think anyone was truly prepared for the extremes that summit night would bring. Starting our summit attempt at midnight, from 4600m, we had a gruelling 8 hour climb to the top, battling freezing conditions and even some hallucinations from the altitude. Everyone banded together for strength and support.”
Together, the team have currently raised an outstanding £65,000 - the largest single fundraising event in the charity’s history. Reflecting on the achievement, Jim Lewis said:
“Standing nearly 6,000 metres above sea level, our team reflected on opportunity, resilience and life chances. However, the most powerful outcome of the climb wasn’t reaching altitude, it was raising £65,000 for Youth Talk.
For young people across St Albans and Harpenden facing mental health challenges, that funding is life changing. It means access to professional counselling, early intervention and the chance to build confidence and resilience at a critical time in their lives.
To every single person who trained, fundraised, donated, encouraged and believed, thank you.”
The Kilimanjaro challenge is formidable, with an estimated 40% of trekkers not reaching the summit. An extraordinary 22 members of the Youth Talk team successfully stood at the peak, while two made the difficult but courageous decision to turn back at 4,600 metres for
We are delighted to announce our 2026 Charity of the Year is Herts Young Homeless (HYH). Throughout the year we will be supporting HYH in various ways which we will display in future Mutual editions.
HYH is an independent charity founded in 1998 that supports vulnerable young people across Hertfordshire who are facing homelessness or the risk of becoming homeless.
HYH works with 16-24-year-olds who are homeless or at risk, and with 10-15-year-olds whose families are experiencing conflict or instability that could lead to a breakdown at home. They also support young adults aged 18+, including care-experienced young people and those struggling with mental health or substance misuse, who need help with housing and support.
The charity provides a wide range of services that includes prevention, early intervention, crisis intervention and independent living support. HYH help young people find stability, build essential life skills, and move towards independence. Their work addresses issues such as family conflict, sofa surfing, financial difficulties, and the challenges that can follow leaving care.
A safe home, supportive relationships, and stability are things many of us take for granted. But right now, thousands of young people in our community cannot rely on any of these. HYH is dedicated to helping them find safety, security, and hope, ensuring they never have to return to the fear and uncertainty of homelessness.
Every young person has a safe home from which they can grow and thrive.
Prevent youth homelessness in Hertfordshire through education, advice and support for young people and their families.
In 2024, across the UK, over 136,000 16-25-year-olds presented at their local authority as homeless or at risk of homelessness. In Hertfordshire, many young people experience hidden homelessness which is less visible than street homelessness. This can involve long periods of movement between a range of precarious accommodation options such as on friends’ sofas or in inadequate or overcrowded conditions.
Often, people are pushed into these situations when constant external pressures and strains build up over time. Many young people have been left carrying a very heavy load on their shoulders. The cost-of-living crisis, low wages and inadequate government support are all examples of pressures that can wear away and eventually, lead to a breaking point. These problems could be lessened with the right support, and this is where HYH step in.
Nearly half of adults experiencing homelessness first became homeless under the age of 20, and this trauma can lead to long term support needs. Therefore, it’s crucial to respond to the needs of young people at the bridge between childhood and adulthood. HYH support the unique needs of young people within the wider homelessness system, with tailored, solution-focused support.
Youth homelessness costs £8.5 billion a year according to Centrepoint.
The first stage in preventing youth homelessness is to equip young people with the knowledge and skills to avert a crisis. HYH offer sessions to students within the county that focus on the topics of homelessness, leaving home, anger management, independent living, managing conflict and healthy relationships. Sessions are interactive, engaging and fun whilst being carefully tailored and structured to complement the PSHE/RSHE curriculum, as well as school and student need.
“I have learnt how hard it is to be homeless and how it is important to reach out when you feel concerned rather than after the crisis.”
– Watford Girls School student
HYH run a confidential and impartial mediation service for young people and their families where conflict is causing difficulty. Family breakdown is the single biggest cause of youth homelessness, so HYH work hard to strengthen family relationships.
HYH mediators offer fair and unbiased support to help families recognise for themselves what issues need to be resolved and help them move forward in a way that feels fair and practical to everyone involved, resulting in fewer arguments and improved family relationships.
What kind of challenges can mediation help solve?
