#Stevenage July 2023

RUNTASTIC FUNDRAISER

Millie, aged 10, from Fairlands Primary School has won a wormery, after entering a competition run by Stevenage Borough Council.

The council contacted all primary schools in Stevenage in May to invite pupils to take part in the competition to win a wormery – which was kindly donated by Wormcity – and a signed copy of local Hertfordshire author, Polly Owen’s book ‘Darwin’s Super-Pooping Worm Spectacular’. The children were tasked with designing a poster with pictures of items that can be composted. There was a total of 61 entries, from two schools: Fairlands Primary School and St Nicholas CofE Primary School.

Millie won the competition with her drawing of what can be composted and was presented with her prizes by the Mayor of Stevenage Councillor Myla Arenco and author Polly Owen on Monday 3 July. Two runners up from St Nicholas CofE Primary School, Lara and David, were also awarded a signed copy of the book.

Councillor Simon Speller, Portfolio Holder for Environment and Climate Change, said:

PRIMARY SCHOOL PUPIL WINS WORM COMPETITION

“We know that many of our schools in Stevenage are becoming increasingly active in growing their own fruit, vegetables and plants with a number having their own eco or gardening clubs. It was fantastic to see so many amazing entries to our competition that show the children have a real understanding of composting and why it’s important. It was tough choosing a winner!

“I’d like to say a big well done to Millie, who won, and Lara and David who came second and third. “It’s great that we have so many young people who are interested in composting and taking care of our planet, and we hope that this competition encouraged conversations about composting and climate change in many homes.”

Picture two is of: Environmental Development Officer Claire Nicholls, Mayor Cllr Myla Arenco, Millie, Lara, David and Polly Owen.

For more information on home composting, visit: www.stevenage.gov.uk/waste-and-recycling/homecomposting

RAINBOW RUN

Rainbow Run –

‘Hertfordshire’s most colourful fun run’ – took place on Sunday June 25 at Ridlins Athletics Stadium in Stevenage and raised over £32,000 for East and North Hertfordshire Hospitals’ Charity. The event was launched by the charity to raise funds for projects to support patients, families and staff at the four hospitals the charity supports: Hertford County Hospital, Lister Hospital, Mount Vernon Cancer Centre and New QEII Hospital. Over 400 people took part in the family-friendly run with the youngest entrant being just under 2-yearsold.

The event was officially opened by Deputy Mayor of Stevenage, Jim Brown, East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust CEO, Adam Sewell-Jones and charity chair and non-executive director of the NHS Trust, Dr David Buckle. As well NHS staff from the Trust, runners included former patients and families who took part to thank a department in the hospital for the care they had given.

Roxann and Alistair from Biggleswade took part to raise funds to refurbish the parents’ bedrooms on the neonatal unit at Lister Hospital. Roxann said: “Alistair and I were inspired to get a few teams together for the Rainbow Run after our son, Alvin, was born prematurely earlier this year and spent a couple of weeks on the neonatal unit. “We are immensely grateful for the care he received and wanted to do something to show our appreciation.”

Alistair added: “It has been a fantastic day. It was lots of fun getting covered in paint May be an image of 13 people and text that says ‘Rainbow RainbowRun Run Fst&Noeth Hospitals FINISH PROUD SUPPORTERS ROUDSUPPORTERSU

SUPPO’and we’re pleased to have been able to raise some money to help fund improvements to

the bedrooms on the neonatal unit.”

Beth McNeil, head of fundraising for East and North Hertfordshire Hospitals’ Charity said: “Thank you so much to everyone who came along and supported our second Rainbow Run. “It was a brilliant, fun-filled day and we’re thrilled to have raised over £32,000 to fund projects across all our hospitals.

“From the neonatal bedrooms and children’s ward garden appeals to projects supporting our patients living with dementia, we’ve had runners raising funds for nearly every area of the hospital.

It’s been lovely to hear their stories and see everyone supporting our wonderful NHS. We can’t wait for next year!

“We would like to thank our fantastic sponsors: Walter Cooper, Raymond James, Shires Funeral Directors, Caremark Stevenage and North Herts, Avocado Properties Stevenage, HR Initiatives and Extreme Scaffolding. Thank you all so much for helping us put on such a great event.”

DETECTIVES APPEAL FOR WITNESSES TO ALLEGED ASSAULT

Detectives in Stevenage are trying to trace two girls who they believe may have witnessed an assault on an 11-year-old boy.

It is thought the girls possibly helped the boy to get away from the offender at the time. The offence took place on Monday, May 22, between 3.20pm and 4pm, in the underpass under the A602 Broadhall Way, which is located between Shephall Green and Wood Drive.

