April issue

A new community magazine where you can learn and share what’s...

On

DOORSTEP Baldock

Raising awareness of what’s on & where to find things locally

Issue 10 April

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www.onyourdoorstepbaldock.co.uk Baldock, Ashwell, Weston and surrounding villages

Wan appear tinto o

Welcome To the April issue of On Our Doorstep.We managed to find a couple of days in March to take a trip to Paris, celebrating middle child's 18th birthday! We started off in Disneyland(not my choice) and finished the trip with a night in the city; a much needed and appreciated getaway for all!

On March 13th we saw floods of children sporting the iconic red noses in aid of Comic Relief. Local schools raised money for the cause with various events such as non-uniform days, bake sales and sponsored activities. Knights Templar School managed to raise over £1800 this year - an incredible amount!

This months editorial from Baldock Beavers was written by J. Goward, currently volunteering at the sessions as a part of his Duke of Edinburgh award.

We wish him the best of luck with the rest of the programme. The Baldock car boot is back this month, perfect opportunity for a spring clear out or to get your hands on a bargain. Matt Porter (aka the Gadget Man) has once again written a great piece for us. This month he reviews the Batribike that is set to 'throttle the competition', exciting stuff and a great read yet again.

The Ashwell Music Festival is back again this year taking place on the 7th May. The festival always make for a great day out, old or young, and is well worth a

ur

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Get in tou visit. And if that's not enough for you ch we have a limited number of Farr Festival tickets at an exclusively reduced price, you can find the web address below at the bottom of this year's lineup. Get yours before they're gone!

This month we have the nation's(or at least our) greatest excuse to eat more chocolate than is probably healthy or necessary, Easter! Spring is officially here, it seems to have come around ridiculously fast this year. The weather is starting to perk up, not long until Summer now. If any of you are off on holiday or have any days put planned don't forget to send us your photos of this month issue travelling and yours could be feature Best wishes info@onyo

urdoorstep

baldock.co.

uk

Paul & Jacqui

info@onourdoorstepbaldock.co.uk

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NEWS FROM HARTSFEILD

North Her ordshire Tag Rugby Champions.

On Tuesday 3rd March 2015, Hartsfield School took part in the Under 11's Tag Rugby Tournament held at Letchworth Rugby Club.

The Hartsfield Team won both the quarter and semi-finals by scoring the winning try. With the final in sight and playing against Whitehill School, Hartsfield again scored the winning try to become the North Her ordshire Tag Rugby Champions! Well done to the Hartsfield Tag Rugby Team for their determina on and excellent sportsmanship.

Our Wonderful New Library. is now in use with librarians and children engrossed in the books, it is absolutely gorgeous! The library is metabled with all classes able to access the books and we are fortunate to have a number of parent volunteers to keep everything running smoothly. The finishing touches to the library have now been completed including some gorgeous artwork.

Thank you to Mrs Penny for pain ng the Roald Dahl Ma lda canvas, Mrs Walker for pain ng the How to train your Dragon canvas and to Mrs Lyons and the Year 6 Art Club for pain ng the Gruffalo canvas. We have a few canvas frames in school so if any exis ng or budding ar sts would like to paint story characters or books we would love to display them.

I would like to thank all the families who kindly donated books to the school through our Amazon wish list for our new library and for the kind dona on of our reading hideaway which the children adore. It is a magnet drawing children in to read! I would also like to thank the community and Baldock Beer Fes val Commi ee for dona ng £250.00 of Amazon vouchers to the school Our School Council plays an important role in the life of the school at Hartsfield and all our Councillors take their role very

responsibly ensuring that the voice of all children is heard and expressing their ideas by influencing projects around the school.

The School Council would be very grateful if you would be generous enough to donate an Easter Egg for the School Council Easter Egg Raffle. The Easter Eggs will be displayed in the entrance area and the School Council will be selling raffle ckets from Monday 23rd March 2015 un l the raffle is drawn by the School Councillors on the last day of term on Thursday 2nd April. This event is excep onally popular with our children because it is organised by the children, for the children and your support would be greatly appreciated. A le er from the School Council will be sent home shortly.

At the end of the term we will say goodbye to Mrs Bradford. We will all miss her very much indeed but are delighted that she has secured a teaching post closer to home and of course we will stay in touch. Mrs Lawes will compliment Mrs Walker in Class 12 from Suzanne Summerhayes - Headteacher. the summer term.

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Engaging Young Minds at The Knights Templar School

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The Knights Templar School never stands s ll, and we have recently been host to some really world class visitors. It's all part of the wide range of enrichment ac vi es we have on offer that really do develop the whole child.

Peter Tatchell spoke to the year 12 students on Wednesday 18th of March.

The students were treated to an inspiring and thought provoking speech by the famed human rights ac vist. A number of issues were covered ranging from Mr Tatchell's ini al interest in the black civil rights

movement in America during the 1960s, to his leading role in the fight for equal rights for the gay and lesbian community and even a

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fascina ng story regarding his a empted ' c i ze n ' s a r re st ' o f Z i m b a b w e a n President, Robert Mugabe on UK soil in the late 90s. Mr Tatchell challenged our sixth form students to ques on how the world we live in is governed and take real ac on in making it a be er, fairer society for all. Head of Sixth Form Mrs Gill Hopkins said 'Peter gave an inspira onal talk to our year 12 students which emphasised that with the right mindset and determina on you can achieve whatever goals you set yourself.'

