On Our Doorstep Baldock February 2023

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

100 celebrating ISSUES

Baldock, Ashwell, Weston and surrounding villages

Welcome to the 100th issue of our magazine!

We are thrilled to be celebrating this milestone and cannot believe how fast the time has gone. We would like to take this opportunity to express our sincere thanks to all of our readers and advertisers for making this achievement possible.

We hope January kicked off your new year with lots of positivity and productivity. For those tacking the Baldock Beast half marathon we hope the chilly weather hasn't affected your training too much. It's not too late to sign up if you fancy the challenge and want to push yourself.

This month we have a really interesting 5 Minutes with Pinky Parker. The local funeral celebrant shares an insight into the process.

Everyone's favourite Gadget Man is back! Matt Porter has reviewed another new piece of tech for us this month, a fingerprint door lock. Could be a game changer, especially for those who are prone to forgetting and losing their house keys.

Valentine's Day is fast approaching. The Chilli Lounge are offering 10% for Valentine's Day get booking for your dinner date now.

If you prefer a cosy night in, take a look at this month's recipe on page 29 supplied by Kish from Baldocks newest restuarant, Eight.

Whether you're participating in the Beast Half Marathon, flipping pancakes, or celebrating Valentine's Day with your loved ones, we would love to see your moments. Our gallery page is a great place to showcase what's being going on On Our Doorstep. Please send your photos to info@onourdoorstepbaldock.co.uk

Once again, thank you for your support, we couldn't have done it without you. Happy reading!

Paul & Jacqui

Disclaimer

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

CURTAINS & FABRICS BLINDS SHUTTERS

CARPETS & FLOORING MOTORISED PRODUCTS

The Boys march on

Unlike the naonal side that had a prey poor set of autumn, internaonals, ending in the sacking of Eddie Johns, local lads, Letchworth legends are sll very much in winning mode.

The top side in North Herts playing in the highly compeve Anglia Regional league which includes such cies as Norwich, Ipswich and Southend have swept all before them this season.

Not only that but their unbeaten record of 28 wins and one draw goes back to November 2021 and the last three games have been absolute thrillers against fellow tle hopefuls Brentwood , Eton Manor and Southend Saxons.

Letchworth were on the road to Brentwood in early December, having beaten them on the first game of the season fairly easily. However, the Essex side are a different proposion at home and so it proved with a really tough game going down to the wire. A superb second half try by Will Titherington sealed the deal and the conversion made it 12/19 to Legends. They then weathered twenty minutes of intense pressure in front of a vociferous, and as far the referee was concerned, inmidang crowd but the home side were unable to cross the whitewash .

Two comparavely easy fixtures had to be postponed before Christmas due to

the weather and these will now be played in February .

Aer Christmas things got really intense with a visit to the All weather pitch at Eton Manor in north east London . Manor were determined to restart their promoon push and go one beer than the 19/19 draw at Legends Lane in October. They certainly threw the heavy guns at their visitors …. One of their centres was a massive twenty stone …. But again Legends won through … and were grateful for the return of star fly half Josh Sharp who steadied the back line . It was front rower and club captain Oscar Robinson and versale hooker and Centre Sonny Maasi who won the plaudits in a ght 18/13 away win which effecvely put an end to the Manors promoon chances .

Next up were a very confident Southend Saxons who came to Legends Lane on January 14th on the back of a 45/15 crushing of Brentwood and Legends Lane was packed for the occasion

At first it seemed that Southends confidence was jusfied as within 20 minutes they had roared into a 13/0 lead and Letchworth were just not at the races . However the monsoon that followed seemed to turn things round and inspired by several bullocking runs from number 8 and man of the match

by Anita Martin

Tom Lewis ,flying winger Chris Gibbs went over to make it 7/13 at half me

With me running out it seemed all over for the home side before Josh Sharp spoed a rare gap in the Southend defence and slid over under the posts . Minutes later a vital penalty was awarded to the home side and up stepped Sharp to slot the vital goal and make it 17/16 and despite a thrilling finish that's how it stayed . Letchworth have now played Southend three mes in their history and have won all of them but by a total differenal of only 4 points ! …. 20/19. 38/36 and 17/16 …. no wonder the Seasiders were not happy bunnies! Especially as now Legends at the me of wring have taken top spot from them with a game in hand and promoon chances are now very much with them .

Exuberant Skipper Liam Fis said aerwards “I cannot believe I am playing in such a determined side who never know when they are beaten … they just do not give up !“

A more phlegmac head coach Baz Basra commented …” We have ground out two good wins but played far from our best … there should be more to come “

February will see three home games at Legends lane, Woodford (4) Ipswich (18) and Chingford (25) so come up and enjoy a great aernoon of rugby as well as watching the six naons on our big screen and cosy bar !

Not only that but the Letchworth Lionesses also connue to expand their squad and recorded a great win over Ampthill 31/12 the day aer the first team triumph .

Just to end on a serious note … Letchworth Rugby Club like most of the oval ball clubs are very much a community and family within themselves, last week a much loved member lost his house and all possessions in a disastrous fire. Fortunately the family escaped unhurt but with literally the clothes they stood up in. Over the weekend the club raised over £600 to help them with more to come and offered free kit to their children who play in the mini secon . Somemes care and concern is more to the rugby family than just winning ! …. Though long may both connue!

