Village Life Hitchin February 2012

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ISSUE 31: FEBRUARY 2012

Put a spring in your step with

The Ramblers

We talK to WelWYN BeeKeeperS aSSoCiatioN Shires Pest Control & Wildlife Management

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

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A bespoke wedding disco service from a Professional DJ, ensuring that the evening part of your wedding day is just as memorable as the rest. Your reception will be discussed in detail at a pre-event meeting providing peace of mind that everything will be perfect. We can also provide background music throughout the day, wireless microphones for speeches and be your Master of Ceremonies – guiding you through the etiquette of your special day and keeping everything on track.

“Jose was very professional and friendly and we came away from the pre-event meeting feeling completely confident our wedding would go well. On the day, Jose did a superb job!”

“I highly recommend MJS events for anyone needing a wedding DJ. Jose listened carefully to our requirements and delivered on all of our requests.”

Call Jose on 07734 387 478 mail@mjsevents.com www.mjsevents.com

WELCOME TO FEBRUARY February brings us Valentine’s day on the 14th, if you are stuck for ideas for gifts then you should visit Lotty at Peony Florist and Gift Shop, she has a great selection of flowers and gifts in her shop on Codicote High Street.

You could also enjoy a meal at The Station in Knebworth or a curry at our favourite Indian restaurant, Codicote Spice.

In addition to our usual features, we’ve got some great local stories for you this month. If you have a story that you would like us to feature then please get in touch.

We are always pleased to hear feedback or any ideas on how we can improve the magazine. Don’t forget you can now find the answers to the puzzles page on our website each month – www.villagelifemag.com Please email us with details of your local events so we can list them for you for free in the what’s on section.

CALL US: 01438 216950

Bye for now,

EMAIL US: mail@villagelifemag.com

Jose & Melanie

CONTENTS 4:

Local news

6:

Wellbeing: Marilyn Tuck – Enjoying the open road...

VISIT US AND READ THE MAGAZINE ONLINE: www.villagelifemag.com WELWYN BEEKEEPERS: PAGE 14

10: Business:WKH – Funding for small businesses 12: Lifestyle: Employment Law – All Change For 2012 14: Community Focus:Welwyn Beekeepers Association

THE RAMBLERS: PAGE 20

18: Business: Shires Pest Control 20: Put a spring in your step with The Ramblers 28: What’s on in February/Take a Break Where Can You Find Village Life?

Village Life Magazine has a readership of 15,000 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 2012

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

01438 216950, www.villagelifemag.com © 2011 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.

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

3

LOCAL NEWS

Fundraisers Walk on Red Hot Coals to Help Local Hospice

On the 18th Feb a group of supporters will undergo training to allow them to safely walk on red hot coals burning at 121800 F. They will be doing this brave challenge to help Garden House Hospice (based in Letchworth) to raise much needed funds.

Come along to the Hitchin Priory and learn just what you are capable of. Become one of the exclusive group of people to have faced and overcome the ancient challenge of walking barefoot on Red Hot coals. The walk is open to anyone over the age of 18 who wishes to grow their confidence and break through their limiting beliefs, or simply anyone who wants to do something amazing that will make them feel wonderful. A fabulous lunch is included.

For more details visit http:// sponsoredfirewalkghh. eventbrite.co.uk/ To book contact Jon Boys on 01462 410350 or 07976 281911

4

Kimpton School teacher to publish Children’s Novel Secondary School Media Studies teacher Richard Mayers spend all his spare time writing. He moved to Kimpton in August 2010 with his wife and two children. By this time he was halfway through completing his first children’s novel, Spikez.

It’s a very different type of children’s novel: borrowing elements from classics like The Wind in the Willows and The Animals of Farthing Wood, but with a modern twist. Richard has worked hard to create a novel that appeals to the techhungry child of today; kids who are into apps and gaming.

The premise is centred on animals fused with technology. The main character is a hedgehog that is killed on the road and later brought back to life as a cyborg for the UK military. But it’s not just about a hedgehog – the novel also addresses current issues facing Britain’s wildlife.

Living in the country helped Richard focus on the characters as he is a big fan of all wildlife, especially birds of prey. He was even fortunate enough to release four rescue hedgehogs back into the wild where he lives. On his journey to work he regularly spots rare wildlife squished at the side of the road; it’s how he first came up with the idea, over twenty years ago when he was a young Devonshire lad. He used to see these creatures and think ‘What a shame. What if?’

