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3

6 Garden zoneGardening tips for the green fingered

8 Trade zonePlumbers, Carpenters, Electricians, Garages

20 Health zoneHealth and fitness

25 Music zone Gigs, CD reviews, music shops

29 Film zone Film and DVD reviews by Tony Phillips

32 Fun zoneCrossword and Sudoku puzzles

Issue 17, August 2009

Published bySubstitute Publishing

EditorIan JefferiesTel: 07843 699514Email: ian@localinsight.co.uk

Design and Artwork.Donna Jones

Editorial ContributorsCharly Luck, Victoria Penfold, Carleanne Gwen O’Donoghue Lucy Coe

Articles submitted may be edited for length and clarity.

Interview with The Ruskins and Young Natep10, 13

MusicZonep25

Hitchin Bellesp14,16

HealthZonep20

Welcome to the 17th edition of Local Insight Hitchin, what a busy month it has been with the launch of both Stevenage and Letchworth editions! As always thank you to all our contributors and advertisers who enable the magazine to keep going.

Please do keep sending in any articles that you think will be of interest to your local community. Although the sun hasn’t been shining so far this summer fingers crossed August turns into a scorcher.

Until next Month

The Local Insight Team

4

St.Ippolyts StoresWaterdell Lane

St.Ippolyts, Hitchin, Hertfordshire SG4 7RB01462 – 450776

Monday – Friday 6am -6pmSaturday 6.30am-4pm Sunday 8am -12noon

Hello everyone

New Products We now stock a new range of farmhouse products. These come with St.Ippolyts Store labelling. We will be extending this range over the next few months, after we have had feedback from our customers. The range at the moment includes Lemon Curd, Damson Jam, Barbecue Relish, Creamed Horseradish, English Mustard, Pickled Onions, Pickled Beetroot, Pasta Sauce, Seville Marmalade and Sweet Pickle.

Postcards We have had a delivery of Postcards showing views of St.Ippolyts and also postcards with views of Hitchin. These are 30p each

WebsiteOur website is now up and running and we will be adding to it as we go along. Please have a look at it at www.stippolytsstores.co.uk and let us know what you think.

SundaysWe are open on a Sunday morning from 8.00am until 12 noon. We have now increased our supply of Sunday Times and Sunday Telegraphs along with other titles.

Off License We now stock a new local beer from Buntingford Brewery. It is called 92 Squadron, 4.5% 500ml bottle. This is brewed for the Battle of Britain Locomotive Society. It is a pale brown beer brewed using Amarillo & Columbus hops. This is a refreshing bitter beer, with hints of orange fruit flavours. If there are any speciality wines or beers you would like us to stock, come and let us know. We also now stock a range of spirits and spirit mixers.

GiftsWe now have some beautiful products from Garden Divas. We have discontinued stock and end of line ranges at discounted prices. We have a range of Home Allotment Prod-ucts including Potato Planter, Salad Planter and Vegetable Planter which all have a 10% discount of the R.R.P. We also have some quality gardening gloves and some camouflage shop boxes. Come in and have a look, the range will be changed and updated regularly.

The marquee is up now for the summer, so you can now sit down and enjoy your ice cream or drink.

Regards Amanda.

5

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localinsite.indd 1 19/06/2009 12:07:33

Gone are the days when dads pottered about in the garden shed, tinkering with machinery or finding new ways to keep unwanted insects off their vegetable patch. Don’t get us wrong, there’s no doubt that men still use the garden shed as a refuge – a means of escaping the hustle and bustle of a busy household. But nowadays that little wooden structure at the end of the garden is often seen as an extension of the living room, a place where a person can watch TV in peace or mess around on the internet. Of course, this newfound use means that the value of a shed’s contents has sky-rocketed.

According to insurer Swinton, the Great British garden shed is just as likely to house iPods and laptops as the mower and weedkiller these days. And it says that this is something to be seriously thought about when it comes to insurance.

A poll recently conducted by Swinton showed that the value of the contents of the average shed has trebled in the past 10 years. This seems to have arisen as a direct result of inventions such as wireless internet and expensive push bikes. If you’ve turned green and have ditched the car in favour of a cycle to work, the chances are that you’re storing your two wheels in the shed.

