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DOORSTEP Baldock Issue 14 August/September
Local Artist - Izzie Rodgers
Raising awareness of what’s on & where to find things locally
ise s t r e v Ad usines our b
y
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www.onyourdoorstepbaldock.co.uk Baldock, Ashwell, Weston and surrounding villages
Welcome This month the wait will finally be over as the GCSE and A-Level results are released. Our middle child will be receiving her A-Level results so we've all got our fingers crossed and we're hoping you all open your envelopes and a proud of your results too, hopefully there will be celebrations all round as you move onto the next phase of your education or career! Best of luck to everyone in September, whether you're heading to sixth form, college, university or into the big bad world of work. Those of you hoping to head off to university this September remember to register for Clearing through UCAS. Clearing allows you to find places at alternative universities or different courses if you don't meet the grades you needed, if you exceed expectations and want to aim higher or if you have simply changed your mind about courses since you applied all those months ago. Our beer can chicken recipe featured in last months issue was a success! We have received lots of great feedback from people who have tried it out and enjoyed it as much as our family does. This month we're sharing our family's favourite pulled pork recipe - always a crowd pleaser! Find this on page 35. Towards the end of July we attended the Knights Templar School student art exhibition. All I can say is wow! There is some incredible homegrown talent in our area, including Izzie Rodgers who painted this months front cover. Letchworth Rugby Club's Fight Night was an outstanding success thanks to Graham & James Tirrell the event's
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info@onou uch rdoorstepba organisers . It was a great night fuelled ldock.co.uk with live boxing matches, an excited crowd and the odd pint or two. Many of the fights definitely parallelled or even bettered some of the professional fights I've seen, which was incredible. Seeing so many familiar faces at the event both in and out of the ring topped off the evening nicely. We're taking a short break for our Summer holiday so there will be no September issue. However we wouldn't want to leave you before reminding you that from the September 11th-13th sees the return of Baldstock. In the 10th anniversary year the festival returns with over 200 bands spread across three days and multiple venues throughout Baldock.
Paul & Jacqui info@onourdoorstepbaldock.co.uk
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END OF TERM NEWS FROM ST MARYS JUNIOR SCHOOL Phew! Nearly the end of another school year. I don't know where the me has gone but all too soon, we will be waving farewell to our wonderful year six classes and welcoming in our new year threes. This term is always busy; full of visits and enrichment ac vi es. There have been mes when we thought, maybe this term, we have planned too much enrichment but isn't that what learning should be about?! And isn't it what we all remember from our school days? Our year four children had a great visit to Cuffley Camp and presented an amazing assembly to the school about their three days. The highlights were tree climbing, fire-building and toas ng marshmallows. “We used special flint lighters….they were difficult but we managed to get a spark. A er we lit the fire, we got to toast yummy marshmallows.” Others enjoyed the 'Up and Under Woodland Scramble' “The best bit was jumping over the log hurdles…. Mr Hagland hid up a tree and squirted people with his water gun as we were going through the nets. We thought it was raining.” “There were some great trees to climb. I got stuck in a hole when I was climbing inside the hollow tree… it was great fun. We all helped each other and luckily… no one fell out” Years five and six performed 'Cinderella Rockerfella', a modern take on the tradi onal story. We all enjoyed some audience par cipa on in true pantomime style. We had some great dancing, melodic solo and duo singing, great ac ng from year six and a brilliant choir in year five. Dan Dini and Bu ons (and his dog) were splendid. Cinderella was poised, Rockerfella was cool and Fairy Nastyboots was suitably nasty. The Ugly Sisters were hilarious as were the fairies without wings and the Off-stage inspector. The Palace Baker created a perfect wedding cake (despite an allergy to the stage make-up!) albeit with the help of the Ugly Sisters who took on their roles bravely
and with great comic ming. The Town Crier showed brilliant stage presence and much to the relief of Miss Shadbolt, our director of show, he was s ll able to ring the handbell despite having a broken arm! Altogether a great show represen ng some talented children, a lot of prac ce and some great teaching. On July 14th, we celebrated Bas lle Day; our brilliant French teacher, Mrs Di Noia, organised ac vi es to teach everyone about Bas lle Day, an important part of French history and a public holiday in France. The school dining room was transformed into a tradi onal French Cafe where children were able to buy croissant, pain au chocolat, pain avec confiture and chocolat chaud – as long as they could ask for them in French, that is. A great day. In the last week of term, we have our end of term church service looking back over the year and giving thanks for the opportuni es we have had. Our end of year Achievement Assemblies will be celebra ng individual triumph and effort. A er that, our year six children will be going in different direc ons to their secondary schools in September; they have all done so well. We hope we have given them all a firm founda on to move forward in their lives with Chris an Values and knowing that kindness, good manners and hard work will take them far. We wish them all well. Patricia Jenkins - Headteacher
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Get in touch info@onourdoorstepbaldock.co.uk
NEWS FROM HARTSFIELD FABULOUS GLAMPERVAN The Year 5 & 6 Art Club @ Hartsfield School worked on the Theme of Baldock Buildings and Architecture and produced some stunning drawings! This was part of a wider project linked to the Baldock Fes val where the children's drawings were made into block prints at the Dekkle Studio in Baldock; these in turn became part of a huge community print of Baldock. Our children had the opportunity to visit both the Dekkle Studio where the work took place and the Town Hall where a completed print is currently on display – it was a wonderful and inspiring project to be a part of and we are now proud owners of a copy of the print which will be on display for all the children and their families to see for many years to come.
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BALDOCKS TURQUOISE FUN SEEKERS We have had a very ac ve summer term, turquoise jumpers all over the place and hardly at the hut at all. This year has seen the introduc on of new badges for beaver scouts, so we have taken the opportunity to try out some new ac vi es. The beavers were able to demonstrate their cycling skills and cycle safety skills as part of the new cyclist badge (thank you Hartsfield School)…Chris Froome watch out! We also acquired some camp cra skills such as pu ng up tents (OK, they were pop up tents), tying a reef knot (though the beavers much preferred to e each other up!), what to pack in a rucksack and most importantly, singing camp-fire songs VERY loudly! Bear Grylls watch out! .
