#Stevenage January 2019

# STEVENAGE The unique digital magazine for Stevenage promoted by social media

January 2019

Food banks, pover t y and a chance t o help Click t o play video

Planning granted for 236 homes in Bragbury End St evenage Borough Council has been grant ed planning permission for one of it s most ambit ious new building development s which will see it deliver 236 homes t o t he Bragbury End area, as well as a raft of new local facilit ies and ret ail unit s.

The development , which will see a complet e revamp of Kenilwort h Close, will commence lat er t his year.

It will include a mix of houses t hat are for sale, affordable rent and social rent and will help t o meet t he needs of a diverse local communit y by bringing a varied mix of propert y t ypes t o t he area.

Comment ing on t he development , Councillor Sharon Taylor, Leader of St evenage Borough Council, said: ?We are so delight ed t o have t he green light on t his project which is an import ant pillar of our ongoing and excit ing regenerat ion plans for St evenage. Toget her wit h our part ners Kyle Smart Associat es, we have designed a neighbourhood t hat will be

inclusive of t he varied needs of our resident s. ?It will bring qualit y of life enhancement s in t he form of new green space, innovat ions such as roof t errace gardens and ret ail and leisure facilit ies designed t o enhance communit y connect ions in t he area. It has been a long process, t hroughout which we have been st riving t o act ively involve and consult wit h t he local communit y on t heir needs, and we t hank t hem for t heir pat ience, help and encouragement in get t ing us t o t his st age.?

The development includes a new st at e of t he art independent living scheme consist ing of 88 one and t wo bedroom apart ment s.

The need for independent living propert ies for t he elderly in St evenage is on t he increase, wit h an ant icipat ed 64 per cent rise in t he number of over 65s in t he t own bet ween 2011 and 2031.

You r in t er act ive digit al m agazin e f or St even age See in side f or n ew s, f eat u r es, bu sin ess, pr oper t y

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Cold weather help for homeless

The People For People Group in Stevenage have hit the headlines with an appeal for cold weather provisions now outside the Kenny Arnold Salon in High Street in the Old Town.

The idea helped about 7 homeless people in the first few hours.

Gloves, socks, jumpers, coats, scarves and trousers for both sexes were all donated.

Along with the appeal to help secure more clothing the aim of the request was also to encourage people to be more proactive and get them out there talking to the homeless.

As Kenny Arnold commented: "Breaking that taboo of walking past, showing people that we can listen and talk is crucial when dealing with the homeless. It?s terribly easy after you break that one... it?s about saying 'hey how are

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doing and what do you need?' And then you go get it. In doing this I met 5 new homeless people I wasn?t aware of ( and I thought I was). You tell them people care and say come and talk to us. If we can help we will."

Anyone who would like to help is encouraged to approach the homeless and to offer assistance.

"The message is that people mustn?t just give it to us to give, it?s about being brave and doing it yourself. I?m as qualified to deal with homeless people as the next person ( I?m not !) but just talk to people and see if you can help and if you can then just do!," said Kenny.

For further details like and follow the People For People - Stevenage page on Facebook.

Slum jibe - perhaps we should thank Lewis for actually talking sense Text

M y #St even age by Dar r en Ist ed At the risk of dragging up that 'slum' nonsense again I want to step into the controversy and say that having thought about this long and hard over Christmas I can totally understand where Lewis was coming from.

Before the barrage of boos and brickbats come in - hear me out, as I think there is plenty here to learn from the indignation at the first comment and then all the self-satisfied smugness when Lewis apologised .

First things first. Is Stevenage a slum? Of course not. At the time he made his comment I was away on a break in The Gambia and believe me, we were given tours of areas and people who really needed help. These were real slums and while the people in the country were delighted to see us and our tourism cash, it left a feeling of shame that people across this globe could live in such contrasting conditions.

So are we all living in first world opulence and splendour in #Stevenage?Well no, of course not.

Anyone who read Kenny Arnold's remarkable piece, firstly in our last edition of #Stevenage and then over the holiday period will know there are people in great need who live in the confines of SG1 - people who often don't have enough to eat and some who don't have a guaranteed roof over their head for the coming night.

But while there is poverty and need - these are no slums. So why should Lewis say such a thing? Even

if he tried to self-correct.

My theory is that this town still has a massive issue with self-confidence, there is a doubt about the success of the New Town project and exactly where the Borough is headed.

Just take a look at a number of social media forums, and better still, speak to people in the town. Many are just as dismissive as Lewis about the prospects for Stevenage, it seems easier to look at problems such as the town centre, housing, parking and perceived crime and talk the place down.

So it seems that Lewis was bang on when he was negative about Stevenage, everyone's at it, he just made the mistake of using such an emotive word as slum, a word which to be honest he knew when he'd said it was indefensible.

What Stevenage needs is a campaign to get the confidence back, a campaign which quite frankly was sparked the moment Lewis said what he said.