Sporty, Stylish & Full of Tech

Ford's Fiesta is one of the best superminis, so all the more disappoinng that Ford has recently announced it's being disconnued.

It has recently had an update with a revised front end, including a more prominent grille and reposioned badge, as part of its mid-life faceli.

The ST-Line X trim is essenally the standard ST-Line grade with added spice.

Eighteen-inch alloys are included, along with sports suspension, sports seats, a rear roof spoiler, a touchscreen with SatNav, automac temperature control, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, LED lights, electric door mirrors and a panoramic roof.

It is the mid-range 1.0-litre 125PS engine under the spotlight here, which, thanks to its mild hybridity, comes with a bigger turbo. While it's nothing to get excited about regarding performance, it makes steady progress off the line, masking its small size. It even sounds half-decent, too.

The seven-speed automac (fied in the car supplied for the appraisal) is smooth. However, changing down can be a bit sluggish when you press hard on the accelerator.

The handling is superb, thanks to a well-tuned chassis, which delivers agility in spades due to tonnes of grip in the corners and excellent steering.

The Fiesta is great fun to drive –and, despite the sharp handling, it retains an excellent level of ride comfort, too.

Inside, the cabin is nice enough but a bit plain and too dark for my liking. It lacks the sophiscaon of some of its rivals, but at least it's comfortable.

Headroom isn't all that great in the Fiesta, but legroom in the front is plenful for a small car. Those in the back will struggle if they're above six feet, though.

The infotainment screen is easy to use, but it's not a class-leading system and lacks the responsiveness of rivals.

You get 292 litres of boot space, more than some superminis but less than the Seat Ibiza. Cargo capacity expands to 1,093 litres with the back seats folded down.

You'll also get 50mpg out of it, with the hatchback producing 126g/km of

CO2 in the process.

Overall, I really like the Ford Fiesta. There is no supermini quite like it to drive. But if you want interior sophiscaon, equipment and praccality, alternave cars are worth considering.

Fast Facts

Ford Fiesta (1.0 MHEV ST-Line X 7speed auto) as tested:

Ÿ Max Speed: 124mph

Ÿ 0-62 mph: 9.6 seconds

Ÿ Combined mpg: 50.4mpg (WLTP)

Ÿ Engine layout: 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo petrol mHEV

Ÿ Max Power: (PS): 125PS

Ÿ CO2: 126g/km

Ÿ Price: £25,755

What a great start to the New Year!

We are delighted to announce that the Baldock Arts & Heritage Centre has won the right to screen Naonal Theatre Live. Naonal Theatre Live brings you shows straight from the West End stage to local screens, allowing you to seeing the drama just as it unfolded on the stage.

Last year we invested in new sound, lighng and screen equipment to improve the film experience we could offer. This investment has enabled the Baldock Arts & Heritage Centre to screen NT Live shows; a huge boost to this community volunteer-led centre. Last Autumn, we also launched a new movie club which is already proving popular and now we are able to offer a discount on NT Live to our movie club members as a great new benefit for them.

2023 is also the year of our 10th anniversary. Ten years ago, a group of determined volunteers came forward to peon the Council to retain the historic Old Town Hall and turn it into a valuable asset for the local and

surrounding communies. With the support of the town and hard-working volunteers, the building is now a thriving Arts & Heritage Centre offering a soughtaer Gallery, a Museum rich in Baldock heritage, regular workshops and classes, and a multude of events. In just the first six months of this year we have monthly NT Live screenings, regular Castaway's Choice (our take on Desert Island Discs), our many and highly popular History in the Aernoon talks, a comic book masterclass, a Disney children's event, a murder mystery evening, a poery masterclass, a quiz night, videography workshop, a cream tea concert, a children's puppet show and last but not least, a huge 10th year celebraon is being planned for June.

The Arts & Heritage Centre runs solely on volunteer me and effort and we are always looking for more support. There are lots of excing opportunies to get involved given our great programme of events and NT Live contract. Technical sound and lighng support, running the NT Live screenings, front of house, and

building maintenance are but a few of the many opportunies we offer. We are holding a volunteer open aernoon on the Saturday 18th March 12 -3pm. Drop in any me but there will also be a formal presentaon at 1.30pm. If you can't aend but want to be involved then please drop us a line at contactus@bahc.co.uk.

This is a great Centre offering so much for the community. All our events can be viewed at www.bahc.co.uk/event or beer sll, join our mailing list to stay updated with all event details as they are released: go to www.bahc.co.uk/mailing-list.

Maureen Maddren

Get Control of Your Happy Hormone!

Have you ever heard of the terms 'gut brain', 'second brain' and 'gut health'? What do they actually mean?

Your gut encompasses every organ required for digeson from your mouth through to your intesnes. Within the walls of your digesve system is a meshwork of nerve fibres which is called the enteric nervous system, this is 'your second brain'.

The main role of the digesve system is controlling digeson, swallowing, releasing of enzymes which break down food, absorpon of nutrients and eliminaon of waste produces. Your gut, however, plays a much bigger role in your overall health being the home to 70% of your immune system. It also controls your moods, as the gut produces 95% of your “happy hormone” called serotonin.

