#Stevenage February 2020

# STEVENAGE Text

The unique digital magazine for Stevenage promoted by social media

February 2020

Clair e Au st in (lef t ) w it h Lou ise Yexley

(through) From New Town t o Renewed Town Sharon Taylor on t he year ahead for #St evenage Pg 7-9

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What's on in

#Stevenage The year really is well and truly underway and 2020 will prove to be a major 12 months for #Stevenage.

With the Brexit uncertainy all but over, businesses will be hoping for a more settled outlook.

ARE YOU GOING TO TODD IN THE HOLE 2020?

Sn ap u p ou r am azin g exclu sive 15% discou n t f or ch ar it y f or Todd in t h e Hole t ick et s ju st f or #St even age r eader s. Tu r n t o page 4 f or f u ll det ails on h ow you can get t h e ch ar it y discou n t an d book you r place - or bu y a special t ick et , f or THE big #St even age even t of 2020.

And that means from the Leisure Park to the Old Town, both major chainsand independents will be looking forward to more positivity, both from the politiciansbut also from their customers.

We are of course delighted to do our part and promote a host of top businessesincluding Mr Mulligans, 360 play and Cineworld along with Tollers, Austinsand so many more.

And of course take a look on page four and our amazing 10% Todd Festival ticket offer - exclusive to #Stevenage. If you have a story you think that we should tell then don't forget to contact usat the addressesbelow.

If you are a business which islooking to really get your name out there through the powerful medium of digital and social media then make sure that you advertise with us and see uspromote your products and servicesto the people of #Stevenage. Digital allows people to read about you on the go - on their mobiles for instance, and it means they are just a click away.

#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?

Text Sales: h dm digit alsales@gm ail.com 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 @h t agst even age Facebook @st even agem agazin e

EXCLUSIVE 15% discount for Todd in the Hole tickets Todd in t he Hole Fest ival is delight ed t o t eam up wit h it s charit y of t he year for 2020 and is launching t heir charit y part ner by donat ing 15% of any adult weekend t icket s / VIP t icket sales up t o February 7t h.

A spokesman for t he fest ival said: "We are so proud t o announce t hat our charit y part ner for #Todd2020 is t he wonderful East & Nort h Hert fordshire Hospit als?Charit y, and t o celebrat e we're giving 15% of sales of adult weekend, adult weekend camping and VIP t icket s direct ly t o t he charit y unt il midnight Friday 7t h February. So please, if you haven't already bought your Todd 2020 t icket s t hen do it t his week and support t his wonderful charit y.

"They are t he official charit y for List er hospit al, Hert ford count y hospit al, New QEII hospit al and Mount Vernon Cancer Cent re.

Raising overÂŁ1.2m last year, t he charit y funds t he very best kit and equipment , cut t ing edge research, t raining, redevelopment s and improvement s t o it s hospit al sit es as well as special ext ras for pat ient s.

"The charit y works wit h t he hospit al st aff t o ident ify project s t hat will go above and beyond for pat ient s. Here are some of t he invaluable project s t hat have been funded t hrough kind donat ions: -

A new MRI scanner I-pads and a new garden wit h play equipment for children A purpose-built room for t eenagers wit h cancer Reclining chairs for part ners st aying over in t he Mat ernit y Unit Books for parent s who have lost a child Oxygen sat urat ion monit ors for babies Headphones for parent s whose baby is in int ensive care meaning t hey can st ay wit h t heir child during st aff handovers when confident ial informat ion is being discussed

The charit y also funds services like t he List er But t erfly Service, a volunt eer lead service which provides compassionat e care and support t o end of life pat ient s and t heir families as well as funding medical equipment , st aff t raining and support services at t he List er Macmillan Cancer Cent re.

The charit y has several project s which it is current ly fundraising for and we?re delight ed t hat #t odd2020 will help t owards t hese.

Please wat ch t his space for more det ails on t he specific project we will be fundraising for at t he fest ival For more info visit www.enhhcharit y.org.uk For more informat ion and t o purchase t icket s please visit www.t oddint hehole.co.uk'

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Stevenage charity marks 10th anniversary

10 years of support from Betty Game Trust The Bet t y Game Opport unit ies Trust , a local charit y t hat provides grant funding t o support adult learners, celebrat ed it s 10t h anniversary wit h a visit from t he Deput y Mayor & Mayoress of St evenage, Cllr Jim Brown and Penny Topham .

W it h 189 grant s given t o st udent s so far, t he charit y is providing valuable support t o local people working for higher educat ion qualificat ions.The charit y was set up in memory of Bet t y Game, a St evenage Old Town resident , who had herself benefit t ed from t he educat ion opport unit ies offered by t he Open Universit y. It provides funding support in t he form of grant s t o st udent s living in t he St evenage post code areas.

Chairman of t he Trust ees, Norman Herbert comment ed ?The legacy of Bet t y Game is t hat we have been able t o help a lot of people over t he last t en years and we hope t o go on t o help many more.

The difference wit h our support is t hat it is given as a grant , not a loan so st udent s don?t have t he worry of paying it back.

Bet t y would be very proud of what t he Trust has achieved?.

If you t hink t he Bet t y Game Opport unit ies Trust can help you, please cont act t hem on www.bgot .org.uk Pict ured: Deput y Mayor and Mayoress Cllr Jim Brown and Penny Schenkel, Founder: Margaret Ashby,Trust ees: Norman Herbert , Pat Milliner, Robin Bailey, Jim W ilcock and support ers of t he Trust .

Set up in 2009, in memory of OU graduat e Bet t y Game, t he Trust aims t o give small grant s t o St evenage st udent s

who need financial help, part icularly t hose st udying wit h t he Open Universit y.

Her graduat ion ceremony at Cambridge in June 1982 was one of t he happiest occasions of Bet t y's life. Following her deat h in July 2009, her many friends decided t hat t he best way t o honour her would be t o help ot hers achieve t heir educat ional ambit ions. 189 St evenage people have already been given grant s t owards expenses such as t he cost of books, t ravel, revision courses or a cont ribut ion t owards course fees.

Anyone who lives in St evenage, wit h a post code beginning SG1 or SG2 is eligible t o apply. They do require applicant s t o supply t he names and addresses of t wo referees.

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PAUL FRY on # St evenage

Building a renewed town - Sharon Taylor Stevenage will go from New Town to renewed town and have a vibrant, exciting future when the proposed ÂŁ1bn town centre development comes to fruition.

