Village Life Tewin December 2011

VillageLife Lifestyle | Business | Community www.villagelifemag.com

TEWIN

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ISSUE 5: DECEMBER 2011

Christmas Down Under with Marilyn Tuck

On yOUr traVels Visits Cape tOWn Fundraising for great Ormond Street

PLUS CHRISTMAS CHOCOLATE LOG RECIPE Tewin • Datchworth • Oaklands • Digswell • Woolmer Green • Watton at Stone • Bull’s Green • Burnham Green • Hammer Green Village Life (Tewin) Issue 5 AW 1211.indd 1

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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.

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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

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WELCOME TO DECEMBER We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for all your positive comments and support over over the last five months since the launch of the magazine, and not to forget a special thank you to all our advertisers for their support. Finally we would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year.

We are now on Facebook so please come and find us at facebook.com/villagelifemagazine.

Don’t forget to drop us a line with any stories and events so we can feature them in the magazine as we really value your input in keeping everything local.

Phone 01438 216950 or email: mail@villagelifemag.com

CALL US: 01438 216950 EMAIL US: mail@villagelifemag.com

Bye for now

VISIT US AND READ THE

Jose & Melanie

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

CONTENTS

MARILYN TUCK: PAGE 6

4:

Local news

6:

Wellbeing: MarilynTuck – Christmas Down Under

8-9:

Charity Focus: Fundraising for Great Ormond Street

14-15: OnYour Travels: Cape Town 16:

Christmas Recipe: Christmas Chocolate Log

18:

Local Business: Peony Florist & Gift Shop

22:

What’s On in December/Take a Break

25:

Hints & Tips: Dog Training/Photography

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.

December 2011

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

01438 216950, www.villagelifemag.com © 2011 Village Life (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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CAPE TOWN: PAGE 14-15

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LOCAL NEWS

Over 65 and need help in the home?

Update on Proposed Parking Charges in Welwyn

Get some EXTRA HELP to claim the money you could be entitled to…

Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council (WHBC) have agreed that there may be a better way to run car parks in the village. The latest proposal will see the parish council leasing the car parks from the borough council for a period of 125 years, and enforcement within the High Street car park will remain the responsibility of the borough council. As control of the car parks will then be under the control of the parish council, the borough council will no longer seek to introduce car parking charges in the village.Leader of WHBC, Councillor John Dean, said: “Following the consultation on the initial proposals for managing car parking in Welwyn, and the strength of public feeling displayed, we have proposed this alternative option to the parish council. I hope that this solution is found to be acceptable to all parties, in helping to manage the parking issues in the village.

Negotiations need to be brought to a successful conclusion in order for the threat of parking charges to be completely removed, however this shows what can be achieved when a whole village comes together and Village Life is very pleased to hear this news!

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Extra Help, the affordable home help solution is continuing to grow across Hertfordshire. They provide a range of home help, domestic, transport and companionship services with the aim of enabling people to be comfortable in their own homes for longer.

There is a concern that people are not getting the help they need as they are worried about the cost of hiring a home helper. There has been a lot in the media recently indicating that elderly people are not aware of Attendance Allowance, a tax free, non means tested benefit for people over the age of 65. It is available for people who may need assistance with caring for themselves and could be worth up to £73.60 per week. The benefit is paid directly into the recipient’s bank account and can be spent however they wish.

Since starting up Extra Help Stevenage in May 2011 the owner, Rachel Homewood states “We are increasingly finding that even people who are aware of Attendance Allowance are being put off from applying by the length of the application form which is currently 28 pages long. This is a daunting task for anyone, but even more so for those with poor mobility or sight. There are so many people who just can’t face the forms and are missing out.”

With the cold weather approaching Extra Help is committed to playing their part in getting the people in our community the help that they need. They are currently offering FREE assistance with completing the Attendance Allowance forms. A CRB checked member of the team will visit you in your own home and help you and your family complete the forms and get them sent off. You are under no pressure or obligation to sign up to any of their services after this.

