February 2016

Issue 19 February

38

FEBRUARY

2016

Want to appear in our

Welcome To the February issue of 'On Our Doorstep' So, a quick recap of January: Our son turned 21, his sister sent him off to Venice for the weekend, followed by his girlfriend surprising him with another trip away, they're riding bikes around Amsterdam as I write this (nice bit of peace and quiet in our house). We ventured to Cambridge for a stunning Full English and the standard trip to the Apple Store (boys and their toys). We've hardly seen middle child this month, she got an Unlimited Cinema pass for Christmas and has pretty much turned the cinema into her second home. Of course she checks out our Movie page every month to see which films are being released and when (or at least she tells us that she does).

The weather is still very mild for this time of year and the plants in the garden are not quite sure what they are meant to be doing. Saying that, Baldock had it’s first ‘sprinkle’ of snow in January, not enough to excite the children though.

Something I know our girls are looking forward to this month is the mountain of pancakes that they'll attempt to cook and conquer. Fingers crossed we don't find any stuck to the ceiling! On the subject of pancakes, this month we have a few of our favourite pancake recipes to share with you including a few twists on the classics. For those of you who really like to get into the Shrove Tuesday spirit (or are just a tad competitive) Baldock's annual Pancake Race on the High Street returns this year on 9th February. The only kind of pancake race we usually get involved in is who can eat them the fastest!

NEXT issue?

Get in tou

If you like a good run but fancy ch info@onourdoo rstepbaldock.co .uk something a little more challenging look no further than the Baldock Beast!

Yes, the legendary half marathon is back, known for taking its toll on even the most experienced runners and the weather could always throw a ‘curveball’ to keep things interesting (maybe the dreaded snow will finally hit).

Huge thank you to all the advertisers that have helped support this issue, we have quite a few new and returning businesses, please show your support and use/shop local.

Get in touch, we would love to hear from you whether it be a review of a featured business, a birthday announcement or a local editorial.

Best wishes

Paul & Jacqui

info@onourdoorstepbaldock.co.uk Advertising

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

FEBRUARY

2016

3

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 4

FEBRUARY

2016

Open day at MerryGoRound Flexible use of government funded sessions.

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

Merry Go Round Under Fives will be holding an open morning on Saturday 6th February 10:30am – Midday. The morning is for both pre-school and nursery children. This is a great opportunity to come and see the facili es we offer and meet our amazing staff. We will have lots of the typical ac vi es your child could enjoy available to try on the day. Members of staff will be available to answer any of your ques ons. · Flexible use of government funded sessions. Including full days for all 3 year olds and eligible 2 year olds. · High ra o of staff to children · Safe, s mula ng and fun environment · Early drop-off an late pick-up sessions available · Lunch club · Two redeveloped, all weather outdoor play areas · Use of facili es at Hartsfield School · Childcare vouchers accepted If you would like any further informa on or to arrange an alterna ve visit please call us on 01462 896322 or email: info@merrygoroundunder5s.co.uk or visit www.merrygoroundunder5s.co.uk

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

6000 LEAFLETS DELIVERED £150

20% O

FF

SALE The copy deadlin for the March e issue i 15th Februsary 0

7973788418

Picture of the 2014 Baldock Beast taken by Laurence Browne.

FEBRUARY

2016

5

IAN SIMPSON Carpentry and Joinery All aspects of carpentry work undertaken Kitchen, Bedrooms, Doors, Windows 25 years experience Free estimates Please call 01462 851695 or 07967162448 E-mail ij_simpson@hotmail.com

1/16 page

£20

to Wantin our r a e p ap

NEsuXeT? iset in touch

6000

LEAFLETS DELIVERED

G

£150

ACCSLtd

Window Cleaning 20 years experience Reliable and efficient Fully Insured & Uniformed staff

01462 629302 07970 406926 152 Hitchin Road, Stotfold

One room cleaned free in FEBRUARY*

*Maximum 20 square yards free when spending £100+VAT or more on other carpet or upholstery cleaning with this advert 6

FEBRUARY

2016

February News from Sandon JMI School We operate a house system at Sandon where the children earn house points which are tallied up each week. At the end of term the children of the winning house choose where they would like to go and a trip is organised. This is usually a morning out with pupils returning for lunch. When the children were deciding where they might like to go, one of our Year 5 boys approached me and said that as we have a disabled pupil in school he felt that we couldn't go roller ska ng or ice ska ng. I was very touched to think that this boy was prepared to forgo ac vi es to enable all to be included. The children decided to go to 360 in Stevenage and the trip was planned for the first week of the new term. The children returned to school a er the morning out and later that day I received the following email:This morning I took my two year old to 360 Play in Stevenage. On arrival a coach of children arrived, and my first thoughts were to turn around. On previous visits when there are lots of older children, it can become quite dangerous for li le ones. I am so glad I stayed, the children were so well behaved, and were so gentle around my son. I was on the larger area at mes, and one li le girl reminded her peers to be careful of the li le ones. The teachers were amazing with the children and it was just enjoyable to see them play so nicely.

My li le boy looked rather sad when it was me for them to leave.

I just wanted to say what a lovely group of well behaved and well mannered children you have.

It always makes me feel proud to hear that the children behave so well in, and outside, school.

Just before Christmas I was also very pleased to receive a le er from the Minister of State for Educa on, Nick Gibb. He was

wri ng to congratulate our staff team and pupils for the very high standard of performance in the end of year Key Stage 2 tests last July. He informed us that we are one of only 187 schools in the country to reach such a high level of a ainment. In addi on our school is amongst the 100 top performing schools based on sustained improvement in a ainment.

We believe that children need to feel happy, safe and secure to learn efficiently. The staff at Sandon try to make our learning fun to engage all our learners.

As well as becoming independent learners and successful thinkers we are also trying to build resilience in all our children. I was doing some sewing with a group of pupils and was very pleased to see when one pupil made a mistake they happily tried again without ge ng cross. When things go wrong, it's how we put them right that is important.

We were joined by three new children a er the Christmas break one in Year 5 and two in Year 1 they seem to have se led happily to life at Sandon – It feels like they have always been part of our school.

Margaret Gilbert - Head teacher

Don’t forget Valentine’s Day 14th February

FEBRUARY

2016

7

Infinite IT & SECURITY

SAME PHONE NUMBER SAME GREAT SERVICE JUST A DIFFERENT ADDRESS Please call....

01767 317429 acorngaragedoors@btconnect.com www.acorn-garagedoors.co.uk

Laptop & Desktop Repairs Hardware & Software Upgrades Virus & Spyware Removal Data Backup & Recovery Secure Wireless Solutions For ALL Your I.T Needs FIXED PRICE

*£45 IRS REPSA re to *In only Labour

8

FEBRUARY

2016

NO NO FIX FEE

0800 033 7211 sales@innite-it.co.uk www.infinite-it.co.uk 2 The Cottage Pixmore Avenue Letchworth Garden City, Hertfordshire SG6 1JS

Loving Care for Older Cats Cats are living longer and healthier lives these days thanks to advanced in medicine and available treatment.