some very imagina ve pictures using assorted twigs, leaves, snail shells, stones…and the odd bit of rubbish lying around. We finished our term's ac vi es at Radwell Meadows with a family picnic, games and best of all, a tug of war! (The dads cheated!!) Thank you to all the parents, leaders and young leaders who con nue to support us, enabling us to provide such a full and ac ve programme
Bouncy Castle Hire On the odd occasion we were at the hut there was plenty to do. Our experiment night proved great fun, experimen ng with magnets, growing cress and best of all, seeing what happens if you put a mentoe in a bo le of coke! For Father's Day, the children made a very handsome insect habitat out of bamboo and n cans. We made the most of the beau ful nature spots around Baldock. Once again, we found the echo on the far side of the Weston Hills at the end of a beau ful walk on a glorious summer's evening. Ivel Springs nature reserve provided us with a great place to learn to follow a map AND learn about wildlife. Walkers in Weston Woods may have no ced some very unusual images as the beavers made
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NEWS FROM SANDON JMI SCHOOL As I write this the school is filled with music and song; we are having our Arts Week in school. On Wednesday we are having our Summer Concert where all our pupils play their instruments to their parents and the whole school will perform songs from Mary Poppins. I hope that at Sandon we always give our children the opportunity to learn a musical instrument. No child is ever refused from learning an instrument however young if they are motivated and dedicated enough to put in the practice. Our Year 3 and Year 4 pupils all learn the trombone and the ukulele which we provide for them. This enables them to learn musical notation. An hopefully gives them a love of music. Our Year 6 pupils have just undergone their 'Safe Cycling' which we think is vitally important. Learning to ride a bicycle can be a developmental milestone for some children because it can offer a route to independence. Regular cycling can help to improve physical and mental fitness while offering an affordable 'green' mode of transport. Children do appear to respond positively to the training and it increases their understanding and identification of hazards and equips them with the knowledge of how best to respond to a range of on-road situations. Tomorrow our Athletics Team are lucky enough to go to the district finals which are being held at Ridlins track. It is an amazing feat for our small school to win a place in the finals and we are all keeping everything crossed for them. I always feel a bit like David and Goliath when we are up against the bigger schools. We have just received our best SATs results ever this year with our children gaining 100% in Level 4+ in every subject. 4 of our pupils entered Level 6 Maths and all achieved it. We are delighted with the progress they have all made. Next week sees our Year 6 leave us to travel on to their secondary schools. Most of them, this year, will be attending Knights Templar School, but wherever they go we wish them
every success in the next stage of their learning journey. Our 'Community Café' will, as usual, be open every Monday morning (Except Bank Holiday) throughout the summer holiday. The school will be open from 10 until 12 each Monday for children, parents, friends and locals. All are welcome to join us, we find that it offers a chance for the children to catch up with their friends and it doesn't make September seem so far away. Margaret Gilbert - Head Teacher
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AU G U S T 2015
THE CRUSADE GOES ON !! The 2015 amateur rugby league season is rapidly drawing to a close this month. North Herts Crusaders have had a good year despite the loss of several key personnel last winter. Both of our open age teams reached their respec ve cup finals last month. The reserves lost out to a resurgent Southend Spartans team despite keeping the scores close up to half me. The first team played St Ives Roosters in a very exci ng final which went right down to the wire. The scores were level at 18-18 a er 80 minutes with St Ives only scoring the winning try in the final minute of extra me – a real heart breaker for the men from North Herts! The Under 17s and Under 15s both had a tough season in the very compe ve London Youth League but several of our talented young players graduated to our senior teams this year. A number of our youngsters also played in representa ve games this season. There were some notable achievements for the Club in 2015: * Crusaders made their first appearance in a na onal cup compe on when we travelled up by coach to West Yorkshire on a very cold day in January * two of our young players, Jordan Williams and Jaden ElleyMurphy, gained valuable experience playing in the youth teams at London Broncos * Simon Hrbek became the first Crusader to go on to play professional rugby league. Simon scored a sensa onal hat trick of tries in his debut for Hemel Stags in Championship 1. A en on now turns to the annual Awards Night which is being held as usual at the Orange Tree in Baldock on 6th September. This event is always a sell-out and the Club is very grateful to pub landlord Rob Scahill for sponsoring the Crusaders over the last few years. We also extend our thanks to all of our other sponsors, volunteers and players. Roll on the 2016 season!
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a p p s Our pick of this month’s must have downloads Hip Hop Hen - IOS 7+, Android Created by Teachers who’s aim is to create learning games for kids to raise the standard of early literacy educa on and give children the best possible start to learning le er sounds (phonics) Transferwise - IOS 7+, Android Transfer money abroad quickly, easily and at the lowest possible cost using TransferWise. Banks charge hidden fees and use unfair exchange rates. Now there’s a solu on. Minecra Stop-Mo on Movie Creator- IOS 7+, Android This app makes it easy to produce your own stop-mo on movies starring your favorite Minecra Mini-Figures. In just a few simple steps, you’ll be bringing Steve, Creepers and other Minecra characters to life! Witness - IOS 7+, Android Witness is the kind of app you hope you won’t ever have to use. It’s a mobile panic-bu on which calls and texts your pre-set emergency contacts when triggered, as well as broadcas ng your loca on and live video and audio. BitTorrent Shoot - IOS 7+ BitTorrent is about moving large files around efficiently, not just about pira cal filesharing. Shoot is the latest evidence: an app designed to help you share large numbers of photos or high-file-size videos with friends.
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AUGUST – A GREAT MONTH ALL ROUND! August can be a funny month, especially when it comes to fitness. The kids are no longer at school so it's typically the me of year when people to go off on holiday to enjoy some sun, sea, sand and Sangria. Time has been spent ahead of the holiday ge ng prepared for some serious sun worshipping. This can be hi ng the gym to feel be er in swimwear or manically ge ng passports and suitcases packed and ready for the journey ahead. The word August has been taken from the name Augustus, given to the first ever ruler of the Roman Empire, a man who the civil war that ensued a er the death of Julius Caesar. It's a masculine name that's roughly translated as 'great', derived from the La n 'to increase'. As a Roman Emperor, Augustus had to be strong in body and mind, ruling a na on that was prepared to fight for what they believed. This image has been depicted in Roman-inspired films such as Gladiator, Spartacus and even Ben-Hur. Achieving a Gladiator-style body isn't easy and takes a lot of hard work and dedica on. Actors who achieve this 'look' do so as part of a film role and spend months working with a trainer and nutri onist to get Gladiator-ready. When se ng goals and star ng a new fitness journey it's important to be realis c in what you can achieve in the me frame that you've given yourself. It's be er to set lots of small goals rather than one big one. It can take a while to see changes so smaller goals will help keep you on track and mo vate you to move on to bigger goals, rather than bust a gut to reach a big goal that's going to make you despondent along the way. For those of you who like a Gladiator-style fitness challenge that puts everything to the test then there are hundreds of obstacle
course races designed to push your body and mind to the limit. At Fitness Hub we hosted our first ever obstacle course race at the end of July and look forward to hos ng more throughout the year. We're also planning to offer obstacle course-specific training packages to help you along the way, so watch this space! All queries email events@baldocktown.co.uk
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5 minutes with...