Spaces are limited so if you need assistance please call and speak to your local manager on 0845 219 8978 (charged at local rate).

monster munchies

The White Hart in Welwyn was featured on the Good Food Channel’s Monster Munchies show last month, after they took part in a mad cottage pie cook-off at the Hatfield Country Show.

Weighing a whopping one tonne, the colossal cottage pie took the staff at The White Hart and many of its regulars and neighbours 24 hours to create – which set the world record for the Largest cottage pie, according to World Records Academy (www.worldrecordsacademy.org).

The winning pie consisted of 450.5 kilos of beef (the equivalent to five front ends of beef), 550 kilos of potatoes, 100 kilos of carrots, 100 kilos of onions, 25 kilos of celery and 10 kilos of garlic.

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

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December 2011

06/12/2011 13:22

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WELLbEiNg

Christmas Down Under The fun in Marilyn Tuck’s work is the variety. People see her for all sorts of things: snoring, teeth grinding, and sleeping; flying, needles, thunder and claustro phobias; finding, mending and improving relationships; and, as she mentioned before, emotional stressy stuff that brings on anxiety, anger, sadness, comfort eating, drinking and smoking. Often entwined these can be unpicked and leave a person really pleasantly changed within a few weeks, or a few months. The trick is motivation, want to do it, ask for help, and then let it happen.

H

ello again and here we are, already into the festive rush and the end of the year.

Today I thought I might tell you about Christmas time ‘down under’ (I was brought up in the North Island of NZ and moved to Queensland in Oz in my early 30’s) I have been in England just long enough to put up with the cold weather, well, at least until the festive decorations come down.

Now, if you were to drill straight down through the earth from here in Herts, you would probably come out in Dunedin or Christchurch in New Zealand, and while it would be exactly half way around the world, summer time, and12 hours further into the day, you wouldn’t be standing upside down. Isn’t it amazing how wonderful gravity is and how the whole universe works.

So, yes, it is summer time over there now. The school year is coming to a close with exams, parent interviews, end of year reports, school plays, and all the hustle and bustle of planning summer holidays, christmas presents and everything all at once. Schools finish mid December and the next school year begins early February.

One of the first holiday jobs was to go off with Dad into the countryside to find a tree branch 6

that could become a Christmas tree.

The lovely fir trees you have for Christmas trees here do not grow in those warmer climates. All we got were plain, often scraggy, pine trees, but we knew no better because everyone had similar, if they didn’t have a fake ‘shop’ one. The pine smell was nice though and the tall branch was secured in an old bucket and decorated. We had no concept of a white Christmas, we had never ever even seen or touched snow!

Naturally the Christmas presents we liked were bikes and outdoor stuff for the summer holidays, fun things to do in the swimming pool or at the beach, kites, model planes that you made and went out and used, remote control stuff that you took out onto the front lawn and driveway, or down onto the sand at the beach. Of course books, movies and computer games are really popular, too, and because school is out for 6 whole weeks presents can be fully enjoyed all of the holidays.

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

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December 2011

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wellbeing

We didn’t stand on ceremony on Christmas day. It went like this… wake up, open a present left by your pillow, usually a book. (left to keep you entertained while Mum and Dad got to stay asleep until at least 6am) Then, all up and off to the Christmas tree to open the presents with breakfast somewhere in amongst that. It’s likely grandparents had stayed the night to allow them to join the fun, but if not then we all had to wait around for them to front up before we started. It was far better when they stayed over.

After breakfast, depending on your point of view it was off to church or the beach. If the latter it was a good opportunity to try out some of the new pressies and have some fun in the warm water. Often anyone coming for Christmas lunch would come along, too.

In Queensland preparations for lunch were minimal; everyone brought something. We usually had cold meat, salads and cold deserts laid out on the breakfast bar and we helped ourselves, most often still in our swimwear, and ate it out under the pergola. The weather was too hot for much else. However, sometimes we’d make a fuss, dress up summery, use our nice table and sit down properly under the ceiling fan.

