village life october 2010

Destination Christmas

Lifestyle | Business | Community

Garden Design & Construction

PLUS LoCaL news & events• Codicote • Kimpton • Whitwell • Preston • Breachwood Green • Graveley • Little Wymondley • Great Wymondley • St. Ippolyts • Gosmore • Knebworth •

FReeISSUE 15: OCTOBER 2010

Villagewww.villagelifemag.com

Nowdelivering to KnebworthLife

C O n T E n T S

W E L C O M E

3: Welcome to October4: Local news6 & 7: Business Focus: The Car Agents 8: Business Focus: Russell Dickson Garden Landscape Design & Construction11: Business Focus: Herts Helpdesk18: Business Focus: Fresh & Funky Faces by Hannah12: Garden Calendar: What to do in October20 & 21: On Your Travels: Destination Christmas28: What’s on in October/Take a break

An AUTUMn GARDEn: 12

DESTInATIOn CHRISTMAS: 20

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

eDitoRiaL & aDveRtising enquiRiesMelanie Saavedra 01438 216950 [email protected]

PRoDuCtionDean Cook, The Magazine Production Company 01273 467579 [email protected]

© 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.

CALL US: 01438 216950

EMAIL US:[email protected]

VISIT US AND READ THE MAGAZINE ONLINE:www.villagelifemag.com

Jose & Melanie

So here we are already in October, dare I say it only 12 weeks until

Christmas! In this month’s issue you will find a business review of “The

Car Agents” for those of you who like a nice set of wheels! Also On Your

Travels whisks you off to the Christmas markets at home and away while

Russell Dickson guides you through his garden landscape and design

business. We also hear from Steve at Herts Helpdesk and from Fresh &

Funky Faces by Hannah.

Don’t forget you can also visit our website where you will be able to

see previous digital editions of Village Life; you can also get involved by

posting a message on the Forum.

We have been increasing distribution as the magazine grows and are

looking for delivery people in the local villages. If you are interested in

earning some extra pennies once a month then give us a call and we can

discuss this opportunity with you.

If you have a local story or an event you would like us to mention then

please email or call so we can put you in the magazine.

Wrap up warm as we head into autumn!

Bye for now

Village Life | www.villagelifemag.com | tel: 01438 216950OCTOBER 2010 3

Coasters cafe in Knebworth and numerous locations in Aston were used, including a scene featuring 70 extras in the village hall, during last Thursday’s filming for

Nobody’s Child, written and directed by Aston’s Sue Shearing.

The Catch Me Films production, which tells the story of a 14-year-old adopted girl searching for her

birth mother, features Jonathan Ross’ step-dad Tony Phillips, as well as Hitchin residents Lily Norman, Amellia Brown, Peter Lee-Byrne and Donna Brown.

Speaking after filming Sue, of Garden Field, said: “It was fantastic.

“It has been an exhausting but fun week, with lots of laughs along the way.

“The film will now go into post production, and once edited will be submitted to TV companies and film festivals.

“We also hope to do a local screening so that all those who took part can see it.

“I’d like to say a huge thank you to the many local people who took part, or let us use their places as locations.”

Filming also included footage in Datchworth, Welwyn North train station and on location in Southend.

Village Life | www.villagelifemag.com | tel: 01438 216950 OCTOBER 20104

LOCAL NEWS

LOCaL viLLaGEs makE iT TO ThE BiG sCREEn

County councillors £5000 to support Queen Mother TheatreFour local county councillors have put in £5000 between them to help support a major project to expand and improve the Queen Mother Theatre in Hitchin.

County Councillors Ray Shakespeare-Smith (Hitchin North), Derrick Ashley (Hitchin South), Richard Thake (Knebworth & Codicote) and Nigel Brook (Hitchin Rural) allocated the money from their locality budgets to the Bancroft Players Amateur Dramatic Society, which built and runs the theatre in Walsworth Road.

A total of £10,000 is available to each of the 77 members of Hertfordshire County Council to spend on worthwhile community projects in their area.

