#Stevenage February 2021

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February 2021

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Let'sface it, January isalwaysa slog, but thisyear it has been more of a trial than ever.

Asdeath ratesrose following Christmas, the lockdown clearly hit hard and there is no sign that it will end in February.

It lookslike at least March until lighter nights, warmer weather and a relaxing of restrictionswill herald new hope.

Until then, there isstill plenty in #Stevenage to applaud. A big hand to those working in and supporting the NHS

- we're delighted to see Stevenage FC launching a campaign in support. And then we have the home schoolers, parentsdoing a remarkable job, as amazing asthe teacherswho are keeping going through all this.

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

Understanding the lockdown impact on domestic abuse As the UK endures its third lockdown in the fight against coronavirus, the Government message could not be clearer ? stay at home and save lives.

But for victims of domestic abuse, staying at home with the person they are most frightened of could have the opposite effect. It could cost them their life.

Coronation Street famously highlighted the subject in a recent storyline featuring joint restaurant owners Geoff Metcalfe and his partner Yasmeen Nazir. It had a rare but not unfamiliar twist of the victim hitting back at her tormentor and killing him, out of fear for her own survival.

But there are a great many other scenarios that play out in real life. And the worrying aspect is that it can so often be hidden even from close family, workmates or neighbours. And it is not always women that are the victims.

And one of the unintended consequences of lockdown is that the many organisations out there to help victims of domestic abuse are having their work made more difficult by Covid restrictions.

Jess Phillips MP, Shadow Minister for Domestic Violence and Safeguarding, says it has never been more important for people to ?make domestic abuse

their business?because victims have ?never been more at risk?.

She has spoken out about the ?domestic abuse epidemic?and says: ?Domestic abuse during Covid-19 has become an epidemic during a pandemic.

"We have a support sector on its knees because of the pandemic and the strain it has put on the services available to women who are suffering.?

In April 2020, during the first lockdown, it was reported that the National Domestic Abuse helpline had seen a 25% in calls. On a single day that month, calls to the helpline were up by 120%. ?The sector was already in crisis, even before the pandemic we know that 60% of victims were being turned away by refuge service because there simply wasn?t enough resource,?Jess says. ?That is why it is so important for everyone to make domestic abuse their business. We all need to get comfortable with asking questions. Ask your friends, family and colleagues, ?is everything ok at home??

Educate yourself about what a healthy relationship is and should look and sound like."

It is a message shared by local organisations such as

the highly-regarded SADA (Survivors Against Domestic Abuse, which now has 16 'Safe Spaces' for victims of domestic abuse.

The Safe Space offers a haven to victims, survivors and their families fleeing domestic abuse by providing a location to make what can often be life changing decisions. Each is fully furnished and is available for up to seven days.

SADA has Safe Spaces across Hertfordshire ? with the service running in Stevenage, North Herts, Welwyn Hatfield and East Herts ? and operating under the name Stevenage Against Domestic Abuse inside Stevenage. The first Safe Space opened in Stevenage in 2017, and the 16th is in North Herts.

Councillor Sharon Taylor, Leader of Stevenage Borough Council and Chair of SADA, said: ?I am immensely proud of the work SADA does, and the opening of our latest Safe Space means we?re able to help even more victims of domestic abuse and their families. ?The need for support and accommodation is still essential, and the service is averaging 21 referrals every week. The team works hard to support clients by working co-operatively with partners, including the police and housing associations.?

Domestic abuse takes on many forms, from physical violence to coercive control. But you can throw the following into the mix: Sexual Violence.

Emotional Violence.

Psychological Violence.

Spiritual Violence.

Cultural Violence.

Verbal Abuse.

Financial Abuse.

The charity Women's Aid define domestic abuse as "an incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening, degrading and violent behaviour, including sexual violence, in the majority of cases by a partner or ex-partner, but also by a family member or carer. It is very common. In the vast majority of cases it is experienced by women and is perpetrated by men."

Domestic abuse is a crime which is deeply rooted in the societal inequality between men and women.

Toni (not her real name) suffered abuse in a former relationship from which she broke free eventually. She undertook a group course on the recommendation of a counsellor.

"There's a stereotype around what it means to be a victim of abuse," she says.

"Growing up, I would always have said: 'Sure I wouldn't stay with somebody, sure if they lifted their hand to you, why would you stay? What kind of woman would stay? It's stupid.' And it was only after my own experience that I realised it's not about why women stay.

"Quite often they are staying because they believe they can fix that broken person because people who perpetrate abuse, they're very clever, they're very manipulative."

Toni says that it took her time to realise that she needed to break free from the man who was doing harm to her. "The first few times that there was physical violence, I was very concerned - obviously for my own well-being but these people are manipulative, I was more concerned for his well-being.

And that's just crazy to think that, but you do. You end up feeling sorry for that person."

Women in that situation often feel they can't get away because of the practicalities and lockdown makes that harder: packing a bag, or even packing for the kids too, and getting out of the house. Toni said she got away by telling her partner she was going out to buy him cigarettes.

For some, lockdown is used as an excuse to stay in an abusive relationship.

That was Debbie's experience (also not her real name). ?The abuse was going to happen anyway,?she says. ?Having the excuse of there?s nowhere to go, there?s nothing to do, didn?t help.?

And it is not just a British disease. Surveys around the world have shown domestic abuse spiking since January 2020 - jumping markedly year over year

St even age Bor ou gh Cou n cil an d Nor t h Her t s Dist r ict Cou n cil u n it e t o f igh t dom est ic abu se

compared to the same period in 2019.