Alongside the bikes and laptops there are sprinkler systems, electric hedge clippers, cordless drills, strimmers, jet hoses, summer lights, gas barbeques, digital radios and even TVs. The value of this lot soon adds up.

Of the 2,000 males surveyed for the poll, a mere 5 per cent estimated the like-for-like cost of replacing the contents of their garden shed at less than £500. While 30 per cent of them though that the value would be over £700, 37 per cent said £500, and 22 per cent thought that it was over £1,000. A significant 6 per cent said that the value was likely to be more than £1,500.

Chris Collings, insurer development director at Swinton, said: “Sheds full of top-notch gear are a goldmine for thieves so it’s important to keep them secure and locked up. Car boot sales are full of stolen bikes and fly mowers. If you leave your shed unlocked then you might not be covered by your home contents policy so it pays to keep your items under lock and key. It’s also worth keeping receipts as proof of purchase.”

If you’re worried about the contents of your shed then Swinton shares some top tips for keeping it safe.

• Lock away all tools and equipment and ensure your shed is securely locked when not in use – cover windows with wire mesh on the inside

• Use plant protection such as thorny shrubs on border fencing

• Use trellis fencing as a noisy and irksome deterrent to climbing and consider anti-climb paint for drains pipes and wall tops

• Install security lighting which comes on automatically

Garden zone

Shed load of value

• Extend your burglar alarm to cover outbuildings and sheds

• Mark expensive items such as lawnmowers and bikes with your postcode

• Check home contents insurance small print to see if it covers the contents of your garden and garden shed or summer house

• Join your Neighbourhood Watch scheme

• Consider bringing the most expensive items into the house when you go on holiday. Forget potting plants – you’re just a likely to find

dad on the internet in the shed these days.

Plant & AquaticSpecialists

ARCH Plant CentreMaydencroft Lane

GosmoreHitchin

SG4 7QD

Tel: 01462 420 598

www.arch-plant-centre.co.uk

7

88

Trade Zonewww.localinsight.co.uk

www.localinsight.co.uk07843 699 514

If you would like to advertise with us Rates start from£35

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10 The Green, Stotfold, Hitchin, Herts SG5 4AN

Tony Orphanou& Associates

AccountantsJust a few services we offer:

Partners and Sole tradersAccounts preparationSelf assessmentManagement AccountsTaxation

Limited Companies

Accountancy ServicesManagement accounts

Business plansCorporate taxation

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Other Services

Company formationPayroll services

Business Start-upsVAT preparation

8 High Street, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 3EJTel: 01438 313 111 Fax: 01438 900 160

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We are more than just your accountant.

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Collection and delivery service available. View your test on site or enjoy a meal or drink at the nearby Greyhound Restaurant

London Road, St Ippolyts, SG4 7NJ Tel:01462 442700

Hobbs Close Garage

9

10

Q Aemen Sukkar, that was a great performance tonight by The Ruskins – what are your main influences ?

A I listened to a lot of Irish music when I was

growing up because my mum is Irish. This

inspires a lot of our songs and has a big

influence on our music.

Q Where are The Ruskins based?

A We come from west London. We really

love the party atmosphere up there, but

Hitchin is a very energetic crowd too!

Q What does the band think of Remix?

A We love it, it’s great! We’ve performed

here quite a few times and it’s always

lively. The venue is big so there’s a

large crowd and it’s great for people of

any age. Tonight’s event is crazy – the

atmosphere is amazing!

Remix is certainly the place to be for young people in Hitchin. Local Insight’s teenage reporters Charly Luck and Jasmine Bual interviewed surprise visitors The Ruskins and solo artist Young Nate.

Local Insight reporter Charly meets The Ruskins at Remix

The lowdown

11

12

Q First of all, how young is Young Nate?

A I’m only 19!

Q How did you get into the music business?

A I was looking everywhere for a job but no

one would accept my applications, so I

decided to start singing instead. I was only

16, but it was easy to get into the singing

business because there were so many

opportunities around my area, like local

talent shows and performances at bars.

Q Who are your idols, and has fame gone to your head at all?

