SPRING AT LAST! :We look at all the events coming up in #Stevenage

Your number one digital magazine for all that's best in #Herts

# Healthy Hub - Helping to get #Stevenage fit ter

# Spotlight on the work of the Stevenage Old Town Partnership

# The Lifestyle gym w ith an unmissable offer

# Our unrivalled Main Event guide to all that's on in #Stevenage

# STEVENAGELEISURE | EVENTS | BUSINESS | FASHION | DINING

May/June 2016

BEST IN THE BUSINESS:Our guide to the top businesses for all your needs in #Stevenage

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The btc, renowned as the ?centre of inspiration?, has been sponsoring The FSB Hertfordshire Business Awards for the last 3 years.

As a business centre that was built and designed to innovate and inspire new and growing local businesses, the awards partnership is the perfect fit.

The Best New Business Award is for businesses established within the last two years (start date after 1st January 2014) demonstrating a high degree of entrepreneurship and vision for the future. Entrants will be asked to explain the background to the business; how the company has performed since starting and what its future projections are. You should also display good managerial and financial practice. The judges will be looking to identify a business that has set and achieved challenging objectives within its business plans, overcome obstacles and established a position of sustainable profitability and success. (For further info on the

FSB Herts awards visit their website http:/ /hertfordshireawards.co.uk/

Perfect for both small to medium sized businesses that are looking to relocate, expand or start-up, The Business and Technology Centre (btc) provides flexible, affordable workspace as well as first-class meeting & conference facilities for businesses in Hertfordshire.

A one-stop shop for business support, the btc is much more than

your average business centre, offering access to on-site business advice, training courses, regular networking opportunities, state-of-the-art facilities and virtual office services. Additional benefits include free parking and an on-site bistro.

A wide range of support services are available at the btc including free business start-up training courses, low cost business skills courses, one-to-one advice and workspace for new and growing businesses.

Situated in an ideal central location on Bessemer Drive in Stevenage, within minutes of both Stevenage Railway Station and Junction 7 of the A1(M), the btc is the perfect place for businesses to start or grow.

The Business & Technology Centre (btc) is owned by Stevenage Borough Council and managed by local, leading enterprise agency, Wenta.

For further information on the btc, visit www.btcstevenage.co.uk or call 01438 310 000.

btc - helping to inspire success in business

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Welcome to this the launch edition of #Stevenage and what a pleasure it is to bring this new magazine format to such a cutting edge town.

Founded 70 years ago as part of the New Towns act, #Stevenage has always been ahead of the curve and today it boasts a huge range of industries which lead the world in technology which just a few years ago would have been unheard of.

But along with this, #Stevenage is also home to a range of great things to see and do and a wide number of smaller businesses.

In this and in our following editions you can read all about the great services in and around the town and the amazing leisure activities that there are.

And don't forget you can see #Stevenage updates on all our amazing businesses on our social media feeds listed below.

Get in touch:#Stevenage

07539 782979

www.hashtagherts.co.uk

email: darren@spitfirepr.com

Facebook: HashtagHerts

Twitter: @htagstevenage

Darren Ist edEdit or#Stevenage

Feature on t he remarkable new support venue in #Stevenage

Can you help Stevenage Leisure Limit ed wit h a char it y ball

HELP FROM HEALTHY HUB CASH BID FOR COMMUNITY

# Hello

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All t he t op events in #Stevenage in t he next two months

Our regular column f rom Lifest yles on healt h and f it ness

THE MAIN EVENT WITNESS THE FITNESS

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We take a look at t he Stevenage Old Town Business Partnership

The nursery in #Stevenage wit h a f resh approach t o learning

FOCUS ON OLD TOWN BUSINESSNURSERY'S NEW APPROACH

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Let the Healthy Hub help your lifestyle

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Have you been thinking about making some lifestyle improvements recently? Perhaps you?ve been thinking about giving up smoking, making healthier food choices, losing weight, becoming more active, making an appointment to chat with someone regarding your mental health, looking for a carers support group, need sexual health advice or you just want to join a social group and be part of the community again?

In Stevenage, this now exists and is known as the Healthy Hub. Funding from the Public Health England and a partnership between Stevenage Leisure Ltd and the Stevenage Borough Council has made this concept a reality.

There is evidence that if a person is affected by a chronic health problem they are more likely to develop subsequent problems which can be detrimental to their quality of life. The Healthy Hub is home to a growing number of services which are able to look at the whole picture and to refer onto Hub partners, it?s a one stop shop for the community to seek advice and guidance on a range of health and wellbeing topics, get support from groups and organisations who are experts in their field and at the same time

consult health professionals to address specific issues relating to their own or a loved one?s health.

The Healthy Hub isn?t here to create the super-fit gym bunnies, it?s about education, support and giving advice to people regarding lifestyle choices which can lead them to healthier, happier lives in a way that works for them in an accessible, convenient and private location.

If this sounds like what you?ve been looking for pop in and see us or call us, we are just off of the walkway between the town centre and the

railway station.

As our services grow so will the Hub opening hours and we are looking for Hub Bud volunteers to be that friendly face to greet visitors at the reception desk.

I f you are interested in becoming part of t he t eam and t o help improve t he healt h and wellbeing of our t own, give us a call on 01438 242638, message us on our facebook page, healt hy hub stevenage or contact us on our websit e, www.healt hyhub@sll.co.uk

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SLL - raising money for the communityStevenage Leisure Ltd (SLL) are hosting a Charity Ball at the Stevenage Golf Centre on Friday August 19 to raise funds to buy a Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) bike and an Anti-gravity treadmill which will help to change the lives of many people in the community who have medical conditions such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson?s disease, stroke, cerebral palsy, chronic arthritis, lower leg amputee and spinal injuries.

The FES bike has electrodes which are attached to the user?s legs and deliver a mild electric current to stimulate muscles to contract and enable the legs to cycle.

The Defy Gravity Treadmill will allow many people to walk who would not be able to or find walking difficult due to health problems which mean

that they are unable to access cardio vascular (CV) training and are in danger of developing chronic and life-threatening medical conditions associated with being inactive. The treadmill has the ability to support the user which increases their confidence, improves balance and gait and makes walking possible for longer whilst minimising stress on joints and pain.

The equipment will be accessed through the newly opened Healthy Hub Stevenage which is situated on the walkway between the Stevenage Town Centre and the railway station.

We need the help of the community to help raise the money for this much ?needed equipment and are appealing to local businesses to donate prizes for the raffle and the auction at the Charity Gala.

Tickets for the Gala are £30 per head for a three course meal and disco,

dress code is smart evening wear.

If you would like to donate or purchase tickets please contact Juanita Prescott on juanita.prescott@sll.co.uk or call 07595278915.

April 21

TELL ME ON A SUNDAYStevenage Art s and Leisure Cent reThe hit West End show

April 22

DR FEELGOOD/EDDIE AND THE HOT RODSStevenage Art s and Leisure Cent reNight of rock and rhythm and blues

April 22

BEST OF BRITISH AT NOVOTELCelebrate St George?s Day with great music and food.

April 22

STEVENAGE MUSEUMMake it! Cost: Free 12noon to 2pm Come along, get creative and meet others who enjoy the fun and benefits of sewing, knitting and crochet. Just bring sandwiches and whatever you are working on or materials to start from scratch. Tea and coffee provided.

April 22

STEVENAGE MUSEUMDown Memory Lane Cost: Free 10.30am -12noon Join us for a drink and a chance to share your memories. Why not bring a photo

or something else to share that brings back memories?

April 23

STEVENAGE CHORAL SOCIETY AND BRANDENBURG SINFONIAPresent J.S. Bach?s St. John Passion  The Stevenage Choral Society are pleased to announce that they are returning to St Andrew & St George's Church for this wonderful concert.

April 26

STEVENAGE BRIDGE CLUBHeld every Tuesday. Call 07957813434 for more details of the club that meets in Stanmore Road.

April 27

STEVENAGE HEALTH WALKSHeld every Wednesday. Call 01438230328 for more details of gentle strolls across the country.

April 28

WE'LL MEET AGAINStevenage Art s and Leisure Cent reWar years music in the afternoon.

April 28

STEVENAGE HEALTH WALKSHeld every Thursday. Call 01438230328 for more details of gentle strolls across the country.

April 29

STEVENAGE MUSEUMMake it! Cost: Free 12noon to 2pm Come along, get creative and meet others who enjoy the fun and benefits of sewing, knitting and crochet. Just bring sandwiches and whatever you are working on or materials to start from scratch. Tea and coffee provided.

April 29

ALLEGRI STRING QUARTETInternat ional Concert Ser iesBenslow Music, Hit chinMendelssohnn and Brahms.

April 30

JESTERLARF COMEDY CLUBStevenage Art s and Leisure Cent reMark Maier and more.

PURPLE ZEPPELINStevenage Art s and Leisure Cent reTribute to two great rock acts.