As the boy was approaching the underpass, he was prevented from going any further by an unknown man, who stood in front of him. The man then allegedly hugged the boy, preventing him from moving away. The boy eventually managed to free himself and walk on past. The man is described as white, of skinny build, and was wearing a grey hoody with colourful writing on the front and grey jogging bottoms.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Rondell Quinlan said: “We appreciate some time has passed since the incident, but we have been progressing a number of lines of inquiry.

“We think that two girls were possibly in the area at the time and may have been instrumental in helping the boy get away from the offender. If this was you, or you think you know who the two girls are, please get in contact as soon as possible.”

You can report information online at herts.police. uk/report, speak to an operator in the Force Communications Room via the online web chat at herts.police.uk/contact or call the non-emergency number 101, quoting crime reference 41/41693/23.

Alternatively, you can stay anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form at crimestoppers-uk.org

APP FOR BLIND AND PARTIALLY SIGHTED TRIALLED AT STEVENAGE STATION

GTR’s Accessibility Lead, Carl Martin, said: “We want everyone to have the confidence to travel with us, no matter what their disability or need for assistance, so we’re always on the lookout for innovative ways to improve.

In a first for the UK’s railways, to further improve accessibility on the region’s rail network, Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) is trialling an app at Stevenage station that connects blind and partially sighted people to a remote advisor who then uses the passenger’s smartphone camera to guide them quickly around railway stations, to a member of staff.

Passengers at Stevenage, London Blackfriars, East Croydon and Brighton can ask an advisor speaking to them on their phone to help them with anything from checking the departure board and locating a platform, to finding a member of staff, ticket machine or toilet.

GTR will cover the cost of the service in these four stations taking part in the trial. The app is aMay be an image of 6 people, phone, train, steam engine and textn established third-party app named Aira and can be downloaded on the Apple App and Google Play stores.

Regional groups of blind and partially sighted volunteers, known as Sight Loss Councils, funded by Thomas Pocklington Trust are supporting the roll-out.

A key priority for the councils is access to public transport, so everyone can travel independently and safely. This is because 65 per cent of blind and partially sighted respondents say access to public transport matters to them the most. This research formed part of the Thomas Pocklington Trust and Sight Loss Councils’ Listening Month campaign.

“All our staff are trained to assist our customers, whatever their needs. We hope this app can improve the support we already offer blind and partially sighted customers to put them in control of their journeys.”

Bedfordshire Sight Loss Council volunteer, Paul Day, 56, is a retired RNIB advice worker from Biggleswade and was one of those testing the Aira app. Paul has been able to perceive only light and dark since his already impaired vision rapidly deteriorated 16 years ago.

Paul praised the app: “For me it’s complementing what I am already doing with my cane, finding the exact location of somewhere or navigating me through a very busy environment.”

He said the app could lead him to a member of staff. “The station staff are very well trained. It’s not just the assistance they offer but the way they provide it; they are very empowering. They will introduce themselves and ask what they can do to help and they do it in a very polite and natural way.”

Sam Leftwich, Sight Loss Council Engagement Manager, said: “We believe everyone should be able to travel independently and safely, and live the lives they want to lead. We are proud of our ongoing work with transport providers to make this happen through developing new ways of working and trialling new apps.”

APPEAL TO RAISE FUNDS FOR BLUEBELL WARD

An appeal has been launched to help raise funds to transform the outdoor space on the children’s Bluebell Ward at Lister Hospital in Stevenage. A spokesperson for the East and North Hertfordshire Hospitals’ Charity, which launched the appeal, explained: “We are very fortunate to have an outdoor space for the children’s ward and, thanks to our kind supporters and volunteers, we have been able to maintain the garden over the years, but it now urgently requires an update and refresh.

“With your support, we can create a bright, fun, engaging and magical outdoor space suitable for all children, including those with sensory and complex needs.”May be an image of hospital and text Funds raised from this appeal will help the charity:

• Install new colourful fencing and flooring to brighten up the space

• Purchase composite sheds to store outdoor toys which are easier to maintain

• Refresh the mural on the side of the building and install more artwork in the area

• Install a shelter so the space can be enjoyed in varying weather conditions

• Remove some of the existing rockery to create additional space for children to play

• Purchase new child-friendly seating and furniture so families can sit down together and enjoy the fresh air and sunshine

• Buy new planters and pots and create beds for fragrant flowers and evergreen shrubs so the garden looks and smells beautiful all year round

• Provide new outdoor toys so our children can enjoy the magic of play in the garden

To donate to the appeal, visit enhhcharity.org.uk/ donate/magic-of-play-garden.

“With your support, we can create a bright, fun, engaging and magical outdoor space suitable for all children, including those with sensory and complex needs.”

15M HIGH PHONE MAST TO BE INSTALLED NEAR GLEBE SHOPS IN CHELLS

Aplanning application has been submitted to Stevenage Borough Council for a 15-metre-high phone mast to be erected in Chells Way.

