Village Life Magazine October 2013

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VillageLife Lifestyle | Business | Community www.villagelifemag.com

HITCHIN

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ISSUE 50 : October 2013

shaw’s Corner

Gaynor Dawson – Life Practice Hitchin

BBC 3 Counties Journalist talks about Returning Goods

PLUS Local Businesses showcased • Codicote • Kimpton • Whitwell • Preston • Breachwood Green • Graveley • Little Wymondley • Great Wymondley • St. Ippolyts • Gosmore • Knebworth • Welwyn Village


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WELCOME to october! Welcome to the 50th Issue of Village Life and Happy Halloween, not long now until the Festive Season! October’s issue brings you a feature on Shaw’s Corner on pages 6 and 7. George Bernard Shaw was one of the greatest playwrights, politicians and philosophers who lived and died in the beautiful village of Ayot St Lawrence. Gaynor Dawson starts a monthly column on pages 14 and 15 giving us tips, advice, and ways to manage our lives as stress free as possible and finally on page 10, Jeremy Chandler-Smith of JCS Solicitors in Codicote looks at ways in which he can offer assistance in a relationship breakdown. We also showcase Ricky Tyler Landscapes on page 8 who can help with all your gardening needs and services and on page 18 we hear about Essex and Herts Air Ambulance, a vital service. If you have a local story or run a local group which you would like us to feature then please get in touch. Don’t forget you can find the answers to the crossword on our website – www.villagelifemag.com and we are also on Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter – @villagelifemag! Bye for now,

Jose & Melanie

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

Contents 4:

shaw’s corner: pages 6-7

Local news

6-7: Community: Shaw’s Corner 9:

Business: Ricky Tyler Landscapes

10:

Lifestyle: JCS Solicitors – Family Break Down

charity: page 18

14-15: Wellbeing: Gaynor Dawson – Life Practice Hitchin 16:

Community: Many Happy Returns!

18:

Charity: Essex & Herts Air Ambulance Trust

24:

What’s on in October / Take a break

Where Can You Find Village Life? Village Life Magazine has a readership of 17,500 people and is delivered to homes and businesses across 12 villages. Find us in Codicote, Kimpton,Whitwell, Preston, Breachwood Green, Graveley, Little Wymondley, Great Wymondley, St. Ippolyts, Gosmore, Knebworth and Welwyn Village. October 2013

Editorial & advertising enquiries Melanie Saavedra 01438 216950 sales@villagelifemag.com Village Life is published monthly by MJS Publishing. 01438 216950, www.villagelifemag.com © 2013 Village Life (Hitchin).Village Life (Hitchin) 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.

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LOCAL NEWS

SPOOOOKY FUN IN THE GARDENS AT KNEBWORTH HOUSE – Croquet on the lawn? Broomstick Croquet that is… Tickets are selling fast to this year’s Knebworth Pumpkin Trail and Treats on 29th, 30th and 31st October. Put on your best sparkly wizard outfit, climb aboard your broomstick and whizzzz down to Knebworth for some pumpkin fun and games. Try your hand at Witch’s Hat Hoopla and Pumpkin Ping Pong The team at Knebworth have been busy decorating the gardens ready for the event, which is one of the highlights of the autumn calendar. The fun starts at 12.00 noon each day and children will be able to try all sorts of activities. Complete the Pumpkin Trail of fun activities around the Garden to claim your goody bag prize. You will need a steady hand for Pumpkin Ping Pong. Children of all ages love having a go at the Pumpkin Pot Shot and then trying their skill to Hook-a-Pumpkin After all that activity, relax and enjoy an entertaining story. The story teller has fantastic tales to delight children (and their parents) each afternoon. Children are very welcome to come along dressed in their Halloween costumes and there will be a fancy dress parade at 3.30 pm each afternoon with prizes for the winners. Judging by last year’s entries, the standard is pretty high so thinking caps on for some creative costumes! If you are decorating a pumpkin at home, please bring it along to enter the ‘Best- dressed Pumpkin’ competition. Pre-booking is essential for this popular event and tickets can be ordered online through the Knebworth House website www.knebworthhouse.com or call 01438 812661. Child (2-12) £6, Adult £3.50. Non-participating under 2s are free of charge. After the Pumpkin Trail, there is a bolt on ticket option of a Children’s Pumpkin Disco in Knebworth Barns; a great way to end the afternoon. Each child will have a hot snack box and a drink of squash. Tickets for the disco should be added to the Pumpkin Trail booking and cost £5 per child.

