An inspirational mum described as “an absolute superstar” has signed up to abseil down the 11-storey tower block at Stevenage’s Lister Hospital, despite being registered blind.
Kathy Simper, aged 60, is determined to take on the challenge to raise funds for the East and North Hertfordshire Hospitals’ Charity, which supports hospitals including Lister, where her daughter Natasha works as deputy divisional director for planned care.
Kathy, who has been registered blind since birth, has never been one to shy away from a challenge, and has already completed the London and Brighton marathons.
She said: “I like to give things a try and show that being blind isn’t a barrier to taking on exciting challenges like running a marathon or doing an abseil down a hospital tower block. “I also want to support the NHS and help raise funds for Lister Hospital, where Natasha works. Natasha’s dad, who is also registered blind, has recently retired from a senior leadership role in the NHS and my daughter, Rebecca, works as an NHS
healthcare assistant – so you could say we are an NHS family!”
Natasha said: “We are incredibly proud of our mum. She is an inspiration to us all with her positive attitude and willingness to give anything a go. “She’s not only taking on this epic challenge of abseiling down the 11-storey Lister tower, but she’s doing it to support me, my hospital and the NHS. She’s an absolute superstar!”
To sponsor Kathy, visit justgiving.com/ kathysabseilforlister
To sign up to do the Lister abseil yourself, visit enhhcharity.org.uk/abseil. The event on Sunday, March 26, will take place between 9am and 3pm, with participants given hourly slots two weeks before the event.
You must be aged 18 or over to take part, but there is no upper age limit. You must also be in good general health and have reasonable fitness. Standard entry is £35 and there is a minimum sponsorship requirement of £200. Training will be given on the day, and refreshments will be available.
A 4x4 vehicle stolen from Knebworth Park on the outskirts of Stevenage on Sunday (January 15) has been used to steal thousands of pounds worth of jewellery from Welwyn Garden City’s John Lewis store.
At around 1am, two males broke into the estate office at Knebworth Park and gained access to a safe. They removed car keys and then stole a black Mitsubishi L200 - registration plate AJ55 SKF. It is believed the suspects had entered the Knebworth Park estate at around midnight (crime reference 41/3947/23).
Shortly afterwards, the stolen vehicle was used in a burglary at John Lewis in Welwyn Garden City.
At around 2.30am, the Mitsubishi and a motorbike pulled up outside the store. One suspect was with each vehicle and they were both wearing motorbike helmets.
The Mitsubishi was reversed into a window, causing it to smash. One suspect then entered the store and stole thousands of pounds worth of jewellery. Both suspects then fled the scene on a motorbike heading towards Bridge Road (crime reference 41/3950/23).
Detective Sergeant Thomas Hassall, from the Welwyn Hatfield Local Crime Unit, said: “I am appealing for any witnesses or anyone with information about either burglary to get in touch.
“A car was seen driving around The Campus roundabout just as the motorbike drove away and the driver/occupants of this car could be useful witnesses. If this was you, please get in touch and if you have a dash cam please also check that.
“I’d also like to hear from any other drivers who were in the area – either near John Lewis or Knebworth Park – and again, I ask that you please check any dash cam footage you might have. “If you can help, please email me at Tom.Hassall@ herts.police.uk.”
You can also report information by filling out an online form at herts.police.uk/report, calling the non-emergency number 101, or contacting Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or at crimestoppers-uk.org. Please quote the relevant crime reference number.
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A bar and nightclub in Stevenage High Street has had its premises licence revoked after Hertfordshire police raised concerns over incidents including sex acts, a stabbing, alleged rape and suspected drink spiking.
Hertfordshire police say they have received more than 50 calls to attend Lounge 72 since the bar opened in summer 2021, and that reported incidents have included a stabbing, alleged rape, sexual assault, violence, suspected spikings, theft and criminal damage.
In an application to have the bar’s premises licence reviewed, Herts police also refer to video footage circulated on social media that shows a customer performing oral sex on a topless butler at a brunch event in Lounge 72’s courtyard in October.
Police sergeant Chris Adshead, said: “This event led to a lot of alarm and distress from those who attended, who described the very graphic events, including oral sex acts and masturbation - some of which is captured in the footage. “At no point are management or door staff seen to intervene. It is inconceivable that there was no knowledge of events unfolding.”
Also in October, there was a stabbing outside Lounge 72, with the suspect a customer, police say, and the following weekend police say they closed the bar for the night to ensure public safety, due to a further knife incident close to the premises. Police have also highlighted a customer breaking someone’s jaw, allowing customers to drink till they fall over, and noise complaints.
Ps Adshead, Community Safety Unit Sergeant for Stevenage and North Herts, said: “Rarely, if ever, does one premises fail in so many areas of its responsibilities around the licensing objectives. Not only are the breaches great in number and range, but also compounded by their gravity in terms of safeguarding the public.
“Ultimately, the police have lost confidence in the ability of the licence holder and the premises to effectively safeguard the public or uphold the responsibilities bestowed upon them.”
Stevenage Borough Council’s Licensing Committee revoked Lounge 72’s premises licence at a meeting on Thursday (January 12).
A spokesperson for Lounge 72 said: “We are appealing the decision, which means the decision has no effect. The business will be open as usual.
“The premises is a safe place to come to and we promote the licensing objectives of public safety. “We will do all we can to fight the case and keep the venue open in a fair unbiased trial, where the facts can be clearly displayed with evidence.
“We expected this outcome in order to have a fair evidence-based hearing in court.
“Lounge 72 stays open until further notice.”
Lounge 72 has 21 days from the date of the committee’s decision to lodge an appeal. The bar can remain open during this period.
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Two workshops have been scheduled for business owners and stakeholders in the Old Town High Street to assess plans by Herts County Council for major changes. Their intention is to “aim to make the High Street a better place to visit for shopping, eating and leisure, and to make walking and cycling easier, “ but there are some who disagree with how this can be achieved.
We spoke to a number of people with a connection to the Old Town concerning the Stevenage Old Town High Street Improvement project and proposed consultation. Below are their views. Let us know your views by writing to us at hdmdigitalsales@gmail.com where we will endeavour to publish as many as we can.
The project is described as “the Stevenage Old Town High Street Improvements Project”. If this project bears any resemblance to the recent presentation given to SOTBCP by Phil Bibby as County Councillor for transport then most of the proposals will be detrimental rather than improvements.
Any consultation on this project should be given a reasonable period for consideration by businesses and residents. At the very least that should be 28 days in line with planning procedures and in my opinion far longer – say 3 to 6 months. I take it that the meeting on 19th January will be to introduce the ideas being promulgated rather than seeking to reach conclusions. There have already been two recent consultations on the High Street (one by SOTBCP and one by SBC). Will these be taken into account?
As a professional engineer I personally am only too aware of the energy transfer situation and the dire circumstances facing the UK and for that matter the whole World. I actually gave a talk on the subject a few months ago. But I suspect that these proposals may have fundamental flaws and smack a little of “casting the mote”.