Richard developed Spikez with an old school friend who sketched ideas and did some book layout. Last May they printed off prototype books and he has been dropping into local primary and secondary schools ever since, presenting his ideas. It’s been going down really well and he has also had scientists, ecologists and authors comment favourably on the book.

The publishing industry is highly competitive and Richard is still looking for representation, but he is over three years in and looking to self publish by the summer to satisfy the demand from children and parents – and before someone else comes up with a similar idea. He hope to visit more schools in and around the local area and would love to hear from teachers and students.

For more details, visit www.spikez.co.uk or follow @robohog on Twitter. You can contact Richard on richard@robohog.co.uk

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

February 2012

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WELLBEING

Putting your foot down and enjoying the open road

O

ur life is like a road.

Think of it as a motorway with lots of side roads.

Sometimes everything is going well and we are moving fast. Sometimes we get side tracked and end up on another motorway, other times it seems like we are way off course, have hit a bumpy road, or even a road block.

So, thinking of 2011, were you on a motorway? Was your journey planned or did it seem like a pretty aimless year? For instance if you had plotted it into your Sat Nav are you now in a different place than the one you started at last January? Could it have been better?

Now is the time to make 2012 better.There will be many journeys to put into your sat nav for the year and wouldn’t it be great if each one was on a motorway taking you someplace exciting. Are you ready for some adventure?

And, thinking of yourself as that vehicle, are you a sleek racing car, or an older model with some rust, some 6

dints, with very little power, and perhaps no spare in the boot?

It’s not much use expecting a great road ahead if the car hasn’t the power and resources to travel it!

While a car can easily be replaced, unfortunately your body can’t.You can, however, get it fixed.

Maybe you haven’t been firing on all cylinders, and need an energy tune up.That will make a huge difference immediately.Then, you can learn to recharge yourself with decent sleep.Things holding you back like smoking, frustration, procrastination, stress, pain, anxiety, anger and depression can be cleared.

Fear, insecurity and worries about the future, can be dealt with.Weight issues, lack of confidence Getting rid of the potholes and obstacles in the way opens and smoothes the road ahead. It becomes clearer, far easier to travel. New resources appear along the way.

Success is within us all.

So, with 2012 already moving on why not make it a brilliant year? I invite you to start with a ‘tune up’, an MOT, and some help to programme your sat nav. Get yourself on the right road, then put your foot down, enjoy the scenery with the wind through your hair.

www.marilyntuck.co.uk Knebworth, phone 07962 811907 and book in now!

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

February 2012

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Valentine’s Day at The Station 2 courses for £13.95, 3 courses for £15.95. Lanson Rose Champagne £29.95 bottle Available Friday 10th Feb to Tuesday 14th Feb inclusive

Charity Horse Race event for Wish House Children’s Charity Wednesday 29th February starting at 9pm Quiz, tote betting, great prizes & lots of fun 2 MEALS FOR £8.95 OR 1 MEAL FOR £4.45 – AVAILABLE MONDAY TO FRIDAY The Station welcomes OAPs – Come & visit Peter, Kim, & the team 10% discount on food and drink, any day, any time, any meal Small plates menu available QUIZ NIGHT every Thursday £1 entry, cash prize

The Station Knebworth, 1 Station Approach, Knebworth SG3 6AT

01438 812 224

BUSINESS

Funding for Small Businesses Adam Fernandes, Business Development Manager and Portfolio Holder from WKH Chartered Accountants talks about the current problems small companies are experiencing when trying to borrow monies from the banks…

T

he Bank of England recently commented that Europe’s debt crisis is ramping up bank funding costs, and threatens to cut off the credit badly needed to bring about recovery.

The bank’s latest credit conditions survey also revealed a sharp fall in loan demand from small firms in the final quarter of 2011, as a struggling economy and fear of approaching mainstream banks is putting off many firms.

In order to obtain funding it has been reported that a lot of small businesses have either shunned the need for extra cash, gone to friends and family, or even borrowed cash on credit cards rather than going to the High Street banks for fear that the application would be rejected, or the loan terms would be too onerous.

The prospect of continued weak bank lending and a changing economy means new tactics and strategies requiring a different way of thinking about how to grow your business. It’s at times like these that you need your accountant to stand shoulder to shoulder with you, anticipating the problems, and proactively offering their knowledge and expertise to show you the way forward.

