Village Life Issue 57 April 2014

VillageLife Lifestyle | Business | Community www.villagelifemag.com

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ISSUE 57 : APRIL 2014

DEALING WITH PANIC ATTACKS

Pre-nuptial Agreements Would you like Any Cashback Today?

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 APRIL! With the arrival of April we find ourselves looking forward to the lighter evenings and maybe a sneaky glass of wine in a beer garden after work, or even new enthusiasm to kick start a healthier life and dust off those trainers, just don’t eat too many Easter Eggs!

April is another featured packed issue, Gaynor Dawson talks about how she can help with Panic Attacks, JCS Solicitors discuss Pre-nuptial Agreements, Jonathan Vernon-Smith explains how we can get cashback from online purchases and there is an article about Baldock Town Bowls Club. We showcase local businesses BBQ Land, Greenhouse Warehouse, The Car Agents and Greenman; and our regular writer Leigh Goldsmith looks at Easter Traditions around the world.

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 – Panic Attacks

8:

Business:The Car Agents open new Dealership

10:

Lifestyle: Pre-nuptial Agreements

12:

Lifestyle:Would you like Any Cashback Today?

14:

Community: Baldock Town Bowls Club

16:

Lifestyle: Easter Celebrations Around the World

17:

Business: BBQ Land

18:

Business: Greenman

20:

Business: Greenhouse Warehouse

24:

What’s on in April/ 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.

April 2014

BOWLS CLUB: PAGE 14

GREENMAN: PAGE 18

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

CODICOTE WATERCOLOUR CLASS EXPANDING

To meet the increasing demand for her Wednesday afternoon Watercolour Classes, held at The Peace Memorial Hall in Codicote, Anne Laidler of The Art Box will be running an extra session every fortnight after Easter.

Anne’s classes are designed with both the beginner and improver in mind with a maximum of twelve to a class. This gives everyone time and space to work and Anne the opportunity to help each person in the group.

All you need to bring to class is enthusiasm and inspiration as all materials are provided.

Sessions last for 2½ hours with a break for tea, coffee and biscuits. To cope with the demand, Anne will be running the same class twice a fortnight in Codicote starting on Wednesday 30th April providing more places for those who want to come along.

If you would like to join a class please book your place in advance by calling 01438 318398 or emailing anne@theartbox.co.uk. Alternatively visit www.theartbox.co.uk

THE FOX FOOT SLOGGERS Fancy a nice Sunday walk with a few pub stops on the way? The Fox Foot Sloggers meet at The Fox in Woolmer Green around the middle Sunday of each month. The walk sets off from The Fox around 10.30/11am and varies in length from 6 to 10 miles depending on the weather conditions and the number of stops at pubs along the way.

The group has grown from 6-8 people to almost 20 with some people bringing their dogs.

If you are interested in joining the group, call The Fox on 01438 488381.

4

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April 2014

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WELLBEING

TERRIFIED, BREATHLESS, OUT OF CONTROL, HAVING A HEART ATTACK! THESE ARE JUST SOME OF THE THOUGHTS WE MAY HAVE WHEN EXPERIENCING A

Panic Attack!!!

Why do they happen? Why are they so very frightening?

How can you control them? Gaynor Dawson investigates...

R

ecently I have been working with many clients who are experiencing panic attacks, and in particular many teenagers about to sit their GCSE’s or A ‘Levels.

COMMON SYMPTOMS OF PANIC ATTACKS ARE: • Shortness of breath • Fast Heart Rate & Chest Pains • Hot & Cold Flushes, sweating • Feeling sick, terrible butterflies Panic attacks are considered to be a subset of an evolutionary response commonly referred to as “fight or flight” syndrome, where the body believes it is defending itself from a particular event or situation. Imagine you were out for a walk and were suddenly confronted by a huge roaring tiger – you would panic!

All your senses would heighten in awareness, causing sweating, breathlessness, dizziness, butterflies and so on.You would get a huge rush of adrenaline which would allow you to either fight the tiger or run for your life!

