Image © David Long, Harlequin Photography
FREE TO PICK UP !
Air to air heat pumps work in a similar way to air to water
Greensource air to air features and benefits:
SAVE SAVE heat pumps, but instead of generating hot water, the heat
from the compressed refrigerant solution is turned into hot
air by the indoor unit which is distributed into the property. In addition, Greensource air to air heat pumps can also operate as an air cooler during warmer months and advanced air purification technology is particularly
• Energy efficient – efficiency of up to 500% with a CoP of up to 5
• Compact design requiring only an outside wall • Suitable for a wide variety of property types, including apartments and conservatories
• Quiet operation • Easy to install and maintain by a qualified
beneficial to allergy sufferers.
Air to air heat pumps are an attractive alternative where
external space is limited as they require nothing more than a suitable outside wall, making them ideal for a wide range of property types, including apartments and smaller homes.
refrigeration engineer
• Can be used to provide cool air in the summer • Active Ion-technology air purification technology, ideal for allergy sufferers
• Inverter technology – modulates with high demand,
The indoor unit is designed for quiet operation and the
ON
to read LCD display.
ELECTRICITY COSTS
making it more effective
ON GAS OR OIL COSTS
system is operated using a remote control with an easy
• Low maintenance • Comprehensive 2 year* warranty
* Terms and conditions apply
The Greensource air to air heat pump outdoor unit
The Greensource air to air heat pump indoor unit
We are local consultants for the largest installers of solar electric (PV) systems in the South East. We can visit your property to advise you of the best system for your property and the financial benefits of having that system installed; these include the savings on your electric bill and the Government incentive. You will be paid for generating electricity for 25 years, and the system can pay for itself within 10 years when considering the constant rises in the cost of electricity from your supplier. Our exclusive panels come with a 25 year performance warranty and are made in the United Kingdom, therefore ensuring they suit the British climate.
Greensource air to air heat pump remote control
Our solar system installers also install Worcester Bosch Air14 to-Air Heat Pump systems. This product helps you reduce your heating bills as it runs off electric, and not the more expensive gas or oil. Savings can be in the region of 70% on your heating costs. An Air-to-Air Heat Pump system can produce 5 times more heat than the electrical energy it uses, and in warmer months the operating process can be reversed to provide cooling air. There are also health benefits due to the unique active air purification feature which neutralizes airborne bacteria, viruses and allergens which is particularly beneficial to Asthma and Hay Fever sufferers.
This information is for guidance only. We always recommend you consult a qualified installer. More technical information can be found on page 27.
SAVE MORE
DISCOUNT GIVEN ON AIR-TO-AIR WHEN PURCHASED WITH A PV SYSTEM!
GO GREEN - AND SAVE MONEY AT THE SAME TIME! PLEASE CHECK OUR WEBSITE FOR ALL OUR OTHER SERVICES.
Call:
07547 828352 (mobile) or 01923 235989 (24hr answerphone)
Email: mjwp@ymail.com Web: www.mjwp.biz
Over a thousand people enjoyed the fifth and final Strictly Come Hospice “Grand Finale” event staged by Watford’s Peace Hospice in February at the recently refurbished Colosseum. The judges were ‘Strictly Come Dancing’s’ Andrew Cuerden, Melanie Hooper from ‘Dancing with the Stars Australia’ with Paul Alex and Fay Knight from Watford’s famous Moonglow Dance Studio.
Banner display logo for use on light backgrounds
Strictly The Last
From the Editors Desk Thanks for reading your local flea magazine - whether on paper or on screen with one of our four on-line versions. In this edition, John Canavan from the Gloworm Autocentre brings you the 3rd Gloword, a crossword puzzle with a bottle of champagne for the winner. We also take a look at renewable energy as well as ways to re-energise yourself and help relieve the many stresses of modern life - and a free voucher to start.
An added bonus was the surprise appearance of Dancing on Ice star Chico. Our cover picture by renowned local photographer David Long captures Grand Finalists and winners of the 2011 competition Adam Meehan and Claire Cameron. Jive winners and overall champions in the Grand Finale were Caroline Roche and Jeff Salmon, while the trophy for the Cha Cha Cha went to Jeff Folkins and Claire Carpentier. The Peace Hospice provides a wonderful service to our community. Why not donate to show your support at virginmoneygiving.com ? There’s a direct link to their fundraising page in the web versions of this edition. Or get involved in their fundraising events - there’s something for everyone, from coffee mornings and concerts to marathons and even a Himalayan trek! See the full events list at http://peacehospice.co.uk/event.asp Finally, ladies - don’t forget the annual Starlight Walk on 23rd June. Get exercising!
