Village Life Hitchin Issue 55 February 2014

VillageLife Lifestyle | Business | Community www.villagelifemag.com

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ISSUE 54 : FEBRUARY 2014

LAURENCE LLEWELYN BOWEN COMES TO WELWYN The origin of Valentine’s Day The Globe, Codicote

PLUS LOCAL BUSINESSES SHOWCASED • Codicote • Kimpton • Whitwell • Preston • Breachwood Green • Graveley • Little Wymondley • Great Wymondley • St. Ippolyts • Gosmore • Knebworth • Welwyn Village

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WELCOME TO FEBRUARY! So how are those New Year resolutions going? If you are anything like Jose and I then you are doing your best but waver every now and again! Oh well onwards and upwards we can all but try.....

February is a jam packed edition with a special feature on Off Broadway Travel in Welwyn who won a national prize to have Laurence Llewelyn Bowen for the day, we were invited to meet him and have a lovely afternoon with the team and their clients. We also feature the Globe in Codicote and local business Spread & Spark. There are articles on when you should go to court, the origins of St Valentine’s Day and a recipe for Confit de Canard.

If you have a local story or run a local group which you would like us to feature then please get in touch.

Don’t forget you can find the answers to the crossword on our website – www.villagelifemag.com and we are also on Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter – @villagelifemag!

Bye for now,

Jose & Melanie

CALL US: 01438 216950 EMAIL US: mail@villagelifemag.com VISIT US AND READ THE MAGAZINE ONLINE: www.villagelifemag.com

CONTENTS 4:

Local news

6:

Wellbeing: Gaynor Dawson – Emotional Eating

JONATHAN VERNON-SMITH: PAGE 12

8-9: Business: Off Broadway Travel meets Laurence Llewelyn Bowen 10:

Lifestyle:The Witches of Eastwick comes to Hertford Theatre

12:

Lifestyle: Knowing when to go to court

RECIPE: PAGE 16

14-15: Community:The Globe 16:

Recipe: Confit de Canard

18:

Lifestyle: Saint Valentine & the 14th February

20:

Business: Spread & Spark

24:

What’s on in February/ Take a break

Where Can You Find Village Life?

Village Life Magazine has a readership of 17,500 people and is delivered to homes and businesses across 12 villages. Find us in Codicote, Kimpton,Whitwell, Preston, Breachwood Green, Graveley, Little Wymondley, Great Wymondley, St. Ippolyts, Gosmore, Knebworth and Welwyn Village.

February 2014

EDITORIAL & ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES Melanie Saavedra 01438 216950 sales@villagelifemag.com Village Life is published monthly by MJS Publishing.

01438 216950, www.villagelifemag.com © 2014 Village Life (Hitchin).Village Life (Hitchin) is an independent magazine and does not endorse the products or services that appear in the magazine. Opinions expressed in the magazine do not necessarily represent those of the editor or of Village Life magazine.

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3

LOCAL NEWS

Local Children benefit from Austin’s Charitable Fund

From left to right, Jonathan Aves (Hertfordshire Community Foundation), Jean Austin, Claire Austin, Jane Pitman (President of TRACKS) and Mervyn Terrett (Chairman of TRACKS)

Children with complex social and communication disorders were the latest to benefit from a charitable fund run by family-firm Austin’s.

TRACKS Autism is a specialist nursery for children aged between two and six years from all over Hertfordshire.

The independent funeral directors handed over a cheque for £6,319.47 to the Stevenage based nursery. These funds will be put to good use when the nursery relocates to larger premises in September. TRACKS will then be able to provide more extensive facilities for a larger number of children and their families.

Claire Austin, Managing Director of Austin’s said: “We are delighted to have been able to help TRACKS which does such a wonderful job providing a caring and supportive environment for children with autism.”

The Austin’s Charitable Fund raises money in a number of different ways including through the generosity of bereaved families who donate to it in memory of a loved one; from donations made at the annual Christmas carol service at Harwood Park Crematorium and from a percentage of Austin’s annual profits.

A different charity is chosen to benefit each year and since its inception in 2002 the fund has raised over £100,000 for local organisations.

Austin’s has branches in Welwyn Garden City, Welwyn, Knebworth, Buntingford, Hertford, Ware, Stevenage and Hitchin. It also owns and runs Harwood Park Crematorium in Stevenage.

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YOUR PERSONAL CHEF FOR THE EVENING

If you are hosting a dinner party, why not consider hiring a professional Chef for the evening?

Mike Chinnen, the new chef at The Globe in Codicote offers a Personal Chef service where he will cook a meal in your home, serve it and then clean up. He will meet with you to discuss the menu and can even run a lesson while he is cooking.

Mike has 28 years of great experience having worked at luxurious London hotels such as the Savoy and Regent Palace.

He was invited to be a Master Craftsman of the Master Guild of Chefs and is also a Fellow of the British Institute of Inn keeping.

Mike is available on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Monday evenings.

For more information, call Ella at the Globe on 01438 821 947.

