The Stevenage Magazine | Issuu 23 | May-June 2015

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Bi-Monthly guide to Stevenage

Issue : 23 May/June 2015 thestevenagemagazine.co.uk

On your bike! Find out about cycling in Stevenage WIN! Signed copy of ‘26 Miles to the Moon’

W i l d Wo o d s D a y !

Family fun with Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust Image courtesy of Stevenage Museum

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welcome...

The promise of Summer is finally here! You only have to look at all the events and activities in this issue to see everyone is coming out of hibernation! Fun Days, Family Days, Festivals and much more – it’s all in our What’s On listings (pg 18-19) In this issue's Prize Draw, we're delighted to be offering a signed copy of "26 Miles to The Moon' written by local Old Town resident Andrew Males. Many readers may recall we featured Andrew and his then unpublished novel back in November, as he ventured into the exciting world of crowdfunding to get it published. He did it!

Congratulations Andrew, The Stevenage Magazine's personal copy is being passed around the team as we write!

This issue's "A chat with.." features The Living Room, an organisation whose work has a huge and positive impact on many lives in Stevenage, please take time to read more on page 21.

Finally, don’t forget to mention the magazine when responding to advertisers or visiting events seen in the magazine. And, of course, let us know your news!

See you in July.

Louise and The Stevenage Magazine Team.

contact thestevenagemagazine Editorial: editor@thestevenagemagazine.co.uk 07583 826088 Advertising: ads@thestevenagemagazine.co.uk 07583 826088

contents welcome......................................3 news & community.................4-6 meet the business......................7 prize draw....................................8 health & wellbeing................9-13 business & finance............14-15 education.............................16-17 what’s on ............................18-19 organisations......................20-21 a chat with................................21 petcare .....................................22 gardens......................................22 useful numbers..........................23 business directory....................23 Please don’t forget to mention The Stevenage Magazine when responding to advertising!

/ thestevenagemagazine @TheStevenageMag Publisher: Old Town Publishing editor@thestevenagemagazine.co.uk 07583 82 6088

Old Town Publishing Limited - trading as The Stevenage Magazine.

Company No. 07678409 Printed by The MANSON Group Ltd Reynolds House 8 Porters Wood Valley Road Industrial Estate St Albans Hertfordshire AL3 6PZ

welcome

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or stored without permission of the publisher. All content is published in good faith and correct at time of going to press.

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news & community

Stevenage Festival Stevenage Festival, the bi-annual event that provides a showcase for the wealth of local artistic and performing talent found in the Stevenage area will take place May to July this year.

The heart of the festival is a fortnight of performances at the Gordon Craig Theatre, enabling local people, particularly our talented youngsters, to realise a dream by performing on stage in their community’s theatre.

The festival also has a vibrant fringe of community arts events taking place around the town. Whether you are into fine art, poetry, photography or theatre, dance or jazz, local history or classical music, there's something on for you.

This will be the 12th Stevenage Festival and will involve around 2000 local performers and artists of all descriptions – a true community event!

Festival Chairman, Ron Walker, commented: “Lots of our performances feature young people taking their first steps in an activity that they love”. We encourage people to come along support them. Who knows, some of them may go on to great things - and you saw them here first! " Details of all performances and events can be found in What’s On listings on page18-19 or by visiting www.stevenage-festival.co.uk, where tickets can also be booked.

You can get involved too! Turn to page 17 to find out about 'Just Sing Community Choir' and the ‘Big Sing’on Saturday 23 May.

thestevenagemagazine.co.uk

Fun for all the family – especially little woodland explorers!

Pull on your walking boots and join Herts & Middlesex Wildlife Trust for their hugely popular 'Wild Woods Day'.

Taking place at Monks Wood and Whomerley Wood, tevenage, on Saturday 16th May. The event will run from 11am to 4pm, and visitors are welcome to attend at anytime during these hours.

It's a fantastic day out for the whole family and this year will be bigger and better than ever before! We will have fun wildlife themed activities for all the family including a treasure trail, bug hunts and woodland walks. And those that come dressed as a 'Wild Thing' will receive a FREE 'Wild Woods Goody Bag'!

Refreshments will be provided, and there will also be lots of goodies & treats to buy! Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Further information, please contact Stephanie Marshall on email: stephanie.marshall@hmwt.org

Cover Story

Parking restrictions during the Friends Life Women’s Tour

Keeping with the issue’s cycling focus, our front cover depicts Eric Claxton, Chief Engineer of the Stevenage Development Corporation, who was responsible for the introduction of cycle paths in Stevenage . The picture was taken in 1967.

Stevenage New Town was designed from the outset with a substantial cycle-way network on which cyclists can ride in safety, uninterrupted by other traffic.

The picture to the below shows cyclists in the late 1950’s on a stretch of cycle path beside Six Hills Way

Road closures and parking restrictions affecting Old Town residents during the Friends Life Women's Tour on Friday 19 June & Saturday 20 June: • Full Road Closure of High Street from 6pm, Friday 19 June to 9pm Saturday 20 June • NO PARKING on Church Lane or Walkern Road on 20 June until after 2.30pm. Deliveries until 11am only.

• The Thomas Alleyne Academy car park will be available to residents and businesses.

• The two car parks on Church Lane will be free BUT no vehicle movement between 11am and 2.30pm. (this will also affect Grove Road residents wishing to leave/ enter the street by vehicle).

• Primitt Road long stay car park closed from noon on Friday 19 June until 6pm Saturday 20 June.

• Town centre multi-storey car park, St Georges Way FREE all day.

Visit for www.stevenage.gov.uk/womens-tour for the latest information and further details.

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The development of cycle paths in Stevenage is well documented in two books; First New Town – Jack Balchin and The Hidden Stevenage – Eric Claxton.

With thanks to the Stevenage Museum for supplying both the information and images from their wonderful archive.

If you’d like to find out more about Stevenage and it’s history, you can visit Stevenage Museum Wednesday to Friday 10am-4.30pm and Saturdays 10am-5pm. www.stevenage.gov.uk/about-stevenage/museum

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news & community

Family Fun Day The Living Room are holding a family fun day on Sunday 17 May at the main lake in Fairland’s Valley Park (outside Costello’s café). The event will run from 9.30am until 4pm and include dragon boat racing. For further details please visit www.thelivingroom.me.uk

Stevenage Amateur Wine & Beermakers Guild Wine, as we all know is a very sociable drink - so why not join Stevenage Amateur Wine & Beermakers Guild?

It is not a criterion to make your own wine, but if you are a beginner you may learn some important tips and facts about making it. If you have never tried making wine yourself, then this may give you the incentive to try!

We are a very sociable group, as well as wine tasting we have a timetable of interesting speakers scheduled for our meetings through out the year.

We meet the first Thursday in the month at Bedwell Community Centre, Bedwell Crescent, Stevenage at 8pm.

Please contact the committee on 01438 232701 for further information.

Send your news, stories & advertising enquiries to editor@thestevenagemagazine.co.uk Deadline for Issue 24 (Jul/Aug) is 10 June 215

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news & community

Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service As the weather seems to be getting better, and the temptation to get out and about more is ever present, I thought it would be wise to remind you all about how vulnerable the countryside gets as the ground dries up.

Dry weather makes the conditions extremely dangerous as fires in grassland and in crops can get out of hand very quickly, causing extensive damage and put lives at risk. Once a fire takes hold valuable fire service resources can get held up resources that could well be needed elsewhere.

Many of these types of fire are started deliberately or are due to a lack of care when extinguishing smoking materials or barbecues.

So…..

• Avoid using open fires in the countryside, • Do not leave bottles or glass in woodlands, • Keep young children, pets and ball games away from barbecues, • Extinguish cigarettes and other smoking material properly, • Never leave bar barbecues unattended, • Never throw cigarette butts out of car windows • Ensure barbecues are fully out and cold before disposing of contents.

thestevenagemagazine.co.uk

Master class with artist Stevenage Arts Society are delighted to be welcoming architectural illustrator and artist Keith Hornblower for a second master class on Tuesday 26th May. Mr Hornblower will demonstrating the painting of an urban scene, imparting many technical skills and secrets of his trade to create a painting of mood and atmosphere.

Bucklesbury, Hitchin painted by Keith Hornblower He works locally and is entirely self-taught, progressing from architectural assistant to architectural illustrator and is now a Fellow of the Society of Architectural Illustrators as well as being a highly regarded watercolour artist in his own right. He has exhibited his paintings worldwide including most recently China, Greece and Italy.

The demonstration will take place on Tuesday 26th May at 19.30pm at the Community Arts Pavilion, Roaring Meg Retail Park, Stevenage, SG2 1XN. £3 members, £4 nonmembers.

Please, all take care when in the countryside and alert us to fires as early as possible via 999 calls. An early call could be the difference between a smaller controllable fire, and a widespread devastating one.

Mark Burgess Watch Commander & Community Safety Coordinator for Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service (HFRS) e: mark.burgess@hertfordshire.gov.uk

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Charity Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) are hosting a Masquerade Ball on Saturday 27th June, 7pm at Tewin Bury Farm (Meadow Barn).

Guests to this black tie event will enjoy a three-course meal with wine, goody bag and be treated to a fabulous evening of live music and the mesmerizing talents of Magician Lee Smith.

CRY’s mission is to significantly reduce the frequency of young sudden cardiac death throughout the UK, by working with cardiologists and family doctors to promote and establish good practice and screening facilities devoted to this.

For further information on the event and to purchase tickets please visit www.masqueradecharityball.co.uk or contact rachellebanham@yahoo.co.uk

6

Snippets Needlework • Bridal Alterations • Bespoke Designs • Lessons Available

Call Deborah Aungiers: 07534 173663 or 01438 311095 First Floor, 7 Middle Row Stevenage SG1 3AN email: info@snippetsneedlework.com web: www.snippetsneedlework.com

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meet the business

MEET THE BUSINESS: Arty Farty Chocolate Parties What can we expect from a typical Arty Farty Chocolate making party?

Hands on practical, messy fun, an education in chocolate and beautiful gifts to take home!

