Village Life Hitchin March 2012

Life VillageL Lifestyle | Business | Community www.villagelifemag.com

HITCHIN

FREE

ISSUE 32: MARCH 2012

Just FittedKitchens CATALYST bUSINESS GROUP Mind, Body & Spirit: Angela Courtney

PLUS DAVID THOMAS GARAGES • Codicote • Kimpton • Whitwell • Preston • Breachwood Green • Graveley • Little Wymondley • Great Wymondley • St. Ippolyts • Gosmore • Knebworth • Welwyn Village Village Life (Hitchin) Issue 32, 0312.indd 1

01/03/2012 19:11

Don’t move IMPROVE! RMT Home Build Ltd are a family-run building contract firm based in Stevenage.We’ve been in the industry since 1989 and work with customers across Hertfordshire and the South East.

We cover all projects, small, medium or large and pride ourselves on offering a premium service and value for money.

Our team comprises of highly skilled and qualified tradesmen.

We specialise in • Extensions • Refurbishments • Loft Conversions • Basements • Kitchens • Painting & Decorating • Windows & Doors • Roofing • Fencing & Decking • Driveways & Patios Contact us for references or to read letters from our happy customers “In the space of 4 weeks it’s gone from being a tired, dated flat to being a fabulous modern home...” “...thanks for making our new house feel like home. It was always going to be a big project and you managed to make it happen in a short time and put up with our demands...” “...brilliant from start to finish RMT as a company have been amazing...”

For a free no obligation quotation Call: 0800 542 3122 / 01438 310063 Email: info@rmthomebuild.co.uk www.rmthomebuild.co.uk

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WELCOME TO MARCH The bit of sunshine last month was a great reminder that Spring starts on the 20th March. Some other dates for your diary are Mother’s Day on the 18th, St Patrick’s Day on the 17th and Schools break for Easter on the 30th!

If you are on Twitter or Facebook then you can follow us at @villagelifemag and facebook.com/villagelifemagazine We are always looking for local stories to publish and keen to hear feedback or any ideas on how we can improve the magazine, so please do get in touch with us.

Email us with details of your local events so we can list them for you for free in the what’s on section, and Don’t Forget you can find the answers to the puzzles page on our website each month – www.villagelifemag.com 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:

Local news

6:

Wellbeing: Marilyn Tuck – Weight loss – Getting it right

10:

Business:WKH – HMRC to target cash based trades

12:

Lifestyle: Employment Law – When is a Dismissal Unfair?

16-17: Business: JustFittedKitchens 19:

Business: David Thomas Garages

20:

Business: Catalyst Business Group

22:

Lifestyle: 2012 and All That Jazz

28:

What’s on in March/Take a Break

Where Can You Find Village Life?

Village Life Magazine has a readership of 15,000 people and is delivered to homes and businesses across 12 villages. Find us in Codicote, Kimpton,Whitwell, Preston, Breachwood Green, Graveley, Little Wymondley, Great Wymondley, St. Ippolyts, Gosmore, Knebworth and Welwyn Village.

March 2012

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JUSTFITTEDKITCHENS: PAGE 16

DAVID THOMAS GARAGES: PAGE 19

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 (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.

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

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LOCAL NEWS

Codicote based comedian launches novel and play

VIP GUESTS AT

Johnny Tait is a comedian and author from Codicote who has been involved in various plays over the years. His latest novel “Conscience” published in October 2011 is well on the way to becoming a bestseller.

Conscience is a story about a selfobsessed, bitter middle-aged woman, a compassionate teenage girl with a cross to bear and a misogynistic retired police officer – three people with nothing in common find themselves trapped together in a hell of their own making. As the story unfolds we see they are not so different. This is a fictional story based on actual events but where does the fiction end and the truth begin?

The play “Conscience” based on the novel will be presented at the Hawthorn Theatre, Campus West, Welwyn Garden City on Saturday April 21st at 7.30 p.m. Johnny Tait presents a pre-show talk at 6.45pm.

The play and the book have been described as being “Hard Hitting”, “Controversial” and “Thought Provoking”.

“Conscience” is not suitable for children as it contains language that some people may find offensive.

Welwyn Harmony are an independent organisation for women whose primary purpose is to educate its members in the musical art form of acappella, four part, barbershop harmony. They have a chorus of around 36 members from a wide range of backgrounds.

The group will be putting on a Variety Show in Welwyn Garden City on the 12th May to raise money for Isabel Hospice. They were delighted to learn that Kim Wilde and her partner, Hal Fowler who are Patrons of the Hospice wanted to know more about them and told them that they would come along to a rehearsal.

On 3rd January, shortly after the warm-up session, Kim and Hal walked in as they were standing in a circle singing before getting on their risers. Hal is an accomplished singer and sang to the group in their own acappella style, after tapping a note on the piano. They listened in awe at Hal’s amazing voice as he sang to them. At the end of the evening, Kim and Hal posed with the group for photos and chatted with several people before they left.

June Wright told us, “The rehearsal hall (The Vineyard Barn) has large mirrors on the far wall, so we saw them as they arrived and some elbowing was used to nudge each other, with huge grins on our faces. Kim and Hal were welcomed and they sat to watch. We had expected them to perhaps stay for a few songs, but we were elated when they stayed to hear us sing most of our repertoire! Kim cried with emotion when we sang some of the songs (no, not because we were so awful, I hope!) They commented that they loved the way we sang and moved, and we all looked so happy. Kim and Hal are a lovely couple, and we feel so honoured that they came to see us with the possibility of actually appearing in our show, if their schedules permit.”

