#Stevenage April 2021

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April 2021

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At the last the month has arrived when for many we can truly see the reopening of society in the way that we know it.

Monday April 12th will mark the welcome return of non essential shops and the chance to drink and dine again, albeit outside.

Seeing friendsoutside in limited numbers hasalready begun - Let's get on with this!

At the same time we also have local electionsheading our way early next month. Make sure that you are eligible to

vote and be sure to read up on the local issues - from bike racks to major development, there is a lot to be truly informed about in #Stevenage We are proud of our support during the coronavirusoutbreak to local groups and businessesand pledge that at #Stevenage we will continue with our policy of providing free editorial support to all our valued advertisersand local organisations. So if you are a group or a businesswho would like to promote yourselvesthrough #Stevenage magazine you can do so by simply calling 07539782979 or emailing: hdmdigitalsales@gmail.com

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Paul Fry on #Stevenage

Are we too hard on those struggling with this pandemic?

Covidiots. My candidate for word of the 20s. It?s a headline-writer inspired invention. And I must admit I have used it, but not always with enthusiasm.

Pandemic rule-breakers have most likely, in some small part at least, ensured that levels of Covid-19 have hung around stubbornly, especially in some areas.

But while we have seen lots of stories vilifying those who have broken lockdown rules, which are now being eased with more caution than when they were applied all too often, too late and not forcefully enough ? these people should not be the sole focus of our ire as we seek a speedy return to some semblance of normality.

Remember, stories of stupidity make the paper because they are rare. If everyone was at it, it would not be news.

So you see tales like that of a man who drove to East Midlands airport and, to ease the monotony of months of lockdown, sat alone in his car, interacting with nobody, and watching aircraft take off and land. Or someone driving hundreds of miles for a solitary walk in, say the scenic Peak or Lake districts.

Such things earned £200 fines and ?Covidiot? headlines. But you have to question if such people are the biggest driver of the virus spread.

Impromptu parties among teenagers who think they are not part of the equation and simply frustrated at not being able to be young ? are one thing ? but bigger even that that is the abuse of rules by companies.

Yet they get none of the vilification ? and little of the blowback from the law ? that some of the rule-breakers I have mentioned (real cases) have suffered.

Should we not also lambast and shame the big supermarket ? I won't name them here ? that refuses to support workers who test positive for the virus?

Worse, they gag workers with threats of sackings if they put anything on social media, and leave them to flounder on Statutory Sick Pay of a paltry £95 a week.

Then, in the case of a friend, they tell the person?s partner who works at the same store that he must not self-isolate ? even though that is a clear breach of the law.

There are loaded threats about being dismissed, and this second person too must live on SSP until their return. Their bills don?t get cut, aside from the one for getting to work. In this case, the partner who had tested positive was ordered to return after 10 days ? even if they are asymptomatic.

One doesn't imagine senior management with the same big chain store being subjected to such Draconian rules.

And I fear this sort of thing has been widespread.

Little wonder that figures out last month show low numbers of people self-isolating. People are clearly testing positive, if they even bother with a test, then keeping mum. And can you blame them?

We have been told over and over again to stick to the rules to save lives, and yet some companies have coerced their workers not to comply.

This is the kind of corporate behaviour we will see more of as time goes on. Protections for workers are being brutally eroded and even removed, in fire and rehire moves that should be outlawed. Companies are taking it upon themselves to rip up terms and conditions of hire that they themselves have previously agreed.

I feel nobody should be under any illusions that this could not happen to them. It feels like a virus variant in itself.

This has been happening in a health crisis of a scale we have not seen since 1918 and Spanish Flu. Some companies have seen Covid as an opportunity; a convenient excuse to remove workers' protections that have been earned over the course of a century or more, safe in the knowledge there will be no penalties on them and only a slight PR fall-out.

Stringent new contract agreements, many introduced without barely a whimper from workers because the trades unions have long since been broken and marginalised, mean Monty Python?s Four Yorkshiremen sketch jibe about paying t' mill owner for permission to come to work, is not far off for some.

Anyone who has to pay for parking at work to their employer or sub-contractor of their employer, such as NHS staff, is already doing that in a sense.

That is not to say we will all be walking about in rags and wearing clogs, but so many workers' terms and conditions ? and their pensions rights ? have been quietly exchanged for something more amenable to companies. And the bigger the company, the more immune they are from any comeback.

Behind them is a Government that believes in free enterprise in all things, at whatever cost, while we have a Labour opposition that may have to embrace large elements of that ideology to ever get elected again.

I don?t see another Labour Government in my lifetime unless voter demographics change or there is some kind of opposition alliance. Or we end first past the

post voting. And certainly not while the opposition, presented with a series of colossal own-goals ?

150,000 virus deaths, an economy on its knees, a ratcheting up of the loss of freedoms ? keeps walking off the pitch after arguing among themselves.

Brexit was always seen by the more extreme Conservatives as a means of removing yet more workers?protections. That was what they meant by throwing off the shackles. The UK Government promised to maintain our rights outside the EU and yet refused to enshrine any of them in law and without doubt are intent on rolling them back. And that matters.

In the US, workers get two weeks' holiday a year plus federal holidays. I can see that as the direction of travel. Even in my own media industry I have seen starting salaries pegged and most recently, the first moves to remove additional pay or lieu days for working bank holidays, as papers must in order to keep functioning and of course many events happening on those days.

Britons work the longest hours in Europe, for longer, with their retirement age being increased relentlessly, and can then expect one of the lowest state pensions in Europe. We also have one of the lowest productivity returns in Europe. To my mind the two are linked.

Why graft like mad to get a promotion that might bring in an extra few pence an hour as a reward for extra responsibility? Many people are working more than one job just to cover the bills, too.

Would it not make more sense to allow people to retire earlier and ensure a smoother path to employment for youngsters as AI and a changing economy sees fewer work opportunities?

And to pay a decent pension because that money will all come back into the economy and not be hoarded under mattresses or into offshore bank accounts?

Covid has demonstrably hit people in poorer areas, the disabled and those of colour the hardest ? and will be hardest to contain there. The virus may well be endemic for some time.

I read of a county health chief last month saying that Covid rates are high in certain areas because of poor, high-density housing, a balance of manufacturing jobs where social distancing is difficult if not impossible, and those people having to rely on public transport more.

Food ban k u se h as r isen dr am at ically

Much effort has gone into getting virus levels under control. We all want our pubs and holidays back and our kids to feel safe in schools and universities. But much forward planning now needs to go into not merely returning life back to normal, but plotting a much fairer new normal.

Inequalities in society have been clearly proven to be drivers of the pandemic. It is long overdue for them to be addressed - or the next pandemic, and there will be one because of how we treat our environment globally, will deliver and even bigger punch.

And that could start with calling out the fat cat firms that have done well out of the pandemic and continue to wring every concession they can out of their workers.

It is a pity in so many ways that the Tories elected a Brexit Prime Minister. Jeremy Hunt, for all his faults when he led the NHS would have been far better suited to leading the country through a health crisis.

Big applause is due t o Alex Revell and his St evenage FC players for t he way t hey have t urned round a shocking st art t o t he season ? one t hat looked set t o be heading for a repeat of t he previous one in which Boro were t he st rongest side in t he Foot ball League:

propping up t he rest of t he t eams.

It is a remarkable feat of management . I?d vent ure it is Manager of t he Year mat erial.

Safe from relegat ion off t he pools coupon, Boro are happily placed in t he t op half of t he t able wit h a posit ive goal difference and an out side chance of a play-off place.

There is more t han a whiff of déjà vu about it . Boro pulled off a great come-from-behind run t o t he play-offs under Graham West ley.

I t hink it would be folly t o go up at t his point ; far bet t er t o solidify t he base and make an assault next year. This year t he club was hampered by a legal process t hat left t hem worrying all last summer t hat t hey might be relegat ed aft er shenanigans behind t he scenes at Macclesfield t hat led t o t he Silkmen going down inst ead almost as t he new season kicked off.

The saga meant Boro had t o prepare t he t eam rost er for bot h event ualit ies and fell bet ween bot h st ools.