Parties are tailored to suit the participants, taking their age and the type of event into consideration. We run parties designed specifically for ages 4 and upwards, 13 upwards and of course grown-ups! Timings and activities vary for each, but the essence is the same – hands-on fun.

For younger children (4 and up) - before the seriously messy fun begins, children get to design their chocolate and put on professional chocolate making gear. Once suited and booted they can make a range of goodies including moulded chocolate, chocolate lollipops, chocolate pizzas and dipped sweetie lollies. They’ll make a party bag to take home - filled with their creations and some of ours too! Along, the way we make it educational, teaching where and how chocolate is grown and how it becomes the tasty treat we all love! We can also include additional activities such as a chocolate fountain or chocolate hunt.

For older participants, the workshops become more involved, for example, they will learn how to temper chocolate, and create and package a box of Belgian Chocolates or truffles. Before doing this, they will be shown the skills and techniques by a master chocolatier! We then play some chocolate tasting games -with flavours you won’t be expecting, but will find tasty!

Where do the workshops take place?

We come to you. We can set up in your home, office or any venue of your choosing and we clean up after ourselves too!

What else should we know about Arty Farty Chocolate Parties?

We are qualified Chocolatiers, from the Master Academy and our chocolates are on sale at Ardeley Farm and Halsey's of Hitchin as well as online.

We are always willing to try something new, so if you have an idea for a party or some chocolates - we’d like to hear it!

www.artyfartychocolateparties.co.uk |artyfartychocolateparties@gmail.com 0750 0970 438 or 0797 4780 018 | Facebook: Arty Farty Chocolate Parties

CHOCOLATE PARTIES

If you like chocolate, you will love this!

Chocolate making parties for all ages!

Catering for Kids, Corporates, Hens & Everyone!

We sell bespoke handmade chocolates too!

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Claire on 07974 780 018 Michelle on 07500 970 438

e: artyfartychocolateparties@gmail.com Facebook: Arty Farty Chocolate Parties www.artyfartychocolateparties.co.uk

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prize draw

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WIN

Signed copy of 26 Miles to the Moon The debut novel from Stevenage author and Old Town resident Andrew Males.

26 Miles to the Moon is a humorous book about Jon Dunn - a nobody, going nowhere in life until he answers a random email that leaves him running naked from the law, quitting his job and throwing himself into a competition for a chance to go down in history.

But can he stop the wicked, win-at-all-costs Nicki? What is the real truth behind the Summer, the girl with the yo-yo halo? And can billionaire Doug pull off his grand plan for the ultimate in space tourism?

From the London skyline to the New York City Marathon, Jon and nine other goingnowheres are branded like cattle and put through the challenge and pain of a competition for the most exciting prize the world has ever seen.

The Great Space Race is on!

Andrew has kindly agreed to give away a signed copy of his newly-released novel to one lucky reader drawn at random who correctly answers the question below:

According to the title of the novel - how many miles are there to the moon?

A) 26

B) 48

C) 1098

To enter simply email your answer to the above question along with your name and contact number to editor@thestevenagemagazine.co.uk Closing date for entries is the 30 June 2015.

TERMS & CONDITIONS 1. No cash alternative available 2. Closing date for entries is 30 June 2015. Winners will be notified by 15 July 2015

First Class £5 Redeemable on Membership Offer valid at participating locations, for new customers only.

Other restrictions may apply.

Classes; Tuesdays, 7.30pm – The Thomas Alleyne Academy, High Street, Stevenage, SG1 3BE Thursdays, 7.30pm – Barnwell Upper School , Stevenage, SG2 9XT For more information and an up to date class schedule please visit; www.facebook.com/JazzerciseStevenage or contact Kerry on 07743 183036 kerry.jazzercise@hotmail.co.uk

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health & wellbeing

Hertfordshire Year of Walking Hertfordshire Year of Walking is a celebration of walking for leisure, transport and health.

There are lots of exciting activities happening which are free, safe and ideal for all the family.

Previous activities have included mushroom hunting, exploring disused railway lines and “Meet the Cows” where we a local farmer took walkers around the farmland to meeting the cows and sheep along the way!

To get involved with ‘Hertfordshire Year of Walking’, visit www.hertsdirect.org/walking and sign the `pledge to walk`. We will keep you updated about all the fantastic events that you can join in with!

For more information about walking in Hertfordshire, visit www.hertfordshirehealthwalks.org or call 01992 588433.

You can read more about two of the walking activities happening in the area - week long Stevenage Walking Festival and the regular Health Walks that take place weekly throughout the year.

Stevenage Walking Festival The third Stevenage Walking Festival, organised by members of Stevenage Leisure 50, North Herts Ramblers and Stevenage Health Walks group will take place 2nd-10th May.

Get walking regularly with Health Walks Health Walks are regular, free, local walks led by experienced guides. The shortest walks are 30 minutes on flat and even ground, and the longer walks are up to 90 minutes on more challenging terrain.

There are numerous benefits to walking – not least the fact that it improves your health and wellbeing! Health Walks can be enjoyable and social - a great way to meet new people and you don’t need to be fit or have special shoes to take part.

Stevenage Health Walks are offered by Stevenage Borough Council, please visit http://www.stevenage. gov.uk/health-walks/ or contact Tricia on 01438 230328 / Pauline on 07983 557168 for the latest details.

Outside of Stevenage, Hertfordshire Health Walks are offered by Hertfordshire County Council’s Countryside Management Service. There are around 55 walks every week in areas surrounding Stevenage. Programmes can be found on www.hertfordshirehealthwalks.org or by calling 01992 588433. Please also get in touch if you are interested in becoming a Volunteer Walk Leader.

With a choice of walks, walkers can walk every day for a week without having to go too far away.

Stevenage has some fine walking areas, both within the boundaries of the Borough, and in the surrounding countryside.

If you would like more information about this or future events and please visit www.stevenagewalkingfestival.webs.com There are lots of walks for everyone. Please come and join us.

Mary McLaughlin

Mobile Chiropodist For all your footcare needs in the comfort of your own home HCPC Registered www.marymclaughlinchiropodist.co.uk

01462 484085 | 07986 920965

Get UP... Get OUT... Get NORDIC WALKING! Join Mel for her NEW Nordic Walking Taster sessions...

Saturday mornings, 10 to 11am from Hampson Park, Webb Rise, Stevenage, SG1 5QU during May & June.

Session includes use of Nordic Walking Poles, technique instruction & short Nordic Walk around the park.

Mel has been Nordic Walking for over 10 years, is fully qualified with Nordic Walking UK, is First Aid trained & holds full public liability insurance. Come and experience this friendly, fun and fast growing outdoor way to get fit, healthy, active & happy. Dress to exercise outdoors - wear trainers or light walking boots.

ONLY £3 per person. Book NOW to avoid disappointment.

Contact Mel on 07900 823553 or email mel@fithaven.co.uk

Visit www.fithaven.co.uk or follow Fithaven with Mel on

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health & well being

thestevenagemagazine.co.uk

The Body Matters At Physio-Life, we are extremely proud to have a team of highly skilled and experienced neurological Physiotherapists. We are also unique in that we are one of the few Physiotherapy clinics which offer treatment sessions in our fully equipped clinic OR sessions in your own home as we completely understand the challenges of getting out to appointments when you have a neurological disability. Hence, this month’s patients profile is about Lewis Willis, who had a stroke two years ago and finds it hard to get into our clinic, so we see him at home.

Name: Lewis Willis Condition: I had a stroke two years ago which has affected my left side and has left me needing to use a wheelchair to get around.

How did you hear about Physio-Life?

A friend of the family, a Speech Therapist, knew of Rachel from working together with a previous client and she was highly recommended.

Tell us about your experience with PhysioLife: I met Rachel after I was discharged from hospital - about six months after my stroke.

The NHS physiotherapy follow up was very limited, and I felt I needed continued physiotherapy as I had a long way to go with my recovery. My wife finds it difficult to get me to the Physio-Life clinic, but Rachel has always been happy to see me at home which means I am also more relaxed for our sessions.

Rachel comes to see me once per week and we work on exercises for my left arm. I am now starting to get some movement in my hand. We also work on exercises for my leg, my standing balance and then we always have a walk. This has improved enormously, and I am now able to walk from my lounge to the bathroom with just minimal assistance from Rachel. My goal is to walk by myself in the future – Rachel keeps telling me my goal should be to walk to the kitchen to make my wife a cup of tea!

Why I’d recommend Physio-Life: If I had to sumup the service that Physio-Life provides, I’d say it’s caring, reliable and you know that they’re always doing the best for you and your situation. Not only is Rachel a great neurological physiotherapist, but she has a super personality, and we do have a chuckle during our sessions, which releases tension and takes away any potential stress.

Rachel Canning

Come and speak to our friendly team about the wide range of services and treatments we offer Why choose ASK Physio?

• Senior staff with over 18 years experience working in the NHS • Strong links with local GP’s and consultants from both Lister and Pinehill Hospitals • Services and treatments for all ages • Physiotherapy, acupuncture, hydrotherapy and exercise rehabilitation me • Winner of Hertfordshire’s Best f spend ti “The staf gs so you fully New Business Award 2014 in th g . I found lainin exp ndition ise d your co understan wledge and expert ds their kno one, and their han n second to ment excellent.” on treat avid D

ASK Physio Kestrel House (Rookery Yard) Primett Road, Stevenage SG1 3EE

In the alleyway between The Venue and The Bank, near Waitrose in the Old Town.

Phone: 01438 488579 or 07523 005743

Email us: info@ask-physio.co.uk Website: ask-physio.co.uk

As members of both the CSP (Chartered Society of Physiotherapy) and the HCPC (Health and Care Professions Council) we are bound by their standards and codes of conduct. This includes strict patient condentiality.

Group present Lister Hospital with equipment Breathe Easy North Herts - part of the support network of the British Lung Foundation, has presented actigraphy equipment to the Respiratory and Sleep Disorder Unit at Lister Hospital to aid the diagnosis of sleep conditions.

The computerised wristwatch-like devices monitor and collect data generated by movements, and their use means that patients can be assessed locally.

Funding was generated from collections outside supermarkets and donations from group members in memory of one of their dear members whose son is a patient at the Unit.

