December 2015

Issue 17 December

Welcome Is it just me or are some people a little too eager to start their Christmas celebrations? Trees are up, wish lists are sent and the nervous wait to find out if you've made it onto the naughty or nice list has begun. The shops are already rammed with elbow shovers trying to get their Christmas shopping out of the way as early as possible. As usual I told a little white lie last year when I announced that I'd be more organised in 2015 but here I am at the end of November sitting in the warm with a cuppa making excuses not to leave the house to go shopping with the missus (especially with all these threats of snow, you can never be too careful)!

If you've got little ones (or not so little ones as the case may be) that haven't sent there lists up north to the big man himself yet why not send them to the address below: Santa/Father Christmas, Santa's Grotto, Reindeerland. XM4 5HQ If you send your letter by 6th December and include your full name and address Father Christmas will send you a personalised reply! Great idea for all the believers left out there. You might want check their list first as our youngest has come up with a cunning plan. She's decided that whatever she wants to give another family member for Christmas she'll add to her own list. Then when she opens them on Christmas Day she'll check who it's for, quickly rewrap it and then pass it to the relevant person - sly but genius!

It's the Baldock Christmas Fair coming up next, the last big town event of the year that will draw out the whole community no matter how chilly it is (you can always grab a coffee or a hot chocolate from one of the towns many cafes to keep you warm or if you're feeling particularly festive, a glass of mulled wine). If you're layering up for the occasion don't forget to don your best Christmas jumper!

Anyway, that's enough from me apart from saying a massive thank you to all the advertisers who have helped support us during 2015 and to everyone on the delivery team .

Merry Christmas and a happy New Years!

Paul & Jacqui info@onourdoorstepbaldock.co.uk Advertising

Jacqui Calver 07973 788418 Email: info@onourdoorstepbaldock.co.uk

DECEMBER

2015

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Muddy pups Ltd is the only dog walking company to use call monitoring with all our employees.

Muddy pups Ltd is committed to providing the best care it can to all it's Service Users.

With this in mind we use Call Guardian which operate a call monitoring system which is designed to identify when Walkers arrive & leave.

This ensures you get your full booked time, so we will know how long the walker has spent with your pets.

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DECEMBER

2015

ST MARY'S NEWS

Today in school, we have been fund raising for Children in Need.

In school, children are encouraged to look for ways in which they can help others and like all schools, we do a fair amount of fundraising.

So far in this academic year, we have raised money for Macmillan Cancer Support, Cancer Research and also for Alzheimer's Research. These chari es have been highlighted by children whose families have been affected by such illnesses. We have also just taken part in the Bri sh legion Poppy Appeal as part of our work on Remembrance. By organising some fundraising, children can raise the profile of these chari es across the school, making everyone aware of how they support the people in our community who are affected by illness and disability. Our monetary contribu on is small in the scheme of na onal fundraising but it represents a great deal of thought and kindness from the children and their families.

Animal and children's chari es are always a popular theme for fund raising. Several children have made Christmas boxes for Opera on Christmas Child, led by Samaritan's Purse, a Church led organisa on providing a Christmas present for a child in a country affected by war or famine. It is always very moving when children empathise and put together a gi box for a child of a similar age to themselves - they really think about what would make another child happy and nearly always put in a teddy or so toy – whatever the age.

Children in Need is a special day when the whole school par cipates in raising money. This morning, Pudsey Bear visited the school to great excitement from the children. We are grateful to LV Insurance who sponsored Pudsey to visit local schools.

Children and staff came to school wearing their pyjamas paying 50p for the privilege and we had a cake sale at break me and a er school. We also had some sports challenges with a 20p dona on to Beat the Goalie or Score a Net. One of our Year five children organised a Pudsey Bear raffle and made £21 by himself. All in all, an enjoyable day with over £300 raised for Children in Need.

Our next fundraising event is our school Christmas Fair when we are raising money for our own school fund. We have a shared PTA with our friends next door at St Mary's Infant School with any money raised, split between the two schools to fund such things as outdoor play equipment, theatre visits and workshops. This year, our Christmas Fair is here at the Junior School on Friday 4th December between 5 and 7pm.

Come along if you can! You will be made very welcome.

Mrs Pat Jenkins - Headteacher

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Baldock Town Youth FC Baldock Town Youth have been known over the years for their good passing football and have had a lot of success. This does not happen overnight as the process starts at a very young age.

Baldock Town Youth take on players from recep on age and hope to develop them into players who will be at the club for a long me.

At school recep on age they learn the basics of playing football.

This is from dribbling with a ball to passing and shoo ng.

For the boys to achieve this the club has FA qualiďŹ ed coaches and also have current youth players that are doing their Duke of Edinburgh Awards with the aim to stay on and become young qualiďŹ ed coaches.

When they get into Year Two they start to play in games at weekends against other clubs and train during the week. At this age it is non-compe ve as the development of the player is the most important thing. Baldock Town Youth have had this policy in place for a long me and it seems to work well.

If you have any children interested in wan ng to start playing football then please contact Andrew Dolby (Vice Chairman) a er 5pm on 07740 309 286 or via andrew.dolby@ntlworld.com

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By Year One, the boys have a basic knowledge of how to play football. Their skills are worked on to improve them and they also start to play friendlies against other local teams. The club has a policy that all children should be given the opportunity to play football and their ability is not ques oned. The club just want the children to enjoy the game.

DECEMBER

2015

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NOVEMBER

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We were delighted to play host to a very special guest in November. Pudsey Bear came to visit us for Children in Need. The children also had the chance to come in dressed as Superheroes and take part in some very special ac vi es on the day.

December is always a very busy me at Merry Go Round. At the beginning of the month the 'li le elves' come and decorate our rooms and the children come in to lots & lots of fairy lights and nsel. All the children have helped to make decora ons for our entry into the St Mary's Christmas Tree Fes val. Our nursery children also perform their Na vity play for their families. There is never a dry eye in the house and the children really enjoy learning their lines and songs. Our nursery children and staff visit a number of shops in town to sing Christmas songs to all the owners and staff. They then visit the Christmas tree in the market square and sing for the shoppers as well. We round-up this wonderful term with a visit from Father Christmas who a ends our Christmas party.

