January 2019

Issue 51 January 2019

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

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

Welcome Happy New Year and welcome to the first issue of 2019. We hope you all had a lovely Christmas and got a chance to spend some quality time with friends and family over the festive period.

Father Christmas had a very busy season visiting thousands of home around Baldock and the surrounding villages. A massive well done and thank you is owed to the Baldock Rotarians and all the volunteers who gave up their evenings to help his sleigh make all the rounds.

Although the sun didn't have its hat on, many of you did attended the Baldock Christmas fair. For everyone who braved the chill it was an excellent day with lots of activities including the ‘Big Turn On’ of the town's Christmas tree lights. You can read more about them on page 31.

It might be time for a few of us to admit that our waistbands are feeling a little tighter than they were last month, after a few too many mince pies. Our regular contributor, Nicky Hughes, has offered to share her weight loss story with us this month after losing over 6 stone.

Friends of Baldock Green Spaces have been hard at work repair fences and clearing litter from Weston Woods (more than 8 giant bin bags full). The group of 20 volunteers also discovered a number of hidden tracks and pathways along the way. If you would like to get involved they meet on the 2nd Sunday of the month.

An exciting note to end on is the announcement that Balstock will be back for 2019 and apparently it’s going to be more Balstockier than ever!.

So block out 13th-15th September in your diaries for the legendary festival. If you would like to volunteer to help over the 3 days or you would love to perform keep an eye on the website https://balstock.co.uk/.

Until next time stay warm

Paul & Jacqui info@onourdoorstepbaldock.co.uk Jacqui Calver 07973 788418

Disclaimer 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.

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Weston Way Activities Prepara ons for Christmas are always exci ng for the children at the nursery school. The wall displays reect the work the children have enjoyed taking part in on the run up to Christmas.

In early December we held our late night Christmas Club with over 20 children a ending. They made decora ons to put on the Christmas tree, decorated cup cakes with Rudolf cake toppers, made food bags for the reindeer and printed Christmas shapes onto calico bags to take all their 'goodies' home in. They had the opportunity to a end the disco with plenty of their favourite dancing songs. The children all enjoyed a fes ve tea before listening to a Christmas story before going home.

Friday 14th was Christmas Jumper Day, all the sta and children wore a colourful array of jumpers and help raise money for the charity, Save the Children.

During our singing session last week, we had a parcel delivered. It was from Father Christmas. He sent us a mischievous elf called Frank to spend some me with us for 2 weeks. We have to keep an eye on him to make sure he behaves and follows the nursery golden rules! We will let you know what happens.

We took part in the reverse advent calendar organised through the Baldock Community Centre, we prepared boxes of special treats, one for a family and one for an older person in our community. The children are establishing an awareness they are helping others who are not as fortunate as ourselves.

We were very pleased and proud to collect 95 advent calendars to donate to the local Food Bank run by the Trussell Trust.

The cold weather has not deterred us from plan ng some of the free hedgerow saplings we received from The Woodland Trust as part of a scheme to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the First World War. The children are familiar with the ancient hedgerow around the front entrance way of the nursery. We are now taking great pride in plan ng a new one and hope it is s ll here in many years to come.

The cold weather has not deterred us from plan ng some of the free hedgerow saplings we received from The Woodland Trust as part of a scheme to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the First World War. The children are familiar with the ancient hedgerow around the front entrance way of the nursery. We are now taking great pride in plan ng a new one and hope it is s ll here in many years to come.

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Flying Start to the New Year I hope you all had a very happy Christmas and that Santa was kind to you all.

As twel h night has yet to pass I hope you don't mind me showing you our wonderful Christmas tree that stood in our Recep on area. It was beau fully decorated with stars made by the children. The stars then moved to spend Christmas in their new home on the Christmas tree in Holy Trinity Church, Weston.

We know that some of the families supported by the Reverse Advent Calendar for the People for People Foodbank will have had extra food this Christmas partly due to the kind and generous dona ons of the school community. The children enjoyed bringing in their favourite food item on the Fridays – lots of biscuits and sweet treats!

January kicks off to a flying start; we have sports hall athle cs, parent consulta ons, a visit to KTS and a football match, as well as all of the other day to day ac vi es. Whatever we do in school we do it a li le warmer. We wished for new windows and doors in 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015…... We hope that 2019 brings you everything that you wish for even if you have to wait a li le while for it.

Could we remind those of you that are applying for September 2019 Recep on places that applica ons need to be in by January 15th 2019 www.her ordshire.gov.uk/admissions.

Nursery applica ons for September 2019 need to be in by 29th March, and 30 hours nursery care is available on the school site through our partnership with Peanuts Preschool. www.weston.herts.sch.uk/admissions Happy New Year from us all at Weston Primary School.

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Reading Marie's interview in last month's mag about her amazing weight lose has inspired me to tell you a li le of my own journey into the unknown. I hope not to take anything away from her inspiring interview, only to complement it; and in turn, perhaps inspire a few more of you to become big losers this year.

Mine began with my son's proposal to his lovely girlfriend way back in December 2016. An August wedding was decided upon and I went into melt down. Seriously, how the hell was I going to be able to show my face. I felt I would be an embarrassment to them both. Of course, that wasn't ever going to be the case but it's how the mind works.

I had never let my weight bother me, I can honestly say that un l that point in my life, it never occurred to me that I had a problem. I think from the age of about 18 I had grown steadily over the years, so I didn't really no ce so much. Except perhaps on the odd occasion when crappy people were being, well, crappy.

I decided that cake was the answer and biscuits were the cure, so I immerged myself in a glu onous month of self-pity and donuts. My name is Nicky, and I am a comfort eater.

