Village Life Issue 60 July 2014

VillageLife Lifestyle | Business | Community www.villagelifemag.com

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ISSUE 60 : JULY 2014

FLORIDA HOLIDAYS Employing a Tradesman & NOT a Cowboy Daisy Bake Summer Workshops

PLUS LOCAL BUSINESSES SHOWCASED • Codicote • Kimpton • Whitwell • Preston • Breachwood Green • Graveley • Little Wymondley • Great Wymondley • St. Ippolyts • Gosmore • Knebworth • Welwyn Village

Izgara Grill & Kebab 91 High Street, Codicote, SG4 8XE 01438 822 034 01438 822 044 Open Mon - Sat 12pm -11.30pm / Sun 2pm - 10.30pm Free Delivery Sun - Thurs, 4pm - Closing (within 3 miles of Codicote, £14 min spend)

KEBABS

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Lamb Doner Slices of minced lamb, seasoned & cooked on an upright spear

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4.90 5.90 6.40 HALF POUNDER 4.50 Chicken Doner 4.80 Slices of minced lamb, seasoned & cooked on an upright spear HALF POUNDER WITH CHEESE CHICKEN BURGER 3.60

4.90 5.90 6.40 VEGGIE BURGER 3.50 Lamb Shish KING SIZE BURGER 3.20 Marinated cubes of lamb on a skewer, charcoal grilled FISH BURGER 3.50

5.50 7.00 7.50 EXTRA CHEESE 0.30 Chicken Kebab Marinated cubes of chicken on a skewer, charcoal grilled STARTERS

5.50 7.00 7.50 HUMMUS IN PITTA 2.70 Kofte Shish TARAMA IN PITTA 2.70 Marinated cubes of lamb on a skewer, charcoal grilled COLESLAW IN PITTA 2.70

5.50 7.00 7.50 ONION RINGS (10) PCS 2.70 CHIPS Small 1.30 Large 2.40 Mixed Kebab 8.00 BOX SALAD 2.00 1 skewer lamb shish, 1 skewer kofte SPICY CHICKEN WINGS (6) PCS 3.80

& slices of lamb or chicken doner SPICY CHICKEN DIPPERS (6) PCS 3.80 Izgara Special 13.00 CHICKEN NUGGETS (10) PCS 3.80 1 skewer lamb shish, 1 skewer chicken shish, SCAMPI (10) PCS 4.00 1 skewer kofte & slices of lamb or chicken doner EXTRA PITTA BREAD 0.50 Halep 8.00 POT OF SAUCE 0.50 slice layers of lamb with halep sauce & fried bread FISH LAMB DONER MEAT & CHIPS 6.00 COD, CHIPS & SALAD 5.50 CHICKEN DONER MEAT & SHIPS 6.00 SCAMPI, CHIPS & SALAD 5.50 CHIPS KEBAB 2.50 FISH FINGERS, CHIPS & SALAD 5.50 CHIPS SALAD KEBAB 3.00 PIES SALAD KEBAB 2.00 CHICKEN & MUSHROOM PIE WITH CHIPS 4.70 BEED & ONION PIE WITH CHIPS 4.70 EXTRA DONER MEAT 3.50 STEAK & KIDNEY PIE WITH CHIPS 4.70 EXTRA CHICKEN DONER MEAT 3.50 KIDS MEALS LAMB DONER ROLL 3.70 CHICKEN NUGGETS, CHIPS & SOFT DRINK 4.50 CHICKEN DONER ROLL 3.70 BURGER, CHIPS & SOFT DRINK 4.50 COMBINATIONS SAUSAGE, CHIPS & SOFT DRINK 4.50 FISH FINGERS, CHIPS & SOFT DRINK 4.50 LAMB DONER& LAMB SHISH 7.50 LAMB DONER & CHICKEN SHISH LAMB DONER & CHICKEN DONER LAMB DONER & KOFTE SHISH CHICKEN DONER & LAMB SHISH CHICKEN DONER & KOFTE SHISH CHICKEN DONER & CHICKEN SHISH KOFTE SHISH & CHICKEN KEBAB KOFTE SHISH & CHICKEN SHISH CHICKEN SHISH & LAMB SHISH CHICKEN SHISH, LAMB SHISH & DONER

7.50 7.50 7.50 7.50 7.50 7.50 7.50 7.50 7.50 10.00

DESSERTS CHOCOLATE ECLAIR 2.50 RUMBABA 2.50 CHEESECAKE 2.50 COLD DRINKS CANS 0.90 BOTTLE WATER 0.90 BOTTLE DRINK 1.5LTR 2.00 BOTTLE 500ML 1.20 RIBENA 1.00 FRUIT SHOOTS 1.00

WELCOME TO JULY! Well the summer is here and the school holidays start this month, so 6 weeks of family fun or chaos in our case :-) This month we look at family holidays in Florida, we hear from local life coach Clint Bull who offers a free 30 minute consultation. Our resident writer Leigh Goldsmith visits Daisy Bake who is offering baking workshops for children this summer and our resident Consumer King Jonathan Vernon-Smith tells us how we can avoid rogue tradesmen. David Dunmore keeps us safe online and Jeremy Chandler-Smith from JCS Solicitors looks at recent changes in divorce law. Finally we hear from Greenman – Andy Ford and as always we showcase lots of great local businesses.