A Erm… Jesus, Moses and the musical

legend Sam Cook :) And no, fame will

never affect me – as I see it, it’s just a job

which I enjoy doing, and it’s always been

a part of my life.

Q What do you think of tonight’s event at Remix?

A I really enjoyed performing here; it’s such

a good venue and there’s a really lively

crowd. I like its concert atmosphere and the

way it’s set out, with the stage at the front.

Tonight’s been crazy and I loved being

one of the surprises – the crowd was really

shocked when I came on stage to perform!

Local Insight reporters Jasmine interview upcoming solo artist Young Nate

13

Back in the late ‘90s, Hitchin youngsters looking to join a local football club were spoilt for choice. If they were boys, that is. For girls, it was a completely different story; there simply were no opportunities available.

Wind the clock forward to the present day and our town is now home to a thriving girls’ football club with more than 80 members… and fair few trophies to boot!

It all kicked off in 1997 when, after returning from the States where he’d been coaching women and youth players, it dawned on local football hero Roger Spicer that what Hitchin needed was a girls’ football club. He wasted no time in dropping flyers at every school and club, and the ball started rolling…

Thanks to the commitment of the girls, their families and their coaches, when Roger stepped down a year later there was no loss of momentum – it was clear that girls’ football in Hitchin was here to stay.

Hitchin BellesCelebrate a decade of playing the beautiful game

From standing start to thriving girls’ football club in just 10 years – we look at why Hitchin Belles’ membership just keeps growing and growing.

Some clubs are determined to win at all costs, but our ethos is ‘fun at all costs’. It’s playing the beautiful game that counts, not how well you play it, so all girls are welcome at Hitchin Belles.

Phil GregoryHitchin Belles Chairman

“ “

14

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15

16

In 1999, Hitchin Belles (now Hitchin Herts Belles) Football Club registered with the local league.

Phil Gregory has played a pivotal role in developing Hitchin Belles into the success that it is today. Now the club’s Chairman, he says: “I’ve had a great team helping me over the years, including outstanding contributions from people like Paul Rogers. My personal view of success is not about filling the cabinet with trophies – although we’ve won quite a few of them! No, it’s about getting as many girls as possible out there playing on the pitch, win lose or draw.”

The club is thriving, with five teams (Under-9s, Under10s, Under-12s, Under-13s and Under-15s) and nearly 100 members and associate members.

All girls are welcome at the club’s weekly training sessions – no experience required! To find out more, visit www.hitchinbelles.com. And if you know someone who’d like to join, contact Phil Gregory on 01462 458290 or email philgregory@hitchinbelles.com.

For me, it’s not necessarily about being the best team. It’s about giving young girls the opportunity to take part in a fun community activity that enables them to be active, keep fit, build their football skills and learn to work together as a team.

Nigel Payne Manager, Hitchin Belles Under-15s

“ “

I was quite shocked when I won the Club Player of the Year Award. I got it because I always turn up for matches and training, and I always try my very best. I’d recommend anyone to give Hitchin Belles a try, because even if you’re not very good, you can still get involved and have a lot of fun!

Ilana Barnes Hitchin Herts Belles Club Player of the Year 2009

“ “

17

The British Schools MuseumThe British Schools in Queen Street have been a place of learning for almost 200 years. This is where the first ‘monitorial school’ in Hertfordshire opened in 1810 – for the children of the working class.The buildings now house the British Schools Museum, preserving a unique collection of old classrooms, among them the only surviving Lancasterian Schoolroom in the world, and a very rare Galleried Classroom. Here is the entire history of elementary education, and an important part of Hitchin’s history.

But a visit to the British Schools is far from the normal museum experience. Here you can try it all for yourself, and experience school life through the 19th and 20th centuries. Remember using a dip pen, ink and blotting paper? Did you do your sums on a slate? Pounds, shillings and pence of course! You can find out what a monitorial school was – and how just one master taught 300 children in one room.As well as the classrooms, there’s the Headmaster’s House, restored.

August activities include extra openings on Wednesday 19th and Thursday 20th (10am to 4pm) for Family Days and prizes for children completing the Discovery Trail. On Sunday 30th the whole family can experience a Victorian Lesson in the Galleried Classroom.