We are passionate about helping our older pa ents lead full and happy lives. Detec ng health problems earlier can mean slowing down the progression and giving our pa ents a be er quality of life for longer.

It is very common for older cats to be affected by kidney and thyroid problems. These can be diagnosed with a simple blood test. Our blood tests are run in house at our Royston branch. This means we are able to report the results within 24 hours and discuss any treatment plans as necessary.

High blood pressure is another condi on we see in older cats, especially if they also have a thyroid condi on. High blood pressure can cause several different problems, most no ceably blindness.

Cats can also suffer from arthri s. This condi on can be extremely painful and restric ve. Cats are very good at hiding signs of pain, so you may not no ce your cat has a problem un l it is more advanced.

We are excited to launch Senior Cat Clinics at our Baldock branch. We are offering a consulta on and health check with 63% discount. Any diagnos c procedures we recommend, such as blood tests, urine tests and blood pressure checks are also offered at a discounted price.

To book an appointment, or for more informa on please call Baldock Veterinary Centre on 01462 895579.

Microchipping In the comfort of your own home Individual Dogs or Litters of Puppies Micro Chipped The Law is changing all dogs must be microchipped by 6 April 2016 th

Very Reasonable Rates Call Jenny

01462 893714

We are excited to launch Senior Cat Clinics at our Baldock Branch

63% off consultations Discounted blood and urine tests

FEBRUARY

2016

9

10

FEBRUARY

2016

New recruit at Weston Way On Monday 11th January the Baldock Firefighters visited Weston Way Nursery School. This term we are looking at people in our community who help us and who be er to start with than the Fire Brigade.

A member of staff was chosen to be a 'new recruit' and was shown how to put on all the s afet y c l o t h i n g a n d equipment. The children t h o ro u g h l y e n j oye d giving the instruc ons for the member of staff to put on her boots, trousers, jacket, helmet and the all-important gloves. We were then told about the role of the firefighters to keep people safe and to rescue when needed. We even heard about a small dog who

had to be rescued from a fox hole and of course there was a pleasing ending.

The children were all then given the opportunity to see the Fire Engine that had been parked in the staff car park. The children were invited to climb aboard the engine and look at all the resources and equipment. Every child was then given the responsibility of using the nozzle to aim the fire hose, with the aid of an experienced firefighter, into our woodland garden. Some of the children were very confident, even if their aim was slightly uncertain, with a couple of members of staff ge ng rather wet!

Before the Fire Engine le the Nursery we saw all the lights flashing and heard the very loud siren. It was a very exci ng day for all of us and we took lots of photographs to talk about and to remember our experience.

A great big thank you to the Firefighters who gave up their me and were willing to share their exper se with us all here at the nursery school.

Jane Mille - Head teacher

Chiropodist

Karen Perry 'Custom Fit Supportive Orthotics’ Home Visits or Baldock Surgery

Baldock MOT Centre MOT £24.99 FREE RE-TEST

01462 895933

FEBRUARY

2016

11

5 minutes with...

Dr Himani Ramkisson from *Tell us a li le bit about Bright Skin?

Bright Skin is family-owned and run by two local GPs, Dr Vishen Ramkisson and Dr Himani Ramkisson. A wide range of professional aesthe c treatments are provided by the clinics, which most importantly are only ever administered by GPs, unlike some other prac ces. *What are the most popular treatments that Bright Skin offer?

A treatment that we call 'Wrinkle Relaxing' tends to be most popular. It is administered using Botox and/or dermal filler. All clients are offered an ini al consulta on where we decide on the best course of ac on for you and your unique skin. There are many areas of the face and neck which can be treated so if you're unhappy about any aspect of your appearance, please get in touch.

However, that's not all we do. Our clinics also offer many other treatments, such as skin rejuvena on, acne treatment and preven on and minor surgical procedures for skin tags and cysts. Our clinics have also helped clients suffering from a less well known condi on called hyperhidrosis (excessive swea ng).

Our Boytox (for men) treatments are becoming increasingly popular for men of all ages. *What was the inspira on behind the business?

There are hundreds of thousands of men and women across the UK who enjoy the results that Botox can offer and it has been in

demand for many years now. However, it is s ll a highly specialist procedure and one that should only be administered by a professional who is medically trained. We were very aware of the many horror stories in the media about people suffering the consequences of badly applied Botox and dermal fillers; we wanted to run a business offering a service that people love but as importantly are also able to trust. And as a result Bright Skin was born.

An understanding of anatomy as well as good surgical skills is essen al in order to perform treatments using fillers and Botox, which is a prescrip on-only medica on, to a high standard, something we pride ourselves on.

At Bright Skin we guarantee that our clinics will provide a professional, high quality service to all clients who can be reassured by our medical backgrounds, both as longstanding GPs and as qualified facial aesthe cians. *Where can readers find out more about Bright Skin?

Our website is packed with informa on about the business, all the treatments available and where all our clinics are based. We currently have four clinics: Stevenage, Ha ield, Hemel Hempstead and Biggleswade, with more clinics planned to be added soon. Our prices are extremely compe ve and we're sure that clients will love the professional experience our clinics provide. Our contact details are all listed opposite and we'd love to hear from you.

FEBRUARY

2016

13

a p p s Our pick of this month’s must have downloads

Crash Care Centre Ltd

Vehicle Accident Repair Specialists

Endless Learning Academy- IOS 7+ The Endless series is among the best children’s educa onal apps available, and this is the best yet. It blends maths, phonics, spelling, anatomy and even Spanish in a colourful app for two- to six-year-olds.

Cab:App - IOS 7+, Android Can a Bri sh startup compete with cab-hailing giant Uber? Founded by a London Cabbie, it helps you find a taxi in more than 90 ci es in the UK and Ireland, aiming for convenience of Uber with the Knowledge of cabbies.

PhotoMath - IOS 7+, Android I would have loved to have this back in secondary school! Simply point the phone's camera toward a math problem and Photomath will magically show the result with detailed step-by-step solu on.

Bumble - IOS 7+, Android Hetero-da ng app aims to be a female-friendly Tinder.

Key feature: when two people “swipe right” to indicate interest, the conversa on can’t start un l the woman says something. The aim: to up the quality of connec ons.

Sugar Smart - IOS 7+ If you're star ng 2016 with the resolu on of cu ng down on your sugar intake, this app may help. It's an app for scanning the barcodes on food and drink to get informa on on how much sugar they contain.

14

FEBRUARY

2016

Ÿ All Types of Bodywork Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ

Undertaken PAS125 Accredited Insurance Approved Bodyshop Restoration Project Specialists Resprays Paintless Dent Removal Smart Repairs Wheel Refurbs Collection & delivery

T:

01462 441 686

E: info@crashcarecentre.com www.crashcarecentre.com

‘Pitch Perfect’ Choirs KS1 and KS2 Hartsfield Choirs had several commitments this year in addi on to the Christmas concerts. Both the KS1 and KS2 Choirs opened the FHSA Christmas Fair on 28th November 2015.