We would like to thank all the staff for their hard work at this busy me of year. We would also like to wish all our families a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

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DECEMBER

2015

Keep your pets safe this Christmas There are many things that can cause harm to your pets, but Christmas can be a par cularly hazardous me as there is more opportunity for our furry friends to eat things they shouldn't.

We offer 24 hour emergency care and advice. Just call 01462 895579.

Below is a list of some of the more commonly seen items that can be harmful, or even toxic, to your pets. *Remember, if your pets eats anything they shouldn't, even if they seem well, please call your Vets for advice* Ÿ Chocolate – Theobromine poisoning. Chocolate can be fatal for dogs, even in small quan es. Ÿ Grapes and Raisins – These are commonly found in Christmas cake, Christmas pudding and mince pies at this me of year and can be toxic. Ÿ Onions and Garlic – Can be toxic and may cause anaemia. Ÿ Mistletoe, Holly, Cyclamen and Lilies – Can all be toxic if eaten, especially lilies for cats. Ÿ Ibuprofen – Can cause severe vomi ng and diarrhoea, even death. Never give anything that hasn't been prescribed by a Vet, or medica on that has been prescribed for another animal without consul ng a Vet first. Ÿ Xylitol – Sweetener found in sugar-free items and chewing gum. Ÿ An -freeze – Ethylene glycol poisoning. This can be fatal if ingested. Ÿ Nuts – Can cause signs from vomi ng to tremors. Ÿ Peach/Nectarine stones and Corn cobs – Can cause a gut obstruc on and require surgical removal. Ÿ Tinsel – Shiny, cats love to play with this. If eaten it can become tangled in their gut. (Also string, ribbon, etc)

Turkey – Bones can cause gut obstruc ons and tears, fa y meat can cause upset tummies.

We would like to wish all our fur and feathered friends a safe and happy Christmas from everybody at Baldock Veterinary Centre and Royston Veterinary Centre Ÿ

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‘Please keep your Pets safe this Christmas’ Remember if your pet eats anything they shouldn't even if they seem well

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2015

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ENJOY SOME FESTIVE CHEER JUST DON'T OVER DO IT! Christmas is an incredibly exci ng me of year and even as fitness professionals we love spending me with friends and family during the fes ve period, enjoying the odd mince pie and drop of sherry.

But the key to a successful Christmas is to enjoy the fes ve fayre on offer without over-indulging on a spectacular scale.

Yes it's temp ng to eat a plate full of mince pies loaded with double cream, to stuff one miniature chocolate a er another into your mouth or enjoy one too many glasses of the creamy alcoholic stuff, but the price you pay isn't worth it in the long run.

Firstly, you feel uncomfortable because you can't move properly due to stuffing yourself. You feel lethargic because your body can't cope with diges ng all that rich food. You then start feeling guilty because you know you shouldn't have done it but you just couldn't help yourself. And as for the spikes in your blood sugar levels and then the monumental crash a erwards!

The key to tackling Christmas isn't to sample a li le bit of everything, but to choose one or two treats that you'll savour and really enjoy. It could be roast potatoes or Christmas pudding on the big day, or that extra glass of champagne with breakfast.

On Christmas Day alone people consume around 6,000 calories on Christmas dinner alone, let alone all the picky bits you feast on throughout the day and the drink you wash it all down with.

The key to success is not to feel like you're depriving yourself by enjoying the occasional treat. Don't think 'sod it, it's only one day, what's the worst that can happen?'

If you're already a member of a gym then keep up your usual rou ne as much as you can, or take advantage of spending quality me with the family and enjoy a nice long walk. Breathe in some fresh air, get the heart rate pumping, turn the cheeks rosy red and get through this Christmas without looking like the jolly big fat man at the end of it.

If you follow these simple rules then resuming training in January will be so much easier.

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2015

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ANNOUNCEMENTS HAPPY BIRTHDAY

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY Graham Tapp

01462 672885

‘The Baldock Firework King’ From all your friends and family th

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DECEMBER

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We sell direct from the farm our own Free Range Bronze and White Turkeys and Barn Reared Chickens fresh for Christmas. Having arrived on the farm as day old chicks in July they are allowed to reach full maturity.

Call Jenny on 01462 892 253 www.oakleyfarming.co.uk Dairy Farm, Bygrave Road, Baldock, Herts SG7 5DS

Letchworth U13 Girls Rugby

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Letchworth Rugby Football Club are keen to re-establish a girls sec on and this season our focus is to grow our U13 squad (for girls in school years 6, 7 & 8). The squad currently has 12 players.

We want to encourage girls to lead ac ve, healthy lifestyles.

Rugby football is the greatest of all team games and at Letchworth we passionately believe that you will find great enjoyment and life long friendships from it as well as improving your rugby skills and fitness levels.

This season the membership fee has been waived and we offer free food a er every training session.

All our U13 girls are invited to County Development sessions held on the first Sunday of each month. The next session is to be held at Old Albanians on the 6th December and Letchworth will be hos ng the following session on January 10th. Both sessions are scheduled to start at 12.30pm.

Training is on Sundays from 11am to 12.30pm at the Club in Legends Lane, Baldock Road, Letchworth (behind the Leisure Centre). Just turn up or contact Richard for more info on 07919 216806 or email richardsell@b nternet.com To keep up to date with what's going on at the Club: visit us at letchworthrugby.co.uk

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“Changing for the Future” Baldock Rotary Sponsors Scouts at World Jamboree Two Explorer Scouts who a ended the World Scout Jamboree in Japan this summer recently gave a talk to Baldock Rotary Club.

Baldock Scouts Helen Inman and Dan Barnico presented their Jamboree experience photographically and began by describing their fundraising efforts, over two years, which required each par cipant to raise £3,300, which included sponsorship by Baldock Rotary Club.