Tickets are £9 and can be purchased at www.hawthornetheatre.co.uk or by calling 01707 357117.

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WELWYN HARMONY

Welwyn Harmony Chorus’ show is called ‘Showtime!’ and is at The Hawthorne Theatre, Campus West, WGC at 7.30pm on 12th May. It is a variety show featuring several exciting acts including Dance, Jazz, Singing and Comedy.

Tickets are available from the Theatre Box Office 01707 357117 or www.hawthornetheatre.co.uk.

Enquiries to Gill Malin 01727 764701 or gill_malin@yahoo.co.uk, www.welwynharmony.co.uk.

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

March 2012

01/03/2012 19:11

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

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With our SOLAR PV SYSTEM typical customers are earning £700 - £1400 each year, and are saving from reduced electricity bills. Plus they receive an additional income by selling any surplus electricity they generate.

Your specialist local company, who build with care and dedication from design to completion

CALL 0800 0751779

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

Village Life (Hitchin) Issue 32, 0312.indd 5

QUALITY HOME IMPROVEMENTS

01438 728485 • 01992 462372 Try our FREE online quoter

01/03/2012 19:11

WELLBEING

Weight loss – Getting it right

L

ast month I mentioned how our life is like a road, we have to get on the right one or we end up someplace else.

For the likes of people who are carrying excess fat, unless they are doing something about it, they are on the road to Fatter and to More Miserable which lead to Diabetes, Heart disease, and to Illness.

This seems a bit defeatist but it is proven to them daily by the way they eat in secret, eat too much, and always go on diets. “Oh, that one worked, I lost 5 stone”, I hear people say when they come. But they have put it all back on, so how did it work? There must have been something wrong.

There is one consolation about diets, people at least get a taste of how good it feels to have energy, and a waist, and wear off-the-shelf clothes.

They loved it but why did it all go back on? Did they not kick their bad eating habits? Did they not continue exercising? Weren’t they strong enough to withstand a blip?

I have been dealing with weight issues for some years now, completely 6

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naturally. Half a stone a month is great to keep it off permanently, so for 5 stone that may well be almost a year.

It is the first 3 months that counts.

Once you get in the zone and put things in perspective it all becomes second nature. Using hypnotherapy and EFT (emotional freedom technique) I start people thinking positively, we look at what they eat, when, and why. After a couple of consultations they say things like ‘I wasn’t even thinking about it and I left food on my plate’ or ‘It was bizarre, I only ate one!’

For weight loss you have to deal with the triggers that make you eat. Perhaps it is loneliness, difficult kids, the inability to cope, lack of confidence, a void, or something from

the past that is hidden deep and the fat is protecting it so wont go away.

These have to be dealt with. Diets don’t address these issues. And, it is no use thinking no one understands you.When people come I make it my business to.

Of course, to lose weight you need to have a positive attitude, awareness of what and how much is going in your mouth, and also some exercise to tone the muscles to take up the slack when the fat leaves.This is all part of my job.

If you are obese get a thorough medical check, and include thyroid, candida, and, in women, fibroids.

I am sure your doctor will think of other things too, and call me for a chat.

www.marilyntuck.co.uk Knebworth, phone 07962 811907 and book in now!

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

March 2012

01/03/2012 19:11

VILLAGE LIFE

FITTED BEDROOMS

Fitted Bedrooms Fitted Studies Sliding Doors Bespoke Designs FREE No obligation quotations

01462 734455 www.ridleybedrooms.co.uk

March 2012

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

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01/03/2012 19:11

THE STATION

New Menu!

Coming soon... a new great range of sharers, grills, burgers, jacket potatoes & baguettes & wraps as well as great mains and desserts...

Meal Deals Two meals for £9.95 from a selected menu Burger and a drink from £6.99 12-5pm Monday to Saturday Steak and a drink from £7.49 from 5pm Monday and Tuesday Curry and a drink £5.99 from 5pm Thursday 2 fish and chips for £10.99 all day Friday

The Station Knebworth, 1 Station Approach, Knebworth SG3 6AT

01438 812 224

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VILLAGE LIFE

BEAUTY STUDIO 160 High Street, Codicote, Herts, SG4 8UB

Mother’s Day/March Offer Why not treat your special Mother to a pampering treatment, to show how much they mean to you...

* Dermalogica Relaxing Mini Facial * Calgel Manicure * Eyebrow Shape £47.50 Gift vouchers available

Call Hannah on 01438 820967

CODICOTE SPICE

79 High Street, Codicote, SG4 8XE 01438 820 166 / 821 613

es

Call to book for Mother’s Day

“ I would highly recommend a visit to Codicote Spice for a great curry with wonderful friendly service in a nice environment.”

Banquet Night

As Reviewed byVillage Life in Dec 2011

*King Prawn & Special Dishes £2.95 extra

(Every Wednesday) Choose any: ONE STARTER ONE MAIN DISH ONE SIDE DISH ONE NAN OR RICE

£9.95

Open Sun - Thurs 6.00pm to 11.30pm, Fri - Sat 6.00pm to 12.00am Takeaway service with free delivery within 3 miles of Codicote (Over £15) 10% discount on collected orders over £10.

