COMMENT AND LOCAL NEWS
Holiday Inn London Elstree
Barnet Bypass, Borehamwood, Herts WD6 5PU
Club Motivation
After arriving at the club I was greeted by the friendly team who wanted to help me with regards to the gym and what I wanted to use with regards to the their facilities.
I was handed a clean fresh towel and was show in the direction of the gym.
It was clean and there was a lot to use with regards to keeping fit.
The first thing as I walked in was that I didn’t feel I was being intimidated, and felt relaxed and had a great work out.
The price was cheap as the membership is around 30 pounds a month and at present they are offering a free pass to come and see for yourself. I was left with a great sense of achievement from my work out. Over all I was impressed by a great experience,
There are running machines and also other machines to work all of the body and also the swimming pool and sauna and steam rooms were clan and also refreshing I would recommend this to those that are new to working out and also to those that would like to stay fit and better the well being.
Over all a great experience and a friendly team on stand by to help me with my needs.
If you are looking for a health club that will take care of your needs then you have found the right place.
Report by Jason Cook Deputy web master
Barnet Bypass, Borehamwood, Herts WD6 5PU
Club Motivation
After arriving at the club I was greeted by the friendly team who wanted to help me with regards to the gym and what I wanted to use with regards to the their facilities.
I was handed a clean fresh towel and was show in the direction of the gym.
It was clean and there was a lot to use with regards to keeping fit.
The first thing as I walked in was that I didn’t feel I was being intimidated, and felt relaxed and had a great work out.
The price was cheap as the membership is around 30 pounds a month and at present they are offering a free pass to come and see for yourself. I was left with a great sense of achievement from my work out. Over all I was impressed by a great experience,
There are running machines and also other machines to work all of the body and also the swimming pool and sauna and steam rooms were clan and also refreshing I would recommend this to those that are new to working out and also to those that would like to stay fit and better the well being.
Over all a great experience and a friendly team on stand by to help me with my needs.
If you are looking for a health club that will take care of your needs then you have found the right place.
Report by Jason Cook Deputy web master
Updated
10th January 2012
10th January 2012
VIEWPOINTS CLICK HERE
Charity shop thief caught on CCTV
A man was caught stealing bags of clothes from outside a charity shop in Borehamwood thanks to CCTV.
Controllers had noticed that bags of items left outside charity shops when they were shut had been disappearing. So controllers monitored them and at around 10pm one evening, saw a man taking five bags of charity contributions from Age UK in Shenley Road.
The man got into a taxi with the bags so the controller alerted the police and sent the camera images through to the control room at Police Headquarters in Welwyn Garden City. Officers in the control room could see exactly what was happening so they directed nearby officers straight to the scene. The taxi was pulled over and the driver was found to have no driving licence and no insurance. Police checked the registration and discovered that the taxi did not have a current MOT. The driver was arrested and the taxi recovered. The man who had taken the bags was made to return them to the charity shop and given a warning by the police.
CCTV cameras in Borehamwood have also recently helped police break up a drunken brawl as well as lead to a number of arrests for incidents including shoplifting and criminal damage.
Councillor John Donne, Community Safety Portfolio Holder, said: "Our relatively new CCTV system is working really well and you can see from these results that the cameras are helping us combat crime and anti-social behaviour.
"We have 24 cameras covering key locations in the borough and all are monitored 24 hours a day, 365 days a year."
The council’s CCTV cameras are located in the three mains towns of Hertsmere including Shenley Road and Leeming Road in Borehamwood, Harcourt Road and Bushey Rose Garden in Bushey, and High Street and Darkes Lane in Potters Bar. The cameras are linked to a control room in Stevenage which is managed by Hertfordshire CCTV Partnership. Specially trained operators have direct links with the police control room and officers on the beat so alerts can be sent within seconds.
A man was caught stealing bags of clothes from outside a charity shop in Borehamwood thanks to CCTV.
Controllers had noticed that bags of items left outside charity shops when they were shut had been disappearing. So controllers monitored them and at around 10pm one evening, saw a man taking five bags of charity contributions from Age UK in Shenley Road.
The man got into a taxi with the bags so the controller alerted the police and sent the camera images through to the control room at Police Headquarters in Welwyn Garden City. Officers in the control room could see exactly what was happening so they directed nearby officers straight to the scene. The taxi was pulled over and the driver was found to have no driving licence and no insurance. Police checked the registration and discovered that the taxi did not have a current MOT. The driver was arrested and the taxi recovered. The man who had taken the bags was made to return them to the charity shop and given a warning by the police.
