Village Life Tewin May 2012

VillageLife Lifestyle | Business | Community www.villagelifemag.com

tewin

FREE

ISSUE 10: may 2012

Whitwell Steam & Country Fair

Welwyn Twinning Association Beverley Densham - Lifestyle Pilates

PLUS Local Businesses Showcased Tewin • Datchworth • Oaklands • Digswell • Woolmer Green • Watton at Stone • Bull’s Green • Burnham Green • Hammer Green

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WELCOME to MAY As we write this mid April, we have been teased with some lovely sunny days and then lots of April showers so let’s hope this month brings back that Summer feeling!

We have been contacted by lots of local people over the last few months with details of their associations, local events and stories which means we can help showcase them. Please get in touch if you have a local story that you would like us to write about.

This month we meet up with Beverley Densham from Lifestyle Pilates Julie, we feature the Whitwell Steam & Country Fair – a great local event and we also look at the Welwyn Twinning Association. As always we showcase lots of fantastic local businesses. 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,

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

Jose & Melanie

www.villagelifemag.com facebook.com/villagelifemagazine

Contents

whitwell fair: page 14-15

4:

Local news

6:

Wellbeing: MarilynTuck – Studying & Snoring

7:

Business: EC Carpets & Flooring

8:

Business: D.Mitchell Plastering

10-11: Business: James Howe Landscapes 14-15: Community:Whitwell Steam & Country Fair 16:

Business: Office on the Net

17:

Lifestyle: Lifestyle Pilates

18:

Business: Cooks4 a Cleaner Oven

20:

Community:Welwyn Twinning Association

22:

What’s on in May/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.

May 2012

welwyn twinning: page 20

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

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LOCAL NEWS

The Tewin Horticultural Arts and Crafts Society (THACS) The Tewin Horticultural Arts and Crafts Society (THACS) is an active village society with more than 200 members that aims to promote the good cultivation of gardens and allotments, to foster interest in garden design and plants and to encourage village Arts and Crafts.

There used to be a horticultural society going back many years but as time went on, the number of members dwindled and it came to an end.

In preparing for the Millennium Celebrations, an Open Gardens event was arranged and this stimulated the idea they should resurrect the society. It was thought that it would be much better and appeal to a broader range of people if they include Arts and Crafts in the Society. In 2001 a committee was formed and THACS was born. It has grown from strength to strength over the last decade and this month we caught up with their Chairman Ray Keppler.

Ray told us,” We have 216 members which is pretty good for a village of this size and shows the enthusiasm of gardeners and artists of all kinds in Tewin. We hold around 12 events a year including two Village Shows in Spring and Autumn (which have become an established part of Tewin village life and are usually well-supported by exhibitors and visitors), bi-annual Open Gardens events, outings by coach to gardens (such as our visit to Anglesey Abbey Winter Gardens in February), trips down to the V&A and Royal Academy. Other events have included Arts & Crafts exhibitions, quiz nights and local walks / visits, sometimes followed by meals.

We have an AGM in January, followed by a talk from an invited guest. Previous talks have included Photography and Modern Art. We have lectures (usually held in the Tewin Memorial Hall) covering a wide range of subjects with previous topics including ‘Back Gardens of Britain’ and ‘The History of Paper Making and Printing’. Some of our other meetings are workshops and these have covered subjects such as Calligraphy and Jewellery Making. We

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have developed strong links with Tewin Cowper School as we are keen to encourage an interest in Horticulture and Arts and Crafts from a young age.

This has been very successful, as demonstrated by the substantial number of children exhibiting their work at the Spring and Autumn shows.”

THACS publish a newsletter four times a year which is distributed to members. They also have a page on the Tewin Village website which is kept up to date. Membership costs £5 per person per year and members receive substantial discounts on THACS outings and events.

For further details visit the THACS page on the Tewin Village Website – www.tewinvillage.co.uk or contact Ray Keppler at raykeppler@btinternet.com or on 01438 717545.

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

May 2012

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WELLBEING

How is the study going?

A

fter last month’s article on studying and exams it has been good to see parents bringing their children in for help to focus, and all leave smiling.

From an early age we are guilty of putting the pressure on our kids to do well. However, remember how constant reminding can often turn people off? For children there are plenty of ways to be sidetracked – emails, texts, computer games, music and friends.You wonder how they can ever revise when they are multi-tasking like this!

