Village Life September 2010

VillageLife

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Lifestyle | Business | Community www.villagelifemag.com

FREE

ISSUE 14: SEPTEMBER 2010

Slipping off to Iceland

Great Ormond Street Appeal LOCAL NEWS & EVENTS

PLUS

• Codicote • Kimpton •Whitwell • Preston • Breachwood Green • Graveley • LittleWymondley • GreatWymondley • St. Ippolyts • Gosmore • Knebworth •

WELCOME

Welcome to the 14th issue of Village Life Magazine, due to the continued support and success of the magazine we have increased our distribution to 6000 and are now delivering to parts of Knebworth. We continue to work on the website and you can now read previous editions of the magazine electronically at www. villagelifemag.com I would like to thank everyone that entered our competition for a free meal at the Rusty Gun; the winner will be announced in the October issue. It is really important for us to maintain a local focus in the magazine so from next month we will be starting a reader’s letters page. This is your opportunity to promote any local issues or stories to the community and you can either email us or send us a letter the old fashioned way. You can remain anonymous if you like and we will try and publish as much as we have space for.

We would also like to hear what you like or don’t like about Village Life and how we can improve it, feel free to contact us with your thoughts.

This month you can find out about a few local businesses including Lawn Science, Xportpat Relocation and Fine Dining. On your travels takes us on a journey to Iceland with a stay in Reykjavik. The Gardening Calendar provides more great hints and tips for your gardens and we are also appealing for donations for Great Ormond Street who cared for our son last year.

We would like to thank Peter Holding for providing the photo for the front cover this month. Peter is a local photographer and can be contacted on 07786 515 398 or p.holding2@ntlworld.com Enjoy what’s left of the summer; let’s hope we get a break from the rain!

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

Jose & Melanie

CONTENTS Page 4: Page 6: Page 8: Page 10: Page 12: Page 18 Page 20-21: Page 22: Page 28:

Local News Great Ormond Street Appeal Local Business Spotlight: Fine Dining Business Focus: Green Grass of Science Garden Calendar: A September Garden Business Focus: Xportpat Relocation OnYourTravels: City break to Iceland 10 Facts about Knebworth What’s On /Take a break

Where Can You Find Village Life?

Village Life Magazine is delivered to 6000 homes and businesses across 10 villages. Find us in Codicote, Kimpton,Whitwell, Preston, Breachwood Green, Graveley, Little Wymondley, Great Wymondley, St. Ippolyts , Gosmore and Knebworth.

We are increasing our circulation every month, so if you didn’t receive a copy through your letterbox, you will do very shortly.

Village Life is published monthly by MJS Publishing.

01438 216950, www.villagelifemag.com SEPTEMBER 2010

WE’RE OFF TO ICELAND: 20

KNEBWORTH HOUSE: 22

EDITORIAL & ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES Melanie Saavedra 01438 216950 sales@villagelifemag.com PRODUCTION Dean Cook, The Magazine Production Company 01273 467579 deancook@magazineproduction.com © 2010 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

New walk launched around Hitchin

The picture is of, left to right, Ron Faulkner, Chair of North Herts Ramblers Association, Cllr David Levett, Chairman of North Hertfordshire District Council, his wife Dee, and Tony Bradford, of the Country Management Service.

T

he Hitchin Outer Orbital Path – HOOP – was launched last month at Hitchin Lavender, at Cadwell Farm in Ickleford.The new 12mile walk will help residents and visitors to discover the beauty of North Hertfordshire for

themselves.

A leaflet has been put together by the North Hertfordshire Ramblers Association and the Countryside Management Service* with funding from North Hertfordshire District Council’s Hitchin Area Committee,

Hertfordshire County Council and the National Ramblers Association.

The walk passes through a wide variety of wildlife habitats and locations including Oughtonhead Common, which is a wetland Local Nature Reserve; Purwell Nine Springs Nature Reserve; the ancient Icknield Way; the hamlet of Charlton and Hitchin’s Medieval Market Place. It also passes Cadwell Farm’s lavender fields in Ickleford, which hosted the launch.

The route can be tackled in one go or in sections using local roads or public transport links, and is marked with special HOOP signs.

Cllr David Levett, Chairman of North Hertfordshire District Council, said: “Walking is a healthy way to enjoy our beautiful countryside and can be enjoyed by people at most levels of fitness.

