Fun day raises funds in memory of Billy Dove

Staff at a pub in Kings Langley have raised over £1,500 for an anti-knife crime charity set up in memory of Billy Dove. On August 24, the Rose and Crown Pub on the village high street entertained locals with live music, a bouncy castle, children’s games and a barbecue. The day was organised by staff member Steven Hulme, 23, who knew Billy well. He told My Kings News why he had decided to put on the event. Steven said: “Rather than do it for something impersonal, I wanted to do it for something close to home.  It’s a way for me to show my respects really and even if it only helps save person from getting stabbed, it will all have been worth it.” Steven said he initially hoped to raise £1,500. The day raised £1,620 and the money will go to Billy’s Wish, a charity set up by Billy’s father which will be launching an education programme in schools across Dacorum from this month. He added: “I was really pleased to surpass it. Billy’s dad Paul and some of his friends came down to show some support. I’d like to say thank you to everyone who helped out – I really appreciate the support we had.” Billy Dove was murdered in Hemel Hempstead in November 2011.