John SpiersIn my view much of the 2020/2021 fuss was fuelled by sloppiness at County Hall. On the sustainable travel town HCC made the mistake of assuming that the High Street was the town centre for the whole of Stevenage. Sure High Street and town centre are the same place in some other towns and they were putting together a County wide document but that was a big mistake. I hope, partly following interventions by SBC, that confusion has been permanently resolved.
The Conservatives can speak for themselves but County Councillor Phil Bibby, Portfolio holder for highways, did attend a SOTBCP meeting a few weeks ago, and outline the HCC proposals as they were at that time. Ideas to sort out the gyratory go back at least seven years (this time around).
I understand that SBC officers expected to be working with HCC on this consultation including the meeting on the 19th. That has not been the case. Rightly or wrongly HCC have organised the event as a business workshop. I agree that the date and the notice people have had is not great.
The Old Town has never been a safe seat. Indeed at one point it was the only ward in Stevenage that elected Conservative Councillors. I was only elected
in the first place by dislodging a Conservative Councillor. A significant point has been omitted from Paul’s message. Since May 2021, amongst other things, there has been survey of many residents from 16 to 70 plus and in May 2022 there was another election when the High Street and parking was made a big issue. On that occasion I won dislodging another Conservative. I hope that those who have been invited to the HCC meeting will listen to the proposals and at least let them get to phase two in the presentation.
Cllr Jim Brown
1. Firstly it is important to point out that HCC get money from central Government. Then councils within Hertfordshire can apply for said funding. So, if SBC hadn’t applied for the funding, we wouldn’t be discussing this right now. This is important because The Stevenage Labour Party at SBC will try to push the story that it is all HCC’s doing and of course it isn’t. That said, The Friends of Old Stevenage will be challenging both HCC and SBC.
2. It is very important we get clear statements from all 3 Old Town Councillors on whether they support these changes to our Historic High Street or not. There can be no fence sitting. The electorate need to know which Councillors they can trust to protect our history and heritage.
3. The HCC proposal states that it wishes to direct cars to the underused car parking in Primett road despite the fact that SBC have confirmed that both have the potential to be developed. Indeed if you look at the Friends of Old Stevenage FB page we have shared The Comet article which confirms this. You can see this for yourself in the SBC regeneration doc. I also have confirmation from Zayd in planning at SBC. Not only does this highlight the incompetence of SBC and HCC but it also shows you their intention is to remove the free front of shop parking that has served the High Street for 100 years plus by offering car parking that is likely to become housing.
4. The NO campaign, bringing residents and businesses together as one, delivered a very clear message to both SBC and HCC that the community did not want to lose the free front of shop car parking which is vital to the High Street’s success. We then went on to deliver a clear message to The Stevenage Labour Party that it would cost them
councillors in the future by successfully dislodging Jim Brown from a rather safe seat. The entire 39 seats at SBC are up for grabs in 2024 and that means we are holding all the aces.
5. A consultation by HCC with residents is essential. There is other information I can’t divulge here but I would say to those opposed to these proposals not to be overly concerned. We have nothing to lose and SBC and HCC has everything to lose. So buckle up and enjoy the ride!
Paul Sear
The position of SOTBCP on this topic, there is yet a great deal to be done and at present it is: “SOTBCP strive to represent the very best interests of the High Street businesses and community and to preserve the culture, including such as free high street parking that is so important to businesses, we are keen to engage with stake holders and other interested parties on the future of the high street and have an active role in shaping it for the benefit of businesses, resident and visitors.”
SOTBCP
The three councillors for the Old Town ward have agreed a joint statement for readers of Stevenage Magazine to clarify their position on the future of the area.
“As councillors for the Old Town ward, we want the best for our High Street. As well as being a neighbourhood shopping centre for local residents, some of whom live in the High Street itself, we also recognise that the High Street is used by people from across Stevenage and beyond. We want to see a thriving High Street that enables people to travel to it by car, bus, bike and on foot safely and conveniently. The draft plans from Hertfordshire County Council are subject to extensive consultation, including with Borough councillors, and we will be listening to the wide range of voices that will contribute to strengthening the plans.”
Jim Brown (Labour); John Duncan (Conservative) and Loraine Rossati (Labour)
Planning permission has been granted to transform a Grade II listed 18th century building on Stevenage High Street, that has been home to a traditional hardware store for 89 years, into a betting shop. BoyleSports (UK) Limited has been granted permission by Stevenage Borough Council’s Planning and Development Committee to turn J Deamer & Son into a betting shop.
Concerns raised by residents ahead of the decision included that there are already three betting shops in the High Street, that it could attract crime and anti-social behaviour, and that plans to paint the Grade II listed building blue would change its character and not be in keeping with the area.
However, a council officer’s report to the Planning and Development Committee highlighted that three betting shops on the High Street, out of 143 units, equates to just 2.1%. It also said “there is no conclusive evidence” that betting shops increase incidents of crime and anti-social behaviour, and that “further the development would not have a detrimental effect on the character and appearance of the Grade II listed building or the visual amenities of the conservation area”.
The report noted that the applicant had been unsuccessfully marketing the site since February last year. “Whilst some initial interest was shown, no offers have been made other than the applicant of this current application,” it says. “With no other viable offers, the property would be left to stand vacant in this important primary retail area, to the detriment of the vitality and viability of the High Street.”
Concluding, the council officer said: “The proposal is considered to be an appropriate town centre use, that would secure the long-term beneficial use of a commercial unit, generating additional footfall within the town centre and contributing vitality to the primary shopping frontage.
“The design of the proposal has been carefully considered to maintain the significance and special interest of the Grade II Listed Building and Conservation Area.
“The proposed development would create additional employment in the local area, reduce the level of vacancy within the town centre and present significant investment in the fitting out of the new unit.”
A note in the window of J Deamer & Son reads: “It is with great regret that Stuart Deamer wishes to announce the closure of J Deamer & Son hardware store from March 25.
“Sadly, no buyer came forward to continue the hardware side of the business since it was advertised in February 2022. However, the workshop on Church Lane will remain open and we will still offer service and sales of garden machinery and key cutting.
“This has been a difficult decision, as the family business has been in the High Street for 89 years and three generations, but unfortunately Stuart’s continued ill health has forced the decision.
“BoyleSports will now redevelop the shop. “Stuart, Sarah and all the staff would like to thank you for your loyal support over the years and hope you will continue to support us in our next chapter.”
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Baroness Sharon Taylor of Stevenage has been appointed to Labour’s front bench in the House of Lords.
Baroness Taylor joined the House of Lords in October, having been nominated by Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer, and stepped down as leader of Stevenage Borough Council in December.
As a shadow spokesperson, she will now speak for the party on issues related to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC).
Baroness Taylor says she is “delighted” by the appointment, and on January 9 was also appointed opposition whip.
Speaking from the front bench for the first time on January 12, Baroness Taylor questioned the under-secretary of state at DLUHC, Baroness Scott of Bybrook.