April 29-May 2

KIMPTON ART SHOW 

Head down to St Peter & St Paul's

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YOUR GUIDE TO THE UNMISSABLE EVENTS IN YOUR PART OF #HERTS

The Main Event

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Church during the Kimpton May Festival and discover affordable and original paintings, ceramics, glass and other media - celebrating the work of established and emerging talent from around Hertfordshire and the south east.

April 30-May 2

HERTFORDSHIRE GARDEN SHOW AT KNEBWORTH HOUSE

The 23rd Hertfordshire Garden Show takes place over the May Bank Holiday weekend. Find new ideas, plants and accessories to make your garden look really special whilst enjoying the stunning surroundings of Knebworth Park.  

April 30

BALDOCK & LETCHWORTH FIRE STATION OPEN DAY Head on down to Baldock & Letchworth Fire Station and get hands on experience of being a fire fighter. Educational fun for all the family!!

May 1

STAPLEFORD FLOWER FESTIVAL 

The Stapleford Flower Festival is an annual event that has been running for 47 years. Every year St Mary's, a beautiful 12th century church, is decorated with flowers, all in arrangements which fit the chosen 'theme' of the year.

May 3

JEKYLL & HYDEStevenage Art s and Leisure Cent reGothic melodrama (to May 5)

May 4

STEVENAGE IRISH NETWORKHeld every first and third Wednesday of the month at Bedwell Community Centre.

May 6

BILL BAILEYStevenage Art s and Leisure Cent reComedy genius.

May 6

RICK WAKEMANStevenage Art s and Leisure Cent reNight with the music legend.

May 6

STEVENAGE MUSEUMLunch and listen, tea and coffee provided bring own sandwiches. Birth and Baptism Friday 6 May 1-2pm

May 7

BILL BAILEYStevenage Art s and Leisure Cent re

Comedy genius (second night)

PUPPETRY OF THE PENISStevenage Art s and Leisure Cent reComedy.

May 8

BEST OF THE EAGLESStevenage Art s and Leisure Cent rePerformed by Talon.

STILL ALICELetchworth Film Club, Broadway Cinema, Let chworthFilm

May 10

THE RUBETTESStevenage Art s and Leisure Cent reWith the original Rubettes

May 12

THE STARS FROM THE COMMITMENTSStevenage Art s and Leisure Cent reGreat musical mix.

May 13

Ghost Tour and Bat Walk at Knebworth House

A unique opportunity to tour the House at night and hear the tales of the incidents that simply cannot be explained.

May 13

The Main EventYOUR GUIDE TO THE UNMISSABLE EVENTS IN YOUR PART OF #HERTS

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The Main EventYOUR GUIDE TO ALL THE NOT TO MISS EVENTS IN YOUR PART OF #HERTSSTEVENAGE MUSEUMMuseums at Night Cost: Free Friday 13 May, 5-7pm Film night. A showing of Night at the Museum 3, with popcorn and refreshments for sale and a flashlit trail around the dark museum.

May 13

STEVENAGE MUSEUMUnderwater Worlds. Under 5s Cost: £1 For children under 5 and their parents and carers. Stories, games and art and craft fun. 1.30-2.30pm

May 14

MAD ABOUT THE MUSICALSStevenage Art s and Leisure Cent reWith Gareth Gates and Michael Courtney.

May 15

GYLES BRANDRETHWyllyot t s Theat reA celebration of word power.

May 19

DES O'CONNOR Stevenage Art s and Leisure Cent reAn evening with Des.

MARTIN KEMPWyllyot t s Theat reAn audience with Martin Kemp.

May 20

IAN WAITE & NATALIE LOWEStevenage Art s and Leisure Cent reStrictly stars in action.

JETHROWyllyot t s Theat reComedy at its best.

May 20

STEVENAGE MUSEUMMake it! Cost: Free 12noon to 2pm Come along, get creative and meet others who enjoy the fun and benefits of sewing, knitting and crochet.

Just bring sandwiches and whatever you are working on or materials to start from scratch. Tea and coffee provided.

May 20

STEVENAGE MUSEUMDown Memory Lane Cost: Free 10.30am -12noon Join us for a drink and a chance to share your memories. Why not bring a photo or something else to share that brings back memories?

May 21

THE BEE GEES STORYStevenage Art s and Leisure Cent reTribute to the Bee Gees

SOME GUYS HAVE ALL THE LUCKWyllyot t s Theat reCelebration of rock star Rod Stewart.

May 22

OMARLETCHWORTH FILM CLUB, BROADWAY CINEMA, LETCHWORTHFilm.

SWAN LAKEWyllyot t s Theat reVienna Festival Ballet.

May 25

WEDDING FAIR AT KNEBWORTH HOUSEThe Premier Wedding Fair at Knebworth House

and Barns on Wednesday evening, 25th May promises to be unique. 

May 25

PROFESSOR ROBERT WINSTONWyllyot t s Theat reDiscussion on what makes us happy.

May 26

RARE: PETR PANStevenage Art s and Leisure Cent reYouth musical presents.

May 27

BINGHAM STRING QUARTETInternat ional Concert Ser iesBenslow Music, Hit chin

An evening of Shostakovich

May 27

STEVENAGE MUSEUMMake it! Cost: Free 12noon to 2pm Come along, get creative and meet others who enjoy the fun and benefits of sewing, knitting and crochet. Just bring sandwiches and whatever you are working on or materials to start from scratch. Tea and coffee provided.

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May 29

GYLES BRANDRETHStevenage Art s and Leisure Cent reWords and wit from the former MP

May 29-30

CLASSICS IN THE PARK AT KNEBWORTH HOUSE

Join us as we host a new two day event for 2016 ?Classics in the Park? with music and classic motor vehicles.

June 5

LILTINGLetchworth Film Club, Broadway Cinema, Let chworthFilm

June 6

STEVENAGE STAGE OF PEARL IZUMI CYCLING RACEStevenage is to host this latest stage of the race.

June 19

SUMMER JOUSTING AT KNEBWORTH HOUSEThis Father?s Day, treat your Dad to a great day out! The Knights of Arkley will be jousting.

June 23

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT?S DREAM AT KNEBWORTH HOUSE

Chapterhouse Theatre Company presents Shakespeare?s best-loved romantic comedy. Let yourself be whisked away on a thrilling

journey.

June 25-26

DECORATIVE SALVAGE AND VINTAGE FAIR AT KNEBWORTH HOUSE

The Decorative Salvage and Vintage Fair at Knebworth takes place on June 25th & 26th. A fantastic mix of Architectural...

June 26

AFTERNOON TEA AT KNEBWORTH HOUSE

Join us for a delicious Sunday afternoon tea at Knebworth Barns. A special pre-booked afternoon tea is available on  26th June...

July 10

RACE FOR LIFEFairlands Valley Park Stevenage, 11am start go to raceforlife.org

August 5

LUNA CINEMA AT KNEBWORTH HOUSE PRESENTS SPECTREOutdoor cinema presentation

August 6

LUNA CINEMA AT KNEBWORTH HOUSE PRESENTS DIRTY DANCINGOutdoor cinema presentation

August 7

LUNA CINEMA AT KNEBWORTH HOUSE PRESENTS NOTTING HILLOutdoor cinema presentation

The Main EventYOUR GUIDE TO ALL THE NOT TO MISS EVENTS IN YOUR PART OF #HERTS

Mowgli, it 's a jungle out thereCLASSIC TALE COMING BACK TO THE BIG SCREEN WITH A HOST OF TOP NAMES TO STAR

It has a UK release date of mid-April in the UK and this 2016 version of the Kipling classic looks set to be another wow.

If you've read the book or seen the original Disney cartoon you'll know that Mowgli (Neel Sethi) is a boy raised by wolves Raksha and Akela since he was brought to them as a baby by Bagheera the black panther (Ben Kingsley). Things have to change though and it 's soon time to grow up when the

fearsome Bengal tiger Shere Khan (Idris Elba) threatens him as man isn't allowed

Top release for May viewing

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C EI MN A

Avengers Civi l WarRelease date:May 2016

One year after the events of Avengers: Age of Ultron, another international incident involving the Avengers leads the policiticans to once again get involved. When Steve Rogers attempts to protect his friend Bucky Barnes, a conflict ensues that leads to the fracturing of the Avengers into two opposing factions, one led by Rogers and the other led by Stark.

Cineworld Stevenage:0871 200 2000www.cineworld.co.uk

Have you bought your Unlimit ed card yet?

Watch Unlimited movies any day of the week, any time you like for one monthly fee, Benefits also include Retail Discounts, Exclusive Previews, Event Cinema, Premium Upgrade and recommend a friend.

in the jungle.

Guided by Bagheera and Baloo the bear (Bill Murray), he sets out on a journey of self-discovery.

Along the way, Mowgli encounters jungle creatures who do not have his best interests at heart including Kaa (Scarlett Johansson) the python and the smooth-talking orangutan King Louie (Christopher Walken).

Director: Jon Favreau

Writers: Justin Marks (screenplay), Rudyard Kipling (book)

Stars: Scarlett Johansson, Idris Elba, Bill Murray, Christopher Walkern

Take sides in a civi l war bat t le

Fitness instructors who are f it to help

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What drives you mad about Fitness Instructors and visa versa!

