Village Life Tewin April 2012

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

TEWIN

FREE

ISSUE 9: APRIL 2012

The Fox

in Woolmer Green TEWIN OPEN GARDENS & DATCHWORTH FESTIVAL Local businesses showcased

PLUS WHAT’S ON IN APRIL Tewin • Datchworth • Oaklands • Digswell • Woolmer Green • Watton at Stone • Bull’s Green • Burnham Green • Hammer Green

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WELCOME TO APRIL Well the evenings are getting lighter and spring is finally here! April brings a nice long weekend off for most of us with Easter and chocolate galore for the little ones.

St George’s Day on the 23rd April remembers St George, England’s patron saint.

The anniversary of his death is seen as England’s national day. According to legend, he was a soldier in the Roman army who killed a dragon and saved a princess.

This month we are showcasing lots of local businesses and we visited The Fox in Woolmer Green. Don’t forget you can find the answers to the puzzles on our website – www.villagelifemag.com and we are also on Facebook, Linkedin

CALL US: 01438 216950

and Twitter – @villagelifemag

EMAIL US:

Bye for now,

VISIT US AND READ THE

mail@villagelifemag.com

Jose & Melanie

MAGAZINE ONLINE: www.villagelifemag.com facebook.com/villagelifemagazine

CONTENTS

THE FOX: PAGE 14-15

4:

Local news

6:

Wellbeing: MarilynTuck – Focus

10:

Business: Abbotts Wills & Probate Services

14-15: Pub Review:The Fox,Woolmer Green 16:

Business: Five Star Furnishing Care

18:

Business: Basestore

20:

Business: Studio C Architects

21:

Business: Floral Arrangements for your Big Day

22:

What’s on in April/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 9 villages.

Find us in Tewin, Datchworth, Oaklands, Digswell, Woolmer Green, Bull’s Green, Burnham Green, Hammer Green and Watton at Stone.

April 2012

PEONY FLOWERS: PAGE 21

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 (Tewin). Village Life (Tewin) 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

Tewin Open DATCHWORTH VILLAGE Gardens Event GARDENS, SCARECROW & FLOWERPOT MEN FESTIVAL

As the weather starts to improve, we are able to think about time in our gardens. Whether cleaning the patio, redefining the lawn edges or preparing ground ready for sowing next month, it’s all aimed at making our gardens look great for the coming seasons. How well will your garden look in late May? Well a number of Tewin Gardeners’ think their gardens will be looking good.

Tewin Horticultural Arts & Crafts Society (THACS) has organised Open Garden events before and the 2012 Event will take place on Sunday 27th May. The gardens will be open from 11am to 6pm with refreshments and plant sales available at some of them.

Entrance to gardens will be by programme priced £2 per adult (with accompanied children free) and these will include a map detailing the locations of open gardens as well as the addresses.

These programmes will be available from the two shops in the village (Tewin Stores and Tebbutts) from Monday 30th April and from some of the gardens on the day.

This has proved a very popular event in recent years. If you are a gardener looking for ideas to change or improve your own garden then this is a great source of information on planting and garden layout.

We hope to see you around the village on Sunday May 27th 2012, when you will be made very welcome.

4

On Sunday 27 May there will be an Open Gardens event and a Scarecrow & Flowerpot men Festival in Datchworth. Ten gardens in this pretty village will offer a wide variety of sizes, styles and planting with many interesting features including unusual plants, wild areas and water features. The 800 year old Church of All Saints will be beautifully decorated and open to visitors.

A Map will supplied on admission and you can enjoy Live music, lunches, BBQ, cream teas and various stalls. Most gardens suitable for wheelchairs , dogs are not allowed in the gardens.

The Event will be open from 12pm - 5pm.

Combined admission is £5.00 for Adults and Children under 12 go free. Proceeds will be shared between British Red Cross, QVM Danesbury and All Saints’ Church.

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

April 2012

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WELLBEING

Have you got exams or a dissertation to do this next term?