CCTV cameras in Borehamwood have also recently helped police break up a drunken brawl as well as lead to a number of arrests for incidents including shoplifting and criminal damage.
Councillor John Donne, Community Safety Portfolio Holder, said: "Our relatively new CCTV system is working really well and you can see from these results that the cameras are helping us combat crime and anti-social behaviour.
"We have 24 cameras covering key locations in the borough and all are monitored 24 hours a day, 365 days a year."
The council’s CCTV cameras are located in the three mains towns of Hertsmere including Shenley Road and Leeming Road in Borehamwood, Harcourt Road and Bushey Rose Garden in Bushey, and High Street and Darkes Lane in Potters Bar. The cameras are linked to a control room in Stevenage which is managed by Hertfordshire CCTV Partnership. Specially trained operators have direct links with the police control room and officers on the beat so alerts can be sent within seconds.
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UNLIKE OTHER OTHER MEDIA WE ARE NOT AFRAID TO PUBLISH THE TRUTH
Dear Supporters
Thank you for all the time, effort, hard work and dedication you put into the OCC campaign.
Without you this would not happen and with your help and support, thousands of children will receive a shoebox and realise they have not been forgotten. Thank you for helping to make this happen.
You will be pleased to know that 19,200 shoeboxes were shipped out from our warehouse in Centennial Park to the needy children of Mozambique. This exceeded last years total of 19,053. Despite the ongoing economic difficulties, we had a very successful campaign.
I look forward to working with you all on the campaign again in 2012, God willing.
You can keep up to date by visiting the website www.samaritanspurse.uk.com/occ
Could I take this opportunity to wish you and your families God’s richest blessings for 2012.
Kindest regards
Kathleen Dover
Area Coordinator
Litterbug picks up fine
A Bushey woman picked up a fine after being caught throwing rubbish from her car in Borehamwood.
Kerry Donoghue, 26, of Mill Way, Bushey, pleaded guilty to littering at Watford Magistrates Court on Friday 26 August, in the first prosecution by Hertsmere Borough Council of a person failing to pay a fixed penalty notice issued for dropping litter.
The court heard how Donoghue was seen by a local police officer throwing a coffee shop muffin wrapper from the open window of her car as she drove along Shenley Road, Borehamwood, in January this year. The police officer took the vehicle registration and she was issued with the fixed penalty fine of £75 later that day. She was visited by a council Environmental Health Officer 13 days later and warned that she had only one day left to pay the fine or she would face court. Donoghue told the council officer that she could not afford to pay it unless it was at £5 a week. The council officer returned the next day and gave her a payment plan to pay-off the fine in 15 weekly instalments of £5 but none of the weekly payments were made.
Donoghue told the court that she was on benefits and had not paid any of the instalments as she had put the paperwork down and then forgotten about it. She was fined £70 with costs of £294 and a mandatory victim surcharge of £15. A £75 fixed penalty notice for littering is reduced to £50 if paid within 14 days.
Cllr Jean Heywood, portfolio holder for the environment, said: “Obviously taking people to court is a final option for us, but I hope this serves as a warning to others. We should all take responsibility for our own waste and clear up our own mess and dispose of items properly, preferably by recycling. It is simply not acceptable to throw rubbish on the street – people should have more respect for their environment and take more pride in the area they are in.”
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Smart phone users scroll down to the bottom of this page
What you can do to protect yourself if you use a Smart phone
Here are our top tips to ensure your phone, data and identity stay safe:
• Check your mobile phone bill regularly. Sign up for an online account on your network’s website and log in to monitor your usage each week. You’ll soon spot anything that’s out of the ordinary.
• If you plan to sell or recycle your mobile phone, ensure the memory is totally wiped. Go into the settings to carry out a Master Reset, which will delete all phone numbers, text messages and pictures.
• If you feel you have been the victim of phone fraud with rogue premium rate numbers charged on your bill, contact your network immediately. You can find out more at the website for the regulator, PhonePay Plus
• Beware of rogue or fake apps designed to steal your personal details. Fraudsters often make them look like “free levels” of games or special offers. This malware can even let criminals intercept your text messages or see what you’re surfing.
• Download anti-virus or anti-malware software for your mobile. Rik Ferguson, of Trend Micro, believes: “Smart phone security is available but not widely deployed. Soon it will need to be common place.”
• Remember that rogue apps can appear in legitimate app stores as well as at the end of links sent around via email or posted on websites and social networks. Always read feedback before you download an app and if you’re unsure, check out the maker with a Yahoo! search or look if they’ve produced other popular apps with good positive feedback.
• If your battery is draining faster than normal, it could be a sign that something hidden on your phone is running in the background.