You only had to speak to friends and family and take a look at social media pages such as the Stevenage Forum to see almost everyone rush to the defence of the town. From across the globe people were quick to hark back to golden summers spent in the Rocket Field or at Playgroups. They were quick to tell of how the town helped them be the person they are in their formative years, how it was a refuge in the post-war era for bombed out families or how it simply gave a second chance to those who - let's be honest, lived in real life slums.

So what to do now?

Well, while there are many issues being faced by the town and its people at this time, it's clear that if you mine this properly, there is a vast amount of goodwill and support for Stevenage from within.

So let's do this and do it right.

Develop an actual campaign which we can all get behind and believe in which shows just how important Stevenage is to us, and more importantly for its future, how it could help to serve future generations and businesses who might be looking to move here.

While some of the lowlights may be clear (and we've already discussed them here Stevenage is home to hi-tech industry in a number of fields and is perfectly placed geographically. The claim that 'The heart of a town lies in its people' has been there all along for Stevenage, now it is time for its people to show if they really have the heart to take this town - not now a new town - to the next phase of its existence.

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Apply to be new youth mayor Are you a young person living in Stevenage, 13 to 19 (or up to 25 if you have additional needs)?

Would you like to be Stevenage Youth Mayor and represent young people for one year?

Email youthcouncil@stevenage.gov.uk or call 01438 242502 by 15th Feb to apply.

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Text #STEVENAGE GOT A STORY TO TELL US? St or ies an d f eat u r es: dar r en @spit f ir epr .com WANT TO ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS OR EVENT? 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 Tw it t er @h t agst even age Facebook @st even agem agazin e

Appeal for help after donation box for children's hospice stolen A well meaning sci-fi baddie has made the news after ?Bob the dalek?had his collection box stolen from outside the Monkey's Emporium shop in High Street, Stevenage.

The shop, which sells vintage toys and collectables, raised money through a collection box which was situated outside and which saw money donated to Noah's Ark Children's Hospice in Barnet.

Commenting on the theft store owner Daniel Emery said: "It is so annoying because there was six months worth of collection in the tin. I put Bob out every day and all of the money goes to the charity. It is crucial as they don't have any shops and they rely purely on donations - I do this because I want to support the children and my customers all feel the same when they contribute."

If you know anything about the theft or would like to help the charity please share or contact Monkey's Emporium via Facebook.

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What's on in

#Stevenage PICTURE THIS Am azin g view of t ow n

The festive period iswell and truly over, 2019 iswith us and it'stime to attack all those targets we set just a few weeks ago. If you have personal goalsthen the #Stevenage team wish you the very best of luck - make those resolutionscome true! And if you are a business, is this the year that you make it to the next level?

In terms of marketing and promotion then forget old-fashioned print, if you want to get a direct link to a property or an agent'semail or website or even better take a look at videos, this isclearly the future.

So if you have a story you think that we should tell then don't forget to contact usat the addresses below.

M IDDLE ROW Focu s on am azin g st r eet

SET FOR A STATUE?

And of course 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 usand see uspromote your products and services to the people of #Stevenage. Digital allows people to read about you on the go - on their mobiles for instance, and they are also just a click away with our live links to websites, emailsaddresses and social media feeds.

Wh o sh ou ld t h e t ow n h on ou r ?

#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

UNIFORM SUCCESS Appeal f or Pr im ar y u n if or m s

Tw it t er @h t agst even age Facebook @st even agem agazin e

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Uniform scheme makes primary school appeal A school uniform scheme which was highlighted in the last edition of #Stevenage is appealing to primary schools to take part.

Set up by Nicola Fulton along with her sister, Sarah Bainbridge and sister in law Charlotte Parry, the idea came about last summer when Nicola called Herts County Council asking if there was a uniform drop-off point she could use for families in need, she was told no there wasn't so this is an idea that has been brewing since then.

If you want to get in contact you can message the Facebook page. They have an automated message that goes back to them with details. They work full time and were finding it difficult to keep up with the demand for replies so the automated message was the best way.

They are taking everything from all types of uniform, ties, blazers, jumpers, bags, shoes, coats P.E. kit etc to GCSE revision books.

Commenting on the bid to get more primary schools on board Nicola said: "There are a number of primary schools that are not on board at the moment with this scheme or have not replied to emails.

"A couple of the schools are not on board at this present time due to a uniform change (Woolenwick) or not having enough PTA staff to help their end (Peartree), but hopefully will be in the future.

Broom Barns have their own

scheme and don?t have logoed uniform.

"We are still collecting for all of the schools listed through public donations so if you have any uniform, school bags anything logoed or not , relevant to these schools, Please still pass them on to us as the need is there.

"As we are relying on the schools to pass on the letter of invitation to the shop to their families in need, the parents at these schools obviously won?t be getting one of these so the invitation is open to families of these schools on pupil premium, very low income , other benefits "Please bring along with you proof of benefit/pupil premium and photographic ID and the school your children attend.

You will not be allowed in without this."

The list of schools NOT on board.....

