#Stevenage October 2018

# STEVENAGE Oct ober 2018

PRIDE OF STEVENAGE AWARDS SPECIAL

2

What's on in

#Stevenage

WESTGATE SUCCESS Spot ligh t on Cu r t ain Sh op

BOBBIES ON THE BEAT Pau l Fr y on policin g in t ow n

PRIDE OF STEVENAGE AWARDS It 's t im e t o u n veil t h e w in n er s of t h e 2018 aw ar ds

WHAT A PICTURE Im ages f r om Br en dan Falvey

UNLIM ITED FILM S Win Cin ew or ld t ick et s

PAUL FRY on # St evenage

Rising crime? Lack of coverage? Why there is a real fear over policing As you drive into Stevenage, past the railway station, the police station is much more imposing than I recall it when I used to have to call in there each day as a trainee reporter to meet the 'collator'.

This was the officer who kept a log of all the crime they were happy to tell the papers about ? the ones where they might want the public's help.

The bigger stuff ? well, our office phone used to ring, so we already knew about it; a contact or a concerned member of the public would call it in (or, as was often the case, to find out what we knew).

Some might say the growth of the police station is because of rising crime. That is true to an extent, but Stevenage itself has grown and it would be odd if crime had not done so, too.

In fact Stevenage has the highest rate of crime out of all areas in Hertfordshire, recent figures show. The 2017 figures revealed there were 98.28 crimes for every 1,000 people in the town.

Stevenage also had the highest

number of violent and sexual offences in the county, with 33.45 per 1,000 people over the past year.

The town had the most drug-related crime in Hertfordshire, with 4.17 drug crimes per 1,000 people in the year ending September 2017.

The nature of crime has changed ? and of policing.

People in online forums hark back to the days when they would see a friendly copper pushing his bike through their

neighbourhood.

That conjured up the old Dixon of Dock Green image of the officer with his ear to the ground; who knew all the local villains and picked up quickly on someone or something that looked out of place.

Austerity has led to cuts to services, despite government denials. The National Audit Office, who record these things, say there are 21,000 fewer police in England and Wales since 2010.

It is hard to be sure about crime levels, though a great deal of low-level crime, such as shoplifting has spiked as austerity has made life harder for many at the bottom. Police are spending more money on armed response in light of recent terror attacks, and devoting resources to newer areas of crime, such as online.

That was not something that 'Sideburns', our local beat bobby in Broadwater, would have had to worry about. The only online crime in the early 1970s would have been someone having their knickers nicked from their garden.

Growing up in town, I was largely unaffected by crime and I don't believe it was as much at the forefront of my parents' minds as it is for many who live in town today.

But society has changed. We all have much more stuff ? the sort of things thieves might want to prise open your kitchen window or patio door to take. Or it might be your car. They say the modern car is harder to steal ? but thieves are clever.

They have been known to stick a fishing rod through a front letter box to grab your car keys ? or, with ultra-modern keyless ignitions, buy a cheap gizmo online that helps them to the job without the juggling.

We were burgled once ? someone got in through our kitchen window at night and

took a few scraps of cash ? mostly our dinner money. It was distressing for my parents, who felt their home had been violated.

But as a young teenager, I found it awfully exciting to have forensic officers dust the place for prints and take the family's for elimination purposes. They never found the offender. But they tried.

It got me excited enough to consider a career in forensics. I was even invited to the police station to see what they did with our prints ? an officer kindly showed me how they lifted the prints with tape and I did a school project on the different types of print patterns and how their unique

properties make them reliable identifiers.

It was how I learned about the identical Fox Twins, Albert and Ebeneezer (pictured above), poachers born in Symonds Green. If they were caught they would always blame each other.

The police, with no proof, had to let them go - until the advent of fingerprints. Their story made international news and they

had a pub named after them.

The development of DNA fingerprinting in 1984 by Alec Jefferies, not far from where I now live in Leicester, helped to jail a man for the murder of two local teenage girls. It has also led to the unmasking of many criminals who thought their long-past misdeeds would never be detected.

