lue Transparent
Blue/Pale Blue
Connecting local businesses and the community together
CHESHUNT EDITION Issue 106
Blue/White
Black/White
ll i ng a Wish omers ust ou r c m a n d r a wa free draft as tm Chris 01279 730506 Blue/Pale Graduation
info@wonkeywindowrepairs.co.uk
Blue/Blue Sky
www.wonkeywindowrepairs.co.uk
1
echomagazines
CHESHUNT EDITION
ECHO STATS
12 •
square miles covered by our dedicated delivery team
4,000 •
homes and businesses delivered to each month, covering central Cheshunt, west Cheshunt and Goffs Oak
•
For more information on this or future issues call 01279 305658
GET IN TOUCH NOW!
blications The Echo Pu es, Unit B Offic Bridgeworks, ford rt Bishops Sto Hall Green, 7RP Herts, CM22
2
@echomagazines
Welcome to the Cheshunt Echo Welcome to our Winter edition of The Cheshunt Echo magazine. For this festive season we have Mr & Mrs Claus under the mistletoe and all about Christmas Traditions on page 4. On page 8, we have some tips on how to ‘Save on a Boiler Service’, looking after your boiler will definitely save extra pennies for Christmas shopping. As the weather changes, the air gets colder so why not try Oil of the Month, Breathe/Air by Oils by Jo on page 11. Our top 5 Plants for Christmas on page 12 and Festive Scandinavian Cookies recipe on page 14, would make a great gifts. Some useful information for our Pet Lovers, on page 16. If you’re feeling charitable and love cats, why not contact Cats Protection and become a volunteer. For 2019 we are looking for local events, special offers and any news for our readers, contact The Cheshunt Echo team who are waiting to hear from you. Finally, we would like to thank our readers and advertisers for your continued support. Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a healthy prosperous New Year
n dy , A , e li a h t a N y Paul & And
3
To advertise in The Cheshunt Echo call 01279 305658
3
Why we hang Stockings And other odd Christmas traditions… Christmas is all about traditions, but why do we hang stockings, eat chocolate logs and drink eggnog (why would anyone drink eggnog?!) Stockings – Noddy Holder belting out, ‘Are you hanging up your stocking on the wall?’ is a Christmas tradition in itself. There’s no official explanation of why we hang socks up for Santa though. It probably derives from a tradition of leaving out hay-filled shoes on December 5, the eve of St. Nicholas’ feast day. Children would wake to discover that the hay they left for St. Nick’s donkey had been replaced with treats or coins.
would return. Christians adopted the tradition and decorated evergreen trees with apples to represent the Garden of Eden. The practice really took off when the public learned that Queen Victoria had a decorated Christmas tree as a nod to her German husband’s heritage.
Snacks for Santa – Whether it’s milk and a chocolate digestive or sherry and mince pie, when we leave goodies for Father Christmas we’re possibly participating in a tradition that some scholars date back to ancient Norse mythology! According to legend, Odin had an eight-legged horse named Sleipnir. Kids would leave treats for Sleipnir, hoping that Odin would favour them with gifts in return. Carolling – You might suppose this is a centuries-old tradition but although the songs go back hundreds of years, visiting neighbours to bid them good luck and good cheer by singing for them didn’t happen until the Victorian era. Evergreen decorations – Before Christianity people decorated their homes with evergreens in the winter as a reminder that spring 4
Please mention The Cheshunt Echo when responding to adverts
The Yule Log – Yule logs also predate Christianity. As part of winter solstice celebrations, Gaels and Celts burned logs decorated with holly, ivy, and pinecones to cleanse themselves of the past year and welcome the next one. The practice changed over time and eventually edible representations of the log appeared, which is why we eat chocolate logs today! Eggnog – Surely the most revolting of traditions. However, historians agree that ‘nog’ was probably inspired by a medieval drink called ‘posset’, a milky drink made with eggs, milk, and sometimes figs or sherry. These were all pricey ingredients, so it was a bit of status symbol to offer it to guests. No-one seems to know for sure why it’s called ‘nog’, but it maybe from the old word ‘noggin’ which was slang for a wooden cup. Mistletoe - This was associated with fertility and vitality by Celtic Druids because it blossomed even during the
most frigid winters. Quite how we got from that kissing under the mistletoe is a mystery, but we do know that it began in the 18th Century and started with guests kissing the hand of their host under the mistletoe, then became progressively more personal over the decades that followed! Advent calendars - The modern advent calendar, with its little doors containing sweets or small gifts, began with Gerhard Lang in the early 1900s. His inspiration was a calendar that his mother made for him when he was a child, featuring 24 coloured pictures attached to a piece of cardboard. Christmas Cards – In these days of high postage costs, texts and emails, plus more environmental awareness this tradition may be at risk of dying out. Christmas cards are a surprisingly recent tradition anyway, with the first formal card only hitting shelves in 1843.