• Breakdown in communication between parents/ carers and young person
• Conflict between family members about boundaries
• Arguments leading to young people being ‘kicked out’ of home
• Heightened emotions leading to conflict
• Arguments between young people and step-parents
A single point of contact to access Homeless Prevention Services in Hertfordshire. This preventative, solution-focused service provides:
• An access point for support and advice for 16 & 17 year-olds in housing need
• A resource for young people, families and carers, and professionals to access homeless prevention services
• An assessment of needs and guidance on realistic housing options
• Access to signposting and referrals to support agencies
• Referral into Crashpad hostel bed spaces –depending on availability
The hub acts as a ‘front door’ to homeless prevention services in Hertfordshire. The hub prioritises 16 & 17 year-olds and works intensively with them as well as their families/carers in order to prevent homelessness. The hub assesses and prioritises referrals depending on the situation.
Available via live chat, phone or email, this advice line is for 18-24 year-olds who need guidance on housing-related issues. Experienced advisors are available to talk about housing options, money advice, benefits information and much more. Advisors are also able to signpost individuals to other agencies or services that may be able to help.
Funded by Hertfordshire County Council, housing related support is offered to 18-24 year-olds who are homeless or are in accommodation and are at risk of homelessness. A priority group for this service is care-experienced young people. Examples of the support provided include:
• General tenancy sustainment
• Independent living skills
• Finding suitable accommodation
• Income / budgeting/debt advice
• Education and training
• Co-ordinating plans with relevant partner agencies ensuring all support needs are met
HYH also have an Intensive Outreach Service which is specifically designed for those care experienced young people who require more in-depth support.
In partnership with Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council, HYH have transformed a 5-bedroom house into a space that houses and supports young people by providing a stepping stone from supported accommodation into independent living. At future roots, HYH provide practical support to help housemates achieve financial stability and the necessary level of confidence and maturity that they need to live independently.
The programme of support includes:
Starting Careers: Helping build CV’s, set goals, and explore opportunities in education, training, and employment.
Relating to People: Learn how to communicate effectively, resolve conflict, and build a positive support network.
Being Healthy: Understand mental health, build resilience, and explore how physical health supports emotional wellbeing.
Building a Home: Learn how to manage a tenancy, look after their own space, and prepare for their own home.
HYH Mediation Statistics
• In 2025, 146 families supported
• For under 16s, 93% remained or returned home
Throughout 2025, HYH supported 16,334 people to improve their lives through education, advice and support.
83% reported improvement in the stability of their accommodation.
• 181 Referrals
• 90% of evictions avoided
• 85% improvement in management of rent payments
Managing Money: From budgeting to bills –understanding rent, income, and financial planning. HYH recognise that each individual has areas of their lives that they still need support with. These needs vary from person to person. Support Workers assist each housemate to identify these areas, along with the support needed, so that they can build the necessary skills to take the next steps towards successful independent living.
After successful completion of the programme of support, housemates can access a deposit for private rented accommodation using funds provided by Friends of HYH. All housemates moving-on receive continued outreach support, ensuring a smooth transition into independent living.
Now that we have announced our 2026 Charity of the Year, it’s important to look back and celebrate everything we achieved with our 2025 Charity of the Year, Keech Hospice. We are extremely proud of our efforts and the support we were able to provide to this incredible charity. Here, we’ve picked out some key highlights that showcase what we accomplished last year.
Nineteen colleagues took part in a sponsored cycle throughout the month of June. The target was to cycle the distance between Keech Hospice in Luton, Keech Living Well Centre in Bedford and the 38 Keech charity shops across Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, and Milton Keynes. We raised £725 for Keech Hospice and cycled 517.72 miles, more than double the distance we set ourselves.
In March, June & December colleagues got their aprons on and took part in bake sales to help raise funds. From chocolate brownies and sausage rolls to banana bread and Victoria sponge. In total, we raised £748 through sales.
Our Harpenden, Radlett, Leighton Buzzard and Tring branches conducted Easter and Christmas raffles to raise money for Keech. Some great hampers were put together by our branch colleagues. Throughout our branches, £807 was raised.
In April, our AGM took place at Rothamsted Research Centre. Through this we made a charitable donation of £2,350 to Keech.
In February, five colleagues volunteered at the Keech Hospice charity shop in Harpenden. Our colleagues sorted through donated clothes, shoes, toys, books and other items. Additionally, our team added price labels to the stock, so it was ready to be displayed.
In February, I had the pleasure of volunteering at the St Albans Scout and Guide Gang Show, an annual variety performance held at the Alban Arena.