March 2012

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

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01/03/2012 19:11

BUSINESS

HMRC to target cash based trades Adam Fernandes, Business Development Manager and Portfolio Holder from WKH Chartered Accountants talks about the on-going campaign by HMRC to target cash based trades…

H

M Revenue & Customs is launching three new campaigns, indicating that there will be no let up in tackling tax evasion in 2012. HMRC have revealed that they will be targeting ‘home improvement trades’ such as builders, roofers, bricklayers, those who make money from direct selling through ‘party plans’ sales and direct sales through hand delivered catalogues.

These changes come after the success of the recent plumbers ‘tax safe plan’ which saw nine arrests in the second half of 2011, and put hundreds of other plumbers under investigation for “less than watertight finances”.

HMRC launched its campaign targeted at electricians on 14th February and the campaign aimed at those who trade on e-marketplaces such as EBay, is scheduled for launch on 14th March.These are in addition to on-going campaigns targeting tutors and coaches and completed campaigns aimed at plumbers, medics and offshore account holders.

Also targeted will be those higher rate income tax payers who should be reporting additional income but fail to complete tax returns.

These campaigns are being used as a statement from the government, to show that through these initiatives to fight tax avoidance, evasion and fraud they aim to recover around £7 million in unpaid taxes.

If you’re unsure or worried that you have underpaid tax, whether it is deliberate or in error and regardless of whether your business is in the sights of the new campaigns or not, you should look to get professional advice as soon as possible. HMRC will generally give less severe penalties to taxpayers who voluntarily come forward to put their affairs in order.

If you feel you would like any advice I can undertake a FREE business review of your current position.There’s no obligation, just a great opportunity for you to get the benefit of an experienced professional looking for ways to improve things.

I will ensure that your tax liabilities are legally minimised and the financial affairs of you and your business are up to date, as you would expect of any good accountant.There is, however, much more WKH can offer you to give you peace of mind and to free up your time to deal with the things that you enjoy.

• Worried about the impact of current employment law?

• Fed up with the time it takes dealing with your payroll?

• Would you rather spend the weekend enjoying yourself rather than keeping your books up to date?

• Worried about whether you are completing your VAT returns correctly?

• Need help looking to raise finance?

• Just need someone to talk to about your business?

If you would like to talk to me please call me anytime on 01462 687333 or 07850 504044

Because your business matters

■ Accountants & Auditors ■ Tax Advisors ■ Bookkeeping & Payroll ■ Corporate Finance ■ Financial Planning

Come to the professional with expert knowledge, www.wkhca.co.uk experience and resources to make a difference.

Letchworth: 01462 687333 • Royston: 01763 247321• Also in Cambridge.

10 WKH QPH 0411.indd 1

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

17/03/2011 13:21 March 2012

01/03/2012 19:11

VILLAGE LIFE

RUSSELL DICKSON GARDEN LANDSCAPE DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION

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

Up to

Rollerblinds

50% NEW YEAR OFF SALE Verticalblinds

Aluminiumblinds

Made to measure blind specialists.

Woodenblinds

Pleatedblinds

On our complete product range . . .

Sale starts Tuesday 3rd January.

Romanblinds

Showroom, Unit 136, Stevenage Indoor Market.

St Georges Way, Stevenage SG1 1EP.

Conservatoryblinds

A member of the BBSA.

We are opposite the rear entrance to Wilkinsons

Tel/Fax : 01438 314 263 Mobile : 079 700 34578 Opening Hours : Wed / Thu / Fri / Sat, 8.30am - 5.30pm Why not visit our website : www.oaklandblinds.co.uk March 2012

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

M

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LIFESTYLE

Employment Law – When is a Dismissal Unfair?

Unfair dismissal claims are one of the leading types of claims in the Employment Tribunal. Hertfordshire-based employment solicitor Mike Powell of Scott-Moncrieff & Associates LLP considers the legal position and examines what makes a dismissal unfair.

Legal Requirements

ACAS Code of Practice

Disciplinary Procedure

Is Dismissal Justified?

A dismissal must be for a fair reason, e.g. conduct, redundancy, capability, ill-health. If an employee is to be dismissed, it is essential that an employer follows a formal disciplinary procedure.

Failure to follow a disciplinary procedure can make a dismissal unfair even if there was a legitimate reason for dismissing an employee. Any procedure that an employer follows should comprise the following: • An investigation • Written notification of a disciplinary hearing to the employee including evidence to be relied on at the Disciplinary Hearing and the right to be accompanied • A Disciplinary Hearing • An Appeal Hearing • Written notification of the outcome of the Hearings

There is an ACAS Code Of Practice which sets out the minimum procedure that should be followed. Failure to comply can result in an award being increased by up to 25 per cent.

The reason for dismissal must be serious enough for dismissal to be justified. This can be a one-off serious offence such as theft, or successive minor offences such as poor timekeeping.

Automatic Unfair Dismissal

Some dismissals are automatically unfair, for example pregnancy, discrimination, health and safety, whistleblowing. In these cases, there is no minimum service requirement.

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

Scott-Moncrieff & Associates LLP ● ● ● ●

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

Call Mike Powell for a free consultation: 01462 418629 12

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

March 2012

01/03/2012 19:11

VILLAGE LIFE

Old Welwyn Construction Specialists in Extensions, Home Refurbishment, Landscaping, Patios and Driveways.