As it happens, the Daughter in Law is a bit of a fit freak, she is a Physiotherapist and used to look a er the boys at the rugby club. She spoke to me about se ng up Pilates class's and asked if I'd support her in this venture. I thought she just wanted me to share some ads on Facebook and pass the word round, but no, she wanted me to join in… JOIN IN!!! excuse me? I have held an office job for eleven years. I basically hadn't moved for thirty years.

What the hell had I agreed to. Anyway,

Pitchside Physio was born in February 2017 and unbeknownst to me, my journey had begun.

Within six weeks, I could touch my toes and I was off! My other nearly Daughter in Law wanted to rejoin Slimming World, she had done really well, but lost her way and wanted to get back into it so asked me if I'd support her, I grumbled and groaned but being the super mummy that am I wanted to support her so went along with her in May. I cried when I hit those scales for the first me, here's the big reveal… Twenty-one stones and four pounds! I can write it in full now, in fact, it feels good to write it down, I've never done that before. I'll do it again…

Twenty-one stones and four pounds.

involved. “Come to the Gym mum” she said, “Come with me, I'll pay” she'd taken all my excuses away with those two words 'I'll Pay' I couldn't get out of it.

In December 2018 this happened… I ran!

Not because someone was chasing me, or because I was trying to get to Days before it shut. But willingly, no one asked me to, no one had to badger me to do it, I just did it. I don't run, I have never run. In cross country I was walking at the back, hiding at the bo om of Crabtree Lane with a fag un l they passed by again. I ran to the Rugby Club (one mile), did an hour-long Pilates class, then ran back home. I don't even know who I am anymore! And I've agreed to do a 5k run in a couple of weeks and on News Years Day too! I feel like I've gone mad.

I have now lost nearly six stone and four dress sizes. None of this has been easy. I have good weeks, great weeks and horrible weeks. But as long as I'm in a downward direc on overall, then I'm winning. The support I get from other 'Life Style Changers' at Slimming World is just amazing. I s ll get to eat the cake, just not all of it. I was so scep cal of any slimming group, I never thought it would have worked for me.

If I have learned anything about myself, I think it's got to be… I am not alone. I have always been an independent li le madam.

I've never turned anyone away who needed my help, but I've never wanted to bother anyone with my li le problems, so By the me the wedding hit, two and a tend to cope as best I can on my own. half stone of spare, lumpy Nicky had This 'new me' hasn't been easy to find, gone forever, and I could touch the floor but I'm nearly there. The 'Big Black Dog' of (I didn't perform this trick at the the depression that has hounded me most wedding you'll be pleased to hear) I felt of my life seems to be on a firm leash. I fantas c! Aches and pains had subsided, can honestly say that this is due to the and I'd dropped 2 dress sizes. It really support I have found in friends, family and was a brilliant day, and I wasn't fat club. bothered about being in the photos at I am a big loser, and very proud of myself. all.

Happy New Year!

In September the daughter got

Nicky

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Shane Richie Visits KTS

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On Wednesday 5th December the students at The Knights Templar School had a surprise visit from Shane Richie. Richie spent an hour with students in Year 10 studying Drama and Performing Arts. He spoke to them about his experiences in the performing arts industry and the many jobs that he did when star ng out. Students were keen to understand what it is like to work in television and on stage.

Richie was very engaging and enthusias c about his successes and spoke candidly about the pi alls of fame. He offered advice for students when audi oning and warned them to be resilient in the face of rejec on. Students found the me very informa ve; “It made me realise I need to be thicker skinned and take rejec on be er” commented a student. “It linked really well with the work we are doing in lessons” commented another.

The Drama department were very pleased to host Richie for the morning and Mr White, Head of Year 10 said “This was an excellent opportunity for our students to receive advice with regards to careers and opportuni es in this industry”.

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JANUARY MOVIES Jan 1st - FAVORITA In the early 18th century, England is at war with the French.

Nevertheless, duck racing and pineapple eating are thriving.

A frail Queen Anne occupies the throne, and her close friend Lady Sarah governs the country in her stead while tending to Anne's ill health and mercurial temper. When a new servant, Abigail, arrives, her charm endears her to Sarah.

Sarah takes Abigail under her wing, and Abigail sees a chance to return to her aristocratic roots.

Jan 1st - WELCOME TO MARWEN When a devastating attack shatters Mark Hogancamp (Steve Carell) and wipes away all memories, no one expected recovery. Putting together pieces from his old and new life, Mark meticulously creates a wondrous town where he can heal and be heroic. As he builds an astonishing art installation—a testament to the most powerful women he knows—through his fantasy world, he draws strength to triumph in the real one.

Jan 11th - STAN & OLLIE The true story of Hollywood's greatest comedy double act, Laurel and Hardy, is brought to the big screen for the first time. Starring Steve Coogan and John C. Reilly as Stan and Ollie this the heart-warming story of what would become the pair's farewell tour. With their golden era long behind them, the pair embark on a variety hall tour of Britain and Ireland. but long-buried tension and Hardy's failing health start to threaten their new act and friendship.

Jan 11th - THE UPSIDE This is a heartfelt comedy about a recently paroled exconvict Dell (Kevin Hart) and a paralysed billionaire Phil (Bryan Cranston). Dell is a deadbeat dad who needs to prove he’s still going on fruitless job interviews to appease his parole officer. A mix-up lands him at Phil’s just as he is taking applicants for a new aide, specifically trained in the lifting, feeding and being an all-around lifeline. In an act of defiance, Phil decides Dell is the only man for the job.