Louise Tapp - Tea at Tapps
*Tell us about yourself? Tea at Tapps is a family run and tradi onal tea room in a proudly independent garden centre in Baldock. Our aim is to provide and offer a family orientated environment, (this includes muddy paws). You can relax and enjoy our homemade ,home baked, home cooked and freshly prepared food within our tea room while looking out on a view of some of Her ordshire’s most beau ful countryside. *Tell us about your plans for the tea rooms future? Well first and foremost...expansion! Due to the tea rooms con nuing success and spreading reputa on, we find ourselves most days with all our 36 seats full for the majority of the day and people calling up reques ng to book tables, so expansion is defiantly a must for us. We have many other plans but...that would be telling!it includes more of my specialist pa sserie training with Raymond Blanc at the Manoir aux quat’saisons in Oxfordshire. *What are your opening mes, menu and ideals? We are open 7 days a week 10 un l 5, apart from Sunday when we close at 4pm. We offer our whole menu from the minute we open so you can have lunch for breakfast, breakfast for lunch or cake for either! We have many light bites, large lunches and gluten free op ons on most of our menu, We have also been recommended to the Coeliac Society due to this. We operate a open kitchen so customers can see the food prepared fresh. 99% of our menu is made fresh by us girls daily so it is homemade. *Cakes? Silly ques on really, of course we do! We have lots of it.
We always have something in the oven, or on the side cooling or ready to ice. We have at least 8 different cake stands filled with homemade cakes, scones etc. Most of our cake flavours are unique to us a pride ourselves on our ever changing display. Try our scones, we hear they rival most cream tea shops. *Tea? We wouldn’t be a tearoom without our impressive range of awarding winning loose leaf teas and blends. All our tea is made with fresh boiled water, measured, infused and med to perfec on. We also have award winning coffee, served in all the favourite ways, also many cold drinks. Some tradi onal and others not. *Anything special? Yes! We do cream teas, a ernoon teas and high teas. Cream teas can be enjoyed everyday but high tea and a ernoon tea have to be booked with 48 hours no ce, this is because we make all the food fresh for you event, so this means we can cater for many allergies and intolerances, themes and occasions. *Anything else? We have the Baldock NCT meet in out tearoom every Monday at 3.30. We can with ease fit all bumps, baby's and buggy's in the tearoom. My son is always running riot around the here and everyone knows baby Tapp. Letchworth District Gardening Associa on meet here once and month, the Red Hat Society and a local dog walking group and many more meet here. And lastly, we have kibo. Our family dog who many people come in just to see, he has a fan club! Muddy boots and dogs welcome.
Tea at Tapps
Country tea room serving award winning loose leaf tea. All scones, cakes, macarons etc. all baked in house. We are Cream tea and a ernoon tea specialists, including gluten free op ons. Tapps Garden Centre, Wallington Road Baldock, SG7 6RS
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The children enjoyed their sports day very much. The rain held off long enough for all of the nursery children to display there athle c abili es in various races. Their parents also had a chance to take part as well, thank you for coming to support the children. We would like to thank Hartsfield School for allowing us to use the playing field. Superheroes and princess week has been great fun. The children have made fruit into superheroes, they have made their own princess wands and turning themselves into superheroes. In September we will be taking the new nursery children on our annual trip to Standalone Farm. We are also looking forward to welcoming all the new children who will be joining us.
AU G U S T 2015
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Moto 360 - A Smart Watch in a round package Smartwatches are this years buzzword, all the big players have now launched their take on this emerging technology, today I will be looking at the Moto 360 from Motorola. There are however a fairly large number of smart watches available, specifically running the Android Wear OS. Android Wear is a cut down version of the so ware we find on our Android phones that has been specifically modified to work on a very small screen. The majority of the smart watch features on Android Wear are no fica on only with some apps allows a small amount allow greater interac on, such as asking ques ons using 'Ok Google', this func on is par cular is a bit of a show stopper, but more on this later. Motorola have gone the Android Wear route with its Moto 360 and it is unique in that its display in circular (much like a tradi onal watch), it does have a small area at the base of the screen which is use to house the watches sensors and therefore it's not quite displaying a full screen of informa on, but it looks amazing even so.
The Moto 360 has a nice induc ve charger, this means that instead of plugging watch in overnight (and you will need to), you simply place it on it's charger and it switches the watch face to night mode with a gradually increasing charge indicator circling the face. By the morning you watch is all charged up and ready to go for the day. If you are looking to step into this emerging gadget market and have an Android phone, the Moto 360 won't disappoint. Ma presents a weekly segment on BBC Radio Suffolk called 'The Gadgetman', he also reviews technology in depth at
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Ÿ All Types of Bodywork The watch has been designed to look like a tradi onal circular watch in both it's physical design and user interface. Motorola have provided some very nice watch face themes which can be selected and Google Play offers an almost limitless number of op ons that are in the most part free. There is also a Motorola fitness app specifically designed for the watch to monitor your ac vity during the day. The watch has a built in heart monitor which is very nice and our watch came with a leather strap and stainless steel surround. So ware is when the watch really comes into it's own, as it is running Android Wear, it requires an Android phone in order to serve informa on and will no fy you of Email, SMS, calls and of course Facebook and Twi er updates. It will show turn by turn naviga on if uses in conjunc on with Google Maps on your phone and will remind you of calendar entries too. Google Now is the outstanding product, triggered by speaking 'OK Google' at the device. The watch screen lights up and sits wai ng to answer your ques ons. Google Now understands natural language ques ons and once you have got past this you find it's really useful. I wonder how long before these devices are banned from Pub Quizzes?