Village Life | www.villagelifemag.com | tel: 01438 216950

February 2014

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WELLBEING

Emotional Eating On 1st January 2014 it’s estimated that around 2.6 million people started a diet, but 92% of them will fail to achieve their weight loss goal.

Gaynor Dawson is a Behavioural Change Coach and Managing Director of Life Practice Hitchin, this month she talks to us about emotional eating.

T

he UK diet industry is worth millions but the simple fact is diets DONT work! The problem with “going on a diet” is that at some point you are going to “come off the diet”. The word diet itself brings up connotations of deprivation and it’s a fact that telling ourselves we cannot have something automatically makes us crave it.

Emotional eating is the primary cause of being overweight. It’s easy to confuse emotional hunger with physical hunger. Emotional hunger is sudden and urgent where as physical hunger is gradual and grows. Emotional hunger results in sudden cravings, moments before hunger arrived you were thinking of something that was troubling you. Food helps you cover this up and feel good.This is known as a serotonin high and is a difficult cycle to break using will power alone.

No one is born an emotional eater; it is a learned behaviour and can therefore be unlearned. In our clinics we teach people to see their body as a computer and the brain is the nerve centre of all programs.We believe in reprogramming the brain – changing your relationship with food forever.

Initially we work with clients to help them identify their emotional eating triggers which are often founded in the past.Then we work in a holistic method looking at the person as a whole. Our successful weight loss system is based on three principles: 1. Eat Consciously An experiment in Switzerland found that by blindfolding people when eating their evening meal and instructing them to stop eating when they were full; they reduced their food intake by 30%. Simple things like slowing down

your eating, putting your knife and fork down between bites, even chewing for 15 seconds before digesting all apply and reinforce the principle of eating consciously.

Often we eat so fast our brain doesn’t’ have time to register with our stomachs we are full hence we over eat and become “stuffed.” Always eat sitting down and reduce distractions such as the TV, phone or ipad in order to savour your food consciously.We’ve come so far away from eating consciously that initially you may find it helps you to keep a food diary.

2. Eat when you are hungry Emotional eaters or yo-yo dieters lose the ability to recognise real hunger.We have to take steps to reprogramme our hunger signals. Never wait until you are starving before you eat and avoid eating if you are not hungry. If you are not sure if you are hungry then have a glass of water (as it could be thirst signals) and wait 20 minutes.

3. Stop eating when full!

It obviously goes without saying the third and final principle is stop when you are full. It’s ok to leave food on your plate.

It all sounds very simple, that’s because it is.

Stop dieting! Dieting calls on fat reserves, unbalances the body’s metabolism, and subsequently makes you feel tired and lethargic. We work on the principle that imagination is stronger than will power. So combine these three simple principles with regular exercise and you’ll find you reach your weight loss goals and have more energy too!

info@lifepracticehitchin.co.uk www.lifepracticehitchin.co.uk Life Practice Hitchin, Rear of 32 Bucklersbury (behind The George Pub) Hitchin, Herts, SG5 1BG 01462 230227 | 07714 781016 6

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February 2014

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7

STEPPING BACK IN TIME BUSINESS

OFF BROADWAY TRAVEL Meets Laurence Llewelyn Bowen

O

ff Broadway Travel is a local independent travel company which was established in 1997, they moved to Welwyn in July 2008 and have never looked back.The team have a combined experience of over 130 years in the travel industry! Tricia has 33 years, Paul 27 years, Natalie 15 years, Claire 25 years, Mark 10 years, Melanie 20 years and the newest member of the team Vicky has been in travel for a year, now that is what you call experience.

Being an independent company they are completely free to source the best deals available from any holiday provider.

Their ethos is to provide a truthful, professional and personally tailored service offering first class guidance and advice from well trained and well travelled staff.

Off Broadway entered a competition with all of the other travel agents in the UK to win a day with Laurence 8

Llewelyn Bowen.The amazing team came up with a song and produced a video so they could enter and to their great surprise they won! This prompted the team to redecorate and re-launch their “Luxury Travel Lounge”.

The lounge is used for “Travel by Appointments” which is an out of office hours service.They offer this to fit in with people’s busy lives to establish their travel desires in a relaxing environment.The lounge also features a “Beachcomber Wall” promoting their valued partnership with Beachcomber Tours, one of Laurence’s preferred holiday companies.

Only 2 days after the launch they had their first appointment where they crafted a lovely tailor made holiday to America visiting Boston, Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket and a few more places.The lounge is already getting busy with lots of appointments booked for the forthcoming weeks. Off Broadway Travel understand that their clients really want a personal service and time to sit and discuss ideas with a travel professional.

Laurence arrived for afternoon tea at the White Hart in Welwyn on Thursday 16th January along with the Mayor, local businesses and longstanding clients. A lovely afternoon tea was served at 4pm comprising finger sandwiches, pastries, scones with clotted cream and not forgetting a glass of champagne or two. Laurence was very hospitable and friendly, charming his way with the guests.