Only once, wit h a series of deft loans, t hey ship was st eadied have we seen t he result s on an upward

t raject ory.

Most encouragingly, Boro have all but st opped leaking goals. They are living up t o t he old adage t hat all good t eams build from t he back.

Even if Boro do just miss out on t he play-offs by get t ing int o t he t op seven, t hey will have sent out a signal t hat t hey will be serious cont enders next season. And, hopefully by t hen t here will be fans back t o enjoy t he ride.

W hat larks at t he Lamex.

High Street support on course to help shops with big reopening

Support ing our High St reet , t own cent re and communit y neighbourhood areas t o reopen and remain open is a vit al t ask.

St evenage Borough Council recent ly awarded Ret ail Revival Lt d, a Hert fordshire based business t raining and support consult ancy and a High St reet Regenerat ion Specialist t o support a number of business support plans. The project s are designed t o build business resilience and support businesses in t he High St reet and commercial neighbourhoods t o adapt t o t he economic impact of Covid-19.

The council secured funding from t he Re-opening High St reet s Safely Fund (RHSSF) t o deliver addit ional business support and promot e t he High St reet and commercial cent res as a safe place t o visit for st aff, shoppers and resident s, t o give cust omers?confidence t o go back, feel safe and support t he local economy.

The council will also provide businesses wit h a specialised programme t o enable businesses t o use a wide array of t ools and int elligence t o promot e t heir safe working pract ices, support t heir growt h and survival plans, support ing t hem t o st ay reopen and st ay safe. The programme will also support ment oring and ongoing support for businesses in t his very difficult t ime.

Cllr Lloyd Briscoe, Port folio Holder for Economy, Ent erprise and Transport said, ?We are delight ed t o have Ret ail Revival Lt d on board t o support our High St reet and Neighbourhood cent re businesses. Our businesses have been severely impact ed t hroughout t he pandemic and as a council; we are commit t ed t o support t heir recovery.

The specialised support programme support s a number of aims of t he St evenage

Economy Taskforce including: support ing t he recovery of our local businesses and t he wider economy; ensuring our businesses have access t o skills led opport unit ies t o up-skill, and access t o business growt h guidance, support and advice resources t o support recovery.

"We were impressed by Ret ail Revival Limit ed?s vast skills set in delivering recovery support programmes in ot her areas including advice, guidance and support for businesses t o promot e t heir safe working environment s, moving businesses online t o support wider consumer engagement , increasing t urnover and building resilience t ools and it is t his experience t hat we look forward t o receiving for St evenage businesses t o ensure t heir survival and growt h, once t he economy opens up.?

Sally W illiams, managing direct or said: "We are delight ed t o be working wit h St evenage businesses t o help t hem re-open safely and maint ain high st andards of cleanliness and robust social dist ancing measures unt il t he full vaccinat ion programme has t aken effect .

"We have great empat hy for businesses t hat have been adversely affect ed by Covid-19.

We have worked wit h many businesses t o help t hem adapt t o meet t he current needs of shoppers and we are excit ed t o share t his best pract ice and provide St evenage businesses wit h t he skills and resources t hey need t o recover quickly and build resilience for t he fut ure. I urge people t o support t heir local businesses t o boost t he local economy and keep t he fund in t he t own.?

Businesses across St evenage are able t o access free business advice and support services t hrough t he Business & Technology Cent re on a wide range of subject s from

finance t o sales and market ing. This service is available via live chat , in-person, t elephone and email.

All advice is complet ely impart ial and delivered by Went a?s t eam of expert advisors. For business advice, visit www.bt cst evenage.co.ukt o live chat t o an advisor (Mon-Fri, 9am ? 5pm).

The Hert fordshire Growt h Hub, powered by Hert fordshire LEP, is on-hand t o help businesses access t he advice and guidance t hey need during t hese challenging t imes. Their websit e www.hert sgrowt hhub.com brings t oget her a net work of local, regional and nat ional business support providers.

Regist rat ion is free and can provide your business wit h immediat e access t o advice, resources, t ailored cont ent and event s.

The Re-opening High St reet s Safely Fund was one of t he measures support ed by cent ral government t o support councils across England t o ensure t he safe reopening of high st reet s and commercial areas.

The funding is support ed by t he European Regional Development Fund, as part of t he European St ruct ural and Invest ment Funds Growt h Programme 2014-2020.

Ret ail Revival Limit ed Ret ail Revival Limit ed has

delivered a number of COVID-19 programmes t hroughout t he pandemic t o support businesses in Tot t enham, Woolwich, Plumst ead, Bermondsey and Bucks t o support businesses pivot , diversify t heir business models, creat e click and collect services, support t raining and business net working webinars, support businesses t o adapt channels for dist ribut ions t o support

businesses, moving t hem online and fut ure proof t heir business. The t eam also have a wider array of experience in delivering complex and large High St Regenerat ion business support programmes for t he Great er London Aut horit y, developers and BIDS. The European St ruct ural and Invest ment Funds programme provides funding t o support t he growt h of local economies. The funding enables local areas t o invest in businesses t o support innovat ion, skills, employment and creat e jobs t o improve economic opport unit ies for all. The Minist ry of Housing, Communit ies and Local Government is t he Managing Aut horit y for

European Regional Development Fund.The fund will enable addit ional measures t o est ablish a safe t rading environment for businesses and cust omers, which will ext end t o June 2021.

LETTERS

High Street vision for all Dear Edit or, A Vision For The High St reet So far t he discussion about t he fut ure of St evenage High St reet has been pret t y narrow and dominat ed by a few wit h ot hers squeezed out .

Now let ?s t ry some posit ive t hought s.Let ?s st art wit h t en aspirat ions: Everyone feels welcome Easy t o cross Shade and shelt er Places t o st op and rest Not t oo noisy People choose t o walk and cycle People feel safe Things t o do and see People feel relaxed Clean air Is t hat so t hreat ening? I want t o make t he High St reet a place people want t o be. If people want t o come t o t he High St reet and spend more t ime on t he High St reet t hey are more likely t o shop. That has been proved over and over again in ot her locat ions.

So if t here is a conspiracy it is t o improve t he environment and boost t he local economy.

Of course t here?s more t o it t han t hat . I?d suggest four fact ors t hat need t o be balanced. Ret ail, hospit alit y (cafés, rest aurant s, et c), ot her local jobs, affordable homes.

Ret ail ? it is t he High St reet and an import ant neighbourhood cent re. A surprising number of people already walk t o t he High St reet .

The cafés, rest aurant s and pubs bring t rade and employment . They are part of t he mix t hat bring people here and bring people t oget her.

Ot her jobs. Employment on and near t he High St reet

will help t he lunch-t ime economy and st raight aft er work economy. Good local jobs would mean people having t he money t o spend locally.

Affordable homes. There is clearly a need but t he homes also go wit h t he jobs. They should not be second rat e conversions of office blocks, which t akes jobs away, but t hink of t he pot ent ial benefit s for t he environment , t he communit y and family life if more people live close t o where t hey work and don?t have t o endure long commut es.

Moving on I?d really like t o persuade t he Count y Council t o get a shift on wit h removing t he gyrat ory syst em at t he nort h end of t he High St reet . A report published in April 2018 shows it can be done. Indeed it was a mist ake back in t he 1970s but t hat sort of arrangement was in favour back t hen. Get t ing rid of t he gyrat ory will remove t he safet y issues out side Thomas Alleyne Academy and on t he bend int o James Way. Import ant ly it will reint egrat e t he High St reet and bring a sense of calm t o t he area around t he Bowling Green. It means t he rout e in front of t he school will no longer be an A road, be a lot less busy and speed reduct ion measures will be possible.

On part of t he det ail t he paved space t o sit , wait and chat near Cost a Coffee is a huge success. It ?s popular and working. I like t he fact t hat it ?s public realm. It ?s disappoint ing t hat some ot her aspect s have t aken so long.

Unfort unat ely t he High St reet at t imes has become a chaot ic, hazardous car park wit h long vehicles parked at right angles t o quit e narrow pavement s.