National Standard literature on lung diseases is available from the British Lung Foundation Helpline on 03000 030 555. For details of the local support group contact Sue Churchman on 01438 357319.

BreatheEasy North Herts Free monthly meetings for anyone affected by lung disease BreatheEasy meetings offer a varied programme of speakers, refreshments and time to chat.

Carers, friends & family all welcome.

MCSP – Specialist Physiotherapist Physio-Life 01438 487814 www.physio-life.co.uk

Meetings held at Great Ashby Community Centre, Stevenage, SG1 6NH For more details contact Sue Churchman t:01438 357319 | e: benorthherts@gmail.com | www.blf.org.uk/north-herts Helpline 03000 030 555 Mon-Fri 9am - 5pm British Lung Foundation charity no. 326730

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Kestrel House, Primett Road Stevenage SG1 3EE Tel: 01438 487814 Email: enquiries@physio-life.co.uk

Provider of Neurological, Vestibular & Respiratory Physiotherapy Physio-Life is a leading specialist physiotherapy practice serving patients in Herts, Beds and Cambs.

We specialise in neurological physiotherapy (including Hydrotherapy), vestibular rehabilitation and pulmonary/respiratory rehabilitation, working with patients to create realistic treatment plans that enable them to reach maximum rehabilitation potential and enjoy an improved quality of life.

Below you will nd a comprehensive list of conditions we treat – visit us at www.physio-life.co.uk to nd out more Neurological Disorders (Brain and nerve conditions) • Cerebral Palsy • Dyspraxia • Guillain Barre Syndrome • Head Injuries • Motor Neurone Disease • Multiple Sclerosis • Parkinson’s Disease • Spinal Cord Injuries • Stroke

Respiratory Disorders (Breathing and lung problems) • Asthma • Breathlessness • Bronchiectasis • COPD • Emphysema • Hyperventilation • Lung Disease • Persistant Cough • Pulmonary Fibrosis • Recurrent Chest Infections

Vestibular Disorders (Dizziness and balance problems) • Acoustic Neuroma • Balance problems • BPPV • Dizziness • Labyrinthitis • Meniere’s Disease • Migraine Associated Dizziness • Vertigo • Vestibular Neuritis

Ph i Lif has Physio-Life h ab brand d new, ffully ll accessible ibl clinic li i iin Old T Town S Stevenage, b but we also l carry out home visits or care home visits for patients who nd it hard to get to us.

We are covered by most private healthcare providers – please call us to check your company covers Physio-Life.

What our patients say! ‘‘After just one session you have cured me - I feel wonderful - it’s a miracle’! Martin, BPPV (dizziness) ‘If I had to sum up the service that Physio-Life provides, I’d say it’s caring, reliable and you know that they’re always doing the best for you and your situation”. Lewis, Stroke “My son, family & friends say what a huge difference there is in my breathing since my rst session with you. I didn’t want to leave the house. Your time, patience & advice have given me the condence to improve my quality of life & I am now attending the gym!” Ann, Hyperventilation

health & well being

thestevenagemagazine.co.uk

Stevenage Osteopathic Clinic At Stevenage Osteopathy we provide osteopathy and cranial osteopathy for babies, children and adults Common reasons for osteopathy include: Colic type symptoms, irritability, unsettled behaviour Back pain in older children and adults Minor sports injuries Sciatica or leg pain Headaches arising from neck Fibromyalgia

For further information please call or email clinic

01462 422 760 | 07977 109 644 www.stevenage-osteopathy.co.uk

109 High Street | Stevenage Old Town | SG1 3HS

Ditch the Diet!

Colette Cooper, a Hertfordshire based nutrition coach, is inviting women to attend a free workshop aimed at enabling participants to ‘Ditch the Diet’.

Ditch the Diet is a new diet club concept. No more counting points, allowing yourself sins and weighing yourself in public! Ditch the Diet aims for a member only to be involved for six months, once your six months are up the aim is to have indeed ‘ditched the diet’.

“Dieting doesn’t work, in 2012 approximately 27 million people were on a diet, this is something Ditch the Diet is aiming to change for good,” says Colette. “We want women to ditch the dieting mentality, reclaim their health and well-being and let weight loss come as a by-product.

If we see women coming back time and time again to our program, we have failed. We'll show women what foods to eat, look at problematic foods and how the gut processes them. We will also look at the role stress and lifestyle play in our well-being. Members will be shown easy ways to incorporate exercise into their everyday life, rather than a diet to be their life”.

Ditch the Diet is a female-only program taught by female coaches. If you would like to see what it’s all about you can attend a FREE talk in Stevenage on Saturday 16th May 2015 at Pin Green Community Centre at 2:30pm.

To reserve your place, please contact Colette Cooper on 07906 912950 or email colette.cooper@yahoo.co.uk.

Alternatively, please visit www.ditchthedietuk.com for more information.

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Treatments for men & women Gift vouchers available Visit our facebook page & website for fantastic new offers every month!

Monday – Friday 9am – 8pm Saturday 9am – 5pm

105 High Street • Old Town • Stevenage • Herts • SG1 3HR Telephone: 01438 317191 • www.maximum-beauty.co.uk :maximumbeauty

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Learn to dance like ‘Strictly’!

Salsa, Rock ‘n’ Roll, Waltz & much more

Weds 7.30 - 8.30pm

Pin Green Community Centre, 291 Archer Road, Stevenage, SG1 5HF Classes also in Hitchin & Letchworth | Private lessons available

Singles & couples welcome

www.mirrorsdance.com Call Jayne: 07747 153 133

thestevenagemagazine.co.uk

health & well being

Family Friendly Cycling

Cycle often and cycle SAFELY

Walkern Revolution is a small and very welcoming cycling club with a whole range of activities for all of the family.

The club was established a year ago by a group of local amateur cyclists in the village, and we cater for all ages and abilities. From balance bike 'come and try' sessions, racing and skills coaching for 5-16 year olds, social rides for adults or something a little faster - we have it!

The club also has a focus on women's and girls cycling with exclusive club rides through the summer months and a programme of girls only coaching and racing starting in May. To celebrate the Women's Tour coming to our corner of Hertfordshire, a special coaching and racing programme aimed at beginners is being launched as part of British Cycling's Go Ride initiative starts on 29th May with a half term coaching day.

For full details of the club's upcoming events, please keep an eye on the website www.walkernrevolution.com and facebook.com/walkernrevolution.

Membership is free and first time members of British Cycling can enjoy a year for free.

If you don't see anything you are looking for, please get in touch and ask. We may be able to help!

Cycle training is all about getting people cycling more safely and cycling more often!

Based in Stevenage www. cycleinstructor.co.uk is a local, multi-award winning cycle training company offering a range of courses, from teaching people to ride a bike to confidence building for commuters.

The company works with people of all ages and abilities and are Bikeability accredited.

What is Bikeability?

Bikability is the new cycling training scheme for the 21st century, which offers three levels of training. Many adults will remember doing their Cycling Proficiency Test, but Bikeability is designed to give the next generation the skills and confidence to ride their bikes on today's roads.

Stevenage and North Herts CTC Stevenage and North Herts CTC is a local cycling club based in the north of Hertfordshire. We organise weekly rides ranging from introductory distances of 5 miles all the way up to endurance rides of over 100 miles.

So whether you are new to cycling and looking to start with a few leisurely rides or a keen cyclist looking for a challenge, hopefully our cycling club will have the right rides for you! We were the national CTC Voluntary Group of the Year in 2013, and Runners up Herts Sports Partnership Community Club of the Year 2012.

You can check out our latest rides on our website www. stevenagectc.org.uk. Follow us on twitter @stevenagectc @stevenagectc

Some of the courses we offer: For younger children (+3 yr's) we offer ‘Beginner Biking’ to teach them to cycle with adult help.

Bikeability Level 1 (typically aimed at 5 Years and up).

These lessons take place off road and focus on bike control; they are ideal for anyone new to cycling and in need of some confidence. A simple bike check and helmet check will also be carried out.

Bikeability Level 2 - this is where you start to deal with real traffic! Aimed at those wishing to progress onto riding on very quiet roads up to slightly busier ones for cycling to school or work.

Bikeability Level 3 is designed for those wishing to brush up on cycle techniques, how to deal with busy road situations and advanced road features. Once you have completed Level 3, you will be able to ride to most places safely.

Cycle Instructor also offers 1-2-1 sessions.

For more information on course dates, please visit www. cycleinstructor.co.uk or contact Tina on 01438 235881 or 07775 538830 or email tina@cycleinstructor.co.uk.

Follow us on twitter @tinacyclist

Cycle Courier company

Cost effective, efcient and environmentally friendly

Services that include: • Collection of your business post and delivery to the Royal Mail from £2.50 per day • Delivery of documents / parcels / print / cut owers etc.

• COMING SOON IN 2015 - regulated postal delivery service for local businesses, reducing costs for your Stevenage post Monday-Friday Email info@boxbikedelivery.co.uk for more details

exible, kind to our environment “Reliable, and friendly – what more could we ask for!

Russell and Vanessa Cook – Riverord Home Delivery, Milton Keynes

Tel: 01438 940639

”

www.boxbikedelivery.co.uk

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business & finance

Finance

Pension reforms:

Key points to understand The biggest reforms in pensions have just come into force and it’s very clear that most people are confused about the changes. Now, if you are over the age of 55, you have the freedom to take control of your pension and retirement income.

The main message is that the reforms are providing savers freedom to spend the money as they wish, whether it’s on booking a cruise or buying a Lamborghini.

Whilst most of my clients are not considering blowing their pension funds it has opened up a great opportunity to have more control over your pension pot but it’s important to approach this carefully and with a clear understanding of the tax implications.

It’s also important to consider that while it’s great having access to the money is it sensible to spend it and do you have sufficient provisions to help fund your retirement?

Can you live on state pension alone?

Most people taking the full pot out at once would have significant tax costs. Although, if you are over 55, you can now access your pension pot only 25% is tax free.

The remaining 75% is taxable as income. The pension providers would treat the remaining 75% of the pot as PAYE income for that month and tax it accordingly.

