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Watford Flea magainze edition 217
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FREE TO PICK UP !
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We are local consultants for the largest installers of solar
electric (PV) systems in the South East. We can visit your
property to advise you of the best system for your property
and the financial benefits of having that system installed; these
include the savings on your electric bill and the Government
incentive. You will be paid for generating electricity for 25
years, and the system can pay for itself within 10 years when
considering the constant rises in the cost of electricity from
your supplier. Our exclusive panels come with a 25 year
performance warranty and are made in the United Kingdom,
therefore ensuring they suit the British climate.
Call: 07547 828352 (mobile) or 01923 235989 (24hr answerphone)
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.mjwp.biz
SAVEON
ELECTRICITYCOSTS
SAVE MOREDISCOUNT GIVEN ON AIR-TO-AIR WHEN PURCHASED WITH A PV SYSTEM!
GO GREEN - AND SAVE MONEY AT THE SAME TIME!PLEASE CHECK OUR WEBSITE FOR ALL OUR OTHER SERVICES.
SAVEON
GAS OR OILCOSTS
Our solar system installers also install Worcester Bosch Air-
to-Air Heat Pump systems. This product helps you reduce
your heating bills as it runs off electric, and not the more
expensive gas or oil. Savings can be in the region of 70%
on your heating costs. An Air-to-Air Heat Pump system can
produce 5 times more heat than the electrical energy it uses,
and in warmer months the operating process can be reversed
to provide cooling air. There are also health benefits due to
the unique active air purification feature which neutralizes
airborne bacteria, viruses and allergens which is particularly
beneficial to Asthma and Hay Fever sufferers.
Greensource air to air heat pump remote control
Air to air heat pumps work in a similar way to air to water
heat pumps, but instead of generating hot water, the heat
from the compressed refrigerant solution is turned into hot
air by the indoor unit which is distributed into the property.
In addition, Greensource air to air heat pumps can also
operate as an air cooler during warmer months and
advanced air purification technology is particularly
beneficial to allergy sufferers.
Air to air heat pumps are an attractive alternative where
external space is limited as they require nothing more than a
suitable outside wall, making them ideal for a wide range of
property types, including apartments and smaller homes.
The indoor unit is designed for quiet operation and the
system is operated using a remote control with an easy
to read LCD display.
Greensource air to air heat pumps.
Greensource air to air features and benefits:
• Energy efficient – efficiency of up to 500%
with a CoP of up to 5
• Compact design requiring only an outside wall
• Suitable for a wide variety of property types,
including apartments and conservatories
• Quiet operation
• Easy to install and maintain by a qualified
refrigeration engineer
• Can be used to provide cool air in the summer
• Active Ion-technology air purification technology,
ideal for allergy sufferers
• Inverter technology – modulates with high demand,
making it more effective
• Low maintenance
• Comprehensive 2 year* warranty
The Greensource air to air heat pump indoor unit
The Greensource air to air heat pump outdoor unit
14
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This information is for guidance only. We always recommend you consult a qualified installer.
More technical information can be found on page 27.
* Terms and conditions apply
BBT2178 Renew broc 2010 14/7/10 17:33 Page 14
publicity for business
• Areyoulaunchingabusiness?
• Areyoulookingforhelpwithmediastrategy?
• Haveyouplansforgrowththatneedimplementation?
• Perhapsyouneedtorefreshyourbranding?
If so, why not call us for a no obligation discussion on how we may be abletohelp‘makeadifference’toyourbusiness,ortakeaminuteto visit our blog, http://charliekenny.wordpress.com
Tel . 07804 038570Shop Window … Marketing Services … Business Planning … Growth Consultancy
www.watford.theflea.co.uk3
Strictly The LastOver a thousand people enjoyed the fifth and final Strictly Come Hospice “Grand Finale” event staged by Watford’sPeaceHospiceinFebruaryattherecentlyrefurbished Colosseum.
The judges were ‘Strictly Come Dancing’s’Andrew Cuerden, Melanie Hooper from ‘Dancing with the Stars Australia’withPaul Alex and Fay KnightfromWatford’sfamous Moonglow Dance Studio.
An added bonus was the surprise appearance of Dancing on Ice star Chico.
Our cover picture by renowned local photographer David Long captures Grand Finalists and winners of the 2011 competition Adam Meehan and Claire Cameron.
Jive winners and overall champions in the Grand Finale were Caroline Roche and Jeff Salmon, while the trophy fortheChaChaChawenttoJeffFolkinsandClaire Carpentier.
The Peace Hospice provides a wonderful service to our community. Why not donate to show your support at virginmoneygiving.com?There’sadirectlinktotheirfundraising page in the web versions of this edition.