According to the United Nations group U.N. Women, when the pandemic began, incidents of domestic violence increased 300% in Hubei, China; 25% in Argentina, 30% in Cyprus, 33% in Singapore and 50% in Brazil.

the LGBTQ community likelier to be employed in highly affected industries like education, restaurants, hospitals and retail, according to the Human Rights Campaign Foundation. That means higher stress and, concomitantly, the higher risk that that stress will explode into violence.

The UK, where calls to domestic violence hotlines have soared too since the pandemic hit, was shaken last June by the death of Amy-Leanne Stringfellow, 26, a mother of one and a veteran of the war in Afghanistan, allegedly at the hands of her 45-year-old boyfriend.

As with so many things, communities of colour are affected more severely too, with systemic inequities often meaning lower income and less access to social and private services. While one in three white women report having experienced domestic violence [during the pandemic], the rates of abuse increased dramatically to about 50% and higher for those marginalized by race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship status, and cognitive physical ability, according to one UK survey.

And as the pandemic has dragged on, so too has the abuse. Just as the disease continues to claim more lives, quarantine-linked domestic violence is claiming more victims - and not just women in heterosexual relationships. Intimate partner violence occurs in same-sex couples at rates equal to or even higher than the rates in opposite sex partners.

The economic challenges of the pandemic have hit same-sex couples especially hard, with members of

Not everyone can make the clean escape Debbie did, with the usual options for trapped women, like calling hotlines, even less available. How much harder is it for them to call when their abuser is quarantining with them as well, sitting on the couch next to them or in the other room?

Even if it?s possible to call a shelter, in times of pandemic it can be difficult to secure a bed in one, as social distancing has forced such facilities to reduce their capacity to limit the risk of spreading the virus.

That's why the work of SADA is so important.

With safe harbours cut off, more and more people are left suffering what the UN calls ?a shadow pandemic? of domestic abuse. Only later will the full result of the third lockdown be known.

Isolation has always been one of the most powerful weapons in the abuser?s arsenal. At first the attention seems benign, even caring, with abusers burrowing themselves deeper and deeper into the victim?s daily life. Only later, does the darker purpose become evident. Before long, the abuser no longer likes the victim's friends, no longer allows the victim to go shopping alone.

When there?s little to no time apart, such abuse can grow worse, quickly. Even with the difficulty many victims have had phoning hotlines during the pandemic, calls from people experiencing domestic violence in the U.K. jumped 200% in the spring of 2020 according to Refuge, a U.K.-based domestic violence charity.

People who could not safely make a call began finding other ways to reach out? slipping off to the bathroom with their smartphones with them and texting instead, reports Caroline Bradbury-Jones, a professor of gender-based violence and health at the University of Birmingham Abusers are exceedingly good manipulators, toggling between threats and wheedling, often pleading for forgiveness and promising to do better in the future.

Those strategies can be effective at all times, but during the pandemic, they have particular power since quarantining and related problems like job loss are legitimate challenges.

Women who have managed to leave abusive relationships in the past year have often, somewhat paradoxically, found quarantining helpful in their recovery.

Lockdowns don?t just prevent the victims from going out, after all, they also keep the abuser at home, providing an obstacle that can help prevent former partners from reconnecting.

Jess Phillips - cousin of Kevin Phillips, the former England footballer from Stevenage - spent years working for Women?s Aid, has dedicated her career to lobbying the government to provide better support and provision for victims and survivors.

In her role as Shadow Minister, Jess has played a vital part in ensuring the Domestic Abuse Bill, which was finally passed through the House of Commons last year and is now in the House of Lords, outlines a statutory duty on local authorities to provide accommodation for those who need to escape abuse. ?I never thought I would win that battle,?she said. ?I wanted to do cartwheels outside the Houses of Parliament when I got that news! ?Your local council has to provide bins and they have to provide adult and children?s social care. Up until that Bill was passed through the House of Commons, those were the only two statutory duties local councils had. All I wanted was for women to matter as much as bins. It was a very proud moment.?

But there is still a long way to go and long-term funding is needed for other services, says Jess. ?We are slowly but surely winning the battle and it is a step in the right direction that local authorities have to provide refuge for women victims. The harder battle is getting government funding for community support services.?

But Jess remains positive that things are moving in the right direction and credits the global pandemic for shining a light on domestic abuse. ?I think the pandemic has really helped the public to understand what it would be like to be a victim of domestic abuse. We all now have a better understanding of what isolation feels like, what it means to be locked in our homes and how scary it can be to have nowhere else to turn.?

Stevenage FC match action

Tu esday, Febr u ar y 2, EFL Leagu e Division Tw o St even age FC 0 Exet er Cit y 1

Sat u r day, Jan u ar y 30, EFL Leagu e Division Tw o Gr im sby 1 St even age FC 2

Sat u r day, Jan u ar y 23, EFL Leagu e Division Tw o Exet er Cit y 3 St even age FC 1

Boro backing the NHS Stevenage Football Club is pleased to announce its continuing support for the East and North Hertfordshire Hospitals?Charity?s #HereForEachOther appeal which was first launched in March 2020 to support NHS staff and patients in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

delivered over 15,000 sandwiches to staff at the Lister Hospital, but due to current restrictions, visitors are not allowed onto the site. The Trust team will work with the on-site catering team to provide the refreshments, allowing everyone to stay at home, stop the spread of the virus and protect the NHS.

The NHS Trust which manages the Lister, New QEII, Hertford County Hospital and Mount Vernon Cancer Centre is continuing to work incredibly hard to deliver extraordinary care to local patients under extreme and unprecedented conditions.

A £10 donation could help fund over 3 ?Smile Packages?as a way of saying thank you to NHS staff.

