#Stevenage March 2021

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March 2021

£37m cash boost

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Spring truly is here and after the year which we have endured, it really isvery welcome.

The season of lighter nights, warmer weather and optimism may be here and may be enjoyed more than ever before.

With children due back at school this month, further easing of restrictions on March 29th and then a return for many to businessin April we really can see an end to the suffering.

Allied to that we now have things to look

forward to. In thisedition we put the spotlight on Todd in the Hole and the Stevenage 10k race. And of course there is also the small matter of an amzing £37m funding boost to the town, won by the Stevenage Development Board.

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

Shameful state of a society relying on food bank support Lynn works in a food bank. It could be any food bank in the land because people like her have seen the same stories time and again.

I first came across them when I lived in New Zealand and the 2007 financial crash hit the country. It was a shorter, sharper shock there but there are divisions in society, like anywhere.

When I returned two years later to see them taking hold in the UK it was a shock and challenged my perception of us being a rich country, a first-world one.

Surely, the mere fact that there are any at all mark out a failure of both state and society. The very idea that people are short of a key essential to life is an abomination. That mothers are skipping meals to ensure their kids have something from a near bare cupboard, that many go to school hungry and rely on a hot free school meal, that pensioners and others are having to choose between heating and eating are pretty disgraceful.

Lynn (it?s not her real name), does a lot of charitable work and looks worn down by months of effort in trying to source donations of food and other essentials, such as nappies, and hygiene products, then sorting and bagging them with the help of others so families can have at least a few meals as they struggle to keep food on the table during a pandemic that has sharpened the inequalities in Britain today.

I have been fortunate, working from home for a year saving on petrol, car insurance and wear and tear on the vehicle and myself, balancing that against increased domestic costs. But so many key workers can?t do their jobs from home - and many more have lost jobs or been furloughed, which in many cases has merely delayed the inevitable.

And yet we have had a background narrative for years of the need for austerity, to balance the books like a household when the people spouting such lines know full well that the budgets of household and nothing like those of countries. That has gone hand in hand with brutal welfare cuts, at the cost of tens of thousands of excess deaths as a result. And a drip-drip series of divisive news stories and poverty porn TV shows that set up two camps - workers and shirkers.

There have always been both. But the perception, echoed by public polls that a quarter of benefit claims are fraudulent is not born out by the facts. It is closer to 1pc. A government report for 2019-20 showed: 2.2% of total benefit expenditure was overpaid due to fraud and error; the estimated value of overpayments was £4.1 billion; the net government loss, after recoveries, was £3 billion, or 1.6% of benefit expenditure 1.1% of total benefit expenditure (or £2 billion) was underpaid due to fraud and error.

Contrast that with the total cost of tax avoidance.

At £35bn, the government?s official estimate of tax losses is now the highest it has been in cash terms

since figures were first published in 2008. That is £673m a week if you wanted to paint it on the side of a big red bus - almost three times the police budget.

Worryingly these estimates have been increasing sharply in recent years. The tax gap has increased by 17 per cent since 2016 when the figure was £30bn.

If you think that sounds bad, the reality is much worse when you take into account sweetheart deals negotiated by big corporates and cleaver accountancy juggling on the behalf of multinationals. The companies all take advantage of our services. They just don?t like to pay for them. And good luck if you as an individual want to negotiate your PAYE rate.

These things have consequences. ?It?s been tough,?

Lynn said. ?Sometimes it feels like a battle that we cannot win. And the stories I see at the food bank each day, well they?re truly heartbreaking. ?Only this week I had a woman with four children in tow and they looked like they would faint because they?d not eaten a proper meal in days. ?The mother?s face was etched with anguish - but also relief their children might get something to eat for a few days at least. ?We also had some sweets delivered this week. The kids?faces lit up when they saw them. But when we dished out some cheap colouring books and pencils, one mum said she would put them away for Easter because she didn?t think the kids would be getting any chocolate eggs. I told her to give them to them as we are likely to have some eggs donated to us. ?Her husband had been on furlough for months and she lost her job in a shop, which meant they were having to survive on universal credit, which is not exactly generous. ?I really fear for what will happen in September,?said Lynn, when the universal credit uplift of £20 a week is taken away. ?The benefit was the barest minimum and many people transferred onto it lost out, and I had hoped that it might have been made permanent. Yet in some respects they are fortunate, as so many others I see, particularly the disabled, have been forgotten - as well as a legion of unpaid carers.?

