The Lister abseil challenge, which took place on Sunday, March 26, has raised more than £45,000 for the East and North Hertfordshire NHS Hospitals’ Charity, which supports hospitals including Lister in Stevenage.
A total of 100 people - including NHS staff, former patients, and supporters from the community who wanted to raise funds to thank a hospital department - took part in the event. Chief nurse at the East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust, Theresa Murphy, has raised more than £1,800 in sponsorship. She said: “It was absolutely terrifying, but I loved it!
“I only started at the trust in the summer, but I have already seen how our charity helps our hospitals be even better, so I felt I had to take on this challenge to support it.
“Thank you to everyone who sponsored me. I’m surprised, and delighted, to have raised so much! This will help ensure our wonderful NHS staff continue to give exceptional care to all our patients.”
Beth McNeil, the charity’s head of fundraising, added: “Thank you to everyone who took part in the abseil. It was an incredible day and we are
absolutely thrilled the event raised this fantastic amount.
“We heard some lovely stories from people who were taking part to thank our wonderful NHS teams. It makes me very proud.
“The funds raised will help us continue to support these wonderful teams, so they continue to go above and beyond for all our patients.
“If you are a thrill-seeker, we hope you will join us next year!”
Disordered eating and eating disorders are often seen as something that affects only women or teenage girls. However, this is far from the truth. In the UK, men are increasingly affected by disordered eating.
“Eating disorders are serious mental health problems involving extreme emotions, attitudes and behaviours around food and weight,” explained Rochelle Craig, an addiction counsellor at The Living Room in Stevenage.
The Living Room is a charity which supports people with addictions to anything from alcohol and drugs to gambling and sex, and champions abstinencebased treatment delivered by counsellors with experience of overcoming addictions themselves.
The Living Room was founded by Janis Feely MBE in Stevenage in May 2000, after she successfully overcame her own addiction to alcohol and prescription drugs.
“Various things, including body image issues, trauma and genetics can trigger eating disorders,” Rochelle explained. “While most people associate eating disorders with anorexia and bulimia, a variety of disordered eating patterns can be just as serious.
“It is estimated that approximately one million men in the UK are affected by disordered eating. Unfortunately, this number is likely even higher, as many men are reluctant to seek help due to the stigma surrounding eating disorders. This stigma is often rooted in gender stereotypes, with men feeling that they should be firm and in control of their emotions and that seeking help is a sign of weakness. This is compounded by a lack of understanding of eating disorders in general and the fact that men are less likely to talk openly about their mental health.”
One man affected by disordered eating said: “I came to The Living Room having binged on high sugar products. I presented at A&E to a suspected heart attack. My body itched, my nails were breaking, I was needing to pee, my mouth was dry, I was having cold/hot sweats, racing heart leading to panic, and I was diabetic.
“Life before I came to The Living Room was hell with sugar on top (26 stone). I was isolated, overeating and spent £8k on takeaway food in six months. I was eating ice cream, cake, biscuits, nuts, crisps and fried food every day.
“My main addiction was sugar with control/being right, overeating/under eating and work.
“Since beginning treatment, I am 26 weeks free of sugar, I have lost four stone and the diabetes is in remission. I have been attending meetings, practising empathy and have less hair trigger anxiety, less dread and more hope.
“Various things, including body image issues, trauma and genetics can trigger eating disorders”
“What has helped me most attending The Living Room has been listening to others in their struggle, which helps me to make better sense of mine. Also having the chance to open my heart and be heard. “My plans for the future are to lose enough weight to get my BMI under 29, have hip, back and knee surgery and remain in diabetic remission, as well as play a round of golf with my son, dance, play live music and find love.
“The Living Room staff always welcome me by name, they are balanced, proportional and wise. I look forward to becoming as balanced, proportional and wise one day.”
The Living Room holds a weekly group addressing all unhealthy eating behaviours - from restricting through to compulsive overeating and bingeing. “The group works with all types of disordered eating, and we support people for as long as needed,” Rochelle said.
A disordered eating group is held at The Living Room in Stevenage on Tuesdays, from 10.30am to 2.30pm, with a one-hour break for lunch. Reach out if you need support.
Call The Living Room on 0300 365 0304 .
An event has been held to celebrate breaking ground on the first phase of a development to build 526 flats on the former Matalan site in Stevenage town centre.
The overall plans for the site in Danesgate involve the construction of 526 one and two-bedroom apartments, along with 779 sq. m of flexible commercial space at street level.