The rise in drug-related crime is worrying but of course is not exclusive to Stevenage, where police have run frequent campaigns to target dealers, shut down problem premises which blight neighbourhoods, and point addicts towards support services.

People often complain online

how crime appears to be spiralling upwards alarmingly, the perpetrators are not tracked down, the courts are too lenient, and so the cycle goes on. And there is some truth in that.

Certainly the burglary we had in the early 1970s might not be investigated today and it is possible we might not see a forensics officer ? unless there

were other crimes in the area at the same time warranting broader police focus.

I have seen comments online saying that people don't feel safe on Stevenage's streets after dark any more because of rising knife crime. Perception plays a large part in matters.

But there are just as many who say that such fears are overblown and misplaced.

Putting aside police budgets, austerity and the spin used on any official figures, I do believe there is one factor which has been ignored in this mix - and that is the decline of the local press.

As an apprenticed reporter on the Gazette in the late-1970s, I spent many weeks in court. I wasn't the paper's crime reporter; it was part of my training, reinforcing the need to be accurate. Misreport something said in court and you can be in serious trouble for contempt.

Twice a week I would be in Stevenage Court, then a day each in Hitchin and Letchworth ? then it was inquests in Hitchin on a Friday.

I always came back with a full notebook and wrote up everything I could ? from shop theft to late-night scraps outside pubs. I might do six paragraphs on a shoplifting case, depending on the details and the person's circumstances. It gave me an insight into people's lives and the motivations for their crimes.

Today, much minor crime goes

unreported because papers have been cut to the bone ?

Stevenage had as many as four papers at one time (we had the Gazette plus a weekly tabloid).

case makes a couple of sentences in the paper - if at all.

We had offices in each of the three main towns. Now much is done remotely. Some 300 local papers have closed in the past decade, with many thousands of jobs lost ? staff have mainly moved into public relations, thus controlling the message for businesses and organisations. Even schools now have someone to bash out press releases for them and run their website.

But no longer do the curtain-twitchers exert any moral social pressure that might deter people from reoffending through the shame of being named so publicly.

People can now commit a minor crime and yet even some of their family might not know it has happened.

The point is that if your town has a paper ? and 300 parliamentary constituencies in this country no longer have a local daily paper to hold their MP to account ? they can't afford to have a reporter in magistrates' court all day.

They will have a freelancer or staffer working for several papers in a group cover the bigger cases in Crown Court, such as St Albans, but the smaller courts will be covered by way of a summary of what has gone on, names, addresses, charges and sentences. Each

And this, to me, is important because justice has to be seen to be done.

So when you bemoan rising crime and the breakdown of society, think about how the declining local media has a role in this. It has provided the tinder for a rising tide of shamelessness.

That's where 'Sideburns' comes back into it. If he caught a youngster stepping out of line, he or she would be frog-marched home to their parents for summary justice.

Today he would most likely just get abuse from the parents ? and the kids themselves. That's the real issue.

Evenin' all.

Hard to underestimate the importance of an education for our young M y #St even age by Dar r en Ist ed We all read that fantastic piece by Paul Fry in our last edition about going back to school.

It certainly provoked a few memories about school days in Stevenage on the Old Memories of Stevenage site, and whether they are the best (or for some the worst days of your life), school is always memorable and quite literally a life-changing experience.

It was of course mentioned that those who follow social media will see their feeds flooded with pictures of youngsters heading off to their first day of school, whether that be toddling up the road to nursery or primary school or making that very reticent and awkward journey up to 'big school' where the growing up process really does come on apace.

It is always suggested with an apology by those who post these pictures that they are the 'obligatory' back to school shots, as if we have all been taking images and posting them on Facebook for the past 150 years.

But while it may be a very recent tradition, it does serve to underline just how important these days are and how vital it is that we get education right.

The focus of the future really is on our young people and if we can motivate them, educate them and get them interested in skills which will benefit them and society in general as they get older, then school simply has to be given the resources as the place where this transition to adulthood takes place.

My own experience of education is a case in point.

Camps Hill School Infants and Junior School provided an amazing grounding in the basics - reading, writing and arithmetic were the key pillars to any education for those growing up in the seventies (although alas the numbers never really added up and I could never

really do the maths!).

