Village Life Hitchin August 2012

Life VillageL Lifestyle | Business | Community www.villagelifemag.com

HITCHIN

FREE

ISSUE 37: AUGUST 2012

Food review:

the Lytton arms Jose saaveDra – WeDDinG DJ & MC A cheaper way to buy your van

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

The Belmont Pub, Bar & Restaurant A typical English village pub on the outside set on a lovely village green, with a stylish bar and restaurant on the inside. Nice garden & patio area for al fresco dining.

Fresh food with fresh ingredients from local suppliers

SUMMER SPECIAL MENU OFFER 2 MAIN COURSES FOR ÂŁ15

Example dishes from offer menu Chicken Chasseur with Mash Potatoes & A Green Panache of Vegetables Home made Fish Pie with a Light Cheese Topping & Selection of Vegetables Mushroom Risotto with Rocket & Parmesan Shavings & Wild Rocket Char Grilled Chicken Supreme with Avocado Salad Char Grilled Gammon Steak, Fried Egg & Shoestring Fries Belmont Burger, with Cheddar or Blue Cheese, Shoestring Fries & Salad Garnish Fresh Battered Fish with Shoestring Fries & Peas Fillet of Salmon with New Potatoes &Â Salad Garnish Homemade Beef, Mushroom & Guinness Pie served with Seasonal Vegetables & Mustard Mash Opening Hours Tuesday - Friday 12-3pm & 6pm - close Saturday 12pm - evening close Sunday 12-7pm

The Belmont Pub, Bar & Restaurant 108 Burnham Green Road, Burnham Green AL6 0NQ 01438 798 800 www.belmontrestaurant.co.uk

WELCOME TO AUGUST As we are writing this mid July, the sun has popped out and the rain seems to have gone – let’s hope August isn’t a washout so we can enjoy the summer!

By the time you read this, the Olympics will be in full swing and hopefully we will be on the way to winning some medals. If you are lucky enough to have a ticket for the Olympics, we would love to hear from you.

I would like to draw your attention to the food review at The Lytton Arms this month, we had a wonderful evening there and would highly recommend a visit.

Don’t forget you can find the answers to the puzzles 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: Marilyn Tuck – Avoiding putting on weight

8:

Community:The Lytton Arms Food Review

10:

Business: UHY WKH – Summer impact on your business

14:

Business: Stagg Property Services

16-17: Lifestyle: Jose Saavedra – Wedding DJ and MC 18:

Lifestyle: Home Improvements Advice

20:

Business:White Hot Vans

22:

Business: Old Post Office Tea Rooms

28:

What’s on in August/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.

August 2012

FOOD REVIEW: PAGE 8

WEDDING DJ & MC: PAGE 16-17

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

01438 216950, www.villagelifemag.com © 2012 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

Quiltathon to raise money for Lister Renal Unit in Stevenage

Last May Icknield Quilters held a quiltathon to make a quilt to raffle at their meeting in September in aid of the Lister Renal Unit in Stevenage. One of their members had a transplant last year and is much healthier now. In thanks, they made a Liberated Star double bed quilt (see picture) and tickets are now available from Michele Clarke. Please send an s.a.e. to her at Rosemary Cottage, Fore St, Weston, Hitchin SG4 7AS. Tickets are £1 each and cheques should be made out to Icknield Quilters. There is also an opportunity to win three more quilts (a single and two cot), and other prizes such as a voucher from John Lewis.

Michele told us, ”We have received splendid support from Loose Threads, Threads and Patches, Studio 39, Chris Lunnon (printers in Baldock), Aurafil threads, and many others including everybody who sponsored us all for the actual quiltathon.”

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Welwyn Garden City fund raisers to climb Mont Blanc Have you ever said yes to someone, then wondered just what you’ve committed yourself to? Well that happened to Neil Kirby when I a friend said she’d like to climb Mont Blanc and living nearby could make the arrangements.

As the saying goes, “it seemed like a good idea at the time”.

That was how, back in 2010, he and Barry Mackie came to be 4385metres up Mont Blanc in a white-out. Nothing to see just cloud. They had no option but to turn round and head home. Just 450metres from the top, they couldn’t see 5 yards in front of them, let alone the summit itself!

Despite this disappointment they managed to raise £2,500 towards setting up a community farm in the Western Province in Kenya. The aim was to feed local orphan children and help show villagers and school children effective local farming techniques. Since then, the six acre plot has been turned into a productive farm, growing maize, mangos, avocados, bananas, kale and a range of other fruit and vegetables.