CK Hutchinson Networks (UK) Ltd has applied to put a mast next to 1 The Glebe. In its application, it says: “As part of our continued network improvement program, there is a specific requirement for a new mast on the footway of Chells Way, to ensure that the latest high-quality 3G and 4G service provision can be provided in this area of Chells for CK Hutchinson Networks (UK) Ltd.”

The proposed new column will also ensure that new 5G coverage can be provided at this location, the application explains, “ensuring that coverage and capacity requirements are maintained”. It continues: “The proposed new mast has been sited and designed in order to provide 5G coverage and to fill the hole in coverage for this mobile network.

“At present, it is paramount that digital connectivity is supported and maintained throughout the country. In particular, the current massive shift in user demand from city centres and places of work to residential areas and suburbs requires an improvement in coverage and capacity throughout the whole network.

“The current proposal, therefore, provides such additional capacity to the network whilst still promoting the improved 5G technology. “The existing sites in this area of Chells are struggling to cope with demand and an increase in capacity is required; therefore, a new site is required to provide reliable high-quality 3G, 4G and 5G technology.”

The application says the proposed mast installation will “help improve the area’s economic prosperity, strengthen the urban economy by supporting local businesses to start, grow, adapt and diversify”. It also says “it will support a better environment for today and tomorrow by reducing the need to travel and in turn minimise carbon emissions”.

It says the radio base station will also support the delivery of healthcare provision and accessibility by enabling people greater access to online services, NHS appointment reminders, reminders to take medicines, make appointments etc, as well as assisting hospital outpatient appointments and emergency consultations carried out remotely via video link.

To have your say on the proposal, visit stevenage. gov.uk and search for planning reference 23/00541/ PATELE in the planning portal.

MY CANCER JOURNEY BLOG

BY PAUL FRY

Blogs can be selfindulgent. I will make no excuses for mine; it is all about me.

But I hope to compile these accounts with some humour; hopefully also pass on a few lessons for other sufferers and their family and friends to learn from... all from a place of genuine peace and contentment.

Cancer is no fun. Especially when you are told yours is terminal and inoperable. The only option is palliative chemotherapy in order to buy more time.

But i have found you need to try to embrace hope, and the journey brings lessons you wish you had adhered to in. Maybe a selfie of 1 person, smiling, hospital and text those years when you didn’t know you what you were to come up against:

especially ‘to live every day to the full’ – and any number of those myriad slogans on plaques and fridge magnets that litter tourist shops and garden centres. Live, love, laugh and the rest. You can’t do enough of any those. Blogs can be self-indulgent. I will make no excuses for mine; it is all about me.

But I hope to compile these accounts with some humour; hopefully also pass on a few lessons for other sufferers and their family and friends to learn from... all from a place of genuine peace and contentment.

Cancer is no fun. Especially when you are told yours is terminal and inoperable. The only option is palliative chemotherapy in order to buy more time.

But i have found you need to try to embrace hope, and the

journey brings lessons you wish you had adhered to in those years when you didn’t know you what you were to come up against: especially ‘to live every day to the full’ – and any number of those myriad slogans on plaques and fridge magnets that litter tourist shops and garden centres. Live, love, laugh and the rest. You can’t do enough of any those.

I thought I would deviate from the usual with blogs like this and start with a cancer joke... no, really.

Two friends meet in the street and one says, “Hi Dave, how are you?”

Dave says: “Great, but better than Doug...”

“What do you mean?”

“Didn’t you hear? He died the other week. It was the funeral on Tuesday.”

“No, I had no idea. What did he

die of?”

“The big C...”

“Oh no, what sort?”

‘Ah, not cancer... he was walking past Currys and a bit of the sign fell on him.”

The scariest word the assessment ward duty doctor said to me was ‘spread’.

Not ‘I am afraid we have found cancer in your bowel, as we thought’. That was when I truly knew I was in big trouble. I had long suspected I was unwell and had been getting steadily worse. I had been reporting feeling extreme fatigue to my GP for three years and the surgery never got to the bottom of it. I never felt I had been listened to properly over a number of years, principally the Covid ones.. I will write about my theories behind that at a later date.

After the CT scan results were in (it was gone 10 at night on Good Friday and the scanning staff were keen to get home to enjoy at least some of their Easter) the ward doctor told me there were definite signs of a primary bowel cancer with spread to other organs, notably the liver, spleen, backbone and possibly lower lung.

I immediately halted the conversation until my wife Pam arrived. I was shocked that the conversation had started without her there.

I had taken myself to A&E at Leicester Royal Infirmary with pain on the right side of my chest and lower abdomen as well as my abject frustration at a likely fatal delay in diagnosing what was wrong with me. The previous April I had signed off

my last page at lunchtime on a Tuesday – the front of the Ashbourne News Telegraph. I never worked another day. I felt burned out; a shell. With such a small team left after round after round of redundancies at Reach newspapers (they own the Mirror and Express), I had worked on despite being ill, for fear of leaving colleagues in the lurch. Some might say I should have prioritised myself.