The move to Collenswood School was a bigger jump and even then although it was a school trying to do the best for all, there was a struggle in the air which was eventually to see the school close at the start of the new century.

I was reminded of this when I spoke to a friend recently about class sizes. Initially we were in classes of upwards of 30 children at secondary school. It was a size which made educating boisterous children almost impossible. But in the sixth form at Collenswood these numbers plummeted and for two of my three A levels there were just two of us receiving an education. Perhaps by accident I got an amazing education - and for that I'm truly thankful.

The Pride of Stevenage Saturday September 29 saw the presentation of the Pride of Stevenage Awards by Stevenage Borough Council.

The aim of the awards is to celebrate our local heroes those wonderful people who give their time, passion and skills to help make Stevenage a great place to live, work and play.

The Pride of Stevenage Awards offers the chance to reward local people who help make life better for other people in Stevenage.

The awards celebrate community spirit and are a big thank you to those people who make a real difference in our town. Everyone nominated is also invited to a special Pride of Stevenage tea with the Mayor at Christmas.

Pride of St evenage Award cat egories: Caring Award - Jordan Dut t For someone?s act or act s of kindness It could be someone undertaking charity work or

fundraising, someone who helps care for other people or animals, or who looks after facilities or buildings. Or it could go to someone whose actions make life easier or more pleasant for those around them.

Dedicat ion Award - Sandra King For long service in volunt ary or communit y work in St evenage This award goes to someone who has spent many years carrying out voluntary work to benefit Stevenage communities, or to someone who has a long record of success with community groups and organisations in the town.

Ent erprise Award - Alex Lang For making real cont ribut ion t o commercial life in St evenage This is for a business, individual, organisation or project that supports and develops Stevenage businesses or one that improves employment prospects for local people. It is also a business venture that is highly valued by customers and the local community.

Green Award - Bragbury End Garden Group For helping keep St evenage clean, safe and green This goes to an individual or an organisation such as a

school or community group. It could go a group of litter pickers, a gardening enthusiast or enthusiasts, or a recycling champion - just anyone who promotes the green and clean message in Stevenage.

Sport ing Award - Pet er Dixon To recognise a major cont ribut ion t o sport ing life in St evenage This is a person or team who has achieved great things in an amateur sport - playing, coaching or supporting.

It can also recognise someone who has improved their own or other people?s health and wellbeing by taking part in or promoting physical activity.

Team Award - Nat ionwide Building Societ y For a group of people who work t oget her t o improve t heir local area This is for the team behind an event, activity or project that has enhanced people?s everyday lives in their local area. It might be something that reduces crime, improves the environment, provides support to community members, creates opportunities or simply promotes community spirit.

Young St ar Award - Holly Manning

For a young person or young people who make a difference in t heir local communit y This is for a young Stevenage person (or group of people) under 18 who has made significant achievements at school or college or in their local community, or who makes a difference in their neighbourhood, or in the voluntary sector. Or it could go to a young person who has overcome challenges to reach their goal or achieve a personal ambition.

Judges' Special Award: Debbie Reynolds The Judges' Special Award was presented to Debbie Reynolds. Debbie has worked for Citizens Advice Stevenage for the past 18 years and has been responsible for her successful contribution to the lives of residents in our town.

Join the SportScene team There is a new radio show on the circuit that any sports fan in the area would be mad to miss.

SportScene started broadcasting their weekly show earlier in August on SG1 radio, the on-line radio station broadcasting live from their studio in Stevenage Town Centre.

Presented by Steve Watkins, Jay Drackford and Dean Thompson, there is a wealth of local sporting knowledge that has been tapped into, with the trio aiming to showcase any sport local to the area.