That ?s not hist oric or anyt hing t o do wit h conservat ion. Let ?s make it a place where people want t o be.

JIM BROW N Labour Councillor St evenage Old Town Address supplied

Before

After

LETTERS

Funding to improve banners Dear Editor, I am pleased to report that the local street scene at The Glebe, Chells Way, has been recently improved by the installation of 3 new banners, to replace, like for like, the three old, tatty, faded, threadbare ones which had been hanging there and were a real eyesore.

The work was completed promptly last week

by Stevenage Borough Council. The banners were originally installed in 2011 by Stevenage Borough Council (SBC) when they refurbished The Glebe, which at the time was done with no consultation with the public or the Lib Dem local councillors. We never particularly liked them, or thought that they were necessary, but after 10 years they looked truly awful.? ?It was clear that SBC were not going to replace them from central budgets, and I had received complaints from the public about their appearance - so the 5 local Lib Dem

Chells and Manor councillors decided to step in with our local budgets to replace them with identical banners ? on the basis that this was the easiest and cheapest way to get the street scene improved.? ?Our thanks to the SBC officials and engineers who did the replacement promptly, only a few days after we agreed the funds from our budgets.?

The 5 councillors who funded the project are: Cllr. Stephen Booth (SBC Chells Ward), Cllr. Andy McGuinness (SBC Manor Ward), Cllr. Robin Parker C.C. (HCC Chells Division and SBC Manor Ward), Cllr. Graham Snell (SBC Manor Ward), Cllr. Tom Wren (SBC Chells Ward) Robin Parker, Stevenage, Local Chells Division county councillor and Manor Ward borough councillor

Time to book up the Striders Stevenage 10K Entries are open for the annual 2021 Stevenage 10 km race.

If you entered the 2020 event before it became a virtual event and you didn't complete the run, then you have had your entry automatically rolled over for this year's event. The race is scheduled for Sunday, 19th September at 10:30am and we are currently making preparations to hold it as an actual event.

The race will start and finish in Hampson Park, Stevenage SG1 5QU. The entry fee is being held at £19 (or £17 for members of an ARC affiliated running club). There will be extra precautions in place in line with Government Covid-19 guidelines but hopefully, by September, the majority of the country will be vaccinated and some level of normality will have returned. If not, there will be social distant start areas, extra hand sanitation in place, and all volunteers/helpers will be wearing gloves and face coverings.

Depending on Government guidance at the time of the event, we may also have a staggered start time and we may not be able to have spectators. But that's for later.

For now, get your entry in. Our team is already designing the medal - and you'll also get the coveted t-shirt. Its colour and design has been chosen and will be announced closer to the day. Also, providing we are allowed, there will be cake for all finishers.

In 2020 we donated £4,000 to local charities and we hope to raise a similar amount again this year. We are in talks to decide on these charities and will announce them soon. As always, we are grateful to our main sponsors namely Hashtag Digital Media, Mather Marshall Estate Agents, Ask Physio and Wagstaffs Accountants for their support in holding this event.

To enter click on the link below: https://stevenagestridersrc.org.uk/stevenage-10k

Tickets selling fast as Todd in the Hole returns

Todd in t he Hole is coming back wit h a bang t his July!

Aft er t he success of 2019 which saw over 10,000 visit ors, followed by t he huge disappoint ment of having t o cancel last year, t he Todd t eam are working t irelessly t o put on a weekend t o remember t his Summer. This year's st ellar line-up includes The Killerz, W rong Jovi, Mused, 7 Wonders of Fleet wood Mac, Tom Pet t y & The Heart breakers, Dave Pearce, 80's icon Pat Sharp plus loads more.

Todd in t he Hole will also give hugely t alent ed local musicians a plat form t o perform t o a live audience, somet hing t hey?ve missed massively over t he last year! All t his, plus a re-launched Woods St age and a bigger and bet t er Kids Arena t o keep Lit t le Todders ent ert ained all weekend.

At t he very heart of t his fest ival, set in t he

beaut iful Hert fordshire count ryside, is t he local communit y. A communit y t hat has spent t he large part of last year apart . W hat bet t er way t o come t oget her ? t o laugh, dance, drink and celebrat e wit h loved ones.

This year, we?re delight ed t o announce t hat Todd's charit y part ner is t he East & Nort h Hert s Hospit als' Charit y based at The List er Hospit al.

For any PR, Market ing or Sponsorship queries please cont act Nat Webber market ing@t oddint hehole.co.uk

To buy any ot her Fest ival t icket s and for full Line Up informat ion please visit www.t oddint hehole.co.uk Todd in t he Hole 2021 - 3 Days, 6 St ages, Over 80 Bands.

£184k Leisure funding boost for council Following a successful funding bid, Stevenage Borough Council will receive £184,000 in Government funding to help protect leisure services in the town.

The Government announced that £100m of support for the recovery of publicly-owned leisure centres has now been allocated to 266 local authorities across England.

The National Leisure Recovery Fund, which opened in December 2020, was established to

provide a solid funding platform for the leisure sector to successfully reopen. It has been funded by the Government and managed by Sport England.

Allocations will mean that publicly-owned leisure centres and gyms can begin preparations for reopening as part of Step Two of the Prime Minister?s roadmap, secured by financial backing from the Government. The lifting of restrictions will be subject to approval.

The funding will allow Stevenage Leisure Limited (SLL) ? which operates leisure facilities on behalf of the council ? to continue running its leisure centre, golf course and swimming pool, and comes in addition to the council providing up £1.38m, and £480k which was awarded as part of the Cultural Recovery Grant from the Arts Council for the Gordon Craig Theatre.

Richard Protheroe, Strategic Director at Stevenage Borough Council, said: ?This funding is crucial in helping Stevenage?s leisure services recover after a difficult year which has resulted in a huge financial strain. ?We know how important leisure facilities are to our communities and the town, and they will be even more important as we recover from the pandemic ? helping people to get more fit, healthy and active, and return to the sports and exercise that they enjoy.?

Stevenage FC match action

M on day, Apr il 5, EFL Leagu e Division Tw o St even age FC 1 Br adf or d 1

Fr iday Apr il 2, EFL Leagu e Division Tw o Oldh am 0 St even age FC 1

Sat u r day, M ar ch 27, EFL Leagu e Division Tw o St even age FC 2 Bar r ow 1

Small groups out to mark summer return In previous years hundreds of cyclist s would have met in Fairlands Valley at t he end of March for Cycling UK's St evenage St art of Summert ime Specials on t he day t he clocks changed but Covid rest rict ions st ill applied and t hat was not possible.

However a few groups of just t wo people weren't going t o miss t he dat e complet ely and here are t wo of t hem.

Jana Labajova and St eve Hawes got all t he way t o Thaxt ed and

'rule of six' ride on Monday morning.

Have a look at t heir websit e, see if t here are rides t hat suit you, book one of t he free rides and enjoy. back wit h a st iff headwind t o enjoy as t hey ret urned t o St evenage.

Cycling UK St evenage rest art ed small group rides, pre-booked t o a maximum of six, at t he end of March.

Jim Brown t ook out t he first

To st art off wit h t here will be choices from 10 kilomet res (6 miles) t o 80 kilomet res (50 miles) wit h a lot inbet ween.

ht t ps:// www.cyclinguk.org/ local-groups/st evenage

Paul Laidlaw is back as Panto 2021 unveiled Paul Laidlaw is Back! as W idow Twankey. It ?s everyt hing you could W ISH for t his Christ mas!

Paul says ?Hooray, we?re back! Christ mas 2020 was t he weirdest t ime ever; t he first t ime in I don?t know how long t hat I wasn?t doing pant o.

But hey, I?m back t his year in a fabulous new product ion of Aladdin. It ?s going t o be amazing, bigger and bet t er t han ever. I?ve missed you all and can?t wait t o see you again. W idow Twankey is on her way!?

Book Your Favourit e Seat s wit h confidence t oday wit h our Covid Guarant ee! ht t ps:// www.gordon-craig.co.uk/aladdin-i2427 It will be a magic carpet ride wort h wait ing for!

