#Stevenage August 2020

# STEVENAGE Text

The unique digital magazine for Stevenage promoted by social media

August 2020

The unique digital magazine for Stevenage promoted by social media

Winning feeling

Pau l Fr y speak s t o St even age r acin g st ar Alan M u n r o

The unique digit al m agazine f or #St evenage

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# St ayal ert savel ives t hrough t he coronavirus crisis Advert ising and not publ ic charit y support s t his publ icat ion

What's on in

#Stevenage

August istraditionally a slow time for newsof all sorts aspeople head away from work for a well earned break.

Of course aswith all things2020, this year hasproved to be the exception.

While we have steadily crept out of the coronaviruslockdown, only to fear another, it has been a busy time for those who are going back to work and who may not be getting the holiday they had hoped for.

In Stevenage we have had plenty of activity, world records galore and real signsof the spirit and resilience we

showed when backing our NHSin the darker days earlier thisyear.

We are proud of our support during the coronavirusoutbreak to local groups and businessesand pledge that at #Stevenage we will continue with our policy of providing free editorial support to all our valued advertisersand local organisations.

So if you are a group or a businesswho would like to promote yourselves through #Stevenage magazine you can do so by simply calling 07539782979 or by emailing: hdmdigitalsales@gmail.com

#STEVENAGE - THE UNIQUE DIGITAL M AGAZINE GOT A STORY TO TELL US? St or ies an d f eat u r es: dar r en @spit f irText epr .com WANT TO ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS OR EVENT? Sales: h dm digit alsales@gm ail.com Text FIND OUT M ORE ABOUT HASHTAG DIGITAL M EDIA w w w.h ash t agdigit alm edia.co.u k Text Tw it t er w w w.t w it t er .com / h t agst even age/ Facebook w w w.f acebook .com / st even agem agazin e/

Pride awards are open

Nominat ions open for Pride of St evenage Awards 2020 Nominations open today (22 July) for this year?s Pride of Stevenage Awards, to applaud the good work of the community during the pandemic.

This year?s awards will be held virtually for the first time on Saturday 24 October and will be live streamed from the council?s YouTube channel: youtube.com/user/SBCComms Categories highlight the good work of individuals and businesses that have made a difference during the pandemic. The award categories are: ·Best Covid communit y support service to help the people of Stevenage during the pandemic ·Covid lockdown hero someone who selflessly helped others ·Best company providing Covid support to the residents/local community ·Best t eam Covid support providing support to the residents/local community ·Best Covid communit y hero someone who helped local groups of people / volunteering that made a difference / someone who was a good neighbour or Samaritan

during the lockdown ¡Best Covid healt hcare hero/ heroes healthcare specialist/s who made a huge difference ¡Best Covid adapt able business organisations that redeployed staff, made donations, changed services/products during the pandemic and/or lockdown period.

Nominations are open and close on Friday 4 September. Winners will be chosen by a panel of judges, chaired by Leader of the Council, Councillor Sharon Taylor. Finalists will be informed after the judging.

The host for the evening will be SG1 Sports Scene radio presenter and Stevenage FC matchday announcer, Jay Drackford.

Leader of Stevenage Borough Council, Councillor Sharon Taylor, said: ?Although we cannot host the awards ceremony as we usually would, it?s more important than ever that we recognise the good work of community groups and individuals, so this year?s Pride of Stevenage Awards will be held virtually. ?The heart of our town lies in its people and over the past six months, I have been truly humbled by the acts of kindness and community spirit shown by so many people and organisations during such a difficult time. We really have seen the best of Stevenage, it?s something our town should be extremely proud about and we look forward to being able to recognise and say thank you in October. ?The Pride of Stevenage Awards is a chance of us to come together virtually to celebrate and say thank you to some amazing people and recognise the outstanding contribution they have made to our town and the lives of people in it.?

To nominate a community group, business or individual for a Pride of Stevenage Award, visit: https://services.stevenage.gov.uk/ ~?a=sbc-pride-award

Getting ready to ride to celebrate Cycling UK

Cycling UK was due to be 142 years old on Wednesday 5th August and the Stevenage group are celebrating.

group off road ride this Saturday 8th August and will be out again on Sunday.Many other outings are being organised over the coming days.

The Cyclists?Touring Club, which became Cycling UK, held its first club rides in 1878.

They have also published a number of virtual routes on their website www.stevenagectc.org.uk which you can ride whenever you choose.

While current health guidelines do not allow us to cycle in groups of more than six the Stevenage group had two ?real?rides on 2nd August; will have two more rides on 5th August; a ?real?small

While the restrictions remain in place if you want to join in one of the small group rides you must visit the website, see which ride interests you and

text the ride leader to book a place.The list of rides is updated frequently so keep looking.

Recent up to six people activities have included checking the routes for the Stevenage Cycling Festival, which starts on 22nd August; the ABC six mile beginner rides around the Stevenage cycleways; half day rides including Rushden Mill End, Codicote, Ashwell, Lilley, Whitwell, the 13 mile Heart ride tracing the perimeter of Stevenage and the Stevenage heritage ride which visited landmarks all round the town; evening rides visiting Ardeley, Buntingford, Peters Green, Watton; Weston; and day rides getting a bit further afield including Dunstable Downs, Grafham Water, Great Chishill windmill, Jordans Mill, Saffron Walden, Sandy, Silsoe, High Beach in Epping Forest; and the Bike Week virtual challenge.

Normally Cycling UK organise more than 200 local cycle rides and events every year and thousands of people enjoy their activities.Of course Cycling UK Stevenage are looking forward to being able to publish a full programme again and being able to welcome people to turn up and join in when they can but at least this way they can get out on bikes, get some exercise, explore the surrounding countryside and enjoy some company.

Their off road cycle challenge would have been on Sunday 9th August but has gone virtual and can be completed on any day that you chose up to the end of the Stevenage Cycling Festival, Sunday 30th August.

Have a look at their Facebook page Cycling UK Stevenage; visit www.stevenagectc.org.uk or contact Jim on 0793 968 7509; Tina on 01438 235881 or Penny 07787 816434.

Cycling UK Stevenage supports the Space4Cycling campaign.Cycle-friendly streets are people-friendly streets. We want everyone to enjoy the health benefits, improved air quality and community feel that Space for Cycling can bring ? whether you choose to cycle or not. The national Space for Cycling campaign works with local campaign groups to get councils to plan, invest in and build a high quality cycle network.

Many local authorities are provided new bike routes or widening existing cycle lanes as well as providing more space on pavements to respond to the increase in the number of people cycling and walking while facilitating social distancing.

Even in Stevenage there are there places where there

is no provision at all or the routes are too narrow.For more on Space4Cycling see: https://www.cyclinguk.org/campaign/space-for-cycling Cycling is a brilliant form of transport but it can also be fun and a great way to get exercise.The Local Cycling UK offer lots of opportunities.Have a look at their Facebook page Cycling UK Stevenage or visit www.stevenagectc.org.uk or contact Jim on 0793 968 7509; Tina on 01438 235881 or Penny 07787 816434.

To join Cycling UK please go to www.cyclinguk.org

Net gain for hoop fans in Stevenage parks Residents now have access to six new basketball hoops, thanks to funding from Basketball England.

The nets were distributed as part of Basketball England?s Project Swish, an initiative that aims to distribute thousands of free basketball nets for outdoor hoops across the country.

This follows research conducted by Healthy Stevenage, working in partnership with the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR, Applied Research Collaboration (ARC), the University of Hertfordshire (UoH) and Hertfordshire County Council?s Public Health team, that highlighted basketball as a sport young people reported that they would like to play more of in the town.

The nets have been installed at the following parks: Shephalbury Park, Hampson Park, Peartree Park, St Nicholas Park, Canterbury Way Playing Fields, Ridlins End Playing Fields.

With more due to be installed next week at the following parks: Peartree Park, Ridlins Park, Broad Oak Way Councillor Richard Henry, Executive Member for Children, Young People, Leisure and Culture, said: ?We know how important exercise is for our physical and mental health, so we?re grateful to Basketball England for donating the hoops free of charge. They will be located at locations across Stevenage meaning that one will be available in a park near you.?

Angela Griffin, Hertfordshire Basketball Association Secretary & Development Officer, said: ?Basketball is a great sport to be involved in and Hertfordshire Basketball Association are working hard to develop Basketball within Stevenage and other districts across Hertfordshire. With the help and support from Basketball England #ProjectSwish we are working towards making sure every basketball hoop in a public area will have a new net.?