She said one ?client?was a nurse, complaining at the offer of 1% pay rise this year. She told me that she understood other people in the public sector were being having their pay frozen this year but after all the sacrifices during the Covid pandemic she thought the nurses were entitled to a little more than that - and it

was harder for the lower-paid NHS staff - healthcare assistants, domestics and porters. The woman said the Government goes on about the top rate of pay for nurses but many don?t actually get anything like that. ?What really upsets me though is the constant picking on people at the bottom end of society. ?Of course there are those feckless ones who play the system and that?s wrong. You can?t defend it but then there are a great many people who don?t play the system and are just in dire straits. I fear many more will find themselves in this situation next winter. ?It just seems so wrong, so unjust that so many people are struggling so badly and yet money can be found for things like HS2 - an expensive train set - when so many will now work from home. Yes after the pandemic people will go back to their offices but perhaps not full time so there is even less of a case now for spending that sort of money. And we have blown £35 billion on a poor-value track and trace system. ?But it?s the cuts that hurt most - not raising tax thresholds, not topping up benefits - freezing them while prices rise relentlessly are gas bills and electric bills and how water bills and council tax bills are not frozen. ?I wish I didn?t have to run this food bank. There should be no place for them in our society. As a country we have so much and yet it seems to be in too few hands and people are forced to effectively beg for support .?

Lynn said she saw a TV news story the other day that really got to her. A vicar in Burnley said there an increasing number of people were unable to afford funerals for relatives. They get a pauper?s cremation but the families don?t have the money to go across town to collect the ashes and the vicar did that for them and delivered. ?I appreciate times are hard and nobody could foresee the pandemic - although it?s quite clear we were not prepared for one and there have been mis-steps along the way. ?But to see some of the families and the hardships and their tears it?s just soul destroying and I feel worse is yet to come, I really do. ?The right to a daily hot meal and a roof over your head should be basic - and yet so many are going without or constantly struggling to do those things. ?One couple came in the other day and told me about their so-called rent holiday - all it meant was that their

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

monthly rent was held over but the landlord insisted on adding on an extra week?s rent for every month.

The poor couple were presented with a bill for £1,400 - how on earth are they supposed to afford that when they?re only on universal credit? ?Ministers say that they could live on this amount and they possibly could for a week - but only without paying the gas, electric, water, rent and all the other essential bills let alone clothing children. There are so many things that many of us take for granted. ?For years people have been told about others getting handouts and that being on benefits was a lifestyle choice. ?Well, I?m disabled and had to leave my well-paid job in finance for a local authority. When I look at my salary and what it would have been now - does anyone really think someone like me would choose to give up that sort of salary just to live on £100 a week or whatever it is that I get, plus a mobility car -which they can take away at a whim and which I need to get around - especially to work at the food bank??

As some semblence of life begins to re-emerge this autumn, it is clear that a great many people will be dreading the falling leaves - and benefit payments.

------It was great to hear Match of the Day pundit Ian Wright pick out Nathan Tella of Southampton for special analysis recently after Southampton won at Sheffield United. The speedy winger is just one of a number of rising sports stars worth keeping an eye on.

Nathan was at Arsenal, where he was struggling to break through in an Academy that has put a lot of store in players thought to be ahead of him in the route to the first team, such as Charlie Patino. It is wonderful to see that Southampton, who have long scoured Stevenage for footballing talent, are giving young Nathan a shot at the big time - and that he seems determined to grab the opportunity.

Another to keep an eye on is defender Daniel Ballard.