Children have amazing mental capacity, and while you sometimes wonder why it is not being maximised, an objective person with the right skills in encouraging focus and concentration may just make all the difference in their attitude and results. It lightens the whole family up.

I suggest 2 or 3 consultations. £40 for 45-60 minutes.

Do you know someone who snores?

A

re you kept awake with this snorting and noise? Are you having to shove that person over through the night? or, are you listening from a distance and wishing they would deal with it? Are you embarrassed about having visitors in the house, or going away on holiday with your snorer?

Well, I have news for you.The new stop snoring audio is now available at my website or scan the QR code here.

It is in both mp3 and CD.You suggest your snorer needs help, you tell them it is simple.They listen in bed, when they are ready to go to sleep, straight from an ipod or listening device of some kind. All they have to do is put the headphones in and listen. At the end they discard the headphones, roll over and go to sleep. Simple! They are in bed anyway so it’s easy.They have nothing to lose except the sound, and much to gain with a happy, rested, household.You will get your sleep.

Snoring is caused by fatty tissue slightly obstructing the passage of air through the throat.This pleasant hypnotic audio works to tighten the muscles around that area, and also brings awareness of when snoring starts so they can turn themselves over and sleep quietly on. Listening details are included.

We know that snoring is more common in those carrying extra weight or after a night out drinking.

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However, in some cases the fatty tissue is so pronounced that the air is blocked and every so often the breathing stops.This is called sleep apnea and should be discussed straight away with your Doctor.

Next article – Deal with your weight, mentally take control of what you eat, let the excess fat go from the first week.

Ring to find out more... www.marilyntuck.co.uk Knebworth phone 07962 811907

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

May 2012

VILLAGE LIFE

E

C Carpets & Flooring is a Carpets and Flooring store that comes to your door, with over twenty five years of experience in the supply and fitting of Carpets,Vinyls, Laminates and Wood floors.They will re-stretch and repair Carpets, even finish off those jobs that you may have started but don’t feel confident to finish.They can undertake projects involving hundreds of metres of carpets and flooring.

The business is run by Ewen McPherson who has completed work for Architects, Builders, Interior Designers, Office Furnishers and Television Producers.

Ewen will give you a free estimate for any flooring job that you may have, followed by a written quotation. He can bring samples to your home or office and if you need more time to make your decision, leave them with you for however long you need to be sure that the product you choose is the right one. He will supply and install quality products at a reasonable price and will provide his honest opinion on a colour or style. If he doesn’t have what you are looking for on his first visit, he can research further to find whatever it is you require.

With few overheads, he can keep his prices low but still offer excellent service. If you need help with the uplift

and disposal of your existing flooring or you need your furniture moved, he is more than happy to do this.

Ewen told us, “ This year I have been lucky enough to once again work with a customer from twenty two years ago. I recently supplied carpets to the flat of a young man whose mother was pregnant with him when I first worked for his family. Much of my work is thanks to recommendation from satisfied customers and if they feel confident enough to pass on my details, it gives me the confidence to offer you the friendly and reliable service that I have built my business upon.”

For further information, please call Ewen on 01707 338505, 07966 463 761 or visit www.carpetandflooringherts.co.uk

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To ensure your property is part of our unique sales event call Warren or Nick on 01707 332211 Alternatively, email warren.jones@wrightsof.com

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20/04/2012 11:59

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business

D. Mitchell Plastering D. Mitchell Plastering and Screeding is a family run business with over twenty years experience in Plastering and Building.The business was setup by Darren Mitchell who while working for someone else realised that if you do a good job, you get a lot of work through recommendation.

He was confident that he could offer a fantastic job at a competitive price so he went in to business for himself.

Darren offers Plastering Services for both domestic and commercial projects (having worked for Cambridge University, The Ideal Home show, Howan Homes and many others) and will also accept insurance work.All aspects of Plastering are available including Rendering, Screeding, Coving, Pebble Dashing, Dry lining,Tacking andTiling, with experience ranging from new builds to refurbishments.This means Darren can

provide you with expert advice in order to deliver the perfect finish to your project. He also specialises in the removal of Artex.

