Baldock Issue 144 October 2026
Raising awareness of what’s on & where to find things locally
www.onourdoorstepbaldock.co.uk Baldock, Ashwell, Weston and surrounding villages
Welcome Well, autumn has definitely arrived, and there's plenty going on locally to keep us all busy over the next few weeks. As you receive this issue, the High Street will have been taken over by the fun and chaos of the fair! It returns from Friday 2nd to Sunday 4th October, with plenty of heart-racing rides, games and classic sweet treats like candy floss and toffee apples! Our 5 Minute Interview this month is with Clare the new manager of Café Luna on the High Street. They'll still be serving all your favourite coffees, now alongside delicious treats from Baldock's very own Baked by Blondies. Expect brownies, cookies, cakes and plenty of other goodies to tempt you every day. Your coffee breaks just got even sweeter! The following weekend brings Baldock Oktoberfest, taking place on Friday 9th and Saturday 10th October. Your entry ticket includes your first drink and stein! Tickets are still available, so dust off your best Oktoberfest spirit and enjoy what should be a great couple of days. Then, of course, there's Halloween to look forward to at the end of the month!
Whether you're planning to dress up, decorate the house, or simply stock up on sweets for trick-or-treaters, it's another excuse to join in the local fun. And then there's Christmas… Yes, really! Has anyone else spotted Christmas cards creeping into the supermarket aisles already? Summer has barely said goodbye, yet Christmas seems determined to get a head start! Some of you will love being organised early, while others will be ignoring it for as long as possible. Freshly back from her wedding, Karen Stephens is already getting organised for her Christmas hampers. It's her tenth year, and she's once again looking for hamper donations to make Christmas a little brighter for a local family or older person. It's a lovely gesture, so if you're able to donate, please do get involved. Finally, with November just around the corner, Bonfire Night is approaching too. If you haven't got your tickets yet, now is the time! Turn to page 25 for more information. Until next month
Paul & Jacqui
info@onourdoorstepbaldock.co.uk or 07973 788418
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Baldock Rotary Welcomes New President Could You Benefit
from Switching Your Bank Account? At Ci zens Advice North Her ordshire, we know every penny counts. Having the right bank account can make managing your money easier, whether you're looking for be er customer service, improved online banking, lower fees or an account that be er suits your needs. If you're thinking about changing banks, the Current Account Switch Service makes the process straigh orward. It's free to use and available through almost all major UK banks and building socie es. Once you choose your new account, your new bank will handle most of the work, including transferring your balance, moving direct debits and standing orders, and arranging for your salary, pension or benefits to be paid into your new account.
You can choose a switching date that suits you, provided you give at least seven working days' no ce. Your new bank will keep you updated throughout the process. Worried about missing payments? Any payments sent to your old account will be automa cally redirected to your new your account, with the sender no fied of updated details. The Current Account Switch Guarantee also means that if something goes wrong and you lose money as a result, your new bank or building society will put things right. For those who prefer face-to-face banking, the Royston Banking Hub on Kneesworth Street offers a convenient local service. Customers can access cash and counter services, regardless of which major bank they use, helping to keep
essen al banking available on the high street. To learn more about switching accounts, visit www.currentaccountswitch.co.uk Ci zens Advice North Her ordshire provides free, impar al advice from our offices in Letchworth and Royston, as well as in community loca ons such as Melbourn Hub and Baldock Library, where we hold a drop-in session every Wednesday morning from 10.30 am to 12 noon. Find out more about our services at www.northhertscab.org.uk You can call our free Advice Line on 0800 144 88 48, opening hours are 10 am to 9pm Monday to Wednesday, 10am to 8pm Thursday and Friday, and 10 am to 4pm on Saturday, or leave a message on 01462 689801. Ci zens Advice North Her ordshire
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Meet Our New Headteacher We are delighted to welcome Ricky Boxall as the new Headteacher at Weston, bringing his passion, experience and commitment to ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive. Mr Boxall is looking forward to ge ng to know our pupils, families and wider community, and to building on the many strengths that make Weston such a special place to learn. His focus will be on crea ng an ambi ous, welcoming and nurturing environment where children feel confident, inspired and ready to achieve their very best. Choosing the right school is an important decision for every family, and we warmly invite prospec ve parents to come and see Weston for themselves. Our school tours are a wonderful opportunity to explore our learning environment, meet our staff and pupils, discover what makes our school unique, and ask any ques ons you may have. Come and meet the team, see our school in ac on and discover what Weston could offer your child.
We encourage parents and carers who are considering Weston to sign up for one of our upcoming school tours. We would love to welcome you, introduce you to our staff and show you around our school. Book your tour today and take the first step towards discovering Weston. 2026 - Tues 6th Oct, Thurs 22nd Oct, Fri 27th Nov & Tues 8th Dec all at 9.30am 2027 - Weds 6th Jan, Thurs 28th Jan & Fri 26th Feb all at 9.30am We are also holding an Open Day in our Early Years unit at 9.30am on Saturday 14th November 2026. Come along and find out more. Please call 01462 790317 or email admin@weston.herts.sch.uk to book.