Arsenal let him go twice, once reducing him to tears in Academy coach Liam Brady?s office, before Brady had second thoughts and gave Dan another chance. The 6ft 2in defender is still on the Gunners book but is impressing on loan at League 1 Blackpool. He has already won five senior caps for Northern Ireland, and is seen as a long-term replacement for Leicester?s

Johnny Evans, which is praise indeed.

And if Arsenal let him go again this summer, he is sure to have a host of top Championship teams queuing at his door.

Let?s not forget striker Keinan Davis, who started his career within the Stevenage FC academy but was released by coach Darren Sarll in 2015. He has since played 64 times for Aston Villa - 23 of those in the Premier League - and is an England Under-20 international. He was recently given a new contract at the club until 2024. It was at Villa, where Ashley

Young, another son of Stevenage, won a big-money move to Manchester United.

Three brilliant young talents - two of whom were scouted by town postman and part-time Arsenal scout Brian Stapleton. He really delivered for them!

Daniel, who comes across as a lovely lad, made sure Brian got his first Northern Ireland shirt, in gratitude for all he has done for him.

Looks like they may need to budge up a bit soon on the Hall of Fame mural at the Leisure Centre...

Development Board secures £37m fund boost for Stevenage Stevenage Development Board has been awarded a multi-million pound cash injection by government as part of a radical programme for innovative change. The funding had been sought as part of the government?s Towns Fund Initiative in which 100 UK towns were selected to apply for support to bring about major transformation.

After submitting a comprehensive bid and passing through a detailed review by the

Government, Adrian Hawkins OBE, announced that Stevenage has successfully been awarded £37.5m.

Mr. Hawkins, who was recently named in the New Year honours list, commented:?Our vision was ambitious, our plan clearly deliverable, and the message was simple: investing this money in the future of Stevenage is an investment in the future of our country, in the future of our children, and

will unleash over £600m of private investment to supercharge UK businesses, as we once again unify in a time of great national need and set a new blueprint for innovation at the heart of a 21st Century New Town. ?I am delighted to announce this, not least because Stevenage is the town where I grew up in a council house, the town which gave me the chance to build my own business and a place which I hold so dear. ?This will now see not just an investment in buildings and infrastructure, but an investment in the people, to improve their lives and to boost their skills to enable them to engage with local employers and local employment. ?It is urgent that we now consider how we accommodate, expand and deliver skills to our important science-based industries in the Town and ensure that they have the environment to develop, expand and employ locally. The businesses and sectors located in Stevenage are competing on a global level, and their success is intrinsically linked to our national economy - our residents simply cannot and will not be left behind.?

Projects which have been submitted relate to a number of key areas including connectivity, arts and culture, regeneration and land use and skills and enterprise.

The successful bid aimed to boost the growth of businesses in Stevenage which have a national and international base. Heritage of the first New Town was also a key focus and it will now offer the chance to reflect on and reinterpret this for future generations.

Cllr Sharon Taylor OBE, Leader of Stevenage Borough Council said: "We have an unprecedented opportunity, a once in a generation moment to revitalise the town and provide outstanding opportunities for local people and businesses. Proposals that will create jobs, a thriving heart of the town, support the growth of world class businesses and boost the

national economy. A unique chance to accelerate the regeneration of the town centre, providing vibrancy and places for people to enjoy. The plan will build resilience for Stevenage in the face of the threats presented by Covid-19 and recession, by providing creative employment and upskilling for local people. We have a united, broad and strong partnership, pride in our heritage, determination to make regeneration happen, and the passion to deliver a pioneering future. " Mark Bretton, Chair of Hertfordshire LEP and the LEP Network commented: ?As the UK?s first ever New Town, Stevenage holds the legacy of Hertfordshire?s pioneering spirit. There has never before been such a strong collective determination to build on this proud heritage and rejuvenate the town for the 21st century.

