Village Life Tewin February 2012

VillageLife Lifestyle | Business | Community www.villagelifemag.com

TEWIN

FREE

ISSUE 7: FEBRUARY 2012

Put a spring in your step with The ramblers

on yoUr trAVelS: CrUiSinG Welwyn Beekeepers association

plUs DEALING WITH HARD WATER IN THE HOME Tewin • Datchworth • Oaklands • Digswell • Woolmer Green • Watton at Stone • Bull’s Green • Burnham Green • Hammer Green

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WELCOME TO FEBRUARY I would like to thank Lotty at Peony Florist and Gift Shop in Codicote for the front cover image. She has a great selection of flowers and gifts in her shop on Codicote High Street.

In addition to our usual features, we’ve got some great local stories for you this month. If you have a story that you would like us to feature then please get in touch.

We are always pleased to hear feedback or any ideas on how we can improve the magazine. Don’t forget you can now find the answers to the puzzles page on our website each month – www.villagelifemag.com Please email us with details of your local events so we can list them for you for free in the what’s on section.

Bye for now,

CALL Us: 01438 216950 EmAiL Us: mail@villagelifemag.com VisiT Us AND rEAD ThE

Jose & Melanie

mAgAZiNE ONLiNE: www.villagelifemag.com facebook.com/villagelifemagazine

CONTENTS

CRUISING: PAGE 14-15

4:

Local news

6:

Wellbeing: MarilynTuck – Enjoying the open road

10:

Dealing with Hard Water in the Home

12:

Lifestyle: Employment Law update

14-15: OnYour Travels: Cruising

WELWYN BEEKEEPERS: PAGE 18

16:

Put a spring in your step with The Ramblers

18:

Community Focus:Welwyn Beekeepers Association

22:

What’s on in February/Take a break

24:

Hints & Tips: Dog Training/Photography Tips

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.

February 2012

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

FUnDrAiSerS WAlK on reD Hot CoAlS to HelP loCAl HoSPiCe

On the 18th Feb a group of supporters will undergo training to allow them to safely walk on red hot coals burning at 121800 F. They will be doing this brave challenge to help Garden House Hospice (based in Letchworth) to raise much needed funds.

Come along to the Hitchin Priory and learn just what you are capable of. Become one of the exclusive group of people to have faced and overcome the ancient challenge of walking barefoot on Red Hot coals. The walk is open to anyone over the age of 18 who wishes to grow their confidence and break through their limiting beliefs, or simply anyone who wants to do something amazing that will make them feel wonderful. A fabulous lunch is included.

For more details visit http:// sponsoredfirewalkghh. eventbrite.co.uk/ To book contact Jon Boys on 01462 410350 or 07976 281911

4

Kimpton School teacher to publish Children’s novel Secondary School Media Studies teacher Richard Mayers spends all his spare time writing. He moved to Kimpton in August 2010 with his wife and two children. By this time he was halfway through completing his first children’s novel, Spikez.

It’s a very different type of children’s novel: borrowing elements from classics like The Wind in the Willows and The Animals of Farthing Wood, but with a modern twist. Richard has worked hard to create a novel that appeals to the tech-hungry child of today; kids who are into apps and gaming. The premise is centred on animals fused with technology. The main character is a hedgehog that is killed on the road and later brought back to life as a cyborg for the UK military. But it’s not just about a hedgehog – the novel also addresses current issues facing Britain’s wildlife.

Richard developed Spikez with an old school friend who sketched ideas and did some book layout. Last May they printed off prototype books and he has been dropping into local primary and secondary schools ever since, presenting his ideas. It’s been going down really well and he has also had scientists, ecologists and authors comment favourably on the book. He hope to visit more schools in and around the local area and would love to hear from teachers and students.

For more details, visit www.spikez.co.uk or follow @robohog on Twitter. You can contact richard on richard@robohog.co.uk

The “Welwyn Wailers” is an amateur Music Hall group which raises funds for local charities each year. They have been producing shows for 35 years and have raised a total of £166,000 during that time. Last year they raised £8,500 and gave donations to Danesbury/QVM Hospital, Isabel Hospice, Keech Cottage Children’s Hospice, Herts Air Ambulance, MacMillan Cancer Care, Sue Ryder Home, Herts Young Homeless Group, Herts Action on Disability, local playgroups and many other causes.