Running Friday 26t h November 2021 ? Sunday 23rd January 2022 W idow Twankey want s a husband, evil Abanazaar want s t he magic lamp, Aladdin want s advent ure and W ishee Washee want s a clean vest ? can t he Genie grant t heir wishes?

From t he t eam behind 2019?s Award W inning product ion of Beaut y & t he Beast @JordanProduct ions join us t his Christ mas for dazzling cost umes, spect acular set s, and magical special effect s. A GENIE-us pant omime advent ure guarant eed t o

make your family?s fest ive wishes come t rue.

Covid ? 19 Booking Guarant ee: All shows advert ised are due t o go ahead as planned. If affect ed by rest rict ions caused by t he pandemic and t he lat est government advice we will endeavour t o re-schedule and all t icket s will t ransfer t o t he new dat e. Ticket holders will be ent it led t o a full refund or credit not e if t he rescheduled dat e is not suit able.

All t icket s booked for 2020/ 2021 have aut omat ically moved across t o t he equivalent dat e t his year and t he same seat s have been ret ained. If you have any queries regarding your booking please email enquiries.gordoncraig@sll.co.uk

Stevenage Striders March update as club training resumes Stevenage Striders Newsletter -

Phil Deaves completed his 150 mile

March 2021

monthly challenge for Race At Your Pace. Paula Heyes completed a 100 km

At last some good news with the

?This Girl Runs?challenge for a running

return of the ?rule-of-six?training

vest. Lauren Pegg, ably assisted by

sessions that were suspended at

family, completed 10,000 steps a day in

the end of 2020. These limited

aid of Cancer Research. Stride On!

sessions are bookable via the club website and hopefully, if lockdown measures continue to ease, it will not be long before we?re training as a club again.

Esperanza Castro completed over 175 miles for her challenge for Race At Your Pace. care.

New M em ber s It?s encouraging to see our club membership growing. What a great time to be joining the club with the prospect of proper races and normality on the horizon. Please welcome the following new Striders when you see them at training:-

Par k r u n Ret u r n s in Ju n e.

Following the publication of the Government?s roadmap for exiting lockdown, we are excited to share the plans to restart both junior and 5k Parkrun events across England. Judith and John

Cheryl Coates, Catherine Carter, Lily Robinson,

Hayler (currently representing the Striders in West

Emma Farrant, Stephanie Gajic, Janine Lambert,

Sussex) are both itching to go as they are both

Nicki Cuffaro, Jay McWhirter, Zoe Collier.

paused on 99 runs each! Way to go guys.

M em ber s?Ach ievem en t s in M ar ch

St r ider s Dist an ce Ch allen ge - a w in n er !

Shylo Sue completed a ?Be More Phoenix Virtual?

The Striders 2021 mile challenge continues its

run of 4 miles and 2 separate ?Frozen Phoenix

relentless journey with the first team having

Virtual?5 miles, a 4 mile Virtual Doughnut Dash

completed the distance. Well done to Ignorance Is

and has also raised over £2,000 for Cancer

Blisters (Sarah Saunders, Greg Bradbury, Sara

Research for an ultra marathon she has entered in

Goodyear, Gary Sherin, Chrissie Thomas, Katie

July.

Moffat, Jade Pope, Esperanza Castro, Eilish Hislop

Francis Levy completed over 75 miles in March.

and Jim Callaghan) for a fantastic team effort. The

Frantastic running as always.

race is now on for the second and third slot.

Enrol to get your vote Stevenage Borough Council is reminding residents to make sure that they are on the Electoral Register if they want to vote in the May 2021 elections.

On Thursday 6 May, elections will be held for Stevenage Borough Council, Hertfordshire County Council and the Police and Crime Commissioner.

Voters have a range of options for casting their vote ? either in person, by post, or by proxy vote, which is appointing someone they trust to vote in their place.

Stevenage Borough Council will ensure that polling stations are safe places to vote in, with

social distancing, face masks, protective screens, floor markings and hand sanitiser all in place.

Anyone who is not registered to vote or has recently moved must have registered by midnight on Monday 19 April.The deadline to apply for a postal vote is 5pm on Tuesday 20 April.

To register to vote, visit: www.gov.uk/register-to-vote To apply for a postal or proxy vote, visit: www.stevenage.gov.uk

Yuko grabs category success in one mile Spartans Stephanie Biggar, Sally Pickles, Peter Carpenter and Pam (Bentley) Taylor did the Where's Wally virtual 10k for the National Literacy Trust.

They went in two separate groups in opposite directions, running three laps of a hilly route around the Old Town in Stevenage and all finished in 1 hour 15 minutes or less.

Racing Round England The pack has been shuffled and there?s a new leader as Fairlands Valley Spartans continue their race around the coasts and borders of England.

They started in Bristol and are running, walking or cycling 2,970 kilometres anti-clockwise round the coasts and borders of the country.

PENNY SCHENKEL has taken the lead and is almost half way. She is in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk and on 1427 kilometres.

BRIAN WHITE is in scenery made famous in the film ?Yesterday.?He?s between Dunwich and Walberswick on the Suffolk coast and near ?John Lennon?s house? on 1387 kilometres.Remember this is all virtual.

The third man, or rather third Spartan, is still JIM BROWN.He?s in Wivenhoe on the way to Clacton-on-Sea in Essex with 1286 kilometres.

SHARON CROWLEY on 1146 kilometres is at the Seaview Holiday Park near Swalecliffe in North Kent The running total for the Spartans team is 12,133 kilometres.That?s more than four times round the whole course.

Fly 5K Saturday saw the 13th inter club event as part of the Fly 5K series of virtual races.A team from Fairlands Valley Spartans were 15thout of 61 participating

clubs. They were JIM BROWN 192nd in 26:03; NICK KLEANTHOUS celebrating his 30th Fly 5K with 26:21 for 200th position; NICOLA ANDERSSON 208th in 26:39; JAMES McSWEENEY 217th in 27 minutes exactly; PENNY SCHENKEL 295th in 30:05; PAUL HOLGATE 313th in 31:28 and MARIAN MORLEY 387th in 50:03.

(Not ) Parkrun In addition to those using the same effort to record Fly 5K times on Saturday NICOLA ANDERSSON ran a 26:14 (not) parkrun on Thursday.

Train W it h The Spart ans Group training had to be suspended again from 19th December but there are lots of ideas available on Spartan social media and opportunities to pair up for motivation and safety.Group Training is expected to restart with free pre-booked sessions from Monday 29th March.To join the Spartans visit www.fvspartans.org.uknow.

Coming Event s Despite the lack of races and restrictions on group training in January 2021 the Spartans had 333 members, 171 men and 162 women.They have an average age of 45 with a very wide range.

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Coffin history and how death is part of life If you think about funerals, one of the first things that comes to mind is no doubt a coffin. Coffins have been around for thousands of years and nowadays they are available in various different materials and styles ? from the traditional wood to the more eco-friendly willow or even cardboard. In fact, coffins have had a very interesting history from the start.

W here does t he word ?coffin? come from?

The Old French word ?cofin? (meaning ?basket?) officially entered the English language as ?coffin?in 1380. There is also a Modern French form ?couffin?, which translates as ?casket?.Whilst any box holding the deceased is called

a coffin, a casket was originally a box used to store jewellery. It is thought that ?casket?was originally used as a euphemism by undertakers to steer away from the unpleasant images of a coffin.

W hen were coffins first used?

The earliest evidence of coffin remains ever found date back to 5000BC in China. Among the remains were said to be a coffin belonging to a child and as many as 10 other wooden coffins at another site. Back then, the thickness of the coffin illustrated the level of nobility of the person inside; the double coffin consisted of an outer and inner coffin and the triple coffin had two outer and one inner coffins.

How were coffins originally made?

Traditionally, coffins were made as and when required by the village carpenter. So, the way it looked and how it was made would depend on his skills, as well as what materials were available at the time. If a poor person?s funeral had to be paid for by the parish then typically cheaper pine would be used, whereas someone very wealthy might have a yew or mahogany coffin finished with extravagant linings and decorations.