Around 5pm he gave a short speech about his love for the island of Mauritius and reminisced over his family holidays there, wetting everyone’s appetite to book a holiday to this glorious destination.The team then gave a beautiful bouquet of flowers to a very long standing client of 23 years for her loyalty to the company.The lady said she would never go anywhere else for her holidays!

At 6pm everyone braved the rain to make the short trip to Off Broadway’s office for the grand opening of the lounge.The office was overflowing with guests and more nibbles and drink were on offer.The opening ceremony was a joint effort between Laurence and Councillor Howard Morgan (Mayor of Welwyn Hatfield). Following a brief speech, the lounge was officially opened with the cutting of a ribbon. As you can see from the images the lounge is very luxurious with inspiring exotic prints and

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February 2014

VILLAGE BUSINESS LIFE

comfy couches. Laurence christened the room by signing the wall! The evening continued as Laurence posed for photographs and gave his time and attention to the guests before leaving just around 9pm.

The team at Off Broadway Travel value each and every client and they pride themselves on perfecting every holiday to the client’s specifications.Whether you are looking for a luxury bespoke holiday, an idyllic wedding or honeymoon, a family getaway or a short break, they can design your perfect vacation, find you the best possible deals and bring you exclusive offers.

Off Broadway Travel – 18-20 Prospect Place, Welwyn, Herts AL6 9EN If you would like to find out more about Mauritius, or would like Off Broadway to help create your perfect holiday, call 01438 716 200.

February 2014

Village Life | www.villagelifemag.com | tel: 01438 216950

9

LIFESTYLE

The Witches of Eastwick comes to Hertford Theatre Ware Operatic will be performing The Witches of Eastwick at Hertford Theatre from Tuesday 25th February to Saturday 1st March at 7.30pm (Saturday matinee 2.30pm).

W

are Operatic won the NODA Best Musical and Best Production awards for their production of Titanic. After a very successful Summer Concert and an acclaimed Cabaret Evening in the Ware Drill Hall their latest production promises to be even bigger.

The Witches of Eastwick began life as a novel by John Updike. It success quickly led to the smash hit film in the 1987 starring Cher, Susan Sarandon and Michelle Pfeifer, as the three ‘witches’, and Jack Nicholson, as the devilish Darryl Van Horn.

This spectacular show adapted into a musical in 2000, tells the story of what happens when three bored women from the small New England town of Eastwick wish for the man of their dreams, and then get more than they bargained for. He arrives in the form of the mysterious, charismatic Darryl Van Horne who manages to both captivate and alienate the townsfolk, bringing magic and

Award-Winning presents...

“This hugely entertaining show is full of fun, magic, dance and wonderful music, and will take you on a whirlwind journey of wicked delight”, Brian Worthington – Chairman Ware Operatic.

Tickets can be purchased from the Hertford Theatre Box Office on 01992 531500.

If you would like more information about the production, visit www.wareoperatic.org.uk or if you are interested in joining Ware Operatic onstage or off, call the membership secretary Maurice, on 01992 586456.

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A muedsiycal comto be not sed ! mis

10

mayhem to the town.A musical comedy with some great musical numbers! Features the bewitching songs Eastwick Knows, Dirty Laundry, Look at Me and the infamous Dance with the Devil.

25 February to 1 March 2014 7.30pm (Sat Mat 2.30pm) Hertford Theatre Box Office 01992 531500

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February 2014

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11

LIFESTYLE

Knowing when to go to court!

H

Thankfully most consumer disputes can be settled through effective and firm dialogue. If not, there are programmes such as mine that offer additional assistance for people who are finding it difficult to resolve their consumer complaint.

owever, some cases just cannot be resolved, no matter how hard one or both parties try.

It is for these cases that the small claims court can be very helpful.

This month, I will outline how to use the small claims court system to obtain the best results.

Firstly, DO NOT RUSH TO COURT. In my experience, judges often look unfavourably at customers who are seen to take a company to court too quickly. It makes the consumer look unreasonable which never bodes well. Therefore always try as hard as you can to resolve the complaint between yourselves first. Consider the small claims court your last resort and it is essential that you have kept a record of your conversations and correspondence.

When you reach the conclusion that (within 6 years of the dispute and for amounts up to £10,000) the company or tradesman is not prepared to resolve the problem, you must write a letter of intention. Make it clear in the letter that you have tried hard to offer them opportunities to resolve the problem and that you would like to offer them one final opportunity. Allow them one month from receipt of the letter to respond, and make it clear that if you do not hear from them, you will lodge papers with the small claims court. Send the letter recorded delivery and ensure they have received it and signed for it.

If they still show no interest in resolving the dispute, then you have an important decision to make. Will you go through with your threat of court action or not? If you decide on the former, you must go into it with your eyes open. You can always lose as well as win, however it may not cost you as much as you may think. The fee is dependent on how

much you are suing for, but this will be outlined when you proceed with the action. If you are successful, the defendant will have to pay your costs as well as the amount you are claiming for.