P

erhaps you have some work to do over the Easter break, perhaps you have exams very soon. Are you getting bogged down with revision, not knowing where to start, procrastinating, doing anything except what you should be? Maybe you are feeling overwhelmed, is it a hard subject, perhaps life is getting in the way… Is it all just too difficult?

Other people will say they managed theirs fine, they say all you need is to do some reading, and focus.

Well, that’s fine for them to say, it doesn’t help, they don’t have your problems. It can be all very stressful.

Had you thought about hypnotherapy? It is particularly helpful for study and concentration.

You explain what you want and then 6

relax back gently day dreaming in a light trance while you are given a really positive boost to help you feel more alert and motivated as soon as you awaken.

People love it.

So, think for a minute; if you were really focused right now just think how well you could get your work done. And because you would be organized the work you complete could be exactly what you planned, or even much better.

On the other hand if you carried on the way you are, well you just might be doing it all at the last minute, totally stressed out and tired, and hand in something mediocre, then stress out more waiting for the results.

Would it be worth an hour or two of your time to get yourself in the right frame of mind, uncluttered and clearer? Would you like to give

yourself the opportunity to get better results? Well, why not! Vicki did and she said...“I have been able to focus at a level at which I had never previously found possible, even in my undergraduate degree.”

Just two consultations will move you into your study, referencing, writing and concentrating immediately. No more procrastinating, just getting on and getting the work done.

If you want to try it out now then go to my website and download ‘Yes, I can’.This mp3 is only £7.99. Find it in the confidence series under hypnotherapy recordings. It will help you focus to work. If you want very personal help, then ring and come for a consultation.

For more details visit the website: www.marilyntuck.co.uk Knebworth.

Phone 07962 811907

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

April 2012

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

9

BUSINESS FOCUS

A

bbotts Wills and Probate Services Ltd is a local Will writing company based in Hertford, offering professional Will and Estate Administration (Probate), Lasting Powers of Attorney’s, a wide range of Trusts and Inheritance Tax advice.

The business was setup by Jo Briley who has over 8 years experience in Wills and Probate Services.

Jo had been working as an Estate Planning Manager for 5 years and following the birth of her daughter, decided to start her own business. She setup the company in June 2008 from home and the business has gone from strength to strength with four members of staff working out of an office in Hertford. (They are currently recruiting their fifth member).

Jo told us, “ I have quite strong ethics in this area and I don’t believe people should be sold to and be made to take out documents that they may not need.With regards to probate I feel very strongly that people who have just lost someone close to them and need assistance with the administration, should have this job carried out as quickly as possible and be able to talk to the person assigned to deal with the case. It is very sad that during this difficult time, many people find themselves speaking to a gatekeeper and then being charged ludicrously for the service.We are contactable… this sounds as though it should be standard practice, but unfortunately for most people who are suffering a bereavement they can never get to speak to the person they want. A message is taken and may be returned but more often than not a letter is sent out answering your query which most of the time you will be charged for. “ Abbotts offer simple and professional advice and they have a company policy of never hard-selling any product or service to anyone.To put your mind at ease, there are

no hidden costs, in fact all of their fees are listed on the website (www.abbottswills.co.uk).This is very rare for the industry, but means that clients knows what to expect.

A fully qualified consultant and expert advice/assistance is available to guide you through the whole process, be it with a will or an estate administration and for a reasonable cost. Day or evening home visits are available to discuss your needs.

If you would like a free consultation to discuss your Will or understand how Abbotts could help you with your Estate planning or other services, contact Jo on 01992 535 135, info@abbottswills. co.uk or visit www.abbottswills.co.uk Village Life readers can get a 10% discount on all of Abbotts’ services by quoting the reference ‘Village Life 1204’.

“Jo and the team handle this sensitive issue with compassion, care and attention to detail ensuring that all of your requirements are met. Highly recommend for a first class service.”

“Dear Jo, I would recommend anyone in a position of bereavement who has to sort out probate to contact you and let you deal with everything for them. I could never have coped with it all.”

“I wanted to thank you for the excellent service you provided my wife and I with ourWills.We now have peace of mind that our children will be looked after and that there will be no confusion or arguments over our estate.”