Thankfully these days we don’t often encounter a roaring tiger when out for a walk. However when you have a panic attack you have the same symptoms as if you were being confronted by a tiger. Stress causes your brain to send a message of overload to the coping centre – the Hypothalamus gland, once receiving the message that all is not well it raises the alarm and calls on other glands such as the pituitary to help.Your body then gets the same rush of adrenaline it would in the fight or flight process, blood sugar increases to release energy, breathing gets faster to take in more oxygen and tensed muscles give off lactic acid into the bloodstream, which has a dramatic effect on increasing our anxiety levels in just a matter of seconds.

“Many of the young clients I work with who suffer from panic attacks state they are the most frightening experiences

of their lives. Some of them feel like they are “going crazy”!

They feel faint, sick, worried they are going to lose control, make a fool of themselves or even have a heart attack.

And off course once it’s over sufferers often have negative thoughts worrying when the next one will occur!

OVERCOMING PANIC ATTACKS The good news is panic attacks can be controlled and overcome.

I believe the journey to get rid of the panic beast forever starts from within.

The first part of the process is to understand the enemy.

I would recommend reading a book such as “Panic Attacks and How to Beat them” by Christine Ingham.

When working with clients I use Nuero Linguistic Programming and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy to help them change the way they process their thought patterns internally which helps to halt panic attacks. I also teach them simple yet powerful techniques to overcome them.

In addition I encourage my clients to remember these two points: No one has ever died from having a panic attack! No physical harm will come to you whilst having a panic attack!

If you anchor yourself to these two thoughts and repeat them in your mind twenty times, the next time you feel an attack approaching you will have started the journey of taking the attack on, and will most definitely beat it in the long term.

I am always happy to answer any questions with regards to my monthly articles and can be contacted by email at info@lifepracticehitchin.co.uk or telephone 07714 781016

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

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

April 2014

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21/11/11 09:52:14

7

BUSINESS

No salesmen, no pressure, no hassle – that’s the mantra of the team at The Car Agents’ stunning new Queen Street Dealership, which will offer a high-quality, one-stop shop for all your car needs.

With 28 years’ experience in the motor trade, business owner Simon Michell has expanded beyond The Car Agents Auto Lounge in Brand Street, Hitchin, by launching an additional new Dealership in Queen Street where the service on offer will be as slick as the cars on display.

“We specialise in buying and selling Sports, Prestige and Classic cars: BMW, Audi, Mercedes, Jaguar, Porsche, Aston Martin, Bentley, Mini and Land Rover,” said Simon.

“Our clients told us they love what we do but wanted us to do more for them.That’s why we launched our new Dealership, where we’ll be able to offer a far wider range of facilities in-house.

“So if you want to buy or sell a car, get it serviced, have it washed by hand, buy new tyres, or obtain advice on any aspect of your car, we can do that for you in our stunning new Dealership. And if you’re buying a new car, we can now offer manufacturer-supported finance packages too.

We really are a unique, one-stop shop for all your needs.”

The Queen Street Dealership’s new Auto Lounge is designed with the customer in mind. Forget having to stay in your car while it’s washed or trudging around in the rain while it’s serviced – instead, sit back and relax on a comfortable sofa, enjoy great coffee and read a magazine, watch TV or take a look at the stunning cars in the new showroom.You won’t be disappointed.

“What really sets us apart from the main dealers,” said Simon, “is that we don’t try to sell you what we’ve

got; we’re not driven by the manufacturer’s sales targets.

Instead, we focus on you and finding out what you want.

And if you’ve remained loyal to a particular brand for years but fancy a change, you won’t have to start building a new dealer relationship from scratch if you’re with The Car Agents because most core brands are in our portfolio.

“Ours is a highly personalised, premium service – at The Car Agents we won’t pass you from pillar to post, you’ll be dealing with one person from start to finish.

That’s one of the reasons why people keep coming back to us, year after year… in fact, many of our clients have been with us for more than 20 years.”