North Hertfordshire District Council is pleased to have helped with this exciting project which will make the lovely area around Hitchin easy to explore.”

Pirton Residents to Launch New Book: ‘The Pride of Pirton’ On Saturday 23rd October 2010, Pirton will launch a book on the men from Pirton who served in World War One called The Pride of Pirton.

In the Great War the men of Pirton answered their country’s call to arms. The names of 230 men with a Pirton connection are recorded as serving. Some did so through a sense of duty to King and Country, others for adventure and to escape their humdrum lives and some were forced to join through conscription. 38 of them died a fate shared by almost a million other men from the British Army – and 30 of them are named on the Village Memorial.

The Pride of Pirton remembers them all, those who died and those who survived. It has involved an immense amount of research; from local newspapers to service records, from parish magazines to battalion war diaries, and from the censuses to museums. This research was undertaken between 2003 and 2010 by members of the book team and other volunteers.

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Contributions to the book were received from as far away as Canada and America. It has resulted in an impressive, large format, professional quality, fullcolour book, of 210 pages with over 300 images and photographs The book will be launched as a ‘double’ event on October 23rd, which will feature the WW1 living history group, The Rifles and others.

The first part of the event is on Great Green, Pirton, between 2pm and 6pm and will be of interest to families and adults. It will be possible to meet ‘soldiers’ from the Great War and learn more about them, their equipment and the war, and books will be available. There will also be a short tribute to the men that served at the Village War Memorial in Crabtree Lane at 4:30pm.

The second part of the event will be more focussed on adults and will be in The Motte and Bailey PH between 7:30 and 9:30pm.

Confirmation of times, locations, alternative venues if wet and more information can be found at www.pirton.org.uk/ww1book.

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

SEPTEMBER 2010

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CHARITY

Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity Appeal

I

n July 2009, our son Emilio was diagnosed with Craniosynostosis at the age of 11 months. Craniosynostosis is a condition where infants are born with an abnormally shaped skull. It is a rare type of birth defect that affects an estimated one in every 2,5003,000 births.

The condition needs to be treated promptly because the resulting abnormal skull development means that if it is not treated, there will not be enough room for the brain to develop as the infant gets older. If Craniosynostosis is left untreated, the bones will begin to squeeze the brain, increasing the pressure on it. Over time this will cause brain damage.

On the 18th Nov 2009, Great Ormond Street, performed this life saving 5 hour operation and saved our little boy from being brain damaged.

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for the charity and currently have raised just under £3000.

As part of the fundraising, Jose will be doing a six-day trek following the Inca Trail in Peru.

The trek will be a big challenge as it involves climbing up to 4200m.We are looking for more sponsorship to help get to our target and would be grateful for any donations.

Every little helps…

You can sponsor us online at www.justgiving.com/joses or if you prefer you can post a cheque to us made out to Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity.We will then send it to the charity and it will go towards our target.

Thank you, Jose, Mel & Emilio xxx Village Life Magazine

Emilio has now fully recovered and is a healthy, active 2 year old.

Looking at him you would never know what he has been through and that is all thanks to the care and attention he received at the hospital.

The hospital needs to raise £50 million a year to keep the magic happening.

We are aiming to raise £10,000

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

SEPTEMBER 2010

Wedding Show Tornado Event Hire

11am – 4pm, Sunday 19th September 2010 Woolmer Green Village Hall, Hall Lane, Bridge Road, Woolmer Green, Knebworth, Herts, SG3 6JG Whether you are recently engaged or just need a few final details to complete your wedding planning, the Tornado Event Hire Wedding Show at Woolmer Green has something for everyone.

Woolmer Green Village Hall is located in a quiet setting near Knebworth, Hertfordshire. Outdoor facilities include: a large car park, children’s play area, tennis court and greenery surroundings. It is very attractive and provides an excellent facility for Weddings and all types of events. The Main Hall seats around 180 people. Inside facilities include: a large kitchen, meeting and sports hall, two smaller rooms, toilets and bar.

Come along and enjoy a day of meeting top wedding professionals who will help you to make your day a special and memorable one including; bridalwear,wedding cars, photography, balloons, Limo Bus, jewellery, decorations, cakes, stationary, honeymoons, caterers and entertainment to name a few..

