Husband. Dad. Community Editor for Watford Observer covering news and sport. Ex-long-serving Sports Editor. All views my own. amatthews@london.newsquest.co.uk
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Articles by Anthony Matthews
Seven Risks and Five Gates: Building Ethical AI Tools for Mediation
A practitioner’s framework for the risks AI poses in mediation, and the controls built to hold them. In April 2026, the National Center for Technology and Dispute Resolution and the International Council for Online Dispute Resolution published guidance on how mediators can use AI ethically. The three areas they highlighted — confidentiality, competence, and transparency — are exactly right. But the guidance describes what must not happen.
Using AI Ethically in Mediation Practice – A Guide for Mediators
September 2026 A note on how to read this. This guide is most effective when paired with training. You can implement the five gates from the text alone, but the parts that matter most — classifying an ambiguous output or hearing what a party actually consented to — are skills that come from practice with real examples, not from reading a principle. Where that matters, the guide says so.
Classic photo unearthed of Watford cricketers listening to 'the Trautmann final'
This wonderful photo is almost 70 years old and shows a group of cricketers gathered round a transistor radio to listen to commentary on another sport. Watford Town CC chairperson Richard Bayliss kindly sent this picture to the Watford Observer of players, at their Woodside ground, listening to the 1956 FA Cup Final.
High street corner home to a succession of burger shops
This site is now part of the Harlequin but many readers will remember it as the place to visit if you wanted a burger to eat. The Watford Observer has again teamed up with its friends at the Museum of Watford to recall structures, objects or businesses from the town’s past that have changed, been developed, or are no longer visible but fondly remembered.
Nostalgic snaps of men at work in a Watford street - but which one?
These photos may be 45 years old but they capture an all too familiar scene of life being disrupted by works taking place in a residential street in Watford – but do you recognise which one? A Watford Observer photographer captured these images in October 1981 when work had begun on replacing the pavement in the road a short distance from the town centre.
Snapshot of a town in transition almost a century ago
This scene may be more difficult to identify if it did not include the large building on the left of the photo, such has been the amount of change since it was captured almost 100 years ago. The Watford Observer is delighted to share pictures from the Museum of Watford's archive and this week we look back at this view of High Street.
Hempstead Road and Harlequin car park access road among latest planned road closures
One of the busiest roads to and from Watford and the access road leading to a car park for the town’s main shopping centre are among the latest planned road closures in the area. Herts County Council has published details of the proposed closures in the Public Notice Portal, which is used to access upcoming and recent information about various restrictions and applications.
Look back at the house located where town hall is today
The town hall is one of the most familiar landmarks in Watford but the site was once occupied by a different building. The Watford Observer has again teamed up with its friends at the Museum of Watford to recall structures, objects or businesses from the town’s past that have changed, been developed, or are no longer visible but fondly remembered.
Captains past and present celebrate Fullerians' centenary
A celebration of a long, rich history took place at a Watford rugby club at the weekend. Fullerians is celebrating its centenary and at a lunch the current 1st XV captain Jack Hobbs met and chatted with the club’s oldest living captain Geoff Osborne. Geoff skippered the side in 1964 and still comes down to the club when he can. He’s 90 years old. The 1960s set the standard for the Coningesby Drive club which saw them become the county’s strongest outfit over the following decades.
Look back at Watford Junction before redevelopment in 1980s
Rail passengers have been arriving and departing Watford’s main train station for almost 170 years but its appearance has changed significantly. The Watford Junction buildings familiar to so many of us were built in the mid-1980s but before then it was a smaller group of structures dating from Victorian times.
A little changed picturesque scene on the outskirts of Watford
The clothes the woman in this beautiful picture postcard scene are wearing give an indication of how long ago it was captured but not a great deal about the scene has changed since. The Watford Observer is delighted to share pictures from the Museum of Watford's archive and this week we look back at this view of Grove Mill Lane.
Look back at town centre street before Watford ring road built
The building of the ring road changed Watford forever but some readers will remember how streets in the town centre looked before it was built. The Watford Observer has again joined forces with its friends at the Museum of Watford to recall structures, objects or businesses from the town’s past that have changed, been developed, or are no longer visible but fondly remembered. Today, we look back at this scene in a town centre road.