The transformation promises to seize the imagination, as it did when Stevenage was built in the 1950s and 60s, in the aftermath of the Second World War. That's the view of council leader Sharon Taylor, who is longing to see it all come to life, following a succession of delays, consultations, prevarication and gridlock in Westminster. ?I get around the country a lot with my work, meeting other council leaders and business representatives and there is a shared optimism for our vision, which will build on all the good things we already have here,?she said. ?It is easy, almost fashionable, to talk Stevenage down, but that is wrong. I have lived here all my life and am passionate about wanting to renew and refresh the town, to keep it as a place people want to live, to visit ? and to inspire other places to follow our lead.?

That sales patter has already taken the project so far, with ÂŁ1bn

of inward investment promised from developers, plus the support of residents who look at the town centre and find much less reason to spend time there.

Some of the problems may be shared elsewhere, particularly the decline of big retailers, but the solution has to be unique, and that is what is driving the Symonds Green councillor. ?I think there are a lot of misconceptions about Stevenage and also about what motivates us as a council. ?There is the accusation that Stevenage is a dormitory town, where people sleep but travel elsewhere to work. In actual fact many more people come into the town every day than leave it, so part of what we do must be to increase the offering for those who live elsewhere and work at places such as Glaxo, at Airbus and

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elsewhere. ?There is a misconception, too, that this is all about retail. That is of course very important but it is also about delivering a wider offer in the town centre to drive footfall to housing, food and drink and leisure and culture, great public spaces and flexible working space. ?We have to meet government targets in terms of providing housing and we could not even get close to those without using space in the town centre. That in itself, we believe, will help build and sustain a vibrant night-time economy. ?There is also the issue of what is defined as 'town centre'. It is not simply the area that spreads out from the clocktower. In my view it includes the High Street, the leisure park and Roaring Meg ? and they need to be viewed in the round. ?It has been a dream of mine to see them linked up more closely with free or very low cost public transport. I would envisage us having frequent 'green' buses serving those centres, so we get fewer cars in the centre of town.?

Above all, says Cllr Taylor, she wants to see Stevenage recapture

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the pioneering excitement and confidence of its past.

The town is in a unique position of tearing up much of its structure despite it being not yet 80 years old. Other towns and cities face much more rigid obstacles in terms of their layout. And Cllr Taylor sees this as a huge positive. ?We have all this wonderful infrastructure that we have inherited, like cycle tracks, neighbourhood centres, our parks, Fairlands Valley and so on. We need to embrace those things while building a town centre fit for the next 80 years and more. ?I have seen so much positive response from business, the Tory-run county council, and local residents who engaged with our lengthy consultation process.?

But the same cannot be said for the town's Conservative MP, Stephen McPartland, who sat on the council's Local Plan for 457 days. ?He clearly has a vision for the town but he has never shared it with me or, indeed, the public,? says Cllr Taylor. ?Mr McPartland has been difficult in terms of the regeneration and I truly can't understand why. He was apparently on board with the concept of regeneration and said he would go away to get the necessary legislation going in Westminster. But a Freedom of Information request some time later revealed he had done nothing whatsoever ? not even written to relevant ministers. ?I tried repeatedly to sit down with him to talk about the issues but he never would. I finally got to speak to him face to face last September ? but only because someone I

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know won a meeting with him at a social function and I took their place. But I have heard nothing from him since then. ?I would have been happy working with him on this. This is a massive issue for the town and it should be top of his agenda, as it is with the people of Stevenage. ?Now that he has been re-elected, we don't quite know how he sees himself fitting in with the new hierarcy so we can only wait and see what happens regarding his influence with the town's future.?

The easy criticism is that he could not be seen to be backing a project championed by a Labour council.

But Cllr Taylor says the county is Tory-run and the Local Enterprise Partnership and Chamber of Commerce are politically neutral and yet they and other parties are all on board. ?You would have thought he would be delighted that private enterprise is behind it too, to the tune of ÂŁ1bn inward investment, with implications for jobs and the town's prosperity. I can't fathom his motives. ?I have read that he wants more retail but we need to be more flexible in what we do, with more community activities, leisure and

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key services. We still want the town to be a magnet for people to come in to shop as well as one that engages all those who live here. ?We all know the pressures that a shortage of affordable housing is creating and, as an authority, we have done what we can with our limited resources to build council homes and I'd love for us to do more. As ever, that requires funding. ?The aim must be to make Stevenage a leading edge; a beacon to other towns and cities looking to shake off their own malaise. But we must future-proof things as best we can.?

Cllr Taylor sees regeneration going hand in hand with a green agenda with climate change having gone up the political list of priorities.

But while people are being supportive of the aims, they need to buy into them more. ?People seem to support our green initiative but they must follow through. We are too dependent on cars, so people need to demand green public transport and not demand two or more parking spaces where they live. ?We are in a major transition as a society, one that will have a massive bearing on future

Text generations, but unless people get on board themselves rather than just talk up being good to our environment, the change will be painful.?

Cllr Taylor said the council could push for developers to insist on putting in electric car charging points in all new housing developments but they are expensive and the technology is not defined. ?In the future, cars will charge from wires in the road as they are in motion, I am sure, but that that is a way off, of course. We will encourage charging at destinations, stations, people's workplaces, leisure venues but there is only a limited amount we can do ourselves.?

The authority no longer receives any money at all from central coffers. And of the £45million it collects each year in business rates, the entire sum is handed to Westminster ? but only £2m comes back. ?It is supposed to be 50pc but after tariffs and a top-up scheme to equalise out business rates to authorities that have few businesses, we get just £2m. ?We raise a significant amount of funding from council tax ? about £215 per household a year on average (made up of council tax, fees and charges. *£1800 is the total recepit of which most goes to County Council and police. ?Our total budget used to be £15m and is now just £9m. ?Every penny of our expenditure is pored over and I am proud that we still manage to do so much in difficult circumstances. We have excellent play services, parks and community services and we are

Text investing again in our neighbourhood centres, which I think are so important not just to the character of the town but to our residents. ?Out of that £1,500 in council tax, we get only £200 ? the rest goes to county and the police. In effect, residents get all the things that we provide for just £4 a week per household. ?So when it comes to things such as green measures, with the UK tightening its carbon neutral intentions, the government really must bite the bullet and fund some of these things. It is no good them talking green and not acting green.?

She admits many people get confused about the council's responsibilities. County funds major things such as children's services, adult social care and highways. ?People see our council cutting services and support to others and blame us ? but many don't realise that our budget has been almost halved by a succession of Conservative governments in the past decade.?

Stevenage of course shares all the myriad social problems experienced in any town and city in the land but Cllr Taylor is especially proud of the vigilance of local police to clamp down on drugs, and local neighbourhood teams' efforts to reduce anti-social behaviour.

