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JULY 2022
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The RSPCA is encouraging local authorities to follow the lead of Stevenage Borough Council and ban pets from being given as prizes, after the Government confirmed it has “commissioned some work on the issue”. A motion to ban live animals such as goldfish from being handed out as prizes on council land in Stevenage was passed in October, in response to the decision by private traders to give goldfish as prizes during the town’s annual High Street charter fair. Lee Gingell, RSPCA’s public affairs manager for local government in England, said: “Animal ownership is a big responsibility and, while goldfish can make great companions, they shouldn’t be acquired via a spur-of-the-moment game. “Goldfish are easily stressed, and very often fish that are won as prizes suffer miserably from shock, oxygen starvation or die from changes in water temperature, and many may die before their new owners can get them home. “They’re misunderstood pets, as they can make great companions; but can actually be challenging to look after and new owners must do their research before they acquire the fish, not afterwards. “When bringing a fish home for the first time, it’s important to set the tank up at least two weeks in advance to make sure it’s all running smoothly, and this just isn’t possible for someone who’s won a fish without being prepared for it.”
the issue of pets being handed out as prizes” in England, and that the UK Government is looking at the issue “very closely”.
Stevenage Borough Council is one of 22 local authorities in England to have already implemented bans, or are taking action against this practice, and the RSPCA is urging others to join them. The charity is urging people to take action by supporting its long-running campaign and visiting rspca.org.uk/getinvolved/campaign/petprizes to complete a form which will let your local councillor know that pets as prizes are a no-win situation. In June, Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park government minister for animal welfare - confirmed that Defra has “commissioned some work on
Lee said: “There’s huge momentum behind the RSPCA campaign. Last year, thousands of people supported us in this campaign and we’re over the moon to see so many local authorities already pass the RSPCA’s notice of motion on this issue. “Our ultimate goal would be for the practice to be banned completely. “We hope this summer we can spread the message further and encourage other local authorities across England and Wales to ban the giving of pets as prizes on their land, as well as taking action on other seasonal issues affecting animals.”
The music festival Old Town Live will return to Stevenage this summer, following its inaugural event last year. From midday to 10pm on Saturday, August 6, there will be a rotating programme of more than 70 local bands, DJs and singers from all genres playing at different locations in the High Street, and in Old Town venues. Nine venues are taking part, and there will be two main stages situated at either end of the High Street, as well as a busking spot and ‘hospitality village.’ There will also be a kids’ zone including fairground rides, face painting, balloon modelling and magic, and a spokesman for the event said: “We’ve also lined up a whole host of craft food vendors to complement our already well-loved High Street shops and stores.” He added: “The event will provide local businesses with another opportunity to promote their business to a wider audience, raise awareness of their service or offer, which will ultimately lead to increased footfall. “It will again support local music acts as they perform live after further issues and restrictions from Covid-19.” Following the close of live music stages and traders on the High Street, venues will host afterparties and continue to be open.
People must register for a free wristband to enter the main stage areas on the High Street, while access to venues requires a wristband which start at £7. “This helps us fund the event and fairly pay musicians,” the event spokesman explained. He added: “We have a single-use plastic ban in place and you will need a reusable festival cup to drink out of. These are available on the day and also come with paid-for wristbands.” See oldtownlive.co.uk for more information, including tickets.
The former bus station in Stevenage town centre has been dismantled to make way for “an exciting opportunity”. The bus station in Danestrete became surplus to requirements when the new Stevenage Bus Interchange in Lytton Way opened on June 26. A planning application to demolish it was approved by Stevenage Borough Council’s planning and development committee in June, to make way for a new public square with a performance stage, flexible multi-use space and landscaping.