Summer exhibitions celebrate the life and work of artist Kenneth Graham, and the 60th birthday of Noddy – a character we all remember from our childhood.

Let the kids and grandchildren take you back to school during their holiday – they will enjoy it and so will you. For a break, there’s a café serving tea, coffee, soft drinks and light refreshments.

The British Schools is an Accredited, Independent Museum and a registered charity, so there is a small admission charge, but real value for money (£4 adult, £2 child, family ticket £10). Members of a club or society looking for something different to do can enquire about the Group Visit programme – a tour, a lesson and a cuppa for just £6.

18

HERITAGE OPEN DAYS Thirteen interesting places to visit free of charge in and around Hitchin

Thursday 10 - Sunday 13 September

The Biggin, Biggin Lane, Queen Street, Hitchin

British Schools Museum, Queen Street, Hitchin

Hitchin Museum, Paynes Park, HitchinHoly Saviour Church,

Radcliffe Road, HitchinPrincess Helena College, Preston

St Ippolyts Church, St Ippolyts Village St Mary's Church,

Churchyard, Hitchin St Mary’s Church, Great Wymondley St Mary the Virgin, Little Wymondley

Walsworth Road Baptist Church, Hitchin

New Venues this Year Grace Baptist Church, Queen Street,

Hitchin Hitchin Christian Centre, Bedford

Road, HitchinSt Martin’s Church, Preston

Plus three Walks round Hitchin

Collect leaflet with map, times and special events from libraries, Hitchin Initiative Office and

David’s Bookshop, Letchworth Garden City

or visit www.hitchinsociety.org.uk

199158

Gas Fires, Gas Cookers, Commercial & Domestic Gas Central Heating Installation and Maintenance, Warm Air Heating, Landlord Gas Safety Inspections, LPG.

Boiler Services from £45.00 plus VAT.

Fully insured and all work guaranteed. Competitive Rates.

38 Jupiter Gate, Stevenage, Herts SG2 7STTel/Fax 01438 211727Mobile 07774 672148

19

Being part of the World’s Biggest Coffee Morning is an opportunity not to be missed. While you have some fun with your family and friends you’ll join thousands of others in changing the lives of people affected by cancer. Whether you raise £10 or £200, every penny counts and will make a difference to the lives of people affected by cancer. So, this Friday 25 September, get together for the World’s Biggest Coffee Morning. Invite friends and family over for a cuppa and some tasty treats. Take a break in the office and catch up with colleagues. Or organise a coffee morning at your school, community centre or church hall. Wherever and whenever you take part, raise your cup and make each cup count.

Every day 822 people in the UK are told they have cancer. This is news that not only turns

their world upside down but also affects their family and friends.

Macmillan’s ambition is to reach and improve the lives of every one of these people by providing them with the medical, emotional, practical and financial support they need. That’s why we need your help more than ever.

Last year in Hertfordshire alone over 4500 people were diagnosed with cancer, and we are doing every thing we can to improve the lives of those people. Currently Macmillan can only reach 1 in 2 of those people. With your help we hope to be able to help them all.

For more information on Macmillan Cancer Support or to find out how you can get involved contact the Hertfordshire Fundraising Team on 01438 712012

The Worlds Biggest Coffee Morning and Macmillan in Hertfordshire

20

St Ippolyts Football Team Need YOU:

There has been a football team in St Ippolyts since 1903, started by the local schoolmaster who won many of the honours of the North Herts League.

Currently playing in the North Herts League on Saturdays St Ippolyts are one of the few village teams left.

Help is urgently needed in the form of Coach, Committee Members and players.

Training is on Tuesday nights.

We are a friendly committed team of people who are looking for like-minded individuals for support. If you feel you can offer your time and commitment to keeping this team going please contact Liz Maxwell on 01462 453482

Health Zone

21

WIGS

HAIR EXTENSIONS

Half Price Hair & Beauty – Tues-Fri 9am to 6pm

Also open Saturdays 8am to 4pm

Graham Ranger 2-3 Bridge Street, Hitchin. Tel: 01462 432967

22

HEADLANDS

37 Bucklersbury Hitchin SG5 1BG01462 436666

Opening times:

Monday ClosedTuesday 9am - 5.30pmWednesday 9am - 5.30pmThursday 9am - 7.30pmFriday 9am - 5.30pmSaturday 9am - 4.30pm

Treatment and Shine Enhance

Now the summer is finally here. We would like to still keep open our offer of a free treatment or shine enhancer with every full paid cut and blow-dry on presentation of this advert.