The show runs five performances from Wednesday to Saturday (with a double show on Saturday), filling more than 800 seats each time. In total, over 4,000 people came to watch - an incredible achievement for a youth production.
First staged in 1980, the St Albans Gang Show has taken place every year and features around 120 performers aged 11–25. I first joined the cast when I was 16 and continued performing until I was 22. Since then, I’ve supported the show behind the scenes - working on the production team, helping with costumes and now volunteering as a mic runner. This is a role that involves fitting radio microphones to performers with solo speaking or singing parts, often during quick costume changes and in darkness backstage. Not glamorous - but vital!
On Sunday afternoon the cast arrives, and we run through the entire production for the first time. This is when all the different departmentscostumes, scenery, tech, props, and more, finally get to see months of preparation come together on stage.
After the final performance on Saturday night, the work isn’t over. Everything must be packed away and removed from the theatre by 1am. Every costume then needs washing and storing for future years. Sadly, some of the scenery must be dismantled and burned due to limited storage space, but the spirit of the show lives on through the people who return year after year to help.
Many former cast members have gone on to exciting things in the entertainment world, from performing in the West End to touring internationally with bands, even some with No. 1 singles. Others return to volunteer, helping shape the next generation of performers. Being part of the Gang Show, year after year, is hard work but it’s also uplifting, rewarding, and a real celebration of what young people can achieve with teamwork, creativity, and a lot of dedication. Making memories that last a lifetime.
Kerry Cunningham PA to CEO
Amount Raised:
£5,758
More volunteering days were subsequently scheduled throughout the year by several of our colleagues. As a society, we hope to continue to volunteer in 2026 both at the shop and at Keech’s new distribution centre in Luton.
The scale of the operation is huge. We hire the Alban Arena for a full week, from Saturday to Saturday. On the first Saturday, dozens of volunteers arrive to move in and set up scenery, lighting, sound equipment, backdrops and hundreds of costumes and props. Everything must be sorted, ironed, and prepared for the cast. With plenty of tea, coffee and snacks to keep us going, it takes a day and a half to get the venue show ready.
I was born and lived the early part of my life in Wembley, Middlesex. My Mum, Dad, and I lived in one room at my Nan and Grandad’s two-up twodown. My Nan & Grandad had emigrated from India a few years earlier, and although I was too young to understand what was going on, I knew times were tough in terms of work and money.
Lots of English working class kids dream of getting to Wembley, either (if they are lucky and talented enough) to play for their football team, or more realistically watch them in the cup final at the famous stadium. Or they dream of being in a band and playing a gig at Wembley Arena. I think my parents’ ambition was to leave Wembley as soon as they possibly could.
Anyway, we moved away from Wembley when my Dad was offered a job with British Rail. We moved to a typical market town, even though we now lived in our own home, there was still very little money.
Summer was alright; there was a park at the back of our house where we would play football until it got dark. Games that went on for hours, that would end up with ridiculous scores of 5046. But in winter there was nothing to do; we had a Youth Club that opened for a couple of hours on Wednesday evenings, but that was it.
School wasn’t worth mentioning; most of the teachers were not interested in the likes of me.
So, after accepting that I was absolutely rubbish at football, and would never emulate my hero Luther Blissett, and growing up in a town where absolutely nothing happened, I realised that if I was going to make anything at all with my life, it was going to be through music. I’d been fascinated by music before I could speak or walk according to my Mum: I’d sit in silence and listen intently to ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ when it came on the Radio, or listen to my Dad’s copy of the Rock Opera ‘Tommy’ by The Who, totally immersed by what was coming out of the speakers.
There was a music shop in the city just down the road from the town where we lived. Me and my mates used to catch the bus there on Saturday mornings to look at the clothes and record shops and most importantly, the music shop, where in the window they had a mauve-coloured pearl drum kit, which if memory serves correctly cost £419.99. I instantly fell in love and realised what I wanted to be. I was always getting told off by adults/parents/teachers for tapping on tables, on desks or hitting biscuit tins or my Mum’s saucepans with wooden spoons, so a drum kit seemed the obvious and logical next step.
I got off the bus and ran home, breathless with excitement. I told my Dad about the drum kit.
“Of course you can have a drum kit, son,” he said. “Tell you what, next weekend we’ll drive up to the shop, and you can show me the kit, and I will talk to the shop.” This was the greatest day of my life.
I’d never been so happy! It even surpassed the day when, on only my second visit to Vicarage Road (home of Watford FC), my aforementioned hero Luther Blissett had scored two goals to beat our local rivals Luton Town 5-2.