Aušra Bitinaitė, Stevenage’s town centre manager, said: “The final project is very exciting and a great benefit for the town, with a lot of open space and green areas, hopefully attracting more people to spend more time here.” A spokesman for BEAMS - the trading company of the Hertfordshire Building Preservation Trust charity - said: “The bus station was built as part of Stevenage’s new town centre in the 1950s, so is of local historic interest, however the original bus shelters / signs etc are all gone, so its interest is lessened. “The use of the site as a public square
with temporary performance kiosk is supported in principle and the addition of planting and seating welcomed. “It is recommended a heritage interpretation board is incorporated within the site, detailing the history of the former bus station with historic photos.” The approved use is only temporary, however, as this area will eventually be redeveloped to accommodate a public services hub, housing and a new Garden Square, as part of the £1billion Stevenage town centre regeneration programme. The planning application for the temporary public realm, submitted by designers BDP on behalf of Stevenage Borough Council, explained: “This area falls into phase two of the plans, and so will not
be utilised for approximately two years, creating an opportunity to transform a significant empty open space into a town centre attraction until it is required for development. “It is an exciting opportunity to temporarily use the redundant bus station as a dynamic public space, improve linkages to the town square and provide public realm improvements that will preserve and enhance the character and heritage significance of the area. “While temporary, they have the potential to make an important contribution to the health of the town centre, and support local businesses and vibrancy while the multi-phase SG1 development is taken forward.” Construction is expected to begin in the summer.
Plans for another multi-storey car park at Lister Hospital in Stevenage are progressing, the chief executive of the East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust has assured staff at a briefing.
significantly increase the amount of parking on the Lister site - that really should move us to a position where we are better able to meet the demand for that facility from staff.
The plans also include “more retail opportunities and office accommodation” at the front of the site, Adam Sewell-Jones, the NHS Trust’s chief executive said.
“Now, it doesn’t happen overnight, because it’s a new build. However, I was pleased with the potential speed. We’ve already had, in principle, planning permission for that work.
“The reality is that we have more demand for parking than we have available, and that is a problem we are struggling to solve,” he explained, assuring staff that “the board is now reviewing the case for remodelling the front of the hospital,” as part of a long-term solution.
“We’ve now kicked off the process of asking for the formal permission, and we are looking now at the commercial arrangements, in order to bring someone in to build that car park for us.
Mr Sewell-Jones explained that the plan is to create “some more space out the front of the current main entrance that would include more retail opportunities and some more office accommodation, which is another challenge on the second floor”. He said: “As part of that, we will be looking to build what’s looking like a two-storey car park, that will
“So, hopefully, in the not-too-distant future, we’ll have a significant shift in the parking provision on the site.” A short-term solution to the parking shortage at Lister has been for the NHS Trust to rent car park space at Stevenage Garden Centre, off Graveley Road, but Mr Sewell-Jones admitted that “clearly, at any point, they could decide to change their minds or sell the property, so it’s not a long-term strategy.”
Tributes have been paid to Stevenage community stalwart Alex Lang, who has died aged 78. Alex was a long-standing member of the Rotary Club of Stevenage, a trustee of grant-giving charity Stevenage Community Trust for more than 20 years, and a loyal supporter of Just be a Child – a Stevenage-based charity that transforms shipping containers into libraries in deprived Kenyan communities. For 30 years, Alex was also co-ordinator of the Crucial Crew schemes in Stevenage, Hitchin and North Herts, Hertford, Ware and Hemel Hempstead, which teach vital safety and life skills to Year 6 pupils across Hertfordshire. Councillor Sharon Taylor, the leader of Stevenage Borough Council, said: “Alex was always in the heart of our community - an activist, a fundraiser and someone who could just ‘get things done’. “He was a rotary club member and, in that role, undertook huge projects to support our community. “He founded and ran Crucial Crew for many years, and we know that work saved lives. “He was a great support to successive mayors and he also gave me amazing help with our Stevenage Fair Trade project.
“I’m sure that merely scratches the surface of Alex’s community involvement. “He will be deeply and sadly missed in Stevenage. “Our thanks to Alex for dedicating so much of his life to our community. Rest in peace wonderful man.” A spokesman for Stevenage Community Trust said: “Alex had been involved with the trust since it first began and served as a trustee for over 20 years. He was our ‘wise owl’ when it came to all things community and charity-based in the local area. His commitment and enthusiasm were second to none. “Alex will be greatly missed by all those associated with our charity. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.” Lenka McAlinden, who founded Just be a Child, said: “He was a real force of nature working tirelessly to make JBAC succeed. He was a dedicated Rotarian and a wonderful friend. “We will miss him dearly. We will celebrate his life and all his achievements by dedicating our next library to him.” Alex died on June 17 and his funeral was held on July 12 at Harwood Park Crematorium in Stevenage at 1.15pm.