Headlands would like to introduce a new loyalty card for new and existing clients.

Excellent rates for our Highly qualified stylist.

Special rates with our Junior stylist.

Headlands Hair Salon has been established for 7 years and is situated in the heart of Hitchin Market Town.

We are proud of out reputation of being a warm and friendly salon with a warm welcome to all of our customers and cater for ladies, gentlemen and children.

We specialise in Wella products offering tints, highlights, low lights, perms and Wella SP and Highhair products. We also offer a range of specialist treatments for all hair types and conditions.

All our professional staff are fully trained and are able to offer free consultations and advise for all your hair needs.

HEADLANDS HAIRDRESSERS

SPECIAL OFFER

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23

HEADLANDS

37 Bucklersbury Hitchin SG5 1BG01462 436666

Opening times:

Monday ClosedTuesday 9am - 5.30pmWednesday 9am - 5.30pmThursday 9am - 7.30pmFriday 9am - 5.30pmSaturday 9am - 4.30pm

Treatment and Shine Enhance

Now the summer is finally here. We would like to still keep open our offer of a free treatment or shine enhancer with every full paid cut and blow-dry on presentation of this advert.

Headlands would like to introduce a new loyalty card for new and existing clients.

Excellent rates for our Highly qualified stylist.

Special rates with our Junior stylist.

Headlands Hair Salon has been established for 7 years and is situated in the heart of Hitchin Market Town.

We are proud of out reputation of being a warm and friendly salon with a warm welcome to all of our customers and cater for ladies, gentlemen and children.

We specialise in Wella products offering tints, highlights, low lights, perms and Wella SP and Highhair products. We also offer a range of specialist treatments for all hair types and conditions.

All our professional staff are fully trained and are able to offer free consultations and advise for all your hair needs.

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24

His dedication and passion for Music has enabled him to start playing pieces of a grade 8 standard; the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music has 8 grades in their Piano Syllabus; I believe this provides an indication of Michael’s capabilities.

Michael’s achievements have been recognised by those closest to him and he is now a member of The National Academy for Gifted, Talented Youth.

Michael has been given the responsibility of Lead Choir and Orchestra Pianist at his school and is looking to sign up for a jazz band later this year.Michael can easily adapt his style of performance to reflect the mood of the occasion and would be any asset to any event.

Michael shows originality and coherence in his compositions and his wide ranging interest in different kinds of music informs all aspects of his music.

Michael’s aspiration is to become a film composer.

Biographyfor Michael MoscatielloMichael has taken the initiative to compose his own music and his pieces have been described as imaginative and accurate; to date, he has composed ten pieces of music.

Michael is a very gifted young man, and looked fantastic in his tuxedo, he really brought a touch of class to my wedding... Thank you

Callie and Andrew12th October 2008

“ “

I have heard and watched Michael play and was genuinely amazed and surprised at his mature and accomplished style. My immediate reaction was that Michael was playing a piece of music composed by a professional pianist – the arrangement was incredible! A true genius in the shaping.

Alex17th July 2009

“ “

25

Music Zone

It seems that with this single the band have

moved away from the hardcore kind of emo

sound that they were previously associated

with. This single, and the rest of the album I

expect, has taken influence from bands with

more of an alternative rock dynamic. I was

both impressed and unimpressed with this

song. Impressed because of the new direction

the band seems to have taken but equally

unimpressed that it was nothing special

. I'm sure that many people will enjoy it; I

have no doubt about that. It just seems

to me that I'd heard it before. Overall

I'd say it was a milestone single for the

band but in my opinion- nothing special!

