#Stevenage May 2020

# STEVENAGE Text

The unique digital magazine for Stevenage promoted by social media

May 2020

The unique digital magazine for Stevenage promoted by social media

Giving help and hope Clair e Au st in (lef t ) w it h Lou ise Yexley

(through) (plans) The unique digit al m agazine f or #St evenage

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# St ayat homest aysaf e 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

It'sour second month of lockdown and #Stevenage magazine is delighted to be here with you through this.

What bringsusmost pleasure, above keeping you informed of all the good thingsgoing on in and around Stevenage, is the chance to hear about groupsand organisations who very often do remarkable work but who go unheard of.

We were so pleased to speak to The Irish Network for thisedition to hear about their programmesbut also get some advice on getting through some of the pitfallswhich the coronaviruspresents us.

Stevenage Community Trust isanother such group which has worked in tandem to develop the Stevenage Helps programme, and what an amazing difference it has made, the remarkable Stevenage FC food delivery service an example of how it can help to fund.

With all thishard work, thingswill improve and we will get back to normal.

At #Stevenage we continue with our policy of providing free support to all our valued advertisers. It isunfair to charge for advertising at thistime, we want see as many of our groups and businessesback with usand from March to June we have pledged not to charge a penny but to run any advertisement which is requested of us. We think thisis only fair.

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

#stayathomesavelives

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#Stayathomesavelives

Irish Network advice on handling the lockdown

#Stayathomesavelives We are living in such uncert ain t imes at t he moment and t he support from charit ies like t he Irish Net work St evenage t o vulnerable older people in our communit ies is paramount t hroughout COVID 19.

The chair of t he Irish Net work St evenage, Luke Donovan expressed his concerns for his members and spoke t o #St evenage Magazine saying: ?I want ed t o reassure all our members and t heir families t hat we are st ill giving as much support as we can. W hilst we can?t offer t he social int eract ion we did, we are keeping in cont act wit h as many members as possible, t hrough phone calls and via our social media.

"It is so import ant t o reach out t o each ot her right now and I encourage everyone t o pick up t he phone and call. It could be t o a friend you knew years ago or someone you would normally see at one of our weekly event s, I guarant ee t hey will appreciat e it !

"I have heard some fant ast ic st ories from volunt eers and members t elling me about t he amazing act s of kindness t hat t hey have wit nessed and t his fills me wit h pride and confidence.

"Pride in t he good deeds my fellow resident s are doing and confidence t hat t oget her we will come out of t his wit h a st ronger communit y and a renewed fait h in each ot her.

"W hilst we have had t o close t he office, t he phone has been redirect ed t o a mobile so we will receive any calls you make, do ring if you need anyt hing. On behalf of all t he Trust ees and volunt eers I urge you t o keep safe and do ask for help if you need it , we are here for you, we will meet and conquer each challenge wit h t he resilience and t he st rengt h t hat I know we all have.?

The INS are encouraging t he import ance of t heir members looking aft er t hemselves bot h ment ally and physically and right now t hat can be a challenge.

Keeping t he brain act ive wit h maybe reading, wat ching films or finding new knowledge on t he int ernet . Keeping a daily rout ine t hat priorit ises looking aft er yourself.

They also suggest t rying new relaxat ion t echniques or Sport England have launched a 10 minut e exercise rout ine aimed at keeping older people healt hy and act ive during t he coronavirus lockdown.

It is based on gent le exercise and movement . They can access it at ht t ps:// 10t oday.co.uk/.

The INS are recommending t o t heir members about a healt hy balance t o news coverage, only wat ching just enough t o keep t heir members informed. Or checking t he lat est news wit h t he NHS or t he Government websit es.

And last ly, encouraging t heir members t o list en t o t he music t hey enjoy and t hat makes t hem feel happy.

Peggy Lyons Vice Chair said ?We are making hundreds of calls each week and our members love hearing from our volunt eers, it ?s t imes like t his when it is import ant t o reach out t o everyone and t hat is what we are t rying t o do, I have spoken t o so many members over t he last few weeks and I have t horoughly enjoyed it ! I don?t always get a chance t o sit wit h t hem at our social event s so t his has given me a great opport unit y t o t alk t o t hem and find out what we can do t o help?.

#Stayathomesavelives

#Stayathomesavelives Stevenage Leisure Limited (SLL) run Stevenage Arts & Leisure Centre has opened up as a community hub to help with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic situation.