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Baldock Gardens By Graham Tapp
Tapps, The Baldock Garden Centre
So we are into August again, the season is just catching up with its self, what do I mean by catching up? Well, all plants have a planting and harvesting time and over thousands of years we, the human race, have absorbed these dates into our psyche. As growers and farmers we instinctively plant our crops in accordance to the deep urge within our minds, some years this timing can and often does change- early or late due to the prevailing weather. This year it has been a late planting season ( although some have ignored this ) and has carried on being cold. What that means is that your late planted crop’s internal clock, driven by environmental pressures, temperature, light levels, water etc. This year we have had all of these in short supply so a late planted crop has stayed late and has actually got later. The general consensus is that estimated at the middle of July we are going to be just over three weeks behind the average at harvest, as we would be expecting it. Day length now comes into play, as it shortens, your crops will be desperately trying to mature and produce seeds, (reproduce), plants will stop making length / size and will try and make flowers and then fruit, crop yield and quality will be considerably reduced, this is why professional growers use artificial lighting, heating, irrigation and special feeds. Nature can and often is cheated but at a cost, this is why you will see huge green houses or poly covers for growing the food you expect to get on time and at ridiculously cheap prices. Cereal growers and top fruit farmers are not so lucky not being able to cover crops and very often lose thousands of pounds in value. My Dad and I have regularly had total loss on apple or soft fruit crops, hail, wind or frost the main cause. I have had many a conversation about watering of plants, especially in dry weather. OK so here is how it is, when its very hot and dry, I mean hot to the point of collapse then the rules change. To quote Alan Titchmarsh, “ its better to have a scorched but alive plant than a dead plant” so water it any way - what ever the time of day, they will take it up as they can later. Next, I hear it said that tap water is not as good as rain water, I dispute that entirely and the reasons behind that are, that when it is very warm, no cloud cover and very sunny, nearly all plants stop transpiring in fact most processes come to a halt. Although they may look as if they need the water they will not take it up until the temperature drops. When it rains we have cloud cover and the temperature is a lot lower and the plants can take up the water and nutrients immediately and efficiently, now it is said that plants also grow better after a storm, that also is true but no one would be able to tell. Firstly the reasons above apply but with the addition of the nitrogen cycle, nitrogen cycle I hear you ask?! The part we are interested in here in simple terms is the act of hot electricity flashing through the air causing atmospheric Nitrogen and Oxygen to be made into nitric acid in the rain and being washed into the ground to then be used as feed for your crops.Don’t get too excited as it is pretty minimal in amounts but it all helps. Again the temperature drop is also helpful allowing a recovery. I have had a few people bringing in French and runner beans that have strange purple streaks on them, this is usual on late seasons and it is simply that the plants have not yet developed into a full mature plant, they have fewer leaves than normal and so the beans are being sun burnt. Now the nice bits, mid July is the start of the horticultural societies summer show season, we have some cracking growers in the area who show their produce around Baldock and Letchworth,. If you have even the smallest interest in gardening you must visit the shows. You may have missed the recent summer shows but the good news is that the autumn shows will be on soon. North Herts gardeners are reporting what looks like an exciting bumper apple and pear crop - should be picking Discovery apples soon. The seasons, weather here has been very kind as far as top fruit goes, at pollination time we had long on going cold weather but no damaging frosts, the bees did not work continuously but insects stood in, being able to work at lower temperatures they managed to pollenate the tip flowers that always open first and have helped avoid the deformed fruit that is usually found on them, because the flowering season was prolonged we had an unusual overlap of the compatible pollenating varieties, so when the odd warmer day arrived the bees were able to work efficiently. Other reports from our area show the effects of the colder early season and although the pests were about they decided to go for later varieties, for example broad beans are usually attacked in mass numbers by black fly, but this year they have in some places missed them out and gone for Runner beans and French beans instead, Other plants attacked in numbers are Bay trees, and Peach trees, Cherry trees that usually get heavily attacked by black fly have escaped this year. Green fly are massive in numbers and in size and are chomping away on everything. Have you seen the size of the slugs this year? MONSTERS! - we have been selling allsorts of treatments for slugs and snails, the strangest being sheep's wool!!! It must work as we have sold loads of it and I have never seen a sheep with garden slugs or snails! In the garden the grass will be growing like mad after the July storms, if its still growing at speed cut it but not so low as this will reduce weed growth due to the smothering effect and will feel nicer to walk on. Perennial plants will need supporting and some feeding with high p and k, low nitrogen, so no gro-more. Shrubs will require the same, remember no pruning unless you have an understanding of what you want to achieve. I have had many a conversation with educated people who thought they needed to chop big chunks out of shrubs at this time of year, so the question would always be the same, “ why have I got no flowers? “ For fruit trees you need to get on top of water shoots and some summer pruning to allow light and air, over dense fruit trees are not happy fruit trees. Sorry I've rambled on again and run out of space, hope you all have a good summer and not too many garden problems, enjoy. Graham.
Free Plant Surgery at Tapps
Open every day, just bring your problems in for us to advise on AU G U S T 2015
21
BESPOKE JOINERY
RELIABLE ROOFING COMPANY ESTABLISHED FOR OVER 40 YEARS BUILT UP FELT ROOFING SPECIALISTS & GENERAL ROOF REPAIRS Slate & tile Replacement facias/soffits, uPCV or timer Guttering maintenance & replacement Guaranteed workmanship at realistic prices Free estimates
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Letchworth Carpet Centre Number ONE for Price Quality and Service
Free Estimates - Free Measuring Full Fitting - Expert Advice Carpets, Laminates, Vinyls and Woods Insurance and Contract work 53 Leys Avenue, Letchworth, Herts SG6 3EF
01462 481312 www.letchworthcarpetcentre.co.uk Email orders@letchworthcarpetcentre.co.uk
Open 9am - 5pm Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri & Sat 22
AUGUST
2015
Taylor Made Joinery is a small family run joinery company based in rural Bedfordshire that was set up 3.5 years ago by a third genera on Joiner with 17 years joinery experience and a genuine passion for cra smanship. They specialise in conserva on/ heritage areas and Grade listed joinery, producing windows, doors, staircases and conservatories as well as furniture commissions and all other conceivable aspects of joinery. Offering an unrivalled quality and finish in a wide variety of mber such as Oak and Accoya®, with a en on to detail and excellent value for money. A local company with tradi onal values and believe in only the highest level of customer care. There is no job too big or small; be it a single piece or a large scale restora on project, they are confident that they can exceed your expecta ons and their commitment to you is unwavering – to provide an honest, reliable and personal service and a product of unbeatable quality. Manager Kate Taylor said “We believe that bigger isn't always be er and aim to provide a more personal service, tailored to suit the needs of each individual customer. We are driven to deliver bespoke, handcra ed joinery of excep onal quality”. Please take a look through their website for more informa on, and do not hesitate to contact them with any queries you may have.