It is also worth noting that you do not need a lawyer to take someone to the small claims court.

It’s relatively straight forward, and as long as you’ve been reasonable and sensible in your dealings with the company or tradesman, you stand a good chance of getting a favourable judgement.

In many cases, mediation is offered as a way of agreeing a course of action. The result of this is not legally binding, and most often I would advise you to proceed with this where offered. It doesn’t prevent you progressing a case to a judge if unsuccessful. However, turning it down can made you look unreasonable.

If things go your way, the judge will award in your favour and will request that the defendant pays you a sum of money (either the whole of the amount you’re seeking, or a proportion of it). They will be given instructions as to how to pay it, and if they fail to do so, you can instruct county court bailiffs to recover the money. You can also escalate the case to the high court for a further fee and instruct the high court enforcement officers to chase your money.

Taking a company to court can be a daunting prospect, and I would always suggest obtaining advice from your local citizens advice bureau who will give you tailor-made advice on your specific case.

Good luck!

Written by Jonathan Vernon-Smith presenter of the Award Winning JVS Show on BBC Three Counties Radio.

12

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February 2014

VILLAGE LIFE

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21/11/11 09:52:14

13

COMMUNITY

THE GLOBE

115 High St, Codicote, SG4 8UA 01438 821 947 07506 744 657 facebook.com/CodicoteGlobe

T

his month we popped in to The Globe in Codicote to meet up with new landlady Ella Rowley who runs the pub with her parents Zoe and Tim.The family took over the pub at the end of last year and have a great team in place.

They are very passionate about making the pub a success, their mission is to bring this village pub back to basics, making it a homely place serving great fresh food, where everyone is welcome including dogs and ramblers.

The Globe is a Mcmullen pub serving Mcmullen Ales (Country and AK) plus a guest ale every month. Draft lagers include Fosters and Heineken and there is a selection of bottled beers and lagers.You will find a range of wines with a selection of 5 reds (including Merlot, Shiraz and Riojas), 3 whites (Pinot Grigio , Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay) and a Pinot Grigio Rose.The wines are all great quality and only £12.95 a bottle.They are on rotation 14

so you won’t always have the same drink.There is a good selection of soft drinks and mixers including juices, J20s and squashes and fruit shoot bottles for children.

The food is all homemade on the premises using fresh ingredients, the menu is seasonal and currently based around comfort food for the winter. Starters include Homemade Soup of the Day, Deep Fried Camembert with Cranberry Sauce and Creamy Garlic Mushrooms in a Puff Pastry Case; all priced at £3.95. Main Dishes include McCullens Beer Battered Fish served with Chips, Mushy Peas and Tartar sauce, Chicken, Mushroom and Stilton Pie with Mash and Globe Burger topped with Cheese & Bacon, served with Chips; all priced at £7.95. Snacks including Baguettes and Jacket potatoes are also on the menu from £4.95. A selection of homemade desserts is available on rotation including Crumbles and Rice Puddings.There is a Specials board priced around £7.95 with a range of homemade dishes on rotation such as Lamb Shank, Lasagne and Slow Roasted Belly of Pork. On a Thursday, Friday and Saturday between 5pm and 10pm you can enjoy Shirley’s Thai. Shirley comes in and uses the kitchen to cook fresh homemade Thai food which is also available for takeaway collection. A fantastic Sunday Roast

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February 2014

COMMUNITY

is available every Sunday from 12pm - 4pm offering a choice of 3 meats, (currently Beef, Chicken and Pork and sometimes Gammon and Lamb) with fresh vegetables and homemadeYorkshire Pudding and Gravy.There is a selection of Vegetarian dishes such as Cauliflower and Broccoli Bake,Vegetable Lasagne, Nut Roast and Frittatas.

Senior Citizens can enjoy 2 courses for ÂŁ7.95, smaller versions of the menu are also available as the portion sizes are on the generous side. Children can either have a smaller portion of the main menu or can have something else cooked for them. Saturday and Sunday are breakfast mornings where the Globe Big Breakfast is served from 10AM, offering 2 of everything with Coffee/Tea or Juice and toast for just ÂŁ7.95. Again smaller portions are available.

As the chef is off on a Monday, a Pot Diner is prepared for the day and snacks are also available. Chef Mike Chinnen joined last month and brings 28 years of great experience, having worked at luxurious London hotels such as the Savoy and Regent Palace. He was invited to be a Master Craftsman of the Master Guild of Chefs and is also a Fellow of the British Institute of Inn keeping.

Mike is very flexible and happy to cook something that is not on the menu if required, as long as he has the ingredients, he will make it for you. He will do his best to accommodate all requests and you can even call and pre-order.The Globe also offers a Personal Chef service where Mike will cook a meal in your home, serve it and then clean up. He will meet with you to discuss the menu and can even run a lesson while he cooks.This service is available on Thursday, Friday and Saturday and Monday evenings, call Ella to find out more.