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On Thursday 19th of March we were visited by renowned journalist John McCarthy, who spoke to our year 11 students, telling them of his experience being kidnapped by Islamic Jihad terrorists in Lebanon in April 1986. As many older people will know John was locked away for over 5 years, in dark, confined and unsanitary condi ons for month a er month without seeing daylight stretching into years. More o en than not he was treated no be er and much worse than an animal held in cap vity. John told rapt students and teachers of how he kept sane during his ordeal. The humble and o en wry way in which he told his story, bringing this living hell to life, was truly remarkable and we are indebted to him for offering to visit our students.

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7

BALDOCKS BUSY BEAVERS We have been very busy (as usual) over the last three weeks. The beavers brought in things to do with their hobbies as part of the hobbies badge. They discussed their hobbies with the various adults and young leaders. Hobbies varied from the regulars: football and rugby to the more unique hobbies such as li le linguists and dog caring. (One beaver even brought in his dog !!!!)

The beavers successfully made their Mother's Day presents.

One group measured out ingredients for cookies and layered them up beau fully within a kilner jar while the other group labelled their jars and cut out a lid, the cu ng as refined as always. Then they swapped over. Many thanks to Woodpecker for coming up with such a wonderful idea and overseeing the evening. I am sure the mums greatly appreciated the cookie ingredients and I am sure lots of cookies were made on Mother's Day.

Most recently beavers completed a task which contributed to their imagina on badge. Using an array of different sweets and types of pasta, the beavers made an assortment of different construc ons from pyramids with go-kart tracks to suspension bridges to teepee tents.

On a rather cold and miserable Saturday morning, the beavers joined the cubs, along with some wonderful suppor ve parents at Weston Woods. Armed with li er picker s cks, blue bags and unbounded enthusiasm, they all scoured the woods for li er and filled up well over a dozen bags, as part of Tidy Up Britain. We hope the regular users of Weston Woods no ced how dy it was!

We now look forward to the ac on-packed summer term!!

John Goward (D of E helper)

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MERRY GO ROUND Flexible use of government funded sessions.

Including all day sessions for all 3 & 4 year olds and eligible 2 year olds. Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ

High ratio of staff to children Safe, stimulating and fun environment Early drop-off, lunch club and late pick-up sessions available Two redeveloped, all weather outdoor play areas The Mobile, Hartsfield School, Clothall Road, Baldock, Hertfordshire SG7 6BJ 01462 896322 info@merrygoroundunder5s.co.uk

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With Spring very much in the air our pre-school and nursery children have been enjoying more and more me in our redeveloped garden. All our fund-raising ac vi es last year allowed us to improve areas of our garden and install new and exci ng play equipment. The focus this year is to raise enough money to update our playhouse, install a water-wall and purchase more trikes for children to enjoy.

We would also like to thank the North Her ordshire District Councils Baldock & District Area Commi ee who have so generously awarded us a grant to purchase a Listening Post and story CDs. This will allow small groups of children to listen to a story together helping expand themes. They will also be able to use it if they would like to listen to a story to have some quiet me.

Our prac oners will also be able to record their own stories/music or instruc ons. This piece of equipment will expand all the children's learning possibili es.

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need a place that fits in with your schedule more easily please remember the following about Merry Go Round: Ÿ High staff to child ra o Ÿ Flexible use of your funded 15 hours inc. all day sessions Ÿ Early drop-off, lunch club & late pick-up available Ÿ Use of Hartsfield facili es Ÿ Safe, fun & s mula ng environment

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Get Outdoors and Get Active!

Now that it's April we can officially say that Spring has sprung, which means that the evenings are longer, the sun is shining during the day and we all feel like we're ready to enjoy the great outdoors.

Walking, running and cycling are the three easiest ways of ge ng out and about and enjoying the Spring air, so if you're looking for added mo va on to get outdoors and get moving then why not join a community group and turn it into a more sociable affair.

At Fitness Hub we've just launched a 'run for fun' club, a more sociable approach to the usual running club. We know how hard it is for people to get into any kind of ac vity for the first me, so wanted to run something that was fairly relaxed and easy going.

It's ideal for those who have never run before, or those who are looking to step it up a gear from a walk to a light and gentle jog.

The club is available to members and non-members alike and is a great way to learn more about your local area and community while out and about on your run.

Kids are always encouraged to play sport outside but it's something we adults tend to ignore the older we get. Playing in a team has incredible benefits and can give you a real boost to your self-esteem as well as to your health. Team spirit helps us push ourselves that bit further and there's nothing wrong with some friendly compe on! Why not find a local sports team in your area and join in on their training days.

The other obvious way to exercise outdoors is to join a bootcamp, many of which you'll find in local parks come rain or shine.

Bootcamps are a great way of taking the gym outdoors as so much kit is now designed to be func onal and portable. Using your own

bodyweight is also a great tool so no heavy kit is required.

At Fitness hub we've already started looking into hos ng our own bootcamp and will announce the launch date and more details nearer the me. The great thing about bootcamps is that they encourage camaraderie and team spirit, which is part of our ethos as a gym, but also something we want to help boost in the local community.

So, what are you wai ng for, go outdoors and enjoy the light, bright evenings while you can!

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13

5 minutes with...