Call Daniel on 01438 715362 or 07748 204 818 Email: oldwelwynconstruction@hotmail.co.uk Old Welwyn Construction 0811 HP.indd 1

21/07/2011 14:05

MILL GREEN MILL & MUSEUM Mill Green, Bush Hall Lane, Hatfield, Hertfordshire AL9 5PD 10am-5pm Tue, Wed and Thur & 2-5pm Sunday and Bank Holidays

WELWYN ROMAN BATHS

Welwyn By-Pass, Welwyn Village, Hertfordshire AL6 9FG 2-5pm Sat, Sun and Bank Holidays (January-November) 2-5pm daily during Hertfordshire School Holidays (except December)

T: 01707 271362 E: museum@welhat.gov.uk www.welhat.gov.uk/museum

WELWYN ROMAN BATHS

• Working watermill • Events & activities all year round • Art & Local History exhibitions • Craft Workshops & Cookery courses • Birthday parties / Room hire • Seasonal riverside Cream Teas

• Tunnel through time to see the remains of a Roman bathing suite • Unique site under A1 motorway • Children’s activities & Quiz trail • Displays on local life in Roman times • Guided & Audio Tours available

Admission (at each site): £2.50 for Adults, Children free

March 2012

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

Museum/Aug11/N/v.life

MILL GREEN MUSEUM

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01/03/2012 19:11

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 Village Life (Hitchin) Issue 32, 0312.indd 14

01/03/2012 19:11

rk

y,

VILLAGE LIFE

Do you or does someone you know need some Extra Help?

Our services include: • Meal preparation • Shopping and errands • Ironing • Escorts (Bingo, hospital etc) • Regular or one-off services • Dog walking • Senior sitting

From £10 per hour Are you living on your own and finding things difficult?

Getting older and finding everyday tasks harder?

Need some help getting to the Dr or to hospital appointments?

We can help by providing friendly, professional, reliable, police checked carers.

Call us now and let us provide a helping hand.

Tel 0845 219 8978 www.extra-help.co.uk

extra help a helping hand

Hertfordshire’s Premier Travel Service Airport Direct Cars provides a quality private hire car service at affordable costs, using a modern fleet of Saloons & MPVs (up to 8 seats) for business or private travel.

All drivers are fully licensed and we are very experienced in organising transport solutions for meetings & conferences. Single or multi person travel can be arranged giving you the total visibility on all transfers and costs.

Airport Transfer Departures & Arrivals Corporate & Business Journeys Frequent Flyer & Regular Run Service

Contact us for competitive prices on all your travel requirements or to open a business account. Telephone: 01438 812615

Sea Port Departures & Arrivals

Get your holiday off to a stress-free start and avoid paying for ever increasing car park charges. We offer competitive rates without compromising on quality of service.

Wedding Parties & Social Events Sporting Events & London Theatre Trips Discreet, Friendly Service All major credit and debit cards accepted

01438 812615

www.airportdirectcars.co.uk Airport Cars Direct HP 0111 2.indd Village 1 March 2012 Life | www.villagelifemag.com | tel: 01438 216950

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20/01/2011 10:0915

01/03/2012 19:11

BUSINESS FOCUS

JustFittedKitchens ”We were so impressed with the level of workmanship that JustFittedKitchens have since refurbished every room in our home.” Mr. & Mrs. Briggs “The installation of our beautiful kitchen was executed flawlessly and we would recommend Just Fitted Kitchens without hesitation”. Nick &Yvette Packter

A

friendly and progressive familyrun business based in Weston, JustFittedKitchens Hertfordshire offers genuine quality handmade kitchens to client’s exact and specific requirements.

Due to the firm’s low overheads and their complete control over the manufacturing process, they can be up to 40% cheaper than their London counterparts as well as most trendy designer kitchen studios you would find on a high street.Their design ethos is completely immersive and consultations at their showroom in Weston are very personalized, hence they are open to the public 7 days a week and strictly by appointment.There are no sales reps, no props and no pressure.You will be given professional and experienced advice in a relaxed environment. It is therefore no surprise that top on the list of JustFittedKitchens’ priorities remains their continued commitment to delivering an uncompromising service, from design inception and a professional installation to a highly responsive after-sales service.

WHO IS JUSTFITTEDKITCHENS The company is headed by Jide Akanbi, an entrepreneur with an alloyed and extensive background in interior design, new builds, home renovations and furniture retail operations. “Creating the heart of the home is immensely personal, therefore along with design integrity and the harmonious relationship between well-chosen quality materials that is requisite of any fine handmade kitchen, an emotionally collaborative effort towards a project must also exist in order for us to achieve the desired result.”

FLEXIBILITY JustFittedKitchens’ elegantly designed furniture is totally bespoke and hand built from scratch by a team 16

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of craftsmen.The kitchens are available in any colour, any style and any level of detailing from a wide range of woods and surface finishes.Whether contemporary, classic, eclectic, modern, traditional or country, JustFittedKitchens will cater to most tastes.

CONSULTATION A meeting at the showroom would involve discussions pertaining to your planned or expected use of the kitchen, what you dislike about your previous kitchen, your textural and chromatic preferences and your vision or inspiration for the refurbishment of the space.The design process takes into account all your culinary habits as well as ergonomic and cosmetic needs. “We like to come up with solutions that our client’s would still be excited about many years from now”.