Ella has lots of events planned for the coming months including mid week quiz nights, Live Music nights promoting local bands and much more, pop in or check the facebook page to see what is coming up.The Globe has a pool table and is part of a darts and dominos league, contact Ella if you are interested in joining.There is a great jukebox with extensive play and BT Sport showing Premiership football and Rugby matches. Finally there is a secret courtyard garden at the rear of the pub and a car park.

The Globe is open daily from 12pm - 11pm.

You can enjoy 10% off your meal and first drink during February by quoting Village Life when you order.

February 2014

Village Life | www.villagelifemag.com | tel: 01438 216950

15

RECIPE

Confit de Canard This recipe was shown to me by Mme Blanchard at Maison Charente in Tusson 16700 France where she produces some of the finest confit and foie gras produce.

I’ve adapted this recipe for home by using an oven to confit rather than traditional stove method for safety SERVES THREE

Ingredients 6 cumin seeds 12 coriander seeds 3 juniper berries 50g flaky sea salt 6 duck leg and thigh joints 1 small bunch thyme 1 rosemary branch 1 unpeeled garlic clove, sliced, plus 1 whole garlic bulb, halved About 500g duck fat, or enough to totally submerge the duck legs 2 bay leaves 1 tsp black peppercorns Sel Rose 1 tsp pink peppercorns

Method The day before cooking, put the cumin and coriander seeds in a dry pan and toast until they are slightly coloured and aromatic. Remove to a board and crush them with the blade of a knife. Crush the juniper berries and mix with the spices and the salt. Rub the mixture over the duck, scatter with thyme, rosemary and sliced garlic and chill for 24 hrs, turning two or three times as they marinate.

Next day, heat oven to 150C/130C fan/ gas 2. Wipe the duck with kitchen paper and pat dry, but don’t wash off the marinade. (The salt extracts the water from the meat cells, which will be reinflated with fat as the duck cooks gently. If you wash it, you will simply reinflate the cells with water.)

Put the duck in a cast-iron casserole and cover with the goose fat or duck fat. Add the bay leaves and peppercorns and cook for about 2½ hrs, or until the meat is almost falling away from the bone. You can store the duck very simply by placing it in a pudding bowl, covering it with the fat and keeping it in the fridge: as long as it stays covered with fat it will last for weeks.

To cook, remove the confit duck legs from their fat. Put an ovenproof frying pan on the stove until it is hot. Add the duck legs, skin-side down, and cook for 4 mins. Turn the legs and transfer the pan to the oven for 30 mins, until crisp.

Served with creamy mashed potato and seasonal vegetables.

Bon Appetit, Liam Kerrigan 16

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February 2014

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LIFESTYLE

SAINT VALENTINE & the 14th February WRITTEN BY LEIGH GOLDSMITH (LILYLAWLER@GOOGLEMAIL.COM)

I

t is estimated that Valentine’s Day can see the British public spend a massive £880 million on cards and gifts for their loved ones. According to recent studies, where 5,000 adults were interviewed, men were estimated to spend £611 million splashing out on that special someone, women, on the other hand, will spend £269 million.Whatever the monetary value, each year more and more people partake in the Valentine’s Day experience, and with the widespread use of postal services and the internet, it has never been so easy to send a Valentine card or gift to a sweetheart.

Whether it be anonymously or not, sending a Valentine card is almost as popular as sending a Christmas card.

What many people may not realize, is that Valentine’s Day is far from being a Western phenomena.Variations of the popular celebration of love are witnessed as far afield as Japan and Korea. Asian cultures have adapted the concept of Valentine’s Day and have even put their own stamp on it. In Japan, for example, it is commonplace for the female to give chocolates to their male co-workers on Valentine’s Day, a process known as giri-choco, or “obligation chocolate”.Today,Valentine’s Day is celebrated worldwide, and is seen as the one day of the year dedicated to showing the one you love how much you care. But where has this concept evolved from?

The origin of Valentine’s Day and the reason it is celebrated on February 14th is perhaps not as romantic and idealistic as we may think. It is commonly believed that Valentine’s Day is a celebration with it’s roots stemming back as far as 270 AD. Saint Valentine was a Roman priest, who lived under the rule of the Emperor Claudius II. Claudius II was a cruel Emperor who often persecuted the church and it’s followers.With Rome in decline, Claudius II decided to build a strong army to protect Rome from it’s many enemies.The problem, however, was that many of the young men in Rome were reluctant to leave their wives to go to fight. Determined to overcome this obstacle, Claudius II decided to ban weddings so that the young men would not fear deserting their wives and families. Believing 18

this to be unjust and completely against the will of God, Saint Valentine continued to perform marriages, albeit in secret. It was not long before Claudius II learned of Saint Valentine’s betrayal and immediately ordered his arrest.

While being held in prison, Saint Valentine is believed to have fallen in love with the Jailer’s daughter. On the day of his execution, February 14th, he is thought to have written her a letter and signed it, “from your Valentine”. It was this simple act which built the early foundations for Valentine’s Day as we know it.