The next shows entitled “Wailympics” will be performed this month in Welwyn Civic Centre on 3rd, 4th, 10th and 11th February at 7.30 pm. Tickets from 01438 715979 are £10 (on the 3rd) and £12 including a fish and chip supper. There is also a Licensed bar. Please go along and support them – you never know, you might see someone you know on the stage!

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

February 2012

WellBeing

Putting your foot down and enjoying the open road

O

ur life is like a road.

Think of it as a motorway with lots of side roads.

Sometimes everything is going well and we are moving fast. Sometimes we get side tracked and end up on another motorway, other times it seems like we are way off course, have hit a bumpy road, or even a road block.

So, thinking of 2011, were you on a motorway? Was your journey planned or did it seem like a pretty aimless year? For instance if you had plotted it into your Sat Nav are you now in a different place than the one you started at last January? Could it have been better?

Now is the time to make 2012 better.There will be many journeys to put into your sat nav for the year and wouldn’t it be great if each one was on a motorway taking you someplace exciting. Are you ready for some adventure?

And, thinking of yourself as that vehicle, are you a sleek racing car, or an older model with some rust, some 6

dints, with very little power, and perhaps no spare in the boot?

It’s not much use expecting a great road ahead if the car hasn’t the power and resources to travel it!

While a car can easily be replaced, unfortunately your body can’t.You can, however, get it fixed.

Maybe you haven’t been firing on all cylinders, and need an energy tune up.That will make a huge difference immediately.Then, you can learn to recharge yourself with decent sleep.Things holding you back like smoking, frustration, procrastination, stress, pain, anxiety, anger and depression can be cleared.

Fear, insecurity and worries about the future, can be dealt with.Weight issues, lack of confidence Getting rid of the potholes and obstacles in the way opens and smoothes the road ahead. It becomes clearer, far easier to travel. New resources appear along the way.

Success is within us all.

So, with 2012 already moving on why not make it a brilliant year? I invite you to start with a ‘tune up’, an MOT, and some help to programme your sat nav. Get yourself on the right road, then put your foot down, enjoy the scenery with the wind through your hair.

much more detail on the website www.marilyntuck.co.uk Knebworth, phone 07962 811907

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

February 2012

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We value our customers and it gives us huge satisfaction to know they are happy with our service whether buying or selling with us”.

if you would like to hear more about how we can help to get you moving, we would be delighted to hear from you.

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21/07/2011 14:05 7

lOCal BUsiness fOCUs

Dealing with hard Water in the home

T

he water that comes out of your tap is not totally pure. Water is a good solvent and it can absorb chemicals quite easily. When water absorbs magnesium and calcium, especially in areas such as Hertfordshire where limestone is present, it is said to be ‘hard’. There are differing degrees of ‘hardness’ depending on where you live in the county. An average hard water home builds up 1/16th (1.5mm) of an inch of scale per year.

There is no evidence that hard water is any risk to your health, but there are a number of disadvantages of having hard water in your home.The only way to ensure you get soft water and the many benefits it brings you and your home is to install a Water Softener, which is installed by plumbing it ‘in line’ usually where the water enters the property.The Softener release either magnetic, electromagnetic or radio wave pulses into the water to remove calcium and magnesium (hardness) from the water.

What are the benefits of soft water?

The simple answer is that soft water saves you money.

There are also other benefits associated with soft water.

Appliances – Limescale deposits build up on immersion heaters, in kettles, washing machines, irons, dishwashers and inside pipes and hot water cylinders. Not only will a water softener start to remove the limescale that is in your pipes and on your heating elements, but it will also prevent any further deposits in the future.

Because elements that are already ‘furred’ up have to heat the limescale before they can heat the water, a scale free system will use less energy, saving on heating bills by as much as 70%. Just 3mm of scale increases your hot water bills by over 25%.

10

Your appliances will also enjoy a longer life expectancy once a water softener is installed.

Shampoos – Hard water soaks up shampoos and

bubble bath. Soft water also has a ‘silky’ feel to it and helps considerably those people who may suffer from eczema, psoriasis and dry skin. A bath stays clean with soft water and showerheads flow better as there is no scale blocking the outlet holes.

Detergents – With soft water in your home, you will need less soap powder in your washing machine and less detergent in your dishwasher.You also won’t have to add separate salt to your dishwasher’s water softening unit.

Cleaning – Because soft water leaves fewer residues than hard water, you’ll need less of your cleaning product and it will take you less time and effort. A study found that softened water cut the average time required for cleaning baths, sinks, taps, shower screens etc by nearly 40% as against a hard water home. Soft water also means it is easier to keep toilets clean and any crockery from a dishwasher dries both spot and stain free.