The week at school really dragged, but Saturday eventually arrived, and my Dad drove us to the music shop. I was beyond excited as we got there, and there it was: The mauve drum kit, in all its glory, sparkling under the window display spotlights. “There it is, Dad!” I exclaimed. “What do you think? Isn’t it amazing?”
I could sense something was wrong. Previously, my Dad had shared my excitement, but he had taken one look at the price tag and that was that. He told me we couldn’t afford it, and we never ever mentioned drum kits again. I was only young, but looking back, I know now how frustrated and helpless my Dad felt at not being able to help his son fulfil his youthful dreams.
It didn’t quell my love for music or stop me dreaming though, and that Christmas, my Mum & Dad bought me a black, second-hand Les Paul copy electric guitar, which you only had to look at the wrong way and it went out of tune!
A few months later, my Nan and Grandad bought me an amp, and from that point on there was absolutely no turning back. Although there was plenty of shouting from my Mum to “turn that *expletive* racket down”.
Me and a few other mates who had also acquired instruments started to rehearse at a new youth club that had opened up at a Church Hall on a Friday night, and then, as if by magic, all the kids that were good at football or rugby were usurped and we were suddenly the cool kids.
We did gigs at working men’s clubs, youth clubs and school discos. I don’t think we ever got paid anything more than a Coke and a bag of crisps in those days. And to be honest, we didn’t care a bit. At last, I was doing something that I felt enabled me to be expressive and allowed me to be heard.
We started playing covers by Queen, Fleetwood Mac, Gary Moore and Iron Maiden. But as I got older, I started to write my own songs.
The electric guitar is a fantastic tool - it can express all sorts of emotions and help people who feel inarticulate or ignored share their thoughts, ideas and feelings. Being in a band can be extremely cathartic: I’ve played gigs to rooms of disinterested people, but afterwards, if even just one person comes up and says they enjoyed your set or even just one particular song, for me, it makes it all worthwhile.
In all the bands I played in, we were never even close to ‘making it’. Music wasn’t ever a serious career option for me. But that is not the point. I do it for the love.
My current band have done some recording, and the dream is to release our music on vinyl. Some people have told us that we are wasting our time and money, that we will never make our money back, and nobody apart from our wives/ girlfriends/mums/dads/aunts, etc., will ever buy our records. And you know what? These people are probably right, but they completely miss the point. It’s the creative process and expression that is important, not the sales. All art should be for art’s sake and not about profit, and if you are lucky to make a few quid along the way, well, then good for you.
It’s very hard for original bands to get gigs and exposure in the town where we live. This is due to several reasons, but I believe one of the main issues is our proximity to London, this is where all the ‘cool’ gigs happen. Also, people are so comfortable, they don’t want to have to be challenged to listen to something new; they prefer to listen to cover bands playing the classics. Personally, I wonder how many times you can hear a bunch of musicians play ‘Mr Brightside’ or ‘Don’t Look Back in Anger’ without getting completely and utterly bored. Besides, I’ve always thought it’s easy to copy other people’s work, but not so easy to write and create your own.
So now, we do a bit of recording and play three or four gigs a year. I was very pleased that our first gig of 2025 was to support a local charity, Isabel Hospice, and I am currently speaking to my Society colleagues about the possibility of doing a gig this summer to raise funds and awareness for the Harpenden Building Society Charity of the Year: Herts Young Homeless, a fantastic charity, where all the money goes to those who need it most.
This is something all the bands I’ve been in feel very strongly about: If we are doing gigs for a charity, we never ask for anything; some bands I know will ask for expenses to cover their petrol or equipment costs or ask for an appearance fee. Really? You're either doing it for the charity in question or you're not. You have to be totally 100% ‘real’ and genuine for the causes you choose to support.
There has always been a strong connection between youth and music, so we are really hopeful we can make this charity gig happen, and if it happens, you will be able to read about it in a future edition of Mutual.
Matthew Turvey Intermediary Support Adviser
We love to moan about trains today. They’re often delayed, cancelled or on strike, and let us not get started on the cost and mess made building new ones. With that in mind it might seem odd to make a fuss of anything railway related. As many within the Society will know I am a railway enthusiast, especially anything that steams, so I often look past the problems of our railway network and celebrate the traditions and history of our railways, both the good and the bad.