She said: “My Lords, as a serving councillor, I deal with cases of homelessness every day. The number is increasing every day because of eviction from private tenancies and/or the affordability of those tenancies, and fewer landlords coming forward. With social housing waiting lists now at over one million due to decades of underinvestment in social housing and an annual loss of 24,000 social homes a year due to demolition and sales under the right to buy, what is the Government going to do to
Baroness Scott said: “My Lords, the Government is doing many things. When the renters reform Bill comes through — it was a Conservative Party manifesto commitment — it will look at these issues, particularly in the private rented sector. However, this is a much bigger issue across all sectors, as the noble Baroness said.
“We are doing an enormous amount, as I have said and am not repeating, and will continue to do so.
“I think that an important thing that will come out in the renters reform Bill is that we will remove Section 21 evictions.”
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address the housing emergency?”
A consultant at Stevenage’s Lister Hospital has been suspended after being filmed stealing a coat belonging to the mum of a patient.
CCTV footage shows consultant anaesthetist Rajashree Chavan touching and moving the coat, which was hanging in a Lister hallway, before returning later and leaving with a bag containing the coat, concealed under another item.
The Medical Practitioners’ Tribunal Service did not accept Dr Chavan’s initial explanation that she had borrowed the coat to wear whilst she moved between buildings during her shift on January 25, 2021.
“The CCTV footage clearly showed Dr Chavan wearing her own coat when she took Ms A’s coat, which she then placed in a bag,” it said, adding: “Dr Chavan had no way of knowing to whom the coat belonged, and therefore could not realistically have planned to return it.”
Dr Chavan admitted taking the coat when questioned by
police a month after the theft, and she accepted a Community Resolution Order.
The tribunal noted that “at no point did Dr Chavan attempt to find the owner or return the coat in the one month period that elapsed between her taking it and the police questioning her.”
The coat’s owner, referred to as Ms A in the tribunal’s judgement, said: “I don’t suppose it matters who stole my coat, but I feel a bit disappointed that it was a doctor, particularly when a doctor is supposed to be in a position of trust. It makes you question a doctor’s character and I am not sure that I could trust a doctor to look after me or my son. You’re supposed to be able to trust the doctors and I felt sick when I found out that it had been a doctor who had stolen my coat.”
Representing Dr Chavan, Simon Cridland said she had been under “a huge amount of personal and professional stress” at the time. He said the incident took place on the day of her mother’s funeral, which she was unable to attend due to the pandemic, and
at a time when Covid death rates were at their highest.
At that time, Dr Chavan was assisting in intensive care and having frequent end of life conversations with patients’ families, Mr Cridland said. He said that this “contributed to a significant amount of physical and mental fatigue, stress and burnout and that the effects of the considerable workplace and emotional stress which Dr Chavan was under at this time should not be underestimated.”
However, the tribunal found Dr Chavan had “betrayed her professional position of trust” in a “pre-planned incident” and that her actions amounted to serious misconduct.
The tribunal said Dr Chavan “took the coat as a deliberate, dishonest act with no intention to return it”, and suspended her for three months “to send a signal to Dr Chavan, the profession and the wider public that her actions were unacceptable and should never be repeated”.
Stevenage Leisure Limited (SLL) has lost the contract to manage leisure facilities in the town, which it had held for 25 years, but the council says the new contract awarded to Everyone Active is “a significant improvement”.
Everyone Active will take over from April 1 and the affected facilities include Stevenage Swimming Centre, Stevenage Arts and Leisure Centre, the Gordon Craig Theatre, Stevenage Golf and Conference Centre and Fairlands Valley Outdoor Activity Centre.
A spokesperson for Stevenage Borough Council said: “The council has had a contract with Stevenage Leisure Ltd (SLL) for over 24 years. This contract is due to finish at the end of March 2023 and, because of this, we started a review of the current contract 18 months ago and looked at several options for managing the facilities going forward from April 2023.
“It was clear from our review that the contract was out of date, and the leisure market and user demand had changed considerably over the past 24 years.
“By rewriting the contract and putting it to the open market, we’re ensuring we get best
value for money by allowing other reputable operators to competitively bid for the management and operation of our leisure facilities and services in Stevenage.”
The council spokesperson said all permanent staff will keep their jobs, memberships will continue unchanged and prices will not increase as a result of the new contract.
Richard Allan, SLL’s CEO, has said: “SLL are disappointed to have been unsuccessful in winning the new contract, but are hugely proud of the impact they have made to the health of the Stevenage community over the past 25 years.
“SLL are working with Everyone Active to ensure a seamless transfer of the operations, and can guarantee it is business as usual for our customers at all of the facilities.”
Stevenage Borough Council’s responses to frequently asked questions:
How does the council know that Everyone Active is fit for purpose?
The council has gone through a rigorous procurement process, where all the operators had to prove financial stability, demonstrate a successful track record of operating facilities on behalf of local authorities,
comply with legislation and statutory requirements, and meet the high standards the council requires to manage its facilities.
Why is the council outsourcing our leisure facilities?
We did consider managing the facilities ourselves, but this would be at a greater cost to the taxpayer, and we do not have the in-house expertise and structure to run the facilities and services. The council were obliged to tender the new contract in accordance with the Public Contracts, Regulations 2015. The council has awarded the leisure contract to Everyone Active which will begin on April 1, 2023. In terms of the facilities and services SLL provided, there will be a smooth transfer over to the new operator. Everyone Active will provide the same facilities and services to ensure customers will not be affected.
SLL is a charity, why would the council give a contract to a private company?
SLL are a private company and are a charity. Everyone Active also have charitable status.
When will the contract be awarded?
The council awarded the contract on December 30, 2022 and will
start on April 1, 2023. Is there a risk that Everyone
Active will close or change the facilities or reduce services?
No, any changes would have to be agreed by the council. The delivery of services is governed by a robust contract and specification which sets out the council’s requirements and expected performance standards. How does the council know that a new contract will be better than the current contract?
The current contract is out of date and needed updating. The new contract is one that was developed by Sport England and a range of industry experts and reflects current best practice in leisure commissioning. As a result, the contract specification (what the council requires from the operator) is a significant improvement on the current contract.
I have a fitness membershipwill this continue?
Yes, your membership will continue regardless of who is operating the facilities.
My children are having swimming lessons - will these be cancelled?
No, all swimming lessons will continue.
I have booked a course - will this be cancelled? No, all courses will continue.
I have a golf membership. Will this be cancelled?
No, golf memberships will not be cancelled.
I have booked and paid for theatre tickets. Will shows be cancelled, and will I get a refund?
All shows will continue as per the theatre programme, so your tickets are safe and still valid.
I have booked a wedding reception. Will this be cancelled? No, all special event bookings will continue as booked.
I am part of an affiliated club that uses the leisure facilities. Will our regular bookings be cancelled or changed? No, all affiliated club bookings are protected and will not change.
Because there is a new contract, will prices increase?
Prices will not increase because of the new contract. There is already an annual price review within the current contract in April each year, where some prices increase, and this will remain the same in the future.