We’d be ready for a fun swim in the backyard pool afterwards followed by quiet time to chat, or do the jigsaw puzzle. Some sort

of outdoors game often happened later in the afternoon; we had a badminton net up. The evening meal was usually a bbq, the kids having great fun in and out of the water.

A fab Christmas followed by summer holidays, often camping at the beach if you weren’t already there. A fitting way to finish the year!

Enjoy your Christmas and know I am here if you need help with new years resolutions such as stopping smoking, worry, self esteem, weight loss, sports improvements, and the like.

My soothing hypnotic CDs and mp3’s are worth checking out for Christmas presents, they offer real help for confidence, sleeping and healing. Find out more on www.marilyntuck.co.uk or call and ask 07962 811907.

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Telephone: 01438 820 288 www.davidthomasgarages.co.uk Newtown, Codicote, Herts. SG4 8UG David Thomas 1 Life | www.villagelifemag.com | tel: 01438 216950 December 2011 Garages HP 1110.indd Village

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CHARiTY TREK

INCA TRAIL TREK

for Great Ormond Street Hospital Great Ormond Street is a charity which is very close to our hearts, our son Emilio was born with an abnormally shaped skull which had to be operated on when he was 14 months old.

(November 2009). He is now fit and healthy and we were so touched by the care we received at the hospital that we set ourselves the target of raising £10,000.

To date we have raised £6194.10 from various fund raising activities – village fete, cookery demonstration, car boot sales and Jose also did the INCA Trek in Peru. This involved climbing up to 4200m using over 10,000 steps and covering 50km over 4 days through mountains, jungle and rough terrain. The temperatures ranged from 30C plus 8

during the day to sub zero at night. We thought we would share this with you as it was this time last year that he got back from the trek!

Great Ormond Street needs to raise £50m each year to rebuild and refurbish the hospital to fund the most up to date equipment to support research for breakthrough treatments and to provide support services for families and patients.

If you would like to find out more about Emilio’s story then you can visit our charity page at www.justgiving.com/joses where you can also make a donation.

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

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December 2011

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CHARiTY TREK

December 2011

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

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gARDEN FOCUS

Evans on Earth

W

hen I first started to think about it, it wasn’t much more then just another business idea. Something I could add to my portfolio. But the more I was reading about it, the more research I done, the more I fell in love with it.

What am I talking about? Green roofs!

It’s not a new invention. I am sure that most of us have seen one. Green roofs have been around for centuries.

They have won the contest of popularity not just because of the way they look, not just because of those many benefits they bring, but because of the way they make us feel. Green roofs bring extraordinary living goodness into the built environment.

I understand that having a tree or clump of grass growing on top of a house isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. But on the other hand, I think that there is a little something in everyone’s garden which could do with greening up.

Being a landscape gardener for several years, I have been asked to put up hundreds of sheds, summer houses, garden offices etc. And every time I did what I was told without having any thoughts.

But I have just passed my own personal test.

For my daughter’s second birthday, I have decided to build her a play house. But where do I put a play house in my little garden?! Do I destroy my already small lawn?!

Do I get rid of my green house?! Do I rip out my long cared for flower bed?! I am a gardener so it’s not an easy decision. But I am a father first of all. So there goes the flower bed (just half of it).

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I was really pleased with the way it all came up and the smile on my daughter’s face was one hundred percent worth it.

But something just didn’t feel right in the end. As any other garden building, even painted with the sweetest colour, is finished off with roof felt. Not the prettiest thing, is it?! So there it goes. Green roof. And you can see how a little flowerbed can make a big difference.

It is the small domestic green roofs that give us the most personal feel. It is the small green roofs that can bring our gardens to the next higher level.

Now I can honestly say that I am a part of the community, trying to bring nature back to its place.To a place where it was previously banished. And I hope, that in doing so, I can help to increase the number of green roofs around us.