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Broom barns Bedwell Longmeadow Lodgefarm Roebuck St Nicholas C of E St Margaret Clitherow RC Fairlands Featherstone wood Peartree spring Woolenwick The leys Round diamond Walkern Ardeley St Lawrence C of E Knebworth Datchworth All logoed uniform from cardies to bags, P.E kit, shoes, tights , skirts, dresses, trousers , coats, books or anything related https://www.facebook.com/ Pop-up-uniform-shop1085787468261217/

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Council offer consultation Stevenage Borough Council recently held a consultation event for local residents at Symonds Green to look at a proposed development for the former annexe site.

The proposal is to build 29 new homes, a mixture of one, two and three bedroom flats: -

16 One bedroom flats 10 Two bedroom flats

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3 Three bedroom flats

The new homes will be for rent and all come with parking. The designs below show how the new scheme will look and give an illustration of the street scene.

The council are now aiming to extend this opportunity to the wider community to give us some feedback on the proposed development. Please give us your

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feedback online.

Alternatively, send any feedback to the Housing Development team, Housing Development Stevenage Borough Council Daneshill House Danestrete Stevenage SG1 1HN

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Why I'm proud to talk about my home town Sim on M or t im er t ells #St even age w h y h e h as a passion f or t h e t ow n Stevenage has come in for a fair amount of press recently after the ill-judged comments of a certain racing car driver, personally I am remarkably proud of somewhere I will always call home.

thousand years at St Nicholas and the Old Town which flourished around it and still does to this day, but its importance as the first New Town and its significance in taking Post World War Two

First, Reserve and Youth Teams and watched the team across the length and breadth of this fine country taking in a staggering 700 plus games without missing one home and away. Call this obsession, dedication or just pure madness? Take your pick.

When the going gets tough was the soundtrack to my younger days.

My passion for all things Stevenage continued through Basketball and the foot stamping days at Stevenage Oilers Ice Hockey. It?s also included a couple of spells volunteering at the wonderful Stevenage Museum and playing an integral part in populating the Our Stevenage website. My occasional series great road signs of the town developing a geeky following.

I?m always the first to defend the place I grew up in, the place I went to school in, the place I worked in, the place I started a family, the place I love from the bottom of my heart. What?s wrong with a town which has fantastic infrastructure, great schools, loads of parks and green spaces, an envied cycle track network than means you never need to cross a road. A fantastic museum, library, hospital, entertainment, sport and stacks of history and much, much more.

Stevenage is unique, from its beginnings as a roman town with its impressive six hills, a church that has stood proud for over a

Britain into the happier and affluent centre we love today.

On a personal note, I?m honoured to be one of the first to attend Wellfield Wood School in Ripon Road, to follow in my father and his siblings footsteps and attend the once great Barclay School, and then as a scrawny thirteen year old some 37 years ago, to watch on the North stand that is no more, my very first Boro?game. From an early age I ran the club shop, then for a period of nine years, edited the Match-day programme and fanzine named after one of my heroes. I held positions on the committees of

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Having worked at the ill-fated Land Registry at the newly residential Brickdale House for a quarter of a century, my love of film, my obsession post football and especially since my Civil Service career has seen me return to ?my Stevenage?in the form of the Herts and Beds Cinema Club, and a bit like the town?s motto mirrors, putting film at the heart of the community I know and love dearly.

My story and reflection on Stevenage may be a personal and varied one, but I know that those that call Stevenage home will be very much like myself defending it to the hilt. Stand proud of this great Town.

Simon Mortimer

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Council link to group for Queensway regen plan Stevenage Borough Council has partnered with one of the UK?s leading mixed-use developers, Reef Group, to spearhead the ÂŁ50m Queensway North regeneration scheme comprising the former Marks & Spencer and adjoining retail parade.

Development of the Queensway North area, which is being funded

by Aviva Investors, will form a significant early and important part of Stevenage?s ÂŁ1bn, 20-year regeneration programme. The ambitious scheme will be the first of Stevenage Borough Council?s mixed-use regeneration projects.

The major commercial and residential regeneration includes plans to extensively refurbish and improve the existing main shopping area in and around the block on the east side of Queensway North, and build new housing. The development consists of approximately 45,000 square foot of new retail and restaurant space, a gym, new offices, an innovation and technology centre, and 116 apartments.

Planning permission was obtained in August of this year and construction will start on-site early next year. The first phase comprising the commercial aspect of the scheme will be complete at the end of 2019, with the second phase consisting of more than 100 new homes is set to be completed 12 months later at the end of 2020.

SBC has outlined the following motivations for undertaking the Queensway North scheme:

1. The Queensway North regeneration scheme is transformational, and will update tired and dated buildings and shopping areas for the first time in many years. This will be done with a new range of retail and leisure uses, bringing retail spend and shoppers back into the town, and most importantly reviving the town?s night time economy.

2. SBC is meeting the public?s changing retail expectations by reinventing traditional high street shopping and modernising our town centre. This will give shoppers somewhere not just to shop, but to also enjoy dining out, keeping fit and socialising with friends, colleagues and family.

3. These significant improvements will help make Stevenage a more attractive destination.

The Queensway North scheme forms a major part of our plans and ambitions to revitalise the town centre, by introducing new bars and restaurants, better public spaces, new homes, and high quality design, whilst celebrating the town?s heritage and improving our culture.