Also we would like to mention Izgara Grill & Kebab who we visited last month, they offer great takeaway food in Codicote and the surrounding area, you can find their menu to the left of this page.

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:

Local news

6:

Lifestyle: Daisy Bake Workshops

8:

Lifestyle:Think Life Coaching

10:

Lifestyle: Employing a Tradesman and NOT a cowboy

12:

Lifestyle: JCS Solicitors on The Single Family Court

JVS: PAGE 10

FLORIDA: PAGE 14-15

14-15: Lifestyle: Florida Family Holidays 18-19: Business: Greenman 20:

Lifestyle: Stop and think before you click

24:

What’s on in July/ 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.

July 2014

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

01438 216950, www.villagelifemag.com © 2014 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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3

LOCAL NEWS

STEVENAGE MP HONOURED TO OPEN NEW ARMED FORCES VETERANS AND FAMILIES INFORMATION CENTRE

Pictured with Stephen from left to right are Derrick Hale and Mark Williams, together with a serving member of the armed forces

Stephen McPartland, Member of Parliament for Stevenage, was proud to open the Armed Forces, Veterans & Families Information Centre, a drop-in centre specifically for services personnel and their families, and the first of its kind in Stevenage and possibly the whole of Hertfordshire. The centre is situated in the Stevenage Museum and is a result of the hard work of Mark Williams, who also identified the need for a centre of this kind, ably assisted by Derrick Hale.

Stephen McPartland MP said, “It was an honour to formally open the new Armed Forces Veterans and Families Information Centre in Stevenage. The work of all those involved to make this happen over the years has been tremendous and I would like to congratulate Mark and Derrick in particular for making this a reality.

The centre will make a huge difference to local families that have or are serving in our Armed Forces and I am proud that we have such a wonderful facility available to them now.”

The purpose of the information centre is to help any Veterans and serving members of the Armed Forces, and their Families should they find themselves in need. The help offered ranges from public housing, welfare, employment, financial, health and pensions and anything else resulting from their service. It is also hoped that veterans etc will just ‘drop in’ for a cuppa and biscuit, a chat with others from a similar background. Everyone has a story to tell so come and share yours.

Available at the centre are books to borrow/buy, DVDs to watch and merchandise to buy (by donation).

Facilities also extend to the use of a slide projector and large screen so don’t keep all those memories of your service to yourself, come and share. There is also FREE WiFi. Small meetings and presentations can also be accommodated, although a fee will be charged.

Come and see for yourself, the centre’s opening hours are 1030 hrs to 1600 hrs Wednesday to Saturday.

MARCH COMPETITION WINNERS Congratulations to Maxine Bates from Welwyn Garden City for winning our March competition to win a meal for two at the Globe in Codicote. Maxine enjoyed her prize last month and told us,” The food was really good, the staff were really friendly and Mike the chef came out and explained everything to us. It seems Mike is really trying to make a difference with his specials! Thank you Village Life and to everyone at the Globe.”

For more information or to book a table, call 01438 821 947 or visit facebook.com/CodicoteGlobe 4

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July 2014

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LIFESTYLE

Summer Holiday Workshops

with Daisy Bake

J

ust off a busy little road in Knebworth, Daisy Wright puts the finishing touches to the large dining room table in front of her. Each place has a neat little box of four cupcakes, beautiful iced and awaiting their decoration.

Today, Daisy has thirteen children scheduled to arrive.

The workshop, is one of many which Daisy runs as part of her business, Daisy Bake. Established three years ago, Daisy Bake initially began by creating bespoke celebration cakes for almost every occasion imaginable. However, over the last three years, the business has not only flourished but evolved, eventually branching out and incorporating many different aspects of baking. As Daisy’s eldest daughter displayed an authentic flair for cupcake decorating, Daisy was inspired and decided to a add a new string to her bow, by starting what would be the ever popular and fun, cake decorating workshops.Today, these workshops are an intrinsic part of Daisy Bake, and attract not only children, but teenagers and adults alike.

From hen parties to children’s parties, Daisy Bake can bring the art of cake decorating to any age group out there.

Each workshop has a theme, and is explored through the creation of characters by cutting and molding the shapes out of icing.Taking one cupcake from the box, Daisy carefully and patiently talks each child through the process,

step by step, showing them the method of cutting and rolling, before demonstrating the final stage, placing the icing on top of the pre-iced cupcakes.