St evenage at hlet e Simon Jackson smashed an eight -year-old Guinness World Record, in a charit y challenge which raised almost ÂŁ9,000 for Garden House Hospice Care.

Simon, a member of t he Fairlands Valley Spart ans ? broke t he Indoor Ironman Triat hlon (rowing) world record wit h a t ime of 8 hours 17 minut es and 12 seconds, beat ing t he longst anding record by over seven minut es.

The challenge involved 3.86 km on a rowing machine, cycling 180.25 km on an indoor bike and t hen running a 42.2km on a t readmill ? which Simon complet ed live at t he SG1 Radio st udios in St evenage t own cent re.

The event was live st reamed on t he SG1 Facebook page, and feat ured on a special radio show which included int erviews wit h St evenage mayor Jim Brown, and local legend Bet t y-Leigh Allinson ? who has cycled a mile a day for over 80 days t o raise ÂŁ25,000 for t he hospice.

In an emot ional day, Simon was cheered on by friends and family as nearly 10,000 people viewed t he live

Spartan Simon swoops to claim World best st ream t hroughout t he day. The wider St evenage communit y also gat hered out side t he SG1 st udios, wat ching on t hrough t he glass windows ? as only a small number were allowed in t he building due t o COVID-19 rest rict ions.

Simon said he was ?over t he moon?t o have broken t he record, but said he it st ill ?hasn?t sunk in?t hat he?s now a Guinness World Record Holder.

?It was amazing t o have family, friends, Spart ans, and people from Freedom around me. The help I have been offered I could never have expecet ed. I didn?t have a rowing machine, didn?t have a running machine. I was going on bike rides wit h my kids during lockdown, and just running alongside t hem.

To donat e, visit Simon?s just giving page at just giving.com/fundraising/ ironmanworldrecord

Fitness boost for town

Stevenage Borough Council is launching free exercise classes for residents.

The sessions will launch next week (Wednesday 5 August) ? as part of the So Active project run by Healthy Stevenage ? and will run through throughout the summer holidays. There is something for the whole family, with three different sessions on each week. ·Azonto Fitness with Kwaku An African inspired dance fitness classfor adults.

Attendees will danceto popular Afrobeats music.

This session welcomes all abilities andisdesigned to get you moving to the beat!

Weekly sessions begin Friday 7 August, 10-11am at St Nicolas Park,Pilgrims Way, Stevenage, SG1 4PT ·Fit Kidz Bootcamp with Chris An outdoor bootcamp using functional fitness equipment welcoming young people aged 11-16 years old to enjoy fitness activities surrounded by nature.

Weekly sessions begin Thursday 6 August, 11am-12pm atFairlands Valley Park, Six Hills Way, Stevenage, SG2 0BL ·Chair Fit with Irene A gentle online fitness activity session for Stevenage residents aged 65 years and over of all abilities.

Weekly sessions begin Wednesday 5 August, 11:45am - 12:30pm. To book, please email ig@irenegibson.co.ukor call 07802 418755. For further information please visit www.irenegibson.co.uk.

Councillor Jeannette Thomas, Executive Member for Housing, Health and Older People at Stevenage Borough Council, said ?It?s important we all look after our mental and physical health, and these classes are a great opportunity for residents to get a little bit fitter while getting out into our spaces and becoming part of a new fitness community.

For more information, please email leisure@stevenage.gov.uk

Battle lines drawn in bid to save Box Wood

Hist ory Box Wood was registered and Listed with English Heritage as an Ancient Monument in 1988. A large portion of the wood has evidence of earthworks and ?Tofts?which can be easily seen throughout the year. These present themselves as large artificial banks of soil, especially made as a defences in ancient times.

The National Heritage List for England, or ?The List?, originated in 1882, when the first powers of protection were established.

These developed into what we know today as statutory ?Listing? just after the Second World War. Drawing together all scheduled monuments, listed buildings, registered landscapes and battlefields, and protected wrecks, The List now holds over 400,000 entries and it is continuously updated by Historic England.

Box Wood is mentioned in the Domesday Book? the manuscript record of the ?Great Survey?of much of England and parts of Wales completed in 1086 by order of King William the Conqueror.

Boxwood House is said to have been built on the foundations of an old church and its gardens are believed to hold the remains of the victims of The Black Death? the deadliest pandemic recorded in human history. The Black Death resulted in the deaths of up to 75?200 million people in Eurasia andN orth Africa in the 1300s.

Old yew trees from the cemetery still grow close to Boxwood House.

There is an increasing number of people trying to illegally metal detect in the area. Anyone seen trespassing in this way will be reported to the police.

Job is to see how new owners look after wood

In t hree weeks we have raised awareness of t he sale of Box Wood - and couldn?t have asked for more support . Since launching t he Facebook group Friends of Box Wood we have at t ract ed nearly 2,000 followers all of whom are keen t o see t his beaut iful space saved from development .

development right s - meaning any owner will now have t o apply for planning t o even erect a fence.

There are now four preservat ion orders in place on t he whole wood - t wo were exist ing and t wo have been fast -t racked by East Hert s Dist rict Council and Walkern Parish Council.

We are now keen t o see how t hey plan t o look aft er t he wood.

The wood is regist ered Replant ed Ancient Woodland wit h Nat ural England, a regist ered Ancient Monument wit h Hist oric England, t here is a Tree Preservat ion Order (TPO) on all of it s t rees and an Art icle 4 Direct ion was issued on t he 22nd July which rest rict s any permit t ed

We were hoping t o save t he wood from being broken up int o small plot s but sadly, purchasers have come forward and t here are now numerous new owners of varying acreage.

Since 1987 we have all been very lucky t o have had access t o t his privat e land. The previous leaseholder was generous in allowing t he public ont o t his space. All we can hope now is t hat t he new purchasers are just as charit able in allowing everyone t o cont inue t o enjoy Box Wood.

Fiona Hill ht t p://saveboxwood.co.uk /friends-of-boxwood

Background Box Wood is a privately-owned 60-acre ancient woodland which has four important protections.

The whole wood is classified as Ancient Replanted Woodland by Natural England.

The southern end has earthworks, the remains of the medieval village of Boxe. This is a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic England.

All of the trees in the wood have a Tree Preservation Order.

An Article 4 Direction has been issued by North East Herts Council on the whole of the wood.

In 1956 The Forestry Commission purchased a 999 year lease on the woodland which they subsequently sold in 1986 to the current owner. This lease was recently put up for sale with a completion date of 23rd July 2020.

The new purchaser SIPP Investments Ltd, established in June 2020, is selling on the woodland as plots and implying heavily that they can be built on. It is rumoured that a few plots have been bought by the travelling community.

Our Facebook group Friends of Box Wood was set up on 27th June 2020 to alert people to the sale and breakup of the woodland.

Actions taken to protect the ancient woodland and monument On 2nd July, Stephen McPartland MP and Sir Oliver Heald MP, posted letters highlighting their concerns about sale and potential development of Box Wood.

Slava & Trev from SG1 Radio have given major coverage and their support to the campaign.

A poster campaign

around the wood alerting potential purchasers of the protections has been put in place.

Walkern Parish Council, District Councillor Ken Crofton and East Herts District Council (EHDC) worked tirelessly to have a Tree Preservation Order placed on the whole of Box Wood.

The Article 4 Direction was issued by EHDC on 22 July 2020.

Friends of Fairlands Valley Farm submitted a Nomination of Asset of Community Interest for Box Wood to East Herts District Council on 13th July. If approved by EHDC before 22nd July it will block the current leasehold sale and give the community an extended period to purchase Box Wood. We are waiting to see if the nomination is accepted by EHDC as this will decide our next steps with community fund raising.

Please continue to support the campaign by contacting EHDC, your local councillor and MP to help stop the break up of the woods, protect the ancient monument and save the woodland.

Stevenage FC launch Soccer Camps for Summer learning Soccer Camps are back from Monday 3rd August 2020 for bot h boys and girls bet ween t he ages of 5 and 12 years old...

Delivered by St evenage FC Foundat ion, we combine fun games and act ivit ies wit h t he sport 's principal skills t o provide t he perfect holiday act ivit y.

A full day of camps run from 10am t ill 3pm at St evenage FC Academy, whilst Half Days run from eit her 9:45am-12:15pm or 12:45pm-3:15pm.

All sessions are physically act ive and are cent red around improving foot balling abilit y t hrough gameplay. Sessions t ake place on ast ro t urf, so all children must wear warm & wat erproof clot hing, shin pads & moulded foot ball boot s or ast ro t urf t rainers. All children must also bring a packed lunch when at t ending full day camps, as well as plent y of wat er.