How do you reach your customers or clients? Whether you run a kitchen table based micro business or a multimillion pound SME, you need customers to stay in business. Getting your advertising message out to those customers can a daunting and expensive process with lots of pitfalls for the unwary. We have a successful track record helping clients of all sizes to grow their businesses. That experience takes time and effort to acquire, so why not put it to use in your business.
Logos Web Site Design
For an initial chat, call Andy on 01277 899268
Leaflets Brochures
9t £5 9 Leafle
Business Cards Letterheads Advertising
A
Posters
Of fer fo
Call fo
Signs
There’s no obligation, so you have nothing to loose. It’s just a conversation.
or email, ideas@thomsondesign.co.uk
r in
Exhibition Panels
Thomson Design Associates Ltd
And so much more...
Making design work for you
To advertise in The Cheshunt Echo call 01279 305658
5
What’s the most important thing you can do to support your family? Writing a Will and taking out a Lasting Power of Attorney will ensure your family are taken care of at their point of greatest need. At Prior Knowledge we can help you take the right steps now, to protect your home, safeguard your savings, and ensure your wishes are respected. Call me for an appointment. I’m happy to visit you in your home, at a time that suits you best. There’s no hard sell and no initial charges. Tel: 01992 579101 Mobile: 07901 542838 Email: marcoskallou@priorknowledge.co.uk www.wantwilladvice.co.uk Institute of Professional Willwriters • MEMBER •
PriorKnowledge
Hindsight is great...but prior knowledge is even better Brickfield Business Centre, High Road, Thornwood, Epping, CM16 6TH
6
Please mention The Cheshunt Echo when responding to adverts
Nature has been using solar panels for millions of years...
...you need to act fast to catch up, because the Feed In Tariff scheme is coming to an end in April 2019
• The Feed In Tariff (FIT) means
• Typical systems PAY FOR
you GET PAID for the electricity generated even if you use it all
THEMSELVES in less than 8 years
• TRULY RENEWABLE energy saves you money and makes a healthy profit
• High quality panels are
GUARANTEED FOR 25 YEARS
• FREE no obligation survey • ALL PAPERWORK DONE ready to start making savings
• Domestic & commercial systems Friendly accurate advice from Philip.
Call: 01920 413038 or email: philip@ecopowerlighting.co.uk www.ecopowerlighting.co.uk
• Electrical Services • Air & Ground Source Heating
“There’s no hard sell, just helpful information so you can make an informed decision that’s right for you.”