'Gut health' relies on the delicate balance of 39 trillion bacteria that live in your gut! Some of these bacteria are good and some bad but together they form the delicate microbiome which keeps your body running smoothly. Somemes the bacterial balance may be thrown off balance by an increase of bad bacteria, this can be due to many different environmental factors or lifestyle choices.

So how can you look aer your 'gut health'? Generally, a well-balanced lifestyle will result in a well balance microbiome. Good nutrion, staying well hydrated, taking regular exercise, good sleep quality and stress management, research has shown can help maintain and improve your gut health.

But more specifically a diet consisng of both prebioc's, which help to promote the growth of bacteria in the gut and pro-biocs which themselves contain bacteria will help to maintain the balance of bacteria in the gut.

Prebiocs are found in high fibre foods, vegetables, fruit, beans, and legumes. Probiocs are found in fermented foods including yoghurt, kimchi, sauerkraut, kefir, kombucha and tempeh.

Your digesve system contains muscles which smulate digeson, so when you move, this smulates the muscles in your digesve system helping to support your gut funcon. Just thirty minutes of moderate exercise three mes a week has been shown to be enough to improve overall 'gut health.'

The Amber Health Team

Screen this months new releases

07572 532618

www.bb-carpentry.co.uk

PUSS IN BOOTS 2

Out 3rd February

Puss in Boots hosts a party, when a giant attacks them. He manages to subdue it, but is crushed by a bell. Waking up, he is informed by a Doctor that he only has one life left after dying eight times before. Puss initially brushes it off, but after nearly getting killed in a duel, he reluctantly decides to become to be a domesticated pet, until Goldilocks shows up to find him and the adventure begins.

THE WHALE

Out 3rd February

Charlie is a morbidly obese and reclusive English professor who teaches online college writing courses but keeps his webcam switched off, afraid to show his appearance to the students. Charlie has been attempting to reconnect with his estranged teenage daughter Ellie whom he has not seen in eight years and ends up offering her all the money in his bank to persuade her to spend time with him.

‘From August 2021 we are shutting the doors in Mansfield Road and will be working from 16 Hurst Close, Baldock SG7 6TL Appointments only’

ant-man & the waspQuantumania

Out 17th February

Super-Hero partners Scott Lang and Hope Van Dyne return to continue their adventures asAnt-Man and the Wasp.Together, with Hope's parents Hank Pym and Janet Van Dyne, the family finds themselves exploring the Quantum Realm, interacting with strange new creatures and embarking on an adventure that will push them beyond the limits of what they thought was possible.

WHATS LOVE GOT TO DO WITH IT

Out 24th February

Documentary-maker and dating app addict Zoe, swiping right has only delivered an endless stream of Mr. Wrongs. For Zoe's childhood friend and neighbour Kaz, the answer is to follow his parents' example and opt for an "assisted" marriage to a bride from Pakistan.As Zoe films his journey from London to Lahore to marry a stranger, she begins to wonder if she might have something to learn.

Please call 07938509672 for more details and to book www.sewingbs.co.uk

Please

‘For all your alterations, repairs and 1:1 sewing classes please phone/text to book

16 Hurst Close Baldock, SG76TL 16 Hurst Close Baldock, SG76TL

Baldock,

PAIN AND SLEEP

People who suffer from chronic pain know first hand how difficult it can be to get a good night's sleep. According to the Naonal Sleep Foundaon's 2015 Sleep in America poll, one in five Americans suffer from chronic pain. A majority of these individuals report substandard sleep quality, and one in four people with chronic pain also have a sleep disorder. Many people report their painful symptoms are somewhat alleviated aer a beer night's sleep. For those living with chronic pain, priorizing sleep may be a key component in the path to recovery.

Chronic pain can affect sleep differently and depends on the nature of the pain.

Some condions may flare up at night or be provoked by certain sleeping posions. Others may cause persistent pain that does not ease at night in addion to shorter overall sleep me, chronic pain can also cause frequent night me wakings. In fact, this appears to be the most common sleep complaint in people with chronic pain. As we sleep, we cycle through light sleep, slow-wave sleep, and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. In order to feel well-rested we need a balance of all these sleep stages, especially slow-wave sleep and REM sleep. Disrupng this cycle interferes with the progression of the sleep stages, and leads to less resul

sleep and next-day redness, causing low moods, depression and anxiety.

The essenal thing to understand is that pain is a mental process. Once we grasp this we can take the steps to using our mental powers to deal with the problem.

If you have had pain for three months or more, then it is classified as chronic pain, aer three to six months the body has usually healed as well as can be expected, however if you are sll in pain the answer lies in the nervous system. The ongoing pain that is sll being produced is less about the injuries within the body more about the sensivity of the nervous system. Chronic pain is triggered when the nerves carrying unpleasant informaon become irritated and connue to react even when the issue which caused the pain has healed, its as if the pain system stays switched on.

There are things you can do to tackle chronic pain we can learn how we can affect our pain system ourselves, by what we do, think and learning to relax, hypnotherapy is a

great way to relax, de stress and release anxiety.

Along with hypnotherapy try these ps to help you fall asleep and stay asleep.

1. Set a me for going to bed and geng up in the morning 7 days a week

2. Avoid naps especially in the evening, if you really cant avoid an aernoon sleep limit yourself to half an hour only.

3. Exercise but not too close to bedme this may increase alertness.

4. Take a hot bath about an hour and half before bedme but beware of taking a bath to close to bedme as this increases alertness.