Week 1: Monday 3rd August - Friday 7t h August 2020

BOOK HERE NOW!

h t t p:/ / w w w.sf cacadem y.co.u k / soccer -cam Click h erps.h e tt mo book !!

Week 2: Monday 10t h August - Friday 14t h August 2020 Week 3: Monday 17t h August - Friday 21st August 2020 Week 4: Monday 24t h August - Friday 28t h August 2020 All bookings for our Summer Soccer Camps will need t o be booked online prior t o t he day.

Unfort unat ely, we are not able t o accept any walk-ins on t he day.

Bookings are t o be made in eit her Key St age One (5-8 years) or Key St age Two (8-11 years) groups

but please not e, Week 1 of t he Summer Camps are for Key St age Two children only.

Coaches: Part icipant s will be supervised and coached by St evenage FC Foundat ion coaches who are FA Qualified, DBS Checked, First Aid Qualified and have at t ended a FA Safeguarding Children Workshop.

Refunds:W ill not be issued due t o bad weat her. We are unable t o credit or refund due t o illness unless special circumst ances.

Accident & Injuries:By booking a place/places on a St evenage FC Soccer Camp; I am consent ing for t he named person(s) on t he booking t o t ake part in physical act ivit ies and accept t hat on rare occasions accident s and injuries may occur t o part icipant s.

St evenage Foot ball Club or St evenage FC Foundat ion can accept no liabilit y for accident al injuries sust ained by at t endees during our sessions.

Assumpt ion Of Risk & Waiver of Liabilit y Relat ing t o Coronavirus: Coronavirus or COVID-19, (?t he virus?) has been declared a worldwide pandemic by t he World Healt h Organizat ion. The virus is ext remely cont agious and is believed t o spread mainly from person-t o-person cont act . As a result , t he UK Government has asked us all t o keep t o st rict social dist ancing guidance and have prohibit ed t he congregat ion of groups of people. You must adhere t o Government guidance at all t imes whilst visit ing

our facilit ies or t aking part in act ivit ies. We have put in place prevent at ive measures in line wit h Government guidance t o reduce t he spread of t he virus; however, we cannot guarant ee t hat you, your child(ren) and/or any minor for whom you have responsibilit y will not become infect ed wit h t he virus. Furt her, at t ending our facilit ies and act ivit ies could increase your risk and your child(ren)?s risk of cont ract ing t he virus.

By agreeing t o t ake part in act ivit ies held at or in t he facilit ies and/or delivered by us and ot hers, you acknowledge t he cont agious nat ure of coronavirus and volunt arily assume t he risk t hat you, your child(ren) and/or any minor for whom you have responsibilit y may be exposed t o or infect ed by t he virus by at t ending our act ivit ies, whet her at our facilit ies or any ot her place where our act ivit ies are delivered.

In assuming t his risk you agree not t o hold us responsible or account able for any exposure t o, or infect ion by t he virus (subject always t o sect ion 1(d)-(f) of our Condit ions) or for any of t he consequences of infect ion for you, your child(ren) and/or any minor for whom you have responsibilit y.

By booking any act ivit y you aut omat ically agree t o t he t erms of t his Assumpt ion Of Risk & Waiver of Liabilit y Relat ing t o Coronavirus.

Museum back open

St evenage Museum will once again welcome visit ors when it reopens t o t he public on Thursday 6 August .

Init ially, t he museum will only be open on Thursdays but ext ra days will be added as soon as it is safe t o do so, including Sat urdays from 29 August . Visit ors will need t o book a guided t our before t hey visit , eit her by emailing museum@st evenage.gov.uk or calling 01438 218 881.

Sanit isers and screens have been added, and a t ouch payment syst em has been int roduced. There are floor st ickers t o help everyone keep a safe dist ance apart , and t he galleries have been deep cleaned and t he air handling syst em has been overhauled and improved t o keep fresh air flowing t hrough t he galleries. The shop st ock has been reviewed t o minimise handling, and st aff will be wearing masks or visors.

Visit ors can st ill t ake part in t he ?St evenage in 100 object s project ?, eit her by choosing t heir favourit e

object t hat represent s part of t he t own?s hist ory from t he museum or bringing in one from home. The t op 100 it ems chosen will published online t hrough t he summer and aut umn.

Councillor Richard Henry, Execut ive Member for Children, Young People, Leisure and Cult ure, said: ?St aff have been working hard behind closed doors t o ensure t hat t he museum can reopen safely t o visit ors, and we?re delight ed t o be able t o re-open on Thursday 6 August . ?Along wit h t he usual displays, t here will be quizzes and act ivit ies for families t o do t oget her, so when booking please let t he st aff know if you are bringing children in your group. You will need t o bring your own pencil, or you can buy one in t he museum?s shop for 50p. There is also t he chance t o be part of a unique project looking back at our t own?s rich hist ory, by choosing an it em t o represent St evenage in 100 object s.?

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Brilliant Betty-Leigh raises £25,000 for Garden House Hospice Remarkable 5-year-old fundraiser Bet t y-Leigh Allinson, raised £25,000 for Garden House Hospice Care aft er riding her bike for a mile a day for 100 days.

Bet t y-Leigh explained why she did it saying: "I am 5 years old and I have just learnt t o ride my bike wit hout st abilisers during lockdown. My Nanny works really hard at t he Garden House Hospice t o raise funds for t hem but due t o t he current sit uat ion t hey have had t o cancel all fundraising event s and close t he charit y shops meaning t hey will lose around £25,000 a week. So i would like t o help t hem raise some money by riding my bike for 1 mile everyday wit h a t arget of 100 days.

Bet t y-Leigh st art ed off her fundraising wit h t he £7 she had saved for Disneyland as she couldn't go.

She decided t o wear her arsenal kit for her Grandad Ian Allinson who used t o play for Arsenal and t hen planned t o wear a different foot ball kit for everyday of t he ride which led t o a host of foot ball league and non-league foot ball clubs donat ing shirt s t o wear.

Garden House Hospice Care provides specialist palliat ive care for pat ient s, families and carers facing life limit ing illnesses, t o enable t hem t o have t he best possible qualit y of life by providing care and support in t he set t ing of t heir choice, wit hout discriminat ion.

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The benefits of nature It?s a well known fact that spending time outdoors has major health benefits, both physically and mentally.

Getting back to nature can improve your mood, reduce stress, help you be more active and even increase your self-esteem.

During the early stages of lockdown, government guidelines restricted us to just one form of exercise outside a day. Thankfully, we can now spend unlimited time outdoors ? and the benefits are clear.

Get t ing back t o nat ure According to research by the National Trust, 79% of adults infrequently or never smelled wild flowers and 62% either infrequently or never listened to birdsong. We wonder how these figures have changed since lockdown?

Nature is restorative and one of the gifts lockdown has brought us is the time to notice it.

We?ve seen many more people walking, cycling, jogging, picnicking and meeting (socially-distanced) outdoors.

Perhaps ironically in a time of ?lockdown?, we are re-establishing our connection with nature and the wider world.

quote from Angie Weiland-Crosby says: ?Nature is the kind of friend that never leaves my side. Even in grief-stricken times, in her soul I can confide.?

Nature reminds us that death is a part of life and that life goes on; we watch the seasons change before us and without fail, from Spring through to Winter each year. Nature also gives us time to reflect because it doesn?t demand anything back from us. And nature encourages us to see outside of our ever-circling thoughts of grief and to reconnect with others. ?In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks,?the wise words of Naturalist, John Muir.

Harwood Park During lockdown, our own Harwood Park Memorial Gardens has remained open for families to reflect on their loved ones. With 25 acres, there is plenty of space for quiet contemplation. The memorial gardens serve both as a final resting place for loved ones and also a peaceful retreat for family and friends to visit. From the carefully pruned roses, to the pretty line of cherry trees and the immaculately planted topiary crescent, it?s a lovely place to enjoy the beauty of nature.

failing to get council backing to build on municipal land, John decided to source a plot of private land in the village of Datchworth and 10 years later, in February 1997, Harwood Park Crematorium and Memorial Gardens was finally opened. John thought of all the little touches when planning Harwood Park, including a large window in the chapel overlooking the countryside and raised areas to make it easier for wheelchair users to view the floral tributes..

Nat ural memorials Natural and ?living?memorials continue to grow in popularity. We have chestnut, birch and woodland trees, all planted as saplings, so you can watch them grow and mature.

There are memorial trees throughout our grounds and woodlands, all accompanied by a memorial tablet or plaque, and ashes can be scattered or buried by the tree.