In addi on, the KS2 choir sang with the Stevenage Ladies Choir at St Hugh's and St John's Church on 5th December 2015, the Choir visited Osbourne Court in Baldock on 17th December and sang to the residents, this was then followed by an evening performance as both KS1 and KS2 Choirs sang in the Baldock Rotary Club annual event held in the Baldock Catholic Church.

Wherever the children performed, comments were made about the superb quality of their singing and our perfectly behaved and wonderful children! Huge thanks go to staff members who worked relessly to make sure the children were pitch perfect!

PANCAKE DAY - SHROVE TUESDAY 9 February th

WWW.

WarrensWindows .co.uk

We don't tell you that something needs replacing if it doesn't and there's no hard selling!

Ÿ New Windows and doors

installed Ÿ

Ÿ Repairs to doors and windows Ÿ

Ÿ New conservatories and

upgrades and repairs to existing conservatories Ÿ

Ÿ Car Ports Ÿ

Ÿ Upvc Porch Installations Ÿ

Ÿ

Misted/Blown Glass unit replacement

Ÿ

Ÿ Broken hinges and handles Ÿ

Ÿ Facia, soffit and gutter

FREE Y SURVETOO

NO JOB L SMAL

Ÿ Ÿ

Ÿ Ÿ

Ÿ Ÿ

Ÿ

Ÿ

Ÿ Ÿ

Ÿ

'A' Rated Double/Triple Glazing 25 Years Experience Certass registered All works covered with insurance backed guarantee Full up to date DBS certificate Quality Repairs and installations

replacement

For 10% discount quote OOD1 15% discount for OAP's New offers all the time!!

Call Warren on 01462 261 401 E: wozcoult@hotmail.co.uk

FEBRUARY

2016

15

ANNOUNCEMENTS Happy Birthday ‘NewMan’

Dan Travers

nd

2 February Now taking bookings for Valentine's Day and Mother's Day

Ring the bell

It’s

RELIABLE ROOFING COMPANY

BIRTHDAY

4 FEBRUARY th

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BALDOCKS NO .1 TATTOO ARTIST

Grizz th

11 February Happy Birthday

Tracey Simmons

th

25 FEBRUARY

CHARLIE IMPEY

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Lots of Love Gary, Tomth & Dom xxx 24 February

Have a great daDay d & Molly Mum,

16

FEBRUARY

2016

ESTABLISHED FOR OVER 40 YEARS BUILT UP FELT ROOFING SPECIALISTS & GENERAL ROOF REPAIRS Slate & tile Replacement facias/soffits, uPCV or timer Guttering maintenance & replacement Guaranteed workmanship at realistic prices Free estimates

01767 312914

Pro: R.S. CROW F.I.O.R

07973 844240

www.reliableroofing-herts.co.uk emails: reliableroofing@btinternet.com

1

2

4

2

7

1

4

6

+ 4

+

7

6

5

4

4

6 3 + 03 Knockout Performance at KTS 3 3 9 9 + 0 8 8 3

MATHS TUTOR Fully qualified and experienced Maths teacher offering home tutoring at competitive prices.

Maths from Key stage One to GCSE (prices £25- £30 / hour) Full CRB certificate Katharine Copsey BEd Hons (with Mathematics) 07954292077 katehall1@btinternet.com I work with students to build confidence, expand knowledge and exam preparations.

Kellie Maloney and KTS students punch deep with this striking pose last Friday.

Former boxing manager Kellie Maloney greeted Year 12 and Year 13 students at The Knights Templar School for an Engaging Minds talk on Friday 15th January.

The 62 year old is most famous for being the manager of former World Heavyweight Champion Lennox Lewis in the 1990s and early 2000s. As well as being notorious outside of the ring, the Peckham born promoter has also tried her hands at punditry, poli cs and reality TV, par cipa ng in Celebrity Big Brother in 2014. Her diverse experience was the founda on of a fascina ng discussion with students.

Born Frank; Maloney announced in 2014 that she should be known as 'Kellie'. Maloney then announced later that he was going to undertake gender reassignment.

A er receiving counselling, hormone therapy, voice coaching sex reassignment surgery, Maloney announced that she had been fully transformed in April 2015.

“I was really happy when it happened,” remarked Maloney. “At first it was shocking for some, especially for my daughters and the media. But now I am able to live the life I want. Turning from a man to a woman felt like I was pu ng on a suit and going on stage.

Becoming a woman let me find an inner peace.

“The support of my family has made such a difference to me.”

Maloney spoke candidly to Sixth Formers in a Q&A at the school.

“I hated school and I was picked on at school a lot,” said Maloney.

“Boxing was really a way to really express myself as a person.”

Having re red from management in 2013, Maloney has now returned to the industry managing two 'up-and-coming' boxers for the first me as a woman. She told students that she hopes to make both Bri sh champions within five years.

KTS students were cap vated by the talk. Year 13 James Cook remarked that the talk: “Opened my mind on a subject I wasn't aware of; it was really interes ng.”

Maloney tweeted later that day that the students were a “great group to chat with and so understanding and open.” NK

By Bill Bowke

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

Full livery and schooling

www.courtlandsridingstables.co.uk

01438 355121

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

FEBRUARY

2016

17

18

FEBRUARY

2016

Realtime Energy Monitoring?

Get into the Loop There has always been a direct link between the price of oil in rela on to our electricity and gas bills, possibly because we as a country are burning oil to generate electricity and the price of natural gas is indexed directly to crude oil, so with the price of oil falling we should have lower u lity bills right? Well it seems that the energy providers are slow to adjust their prices in rela on to oil prices, so as they come down we may be paying more that we should.

Over the past couple of months I have been tes ng a very useful set of products from Loop, namely the Loop Energy Saver package. The Energy Saver consists of three gadgets, the first is a ached to your electricity meter, the second to your gas meter and the third to your broadband router. The first two are used for monitoring your energy usage and the third is for transmi ng this informa on to Loop for them to analyse and display your usage in your account.

with providers or register with price comparison sites, it's all done automa cally.

Of course the price savings are merely projec ons, so I would expect to use the system for a number of months before jumping to another provider, to ensure that the price savings are simply due to excessive usage in a cold snap.

So, for a one off price of £49.99 (normally £70), is the Loop Energy Saver a good purchase? Aside from the amazing amount of informa on displayed within your account and the ability to be able to monitor your usage whilst away from your home, the price saving features and ability to move provider seems to be the best reason to buy one. In my case it is telling me I could save in excess of £280 per year by moving, surely a good enough reason in itself.

For more informa on on Loop, go to www.your-loop.com Ma can be heard every Monday morning on BBC Radio Suffolk or online at www.thegadgetman.org.uk.