Love them or hate them Fitness Instructors are a big part of the f itness industry. I thought I?d do a bit of research and see what drives Fitness Instructors mad and on the f l ip side what drives you mad about f itness instructors!!

All of the Fitness Instructors at Stevenage Leisure Ltd facil it ies are members of the Register of Exercise Professionals (REP) which means you can look them up and see how qualif ied they are, just l ike you can check to see if the workman who?s just about to bash some walls down in your house is actually qualif ied to do so. It does amaze me that no one bothers to check to see if their instructor is qualif ied. I?ve been in the industry for years and I?ve never been asked by customers what qualif ications I?ve got, customers take the risk that I know what I?m talking about and entrust their health and their joints to my instructions but they wouldn?t risk damage to their house by a cowboy builder?

I asked some customers and staff to be honest with me, here?s what they said:

Fitness Instructors wear clothing two sizes too tight or roll up the already short and tight sleeves of their polo shirt to show off ripped muscles,

OK, I?ll give you that one? .

They talk about ?clean?food. You want to lose weight and choose healthy food choices but now you?ve got to worry it?s not ?clean? enough!-

?Clean food? is a buzz word for healthy eating, in other words chuck out the processed foods, high trans fats and

sugar but I guess it can sound a bit pretentious!

They?re obsessed with talking about protein. You?re fed up with being told to eat protein at every meal, drink a protein shake after exercising and as if you?re stil l not getting enough you should eat protein bars between meals!!

This can be confusing. Recent reports state that the average person who works out three times a week doing moderate activity needs approximately 0.8 grams per bodyweight kg of protein a day to repair muscle breakdown. This is adequately provided by a healthy diet including chicken, meat, nuts etc aiming to eat a protein portion at each meal. If you can do this then there is no need for protein drinks and bars. In fact, any extra protein will be f lushed out via the kidneys, it can?t be util ised by the body. This can put strain on the kidneys and in some instances if the individual isn?t drinking enough f luids the unused protein can form as crystals and end up as painful kidney stones, something you definitely don?t want to have!

However, if you are an athlete or you are trying to bulk up your body will need more protein than is humanly possible to eat! You will need approximately 2.0g per kilo which is where the supplements will come in handy. So, unless you are an athlete, don?t worry too much about supplements, just make sure you eat a healthy balanced diet every day

Instructors who Say ?That was the warm up?? . meaning that this part of it was meant to be the easy bit, so why are you so knackered and how can you possibly work any harder??

I get that, but I?m guilty of this. I let my customers know that they are doing a warm up so that they know not to work too hard, it should be a gentle pace gradually increasing in intensity. If you?re shattered by the end of the warm up you worked too hard!

They tell people to smile! Why would you want to smile when you?re being tortured??

It?s a well-known fact that the corners of your mouth are attached to your legs, the harder you work the higher the corners of your mouth go to form a smile, OK maybe only my customers know this but it makes them smile when I tell them this so it must be true!!

They ask ?How are you feeling? That?s about as much good as your dentist asking you the same question with a mouth full of dentistry. It?s obvious how you?re feeling; knackered!

A good instructor will always ask how you are feeling; they want to know if

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anything is hurting, if you can?t answer them they?ll know you?re working too hard and advice you to take your intensity down, this is actually called the Talk Test. So next t ime they ask ? answer them, if you can!

Instructors who count reps too slowly or repeating numbers so that you end up doing more!

That?ll be me told then!

They?re f it and smug and delight in tell ing you how many workouts they?ve done already in one day

Usually they?re not boasting, just enthusiastic!

You hate it when group instructors don?t join in with the workout or only put the minimum of effort into the workout.

Sometimes it may come across that the instructor is being lazy but, your session could be the 5th or 6th session they?ve instructed that day! However, I knew an instructor once who actually walked around the studio eating a bag of maltesers when the customers were doing sit-ups! (You?ll notice that I spoke about her in the past tense there?!) However active they are the should be enthusiastic and interested in the activity and its participants

Instructors who stare at their own ref lection in the mirror

Yep, with you there?

Instructors who don?t sweat, wear a face full of make-up which doesn?t run and f inishes the sessions without a hair out of place

I wish! I look like a complete mess and regularly frighten small children on the way home!

Instructors who don?t correct you if you?re doing something wrong

Absolutely, Instructors need to correct bad posture and offer advice.

Instructors who come up to you in group sessions and correct you if you?re doing something wrong

Hmm, confliction here? the best way to do this without bringing attention to one person is to instruct the whole class to, this way the person who is doing

something incorrectly will be told without them feeling uncomfortable. It?s easier to instruct one to one in a gym of a group session like Yoga or Pilates than it is in a session of HIIT or Aerobics without causing embarrassment

Gym instructors who chat to their friends more than the customers

Some customers like to go to the gym and workout in peace; the ear phones go in as they walk in, head down , on a mission to get to the gym equipment without making eye contact and having to speak to anyone including the instructor. Other people need the support of the instructor and all gyms will get complaints that they are being ignored. Gym instructors are taught to walk the f loor and talk to the customers but they know that there will be some people who don?t want this. If you need advice or help with something don?t be afraid to approach them!

Now it?s our turn!

Customers who don?t wear deodorant!!

The gym may be the place you go to work out but for staff it is their off ice! If the person next to your desk had hygiene problems it would make your working environment very unpleasant ? you get what I?m saying here?!

You don?t put equipment away!

When I was on the gym f loor my biggest gripe was people who didn?t put equipment away once they?d f inished with it. Spare a thought for some of us who aren?t blessed with muscles capable of l if t ing your discarded dumbbells and have to result to roll ing them to the weight stack and doing our backs in!

Swearing!

?Nuff said?

Leaving a pool of sweat on the gym equipment

If you sweat it out- mop it up!

Grunters!

Women giving birth to twins sideways don?t make as much noise giving birth than some hefty bloke bench pressing!

Turning up late for studio sessions

I started an Aerobics class recently at 7pm and a lady strolled in at 7.20. She wasn?t happy when I said she couldn?t join in. At the beginning of the session I make announcements; if there are any new people, any injuries, pregnancies etc , if you?re late you won?t hear any of this and I can?t stop my class half way through to ask late comers the same questions. You?ll also miss the warm up and risk get injured- lecture over!

Chatting loudly during studio sessions

We can?t compete with the music and people having a catch up!

Working out when you?re il l

We don?t want to coughed and sneezed over and neither does the equipment!

Not getting off equipment between sets

This makes doing an induction a nightmare for instructors and annoys other gym users, if you?re resting between sets please let someone else use the equipment.

Blaming us if you don?t reach your goals!

Instructors spend a long time putting a programme in place for you, working out nutrit ion plans and motivating you. What we need from you is for you to keep to your side of the bargain! You need to put the effort into the exercise and eat the right foods, the person sitt ing on an exercise bike leisurely reading a magazine really can?t expect to lose weight and increase their f itness level but they will know what celebs are dating who and the latest fashion trends!

And the last thing? .self ies!!!!!!!!! Is nowhere sacred?!  

But, all this said and done, the relationship between customer and instructor can lead to a long friendship which crosses all age groups. Over the years that I have been an instructor I have met some wonderful people. Some of whom have been inspirational and at t imes courageous, some have been a challenge, others a pleasure to work with! Many of the customers at SLL have been with us for years so we must be doing something right, I can?t think of a better job? ..

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Nursery with a fresh approach to learning

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Encouraging a healthy and active lifestyle is the aim of Rookies, a remarkable new nursery based at Stevenage Football Club Academy in Broadhall Way.

Rookies aims to both support but also reward families who help to give youngsters the best start by promoting a lifestyle of health and wellbeing.

Staff at the nursery help the youngsters aged from nine months to f ive years of age to grow and develop in an environment where learning is fun and with a curriculum that also allows them to be active.

In developing the ethos of Rookies it was realised that the key aspect to the development of any young person is physical activity and it is this which allows all those at Rookies to enjoy the

benefit of learning while being active. But this learning is done in a structured way and is based on the Government?s EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage) guidelines

In order to lay clear foundations for parents who bring their youngsters to the nursery, Rookies has developed a set of transparent and easy to understand values which underline the expectation for both staff and children alike and

which both will adhere to while at the nursery.

The values are:

Inspire: We endeavour to inspire our children and parents to adopt and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Educate: We provide our children with the highest levels of education using an active and health focus curriculum.

Empower: We facilitate a safe and stimulating environment in which children and parents are encouraged to take responsibil ity for adopting an active and healthy lifestyle.

The staff at Rookies are all experienced early years professionals with full qualif ications and they work closely with families with the underlying aim of supporting children?s learning and development.

Staff who work at Rookies will all have completed an enhanced DBS check and hold f irst aid qualif ications.

Pictured below are staff celebrating World Book Day at Rookies.

ROOKIESStevenage FC Academy, Broadhall Way, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, SG2 8RH. Tel: 01438 842233.Email: info@rookiesdaynursery.co.ukWeb: www.rookiesdaynursery.co.uk

Stevenage Old Town Business and Community Partnership is now in its fourth year and has grown into a strong, influential organisation.