Prior approval for a 15-metre high 5G phone mast on a Stevenage footpath that serves two primary schools has been refused because it would result in “harm to highway safety.” H3G (Three) wants to put a phone mast on the footpath at the junction of Oaks Cross and Melne Road - about 175 metres from Longmeadow Primary School and 250 metres away from Shephalbury Park School, on a footpath that provides access to both schools. However, the mobile network operator needs Stevenage Borough Council’s prior approval, (rather than full planning permission, due to permitted development rights). In its application to the borough council, H3G said: “In these unprecedented times of the Covid-19 pandemic, it is recognised that high-speed mobile connectivity is the lifeblood of a community facilitating educational benefits, providing access to vital services, improving communications with the associated commercial benefits for local businesses, enabling e-commerce and working from home, as well as enjoying access to social media and gaming for leisure time activities.”
not agree that alternative suitable sites cannot be found which are not located within the public footpath. It said: “There is a large area of public open space to the east of the site and good-sized highway verges to the west of the site that could be possible locations. “The public footpath in this area is approximately 1.8m wide and is the main pedestrian link along Oaks Cross and provides access to two local schools. The placement of the mast and cabinets within this footpath would cause obstructions to the free flow of pedestrian movement and, whilst the widening of the path would ensure a 1.8m width, the equipment would still be visibly within the footpath and could cause problems for the visually impaired. “The impact of the development on pedestrian safety, especially those who are blind or partially sighted outweighs the benefits of the scheme. “Further, Hertfordshire County Council will not allow any equipment to be placed within the footpath and nor will they allow the widening of the footpath.
H3G proposed widening the footpath with a Tarmac strip of approximately 1.1m x 9m “to allow passage past the installation,” but Hertfordshire County Council, as the highways authority, said it “does not allow these kinds of small adjustments to the network.”
“Accordingly, the proposed development will result in an obstruction to the free flow of pedestrian movements on this important pedestrian link which provides access to two local primary schools, therefore resulting in harm to highway safety and convenience.”
The borough council said it accepts the need for a mast in the area to improve services, but does
The borough council consequently refused prior approval.
The Pride of Stevenage Awards returns this October at The Gordon Craig Theatre, to honour those in our community going above and beyond. The Awards, which celebrates the achievements of people in Stevenage, is now open for nominations and the search is on for this year’s inspiring winners. If you have a friend, neighbour, colleague or group that you feel is worthy of recognition, you can nominate them for a Pride of Stevenage Award in one of the following seven categories: Caring Award Celebrates individual acts of kindness, volunteer, charity and community work
enhance people’s lives or provide support and opportunities to community members
Dedication Award For longstanding dedication to volunteer work in Stevenage
Young Star Award For a group or individual that has made significant achievements at school, college or in their local community
Enterprise Award Rewards an individual or organisation that makes a real contribution to business life in Stevenage
In addition, the Judges’ Special Award will be given to an individual or group that has made an outstanding contribution to the town and its residents.
Green Award For helping to help keep Stevenage clean and green
To nominate, simply go online at www.stevenage.gov.uk/prideawards choose the category you wish to nominate in and fill in the requested details. The deadline for nominations is 1 September.
Sporting Award Recognises an outstanding contribution to sport and healthy activities in the town Team Award Salutes those who work together to improve the local area,
Winners will be chosen by a panel of judges chaired by Leader of the Council Sharon Taylor OBE, and also including awards partners and the Youth Mayor.
Finalists will be informed after the judging. All those who receive a nomination are invited to a Mayoral afternoon tea at the Council’s Civic Suite later in the year. Chair of Judges, Councillor Sharon Taylor OBE said, “It is always such an honour to meet the Pride of Stevenage nominees. They demonstrate the best of our town. “I am pleased the Pride of Stevenage Awards exists because it is important to recognise and reward those who have made a positive impact within our community. If you know an individual or group that really stands out in your neighbourhood, show your appreciation for all they do by nominating them for a Pride of
- Dan Gaze, who works with young people who are at risk of exploitation. Sporting Award – Chris Bull who founded Fitkidz works with anyone and everyone, showing them that fitness is something that can be achieved, no matter, size, disability or ability.