The money will go towards funding the final phase of the development work, which will involve turning an existing rehearsal room into a youth wing, with a self-contained 100-seat mini-theatre and cinema. As well as creating an extra performance area that will augment the main theatre, the extra facilities will help to provide more opportunities for young people in the area to take part in drama activities and workshops.

CONGRATULATIONS:RUSTY GUNN WINNER

Congratulations to Debbie Chapman from Hitchin who was the lucky winner of our Birthday competition in August. Debbie and a friend of hers enjoyed a free 3 course meal and bottle of wine at The Rusty Gun. Debbie commented, “I’ve never won anything before and was really pleased to win this prize, the food and atmosphere at The Rusty Gun was great, I would like to say thank you to Village Life and also to The Rusty Gun!”

[email protected]

James Howe LandscapesDesign Construction Maintenance

Design Services Grass Cutting Planting TurfingDrainage Garden Clearance Brickwork Tree Work

Hedge Reductions Patios Driveways FencingDecking Rockeries Water Features

Free quotation and advice.

M: 07787 517372 T: 01438 820148

WithJames Howe Landscapes,

you are guaranteed a friendly,reliable and quality service.

The Car Agents provide a unique service to help clients buy and sell Prestige and Sports cars. Through extensive advertising, marketing initiatives, network of industry contacts and experience, they can save time, money, inconvenience and give the all important security to a transaction. The Car Agents was setup by Simon Michell who has had a successful career in this market place spanning 25 years. Simon was the Sales Director of Specialist Cars Group for a number of years, where his commitment to customer service and personal approach saw the business grow year on year to become one of the best dealerships in the country. He has earned a reputation as someone to do business with and offers a service level that is unusual in the motor trade. Simon comments, '' We are a service provider not a car dealer, our aim is to advise and help clients buy and sell their cars, knowing the fact that they are getting a full package of services that they should expect'' Rather than just operating over the internet or from an office, Simon has a vision to bring cars back to the high street. He believes that people should be able to just pop in for advice and to discuss their requirements without having to drive to an out oftown location. Simon is currently in discussions to open up a retail store in Hitchin in the New Year, the outlet will provide a similar experience to that of an estate agent where you can pop in, have a friendly conversation without the hard sell and view a range of vehicles, knowing that your requirements will be treated with confidence and professionalism.The store will be interactive featuring photo and video footage of available cars. The Car Agents will be an authorised finance and insurance provider and will beregulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA). They work closely with a selection of finance houses and can provide tailored financial package and advice on finance and insurance options without any pressure to sign up. ''Simon and his team did everything they said they would. Not only did my new car arrive on time, but they also called me back when I wanted them to and updated me regularly, which is unusual for this industry. I will use them again and tell my friends and work colleagues.'' Kevin Neal, MD of KNA Group.

There are three key areas where The Car Agents can help clients; the first area is where it comes to selling your car. Some people are not happy with a part exchange price orfeel that they would get more money selling privately; however this comes with a rangeof problems. From the administration and burden of putting the car up for sale, to the inconvenience and security implications of having strangers come to the house, not to mention the cost of advertising. Also as a private sale is not usually offered with financeor part exchange options, it means that the potential marketplace becomes very small and the best price is not always achieved for the vehicle. The Car Agents will offer a complete service where they will either collect the car and provide a full valet with secure storage, or allow the client to carry on using the car untila buyer is found. The car will be listed on 3 websites as well as promoted to The Car Agents' network of consultants. Once a potential customer has been qualified and they are sufficiently interested in viewing the vehicle, The Car Agents will arrange collection from a convenient place, drop off a courtesy car and then take the clients car for a viewing. If the customer wishes to buy the car, they then purchase it directly from the Car Agents and the owner will be paid minus an agreed fee for the sale. The Car agents will also offer all the benefits and convenience of a dealer – warranty, valeting, finance options, part exchange etc. Selling the car in this way will usually result in a higher sale price and means the owner can carry on going about their business letting the Car Agents do all the hard work. The Second area where The Car Agents can help is where clients are looking for a car. Typically when you go to a dealer, you will only be offered the range of cars that they have available at that time, so to find the right car can be a long process of surfing websites and driving around different areas of the country. The Car Agents will take a brief from the client, discussing their requirements and budget; they will then go to market and will present up to 3 options, with recommendations. Once a client is happy with a particular car, The Car Agents will go and appraise the car and run all the necessarybackground checks to ensure there are no nasty surprises. They will then agree the purchase of the car and then deliver it to the client’s door. There are a range of optionsfor payment, warranty etc and all for a fixed fee. The network of dealerships and contacts that The Car Agents have, means that they have an insight to the real market for new and pre-registered cars, again specific requirements can be sourced for a fixed fee. Thirdly, customers can just sell their vehicle directly to The Car Agents. They will visit the customer at home or work, appraise the car and then sell it on for a fixed fee. If you would like to find out more about buying or selling your next sports or prestige car, you can contact Simon on 07824 600769, email [email protected] or by visiting www.thecaragents.com