Microchipping & Dog Grooming Individual Dogs or Litters of Puppies Micro Chipped in the comfort of your own home The Law is changing all dogs must be microchipped by 2016
Very Reasonable Rates Call Jenny
01462 893714
WESTON WAY GROW CLUB Throughout the year the children at Weston Way Nursery School have been planting a wide variety of fruit, vegetables and wild flowers. We have a growing area consisting of 4 large custom-made raised beds. This weekend we came first in two categories at the Baldock Horticultural Show. It is the second year we have won accolades for our vegetables. This year we came first with our broad beans and our potatoes. The children enjoy tending to the growing area all year round. We recently enjoyed harvesting some our produce, it was then cooked and we tasted it during our snack time. We had leeks lightly sauteed in butter and broad beans, peas and mint. Next week we will have our potatoes. This is a favourite for the children as it is like discovering hidden treasure as they dig them up to reveal handfuls of potatoes from under the soil.
We had our sports day last week and it was a great success especially as the sun shone all day. We had a variety of races to include running, bat and bean bag, hobby horse race and an obstacle race. The parents also had the opportunity to show their competitive side with mum's galloping in the hobby horse race and dad's racing enthusiastically in the dressing up race. A great deal of fun was had by all with the emphasis being that 'all children at Weston Way Nursery School are winners!' Jane Millett, Headteacher
ASHWELL SHOW
Courtlands Riding Stables & Pony Club Centre Always fancied horse riding but don’t know where to start? Why not come down and have a chat and see what we have to offer Our friendly staff and clients are always around Saturdays and Sundays 9am -12pm
A safe and relaxing environment for the whole family
Growing club is a very important part of the curriculum here at the nursery and all the children who attend participate on a regular basis. The children eagerly water the plants during their time outside in our woodland garden and learn the responsibilities of caring and nurturing the plants. This year we introduced our wild flower garden and it is exciting to see the different flowers that are growing.
Pony club rallies and activities Indoor & outdoor riding facilities
Full livery and schooling
www.courtlandsridingstables.co.uk
01438 355121
Courtlands Riding Stables, Old Chanrty Lane, Todds Green, Stevenage, Herts, Sg1 2JE
Yore Stuff Antiques & Collectables www.yorestuff.com Baldock based antiques dealer
We buy your antiques and collectables Antique, vintage, retro furniture and other interesting items for sale House, garage clearance Sales and valuation advice Upcycling, repair
Dipping service
5% discount when you quote: On Our Doorstep Contact: Brent@yorestuff.co.uk 18 Pembroke Road, Baldock, Herts SG7 6DB Tel 07703 516914
AU G U S T 2015
23
ASHWELL SHOW Motorbike Stunt Show Adrenalin Tour set to get Hearts Racing at this Year's Ashwell Show Taking place on its usual August Bank Holiday Monday spot, Monday August 31st, the Ashwell Show is sure to be a crowd-pleaser this year, with something for everyone, whatever their age or interests. New for 2015, this year's headliner is The Adrenalin Tour – one of the UK's leading quad bike and motorbike stunt display teams – with an action packed show that's sure to be a hit with spectators young and old. The stunt team will appear alongside The Show's other usual attractions, including: horse events, dog agility display and dog competitions, the hunt display, birds of prey display, chainsaw carver, vintage cars, tractors, go karts, and much more. This year's show's horse events include qualifiers for EQUIFEST, P(UK), and BSPA, so there's sure to be a compelling competition to provide great entertainment for spectators. For families there's hours of fun for the kids with children's entertainers, a Punch & Judy Show, a free messy play tent, and the chance to see a range of animals including getting up close and personal with reptiles! And once visitors have taken in all of the entertainment, there will be plenty of food and drink stands, and shopping opportunities to explore. The Ashwell Show 2015 takes place on Monday August 31st. Gates open 8.30am to 5pm, with main ring attractions start from 12 noon, and horse events from 9am. Tickets cost £8 for adults, £4 for concessions and children aged 515, with under 5s getting in for free. Advance purchase tickets are available at a 20% discount from the website. For more information go to www.ashwellshow.co.uk.
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AU G U S T 2015
n O s ’ t a h W Live Music - Mark O’Sullivan 1st August White lion - 9pm - 11pm
Bushel & Strike 10th September - 5 Course Taster Menu Call To Book
August Festival of Fun 13th August , Avenue Park Baldock - 2pm - 4pm
Exercise & Dance - Baldock Community Centre 15th August - 10am - 1pm Come And Try Day £5.00
Live Music - Cut & Run - Rock & Roll Covers 15th August White Lion 9pm - 11pm
Ashwell Show 31st August - Elbrook Meadow, Ashwell For More Information Contact www.ashwellshow.co.uk
BALSTOCK Music Festival 11th September - 13th September
Garden House Hospice - Starlight Walk 12th September - Start Time 10pm
Ms Therapy Centre - Walk On Fire 12th September - At The STMA Social Club
Baldock 10K Run Sunday 20th September Closing Date Monday 14th September Enter On Line And Race Information Available From www.baldocktown.co.uk
Weston Fayre 12th September - 12pm -10.30pm Weston Manor Contact padrakes@gmail.com
Bushel & Strike Through Out The Summer Tues - Thurs Tea & Cake Served Between 3pm-5pm New Childrens Play Area
Regular events: Quiz Night, 8-10.30pm, Orange Tree Pub Tuesdays Wednesdays Baldock Royal Chartered Market, High Street Baby Rhyme Time 10.30-11.00am, Library Senior Club, 2-4pm Community Centre Baldock and Letchworth 8.30-11pm Folk Club, Orange Tree Pub Toddler Tales, 2.30-3pm - Baldock Library Thursdays Baldock Country Market - 10am, The Cock Fridays The Baldock Car Boot Sale,7am Buntingford Saturdays Road
Vacuum Cleaners
Carpet Shapooers
Spare parts for household appliances
1st Tuesday White Lion Quiz Night, Baldock High Street every month 2nd Saturday Baldock Farmers & Craft Market, Baldock every month High Street. For more information contact fraser.valentine@baldocktown.co.uk
If you would like to have your event included FREE in the next issue please email info@onourdoorstepbaldock,co.uk by 5th September 2015
Vacuum Bags Lighting
Vacuum Spares
Appliance Spares
AUGUST
2015
25
BUSY WEEK AT THE CLUB It was certainly a busy week end at Letchworth Rugby club with the Summer Ball on Friday night, 12 bouts of boxing on Saturday evening and to cap it all the visit of Aussie legend Merv Hughes on Monday as a swansong to Peter Marsdens stewardship of the club for the past twelve years. Members of Letchworth and Weston rugby club's and Letchworth, Ickleford and Baldock cricket club’s were regaled with stories from both the Australian fast bowling legend and Herts rugby President Graham Walker . The big fellow from Geelong had only just got off the plane a er a 20 hour flight from Australia but s ll gave a sparkling performance and a great ques on and answer session at the end as well as living up to his reputa on for level of the amber nectar! Merv Hughes presented a signed print of Aussie bowlers Lilllee and Thomson to Peter Marsden as a re ring gi from the club but it is s ll hoped that the faithful bar steward will carry on with the se successful spor ng dinners even a er re rement! Pic BB Club pres Merv Hughes and Peter Marsden
SAME PHONE NUMBER SAME GREAT SERVICE JUST A DIFFERENT ADDRESS Please call....