Pumpkin Trail 12.00 – 4.00 pm. Adult £3.50 Child (2-12) £6. Non-participating under 2s are free. Add on Pumpkin Disco 4.00 – 5.30 pm £5 per child. (2-12). For further information or to book tickets please see www.knebworthhouse.com or call 01438 812661.

PIRTON VILLAGE FARMERS & PRODUCE MARKET A new Farmers & Produce Market has started recently in Pirton Village, SG5 3QE. A Parish Council village survey found that people would welcome a Farmers’ Market where there would be the opportunity to buy fresh local produce. Revd James Robertson vicar of St Mary’s Church, Pirton offered the church building as a venue – and the first market took place at the end of August. It was a great success with many of the stalls selling out very quickly. Stallholders are all local people – including cheese from Wobbly Bottom Farm, eggs from the ‘Happy Ladies’ in Wibbly Wobbly Lane, Pirton, a range of meats from local farms, preserves, cakes and vegetables from Farmer Alan Wells. The next market is on Friday October 25th 1-4 pm in St Mary’s Church, Pirton – New stalls include Jo’s Loaves and Lorna’s mealsto-go. For further information, contact Barbara Robertson who is the Co-ordinator at The Vicarage, Crabtree Lane, Pirton, SG5 3QE, 01462 712 230, bar2@btinternet.com 4

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October 2013



community

Shaw’s Corner Ayot St Lawrence

Written by Leigh Goldsmith (lilylawler@googlemail.com)

A

s we near the anniversary of the death of George Bernard Shaw, we remember one of the greatest playwrights, politicians and philosophers who lived and died in the beautiful and idyllic village of Ayot St Lawrence.Today, his legacy remains for all to see and experience in his beloved home, now known as Shaw’s Corner. When George Bernard Shaw moved into his home in Ayot St Lawrence in 1906, he was at the peak of his career. Born in 1856 in Ireland, Shaw later moved to London in 1876. Although he began his literary career as a novelist, his real love was drama, writing more than 60 plays. Almost all of his literary works addressed the social issues of the time. He was an ardent socialist and spent much of his life fighting for causes which included equal rights for men and women and alleviating abuses of the social classes. In 1898 George Bernard Shaw married Charlotte Payne- Townsend and in 1906 they moved to Ayot St Lawrence in Hertfordshire. Shaw remained here until his death in 1950, aged 94. Today Shaw’s Corner is part of The National Trust. The beautiful house and grounds are located deep in the Hertfordshire countryside.The peace, tranquillity and beauty which so often inspired Shaw throughout his life, can still be seen and experienced today. Perhaps more so, as you walk through the grounds of his idyllic home. Shaw’s Corner is quite unlike anything you may have experienced before. Everything you touch and see, from the door knocker to the roses and pine trees in the garden, inhibit the presence of the great George Bernard Shaw himself.Within the walls of the house is a vast collection of interesting bjects and exhibits, providing a fascinating link with the past. Outside, the well maintained gardens are home to a huge array of flora and fauna.The grounds of Shaw’s Corner also hold many events throughout the year, celebrating the life of the great man himself. In summer, (generally June and July) the grounds become an outdoor theatre. Each year, plays are selected and performed to an enthusiastic audience. Other events, which this year include a Walking Festival, will take place on October 19th from 12pm – 2pm.You can enjoy a fabulous walk from Wheathampstead through to Ayot St Lawrence where Shaw’s Corner is situated. For more information about this 6

or any other events throughout the year please contact Barbara Sakai on 01438 820 307 or Barbara.sakai@nationaltrust.org.uk. Shaw’s Corner have many other facilities to offer including a second hand bookshop, coffee and ice-cream for sale and also a variety of pre-1950’s plants for sale. There is car parking available, however, this is a small area and not suitable for very large vehicles. Today, George Bernard Shaw remains the only person to have been awarded both a Nobel Prize for literature (1925) and an Oscar (for his work on the film Pygmalion). He remains one of the greatest literary figures the world has ever known.