S p or t s a nd P r e s t i g e C a r s


ADVERTORIAL


LOCAL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Russell Dickson has over 20 years of landscape experience working throughout the UK on projects as simple as a raised vegetable bed,

to the complexities of a terrace with balustrading and statues. He specialises in stonework and is skilled in all aspects of landscape design from walling and fencing to planting and water features.

“Growing up at school I was always told off for staring out of the window. I was much more interested in what was happening outside”, says Russell. “I eventually persuaded my parents to let me go to college to study landscape design”.

“On my first visit to a client, I spend time getting to know them and finding out what the priorities are in the garden. I appreciate input from the client, not only at this stage but throughout the process. This ensures that the finished garden is exactly what they want.”

After the initial meeting, Russell will take precise measurements and go away to do a detailed drawing. He will usually have an indication of the budget and he then focuses on enhancing the existing garden. Often, he is able to use existing materials in the new project to keep the cost down.

Russell considers the practical side as well as the aesthetic. A drive must first be functional; a vegetable area accessible; a water feature should be designed to attract wildlife as well as being visually pleasing. The final garden should be not only manageable but also tranquil and attractive.

“Russell’s transformation of my patio is absolutely delightful; the best thing I have ever spent money on. I look at it every morning and wonder why I didn’t

do it years ago!” Gillian Cope, Mill Hill, London“When I looked at Russell’s innovative design

for our rather dull pond, my day suddenly became brighter. His translation of our thoughts and ideas was exactly what we had envisaged and much more. His attention to detail and ability to stay within budget was commendable.” Jeremy Bretherton, Kings Walden.

For a full quote or just to chat about your plans call Russell on 07833 591340 or visit www.russelldicksonlandscape.co.uk

Garden Landscape Design and Construction

Russell DicksonTelephone: 07833 591340www.russelldicksonlandscape.co.uk

31

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

GH Building and Landscaping design has years of experience to make your imagination become a reality. What we do...

• Extensions • Porches • Conservatories • Refurbishments • Any general building work • Patios, Decking and Pathways • Laid lawn and garden preparation • Building wall and outbuildings

62 Sparrow Drive Stevenage Herts SG2 9FD Telephone 01438 724660 Mobile 07867 794100


BUSINESS FOCUS

Herts HelpdeskTelephone Steve, 0800 234 3412 / 07590 547150Visit: www.hertshelpdesk.co.uk

Don’t worry if your computer stops working… call Herts Helpdesk

Herts Helpdesk provides IT support to

homes and businesses in the local area (within a 15 mile radius of SG4) and is run by Steve Ainsworth. Steve started off his IT career in a publishing house in Highbury, London in 1994 and through hard work progressed up the ranks. Over the years he worked for a range of companies big and small, for the last 6 years of his career Steve worked as the IT Manager for national Express Group at their Head office in Bond Street.

In October 2007 the company relocated and Steve was given the option of moving to Birmingham or taking a redundancy package. He took redundancy and decided to setup his own business using the skills and knowledge that he had acquired over the last 13 years. Steve was determined to start a cost effective, affordable and friendly IT Service serving small businesses and home users. There are high street companies who will fix a PC but they are expensive and require people to bring equipment in store.

Steve is coming up to his third year in business and although the recession has bought challenges to all businesses, Herts Helpdesk is going from strength to strength. Steve currently supports a range of businesses including Hotels, Schools, Garages, Architects and various other offices and home bases businesses. He also looks after many home users.