Creative use of green roofs can transform any small scale structure into a beautiful focus point. Greening up their surfaces not only improves the view, but it can bring more possibilities too for plants and wildlife into small and restricted gardens and built up surroundings.

Just trying to say thank you to Mother Nature for her generosity and giving her a little something back...

Alex Evans, Evans on Earth For further information, contact Alex Evans on 07983 951 368 or visit www.evansonearth.co.uk

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

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December 2011

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ViLLAgE LiFE

Classic Cars ● Prestige Cars ● Economical Cars Porsches ● 4x4 and all other cars ALL CARS WANTED – ALL CARS SOLD COMPETITIVE RATES Serving Tewin and the surrounding area Visit the virtual showroom at www.allwoodautos.co.uk sales@allwoodautos.co.uk 01992 809 058 Polite and friendly service, please phone Alan on 07747 604 760 December 2011

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

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ON YOUR TRAVELS

CAPE TOWN The lure of Cape Town lies in its spectacular setting and the beauty of its natural environment, as well as the rich cultural diversity of its people.

I

t has had a long and turbulent history and the effects of Apartheid still linger in the minds of the people.Transformation however has led to a feeling of hope in this new ‘Rainbow Nation’, which can be experienced in the cosmopolitan city of Cape Town.

Flower sellers, business executives, parking attendants, office workers and shoppers all rub shoulders in a setting of both historical and modern buildings, backed by the city’s most famous landmark,Table Mountain.

The colourful Malay Quarter, the remains of District Six, St George’s Cathedral, Government Avenue and the old Castle are historically significant, while world-class African and international restaurants tempt travellers with their culinary delights.

Although an African city, Cape Town has a marked European influence and 14

visitors can experience the excitement of Africa from the comforts of First World surroundings.

Cape Town’s unique setting means that it can be enjoyed from various vantage points:Table Mountain and Lion’s Head provide breathtaking vistas over the city bowl and the Cape peninsula with its beautiful beaches; trips to Robben Island offer a dramatic sweep of scenery across to Table Bay; and harbour tours and old buildings await exploration at the cosmopolitan Waterfront.

Many scenic routes meander along magnificent stretches of coastline and inland terrain leading to special places like Cape Point, the meeting place of the cold Benguela and warm Mozambique currents, and Chapman’s Peak boasts one of the most picturesque drives in the country. From museums and historic

sites to scenic drives and beaches, Cape Town has plenty to offer visitors in the way of attractions and excursions.The city centre is easy to navigate on foot, and Table Mountain provides a point of reference anywhere in the city, making it difficult to get lost.

For those with a bit more time, there are many museums that offer a glimpse into the apartheid era such as the District Six Museum, and an increasingly popular tour is to one of the predominantly black townships which usually includes a look at community projects, a visit to a craft market and a drink at a local shebeen.

Cape Town’s most popular tourist attraction is also its most famous physical feature, the flat-topped mountain that stands sentinel over the city.Table Mountain has been proclaimed a nature reserve,

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

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ON YOUR TRAVELS

protecting its diverse floral species, some unique to its slopes. A Swissbuilt rotating cable car carries visitors smoothly up the mountain and back. It is possible to climb the mountain via different routes, but inexperienced hikers should take care because Cape Town is prone to sudden weather changes.The walk up can take anything between one and four hours depending on the route and level of fitness.

The Victoria and Albert Waterfront is a working harbour, historical site and a shopping and entertainment development which has now become one of Cape Town’s most visited tourist attractions.The waterfront offers everything from shopping malls, and arts and crafts markets, to live music, cinemas, buskers and a variety of festivals throughout the year.There are also more than 70 eateries ranging from pubs and fast food outlets to five star restaurants, luxury hotels, and a variety of boat December 2011

trips, harbour cruises and helicopter charters.The Two Oceans Aquarium is the largest of its kind in Africa and is an impressive display of life in the oceans surrounding the Cape Coast.