As summer approaches, we look forward to welcoming our fifth business studies intern from France, this year an eighteen year old girl who will need an Englishspeaking family host in the Watford area for about 10 weeks. If you think you can help or need more information, please get in touch. Please support our advertisers - and let us have your feedback. Remember you’ll find lots more on our website: www.watford.theflea.co.uk
Tel: 01923 731160
email: watford@theflea.co.uk www.watford.theflea.co.uk
Ed The Watford Flea Magazine Is published by flea ltd Watford Printers Building 58 Vicarage Road Watford. WD18 0EW
The opinions expressed by contributors do not necessarily represent the views of flea ltd and therefore we do not accept any liability to the same..
publicity for business • Are you launching a business? • Are you looking for help with media strategy? • Have you plans for growth that need implementation? • Perhaps you need to refresh your branding?
If so, why not call us for a no obligation discussion on how we may be able to help ‘make a difference’ to your business, or take a minute to visit our blog, http://charliekenny.wordpress.com
Tel . 07804 038570 Shop Window … Marketing Services … Business Planning … Growth Consultancy
www.watford.theflea.co.uk
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Moore Solicitors
Tricked by Tesco? Scammed by Sainsbury? Conned by the Co-op? Remember the days when grocery shopping was simple? The corner shop was always more expensive than the supermarket and the bigger the supermarket, the cheaper the prices. The bigger the box you bought the cheaper it was. As a rule, prices of identical goods in similar sized shops were not that different - maybe just a few pence here and there. No longer! Prices for everyday items can vary by 70% and more which if you’re buying half a dozen of the same item can mean a very substantial saving - but only if you pick the right shop on the right day! Layouts were designed for our convenience, with everyday items like bread, milk, butter and eggs conveniently near the front so you could just “pop in” to grab those essentials. Now, without exception, you have to trek to the back of the supermarket to find a loaf of bread, conveniently ensuring that you walk past all those apparently tempting “Special Offers” that don’t always turn out to be quite as “special” as the coloured labels would have us believe! And doesn’t it make you mad that, no sooner have you learnt where stuff is, they move it somewhere else? Fed up with hiking round miles of aisles, we’re off to patronise our local shops - at least some still survive and we get a friendly greeting while saving shoe leather and the environment! Check out the extended version of this article on our website with real-life examples of how big supermarkets confuse us into believing we’re getting good value - and how to fight back!
M
are Watford’s Specialist Advisors on Employment Law for Employees & Employers Principal Harsha Moore explains: What’s new in Employment Law? The Government wants to make many changes.You may have heard Vince Cable, the Business Secretary, detailing these in November 2011. Three important ‘changes’ are highlighted below. • Increasing the years of service an employee has to work from 1 to 2 years before being able to make a claim of unfair dismissal (UFD) If you’ve been employed for less than two years you won’t be able to make a claim of UFD unless under one of the exceptions. This may reduce numbers of UFD claims but may increase discrimination claims used to avoid the 2 year rule. • Charging a fee Currently an individual does not need to pay any money to start a claim. Introducing a payment system may deter some people. • Use of ACAS prior to starting the claim ACAS is a statutory body set up to conciliate matters between individuals and employers. Under this change an individual will have to be heard by ACAS conciliators first. That may reduce the numbers of claims but could cause confusion, time delay and a further strain on ACAS resources. It could also cost both parties more money.
M
article is for general information O O This RE O O R only; E if you have a
SOLICITORS specific query Syou O should L I Cobtain I T Olegal R Sadvice.
M
OORE solicitors
Parade House 135 The Parade • High Street Watford • WD17 1NA
Moore T Harsha 01923 238 427 M 07930 968 788 Solicitor E harsha@mooresolicitors.co.uk W www.mooresolicitors.co.uk Moore Solicitors is regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority under registration number 554702. Information sourced from Law Society Gazette, 1 December 2011.