Prices are subject to market forces, such as inflation and the cost of utilities.
I am an employee. Will I lose my job if a new operator is appointed?
No, all permanent staff will be transferred over to the new operator under the same terms and conditions as required by employment law (TUPE) Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment).
I am an instructor who is not a permanent employee. Will I lose my job, or will I have a pay cut if a new operator is appointed? Instructors and coaches are employed in non-permanent roles as it is dependent on what services and courses are running, and what demand there is for those.
In terms of pay, this relates to the specialist nature of coaches and instructors which may vary dependent on the specialist nature and demand of customers for the activity. That is the case now and will continue to be the case if a new operator is appointed.
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A planning application to create a state-of-the-art vascular theatre next to the inpatient theatre block on the Lister Hospital site in Stevenage has been submitted to the local authority.
The design and access statement accompanying the application to Stevenage Borough Council says “new facilities such as this will assist the existing staff resources of the NHS to be more productive in safe modern working conditions”, as “post pandemic, the NHS is wrestling a national elective surgery crisis”.
It says the proposed hybrid vascular theatre will be “the first of this kind for the NHS and in the UK at all”, and will use real time radiographic imaging, known as ‘image guided therapy’ (IGT), to enable surgeons to undertake complex interventions while minimising the impact on the patient, reducing risk and recovery times”.
The statement continues: “Housing this type of service will greatly improve the range of operations and activities possible on the Lister site.
“A hybrid theatre integrates IGT with other theatre applications, and will feature an ‘Ultra Clean Ventilation’ (UCV) supply to enable the space to be used for a wider range of surgery.
“The hybrid vascular theatre will provide an entirely new style of facility and capacity to the surgical team at the Lister Hospital led by Consultant General and Vascular Surgeon Sadasivam Selvakumar.
“The hospital is transforming into a teaching trust
and the new theatre will also integrate streaming and conferencing facilities for surgeons to give live experience to future generations of NHS surgical staff.”
Consultant vascular surgeon Matt Metcalfe said: “The vascular surgeons at Lister are in need of a hybrid theatre for several reasons. At present, we are limited in our operating ability / case mix, as we need better imaging to perform procedures such as iliac branched grafts, fenestrated stents and thoracic stents. These operations are procedures we should be contemplating as a vascular hub. “We need to improve our radiation safety and for this we need lead skirts attached to the table, and tables we can image through. A hybrid theatre is also more carbon friendly.
“Hertfordshire needs to merge Watford General Hospital and Princess Alexandra Hospital with Lister Hospital for vascular activity. A hybrid theatre is required to be a vascular hub. Hub formation improves efficiency and patient outcomes (lower mortality rates). Cost savings occur across the region, due to focused resources, better access to specialist staff, better theatre utilisation etc. More experienced staff undertaking vascular surgery more frequently - by pooling three units together into one unit - is better for patients and has financial savings.”
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People are being invited to kick-start the new year by signing up to Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life in Stevenage, with 50% off the entry fee until the end of January.
The 3k, 5k and 10k Race for Life in Stevenage will take place on Sunday, July 9 in Fairlands Valley Park.
This is the 30th year of Race for Life and participants will receive a special medal to mark the milestone.
Money raised at Race for Life enables scientists to find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer - helping to save more lives.
Elisa Mitchell, Cancer Research UK’s spokesperson in Hertfordshire, said: “January is the perfect time to commit to getting a little more active. “We’d love for as many people as possible to join us
during our 30th year of Race for Life.
“Race for Life is a powerful way to celebrate and remember loved ones affected by cancer and to raise money for pioneering research.
“Whether people are living with cancer, taking part in honour of or in memory of a loved one with cancer, or signing up to protect their own children’s future, everyone has a reason to Race for Life.
“Sadly, one in two of us will get cancer in our lifetime, but support through events like Race for Life funds groundbreaking work to see more people surviving cancer.
“For some, the Race for Life is literally a walk in the park. Slow and steady still wins. For others, it’s a jog. Others may opt to push themselves harder and take part in the 10k distance. We’re looking forward to welcoming people of all ages and abilities.”
To sign up, visit raceforlife.cancerresearchuk.org, and use the code RFL23NY for 50% off the entry fee until the end of January. Full price entry starts at £14.99 for adults and £10 for children.
Stevenage magazine reader Louise Walters has given us permission to publish this terrifying account of Lister A&E just a day ago. If you have had similar experiences over the Christmas period message us at hdmdigitalsales@gmail.com
17hrs now in the ambulance. And I’m so glad we are. Mum is getting one to one treatment, unlike the poor people in a&e. Walking through just now it was like a war torn, third world hospital. No chairs left, people on the floor wailing and crying, hollowed eyed children staring into space to shell shocked to speak. A woman, gasping for breath, grey and sweating, unable to breathe but no oxygen able to be offered.
We watched, parked up in our warm yellow hospital on wheels, as a man with his horn blaring, came screeching into the ambulance bay, his young son blue and fitting in the back of his car. He’d been told on the phone 15-30hrs for emergency care.
Another man. Another car speeding into a unauthorised area, his wife unconscious in the grips of a stroke. Paramedics jumped out to give assistance to both patients. Then Paramedics leant against the side of their vans, exhausted and emotional. This hasn’t happened over the course of our stay. I have witnessed this in the last TWO hours. And it’s getting worse.
I have read new reports of the wait. I have read how covid and flu are responsible, how nurse and paramedic strikes have caused backlogs all because they want a pay rise. Let me tell you now..NONE OF THIS IS ABOUT PAY. The media are giving horrifying accounts but always, always mention how medics want more money. They don’t. They are striking to try and bring attention to the terrible state of the nhs. The ridiculous working conditions. The plight of the patients. People are dying. Mum is about to be moved into a bed in A&E ward. We’re petrified. It’s chaos.
Following our piece from Stevenage magazine reader Louise Walters, we received a number of similar items and this was sent by Elliott Brien. From the 25th of December I was severely sick, constantly throwing up that it went black and had heart pain, chest pain and just body generally shutting down. I thought I may just have a bug so left it a few days but it deteriorated further. I then took myself to Stoke Mandeville Hospital in Aylesbury as I was there at the time, where they done half hearted tests and ECG’s not getting accurate results and just saying “well that will do” and made out like it was just a bug. They provided no treatment and told me to go home. I left and again my situation deteriorated so i came down to Lister Hospital hoping for better care.
Once down here I was sat in a&e for hours before I got called in to see a triage doctor with sick people all in close proximity. They put me on a cannula for fluids which caused pain and again left me sat there around more sick people. I was then taken for an X-ray and told that I would need to stay in as they weren’t sure what was wrong with me. But my lungs, kidneys and bloods weren’t okay and my infection rate was really high. (Still leaving me around sick people though). They eventually found me a bed on the wrong ward to what I was supposed to be on.
I was left on this wrong ward for 4 days with no one telling me what was wrong with me at all. I was just left there. During this time I received antibiotics through my cannula which caused intense Pain each day, each time. They kept telling me it’s normal however one nurse then told me “ that it is not normal it shouldn’t be painful and don’t ever just put up with it” she then changed it herself and From then on it felt fine to have my medication. Shocking.
