#Stevenage July 2020

# STEVENAGE Text

The unique digital magazine for Stevenage promoted by social media

Jul y 2020

The unique digital magazine for Stevenage promoted by social media

Open for business

Clair e Au st in (lef t ) w it h Lou ise Yexley

(through)

The unique digit al m agazine f or #St evenage

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# St ayal ert savel ives t hrough t he coronavirus crisis Advert ising and not publ ic charit y support s t his publ icat ion

What's on in

#Stevenage

So how wasJuly 4th for you?

We simply had to wait to see what happened on the big reopening of many of our businesses and it seems the people of Stevenage made it a gradual and good natured experience.

June and July hasseen something of a return to the way we were, Stevenage Old Town, Stevenage Town Centre, the Westgate Shopping Centre and the retail parksstarting to come back to life, albeit with necessary restrictions.

Some major chainsand independents

have already fallen by the wayside but we are proud of our support during the coronavirusoutbreak to local groups and businesses and pledge that at #Stevenage we will continue with our policy of providing free editorial support to all our valued advertisers and local organisations.

So if you are a group or a businesswho would like to promote yourselves through #Stevenage magazine you can do so by simply calling 07539782979 or by emailing: hdmdigitalsales@gmail.com #stayalertsavelives

#STEVENAGE - THE UNIQUE DIGITAL M AGAZINE GOT A STORY TO TELL US? St or ies an d f eat u r es: dar r en @spit f irText epr .com WANT TO ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS OR EVENT? Sales: h dm digit alsales@gm ail.com Text FIND OUT M ORE ABOUT HASHTAG DIGITAL M EDIA w w w.h ash t agdigit alm edia.co.u k Text Tw it t er w w w.t w it t er .com / h t agst even age/ Facebook w w w.f acebook .com / st even agem agazin e/

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Broken Seal and Bog Brew show the way While many Stevenage High Street businesses had to close during lock-down, The Broken Seal taproom remained open throughout for takeaway and deliveries.

Business remained good and spirits buoyant even in the face of social distancing and enhanced hygiene measures, and reduced opening times.

Not only have they continued to trade in the taproom, but they have also moved the brewery to a larger location, which will enable them to increase brewing and seating capacity as and when venues are allowed to re-open for drinking in, which also includes an outside area so The Broken Seal can be one of the first bar to welcome guests if Government guidance is beer

#Stayalertsavelives gardens only initially.

In the meantime, the Broken Seal is open daily for takeaway and delivery from 2pm to 6pm. If you are in need of a gift for the man who has everything, why not buy one of their 3 bottle or 6 bottle presentation packs, or a 2 litre growler?

Details on their website www.bogbrew.co.uk/ thebrokenseal

Are you snooker loopy? St evenage used t o be blessed wit h over 50 snooker t ables in t imes past , but since t he closure of Riley's and ot her social clubs, t here have been no t ables in t he t own, wit h people having t o t ravel t o Let chwort h or Hat field t o have a game.

That is set t o change as soon as lock-down measures allow, wit h a members' only 3 t able club ready t o open as and when permit t ed.

Locat ed behind The Broken Seal t aproom, membership applicat ions are current ly open via t heir websit e www.st evenagesnooker.com wit h an init ial membership limit of 100 t o ensure t able t ime for all.

The club's et hos is t o provide a comfort able space for family and friends t o come t oget her and celebrat e cue sport s. There will be a licensed bar and t he opport unit y t o buy t he lat est craft beers from The Broken Seal. The club is int ended t o be a safe and peaceful environment wit h t he opport unit y t o spend qualit y t ime wit h friends and family wit hout having t o worry about loud, abusive or ant i-social behaviour, which in some clubs appears t o be t he norm.

#Stayalertsavelives

Stevenage Town Centre is back open Following the Government?s continued lifting of lockdown restrictions in response to the Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic, shops and businesses in Stevenage Town Centre have reopened once again.

Shoppers and business owners will be asked to continue to follow the Government?s social distancing guidelines and keep a minimum of two metres away from individuals outside of their own

paving throughout the town.

Gr een M ar k in gs - these can be found outside of stores and are for queueing. With social distancing measures in place, shops will not be able to safely facilitate numbers at their usual capacity, so some waiting outside is inevitable.

Wh it e M ar k in gs - a two lane system (just like a road) has been marked out to enable to people to move freely and safely through the area.

household.

Yellow M ar k in gs - rest areas, such as benches, To help achieve this, and to ensure that shoppers and retailers can enjoy peace of mind while in the Town Centre, Stevenage Borough Council has created additional signage and markings to enable people to move safely while going about their business.

Three sets of different coloured markings have been painted (temporarily we should add) on the

have been marked out with a yellow line to enable shoppers to sit down and remain the required two metres away from pedestrians. You should not, however, share a bench with anyone from outside your household unless you are the required distance apart.

Pubs, cafes and hairdressers have opened as part

of the Government?s lifting of restrictions.

The Indoor Market opened on Wednesday 17

market. Some of the public toilets will not be in service but will be opening shortly.

June. The majority of traders will be fully open and

Tow n Cen t r e Disabled Toilet - Opened on the 16

trading but a few will remain closed to comply

June and will be cleaned four times a day. Open

with Government guidelines. For information

9.00 ? 16.00

regarding the traders that will be open, please contact indoor.market@stevenage.gov.uk.

Again, to ensure safety, we have created one entrance for customers coming into the market (South Entrance) and an exit at what is usually the North Entrance.

Customers coming into the market will be met at the door and may have to queue for a short while as we are only allowing a certain amount of customers into the market at any one time to ensure it is kept safe. There is also Green distance marking on the pavement at the side of the

Tow n Cen t r e Toilet s- a number of works were identified as a result of inspections done to re-open the toilets, these works will be carried out over the coming few day, these toilets will have a cleaning regime four times a day and be open 9.00 ? 16.00.

M iddle Row Toilet s - a number of works were identified as a result of inspections done to re-open the toilets, these works will be carried out over the coming two weeks and re-opened on 1 July 2020, these toilets will have a cleaning regime four times a day and be open 9.00 ? 16.00.

market, if customers are required queue.

Just as in the Town Centre an arrow system will be marked on the floor for customers to follow, ensuring safe movement.

For additional hygiene, there is a cleaning station on the entrance for customers to sanitise their hands as entering the market and eight hand sanitisers have been installed throughout the

In door M ar k et Toilet s - Only one member of the public will be able to use them at any one time and signage and a cleaning regime will be implemented.

#Stayalertsavelives

#Stayalertsavelives

#Stayalertsavelives

Museum to share town history in 100 objects project Resident s are invit ed t o share t heir favourit e object s from St evenage?s hist ory, wit h t he launch of St evenage Museum?s ?st ory of St evenage in 100 object s?project .

The museum will be open by appoint ment for resident s t o visit ? wit h social dist ancing guidelines being adhered t o at all t imes ? t o choose t heir object , wit h it ems ranging from a st uffed fox t o Roman coins uncovered in Chells t o a dead rat t hat would have been st uffed wit h explosives during t he Second World War. They will t hen need t o explain why t hey have t hey chosen t heir it em and why it is import ant t o St evenage?s hist ory.