Amy Wilson from *Tell us about yourselves Muddy pups is a family run business, We offer dog walking, Fully licenced home boarding, Cat care, Li le pet care and many other services with currently 11 Employees. Were not only pet lovers, but we're pet owners, too. Your pet will be treated as if it were our own. We are fully insured and completely invested in your pets happiness. Our company is based on the belief that our customers needs are of the up most importance. Our en re team is commi ed to mee ng those needs. As a result, a high percentage of our business is from repeat customers and referrals. *Why did you start this business.

As a young girl I was around dogs all the me, my mum and dad were dog trainers and also rescued a lot of dogs. I have a very deep love for animals. My life is my dogs (my own and my customers) I simply could not imagine my life without animals in it. I started up on my own and quickly realised I needed help so I began looking into employing a er I did my research I began employing. I have a great team of animal lovers and we have grown from strength to strength.

dogs for the blind. All my staff are crb checked and complete training which include Dog care, Cat care and animal first aid. *What walks do you offer.

We offer 1 Hour walks, 30 min walks and 15 min garden let outs.

We do group walks and also 1-2-1 walks. We also offer house sits for dogs, Animal feeding service for cats, dogs and li le furry friends, also fish. We have also looked a er Owls & Chickens *What happens if the weather is bad We walk dogs come rain or shine. We have been out in very windy and wet weather, Snow, floods. No ma er what the weather we will do our upmost to get to the dogs we care for *What areas do you cover?

We currently cover Stevenage, Hitchin, Letchworth, Baldock, Sto old, Arlesey, Biggleswade, Sandy and surrounding villages and are always expanding.

*What breed or dog do you accept We look a er any breed of dogs, Big and small. Breed does not ma er to us, we love all dogs.

*Do you do any charity events?

Yes. Every year we raise money for a different charity as a team.

We have raised £200 for PDSA in 2013, £600 for guide dogs for the blind last year and this years charity we are doing the pre y muddy obstacle course to raise money for breast cancer.

*Tell us about your team of employees All my staff have come from an animal background, some used to work in rescue fostering dogs, one of my ladies worked with guide

*Do you offer any loyalty packages We offer a loyalty card for home boarding, Once the card is full you receive half price on your dogs next stay

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Local Solicitors Honoured for Helping to Secure £1.95M for Vital Cancer Research Do you need to make a Will A Royston firm has been recognised by Cancer Research UK a er facilita ng over £1.95m from people choosing to support the charity through a gi in their Will.

Terry Donnellan of The Walkers Partnership was presented with a special cer ficate to acknowledge their support since they joined the charity's Free Will Service.

Cancer Research UK relies heavily on people leaving gi s in their Wills to con nue its life-saving work. Over a third of its research into finding be er ways to treat, diagnose and prevent cancer is funded through legacy giving. The charity's Regional Legacy Manager for East Anglia, Rebecca Baguley, explained: “We all reach a stage at some point in our lives when we start to look ahead and consider what will happen to our financial affairs when we're no longer around.

“At Cancer Research UK we work with a number of local solicitors to offer a free Will service to anyone aged 55 or over, enabling individuals to make an all-important first Will or update an exis ng Will. The service is becoming more and more popular and while it is provided free of any obliga on, the vast majority of people choose to leave a gi to the charity as they appreciate the progress we are making and our absolute determina on to keep more families together for longer.”

The Walkers Partnership has been working with Cancer Research UK over the past 10 years and throughout this me it has enabled many people to fulfil their wish of remembering the charity in their Will. Rebecca added: “Terry might just tell you that he and his colleagues are only doing their job in helping people to plan their affairs and support the charity of their choice. But it goes far beyond that.

“The firm has become well informed about Cancer Research UK's work and is very suppor ve of the progress we are making. Whenever their clients express a desire to support us, Terry and his staff act with great sensi vity as they explain the various op ons and allow individuals or families make the right choice in their own good me.”

“It's quite astonishing to think that by simply combining enthusiasm with the highest professional standards, The Walkers Partnership has helped secure over £1.95m worth of legacy gi s since they joined our Free Will Service in 2004, which will go a long way towards helping our scien sts, doctors and nurses bring forward the day when all cancers are cured.”

Research has been responsible for saving nearly 520,000 lives in the UK since the 1980s and as the advances accelerate, Cancer Research UK is already laying the founda ons for the next genera on of cancer treatments that will save millions of lives worldwide. Progress in research has seen survival rates for children's cancer more than double since the 1960s and men with tes cular cancer having close to a 100 per cent chance of bea ng the disease.

And women diagnosed with breast cancer are now twice as likely to survive their disease as those diagnosed 40 years ago.

Terry said: “The Walkers Partnership is really proud to receive this special recogni on from Cancer Research UK. It is a truly inspiring charity which has been responsible for many of the key advances that have been made in the fight

or revise your existing Will?

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Please note that reduced rate wills will be available every week day from 8.00am until 6.00pm, and on Tuesday evenings until 8.00pm,by appointment only.

Also on the Saturday morning of 25th APRIL 2015, again by appointment only Reduced rates are:Double Wills - £250.00 plus VAT Single Will - £130.00 plus VAT HOME VISITS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE AT NO EXTRA CHARGE WITHIN A 5 MILE RADIUS OF BALDOCK. For more information please contact:1-3 Lower King Street, Royston, Herts SG8 5AJ

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Anyone wishing to know more about the Free Will Service, forthcoming regional events and leaving a legacy to Cancer Research UK can either visit www.cruk.org/freewillsservice or call Regional Legacy Manger - Rebecca Baguley on 01778 423706.