Neil has also raised more money to sink a borehole – meaning that during the annual drought the villagers have a supply of water near at hand. And the next step is to build a cowshed.

So two years on, this month Neil and three friends from Welwyn Garden City are going back to Mont Blanc.

Unfortunately they can’t just do those final 450metres so we have to climb the whole thing.

If you would like to find out more or donate to the project, contact neil@redrubberball.co.uk

The Station Knebworth May Competition Winners Congratulations to Ted and Connie Gammon who won our May competition to win a 3 course meal at The Station.

Ted told us,”We had a great evening, and will be returning to the Station this month to celebrate our 34th Wedding Anniversary.” Why not pop in to the station to enjoy a drink or bite to eat over the summer, or go along to one of their fantastic events, contact Peter or Kim on 01438 812 224.

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

August 2012

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WELLbEiNG

How to avoid putting on weight while watching the telly...

N

aturally at this wonderful time of royal, olympic, sporting and cultural events, we are spending some time in front of the box watching the amazing TV coverage.

Just be aware that while sitting in your comfy chair there will be food and beverage thoughts on your radar.

Remember as you eat and drink that you are not exercising to burn up those calories you are consuming. It is the people you are watching that are doing the exercise.

While you are sitting there looking at their physiques, and innocently eating and drinking it is highly likely that what you are doing is changing the shape of your midriff, not inwards like theirs, but unpleasantly outwards!

So what can you do about it? Firstly, think about what you are eating.

Watch out for the food with the nasty fattening additives. Sugar in the form of high active corn syrup puts on the pounds faster than any other food and is in most processed foods, breads, sweets, flavored yogurts, salad dressings, canned vegetables, and cereals.

Next, steer clear of artificial sweeteners found in diet or sugar free sodas, diet coke, fizzy sweet drinks, desserts, sugar free gum, drink mixes, baking goods, table top sweeteners, cereal, and breath-mints. Crisps, chips, snacks, takeaways and frozen dinners have MSG in, another no-no. And not to mention beer, wine and other alcoholic beverages which really pack on the weight around the midriff area.

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After that you might be thinking, “Well, what can I eat?”

If you are in front of the telly you only need three light meals a day. If you feel a need to snack between times have water first, your stomach often mistakes thirst for food. After half an hour ask yourself if you are still hungry.

Think carefully about putting food into your mouth.

Often people eat because they are bored, not hungry.

Which are you?

Your body is like a car, it needs to be refuelled to get to your destination. If you are spending the day watching telly you probably don’t need any extra fuel.

However, a short brisk 20 minute walk is excellent. Just walk out for 10 minutes, turn around and walk back. It will re-freshen and tone you up, too.

These are just some of the helpful tips included in my hypnotic weight loss audio series which inspire people to get healthy using the right fuel and motivation; like Miranda who reported one stone gone after only 4 weeks.

There is a lot of information on my website marilyntuck.co.uk, under weight loss recordings, or simply scan the QR code here.

Personal consultations are very beneficial, too.

www.marilyntuck.co.uk Knebworth phone 07962 811907

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

August 2012

James Howe Landscapes Design

Construction

Maintenance

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fOOD REViEW

The Lytton Arms W

e returned to the Lytton Arms in Old Knebworth on a Tuesday evening to sample the food. When we arrived, there were people sitting outside enjoying a drink and the amazing views of deer on the Knebworth estate. We went in and received a warm welcome from James and enjoyed a drink while we looked at the menus. There are lots of traditional dishes but also a great range of specials from all over the world.

There is a really friendly atmosphere in the pub with locals enjoying a drink at the bar and people sitting down enjoying a meal in the room next door.

I opted for the Steamed Mussels to start which were cooked with White Wine, Shallots, Garlic & Cream and served with freshly baked bread.The Mussels were cooked beautifully and the creamy sauce perfectly complimented the dish, the warm freshly cooked bread was a really nice touch and perfect for dipping.

My friend Jon went for the Pan Fried Fishcakes served with Homemade Tartare Sauce.The fishcakes had a crispy texture and were full of flavour, and he loved the taste of the tartar sauce.