Steve Watkins said ?It was an idea that was dreamed up by Jay, who quickly shared his thoughts with myself and Dean, and we were hooked. We went to station owner Ray Medwynter and he loved the idea, and two weeks later we were live on air! ?In the first show we were honoured to have former Arsenal goalkeeper Bob Wilson as a guest, speaking about his charity, the Welwyn Garden City based

?Willow Foundation?, and his golf tournament recently held at Hanbury Manor. ?The response has been phenomenal in the early days. We have had local clubs represented, with sports including Football, Netball, Running, Iron-Man, Cricket Rugby and Cylcling, and have even included the great work being done with the Aqualina Synchronised Swimming club. ?It has so far been a case of building relationships with the clubs, so that we can follow their fortunes in the future. But we are also keen to get involved ourselves, with Jay already running the local Park Run, and Dean is lined up to have an evening of Synchronised Swimming, which of course will be covered on the show! ?We still need to hear from any new clubs with a story to tell, whether it be news, results, fixtures or events, and we are happy to speak on the phone, get guests into the studio , or simply

read out any news from a club. The aim is to cover ANY local sport, without prejudice or bias. Where at all possible of course!?

The show can be contacted at any time via email at sportscene@sg1radio.co.uk, via twitter @sg1sportscene, or on the SG1 Radio Facebook Page.

The show is broadcast every Wednesday evening between 9-10pm, and can be accessed at www. sg1radio.co.uk, on mobile phones by downloading the SG1 Radio app, via tune-in radio on a smart device such as sonos or alexa, and is also now being broadcast live with video on Facebook, which has added an extra dimension, and encouraged interaction from the sportspeople of the area.

Previous shows can also be played again, with links on Facebook and Twitter.

For further details, contact the team at sportscene@sg1radio.co.uk

Phot ography by Brendan Fal vey

If you have enjoyed t hese images of #St evenage by Brendan Falvey and would like t o find out how t o order t hem cont act on t he det ails supplied here

Email: bjpfalvey@gmail.com Phone 07572681805 www.brendanfalveyimagery.co.uk

Young stars paint festive picture Congratulations go to Sam Grey and Anita Hosea who have been crowned the ?CHRISTMAS STAR 2018?winners.

The pair have each won one of two trophies (donated by Stevenage Old Town Business & Community Partnership) and have the honour of switching on the Christmas lights in Stevenage Old Town.

The winners were chosen following an event held on

Saturday 22nd September at the High Street Methodist Church, Stevenage.

Children of all ages were welcomed and given the chance to design their posters.

Also takingnplace on the same day was colouring in of lanterns for "Best dressed window" competition.

Posters were judged by members of the Stevenage Arts Guild and the winners were announced on the same day.

Stevenage Parkrun run report update Run report for Stevenage Parkrun, Saturday September 29.

Definitely chilly start to the morning changed into a gloriously sunny autumn day for the 120th Stevenage parkrun. 282 people finished the course with 69 PBs and 19 completing the Stevenage course for the first time. We even had 12 people making their parkrun debut - well done and here's to many more events, PBs and Saturday morning fun!

Congratulations to Jonny

Park for completing his 50th parkrun and Rosemary Biggs who volunteered for the 25th time! Emails regarding how to claim your parkrun club t-shirts should be coming your way soon.

As always, we couldn't bring you this week's event without a lovely bunch of volunteers: Phil DEAVES Ken JUDE - St eve W ELLS Gordon COWAN Esperanza CASTRO - St ella GARRETT - Tony RANDFIELD - Trevor BROOM - Rosemary BIGGS - Alan FORD - Dzenana TOPIC - Shelbe

MOONBEAM - Marleen VAN ZW IETEN - Rachel HALL - Eleanor DOSW ORA. You all did a sterling job today and made this Run Director very happy If you'd like to be a hi-viz warrior, just email us at stevenagehelpers@ parkrun.com. There are plenty of roles to choose from, some even allow you to still run the course.

Stevenage Parkrun takes place each Saturday starting at 9am at Fairlands Valley.

The Tollers team help to minimise conflict and focus on mediation Family and Immigrat ion Mat t ers - Tollers are here t o help?

There are very few of us who get married with the intention of separating or getting divorced. However, as we know life can be unpredictable. If your situation at home reaches a stage where you think you may need a family solicitor, the Team at Tollers Stevenage office take a very different approach to assisting our clients through this difficult time.

In our extensive experience, taking a less aggressive approach to handling family legal matters often achieves a far more positive outcome. Wherever possible, we want to minimise conflict and instead focus on mediation and communication between the individuals involved.