Quite a few people I have met while working for HBS have asked me about it, and I keep sharing my knowledge, enthusiasm and expertise on the subject. So here for you I have a review of my latest activities and some of my forthcoming events to give you an insight into what it’s all about.
Last year was very special for railway enthusiasts as we celebrated 200 years since the opening of the Stockton and Darlington Railway, the first railway to open to the public in 1825. The undoubted highlight of these celebrations was the Rail 200 Greatest Gathering held at the Alstom works in Derby, once one of the country’s great railway works. Items of rolling stock were brought in from all over the country including: the original Stockton and Darlington locomotive, Locomotion No.1, Flying Scotsman, a variety of diesel and electric locomotives from the last 70 years of British Railways, brand new electric trains, and a brand new steam locomotive, 82045 which is very close to completion for use on our heritage railway network.
Much closer to home we had the charming Leighton Buzzard railway running a steam gala in September for Rail 200 which was one of the busiest events they have ever held. While these narrow gauge locomotives look cute and charming with their small overall size but tall chimneys, many were originally built for very real and often dangerous work with poorly laid track on uneven ground in some inhospitable
environments such as the slate quarries of North Wales, the sand quarries the Leighton Buzzard line was built to serve, and the trenches of WW1. Today though, the locomotives enjoy a more relaxing retirement ferrying people around the suburbs of Leighton Buzzard.
On the flip side of last year’s celebrations, March 2026 marked 60 years since the loss of one of England’s most beloved cross-country railway lines, closed in the infamous spate of closures we know as the Beeching Axe.
The Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway, the S&D for short, ran from Bath to Bournemouth over the Mendip Hills, tapping into the lucrative freight traffic of the Somerset Coalfields around Radstock. It is a line that has been cemented in the hearts of railway enthusiasts thanks to a vast archive of photographs and colour films taken by local enthusiasts of the time. Heritage lines up and down the country that have appropriate locomotives to hand will no doubt recreate scenes of this era in memory of this lost, lamented line. Already this year the Great Central Railway winter gala saw two locomotives of the same type that would have been seen on the S&D making a spirited run along the 8-mile line in homage to the famous lost line.
My own plans this year will also loosely pay homage to the Somerset and Dorset with my May holiday being split between two of the best-preserved railways in the country.
Firstly, the West Somerset Railway, themselves celebrating 50 years since the line was first reopened by enthusiasts after being closed in the 1970s, for their May Spring Steam Gala. Then, the Swanage Railway in Dorset, for their Diesel Gala and Ale Festival the weekend after. Both offer the quintessentially English experience of steam trains to the seaside. I have had many happy childhood holidays in Somerset, most of them in the vicinity of the West Somerset line, so it feels like going to a home away from home whenever I visit there.
Now, whether you like trains or not you must all have heard of ‘Flying Scotsman’, the most famous steam locomotive in the world, no? (Well, the Hogwarts Express might be more famous today!) 2026 marks 150 years since the birth of Sir Nigel Gresley, the man who designed the class of locomotives that ‘Flying Scotsman’ belongs to, along with his legendary A4 locomotives, one of which ‘Mallard’, is the fastest steam locomotive in the world.
The 100th express locomotive to be built to one of Gresley’s designs, one of the A4s, was named after Gresley, has survived and is one of the most iconic and popular locomotives still running on the mainlines around the UK today. So, it would be rude not to have a trip on this locomotive this year in honour of the great man who designed it, and where better to go with it than over the famous Settle to Carlisle Railway, one of the most iconic and scenic routes in the world.
Should you fancy doing one of these amazing days out yourself, there are plenty of options out there. One that might appeal is the ‘Cumbrian Mountain Express’, run by the Railway Touring Company. This picks up at Watford and Milton Keynes and runs with an electric locomotive to Carnforth in Cumbria where it picks up a steam locomotive for the climb over Shap to Carlisle, and then returns over the iconic Settle to Carlisle route.
If you don’t fancy an all-day trip, Vintage Trains do their ‘Shakespeare Express’ from Birmingham to Stratford Upon Avon on Sundays in the summer and if you do the return journey, then a three course Sunday lunch can be served (for a more reasonable price than dining on the longer tours!).
Prefer a quieter day out? Many like The Bluebell and Chinnor and Princes Risborough which offers a cream tea or dining service as well as special events for families and enthusiasts like steam galas and beer festivals. The Epping and Ongar Railway is also a great option; they incorporate vintage London Transport Routemaster buses to the travel experience too if that floats your boat. And of course, parents with small children might want to take the children to meet a certain blue tank engine at the Buckinghamshire Railway Centre, Mid Hants or Nene Valley Railway.