Over the centuries, the concept of this early display of love blossomed and progressed, to become the second biggest card sending holiday of the year, after Christmas.

As for Saint Valentine, in 496 AD Pope Gelasius marked February 14th as a celebration in honor of his martyrdom.

Subsequently Saint Valentine was given the title of Patron Saint of Love. Little did he know, that his gesture that evening would create a romantic phenomenon that would last for centuries to come!

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February 2014

VILLAGE LIFE

February 2014

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19

BUSINESS

S

pread And Spark offers a full Domestic Electrical Service, Interior and Exterior Plastering including Coving and Screeding, full Bathroom and Kitchen fitting with everything from Plumbing and Fitting through to Tiling and Painting.They also specialize in full house renovations taking the job from start to finish.

The business is run by Tobie O’Dell who was a plasterer for 6 years before retraining as an electrician.

After working under someone else for a number of years, Tobie decided that he wanted to have the relationship with the customer so he started his own business. He believed his two trades would combine well, allowing him to offer a great service at a great price.

Customers can expect a professional and reliable service that always puts the customer first.Tobie is professional and enthusiast with great experience, he always turns up with a smile and a positive attitude. He has a great team behind him to

offer a complete service covering all the trades, which means he can take on jobs of all sizes.

Tobie told us, “We try to beat most quotes and our main focus is customer service, getting out to look at jobs within 24 hours and always turning up with a smile. We will fully explain everything involved at each stage of the job. No unnecessary costs are added and we tend to find that we can beat most quotes that people have been given.”

“Fab work, polite, professional and very trustworthy at a good price.

Left the house very clean and tidy afterwards.Would have no hesitation recommending him.”

“Spread and Spark plastered my entire house and did a great job. One of the best tradesmen I know.”

“I have recently employed Spread and Spark to carry out a full refurbishment of an investment property in Hertford, including project management of the whole process. I cannot praise their work and professionalism highly enough. Everything has been completed to a very high standard, on time and within budget.”

For a free no-obligation quote, call Tobie on 07506 611 049

SPREAD AND SPARK www.facebook.com/SpreadAndSpark 07506 611 049 tobie@spreadandspark.co.uk

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Village Life | www.villagelifemag.com | tel: 01438 216950

February 2014

VILLAGE LIFE

For Specialist Matrimonial Advice

JCS SOLICITORS Divorce & Separation

TOBIE O’DELL

Cohabitation Children

EXPERIENCED PLASTERER & NAPIT REGISTERED ELECTRICIAN · · · · · ·

Full Domestic Electrical Service Interior and Exterior Plastering Coving & Screeding Kitchens & Bathrooms Professional & Reliable Service Never charging more than is needed

“Fab work, polite, professional and very trustworthy at a good price. Left the house very clean and tidy!”

Call Tobie on 07506 611 049 tobie@spreadandspart.co.uk

 We are a niche firm who provide a supportive and personal service during the stressful experience of divorce and family separation.

We cover Herts & Beds.

Tel: 01438 820 946 www.jcssolicitors.co.uk Hill House, 1 St Albans Rd, Codicote, Herts, SG4

Deep Cleaning plus Fast Drying for Upholstery, Carpets, Leather Cleaning Amtico & Karndean Floors Cleaned, Carpets & Fabric Protector Leather Renovation, Burn Retufting, Oriental Rugs & Curtains Specialist Recommended By Leading Retailers, Insurance Companies & Other Cleaners!

Professional, Reliable & Good Value for Money 25 years experience Courteous & Uniformed Operatives - not a Franchise We operate in Stevenage, Hitchin and the surrounding areas

74 High Street, Codicote, SG4 8XD

www.cleaningneeds.co.uk

February 2014

To advertise in The Hitchin Village Directory p 21

Village Life | www.villagelifemag.com | tel: 01438 216950

VILLAGE LIFE

Hertfordshire’s Premier Travel Service Airport Direct Cars provides a quality private hire car service at affordable costs, using a modern fleet of Saloons & MPVs (up to 8 seats) for business or private travel.

All drivers are fully licensed and we are very experienced in organising transport solutions for meetings & conferences. Single or multi person travel can be arranged giving you the total visibility on all transfers and costs.

Airport Transfer Departures & Arrivals Corporate & Business Journeys Frequent Flyer & Regular Run Service

Contact us for competitive prices on all your travel requirements or to open a business account. Telephone: 01438 812615

Sea Port Departures & Arrivals

Get your holiday off to a stress-free start and avoid paying for ever increasing car park charges. We offer competitive rates without compromising on quality of service.

Wedding Parties & Social Events Sporting Events & London Theatre Trips Discreet, Friendly Service All major credit and debit cards accepted

01438 812615

www.airportdirectcars.co.uk Airport Cars Direct HP 0111 2.indd 1

Are you a local Nail Technician looking for more business?

Village Life is looking for a reliable Nail Technician to advertise in the magazine.