Herts Helpdesk deal with all IT related issues and all aspects of IT support including cleaning up Viruses and Spyware, Software troubleshooting, Hardware repairs, Memory and other upgrades, network Installations, Server Support and Maintenance, PC Health checks and system optimisation and much more. Herts Helpdesk also build websites and have a portfolio of business websites that they host and maintain, including a Celebrity Talent Agency

Herts Helpdesk can build computers to your specification ranging from budget refurbished PC’s to custom built gaming PC’s. They can also install and

support home Multimedia/TV installations, Smart phones, wireless multimedia and Apple Mac systems. Another service offered by Herts Helpdesk is computer training which has been extremely popular, Steve is currently training a 91 yr old!

The number one callout over the years has been “Computer Viruses and Spyware” with an average of three callouts per week. Also Computer upgrades and repairs seem to be what many people are looking for.

Steve commented, “I absolutely love the work I do, I enjoy meeting new people and businesses and solving their IT issues. My average day is a total mixture and never the same (which I thrive on). From my daily visit to a school to ensure that things are running smoothly, to a virus infection at a home user and through to Windows Server support at a small business, and then at a dusty backyard of a mechanics garage fixing a printer!

Word of mouth has been fantastic for Steve’s business, he was recently called out to Buntingford last year to repair a home computer, the lady in question was so happy with his work that she passed his name around which has resulted in a total of 13 new customers from the initial work.

The reason Steve believe his business is going well is because he always goes out of his way to keep customers happy and does not charge ridiculous rates, he takes time to explain the issue and offer creative solutions. After a job, he will stay with the customer they are happy and he also ensures that all his work is guaranteed therefore if the computer is not working the day after he will come back free of charge.

Herts Helpdesk will be building on the success to date by taking on an apprentice over the next few months to help expand the business, this expansion will mean that they will be able to offer a range of new services including telecommunications support with maintenance of telephone systems and cabling solutions.

Save Energy at home and Money at the same timeYour first choice for fine quality home improvements, Energy Rated ‘A’ + 5 Windows Doors and Conservatories, Flat Roof with lifetime guarantee, long-lasting Roofline products, solar panels to harness clean energy and home security systems to help give you peace of mind. Make your home...warmer, quieter and more secure; more energy efficient; more beautiful and welcoming; easier to use and maintain

FOR EXTRA DISCOUNTSSpeak to your local representative, call Damian on 0800 622 6075 or 07738 056 580

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GARDENING

an autumn

GardenWell, we did it, didn’t we? Our garden is

coming to the end of the season (well for most of us anyway). Hopefully, it

was there for us when we needed it most, providing that outside room for our families and our friends to expand into, to enjoy all that an English summer had to offer - apart from those wasps, that is. The last ball has been bowled, the last swing ball swung and the last goal scored. It’s now time to show your appreciation for the final time and prepare to put the garden to bed. Of course, if the weather stays mild and dry, there are always things to do, and if there isn’t you can always take time outside to appreciate just how vivid the autumn colours are, that Mother nature provides for us.

Anyway, that’s enough of all that reflection lark; lets get on with our gardening jobs this month. The lawn’s growth will be slowing down now, so a cut fortnightly should be enough, raise the blades to help protect it against future frosts. Keep raking any dead leaves off the grass, if you don’t, the grass will die and it will be back to spot seeding next spring. It’s a good idea to feed the lawn about now, but whatever you do don’t use the spring feed you’ve been hanging on to, use autumn feed. What we want is to encourage root growth and toughen up the grass, just what autumn feed does - to put spring feed on now will start top growth and make it vulnerable to frost and snow.

Fork over the flowerbeds to break up the surface. This allows air to penetrate and keep the ground sweet, it also allows the winter frosts to get into the soil and kill some of the bacteria and disease. You should also be cutting back those stems that have now got long and straggly in your borders, it makes things look tidier, helps stop wind damage and stops the roots of the plants from becoming loose.