Orgetinvolvedintheirfundraisingevents-there’ssomething for everyone, from coffee mornings and concertstomarathonsandevenaHimalayantrek!Seethefulleventslistathttp://peacehospice.co.uk/event.asp
Finally,ladies-don’tforgettheannualStarlightWalkon23rdJune.Getexercising!
Thanks for reading your local flea magazine - whether on paper or on screen with one of our four on-line versions.
In this edition, John Canavan from the Gloworm Autocentre brings you the 3rd Gloword, a crossword puzzle with a bottle of champagne for the winner.
We also take a look at renewable energy as well as ways to re-energise yourself and help relieve the many stresses of modern life - and a free voucher to start.
As summer approaches, we look forward to welcoming our fifth business studies intern from France, this year an eighteen year old girl who will need an English-speaking family host in the Watford area for about 10 weeks. If you think you can help or need more information, please get in touch.
Please support our advertisers - and let us have your feedback. Remember you’ll find lots more on our website: www.watford.theflea.co.uk
EdTel: 01923 731160 The Watford Flea Magazine email: [email protected] Is published by flea ltdwww.watford.theflea.co.uk Watford Printers Building 58 Vicarage Road Watford. WD18 0EW
The opinions expressed by contributors do not necessarily represent the views of flea ltd and therefore we do not accept any liability to the same..
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From the Editors Desk
Moore Solicitors are Watford’s
Specialist Advisors on Employment
Law for Employees & Employers
Principal Harsha Moore explains: What’s new in Employment Law?
TheGovernmentwantstomakemanychanges.YoumayhaveheardVince Cable, the Business Secretary, detailing these in November 2011.Threeimportant‘changes’arehighlightedbelow.
• Increasingtheyearsofserviceanemployeehastowork from1to2yearsbeforebeingabletomakeaclaimof unfair dismissal (UFD) Ifyou’vebeenemployedforlessthantwoyearsyouwon’tbe abletomakeaclaimofUFDunlessunderoneoftheexceptions. This may reduce numbers of UFD claims but may increase discrimination claims used to avoid the 2 year rule.
• Chargingafee Currently an individual does not need to pay any money to start a claim. Introducing a payment system may deter some people.
• UseofACASpriortostartingtheclaim ACAS is a statutory body set up to conciliate matters between individuals and employers. Under this change an individual will have to be heard by ACAS conciliators first. That may reduce the numbers of claims but could cause confusion, time delay and a further strain on ACAS resources. It could also cost both parties more money.
This article is for general information only; if you have a
specific query you should obtain legal advice.
Parade House
135 The Parade • High Street
Watford • WD17 1NA
T 01923 238 427 M 07930 968 788
E [email protected] www.mooresolicitors.co.uk
Moore Solicitors is regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority under registration number 554702. Information sourced from Law Society Gazette, 1 December 2011.
O O R EMSOLICITORS
O O R EMS O L I C I T O R S
O O R EMs o l i c i t o r sHarsha MooreSolicitor
www.watford.theflea.co.uk4
Tricked by Tesco?Scammed by Sainsbury?Conned by the Co-op?Remember the days when grocery shopping was simple?
Thecornershopwasalwaysmoreexpensivethanthesupermarket
andthebiggerthesupermarket,thecheapertheprices.Thebigger
the box you bought the cheaper it was. As a rule, prices of identical
goods in similar sized shops were not that different - maybe just a
few pence here and there.
Nolonger!Pricesforeverydayitemscanvaryby70%andmore
whichifyou’rebuyinghalfadozenofthesameitemcanmean
averysubstantialsaving-butonlyifyoupicktherightshopon
therightday!
Layouts were designed for our convenience, with everyday items
likebread,milk,butterandeggsconvenientlynearthefrontso
you could just “pop in” to grab those essentials. Now, without
exception,youhavetotrektothebackofthesupermarkettofind
aloafofbread,convenientlyensuringthatyouwalkpastallthose
apparentlytempting“SpecialOffers”thatdon’talwaysturnoutto
bequiteas“special”asthecolouredlabelswouldhaveusbelieve!
Anddoesn’t itmakeyoumadthat,nosoonerhaveyoulearnt
wherestuffis,theymoveitsomewhereelse?
Fedupwithhikingroundmilesofaisles,we’reofftopatronise
our local shops - at least some still survive and we get a friendly
greetingwhilesavingshoeleatherandtheenvironment!
Check out the extended version of this article on our website
with real-life examples of how big supermarkets confuse us
into believing we’re getting good value - and how to fight back!
THE ABBOTS LANGLEY PLAYERSPresents
A farce by Ray Cooney.