01767 317429 acorngaragedoors@btconnect.com www.acorn-garagedoors.co.uk
Are things a little slow? Its easy to advertise in On Our Doorstep
Call Jacqui 07973 788 418 or
info@onourdoorstepbaldock.co.uk
Bee’z
Plumbing Supplies
Suppliers of Sanitaryware & Heating materials to both Trade and Retail
07860 950 958 01462 491 586
Unit 27 Baldock Industrial Estate, London Road, Baldock. SG7 6NG Opening hours Monday to Friday 8.00am - 5.00pm Saturday 8.00am - 12.00am www.beezplumbingsupplies.co.uk info@beezplumbingsupplies.co.uk 26
AUGUST
2015
AUGUST MOVIES AUGUST 6th - FANTASTIC FOUR A contemporary re-imagining of Marvel's original and longest-running superhero team, centers four young outsiders teleport to an alternate and dangerous universe which alters their physical form in shocking ways. The four must learn to harness their new abilities and work together to save Earth from a former friend turned enemy.
AUGUST 14th - THE MAN FROM U.N.C.L.E At the height of the Cold War, a mysterious criminal organization plans to use nuclear weapons and technology to upset the fragile balance of power between the United States and Soviet Union. CIA agent Napoleon Solo and KGB agent Illya Kuryakin are forced to put aside their hostilities and work together to stop the evildoers in their tracks.
AUGUST 17th - PAPER TOWNS A coming-of-age story centering on Quentin and his neighbour Margo, who loved mysteries so much she became one. After taking him on an all-night adventure, Margo suddenly disappears - leaving behind cryptic clues for Quentin to decipher. The search leads Quentin and his quick-witted friends on an exhilarating adventure that is equal parts hilarious and moving.
AUGUST 21st - VACATION Hoping to bring his family closer together and to recreate his childhood vacation for his own kids, a grown up Rusty Griswold takes his wife and their two sons on a cross-country road trip to the coolest theme park in America, Walley World. Needless to say, things don't go quite as planned.
AUGUST 28th - AMERICAN ULTRA A fast-paced action comedy about Mike (Eisenberg), a seemingly hapless and unmotivated stoner whose smalltown life with his live-in girlfriend, is suddenly turned upside down. Unbeknownst to him, Mike is actually a highly trained, lethal sleeper agent. In the blink of an eye, as his secret past comes back to haunt him, Mike is thrust into the middle of a deadly government operation.
STEAMED UP MISTY WINDOWS? Failed Units or Broken Glass Faulty Locks or Handles Window Restrictors UPVC Door & Window Repairs We can normally quote over the phone
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2015
Date for your diary - Balstock music fes val is fast approaching. Running on the 11th, 12th and 13th of September, Balstock is now in its 10th year! With over 200 bands, and mul ple stages including a brand new outdoor Whitehorse Street stage, you will be spoilt for choice with music in abundance all weekend. As always, the whole event is FREE to a end - although dona ons are greatly received (and encouraged!) as it is all in the name of charity, this years being The St. Thomas Lupus Trust. Please head to h p://www.lupus.org.uk/ for more informa on on the fantas c work they do. 80% of all funds raised through Balstock will go to the charity and the remaining 20% back into the fes val to ensure it can con nue year on year as Balstock itself is also run by volunteers. Please note that all band slots are now full, but more volunteers are always crucial, so please get in touch via if you are balstockvolunteers@hotmail.com free to oer any help over the weekend. In the mean me, ďŹ nd us on Facebook, Twi er (@Balstock) and Instagram (Balst0ck) or at www.balstock.com to keep up to date! Timetables are soon to be revealed, and there are compe ons and exclusive announcements to be found at all of the above. We'll see you in September....
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Slimming World Recipe Supplied by Sandra Lloyd Jerk Chicken Skewers Bring a taste of the Caribbean to your party with these spicy skewers. Marinating the chicken in the jerk seasoning overnight ensures the meat is fully loaded with flavour.
Ingredients 4 large skinless and boneless chicken breasts 1 tbsp sweet chili sauce 3 tbsp light soy sauce 2 tsp jerk seasoning half tsp sesame oil finely chopped fresh coriander and red chili lime wedges to serve
Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ
Method 1. 2. 3. 4.
5.
Cut each chicken breast into six pieces and place into a bowl. Add the remaining ingredients (except the chopped coriander and red chili) and toss to mix well. Cover and chill in the fridge for 3-4 hours or overnight if time permits When ready to cook, remove the chicken pieces from the marinade and place on a grill rack in a single layer. Cook under a preheated medium grill for 2-3 minutes on each side until cooked through. Push a skewer into each piece, sprinkle with the chopped coriander and red chili and serve with lime wedges.