Cooking and drinking – People cooking with soft water claim that it enhances the taste and colour of food.

If you would like to find out more information on how you could benefit from a Water Softener, contact Acoline Softeners on 01462 811487. Acoline Softeners are a local company who have been selling water softeners and drinking water products for over 30 years.

They have a vast wealth of knowledge and experience on all matters to do with the softening and purifying of domestic water and are one of the leading suppliers in the UK.

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

February 2012

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BUsiness

Employment Law – The importance of Contracts The absence of an employment contract, or a poorly drafted contract, is the source of many employment disputes. Hertfordshire-based employment solicitor mike Powell of scott-moncrieff & Associates LLP considers the legal position and the benefits of an employment contract.

Legal Requirement

Under the Employment Rights Act 1996 (ERA), employers are legally obliged to provide all employees with a “statement of particulars of employment” within 2 months of the employee starting work (1 month if they are working abroad).

Statement Of Particulars

The Statement Of Particulars must contain information such as: • Pay (amount, frequency) • Holidays • Place of Work • Sick Pay (contractual and/or statutory) • Start Date of Employment

If an employee brings another Tribunal claim, the employer can be liable for an additional claim of 2 to 4 weeks’ pay for failure to provide a Statement.

If an employee is dismissed by the employer because they requested a Statement of Particulars then the dismissal is automatically unfair.There is no minimum service requirement of 1 year before the employee can bring such a claim.The employee may also have a “whistleblowing” claim for which there is no statutory limit.

Updating the Contract

Contracts should be reviewed periodically and changed as necessary, for example if the employee goes part-time, is promoted or takes on a different role.

Avoiding Disputes

Employment Tribunal Claims

If a Statement is not provided after 2 months, an employee has the right to take an employer to an Employment Tribunal to get the Tribunal to determine what should be included in a Statement. Although there may be no Tribunal award, this would be unnecessarily time-consuming and disruptive.

In my view, there is no practical reason for an employer not to give an employee a contract of employment.

Ideally, the contract should be given to the employee and signed before the employee starts work. A well drafted contract means that both the employer and employee know where they stand.

Whether you are an employer or an employee looking for advice, Mike offers a free initial consultation. For further information, contact Mike on 01462 418629 or visit www.hertsemploymentlaw.co.uk

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Contracts & Handbooks Compromise Agreements Redundancy & Restructuring General Employment Law Advice

Call Mike Powell for a free consultation: 01462 418629 12

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

February 2012

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

13

On YOUR tRavels

Cruising

This month we look at the fastest growing holiday choice...

W

hen deciding what to do for your next holiday you may want to consider taking a cruise.The popularity of cruising has soared over the past decade and the cruise industry has responded by building larger ships and increasing the number of ports of call.You can count on superb dining choices, spacious and comfortable accommodations, non-stop onboard activities, all sorts of fun and adventurous programs at each individual port of call, Broadway style nightly entertainment and much more.With cruising steadily receiving the highest customer satisfaction ratings throughout the travel industry, you can count on an experience that will wow you and leave you wanting more.

Cruise ships are “floating hotels” and like hotels they come in different star ratings, tastes and sizes, ranging 14

from party ships, traditional cruises to the new modern style of cruising.

It is very important to ask which style of cruise you are looking at so this matches your holiday needs. For example the Carnival Cruise Ships are known for their nonstop party atmosphere, Fred Olsen are the more traditional cruise ship and P&O can cater for just about everything. Here are a few questions and answers to help you have the cruise know how!

How will I get to the ship?

Many cruise ships sail from the UK or alternatively you can opt for a fly cruise where you will fly to the destination and have a transfer to the ship, this is popular for the long haul cruises such as the Caribbean.

How much luggage can I take?

On cruises sailing from and returning

to the UK you can take as many bags as you can fit into your cabin. On fly-cruises you’ll be restricted to the airline’s baggage allowance.

I don’t know what to pack!

During the day casual wear is ideal with comfortable shoes for exploring ashore. Although cruising isn’t as formal as it once was, passengers still love to dress up in the evening.

You normally find a couple of nights where you can really glam up such as the Captain’s cocktail party.

Is the main destination normally the port?

Usually yes, but in some countries you may have to dock in an alternative location. In these cases, the itinerary will list the port in brackets alongside the destination, e.g. Rome (from Civitavecchia). Shore excursions are offered from your ship to your

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

February 2012

On YOUR tRavels

destination, with public transport and taxis available for those wishing to explore independently.