On 23rd March 2020, Stevenage Arts & Leisure Centre closed to the public due to government guidelines surrounding the virus outbreak. The centre is an integral part of the Stevenage community, providing entertainment for all at the Gordon Craig Theatre and health and fitness at Stevenage Lifestyles which offers gym, sports and classes to all ages and abilities.

Stevenage Arts and Leisure Centre opens as community hub

SLL have since worked with Stevenage Borough Council (SBC) to use the centre as one of their distribution hubs. The team assist SBC to provide vital packages to vulnerable people in need during this difficult time.

SLL staff also emptied the vending machines, theatre bars and stock across centre to donate to local NHS staff. A van was loaded up with a fridge containing over 1000 bottles of drink and other supplies. The team delivered this to Lister Hospital in Stevenage where the products were given to the critical care team

and the NHS heroes pop-up tent.

Regional Contract Manager, Allan Prescott, who helped with the delivery, said: ?The SLL team wanted to help the local community as much as possible during this difficult time. We made contact to the East & North Herts Trust Hospitals Charity to see if we could help the amazing people that are working to make a difference to Stevenage and beyond. Even a small action can make a huge difference; they deserve all the help and support that we can possibly give.?

#Stayathomesavelives Stevenage Writers has about 50 members at present, and in normal times meets in the Snug Bar of The Dun Cow, Letchmore Rd, every Wednesday from 5.30 till 7.00.

Stevenage Writers is open to all

Hopefully this will resume once we are clear of lockdown! For the time being we all keep in touch via Facebook, and interested parties are invited to view our Facebook page and ask to join. Once a week we all try to log in on Wednesday at 5 to exchange news and views.

We also have a blog (stevenagewriters@blogspot) where you will be able to sift through a great deal of archived material and announcements. Many of our talks and presentations are there for all to access.

We, once in a while, run Writer?s Days, usually in the summer, and these have been very well received. We will probably be running one as part of the next Stevenage Festival.

SW is represented on various committees and groups and does what it can make sure writing is recognised as an important and vibrant part of the Stevenage Arts Scene.

SW is open to all writers and would-be writers over the age of 18 in Stevenage and nearby. To join all you need do is turn up at one of our meetings, or contact us atstevenagewriters@gmail.com. We do not have a membership fee and rely upon informal fund raising, e.g. A weekly raffle held at the meeting, to carry out our projects.

We have a wide range of talents, interests and abilities in the membership (which includes at least six published authors with well over a dozen titles between them!)

We are a mutual support group and do not run ?writing classes?, instead we encourage and educate each other, everyone is willing and eager to share their experience and knowledge, and at the weekly meeting there is usually a short presentation and discussion of a writing topic chosen by the members. Sometimes we dedicate a whole month?s worth of meetings to a particular subject e.g.

Detective fiction. We have experienced writers in several genres and can offer help in non-fiction as well as fiction.

Writing is about a lot more than just ?getting words down on paper?and our members exchange information on understanding developing a specific writing style, researching a topic or a period, and ways and means to make their work more

convincing and realistic.

We have produced our own Annual for two years running and are about to embark upon Annual Three, the annual can be bought from Cardies (High Street, Stevenage) and at Stevenage Museum shop, or via eBay! We also publish ?pocket reads?, short 32 page ?mini-books? which allow members the chance to get into print on a small scale at a pocket money price. This publishing activity is non-profit making and helps members to actively learn about getting a story from manuscript to print, a very valuable experience!

Editing, proof reading and content selection, as well as book design and copy-righting are all involved, and we hope to start developing our distribution and marketing abilities as well. Another very valuable feature is that members offer to ?beta read?each other?s work. A good Beta reader is hard to find, since they need to be able to tackle genres and themes they may be unfamiliar with and give an unbiased impression of how the book worked for them without becoming distracted with minor details!

Part of our underlying ethos is for members to always be positive and welcoming about each other?s work and mutually supportive. We also like to think that we are encouraging everyone to make the journey from being a writer to becoming an author, a very satisfying up-grade, even if you don?t move on to publication! We can help everyone on this journey and guide members through the mine-field of ?self- publishing?.We have a good understanding of getting a person?s work into a form that allows it to be presented as an e-book as well as conventional hard copy, and all at minimal cost, often free!

We would like, when the ?lights go on again?in Stevenage to establish a ?community book shelf? where local authors can display their works, for sale and for loan, and to encourage competitions with useful prizes for writers in Stevenage.