Darren takes a lot of pride in his work and likes to be clean and tidy to ensure minimum disruption in your home. He is happy to come round at a convenient time and will always give a quote on the spot without any pressure to buy. He tries to accommodate people and never lets anyone down, always turning up at the time agreed and never asking for money up front, you pay when you are satisfied with the work.

Darren can plaster a room in 3 to 6 hours depending on size, his work is of a very high standard however he can typically beat most genuine quotes. No job is too small and all size of plastering projects are undertaken. He also offers tiling and decorating “ Quote was received promptly and work undertaken soon after.Very trustworthy and at a very competitive price.”

“The work that was carried out was outstanding and done in a clean and professional way,with a superb finish at an affordable price!”

For further information or to request a free, no obligation quote, call Darren on 01462 733 877, 07718 702 299, or visit www.dmitchellplasteringandscreeding.co.uk

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

May 2012

James Howe Landscapes Design

Construction

Maintenance

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

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

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business focus

James Landsca Howe L James Howe Design Construction Mainten James Design HoweConstruction Landscapes

James climbing Snowdon with his two dogs

Design

Construction

Maintenance

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un by James Howe; James Howe Landscapes offers a diverse range of services, from simple small garden maintenance to large scale landscaping.

From mowing a lawn, planting a few shrubs and having a friendly chat over a cup of tea, to spending the day harnessed to a tree, from creating and perfecting a straight and level hedge to removing hundreds of tons of soil from a back garden and laying intricate patios and driveways. James graduated from Oaklands Agricultural College in 1996, worked on numerous farms and developed a love for nature, wildlife and the outdoors. As jobs on British farms became fewer and farther between, he found himself working in closely related sectors, but his interest became more involved in horticulture. In 2002, he mustered up the courage to branch out and become self-employed and as his business took off; he quickly

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

Decking Rockeries Water Features Free quotation and advice.

With With JamesLandscap Howe La With James Howe are guarante James Howe Landscapes, you areyou guaranteed a frie reliable and qua you are reliable guaranteed a friendly, and quality serv reliable M: and quality service.

M: 07787 517372 T 07787 517372 T: 01438 820 “I was encouraged by their enthusiasm and hard work. I couldn’t find fault in their work whatsoever. It was a pleasure to have them do the work, and I would always turn to them first for all my garden needs.”

“I couldn’t believe how big my garden looked after they’d finished – it‘s a dream come true.”

“Completely exceeded my expectations! My new driveway is now my pride and joy!”

“Finally, a fence that our dog can’t escape through! Thank you so much!”

10

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

May 2012

business focus

Before

After

expanded his client base, and now proudly works across the county.

James Howe Landscapes is a reliable three-man team and all work is done in-house so there is no need for subcontractors, therefore ensuring they provide quick and efficient completion of the job in hand whilst guaranteeing that standards remain at the highest level.

James prides myself on the ethos of the company, which is to relieve the pressure from his customers and reassure them that their requirements will be met with satisfaction and pleasure. He is thrilled that the business has thrived from year to year, and it is extremely encouraging to earn a living doing something that he is still very passionate about. Over the years, he has been fortunate enough to have had the opportunity to expand his knowledge and abilities and is dedicated to developing

himself and leaning, which he believes allows him to say ahead of his competitors.

James told us, “Alongside the pride I take in my work, I am also incredibly passionate about the environment and offer an eco-friendly service that supports nature and wildlife. I pride myself on the high level of conscientiousness I pay to waste management and recycling, as I feel a strong obligation to provide for future generations. I endeavor to provide work of the highest quality and standard in order to provide my customers with the landscape garden of their dreams. No job is too big or small to consider and achieve.”

James offers a free quotation for every job, along with free expert advice on how to nurture and care for your landscapes. Any question you have will be answered, any problem you have will be solved.

“James Howe Landscapes were absolutely fantastic! Their quote was competitive and they actually finished the job a day early. I couldn’t have asked for a friendlier bunch of guys or a better service.They gave me everything I asked for – my garden is now the haven I was craving for”.

For further information or for a free no obligation quote, call James on 01438 820 148 or 07787 517 372 May 2012

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

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

21/07/2011 14:0513

community Focus

Whitwell Steam & Country Fair 19th & 20th May 2012

T

his year theWhitwell Steam and Country Fair will be held on the 19th and 20th May rather than in June to avoid clashing with other events during the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Celebrations. It will also be the first Steam & Country Fair on the Calendar and probably one of the first local outdoor events which will give everyone a chance to blow away theWinter cobwebs and enjoy a Spring outing.

