Walks for Everybody

“‘Stevenage Woman’, above all others, holds the key to Downing Street,” a think tank suggests in a recent report into how the Labour Party could be “handed a stable, working majority” at the next general election, expected next year.

Labour Together, in a report published in April, shows how two particular groups are “critical to Labour’s success”. To bring them to life, they are presented as two characters - ‘Workington Man’ and ‘Stevenage Woman’.

The report describes ‘Stevenage Woman’ as those across the country who are “young, hard-working, but struggling to get by”. She “feels national politics makes little difference to her life and her town”, the report says.

“Her attitudes aren’t dogmatic, leaning a little towards social conservatism and a little towards a more interventionist state. In some elections she votes and in others she doesn’t. But ‘Stevenage Woman’, and those like her, are the single biggest group of voters. She, above all others, holds the keys to Downing Street.

“In 2019, 44 per cent backed the Conservatives.

Now, that support has collapsed. Just over half (51 per cent) now back Labour, more than double those who support the Tories (23 per cent). This means the old bellwethers are back, and Labour could win them.” them on their website www.arkpowers.com 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. to The Stevenage Community Trust where anyone who contacts them mentions The Stevenage Magazine.

Since it was first demarcated as its own constituency in 1983, Stevenage has always voted for the governing party: Conservative until 1997, Labour until 2010, then Conservative again ever since.

“With voters like ‘Stevenage Woman’ comprising the largest group in 430 of the 573 constituencies in England and Wales, a significant shift from the Conservatives to Labour would change the electoral map completely, amounting to our eponymous ‘Red Shift’,” Labour Together asserted.

The report concludes with suggestions on how Labour can win the support of ‘Stevenage Woman’ and ‘Workington Man’, including taking “a firm line on societal and cultural issues, like crime and immigration”, and “developing an economic platform that makes a tangible difference to people’s jobs and local communities”.

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.

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.

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.

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 are close to their hearts. One of these being The Stevenage Community Trust.

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.