WKH can support you with developing a strategy for your business finances, ensuring you have access to the right kind of finance at the right time through our network of contacts, assist you every step of the way through

acquisitions, and when the time is right we can also help you realise full value on exiting your business.

FREE Business Review I can undertake a review of your current position, without obligation on your part.

For instance, there is always scope to organise your business and personal finances so you can legitimately save tax and pocket more of your hard-earned cash. I can look at ways to reduce corporate and personal taxes, to enhance your cash flow, and whether you are getting a good deal from your bank.

In the majority of instances I can put forward ideas to save you tax, improve your cash flow and profits.

It’s a great opportunity for you to get the benefit of an experienced professional looking for ways to improve things. It’s also a chance to get to know one another and decide if we want to work together.

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

17/03/2011 13:21 February 2012

VILLAGE LIFE

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

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11

BUSINESS

Employment Law – All Change For 2012 As part of its drive to cut down on the number of Employment Tribunal claims, the Government has proposed a number of changes.

This month we hear from local employment solicitor Mike Powell of Scott-Moncrieff & Associates LLP who considers the possible effects.

Compromise Agreements: These are used to settle employment disputes. The Government intends to simplify them and rename them as “settlement agreements”.

Protected Conversations: These are designed to allow employers and employees to have “full and frank discussions”. In my view there is no reason why such discussions cannot take place now, provided care is taken over what is said. My concern is that employers and employees will say things in these “conversations” which they may later regret and then find that the conversation was not as “protected” as they thought.

Early ACAS Conciliation: The Government intends to offer the services of ACAS to resolve a dispute before bringing a Tribunal claim. In theory this may be a useful idea, but ACAS will need a lot of extra resources to provide an effective service, which the Government is not providing. As a solicitor, my experience of ACAS has varied from excellent to poor.

Length of Service for Unfair Dismissal Claims: An employee usually has to have a minimum of 1 year’s service before bringing a claim for unfair dismissal.

The Government intends to increase this to 2 years. This may reduce the number of claims, but there

will still be many unfair dismissal claims that don’t need minimum service, e.g. health and safety, discrimination, whistleblowing.

Financial Penalties for Employers: Where employers have breached employment law, the Tribunal will have the discretion to impose financial penalties on an employer of up to £5000.

Fees for bringing a Tribunal Claim: The Government intends to charge fees for using the Tribunal system. How much this will reduce claims is open to question as more people have legal expenses insurance which may cover these fees. These won’t be in force until 2013 at the earliest.

Mediation: The Government intends to promote mediation to settle workplace disputes. In my experience, many disputes need never have got as far as a Tribunal claim. There is a lot to be said for using the services of a mediator to resolve a workplace problem through discussion before it gets to the point of no return.

Workplace disputes can often be resolved if they are treated quickly following the correct procedures. It is essential for an employer to ensure that its staff have clear contracts of employment and internal procedures to help resolve disputes.

Whether you are an employer or an employee looking for advice, Mike offers a free initial consultation. For further information, contact Mike on 01462 418629 or visit www.hertsemploymentlaw.co.uk

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Call Mike Powell for a free consultation: 01462 418629 12

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

February 2012

VILLAGE LIFE

CODICOTE SPICE

79 High Street, Codicote, SG4 8XE 01438 820 166 / 821 613 “ I would highly recommend a visit Call to to Codicote Spice for a great curry book for with wonderful friendly service Valentine’s in a nice environment.”

Day As Reviewed byVillage Life in Dec 2011

Banquet Night (Every Wednesday) Choose any: ONE STARTER ONE MAIN DISH ONE SIDE DISH ONE NAN OR RICE

£9.95

*King Prawn & Special Dishes £2.95 extra

Open Sun - Thurs 6.00pm to 11.30pm, Fri - Sat 6.00pm to 12.00am Takeaway service with free delivery within 3 miles of Codicote (Over £15) 10% discount on collected orders over £10.

Opening Times Tuesday to Sunday 10am till 4pm

February Offer Any hot drink plus two courses for £6

February 2012

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

13

COMMUNITY FOCUS

Welwyn Beekeepers Association

A

nyone can take up beekeeping, in previous years many people did just that with little or no training.

This easy going attitude will not work today, and anyone interested in taking up this craft is strongly advised to learn the ropes through their local association who will be able to offer plenty of advice and support. Members also receive many other benefits such as insurance, discounted prices, honey and produce sale outlets, a monthly magazine and the use of equipment such as a Honey Extractor free of charge.