Our members enjoyed a terrific a ernoon at Knebworth House and gardens this week. We started in the beau ful gardens, navigated the maze, then had a guided tour of the House. Our guide, Nicola, was both knowledgeable and entertaining, she really brought the rooms and family history to life. We finished with a delicious cream tea, well of course, it is the WI! Our next 3 mee ngs have speakers and then December is the Christmas party. The WI is an organisa on for all women with no poli cal or religious affilia on. We meet at the United Reform Church on the second Thursday of the month, visitors are welcome so drop in if you're interested. Alterna vely you can email us at baldockandclothallwi@gmail.co.uk if you wish for more informa on.
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2026
7
Book your job in October & be Christmas-ready!
With 20 years experience selling homes locally
Thank you to all the people that have recommended me as their personal estate agent in Baldock. I love working here and the town has always held a special place in my heart, it's just great!!
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OCTOBER
2026
Shelterbox - A Rotary Success Story Baldock Rotary recently welcomed David Swain, a District Co-ordinator and Ambassador for the charity Shelterbox, to give a talk about the work of the charity. When disaster or conflict destroy homes, families need urgent support to survive. That is where Shelterbox steps in. The charity was founded in 2000 by Tom Henderson, a Rotarian and Royal Navy diver, in Helston, Cornwall, UK. It started as a millennium project by the local Rotary Club with a simple goal: provide emergency family-sized aid kits in green plas c containers. Since then, it has grown at an extraordinary rate and by 2005 was delivering aid following major global events such as Hurricane Katrina in the United States. Growth con nued and in 2012 Shelterbox became the official project partner in disaster relief for Rotary Interna onal. In subsequent years Shelterbox refined the contents of the relief aid. It evolved beyond rigid plas c boxes to include flexible shelter kits and tools tailored for urban and diverse environments.
Shelterbox currently operates independently worldwide, transi oning from storing items strictly in green boxes to flexible, targeted aid packages like thermal clothing, water filters, and tent setups and is now recognised as an interna onal disaster relief charity that has helped over 3 million people globally in over 100 countries. These are people who have had to flee their homes, or had them damaged, because of disaster, conflict or the climate crisis. The core contents of a shelterbox are: Ÿ Shelter and Warmth: A heavy-duty family tent, thermal blankets, and groundsheets (plus winter liners in cold regions). Ÿ Water and Cooking: Water filters, collapsible water carriers, and cooking utensils with pots and pans. Ÿ Everyday Essen als: Solar-powered lamps, mosquito nets, a basic tool kit, and children's ac vity packs. Ÿ The Box Itself: The durable green container can be repurposed a er unpacking to store food, serve as a table, or act as a water container.
Over the years Baldock Rotary has made dona ons to Shelterbox in response to the many aid relief campaigns that have arisen over the years. If you would like to make a dona on to Shelterbox this can be done easily on the link www.shelterbox.org/donate. Any donata on you are able to make would be much appreciated and will help support a very worthy cause. Rotarian - Paul Lucke
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2026
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Book your job in October & be Christmas-ready!
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OCTOBER
2026
Seasons Change, So Do Our Joints — How to Ease the Aches As the days shorten and temperatures drop, many of us no ce our bodies feeling s ffer, achier, and less forgiving. That familiar twinge in the knee or the dull ache in the shoulder o en seems to arrive with the autumn chill, and there's real science behind it. Changes in barometric pressure, humidity, and temperature can affect the ssues around our joints. When pressure drops, the so ssues, muscles, tendons, and ligaments, can expand slightly, pu ng extra strain on sensi ve joints. Cooler weather also causes blood vessels to constrict, reducing circula on to the muscles and making them ghter and less flexible. Add in reduced daylight, which lowers our vitamin D levels, and it's li le wonder our bodies feel the shi in season. How osteopathy can help Osteopathy takes a whole-body
approach to pain. Rather than simply trea ng the symptom, an osteopath assesses how the body moves as a whole, releasing tension in the muscles and joints, improving circula on, and restoring mobility. This can be par cularly effec ve when seasonal changes leave you feeling s ff or restricted, helping your body adapt more comfortably to the colder months. What to eat to support your body Nutri on plays a key role in managing joint discomfort. Suppor ng your body with an -inflammatory foods can help reduce the s ffness and swelling that cooler weather can bring. Good choices include oily fish such as salmon, mackerel, and sardines, rich in omega-3 fa y acids; colourful vegetables like leafy greens, broccoli, and peppers; berries and cherries, packed with an oxidants; nuts and seeds, par cularly walnuts and
flaxseeds; and olive oil, a staple of the Mediterranean diet. Turmeric and ginger are also excellent addi ons, known for their natural an inflammatory proper es. With less sunlight during autumn and winter, topping up your vitamin D becomes especially important. Good dietary sources include oily fish, egg yolks, and for fied foods such as some breakfast cereals and plant milks. On sunny days, even a short walk outdoors can help your body produce its own supply. Get the right support If seasonal aches are affec ng your daily life, help is close to home. Amber Health has five osteopaths, one of whom is also a qualified naturopath, plus nutri onist Judith Roach — all available to support you with both treatment and prac cal advice, so you can move more comfortably through every season.