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October 2013


“No dwelling place can rival Ayot: So there I labour at my job, And boil my kettle on the hob Deeming I have the best of reasons, For staying here through all the seasons.” Shaw’s Corner Ayot St Lawrence, near Welwyn AL6 9BX 01438 820307 shawscorner@nationaltrust.org.uk www.nationaltrust.org.uk/shaws-corner


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icky Tyler Landscapes was initially formed in 2002 as a domestic garden maintenance company. The business has grown significantly since then and services now include Grounds Maintenance, Garden Maintenance, Grass cutting, Hedge Cutting, Mulching, Turfing, Lawn Treatments, Fencing,and Patios. The business carries out Garden and grounds maintenance to over 500 Properties becoming one of the largest in the area and they cover all of the UK. Ricky Tyler who started the company still remains at the forefront of the business with a hands on approach to all aspects of projects, and he is backed by teams of Maintenance and Landscaping staff, who are all very keen and enthusiastic in delivering high standards of work and customer service. All staff are fully trained and very visible

at the customer’s property, they turn up in branded vehicles and uniform. Ricky told us, “We work with Corporate clients such as Architects, Housing Developers and Councils to name a few, however we also help private clients to achieve their gardens maximum potential. All our clients have the problem of finding a reputable company who can achieve the results they need and would like. What we do is work closely with our clients from the start by creating imaginative concepts through to delivering the final results above their expectations. Using these methods, we create stunning landscapes which are a feast for the eyes! We offer a free initial consultation where we will guide you through a step by step process to create the landscapes only found in dreams. We are an award-winning company of professional and innovative landscapers that have set the standard to other companies over the past 10 years. Our deep and diverse capabilities enable us to take care of every detail related to the creation and management of your landscaping projects, reflecting your individual style and taste!”

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lifestyle

Family Breakdown

M

ore often than not, when parties are facing a break down in their relationship, both fear that things will develop into a pitched battle that is both expensive and acrimonious. Over the next few months, I will look at the various methods available to parties to resolve or determine issues that arise when their relationship breaks down. Generally speaking, the most common methods of dispute resolution are: • Agreement as a result of discussions directly between the parties. For example sitting around the kitchen table and talking • Negotiation between solicitors, including meetings between solicitors acting for each of the parties and their clients, where appropriate • Mediation or other forms of dispute resolution, including Collaborative Law • Court based conciliation • Judgement by the court Clearly, it is preferable for parties to discuss issues and resolve them by agreement rather than for those issues to be decided by a judge at court after costly, lengthy and traumatic proceedings. Many family lawyers are members of Resolution. In being a member of Resolution, the family lawyer is committed to resolving disputes in a non-confrontational way. Resolution believes that family law disputes should be dealt with in a constructive way designed to preserve the parties’ dignity and to encourage agreement. Members have to adhere to a code of practice which, amongst other matters, requires lawyers to: • Retain professional objectivity and respect for everyone involved • Take into account the long term consequences of actions and communications as well as the short term implications • Encourage clients to put the best interests of the children first • Emphasise to clients the importance of being open and honest in all dealings • Avoid the use of inflammatory language, both written and spoken • Ensure that consideration is given to balancing the benefits of any steps against the likely costs – financial or emotional

• Conduct matters in a constructive and non-confrontational way Resolution has promoted and encouraged alternative dispute resolution and in particular, mediation and collaborative law. This approach has, in turn, been recognised and approved by the family courts. Collaborative law is a radical and effective approach to dispute resolution. Each person appoints their own lawyer but instead of conducting negotiations between the parties by letter or phone, the parties themselves meet, together with their lawyers, to work things out face to face. Each party has their lawyer by their side throughout the entire process and will therefore benefit from legal advice as matters progress.The aim of collaborative law is to resolve family disputes without going to court. The process often involves four way meetings with each separating party and their respective lawyer present, the lawyers working together to promote and encourage agreement. Next month we shall look at the collaborative process in more detail and the benefits it provides. More information can be found at www.resolution.org.uk Jeremy Chandler-Smith of JCS Solicitors in Codicote is a solicitor specialising in family law and is an accredited specialist member of Resolution, the national organisation of family lawyers committed to non-confrontational divorce, separation and other family problems. JCS Solicitors can be contacted on 01438 820 946.