Writing is an inexpensive and absorbing hobby that leads to all sorts of other good things. In this time of crisis it might be just the thing to make the difference in your life, and Stevenage Writers is ready and waiting to help you with your efforts!

Tony Burt on Chair St evenage W rit ers.

#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 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

Garden House Hospice Care launch major appeal Covid-19 is a t hreat t o our pat ient s, t o our st aff, and t o our fut ure.

We are here t o provide palliat ive and end of life care for local people and we won?t st op now. But we need your help.

As a direct result of t he coronavirus pandemic, demand for our care has increased.

However, we are unable t o fundraise in t he ways we usually do, wit h fundraising act ivit ies cancelled or post poned and our shops closed.

We are forecast ing a loss of £25,000 a week ?

t hat ?s £1.3 million t his year. This money is essent ial t o fund our services and poses a serious t hreat t o our fut ure.

The government have pledged us just over half t his amount ; so we st ill have a short fall of £600,000. That is why we are appealing for your help. Every donat ion you can give, big or small, will make a difference.

To find out more, and t o support visit www.ghhospicecare.org.uk Or call 01462 679540.

#Stevenage here to support business At #St evenage we cont inue wit h our policy of providing free support t o all our valued advert isers. It is unfair t o charge for advert ising at t his t ime, we want see as many of our groups and businesses back wit h us and from March t o June we have pledged not t o charge a penny but t o run any advert isement which is request ed of us. We t hink

t his is only fair.

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 #st ayat homesavelives

Free advertising for all groups and businesses

#Stayathomesavelives

Super Surma serves up Record breaking #St evenage based chef Oli Khan and his Surma t akeaway in St evenage have given 5,000 compliment ary hot and cold meals t o NHS front line st aff.

Surma has also been providing compliment ary food t o ot her key workers in care homes, ambulance and fire services, post men, refuse workers, and people wit h disabilit ies.

Commet ing on t heir deliveries and support Oli Khan said: "We have been providing meals since t he pandemic has begun here in t he UK. "So far, we have delivered t o List er Hospit al in St evenage several t imes, QEll Hospit al in Welwyn Garden Cit y, Mount Vernon Hospit al, hospices in Nort hwood, Great Ormond St reet Hospit al (GOSH) London, t he Royal Free Hospit al in London, and plan t o reach out and deliver t o many more hospit als around England in t he coming weeks and mont hs.?

#Stayathomesavelives

Regeneration progress Cont ract ors from Ashe have been hard at work on t he Town Square and Nort h Block while following social dist ancing precaut ions including: Limiting staff numbers Adding more toiletsand seating areas for workers Cleaning all siteson an hourly basis

Despit e t he challenging sit uat ion, t hey?re making progress and are t ransforming one of our t own?s most iconic areas int roducing new paving, light ing, seat ing and more.

Find out all t he lat est on: ht t ps://st evenage-even-bet t er.com

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Paul Fry on # St evenage

Roland Butcher - Son of Stevenage who led the way in sport

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Paul Fry on # St evenage Roland Butcher proudly bears the mantle as the first black man to play cricket for England. But he is quick to acknowledge the input of others - and a twist of fate in a Stevenage park.

'I suppose it has been a curious, unorthodox path for me,' Roland told me from lockdown in his home in Barbados.

Yes, even that Caribbean idyll has not escaped the scourge of the coronavirus - and he is fully aware of how the crisis is playing out in Britain, with a daughter working on the NHS front line at Slough's Wexham Park Hospital.

'Of course, I worry about her,' he says. 'Especially when she tells me they have set up three emergency mortuaries in the car park there.

'We have had fewer than 80 confirmed cases and only five deaths but this a serious health issue and we must treat it so. It is sad to see sports events lost - such as the West Indies tour of England in June, which I was really looking forward to, with a chance to catch up with friends and family over there.

'I even have a new grandson I have not been able to see in person yet but I shall just have to be patient.'

He says there are still options to play the tour up to July but it would likely be played out in empty grounds. 'That would be just like a training session and you have to wonder about the value in that,' he says.

But we rewind to Roland's first

days in England. 'It was a big shock coming from Barbados where it is warm 365 days of the year. It was May when we arrived in Stevenage and I was freezing.