Free entry and Free parking • Refreshments are available with a fully licensed bar

www.tornadoeventhire.com If you are interested in exhibiting at the show, call David on 07738 129 063

LOCAL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Fine Dining

F

ine dining is a home delivery company supplying a vast range of very high quality gourmet frozen food direct to the household. Products include Seafood, Fish, Poultry, Meat and Desserts.Trading for 6 years, fine dining started with 1 van in Devon and now has 30 vans delivering around the country.

The vans have an onboard freezer which stores the food in boxes and many of the foods come with cooking instructions to make life easier.

All the products are supplied where possible from local companies and from sustainable stock and are air blast frozen (a technique used to freeze the food very quickly to lock in flavour and freshness) , in fact a lot of the fish is caught filleted and frozen within 3 hours at sea not landed and stored in cold stores before being taken in lorries all round the country.The added benefits of

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air blast freezing are 12 Months of Freezer Life and the Natural weight of the Product (no water is added).This process seals in all the Flavours and Nutrients and is very healthy (no additives or preservatives are used) The products range from jumbo fish fingers for children up to lobster tails for a dinner party and from chicken goujons to beef wellingtons. Products come in whole/half and mixed trays and with a no quibble satisfaction guarantee that means they can be exchanged if you are not satisfied and are delivered FREE of charge.

The Fine Dining head office is based in Devon (Exeter), all the fish is sourced locally from Brixham and the meat and poultry from Somerset.The company is very confident with the products provided; so much so that they will replace any product you are not fully satisfied with.

Village Life is very happy

to recommend Fine Dining from personal experience, we purchased a few trays including Cod Wellingtons, Sea Bass (the fish were much bigger than ones you would get in the supermarket!) and Game Purses (Jose’s personal favourite with Rabbit, Pigeon and Venison in pastry). All of the food was delicious and all we had to do was cook the items from frozen with some vegetables for a restaurant quality meal.We now give Eddie a call whenever we fancy some more food and he pops over to show us what he has in the van.

This is a great business and we wish Eddie and his team all the best in this fantastic venture!

For a free no obligation presentation of Fine Dining products please contact Eddie on 07812 489 923 Fine Dining Telephone: 07812 489923

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

SEPTEMBER 2010

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 

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62 Sparrow Drive Stevenage Herts SG2 9FD Telephone 01438 724660 Mobile 07867 794100 To advertise in The Hitchin Village Directory place call Melanie on 01438 216 950

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BUSINESS FOCUS

after recognising the need for a quality lawn care company, the secret of his success is simple, “We recruit friendly people and train them well. All of our employees are trained within the company and also externally at horticultural college to ensure that they are competent to understand the needs of our customer’s lawns and qualified to apply the finest fertilisers’ and herbicides.” The business had expanded recently and now operates in Welwyn Garden City.

And Lawnscience’s treatments do seem to work quite well if their customers are any thing to go by; a customer recently sent this glowing testimonial.

“After you gave it the special treatment it looked as if nothing was going to happen, then suddenly it all started to grow and we now have the most amazing, thick grass... and for the first time in 20 years (and after a wasted fortune spent with your competition) we are heading for a decent lawn, having nearly decided to plough it up this year and start again.We now receive regular compliments about our lawns. So many thanks.” Mrs. Osborne But “does it cost the earth, I hear you say?”

Lawnscience’s customers are often amazed at the low cost of employing a professional lawn care company but how do they do it?

“We use the best products available, the same ones as those used at Wimbledon and the majority of the top football clubs in the UK, we have a great relationship with our suppliers and because we buy in massive volume we can keep the cost low.We also invest in ‘state-of the-art’ equipment which makes the more intensive treatments easier for our teams.

Our customers are normally amazed that we can treat their lawns with these products at prices starting from around £13.95 per treatment”.

To arrange for Wes Friedel to carry out a FREE consultation on your lawn just call 01707 329080 or 07894 111178 or take a look at their information packed web site www.lawnscience.co.uk.

Green grass of science

E

ver wished you had a lush green lawn the envy of your friends and neighbours? Most of us do but don’t know how to achieve it…do I scarify..aerate…over-seed…what’s the best fertiliser to use and when should I use it? And most of us have had the experience of half killing our lawn when trying to fertilise it!

Well now you do not have to worry there is a simple solution available to Welwyn Garden City and Hertfordshire homeowners, Lawnscience, a professional lawn treatment service that’s local, friendly and easy to use. Lawnscience has been maintaining quality lawns in for the last nine years and has built a reputation maintaining and creating great lawns.