Hertfordshire LEP?s wholehearted support for this ambitious transformation is evidenced through our significant Local Growth Fund investment, which will help bring forth modern infrastructure and amenities; quality homes, retail and business space; and a host of vital interventions that will instil confidence in young people, raise the aspirations of local residents and strengthen the skills pipeline serving the town?s world-class employers.?

David Williams, Leader Hertfordshire County, Council and Chair of Hertfordshire Growth Board said: ?This Town Deal Investment Plan will accelerate Stevenage?s game changing regeneration strategy. Stevenage?s clear sighted ambition to evolve from pioneer post war new town to a 21st century national hub for science, technology and advanced manufacturing excellence will be delivered faster and with greater certainty. Hertfordshire County Council shares the ambition for Stevenage to exceed its potential and has supported this endeavour as an active partner from the start.

Further details of the Town Investment Plan and the Members of the Stevenage Development Board, can be found at www.stevenage-even-better.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tickets selling fast as Todd in the Hole returns

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Stevenage FC match action

Sat u r day, M ar ch 6, EFL Leagu e Division Tw o St even age FC 1 Har r ogat e 0

Tu esday, M ar ch 2, EFL Leagu e Division Tw o St even age FC 3 For est Gr een R 0

Sat u r day, Febr u ar y 27, EFL Leagu e Division Tw o New por t 0 St even age FC 0

Boro open up North Stand to homeless

Stevenage Football Club Chairman Phil Wallace has provided the club's North Stand to be used as a drop-in centre for Feed Up Warm Up, a local charity that helps provide homeless people with food, clothing, care and support.

need and when I read they needed a facility in Stevenage, I made contact. The venue is fantastic and I am delighted that it will bring something to look forward to once a week for those in our community that need help."

Every Monday from 5-7pm from 22nd March 2021, local people will be able to visit the Lamex Stadium?s North Stand in-order to access hot food, have a warm drink, get a haircut, pick up some clothes or toiletries and to meetFeed Up Warm Up?s brilliant team of volunteers.

Shane Cole, Feed Up Warm Up Project Founder said, ?We would like to thank Stevenage Football Club for agreeing to let us use their facilities for our programme. Having the new venue for our Stevenage drop in will enable the project to work at its full capacity again and will give us the space to continue assisting our clients.

Phil Wallace said, "Frankly I got fed up looking at this great £2 million facility we had built standing empty. It took me 5 years to circumnavigate all kinds of obstacles to build it and it is a privilege to use it for the good of the community once a week. The Feed Up, Warm Up charity have a great reputation for providing food and temporary shelter to those most in

"We welcome Stevenage Football Club on board with the project and look forward to working with them to help us reach out to more people in need of our help.?

For more information on Feed Up Warm Up head to www.feedupwarmup.co.uk

Stevenage Striders February update on challenges undertaken February Members?Achievements Victoria Mclver and Jenny Ingram-Tedd took part in the Centurion running weekend choosing the 50k option and ran the distance in one go! Jenny in 5:52.00 and Victoria in 5:55:00. Awesome!

Esperanza Castro completed 125 miles in February and Paula Heyes, whilst aiming for 50 miles, managed to cover more than 70 in total.

Phil Deaves completed his 100-mile challenge in support of the Bone Cancer Research Trust which included a 10mile PB of 1:19:30. Fantastic efforts all.

St riders Dist ance Challenge The Striders 2021 mile challenge is well under way with 6 teams striding out to be named champions. Will your team win? Will you be the highest individual strider? Only one way to make sure.

Here is a link to the latest results dashboard... https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/ d/19TNsSK6kRlwcR5sB465k9MU6UDv4I -GMGVOvCEI-C-8/edit?usp=sharing St evenage St riders 2021 10k Where can you get free cake? We'll tell you where.

Entries are open for the Stevenage 10km, Sunday 19th September, starting and finishing in Hampson Park, Stevenage. There is a bespoke t-shirt and medal for every finisher, along with a slice of cake. Enter on page 10

Last year the club raised over £4000 for local charities. Help us do the same or better this year.