For the main course I had the Surf & Turf, 8oz Rump, & Prawns served with Onion Rings, Roasted Tomato, Button Mushrooms and Triple Cooked Chips. I like my steak to be cooked blue and I was really pleased that it came out blue and not overcooked (something other places can’t seem to get right!) The meat was really tender, went well with the prawns and I have to mention the triple cooked chips which were delicious! All in all a really enjoyable dish.

Jon had the Chicken Risotto dish from the Specials menu which was served with a breaded poached egg, spinach and warm freshly cooked bread.The risotto was perfect, the sauce was divine, the chicken was tender and the mushrooms and spinach were really tasty.The breaded egg was unusual but really worked!

Both of the mains were very generous portions and we struggled to make room for dessert so Jon went for the mixed ice cream which was well presented. I on the other had couldn’t resist the sound of the Warm Chocolate Brownie served with Toffee Ice Cream & Chocolate Sauce, and I have to say I wasn’t disappointed. It was a very rich dessert and the toffee ice cream was the icing on the cake, a wonderful desert for someone with a sweet tooth!

Sharon our waitress really looked after us and was good fun.The food was of a very high quality and reasonably priced.The Lytton Arms has a really warm, friendly atmosphere and is one of the those pubs where you can walk in and feel at home, with happy smiling regulars enjoying themselves and helpful friendly staff. I would highly recommend a visit!

For further information or to book a table, call James on 01438 812312 or visit www.lyttonarms.co.uk

COMPETITION

To win a three course meal for two, simply tell us – what could the people enjoying a drink outside see? Please email your answer with your name, phone number and address to mail@villagelifemag.com

THE LYTTON ARMS, PARK LANE, OLD KNEBWORTH SG3 6QB 01438 812312 8

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

August 2012

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buSiNESS

What impact will this summer have on your business? adam Fernandes, Business Development Manager from UHY WKH Partnership Chartered Accountants talks about...

A

ccording to a new survey by Jabra one in five office workers have a ticket to this year’s Olympic events, with over one in ten having been selected as a volunteer to the games this year.The survey also revealed that 60% of the UK’s office workers are planning to take the opportunity to watch this huge sporting event that has landed on their doorstep this year. 5% stated that they would call in sick to be able to watch their favourite event taking place, with 25% stating that they would miss work to watch Athletics, and a further 17% will be taking annual leave in order to attend this year’s games.

Are you one of the small percentage (8%) of employers that has introduced flexible working, or are you one of the 56% of employers who have not yet announced any plans on how to manage your employees’ interest in the event?

The disruption to your business could be highly damaging so acting now to introduce working from home so that employees do not miss key events, or flexible working so that they can combine watching the games with work could help reduce the impact of this summer’s events.

What about the sun and if the weather warms up for a period of time this summer?

Is it a coincidence that when the weather gets hotter, staff absences rise, especially on a Monday and Friday?

Not that employers can accuse their employees of pulling a ‘sickie’ without actual concrete proof, but holding the ‘return to work’ interviews with staff that have been absent due to sickness will re-enforce to them that you are aware of what is happening in your business.

Something else to consider is that, whilst you do not have any legal obligation to provide sun protection advice, it may be in your interests to do so especially on the dangers of not drinking enough water and sun exposure, should the summer that we would like to have arrive. If you have employees that work outside for the majority of the day consider providing them with sun cream, a cost yes, but a small one against losing employees to sickness during the sunny periods.

If you would like any advice please feel free to contact me in the first instance on 01462 687333 or 07850 504044.

Come to the professionals with expert knowledge, experience & resources to make a difference.

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www.uhy-wkh.com August 2012 26/3/12 09:46:05

ViLLAGE LifE

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Telephone: 01438 820 288 www.davidthomasgarages.co.uk Newtown, Codicote, Herts. SG4 8UG David Thomas Garages HP 1110.indd 1

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August 2012

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business

Is your boiler covered?

D

id you know at least 3 boilers breakdown every minute? Your boiler should be serviced Specialists in annually – don’t leave itServices until it’s too late – make sure Annual Boiler/Central Heating Plumbing and Heating Requirements it’s working before you need it.

Boiler & Heating Installations Boiler Upgrades This is sound advice from Stagg Property Services Power Flushing Radiators & Valves based inPumps, Welwyn.

Stagg Property Services are a local family Hot & Cold Water Tanks runAllbusiness and have been covering the whole Plumbing & Heating work undertaken of Hertfordshire and beyond for 11 years.