We are registered with these regulatory organisations to guarantee the quality All Work Guaranteed and Warrantied of our work. NICEIC-National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contractors; MCS-Micro generation certification scheme; RECC-Renewable
Code; Part P-electrical safety in dwelling’s/building To advertise in The Cheshunt Energy EchoConsumer call 01279 305658 regulations; HSE-health and safety executive/working at heights
7
Save with a Service
"In times when many household budgets are squeezed it can be tempting to cut back on things like boiler services. However, this could be a real false economy in the long run and problems can easily escalate from an annoyance to an emergency. "Getting a service on your Sometimes boiler is we might wonder if it’s worth arranging a boiler service, especially if like everything seems to be working fine. getting It’s one expense we can do without your car when Christmas is looming. Here are five serviced reasons to book your service now. - it's something we-use everyboiler day and It saves lives A faulty is can't expect it to run properly if it's not dangerous. According to government maintained." statistics, each year in the UK, 50 adults and die from carbon monoxide The children AA recommends householders fit a (CO) poisoning; 200 are hospitalised CO detector that conforms to the and around people endand up in relevant4,000 British Standard as A&E with with any symptoms due to leaking boilers. A Gas detector, it should be regularly checked. Safe qualified boilerdetectors engineercost will check Carbon monoxide around for and fix any leaks or weak points during £20 and should conform to EN50291. a service. Those that sound an alarm upon detecting CO areonrecommended in case It saves money fuel bills - A qualified a leak results in CO building up during boiler engineer will check that your boiler the night. as efficiently as possible and is running isn’t The wasting researchenergy. also provides a stark warning for tenants as it shows that It saves the environment - If your boiler almost two thirds of people renting a isn’t wasting energy your carbon footprint property didn't ask to see their is reduced. landlord's gas safety certificate when they moved in. It saves on repair bills - That annual service make sure boiler is Indeed, to according to your the Gas Safety working correctly will save money on Trust private tenants are 50 per cent future repairs letting the boiler more likely toby suffer a carbon monoxide engineer fix minor issues which might incident than owner/occupiers. have caused significant problems later. Tom adds: "Tenants should make sure It saves - Most that theyon askinsurance to see thehassles safety certificate boiler warranties and some home and for the gas appliances in the property business insurance policies require that thatensure way they willboiler knowis they been you your safe have to use. checked the last 12 months." An annualinboiler service meets most
Why an annual boiler service is important.
Local Family Business please call George on
07825 80 77 44
insurance policy requirements. 8
To advertise TheCheshunt Cheshunt Echo 01279 305658to adverts Please mention in The Echo call when responding
17
Sudoku Brain Teaser
Have a Hadham. Good Luck! The answers can be found on page 18
Podiatrist/Chiropodist Marc Barton Bsc (Pod) MChs hcpc reg
MB Podiatry Specialising in Foot and Lower Limb Disorders Conditions Treated (Both Adult and Children) Biomechanics and musculoskeletal foot problems including: ..Heel Pain/Planter Fasciitis ..Mid Foot Pain ..Forefoot Pain (Metatarsalgia) Generalised Foot Pain ..Achilles Problems
..Shin Pain ..Rountine Chiropody ..Corns, Callus and Nail Care ..Ingrown Toenails
Tel: 07958 610031 www.sortmyfeetout.com
Home Visits Available upon Request
Aarjay Valley View Health Centre, Goffs Lane, Goffs Oak, Herts, EN7 5ET
Home Visits Available upon Request
Registered with the Health and Care Professions Council
Registered with the Health and Care Professions Council
To advertise in The Cheshunt Echo call 01279 305658
9
Blue/White
y e k n Wo ws? o d s e n l i W n Hand ? Black/White
e g k n i o z r a B l G y g s, g e o o F w r or u o ry ! ve t e i t x a fi Wh n a we c
01279 730506
Blue/Pale Graduation
Blue/Blue Sky
info@wonkeywindowrepairs.co.uk www.wonkeywindowrepairs.co.uk
10
Please mention The Cheshunt Echo when responding to adverts
Jo’s Oil of the Month -
• Use when outdoors to minimize the effects of seasonal threats.
• Diffuse at bedtime for a restful environment.
Breathe/Air
Breathe, a proprietary essential oil blend, is a remarkable blend of essential oils including Laurel Leaf, Peppermint, Eucalyptus, Melaleuca, Lemon, Cardamom and Ravensara. Breathe maintains feelings of clear airways and easy breathing while minimizing the effects of seasonal threats. can be applied topically to the chest, back, or bottom of feet, or diffused at night time to calm the senses and promote a restful sleep. USES • Diffuse, inhale directly from palms, or rub on chest or feet when environmental threats are high.