Terry Nicholson started the business nine years ago

Lawnscience Telephone: 01707 329080 Visit: www.lawnscience.co.uk 10

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

SEPTEMBER 2010

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.

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GARDENING

A September

Garden A

s I write this, August is drawing to a close and hasn’t the weather for the gardener been a bit of a disappointment this month, much cooler and damper than July and not nearly as many opportunities to be outdoors enjoying your outdoor room.

I don’t know about yours, but our tomatoes here in Whitwell seem to have ground to a halt- probably because of the lack of sunshine and the drop off in temperature.They are really struggling to ripen, Doreen’s next door, though, are ripening as I write (I must find out her secret) I think this is shaping up to be another year for the green tomato chutney!

Anyway back to the garden in September.

Hopefully by now your lawn has seen plenty of fun and had lots of use but is now showing signs of wear and tear. Scratch and roughen the bare patches and then break the surface up a bit using 12

your garden fork, mix up some lawn soil or good soil from a bed with grass seed and sprinkle over the bare area. Lightly compact the surface; your foot is quite handy for this, to give it a surface. Finally don’t forget to water well and keep it damp till the seed has germinated. I was told that when you sow grass seed expect that a third will grow, a third will not germinate and the birds get the other third, so sprinkle a bit more than you think to give the seed every chance. Now for the hard bit as far as the lawn is concerned – it’s time to rake out the moss and thatch.You will need a lawn rake for best results and I have to say it is a bit time consuming, a little tiring and will certainly give you a thirst but it does get rid of the matted blanket that normally lays below the mower blades.You can hire a lawn rake and some think it is money well spent. It also brings up those creeping grasses. After raking give the lawn a mow and this will chop off those weeds that have been illusive for a while. Don’t be surprised by how much you get out of your lawn, your compost bin or brown wheelie bin will soon be overflowing but at least the lawn will be able to breathe easier. For a while it will look a bit scruffy but it will soon recover and look a whole lot better.

The other thing I want to mention this month is it’s time to organise your spring bulb display for next year. First a note of caution, beware of buying cheap bulbs, you generally get what you pay for and it can be a false economy to chase too much of a bargain, smaller bulbs may not even be big enough to flower.

Choose plump, solid bulbs with no signs of splits or bruises and avoid damaged bulbs, they’re just not worth it. If they have long thin shoots give them a miss but a small green tip showing is not a problem at all. Most bulbs can be planted straight away but tulips and hyacinths can be left another month or so.

Bulbs should generally be planted three times their depth measuring from top to bottom, a trowel is best if you are planting individual bulbs but they do sell various special bulb planting tools for those with ambitious plans.

With the rest of your gardening time, just remember to keep things tidy, deadheading where necessary and keep annoying those weeds.

Anyway, I think that’s enough to be getting on with, don’t you?

Carens Creations 07855 862412, email: caren@carenscreations.co.uk

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

SEPTEMBER 2010

VILLAGE LIFE

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Please mention The Hitchin Village Directory when responding to adverts Village Life | www.villagelifemag.com | tel: 01438 216950

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VILLAGE LIFE

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

SEPTEMBER 2010

VILLAGE LIFE

 

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       

   Please mention The Hitchin Village Directory when responding to adverts

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Codicote Local

History Society

Interested in history? Local family roots? * *

* *

Come & enjoy monthly talks, events and outings.

Discover your local area – from prehistoric beginnings to a thriving 21st century community.

Make friends with like-minded enthusiasts – no expertise required Tap into our resources and publications.

Contact Nicholas Nicholas Maddex Maddex on on 01438-821849,email:nicholasmaddex@hertscc.gov.uk 01438-821849,email:nicholasmaddex@hertscc.gov.uk Contact www.codicotelocalhistorysociety.co.uk

Website: www.codicotelocalhistorysociety.co.uk

Annual membership (Sept-Aug): just £13 for individuals, £10 concessions.

Annual membership (Sept-Aug): just £13 for individuals, £10 concessions.

Meetings: 2nd Tuesday of each month, Codicote Peace Memorial Hall at 7.30pm Meetings: 2nd Tuesday of each month, in Codicote Peace Memorial Hall at 7.30pm

Everyone’s welcome – explore your interest in history!