Our memorials also include benches and seats, with an inscription dedicated to the person who has passed. Nature can help us through life?s toughest questions, so find time to take that walk or to just sit and watch the world go by. You won?t regret it.

Nat ure and grief Outside of lockdown and Covid, there are also many stories of nature helping in people?s grieving processes after losing a loved one. A beautiful

When John Austin (Claire?s father) took over the business in 1965, his vision was to provide a crematorium to serve the local community. After

Find out more about Harwood Park Crematorium and Memorial Gardens at www.cremat orium.co.uk

Paul Fry on # St evenage

When a Stevenage lad upset the sport of kings at the Derby

So you are in school, you are 15, bored with the lesson and are daydreaming about your future.

This was Alan Munro at Barnwell.

Just nine years later, he was a Derby-winning jockey at Epsom.

And for good measure, with the same horse, Generous, he added the Irish Derby and then the country?s top Flat race for open-age horses, the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Royal Ascot.

Not bad for a Stevenage lad who had never been on a horse, let alone ridden one until his final year at school, and only got a job in racing after his parents wrote to 200 stables to see if he could get a leg-up in the Sport of Kings.

Alan is 5ft 2in and, as someone who would into exactly tower above him, I can only imagine some of the stick he got from his fellow pupils. It probably helped, to a point that his biggest pal, Jonathan Weekes, was the tallest in the school. Jonathan later became a fencer who competed for Northern Ireland in a Commonwealth Games - and was once a body double for a Bond villain in the movie Die Another Day. That?s the long and the short of it.

Alan?s career has been every bit as international as 007?s. He has ridden races in France, Italy, New Zeland, Hong Kong, Singapore and now in Seoul, South Korea. ?I could never have imagined travelling so much, having experienced so much and had some of the successes I have had.

To be honest, it is a shame I was so young when I won the Derby. I didn?t really appreciate it at the time.?

Talking to Alan over Skype in the Far East it is clear he loves the simple beauty of the sport at its purest - such as knowing two furlongs from the finish that the Derby was in the bag, and savouring that run-in to glory.

So how did a Stevenage lad, living miles from the nearest racecourse, get into the sport in the first place? ?I saw a story about a jockey called Steve Cauthen, who the press dubbed the Six-Million Dollar Kid. That?s because when still a young

man, that?s how much the gifted American had won in prize money in a calendar year. ?He was amazing, some kind of superstar and it made the lights in my head light up. I knew at that moment what I was going to become,?Alan recalls.

Alan?s first time in a horse was with a stable run by Trina Lewis in Langley, outside Hitchin. ?I had this arrangement where I would get free lessons in return for working for her there at the weekends. ?I think i still hold the record for falling off the most amount of times in one lesson. I loved it, though, and told my parents I wanted to go for a career in racing and they fully supported me. ?My careers officer warned me off, saying it was dangerous and that only a very few make a career from it. And she was right of course but I am one of the lucky ones - and here I am at 53 still race riding. ?It?s my plan to ride until I?m 60 and to do my last year in England.

Much will depend on injuries, though. I am out at the moment with a broken wrist; it?s been pinned and I hope to back racing in another week?s time?.

He recalls his first job interview. ?I was so nervous when I met Barry Hills in Lambourne in Berkshire.

He was this successful guy, sending out lots of winners. ?In those days there were no apprentice schools, so you just went straight into a yard and learnt in your own time. I was only 5st 7lb so they used to just put me up on big hunters which are very safe and very slow and, after a while, you progress on to quiet thoroughbreds and slowly your strength and physic develops? ?I can remember my first race like it was yesterday. It was a beautiful moment and is still a beautiful memory. It was somehow a moment of purity.

Generous shot Alan Munro to worldwide fame. ?He was something else. That summer he took everyone?s breath away. He won the Derby easily. When I asked him to quicken he nearly left me behind It was like he could fly

that horse.

Generous shot Alan Munro to fame. ?He was something else. I had ridden him on the gallops and he had never really shown very much but on the track, he was a phenomenon; he could fly. ?I rode him in four Group races and he was just amazing. He won the Derby by five lengths and to know so far out that I had it won was incredible, very exciting.?

After that Derby win, Alan went back to his old school, at the invitation of teacher Graham Bowles, who still follows Alan?s progress. Graham recalls: ?We were having a fundraising event for his charity, named So Generous after his Derby winner for the condition his disabled sister suffered from and Alan was the celebrity attraction. ?I remember we stunted up a picture of him sitting on a pantomime horse called Dobbin! I wish I could recall the names of the girls in that costume! He was a great sport and we are all proud of him and he is rightly in the town?s Walk of Fame at the Leisure Centre.

At school, Alan recalls, he was never terribly good at sports. ?I think my biggest achievement was some sort of record, though walking on my hands for something like 132 steps!?

He recalls that his Derby success at the tender age of 19, didn?t go to his head because he didn?t realise the magnitude of his achievement aboard the Paul Cole-trained flier. The horse had been ridden by Cole?s stable jockey Richard Quinn when fourth in the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket and it was reportedly at the insistence of owner Prince Fahd Salman that Quinn was replaced by Alan Munro.

At school, Alan recalls, he was never terribly good at sports because he was too small. ?I think my biggest achievement was some sort of record, though - walking on my hands for something like 132 steps - as I remember it that?s three tennis courts in length.

A month after the Derby win, Generous beat Suave Dancer by three lengths in the Irish Derby at

The Curragh. The runner-up had already won the French Derby and later landed the Prix de l?Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp.

Generous completed a golden summer for Munro and Cole when beating the Sanglamore by seven lengths in the King George at Ascot - breaking Mill Reef?s record for the biggest winning margin in the race. But, made an odds-on favourite for the Arc that autumn, the horse proved too hard for Munro to settle and he dropped away to finish eighth.

Generous was retired rather

unsuccessfully to stud but remains one of the country?s most famed horses.

Another of Alan?s big successes was aboard Sergeant Cecil, who was an older horse who had shown little of his potential before Alan rode him for Rod Millman?s Devon stable. Millman said: ?Alan was the key to this horse, who had to be held back and not run himself out early in the race.?

This was 2005 and Alan was back in the UK after a 10-year stint in Hong Kong. ?The penny just dropped for the horse and

somehow that year he just came of age. He was an undiscovered marathon runner who could sprint at the end of the race and that sprint made him very special and soon he became the most popular racehorse in England. ?We won three top handicaps with him in the same season - a triple crown that had never been achieved before. It meant keeping both horse and jockey fit and in top form from June until October and it involved an awful amount of luck to win three marathons in a row.?

They were the ?Pitmen?s Derby?the Northumberland Plate at Newcastle, the Ebor at York and then the Cesarewitch at Newmarket, racing?s Headquarters. ?I?ve ridden in England for only about 10 years in total, 10 straight seasons in Hong Kong, six short-term contracts in Japan, eight years in Singapore and now I?m in my second year in South Korea. I?ve really enjoyed it everywhere but I am looking forward to coming home eventually,?he says.

Alan has acquired some other new skills since being in the Far East - he is a black belt at karate. ?In my early thirties, I took a five-year sabbatical from racing and studied karate full time. At my age now I can see how it?s helped me keep my body young. I still look old though, unfortunately! ?Right now here in Korea, we have riders from France, Brazil, Cyprus, South Africa and even a Serbian.

They are all good riders. The Korean jocks are also very good and, more importantly, are lovely people, too? ?I don?t know what it is about Stevenage producing so many amazing sportsmen. And how did a guy from a concrete jungle go on to be a jockey when there isn?t a racecourse for miles around? Yeah, I sometimes wonder that,?he muses.

Perhaps his next visit to the town will be to see if that panto horse is still out grazing at Barnwell - as he tries to ply his trade back here into his early 60s.

The finishing post is still far from sight for Alan Munro, it seems.

Paul Fry

Get your virtual 10K entry in now The Virtual Stevenage 10K 2020 With the impact of Covid19 and the strong

4/9/2020 and then entrants have until 31/10/2020 to complete a 10K on a route of their choice.

possibility that public gatherings for running

All finishers receive a bespoke race medal and a

events won?t be allowed until much later in the

branded technical t shirt.

year (if at all) Stevenage Striders have decided to hold the Stevenage 10K as a virtual race in 2020.

This enables the club to ensure that funds can still

Stevenage Magazine publisher Hashtag Digital Media is proud once again the sponsor the event.