As always, many thanks to our sponsors Wagstaffs, Hashtag Digital Media, Ask Physio and Mather Marshall Estate Agents.

Please share this event with you family, friends and colleagues to help make the 2021 event the best yet!

Parkrun Ret urns in June Following the publication of the Government?s roadmap for exiting lockdown, we are excited to share the plans to restart both junior and 5k Parkrun events across England. Find out more here at wwwparkrun.org.uk

Surplus kit for sale For those who might need a spare training top, we still have a limited number of the coveted green t-shirts remaining from the 2020 Stevenage 10k for both male and female styles in various sizes (S, M, L, XL).

These are currently available for sale at the special price of £5 each + £2.50 pp (where posting is required). Delivery to the Stevenage area is free.

Please email club@stevenagestridersrc.org.uk with your name, gender, size and address and we will get back to you ASAP with availability and details of how to pay.

Council sets out post pandemic budget for the coming year Stevenage Borough Council?s budget for 2021/22 sets out how, despite a difficult year protecting and supporting residents from Covid and a challenging funding environment, the council has balanced its finances to deliver essential services to residents, and continued with its regeneration ambitions and housing priorities.

Cllr Sharon Taylor, Leader of Stevenage Borough Council said: ?Our ability to absorb the enormity of Covid on our council and finances needs to be considered alongside huge cuts.

Over the last 10 years, the government has continued to reduce local government funding; local councils who connect with communities, resident groups and local people of all age groups to deliver services that make a huge difference to their day-to-day lives. ?During the last 12 months since our last budget announcement, local people have needed us and have turned to our services, knowledge and network to get through what has clearly been troubling times. The pandemic has challenged everyone, yet the council is still focused on it bold ambitions and we took action early to ensure the continued financial resilience of the council. We are a council that prides itself on delivering 120 services ourselves.?

Cllr Taylor emphasised that providing quality, affordable housing and more new homes for the people of Stevenage is one of the council?s top priorities. Other key focuses include delivering a billion pound town centre regeneration programme and reducing opportunities for anti-social behaviour to transform local lives.

This budget includes provision to help the council to move forward with the following initiatives: - town centre regeneration, - the delivery of affordable homes, - Stevenage Against Domestic Abuse (SADA) service and

- co-operative neighbourhood programme.

Council Tax paid to Stevenage Borough Council for a Band C property will go up by £4.45 (2.32%). Each Band C household will pay Stevenage Borough Council £196.06 for 2021/22, (or 11.5%). This is the equivalent of just under 54pence per day of Stevenage residents?Council Tax bill being spent in Stevenage by this council.

Hertfordshire County Council will see an increase of 3.99%, and 7.58% from the Police and Crime Commissioner. This means the Band C council tax in Stevenage for 2021/22 will be £1,692.62, so an overall increase of just over 4%.

Government Cuts are equivalent to a reduction in spend of £139.68 for each household in the town to 2021/22.

Cllr Taylor concluded by reiterating the council?s commitment to working co-operatively to bring social and economic benefits to Stevenage communities and businesses as part of the plan to rejuvenate Stevenage after the height of the pandemic and spread of the disease.

She said: ?We highly value the work of our partners, without whom we would not be able to deliver some of our key services and extend our reach and ability to support local people facing this global challenge.?

The total Council Tax bill for Stevenage for 2021/22 will be: Band A - £1,269.47 Band B - £1,481.04 Band C - £1,692.62 Band D - £1,904.20 Band E - £2,327.36 Band F - £2,750.51 Band G - £3,173.67 Band H - £3,808.40 For every pound of council tax paid, Hertfordshire County Council gets 77p, Hertfordshire Police get 11p and Stevenage Borough Council gets 11p.

Assisting nature to recover is in our hands - will you help out?

Frieda Rummenhohl from Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust explains why helping nature recover is as essential for us as it is for wildlife.