JCS Solicitors Hill House, 1 St Albans Road, Codicote, SG4 8UT 01438 820 946 info@jcssolicitors.co.uk www.jcssolicitors.co.uk 10

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October 2013


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wellbeing

Today life’s stresses and challenges affect us all – stress at work, stress at home, relationship problems, health and weight issues, financial pressures – the list is endless. I bet someone springs to mind just from you reading the first paragraph!

Gaynor Dawson Life Practice Hitchin

I

Gaynor is the Managing Director of Life Practice Hitchin and qualified to Advanced Level. She runs her private practice at 30 Bancroft and helps many clients successfully overcome weight gain, personal and professional stress, relationship issues, confidence problems and many more. She would be delighted to answer questions, and offers a free twenty minute telephone consultation to ensure she can help.

am often asked what a Life Coach does.The simple answer is that I help people to move forward in their lives in whichever way is best for them. My clients are all ages and from many different walks of life and backgrounds, but the one thing they have in common is that they want to change something in their lives. Recently, I worked with a school teacher who had been suffering panic attacks for over ten months.These were severely affecting their ability to do their job and by the time they found me they were pretty desperate. Using a combination of clinical hypnosis, Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP), nutrition advice and cognitive behaviour therapy, we worked together to reduce the client’s stress levels (anxiety attacks are a symptom of stress) and change their thinking process.The result is that, after six sessions, the client is no longer having anxiety attacks and is back to excelling in their teaching. During our first session the client told me that they spent a lot time thinking about not having a panic attack and telling themselves that they didn’t want to have another panic attack.The problem is that in order not to think about something, our sub-conscious – that most powerful part of our brain – must first bring to mind the

image of whatever we don’t want to think about and then delete it. So if I say to you, “do not think about a huge pink elephant with purple spots”, I know you are now thinking about just that!

What we think has a huge effect on how we feel and behave. So with clients we work together to first understand and then change their thinking process and create new neuro pathways, which in turn enable the client to move forward. The great thing is that I don’t need to know WHY someone is having panic attacks; the weight loss client is raiding the fridge at midnight when the rest of the family are asleep; someone who has travelled for years suddenly develops a fear of flying; the smoker who wants to give up lists all the reasons she should and yet still smokes; the eight year old is scared of going out in the rain; or someone is so stressed they can’t go to work. I just need to know HOW someone is doing the behaviour that they would like to change. Once we know how, it’s almost like changing a programme in a computer. It’s simple and effective!

info@lifepracticehitchin.co.uk www.lifepracticehitchin.co.uk Life Practice Hitchin, 30 Bancroft, Hitchin SG5 1LA 01462 337020 | 07714 781016 14

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October 2013


wellbeing

“Thanks so much for the recent session Gaynor. I really appreciate how mucheffort you took to understand my circumstances so that you could tailor the session to my needs.This level of detail has ensured that I am confidentand excited about the changes we made” Simon – Owner Recruitment Co

“Thanks again for a great session. It was most revealing and helpful. You are a wonderful listener and motivator Gaynor! I have noticed that I feel alot more in control and I have more energy since the session. I am very excited about the future!” Ingrid A – Senior Manager

October 2013

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finance

Many Happy Returns! So, you go to a clothes shop, buy a pair of jeans, get them home and decide that actually you’re not that keen on them after all. Simple! You can return them, yes? NOT NECESSARILY! Indeed one subject often up for discussion on my radio show concerns the successful returning of goods to a retailer.

Let me make it very clear. If goods are FAULTY then of course you have the right to return them and depending on the length of time you have had them (usually only a couple of weeks), you should be entitled to your money back in full. If you’ve had the item for longer, then you can ask the retailer to either repair the item (if possible) or replace it. As I’ve said in previous articles, this applies long after the 12 month period, so don’t be fobbed off by cheeky shop assistants! Where you don’t automatically have the right to return items is when you simply change your mind. Whilst many retailers operate a ‘good will’ returns policy and will happily take items back as long as they are in perfect condition, the law does not guarantee this. Always check the returns policy of the individual company before you make a purchase if you’re not 100% confident you’ll keep the item. Failure to do this could cause a very embarrassing scene in the shop and a generous splattering of egg on your face.