'We lived at first in a house in Albert Street in the old town. My brothers went to school at Barclay but it was full and I ended up going to Shephalbury, and I soon settled and made my own friends, mostly through playing football.'

For someone who excelled at the summer game, and who came through the MCC cricket academy with Ian Botham, Roland, now 66, recalls he did pretty well at football. 'I played a few games for Stevenage and a few more for Biggleswade.

'I used to kick around at weekends a lot as a 14-year-old at King George's. We'd play for three hours or so, go home for lunch, and come back again later.' His pals included John Downes, who later played for Stevenage Athletic, Graham Hopkins who became manager of Hitchin Town and John McHugh, who is married to his sister Margaret.

But it was one Sunday as they broke for lunch that the lads noticed stumps being set up on the park. Someone came across and asked if they fancied a game as the team was short on numbers. It took some goading but Roland agreed, dashed home for a white shirt, and turned out.

'I didn't do much, I think I took a couple of catches. But I found it

was Stevenage's Third XI. They invited me back and I agreed. By the time I was 15 I was in the First XI.' Football didn't melt away, though, as Roland found himself playing with the likes of Colin Powell and Johnny Brooks at Stevenage - and he would even later win his UEFA coaching badge, on a course with the current Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers. In fact Rodgers hired Roland as a coach at Reading when he was manager there. He also coached at Arsenal soccer schools.

'I played for Bowes-Lyon sports club and made friends with Mick Thompson, who played in goal for Stevenage for a while.'

But it was Stevenage cricket captain Cyril Hammond who opened the door for Roland to begin his unwitting route towards cricket fame.

'He got a job as chief fundraiser for Gloucestershire cricket club and he got me trials for their youth team.

'I owe him so much really. I got a place there in Bristol and we'd sleep in sleeping bags in the dressing room and Graham Wiltshire the club Coach's wife would cook all us youth team players breakfast.

'I was there with people like Andy Stovold and David Graveney, who was later an England Test selector, with Geoff Howarth who would later skipper New Zealand.'

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Paul Fry on # St evenage The next step would be to Lord's and a Young Players' programme that in essence cherry-picked the best talent from around the counties and coached them, with the intention of returning them to their counties. Botham, Ian Gould and Barry Lloyd were contemporaries, as well as Nigel Ross and Martin Vernon (who both later played for Middlesex), Arthur Francis (Glamorgan), and Keith

and university sides. Then we'd have to get the train back to London and then, for me, back home from there.

'I did miss the stop more than once and end up having the journey of shame back from Hitchin or Letchworth!

'But it was a fun time and I learned so much. When the Aussies came over we helped out in the nets. I faced Dennis Lillee in the nets.

Jennings (Somerset).

'We did everything an apprentice would: sweep the ground, bowl to MCC Members, pull the heavy roller on the Lord's pitch and sell scorecards at the big games. But it got us up close to some of the world's best players.

'It was an April-September arrangement and I was still living in Stevenage, travelling up and back to Lord's and I got to know the milk train pretty well. We'd play games away at minor counties, against counties' 2nd XIs

'Bill Jones, also from Stevenage, was 'head boy'on the scheme and I have no idea who put my case to Middlesex but they will have seen plenty of me anyway and they offered me a three-year deal straight up - where normally you'd play your way through the Second XI.' That did irk Gloucester somewhat as they had expected him back at Bristol. 'It possibly didn't help when I scored my maiden century for Middlesex against Gloucestershire!' Roland laughs.

Under the tutelage of Len Muncer and Harry Sharp at Lord's, Roland honed his game. 'I had always been seen as a leg-spinner who could bat, but I became more focussed on my batting.'

He made his debut in 1974 at much the same time as an outstanding crop of talent arrived at Lord's - John Emburey, Mike Gatting, Nigel Ross, Ian Gould, and Bill Merry. And they had the captain's captain in charge - Mike Brearley.

'Brears was brilliant. He came across as being this father figure, calm and unexcitable. But he could give you a dressing-down when he needed to. In one game I ran out Clive Radley, then got run out myself. He tore a real strip off me when I got back to the dressing room but then, not long after, we would be all smiles and laughs.

'The team spirit was a big part of our success- we won county championships and Gillette Cups.

I'd chosen the right club.'

You would think that being called up for England would be a big deal, with a gilded letter or personal phone call from a selector. Not so back then.

'I was at Lord's one day when my wife Cheryl called me and asked if it was true I'd been called up for a One Day International against Australia at Edgbaston.