Abbotts Wills and Probate Services Ltd, Conbar House, Mead Lane, Hertford, Hertfordshire SG13 7AP

01992 535 135 www.abbottswills.co.uk 10

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

April 2012

VILLAGE LIFE

Old School, New Charm…

The Old Schoolhouse was built in 1876 and is situated in the conservation area in the heart of Ashwell, a picture perfect village in North Hertfordshire. A handsome Grade II listed former Merchant Taylors School, approached via a private driveway. An individual family home, offering extensive accommodation. Sympathetically converted in 2005 keeping the original character features and charm whilst providing creature comforts such as under floor heating, streamed audio with inset ceiling speakers, gas central heating serving the traditional cast iron radiators.

The former school room is now a beautiful lounge with the original feature window overlooking the rear garden, cast iron log burning stove and galleried landing. The shaker style kitchen, custom made with beautiful solid wooden and granite work tops integrated appliances and the iconic ‘Aga’ oven. The School House has four bedrooms, with en-suite to master, family bathroom and guest shower room. Outside there is a 1/3 acre garden with timber car port.

Ashwell train station is 2 miles away providing a mainline rail service to Cambridge and London’s Kings Cross. The A1 (junction 10) can be joined within 3 miles.

This unique and individual property can be viewed at the Open House on Saturday 14 April 11:00-12:00.

For more information please call Warren or Nick at Wrights on 01707 332211

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April 2012

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

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VILLAGE LIFE

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Call Daniel on 01438 715362 or 07748 204 818 Email: oldwelwynconstruction@hotmail.co.uk Old Welwyn Construction 0811 HP.indd 1 Life | www.villagelifemag.com | tel: 01438 216950 April 2012 Village

21/07/2011 14:0513

BUSINESS FOCUS

The Fox

This month we visited the Fox in Woolmer Green, a friendly country pub offering home-cooked food in a very comfortable, relaxed atmosphere where everyone is made welcome.

L

andlady Janice Beevor took over the Fox last September, she has a lot of experience in hospitality including 8 years in Ibiza running a family bar in a family resort.The bar was a huge success but the time came for Janice to sell up and move back home a few years ago. She did a few part time jobs, working in an office and helping out in a pub but her passion soon drove her to find a pub to run and her search led her to McMullen who offered her the Fox. Janice told us, “Running a pub was something I’d been thinking of doing for a while, I wanted something that was small enough for me to run on my own and didn’t need a lot of staff. The Fox is perfect and most

importantly it’s a locals’ pub, the atmosphere is nice and friendly and the customers are absolutely lovely. They come from all over here, not just Woolmer Green, but they’re all regulars and I know what someone is drinking when they come through the door!”

The Fox offers great classic pub food which is all homemade, fresh on the premises, with dishes such as Shepherd’s Pie, Chicken Curry, Battered fish, Chilli, Soup and homemade desserts including Apple Pie, Bread Pudding and Profiteroles. Lighter meals include Ploughman’s, Jacket potatoes, Baguettes and a selection of Toasted Sandwiches (Spanish style).You can also enjoy an All Day Breakfast from 12pm.

Sunday lunch offers 3 courses – Soup and Pate, a choice of meat with all fresh vegetables,Yorkshire Pudding and homemade desserts. The main course is £8.95 and starters and desserts are just £3.95 each.

There is a fantastic chef with experience of working for luxury hotels in the local area.

With regards to the drinks, there are 2 ales to choose from - AK and Country with a guest ale changing every 4-6 weeks (currently Nice Pear). Lagers include Fosters and Kronenburg and also on draft is Strongbow and Guinness. There is a range of bottled ciders, a good range of wines and all the usual mixers and soft drinks.

The Fox has free WIFI and a range of events including a Sunday football team and a Darts team. The captain of the Darts team is in the final of the Welwyn Garden City & District Darts League, having won it last year; the cup is displayed in a cabinet in the pub for everyone to enjoy. There is a Dominos team that play on Tuesday lunchtimes and a Quiz Night the first Sunday of the month from 8pm. If you are a local team or association and would like somewhere to get together then call Janice on 01438 488381.