There is an exception to all of this though, and this exception is even more important now than ever before considering how many purchases are made online. When buying a new product from an internet or mail order company, you are covered by ‘distance selling regulations’. These dictate that because you haven’t had the opportunity to see the item you’re buying in the flesh (as it were), you have 7 working days, from receipt of the goods, to return them for a full refund. Always confirm that you are returning the items by email to obtain a date stamp and please note there are exceptions to this including CDs, DVDs, perishable goods and underwear etc. Always check the sellers’ returns postage policy as if they don’t state who is liable for the p&p, then they automatically are! Finally, always keep your receipts and if you don’t, remember that a bank statement or credit card bill should act as proof of purchase instead.

Written by Jonathan Vernon-Smith presenter of Award Winning The JVS Show on BBC Three Counties Radio. 16

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October 2013


VILLAGE LIFE

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community

“Biggest Killer of Under 50’s sees 20% Reduction – More Lives Could be Saved”

F

ollowing a recent announcement by NHS England that a 20% reduction in Trauma related deaths had been achieved through the treatment of critically ill patients by Major Trauma Centres, the Association of Air Ambulances (AAA) says more lives could be saved through a number of simple steps. The majority of air ambulances in the UK are provided via charitable donations via a network of highly professional air ambulance charities working closely with their respective ambulance services and trauma units and centres. Each of the 35 air ambulances operational across the UK are funded mainly by charitable donations and their expansion and ability to provide innovative dynamic clinical advancements or operational improvements is linked to the

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success of such charities. Clive Dickin, National Director of AAA commented: “Air ambulances have evolved over the past 5 years from what was a relatively simple process of arriving at scene carrying out a basic stabilisation of the patient and conveyance of that patient to the hospital, to now carrying out lifesaving treatment at the scene, improving morbidity and mortality rates.Treatments such as ‘patient sedation’ have now seen neurological injury being treated earlier, potentially reducing further complications or death.With further training and development in resources such as blood being carried on board and expanding the operational hours of the aircraft into night time are all increasing the opportunity for this life-saving service to help the seriously injured. ”

Dr Maria Smith, Medical Director of the Essex & Herts Air Ambulance Trust, adds: “When the Essex Air Ambulance began flying 15 years ago it was staffed by two paramedics and it was key in getting people involved in major accidents to the right hospital as rapidly as possible. Since 2008 both the Essex & Herts Air Ambulances have been staffed by a team of a paramedic and a doctor, so we now have the expertise to bring treatment normally given in hospital to the patient at the roadside before conveying them to a Major Trauma Centre – relieving suffering earlier, promoting earlier recovery and saving lives. Accidents don’t only happen during the day, so we have extended our working hours into the evening and will shortly also be deploying a medical team at night.We couldn’t do this without the support of the local community and thank them for their continued support.” National Air Ambulance Week was at the end of September, Essex & Herts Air Ambulance Trust would like to thank the local community for their continued support in helping to keep their local Air Ambulance service flying and saving lives. Without this support they simply cannot continue to provide the enhanced level of care by their highly skilled Doctor/Paramedic Teams.

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October 2013


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VILLAGE LIFE lifestyle

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October 2013


VILLAGE LIFE

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October 2013

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VILLAGE LIFE

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There are times when some of us need advice with family matters. Obtaining legal advice and assistance however can be an expensive process particularly if you have to pay for the costs of instructing both a Solicitor and a Barrister. Under the new Public Access rules clients can now instruct a Barrister directly without having to first see a Solicitor thus potentially saving a huge amount of time and money. If you need specialist advice or assistance and want to instruct a barrister then please contact me on

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jeffrey.deegan@fennerschambers.co.uk

Jeffrey Deegan

Need help with your PC?  All your computer problems solved  Friendly, affordable, jargon free service  Training and advice provided  Website design and hosting  Home and small business specialists  Local company, fast response time  We guarantee NO FIX NO FEE

Call now on: 01438 833 671 spectrum IT support Solving your IT problems

info@spectrumITsupport.co.uk www.spectrumITsupport.co.uk

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

October 2013


VILLAGE LIFE

Premier male grooming studio offering: Professional discrete service Holistic Massage Male Waxing IPL (Laser Hair Removal) Facials / Microdermabrasion Spray Tanning Fully Qualified & Insured

01438 715222 / 07436 800615 www.bodyworks4men.co.uk 40a High Street, Welwyn AL6 9EQ