‘Out of Order’
When Richard Willey, a Government Junior Minister, plans to spend
an evening with Jane Worthington in suite 648 at the Westminster
Hotel things go disastrously wrong when the discovery of a body is
madeinhisroom.HelpissummonedfromRichard’sPPS,George
Pigdon. Things go from bad to worse for the MP and the lengths
Richardwillgotoprotecthisreputationhavenobounds!
Performances
14th – 17th March 2012 Henderson HallAbbots Langley, Hertfordshire.
Performances start at 8pm
Matinee performance 2.30 pm Saturday 17th March 2012.
Box office: 0844 804 5354
Tickets: £8.00 (concessions £7.00)
dennis parkerart courses
Mornings + EveningsStanmore + Hatch End
Watercolours • Pen & Wash • Pastels Acrylics Calligraphy • Mixed Media
020 8381 2392www.dennisart.co.uk
www.watford.theflea.co.uk5
Art Exhibition in RadlettThe Apthorp Gallery at the Radlett Centre is hosting yet anotherfineexhibitionofartworkthroughoutMarch2012FollowingFebruary’shighlysuccessfulrunofMySecret
View, an uplifting photographic exhibition by Roger Plummeridge, in March it showcases an eclectic and visually stunningcollectionofworkfromoverthirtyartists,all
members of the Berry Lane Art Group. Theworksincludebrusho,oilpainting,collageandwater-
colour and are available to purchase.
Berry Lane Art Group has been in existence for over three years.Thegroup’stutorsGillianBlairandFrancesBlack
encourage members to try new techniques and develop their potential in a relaxed and informal environment. There’sadifferentprojecttotryeveryweek.
For more information, contact Gillian Blair on 01923 224680 or email [email protected]
Image “Brusho Still life” by Sheila Sw
an
Arts Expo 2012 - Radlett Centre 2nd - 30 May 2012
Exhibitors include local clubs, art galleries and more distant studios.Signed Limited Edition Prints by the late Beryl Cook OBE available to purchase.
Sunday 27th May 2012, 10.30am - 4pm One Day Art Fair with micro-sculptor Willard Wigan attending (see watford flea edition 204)
Wednesday 16th May 6pm-9pm Free “Meet the Artists” evening
Space² - Watford’s pop-up galleries.
The latest at 69 High Street has the theme “Space”
The gallery at Watford Museum features “A Sense of Place’” - work by Sophie Cordery, using printed fabric as her canvas.
Both open Thursday-Saturday from 10am
On weekdays, see prints by Tina Reid at the Town Hall
Check flea’s What’s On guide on-line for more art events in and around Watford
A R T S D I A R Y
By using the HypnoBand® hypnotherapy system we create a state of mind where you believe you actually have a Gastric Band fitted! You will eat small portions and feel full.
The HypnoBand® system is a long-term solution to your weight problems but takes just four relaxing one hour sessions over eight days. It could change your life forever!
Monica Varo GQHP, Dip. IHP, PNLP, MNLP, TFTP
T. 07772 467444 E. [email protected] any medical procedure there can be no definite guarantees. YOU hold the key to losing weight
What if you could have all the benefits of a Surgical Gastric Band, without the surgery or the cost?Well, now you can!
www.watford.theflea.co.uk6
£20 PER HOUR F ree Record Book le t s • Theor y Tu i t ion
B lock Book ing s • Even ing s and Weekends
FRIENDLY FEMALE INSTRUCTORS
Ca l l today on01923 351863 o r 0776 516 2890 / 0771 430 1350
www.drive4l i fe .me
On Statins?You should read this!Statins,usedtolowerbloodfatlevels,aretheworld’smost
widely prescribed drugs. Recipients are often overweight,
middle aged or older with heart problems or diabetes.
Statinsprovidehugerevenuestothemanufacturers,soit’s
not surprising that big pharmaceutical companies have for
years rebutted anecdotal reports of side effects.
However, last month the FDA acknowledged that
forgetfulness, confusion and increased blood sugar levels can
becausedbystatins!Notexactlyhelpfulforolderdiabetics!
Weallknowthat
no drug, whether
manufactured
or natural, is
risk-free - so
minimizing their
use and checking alternative approaches for the relief of
symptoms is sensible.
Ifyou’retakingstatins-beawarebutdon’tstoptakingthem
without consulting your GP.
Autogenic Training (AT) is a structured
relaxationmethod(learnedovera9-week
period) and superb for those whose mind-
body systems simply need a gentle
‘nudge’torestoringtheirownbalance.
I love teaching AT to young people.
I knowtheythenhavethis remarkable
method available to use for the rest of their lives.
Myyoungestclients’agesrangefrom10-14.
A 10-year-old girl had had some occasional bullying problems. She did
a shortened AT course, found she could strengthen her own resolve
andstartedmakingfriends.Shedidn’tneedtochangeschools.
