# STEVENAGE
2
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WESTGATE SUCCESS Spot ligh t on Cu r t ain Sh op
PRIDE OF STEVENAGE AWARDS It 's t im e t o n om in at e t h ose w h o go t h e ext r a m ile f or t ow n
BACK TO SCHOOL Pau l Fr y on t h e f ir st day
FOCUS ON TOLLERS Solicit or s w h er e ser vice an d deliver y ar e alw ays except ion al
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PAUL FRY on # St evenage
School's in...memories of those first day nerves and spotless uniform
Wait for them... any day now, your social media feed will feature photos of proud parents trying to coax a smile out of their young one on his or her first day at school; all shiny, buffed, hair combed, straightened, shoes gleaming - and the uniform looking as it never will again. It was a bit like that on my first day at Roebuck Infants ? but of course without the posing and selfies. Back then you had to send the film away and wait for the prints to come back ? feet and sometimes heads missing from frames, others
shaky and blurred. It is hard to know whether today's rituals make it harder for today's young ones ? impressing on them what a BIG DAY it is. Or perhaps it gets all the tension and stress out of the way so that the journey through the school gates is not such a big deal. I can't actually recall my first day at Roebuck. My abiding memory is of the end of the day. Hats and coats on (all nicely labelled by mum) and that long walk up the driveway to the gate ? boys in one line, girls beside them in another ?
and having to hold hands. With a GIRL! Mum would be at the gate ? younger brother in the pushchair, not knowing what all the fuss was about - and doubtless resentful of being dragged out of home. I remember kindness from the staff ? except Mrs Woodruff, who could be a bit stern and taciturn, in an almost matronly way. Oddly, a decade later, I did work experience at the school and Mrs Woodruff could not have been nicer. She even made me tea in the staff room at break time.
Despite having not grown massively, I still felt like Will Ferrell's Elf when I tried sitting at the tiny desks to talk to the kids. It was easier to kneel. It was surprising that a number of teachers I'd known were still there. But as much as I enjoyed it, I wasn't sufficiently drawn to teaching to make it a career. First day of school can of course be traumatic for some youngsters, though I suspect less so these days now that so many go to playgroup, nursery and reception classes none of which I recall being options when I was that age. Of school in general, I remember the free 1/3 of a pint bottles of milk ? I loved it and would home in on anyone off sick, so I could try to claim theirs. I also remember summer terms where in hot weather we might have a lesson outside on the grass.
the back, expecting to see her lad as an also-ran ? but actually up front as Dick. I'd say this was out of character for me, but there was one other school occasion when I put my hand up. I was on a secondary school trip to Germany with Nobel and we had a swimming match against the Hannover club - in a 50m pool. I had barely passed by 25 yards, and my style was more brick than Adam Peaty. But we needed someone in the 50m breaststroke. Nobody? OK, then... I'll give it a go. I got to start in the water, rather than dive in and, naturally, the best swimmers had finished before I had barely got into my stroke. They at least had the sense to put me in an outside lane so I could bale out if needed. But I finished -
I suppose my standout moment at Roebuck has to be the school play. Dick Whittington. I was cast as a non-speaking guard ? until Dick got such a bad case of stage fright 20 minutes before curtain up that it seemed the show would not go on. The teacher asked for volunteers to take his place. I was painfully shy but put my hand up. I have no idea why ? perhaps it was because I didn't want the show to be cancelled as so much hard work had gone into it. Or because I fancied the cat. Of course I knew none of the words, so the lines had to be fed to be from the front of the stage by a teacher. But can you imagine my mum's reaction... she was sat near
in a time not unlike that bloke who runs the London Marathon in a diving suit. Nonethless it was a personal best. Cue sympathetic applause - but some new-found respect from my schoolmates. I have more memories of my first day at Nobel that at Roebuck. It was all so different. You moved rooms between classes. Our form room was three storeys up. And I had to wear shorts for the first few
terms because I was so tiny. The sixth-form girls thought I was 'cute' and patted me on the head as we passed on the stairs. The Peter Pan looks carried on into my work ? one football club chairman accused the Gazette of ?sending a boy to do a man's job ?and, years later, in a group photo of the Mail on Sunday sports desk, it was noted that I looked like the work experience kid - and not in my 30s. I asked followers of the Old Memories of Stevenage 2 Facebook forum for their memories of that first day at school. Here, with thanks, are some of the best: Kit Galer ? a former Gazette colleague whose mum, coincidentally, was school secretary at Roebuck, now lives in Australia. But he was keen to recount his memories. ?As a nine-year-old I used to dread the half-hour walk to my South London primary school. The long unaccompanied trudge through lonely streets and across the deserted park proved a daily ordeal with pre-teen gangs always waiting near the estate of prefabs to be paid out in sweets to guarantee I arrived at Class 3A without scuffed knees or a bloodied nose. ?School dinners were unspeakable. Pease pudding, a post-war austerity favourite of lentils cooked in the same tureen as a bacon joint, seemed to often figure in those mid-1950s days - if and when beef gristle was unavailable. I used to run away and hide near the swings over the