There are some added attractions this year, with the appearance on Sunday at around 1pm of the hounds from Cambridge with Enfield Chase Hunt.This is a great chance for the public to see these animals up close as they are being paraded in the main arena.There will also be a stall where the public can try their hand at air rifle shooting and archery.

From small beginnings the Fair has become a major local event. In 1995 Nick Hill built a barn at Waterhall Farm in Whitwell to house his bygone days agricultural machinery.These were all powered by stationary steam engines and mounted on trailers, so that they could be exhibited at local shows. As a result of this it was decided to have a get-together at Waterhall each year, using Nick’s machinery and Nick’s friends would bring along

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their tractors, stationary engines and sometimes a traction engine.

The popularity of the event grew so rapidly that in 1998 a much bigger event was held in a large paddock at Waterhall Farm and became the first “Whitwell Steam and Country Fair”.There was a funfair, steam driven gallopers, a beer tent and refreshments and some trade stands along with traction engines, tractors, stationary engines, cars and commercial vehicles. Although the weather was not brilliant, the event proved a great success.

The following year it was felt that the rally needed even more space so a much larger site was made available courtesy of the Bowes Lyon family at St Paul’s Walden, conveniently near the Strathmore Arms pub. During its 9 year stay at St Paul’s Walden, the rally continued to grow with more exhibitors, entertainment, rides, food stalls, craft tents etc. Because of the agricultural requirements for this site, in 2008 the event moved to a new site at Mansells Farm, in Codicote.

The rally is held in aid of funds for MacMillan Cancer Support and since 1998 has generated tens of thousands of pounds for the charity. In spite of the poor weather last year and a Sunday which was a virtual washout more

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

May 2012

community Focus

Photos courtesy of Geoff Sheed Graphics 01438 821122

than ÂŁ1000 was raised for MacMillan. Over the years the number and variety of exhibits has continued to grow and it is now a major event on the National Traction Engine Trust Rally. Every year the number of steam engines being exhibited increases. In addition in 2011 there was over 100 tractors, numerous stationary engines, classic cars and commercial vehicles.There is also a large funfair, even more trade, charity and craft stands, food stalls and not forgetting the beer tent.

Among the crafts you can see demonstrations of thatching, hurdle making, chainsaw sculpture, owl displays and other interesting crafts.

The fair is a fun day out for the whole family with something of interest for everyone.There is a programme in the main arena which includes a parade of the big steamers, miniature steamers, vintage cars, motor cycles, tractors and gun dog demonstrations.

There is even a chance after the parade of the large engines to make a donation to MacMillan and have a drive of one! This is a real favourite with the children (and a few parents as well).

To run an event of this size takes a lot of organization and manpower and this is provided by a committee of local volunteers including the original team who started the event back in 1995.

There is also a stalwart team of volunteers from all walks of life, who assist in various roles, during the two days of the rally and in the week leading up to it, which ensure the event will continue to be a success and raise even more, much needed funds for MacMillan.

Even though it has moved to Codicote, the event is very much a Whitwell affair and despite the geographical change still remains the Whitwell Steam and County Fair!

The Fair opens from 10am till late on the 19th and 20th May, for further information contact Robbie Bonfield on 07773 219388, Robandpenny@Zen.co.uk or visit www.whitwellsteam.com May 2012

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

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business focus

The Office on the Net

T

he Office on the Net offers all types of admin support to small businesses and sole traders including the set up and management of contact databases, administration of invoicing, organisation of complex multiple stop-over travel arrangements, preparation and quality assurance of business documents & presentations, and providing continuous support to businesses whilst their owners or permanent administrative staff are absent. Clients can expect honest, accurate and speedy support, ensuring that their costs will be kept to a minimum.

Administration is something that simply has to be done, and you can be assured that The Office on the Net gets it done quickly, efficiently and with the minimum of fuss!