DIRECTIONS FOR USE Diffusion: Use three to four drops in the diffuser of choice. Topical use: Apply one to two drops to desired area. INGREDIENTS: Laurel Leaf, Eucalyptus Leaf, Peppermint Plant, Melaleuca Leaf, Lemon Peel, Cardamom Seed, Ravinsara Leaf, Ravensara Leaf essential oils PRIMARY BENEFITS • Maintains feelings of clear airways and easy breathing
• Promotes a restful nights sleep • Helps minimize the effects of seasonal threats.
Try a more natural way with On Guard products by DoTerra From toothpaste and hand soap in the bathroom to laundry detergent and cleaning concentrate when cleaning. On Guard products will protect your home and family naturally.
Please contact Jo Hunt for a FREE consultation Oils by Jo – www.oilsbyjo.co.uk or 07770 302504 To advertise in The Cheshunt Echo call 01279 305658
11
Garden View
This month:
s a m t s i r h C r o f s Plant
With Christmas just around the corner I’m often asked what houseplants plants I recommend as gifts. Here are my top five. Hippeastrum/Amaryllis - is a remarkable bulb, which produces 60cm / 2ft tall, fleshy drainpipe stems and flamboyant trumpet flowers up to 20cm /8in across. ‘Red Lion’ with deep scarlet flowers; ‘Apple Blossom’ with pink-tinged white flowers, and ‘Christmas Gift’ with plain white flowers, are readily available. You can buy them as DIY plant-it-yourself kits, or as ready-planted gifts. Citrus bushes make interesting presents. Sold at this time of year with both flowers and developing fruit, they are deliciously 12
scented. Lemon varieties ‘Meyer’ and ‘Four Seasons ‘are lovely but also consider calamondin oranges. The plant should be kept in a light, frost-free spot over the winter with a minimum night temperature of 5C, then in the summer the pot can be moved outside. Cyclamen Persicum is wonderfully decorative. The flowers range from white, through pink, to red. This is probably a gift for a more experienced gardener as persuading it to flower again can be a challenge, but it can be done. Keep it in full light in winter, at a steady 13C-16C. Give it a liquid feed fortnightly while it is in flower. Water less as the stems
Please mention The Cheshunt Echo when responding to adverts
start to bend and collapse, then keep it completely dry for three months during its dormant period. Gently introduce water again as new leaves appear. Schlumbergera x Buckleyi, the Christmas cactus is a perennial favourite. It has protruding stamens at the end of succulent, flattened leaves, and pretty flowers. It likes high humidity while flowering so mist it regularly it with a fine spray of clean water, and feed it monthly with a high-potash feed. When it’s finished flowering put the plant in a light spot and keep the compost just moist. Hyacinthus Orientalis ‘Ostara’ is a stunning hyacinth with deep-blue flowers, powerfully scented and particularly nice when planted as a trio in a bowl or basket. Christmas hyacinths are ‘forced’ to flower earlier than they would naturally. They need a cool spot, preferably no more than 13C, so that they do not flop. No-one wants a floppy hyacinth! The bulbs can be planted in the garden afterwards so will continue to provide pleasure in future years. Viburnum x Bodnantense ‘Dawn’ is not a houseplant but it makes a fabulous gift. It flowers from November, while the leaves are still on, through the winter. The pink flowers are scented and a few sprigs in a small vase at this time of year are just joyous. Even better it is totally hardy so is great for the non-green-fingered, and can be planted out of a pot at any time, if the ground isn’t frozen. Don’t wrap plants, just tie a big bow around the pot. It’s a thoughtful touch to provide printed or hand-written instructions for aftercare. Make sure any living plant is well watered before you hand it over. They will probably be a bit neglected over the festive period, but a good watering should make sure that they last past New Year. Happy festive gardening.