'I said I hadn't heard anything.

When I got home my dad rang and asked me the same. But I had not heard at all. Then I saw the team

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Paul Fry on # St evenage announced on the TV news. It was a real surprise, but Middlesex had done well and I was in decent form.

I was delighted and very proud and made 52 against a brilliant Aussie attack including Lillee and Geoff Thomson.'

It was the fastest 50 in ODI, off just 36 balls a record broken some years later by Botham.

It was even more bizarre when Roland and his wife headed for an end-of-season holiday to Canada.

'We had beaten Surrey in the Gillette final and then I went for the holiday in Toronto. I hadn't told people where we were staying but then I got a call from a journalist who had tracked me down to tell me I'd been called up for the 1981 England tour to the West Indies that winter.

It was a tortured tour when it should have been a homecoming for Roland. He was not picked for the first Test in Trinidad. The second in Guyana was cancelled when England called up Robin Jackman but the hosts objected to the fact Jackman had been to South Africa, then in the grip of apartheid.

So fate had it that Roland's debut on that tour was close to his childhood home, in Barbados. But even that experience paled when England's assistant manager, Ken Barrington, died of a heart attack at the team hotel.

'Ken was a friend and it affected me; it hit us all hard. No excuses

but it did affect our performance on that tour and I never played for England again after that tour.

Which was a shame I feel I should have had more chances but after I suffered a serious injury to my left eye in 1983 my days at international level were numbered.'

'I was very proud to be the first black player to play Test cricket for England. It has never been a burden to carry. I am hugely proud that it opened the door for so many others, like Wilf Slack, Norman Cowans and Gladstone Small.

'I know Deven Malcolm talks about me being called up all the time, and others have said it was a big deal for them: they said, well if Butch can do it, so can we. And that is something that makes me hugely proud.

'I'd been inspired by the footballers. Viv Anderson had been called up for England and we were friends. I also knew Cyrille Regis, Paul Davis, Garth Crooks and others and my first cousin, George Parris, was a defender with West Ham.' He played at Middlesex in a team full of international stars, including fellow West Indians Desmond Haynes and Larry Gomes. And he says he has fond memories and no regrets about his playing career.

It was in 2004, with no real plan in mind, that he went back to Barbados and he set up a multi-sports programme at

university there, bringing on the next crop of West Indies talent - in more than just cricket.

Roland only retired from that post last year but is still involved as a Barbados cricket selector and has a number of advisory roles.

It is a big mission to keep cricket in the public consciousness as other sports are seen to offer a more profitable future for players. But he says the proliferation of lucrative formats, such as the Big Bash, the Indian Premier League and T20 generally, is slowly changing perceptions.

The strangest thing for Roland since returning 'home' was being seen as an outsider. 'They see me as being English. It can be a barrier but I have never found that to be the case.'

That is a big turn-round from the headlines in the Caribbean that saw him called up for England: 'Our Man, Their Bat' was the most memorable.

Well that bat is back in Barbados but he will still be welcome back in England any time - perhaps when that tour eventually takes place, or to see that grandson.

And, of course in Stevenage, where he might even take a stroll to see his image on the 'wall of fame' in the leisure centre walkway, which features the likes of Ashley Young, Lewis Hamilton and many other local stars of sport and culture Or even to King George's where, in many ways, it all began...

#Stayathomesavelives

Stevenage Helps appeal heading towards £30,000 In mid-March Stevenage Community Trust launched their #StevenageHelps appeal in partnership with Stevenage Borough Council for those most in need as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

By the end of April they have raised over £26,000 and they have received an unprecedented number of requests for help and have already allocated more than £14,000 to help struggling families and groups.

SCT want to support every family either directly or through Stevenage charities, groups and organisations, that they can.

There are people in our community without food or access to money for their gas and electricity meters.

After 30 years SCT have a strong network of contacts with a wide range of organisations across the town to ensure your donations reach those people most in need quickly and efficiently.

SCT are able to react to requests for help within hours. They know it?s a difficult time full of uncertainty for many people and businesses of all sizes but any amount you are able to donate will be

#Stayathomesavelives greatly appreciated.

They want to send a huge 'Thank You' to everyone who has already donated. Here are a few examples of those we've been able to help thanks to your generosity: -

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£500 hasallowed the Food Shed to buy food and essential itemsto meet the significant increase in demand they are facing every day.