Entries are now open!

be raised for the race?s nominated local good causes - Stevenage Community Trust, Essex and Herts Air Ambulance, Stevenage Haven and staff at the NHS Lister Hospital.

On line entries for the race will remain open until

For full details head here. h t t ps:/ / st even agest r ider sr c.or g.u k

Hisssssss final spot has been decided Over 5,500 residents have had their say on Covid the Cobra?s new home.

Residents voted in a poll on the council?s Facebook and Twitter pages between two new homes for the snake ? which is currently nearing 10,000 stones long ? with the choices Fairlands Valley Park or an underpass near Grace Way. The two options were selected from suggestions made by residents. Just under 2,900 people voted for the winning option of the underpass, with just under 2,700 voting for Fairlands.

The snake was started on the Grace Way cycle path by mum Dawn Parnell, and her two children Eddie, 10, and Owen, five to bring some cheer to local residents during lockdown and people have added thousands of their own uniquely decorated stones making the snake 0.7km long!

Stevenage Borough Council will now work with Dawn and Hertfordshire County Council to find the best way of securing the snake to the underpass. There will also be a display at Stevenage Museum, with pictures of the snake and stories from local residents.

Councillor Richard Henry, Executive Member for Children, Young People, Leisure and Culture at Stevenage Borough Council, said: ?Thank you to everyone who voted and had their say on where Covid the Cobra should live permanently. We are looking forward to preserving the snake in the underpass for future generations to visit and learn about this unique period in our town?s history that brought so many residents together in difficult times. ?A fundraising page has been set up to raise money to pay for the costs associated with moving and preserving the stones in the underpass, so if you can donate please do.?

Dawn Parnell said: ?Myself, Eddie and Owen are so very proud to see the community?s amazing stones being preserved near to where Covid the Cobra grew for everyone to enjoy for years to come, as a permanent reminder of how the community came together to create something so positive during a time of uncertainty.?

To donate, please visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/covid-the-cobrastevenage-restoration

#Stayalertsavelives

Stevenage Helps appeal tops amazing £60,000 The main response of Stevenage Community Trust to the coronavirus outbreak has been to establish a fund specifically to support local people adversely affected by the crisis. They are extremely grateful to each and every one of you who has donated to ?Stevenage Helps?appeal which has now attracted donations in excess of £60,000, smashing the £50,000 target.

They have been helped along the way with some additional support from local fundraisers, Jay and April Drackford from MSC Active who organised a

one-day fitness fundraiser and raised over £500, and Cllr Jim Brown who was due to run the London Marathon in April but instead ran a half marathon locally to raise money for the Trust.

From this fund they?ve allocated 78 grants amounting to £24,190 which will help around 1,500 local people who have been affected by the coronavirus crisis. As well as supporting individuals and families directly, they have also allocated funds to a wide range of local organisations including those who are doing a

#Stayalertsavelives wonderful job providing essential food supplies to people in need across the town.

A grant for ÂŁ1,000 has enabled the Food Shed to buy essential supplies to meet the significant increase in demand they are facing every day. they?ve also organised and funded a weekly delivery of fresh fruit and veg to complement the food parcels provided by the Stevenage Community Food Bank, and partnered with Stevenage Football Club to fund a bespoke shopping service for families suffering significant hardship with little or no spare money for food and essentials.

Take a look at some of the other ways of helping by visiting the website at https://www.stevenagecommunitytrust.org/ stevenage-helps Here are some of the responses they have received from grateful beneficiaries.

"I?m am so grateful, it will make such a difference to us as a family, it will take pressure off and will definitely improve all our wellbeing as money can be such a worry. Thank you so much we are truly thankful." ?I can?t thank you enough for the help you have given me, I never thought I would manage to support my children but thanks to the Trust you have made me feel so much better knowing I can support my family during this crisis.? ?I wanted to write to say a big thank you for the gift card I received it really helped my daughters and me.

It has been very difficult for us over previous months and this really has helped so thank you very much.? ?I just wanted to say thank you so much, it?s been a very worrying time at the moment added by the fact me and my husband have both lost our jobs. It?s so nice to have received this gift card and helps relieve some of the stress of rationing our money for bills/food etc., so thank you very much.? ?This is amazing and will make such a difference.

Thank you so much!?Charlotte Blizzard-Welch, CEO Stevenage Citizens Advice

#Stevenage here to support business At #St evenage we cont inue wit h our policy of providing free edit orial support t o all our valued advert isers. We want see as many of our groups and businesses back wit h us and we are proud t o offering advert ising which t arget s t he ent ire St evenage area at a minimum cost t o all.

So if you are a group or a business who would like t o promot e yourselves t hrough #St evenage magazine you can do so by simply calling 07539782979 or by emailing hdmdigit alsales@gmail.com

Free editorial for all businesses and groups in #Stevenage

Support for business during Coronavirus Details of the latest support available to your business heading into August from Stevenage Borough Council and key stakeholders.

This update also includes: -

Support to retain furloughed employees Guidance to support opening of gyms, salons and outside performing artsvenues BusinessSupport from Wenta HertsChamber Support ? Trading opportunities with Australia/Singapore Hertfordshire Better BusinessFor All (BbfA) toolkit to support re-opening and trade safely Funding Support

Support t o ret ain furloughed employees The Chancellor recently announced that the Government will introduce a one-off payment of ÂŁ1,000 to UK employers for every furloughed employee who remains continuously employed through to the end of January 2021. Employees must earn above the Lower Earnings Limit (ÂŁ520 per month) on average between the end of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and the end of January 2021. Payments will be made from February 2021 Advice for accommodation providersand what the public can and can?t do The advice for those providing hotel and other accommodation in England, as well as the FAQ document outlining what the public can and can?t do during the coronavirus outbreak, have been updated to reflect the changes that came into force on the 4 July. For further information visit https://www.gov.uk/guidance/covid-19-advice -for-accommodation-providers

Beauty salons set to reopen for some services under new government guidelines Businesses including beauty salons, nail bars and tattoo studios can reopen safely from Monday 13 July.

Only services that do not involve work in the highest risk zone, directly in front of the face can be made available to clients. This means that treatments such as face waxing, eyelash treatments, make-up application and facial treatments, should not be provided until government advice changes, due to the much greater risk of transmission. For further information visit https://www.gov.uk/government/news/ beauty-salons-set-to-reopen-for-someservices-next-week-under-new-government-guidelines Performing Art s t o open out doors on July 11 Outdoor theatres, opera, dance and music can resume from July 11 so long as they take place outside and with a limited and socially distanced audience. For further information visithttps://www.gov.uk/government/news/ performing-arts-given-green-light-to-resume -outdoors-on-july-11 Gyms and pools t o reopen safely The government has announced Outdoor pools can reopen to the public from 11 July followed by indoor gyms, pools and leisure centres on 25 July. New Guidance includes advice for providers of pool, gym and leisure facilities on cleaning, social distancing, and protection for staff to help venues get back up and running safely. Venues must ensure they can enable customers, staff and volunteers to maintain social distancing before, during and after participation. For further information visit

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely -during-coronavirus-covid-19/providers-ofgrassroots-sport-and-gym-leisure-facilities

£100 million of targeted support for the national cultural institutions in England and the English Heritage Trust.

£1.57 billion invest ment t o prot ect cult ural, art s and herit age inst it ut ions

£120 million capital investment to restart construction on cultural infrastructure and for heritage construction projects in England which was paused due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Government recently announced that Britain?s arts, culture and heritage industries will receive a £1.57 billion rescue package to help weather the impact of coronavirus.

Thousands of organisations across a range of sectors including the performing arts and theatres, heritage, historic palaces, museums, galleries, live music and independent cinema will be able to access emergency grants and loans.

The package includes: £1.15 billion support pot for cultural organisations in England delivered through a mix of grants and loans.

This will be made up of £270 million of repayable finance and £880 million grants.

For further information visit https://www.gov.uk/government/news/ 157-billion-investment-to-protect-britains -world-class-cultural-arts-and-heritage-institutions Business Support from Went a FREE one-to-one business advice from Wenta The Business & Technology Centre continues to provide FREE business advice services for all types of small businesses and is available via live chat, in-person, telephone and email.

For business advice, visit www.btcstevenage.co.uk to

live chat to an advisor (Mon-Fri, 9am ? 5pm) or book your one-to-one, advice appointment here.

FREE skills training webinars for small businesses Wenta and The Business & Technology Centre (btc) are continuing to run a wide variety of FREE ?small business start-up and survival?webinars on subjects from ?How to Write a Business plan to Finance and Cashflow?.For further information visit https://bit.ly/35QxJn0 Flexible, affordable workspace for your business: The Business & Technology Centre (btc) provides affordable workspace that is mostly self-contained and available on monthly terms to support relocation needs or for those businesses looking to down-size.