Cancer Research UK spends around £44m on world class research in East Anglia every year. This includes ongoing work at the Cambridge Research Ins tute which brings together over 250 specialist scien sts with exper se in breast, lung, ovarian, pancrea c, oesophageal, blood and prostate cancers at one of the largest cancer research facili es in Europe.

17

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By s n O s ’ Proop t e a r h a l W C Live Music - Mark Sullivan Saturday 4th April - 8pm - The White Lion, Baldock

Players Annual Dinner Thursday 3rd April - Letchworth Rugby Club 4 Course Dinner – International Speaker – Awards Ceremony £35 per head. Dress: Lounge suit/Club Blazer

Wine Tasting Evening Friday 10 April - 7.00pm Baldock Community Centre, Simpson Drive Tickets available from the Community Centre £12

The Baldock Car Boot Sale returns Saturday 11 April - 7.00am - Buntingford Road (A507) A superb car boot sale in picturesque surroundings For more information see www.u-boot.co.uk

Live music - Thomas Howard Sunday 12th April - The Broken Drum, Baldock

Community Evening Wednesday 15th April - Tesco - in the conference room Please contact Kelly 07822806353

Race Night - McMillan Cancer Support Wednesday 15th April - Bushel & Strike , Ashwell Come along and back a horse all in aid of a great cause

Live Music - Elvis - Gary King Saturday 18th April - 7.30 - The White Lion, Baldock

Live music - Dave Spencer Sunday 19th April - The Broken Drum, Baldock

St Georges Day lunch Friday 23 April - 1.00pm Orange Tree Pub - 3 courses £20 To book email fraser.valentine@baldocktown.co.uk

Live Music - Just the Two of Us Thursday 30th April 7.30 - Old White Horse

Baldock Police surgery - Baldock Community Centre Held by PCSO Farrier on 1st, 15th & 29th April Regular events: Quiz Night, 8-10.30pm, Orange Tree Pub Tuesdays Wednesdays Baldock Royal Chartered Market, High Street Baby Rhyme Time 10.30-11.00am, Library Senior Club, 2-4pm Community Centre Baldock and Letchworth 8.30-11pm Folk Club, Orange Tree Pub Toddler Tales, 2.30-3pm - Baldock Library Thursdays Baldock Country Market - 10am, The Cock Fridays The Baldock Car Boot Sale,7am Buntingford Saturdays Road 1st Tuesday White Lion Quiz Night, Baldock High Street every month 2nd Saturday Baldock Farmers & Craft Market, Baldock every month High Street. For more information contact fraser.valentine@baldocktown.co.uk If you would like to have your event included FREE in the May issue please email clare@nattyneckwear.com by 15th April 2015

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19

Baldock Gardens

By Graham Tapp

Tapps, The Baldock Garden Centre

It’s the third week in March and I've still got two coats on, we did have a day and a half of sun and the temperature did rise enough for me to take them both off for an afternoon last week.

My mower is still in the shed and likely to stay there for a bit longer, the lawns have dried out but the grass is not growing yet. I would expect it to be galloping away by the time you read this. So now is the time to start treating it as I explained in the last edition.

Also in last month’s write up I mentioned our Robins and other birds, the male birds did have the Spring feeling and started making nests everywhere. Unfortunately they were a bit quick off the mark and the Ladies are not interested at the moment, so we have several nice nests going spare.

About now is the time to be putting manure around your rose bushes and young fruit trees. I would always get the job putting the steaming pig poo around the hundreds of roses. The skill of the job was in balancing the single wheel of the wheelbarrow on the nine inch planks which the Head Gardener “ Tom Young “ had placed between the bushes, as any soil compaction caused by the wheel slipping off the plank would result in me, some time in May, having to go over all of it with a heavy metal spike (Peeler) and aerating it to a depth of at least 14 inches.

Another job I would get usually when the rain had fallen enough to soak me through was to go in to the log shed and mix several tons of sharp sand with about three hundred weight of Mercuric Oxide. This was to be mixed and then rebagged into the bags the sand came in. I never got the job of spreading this special lawn sand mix as, and I quote, “its not a boy’s job“. The Chauffer Cyril Brett always did this job, trotting up and down the lawns with a big bag on his side throwing this stuff left and right as fast as he could go. He always told me he was a Whirling Dervish I had no idea what that was.

Cyril always let me ride on the big mower and in his Sunbeam Alpine. One ride always cost me a bar of chocolate or some sweets. He was a good man and always put his uniform on when taking me out in his cars, some times I got to go in the back of the Rolls Royce.

Free Plant Surgery at Tapps When we get towards the end of April and the Daffs have finished flowering, try and remember to dead head them. Do not cut them down yet as we need to keep the foliage to absorb as much sun as possible. They will be forming next years flowers, feeding with a balanced granular feed would help.

Keep an eye out for frost! We will all have tender plants poking their heads out of the ground. Use horticultural fleece or news paper for frost . Do not use plastic as it will freeze onto your plants and cause severe damage.

We have recorded damaging frosts up until the 8th of June here in Baldock, so be careful.

This is the time of the year when we are all planting out tender plants - nice food for the slugs and snails, so use whatever system or chemicals you feel safe and confident using but just get rid of them.

Towards the late end of the month it will be safe to start new lawns with seed or turf. If you are not sure call into the Garden Centre and discuss your expectations and requirements.

Don’t forget to treat your paths and drives for weeds before they get away from you.

Use a balanced granular fertiliser in your borders and beds.Feed the birds and other wildlife as often as you consider necessary.