The love and enthusiasm the children display rivals that of Daisy, and indeed was the sole reason for the birth of Daisy Bake. As a child, Daisy’s passion for baking flourished as she fondly remembers standing on a chair and baking with her Mum.With a background in food science, Daisy’s aim is not only to provide visually pleasing cakes, but also, to deliver good quality products to the consumer. It is this work ethic, which has enabled Daisy to form a strong bond with local traders and seen her customer base stretch from Welwyn to Hitchin and beyond.

As Daisy comes to the fourth cupcake in the box, the final decoration is cut from the icing and carefully molded and shaped by the children until it is ready to be put in place. Once finished, the children show me their wonderful boxes of cupcakes, all individually decorated by each individual child. Delighted, they leave the house and take their box of cupcakes home. Daisy, on the other hand busily clears the table and begins the preparations for the next set of workshops!

Are you interested in Daisy Bake? Daisy Bake offers a huge range of services from bespoke celebration cakes, to birthday cupcakes to her wonderful workshops, which aim to teach about the basic logistics of decorating . Classes run for one hour and fifteen minutes and are held either at her home or at the local Potstop in Knebworth Village.This year, she is introducing “Summer Holiday Workshops” which will run on 4th and 18th August.Themes will be princesses and pirates, beaches and sunshine and the movie Frozen. A further workshop will run on 1st September and the themes will be beaches and sunshine and Frozen. Written By Leigh Goldsmith (lilylawler@googlemail.com)

For any information or to order cakes, cupcakes or book a workshop or children’s party, visit www.daisybake.co.uk or email Daisy at daisy@daisybake.co.uk.

6

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July 2014

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16/1/12 10:49:16

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LIFESTYLE

Powerful Questions Spawn Powerful Answers The term ‘Life Coach’ has had some pretty bad press over the years, so I find it can be difficult to know how to promote coaching. If I call myself a ‘Coach’ people can think I have something to do with sport (which I don’t) and if I call myself a ‘Life coach’ they think it is some ethereal nonsense for bored housewives. Unquestionably, bored housewives could benefit from coaching, but so could company directors and almost anybody else in between. And it is certainly not ethereal!

C

urrently selfimprovement and selfdevelopment are very popular ideas and there are hundreds of ‘self-help’ books out there full of fail-safe formulae, easy techniques and mantras for improving your life.

So why would you want to pay for a personal coach?

Well if you are serious, and I mean really serious about making changes in your life then you need to be prepared to get out of your comfort zone, to admit to your own shortcomings and be prepared to face up to them.You need to be ready to accept challenges to some of your fundamental beliefs about the world and about yourself and actually try something new. It is unlikely that you can get this level of challenge from a book.

Coaching is a surprisingly powerful process and can have an unexpectedly significant impact on your life.This impact is all the more surprising when you consider that a coach will not offer advice or tell you what to do, a coach will simply ask you questions. So how can a few questions be so powerful?

The answer is that they need to be very good questions, and they can be very challenging questions. A coach will really listen to your answers and pick up certain words or phrases that you use, maybe a tone of voice, to detect the emotions behind what you are saying – or not saying.

The next question can then be targeted to hone in on underlying issues.

Then there are the excuses. “That won’t work for me.”

“I can’t do that.” “I don’t have time for that.” “I daren’t do that.”This is the point at which you can put the book down and put the kettle on believing that at least you tried, but that it wasn’t right for you. A real live coach won’t let you get away with any of that! “What is stopping it from working?” “How do you know you can’t do that?” “What do you have time for?” and “If you tried it, what’s the worst that could happen?”

The coaching process leads you into being honest about what you really want to achieve, being honest about what is stopping you and being honest about what you need to do to get there. Most importantly, it leads you into being honest with yourself about these things. Any actions that you come up with are your own, so they should be right for you and not somebody else’s idea of what you should be doing. No clever formula or mantra.

Finally, unlike a book, a coach will monitor your progress against your actions, check up on how you are getting along with them, but the person who ultimately holds you accountable…is yourself. And that can be quite scary, but it can also be empowering.You can be freed of limiting beliefs that that hold you back, you can gain the confidence to follow your own dreams and you can learn how to really believe in yourself.

So, some questions to start you on your road to change… Are you completely satisfied with your life? Are you doing all the things you want to do? What do you have to lose by finding out what it’s all about? Do you have a spare 30 minutes that may change your life?You can call me to arrange a no-obligation free 30 minute consultation to see how coaching can help you and to discuss rates.