• When surfing the web on your mobile using a Wi-Fi hotspot, follow the same rules as you would on a computer. Never use a ‘free’ hotspot that’s unsecure otherwise it could be a route for hackers to retrieve data from your handset.
• Turn off your Bluetooth when you aren’t using it. This can be another way for hackers to access your mobile or send you a file you hadn’t asked for. If you suddenly get a message on your screen asking you to download a picture, video or information, treat it cautiously. Some places such as shopping centres routinely send Bluetooth alerts when you pass a certain store or info point but not everything that may pop up will be official and safe.
• Location services on mobile phones are becoming more and more popular. But remember, having it turned on may mean people you don’t know can see where you are. This can lead to all sorts of issues, including revealing you’re away from home on holiday and giving criminals the chance to burgle your property.
Here are our top tips to ensure your phone, data and identity stay safe:
• Check your mobile phone bill regularly. Sign up for an online account on your network’s website and log in to monitor your usage each week. You’ll soon spot anything that’s out of the ordinary.
• If you plan to sell or recycle your mobile phone, ensure the memory is totally wiped. Go into the settings to carry out a Master Reset, which will delete all phone numbers, text messages and pictures.
• If you feel you have been the victim of phone fraud with rogue premium rate numbers charged on your bill, contact your network immediately. You can find out more at the website for the regulator, PhonePay Plus
• Beware of rogue or fake apps designed to steal your personal details. Fraudsters often make them look like “free levels” of games or special offers. This malware can even let criminals intercept your text messages or see what you’re surfing.
• Download anti-virus or anti-malware software for your mobile. Rik Ferguson, of Trend Micro, believes: “Smart phone security is available but not widely deployed. Soon it will need to be common place.”
• Remember that rogue apps can appear in legitimate app stores as well as at the end of links sent around via email or posted on websites and social networks. Always read feedback before you download an app and if you’re unsure, check out the maker with a Yahoo! search or look if they’ve produced other popular apps with good positive feedback.
• If your battery is draining faster than normal, it could be a sign that something hidden on your phone is running in the background.
• When surfing the web on your mobile using a Wi-Fi hotspot, follow the same rules as you would on a computer. Never use a ‘free’ hotspot that’s unsecure otherwise it could be a route for hackers to retrieve data from your handset.
• Turn off your Bluetooth when you aren’t using it. This can be another way for hackers to access your mobile or send you a file you hadn’t asked for. If you suddenly get a message on your screen asking you to download a picture, video or information, treat it cautiously. Some places such as shopping centres routinely send Bluetooth alerts when you pass a certain store or info point but not everything that may pop up will be official and safe.
• Location services on mobile phones are becoming more and more popular. But remember, having it turned on may mean people you don’t know can see where you are. This can lead to all sorts of issues, including revealing you’re away from home on holiday and giving criminals the chance to burgle your property.
Don’t drink Drop Vodka
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has issued a food alert for an illegal brand of vodka called Drop Vodka, which has been found on sale in some shops across the country, including Potters Bar.
Consumers are advised not to drink the vodka because it is not registered by any company in the UK and could be harmful to health due to the presence of Propan-2-ol - a common industrial solvent widely used as a cleaning fluid or in aerosol windscreen de-icers - and other substances.
Suneeta Kumar, Principal Environmental Health Officer at Hertsmere Borough Council, said: “The Food Standards Agency is aware that the bottles of vodka have been on sale in Potters Bar and we would urge anyone tempted by the cheap price, to think again. Don’t buy this vodka, it isn’t worth the potential risk to your health.”
As well as putting your health at risk, tests have shown that the drink doesn’t contain enough alcohol to be called vodka – legally vodka should contain no less than 37.5% alcohol but Drop Vodka has levels of 28.6% alcohol.
In addition, the bottles seized so far have had different labels on, neither of which carry the manufacturer’s details which are needed to ensure that the vodka is fully traceable.
Drop Vodka has been found on sale in small independent retailers, corner shops, petrol stations and could potentially be sold in pubs and clubs.
If you see any Drop Vodka on sale please call the council on 020 8207 7435.
For more information please visit www.food.gov.uk
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has issued a food alert for an illegal brand of vodka called Drop Vodka, which has been found on sale in some shops across the country, including Potters Bar.
Consumers are advised not to drink the vodka because it is not registered by any company in the UK and could be harmful to health due to the presence of Propan-2-ol - a common industrial solvent widely used as a cleaning fluid or in aerosol windscreen de-icers - and other substances.