The Fox, 21 New Road, Woolmer Green, Herts SG3 6JX 01438 488381 14

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

April 2012

BUSINESS FOCUS

There are also a range of Theme nights planned this year including a Spanish night, Morris Dancing, BBQs and a Special lunch on Father’s day. This Easter you can enjoy a Roast Dinner all weekend – Friday to Monday and on Saturday 2nd June you can celebrate the Golden Jubilee with a BBQ, Pony rides and lots of fun every day of the weekend. There will be other events throughout June to celebrate the Olympics, call Janice for more details.

The Fox can cater for private functions for up to 60 guests including birthday parties, funerals, and christenings and Janice can take care of the catering.

Opening times are 12pm - 3pm Monday to Thursday and 12pm - 12am Friday to Sunday.

Food is served lunchtimes and all day Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The pub is family friendly with children welcome and it is also dog friendly. There is a really nice atmosphere when you walk in and we would highly recommend a visit for a drink or a bite to eat.

April 2012

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

15

BUSINESS FOCUS

10 D

Years of Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning

ean and Marie Haywood own Five Star Furnishing Care, a family run, professional carpet & upholstery cleaning company.When they are not busy working or looking after their 3 boys, Dean also helps to run a local youth football league and is a football referee.

Marie has worked in varied positions including sales, accountancy and teaching. Dean worked in retail and got sick and tired of working for someone else and wanted to start a business where he would be in charge.They believed that there was a good market for carpet and upholstery cleaning and started their business in 2001. Initially they bought in to a franchise which allowed them to get up and running quickly, however although they were working for themselves, they were not independent and it wasn’t perfect. After 5 years they decided to go alone and become truly independent as Five Star Furnishing Care and this has proved to have been the right decision for them.

Over the last 10 years the business has grown significantly, they are always open to new ideas to move the business forward and keeping up with changes within the industry.They started with portable machines and then moved to a state of the art truck mounted cleaning machine which runs off LPG gas, the benefit of this for the customer is that the machine is able to leave the furnishings drier much quicker. It carries its own water supply and collects the used dirty water; therefore it doesn’t use the customer’s hot water. No harmful chemicals are used with their cleaning process this means that not only is this better for the environment but it is safe for children, pets and allergy sufferers too.

There is a choice of cleaning packages available covering carpets, upholstery and leather furniture, they also clean & restore hard floors including tile & grout, stone and

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marble. A stain protector can be applied to carpets and upholstery after they have been cleaned.The cleaning process is a thorough one and they will move or work around furniture, meaning it is carried out with the minimum amount of disruption. Insecticide treatments can be applied to carpets that are affected by carpet beetle or other insects.

Customer Service is very important to Dean and Marie and nothing is too much trouble, in fact they are so confident about their work that they offer a 100% money back guarantee. The customer is safe in the knowledge that they are not going to disappear the next day after cleaning.

Their high standards have meant that retailers such as John Lewis and a number of other local independent retailers often refer business to them. Over 50% of their business is from repeat customers who are pleased with the cleaning.They do not pass work on to anyone else and only use their own highly trained technicians.They are certified by trade bodies such as the IICRC and NCCA which shows their commitment to being on the cutting edge of information, training & technology.

“Very reliable, we have used at least 4 times at our current address and will use again” “ Thank you for a most professional service, from start to finish your team run a very efficient company and can only be praised most highly”

Five Star Furnishing Care offer a free onsite quotation service where they visit then provide a no-obligation quote with no pressure to buy. For further information call Marie on 0800 037 8094 or visit www.fivestarfurnishingcare.com 16

Su

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

April 2012

VILLAGE LIFE

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

17

l

BUSINESS

Patios and Paving

“we can submit your planning application for you” Basestore Building Services Limited 13 Middle Row, Old Town, Stevenage, SG1 3AW t: 01438 743531 m: 07917194741 e: projects@basestore.co.uk www.basestore.co.uk

Basestore is a Chartered Building Company offering a unique and comprehensive service covering many aspects of property construction, renovation and refurbishment...