Welcome to our Gym
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WORKOUTside
PERSONAL TRAINING WEIGHT LOSS TRX SUSPENSION HIGH INTENSITY TRAINING KICK BOXING RUNNING TRAINING POSTURAL ANALYSIS SPORTS MASSAGE
Fitness is not a destination it is a way of life Lisa 07796 578 032 buggyfit@hotmail.co.uk www.facebook/FITFemalesintraining.hitchin.ashwell AU G U S T 2015
29
A TOUCH OF GLASS Quality UPVC Windows, Doors & Conservatories
ALL REPAIRS UNDERTAKEN Broken locks, handles, hinges, replacement misted glass units, catlaps, draughty windows
EMERGENCY 24HR CALL OUT SENIOR CITIZEN DISCOUNT
You can make a difference! Join hundreds of 'Starlight walkers' on Saturday 12th September at North Herts Leisure Centre and be part of an amazing event which really does make a difference. Whether you choose the 6 or 10 mile route, you will be walking under the stars around Letchworth and raising money for Garden House Hospice. Open to all fitness levels and anyone over the age of 14 years (under 18's must be accompanied by a par cipa ng adult) Be part of our sparkling 25th anniversary Starlight Walk and help us to con nue to care for pa ents and their families across our community for the next 25 years. REGISTER ON LINE NOW at: www.ghhospice.co.uk/Fundraising-New/Events-Dairy/StarlightWalk-2015 Or call a member of the fundraising team on 01462 679540
A.DOBING & CO Specialist in damp proofing, rising damp and timber preservation
RISING DAMP
For free advice call Dave today
01462 619651 Web: atouchofglasswindowsanddoors.co.uk
INSECT INFESTATION
BASEMENTS DRY ROT
01462 491 221 peter@adobing.co.uk www.adobing.co.uk
‘Help us celebrate 25 years of care by making this years walk the biggest yet!’ 30
AU G U S T 2015
Busy August for Baldock Town Baldock Town will open their SSML Division One campaign with the visit of Hillingdon Borough to Roker Park on Saturday 8th August – 3pm KO. The Reds, who will be playing at Stotfold FC this season and under the new management of Luke Gregson, will be hoping to make a winning start against opposition who were relegated from the Premier Division last term. There are plenty of opportunities to catch the Reds in action in the month of August. Fixture list for both 1st Team and Reserves in August can be found below: 1st Team (all home games at Stotfold FC, SG5 4AN) Sat 8th August HOME v Hillingdon Borough – 3.00pm Wed 12th August away v Woodford Town – 7.45pm Sat 15th August HOME v Broadfields United – 3.00pm Tue 18th August HOME v Langford – 7.45pm Sat 22nd August away v Harpenden Town – 3.00pm Wed 26th August away v Southall – 7.45pm Sat 29th August HOME v Wodson Park – 3.00pm Reserves (all home games at The Arena, SG7 5AU) Sat 15th HOME v St Margaretsbury Res – 3.00pm Sat 29th HOME v Hadley Res – 3.00pm FA Cup and FA Vase draw Unfortunately the Club were unable to secure a place in this season's FA Cup, but Luke Gregson's men have been given a home draw against SSML Premier Division St Margaretsbury in the opening round of this season's FA Vase. Due to Stotfold FC also being drawn at home, this tie is likely to be played on a Sunday on the first weekend in September. Stay up to date with all things Baldock Town FC by visiting the club website www.baldocktownfc.co.uk Here you can also sign up to our FREE weekly news roundup. As always, if any local businesses or individuals would like to sponsor one of the above matches, please contact us at baldocktownfc@gmail.com
AUGUST
2015
31
LETTERS A great garden centre, with superb tea rooms, and even an all year round fireworks department. Complimented with the most friendly and helpful staff members. If you haven't already, then turn on to Tapps. M. Terry Hi, just a quick one to say that we cooked the ‘Beer Can Chicken’ from the recipe in the July issue and we loved it, hopefully the next recipe will be as good. R.Johnson We have recently needed the services of a dog walker so I called Amy from Muddy Pups. She genuinely treats our dogs as if they were her own, I feel 100% that they are in the best hands. R.Oaks
If you have used one of the businesses that adver se in the magazine please get in touch & let everyone know how you got on.
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AU G U S T 2015
ACCSLtd
Window Cleaning 20 years experience Reliable and efficient Fully Insured & Uniformed staff
01462 629302 07970 406926 152 Hitchin Road, Stotfold
Friends of Baldock Green Spaces: conservation volunteers Return to tradi onal grassland management methods with grazing animals on Weston Hills. You may have seen sheep and long horn ca le last summer on Weston Hills, Baldock and wondered where they are now? They will be back - a er the beau ful orchids on Gibbet hill have had a chance to bloom without being eaten up! 50 sheep last summer (August - October) managed to nibble away at great swathes of ne les, grass and any young growth on plants so much so that enough li er to fill about 20 sacks kept hidden for years was collected by volunteers on one of the Friends of Baldock Green Spaces monthly conserva on tasks. This shows how efficient it is for animals to keep the chalk grassland free from encroaching vegeta on like ne les, dogwood and thistles that wants to take over and drown out smaller species that are unique to this habitat such as the bee orchid :Sheep doing a much be er job than man with machinery. The machinery is difficult and dangerous to use on such steep slopes and also produces a uniform cut which makes the area look much more man-influenced and less natural. The ca le too, in the northern fenced area of Weston Hills, graze more randomly than a mechanical cut of an area and their hooves churn up small pockets of ground which encourages different species to thrive because of their need for rough ground to grow in. So, the sight of sheep and ca le again this year on Weston Hills will be a welcome sight - for children to see livestock close at hand and for a type of land management that will protect and enhance biodiversity in our environment. Friends of Baldock Green Spaces hold monthly conserva on work par es usually on the 2nd Sunday of the month (apart from August) either at Weston Hills or at Ivel Springs, Baldock's other nature reserve, to help maintain these important natural green
areas for wildlife, fauna and for people to enjoy. We assist NHDC who own the sites and Countryside Management Services who maintain them, in li er picking, path and sign maintenance, hedge laying and woodland work. You are very welcome to join us for an hour or more! Tools, training and hot drinks provided. For more informa on please contact: Phil on 07817 801616 or take a look at our FaceBook page: fobgs for lots of informa on and photos
JUSTIN COLOURS LTD. Building Finishers
The perfect finish every time Phone 07947 396 341
Painting interior & exterior Wall coverings Plastering Renders Dry lining All aspects of finishing trades Ÿ Tape & jointing Ÿ Coving etc Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ
Office 01462 734 509
66 Astwick Road, Stotfold, SG5 4BQ AU G U S T 2015
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POP ! GOES THE EASEL
Head teacher, Mr Tim Litchfield, described the standard of work on show as
‘INCREDIBLE’
The 2015 Knights Templar School Art & Photography Exhibition was another tour de force. The effort, dedication and talent of all the students involved was apparent, highlighted by one of our rising stars, Izzie Rodgers, who has already sold one of her displayed pieces, surely an investment for the future. It's a great privilege to inspire and nurture such amazing creativity; Knights Templar School Art staff wish all of their students good luck and success.
It's a great privilege to inspire and nurture such amazing creativity
SLOW ROAST PULLED PORK SHOULDER Preheat your oven to 220 C/425 F/gas 7.