A13-year-oldboysuffered‘schoolphobia’.Constantlyillwith
realyetminorcomplaints,hehadattendedafullweekofschool
only a few times since the age of eight. His mother, who had
learned AT in a group – sent her son for individual sessions. By
theendofourworkingtimetogetherhehadalreadyattended
twofullconsecutiveweeksofschoolandhisattendancerecord
quicklyimproved.
An 11-year-old girl had sleep problems. Her mother decided to
learn AT first, before her daughter. It was an excellent idea: the
daughter never needed it, as she started to sleep.
Everyone who learns AT needs motivation to bring about their own
change. If that is in place, the possibilities are endless and exciting.
More information? Read the on-line version of this
article at www.watford.theflea.co.uk/magazine or visit
Jane’s website.
Jane Bird Autogenic Training
01923 675501 [email protected]
Autogenic Training & Young People
DESTRESS • REVITALISECREATE CORE STABILITY
HAVE FUN!
Monday, 7:30 - 8.30pm
Parkgate Youth & Community Centre, Southwold Road, North Watford
Wednesday, 10.00 - 11.00am
Bernays Memorial Hall, The Broadway, Stanmore
Open to all Levels
Price from £6.50 (if course booked in full)
Please call for more information
07917 026 648
Also available: Yoga in the workplace, Private sessions, Yoga parties...
www.blueskyyoga.co.uk
M J TCatering
WeddingsFunerals
ChristeningsOffice FunctionsSummer Parties
M J TCatering
T 01923 351421 M 07789 620825WWW.MJTCATERING.CO.UK
M J T Catering offers…
you and your guests or clients a wide range of menus, services and styles.
We are happy to include complimentary assistance in sourcing qualified photographers, florists, special event equipment or even a location for your event.
Whether you are planning an intimate evening for friends, a fully appointed Wedding, or a high profile Corporate Event, we will work to ensure that it is a complete success.
Please call to discuss your personalised requirements, designed for your style, budget and location.
M J T CateringCaterers of Distinction T 01923 351421 M 07789 620825
For the office…
M J T bring delicacies to the boardroom or wholesome sandwiches and light snacks for those on the go. All our food is freshly sourced, locally prepared and is presented in bio-degradable paper materials sourced from sustainable forests*
* we do not support the use of plastic packaging.
OFFICE FUNCTIONSCORPORATE HOSPITALITY WEDDINGS - PARTIES FUNERALS - CHRISTENINGS
TELEPHONE MOBILE01923 351421 07789 620825www.mjtcateringwatford.com
Be Rejuvenated & EnergisedStressed, Traumatised, Overworked, Unwell?
Just need to be pampered?
Barbara Brennan Healing & Reiki
To support your wellbeing
Call Seema. 07894 761 302
www.sacredhealing-journeys.com
www.watford.theflea.co.uk7
Tania Clarke explains that positive changes in the way we think improve the way we feel and react as well as how we are perceived by others.
Athomeandatworkitisnotuncommontofeelbackedintoa corner. Often, people see 3 ways out: fight, flight or freeze.
Youwanttobeassertive,butyoucan’tfindrightresponseat the time.
Overwhelming emotion floods the body. Words or things may be flung about aggressively, or perhaps, feeling completely deflated you say: “OK, Fine … I’ll do it!”, or the
tearsflow…again.Perhapsyou’recaughtlikearabbitintheheadlights:yourmindisemptyandyou’rerootedtothespot.
Itdoesn’thavetobethatway.Otherpeoplereactdifferently.Some will even turn the situation into an opportunity. So why can’tyou?...
You can. Yes. You can!
Theproblemis,onceyou’reinthatcorner,youdon’tfeellikeyouhavemany(orany)options.You’vebeentherebefore.Youknowhowitworks.There’snowayout.Notawayoutthatyoucantake.Other peoplecantaketheopportunity
because they’re‘inwiththeboss’orthey have the ‘gift of thegab’.Youcouldn’tdothat.
Why not?
It’sbecauseyoufollowapatternofbehaviourthatyou’renotincontrolof.
Once you understand why, and how you can change, your confidence grows and new possibilities open up.
LastyearIworkedwithSophiewhocalledherself‘theserialquitter’.UsingtheThriveProgramme,Sophielearnttorecognisethecycleofbehaviourshewascaughtin,thethinkinghabitsthataffectedherindifferentsituations.
Afterwards, Sophie wrote:
“The Thrive Programme is very different in its approach and helps you understand your own personality and thinking style before helping you change your thinking in a positive and empowering way.
I was fortunate to have sessions with my Thrive Consultant, Tania. She helped me immensely as she challenges your thoughts and adds a different perspective. She is
professional, enthusiastic and empathetic, putting you at ease effortlessly.