This may mean that you would have to reclaim the overpaid tax from HMRC through a self-assessment form. So, while you can get access to the pot you are likely to have to have to consider if the remaining 75% pot would push your income into higher rate tax for that tax and if you would be better off considering taking the pot out over time.

Getting personalised advice and an understanding of how the reforms would affect you and your retirement is invaluable. Pension providers have reacted well, considering, to the changes and the solutions available to clients are becoming more tailored. You can consider a combination of solutions to suit what you need, for example, to get a secure income from part of your pension whilst using the other part as a flexible drawdown over time.

With freedom comes responsibility, and the government has quite rightly stipulated that people seek advice from a financial adviser before making a life changing decision. Ultimately, a financial adviser can refuse to help a client withdraw their pension money if they feel it is not in their best interest. That in itself begs the question whether indeed Pension Freedom is freedom in the traditional sense.

thestevenagemagazine.co.uk

WillScript Will Drafting Services Last Will & Testament Single or joint (mirror) wills Property Protection Trusts Professional help & information

Home visit at your convenience Serving the people of Stevenage for 16 years

For further information contact: WillScript Will Drafting Services

01438 214333 www.willscript.co.uk WillScript – making sure your will is done

Having worked in the nancial services industry for the last eight years, Helena has a wealth of knowledge to help with all your nancial needs, including:

• Investments & Saving

• Estate Planning & Inheritance Tax Mitigation • Protection and Insurance • Retirement Planning • Mortgage advice

Helena prides herself in explaining complex areas of nancial planning in a simple and easy to understand manner.

Helena Wardle, Dip PFS

She empathises with her clients and will listen and understand their nancial needs before basing her recommendations on what matters most to them.

email: helena@sterlingandlaw.com phone: 01462 420544

Appointments can be arranged in the comfort of your own home or at her office. Initial consultations are free and without obligation.

Independent Financial Consultant

Helena Wardle, Sterling & Law - Independent Financial Consultants Invision House, Wilbury Way, Hitchin SG4 0TY Phone: 01462 420544 Email: helena@sterlingandlaw.com

thestevenagemagazine.co.uk

business & finance

MEET THE BUSINESS: Critical Response Training Tell us about Critical Response Training.

Critical Response Training is a Hertfordshire-based company that delivers First Aid Courses and is registered and approved through the First Aid Industry Body (FAIB).

My mission is quite simple, for everyone in the UK to be trained to perform life-saving skills. This was reinforced when I returned from running a course one evening to learn that a close friend from Welwyn Garden City, aged 29, had suffered a cardiac arrest and survived only because passers-by knew how to perform CPR. When was Critical Response Training established? I had been in a support role at Hertfordshire Constabulary for ten years and becoming a First Aid trainer seemed the obvious step to make in my career. After completing a City & Guilds certificate (PTLLS Trainer Certificate), followed by First Aid certification, I have been running courses regularly ever since.

What services do you provide? Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW), First Aid at Work (FAW), Sports First Aid and Paediatric (baby/child) First Aid courses. I provide courses in people’s homes, at their premises (offices / schools/gyms) or I hire venues for people to book and advertise them through my website.

How did you come up with the idea? When my son was a baby I couldn’t find a baby/ toddler First Aid course at a time of day that suited us. When I eventually joined one I found it far too formal, it was hard enough concentrating with an 8-week old on my lap! Following on from the Paediatric courses I ran, came interest for Sports and First Aid at Work which means I now offer First Aid Training across a wide range of industries from Construction and Fitness to Preschools and Childminders.

What is unique and different about Critical Response Training?

It’s not just about attendees achieving a certificate; it’s about empowering people with life-saving skills and making a serious subject easy and fun to learn.

in the local area Including:

Paediatric (Baby/Child) First Aid Sports First Aid First Aid at Work Basic Life Support Courses We can also deliver courses in your own home (min. 6 people)

Contact : 07798 855664

Sarah McGuinness, founder of Critical Response Training

admin@ criticalresponsetraining.co.uk

www.criticalresponsetraining.co.uk

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education

thestevenagemagazine.co.uk

The School has been developing green policies with the introduction of an exciting new curriculum and using ideas that have developed from its student parliament.

Students are enhancing key skills throughout this project and thinking about how they can be more sustainable in the future. The work produced and presented by has been fantastic, and many students have talked about the impact this project has had on them.

Student Parliament members felt that more recycling bins were needed around the Academy; this idea was implemented swiftly with the Academy investing in more recycling bins both within classrooms and around the outside areas of the Academy site. Students have taken to the challenge of recycling more paper, plastics and tins.

Students and staff have also been proactive in recycling clothing, as the Academy now has an onsite clothing recycling bin. So far, we have raised £58 for TASA. These are all positive steps to making our academy much more sustainable, but we still have more ambitious work to do. To develop our green policies, Thomas Alleyne Academy is looking into a solar panel project as well as a biodiversity area and allotments, which will be created and maintained by our students.

Shared Reading Pupils at Letchmore Infants’ & Nursery School used the recent World Book Day celebrations as an opportunity to help others experience the joy of reading. Over the course of a week, the children brought in over 600 books from home to donate to the charity ‘Just Be Child’ (JBAC) The School was approached by The Stevenage Magazine on behalf of JBAC to help collect the nursery books, which will be shipped to Ukunda, Kenya in June.

Once in Ukunda they will be used to set up a muchneeded community library.

Lenka Mcallinden of JBAC explained, “Early years books

Year 1 students Elsie Glynn and Tommy Kelly with some of the books donated by pupils at Letchmore Infants’ & Nursery School

are vital to the library, not just for the children, but for the adults too. Many of Ukanda’s adults cannot read; before they can make use of the age appropriate books we have collected, they need to learn and nursery books are perfect for this.”

Head Teacher Roma Marshall added “ The School was delighted to be involved. It has been a great opportunity to further engage the children in the importance of reading and literacy. We look forward to hearing how the library goes and helping again in the future.

NOT YET ADVERTISING WITH US?

Why not give us a call to discuss what The Stevenage Magazine can do for you?

Discounts on block bookings available.

07583 826088 or e: ads@thestevenagemagazine.co.uk

16

thestevenagemagazine.co.uk

education

Stevenage Sea Cadets Corps Adult Volunteers Needed

The Barclay School - Year 9 trip to Cambridge University On the 1st April, 13 students travelled to Cambridge on an aspirational trip to visit various colleges of Cambridge University.

The first college we visited is that of former Head Student Rhys Williams who is currently studying Economics in his first year at Girton College. Rhys kindly gave his time to give us a personal guided tour and explained what life is like at university. While you don’t need the top A / A* grades to get into some universities, good grades are, of course, an advantage to get into the university of your choice to and increase your options. It is worth making sure you put a lot of work in all the way through as this makes it easier in the long run.

The Sea Cadets, part of a national organisation for boys and girls aged 10-17 years offering participation in a range of water-borne disciplines, sports, first-aid, communications and leadership skills.

Stevenage Sea Cadets Corps are looking for enthusiastic adult VOLUNTEERS to join the Unit Management Committee. We are looking for people who can commit regular time to our group; administration, secretarial, fundraising or building maintenance experience would be an advantage but not essential.

Stevenage Sea Cadet's also have a Sea Cadet Band.

The group is based at T.S. Andromeda, Shephall View.

If you are interested in volunteering, please contact John O'Mahony on 01438 750191 - this is an answer machine service, please leave a message and we will return your call.

Registered Charity No: 271061

Come and join the BIG SING A great an opportunity to get the entire community singing together!

Rhys also told us about the wide range of opportunities that students were offered when at university through what are known as ‘societies’. These are networking events with alumni students from Cambridge who now hold amazing jobs in a wide range of industries. These networking opportunities lead to opportunities for internships, shadowing and other work experience.

There are also great sports opportunities as well as facilities for almost anything you can think of.

We did a tour of the college and particularly liked their formal halls and courtyard.

In the afternoon we visited key University facilities including the University Central Library and also Trinity College. The faculties of Criminology, Law, Economics, Geography and Medieval languages were all visited.

The trip finished at Wolfson College where we were given another guided tour including the Lee Hall, which is used for concerts and conferences and saw the artworks of people who had funded Gonville and Caius College.

A great day was finished with a trip to Stephen Hawking’s office and lunch on The Backs by the River Cam. Thanks to Mr O’Reilly and Mr Moore for arranging this great day and to Rhys Williams for organising the college tours.

Year 9 students Head of Year 9, Mr Moore said: ‘Students were able to ask many questions about University life and the many academic opportunities that are available to students. Rhys spoke about the requirements of studying at University and inspired our students with a discussion about passion for learning.’

Musical Director, Penelope Manser and team are inviting you to join them for a BIG SING on Saturday 23rd May. Penelope will be leading the day long workshop, and everything will be taught by ear, so no need to read music.

The event is part of Stevenage Fringe Festival and is open to all ages from 7 to 70+. Whether you are a complete beginner, have sung a little or are already part of a choir, you will be given a warm welcome.

The day will be relaxed and fun, covering songs that appeal to everyone - including some well-known favourites, and will end with a performance for family and friends at 4pm.

Singing is great for boosting confidence, lifting the spirits, making new friendships and most importantly- having fun! This is a great an opportunity to get the entire community singing together!

The event will take place from 10.30am-4pm at Great Ashby Community Centre, White Horse Road, Stevenage.

Please bring a packed lunch, drinks can be purchased from the Community Centre Café.

Tickets: Adults £10*, Children (ages 7-17) £6* and Family ticket (two adults, two children) £30* available by email from justsingcic@gmail.com or online via Eventbrite at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/big-singtickets-15775669452 *Please note that online ticket booking incurs an additional cost of 90p, 80p or £ 1.40 per ticket.

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what’s on

thestevenagemagazine.co.uk

WHAT’S ON

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Make it!

Fri 1 May, 12noon to 2pm Free. Get creative sewing, knitting & crochet. Bring sandwiches & whatever you are working on. Tea & Coffee provided. www.stevenage. gov.uk/about-stevenage/museum.