And more so of an anti-domestic violence campaign she has championed. ?We pioneered the initiative in 2015 and it was rolled out to North Herts in 2018. I am extremely proud that it is making a difference.?

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Text The Stevenage Against Domestic Abuse (SADA) works in partnership with the police, North Hertfordshire District Council and a number of volunteers. ?Domestic abuse touches families everywhere?says Cllr Taylor. ?It has no respect of class, age, religion, gender or financial circumstances. That is why it is so important that support services are made as widely available as possible.?

She says politicians at national level need to be more aware that their decisions, often taken for partisan reasons or for expedience, can have long-lasting consequences for families.

She points to how in 2010 David Cameron was extolling family values, the value of marriage, even supporting gay marriage laws, while his Chancellor, George Osbourne was next door at No 11, cutting funds that have seen so many services that act as glue in communities being withdrawn. ?We have virtually no youth services any more, nowhere for our young people to go, so is it any wonder we have a problem with knife crime? It's no wonder people are reluctant to 'hug a hoodie' as Mr Cameron used to say.?

Every day, Cllr Taylor endeavours to make people's lives better. A shiny new £1bn town centre would merely be the icing on the cake. ?There is a spirit in the town that has been here since the first days of the New Town. I want to see more of that spirit and see the completion of a project in the town regeneration that will be a genuine reason for pride.?

At Mr Mulligan's Lost World of Golf you celebrat e any special occasion by playing a round.

And along wit h a great game, you can also have a great meal t hanks t o a new café upgrade. They are now serving hot dogs, paninis, wraps, sharing plat es and kids meals.

You can also creat e your own sundae and creat e your milkshake. W het her it 's t he Thursday night Dat e Night s or a family day out for big and lit t le kids of all ages, you know t he answer, make it Mr Mulligans!

For full updat ed informat ion on t his and all event s which are coming up at Mr Mulligan's Lost World of Golf head t o t he Facebook page .

There are also a host of special offers which you can

t ake advant age of in February.

Included in t hese are: -

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Seniors Special which includes golf and a main meal for just £10 bet ween 11am and 3pm.

There are a minimum of six per booking and you can phone or email t o make your bookings.

Schools, yout h groups and organisat ions such as cadet s are able t o also make specially discount ed bookings.

There is also a kids eat free promot ion bet ween 3pm and 6pm when purchased wit h an adult s meal.

Unlimit ed golf from 5pm onwards on a Tuesday for just £10.

The battle to halt Gresley Park development

In full, PACE statement to EHDC committee in fight to halt build

PACE representation: EHDC Development Management Committee Agenda Item 5a Thank you for this opportunity to address the Committee.

I do so as a community representative member on the EOS1 Masterplanning Steering Group representing Gresley Way road users and residents living on both sides of the East Herts and Stevenage boundaries?those close to the proposed site and others further afield in the adjacent villages and wards along Gresley Way.

Collectively, as a community we reluctantly acknowledge that the allocated site EOS1icomprising some 600 homes may ultimately proceed despite the Council continuing to report an excess supply of homes?now of 765 (12%)iiover its current 5-year requirement.

The bulk of the excess in just one year is due in part to a substantial volume of ?windfall?completions (388) in 2018/19 compared to that assumed in the District Plan of just 75 pa over the Plan period. Accordingto the report ...?The number of windfall completions on

The battle to halt Gresley Park development

small sites has remained fairly consistent throughout this period and it is likely that this trend will continue or even increase due to national policy changes over the plan period as they are unlikely to be affected by the new development allocations.?The low provision for windfalls in the District Plan was challenged by both PACE (andCPRE Hertfordshire) during the District Plan Main Modification stage. PACE did so to evidence that the site known as EOS1 was not required to meet either theCouncil?s 5-year land supply or District Plan housing targets? see PACE?s submissionhttp://bit.ly/2Ij8Kgb Collectively we look to the Council and the developer(s) to proceed in a manner that... actively collaborates with and positively engages the local community of interests embodies comprehensive place making principles, the use of design codes and design review facilitates development plans which fully accord with its policies and thereby demonstrate least harm to the local community.

Sadly, this has not been the case here and we look to the Committee to defer theapplicant?s current planning applicationfor the following reasons...

1. The applicant has failed to effectively and

pro-actively engage the local community.

By submitting its hybrid planning application, with its focus in detail on the road layout, the applicant has effectively precluded and pre-empted meaningful engagement by the local community in a comprehensive and collaborative place making opportunity.

Theapplicant?s engagement with the local community has beenminimal. It has not satisfied either the spirit or intent of Policy DES1iii: It has attended a local Ward meeting and held two exhibition events on 1stand 2ndFebruary 2019. The exhibition was considered by many to be less than informative. Many commented that enquiries often produced contradictory responses by theapplicant?s representatives. There has been no subsequent public engagement.

Following incomplete distribution of its exhibition flyer it became apparent that most residents in Stevenage were unaware of the proposed development as they were not directly engaged in the Local Plan Examination process. It was also apparent that most had concerns about the impact arising from the potential creation of three access points from the EOS1 site onto Gresley Way, plus a fourth to facilitate movement by the Showmans?Guild vehicles on this short 0.7 mile stretch of distributer road many,

The battle to halt Gresley Park development

including Herts Highways, regard as the Stevenage eastern ring road.

3/19/0118/OUT/EHDCDMC-5Feb2020/ PACErepresentation/sms/27Jan2020Page 1 of 5 PACE representation: EHDC Development Management Committee Agenda Item 5a That concern promptedPACE?s petitionivwhich waspublished on the Council?s website on7thFebruary 2019. A record number of 590 residents supported the petition.

Some 1,300 comments have been made on the planning application. Most sought to draw theapplicant?sattention to their concerns /objection to the ?3-Access?proposal.Many commentators provided alternative engineering proposals for the applicant to consider. It patently has not done so. A recent community poll, conducted by PACE, suggested that roundabouts rather than traffic light junctions would be more effective.

Despite constructive public feedback the applicant has chosen not to engage the local community to discuss alternative less harmful and more acceptable engineering solutions.

The lack of visible presence and engagement by the developer following its exhibition is regretted. It contrasts starkly with how beneficially other developers, in for exampleWarehave proactively engaged their public in developing a community focused masterplan and a holistic planning application by using public workshops, focus groups etc.v In consequence residents, particularly those in the Stevenage administrative area, feel they have been ignored, not listened to, disenfranchised and have no sense of ownership of the current plan.

2. TheMasterplanningprocess I turn now to matters concerning the relevance of the master planning process as it affects this application.

The first (general and introductory) meeting of the EOS1 Masterplan Steering Group was rather hastily convened for 18thMay 2018. Draft terms of reference were circulated. It was advised that the Group should look to meet at intervals of 4/6 weeks. That has not happened.

