Ken Peak

Proceeding along the High Street in the direction of the River Colne, one cannot help noticing our local War Memorial, a few yards beyond The Golden Lion public house. This familiar monument bears the names of London Colney men who served in the armed forces during two world wars - 52 name~ from 1914-1918, and 20 names from 1939-1945.
Buried Here
Included in this list are seven men who were laid to rest in the cemetery of St.Petcr’s Church at Riverside, and sponsored by The Commonwealth War Graves Commission, having lost their lives due to enemy action, or dying whilst on active service. They are: - (WWI) Private W.R. Pegrum (Royal Army Ordnance Corps) (WW2) Sapper L. Cruddas (Royal Engineers) Sgt J. Cook (RAP, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner) Sgt A.E. Perry ( The Pioneer Corps) Gunner J.T. Catlin (Royal Arti11ery) Stoker W.J. Carter (HMS “Royal Arthur”) Sgt C.A. Waller (Grenadier Guards) their ages ranged from 19 to 34 years...
These seven graves are maintained on behalf of the Commission by a local resident, Ted Turner, who was appointed Custodian for the project in March 2008, when new roses were planted, together with large white crocus and multi-coloured Dutch iris. The headstones are thoroughly cleaned several times each year, depending on their condition, surrounding grass is mown on a regularly and edges neatly trimmed.

Lovingly Maintained
Ted, who has lived in this village since 1950, comes from a military background, having served in the RAP from age 16 (1937-39) then serving in the Army during 1944-48 as a training instructor: before joining aircraft builders Handley-Page Ltd at Radlett aerodrome. He retired in 1986, and is now in his 89th year! !
In October 2009, Ted received a letter nom the Area Supervisor (Eastern Region) of the War Graves Commission, in which he said “During my recent visit, I was very impressed to find all the war graves were immaculately maintained and in pristine condition. I can say that without question these are some of the best-cared-for graves that I have visited, and they compare very favourably with those found in France and Belgium. Many thanks - please keep up the good workl” (signed by) Alan Dracup, Area Supervisor, WGC Eastern Region.
Relax or Help
If you would like to spend some Quality Time in complete relaxation this pleasant churchyard is the place to find it. Take a seat and watch the wildlife, enjoy the aerial antics of the resident squirrels as they forage for chestnuts high in the tree branches, or study the birds passing through.
For the more conscientious person, why not offer to take part in some of the other mundane jobs that crop up nom time to time? You’ll be rewarded by the personal satisfaction of knowing that you have made a small but important contribution to the upkeep of St Peter’s churchyard, for the benefit of all who care to visit this spot.