This small gesture will make a world of difference to the staff and will let them know they are being supported by the local community.

Stevenage Football Club recognises the NHS?s phenomenal hard work and continual efforts, so is are calling on the local community to get behind their fundraising appeal to purchase complimentary snack boxes and hot drinks, to boost staff morale during this difficult time.

There are just over 6000 staff members within our local NHS Trust so we would love to raise in the region of £12,000 so we can send a thank you to all of our Heroes.

During the Summer, Stevenage Football Club

To donate visit www.enhhcharity.org.uk/hereforeachother or text HERE4EACHOTHER to 70085 to donate £5.

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 ÂŁ19 (or ÂŁ17 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 ÂŁ4,000 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

Hub offers support for Mental Health Week Young People?s Healthy Hub offering support during Children?s Mental Health Week During Children?s Mental Health Week ? running from 1-7 February ? the Stevenage Young People?s Healthy Hub (YPHH) is highlighting the mental health support that is available.

The online Young People?s Healthy Hub focuses on providing specific advice to young people, aged between 11-16 years, during this difficult time.

Place2Be launched the first ever Children?s Mental Health Week in 2015 to shine a spotlight on the importance of children and young people?s mental health.

The YPHH is working with Mind in Mid Herts to offer free one-to-one counselling sessions virtually. The sessions will begin on Tuesday 2 February, and will allow young people to seek the tailored help and advice for mental health related concerns from a trained counsellor.

The hub also has a range of referral partners where young people can go for further help and support, including Kooth, Just Talk Herts and Healthy Young Minds in Herts.

Councillor Richard Henry, Executive Member for Children, Young People, Leisure and Culture, said: ?The Young People?s Healthy Hub is here to offer advice and support to young people during Children?s Mental Health Week and beyond. So if you, or a young person you know, may be struggling during this difficult time please get in touch with the hub today for personalised help. ?Mental health is complex and can be impacted by many different factors ? and being active, self-care and learning new skills all feed into our wellbeing. The hub provides a wide range of health and wellbeing advice and courses that all have the ability to improve mental health, with more planned for the future, so please keep an eye on our website for updates.?

For more information, please visit: www.stevenage.gov.uk/ leisure-culture-and-wellbeing/ health-and-wellbeing/young-peoples-healthy-hub or call 0781015485 or email yphealthyhub@stevenage.gov.uk The hub is open Tuesday-Thursday, from 3.30-6.30pm.

Fully funded courses to support workforce are now available Stevenage Borough Council in partnership with The Tess Group and Serco, delivery partner for Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) are supporting fully funded courses to support businesses in Stevenage through the Skills Support for the Workforce (SSW) programme.

The Skills Support for the Workforce (SSW) programme is delivered by Serco and has been developed to upskill employees within small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Hertfordshire.

The Tess Group is part of Serco?s network of training providers chosen to deliver training in Stevenage and across Hertfordshire.

The following courses will be available to support local businesses: 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. Attendees will

benefit from understanding: - How Social Media fits in to the objectives and marketing of a business

- How you can use technology to communicate professionally - How to blog and interact with your audience online.

- How to select social media tools and channels for a business

Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Retail Operations

- How to measure success using tools and channels

This is ideal for those wanting to expand their knowledge within the retail sector and can assist to support the basics of selling and the customer retail experience. Attendees will benefit from:

- 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 such a fast pace, 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. Attendees will benefit from the following: - How Social Media fits in to the objectives and marketing of a business - How to select social media tools and channels for a business - How to measure success using tools and channels - 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 - How to use cross platform marketing strategies (Twitter/ Facebook/Instagram) - Communicating socially and professionally using technology - Applying digital skills in personal and business situations - Using digital resources to facilitate career progression - Use search engines and social media platforms to find the data

- 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 All three courses will be run virtually, providing flexibility to the attendee and are available week commencing 8 February 2021 or 22 February 2021.

To register your interest, please email info@thetessgroup.com to start the enrolment process.

The Skills Support for the Workforce (SSW) programme is co-financed by the Education and Skills Funding Agency and the European Social Fund and a wide array of training options are available to your businesses at no cost.

Cllr Lloyd Briscoe, Portfolio Holder for Economy, Enterprise and Transport said ?Stevenage Borough Council is fully committed in supporting its business community. We are delighted to be supporting the SSW Programme in partnership with The Tess Group, Serco and Hertfordshire LEP, as part of the council?s economic recovery programme to support local businesses to access support to up-skill, re-train and create inclusive employment to support access to good quality jobs for all. We do hope local businesses take up this opportunity, to support their business and their employees, in these most challenging of times.?

For further information please email economic.development@stevenage.gov.uk

Stevenage Striders January update on challenges undertaken to the club over the years. Also, Chrissie

St even age St r ider s

Thomas has inherited the task of ladies?

Pr ess Release ?

captain from Esperanza Castro with Ally Brown joining in as her vice captain.

Jan u ar y 2021

Normally at this time of year the club would be planning its AGM for later in

Clu b New s:

February. However, the present Welcome all to a new year.

Unfortunately this year begins as the old one ended i.e. under lockdown restrictions meaning that organised club sessions are suspended until further notice and, sadly, real races with real runners are still not happening. With the next

committee has agreed to defer this event for (probably) six months when, hopefully, normality has returned. One idea being considered is that the AGM could be part of a social summer gathering e.g. a barbecue. All fingers are crossed.

government review scheduled for mid February and a very slim possibility that schools may reopen in early March it is unlikely that club training will resume for a while.

On a brighter note, the committee is pleased to announce that annual renewals are complete with the club now consisting of 181 subscribed members. As expected, there has been a decrease but already in 2021 we have had two new members. So, a big Strider welcome to Archie Sayer and to Katie Millman.