I now feel much more confident and relaxed with higher self esteem and the determination to set goals and achieve them.
The best thing is knowing I have the choice and the power to change...”
Ifyou,likeSophiewanttobreakthroughyournormalthinkinghabitsandachievethechangesyouwantinyourlife, then give me a call on 07717 410 910 or email [email protected]’llarrangeafreeinitialconsultationinWatfordorBushey.There’snoobligation.We’lltakeabout45minutestodiscusswhatyouwanttoachieveandhowIcanhelp.Ifyouwantto,we’llarrangeanappointment for your first session.Mention this article and get that first session for half price.www.thrivewatford.co.uk
Taniahas25years’experienceindeliveringmajororganisationalchange.Shenowenablesindividualsandpartnershipstomakethechangestheywantintheirlives.ProfessorDavidHaslam,CBEsaid“HavingworkedwithTaniaClarkeoverseveralyears in the Healthcare Commission and Care Quality Commission I have been extremely impressed by the quality of her work, her sensitivity and hercommitmenttoimprovingpeople’slives.”
How would you like to Thrive?
www.watford.theflea.co.uk8
call on 07717 410910
email [email protected]
Providing we forget the state of the economy and
the efforts of Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond,
2012 is a great year for the Nation of the United
KingdommarkingQueensElizabethII’sDiamond
Jubilee, the Olympic Games, the success of Adele
and the opening of the Harry Potter experience at
Warner Brothers in Leavesden, as well as the 10th
Anniversaryoffleamagazine’sfirstedition!
Many patriotic types will be flying flags to celebrate.
The English who choose to fly the flag of St
Georgeneedn’tworry,becausethatflagisentirely
symmetrical-itlooksthesamewhicheverwayup
it’sflownandfromwhicheversideit’shung.
But that’s not the case with our national flag,
the Union Jack.
It is asymmetrical in both vertical and horizontal
planes, so there’s only one correct way to fly it - with
the broad white band at the top nearest the
flagpole!
Flying it upside down is a sign of distress - but even
ifyou’refeelingthatway,keepittoyourselfandget
that flag the right way up - please!
10
...but you might feel that it is. A degreeof stress is natural and healthy, inducingthe production of adrenaline whichhelps us perform better.
However, overwhelming and continuing stresscan lead to DiStress and cause many health and emotional problems. You might find it hard to sleep, become mildly depressed, feel anxious,and/or experience other seemingly unrelatedsymptoms such as asthma, irritable bowel and a range of other debilitating problems.
Whatever the cause of your stress, managing it is the key to feeling and getting better.
Autogenic Training (AT or ‘autogenics’) is aself-help method using good quality, easily learnedrelaxation, which switches off the fight-flight stressresponse. Practise for a few minutes 2-3 times a day and you can literally change the way your
fami ly l i festy le educat ion ar ts
Stress is not an illness…mind-body works. And you are likely to reduce or eliminate your symptoms. It takes 9 weeks tolearn AT: short-term therapy in a package!
Jane Bird’s background as a nurse enhances her approach to AT and for over 25 years she hasbeen helping people help themselves. She is afounder Member of the British Autogenic Society(Dip AT 1984), and currently teaches AT at theLondon Homoeopathic Hospital.
More information? Read the on-line version ofthis article at www.watford.theflea.co.uk/magazineor visit Jane’s website.
tel: 01923 675501 www.autogenic-therapist.co.ukemail: [email protected]
Jane BirdAUTOGENIC PSYCHOTHER APIST
01923 675501
j
A U T O G E N I C T H E R A P I S T
‘WATFORD’S FRIENDLY LOCKSMITH’58 Leavesden Road, Watford, Herts WD24 5EE
Dave HendersonManaging Director
tel 01923 220 541fax 01923 212 216mobile 07753 748 442email [email protected] www.connorlocksmiths.com
Asked what they know of Watford, thefirst thing most people say would bethe Harlequin Centre. Far from being just aretail therapy centre, Watford is a town surroundedby some beautiful countryside, interwoven with atapestry of footpaths and bridleways. Now is a greattime to be out and about. In this edition, DaveDegen invites you to discover Brightwells Farm andthe old Hamper Mill as you enjoy an afternoonstroll that takes less than an hour at a leisurely pace.
Walk: Brightwells Farm and HamperMill (about 3km)1. At the very end of Vicarage Road where itmeets the Ebury Way, continue down the unmadeapproach to Brightwells Farm.
2. Approaching the farmhouse, turn right down ashort track, through a gate and into the fields. Thepath hugs the hedgerows, curling in towards theoriginal Hamper Mill.
3. Cross the narrow footbridge and up a steep path brings you onto Hampermill Lane where youshould turn left and continue for about 700m.