Open every day, just bring your problems in for us to advise on

I have had many people asking about fruit tree pruning, by mid April you should be finished, don’t panic if you haven't I can advise on it if you need help.

If you want to have a go at grafting call in to the Garden Centre and I will see what I can do for you.

Feeding of Snow drops - when they have finished flowering it is recommended to feed with a liquid feed such as a tomato feed at one tea spoon per two gallons of water. A recent scientific paper I have just read suggests that putting four one pence coins into a cup of water over night and then mixing that in with the tomato feed, will help turn them red the next time they flower!

Get your pea sticks and bean supports in as soon as you can.

Easter is early this year so don’t get carried away planting out tender bedding that may be found in some unscrupulous retailers for sale. Remember once they have your money in their pocket they don’t care if your new plants die. Good Garden Centres do care about you and will give sound advice that may be not to buy anything and wait a week or two.

Don’t get in a rush yet.

Have a good Gardening month, Cheers Graham.

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APRIL MOVIES APRIL 3rd - Furious 7 This is the seventh installment in the Fast & Furious film series. It is the first film of the series to take place after Tokyo Drift and will mark the final film appearance of Paul Walker, who died on November 30, 2013 with filming only half-completed. His brothers Caleb and Cody Walker being used as stand-ins to complete his remaining scenes.

APRIL 3rd - While We’re Young Ben Stiller and Naomi Watts star as a childless, New York married couple in their mid-forties. As their other friends all start having children, the couple befriend a young hipster couple. They soon begin enjoying the energy they feel hanging out with the younger generation.

APRIL 6th - The DUFF A high school senior instigates a social pecking order revolution after finding out that she has been labeled the DUFF (Designated Ugly Fat Friend) to her prettier more popular friends. To save her senior year, she must find the confidence to overthrow the school's ruthless label maker and remind everyone that no matter what people look or act like, we are all someone's DUFF.

APRIL 10th - John Wick John Wick is a mob hit man who, upon falling in love, quits. 5 years later, his wife dies and to make sure he's not alone she arranges for a dog to be brought to him after her death. Later, some men wanting his car break in and beat him up and kill his dog. When he recovers, he sets to get the ones who killed his dog. He learns that the leader is the son of his former employer.

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APRIL 27th - Woman In Gold The film is based on the true story of the late Maria Altmann, a Holocaust survivor living in Los Angeles who, together with her lawyer, fought the government of Austria for almost a decade to reclaim iconic pain ng of her aunt,Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer, which was confiscated from her rela ves by the Nazis in Vienna just prior to World War II

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a p p s Our pick of this month’s must have downloads Meerkat - IOS 7+, Android Meerkat allows you to stream live video from your phone to all of your Twi er followers at once. Press 'Stream', and instantly your live video stream shows up in your follower's Twi er feeds Audioshot - IOS 7+, Android Free, simple and fun way to send songs from your music service through Snapchat, Twi er, Instagram, Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp and more. Send your favourite song as text message for them to listen to on their phone.

Nat Geo View - IOS 7+, Android A new daily digest from Na onal Geographic, featuring the day's best pictures, stories, and videos. Every day, our editors will select the pieces that wow us and share them with you here in an elegant, easy-to-use app.

Imgur - IOS 7+, Android A simple, beau ful app that gives you instant access to the inďŹ nite stream of funny, fascina ng, informa ve, and awesome images bubbling up on Imgur daily

Red Arrow - IOS 7+, Android A minimal naviga on app! Build for those who love to walk and make their own direc ons as long as they have a direc on, Red Arrow is built around a beau ful minimal interface, with simplicity and speed of use in mind.

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BATRIBIKE GRANITE PRO THROTTLES THE COMPETITION Now that we are heading into spring, we can look forward to the hoards of keen cyclists hi ng the roads again, eager to blow the cobwebs off their bikes a er a winter si ng in their sheds.

Not all of us are blessed with Sir Chris Hoy's physique however, so when a sparkling Batribike Granite Pro was delivered one Monday a ernoon, I was eager to jump on and give it a spin!

The Granite Pro is the top end model in the Batribike range and comes painted in bright 'two-tone' paint, which gives a striking introduc on to the cycle. Adjustable front shock absorbers with a wide and comfortable sprung seat (with added shock absorber). with a 7 speed Shimano 'quick shi ' system help to give a very comfortable ride.

The 36 volt ba ery is mounted under the rear luggage rack and is locked in place by a key, this allows your remove it at night to

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charge if you wish. However it can be charged 'in situ;. Security wise, the bike has Datatag™ fi ed as standard which will hopefully put off criminals.

The bike has 3 modes of propulsion, the first being conven onal pedal power as you would expect from a normal bike. The second is by the 'Pedelec' or pedal assist, this is by the inclusion of a 250w motor on the rear wheel hub, when the bike detects rota on of the pedals, the motor kicks in immediately to provide assistance.

The assistance levels can be adjusted by the 5 seed LCD controller on the handlebars helping you to accelerate to the 15.5mph UK speed limit for e-bikes at which point the power cuts off and you are back to 'human power' alone.

Riding assisted is surprisingly pleasant, you aren't massively exer ng yourself and you can arrive with a healthy glow rather than dripping in sweat. Pedal assist will give you 50-60 miles range, but remember to keep an eye on your se ngs as in full power pedelec mode you will run the ba ery down much more quickly.

The third and final method of powering the bike, it the UK only 'Thro le' mode. This is one of the unique selling points of the Batribike range, as it completely negates the need to pedal at all (other than steep hills) and is ac vated by selec ng the thro le.