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www.watford.theflea.co.uk
THE ABBOTS LANGLEY PLAYERS Presents A farce by Ray Cooney.
‘Out of Order’ When Richard Willey, a Government Junior Minister, plans to spend an evening with Jane Worthington in suite 648 at the Westminster Hotel things go disastrously wrong when the discovery of a body is made in his room. Help is summoned from Richard’s PPS, George Pigdon. Things go from bad to worse for the MP and the lengths Richard will go to protect his reputation have no bounds! Performances 14th – 17th March 2012 Henderson Hall Abbots Langley, Hertfordshire. Performances start at 8pm Matinee performance 2.30 pm Saturday 17th March 2012. Box office: 0844 804 5354 Tickets: £8.00 (concessions £7.00)
ARTS DIARY Arts Expo 2012 - Radlett Centre 2nd - 30 May 2012 Exhibitors include local clubs, art galleries and more distant studios. Signed Limited Edition Prints by the late Beryl Cook OBE available to purchase.
dennis parker
art courses Mornings + Evenings Stanmore + Hatch End
Watercolours • Pen & Wash • Pastels Acrylics Calligraphy • Mixed Media
020 8381 2392 www.dennisart.co.uk
Art Exhibition in Radlett The Apthorp Gallery at the Radlett Centre is hosting yet another fine exhibition of artwork throughout March 2012 Following February’s highly successful run of My Secret View, an uplifting photographic exhibition by Roger Plummeridge, in March it showcases an eclectic and visually stunning collection of work from over thirty artists, all members of the Berry Lane Art Group. The works include brusho, oil painting, collage and watercolour and are available to purchase. Berry Lane Art Group has been in existence for over three years. The group’s tutors Gillian Blair and Frances Black encourage members to try new techniques and develop their potential in a relaxed and informal environment. There’s a different project to try every week. For more information, contact Gillian Blair on 01923 224680 or email gillian.blair@hotmail.co.uk
Sunday 27th May 2012, 10.30am - 4pm One Day Art Fair with micro-sculptor Willard Wigan attending (see watford flea edition 204)
Space² - Watford’s pop-up galleries. The latest at 69 High Street has the theme “Space” The gallery at Watford Museum features “A Sense of Place’” work by Sophie Cordery, using printed fabric as her canvas. Both open Thursday-Saturday from 10am On weekdays, see prints by Tina Reid at the Town Hall Check flea’s What’s On guide on-line for more art events in and around Watford
www.watford.theflea.co.uk
Image “Brusho Still life” by Sheila Swan
Wednesday 16th May 6pm-9pm Free “Meet the Artists” evening
5
What if you could have all the benefits of a Surgical Gastric Band, without the surgery or the cost? Well, now you can!
On Statins? You should read this! Statins, used to lower blood fat levels, are the world’s most widely prescribed drugs. Recipients are often overweight, middle aged or older with heart problems or diabetes.
By using the HypnoBand® hypnotherapy system we create a state of mind where you believe you actually have a Gastric Band fitted! You will eat small portions and feel full. The HypnoBand® system is a long-term solution to your weight problems but takes just four relaxing one hour sessions over eight days. It could change your life forever!
Monica Varo GQHP, Dip. IHP, PNLP, MNLP, TFTP T. 07772 467444 E. monica@fountaintherapy.co.uk
Like any medical procedure there can be no definite guarantees. YOU hold the key to losing weight
Statins provide huge revenues to the manufacturers, so it’s not surprising that big pharmaceutical companies have for years rebutted anecdotal reports of side effects. However, last month the FDA acknowledged that forgetfulness, confusion and increased blood sugar levels can be caused by statins! Not exactly helpful for older diabetics! We all know that no drug, whether manufactured or natural, is risk-free - so minimizing their use and checking alternative approaches for the relief of symptoms is sensible. If you’re taking statins - be aware but don’t stop taking them without consulting your GP.