Stevenage Award.” The host for the evening will be SG1 Sports Scene radio presenter and Stevenage FC match day announcer Jay Drackford, @ drackers www.jaydrackford. co.uk.
The winners of the 2021 awards were: Dedication Award – Bill Shackell, for his work with the Scouts since 1980. Green Award – Leonie Clarke, for being a local Climate Hero.
Local businesses and organisations can become a Pride Awards partner and maximise the exposure provided by one of the town’s most high profile events.
Team Award – Stevenage Family Support Service, for their hard work to support our most vulnerable families.
Bespoke packages are available. Email prideawards@stevenage. gov.uk for more information. Tel: 02037 273600
Caring Award – (Holy Trinity Stevenage & Christ the King Symonds Green, sponsor of the prize for the Caring Award)
Enterprise Award – (sponsored by the Hertfordshire Chambers of Commerce) - Feed-Up, Warm-Up, on Mondays, this service can be found at Stevenage Football Club offering food, help and advice to the homeless. Young Star Award – Noirit Arnon and Layla-Mai Gorton, two young people who are working on local community projects. Judge’s Special Award – Professor Jim McManus, Director of Public Health and the Hertfordshire Public Health Team who have spent the last eighteen months focused on advising on the Covid pandemic.
Austin’s raise almost £250,000 over 20 years of their Charitable Fund 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
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.”
TK Maxx says its lease for The Forum store expires in September and it has been “served notice to vacate its current store by its landlords, to enable the redevelopment of that part of the town centre as part of a wider town centre masterplan”. The retail giant says it is likely to vacate The Forum in May next year, but has failed to find suitable alternative premises in the town centre. Moving to the Roaring Meg presents “the only genuinely realistic opportunity for TK Maxx to remain in Stevenage”, a spokesman for the retail chain said. He explained: “Having undertaken a detailed and comprehensive investigation into all other possible relocations in Stevenage, Roaring Meg Retail Park is the only realistic option for retaining the company in Stevenage and prevent them from leaving altogether.” A website and public consultation have been launched to gain people’s views on plans to relocate TK Maxx in Stevenage town centre to the Roaring Meg Retail Park.
Peter Everest, managing partner of the owners of Westgate Shopping Centre in Stevenage town centre, has voiced concerns about the plans,
suggesting that “TK Maxx, as a principal occupier, is vital to the ongoing prosperity of the town”. However, TK Maxx said its move will “not have any perceptible impact on the vitality and viability of a well-performing centre such as Stevenage town centre”. TK Maxx and Homesense, its sister store specialising in furniture and homewares, propose to move into the former Toys R Us unit on the Roaring Meg, and a planning application has been submitted to Stevenage Borough Council to transform the unit, including plans to install a mezzanine floor and make external alterations. Now, TK Maxx has launched a dedicated website and public consultation, so people can have their say on the plans, which the chain has promised “will bring more jobs and sustainable economic growth to Stevenage”. A spokesman for the company said the plans will “enable existing employees to remain in Stevenage
and transfer to the new store, as well as creating further new jobs in the combined store,” but it has previously warned that jobs will be lost if the plans are not approved. Explaining further benefits of moving to the Roaring Meg, TK Maxx’s spokesman said: “The multi-million investment in the new store will further strengthen the local Stevenage economy and the attractiveness of the town’s retail offer.” He said it is “a sustainable way forward, by re-using and re-purposing an existing vacant building”, bringing “an exciting retailer to the park and ensuring a much-loved and long-standing Stevenage retailer can remain in the town.” For more information, and to submit your views, visit roaringmegplans.co.uk. You can also submit comments directly to Stevenage Borough Council, by visiting stevenage. go.uk and searching for reference 22/00385/FPM on the planning section of the website.