4. To provide much-needed new housing for the borough, which will bring activity into the town centre to support businesses alongside

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SBC?s other regeneration plans.

Leader of Stevenage Borough Council, Sharon Taylor, gave the following comment regarding the upcoming partnership with Reef Group: ?Our vision is to reinvigorate the centre of Stevenage, and with Reef Group now on board we?re in a great position to deliver on this vision. Together we?re bringing a new and different type of shopping experience, an innovation and technology centre, and more homes into the heart of our town, which will create a new and vibrant place for more people to shop, work and play?.

Chief Executive of Reef Group, Piers Slater, said: ?Working closely with Stevenage Borough Council, Reef Group are excited to have been able to embark on our shared vision to regenerate this important area of Stevenage. We?re delighted to be bringing new investment, occupiers and uses to create a new district where people want to work, shop, and live.?

Mark Wells, Director, Aviva Investors, said: ?We are delighted to have entered into this long term partnership with Stevenage Borough Council and Reef Group. Reef and the council have impressive plans for the scheme which will give the town centre a new lease of life, supporting both housing need and economic development.?

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PAUL FRY on # St evenage

Do we need a statue as a focal point - and who really is our hero?

Statues. That has been diverting people on Stevenage social media sites from the mince pies and Prosecco during the festive season.

The subject of which Stevenage figures should be depicted prominently in the town in bronze came sharply into focus - and was revved up by 'Slumgate', sparked

by F1 champ Lewis Hamilton's faux pas on Sports Personality of the Year.

The furore, which Hamilton tried none too successfully to quell with a social media post of his own, broadened. I'll spare you the re-run of the controversy, save to say that Hamilton, interviewed on SPOTY, said what drove him on was 'escaping the slums'.

He soon corrected himself, realising it might be construed as a slur on Stevenage ? but the die was cast and former indiscretions, notably over his tax affairs, were

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dredged up again online.

And chatter that the world's richest sportsman, who was born locally, was schooled here and even dragged his former pop star girlfriend Nicole Scherzinger on a date at Cineworld, had sullied his reputation brought many responses that he should no longer be worthy of a permanent local reminder of his achievements ? for which some had campaigned vigorously.

Text The subject widened (or should that be narrowed?) from four wheels to two, when a Stevenage nostalgia website on Facebook highlighted the exploits of George Brown.

Younger readers might not be aware of Brown, a trailblazing bike rider who was a test rider for Stevenage-based Vincent in their heyday. In 1961 he took the Standing Start Kilometre World Record for up to 1000cc machines with a mean speed of 108.73 mph.

His record-breaking bikes, dubbed Nero and Super Nero, took pride of place in his bike shop on the Bowling Green in the High Street throughout the 1960s.

He spent a lot of time testing the bikes Vincent made at the highest possible speeds. While the police were tolerant, Vincent was in court once. When asked what speed he had been doing, the policeman said his stop-watch made it 110 mph. ?Impossible!? said the magistrate, and dismissed the charge.

In 1952 George left Vincent to open his own motorcycle shop with his brother Cliff. In October 1967 he set a world standing-start mile record of 128.665mph and in October 1970, he attached a third wheel on a strut to the Super Nero to lift the 1300cc sidecar flying-start mile record to 128.234mph.

George had hoped to set a 200mph record for a flying start kilometre run. In 1968 he set national and world records for the flying kilometre with a mean average of 182mph.

He died in 1979 and while there are races in his honour, many piled into the Facebook post to call for a

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statue in the old town.

I'm a fan of statues. I've seen a number outside football grounds ?

Bobby Moore at Wembley, Sir Bobby Robson at Newcastle and once recoiled at the weird Michael Jackson that once stood outside Fulham's ground.Only recently, in Warwick, I saw the bronze of boxer Randolph Turpin, the middleweight who in 1951 beat ring legend Sugar Ray Robinson to become world champion.

I think football statues are best sited outside grounds and, much as I admire the brilliant murals on the walkway that goes through the Leisure Centre to the town centre and railway station, there will be many from the town who will not have seen them.

The murals celebrate not only sporting achievements but those sons and daughters of Stevenage or those with long associations with the town who have made major contributions to the arts ? such as best-selling author Ken Follett, Uriah Heep musician Ken Hensley, artist Peter Blagg and sculptor William Mitchell.

The town has possibly punched above its weight in the number of successful people in many spheres.

And you could argue long and hard for the merits of any or all of them

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to have a statue somewhere in town.

That is impractical and many might say a mural is enough.

But I recently visited Manchester's vibrant Salford Quays, a few weeks before Christmas. They had a series of linked displays, dotted all around the site ? beside Media City, by the Lowry Theatre, and even outside the Coronation Street Studios. They were four-feet high resin Snowman figures painted to depict the 12 Days of Christmas, each with a laminated descriptor board with lots of facts. They were a huge hit, with families walking round them, youngsters and families clambering on them to get selfies ? all while getting a brilliant walk.