Not one doctor bothered to come and see me in the whole 4 days I was there despite this ward ringing constantly for them to come. I didn’t even know what was wrong with me until a nurse finally had a cheeky look on the system and found out after 2 days I have pneumonia so shouldn’t have been around Ill people anyway as it’s a serious infection that affects breathing etc. I was constantly reminded by the nurses on this ward how “you shouldn’t be here this ward is for surgery patients” yet it wasn’t my choice to be there. Making me feel very uncomfortable.
They then after the 4 days decided they needed their bed back and because still no doctor could be bothered to come over and see me or get me a bed on the right ward that they would find the medication I need and send me home. I was released from the hospital with no discharge letter although I heard them say plenty of times “we can’t release anyone without a discharge letter” and told to come back if my symptoms worsen because they need the bed. I was meant to be having an X-ray and blood tests to see how severe it still is or maybe not be and again I have no information on them or when they will be as I wasn’t given my discharge letter. I was told they’ll send it in the post “when they can”. I just feel there was a complete lack of care and communication from both hospitals and something needs to be done about it.
A member of staff has written to Stevenage magazine and asked that our readers share their view of how the services at Lister Hospital are coping at the moment. They wish to remain anonymous as they highlight how they needed to use emergency services recently. Happy new year! Unfortunately for the staff and patients at Lister emergency department this was not the case, it was less than happy.
Unfortunately I needed to call on our emergency services this weekend for my mother who, after suffering from pneumonia for three weeks now had suddenly become very unwell. As a health care professional myself there is always an internal battle when calling upon such over stretched services but in this case it was unavoidable. After waiting 40 mins on hold to 111, the operator and I agreed that she did indeed need transfer to hospital via an ambulance and we were in luck, today the wait was only 90mins to 2 hours, after hearing recent waits of around 12 hours this was a welcomed piece of information.
The ambulance staff were nothing less than wonderful, calm, polite, informative but with concerns enough to pre alert the hospital that we were on the way. We arrived within 10mins but immediately disheartened by the 11+ ambulance crews parked outside the department and clearly waiting.
Now I know that our hospitals are at capacity
most of the time, I know the delays for emergency care are long and tiring and I know that each staff member is doing all they can to treat people and get them home, but nothing could prepare us for what was to come. Now if the next 30 hours hadn’t have happened to us I would have said people exaggerated, that they were just being negative towards an already broken service but nope, it was the truth.
For the next 19 hours we had the privilege of meeting three paramedic crews and enjoying the scenery of two ambulances before finally making it into the corridor of A&E at the 20th hour. Who would have ever thought that this would be the experience of patients on a daily basis! Now we received the best care we could have, supported by a paramedic team and emergency department staff, my mother recieved every bit of treatment she needed and in a reasonable timescale. Bloods were taken, IV medication administered, procedures undertaken in the hospital and then we were returned to our safe haven of the ambulance. Nurses, doctors, and consultants visited whilst the crew kept up their continuous observation to make sure medical needs didn’t change.
The department was heaving, hundreds of people waiting for support or treatment and teams of staff doing all they can with continuous
aggressive behaviour and frustrated patients and relatives. This isn’t their fault and it never has been, previously only those in the hospital were effected but now 999 calls go unanswered, paramedic crews are grounded for whole shifts unable to support any other patients who need them!
What can be done, I don’t know the answers! All I know is if you have to be on hold for 111 then please wait, don’t just turn up to A&E, call your GP even if you can’t get through keep trying, utilise the urgent care centres, call an ambulance if you need one but make sure you that’s what you need. This is no longer about just one person it’s about helping out paramedics get to the next person and we all need to try and work together to do that.
Please don’t be rude or aggressive there is nothing that they haven’t already tried to do to help you through the system. It shocking but everyone in those ambulances are getting the care they need but at the expensive of others in the community and thats what we need to change. Write to MPs, write to the prime minister, these professionals deserve the support of the whole country.
If you have an experience you wish to share please Email hdmdigitalsales@gmail.com
We asked the same questions of group leaders Cllr Richard Henry, Cllr Phil Bibby and Cllr Robin Parker on Stevenage Borough Council. These are the responses we received.
What is the priority for Stevenage in 2023?
There are two priorities. Firstly, clarification is needed on how regeneration is to move forward, given that this has stalled somewhat. Secondly, there needs to be a critical review of the council’s spending to ensure services can be maintained and financial sustainability going forward.
What are the main challenges facing Stevenage in the year ahead?
The challenges are as highlighted under my priorities, given that the economic climate is affecting the original regeneration model and council budgets in general.
What do you feel will be the public response at the local elections in May?
This is difficult to predict. I understand the public’s frustration with what has been happening within the Conservative Party nationally, but I hope they agree that we now have an extremely competent Prime Minister, who is committed to running the country in a professional and business-like manner, for the benefit of all, and deal with the global financial issues as best as anyone can. Whatever happens nationally, I and my fellow councillors are committed to supporting our residents on local matters.
How best can Stevenage Magazine readers help to improve the town and inform debate?
What Stevenage success stories should we see more of in 2023?
Stevenage is benefitting from Government funding, including the Town’s Fund, ZEBRA funding for electric buses and Active Travel funding for a new dedicated cycleway along North Road. The town is also becoming a significant centre for life sciences, which will provide good employment potential and general economic benefit. Hopefully, such inward investment will continue, for the benefit of all residents.
How do you feel your own party is making a difference to the town?
Whilst we support the Labour administration’s initiatives when we agree with them, our aim is to challenge where we feel this is warranted. For example, I have been making the point for some time that there should be more shared services to provide efficiencies, and protect valuable services, and this area is now being looked at more seriously by the administration. LocalConservatives have been successful in influencing the Conservative Government and county council funding for the town.
The best way is to alert their local councillors of their opinions and problems. Specific issues can be dealt with on an individual basis, and more wideranging themes can be put forward and debated at council meetings.
What is the priority for Stevenage in 2023?
The cost of living crisis is bringing real difficulties for local people and it’s important to me that we provide practical help to residents and businesses. Linked to this, it’s important that the Council plays its part in developing the local economy. Our £1bn town centre regeneration programme, together with business investment in new science and technology jobs will make a lasting improvement to Stevenage.
It is vitally important that we progress the construction of more social rented and affordable homes for local people. We have built 385 homes in recent years and are developing many more, including the neighbourhood regeneration scheme at Kenilworth Close.
What are the main challenges facing Stevenage in the year ahead?
There are some tough challenges ahead, particularly as we all deal with the cost of living crisis. I’ll be making sure that Stevenage Council works with anyone who will work with us to support local people through these trying times. With year on year cuts to local councils by the Government we have less Government money available for local services, we’ll need to work in even more creative ways to bring in funding to continue the regeneration of the town, including how we can upgrade our sport and leisure facilities, celebrate our culture and create a more vibrant town centre.
