January 2021

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

Issue 75 January 2021

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

Welcome

to the New Year Issue 2021 Firstly, we'd like to thank you all for the kind messages and well wishes we've received in the last month since sharing a little about our long-term battle against Covid in last month's welcome note. We have been overwhelmed with the support and fortunately over the past 4 weeks Jacqui appears to have turned a real corner and is well on her way back to normality. For anyone currently going through it, just know that it can and will get better, your tea might just taste a bit funny for a little while longer. Take your time and look after yourself.

We hope everyone had a good Christmas and managed to enjoy some time with friends and family within the restrictions. What a year 2020 was, certainly one for the history books. We're certainly looking forward to some positivity in 2021.

Someone who has felt the wrath of 2020 more than most is Rosie Tredgett. At the beginning of the year Rosie was diagnosed with Non Hodgkin's Lymphoma just as the world was thrown the Covid curveball and the country went into lockdown. Please read Rosie’s story about her journey and the Action Santa 5k on page 8.

Speaking of inspiring stories during December we came across Keith Digby on social media. A local firefighter who has been taking a daily dip in his garden pond to raise funds for Dementia UK, a cause very close to his heart.

Read about Keith story on page 15.

Last year's resolutions may have taken a backseat, but we'll be fighting back stronger this year. As usual many of us will be thinking about improving our health and getting in shape this year. If you're in need of some inspiration check out the amazing results achieved by one of Sandra's Slimming World ladies in this month's issue.

This month we have been inundated with Happy Birthday message requests to be feature in the magazine and sadly we couldn’t print them all. If you would like to feature a birthday or anniversary in the February issue email them over to us nice and early this month to avoid disappointment.

Wishing you all a happy and healthy 2021,

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

Disclaimer All adverts and editorial are printed in good faith, however On Our Doorstep Baldock cannot take any responsibility for the content of adverts or services provided by the advertisers.

Reproduction on whole or in part of this publication without prior permission from the publishers is strictly prohibited.

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The Magic of Christmas WOW!! What can I say, Baldock you have absolutely exceled yourselves. For the last 5yrs I have organised the 'Reverse Advent Calendars.' Originally we gave them to the elders of the community, who a ended the fantas c Christmas lunch put on by the wonderful staff at Baldock community centre.

However, it has been such an awful year for so many people and their

families, I decided this year to ask if anyone would be able to do a hamper for a family instead. I wasn't too sure what response I would get but believe me I needn't have worried. You have completely blown me away with your kindness. As you can see from the photos, I have been given 119 Hampers which in the current climate is incredible.

As well as the hampers, I asked for families who are in need to contact me privately and I would ensure that they received a hamper. Each family has their own story as I'm sure you can imagine. In cha ng with these families, I found other things that would make this Christmas a li le special for them. Like the baby boy whose 1st Christmas it was and his mum couldn't afford anything for him. As soon as I posted this on Facebook, I was inundated with toys and dona ons.

I was also contacted by Aabs from Bombay Bistro who offered a takeaway for a family, I had another dona on off someone who bought Christmas dinner with the trimmings for a family. Someone turned up at my door with 2 bags of toys for young girl whose birthday is near Christmas and due to circumstances her

family couldn't give her the birthday every child should have.

Most of the Hampers this year I have passed on to Se le, the housing associa on and they distributed them to families that they are aware of, that are struggling at this me of year.

So be pleased Baldock, that because of your generosity, Christmas will be a li le brighter for 119 families.

From them and me I want to say a massive THANK YOU to all who donated you are all truly amazing.

Karen Stephens

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West End Star Wins Award For Her Monkey Music Business Katherine Watmough, former West End star and violinist with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, last week won the bfa HSBC Lifestyle Franchisee Award 2020 only two years' a er launching Monkey Music Baldock, Hitchin, and Welwyn.