And in Lincoln, for the past year, the city centre has had a trail of signage boards and mementoes marking the 100 years of the RAF, which the area is closely linked, with many airbases in the county, including those from which WWII bombers launched raids on Germany and Nazi-occupied Europe.

Perhaps there is a germ of an idea there for Stevenage to pick up on... perhaps to tell the town's story, using some of the figures depicted

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on the murals, as well as telling the town's history. It may only be 70 years for the New Town, but the Old Town has many tales to tell that pre-date that.

Those who follow such nostalgic matters might get behind such a move online, with suggestions of how this might be put forward, for locations and subjects.

But if Salford Quays taught me one thing, whatever is done, it could be hugely popular as long as it is accessible, makes people want to be associated with the displays and to record their visit.

Imagine a number of these displays in a reimagined town centre development. Many newcomers won't know the town's history ? won't know about George Brown.

And they'll be left with the very distinct impression that Stevenage might have its faults - as a result of a little neglect and a failure to adapt to the demands of modern life rather than those of the 1950s and 60s ? but it is a unique place with a strong heritage and that lives up to the town motto that ?The heart of a town lies in its people?.

Not just the mega-successful ones. And it certainly is no slum.

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Tips to deal with a funeral during winter With the weather turning chilly, Austin's have put together some tips on dealing with a winter funeral WHAT TO WEAR Keeping warm will be a key factor in your choice of outfit as you?re likely to be spending time outside viewing the flowers and chatting to mourners after the service. You might want to layer your outfit with a cardigan or jumper that can be removed if you get too hot.

Likewise, a thick coat will keep out the chill and be easy to slip off when you?re inside. If you particularly feel the cold you may want to wear some thermal underwear. And don?t forget winter accessories such as hats, scarves and gloves ? as well as keeping you toasty, these can be used to add a little bit of colour, if that?s what your loved one would have liked.

CHOOSING THE FLOWERS There are plenty of winter flowers available for wreaths and floral arrangements. For something different, you could include pine cones, fresh spruce and eucalyptus, or perhaps go with a white and red theme for a December funeral. If, on the other hand, you want a more warm and colourful arrangement, think about including tropical flowers, many of which are available all year round. If you need help with

your floral display, our florist (Daizy flowers] will be pleased to advise you.

HANDY HELPERS Tissues are always useful to have to hand ? but with winter sniffles you might want to take an extra supply, for you as well as other mourners. If it?s raining take an umbrella plus a spare one just in case yours breaks or you lose it.

When the weather?s really cold, you could take a hand warmer, which will easily fit into a pocket or handbag. And finally, remember that wintery weather can cause problems driving so have de-icer on standby and a spade in your car

in case of heavy snow.

POST-FUNERAL RECEPTION A cold buffet is usually the simplest way to cater for mourners after a funeral, but when the weather is cold you may want to offer a hot option such as soup or stew. You could use your loved one?s own recipe it and personalise it with a menu card, like ?Nan?s hearty vegetable soup?.As well as tea and coffee, you could offer a fun option such as hot chocolate with marshmallows and sprinkles. * Austin?s are here to help you with funeral planning. Please get in touch with us on 01438 316623.

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Miss Mabel Culley

A STEVENAGE PICTURE BOOK The art of Miss Mabel Culley 1880 to 1965 Charming illustrations of our Old Town.

accomplished portrait painter.

Mabel Culley was a very well regarded artist who lived in Stevenage from (approximately) 1932 until her death in 1965.

She was born Lucy Mabel Culley in Costessey, Norfolk, in 1880, but always appears to have been know as ?Mabel?. Her father was John Culley, a prosperous mill owner. He had at least seven children by his first wife Ellen who died in 1869. John then remarried to Katharine Dexter in 1871 and had a further four children. Mabel was the youngest of the whole family.

Mabel attended the Slade art school (now part of University College London) from 1898 to 1901. In her second year at the Slade she was awarded 2nd prize in Figure Drawing and received a certificate for ?Antique Drawing?. In her final year she won a ÂŁ4 prize for Figure Painting.* Mabel is probably best known locally for her drawings and watercolours of local scenes, but she was also an

According to information held by Stevenage Museum, Mabel taught at various places including the Sherborne Girls?School and Berkhamsted High School before coming to Stevenage. It appears she spent time in Cornwall during the war. She placed an advertisement in the Cornishman on 31 Oct 1940, when she was living in Mousehole, offering drawing lessons for children ?by an experienced teacher and artist?. As a result of this, Mabel is listed on the Cornwall Artists Index.# Presumably Mabel came to Stevenage to join her

elder sister Ruth who had started the private Westover School in the town with her cousin Gertrude Turner. Westover School was at 1 Hitchin Road, on the corner with Julians Road. ?Miss Culley?, presumably Mabel, is recorded living at 72 Fairview Road in a directory of 1933 and according to information from Stevenage Museum, she had bought the house when it was ?newly built?.

After Westover School closed, Mabel and Ruth lived together at 72 Fairview Road. Ruth died in 1958, at the age of 84.