What Stevenage success stories should we see more of in 2023?
I expect to see more progress made with our regeneration plans, including vital work to plan for how we can update our sport and leisure facilities in the heart of the town. We’ll also see the Kenilworth Close housing development completed. In a recession, we need to keep working hard to attract investment and create new jobs. We’ve seen some great success in recent times – the M&S store in Roaring Meg, Co-Space in the town centre, and the cutting-edge life science project led
by Autolus to create up to 300 jobs in the heart of the town centre. The £1bn investment at the GSK site will realise around 4,000 jobs over the next 10 years. It is critical that local partners develop the skills and training for local people to help them reap the benefits.
How do you feel your own party is making a difference to the town?
Everything I’ve said so far about the new funding, regeneration plans, housing and jobs has been a result of work by the Labour Council driving change for local people. Everything we do is to create a better Stevenage. Everything. People may not always agree with us and it’s difficult to see the benefits during an untidy development period but we will see those benefits in years to come. We’re playing the long game.
I’m also very positive about the steps we can take to help tackle climate change, by drawing in money to help decarbonise Council homes, improving cycling facilities, creating more community orchards, and the delivery of community projects to help improve the local environment close to home.
It’s back! And it’s going to be bigger and better than before! Come and join us on March 19 at Hatfield House for our annual Dogs and Daffs Day in aid of Digswell Place Group Riding for Disabled Association.
Chairman of the Digswell Place Group RDA, Sue Clarke said: “This really is one of the highlights in our fund-raising calendar. The day really is fun from start to finish and we cannot thank everyone enough who supports it.
“We currently help over 100 people aged between 2 and 65 with a variety of disabilities from the local area. Riding helps core strength, balance, speech, coordination and socialisation. And it’s the support we receive from events like Dogs and Daffs which helps us to continue with this essential service.”
Digswell Place Group RDA has teamed up with the Stable Yard at Hatfield House to hold its Dogs and Daffs Day on March 19, 2023. Money raised from previous events has funded specialist saddles, additional therapeutic rides and has also paid for a new field shelter and riding hats as well as a new pony.
During the Dogs and Daffs day walkers will be able to enjoy Hatfield Park exclusively for a small donation to the charity and dog lovers will be able to enter into a fun dog show. And recognising that this year the event falls on Mother’s Day, there
will be some special activities for mums and their mutts!
There will be agility, flyball and trick training displays plus scurry racing for visitors to take part in - again for a small donation to the charity.
Sue added: “This is a great opportunity for everyone to enjoy a fabulous family day out with their canine companions and help raise money for a local charity which works with local people.
“We have been overwhelmed by the support we have received over the last few years from visitors and event sponsors and look forward to another successful day in 2023.”
* This year visitors will be able to buy early bird tickets online at www.dogsanddaffs.weebly.com Please visit the website to secure your reduced rate entry as well as finding out more about the event.
In 1998, non-League Stevenage Borough, a team of part-time footballers, took on Premier League Newcastle United in the FA Cup. In a hugely controversial affair that made the front pages and back pages, as well as BBC Newsnight after the Magpies objected to playing at Broadhall Way, Boro’s players became household names.
They held Newcastle to a famous draw to set up a replay at St James’ Park. An injury in pre-season had sidelined England captain Alan Shearer, who made his comeback at Stevenage, scoring after just 152 seconds. He scored twice in the replay, though his first would likely have been ruled out today by VAR.
Hence Boro fans’ belief that they only lost 1-1.
PAUL FRY has spoken to the key Boro figures from 25 years ago – players, officials, the management team, and fans as they recount their memories in a chapter that put Stevenage firmly on the football map. Available on Amazon.
Print £19.99 Kindle £8.99 download
The media were quick to latch on to Gary Crawshaw once it was known that his opposite No.9, Alan Shearer, would be making his comeback at Broadhall Way after a serious ankle injury.
The Nines’ lives could scarcely have painted a sharper contrast: Shearer the England regular who had captained his country and was on a reputed £30,000 a week, versus Stevenage striker Gary, who drove a van carrying stationery and fitted in his football around a demanding day job and a lot of road miles.
Shearer was born in August 1970 and Crawshaw the following February. But while the England man grew up in Tyneside, Gary’s formative years were spent in the Home Counties.
He was having a decent season – he would go on to make 52 appearances and score 16 times in 199798, including one at St James’ Park he still dines out on.
For a few extraordinary days and weeks in January and February 1998, Gary was living the dream. It must have felt like falling asleep on the sofa and waking to a weirdly psychotic episode of Gogglebox, with him and his Stevenage teammates finding themselves the focus of global media attention.
“We must have come across as pretty naive,” Gary says. “I think that led us to say a few things that the media picked up on and amplified and which Newcastle’s players saw as disrespectful. It really wasn’t meant to be.
“I had a reporter from the Sunday Times follow me for a ‘Day in the Life’ piece. He arrived at my door at 6am, just as I was about to get in the van and deliver stationery around Thame, where I lived. That was my day job. We then dashed home, grabbed a bite to eat and that evening he came with me to Stevenage for training.
“Another time there was a semi-circle of journalists with tape-recorders and microphones, firing off questions at me about Shearer. At one point, I let slip something about him coming across as being ‘pretty boring’ in interviews – and guess what made headlines the next day? ‘Alan is Shear boredom’ and other such stuff.”
Gary and his fellow part-timers were not prepared for the massive attention that accompanied the tie as controversy about the match venue ramped up.
“I think our heads were in a spin for days,” he says. “The Newcastle boys would have been used to it. For a few weeks we were able to experience a part of what it was like to be them. I shudder to think about how it would have been if there had been social media then!”
Gary has all the clippings, the old tickets and even pals’ betting slips. “I am a mad collector and I have no end of shirts. But I have just one picture from the Newcastle games on my wall,” he said, as he gave me the Zoom tour of his home in Oxford. “That’s an action shot from the first game – not my goal up there, funnily enough,” he says.
He slips into Memory Lane as if it is a free-flowing motorway. “I can remember so much – from watching the draw at home, to the celebrations, the craziness of getting home from a club at 4am and then having to get on a coach for a TV studio session in London to meet Denise van Outen and Johnny Vaughan on the Big Breakfast – having not been to bed at all and answering questions on live TV just a few hours later was just so bizarre.
“We even had a run-in with Mr Blobby on Noel Edmonds’ House Party... this was just such a massive deal for us in a way that I don’t think happens these days.
“You still get upsets and brave performances in the Cup but, quite often now, Prem clubs field weakened sides. Newcastle put out all their big
guns against us. That’s what made it all the more special for us – as well as for our families and friends. We played against all the star names. “And to have gone through it, there is a definite bond between us players. We had a 20th anniversary reunion and it was as though the games had been the previous week. We all looked older – but we had such a great time reliving all the war stories.”
Gary was with Luton Town from the age of 11 but never made it as he had hoped at senior level. He did actually play against Shearer once, against Southampton Youth.