The Welwyn beekeepers are one of the longest established Beekeepers associations with a small but rapidly growing group of modern beekeepers, bee enthusiasts and social groups. (Not all members have bees!). Members try and participate in various activities throughout the season including helping out at public stalls/events and offering their beekeeping related wares.

Over the last couple of years the Welwyn Beekeepers have been very busy not only striving to educate new beekeepers and the general public, but also trying to acquire new funding and sites where the association members can keep their bees and can, on a regular basis, hold outdoor apiary meetings.This is still an ongoing progress and they continue to look for suitable sites that offer secure yet adequate access by vehicle to maintain the bee colonies themselves.

Last year they received £2,822 of funding from the local Welwyn parish council, thanks to the help of Councillor

Richard Smith.This funding is now being used to purchase much needed equipment so they can continue to deliver the educational needs demanded by the public and new beekeepers. From an electronic projector and screen, a new Virtual demonstration hive, literature and new personal protective equipment and hive components, they should be well placed to help the local community.

Xerox Ltd in Welwyn Garden City also donated a Vickers Microscope which will be used to examine bee specimens in the continuing fight against bee diseases.

In 2011 they were asked to attend several high profile events locally, and would only be too happy to revisit if asked to do these again this coming year.They have also taken over a couple of abandoned beehives on an allotment and have purchased new equipment in order to restore these to their former glory. Hopefully any excess honey produced by the bees will be returned to the association for future development needs.

Last year they also ran their first educational Beginners Course with huge success.The next 2012 Beginners course runs on Wednesday 29th February, 7th, 14th & 21st March in the evenings at Woolmer Green Village Hall with an Apiary day at Datchworth Apiary (date TBC).

The Cost is £50 including lunch on the Apiary Day. One of the aims in the classroom is to prepare prospective beekeepers for what they will be doing in the follow-up apiary sessions.

Find further information from the following websites – hertsbees.squarespace.com/calendar/ beesandwasps.co.uk/ welwynbeekeepersassociation.aspx www.bbka.org.uk/news_and_events/events.php

For further information on the Welwyn Beekeepers Association or to book on to the course, please contact Rachel Dalgleish on 01438 217215 or email Rachel.dalgleish@ntlworld.com.

14

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

February 2012

VILLAGE LIFE

Welwyn’s brand new dental practice ‘Neel Dentistry’ is now open. We offer a wide variety of general and cosmetic dentistry – such as teeth whitening, veneers, implants and smile makeovers.

Is your routine check up due? Maybe you would like a second opinion? We are here to help.

Discover modern dentistry in our comfortable, state of the art practice in Welwyn High Street.

Call in and see for yourself – and pick up some further details. We look forward to welcoming you.

43 High Street, Welwyn, Hertfordshire, AL6 9EE Telephone: 01438 712713 or visit: www.neeldentistry.co.uk

NEELDENTISTRY

February 2012

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

15

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LOCAL BUSINESS FOCUS

Do you have mole hills on the lawn, rabbits in the fields, rats in the loft, mice in the kitchen or flies in the roof?

These are all in a day’s work for local pest control expert Andrew Lasham of Shires Pest Control and Wildlife Management.

T

he company is a family run business that covers Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, South Cambridgeshire, and North London. Customer satisfaction is quintessential to them as is carrying out their work in a very discreet manner. They always use unmarked vehicles for customer confidentiality and pride themselves on their commitment to protecting the environment; in fact they have recently become accredited Wildlife Aware members of The Campaign for Responsible Rodenticide.

Shires use and utilise the safest preparations currently available and provide a high standard of work, whilst offering a personal and competitive service of high quality and value for money.

Shires supply domestic premises, businesses and farms with a professional pest control and wildlife management service, utilising all modern methods of pest control, while also providing more traditional and humane environmentally friendly options. Mole trapping and rabbit control being a speciality.The service is designed to be of a high professional standard in accordance with current legislation and regulations.

18

All areas of the industry can be dealt with by Shires such as pest proofing, bird proofing and of course pest control.

Staff are highly trained individuals having undertaken all relevant training (trained to B.P.C.A. Level I & II) and hold all valid licences and certifications for this type of work.

Shires is fully insured to carry out all areas of pest control and wildlife management.

Qualified to the highest level, HACCP and Food Safety trained. Shires Pest Control & Wildlife Management is a member of National Pest Technicians Association (NPTA), the Guild of British Mole Catchers, Bedfordshire Trading Standards and a member of the BASIS Prompt Scheme which ensures their commitment to professional development and ongoing training.They are also IOSH Safety trained.