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The jamboree, which is held every four years, a racted scouts from 151 countries and involved 30,000 par cipants. Sixty-six units, each of 40 people a ended from the UK and as Helen and Dan commented results in 'strangers becoming friends'.

The experience comprised a sightseeing visit to Tokyo, the 10 day Jamboree event, near Hiroshima, which included various ac vi es and an Hiroshima Day which was described 'as a very moving experience, both humbling and shocking'. Then there was also a HOHO (home hospitality) experience which involved a stay with a Japanese family to experience local culture first hand.

The event a racted much local interest and a highlight was an address by the Royal High Prince and Prime Minister of Japan.

Helen and Dan commented that it was an adventure never to be forgo en and they adopted the phrase, “don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened,” a meaningful statement we should all consider.

They concluded their talk by saying, “they treasure every moment from the event because you never know if you will meet a person just once in your life me.”

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Christmas Opening Times Christmas Eve Christmas Day Boxing Day Sunday 27th Monday 28th Tuesday 29th Wednesday 30th New Years Eve New Year's Day

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Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to all our fantastic customers and even those who are not.

Thank you for a fantastic 2015 from us all at 18

DECEMBER

2015

Great Scott!

Is that a Hoverboard It's fairly certain that you have already seen a Balance Board in use, whether it be a teenager rolling along the pavement or dancers in a music video. These are futuris c transport devices which are looking to be this years top Christmas present.

A friend of mine, Charles happens to own two of them and kindly lent me one for a month to review. My tes ng started on an all weather pitch and I was told that it should only take fi een minutes to master.

My board had a charger port and an on/off switch mounted at the 'front' and a er switching it on, it lit up, beeped loudly and twitched. The twitching was the internal gyroscopes boo ng up which provide the 'self balancing' features. Once on, the board is ready to mount, this is where some thought and prepara on is required because the pressure sensors on each footplate are set to decide whether the device should move forward or backward. There are two independently rota ng footplates a ached at the centre, which allows for both forward and backward mo on and also turning and spinning. With this in mind, you will need to mount the board and keep your feet as level as possible to avoid the board shoo ng off in a random direc on.

Charles told me to keep my legs straight and allow the board to do the balancing, this was ini ally difficult because you are figh ng against you natural urge to try and balance, this causes

a very wobbly few minutes which suddenly gets overcome when your brain realises you don't need to balance. Some will find it easier that others and you really need to prepare to fall off these devices and when you do it can hurt!! Hence the all weather pitch.

Once you have your balance, everything becomes natural, gently shi ing your weight on the board propels you forward and backwards, rocking one foot forward begins to turn you in that direc on, leaning one foot forward and one back will spin you around on the spot, it is great fun!

This is where the cau on bit comes in. These boards are very easy to ride when on completely flat and smooth surfaces, but it can be dicey when the ground is less accommoda ng, the smallest stone can push the board off kilter and send you spinning or worse on your backside. The boards are also very heavy with big ba eries and motors, they can travel up to about 9mph, so if you crash into someone or something it is going to hurt you or them. The ba eries last about a hour with warnings when they are ge ng low, so make sure you are near home as the board heavy. It can plugged into the mains and charged again in about an hour.

The price of these boards varies wildly from £250 to £750, there doesn't seem to be a no ceable difference between brands which possibly suggests they made in the same factories. There have also been reports of non EU cer fied devices for sale in the UK, this can be unsafe for lots of reasons whilst using and charging them, so again only buying for reputable outlets.

Unfortunately Balance boards are illegal to be ridden on roads and pavements in the UK. They are classed as motor vehicles and require registering, insuring and taxing as a motor vehicle. UK Law states they can only be ridden on private land with the owners consent, riding them elsewhere leaves you in danger of a fine.

Pro: R.S. CROW F.I.O.R On the plus side, you do feel a bit like Marty McFly when riding them. Merry Christmas!!

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DECEMBER

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Baldock Gardens

By Graham Tapp

Tapps, The Baldock Garden Centre

December is the season of good cheer! So I’m not going to write anything about gardens, instead it will be all about Christmas trees. I hear all sorts of old and strange stories about Christmas trees so let's correct a few.

The ready cut market started in the mid 19th century, with cut trees from natural forests, planting of pine forests for Christmas Trees began in the early 20ty century, increasing greatly after the second world war, the later end of the 20th century saw a large increase, newer techniques have led to 4000 plus non-drop trees being grown per acre.

I will start by explaining how the trees are grown, there are traditionally two ways the trees are grown to bring your tree to mass market. The first is the forestry route, this is when the trees are grown specifically as a timber crop, the tree will be grown to full height then cut down when fully mature or suitable age for the timber required, the top is cut away and sold as a Christmas tree, these will usually be classed as seconds.

The Second way of growing the trees and the way all premium or 1st-grade trees are grown is the nursery or horticultural plantation route, trees are grown from seed and selected on size and quality, being cut over several years.

As you know the use of trees indoors was started around 1846 when Queen Victoria and Prince Albert were seen in pictures standing around a nicely decorated tree.

Your trees story, best seed is grown and harvested in Georgia, Russia, The mother trees are tens of metres high and several metres wide the local Georgians will regularly climb the mother trees with the very basic of equipment, this for very little pay or reward. The seed is collected as pine cones which are laid out to dry, the seed is then shaken out and collected, the seed is soaked in very cold water and then chilled for weeks, they then come out of store and are sown in warm conditions in soil and left to grow for a couple of years. When the nurseryman decides that they have developed a strong enough root system they will be dug up in their thousands graded and replanted into the newly prepared nursery plantation at about 6inches by 6inches giving them room to grow into well-formed baby trees, the length of time they spend in the nursery bed for usually for no more than 4 years.

The next stage of production is to transfer them into the ( final or second production bed) the little trees are undercut by machine, undercutting is usually done with a large hook-shaped blade that goes through the ground far enough under the tree so as to cut the roots in a way that detaches the tree from the ground but leaves enough of the root system to allow it to re-root when transplanted, the final planting spacing is down to individual growers and what size they want that crop to achieve.