A set of aims were agreed at the conception of this group and it has worked to achieve these.

These are the objectives that were set

Increase the footfall in the Old Town

Make Stevenage Old Town a place to be proud of

Promote Stevenage Old Town as a place of destination

Deal with challenges faced by business and community in the Old Town

Have a dialogue with Stevenage Borough Council and Stevenage Police

Work with the local News media

Stevenage Old Town Business and Community Partnership has organised and instigated a number of events in the Old Town including:

The annual Old Town Christmas Lights switch on

Arranging Road Signage to highlight the Historic Old Town, shops and facilities

Participating in Small Business Saturday with SBC

Arranging funding from High Street Innovation initiative

Supporting the Jubilee and Cycle tour events

Creating a map of Stevenage Old Town showing Businesses and

leisure facilities

The Group continues to develop ideas and continues to grow its membership ensuring a bright future for Stevenage Old Town.

Visit The Historic Stevenage Old Town. You will be surprised at what you find, including a full shopping experience and leisure facilities.

For fur t her informat ion contact Tim Hoof (Secretary t o SOTBCP) by email - hoof@gmx.co.uk or call by t he Alt a Image shop and collect a membership form.

Stevenage Old Town Business Partnership

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Local businesswoman and artist, Sally Taylor, is developing a great reputation for creating artworks for local businesses and illustrating books.

The latest publication which is available on Amazon is rather personal; a family of toucans representing her new grandchild.

?This little book is a unique way of creating a lasting memento, celebrating when a new baby comes into our lives?, says Sally. ?The Toucan Family was a great little project to work on. My grandson came up with the bird type and friends and family wrote the story. The book has several illustrations of the little family all with

their own character. My favourite picture is the whole family relaxing in their family tree.?

Sally is currently working on a new book for an older audience harping back to her own interest in all things environmental. The new book concentrates on driving cars in a cost efficient way, saving CO2 and other elements, as well as alternative transport method; thus helping to develop a greater awareness of how we can all look after our planet.

?Working on projects is great fun?, explains Sally. ?I research the story-lines which I find really interesting, and try out different methods to create artwork to portray the

main elements. The client has a huge say in how the images are developed too including which parts of the story to illustrate?.

If you are interested in creating your own storybook and are looking for was to bring it to life, or have a project which needs illustrating, please contact Sally to find our how she can help.

Picture It!

Sally Taylor - making art for your business

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In 2013 a small group of local people involved in the Stevenage 60th Birthday celebrations agreed to get together and plan for the town?s 70th Birthday since its designation on 11th November 1946 as the first of Britain?s post-war new towns.

Our aim was to act on E.M. Forster?s dictum in Howards End: ?Only Connect!? We saw early on that the celebrations in this year should be community-led, by local people in arts, culture, sports and community groups, with business and council partners supporting us where appropriate.

Our celebrations get going in June, with Stevenage Day and the Arts Mini Festival, and run until two major events in November, the Town Fireworks Display in Fairlands Valley Park and the Finale Show with young people in the Leisure Centre.

The main themes of our celebrations reflect the experiences and changes in Stevenage, from its ancient market town origins to the thriving high tech community we live and work in today:

Arts and Culture in all its diverse forms

Local Heritage and History: local people, places and

stories

Local voluntary and community groups

Sports, leisure and recreation

Industry, business and work

Stevenage?s special place in national and international development history: as London?s satellite, the garden cities and other new towns of Hertfordshire.

What has been created in just 70 years by successive generations more than matches the new town vision of those early planners and pioneers in the immediate post-war austerity era. As the town?s motto has it, and as we shall see over the coming months: ?The heart of a Town lies in its people.?

Cllr Simon Speller

Celebrating 70 years of a special town

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'I owe Stevenage so much. I met my wife of thirty years in the High Street and our two eldest children were born at the Lister Hospital.

Without the life experiences, people, my teachers, my schools, my colleagues, my friends and jobs in Stevenage I would not have founded the companies I have, created jobs and of course mutually benefitted from some fantastic people we have employed.

Stevenage has shaped my life and made me the person I am today. I am proud of our town and very grateful.

Over the last 13 years I have had the privilege of meeting and have spoken to over 6,000 of our secondary school students through our volunteer-only charity Uniqueness.

What am I always struck by? That 's easy to answer; their desire, their spirit and at times cheeky personalities.

Little wonder then that Stevenage has produced so many national and global success stories whether our obvious achievers like Lewis Hamilton, Ian Poulter, Ashley Young in current times or the Founder of my old school four and a half centuries ago in 1558 - Thomas Alleyne - a true visionary.

I am only ever disappointed by those who have enjoyed living, or being educated or employed in Stevenage to so readily knock the

town. Frankly who wants such negative naysaying energy sappers in our community when they have the freedom of choice to live or work anywhere. So what can we all do differently to challenge these detractors - seize every moment to all talk factually about the great things Stevenage has to offer and evidence this with ongoing progress.

Of course there will be always be change and investment required in a growing evolving town - like the town centre at the moment. However that is all of our responsibility to make this happen, to stop the talking and collectively ensure we support and help those in

positions to make this a reality with aligned action. In the grand scheme of our community's 2000 year history, this could be transformed in just a decade - only 0.5% of our historical town's life.

If Stevenage was good enough for the Romans to settle here and help shape our country's future - it is certainly good enough for us to shape our futures here also.

Rob Stewart .

Founder of Stevenage Packaging, Uniqueness and Chair of t he Stevenage Communit y Trust '.

My # Stevenage

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Rober t St ew ar t , f oun der of St even age Pack agin g, t el l s us w hy St even age m ean s so m uch t o h im

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The Stevenage Community Trust was formed in 1990 from an idea by the then Mayor of Stevenage, Councillor Hilda Lawrence. It is based on a concept of Community Foundation schemes that have been running for almost 50 years in the United States.

Many of the major businesses in Stevenage at the time were involved, and over 24 years the Trust has included founder members including Astrium Ltd, MBDA (UK) Ltd and Stevenage Borough Council and also gained new Patrons such as The Follett Trust, as well as over 50 local business, community groups and personal members along the way.

Stevenage Community Trust promotes charitable giving and raises funds in order to enhance the quality of life of people within the community, living in the Borough of

Stevenage and its surrounding villages. The Trust has given out nearly £900,000 in grants since it started, as well as simultaneously and importantly building up an endowment to ensure it serves those in need for many years to come.

The Trust supports the people of Stevenage in a range of ways. This has included the promising Stevenage athlete Daniel Gardner through to individuals in need of food and warmth for their families in the winter months. The Trust 's activities are broad and outreaching and by the end of the year they hope to have granted over £1,000,000 to the community since their foundation.

Sarah Bennett, Director at Lawrence Dean Recruitment, spoke about their involvement with the Trust, "We

have only recently started supporting Stevenage Community Trust, but have been overwhelmed by the passion and dedication shown by them to support such a broad range of local people in need. This ranges from individuals in need of urgent help through to local groups that need support to increase or improve the services they offer to the local community. As a local business with the majority of our own employees, candidates and clients being based within the local area, we are delighted to support Stevenage Community Trust.?

To find out more about Lawrence Dean Recruitment contact us at our website below or on 01438 310131. Our website can be found http:/ /www.lawrencedeanrecruitment.co.uk/

Helping the community

C&J Heat ing and Plumbing of fer boiler repairs & cent ral heat ing installat ions across Stevenage, St Albans, Hit chin, Let chworth & Harpenden, in fact almost across t he whole of #Hert s.

With over 20 years? experience our expert Gas Safe engineers are happy to offer excellent quality and craftsmanship on all our work. They pride themselves on providing a flexible, affordable solution to your boiler and central heating problems.

Helping Heat Your Home

Heat is the heartbeat of any home, especially when the heartbeat comes from an energy efficient, safe central heating system which is strong and healthy. To help you maintain that C&J Heating and Plumbing are here for you 24 hours a day.

To have a safe and efficient central heating system it needs to be maintained with regular servicing, just one of the essential services C&J Heating and Plumbing are here to supply.

Because any central heating system is most likely to break down when you need it most, C&J Heating and Plumbing offer regular servicing and a call out repair service.

Expert Engineers

With their own expert engineers and qualified fitters they are able to provide a full range of specialist services for landlords and home owners alike, at the most competitive prices and providing the highest quality workmanship.

Offer ing a Range of Services...

C&J Heating and Plumbing combine excellent value for money with their clear pricing system together with free estimates for all your boiler or central heating system needs.

Emergency Call-out will cost just £70.00 + VAT (evenings and weekends £80.00 + VAT ).

Boiler Services are just £65.00 + VAT and £75.00 + VAT for back boilers.

?Powerf lush? will cost £450 including VAT.

Replacement Hot Water Cylinders from £460.00 including VAT. For more information on any of these services contact C&J Heating and Plumbing today on 01438 351799.

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Helping you with your heating needs

Emergency Cal l -out will cost just £70.00 + VAT (evenings and weekends £80.00 + VAT ).