Even t s, ch allen ges an d ach ievem en t s With formal races on hold many members have still managed to put in a full month of running and activity. Well done to all Striders getting out and about in challenging and demanding circumstances. There have been some great posts to the members?Facebook group too. It?s a great way to share your running adventure with other members so, if you?re not already a member, ask to join.

On the committee too there has been some changes with Karl Hudson taking over the role of

Here are some of the notable achievements...

club welfare officer from Lisa Liversidge and Julie

Tony Castro and Amy Anderson both completed a

Kempson replacing Sandra Howes as the club

5 km for their ?HeRan?and ?SheRan?challenge.

membership secretary. We are indebted to both

Kelly-Marie Daly completed the RED January

Lisa and Sandra for their contribution and service

challenge to be active every day completing 200km with 114 km of running and the remaining

Jan u ar y St ep Ch allen ge - t h e r esu lt s ar e in !

distance walking.

Nine teams of seven completed in this fun event Phil Deaves completed 175 miles for the January Race at Your Pace challenge. Esperanza Castro likewise with 150 miles in the bag. Esperanza also completed the RED January challenge.

designed to motivate and encourage running or walking during these challenging and difficult times. The committee is grateful to Paula Sparks for the organisation.

Rachel Hall completed both the Harry Potter Wizard 5 km and 10 km virtual events.

In total the teams completed over 22 million steps

Paula Heyes completed 100 km for a January ?this

in the four weeks of the challenge. The highest

girl runs?challenge by being active every day.

individual step count in one day went to Stacie

Sarah Goodyear has completed a very respectable 100 km of walking in January for a Strava challenge.

Whitelaw with 55,477 followed closely by Esperanza Castro with 53,029. Stacie consistently did over 220k steps each week. Well done Super Stepper!

Jim Callaghan completed 200 km of running for Dry January including a PB for his second half marathon.

The winning team is The Red Hot Chilli Steppers (3,345,852) who managed to hold off fierce

Paula and Donna Sparks are both raising funds for the Essex and Herts Air Ambulance with both undertaking to run/walk the 874 miles from Land?s End to John o'Groats. Kelly-Marie Daly is

competition from We Are Not A Walking Club (3,252,290) in second place followed by Happy Feet (2,910, 307) in third. Well done everyone who took part.

attempting this too. Good luck ladies.

There will be a new challenge in February. Again, Stacy Maria Benn managed 105 km this month for no other reason other than the joy of running!

this will be a team event and likely to be a distanced based challenge/race for predominantly running but walking too. Details to be announced

M id Week Leagu e 2021

later.

In past years the MWL has been a popular event for the club. It gives our members a chance to run

Su r plu s k it f or sale

a timed 10 km over several different venues

For those who might need a spare training top,we

against other clubs?runners in the local(ish) area.

still have a limited number of the coveted green

Our club attendance has always been good.

Maybe that was because of the social element i.e. cake and nibbles which always concluded each

t-shirts remaining from the 2019 Stevenage 10k for both male and female styles in various sizes (S, M, L, XL).

meeting. Alas, the series was cancelled in 2020

These are currently available for sale at the special

due to Covid-19.

price of ÂŁ5 each + ÂŁ2.50 pp (where posting is

This year remains uncertain but we are in contact

required). Delivery to the Stevenage area is free.

with the organisers who had their pre-AGM

Please email club@stevenagestridersrc.org.uk with

committee meeting in January. We will keep

your name, gender, size and address and we will

Striders posted as to what to expect in 2021.

get back to you ASAP with availability and details

Fingers crossed that there may be some events.

of how to pay.

Fairlands Valley Spartans - End of January update There may be no live races, with all the restrictions, but there are many opportunities to take part in virtual events or enjoy training runs in ones and twos.

Fly 5K Although it was about zero degrees dry surfaces, sunshine and a lack of wind meant some good times were likely for those running their Fly 5K virtual race in Stevenage on Saturday morning.

Fairlands Valley Spartans had three new runners ? Brian White, Michael Andrews and Tessa Stephenson ? who helped to bring them up to nine participants.

In her first Fly 5K TESSA STEPHENSON was 229th in 32:16; LIZ CARVELL was 235th in 32:35; and BETH FOLEY, running her second Fly 5K, was 258th in 37:04.275 times were recorded.

As well as the Fly 5Ks several other 5K times were recorded in (not) Parkruns which do not have to be run on Saturday morning.On Thursday PAUL JENNINGS took 29:05; on Friday NICOLA ANDERSSON finished in 31:30 while on Saturday there was MARIAN MORLEY in 25:35 and JUDY KING in 34:31.

And on Sunday it snowed? ?

USA Done Now It ?s Canada

There was a Spartan one two in the male 65 plus category with BRIAN WHITE first, and 31st overall, with 21 minutes 12 seconds and JIM BROWN maintaining his second place from last week and 94th overall with 24:39.

Virtually nothing stops Fairlands Valley Spartans and they have now run nearly 16,000 miles in their race across North America. Lockdown 2 - Briefly Tier 3 - Now Tier 4 and they continue into 2021.

NICK KLEANTHOUS was next in 28:21 at 165th.MICHAEL ANDREWS teamed up with PAUL HOLGATE to come 173rd equal with 28 minutes 43 seconds ? a new Fly 5K personal best for Paul.

Having covered the USA they are now in Canada.Having completed the Winnipeg Marathon they are heading for Regina in Saskatchewan, which also has a marathon.

PENNY SCHENKEL chipped 29 seconds off last week?s time to come 200th exactly in thirty minutes exactly.