For a free no obligation quote contact 01438 712712 Apartwww.staggproperty.co.uk from undertaking all household plumbing info@staggproperty.co.uk work, they offer boiler and central heating packages for which you can pay for monthly or as a one off yearly fee. Depending on the type of boiler you have and what package you’d like there are four packages to choose from:

Bronze – an annual boiler service – £72 one off fee or £7.00 a month.

Silver – an annual boiler service plus an annual unvented pressurised hot water tank service – £116 one off fee or £10.50 a month.

Gold – an annual boiler service and breakdown call out – £162 one off fee or £14.50 a month.

Platinum – an annual boiler service plus an annual unvented pressurised hot water tank service and breakdown call out – £198 one off fee or £17.50 a month.

All prices quoted include labour and vat but exclude parts. Monthly fees are payable by standing order over 12 months.

Stagg Property Services are Gas Safe registered and also carry out landlord CP12 gas safety checks.

Power flushing is also available.

So need a plumbing or heating job carried out? Call for a free no obligation quote: Stagg Property Services Ltd 01438 712712 info@staggproperty.co.uk

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August 2012

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August 2012

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

15

LifEStyLE

Jose Saavedra

The Wedding DJ & Master of Ceremonies

B

eing a good Wedding DJ is about so much more than the music, it is about taking care of the little things and through meticulous preparation, ensuring that the celebrations on your special day will run just as you planned, allowing you to relax and with your guests and enjoy to the full your very special day.

Jose provides a bespoke Wedding Disco service ensuring that your wedding celebrations run as smoothly and professionally as the formal part of your day.To do this, he will devote time to planning the event with you at a pre-wedding meeting which is offered as part of his unique

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service. He will ensure that he understands exactly what you want for your special day so that he can provide you with a wedding disco package tailored exclusively to your requirements. In addition, he will make contact with the venue you have chosen to ensure that every detail is covered and all aspects of the planned programme are fully co-ordinated so that everything will come together perfectly on the day.

Jose will be personally committed to providing you with the highest level of professionalism and expertise developed over 20 years of experience as a DJ, and with hundreds of highly successful weddings to his credit.

He will make your experience one to be cherished and remembered forever.

In addition to being a fantastic DJ who can keep the dance floor buzzing, Jose is a confident and highly experienced public speaker which differentiates him from other DJs. By combining the role of DJ and Master of Ceremonies, Jose will ensure that your wedding flows perfectly. He will work with the venue and your suppliers and will guide you through the etiquette of the day, so you can relax safe in the knowledge that everything will run smoothly.

As your guests arrive they will be greeted with background music of your choice played through a small and discrete PA system.There will be music throughout the day to add atmosphere to the drinks reception and Wedding Breakfast, as well as during the ceremony if required. Multiple PA systems can be set up where different rooms are used during the day.

As your MC, Jose will greet people when they arrive, guide your guests around the venue and announce you in

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

August 2012

LifEStyLE

to the room as husband and wife, where you will enjoy a round of applause as your walk to your table hand in hand. He will make announcements throughout the day keeping your guests informed, co-ordinate the speeches (introducing each speaker then passing them a wireless microphone), introduce the cutting of the cake and the first dance, ask guests to sign the guestbook, and be there to assist with anything that you or your guests need on the day. Essentially Jose is offering the service of a Toastmaster, but rather than wearing a red jacket he will wear a suit or a tux!

With a state of the art sound and lighting rig which never fails to impress, Jose will create the perfect atmosphere for you and your guests to dance the night away. His music collection covers a wide range of music genres including Party, Cheese, Disco, Soul, Funk, R&B, Motown, Rock, Indie, Jazz, Rock & Roll, Dance, House, Punk and all popular music from the 1960’s, 70s, 80s, 90s, 00s right through to today’s top 40 chart music. His mixing skills and ability to read the crowd will keep the dance floor full and the evening will be one to remember.

As a professional Mobile Disco supplier, Jose holds £10m of Public Liability Insurance and all equipment is fully PAT tested to ensure electrical safety.This is underpinned by a service contract, which gives you the

peace of mind of knowing that he will arrive at the venue in good time, fully prepared and ready to deliver the service he has promised you.

Jose regularly plays at prestigious venues such as Tewinbury Farm, Fanhams Hall, Hanbury Manor and Priory Barn locally, and The Dorchester, Fulham Palace, Hotel Russell, Stationer’s Hall and many others in London.

He is proud to be a member of the Wedding DJ Alliance and the Federation of Small Businesses.