Resident s can also bring in t heir favourit e it ems from home. A filmmaker will be on hand t o record resident s? st ories and film t he object s; but for anyone who is shy, a voice recording can be done, or local st udent s are available t o read words if anyone would rat her just put it in writ ing. The t op 100 it ems chosen will published online t hrough t he summer and aut umn.

Councillor Richard Henry, Execut ive Member for Children, Young People, Leisure and Cult ure, said: ??Like museums up and down t he count ry, St evenage Museum has remained closed for many weeks, but behind it s doors are t housands of object s, and each one t ells part of t he st ory of t he t own and t he people who have lived and worked here for over 2,000 years. ?We are now invit ing resident s in, at a safe dist ance of course, t o share t heir favourit e object s ? eit her from t he collect ion, or t hey can bring in somet hing t hey t reasure from home, and explain why t hey?ve chosen t he it em and what part it has played in t he st ory of St evenage. This is your chance t o be part of t his unique project looking back at our t own?s rich hist ory.?

If you?ve got a favourit e object or a st ory t o share, t he museum would love t o hear from you. You can phone 01438 218 881 or email museum@st evenage.gov.uk t o get in t ouch.

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The benefits of nature It?s a well known fact that spending time outdoors has major health benefits, both physically and mentally.

Getting back to nature can improve your mood, reduce stress, help you be more active and even increase your self-esteem.

During the early stages of lockdown, government guidelines restricted us to just one form of exercise outside a day. Thankfully, we can now spend unlimited time outdoors ? and the benefits are clear.

Get t ing back t o nat ure According to research by the National Trust, 79% of adults infrequently or never smelled wild flowers and 62% either infrequently or never listened to birdsong. We wonder how these figures have changed since lockdown?

Nature is restorative and one of the gifts lockdown has brought us is the time to notice it.

We?ve seen many more people walking, cycling, jogging, picnicking and meeting (socially-distanced) outdoors.

Perhaps ironically in a time of ?lockdown?, we are re-establishing our connection with nature and the wider world.

quote from Angie Weiland-Crosby says: ?Nature is the kind of friend that never leaves my side. Even in grief-stricken times, in her soul I can confide.?

Nature reminds us that death is a part of life and that life goes on; we watch the seasons change before us and without fail, from Spring through to Winter each year. Nature also gives us time to reflect because it doesn?t demand anything back from us. And nature encourages us to see outside of our ever-circling thoughts of grief and to reconnect with others. ?In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks,?the wise words of Naturalist, John Muir.

Harwood Park During lockdown, our own Harwood Park Memorial Gardens has remained open for families to reflect on their loved ones. With 25 acres, there is plenty of space for quiet contemplation. The memorial gardens serve both as a final resting place for loved ones and also a peaceful retreat for family and friends to visit. From the carefully pruned roses, to the pretty line of cherry trees and the immaculately planted topiary crescent, it?s a lovely place to enjoy the beauty of nature.

failing to get council backing to build on municipal land, John decided to source a plot of private land in the village of Datchworth and 10 years later, in February 1997, Harwood Park Crematorium and Memorial Gardens was finally opened. John thought of all the little touches when planning Harwood Park, including a large window in the chapel overlooking the countryside and raised areas to make it easier for wheelchair users to view the floral tributes..

Nat ural memorials Natural and ?living?memorials continue to grow in popularity. We have chestnut, birch and woodland trees, all planted as saplings, so you can watch them grow and mature.

There are memorial trees throughout our grounds and woodlands, all accompanied by a memorial tablet or plaque, and ashes can be scattered or buried by the tree.

Our memorials also include benches and seats, with an inscription dedicated to the person who has passed. Nature can help us through life?s toughest questions, so find time to take that walk or to just sit and watch the world go by. You won?t regret it.

Nat ure and grief Outside of lockdown and Covid, there are also many stories of nature helping in people?s grieving processes after losing a loved one. A beautiful

When John Austin (Claire?s father) took over the business in 1965, his vision was to provide a crematorium to serve the local community. After

Find out more about Harwood Park Crematorium and Memorial Gardens at www.cremat orium.co.uk

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Dat abase work in 2019: Digit al volunt eers Sue Hancock, Caroline Redhead and St uart Rose upload mat erial t o The Gordon Craig Theat re Archive websit e.

Digital award for archivists at Gordon Craig Theatre scheme

#Stayalertsavelives A group of 12 volunteer archivists at Stevenage Museum have been honoured with a SHARE Museums East Award for their work digitally cataloguing The Gordon Craig Theatre?s archive. The team learned of their triumph whilst watching an award ceremony which, this year, took place online on Thursday 4thJune, during National Volunteers?Week.

The volunteer gang was recruited in early 2019 as Stevenage Arts Guild and Stevenage Museum kicked off their project ?Stories from The Gordon Craig? shining a light on the town?s theatre, opened in ?75, and delving into its archive. The project was made possible thanks to players of the National Lottery with 60,000 of funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. The volunteers have been sifting through hundreds of brochures and posters to enter details of performances at the theatre in a searchable online cataloguethegordoncraigtheatrearchive.org.uk.

Before news of their award came through, the team were already celebrating having recently uploaded their 5,000th performance entry! That means that the Craig has presented over 5000 different shows in its 45-year history? and counting!

The SHARE awards scheme began in 2014, to celebrate and recognise volunteering work around the region.

As she announced the award, Sarah Lloyd of University of Hertfordshire, Chair of the Judges said, ?whatever the form that digital volunteering takes, it is essential to cultural life and storytelling in the 21st century. Digitised materials make collections accessible and online collections empower people to explore the past and their own place within it. These are the volunteers who enable museums to reach out locally and globally.?

Sarah Lloyd continued, ?this group started from scratch with a new website ? many of them had no previous experience of cataloguing. Just a few months later, they had made thousands of database entries and created a publicly accessible record of nearly all performances at the theatre. The volunteers have made a huge difference in preserving the archive and in sparking the memories that make a collection come alive.?

Digital volunteer, Janet, a writer and proof-reader, originally from America, explained, ?I've lived in the UK for eleven years but I've learned a lot about Stevenage history while volunteering on the project. I have digitised quite a few of the brochures from the 1980s, and they are a window into what people of all ages were doing for entertainment in Stevenage. You get a real snapshot of life in the community.? ?It?s been interesting to see actors?names from the past who are famous now and others that have vanished into history,?said volunteer Linda. ?I?ve lived in Stevenage since the early seventies and, even though it?s only a relatively short period of time, I?ve noted the huge cultural changes and how theatre shows reflected these changing times.?

Volunteer Ryan told us, ?volunteering at the museum is a pleasure and a privilege that is made so easy by the hard work and the welcoming attitude of the staff and the whole museum family.?Gillian added, ?what great news! It?s such a great group and project to be a part of!?

Now the majority of performances at the theatre have been entered into the database, the team?s next step is the mammoth task of digitising and cataloguing thousands of posters stored in the archive.

Volunteers at the museum also helped produce the Stories from The Gordon Craig exhibition, opened in November. It was forced to closed early as Covid-19 control measures were taken. In the meantime, news has emerged that a certain mischievous hairy puppet, well known to some Stevenage audiences, has been running amok in the museum. Follow the Museum?s social media for more details!