The new Queen Street dealership is open 09.00-17.30 Monday to Friday and 10.00-16.00 on Saturday, or at any other time by appointment.

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For more information, visit www.thecaragents.com or call 01462 441460 / 07824 600 769 8

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

April 2014

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.

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20/01/2011 10:09 9

LIFESTYLE

Pre-nuptial Agreements

“

In the spring a young man’s fancy lightly turns to thoughts of love”. Nowadays, a young man’s concerns may be less romantic. He may well be thinking “do I need a pre-nuptial agreement?”

Until recently, the courts have had little regard to prenuptial agreements, taking the view that nothing should hamper their discretion to make financial provision upon divorce. However, in the landmark case of Radmacher v Granatino in 2010, the Supreme Court decided that the court should give effect to a pre-nuptial agreement that had been freely entered into by each party with a full appreciation of its implications unless under the current circumstances it would be unfair to hold the parties to their agreement.

Like marriage itself, a pre-nuptial agreement is not to be lightly entered into. First, both parties need to decide whether the marriage is dependent upon an agreement being entered into which regulates the arrangements should the marriage fail. It is hardly the most romantic step to consider before the happy day, but is a pre-nuptial agreement needed? They can be a good idea if parties want to have certainty in the event that marriage fails.

It is far better to know where parties will stand rather than deal with the financial arrangements in the bitter battlefield of divorce.

Currently, a pre-nuptial agreement should have certain safeguards built in. they should meet the basic needs of the parties, especially the primary carer of any existing minor children. The agreement should be reviewable if the is a fundamental change in circumstances, particularly if children are born.

Each should provide the other with a full picture of all the relevant facts including finances. Each should have the opportunity of obtaining independent legal advice even if they chose not to. The agreement should not be signed under duress and should be negotiated and agreed well in advance of the wedding, preferably before invites are sent out, and certainly not at the church door.

A pre-nuptial agreement may well be sensible for older couples who have each built up their own career and wealth and may even have been married before.

A Younger couple may well yet have to start on this path and so assets may be limited and future needs difficult to predict.

In many European countries it is common for couples to agree how the assets should be treated, whether you simply share jointly created assets.

On the 27th February 2014, the Law Commission published its long awaited report “Matrimonial Property, Needs and Agreements”. It recommends that prenuptial agreement be binding upon a court subject to the safeguards outlined above and a bill be placed before parliament in the near future. So far as binding prenuptial agreements are concerned, it is not a case of if, but when.

More information can be found at www.resolution.org.uk and www.hertsfamilylaw.co.uk Jeremy Chandler-Smith of JCS Solicitors in Codicote is a solicitor specialising in family law and is a an accredited specialist member of Resolution, the national organisation of family lawyers committed to non-confrontational divorce, separation and other family problems.

Jeremy is also a Collaborative Lawyer and Resolution trained Mediator.

JCS Solicitors can be contacted on 01438 820 946.

JCS SOLICITORS Hill House, 1 St Albans Road, Codicote, SG4 8UT 01438 820 946 info@jcssolicitors.co.uk www.jcssolicitors.co.uk 10

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

April 2014

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11

LIFESTYLE

Would you like any

Cashback Today?

The internet has of course brought some unwanted problems, but it has also brought some incredible benefits to us consumers. One of those benefits is the creation of ‘Cashback’ websites. Gosh I love them! In fact, I frequently bore people senseless telling them about the important of logging on and saving ££££ on your purchases.

I

f you haven’t come across the likes of ‘Quidco’ or ‘TopCashback’ before, let me explain how they work: Cashback websites pay you a cash fee when purchasing goods or services via their website.The amount of cashback is generally a percentage of the total you spend with the retailer.

They tend to make their fee from the companies that they suggest on their site. Many of these are well known high street branches, some are lesser known retailers.

They normally transfer the cashback you’ve earned directly into your bank account as soon as they receive it.

So it’s a win win for the consumer.