The btc is operating a SEE programme that ensures Social distancing is adhered to at all times across staff and clients, Enhanced hygiene is implemented across all centres and Everyone?s health is number one.

FREE co-working space for new business start-ups Free co-working space is available at the btc business incubator for any new business start-up along with access to free on-site business advice, networking and collaboration opportunities.

Browse the latest availability at the btc: https://www.btcstevenage.co.uk/current-availability For further information on workspace at the btc, contact btc Centre Manager, joannakiely@wenta.co.uk or call 01438 310000.

Sector prospects Recent case studies The event will be held on 21 July between 09:30 and 10:30 on Zoom. For further information and to book please visit https://www.hertschamber.com/event/details/482 or email bookings@hertschamber.com Opportunities for trading with Singapore ? Webinar The Herts Chamber have organised Opportunities for trading with Singapore Webinar jointly with the British Chamber of Commerce Singapore to support companies at any stage of their export journey to gain more understanding of the market opportunities, to become 'export ready' and receive advice on setting up operations.

WHY YOU SHOULD ATTEND This market briefing session is ideal for those who are interested in expanding their United Kingdom businesses into Singapore and is recommended in particular for any SMEs or individuals who are interested in setting up a presence in-country.

WHAT WILL YOU LEARN Learn about the business landscape in Singapore and how to successfully open and run a business there including: Key matters to consider before opening a business in Singapore Current trends and news around companies opening up in Singapore Steps involved when applying for work permits, visas and licenses

Hert s Chamber Support Opportunities for trading with Australia ? Webinar

Main challenges to be aware of when doing business in Singapore

Supporting Herts Chamber members and non-members, the webinar will provide vital information that businesses may need to support opportunities for trading with Australia and will include:

The event will be held on 29 July between 09:00 and 10:00 on Zoom. For further information please visit https://www.hertschamber.com/event/details/491 or email bookings@hertschamber.com

A country overview

Hertfordshire Better Business For All (BbfA) toolkit to support re-opening and trade safely

Brexit and the Free Trade Agreement

The Hertfordshire Better Business for All (BBfA)

partnership has produced a toolkit of resources to help businesses become COVID-secure, resume trading safely, and protect their staff and customers as lockdown is eased. This includes support with risk assessments, checklists and toolkits specific to your business to help you re-open and trade safely, as well as support and information to support diversification.

Hert s LEP Funding Support As part of its £3.28m package of support, Herts LEP have outlined the following opportunities to support businesses across Hertfordshire: Hertfordshire Business Expansion Grant Scheme: grants of £10,000 - £100,000 to support SME investment in capital equipment.

Crowdfund Hertfordshire: Small Business Innovation Fund:grants of up to £5,000 for small/micro businesses in tourism, leisure, hospitality, retail, arts and culture.

Herts LEP SME Growth Loan Scheme:loans of £200,000 ? £500,000 available to established SMEs in Hertfordshire that require finance to implement expansion activities that will deliver substantial growth.

Low Carbon Workspaces offers grants of between £1,000 and £5,000 for SMEs in Hertfordshire to cover up to a third of the cost of making energy efficiency improvements.For further information, please email info@lowcarbonworkspaces.co.uk or call 01494 927131 Ot her Grant Funding t o support your business The Herts Growth Hub also has details of over 1000 grant funding opportunities through Grant Finder. To access this support, please register your business by visiting https://www.hertsgrowthhub.com/select-registration

#Stayathomesavelives

Is your business eligible for a support grant?

Dear colleague In response t o t he Covid-19 pandemic, t he government recent ly set out a package of measures t o support businesses t hrough t his period of disrupt ion. Around 750 businesses in t he dist rict are eligible t o apply for a grant of up ÂŁ10,000 t o help t hem t hrough current financial difficult ies and a furt her 180 are eligible t o apply for a grant of up t o ÂŁ25,000.

St evenage Borough Council has allocat ed over ÂŁ8m in grant s so far and would like t o administ er t he remainder of t he funding t o all t hose who are eligible under t he scheme. We st ill have around 160 businesses in St evenage who receive Small Business Rat e Relief and have not applied for t his funding. We are very keen for businesses in St evenage t o claim t his funding.

If you operat e a business in St evenage and t hink you are eligible could you kindly complet e our online form ht t ps://services.st evenage.gov.uk/ brcovid-19grant The online applicat ion form is quick t o complet e and help is available. Please not e t his is a grant not a loan and money is wait ing t o be claimed right now.

We look forward t o hearing from you Mena Caldbeck Business Relat ionship Manager

A warm welcome back to everyone Hello! it ?s you we?ve been looking for!

1 Game = 18 holes: 2 Games = 36 holes.

We are open so please click here t o read our new rules before you arrive so we can keep you & our t eam safe: Mr Mulligans New Rules

Please not e: Under 13?s are required t o be accompanied by an adult during all golf act ivit ies.

Under 18?s must be accompanied by an adult bet ween 18:00 and 20:45. All under 18?s must leave t he venue by 20:45, ID will be required. This is a legal requirement , please bear in mind when booking online.

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#Stayathomesavelives

A message from the team at 360 Play 360 Play COVID-19 Updat e 360 is closed for t he t ime being We are sorry t o announce t hat following t he government advice t o us all on reducing social int eract ion and t o avoid smaller public spaces, we have t aken t he difficult decision t o close all our 360 Play cent res

unt il furt her not ice.

As a family business we are devast at ed t o announce t his decision but everyone?s healt h and safet y must come first .

We?d like t o t hank you for your loyalt y and underst anding during t his uncert ain t ime. We look forward t o welcoming you

again, hopefully very soon. If you have a play pass or an exist ing booking wit h us please visit our websit e ht t ps:// 360play.co.uk W it h our very best wishes, Duncan Phillips & t he 360 Play Team

Why it is crucial to keep full working time records Keeping records of working t ime ? why is t his import ant ? By Rebecca List Since the introduction of the Working Time Regulations in 1998, UK employers have been required to maintain records to enable them to show that working time limits are being complied with. More specific regulations govern working time for young workers, for those doing night shifts, and for work involving special hazards or heavy mental strain.

On the advice of the Health & Safety Executive, there was no need for specific records to be kept of actual daily working time and instead, existing records that were maintained for other purposes (such as pay) may be relied upon to ensure that limits on working time were being adhered to.

A recent case brought before the European Court of Justice (ECJ) has called that advice into question. Is it possible that the UK?s Working Time Regulations do not comply with EU law after all? The ECJ were asked to determine whether employers were required to record actual hoursworked each day, in order to ascertain compliance with working time limits, and the answer was a definitive yes. It considered that the only way to guarantee workers? fundamental rights to maximum working hours and rest breaks was for employers to have an ?objective, reliable and accessible?system of keeping adequate records of the actual hours worked by those workers who had not opted out of the 48-hour weekly working time. It is also the responsibility of Member States to ensure that this is implemented, and employers cannot cite expense in sidestepping their obligations.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) are yet to update their guidance, but what can employers do in the meantime to mitigate the risk of claims?

Look at whether your system is capable to recording actual working hours, especially if you have staff who work regular and unpaid overtime or nightshift, or young workers, since they may

Rebecca List - Head of Empl oyment Law at Tol l ers

become subject to greater scrutiny by the tribunals and the HSE. Remind your workers to declare any second jobs, and where there is any doubt, ask them to opt out of the 48-hour limit. Keep adequate records of those who have opted out together and copies of their signed opt-out agreements. Remember also that those records must also be kept for two years. The Government has consistently maintained that ECJ decisions made before the UK?s departure from the EU will continue to bind domestic courts post-Brexit, although whether we will see a formal amendment to the Working Time Regulations to properly implement the EU?s Directive, remains to be seen.

To find out more regarding t his complex area ?Talk t o Tollers?Employment Team on 01438 901095.

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Brilliant businesses in High Street need you After our amazingly successful piece in our last edition on Middle Row and the independent shops in that area, we have turned our focus on other shops in Stevenage High Street.

The shares and likes we have gained by putting these businesses in the spotlight has been amazing, so don't forget make sure if you need a product or a service which they offer head down to them and keep them in business in #Stevenage

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#Stevenage magazine spotlight on support

Survivors Against Domestic abuse offering support SADA cont inues t o offer advice and support t hroughout pandemic Stevenage Borough Council is reassuring any victims of domestic abuse that Survivors Against Domestic Abuse (SADA) will continue to offer advice and support throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.