It was Good Friday (oh, the irony), when I arrived, having calculated that half my current home city of Leicester, would have decamped to Skegness. I was through triage before my rear end warmed the seat in reception and in front of a tall, young and welcoming A&E doctor in 45 minutes. Then things began to unfold at speed, often too quickly to be anything other than for me to feel completely overwhelmed.

“Every man dies, but not every man really lives”

The A&E doc was not happy with what I was telling him. I had the entire bingo card of bowel cancer symptoms: fatigue, extreme weight loss ( I dropped four stones in four months from 12st 6lb) and a fair bit of blood in my stools, a fairly recent addition. And then the pain. Over-thecounter tablets didn’t cut it. All the more scary that the medic had to fight his consultant to get me admitted immediately to the Royal’s GP assessment unit and a CT scan. The consultant had, he said, been all for sending me home with paracetamol. Truly.

My ever-supportive wife of nine years, Pam, worked on a children’s bowel ward in the Royal for 20 years so she was the perfect person to steer me through the initial shock. In fact for me it was less a shock and more a weird relief: affirmation that I had been right, that I knew my body and I knew things were patently not right. Later that would turn to anger that the growing menace had not been detected in time to make a difference for my prospects of survival. I am only 66. At this stage I knew no more than the basic diagnosis. No idea of the extent of the damage or that it was incurable.

Pam was in bits. So, too, later were our two girls, Michelle and Stef and their partners Tania and Sam.

After a couple of nights on the unit, where all the staff seemed to know my condition and were the epitome of kindness and compassion, I was sent home with enough medication to fill Pablo Escobar’s shed. But there were also hugs and best wishes from the staff that had cared for me. I welled up, as I do at the

random kindness of strangers, never quite believing I had touched their world in some way. I know from previous family brushes with cancer what could be on the horizon, so I was keen for those closest to me to be supported and to support each other. Everyone is different and some were in denial, others shock, and some just incredulous. My golf mate Ed was in tears but I promised I’d keep up his coaching sessions... even if it was on the PlayStation he lent me!

Back home, with the promise of support on the way, I settled in but developed pain on the other side or my torso - even more intense than the side with the tumours and their hideous offshoots.

I also had non-stop hiccups. It sounds trivial but not when it lasts three nights and hiccupping replaces steady breathing. This was the point when I screamed: ‘Isn’t the cancer bloody enough?’ After a rare home visit from my GP’s out-of-hours support, I had some med changes which sorted the problem. I almost laughed at the idea I could be so ill and yet laid lower by hiccups. It seemed absurd.

Next day I had an appointment on the fast track pathway with a consultant at another of the city’s hospitals, the General - a 30-minute drive away. My brother-in-law, Dave, ferried us there. As we parked, I found I’d had a text from the hospital saying they would ring back. But in moments we were at reception.

I had mentally bunkered down over three days ahead of learning what my likely prognosis would

be. Instead we were told the consultant in question didn’t have a clinic that day, or had been called away urgently (pick an excuse) and the appointment was cancelled.

I went, as they say in football dressing rooms, bat-shit crazy in front of a busy clinic. The receptionist and a nurse tried to quieten us down and banish us to a private room. But even the patients were tutting as I said that today was supposed to be about finding out whether anyone need buy me a long-playing record for Christmas.

Instead I faced more excruciating limbo, going over the worst case in my mind at night. It led to a rapid deterioration in my condition and almost certainly a shut-down of spirit and fight.

Eventually another consultant broke from his own clinic - clearly quite grudgingly – after we said we would not leave until I had been seen. I was raging. I am not usually given to rage. But what a way to treat someone. There had been no compassion or forethought about me, clearly. I felt like I just didn’t matter; all the time knowing that this cancer would be growing by the day. Even then, I didn’t get the full picture... just an outline.

Back home, on edge and agitated, I developed more pain, this time more intense. My surgery sent a young doctor out of hours and she stood just outside my room talking on the

phone to her boss at one point. I clearly heard them looking to find me a bed in a hospice as there was nothing at any hospital, and mentioned that I was on palliative care. That was news to us. Overheard in a phone call. It wasn’t at anyone’s paygrade at this point to tell me what they all knew, not until I was able to see an oncologist.

Thankfully I was admitted to the Glenfield Hospital, the closest of the three Leicester hospitals to home, and the best, for what would be eight nights. I had a side room because of immunity issues, but open visiting, too. They cleared up doubts over whether I might have a blood clot on the lung (I didn’t) and made sure my meds were all working together.