Cape Town has some great beaches, but the most easily accessible are on the Atlantic Ocean where the water is unbelievably cold; the locals rarely venture in beyond knee-high depths.The most popular is Camps Bay beach; a long, wide stretch of golden sand packed with locals and tourists alike and backed by a strip of fashionable bars and restaurants.

Cape Town is only 2 hours ahead of GMT so makes an unusual getaway for a short break or a longer stay holiday, you can fly direct from London in approximately 11 hours

then it will only take a further 30 minutes from the airport to the main city centre. Cape Town has a Mediterranean climate with dry summers and wet winters.Winter is between May and August, being influenced by a series of cold fronts.

Winters are characterised by heavy rain, particularly on the mountain slopes, strong north-westerly winds, and low temperatures. In summer the weather in Cape Town is warm and dry.

A fascinating city, definitely worth taking your time to explore then once you have made your discoveries why not head off to the Winelands or on safari or maybe even fly to Mauritius the options are endless when you start with Cape Town as your base.

If you would like to enquire about a dream holiday in Cape Town, call Off Broadway Travel on 01438 716 200 or visit www.offbroadwaytravel.com

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

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ON THE MENU

Christmas Chocolate Log Ingredients FOR THE CAKE

FOR THE FILLING & ICING

3 eggs 85g golden caster sugar 85g plain flour (less 2 tbsp) 2 tbsp cocoa powder ½ tsp baking powder

50g butter 140g dark chocolate, broken into squares 1 tbsp golden syrup 284ml pot double cream 200g icing sugar, sifted icing sugar and holly sprigs to decorate (ensure you remove the berries before serving)

Method

1. Heat oven to 200C/fan 180C/gas 6. Grease and line a 23 x 32cm Swiss roll tin with baking parchment. Beat the eggs and sugar together with an electric whisk for about 8 mins until thick and creamy.

2. Mix the flour, cocoa and baking powder together, then sift onto the egg mixture. Fold in very carefully, then pour into the tin. Now tip the tin from side to side to spread the mixture into the corners. Bake for 10 mins.

3. Lay a sheet of baking parchment on the work surface. When the cake is ready, tip it onto the parchment, peel off the lining paper, then roll the cake up from its longest edge with the paper inside. Leave to cool.

4. To make the icing, melt the butter and chocolate together in a bowl over a pan of hot water. Take from the heat and stir in the syrup and 5 tbsp cream. Beat in the icing sugar until smooth. Whisk the remaining cream until it holds its shape. Unravel the cake, spread the cream over the top then carefully roll up again into a log.

5. Cut a thick diagonal slice from one end of the log. Lift the log on to a plate, then arrange the slice on the side with the diagonal cut against the cake to make a branch.

6. Spread the icing over the log and branch (don’t cover the ends), then use a fork to mark the icing to give the effect of tree bark. Scatter with unsifted icing sugar to resemble snow, and decorate with holly.

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

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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

December 2011

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

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ViLLAgE LiFE

The Peony

121 High St, Codicote, Herts SG4 8UA 01438 821888 www.peonyflorist.co.uk

Florist & Gift Shop

T

his Christmas at Peony we will be doing our handmade fresh holly and spruce wreaths, we always have a selection made up, but if you would like something specific, or are having a colour scheme this Christmas we are happy to decorate them to your liking. We will also have a selection of tasteful artificial wreaths, and fresh flower wreaths can be pre ordered. We will be doing table arrangements, with or without candles, traditional & contemporary, so for the person who has everything or for your own table why not pop in and discuss your requirements.

Along side this we will have a wide selection of gift wrapped plants, flower arrangements and hand tied bouquets, all to tempt you.We will be delivering right up to and including Christmas Eve and cover a large delivery

area, as well as belonging to a relay service allowing you to send flowers nationally and internationally, so surprise someone with a stylish arrangement.