Councillor Richard Henry, Executive Member for Children, Young People, Leisure and Culture at SBC, funders of the museum, remarked, "Volunteers are such an important part of Stevenage Museum and they make a huge contribution to its running, ensuring that adults and children alike can enjoy visits there.?

Do you have a great story from The Gordon Craig? It?s not too late to contribute? email Memories@StoriesFromTheGordonCraig.org.uk

#Stayalertsavelives

Knebworth house and garden now back open Following recent government directive, Knebworth House and Adventure Playground including Fort Knebworth can now open, alongside the Gardens and Dinosaur Trail, which successfully re-opened, with social distancing and health & safety measures in place to visitors.

From Saturday 4th July the majority of Knebworth House?s attractions including the House, Park, Gardens, Dinosaur Trail and Adventure Playground has opened again to visitors.

Pre-booking online is essential with time-slots of 11am - 2pm and 2pm - 5pm available for access to the

Formal Gardens and Dinosaur Trail. The ticket is valid for the full day for use at the Park and Adventure Playground between the opening hours of 11am ?

5pm. The Fort will have limited capacity, and will be monitored by staff counting in and out visitor access.

Some of the play equipment will be out of use until further easement is issued.

A separate ticket will need to be purchased to access the House, access to the Gardens, Dinosaur Trail, Park and Adventure Playground will be included in this ticket. The house will open from 12pm-5pm.

Season Ticket holders, RHS members and Historic

#Stayalertsavelives Houses members are also required to book a time slot, but will not be charged.

During these difficult times the health & safety of visitors and staff will remain of utmost importance to management, who have implemented strict practices to safeguard all on site including: Making hand sanitiser available on site for staff and visitor use.

Displaying clear signage throughout the site advising staff and visitors to wash their hands regularly and follow the catch it, kill it, bin it guidelines.

Enhanced cleaning regimes.

Welcoming visitors with a smile instead of a handshake.

Social distancing measures and signage.

Limited Capacity and timed access.

One-Way system around the House and Gift Shop.

The bouncy castle, drop slides and maze will remain closed.

Takeaway tea, coffee and snack offers.

Knebworth House are keen to offer a safe space for families to enjoy the Summer months ahead. The 28 acres of Gardens including the Dinosaur Trail is a great location to watch the seasonal flowers bloom while children can follow the trail of 72 life-sized

dinosaurs through the wilderness garden.

The Adventure Playground with Fort Knebworth is a great place to get some fresh-air and let the children let off some steam, and the Park is perfect for picnics and ball games.

It is a fantastic day out at ÂŁ10 per person, or ÂŁ14 per person for a House ticket. Family tickets are also available.

The Covid-19 situation is being monitored daily by management and their website and social media channels will be updated as the situation changes. The attraction does however ask visitors to follow government advice and remain at home if you have any symptoms.

Managing Director, Martha Lytton Cobbold Commented: ?We are really looking forward to safely welcoming our season ticket holders and public visitors to the House and Adventure Playground from Saturday 4thJuly. The re-opening of our Gardens and Dinosaur Trail has gone extremely well, so we are thrilled to be re-opening more attractions. We are working hard and proactively to enable continued safe access, retain employment and our business.

Thank you very much for your ongoing support.?

For more information and to book tickets visit www.knebworthhouse.com.

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Paul Fry on # St evenage

Moro adding to the trophies with greyhound success

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Paul Fry on # St evenage Steve Morison, one of Stevenage Boro's most prolific goalscorers has a new goal - to win the 2020 Greyhound Derby.

Steve helped Boro win the FA Trophy twice, including in the first cup final to be held at the new Wembley Stadium in 2007. He later played for Millwall (twice), Norwich City and Leeds United and is currently head coach of Cardiff City's under-23s.

Now Steve, who won 20 caps for Wales, has a major stake in a Wisbech kennels and shares in a growing number of greyhounds that race not just in this country but in Australia, where the prize pickings are greater.

He has long been interested in dogs and used to go to see racing at Walthamstow, which is one of many tracks that have closed as the industry has taken a battering.

'Moro' took a keen interest through his granddad, who loved a bet and, as a teenager, Steve earned his pocket money as a potman at the East London track.

He started a greyhound racing club with strike partner Grant Holt when they were team-mates at Norwich and it has taken off from there, though they credit trainer Jim Daly with being the brains of the operation whose expert opinion they bow to.

Steve said: ?There?s nothing like the adrenaline surge you get watching your own dog compete, it?s a great night out. We could have gone it alone but we wanted

to share the experience by setting up a club.?

As the syndicates grew, Steve recruited Stevenage FC commercial manager Clive Abrey as a supporter. "I used to have an interest in dogs years ago," said Clive. "I had a share with Bob Betts, the former Greyhound Editor at the Sporting Life in one that ran at Haringey. We took it to Hackney for a time before going to 'flapper' tracks everywhere Huntingdon, Aldershot, Bedford and others - and we had great fun with it.

"When I had a family, I drifted out of it but Steve got me interested again with an offer to join a new syndicate. I think we have four dogs in the UK at the moment and Blue Tick George is the big hope.

He had him at 150-1 to win this year's Derby and he is now down to 50-1. I really fancy him to go all the way."

The Derby, greyhound racing's blue riband event, had been slated for May but the pandemic force its postponement, with the early rounds in early October and the final at Nottingham on Halloween, October 31.

"George is a real prospect," says Clive, who has seen a sad decline in the sport since he was last fully involved. "A lot of the big tracks have gone - there are just a couple off the M25 now, at Romford and Crayford. Peterborough and Belle Vue in Manchester closed last month, Rye House and Milton

Keynes some years ago.

Wimbledon and Walthamstow were the big shocks."

Despite the long-term decline in the sport's popularity, greyhound racing continues to attract punters and generates ÂŁ2.5bn a year in turnover for bookmakers. But there have been frequent calls to ban the sport with almost 1,000 racing dogs dying in Britain in 2018, figures which prompted animal welfare charities to renew calls to ban the sport here.

Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB), are part of a concerted push to improve welfare standards in the sport, but charities say it cannot be reformed due to the ?dangerously configured?oval tracks that cause most injuries and a failure to properly rehome the dogs when they retired.

And Clive Abrey says he has seen huge improvements. "I would happily take anyone concerned about dog welfare to our kennels.

Jim rehomes dogs after their racing days are done and takes great care of them. The kennels are spotless and most of the food is fresh and fit even for humans. If I had any concerns about the animals I would walk away, as I love dogs.

"There was one bitch, Droopy's Smartie, who broke her shoulder in a bad fall a few months ago. She had a leg amputated in the end and the track paid all the vets' bills. She is now queen of the yard, even on three legs."

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Paul Fry on # St evenage

Not being able to go to events with crowds banned since the pandemic outbreak has not proven to be an inconvenience as the races are shown on the Live 360 channel on Sky. "The prize money is pretty poor in the UK - from £140 for an A1-top grade race to £250-£500 for a big open event. But that is nothing compared to the rewards in Australia, and the syndicate took an interest in a couple of dogs in Victoria, Captain Dynamite and One Night Only. We have a couple of bitches, to, Blue Tick Fern and Blue Tick Erin. There is between A$5,000 and $7,000 for a win on

offer in a number of races.