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Happy
31Birthday st
MASON Lots of love from your absolutely spectacular wife & Oswald the cat xxx
11th OCTOBER
Murphy
Happy Birthday Matt Love Judy Happy Birthday
Dave The Happy Gardener
All the Best Margaret 2nd Oober
November BIRTHDAY ANNOUNCEMENT If someone special celebrates their Birthday in November, email us the details and we’ll print it in the next issue info@onourdoorstepbaldock.co.uk
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2026
Screen this months new releases
WE’RE HIRING PART-TIME CAFÉ STAFF GARDEN CENTRE STAFF NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY FULL TRAINING WILL BE GIVEN
verity
the social reckoning Out 2nd October
Out 9th October
Hired to be a ghostwriter for renowned author Verity Crawford, Lowen Ashleigh's assignment takes a dark turn when she discovers chilling autobiographical notes. As she wrestles with disturbing and twisted confessions about Verity's husband, she soon finds it hard to separate fiction from reality, manipulation from attraction, and opportunity from obsession.
Based on the events that sparked the Wall Street Journal's explosive exposé known as The Facebook Files, the film follows Frances Haugen, a young Facebook data engineer and product manager. Troubled by internal information showing how the platform prioritized growth over public safety, she secretly copies thousands of pages of confidential documents.
Certificate 18
Certificate 15
Running Time 114 mins
Running Time 120 mins
TO APPLY PLEASE CALL GRAHAM 01462 896 302
07572 532618 www.bb-carpentry.co.uk
klara & the sun
wicker Out 30th October
Out 23rd October The movie is set in a future where parents buy robot companions to ease their children's loneliness. Klara, an extraordinarily observant Artificial Friend, is chosen by a bright teenager named Josie. Josie suffers from a chronic illness, and her family is fractured by grief. Driven by absolute loyalty and innocent wonder, Klara goes on a quest to the sun, hoping its power can heal Josie and protect the family from heartbreak.
When a basket maker constructs a wicker husband for an ostracized local fisherwoman, when he unexpectedly comes to life he proves more spectacular than she ever could have imagined. His soulful spirit and unique prowess soon awakens something inside her, setting off a wave of jealousy, fascination and upheaval that threatens the very fabric of her village.
Certificate 12A
Certificate 18
Running Time 116 mins
Running Time 105 mins OCTOBER
2026
13
Our november
Issue DEADLINE is
16th october 14
OCTOBER
2026
5 minutes with... ...Clare Rochford from *What made you want to take on the role of manager here? When the new owners offered me the opportunity, I came to have a look around the café and instantly fell in love with it! I've always loved food and catering for people, so when I was offered what felt like my dream job, I couldn't say no! *How would you describe the café to someone who's never visited before? Café Luna has a really special feel to it. It's cosy, a li le quirky, the staff are lovely and welcoming, and the food is pre y good too! *What's your favourite thing on the menu? That's a hard one because everything is so good! But I'm a sucker for anything cheesy, so I'd have to say the Luna Cheese Special Toas e. *Have you got any exci ng plans or changes in the pipeline? We don't want to change too much because we know how much people already love the café, but we do have a few things planned! We're going to be introducing some evening events, including wine tas ng, quizzes, board games, games nights and a book club. The café will also be available to hire for private par es and events. We've also got a new cake business joining us, local favourites Baked by Blondies, , which we're really excited about. We'll be introducing loyalty cards too, as a li le thank you to our customers, and we'll be pos ng more on our social media pages, so keep an eye out for updates!
*What's the best part of your job so far? Definitely mee ng all the regulars and ge ng to know everyone. There's been so much to learn, but I'm really enjoying it and genuinely love coming into work every day. *What sort of atmosphere are you hoping to create for customers? I want people to feel comfortable and welcome, whether they're popping in for a quick coffee, mee ng friends for lunch, ge ng some work done or just fancy a bit of me to themselves. *For those who haven't met you yet, can you tell us a li le about yourself? I've recently moved to Bedfordshire with my family. For the past 10 years, I've worked as a teaching assistant, mainly suppor ng children with special educa onal needs.It's been a really rewarding job and has taught me a lot about pa ence, communica on and staying calm when things don't quite go to plan! I'm sure those skills will come in handy in a busy café too! I've always loved cooking and entertaining. I'm happiest in the kitchen making homemade pies or pu ng t ogether a big feast for family and friends. I've also run a li le catering business on the side, catering for private events and making grazing tables, snack boxes and sweet boxes. The new owners are very close friends of mine, and when they offered me the manager's job, it was an opportunity I couldn't turn down. It's a completely different career for me, but food has always been a big part of my life, so I'm really excited to be doing something I love.