road from the school. ?My mother eventually came to an agreement with the headmaster that she would meet me at lunchtime at the school gates and escort me to the Crystal Palace shops where she would buy me egg, beans and chips or other such fried delights. ?So I approached Form 3A at Longmeadow Junior School with a degree of trepidation on my first day in March, 1957. Fortunately, the potentially intimidating walk to school was suddenly not an issue; I lived in Park View, a mere five minutes?walk from school across Shephall Lane and thus in no danger from marauding gangs of Marymead Crunchie bandits. ?Lunch was a dream. I have no idea what we had ? well, we?re talking more than 60 years ago ? but it was clean, identifiable and the pudding came with custard. ?Best of all, I was leaving the dining room to go out to play again after lunch when my form teacher approached to ask if I was interested in trying out for the
school team. We went outside, I kicked a ball around with a couple of kids in the playground and he came over and said, yes, you?re in. ?Easy to get to, great school dinners and I was in the football team less than a day after arriving! No wonder I look back on my first day at Longmeadow so fondly.? Noelle Crompton said: ?I went to Shephall Green, I don't remember my first day but do remember learning to write and being forced to eat gooseberries - the dinner lady made me stay behind to eat them after everyone else had gone out to play, I've never touched a gooseberry since! ?They always played Greensleeves when we into assembly. I also remember a boy in my class fell off the climbing apparatus and broke both wrists.? Nick Payne recalled: ?I remember Roebuck Juniors and the infamous blue wall - got sent there one lunch time so I quickly run off to put on my sport shorts under my uniform shorts to soften the expected cane on the backside - the head only
went and slapped my legs instead ? ouch!? StephenHepburn: ?I remember my first day at Barnwell. 'Just keep well away from that pond', were my first thoughts. ?Witnessed a lot of stupid dunkings but survived the whole four years I attended without going in once!? Helen Angel Dinkygems said on Facebook: ?Lodge Farm, where the teachers got away with pulling your pig tails if you were naughty.? And Julie Kennet: ?I went to Peartree Spring Juniors and have very fond memories... Peacocks and guinea fowl roaming free; Mr Anstock and his trumpet; Mr Braithwaite senior and 'Emily' his slipper. ?Going to London recording studios with Jack Mayes to record, 'In and out of the Peartrees'. ?The plaque in the school hall saying 'Reach for the Stars' although i was always convinced it should have been reach for the stairs!?
Digital publishing is the future and Boro lead the way with programme M y #St even age by Dar r en Ist ed IT has been an amazingly active period for the team at Hashtag Digital Media. While many have holidays on their mind, we have been powering ahead with our digital promotion and publishing of magazines such as #Herts and of course this latest edition of #Stevenage. But it isn't just our own titles which have kept us busy. It is becoming clearer and clearer for both businesses and organisations that if they want to increase their reach, hit their customer base and what's more do it in a cost-effective way which can quite simply save a stack of money - then digital, not print, is the way forward. Take for example our latest client. If you are a follower of Stevenage FC, or simply a follower of social media, you will have seen that the latest matchday programme by Stevenage FC has been published with hashtag Diglta media. We are rightly proud of the club as they have helped to make history - this is the first ever truly interactive digital programme which has been published. This groundbreaking venture is not only a boost for the club and for the town, but it also shows that this form of publishing is fast becoming THE way to effectively communicate. Along with traditional words and images, digital of course has many extra benefits including the ability to show video clips which truly bring any story to life. If a picture is worth a 1,000 words - then what price a video to show exactly why your business or group is better than any other? Of course along with video you can also embed links
which will take you directly to web site home pages, and also specific web pages so that you can inform people of something unique or sell product and tickets. Other embeds allow readers to click on live links which will take them straight to an email address. They can read all about you and instantly set up a dialogue. And of course if they want to find out more then how about social media feeds?Once again with just one click you can use these links as shop windows for feeds such as Twitter, Facebook and instgram. There's a lot of love for print - and rightly so. But times have changed and while it served us well, there cna be no digital is now the only way.