It met once more prior to the adoption of the

Masterplan?Vision?in September 2018 and the opening of consultation on the current planning application in January 2019. That meeting acknowledged that highway matters were a key concern. A third meeting scheduled for 23rdJuly 2018 to specifically discuss highway concerns was cancelled. It was not re-convened.

Minutes of the second meeting were issued after the Masterplan?Vision?was adopted by the Executive.

PACE wrote to the Leader of the Council (it?s Member lead for the Steering Group)prior to the meeting ofthe Council?s Executiveasking that the proposed adoption of the EOS1 Masterplan?Vision?be deferred as it was premature. That was declined and a public statement was made?justifying?itsaccelerated adoption.vi The justification for advancing approval of the Masterplan was that highway and other matters of?detail?would be considered during any planning application process. We now find that the Highway Authority is unable to consider alternative engineering solutions as it can only comment on the application as submitted, and must now do so in context of the Local Plan and the hastily adopted Masterplan?both of which were adopted as?material considerations?.

The premature adoption of a EOS1 Masterplan has thus pre-empted and constrained comment by the Highway Authority. There is a widely held perception that its adoption has renderedEHDC?spublic consultation on the planning application a tick-box exercise, ineffective and of no relevance to the planning consultation process.

3/19/0118/OUT/EHDCDMC-5Feb2020/ PACErepresentation/sms/27Jan2020Page 2 of 5 PACE representation: EHDC Development Management Committee Agenda Item 5a That no further meetings of the Masterplan Steering Group took place prior to consultation on this planning application has resulted in the Steering Group being unable to play any part in modifying the masterplan to reflect subsequent events and thus informthe Council?sconsideration of this application. That wholly negates the rationale for creating the Steering Group, its terms of reference and the principles contained in theCouncil?s Masterplanning Policy (DES1).

3. The current EOS1 Masterplan fails to adequately determine how the site will be managed given that it is

The battle to halt Gresley Park development

to be built as three separate development parcels.

The EOS1 Masterplan does not contain the level of detail required to adequately secure delivery of the allocated site in accordance with Council Policy DES1.viiThe Masterplanning Steering Group understand EOS1 is now to be progressed as three independent development parcels.

Recently, in its response to our enquiry following a Freedom of Information request, Hertfordshire Highways advised that?I [Hertfordshire Highways] should note that at this stage of the planningprocess, full details of how the construction of the development will be managed is not expected. How the applicant will manage their site with respect to the potential housebuilders is also not yetknown.?

If the Council?s Masterplanning policy is to retain credibility, this critical matter should first be addressed by the Steering Group, and the Masterplan updated prior to consideration of any planning application.

4.To sum up ...

We suggest that this application ...

Remains unnecessarily driven by the developer?s continueddesire to have three separate development parcels, which it advised in 2016 was necessary to meet theCouncil?s 5-year housing requirement. That we now know no longer has relevance.

Is presently defective when judgedagainst the Council?s adopted policies.

We also suggest that EOS1 Masterplan now needs to

be formally re-visited to better reflect the level of detail required to guide whole-site design and better secure planning supervision and management of the development.

Members of the Committee. We have one opportunity to get this right in the interests of existing and new EOS1 residents for posterity.The Council?s latest 5-Year Land Supply Position Statement indicates that if it takes another year, or even two to do so, the Council will still have enough excess housing supply to achieve that and meet its District Plan targets. We therefore encourage you to modifythe Case Officer?s recommendation.

3/19/0118/OUT/EHDCDMC-5Feb2020/ PACErepresentation/sms/27Jan2020Page 3 of 5 PACE representation: EHDC Development Management Committee Agenda Item 5a 5. Representation We, the local community ofStevenage resident?s, the residents of the Parishes of Aston,Walkern, and those further afield, request the Committee to defer this application.

That will enable the applicant to consult constructively and more effectively collaborate with the local community as part of a comprehensive place making opportunity to produce a modified and acceptable application: An application which all can acknowledged will create the quality development the Council espouses, and one which creates least harm for residents and those using the wider Stevenage and local highway network.

360 Play #Stevenage to host World Book Day costume swap The area?s favourit e family ent ert ainment cent re is put t ing sust ainabilit y t op of t he list .

As a family focused business, 360 Play are always looking t o t he fut ure and are always searching for ways t o be more carbon friendly and sust ainable. As many of t he 360 Team are parent s t hey underst and t he const ant t o-do list of modern parent ing and ahead of World Book Day on Thursday 5t h March will be host ing a cost ume swap session at t heir St evenage Leisure Park locat ion on Monday 10t h February. Cost ume swapping is t he most fun way t o recycle! Children get new-t o-t hem cost umes and parent s get t o save money and do t heir bit for t he planet at t he same t ime.

World Book Day comes just once a year and most cost umes will only be worn once? maybe t wice if t here?s a younger sibling willing t o wear it anot her year.

Chances are t hat your cost umes are st ill in good enough shape t o be passed along t o anot her child and so at 360 Play World Book Day just got more parent AND planet friendly.

Here is how it works!

Drop off your clean, gent ly used cost umes t o 360 Play unt il 10t h February and t hey?ll give you a t icket t o

come back t o t he event on 10t h February aft er 3pm t o find a new cost ume. If you already have a cost ume sort ed but would st ill like t o donat e t hen all cost ume donat ions will be grat efully received at t he cent re recept ion.

360 Play is a popular dest inat ion for families wit h young children and feat ures t he company?s t ried and t est ed formula of a wide range of act ivit ies for all children, from t oddlers up t o t he age of 12.

Everyt hing is designed so t hat adult s can join in t oo ? including t he cent ral play st ruct ure, t he carousel, bumper cars and much more ? providing a t rue family day out opport unit y, what ever t he weat her.

For more informat ion on 360 Play visit www.360play.co.uk

Pict u r e by M at t En der sby

MP slams council refurbs St evenage Borough Coucil is fight ing t o defend a refrubishment scheme which leaseholders have slammed as shoddy and which could cost t hem at least ÂŁ5,000 each.

W it h allegat ions t hat work has been done badly, on some areas which did not require any refurbishment and worse st ill which has also caused asbest os t o be discovered, t he local MP has st epped in.

Comment ing on t he project St evenage MP St ephen McPart land said: ?I have been clear Leaseholders get a poor deal and have fought t o help many of t hose affect ed by privat e landlords. ?I believe it is t ot ally unfair and t he Labour cont rolled Council are bullying local people and act ing far worse

t han any privat e landlord has in t his t own. In fact , if it was a privat e landlord, our Labour Councillors would be out raged, but because t heir Council are ripping people off - it is ok. Well, it is not ok, it is out rageous and we have t o t ry and t ake every decision t o t he first t ier housing t ribunal. They have t he power t o reduce t he amount s t hat were charged, writ e t hem off and even impose a limit of ÂŁ100 a year payment for example.