EXTRAS In addition to bespoke kitchen cabinetry, JustFittedKitchens will also design and build your bedroom furniture, utility or study to compliment your lifestyle.They specify architectural and exclusive lighting, creative storage accessories, bespoke extraction and a wide variety of specialist worktops including Quartz, Glass, Granite, Corian, Bamboo,Walnut, Oak and Iroko.

They also let clients pick out their granite slab as a personal service, and will supply tiles and flooring where necessary. JustFittedKitchens have access to a range of top-branded appliances to serve a busy and functional kitchen.They have a complete home building team behind them who not only ensure the highest standard of finishing but will take care of all necessary building works i.e. building or knocking down walls, plastering, electrical and plumbing works, replacing ceilings and complete redecorations.

Jide told us,” New clients are always welcome to visit our workshop to see their furniture being built or to visit our previous customers’ premises if necessary.

If there is a kitchen that has caught their eye in a magazine, we’ll make it.This month, allVillage Life readers that commission a kitchen will be supplied specialist worktops at trade prices!”

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

March 2012

01/03/2012 19:12

BUSINESS FOCUS

For further information or to arrange an appointment to visit the showroom,

Call Jide on 01438 729610

9 Weston Barns, Hitchin Road, Weston, Herts SG4 7AX www.justďŹ ttedkitchens.com March 2012

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01/03/2012 19:13

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01/03/2012 19:13

BUSINESS FOCUS

DAVID THOMAS GARAGES

L

ocated just off Codicote high street in Newtown, David Thomas Garages is a professional family run business offering Servicing and repairs to main dealer standards or above, at competitive prices.The business is run

by David Thomas with wife Karen and son James.

In addition to servicing and maintenance, David offers MOT testing and repairs, Electronic diagnosis and repairs,Tyre fitting, balancing, laser wheel alignment, Air conditioning servicing and repairs and Fuel injector testing and ultrasonic cleaning. All work is carried out by skilled and trained staff and is fully guaranteed.

They will not carry out extra work without their customer’s authority and Courtesy vehicles are available on request.They

can also service vehicles which are still under manufacturer’s warranty without affecting the validity of that warranty.

David Thomas trained as a mechanic at a local main dealer and progressed to service manager. He left there and joined Alfa Romeo as a car tester ultimately assuming responsibility for a workshop and team of technicians, looking after their extensive press and demonstrator fleet.

In 1983 he left and decided to start up on his own working from a workshop in Hatfield before buying the current workshop in 1989. Since then the business has gone from strength to strength and David now employs a team of seven technicians all of whom are fully skilled.

Being a Bosch Service Centre,The technicians are trained on the latest technologies and have the most up-to-date diagnostic equipment to pinpoint any faults in your car as quickly and accurately as possible. Any parts that need to be replaced will be of the same quality as those that were originally fitted on your vehicle.They also work to an Office of Fair Trading approved Consumer Code of Practice giving peace of mind.

If you are having problems with your vehicle, or if you would like to book your vehicle in for a service or MOT call David Thomas on 01438 820288 or visit www.davidthomasgarages.co.uk

DAVID THOMAS GARAGES Service is our Business • • • • • • • •

For all your vehicle servicing and MOT requirements Latest Bosch Diagnostic Equipment Air conditioning servicing and repairs Fuel injector testing and ultrasonic cleaning Friendly, personal service from family run team All work carried out by fully skilled and trained staff We do not carry out extra work without your authority Courtesy vehicles available on request

Telephone: 01438 820 288 www.davidthomasgarages.co.uk Newtown, Codicote, Herts. SG4 8UG David Thomas Garages HP 1110.indd 1 Life | www.villagelifemag.com | tel: 01438 216950 March 2012 Village

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21/10/2010 10:4619

01/03/2012 19:13

VILLAGE LIFE

Looking for support to help grow your business?

B

uilding your own business can be a tough job, with the need to develop a range of skills and knowledge, through sales, marketing to accounts, IT and pricing.With a tight budget, buying in the range of expertise you’re going to need is not always an option.

In June 2010 local business owners, Pat Bensky of Catbase Ltd (www.catbase.com) and Jenny Shervell of JS HR Consultancy Services (www.jsconsult.co.uk) put their heads together and founded a local business support group to provide a forum for business owners with diverse business experience to meet and share their expertise to help each other develop and grow their businesses.

The only criteria for membership was to be a willingness to give rather than to sell to the group, as is the case with many conventional networking groups.

The group would meet fortnightly for breakfast, and in an informal but structured way facilitate the growth of mutual support through focussing on individual burning questions, goal setting and a buddying system to keep members on their toes!

CATALYST was born in July 2010 and has developed as a group of like-minded business owners who meet regularly and develop mutually supportive, enduring relationships and, through the exchange of knowledge and expertise, help each other to set and achieve their business goals. ‘Guests are welcome to visit the group to see how we work and we also invite a number of speakers who bring the additional benefit of their own specialist knowledge focussing on helping business to grow.’ Pat says, ‘Expertise from copywriting, through marketing, sales, credit control, financial management to

Jenny Shervell

Pat Bensky

image consultancy and voice coaching are just a few of the topics covered at our meetings.’