A supermarket gift card has helped a single mum studying under an apprenticeship scheme to buy food and essentialsfor her family. Asa lone parent she can barely scrape enough money together to pay rent and bills £1,500 hasenabled Stevenage Football Club to increase the number of people over 70 that they are able to support through their Community Kitchen Sandwich Service. Just £1 per sandwich per day meansthisgrant will provide 1,500 sandwichesover the next 3 monthsfor elderly people who are lonely and isolated and have no immediate family memberslocally.

A grant hashelped thislow-income family of five in their time of need. Mum isundergoing aggressive treatment for cancer and worrying about how she will feed her children.

Age Concern Stevenage are able to provide food and essential itemsfor isolated elderly people acrossthe town thanksto our grant for £500. £100 hasrelieved some of the stressfor this family of three who were reliant on Dad?sincome from self-employment. Dad isnow unable to work and Mum hasseriouslong-term mental health concerns. With no income whatsoever, they have

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relied on food from the local food bank but have no money for gasand electricity, leaving the family unable to cook, with no accessto hot water and no lighting.

They've allocated £400 for local familiesliving in temporary accommodation where there have no cooking facilities and therefore an increased cost to accesshot food.

Being employed on a low wage, 0 hours contract meant this man had no reservesto fall back on when his employment ceased recently. With his bank statement showing only £10 in his account, we were able to help this single father and his young child to buy food and essentials.

Basic mobile phoneshave been provided to local homelesspeople so they can contact and be contacted by their support workersto ensure their wellbeing.

#Stayathomesavelives

Support for business during Coronavirus #Stevenage Magazine brings you updated information for businesses in #Stevenage in light of the current COVID-19 pandemic.

Small Business Grant Fund and Ret ail, Hospit alit y and Leisure Grant Fund In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, the government has set out a package of measures to support businesses through this period of disruption. Around 750 businesses in the district are eligible to apply for a grant of up ÂŁ10,000 to help them through current financial difficulties and a further 180 are eligible to apply for a grant of up to ÂŁ25,000. Stevenage Borough Council has allocated over ÂŁ3m in grant so far and would like to administer the remainder of the funding to all those who are eligible under the scheme.

(COVID-19) by sect or The Department of Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy has provided advice and guidance for employers on social distancing during Covid-19 in a range of sectors: Shops running a pick-up or delivery service Tradespeople and working in people?s homes Construction Manufacturing and processing businesses Retail Logistics businesses Outdoor businesses Farming: visiting farms for animal health and welfare

Attached is the Government Guidancef or Small Business Grant Fund and Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant Fund and the Business Grant Support FAQs for your perusal.

Fishing or other short-term offshore work

If you operat e a business in St evenage and t hink you are eligible could you kindly complet e t he online form

Waste management businesses

ht t ps://services.st evenage.gov.uk/ brcovid-19 grant websit e form.

Please note: SBC have received a large number of applications for grants and are processing them as quickly as they can. They will contact you very soon about your application.

Any grant award is required to comply with the EU law on State Aid, where you cannot receive 'State Aid' in excess of ?800,000, over a three year period, under the Regulations EC 1407/2013.

Social dist ancing in t he workplace during coronavirus

Cargo-shipping or other long-term offshore work Transport businesses

For furt her informat ion please visit www.gov.uk/guidance/social-dist ancing -in-t he-workplace-during-coronavirus-covid -19-sect or-guidance Help the government increase coronavirus (COVID-19) testing capacity On 2 April 2020, the government announced its new national testing strategy, including a commitment to deliver 100,000 tests a day by the end of April.

The government want industry to help in meeting that challenge and the Department of Health and Social Care has put out a call to action for assistance to

#Stayathomesavelives

increase Covid-19 testing capacity in the UK. The government are encouraging the innovative minds of British academia and industry ? large and small, across sectors ? to dedicate their talents, ambitions and skills to that task.

What is needed The government want to hear specifically from companies who can manufacture and supply: Consumables and equipment for coronavirus testing, in particular test kits (such as nose and throat swabs, transport media and vials) and RNA extraction lab consumables (such as reagents, plates and pipette tips) New or existing types of coronavirus tests for antigens or antibodies. These must meet the requirement set out by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). MHRA has published the specification for the required antibody test The government also want to hear from public or private sector organisations that can offer laboratory capacity. There is published guidance about the criteria laboratories need to meet to partner with a local NHS trust.