We are also aware that some cases need urgent and immediate action and where appropriate do not hesitate to go to court to defend and protect our clients?interests.

In our Stevenage office, Solicitor Minara Hannan (pictured) is experienced in dealing with a wide variety of family and Immigration matters. She provides pertinent

regulations.

Some of the areas Minara can assist you with are: · Disputes regarding children, including Children Act applications · Financial issues relating to divorce, including those with an international element. · Immigration Law. · Separation agreements. · Cross Border family disputes. · Multiple asset disputes. family advice and support, whilst keeping her client?s best interests at heart. She is sensitive to the emotional upheaval divorce, separation and financial disputes can cause and believes strongly in keeping the individuals she supports fully informed and up to date with developments, as well as any cost implications.

When it comes to the complex issues that arise regarding Immigration Law Minara focuses on her clients in all matters including helping to reunite families, delivering economic benefits through skilled and business migration and protecting those in danger through humanitarian programmes. She is well versed at ensuring her clients comply with jurisdictional

· Human rights and family matters.

Minara provides an initial appointment regarding any Family or Immigration Law matter for up to an hour and a half, for a fixed fee. We are sure you will leave this initial appointment better informed about your legal rights and responsibilities and with a sense of direction as to how to move things on and the options available to you in order to reach a resolution.

If you need help and advice and are unsure where to start or would like to arrange an initial consultation? ...Talk to Tollers on 01438 901095 or email minara.hannan@tollers.co.uk

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Make Mahers your first choice for repairs, keys, and so much more Based in Unit 2a, in the Westgate Centre in Stevenage, Mahers, has over 30 years of experience.

Come t o us for keys Mahers cut a huge range of specialist keys including Yale Superior keys and offer a single household or cylinder key at ÂŁ5 or two for just ÂŁ7.50. We also stock: - House keys - Car keys - Security keys - Licensed fun keys Engraving and t rophy supplies Don't forget t he t rophies for your end of season present at ion. Mahers is one

of St evenage's leading suppliers of t rophies, medals, cups and awards.

We have a large collect ion for you t o browse.

- Trusted supplier to many clubslocally - Offer competitive prices - First class customer service.

Shoe repairs All types of repairs: - Heels - Soles and heels - Leather soles and heels.

Ot her services - Watch batteries and repairs - Engraving on jewellery and plaques - Locksmiths and auto-locksmiths For furt her det ails cont act : Tel - 07446 102570 Email MaherService@yahoo.com

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What 's on in # STEVENAGE INS: Every Friday afternoon, So Healthy, a gentle exercise class takes place from 1.30pm to 2.30pm at Bedwell Community Centre. Please contact the INS for more information on 01438 725400 or emailinfo@irishnetworkstevenage.org.ukor follow the group on Facebook or Twitter.

St evenage Fl oral Art Societ y: Call Margaret 01438 880086 for more details.

St evenage Liberal Synagogue: For further information phone 01438 300222 or visitstevenageliberalsynagogue@gmail.com St evenage Fibromyal gia Support Group:Meet on the second Wednesday evening, 7.30 to 9.30pm, and last Tuesday of the month, 12.30pm to 2.30pm, at Poplars Community Hall. A weekly coffee drop in from 1pm to 3pm takes place on Wednesdays at Encore Coffee House, in the foyer of the Gordon Craig Theatre. Call the helpline 0844 8872 373 or 355 for more info. All welcome.

St Andrew and St George:Parish Mass on Sunday at 10am. A toddler group takes place on Wednesdays from 10am to 12pm. All welcome. For further details please email Kimcuttylanegroups@gmail.com.Morning Prayer Monday to Thursday at 9.30 am. Weekday Masses on Monday at 10am, Tuesday at 12.30pm and Thursday at 10am. Compline at 8:30 pm on Thursdays. For more information visitwww.stevenagechurch.org.