The delivery of the new development will take place in phases, the first of which being two blocks located on the eastern part of the site - facing Danestrete and the top end of Danesgate. Phase one will provide 143 apartments. The expected construction programme for the first phase is completion by the end of 2024 / early 2025. Future phases are expected to follow from 2025 onwards.
Stevenage Borough Council granted planning permission for the development in 2021, and promises that “all new homes will be offered as affordable tenures, providing a new and very valuable source of low cost homes located in the heart of Stevenage”.
Councillor Richard Henry, the council’s leader, added: “It will be great to see work underway on
this site, which forms an important part of the overall vision we have for Stevenage town centre. “We are transforming the town by introducing new facilities, town centre living, transport infrastructure and activities for all, and our successful partnership working with The Guinness Partnership is helping this to be realised.”
Jon Milburn, group development director at housing association The Guinness Partnership, said: “We are pleased to start work on this important residential-led regeneration project, which very much complements the borough council’s ambitions for a vibrant and revitalised town centre. “We are grateful for the support and positive approach of Stevenage Borough Council since we first acquired the site, as well as Homes England who have injected vital financial backing to make this project a reality in a challenging economic climate.”
Mick Laws at Lovell Partnerships, the appointed contractor for the construction work, said: “We are delighted to be partnering Guinness on this construction project, which will create a significant number of jobs on-site.
“We are supporters of the Considerate Constructors Scheme and will ensure, as we always do, that we engage positively with the local community to minimise construction impacts.”
A decision on whether to grant planning permission for a car park and toilet block to be built as part of a 800-home development in Stevenage countryside has been deferred.
Planning permission for 800 homes to be built in fields off Weston Road, known as Forster Country, has already been granted by Stevenage Borough Council.
The area is where novelist E M Forster - who wrote a Room with a View, Howards End and A Passage to India - grew up. His childhood home Rooks Nest House and its environs actually inspired Howards End.
The developer, Bellway, is now seeking planning permission to create a country park, including a car park and toilet block, as part of the new development.
However, Stevenage Borough Council’s Planning and Development Committee has deferred its decision, for reasons which include seeking further justification for the size of the car park, as well as requiring further discussions regarding the width of the footways to be provided across the site, highways safety along Weston Road/ Great Ashby, and “ a more imaginative design of the car park toilet block”.
The committee is also looking at “carrying out further consultation on the country park proposals
with other groups and organisations, such as disabled groups, schools and local community groups/residents”, as well as considering obtaining advice from the National Trust.
Further discussions with the applicant regarding the ‘mound’ to be created in the country park using material displaced as part of the approved residential development are also being sought by the committee.
A petition by the Friends of Forster Country, asking for the country park plans to be withdrawn and a public consultation held on the “restoration and preservation of the meadows”, has amassed hundreds of signatures.
Emma Thompson, who won a Best Actress Oscar for her role in James Ivory’s film version of Howards End, is supporting the campaign. She said: “To destroy beautiful countryside in aid of a car park is bad enough, but to destroy countryside with such a heritage and of such value to the economy in terms of tourism is sheer madness. It has to be rethought.”
The plans for 800 new homes in Forster Country were met with hundreds of objections, with people concerned about the loss of heritage, as well as urban coalescence and lack of infrastructure.
If you have a story or feature please email us on hdmdigitalsales@gmail.com
Stevenage Credit Union have provided a lifeline for many people during the pandemic and cost of living crisis. Since 1995 the Stevenage Credit Union has provided members with:
• A local friendly service offering safe and easy ways of saving.
• Access to low-cost finance.
• Credit Unions are a worldwide movement of not-for-profit co-operatives.
• Credit Unions keep money within the community because there are no outside shareholders to pay.
When members invest in their local Credit Union, they know that the only people they are benefiting from apart from themselves, are their neighbours, colleagues and local businesses.
Spread Your Payments with A Low-Cost Loan
Stevenage Credit Union loans provide fair and reasonable loan interest rates compared to other finance companies, it helps you spread the cost, and at the same time encourages you to save. Loans for all different purposes such as household equipment, Christmas, home improvements or budgeting for expensive times of the year. They can review your finances to ensure repayments are within your budget. - loans APR 5% to 42%. They offer a more flexible loan product where savings are not the main criteria but based on affordability and credit history.
Saving For Christmas 2023
As well as saving, members can set up a Christmas account to help cover costs during the festive
season. “Most of our members set up standing order or on-line payments which build up over the year,” said Anne Slade Director/Project Manager, “and helps with Christmas.”
Community Banking from Your Own Home
People can join the Stevenage Credit Union online at www.stevenagecreditunion.com and start saving straight away by either setting up a standing order or by transferring funds from their bank account. All this can be done from the comfort of your own home. This has all been made possible by grants from the Hertfordshire Community Foundation and Stevenage Councillors which enabled the Stevenage Credit Union to set up the relevant systems and support.