£20 PER HOUR F r e e R e c o r d B o o k l e t s • T h e o r y Tu i t i o n B l o c k B o o k i n g s • E v e n i n g s a n d We e ke n d s
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o r 0 7 7 6 5 1 6 2 8 9 0 / 0 7 7 1 4 3 0 1 3 5 0
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Autogenic Training & Young People Autogenic Training (AT) is a structured relaxation method (learned over a 9-week period) and superb for those whose mindbody systems simply need a gentle ‘nudge’ to restoring their own balance. I love teaching AT to young people. I know they then have this remarkable method available to use for the rest of their lives. My youngest clients’ ages range from 10 - 14.
two full consecutive weeks of school and his attendance record quickly improved. An 11-year-old girl had sleep problems. Her mother decided to learn AT first, before her daughter. It was an excellent idea: the daughter never needed it, as she started to sleep. Everyone who learns AT needs motivation to bring about their own change. If that is in place, the possibilities are endless and exciting.
More information? Read the on-line version of this article at www.watford.theflea.co.uk/magazine or visit A 10-year-old girl had had some occasional bullying problems. She did Jane’s website.
* we do not support the use of plastic pa
M 07789 620825
Please call to discuss your personalised requirements, designed for your style, budget and location. you and your guests or clients a wide range of menus, services and styles. We are happy to include complimentary assistance in sourcing qualified photographers, florists, special event equipment or even a location for your event. Whether you are planning an intimate evening for friends, a fully appointed Wedding, or a high profile Corporate Event, we will work to ensure that it is a complete success.
Jane Bird
01923 675501 jane@autogenic-therapist.co.uk www.autogenic-therapist.co.uk
MCaJterTing
OFFICE FUNCTIONS CORPORATE HOSPITALITY WEDDINGS - PARTIES FUNERALS - CHRISTENINGS
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Monday, 7:30 - 8.30pm
01923 351421 M 07789 620825 Parkgate Youth & Community WW.MJTCATERING.CO.UK
Centre, Southwold Road, North Watford
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M J T bring delicacies to the boardroom or whol sandwiches and light snacks for those on the go All our food is freshly sourced, locally prepared a presented in bio-degradable paper materials sou from sustainable forests*
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A 13-year-old boy suffered ‘school phobia’. Constantly ill with real yet minor complaints, he had attended a full week of school only a few times since the age of eight. His mother, who had learned AT in a group – sent her son for individual sessions. By the end of our working time together he had already attended
Caterers of Distinction
a shortened AT course, found she could strengthen her own resolve and started making friends. She didn’t need to change schools.
MOBILE
01923 351421 07789 620825 www.mjtcateringwatford.com
Wednesday, 10.00 - 11.00am Bernays Memorial Hall, The Broadway, Stanmore Open to all Levels Price from £6.50 (if course booked in full) Please call for more information
07917 026 648 Also available: Yoga in the workplace, Private sessions, Yoga parties...
www.blueskyyoga.co.uk www.watford.theflea.co.uk
Be Rejuvenated & Energised Stressed, Traumatised, Overworked, Unwell? Just need to be pampered?
Barbara Brennan Healing & Reiki To support your wellbeing
Call Seema. 07894 761 302 www.sacredhealing-journeys.com
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How would you like to Thrive? Tania Clarke explains that positive changes in the way we think improve the way we feel and react as well as how we are perceived by others. At home and at work it is not uncommon to feel backed into a corner. Often, people see 3 ways out: fight, flight or freeze.
tears flow… again. Perhaps you’re caught like a rabbit in the headlights: your mind is empty and you’re rooted to the spot.
You want to be assertive, but you can’t find right response at the time.
It doesn’t have to be that way. Other people react differently. Some will even turn the situation into an opportunity. So why can’t you?...
Overwhelming emotion floods the body. Words or things may be flung about aggressively, or perhaps, feeling completely deflated you say: “OK, Fine … I’ll do it!”, or the The problem is, once you’re in that corner, you don’t feel like you have many (or any) options. You’ve been there before. You know how it works. There’s no way out. Not a way out that you can take. Other people can take the opportunity
You can. Yes. You can! because they’re ‘in with the boss’ or they have the ‘gift of the gab’. You couldn’t do that.
Why not?
It’s because you follow a pattern of behaviour that you’re not in control of.
Once you understand why, and how you can change, your confidence grows and new possibilities open up. Last year I worked with Sophie who called herself ‘the serial quitter’. Using the Thrive Programme, Sophie learnt to recognise the cycle of behaviour she was caught in, the thinking habits that affected her in different situations.