Clint Bull – Life coach

Call me on: 07788 924087 Email me at: thinklifecoach@gmail.com Check out my website: www.thinklifecoaching.co.uk Read my coaching blog at: http://thinklifecoach.wordpress.com/ 8

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July 2014

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LIFESTYLE

Employing a Tradesman &

NOT a Cowboy

Sadly over the years I have dealt with far too many cases of consumers who have employed the services of a rogue tradesman and have paid a heavy price for their mistake. But how do you find a good tradesman to carry out work in your home or garden? Here are my top tips:

N

EVER employ the services of someone who knocks at your door offering their services.

If a builder, roofer or plumber has time to cold call people, then they’re obviously not very busy.Why are they not very busy? BECAUSE THEY’RE PROBABLY NOT VERY GOOD! A good tradesman will be busy with work for weeks in advance. I am always similarly sceptical of anybody who tells you on the phone they can do a job for you that day.

Always ask your friends and neighbours if they can recommend a good tradesman when you decide you need some work doing. It may sound simple, but the best way I have always found to employ the services of someone good, is to use your trusted contacts. Chances are if they did a good job for your best friend or next door neighbour, they’ll do a good job for you too.

Make sure you always get at least 3 quotes from different people before you decide who to use. Don’t necessarily use the cheapest, but at least if you have a range of quotes you can ensure that you are not overpaying for work to be undertaken.

I generally go for the quote in the middle as long as I have a good feeling about the tradesman and feel I can communicate effectively with him/her.

Always ask for references (particularly when you’re using someone to carry out a large job). Don’t be afraid to make contact with their previous customers and ask if you can go and look at the job they did. Ask them if they had any problems and what the tradesman/company was like at resolving those problems.

It is very important that you agree a method of payment before work begins. I personally do not pay for work until it has been completed. If the builder/electrician/plumber needs to buy parts etc for the job, then I am happy to pay for that on the basis of a receipt, however I insist on paying for labour costs on completion of the job.When you’re dealing with a large job (e.g. an extension), then I would agree a payment plan in writing.

However, you should always ensure a large enough final payment is retained to act as an incentive for the job to be completed to your satisfaction.

Finally, NEVER agree work without a written quote.

Verbal contracts and quotations are of course legally binding, but trying to prove what was agreed weeks down the line is normally a nightmare.

Of course, as always if you follow my advice, but still come unstuck and find yourself dealing with a cowboy, then remember you can always call my consumer programme on 01582 637450.

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

10

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July 2014

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LIFESTYLE

Single Family Court

T

he 22nd April 2014 saw the launch of the “Single Family Court”. Underneath the cosmetic changes there have been some fundamental changes to the rules of court procedure for the family courts.

One change introduced by the Children and Families Act 2014 is that the court will, subject to a limited number of exceptions, insist that someone applying to the court in relation to financial provision or a private dispute about children attend a “Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting” or MIAM where they are informed about mediation and alternative methods and assessed whether those methods are best suited to their needs.

Alternative methods include collaborative law process and family arbitration, details of which can be found at www. resolution.org.uk under “Alternatives to Court” and www. ifla.org.uk.

The new rules require the applicant to learn about these alternatives and to consider whether when dealing with the issues that arise upon the breakdown of a relationship, there are alternatives to court.

Each relationship and each family is unique and mediation or collaborative law may not be the best option for a particular couple. Nevertheless, the court process is adversarial in nature and considering the cost and corrosive nature of court proceedings, the new rules that encourage parties to consider resolving disputes using an alternative method is to be welcomed.

The alternatives to court are voluntary and depend entirely upon parties negotiating in good faith and providing all relevant information.

Sometimes, an application to the court may be the best solution, e.g. where negotiations have stagnated or reached an impasse or where a party is not co-operating by disclosing their financial resources. Alternatively, family law arbitration can provide a speedier and perhaps more cost effective alternative.

Even if the best option is to apply to the court for a remedy, the court process itself, be it when dealing with issues relating to children or financial provision, is focussed on facilitating and encouraging agreement between the

parties, e.g. when dealing with financial provision, the court holds a “financial dispute resolution” appointment at which the parties receive a judicial opinion about their case.This guidance, coupled with the high cost and uncertainty of trial more often than not leads parties to settle their dispute.

It is all too easy for parties to adopt an adversarial and entrenched position. Often, once the parties actually start talking to each other, it is realised that little is to be achieved by such an approach and by working together they can reach an agreement which is acceptable to both parties and allows the family to function in future.

Whether the parties are about to commence proceedings or are in the middle of proceedings and making little progress, mediation and other forms of dispute resolution offer a real and workable alternative to the costs and trauma of court.

Jeremy Chandler-Smith of JCS Solicitors in Codicote is a solicitor specialising in family law and is a an accredited specialist member of Resolution, the national organisation of family lawyers committed to non-confrontational divorce, separation and other family problems.

Jeremy is also a Collaborative Lawyer and Resolution trained Mediator.

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 12

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July 2014

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July 2014

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13

TRAVEL

MAGICAL

FLORIDA M

illions of pleasure-seekers can’t be wrong!