They also provide voucher codes for thousands of retailers so you can gain discounts at the online checkout.

All you have to do is: 1. Register with one or more cashback site.

2. When you decide you want to make an online purchase of a product or service, log into the cashback site, search the cashback rates available and follow the link to the company’s website.

3. Make the purchase, and wait for the cashback to arrive in your bank account (it normally takes at least a few weeks and should be tracked automatically).

them directly, you would have missed out on a £75 saving.

You need a new washing machine. You find one you like at Currys. Again, you could just purchase it directly on the Currys website, but by going via a cashback website like Quidco or TopCashBack, you would stand to make 2% cashback on the total purchase price.That would be £8 back on a £400 washing machine. Better than a slap round the face with a wet fish eh?!

You can make additional money by referring your friends and relatives to the sites as well.

I always say that you don’t get anything in this world for free. So how do the companies that offer the cashback benefit from this? Well, they gain because you’re more likely to buy from the retailers that are listed with those cashback sites.

The important thing is to remember to use the site.

Whichever online purchase you need to make: flights, insurance, electrical goods, perfume, clothes, wine or groceries, always go via a cashback website and start saving.

I always remember and since I started using cashback websites 2 years ago and have already made £237.38.

So go get yourself some free cashback!

Let me give you a couple of examples (chosen at random at the time of writing): It’s time to renew your car insurance. You get some online quotes and find that Tesco Insurance is offering you the best deal.You could of course just take out a policy with them directly on their website.That would be fairly silly though, because by going to Tesco Insurance via a cashback website, you would receive a cashback lump sum payment of £75 after completing the purchase. By going to

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

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

April 2014

VILLAGE LIFE

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April 2014

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

13

COMMUNITY

Retired?

or simply thinking about it?

F

Or would it be nearer the truth to ask “Or worrying about it?”

or youngsters the thought of being retired seems like heaven.To be able to do what you like, when you like.To sleep on until mid-morning, stay out late partying and spend the afternoons on the golf course or on tennis courts.

Sadly what they don’t realise is that retirement, more often than not, seldom comes much before the age of 60.

And for many of us, the desire to stay up late and party has long since departed along with a great many other desires.

It is also often true that the added years may mean that no longer are we capable of sleeping late, playing tennis or even walking around the 18 holes on a golf course.

Even sadder is the fact that a great many retired people are either alone or are lonely and, in the autumn of their lives, find that there are few opportunities to take up new activities or to meet other people who share their interests.

It is a frightening thought that there are thousands of people spending their days effectively waiting to die.

However, it is a fact that many people have found that by joining a bowls club they have overcome many of their problems. Of course the sport referred to is the one famously played by Sir Francis Drake (before the Spanish Armada attempted to interrupt him) rather than the newer game of Ten Pin Bowling.

What does bowling have to offer? Well, it is proven that it is good for one’s health. It may be played outdoors in the summer and inside in the winter, so provides an interest throughout the year.The exercise obtained is gentle, but

14

effective.The people, generally, are friendly and sociable.

But above all it is really good fun.

Bowls is a skilful game and those of you who have watched the bowls’ world championships will know that it can be highly competitive and that many youngsters are now taking a major part. However, at club level there is usually the opportunity either to take it very seriously or simply to enjoy friendly matches or, indeed, both.

Baldock Town Bowls Club is always happy to welcome new members and they offer the opportunity to join the club and enjoy, for the first six weeks, all the club’s facilities without any commitment whatsoever.This free trial period also includes the loan of all necessary equipment and full use of their excellent social facilities.The club’s view is that if you haven’t tried bowls, then you cannot know whether it is a sport for you. Before committing to membership fees and buying a set of bowls, Baldock Town Bowls Club offers the opportunity to give it a fair trial without commitment. At the end of the six weeks if it is not to your liking then you may just walk away.