5. Don't have a large meal before bedme, however a light snack or a relaxing herbal tea can help sleep.

Kim Holloway

www.total-therapy.co.uk

4 Sun Street, Baldock. Sg7 6QA 2c St Francis Way, Shefford. Sg17 5DZ

Curtains, Duvets & bedding

Happy2ndBirthday

ArthurChadwick

18thFebruary

Lots of love from Mummy & Daddy xx

r Happy 2nd Bithday Nancy!

We love you the world. Lots of love from Mummy, Daddy and Sid xxx

Happy r Bithday

Violet

Lots of Love Mummy, Nanna and Grandad!

r Happy Bithday

Arlene Parry

11th February

From all of your Baldock Friends

NAVRAJ SHERGILL

The WeLock Touch41 is a high-tech, keyless entry smart lock that allows you to open your door with just the touch of a finger, an RFID card, or through the WELOCK app. With the ability to store up to 100 fingerprints (with 3 of them having 'admin' funcon) and the ability to pair up to 20 cards, this lock offers a variety of opons for entry. And with apps available for both iOS and Android, you can easily control your lock from your smartphone.

One of the standout features of this lock is its reliable fingerprint recognion. The lock can correctly recognise a registered fingerprint up to 98% of the me when placed correctly on the scanner, and it can unlock your door in just 1 second. Addionally, the RFID card opon allows for easy oneswipe entry.

Another great aspect of the WeLock Touch41 is its adjustable lock cylinder. The cylinder dimensions (diameter of knobs: outside 46mm / inside 38mm; length: outside 56mm / inside 57mm) and length (adjustable outside 40mm55mm / inside 30mm - 60mm) make it

I

suitable for all doors with thicknesses between 50mm-100mm. Plus, it's easy to replace the exisng lock cylinder in your front door or apartment door without drilling. This feature ensures that it can be used in most European standard doors.

The lock also features an OLED display that shows the baery status, sengs, and alerts. The electronic knob is powered by 3 AAA 1.5 V baeries, which can last for 8-10 months with ten mes unlocking per day. And, in case the baery runs out, you can use the USB backup to unlock it. However, note that the USB power bank is only for unlocking and can not be charged.

Safety is also a top priority with the WeLock Touch41. It has electrostac protecon of up to 30,000 volts and an IP65 weatherproof rang, making it suitable for homes in any locaon. Addionally, in case of fire or other emergencies, the lock can always be opened from the inside. It is also rated for up to 10 million closing operaons and can work in temperatures between -10°C to 60 °C.

The package includes 1 WELOCK

TOUCH41 electronic lock, 3 RFID cards, 1 special Allen key, and 1 manual. The lock is made of stainless steel with zinc alloy and plasc, and it comes with a 2-year warranty.

The WeLock Touch41 is an advanced smart lock that offers a variety of opons for keyless entry, including fingerprint recognion and RFID cards. Its adjustable lock cylinder and weatherproof rang make it suitable for most European standard doors, and its smartphone app allows for easy control and monitoring. With a 2-year warranty, this lock is a great opon for anyone looking to upgrade their home security.

The lock is available for £169 from hps://revw.uk/welock

Or scan the link below

See you next me

Baldock Gardens

By Graham Tapp

I'm going to start with an apology. In the November edition, I wrote about the bad weather we had here in 1987 when we had minus twelve degrees centigrade for weeks and lots of snow. I think I intimated that wouldn't happen again as we haven't had snow or cold weather like that for years; what happens is Minus twelve and lots of snow.

So sorry it was my fault. I should not have tempted fate.

Not this time. I intend to write about something very different, which will be about communication, not the sort we are used to, speaking, hand signals, body language, corresponding etc., the things we use daily, but the language of plants.

Back in the seventies and eighties, anyone who spoke of plants communicating with each other would have to sit in a corner at the back of the room with a big pointy hat. When I was at agricultural college in the early seventies, research had only just started on it and was spoken about very quietly at the local pub, never openly in class.

What was always discussed, and with great merriment, was that some people were talking to their plants, and a certain HRH ( Sorry Sir) was known to discuss the subject openly; what did we know? It seems that the joke is on us: it now appears that playing music and talking to your plants benefits them.

More recently, this work has taken a step nearer mainstream research, and several well-known universities, mainly in America, have been investing time and money into it.

Plants evidently have been communicating for millions of years, many years longer than humans or animals.

My understanding of the research, as it appears today, is minimal, so I intend to swat up on it as this is not basic stuff. Simply put, plants can inform others of their kind that they are under attack or something is eating them.

Its believed and has been chiefly proven that plants release volatiles (compounds emitted from plant organs). The easiest way for me to describe a warning volatile is the smell of freshly cut

grass; this contains many warnings of danger for the grass and the plants growing in the lawn.

It has been discovered that in some plants, when attacked or eaten by an insect or herbivore, the plant will release compounds that trigger other plants to produce different chemical volatiles that may repel the attacker.

Can you imagine your gardens full of secret chemical messages blowing around in the wind?

Similarly, something is going on below ground; researchers have found that plants communicate through their roots by secreting small amounts of chemicals called root exudates, sending signals to every other living thing in the root zone.