To become a member, you must be a resident of or work in Hertfordshire.
Credit Unions provide a safe place for people to save. They are regulated by the financial conduct Authority.
If you would like to find out more about our loan products, visit:
Website: wwwstevenagecreditunion.com
Or contact:
Telephone 07895 327 826 (please see opening hours)
Email: mail@stevenagecreditunion.com
Or come and visit at 11 the Hyde, Stevenage, SG2 9SD
Opening hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 9.00 am to 12.00 pm
Stevenage Borough Council has issued an event schedule for 2023 with the bulk of the events taking place at the Event Island venue on the former bus station.
Some events have made a come-back and others are making their debut from Armed Forces Day, the Animal Crackers event, the Eggs-perience Easter extravaganza or trying out the new Street Food Heroes stalls.
The Street Food Heroes stalls and Love Your Local Market events are scheduled in on different days throughout the year.
Some events have free car parking and others which are really popular, you may need to book, so check beforehand.
You can find out more information by visiting www.stevenagetowncentre.com/events
Leader of the Council, Councillor Richard Henry said: “It really is fantastic that we can still offer the people of Stevenage such a fantastic events schedule throughout the year. Last year was really successful and it was great to see our residents and visitors getting into the spirit, supporting the local economy and getting together with friends and family. These events provide the perfect setting to socialise and enjoy a day out in the town.
“We’re really looking forward to seeing everyone having a good time. Don’t forget, it’s free entry for all the events and everyone is welcome to come along, so do share our exciting event schedule with your friends and family too!”
Family Friendly and Free Entry
All the events are family friendly with free entry for all ages, so put the dates in your diary. There is a wide range of local entertainment, stalls and craft sessions planned throughout. All the events will be advertised online, via social media and in the town centre.
Facebook and Twitter @lovestevenagetc!
Here’s a list of upcoming events to add to your diary for now:
• 1 April Eggs-perience & Street Food Heroes
Town Centre, Event Island and Indoor Market
• 8 May King’s Coronation, Street Food Heroes
Event Island
• 12 – 27 May Love Your Local Market & Craft & Farmers Market.
Indoor Market
• 27 May Jobs Fair
Town Centre, Event Island
• 4 June Street Food Heroes
Event Island
• 24 June Armed Forces Day (Free Parking)
Town Centre, Event Island
• 2 July Street Food Heroes
Event Island
• 29 July Outdoor Cinema (Free Parking)
Town Centre, Event Island
• 3 August National Play day Town Centre, Event Island
• 18 August Animal Crackers Town Centre, Event Island
• 3 September Street Food Heroes
Event Island
• 9 September Get Active
Town Centre, Event Island
• 30 September Jobs Fair
Town Centre, Event Island
• 7 October Stevenage International Day
Town Centre, Event Island
• 28 October Halloween-Tastic
Town Centre, Event Island
• November & December Crafts and Farmers Market
Indoor Market
• 4 November Poppy Making Workshop
Town Centre
• 7 November (TBC) Purple Tuesday
Town Centre
• 18 November – 31 December (TBC)
Christmas Market
Town Centre, Event Island
• 9 December Christmas Gala
Indoor Market
Attempting to apprehend a suspected shoplifter, a member of staff at Sports Direct in Stevenage town centre was reportedly punched in the face, and detectives are now appealing for witnesses and information.
The incident occurred at The Forum shop at around 4.10pm on Saturday, March 11.
Officers attended and a man was arrested on suspicion of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and theft from a shop.
He has since been released on police bail pending further enquiries.
Detective Constable Richard Christian, who is investigating, said: “Thankfully, the victim was not seriously injured. Our investigation is ongoing at this time and we are now appealing for anyone with information to make contact with us.
“The town centre was busy at this time on a weekend, and we believe that several people may have witnessed this incident taking place, either inside the store or directly outside of it. If you did, and have not yet spoken to police, please get in touch.”
Anyone with information is asked to email DC Christian at richard.christian@herts.police.uk.
You can also report information online, speak to an operator in the Force Communications Room via the online web chat or call the non-emergency number 101, quoting crime reference 41/20321/23.
Alternatively, you can stay anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form at crimestoppers-uk.org.
Construction company Morgan Sindall has been appointed by Stevenage Borough Council to help deliver a multi-millionpound sports and leisure hub as part of Stevenage’s wider regeneration plans, funded by the Government’s Town’s Fund initiative.