What do you have to lose? The answer is simple – Possibly boredom and loneliness. If you are interested and would like to know more contact Brian Leadley at Baldock Town Bowls Club on 01462 672361. Or come along to our Open Day on May Day Bank Holiday (Monday 5th May) from 12.00 onwards.

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April 2014

VILLAGE LIFE

April 2014

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15

LIFESTYLE

EASTER CELEBRATIONS Around the World

F

WRITTEN BY LEIGH GOLDSMITH (LILYLAWLER@GOOGLEMAIL.COM)

or Christians, Easter is one of the biggest events in the liturgical calendar. Easter Sunday is the day in which we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. It is this concept which forms the very foundations of the Christian faith, and as a result, is a highly significant time of year for the Church. For many, Easter Sunday is a time of re-birth, marking the end of the forty days of Lent and the beginning of a new phase in the church calendar.This is symbolized by Christ rising from the dead.

Lent consists of forty days and forty nights and is a period of penance and prayer which begins forty days prior to Easter Sunday. Christians display their faith and their empathy for Christ’s suffering by fasting and often abstaining from comforts and pleasures.The final week of Lent, which is also known as Holy Week, is marked by a sequence of events including Christ’s return to Jerusalem (Palm Sunday), Holy Thursday (The Last Supper) and Good Friday (The Crucifixion).

Although today Easter is recognized as being a religious affair, the word Easter can be traced back to pagan times.

“Eastre” was the Goddess of Spring and was also the name of a pagan festival, which celebrated the onset of spring and also fertility.The latter, being characterized by symbols of the egg and the rabbit. It is believed that at some point, the early Christians adopted this festival and some of it’s practices. However, instead of worshipping Eastre, or the Goddess of Spring, they worshiped the risen Christ.

Throughout the Christian faith, Easter celebrations vary depending on the region and the system of belief.

16

For some, Easter Sunday is the finale in a week long series of religious celebrations.The church service on Easter Sunday marks the end of a week of devotion and prayer, where many attend church on a daily basis.

Some church’s are decorated with lilies and liturgical banners while others organize vigils and prayer evenings in adoration of Christ and his suffering. Celebrations and ceremonies not only vary by region but also by country.

In Valladolid in Spain for example, celebrations can be emotional and heartfelt. On Good Friday, processions take place where members dress in characteristic robes and ride on horseback through the streets, often carrying statues of Jesus Christ. In Rome, Good Friday is celebrated with performances and dramatizations of Christ’s life, from the nativity to the crucifixion.Tens of thousands of people gather in St. Peter’s Square on Easter Sunday where the Pope says Mass. In Jerusalem, the Holy City and the place where the Easter story began, Christians mark Good Friday by walking along the path which Jesus took to his eventual crucifixion. Many do so by carrying crosses, similar to the one Jesus carried.

A service is then held in The Holy Sepulcher, where it is believed that Jesus was buried, and also where the resurrection is believed to have taken place.

Although Easter has deep religious connotations, for many it is simply a time for decorating eggs and of course, for eating Easter eggs. It is a time to get together and have a family dinner, or, for others, it is a time to enjoy the long bank holiday weekend and not worry about work!!

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

April 2014

BUSINESS

BBQ Land is a local Specialist BBQ retailer providing a good range of barbecues and barbecue accessories from their showroom in Little Wymondley, as well as through a comprehensive, easy-to-use website.The business was started by Richard Grant three years ago.

Richard explained, “With so many barbecues on the market, it can be difficult to make the right choice sometimes.We have made the buying process simple and the shopping experience painless.

Our showroom has a wide range of products of the highest quality ranging from Charcoal, Gas andWood Fired Barbecues to specialist products such as Smokers, Grills, Chimineas, Firepits and Pizza Ovens from a wide range of brands.You will also find accessories such as barbecue covers, tools, sauces, marinades and rubs.”

BBQ Land aims to offer great value and good customer service to the local community via their showroom in

Little Wymondley, and to customers further afield through their web and telephone service. if you see a particular product online but would like to see it before committing to make a purchase, just drop them an email or call them on 01438 330000 to arrange a convenient time to visit the showroom and see the product. From time to time, BBQ Land put on demo days where they demonstrate various products; visit www.bbqland.co.uk for further information.