FREE QUOTES AND £5M PUBLIC LIABILITY COVER

We Tiling b e a t any Slating quote Leadwork Guttering Roof Maintenance Epdm Rubber Roofing UPVC Fascias & Soffits

T: 01462 235 479

M: 07908 522649

ROOF SMART LTD For All Your Roofing Needs!

web: www.roofsmartsolutions.co.uk email: info@roofsmartsolution.co.uk

YOUR A aching the sensors to your gas and electricity meters are reasonably straigh orward with clear instruc ons. Once installed and set up the system is able to give live electricity usage and 15 minute delayed gas usage, the reasons for the delay on the gas is due to the method of gathering the informa on which is my op cally reading the dials of the meter.

Next, you are taken through a very simple registra on process where you are required to enter your personal details, energy provider, current meter readings, type of home, number of rooms etc. All of this informa on means that Loop is able to provide you with accurate price comparison informa on further down the line and you only have to do it once.

Once everything is set up, you can either log in to your account on a PC or Mac or download the app for your mobile phone. You can also take part in 'Ac vi es' and compare your usage to other similar sized proper es.

Loop keeps an eye on your consump on and the best tariffs available for you. A er a few weeks usage, it is able to display poten al savings with other energy providers in order of greatest savings. You are then able to switch providers using the bu on next to each price, Loop are able to provide this in conjunc on with USwitch and it means you don't need to deal .

BEST DEFENSE Make your home, company more secure with CCTV Cameras

CCTV

Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ

24 Hour, 365 Days a Year Night Vision Real Time Recording & Playback Smart Phone & Internet Viewing Wall or Hidden Mounts Full HD Cameras 30 Loop Recording

0800 033 7211

sales@innite-it.co.uk www.infinite-it.co.uk Best Choice Local Security Professionals

Infinite IT & SECURITY

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

2016

19

Treat your Mum to a 2 course afternoon tea at Tapps this Mothers Day & receive a free gift for the lady herself

Please telephone 01462 896302 to pre-book

Wallington Road (Clothall Common) Baldock SG7 6RS

tel: 01462 896302

Baldock Gardens

By Graham Tapp

Tapps, The Baldock Garden Centre

February 2016.

After the wettest and warmest start to winter any one can remember, I am in fear of you keen gardeners doing untold damage to your gardens.

So what do I mean? While at school back in the 1960’s I worked in a large garden situated around a very old Manor house dating back many hundreds of years, the garden being about five acres split two thirds specimen trees, lawns and flower beds, the other third being vegetables and fruit. Where I'm going with this is that the head gardener wouldn't allow anyone to do any work anywhere in the garden after long periods of wet weather, preferring we did maintenance work or in my case repeatedly washing clay flower pots or puttying loose green house glass. Any one taking a short cut across the lawns would be in very serious trouble.

Soil structure is one of the most important things to maintain in a healthy garden, so standing or walking on or working with wet soil will damage your very precious soil structure, once damaged it is almost, but not impossible to repair.

Soils, composts and most growing mediums have A,F,P ( air filled porosity ) the simplest way to describe this is that they are air gaps between the grains and particles making up the soil, these gaps are very important because as the name indicates the gaps hold air, hence the oxygen the plants roots need, now plants need a food supply and plants don’t eat plates of fish and chips like us but take in there nutrients dissolved in water, now the ideal situation is that the water containing the feeds that you have given the garden will be held onto to the outsides of the A,F,P, as a microscopically fine layer, when we start working or just walking on your soil when it is soaked or very wet these gaps will be completely compressed and the compression of the soil will cause the A,F,P to disappear. when the soil dries the particles will stay stuck together making a hostile environment for root survival. This is a very simplistic view of what is happening but I hope it will help you understand why you must stay off in conditions such as we have just experienced.

Repairing soil structure is not easy, you will have to wait until the soil is dry enough to work, it has to break up easily, it is recommended that you grab a hand full of soil and squeeze it as if making a snow ball, if you can then rub it between your fingers like making a crumble topping and it falls in to fine pieces then you are safe to work it, chalk soils and sandy soils will dry out quicker than clay soils and will not damage so badly, you will see then that some soils can be worked sooner than others, don’t be fooled into working any soil until it is ready and of course warm enough.

Damaged soils will stay cold longer into the season will not produce the expected crop and will stop cropping earlier than healthy soils, if we are looking at lawns they will have the most awful bare patches and consequently lots of moss. You must all be getting fed up with me telling you to keep off your lawns but you can now see why.

If you are working with clay soils you will not be able to use the above method, it may not fall into fine crumbly pieces but will stay in larger lumps. This is fine as long as it doesn't smear and stick in a horrible porridge like mess to your fingers. Clay soils need lots of soil conditioning, leaf mould, home made compost even peat or peat based compost. Working clay soils is hard work and needs care but if done properly a clay soil will reward you with some of the best crops.

Soil Temperatures are very important, I see and I get lots of people who must at all costs get started planting their garden or allotment, on the 7th of January this year I had someone asking for seed potatoes, so that they could be chitted ready to be planted. We don’t get our seed potatoes in until 2nd week in February and I don’t usually plant mine until the end of the second week of April and get as good a crop as any one else, the secret is to watch out for local Farmers, when they go out planting in their fields you can be assured its safe for you to get in the garden, I've never met a Farmer who likes to waste money or time or chits potatoes.

Generally soil temperatures need to ideally be 7 to 8 degrees centigrade and rising, wet soil will always be colder than dry soil and compressed soil will take for ever to warm up. So there is no point in chitting spuds or sowing any seeds of plants you cant put out for months, if plants / seedlings get stretched and floppy you might as well chuck them away, nature has a complicated formula of accumulated temperature, amount of light, planting dates and day length increasing or decreasing, generally these rules cannot be cheated without a cost, usually crop quality and amount, there are ways of getting around this but will cost a lot of your time and lots of money so its not worth the bother. Cheers, Graham.

Pruning wisteria plants, you will have cut the wispy extension growth to half in August, so now you have to cut them back to four buds, general advice is cutting to two to three buds but the cold spring winds in North Herts will some years burn two or three of them and you will get no flowers, so four buds is an insurance policy. Ÿ Cover prepared areas with black plastic, this will prevent waterlogging and keep your soil warmer and will reduce weed seedlings growing. Covering will enable you to work your ground a little earlier avoiding the problems I discussed above. Ÿ

Some types of Clematis can be pruned but find out first which ones you can cut at this time of the year or you won’t get any flowers Ÿ Lots of winter flowering shrubs can be pruned, again check varieties first, and be careful how far back you cut them Ÿ This is the very last chance to prune Hydrangeas, if you want to clean them up just clip the old flowers of and any damaged branches if you want to contain the plant you need to take out one third of the main branches down to just above the crown no more or less. Ÿ

FEBRUARY

2016

21

n O s ’ t a h W Sports Quiz - Christ Church 5th February - 7.30pm at Templars Hotel and Carvery 6-8 people per team - £10 Contact Simon Poole - simon@cc-b-uk - 07720560996

Worlds Biggest Charity Pub Quiz 7th February - 7.30pm - - Maximum of 6 per team - £6 Bushel and Strike Ashwell.