It is believed that plants can identify the stress state of other nearby plants, thus enabling them to take preventive actions. For instance, if a plant indicates that it is suffering from a lack of moisture, nearby plants will adapt to preserve water and pass the message on to others.

Further research shows that plants can indicate that they are short of nutrients and water via their roots as well as using vegetative volatiles. As far as I am aware, it is not proven whether this is by root interaction or has some involvement with fungal mycorrhizal colonization. Further, research indicates that in older forestations, there may be such things as mother trees that are older than most, and these have put their roots down deeper and wider so they can make use of nutrients that some of the other trees cannot. In this instance, it seems that the massive web of underground mycelium formed by the woodland fungi can distribute nutrients and water from the mother or older trees to the younger trees.

There is, of course, always a debt to be paid for this complicated interaction. Paid for by the host plants in the feed needed by the fungi, they take this when transferring the water or nutrients from one to the other, a win-win situation.

You will no doubt have seen and heard on television the famous gardeners and garden presenters that push the use of

mycorrhizal fungi and that you can buy at good garden centres and online.

I have been to see mycorrhizal trials in Holland, where they had square kilometre after square kilometre of glass houses with plants under test with mycorrhizal fungi; these plants went literally as far as you can see, but with no real visible difference. Many of the growers in the trial were very disappointed; maybe some changes will have taken place over a few years, and it may take a long time for the mycelial connections to evolve. I have not been back for a couple of years due to covid, but I will sometime soon.

I sell mycorrhizal fungi, as do most garden centres, but with every potential sale, I explain what I've just written and ask whether its purchase is going to give the return on investment they think they will get if you provide the plants with the feed they need to do what you want them to do, flowers, fruit or lovely foliage then you don't need to put it in.

I suppose it is all related to what I have been writing recently. To dig or not to dig? Again is the question, if you leave the soil undisturbed, you may eventually build up a network of mycelium.

The system seems to work over years and years in forests on poor soil with no system or interference to bring in nutrients other than recycling the leaf fall from the trees (leaf Mulch). Still, if, as all good gardeners do, you feed and water appropriately, there is no need for it; also, if you grow in hanging baskets, gro bags, or pots, there is nowhere to acquire the nutrients from or many plants to communicate with.

I have written this piece to encourage a different thought process when planting this spring and summer. If, after consideration, you are going to try some mycorrhizal fungi, can I ask you to come and discuss the results? I would love to hear from you about your experience so we can fill in some knowledge gaps. Don't expect miracle differences. Indeed, don't buy a van to transport your extra crops. Cheers

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!

Slow Horses – Apple TV

Looking for some espionage entertainment that brings in some light-hearted jokes and never takes itself too seriously? Apple TV+'s excellent Slow Horses can help ease you into the new year then. Gary Oldman (all kneel at the alter to worship him) plays Jackson Lamb, a curmudgeonly old MI5 agent charged with looking aer Slough House – the place where washed up MI5 agents go to see out their careers (hence 'Slow Horses') aer large scale gaffes and calamies of their own doing. Oldman plays the world weary 'seen it all, got the t-shirt' ring master Lamb with perfecon as he is joined by a rag tag group of agents all keen to impress in the hope they can get themselves back to MI5 proper. Two series are available now on Apple TV of this spy drama that sits somewhere between Spooks, Killing Eve and Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy. A 3rd season is due later in 2023. *A brief nod to Apple TV+ who are killing it right now with their quality over quanty mantra – Oscar winning film CODA, Severance, Ted Lasso, Bad Sisters……the list goes on*

Big Boys – All 4 ( formerly 4OD)

Available on the Channel 4 catch up streamer, I stumbled upon Big Boys over the in-between days between Christmas and New Year. A comedy that hinges on ITV dayme TV in jokes, Alison Hammond references and stale University jokes wouldn't usually pull me in. But, like an onion there are many layers to this coming-of-age comedy wrien by comedian Jack Rooke and based on his stand up tour. Derry Girl's ('the wee English fella') Dylan Llewellyn plays the teenage Jack, who is heartbroken by the death of his father and later leaves home and his loving mum, Peggy, for university. Jack is crippled by shyness and doesn't know how to tell his Mum he's gay. In his halls he meets Danny (Jon Poinng), a jack-the-lad who appears to be only focussed on bars, girls and the banter. What follows is a really tender portrayal or grief, loss, mental illness and an important discussion on 'lad-hood' and modern-day masculinity and emoons. The last episode brought a tear or two. Lines like “neighbours showed they cared by dumping lasagnes on the doorstep like unwanted babies” aer the death of Jack's father, are carefully and hilariously played out in this feel good comedy.

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!!

With 20 years experience selling homes locally

Lost for Words

I have sat in front of this empty word document for long enough now, this has happened to me quite a few mes, but I've always managed to find something to chat about. I have asked for inspiraon from friends but found that I seem to have covered most things that they suggested. Tonight, my faithful readers, I'm stuck.

In an effort to find inspiraon, I have re-read some of my passed muerings. Alas, apart from chiding myself on the ever-present poor spelling and grammar, nothing I've read srs the gray maer into acon. I'm starng to wonder if it's me to stop.