Debt ors Anonymous:Meetings are held every

Tuesday evening at 8pm at The Living Room, No 15 The Glebe, Chells Way. For more information visit:www.debtorsanonymous.org.uk St evenage Corey?s Mil l Lions Cl ub:Lion are part of the world's largest community based Service Organisation and are looking for more members to assist with the work in the community as volunteers. Meetings are held on the second Monday of the month in Symonds Green starting at 7.45pm. Membership fee is nominal. To find out more call 01438 489247 or 07903 444052 or visit the group on Facebook.

St arl ight Dance Academy:Adult tap dance classes, for all ages, with a fully qualified teacher take place from 1.15pm every Friday at the Community and Arts Pavilion, Roaring Meg Retail Park, Stevenage.

Age Concern, St evenage:Pop in for a cuppa every Monday, 10am to 12pm, at Swingate House. Age Concerns provides bookings for Britannia Coaches,a hire service for mobility scooters and wheelchairs during opening hours. Free 20-minute appointments for benefits and legal advice, and a footcare clinic are held every Tuesday and Thursday (fee payable). Age Concern's offices are open Monday to Friday from 9.30am to 3pm and Thursday 9.30am to 1.30pm, ground floor, Swingate House, Stevenage town centre.Call01438 314164 for more.

St evenage Museum:St George?s Way, Stevenage, hosts a wide range of events throughout the year for families, children and adults. Open 10am to 4.30pm Wednesday to Friday, 10am to 5pm Saturday. Call 01438 218881 or emailmuseum@stevenage.gov.ukfor more.

Cycl e UK St evenage:Starter cycle rides will set off from Costello?s Cafe by the Sailing Centre in Fairlands Valley Park at 10.30am every Saturday.

Evening rides from the green by Springfield House Community Centre take place every Wednesday at 7.15pm. For more information go towww.stevenagectc.org.ukor call Jim on 07939 687509 or Jill on 07816 625901.

What 's on in # STEVENAGE St evenage Writ ers:Meet every Wednesday from 5.30pm to 7pm in The Snug Bar at The Dun Cow, Letchmore Road, Stevenage. Mutual support for writers at all levels, something for everyone. Next two months the group is working on getting their Annual together. For more details contact Tony Burtonponytailpoet@gmail.com.

Pl ay Go:Takes place every Tuesday from 7.30pm in Letchworth or Stevenage on alternate weeks.

Persons under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a responsible adult. For more information, visithttp:/ / www.letchworth-go.org.uk/ letchgo St Hugh and St John's Church: Blaze Youth Club for anyone aged 7 to 14 takes place every Thursday during term-time from 5.45pm to 7.15pm. Have fun playing games, sports, making crafts, baking, cooking, and art, The first Thursday of the month is family night where families are invited to come for a meal and a short service. ÂŁ1.50 per week.

Roundabout ers Count ry Dance Cl ub:English country dancing every Thursday, 8pm to 10pm, at Friends Meeting House, Cuttys Lane SG1 1UP. Newcomers are always welcome, both beginners and experienced dancers. To find out more call 01438 727239, visitwww.roundabouters.org.ukor just come along.

St evenage Bridge Cl ub:New players are needed at Stevenage Bridge Club and Springfield House Friday Bridge Club. Stevenage Bridge Club meets at 7.30pm to play Duplicate Bridge at the Priory Nursery, Stanmore Road, Old Stevenage. Contact Phil Cooper on 0795 7813434. Springfield House Friday Bridge Club meet on Friday afternoons at 1.30pm to play cut-in Chicago Bridge at Springfield House. Contact Richard Bean on 01438 221517.

Mol l y Vickers School of Dance:Lessons in Ballet, Tap, Freestyle and Contemporary at Bedwell Community Centre, Stevenage. For children (18 months+) and adults, first trial class is free! For more details call Lisa Holt on (01438) 723450 or Stacey Hurst on (01438) 315580.

Oval Communit y Circl e:Come along to a free social

group held on the first Thursday of the month anytime between 9:30am and 11am at the Oval Community Centre, Vardon Road. For more information contactenquiries@ovalcommunity.comor 01438 359404.