Although the government advice is to stay home, anyone who is at risk of, or is experiencing, domestic abuse is still able to leave and seek refuge, and SADA will continue to provide support to victims.

SADA is available to residents in Stevenage, North Herts, and East Herts, and expanded to include Welwyn Hatfield in January.

Councillor Sharon Taylor, Leader of Stevenage Borough Council and Chair of SADA, said: ?Unfortunately increasing financial pressures, school closures and more people working from home all mean that there could be an increase in domestic abuse. ?We know that this is a worrying time for all of us, but this may be heightened for those who have suffered or are suffering any form of domestic abuse and are now isolated with their abuser. ?We want to reassure residents that we will continue to support anyone who needs our help.

Please contact SADA and do not suffer in silence.?

Cllr Gary Grindal, North Hertfordshire District Council?s (NHDC) Executive Member for Housing said: ?NHDC will continue to work closely with

SADA during the coronavirus pandemic to make sure that those who are victims of domestic abuse still get the help they need. If you need advice or help because you are in a difficult situation, please pick up the phone and talk to SADA, or access their services online?.

Please call 01438 242666 to speak to a dedicated domestic abuse worker.

For more information, visit: www.stevenage.gov.uk/ about-stevenage/so-safe/187555/

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# St evenage August 2020

PROPERTY

The unique guide to property news in #Stevenage

#STEVENAGE PROPERTY: THE INTERACTIVE WAY TO VIEW YOUR AGENT

DURING THE COVID-19 OUTBREAK OUR AGENTS ARE OFTEN WORKING REM OTELY SO PLEASE M ESSAGE THEM AT THIS TIM E

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Tel 01438 870673 en qu ir ies@agen t h ybr id .co.u k

The independent local estate agent Text

2 M iddle Row , St even age Tel 01438 367753

w w w.ow n -h om es.com

St ephen Harris and Michael Not schild est ablished Own Homes in 2008, operat ing as a successful, independent local St evenage est at e agent .

Here at Own Homes, we understand that each property and sale is individual and therefore tailor our service to suit your specific requirements.

We have prominent offices ideally situated in the heart of Stevenage Old Town. One in Middle Row covering lettings and mortgages and one on the High Street to deal with sales.

Our recent expansion and our double fronted office allows us the scope and ability to serve Stevenage and the surrounding residential areas.

Passionate in all we do, we pride ourselves on delivering the highest level of service.

Selling and letting a property can be a stressful time, which is why we go the extra mile to make your involvement with us as enjoyable and professional as possible.

Working in Hertfordshire for the past 10 years has enabled Own Homes to develop a comprehensive understanding of residential property in the local areas of Stevenage, Hitchin and surrounds.

We have an established an experienced team, on hand to work with you throughout the selling and buying process, ensuring personal contact is maintained from start to finish.

We use a number of marketing styles to ensure your property, whether you are selling or letting, gains maximum exposure and a smooth efficient sale. This includes advertising in local newspapers and glossy magazines, as well as Internet marketing. Our double fronted office also allows people to see

our properties in both windows.

To arrange a free valuation, or to find out more about Own Homes and the services we provide, simply call 01438 367753 or email sales@own-homes.com. You can also visit our office.

Awards In recognition of our outstanding service, we've been awarded two gold winner awards by the British Property Awards, one for being the top Estate Agent in Stevenage and another for the top Estate Agent in the South East. We're very proud of these awards as the Own Homes team has worked tirelessly to provide industry leading property services in and around the area.

Placing the focus our customers Text

Hom e an d M or t gages St even age, 86 High St r eet , St even age Tel 01438 728444

em ail st even age@h om esan dm or t gages.co.u k

Homes and Mortgages Estate Agents are ready and waiting to help the Stevenage community with all its property needs, be it buying, selling or renting, Homes and Mortgages are committed to providing great value customer service for all our clients.

Situated in the heart of the historic Old Town and set over three floors, each department provides a professional, welcoming and comfortable environment for all of our customers. We have a team of 9 full time, experienced Sales and Lettings staff on hand to deal with any property enquiry.

W hat 's new? The rebranded branch and heavy investment in IT has set Homes and Mortgages up to stand out in 2017 and for the future. Our experienced and dedicated staff all share the same view in providing a fantastic customer experience and are heavily focused on the importance of transparency between ourselves and our customers.

The IT software is excellent at allowing vendors and Landlords 24/7 access to information regarding their property. At the click of a button, vendors can see feedback, current interest from web portals and can track the progress of a sale online. Likewise, Landlords have the option to view property maintenance schedules and access statements. mailt o:st evenage@homesand mort gages.co.uk

Click on t h e im ages an d lin k dir ect ly t o t h eir det ails on lin e

Agent Hybrid falls bet ween t radit ional and online est at e agency. Our aim is t o deliver a personal, one-t o-one est at e agency experience, whilst delivering a service of excellence.

ht t ps://my.mat t erport .com/show/ ?m=GCbcjmCyYn

Click on t he image of our Monument Court propert y (above) and t ake a walk t hrough using t he lat est Agent Hybrid Technology

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Putterills Stevenage - talk to the professionals Text

61-63 High St r eet , St even age Tel 01438 316846

Founded by Tony Putterill in 1992, with our first office in Welwyn Garden City, Putterills are now celebrating 26 years of serving the Hertfordshire community.

We have grown from our original branch in Welwyn Garden City to having offices in Knebworth, Hitchin, Stevenage Old Town and St Albans, as well as a partner office in London?s Mayfair. Each of our sales offices are overseen by a Director who is actively involved in the day to day running; this helps to ensure that we are providing the highest possible levels of advice and service. All of these offices are prominently located to ensure all properties receive the best possible exposure.

In addition to our network of sales offices, we have an award winning Land and New Homes department.

Our specialists help landowners maximise the development opportunities for usually previously

w w w.pu t t er ills.co.u k

used land known as Brownfield, as the country struggles for space for new homes. We have always believed that our task is to provide our clients with the best, up to the minute, expert advice when dealing with what is usually their greatest asset.

Our clients have a wide range of emotions and circumstances and we help guide less experienced first time buyers, provide yield information and advice to investment buyers, schooling information to families, hold the hands of those who have not moved for many years and deal sensitively and professionally with those. Over the last few years, we are proud to have won a number of national awards which we believe underline our philosophy of being Trusted Property Experts.

2017 saw Tony Putterill retire and hand the reins of the company over to Mark Shearing. Mark has been in agency in Hertfordshire since 1982

and joined Putterills in 1993. As the company moves into a new era with changing markets, advances in property marketing and the use of technology, our aim is simple - to keep at the absolute forefront of full service Estate Agency and to continue the exceptional levels of service and advice that our clients have been able to rely on over the last 26 years.

Our primary purpose has always been to provide an outstanding customer experience and our core values continue to represent this: EXCEPTIONAL ? we are passionate about delivering excellence.

RESPECT ? we respect and value those we work with, both our colleagues and our customers.

EXPERTISE ? we deliver outstanding skills and knowledge in all we do.

TRUST ? we act with honesty and integrity at all times.

For a top service Text

rely on A-TOP A-Top Pr oper t y Let t in gs, 1 Dr aper s Way, St even age Tel 01438 369173

em ail con t act @a-t oplet t in g.co.u k

If you are looking for a t eam t hat you can t rust t o deliver t ime aft er t ime t hen A-Top Propert y Let t ings in Drapers Way, St evenage is t he one for you.

A-Top, which is owned by founder Mervyn Terret t , has gained an impressive reput at ion as t he go-t o agent for all your propert y needs whet her you are looking t o rent or are a landlord seeking t enant s. W it h a combined market experience of more t han 60 years, t he st aff at A-Top are t he most knowledgeable in t he business and along wit h advice on t he rent al market , t hey can also provide informat ion which allows cust omers t o make t he most informed choice possible. Over t he past 33 years t he t eam lead by Mervyn has seen t he local market undergo a wide number of changes, but t hrough t hem all A-Top and it s experienced st aff have always given t he very best and most informed service.

There have been plent y of changes which have alt ered t he let t ings landscape in St evenage. Through t hem all however t he reliabilit y of A-Top Propert y Let t ings has remained a const ant and t heir port folio of excellent landlords has increased dramat ically.

Comment ing on t he t eam Mervyn said: ?W hat once was a rarit y in t he UK i.e. rent ing, is now so common as a source of income/ invest ment for landlords and of mobilit y for professional working t enant s.