Boiler Services are just £65.00 + VAT and £75.00 + VAT for back boilers.

?Powerf lush? will cost £450 including VAT.

Replacement Hot Water Cyl inders f rom £460.00 including VAT

Keeping you warm this winter

Stevenage 01438 351799Luton/Harpenden 01582 920097St Albans 01727 240056Hitchin/Letchworth 01462 820 021

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Property hotspotThere are many factors that make buying a property to let in the Stevenage area a good investment at this time. First and foremost is the value of such a proposition but you have to make your move quickly as Stevenage is fast becoming a property hotspot.

It?s little wonder that so many people are turning their attention to the New Town, especially given the fact that there is the prospect of a great return at the moment. Along with the major businesses that are already in town offering a ready-made market of tenants, Stevenage itself is on the up and is a great place to live, its thriving night time economy is testament to this.

With more than 60 years of

experience in the lettings business the team at A-Top can help you to find the right place and manage your investment for maximum return to you.

Mervyn?s A-Top t ip: When looking for a good return focus on t owns such as Stevenage which of fer great value and are clear ly becoming t he place t o l ive.

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Enjoy a great stay the Novotel way Novotel Stevenage hotel is located off Junction 7 of the A1M in the grounds of Knebworth House, just 5 minutes' drive from central Stevenage with its shops and railway connections. The hotel offers 101 guestrooms, a restaurant and meeting and function space for up to 150 delegates. The hotel is enjoying a fantastic refurbishment which will see it re-branded as a 4 star hotel.

Novotel benefits from free on-site parking, free WiFi, a Cosy stylish bar for drinks and snacks and six airy flexible rooms for events that work.

Novotel has a host of amazing events coming up in t he next few months and you can be sure of a good t ime and a warm welcome.

22nd May - Best of Br it ish Two course traditional British meal. Enjoy all the classics with our live band and

disco. £25 Per Person.

14th May- Eurovision Song Contest Final Night . Food, music and the show streamed live.

19th June - Fathers Day BBQ Including a drink. £20 per person. 

5th August - Cinema evening featuring a Grease Night.

23rd September- Tribute Night Come along for great entertainment and top tribute band.

28th October- Psychic Night Have a conversation with the other side on our psychic night.

30th October- Fr iends of

Frankenstein Halloween Act ivit y Day.

Before the scary night enjoy our freaky day, £20 with carvery, £10 without carvery. Includes carvery, mask making, carving classes with chef, drawing contest.

5th November- Bonf ire Night Dinner wit h open mic.

To book all of the events listed or to find out more details about the Novotel:Call 01438 346198Email sb@novotel-stevenage.comAlso follow us on facebook @events at Novotel StevenageTwitter: @NovoStev

- Also planned:Every second Friday- open mic night/ live music

- Speed Dating nights- Cooking Classes Last

Thursday every month

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#HertsHour is a useful tool to help develop your brand online and it 's not hard. Most importantly, it 's free and if you dedicate an hour a week to it, it could be very valuable.

Whenever you're using social media, the more you put in, the more you get out. Twitter works best when it 's a conversation - or a series of conversations.

If you just use it to post your own words of wisdom, it 'll quickly get very lonely out there, especially if you use a bot to schedule tweets and fail to follow them up.

The most regular #HertsHour contributors are those who log on fairly promptly at 8pm on a Monday and then welcome others as they join and begin to converse with several people.

They'll be the ones others follow and the conversation then spreads throughout the week - with or without the #HertsHour tag.

There's a few simple rules to remember:

* Get involved and respond to what others are saying.

* Ask people about their businesses.

* Don't post more than a couple of

blatant plugs - it puts people off, especially when there's a stream of them.

* Make sure in advance that your Twitter profile is complete and if it directs people to a website, that 's up to date, too.

* Follow up with people during the week.

* Find out about what your competition is up to - they're usually just as nice as you are!

* Always use the #HertsHour hashtag as that 's what most people search for.

If you want to find out more, take a look at the rest of the #HertsHour website, including the Business Directory and our Facebook page.

How to get the most from # HertsHour

The most regular #HertsHour contributors are those who log on fairly promptly at 8pm on a Monday and then welcome others as they join and begin to converse with several people

What is t he name of your char it y?TRACKS Autism

What is t he aim of t he char it y?To provide a calm environment for up to 10 children per 3.5 hour session, currently running 5 sessions over 4 days, 48 weeks of the year. We have a high ratio of dedicated and specially trained staff to help the children develop:

- the means and motivation to communicate with others

- the ability to play and become active learners- basic skills and understanding of the world

around them

Where are you based?TRACKS House, Boulton Road, Stevenage SG1 4QX

Do you have any special project s at t he moment?In 2015 we moved to our new pre-school premises at TRACKS House in Stevenage. As a result of the improved facilities there we have set in place exciting new plans scoped around three opportunities for our children for which we currently seek support.

These are:-

Sensory Circuits: We have been piloting a pro-active Sensory Circuits approach and the evidence is that it has been extremely beneficial to our children. We need to fund the input of an Occupational Therapist to compliment the work of our Teaching Assistants.

Intensive Social Skills Interaction: Children with an autistic spectrum condition can have serious problems with communication and social interaction. They have major difficulties understanding and expressing their

own needs or feelings. We urgently need the funding to buy in the expertise of a speech and language therapist.

The Kaspar Project: We are working in partnership with the University of Hertfordshire in developing the humanoid robot Kaspar. This robot acts as a mediator to enhance learning, social communication and social interaction, as well as the emotions of pre-school children with autism.

How can local businesses help you? Your support could be for a specific piece of work that we do with the children such as:

- sensory circuits- sherborne developmental movement- KASPAR the humanoid robot

You could sponsor a particular event, for example:

- to raise awareness of autism - to inform parents and professionals about the

vital work that we do- workshops to help parents manage family life

with a child with autism

You could sponsor a particular area of our building, such as:

- our sensory room- our art room- our outdoor sensory garden

How can I f ind out fur t her informat ion about you?www.tracks-autism.org.uk

Check-out a charityTHE PAGE THAT PROMOTES CHARITIES LOCALLY, THEIR FUNDRAISING EVENTS, THEIR AIMS AND THEIR FUTURE PLANS

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When a bride embarks on a quest to find the dress of her dreams, it is probably fair to say that Asda doesn't feature too highly on her must-shop destinations. While a number of supermarket chains have ventured into the wedding dress arena, it is with a certain buyer in mind. The bride who buys their dress from Asda or Tesco won't want first class service, they won't mind sharing a changing area with a school child buying their first uniform or a man buying his work suit.

But that doesn't have to be the way it is. Reputable bridal boutiques move quality dresses into their sample sales on a regular basis to make way for new designs. The

gowns have come from quality bridal houses and they start to become more affordable once they hit the sale rail. Not only do you get a dress for a fraction of the original price, but you also get the experience of specialist bridal sales staff, who know how to style a dress to give you the look of your dreams. 

There are no shopping trolleys involved. It is about a journey. From

working with a bride - whatever the budget - to ensure she feels like the princess she wants to on her big day. In many cases, the brides Heritage Brides have worked with have creatively changed a dress which was 'not quite the one'. It might be changing the shape of the neckline or adding in a sleeve (or taking them away) but it is about personalisation. It is about their personality and their vision which we believe is unlikely to be realised a few feet away from the frozen chicken.

Contact Sam at Heritage Brides for an appointment at the only bridal boutique based at a stately home in the UK.

Tel: 01707 707842;  www.heritagebrides.co.uk 

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Affordable quality

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"THE PLACE WHERE THERAPISTS ARE TRAINED TO WORLD CLASS STANDARDS AND ARE ON HAND TO GIVE A PERSONALISED APPROACH"

The good weather is almost with us now and it 's time for a treat - so we have teamed up with Champneys to offer #Stevenage readers the chance to win a treatment for two.

Yes that 's right, two treatments at the leafy and historic City Spa in St Albans which is full of luxury treatments and pampering therapies, along with everyday beauty needs such as manicures, pedicures and St Tropez tanning treatments. And to make that spa feeling linger, there's the Champneys Spa Collection, a range of pampering products and gifts. Champneys therapists are trained to world-class standards and are on hand to give a personalised approach, helping you discover the

most indulgent spa therapies along with solutions to address everyday skin care concerns.

Whether you have a moment in your lunch hour, some time to de-stress or perhaps an afternoon to completely unwind and relax, the City Spa provides the perfect environment.

So enter now to win a Champneys 55 minute Chocolate Wrapper Treatment for Two at St Albans Day Spa (worth £110).

To enter simply l ike our compet it ion post and follow us and retweet on our Twit t er page.

Start with a full body exfoliation to prepare your skin for the delicious warm chocolate body wrap. Enjoy the distinctive aroma of chocolate and relax with a scalp massage. Body butter is massaged into the skin to leave you intensively moisturised and with a guilt free feel good factor.

Terms & Conditions Apply: Valid until 3st December 2016 and cannot be extended. Subject to availability. Non transferrable and non-refundable. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer and cannot be exchanged.