Vict orian coffins As you may well know, the Victorians were rather ?obsessed?with death.

Funerals were big events and so there would be no expense

spared on the coffin for wealthy Victorians ? brass handles and luxurious burial shrouds were common. If a coffin was to be placed in a burial vault then they would usually consist of three layers, one of which would be lead, making the coffins extremely heavy.

In fact, back in 2014, a former Victorian coffin factory in Birmingham was reopened as a museum. The Newman Brothers made Winston Churchill?s coffin and when the factory was rediscovered in the last decade it was like a time warp with vintage tools and old newspapers still lying around.

More unusual coffins Last year we blogged about ?funeral customs from around the world?and talked about the unusual coffins made in Ghana. Out there, funerals are often a much more colourful affair, a celebration of life rather than sorrow, and this is reflected in their coffin designs. They aspire to

be buried in coffins that represent something special in their life ? a hobby, their work or something symbolic to them.

Ghanaian artist Paa Joe says:?As humans, death is part of our life and everyone must go in style.?One of his coffins, modelled on a Mercedes Benz, is housed at The National Museum of Scotland. Carved from wood and painted white with silver, black and orange details, the coffin (made in 1998) features silver headlights, wing mirrors, an aerial and the trademark Mercedes-Benz badge.

Here in the UK, cardboard coffins are becoming increasingly popular and some follow a similar theme to the Ghanaian sense of humour. You can get ones with ?return to sender? stickers on, ones with your own photos on and themed ones from James Bond to Halloween!

The coffins we know t oday Nowadays, most coffins are

mass-produced, which does mean there are lots of options available to suit individual requirements.

Here at Austin?s our Hertingfordbury, Kimpton and Amwell coffins are all worked on by hand by highly skilled craftsmen and we can provide beautiful ornaments too, including a: Gothic Cross, Sacred Heart, Crucifix, Masonic, Rose and Scottish Tassel.

For those who?d like a biodegradable coffin for their loved one we have a choice of two coffins. The Datchworth is handmade from English willow gathered in Lancashire. It is expertly fashioned by craftsmen using traditional skills and weaving techniques passed down through generations. The Bramfield is made with sturdy recycled paper in a green finish with natural rope handles.

To see our full range of coffins please visit: http://www.austins.co.uk /coffins.html

Support for business during Coronavirus Funding from Stevenage Borough Council Local Restrictions Support Grant (LRSG) If your business is within the non-essential Retail, Hospitality or Leisure Sector and has been impacted by the Lockdowns and the Tier announcements in December, you may be eligible for funding to support your business under the Local Restrictions Support Grants.

Closing date for applications is 31 March 2021.

Local Restriction Support (CLOSED) Grant The Local Restriction Support (CLOSED) Grant is available for businesses mandated to close during the national lockdown and the December Tier announcements.

For further information and to apply please visit https://www.stevenage.gov.uk/ business-and-licensing/ business-rates-support-grants/ local-restriction-support-grant-closed-tier-2-3-and-4 If you have not already claimed your LRSG closed Addendum grant for the period 5 November to 1 December or 5 January to 15 February, please complete an application now, but only if you were mandated to close.

Local Restriction Support (OPEN) The Local Restriction Support (OPEN) Grant is available to support businesses within the hospitality, hotel, bed and breakfast and leisure sectors that are liable for business rates and were able to remain open during 2.12.20 to 18.12.2020 (Tier 2) and 19.12 (Tier 3) announcements but have been impacted by the restrictions in place. Businesses with or without business rates, who supply goods or services to this group of businesses and can demonstrate they were directly impacted by the restrictions, can also apply.

Closing date for applications is 31 March 2021.

For further information and to apply please visit https://www.stevenage.gov.uk/ business-and-licensing/ business-rates-support-grants/ local-restrictions-support-grant-open Additional Restrictions Support Grant The second tranche of the Additional Restrictions Support Grant is currently live and will close midnight 31 March 2021.

If your business is not in non-essential Retail, Hospitality or Leisure and NOT mandated to close and your business has been impacted by the Lockdowns, you may be eligible for funding under the Additional Restrictions Support Grant.

The scheme is also available to businesses which were mandated to close but are not liable for business rates and includes home based businesses.

To secure funding, applicants must confirm that they have lost at least 20% of their turnover between January 2020 and January 2021.

Levels of Grant available Grants of up to £6,000 are available to businesses in Stevenage.

Businesses satisfying the criteria and providing the required evidence may be granted the below awards; March 2021 Business which support retail, hospitality and leisure and other businesses that do not fall into one of the below categories will receive: RV or fixed costs £15,000 or less per annum : £2,500 RV or fixed costs £15,001 and less than £50,999 : £4,000 RV or fixed costs £51,000 or above : £6,000 Business which run from home : £2,000 Taxi drivers: (self-employed) - licensed in the area : £1,000

Market traders (without business rates - regularly trading in our area ? one grant per business) : £1,000 ARG Ineligibility Businesses that will not be eligible for consideration of an Additional Restrictions Grant are listed below: Businesses with business rates that were mandated to close during the national lockdowns. (These businesses would be supported by the Local Restrictions Support Grant) Businesses that continue to trade effectively and cannot demonstrate a significant loss in income (in excess of 20% since January 2021, compared to last January 2020).

Businesses that have already received grant payments that are equal to the maximum levels of State Aid permitted under the de minimis and the Covid-19 Temporary State Aid Framework.

Businesses that are in administration, are insolvent or where a striking off notice has been made even if subsequently withdrawn after 31 March.

Business which have submitted Dormant accounts to HMRC or companies house will need to prove that the business was active and trading before March 2020.

If more than one business occupies the same address with the same or common director, evidence of separate fixed costs will be required.

Applicants not registered with HMRC, Companies House, or the Charity Commission.

For further information and to apply please visit https://www.stevenage.gov.uk/ business-and-licensing/ business-rates-support-grants/ additional-restrictions-support-grant-2-1 Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership Funding includes: Low Carbon Innovation Fund 2 which provides Grants of up to £5,000, to support SMEs make a positive impact on greenhouse gas reduction through the development of innovative technologies, products or services.

Hertfordshire LEP SME Growth Loan Scheme provides loans of £200k ? £500k available to established SMEs in Hertfordshire requiring finance to implement expansion activities that will deliver substantial growth.

Crowdfund Hertfordshire: Small Business Innovation

Fund provides grants of up to £5,000 for small/micro businesses in tourism, leisure, hospitality, retail, arts and culture.

Hertfordshire Business Expansion Grant Scheme provides grants of £10k - £100k to incentivise SME investment in capital equipment to support growth and improve productivity £20 million SME Brexit Support Fund opens for applications The Brexit Support fund will help smaller businesses with changes to trade rules with the EU. Smaller businesses can now apply for grants of up to £2,000 to help them adapt to new customs and tax rules when trading with the EU. The £20 million SME Brexit Support Fund will enable traders to access practical support, including training for new customs, rules of origin and VAT processes.

Small and medium sized businesses that trade solely with the EU and are therefore new to importing and exporting processes are encouraged to apply for the grants.

To be eligible, businesses must import or export goods between Great Britain and the EU, or move goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

For further information and to apply for the funding https://www.gov.uk/guidance/ grants-to-help-small-and-medium -sized-businesses-new-to-importing-or-exporting Skills Support Skills to support your workforce Stevenage Borough Council in partnership with The Tess Group and Serco, delivery partner for Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership are supporting fully funded courses to support businesses in Stevenage through the Skills Support for the Workforce (SSW) programme.

Principles of Social Media within a Business - Principles of social media will help to support you raise your profile and ensure that your business increases its audience on social media.

- How Social Media fits in to the objectives and marketing of a business - Examine how to select social media tools and channels for a business - How to measure success using tools and channels - Understand how social media policy and guidelines can impact a business - Using IT platforms to plan and execute online sales marketing - The best ways to use social media to promote your business - How to use cross platform marketing strategies (Twitter/ Facebook/Instagram Digital Skills for Work Level 2 Technology is evolving at a fast pace as such it is important to keep up to date with the changes and develop new digital skills. This online qualification is perfect for anyone looking to enhance their digital literacy.