T

heir extensive experience in managing tradesman mean they never provide a service that can’t be delivered with the highest of quality. Customers are encouraged to get in contact with them at pre-planning so they can advise on planning, structure and choices of colours, finishes and design.

The business was setup by Liam and his father. Liam graduated with 2:1 Honours in Construction Engineering Management and is a Chartered Builder. He spent over 7 years working with global building contractors on a selection of some of London’s most prestigious landmarks ranging from £10m to 1billion PFI schemes.

Liam’s father has been in the building industry for over 30 years and specialises in building foundations and basement construction having built good relationships with local tradesman, commercial clients and private developers. His skill base is broad whilst he brings to Basestore due diligence and a wealth of experience.

Liam told us, “It’s been a lifelong passion to start my own business, coming from a family of business owners. I wanted Basestore to bring something unique and extra to the local market, delivering professional improvements to Hertfordshire homes.The business offers advice to customers throughout the building process, from pre-construction to project completion.

The realisation of quality and value for money at the end of a project brings satisfaction that I found hard to find working within an office environment.”

As well as undertaking complete development projects, Basestore deploys a skilled team locally sourced offering domestic customers, home extensions, property renovations and associated services; building foundations and hard landscaping.

They worked with one home owner to reform a Grade II listed property into a contemporary residential unit full of period features.

“I choose Basestore for two reasons; they came highly recommended from a close friend of mine and because they are a Chartered Building Company.

This instantly provided me with reassurance that they would be a professional builder and I was not disappointed. It was fundamental that they took care of my home as it is a Grade II listed building, they did a fantastic job installing a new kitchen and refurbishing the rest of the property. Considering the amount of work involved and the high standard of workmanship provided, the price was very reasonable.

I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Basestore.”

Basestore offers commercial services and has provided foundation solutions to private developers.They have previously constructed a basement and swimming pool structure for the Mandalay, a 7000 sq ft luxury home in Hadley Wood, Barnet.

Basestore cover the Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and North London area.They are members of the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) and the Federation of Master Builders (FMB). Customers can expect professionalism, integrity and a first class service.

As a Chartered Builder they are controlled by a professionally qualified director who is committed to high standards of quality and customer service.They operate to a strict Code of Conduct governed by the Construction Institute of Building and have been trained to recognised industry standards.

Basestore are pleased to offer all Village Life readers a free pre project consultation, just mention this editorial. For further information, contact Liam on 01438 743531, 07917 194741 or visit www.basestore.co.uk 18

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

April 2012

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19

BUSINESS FOCUS

Studio C Architects Ltd

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tudio C Architects was setup by husband and wife team Sarah and Jay Coughlan in March 2010, with the primary focus of providing architectural services to the growing domestic and residential sector clients.

They provide the full range of RIBA architectural design services; commencing with initial consultation and site survey, followed by feasibility study and application for statutory Planning and Building Regulation approvals followed by Tender and Contract administration and on site works and inspections.

Sarah and Jay first met at The University of Plymouth when studying for a post graduate Architectural qualification. Collectively, they have a wealth of hands on practical knowledge and experience gained over the years working within the construction Industry helping to design and shape the built environment.

Fully qualified in 2000 and having worked in private architectural practice since 1995, Sarah has been fortunate to have been involved in the design, construction and contract administration of many different building types including extensions to private homes, new build designer houses, Doctors surgeries, School and University buildings for teaching and research, and a vast array of building and refurbishment projects for NHS Hospital Trusts and commercial developments.

Sarah told us, “We always dreamed of one day forming our own practice and finally took the plunge in 2010.

Following the birth of our son in 2007 I did return to work on a part-time basis, but felt that I was compromising both my professional role as architect and my private role as mother and homemaker.To form and establish a business is extremely hard work but for me this has been liberating and rewarding. I have achieved a great workhome life balance, being able to be there for my son when needed but also continuing to work in an industry that I love.We approach and assess each project individually; my job is to listen to the client’s dreams and translate them into good design that exceeds the client’s expectations and aspirations.”