The Orange Tree, Baldock - Garden House Hospice The Cock, Baldock - The Royal British Legion

FABULOUS GLAMPERVAN Just pick up and go – The motorhome is fully equipped ready for you to start your holiday.

Available for short breaks and longer holidays all year round.

Pancake Race 9th February - 11am - Baldock High Street Pancake Race - £20 per team of 4

Baldock & Clothall WI - Keep on Moving 11th - 7.30pm - Baldock Community Centre - interactive session with Debbie and Hannah personal trainers Visitors £3 which includes refreshments and a raffle ticket.

Fireside Festival - Comedy Enchantment & Drama 23rd February - 5th March Baldock Arts & Heritage Centre For further details and tickets please contact www.firesidefestival.org

Fighting Cancer Fatigue: Free Event 6th February 11am-1pm @ Therapy Centre, 30 Campus Five, Letchworth.

www.fabulousglampervan.co.uk

Muddy Mutts & Super Heroes

email: enquiries@fabulousglampervan.co.uk

28th February, 10am @ Norton Common ,Letchworth.

Sponsored dog walk around Norton Common £5 per dog

Tel: 01462 491035 / 07985315632

Baldock Beast Half Marathon 28th February - 10am. Race packs can be collected on Sat 27th February at: Templars Hotel and Restaurant, 20 High St, Baldock, 9.30am – 3.30pm for more info www.baldocktown.co.uk/

COACH HOLIDAYS DEPARTING FROM BALDOCK

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 3rd Monday every month

Baldock Branch Royal British Legion monthly meeting 7.30pm Orange Tree Pub, Norton Road. Non-members welcome.

If you would like to have your event included FREE in the next issue please email info@onourdoorstepbaldock,co.uk by 12th February 2016 FEBRUARY

2016

23

HANDYMAN & GARDEN SERVICES Quick, High Standard Services, Fully Insured, Free Estimates

Shelving Decorating Flat pack assembling Shed and fence treatment TV wall installation

SPECIALISTS IN

KITCHENS & BATHROOMS

A to Z Home Repairs W - www.atozhomerepairs.co.uk E - atozhomerepairs01@gmail.com

07908 634418 01438 230094

Want to Stand out from the Crowd !!

Its easy to advertise in On Our Doorstep

Call Jacqui 07973 788 418 or

info@onourdoorstepbaldock.co.uk

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

JUSTIN COLOURS LTD. Building Finishers

The perfect finish every time Phone 07947 396 341

Office 01462 734 509

66 Astwick Road, Stotfold, SG5 4BQ 24

FEBRUARY

2016

Baldock MOT Centre MOT’s, SERVICING, REPAIRS, AIR CON, DIAGNOSTICS

!

LATE NIGHT WEDS ‘TIL 8PM OPEN ALL DAY SATURDAY

FREE MOT WITH FULL SERVICE

MOT

£24.99

Baldock Town FC

ld

Icknie

Road

The Orange Tree

Norton Roa d

Norton

Way

WE ARE HERE SG7 5AN t

Hitchin Stree

FREE RE-TEST 74 Icknield Way, Baldock, SG7 5AN

01462 895933

"Reds hoping for better weather in February!"

Baldock Town go into February hoping for be er fortunes in terms of the weather a er star ng 2016 with five successive postponements.

Despite not playing, Luke Gregson's side are s ll handily placed in 4th of the Spartan South Midlands League Division One and they will be hoping to keep their promo on creden als on track with league matches against four sides in the bo om half of the table.

They open February with a midweek trip to Brimsdown, who groundshare at Enfield Town. Then they turn their a en ons to a County Cup Semi-Final with local rivals Letchworth Garden City Eagles on Saturday 6th February at The County Ground 1.30pm KO. Eagles prevailed on penal es at the same stage last season before going on to li the trophy, so the Reds will be hoping to set the records straight here. The club will be a BBQ selling hot food and drinks on the day.

The following Tuesday they welcome struggling Ha ield Town to Roker Park before finishing the month with long away trips to Hillingdon Borough and Southall - the la er whom are now under new management.

As always, if any local businesses or individuals would like to sponsor one of the above matches for just £100.00, please contact us at baldocktownfc@gmail.com.

We would love to keep growing our fanbase, so please do come along and support your local club!”

Please check www.baldocktownfc.co.uk for February fixtures.

Bouncy Castle Hire

MARTIN BALL PLASTERING

FEBRUARY

2016

25

PANCAKES THE ALL AMERICAN Ingredients: 350ml buttermilk 1 large egg 2 tbs unsalted butter (melted) 1 pinch of salt 1 tbs sugar 2 tsp baking powder 190g plain flour

BANANA BONANZA

Ingredients: 1 large ripe banana 2 whole eggs (Yes, it really is that simple)

GLUTEN FREE! DAIRY FREE! FLOUR FREE!

CINNAMON SWIRL Ingredients: 4 tbs unsalted Ingredients: butter(melted) 350ml buttermilk 6 tbs brown sugar 11/2 large egg tbs ground 2cinnamon tbs unsalted butter (melted) 125g plain flour 12 pinch of salt tsp baking powder 11 tbs sugar pinch of salt 21 tsp baking powder large egg(beaten) 190g flouroil 1 tbs plain vegetable 250ml milk

Method: Make the batter Combine all dry ingredients in a large bowl.

In a separate bowl whisk together the buttermilk, egg and butter. Stir into the dry ingredients until combined (lumps are ok).

Get cooking Place nonstick pan over medium low heat and grease with oil. Drop dollops of the batter onto the heated pan. Once bubbles form flip them over and leave to cook for another minute or so until the pancakes are cooked through.

Serve Stacked in true American style, topped with syrup, butter or even streaky bacon.

Method: Make the batter Blend the banana and eggs together. If you're mixing them in a bowl, make sure all the banana is a mashed, a few small lumps is ok and sometimes makes this recipe even better.

Get cooking Spritz a medium heat pan with low fat cooking spray and add in the mixture in small discs. I find that about 1 tablespoon works well. Wait until bubbles begin to form on surface and the carefully flip the pancakes over. Another 30 second or so and they should be done!

Serve Top with your choice of fruit, nuts or even a cheeky dollop of Nutella.

Method: Prepare the swirl Combine the butter, brown sugar and cinnamon. Scoop the mixture into an icing bag, if you don't have one a sandwich bag will do, just snip off the corner.

Make the batter In a medium bowl mix together the flour, baking powder and salt.

Whisk in the milk, egg and oil until combined.

Get cooking Heat pan to medium heat. Spray with cooking oil and add small amounts of batter to the pan. When you see bubbles appear on the pancakes pipe on your swirls. Avoid the swirls being too tight and stay away from the edge. Carefully turn over the pancake and wait for the other side to cook.

Serve Best served in a stack, topped with berries or a drizzle of icing.