Hypno C
Hypno effectiv
Did this catch your eye?! • You could advertise your business here for as little as £31.33 • Contact us for more details: • T: 01279 305658 • E: echomagazine@outlook.com
WEIGHT Change and per
The outstandi take
Phobi
A fr
For mo
Tel: 0199 ww
Podiastrist/Chiropodist
Marc Barton Bsc (Pod) MChs hcpc reg
MB Podiatry Specialising in Foot and Lower Limb Disorder
Conditions Treated (Both Adult and Children) Biomechanics and musculoskeletal foot problems includ • Heel Pain/Planter Fasciitis • Mid Foot Pain • Forefoot Pain (Metatarsalgia) Generalised Foot Pain • Achilles Problems • Shin Pain • Rountine Chiropody • Corns, Callus and Nail Care • Ingrown Toenails
Tel: 07958 610031 www.sortmyfeetout.com Aarjay Valley View Health Centre, Goffs Lane, Goffs Oak, Herts, EN7 5ET
Home Visits Availa
Registered with the He
To advertise in The Cheshunt Echo call 01279To305658 13 Echo call advertise in The Cheshunt
Smo /r Bullar
Festive Scandinavian cookies, though nobody seems to know their exact origins. These small spheres of butter, flour, powdered sugar and nuts, dusted with more powdered sugar for good measure are a Christmas delight. Preparation time: 20 mins Cooking time: 8-10 mins Makes: 20-24 Cookies
Ingredients
Method
225g Butter
Preheat oven to 200C / Gas mark 6
60g Icing sugar
Cream the butter and sugar together thoroughly. Add flour, salt, vanilla and pecans, and mix well. Cover dough and chill for half an hour.
300g Plain flour, sifted Âź tsp salt 1 tsp vanilla essence 100g Pecan nuts or walnuts, chopped fine Extra icing sugar for dusting.
Form dough into small balls (about 1 inch / 2.5cm diameter). If the dough seems too crumbly don’t be tempted to add water or the resulting cookies will be hard, just let the heat from your hands gradually bring it all together. Place 2 inches / 5cm apart on an un-greased baking sheet. Bake until set but NOT brown (8-10 minutes). Allow to cool for 3 minutes before removing from baking sheet, then roll in icing sugar. When completely cool, roll in the icing sugar again. They make lovely festive handmade gifts in pretty boxes
14
Please mention The Cheshunt Echo when responding to adverts
SAD times
Exercise - There’s evidence that aerobic exercise not only boosts your brain’s levels of serotonin but also keeps those levels elevated for hours after your workout.
As many as one in six people suffer with a low mood in Winter and a small number of these will suffer with the more serious Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Laugh - A study in Norway found that laughing with friends, watching a funny movie or doing something that briefly improves your mood may stoke your brain’s levels of serotonin.
Here are five ways to raise your serotonin levels even in the coldest, darkest months.
Step outside - Research shows that walking in nature — especially with other people — is an effective way to combat depression. Spending at least 30 minutes a day outdoors even during the cold winter months may offset the seasonal drops in serotonin.
Lighten up - As lack of sunlight is the problem, more light could be a solution. Light boxes are available that provide levels of brightness which can elevate your brain’s serotonin levels.
Physical contact - Massage has been proven to increase your brain and body’s levels of serotonin. The soothing experience significantly reduces the blues.
SAD sufferers are less able to control their serotonin levels in the absence of sunlight and if serotonin levels drop too low, so will your mood.