On Saturday, day 77 of their virtual relay, they completed 313 miles with 55 members posting a distance.The total distance covered so far in 15,879 miles.

On and Off Road Challenge There are just a few days for Spartans to run their off road part of the club?s on and off road challenge.They were encouraged to run a 5K and/or 5 miles in November and then see how close they could get off road in December or January.

To join the Spartans visit www.fvspartans.org.uk Parkrun Roundup 23rd January 2021 Parkruns, the popular free Saturday morning 5K runs, have restarted in some other countries with a recent Saturday seeing more than 27,500 participants across 218 events, in five countries.There were 1,640 who walked, jogged, ran or volunteered with us for the very first time. Not yet in the UK. Fairlands Valley Spartans and many others are looking forward to the 200th Stevenage Parkrun which will be the first local parkrun when the events can restart. The 199th parkrun was on Saturday 14th March.It?ll be some party when they restart.

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.To join the Spartans visit www.fvspartans.org.uk now.

Helping to highlight the endangered animals CRITICALLY ENDANGERED ANIMALS - AN ILLUSTRATED CHILDREN?S BOOK THAT MAKES THE PERFECT EDUCATION TOOL. The beautifully illustrated book, ?Critically Endangered Animals?is the perfect learning resource for KS2 children who want to learn about animals that we need to save from extinction This fun and interactive book was created as part of artist Sally Taylor?s Master?s Degree in Illustration.

Her first children?s book, this colourful paperback is illustrated with endangered animals, and features augmented reality. Children aged 7 to 11 years old can

use this book to learn more about the animals which we risk losing from the natural environment if they are not protected, whilst hitting important curriculum objectives around environmental education. ?My keen interest in environmental issues led me to research how much danger animals are now in; through the effects of climate changes, deforestation, poaching and trafficking. I felt I wanted to raise awareness of those animals at greatest risk,??says Sally.

Using the Worldwide Fund for Nature?s critically endangered list as a basis, Sally grouped animals by

other animals which use technology to help teach about the natural world which she plans to release during 2021.

ABOUT SALLY Sally Taylor is an artist, business woman and environmentalist based in Hitchin, Hertfordshire. She graduated in 1979 with a BA (HONS) in textile design, showcasing animals in printed and knitted textiles.

Her love of art and natural creativity continued throughout her career, from running creative studios for both 3M (UK) PLC and GlaxoWellcome, to setting up her own environmental awareness business in 2014. After 7 years of helping businesses with their environmental marketing, and bringing ?green? thinking into the mainstream of business working, Sally set up her current studio, Sallyann Designs. She now spends much of her time illustrating and using her networking and marketing skills to work with other artists in Hertfordshire. She recently graduated with a Master?s Degree in Illustration from the University of Hertfordshire. breed such as the Rhinoceros with 3 varieties critically endangered, and Orangutans of which one distinct breed was only found in 2017. This breed is already critically endangered as they live in one area of Northern Sumatra where a dam is being proposed to bring hydroelectricity. ??How we treat the inhabitants of our world is so important. We can look in our own back gardens and find insects or plants that may not be around for future generations to enjoy, and most, if not all, have an important part to play in our ecosystem which ultimately keep us alive too,??Sally reminds us. ?Critically Endangered Animals?offers readers information and amazing illustrations of each animal, along with information about the charities working to save them. In addition, the book takes advantage of augmented reality with three pages linked to stop motion animation which can be accessed via a downloadable app. This feature enhances the learning that the book offers; offering excitement and fun.

Available on Amazon or via Sally?s website,www.sallyanndesigns.co.uk, ?Critically Endangered Animals?is a fun and engaging tool for teachers and home-schooling parents everywhere.

Sally is working on a range of illustrated books on

Book purchase link: https://sallyanndesigns.co.uk/ product/an-illustratedbook-of-critically-endangered-animals/ Social media links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ SallyannTaylorDesigns Twitter: https://twitter.com/SallyJTaylor Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ sallyannjtaylor/ Website link: www.sallyanndesigns.co.uk

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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 Please find the latest support available from Stevenage Borough Council and partners in these most challenging of times. Can we kindly remind you that the Additional Restrictions Grant, administered

by Stevenage Borough Council to support those businesses that have not been previously supported by grant funding is open for applications.

Export Europe: E-Commerce - Digital Routes to Europe for Consumer Goods Trading with India through a pandemic and beyond Funding Support Addit ional Rest rict ions Grant

Development of t he Digit al Securit y by Design Soft ware Ecosyst em

The Additional Restrictions Grants (ARG Discretionary) scheme, administered by Stevenage Borough Council is now open for applications and will support businesses that were not previously supported by the Small Business Grant Scheme, the Retail, Leisure and Hospitality and the Discretionary grant scheme. The Additional Restrictions Grant Scheme supports those businesses that were forced to close as a result of the lock down, as well at those businesses that have been severely impacted by pandemic.

Manufact uring Made Smart er Innovat ion Hub ?