It was planned that Mabel would illustrate a book on Stevenage that was to be written by the local historian Reginald Leslie Hine. Sadly, he died on 14 April 1949 before the project could go ahead. Sometime later, probably in the early 1950s, Mabel published the booklet entitled A Stevenage Picture Book which included the pictures she had already completed.

There were two slightly different versions of the booklet published, both with black and white plates.

The Hertford Archives holds copies of both.

The forward to the booklet was written by Lord Jowitt (born William Allen Jowitt in 1885 in Stevenage,

created 1st Earl Jowitt in 1951; died 16 August 1957; buried St Nicholas churchyard, Stevenage) and reads:I have been asked to write a foreword to this picture book of Stevenage. I can claim at least one qualification for the performance of this task: for I was born at Stevenage and I got to know every inch of the area of some ten miles round Stevenage, and that district brings back to me in a way no other district can the idea of Home. This book contains a series of sketches by Miss Culley which have been executed with loving care. She will receive from all those who love Stevenage and its traditions grateful appreciation for the marked success she has achieved. The inspiration which happily induced her to publish this book came from my old friend and contemporary, R. L. Hine. He was indeed a most ?uncommon attorney?.

Those who know his writings would agree that to him can be applied that famous epitaph ?He touched nothing that he did not adorn?. Such a book so inspired and so carried out will I feel sure achieve the success it so richly deserves. Jowitt.

Mabel died at Benslow Nursing Home in Hitchin on 22 March 1965. She had been a great character who enlivened the lives of everyone who knew her.

Tollers solicitors - the experts expanding to help local businesses Tollers ?For Business?Legal Services: Building Confidence and Inspiring Trust ?

Cont inuing t o grow in St evenage.

Tollers Stevenage office is excited to be expanding its Corporate and Commercial team and building on the services they offer to the local business communities they serve.

The Tollers corporate and commercial services team specialises in providing practical advice to owner-managed businesses on a wide range of legal issues that may arise from inception of a business all the way through to exit. The team advises on business reorganisation and restructuring, shareholders?and partnership agreements (which are often required when a business is in its infancy), through to securing that all important exit when the business owner has an opportunity to sell or retire.

Craig Harrison the Head of Corporate at Tollers says; ?Having worked in the local area throughout my professional career I understand the importance of building strong foundations in the local community and providing solutions for the needs of clients.

At Tollers we pride ourselves on the fact that we advise businesses on the important issues that they find themselves facing, everything from mergers and acquisitions, commercial contracts, regulatory issues, joint ventures, asset and property acquisitions and corporate finance right through to insolvency and corporate recovery.

The Stevenage team welcomed Danielle Sher earlier this month who has joined the Commercial Property team as a Senior Associate having previously worked at a central London law firm. This addition only strengthens what we have to offer our client base and, alongside the rest of the team, ensuring that we are able to assist owner-managed businesses and corporates to prepare for the future and ensuring that their interests are protected which in turn enables them to do business effectively and efficiently?.

Assisted by specialist colleagues in our employment, commercial property, dispute resolution and restructuring teams, Tollers is able to offer a joined-up approach to often complex, multi-disciplinary legal challenges. In an ever changing legal and regulatory landscape, strength in depth has

never been more important.

It is also important to recognise that in such a fast-moving legal climate, clients will often want much more than just traditional legal advice. Commerciality in approach and strategic advice is what many clients now demand and at Tollers the teams deliver a seamless service with a commitment to providing solutions and ensuring that clients make the most of their opportunities.

For more information on how the corporate and commercial team at Tollers can assist you with your businesses legal requirements? Talk to Tollers on 01438 901095 and the team will be happy to assist.

Except ional people Except ional service Except ional delivery

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Middle Row - the gem in the heart of #Stevenage

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?MIDDLE ROW?A little gem of a street in Stevenage Old Town.

Dating back to 1281, Stevenage Old town, once a medieval market settlement was granted a Royal Charter by King Edward 1, to hold a weekly market and an annual fair. Today it is a thriving, busy High Street with great shops, bars and restaurants. Set back from it, is?

Middle Row?a pedestrianised area with A Grade ll listed buildings; offering wonderful shops and eateries which I recently discovered. ?Middle Row originates from what were originally the stalls of market traders. until the beginning of the 20th century writes Peter Bentley.

One of the shops in middle row is Revolution Records that stock new and re-issued vinyl as well as a massive range of original vinyl. Within the shop is a coffee lounge where you can relax, enjoy a coffee and listen to some new sounds.

For those looking for a bit of

pampering, there are several beauty shops to visit where you can have your eye brows done, your hair, beauty and nails.

Middle Row is the perfect pamper spot in Stevenage, all your beauty requirements in one row.

The Cutters Barbers has been there for 35 years but the building dates back to 1200, with walls that are wattle and daub and beamed ceilings with great features and fantastic fire places. If your ever in town just pop in, take a look and meet the guys "El bar de tapas" Spanish kitchen & bar serving is Stevenage's first authentic tapas bar, serving freshly prepared tapas, wine and specialist sangria, using seasonal produce that is sustainably sourced.