Go round and check any stakes that you are using

to stabilise your trees and shrubs and make sure they are still doing their job before those winds of winter get organised - the last thing you need is to look into the garden before you go to bed and see your prize specimens bending over to breaking point in the gales. Its not funny getting mud on your pyjamas while trying to fix them back to their stakes and just why everybody else in the house finds it so amusing is a mystery to me too!

If you haven’t got round to planting your bulbs, now is definitely the last chance for early spring bulbs and the right time for tulips and hyacinths. Last month I went over bulb selection and planting, the same rules still apply.

This month will be the last time you need to trim your hedge before spring; it won’t be growing very much, so will look tidy and presentable all winter if its done properly now. Don’t forget to clear out underneath, it’s a great place for litter to gather and spoils the look if left alone.

Lastly, its time to think of all gardeners’ friends - the birds in our garden. Probably, up until now they have been able to get heaps of food from the fields and hedgerows around our villages but the time is rapidly approaching when they will need a bit of help. These fat balls and the like are good but a few scraps from the kitchen and stale bread are never turned down by the little chaps and in our area we are blessed with some lovely bright specimens. They are such fun to watch, too - possibly while your neighbour is out there in his pyjamas putting his stakes back in the ground!

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

Carens Creations07855 862412, email: [email protected]


VILLAGE LIFE

Call the IT Support Specialists• Certified Engineer • On site or home visits • No fix No fee• Same day callouts when available • Friendly and reliable service• Average fix / repair just £35 • Stevenage Based

Services Provided:• Virus & Spyware Removal• PC Health checks • Optimising slow PCs• Setting up home or office networks• Upgrades - Memory, Hard Disk, Software• Repairs, Backups, Data Recovery

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Call 0800 234 3412 or 07590 547 150www.hertshelpdesk.com

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VILLAGE LIFE

Please mention The Hitchin Village Directory when responding to adverts 28


VILLAGE LIFE

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STEPPING BACK IN TIME

Fresh & Funky Faces by Hannah is a face painting service for children’s parties, community and corporate events covering the

Hertfordshire area. Hannah Ainsworth is dedicated to providing fun and creative face art for children and adults alike. She carries public liability insurance, and has thorough cleanliness and hygiene routines ensuring a safe and professional service. Being a mother of two small children, she keeps the varied needs and most imaginative desires of her smallest clients top of mind, while making sure that their parents receive the quality experience that they are expecting. Hannah offers themed parties for children such as Pirate Parties for the boys including cool pirate designs and a treasure hunt, and for the girls Fairy Princess Parties offering face painting, nail

art as well as a wand and tiara for each princess. Hannah has always loved to be creative since

she was a little girl and enjoys many arts and craft hobbies. Having had a go at face painting at her sons’ school events as well as volunteering at some charity events she has a new found passion in face painting and absolutely loves it. Her enthusiasm shines through her face painting and her fun loving personality is a hit with the kids!

For further information you can contact Hannah on01438 216657 or 07793 975 222, alternatively visit www.freshandfunkyfaces.co.uk


BUSINESS FOCUS

Fresh and Funky Faces01438 216657 / 07793 975 222www.freshandfunkyfaces.co.uk

Fresh and Funky Faces

Destination Christmas


ON YOUR TRAVELS

The history of Christmas markets goes back to the Late Middle Ages in the

German speaking part of Europe. The Dresden Christmas market, first held in 1434, is one of the oldest Christmas markets. It attracts between 1.5 and 2 million visitors a year and has over 60 stalls. The markets are very pretty and attract visitors from all over the world. We are lucky with easy transport links across Europe we have a whole variety of places to choose from including markets closer to home.

Colourful Christmas Market stalls are usually set out in the town or city centre. Most stalls, who are not selling Glühwein (hot mulled wine) or food, will display a huge range of traditional Christmas gifts and decorations, including wooden toys, glass, ceramic and porcelain articles.

Gifts which your friends and family are sure to remember forever! Among the favourites are wooden decorations, beautifully painted glass baubles, decorated gingerbread biscuits, candles and music boxes. The atmosphere is always magical especially as it gets dark as each wooden hut comes to life with twinkling lights and music. Here are a few suggestions for you to visit.