Smart Fact ory EoI

The following 8 categories will be supported by the scheme:

SMEs t ransforming food product ion: series A invest or part nership

·Supplier or manufacturing to retail, hospitality and leisure industry or events businesses

East ern New Energy Programme

·Charities (not shops which are closed)

·Government Announcement

·Other (businesses mandated to close, but without business rates) for example mobile hair dressers and beauticians

·Funding Support Addit ional Rest rict ions Grant Christ mas Support Payment for wet -led pubs Hert fordshire Business Funding Eureka Eurost ars 2: round 15 Innovat e UK Smart Grant s: November 2020

Furlough and Business Loans schemes extended Stevenage and the remainder of Hertfordshire will go into Tier 3: Very High alert on Saturday 19 December Changes to the self-isolation period Business evictions ban extended until March ·EU Transition ·checks to see whether HGVs are ready to cross the border

·Other - businesses with or without business rates, not mandated to close but severely affected ·Church halls which usually have a regular rental income - without business rates that have remained closed during lockdown (previously excluded) ·Businesses with a Rateable Value over £51K (to top up mandatory scheme cases only) ·Taxi drivers (self-employed)

·Job Opportunities to support Mass testing

·Market traders (without business rates - regularly trading in Stevenage)

·Access to New Markets

Applications close on 3 January 2021.

For further information please visithttps://www.stevenage.gov.uk/business-and -licensing/covid-19-support-for-businesses/ additional-restrictions-grants-arg-discretionary Christ mas Support Payment for wet -led pubs The Government has now published guidance for the Christmas Support Payment (CSP) support for wet-led pubs that have been severely impacted over the Christmas period due to temporary local restrictions.

Pubs may be eligible if they: ·are based in England ·derive less than 50% of sales from food ·are in an area subject to Tier 2 or Tier 3 local restrictions since 2 December 2020 ·were established before 1 December 2020 For further information please visithttps://www.gov.uk/guidance/check-if-youreeligible-for-the-christmas-support-payment-

for-wet-led-pubs Hertfordshire Business Funding Low Carbon Innovation Fund 2: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: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:grants of up to £5,000 for small/micro businesses in tourism, leisure, hospitality, retail, arts and culture Hertfordshire Business Expansion Grant Scheme:grants of £10k - £100k to incentivise SME investment in capital equipment to support growth and improve productivity

Other Funding: Eureka Eurost ars 2: round 15 UK SMEs can apply for a share of up to £2.5 million to collaborate in research with partners across Europe and associated countries.

This competition is aimed atmicro, small or medium sized enterprises(SMEs) working on high-quality research and development (R&D) projects across national borders.

Development of t he Digit al Securit y by Design Soft ware Ecosyst em UK registered SMEs can apply for a share of up to £1.5 million for fast-start short-term projects. Funding is to investigate requirements for adoption of Digital Security by Design (DSbD) technologies across the software development ecosystem.

Eligibility This competition is open to single applicants only.

·These enterprises often find it difficult to attract public-sector funding.EUREKA Eurostarswas set up to overcome this barrier to innovation. With its market-led approach, it encourages international collaborative research and innovation projects that will be rapidly commercialised.

To lead a project you must be a UK registered micro, small or medium-sized enterprise (SME).

·Eurostars supports SMEs in leading international collaborative research and innovation projects by helping them get access to guidance and funding.

UK registered businesses and research organisations can apply for up to £20 million from ISCF to set up and run a smart factory innovation hub.

·A Eurostars project must have a civilian purpose and be aimed at the development of a new product, process or service.

Eligibility

·Projects must be led by a research-performing SME. Competition is now open and closes on Thursday 4 February 2021 7:00pm. For further information visit https://apply-for-innovation-funding.service .gov.uk/competition/814/overview Innovate UK Smart Grants: November 2020 Opportunity for UK registered organisations to apply for a share of up to £25 million from Innovate UK to deliver disruptive R&D innovations that can significantly impact the UK economy.

Eligibility To lead a project your organisation must: be a UK registered business of any size or a research and technology organisation (RTO) be, or collaborate with, at least one micro, small or medium-sized enterprise(SME) carry out your research and development (R&D) project activity in the UK intend to commercially exploit the project results from the UK The competition closes 20 January 2021.

Competition closes on 13 January 2021 Manufacturing Made Smarter Innovation Hub ? Smart Factory EoI

This competition is open to single applicants and collaborations. To lead a project your organisation must be one of the following: a UK registered business of any size a UK registered research organisation research and technology organisation (RTO) charity not-for-profit public sector organisation academic institution Competition closes 13 January 2021. For further information please visit https://apply-for-innovation-funding.service.gov.uk /competition/793/overview SMEs t ransforming food product ion: series A invest or part nership UK registered SMEs that are transforming food production towards net zero can apply for a share of up to £5 million in grant support. This must align with a series A investment. The grant funding is from the Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund.

This competition will support UK registered micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The SMEs must be aspiring to transform food production

through experimental development projects that are closer to market.

UK registered SMEs will receive: grant funding aligned investment funding from the programme?s pool of lead investors The grant funding is from the Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund (ISCF) Transforming Food Production challenge.

As well as investment, the lead investors in the pool can provide you with commercial acumen, such as: leadership market access skills resources Competition closes on Wednesday 13 January 2021 11:00am. For further information please visit https://apply-for-innovation-funding.service .gov.uk/competition/771/overview East ern New Energy Programme The Eastern New Energy programme aims to build a stronger Local Energy and Low Carbon Economy in the East of England.

The SME Grant Scheme aims to provide grants to eligible small and medium-sized businesses, to help catalyse capital investments in energy efficiency initiatives. This will support businesses with reduced operating costs, increased competitiveness, business growth and resilience. Projects seeking a grant must have a beneficial impact in terms of reduced energy use, improved energy efficiency and/or renewable energy generation. Up to 25% of eligible capital costs are available, with a maximum grant of up to £60,000.

Eligibility: ·Must have less than 250 employees ·Annual turnover less than ?50million/annual balance sheet below ?43 million ·Have received less than ?200,000 State Aid within last 3years ·Some sectors not eligible (i.e. agriculture) What support is available?