Jan 18th - GLASS M. Night Shyamalan brings together the narratives of two of his standout originals - 2000’s Unbreakable and 2016’s Split, in one explosive, all-new comic-book thriller: Glass staring Bruce Willis, Samuel L. Jackson and James McAvoy. Following the conclusion of Split, Glass finds Dunn pursuing Crumb’s superhuman figure of The Beast in a series of escalating encounters, while Price emerges as an orchestrator who holds secrets critical to both men.

Jan 25h - SECOND ACT Second Act is an inspirational comedy starring Jennifer Lopez as Maya, a 40-year-old woman struggling with frustrations of not having achieved more in life. As an experienced, quick-witted, perceptive employee, she is passed over for a promotion solely because she doesn’t have a college degree. Until, that is, she gets the chance to prove that street smarts are as valuable as book smarts, and that it is never too late for a Second Act.

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The B&W PX headphones are predominantly Bluetooth™ driven, although you can connect up manually using a 3.5mm jack cable supplied with them. Thus, they must be paired to each device and this proved fairly straigh orward using the supplied instruc ons. In order to make full use of the noise cancelling a personalised experience, it was also necessary to download an app which is available for both iOS and Android. In my case, I downloaded the Android app.

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Without a doubt, these are the most comfortable headphones I have ever worn, these absolutely reek of quality and fit brilliants over my ears. Even switched off, they s ll muffle ambient noise brilliantly.

As expected of a set of high-end headphones, the sound quality was rich and bright with great bass and treble produc on. When tes ng out audio equipment I am par cularly fond of playing Metallic Spheres by The Orb, featuring Dave Gilmour, an album which cries out to be played on high-end audio Ini ally, you are given three equipment. customisable op ons for noise Bowers & Wilkins have produced a cancella on, allowing you to pick Office, superb set of high-end Bluetooth City or Flight based on the background Headphones. They have excelled on all noise you are likely to experience in each fronts, from the excellent build quality, of these modes. Interes ngly, City superior sound quality to the intui ve app worked best for my office. The se ngs which makes synchronising the phones a automa cally pick the most common doddle. If your budget stretches to around voice passthrough se ngs for the £329 and you want to listen to music as headphones, either Off, Natural or the ar st intended, the B&W PX Amplified. All three se ngs worked great Bluetooth Headphones are a perfect and I liked being able to filter out general op on available in Space Grey or So noise and s ll be part of a conversa on.

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Tesco's Baldock, have once again been doing their bit for the local community, in joining forces with the Independent Baldock Fes val Charitable Trust and supplying bread rolls for the ever popular Baldock Independent Beer Fes val, held back in May this year. And then again dona ng more bread rolls for the Baldock Oktoberfest, the first of its kind in our town, but yet another very well a ended event by the local community.

The two events have raised an absolutely incredible £2501 which has now been donated to the Keech Children's Hospice in Letchworth, a charity offering hospice care to children and their families.

Leigh Haynes, General Manager of Tesco Baldock and 2 of the trustees, Kate Copsey and Don McKenzie are pictured above handing over the cheque to this very worthy local charity.

If you are involved with any local venture that Tesco could support please get in touch with Elaine Hewe , Community Champion on 0345 677 9024 Tesco Baldock would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a very Happy New Year and look forward serving you in 2019 Lorraine Rowly

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Baldock Rotary Club Donations 2017 – 2018 Baldock Rotary Club is pleased to report that through its fundraising ac vi es between July 2017 and June 2018 it made charitable dona ons in excess of £14,000.

Baldock Rotary Mad Hatters at a Summer afternoon fundraising tea party.

Fundraising events generously supported by the public, such as the Christmas sleigh collec on, Open Gardens and the Jazz Concert together with those ac vi es undertaken by the hardworking members of the club, enable dona ons to be made to the benefit of local, na onal and interna onal charitable causes.

Dona ons to Interna onal causes, the choice of which is considerable, were made to Shelterbox, Lend with Care and Apopo Hero Rats. Dona ons were also made in response to appeals in Sri Lanka, Tanzania, and Kenya and the club also made dona ons to Rotary's own interna onal charity founda on for its 'End Polio Now' campaign.

Dona ons to Na onal causes were made to Dream Flight and Macmillan Cancer Care.

Some of the notable dona ons made to local causes during this period were to a number of our local schools, Baldock and

Ashwell Scouts, Baldock Seniors, the Community Heartbeat Trust, the MS Society, Garden House Hospice, Baldock Community Orchestra, the Food Bank and Kids Out. President Keith Bri er commented that 'Baldock Rotary Club is proud to be able to con nue to make these substan al dona ons to such worthwhile charitable causes and would like to express its thanks for the support received from everyone in the community of Baldock and its surrounding villages'.

He went on to say that Baldock Rotary Club con nues to make significant contribu ons within the community and through the endeavour of its members they are able to fully demonstrate the Rotary mo o of 'Service above Self'.

The membership of Baldock Rotary comprises men and women who value their me together and are interested in “giving something back”. They meet regularly in a relaxed environment which fosters friendship and, aside from the Community ac vi es referred to above, there is an ac ve social programme whereby members and their partners meet, visit restaurants, the theatre and local places of interest, as well as holding a summer barbecue.

Baldock Rotary would like to a ract new members, so if you are the type of person who is in a posi on to “give something back” to the Community, we would love to hear from you.

If you are interested in any aspect of what Rotary has to offer please contact us on our website, address below, or contact our Membership Secretary, John Street, tel. no.

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INSPIRING WOMEN The lovely ladies from the Baldock & Clothall WI carried out a sponsored li er pick in aid of Headway Her ordshire. They collected 23 bags of rubbish, a local estate agents Sold sign, a tent, shopping basket, concrete, a piece of broken traffic light and many other items.