"Dynamite was second favourite in his semi-final for a A$50,000 when he went lame. He is fit again and just started back racing. We have high hopes for him and I can see us growing the interests down under."

And Clive won't be rushing down under to see how the dogs do - he can even watch that live on the internet. "Th ecoverage is briliant and I watched the race at 11.43am our time, though you do get some at silly o'clock. You can always catch them later on YouTube.

"You can bet on Aussie dog racing on Bet365, so the distance is not an issue at all," adds Clive, who

says Steve, Grant and Jim may look to expand the breeding operation to come up with another generation of champions.

Steve scored the late, late winner for Stevenage when they beat Kidderminster 3-2 to became the first team to lift a trophy at the new Wembley Stadium in 2007 and signed off a Boro career of 68 goals in 127 appearances before a £140,000 move to Millwall in 2009, for a second FA Trophy success.

He and Grant have long taken an interest in supporting injured greyhounds: ?We?ve had a few letters and a few moans about us

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Paul Fry on # St evenage being involved. We are aware they have a short lifespan in racing, and we?re trying everything to make sure we look after them properly," says Steve.

"I?ve always loved animals and my family home is like a miniature farm. When I was at Norwich I met Jim Daly, who suggested I buy a share in a dog. So I did, then another, and then I bought my own dog.

"Grant would come to watch it run and he got the buzz and bought a dog. Soon we had about five between us and we started a small club, SMGH Greyhound Racing.

People pay a little bit of money to own shares in the dogs but without the risk if they get injured.

"Greyhounds are not pets, they?re trained like footballers. They are fed the right stuff, warmed up, and stretched before races. We must be a pain to Jim, always ringing and asking him questions.

"The buzz it gives you is from not being in control. With horses, the jockey is in control to a degree. On the football pitch I was in control of my game. But once you put that dog in that trap, you've got no control.

"I can?t eat before a race. If we go to the track I pray my dog is racing in the first hour so I can get some food.

"I?d never dreamed of playing in the Premier League. I was released

by Northampton as a 21-year-old kid and was about to play non-league football. I was in the

car in tears driving to Bishop?s Stortford. I had to get a job which meant waking up at silly times in the morning and driving a lorry.

"But I scored goals and one Tuesday night when we were playing Bognor Regis I got a call saying Stevenage wanted to sign me. I walked into the office at work the next morning and asked them if I could leave.

"Five years later I was playing against some of the best defenders in the world. But now I have this new life, with the dogs and I am loving it."

Get your virtual 10K entry in now The Virtual Stevenage 10K 2020 With the impact of Covid19 and the strong

4/9/2020 and then entrants have until 31/10/2020 to complete a 10K on a route of their choice.

possibility that public gatherings for running

All finishers receive a bespoke race medal and a

events won?t be allowed until much later in the

branded technical t shirt.

year (if at all) Stevenage Striders have decided to hold the Stevenage 10K as a virtual race in 2020.

This enables the club to ensure that funds can still

Stevenage Magazine publisher Hashtag Digital Media is proud once again the sponsor the event.

Entries are now open!

be raised for the race?s nominated local good causes - Stevenage Community Trust, Essex and Herts Air Ambulance, Stevenage Haven and staff at the NHS Lister Hospital.

On line entries for the race will remain open until

For full details head here. h t t ps:/ / st even agest r ider sr c.or g.u k

#Stevenage here to support business At #St evenage we cont inue wit h our policy of providing free edit orial support t o all our valued advert isers. We want see as many of our groups and businesses back wit h us and we are proud t o offering advert ising which t arget s t he ent ire St evenage area at a minimum cost t o all.

So if you are a group or a business who would like t o promot e yourselves t hrough #St evenage magazine you can do so by simply calling 07539782979 or by emailing hdmdigit alsales@gmail.com

Free editorial for all businesses and groups in #Stevenage

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Chance to join up with the Green Space Volunteers

The Green Space Volunteers are a fantastic group of local residents who help undertake improvements to community green spaces around Stevenage for the Borough Council..

If you're interested in getting involved, we encourage and welcome people from all sectors of the community, and no previous experience is required - so don?t worry if you don?t have green fingers yet! You just need to enjoy working in the outdoors and want to make a positive difference to the town where you live.

We have volunteers of all ages, who have joined for a variety of reasons ? to meet people, to do something positive, to help the green spaces and wildlife in the town, or to improve their fitness and wellbeing. GSVs are welcome to attend for as much, or as little, time as they can afford. Whether you have one hour or four hours to volunteer, any help is welcomed and valued.

For more information visit: www.stevenage.gov.uk/ parks-and -open-spaces/ 71506/

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Stevenage Helps appeal tops amazing £60,000 The main response of Stevenage Community Trust to the coronavirus outbreak has been to establish a fund specifically to support local people adversely affected by the crisis. They are extremely grateful to each and every one of you who has donated to ?Stevenage Helps?appeal which has now attracted donations in excess of £60,000, smashing the £50,000 target.

They have been helped along the way with some additional support from local fundraisers, Jay and April Drackford from MSC Active who organised a

one-day fitness fundraiser and raised over £500, and Cllr Jim Brown who was due to run the London Marathon in April but instead ran a half marathon locally to raise money for the Trust.

From this fund they?ve allocated 78 grants amounting to £24,190 which will help around 1,500 local people who have been affected by the coronavirus crisis. As well as supporting individuals and families directly, they have also allocated funds to a wide range of local organisations including those who are doing a

#Stayalertsavelives wonderful job providing essential food supplies to people in need across the town.

A grant for ÂŁ1,000 has enabled the Food Shed to buy essential supplies to meet the significant increase in demand they are facing every day. they?ve also organised and funded a weekly delivery of fresh fruit and veg to complement the food parcels provided by the Stevenage Community Food Bank, and partnered with Stevenage Football Club to fund a bespoke shopping service for families suffering significant hardship with little or no spare money for food and essentials.

Take a look at some of the other ways of helping by visiting the website at https://www.stevenagecommunitytrust.org/ stevenage-helps Here are some of the responses they have received from grateful beneficiaries.

"I?m am so grateful, it will make such a difference to us as a family, it will take pressure off and will definitely improve all our wellbeing as money can be such a worry. Thank you so much we are truly thankful." ?I can?t thank you enough for the help you have given me, I never thought I would manage to support my children but thanks to the Trust you have made me feel so much better knowing I can support my family during this crisis.? ?I wanted to write to say a big thank you for the gift card I received it really helped my daughters and me.

It has been very difficult for us over previous months and this really has helped so thank you very much.? ?I just wanted to say thank you so much, it?s been a very worrying time at the moment added by the fact me and my husband have both lost our jobs. It?s so nice to have received this gift card and helps relieve some of the stress of rationing our money for bills/food etc., so thank you very much.? ?This is amazing and will make such a difference.