The Ward 16 staff again were top notch. Could not do enough for me. I think they got a bit edgy when I didn’t take the regular paracetamol they gave me as a pain top-up, fearing perhaps I might take them in one go. (I was on a ‘watch’), I heard.

And the head nurse and a roundmaking doctor both told me that while I was now medically fit to go home, I should stay in my bed until a care package was in place, in writing.

It was worth the extra two nights. And a very valuable lesson that things move when they want the bed and you will be forgotten if you leave without the package in place and confirmed as such. Next time I will look at the GP system failures that beset me

and I am sure is still failing many, many others. My experience will be different from that of many others, possibly not. I would love to hear from others who are on their own cancer journey, perhaps to share their views in a later blog.

Email me at paulmarkfry@gmail. com and let me know what you think - and if I can find out any advice that might help you or a loved one.

In the meantime, I lean on the words of the legendary Scottish warrior William Wallace: “Every man dies, but not every man really lives” is one of the most iconic and memorable lines from the 1995 film Braveheart. They should stick it on a fridge magnet in the shop at Stirling Castle. No wait...

STEVENAGE RACE FOR LIFE RAISES IN EXCESS OF £85,000

This year’s Race for Life in Stevenage has raised £85,000 for Cancer Research UK. Up to 1,000 people ran, jogged or walked the 3k, 5k and 10k events at Fairlands Valley Park on Sunday (July 9), and received an exclusive medal to mark the 30th year of Race for Life.

Participant Jenny Hicks, 65, is being treated for cancer for the second time. She said: “I had breast cancer 19 years ago and in December it came back in my chest bone. I’m currently receiving a new treatment and it’s working really well. “I took part with my friends of 60 years, Alison and Jane, who are also breast cancer survivors and we’ve raised £2,300.”

Meanwhile, 58 people took part to help celebrate the end of Louise Lovatt’s treatment, from Hitchin, collecting more than £11,000 in sponsorship. Louise said: “I’ve been receiving treatment, including surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, for the

past 18 months and this week marked the end of it. I’m overwhelmed that so many people have come out to support me.

“What I’ve been going through has helped to raise lots of money and awareness and really encouraged people to check themselves.”

Elisa Mitchell, Cancer Research UK’s spokesperson in Hertfordshire, said: “We are incredibly grateful to everyone who took part in Race for Life Stevenage. “Life-saving research is being funded right now thanks to our supporters who fundraise. The atmosphere at Race for Life Stevenage was hugely moving - full of emotion, courage, tears and laughter, as people celebrated the lives of those dear to them who have survived cancer and remembered loved ones lost to the disease.

“Now we’re asking everyone who took part to return the money they’ve raised as soon as possible. Funds raised - whether it’s £10 or £100 - will help scientists find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer, helping save more lives.”

“Life-saving research is being funded right now thanks to our supporters who fundraise.”

BATTLE ON TO SAVE TICKET OFFICE AT STEVENAGE STATION

Aproposal to permanently close the ticket office at Stevenage Railway Station has prompted a petition against the move.

Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) has announced plans to close ticket offices at more than 30 stations, including Stevenage, St Albans, Welwyn Garden City and St Pancras International. A public consultation on the plans is running until July 26.

GTR said: “The proposal aims to better support passengers by moving colleagues out from behind traditional ticket office windows, onto station concourses where customers need them most, making them more visible and accessible.

“The aspiration is that colleagues would move to roles that cover a broader range of customer needs in the future – from travel and fares advice to accessibility assistance – following engagement with both colleagues and unions. “These potential plans support wider moves to modernise the railway and put customer service at its heart, and would offer a more varied and interesting role for colleagues.”

However, Stevenage Labour Party has started a petition against the planned closure, saying that “the closure of the Stevenage Station ticket office would impact the ability to buy tickets, plan future journeys, receive advice and assistance and navigate the station”.

It said: “Having staff at a central, identified ticket office provides passengers with confidence to know where to go to access assistance, information and advice. If staffing levels were reduced or existing ticket staff redeployed to ‘multi-functional roles’, this crucial point of contact would be lost. ‘Multifunctional staff’ may be beyond the ticket barrier; therefore, passengers would need to buy a ticket to access the service they require.

“Closing the Stevenage station ticket office will force passengers to purchase tickets through online booking or at ticket vending machines. Many passengers will find this detrimental to their needs, including those who are elderly, disabled or have visual impairments.”

The petition also highlights the issue of safety and security. “Visible staff at the ticket office are critical to passengers’ safety and security, providing a point of contact which could offer immediate help during an emergency,” it says.

Jenny Saunders, customer services director for GTR, said: “The proposed changes reflect that the way customers buy tickets has changed significantly in recent years, with most people now buying online or from ticket machines. In fact, nine in 10 are now bought away from the traditional ticket office, and GTR has even fitted eticket readers across its network, as so many customers now use digital tickets to travel.