"I am in discussions wit h hundreds of leaseholders, t he Leaseholder Advisory Service, a government funded organisat ion set up t o support leaseholders and I am t rying t o find a lawyer t o act on a pro bono or reduced rat e t o represent t hose being ripped off by t he Council.?

Get your Stevenage 10K entry in now The St evenage 10K is back and St evenage Magazine publisher Hasht ag Digit al Media is proud once again t he sponsor t he event .

ÂŁ18 for all ot her runners. Finishers receive a t shirt , medal and can enjoy t he free cake! Ent ries are available at :

The St evenage 10K for 2020 will be held on 20/ 9/ 2020. The race will st art at 10:30am wit h t he st art and finish in Hampson Park.

ht t ps:// www.racesonline.uk/race-ent ry/ st evenage10k/ index.php?id=1

Ent ries for t he St evenage 10K are now open! The ent ry fee is st ill ÂŁ16 for affiliat ed running club members and

ht t ps:// www.racesonline.uk/race-ent ry/ st evenage10k ht t ps:// www.racesonline.uk/race-ent ry/st evenage10k/

Council back biz4Biz awards biz4Biz is proud t o announce t he biz4Biz Awards, ret urning for t heir fourt h year in May 2020.

These awards are impart ial, independent and open t o anyone involved in a business in Hert fordshire.

On t he 17t h May 2019, businesses from all over Hert fordshire came t oget her t o celebrat e and recognise t he deserving winners and finalist s of t he biz4Biz Awards 2019. Host ed by popular t elevision present er and award-winning newscast er, Fiona Bruce, t he evening was a huge success and enjoyed by all who at t ended.

The next glit t ering awards ceremony will be held on Friday 15t h May 2020 and ret urns t o Tewin Bury Farm Hot el, Welwyn, Hert fordshire, t he chosen venue t o host t he event for t he 4t h year running. Host ed by t he "King of Ballroom", Ant on du Beke, t he night is sure t o provide anot her st unning showcase for t hose at t ending and is a fant ast ic plat form for all nominees, wit h t he award winners having full on-going publicit y, following t he ceremony, and all nominees given t he opport unit y t o publicise on t he biz4Biz Awards websit e.

In order t o support and recognise business excellence in St evenage and across Hert fordshire, St evenage Borough Council is sponsoring t he Made in Hert s

cat egory at t his year?s biz4Biz Awards.

The awards are open t o all businesses based in Hert fordshire. Ent ry is free and award cat egories include: ·Made in Hert s ·Best Family Business ·Best Employment Services Provider ·Best Legal and Financial Services Provider ·Best Market ing and Promot ional Services Provider ·Best Apprent iceship ·Best Corporat e Social Responsibilit y ·Business Services of t he Year ·SME Business of t he Year (<£3m) ·Large Business of t he Year (>£3m) ·New Business of t he Year ·Business of t he Year ·biz4Biz Judges Award To ent er, a company must be nominat ed online at www.bizawards.info Once nominat ed, all ent rant s are list ed on t he websit e and are subject t o a public vot e. Vot ing will finish on t he 14t h February 2020, wit h final judging t aking place t hroughout March 2020.

Companies can nominat e t hemselves and all nominees will be

required t o confirm t heir applicat ion. Successful applicant s, awarded wit h t he most vot es in each cat egory, will t hen be invit ed t o at t end a judging day at a Hert fordshire hot el during March 2020.

For furt her informat ion about t he biz4Biz Awards, please visit t he websit e at www.bizawards.info biz4Biz provides a coherent voice for businesses in Hert fordshire.

They aim t o influence and shape policymaking and encourage invest ment in Hert fordshire by engaging wit h local and cent ral government , relevant public-sect or bodies and local organisat ions t o promot e t he count y of Hert fordshire as a great place t o live and work.

There is no charge t o part icipat e in t he awards programme and t he aim is purely t o promot e t he best Business in each respect ive award cat egory by endeavours.

Follow t hem on t wit t er: @biz4Biz_Awards

Primett Road parking - an open letter appealing to use the space for staff A let t er reflect ing t he views of St evenage Old Town Business Communit y Part nership wit h regards t o parking issues in t he Old Town, t he plans for permit s and a call t o allow t he former Wait rose parking sit e t o be used free of charge.

Dear Sir, Please see our previous 2016 const ruct ive email t hat was very well received by t he SOTBCP and in part icular Wait rose! It appears t o have been complet ely ignored and wit h 2019 being t he worst ret ail year for 25 years/since records began, it ?s act ually get t ing worse!

Thanks for your survey but it appears t o be missing t he bigger pict ure re t he challenges of t he decline in High St reet business(s): We believe t he Old Town High St reet t hrives because of t he free parking it offers t o it s cust omers (especially when compared t o Herford and New Town St evenage which has numerous empt y shops) The 3 hours limit works well as it keeps t he car rot at ion going and also prevent s employees and commut ers abusing it But t he local ret ail parks and new t own cent re Tesco Ext ra nearby also offer free parking t o cust omers and employees: t he local Ret ail parks are invest ing heavily in improved shops so we need t o maint ain a compet it ive advant age Ret ail Parks are growing in popularit y for t he ease and convenience of parking (Brent Cross

and Lakeside have free parking) There is also considerable ?spare?parking behind t he High St reet (next t o The Comet offices) t hat is available which should be more ut ilised wit h free parking for High St reet employees and t his would alleviat e parking on t he side st reet s where resident s are underst andably frust rat ed at t he inconvenience it causes t hem The majorit y of shop employees are paid lower wages but t hey are very import ant t o t his Ret ail ?Ecosyst em?, especially when t hey would also have free parking in t he St evenage Ret ail parks ? so we need t o ensure t hey are also appropriat ely looked aft er So our recommendat ion is t o make t he public car park free for ret ail/ High St reet employees, provided t hey can prove t hat t hey are employees of t he High St reet Shops and businesses as we already pay considerable business rat es and find it t ough enough t o compet e wit h onslaught of on-line only businesses wit h far fewer expenses. This would be a ?win/ win?, helping resident s and t he shops wit h more convenience t o cust omers and in t urn t he council wit h a t hriving high st reet and more employment .

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Time for Todd tickets now!

The superb Todd In The Hole Fest ival will be back on July 17-19 2020.

Tier 1 t icket s are now on sale, wit h individual day t icket s available as well as weekend t icket s.