Do you know a Pride of Stevenage local hero? Pride of Stevenage Awards - Stevenage Borough Council. Help us celebrate our local heroes - those wonderful people who give their time, passion and skills to help make Stevenage a great place to live, work and play.
invited to receive their awards at a prestigious reception hosted by the Mayor at the end of September. Everyone nominated is also invited to a special Pride of Stevenage tea with the Mayor at Christmas.
The Pride of Stevenage Awards give you the chance to reward local people who help make life better for other people in Stevenage.
Pride of St evenage Award cat egories:
The awards celebrate community spirit and are a big thank you to those people who make a real difference in our town.
For someone?s act or act s of kindness
If you know a person, group, team, business or other organisation that make great things happen in Stevenage, tell then they may be on their way to collecting a well eanred award. The Pride of Stevenage judges have already met and chosen their shortlist and these people are now being
Caring Award
It could be someone undertaking charity work or fundraising, someone who helps care for other people or animals, or who looks after facilities or buildings. Or it could go to someone whose actions make life easier or more pleasant for those around them. Dedicat ion Award For long service in volunt ary or communit y work in St evenage
This award will go to someone who has spent many years carrying out voluntary work to benefit Stevenage communities, or to someone who has a long record of success with community groups and organisations in the town. Ent erprise Award For making real cont ribut ion t o commercial life in St evenage This is for a business, individual, organisation or project that supports and develops Stevenage businesses or one that improves employment prospects for local people. Or it could be a business venture that is highly valued by customers and the local community. Green Award For helping keep St evenage clean, safe and green This will go to an individual or an organisation such as a school or community group. It could go a group of litter pickers, a gardening enthusiast or enthusiasts, or a recycling champion - just anyone who promotes the green and clean message in Stevenage. Sport ing Award To recognise a major cont ribut ion t o sport ing life in St evenage This could be a person or team who has achieved great things in an amateur sport - playing, coaching or
supporting. Or it could recognise someone who has improved their own or other people?s health and wellbeing by taking part in or promoting physical activity. Team Award For a group of people who work t oget her t o improve t heir local area This is for the team behind an event, activity or project that has enhanced people?s everyday lives in their local area. It might be something that reduces crime, improves the environment, provides support to community members, creates opportunities or simply promotes community spirit. Young St ar Award For a young person or young people who make a difference in t heir local communit y This is for a young Stevenage person (or group of people) under 18 who has made significant achievements at school or college or in their local community, or who makes a difference in their neighbourhood, or in the voluntary sector. Or it could go to a young person who has overcome challenges to reach their goal or achieve a personal ambition.
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 on-line 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
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 Phone 07572681805 www.brendanfalveyimagery.co.uk
Warm weather Parkrun EVENT NUMBER 114 18TH AUGUST 2018 It was a cloudy but deceptively warm day for the 268 people who walked, jogged and ran the Stevenage Parkrun course. Representatives of 24 different clubs took part. Congratulations to Robin Woodrow on completing his 50th parkrun. The milestone tshirt email is on its way. A big thank you goes to all 20 of the fabulous hi viz Volunteers who made this event happen: Russ ANDREWS, James ASTLEY, Elaine BANNISTER, Vicky BERRY, Rosemary BIGGS, Louise CHANCELLOR, Gordon COWAN, Phil DEAVES, Chloe EMMERSON, Alan FORD, Richard GLAISTER, Alan GOODWIN, Hayley IVES, Oliver KENNEDY, Ruth KENNEDY, Chris LEIGH, Paul LOVEJOY, Karen PALMER, Tony RANDFIELD, Garry WALLACE. An incredible 57 people got PBs
today. Just over 20% of all participants. Well done to you all!
3rd September 2016 (event number 15).