So if you have any concerns regarding pests or you have foxes around the chickens or furniture beetle in your beams then call Andrew for a no obligation free quotation.

Mobile: 07890 131174 Office: 01767 315101 Email: shirespestcontrol@hotmail.co.uk www.shirespestcontrol.co.uk

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

February 2012

VILLAGE LIFE

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February 2012

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

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19

VILLAGE LIFE

Put spring in your step and sign up to become a Rambler

W

ALKING has been officially recognised as the most perfect form of exercise but in today’s hectic lives, finding time out to keep fit is becoming more and more difficult. Getting to the gym is often seen as a chore and more often than not those New Year Resolutions have gone by the wayside before we have even thought about Valentine’s Day. That’s why the Ramblers have the perfect solution.

Because in Hertfordshire there are a number of established groups which make this keep fit pastime a pleasure and not purgatory. Each week hundreds of like-minded individuals pull on their boots, put on a smile and meet up to discover what the glorious Hertfordshire countryside has to offer.

The Ramblers believes in catering for all abilities and there are different grades of walks available depending on how experienced you are.These range from very short

strolls of up to three miles to much more challenging adventures which could take all day and involve a visit to a local pub for refreshment.

Area chairman for the Ramblers in Hertfordshire is David Smith who has been a committed member for more than 15 years. “It’s the social side of the Ramblers which is so enjoyable,” said David. He is keen to encourage more people to give it a go. “There are eight groups in Hertfordshire, all of which have a variety of walks available every week and where you will be assured of a warm welcome. Our leaders are ready with some fine walks local to you, so come along and join the fun – it’s not as hard as you think! It’s a great way to keep fit and what’s even better is that it doesn’t cost a lot.”

The current cost to join the Ramblers for a year is just £31 for an individual membership and only £41 for a joint membership. As a Ramblers member you receive certain benefits as well as being able to go on any led walk in the network.These include receiving Walk Magazine (rrp £3.60) every quarter, being eligible for a whopping 20% discount on you first purchase from outdoor outfitters, Cotswolds (followed by a generous 10% on all subsequent purchases) and you could save money on walking holidays with HF Holidays.

We have managed to secure Village Life readers a special discounted membership offer with the Ramblers. All you have to do claim a 20% discount is visit www.ramblers. org.uk/offer and quote the special discount code of U12B2W.This means for an individual membership the price is reduced to just £24.80 (equivalent to just over £2 per month) and for a joint membership with this offer the cost drops to just £32.80.

To find out more about your local group or to look up when your next walk is taking place go to www.ramblers.org.uk and click on the ‘local groups’ link at the top of the page.You will then be able to input your postcode to find your nearest group.

For more information contact Sam Newby-Ricci on 07799 134 710 or email: sam.newbyricci@ramblers.org.uk. Find the Ramblers on Facebook www.facebook.com/ramblers and Twitter twitter.com/RamblersGB 20

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

February 2012

VILLAGE LIFE

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Oriental & Modern Rugs.

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21/10/2010 10:46

Marie & Dean Haywood Owners- Five Star Furnishing Care

Call now for your Free in Home No-Obligation quotation

0800 0378094/01582 571953 www.fivestarfurnishingcare.com

February 2012

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

21

VILLAGE LIFE

Old Welwyn Construction Specialists in Extensions, Home Refurbishment, Landscaping, Patios and Driveways.

Call Daniel on 01438 715362 or 07748 204 818 Email: oldwelwynconstruction@hotmail.co.uk Old Welwyn Construction 0811 HP.indd 1

Save your family

£1000’s

21/07/2011 14:05

YoU WoRkEd HARd foR IT. doN’T lET THE STATE TAkE IT! Put Your Loved Ones First

Protect Your Family & Business

Have an up to date Will that ensures your loved ones get everything and the state gets nothing.

Why risk the impact of an accident, illness or death?

Protect Your Home 100% Why risk your home being one of over 40,000 sold each year to meet care costs?

Protect Your Assets Why incur 40% Inheritance Tax unnecessarily?

Protect Yourself from the Courts A Will & Powers of Attorney record who you want to act for you. Without them a Court decides!