How long do we get to explore?

This can be anything from half a day to a couple of days depending on your chosen itinerary.This will all be listed in the cruise company’s brochure.

What happens if I am unwell?

Every cruise ship contains a well equipped Medical Centre with qualified doctors and nurses for your peace of mind.

I am not sure if I will like a cruise?

Why not try one of the taster cruises for 2 nights sailing from the UK, this will give you an idea if cruising is for you and give you a real insight to the vast size of the cruise ships and all the onboard facilities.

February 2012

if you would like to find out more about cruises or help to find your dream holiday or city break, call Off Broadway Travel on 01438 716200 or email enquiries@offbroadwaytravel.com.

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

15

aCtivitY fOCUs

Put spring in your step and sign up to become a rambler

W

ALKING has been officially recognised as the most perfect form of exercise but in today’s hectic lives, finding time out to keep fit is becoming more and more difficult. Getting to the gym is often seen as a chore and more often than not those New Year Resolutions have gone by the wayside before we have even thought about Valentine’s Day. That’s why the Ramblers have the perfect solution.

Because in Hertfordshire there are a number of established groups which make this keep fit pastime a pleasure and not purgatory. Each week hundreds of like-minded individuals pull on their boots, put on a smile and meet up to discover what the glorious Hertfordshire countryside has to offer.

The Ramblers believes in catering for all abilities and there are different grades of walks available depending on how experienced you are.These range from very short

strolls of up to three miles to much more challenging adventures which could take all day and involve a visit to a local pub for refreshment.

Area chairman for the Ramblers in Hertfordshire is David Smith who has been a committed member for more than 15 years. “It’s the social side of the Ramblers which is so enjoyable,” said David. He is keen to encourage more people to give it a go. “There are eight groups in Hertfordshire, all of which have a variety of walks available every week and where you will be assured of a warm welcome. Our leaders are ready with some fine walks local to you, so come along and join the fun – it’s not as hard as you think! It’s a great way to keep fit and what’s even better is that it doesn’t cost a lot.”

The current cost to join the Ramblers for a year is just £31 for an individual membership and only £41 for a joint membership. As a Ramblers member you receive certain benefits as well as being able to go on any led walk in the network.These include receiving Walk Magazine (rrp £3.60) every quarter, being eligible for a whopping 20% discount on you first purchase from outdoor outfitters, Cotswolds (followed by a generous 10% on all subsequent purchases) and you could save money on walking holidays with HF Holidays.

We have managed to secure Village Life readers a special discounted membership offer with the Ramblers. All you have to do claim a 20% discount is visit www.ramblers. org.uk/offer and quote the special discount code of U12B2W.This means for an individual membership the price is reduced to just £24.80 (equivalent to just over £2 per month) and for a joint membership with this offer the cost drops to just £32.80.

To find out more about your local group or to look up when your next walk is taking place go to www.ramblers.org.uk and click on the ‘local groups’ link at the top of the page.You will then be able to input your postcode to find your nearest group.

For more information contact Sam Newby-Ricci on 07799 134 710 or email: sam.newbyricci@ramblers.org.uk. Find the Ramblers on Facebook www.facebook.com/ramblers and Twitter twitter.com/RamblersGB 16

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

February 2012

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COMMUnitY fOCUs

Welwyn Beekeepers Association

A

nyone can take up beekeeping, in previous years many people did just that with little or no training.

This easy going attitude will not work today, and anyone interested in taking up this craft is strongly advised to learn the ropes through their local association who will be able to offer plenty of advice and support. Members also receive many other benefits such as insurance, discounted prices, honey and produce sale outlets, a monthly magazine and the use of equipment such as a Honey Extractor free of charge.

The Welwyn beekeepers are one of the longest established Beekeepers associations with a small but rapidly growing group of modern beekeepers, bee enthusiasts and social groups. (Not all members have bees!). Members try and participate in various activities throughout the season including helping out at public stalls/events and offering their beekeeping related wares.

Over the last couple of years the Welwyn Beekeepers have been very busy not only striving to educate new beekeepers and the general public, but also trying to acquire new funding and sites where the association members can keep their bees and can, on a regular basis, hold outdoor apiary meetings.This is still an ongoing progress and they continue to look for suitable sites that offer secure yet adequate access by vehicle to maintain the bee colonies themselves.