In the modern times we live in, it?s sometimes easy to forget just how reliant we are on the natural world. We are spending more times indoors than ever. As technology advances, the disconnect with the natural world is growing larger. But this separation from our relationship with nature can result in unintended consequences.

Take, for example, the variety of year-round fruit and vegetables available in supermarkets, sourced from around the world. To us as consumers, it?s not apparent that one in four mouthfuls of food we eat relies on pollinating insects to help it grow. Therefore, the threat of extinction that hovers over so many of our pollinating insects, and the link between that and our own food supply, is often missed.

We exist in a paradox of wildlife at the brink of extinction and a modern way of life that means we?ve never been more disconnected with the relevance and value of the natural world when in reality, everything in the natural world ? including us ? is connected. Imagine our world as a game of Jenga. Each wooden block in the Jenga tower represents a different species on our planet, with the block on the top representing us. If you start taking out the species below then you risk the whole stack crashing down, people included.

Hertfordshire?s State of Nature Report, published just last year, highlights that simply halting the loss in wildlife decline is not enough; existing habitat patches are now too small and far apart to prevent further species extinctions, even under good conservation management. The next fifty years must see a massive reversal of these losses.

Our vision to reconnect people with the natural world whilst also putting in place the measures needed to bring wildlife back is 30 by 30 ? protecting 30% of land and sea for wildlife by 2030, 1 in 4 people taking action for wildlife and nature-based solutions at the heart of post COVID-19 recovery, climate change adaptation and future decision-making.

We are the first generation to recognise the impact we are having on the natural world, and perhaps the last that can save it before it?s too late. We can all play our part in nature?s recovery, but must act now!

Find out how you can help at www.hertswildlifetrust.org.uk

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Yuko grabs category success in one mile British Masters One Mile Challenge By 10am on Monday morning a magnificent 39 Spartans had already recorded times for their one mile challenge. Participants had until Sunday evening 7th Match to complete their race.

YUKO GORDON WON her category. She took first place in the women?s 65 plus age group with 6 minutes 58 seconds and was 879th overall out of 1210 finishers. She led the Spartans women?s team to second in that category with CATHY CRAIG in 8:21 and JAN FRY in 8:48. Their total time of 24:07 compared well with the winners 23:14 and second place in 23:16.

They were competing in the British Masters Athletics Federation virtual one mile challenge.

Saturday?s Fly 386 runners from 71 clubs competed in Saturday morning?s Fly 5k event.The Spartan Seven were BRIAN WHITE who won his category with 21 minutes 16 seconds; JIM BROWN in 25:25; PENNY SCHENKEL in 29:29; NICK KLEANTHOUS in 29:48; LIZ CARVELL in 31:48; PAUL HOLGATE in 34:25; and STEPH BIGGAR in a new Fly 5K personal best (PB) of 36 minutes 23 seconds.

This was stripey Saturday and many Spartans running their Fly 5K; their one mile challenge or on training runs were wearing their club kit.CHLOE CHAPMAN and FIONA CLARKE enjoyed their stripey Saturday with a run around the Stevenage Heritage Trail.

On Sunday 14th March there will be a range of Fly virtual events from 5K to an ultra 50K. Racing Round England Fairlands Valley Spartans are racing round England.

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

By the end of Sunday 7th March three ? BRIAN WHITE, PENNY SCHENKEL and JIM BROWN had all completed more than 1,000 kilometres.

Brian has crossed the Thames and is in Tilbury, Essex on 1,210 kilometres. Soon he will start on the long run up the east coast of England.Penny is 44 kilometres behind between Faversham and Sittingbourne on 1166. Having reached the Meridian Line for the first time in Peacehaven on Friday night Jim is very nearly in Kent at East Guldeford with 1040 kilometres.

SHARON CROWLEY, in fourth, is well through 500 miles and is in Brighton on 956 kilometres. Eight other Spartans are past 500 kilometres. They are KEN JUDE (760, Corfe Castle); CATHY CRAIG (737, Leaving Weymouth); HAZEL SMITH (734, Leaving Weymouth); LIZ CROWLEY (670, Branscombe); PAUL HOLGATE (611, Brixham); TRACY PEZ (578, Kingsbridge); LIZ CARVELL (547, Plymouth) and JON SYPULA (510, Fowey).