FENCING SN MAINTENANCE

All Your Fencing Needs Supplied & Fitted Free Estimates Council Approved Hedge Cutting Garden Maintenance Friendly & Reliable Service

Call Simon on 07971 860 135 / 01707 326 366 October 2013

Andrew Sinclair Electrician

All domestic electrical work undertaken from a socket to a rewire 20 years experience City & Guilds qualified

Kitchens Bathrooms Fusebox changes l

Call for a free quotation Tel: 01438 832 673 Mob: 07796 648 930

127 High Street, Kimpton, Herts, SG4 8QN

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

23


what’s on

What’s on in october... Sunday 13th October, 10.30am to 4pm Dolls Houses & Miniatures Fair, Mercure Letchworth Hall Hotel, Letchworth Lane, Letchworth SG6 3NP Long established event featuring dolls houses & miniatures. Entry £2.50. OAP £2. Accompanied children under 16 FREE. www.dollysdaydreams.com

Friday 18th October, 7.30pm Ready Steady Cook Live!, Gordon Craig Theatre, Lytton Way, Stevenage SG1 1LZ First ever live show fronted by Chef Lesley Walters, and featuring some top TV chefs and celebrity host. Tickets £26.00. Box Office 01438 363200. www.gordon-craig.co.uk

Sunday 20th Oct, 2pm - 5pm Open Garden for NGS, 35 Digswell Road, W.G.C AL8 7PB Town garden open for charity, around 1/3-acre Piet Oudolf-inspired naturalistic borders with herbaceous plants and grasses surround the lawn. Island beds packed with perennials, linked by grass paths. The contemporary planting gives way to the exotic, incl succulent bed and lush jungle garden with bamboos, bananas and tree ferns. Admission £3.50 (includes home-made tea), Children free. Call 01707 324074.

Thursday 24th Oct - Sunday 3rd Nov, Daily 10am to 5.30pm Pumpkin Festival, Willows Farm Village, Coursers Road, London Colney AL4 0PF FREE pumpkin for every child, Pumpkin Carving Competition, Pumpkin Hunt, Match the Scarecrow and Zootacular Animal Show, Plenty of under cover play. Call 0870 129 9718 or visit www.willowsfarmvillage.com

Sunday 27th October, 11am Showing & 2pm Showing (Approx 50 mins running time with no interval)

Teddy Time, Hawthorne Theatre, The Campus, W.G.C AL8 6BX A Magical introduction to theatre for children aged 3 to 7. Lily is sent to bed, she knows bedtime is never fun without a story. Come, bring your teddy along and watch Lily reveal two favourite children’s classics; “Goldilocks and the three bears” and “The Three Little Pigs”. Maybe your teddies can be part of the story as Lily tells the tales. £20 – Family (4 tickets). Call 01707 357 117.

Tuesday 29th - Thursday 31st Oct, 2pm - 4.30pm Pumpkin Trail at Knebworth House, Knebworth SG1 2AX Pumpkin Trail and Treats: Pumpkins and funs for children. Visit www.knebworthhouse.com

Friday 1 Nov, Gates open at 7pm Fireworks Display, Welwyn Garden City FC, Herns Way, Panshanger, W.G.C AL7 1TA Covered outdoor BBQ and Bar to ease congestion within the clubhouse. Lots of hot food and drinks available and several Fairground Rides for the children. Display should commence around 7.45-8pm. This is a public event so everyone is welcome. Contact Karen on 07963 880184 or email welwyngardencityfc@gmail.com GET YOUR EVENT LISTED FOR FREE HERE, EMAIL: mail@villagelifemag.com or call us on 01438 216 950

Take a Break… ACROSS

DOWN

1. Dwellings (6)

2. Produce an egg (7)

5. Calm down (6)

3. Material (5)

8. Mentor (4)

4. Railway official (13)

9. Sufficient (8)

5. Out of the ordinary (13)

10. Stimulant (8)

6. Laugh quietly (7)

11. Sort (4)

7. Bed (5)

12. Get back (6)

13. Convenience (7)

14. Long, thin, sharp implement (6)

15. Flyer (7)

16. Unadulterated (4)

17. Top of a shoe (5)

18. Feelers (8)

19. Synthetic fibre (5)

20. Shard (8) 21. Let up (4) 22. Plea (6) 23. Longest dimension (6

24

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

October 2013


VILLAGE LIFE

America’s Hottest Spray Tan is now available at Bodyworks! A spray tan is the perfect answer to achieving a healthy glow and cheating your way to a slimmer body: No orange l No streaks No horrid smell l Long lasting Whatever your skin type xen-tan delivers beautiful olive tones