Throughout the process, Studio C pride themselves on providing a very open and personable service, explaining each step of the design and construction process.They will liaise with the Planners whenever possible to achieve a successful outcome and to help alleviate some of the stress that can accompany any construction project.They are not just a drafting service, they are Architects and designers, and as such they endeavour to provide multiple alternative design solutions in response to the client’s brief/requirements.

They meet their clients throughout the design process to discuss the options in order to achieve an agreed consolidated design that everyone is happy with – Sarah often refers to these meetings as ‘pick ‘n’ mix’ as Clients may like elements from 3 or 4 different layouts and elevations which when combined form the final design.

Studio C recognise that budgets can often be restrictive and will tailor their services accordingly, they can provide full contract administration services but are equally happy to hand the project over to a client to manage the construction process remaining available should queries arise once the project is on site.

“Studio C provided me an absolutely first class service from the initial feasibility study, excellent ideas, through the planning and building regulation processes and, most important of all, maintained involvement throughout the building contract liaising with the building contractors on our behalf.”

“We would highly recommend using Studio C Architects to anyone who wants a thorough and professional service.”

“I contacted studio C Architects to design a pitched roof to replace an existing flat roof.

From the initial site visit to completion the service was excellent.”

For further information contact Sarah on 01920 413302 or visit www.studio-c-architects.com 20

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

April 2012

VILLAGE LIFE

The Peony Florist & Gift Shop

Fabulous Floral Arrangements for your Big Day

T

he Wedding season is fast approaching again, if you are getting married this year then now is the time to consider the flower requirements for your big day. After a really successful summer of weddings last year, Peony are looking forward to an exciting, creative season filled with fabulous floral arrangements! (Visit www.peonyflorist.co.uk to see examples of their work). It is important at this stage to get your date booked in as their slots fill up quickly.

Peony offer a bespoke service where they will cater for every element of your wedding day from the bridal party flowers, the church, the venue, thank you flowers and any extras such as decorating a vehicle (see the camper van on their website!).

They offer a thorough consultation to ensure they know exactly what you need as well as your taste, style and personality. If you are getting married at a venue they haven’t worked at before, they will pay a visit to make

sure they know the size and feel of the building. On the day of the wedding your flowers will be delivered and set up for you, leaving you free to enjoy getting ready.

This year, they have introduced a number of flower packages alongside their bespoke service.These are great for people on a tight budget or who want to keep things simple, you still get a consultation in store so you can choose colours and make any small alterations to the package.This ensures that your individual requirements are taken in to account.

To make a free no obligation consultation, contact Lotty at mail@peonyflorist.co.uk or on 01438 821888. Mention Village Life Magazine and receive a 5% discount on your wedding flowers.

DAVID THOMAS GARAGES Service is our Business • • • • • • • •

For all your vehicle servicing and MOT requirements Latest Bosch Diagnostic Equipment Air conditioning servicing and repairs Fuel injector testing and ultrasonic cleaning Friendly, personal service from family run team All work carried out by fully skilled and trained staff We do not carry out extra work without your authority Courtesy vehicles available on request

Telephone: 01438 820 288 www.davidthomasgarages.co.uk Newtown, Codicote, Herts. SG4 8UG David 1 Life | www.villagelifemag.com | tel: 01438 216950 April 2012Thomas Garages HP 1110.indd Village

21/10/2010 10:4621

VILLAGE LIFE

4th April and every first Wed of the month, 7.30pm Welwyn Floral Group, The Civic Centre, Welwyn AL6 9ER

Take a Break…

CROSSWORD

What’s on in APRIL...