4. Between the traffic lights and the red brickbridge, turn left and follow the bridleway.
5. Cross the brook bridge, then left as far as thefork – go left, up the steps, left again onto the EburyWay and back to where you started.
Do you have a local walk that may be ofinterest? Let Dave know. by calling flea on 01923 241852 or email [email protected].
Degen’s View
Flea Issue 2 No 11 [print]:Flea 22 19/04/2010 08:21 Page 10
Parv Walling ADIDriving InstructorDSA approved, fully insured
tel: 01923 244486email: [email protected]: http://parv.co.uk
Pass with Parv!
NAMEFREE initial consultation and one half price session of your ideal therapy Quick fix, Permanent Change or the Thrive Programme - training to be better.
www.thrivewatford.co.ukRegus HouseRoom 308, 54 Clarendon Road, Watford WD17 1DUThe Changing Room66-70 High St, Bushey WD23 3HEWatford Leisure Centre CentralPeace Prospect, Watford WD17 3HA
Redeemed
Expires : 1st June 2012
Not redeemable for cash. Redemption value not to exceed £75.00
Tel: 07717 410 910Email: [email protected]
SPECIAL OFFER VOUCHERtcchanges“helping you achieve
the changes you want”
Editors Wanted For local magazines with strong on-‐line presence * Work from home * Be your own boss Enquire without obligation
email: [email protected] phone: 08008 565686 01923 731160
Editors WantedFor local magazines withstrong on-line presence •Work from home •Be your own boss
Enquire without obligation
email: [email protected]
phone: 08008 565686 01923 731160 B
anner
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your
It’s Jubilee Year... So Fly the Flag
Butpleasegetittherightwayup!
www.watford.theflea.co.uk10
HAS YOUR PROPERTY BECOME A MAINTENANCE TIMEBOMB?
Do certain building defects remain a minor problem?Or can they escalate into something more costly ?
Let us Check We’ll give you peace of mind.
Our professional staff will tell you honestly what needs to be done and when.
We can also help make sure the repairs are done properly by:
• Survey and specification writing
• Contract procurement / competitive tender analysis.
• Project management and Client support services.
For your FREE quotation contact:
Stephen Parker M.C.I.O.B. F.B. Eng. Chartered Builder
SRP Property Survey SolutionsT. 01923 680570 M. 07985 534483E. [email protected]
JAC Property Consultancy LtdArchitectural Services · CAD DesignResidential/Commercial Property Advice
Tony JacksonBSc (Hons) MRICSTel/Fax: 01494 583600Mobile: 07779 653101Email: [email protected]
3 Tripps Hill CloseChalfont St Giles Buckinghamshire HP8 4JZ
JPR Electrical ServicesPart P Registered Installers
James Polhill Electrician
m. 07590 669049 t. 01923 443270e. [email protected] www.jprelectrical.com
installations, alterations & rewiresperiodic inspections • landlord certificatesfault finding & testing • emergency call outs
0 1 9 2 3 6 0 8 6 0 0 email : [email protected]
VoIP • TELEPHONE LINES • BROADBANDHARDWARE • SOFTWARE
Techy Corner:Is Your Smartphone Leaking?According to research by Channel 4 News, many popularAndroidapplicationsareleakingyourpersonaldatawithoutyourknowledge.
AccordingtooneofEurope’sleadinginformationsecurity research companies, a lot of the free applications in the top 50 allow advertisers to access all the areas of your phone that you have allowed the App to access.
The research company has demonstrated that a one-off App it built could send the content of text messages,calllogsandaddresslistsfromauser’sphonetoanadvertisingcompany!
Although you can decide what any App can access, many “Free Apps” require you to grant certain permissions as a condition of installing. You want the App - so you grant it, not realising the extent to whichyourpersonalinformationmaythenbeleaked
Viviane Reding, vice-president of the European Commissionsaid“They’respottingyou,they’refollowingyou,they’regettinginformationaboutyourfriends, your whereabouts and your preferences. That is certainly not what you thought you bought into when you downloaded a free App.”
The message is clear...Be very careful what you download!
www.watford.theflea.co.uk11
www.purplecash.co.uk
Despite the fact that there is no evidence
that the Loch Ness Monster exists –
some people still believe that ‘Nessie’
is real. So itdoesn’t surprisemethat I
constantly meet people who believe
another‘urbanmyth’-thattheyarea‘commonlawwife’and
willautomatically inherit theirpartner’sestate if theirpartner
dies before them.
Ifyouhaven’t legallymarriedyourpartnerorundergonea‘civil
partnership’ ceremony and your partner hasn’t made aWill,
thenyouwillbethesameasmanyotherswhoaremakingan
assumptionwithoutcheckingthefacts.