BBQ Land’s Showroom in Little Wymondley is open Monday to Friday 9am-5pm and 9am-1pm on Saturday.

Unit 1 Priory Farm, Priory Lane, Little Wymondley, Hitchin, SG4 7HD 01438 330 000 www.bbqland.co.uk

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

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01483 216 950 April 2014

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17

BUSINESS FOCUS

The recent decision by North Herts District Council to withdraw the free supply of biodegradable kitchen caddy liners from 1st April has provoked angry letters of complaint from local residents. NHDC claim that the £200,000 per year expense didn’t produce the increased food recycling volumes anticipated.

Welwyn resident Andy Ford owns a company that supplies a range of compostable liners to householders, waste managers and local authorities, and this month he gives us his views in search of a solution.

The warmer weather approaching was already certain to heat up the annual debate about fortnightly food waste collections and the inevitable resultant smell of rotting food, flies and maggots infestations in some local brown wheelie bins.

Interestingly enough, the loss of this free service in itself isn’t the prime source of frustration for the concerned objectors. It is more NHDC’s advice to put leftovers directly into the wheelie bin, and their refusal to allow householders to revert back to wrapping their waste in newspaper, as they were able to do before, that has caused confusion.

All things considered, newspaper is probably not the solution. It still tends to eventually unfurl, spilling the food out at the bottom of the bin, there are contamination issues with the ink, and after all it is a separately recyclable commodity which earns the council much needed revenue.

My concerns are more about incidents such as the one whereby a woman in Letchworth didn’t have her bin emptied because it contained “some vegetable peelings in a brown paper bag”. Especially given that unbleached paper, with its high carbon content, is a good source of the ‘browns’ required to complement the nitrogen rich ‘greens’ and produce the balance required for good quality compost.

18

And therein lies not only the contradiction in this collection scheme, but also the best possible compromise going forward.

Therefore, having already provided samples for their approval, I am currently in dialogue with NHDC to clarify their acceptance of the paper caddy and wheelie bin liners that I currently supply under the Greenman brand for use in other recycling schemes.These are a natural product of FSC approved Scandinavian forestry and are certified at considerable expense to prove compliant with the EU standard EN13432 as being 100% biodegradable and compostable, and therefore endorsed with the industry ‘seedling’ logo.

If we are to be encouraged to recycle food waste in our homes then the least we can expect is a sufficient level of hygiene while we do so.The wheelie bin liners ensure that when emptied no rotting food is left stuck to the insides of the bin, as the liner and bagged contents from the caddy easily slide out.This saves water and/or the expense of additional bin cleaning services.

There are also benefits to the local authority as it results in less damage to the bin itself, with less need to shake it quite so vigorously to free the mucky contents.

They also have handy flaps that overhang the sides of the bin.These not only prevent the liner from slumping inside when moist and less rigid, but they also provide a prominent position outside of the bin for the compostable logo to be clearly visible for collection purposes, along

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April 2014

BUSINESS FOCUS

with the option of any other printing that NHDC may stipulate to appease them.

From an environmental perspective the withdrawal of the flimsy vegetable starch liners may not be such a bad thing after all, as paper is a far more natural option with many more benefits. Not least because we surely have to ask ourselves just how ethical it really is to use a food crop to make waste bags when there are millions of people in the world starving?

The main advantage of paper wrapped food residues though is as a bio-fuel for anaerobic digestion (AD) This provides the double benefit to society of not only reducing the volume of biodegradable waste being disposed of to landfill, which is a major cause of greenhouse gas emissions

and climate change, but it also enables the generation of renewable energy. And with an AD plant being built between Baldock and Royston, homes in the region could in the future be supplied at a discount with gas and electricity produced from their own food waste, as is currently the case in parts of Oxford.