“Jose provides a great service, works well with people, and provides superb entertainment. He was very easy to talk which made the whole process of organising our wedding day so much easier.When it came to any of our specific requests, Jose performed without a hitch.Throughout the evening, our guests just kept telling us how much fun they were having and that the music was forcing them to keep dancing!”

Peter De Santis (Hotel Russell, Russell Square, London)

“Everyone had a fantastic time and there was a real buzz – it’s not often that the dance floor is fully occupied for the whole evening. It was all very professional from the booking process to the set up and the equipment – and then there is Jose’s obvious talent as a DJ!” Les Tinsley (Priory Barn, Little Wymondley)

Jose is offering a free upgraded lighting package for all bookings made in August and September for 2012 and 2013 (Worth £100).

For further information, contact him on 01438 216 950 or 07734 387 478. Alternatively visit his website www.mjsevents.com August 2012

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17

lifestyle

Planning your home improvement project

W

hen it comes to home improvements, the most common question we hear is “how do we go about starting the process of improving our home and who do we ask for help? “ The answer is not always a straight forward one, depending upon the nature of the project you are undertaking, but obtaining the right advice from the outset is vital if your project is to go smoothly.

The most common cause of dissatisfaction we hear about is where a Client has employed specialist tradesmen who undertake the majority of the work, but the overall project remains incomplete once the tradesmen have finished their specific aspects.This is not usually the tradesmen’s fault! A great example of this is perhaps a kitchen re-fit where the kitchen is part of a kitchen/dining space and the Client wants the kitchen refitted with the dining room decorated and updated at the same time.The problem comes when the Kitchen Fitters finish their work and the Client is disappointed because they still need to employ a Decorator and possibly a Joiner to finish the rest of the project.

This scenario comes about because the Client has not been advised correctly or rather, has not sought out the correct advice from the correct source at the outset.

When contemplating carrying out any work or improvements to your home, it is worth remembering that your home is likely the largest single investment you own so it is imperative that you seek professional advice, to ensure you get a good return on any further investment as it is easy to get it wrong.

For extensions, refurbishments, conversions and any work that involves structural alterations, your first step should be to talk to a design professional such as an Architect, Architectural Designer or Structural Engineer, who will be able to advise you on whether you need Planning and/or Listed Building Consent in the first instance.They will also be able to advise you on whether you will need to comply with the Building Regulations and the Party Wall Act, or require a Build Over Agreement with the water authority.These may well still be required even if planning consent is not. If you fail to obtain the

appropriate statutory consents for work you carry out, you could face legal action from the Local Authority and be made to put your property back to the way it was before you started.You will also be required to provide these consents when selling your home and if you don’t have them, you may be forced to apply retrospectively to enable a sale to continue.This can be more costly than obtaining them at the start of the project.

If the project is an internal one, you may still want to start with an Architect, or it may be more appropriate to talk to an Interior Designer. An Interior Designer can be a great asset on an internal renovation or remodel and will recommend trusted trades and specialists to carry out the entire works.The designer will then act as a Project Manager to oversee the whole project and ensure every detail is taken care of. In addition to organising and overseeing the fitting out and remodeling, they can also advise and guide you on decor and furnishings, ensuring that your project adds both desirability and value to your home.

Many people may be concerned with the cost of appointing a Designer for their project, but rest assured, professional guidance and assistance with your project will pay dividends in the long run.The more time you spend in the design phase, contemplating the finer details, with your Designer using their expertise to guide you past the many pitfalls, the smoother your project will run and more likely it will be finished within budget.

Most Designers, whether Architectural or Interior, offer a free of charge initial consultation or in some cases there may be a small fee. Either way, good professional advice at the outset, even at a small cost, can save thousands of pounds in the long run.

Written by Mick Baird at The Sacred Space Company, for further information visit www.thesacredspacecompany.co.uk or contact Mick on 01707 391415.

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August 2012

ViLLAGE LifE

S A C R E D S PA C E ARCHITECTURE INSPIRED BY YOU If you are embarking on a project to refurbish, extend or modernise your home, or build an entirely new one, then you need a design team who will treat your design as if it’s their own.

Feasibility Planning Building Regulations

the sacred space company 01707 391415 Info@thesacredspacecompany.co.uk www.thesacredspacecompany.co.uk

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 1 Life | www.villagelifemag.com | tel: 01438 216950 August 2012 Construction 0811 HP.indd Village

21/07/2011 14:0519

business

Would you like a great deal on a new van?