Thelawofintestacywilldictatewhoinheritswhatifyouhaven’t
madeawill–fordetailsofwhothiswillbecheckouttheflowchart
on my website www.planetwills.co.uk/intestacy-flow-chart.pdf -
theresultmightcomeasabitofashock.
MakingaWillistheonlywaythatyoucanbecertainbecausea
‘commonlawwife’justdoesn’texist.
If you want help or advice, call Planet Wills
Shirley Batten-Smith01923460011 www.planetwills.co.ukMakingthedifficulteasy
Urban Myths
For many, the prospects of long-term or indeed any
employmentcanlookbleakatthemoment.
Ifyouareoutofwork,orevenifyou’veneverbeen
employed, perhaps now is a good time to consider self-
employment?Thatmaysoundcounter-intuitive,butyou
wouldbeingoodcompany!
Not only have many highly successful companies been
startedintheheightofrecession-likeBurger King, Hyatt
Hotels, Fedex, General Electric, HP and even Microsoft
- but you would be in the company of many self-made
peers who have never experienced nor sought the supposed
security of employment - Richard Branson and Alan Sugar
being obvious home-grown examples.
Maybeit’stimetothinkwelloutsidetheproverbialbox?
Youcanreadanextendedversionofthisarticleatwww.watford.theflea.co.uk
BillGates-ReproducedunderlicenseofWorldEconomicForum(www.weforum.org),swiss-image.ch/PhotobySeverinNowackiAlan Sugar - adapted from original Image by Damien EverettRichardBranson-AdaptedformoriginalimagebyDavidShankbone
No Job No Cry
www.watford.theflea.co.uk12
‘nothing sells your business better than you’’
Ifyoucanrelatetothis,TheWeeklyBusinessNetworkmayberightupyourstreet.Ifso,Iwouldliketotakethisopportunitytoinviteyoualongandmeetagroupoflikemindedlocalbusinessmenandwomenmeetingonaregular basis for business through developed relations.
‘’people buy from people’’
TheWeeklyBusinesshasastructuredagenda,withweeklymeetingsofindividualcategoriesofbusinessinanonprohibitive, supportive environment. We are NOT a member organisation, we do not charge membership fees, nor do we promote any business service(s) other than that of our Forum attendees. Your only liability may be the early start (7am until 8.45am) together with a fee of £10 per meeting which contributes to the venue hire and a (very good)full-Englishbreakfast.
Sowhynotcontactustofindoutthebestdayforyouandyourbusiness?Eithertelephoneme,Matthew Bashford-Hayes on 07789 620825 or go to our website: www.theweeklybusiness.co.uk
The Weekly Business @ Watford Indoor Bowls ClubRear, Woodside Leisure, Horseshoe Lane, Garston, WD25 7HH
‘watford’s premier independent business forum’
Weekly Business @ Watford Indoor Bowls Club
Scientists have for years been trying to build the “ultimate” power plant by creating nuclear fusion - despite the fact that
there’saveryreliableandimmenselypowerfulnuclearfusionreactorsittingafairlysafe160millionkilometresaway-
theSun!
TheSun’sabilitytoprovideenergyisbeyondourimagination.Onlyatinyfractionoftheenergyitradiatesarriveson
Earthbut,ifwecouldcaptureit,theninjustonehouritwouldprovideallofmankind’stotalenergyrequirementsfora
year.Notonlythat,butit’smainlysolarenergythatgivesusourweatherwhichinturnprovidesotheroptionsforenergy
capturelikewindpowerandhydro-electricschemes.
Technology already exists to capture the directly radiated power, using the
infra red radiation to produce heat (Solar Thermal) and Photo-Voltaic (PV)
conversion to convert the light energy directly into electricity using semi-
conductor technology.
Thegoodnewsforusisthatitmakessoundcommercialandenvironmental
sensetoinstallsuchsystems-particularlyPV,becausethepeakradiation
from the Sun is in the visible spectrum and there is more energy in light
thanheat.Inourclimatethere’sseldomtoomuchofthelatter!
Despite reductions in the incentives offered by governments throughout Europe (and in the USA), the price of PV panels
has reduced as production levels have increased. Their energy conversion efficiency has improved too.
Sothinkseriouslyaboutinstallingyourveryown“fusionpowered”electricalgenerationsystemathome!
Nuclear Fusion at Home!Ph
otoc
redi
t: Ta
tmou
ss
www.watford.theflea.co.uk13
G A R S T O NC o m p u t e r S e r v i c e s L t d
D O Y O U N E E D H E L P W I T H :
• P e r s o n a l C o m p u t e r s ?• W i F i & R o u t e r s ?
• I n t e r n e t & I n t e r n e t R a d i o s ?• N e t w o r k s ?