Visitors and new members always welcome. Enquiries 01438 815599 – Visitors £5.00

Saturday 14th April, 10.30 am to 4.00 pm Book Sale in The Memorial Hall, Tewin Memorial Hall Sunday 15th April, 11am to 4pm Eden’s Secret Spring Fair, Codicote Sports and Social Centre, Bury Lane, Codicote, SG4 8XY Hand-made, Fair Trade and Small Local Business Stalls Jewellery, Bath Bombs, Woodturning, Fabric gifts & much more. Wheelchair Access and Refreshments. Proceeds to Isabel Hospice. Entry £1

Monday 16th April, 7.00pm Tewin Screen on the Green – ‘AMELIE’

Friday 20th April Golf Day, Hatfield London Country Club, Essendon – In aid of Isabel Hospice, Rotary and HAD 22 teams compete for The Marquess of Salisbury Challenge Trophy. Entry, £500per team. The day will start with coffee and bacon rolls and will end with a Gala Dinner, Charity Auction and Prize Giving. For more information, contact John Hopley on 01707 325808

Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd April 10.00am - 5.00pm The East of England Food Festival at Knebworth House, Knebworth, SG1 2AX

ACROSS 1. extras (11) 9. on purpose (13) 10. salvation (8) 12. gemstone (4) 14. skeleton (5) 15. receptacle (5) 19. end (4) 20. unassailable (8) 22. puzzling guide (13) 24. wave (11)

Featuring a huge range of food and drink, unique arts, craft and gift products plus a full programme of food and cookery demonstrations, wine and beer tasting and family entertainment

DOWN 2. feline (3) 3. made more worthy (8) 4. of the back (6) 5. tear (4) 6. hiding light (9) 7. word of God (5) 8. repetition (5) 11. cold damage (9) 13. carefully organised (8) 16. following (5) 17. bookmaker’s signals (6) 18. semi-aquatic mammal (5) 21. give out (4) 23. random selection (3)

SUDOKU

Amelie Poudain (Audrey Tautou)is a young woman who glides through the streets of Paris and sees the world in a magical light, discovering minor miracles every day. Free tea and coffee with biscuits or bring your own refreshments and glasses. Doors open at 7pm and the film will start at 7.45pm Tickets £4, available at Tewin Stores or email sotgtw@hotmail.co.uk

Sunday 22nd April, 2pm-5pm NGS Open Garden at Amwell Cottage, Wheathampstead An informal 2.5 acre garden with orchard and extensive lawns open in aid of the NGS, raising money for nursing and caring charities. Adult £3.50, Children free, www.ngs.org.uk

Friday 4th May, 10am Tewin Cowper School Dancing around the Maypole, Lower Green Friday 4th May to Monday 7th May The 48th Kimpton May Festival “The Best of British” is the theme this year. What a year 2012 promises to be with both the London Olympics and the Queens Diamond Jubilee to look forward to. Given these iconic events in the same year, the May Festival team have chosen a broad theme to allow the community groups of Kimpton to choose a float theme that could fit either of these!

GET YOUR EVENT LISTED FOR FREE HERE, EMAIL: mail@villagelifemag.com or call us on 01438 216 950 22

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

April 2012

VILLAGE LIFE

165, The High Street, Codicote, Herts, SG4 8XD, Tel 01438 821600, info@thebellmotel.com

THE BELL MOTEL NEW

exciting children’s play area ready for Easter & outside bar seating area

Easter Beer Festival

Starting at 12pm on the 6th, 7th, 8th, & 9th April 15-20 Beers & 5-10 Traditional Ciders BBQ, Live music, Bouncy castle Why not stay in one of our 25 bedrooms for only £30 a double room, & enjoy our exciting new menu served all weekend.

Are you a local

Window Cleaner

looking for more business?

Your local Will Writing Company Will Writing Estate Administration (Probate) Lasting Powers of Attorney’s Wide range of Trusts Inheritance Tax advice

Village Life is looking for a reliable Window Cleaner to advertise in the magazine.

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

Free consultation, home visits available day or evening “The team handle this sensitive issue with compassion, care and attention to detail ensuring that all of your requirements are met”

01992 535 135 www.abbottswills.co.uk Conbar House, Mead Lane, Hertford, SG13 7AP April 2012

Contact Melanie on

01483 216 950

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

23

VILLAGE LIFE

CLARKE DECORATORS DECORAT A ORS AT

Do you need an extra pair of hands to help you take your business to the next level?