“This is a real opportunity to modernise and improve the experience of our customers. Our colleagues would continue to have a really valuable role in helping passengers – these proposals aim to enhance the excellent work they do.

“It’s important to stress that no station that is staffed today would become unstaffed, and we would continue to provide accessibility support and assistance.

“No final decisions have been made, so we really want to hear the views, questions and ideas that customers may have.”

APPEAL FOR WITNESS INFORMATION

Police are appealing for witnesses and information following a serious road traffic collision in Stevenage on Thursday, June 22.

The incident occurred in Monkswood Way, at the junction with Broadhall Way, at around 6.05am.

It was reported that a white Ford Transit van had struck a barrier before turning onto its side. The driver was left trapped.

Officers attended alongside the fire and ambulance services and the driver was freed. He has been taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries.

Road closures remain in place while the vehicle is recovered and investigations are carried out. Sergeant Rebecca Cornell, from the Bedfordshire,

Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Road Policing Unit, said: “Our enquiries are continuing at this time to establish the circumstances around the collision. As part of this, we are appealing for anyone with information to please come forward.

“Did you see a white Ford Transit van being driven in the area around the time? Have you captured any dash cam footage which may be able to assist us?

“We believe that a witness may also have stopped at the scene, but left prior to police arrival. If this was you, please get in touch with us.”

Information can be reported online at herts.police. uk/report, by speaking to an operator in the Force Communications Room via the online web chat at herts.police.uk/contact or by calling the nonemergency number 101, quoting ISR 111 of 22 June, 2023.

The introduction of 20mph zones in the Bedwell and Pin Green areas of Stevenage are being proposed by Hertfordshire County Council.

“The aim of the proposal is to make it easier and safer for people walking and cycling, and to improve safety for all road users by encouraging those who drive to adopt appropriate and safe speeds,” a spokesperson for the county council explained.

The proposal is part of a larger programme to introduce 20mph zones in suitable areas across the county.

If the proposals for Stevenage are adopted, zone entry and terminal signs, as well as repeater signs throughout the area and 20mph road markings will be installed.

Additional physical features as traffic calming measures would also be installed in Homestead Moat, Elder Way, Wisden Road, Meredith Road, Webb Rise and Archer Road.

A consultation on the proposals with residents began on July 10 and runs until August 14. “We would like to know your views on the proposed scheme,” said the county council spokesperson. To have your say, complete a short online survey at https://surveys.hertfordshire.gov.uk/s/1GAGYC/ (Pin Green) or https://surveys.hertfordshire.gov. uk/s/AK50IL/ (Bedwell). Alternatively, send your views to Community Highway Works Design

Team, Postal Point CHN115, County Hall, Pegs Lane, Hertford, Hertfordshire, SG13 8DN. Quote reference ‘Stevenage 1’ for Pin Green and ‘Stevenage 2’ for Bedwell.

The county council has agreed that a 10% response rate to this initial public engagement, with the majority in support of the scheme, will be required for the scheme to move forward.

The county council’s spokesperson said: “The comments received in relation to this scheme will help us finalise our proposal before a formal consultation. Alternatively, we may decide not to continue this proposal any further.

“The next public consultation stage is open to anyone. An advert will be placed in the local newspaper and site notices will also be attached on lamp columns in the area.”

ARK LASTING POWERS & WILLS SUPPORT LOCAL CHARITIES IN STEVENAGE

The Stevenage Magazine is delighted to team up with A R K Lasting Powers & Wills Ltd and Stevenage Community Trust to promote both organisations to our readers. Take a look at the work of John and Karen and see how you can assist the Community Trust.

A R K Lasting Powers & Wills Ltd is a small, familyrun business which was formed over six years ago. You will be able to find a lot of information about them on their website www.arkpowers.com Owned by John and Karen Greenall who are long term Stevenage residents – John was born here and Karen moved here when she was two; they are proud to have brought their family up in the town, and to be able to help local people to protect themselves and their families. They can assist with Wills, Will Trusts, Lasting Powers of Attorney and Probate related matters.

Karen holds a STEP qualification (The Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners) and has over 12 years’ experience in the Will and Probate industry. They often get recommended by Financial Advisors and other professionals to help clients with their important documents.

A R K are members of The Society of Will Writers. This is important as they act as the governing body, and A R K have to follow their guidelines and ensure

they hold relevant insurances.

A R K are very proud of their 5 Star ratings on both Google and Facebook. It always makes them happy to hear that people are pleased with the service they have received.

They offer appointments in various ways. A lot of them are via Zoom or Phone, however they are happy to visit clients in their own homes during the day, if they are local to Stevenage.