Afterwards, Sophie wrote: “The Thrive Programme is very different in its approach and helps you understand your own personality and thinking style before helping you change your thinking in a positive and empowering way. I was fortunate to have sessions with my Thrive Consultant, Tania. She helped me immensely as she challenges your thoughts and adds a different perspective. She is If you, like Sophie want to break through your normal thinking habits and achieve the changes you want in your life, then give me a call on 07717 410 910 or email Tania@thrivewatford.co.uk. We’ll arrange a free initial consultation in Watford or Bushey. There’s no obligation. We’ll take about 45 minutes to discuss what you want to achieve and how I can help. If you want to, we’ll arrange an appointment for your first session. Mention this article and get that first session for half price. www.thrivewatford.co.uk 8
professional, enthusiastic and empathetic, putting you at ease effortlessly. I now feel much more confident and relaxed with higher self esteem and the determination to set goals and achieve them. The best thing is knowing I have the choice and the power to change...” Tania has 25 years’ experience in delivering major organisational change. She now enables individuals and partnerships to make the changes they want in their lives. Professor David Haslam, CBE said “Having worked with Tania Clarke over several years in the Healthcare Commission and Care Quality Commission I have been extremely impressed by the quality of her work, her sensitivity and her commitment to improving people’s lives.”
call on 07717 410910 email tania@thrivewatford.co.uk www.watford.theflea.co.uk
It’s Jubilee Year... So Fly the Flag
But please get it the right way up!
Dave Henderson Managing Director
tel 01923 220 541 fax 01923 212 216 mobile 07753 748 442 email dave@connorlocksmiths.com website www.connorlocksmiths.com
‘WATFORD’S FRIENDLY LOCKSMITH’ 58 Leavesden Road, Watford, Herts WD24 5EE Providing we forget the state of the economy and the efforts of Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond, 2012 is a great year for the Nation of the United Kingdom marking Queens Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee, the Olympic Games, the success of Adele and the opening of the Harry Potter experience at Warner Brothers in Leavesden, as well as the 10th Anniversary of flea magazine’s first edition!
Parv Walling ADI
Driving Instructor DSA approved, fully insured tel: 01923 244486 email: parv@parv.co.uk web: http://parv.co.uk
Pass with Parv!
Editors Wanted Editors Wanted
But that’s not the case with our national flag, the Union Jack. It is asymmetrical in both vertical and horizontal planes, so there’s only one correct way to fly it - with the broad white band at the top nearest the flagpole!
For local magazines with strong on-line presence For local magazines with strong on-‐line presence •Work from home
* Wyour ork from home •Be own boss
Banner display logo for use on light backgrounds
* Be your own boss
Enquire without obligation Enquire without obligation email: ed@fleauk.com
email: ed@fleauk.com phone: 08008 565686 phone: 08008 565686 01923 731160
Many patriotic types will be flying flags to celebrate. The English who choose to fly the flag of St George needn’t worry, because that flag is entirely symmetrical - it looks the same whichever way up it’s flown and from whichever side it’s hung.
your
Flying it upside down is a sign of distress - but even if you’re feeling that way, keep it to yourself and get that flag the right way up - please!
01923 731160
SPECIAL OFFER VOUCHER
tcchanges
“helping you achieve the changes you want”
NAME FREE initial consultation and one half price session of your ideal therapy Quick fix, Permanent Change or the Thrive Programme - training to be better. Redeemed www.thrivewatford.co.uk Regus House Expires : 1st June 2012 Room 308, 54 Clarendon Road, Watford WD17 1DU The Changing Room Not redeemable for cash. Redemption value not to exceed £75.00 66-70 High St, Bushey WD23 3HE Tel: 07717 410 910 Watford Leisure Centre Central Peace Prospect, Watford WD17 3HA Email: tania@thrivewatford.co.uk
JPR Electrical Services Part P Registered Installers
James Polhill Electrician m. 07590 669049 t. 01923 443270
e. jamespolhill@gmail.com www.jprelectrical.com
installations, alterations & rewires periodic inspections • landlord certificates fault finding & testing • emergency call outs
HAS YOUR PROPERTY BECOME A MAINTENANCE TIMEBOMB? Do certain building defects remain a minor problem? Or can they escalate into something more costly ?