Oxhey Jets bounce back with first ever win at London Samurai
Dominic Mosca scores the winner for Oxhey Jets (Image: John Elliott) Oxhey Jets bounced back in the best way possible from their lifeless midweek 5-0 thumping at home to Holmer Green by securing a first ever win at London Samurai Rovers on Saturday. Manager Tom Inch made it clear what he expected from his players in the Combined Counties Division One contest and their response was evident from the first whistle on an impressive new artificial playing surface.
Motorists facing rising parking charges across Watford
Drivers in Watford will have to pay more to park their car from next month. The changes affecting The Avenue, Town Hall, Casisobury Park (Gade Avenue) and Oxhey Activity Park car parks have been published in the Public Notice Portal, which is used to access upcoming and recent information about various restrictions and applications.
Five talking points as Watford held to Leicester stalemate
Giorgi Chakvetadze in action during the goalless draw against Leicester City at Vicarage Road (Image: Alan Cozzi/Watford FC) Watford’s hopes of keeping pace with the sides above them in the race for the play-offs suffered a big blow after they were held to a goalless draw by relegation-threatened Leicester City at Vicarage Road.
Watford club host World Cup evening of family rugby fun
Young players took the opportunity to be pictured with the Womens Rugby World Cup (Image: Fullerians RFC) More than 100 players of all ages and abilities enjoyed the opportunity to see the Women’s Rugby World Cup when it visited Fullerians on Tuesday. The trophy has been on a whirlwind tour of the UK’s clubs, schools and colleges since England memorably lifted it at Twickenham in September.
Nostalgic look back at Lower High Street shops in 1980s
The shops may have changed but this part of Watford High Street continues to play a vital part in the town’s economy. These photos were captured by a Watford Observer photographer in May 1981 and show many of the businesses that were trading in Lower High Street, including some high street staples of the era.
Look inside 'community favourite' pub near Watford before refurbishment
The Tudor-inspired exterior of this gastro pub near Watford has remained largely unaltered since these pictures were taken 30 years ago - but it’s a different story inside. These images of The King Stag pub, in Bushey, were captured by a Watford Observer photographer in September 1993.
Look back at Cassiobury Park's close association with croquet
There has been a croquet club in Watford for 90 years but the sport’s association with the town dates back to the 19th century. The Watford Observer is delighted to share pictures from the Museum of Watford's archive and this week we look back to this scene on the lawns of Cassiobury House.
Major road set to shut for planned roadworks
A section of one of Watford’s busiest roads is set to be temporarily closed for roadworks after the latest planned road closures were published. Details of the closure affecting Hempstead Road have been revealed in the Public Notice Portal, which is used to access upcoming and recent information about various restrictions and applications.
Look inside former pub near Watford once named The Gladstone Arms
It is 20 years since this pub was demolished but these photos of the bar area may rekindle memories of those who once enjoyed visiting it for a drink. These images were captured by a Watford Observer photographer in November 1993 inside the Duke of York, in Croxley Green.
When fans cheered on Watford from a new stand for the first time
The transformation of one end of Vicarage Road had been completed and fans were able to celebrate Watford scoring and winning from a new stand for the first time. These scenes were captured by a Watford Observer photographer on September 18, 1993 when Hornets supporters had their first chance to watch their team in action from the new Vicarage Road Stand.
Look inside a large village pub near Watford 30 years ago
A handful of customers enjoy a drink and a chat at the bar of a pub near Watford that is continuing to pull pints to this day. These photos were taken by a Watford Observer photographer in September 1993 at The Swan, in College Road, Abbots Langley. A handful of customers at the bar of the pub in September 1993 (Image: Watford Observer) Now a pub restaurant operated by Greene King, the large open-plan pub dates back more than 155 years.
Multiple roads in Watford area set to shut for roadworks
Multiple roads in Watford and surrounding areas are set to be shut for roadworks after the latest planned road closures were revealed. Streets in Chorleywood and South Oxhey are among those due to be affected by the planned temporary restrictions detailed in public notices published in the published in the Public Notice Portal, which is used to access upcoming and recent information about various restrictions and applications.
Final set of unusual perspective snaps taken by camera club members
Our talented photographers having taken some super snaps from 'unusual perspectives' over the past four weeks - you can enjoy the final selection by scrolling down this page - but it is again time to set to set them a new challenge. Inspired by a photo camera club stalwart Stephen Danzig posted on the group this week, the new theme is 'our ever changing high streets'.