And t he road t o #Todd2020 just got t hat bit easier. The new payment plan means you can secure your weekend t icket s t oday and spread t he cost over a 3 mont h period.

Find out more about t he payment plan prices here: ht t ps://t oddint hehole.t icket line.co.uk Don't forget for all t he lat est news of act s performing and ot her offers you can get updat es online and sign up for updat es.

Save t he dat e for next year and st ay in t ouch at ht t ps://t oddint hehole.t icket line.co.uk Read, en joy an d sh ar e

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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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On the final journey Funeral t ransport : Making your last journey personal There are many sayings in life about journeys and travel. A journey is a common metaphor for life itself and they form the basis of numerous inspirational quotes.

But we?re also a generation of physical globetrotters. We plot where we want to go, what we want to do; we have scratch maps to complete, bucket lists to fulfil.

So the final journey we make after we?ve passed away is, surely, just as significant. By choosing a mode of transport and a route to take to the final resting place, which are personal to the deceased, a funeral can feel more about their life than their death. It?s not about going into the dark and unknown, but celebrating life and creating more memories.

Our blog on personalising funerals [link to personalising funerals blog] touched on transport, but here we?ll look at it in more depth.

Why is funeral transport so significant?

There are two aspects to personalising funeral transport.

Firstly, it allows the deceased to travel in a way that is very personal to them, whether this is

by their own planning before they pass away, or down to friends and family fulfilling their wishes on their behalf. This might be in a vehicle they owned themselves, something they loved going in, or perhaps even always wanted to experience!

There was a story in the news recently of a man who?s dying wish it was to have his coffin transported in the bucket of the JCB he drove for 30 years. There are some beautiful pictures online of the JCB taking him on the short journey from his home to the funeral, followed by his family and friends on foot. (https://metro.co.uk/2019/04/24/ granddad-taken-funeralbucket-jcb-9294632/) The second aspect is about those left behind. Depending on the transport chosen, they can walk alongside, drive, or, in the case of a hand pulled bier, even carry their loved one themselves and be beside them right until the end. In some cases, following a traditional black hearse in a funeral car may feel quite distant and unfamiliar for the bereaved, perhaps even a bit stressful. It?s important to see how something as seemingly insignificant as the transport can

help our stress and mental attitude at such a difficult time. [link to funeral stress blog] A study by the Co-op revealed that more and more people want their funerals to be personal and celebratory affairs with Land Rovers and rainbow-hued vehicles to take them to their final resting places ? and companies are responding to these wishes up and down the country!

W hat t ypes of t ransport are available?

At Austin?s, we can arrange various modes of transport and always do our best to make your wishes happen. Aside from our traditional black hearses and limousines, we can offer?

A motorbike hearse with a sidecar for the coffin A VW campervan, A variety of different model Land Rovers A 1950 vintage lorry A hand pulled coffin bier, which has been in the Austin?s family for generations A horse-drawn carriage with black or white horses

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Wedding and party package Can you af f ord t o miss t he Forum's wedding package?

As l ong as booking is made by t he end of t his year wit h deposit paid it can be used f or t he ent ire 2020.

For a remarkabl e ÂŁ3,000 you can have excl usive use of t he f ul l suit e upst airs incl uding Fairview suit e. Incl udes: -

Room f rom 10am-midnight Cat ers up t o 500 Ful l use of t he kit chen and abil it y t o bring in booze and f ood.

Incl ude securit y 1 hot el room Col our t heme upl ight ers and use of screens f or phot os

For part ies, weddings recept ions, birt hdays and charit y event s we are t he venue f or you.

Book by Sept ember 30 2019 and use t his t o t he end of 2019.

Part y package incl udes: -

Noon - Midnight Ext ended bar l icence on appl icat ion ÂŁ500 per room, accommodat e 200 peopl e.

Can increase capacit y by booking a second room f or a 50% discount .

Incl udes dance f l oor, securit y, t abl e l inen and bar st af f , upl ight er and screens.

Cal l us now on 01438 779955

And how about our amazing part y package?

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Book the best conference facilities for your business

Do you want t he very best f or your business?

The Forum Conf erence and Banquet ing Suit es in St evenage of f er t he f inest f acil it ies and t he best rat es - and we now have a special booking of f er which wil l al l ow you t o book f rom now unt il April 30 2020.

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Dail y Del egat e rat e - f rom just ÂŁ25 f or a minimum of 10 peopl e Every 10t h person is f ree and a bot t l e of f izz f or t he booker.

Ideal meet ing space f or 20 peopl e, af t ernoon t ea cof f ee and cakes and l unch

Arrival t ea cof f ee and f resh baked past ries avail abl e Take a break wit h mid-morning t ea, cof f ee and biscuit s Af t ernoon hot and col d working buf f et l unch avail abl e Af t ernoon t ea, cof f ee and a sweet t reat f or al l del egat es Al l bookings incl ude f ul l use of st at ionery, room hire and equipment hire

Quot e Code: Forumbiz19 Cal l 01438 779955 and book now

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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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Phot ography by Brendan Fal vey

If you have enjoyed t hese images of #St evenage by Brendan Falvey and would like t o find out how t o order t hem cont act on t he det ails supplied here

Email: bjpfalvey@gmail.com Search for Bren's Phot o's on Facebook

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For r esult s t oday speak t o t he com m unicat ion exper t s at Spit f ir ePR Media rel at ions

Copy writ ing

Social media market ing

Media t raining

Market ing

Crisis management

Proud publ i sh er of #Herts @h ash tagh erts For al l your mark eti ng and soci al medi a needs: 07539 782979 w w w .spi tf i repr.com darren@spi tf i repr.com @DarrenI sted1 @h ash tagh erts

What 's on in # STEVENAGE INS: Every Friday afternoon, So Healthy, a gentle exercise class takes place from 1.30pm to 2.30pm at Bedwell Community Centre. Please contact the INS for more information on 01438 725400 or emailinfo@irishnetworkstevenage.org.ukor follow the group on Facebook or Twitter.

St evenage Fl oral Art Societ y: Call Margaret 01438 880086 for more details.

St evenage Liberal Synagogue: For further information phone 01438 300222 or visitstevenageliberalsynagogue@gmail.com St evenage Fibromyal gia Support Group:Meet on the second Wednesday evening, 7.30 to 9.30pm, and last Tuesday of the month, 12.30pm to 2.30pm, at Poplars Community Hall. A weekly coffee drop in from 1pm to 3pm takes place on Wednesdays at Encore Coffee House, in the foyer of the Gordon Craig Theatre. Call the helpline 0844 8872 373 or 355 for more info. All welcome.