You can find out more about the history sporting excellence that the town has nurtured with the launch of a new exhibition by the town’s Mayor at Stevenage Museum, due to open on Saturday 2nd July. As a new town, the area was planned to encourage sports and leisure and included swimming pools, cricket and golf clubs and an athletics track at Ridlins Park. Why has Stevenage produced so many high achievers in sport? As a town, we have a range of sporting stars that other towns of a similar size just can’t match. Come along to find out more. The exhibition itself was inspired by Paul Fry’s book Town’s Got Talent. Appearances are likely from some of the inspirational sportspeople who feature in the exhibition and you can try your hand at cup stacking, netball and more. The exhibition runs until September 17. Stevenage Museum is open Wednesday to Friday 10am to 4.30pm and Saturday 10am to 5pm. For more details, email: museum@stevenage.gov.uk
Ian Poulter dons patriotic colours to mark the Queen’s platinum jubilee.
Stevenage-born golfer Ian Poulter took a calculated gamble on his Ryder Cup future by taking part in the breakaway Saudi-backed LIV golf tour event in Hertfordshire last month. But he says the move on his part - and that of numerous other top players - was based on a number of unknowns at the time. Florida-based Poulter, whose parents live in Broadwater, was one of almost two dozen players sanctioned by the US PGA Tour as a result of their involvement. They include six-times Major champion Phil Mickelson and former world No.1 Dustin Johnson. Later recruits included Bryson DeChambeau, with Patrick Reed and Rickie Fowler - all three have been key players on the US Ruder Cup team - set to join him in a huge boost for the rebel tour. The new tour event has stirred massive controversy that is dividing the world of golf, where for many years players have competed on the PGA Tour, the Eurpean Tour and sometimes both. PLayers have been lured away from the PGA Tour by huge sign-up fees thought to be worth as much as US$100m each, but risking suspension or even expulsion from future PGA events and the Ryder Cup. Poulter, who took the chance to catch up with family white he was at the Centurian club in Hemel Hempstead, said he would appeal against suspension by the US PGA Tour. “The sanction makes no sense,” the former world No.5 said. “Having two Tour cards and the ability to play golf all over the world, what’s wrong with that?” LIV Golf is bankrolled by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) and is offering prize money worth $255 million across eight events. They are investing almost £2bn into the project fronted by former Open champion Greg Norman. It has proved hugely controversial inside the world of golf, where rival tours see LIV as an existential threat to the way they have operated for decades. The players have been accused of abetting “sportswashing”, referring to the efforts of Saudi
Arabia to use sport’s popularity to enhance the nation’s reputation in the face of terrible human rights violations. Poulter and fellow Brit Lee Westwood refused to answer “hypothetical” questions about whether or not they would join a Russian tour funded by Vladimir Putin, and where they would draw a moral line when it came to playing golf. Asked if he was putting future Ryder Cup appearances - playing or non-playng, perhaps one day as captain - in jeopardy, Ian said: “I’d like to think it wouldn’t. It’s an unknown risk, we don’t know how the DP World Tour will view it.” Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm and Tiger Woods have committed themselves to the PGA Tour, but Ian Poulter believes more top players may join the LIV Series in the future.
The bats have been specially designed to tackle a technical problem that plagued Roland throughout his 20-year career in first-class cricket with Middlesex. He says: “I had a problem with the balls that came into the righthanded batsman, and I had great difficulty in correcting this. "Once I had retired, this continued to weigh heavily on my mind and I started investigating different ways to solve the problem.
"The answer came from designing a bat that corrected this technical flaw. I firmly believe that my new training bat will help all current and future cricketers develop the batting skills and techniques required to be successful in their elite careers.” Butcher was the first black cricketer to play for England and had an illustrious career, which included winning county championships and one-day competitions with Middlesex
alongside fellow England stars such as Mike Brearley, John Emburey, Phi Edmonds and Mike Gatting. The first bat he designed was aimed at mastering the inswinging and off spin deliveries that right-handed batsmen typically face. Once he was completely satisfied with the design, size, weight and balance of the bat, Roland, who went to Shephalbury school, then sent it for rigorous scientific testing,
Loughborough University for testing. It is one of the most advanced Universities in the world of Science and Technology in Sport. The scientific study and testing were conducted by the Wolfson School of Mechanical, Electrical and Manufacturing Engineering at the same University. The process took two years to complete, and in 2004 Roland was handed a complete and comprehensive thesis. “It confirmed scientifically that all the bats worked and produced the exact results I was anticipating. "Not only that, but it proved that the batter’s performance was significantly improved!”