This was just along Letchworth Road, roads off and around Knights Templar School! And a erwards off to The Orange Tree for refreshments, thanks to Rob for providing tea/coffee and mince pies. Thanks also to Debbie who organised it and to Karen D, Lucy, Karen M, Sue B, Chris A , Nicky and her husband Dave (who is now an honorary WI member). The ladies meet on the 2nd Thursday of each month at the United Reformed Church in Whitehorse Street star ng at 7.30pm, visitors are always welcome Keep up with their ac vi es at www.facebook.com/baldockclothallwi/

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Get All Your Ducks in a Row in 2019…

That's how the saying goes, and according to The Cambridge English dic onary that means: “to be well prepared or well organised for something that is going to happen.”

Hopefully, dying is not going to happen for a long me – but sadly you never know. At A.R.K. Las ng Powers & Wills we find that a lot of people have 'make a Will' on their 'to do' list before they actually get around to doing it. We also find that January is a prime me for people to finally get around to making a Will.

New year, new start, New Year's resolu on…all those things prompt people to pick up the phone or send an email to arrange an appointment to discuss their Will. We make the process as easy as possible: Ÿ We will visit you at home at a me convenient to you. Ÿ We offer a friendly, caring and personal service. Ÿ We tailor our advice to individual circumstances and we don't use jargon – we explain things as simply as possible. Ÿ There's plenty of me a er your ini al mee ng with us to change your mind about what you want in your Will.

A natural progression a er being organised for the inevitable, is to be organised for what could also easily happen at any me. Any one of us could have an accident, stroke or illness that would leave us mental unwell, meaning we would be unable to manage our own finances. Make a Las ng Power of A orney while you are well appoin ng people you would trust to help you if this awful scenario arose. We can help with that; and once again we make it so easy. No horrible,

complicated forms for you to fill in – we do all of that. We just ask for some informa on and a couple of signatures and we do the rest. A Las ng Power of A orney is like another insurance policy. We give our clients peace of mind…just in case.

Finally, what about considering a Pre-paid Funeral Plan? The ul mate in being “well prepared or well organised for something that is going to happen.”

We offer free advice about paying for your funeral in advance. The money you pay will be invested in a Trust Fund, so it will be protected, and it will be there to pay for your funeral, be that in 20, 30 or 40 years. Why do this? Well, you would be paying today's prices – you may have seen recent publicity about the spiralling cost of funerals. You could save your family a fortune if you buy a funeral plan now, so they don't have to pay the going rate when you die. You can spread the cost of a plan as well by paying in instalments. Dignity Funeral Plans also have a special offer on with up to £340 off the cost of every plan! Plans start at just £2,795.

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Baldock Gardens

By Graham Tapp

St Johns

Tapps, The Baldock Garden Centre

January 2018 I am going to start with some more weather-related news; our borehole is still a bit low from the dry summer. Don't get worried as it has been a lot lower than it is at the moment; our levels give an excellent indication of what we have locally around Baldock and we are in a better place for water supply and storage than many areas in the north of the country.

Our water is below our feet stored in the chalk, the rain that falls on the hills around us filters through the soil down into the chalk where it finds a level to collect, we have billions of gallons down there. Our borehole has a water level of 14 metres from the ground surface at the moment it would usually be at 12 metres at this time of the year, two metres is nothing in the general view of things as our pump sits 50 metres down.

We are then in good shape to cope with another dry, hot summer even if we only have average rainfall over winter. Our local supplier Affinity water has some fantastic information on their website which will explain everything I've been talking about and goes even further explaining what is in your drinking water. My Wife Susan used to work in this very field as a chemist for Southern Water when we lived in Kent, her view is that the water is excellent so no problem there, no bottled water for me.

Water on a plant production nursery is one of the most important resources; we don't use much mains water for our production or retail units. Instead, we use stored water harvested from our roof area; this is our soft water supply, the borehole giving us a hard water supply.

Soft water supplies are essential to commercial growers and are needed if growing Ericaceous plants (acid loving) trying to raise them around here would be almost impossible without harvesting our rainwater, we have the ability to store 49,000 Litres at any one time. A complex system of pumps and solenoid valves controlled by a computer gives us the ability to mix and match water hardness to the crop species, or stage of growth. Feeds if needed can be incorporated into the water using a precise one-way device called an injector. This device will mix the desired rates and types of feeds into the system we have it installed as near to the sprinkler systems or hose pipes as possible, to prevent any pollution of the tank or borehole. The borehole is further protected by an above ground 1000 litre tank that has its own adjustable pump to supply the irrigation system and a top feed from the borehole with a verticle separation of 25 centimetres; this avoids any syphoning back into the below surface water.

There are some fascinating documents available online that discuss how we can together reduce the supply pressure on our water companies by saving rainwater, I'm not going into that now but it's worth downloading and reading some of them, and they are very easy to put into practice.

This coming spring we are starting our own production of hard to get perennial plants the demand has changed from shrubs over the past few years as owners of houses with smaller garden are influenced by the Chelsea, Hampton court and all the other RHS and provincial flower shows. The conditions we will provide for growing these will also allow us to grow a hydroponic crop of hard to get salad crops for our tea room a technology I have had interest in for years but never had the chance to try, double cropping in this intensive way will be demanding but exciting. Low power input will be the key to this project we will be using state of the art LED lighting and low-temperature varieties to extend the season, it will be interesting after being involved in the industry for sixty odd years to be using technology that has been pushing the boundaries of what is the latest growing systems. Vertical wall production is for next year, but I might try a bit this year if we can get our hands on some of the equipment at the right price.

In 1986 we were experimentally growing strawberries hydroponically in our greenhouses, a system that is now widely used, so it does work commercially, I've not had the time or inclination to get back into it until now.