W

hite HotVans specialise in supplying commercial vehicles to skilled tradesmen and small businesses. Due to the high volumes of vans that they supply to their customer base, they have secured fleet procurement terms across a range of wellknown manufacturers.This means that even if you are buying just one vehicle, you can enjoy the same levels of discount as a major corporate fleet buyer.With the buying power passed directly on to the consumer, you are able to get a much better deal that through a dealership, all backed up by a personal and friendly service.

Richard Bunn one of the owners told us, “We are a small dedicated team with a combined experience of almost 40 years working in the manufacturer and vehicle leasing industry. As with all lines of work, contacts, knowledge and experience make the difference and we have managed to negotiate fantastic deals directly with the manufacturers.

We have a number of commercial vehicles in stock at any given time plus a pipeline of new vans coming through regularly.

If you need a van within seven days then we can do that. If you want to factory order something specific and enjoy the same discounts then we can do that as well.We can also provide finance options if required.

Our website is easy to use and allows you to browse for vans by manufacturer, monthly budget, finance type or vehicle type.We are at the end of the phone if you need to talk anything through or alternatively you can email, or pop in to our office for a coffee where we talk van ‘stuff’ on comfy leather armchairs.We are on the Luton Hoo Country Estate, just 20 minutes from Hitchin.

To find out more about the great deals available, contact Richard on 01582 484 885, enquiries@thewhitehotgroup.com or visit www.whitehotvans.com

need a new van?

We offer significant discounts on all makes and models with special rates for skilled tradesmen and small business owners.

Call us now to see how much you could save.

01582 484 885

www.whitehotvans.com 20

Let me help you to get your business back on track

I help small business owners get on top of their finances through friendly, affordable services: Preparing Accounts • Invoicing & Payments Systems setup & Software training VAT returns • Payroll • Credit Control Cash Flow • Petty Cash

Sandra Jones 01707 229 872 / 07974 311 368 www.click4bookkeeping.com

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

August 2012

VILLAGE LIFE

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BEAUTY WITHIN Health, Body & Wellness Specialist

Since launching in 1998 Beauty Within has gone from strength to strength.

Visit our salon at 47/49 High Street, Old Town, Stevenage.

Jessica Manicures/Pedicures Gel Nails/Shellac/Bio Sculptures/Geleration Waxing/Lycon/Brazilian/Hollywood Threading HD Brows LVL Lashes Lash Perfect Eyelash Extensions Dermalogica Facials/Products CACI Ultimate Microdermabrasion Priori Chemical Peels Fake Bake Spray Tanning Make-up Electrolysis/Advanced Aesthetics Pamper Parties l

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Gift Vouchers & Alcoholic refreshments available.

Tel: 01438 747432 www.beautywithinstevenage.co.uk

Guess what we’re Tel: 01438 747432 having?

HALF PRICE SALE www.beautywithinstevenage.co.uk

COME IN TO SEE THE SAVINGS YOU CAN MAKE S E L E C T E D I T E M S O N LY

Unit 136, Stevenage Indoor Market, St Georges Way, Stevenage SG1 1EP We are opposite the rear entrance to Wilkinsons

Tel/Fax: 01438 314263 Mobile: 07970 034579 email: sales@oaklandblinds.co.uk WHERE QUALITY MATTERS

Opening Hours: Wed/Thu/Fri/Sat, 9am - 5pm

why not visit our website: www.oaklandblinds.co.uk August 2012

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

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VILLAGE LIFE

1/2 A5 advert_Layout 1 12/05/2011 16:14 Page 1

Looking for something a little different? newleaf marketing communications may just be what you are looking for newleaf marketing communications is a full service marketing consultancy.

We specialise in the design and print of promotional literature, branding and contract publishing. We also have a wealth of experience in managing media relations, online promotions, direct mail and photography.

At newleaf marketing communications we provide more than just creative skills but also the ability to listen, understand and solve complex issues quickly and efficiently.

For more information on how we can help your company call us today 01438 871968

W www.newleafmarcom.com E info@newleafmarcom.com T 01438 871968 Design

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Print

Media Planning

Contract Publishing

Branding

More than just great ideas...