UNIT 12 BONDOR BUSINESS CENTRE, LONDON ROAD, BALDOCK. SG76HP
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2026
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Autumn Gardens
October is a wonderful month for gardeners in Baldock and across Hertfordshire. The bright colours of summer may be fading, but the garden is certainly not going to sleep yet. Cooler mornings, shorter days and autumn rain mark a change in pace, while trees begin to turn shades of gold, copper and red. For the gardener, October is a month of preparation, planting and, importantly, enjoying the changing season. There is still plenty to do outdoors, and many of the jobs tackled now will make a noticeable difference next spring. Plant for spring - If you want to enjoy plenty of colour next year, October is the perfect time to plant spring-flowering bulbs. Daffodils, crocuses, hyacinths and many other bulbs can be planted now, giving them time to establish roots before winter. Tulips are often best planted a little later in autumn, when the cooler soil can help reduce the risk of disease. For a natural effect, try planting bulbs in groups rather than arranging individual bulbs in precise rows. Daffodils look particularly good beneath deciduous trees, along paths or naturalised in grass. October is also an excellent time to plant trees, shrubs and hedging. The soil is often still warm from summer, while autumn rainfall can help newly planted specimens establish themselves. If you are thinking about adding a small tree, replacing an old hedge or creating a wildlife-friendly boundary, now is a good time to make a start. Give newly planted trees and shrubs a thorough watering and apply a layer of organic mulch around them, keeping it away from trunks and stems. Don't clear everything away - Autumn can bring out the obsessive tidier in all of us, but there is a good reason to leave some parts of the garden slightly untidy. Fallen leaves provide valuable habitat for insects and other small creatures, while hollow stems and old seedheads can offer shelter for overwintering wildlife. Plants such as teasels, rudbeckias and ornamental grasses can also provide food and shelter for birds while giving borders attractive structure throughout winter.
Clear leaves from lawns, paths and drains, but consider leaving some in borders and less formal corners. A simple pile of leaves, tucked beneath a hedge or behind a shed, can become a useful refuge for wildlife. Collected leaves can also be put into a wire container or bin to make leaf mould. It takes time to break down, but the resulting material is an excellent soil conditioner and is particularly useful for improving heavy or poor soils. Look after the lawn - The lawn may continue growing whenever the weather remains mild. October is generally the time to reduce mowing rather than stop suddenly. Raise the cutting height slightly and avoid cutting when the ground is very wet. Regularly remove fallen leaves from the grass. A thick layer can prevent light and air reaching the lawn and may encourage moss or fungal problems. If your lawn has become compacted after a busy summer, autumn is also a good time to aerate it. A garden fork can be used to make holes across compacted areas, allowing air and water to penetrate the soil more effectively. Lightly raking over the surface afterwards can help keep the grass healthy going into winter. Protect tender plants - Although the first frost may still be some way off, October is the month to start thinking about plants that won't appreciate a Hertfordshire winter. Tender plants in pots can be moved into a greenhouse, conservatory or sheltered position. Some plants can be protected outdoors with horticultural fleece or other suitable coverings when frost is forecast. Remember that containers are particularly vulnerable because their roots have less protection than plants growing directly in the ground. Grouping pots together against a sheltered wall can provide some protection, but check that drainage holes remain clear. Before putting garden furniture, tools and equipment away for winter, give everything a good clean. Clean and dry secateurs, shears and other cutting tools, and sharpen blades if necessary. A little maintenance now means less work when spring arrives.
Think about wildlife - Even a small garden can provide valuable food and shelter. Allow some seedheads to remain standing, and avoid cutting everything back to ground level. Birds will appreciate the seeds, while insects can use hollow stems and vegetation as shelter. If you have space, consider creating a small log pile in a quiet corner. Rotting wood provides habitat for insects and fungi, while piles of leaves and branches can offer shelter to a range of garden wildlife. Bird feeders can also be useful as natural food becomes scarcer. Keep feeding stations clean and position them somewhere cats cannot easily reach. Prepare your soil - October is a good time to improve the soil in your borders. Well-rotted garden compost or manure can be spread over bare areas and left on the surface for worms and weather to incorporate gradually. If you have areas of heavy clay soil, as can occur in parts of Hertfordshire, adding organic matter over time can improve its structure and drainage. Avoid digging excessively when the soil is saturated, however, as working very wet soil can damage its structure. If you grow vegetables, clear away spent crops and remove diseased material rather than putting it on the compost heap. Hardy crops such as winter salads, broad beans and certain varieties of onion and garlic can be planted now, depending on your growing conditions. Enjoy the autumn garden - Perhaps the most important October gardening job is to stop occasionally and appreciate the garden. Take a walk around your garden and make a note of what worked well this year and what you would like to change. Photograph borders that looked particularly successful, jot down plants you would like more of, and make plans while everything is still fresh in your mind. So, as autumn settles over Baldock, wrap up warmly, pick up your secateurs and enjoy the garden.
Harry
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2026
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SUMMER IS NOT OVER Quick tour of a Camper
£875
£975
£875
£775
SCAN
ME! 18
OCTOBER
2026
Unprecedented Efficiency
New BMW iX3 BMW's early electric cars could feel experimental, but the new iX3 takes a far more confident approach, writes motoring journalist Tim Barnes-Clay. Rather than adap ng an exis ng SUV, BMW has built an electric model designed from the ground up. A er driving the iX3 50 xDrive, it's clear this is one of the company's most convincing EVs yet. Inside, BMW has embraced digitalisa on, reducing physical controls in favour of a cleaner interface. The displays are sharp and responsive, while high-quality materials, suppor ve seats and ambient ligh ng reinforce the car's premium posi oning. There is plenty of room, too. Adults can sit comfortably in the rear, and the flat floor creates a useful feeling of openness. The boot is also prac cal enough for family life, airport runs and weekend trips. On the move, the iX3 50 xDrive's twin electric motors provide all-wheel drive and 463hp, with 0-62mph taking 4.9 seconds. Performance is rapid, delivering effortless accelera on.