·Grant Funding ·Energy Reviews: Free, impartial, independent advice from an energy advisor ·Site Visit to identify key energy efficiency improvement opportunities and renewable energy generation potential with concise report including; §key recommendations §indicative costs §pay back periods §Follow-up support Energy Reviews Include: ·Building Energy Use ·Space heating and hot water ·Ventilation. ·Cooling ?air conditioning ·Lighting ·Process Energy Use ·Process heating ?boilers, furnaces, dryers ·Compressed air generation and use ·Electric motors ?conveyors and pumps ·Process cooling and refrigeration ·Computers ·The Building:Construction materials, Insulation ? wall and pipes, Building condition ?age and fabric; Openings ? doors, windows ·Installed Systems ·Boiler service needs/history/Local temperature controls. ·Renewable Energy Systems:Solar PV, Heat Pumps, Wind For further information visit https://www.uel.ac.uk/sri/eastern-new-energy or telephone an adviser on 01733 882549 or email ene@pect.org.uk Government Announcements Furlough and Business Loans schemes extended The furlough scheme has been extended until the end of April 2021 with the government continuing to contribute 80% towards wages.

The government-guaranteed Covid-19 business loan schemes will also be extended until the end of March.

visitor attractions at film studios, heritage sites such as castles and stately homes

These changes come ahead of the Budget, which will take place on 3 March 2021.

landmarks including observation decks and viewing platforms

Stevenage and the remainder of Hertfordshire will go into Tier 3: Very High alert on Saturday 19 December

·leisure and sports facilities may continue to stay open, but group exercise classes (including fitness and dance) should not go ahead.

In Tier 3: ·hospitality settings, such as bars (including shisha venues), pubs, cafes and restaurants will have to close but are permitted to continue sales by takeaway, click-and-collect, drive-through or delivery services. ·accommodation such as hotels, B&Bs, campsites, and guest houses must also close. There are several exemptions, such as for those who use these venues as their main residence, and those requiring the venues where it is reasonably necessary for work or education and training ·indoor entertainment and tourist venues must close.

This includes: indoor play centres and areas, including trampolining parks and soft play casinos bingo halls bowling alleys skating rinks amusement arcades and adult gaming centres laser quests and escape rooms cinemas, theatres and concert halls snooker halls indoor attractions at mostly outdoor entertainment venues must also close (indoor shops, through-ways and public toilets at such attractions can remain open). This includes indoor attractions within: zoos, safari parks, and wildlife reserves aquariums, visitor attractions at farms, and other animal attractions model villages

·there should be no public attendance at spectator sport or indoor public attendance at spectator sport or indoor performances and large business events is not permitted. Elite sport events may continue to take place without spectators large outdoor events (performances and shows) are not permitted weddings and funerals can go ahead with restrictions on the number of attendees ? 15 people can attend wedding ceremonies, wedding receptions are not permitted, 30 people can attend funeral ceremonies, 15 people can attend linked commemorative events organised outdoor sport, and physical activity and exercise classes can continue, however higher-risk contact activity are not permitted organised indoor sport, physical activity and exercise classes are not permitted indoors. There are exceptions for indoor disability sport, sport for educational purposes and supervised sport and physical activity for under-18s Changes to the self-isolation period The Government has announced from 14 December, there will be a change to the self-isolation period from 14 to ten days. The change to the isolation period for contacts will apply to all those who are currently self-isolating, including those who commenced self-isolation before 14 December.

Self-isolation periods will begin on the day after exposure, a test or the start of symptoms.

This change will apply in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland from 14 December. It already applies in Wales.

museums, galleries and sculpture parks

Business evictions ban extended until March

botanical gardens, biomes or greenhouses

The government recently announced business owners affected by the coronavirus outbreak will be protected from eviction until the end of March 2021.

theme parks, circuses, fairgrounds and funfairs

This final extension to protections from the threat of eviction will give landlords and tenants three months to come to an agreement on unpaid rent. Further guidance to support negotiations between landlords and tenants will be available soon.

EU Transition The UK has left the EU and new rules come into effect on 1 January 2021.As a result, businesses will need to take action to prepare.

Businesses should visit www.gov.uk/transitionand use the ?checker tool?to get a personalised list of actions for your business, and also sign up to alerts, updates and webinars. ?

To access the EU Master Checklist for businessesclick here Herts Local Enterprise Partnership has provided a resource page to support businesses transition, outlining support from Trading Standards at Herts County Council and the Environmental Health team at Stevenage Borough Council and across the county.

Support from Trading Standards includes:

border The Government published a new service where HGV drivers can apply for a Kent Access Permit (KAP) and check they have the paperwork they need to cross the border via the Port of Dover or Eurotunnel.

From 1 January 2021, HGV drivers with a HGV over 7.5 tonnes must have a KAP to travel through Kent to the Port of Dover or the Eurotunnel and on to the EU. The permit helps manage traffic by confirming drivers have the right documents for EU import controls.

Service: https://www.gov.uk/check-hgv-border Job Opportunities to support Mass testing Hertfordshire County Council will be supporting mass testing (Lateral Flow Testing), in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Lateral flow tests area new type of coronavirus test, which provide results in less than an hour and do need to go to a lab. The test checks if someone is infectious, even if they do not have symptoms.