Both John and Karen are very aware of how lucky they are to be able to give back to the local community and they do this is various ways. At the moment they are supporting five local charities that are close to their hearts. One of these being The Stevenage Community Trust.

A R K have kindly offered to donate 10% of Will fees to The Stevenage Community Trust where anyone who contacts them mentions The Stevenage Magazine.

OPEN DAY AY HARWOOD PARK CREMATORIUM

On Saturday 1st July, Harwood Park Crematorium and Memorial Gardens hosted an Open Day and Memorial Service. The Memorial Service took place in the Chapel. The team of helpful staff were available throughout the day providing information about the Gardens

and the huge range of memorial options they have available.

They were also offering ‘behind the scenes’ tours of the cremation facilities.

Complementary tea and cakes were served and donations to their annual charity ‘Teens Unite’ were made.

CARERS WEEK MARKED BY FUNDRAISER WALK

Three carers braved the summer heat and stepped out for a five-hour fundraising walk in Stevenage to mark Carers Week 2023 and raise awareness about the need to support unpaid carers.

The walk, organised by Norman Phillips, from Stevenage, who is a carer for his wife Ros, took place around the lake at Fairlands Valley Park on Saturday 10th June 2023.

Taking part with Norman was Elaine Sapstead, who cares for her husband Steve, and Josephine Paice, Crossroads Caring for Life Registered Manager and a former carer for her father. The trio were led on their way at 11am by Stevenage Mayor Cllr Myla Arceno and Tom Hennessey, Director of Health Integration at Hertfordshire County Council, along with Stevenage Deputy Mayor Cllr Jim Brown and the Leader of Stevenage Borough Council Cllr Richard

Henry. They joined the walkers for some of their hike.

Others joined in throughout the day including representatives from the three charities that support unpaid family and friend carers that the walk was raising funds for - Carers in Hertfordshire, Crossroads Caring for Life and Carers UK. Other Stevenage councillors, Carer Champions from GP practices in the town and representatives of Marks & Spencer and Lister Hospital also did some laps. According to the 2021 Census there are 7,603 unpaid carers aged five and over in Stevenage, although many more people will not have identified themselves as carers. The theme of this year’s Carers Week (5th – 11th June) was recognising and supporting unpaid carers and Tom said that whilst progress had been made in the provision of support for carers there was still more to do.

Norman said: “Thank you to everyone who made the walk possible, who joined in or made a donation. It was challenging, particularly when temperatures soared to over 30°C, but we were determined to complete the walk and show how resilient carers are. It requires commitment and motivation to look after someone who is sick, disabled or elderly, and we certainly used these skills for the walk.”

Norman dedicated the walk to a former carer and Hertfordshire resident Mike Ormerod, who died in April 2023. Mike championed support for carers and volunteered with various organisations, including Carers in Hertfordshire as a Mentor, Ambassador and former Trustee and Chair.

So far around £600 has been raised and there is still time to make a donation at www.justgiving.com/ team/stevenage2023carerswalk

GRANDMOTHER REUINITES LIFESAVING PARAMEDIC

Agrandmother from Stevenage has enjoyed an emotional reunion with the people who saved her life after she suffered a cardiac arrest at the wheel of her car in April.

Kay Rush, 63, is on the road to a full recovery and visited Stevenage Ambulance Station earlier this month to thank the people whose actions each played a key part in saving her life.

Kay suffered the cardiac arrest just after 3.30pm on Fellowes Way in Stevenage on April 13, which caused her to crash her car into a parked vehicle.

Michelle D’Arcy was having lunch at the Our Mutual Friend pub opposite and the off-duty school crossing patrol officer rushed to help when she witnessed the crash. Seeing Kay was in cardiac arrest, Michelle started CPR immediately, with Kay still at the wheel of the car.May be an image of 6 people, ambulance and text

Sharon Spencer, a senior paramedic in a rapid response vehicle, was on scene within two minutes

and moved Kay out of the vehicle to continue the CPR.

Rachel Trengrove, a senior paramedic and developing leading operations manager, arrived soon after to assist, along with an ambulance –crewed by Leroy Leachman, a newly qualified paramedic, and Georgina Bull, an apprentice emergency support worker.

Officers from Hertfordshire Constabulary were also quickly on scene and Acting Sergeant Barry Scott and PC Josh Stephenson assisted in the life-saving efforts by performing CPR on Kay.

Kay was given four shocks over a 12-minute period, which achieved a return of spontaneous circulation, which is a resumption of a sustained heart rhythm after cardiac arrest.

Essex and Herts Air Ambulance landed their helicopter shortly after to provide critical care assistance. They performed a rapid sequence intubation on Kay, before she was transported by road to the Lister Hospital.

REUINITES WITH PARAMEDIC TEAM

After 24 hours, Kay was extubated and came round with no major problems, just having slight shortterm memory loss. The hospital found nothing wrong with her heart and the cardiac arrest had been spontaneous.