By Tim Barnes-Clay Follow on Instagram @tbarnsclay & TikTok @ mauto_
Ride comfort is another highlight. Around town, potholes and speed humps are dealt with impressively, while motorway cruising is quiet and relaxed. Despite the weight of its large ba ery, the iX3 remains composed through corners, with accurate steering and strong body control.. Regenera ve braking can be adjusted to suit your preference, with one-pedal driving par cularly useful around town. The latest ba ery technology is arguably its biggest advantage. BMW quotes a range of up to 500 miles, with the tested car's official figure falling between 456 and 500 miles depending on specifica on. In mixed driving, I was on course for around 400 miles, sugges ng the range is realis c rather than purely a laboratory achievement. Charging has also improved, with rapid DC capability making longer journeys easier. BMW's integrated route planning and charger informa on further reduce the hassle of running an EV, although Britain's public charging network s ll has room for improvement.
The Infotainment system is quick, and voice recogni on is effec ve, but some touchscreen func ons demand more a en on than tradi onal bu ons, par cularly while driving. The iX3 isn't cheap, especially once op ons are added, but that's hardly surprising given its premium posi oning. What ma ers is that it feels like a complete car rather than an electric compromise. The most impressive thing about the iX3 is how naturally it fits into your life. It doesn't constantly remind you that you're driving an electric car. Instead, it simply behaves like a polished, comfortable and capable BMW. For buyers wan ng a luxury electric SUV that combines prac cality, strong performance and longdistance capability, the iX3 50 xDrive deserves serious considera on. BMW hasn't reinvented the electric SUV, but it has refined the formula
Fast Facts 2026 BMW iX3 50 xDrive: Max speed: 130 mph 0-62 mph: 4.9 secs Electric range: 456-500 miles Powerplant: Two electric motors, 108.7kWh ba ery Ÿ Power (PS): 463 Ÿ CO2: 0 g/km Ÿ Price £64,262 Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ
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8 Unit 16 Woodside Industrial Park, Works Road, Letchworth SG6 1LA
Baldock’s favourite for 34 years
Dominant voices in society
‘WE GUARANTEE TO BEAT* your existing home insurance renewal quote in the SG postcode.’ For most people their home is the biggest investment they will ever make and the things they keep in it are their most prized possessions. As your local broker our role is to select the policy most suited to your individual needs. Ensuring peace of mind for our customers is at the heart of what we do. To make sure your most treasured possessions are properly covered contact the Emperor of insurance. QUOTE REF: DOORSTEP
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2026
* T&C APPLY
On the 17th of October this car boot season ends What will we do on a Saturday away from all our friends? Have a very Happy Christmas Turkey and mince pies We hope Santa brings you A very pleasant surprise! Baldock Bard We're back 6.30 sellers, 7 am buyers See you there!
Too much choice out there? Spend more time deciding what to watch than actually watching something? LET BALDOCK'S RESiDENT TV GLUTTON HELP YOU ON YOUR MiSSiON!
Furious – Disney Plus: If you are looking for your next gripping box-set binge, Furious delivers a sharp, propulsive cat-and-mouse thrill ride that neatly s ubverts the standard police procedural. The series opens on Halloween night in New York, instantly se ng a dark tone as Alice Black, a tenacious FBI agent with a troubled past in the NYPD, begins tracking a string of seemingly unrelated overdose deaths involving high-profile, wealthy men. The culprit is Catherine Grace, a calcula ng, chameleon-like killer who assumes new iden es to stalk and eliminate her targets using lethal doses of fentanyl. Rather than relying on a tradi onal whodunit setup, the show reveals Catherine's iden ty right away, focusing instead on two parallel lives careening toward an inevitable collision where the line between jus ce and revenge completely blurs. Emmy Rossum (Shameless), in the role of her life me - stars as FBI agent Alice Black, bringing a grounded, fierce vulnerability to a detec ve ba ling ins tu onal corrup on and her own lingering past. Opposite her, Lola Pe crew (Say Nothing) gives a standout, chilling performance as Catherine Grace, masterfully balancing ruthless execu on with glimpses of deep personal pain. The strong core cast is rounded out by Scoot McNairy (Halt and Catch Fire) as Alice's loyal former partner, Quincy Tyler Berns ne as the world weary head of the FBI's sex crimes unit, and Jake Lacy as Alice's sinister exboyfriend.