Nearly all the Spartans have turned the corner at Lands End.All aim to finish by the end of the year. The team total is 10,240.49 kilometres ? the equivalent of going round the course more than three times.

Many Spartans combined their effort to record a Fly 5K time with registering a (not) Parkrun effort.In addition THOMAS SAUKA notched up a fine 22 minutes 4 seconds in a (not) Parkrun solo run on Saturday.(Not) Parkruns can be run on any day of the week.

This challenge will end on Sunday 28th March, the first day of summertime and the day before it looks likely that group training can restart.

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

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

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

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

W hen were coffins first used?

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

How were coffins originally made?

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

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

Funerals were big events and so there would be no expense

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

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

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

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

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

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

The coffins we know t oday Nowadays, most coffins are

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

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

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

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

Support for business during Coronavirus Funding from St evenage Borough Council Business Funding Support from Stevenage Borough Council includes the Local Restrictions Support Grant (LRSG), which supports businesses that were open as usual, providing services in person to customers from their business premises, but which were then were required to close due to the national lockdown restrictions imposed by government.

This includes: Local Restriction Support (OPEN) Grant to support businesses within the hospitality, hotel, bed and breakfast and leisure sectors open during 2.12.20 to 18.12.2020 (Tier 2) and 19.12 Tier 3 announcements but have been impacted by the restrictions in place.

Local Restriction Support (CLOSED) Grant for businesses mandated to close during the 2.12.20 to 15.12.20 & 19.12.20 to 4.1.2021 Tier announcements.

Businesses from the Retail, Hospitality and Leisure sectors will be automatically provided with funding from the Top ? up, one off payments of (£4 to £9K) announced by the Chancellor.

The Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG) provides discretionary grant funding to support closed businesses that do not directly pay business rates, as well as businesses that do not have to close but have been impacted by the restrictions.Tranche 2 will be available soon.

compared with the same period the previous year.

Applications will be live soon and SBC will forward details as soon as they are available.

Hert fordshire Local Ent erprise Part nership Funding includes: Low Carbon Innovation Fund 2 which provides Grants of up to £5,000, to support SMEs make a positive impact on greenhouse gas reduction through the development of innovative technologies, products or services.

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

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

Hertfordshire Business Expansion Grant Scheme provides grants of £10k - £100k to incentivise SME investment in capital equipment to support growth and improve productivity Innovate UK Funding Innovate UK Smart Grants January 2021

The scheme will open from 1 March 2021. It will be primarily aimed at businesses which were NOT mandated to close during the lockdowns and Tier restriction periods but have suffered despite being able to remain open.

UK-registered organisations can apply for a share of up to £25 million to deliver game-changing and commercially viable research and development innovation that can significantly impact the UK economy.

It will also be available to businesses which were mandated to close but are not liable for business rates.

Closing date 26 May at 11:00am

All applicants will have to demonstrate that they have lost at least 20% of their turnover since January 2021,

Individuals based in a UK academic institution can apply to join the cyber security academic startup

Cyber security academic startup accelerator programme: year 5, phase 1

accelerator programme (CyberASAP).

You must: ·have an idea related to cyber security

£3,000 to Hertfordshire businesses that have been trading for up to 3 years and are looking to invest in areas such as website consultancy.

·be interested in commercialising the idea

Further information on this grant can be found here.

To register your interest for this grant, please visit www.wenta.co.uk or call 01438 310020.

Grants of up to £800,000 available from Innovate UK.

Business Support

Closing date for applications 3 March 11am.

Hert fordshire Growt h Hub

IETF energy efficiency and decarbonisation studies, spring 2021

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

Organisations can apply for a share of up to £40 million from Innovate UK to carry out feasibility and engineering studies into energy efficiency and decarbonisation technologies for industrial processes.