• O f f i c e A p p l i c a t i o n s ?• I n t e r n e t B r o w s e r s ?
• E m a i l ?
N o p r o b l e m t o o s m a l l , i f y o u h a v e a n y q u e s t i o n s , p l e a s e f e e l f r e e t o
c o n t a c t u s .
F r i e n d l y P r o f e s s i o n a l S e r v i c e - w i t h o v e r 3 0 y e a r s e x p e r i e n c e i n I . T .
C o n t a c t J o h n o n
0 1 9 2 3 4 4 0 6 3 1 o r 0 7 8 4 6 7 1 7 8 3 4
OUTSIDE THIS SUMMER?It’s time to get all those outside jobs done so you can really enjoy outdoor life this summer.
New - Improve - Change - Update - Repair
Patios DrivewaysFencing PathsWalls LandscapingBrickwork BlockworkFoundations Groundwork
ALL GARDEN MAINTENANCE WORK
Let’s discuss your plans and give you a FREE Quote with No Obligation
Your Satisfaction Guaranteed!
creative views01923 492815
Designed with Imagination • Constructed with Pride
Are You Alone in Watford?….If you’re looking for a lonely hearts club, don’t read on!
You’re not alone - you’re one of more than 25,000 people who see each family edition of our little printed flea magazine - because it arrived through the letterbox or was picked it up at the local library or from one of over 70 locations in and around the town - as far afield as Radlett, Rickmansworth, Ab-bots Langley and Stanmore.
But perhaps you found us on the internet, where we publish each edition in four versions - all fully web-linked so that on-line readers can just click to find out more about the things that interest them.
Our advertisers rather like the way we offer them this powerful but FREE web coverage with extra back-links from two of the UK’s top 1500 websites - just for being in the printed flea magazine!
Add to that our web guide to What’s On in Watford and a growing list of local businesses searchable on our website and, whatever it is you need…you’ll find it in the flea
So if you’re fed up with advertising in magazines that do nothing useful for you on-line, why not get the power of flea behind your business or event?
You’ll be in good company… they’ll find you in the flea!
In Print On-Line On-Target
T. 01923 731 160E. [email protected]. www.watford.theflea.co.uk
family - lifestyle - education - arts
Much More than a Magazine
Ban
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pla
y lo
go
for
use
on lig
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unds
your
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3a. Maximum (3 . 4)
6a. ...Bound to change diet (4)
7a. Teds plan gone to pot (7)
8a. Tie value added tax to car repair (6)
9a. It’s done (4)
11a. Big mixed up foreign beer (5)
12a. Doctor takes a higher graduate to see a play (5)
14a. Start South to finish Dispatch (4)
16a. Apple appeal (4)
17a. Be in strong wind makes end of roof (5)
20a. Nettles and bees do this
21a. Five show how to defend successfully (9)
22a. Get to the sharp end (5)
1d. Investment publication showing leaning to farm animals (9)
2d. Mending broken marriages (9)
3d. Tip up until twisted somewhat (4)
4d. Re met at length (5)
5d. Not the centre of the team (4)
7d. Trimmed communist after father (5)
9d. Hang loose fabric on doctor & Primate (5)
10d. Release spy - he acts without constraint (4 . 5)
13d. Pleasingly Pretty angle (5)
15d. Lad wed very slowly (6)
18d. Fifty top cards which may tied (5)
19d. Victory Drink (4)
20d. Upset (4)
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Gloword Champagne Prize PuzzlePost your completed puzzle to us (or attach it to an email) at theaddressesshownonpage3toarriveby29April2012.Markyour envelope or head the email “GLOWORD” and include your name, address and daytime telephone number. First correct entry openedon30Aprilwins.Linkstocompetitionrulesandfullsizematrix at www.fleawin.com.
www.watford.theflea.co.uk15
polish shop
come and visit polski sklep
nikus polish shop
The demand for Polish food and drink has now made it the fastest growing ethnic food range in Britain, with success not just down to the UK Polish presence. Certain lines such as soft drinks, sweet delicacies and beer have become very popular with non-Poles.
A recent fl ea visit to Polski Sklep Nikus in Watford found food, which is exceptionally healthy and very tasty, lots of vegetables, prepared salads and lean meat presented in a very appealing way. Sklep Nikus is an Aladdin’s cave, with the most comprehensive range of goods imaginable, most direct from Poland at very competitive prices.
Now that more people are recognising the quality of the food which, with its strong fl avours and rustic nature, is quite similar to some traditional British cooking.
Cheers, it would seem, may soon be
replaced by the Polish toast ...
Jedzcie, pijcie i popuszczajcie pasathat is ‘eat, drink and loosen your belt’.
Tel. 07833 045058162c Lower High Street • Town Centre • Watford • WD17 2EG
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