Our ever growing selection of gifts (people often say it’s a treasure trove, the more you look the more you see!) include jewellery, (some handmade locally), scarves, decorations, home wares, luxury toiletries, fair and ethically traded gifts, sparkly pieces ideal for girls! Lot’s of ideal stocking fillers, picture frames, hand made cards and much more! All our prices are very reasonable so pop down & have a browse, we are always happy to make you a cup of tea whilst you do!

Email your requirements to mail@peonyflorist.co.uk and Lotty will give you a call back, or visit the shop on Codicote High Street.

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

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Village Life | www.villagelifemag.com | tel: 01438 216950 Peony Florist QP 0710.indd 1

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December 2011 24/06/2010 12:52 06/12/2011 13:23

VILLAGE LIFE

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

RIBA

Are you a local

Oven Cleaning Company looking for more business?

Village Life is looking for a reliable Oven Cleaning business to advertise in the magazine.

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

ANTIQUES RESTORATION Over 30Years Experience All Repairs, Inc. Modern, Polishing Fully Insured, Free Estimates, No V.A.T.

Tel: 01920 821973

Contact Melanie on

01483 216 950 December 2011

e.mail. peter.worby@tesco.net www.peterworby.co.uk

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

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ViLLAgE LiFE

Wednesday 7th December The Italian Circle of Mid-Herts, WGC Golf Club, Mannicotts, Off High Oaks Road, W.G.C, AL8 7BP

Take a Break…

XMASCROSSWORD CROSSWORD

What’s on in DECEMBER

“A.Hardcastle – A Gentleman Archaeologist in Sicily”. An illustrated talk by author Alexandra Richardson Free Parking. For further information call 01707 372264 or 01438 715277. Non-members £5 per visit.

Thursday 8th December – 1st Jan 2012 Aladdin at the Hawthorne Theatre Welwyn This spellbinding pantomime is full of music, magic and mayhem - plus lavish costumes and loads of laughs. The perfect Christmas treat for all the family. Tel – 01707 357117.

Saturday 10th December – 11am to 4pm Eden’s Secret Christmas Craft Fayre at Peace Memorial Hall, High Street, Codicote, SG4 8UQ Prepare for Christmas in a warm and festive environment and discover unique gifts and tasty treats at affordable prices! Having the opportunity to speak to the person who made it makes it extra special. Wheelchair Access, Refreshments available and Free Entry.

This ever-popular festive reading, by the actor Colin Greenslade, has been a favourite at Knebworth for the past 14 years. Start with a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie, and enjoy Christmas carols performed from the minstrels’ gallery by local choirs. (Pre-booked event in Knebworth House, evening performances – 16, 17, 18 December, plus a matinee – 17 December.) www.knebworthhouse.com or call 01438 810931.

monday 19th december 2011, 6.00 p.m. to 7.30 p.m.

Carols around the Christmas tree at tewin Village lower green Organised by The Friends of Tewin.

ACROSS

DOWN

1. Christmas hymn (5) 3. The wise men’s guide (4) 5. The town where Jesus was born (9) 10. The original Santa Claus (5,8) 11. The bird traditionally eaten for Christmas dinner (6) 12. A tradition introduced by Prince Albert (9,4) 16. A lot of angels (4) 17. Evergreen plant with white berries (9) 18. Gift from the shepherds (4) 20. Climbing plant (3) 21. One of Santa’s reindeer (5)

2. Small brown thrush with a red breast (5) 3. Where Joseph and Mary had to stay (6) 4. The four weeks leading up to Christmas (6) 5. The day after Christmas Day (6,3) 6. The king visited by the wise men (5) 7. Gold, frankincense and ..... (5) 8. A popular addition to the Christmas table (8) 9. Name of the archangel (7) 12. A decorated orange (11) 13. Christmas lasts for ...... days (6) 14 A Christmas tree decoration (6) 15 The army occupying the land at the time (5) 16 Deck the halls with boughs of ..... (5) 19 Baby Jesus’ bed or crib (6) 20 No room for Mary and Joseph here (3)

tuesday 20th december, Wednesday 21st december and thursday 22nd december Christmas decorations gifts and Cards at mill green museum and mill