- How Social Media fits in to the objectives and marketing of a business.

- Examine how to select social media tools and channels for a business.

- How to measure success using tools and channels.

- Understand how social media policy and guidelines can impact a business - Using I T platforms to plan and execute online sales marketing - The best ways to use social media to promote your business

The Skills Support for the Workforce (SSW) programme has been developed to upskill employees within small and medium-sized enterprises (SME s) in Hertfordshire. The Tess Group are part of Serco?s network of training providers chosen to deliver training in Stevenage and across Hertfordshire.

- How to use cross platform marketing strategies (Twitter/ Facebook/Instagram)

The following courses will be available to support local businesses:

- Applying digital skills in personal and business situations

- Understanding how to protect devices and data - Communicating socially and professionally using technology

The Volunteer Business Support Scheme supported by the Hertfordshire Growth Hub in partnership with Hertfordshire LEP and the University of Hertfordshire has been extended until November 2021 to help even more businesses in Hertfordshire. The scheme has supported more than 190 businesses, providing over 600 hours of 1-2-1 support.

Businesses can benefit from: Up to 12 hours of free and confidential 1-2-1 support from a mentor that?s highly experienced in managing or coaching at a strategic level.

- Using digital resources to facilitate career progression - Use search engines and social media platforms to find the data.

- How you can use technology to communicate professionally.

- How to blog and interact with your audience online.

Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Retail Operations This is perfect for those wanting to expand their knowledge within the retail sector and can really help to upskill on the basics of selling and the customer retail experience.

- Developing an understanding of the different aspects of the retail industry - Learning about customer payments and the selling process - Understanding how to provide good customer service - Learning how to deal with complaints and queries - Gaining an understanding of basic retail law and the importance of correct stock control Courses will be held on:Friday 16th April 2021 An Introduction and Information Session on Eventbrite will be held on To book visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ stevenage-borough-council-funded-training -introduction-with-the-tess-group -tickets-147173976325 Business Support Volunteer Business Support Scheme

Being matched to a mentor that has experience within your sector or the specific situation you are facing.

Signposting to support packages that are available locally, regionally and nationally Support that?s completely flexible ? you and your mentor will decide the day, time and level of support that suits you both best. Businesses receive two hours of support a week on average.

Access to all the resources and support available through the Growth Hub and partners For further information and to access support please visit https://hertsgrowthhub.com/ news-blogs/47324Helping-Your-Business-Bounce-Back Reopening the High Street Business Support Stevenage Borough Council is currently working with Retail Revival Ltd, a High Street Regeneration Specialist to provide specialised business advice, support and guidance to businesses on the High St, town centre and commercial centres. The programme of support will include a number of projects designed to build business resilience and support businesses to adapt to the economic impact of Covid-19. Funding for the projects has come from the Reopening High Street Safely Fund which aims to deliver additional business support and promote the High Street and commercial centres, as safe places for those working in the High Street, residents and visitors and to give customer?s confidence to go back, feel safe and support the local economy.

The programme of support will provide businesses with specialised support to enable them to use a wide array of tools and intelligence to promote their safe working practices, support their growth and survival

plans, supporting them to stay reopen and stay safe.

The programme will also support mentoring and ongoing support for businesses in this very difficult time.

If you would like to further information and access support please email economic.development@Stevenage.gov.uk Manage & Resell returned stock in local markets? An online solution Join the Department for International Trade at this webinar as they uncover: Getting returned goods through UK customs ? Tips on how to do this efficiently.

Returned Goods Relief (RGR) ? How to benefit from RGR and other ways to cut costs in the returns process.

Online global returns solutions ? The advantages (aid customs declarations process & goods clearance, keep customers informed throughout the returns process, and stock back available for sale more quickly).

For further information visit https://www.exemplastradeservices.co.uk/ event/manage-resell-returned-stock -in-local-markets-an-online-solution/ Free rapid tests for all businesses for regular workplace testing All businesses in England are now able to sign up to the government?s free COVID-19 workplace testing pro Workplace testing now available to all businesses, including those with fewer than 50 employees Businesses are encouraged to register their interest by 31 March to access free workplace testing.

For further information visit https://www.gov.uk/get-workplace-coronavirus-tests Hertfordshire Growth Hub The Hertfordshire Growth Hub, powered by Hertfordshire LEP, is on-hand to help businesses access the advice and guidance they need during these challenging times. Their website www.hertsgrowthhub.com brings together a network of local, regional and national business support providers. Registration is free and can provide your business with immediate access to advice, resources, tailored content and events.

EU Transition Readiness Support Hertfordshire Growth Hub?s team of dedicated EU Transition Advisers can help answer your questions and concerns about operating under the news rules.

Find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions by watching their latest on-demand video in partnership with Hertfordshire Trading Standards.

FREE business advice from impartial, expert advisors from the btc The Business & Technology Centre provide FREE business advice services for all types of small businesses and on a wide range of subjects from finance to sales and marketing. This service is available via live chat, in-person, telephone and email.

All advice is completely impartial and delivered by Wenta?s team of expert advisors.

For business advice, visit www.btcstevenage.co.uk to live chat to an advisor (Mon-Fri, 9am ? 5pm) or book your one-to-one, advice appointment here.

Government announcements Extended opening hours will continue when non-essential retail returns The government has recently announced longer opening hours in England will continue when non-essential shops reopen from 12 April to help people return to the high street safely. This will help ensure the safe re-opening of non-essential shops by giving people greater flexibility to avoid peak times and easing transport pressures.

When they reopen from 12 April at the earliest, shops will have the flexibility to open until 10pm Monday to Saturday.

The government is also extending flexible working hours on construction sites, as well as allowing food

deliveries to supermarkets over more time periods.

The government has also stated they will keep the flexibility for pubs and restaurants to erect marquees to help increase seating capacity in a Covid-secure way.

Government extends temporary insolvency measures The Government has recently extended temporary insolvency measures providing further support to businesses during the pandemic.

Insolvency measures supporting businesses during the pandemic and helping them recover, are set to be extended till the end of June 2021.

The measures were introduced in the Corporate Insolvency and Governance Act in March 2020, including protecting businesses from aggressive creditor enforcement and removing personal liability on company directors, and have been previously extended on a number of occasions.

The measures being extended till the end of June 2021: ·Small suppliers will not have to continue to supply a business in insolvency. However, larger suppliers will not be able to cease their supply or ask for additional payments while a company is going through a rescue process. ·Entry into a moratorium will remain relaxed and a company will be able to enter a moratorium if they have been subject to an insolvency procedure in the previous 12 months. These measures will be extended until 30 September 2021.

Businesses urged to act as two in five UK firms experience cyber-attacks in the last year Government urges organisations to follow expert guidance to boost their online resilience, as two in five businesses (39 per cent) and a quarter of charities (26 per cent) report having cyber security breaches as well data showing fewer businesses are taking recommended cyber security measures.

TheCyber Security Breaches Survey 2021 report shows the cyber risk to organisations has been heightened because of the pandemic, which has made securing digital environments more challenging as organisational resources are diverted to facilitating home working for staff.

The government is now encouraging businesses,

charities and educational institutions to follow the free help and guidance from the UK cyber security experts at the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC). It includes advice on the secure use of video conferencing,secure home working and how to move your business from physical to digital.

Age verification technology to be trialled in shops, bars and restaurants Retailers, bars and restaurants will be able to check the age of customers buying alcohol and other restricted items with new technology.Both on and off licenced retailers, bars and restaurants have been invited to put forward proposals to trial new technology when carrying out age verification checks.

The pilots will explore how technology can strengthen current measures in place to prevent those under 18 from buying alcohol, reduce violence or abuse towards shop workers and ensure there are robust age checks on the delivery, click and collect or dispatch of alcohol.

Retailers will be able to submit applications online on gov.uk and will be required to provide detail on how the technology works and how they plan to test it.

Trials by successful applicants will begin in the summer and must be completed by April 2022.