Please mention The Hitchin Village Directory when responding to adverts Village Life | www.villagelifemag.com | tel: 01438 216950

August 2012

VILLAGE LIFE

Save your family

£1000’s

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)

01462 820 017 07954 162 522 B E S T

P R I C E

G U A R A N T E E

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

August 2012

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

23

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 1 24 Airport Cars Direct HP 0111 2.indd Village Life | www.villagelifemag.com | tel: 01438 216950

20/01/2011 10:09 August 2012

ViLLAGE LifE

your Local 24 Hour Emergency Locksmith Call Out Service a family run business providing home care services for adults and children

• all Personal care, eg washing, dressing, Incontinence care • companionship • Meal preparation • accompanying to medical appointments • general housekeeping duties • Mental stimulation using memory boxes, photographs, memoirs etc • Help keeping up to date with correspondence, documents, bills etc

All our staff CRB checked & trained to our high standards Flexible service with competitive rates call us now to arrange for our care Manager to visit you to discuss your requirements

• Lock opening & Lock Fitting • all types of Locks • repairs, servicing & replacement Locks • Vehicle opening • domestic & commercial services • Fully accredited & approved emergency Locksmith

Fast, competitive & reliable service call Mark on 01462 759557 or visit www.anylock-security.co.uk

www.omercare.co.uk 01438 820 999 / 07557 889 037

A friendly surgery with caring, helpful staff where your pets really matter traditional, privately owned veterinary practice experienced vets and dedicated qualified nurses X-ray, ultrasound, laboratory and surgical facilities out of hours emergency service Mimram Veterinary Centre, 31 Church Street, Welwyn, AL6 9LW 01438 712300 www.mimramvets.co.uk August 2012

Traditional tea rooms serving quality food and beverages

Divine cream teas and assorted cakes always available, plus a small delicatessen selling local produce.

3 Datchworth Green,Datchworth SG3 6TL

01438 816 034 www.oldpostofficetearooms.co.uk

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

25

ViLLAGE LifE

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

Julian Ivory

Very Personal Training Try my 2012 Starter Pack 5 TRAINING SESSIONS Private Studio Comprehensive consultation: Body composition analysis Blood pressure reading Use of exclusive facilities Refreshments, Towel, Sky TV, Parking l

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* Sessions based upon 30-minute consultations with a professional trainer

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

SHIRON

All for

£99

Call me now

01438 821470 / 07990 958294 www.verypersonaltraining.co.uk Julian@verypersonaltraining.co.uk

DOMESTIC APPLIANCES

Tel: 01438 720304

Mobile: 07739 922493

Andrew Sinclair

hiron Domestic QP 0310.indd 1

ELECTRICIAN

PEA CERT ED

Need help with your PC?

25/02/2010 12:34

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

Kitchens Bathrooms Fusebox changes

 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

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

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

127 High Street, Kimpton, Herts, SG4 8QN 26

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

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

August 2012

ViLLAGE LifE

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

FRINGELINE

Village Village Tree Services Tree Services

Celebrating 20 Years in Business

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

SN Fencing 0311.indd 1

UNISEX HAIR & BEAUTY SALON

New Treatments

Neck, Back & Hot Stone Massages Botox, Fillers & Medical Skin Peels

Offers

Wednesday after 6pm 20% off Fringeline Beauty 10% off Tints Fish Pedicures – 15 mins for £6.00 (throughout June) 46a High Street, Kimpton, Herts SG4 8RN 01438 833 468 www.fringeline.co.uk August 2012

16/02/2011 09:18

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

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

27

WHAt’S ON

What’s on in august...

Saturday 11 Aug 2012, 10pm - 4pm ‘All things Healthy’ at Hitchin Marketplace, Hitchin

Take a break…

CROSSWORD

Number of Companies in the natural health business creating awareness and providing practical solutions to health conditions from Acne to Weight Control and everything in-between.

Saturday 11th Aug - Sunday 12th Aug, 10am - 5pm The Knebworth Country Show, Knebworth House, Knebworth, SG1 2AX All day entertainment - birds of prey, working dogs, children’s entertainment as well as arts, crafts, gifts and food marquees. www.oakleighfairs.co.uk

Thursday 16 Aug 2012, 1pm & 3.30pm Fairy Tales of the Unexpected, Hawthorne Theatre, The Campus, W.G.C, AL8 6BX A magical adventure into Fairytale-land for all the family. Fully interactive, lively and very funny with a modern twist on classic fairy tales. Lots of singing, live action, and maybe even a few custard pies too! Suitable for ages 3 to 10. Tickets £10 / £8 concessions www.hawthornetheatre.co.uk

Friday 17th Aug - Sunday 19th Aug Hatfield Country Show, Hatfield House, Hatfield, AL9 5NQ A wonderful family day out with main arena attractions, livestock, judging, horticultural marquee and children’s activities – and much more.