Memories of the only pub in a small Hertfordshire village
A member of staff pours a pint behind the bar of former pub in a small village in Hertfordshire that served its final customers around 15 years ago. These images were taken by a Watford Observer photographer in September 1993 at The Swan, in Pimlico, near Hemel Hempstead. Pouring a pint behind the bar of The Swan (Image: Watford Observer) The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) website records the Bedmond Road pub had a bar area to the front of the premises with a restaurant to the rear.
Rufus Hound bringing magician grandfather's story to life on Watford stage
A lost legacy will be brought to life in an experience aiming to leave audiences with their “jaw on the floor” when the centrepiece of Watford Palace Theatre’s spring season opens next month. Actor, comedian and presenter Rufus Hound will take centre stage at the Clarendon Road venue as The Mesmerist, recreating part of his family’s history through illusions and audience interaction.
Multiple Watford-area roads set to shut for roadworks
More than a dozen roads in Watford and Abbots Langley are set to be shut for roadworks after the latest planned road closures in the area were revealed. A section of Vicarage Road is among the streets affected by the planned temporary restrictions detailed in public notices published in the published in the Public Notice Portal, which is used to access upcoming and recent information about various restrictions and applications.
Former pub near Watford whose name lives on
This former pub is now a residential property but its name continues to live on. These photos were taken by a Watford Observer photographer in March 1993 when The White Horse, in Bushey, reopened, presumably after a refurbishment or a change of manager or ownership. The 33-year-old images show the theme of white was reflected in the bar and seating area as well as the exterior of the pub.
death notices in the Watford Observer
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Look back at major Watford road 'prior to alterations'
The car is a big clue to how long ago this photo was taken in part of a Watford road that would change beyond recognition over the next 50 years. The Watford Observer has again teamed up with its friends at the Museum of Watford to recall structures, objects or businesses from the town’s past that have changed, been developed, or are no longer visible but fondly remembered.
Nostalgic snap of horse-drawn milk cart being led past long-lost hotel
This wonderful old photo may date back to before the Second World War when milk was delivered by horse and cart in Watford. The Watford Observer is delighted to share pictures from the Museum of Watford's archive and this week we look back at this wintery scene.
Indian restaurant's alcohol licence bid among latest public notices
An application to sell alcohol in a restaurant and planned road closures are among the latest public notices to be issued. These are published in the Public Notice Portal, which is used to access upcoming and recent information about various restrictions and applications.
The most changed area of Watford High Street
Watford High Street is always evolving as new shops open and close but it isn’t only the businesses that have changed over the years. The Watford Observer has again joined forces with its friends at the Museum of Watford to recall structures, objects or businesses from the town’s past that have changed, been developed, or are no longer visible but fondly remembered.
Sentimental snaps of last days of Vicarage Road terrace
It had been the matchday home for generations of Watford fans for 70 years but in May 1993 another chapter in the history of Vicarage Road was underway with the demolition of the Vicarage Road terracing. Four days after the 1992/93 season had ended in a whimper with a 1-0 defeat at home to Oxford United in front of an attendance of 8,127, a Watford Observer photographer returned to the stadium to capture these images.
Snaps of when a snazzy new bar opened in Watford in the 1990s
Customers mingle and enjoy a chat over a drink at the opening of a new bar in Watford 30 years ago. These pictures were taken by a Watford Observer photographer in June 1993 when the Wag & Bone Bar opened its doors to the public for the first time.
Former Watford firm remembered by carved stone above doorway
This company moved away from Watford some years ago but a reminder of their presence can still be found above a doorway. The Watford Observer is delighted to share pictures from the Museum of Watford's archive and this week we look back at a former business in the town. S G Brown in Shakespeare Street during the 1960s (Image: Museum of Watford) The museum’s volunteer archivist Christine Orchard said: “Originally formed around 1910, S G Brown Ltd originally manufactured telephone equipment.
Look inside much-loved pub at heart of community 30 years ago
Customers in this much-loved pub at the heart of its community had an array of paintings, posters and other objects to enjoy looking at when they were enjoying a drink 30 years ago. These pictures were taken by a Watford Observer photographer in May 1993 for a feature on the Villiers Arms in Oxhey.