Last year they received £2,822 of funding from the local Welwyn parish council, thanks to the help of Councillor

Richard Smith.This funding is now being used to purchase much needed equipment so they can continue to deliver the educational needs demanded by the public and new beekeepers. From an electronic projector and screen, a new Virtual demonstration hive, literature and new personal protective equipment and hive components, they should be well placed to help the local community. Xerox Ltd in Welwyn Garden City also donated a Vickers Microscope which will be used to examine bee specimens in the continuing fight against bee diseases.

In 2011 they were asked to attend several high profile events locally, and would only be too happy to revisit if asked to do these again this coming year.They have also taken over a couple of abandoned beehives on an allotment and have purchased new equipment in order to restore these to their former glory. Hopefully any excess honey produced by the bees will be returned to the association for future development needs.

Last year they also ran their first educational Beginners Course with huge success.The next 2012 Beginners course runs on Wednesday 29th February, 7th, 14th & 21st March in the evenings at Woolmer Green Village Hall with an Apiary day at Datchworth Apiary (date TBC).

The Cost is £50 including lunch on the Apiary Day. One of the aims in the classroom is to prepare prospective beekeepers for what they will be doing in the follow-up apiary sessions.

Find further information from the following websites – hertsbees.squarespace.com/calendar/ beesandwasps.co.uk/ welwynbeekeepersassociation.aspx www.bbka.org.uk/news_and_events/events.php

For further information on the Welwyn Beekeepers Association or to book on to the course, please contact Rachel Dalgleish on 01438 217215 or email Rachel.dalgleish@ntlworld.com.

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

February 2012

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

February 2012

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village life

What’s on in FEBrUArY Wednesday 15th February

Take a Break…

CrOssWOrD

The Italian Circle of Mid-Herts, W.G.C. Golf Club, Mannicotts, Off High Oaks Road, W.G.C.AL8 7BP “The Villa Borghese Art Gallery - Rome’s Jewel”. An illustrated talk by David Lamb ( Freelance Tour Manager). For further information call 01707 372264 or 01438 715277. Non-members £5 per visit. Free Parking

Tuesday 21 Feb 2012, 10.30 am Toddler Tuesday – Leaping Frogs, Hertford Museum, 18 Bull Plain, Hertford SG14 1DT Take part in themed crafty activities, play with toys and share a story! £1.50 per child including refreshments for all – please book in advance.

ALL children must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times. For children aged 2 - 4.

Wednesday 22nd February, 10am - 4pm Experimental Watercolour Workshop, Bramfield Village Hall, Bury Lane, Bramfield, SG14 2QL

thursday 23rd February, 7.30pm - 10.30pm Charity Pamper evening, Collingwood Suite, Gosling Sports Park, Stanborough road, W.G.C, Al8 6Xe All funds raised will go to Sparks Children’s Charity; treatments include: Facials, Manicures, Pedicures, Massage, Reiki and much more. Luxury Prize Raffle: prizes include Dinner for Two at the Red Lion Welwyn, £30 Prezzo vouchers, £20 Bebo voucher, Signed Justin Bieber Book and much more.

Licensed Bar. Tickets: £5 in advance or £6 on the door. Treatments from: £5 (pre-booking recommended). Includes a free goody bag.

Contact Alison on holisticpamper@gmail.com

aCROss 1. faceplate (6) 5. singer (6) 8. a hundred square yards (4) 9. explosive (8) 10. spider web (8) 11. coarse (4) 12. plant reproductive organ (6) 14. make up your mind! (6) 16. a good long way away (4) 18. fun event for children (8) 20. brassica (8) 21. wood eaten with fish (4) 22. lovely (6) 23. relative (6)

DOWn 2. flight terminal (7) 3. group with common characteristic (5) 4. internal examination (13) 5. opposing argument (13) 6. to do with numbers (7) 7. considered (5) 13. supernatural act (7) 15. lead astray (7) 17. refrain from (5) 19. review (colloquial) (5)

sUDOKU

We will play with runs drips and ours, palette knives and other papers, all to get excitement and life in your paintings. You will need to bring your own paint, brushes, palette, water pot and painting surface. Tea and coffee available. Booking is essential. Cost £38 including a light lunch (£10 deposit will secure your place).

Saturday 25th February KAtS Quiz night at St. Martin’s Parish Centre Knebworth KATS (Knebworth Amateur Theatrical Society) invite us to beat the winter blues with a ‘fun’draising’ Quiz Night. Tables of 8, or they will find you a team to join. Tickets are £8.50 to include a fish’n’chip supper and you can book them from Jo Simson on 01438 814166, email jo.simson@ntlworld.com.