SEPTEMBER 2010

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

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portpat Relocation was setup by Andrew Ackerman to provide a friendly first class removal service using experienced personnel who understand the customer’s needs and requirements. Andrew has worked for many years as a subcontractor in the export industry; he often found that the service provided by removal companies was poor. Many of the large companies are so busy at times that they need to rapidly recruit staff that then go out with little or no training. This leads to poor service and shipments being damaged along the way. These companies struggle to maintain a consistent level of service and have a high turnover of staff.

Andrew decided to bring the expertise of the export industry 18

to the local household and business markets with regards to the packing, wrapping and movement of goods. He saw a niche for a removal service with fully trained, customer friendly staff providing a personal and reliable service. Each removal team has a skilled handyman for the disassembly and reassembly of furniture and other household goods during the move.

Xportpat provide secure containerized storage long and short term and give guarantee of continuity during the move, ensuring the team who starts the move finishes it giving the customer total reassurance.

Bespoke handmade crates can be provided for antiques and items of particular value to the customer.

Andrew’s team have worked

with some very high profile customers and companies, their expertise has seen them take out windows from a 5 storey flat in London to then be replaced overseas. They have also moved shipments of very high value all over the UK. Many of Andrew’s customers come from referrals from previous customers who had a great experience with Xportpat’s service.

Whether you are simply moving in the local area or relocating overseas, Xportpat can provide a first class and stress free service.You can get a no obligation quote from Andrew on 07720 384 830 or xportpak@ btinternet.com Xportpak Relocation 07720 384 830 xportpak@btinternet.com

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

SEPTEMBER 2010

ON YOUR TRAVELS

Iceland City

A

break to…

fter its recent bad press with the disruptions of the volcano, I thought I would highlight the more interesting side of Iceland and show you what it has to offer for a weekend break.

Reykjavik is a captivating city well worth a visit. Reykjavik means “smokey bay” and was named this by a Viking who found this discovered place.The smoke he found wafting over the area, however, had nothing to do with pollution, but rather the bubbling, boiling natural geysers and geothermal springs that now underlie the modern capital of Iceland.

The capital of Iceland is definitely a hot spot, famous for its lively pubs and clubs, which draw hundreds of visitors, particularly during the long, light, bright summer nights.

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Its growing reputation as a fun tourist destination is enhanced by its fiery, friendly inhabitants, relaxed pace of life, many cultural attractions and dozens of opportunities for fascinating day trips, not to mention the novelty of bathing in one of the steamy public geothermal swimming baths.

Reykjavik’s setting on the southwest corner of Iceland on Faxaflói Bay makes this a picturesque city with no high rise buildings you will find many wooden built hotels and buildings giving the city a quaint and homely feel. All around are panoramic views of the majestic Mount Esja, which rises up behind the bay. The centre is easily explored on foot, and i would recommend a visit to the following; Hallgrimskirkja is a landmark church and the tallest

building in Iceland. On a sunny day it is apparently visible from up to 10 miles away. Named after a 17th century Icelandic poet, the unusual design represents volcanic basalt.The Botanical Gardens are a haven for strollers and planted with a large collection of Icelandic indigenous plants. Besides walking trails and water features, the gardens have a greenhouse café open during the summer months, a children’s park and a zoo.

A definite must when visiting Iceland is a day trip to the famous Blue Lagoon, it is located around 30 miles south west of the city.

It is a man-made geothermal ‘Blue Lagoon’, set in a lava field, filled with mineral-rich hot water pumped from about a mile below the surface.The lagoon is flanked by a luxurious health spa where visitors come to be pampered and treated for skin ailments

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ON YOUR TRAVELS

like eczema and psoriasis.The lagoon’s surreal phosphorescent aquamarine colour is caused by the therapeutic ecosystem of algae, silica and minerals in the water. I absolutely loved the Blue Lagoon and visited around 3pm as it was February, the sun went down very early so the atmosphere was magical as the lagoon gave off a blue glow with a jet black sky with bright star – amazing!!

Gullfoss Fallss (Golden) Falls are rated among the most beautiful in the world and make for a popular day trip from Reykjavik.The falls, with their awesome double-cascade, are incredibly powerful, gushing into a canyon on the Hvita River.They are situated in the national park and remain one of the country’s top tourist attractions.

The finally a visit to Geysir would complete your mini break SEPTEMBER 2010

to Iceland, where hot springs spout and mud pots bubble.The Geysir shoots boiling into the air approximately every 10 minutes which is an impressive sight.

There is also a hotel, souvenir shop and restaurant on site.