“I had five great years at Stevenage and, while we were never paid that well, there was always something to keep you interested – a decent go at the League or an FA Cup or FA Trophy run. “Paul Fairclough was a brilliant salesman as well as a man manager and some of his ideas were ahead of their time. There were some great times and one or two not so good ones, like losing to Slough in the FA Trophy quarter-final having mentally prepared ourselves for a run to the final at Wembley. I turned Cliff Hercules in the box was fouled, got up and missed the penalty. That was a big let-down.”
The Cup year was a season of transition. There was a parade of players who came in, half a dozen or so merely sat on the bench a couple of times and never got to play. As I reeled off some of the names, Gary was struggling to remember them: Simon Chang, Simon Kaldjob, Jeran Meah, Andy Quy and Carel van der Velden. It must have been odd for him to see a new face almost every time he pulled on a Boro shirt that season. That’s why we struggled for form, I think. Cloughie was playing around a bit, he was rebuilding after the Conference-winning side broke up. The Cup run was just crazy. It was only
seven games, over four rounds with three replays –but they were just so special. “We should have gone out to Carshalton, in truth, in our First Round game down there. I remember giving the ball away when it came up to me and it nearly costing us a goal.” Boro won the replay, with Michael Love scoring twice.
“Then we went to Cambridge United and that was tough. I got a penalty to earn a replay and Stuart Beevor got the decider in a tight 2-1 win at our place.
“Swindon was memorable because of the result but also the weather. It was blowing a gale and the rain was non stop. When their keeper cleared for our winner, it virtually blew back to him. Jason Solomon slipped Giuliano Grazioli in and he stuck it away.
“It was a brilliant result and I felt we deserved it. We adapted to the conditions better than them. But the celebrations went on and on. We got back to Stevenage on the coach and a group of us went out to a club. I was single pretty much all my playing career and I remember waking up in a hotel early on the Sunday morning, watching myself on the Match of the Day re-run! I was at home when the draw was made and I remember hoping we got one of the big Premier League clubs. You wanted to experience playing at their place.
“They had this thing on TV where they flagged up the numbers of the big teams on the screen. I could see straight away it was Newcastle, No.7, before it was even read out. I was so excited. I was jumping around like a madman! It seemed like a dream.
“Then reality began to sink in and played out all the scenarios – especially the one where you get hammered and embarrassed, live on TV in front of millions. But I always had confidence that we could do OK. Paul Fairclough was all over it, getting us prepared.
“I remember he played crowd noise over the
stadium
Tannoy when we trained and he got in a psychologist to talk to us as a group and then one to one to address our fears. One of his things was to embrace the occasion and not be overwhelmed by it. He had this thing, where a shoelace snapped, and he said: ‘Don’t get annoyed, just say you love it... make it a positive.
“It was ground-breaking stuff at the time and the lads bought into it. I remember seeing the game later and Perky [Steve Perkins] was in a defensive wall at a free-kick, mouthing ‘I fucking love it!’
“But nothing could prepare you for the real thing. I think the attention worked for us, though; it helped to give us a focus, it certainly wasn’t a distraction, as you might think. For me, it was all totally positive.
“It was a really good dressing room. We had Smudger, Trotty, Trebbs, Graz – a lot of big characters in there.”
Gary recalls walking out to see the huge bank of Toon fans in the temporary stand to his right as he walked out and the atmosphere was like nothing he’d known. “We could have sold that place out several times over.
“I think I had 35 family and friends there and more turning up without tickets who somehow managed to get sorted out!
“The early goal by Shearer was a blow but we were prepared and, in a strange kind of way, it brought us down to think this was just another game. It focused our minds on what we had to do. We could easily have come in at half-time 2-1 or 3-1 up. We had one disallowed, almost had another goal and we pressed them all over the place.
“We had a lot of energy – I was spent at the end. We were in their faces and we didn’t stop. The pitch was small, which helped us, and we had the crowd,” Gary says.
“I say to people now when they talk about the high press teams use, that we were doing it back then... working in units, high up the field, winning the ball in dangerous areas.
“When I went to Aylesbury United and Bob Dowie was manager, he’d say, ‘bloody hell, Gary, could you stop running around, shutting people down...
Do the work when we have the ball’. We pressed Newcastle high and pressed them a lot. They would not have faced that week in, week out back then.
It was a smallish pitch compared to theirs and we gave them a really uncomfortable time. We knew what each other was doing and that gave us
confidence. It’s half the battle.”
Gary supplied the corner that brought Boro’s deserved equaliser. “We’d worked on corners, freekicks and the goal came exactly from one we had worked on. I knew where I was aiming but they don’t always go that well.
“I can still see the board in the dressing room and hear Cloughie saying: ‘When they have a corner, so and so marks Batty, someone else picks up Pearce. All these names, all internationals. It seemed like we were facing half the England team.
“I took the corner and put it in the area we planned and Graz got up to head it in. It was mad! I thought the game would never restart! What a rush it was...” The game was hugely competitive but one thing in particular surprised Gary. “Stuart Pearce played centre half in the first game and I expected a physical battle.
“I was at Wembley when he scored that penalty against Spain in the Euros and you saw all his aggression and the passion. But he didn’t say a single word to me all game!
“When I had played against ham Roberts, he was at it all the time, trying to intimidate me with verbals –stuff that would get in your head – but Pearce never spoke at all. I couldn’t believe it.
“In the replay, we had a few run-ins and he was getting wound up, especially after we got it back to 2-1. God knows what might have happened had he reacted!”
At the end of the 1-1 draw, Gary was too elated yet dead on his feet to swap shirts with anyone.
“I remember Smudge asking for Shearer’s but he refused because Mark had said jokingly before the game that he would have Shearer in his pocket!
“It wasn’t arrogance – it was just banter and they took it all wrong. But they sent his shirt down later in the week.
“It was a brilliant feeling to still be in the Cup and there was Champagne flying around in the dressing room. We did a lot of partying in Stevenage. “The majority of us went out in town. I was single for pretty much the whole of my playing career but thank goodness there was no social media back then – there would have been some embarrassing live streams from Pulse nightclub! Of course we were going to enjoy it.”
Boro were on Tyneside the weekend before the replay, for an FA Trophy tie at Gateshead, and they got an impromptu tour of the empty St James’ Park to get a taste of what they would face.
“That was awe-inspiring: seeing it even when it was empty. When we eventually walked out for the game, I was tingling. The noise was like nothing most of us had experienced, with 40,000 in there. “Going up to Newcastle was incredible on a number of levels. The experience of being driven the last bit to the stadium with a police escort... for players who had never had that before, it was fabulous. I remember Cloughie had Two Tribes playing on the tape deck! We were playing at a proper stadium in a proper city centre. You got a glimpse of what the Newcastle players experienced every week. “The FA Cup was different back then... it was the last few years of it being a really big thing. Let’s be honest, they were better than us in that replay. They passed it around on that big pitch and bossed it. But it was a great experience. There was always only going to be one outcome, though we never gave in, even at 2-0 down.