Retailers can submit their proposals to trial digital age verification technology on gov.uk.

Access to new Markets Virtual Networking Herts Chamber have organised their next virtual networking event to continue to support its members and businesses across Hertfordshire in these challenging times.

Join the Herts Chamber on Wednesday 14th April at 11am and enjoy the powers of networking, providing the chance to meet with a variety of different business people in an informal atmosphere, to listen and share experiences whilst working remotely.

For further information and to book please visit https://my.hertschamber.com/ calendar_detail.html?eid =36D9A0F8-1420-4154 -A173-CE44F4D4CF47 or telephone 01707 502180 or email bookings@hertschamber.com

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Brilliant businesses in High Street need you After our amazingly successful piece in our last edition on Middle Row and the independent shops in that area, we have turned our focus on other shops in Stevenage High Street.

The shares and likes we have gained by putting these businesses in the spotlight has been amazing, so don't forget make sure if you need a product or a service which they offer head down to them and keep them in business in #Stevenage

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For r esult s t oday speak t o t he com m unicat ion exper t s at Spit f ir ePR Media rel at ions

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Ashr idge Est at e

# St evenage

PROPERTY The unique guide to property news in #Stevenage

#STEVENAGE PROPERTY: THE INTERACTIVE WAY TO VIEW YOUR AGENT

DURING THE COVID-19 OUTBREAK OUR AGENTS ARE OFTEN WORKING REM OTELY SO PLEASE M ESSAGE THEM AT THIS TIM E

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St ephen Harris and Michael Not schild est ablished Own Homes in 2008, operat ing as a successful, independent local St evenage est at e agent .

Here at Own Homes, we understand that each property and sale is individual and therefore tailor our service to suit your specific requirements.

We have prominent offices ideally situated in the heart of Stevenage Old Town. One in Middle Row covering lettings and mortgages and one on the High Street to deal with sales.

Our recent expansion and our double fronted office allows us the scope and ability to serve Stevenage and the surrounding residential areas.

Passionate in all we do, we pride ourselves on delivering the highest level of service.

Selling and letting a property can be a stressful time, which is why we go the extra mile to make your involvement with us as enjoyable and professional as possible.

Working in Hertfordshire for the past 10 years has enabled Own Homes to develop a comprehensive understanding of residential property in the local areas of Stevenage, Hitchin and surrounds.

We have an established an experienced team, on hand to work with you throughout the selling and buying process, ensuring personal contact is maintained from start to finish.

We use a number of marketing styles to ensure your property, whether you are selling or letting, gains maximum exposure and a smooth efficient sale. This includes advertising in local newspapers and glossy magazines, as well as Internet marketing. Our double fronted office also allows people to see

our properties in both windows.

To arrange a free valuation, or to find out more about Own Homes and the services we provide, simply call 01438 367753 or email sales@own-homes.com. You can also visit our office.

Awards In recognition of our outstanding service, we've been awarded two gold winner awards by the British Property Awards, one for being the top Estate Agent in Stevenage and another for the top Estate Agent in the South East. We're very proud of these awards as the Own Homes team has worked tirelessly to provide industry leading property services in and around the area.

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Homes and Mortgages Estate Agents are ready and waiting to help the Stevenage community with all its property needs, be it buying, selling or renting, Homes and Mortgages are committed to providing great value customer service for all our clients.

Situated in the heart of the historic Old Town and set over three floors, each department provides a professional, welcoming and comfortable environment for all of our customers. We have a team of 9 full time, experienced Sales and Lettings staff on hand to deal with any property enquiry.

W hat 's new? The rebranded branch and heavy investment in IT has set Homes and Mortgages up to stand out in 2017 and for the future. Our experienced and dedicated staff all share the same view in providing a fantastic customer experience and are heavily focused on the importance of transparency between ourselves and our customers.

The IT software is excellent at allowing vendors and Landlords 24/7 access to information regarding their property. At the click of a button, vendors can see feedback, current interest from web portals and can track the progress of a sale online. Likewise, Landlords have the option to view property maintenance schedules and access statements. mailt o:st evenage@homesand mort gages.co.uk

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61-63 High St r eet , St even age Tel 01438 316846

Founded by Tony Putterill in 1992, with our first office in Welwyn Garden City, Putterills are now celebrating 26 years of serving the Hertfordshire community.

We have grown from our original branch in Welwyn Garden City to having offices in Knebworth, Hitchin, Stevenage Old Town and St Albans, as well as a partner office in London?s Mayfair. Each of our sales offices are overseen by a Director who is actively involved in the day to day running; this helps to ensure that we are providing the highest possible levels of advice and service. All of these offices are prominently located to ensure all properties receive the best possible exposure.

In addition to our network of sales offices, we have an award winning Land and New Homes department.

Our specialists help landowners maximise the development opportunities for usually previously

w w w.pu t t er ills.co.u k

used land known as Brownfield, as the country struggles for space for new homes. We have always believed that our task is to provide our clients with the best, up to the minute, expert advice when dealing with what is usually their greatest asset.

Our clients have a wide range of emotions and circumstances and we help guide less experienced first time buyers, provide yield information and advice to investment buyers, schooling information to families, hold the hands of those who have not moved for many years and deal sensitively and professionally with those. Over the last few years, we are proud to have won a number of national awards which we believe underline our philosophy of being Trusted Property Experts.

2017 saw Tony Putterill retire and hand the reins of the company over to Mark Shearing. Mark has been in agency in Hertfordshire since 1982

and joined Putterills in 1993. As the company moves into a new era with changing markets, advances in property marketing and the use of technology, our aim is simple - to keep at the absolute forefront of full service Estate Agency and to continue the exceptional levels of service and advice that our clients have been able to rely on over the last 26 years.

Our primary purpose has always been to provide an outstanding customer experience and our core values continue to represent this: EXCEPTIONAL ? we are passionate about delivering excellence.

RESPECT ? we respect and value those we work with, both our colleagues and our customers.

EXPERTISE ? we deliver outstanding skills and knowledge in all we do.

TRUST ? we act with honesty and integrity at all times.

For a top service Text

rely on A-TOP A-Top Pr oper t y Let t in gs, 1 Dr aper s Way, St even age Tel 01438 369173

em ail con t act @a-t oplet t in g.co.u k

If you are looking for a t eam t hat you can t rust t o deliver t ime aft er t ime t hen A-Top Propert y Let t ings in Drapers Way, St evenage is t he one for you.

A-Top, which is owned by founder Mervyn Terret t , has gained an impressive reput at ion as t he go-t o agent for all your propert y needs whet her you are looking t o rent or are a landlord seeking t enant s. W it h a combined market experience of more t han 60 years, t he st aff at A-Top are t he most knowledgeable in t he business and along wit h advice on t he rent al market , t hey can also provide informat ion which allows cust omers t o make t he most informed choice possible. Over t he past 33 years t he t eam lead by Mervyn has seen t he local market undergo a wide number of changes, but t hrough t hem all A-Top and it s experienced st aff have always given t he very best and most informed service.

There have been plent y of changes which have alt ered t he let t ings landscape in St evenage. Through t hem all however t he reliabilit y of A-Top Propert y Let t ings has remained a const ant and t heir port folio of excellent landlords has increased dramat ically.

Comment ing on t he t eam Mervyn said: ?W hat once was a rarit y in t he UK i.e. rent ing, is now so common as a source of income/ invest ment for landlords and of mobilit y for professional working t enant s.

We are delight ed t o be able t o use our expert ise t o help bot h t enant s and landlords.?

For furt her det ails cont act 01438 369173 or email cont act @a-t oplet t ing.co.uk

Portfolio - for serviced apartments in #Herts Text

Tel 0800 0248 914

Booking a holiday is possibly one of the greatest feelings and counting down the days when you?re having an awful day at work or are just desperate to get away from home can seem like a joy, but there can be a downside. Hotels. While some people may see staying in a hotel like a dream, it can actually be a nightmare if you?ll be staying there for a long time, especially if on a business trip or secondment. With that said, here are the top reasons to stop staying in hotels for your business travel trips.