Set to be situated next to the main Town Centre Gardens on St George’s Way, it will consolidate Stevenage’s health and wellbeing offering, which is currently positioned across three different sites. “Stevenage Sports and Leisure Hub will be a flexible state-of-the-art facility with swimming, studios, gym space and flexible sports facilities,” Morgan Sindall said.
“Not only will the Stevenage Sports and Leisure Hub deliver significantly improved sports facilities that will promote healthy living for Stevenage residents, but it will also provide improved links between The Forum, Town Centre Gardens, Stevenage Old Town, King George V Playing Fields, and residential areas beyond.
“Throughout construction, local swimming provision will remain in operation.”
As part of Morgan Sindall’s Intelligent Solutions approach, the project team will be working closely with SBC to embed sustainability into the design of the facility at all stages, it said.
David Rowsell, area director for Morgan Sindall Construction in the Northern Home Counties, said: “We understand the value of community leisure facilities and how they can act as a springboard for better physical and mental health outcomes.
“Stevenage Sports and Leisure Hub will be a new focal point for the town. Having a new stateof-the-art facility with the whole health and wellbeing offering under one roof, will encourage greater levels of participation in sport, delivering improvements to quality of life across Stevenage. “We are very proud to be working alongside Stevenage Borough Council to deliver its transformational regeneration plans, as it continues to level up its town centre.”
Councillor Richard Henry, leader of Stevenage Borough Council, said: “We are really pleased to have appointed Morgan Sindall to deliver this new Sports and Leisure Hub for Stevenage, with the proposed new facilities modernising and increasing our sports and leisure offering.
“I am delighted that the Stevenage Development Board secured the funding for this project and what it will mean to so many people”
“We need the help of our residents and communities as we progress this scheme, and will be inviting everyone to have their say in the coming months so that the community can help to design a facility with benefits and activities for all. Having recently confirmed Everyone Active as the new operator for our leisure facilities, this is a really exciting time for sports, leisure and culture provision in our town.”
Adrian Hawkins OBE, chair of the Stevenage Development Board, said: “I can remember the joy and importance attached to our current swimming pool opening in Stevenage and look forward to this new development enhancing our current dated facilities.
“I am delighted that the Stevenage Development Board secured the funding for this project and what it will mean to so many people.
“Being specialists in delivering state-of-the-art leisure facilities, we look forward to working with Morgan Sindall in the development of this scheme, further demonstrating the high standards that the Stevenage regeneration scheme is setting.”
“We will be inviting everyone to have their say in the coming months so that the community can help to design a facility with benefits and activities for all”
We are proud to support the Stevenage Bereavement Support Group. Please contact them or refer someone you know who you feel could use their services.
‘Grief is the price we pay for love’ and sometimes it needs a voice.
It is amazing how so many people carry the marks of grief on a day to day basis often without anyone knowing.
The Stevenage Bereavement Support Group provides a safe space where Grief has that voice, so that person isn’t forgotten. There’s something comforting about sharing in a safe space with other people that understand.
Stevenage Bereavement Support Group meet on the first Monday of every month – you may not even feel like coming. But if you have recently
experienced a bereavement you are more than welcome to come and join from 7.30 – 9.00pm at the Vineyard Centre. They’ll provide the coffee.
They co-ordinate the Stevenage Bereavement Support Group. The first Monday of every month at the Vineyard Centre, 7.30-9pm. If you have a story or feature please email us on hdmdigitalsales@gmail.com
After spending 89 years in the same location from when they first opened their doors, J Deamer have finally closed their Stevenage High Street premises. But after shutting at their Old Town current location they have now opened at their new home which is 27a Church Lane to carry on the workshop services, keycutting and lawnmower sales.
You can come and see them at: Muncey Hall 27a Church Lane, Stevenage old town, SG1 3QW Or you can call 01438 354603 for further details.
If you have a story or feature please email us on hdmdigitalsales@gmail.com
From 4 May 2023, you will need to show photo ID to vote at polling stations.
If you don’t have accepted photo ID, you can apply for a free voter ID document, which is known as a Voter Authority Certificate.
Find out more about accepted forms of photo ID, how to apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate, and what to expect on polling day here
A man has died while working on a car on a driveway in Stevenage on Saturday (April 1), with police appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage.
At about 4.50pm on Saturday (April 1), police received a report of a serious incident on Broad Oak Way involving a vehicle.
Hertfordshire police say it is believed a 41-year-old man had been working on a black car on a driveway when, for reasons not yet known, the vehicle moved, fatally injuring the man.
Sergeant David McIlwhan, from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Road Policing
Unit, said: “We are investigating the circumstances of this incident. If you were passing when, or just before, the incident happened, or have dashcam footage that could help us understand what happened, we would like to speak to you.”