This use of natural resources will also certainly help the Government achieve it’s target of producing 15% of our total energy output from sustainable or renewable sources by 2020 in support of a move towards a “zero waste economy”.

For further information visit the website or you can contact Andy at: greenman@compostable-liners.co.uk

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13/04/2011 12:5019

BUSINESS

Greenhouse Warehouse are specialists suppliers of greenhouses and greenhouse equipment, they have plenty of knowledge and experience and offer parts for repair and refurbishment of older models as well as being able to supply new greenhouses and garden accessories.

The business which started selling online in 2003 was setup by Richard Grant who has a background in the manufacture of greenhouses.

The business has grown significantly and now sells a large number of products online from a distribution centre in Birmingham. Most items are in stock for fast despatch

by Royal Mail, UK Mail, Parcelforce or TNT – they will choose the most appropriate carrier according to the weight and size of each item.There is a showroom in Little Wymondley which has 15 greenhouses on display, and most of their range of accessories available for viewing.

Staff is trained to understand the products, and offer advice to customers both in the showroom and on the phone.

“Greenhouse warehouse had exactly the materials I needed and delivered them promptly and in good order. My old greenhouse now looks like new!”

“Would recommend to anyone, top quality product, with excellent delivery.”

“I rang them to check on availability of Polycarb pieces, the person I spoke to was friendly and very knowledgeable about products and even told me the easiest way to cut the glazing (and it worked).”

Greenhouse Warehouse’s Showroom in Little Wymondley is open Monday to Friday 9am-5pm and 9am-1pm on Saturday.

Unit 1 Priory Farm, Priory Lane, Little Wymondley, Hitchin, SG4 7HD 01749 600014 www.greenhousewarehouse.com

Chic Beauty of Welwyn Range of treatments from qualified and insured technicians OPI Manicures & Pedicures OPI Gel Overlays Acrylic Overlays Lash Lifting & Lash Perfect Extensions Eyebrow & Eyelash Tinting Eyebrow Shaping (Waxing or Threading) Facials 34B High Street, Welwyn, AL6 9EQ (Above Simmons Bakers)

07565 299 685 www.chicbeautywelwyn.co.uk 20

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April 2014

VILLAGE LIFE

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Local family run business built on reputation. We specialise in replacing the misty/cloudy window panes not the frames. Saving you money! We also fix all types of double glazing problems and wont try to sell you new windows. We offer free advice and free no obligation quotes. We also offer an OAP DISCOUNT. Remember we are a local family run business not a franchise. Thank you for reading.

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Art In Codicote Anne's Wednesday Watercolour Classes are now weekly giving two chances to attend each class Starting Wed 30th April 2014 1:00 to 3:30pm The Peace Memorial Hall High Street Codicote SG4 8NX £14 per class including materials Beginners Always Welcome For more information and to book www.theartbox.co.uk anne@theartbox.co.uk 01438 318398 The Art Box classes established Ware 2008

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April 2014

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21

VILLAGE LIFE

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25 To advertise in The Hitchin Village Directory place call Melanie on 01438 216 950 April 2014 Village Life | www.villagelifemag.com | tel: 01438 216950

VILLAGE LIFE

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FENCING

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ELECTRICIAN

22/02/2010 13:46

To advertise in The Hitchin Village Directory p

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23

WHAT’S ON

What’s on in APRIL...

Tues 15th & Wed 16th, Sessions at 10.00, 11.15, 1.15 and 2.30 Holiday Activities at Mill Green Mill and Museum, Mill Green Lane, Hatfield AL9 5PD

Tues – Easter Makes to decorate your home, Wed - Make an egg or an Easter bunny. £3 per child. Suitable for ages 4+ No need to book – just drop in!

Wed 16th - Sun 20th James and The Giant Peach at Gordon Craig Theatre, Lytton Way, Stevenage, SG1 1LZ Easter Musical based on Roald Dahl’s classic James and the Giant Peach.

View more details – James and The Giant Peach. Visit www.gordon-craig. co.uk for times, ticket prices and to book.