Even if reading this article has taught you just one thing about trains, let it be the beginning of your curiosity, not the end of it.
To celebrate our rebrand...for you bakers out there... here’s a chance to show off your skills in the kitchen!
Bake up some sweet and savoury goodies... cakes, cookies, cupcakes, pastries or whatever takes your fancy...and link it to our new colours and maybe even try and match our new logo...
Send us photos of your masterpiece and we’ll choose a winner to receive a £50 voucher of their choice...our winner will be announced in Issue 8 of Mutual magazine.
Send us a photo of your entry to: members@harpendenbs.co.uk with your name and address included.
Or you can post a photo to: Mutual editorial team: Harpenden Building Society, Mardall House, 9-11 Vaughan Road, Harpenden AL5 4HU
There’s a famous saying: “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.” Well, when it comes to ISAs… the tree is about to get a little smaller.
If you follow the financial press, you might already know that changes are coming to the ISA system from April 2027. Whilst some of the headlines have been a little dramatic (the financial press does love a good scare…), one thing is clear: For many savers, the ability to put up to £20,000 per year into an ISA will be reduced from April 2027 onwards. That means the 2026/27 tax year could be your last opportunity to make full use of today’s generous ISA rules. So, let me break down what’s happening, what it means for you, and why now might be a very good time to take action.
1. Cash ISA allowance cut from £20,000 to £12,000 per tax year (for anyone under 65).
The overall ISA allowance stays at £20,000, but anything above £12,000 must go into an investment-based ISA (Stocks & Shares, Innovative Finance, or Lifetime ISA).
2. Over‑65s keep the full £20,000 Cash ISA allowance.
If you are 65 or older on 6th April 2027, you may continue to save £20,000 per year in Cash ISAs, unchanged.
3. New rules to stop people bypassing the lower Cash ISA limit.
The government will introduce anti-avoidance measures, including:
• No transfers from Stocks & Shares ISAs or Innovative Finance ISAs back into Cash ISAs (for under-65s).
• Tests to determine whether an asset in a Stocks & Shares ISA is “cash-like.”
The Government has announced a restructuring of the ISA system from April 2027. Their aim is to create a more streamlined, simplified ISA landscape, but through that simplification, some allowances will tighten up. While the finer details are still emerging, the big takeaway for everyday savers is this: Why 2026/27 might be your last chance for a £20,000 ISA Allowance...
• Charges on interest earned if “cash-like” assets sit inside non-cash ISAs.
4. Transfers remain allowed (with limits as above).
ISA transfers between providers will still be allowed and unlimited, subject to normal product terms. Only the new restriction applies: under-65s won’t be able to transfer into Cash ISAs from investment ISAs.
It is important to highlight that The new rules will apply only to contributions made from 6 April 2027 onwards. Money already inside your Cash ISAs stays tax free and does not need to be moved.
Whether you’re an experienced saver or opening your first ISA, we’re here to guide you through the changes and help you make the most of your allowance while it still exists in its current form.
If you’d like to talk through your options or even if you just want to understand what the changes mean for you- come and speak to us. No jargon, no pressure, just a good honest conversation (and occasionally a car related anecdote if you catch me on a nostalgic day…).
Why this matters (even if you’ve never hit £20,000 before)
A lot of people hear “£20,000 allowance” and think:
“Well, I’ve never put that much away, so what does it matter?”
But here’s the thing - ISA allowances are like umbrellas. You don’t always need one… until suddenly you really do.
A few reasons you’ll want to keep your full allowance while you still have it:
• Life can surprise you- an inheritance, a bonus, or the sale of an asset can create a one-off lump sum you’d love to keep tax free.
• Future-you might be a bigger saver than present-you- many people’s strongest saving years are in their 40s, 50s, and 60s.
• ISAs protect you from tax you don’t yet pay - but with interest rates generally stabilising more people are being dragged into paying tax on savings.
Losing the £20,000 allowance doesn’t just affect high earners. It affects anyone who wants the option to tuck money away, tax free, in future.
2026/27: A golden window before the rules change
You’ve got just over a year before the new system kicks in, but the message from us is simple:
Make the most of this final full year while you have it.
• If you’ve been meaning to top up your ISA…
• If you’ve been thinking about shifting savings into something tax-free…
• If you’ve been procrastinating (we’ve all been there)…
The 2026/27 tax year is absolutely the moment to take action.