E:museum@stevenage.gov.uk T: 01438 218881. St George’s Way, SG1 1XX Baby Rhyme Time - Central Library Fri 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 May, 10-10.30am & 11-11.30am Join in songs & rhymes with your babies, every Friday. Southgate, Stevenage, SG1 3EF Toddler Tales - Central Library Fri 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 May, 2-2.30pm Stories & rhymes for toddlers. Every Friday at Stevenage Central Library.

Southgate, Stevenage SG1 1HD Toddler Tales - Old Town Library Fri 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 May, 2.15-2.45pm Stories & rhymes for toddlers. Every Friday (term time only) at High Street, Stevenage, SG1 3EF Children’s Art Club Sat 2 May, 10-30am-12noon For children aged 8-12. Cost: £2 per child, free for concessions. www.stevenage.gov.uk/aboutstevenage/museum. E: museum@ stevenage.gov.uk T: 01438 218881.

St George’s Way, SG1 1X Stevenage Walking Festival Sat 2 - Sun 10 May. Various times.

Join us for our 3rd year, with a choice of walks, you can walk every day for a week without having to go too far away. www. stevenagewalkingfestival.webs.com Baby Rhyme Time - Old Town Library Tues 5 May, 2.15-2.45pm Join in songs & rhymes with your babies, first Tuesday of every month.

High Street, Stevenage, SG1 3EF Stevenage Family History Society: “From Prison to Citizenship researching our Suffragette ancestors” Wed 6 May, 7.15pm Speaker - Eirwen Palmer Friends Meeting House, Cuttys Lane, Stevenage. Visitors £3. www.stevenagefhs.webspace. virginmedia.com or e: stevenagefhs@virginmedia.com RSPB: Paxton Pits Thurs 7 May, 4pm & 6pm Afternoon & evening visit to the popular site. Meet in car park at 4pm or 6pm for those that can’t meet earlier, for the Nightingales & other spring birds. Contact Ann Collis on 01438 861547 Stevenage Amateur Wine and Beermakers Guild Thurs 7 May, 8pm Cocktail Demonstration & Tasting with Philip Highsted Bedwell Community Centre, Bedwell Crescent, Stevenage. For further info contact 01438 2327

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Lunch and listen: Rags rugs, quilts & homemade clothes Fri 8 May, 1-2pm History of domestic sewing & homemaking using examples from the museum’s collections. Numbers limited, please book in advance.

Tea & coffee provided, bring your own sandwiches. Cost: £3.75 (£3 concessions). E: museum@ stevenage.gov.uk T: 01438 218881.

St George’s Way, SG1 1XX Farmers Market Sat 9 May, 10am-2pm High Street market place (opposite the Mulberry Tree). Stevenage, SG1 3UA. Stevenage Society for Local History Mon 11 May, 8pm ‘Samuel Ryder- Seed Merchant & St Albans Benefactor’ a talk by John Cox on the man who gave his name to the golfing Ryder Cup. Springfield House, 24 High Street, 7.35pm for an 8pm start. Cost for non members is £4.00. New members & visitors are always welcome. For further info contact Jill Campbell on 01438 811439.

Photography exhibition 11th May - 15 June Gordon Craig Theatre. Exhibition of photography by the late Stevenage photographer Roger Andrews.

Roger used to take photos for us in earlier festivals and this event is in his memory. Part of Stevenage Festival.

Entry: Free Stevenage Lytton Players Present: Rogers and Hammerstein’s Carousel Thurs 14 to Sat 16 May, 7.30pm Sat Matinee - 2.30pm Dazzling dance routines, swinging songs and a bad boy to melt your heart – don’t miss this fabulous production. Box office 01438 363200 Tickets £17 & concessions £14.00 (Thurs & Sat Matinee only) The Gordon Craig Theatre, Lytton Way, Stevenage, SG1 1LZ Under 5s : Where’s Spot?

Fri 15 May, 1.30-2.30pm Cost: £1. Stories, games and art & craft fun for children under 5, their parents & carers. www.stevenage. gov.uk/about-stevenage/museum.

E: museum@stevenage.gov.uk T: 01438 218881. St George’s Way, SG1 1XX Wild Woods Day Sat 16 May, 11-4pm Fun acitivies for whole family.

Treasure Hunt, walks, bug hunts at Monks Wood & Whomerley Woods Stevenage. Organised by Herts & Middlesex Wildlife Trust. Contact: stephanie.marshall@hmwt.org for further info.

Family Fun Day Sun 17 May, 9.30-4pm The Living Room are running a family fun day and dragon boat racing on 17th May, at the main lake in Fairland’s Valley Park (outside Costello’s café).

RSPB: AGM Tue 19 May, 7.30pm A short AGM followed by Members’ Slide Show. If you have slides you wish to share, please contact a committee member. Contact Ann Collis on 01438 861547 Down Memory Lane: Folk Dancing Fri 22 May, 10.30am -12noon Join us for a drink and a chance to share your memories. Free. www.stevenage.gov.uk/aboutstevenage/museum. E: museum@ stevenage.gov.uk T: 01438 218881.

St George’s Way, SG1 1XX Make it!

Fri 22 May, 12noon to 2pm Cost: Free Get creative sewing, knitting & crochet. Just bring sandwiches & whatever you are working on or materials to start from scratch. Tea & Coffee provided. www.stevenage.gov.uk/aboutstevenage/museum. E:museum@ stevenage.gov.uk T: 01438 218881.

St George’s Way, SG1 1XX Messy Church Sat May 23 , 4pm-6pm Join us, everyone is welcome.

Children must be accompanied by an adult. Sessions are free, but we ask for a donation. Painting, sticking & creating. Followed by tea. Holy Trinity Church, High Street, Stevenage. For further details contact Anne Price 239638 or e: anneprice18@ntlworld.com MAY HALF TERM: Priceless Picasso Wed 27 May, 10.30-11.30am & 2-3pm Cost £2 per child. Clay day at the museum, inspired by the work of the artist. www.stevenage.gov. uk/about-stevenage/museum.

E:museum@stevenage.gov.uk T: 01438 218881. St George’s Way, SG1 1XX MAY HALF TERM: Collage like Picasso Thurs 28 May, 10.30-11.30am & 2-3pm Cost £2 per child. www.stevenage. gov.uk/about-stevenage/museum.

E:museum@stevenage.gov.uk T: 01438 218881. St George’s Way, SG1 1XX RSPB: Waterford Thur 28 May, 9.30am A local morning walk, by the River Beane. Meet in the car park at the top of the hill. Contact Ann Collis on 01438 861547 MAY HALF TERM: Collage like Picasso Fri 29 May, 10.30-11.30am & 2-3pm Cost £2 per child. www.stevenage. gov.uk/about-stevenage/museum.

E:museum@stevenage.gov.uk T: 01438 218881. St George’s Way, SG1 1XX Stevenage Ostomistics: HATS – history present & future” Sat 30 May, 10.30-12.30pm A talk by Philip Wright .No charge.

Refreshments available.

Oval Community Centre, Vardon Road, Stevenage SG1 5RD Contact: Alfred Levy E:alfred@levy1.plus.com or T: 01767 376958 Baby Rhyme Time - Old Town Library Tues 2 Jun, 2.15-2.45pm Join in songs & rhymes with your babies, first Tuesday of every month.

High Street, Stevenage, SG1 3EF

Stevenage Family History Society: “My Grandmother was a Munitionette” Wed 3 June, 7.15pm Speaker - Steve Gooding. Friends Meeting House, Cuttys Lane, Stevenage. Visitors £3. www.stevenagefhs.webspace. virginmedia.com or e: stevenagefhs@virginmedia.com Stevenage Amateur Wine and Beermakers Guild Thurs 4 Jun, 8pm Sandra Kyriakedes – A talk about her life. Bedwell Community Centre, Bedwell Crescent, Stevenage. For further info contact 01438 232701.

Baby Rhyme Time - Central Library Fri 5, 12, 19, 26 Jun, 10-10.30am & 11-11.30am Join in songs & rhymes with your babies, every Friday. Southgate, Stevenage, SG1 3EF Toddler Tales - Central Library Fri 5, 12, 19, 26 Jun, 2-2.30pm Stories & rhymes for toddlers. Every Friday at Stevenage Central Library.

Southgate, Stevenage SG1 1HD Toddler Tales - Old Town Library Fri 5, 12, 19, 26 Jun, 2.15-2.45pm Stories & rhymes for toddlers. Every Friday (term time only) at High Street, Stevenage, SG1 3EF Stevenage Society for Local History Mon 8 June, 8pm ‘Who Was Gordon Craig?’ a talk

by Hilary Spiers on the life of the man our theatre was named after.

Springfield House, 24 High Street, 7.35pm for an 8pm start. Cost for non members is £4.00. New members & visitors are always welcome. For further info contact Jill Campbell on 01438 811439.

Farmers Market Sat 13 June, 10am-2pm High Street market place (opposite the Mulberry Tree). Stevenage, SG1 3UA. Classics for Stevenage Sat 13 June, 7:45 pm Part of Stevenage Festival. Gordon Craig Theatre. Internationally acclaimed cellist Guy Johnston performs Élégie by Gabriel Fauré, Stevenage Choral Society & Stevenage Symphony Orchestra come together to perform moving Dona Nobis Pacem by Ralph Vaughan Williams. Tickets: £10, Concessions £8.

Hertfordshire Dance Schools: What’s your move?

Sun 14 June3.00 pm Part of Stevenage Festival. Dancers of all ages come together to showcase their amazing and varied talents - hip-hop, musical theatre, ballet, contemporary and more.

Tickets: £8, Concessions £6. Gordon Craig Theatre Barclay School and John Henry Newman Schoolpresent : Look Who’s Got Talent Mon 15 June 7:00 pm Part of Stevenage Festival. Pupils from both Schools take to the stage for an evening of music, dance and drama. Tickets: £6, No Concessions.

Gordon Craig Theatre

thestevenagemagazine.co.uk

what’s on

Stevenage Dance Schools Dance Extravaganza Tues 16 Jun, 7.00 pm Part of Stevenage Festival, Gordon Craig Theatre. Performers of all ages from Stevenage & the surrounding area perform dance from ballroom to ballet to boogie - and much more! Tickets: £8, Concessions £6

Gordon Craig Theatre School “All you need is Love” Thurs 25 June 7:45 pm Gordon Craig Theatre. Join the Gordon Craig Theatre Junior & Senior Drama Academy students to celebrate the Drama Academy’s 5th anniversary with this collaborative creation.