Cologne, Germany.The city of Cologne hosts seven Christmas markets. The four largest Christmas markets are located at Cologne Cathedral, on the Alter Markt (Home of the Heinzel Christmas Market), on the neumarkt (Angel’s Market 22nd november to 23rd December) and on the Rudolfplatz (Fairytale Christmas Market). Every year these

four markets attract almost 2 million visitors. The market at Cologne Cathedral is particularly impressive due to the imposing Cathedral. The Christmas market on the Alter Markt takes place in front of the city hall. It has an especially idyllic atmosphere because of its half-timbered stalls. Cologne’s oldest Christmas market is the market on the neumarkt, in the shopping area against the backdrop of the Church St. Aposteln. The market on the Rudolfplatz takes place in front of the Hahnentorburg. There is also the Medieval Christmas Market outside the Chocolate Museum, a floating Christmas Market on board the MS Wappen von Mainz, and the Christmas Market at Stadgarten from 25th november to 23rd December)

A three-day break to visit the markets by coach can cost as little


Off Broadway TravelTelephone 07932 154240, [email protected]

ON YOUR TRAVELS

as £159 per person based on continental breakfast in a 4 star hotel (2 people sharing) departing on the 6th December. With a pick up point of Welwyn Garden City.

Brussels, BelguimBrussels will hold its annual Winter Wonderland on the Place Sainte Catherine, from 26 november 2010 through to 2 January 2011.

An array of products will be available in a warm and friendly atmosphere. This market with its cheerful lights, delicious aromas and a vast number of stalls promises a true holiday atmosphere. In addition to the Christmas Market the ice skating rink offers fun for all. This year for the first time a separate small skating rink invites toddlers to enjoy this wonderful winter sport too. And the holiday atmosphere would not be complete without a visit to the Grand’Place decorated in festive lights for the occasion.

Travel by Eurostar from

London, 4 days from only £229 per person based on 26th november again continental breakfast staying in a 4 star hotel (2 people sharing).

If you prefer to stay closer to home then how about a Christmas market in Bath or Canterbury?

Bath’s Christmas MarketEach year, the Abbey Churchyard area – a magical setting in the shadow of Bath Abbey and next to the Roman Baths, right in the centre of the stunning Georgian city’s shopping district, is transformed into a Christmas shoppers’ haven – Bath Christmas Market. The internationally renowned festive gift market is set to go ahead in its tenth year and we are delighted to announce that the Bath Christmas Market will run for an additional seven days this year — a total of 18 days!

123 traditional wooden chalets full of everything you’ll need to prepare for the perfect Christmas will adorn the streets. If you

are looking for something extra special to make your Christmas perfect, Bath Christmas Market is the place you’ll find it.

Canterbury’s Traditional Christmas MarketFor the 5th time Whitefriars Square, which is situated right in the centre of the picturesque, medieval City Canterbury, will be transformed into a small traditional Christmas Market.

Visitors can enjoy the festive atmosphere of the yule-tide market, whilst relaxing with a glass of “Glühwein” (German Mulled Wine) and listening to traditional Christmas music. The typical German Sausage “Bratwurst” does not need an introduction, gingerbread hearts for your loved ones, roasted almonds and candies to taste the “sweet side of life” or a delicious crepe.


VILLAGE LIVING

RUSSELL DICKSON GARDEN LANDSCAPEDESIGN & CONSTRUCTION

StoneworkPavingPatiosTerracesWallingTurfingPlantingWater Features& Related Projects

www.russelldicksonlandscape.co.uke: [email protected]

Call: 07833 591340 01438 821384


VILLAGE LIFE

Birthday Parties - Fairs and Fetes - Corporate Events

Tel: 07793 975 222 or 01438 213 3567Email: [email protected]

www.freshandfunkyfaces.co.uk


Tel: Tel: 07793 975 22207793 975 222


01438 213 356701438 213 356707793 975 22207793 975 222 01438 213 356701438 213 356707793 975 22207793 975 222

Birthday Parties - Fairs and Fetes - Corporate EventsBirthday Parties - Fairs and Fetes - Corporate EventsBirthday Parties - Fairs and Fetes - Corporate Events

Tel: Tel: 01438 213 356701438 213 356701438 213 356701438 213 356701438 213 356701438 213 3567

by HannahBirthday Parties - Fairs and Fetes - Corporate EventsBirthday Parties - Fairs and Fetes - Corporate Events

by Hannahby Hannahby Hannah

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VILLAGE LIFE

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Call today for a free quote: 07874 931 920 or visit: www.mjburrells.co.uk

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VILLAGE LIFE

Please mention The Hitchin Village Directory when responding to adverts 18

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10% off or free cut with any colour every Wednesday during October.