Lia Parkinson, owner of The Office on the Net told us, “I help free up time for my clients – time they use to grow their business. I do not offer a set way to do admin but I adopt

my clients’ existing procedures, which ensures that they are comfortable, know where all their files and documents are kept, and don’t have to learn “new tricks”. I encourage my clients to learn new skills, should they wish to do so, teaching them how to use computer systems to optimise their time or supporting them in setting up procedures to move their business forward. I can honestly say that I love doing what I do!”

What clients say about The Office on the Net: “I would highly recommend Lia’s Intelligent Admin service as a cost-effective way of getting up-to-date without having to show her exactly what you want.She knows the best methods to each task.”

“Lia adds value to my business by thinking out of the box and working within the needs of my business.I would highly recommend her.”

“If she says she will do something,she will,on time,every time! Lia is very supportive and helpful and I would have no hesitation in recommending her to anyone!”

Lia is offering Village Life Readers 20% discount on their first invoice. For further information, contact Lia on 07718 588 482, lia@theofficeonthenet.co.uk or visit www.theofficeonthenet.co.uk

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

May 2012

lifestyle

Lifestyle Pilates

Birchwood Leisure Centre Longmead, Hatfield Herts, AL10 0AN

01707 271272

L

ifestyle Pilates is an incredible Pilates studio in Hatfield which is friendly, tailored, inspirational and motivational, working with a broad spectrum of clients; from those in rehabilitation after operations to athletic advanced level.The Lifestyle Pilates team have a wealth of experience offering a friendly and professional approach and really care about their clients.

There are two beautifully tailor made studios with 9 reformers in the big studio (enabling both reformer and matwork classes) and the small studio also has rehabilitation reformers (ideal for clients with difficulty getting on and off the floor as they are higher), a cadillac and small pieces of equipment.

Services available include Reformer Classes, Matwork Classes, One to One Private Lessons, One to One Assessments, Back to Health Pilates Classes, Pre and Post Natal Classes, Ron Fletcher Towel work,Taster Workshops and Beginner Courses.

The business was setup by Beverley Densham in 1998.

Beverley graduated with a Sports Science Degree and is a qualified Squash and Tennis coach.

Whilst travelling around the world and living in Australia she discovered Pilates in Bondi Beach – after sustaining a back injury and prolapsed discs. Pilates changed her life and it gave her back the posture and support it needed, it also toned her body and made her feel great so she decided to inspire and help others to be fit and happy in body and mind.

The Benefits of Pilates: - Improved Core Stability - Better Posture - A more Relaxed Body & Mind - Improved Breathing and Relaxation - More Strength & Stamina - Tone Up - Increased Flexibility Beverley and her amazing team have a vast amount of experience in teaching Pilates having personally recovered from prolapsed discs, accidents, scoliosis of the spine, multiple fractures and strokes which means they have an understanding of what their clients are going through and lead by example.

Pilates teacher Phil Bennett has just run in the Paris Marathon, an amazing achievement considering he suffered two major strokes in 2006. Pilates is an essential form of exercise for Sports Men and Women, they have taught both England Rugby and Footballers at the studio. It is also fantastic for stress relief, enabling you to relax more easily and it helps your breathing as Opera Singer Neil Simon, who has been coming to the studio for nearly 14 years said, “The exercises, both on the mat and reformers, have helped me form muscles that support my singing and continue to keep me toned. It helps me sing for hours at a time, for example in Puccini Operas”.

Mo Reid, a yummy nanny who has been going to classes for nearly 14 years says, “I so enjoy doing Pilates, plus I incorporate it into my daily lifestyle when moving around, being body aware, getting out of bed, lifting for years my Mum and her wheelchair and now the grand children! It keeps my body strong, enabling me to do the things I want”.

COME AND JOIN LIFESTYLE PILATES 14TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION ON Saturday 19th May 12-2PM. Pilates demonstrations, consultations, plus refreshments and of course Cake!

Village Life Readers can enjoy a Taster Workshop for only £10 per person (£5 discount) and 10% off your first One to One Consultation. For further information or to book a session, call Beverley on 01707 271272 or visitwww.lifestylepilates.com, email bev@lifestylepilates.com, follow on twitter @lifestylepilate, like the facebook Page.

May 2012

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

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business

C

ooks 4 a Cleaner Oven provide an Oven Cleaning Service for both homes and businesses (Pubs, B&Bs, Schools, Letting / Estate Agents), including the cleaning of Hobs, Range Cookers, AGA’s, Extractors and BBQ’s and they also sanitise Fridge / Freezers. Customers can expect a 1st class service with an oven that gives the WOW factor, and great value for money.