Taking Back Sunday:

New AgainArctic Monkeys: HumbugWell the fluffy pop indie kid sound has gone,

and in comes a very dark sounding Arctic's for their third album. I can't say I'm surprised what with QOTSH singer Josh Homme playing with the knobs. So we start with a very dark opener called ''Mr. Propeller'' then on to the single, Crying Lighting, this gets better every

time I listen to it. 'Dangerous Animals' harks back to the second album vibe. 'Secret Doors' takes us on a sixties trip. My stand out track 'Potion Approaching' has that QOTSA feel to it. Really heavy drumming... Fire & The Thud... 'Cornerstone' (sounds like a single to me) and Dance Little Liar start going down the Last Shadow Puppets / Coral road' It then picks up the pace with 'Pretty Visitors' again great drumming. The doorsy sounding 'The Jeweler's Hands' ends the album on a very psychedelic feel. It really shows the confident side of The Arctic Monkeys. Well for me they have pulled of the third album.

The Bookhouse Boys:

Shoot You Down

This is crying out to be in a Quentin Tarantino

movie. It's got that real cult feel, which means its

not going to go main steam. It's a shame because

this really is worth a listen. Its got that really

moving Richard Hawley feel to it that makes

the hairs stand up. I'm sure radio will pick on

this like the last single but don't expect a chart

attack just yet. But to honest with you that's the

best thing about it. Feels like it just written for

you & me.

Saving Aimee: We're The Good GuysThe latest single from St Albans based band Saving Aimee shows real progress. I have com-mented on the way that the band seem to lose the feel good factor in their songs after they have been recorded and mixed, but I do think that this is the only song that is recorded as it sounds. I think that this single is going to be one that prompts great things for the guys. I'm not sure

about the fact that the single was produced by Justin Hawkins (of the rock band The Darkness). It doesn't change my opinion on the brilliance of the song, but it does make me wonder about what influence he's had on the final mix. The only thing about the single I didn't like was the remixes that are featured as B sides- a bit too euro pop for me! They got a little samey and repetitive after a while.

26

Green Day: 21 Guns

21 Guns' is the second single from the album 21st Century breakdown. For

those that read regularly you will remember me giving the album a very

good review- this single is NO exception. In my opinion this is the best song

on the album (despite anything I may have said about 'Know Your Enemy').

This song just seems to have it all. Some original Green Day sound and

trademark moving lyrics. I love it. The single is obviously one that roots

down to Billie Joe Armstrongs anti-war viewpoint, which makes it that bit

more moving. I can see this being a song that everybody will throw their

hands up in the air and sing along to at a festival, it's certainly one that

the band will find thousands of fans screaming along to at the numerous

dates of their autumn UK tour. , quite obviously.

STEP BACKIN TIME ZONE“ “

27

Killer Messiah: DEMO

This is not the usual style of music I

listen to so I have found it hard to make

comparisons. From my limited awareness

It sounds like Megadeath meets Marilyn

Manson. But Megadeath wins this hands

down. I must say the guitar playing is

great. That also goes for the drums and

bass.... Vocals- a difficult one to call.

There's no dispute in their ability to play,

but like I say it's just not my specialist

area of music. If thrash is your thing then

i'm sure these boys are up there ... If not...

Stick with your John Denver records.

The Stone Roses:

The Stone Roses

Now I know this was reviewed in the Jan issue, but it's now just had a

re-release, also with an album that will be 20 years old this year I think it

deserves to be reviewed again. It doesn't matter what top 100 albums of all time poll you

read, this will usually be in the top ten. This is one of the most influential bands of the last

20 years. Sometimes you hear this about bands and think yeah right but does it live up to

its reputation? The answer in this case is yes. The album open's up with (I wanna be adored)

once the bass line builds then the drums kick in the war is won. I don't have to sell my soul

he's already in me. Then on to (She bangs The Drums).The past was yours but the futures mine/

you're all out of time. Then (Waterfall) my fav track on the album. Great guitar riff, great

drum beat. Makes me want to get my maracas out :-) (Don't Stop, Bye Bye Badman, the

acoustic driven Elizabeth My Dear) Just keep this really cool pace bubbling along. (Song for

My) Sugar Spun Sister has got that really cool Liverpool buzz to it. Then on to the tripped

out (Made of Stone). (Shoot you Down & This is The One) just make you want to press repeat on

the CD player. Then on to the mighty (I Am The Resurrection) my only disappointment here is this

track doesn't go on for another 20 mins. Go and buy this CD.