We stayed in a lovely hotel in the centre called Reykjavik Centrum which was ideally located to walk around the city for both day time and the evening.

The country is renowned for being expensive so be prepared to pay just a little bit more for meals and drinks than we pay here but of course with every destination you can find an array of eateries and bars to suit all budgets. One

restaurant worth a visit would be The Perlan which is on located on top of 6 water towers; the restaurant revolves so you have the most amazing views over the city. It is a tourist attraction itself and has beautiful gardens and the views from the deck just outside the restaurant give you a real taste of how vast the island is.

We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to this magical city and if you decide to head out that way you will defiantly leave Reykjavik feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

Off Broadway Travel Telephone 07932 154240, melanie@offbroadwaytravel.co.uk

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KNEBWORTH HOUSE

10 Facts about Knebworth

T

his month we have added Knebworth to our distribution list so we did some research and came across the following facts:

1 Knebworth is a village and civil parish immediately south of Stevenage. The civil parish covers an area between the villages of Datchworth, Woolmer Green, Codicote, Kimpton, Whitwell, St Paul’s Walden and Langley, and encompasses the village of Knebworth, the small village of Old Knebworth and Knebworth House.

2 The Population of Knebworth is approx 4,500 3 There is evidence of people living in the area as far back as Neolithic times and it is mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086 where it is referred to as Chenepeworde (the farm belonging to the Dane, Cnebba) with a population of 150. The original village, now known as Old Knebworth, developed around Knebworth House. Development of the newer Knebworth village started in the late 19th century centred a mile to the east of Old Knebworth on the new railway station and the Great North Road (subsequently the A1, and now the B197 since the opening of the A1(M) motorway in 1962).

4 In 1870-72, John Marius Wilson’s Imperial Gazetteer of England and Wales described Knebworth like this: KNEBWORTH, a village and a parish in Hitchin district, Herts. The village stands 3 miles S of Stevenage r. station, and 8½ NW of Hertford; and has a post office under Stevenage.—The parish contains also part of the hamlet of Broadwater. Acres, 2, 696. Real property, £2, 927. Pop., 250. Houses, 51. The manor belonged to the Hoos and the Hotofts, from whom it passed to the Lyttons; and belongs now to Lord Lytton. Knebworth Place is his Lordship’s seat, and stands on a commanding eminence, amid a finely wooded park. The living is a rectory in the diocese of Rochester. Value, £500.* Patron, Lord Lytton. The chnrch is ancient; consists of nave, chancel, and porch, with tower and low spire; and contains some handsome monuments of 22

the Lyttons. There are a national school and an alms house.

5 On 16 June 1990 the village was twinned with the commune of Chatelaillon-Plage in France.

6 Knebworth House is one of England’s most beloved stately homes, this beautiful gothic mansion is famous worldwide for its rock concerts and as the home of Victorian novelist Edward Bulwer Lytton - author of the words “The pen is mightier than the sword” 7 The name Knebworth is now synonymous with live music.

The Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Queen, Oasis, Robbie Williams... over 100 major artists have played Knebworth festivals since their inception in 1974, in front of over two million fans.

8 Notable inhabitants include Edward Bulwer-Lytton (Politician and Poet 1803 to 1873), Barbara Follett (MP for Stevenage from 1 May 1997 – 12 April 2010), Ken Follett (British author of thrillers and historical novels. He has sold more than 100 million copies of his works.) and Henry Lytton-Cobbold who is is the current occupier of Knebworth House (Trained as a screenwriter, Lytton-Cobbold was an assistant to the filming of The Shooting Party, part of which was filmed at Knebworth House, and subsequently worked on Water.[1] From 1987 until 1993, he lived in Los Angeles, and scripted several TV shows).

9 The most recently developed area of Knebworth has grown into a residential town with shops, schools and other amenities, for which much of the architecture was influenced by Sir Edward Lutyens. He was also responsible for the earlier part of the handsome church of St. Martin which serves this part of Knebworth, the remainder being completed as recently as 1964 by Sir Albert Richardson.

10 Knebworth boasts 3 inns:- The Roebuck at Broadwater is the eldest, possibly dating back to 1420; the Lytton Arms, Old Knebworth, circa 1840, (the present building was erected in 1887), and the Station Hotel built in 1883.