The little trees are allowed to grow for another two to three years before pruning is started they may be pruned twice in a year but most only once, they will now stay in their production field for another three years before they are considered for harvesting, the criteria for selection will depend on many things ranging from, thinning the trees to give more room, quality relative to size, the crop is planned for maximum return per size per acre, it may be the grower wants more cash flow that season. It would not be unusual to crop a production field over several years.

So if you ever wondered why Christmas trees cost so much, you can now see that your carefully chosen tree may be anything from six to twelve years plus old. considering these facts, you should carry on the care for your Christmas tree.

A good tree retailer will treat your tree with respect and not be throwing it about, breaking bits off, letting it dry out or go mouldy but most importantly they should cut the trunk of your tree (at the time of purchase), to allow it to take up water once you get it home, they should also craft the trunk to fit your stand always take your stand with you when you go to choose your tree so they can fit it for you, once this is done for you, they will carefully re-wrap your tree, NEVER EVER take a tree that is still netted, a good tree supplier won't let you anyway.

When you get it home, try and keep it in a cooler part of your house and keep it well watered, lemonade and other quackery won't help.

Finally - even after all this careful work one in one hundred non-drop trees will drop their needles, it’s a genetic and unidentifiable problem so if it happens to you, take it back to your specialist who WILL replace it immediately no questions asked.

Good tree hunting, have a Merry Christmas and a Happy new year, Cheers Graham.

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23

‘Christmas is coming, the goose is getting fat Please put a penny in the old man's hat’ Well we haven't got an old mans hat, but we have got a sleigh. Father Christmas assisted by Baldock Rotary Club will once again be visiting the streets of Baldock and surrounding villages during December and making a collection for local charities

Baldock Rotary Club Christmas Sleigh 2015 Route Be sure not to miss us.

Below are the dates and streets we will be visiting.

Day & Date

Town

@baldockclub

Route 6 p.m. to 8 p.m

Monday 30th November

Baldock (Clothall Common)

Wynn Close Weaver's Way Mercia Road

Westell Close Bush Spring

Downlands Sale Drive

Tuesday 1st December

Baldock (Clothall Common)

Aleyn Way Merchants Walk

Chauncy Gardens Mal ngs Close

Ringtale Place Barley Rise

Wednesday 2nd

Baldock

Bygrave Road Larkins Close Salisbury Road The Sycamores Norton road Pepys Way

Icknield Way East Bramley Close Grosvenor Road West Avenue Norton Crescent Hopewell Road

North Road Grosvenor Road West Coachmans Lane Letchworth Road

Thursday 3rd December

Baldock

Friday 4th December

Ashwell

Ashwell Street Angels Meadow Kingsland Way

Silver Street Back Street High Street

Monday 7th December

Baldock (Clothall Common)

Stane Street Hurst Close Rive Close

Eisenburg Close Rhee Spring Orwell View

Iredale Way Rye Gardens

Tuesday 8th December

Baldock

Football Close Jackson Street Orchard Road

Pond Lane Brewery Lane Hitchin Street

Church Street Simpson Drive Thurnall Close

Baldock

Weston Way Chilvers Bank

The Rise St Mary's Way

The Leas

Baldock

Holroyd Crescent Park Drive Park Close

The Rowans Alder Close Mansfield Road

Park Crescent Park Street

Baldock

Nigh ngale Way Elmwood Avenue Mons Avenue London Road (L/H side)

Clare Crescent Willian Way Weston Way (Top)

Templar Avenue Ashtons lane Hillcrest

Baldock

Pembroke Road Pinnocks Lane Clothall Road Roman Lane

Walnut Avenue Laxton Gardens Limekiln Lane Penfold Close

South Road South Close Providence Way

Weston

Mill Lane Maiden Street Munts Meadow

Damask Close Other Cul-de-sacs Hitchin Road

Forge End Damask Green Road Friars Road

Wednesday 16th December

Baldock

Anchor Road Turpins Way Pryor Way London Road (R/H side)

Ivel Way London Road Page Close

Byrd Walk Chiltern Road Woodland Way

Thursday 18th December

Bygrave

Wednesday 9th December Thursday 10th December

Friday 11th December Monday 14th December

Tuesday 15th December

Marianne Cusworth - Friend of Baldock Rotary Club DECEMBER

2015

25

Yore Stuff Antiques & Collectables www.yorestuff.com Baldock based antiques dealer

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We buy your antiques and collectables Antique, vintage, retro furniture and other interesting items for sale House, garage clearance Sales and valuation advice Upcycling, repair

Dipping service

5% discount when you quote: On Our Doorstep Contact: Brent@yorestuff.co.uk 18 Pembroke Road, Baldock, Herts SG7 6DB Tel 07703 516914

Painting interior & exterior Wall coverings Plastering Renders Dry lining All aspects of finishing trades Ÿ Tape & jointing Ÿ Coving etc Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ

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The perfect finish every time Phone 07947 396 341

Office 01462 734 509

66 Astwick Road, Stotfold, SG5 4BQ 26

DECEMBER

2015

DECEMBER MOVIES DECEMBER 3rd - VICTOR FRANKENSTEIN James McAvoy and Daniel Radcliffe star in a dynamic and thrilling twist on a legendary tale. Radical scientist Victor Frankenstein and his equally brilliant protégé Igor Strausman share a noble vision of aiding humanity through their groundbreaking research into immortality.

But Victor’s experiments go too far, and his obsession has horrifying consequences.

WITH THE

DECEMBER 4th - CHRISTMAS

COPPERS

When four generations of the Cooper clan come together for their annual Christmas Eve celebration, a series of unexpected visitors and unlikely events turn the night upside down, leading them all toward a surprising rediscovery of family bonds and the spirit of the holiday.

DECEMBER 17th - STAR WARS EPS. VII The Force Awakens plot will be set 30 years after the Battle of Endor and the events portrayed in Return of the Jedi. This makes complete sense and the film will once again feature Luke, Leia and Han from the original trilogy. In order to pull this off realistically, Episode VII, would need to factor in the age of the actual actors, and it appears that’s exactly what’s being done.