St Andrew and St George:Parish Mass on Sunday at 10am. A toddler group takes place on Wednesdays from 10am to 12pm. All welcome. For further details please email Kimcuttylanegroups@gmail.com.Morning Prayer Monday to Thursday at 9.30 am. Weekday Masses on Monday at 10am, Tuesday at 12.30pm and Thursday at 10am. Compline at 8:30 pm on Thursdays. For more information visitwww.stevenagechurch.org.

Debt ors Anonymous:Meetings are held every

Tuesday evening at 8pm at The Living Room, No 15 The Glebe, Chells Way. For more information visit:www.debtorsanonymous.org.uk St evenage Corey?s Mil l Lions Cl ub:Lion are part of the world's largest community based Service Organisation and are looking for more members to assist with the work in the community as volunteers. Meetings are held on the second Monday of the month in Symonds Green starting at 7.45pm. Membership fee is nominal. To find out more call 01438 489247 or 07903 444052 or visit the group on Facebook.

St arl ight Dance Academy:Adult tap dance classes, for all ages, with a fully qualified teacher take place from 1.15pm every Friday at the Community and Arts Pavilion, Roaring Meg Retail Park, Stevenage.

Age Concern, St evenage:Pop in for a cuppa every Monday, 10am to 12pm, at Swingate House. Age Concerns provides bookings for Britannia Coaches,a hire service for mobility scooters and wheelchairs during opening hours. Free 20-minute appointments for benefits and legal advice, and a footcare clinic are held every Tuesday and Thursday (fee payable). Age Concern's offices are open Monday to Friday from 9.30am to 3pm and Thursday 9.30am to 1.30pm, ground floor, Swingate House, Stevenage town centre.Call01438 314164 for more.

St evenage Museum:St George?s Way, Stevenage, hosts a wide range of events throughout the year for families, children and adults. Open 10am to 4.30pm Wednesday to Friday, 10am to 5pm Saturday. Call 01438 218881 or emailmuseum@stevenage.gov.ukfor more.

Cycl e UK St evenage:Starter cycle rides will set off from Costello?s Cafe by the Sailing Centre in Fairlands Valley Park at 10.30am every Saturday.

Evening rides from the green by Springfield House Community Centre take place every Wednesday at 7.15pm. For more information go towww.stevenagectc.org.ukor call Jim on 07939 687509 or Jill on 07816 625901.

What 's on in # STEVENAGE St evenage Writ ers:Meet every Wednesday from 5.30pm to 7pm in The Snug Bar at The Dun Cow, Letchmore Road, Stevenage. Mutual support for writers at all levels, something for everyone. Next two months the group is working on getting their Annual together. For more details contact Tony Burtonponytailpoet@gmail.com.

Pl ay Go:Takes place every Tuesday from 7.30pm in Letchworth or Stevenage on alternate weeks.

Persons under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a responsible adult. For more information, visithttp:/ / www.letchworth-go.org.uk/ letchgo St Hugh and St John's Church: Blaze Youth Club for anyone aged 7 to 14 takes place every Thursday during term-time from 5.45pm to 7.15pm. Have fun playing games, sports, making crafts, baking, cooking, and art, The first Thursday of the month is family night where families are invited to come for a meal and a short service. ÂŁ1.50 per week.

Roundabout ers Count ry Dance Cl ub:English country dancing every Thursday, 8pm to 10pm, at Friends Meeting House, Cuttys Lane SG1 1UP. Newcomers are always welcome, both beginners and experienced dancers. To find out more call 01438 727239, visitwww.roundabouters.org.ukor just come along.

St evenage Bridge Cl ub:New players are needed at Stevenage Bridge Club and Springfield House Friday Bridge Club. Stevenage Bridge Club meets at 7.30pm to play Duplicate Bridge at the Priory Nursery, Stanmore Road, Old Stevenage. Contact Phil Cooper on 0795 7813434. Springfield House Friday Bridge Club meet on Friday afternoons at 1.30pm to play cut-in Chicago Bridge at Springfield House. Contact Richard Bean on 01438 221517.

Mol l y Vickers School of Dance:Lessons in Ballet, Tap, Freestyle and Contemporary at Bedwell Community Centre, Stevenage. For children (18 months+) and adults, first trial class is free! For more details call Lisa Holt on (01438) 723450 or Stacey Hurst on (01438) 315580.

Oval Communit y Circl e:Come along to a free social

group held on the first Thursday of the month anytime between 9:30am and 11am at the Oval Community Centre, Vardon Road. For more information contactenquiries@ovalcommunity.comor 01438 359404.

Love t o Dance:Fun and friendly sessions for anyone aged 50 and over take place every Friday from 1.30pm to 3.30pm at Hampson Park Community Centre, Webb Rise, Stevenage, SG1 5QU. Just ÂŁ5.50 per session. For more information call 0203 675 7215 or emailclarebellchambers@saracens.net St evenage Spirit ual Group:Meet every Sunday (except Bank Holidays) at Springfield House, Stevenage Old Town. Sunday meetings take place from 7.30pm till 9pm with a different Medium each week. All welcome.

Just Sing Communit y Choir:Come along and sing every Thursday during term time from 7pm to 9pm, at Grace Community Church. Hydean Way, Stevenage. First taster session free and no auditions are required. Contact 07785568463 or visit the websitewww.justsingcc.org.uk Pil at es:Sessions take place at Datchworth Village Hall on Thursdays from 1.30pm to 2.30pm/ Beginners are recommended to attend an introductory class. Call 07732897404 for more information.

Wou ld you lik e t o pr om ot e you r gr ou p or even t f or f r ee?

Do you w an t t o sh ow t h e people of #St even age you r gr ou p in act ion ?

Sen d you r copy an d pict u r es t o dar r en @spit f ir epr .com an d w e w ill do ou r best t o pu blish t h em in Wh at 's on in #St even age

Join the SportScene team There is a new radio show on the circuit that any sports fan in the area would be mad to miss.

SportScene started broadcasting their weekly show earlier in August on SG1 radio, the online radio station broadcasting live from their studio in Stevenage Town Centre.

Presented by Steve Watkins, Jay Drackford and Dean Thompson, there is a wealth of local sporting knowledge that has been tapped into, with the trio aiming to showcase any sport local to the area.