The Used: Blood On My HandsThis single really surprised me. I'm not usually a fan

of The Used but this song really seemed to offer everything a great, memorable tune should. Awesome guitar, catchy kick-ass choruses and amazing riffs. Other people describe the single as confined chaos, I'd say it was chaos but my no means confined. I totally admire the way the band put every effort into making the song sound as energetic as it looks when it's performed. When I listen I can imagine everybody rocking out and really enjoying their performance. The single is worth listening to, any fans of The Used will not be disappointed! 3 Stars.

Saving Aimee: We're The Good Guys

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Benslow Music TrustAugust is a time when many of us seek sunshine, sea and idle repose. And why not? After a year of recession and worry we deserve a break. But at Benslow Music Trust our idea of a break is anything but idle repose. Our course participants come here to play, listen to and learn about music, far away from the hustle-bustle of everyday life. And for us it’s business as usual. So we begin an action-packed August with week-long International Summer Schools for viola, harp and flute players. It’s now traditional for this event to be complemented by a concert of music for flute and harp, open not just to course members but to the general public, and this year is no exception. On Thursday 7 August at 8 pm the celebrated flautist (and regular tutor at Benslow) Philippa Davies joins forces with Claire Jones, official Royal Harpist to Prince Charles, in a varied programme of music by Poulenc, Martinu, Marais and others. As ever at Benslow, tickets are very keenly priced – just £11, or £8 for those qualifying for concessionary tickets. Not bad for an evening’s entertainment given by performers of world-class standing. Even better, if you’re a full time student and can book in advance, give us a call on 01462 459446 in normal working hours (or email us at info@benslow.org) and we’ll let you in for nothing. Of course, more courses follow hot on the heels of these summer schools, devoted to string orchestra, to wind chamber music, to baroque chamber music and, not least, to Alexander Technique. Many professional musicians swear by this relaxation technique, but it’s good for anyone, musical or not. Next month I’ll be bringing news of two enticing concerts and of an exciting new collaboration which we hope will bring more young people through our doors.

By Stephen Pettitt, Head of Music at Benslow

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I’ve not long returned from the “Big Apple” New York, so naturally I will be including a few items from the great white way- Broadway- meanwhile have a great summer and happy watching to you all,

Public Enemies: CinemaAlthough this was about to open on Broadway, we had to leave so I caught it at the other Broadway e.g. our local cinema in Letchworth.There’s a great tendency to paint a Robin Hood picture over real villains - Jesse James,

the Krays and of course John Dillinger who is the number one enemy in this portrayal of the latter years of his life. Was he a worthy claim to this title, seemingly he was, although there’s only a little evidence of it here.

As for the film itself its exciting with plenty of action, well directed by Michael Mann who excels in this genre of movie.There’s not a lot of plot as it basically chronicles Dillingers last days. That said they are full up with robbery and legend.Dillinger has met up with a young lady and becomes smitten with her. So much so he risks all to keep her in his eye line. A fact known by FBI agent Purvis (Christian Bale) who tracks him down right to the movie house - the outside of which becomes his resting place.

Johnny Depp proves once again that he’s his generation actor’s actor, as well as a public favourite. As Dillinger he manages to bring other layers to the lens, giving his character another insight. The scene where he walks brazenly into the public precinct and chats to people ad-hoc is hilarious.

Bale does what he does, talk in a low voice and Marian Cotillard as the young lady tugs your heartstrings. Also worth a mention is Billy Crudup as a younger more determined J Edgar Hoover. Filmed in authentic locations the movie is a must see! Finally don’t let it encourage you to rob banks. ****

Away We Go: CinemaNow we did see this one in an old art deco movie house on 42nd Street, directed by Sam Mendes it’s a very American piece of work.In a nutshell it’s a road movie, it’s a journey around the North American map,

which includes Canada, by a strange couple played by John Krasinki and Maya Rudolph. She is pregnant and they are searching for a place to be! En route the visit family and friends with varied results, there’s a special comedy highlight from Allison Janney as the sister you can do without.Our duo finally settles we think, in Mayas old home in the South, but hey there’s a lake at the bottom of the garden - floods? This is probably bound for the art house road or maybe DVD in the UK***