8 High Street,Offley. SG5 3AA

Tel: 01462 768367Not to be used with any other offer or discounts.

Salon 367 QP 1010.indd 1 24/09/2010 08:20

HOME APPLIANCE

REPAIRSRepairs of Washing Machines, Tumble

Dryers, Electric Cookers & Ovens and all

domestic appliances.

Specialist in Hotpoint, Indesit, Ariston, Creda

and Whirlpool.

SHIRONDOMESTIC APPLIANCESTel: 01438 720304Mobile: 07739 922493

Shiron Domestic QP 0310.indd 1 25/02/2010 12:34

Specialising in wedding �lowers, beautiful, stylish �lowers tailored to suit the bride,

her dress and the wedding venue. For a free consultation call Lotty & start creating the

perfect �lowers for your special day. Telephone: 01438 821 888

121 high Street, Codicotewww.peony�lorist.co.uk

Specialising in wedding �lowers, beautiful,

The Peony Florist

Peony Florist QP 1010.indd 1 24/09/2010 08:16

Waxing, Massage, Manicures & PedicuresSpecial occasions, hen parties,

birthdays, weddings & pamper parties!

Isabella’s BeautyBeauty at affordable prices

Gift vouchers also available on requestHome visits at “yours or mine”

Call Jo Manzo: 07960 980317 or email: [email protected]

for further information and prices

Isabellas Beauty QP 1010.indd 1 27/09/2010 11:23


VILLAGE LIFE

Restaurant Quality Food delivered straight to your door

Vast range of very high quality products including: Seafood, Fish, Poultry, Meat,

Desserts and Gourmet FoodFor a free no obligation presentation of our

products please contact Eddie on 07812 489 923

Fine Dining 0910.indd 1 26/08/2010 18:44

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We care for your lawn

7



VILLAGE LIFE

What’s on in October Take a Break…

Cros

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DU

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2nd October and 6th NovemberHitchin Community SurgeriesOn the first Saturday of each month from 10.30am to noon Hitchin councillors are available to answer queries and talk to residents about issues that concern them. Weather permitting they are held at Market Place, otherwise they take place in Church House opposite St Mary’s Church.

Friday 8 October MP Advice Surgery at Graveley Village HallThe Rt. Hon. Peter Lilly MP for Hitchin and Harpenden will be holding advice surgeries for his constituents from 3pm to 6pm. Tom make an appointment, call 01582 834 344 or visit www.peterlilley.co.uk

16th October 10am to 12pmCodicote Playgroup Open Day Come and visit Codicote Playgroup in their new premises, St Giles Parish Centre, Bury Lane (next to the church). All are welcome for a fun filled morning. Please contact Claire on 07542 285 412 for further information.

25th and 26th October 8.00pmGotta Sing Gotta DanceFeaturing two hours of spectacular song and dance numbers from stage and screen, a top West End cast and superb live band invite you on an exhilarating journey through the wonderful world of musical theatre. From the MGM movie musicals of Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly to stage classics Phantom Of The Opera, Les Miserables and Oliver to the latest West End smash hits Wicked, Jersey Boys and Hairspray, Gotta Sing Gotta Dance promises you an unforgettable night at the musicals! Gordon Craig Theatre, Stevenage – Box Office: 01438 363 200

31st October 7.30pm at Knebworth Village HallKnebworth Twinning Association Presents The Orchestre d’Harmonie de Châtelaillon-Plage (our French Twin Town’s orchestra) arrive here for a weekend visit which will culminate in a Joint Concert with Stevenage Male Voice Choir and Hitchin Symphony Orchestra on 31st October. Tickets £5 for Hosts and KTA members, £6 otherwise. Under 16’s £1. Wine and soft drinks will be available to purchase. Tickets by post from KTA, 12 Stonecroft, Knebworth, SG3 6BL, please give your address and telephone number and enclose a stamped addressed envelope and a cheque made out to Knebworth Twinning Association.