DECEMBER 18th - SISTERS A new film from the director of Pitch Perfect about two 30 something disconnected sisters summoned home to clean out their childhood bedroom before their parents sell the family house. Looking to recapture their glory days, they throw one final high-school-style party for their classmates, which turns into the cathartic rager that a bunch of ground-down adults really need.

DECEMBER 27th - SNOOPY & CHARLIE B Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus and the rest of the beloved “Peanuts” gang make their big-screen debut, like they’ve never been seen before, in state of the art 3D animation. Charlie Brown, the world’s most beloved underdog, embarks upon an epic and heroic quest, while his best pal, the lovable beagle Snoopy, takes to the skies to pursue his arch-nemesis, the Red Baron.

Philip Allen Tree Surgeon

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27

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

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Slimming World Recipe Supplied by Sandra Lloyd Bubble and Squeak Cakes When you're saving pennies because Santa's arrival is around the corner there's nothing better than using up leftovers....or alternatively its a cheap meal from scratch!

Serves 4

Ingredients Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ

900g floury potatoes 200g cabbage 6 spring onions 1 egg yolk salt and freshly ground pepper low calorie cooking spray 4 tomatoes 4 eggs 2 x 400g cans baked beans

5 7

6

1

3 5

Method 1. If you are not using left over mash then peel and boil potatoes. Shred the cabbage and finely slice the spring onions. Mix it all together. Allow to cool and add the egg yolk. Stir and leave to cool.

2. When ready to cook preheat the oven to 200 degrees and divide the potato mixture into eight portions and shape each one into a patty. Place on a baking tray sprayed with frylight or brushed with oil and bake for 20-25 mins until browned.

3. Meanwhile halve the tomatoes and fry along with the eggs. Heat the baked beans and serve with the bubble and squeak cakes.

9 3 8

5 7

2 8

7 4

2 9

1 2

5

4 5

9

9

3 8

Mobile

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Deb’s Dirty Cookers Prepare your Oven ready for the Xmas Turkey.

Spring cleaning & cooker repairs also undertaken Friendly Reliable Service Treat your cooker today

Please contact Debbie 01438 215172 07983 577803 DECEMBER

2015

29

Welcome to our Gym

WORKOUTside

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30

DECEMBER

2015

News from Sandon JMI School – December 2015 As we approach Christmas the school is filled with music and song and this year our whole school Christmas Produc on has several Rock and Roll numbers in it. Santa has decided that the children of today don't think that he is 'cool' enough so he changes his image.

Will we get the old Santa back in me for Christmas? Each class has a song and a dance to learn including our Recep on Class who are going to be reindeer and sing Jingle Bells.

Diwali was celebrated in November with an assembly by Radha who enchanted our children. Then a day of dance and ceramics and learning about Rangoli pa erns. Mars Class had great fun making Diwali sweets by mixing condensed milk and milk powder. They also made dough from flour and water to make chapa s.

Imani said, "It was very good because it was crea ve and something new”,George said, "All the food we made was really tasty.”

Oliver said, "I tried new stuff and I loved it the chapa the most!"

The whole school visited Sandon Church to lay poppies on Remembrance Day. Each class had made a colourful standard highligh ng what is important to them. They displayed them with pride at the front of the church.

We have started a new reading ini a ve called 'Reading with Rolo and Riley' these are two dogs that are now a regular feature of life at Sandon they come with a grown up and children are enjoying the experience of reading and sharing books with them. Some of our reluctant readers are loving this new experience, although I wasn't sure that Riley was fully concentra ng on the story when I was showing a new parent round last week!

Yesterday I watched the children come out of the dining hall a er

lunch and was delighted to see a Year 6 pupil take a Recep on child's hand and walk with her to the playground where she set up a game for her and her friends to play. At Sandon we encourage our older children to become playleaders and spend their break mes inven ng sports ac vi es and games for them to play. This helps our older pupils understand the needs of others and have empathy with the younger pupils.

Earth Class were asked to perform with their ukuleles at Millfield School in Bun ngford. This was part of the Children in Need celebra ons and the evening raised a staggering £555.69 for the charity. We were honoured to be invited to this event and all the children behaved impeccably and enjoyed the experience The run up to Christmas is always exci ng for children and we have a Decora on Day where all the children make decora ons for their classes and the whole school. At Sandon we encourage our children to think about their parents at Christmas and we hold a mummies and daddies stall where pupils can choose gi s which they wrap and write labels for. The problem always arises on Christmas morning when they have forgo en where they have hidden them!

The whole school visits the panto at Her ord Theatre which this year is Hansel and Gretel, although a noisy affair it is lovely to see some of our youngest pupils enjoying live theatre.

We have all been involved in the making of our giant Christmas Pudding and made a wish as we s rred it. We are looking forward to Christmas Dinner on 16th December.

If we have all behaved ourselves we may get a visit from a special person in the last week of term and then I think we are all ready for the annual Christmas holiday.

DECEMBER

2015

31

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Merrsytmas Chri & our Best Wishes for a very Happy New Year

Paul & Judi

LETTERS Ever since discovering and first visi ng Cricketers at Weston we have returned many mes since.

You are always warmly welcomed and the atmosphere is friendly and relaxed. Great food and staff.

Tanya and family I would like to say that the treatment I received from Sports Therapy 4 U was marvellous. A er suffering with pains in my right knee for a year, and a er being told by my doctor that the problem was arthri s, I had given up hope of being pain free. On the recommenda on of a friend, I went to Sports Therapy 4 U and a er 6 sessions I am pleased to report that I no longer suffer from any pain or restric on of movement…..I gladly recommend them.

P. Hansen A er several a empts to get ‘fit’, I decided to joined Fitness Hub & it’s been the decision I could of made.

Great atmosphere, wide range of equipment, great classes and staff with the knowledge and understanding to give you the best results G. Orrow.