The government have teams of experts evaluating all the offers received. To ensure that their time is used most effectively, please use the forms below, which ensure your offers meet government requirements and can be directed to the right expert group. You will be contacted as quickly as possible if your support is needed.

Help supply materials and equipment Help supply complete testing methods Help provide laboratory capacity Help provide new testing methods in 4 key areas For furt her informat ion visit ht t ps:// www.gov.uk/guidance/ help-t he-government -increase-coronavirus -covid-19-t est ing-capacit y Free Business Support and advice We would also like to alert you to the Hertfordshire Growth Hub?s dedicated COVID-19 Business Resource Page which contains the latest news, resources, advice, support and guidance to support your business. Visit COVID-19 Business Resource Page

#Stayathomesavelives

SBC funeral changes Changes t o funeral services in St evenage

observed to ensure everyone is kept safe.

Due to the ongoing situation around Covid-19, the number of attendees to funerals in Stevenage must be limited.

Cemeteries remain open for those wishing to visit during their exercise period to visit the resting place of those they have lost.

In line with the government?s guidance to limit the spread of coronavirus, Stevenage Borough Council is limiting funeral to immediate family only.

However, congregating in large family groups at a graveside is not permitted under government guidelines.

This means spouses, parents, siblings, children and their partners.

Councillor John Gardner, Executive Member for Environment and Regeneration at Stevenage Borough Council, said: ?We know what a sensitive and upsetting time this is for all those sadly bereaved at the moment, so our aim will always be to try and ensure relatives are able to pay their respects to their loved ones and to keep everyone safe.

If the deceased does not have family members in attendance, then it?s possible for a modest number of friends to attend.

At t endees should also observe t he following: ¡Family groups t hat live t oget her can st and t oget her ¡You must st ay 2m apart from anyone you do not live wit h ¡Family members are current ly not able t o t ake part in t he lowering of or placing soil on t he coffin The council?s cemeteries officer and the funeral director will be on hand to make sure that this is

?We?re sorry that we have to put restrictions in place on funerals in Stevenage, but the health of our community is a top priority for us and we are following the government?s guidance to help limit the spread of Covid-19.?

For more information, visit: www.stevenage.gov.uk/about-stevenage/33782/

#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.

Best wishes Mena Caldbeck Business Relat ionship Manager

#Stayathomesavelives

Putt your golf ideas forward COMPETITION TIME Hey, we really miss you guys at Mr Mulligans but we have some fun for t he kids! In t he last edit ion of #St evenage we announced we are looking for t he next golf hole designer! The winner will win a FREE FAMILY PASS and we may even build it ! Pict ures have been uploaded and sent t o us and we will announce our winner on 15/ 05/ 20.

#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

Refuse collectors have bin amazing say SBC residents Heart-warming thank you notes left for refuse collectors Residents across Stevenage have left heart-warming messages of support for refuse collectors.

Thank you cards, notes and drawings have been left on bins and in windows thanking the hardworking crews for their efforts to keep things running during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Messages include ?Thank you so much for all your hard work?, ?Thank you. We hope you and your families stay well?and a drawing of flowers and rainbows by Sadie, aged 9.

Councillor John Gardner, Executive Member for Regeneration and Environment at Stevenage Borough Council, said: ?We are immensely proud of the commitment shown by our staff during this

extremely difficult time. It is fantastic that their efforts haven?t gone unnoticed, and I?d like everyone who has left one of the many kind notes to know that their positive words are having a great effect on morale. ?We know that more people are home at this time, so our crews will be carrying out collections on Good Friday where they would usually take place a day later to help stay on top of collections. ?We?ve had a number of residents ask if brown bin collections are still taking place, and at the moment we have enough members of staff to ensure they continue. This situation will continually be reviewed, and should we need to make any service changes we will let residents know as soon as we can.?

#Stevenage magazine spotlight on business

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/

Get your Stevenage 10K entry in now The St evenage 10K is back and St evenage Magazine publisher Hasht ag Digit al Media is proud once again t he sponsor t he event .