The Office on the Net can help you by takin care of all your adinistrave tasks, freein you to build your business usin your creave skills

Contact Lia On 07718 588 482 or at lia@theofficeonthenet.co.uk www.theofficeonthenet.co.uk

Property Maintenance • All types of decorating carried out • Household maintenance i.e. gutter repair/replacement, carpentry, plumbing • Kitchen refurbishment 30 years experience – Clean efficient service – Reasonable rates Phone now for a written estimate

Clarke Decorators

Tel: 01438 717770 or 07957 519336

I&B Electrical Free Quotes & Competitive Prices Periodic Inspections (Landlord Certificate) PAT Testing Additional Lights & Sockets Rewires & Fuse Boxes Security Lighting Testimonials available on our website All work tested by our registered NAPIT Engineer

Call now Day Time: 07861 398288 Evening: 01707 262771 Email: info@ib-electrical.co.uk

WWW.ib-electrical.co.uk 24

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

April 2012

VILLAGE LIFE

Body Beautiful Personal Trainers

Our service is ideal for anyone who wants to lose weight and get fit in the comfort and privacy of their own home.

• Personal Training • Weight loss/Weight Management • Lifestyle Coaching • Boot camp classes • Private “Body Guard” Boot Camp

Call now to book your free consultation

www.bodybeautifulpt.co.uk

07791 111209 S T U D I O C A R C H I T E C T S L T D Providing architectural design services that respond to your needs

     

The Peony Florist & Gift Shop Creative Contemporary and Traditional Floristry for all occasions.

Wide selection of unusual gifts, plants, cut �lowers and handmade cards 121 High St, Codicote Telephone: 01438 821888 www.peony�lorist.co.uk

April 2012

FREE CONSULTATION PROFESSIONAL & PERSONABLE APPROACH PLANNING & BUILDING REG. APPLICATIONS TENDER & CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION NEW BUILDS & EXTENSIONS ALTERATION, RENOVATION & REFURBISHMENT

Sarah Coughlan BA(Hons)Arch Pg.Dip(Plym) RIBA

(E) sarahcoughlan@studio‐c‐architects.com (W)www.studio‐c‐architects. com (T) 01920 413 302

S T U D I O C A R C H I T E C T S

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

RIBA

25

SHOWCASE

COMPUTER PROBLEMS

perfections

Want to kick your computer?

painters decorators l restorers l l

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

Oliver’s Cleaning Army 10/05/2010 Ltd

dicote Online 0610.indd 1

Commercial & Domestic Cleaning l End of Tenancy Cleans l Working & Supporting Businesses & Homes l

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for a friendly, professional and reliable service call

TO 15000 LOCAL CUSTOMERS FROM JUST £20pm!

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D. Mitchell Plastering

Lady Tiler

18:41

All aspects of Plastering Trade Private & Commercial

Terms and conditions apply.

For all your tiling requirements 25 years experience Competitive rates

Call Darren on

01462 733 877 07718 702 299

Taxi Company looking for more business?

Village Life is looking for a reliable Taxi Company to advertise to our 15,000 readers each month, we will offer low advertising rates.

Call Melanie on 01438 216 950

Leaflet Delivery Available Would you like your leaflet to be delivered with Village Life to Tewin, Oaklands, Datchworth, Woolmer Green, Digswell, Watton at Stone, Burnham Green, Bulls Green & Harmer Green?

Cost £40 per 1,000 or £175 for 5,000

Call Melanie on 01438 216 950

26

Advertise here

Call Elspeth on

01438 715 446 / 07763 764 806

Are you a reliable Private Tutor?

Could you handle more enquiries?

This space could be yours for just £20 a month.

Call Melanie on 01438 216950

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

ADVERTISE HERE TO 15,000 LOCAL CUSTOMERS FROM JUST £20pm!

CALL 01438 216950

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

Terms and conditions apply.

April 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