Thank you so much!?Charlotte Blizzard-Welch, CEO Stevenage Citizens Advice

#Stayalertsavelives

Support for business during Coronavirus Please find details of the latest support available to your business from Stevenage Borough Council and key stakeholders, as well as news of recent government announcements. We have also included the latest Hertfordshire LEP Stakeholder bulletin for your perusal. This update also includes: -

New government guidance to support reopening of tourism and visitor attractionson July 4 Support for pubs, cafesand restaurants Easing of lockdown restrictions HertsGrowth Hub - Helping getting back to business HertsChambersof Commerce -Thriving in a Changed World: Online Masterclass HertsLEP Funding Support BusinessSupport from Wenta HertsOpportunitiesPortal ? June Newsletter

New government guidance t o support reopening of t ourism and visit or at t ract ions on July 4 New guidance on Tourism and the Visitor Economy has been published to help to get the tourism sector back up and running, so the public can safely take domestic holidays and visit attractions on days out.

The guidance makes clear that the following measures should be put in place: Hotels and accommodation providers will introduce deep cleaning regimes between guests.

Meal services including breakfasts will be pre-booked and timed.

Timed tickets will be introduced for exhibitions, theme parks, galleries and attractions to reduce the number of visitors in locations at the same time.

One way systems, clear floor markings and a queue

management system should be in place to maintain social distancing measures at all attractions and help to limit contact between both staff and visitors.

Organisations will also encourage cashless payments throughout to avoid cross contamination.

In addition, visitor attractions will be instructed to introduce regular deep cleaning regimes across their site and some interactive displays will be temporarily closed.

The guidance outlines the processes and facilities that businesses must put in place before reopening on July 4 so that both staff and visitors can be kept safe.

For further information visit Guidance for people who work in hotels and guest accommodation, indoor and outdoor attractions, and business events and consumer shows and Hotels and other guest accommodation guidance Government support for pubs, cafes and rest aurant s The government has recently announced more pubs, restaurants and cafes will be able to serve customers outdoors.

New laws will help businesses get back on their feet and get people back in their jobs safely. This includes: Simpler licensing process for outdoor seating for pubs, restaurants and cafes Councilsencouraged to reduce red-tape and create more outdoor markets Government plansto support outdoor dining aspart of efforts to help the economy bounce back from coronavirus Pubsand restaurantswill be able to use car parks and terracesasdining and drinking areas, using their existing seating licenses.

#Stayalertsavelives

Temporary changesto licensing lawswill allow many more licensed premises, such aspubsand restaurants, to sell alcohol for consumption off the premises. Customerswill be able to buy their drinksfrom a pub and consume them elsewhere, making social distancing easier.

Pubs, rest aurant s and hairdressers t o reopen from 4 July The government has recently published practical guidelines to help restaurants, pubs and hairdressers reopen safely.

The new guidance sets out a range of measures for pubs and restaurants to become Covid-19 secure, including: requiring use of table service where possible instead of ordering at the bar and assigning a single staff member per table encouraging use of contactlessordering from tables where available, such asthrough an app discouraging non-essential tripsby staff within venues,

such asbetween the kitchen and front of house, by using radiosand other electronic devicesto communicate encouraging customers to use hand sanitiser or handwashing facilitiesasthey enter the venue providing clear guidance on social distancing and hygiene aspeople arrive on the premises, with signage and visual aids For further information visit https://www.gov.uk/guidance/ working-safely-duringcoronavirus-covid-19 Pubs Code deadlines affected by the Covid-19 emergency - What tenants need to know The PCA has published a table which sets out how tied tenants can access their Pubs Code rights when the period covered by the Covid emergency declaration ends on the 30 June 2020.To provide that clarity the PCA has produced a table setting out the effect of the declaration on Pubs Code rights, including the

#Stayalertsavelives deadlines that now apply to tenants pursuing them For further information visithttps://www.gov.uk/government/ publications/pubs-code-deadlinesaffected-by-the-covid-19emergency-what-tenants-need-toknow-emergency-period-limitation-table Easing of lockdown rest rict ions From Saturday 4th July, pubs, restaurants and hairdressers will be able to reopen, providing they adhere to COVID Secure guidelines.

Some leisure facilities and tourist attractions may also reopen, if they can do so safely ? this includes outdoor gyms and playgrounds, cinemas, museums, galleries, theme parks and arcades, as well as libraries, social clubs, places of worship and community centres.

Guidance will allow people to keep a social distance of ?one metre plus?where it is not possible to stay two metres apart.

Hert s Growt h Hub Business Support Need Help getting back to business

the County through the Skills Support for the Workforce Programme.

To be held on 29 June between 16:00 and 16:45 Herts Chambers of Commerce -Thriving in a Changed World: Online Masterclass Designed specifically for CEOs, MDs and HR Directors, the Masterclass will support organisations to adapt to retain their place in the future business.

As a result of attending this Masterclass, businesses will: Understand the value of developing emotional intelligence for the bottom line of your businesses Appreciate the part that a clearly defined, aligned and fully embedded organisational culture has to play in: Attracting and retaining top talent Overall Employee Experience (EX) The bottom-line development of an organisation Receive the opportunity to share and network with an intimate group of CEOs/ senior leaderswho contribute to the local economy in Hertfordshire

Businesses struggling to cope due to the pressures of the COVID-19 pandemic can now access FREE support from the Herts Growth Hub network of highly experienced business volunteers. Businesses will be matched to a volunteer from the same sector or similar business background who will act as a critical friend, offering on-going business and moral support.

To be held on 30th June between 8am and 10am. To book visit bookings@hertschamber.com

For further information visit go.herts.ac.uk/busvol

Hertfordshire Business Expansion Grant Scheme: ERDF & LEP funded - grants of £10,000 - £100,000 to incentivise SME investment in capital equipment.

The Herts Growth Hub is also keen to hear from businesses, to ensure their businesses support services are aligned to business needs. To take part in the survey visit HGH Covid-19 Survey: Respond, Adapt & Strengthen Skills Development : From Furlough t o Full-on - Ask t he Expert wit h Serco ? Free Webinar As you restart or adapt your business do you need to move an employee into another role?

Have you had to make changes to your business that means employees need to learn new skills?

Find out how to access fully-funded skills training in

Hert s LEP Funding Support As part of its £3.28m package of support, Herts LEP have outlined the following opportunities to support businesses across Hertfordshire:

Crowdfund Hertfordshire: Small Business Innovation Fund: LEP funded -grants of up to £5,000 for small/micro businesses in tourism, leisure, hospitality, retail, arts and culture.

Herts LEP SME Growth Loan Scheme: LEP funded ?loans of £200,000 ? £500,000 available to established SMEs in Hertfordshire that require finance to implement expansion activities that will deliver substantial growth.

Low Carbon Innovation Fund 2: ERDF funded -a

#Stayalertsavelives ÂŁ22m+ tri-LEP investment initiative led by the University of East Anglia and Norfolk County Council, to support SMEs that are making a positive impact on greenhouse gas reduction through the development of innovative technologies, products or services.

Other Grant Funding to support your business The Herts Growth Hub also has details of over 1000 grant funding opportunities through Grant Finder. To access this support, please register your business by visiting https://www.hertsgrowthhub.com/ select-registration Herts LEP COVID-19 Stakeholder Bulletin Please find the latest Stakeholder Bulletin from Hertfordshire LEP on the impact of COVID-19 on businesses and the Hertfordshire economy. This also includes news of Stevenage?s SEC Group acquisition of The Clean Room Company, to support a specialist division for the design and installation of clean room environments, supporting pharma, agri-tech and a number of key sectors including, specialist engineering and manufacturing sectors. The Bulletin also shares news of the extremely generous donation

by Airbus Defence and Space of 60,000 Type 2 Surgical Facemask to Stevenage Borough Council staff to support its key workers to stay safe as they

provide essential services to the residents and businesses of Stevenage.