The business was setup by Andy Cook who was looking for a totally different career change after 30 years in the motor trade working as a Mechanic, Service Manager and Field manager as a franchisee selling tools. He wanted to work totally for himself without the constraints of a franchise. following extensive research, Andy believed there was a market in the local area for Oven Cleaning,

he purchased all the equipment needed and got trained.

Andy told us, “I am very passionate and aim to exceed the customer’s expectations every time.They expect it to look clean, but what they get is a showroom finish. I’m not a franchise where “other” people take a percentage of the charge.There is NoVAT and No Hidden Charges like many other oven cleaners.

The price I quote includes the cleaning of racking, wires, removable panels, and bulbs if required. Also, whether the clean takes 3,4 or 5 hours to finish, the price quoted remains the same.”

“I have large family roasts every week, Andy really had his work cut out.When he finished,WOW! I’ve re-booked for 6 months time” “What a superb finish. No mess, No smell.

Will definitely use again”.

“Supermarket products didn’t work very well, BUT Andy convinced me not to use them again after the results of his work.”

Village Life Readers can get £5 off their first clean, call Andy on 07595 837 740 and quote ‘Village Life’. Friends, Relatives, Work Colleagues please pass the word on!

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

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May 2012

VILLAGE LIFE

RUSSELL DICKSON GARDEN LANDSCAPE DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION

Stonework Paving Patios Terraces Walling Turfing Planting Water Features & Related Projects Call: 07833 591340 01438 821384 www.russelldicksonlandscape.co.uk e: russelldickson33@gmail.com

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community focus

The Welwyn Anglo-French Twinning Association

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f you ever wondered what the ‘Champagne-sur-Oise’ name on the Welwyn village signs was all about well now’s your chance to find out!

Welwyn linked with this small village near Paris in 1973 and the link continues to flourish to this day.

The main similarity between the two villages is their geographical position from their respective capitals:Welwyn is 25 miles (40km) north of London and Champagne-sur-Oise is the same distance north of Paris. Just as Welwyn is close to the A1(M) and to the main railway line into London, Champagne has nearby motorway links to Paris and Calais (A16) and a rail service to Paris.

Nigel Jeffery, Chair of the Association, told us, “Every two years up to 50 folk from Welwyn and other nearby villages travel to the twinning village for a long week-end of fun and entertainment, and in alternate years the hospitality is reciprocated.This year at the end of May we are looking forward to hosting our French friends.We plan on taking them to the Olympic Park (just to rub in the fact that Paris missed out!) and also

to Bletchley Park to see Colossus. In between we will have a Gala Dinner with entertainment in the Woolmer Green hall.

During the year we put on a number of fund raising events including a popular quiz usually in January and a wine tasting evening or two.We also have some informal conversational French lessons running and started a Boules Challenge a few years back playing against other local twinning associations – great idea but we’ve yet to win!”

The Association always welcomes new members and is really keen to develop links between special interest groups in the two areas.These could involve sports, dance, drama etc (they have even seen keen bridge players link up). So if you’re involved in something and think it worthwhile forming a special link, they will try and arrange it for you.

Membership is just a nominal £5 a year (£10 for a couple or family) but they’re currently offering the first year at no cost, so you can try it out for free!

There’s also absolutely no need to speak French – most members don’t but they all get by somehow!

If you may be interested in any of the above, or in getting involved in this year’s or future Twinning Weekends, please contact Nigel Jeffery on 01438 813433 or at nigel.jeffery@welwyntwinning.org. Alternatively you can visit www.welwyntwinning.org for further details including planned events.

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

May 2012

VILLAGE LIFE

DAVID THOMAS GARAGES Service is our Business

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For all your vehicle servicing and MOT requirements Latest Bosch Diagnostic Equipment Air conditioning servicing repairs Health,and Body & Wellness Specialist 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

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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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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.

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Gift Vouchers & Alcoholic refreshments available.

Tel: 01438 747432 www.beautywithinstevenage.co.uk May 2012

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

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VILLAGE LIFE

Wed 9th to Sat 12th May, 8pm Digswell Players present Panic Stations – a farce by Derek Benfield, Digswell Village hall

Take a Break…

CROSSWORD

What’s on in MAY...