I am also going back on myself by reverting to field grown stock in the next few years as demand increases for those species and varieties that we can grow that way. Small horticultural equipment for field production has also changed as it is factory produced on a large scale rather than by the costly handmade specialist process'.

Many of you will remember the acres of field grown dried flowers we had here in the late eighties and early nineties. We employed quite a few of you to pick the Helichrysums, Statice and cornflowers, we have stayed in touch with some of you as you have turned into customers, grown older, married, purchased houses and made homes locally.

My Love affair with growing various ranges of herbaceous and annual flower crops for drying came to a grinding halt shortly after the Soviet Russian union fell apart on the 26th December 1991. It became cheaper to purchase dried flowers from former Soviet countries than we could grow and pick them. Instantly we lost our market, in all fairness the market had started to fail as far back as when the gates in the Berlin wall had initially opened, and then it dismantled on the 9th November 1989. Enough of the market remained for a few years for us by filling the gaps in the market left by some of the bigger growers pulling out. The final straw for us was, that we were, unfortunately, sold a batch of seed contaminated with Verticillium wilt, this blocks the plant's vascular bundles preventing water and nutrients to move around the plant causing the plant as the name implies to wilt. The plants appear to be suffering from lack of water, the hotter the weather, the worse it seems to be. Verticillium Wilt can last for thirty years in the soil, longer if host plants are available, so that was the end of that.

Hope you all have better luck than that.

Wishing you all a good new year, Cheers Graham.

JANUARY

2019

19

n O s ’ t a h W Positive Moving Class

DEPARTING FROM BALDOCK

Every Wednesday Afternoon 2pm -3.30pm, Holy Trinity Church, London Road. Improving mobility in older People The cost Is £4 followed by tea & biscuits for more info contact 01462- 678804

Letchworth Parkrun A free 5km run every Saturday at 9am, Grange Recreation Ground, SG6 4PN. Very welcoming for new runners - see www.parkrun.org.uk/letchworth for details

Baldock Country Market Every Friday morning - The Victoria pub, Sun Street, Baldock 9.30am - 12pm

Community Choir Every Wednesdays - at Baldock Community Centre 7pm -9pm for more info contact Ruth on 07916798655

Monkey Music Classes Every Friday various classes running from 9.30 at the Baldock Community Centre for more Information

Sguiggle & Squish Monday 9.30am - 10.30am - Baldock Community Centre an interactivity group for 6 - 18 months first session free contact Donna at www.bookwhen.com/squiggletots

Pro Direct Showcase Football Trials Saturday 5th January 12pm-3pm trial afternoon for the under 11's for more information go to www.northhertsarena.co.uk

The Wedding Show Saturday 5th & Sunday 6th January 10am -4 pm at Knebworth Barns. Plan your perfect wedding day with nearly 100 of the region’s finest wedding suppliers under one roof at Hertfordshire’s biggest and best wedding extravaganza Tickets £4 for more details contact knebworth@the weddingshow.co.uk

Last Panto in Ashwell Friday 11th & Saturday 12th January 19.30pm - Ashwell Village Hall - Tickets £15

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.

WI Walk Friday 18th January 10am - 12pm meeting at Ivel Springs in Baldock

'From Tots to Teens' Friday January 18th - 7.45pm until 9pm, at the Letchworth Settlement. Three award winning children's writers will share their insights into the skills needed to engage the interest of a young reader. A panel discussion will be followed by a Q&A session, a book signing and a display of artwork. Tickets £10.

Baldock Beast Half Marathon Sunday 24th February 2019 registration now open contact www.baldockeventsforum.org.uk If you would like to have your event included FREE in the next issue please email us at info@onourdoorstepbaldock.co.uk by 18th January 20

JANUARY

2019

www.fabulousglampervan.co.uk email: enquiries@fabulousglampervan.co.uk

Tel: 01462 491035 / 07985315632

Local Plan Update

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

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

An important update on the Local Plan from Save Rural Baldock. Please refer to the Save rural Baldock websites for a more informa on www.saveruralbaldock.co.uk.

A new public consulta on is running for 6 weeks from 3rd January to 14th February 2019.

Residents are being invited to comment on the “main modifica ons” to the Local Plan that have been made following the Inspector's examina on. Comments should just be focussed on the modifica ons being proposed.

Details of the modifica ons are on the NHDC website h ps://www.north-herts.gov.uk/planning/planningpolicy/local-plan/local-plan-examina on/main-modifica ons In summary, the Inspector has not asked for any significant changes to the areas that are designated for building around Baldock. However, sites BA3 and BA4 have been joined together, poten ally allowing the possibility of houses to be built on the raised land to the le of the B656 as you approach the East of the town from the bypass. We believe this change should be opposed. Please refer to the Save Rural Baldock websites for a more informa on, www.saveruralbaldock.co.uk When the Inspector has assessed the comments made, the final Local Plan will be issued. This is likely to be before the summer 2019.

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JANUARY

2019

Exercise Referral Scheme Do you have a medical condi on? Want to be more ac ve but not sure what you can do?

With Knights Templar Sports Centre, you can get involved with SLL's Exercise Referral Scheme which takes your medical condi on, ability & fitness level into account. Working under the guidance of highly qualified fitness professionals in a safe, effec ve, supervised environment, we will find an ac vity suitable for you.

If you have chronic pain or have a neurological condi on which prevents you from being ac ve, you may be suitable to use the amazing an -gravity treadmill or the func onal electrical s mula on (FES) bike which has helped hundreds to get ac ve.

With over 20 years' experience, the Exercise Referral Scheme has helped thousands to improve their health, wellbeing and fitness.