Went a?s Business Support Programme FREE business skills training webinars Wenta and The Business & Technology Centre (btc) are running a series of FREE ?small business survival? webinars on subjects from ?How to Write a Business plan to Finance and Cashflow?

The below is a selection on what is on offer to support businesses and further FREEwebinars can be accessed by visiting https://bit.ly/35QxJn0 Advant ages of Cont ent Market ing To include: What is content marketing?

Advantages of content marketing ? understanding the benefits to your business To be held on 29th June and 14th July between 10am?11am To book visit https://wenta.co.uk/training-events/ advantages-of-contentmarketing-webinar/ Audience Demographics and Websit e Domains

#Stayalertsavelives To include: Your target audience and their behaviours

research-and-preparation-for-yourbusiness-plan-webinar/

Domains, email, hosting, speed and https

To browse more FREE Wenta webinars visit: https://bit.ly/35QxJn0

To be held on 30th June, 10th July, 16th July, 20th July, 28th July between 10am ? 11am To book visit https://wenta.co.uk/training-events/ audience-demographics-andwebsite-domains-webinar/ Social Media for your Business This will include:

FREE Business Advice: The btc provide free business advice services via live chat, telephone and email. For business advice, visit www.btcstevenage.co.uk (Mon-Fri, 9am ? 5pm) or email the btc?s resident business advisor, Alex Shoobert, on info@wenta.co.uk

LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

Flexible, affordable workspace for your business: The Business & Technology Centre (btc) offers affordable workspace to support relocation and for businesses who are need to down-size.

To be held on 1st July, 29th July between 10am-11am

FREE business start-up co-working space

To book visit https://wenta.co.uk/training-events /social-media-channels-networking -and-streaming-webinar/

The btc also provides start-up space with access to free on-site business advice, networking and collaboration opportunities.

Market ing and Market Research for your business

The btc is operating a SEE programme that ensures Social distancing is adhered to at all times across staff and clients,Enhanced hygiene is implemented across all centres and Everyone?s health is number one.

To browse the latest availability at the btc visithttps://www.btcstevenage.co.uk/ current-availability For further information contact joannakiely@wenta.co.uk or call 01438 310000.

Demographics and social media platforms Live streaming and video

This will include: Core principles of marketing your business What is marketing?

How to understand your audience using market research To be held on 3rd July, 8th July, 23rd July between 10am?11am To book visit https://wenta.co.uk/training-events/ marketing-and-market-research-webinar/ How t o W rit e a Business Plan *Ideal for anyone exploring the idea of starting their own business This will include: The purpose of a business plan Market research Analysis of the external influences on your business SWOT Analysis Business Plan Templates To be held on 6th July between 10am and 11am.

To book visit https://wenta.co.uk/training-events/

HOP - June Newsletter Please find attached a link to the latest newsletter from HOP, a Hertfordshire resource to support employers, residents and students access a wide array of resource and support including details of current job opportunities and sectors currently recruiting.

HOP also provides employers details of support for employers to upskill staff, as well as resources to students to make informed career decisions in order to support Hertfordshire with a pipeline of talent. The latest newsletter provides resources to support learners gain new skills or gain a professional qualification whilst on furlough. For further information visit https://www.hopinto.co.uk/

#Stayalertsavelives

Have your say on plans for a permanent covid cobra Covid the Cobra has been a remarkable lockdown memory for Stevenage and now it's time to find a permanent home The snake - which is made up of more than 6,000 stones and currently resides on Grace Way - is going to be preserved somewhere in Stevenage.

Stevenage Borough Council have had a few suggestions on what to do with him.

If you have any other ideas, please share them by emailing Community.Development@stevenage.gov.uk.

SBC will then look at what the most feasible options are, and put the best two to a public vote so you can decide on Covid the Cobra's fate.

The snake on Stevenage?s Grace Way was started on Monday by mum Dawn Parnell and her children Eddie, 10, and Owen, five.

She said: ?At the start of lockdown, my sons and I painted stones and began leaving them around on our walks, and on friends?doorsteps, to bring a little smile to people. This soon caught on and friends started to do the same. ?A Covid rock snake elsewhere in Herts gave us the idea to set up Covid the Cobra near our home, so we can see how much he grows. Eddie and Owen are so excited with how much he?s grown already.

He started life just 16 stones long and he's spreading a little cheer now.?

#Stayathomesavelives Stevenage Borough Council has chosen a 3D High precision printing company, Freeform Fabrication Ltd, as the winner of its ÂŁ2,500 Stevenage Business Grant.

Council awards Stevenage Business Grants

The company was started by Ms Efrat Sharon in 2003 and supplies high precision 3D scanners, 3D printers, laser welders, etching and engraving machines and services to jewellers, designers and manufacturers.

Freeform Fabrication has been based in Stevenage for the last two years has three employees. The funding will enable the purchase of a 3D scanner to support product development, quality control and restoration, saving time, as well as giving very accurate representation of scanned objects.

Runner-up in the business grant awards was KroniKare Limited who specialise in AI-driven technology for chronic-wound care and management, KroniKare was awarded ÂŁ1,500 to support the future growth plans of the business.

The company uses thermal imaging and

machine-learning algorithms running on an ordinary smartphone to reduce the time taken by trained nurses to assess chronic wounds, from 30 minutes to merely 30 seconds.

Other finalists were Westend Wi-Fi, which supplies boutique business Wi-Fi and multi gigabit broadband, and Totem Sustainability Ltd, who provide sustainability and environmental

#Stayathomesavelives consulting services. Both were awarded grants of ÂŁ1,000.

The Business Development Grants aim to support local small businesses with fewer than 10 employees. Funding can be used to introduce new products and services or support marketing & advertising.

Businesses were encouraged to compete for the grants and successful applicants were invited to the council?s headquarters to produce a pitch to a panel on how the money would be spent. The grants were awarded remotely due to the coronavirus outbreak.

India and across Africa. AvaCare are locat ed at St evenage Biosciences Cat alyst , wit h likeminded pharmaceut ical companies in an open innovat ion environment AvaCare aims t o be part of t he ÂŁ961 million Nut rit ional supplement UK market , The market is ever increasing wit h a rise in healt h conscious consumers and recommendat ions provided by healt h professionals on supplement s t o be t aken t o avoid vit amin deficiencies.

?The 3D scanners, in addition to the part they play in product development, quality control, restoration, medical, creative arts, there are so many applications to it and it can support businesses in localising production, reducing costs, make replacement and essential parts instead of source. It saves hours and days of manual measurements and design, it gives a very accurate representation of the scanned object and the software is impressively powerful and does a lot for the user, making the job for the operator clean and easy with a quality output.

We have the experience and the knowledge to discuss projects with business to understand their needs, demonstrate a working solution and help them improve and implement a faster process at a very competitive price. For some companies, the implementation of a process involving 3D scanning could potentially save money and speed up projects. And it?s also really cool and exciting for the team to use this technology which gives an almost instant result.?