Puzzle Time
Across
1 5 8 9 10 11 12 13 15 18 19 20 21 22
Bough (6) Desert plant (6) Cute, charming (8) ‘Windows to the soul’ (4) Largest continent (4) Glass vessel used in science (4,4) Clergyman (6) Make certain (6) Spectator (8) Test, assessment (4) Charismatic celebrity (4) Songwriter (8) Most strange (6) Tune, song (6)
2 3 4 5 6 7 13 14 16 17
Shared out, apportioned again (13) Recount, chronicle (7) Natural environment of an animal (7) Strategy-based board game (5) Swindle, con (5) Without shame (13) Tympanic membrane (body part) (7) Cut out design, motif (7) Mysterious, spooky (5) Manservant, butler (5)
Down
To advertise in The Cheshunt Echo call 01279 305658
15
Though Christmas is a fun time for humans, even we can feel overwhelmed. For our pets Christmas can be confusing, a bit scary and even dangerous. Here are the top reasons for emergency vet visits over the festive period, and how to avoid them. Vomiting and diarrhoea – Often a result of Rover helping himself to Christmas goodies; one year my brother’s beagle helped himself to our entire cheeseboard, with predictable gastro-intestinal consequences! But sometimes it’s a result of him being fed too many treats or rich food. Ask visitors to refrain from feeding your pets unless they have permission, and keep all festive food out of reach! CHOCOLATE – dark chocolate is poisonous to dogs so seek advice immediately if you suspect that’s what he’s eaten. Lacerations or Bites: -When family members or guests bring their pet, bear in mind your dog or cat will see this as an intrusion into their territory, and some animals are very territorial indeed. Don’t leave unfamiliar animals alone together, even if they seem to be tolerating each other. In severe cases enmity separate rooms might be in order. If a guest brings a dog and your kids own a treasured hamster or guinea pig keep the small furry being well out of danger; preferably put the cage on a high shelf. Soft Tissue Trauma – Dogs and cats can be stepped on, have things dropped on them, or be hit by cars while running 16
around on the drive as visitors arrive. If Grandma trips over your Chihuahua BOTH might end up in casualty so keep an eye on pets at all times. Foreign body ingestion – The beagle who ate the cheeseboard ate the cheese AND most of the board. Some pets will eat anything. Christmas baubles, lights tinsel and small toys. Ask guests not to leave things on the floor and keep a watchful eye on Rover. If he’s quietly in a corner chewing something, check it’s not Grandma’s spectacles, or false teeth!
Lee Valley Branch
Registered Charity Numbers: 203644 (England and Wales) SC037711 (Scotland)
Could you give a “helping hand” either by homing a cat or kitten or becoming a volunteer? We need volunteers for many different roles from transporting cats to baking cakes for events.
If so, then please contact us on our local enquiry line: 0333 567 4746 or email: cpleavalley@live.co.uk. You can veiw many of the cats and kittens in our care on our website:
www.leavalley.cats.org.uk
Please mention The Cheshunt Echo when responding to adverts
To advertise in The Cheshunt Echo call 01279 305658
17
P
Puzzle Solutions Crossword
Sudoku
CA
Useful Numbers Utilities Gas Emergency BT Fault Line • from landline • from mobile Thames Water Electric Emergency Transport National Rail Enquiries Travel Line (Public Transport Route & Timetable info) London Travel Info. Congestion Charge Info. Dial-A-Ride Luton Airport Stansted Airport Gatwick Airport Heathrow Airport
0800 111 999 0800 800 151 0330 1234 151 0845 9200 800 0800 404 090 08457 484 950 0871 200 2233 0343 222 1234 0343 222 2222 0343 222 7777 01582 405 100 0844 355 1803 0844 892 0322 0844 355 1801
General Hertfordshire Police Crime Stoppers Chase Farm Hospital QE II Welwyn Hospital Cheshunt Comm. Hosp. NHS 111 Service Broxbourne Council Citizens Advice Bureau National Blood Service Cheshunt Library Childline FRANK (Drugs Helpline) Drinkline (Alcohol Helpline) RSPCA Samaritians Carers in Hertfordshire Age Concern Welwyn
101 0800 555 111 0208 375 2999 01707 32811 01992 622157 111 01992 785555 08444 111 444 0300 123 2323 0300 1234 049 0800 1111 0800 776 600 0800 917 8282 0300 1234 999 08457 909 090 01992 586969 01707 323272
Disclaimer: Although every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of any material used in this publication, the publisher/editor can accept no responsibility for the veracity of claims made by contributors in either editorial or advertising content. 18
Please mention The Cheshunt Echo when responding to adverts
T
R S E VE R C O EA EN Y I 30 ER P EX
PJM FLOORING
HOM E
fitting with all carpet orders over £350!*
UR
FREE
R
O
AUTIFU E L B
LO
ING FO R O
Y
F
CARPET, VINYL, LAMINATE & ENGINEERED WOOD
* LIMITED TIME OFFER, QUOTE ‘ECHOMAG’
T: 01707 872288 M: 07843 688243 w w w. p j m f l o o r i n g l t d . c o. u k For mally at In-Ex, Goffs Oak
20