I have wrien fiy-four arcles since that fateful day when our disnguished editor coerced me into pung digit to keyboard. I really do enjoy doing it when I can find something to get my teeth into. Looking back on what I've wrien, I am proud of most of them. There are some I'm looking at and thinking “what on earth was I on” but for the most part, I'm ok with them and I think they are improving.

I've found beer ways to edit, but sll find the odd weirdly placed capitol leer, and each one makes me die inside a lile. I've discovered something called Immersive reader. This fabulous addion enables me to hear what I'm wring, Its an American

voice of course, which is a lile distracng, I would love to change the accent to something like Scouse or Brummy just to entertain me as I pick through the plethora of typos. A thick Scosh brogue would be a proper challenge. The trouble with using Microso Word is that it is an American product, and we all know that those from across the pond have trouble speaking, let alone spelling, the Queen's (or should that now be Kings?) English. The fact that they spell realise with Z and dare to red line me gets me apoplecc with rage. It's doing it now, there it is, the word realise is spelt perfectly, but there's an angry red line underneath it as Word is insisng that I spell it 'correctly.' It's just plain rude. My lovely number four child brought me an Oodie for Christmas. For those of you who don't know what one is, its like an giant oversized jumper made of fleecey stuff. It's the best present I've had for ages. Like most of us, I am very aware of my impending lekky bill, and it's been so cold lately, I've checked so many mes if the heang is actually on. As a kid, I remember frost on the inside of the windows, its not that bad, but it is bier. I now just pop on my Oodie and within minutes I am toasty warm and not so inclined to pop the heang up a notch. Most evenings since Christmas,

I can be found wrapped in my Oodie, with fluffy socks and a big blanket searching through the many TV channels trying to find something entertaining to watch. I must look a proper site, wrapped up like some sort of weird version of Eskimo Nell, shivering under a pile of blankets with just my hand barely able to clutch the telly box as it pokes out from my cocoon into the frozen wastelands that are my living room to change the channel. But soon this will be over, Spring is coming, it is. The nights are easing out, and things are going to start growing again. Just a few more weeks. One more thing, while I'm here. Look at me, start with writer's block and now you can't shut me up. My wonderful Legends are doing some amazing stuff on the rugby pitches. Our 1s are riding high on top of the league and haven't lost a game all of this season and the last half of the previous. If you've ever felt at a loss on Saturday aernoon and fancy popping up to cheer the lads on, there is always a warm welcome and a cold pint waing for you at Legends Lane.

5 minutes with... ... Lynn ‘Pinky’ Parker, Funeral Celebrant

Tellusaboutyourself

Most people in Baldock know me as Pinky. I've lived in Baldock on and off for nearly 30yrs. I have. 2 daughters and 6 grandchildren, and a black Cockapoo called The Duchess who is training to be a grief therapy dog. I've been a funeral and wedding celebrant for 6yrs. Funerals are my passion though. Being asked to look aer someone's last earthly journey, is such anhonourandaprivilege.

Whatisacelebrant...

A Celebrant gives an alternave to a minister/humanist service. Ministers focus on faith and humanists literally have their own faith that doesn't include any religious or spiritual beliefs. My services are focussed on person who has died and reflects their personality.

Mybeliefisthatthefuneralshouldbeaboutthepersonbutalso be a posive experience for the people who are le behind. A service that I lead will concentrate on the wishes of the family. I create a unique, bespoke tribute that tells a life story but recognisesthepersonalityandlifeofthepersonwearetherefor. Whathappensinyourservices…

All my services maintain respect and can be verytradional. But they are ALL different. You never see or hear me doing or saying the same thing.In my services there are no restricons. If you want hymns and a bit of religion - no problem. If you want no religionatall–noproblem.

07527788688

Garage music to classical, funk to punk, Motown to House, Football songs, theme tunes… Play your own music too if you want to. Live music is always good. I welcome everyone to my funerals, from babes in arms, young children, dogs. I've even hadanowl–yep,aliveonecometoitsowner'sservice!

It'salwaysnicetohavecoloursatfunerals.Somemesthereisa theme such as dressing up as Peaky Blinders, or in Star Wars shirts, over the years I've seen all kinds of football shirts, rugby shirts, checked shirts. Somemes, of course, it's appropriate to wearblack,butitislovelywhenthereisatheme.

Ilovetohavechildrenattheservices.Iftheyhaveneverbeento a funeral, I let them ask quesons, show them around the crematorium, explain what is going to happen and put their mindsatease.

Taking them to a say a special goodbye gives them a chance to understandtoo.Plus,ithelpsgivethem'closure'It'spartoflife. There are lots of books to help now, and schools are very supporvetoo.

Isitsad…

Yes,itcanbesad,butmostofthemeIdon'tknowtheperson. Even if I do know the person, I have to try and maintain a professional stance. I have to keep the family together and get themthroughwhatiniallyistheworstdayoftheirlives. Iama posive person and can always find a posive in the most negave of situaons, I'm told that has come across during my servicestoo.Icangohomeandshedatearaertheservice.I'd be a very hard person if I said that services don't affect me. Of course,theydo!

Yourproudestmoment...

I unexpectedly won an award for Celebrant of the Year in 2020 fromtheAssociaonofIndependentCelebrants.Iwasshocked and had no idea that I was going to win. I just wished my husbandhadbeenalivetoseeit.