AvaCare is a Food Supplement company, current ly wit h 3 direct ors from Relt on Associat es Lt d (RA), a Digit al Market ing agency wit h New Product Development experience based at t he Business Technology Cent re. The Business direct ors have backgrounds in t he healt h and pharmaceut ical indust ry, including a pharmacist who also has vast buyer experience and a branding, market ing, new product development and digit al market ing expert .

The business has been t rading on a part -t ime basis since April 2016 and full t ime since August 2019. AvaCare has been dist ribut ed in t he UK, globally in t he USA, Cyprus, Greece,

Pict ured above Relt on Herron of Avacare donat ing PPE t o Garden House Hospice Living Well Homecare Lt d is a domiciliary care provider, providing care in the home to support independent living and the management of chronic conditions to a diverse range of clients.

This is a growing area, with private sector supporting the social care sector.

To support the future growth of the business, the business is introducing telecare services to support users to support monitoring of conditions and prevention of falls and accidents in the home. This will enable the business to remain competitive and also support further growth.

#Stayathomesavelives

Is your business eligible for a support grant?

Dear colleague In response t o t he Covid-19 pandemic, t he government recent ly set out a package of measures t o support businesses t hrough t his period of disrupt ion. Around 750 businesses in t he dist rict are eligible t o apply for a grant of up ÂŁ10,000 t o help t hem t hrough current financial difficult ies and a furt her 180 are eligible t o apply for a grant of up t o ÂŁ25,000.

St evenage Borough Council has allocat ed over ÂŁ8m in grant s so far and would like t o administ er t he remainder of t he funding t o all t hose who are eligible under t he scheme. We st ill have around 160 businesses in St evenage who receive Small Business Rat e Relief and have not applied for t his funding. We are very keen for businesses in St evenage t o claim t his funding.

If you operat e a business in St evenage and t hink you are eligible could you kindly complet e our online form ht t ps://services.st evenage.gov.uk/ brcovid-19grant The online applicat ion form is quick t o complet e and help is available. Please not e t his is a grant not a loan and money is wait ing t o be claimed right now.

We look forward t o hearing from you Mena Caldbeck Business Relat ionship Manager

#Stayathomesavelives

Golf ideas winner named In t he last edit ion of #St evenage we announced we were looking for t he next golf hole designer! The winner was Gene and Flynn Wells who will win a FREE FAMILY PASS and we may even build it !

We also held a #winagame t ag compet it ion and t he winner is David Pomfret .

#Stayathomesavelives

A message from the team at 360 Play 360 Play COVID-19 Updat e 360 is closed for t he t ime being We are sorry t o announce t hat following t he government advice t o us all on reducing social int eract ion and t o avoid smaller public spaces, we have t aken t he difficult decision t o close all our 360 Play cent res

unt il furt her not ice.

As a family business we are devast at ed t o announce t his decision but everyone?s healt h and safet y must come first .

We?d like t o t hank you for your loyalt y and underst anding during t his uncert ain t ime. We look forward t o welcoming you

again, hopefully very soon. If you have a play pass or an exist ing booking wit h us please visit our websit e ht t ps:// 360play.co.uk W it h our very best wishes, Duncan Phillips & t he 360 Play Team

#Stayathomesavelives A message from t he organisers of Todd in t he Hole Fest ival.

Thank you for bearing with us during recent weeks in this period of such uncertainty. Your messages of support and your love for Todd have been incredible.

Since its inception in 2018, one of our main aims for the festival was to bring the wonderful people of Hertfordshire together to celebrate our incredible community spirit. With heavy hearts we have had to make the very difficult (but right) decision to play our part to protect that community. The safety of our audience, artists, and crew are paramount, and for that reason Todd 2020 will regrettably not be taking place in July this year.

Everyone involved in Todd is truly heartbroken that we can?t go ahead. We?re sad for you, we?re sad for our artists, traders, charity? so many small businesses and sole traders that rely on events like ours to survive.

As a small festival we face an uphill battle and will feel the strain over the coming year, as we?re sure many of you will. We?ve paid non-refundable deposits and bills, for an event which now won?t take place for over a year. But we will work through this, we will survive and we will make sure 2021 is the Todd of all Todds!

When this pandemic comes to an end, we believe community events like ours will play an important part in our recovery. By coming together to share in a common experience we build stronger, more resilient communities and that is why we will do absolutely everything we can to make 2021 extra special for you. We?ve spoken to this years? headliners and bands and they all absolutely can?t wait to put on the performance of their lives at Todd 2021!

So, we ask you now to do just one thing for us? ? ?

Put 16 ? 18 JULY 2021 in your diaries!

So, what next?

Our ticket partner Ticketline will be in touch with all Todd 2020 ticket purchasers directly.

If you can make our re-scheduled date,

Todd in the Hole to be back for 2021 event then we?d love you to keep hold of your tickets for Todd 2021. Firstly, that will guarantee you the best value tickets. Tickets will go back on sale soon for Todd 2021, but with our allocation of early bird tickets sold out and our tier 1 allocation 80% sold out. Plus, as a gesture of our heartfelt thanks for sticking with us, the drinks are on us ? well not all of them! We?ll give each adult ticketholder who has bought a 2020 ticket 2 x free drinks on entry to Todd 2021.

If you would like a refund, Ticketline will be able to process this for you, on our behalf.

We can?t wait to see you in July 2021. Until then watch this space as we bring you more live feeds from our incredible artists and keep the Todd love alive!

St ay safe and st ay healt hy, W it h huge love, From David, Mark & all of Team Todd

#Stayathomesavelives

Standon back for 2021 Standon Calling has announced that this year?s event has been postponed due to the coronavirus.

In a statement, Standon Calling said: ?We are heartbroken to announce that due to the impact ofCovid-19, the 15th anniversary of Standon Calling will no longer be taking place in 2020. As communicated in April, we have been exploring multiple options, however it has become clear that hosting the festival this year will not be possible. ?We are incredibly sad that this will be the first year since we started out that the festival will not go ahead, but this is the right decision for all of us our audience, our staff, our local community, our artists and the emergency services. ?I can promise you that we are already relishing the challenge to deliver The Party of All Time [in 2021] and then some... after all of this is behind us

we are going to need it!?

Ticket holders for 2020 won?t have to do anything in advance of 2021?s festival, with tickets due to be rolled over for next year?s event. Ticket holders will also be entered into a prize draw to win one of 20 Adult Weekend Festival tickets for life, or one of 50 ÂŁ50 bar tabs for the 2021 event.

If ticket holders wish to have their ticket refunded, they must visit the official Standon Calling website.

This year?s event was due to be headlined by Hot Chip and Primal Scream, while acts including Craig David, Sister Sledge, Ella Eyre, Everything Everything, Kojey Radical and Sophie Ellis-Bextor were also scheduled to appear.

The bill for 2021 is unknown.

#Stayalertsavelives

Message from Wilkestock A message from t he organisers of W ilkest ock 2020 on t he cancellat ion of t heir event for t his year.

"We are devastated to announce that, due to the uncertainty around events this year, Wilkestock 2020 has been cancelled.