Described by a customer on Trip Advisor, ?It?s a Summers night vibe in the middle of winter! Food was truly scrumptious, and I left

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absolutely stuffed! Such happy and smiley staff with a great vibe, a big plus for me...be back soon!!!

There is also a fine carpets and flooring company, An independent local estate agent, with a comprehensive understanding of residential property and the local area. R Andrews shoe repairs, KS models, Hertfordshire's Leading Model Railway Specialist also catering for many other forms of model making, covering all major brands, and the tools & materials needed for such a wonderful hobby. There is even an education centre for maths and English tuition in Middle Row. Max the photo experts and retailer of digital photo print services, personalised products, including posters and mugs can also be found here. Flesh ideas (love the name) was the first tattoo studio in Stevenage, established in 1997 by Tony and has been a busy studio ever

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since.

The Oxfam shop has a great story attached to the building; Peter Bentley researched the history of the this building in Middle Row and produced an excellent paper.

At the end of Middle Row is Tarla, a traditional family-run restaurant offering ?A taste of Turkey,?where you can enjoy fresh, authentic Turkish food.

You could spend the whole day shopping or just enjoying yourself in ?Middle Row?, no need to shop anywhere else.

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Sweet Country An exciting year is ahead for the Herts and Beds Cinema Club.

Tickets on the door or by clicking here https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/love-simon-12a-lgbt

Having launched in the early part of 2018, the Herts and Beds Cinema Club continues to grow its monthly thoughtful film offering, continuing into the New Year with World Cinema at the forefront of its well curated programme.

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But it?s about getting film to reflect all backgrounds of society that is at its ethos of getting film into the heart of the Community, and just days before Christmas this was in evidence when a healthy audience witnessed film coming back to the Old Town of Stevenage for the first time since the demise of the Astonia. Branching out as a Community Cinema, the Herts and Beds Cinema Club aims to build on this successful debut venture and make it a regular monthly event.

On Thursday 17th January at 7.30pm at the Stevenage Community Arts Centre on the Roaring Meg Retail Park and part of our LGBTQI Friends and Allies event we proudly bring you the tender Love Simon (12A) for your entertainment, with all tickets priced at just ÂŁ4, all are very welcome.

The absolutely brilliant Love Simon, is one of the tenderest coming out films of our generation. If you haven't seen this movie, you really must, and those of you that have you really need to see it again.

Everyone deserves a great love story, but for 17-year-old Simon Spier, it's a little more complicated.

He hasn't told his family or friends that he's gay, and he doesn't know the identity of the anonymous classmate that he's fallen for online. Resolving both issues proves hilarious, terrifying and life-changing

The first of our World Cinema presentations is on Saturday 19th January, once again at the Community Arts Centre with a 6pm start time. Each month we journey across the Globe with January?s offering coming from Australia. Big down under, the award laden and one of Sight and Sound?s top films of 2018 is the powerful, poignant and hard hitting Sweet Country (15) kicking things off. All tickets at just ÂŁ4.50 either on the door or by clicking here https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/whats-on/stevenage /stevenage-community-arts-centre/world-cinemayear-sweet-country-15 Australian western set on the Northern Territory frontier in the 1920s, where justice itself is put on trial when an aged Aboriginal farmhand shoots a white man in self-defence and goes on the run as a posse gathers to hunt him down.

Director: Warwick Thornton. Writers: Steven McGregor, David Tranter Stars: Bryan Brown, Luka Magdeline Cole, Shanika Cole We have also decided to switch our screenings at the Community Arts Centre to a Saturday with the slightly later time of 6pm, so customers can then enjoy the Retail Park more.

So many great films to see during 2019. Life Animated will be our next film at High Street Methodist Church on Saturday 26th January with a 7.45pm start.

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

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 Facebook: Bren's Phot os

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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

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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

Focus on t he West gat e Cent re

Make Mahers your first choice for repairs, keys, and so much more Based in Unit 2a, in the Westgate Centre in Stevenage, Mahers, has over 30 years of experience.

Come t o us for keys Mahers cut a huge range of specialist keys including Yale Superior keys and offer a single household or cylinder key at ÂŁ5 or two for just ÂŁ7.50. We also stock: - House keys - Car keys - Security keys - Licensed fun keys Engraving and t rophy supplies Don't forget t he t rophies for your end of season present at ion. Mahers is one

of St evenage's leading suppliers of t rophies, medals, cups and awards.

We have a large collect ion for you t o browse.

- Trusted supplier to many clubslocally - Offer competitive prices - First class customer service.

Shoe repairs All types of repairs: - Heels - Soles and heels - Leather soles and heels.

Ot her services - Watch batteries and repairs - Engraving on jewellery and plaques - Locksmiths and auto-locksmiths For furt her det ails cont act : Tel - 07446 102570 Email MaherService@yahoo.com

Opening Hours Mon 9am-5.15pm Tues-Fri 9am-5.30pm Sat 9am-5pm

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

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

Work doesn?t have to be hard to be productive. We?ve made our conference rooms an easy-going, inspirational space with the privacy and tranquillity you need to work in comfort. All our superbly appointed meeting rooms are located in a self-contained area on the first floor, with a range of room sizes and configurations, as well as a dedicated and experienced support team to make your event in Stevenage a success.