Bespoke cupcakes, cakepops and celebration cakes for every occasion

Cupcake Cart available for hire Call 01438 715222

Male/Female therapist available

07862 282 009 www.barkerscakes.co.uk

Village Village Tree Services Tree Services Professional Tree Care Services All Aspects of Tree Work Undertaken Fully Qualified and Insured Logs Available

5 Pondcroft Welwyn Garden City Hertfordshire AL7 3PX

The flooring store that comes to your door

Carpets Vinyls l

  Wood Laminates  Adaptations & repairs  for a free quotation  call Ewen McPherson on  07966 463761 or  01707 338505  l

Tel: 01462 435 873 Tel: 01462 435 873 Mobile: 07717 744274 Mob: 07717 744 274

October 2013

Email: info@eccarpets.com  the pleasure is underfoot

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

25


SHOWCASE

CODICOTE PHARMACY 123 HIGH ST, CODICOTE, SG4 8UB 01438 821418

• FREE prescription collection from any surgery • FREE home delivery of medication & shopping • Passport photos & digital processing

CODICOTE CAT CARE

41 High Street, Welwyn, AL6 9EF

• Great alternative to a cattery

Open Mon to Sat 7am – 10pm, Sun 10am – 8pm 10% discount when you purchase non-prescription items Ask about our free medicine delivery service

• NHS & Private Flu jabs available here

Home feeding service for cats & small animals

while you are away

• Your animal will be

fed & spoilt rotten

• Daily text messages

& pictures sent to you

07951 532633

codicotecatcare@icloud.com

01438 840240

www.codicotecatcare.co.uk

SUPERCLEAN

To The Roof

TV Aerials and Satellite dishes installed by fully insured TV Engineer. TV / DAB Aerial installations, Sky Setup / upgrades / multiroom / remote extenders, Freesat systems, Foreign channels etc...

COMPUTER PROBLEMS

“Window Cleaning at its best”

Want to kick your computer?

Internal / External, Frames, Gutters & Conservatories

CALL Mike for a FREE consultation

Codicote based, covering all areas

www.totherooftvaerials.co.uk

Call for free quote 01438 821 773 07922 576 452

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

Looking for a reliable Dog Walker to advertise here. Call

PROFESSIONAL AERIAL SERVICES · TV Aerial Installs • · Storm Damage Repairs • · Improving Poor Reception • • Same Day Service Available • • No Call Out Charge • • All Work Guaranteed •

Herts Aerials

GOT YOU

07595 985 025

01438 216 950

JORDAN

Codicote Online 0610.indd 1

01438 811191 07985 756636

Advertise here

Herts Aerials SHW 0913.indd 1

OIL BURNER SERVICES ESTABLISHED 1968

An Independent Oil Boiler Maintenance Company Offering: REGULAR ANNUAL SERVICING COMMISSIONING • BREAKDOWN SERVICE OFTEC Registered & Certificated by Major Manufacturers.

01438 355583 / 07831 364607 www.jordanoil.co.uk 26

BRIDGE COTTAGE PHARMACY

You have read this ad too!

How can you not invest £25pm HERE to reach out to YOUR new customers?

CALL 01438 216 950 Terms and conditions apply.

18/09/2013 09:24

TO 17500 LOCAL CUSTOMERS

JUST £99 for 4 months

CALL 01438 216 950 Includes design of advert

10/05/2010 18:41

Looking for a reliable House Cleaner to advertise here. Call

01438 216 950

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

October 2013


James Howe Landscapes Design

Construction

Maintenance

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

With James Howe Landscapes, you are guaranteed a friendly, reliable and quality service. M: 07787 517372

T: 01438 820148

jameshowelandscapes@btinternet.com


But we do buy! Aston martin Audi Bentley Bmw Jaguar Landrover Mini Porsche Range rover

Do you need to sell or need help selling your car? Contact us by logging on to: www.wedonotbuyanycar.com Call 01462 441460 or email: info@thecaragents.com Autolounge, 7 Brand Street, Hitchin SG5 1HX

Buying and selling with integrity


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