Let us Check We’ll give you peace of mind. Our professional staff will tell you honestly what needs to be done and when. We can also help make sure the repairs are done properly by: • Survey and specification writing
Techy Corner: Is Your Smartphone Leaking? According to research by Channel 4 News, many popular Android applications are leaking your personal data without your knowledge. According to one of Europe’s leading information security research companies, a lot of the free applications in the top 50 allow advertisers to access all the areas of your phone that you have allowed the App to access.
• Contract procurement / competitive tender analysis. • Project management and Client support services.
For your FREE quotation contact: Stephen Parker M.C.I.O.B.
F.B. Eng. Chartered Builder
SRP Property Survey Solutions T. 01923 680570 M. 07985 534483 E. help@srps.co www.srp-propertysurveysolutions.com
JAC Property Consultancy Ltd Architectural Services · CAD Design Residential/Commercial Property Advice
The research company has demonstrated that a one-off App it built could send the content of text messages, call logs and address lists from a user’s phone to an advertising company!
Tony Jackson
Although you can decide what any App can access, many “Free Apps” require you to grant certain permissions as a condition of installing. You want the App - so you grant it, not realising the extent to which your personal information may then be leaked
3 Tripps Hill Close Chalfont St Giles Buckinghamshire HP8 4JZ
Viviane Reding, vice-president of the European Commission said “They’re spotting you, they’re following you, they’re getting information about your friends, your whereabouts and your preferences. That is certainly not what you thought you bought into when you downloaded a free App.” The message is clear... Be very careful what you download!
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BSc (Hons) MRICS Tel/Fax: 01494 583600 Mobile: 07779 653101 Email: jac.consultants@ntlworld.com
01923 608600
email : info@phoneus.co.uk
VoIP • TELEPHONE LINES • BROADBAND HARDWARE • SOFTWARE www.watford.theflea.co.uk
Urban Myths No Job No Cry
Despite the fact that there is no evidence that the Loch Ness Monster exists – some people still believe that ‘Nessie’ is real. So it doesn’t surprise me that I constantly meet people who believe another ‘urban myth’ - that they are a ‘common law wife’ and will automatically inherit their partner’s estate if their partner dies before them.
If you haven’t legally married your partner or undergone a ‘civil partnership’ ceremony and your partner hasn’t made a Will, then you will be the same as many others who are making an assumption without checking the facts. The law of intestacy will dictate who inherits what if you haven’t made a will – for details of who this will be check out the flowchart on my website www.planetwills.co.uk/intestacy-flow-chart.pdf the result might come as a bit of a shock. Making a Will is the only way that you can be certain because a ‘common law wife’ just doesn’t exist. If you want help or advice, call Planet Wills
For many, the prospects of long-term or indeed any employment can look bleak at the moment. If you are out of work, or even if you’ve never been employed, perhaps now is a good time to consider selfemployment? That may sound counter-intuitive, but you would be in good company! Not only have many highly successful companies been started in the height of recession - like Burger King, Hyatt Hotels, Fedex, General Electric, HP and even Microsoft - but you would be in the company of many self-made peers who have never experienced nor sought the supposed security of employment - Richard Branson and Alan Sugar being obvious home-grown examples. Maybe it’s time to think well outside the proverbial box?
Shirley Batten-Smith
You can read an extended version of this article at www.watford.theflea.co.uk
01923 460 011 www.planetwills.co.uk Making the difficult easy
Bill Gates - Reproduced under license of World Economic Forum (www.weforum.org), swiss-image.ch/Photo by Severin Nowacki Alan Sugar - adapted from original Image by Damien Everett Richard Branson - Adapted form original image by David Shankbone
rplecash.co.uk www.pu
www.watford.theflea.co.uk
11
Nuclear Fusion at Home! Scientists have for years been trying to build the “ultimate” power plant by creating nuclear fusion - despite the fact that there’s a very reliable and immensely powerful nuclear fusion reactor sitting a fairly safe 160 million kilometres away the Sun! The Sun’s ability to provide energy is beyond our imagination. Only a tiny fraction of the energy it radiates arrives on Earth but, if we could capture it, then in just one hour it would provide all of mankind’s total energy requirements for a year. Not only that, but it’s mainly solar energy that gives us our weather which in turn provides other options for energy capture like wind power and hydro-electric schemes. Photocredit: Tatmouss
Technology already exists to capture the directly radiated power, using the infra red radiation to produce heat (Solar Thermal) and Photo-Voltaic (PV) conversion to convert the light energy directly into electricity using semiconductor technology. The good news for us is that it makes sound commercial and environmental sense to install such systems - particularly PV, because the peak radiation from the Sun is in the visible spectrum and there is more energy in light than heat. In our climate there’s seldom too much of the latter!