FEBRUARY MOVIES FEBRUARY 5th - GOOSEBUMPS Upset about moving from a big city to a small town, teenager Zach Copper finds a silver lining when he meets the beautiful girl living next door. But every silver lining has a cloud, and Zachs comes when he learns that she has a mysterious dad who is revealed to be R.L.Stine, the author of the bestselling Goosebumps series. It turns out that there is a reason why Stine is so strange ......

FEBRUARY 10th - DEADPOOL Based upon Marvel Comics’ most unconventional antihero, DEADPOOL tells the origin story of former Special Forces operative turned mercenary Wade Wilson, who after being subjected to a rogue experiment that leaves him with accelerated healing powers, adopts the alter ego Deadpool. Armed with his new abilities and a dark, twisted sense of humor, Deadpool hunts down the man who nearly destroyed his life.

FEBRUARY 12th -

ZOOLANDER 2

When the world's most beautiful musical celebrities are systematically assassinated with formerly famous male model Derek Zoolander's iconic "Blue Steel" look on their face, Interpol recruits Derek and his friend Hansel McDonald to infiltrate a new and different world of high fashion in order to put a stop to it. Meanwhile, Derek's rival Jacobim Mugatu is set free and is seeking revenge.

FEBRUARY 19th - HOW TO BE SINGLE There’s a right way to be single, a wrong way to be single, and then…there’s Alice. New York City is full of lonely hearts seeking the right match, be it a love connection, a hook-up, or something in the middle. And somewhere between the teasing texts and one-night stands, what these unmarrieds all have in common is the need to learn how to be single in a world filled with everevolving definitions of love.

FEBRUARY 29th - BENEFACTOR Richard Gere stars as Franny, a rich fat cat riddled with guilt after two of his old college friends died in a car accident, and he feels responsible. Out of regret and maybe love, he wants to play a role in the life of their daughter, Olivia (Dakota Fanning). The young woman’s husband, played by Theo James (Divergent), is suspicious of Franny, wondering how he got all of his money and what his intentions are.

Answer-phone on both numbers & will return all calls

Philip Allen Tree Surgeon

LOGS Seasoned Logs

UPVC WINDOW & DOOR REPAIRS Misted Double Glazed Units Broken Glass Faulty Locks Window Handles Window Restrictors UPVC Door & Window Repairs

01462 640307

or

07968 04 34 24

from a local tree company delivered to the local area 300 logs for £80 delivered loose £10 discount for double loads Contact Phil Allen on 01462 834411 or 07909 716 631 or email on allentrees@btinternet.com FEBRUARY

2016

27

CHECK out our VALENT IN DEALS E

Treatments include: Facial & Body Treatments Holistic Treatments Waxing Eye Care Lash Perfect Eyelash Extensions Teen Treatments Thai Foot massage

New Staff offering brand new treatments: Treading Facial Massage Indian & Mauritius foot massage 30% OFF bookings with either Courtney or Shamila with advert

*New opening times Monday & Thursday 9.30-9pm, Tuesdays 9.30-2.30pm

Tel: 01462 491820 Pleacske our website che more info www.aromaticsbaldock.com for

A TOUCH OF GLASS Quality UPVC Windows, Doors & Conservatories

ALL REPAIRS UNDERTAKEN Broken locks, handles, hinges, replacement misted glass units, catlaps, draughty windows

EMERGENCY 24HR CALL OUT SENIOR CITIZEN DISCOUNT

For free advice call Dave today

01462 619651 Web: atouchofglasswindowsanddoors.co.uk 28

FEBRUARY

2016

MEET OUR MEMBERS! Suzanne Lock from Park Crescent is a Target member of the group. Joining the group in June of last year Suzanne lost 2.5 stones in total, ge ng to her chosen target weight in October she has maintained her weight all through Christmas and New Year. Suzanne s ll a ends group every week and is a valued member of the social team, helping others on a weekly basis to make their weight loss dreams come true too.

Suzanne says "Slimming world has changed my life. I love how easy the plan is to follow. Cooking things from scratch from the many slimming world recipe books is great. I batch cook at the weekend ready for lunches through the week and meals in the evening and I love being able to eat a variety of foods and never feeling hungry. This me last year I was fed up, withdrawn and lacked energy, I joined slimming world on the 10th June 2015 and slowly my weight dropped off, I have met some truly inspiring people who have helped me to achieve reaching my target in October. I now have more confidence and energy, I walk during my lunch break at work and love a li le me to myself. With the support of Sandra and everyone in my lovely slimming world group my life is very different now. The support from Image Therapy is lovely, everyone is full of advice and ps from things to eat to ge ng you mo vated if you are struggling a bit. I am so happy with the new me I'm always shou ng it from the roo ops about how fab I think Slimming World is." Slimming World Baldock, every Wednesday at the United Reformed Church, Whitehorse Street at 9.30am, 5.30pm and 7.30pm.

Slimming World Recipe Supplied by Sandra Lloyd COUNTRY VEGETABLE SOUP Warm up your weight loss this winter with this healthy vegetable soup that's bursting with Speed foods.

Hearty, flavoursome and fab for giving your weight loss a boost!

Cooking time: approx. 30 mins Serves 4

Ingredients Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ

low calorie cooking spray 1 large onion, peeled and finely chopped 2 celery sticks, thinly sliced 2 garlic cloves, peeled and finely chopped 1 litre vegetable stock 200g carrots, peeled and sliced 200g potatoes, peeled and diced 200g canned haricot beans, rinsed and drained 1 ready made bouquet garni salt and freshly ground black pepper chopped fresh chives to garnish (optional) 1

Method 1. Spray a non-stick saucepan with low calorie spray and place over a medium heat. Add the onion, celery and garlic and stir-fry for 2-3 2. minutes.

Add the stock, carrots, potatoes, beans and the bouquet garni, bring to the boil and season well.

Reduce the heat to medium and cook for 10-12 3. minutes.

Remove the bouquet garni and serve garnished with the chives.

4

9

3

2 8

3 2 3 6 9 1

6 7

1 2 4 8

4 6

3 2

1

5

8 2

7

Mobile

hairdresser Call

Jacqui

07973 788 418 01462 640 307

Covering Baldock, Ashwell & Weston

FEBRUARY

2016

29

Btfcredarm

30

FEBRUARY

2016

Driving Forward into 2016 I thought that the turn of the year would be a good opportunity to write to you and let you know how things are going at YOUR club both on and off the pitch.

Following a scin lla ng World Cup (though maybe not from the home na ons point of view!) and some sensa onal European Cup and Premiership matches, rugby football is growing in popularity at all levels. As the senior club in the area we are well aware that we must always be ready to change and adapt to keep ahead of the game and that is precisely what we are trying to do both on and off the pitch. However we must realise that we are also custodians of the rugby tradi ons of social interac on, comradeship, team work and discipline and our commi ee and coaches endeavour to ins l this into our players from a young age.

On the playing front the first team have had a tough first half of the season but the last week before Christmas showed signs of much improvement in the away game against Old Priorians in North London. Make no mistake this is a very compe ve league and seems to get more so every season and great credit is due to the dedica on of both coaches and players led by our director of rugby ... Jimmy Tirrell.