CATALYST operates primarily as a business support group, but encourages members to develop successful business partnerships through the networking opportunities that arise through membership of CATALYST both informally and through organised events. ‘Our members get to know each others’ businesses really well, and are therefore in a great position to make confident recommendations to potential new clients and often do.’ says Jenny.

In the pipeline for 2012 is the launch of online membership for business owners who for geographical reasons or other commitments are unable to attend meetings regularly.We are also developing the online timebank to allow members to exchange time with each other for specific support and advice, at a nominal fee to cover administration costs.

If you would like to find out more about CATALYST, or would just like a relaxed break away from your business for a couple of hours, Pat and Jenny would be delighted to welcome you to the Catalyst Informal lunch (details below) where you will get the opportunity to meet some CATALYST members and fellow business owners.

To find out more about CATALYST, to attend one of our meetings as a guest and/or to secure your place at our lunch on 30th March, go to www.catalystbizgroup.com or email Pat or Jenny on contact@catalystbizgroup.com or call Jenny on 07974 314312.

We look forward to meeting you!

Catalyst Business Group Informal Lunch 12-2pm, Friday 30th March 2012 at The Radcliffe Arms Walsworth Road Hitchin SG4 9ST 20

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

March 2012

01/03/2012 19:13

VILLAGE LIFE

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Village Life (Hitchin) Issue 32, 0312.indd 21

G U A R A N T E E

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

21

01/03/2012 19:13

MIND, BODY & SPIRIT

2012

and

All That Jazz

2

012 is trumpeted by the doom mongers as the year where we can expect the end of the world! Remember all the predictions around the year 2000 and how we were to expect a global meltdown as computers struggled with changing millennia. I was left feeling almost let down by how smoothly the clock ticked on through midnight whilst grateful for email arriving on January 1st.

Now spirituality has a bad reputation with some and maybe with good reason and this is to some extent inevitable when God refuses to show up in a test tube. However as Quantum Physics is now demonstrating thought affects matter. If this were not true why does science insist on double blind experiments and why does the placebo work so well in medicine? It is because of the power of the mind.

This emerging idea is I believe at the heart of the 2012 revolution.

There is much talk of the Laws of Attraction which is nothing to do with speed dating but I believe is an idea whose time has come.This is where we learn how to consciously create our own reality and it is that change that is predicted in ancient times that will be blossoming in 2012.We have always been creating or allowing our own reality but now we are going to learn to do so consciously.

We will demonstrate to ourselves that our success is not down to luck or circumstance as we learn to consciously craft a life from our thoughts, feelings beliefs and attitudes.

When I heard this 20 years ago I was as excited as a banker with a bonus and proving it to myself

on a deeper and deeper level has been my mission.

It’s an idea you have to prove to yourself – become your own experimental scientist because reading it will not do! Observe what you are thinking when things happen in your life. It will usually be easier to spot the connection between your thoughts and your reality when things go wrong as we tend to give a lot more attention to the negative for survival reasons.

So that’s it in a nut shell, some people hate the idea, even some people in the New Age business hate it and want to make all kinds of caveats and exclusion clauses, not me. It is better to accept responsibility for my life than to continue to live with the errant beliefs and ideas that were hatched as a child and that are at the heart of all the trouble in my life. Change our thoughts and we change our world.

I think we all get the idea that real change is afoot in the world and eventually the chaos will I believe bring a loving outcome that will be something to celebrate and is certainly something to ponder as this year unfolds. A Happy New Age to you all.

Angela is the author of the A- Z of the Spiritual Life published on 14th October 2011

by Live It Publishing. Her web site www.angelacourtney.com seeks to provide a hub of information for those seeking to start or further their spiritual education and exploration. Angela is also the organiser of the MBS Network which offers Networking,Talks and Events for Mind Body and Spirit.The first event is on the 28th March at Hitchin Priory.

For more information, contact Angela on 01438 820455, 07948 377957 or visit www.angelacourtney.com 22

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March 2012

01/03/2012 19:13

VILLAGE LIFE

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

• Pre-event meeting • Large Music Collection • State-of-the-Art Sound & Light Show • Background Music throughout the day • Ceremony Music • Can act as your MC • Wireless Microphones for Speeches • Not an agency Call Jose on 07734 387 478 www.mjsevents.com

March 2012

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VILLAGE LIFE

1/2 A5 advert_Layout 1 12/05/2011 16:14 Page 1

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We specialise in the design and print of promotional literature, branding and contract publishing. We also have a wealth of experience in managing media relations, online promotions, direct mail and photography.

At newleaf marketing communications we provide more than just creative skills but also the ability to listen, understand and solve complex issues quickly and efficiently.

For more information on how we can help your company call us today 01438 871968

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Village Life (Hitchin) Issue 32, 0312.indd 24

Contract Publishing

Branding

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

More than just great ideas...

March 2012

01/03/2012 19:13

VILLAGE LIFE

Deep Cleaning plus Fast Drying for Upholstery, Carpets, Leather Cleaning Amtico & Karndean Floors Cleaned, Carpets & Fabric Protector Leather Renovation, Burn Retufting, Oriental Rugs & Curtains Specialist Recommended By Leading Retailers, Insurance Companies & Other Cleaners!