Despite reductions in the incentives offered by governments throughout Europe (and in the USA), the price of PV panels has reduced as production levels have increased. Their energy conversion efficiency has improved too. So think seriously about installing your very own “fusion powered” electrical generation system at home!
WeeklyWatford Business @ Indoor Bowls Club
‘nothing sells your business better than you’’
If you can relate to this, The Weekly Business Network may be right up your street. If so, I would like to take this opportunity to invite you along and meet a group of like minded local business men and women meeting on a regular basis for business through developed relations.
‘’people buy from people’’ The Weekly Business has a structured agenda, with weekly meetings of individual categories of business in a non prohibitive, supportive environment. We are NOT a member organisation, we do not charge membership fees, nor do we promote any business service(s) other than that of our Forum attendees. Your only liability may be the early start (7am until 8.45am) together with a fee of £10 per meeting which contributes to the venue hire and a (very good) full-English breakfast. So why not contact us to find out the best day for you and your business? Either telephone me, Matthew Bashford-Hayes on 07789 620825 or go to our website: www.theweeklybusiness.co.uk The Weekly Business @ Watford Indoor Bowls Club Rear, Woodside Leisure, Horseshoe Lane, Garston, WD25 7HH
‘watford’s premier independent business forum’ 12
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Are You Alone in Watford? ….If you’re looking for a lonely hearts club, don’t read on! You’re not alone - you’re one of more than 25,000 people who see each family edition of our little printed flea magazine - because it arrived through the letterbox or was picked it up at the local library or from one of over 70 locations in and around the town - as far afield as Radlett, Rickmansworth, Abbots Langley and Stanmore. But perhaps you found us on the internet, where we publish each edition in four versions - all fully weblinked so that on-line readers can just click to find out more about the things that interest them. Our advertisers rather like the way we offer them this powerful but FREE web coverage with extra back-links from two of the UK’s top 1500 websites just for being in the printed flea magazine! Add to that our web guide to What’s On in Watford and a growing list of local businesses searchable on our website and, whatever it is you need…you’ll find it in the flea So if you’re fed up with advertising in magazines that do nothing useful for you on-line, why not get the power of flea behind your business or event? You’ll be in good company… they’ll find you in the flea! In Print
On-Line On-Target
your
T. 01923 731 160 E. watford@theflea.co.uk W. www.watford.theflea.co.uk
family - lifestyle - education - arts
OUTSIDE THIS SUMMER? It’s time to get all those outside jobs done so you can really enjoy outdoor life this summer. New - Improve - Change - Update - Repair Patios Driveways Fencing Paths Walls Landscaping Brickwork Blockwork Foundations Groundwork ALL GARDEN MAINTENANCE WORK Let’s discuss your plans and give you a FREE Quote with No Obligation Your Satisfaction Guaranteed!
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GARSTON Computer Services Ltd
DO YOU NEED HELP WITH: • Personal Computers? • WiFi & Routers? • Internet & Internet Radios? • Networks? • Office Applications? • Internet Browsers? • Email? No problem too small, if you have any questions, please feel free to contact us. Friendly Professional Service - with o v e r 3 0 y e a r s e x p e r i e n c e i n I . T.