Contact 07974 778806, www.hatfield-house.co.uk

Sat 25 August - Sunday 26th August, 11am - 4pm Peartree Fun Day, Woodhall Community Centre, Mill Green Road, W.G.C AL7 3XD Stalls, BBQ, Fun Fair, Candy Floss, Soak the Plod, Sports Activities and a Bring & Buy Sale. For more information call 01707 638012. Organised by the Peartree Safer Neighbourhood Team in aid of Isabel Hospice.

Free entry, all welcome.

Sat 25 August - Sunday 26th August, 3pm - 11.55pm on both days Goatfest Music Festival raising funds for Isabel Hospice, the Goat Inn in Codicote

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

2 day Bank Holiday fundraiser showcasing loads of bands and has a friendly fun atmosphere. To support them in the sunshine (fingers crossed) or maybe help on the day by volunteering to steward. Call Cheryl Cusack on 01707 382500.

Monday 27th August, 2pm - 5.30pm NGS Open Garden at Rustling End Cottage, Rustling End, Nr Codicote A cottage garden with box parterre, topiary, reflecting pool, late flowering borders and wildflower meadow open in aid of the NGS, raising money for nursing and caring charities. Adult £4, Children free, www.ngs.org.uk

Thursday 30th August from 4pm Hitchin & District RNLI Meeting of Vintage & Classic Cars @ Hitchin F.C. Fishponds Road, SG5 1NU Bar & Refreshments available, entry £2 with all proceeds to the RNLI. Enquiries: Mike Frisby 01462 433716, Frisby1963@hotmail.co.uk 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

August 2012

ViLLAGE LifE

For Specialist Matrimonial Advice

JCS SOLICITORS

Need a new car?

Let us find your dream car, we can also sell your car and arrange finance if required.

A new way to buy a car that WILL save you time and money!

CALL NOW! 01462 888 304 07989 867 949 www.ifindanycar.com

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

Village Life is looking for a reliable Dog Groomer to advertise in the magazine.

Rabley Tree Care Rabley Tree Care Rabley Tree Care

If you would like to come on board and advertise your company to 15,000 readers each month, we will offer low advertising rates.

Contact Melanie on

01483 216 950 August 2012

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

To advertise in The Hitchin Village Directory p 29

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

SHOWCASE

Martyn Hitch

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

Professional Chimney Sweep

JORDAN

BRIDGE COTTAGE PHARMACY

Clean & Tidy, Reasonable Rates

ESTABLISHED 1968

REGULAR ANNUAL SERVICING COMMISSIONING • BREAKDOWN SERVICE OFTEC Registered & Certificated by Major Manufacturers.

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

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

Work your hours in your home Part time – Full time – YOUR TIME

Build your own Internet business from the comfort of your own home.

If you are interested in making a substantial income through your own efforts please contact me.

07792 723971

talkmighty@gmail.com www.talkmighty.co.uk

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

Want to kick your computer?

CALL Mike for a FREE consultation

A friendly, all-round service to maintain and enhance your business processes, taking away stress and hassle, freeing up time to focus on your business.

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

Call Sandra on 01707 229872 www.click4bookkeeping.com

ADVERTISE HERE

10/05/2010 18:41

TO 15000 LOCAL CUSTOMERS FROM JUST £20pm!

ACORN HERTS CARS Friendly pre book car and parcel service

Reliable, efficient and competitively priced service. For travel to Airports, Hospitals, Stations, Theatres etc.

CALL 01438 216950

01438 833 869

Terms and conditions apply.

www.acornherts.co.uk

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

01462 618322

COMPUTER PROBLEMS

odicote Online 0610.indd 1

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

Reg No: 10/700

OIL BURNER SERVICES An Independent Oil Boiler Maintenance Company Offering: -

Peony Floral Boutique

07539 007 364

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

Michael shelley

electrical

Qualified electrician

“no job too small” tel: 01438 820 820

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

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

August 2012

Quality Bespoke Kitchens manufactured in any size, shape, style & colour

www.justfittedkitchens.com

9 Weston Barns, Hitchin Road, Weston SG4 7AX 01438 729610 OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK BY APPOINTMENT