We have been looking back through the Watford Observer archives and here are some of the stories that were making the headlines ten and five years ago this week.

TEN YEARS AGO

'Deeney is a real handful'

Malky Mackay expects new Watford signing to be a “real handful” in the Championship and says the striker is desperate to score goals at this level.

Deeney finally completed his move to Watford on Friday after the club previously had four bids for the 22-year-old rejected.

Walsall have been keen to describe the deal as £500,000 plus another £150,000 should Watford reach the Premier League and although we understand the fee is slightly misleading as it consists of a number of incentives, the Hornets fans have high expectations from their club’s most expensive acquisition of the summer.

But Mackay does not expect Deeney to disappoint. He said: “We have been tracking Troy for a year and all credit to the people at our club to make that happen because, please believe me, that wasn’t an easy negotiation with that football club.

“I am delighted to get him in the door and he is delighted to be here.”

'Songtimers' sing and dance their way to stardom

Watford Observer:

Singing sensations Samantha Bingley and Sam Meyers from show-choir The Songtimers have won their heat in a television talent contest.

The dazzling duo, from Chorleywood and Kings Langley respectively, wowed celebrity judges and home audiences on Sunday evening with their spectacular mash-up of Michael Jackson’s Man In The Mirror and Avril Lavigne’s Keep Holding On.

Broadcast live on channel five show Don’t Stop Believing, a contest inspired by musical drama Glee and talent show The X Factor, the group performed for 90 seconds, dancing and singing their medley.

Stars celebrate end with Harry Potter wrap party

Cast and crew of popular film series Harry Potter have celebrated the end of the lucrative franchise with a lavish wrap party at Leavesden Film Studios.

According to reports, on Saturday evening cast members including Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Jim Broadbent and Tom Felton, turned out in force to the Hertfordshire-based studios for the afternoon party.

Hosted by Warner Brothers Studios and author J K Rowling, guests are believed to have enjoyed a fun fair complete with a ghost train and dodgems.

David Thewlis, who plays Professor Remus Lupin, and his partner actress Anna Friel, were also reported to have attended, as was singer Jarvis Cocker, who recorded tracks for the soundtrack to "Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire".

FIVE YEARS AGO

World War One medals found in abandoned safe in Chorleywood

World War One medals were found in an abandoned safe which is believed to have been stolen.

The safe was discovered in a wooded area off Bullsland Lane, Chorleywood on Tuesday, July 28.

The 1914-1915 star, a British Great War medal and the Victory medal were all found inside the safe.

There were three medals inside which are the 1914-1915 star, a British Great War medal and the Victory medal. The 1914-1915 star is a campaign medal awarded to officers of the British forces who were involved in World War One.

Watford clinch Ake loan signing

Watford Observer:

The Hornets signed Nathan Ake on loan from Chelsea. Photo: Action Images

Watford have signed Chelsea defender Nathan Ake on loan for the rest of the season.

The Hornets first approached the Blues over a move for the 20-year-old last month. But their enquiry was rebuffed as the Premier League champions would not let Ake leave as he provided cover for first-choice left-back Cesar Azpilicueta.

However, Chelsea are believed to be close to completing a deal for Augsburg's left-back Baba Rahman and have decided to allow Ake to continue his development at Vicarage Road.

Wife of man described as 'light of Radlett station' continues his legacy

Watford Observer:

Rekha Patel continues to open kiosk at Radlett station

The wife of a man who commuters described as the "light of Radlett station" is continuing his legacy.

Vinu Patel, who died in February this year, ran the kiosk on platform one for 21 years and now his wife Rekha has taken over the stall.

Mrs Patel said: "When my husband passed away we had a great response from customers - everybody was so sympathetic.

"We had a condolences book and one person in their wrote, 'Vinu was the light of Radlett station and now that light had gone'.

"There were three things he always talked to customers about and that was family, cricket and the weather. Everyone always remembers that."