There were 18 people doing their first ever Parkrun today. We hope you?ll be back again next week.
The female record is held by Jessica EARP who recorded a time of 18:46 on 5th May 2018 (event number 99).
First over the line was Yuri Gibson in a time of 18.18. Next was Tom Porter of Ware Joggers, in his first run at Stevenage, in a time of 18:29. Third over line was Dan Robins of Valley Striders AC in Leeds in 18:59. For the ladies first timer at Stevenage Gemma Ward of Hitchin RC was first female in 21:40. Another first timer at Stevenage, Fiona Robins was next lady in 22:25 also from Valley Striders AC. Helen Hoyle was third lady in 23:30. Full results and a complete event history can be found on the Stevenage parkrun Results Page. The male record is held by Ian KIMPTON who recorded a time of 15:07 on
The Age Grade course record is held by Yuko GORDON who recorded 92.48% (22:36) on 25th February 2017 (event number 38). Stevenage parkrun started on 28th May 2016. Since then 5,208 participants have completed 28,228 parkruns covering a total distance of 141,140 km, including 6,253 new Personal Bests.
The Tollers team help to minimise conflict and focus on mediation Family and Immigrat ion Mat t ers - Tollers are here t o help? There are very few of us who get married with the intention of separating or getting divorced. However, as we know life can be unpredictable. If your situation at home reaches a stage where you think you may need a family solicitor, the Team at Tollers Stevenage office take a very different approach to assisting our clients through this difficult time. In our extensive experience, taking a less aggressive approach to handling family legal matters often achieves a far more positive outcome. Wherever possible, we want to minimise conflict and instead focus on mediation and communication between the individuals involved. We are also aware that some cases need urgent and immediate action and where appropriate do not hesitate to go to court to defend and protect our clients?interests. In our Stevenage office, Solicitor Minara Hannan (pictured) is experienced in dealing with a wide variety of family and Immigration matters. She provides pertinent
regulations. Some of the areas Minara can assist you with are: · Disputes regarding children, including Children Act applications · Financial issues relating to divorce, including those with an international element. · Immigration Law. · Separation agreements. · Cross Border family disputes. · Multiple asset disputes. family advice and support, whilst keeping her client?s best interests at heart. She is sensitive to the emotional upheaval divorce, separation and financial disputes can cause and believes strongly in keeping the individuals she supports fully informed and up to date with developments, as well as any cost implications. When it comes to the complex issues that arise regarding Immigration Law Minara focuses on her clients in all matters including helping to reunite families, delivering economic benefits through skilled and business migration and protecting those in danger through humanitarian programmes. She is well versed at ensuring her clients comply with jurisdictional
· Human rights and family matters. Minara provides an initial appointment regarding any Family or Immigration Law matter for up to an hour and a half, for a fixed fee. We are sure you will leave this initial appointment better informed about your legal rights and responsibilities and with a sense of direction as to how to move things on and the options available to you in order to reach a resolution. If you need help and advice and are unsure where to start or would like to arrange an initial consultation? ...Talk to Tollers on 01438 901095 or email minara.hannan@tollers.co.uk
Except ional People, Except ional Service, Except ional Delivery
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
Book a date for summer events at Knebworth On 9th August, the multi-award winning outdoor theatre company Illyria will be performing Hugh Lofting?s classic ?Dr Dolittle?on the Sunken Lawns of Knebworth House. This is the same team who brought you two spectacular shows in 2017 including a life-size T-Rex in ?The Lost World?, so you can expect big things. Ticket s are available now at www.knebwort hhouse.com. Suitable for cheeky monkeys aged 5+, ?The Adventuresof Doctor Dolittle?is a funny, much-loved and exciting adventure, with a strong message about responsibility towards animals and the environment. When Doctor John Dolittle of Puddleby-on-the-Marsh is taught how to talk to animals by his wise old parrot Polynesia, news of his skills spreads far and wide. Soon animals across the world send messages asking for his help and so he buys a leaky old ship and, together with his trusty pet-crew of Jip the dog, Chee-Chee the monkey, Dab-Dab the Duck and permanently hungry Gub-Gub the pig, sets forth on a mission to heal illness, spread compassion and gain a greater understanding of the animal kingdom. Now in its 27th year, Illyria has