If you have used one of the businesses that adver se in the magazine please get in touch & let everyone know how you got on.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year 32

DECEMBER

2015

e for The copy dseaisdslinue is January’ ember 14th Dec

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Plumbing Supplies

Peter Beaumont from Beez Plumbing Supplies *Tell us about yourselves?

Well there's me, Peter Beaumont (Old Fart), and Brian Rile (Fat Fella) and our fantas c team that make up Beez Plumbing Supplies. I've been in the industry for 40 years now, whereas Brian is a rela ve novice in comparison.

*Do you offer an installa on service?

No we only supply the materials and leave the install to the professionals. However we always keep a list of highly recommended and competent installers to hand for anyone looking to be pointed in the right direc on for a quality service.

*How long have you been trading?

I originally started the business in Her ord back in 2001 and Brian joined me in 2004. 2006 saw the business relocate to Baldock, a li le closer to home for me as I'm based in Letchworth.

*Do you have a showroom?

No not at the moment, our unit is rather compact and full to the ceiling with plumbing stock. Our advert in the On Our Doorstep magazine is designed to show you the type of products that we can supply.

*What do you supply?

Anything plumbing related really from a tap washer to a complete hea ng system. We also supply a complete range of sanitary ware products that cater for every budget from a modest budget range suite to mul thousand pound projects.

Boilers, radiators, pumps, showers, under-floor hea ng and much more.

*Why should we all use you?

Being the only plumbing merchants in Baldock, Beezs is literally 'on our doorstep'. Unlike the big chain suppliers, we are strong believers that local businesses should support each other and build an ongoing rela onship which is why we always try and go that li le bit further for our customers. We really are friendly, helpful guys who truly value your custom. We offer free advice to all customer if required and operate a free of charge delivery service for even the smallest of items and o en are able to deliver the same day/evening if the item is in Stock.

*Who is a typical Beez customer?

Primarily trade customers although we welcome the general public. We both have a good knowledge about our products and are willing to answer any other general enquiries making us a one stop shop for all your plumbing needs, whether it's those who dabble in the art of DIY or a trade professional sourcing the materials for their next job.

*What are your opening mes?

Our showroom is open Monday to Friday 8.00am to 5.00pm, and Saturday mornings 8.00am to 12 noon.

We do offer an out of hours service for emergencies.

Bee’z

Plumbing Supplies

Suppliers of Sanitaryware & Heating materials to both Trade and Retail

07860 950 958 01462 491 586

Unit 27 Baldock Industrial Estate, London Road, Baldock. SG7 6NG Opening hours Monday to Friday 8.00am - 5.00pm Saturday 8.00am - 12.00am www.beezplumbingsupplies.co.uk info@beezplumbingsupplies.co.uk DECEMBER

2015

33

GARDEN CONSTRUCTION & FENCING Complete Patio Design Landscaping Decking Gazebo’s Fencing & Gates Turfing & Seeding Walls Hedging Driveways Ponds Block Paving Rockeries Gardening Lawn Mowing Tree Pruning

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Letchworth Braveherts

The Letchworth Garden City Braveherts are a rugby team which makes a difference, it was formed with the specific aim of enabling people with Learning Disabili es to be part of the exis ng rugby club at Letchworth and join the family of rugby.

The Braveherts have now been playing for the last three and a half years and are a well established and recognised part of the rugby club. There are 18 core players, both male and female, ranging in age from 9 to 52 years, who live in the North Herts Community with a Learning Disability and/or Au sm.

The team are coached by four experienced Letchworth Rugby Club players who give up their me and share their knowledge to 'make it happen'. They are all encouraged by a happy band of supporters who also watch most training sessions and all the games.

The Braveherts meet on a Wednesday evening to train, come rain or shine. It seems the we er and muddier the ore fun is had. One of the main reasons we are able to make this work is that we play both touch and TAG rugby. The men play alongside the women and the young play alongside the old. In light of this, the ethos of the Braveherts is 'that regardless of ability, we are inclusive and welcome everyone'.

The Braveherts have had their best season so far having successfully competed in their third Letchworth Touch Tournament which ran during the summer month. Although they finished last in the very first tournament, the Braveherts have significantly improved over the years and now confidently won many games during the tournament, the first 4 in a row this year.

In July 2015, the Braveherts took a huge step and entered the '7's and the city', a TAG rugby tournament held at Allianz Park, the home of Saracens. They competed against mainstream teams and a er only one training session of TAG rugby, proudly reached the semi-final of our chosen compe on. This was an amazing achievement for the Braveherts and a day everyone involved will remember for years to come.

The Braveherts are now gradually moving into 15-a-side contact rugby and our aim is to play in the next World Mixed Ability Rugby Tournament in 2017. The first Mixed Ability Tournament was hosted this year by the UK in Bradford and we are hoping Spain or Italy will host in 2017. Our first game will be at Letchworth Rugby Club on the clubs charity day the 19th December 2015 come and have a look and cheer us on.

The Braveherts have recently been asked to be a pioneer club for Mixed Ability Rugby and will be working closely with Interna onal Mixed Ability Sport (IMAS) and the Rugby Football Union to roll this out to other clubs across the country.

We are always looking for players from both sexes, of all ages and abili es, so if you would like to have a go, can already play or would just like come and watch, you will be very welcome.

Likewise, if you would like to support the team in any other way or help with fund raising we would love to hear from you.

Contact: Nick Winwood on 07972417221 or email; nicktheprop@hotmail.com

Want to improve your health for the Festive period?

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DECEMBER

2015

35

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“New guttering front and back, quick and efficient service" Bradley Paine from Letchworth "Thanks for the good service and workmanship today" Melody Daines "Warren thank you ever so much for coming to my rescue, you came at a suitable time to me, your service was second to none, and you have relieved a very stressful person, one less thing to worry about regarding moving, cant recommend you enough, thank you" Sue Roberts from Henlow Camp

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n O s ’ t a h W National Pub Quiz 1st December - 8pm Start - White Lion Comedy Evening 3rd December - 8.30 Orange Tree -

Live Music - Mark Sullivan 5th December - 9-11pm, White Lion, Baldock

Baldock Christmas Market - Vintage Market 5th & 6th December - High Street

Winter Wonderland 5th December - 10am-1pm at URC Hall , Ashwell.