You begin to pull away with a quiet whining sound with the motor cu ng when you reach 15.5mph and then kicking in again shortly a er to maintain your speed.

Be warned though, you are only looking at 20 miles range on ba ery only, so make sure you find a power point as soon as you get to your des na on to give the ba ery a top up a er a long journey.

If you are looking to get back into cycling, but dread the red legs or cramp, then a electric bike could be for you. They are really cost efficient alterna ve to the car on fine days, and the thro le mode was a blessing.

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RICHMOND'S COACHES 27 Apr 3 May 10 May 18 May 25 May 7 Jun 11 Jun 21 Jun 29 Jun 3 Jul 22 Jul 22 Jul 3 Aug 11 Aug 16 Aug 20 Aug 28 Aug 13 Sep 30 Sep 5 Oct 27 Nov 29 Nov 6 Dec

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NEWS FROM St MARYS

This term has been a very busy and enjoyable one for the children at St Mary's Juniors.

Year 3 have been enjoying their studies of The Romans and will be visi ng Verulamium (St Albans) at the end of March. They have a 'Roman Day' coming up when they will dress as Romans, have a Roman feast and take part in a Roman ba le using the amazing shields they have made.

Year 4 visited the Gurdwara in Hitchin this week as part of their RE studies of Sikhism. They learned a great deal about the customs and beliefs of Sikhs. The hospitality we received at the Gurdwara was so warm and welcoming; they gave the children an experience to remember.

Year 5 have a visit from Impeyan produc ons who are bringing creatures from the rainforest as part of the year group's geography studies. This always brings lots of excitement from children - and apprehension from staff!

Year 6 children are busy studying hard for the SATs coming up in May. The next few months will be exci ng ones for Year 6 as they finish their me with us before moving on to their secondary schools. They have a residen al visit to Wales to look forward to a er their SATs when they can try some outdoor, adventurous ac vi es. They enjoyed taking part in the Baldock Music Fes val at the Knights Templar School last month, together with all the other Year 6 children in the Baldock area. It was a true celebra on of music and singing within the Baldock consor um of schools.

In sport, we are very proud to have been awarded the LDSSA (Letchworth District School Sports Associa on) trophy to our Girls Football Team. Our team, coached by Mrs Sara Shoobert, won this valued trophy without conceding a goal in five matches. The team

of Year 5 and 6 girls have worked really well as a team and have been brilliantly coached by Mrs Shoobert. We are very lucky to have such fantas c people on our staff who provide our children with such a range of experiences.

On March 13th, the whole school took part in Red Nose Day. With the sale of red noses, cakes and a non-uniform day, we raised over £500. With the lovely spring weather allowing us to once again use the school field and the outdoor space, we are looking forward to the events we have planned for what remains of the school year.

Pat Jenkins - Headteacher

Open during school holidays everyday except Wednesdays New Inn Road, Hinxworth, Herts. SG7 5EY

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Slimming World Recipe Supplied by Sandra Lloyd Chicken Supreme

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Method 1. Spray a medium non-stick frying pan with low calorie cooking spray and place over a low-medium heat. Add the onions and garlic granules and fry for 5 minutes or until light browned, stirring frequently. Add the chicken, bacon and mushrooms and cook for a further 10 minutes. Meanwhile, in a large bowl add the quark, chicken stock, mustard powder and salt and pepper. Mix really well until it makes a thick sauce.

2. Pour the sauce into the frying pan, stir really well and simmer for 5-10 minutes. Sprinkle with parsley and serve with a generous portion of vegetables and some rice.

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62nd ASHWELL MUSIC FESTIVAL

THURSDAY 7TH MAY – SUNDAY 24TH MAY 2015 The annual Ashwell Music Fes val begins on 7th May this year – showcasing the talents of young people from Ashwell, Baldock and surrounding area with the Young Musicians' Concert.

The Fes val has a great variety of concerts, to appeal to a wide audience. Topping the bill are Strictly – a group of former military bandsmen with vocalist Marlene Hill, who will be performing a mix of swing, big band, jazz and blues numbers.

Also on the bill this year are Re-Take That – a top tribute band, which always proves a popular concert. They will perform the well known numbers with dance rou nes, costumes and a light show.

For classical music lovers there are two high class concerts – From Opera to West End, featuring Ka e and Emily Rowley Jones, singing well known opera arias and songs from the West End. Ka e is currently playing the witch in Wicked. Also An evening with Ben Goldscheider, accomplished French horn player and compe tor in the BBC2 Brass Player of the Year 2015.

Followers of folk will have the treat of hearing Fawn – Becks Johnstone, perform an evening of Gaelic and other folk tunes, at the in mate se ng of the United Reformed Church.

The Fes val is concluded with Festal Evensong featuring the Choir of St. Mary's Ashwell performing sacred music. The guest preacher at this event will be Jeffrey John, Dean of St. Albans Cathedral.

The Music Fes val was started by Canon Jack Ca erick in 1953.

Choristers and choral scholars gathered at the summer event to sing choral music. Par cipants came from Cathedrals and choir schools throughout the country – Cambridge, Oxford, Worcester, Peterborough, Guildford, Southwell, Lichfield and many more.

Since that me, the Fes val has grown from the original concept of a summer school for young people, to include many well known people from the arts world who came to Ashwell to act as Musical Directors, to conduct, to compose for or to perform at the Fes val. Many of these people have na onal and indeed interna onal reputa ons.