Contact John on 01923 440631 or 07846 717834
Much More than a Magazine www.watford.theflea.co.uk
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Gloword Champagne Prize Puzzle Post your completed puzzle to us (or attach it to an email) at the addresses shown on page 3 to arrive by 29 April 2012. Mark your envelope or head the email “GLOWORD” and include your name, address and daytime telephone number. First correct entry opened on 30 April wins. Links to competition rules and full size matrix at www.fleawin.com. 1
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14a. Start South to finish Dispatch (4)
6a. ...Bound to change diet (4)
16a. Apple appeal (4)
7a. Teds plan gone to pot (7)
17a. Be in strong wind makes end of roof (5)
8a. Tie value added tax to car repair (6)
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3a. Maximum (3 . 4)
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9a. It’s done (4)
20a. Nettles and bees do this
11a. Big mixed up foreign beer (5)
21a. Five show how to defend successfully (9)
12a. Doctor takes a higher graduate to see a play (5)
22a. Get to the sharp end (5)
1d. Investment publication showing 10d. Release spy - he acts without leaning to farm animals (9) constraint (4 . 5) 2d. Mending broken marriages (9)
13d. Pleasingly Pretty angle (5)
3d. Tip up until twisted somewhat (4)
15d. Lad wed very slowly (6)
4d. Re met at length (5)
18d. Fifty top cards which may tied (5)
5d. Not the centre of the team (4)
19d. Victory Drink (4)
7d. Trimmed communist after father (5)
20d. Upset (4)
9d. Hang loose fabric on doctor & Primate (5)
TYRES - EXHAUSTS BRAKES - BATTERIES SER VICING LASER TRACKING PUNCTURE REPAIRS COMPUTER BALANCING ELECTRONIC DIAGNOSTICS VEHICLE COLLECTION SERVICE AND DELIVERY SERVICES
Best Value in Watford • Fast Friendly Service
S A V E £ £ £ s YOUR SATISFACTION GUARANTEED!
PLEASE CALL FOR A QUOTE
TELEPHONE 01923 240599
Opening Hours Mon to Fri 8.30am -5.30pm Sat 9am-1pm
WIGGENHALL IND. ESTATE WIGGENHALL ROAD WATFORD www.glowormautocentre.co.uk
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www.watford.theflea.co.uk
come and visit
polski sklep
The demand for Polish food and drink has now made it the fastest growing ethnic food range in Britain, with success not just down to the UK Polish presence. Certain lines such as soft drinks, sweet delicacies and beer have become very popular with non-Poles.
nikus polish shop
A recent flea visit to Polski Sklep Nikus in Watford found food, which is exceptionally healthy and very tasty, lots of vegetables, prepared salads and lean meat presented in a very appealing way. Sklep Nikus is an Aladdin’s cave, with the most comprehensive range of goods imaginable, most direct from Poland at very competitive prices. Now that more people are recognising the quality of the food which, with its strong flavours and rustic nature, is quite similar to some traditional British cooking.
Cheers, it would seem, may soon be replaced by the Polish toast ...
Hi Pizza Express gh St
Jedzcie, pijcie i popuszczajcie pasa
Computer Exchange
that is ‘eat, drink and loosen your belt’.
Water Lane
Polski Sklep
Tel. 07833 045058
Ex ch an ge R
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www.watford.theflea.co.uk
Watford High St Station
162c Lower High Street • Town Centre • Watford • WD17 2EG
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CALLING ALL
LANDLORDS! ARE YOU GETTING THE SERVICE YOU DESERVE?
WHY CHOOSE US? Whether you are letting a property for the first time, or already work with an existing property portfolio, we are able to provide a professional and personal service to ensure that you achieve and maximise your investment potential. Excellent customer service and a clear charging policy are key to our business
LETTINGS PLUS PROPERTY MANAGEMENT SERVICES can provide you with the following:
• Very competitive rates – full range of packages
• Out of hours viewings/valuations with informed representatives
• Free Rent Guarantee! (terms & conditions apply)
• Extensive local knowledge
• On-line interactive tenant referencing
• Excellent customer service
• Waiting Tenants!
• Nationwide marketing - Rightmove, Find- a-Property & Primelocation
LETTINGS PLUS PROPERTY MANAGEMENT SERVICES also specialises in residential block management and the Plus features are:
• Cost reduction
• Proactive supplier management
• Hosting committee meetings
• Commitment to quality and finish
• Extensive network of trusted local accredited suppliers
• All work undertaken fully inspected and audited
FOR A FREE VALUATION, OR FOR MORE INFORMATION ON OUR PRODUCTS & SERVICES, PLEASE CALL ON
01923 608636 / 01727 228622 or Email to info@lettings-plus.com Visit our website at www.lettings-plus.com