She was transferred to the cardiac unit in the Royal Brompton Hospital in London and has now had an internal defibrillator and pacemaker fitted and is building up her stamina with her seven grandchildren keeping her busy.

Kay Rush said: “This cardiac arrest came out of the blue as I thought I was in good health. I had completed a virtual London Marathon in 2021. “If it happened five minutes before, I would have been at my daughter Nicola’s house feeding her cats while she was away; five minutes later I would have been at my 94-year-old mum’s house and she would have called 999 but would not have been able to start CPR.

“So, I feel incredibly lucky that it happened when it did and thankful to all the people who helped

– thankful to Michelle who started the CPR, the police officers and the ambulance service who were so quickly on scene, the Essex and Herts Air Ambulance and the Lister Hospital.

“I have been told that the survival rate for out of hospital cardiac arrests is around 3% and it is even lower for those who show no ill effects - around 1%. I’m thankful to all involved that I’m now part of that small survival percentage.”

Rachel Trengrove, a developing leading operations manager from the East of England Ambulance Service Trust, said: “This is a fantastic outcome for Kay and her family.

“I was close to tears when the ambulance left with Kay as I knew it was going to be a good outcome for her, as the CPR was started quickly and at each stage of her treatment it had been so efficient.

“This shows the importance of everyone learning basic life-saving skills, as you never know when it will be needed. It can help play a part in saving a person’s life, as happened with Kay.”

Inspector John Nelms of Hertfordshire Constabulary said: “I am incredibly proud of my officers and the fact that their quick action was instrumental in saving Kay’s life.

“Our officers are trained to an extremely high standard and this includes first aid training and life-saving techniques. Both officers have been nominated for a Royal Humane Society awardrecognition they rightly deserve. I am also delighted that they were able to meet Kay, who is recovering well.”

Michelle D’Arcy, who has received an award from her employers, Hertfordshire County Council, for her actions in helping save Kay’s life that day, said: “During my first aid course it really stuck in my head the importance of CPR in keeping oxygen flowing to the brain and other vital organs and that was my immediate thought when I saw Kay was in cardiac arrest.

“I could hear Kay was responding to the CPR I was performing and was grateful that the ambulance service and police arrived quickly to carry on with the life-saving efforts.

“Playing a part in saving Kay has helped me tenfold and I have told her how much of an impact it has had on me personally, as I have suffered with depression for years and this event feels like it has given me a purpose.

“I would encourage everyone to learn basic lifesaving skills and further training is something I would like to explore in the future. My father is a community first responder in Buckinghamshire.”

7 STEPS TO FUNERAL PLANNING

Planning a funeral can be emotional and overwhelming. We hope that this step-by-step guide to planning a funeral offers some support and direction during this difficult time.

Once you have registered your loved one’s death and received the death certificate you can start planning their funeral.

Initial Planning

Firstly, find out if any funeral wishes are in place –perhaps within the will or a funeral plan. Your loved one may have discussed this with relatives or close friends. It’s also important to know how the funeral

will be paid for; whether provisions have been made.

Involving others helps with the tasks involved and decision making. It can also be comforting to others to know that plans are being made … they may want to be involved by helping you.

Funeral Director

Involving a funeral director eases this incredibly difficult time. They take care of the deceased, make the necessary arrangements and manage the funeral proceedings. Importantly, their role is also to support and listen to you.

Type of Funeral

The most common types of funerals are burials and cremations. If you don’t know the person’s wishes, our article explains the factors involved with choosing which funeral type is best.

Funeral Cost

It’s important to know what your loved one’s funeral will cost and how it will be paid for. In 2022, the average UK funeral cost was £3,953, excluding transport, flowers and a memorial. The basic funeral costs should cover the fees of the funeral director, doctor and clergy/officiate as well as the cost of the coffin.

The Funeral Service

Your loved one may have left wishes for the service, either written (will/funeral plan) or through discussion with a friend or relative.

A key decision to make is whether the funeral service will be religious or not. The eulogy and any poems should also be planned; what to say and who should read them during the service.

Some funeral services are themed, according to the wishes or lifestyle of the deceased. From dress code to music, transport to flowers … there is the opportunity to say goodbye your way

Where and When

Once the funeral requirements are in place, it’s time to choose where and when the funeral will take place. You can then create the order of service and let people know the date and location involved, plus any dress code requirements. (Some people request bright colours or the deceased’s favourite colour, for example.)

The Wake

After the funeral service, the wake is an opportunity for people to mourn the passing of the deceased and also to celebrate their life. From a hiring fully catered venue to self catering at home, a range of options are available. The wake can be a private event or an open invitation can be extended during the funeral service.

The Austin’s team is available to help with arranging funerals. We also offer a range of brochures for additional support.

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