Howdowecontactyou

Deathis24/7andsoamIpreymuch!IlovetheworkthatIdo, and I'm always happy to give advice and help people. Usually, you will go to your Funeral Director, and you will speak to a funeralarrangerto arrangeyour service.I work alongsidemost of the local Funeral Directors, and some naonal and internaonalones.

Ifyouwouldlikemetoconductyourlovedone'sservice,justlet thefuneralarrangerknowandtheywillusuallybeabletogetin touchwithme.

If you don't know what you want, give me a call and I'll try and helpyou.

Telephone me 07527 788688 or email me pinky@pinkygriefuk.netorFacebookLynn

Finalthoughtforthefinaljourney

PinkyParker

Don't sele for 'what's expected'. If a person enjoyed their life, thenmaketheirlastjourneyamemorableone.Thereisnothing beer than being able to look back at a good wedding day, so why not look back at a 'good funeral' and remember that the last journey for your loved one was a true representaon of them. Funerals don't have to be shrouded in misery, darkness andblack.

Deathisjustanotherjourney.Weallhaveourownthoughtsto wherewego

All Boiler Maintenance, Serving & Repairs

Benjamin's Fundraiser

Hello my name is Benjamin. My Grandad unfortunately died in January 2022. He would always support me in my football matches by being there whatever the weather. My Grandad was a fan of golf and Toenham Hotspur and I always watched the games on TV with him.

We had lots of fun family holidays with Nanny and Grandad. In August 2021 we had recently got home from another family holiday on the Isle of Wight when Grandad was diagnosed with a terminal brain tumour.

The Garden House Hospice at home team helped my family have a Christmas at home with him by giving us all the care and support we needed to get through this rollercoaster of a me. The carers came to my Nanny's house every day for the eight weeks that my Grandad was very poorly.When he did unfortunately pass away, I got counselling sessions to help with the grief from the Garden House Hospice which were amazing.

This is why I am cycling for the Garden House Hospice to raise money. I am going to cycle 25 mes around by local estate -

each lap is 1mile. My seven year-old sister is also going to scoot one lap !

I loved my Grandad very much and miss him every day and wanted to do something that would help others in the same situaon. I would be very grateful if you could please sponsor me because the help that the Garden House Hospice gave us has been fabulous and your support will mean that they can connue to do this for other families.

www.justgiving.com/page/benjaminlynch-1672660486306

Posive Movement is a free, online movement programme delivered by the Sadie Centre (formerly known as The Letchworth Centre for Healthy Living) for the over 60s, living in Herordshire with long-term health or mobility issues. It runs every Monday and Thursday, from 10.30am-12noon via Zoom and combines techniques drawn from the Alexander Technique, Adapve Yoga and Mindfulness which are delivered during the first hour of each session; during the following 30 minutes, parcipants will chat over Zoom, providing mutual support for each other and sharing stories.

The group meets twice weekly for 20 weeks on a Monday morning at 1030-12 noon and Thursday at the same me with an experienced and qualified Posive Movement tutor. The programme has been funded by Herordshire County Council.

posivemovement@sadiecentre.org for more info or call 01462 678804.

‘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

Murgh Makhani Butter Chicken

This is a delicious recipe for those who like their food spicy and those who prefer milder curries as you can adjust the spice levels. It's reasonably low in fat, inexpensive to produce and will take up less than an hour of your time in the kitchen. If you're willing to make it a day in advance, it'll taste even better the next day. The best bit is you only need to use 2 saucepans!

The first job is to marinate the chicken. If you have the time, get this done the day before. If this isn't convenient, get this done first.

*400G boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut into bite-size pieces

*250g plain yoghurt

*2 Tbsp minced garlic (or 5 cloves finely chopped)

*1 Tbsp minced ginger

*2 Tsp garam masala

*1 Tsp ground turmeric (be careful - it stains everything!)

*1 Tsp ground cumin

*Red chilli powder to taste

*1 Tsp of sea salt

Mix everything apart from the chicken thighs in a large mixing bowl until well incorporated. Then add your chicken thighs and ensure every inch of the chicken is covered in that beautiful marinade. Cover with cling film and leave on the bottom shelf of your fridge. (Always try and keep raw meat & fish on the bottom shelves to avoid cross-contamination)

Now for the makhani sauce:

*2 Tbsp coconut oil

*1 Tbsp ghee or clarified butter

Melt these in a large sauce pan.

*1 large onion (finely sliced)

Add this to the pan on medium heat and gently start to sweat this down. You don't want the onions to take on any colour so keep them moving until they're soft & sweet. This should take 12 to 15 minutes.

*1 Tbsp minced garlic

*1 Tbsp minced ginger

Add this to the pan with the onions now and cook gently for another 3 or 4 minutes.

*2 Tsp ground cumin

*2 Tsp garam masala

*1 Tsp ground coriander

Add these ground spices to the pan and gently cook through to release their aromats. This should take no more than 2 minutes. Be careful not to burn the spices at this point.

*400G carton of passata or crushed tomatoes

Add this to the pan and scrape anything that may

have started sticking to the bottom of the pan. This will dissolve whilst the sauce is cooking.

*Red chilli powder to taste

*1Tsp of sea salt

Add this to the pan. Allow the sauce to come to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and leave to gently cook for 20 minutes.