Stevenage Primary Schools In Concert Wed 17 June 7:00 pm Part of Stevenage Festival. Gordon Craig Theatre. Primary Schools in Stevenage take to the stage. Part of Stevenage Festival. Tickets: £6, No Concessions

Parnassus Poetry presents: - Urban Graffiti - The writing’s on the wall.

Fri 26 Jun, 7:45 pm Stevenage Festival, Gordon Craig Theatre. An evening with Stevenage’s inimitable Parnassus Poetry - music, musings and even some poems. Bar available. Tickets: £5, No Concessions

Knebworth Players: The Perfect Murder Wed 17 & Thur 18th June 7:45 pm Part of Stevenage Festival. Gordon Craig Theatre. Whodunit thriller with a tense courtroom drama and breathtaking effects. Tickets: £9 We’ll be ‘Haven’ A Good Time Tonight!

Thu 18th June 7:00 pm Chairty fundraiser for Stevenage Haven. Tickets: £ 10 - available from available from “The Haven” on 01438 354884. Part of Stevenage Fringe Festival. Stevenage Music Centre, Nobel School.

Stevenage Arts Guild & Friends present: The Gordon Craig Story Fri 19th June 7:45 pm Stevenage Festival, Gordon Craig Theatre. A celebration of 40 years at the Town’s own theatre. Play about Ellen Terry (Gordon Craig’s mother) performed by Helen Cartwright.

Tickets: £10, Concessions £8 Friends Life Women’s Tour Stage Four Sat, 20 June Penultimate day of action of stage four of this great cycling race.

Finishes on Stevenage High Street. visit www.stevenage.gov.uk Local Junior & Senior String Orchestras present: All Things Strings and Voices Sat 20th June 7:00 pm Stevenage Festival. Gordon Craig Theatre. Hear the beautiful playing of over 100 musicians from local orchestras. A feast of classical, pop and film music. Tickets: £8, Concessions £6 Stevenage Dance Schools present: Let’s Dance Mon 22nd June 7:00 pm Stevenage Festival, Gordon Craig Theatre. Spectacular evening of dance & performing arts from the amazing talent of Stevenage and the surrounding area. Tickets: £8, Concessions £6 Nobel and Barnwell Schools: Look Who’s Got Talent 2 Tues 23 Jun, 7pm Stevenage Festival, Gordon Craig Theatre. Talented young people from Nobel and Barnwell schools take to the stage for our second evening of music, dance and drama. Tickets: £6, No Concessions The National Youth Jazz Orchestra Jazz Evening Wed 24 June 7:00 pm Hear Hertfordshire’s top County Youth Jazz musicians AND the World Class National Youth Jazz Orchestra (NYJO) in the same evening!

Diverse and exciting Jazz. Ticket prices: Adults £10, Concessions £8

Stevenage Ostomistics: “Being an actor – humorous” Sat 27 June 10.30-12.30pm Talk by Jonathan Fryer.

No charge. Refreshments available.

Oval Community Centre, Vardon Road, Stevenage SG1 5RD Contact: Alfred Levy E:alfred@levy1.plus.com or T: 01767 376958 Senior Wind Bands, North Herts Youth Orchestra, choirs and soloists present: Last Night of the Proms Sat 27 Jun, 7.45 pm Bringing the 2015 Stevenage Festival to a close with an evening of classical music old and new concluding with the traditional Last Night of the Proms. Gordon Craig Theatre. Tickets: £10, Concessions £8 Stevenage Churches Together Songs of Praise Sun 28 Jun, 6.30pm Church of St. Andrew and St. George. Stevenage Festival closes with a traditional Songs of Praise hosted by Stevenage Churches Together. Come along and sing your favourite hymns and worship songs.

Entry is, of course, Free.

Stevenage Ostomistics: “Being an actor – humorous” Sat 27 June 10.30-12.30pm Talk by Jonathan Fryer.

No charge. Refreshments available.

Oval Community Centre, Vardon Road, Stevenage SG1 5RD Contact: Alfred Levy E:alfred@levy1.plus.com or T: 01767 376958 Stevenage Family History Society: “British Schools and Discipline” Wed 1 July, 7.15pm Speaker -Terry Ransome (Visitor Services Manager, British Schools Museum, Hitchin) Friends Meeting House, Cuttys Lane, Stevenage.

Visitors £3. www.stevenagefhs.webspace. virginmedia.com or e: stevenagefhs@virginmedia.com RSPB: A Butterfly Walk Sun 5 July, 10.30am Lookng for chalkland species at Sharpenhoe Clappers. Meet in the car park. Contact Ann Collis on 01438 861547

Cycling and an Archbishop!

June will be a special month for

our town. On two days, the 19th and the 20th we will be the focus for the world’s media, well a slight exaggeration, the focus perhaps of the media interested in cycling and in the Church of England. I am sure that many of you are aware that the Friend Life Women’s Tour will be coming to Stevenage on Saturday the 20th June, the riders ending a 64 mile trek from Waltham Cross in the High Street of the Old Town. Perhaps you will be lining the streets to cheer the riders in the final sprint.

Perhaps less well known is that a day earlier, on Friday 19th June, our town plays host to the Archbishop of Canterbury. Justin Welby is spending three days in the diocese of St Albans, on what is known as a Pastoral Visit. On the second of those days he comes to Stevenage.

He will spend time with people who are fighting addiction and those who minister to and support them. In the evening he will attend an Evangelistic event using Photograph of Egg Box Cross made contemporary worship at Messy Church on Good Friday.

Picture taken by R.Birch. at the Stevenage Leisure Centre. The event is aimed to appeal particularly to young people but everyone is welcome. The event recognises the importance that the Church of England attaches to reaching out to the younger members of our society and supports the newly established youth ministry in Stevenage.

Both events reflect that our town is part of the wider world. The first sees sport bringing people of all nations together, the second a reminder that the church has been doing the same thing for over two millennium. The ride an opportunity to inspire our young to keep fit, the Archbishop’s visit a chance to bring the good news of Jesus Christ to the very same young people.

I commend both events to you.

Rev Andy Thomas – Associate Minister Holy Trinity & Christ the King - Worshiping, caring, loving, sharing: inviting all.

Holytrinity-stevenage.info facebook.com/HolyTrinityStevenage Christheking-stevenage.info facebook.com/christthekingstevenage

Events are FREE to list.

Please email your events to editor@thestevenagemagazine.co.uk Deadline for the Jul-Aug issue is 10 Jun 19

organisations

thestevenagemagazine.co.uk

ORGANISATIONS G R O U P S & C L U B S Alcoholics Anonymous Meetings - Old Town, Springfield House - Tues 8pm, Methodist Church (High Street) - Weds 12.30pm & Thurs 8pm, Chells Manor Community Centre - Weds 8pm. For details of other meets in Stevenage & neighbouring towns t: 0845 769 7555 or 01438 747475 or www.alcoholics-anonymous. org.uk Al’s Cafe (Dementia Drop in Cafe) Mon, 6-8pm, Glaxo Unit (rear of Lister). Friends and family of those with dementia welcome.

Friendship, info, share concerns. T: 01438 723501/ 07799 267555. e: normawarden@hotmail.com Alzheimers Society Support Group Last Wednesday of every month at The Ibis Hotel, Stevenage. Contact: Cate Mitcham - 01462 433999/07720 946034 / Annette Cooke 07720 946032 Bedwell Rangers F.C. Boys teams: Under 6 to Under 18s. Girls’ teams: Under 8 to Under 18s. Adults, Men’s & Ladies teams, plus Disability teams for Under 12s and Under 16s. www. bedwellrangersfc.co.uk The Betty Game Opportunities Trust (charity no. 1133370) Provides small grants to Stevenage residents who are studying with the Open University, or on certain higher education courses, and who need financial help. Info e:bgotrust@ virginmedia.com or t: 01438 354171 Breathe Easy North Herts (charity no: 326730) Part of the support network of British Lung Foundation.

Free monthly meetings with speakers & entertainment at Great Ashby Community Centre. T: Sue - 01438 357319 Dementia Cafe Third Weds of every month.

Community Arts Centre, Roaring Meg. t: Jennifer Hewson 01923 894222/07834 420760 Douglas Drive Senior Citizens Centre Centre for Stevenage seniors (55+), care & therapy for stroke patients. 32 Douglas Drive, Stevenage, Herts, SG1 5PF. douglasdrivesca@ hotmail.co.uk t:01438 357227 Extend Exercise Fri 10.45-11.45am. For people who need gentle effective exercise can be done sitting down. Qualified instructor. Cost £2.50. Archers Road Community Centre t: Helen on 01438 354662

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Friday Club: Tea & Chat Meet Friday PM at St Paul’s Methodist Church Hall, Turpins Rise. Friendly chat and occasional guest speakers. All ages welcome.

Contact: Janis Daniel t: 01438 317270 Grace’s Space First Sat of month. Volunteer led group for families with with children 3-14 yrs with Autistic Spectrum Condition (ASC). Space for children & siblings to play, experience activities, form friendships with peer who understands family life.

Indoor New Age Kurling Indoor Kurling, great fun sport, can be played by all ages including those with disabilities. No experience necessary. Archers Road Community Centre. Contact Helen t: 01438 354662 www.gracesspace.org e: graces_space@live.co.uk 07972 345797/07583 554 053 INS Supporting older members of in Stevenage & surrounding areas.