Our second team under the leadership of club captain Sam Moat have had some impressive victories so far this season, as have our thirds and fourths. Maybe the main problem with the lower sides is finding the opposi on as we run four sides consistently which is quite unusual in this day and age. Another resounding success story has been the 'Return To Rugby' ini a ve. We are one of 50 clubs throughout the country chosen by the RFU to trial this and have had upwards of 35 players playing tag rugby on a Tuesday night – all of whom share a quick beer a erwards too! If you are interested come up around 7pm on a Tuesday evening.

The junior sec on has also been vibrant this season with the pick of the sides being the under 16s who have gone eight games unbeaten and played some great rugby in doing so. The mini sec on held a great tournament in the first two weeks of October and have increased in size this season. It has been fantas c to see the return of the girls to rugby at under 13 level, some of whom have gone on to represent the County already, and all of whom have been a real credit to the club.

Maybe most significant over this season has been the development of the Bravehert sec on … rugby for people with learning disabili es ... and Nick Winwood and his team must be hear ly congratulated on the awards that they have received from the union and acknowledgement that they are the trail blazers in the whole of the country.

The social side has also been vibrant with a great players casino party at Christmas raising £500 for the Garden House Hospice to add to another £400 raised by the mini sec on earlier in the season. There was also a great dinner dance in November and the Presidents' mulled wine party was also well a ended ... though Rudolf did not go down well with one li le girl!

The club have invested in three new scrummaging machines which are star ng to have a real affect throughout the club ... certainly OPs felt the full force of our pack before Christmas!

And now for some real Headline news!!!

Following the refurbishment of the clubhouse in 2014 we decided to put in for a Sport England award to completely refurbish the changing rooms and happily we have been awarded £75,000 to do this. Work will start at the end of the season ready for the beginning of next year's campaign.

As you know for years the car park has resembled a flooded war zone! However in conjunc on with the Heritage Founda on,

North Herts District Council and the Leisure Centre nearly £200,000 will be spent in bringing it up to an absolute state of the art car park with a one-way system for ourselves and the Eagles next door. Great credit should be given to Chris Lunnon our chairman and the two Js Joe and John (Quirke and Donegan) for driving this forward ... excuse the pun!

Furthermore having appointed Rick Sell as our Minister of Marke ng there have been all sorts of developments coming over the past few months including several grants from the local council and a scheme for coaching in both primary and senior schools in the area as well as rugby scholarships to be awarded to promising young rugby players.

So there is much that we have done but there is also much to do and obviously we are always grateful for any dona ons and support from our members but most of all we would like to see you at Legends Lane as o en as possible. Rick has a ached a list of all the events happening ll the end of the season so it would be great if you could come along to league lunches or our sportsman's dinner with Robert Cro (England cricketer) or the Valen nes Ball in February ... do not be a stranger!

I guess that's all for now.

Toodle pip - El Prez

Letchworth Rugby Club Venue Hire The ideal location for any event, large or small, with plentiful free parking available in the Club car park.

Suitable for Weddings, Birthdays, Children's Parties, Business Meetings, Club Meetings, Sports Events Hire Charges: Evenings: £150 Daytime: £75 Club members receive a discount.

The newly re-furbished Clubhouse has a bar and a dining area that can seat up to 120 people. We can also provide catering, anything from buffets to 4 course meals.

We have two large TV screens (75” & 50”) which you can utilise.

viding a great available for hire, pro The pitches are also castles, 'It's a cy un bo ildren's parties, days outdoor space for ch ts, corporate sports Knockout' type even

For more info contact Club Steward 'Jacko' Jackson: 07815 990463 or 01462 682554

Are things a little slow?

Its easy to advertise in On Our Doorstep

Call Jacqui 07973 788 418 or

info@onourdoorstepbaldock.co.uk FEBRUARY

2016

31

Flints chimney sweeps offer a complete sweeping service using traditional and modern methods at a competitive price. No mess!

Chimney/Liner Clean and Sweep Birds nest removal Cowls, bird guards and chimney pot caps fitted Installation of carbon monoxide alarms Installation of replacement fire rope and fire bricks Advice on stoves, appliance installations and chimney repairs Ÿ Removal of tar/creosote Ÿ Arranging of CCTV camera surveys and chimney pressure testing Ÿ National Industry Standard Certificate issued

Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ

Member of the European Federation of Chimney Sweeps

THE WALKERS PARTNERSHIP SOLICITORS HAVE MOVED Our new address is FISH HILL CHAMBERS, : ROYSTON, 2-3 FISH HILL, HERTS, SG8 9JY Our reduced rate wills will be available every week day throughout February 2016 from 8.00am until 6.00pm, and on Tuesday evenings until 8.00pm, by appointment only.

Also on the Saturday morning of 6TH FEBRUARY 2016, 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:Tel: 01763 241121 or email: t.donnellan@walkerspartnership.co.uk

32

FEBRUARY

2016

A.DOBING & CO Specialist in damp proofing, rising damp and timber preservation

RISING DAMP INSECT INFESTATION

BASEMENTS DRY ROT

01462 491 221 peter@adobing.co.uk www.adobing.co.uk

100th Birthday Celebrations Baldock resident Mrs Dorothy Hayzelden known to many in Baldock as Doll, celebrated her 100th birthday on Thursday 21st January 2016.

Doll celebrated at home with her family and received her longawaited telegram message from Her Majesty the Queen. Over the weekend, a party was held at the United Reform Church hall for her and all her family and friends.

Doll was born in West Ham, London in 1916 and evacuated to Baldock during World war 2 in 1940 a er marrying her husband Jim in the same year.

The pair enjoyed their married life in Baldock and celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary back in 2000 with a ernoon tea at the Ritz before revisi ng Doll's hometown. Sadly just a year a er their diamond anniversary Jim passed away.

Having lived in Baldock for the last 75 years she has certainly seen many changes. She used to work at Kayzer Bondor, the famous stocking factory which was transformed into Baldocks Tesco store in more recent years. She loved playing bingo with her friends at Astonia Picture House (now Astonia House Doctors Surgery).

Doll remembers lots of shops that used to grace the streets of Baldock which are no longer there such as: Pa sson's Hardware, Booths Drapery, Ellis's Newsagents, Taylors Fish and Chips mobile van, Darts the Astra Confec onary, Foxes supermarket, Pedders Clothing and many more.

And now at the Grand age of 100 she has featured in On Our Doorstep, Happy Birthday Doll.

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

We buy your antiques and collectables New Year, New Showroom Free Design Service 4 Large Showrooms All Budgets & Tastes Catered For 0% ď€ nance Fitting Service Available

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

FEBRUARY

2016

33

I played at secondary school, but it’s been such a long time since I threw a ball.

Doing it again makes me feel so young

www.englandnetball.co.uk/Back-to-Netball

Driveways Patios Fencing

For all enquiries please contact us: DavidTimms@VirginMedia.com

07901 602227 01462 895506

£

her sign t o An Rede n ck rde aldo a G in B

NOW TAKING BOOKINGS FOR 2016 SO HURRY!