delighted audiences internationally and across the length and breadth of the UK, winning four international ?Best Performance" awards and attracted numerous "5-star" and "Critics' Choice" reviews. ?Illyria has given more performances to more people across a wider area than any other open-air touring theatre company, proudly maintaining professional Equity-compliant productions for over a quarter of a century. We?re really pleased to be performing at Knebworth House and can?t wait see how the audience reacts!?says Artistic Director Oliver Gray. For more information and ticketing please visit the Knebworth House websitewww.knebworthhouse.com, or phone the Estate Office on 01438 812661. The Country, Crafts & Steam Fair on 11-12th August has something for everyone: all day entertainment will include steam engines ? full size and scale, birds of prey flying displays, terrier racing, petting pens, historical re-enactment, demonstrations of rural skills and much more. On 18th August, aspiring palaeontologists and brave explorers can tackle the Dino Adventure. Find
the dinosaur eggs hidden in the trail of 72 life-sized pre-historic creatures to claim an exciting reward. Trail sheets will be available on the day from the Gift Shop for ÂŁ1 (sold separately to Park & Gardens admission, last sale 3:00 pm). Enjoy hands on experiences with live reptiles, hunt for hidden fossils at the Dino-Dig Palaeontological Site and join Tara from Tiny T?s for storytelling. With up to 1,000 classic and collectable vehicles taking part each day at the Classic Motor Show 26-27th August, the arena will host a series of parades and interviews, including the ?Decibel Duel?where owners compete to find the loudest car of the show. Entry to all of these events, along with the Park, Gardens, Adventure Playground and Dinosaur Trail on visitor open days until 30th September is included with a 2018 Season Ticket, making for a great value fun-filled season! To discover more about the events at Knebworth House this summer or the great benefits that a 2018 Personal Season Ticket has to offer, visit our website www.knebworthhouse.com or phone the Estate Office on 01438 812661.
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
Why a funeral does not have to be sombre Var iet y of t h em es m ean it doesn't h ave t o be ju st black Once upon a time, when you attended a funeral it would be a sombre occasion with mourners dressed in black. Today, many funeral services are conducted as a celebration, with loved ones choosing a fun theme to represent the deceased?s personality or interests. In America, one funeral home has become known for its themed funerals ? including a Christmas-themed service complete with snow, elves and reindeers and a BBQ-inspired after party with live pigs and a barbeque sauce fountain. And in the UK, so-called ?fun funerals?are becoming increasingly popular, too. According to the National Association of Funeral Directors, their members have arranged all sorts of themed services involving classic cars, railways and the Wild West. Superheroes are a popular choice. For one funeral service for a Spider-Man fan, the coffin was covered in Spider-Man stickers. Undertakers often get into the spirit of the theme as well, with one dressing as Darth Vader to lead the cortege for a Star Wars style funeral. At the funeral of a music festival fan, the Glastonbury-inspired service saw all the mourners dressed in wellington boots while the coffin arrived on a customised camper van. For a football fan, mourners wore football shirts and the service finished with a final whistle. There?s even been a funeral service where everyone wore a onesie ? the favourite outfit of the deceased. A ?fun?funeral service isn?t for everyone. Recently TV presenter Colin Brazier asked mourners at his wife?s funeral to keep with tradition and wear black https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-44923744, but in one study it was found that 66% of people believed funerals were becoming more of a celebration of a deceased person?s life, with a third saying that when it came to their own funeral they?d like it to be a party.
reflect their fun side. Whatever you decide, we?re here to help and support you. * To talk to us about planning a funeral or cremation, please contact Austin?s on 01438 316623.
You might not want elves and sauce fountains at your loved one?s funeral but you may like to personalise the service to
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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
Make the most of the Unlimited Card to enjoy Cineworld benefits ENJOY UNLIMITED FILMS Watch all the films you can handle at any Cineworld for just one monthly fee SAVE ON SNACKS AND DRINKS Get 10% off all in-cinema food and drink. Plus get 10% off at Cineworld Starbucks licensed stores. ACCESS TO PREVIEWS Be the first to see a movie with special Unlimited member advance screenings SAVE ON EVENT CINEMA We don?t just show movies. You can also get selected discounts on live Opera, National Theatre, live sport and gigs PREMIUM MEMBERSHIP After a year we?ll upgrade you to a premium membership for free, giving you 25% off in-cinema food
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