Stevenage World Forum for Ethnic Communities. 10-12 Exchange Road, Bedwell, Stevenage, Herts, SG1 1PZ t: 01438 725400 e: info@ irishnetworkstevenage.org. uk Knit & Natter Weds, 12.30pm Archers Road Community Centre 291 Archer Rd. t: 01438 354662 Lace Group Thurs term time only. 10am12noon & 1pm-3pm. With a tutor who teaches all kinds of lace work. Beginners welcome. Broadhall Community Centre, Hydean Way, Stevenage. t: Sandra Langworthy 07840 722 108 or e: pearl.shaw@btinternet. com Meet & Eat Club 1st & 3rd Weds of the month. 10am-12 noon. FREE cuppa & chat Pin Green Community Centre 291 Archer Rd. t: 01438 354662 North Herts Ramblers’ Group Sat & Sun, long & short walks, Dogs welcome walks, evening pub walks! Walks start at Stevenage Library Visit www.nhrg.co for our full programme Over 55s Luncheon Club Mon - Fri, 12.30pm, Springfield House Community Centre. Fri lunch is served at 12.30pm Cost £4.00 Overcomers Outreach A Christian 12-step recovery support group. Weds, 8pm, Christ the King, Filey Close, Symonds Green. www. immanuel-stevenage.org.uk

Phoenix Group for Deaf Children Charity for deaf children based in Stevenage.

Support children, young people & families from all across Hertfordshire. Contact info@phoenixgroup.org.uk or 01438 722142

Stevenage Family History Society 1st Weds of month 7.309.30pm. Those interested in researching their ancestors.

Friends Meeting House, Cutty’s Lane. t: 01438 721296 www.stevenagefhs. webspace.virginmedia.com

Singing For The Brain Support Group Thur, 2pm. Group acitivity for those suffering with Alzheimers. Friendly & social.

Run by Alzheimers Society.

The Community Arts Centre, Roaring Meg. T: Sharon Meakin 01707 265326.

Stevenage Floral Art Society 2nd Thurs of month, 7.45pm.

High Street Methodist Church.Demos, workshops, events. t: 01438 880086

Springfield House Bridge Club Friday 1.30-4.30pm Springfield House, 24 High Street SG1 3EJ South Stevenage Flower Club 3rd Tues of month, Arts Pavilion, Roaring Meg. Demos workshops & flower classes. T: Edna Holt 01438 227084 Stevenage Arts Society Painting, drawing & pottery activities. Meetings throughout the week.

Info visit www.artistscooperative.co.uk or t: 07565 912656. Springfield House 24 High Street, SG1 3EJ Stevenage Arts Society Painting, drawing & pottery activities. Meetings throughout the week.

Info visit www.artistscooperative.co.uk or t: 07565 912656. Springfield House 24 High Street, SG1 3EJ Stevenage Basketball Club Meet Tues & Suns, all ages junior to adult welcome.

Marriotts School Leisure Centre. Contact Mark t:07921 828316 www. stevenagebasketball.co.uk Stevenage Bridge Club Tues, 7.15pm St John’s Ambulance Hall, Stanmore Road. Contact: Phil Cooper t: 07957 813434 Stevenage Chess Club Mon, 7.30pm Holy Trinity Church Contact: Mike Price t: 01438 239638 Stevenage Choral Society Rehearse every Mon during term time. 7.45 to 9.45pm.

All voices welcome, no audition. For details of venue and programme see www.stevenagechoral. org.uk OR contact info@ stevenagechoral.co.uk.

Stevenage CTC Cycle rides every Weds 7.15pm. Start at Bowling Green, High St. Bring lights.

All welcome. t: Jim on 07939 687509 www.stevenagectc. org.uk Stevenage & District Amateur Radio Club Society Tues, 7.30-9pm Stevenage Resource Centre, Chells Way. t: 01438 489045 / 07986 367537

Stevenage Gamers, Tabletop Role Playing Games Club, 7-11pm The Shephall Centre £5 per session, Cons, £2.50. First session free. Members must be 18+ unless accompanied by adult. e: enquiries@ stevenagegamers.org Stevenage-Kadoma Link Association (SKLA) Town twinning link with Kadoma (Zimbabwe), meet every month at 7.30pm. e: skla@hotmail.co.uk Stevenage & Knebworth Twins Club First Mon of the month 2-4pm. Great Ashby Community Centre, White Lane. e: info@stevenageand knebworthtwinsclub.co.uk / www.stevenageand knebworthtwinsclub.co.uk Stevenage Ladies Choir Meet Thurs in term time 8-10pm at St Nicholas JMI School, Six Hills Way, Stevenage SG2 0PZ. www.stevenageladieschoir. co.uk Stevenage Locomotive Society Last Thurs of the month, 7.30pm Presentation & discussions. Roaring Meg Community Arts Centre.

Stevenage Lytton Players Amateur dramatic and musical society.

Lytton Theatre, Vardon Road, SG1 5PZ. Visit www.lyttonplayers.co.uk Stevenage Male Voice Choir Rehearsals every Friday at 7.30pm, Roaring Meg Community Arts Centre.

Contact: Ed Furye t: 01462 672502 www.smvc.org Stevenage Ostomistics Support group for those with a stoma. Meet last Sat of the month. 10.30am Oval Community Centre, Stevenage. Enjoy company of others, listen to talks, visit places. Contact Alfred Levy 01767 316958 or email alfredlevy@me.com or your stoma care nurse.

Stevenage Photographic Society Mon, 7.45pm Roaring Meg Community Arts Centre.

Visit www.photograp hicsociety.org.uk

Stevenage Plus Thurs evenings at the Holiday Inn Express. A local social group for people aged 18-35, to meet and make new friends. Contact: Natalie t: 07837 733830 Stevenage RSPB Meets third Tues of month.

From Sept-May at 7.30pm.

Friends’ Meeting House, Cutty’s Lane. Entry £2.50 for RSPB members & £3.50 nonmembers.

Stevenage Senior Forum ‘Maturity Matters’ 2nd Thurs of month. 1.303.30pm Open to anyone 50+Meetings take place at Bowes Lyon Centre.

Stevenage & North Hertfordshire Child Contact Centre is a charity offering safe, friendly and neutral places where children of separated families can spend time with family members. We take professional and self referrals. For info T 01438 315953; E snhccc@hotmail.co.uk Stevenage Sword Dancers Tues, 8.30-10.00pm, Friends Meeting House, Cuttys Lane, Stevenage, SG1 1UP. Rapper sword & longsword dancers.

Tel: Dave 07952159668 www.stevenagesword.org. uk Stevenage (North) Trefoil Guild Meet 2nd Weds of the month, 2.30 - 4.30pm Hellards Road Community Room. All ex-Guiders, Guides and Brownies welcome. t: 01438 351155.

Stevenage World Forum The Together Centre, 10-12 Exchange Rd, Bedwell Neighbourhood Centre, Bedwell Crescent, Stevenage, SG1 1PZ. T: 01438 725400 www.worldforum.org.uk Stevenage Writers Group Meet every Wed 5.507pm in the snug bar at The Dun Cow, Letchmore Road. Stevenage. all with a genuine interest welcome. Contact: ponytailpoet@gmail.com or visit stevenagewritersgroup. blogspot.co.uk The Living Room Open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm Support for addiction (drugs, alcohol, gambling, internet ect) 8-10 The Glebe, Chells Way. www.thelivingroom.me.uk The Rotary Club of Stevenage Meet Mon, 6.15pm for 6.30 start. Novotel Hotel. For further info please contact mg@gommarchitects.com or t: 07970 750302

thestevenagemagazine.co.uk The Royal British Legion Stevenage Branch meet at CIU Club Old Town on 1st Thurs of month 7pm for 7:30pm. New members most welcome. Contact Hon Secretary Mr Richard Mott 01438 233505 The Stevenage-IngelheimAutun Association Town Twinning link with Germany & France. Next meeting 6 Mar & 10 April.

8pm www.tsiaa.org.uk or e: tsiaa@hotmail.co.uk The Stevenage Society for Local History Meets second Mon of the month from Sept to May inclusive, 8pm. Springfield House Contact: Jill Campbell t: 01438 811439 auntduuk@yahoo.co.uk.

Timebridge Widow Every Tues, 1.30-3.30pm, Timebridge Community Centre, Mobbsbury Way, Chells. Tea, chat & new friends. Newcomers welcome. Occasional trips. Contact: Pat, Events Scretary on 01438 314587 Time Out Daytime group for adults of all ages. Speakers, refreshments, quizzes, Pause for Thought. Come & chat over a cuppa, make new friends. 2nd Thurs of month, 1:30pm to 3:30pm. Bunyan Baptist Church, Basils Road, Stevenage. £1 per person, Contact: Hilary Jappy 01438 725071 The Wednesday Club Every Weds, 9.45-11.25am.

Methodist Church,High Street (term time). Enjoy a variety of speakers and demonstrations. Tea and coffee served. Contact Alanah t: 01438 361324 Women’s Institute - Great Ashby Meet first Fri of each month, 7.45pm at the Great Ashby Community Centre, Whitehorse Lane, SG1 6NH Contact Sylvia Urbanowski - 07967 091857 or e: greatgatsbywi@hotmail. com.

Women’s Institute (WI) Old Town Meets once a month, Tues 7pm. Holy Trinity Church, High Street. Joan McAdam t: 01438 216850 joanmcadam@ntlworld.com Women’s Institute (WI) Poplars Meet first Weds of the month at Broadhall Community Centre, Hydean Way, Stevenage 2-4pm. Contact Joan Bellott t: 01438 220724 e: pearl.shaw@btinternet. com

TODDLER GROUPS Happy Hedgehogs Mond 9.30am - 11.00am, St Nicholas Church, Rectory Lane, £1.50 adult & 1 child (additional adult/child 50p) E: happyhedgehogs1@ hotmail.co.uk High Street Methodist Church Parent & Toddlers Mon, 9.30-11.30am £1.50 t: Tim Hoof 07788 448592 Funky Feet Weds, 1pm-2.30pm, £1.50 adult & 2 children, 30p additional children at Symonds Green Community Centre. 07967 326082 Little Lambs Fri, 9-10.30am, donation welcome, babies upwards.

St Nicholas Church, Rectory Lane. Judy Brown on 01438 213587 or Sarah Metcalfe on 07903 717645 Little Lunchers Thurs, 10am - 1pm, High St Methodist Church. Cost: donation. Acitivities, story, songs followed by lunch together round a table, with high chairs, lunch & bibs provided. Tim Hoof 07788 448592 or hoof@gmx.co.uk Old Town Toddlers Tues, 9.45-11.15am £2.50 at Trinity Church. t: Dinah, 01438 229663 Pin Green Pandas Thurs, 9.30-11.30am £1.50 at Pin Green Play Centre. t: Diane, 07886 256 703 Stevenage Grandparents & Toddlers Group Meet Weds, Chells Pavillion, Gresley Way 9.30 - 11.00am.