"If you have purchased tickets, don?t worry: they will be valid for next year! As a charity festival, we?d be ever so grateful if you could hold on to your tickets for 2021 so that we may continue to operate.

"Wilkestock 2021 will take place from 3rd to 5th September.

"We have been closely following the government guidance and seeking professional advice since the lockdown began in March 2020. It?s become clearer and clearer that Wilkestock would not be able to deliver the kind of event that we all know and love, and with the current situation still ongoing we feel this is the safest and most responsible action to take.

"This news will undoubtedly be disappointing for not only our loyal Wilkestockers, but also the hundreds of bands, DJs, volunteers, security, traders, and of course - our beloved charities. Wilkestock has always been a great supporter of local and national grassroots music, traders and community, and so we?d like to announce that Wilkestock will be taking local musicians on the road in Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire to perform in our amazing care homes.

"Care homes have been incredibly neglected during this crisis, and many of their residents do not even have the means to contact their loved ones. We hope by giving them the opportunity to gather (safely!) and enjoy some top-notch music, this may help to lift their spirits. In addition to this - we will be streaming this LIVE and giving viewers the opportunity to donate

directly to a fund for providing tablets to care homes, so they too can Zoom and FaceTime their friends and families. More information will be available for this soon via our Facebook page.

"We want to take this opportunity to thank all NHS, frontline and key workers across the UK for their magnificent, ongoing work to keep us safe and well.

We love you! We apologise for any disappointment caused: we?re truly devastated! If you have any queries or would like to request a refund, please contact: boxoffice@wilkestock.com "We will be back? bigger, better and bolder in 2021: watch this space!"

Team Wilkestock x

Why it is crucial to keep full working time records Keeping records of working t ime ? why is t his import ant ? By Rebecca List Since the introduction of the Working Time Regulations in 1998, UK employers have been required to maintain records to enable them to show that working time limits are being complied with. More specific regulations govern working time for young workers, for those doing night shifts, and for work involving special hazards or heavy mental strain.

On the advice of the Health & Safety Executive, there was no need for specific records to be kept of actual daily working time and instead, existing records that were maintained for other purposes (such as pay) may be relied upon to ensure that limits on working time were being adhered to.

A recent case brought before the European Court of Justice (ECJ) has called that advice into question. Is it possible that the UK?s Working Time Regulations do not comply with EU law after all? The ECJ were asked to determine whether employers were required to record actual hoursworked each day, in order to ascertain compliance with working time limits, and the answer was a definitive yes. It considered that the only way to guarantee workers? fundamental rights to maximum working hours and rest breaks was for employers to have an ?objective, reliable and accessible?system of keeping adequate records of the actual hours worked by those workers who had not opted out of the 48-hour weekly working time. It is also the responsibility of Member States to ensure that this is implemented, and employers cannot cite expense in sidestepping their obligations.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) are yet to update their guidance, but what can employers do in the meantime to mitigate the risk of claims?

Look at whether your system is capable to recording actual working hours, especially if you have staff who work regular and unpaid overtime or nightshift, or young workers, since they may

Rebecca List - Head of Empl oyment Law at Tol l ers

become subject to greater scrutiny by the tribunals and the HSE. Remind your workers to declare any second jobs, and where there is any doubt, ask them to opt out of the 48-hour limit. Keep adequate records of those who have opted out together and copies of their signed opt-out agreements. Remember also that those records must also be kept for two years. The Government has consistently maintained that ECJ decisions made before the UK?s departure from the EU will continue to bind domestic courts post-Brexit, although whether we will see a formal amendment to the Working Time Regulations to properly implement the EU?s Directive, remains to be seen.

To find out more regarding t his complex area ?Talk t o Tollers?Employment Team on 01438 901095.

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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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#Stevenage magazine spotlight on support

Survivors Against Domestic abuse offering support SADA cont inues t o offer advice and support t hroughout pandemic Stevenage Borough Council is reassuring any victims of domestic abuse that Survivors Against Domestic Abuse (SADA) will continue to offer advice and support throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.

Although the government advice is to stay home, anyone who is at risk of, or is experiencing, domestic abuse is still able to leave and seek refuge, and SADA will continue to provide support to victims.

SADA is available to residents in Stevenage, North Herts, and East Herts, and expanded to include Welwyn Hatfield in January.

Councillor Sharon Taylor, Leader of Stevenage Borough Council and Chair of SADA, said: ?Unfortunately increasing financial pressures, school closures and more people working from home all mean that there could be an increase in domestic abuse. ?We know that this is a worrying time for all of us, but this may be heightened for those who have suffered or are suffering any form of domestic abuse and are now isolated with their abuser. ?We want to reassure residents that we will continue to support anyone who needs our help.

Please contact SADA and do not suffer in silence.?

Cllr Gary Grindal, North Hertfordshire District Council?s (NHDC) Executive Member for Housing said: ?NHDC will continue to work closely with

SADA during the coronavirus pandemic to make sure that those who are victims of domestic abuse still get the help they need. If you need advice or help because you are in a difficult situation, please pick up the phone and talk to SADA, or access their services online?.

Please call 01438 242666 to speak to a dedicated domestic abuse worker.

For more information, visit: www.stevenage.gov.uk/ about-stevenage/so-safe/187555/

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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

Market ing

Crisis management

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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# St evenage Jul y 2020

PROPERTY

The unique guide to property news in #Stevenage

#STEVENAGE PROPERTY: THE INTERACTIVE WAY TO VIEW YOUR AGENT

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# 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

Th e on lin e w or ld allow s f or qu ick an d easy

t o t h e agen t s - so h it t h eir w ebsit es n ow , em ail

con n ect ion t o all h ou ses f or sale or r en t , w it h

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

f u ll f act s at you r f in ger t ips an d in st an t lin k s t o

of you r ow n ph on e.

101 High St r eet , St even age

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Tel 01438 231200 m ar k sim on est at es.co.u k

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

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Tel 01438 219282 let t in gs@t lcest at es.co.u k

61-63 High St r eet ,

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St even age Tel 01438 316846 w w w.pu t t er ills.co.u k

86 High St r eet ,

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St even age Tel 01438 728444 h om esan dm or t gages.co.u k

A-Top Pr oper t y Let t in gs, 1 Dr aper s Way, St even age

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Tel 01438 369173 con t act @a-t oplet t in g.co.u k

# PROPERTY STEVENAGE 24 M ar k et Place St even age

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

19 M ar k et Place,

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St even age Tel 01438 312312 st even age@w r igh t sof .com

Ow n Hom es, 2 M iddle Row , St even age

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Tel 01438 367753 sales@ow n -h om es.com

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Call 0800 0248 914

8 M ar k et Place, St even age

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Tel 01438 728444 st even age@con n ells.co.u k

74 High St r eet , St even age

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Tel 01438 870673 en qu ir ies@agen t h ybr id .co.u k

The independent local estate agent Text

2 M iddle Row , St even age Tel 01438 367753

w w w.ow n -h om es.com

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.

Placing the focus our customers Text

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

em ail st even age@h om esan dm or t gages.co.u k

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.

ht t ps://my.mat t erport .com/show/ ?m=GCbcjmCyYn

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.

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

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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?

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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

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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