Florida is North America’s favourite holiday destination and draws hundreds of tourists all year round. The reason for the state’s popularity as a holiday destination is its all year round sunny climate.

Consisting of a peninsula jetting out into the Atlantic Ocean from the south eastern corner of the United States, Florida’s uneven coastline is indented with estuaries, bays, inlets, lagoons and rivers.

After World War II, tourism development took off around the central part of the state, particularly around Tampa and Orlando which have since become a theme park paradise for thrill seekers.

The state’s biggest city, Miami, echoes the vibrancy of the rest of this holiday Mecca, with its soft white sandy beaches, crazy nightlife, numerous attractions and colourful neighbourhoods. Its famous Art Deco district and Latin American quarter are constantly packed with visitors, many of them passengers from the hundreds of cruise ships that come and go in the bustling port. Within easy access from Miami are the Everglades, a marshy grass plain resonating with wildlife and filled with alligators.

The most famous resident of this central Florida city is Mickey Mouse, the cartoon creation of animated movie 14

tycoon Walt Disney. His vision has turned Orlando and the adjacent Lake Buena Vista and Kissimmee areas into the world’s busiest, biggest and best-known concentrated theme park! Disney bought up land in the area with the aim of establishing his dream theme park back in the 1960s. He died before the first park, the Magic Kingdom officially opened in 1971 but his legacy has taken root and is still growing. Currently the Disney Empire in Orlando includes four theme parks, dozens of smaller attractions, thousands of hotel rooms and holiday apartments, hundreds of restaurants and snack bars and even two cruise ships.

It is not only the Disney dazzle that draws visitors to Orlando; there are other attractions here such as Universal Studios and Sea World, all adding to the thrills and excitement for your once in a lifetime holiday! If you want something a little more sedate and cultural you will also find Orlando’s Museum of Art which is not just another gallery but a fascinating world of creative themed exhibitions showcasing its permanent collections of American Art, Art of the Ancient Americas and African Art. The Kennedy Space Centre at Cape Canaveral, 46 miles southeast of Orlando on Florida’s east coast is one place in this fantasyland state where fact is just as entertaining as fancy. Visitors to the centre follow the

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

July 2014

TRAVEL

story of NASA’s exploration of space through interactive exhibits, movies and tours.

Shopping is another great pastime that Orlando is renowned for so why not start off at one of the largest single-storey malls in the United States, the Florida Mall, which features more than 250 stores including Macy’s Sears, JC Penney, Nordstrom and Saks Fifth Avenue as well as an outdoor shopping plaza where shoppers can enjoy all those sunny days. The Festival Bay Mall on International Drive is home to stores, a skate park, and a theatre. The Waterford Lakes Town Centre is an open-air mall featuring large chain stores, small shops, restaurants and even IMAXDigital.

The Mall at Millenia boasts designer names like Betsey Johnson, Chanel and Louis Vuitton. Antique hunters need look no further than Downtown Orlando’s Antique Row on Orange Avenue where a wide variety of collectables can be found. Bargain hunters should head over to Flea World in Sanford and Osceola Flea & Farmers Market in Kissimmee where collectively more than 2,600 wholesale dealers can be found providing everything from fresh fruit and vegetables to old books, leather goods, jewellery, souvenirs and beachwear.

A trip to Orlando wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the “Magic Kingdom”, I took my son in the July 2014

summer and although he hadn’t turned two years old he loved it! The look on his face when we had breakfast with Mickey Mouse was just priceless, he even managed to stay awake for the most amazing fireworks at the end of day. Disney certainly know how to put on a show and even if you are not a fan of Mickey Madness I would still urge you to take one day to visit this park and experience the magic!

The climate is very hot all year round and can be very humid in the summer so I would suggest visiting in the spring time or towards the latter part of the year between October and December. Orlando is prone to the odd downpour but this always clears up quickly so won’t spoil your day.

Named the ‘Sunshine State’, Florida is the perfect holiday destination and offers something for everyone, whether it be fine dining, clubbing, shopping, learning about space exploration, discovering endangered wildlife, riding a roller coaster or bronzing on one of its famous beaches.

For further information email Melanie@floridaholidayplanner.co.uk

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

15

INDIAN CREEK (KISSIMMEE FLORIDA)

RENTAL VILLA

This superior Executive 4 bedroom villa is only a few short miles from Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Universal Studios (Harry Potter World) and all major attractions. Our 4 bedroom 3 bathroom home has been specially designed as a holiday villa for the Kissimmee area. We have spared no expense in appointing this luxury home to meet every need that you may have whilst visiting the theme parks and attractions of central Florida.