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                 

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

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For your free no obligation quotation, please telephone: 07720 384830 e-mail: xportpak@btinternet.com To advertise in The Hitchin Village Directory place call Melanie on 01438 216 950

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Get your flyer through the door of our 10 villages with Village Life in the October edition at this fantastic price. (Normally £120) For further details call us on 01438 216 950

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Restaurant Quality Food delivered straight to your door

Vast range of very high quality products including: Seafood, Fish, Poultry, Meat, Desserts and Gourmet Food For a free no obligation presentation of our products please contact Eddie on 07812 489 923

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VILLAGE LIFE

What’s on in September The largest bike show in Hertfordshire showing beautifully restored classic bikes and scooters with club displays, bikes and spares for sale, concours, plus tools and accessories, books and literature, arena commentary and autojumble. Everything for the bike enthusiast. Knebworth House,The Estate Office, Knebworth, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, SG1 2AX

15 week Brazilian Carnival drumming course Tuesday 14th September at 6.30pm Come and learn the rhythms of the world’s most famous Carnival in Rio de Janeiro. Our new 15 week drumming course starts on 7th September 2010 and will introduce you to our rhythms and music and could offer you the opportunity of joining Toque Tambor for the 2011 season and beyond.

If you are already a musician you’ll find this course great for improving your rhythmical skill and knowledge or other music. All instruments are provided and earplugs will be available as our music is loud! Our instruments are sourced from the best quality manufacturers in Rio de Janeiro and are the same as those used by all the Carnival bands there.

You will be under the guidance of J P Courtney who is one of the most respected tutors of Brazilian Carnival music in UK. Ravidassia Centre, 2 Knowl Piece Hitchin, SG4 0TY. Tel: 07759 943 737

Take a Break…

Crossword

Classic Motorcycle Show at Knebworth House Sunday 12th September

Who Killed Agatha Christie?

Tuesday 14th – Saturday 18th September Ian Dickens Productions present the taut and gripping thriller Who Killed Agatha Christie by Tudor Gates with an all-star cast to be announced.Who Killed Agatha Christie? Tells the twist-in-the-tale story of theatre critic,Arthur ‘Agatha’ Christie who is lured to a clandestine meeting with playwright, John Terry.The spiky, arrogant Christie is surprised to learn that his gay lover is having an affair with Terry’s young wife. He is even more shocked at Terry’s solution to their mutual problem – murder.

Gordon Craig Theatre in Stevenage - please call the Box Office on 01438 363200

ACROSS 1 Underground vault (5) 7 Unmarried man (8) 8 Band (5) 10 Not moving (10) 12 Solid fuel (8) 14 Mix with a spoon (4) 16 Maori war chant (4) 17 Spires (8) 20 Tennis term (3-7) 23 Rustic (5) 24 Cloudy (8) 25 Vapour from hot water (5)

The Road Victims Trust presents Clanger Run 2010 Sunday 19th September

Wedding Show at Woolmer Green Sunday 19th September, 11am-4pm Tornado Event Hire Wedding Show, everything you need to help you plan and prepare for your big day. Woolmer Green Village Hall, free entry and free parking, refreshments are available with a fully licensed bar.Woolmer Green Village Hall, Hall Lane, Bridge Road,Woolmer Green, Knebworth, Herts, SG3 6JG. Contact David on 07738 129 063 if you are interested at exhibiting.

Autumn Book Sale at Shaw’s Corner Saturday 25th & Sunday 26th September Come and find a bargain among the hundreds of second-hand titles we’re clearing this weekend. All proceeds benefit projects at Shaw’s Corner. Normal admission applies. Shaw’s Corner, Ayot St. Lawrence, Welwyn, Hertfordshire, AL6 9BX

Saturday 2nd & Sunday 3rd October Harvest Festival Weekend at Kimpton Parish Church

SODUKU

Starting and finishing at Box End Park, Kempston, Bedfordshire.Visit www.boxendpark.com. Entry at £20 per vehicle, Refreshments at the Start and Finish (£5).A meal (£14) is available on request at the end. Tulip type route map, rally plaque and finishing memento. Raffle, quiz prizes and awards to be presented from 16.00 hrs.All proceeds to Road Victims Trust. Entry forms available from Road Victims Trust, 146 Bedford Road, Kempston, Bedford MK42 8BH. Please send S.A.E. or visit www.roadvictimstrust.org.uk then follow the Events link.