Contact Anne Ridley-Dash 01438 222971 Tiny Tearaways Tues, 9.30 -11am £2 adult & 2 children. The Hyde, Shephall Tiny Tykes Thurs, 9.45-11.15am 50p at Pin Green Community Centre 291 Archer Rd. t: Bridget, 01438 355734 t: Lynn, 07971 971793 Twinklers Tues, Weds, Thurs 9.15-11.15am Bunyan Baptist Church, Basils Rd. There is a waiting list for places. Kirsty HomfrayCooper - 07719 599 109

organisations

A chat with... The Living Room Tell us about The Living Room The Living Room provides hope to people who have become addicted to drugs, alcohol or a behaviour such as overeating, under-eating, the internet, sex, destructive relationships, gambling or self- harming.

We provide the intensity and quality of support normally only seen in residential rehab, but within a day service. If you have an addiction and come to us with a commitment to recovery, you can achieve an addiction free life. We have seen people come through our doors in a desperate state, only to leave a few months later happy and self-confident. Even if you do not believe in yourself, we believe in you.

We also run twice weekly support groups for those who have a family member or friend with addiction. If you are in such a situation and finding it difficult - please call us.

Our on-site Ofsted registered childcare service allows those with young children to attend therapy.

Support from Herts County Council, Stevenage Borough Council, Trusts funds and donations enable us to provide a free service.

How long have you been going?

We have been running in Stevenage since 2000 and opened a second centre in St Albans in 2012.

Where are you based and when are you open?

We are situated at The Glebe on Chells Way (full details below) and we are open Monday -Friday 9am-5pm What can those using your service expect on their visit?

On your first visit you will receive an assessment with one of our qualified counsellors. All our counsellors are themselves in long-term recovery from an addiction, so they have a good idea what you may be going through. You will be invited to join one of our group therapy sessions; you will not be expected to join in to start with, but can if you want. We have people attending from all walks of life and ages, and you will always be made to feel very welcome.

How many people use your service?

We receive about 200 referrals to our Stevenage centre each year, half of these people come to us from within the town, the rest travel in from surrounding areas.

Anything else you’d like to tell us about The Living Room?

Please check out our Revival charity shops at The Glebe, Chells Way. We have two, one aimed at adults and another selling children's toys, clothes and equipment.

We are always looking for charity shop volunteers and would love you to join our friendly team.

Contact The Living Room: Please call us on 01438 335649 for an appointment or to chat.

We aim to see you within three days.

Visit us at www.thelivingroom.me.uk and were situated at from 8-10 The Glebe, Chells Way, Stevenage, SG2 0DJ.

It’s FREE to list your not-for-profit organisation,club or group on this page!

Please email details to editor@thestevenagemagazine.co.uk Deadline for the July/Aug issue is 5 June 2015

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pet care / gardens

thestevenagemagazine.co.uk

Teaching a puppy not to bite Puppies have needle sharp teeth; this is so that they hurt their littermates when play biting them, the other pups squeal and don’t want to play anymore. Thus, each pup quickly learns how hard they can bite.

We can teach puppies that they have to be gentle with humans so that if they do ever put their teeth on us, in play or when startled, it doesn’t hurt.

‘Bite inhibition’ is taught in three stages: No hard bites Squeal ‘ouch’ whenever your pup bites you hard. Say it quite loudly so that he notices, but do not shout - you are not telling him off. When as he stops biting - praise him. If he immediately continues, squeal ‘ouch’ again and leave the room, closing the door. The pup will learn that biting means the end of play time. After a few seconds, return to the pup and act as if nothing has happened.

No pressure When your pup is no longer biting hard, repeat the above for medium pressure bites as well as hard ones.

Stop on command It’s OK to play soft-mouthing games with your pup if you teach a command, which means ‘stop mouthing me now’. Say ‘enough’ or ‘stop now’ when you want them to stop. If they ignore you, simply move yourself away – they will soon get the idea. If they follow the command, praise them immediately with a fuss or a treat.

Emerald anniversary for club March marked the beginning of Stevenage Floral Art Society’s Emerald Anniversary year.

The group have been meeting in the old town for 55 years and have been awarded a Silver-Gilt at the Chelsea Flower Show.

The anniversary will be marked with a special demonstration by national demonstrator Irene Bowket, on Thursday 11th June, titled “Our Life in Flowers.”

Margaret Brett, who has been the Society’s Chairperson for 19 years commented: “I Floral Extravaganza staged by the committee never expected to still be here after the first year, but here I am, still enjoying flowers and the great company of the group.

I was a complete beginner when I joined and remember my first job was to help provide the table arrangements for the Home Counties Area Annual Luncheon, a grand annual event for experienced flower arrangers! We provided 25 Summer flower table arrangements, 70 decorated menu cards and 250 favours for the guests.

Luckily we had an enthusiastic committee and all was completed on time!”

The Society will also be decorating the art and photography displays at the Gordon Craig Restaurant for The Stevenage Festival (from 19th May).

Sally Marchant runs www.naturallyhappydogs.com the online video library with video articles about everything you need to know about dogs.

You can use the voucher code THESTEVMAG to sign up for a month for free. If you are interesed in seminars about dog training, visit www.dog-and-bone.co.uk

Let me take care of your pet family!

Free Home Delivery Local Business Made in Britain Hypoallergenic Try a Dog or Cat Starter Pack for £5.00

With £5.00 off your next bag!

www.oscar.co.uk

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Call Rachel Jackson your local Nutritional Advisor on 07711 162381 / 01438 359757

Search

for Oscar Pet Foods Mid Herts

thestevenagemagazine.co.uk U S E F U L

N U M B E R S

CHURCHES Bunyan Baptist Church 01438 369263 Church of Christ the King 01438 226857 The Church of Transfiguration (RC) 01438 226857 High Street Methodist Church 01438 721674 Holy Trinity Church (C of E) 01438 353229 Seventh Day Adventist Church 08432 890400 St Nicholas (CofE) 01438 213587 Stevenage Vineyard Fellowship 01438 233310 JEWISH North Herts Liberal Jewish Community 01438 300222 CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU 08444 111 444 COMMUNITY CENTRES Archers Road (formallly Pin Green) 01438 354662 Chells Manor 01438 748792 Bedwell Community Centre 01438 314839 Springfield House 01438 356705 COUNCILS Stevenage Borough Council 01438 242242 Hertfordshire County Council 0300 1234040 DENTIST (NHS) Shephall Dental Surgery 01438 351556 DOCTORS’ SURGERIES King George Surgery 01438 361111 Manor House Surgery 01438 742639 Stanmore Road Health Centre 01438 313223 Symonds Green Health Centre 01438 316393

The Poplars Surgery 01438 351359 HOSPITALS Lister Hospital 01438 314333 Queen Elizabeth II 01707 328111 Hertford County Hospital 01707 328111

business directory / useful numbers

B U S I N E S S

D I R E C T O R Y Abbots Wills & Probate Services

01992 535 135 / 0845 313 353

Ace Taxis

01438 317777

Andre Etienne

01438 728 358

ASKPhysio

07523 005743 / 0333 577 0017

LEISURE CENTRES Stevenage Leisure Centre 01438 242605 / 08700 132068 Stevenage Swimming Centre 01438 218770

Arty Farty Chocolate Parties

Fairlands Valley Park & Sailing Centre 01438 35324 John Henry Newman Leisure Centre 01438 218791 Shephall Leisure Centre 01438 210100

Breathe Easy North Herts

01438 35 7319

Critical Response Training

07798 855 664

Envirovent

0845 27 27 807

LIBRARIES Old Town - 01438 737333 Central Library - 0300 123 4049 SCHOOLS Almond Hill Junior School 01438 233660 Fairlands Primary School & Nursery 01438 351053 Letchmore Infants’ & Nursery School 01438 234400 Woolenwick Infant & Nursery School 01438 216070 Woolenwick Junior School 01438 216565 The Barclay School 01438 232221 The John Henry Newman School 01438 218791 The Thomas Alleyne School 01438 344344 STEVENAGE POLICE STATION 101 (non emergency) Stevenage Town Centre Management Company 01438 740884

WHERE CAN I GET ONE? We get many requests for the magazine from people people outside our current delivery area.

We’re delivering to new roads as fast as we can, but in the meantime you can pick up a regular copy from: Stevenage Museum, St George’s Way, SG1 1XX t: 01438 218881 Old Town Library on the High Street Central Library, Danstrete Chells Manor Commnity Centre, 12 Emperors Gate, SG2 7QX Pin Green Community Centre, 291 Archer Road, SG1 5HF Sprindfield House Community Centre, High Street, Stevenage

07974 780 018 / 07500 970 438

Austin’s Family Funeral Directors

01438 316 623

bbw Solicitors

01438 359 211

BoxBike Delivery

marcus@boxbikedelivery

Expressive Art

01438 726 955

Fit Haven

07900 823 553

Green Oak

01438 314240 / 07770 381409

George Hay Accountants

01462 708810

Helena Wardle

01462 420544

Jazzercise with Kerry

07743 183 036

Maximum Beauty

01438 317191

Mirrors Dance

07747 153 133

Mobile Chiropodist NUF Mutual

01462 484 085

01763 241 611

Oscar Pet Food

01438 359757

Oven Clean

07445 073 648

PhysioLIfe

01438 487 814

Signing Babies

07813 315 914

Snippets

07534 173663

Stevenage Osteopathic Clinic 01462 422 760 / 07977 109 644

The Dressing Room 01438 316 900 Will Script

01438 214333

TRAPPED? THERE IS A WAY OUT C O N T A C T

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS Tel: 01438 747475

0845 769 7555

www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk ALL ENQUIRIES ARE TREATED IN THE STRICTEST CONFIDENCE

PUBLISHED BY THE GENERAL SERVICE OFFICE A.A

40171111

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