Santa’s Groto, donkey rides, mulled wine & much more

Christmas Tree Festival & Tower Trips Saturday 5th & Sunday 6th December - St Mary's Church Baldock. 11am – 4pm: – £2.50 per adult, children free

Ashwell Christmas Fair 5th December in St Marys Church, Aswell 9.30-1pm Lots of stall etc Free entry

French Market - High Street 6th December

Herts Variety - Presents Christmas Magic Baldock Community Centre 11th - 12th December 7.45pm Tickets Adults £5 - Conc - £3.50

Ashwell Live Nativity 12th December - starting at St Mary's Ashwel - staring Lucy from the Bushel and Strike as the grumpy innkeeper

Midnight Mass Thursday 24th December 3pm:

Friday 25th December 8am: Traditional Communion 9.30am: Christmas Family Communion

New Years Eve Party 31st December -The Cricketers Weston

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 next issue please email info@onourdoorstepbaldock,co.uk by 12th December 2015 DECEMBER

2015

37

38

DECEMBER

2015

KTS Year 8 Caving Trip On Sunday the 8th of November at 7:45, 27 year 8 students from The Knights Templar School le for the Yorkshire Dales, with Mr Glover, Mr Clayton, Mrs Bell and Mrs Clarke. The aim of the trip was to inves gate the features that form in limestone areas, to work together to boost self-confidence and take part in ac vi es that many students would not usually have opportunity to try.

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We stayed in a bunk-barn in Stainforth, just north of Se le in the Ribble Valley, where everyone helped with the running of meal mes, washing up etc. Unfortunately the weather this year was very wet due to wind and fog which meant we had to change some of our planned ac vi es but we did not let this dampen our spirits! Our wet weather gear was put to full use and we managed to walk for some distance towards Pen-yghent although we couldn't even see the mountain due to thick fog. Nevertheless a bold sense of adventure s ll course through our veins!

Even more exci ng was our caving expedi on with the 'Yorkshire Dales Caving Guides'. Despite the freezing rain we all managed to navigate our way through a series of limestone caves, looking at fossils and feeling the ice cold water drip down our faces as it permeated the limestone above us. For all the students this was a fantas c achievement. It takes courage and determina on to follow someone you don't know well into an underground cave with only the head torch for a light.

The awful weather did mean that the waterfalls, Goredale Scar and Thornton Force, were even more impressive and, of course, the hot chocolate tasted even be er!

For some of our students this was the first me they had been away from home without the family. The 3 day stay could be simply summarised by one lad's comment as we loaded up to come home, 'This was my best holiday ever!'

Well done to all!

M Clarke (Geography teacher)

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2015

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Wool-n-Things Workshops Come and join us at Wool-n-things on Sat 12th Dec and help us celebrate our 7th anniversary.

Pop in from 10-2pm refreshments will be provided. This is open to all customers and is free.

We will have special offers just for the day also different crafts for you to try hope to see you there.

Find us on

www.facebook.com/WoolnThings @Wool_n_Things

www.wool-n-things.co.uk 3-5 Hitchin Street, Baldock, Herts Sg7 6AL

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THE FAMOUS WESTON WAY CHRISTMAS PUDDING Ingredients 25g SR Flour 25g Dried Peel or Cherries tsp Mixed Spice 50g Vegetable Suet 1 small Egg 1 tsp Cinnamon 50g Fresh Breadcrumbs grated apple Zest & Juice of Lemon 50g Brown Sugar grated carrot Zest & Juice Orange (medium) 150g Mixed Dried Fruit 1 dessertspoon Black Treacle 1 dessertspoon Brandy

It has been a tradition over the last 40 years at Weston Way Nursery School that every child makes a Christmas Pudding and over the years many people have said they have never tasted better!!

If you would like to make the 'famous' Weston Way Christmas Pudding please follow the recipe below: Put all the dry ingredients into a bowl and mix, then add all the wet ingredients and stir up until gooey and drops from the spoon.

Grease a 1 pint pudding bowl and add the mixture.

Cover the top with greaseproof paper and foil, tie with string and boil in a saucepan of water for 4 hours, checking the water doesn't boil dry. This can now be stored until Christmas Day when it just needs re heating

ENJOY!

The Leaves are Falling Autumn is always an exci ng me at Weston Way Nursery as we are so lucky to see the immediate effects of the Autumnal weather in our woods; the leaves falling from the trees and the conkers dropping to the ground ready for collec on. This year the children were also very excited when we had a visit from a hedgehog. We found her during the day in our smaller woodland area. Whilst ini ally excited about her visit we soon all became worried as she was very s ll and was very visible during the day. The children asked lots of ques ons about why she was out during the day and this prompted a discussion about hiberna on. A member of staff collected the hedgehog in a box; keeping her safe, warm and fed, and took her home. Later a hedgehog expert from Hitchin came to collect the li le hedgehog so that he could take her home to be looked a er.

discussions and ac vi es. Recently a group of children have been making a large outdoor picture of a hedgehog using natural resources such as leaves and s cks. We were also lucky to have some students from Knights Templar School join us one a ernoon and help the children make individual hedgehog pictures by gluing leaves onto hedgehog templates.

Autumn has been a very exci ng term for us all so far, we are now looking ahead to Christmas and wondering what exci ng prospects (or visitors) Winter may bring…

Jane millet - Head Teacher

Courtlands Riding Stables & Pony Club Centre Always fancied horse riding but don’t know where to start?