Best Value Estate Planning, using solicitors and professional will writers

Wills from £80 • Probate from 1%

DAYTIM EvEnInE or g

HOME VISIT

Call STEVEN WHITE on: (Affiliate of The Society of Will Writers)

0800 612 6371 07954 162 522 B E S T 22

P R I C E

G U A R A N T E E

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

February 2012

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 Airport2012 Cars Direct HP 0111 2.indd Village 1 February Life | www.villagelifemag.com | tel: 01438 216950

20/01/2011 10:0923

VILLAGE LIFE

Zenibo Marketing This month we met up with Russell Chard from Zenibo Marketing, a local company specialising in publishing information products in the personal development, self-help niches.

Z

enibo Marketing Publishes audio books, E books and now in 2012, video and DVD versions of a number of classic self help books – Think and Grow Rich is one of the first that they have converted. (A classic book for business people and entrepreneurs).

Arnold Bennett’s book on ‘time management’ How To Live On 24 Hours A Day is another.

The reason for this is that Napoleon Hill’s original book – which has sold over 30 million copies worldwide – is a book containing quite dated language (it was first published in 1937), so the new DVD version gives the viewer a full modern day explanation of the book and its principles together with the original book, so contrasting, comparing and actioning is much simpler and effective for 2012 and beyond.

Each DVD set whether physical or electronic when purchased gives the customer a new re-formatted manual of the book and the full audio version of the book for free – ideal for iPods, Pads or Phones or any MP3 player.

Zenibo marketing also sells self help books and videos as downloads (coming soon) for ease of use and

speed of consumption at www.selfhelpaudiolibrary.com Russell originally trained as a banker with Nat West, worked in broadcasting and has written books on Japanese gardens and football.

He started Zenibo Marketing after bumping into a contact 10 years ago, who told him about internet publishing. As he enjoyed writing, he decided to give it a go. His first project was publishing information on Japanese gardens and he has the following websites www.japzen.wordpress.com and www.makingajapanesegarden.com which ranked number one on their respective subjects with Google!

Around 18 months ago, Russell moved into self help and personal development publishing, taking classic self help books and turning them into modern day video versions.This has been a huge success with online retailers such as Barnes and Noble stocking his audio and video.This year, he plans to release another six online through Amazon, Amazon

Kindle, his own sites, E bay and direct marketing.

Russell is living proof that with a bit of effort and determination anyone can set up their own full time or part time job online, he told us, “Never let the grass grow under your feet is my motto – always look to better yourself and personal development and business development is a great way to do it.

You never know when somebody is going to pull the carpet from under your feet!”

You can purchase the Think and Grow Rich DVD set either from Amazon (just search for ‘Think And Grow Rich DVD Set’ or you can download it from www.thinkandgrowrichdvdset.com (Free bonuses are included).

Contact: 01438 798864 email: zeniboltd@aol.com 24

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

February 2012

VILLAGE LIFE

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

FRINGELINE UNISEX HAIR & BEAUTY SALON

Wednesday Special Offers All beauty treatments after 6pm 25% off Foil Highlights 10% off

Other Offers Semi Permanent eye lash extensions at £55.00 Fish Pedicure Offer – Two for the price of one 46a High Street, Kimpton, Herts SG4 8RN 01438 833 468 www.fringeline.co.uk February 2012

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

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VILLAGE LIFE

Rabley Tree Care Rabley Tree Care Rabley Tree Care

All Aspects of Tree and Hedge Work Undertaken Garden Maintenance Fully Qualified and Insured Call Duncan Evans on 07759 804 035 for quotes or advice

HOME APPLIANCE REPAIRS

abley QP 0711.indd 1

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 26

FENCING

17/06/2011 11:11

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

February 2012

VILLAGE LIFE

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

Specialists in Plumbing and heating Boiler & Heating Installations Boiler Upgrades Power Flushing Pumps, Radiators & Valves Hot & Cold Water Tanks







All Plumbing & Heating work undertaken For a free no obligation quote contact 01438 712712 www.staggproperty.co.uk info@staggproperty.co.uk

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

Need help with your PC?

agg Property Services QP 0211.indd 1

19/01/2011 12:02 Village Tree Services 0310 QP.indd 1

 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

22/02/2010 13:46

To advertise in The Hitchin Village Directory p

Suzanne Redfern Complementary Therapist

Welwyn based treatment room:

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

info@spectrumITsupport.co.uk www.spectrumITsupport.co.uk February 2012

ANGELIC REIKI GREEN RAY REIKI CRYSTALS GOLDEN GRID SYSTEM MASSAGE Fortnightly Meditation Group on a Wednesday evening at 7:30 pm in Welwyn

Gift vouchers available.