Behind the scenes, the show was created by Elizabeth Meriwether, best known for crea ng New Girl and showrunning The Dropout. The project was loosely inspired by Ronald Bass's 1987 cult thriller Black Widow, but Meriwether took that classic detec ve-tracks-female-serial-killer premise and completely reimagined it through a modern, razor-sharp lens tailored for an era defined by systemic accountability. Underneath the sleek cinematography and pulse-pounding pace, Furious tackles heavy societal themes. It digs deep into the failures of legal ins tu ons to protect women, systemic abuse of power, and how unaddressed trauma shapes the human psyche. It forces the audience to ask uncomfortable ques ons about what actual accountability looks like when the jus ce system repeatedly protects the powerful, and whether vigilante jus ce can ever truly be jus fied. In my view, this is the first drama to tackle some of these issues in a post-Epstein world. The dynamic between Alice and Catherine is what elevates the show from a standard thriller into something far more magne c. As Alice obsessively pieces together the trail of bodies, a strange, unspoken in macy develops between the inves gator and the fugi ve; we've seem this before of course in Silence of the Lambs et al , but Meriwether's wri ng ensures that neither character is treated as a simple caricature of good or evil; both are complex, driven, and carrying deep emo onal scars. This subtle game of cat-and-mouse creates a psychological tension that pulls you through each episode, as you begin to realize that the two women understand each other far be er than anyone else in their respec ve lives ever could. Visually, the series matches its ght narra ve drive with a moody, cinema c tone that keeps the story moving at a breakneck speed. The shadow-drenched New York backdrops and sharp edi ng build a constant sense of unease, ensuring the tension never lets up across the season. Punchy, addic ve, and brilliantly led by Rossum and Pe crew, Furious avoids the usual crime-drama clichés by making the psychological duel between hunter and hunted en rely personal, making it an absolute must-add for your watchlist.
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2026
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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
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OCTOBER
2026
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The Spirits of Baldock As the nights draw in and the autumn breeze starts ra ling our windows, we once again turn our a en on to all things Halloweeny. Ghosts, ghouls, and things that go bump in the night are ge ng ready for their annual tour. Some towns claim to be hotbeds of paranormal ac vity, but here in Baldock, our ghosts seem less like terrifying spectres and more like slightly confused historic tenants who have simply forgo en to check out. There is the famous case at a house on the High Street. For years, residents reported a phantom feline that would materialize just to curl up at the foot of the bed. Builders later found an ancient, dried-up cat bricked up in the roof space. That sounds like a very gentle haun ng to me—at least a ghost cat doesn't scratch the sofa or wake you up by staring directly into your soul. I wonder if it's s ll happening, or if the grim discovery of its remains sent its soul across the rainbow bridge. Then there is the tale of the spectral coachman down at Cat Ditch. Legend says he missed the bend during a fierce storm in 1871 and is s ll trying to navigate his way back to the stables when the moon is full. You have to admire the work ethic; this poor bloke has been enduring the commute for well over a hundred years.
BLONDIES
Of course, if you live in one of Baldock's beau fully historic proper es, you've probably heard a few strange scraping sounds or mysterious shi ing pebbles in the walls. Local paranormal experts might tell you it's a medieval poltergeist reorganising your founda ons. As a scep c, I'm more inclined to blame 300-year-old oak beams se ling a er a damp Tuesday, or perhaps a modern mouse who has managed to break into the le over biscuits. Let's face it: the scariest thing in any Baldock kitchen these days isn't a floa ng spirit—it's the smart meter cking over a er the hea ng is turned on. If you think naviga ng the traffic during the Baldock Fair is a nightmare, spare a thought for a certain 18th-century Sco sh pedlar. A er making a dy profit selling his wares in town, he was heading home past Bygrave Farm when he ran into a local man named Thomas Fossey. In a spectacular display of terrible hospitality, Fossey decided to rob the pedlar, cut his head clean off, and drop him down the nearest well. Naturally annoyed at having his journey cut short so permanently, the pedlar's ghost began patrolling the Bygrave lanes completely headless. Witnesses claimed he would glide noiselessly past travellers, which honestly feels a bit drama c.
Surely, without a head, he had absolutely no way of checking if he was walking into a ditch or oncoming horse traffic. The haun ng apparently only stopped when they fished his bones out of the well and gave him a proper burial. Let that be a lesson to us all: if you are visi ng our local markets this month, count your change, keep your wits about you, and maybe avoid taking any shortcuts past old wells. Mind you, you take your chances. I only know of one well in Baldock, and that's in a certain editor's house! If you go out for a stroll a er dark this month, keep your eyes peeled. You might just spot a headless highwayman or a phantom carriage. But if you don't see a single thing, don't worry. You can always pop into one of our excellent local pubs for a pint—where the only true spirits you'll encounter come with a splash of tonic water, and possibly some live music if you're lucky.
Nicky
baked by
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email orders to bakedbyblondies@gmail.com OCTOBER
2026
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Batman
Comes to Baldock Historic Baldock church depicted in Gotham City to host free community day with acclaimed comic-book ar st Mike Perkins The church of St Mary the Virgin in Baldock will be hos ng a community day for people of all ages called Batman Comes to Baldock on 17 October 2026. The event will celebrate the church having become part of Gotham City, within the pages of graphic novel, The Bat-Man: Second Knight, illustrated by acclaimed ar st, Mike Perkins. The day’s ac vi es are free for the public to a end and will include: Ÿ 2pm onwards – tea and cake; costume compe on; photo exhibi on; opportunity to have photo taken with a model of Batman. Ÿ 2pm – 6.30pm – tours up the 130- church tower (for visitors aged eight and over) which is featured in The Bat-Man: Second Knight.