Staff with great customer service skills are required to support the test centre in Stevenage and there are a number of roles required, with fixed hours per week: Team Leader? £14.38 per hour

·Food and Feed Labelling and Standards ·Animal Movements and Identification ·Pet Passports ·Textiles & Footwear ·Composition & Materials UKCA, ·UKNI and CE Markings ·Product Safety and Standards including: ·Cosmetics ·Toys ·Construction products ·Fireworks ·Weights & Measures Energy ·Labelling of Electronic Products This can be accessed by visiting https://www.hertfordshirelep.com/what-we-do /priorities/business-support/better-business -for-all/eu-transition/ Checks to see whether HGVs are ready to cross the

Processing Operative? £10.84 per hour Results Recorder? £10.84 per hour Test Assistant? £9.43 per hour Queue Coordinator? £9.25 per hour Cleaner? £9.25 per hour Registration Assistant? £9.43 per hour For further information please visit https://hcccommunityworkforce.co.uk/ join-us-to-help-fight-covid-19/ Access to New Markets Export Europe: E-Commerce - Digital Routes to Europe for Consumer Goods Digital Routes to Europe for Consumer Goods is delivered by the Department for International Trade and British Chamber of Commerce Czech Republic.

This is part of a series of webinars to support E-commerce?in to Europe. Join to discuss market trends and opportunities, key players, pricing, and the basics on how to succeed, with DIT Europe?s E-commerce sector specialists.

The Webinar takes place on Wednesday 13th January 2020 between 10:00-11:00 and will focus on Austria, Hungary and Poland.Click here to register >

Recently, Siddharth has been nominated for the Director of the year International award 2020 by Institute of Directors UK.

Trading with India through a pandemic and beyond

Trading with India through a pandemic and beyond takes place on Tuesday 12 January 2021 between 10:00 ? 11:00.

This is part of a series of Webinar Events that Herts Chamber of Commerce have organised to support members and non-members in these challenging times.

India is one of the fastest growing economies in the world and the UK is the third largest investor in India.

This webinar will provide you with information on where India stands in terms of recovery from the pandemic together with guidelines and UKIBC?s pragmatic support to help you to engage with and expand into this market.

Siddharth Mukne, Associate Director at UK India Business Council will offer insight and advice on key sectors and support together with information on the Indian government?s policies to attract foreign direct investment.Siddharth is responsible for engaging with companies across UK with an interest in the Indian market.He has a strong background in business development, project management, account management & operations, having worked with multinational engineering, advance manufacturing & life science companies across Europe & India.

To register and for further information please visit https://my.hertschamber.com/calendar_detail. html?eid=22CFC711-8800-48F7-8FDEABC8D310FBC8or contact the events team by telephone on01707 502180 or by emailing bookings@hertschamber.com

Restrictions grant for open business The Local Restrictions Grant for Open Businesses, is now open for application.

The Local Restrictions Support Grant (Open) is aimed at; hospitality, hotel, bed and breakfast, and leisure businesses which can remain open, and that are liable for business rates, and at those businesses (with or without business rates) which supply goods or services to this group of businesses, and can demonstrate that they are directly impacted by the restrictions in place, which came into effect on 2 December 2020 (Tier 2) and 19 December (Tier 3).

Those businesses with or without business rates which can demonstrate that they have been specifically indirectly impacted by these restrictions will be considered for a grant Grants will be paid on a 14 day cycle with effect from 2 December 2020 (Tier 2), and 19 December 2020 (Tier 3), for those business which qualify.

Eligibility Businesses must have been trading the day before local restrictions came into force to be eligible to receive funding under this scheme.

Where local restrictions are preceded by national ?lockdown?measures, requiring the closure of businesses that are otherwise eligible, it is accepted that those businesses are still trading.

Businesses must be hospitality, hotel, bed and breakfast and leisure businesses, or supplier of goods and services to these businesses.

Exclusions Businesses subject to local restrictions that are

implemented for less than 14 days are not eligible for grant funding.

Businesses in areas outside the scope of the localised restrictions, as defined by Government, are also excluded.

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

For the avoidance of doubt, businesses that were in administration, are insolvent or where a striking-off notice has been made are not eligible for funding under this scheme.

Eligible businesses that have a voluntary agreement but are not insolvent, in liquidation or in administration will be eligible to receive a grant if they are still trading and operating, but only under de minimis, if the agreement means the business is ineligible for a grant under the COVID-19 Temporary Framework for UK Authorities.

For further information and to access the application form please visit https://www.stevenage.gov.uk/news-and -events/news/local-restrictions -support-grants-lrsg

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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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h t t ps:/ / w w w.f acebook .com / gr ou ps/ m em or iesof st even age/

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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

Copy writ ing

Social media market ing

Media t raining

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Proud publ i sh er of #Herts @h ash tagh erts For al l your mark eti ng and soci al medi a needs: 07539 782979 w w w .spi tf i repr.com darren@spi tf i repr.com @DarrenI sted1 @h ash tagh erts

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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

# PROPERTY STEVENAGE Let 's f ace it - w e live in a digit al w or ld - w h en

t h e agen t s w h o ar e act in g on beh alf of bu yer s,

w as t h e last t im e you u sed pr in t t o t r y an d bu y

seller s, lan dlor ds an d t h ose look in g t o r en t .

or sell a h ou se or t o look f or a pr oper t y t o r en t .

In t h ese pages you w ill f in d live lin k s st r aigh t

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t h em or ar r an ge a visit - all f r om t h e com f or t

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101 High St r eet , St even age

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The independent local estate agent Text

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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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Hom e an d M or t gages St even age, 86 High St r eet , St even age Tel 01438 728444

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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

Click on t h e im ages an d lin k dir ect ly t o t h eir det ails on lin e

Agent Hybrid falls bet ween t radit ional and online est at e agency. Our aim is t o deliver a personal, one-t o-one est at e agency experience, whilst delivering a service of excellence.

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Click on t he image of our Monument Court propert y (above) and t ake a walk t hrough using t he lat est Agent Hybrid Technology

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Putterills Stevenage - talk to the professionals Text

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.

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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