Professional, Reliable & Good Value for Money 25 years experience Courteous & Uniformed Operatives - not a Franchise We operate in Stevenage, Hitchin and the surrounding areas

74 High Street, Codicote, SG4 8XD

www.cleaningneeds.co.uk

Village Tree Services

FRINGELINE

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

Wednesday Special Offers

Village Tree Services

UNISEX HAIR & BEAUTY SALON

All beauty treatments after 6pm 25% off    Foil Highlights 10% off

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March 2012 Village Tree Services 0310 QP.indd 1

46a High Street, Kimpton,  Herts SG4 8RN 

01438 833 468 www.fringeline.co.uk

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

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22/02/2010 13:46

23 To advertise in The Hitchin Village Directory please call Melanie on 01438 216 950 Village Life (Hitchin) Issue 32, 0312.indd 25 01/03/2012

19:13

VILLAGE LIFE

Rabley Tree Care Rabley Tree Care Rabley Tree Care

All Aspects of Tree and Hedge Work Undertaken Garden Maintenance Fully Qualified and Insured Call Duncan Evans on 07759 804 035 for quotes or advice

HOME APPLIANCE REPAIRS

Rabley QP 0711.indd 1

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

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

SHIRON DOMESTIC APPLIANCES

Tel: 01438 720304

Mobile: 07739 922493 26 Shiron Domestic QP 0310.indd 1 Village Life (Hitchin) Issue 32, 0312.indd 26

FENCING

17/06/2011 11:11

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

Village Life | www.villagelifemag.com | tel: 01438 216950 SN Fencing12:34 0311.indd 1 25/02/2010

March 2012 16/02/2011 09:18 01/03/2012 19:13

VILLAGE LIFE

Specialists in Annual Boiler/Central Heating Services Plumbing and Heating Boiler & Heating Installations Boiler Upgrades Power Flushing Pumps, Radiators & Valves Hot & Cold Water Tanks All Plumbing & Heating work undertaken For a free no obligation quote contact 01438 712712 www.staggproperty.co.uk info@staggproperty.co.uk

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

Suzanne Redfern Complementary Therapist

Welwyn based treatment room:

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

info@spectrumITsupport.co.uk www.spectrumITsupport.co.uk March 2012

Village Life (Hitchin) Issue 32, 0312.indd 27

ANGELIC REIKI GREEN RAY REIKI CRYSTALS GOLDEN GRID SYSTEM MASSAGE Fortnightly Meditation Group on a Wednesday evening at 7:30 pm in Welwyn

Gift vouchers available.

01438 718 417 07931 115 808 sue.redfern@burgert-haig.com

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

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01/03/2012 19:13

WHAT’S ON

What’s on in MARCH...

Sat 17 Mar 2012 - Sun 18 Mar 2012, 8.00pm Midnight Swim for Isabel Hospice Haileybury Swimming Pool, Hertford Heath, SG13 7NU & Hatfield Swim Centre, Lemsford Road, Hatfield, AL10 0XR.

Take a Break…

CROSSWORD

Sponsored swim and Boat Race Challenge. Sun & surf theme so don your bikini or board shorts and join the fun! For more info. email Katie Robertson or call the Fundraising team on 01707 382500.

Sat 17 Mar 2012 Quiz for Isabel Hospice Memorial Hall, Welham Green AL9 7PG. Tickets £11.50 include light refreshments. Bring your own drinks and glasses. There will be a raffle. Organised by North Mymms Group, phone 01707 265333 or 01707 658531

Sunday 18th March, 10am-5pm NGS Open Garden at The Walled Garden, Shenley A 16th century walled garden with terracing and an ampitheatre open in aid of the NGS, raising money for nursing and caring charities.

Adult £3, Children free, www.ngs.org.uk

Sat 24 Mar 2012, 19:30 - 23:15 Social Dance Evening for Isabel Hospice Newgate Street Village Hall, Newgate Street, Herts SG13 8RA Please bring your own drinks and glasses, contact John Hankins on 01707 873894

Sunday 25th March, 10.30-12.00am (10.00am for NCT members) NCT WGC Children’s Nearly New Sale, Stanborough School, Lemsford Lane, W.G.C, AL8 6YR Admission £1, in aid of National Childbirth Trust NCT Charity. Light refreshments and unsupervised baby play area available. All you could need for children 0-8 years old. Items for sale: spring/summer clothing, baby equipment, cots, prams, toys, DVD’s, books, maternity wear. For more details visit www.nct.org.uk/welwyn or call 0844 243 6316 more

ACROSS 1. Game bird (6) 4. Control bar (5) 8. Subdued (5) 9. Unsettled (7) 10. Mysteries (7) 11. Distribute (4) 12. Label (3) 14. Avid (4) 15. Top (4) 18. Ram (3) 21. Water hole (4) 23. Places to learn (7) 25. Putative (7) 26. Lift (5) 27. Abominable Snowmen (5) 28. ______ Scissorhands, film (6)

DOWN 1. Boring tool, cocktail (6) 2. Not indoors (7) 3. Deposit (8) 4. Whip (4) 5. Utter (5) 6. Jacket (6) 7. Romantic meeting (5) 13. Collected (8) 16. Madonna album (7) 17. Score (6) 19. Hymn (5) 20. Belgian port (6) 22. Restrict (5) 24. Responsibility (4)

SUDOKU

Friday 30th March, from 7.30pm ‘Friends of Charlton Village’ launch party, Windmill Pub, Charlton, Hitchin SG5 2AE Music, food, drink and an Auction of Promises with all proceeds to the RNLI Lifeboats. For more information call 07545 003 792.