Anyone with information is asked to email david. mcilwhan@cambs.police.uk.
You can also report information online at orlo. uk/jKaG2, speak to an operator in the Force Communications Room via the online web chat at orlo.uk/JO7dg, or call the non-emergency number 101, quoting incident reference ISR 605 of 1 April 2023.
Three men have been found guilty over the death of a man in Stevenage last summer. Bereket Selomun, aged 20, was found dead by a dog walker shortly before 7.30am on July 7 in woodland off Brittain Way, next to Fairlands Valley Park.
He had suffered multiple stab wounds. Three Stevenage men who were known to the victim were arrested following an investigation by theBedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire (BCH) Major Crime Unit.
Jelani Omar, aged 24 of Plash Drive, Malake Fiseha, aged 24 of Manor View, and Natnael Hadgu, aged 19 of Ripon Road, were subsequently charged with murder. All three denied the charge. Following a four-week trial at St Albans Crown Court, Omar was found guilty of murder on Thursday (March 30).
Fiseha and Hadgu were found not guilty of murder, but guilty of manslaughter. A fourth man, Robel Msgane, aged 23 of no fixed abode, was charged with assisting an offender and found guilty.
The four men will be sentenced at a later date. The case against a fifth man, Temesgen Gebremedhin, was discontinued in September 2022.
Bereket’s brother Michale Solomun has paid tribute to his brother. He said: “No words could ever explain or put into context how we have felt since Bereket was taken from us in such horrific circumstances.
“He fled Eritrea in the hopes of living a safer and better life in the UK, only to have his life brutally cut short.
“Bereket was a gregarious, courteous, altruistic, generous, hard-working and peace-loving young man. His ambition was to study business management and go on to run his own business one day. This choice has been taken from him.
“Bereket’s death has left a void in our family that cannot be repaired.”
Detective Inspector Iain MacPherson, from the BCH Major Crime Unit, added: “Our thoughts remain with Bereket’s family at this extremely difficult time.
“Bereket was a young man who had his life in front of him. He had settled in Hertfordshire, having come to this country from Eritrea. He was murdered following a dispute with people he knew and who had also settled in this country having come from Eritrea.
“Of course, nothing can bring Bereket back, however we hope the guilty verdicts will be welcomed by Bereket’s family and give them some justice.
“This case sadly highlights the real dangers of carrying a knife, which can end lives and destroy others.”
Planning a funeral can be emotional and overwhelming. We hope that this step-by-step guide to planning a funeral offers some support and direction during this difficult time.
Once you have registered your loved one’s death and received the death certificate you can start planning their funeral.
Initial Planning
Firstly, find out if any funeral wishes are in place –perhaps within the will or a funeral plan. Your loved one may have discussed this with relatives or close friends. It’s also important to know how the funeral
will be paid for; whether provisions have been made.
Involving others helps with the tasks involved and decision making. It can also be comforting to others to know that plans are being made … they may want to be involved by helping you.
Funeral Director
Involving a funeral director eases this incredibly difficult time. They take care of the deceased, make the necessary arrangements and manage the funeral proceedings. Importantly, their role is also to support and listen to you.
Type of Funeral
The most common types of funerals are burials and cremations. If you don’t know the person’s wishes, our article explains the factors involved with choosing which funeral type is best.
Funeral Cost
It’s important to know what your loved one’s funeral will cost and how it will be paid for. In 2022, the average UK funeral cost was £3,953, excluding transport, flowers and a memorial. The basic funeral costs should cover the fees of the funeral director, doctor and clergy/officiate as well as the cost of the coffin.
The Funeral Service
Your loved one may have left wishes for the service, either written (will/funeral plan) or through discussion with a friend or relative.
A key decision to make is whether the funeral service will be religious or not. The eulogy and any poems should also be planned; what to say and who should read them during the service.
Some funeral services are themed, according to the wishes or lifestyle of the deceased. From dress code to music, transport to flowers … there is the opportunity to say goodbye your way
Where and When
Once the funeral requirements are in place, it’s time to choose where and when the funeral will take place. You can then create the order of service and let people know the date and location involved, plus any dress code requirements. (Some people request bright colours or the deceased’s favourite colour, for example.)
The Wake
After the funeral service, the wake is an opportunity for people to mourn the passing of the deceased and also to celebrate their life. From a hiring fully catered venue to self catering at home, a range of options are available. The wake can be a private event or an open invitation can be extended during the funeral service.
The Austin’s team is available to help with arranging funerals. We also offer a range of brochures for additional support.
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