“I firmly believe that my new training bat will help all current and future cricketers develop the batting skills and techniques required to be successful in their elite careers.” which produced exceptional results. But his research did not stopthere. It then occurred to him that the opposite must also be true for players who have difficulty playing the ball that moves or spins away from the right-handed batsman. A second bat was designed. The third training bat in his series is designed for mastering the playing of spin, fast bowling and improving concentration.
“While designing my bats I was a High-Performance Coach with the International Cricket Council (ICC) under ICC High Performance Head Coach Bob Woolmer, the former England player and South Africa and Pakistan Head Coach. Bob advised me to have the bats scientifically tested”, Roland added. In 2002, he registered the three bat inventions with the patent office, and they were sent to
The results also confirmed that the training bats improved the accuracy of the bowlers significantly. “This result was a pleasant spin-off as I had designed the bats exclusively for batting,” concluded Butcher. The bats are now being manufactured by Stone Hill and distributed by B3Cricket http:// www.b3cricket.com Several cricket VIPs attended the launch at Lord's: Ricky Skerritt President of Cricket West Indies; Angus Fraser Ex England and Middlesex player. Currently Director of Development for Middlesex; Mark Ramprakash Ex England and Middlesex player. Current batting consultant for Middlesex; Jamie Cox Assistant Secretary Cricket MCC; Ricky Elcock Ex Middlesex and England player; Sam Robson Middlesex and England player.
Residents of Stevenage living with dementia and those who care for them can now learn about a range of local activities for physical and mental well-being with the launch of a new booklet.
Stevenage. Dr Elspeth Mathie, Reader in Health and Social Care Inclusion, of the Centre for Research in Public Health and Community Care at the University of Hertfordshire said:
The booklet is the result of a research project at the University of Hertfordshire, a partnership with Stevenage Borough Council and the support of NIHR Applied Research Collaboration (ARC) East of England.
“Physical activity has many benefits – it improves health and wellbeing, reduces social isolation, and may also reduce the risk of developing dementia.
Work to start the booklet began with a National Institute for Health and Care Research Applied Research Collaboration East of England (NIHR ARC EoE) affiliated study. Funding came from the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC)/ the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund, Healthy Longevity Global Competition and Healthy Ageing Catalyst Award.
“We carried out our research with Alzheimer’s Society to find out whether people in different parts of the country living with dementia knew about the physical activities available locally. People in Stevenage reported a lack of awareness, which inspired the creation of this booklet. We worked closely with people living with dementia to create a resource that was accessible and user-friendly, and it was a pleasure helping Stevenage Borough Council put it together.”
The project examined the ways physical activity can improve the quality of life for people living with dementia. Stevenage was one of the three case study sites. The university and council spoke to physical activity providers, people living with dementia and their family supporters about the activities on offer in their community in the town. The work found that whilst there are many suitable activities being run in Stevenage, people living with dementia and their carers repeatedly said it was hard to find information about local dementia-friendly physical activities and services. They requested all the information about physical activities in one source. This guide was developed as the solution. It brings all the information about the available activities into a booklet that is publicly and freely available, either as printed copy or online. To make sure it is accessible the booklet was designed and formatted with the input of people living with dementia in
Councillor Jackie Hollywell, Executive member for Community Safety, Equalities, Health and Older People at Stevenage Borough Council said: “This booklet offers a constructive series of activities that are readily accessible for local people with dementia and is informed by the rigorous science and medical research of our leading academic professionals in Hertfordshire. I encourage all those affected by this disease to get this booklet and take full advantage of the therapeutic support on offer in Stevenage.” The booklet is available in printed format at general practices, independent living centres, the Stevenage Red Shed Project and community centres. It can be downloaded at: www.stevenage.gov.uk/leisure-culture-andwellbeing/making-stevenage-a-dementia-friendlycommunity
Police initiatives to tackle knife crime have been held in Stevenage after a teenager suffered a fatal stab wound in the town on his way home from his school prom. Kajetan Migdal, a pupil at The Saint John Henry Newman Catholic School in Stevenage, was fatally wounded in the town’s Cuttys Lane on Friday, May 27. Police were called at about 11.20pm and Kajetan, 18, died in Lister Hospital during the early hours of Saturday, May 28. In June, a Section 60 order - made under the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 - was placed throughout Stevenage for 24 hours, giving police officers additional powers to stop and search people. Neighbourhood Inspector Pat McPeake said the measures - which allowed officers to stop and search a person without suspicion, instead of requiring ‘reasonable grounds’ - were in force to discourage would-be criminals from carrying knives. Inspector McPeake said: “We put these measures in place to discourage anyone from taking part in violence or from carrying a knife in the town.” Also in June, police community support officers Tom Prosho and Harry Histed visited Longmeadow Primary School in Stevenage to talk to Year 5 and 6 pupils about Lives not Knives. After speaking to them about the law surrounding the use of knives, and educating them on the risks that surround carrying them, the PCSOs tasked the students with writing a letter to someone who carries a knife.