Saturday 31st March,11am-5pm NGS Open Garden at Hatfield House An historic setting for a spring bulb show open in aid of the NGS, raising money for nursing and caring charities. Adult £6, Children free, www.ngs.org.uk

Saturday 31st March, 10:30 am – 2:30 pm Welwyn Harmony Spring Fayre, The Vineyard Barn, The Vineyard, Digswell Rise, W.G.C, AL8 7PY Welwyn Harmony Ladies Barbershop Chorus Spring Fayre - Craft Stalls, Homemade Produce, Plants, Nearly New, Clothes, Toys, Books, Refreshments. www.welwynharmony.co.uk GET YOUR EVENT LISTED FOR FREE HERE, EMAIL: mail@villagelifemag.com or call us on 01438 216 950 28

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

March 2012

01/03/2012 19:13

VILLAGE LIFE

Andrew Sinclair ELECTRICIAN

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

Kitchens Bathrooms Fusebox changes ●

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

For Specialist Matrimonial Advice

JCS SOLICITORS Divorce & Separation Cohabitation Children

 We are a niche firm who provide a supportive and personal service during the stressful experience of divorce and family separation.

We cover Herts & Beds.

Tel: 01438 820 946 www.jcssolicitors.co.uk

127 High Street, Kimpton, Herts, SG4 8QN

Hill House, 1 St Albans Rd, Codicote, Herts, SG4

HITCHIN’S FIRST DEDICATED PILATES CENTRE...

Improve your fitness, core stability and work on your posture at our friendly, fully equipped new studio. Intro courses, small group matwork classes and 1 : 1 private reformer machine training.

10% OFF PERSONAL TRAINING* BOOK ONLINE AND ENTER PROMO CODE VLPT12

www.thepilatespod.co.uk 01462 338002 107 Bancroft, Hitchin. SG5 1NB *On a single PT pass. 1 discount per client

March 2012

Village Life (Hitchin) Issue 32, 0312.indd 29

To advertise in The Hitchin Village Directory place c 29

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

01/03/2012 19:13

SHOWCASE

Michael Shelley

I.B HYDE & SON

Electrical

Qualified Electrician

“No job too small”

Domestic and Commercial All frames and Seals cleaned as standard Fully insured cghcleaning@gmail.com

Tel: 01438 820 820

Mobile: 07930 243651 Email: michael.shelley@live.co.uk A member of ElecSa

BRIDGE COTTAGE PHARMACY

To The Roof

41 High Street, Welwyn, AL6 9EF

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

01438 840240

Peony Florist Specialising in wedding �lowers, beautiful, stylish �lowers tailored to suit the bride, her dress and the wedding venue. For a free consultation call Lotty.

Telephone: 01438 821 888 121 high Street, Codicote www.peony�lorist.co.uk

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...

01462 811 150 07595 985 025 www.totherooftvaerials.co.uk

ALL TYPES OF PLASTERING 35 Year Est. Family Business Internal & External Walls & Ceilings Skimmed Renovation - Lime Mortar Rendering, Pebble Dashing 01582 725266 or 07774 790400

ADVERTISE HERE TO 15000 LOCAL CUSTOMERS FROM JUST £20pm!

CALL 01438 216950 Terms and conditions apply.

CODICOTE PHARMACY

COMPUTER PROBLEMS

123 HIGH ST, CODICOTE, SG4 8UB 01438 821418

Want to kick your computer?

CALL Mike for a FREE consultation

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

• FREE prescription collection from any surgery • FREE home delivery of medication & shopping • Passport photos & digital processing THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING YOUR LOCAL INDEPENDENT PHARMACY

Part Time Carer Required Codicote Online 0610.indd 1

10/05/2010 18:41

Mature, reliable, experienced carer required to offer support and companionship to elderly lady in her own home. South Hitchin area. Between 5 - 15 hours per week mainly lunchtimes, evenings and some weekend work.

You should be flexible, with good practical skills including cooking and light housework. Car driver preferred.

Good rates of pay. References will be required and verified.

For further details please contact Angie on 07772 249 444 30

Village Life (Hitchin) Issue 32, 0312.indd 30

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

March 2012

01/03/2012 19:13

ACOLINE WATER SOFTENERS FAMILY BUSINESS ESTABLISHED 1982

Our Non Electric Water Softeners That Serve Any Size Family & Fit Under The Sink, Use Blocks Of Salt (See Insert Picture)...

Its Simply Child's Play (From the manufacturers that Pioneered the block salt softener)

• • • • • •

Non Electric Uses Up To 60% Less Salt 7 Year Guarantee Purchase Or Lease Rental Free Salt Delivery We Repair All Makes Of Water Softeners

01462 811487 1 New Road, Clifton, Shefford, Beds, SG17 5JH

www.acolinesofteners.co.uk Village Life (Hitchin) Issue 32, 0312.indd 31

01/03/2012 19:13

Campus West Saturday April 21st 7.30pm Tickets £9 www.hawthornetheatre.co.uk Box Office: 01707 357117

An experience you will never forget Guaranteed to send shivers down your spine...

Read the book. See the play.

Village Life (Hitchin) Issue 32, 0312.indd 32

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