01438 718 417 07931 115 808 sue.redfern@burgert-haig.com

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

27

WHAT’S ON

What’s on in FEBRUARY Saturday 11th February, 8PM Valentine’s Disco – Codicote Sports and Social Centre, Bury Lane,Codicote, SG4 8XY

Take a Break…

CROSSWORD

Everyone welcome, Entry is FREE and there will be fun and games during the evening

Monday 13th Feb to Friday 17th Feb 2012, 9.30 - 12.30 each day Drama workshops for 8 to 12 year olds, Letchworth Arts Centre, 2 The Arcade, Letchworth, SG6 3EW Fun for all at these special morning workshops for half term. The week will explore different drama skills, using song and dance and finishing with a show at the end. Price for the week £50 (members £44). www.letchwortharts.org

Tuesday 14th Feb to Thursday 16th Feb Half-Term Activities at Mill Green Mill and Museum, Bush Hall Lane, Mill Green, Hatfield, AL9 5PD Join us each day for some fun art and craft activities and a visit to the exhibition. Tuesday – Make a Fun Farm Mobile, Wednesday – Create a beautiful padded picture frame to hold a drawing of your favourite farm scene, Thursday – Clay all day! Make some models of your favourite farm animals. Booking sessions: 10.00-11.00 and 11.30 - 12.30.

Call 01707 357117 to book, £4.00 per child.

Saturday 18 Feb 2012, 20:00 - 23:30 English Miscellany Barn Dance at Public Halls, Southdown Road, Harpenden, AL5 1PD Come and dance to the music of FENDRAGON with caller Adam Hughes, an event not to be missed. No experience necessary, just bring lots of energy! More details at www.englishmiscellany.com. Tickets £10 adults, age16 and under £6.50 from Jenny Lane 01582 764084.

Thursday 23rd February, 7.30pm - 10.30pm Charity Pamper Evening, Collingwood Suite, Gosling Sports Park, Stanborough Road, W.G.C, AL8 6XE

ACROSS 1. faceplate (6) 5. singer (6) 8. a hundred square yards (4) 9. explosive (8) 10. spider web (8) 11. coarse (4) 12. plant reproductive organ (6) 14. make up your mind! (6) 16. a good long way away (4) 18. fun event for children (8) 20. brassica (8) 21. wood eaten with fish (4) 22. lovely (6) 23. relative (6)

DOWN 2. flight terminal (7) 3. group with common characteristic (5) 4. internal examination (13) 5. opposing argument (13) 6. to do with numbers (7) 7. considered (5) 13. supernatural act (7) 15. lead astray (7) 17. refrain from (5) 19. review (colloquial) (5)

SUDOKU

All funds raised will go to Sparks Children’s Charity; treatments include: Facials, Manicures, Pedicures, Massage, Reiki and much more. Luxury Prize Raffle: prizes include Dinner for Two at the Red Lion Welwyn, £30 Prezzo vouchers, £20 Bebo voucher, Signed Justin Bieber Book and much more.

Licensed Bar. Tickets: £5 in advance or £6 on the door. Treatments from: £5 (pre-booking recommended). Includes a free goody bag.

Contact Alison on holisticpamper@gmail.com

Saturday 25th February KATS Quiz Night at St. Martin’s Parish Centre, Knebworth KATS (Knebworth Amateur Theatrical Society) invite us to beat the winter blues with a ‘fun’draising’ Quiz Night. Tables of 8, or they will find you a team to join. Tickets are £8.50 to include a fish’n’chip supper and you can book them from Jo Simson on 01438 814166, email jo.simson@ntlworld.com.

GET YOUR EVENT LISTED FOR FREE HERE, EMAIL: mail@villagelifemag.com or call us on 01438 216 950 28

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

February 2012

VILLAGE LIFE

Andrew Sinclair ELECTRICIAN

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

Kitchens Bathrooms Fusebox changes ●

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

For Specialist Matrimonial Advice

JCS SOLICITORS Divorce & Separation Cohabitation Children

 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

127 High Street, Kimpton, Herts, SG4 8QN

Hill House, 1 St Albans Rd, Codicote, Herts, SG4

HITCHIN’S FIRST DEDICATED PILATES CENTRE...

Improve your fitness, core stability and work on your posture at our friendly, fully equipped new studio. Intro courses, small group matwork classes and 1 : 1 private reformer machine training.