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Reared & prepared for Christmas Day at Dairy Farm, Bygrave Road Baldock, SG7 5DS www.oakleyfarming.co.uk Orders to mjoakleyfarming@gmail.com or ring Jenny 07803591714 24
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2pm – 4pm – screening of Batman (12 cer ficate), the 1989 film starring Michael Keaton and Jack Nicholson. Ÿ 4.30pm – 5.30pm – interview and Q&A with Mike Perkins. Ÿ 5.30pm – comic-book signing with Mike Perkins. Mike Perkins is a Bri sh comic-book ar st who has worked extensively for Marvel Comics, DC Comics and 2000 AD. His run on Captain America made the New York Times bestseller list and was nominated for the US Eisner and Harvey comics awards in 2008. In 2010, he joined the roll of honour at the Eagle awards. His artwork has been exhibited in London, Paris and Munich. Mr Perkins used St. Mary’s Church and surrounding streets in scenes for The Bat-Man: Second Knight in 2025. Wri en by Dan Jurgens, Second Knight is aimed at mature readers (17+) and is a follow-up to the 2024 mini-series, The Bat-Man: First Knight. Mr Perkins said: “I had visited friends in Baldock and taken photos of St. Mary’s Church and its atmospheric spire. I was then upset to hear about a senseless act of vandalism affec ng the church hall in 2024. That inspired me to make the church part of The Bat-Man: Second Knight. I’m excited that comic fans in North Her ordshire and beyond will be able to spend a day in part of Gotham City.” Ÿ
Welcome to Sandon JMI Mr Rignal Children and staff at Sandon JMI are very excited to welcome new Headmaster, Mr Spencer. Rignall who begins a new chapter as Headteacher at Sandon JMI this term. Staffing is also boosted by Miss Helen Regan, Mrs Cole e Perale, Mrs Trace Wilson, Mrs Sarah Dear, Mr Stephen Awovemi and a new HFL school effec veness advisor. Sandon has welcomed a significant level of investment from RISE, a government funded programme specialising in helping small village schools to thrive. They were specially selected for the scheme with the help of HFL and are using the funding to further develop the schools SEND provisions and to enhance the support of the higher level of SEND need at the school. Sandon has been making the most of the extra me afforded to it by County last year with 9 new joiners over the last few months and a clear plan for progression. Mr Rignall is looking forward to the challenge - “As I begin my journey as Headteacher, I am commi ed to crea ng an inclusive, nurturing and
ambi ous school where every child is known,valued and supported to thrive. My approach is rooted in strong rela onships, genuine listening and a belief that every member of our school community has something important to contribute. With a wealth of experience in school leadership and SEND provision, I am passionate about ensuring that difference is understood, barriers are removed and every child has the opportunity to succeed. I look forward to working collabora vely with pupils, staff, families and the wider community to build a culture where belonging, kindness and high expecta ons go hand in hand.”
CHRISTMAS HAMPERS I’m SO sorry good people of Baldock I’ve been a bit late this year in adver sing the Christmas Hampers!!! (Yes I’ve gone there…. But to be fair I do normally do it in August!!!) BUT guess what…. This year is the 10th year of us doing this amazing thing…. Because of everyone who has contributed we must have made Christmas that li le bit easier for those that are in a predicament!!! So thank you soooo much for previous years….HOWEVER shall we try and make this years the best one?? Let me know if you want to do a hamper or as always if you know someone who needs one or you need one!! As always it is completely confiden al! So come on Baldock let’s get giving this Christmas (as always!!!) Call Karen 07901821403
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Solati Cordless Hair Clipper & Beard Trimmer
There are some gadgets that arrive promising to revolu onise your life, and others that simply have one job to do and hopefully do it well. The Sola Cordless Hair Clipper and Beard Trimmer definitely falls into the la er category, but I have to say, there's rather more gadgetry packed into this li le device than you might expect. The first thing you no ce is the rather striking gold finish. It certainly isn't shy, and combined with the pa erned metal body it looks considerably more expensive than the sort of budget trimmer you might normally find lurking in the bathroom cabinet. At the business end is a wide T-shaped blade designed for trimming hair, dying beards, crea ng edges and tackling those li le areas where a conven onal electric shaver isn't par cularly useful. The manufacturer describes it as a tanium blade, with the motor running at around 6,500 to 7,000 rpm. One feature I par cularly like is the built-in LCD ba ery display. It's such a simple addi on, but infinitely be er
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than discovering halfway through a trim that your clippers have decided they've had enough. It's cordless too, of course, with USB type C charging rather than requiring some peculiar proprietary charger that inevitably disappears into a drawer. Sola quotes several hours of opera ng me from a charge, so this should comfortably cope with normal day-today grooming and is also convenient for travelling.