Think of it like the final call at your local pubthe opportunity’s still there, but not for long.
Change is nothing new in the world of savings. But this one is significant and for many people, it’s the last chance to shelter money tax free at today’s generous levels.
So, whether you fill the whole £20,000 or only a fraction of it, the key message is use it while you can.
Your future self will thank you probably with a slightly smug smile, a healthy ISA balance, and the warm glow of knowing you got in just before the goalposts moved.
Jon Sweeting
Commercial Manager – Savings
Here at Leighton Buzzard, our team has now grown to four associates and a manager, with the team consisting of Estelle, Julie, Vanessa, George and myself since the closure of our Tring branch. If there are any members of the team you haven’t had the chance to meet yet, come and visit the branch and say hello!
At Christmas we made up a hamper and raised £94.00 for our charity of the year Keech Hospice. We’re looking forward to helping support the Society’s new Charity of the Year in the upcoming months.
The branch has been very busy since the launch of the new Hart products; we’ve seen an increase in footfall from both new members and current members alike applying for the accounts, which has been very encouraging to see.
Like many high streets in the country, we have lost all our high street banks except Santander, which has now announced they will be closing next year. While it’s been a shame to see them go, we’re happy that we’re still here and serving the local community with our branch.
Here are our current opening times:
Monday.............. 10am - 3:30pm
Tuesday ............. 10am - 3:30pm
Wednesday...................... Closed
Thursday ........... 10am - 3:30pm
Friday 10am - 3:30pm
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed
Here’s how to get in touch:
22 Market Square, Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire, LU7 1HE
Telephone: 01525 852525
Email: enquiries@harpendenbs.co.uk
We’d like to thank all our customers who purchased raffle tickets for our Christmas Hamper in support of Keech Hospice, our Charity of the Year for 2025 – it’s always very encouraging to see how the community supports the local charities.
Our new HART products were launched at the opening of our flagship branch on the 15th of January to lots of interest. If you haven’t yet had the opportunity to explore the range, please feel free to ask during your next visit — our team will be more than happy to assist and answer any questions you might have.
We look forward to welcoming both new and existing customers to our Radlett branch, where a warm and friendly reception awaits you.
We hope to see you at one of our branches soon!
Radlett Branch Manager
Here are our current opening times:
Monday.............. 10am - 3:30pm
Tuesday ............................ Closed
Wednesday....... 10am - 3:30pm
Thursday .......................... Closed
Friday 10am - 3:30pm
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed
Here’s how to get in touch:
341 Watling Street, Radlett, Hertfordshire, WD7 7LB
Telephone: 01923 854457
Email: enquiries@harpendenbs.co.uk Isabel
Criminals operate everywhere which is why it’s important to keep your phone and digital banking details safe. They might try to steal your mobile phone or ‘shoulder surf’ you.
If your phone has banking apps or saved card details, someone who gets access could attempt to make purchases or send money without your permission.
Shoulder surfing is a social engineering technique where an attacker observes a person’s private information, such as passwords or PINs, without their knowledge, often in public settings.
This could take place anywhere – on a bus, at a cash machine, even walking down the street.
Shoulder surfing often occurs in crowded places where individuals are less likely to notice someone watching them.
Common scenarios include:
• ATMs: An attacker may position themselves behind a user to capture their PIN as they withdraw cash.
• Public Transport: Observing someone entering passwords on their mobile device while they are distracted.
• Cafés and Workspaces: In open environments, it is easy for someone to glance at another person’s screen while they are working or browsing.
How to protect yourself from mobile phone fraud:
• Use biometric data (face or fingerprint) ID if possible.
• Remove banking apps from your phone and keep them on devices that stay at home.
• Use different PIN numbers for unlocking your phone and banking apps.
• Don’t store passwords or PINs on your phone.
• Always be aware of your surroundings when accessing financial apps.
• Use Screen Privacy Filters: These filters limit the viewing angle of your screen, making it harder for others to see your information.
• Enable Screen Locking: Always lock your device when not in use and use strong passwords or biometric authentication.
• Check how you can report your phone as lost or stolen on your banking app or website, so you know what to do if this happens.
• Be aware that criminals may try to steal your phone and then pretend they’ve found it. They might ask you to enter your passcode to prove it’s your phone. If this happens, make sure they can’t see the passcode as they could try and steal it later.