10% OFF PERSONAL TRAINING* BOOK ONLINE AND ENTER PROMO CODE VLPT12

www.thepilatespod.co.uk 01462 338002 107 Bancroft, Hitchin. SG5 1NB *On a single PT pass. 1 discount per client

February 2012

To advertise in The Hitchin Village Directory p 29

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

SHOWCASE

CODICOTE PHARMACY 123 HIGH ST, CODICOTE, SG4 8UB 01438 821418

• FREE prescription collection from any surgery • FREE home delivery of medication & shopping • Passport photos & digital processing THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING YOUR LOCAL INDEPENDENT PHARMACY

ADVERTISE HERE TO 15000 LOCAL CUSTOMERS FROM JUST £20pm!

CALL 01438 216950 Terms and conditions apply.

To The Roof

TV Aerials and Satellite dishes installed by fully insured TV Engineer.

TV / DAB Aerial installations, Sky Setup / upgrades / multiroom / remote extenders, Freesat systems, Foreign channels etc...

01462 811 150 07595 985 025 www.totherooftvaerials.co.uk

COMPUTER PROBLEMS

electrical

CALL Mike for a FREE consultation Telephone: 07889 056172 michael.ray@codicoteonline.co.uk

Peony Florist

Domestic and Commercial All frames and Seals cleaned as standard Fully insured cghcleaning@gmail.com

ALL TYPES OF PLASTERING 35 Year Est. Family Business Internal & External Walls & Ceilings Skimmed Renovation - Lime Mortar Rendering, Pebble Dashing 01582 725266 or 07774 790400

Michael Shelley

Want to kick your computer?

Codicote Online 0610.indd 1

I.B HYDE & SON

Qualified electrician

“No job too small” tel: 01438 820 820

Mobile: 07930 243651 Email: michael.shelley@live.co.uk A member of ElecSa

10/05/2010 18:41

Specialising in wedding �lowers, beautiful, stylish �lowers tailored to suit the bride, her dress and the wedding venue. For a free consultation call Lotty.

Telephone: 01438 821 888 121 high Street, Codicote www.peony�lorist.co.uk

TRISH AND TRICKS CHILDREN’S ENTERTAINER (CRB checked)

Magic, Ventriloquism, Balloon Modelling, Mini Disco, Party Games etc.

01438 714855 : 07740 093623 www.trishandtricks.com

BRIDGE COTTAGE PHARMACY

41 High Street, Welwyn, AL6 9EF

Open Mon to Sat 7am – 10pm, Sun 10am – 8pm 10% discount when you purchase non-prescription items Ask about our free medicine delivery service

01438 840240

THIS AD WORKS! Let’s face it, you just read it!

ADVERTISE HERE TO 15000 LOCAL CUSTOMERS FROM JUST £20pm!

CALL 01438 216950 Terms and conditions apply.

30

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

February 2012

Don’t move IMPROVE! RMT Home Build Ltd are a family-run building contract firm based in Stevenage.We’ve been in the industry since 1989 and work with customers across Hertfordshire and the South East.

We cover all projects, small, medium or large and pride ourselves on offering a premium service and value for money.

Our team comprises of highly skilled and qualified tradesmen.

We specialise in • Extensions • Refurbishments • Loft Conversions • Basements • Kitchens • Painting & Decorating • Windows & Doors • Roofing • Fencing & Decking • Driveways & Patios Contact us for references or to read letters from our happy customers “In the space of 4 weeks it’s gone from being a tired, dated flat to being a fabulous modern home...” “...thanks for making our new house feel like home. It was always going to be a big project and you managed to make it happen in a short time and put up with our demands...” “...brilliant from start to finish RMT as a company have been amazing...”

For a free no obligation quotation Call: 0800 542 3122 / 01438 310063 Email: info@rmthomebuild.co.uk www.rmthomebuild.co.uk

Pinehill Hospital can help YOU... from top to toe!

INFOR MA EVEN TION INGS

•

Use your private medical insurance or self funding

•

See a specialist Consultant from just £120

•

Health issues – we offer diagnostics ranging from urine tests to MRI scans

•

Full Health Screening including an hour with our private GP (introductory price until the end of March 2012)

•

Mens health, cosmetic surgery, urology, orthopaedics, gynaecology, ENT and so much more!

www.pinehillhospital.co.uk For more information, call now:

01462 427 207

Pinehill Hospital, Benslow Lane, Hitchin, Herts, SG5 9QZ