Tickets include tea or coffee in the interval, £8.50 each.

Box Office 0845 20 90 100.

Thu 10 May 2012, 8pm - 10.30pm Old Time Musical Hall, Thalian Hall, W.G.C, AL7 4SQ Fish & Chip supper and licensed bar. Prizes for the best outfits.

Book early, call 01707 333318 or 07836 763949.

Sat 12 May 2012, 7.30pm Charity Variety Show, Hawthorne Theatre, Campus West, W.G.C, AL8 6BX In aid of Isabel Hospice. Welwyn Harmony Chorus presents Showtime.

Several exciting acts to perform for your delight! Tickets £15.

Sun 13 May, 12pm - 4pm (last entry 3.30pm) Hertford Castle Open Day, Hertford Castle, Castle Street, Hertford SG14 1HR Come and browse this historic Grade 1 listed building at leisure.

FREE ENTRY.

Wed 16th May The Italian Circle of Mid-Herts, W.G.C. Golf Club, Mannicotts, Off High Oaks Road, W.G.C.AL8 7BP ”Tickle Your Tastebuds – Modern & Historical Italian Recipes”.

An illustrated talk by Gillian Riley. For further information call 01707 372264 or 01438 715277. Non-members £5 per visit. Free Parking

Thur 17th May, 2.00pm.& 6.00pm All Our Yesterdays, Wyllyotts Theatre, Darkes Lane, Potters Bar EN6 2HN A breathtaking musical journey from the good old days of Music Hall, through the 40’s, 50’s, 60’s to beautiful harmonies of the 1970’s.

Performed by ‘West End’ and international vocalists, along with the stunning ‘Memory Lane’ dancers. Tickets £12, call 01707 645005

ACROSS 7. Fire hardened clay (7) 9. Sound (5) 10. Free choice (3) 11. Light metal (9) 12. Emblem (5) 14. Fit of temper (7) 16. Aged (7) 18. Helper (5) 19. In disguise (9) 20. Anger (3) 21. Metal turners tool (5) 22. Aural pain (7)

DOWN 1. Word game (8) 2. Land force (4) 3. Pierce (6) 4. Of India (6) 5. - - - -Atwell Jazz pianist (8) 6. Light shaft (4) 8. Rural environment (11) 13. Commit completely (8) 15. Killed (8) 17. In tatters (6) 18. On a a ship, train etc (6) 19. In standby mode (4) 20. One twelfth of a foot (4)

SUDOKU

Sun 27 May, 12pm-5pm Datchworth Village Gardens, Scarecrow & Flowerpot Men Festival, SG3 6ST 10 gardens offer a wide variety of sizes, styles and planting with unusual plants, wild areas and water features. The 800 year old Church will be beautifully decorated and open to visitors. Map supplied on admission.

Lunches, BBQ, Cream Teas, Live music, Various stalls. No dogs in gardens.

Most gardens suitable for wheelchairs. Proceeds to British Red Cross, QVM Danesbury and All Saints’ Church. Open. Combined admission: Adults £5.00 Children under 12 free.

Sat 2nd & Sun 3rd June, 8.30am - 5.30pm Hertfordshire County Show, The Showground, Dunstable Rd, Redbourn, AL3 7PT Show jumping, Showing Livestock, Competitions, Parades. Grand Ring Attractions include Chariots of Fire Display Team, Mounted Games Association, The Shetland Pony Dinky Derby, Devil’s Horsemen, All Human Circus, Flight Simulator, Climbing Wall Punch and Judy and much more – www.hertsshow.com, 01582 792626 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

May 2012

VILLAGE LIFE

5 Pondcroft Welwyn Garden City Hertfordshire AL7 3PX

The flooring store that comes to your door

Carpets Vinyls Laminates Wood Adaptations & repairs l

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for a free quotation call Ewen McPherson on

07966 463761 or

01707 338505 Email: info@eccarpets.com the pleasure is underfoot

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

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May 2012

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

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VILLAGE LIFE

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RIBA

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

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

May 2012

VILLAGE LIFE

Clarke Decorators 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

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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

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

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SHOWCASE

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

May 2012

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