Some famous names were spotted out and about, the opening of a new secondary school and an unhappy Hornets boss were among the stories making our headlines five and ten years ago this week.
TEN YEARS AGO
Prime Minister David Cameron spotted at Watford Junction
Commuters at Watford Junction were joined by a surprise traveller, Prime Minister David Cameron.
Mr Cameron was seen struggling to find a safe seat as he perched on a rail at the station platform.
It comes after he visited a building site in Cheshunt to announce a new package of measures to promote economic growth with the Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg.
A Downing Street spokesman said: "The Prime Minister often travels by public transport - this is not unusual."
Steven Gerrard spotted in Rickmansworth cafe
Rickmansworth High Street came to a standstill today after England football captain Steven Gerrard popped into a cafe for a coffee.
The Liverpool midfielder is staying at the Grove hotel in Watford ahead of a World Cup qualification match.
Malvika, the manager of Costa, said: “He came in at 2.30pm and stayed for about 45 minutes.
“It was good, the whole of Rickmansworth High Street was in the store, he was sitting outside and everyone wanted to take pictures with him.
“He ordered a small cappuccino with one shot and bottle of water. He's come in once before, on a Sunday afternoon when nobody is around.”
Baby news is stork of the town
A couple returned home to Oxhey from hospital after the birth of their first child to find a wooden stork had been put up in their front garden.
Nicky and Wayne Harris, of Cross Road, gave birthday to Mia Daisy Harris on August 18.
When they returned home, they found a painted sign depicting a stork had been put up outside their house.
Nicky, 32, said: “It's a Dutch tradition, out neighbour John Paul put it up while we were at hospital.
“I think it's lovely, they've done it for other neighbours so we've seen it before, but because our house is on the corner it's attracting a lot more attention.”
FIVE YEARS AGO
Eagerly-awaited new secondary school finally opens its doors
An eagerly-awaited secondary school has finally opened its doors just in time for the new academic year.
Croxley Danes School, in Chenies Road, Chorleywood, welcomed its inaugural group of students today in an “historic” moment for the new school.
Students arrived for the first time in their new uniforms, took part in their first assembly led by Head teacher Stephen Thompson and enjoyed their first lessons.
Students Holly and Phoebe, from Croxley Green, called the school “calm, friendly and welcoming”, whilst Cameron described his first day as “exhilarating” and said he was looking forward to science lessons for the “explosions”.
The King of Curry? Watford chef nominated for national award
A curry chef from Watford got a tasty surprise when he was shortlisted for a national award.
Mihad Rahman, who is head chef at the Indian Sizzler, in Longspring, Watford, will attend a gala event in London this autumn to find out if he will be crowned the king of curries at the 2017 Curry Life Awards.
He said: “It’s lovely to get shortlisted for a national honour like this. I don’t get out of the kitchen much so look forward to sitting back and being served myself for a change.
“It’s a team effort at the end of the day so this is a reflection on the whole team’s work. We’re a big family and will celebrate like one.”
Silva slams 'dangerous' lack of options with Amrabat departure over his head
Marco Silva labelled Watford's decision to let Nordin Amrabat leave outside the transfer window as "dangerous" after the head coach revealed he had wanted to keep the Moroccan winger at Vicarage Road.
Silva is clearly irritated by the willingness of the club hierarchy to let the 30-year-old depart on a season-long loan to Leganes, with the British transfer window already closed - and no replacement available.
It left the Portuguese head coach lamenting the issues with the options he has been left with - and questioning the club's business in the final week of the window.
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