XMAS WORDSEARCH SUDOKU

Friday 16th, saturday 17th & sunday 18th december a Christmas Carol at knebworth house

10:00 to 11:00 and 11:30 to 12:30. Have an arty time each day and make some wonderful things to take home. Join in with our Christmas gallery trail. Booked sessions and drop in’s. Make a Christmas card for someone special. Contact Tel: 01707 357117 or www.welhat.gov.uk/museum. gET YOUR EVENT LiSTED FOR FREE HERE, EMAiL: mail@villagelifemag.com or call us on 01438 216 950

See if you can find these 24 words in our fun word search...

Advent Calendar Angels Cards Carols Christmas Tree Crackers Decorations Egg Nog

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Father Christmas Gifts Grotto Holly Ivy Jingle Bells Mince Pies Mistletoe

Mulled Wine New Years Day Reindeer Snowman Tinsel Toys Turkey Yuletide

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

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December 2011

06/12/2011 13:23

ViLLAgE LiFE

XMASCROSSWORD CROSSWORD

Are you a local

Pest Control Company looking for more business?

Village Life is looking for a reliable Pest Control business to advertise in the magazine.

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

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

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

SHIRON DOMESTIC APPLIANCES

Contact Melanie on

Tel: 01438 720304

01483 216 950

Mobile: 07739 922493

Cuts inComfort

Leaflet delivery available

Shiron Domestic QP 0310.indd 1

XMAS WORDSEARCH SUDOKU

Mobile Hairdressing Service

Styling, Colouring, Perming Fake Bake Spray Tanning from £10 Hair Styling Lessons With over 25 years of professional industry experience, delivering your desired look is like second nature.

Friendly & Reliable with Competitive Prices

Call Esther on 01438 817 929 or 07887 891 315 Formerly of SAKS W.G.C December 2011

Would you like your leaflet 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 £180 for 6,000 Call Melanie on

01483 216 950

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

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HiNTS & TiPS

PAH Tiling & Property Services

Wedding Disco Specialists Tailored Wedding Discos providing the perfect end to your day.

• Pre-event meeting • Large Music Collection • State-of-the-Art Sound & Light Show • Background Music throughout the day • Ceremony Music • Can act as your MC • Wireless Mircophones for Speeches • Not an agency

l

All types of tiling undertaken

l

Laminate flooring fitted

l

Supply & fit or fit only

l

Floors repaired

l

Property Maintenance

Professional, Reliable Service

Call Jose on 01438 220 558 07734 387 478 www.mjsevents.com

Call Paul on 07944 126 207 pahtilingltd@hotmail.com

MJS Events 0511 QP.indd 1

13/04/2011 15:01

Isabella’s Beauty Beauty at affordable prices

I&B Electrical

Waxing, Massage, Manicures & Pedicures

Free Quotes & Competitive Prices Periodic Inspections (Landlord Certificate) PAT Testing Additional Lights & Sockets Rewires & Fuse Boxes Security Lighting

Special occasions, hen parties, birthdays, weddings & pamper parties!

Testimonials available on our website All work tested by our registered NAPIT Engineer

Gift vouchers also available on request Home visits at “yours or mine”

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

WWW.ib-electrical.co.uk 24

Call Jo Manzo: 07960 980317 or email: isabellasbeauty@hotmail.com for further information and prices

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

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Isabellas Beauty QP 1010.indd 1

December 2011

27/09/2010 11:23

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HiNTS & TiPS

DOG TRAINING TIPS

Photography Tips COMPOSITION

F

tOilet training

I

n a natural setting a puppy would empty its bowels and bladder around the den, tending to avoid sleeping areas. In captivity we will always want the puppy to go outside. Although it is inevitable that a young pup will have the occasional accident indoors, try to encourage the puppy to go outside.