There are a range of ac vi es to choose from across including rehabilita on sessions, the gym or even yoga, pilates and swimming!

To find out more, please get in touch on 01462 631300 or email enquiries.knights@sll.co.uk

Remembrance in Baldock 2018 Earlier in the year the Royal Bri sh Legion, Baldock Branch, purchased a WW1 soldier silhoue e, now known as 'Silent Sid'. He has been displayed at several premises in the town and will make further appearances.

The 2018 Poppy Appeal started on Saturday 27th October with collectors on duty in Tesco, at the Baldock Services, and the Railway Sta on, as well as pots and poppies le in the pubs and shops.

The collec on this year has special meaning, as it is the centenary of the 1918 Armis ce, and the people of Baldock and our visitors responded by digging deep, which resulted in a record total for the two weeks of £18,195.01, which is £2,000 up on last year. A massive thank you to all our collectors, supporters and of course the good people dona ng to this worthy cause.

However, that is the running total for the two weeks of Remembrance de when we sell poppies. The Poppy Appeal carries on ll next October, and there will be ample opportunity to contribute further.

On Saturday the 10th of November St

Mary's Church in Baldock hosted a service to mark the Centenary of the 1918 Armis ce, and we were pleased to have Professor Sir Tim Wilson, DL, represen ng the Queen. The service was led by Father Andrew Holford with The Rev'd Tony Ruffell, Father Denis Sarsfield and the Rev'd Chris Jenkins all contribu ng to an excellent service for a packed church.

The next day, Remembrance Sunday dawned cold and wet, but fortunately the weather cleared in me for an extremely large congrega on filling the car park in front of the War Memorial on the High Street. Music was provided by Knights Templar students led by Head Teacher Tim Litchfield, and the sound system supplied and set up by Rob Scahill. RBL Baldock Standard Bearer Al

Hayhurst led the Youth organisa ons to the War Memorial where they formed up each side of the flower beds. Father Andrew opened the service followed by the Last Post played by Richard, and as the last note died away, the church bells struck 11.00 hrs for the Two Minute Silence. The names of the fallen were read out by Knights Templar Students and wreaths were laid, led by a different Deputy Lord-Lieutenant, Janie Wentworth-Stanley DL . PC Sean Deal gave us a guess mate of between 650 – 750 par cipants, which made for a very packed crowd. Following the service any of the par cipants gathered in the Community Centre for tea and biscuits which had been provided by Tesco.

On Friday 16th November we held our annual Poppy Dinner at the Orange Tree Pub with entertainment provided by the Sandy Ukulele Group, back by popular demand. The dinner was completely sold out and everybody enjoyed themselves as the band played well-known tunes and encouraged us to join in. A big thanks to Rob & his team for hos ng us so well.

Poppy Appeal Organiser Paul Middleton

JANUARY

2019

23

Kathryn Binghamst Happy 21 Birthday 2 January nd

Lots of Love Mum, Clive, Alex & Rory xxx George Morrison

05-01

Lots of Love Mum, Dad & Eleanor

EMMA LAVERY

18 Again4th!!January

DECEMBER

2016

Happy 11th Birthday

Bella Bing

Lots of love Paul & Rachel XXX

Happy th

11Birthday Hannah Brewer

24

29th january

JANUARY

2019

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St Mary's sporting successes 2018 St Mary's Junior School have been recognised for their commitment and development of spor ng compe ons across their school and into the community, by being awarded the School Games GOLD Mark Award.

2018 has been one of the most successful years of sport in St Mary's Junior School's history. Our most recent achievements resulted in our girls becoming the County Champions in football. They are heading to the next round to represent Her ordshire in the South of England compe on. Our boys' football team have also been extremely successful, winning all 3 district events this year, going on to finish 3rd and then 2nd in the whole of Her ordshire.

Another huge achievement for St Mary's lead to us becoming the District Sports Athle cs champions for the first me in 11 years! Our Year 4's also won football compe ons and the District Tennis championship, going onto to represent North Herts. Other achievements include the runners up posi on in cricket, indoor athle cs and basketball, as well as top 5 finishes in netball, hockey, table tennis and golf.

By Mr Sco Hagland (Sports teacher)

JANUARY

2019

25

Time to Read - Reading Agency promotion.

This was aimed at Nursery class levels and we had all three Baldock schools take part in this. They were read stories by Deb-Library Manager- given a s cker based on the book “” and then given a pack containing a copy of the book for them to keep. They also had the opportunity to look around the library and pick a book for themselves. Deb also visited Weston School to deliver this. All the children were delighted with their free book and enjoyed helping Deb act out the story.

During the half-term we held a Family Learning event-Harry the Hedgehog- .Children and adults alike made a hedgehog out of an old book, did a quiz and went away with fact sheets about hedgehogs and hiberna on.

Some of the comments received were; lovely idea, very effec ve, low cost, Very helpful staff and volunteers Crea ve ac vity, great to get children off their iPads!!

The library took part in the Christmas Tree display in St Mary's Church, our theme was “The Twelve Books of Christmas” Our normal Saturday Stories not only was Christmas themed but took place during the Baldock Christmas Fes val. A er children had enjoyed the stories they(and their parents)could do Badge Making, Balloon Animals whilst having some free homemade soup all within the library. Over 500 people took up this opportunity!

‘We would like to wish all our customers a Happy New Year ’ Remember if your pet eats anything they shouldn't even if they seem well

please call the Surgery at Royston or Baldock for advice.

26

JANUARY

2019

MARTIN BALL PLASTERING

How to Handle Financial Anxiety Money may not be able to buy happiness but it can certainly buy a lot of presents and it seems that the price for perfec on at Christmas is ge ng higher and higher.