Our private, heated screened pool guarantees fun in the sun and the perfect spot to soak in the rays or splash into the cooling waters. Sit on one of the pool decks and watch the sun setting painting soothing pinks and purples in the sky as you sip your drink. Sleeping arrangements include 2 master bedrooms – one with a king-size bed, large walk in wardrobes and an en-suite bathroom with ‘Roman’ tub, twin shower and double vanity basin. The other master has a queen bed with its own en-suite. Bedrooms 3 and 4 are twin bedrooms with a bathroom shared between.

Everything that our guests have asked for has been added to for further enjoyment, you’ll want for nothing in this luxury villa in the Indian Creek sub-division of Kissimmee.

For more information please email melanie289@hotmail.co.uk

VILLAGE LIFE

Langford Windows Doors and Conservatories Your Local Glazing Specialist

Full range of Soffits, ttering Fascias & edGu Guarantee •

• 10 Year Secur • Quality Assured Profile • Internally Beaded • • • Shoot Bolt Security Locks • Multi-Point Door Locks • Maintenance Free • Over 35 years experience •

For your FREE QUOTATION & Friendly Advice, Advice please call 01462 701 828, email: langfordwindows@fsmail.net or visit www.langfordwindows.com 28

Please mention The Hitchin Village Directory when responding to adverts

Windows HP 0511.indd 1 Village Life | www.villagelifemag.com | tel: 01438 216950 JulyLangford 2014

13/04/2011 12:5017

VILLAGE LIFE BUSINESS

The recent decision by North Herts District Council to withdraw the free supply of biodegradable kitchen caddy liners from 1st April has provoked angry letters of complaint from local residents. NHDC claim that the £200,000 per year expense didn’t produce the increased food recycling volumes anticipated.

Welwyn resident Andy Ford owns a company that supplies a range of compostable liners to householders, waste managers and local authorities, and this month he gives us his views in search of a solution.

The warmer weather approaching was already certain to heat up the annual debate about fortnightly food waste collections and the inevitable resultant smell of rotting food, flies and maggots infestations in some local brown wheelie bins.

Interestingly enough, the loss of this free service in itself isn’t the prime source of frustration for the concerned objectors. It is more NHDC’s advice to put leftovers directly into the wheelie bin, and their refusal to allow householders to revert back to wrapping their waste in newspaper, as they were able to do before, that has caused confusion.

All things considered, newspaper is probably not the solution. It still tends to eventually unfurl, spilling the food out at the bottom of the bin, there are contamination issues with the ink, and after all it is a separately recyclable commodity which earns the council much needed revenue.

My concerns are more about incidents such as the one whereby a woman in Letchworth didn’t have her bin emptied because it contained “some vegetable peelings in a brown paper bag”. Especially given that unbleached paper, with its high carbon content, is a good source of the ‘browns’ required to complement the nitrogen rich ‘greens’ and produce the balance required for good quality compost.

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And therein lies not only the contradiction in this collection scheme, but also the best possible compromise going forward.

Therefore, having already provided samples for their approval, I am currently in dialogue with NHDC to clarify their acceptance of the paper caddy and wheelie bin liners that I currently supply under the Greenman brand for use in other recycling schemes.These are a natural product of FSC approved Scandinavian forestry and are certified at considerable expense to prove compliant with the EU standard EN13432 as being 100% biodegradable and compostable, and therefore endorsed with the industry ‘seedling’ logo.

If we are to be encouraged to recycle food waste in our homes then the least we can expect is a sufficient level of hygiene while we do so.The wheelie bin liners ensure that when emptied no rotting food is left stuck to the insides of the bin, as the liner and bagged contents from the caddy easily slide out.This saves water and/or the expense of additional bin cleaning services.

There are also benefits to the local authority as it results in less damage to the bin itself, with less need to shake it quite so vigorously to free the mucky contents.

They also have handy flaps that overhang the sides of the bin.These not only prevent the liner from slumping inside when moist and less rigid, but they also provide a prominent position outside of the bin for the compostable logo to be clearly visible for collection purposes, along

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

July 2014

VILLAGE LIFE

with the option of any other printing that NHDC may stipulate to appease them.

From an environmental perspective the withdrawal of the flimsy vegetable starch liners may not be such a bad thing after all, as paper is a far more natural option with many more benefits. Not least because we surely have to ask ourselves just how ethical it really is to use a food crop to make waste bags when there are millions of people in the world starving?

The main advantage of paper wrapped food residues though is as a bio-fuel for anaerobic digestion (AD) This provides the double benefit to society of not only reducing the volume of biodegradable waste being disposed of to landfill, which is a major cause of greenhouse gas emissions

and climate change, but it also enables the generation of renewable energy. And with an AD plant being built between Baldock and Royston, homes in the region could in the future be supplied at a discount with gas and electricity produced from their own food waste, as is currently the case in parts of Oxford.