Closing date for applications 14 July 2021.

Match-funded grants of £3,000 available for Herts businesses from Wenta Wenta is offering match-funded grants for up to

EU Transit ion Readiness Support Hertfordshire Growth Hub?s team of dedicated EU

Transition Advisers can help answer your questions and concerns about operating under the news rules.

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

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

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

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

Affordable, flexible workspace on mont hly t erms in St evenage The Business & Technology Centre (btc) is an affordable and flexible business centre located on Bessemer Drive in Stevenage, offering workspace (both offices and workshop units) that is self-contained and available on monthly terms.

Tess Group and Serco, delivery partner for Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership are supporting fully funded courses to support businesses in Stevenage through the Skills Support for the Workforce (SSW) programme.

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

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.

- How Social Media fits in to the objectives and marketing of a business - Examine how to select social media tools and channels for a business - How to measure success using tools and channels - Understand how social media policy and guidelines can impact a business

If you are looking to re-locate your business or needing to down-size, the btc is an ideal place to be.

Wenta are operating a comprehensive 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.

- Using IT platforms to plan and execute online sales marketing

For further information and to book a viewing, contact the btc Centre Manager, joannakiely@wenta.co.uk or call 01438 310000.

Digit al Skills for Work Level 2

FREE websites from Wenta Social enterprise, Wenta, have partnered with website experts, UENI, to give all small business owners access to their free website offer. If you?ve not got a website or are looking to update and refresh your current one, contact Wenta on info@wenta.co.uk or call 01437 310 020.

- The best ways to use social media to promote your business - How to use cross platform marketing strategies (Twitter/ Facebook/Instagram

Technology is evolving at a fast pace as such it is important to keep up to date with the changes and develop new digital skills. This online qualification is perfect for anyone looking to enhance their digital literacy.

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

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

Skills Support

- How to measure success using tools and channels.

Skills t o support your workforce

- Understand how social media policy and guidelines can impact a business

Stevenage Borough Council in partnership with The

- Gaining an understanding of basic retail law and the importance of correct stock control All three courses are available week commencing 22 February 2021.

For further information and to register please email to info@thetessgroup.com to start the enrolment process.

Access to New Markets BAM Construction - Virtual Meet the Buyer Event - 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) - Understanding how to protect devices and data - 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.

- How you can use technology to communicate professionally.

- How to blog and interact with your audience online.

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

- Developing an understanding of the different aspects of the retail industry - Learning about customer payments and the selling process - Understanding how to provide good customer service - Learning how to deal with complaints and queries

BAM has been appointed by Legal & General, Sky and NBC Universal to create Sky Studios Elstree, the most sustainable film and TV studio in the world. Set to open in 2022, Sky Studios Elstree will house 13 sound stages and become home to a range of film and TV productions from Sky Studios and NBC Universal, attracting £3bn of production spend over the first five years of operation alone.

Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce are hosting this virtual event for would be suppliers to BAM on26th Februaryat 10am.

To find out more about opportunities for local suppliers and see how you can be involved with this fantastic scheme visit https://my.hertschamber.com/calendar_detail.html? eid=DE1B8611-0B8C-4C0E-8737-52CE4083181E Latin American and the Caribbean (LATAC) Roadshow 2021 The LATAC team at the Department for International Trade (DIT) are launching the LATAC Roadshow 2021 on 1 - 4 March.

The event is aimed at businesses that are keen to explore new markets in Latin America and the Caribbean and will provide details of regions which are covered by trade agreements with the UK, as well as feature specialist sector focused sessions.

Join DIT for a series of events to enhance your commercial growth in LATAC. The region is comprised of 42 countries with a total population of over 646 million people. LATAC has a combined GDP of almost US$6 trillion and a GDP per capita forecasted to grow at a 2.5% per annum rate through 2024.

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 www.stevenage.gov.uk

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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

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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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 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

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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

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74 High St r eet , St even age

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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.

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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

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.

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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

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