Jazz, swing, brass band music, rock and folk music have all been performed during the past 60 years, with many famous performers taking part.

More details of the en re programme can be found on the Ashwell Music Fes val website www.ashwellmusicfes val.org Tickets are available online and from the Box Office on 01462 742500.

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TYNEHILL

Local Oxygen Treatment for Cancer Oxygen in Letchworth is changing people's lives.

Julia Bradbury from Welwyn Garden City is recovering from her second bout of breast cancer. She visits the Herts Oxygen Treatment Service in Letchworth regularly. She says that oxygen treatment has literally changed her life.

“I was first diagnosed with breast cancer five years ago. A er surgery and radiotherapy, I thought I'd beaten it,” explains Julia.

“But in 2012 it returned.”

“I started oxygen treatments to help promote scar healing a er my reconstruc ve surgery,” she adds. “The affect was amazing – it accelerated my hair growth following chemotherapy and gave me loads of energy too!”

“I missed my weekly sessions whilst I was on holiday and felt the difference almost immediately. There's no way that I could be working full me whilst figh ng cancer without my oxygen treatments. They have literally changed my life by helping my cancer recovery in such a huge way.” Julia says “My cancer hates oxygen!”

Mark Boscher from Herts Oxygen Treatment Service (OTS) says “People take Oxygen Treatment with us for a wide range of condi ons, including neurological condi ons, cancer, fibromyalgia, faster recovery a er some opera ons, ME, sports injuries and leg ulcers.”

Based in Letchworth for 30 years, the Oxygen Treatment Service helps people throughout Herts. Part of registered charity the Herts MS Therapy Centre, an experienced, friendly team runs the service.

“Our sessions are closely supervised and everyone is thoroughly screened before using our oxygen chamber,” explains Mark.

Do you know someone affected by cancer? Maybe they too could benefit from oxygen treatment. Call Mark or Claire at the Herts OTS on 01462 684214 to find out more.

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Art attracts us only by what it reveals of our most secret self…

Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves all at the same time, like being in love, art can evoke all different kinds of emotions.

Forget '50 shades of grey' and embrace a world full of colour, depending where you are on your journey in life, you will find that you are attracted to certain artists work by how you feel at that moment in time. Art is such a personal thing and there is no 'bad' art because what you love someone else will not. I would like to share a story with you; we are currently showcasing 2014 double award winning artist Antonio Russo and are proud to be chosen as the first gallery in the UK to display his Portrait Collection. I call them 'Our Ugly Collection' and after the initial shock when I first saw them, love them!

Russo's Portrait collection will only be with us until the end of March before they travel to New York for their debut showing. This work is currently not for sale but a great opportunity to view them before the Americans do!

One client's reaction was '… they look like they have been painted by a serial killer…!' and another '… these are the best works I have seen in a long time… ' as you can see we go from the sublime to the ridiculous which I love because his work has caused a reaction. It pushes boundaries and creates discussion and interaction, so please if you can manage to take an hour out of your busy schedule, take a visit to Baldock and escape for a while whilst you soak up the artistic talent we have here on offer.

Moving on from Russo I like the metaphor of Easter, the name originally came from the Anglo-Saxon name for the month of April which was known as Eostremonath. Quite a mouthful so the English Christians began calling it Easter and it was also named after the AngloSaxon goddess Eostre. Rituals relating to the goddess Eostre focus on new beginnings, symbolized by the Easter egg and fertility which is also symbolized by the hare (or Easter bunny) .. the same with art, from emerging new talent to someone who may be at a cross roads in life ready for a new adventure, 'new beginnings' can be crystalized in many forms.

Whatever 'life journey' you are on please do make one trip … and enjoy a unique experience with a gallery that certainly prides itself on being different.

Whether this is your first time visiting a gallery or a connoisseur, enjoy a relaxed environment and a

complimentary coffee or glass of wine as you enjoy the varied forms of work that is constantly evolving here in the gallery.

We are passionate about art and the 'art' of what we do is to listen and help guide clients on their journey of connecting with artists that they love too.

Why travel to London when you have not just one but two of Hertfordshire's leading art galleries right here on your doorstep? Our sister gallery, Gallery 1066 has over 3,000 sq.ft of space over two floors displaying a stunning range of affordable work - whether you are looking for wall art , sculpture, original glassware, garden art or just some inspiration we have something for everyone.

Be inspired with emerging talent such as Colin Banks and his exciting new collection 'The Orbs' he uses mixed media and engraving to create these whimsical characters on aluminium and Lee Tyler with his stunning abstract effects of Aluminart, applied in layers with some amazing results, private commissions available… a must visit.

As Pablo Picasso once quoted 'art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life' and we welcome you to lose yourself here in the heart of Baldock, London Row is situated opposite St. Mary's Church and the George restaurant, www.thegeorgeatbaldock.co.uk where you can find excellent food and Gallery 1066 is only a 2 minute walk away … come and be inspired and enjoy a fine art experience, a warm welcome awaits you.

To find out more about our artists and calendar of events please contact Hayley Norman, London Row International Fine Art, 4 Church Street, Baldock, Herts. SG7 5AD 01462 347347, info@londonrowfineart.com www.londonrowfineart.com

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LETTERS

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I needed a cleaning so I rang Dan from Legacy Cleaning. I just wanted to say how impressed and pleased I am with the service that they provide and what a professional company they are.