The Ibis Forum has a total floor area of 660m2 and ideal for creating stunning exhibitions, trade fairs or public shows; with a welcome foyer for

registrations and refreshments, and break-out syndicate rooms. Our in-house catering team are on hand to provide refreshments, and offer a choice of delicious menus for lunch, from finger buffets to sit-down meals to suit all budgets, or if you prefer you can hire our self catering kitchen.

Weddings A wedding is all about traditions, your individuality, heritage and culture.

The Ibis Forum is the ideal venue for couples seeking a luxury wedding location. Our state-of-the-art banqueting facilities are among the largest and best equipped in the region, and we can accommodate up

to 625 guests. And using the latest technology, with spectacular built in LED lighting and plasma screens as a backdrop, we can give your wedding a real WOW factor.

We understand that you will require specialist caterers for multicultural weddings and here you will find a modern self-catering kitchen for your chosen caterer. Exclusive hire of Forum includes entire floor, Fairview Suite, bar and kitchen. This includes tables and chairs, dance floor, use of the self-catering kitchen and complimentary bedroom in the adjoining Ibis Hotel. Call about special offers : 01438 533018.

Visit our new websit es for more informat ion www.forumcb.co.uk and www.fairviewhot els.com/ hot els/ ibis-forum-st evenage

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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).

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Ashr idge Est at e

# St evenage Jan 2019

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

26 M ar k et Place, St even age Tel 01438 316500

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in f o@cow lin gest at eagen t s. co.u k

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

8 M ar k et Place, St even age

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

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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 team that you can trust to deliver time after time then A-Top Property Lettings in Drapers Way, Stevenage is the one for you.

A-Top, which is owned by founder Mervyn Terrett, has gained an impressive reputation as the go-to agent for all your property needs whether you are looking to rent or are a landlord seeking tenants. With a combined market experience of more than 60 years, the staff at A-Top are the most knowledgeable in the business and along with advice on the rental market, they can also provide information which allows customers to make the most informed choice possible.

Over the past 33 years the team lead by Mervyn has seen the local market undergo a wide number of changes, but through them all A-Top and its experienced staff have always given the very best and most informed service.

There have been plenty of changes which have altered the lettings landscape in Stevenage.

Through them all however the reliability of A-Top Property Lettings has remained a constant and their portfolio of excellent landlords has increased dramatically.

Commenting on the team Mervyn said: ?What once was a rarity in the UK i.e. renting, is now so common as a source of income/investment for landlords and of mobility for professional working tenants.

We are delighted to be able to use our expertise to help both tenants and landlords.?

For further details contact 01438 369173 or email contact@a-topletting.co.uk

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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

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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

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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.

Providing an honest approach to lettings 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

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

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

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

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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

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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

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Dealing with all property needs

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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

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Placing the focus on 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

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Dealing with all property needs

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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

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Putterillls 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.

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The independent local estate agent Text

2 M iddle Row , St even age Tel 01438 367753

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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.

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.

The personal one-to-one experience Text

74 High St r eet , St even age Tel 01438 870673 w w w.agen t h ybr id.co.u k

The personal one-to-one experience Text

74 High St r eet , St even age Tel 01438 870673 w w w.agen t h ybr id.co.u k

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.

Our agent s are hand picked t o cover areas local t o t hem.

Therefore, being able t o offer enviable knowledge t o prospect ive purchasers t hat may be int erest ed in your home.

Upon cont act ing us, you will be appoint ed your very own local

Agent Hybrid. Your Agent Hybrid will visit you t o value your propert y, complet ely FREE of charge. They will list en t o your every need, your fut ure plans and expect at ions, before t hey discuss wit h you, how our market ing package and service will be of great benefit t o you. Your local Agent Hybrid will be your point of cont act , t hroughout t he ent ire selling process. Our market ing packages are inclusive of professional phot ography, int elligent propert y descript ions,

floor plans and immersive 3D, Mat t erport walk t hrough virt ual t ours. The new and most immersive way of showcasing your propert y t o pot ent ial buyers online! The t ours alone are proven t o improve t he qualit y of buyers t hat event ually walk t hrough your door. Bet t er st ill, as we dont have t he expensive overheads of a high st reet office t o run, we are able t o pass our savings ont o our client s. This makes us one of t he most fee compet it ive agent s available.

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/

Success built on teamwork

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

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5 bed det ach ed £675,000

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4 bed det ach ed £499,995

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Making the Wrights choice

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

w w w.w r igh t sof .com

3 bed m id t er r ace ÂŁ300,000

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4 bed det ach ed ÂŁ450,000

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Success built on teamwork

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

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4 bed

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det ach ed ÂŁ450,000

3 bed sem i det ach ed

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ÂŁ375,000

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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

Providing the best customer service 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 Sn ow don ia Way, Gr eat Ash by, St even age Gu ide Pr ice £510,000

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Lom on d Way, Gr eat Ash by, St even age Gu ide Pr ice £510,000

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