You also get guide combs for choosing different cu ng lengths, making it useful for much more than simply neatening the edges of a beard. Perhaps the biggest a rac on, though, is the price. This is not trying to compete with a £100 professional barbering kit. It's an inexpensive, rechargeable grooming gadget that offers an impressive amount of func onality for the money. It's compact, easy to charge, has a proper ba ery indicator and can tackle hair, beard and general trimming du es without requiring several separate gadgets. And that rather extravagant gold finish? Well, nobody said trimming your beard had to be boring. Available from Amazon for around £20, it's difficult to fault. h ps://link.amazon/B09kfwL6U
Matt WWW.THEGADGETMAN.ORG.UK
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Slow Roasted Pork, Quince & Pumpkin October is a transitional month for seasonal produce in the kitchen. The evenings are drawing in, the days are cooler and the markets are full of wonderful Autumnal produce . Marinate the pork - Ingredients Ÿ 1.2 kg boneless pork shoulder Ÿ 20 g smoked paprika Ÿ 15 g sweet paprika Ÿ 30 g garlic, finely grated Ÿ 40 g extra virgin olive oil Ÿ 20 g sherry vinegar Ÿ 10 g dried oregano Ÿ 8 g fine sea salt Ÿ 3 g freshly ground black pepper Ÿ 2 g chilli flakes Combine the smoked paprika, sweet paprika, garlic, olive oil, sherry vinegar, oregano, salt, pepper and chilli flakes to make a thick marinade. Rub thoroughly over the pork, making sure it is well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. Slow-roast the pork - Ingredients Ÿ Marinated pork shoulder Ÿ 150 g dry sherry or a Spanish dry white wine Ÿ 250 g chicken stock Ÿ 2 bay leaves Ÿ 100 g onion, roughly sliced Ÿ 80 g carrot, roughly chopped Ÿ 50 g celery, roughly chopped Preheat the oven to 160°C fan. Place the onion, carrot, celery and bay leaves in a deep roasting tray and sit the pork on top. Pour the sherry and chicken stock around the pork, taking care not to wash the marinade from the meat. Cover tightly with baking paper and foil and roast for approximately 2½–3 hours, until the pork is very tender. Remove the foil for the final 20–30 minutes to allow the outside to colour and caramelise. Remove the pork from the tray and rest for at least 20 minutes before carving. Strain the cooking juices and reserve them for the sauce. Roast the pumpkin and quince - Ingredients Ÿ 500 g pumpkin or butternut squash, peeled and cut into 3–4 cm pieces Ÿ 200 g quince, peeled, cored and cut into wedges. Ÿ 30 g extra virgin olive oil Ÿ 10 g honey Ÿ 5 g smoked paprika Ÿ 3 g fennel seeds Ÿ 5 g fresh thyme leaves Ÿ 5 g sea salt Ÿ 2 g black pepper 28
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Ÿ Increase the oven temperature to 190°C fan. Place the pumpkin and quince on a roasting tray. Add the olive oil, honey, smoked paprika, fennel seeds, thyme, salt and pepper. Toss everything together until evenly coated. Roast for approximately 30-35 minutes, turning once or twice, until the pumpkin is caramelised and tender and the quince has softened and developed a beautiful golden colour. Crispy paprika potatoes - Ingredients Ÿ 700 g small potatoes cut into 3cm pieces Ÿ 40 g olive oil Ÿ 8 g smoked paprika Ÿ 4 g garlic powder Ÿ 5 g sea salt Ÿ 2 g black pepper Ÿ 10 g fresh parsley, finely chopped Place them in a pan of cold salted water and bring to the boil. Simmer for approximately 8 minutes, then drain well. Allow the potatoes to steam-dry for a few minutes, then return them to the pan and give them a gentle shake. Toss with the olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Roast at 200°C fan for approximately 35-40 minutes, turning regularly, until deeply golden and crisp. Finish with the chopped parsley. Sherry & paprika sauce - Ingredients Ÿ 300 ml reserved pork cooking liquor Ÿ 100 g dry sherry Ÿ 20 g sherry vinegar Ÿ 10 g honey Ÿ 5 g smoked paprika Ÿ 30 g cold unsalted butter Ÿ 2 g sea salt Pour the reserved pork cooking liquor into a saucepan and bring to a gentle simmer. Add the sherry and reduce by approximately one third. Add the sherry vinegar, honey and smoked paprika and continue reducing until the sauce has a rich, concentrated flavour. Remove from the heat and whisk in the cold butter a little at a time until the sauce is glossy and lightly thickened. Taste and adjust the seasoning. If the sauce becomes too thick, loosen it with a splash of water or chicken stock. To Serve - Spoon the crispy potatoes followed by slices or generous pieces of the slow-roasted pork. Arrange the roasted pumpkin and quince alongside and spoon over the warm sherry and paprika sauce.
Kish
Chef patron of Eight.
October Gallery
Please send your local snaps new or old to our facebook page or email info@onourdoorstepbaldock.co.uk
Matthew Bartlett
Baldock favourite Karen Stephens popped of to Greece to tie the knot and took a few locals with her
Willian Pond Beautiful sky viewed from Tapps Amy Lloyd - Amy Felce
Baldock Walk Talk Walk team enjoying their post walk refreshments
Drinking from the bird bath - Jenny Baldock’s PC Durham took a trip into the sky on the re ladder truck
Taken at the North London Model Flying Club based just past Clothall Common - Tim Felce
Baldock Run Talk Run at the Rat Run
Puzzle Break
Christmas Fayre Jane Evans Photography
Our word wheel challenge. Create as many words as you can, Christmas Fayre using the letters once Jane only Evans and always Photography including the letter in the middle of the wheel. Also, can you nd the 9 letter word?
Jane Evans
Each row, column and square (9 spaces each) needs to be lled out with the numbers 1-9, without repeating any numbers within the row, column or square.
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