Sat 19th, 11am - 4pm Mike the Knight at the Howard Centre, W.G.C AL8 6HA

Mike the Knight will be making personal appearances at intervals throughout the day. You can also enjoy free arts and crafts including knight mask and shield decorating. www.howardcentre.co.uk

Sat 26th, 10am-5pm De Havilland MRS – annual model railway exhibition, Methodist Church, Ludwick Way, W.G.C AL7 3PN Two floors of exhibits all accessible to those with limited mobility. A dozen layouts in a variety of gauges, local traders and societies, free parking and refreshments available. Adults £4.00 Children £2.00 www.dhmrs.co.uk

Friday 18th - Mon 21st Easter at Knebworth House, Knebworth SG1 2AX

Wed 30th April until Wed 30th July, 1pm – 3:30pm Watercolour Classes, The Peace Memorial Hall, Codicote, SG4 8NX

Easter Trail for children around the Garden on 18th and 19th, Jousting in front of Knebworth House on 20th, 21st. See www.knebworthhouse.com for times, prices and tickets

Join Anne Laidler of The Art Box for fortnightly watercolour classes – beginners and improvers welcome. Visit www.theartbox.co.uk, email anne@theartbox.co.uk or call 01438 318398

Sat 19th, 9am - 3pm Peter Pan on Ice, The Alban Arena, Civic Centre, St Albans AL1 3LD

Mon 5th May, 12pm onwards Baldock Town Bowls Club Open Afternoon, West Avenue, off Norton Road, Baldock SG7 5AY

The world-renowned Russian Ice Stars brings to your theatre a new adaptation of this famous fantasy adventure. Box Office – 01727 844488

Free entry – Free tuition is available – Just wear some soft soled shoes.

Licensed bar will be open. Call 01462 892059, www.baldockbowls.co.uk

Sat 22nd & Sun 23rd April 2014, Sat: 10-5; Sun 10-4 Antiques and Flea Market at Oaklands College, St Albans Campus. Hatfield Road, St Albans AL4 0JA

Sat 3rd - Mon 5th May Hertfordshire Garden Show at Knebworth House SG1 2AX

You can find anything old, interesting, quirky and beautiful..there are no limits! Come along for FREE, enjoy refreshments, rummage and immerse yourself in the timeless loveliness with up to 75 stalls. www.themarketsatoaklands.co.uk Contact 07474 364388

Book tickets online to save 10% – www.knebworthhouse.com

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

Take a Break…

ACROSS 7. Disbelieving (9) 8. Hell (5) 10. Peter --------, author of Jaws (8) 11. Taiwanese island group (6) 12. Master of educational establishment (4) 13. Higher education (8) 15. Doggy partner of 2B across (7) 17. Pyrogenic (7) 20. Mixed (8) 22. Creative medium (4) 25. Undead cadaver (6) 26. Endless (8) 27. Night-time need (5) 28. Devilishly naughty cartoon character (9)

24

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

DOWN 1. Water enthusiast (5) 2. Native N. American (6) 3. Remove stubborn object (8) 4. Annus Horribilis (3,4) 5. Uncommon internal make-up (4,4) 6. Criminal (9) 9. Water (4) 14. Jog (3,6) 16. Upset, worried (8) 18. Inscribed vandalism (8) 19. Naval rank (7) 21. One of many upwardly stacked rows (4) 23. Period of occupancy (6) 24. Ringlike island (5)

April 2014

VILLAGE LIFE

Are you a local Car Valet business looking for more clients?

Village Life is looking for a reliable Car Valet business 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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All areas of Property Maintenance/Handyman work undertaken, including: Flat Pack Decorating & Repairs l DIY Type Jobs l Gutters Repaired/Cleaned l Sheds Erected/ Repaired/Re-roofed l Gardening – Fences/Grass Cutting/ Hedges & Trees Trimmed l

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10/05/2010 18:41

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April 2014

VILLAGE LIFE

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