DOWN 1 High-quality brandy (6) 2 Oval fleshy fruit (4) 3 Indian dress (4) 4 Express gratitude to (5) 5 Customers collectively (9) 6 Pencil rubber (6) 9 Small flexible bag (5) 11 Trite (9) 13 Appropriate (3) 15 At no time (5) 16 Sausage in a roll (3,3) 18 Skiing race (6) 19 Armistice (5) 21 Too (4) 22 Corrode (4)

Kimpton Flower Arrangers invite you to come and see the church beautifully decorated with flowers, fruits and vegetables as well as a display of arts and crafts by local clubs. Church open Saturday 10.00-4.00 & Sunday 12.00-4.00. Light refreshments available. ENTRY FREE 28

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

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Village Tree Services

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

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   



 

 

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To advertise in The Hitchin Village Directory p

To advertise in The Hitchin Village Directory place call Melanie on 01438 216 950

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TV / DAB Aerial installations, Sky Setup / upgrades / multiroom / remote extenders, Freesat systems, Foreign channels etc...

01462 811 150 07595 985 058 www.totherooftvaerials.co.uk

Michael Shelley

10/05/2010 18:41

Domestic Wall and Floor Tiling Service

Electrical

Trustworthy and Reliable Competitive Rates

“No job too small”

Qualified Electrician

To arrange a free estimate please call Paul on: Tel: 01438 365649 Mob:07531 451255

Tel: 01438 820 820

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

THIS AD WORKS!

Let’s face it, you just read it!

ADVERTISE HERE TO 9000 LOCAL CUSTOMERS FROM JUST £20pm!

MOBILE DISCOS

For all occasions, large music collection and great sound and light show.

Call us on 01438 220 558 or visit www.aaadisco.com

GOT YOU You have read this ad too!

HOW CAN YOU NOT INVEST £20pm HERE TO REACH OUT TO YOUR NEW CUSTOMERS?

CALL 01438 216950 Terms and conditions apply.

Finntastic Virtual Assistant Services Call Answering Bookkeeping Event Organising Proofreading Administration & PA Services

Call Natalie on 07773 421547

CALL 01438 216950 Terms and conditions apply.

Fantastic flyer printing service Flyers are printed on both sides in full colour on 130gsm paper.

A5 double-sided 4pp A5 A4 folded in half 6pp DL A4 folded in three

5,000 10,000 15,000 £150 £240 £320 £270 £415 £550 £242 £330 £420

5,000 A4 double-sided £225 4pp A4 A3 folded in half £320 Artwork design from just £50

10,000 15,000 £300 £380 £500 £650

For further details call us on 01438 216 950.

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

SEPTEMBER 2010

VILLAGE LIFE

SPECIAL OFFER

For Specialist Matrimonial Advice

JCS SOLICITORS Divorce & Separation Cohabitation

Get 5000 A5 leaflets printed on 130 gsm paper in full colour on both sides for just £120.

Turnaround time just 7 days.

Flyer design from just £50.

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 For further details call us on 01438 216 950

www.jcssolicitors.co.uk Hill House, 1 St Albans Rd, Codicote, Herts, SG4

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yer Ad 2 0910.indd 1

27/08/2010 11:23

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 SEPTEMBER 2010

The Peony Florist & Gift Shop Creative Contemporary and Traditional Floristry for all occasions.

Wide selection of unusual gifts, plants, cut �lowers and handmade cards 121 High St, Codicote Telephone: 01438 821888 www.peony�lorist.co.uk

To advertise in The Hitchin Village Directory p 31

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

Comprehensive Construction Solutions – there is only one name to consider…

Devereaux offer a total solution covering all aspects from demolition, renovation and new build construction. If you want to experience a pro-active approach from a ‘can-do’ company then we are only a phone call away.

• Electrical Works • Brickwork • Plastering • Flat Roofing • • Pitch Tiled Roofing • Extensions • Loft Conversions • • Conservatories • Ground Works • Under Pinning • • Landscape Works • uPVC Windows • • Commercial and Domestic Refurbishment • • Plumbing and Heating Services • • Interior and Exterior Decorating • •Block Paving and Tarmacing • • Security / Barrier Fencing • Flooring • • Kitchen and Bathroom Specialists (Wet Rooms) • • Disabled Bathroom and Kitchen adapations • • Full Architectural Services • Structural Engineer Surveys •

Telephone: 01707 385422 Visit: www.devereauxs.co.uk Email: info@devereauxs.co.uk