It's perhaps no surprise, then, that people are feeling the financial burden of the fes ve season more than ever – with previous sta s cs released by YouGov es ma ng that around one in three Britons will take on debt in order to pay for the perfect day The most wonderful me of the year?

Not for everyone. Christmas can be the most stressful me of the year for many people as the pressure of the fes ve season builds. Financial problems can manifest and impact your mental health very quickly, "Even if it's a temporary

period of financial difficultly, people can start to feel inadequate and insecure – as if they're failing themselves and their families. It's o en difficult for those who are in financial despair to keep the problem 'contained' to just their finances. People can perceive money as providing security, certainty and gives them a role to fulfil such as 'provider'."

Stress, low mood and worry can all increase 'catostrophic thinking', which can lead some people to believe they are a failure in every area of their lives as they cannot compartmentalise the financial issue in isola on. Much of this is because of the domino impact a poor financial situa on has on the rest of your life.

If you do find yourself in trouble…

It's important to know what steps to take if you do find yourself (and your bank account) in financial hot water a er this Christmas. If you need help to resolve the issue you must find it. Don't s ck your head in the sand and wait for it to disappear - avoiding issues is the perfect catalyst to worsen stress, depression and anxiety, feel out of control and let the situa on unnecessarily spiral.

“It's really important to stay on top of things. For example, dri ing over your overdra limit not only damages your credit record, it also adds a ra of fees on top of your exis ng debt. Speaking to your bank or building society is key, they will be more understanding ."

Try to protect your credit record from nega ve records – once they're on there, you can't take them off and it will impact your chance of ge ng credit in the future.

"If it's possible, borrowing from family or friends is a far be er op on than a payday loan company – these really should be avoided at all costs. When you're desperate for cash, there are many organisa ons that will step in and rescue you, but, sadly, not all of them have your best interests at heart and many will make your debt problems far worse if you don't pay them back on me.

The key thing is to take control of financial problems before they take control of you."

K i m H o l l o way - w w w.t o ta l therapy.co.uk JANUARY

2019

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£458 For Merry Go Round The staff and commi ee of Merry Go Round were delighted to receive a dona on of £458.25 in November, from the Baldock Community Fireworks Commi ee. We plan to spend this generous dona on on much needed ICT resources, which will enable us to update and enhance our ICT provision.

Staff and volunteers recently spent a cold Sunday morning in November pu ng the finishing touches to our Plan ng area and sensory garden. It is now known as 'Donna's Garden', in memory of Donna Rix-White, the former chair of our management commi ee. We feel this is a fi ng tribute to a dedicated and proac ve member of our management team. We are now looking forward to the learning opportuni es 'Donna's Garden' will provide for the children at Merry Go Round.

The busy Autumn term came to an exci ng end with the opportunity for the children to experience lots of Christmas themed ac vi es and events. The nursery children were able to make a jar of mincemeat to take home for fes ve baking. The pre-school children created christmas threadings which were used to decorate the classrooms. All the children took part in our annual Na vity and we finished the term with a christmas gathering and the opportunity for the children to visit Santa in his Gro o and receive a gi .

If you are looking for a Nursery place or Pre-school place for your child, for September 2019, please call 01462 896322 or email info@merrygoroundunder5s.co.uk to arrange a visit.

Slimming World Recipe Sandra Lloyd Supplied by

Mexican Burrito Bowl After the rich food of December, enjoy all the firedup flavour of a burrito minus the wrap, for a Healthy and Low Cost Eating January!

Ingredients 250g dried long-grain rice Large handful of fresh coriander, finely chopped, plus extra to serve Ÿ 50g reduced-fat Cheddar, grated (optional) Ÿ 200g fat-free natural fromage frais, to serve Ÿ 2 limes, halved, to serve

Ÿ Ÿ

For the chilli: Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ

Low-calorie cooking spray 400g lean beef mince (5% fat or less) 1 large onion, finely chopped 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped 1 tsp crushed dried chipotle chillies (dried ones are sold whole) 6 tbsp tomato purée 200ml beef stock 2 x 400g cans red kidney beans in chilli sauce Salt and freshly ground black pepper

For the Mexican salad: ¼ white cabbage, thinly shredded 200g cherry tomatoes, halved 12 radishes, thinly sliced 1 red onion, finely chopped Large handful of fresh coriander, finely chopped, reserving some to serve Ÿ Juice of 2 limes

Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ

Method 1.To make the chilli, spray a large pan with lowcalorie cooking spray and place over a high heat.

Add the mince and stir-fry for 4-5 minutes, or until browned. Take the pan off the heat and transfer the mince to a bowl with a slotted spoon. Reduce the heat to low.

2.Wipe the pan clean with kitchen paper, spray with more low-calorie cooking spray and return to the heat. Add the onion and cook for 6-8 minutes, or until softened. Increase the heat to medium-high, and stir in the garlic, chillies, tomato purée, stock and kidney beans.

3.Return the mince to the pan, stir and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, until thickened. Season and keep warm.

4.Meanwhile, cook the rice according to the packet instructions, drain and stir in the chopped coriander.

Mix all the salad ingredients together.

5.Divide the rice, salad and chilli between bowls.

Scatter the cheese (if using) over the chilli. Serve with the fromage frais, lime halves and coriander on the side.

JANUARY

2019

29

Do you need to Make or Update your Will?

Make it Your New Year’s Resolution!!

We offer a FREE initial appointment to discuss your circumstances, offering advice on Wills including ring-fencing your home from care and guidance on Inheritance Tax Nil Rate Bands.