ÂŁ18 for all ot her runners. Finishers receive a t shirt , medal and can enjoy t he free cake! Ent ries are available at :

The St evenage 10K for 2020 will be held on 20/ 9/ 2020. The race will st art at 10:30am wit h t he st art and finish in Hampson Park.

ht t ps:// www.racesonline.uk/race-ent ry/ st evenage10k/ index.php?id=1

Ent ries for t he St evenage 10K are now open! The ent ry fee is st ill ÂŁ16 for affiliat ed running club members and

ht t ps:// www.racesonline.uk/race-ent ry/ st evenage10k ht t ps:// www.racesonline.uk/race-ent ry/st evenage10k/

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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Helping the bereaved Losing someone at any time is hard but, in our current situation, attending funerals and coping with grief have become even harder. Life in lockdown is presenting so many challenges, but whether we are recently bereaved and trying to cope in isolation or dealing with the death of a loved one at this time, there are things we can do to help ourselves and those close to us.

Coronavirus has changed funerals beyond recognition. Where we would usually invite friends, family, colleagues and acquaintances to gather together to celebrate the life of a friend or family member, government guidelines now outline some very strict rules: Only a very limited number of mourners are able to attend ? close family only Mournersmust stay six feet apart at all times, if they are not from the same household No one showing Coronavirussymptoms can attend While these restrictions can cause anxiety for the recently bereaved, here at Austin?s all funeral arrangements are continuing to be made by telephone and we can assure you of our ongoing support and compassion.

A personal farewell While we can?t make things completely ?normal?right now, we?re dedicated to giving your loved ones the funerals they deserve and you the level of support we would at any other time. One of our customers recently sent us this message:?It wasdifferent, special and intimate with just the Rev'd and myself. Nevertheless, it wasa special

service and I wasable to say a very personal farewell, which I am certain would not have been possible with a large congregation. I will treasure this always.?

Support when you need it Cruse Bereavement Care, our charity of the year, says:?The current restrictionsduring the coronavirus pandemic mean many people are unable to attend funerals, cremationsand wakes. Thisis a very distressing reality for thousandsof people at thistime. Each month in the UK there are around 50,000 deaths, so many people, maybe like yourself, are unable to say goodbye in the way they expected.?

Cruse have trained experts ready to help you; whether you need support coping with grief during isolation or need advice in another area.

How t o make t hings easier It?s so hard seeing families not being able to give each other a hug in times of sadness, and for others having to stay away completely. But amongst all the uncertainty, there are things we can do to make life a little easier.

You can: Livestream the ceremony? to allow more friendsand family to pay their respects.

We offer thisservice and can help people feel part of the funeral if they cannot attend in person.

Record a message to be played out at the funeral ?for those close to the deceased who are unable to attend. Just asyou would have a poem or something similar read during the service, thiscan be pre-recorded by a loved one for that extra personal touch.

Create your own memorial at home?

both while the funeral isgoing on and for aslong asyou would like to in the days following the death. Light a candle next to a photograph of them to bring you closer together, or why not play their favourite music? ?Keep talking?? say Cruse Bereavement Care. Thisismore important than ever during isolation. Utilise technology and connect with friendsand family, multiple timesa day if you want to. If you have elderly relatives, you could have a rota with family and friendsto make sure someone isin contact with them every day.

Focus on the life of your loved one? rather than your loss. These are very different timesand when we can?t physically be together, or have the funeral serviceswe might have imagined, what we can do isput our energy into focusing on the life of our loved one and the kind of person they were.

Plan a memorial event for the future? where more people can join you to celebrate your loved one?s life, share storiesand reflect.

Technology has been a lifeline to so many during this pandemic to maintain connections with loved ones, but it is also a crucial link to the numerous support networks for those experiencing loss or grief.

Our phone lines are open as usual if you need any help around funeral planning. You may also find this great resource from Cruse of interest: https://www.cruse.org.uk/ get-help/coronavirus-dealing -bereavement-and-grief And don?t forget we all still have the beautiful world we are in. Our memorial gardens at Harwood Park Crematorium are still open.

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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

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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 May 2020

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

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

w w w.agen t h ybr id.co.u k

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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?

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

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

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

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

Money money money!

Straight to the point hotels aren?t cheap.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Partners with vast knowledge of the local area Text

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

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

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

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

From H.

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

Mr K & Miss T

Click here for MarkSimon Twitter

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

The W ?s

Click here for MarkSimon Facebook

The agent with more than 18 years experience Text

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Connells team that you can trust Text

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

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

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

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

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

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

Connells Lettings would love to help you rent your property.

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

alike.

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

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

In house Mortgage Consultant.

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

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

Their in-depth and up to date local experience.

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

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

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

Geoffrey Matthew property innovators Text

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

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

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

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

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

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