If you would like to come on board and advertise your company to 17,500 readers each month, we will offer low advertising rates.

Contact Melanie on

01438 216 950

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20/01/2011 10:09

Need help with your PC?  All your computer problems solved  Friendly, affordable, jargon free service  Training and advice provided  Website design and hosting  Home and small business specialists  Local company, fast response time  We guarantee NO FIX NO FEE

Call now on: 01438 833 671 spectrum IT support Solving your IT problems

info@spectrumITsupport.co.uk www.spectrumITsupport.co.uk

Village Life | www.villagelifemag.com | tel: 01438 216950

February 2014

VILLAGE LIFE

Build a brighter future for your child Kip McGrath’s qualified teachers create individual tutoring programmes for your child, using proven Kip McGrath methods of tuition.

Maths Reading Call today English Spelling for a FREE Comprehension assessment STEVENAGE • 01438 365467 19-21 Middle Row, Stevenage SG1 3AW

Andrew Sinclair ELECTRICIAN

All domestic electrical work undertaken from a socket to a rewire 20 years experience City & Guilds qualified

Kitchens Bathrooms Fusebox changes l

Call for a free quotation Tel: 01438 832 673 Mob: 07796 648 930

127 High Street, Kimpton, Herts, SG4 8QN February 2014

kipmcgrath.co.uk/stevenage

FENCING SN MAINTENANCE

All Your Fencing Needs Supplied & Fitted Free Estimates Council Approved Hedge Cutting Garden Maintenance Friendly & Reliable Service

Call Simon on 07971 860 135 / 01707 326 366

Village Life | www.villagelifemag.com | tel: 01438 216950

23

WHAT’S ON

What’s on in FEBRUARY...

Tues 18th - Thurs 20th Feb, 2.30pm, Sessions start at 11.00, 11.15, 1.15 and 2.30 Half term school holiday activities, Mill Green Mill and Museum, AL9 5PD

Wed Feb 26 - Thu Feb 27 | 26th - 10.00am, 1.00pm & 4.00pm; 27th - 10.00am, 1.00pm & 4.00pm Peppa Pig’s Big Splash at Gordon Craig Theatre, Stevenage Arts and Leisure Centre, Stevenage SG1 1LZ

Fun activities for children aged 4+. Tues - Make a moving dragon puppet / Wed - Design and create your own dragon model from clay / Thurs – make a stunning handprint dragon picture. Please arrive at the start of the session as you will need a full hour to make your creations! £3 per child.

Peppa Pig returns live on stage with super cute puppets and brilliant sing-a-long songs in this brand new show. Call 01438 363200 or visit www.gordon-craig.com

Thurs 20th Feb, 10.30am - 1pm Be creative with science! British Schools Museum, 41/42 Queen Street, Hitchin SG4 9TS Science-based half-term family activity day. Cost £4 per child including materials, Adults Free. Activities suitable for ages 5 & upwards.

Drop in between 10.30am & 1.00pm.

Thurs 20th Feb, 2.30pm Old MacDonald had a Farm, Hawthorne Theatre, The Campus, W.G.C AL8 6BX Fun filled farmyard tale brings to life all the best loved characters from the original nursery rhyme along with a magical medley of games, giggles and sing along songs. Call 01707 357117.

Tuesday 25th Feb, 8pm HMWT - Mid Herts Local Group – Evening Meeting Howlan Baptist Church, The Commons, W.G.C AL7 4RS Hear about the work of the South East Group of the Marine Conservation Society with a beautiful photographic presentation. For further information contact Penny 07761712245. £3 for funds.

Tues 25th Feb – Sat 1st Mar, Performances start at 7:30pm (Sat. Matinee 2.30pm) The Witches of Eastwick at Hertford Theatre, The Wash, Hertford SG14 1PS Ware Operatic Society will be performing The Witches Of Eastwick at Hertford Theatre. Box Office 01992 531500.

Sunday 2nd Mar, 1pm Postman Pat Live at Gordon Craig Theatre, Stevenage Arts and Leisure Centre, Stevenage SG1 1LZ With songs Laughs and audience participation, together with brand new scenery and costumes, this is a must see show for 3-6 year olds.

Call 01438 363200 or visit www.gordon-craig.com

Sunday 2nd Mar, 10am Enjoy British wildlife on a 10 Mile Ramblers group walk around Old Welwyn.

Contact Roger Smee 07896 62024.