This use of natural resources will also certainly help the Government achieve it’s target of producing 15% of our total energy output from sustainable or renewable sources by 2020 in support of a move towards a “zero waste economy”.

For further information visit the website or you can contact Andy at: greenman@compostable-liners.co.uk

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 1 JulyAirport 2014 Cars Direct HP 0111 2.indd Village Life | www.villagelifemag.com | tel: 01438 216950

20/01/2011 10:0919

LIFESTYLE

Just stop and think! (before you click that link)

T

here it is sitting in your inbox, an email from your bank asking you to confirm your details as part of a security upgrade, you open the email, and there’s a link to click which appears to take you to your banks website. But does it? Definitely not! This is a ‘phishing’ email designed to appear genuine. If you click the link a number of things may happen: *You may be directed to a fake website that looks like your bank’s and asked to re-enter all your security details.Thiat’s giving the criminals behind the site access to all your money! DON’T DO IT. * Or you may have spyware automatically installed on your (Windows) computer which searches for bank and other financial details, stored passwords and email contacts to send further ‘phishing’ Emails to.

There are many other ‘phishing’emails around, one purports to be from NICE with a subject ‘Important Blood Test Results’ implying you may have cancer. In the email, there’s a link to download a ‘results’ document,

which again, will install malware on your computer.

So please be careful, and ‘think before you click that link’.

If you’re worried about computer security or online safety, you can visit my website: www.web-safe.org.uk. Email me at david@web-safe.org.uk or phone me on 07404 603604.

David J Dunmore Bsc. MIEEE MIET MACM.

Visit our beautiful

Bathroom Showroom ...With more than 50 displays of bathrooms, furniture & fittings Free in-house 3D design service Quality products from leading manufacturers Experienced staff offering impartial advice Free delivery within a 20 mile radius of our showroom

01438 725309

bathrooms@stevenageplumbing.co.uk www.stevenageplumbing.co.uk

Caxton House, Caxton Way, Stevenage, Herts. SG1 2XS 20

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

July 2014

VILLAGE LIFE

Is your business slowing down?

Could you do with more enquiries from the local area?

Village Life is offering some great promotions for new advertisers, call Melanie on 01438 216 950 or email mail@villagelifemag.com for more information

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

July 2014

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

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VILLAGE LIFE

Village Tree Services Village Tree Services

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







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

Village Tree Services 0310 QP.indd 1

22/02/2010 13:46

To advertise in The Hitchin Village Directory p

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

July 2014

VILLAGE LIFE

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 is looking for a reliable Chiropodist to advertise in the magazine.

AA Window Repairs Specialist in replacing cloudy windows

 Window handles  Door handles  Window seals  Window/Door locks

 Misty windows  Draughty windows  Window hinges  Faulty doors  And much more

Call our repairs manager direct for an appointment on:

If you would like to come on board and advertise your company to 17,500 readers each month, we will offer competitive advertising rates.

Contact Melanie on

01438 216 950 July 2014

07432679405

Local family run business built on reputation. We specialise in replacing the misty/cloudy window panes not the frames. Saving you money! We also fix all types of double glazing problems and wont try to sell you new windows. We offer free advice and free no obligation quotes. We also offer an OAP DISCOUNT. Remember we are a local family run business not a franchise. Thank you for reading.

Alan & Gemma

www.aawindowrepairs.co.uk

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

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WHAT’S ON

What’s on in JULY...

Sun 13th July Classic Car and Vintage Day, Mill Green Mill and Museum, Hatfield AL9 5PD An afternoon of fun and nostalgia. Wear your vintage clothes and enjoy the classic cars, a vintage and retro craft market, live music, Lindy Hop demonstrations and much more! FREE ENTRY, 01707 357850, www.welhat.gov.uk/museum

Sunday 13th Jul, 2pm - 5pm Strawberry Cream Teas and Garden Games, Graveley Hall Farm, Church Lane, Graveley SG4 7LY Croquet, Boules. Clock Golf, Jenga and Swingball. In aid of St. Mary’s Church, Graveley and the church will be open to visit. Entrance £5pp to include a strawberry cream tea.

Sat 19th Jul, 2pm-6pm (Parade 1pm) Codicote Village Day, The Great Field, Bury Lane, Codicote, Hertfordshire SG4 8XY Marching Bands, Live Music, Majorettes, Funfair Rides, Frisbee Display, Dog Agility, Dance Groups, Static Owl Display, Bucking Bronco, free crafts for children, refreshments and much more! Entry Free, contact 01438 820732

Sat 19th & Sun 20th Jul, 10am - 5pm The Knebworth Country Show, Knebworth House, Knebworth SG1 2AX All day entertainment which may include birds of prey, working dogs, children’s entertainment as well as arts, crafts, gifts and food marquees.