Love t o Dance:Fun and friendly sessions for anyone aged 50 and over take place every Friday from 1.30pm to 3.30pm at Hampson Park Community Centre, Webb Rise, Stevenage, SG1 5QU. Just ÂŁ5.50 per session. For more information call 0203 675 7215 or emailclarebellchambers@saracens.net St evenage Spirit ual Group:Meet every Sunday (except Bank Holidays) at Springfield House, Stevenage Old Town. Sunday meetings take place from 7.30pm till 9pm with a different Medium each week. All welcome.

Just Sing Communit y Choir:Come along and sing every Thursday during term time from 7pm to 9pm, at Grace Community Church. Hydean Way, Stevenage. First taster session free and no auditions are required. Contact 07785568463 or visit the websitewww.justsingcc.org.uk Pil at es:Sessions take place at Datchworth Village Hall on Thursdays from 1.30pm to 2.30pm/ Beginners are recommended to attend an introductory class. Call 07732897404 for more information.

Wou ld you lik e t o pr om ot e you r gr ou p or even t f or f r ee?

Do you w an t t o sh ow t h e people of #St even age you r gr ou p in act ion ?

Sen d you r copy an d pict u r es t o dar r en @spit f ir epr .com an d w e w ill do ou r best t o pu blish t h em in Wh at 's on in #St even age

Keeping the Harwood grounds beautiful When you have a 25-acre memorial garden there?s always plenty of work to be done ? even when the weather is hot, hot, hot! And we?re so lucky that Harwood Park Memorial Gardens is kept looking so lovely all year round thanks to our loyal team of groundsmen.

If you?ve visited the gardens you might well have seen one of the groundsmen cutting the grass, felling trees or trimming hedges. And you might have noticed how happy they look.

Richard, Matthew and Nathan all do a job that they love, which is one of the reasons we?re so happy to have them. Before coming to Harwood Park between them they looked after the grounds at a country club, a sports ground and a golf club.

Matthew even has a special claim to fame ? he kept the most moles off the green at Brocket Hall?s golf course!

As well as being hard workers our groundsmen are special to us because they take pride in what they do. They understand that the memorial gardens serve both as a final resting place for loved ones and also a

peaceful retreat for family and friends to visit. They do everything they can to make the gardens look as beautiful and welcoming as possible. And when you stroll around the gardens you can see their handiwork ? from the carefully pruned roses to the pretty line of cherry trees and the immaculately planted topiary crescent.

You can place a memorial at Harwood Park even if the funeral didn?t take place here.

When you entrust your loved one to our keeping, you can rest assured they?ll be at peace. * Find out more about Harwood Park Crematorium and Memorial Gardens at http://www.crematorium.co.uk/

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We understand that you will require specialist caterers for multicultural weddings and here you will find a modern self-catering kitchen for your chosen caterer. Exclusive hire of Forum includes entire floor, Fairview Suite, bar and kitchen. This includes tables and chairs, dance floor, use of the self-catering kitchen and complimentary bedroom in the adjoining Ibis Hotel. Call about special offers : 01438 533018.

Visit our new websit es for more informat ion www.forumcb.co.uk and www.fairviewhot els.com/ hot els/ ibis-forum-st evenage

Make the most of the Unlimited Card to enjoy Cineworld benefits ENJOY UNLIMITED FILMS Watch all the films you can handle at any Cineworld for just one monthly fee SAVE ON SNACKS AND DRINKS Get 10% off all in-cinema food and drink. Plus get 10% off at Cineworld Starbucks licensed stores.

ACCESS TO PREVIEWS Be the first to see a movie with special Unlimited member advance screenings SAVE ON EVENT CINEMA We don?t just show movies. You can also get selected discounts on live Opera, National Theatre, live sport and gigs PREMIUM MEMBERSHIP After a year we?ll upgrade you to a premium membership for free, giving you 25% off in-cinema food

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Unlimit ed: How t o apply in person

Unlimited members can get free months of membership when they recommend Unlimited to their friends!

Step 1 Visit one of our Cineworld cinemas Step 2

Unlimit ed: How t o apply online Step 1 Make sure you have your bank details and a recent passport photo Step 2 Complete the easy application process and use your temporary pass straight away Step 3 We will post your Unlimited card to you Step 4

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