Win a treatment at Champneys City Spa

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WEB ADVICE IN ASSOCIATION WITH CLIMBING TURN SOFTWARE DEVELOPERS

Don't get hooked up on a phishing scamIn this month?s article we?ll be looking at scam emails and how you can avoid being tricked by them.

But f irst, some facts and f igures ? Unsolicited emails (known as spam) now account for around 14.5 bil l ion messages, globally, per day; that?s 45% of all emails. Some estimates are even higher at over 70% of all emails. Most of these emails are harmless and can be categorised as simply ?junk mail?, however a small proportion (maybe 2% to

3% ) are attempts at fraud or identity theft (known as phishing) or are tricks which are trying to install a virus on your computer.

Gone Phishing Phishing emails purport to come from reputable companies and are an attempt at tricking you into revealing personal information such as passwords or credit card numbers. Some of these emails are very cleverly constructed and look identical to emails which are sent out by companies such as Amazon and eBay. So how do you recognise

one when you see it? Firstly, have you bought anything from or had dealings with the company sending the email? If the answer is ?no? then you should ask ?why are they emailing me?? and proceed with caution. If the answer is ?yes? then proceed with caution anyway.

A very popular scam is a bogus email from Amazon tell ing you that your goods are on the way and you?ve been charged. Obviously if you haven?t ordered anything they hope you?ll react by clicking on a link in the email so that you can log in to your Amazon account to see what?s going on and cancel the order. The link will invariably lead to an accurate mock-up of Amazon?s login screen where you?ll enter your user name and password; only it is not Amazon?s website and as soon as you do this the scammers will have your Amazon login.

So, how do you identify a scam like this from Amazon or anyone else? If you read my very f irst article about the URL (web addresses) then you?ll recall that the answer lies in checking the web addresses (URLs) of the email sender and of the link they are asking you to click on. If you haven?t read this article then obviously I?d advise you to read it! But don?t worry, I?ll

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WEB ADVICE IN ASSOCIATION WITH CLIMBING TURN SOFTWARE DEVELOPERS

explain here as well. In the case of the email sender, make sure that the email has come from an address owned by the company who sent you the email.

In the case of Amazon the email should be sent from an_email_address@amazon.com (or amazon.co.uk) ? ignore the bit before the @, I made that up, it?s the bit after the @ and before the .co.uk or .com that?s important; it?s called the domain name and if the domain name doesn?t look right then the email probably isn?t legitimate. Now, the email sender?s address can be tampered with and made to look as though it?s coming from a reputable company so simply checking the domain name isn?t foolproof. However, the links they place in the email for you to click on can?t be easily spoofed but you must watch out for one particularly nasty trick: the visible link they place in the email (that is the address you see displayed) can be completely dif ferent to the address that will be opened when you click on the link.

Sometimes links are pictures in the email so you won?t know what web site address you?ll be sent to when you click on it. What do you do? If you?re using a desktop computer you should always hover over a link with your mouse before clicking it. When you do this you can read the link?s real web site address from the status bar at the bottom of your email program. If it doesn?t look right, don?t click it! Remember, the bit you?re interested in is the domain name; that?s the part of the address that comes immediately before the .com or .co.uk part. Ignore everything before and after this and make sure the domain name part is legitimate. If you?re using a tablet or smart phone you can?t hover over a link and check whether it is suspect or not. In that case, if you aren?t expecting the email then the safest bet is to treat it as a scam and delete it. If you?re brave, reckless or make a mistake and you do click on the link then when the site opens in your browser examine the web address carefully in your browser?s address bar (at the top of the screen).

Of course , if you do get an email and think that Amazon, eBay or anyone else is sending you something you don?t want and charging you for it, the safest bet is not to click on any links in their email and instead simply go to a browser and visit

the site yourself where you can log in. That way you know you?re visit ing the legitimate website.

Beware of attachments! All of the above advice is also true of emails which ask you to open an attachment. Be very suspicious of any email attachment unless you are 100% sure who sent it and that you are expecting it. If you know who sent it and you aren?t expecting it then stil l be very suspicious. It is quite common for our contacts (friends, family, colleagues etc) to go and get themselves infected with a computer virus which then sends emails to everyone in their contacts list with a virus f ile attached which, when opened, will infect the receiving computer. These emails depend entirely on the fact that you know the sender and therefore trust that email attachment is safe. It isn?t! Sometimes these emails simply contain a link to a website which, when clicked on, downloads the virus to your computer; no need for an attachment at all. Never open an email attachment unless you?re expecting it and always doublecheck the address of l inks before clicking on them. Most important of all ? make sure that your anti-virus software is up-to-date and that it is setup to scan your emails. Stay safe!

With the Winter chill slowly giving way, we can look forward to warmer times and brighter days with a great glass of wine in our hands.

If you hold your breath, close your eyes and tap your heels, then maybe Mother Nature will do us the favour of English asparagus appearing in March. This wonderful vegetable is best eaten raw, or lightly cooked. Dip the spears into soft butter, or Hollandaise sauce. Alternatively, spoil yourself with a soft-boiled egg dusted with truffle shavings. The Duet t e Chardonnay from Casablanca in Chile at £11.50 offsets this combination with a rich, creamy mouthful.

Coming to the end of their UK season are Mussels. Perceived wisdom dictates that if we eat locally sourced shellfish, we concentrate on the months with an ?r? in the name. From September to April the waters off the UK

coast are at their coldest and thus the shellfish at their freshest. The delicious dish of ?moules mariniere? can be enhanced by the Sancerre-like Pet it Bourgeois, Sauvignon Blanc, £11 from the Loire Valley, France. An appealing and spicy alternative to the above is a Thai green curry, just in case it?s still chilly outside. The piquant and food-friendly Monsters At t ack Riesling from the Clare Valley, Australia £15.50, will soothe it away.

The majority of us will settle down to roast lamb at Easter time, but I would ask you to consider hogget. Hogget is a sheep, between 1 to 2 years old, that has fed outdoors and had time to improve taste-wise. Think of it as a balance between tender, young lamb and full-flavoured mutton. A shoulder, or a leg, roasted slowly will produce a yielding mound of delicious meat with plenty of juices for gravy! A great meal deserves a sumptuous wine. The

Warming up for a delicious wine treat

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Jam es Dow l in g f rom aw ard w in n in g w in e m erchan t WINE2LAYDOWN t ak es a l ook at som e of t he best w in es t o m ak e t he m ost of t he joys of Spr in g

rich and spicy Rive Barbera d?Ast i, from Piedmont in Italy £13.50, is a great partner.

?Yorkshire Forced Rhubarb? is a European PDO and will soon end its growing season. If you can find some before the end of March, grab it. The stalks are tender and bittersweet and benefit from a gentle roasting or poaching to intensify the flavour. Hugh-Fearnley Whittingstall adds either rosewater, or orange blossom water, to complete the dish. The wine to heighten the experience is a Monbazillac from the Dordogne in France, the honeyed, and citrus-like Domaine de Grangeneuve at £10.00 will be perfect end to the evening.

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Mighty f ine piesMack's Pie and Mash is a family run business bringing a taste of this famous food stuff from London to #Herts

They are traditional in every sense and all the pies are handmade and of the highest quality.

Founder of the business Paul is dedicated to making sure that every customer that enters the shop is made to feel welcome and that customer service is his very top priority.

After searching for the right location for a number of years Paul and Jaime finally settled on Stevenage Old Town having moved

from London some 10 years ago. With the success of the opening of this first shop Paul hopes that his children Oliver, Joseph and Isla will one day take on the business.

And what a success they will have on their hands! In a short space of time Mack's has earned a great

reputation for their range of handmade pies cooked on the premises. There are minced beef for those who prefer a traditional pie but there are also vegetarian, steak and ale and a chicken and mushroom pie. Indeed a vegetarian root vegetable pie of carrot, parsnip, swede etc is also available.

If you have pie then you must have mash and all the mash is made from the finest selected potatoes and cooked on the premises. And if you want the ultimate experience, why not try the stewed or jellied eels.

www.mackspieandmash.co.uk

01438 317721

Opening t imes:

11am-8pm

Monday - Sunday

(closed 6pm Sunday)

29b High Street , Stevenage , Herts, SG1 3AU

Located behind Corals Bookmakers

Secret garden tips

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Sow new lawns and deal wit h bare pat ches

If you are hoping for a lovely patch of green for the coming year then now is the time to sow the lawn. Seed, when it is well cared for, will start to grow vigorously and of course seed sown now will also help to improve bare patches.

Increase t he amount of water given t o house plant s

As the seasons change, the amount of water given to different plants also varies. This is especially true of houseplants so as the temperature starts to rise make sure that the amount of water given also increases.

Feed shrubs and roses

As the weather improves, plants will want to get growing so make sure

that shrubs and roses are fed to allow them to make the most of the favourable conditions.

Start feeding cit rus plant s

Along with others, citrus plants need a little boost at this time of year to help growth so start to feed them gradually.