HOME VISITS are available at NO EXTRA CHARGE WITHIN A 5 MILE RADIUS OF BALDOCK. Saturday morning appointments also available at the office*

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30

JANUARY

2019

2018 was the third Christmas Fair organised by the Baldock Events Forum and despite the weather, it was the best yet! During the day around 2,000 people visited Baldock and enjoyed a great selec on of stalls, fair rides and, of course, visi ng Father Christmas in his Gro o at St Mary's Church. There was so much to see and do throughout the day, from cra stalls in the Community Centre and the Old Town Hall, the Christmas Tree Fes val at St Mary's Church, gingerbread man decora ng in the High Street and a Snow Globe in Whitehorse Street.

Father Christmas rode down the High

Street in his sleigh at 11am to open the Fair, before parking his sleigh in Whitehorse Street and entering his Gro o. Live music started at 12 noon with the Baldock Community Orchestra entertaining us before handing over to Baldock's own Graham 'G' Laroche.

During the day we had some great musical acts performing on the stage, including the Scallywags, Praise Be and Fi h Wheel.

The culmina on of the day was the switch on of the Baldock Christmas Tree Lights and town lights, which was appreciated by an excellent crowd. All too soon the Fair was over and I must

take me at this point to thank all the helpers who came out early in the morning (7am), many staying un l the stalls etc were packed away (10pm).

Without your help, we couldn't have done it! A long day, but great fun!!

A massive thank you to our Christmas Fair Event Coordinator this year Sally Ma hews.

Jim McNally - Baldock Events Forum

RECYCLING Did you know that crisp packets can be recycled and turned into things like outdoor furniture? We just have to collect the packets which won't be hard over Christmas I fancy!

Look out for collec on points in town.

There's a new group called Baldock Beats Waste forming in the New Year. The main aim is to reduce waste, especially plas c, and to play our part in preven ng pollu on which damages our environment.

We hope to find out share and employ ways of recycling/ reducing lots more materials.

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There will be a mee ng in January, possibly 17th, to get started so look out for posters etc and please come along.

Chris ne Watson [chrisa na@hotmail.com]

JANUARY

2019

31

January Gallery

Please send your local snaps new or old to our facebook page or email info@onourdoorstepbaldock.co.uk

85 Mountain bike riders all dressed as Santa met in Stevenage for thier 4th Annual ~SantaCruise 20 mile sponsored bike ride Michael Hanrahan https://mydonate.bt.com/charities/angelssupportgrouphitchin

Baldock & Clothall WI ladies

Up towards the top of the High St, Stylus - Nikki Murphy

A wet dark Sun Street - Helena Dean

Sewin B’s window display Christine Bingham

Taken from our garden on Clothall Common - Emily Herbert

That time of year when the children get really excited - Sam Bulley

Freddie from Staffy B’s with his Cristmas Jumper on

Another shot from the Santacruise

Here he is again!!

Marie Baker

Little Violet Snow Boarding at the Fair

Family affair Baldock Green Spaces Volunteers Baldock Christmas Finale

The lovely ladies from Riverside Rascals

Taken from our garden on Clothall Common - Emily Herbert Sarojini Ellis

Magic Moments Everyone at Magic Moments - the children, staff, parents and Potato (our resident scarecrow) have enjoyed a very busy and even ul Autumn Term and are looking forward to the Christmas break.

We have par cularly enjoyed the weekly baby signing sessions and will be using some of the signs we have learnt in our Christmas performance.

We were all very excited about Christmas, with the hall looking very fes ve and only a week un l our annual coach ou ng to Willows Farm where we will visit Santa in his gro o. If you would like more informa on about Magic Moments Pre-school for children aged 2-4, please tel 07709618434 or www.magicmomentspreschool.co.uk

Next copy Deadline

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This Years Xmas Lights

CALLING ALL YEAR 9's Letchworth Rugby U14 Team are looking to expand in numbers. We are a small team and would welcome newcomers to have a go. RFU Level 2 coaches are at hand to help with new starters. Come and have a go, and have some fun.

Contact me on 07711160858 or via email davidandclaire@ntlworld.com for more informa on. It’s free to try.

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15th Januar

Baldock's Christmas lights received a much appreciated update for 2018. The Beer Fes val donated £3500 towards the purchase and installa on of the lights throughout the High Street. A number of local businesses also came together to purchase the new lights that featured on this year's tree. Stuart Ma hews of SRM Security was fed up of the lack lustre tree lights of previous years so he decided to do something about it. He contacted Tara Geere who helped to connect the dots and connect him with Jim McNally and the Baldock Rotary Club. Although the discussions started with tree lights before they knew it the had arranged for a stage and a pyro to be set up for the switch on making the whole day a much more special experience for the community.

Stuart said “I wasn't the only person to feel this way about the old lights so I'm super happy that people like them and can appreciate them like I do when I drive through the town now.”

- Holly P

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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

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Pony club rallies and activities Indoor & outdoor riding facilities

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JANUARY

2019

Useful numbers Advice Citizen’s Advice Bureau Trading Standards Advice Samaritans

03444 111444 0300 300 8136 116 123

Councils North Hertfordshire District

01462 474000

Doctors Baldock Surgery

01462 892458

Dentist Victoria Place Dental Surgery

01763 313869

Emergency Utilities Gas Emergency Electric power cut

0800 111 999 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

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 03457 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

07709 618434 01462 896322

Plumbers Maben PE James

07949 120911 07816 586777

Window & Door repairs JML Windows Repairs Warrens Windows

01438 906300 01462 261401

Florist Blooms of Baldock

07747 195325

Barbers Micks of Baldock

01462 895002

Locksmith Matthew Knight

07733 147645

Airport Taxi Greenacre Transfers

07555 707848

Mobile Hairdresser Hair by Jacqui

07973 788418

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2019

35

FINESSE SHUTTER SALE

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