34

FEBRUARY

2016

Oxygen Therapy Cure's Local Lady's Leg Ulcers A local lady is over-joyed as a local charity has helped to transform her life.

Dorothy Brightman from Whitwell near Hitchin has suffered immense pain through leg ulcers and a shoulder injury which has affected her day-today life for years.

Anyone who has experienced leg ulcers knows of the debilitating pain that comes with them. They can take months or even years to heal – many leg ulcers simply don't improve.

After just two months of receiving Oxygen Therapy at the Herts MS Therapy Centre in Letchworth, Dorothy's leg ulcers have disappeared. Her doctor has given her the 'all clear' and her District Nurse no longer needs to visit as no ulcers means that no daily dressing is needed!

“It's such a joy not to have pain,” says Dorothy who is 83 years old. “I tried different treatments for my leg ulcers but they didn't work. Instead, my leg ulcers got wider and deeper, affecting my whole life.”

Dorothy's daughter, Ellie, knew of Oxygen Therapy and took her mother along to the Herts MS Therapy Centre in Letchworth. Within two months, Dorothy's leg ulcers – and the terrible pain they caused - had vanished.

Even better, Dorothy's shoulder injury has improved since she started Oxygen Therapy. “I feel no pain and I can now lift my right arm again,” she says. “It's a miracle to be able to use your limbs when you've not been able to use them for such a long time.”

She adds: “I know when I've been in the Oxygen Chamber.

I have so much more energy when I get home.”

Mark Boscher is Chief Executive of the Herts MS Therapy Centre in Letchworth – the only place in the county that offers Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy. The Centre helps

anyone with long term or life limiting conditions – not just Multiple Sclerosis.

“Dorothy's story is amazing,” says Mark. “Many people find that Oxygen Therapy helps them to feel more energised and heal faster. To cure leg ulcers in two months is wonderful and we are all delighted for Dorothy. If anyone else has stubborn leg ulcers, we 'd love to try to help them.”

To find out more about Oxygen Therapy, contact Mark or Claire on 01462 684214 or email oxygen@hmstc.net.

Deb’s Dirty Cookers We clean cookers, extractor fans, microwaves.

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

Please contact Debbie 01438 215172 07983 577803

FEBRUARY

2016

35

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

MAINTENANCE CONTRACTS WELCOME FRIENDLY FAMILY BUSINESS FREE ESTIMATES AND ADVICE DISTANCE NO OBJECT ALL WORK FULLY GUARANTEED

Contact Philip for further details on

Tel: 01438 214809 Mob: 07814 266060 20 Angle Ways, Shephall,Stevenage

Rotary Support Lights up the Town Baldock Rotary club hope that everyone enjoyed the Christmas lights in the town. The club has sponsored and organised the lights in Baldock for 37 years, since 1978. Each year we strive to extend and enhance the displays and this year were able to make some upgrades and addi ons thanks to the kind generosity of a number of businesses.

The following businesses were kind enough to make dona ons which enabled the Club to achieve this: AMCO FM New Look Dry Cleaners Amber Osteopathy Taste CafĂŠ The Phone Shop Bows Hair and Beauty Costcu er CafĂŠ Plus Slack Alice The Print Shop Rino Barbers Delizia The White Lion Public Baldock Hardware House The Wool Shop Lee the Barbers JOR Gilbert Baldock Nail Bar Priory Picnics The Boot Public Masons Electricals House Chilli Lounge Dine Bangla Scarle Hair Design Key Conveyancing Max's Barbers Golden Rickshaw Country Proper es Thanks go to all these businesses and a special thanks to electrician Mar n Li lewood & Son (ML Electrics) who provided invaluable support to Rotary members in the work involved in installing and removing the lights.

Support such as this from businesses and the people of Baldock will enable the Rotary Club to con nue to expand and enhance the Christmas lights displays in the future.

Rotarian Paul Lucke

FEBRUARY

2016

37

Friends of Baldock Green Spaces £5.0 off fo

r all custonew mers

0

Remove grease, fat & carbon deposits Non Caustic & Eco Friendly Improves Oven Efficiency Competitive Prices

Ovens

Hobs Grills Extractors Agas Ranges BBQs Microwaves

MUSCLE & MOTOR Jumbo van with up to 3 men Helpful, efficient and friendly service for all your moving carrying and domestic disposal needs, including house and garage clearance.

Call now on: 01767 317387 or 07968 787496 www.muscleandmotor.co.uk 38

FEBRUARY

2016

muscleandmotor@gmail.com

We now have a flag flying proudly at Ivel Springs a er this Nature Reserve was awarded a Green Flag last summer. These awards are given to local green spaces and parks in recogni on of being a valuable resource for the public to have free access to a green space which is well maintained by both the District Council and volunteers, has a plan of con nued development and is well used as part of the local community. FoBGS are proud to have helped achieve this award for Ivel Springs through our monthly conserva on work par es and biennial mee ngs with NHDC and the Countryside Management Service.

Why not come along to one of our Sunday work par es (1 or more hours 10am-3:30pm) usually on the 2nd Sunday of the month? Or could you help by being a stock checker later in the year when longhorn ca le and sheep will be grazing at Weston Hills and it is hoped ca le at Ivel Springs for the first me too?

The aim is to have a rota of people who can check the ca le once a week while they are on site. This is normally during August, September and October (though may start earlier this year). Training is offered

by Countryside Management Services probably a one-day course on a week day. Checking is done on week days and weekends. Checking at Ivel Springs will not need more than about 30 minutes, as there is nowhere for the ca le to hide! As Phil, one of the checkers this year, says,” At Weston Hills the ca le area is a lot bigger, and it some mes takes an hour to find them, at least un l you know where they hide.

T h e s h e e p c a n n o t re a l l y b e individually checked, as they move around too much, so it is more looking to see that there are none limping or lying down!”

For more informa on please contact Phil Charsley 07817 801616 Katrina Nice

Useful numbers Advice Citizen’s Advice Bureau Trading Standards Advice

03444 111444 0300 300 8136

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

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

Vacuum Cleaners

Carpet Shapooers

Spare parts for household appliances

Schools Knights Templar Hartseld St Johns St Marys Brandles

01462 620700 01462 895267 01462 892478 01462 892347 01462 892189

Vacuum Bags Lighting

Vacuum Spares

Appliance Spares

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

Window & Door repairs JML Windows Reapairs Warrens Windows

NEXeT? isest inutouch G

6000

LEAFLETS DELIVERED

£150

A your dvertis busi e ness

£ 20 1 /16 p

age

Disclaimer

Plumbers A.P Hughes

to Wantin r r ou a e p p a

01438 906300 01462 261401

All adverts and editorial are printed in good faith, however On Our Doorstep Baldock cannot take any responsibility for the content of adverts or services provided by the advertisers. Reproduction on whole or in part of this publication without prior permission from the publishers is strictly prohibited.

FEBRUARY

2016

39