Why not come down and have a chat and see what we have to offer Our friendly staff and clients are always around Saturdays and Sundays 9am -12pm

A safe and relaxing environment for the whole family

Pony club rallies and activities Indoor & outdoor riding facilities

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www.courtlandsridingstables.co.uk

01438 355121

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

Whilst the li le hedgehog s ll needed some recovery me, our kind hedgehog expert gave us another hedgehog, which had been recently cared for and was back to full health. This hedgehog then came to live happily in our Weston Way woods. The story of the hedgehog has been very interes ng for both staff and children alike and has been the inspira on for many

Baldock MOT Centre £24.99 FREE RE-TEST 01462 895933 MOT

DECEMBER

2015

41

ST MARY'S CHURCH RESTORATION NEWS Do you need to make a Will or revise your existing Will?

If so, please take advantage of our reduced rate wills offer.

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 12th & 28th December 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:Fish Hill Chambers, 2-3 Fish Hill, Royston, Herts, SG8 9JY

Tel: 01763 241121 t.donnellan@walkerspartnership.co.uk

Helpers Homecare Limited Local Care for Local People Supporting people in their own home since 1993

Opportunities for Carers We have a number of vacancies for Carers to work with us

If you enjoy working with the elderly and are patient, kind caring and understanding, then please contact us by phone or email.

01462 896853 or office@helpershomecare.co.uk 42

DECEMBER

2015

I guess nearly everyone in Baldock must know that St Mary's Church is planning to start phase 2 of our restora on during 2016.

A very large number of you will have supported our door to door campaign in September towards this restora on work for which I sincerely thank you. We were absolutely delighted with the warm welcome we received on the doorsteps and the support we received during the 15 evenings of collec ng. I am proud to say that the collec on (including match funding and tax reclaimed) will have raised in excess of £12 000 I think this speaks volumes about the importance the people of Baldock place upon having a stunningly beau ful church at the centre of the community.

Thank you very much indeed to all of you who supported us.

I am pleased to report that we have just submi ed our applica on for confirma on of the Heritage Lo ery Fund grant and we will hear around February whether this has been agreed.

If all goes to plan, work on the church will begin soon a erwards in early March. We are expec ng in the region of £210 000 from HLF and we have another £84 000 through other fundraising (including the door to door campaign). We are also fortunate that the expected costs of the project have reduced to £335 000, leaving us around £40 000 s ll to raise, in the next 15 months.

This huge sum of money will cover re-roofing the South aisle and carrying out some much needed masonry work to that side of the church. In the interior we are renewing the ligh ng system which will dras cally reduce our electricity costs as well as our carbon footprint. It will enable us to highlight certain areas of the church such as the font, or the altar or the performance area in front of the rood screen much more effec vely (which we are also enlarging to enable larger concerts to take place there), and perhaps most importantly for visitors, it will provide a means of pu ng the lights on with a mer so that someone coming in on a gloomy November a ernoon will be able to see where they are going.

We are also taking the opportunity to carpet some of the chancel area which will benefit the Tiny tots sing along which meets there on a Wednesday morning as well as some other more minor improvements. Perhaps one of the more interes ng things is the produc on of a new full colour guide to the church which we hope will be available by May 2016 We have several larger fundraising events me tabled for the next year. The ever popular Christmas Tree Fes val on the weekend on the 5th – 6th December is an excellent opportunity to see the church decked out with 50 imagina vely decorated trees.

The tower will also be open on this weekend. In the New Year we have music recitals at St Mary's, the first being an organ recital on our magnificent 3 manual organ on Feb 6th. Later on, during the Baldock Fes val we hope to show the skilled cra smen working on our ancient building at work and in the Autumn on Saturday October 8th we are holding a 10K run in the beau ful surroundings of Ha ield House by kind permission of the Marquis of Salisbury. And of course there is s ll me throughout the year to sponsor a stone, may be in memory of a loved one.

So thank you once again for your con nued interest and support and we look forward to an exci ng 2016.

Useful numbers Advice Citizen’s Advice Bureau Trading Standards Advice

08444 771600 0300 300 8136

Vacuum Cleaners

Churches St Marys the Virgin Baptist church Roman Catholic Methodist Christchurch United Reformed Church

01462 892838 01462 893203 01462 893127 01462 895052 01462 232005 01462 619350

Carpet Shapooers

Spare parts for household appliances

Vacuum Bags Lighting

Vacuum Spares

Appliance Spares

Councils North Hertfordshire District

Doctors Baldock Surgery

01462 474000 01462 892458

Dentist Victoria Place Dental Surgery

01763 313869

Emergency Utilities Gas Emergency Electric power cut

0800 111999 0800 7838838

Hospitals Lister Hospital Queen Elizabeth 2 EMERGENCY HEALTH

01438 314333 01707 328111 111

Library Baldock Library

0300 123 4049

Police Police

01707 354000

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

01462 896111 01462 892366 01462 893168 01462 892341 01462 893153 01462 893134

Schools Knights Templar Hartseld St Johns St Marys Brandles

01462 620700 01462 895267 01462 892478 01462 892347 01462 892189

Travel Arriva Buses National Rail Enquires National Bus line

08701 201088 08457 484950 0870 6082608

Vets Baldock Veterinary Centre

01462 895579

Nurseries Weston Way Nursery Merry Go Round

01462 892172 01462 896322

Play Groups Magic Moments Merry Go Round

07980 400690 01462 896322

07949 120911 07968 791441 07456 559756

Lock Smith Gearing Locksmith

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Disclaimer

Plumbers A.P Huges A.D Taylor Nick Sayer

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DECEMBER

2015

43

White Horse Street, Baldock, Herts SG7 6QN We are proud of our quality of food, 5 stars hygiene standard and excellent service

NOW taking Christmas Party Bookings

Book your table now: 01462 896 060 Wine & Dine Wednesdays Enjoy a glass of wine during your meal and a coffee to complete it, with your choice of dishes from our extensive menu

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Dinner from 5:30pm - 11.00pm choice of dishes from our extensive menu

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Adult: £10.50 Child £7.50 (An extra £3.50 is charged for fish, seafood, lamb chop/shank or duck main dishes, £2.50 is similarly charged for such starters)

Monday Charity Night Every Monday is Hospice Charity Night We offer you 25% OFF all collected take away orders