Sow hardy annuals and herb seeds

April is a great time to start sowing

hardy annuals and herb seeds and within no time you will see growth begin and great crops in later months.

Tie cl imbing and rambling roses

It may not seem like they will get out of hand but pretty soon climbing and rambling roses will be tough to tackle so make sure they are tied now ready for the growth to begin.

Beware late f rost s so protect f ruit blossom

The warm weather may be with us or just around the corner but late frosts can still strike so protect fruit blossom.

Keep on t op of weeds

If seeds and plants are growing then so are weeds so make a start on them now, if you don't keep on top of them in Spring there's a Summer of hard work ahead!

And don't forget as t he weather improves and t he warmer weather star t s t o arr ive, just get out int o your garden and enjoy it !

The # Her t s t eam of exper t s gi ve you som e t op t i ps an d jobs t o do as t he garden spr in gs i n t o act i on i n M arch an d Apr i l

For many small business owners, business planning is something that they feel they ought to do, but rarely have the time to do one. If the business is running well then why bother to write a business plan? Let?s try and answer that question ? what are the benefits of a business plan?

Types of Business PlanBusiness plans can vary in style and content a great deal. For example, at Hooke & Co. we offer modern business plans (like the one shown in the picture above) that list tasks, task owners, and then map out what needs to be done over time. We also offer more formal business plans that are more detailed, and take the form of a document and spreadsheet.

So benefits will vary depending on the type of business plan. But broadly speaking, here are a list of the benefits of a business plan.

1. A Map From A to B ? Organise Your ThoughtsWhether launching, expanding or improving a business, there is inevitably a lot to think about. A business plan will help you to organise your thoughts and map your journey from A to B.

2. Do the Right Thing Day-to-DayWith your map from A to B to hand you are more likely to do the right thing on a day-to-day basis to achieve the longer-term change. Big changes are most frequently made up of lots smaller changes delivered over a sustained period of time. In

much the same way as a geographical map will keep you on course step-by-step, so a business plan will keep you on course day-by-day.

3. Share Your Vision and Win BackingOnce your thoughts are captured in a business plan it makes it far easier to share all of the detail with someone else. One of the key benefits of a business plan is that you can share your vision with other people and win their backing for your venture. Examples include investors, bank managers or potential business partners.

4. Select Your Best IdeasThe activity of writing a business plan will force you to think carefully about your venture. Inevitably your ideas will change and evolve as you prepare your business plan. Naturally, you will realise that things could be achieved more efficiently and effectively than your original approach, and you will start selecting your best ideas for inclusion in your business plan.

5. Evaluate Risk and De-RiskFurther benefits of a business plan include helping you to evaluate the risks associated with your venture.

No one wants to fail in business. Identify and managing risks is key to avoiding failure.

6. Get to Grips with the FinancialsNot everyone is a naturally gifted accountant, and for some people business financials are very difficult. However, at the end of the day a business will live or die by its financials ? the amount of money coming in versus the amount of money going out.

7. Confirm Task OwnersOne of the most important benefits of a business plan is to agree who in the business is responsible for what. Even if the business is a one-man-band there will still be tasks delivered by third parties, e.g. accounting. For multi-person businesses confirming which founder is responsible for what can save a lot of heartache and blaming when things get tough.

8. Feel MotivatedLaunching, expanding or improving a business is often tough going. One of the final benefits of a business plan is that it can be a great source of motivation during the most difficult of times. A business plan will help you to remember why you are doing what you?re doing.

Hooke and Co assist with business plans

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Business group biz4Biz held a l ively breakfast meet ing recent ly when MPs Peter Lil ley and Sir Oliver Heald debated t he for t hcoming EU vote.

With Peter support ing t he leave campaign and Sir Oliver backing t he stay camp, here are t he t houghts of both men.

Peter Lil ley

I love Europe I did an apprenticeship in a French laboratory and have been a chairman of a European company. I have owned a house in France for 30 years, speak French and in 1975 campaigned to keep Britain in Europe.

But Europe isn't the same as the European Union and its not the same Common Market we joined.

This is about 2 things democracy and prosperity and the two are linked.

If a government doesn't deliver rising living standards they get chucked out. European government is 28 commissioners who are unelected and if they get it wrong they won't get chucked out and we know that because their principle project is the Euro which has been a catastrophe. Millions of Europeans have lost their jobs but no commissioners have lost theirs.

Mercifully we stayed out of the Euro. We have done well by staying out of it and that 's what this is about, it is about taking back control of our money our laws and our borders.

50% of our laws come from Europe, a net £10 billion a year goes to Europe and this could be used in our country. We also need to control our borders. No party wants to stop immigration but we should have the power to say how many people, what skills and when do they come.

This is not a choice between status quo and change. The EU is embarking on its most radical change in history, the 5 presidents got together recently to create a political union to save the Euro. Its aim is to enforce laws and policies throughout the territory, otherwise like other small stateless currencies it would collapse.

Do we want to be part of a United States of Europe distinct from it?

We're not always right and we make our own mistakes but we have to make our own decisions.

Sir Oliver Heald

We are better off in Europe, safer in Europe and stronger in Europe.

My grandfather was a businessman from Yorkshire who was fond of sayings and one of his sayings was if something looks too good be be true then it is and if people say we can have all the benefits of the EU but it won't cost anything and we won't have free movement then this is just too good to be true.

We do have a single market where there is free movement of service and capital. Of course there is the free movement of workers which can be controversial. Before we had a single market we could export lawnmowers to Germany for instance but they had to be defined by the Germans which would put up barriers to this sale. All this has been set aside in the EU single market.

MPs in a showdown on EU referendum

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The EU is a unique and precious asset. It is good for Hertfordshire. If you look at a company like Johnson Matthey making the auto catalyst this has been helped by the European Union and has lead to a doubling of staff and 15-fold increase in share prices.

In Stevenage MBDA is a world leading business as is Airbus thriving in part of the single market. In Letchworth Altro is supportive of staying in the union as they realise it is in our best interest as a business. Some have spoke about free trade agreements but Europe has negotiated 50 so far among them with Japan and Australasia and will have 83% of our trade covered by free trade agreements.

It is also popular to talk of it as a mass of regulation.

Previously there was too much regulation from the EU but they have learned their lesson. Didn't we all learn lessons from 2008 and if the European Union is learning lessons then that 's a good thing.

In terms of security we are not saying it would be impossible to rebuild security structures in the summer if we left but in a time where we need to track terrorists and dangerous people is it sensible throwing away this work?

The power to run your own affairs is an important thing but if you want the power to be involved in key decisions such as pushing back Russia or what is happening in Calais or influence the single market you need to be in international organisations. These are ways we pool our sovereignty, we share it to gain strength. Some say we should sit in Britain and look after our own affairs. But we are a vital link in the centre of Europe. All of our friends want us to stay in the EU because they want us to have this position and place in the world.

We've clawed our way back from the difficulty of 2008 with a good plan and we are carrying it out, we have good security are strong in the world and influential. Do we want to change all that ?

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A square deal with the new online estate agent

www.cube-estates.co.uk email : enquiries@cube-estates.co.uk 01438 557405

Business and Technology Centre, Bessemer Drive, Stevenage, Herts SG1 2DX

CUBE IS YOUR KEY TO A SPEEDY AND SUCCESSFUL HOME MOVE:- FREE VALUATION- MANAGED OPTION INTRODUCTORY FEE JUST £499 NO VAT- "TRADITIONAL" OPTION INTRODUCTORY RATE JUST 0.6% NO VAT- NO HIGH STREET PREMISES, SAVINGS PASSED ON TO CUSTOMERS- REGISTER FOR FREE PROPERTY UPDATES- LONGER WORKING HOURS TO SUIT YOU

8AM-8PM- PROFESSIONAL SERVICE BASED ON

HONESTY AND STRONG PRINCIPLES

www.cube-estates.co.ukenquiries@cube-estates.co.uk01438 557405

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Have a great day at Celtic HarmonyRecently the gates of Celtic Harmony Camp, the Iron Age Settlement near Hertford, opened to visitors for the f irst t ime this year, and what a glorious day!

With the sun beating down, families had the opportunity to Live Like A Celt for a day, and travel back in time to experience a day in the life of an ancient Briton.

Having been ambushed at the wattle gates by Celtic warriors, families were welcomed to the traditional Iron Age Celtic settlement. Visitors had their own Celtic hosts, Bronwyn and Owain, who guided them around craft experts, including the Farmer to grind grain and make f lat breads, the Potter to make coil pots and the Herbalist to dye bracelets with native plants. The afternoon saw battle

techniques led by seasoned warrior Owain, and Angus trained young archers too.

Visitors also got close up and personal with the owls; European Eagle Owl and Great Grey, and listened to stories from a time of giants and heroes.

?We had a fantastic day, thank you! We loved the bread making and the pottery!?, said Lucy about her day at Celtic Harmony Camp.

?We were delighted to be part of the Visit Hertfordshire Big Weekend?, said Luca Parrella, Heritage Director and Head Archery Coach, ?This was a fantastic opportunity to show our new roundhouses and share with our visitors what l ife was like for Ancient Britons?.