“Mind you, if Shearer hadn’t been fit, they might have struggled to score goals. He was the difference, with all three of theirs in the two games. They had Ian Rush in their squad but he didn’t play. Amazing... just to be in the same matches as Rushie!
“When Niall Inman got the ball over and I squeezed it in at the near post to make it 2-1, they got nervous and you never know in games like that what might happen. In fact a ball dropped to me near the end and my mate reminds me how he was shouting: ‘just hit it!”. Who knows what might have happened had we made it 2-2. I suspect they would have had the legs to finish it easily in extra time.” To make the day more remarkable for Gary it was his 27th birthday. Coincidentally, he swapped shirts at the end with Belgian defender Philippe Albert, who wore the No27 for the Magpies. “It was a bit embarrassing. I said to him: ‘Could I
have your shirt, please?’ and he gave it to me. Then he just looked at me when I didn’t volunteer to give him mine! I was just lost in it all! Only then did it register with me that it was supposed to be a twoway thing!”
Boro celebrated after the final whistle with their thousands of fans who had made the four-and-ahalf hour trek north.
“You could see from our faces that we weren’t overly heartbroken at losing. We knew we’d had our chance in the first game. We were in the hat and would have played Tranmere for a place in the last eight. But we never got ahead of ourselves. Back in the dressing room, we had a bit of chat. We took it all in and I don’t think we were too despondent at all. I came out at the same time as Shearer and we shook hands. He said: ‘Well done.’ I have met him a couple of times since then.
“The first was at a Bobby Robson testimonial and Ian Dowie, who I’d played with at Luton, was in the bar afterwards having a drink with Shearer and I could see Ian mouthing to him and pointing me out: ‘That’s Gary Crawshaw...!’
“I told him: ‘No hard feelings’ – and he was fine. I saw him again at a Grenfell charity game and he said to me: ‘Just remind me, how many goals did you get in that game?”
The Cup journey was over but it was a night Gary will never forget. He got well and truly bunkered! “We were staying at Slaley Hall Golf Club in Hexham and we were marking my birthday with a few drinks.
“The lads stripped me naked apart from my socks and threw me into a bunker. I was covered in sand, it was all stuck to me. Luckily, a security guy lent me his jacket so I could get back to my room.”
What do you feel will be the public response at the local elections in May?
Of course, a lot of what happens in local elections is a response to people’s feelings about the national government and right now, people are turning to Labour. I certainly hope that people take into account the hard work that Labour locally has put into making Stevenage better, too.
We never take local people for granted and our Stevenage Labour teams contact residents all year round, asking about their concerns – for us, it’s not just about election time. We had over 10,000 conversations with residents on their doorsteps in 2022 and we’ll be talking to even more people in 2023. Labour delivered on 117 of the 120 promises we made in our last Manifesto, and our current one is even more ambitious with 150 pledges.
People can read our Manifesto on our local website: https://www.stevenagelabour.org/manifesto-2022/
How best can Stevenage Magazine readers help to improve the town and inform debate?
I am a firm believer that we can only improve the town and our prospects by working together, by listening to the ideas and thoughts of local people, businesses and community groups – that’s why Stevenage is a Cooperative Council.
I welcome the views of local people and businesses and encourage them to get involved in surveys and consultations about local issues. Labour’s manifesto priorities and the Council’s planning priorities reflect what local people have told us are their priorities, via the residents surveys. We are listening and acting on what local people tell us is important to them.
I’d also encourage people to get involved with local community groups. Putting something back into our communities is good for people’s wellbeing and makes a big contribution to our town.
If you have a story or feature please email us on hdmdigitalsales@gmail.com
There are celebrations all round as this year marks 20 years of the Austin’s Charitable Fund.
The fund was set up back in 2002 by the Austin family to support and benefit charities and organisations in the local community, and includes a local Annual Charity selected by the family alongside some significant other financial support to local causes.
Managing Director, Claire Austin, explained that, prior to the Fund being set up, they would always have a lot of people writing to them with small charity requests, such as sponsorship for the London Marathon and other challenges; so they decided to focus their efforts and raise even more money for a few, select causes each year instead.
Each Annual Charity is promoted through their branches, website and social media.
Funds are raised through families donating to the cause after losing a loved one, a percentage of profits, annual events such as the Christmas Carol Service at Harwood Park, and donation boxes in all of the branches.
Claire said: “The original concept of the Austin’s Charitable Fund was to find a way to ‘give back’ to the community we serve. The bereaved families we look after live and very often work locally.
Jackie Lawrence and Maggie Bashforth hand over the cheque to EHAA
Many of them have been supported by local hospices and care providers. Therefore, we feel we are creating a ‘circle of giving’.”
Over the last 20 years the fund has raised an incredible £242,385.54, after the most recent donation of £5,709 was made to 2021 Charity of the Year, the Essex and Herts Air Ambulance (EHAAT).
A representative from Austin’s always visits the charities to hand over their cheques and this year it was Jackie Lawrence and Maggie Bashforth who were delighted to present the donation to EHAAT at their base in North Weald.
“We chose Herts Air Ambulance as our 2021 charity because they provide an amazing, but largely unseen, lifesaving service to our community and are
Austin’s raise almost £250,000 over 20 years of their Charitable Fund
funded purely by charitable giving,” said Claire.
A blog published last year by the Charity Commission stated that over 90% of charities had experienced some negative impact from Covid-19,
“whether on their service delivery, finances, staff, or indeed on staff morale, resulting from the months of frustration and uncertainty”.
Furthermore, 60% saw a loss of income, and 32% said they experienced a shortage of volunteers.
While charity fundraising is always vital to their survival, the last few years have been particularly tough for everyone and highlights the impact something like the Austin’s Charitable Fund can make.
Just some of the charities represented by the Fund over the years include: Riding for the Disabled (2005), Hertfordshire Young Homeless Group (2007), Cancer Hair Care (2014), North Herts Samaritans (2015) and Resolve (2018), as well as local hospices, hospital charities and bereavement charities.
They’ve all received donations between around £5,000 and £7,000, and some even more. Alongside the Charitable Fund, there are other avenues of fundraising that Austin’s finds to raise more essential funds.
Claire herself has had her fair share of challenges, visiting India in 2010, Vietnam in 2015 and, most recently, the Arctic Circle just before Covid hit, to raise funds for Home Start Hertfordshire.
In fact, Home-Start Stevenage (as it was called back then) was Austin’s first ever Charity of the Year back in 2002.
Another avenue is the recycling scheme at the crematorium at Harwood Park.
The metal that is left over after a cremation (hip joints etc.) is collected and sent over to Holland who then send some money back.
Around every 4-6 months, Austin’s submit an application to the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management with a suggestion of who this money should be donated to.
We will shortly be donating £15,000 to the Rennie Grove Hospice.
This year’s chosen Charity of the Year is the Anne Robson Trust.
Austin’s look forward to raising funds for this wonderful charity and another 20 years of fundraising, because, in the words of Helen Keller, “alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”
If you have a story or feature please email us on hdmdigitalsales@gmail.com
