THERE was plenty of cause for celebration in July, with the arrival of the Olympic flame, a popular music festival, and plans for a multi-million pound entertainment venue.

• OLYMPIC fever hit Comet country, when the torch came to Stevenage and Letchworth GC.

Thousands of spectators turned out, despite soggy conditions, to see the Olympic torch pass through the two towns.

Twelve-year-old torchbearer Luca Wells said the occasion was “exciting and happy”.

• A GOOD samaritan came to the aid of a woman who went into cardiac arrest in a Hitchin shop.

Claire Pearce, an employee at Next, saved the life of a 78-year-old woman, resuscitating her after she stopped breathing. She said: “I’m just glad I was able to do something to help.”

• A FIRE which broke out at Fairlands Valley Park could be seen from miles away.

The blaze was caused by broken glass which reflected the sun’s rays.

Families enjoying one of the hottest days of the year fled after the fire broke out.

Bystander Sarah Phillips said flames were “10 foot high”.

• PLANS for a multi-million pound arts centre in Letchworth GC were announced.

The possibility of building a facility at Plinston Hall was put out there by the Heritage Foundation.

A consultation is expected next year.

• A CAFE was told it could not sell hot bacon sandwiches because of licence restrictions.

Cafe Moka in Stevenage Indoor Market could not sell a BLT in a sandwich – but could in a bap – due to restrictions imposed by the borough council.

Those restrictions were in place to “avoid direct competition” between stalls.

• THE Comet launched a campaign, saying no to plans to move Hitchin Town Football Club from its beloved Top Field home.

We also opposed building retail or housing on the site, and the building of a new stadium on Green Belt land in St Ippolyts.

The saga is still ongoing.

• THREE workmen from Letchworth GC and Hitchin rescued a woman from her burning car.

Arlesey-based workers Matthew Roberts, Dean Brown and Callum Murray-Smith pulled the woman from her car just moments before it burst into flames.

Mr Roberts said: “I was just on autopilot.”

• THOUSANDS headed to Hitchin Priory for the 21st Rhythms of the World festival.

Although the festival started late because of poor weather, it didn’t stop everyone having a good time.

JuJu, The Boxettes, The Damned, Speech Debelle and Molotov Jukebox were just some of the acts.

• Check back later today (Thursday) to see what happened in August. And view July in pictures, by clicking the link above right.