In the meantime, take another saucepan, put on high heat and add 2 Tsp of rapeseed oil or coconut oil. Fry off the marinated chicken pieces in batches. Be careful to not overcrowd the pan. Get a nice, even colour on both sides of the chicken then put them on a flat tray to one side.

Chefs tip: If you're having rice with this dish, use the pan that you fried your chicken off in to make the rice. Don't wash the pan. The sediment at the bottom of the ban will add flavour to your rice. For Basmati rice go with a ratio of 1 part rice to 1.5 parts water. Season your rice well and for added flavour add a cinnamon stick and/or a few green cardamon pods that have been lightly crushed.

*400ML cream

Once your sauce has been simmering for 20 minutes add 400ML of double cream if you're not on a diet or 400ML coconut milk if you're still on a diet! (well done if you still are )

*100G sugar

*1 Tsp dried fenugreek leaves (kasoori methi - very important)

Add the sugar & fenugreek and stir well. Taste the sauce. Add more chilli or salt if you prefer. If you'd like the sauce smooth you can blend it at this stage with a stick blender or in a food processor - be careful as it's going to be hot!

Add your chicken to the pan with the sauce and simmer for a further 10 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.

*A handful of fresh coriander roughly chopped

Turn off the heat and add a handful of fresh coriander just before serving. My little girls love a squeeze of fresh lemon on their chicken.

Enjoy with steamed basmati rice, naan bread, poppadoms & a lime pickle.

If you struggle to get hold of any of the spices in this recipe, swing by the restaurant (8 Whitehorse Street, SG7 6QN) and we'll be happy to pot up whatever you need for you to take home.

Enjoy!

recipe from Kish, Chef patron of

Your Local Home Improvement Specialists BALDOCK FOLK CLUB

Baldocks fabulous lile folk club connues to expand its horizons whilst offering great acousc and roots music at praccally no cost apart from a raffle ! ( Cash only ! ) The club meets at the Orange Tree Norton Road every two weeks on Wednesdays . Doors open at 7 pm and the music begins at 730 finishing at 10 pm .

07572

www.bb-carpentry.co.uk

ROGERSONS REMOVALS

For the Spring season there is a massive variety of music from all four home naons as well as blues and Americana , and all sorts in between…. Why now pop down some night with some friends and experience a really friendly and fun atmosphere….. plus you can turn off your heang at home for a few hours!

Spring Programme as follows

Ÿ 1 Feb - Kelvin Davies + Cut the Mustard - country blues night

Ÿ 15 Feb - Roswell + Tanglers Irregulars - Americana and country

Ÿ

1 Mar - Mair Thomas + David & Annee JacobsWelsh special to celebrate St David's Day

Ÿ 15 Mar - Devines + Brian Burke and friends - Irish special to celebrate St Patrick's Day

Ÿ 29 Mar - Drywood + Barry Goodman - tradional folk mul-instrumentalists

Ÿ 12 Apr - Den Miller + Colin Frid & Simon DennisStorytelling and humour

Ÿ 26 Apr - Odee Michell + support - modern English folk to celebrate St George's Day.

CalingllAl Women!

Calling ALL Women!

(Well women of a certain age anyway!!! ) Are you hing 'THAT' stage of life that no one used to talk about?? Well guess what….. WE DO NOW!!!

If you want to feel normal and talk to other women who feel prey much the same as you do…. The lovely women of Baldock have a monthly menopause meeng!!!

Where…… Pixies Cafe, High Street. When…….Every 3rd Wednesday (next meeng the 15th Jan) Time…… 7pm to 9pm.

Come and have a drink and feel 'normal' with friends yet to be made!!

See you on the 15th!!!

RUNNING IN WINTER

Running in the winter can have several benefits for your overall fitness and health. Some of these benefits include:

Ÿ Improved cardiovascular health: Running in the cold can increase your heart rate and oxygen intake, which can help to strengthen your heart and improve your cardiovascular fitness.

Ÿ Increased calorie burn: Running in the cold requires your body to work harder to stay warm, which can result in a higher calorie burn.

Ÿ Boosted mood: Exercise in general, including running, can release endorphins that can improve your mood and reduce feelings of depression or anxiety.

Ÿ Beer sleep: Regular exercise, including running, can help to improve the quality of your sleep.

Ÿ Increased lung capacity: Running in the cold can improve lung funcon, as breathing in cold air can increase the amount of oxygen in your lungs.

It is important to note that running in the winter can be more challenging than running in the summer due to the cold weather and potenally slippery condions. It is important to take precauons such as wearing appropriate clothing, being visible, and being aware of the weather condions.

Please

February Gallery

Mark Hardman

Jim Farrel

Jason with the snowman -Lee Bushaway

It's catkins on a Silk tassel bush in the garden. Lovely in February Kim Wardle

Beautiful sunset over Wallington Janet MacDonald

Stuart Knock

Someone’s enjoying the rugby - BB

John Magill

Chloe Berry Baldock Beast training run Jon Harris

Anita Martin

Bobby with his xmas jumper on

Useful numbers

Citizen’s Advice Bureau

Trading Standards Advice Samaritans Councils

North Hertfordshire District

Doctors

Baldock Surgery

Dentist

Victoria Place Dental Surgery

Emergency Utilities

Gas Emergency

Electric power cut

Lister Hospital

Queen Elizabeth 2

EMERGENCY HEALTH