Suneeta Kumar, Principal Environmental Health Officer at Hertsmere Borough Council, said: “The Food Standards Agency is aware that the bottles of vodka have been on sale in Potters Bar and we would urge anyone tempted by the cheap price, to think again. Don’t buy this vodka, it isn’t worth the potential risk to your health.”
As well as putting your health at risk, tests have shown that the drink doesn’t contain enough alcohol to be called vodka – legally vodka should contain no less than 37.5% alcohol but Drop Vodka has levels of 28.6% alcohol.
In addition, the bottles seized so far have had different labels on, neither of which carry the manufacturer’s details which are needed to ensure that the vodka is fully traceable.
Drop Vodka has been found on sale in small independent retailers, corner shops, petrol stations and could potentially be sold in pubs and clubs.
If you see any Drop Vodka on sale please call the council on 020 8207 7435.
For more information please visit www.food.gov.uk
BEARSAC KIDNAPPED
Just had an email from one of our contributors Debra Schiman who is on a world tour with her famous bearsac. She told me that it was snatched whilst she was on a train. below is a copy of her recent email
I don't know if you can help but I had Bearsac snatched from me from a train going through a village in Tanzania on 3rd December and I want to get the British press to help to see if they can get him back as he has been photographed with celebs. I will let you know details if you think you can help but I need it to be enough to get the Tanzanian
police and authorities to work on it. I don't know if they were or are really looking into the issue or just saying they were.
CLICK HERE to see Debra's letter
Just had an email from one of our contributors Debra Schiman who is on a world tour with her famous bearsac. She told me that it was snatched whilst she was on a train. below is a copy of her recent email
I don't know if you can help but I had Bearsac snatched from me from a train going through a village in Tanzania on 3rd December and I want to get the British press to help to see if they can get him back as he has been photographed with celebs. I will let you know details if you think you can help but I need it to be enough to get the Tanzanian
police and authorities to work on it. I don't know if they were or are really looking into the issue or just saying they were.
CLICK HERE to see Debra's letter
DO NOT USE THE 192.COM WEBSITE
IT IS UNRELIABLE AND OUT OF DATE BY 10 YEARS OR MORE
I recently went onto the 192.com web site I was listed as living in 4 different places and some with people I do not know. I left one of the residences over 10 years ago, yet i am still shown as living there. My advice do not use this web site or pay for its services with the data they have it is most unreliable and why waste money on an inaccurate report.
IT IS UNRELIABLE AND OUT OF DATE BY 10 YEARS OR MORE
I recently went onto the 192.com web site I was listed as living in 4 different places and some with people I do not know. I left one of the residences over 10 years ago, yet i am still shown as living there. My advice do not use this web site or pay for its services with the data they have it is most unreliable and why waste money on an inaccurate report.
GOOD NEWS
We seem to be heading in the right direction as the Easter 2011 edition of our magazine will be 20 pages and will contain editorial on 6 or 7 pages. I have approached the Hertsmere school for contrubtions from the students and we will also be including profiles of local people etc., also be including a directory of other trusted traders
DIRECTORY OF ADDITIONAL OR ALTERNATIVE TRUSTED TRADERS
We seem to be heading in the right direction as the Easter 2011 edition of our magazine will be 20 pages and will contain editorial on 6 or 7 pages. I have approached the Hertsmere school for contrubtions from the students and we will also be including profiles of local people etc., also be including a directory of other trusted traders
DIRECTORY OF ADDITIONAL OR ALTERNATIVE TRUSTED TRADERS
People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime.
When you know which one it is, you will know what to do for that Person.
When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed.
They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support,
To aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually.
They may seem like a godsend and they are.
They are there for the reason you need them to be.
Then, without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end.
Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away.
Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand.
What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled, their work is done.
The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on.
Some people come into your life for a SEASON, because your turn has come to share, grow or learn.
They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh.
They may teach you something you have never done.
They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy.
Believe it, it is real. But only for a season.
LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons,
Things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation.
Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person and put what you have learned to use in all other
relationships and areas of your life.
It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.
Thank you for being a part of my life, whether you were a reason, a season or a lifetime.
When you know which one it is, you will know what to do for that Person.
When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed.
They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support,
To aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually.
They may seem like a godsend and they are.
They are there for the reason you need them to be.
Then, without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end.
Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away.
Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand.
What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled, their work is done.
The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on.
Some people come into your life for a SEASON, because your turn has come to share, grow or learn.
They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh.
They may teach you something you have never done.
They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy.
Believe it, it is real. But only for a season.
LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons,
Things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation.
Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person and put what you have learned to use in all other
relationships and areas of your life.
It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.
Thank you for being a part of my life, whether you were a reason, a season or a lifetime.