November proved to be a busy month in Welwyn Hatfield, with our top stories including the sad passing of beloved Willow Foundation co-founder Megs Wilson.
1. The passing of Megs Wilson
The saddest story of the month came at the end of November, with the announcement that Willow Foundation co-founder Megs Wilson had passed away at the age of 81.
Alongside husband and former Arsenal goalkeeper Bob Wilson, Megs set up the Willow Foundation in 1999, in memory of their daughter Anna, who died of cancer aged just 31.
Since then, the charity has put on more than 20,000 Special Days for seriously ill young adults aged 16 to 40.
The charity has always had close links with our area, having been set up when the couple lived in Brookmans Park, with their offices originally based in Hatfield before moving to their current site in Welwyn Garden City.
"It is with heart-breaking sadness that we announce that Megs Wilson died peacefully at home today," read a statement from Mrs Wilson's family.
"A wonderful, inspirational wife, mother, nanny and friend, she brought joy to so many people.
"Bob, and her sons John and Robert, would like to thank all the amazing nurses from Marie Curie, Macmillan and local NHS services who have looked after Megs with such incredible care."
The thoughts of everyone at the Welwyn Hatfield Times go out to Bob, John, Robert, and the rest of the Wilson family at this difficult time.
2. Gaffer opens in the Howard Centre
Owners Ken and Sharon Biggerstaff admitted they are as "proud as punch" with their new store, saying: "What an amazing five days it’s been.
"We received the keys to our new store on Monday and with some proper old school hard graft and fantastic support from the guys at The Howard Centre we have managed to create the best Gaffer possible.
"We are totally chuffed with the results. Totally cream crackered, but proud as punch."
Selling popular brands, including Sergio Tacchini, Ben Sherman, Lambretta, Fila and Weekend Offender, they will be hoping to build on the success of their original store in Hemel Hempstead.
3. Lord William Cecil Memorial Hall land up for sale
The listing of land close to Hatfield town centre caused quite the stir in November.
Our readers had plenty to say after a site in French Horn Lane, which is home to the Lord William Cecil Memorial Hall, was listed by Space Estates with a guide price of £1.1 million.
According to the listing, the 0.228 hectare plot could "accommodate a development of 18 to 22 flats".
4. "Vile" Hatfield rapist jailed for "horrific" attack
In the first of two major crime stories in November, Stefan Keleman was sentenced to six years and nine months for raping and assaulting a women in Hatfield.
The 46-year-old, of Campion Road, was sentenced at St Albans Crown Court, and placed on the sex offenders register for life before being deported to Romania when he completes his jail time.
At around 11.30pm on Sunday, June 18, Keleman was involved in a brief conversation with a woman in Asda car park.
He then followed the woman into the town centre and punched her in the back of the head, before pinning her to the ground and raping and assaulting her.
"Keleman is a vile individual who thought nothing of raping a stranger he had just briefly met. During the attack he continued assaulting the victim by hitting, punching and biting her," said Detective Constable Jarl Thomason, from the constabulary’s Sexual Offences Investigation Team.
"This was a horrific ordeal for the victim and I want to pay tribute to her resilience throughout the court case. I hope the result provides some sense of justice."
5. Man accused of kidnapping wealthy businessman
Tianfu Guo appeared in court in November, charged with kidnap, blackmail and inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent following an alleged incident at Brocket Hall Golf Club in Welwyn Garden City on October 24.
Appearing in the dock at St Albans Crown Court and wearing grey prison uniform, the 35-year-old defendant spoke only to confirm his name through a Mandarin interpreter.
In a statement following the incident, a Herts police spokeswoman told the Welwyn Hatfield Times: "We are investigating an incident that occurred at Brocket Hall Golf Club in Welwyn Garden City, on October 24.
"It was reported that shortly after 4pm, a man in his 30s at the club was approached by a number of men. He was taken by force in an Audi which left the scene.
"The man was subsequently recovered safely and an investigation launched by the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit.
"Tianfu Guo, aged 35, has been charged with kidnap, blackmail and GBH with intent and has been remanded in custody.
"Enquiries are ongoing to identify further individuals involved.
“This is a sensitive and complex investigation that remains active at this time and as a result we cannot comment further at this stage."
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