Saturday, 13th November from 10am till 12pmCodicote Playgroup Nearly New Sale On at the Peace Memorial Hall. A great chance to unclutter your home or grab some bargains in time for Christmas. For a seller’s pack please contact Emma on 01438 821828 or 07790 343962. Limited space so please register to sell as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Saturday November 27th 2010. KTA 20th Anniversary Dinner Dance The evening will have a Glenn Miller theme – with dancing to the Albert James Band. We can promise you a splendid four course meal and a cabaret performance by our very own Anna Brewer. Wear your “posh frocks” or maybe come in a costume appropriate to the era! Tickets £23 for KTA members, £25 otherwise. Pay Bar and Raffle. Tickets by post from KTA, 12 Stonecroft, Knebworth, SG3 6BL, please give your address and telephone number and enclose a stamped addressed envelope and a cheque made out to Knebworth Twinning Association. Please give any Special dietary requirements and, if you wish, a list of the people who will sit on your table with you. To help us with the catering the Final date for applications will be Saturday 13th November.

ACROSS1 At risk (10) 6 Release (4) 10 Zeppelin (7) 11 Stalemate (7) 12 Duck species (7) 13 Knotted (6) 16 Ancient civilisation (5) 18 African nation (5) 19 Speed measurement (initials)

(3)20 Serpent (3)22 Coffee drink (5) 23 Blade (5) 25 Responsible for a dishonest

act (6) 26 Pen smudge (3-4) 30 Dante’s ______

The first cantica of the Divine Comedy (7)

31 Mountain-dwelling caprid (7)

32 Festivity (4) 33 Soccer, tennis or basketball

athlete, for example (4-6)

DOWN1 Significant periods

of time (4) 2 Inactive (7) 3 Nothing (5)4 To live and learn (10)5 Nefarious (4) 7 Speaking platform (7)8 All places (10) 9 Old, unmarried, female (8) 14 Criticising, ranting (10) 15 Oppressive (10) 17 Graveyard (8) 21 Distressing, esp

physically (7) 24 Study of animals (7) 27 Fight (5) 28 Prolonged state of

unconsciousness (4)29 Imperial Russian leader (4)


VILLAGE LIFE

To advertise in The Hitchin Village Directory please call Melanie on 01438 216 950 23

Village Tree Services

Tel: 01462 435 873 Mob: 07717 744 274

Professional Tree Care Services All Aspects of Tree Work Undertaken

Fully Qualified and Insured Logs Available

VillageTree Services

Tel: 01462 435 873Mobile: 07717 744274

Village Tree Services 0310 QP.indd 1 22/02/2010 13:46

Marias QP 0410.indd 1 22/03/2010 07:50

• • •

25


JCS SOLICITORS

Divorce & Separation

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.

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

For Specialist Matrimonial Advice

Cohabitation

www.jcssolicitors.co.uk

Tel: 01438 820 946


SHOWCASE

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

Michael ShelleyElectricalQualified Electrician

“No job too small”Tel: 01438 820 820Mobile: 07930 243651Email: [email protected] member of ElecSa

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Fantastic flyer printing service

For further details call us on 01438 216 950.

Flyers are printed on both sides in full colour on 130gsm paper. 5,000 10,000 15,000A5 double-sided £150 £240 £3204pp A5 A4 folded in half £270 £415 £5506pp DL A4 folded in three £242 £330 £420

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Cutting Edge TilingDomestic Wall and Floor

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To arrange a free estimate please call Paul on:

Tel: 01438 365649Mob:07531 451255

COMPUTERPROBLEMS

Want to kick your computer?

CALL Mike for a FREE consultation

Telephone: 07889 [email protected]

Codicote Online 0610.indd 1 10/05/2010 18:41

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village life october 2010

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