Our Year in Review series continues with a look back at our top stories from October, including controversial plans for a solar farm at Stanborough Park and how two parents decided to join their son at university.
1. Stanborough Park solar farm plans
October saw plans submitted for a solar farm big enough to provide power to 3,000 homes across Welwyn Hatfield.
The proposal, made by J. Reddington Ltd, would see solar panels spanning 10 hectares built on land sandwiched between the A6129 to the east, and Stanborough Lake to the west.
According to the planning statement "the proposed solar farm aims to generate up to 10 megawatts of electricity, which would be enough to power over 3,000 homes in Welwyn Hatfield".
The plans have since been called in following a major objection, with plenty of our readers disagreeing with the controversial plans.
2. A family affair at the University of Hertfordshire
There was a family affair for one University of Hertfordshire student in October, after his parents decided to enrol on degree courses at the Hatfield-based establishment.
Asti Walsh started his undergraduate degree in mathematics at the university last year, and now his mother, 47-year-old Esperanza, and dad, 73-year-old Daniel, have taken up courses of their own, studying a master’s in art therapy and an undergraduate degree in psychology and sociology.
"I just thought it was the latest pipedream of theirs that would soon go away - so was positive initially," Asti joked.
"It wasn’t until their places were confirmed that it dawned on me what this would actually mean.
"I’ll probably just hide out in the maths department most of the time to avoid bumping into them, which should be good for my studies at least."
3. The sad passing of Jake Marlowe
October did bring sad news, as Potters Bar's Jake Marlowe was confirmed as being among the 260 people who died at music festival in Israel, following Hamas attacks on country.
The 26-year-old was working at the Supernova Festival in the desert near Kibbutz Re’im, close to the Gaza Strip, when militants stormed the site firing rockets.
In a statement, his parents, Lisa and Michael, said: "We are heartbroken to have to inform you the crushing news that our son Jake has been confirmed dead in southern Israel.
"Repatriation plans are being put in to place, more information will follow. Please respect our privacy at this most devastating time."
Mr Marlowe moved to Israel in 2021 and was living in Ma’alot, where he was employed as a carpenter.
4. Poundland comes to Welwyn Garden City
There was exciting business news for Welwyn Garden City, with the announcement that a Poundland store would be coming to the town.
Signs confirming the store will be "opening soon" appeared in the window of the former Debenhams store in Stonehills, which had stood empty since the department store closed in 2020.
Poundland is now open, and has proved popular among Welwyn Garden City shoppers.
5. Residents hide from man with metal pole
October also saw a scary incident for some Welwyn Garden City residents, who were forced to hide in shops after a man with metal pole threatened and chased people.
Officers were called to Shoplands at around 9.19pm on Saturday, October 21, following reports of a man threatening several people with a metal pole.
No injuries were reported, and the suspect reportedly left the area in a Range Rover-style vehicle.
Residents in Shoplands reported being locked in shops for their own safety during the incident.
"We were locked inside the shop. I only saw him quickly as I was waiting outside when some teenagers ran past screaming," read a post in the Welwyn Hatfield Unhinged Facebook group.
"My friend who was in the shop called me to get inside and they locked the door."
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