This occurs when a criminal contacts you by phone and convinces you that you are required to hand over money or your debit or credit card for a legitimate reason to someone who will pick this up.
After gaining your trust, the criminals might claim:
• A criminal calls you saying there is a problem with your bank account and gets you to tell them your bank card PIN. They might say there’s a fraudulent payment on your card or that someone has been arrested using your details. They then tell you that a courier will pick up your bank card, so that it can be cancelled. With your card and PIN, they can now use your card.
• A criminal may convince you that there is an investigation where they need you to withdraw cash or buy expensive items. This could be foreign or crypto currency, gold bullion, jewellery, mobile phones or designer goods. They tell you this is required so that they can identify the corrupt person. The criminal may pose as a police officer. Once you’ve bought the items or withdrawn the cash, they’ll ask you to give it to a courier, or post it to an address, claiming they’ll transfer it to the police. They’ll then take the money or goods.
• A fraudster may also say that your bank account has been taken over and that you need to transfer your money to a new ‘safe’ account. The new account is operated by the criminals, who then steal the funds.
• Some money has been removed from your bank account and that corrupt staff at your local bank branch are responsible. You’re advised that someone at the branch has already been arrested but the “police” need you to withdraw your money for evidence.
• That a business, such as a jeweller or currency exchange, is operating fraudulently and they require assistance to help secure evidence.
In these scenarios, the criminals will often tell you not to speak to anyone else about the investigation and promise you will get your money back. They may ask you to lie to your bank or bypass security measures – it is essential that you follow any warnings from your bank and never lie to your bank.
They may offer to send a courier to collect your money, or bank card and PIN. They ask you to write down your PIN and place it in a separate envelope to that of your card.
Never hand over your card: Your bank or the police will never ring you to tell you they are coming to your home to pick up money or your card. Never hand these over to anyone who comes to collect it.
Stop and think: Criminals are experts at impersonating banks, trusted organisations or the police. They will try to rush and panic you into responding to their requests. It’s ok to reject, refuse or ignore these requests.
Always speak to your bank securely: If you’re contacted out of the blue, you can always call your bank back on a number you know to be correct. Hang up and call your bank on a number you know to be true.
We welcome our members to send us any stories to include them in future editions… send our editors any of the below:
• Any activity of your fundraising achievements.
• Any volunteering or community support you have provided.
• Do you have any advice you want to provide and inform to other members?
• Or any specific advice or content you would like us to talk about? Maybe protection online or digital advice… Send us your content, details and any photos or images… we’d love to hear from you. Contact the team: members@harpendenbs.co.uk Or via post: Editorial Team, Mutual Magazine, Harpenden Building Society, Mardall House, 9-11 Vaughan Road, Harpenden AL5
In addition to any regulatory communication we may send you regarding your savings account(s) or mortgage - we deliver two categories of email communication to members…
• Mutual e-magazine and e-newsletters
• Membership email campaigns
• Improvements or upgrades to our service to members
• Customer surveys
• Opportunity to review on Smart Money People
• Changes to existing accounts or how they operate
• Product launches and criteria changes
• Why are you receiving the e-magazine?
• How regular is each issue?
• Can you unsubscribe?
With over 1 million customer reviews, Smart Money People is the UK’s dedicated financial services review site. Smart Money People is where people can read and leave reviews for financial services companies. By reading these reviews, both individuals and businesses can make more informed decisions about who to trust for savings, mortgages, insurance policy, credit card, loan, or pension.
Your feedback could win a £100 donation to our nominated Charity of the Year*
We’re always looking at ways to improve our service for our members, so if there’s something you think we could do better, or would like to see more of, or you think we’re doing really well we’d love to hear from you.
We’d really appreciate if you could take the time to review your experience with us on the Smart Money People website. All feedback is reviewed by our management team so any feedback, big or small, will help provide us with valuable insight and ensure that we can continue to provide a personal service to you. Sometimes it is often the small things that make the big difference!
Here’s what some of our members have said about us this year…
“They took the time to explain account options and rates. Really great, friendly and efficient service”
“Pleasant, friendly, knowledgeable staff”
“Always friendly, always helpful, always have time for you. Nice to have a personal touch and have someone to speak to if you have any queries”
“Most helpful regarding savings, with the customer at the forefront at what they do”
Mardall House, 9–11 Vaughan Road, Harpenden, Hertfordshire AL5 4HU
Tel: 01582 765411 Email: enquiries@harpendenbs.co.uk