Limit ed Wardrobe Space Packing for a holiday or for a business trip puts you on one of two teams, you?re either naturally gifted and find it a breeze or it?s the worst part of the trip for you, but one thing unites these two camps ? limited hotel space.

If you love to pack an outfit for every possible occasion you will know how difficult it can be to cram your clothes into tiny hotel wardrobes, or even worse live out of a case. Staying in a serviced apartment fixes this and means you have a home away from home and all the storage you could need.

You feel like you?re t rapped Walking into a hotel room can at first glance feel wonderful, everything is conveniently within arm?s reach and for the first day you love it. Then the second day comes and the third day and by the fourth you feel like you almost can?t breathe.

Hotels just aren?t feasible for long periods of time or for anyone who likes a sense of space, after all, who wants to feel trapped by the same four walls for the entire of their trip?

Privacy? W hat privacy?

w w w.por t f olio-apar t m en t s.co.u k

Hotels may seem like a good idea for a romantic night away, but if you?re travelling with family or small children or even colleagues, then all sense of privacy goes straight out of the window when you?re all sharing a room just feet away from each other.

Forget staring dreamily into each other?s eyes when you wake up, you?ll probably be staring at a toddler who immediately wants to play or be woken by another family member?s snoring and that?s not even mentioning the housekeeper who always turns up at the most inconvenient times!

Serviced apartments let you have time to yourself no matter how many you have brought along for the trip, so you can sleep well and feel like you have privacy if you are all loved up.

Money money money!

Straight to the point hotels aren?t cheap.

Even for the savviest of spenders and the keenest bargin hunters, you may think booking your hotel means it?s all done, dusted and paid for but you will undoubtedly end up incurring extra fees.

Whether you give in to the lure of room-service with its extortionate service charges, or buy a film to keep energetic youngsters occupied, your bill when you check out can hit you like a smack in the face and leave you wanting a more affordable option.

Meals on wheels Speaking of room-service, while this may seem like a decadent treat on the first night, by the time you come back from a long day of exploring and are tired, it is so easy to have a burger brought straight to door along with its crazily hiked-up price and extra delivery charges. This can not only wreak havoc on your bank account,

but also on your waist-line and by the time you leave, the only thing that will be thinner is your wallet.

Serviced apartments absolutely win here, as having a fully equipped kitchen at your fingertips means it?s easy to rustle up something quick and delicious that will probably be healthier for you and will also save you money! If you want some tips on how to eat well when working away from home check out next weeks blog post, or check out our apartments to find out why it?s time to say goodbye to hotel hell and wake up to apartment heaven!

Though staying in a hotel may seem like the obvious option at first, there?s no denying that a serviced apartment brings with it a number of benefits that a hotel just can?t offer.

At Portfolio Serviced Apartments we specialise in providing luxury serviced apartments and temporary homes for corporate and business travellers. We offer a secure spacious base which can become a home from home for longer staying guests. Portfolio Apartments are located throughout all of Hertfordshire including Stevenage, Welwyn Garden City, St. Albans and Hatfield, whilst through our partners we have access to over 90,000 luxury apartments across the globe.

So whether it?s a placement in St Albans or a secondment in San Francisco, Portfolio is consistently the favoured choice for travelling professionals.

For more information,get in touch. Our team at Portfolio looks forward to helping you soon.

Give our friendly team a call on 0800 024 8914 (Mon ? Fri 9-6pm) or visit our website to view our modern serviced apartments.

101 High St r eet , St even age Tel 01438 231200 w w w.m ar k sim on est at es.co.u k pr oper t y@m ar k sim on est at es.co.u k

Partners with vast knowledge of the local area Text

Mark Simon Estates is an established Estate Agency situated at: 101 High Street, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, SG1 3HR. Here at MarkSimon Estates, we have over 40 years combined experience of Estate Agency within Stevenage and its surrounds.

Our Partners Mark Sollis & Simon Jacob both grew up in Stevenage and therefore have a vast knowledge of the area and its surrounds.

This in itself, is proving an invaluable asset to prospective Vendors and Purchasers seeking a property which meets both their needs and expectations in a home.

?To Mark, Many t hanks for all your hard work selling my house for us in Jessop Road. You went t he ext ra mile in so many ways. You always kept me well informed and I knew I could t rust you t o carry out everyt hing you promised.?

From H.

?To MarkSimon Est at es & your t eam, Thank you for being t here t o help us. ?

Mr K & Miss T

Click here for MarkSimon Twitter

?To Mike and everyone at MarkSimon Est at es, A Big t hank you for all your help selling our house, Best wishes.?

The W ?s

Click here for MarkSimon Facebook

The agent with more than 18 years experience Text

TLC est at es, 4 Bak er St r eet , St even age Tel 01438 219282

em ail let t in gs@t lcest at es.co.u k

TLC est at es is sit uat ed in t he delight ful set t ing of St evenage Old Town.

We pride ourselves on t he personal and professional services we offer t o all landlords and t enant s alike We offer very compet it ive rat es we are one of t he very few let t ing agent s only left in t he t own . W it h over 19 years of experience in t he St evenage market we are sure t o offer you t he best of services from under one roof.

Renowned for our open and honest approach ,TLC will give you t he full informat ion on t he market .

Many of our landlords and t enant s have been wit h us since we opened in 2000 and we are known for our close work wit h bot h.

Pop int o our Baker St reet off ice or give us a call and find out how TLC can help wit h your let t ings needs.

The Connells team that you can trust Text

8 M ar k et Place, St even age Tel 01438 318080

w w w.con n ells.co.u k

Connells Estate Agents in Stevenage are located in the Town Centre along Market Place, and within walking distance of the Train Station.

We would love to help you sell or rent your home or find a property to rent or buy in and around the Stevenage area, as well as the villiages Walkern, Knebworth, Little & Great Wymondley, Gravely & Aston.

Connells Estate Agents in Stevenage are managed by Gary Young. Gary has had a successful estate agency career over the last 20 years. Gary is supported by Callum Souter who is the Sales Executive with four years experience behind him, Oz Ansari who is the branch valuer, and Melanie Retberg the Branch Administrator.

Our in-house Mortgage Consultant Juliet Twining, is fully trained and qualified to advise you on the right mortgage product to suit your needs.

Connells Lettings would love to help you rent your property.

Lettings Manager Patricia Bowden has 10 year's experience within the Lettings industry and is assisted by Trainee Lettings Negotiator Ben Brooks. With their combined experience and extensive knowledge of the area and rental market, are always happy to offer their assistance to new and experienced buy to let investors and first time landlords

alike.

Whether you are looking to sell or rent your property, we offer FREE market appraisals. Please feel free to pop into the branch or call 01438 318080 (Sales) or 01438 318258 (Lettings).

We offer a range of property related services all under one roof.

In house Mortgage Consultant.

Premium Marketing Packages available including Floorplans, Professional Photography, audio tours, and premium listings on Rightmove & Zoopla We have pioneered a dedicated service called The Property Finder

- You tell us what you are looking for and we will find it We know how the Stevenage market moves - our staff are local and extremely knowledgeable.

Their in-depth and up to date local experience.

Over 10 years?worth of experience and knowledge within the local market.

A professional team providing services to suit all your needs including property management, accounts and high quality administration.

We accompany all viewings, we believe it is really important, we?ve been trained to do it so you get really good feedback.

Geoffrey Matthew property innovators Text

24 M ar k et Place, St even age Tel 01438 720100

w w w.geof f r eym at t h ew.co.u k

Geoffrey Mat t hew Est at es are a propert y business wit h offices in Harlow, St evenage and Great Ashby t hat specialise in t he sales and let t ing of resident ial propert y.

Over 25 years of experience in propert y and finance give us an unparalleled insight t o t he needs and desires of sellers, purchasers, landlords and t enant s alike.

W it h a dedicat ed, hardworking, innovat ive forward-t hinking t eam t hat use modern met hods and good old-fashioned cust omer service, we offer a unique bespoke service t ailored t o you.

Tel 01438 720100 w w w.geof f r eym at t h ew.co.u k