Sunday 26th Feb, 11.00am - 4.00pm the Stevenage Wedding Fair, Holiday inn Stevenage, St Georges Way, Stevenage, SG1 1HS The finest companies from all over Hertfordshire, London & the surrounding areas exhibiting everything from the finest bridal fashions, accessories, music and photography, to the most stylish wedding transport. 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

February 2012

village life

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

CLARKE DECORATORS DECORAT A ORS AT Property Maintenance

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

• All types of decorating carried out • Household maintenance i.e. gutter repair/replacement, carpentry, plumbing • Kitchen refurbishment

SHIRON

30 years experience – Clean efficient service – Reasonable rates

DOMESTIC APPLIANCES

Phone now for a written estimate

Mobile: 07739 922493

Tel: 01438 717770 or 07957 519336

Tel: 01438 720304

Are you a local Accountant looking for more business?

hiron Domestic QP 0310.indd 1

25/02/2010 12:34

Village Life is looking for a reliable Accountant 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 and some free editorial.

Contact Melanie on

01483 216 950 February 2012

Clarke Decorators

Professional mobile Nail Technician VTCT / NVQ Level 2 Qualified

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Acrylics (pink & white, glitter & colour) Shellac gel (14 day manicure) Minx foils (toes last 4+ weeks) Freehand nail art Manicure Pedicure

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Special Offer Full sets £20 Infill£15 Minx toes £13 Shellac gel £15

Check out my Facebook page for up to date offers & examples of my work. www.facebook.com/clairesclaws or www.clairesclaws.vpweb.co.uk

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

23

hints & Tips

Dog Training Tips

Photography Tips Things to remember

Control Territory

A

lpha’s control territory. As an owner you decide where to walk during exercise sessions. Don’t share the bed! This will only make the alpha dog love himself more not you the owner. Don’t step over your dog, make him move and claim certain areas of the house.

Teach your dog to spend time away from you and build up the animals tolerance levels.

Never give a command you can’t enforce.

Always put yourself in a position to win. Use training aids such as leads, cages, stair gates, muzzles etc if necessary. Set the situations up so you that you have total control from the start and do not put the dog in a position that you can’t control.

Rules and boundaries are a must and gain you respect from the dog. By giving affection we gain a dogs trust.We gives dogs affection by providing territory, food, affection (personal space) and play.

Rules and boundaries will help a dog to work mentally as well as physically.Think of it like this:The average human has to go to work at 9am take lunch at 12pm (food control) and finish at 5pm before receiving a pay cheque.

The rules and boundaries have to be followed if the person wants to receive a wage, the wage allows for that person to get food, territory (mortgage), affection, and play (social activities). All social mammals have evolved in this way nothing is for free.

We would like to thank Adem Fehmi for these articles, you can contact Adem at Dog Ease on 07957 284 406 or visit www.dog-ease.co.uk 24

K

eep an eye on the light, if the sun is in the subjects face, spin them around and try to keep the sun behind them.

Watch out for stray shadows casting over your subjects. Also check the background if you’re outside, nothing worse than a stray bin or traffic cone ruining the shot.

Don’t be afraid to get mobile and get close to your subjects.There maybe fear in their eyes in the first few shots but this doesn’t last.The beautiful thing with digital is that you can delete the rubbish ones.

Get close and fill the frame as much as you can, head and shoulders is all you need for a good portrait.

Remember the eyes are the focus, frame them two thirds up and avoid dead space.

Take the camera off the comforting green button auto setting and experiment with the semi-automatic functions. Digital costs nothing to take so be brave, experiment and see what you can achieve. Leaving the camera on auto restricts what you can do artistically.

Avoid flash if possible, if unavoidable leave as much distance as you can between you and the subjects, give the flash a chance to bounce and diffuse. Maybe cover the flash with some opaque tape, which can reduce the harshness making the light softer and more diffuse.

Don’t be frightened to move around, it may look rubbish one way, by moving your position only slightly you can get better results. Experiment by changing the height of the shot, getting down low works great for kids and shots taken standing on a chair looking down are also fun.

Lastly, have fun and enjoy yourself. The more photographs you take the better you will become, as you’ll learn what works for you.

We would like to thank David Horder for these articles. You can contact David on 07786 616 022 or visit www.lensflairdigital.co.uk

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

February 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.

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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

February 2012

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

RIBA

25

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Looking to build a part time income?

Visit www.workwithjose.com 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

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

February 2012

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