Live Like A Celt returns to Celtic Harmony Camp on Sunday 31st May (www.celticharmony.org/ families/ live-like-a-celt). If you cannot wait until then, book onto our Summer Beltane Festival which takes place on Sunday 1st May (www.celticharmony.org/ families/beltane-summer-festival).

Pre book your Great Day Out in Ancient Britain at: celticharmony.org/events

"We were delighted to be part of Hertfordshire's Big Weekend...to show our new roundhouses and share with visitors"

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Remortgaging hits a nine-year highBy Chris Pease, Partner in Longmores? Residential Property team

Last December, Brit ish homeowners tapped into a staggering combined property wealth of £837 mill ion ? marking the largest amount of equity withdrawal over the Christmas period in the last nine years.

According to property experts, 2015?s historic low interest rates encouraged homeowners to remortgage on to a cheaper deal, with the average equity f igure withdrawn via re-mortgaging per person sitt ing at a very healthy £30,361.

The last t ime collective withdrawal through remortgaging hit a higher f igure during December was back in 2006, before the recession, when UK equity withdrawn totalled £1.4 bil l ion.

But with the Bank of England signalling no plans to hike the 0.5 per cent base rate, and an estimated 90% of banks and building societies in a so-called ?price war?, savvy homeowners were easily able to breach that amount, quickly realising that they could exploit the value of their homes to pay off debts and buy big ticket items, like new cars or kitchens, without having to increase the cost of their monthly repayments.

Charlotte Nelson, from comparison website Moneyfacts.co.uk, said:

"Mortgage payments are one of the biggest f inancial outlays a homeowner can have, so it 's a no-brainer to grab a low rate deal while they're stil l available?.

"Of course, borrowers need to look at the mortgage as a whole to ensure they get the best deal to suit them. But by taking advantage of the rates on offer today, they could end up saving signif icant f igures."

If you require any further information or advice about your property please contact Longmores on 01992 300333 or visit www.longmores-solicitors.co.uk

"Mortgage payments are one of the biggest financial outlays a homeowner can have, so it's a no-brainer to grab a low rate deal while they're still available"

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Use the power of social to connect

The key t o t he success of #Hert s is t hat more and more businesses and readers are t urning t o digit al t o both sell and also t o entert ain. A websit e is a given now for most businesses but so are Facebook pages, Instagram sit es and Twit t er feeds. They are all ways in which potent ial customers can f ind out more about what is going on in t heir area and who is of fer ing services t hat t hey need.

There wil l always be pr int . But even t hough t here wil l be a pr int element t o #Hert s, don?t expect t housands of copies being pushed t hrough unwil l ing let t erboxes or even worse, embarrassing numbers lef t in apt ly named ?dump? bins.

Those days are gone. Now if a customer wants t o view your product t hey wil l come to you. They wil l be a fol lower, or t hey wil l log on

and search for you. So #Hert s is t he best of both wor lds. I t is a pr int st yle publicat ion wit h all t he famil iar it y t hat af fords, but it uses current t echnology and t rends t o make sure t hat customers get exact ly what t hey want . The lazy of days of hit and hope publishing are over, t he days of t he hashtag are here...isn?t it t ime you became a leader t o your fol lowers?

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LEISURE # EVENTS # BUSINESS #DINING #

# STEVENAGE # STEVENAGE

Get in touch:

07539 782979

www.hashtagherts.co.uk

darren@spitf irepr.com

HashtagHerts

@htagstevenage

In the next edit ion of ...

How t ime f l ies and by t he next edit ion of #Stevenage we wil l be near t o t he mid-point of t he year and summer wil l be very close at hand.

Our next digit al copy wil l be available at t he end of May wit h all t he best in business and features f rom the per iod unt i l t he summer holidays begin in earnest .

Along wit h our regular columns and features promot ing t he very best of #Stevenage t here wil l also be our unr ivalled guide The Main Event featur ing all t he t op act s and events in t he t own.

To advert ise or make sure of your copy contact or fol low us on t he addresses below.

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Kelly Swallow

Fanshawe St, Hertford01992 310280www.kellyswallow.com

La Belle Assiet t e

020 3318 5003www.labelleassiette.co.uk

Sallyanndesigns

Stevenage SG1 6BX01438 317722www.footprint-magazine.co.uk

Isabel Hospice

61 Bridge Road, Welwyn GC01707 382575www.isabelhospice.org.uk

Hooke&Co Businness Consult ing

Stevenage, SG2 9DA020 3700 3391www.hookeco.com

#Hert sHour

01462 811134www.hertshour.co.uk

Novotel

Knebworth Park, Stevenage, SG1 2AX, 01438 600687www.accorhotels.com

Love Let chworth

16 The Arcade, Letchworth GC,01462 486999www.loveletchworth.com

Cube Estates

BTC, Bessemer Drive, Stevenage, SG1 2DX, 01438 557405www.cube-estates.co.uk

biz4Biz

Forum Chambers, The Forum, Stevenage SG1 1EL 01462 478031www.biz4biz.org

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We are delighted to present our business directory of trusted traders and supporters of #HertsCall 07539782979 if you wish to take advantage of one of the advertising options via our extensive online promotion and here in the magazine

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

Elsie Road

elsieroad@outlook.com07739656945www.elsieroad.co.uk

Dave Hadley Photography

Carters Mead, Harlow, CM17 9EU07810 563838www.davehadleyphotography.co.uk

The Crown Aston End

56 Long Lane, Aston End, Stevenage SG2 7HD 01438 880060www.crownastonend.co.uk

Spire Healt hcareAmbrose Lane, Harpenden, AL5 4BP, 01582 763191www.spirehealthcare.com

The Barn Theat re

Handside Lane, Welwyn GC, AL8 6ST01707 324300www.barntheatre.co.uk

A-Top Propert y Let t ings

Drapers Way, Stevenage, 01438 369173www.a-topletting.co.uk

C&J Heat ing and Plumbing

33c Julians Road, Stevenage01438 351799www.candjservices.co.uk

Herit age Br ides

The Harness Room, Stable Yard, Hatfield House AL95NQ 01707 707842www.heritagebrides.co.uk

Lawrence Dean Recruitment

BTC, Bessemer Drive, Stevenage, SG1 2DX, 01438 310131www.lawrencedeanrecruitment.co.uk

WINE2LAYDOWN

Unit 21, Merchant Drive, Hertford, SG13 7AY, 01707 505560www.wine2laydown.com

WallJAM

BTC, Bessemer Drive, Stevenage, SG1 2DX, 07753 719311www.walljam.com

Climbing Turn

BTC, Bessemer Drive, Stevenage, SG1 2DX, 07717 582128www.climbingturn.co.uk

Mack's Pie and Mash

29b High Street, Stevenage, SG1 3AU01438 317721www.mackspieandmash.co.uk

Topgolf

Bushey Mill Ln, Watford, WD24 7AB01923 222045www.topgolf.com

Wat ford Colosseum

Rickmansworth Road, Watford, WD17 3JN 01438 01923 571102www.watfordcolosseum.co.uk

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We are delighted to present our business directory of trusted traders and supporters of #HertsCall 07539782979 if you wish to take advantage of one of the advertising options via our extensive online promotion and here in the magazine

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

Wyllyot t s Theat re

Wyllyotts Place, Darkes Lane, Potters Bar, EN6 2HN 01707 645005www.wyllyottstheatre.co.uk

Gordon Craig Theat re

Arts and Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage, SG1 1LZ 01438 363200www.gordon-craig.co.uk

Henry Moore Studios and Gardens

Dane Tree House, Perry Green, Much Hadham, SG10 6EE 01279 843333www.henry-moore.org

Stableyard Hat f ield HouseStableyard Shops, Hatfield House, Hatfield, AL9 5NF 01707 287010www.stableyardshops.co.uk

Parent s Paradise

Unit C, Greatham Rd Industrial Estate, Bushey, WD23 2NZ, 01923 249747www.parentsparadise.eu

The Music Dept

67 London Road, St Albans,01727 898300www.themusicdept.com

Rookies Day Nursery

Stevenage FC Academy, Broadhall Way, Stevenage, SG2 8RH, 01438 842233www.rookiesdaynursery.co.uk

Spit f irePR

Wheelwrights, Kimpton, Herts, SG4 8PW07539 782979www.spitfirepr.com

Odyssey Healt h Club

Old Knebworth Lane, Stevenage, SG2 8DU 01438 313320www.odysseyhealthclubs.com

Cineworld Stevenage

Stevenage Leisure Park, Kings Way, Stevenage, SG1 2UA0871 200 2000www.cineworld.co.uk/cinemas/stevenage

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For result s t oday speak t o t he communicat ion expert s at Spit f irePR

Media relat ions

Social media market ing

Market ing

Copy writ ing

Media t raining

Crisis management

For al l your mark eting and social media needs:

07539 782979

w w w .spi tf i repr.com

darren@spi tf i repr.com

@DarrenIsted1

@hashtagherts

Proud publ isher of #Herts@hashtagherts