Steve Watkins said ?It was an idea that was dreamed up by Jay, who quickly shared his thoughts with myself and Dean, and we were hooked. We went to station owner Ray Medwynter and he loved the idea, and two weeks later we were live on air! ?In the first show we were honoured to have former Arsenal goalkeeper Bob Wilson as a guest, speaking about his charity, the Welwyn Garden City based

?Willow Foundation?, and his golf tournament recently held at Hanbury Manor. ?The response has been phenomenal in the early days. We have had local clubs represented, with sports including Football, Netball, Running, Iron-Man, Cricket Rugby and Cylcling, and have even included the great work being done with the Aqualina Synchronised Swimming club. ?It has so far been a case of building relationships with the clubs, so that we can follow their fortunes in the future. But we are also keen to get involved ourselves, with Jay already running the local Park Run, and Dean is lined up to have an evening of Synchronised Swimming, which of course will be covered on the show! ?We still need to hear from any new clubs with a story to tell, whether it be news, results, fixtures or events, and we are happy to speak on the phone, get guests into the studio , or simply

read out any news from a club. The aim is to cover ANY local sport, without prejudice or bias. Where at all possible of course!?

The show can be contacted at any time via email at sportscene@sg1radio.co.uk, via twitter @sg1sportscene, or on the SG1 Radio Facebook Page.

The show is broadcast every Wednesday evening between 9-10pm, and can be accessed at www. sg1radio.co.uk, on mobile phones by downloading the SG1 Radio app, via tune-in radio on a smart device such as sonos or alexa, and is also now being broadcast live with video on Facebook, which has added an extra dimension, and encouraged interaction from the sportspeople of the area.

Previous shows can also be played again, with links on Facebook and Twitter.

For further details, contact the team at sportscene@sg1radio.co.uk

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Unlimit ed: How t o apply online Step 1 Make sure you have your bank details and a recent passport photo Step 2 Complete the easy application process and use your temporary pass straight away Step 3 We will post your Unlimited card to you Step 4

Visit one of our Cineworld cinemas Step 2 Find a member of staff or use a sign up tablet in cinema Step 3 Complete the easy application process and use your temporary pass to start enjoying Unlimited movies Step 4 Start enjoying Unlimited and related offers We are delight ed t o t eam up wit h Cineworld St evenage t o offer you t he chance t o win five pairs of 2D t icket s t o any film (subject t o availabilit y).

To ent er simply follow and like our Facebook page @st evenage magazine and ent er our compet it ion when post ed asking who you would t ake wit h you.

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Ashr idge Est at e

# St evenage February 2020

PROPERTY

The unique guide to property news in #Stevenage

#STEVENAGE PROPERTY: THE INTERACTIVE WAY TO VIEW YOUR AGENT

DIRECT LINKS TO WEBSITES, EM AILS, VIDEO AND PROPERTY DETAILS

# PROPERTY STEVENAGE Let 's f ace it - w e live in a digit al w or ld - w h en

t h e agen t s w h o ar e act in g on beh alf of bu yer s,

w as t h e last t im e you u sed pr in t t o t r y an d bu y

seller s, lan dlor ds an d t h ose look in g t o r en t .

or sell a h ou se or t o look f or a pr oper t y t o r en t .

In t h ese pages you w ill f in d live lin k s st r aigh t

Th e on lin e w or ld allow s f or qu ick an d easy

t o t h e agen t s - so h it t h eir w ebsit es n ow , em ail

con n ect ion t o all h ou ses f or sale or r en t , w it h

t h em or ar r an ge a visit - all f r om t h e com f or t

f u ll f act s at you r f in ger t ips an d in st an t lin k s t o

of you r ow n ph on e.

101 High St r eet , St even age

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Tel 01438 231200 m ar k sim on est at es.co.u k

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

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Tel 01438 219282 let t in gs@t lcest at es.co.u k

61-63 High St r eet ,

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St even age Tel 01438 316846 w w w.pu t t er ills.co.u k

86 High St r eet ,

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St even age Tel 01438 728444 h om esan dm or t gages.co.u k

A-Top Pr oper t y Let t in gs, 1 Dr aper s Way, St even age

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Tel 01438 369173 con t act @a-t oplet t in g.co.u k

# PROPERTY STEVENAGE 24 M ar k et Place St even age

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

19 M ar k et Place,

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St even age Tel 01438 312312 st even age@w r igh t sof .com

Ow n Hom es, 2 M iddle Row , St even age

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Tel 01438 367753 sales@ow n -h om es.com

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Call 0800 0248 914

8 M ar k et Place, St even age

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Tel 01438 728444 st even age@con n ells.co.u k

74 High St r eet , St even age

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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.

Award winners!

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2 M iddle Row , St even age Tel 01438 367753 w w w.ow n -h om es.com

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

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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

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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.

Making the Wrights choice

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19 M ar k et Place, St even age Tel 01438 312312

Wrights is proud to be an independent estate agency with our own unique values and ethos.

We have been in business in Hertfordshire for over 30 years and our experience in helping our customers to buy, sell or rent their properties is second to none. Over the years we have built a professional and enthusiastic team and we now have three branches based in the towns of Hatfield, Stevenage and Welwyn Garden City.

Wrights was founded in 1983 by Melvin Wright. Melvin was an experienced estate agent who began his career working for W.H.Lee based in the village of Ware and then moved on to their Stevenage office. As he progressed in his career Melvin was asked if he would open another branch of W.H.Lee in Harlow. Whilst pondering this decision Melvin happened to see that a shop unit in Hatfield was for sale and this made up his mind ? he would start his own estate agency! He picked up the phone to the agent and said he wanted to buy the unit, and so

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Wrights Estate Agency was born on the 15th August 1983.

Due to Melvin and his team?s hard work and determination Wrights Estate Agency really took off in Hatfield. Just 10 years after Wrights first opened its doors in Hatfield Melvin made the decision to open another branch in the lovely town of Welwyn Garden City. And so in 1993 Wrights of Welwyn Garden City was founded.

As the Wrights team had such a wealth of knowledge about the Hertfordshire housing market it made sense to open another branch, and because Melvin had previously worked in Stevenage he decided to based his next office in this lively town. Wrights were the first independent estate agents based in the town centre and where we led others followed - it soon became a prime location for a number of estate agencies.

Independent agency, independent values When asked just what makes Wrights so successful we tell

people that it is our independent values and experience. We pride ourselves on our professionalism, our knowledge and our honesty.

We really care about our customers and put them at the heart of everything we do.

Our success is also built on great teamwork and our family values extend to the whole of the Wrights team. We make our offices a welcoming place to work and this is evidenced by the fact that we have team members who have been with us for over 20 years!

So now you know our history let us help you plan your future in the property market. Whether you are looking to buy, sell or rent get in touch with any of our three branches and we will be happy to help you.

19 M ar k et Place, St even age Tel 01438 312312 h t t ps:/ / w w w.w r igh t sof .com / br an ch / st even age/

Geoffrey Matthew property innovators Text

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

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

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