GET YOUR EVENT LISTED FOR FREE HERE, EMAIL: mail@villagelifemag.com or call us on 01438 216 950

Take a Break…

ACROSS

DOWN

3. Huge (5)

1. Cotton cloth (6)

7. Image capture device (6)

2. Blood feeding insect (6)

8. Fine clay (6)

3. Style of music (4)

9. African animal (5)

4. Gumbo (4)

12. Cancel (slang) (5)

5. Receptacle (6)

14. Sailing ship (5)

6. Second rate (6)

15. Device for maintaining orientation (9)

10. Obsessive self-admirer (9)

16. Rocket launcher (7)

13. Antiques (7)

17. The end of the day (7)

14. Vegetable (7)

19. Recall the past (9)

18. Brimmed hat (6)

22. Troubles, annoys (5)

19. Fall back (6)

23. Hirsute (5)

20. Young bird (6)

24. Doughy cake (5)

21. Trifles (6)

26. Irritating (6)

24. Starchy cereal (4)

27. European peninsular (6)

25. Leave (4)

11. Decline in business activity (9)

28. Beginning (5)

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Village Life | www.villagelifemag.com | tel: 01438 216950

February 2014

VILLAGE LIFE

Village Tree Services Village Tree Services

Professional Tree Care Services All Aspects of Tree Work Undertaken Fully Qualified and Insured Logs Available







Tel: 01462 435 873 Tel: 01462 435 873 Mobile: 07717 744274 Mob: 07717 744 274

HOME APPLIANCE REPAIRS

Village Tree Services 0310 QP.indd 1

Sash Window Specialists

Full Window Refurbishment Draft Proofing Major & Minor Repairs Double Glazing Existing Sashes City & Guilds Qualified We aim to conserve as much of your original window as possible 01438 833354 07923 954860 www.hertssashwindowrepair.co.uk info@reevesandholdsworth.co.uk

February 2014

22/02/2010 13:46

To advertise in The Hitchin Village Directory p

Repairs of Washing Machines, Tumble Dryers, Electric Cookers & Ovens and all domestic appliances.

Specialist in Hotpoint, Indesit, Ariston, Creda and Whirlpool.

SHIRON DOMESTIC APPLIANCES

Tel: 01438 720304

Mobile: 07739 922493

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25

SHOWCASE

Stacey’s Walkies Not enough hours in the day to walk your dog?

Use a professional, fully insured dog walker with 20 years experience.

CALL STACEY ON

01438 487 465 07799 836 795

Want to kick your computer?

CALL Mike for a FREE consultation

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while you are away fed & spoilt rotten

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& pictures sent to you

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A RELIABLE WINDOW CLEANER

REGULAR ANNUAL SERVICING COMMISSIONING • BREAKDOWN SERVICE

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Major Manufacturers.

codicotecatcare@icloud.com

• NHS & Private Flu jabs available here

ESTABLISHED 1968

An Independent Oil Boiler Maintenance Company Offering: -

•Y our animal will be

• FREE prescription collection from any surgery • FREE home delivery of medication & shopping • Passport photos & digital processing

10/05/2010 18:41

OIL BURNER SERVICES

•G reat alternative to a cattery

07951 532633

123 HIGH ST, CODICOTE, SG4 8UB 01438 821418

Telephone: 07889 056172 michael.ray@codicoteonline.co.uk

CODICOTE CAT CARE Home feeding service for cats & small animals

CODICOTE PHARMACY

COMPUTER PROBLEMS

01438 355583 / 07831 364607 www.jordanoil.co.uk

01438 216 950

SHOWCASE BOX ADVERT

SPECIAL OFFER!

NEED MORE CLIENTS?

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS HERE AND GET NEW ENQUIRIES! 3 MONTHS ADVERTISING JUST £60 INCLUDING DESIGN OF ADVERT CALL MELANIE ON 01438 216 950 26

Village Life | www.villagelifemag.com | tel: 01438 216950

February 2014

VILLAGE LIFE

ST PAUL’S WALDEN SCHOOL Come and see our School in Action!

If you are looking for a school place for September 2014 we warmly invite you to view our school and meet our amazing children and staff.

Our children enjoy:

• An action packed curriculum and exciting Enrichment sessions • Inspirational teaching • Small classes and a high staff ratio • Excellent learning facilities • Enjoyable Forest School sessions • Specialist music and sports facilitators • Excellent KS2 results – English Level 4: 100%, Maths Level 4: 92% “Pupils’ enthusiasm and excellent behaviour contribute to their good achievement.” Ofsted, 2011 St Paul’s Walden School is situated in the village of Whitwell. Our pupils come from Whitwell village, the nearby towns of Hitchin and Letchworth and surrounding villages. We are only a 10 minute drive from Hitchin, Stevenage, Harpenden and Luton.

To book an appointment to visit our school, please contact us.

Telephone: 01438 871241; Email: admin@stpaulswalden.herts.sch.uk Find out more about our school at www.stpaulswalden.herts.sch.uk

February 2014

Village Life | www.villagelifemag.com | tel: 01438 216950

27

James Howe Landscapes Design

Construction

Maintenance

Design Services Grass Cutting Planting Turfing Drainage Garden Clearance Brickwork Tree Work Hedge Reductions Patios Driveways Fencing Decking Rockeries Water Features Free quotation and advice.

With James Howe Landscapes, you are guaranteed a friendly, reliable and quality service.

M: 07787 517372

T: 01438 820148

jameshowelandscapes@btinternet.com