We are delight ed t o be able t o use our expert ise t o help bot h t enant s and landlords.?

For furt her det ails cont act 01438 369173 or email cont act @a-t oplet t ing.co.uk

Portfolio - for serviced apartments in #Herts Text

Tel 0800 0248 914

Booking a holiday is possibly one of the greatest feelings and counting down the days when you?re having an awful day at work or are just desperate to get away from home can seem like a joy, but there can be a downside. Hotels. While some people may see staying in a hotel like a dream, it can actually be a nightmare if you?ll be staying there for a long time, especially if on a business trip or secondment. With that said, here are the top reasons to stop staying in hotels for your business travel trips.

Limit ed Wardrobe Space Packing for a holiday or for a business trip puts you on one of two teams, you?re either naturally gifted and find it a breeze or it?s the worst part of the trip for you, but one thing unites these two camps ? limited hotel space.

If you love to pack an outfit for every possible occasion you will know how difficult it can be to cram your clothes into tiny hotel wardrobes, or even worse live out of a case. Staying in a serviced apartment fixes this and means you have a home away from home and all the storage you could need.

You feel like you?re t rapped Walking into a hotel room can at first glance feel wonderful, everything is conveniently within arm?s reach and for the first day you love it. Then the second day comes and the third day and by the fourth you feel like you almost can?t breathe.

Hotels just aren?t feasible for long periods of time or for anyone who likes a sense of space, after all, who wants to feel trapped by the same four walls for the entire of their trip?

Privacy? W hat privacy?

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Hotels may seem like a good idea for a romantic night away, but if you?re travelling with family or small children or even colleagues, then all sense of privacy goes straight out of the window when you?re all sharing a room just feet away from each other.

Forget staring dreamily into each other?s eyes when you wake up, you?ll probably be staring at a toddler who immediately wants to play or be woken by another family member?s snoring and that?s not even mentioning the housekeeper who always turns up at the most inconvenient times!

Serviced apartments let you have time to yourself no matter how many you have brought along for the trip, so you can sleep well and feel like you have privacy if you are all loved up.

Money money money!

Straight to the point hotels aren?t cheap.

Even for the savviest of spenders and the keenest bargin hunters, you may think booking your hotel means it?s all done, dusted and paid for but you will undoubtedly end up incurring extra fees.

Whether you give in to the lure of room-service with its extortionate service charges, or buy a film to keep energetic youngsters occupied, your bill when you check out can hit you like a smack in the face and leave you wanting a more affordable option.

Meals on wheels Speaking of room-service, while this may seem like a decadent treat on the first night, by the time you come back from a long day of exploring and are tired, it is so easy to have a burger brought straight to door along with its crazily hiked-up price and extra delivery charges. This can not only wreak havoc on your bank account,

but also on your waist-line and by the time you leave, the only thing that will be thinner is your wallet.

Serviced apartments absolutely win here, as having a fully equipped kitchen at your fingertips means it?s easy to rustle up something quick and delicious that will probably be healthier for you and will also save you money! If you want some tips on how to eat well when working away from home check out next weeks blog post, or check out our apartments to find out why it?s time to say goodbye to hotel hell and wake up to apartment heaven!

Though staying in a hotel may seem like the obvious option at first, there?s no denying that a serviced apartment brings with it a number of benefits that a hotel just can?t offer.

At Portfolio Serviced Apartments we specialise in providing luxury serviced apartments and temporary homes for corporate and business travellers. We offer a secure spacious base which can become a home from home for longer staying guests. Portfolio Apartments are located throughout all of Hertfordshire including Stevenage, Welwyn Garden City, St. Albans and Hatfield, whilst through our partners we have access to over 90,000 luxury apartments across the globe.

So whether it?s a placement in St Albans or a secondment in San Francisco, Portfolio is consistently the favoured choice for travelling professionals.

For more information,get in touch. Our team at Portfolio looks forward to helping you soon.

Give our friendly team a call on 0800 024 8914 (Mon ? Fri 9-6pm) or visit our website to view our modern serviced apartments.

101 High St r eet , St even age Tel 01438 231200 w w w.m ar k sim on est at es.co.u k pr oper t y@m ar k sim on est at es.co.u k

Partners with vast knowledge of the local area Text

Mark Simon Estates is an established Estate Agency situated at: 101 High Street, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, SG1 3HR. Here at MarkSimon Estates, we have over 40 years combined experience of Estate Agency within Stevenage and its surrounds.

Our Partners Mark Sollis & Simon Jacob both grew up in Stevenage and therefore have a vast knowledge of the area and its surrounds.

This in itself, is proving an invaluable asset to prospective Vendors and Purchasers seeking a property which meets both their needs and expectations in a home.

?To Mark, Many t hanks for all your hard work selling my house for us in Jessop Road. You went t he ext ra mile in so many ways. You always kept me well informed and I knew I could t rust you t o carry out everyt hing you promised.?

From H.

?To MarkSimon Est at es & your t eam, Thank you for being t here t o help us. ?

Mr K & Miss T

Click here for MarkSimon Twitter

?To Mike and everyone at MarkSimon Est at es, A Big t hank you for all your help selling our house, Best wishes.?

The W ?s

Click here for MarkSimon Facebook

The agent with more than 18 years experience Text

TLC est at es, 4 Bak er St r eet , St even age Tel 01438 219282

em ail let t in gs@t lcest at es.co.u k

TLC est at es is sit uat ed in t he delight ful set t ing of St evenage Old Town.

We pride ourselves on t he personal and professional services we offer t o all landlords and t enant s alike We offer very compet it ive rat es we are one of t he very few let t ing agent s only left in t he t own . W it h over 19 years of experience in t he St evenage market we are sure t o offer you t he best of services from under one roof.

Renowned for our open and honest approach ,TLC will give you t he full informat ion on t he market .

Many of our landlords and t enant s have been wit h us since we opened in 2000 and we are known for our close work wit h bot h.

Pop int o our Baker St reet off ice or give us a call and find out how TLC can help wit h your let t ings needs.

The Connells team that you can trust Text

8 M ar k et Place, St even age Tel 01438 318080

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Connells Estate Agents in Stevenage are located in the Town Centre along Market Place, and within walking distance of the Train Station.

We would love to help you sell or rent your home or find a property to rent or buy in and around the Stevenage area, as well as the villiages Walkern, Knebworth, Little & Great Wymondley, Gravely & Aston.

Connells Estate Agents in Stevenage are managed by Gary Young. Gary has had a successful estate agency career over the last 20 years. Gary is supported by Callum Souter who is the Sales Executive with four years experience behind him, Oz Ansari who is the branch valuer, and Melanie Retberg the Branch Administrator.

Our in-house Mortgage Consultant Juliet Twining, is fully trained and qualified to advise you on the right mortgage product to suit your needs.

Connells Lettings would love to help you rent your property.

Lettings Manager Patricia Bowden has 10 year's experience within the Lettings industry and is assisted by Trainee Lettings Negotiator Ben Brooks. With their combined experience and extensive knowledge of the area and rental market, are always happy to offer their assistance to new and experienced buy to let investors and first time landlords

alike.

Whether you are looking to sell or rent your property, we offer FREE market appraisals. Please feel free to pop into the branch or call 01438 318080 (Sales) or 01438 318258 (Lettings).

We offer a range of property related services all under one roof.

In house Mortgage Consultant.

Premium Marketing Packages available including Floorplans, Professional Photography, audio tours, and premium listings on Rightmove & Zoopla We have pioneered a dedicated service called The Property Finder

- You tell us what you are looking for and we will find it We know how the Stevenage market moves - our staff are local and extremely knowledgeable.

Their in-depth and up to date local experience.

Over 10 years?worth of experience and knowledge within the local market.

A professional team providing services to suit all your needs including property management, accounts and high quality administration.

We accompany all viewings, we believe it is really important, we?ve been trained to do it so you get really good feedback.

Geoffrey Matthew property innovators Text

24 M ar k et Place, St even age Tel 01438 720100

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Geoffrey Mat t hew Est at es are a propert y business wit h offices in Harlow, St evenage and Great Ashby t hat specialise in t he sales and let t ing of resident ial propert y.

Over 25 years of experience in propert y and finance give us an unparalleled insight t o t he needs and desires of sellers, purchasers, landlords and t enant s alike.

W it h a dedicat ed, hardworking, innovat ive forward-t hinking t eam t hat use modern met hods and good old-fashioned cust omer service, we offer a unique bespoke service t ailored t o you.

Tel 01438 720100 w w w.geof f r eym at t h ew.co.u k