Contact 01206 263 088, www.oakleighfairs.co.uk

Sun 20th July, 12pm - 4pm Discover Hertford Castle, Hertford Castle, Hertford SG14 1HR Children can take part in an art trail around the grounds whilst foraging for hidden treasures. Adults can take part in landscape painting sessions on the lawn with a chance to have a guided tour of the Castle and grounds.

Free Entry, visit www.gohertford.co.uk

Mon 21st Jul, Fri 1st Aug, Thu 21st Aug, 5pm - 9pm Hitchin Lavender – Open Garden for NGS, Hitchin Lavender, Hitchin SG5 3UA Walk through miles of lavender rows, take great photos and pick a bunch of lavender. Entry £4, Children £1, light refreshments available. Contact 01462 434343, www.hitchinlavender.com

Sun 27th July, 2pm - 5.30pm Open Garden for NGS, 35 Digswell Road, W.G.C AL8 7PB Town garden of around a third of an acre with naturalistic planting inspired by the Dutch garden designer, Piet Oudolf. Admission £4, Children free, contact 01707 324074, www.adriansgarden.org

Sat 2nd & Sun 3rd Aug, 12pm - 11pm (gates open 11am) Rhythms Of The World Festival, Hitchin Priory, Hitchin SG5 2DL One of the most significant “and best value“ world music festivals in the UK, attracting up to 30,000 visitors to the two-day event. Local talent alongside artists from around the world, visit www.rotw.org.uk GET YOUR EVENT LISTED FOR FREE HERE, EMAIL: mail@villagelifemag.com or call us on 01438 216 950

Take a Break…

ACROSS 1 Unfinished tasks (7) 5 Sailor (informal) (3) 8 Large handkerchief usually figured & brightly coloured (7) 9 Tortilla chip topped with cheese (5) 10 Grown-up boy (3) 11 Small plot of cultivated land (3) 12 A magical charm or incantation (11) 16 Donkey (3) 17 Encourage (informal) (3) 18 Increase speed (3-3) 20 Summerhouse (7) 21 Nocturnal bird of prey (3) 22 Characterized by broad-mindedness (7)

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

DOWN 2 US State (7) 3 Children (informal) (4) 4 Protector (8-5) 5 Betrayers (9) 6 Lifesaver (7) 7 Protective garments worn over the front of one’s clothes and tied at the back. (6) 11 British seaside resort (9) 13 False show of bravery (7) 14 Branch of mathematics (7) 15 Trade of goods or services without the exchange of money (6) 19 A kind of wig; false hair (4)

July 2014

VILLAGE LIFE

FENCING SN MAINTENANCE

All Your Fencing Needs Supplied & Fitted

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

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

Free Estimates Council Approved Hedge Cutting Garden Maintenance Friendly & Reliable Service

SHIRON

Call Simon on 07971 860 135 / 01707 326 366

DOMESTIC APPLIANCES

Tel: 01438 720304

Mobile: 07739 922493

For Specialist Matrimonial Advice

N Fencing 0311.indd 1

JCS SOLICITORS

16/02/2011 09:18 QP 0310.indd 1 Shiron Domestic

25/02/2010 12:34

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

July 2014

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

25

SHOWCASE

CODICOTE PHARMACY

COMPUTER PROBLEMS

123 HIGH ST, CODICOTE, SG4 8UB 01438 821418

Get in Shape Low Impact Toning Class using Bodybars & Dynabands

Want to kick your computer?

• FREE prescription collection from any surgery

CALL Mike for a FREE consultation

• FREE home delivery of medication & shopping

£6.00 per class.

Bring a towel or mat & drink.

• Passport photos & digital processing

07788 446635

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

LOCAL WINDOW CLEANER

odicote Online 0610.indd 1

PIANO & VIOLIN LESSONS

10/05/2010 18:41

Reliable & Friendly

Welwyn-based Teacher 14 Years Experience

All Welcome Competitive Rates

Every Tuesday at Knebworth Village Hall

6.30-7.30pm

Contact Louise on:

Newjoiners bring a friend for FREE

JORDAN

OIL BURNER SERVICES ESTABLISHED 1968

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

CALL SARAH ON

07799 497 923

cleanmywindows@outlook.com

01438 712 558 07768 713 078

Looking for a reliable

HOMEOPATH

to advertise here Cakes for Every Occasion 07862 282 009 www.barkerscakes.co.uk

ADVERTISE HERE TO 17500 LOCAL CUSTOMERS

JUST £99 for 4 months

CALL 01438 216 950 Includes design of advert

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Call 01438 216 950 LOOKING FOR A RELIABLE SWIMMING TEACHER TO ADVERTISE HERE CALL

01438 216 950

Major Manufacturers.

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

GOT YOU 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.

Peony Floral Boutique Weddings & Events, Funerals, Corporate, Balloons & Special Creations

01438 821888 07815 758337 www.peonyflorist.co.uk

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

July 2014

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

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