PCSO Prosho said: “The aim was to raise awareness of the risks and potential grooming of young people and provide information on how they can spot these signs and who to contact for help.” They were supported by PCSOs Neil Carter and Dawn Jeffrey from the Children Young People Team. The Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit is investigating Kajetan’s death. Patrick Sharp, 18, of Cuttys Lane in Stevenage, has been charged with his murder, as well as with possession of an offensive weapon, attempted robbery and possession of Class A drugs. He is currently in custody ahead of a pre-trial preparation hearing on Monday, August 8. A provisional trial date has been set for Monday, November 28. No plea has been entered. Detective Inspector Justine Jenkins, who is leading the case, said: “As the case is now progressing through the court, we would ask that people please refrain from commenting and speculating on social media, in order to prevent any issues during the criminal justice process or prevent witnesses coming forward.” Herts police are asking witnesses, or anyone with information, to contact them at herts.police.uk, or call the non-emergency number 101, quoting crime reference 498 of May 27. Alternatively, you can stay anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, or by filling in their untraceable online form at crimestoppers-uk.org.
Booking is now open for free summer activity camps for children in Hertfordshire who receive benefits-related free school meals. The HAPpy (Holiday Activities Programme) camps, which deliver healthy food and fun activities during the school holidays, are funded by Hertfordshire County Council, coordinated by Herts Sports Partnership and the Hertfordshire Community Foundation, and run by more than 80 providers. Booking is now open for more than 45,000 places available at 190 HAPpy camps running across the county from July 25 to August 31. Hertfordshire schools are currently giving the booking codes to families of eligible children. At the sessions, which vary in duration from four to seven hours, eligible children can enjoy free food, sports and craft activities. They will also receive advice on nutrition and cooking skills to enhance their health and wellbeing. In Stevenage, activities include Herts Inclusive Theatre with Stevenage Arts Guild, Bikeability cycling at Fairlands Valley Park, and Stevenage Football Club Foundation’s Fit and Fed multisport camp.
Councillor Fiona Thomson, Hertfordshire County Council’s executive member for children, young people and families, said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership to run this programme again, supporting local families at a time when they need it most. “If your child is eligible, make sure they don’t miss out. Get your code and book their place at one of the many camps running this summer.” Shelley Woods, holiday gap lead at Herts Sports Partnership, said: “Providing fun and enriching opportunities for children all over Hertfordshire is of paramount importance to everyone involved with HAPpy Camps and we are privileged to work with so many expert deliverers. “We want children to reflect back on their days at camp as times that they made some of the best, lifelong memories.” Helen Gray, director of Hertfordshire Community Foundation, said: “The team is excited to be involved in this programme, ensuring a good range of organisations are funded to provide high -quality fun to children during the school holidays.” Further details of the programme, the camps available and how to book your child’s place can be found at sportinherts.org.uk/booking.
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Crematorium and memorial gardens created and managed by the Austin family in the beautiful Hertfordshire countryside.
www.austins.co.uk
www.crematorium.co.uk
Serving the local community for ten generations