Petrol panic buying across Watford, a reunion among Harry Potter cast members, the funeral of a music superstar and a charity foundation set up by the Hornets captain were among the stories that were making our headlines five and ten years ago this week.
TEN YEARS AGO
Petrol stations experience second day of panic-buying
Tempers are fraying among drivers in Watford as petrol panic-buying causes chaos at stations across the town for a second day.
There were large queues today at Tesco Express, in Lower High Street, as well and other garages such as the BP in Wiggenhall Road.
Other stations such as the Shell garage, in Watford Road, Croxley Green, had already run out by midday.
Drivers were becoming audibly agitated with horns being honked regularly as queues moved slowly.
The panic-buying has left some motorists, who are running low, unable to fill up their cars.
Tracie Hunter, 48, from Grosvenor Road , Watford, who was at Tesco Express, said: “It’s ridiculous. This will be the sixth petrol station I have been to in 40 minutes.
“I’m running on fumes and I’m fuming.
“I can’t help but believe that the government caused this in the last 48 hours.”
Pupils given sneak preview of Harry Potter studio tour
Pupils from schools in Watford and St Albans were given a sneak preview of the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter last week.
Students from Leavesden Green School JMI and Loreto College visited the studios in Aerodrome Way, Leavesden, where BBC television programme Blue Peter was being broadcasted, for a special live show from the tour’s Great Hall.
As well as meeting presenters Helen and Barney, children were treated to a live performance by boyband JLS at the event.
Bus service takes residents on a trip down memory lane
For the first time in 40 years, there was a bus service on Sunday taking Loudwater residents to Rickmansworth via memory lane.
In March 1928, Cameron Jeffs, owner of the Loudwater estate, started a bus service to Rickmansworth station. The bus took commuters to work in the morning and back again in the evening, and also ran at off peak times for shopping trips.
Loudwater’s "Little Bus", route number 336A, ran for the last time on March 30, 1972, and was the last London Country route operated by "Guy Special" GS buses.
Throughout its 45 years operation, the three regular drivers, Harry Simmonds, Owen Palmer and Harry Cross built up a close affinity with the community they served.
On Sunday the bus returned to the lanes of Loudwater, when a commemorative run was staged by the London Transport Museum Friends.
FIVE YEARS AGO
Harry Potter Reunion! Luna Lovegood and the Weasley Twins attend Forbidden Forest opening
The Forbidden Forest isn't so forbidden anymore.
Celebrities were invited to the launch of a brand new attraction at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London.
Stars included Harry Potter actors Evanna Lynch, who played Luna Lovegood, Weasley twins James and Oliver Phelps and Warwick Davies, who played Professor Flitwick, all attended the launch of the Forbidden Forest attraction at the studios.
Celebrities were invited to the official launch event at the Studio Tour, where they followed spiders on the green carpet into the Forbidden Forest.
His final farewell: George Michael's lover Fadi Fawaz and Kate Moss arrive at pop icon's funeral
Bushey-born George Michael was finally laid to rest - 94 days after he died on Christmas Day at the age of just 53.
The superstar singer's last boyfriend Fadi Fawaz was the final person to arrive for the private service at Highgate Cemetery in north London this afternoon.
George - who went to Bushey Meads - is expected to be buried alongside his mother in the cemetery a the conclusion of the service which was being conducted in the Chapel of Rest which was obscured from view by a large black tarpaulin.
Family and close friends paid their final respects to Careless Whisper singer at a strictly private funeral organised by George's sister Melanie Panayiotou.
‘It’s all about leaving a positive legacy’: Troy Deeney sets up charitable foundation for children in need
Hornets captain Troy Deeney was behind bars when he decided he wanted to change his life.
Half a decade after the striker was sent to prison for affray, Troy is in a classroom with children at Garston Manor School in Watford, a specialist school for children with autism and learning difficulties.
The 28-year-old has started a new foundation with wife Stacey to help children in need.
Speaking to the Watford Observer after a kickabout with the children, Troy said: “It’s all about leaving a positive legacy.
“I have a connection with the kids here and it’s genuine.
“I am fortunate I am doing well and am able to help.
“I have wanted to give back for a while and am so pleased to have finally found a way to be able to do that with my whole family.”
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