Ingredients 1 x Shoulder Pork 3 x Table spoons of olive oil 1 heaped tablespoon Fennel seeds Good pinch of sea salt Good pinch of pepper 10 x Bay leaves 750ml water (boiling) 3 x Onions (peeled & cut into quarters)
Place your pork skin side up then using a small sharp knife make scores about a centimetre apart through the skin into the fat, but not so deep that you cut into the meat. Using a pestle and mortar grind the fennel seeds, salt & pepper together. Massage the pork using the olive oil and rub the fennel salt, all over (especially into the scores you've just made). Then turn it over. season the underside of the meat with a few pinches of salt and pepper. Place your pork, skin side up, in a roasting tray and pop it in the preheated oven. Roast for 1 and a half hours.
At this point, turn the heat down to 130 C/250 F/gas 1/2, remove the pork from the oven and drain the fat (if you wish put to one side to use for your roast potatoes) pour the boiling water into the roasting tray, add the bay leaves and the onion quarters. Return to the oven and roast for a further 4 hours.
Its now time to remove the succulent and tender pork from the oven. Remove the crackling and place to one side; then using 2 forks pull the pork apart. Serve with your roasted spuds and veg, topped with broken up crackling. ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS
ENJOY!
mobile
hairdresser
to make an appointment or for a free consultation call
m: 07973 788 418 I t: 01462 640 307
hairbyjacqui@hotmail.co.uk AU G U S T 2015
35
GARDEN CONSTRUCTION & FENCING Complete Patio Design Landscaping Decking Gazebo’s Fencing & Gates Turfing & Seeding Walls Hedging Driveways Ponds Block Paving Rockeries Gardening Lawn Mowing Tree Pruning
MAINTENANCE CONTRACTS WELCOME FRIENDLY FAMILY BUSINESS FREE ESTIMATES AND ADVICE DISTANCE NO OBJECT ALL WORK FULLY GUARANTEED
Contact Philip for further details on
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Useful numbers
NICK SA ER
Advice Citizen’s Advice Bureau Trading Standards Advice
Plumbing & Heating
08444 771600 0300 300 8136
Churches St Marys the Virgin Baptist church Roman Catholic Methodist Christchurch United Reformed Church
01462 892838 01462 893203 01462 893127 01462 895052 01462 232005 01462 683355
HERTS • BEDS • BUCKS • CAMBS - Boiler breakdown /general service - System upgrades - Central Heating installation/repair - Hot water cylinder repair/replacement - Leaks/burst pipes repaired & replaced - Washing machine/dishwasher installation - Landlord gas safety certificates tel: 07456 559756 e-mail: NickSayerPH@gmail.com website: www.BedsPlumber.co.uk
Councils North Hertfordshire District
Doctors Baldock Surgery
01462 474000 01462 892458
Dentist Victoria Place Dental Surgery
01763 313869
Emergency Utilities Gas Emergency Electric power cut
0800 111999 0800 7838838
Hospitals Lister Hospital Queen Elizabeth 2 EMERGENCY HEALTH
01438 314333 01707 328111 111
Library Baldock Library
0300 123 4049
Police Police
01707 354000
Public Houses Engine The Cock The Old White Horse The Orange Tree The Victoria The White Lion
01462 896111 01462 892366 01462 893168 01462 892341 01462 893153 01462 893134
Schools Knights Templar Hartseld St Johns St Marys Brandles
01462 620700 01462 895267 01462 892478 01462 892347 01462 892189
Travel Arriva Buses National Rail Enquires National Bus line
08701 201088 08457 484950 0870 6082608
Vets Baldock Veterinary Centre
01462 895579
Nurseries Weston Way Nursery Merry Go Round
01462 892172 01462 896322
Play Groups Magic Moments Merry Go Round
07980 400690 01462 896322
07949 120911 07968 791441 07456 559756
Lock Smith Gearing Locksmith
NEXeT? isest inutouch G
6000
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Disclaimer
Plumbers A.P Huges A.D Taylor Nick Sayer
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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. AUGUST
2015
37
LIVE LOCAL
LOVE LOCAL
W
hat an exciting month this has been already in the Gallery, one of our local artists Sally Hynard had made the huge accomplishment of being chosen as a nalist for the 'David Shepherd Wildlife Artist of the Year' which is open worldwide and a huge accolade for all the amazing nalists who managed to get through and have their work displayed at the Mall Galleries in London. Sally as pictured above with David Shepherd and her beautiful painting 'Pride of Sana'. The overall winner is from Devon, a fabulous sculptor called Nick Mackman. Before the results were given Hayley had already decided that out of the whole show she would like to buy one of her fabulous sculptures pictured here called 'Thandis' and met with the artist. Nick Mackman was crowned the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundations (DSWF) 2015 Wildlife Artist of the Year at a prize-giving event at the Mall Galleries in London June 29. Nick accepted the £10,000 top prize from wildlife artist and conservationist, David Shepherd CBE and DSWF CEO, Sally Case. Commenting on the winning-piece – a collection of ceramic warthogs and baby rhino, judge – artist and gallery owner Hazel Soan said: “The pieces by Nick Mackman demonstrates her consistency of form and wonderful characterisation and individuality she moulds as if from the African earth to create such wonderful living sculpture.” Nick Mackman is an award-winning sculptor of ceramic and bronze animal sculptures. She has been widely exhibited and is a regular contributor to the Wildlife Artist of the Year Exhibition. She has accepted commissions from British Airways and the BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition. Her commissions have ranged from a small Bornean frog to a life size bronze cheetah. Nick has spent many hours studying her subjects and regularly travels to observe animals in the wild. This enables her to capture the personality of her subjects, showing the viewer a rare appreciation of the beast, .
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AUGUST
2015
its beauty and its humour. Commenting on her win, Nick said: “I am over the moon to win the Wildlife Artist of the Year competition. It's a privilege to be able to contribute to such a fantastic exhibition that not only celebrates wildlife art but also raises much needed funds to help conserve the animals we all cherish. The incredible diversity and beauty of the animal kingdom is a constant source of inspiration for me. I have a great affection for warthogs and rhinos, who are some of Africa's most engaging beasts, so I was delighted to win the competition with my sculptures.” Hayley Norman commented “It was an amazing night and to see so much talent in one place I think they were all well-deserved winners. We love Nick's work and are proud to be able to represent her here in Hertfordshire. Please do pop in and meet 'Thandis' who is proudly on display at the gallery” Gallery 1066 offers home approvals, art consultancy, private commissions and affordable art for everyone. With an interest free nance and art insurance package in place there is no better time than now to buy your rst work of art. Prices start from £200.00 and we welcome you to enjoy the gallery and the fantastic collections we have on display