Film zoneDVD and film reviews

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The Proposal: CinemaTop of the US movie list is this rom-com starring the 21st century queen of light comedy Sandra Bullock. Facing a deportation charge to Canada, quick witted editor of books Margaret (SB) tells everyone that she’s engaged

to her assistant (Ryan Reynolds) thing is she’s not his favourite person, so he goes along with the scam on his terms only. They keep up the charade whilst on a family trip to Alaska and the ensuing events are comedy heaven. ***

The Taking of Pelham 1.2.3: CinemaYes this has been done before in the seventies with the late great Walter Matthau and Robert Shaw. This updated version is slightly different. The hostage money is now nine million more, some recession!

Directed by Tony Scott, baddee John Travolta takes over a subway train and demands ransom money from Metro Dispatcher Denzil Washington.He reluctantly agrees but the police car delivering the loot has an accident, its then cat and mouse as Denzil tries to figure out a way to save lives with his vast subway track knowledge. Will they foil the psychotic Travolta? See it and find out. ***

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Bruno: CinemaI’ve seen this billed as a mockumentary, which about sums it up. Sacha Baron Cohen is let loose again with his quest to become famous.It’s shocking, vulgar, hilarious and totally off the wall. Hey it’s Sacha Baron Cohen - you

have been warned. **

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince: CinemaThere’s a lot that occurs in this film, I wont reveal all becauseA - If you have read it you know it and B - I don’t want to spoil it.Suffice to say Harry feels pangs of romance lurking

within, as does Ron.However, don’t worry Villain Voldermort is on hand to distract with his increasing power. So Harry is brought up to speed on how to deal with him by dear old Dumbledore (Michael Gambon) and the final battle looms. but wait Horace Slughorn holds the key to victory, I’m sure you will love it. ***

The Damned United: DVDIt’s 1974 and Brian Clough (Michael Sheen) arrives at Leeds HQ, with plans to stamp out the dirty tactics of this powerful football team. He being their new manager. Basically he is not welcomed by the players who mourn

the loss of Don Revie (Colm Meaney) now in charge of England. “Throw your medals in the dustbin. Because you’ve never won any of them fairly” this statement does not endear Clough to all and sundry. For those of you who are experts in the field of “footie” you will know the ins & outs. Such as Brian went back to Brighton to join his old mate Peter Taylor (Timothy Spall) the wonder boys of Derby who were to become the good guys down in Sussex by the sea. The empty bleak 70s, & the greens and blues of that horrible colour were captured so well, and Michael Sheen is as great as ever. I found it OK to watch if you’re interested. Sadly, it left me behind. **

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Place a number from 1 to 9 in each empty cell so that each 3x3 block, column, and full row includes each of the numbers from 1 to 9 only once.

Austins – www.austins.co.ukActive4less – www.active4less.comARCH Plant Centre – www.arch-plant-centre.co.ukAustins – www.austins.co.ukBenslow – www.benslow.orgBritish Schools Museum – www.hitchinbritishschools.org.ukBushel & Strike – www.thebushelandstrike.co.ukBusy Bees Cleaners Ltd. – www.busybeescleaners.co.ukCastle TaxisCinescreen AV – www.cinescreenav.co.ukClay Busters – www.claybusters.netEMH Technology – www.emhtechnology.comGraham RangerGraham Ranger – www.weneedaschool.orgHeadlands HairdressersHeritage Hitchin Society – www.hitchinsociety.org.ukHobbs Close Garage Integra Signs – www.integrasigns.co.uk

LOVEFiLM.com – www.lovefilm.comMacmillan – www.macmillan.org.uk/coffeeMiss Jones – www.missjonesfreelancedesign.comOptime – www.optime.co.ukSpace solutions – www.lspace-solutions.co.ukSt. Ippolyts Stores – www.stippolytsstores.co.ukTony Orphanuo – www.toas.co.ukWM Gas Services Ltd.

Answer zone

Advertisers zoneWe would like to say thank you to all the advertisers in this months issue.

If you would like to place advertising within this publication, or would like to contribute any interesting articles please contact me on:07843 699514email: ian@localinsight.co.ukwww.localinsight.co.uk

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