Superb short film showcases Watford's past - watch it here
Watford’s past has been brought back to life thanks to the skills of a talented videographer. Using archive photos and animation, Jamie Smith has produced this 75-second video that is a must watch for anyone with an interest in the town’s history. A still from the video of a horse and rider at the Cassiobury Park Gates (Image: Jamie Smith.
The 500-year-old building home to a much-loved jewellery shop
This building has been home to a jewellers for 70 years but its history dates back much further. The Watford Observer is delighted to share pictures from the Museum of Watford's archive and this week it’s the turn of one of Watford’s oldest buildings.
The best winter weather photos from our Watford Observer Camera Club
Some super 'winter weather' snaps have been taken by members of the Watford Observer Camera Club over the past four weeks - you can enjoy the final selection across these pages - but it is once again time to set them a new photographic challenge. The new theme for our talented photographers is 'unusual perspectives'. The camera club is open to all photographers, from those who snap pictures on their phones to professionals who capture perfect shots with specialist equipment.
Memories of when a pool bar opened at a former Watford pub
Plenty of people enjoy playing pool while enjoying a drink in a pub and in the 1990s there was a new place in Watford to visit for a game with friends or family. These snaps were taken by a Watford Observer photographer in March 1993 when a Mr Qs pool bar opened at the Verulam Arms. The opening of Mr Qs at the Verulam Arms in March 1993 (Image: Watford Observer) Sadly, there are no photos in our archive to show what the interior of the former St Albans Road pub looked like at that time.
Why Watford High Street view has vanished
This view of Watford High Street has mostly vanished even though most of the buildings are still standing. The Watford Observer has again joined forces with its friends at the Museum of Watford to recall structures, objects or businesses from the town’s past that have changed, been developed, or are no longer visible but fondly remembered.
Look inside popular restaurant near Watford 30 years ago
A waiter serves a pair of customers while another look at the menu in a popular themed restaurant and bar near Watford 30 years ago. Where Watford had Chicago Rock Café and Calendars was a well-liked destination in Garston, many people in the Rickmansworth area will have fond memories of a meal or a night out at Long Island Exchange.
Memories of three shopping parades in Watford area 30 years ago
The growth of supermarkets and online shopping means there are fewer independent traders today but 30 years ago bakers, butchers and greengrocers were still commonplace in shopping parades across our area. At the start of 1993 Watford Observer captured these images of some of the shops in Baldwins Lane, Croxley Green, South Oxhey’s Prestwick Road and Tudor Parade, in Mill End, Rickmansworth.
'Wonderfully generous gift' kick starts Watford homelessness project
A £1million donation is helping to kick-start an ambitious project to bring together essential services that help some of the most vulnerable people in Watford under one roof. Homeless charity New Hope is planning to combine its Haven support and advice centre for people facing homelessness, based in Whippendell Road, with The Sanctuary, which offers short-term emergency accommodation and is located in Exchange Road.
Why special tree could not be saved when Watford roundabout built
Change for the greater good can sometimes mean sacrifices have to be made, despite every effort being made to avoid this. The Watford Observer has again joined forces with its friends at the Museum of Watford to recall structures, objects or businesses from the town’s past that have changed, been developed, or are no longer visible but fondly remembered.
Look back at destruction caused by pub fire 30 years ago
We republished photos of a fire at this pub last summer – but it wasn’t the first time firefighters had been called to tackle a big blaze at the premises. A Watford Observer photographer captured the images in this link as crews tackled the fire at the Happy Man, in Mill End, on August 1, 2005 that ultimately led to it being demolished and a Tesco supermarket built on the site.
Fantastic snaps of Watford taken from Harlequin roof 30 years ago
Photos taken from up high are a great way to see how our towns and cities looked in the past and in the early 1990s there was a new vantage point to get a bird’s eye view of Watford. The Harlequin Centre had fully opened to shoppers in June 1992 and nine months later a Watford Observer photographer was given access to the roof to take these snaps of the town from a variety of angles.
Nostalgic snaps of Watford High Street 50 years ago
Three women enjoy a chat as they take a break from shopping in a very familiar setting, but one in which so much has changed since these photos were taken. These pictures of the high street area from the flyover to the pond were captured by a Watford Observer photographer almost 51 years ago in February 1975.
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