As with all training, timing and patience is crucial.

The most likely times a puppy will need to relieve itself include: • After a meal or a drink • After waking up • After a play session Remember as the weeks go by muscle development will allow for the puppy to control its bladder and bowels more consistently. For this reason an owner may decide to use a puppy crate in order to avoid damaging carpets and other surfaces. Reward the pup calmly when the correct behaviour is shown outside, either with the voice or food.

With food rewards timing is crucial especially with a puppy that is highly food orientated. Use the command ‘be clean’ or something similar. If you see that the puppy is about to mess in the house, quickly distract the pup and immediately take the animal outside. Never lose your temper with the pup if an accident happens in the house, calmly remove the puppy from the situation and clean the mess up. Use cleaning products which are ammonia free for the obvious reason that ammonia is present in urine and a puppy will tend to re-use a particular spot.

Never rub your puppy’s nose in the urine or faeces; this will not help with toilet training.

For further information call Adem Fehmi at Dog Ease on 07957 284 406 or visit www.dog-ease.co.uk December 2011

or portraits from single person to group, it is the people that are important and should occupy the majority of the photograph, try to compose the shot so there is the least amount of dead space as possible.

For a single person it is traditional to frame them portrait fashion, or so the shot is tall.There is nothing wrong with using the wide or landscape format, especially if the subject is facing to the side as you can give them space to look into.

For more than one person, stick to the landscape or wide format, but there are no set rules on this, it’s down to what looks right to you.

For single person portrait the eyes should be positioned two thirds up, granted again there are no set rules on this, but it just looks wrong any other way.

What works well for me is to ask the subject to lean slightly forward, this stretches the jaw line as well as taking any chin issues out of the equation. I always try to look slightly down on the subject as this brings the eyes into play more.

Also I like to bring hands into the shot as people look better with a prop and hands can offer that.

My personal favorite portrait setup is using window light as with the example photo. As long as the sun isn’t streaming directly through the window you can take some wonderful photographs.

The non-direct light turns the window into a massive lampshade, making the light and shadows soft.This diffuse look will make skin look smoother and eyes more vibrant but be careful to ensure that the eye furthest from the window isn’t covered by the shadow from the nose.

For more information contact David Horder on 07786 616 022 or visit www.lensflairdigital.co.uk

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

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SHOWCASE

garden maintenanCe

£15 hOUrly

All tree and grounds work undertaken

01438 726 180

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

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

GOT YOU

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10/05/2010 18:41

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Mel, Jose, Emilio & Luis would like to thank you for reading Village Life and wish you all a very Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year!

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

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December 2011

06/12/2011 13:24

Home Focus Ltd

local plumbers, friendly & reliable

Local, Friendly, Reliable

All Plumbing Services

Local, reliable and friendly... not normally words associated with plumbers, but what we continually focus on and drive the business forward with.

So find out what we can do for you, whether it involves changing a tap, repairing a leak, or a complete bathroom or kitchen refurbishment, we are your complete one stop service.

●

Bathroom – supply and fit

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Taps replaced

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Garden Taps fitted

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Drains unblocked

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Dishwashers installed

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Insurance & commercial work

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Kitchens including fee design

Remember we can design, supply and fit.

and planning, supply and fit

We aim to give you a service that is second to none but understand that some customers may feel uneasy at inviting a stranger into their house.

Please feel free to ask for an accompanied visit with our female colleague if this is the case.

And much more...

credit card payments welcome

Contact Barry Stevens

08000 234 978

mob: 07979 750407

www.homefocusltd.com |

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enquiries@homefocusltd.com

06/12/2011 13:24

Create your own Unique Space Energy Rated Glazing. Fully Installed Solar PV Systems.

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CALL 0800 0751779

Visit our online showroom at www.conservatech.co.uk

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QUALITY HOME IMPROVEMENTS

01438 728485 • 01992 462372 Try our FREE online quoter

06/12/2011 13:24