Margaret

Open 9am - 5pm Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri & Sat

Changing jobs le me in a dilemma having to leave our dog at home all day I called Amy from Muddy Pups problem solved she comes in every day and takes our dog for a lovely long walks many thanks from one happy Baldock resident Unable to do all our own gardening we rang Jim Caddy your tree surgeon. He did a super job and we will deďŹ antly recommend and use him again.

S. Jones I've done it for years I have wanted to give up smoking always giving in but not this me I went to see Kim for Total Therapy I had an ini al 30 minute ( free) consulta on to decide whether it could work for me and it has I feel so much be er and can't thank her enough Clare London Rd - Non smoker I have always struggled with my weight but also very nervous about going to a slimming club I took the bullet a er Christmas and went to Slimming World. What a relaxed atmosphere it was Sandra has really inspired me I don't feel like I am on diet I have also met some lovely people there Cathy T If you have used one of the businesses or services that adver se in the magazine please get in touch & let us know how you got on.

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36

Weston Way Nursery

April April Fools and April Showers April Bunnies and April Flowers April lambs in the April Sun April Days mean Spring has sprung!

April Eggs that no hens lay, Chocolate Lipstick on Easter Day!

It has been a busy month here at the nursery with plenty of opportuni es for the children and staff to 'dress up'. Thursday 5th April w a s W O R L D B O O K D AY a n d everyone was invited to dress up as their favourite book character. The children and the staff were very crea ve and we saw a wide variety of characters ranging from Mr Tickle and Mr Bump to Li le Red Riding Hood and the wolf, Mog the Cat and James Bond 007. Many of the c h i l d r e n s t ay e d i n c h a ra c t e r throughout the session. We have a

library day every Thursday where the children can borrow books to take home. Parent volunteers enable this facility to be such a success. At the nursery school the children always enjoy listening to a wide range of stories and we encourage their posi ve a tude to books.

On Friday 13th we are celebrated RED NOSE DAY and the nursery was a sea of red! The children and staff were encouraged to wear something red to raise money for the charity.

Many of the children brought in a joke to share with their friends.

‘Knock, knock’.....‘ Who's there?'

'May' .....‘May who?’....'May I come in and sit down?'

As well as the enjoyment of dressing up and having fun, the children were made aware of the importance of thinking of others who are not as fortunate as themselves.

Jane Mille - Headteacher

37

"Coming up @ Baldock Town FC in April” With the weather warming up and the climax to another season fast approaching, there are five opportuni es to see the Reds in ac on in April - fixtures listed below. Of par cular interest will be the match with Arlesey Town Reserves on Wednesday 22nd April. Not only is this the final home match of the season, but it is also likely to be the Reds final game at Hitchin Town FC. A er three seasons at Top Field, the Reds will be groundsharing with Sto old FC at Roker Park as of next season (subject to league and FA approval). More details of this will follow in next month's issue.

1st Team (all home matches @ Hitchin Town FC) Sat 4 Apr - HOME v Wodson Park (League) - 3pm KO Tue 7 Apr - away v Langford (League) - 7.45pm KO Sat 11 Apr - HOME v Risborough Rangers (League) - 3pm KO Wed 15 Apr - HOME v Welwyn Garden City (League) - 7.45pm KO Mon 20 Apr - away v London Lions (League) - 7.45pm KO Wed 22 Apr - HOME v Arlesey Town Reserves (League) - 7.45pm Sat 25 Apr - away v Bush Hill Rangers (League) - 3pm KO Wed 29 Apr - away v Southall (League) - 7.45pm KO Admission: Adults £5, Concessions £2.50, u16s FREE Reserves (all home matches @ North Herts Arena, Baldock) Sat 4 Apr - away v Sto old Res (League) - 3pm KO Easter Monday 6 Apr - away v Harpenden Town Res (League) 12pm KO Sat 11 Apr - away v Oxhey Jets Res (League) - 3pm KO Sat 25 Apr - HOME v Hoddesdon Town Res (League) - 3pm KO Admission: FREE

38

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A safe and relaxing environment for the whole family

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Pony club rallies and activities Indoor & outdoor riding facilities

Full livery and schooling

Councils North Hertfordshire District

01462 474000

Doctors Baldock Surgery

Courtlands Riding Stables, Old Chanrty Lane, Todds Green, Stevenage, Herts, Sg1 2JE

01462 892458

Dentist Mews House Surgery Baldock Dental Surgery

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Emergency Utilities Gas Emergency Electric power cut

0800 111999 0800 7838838

Hospitals Lister Hospital Queen Elizabeth 2 EMERGENCY HEALTH

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Library Baldock Library

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Police Police

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Public Houses Engine The Cock The Old White Horse The Orange Tree The Victoria The White Lion

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Schools Knights Templar Hartseld St Johns St Marys Brandles

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Travel Arriva Buses National Rail Enquires National Bus line

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Nurseries Weston Way Nursery Merry Go Round

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Play Groups Magic Moments Merry Go Round

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Vets Baldock Veterinary Centre

07980 400690 01462 896322

IT & SECURITY

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Lock Smith Gearing Locksmith

2 The Cottage Pixmore Avenue Letchworth Garden City Hertfordshire SG6 1JS

LEAFLETS DELIVERED 1 /16 p age

Plumbers A.P Huges A.D Taylor Nick Sayer

01438 355121

www.courtlandsridingstables.co.uk

07989514996

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DANIELLE O’CONNOR AKIYAMA - ASCENSION