Speaking about her award Katherine said “To get this recogni on when there are so many children's classes around is fantas c. Running music classes for children under five is very different to playing with Boyzone, Barbara Streisand or the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, but just as exci ng and more rewarding.

Maybe I'll discover the next Sheeran, but really I just love bringing music and all it's physical, intellectual, emo onal and behavioural benefits to a new genera on. I hope it gives them the joy and benefits it's brought me.”

Katherine launched Monkey Music Baldock & Hitchin in 2018 as she wanted a more flexible job that would allow her to share more precious me with her family. She said: “I enjoyed an incredible career playing in West End musicals, accompanying some of my idols and travelling the world, but I wanted a lifestyle that would give me more quality me with my two young boys. Running a Monkey Music franchise is a full me job

but I can work it around our family life and I'm so excited about the future and the opportuni es I have to grow my business.”

Katherine, with her enthusias c team of teachers run over 50 weekly classes, and make music educa on fun and rewarding, proving that music really does support a child's natural development!

To book a free taster session email Katherine Baldock.hitchin@monkeymusic.co.uk or visit the her website for more informa on and booking details h ps://bit.ly/2KaaXhF

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NEW FAMILY MEMBERS Do you have a new member of the family? Here at Royston Veterinary Centre and at our Baldock branch we want to help you offer them the best start to their life. Throughout January we are offering free puppy and ki en health checks for your friends, and you will also receive a free goodies pack and advice.

The safest way to make sure your pet has the best chance of being returned to you if ever lost or stolen is to make sure it's microchipped. (it has been UK law since 2016 that all dogs over the age of eight weeks are microchipped and registered). You can check that their details are up to date by contac ng the database that holds this informa on.

This January, February, and March we will be offering 20% off microchipping.

Please call us to arrange an appointment or for further informa on.

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2021

Rosie’s Lymphoma Ai Santa 5k In March 2020 I was diagnosed with Non Hodgkin's Lymphoma, a type of blood cancer which effects the lympha c system. Whilst I was being diagnosed coronavirus took over the world which le me unable to leave the house except for hospital treatments and appointments. Over 6 months I completed chemotherapy and immunotherapy at Lister hospital, only to be told that the cancer had not all gone. I was then le with a choice. Leave the cancer with a strong chance of relapse or have Radiotherapy which would leave me with long term effects on the body and make me higher risk to develop other cancers. I decided to go with Radiotherapy. Over 3 weeks I was in hospital and because of where the cancer is (off centre in my chest), it le me with complica ons, pain and physical

problems. The nurses and doctors supported me through this which has led me onto a slow recovery from Radio.

This then leads me onto November 2020. I saw an advert for Lymphoma Ac on Santa 5k and a er speaking to a small group of people who have supported me throughout the year, everyone was up for it.

A er se ng up the Just Giving page we raised over a £1000 in the first evening! We couldn't believe it. I set up an Instagram page for the event and to con nue to raise awareness for Lymphoma. It's in the top 5 most common cancers yet is fairly unknown to many compared to others. With symptoms such as the flu, fa gue and itchy skin it's important we know when to get checked out. On average every 27 minutes someone is diagnosed with

Lymphoma. It's a cancer that is very treatable if caught early.

The event took place on the weekend of 5th-6th Decmeber with some running 5k on the Saturday and others running together in a small group on Sunday morning donned in purple Lymphoma Ac on tshirts and banners.

Later that day we all met at the Orange Tree pub in Baldock.

Rob, the owner, kindly hosted the event helping to raise more money for the charity through food and drinks sold.

We had a warm up by Helen Parry to get everyone in the mood and ready to go. We set off through a lime green balloon arch and made our way around the Green way, up to the main road by Baldock train sta on and onto Baldock High Street where we were cheered on by supporters before heading back to The Orange Tree. The support from local businesses has been amazing and really helped bring the run to a posi ve close with lots of treats and dona ons.

I have used Instagram as my outlet through this whole journey, sharing every high and low. People have followed my journey, helped others understand the cancer process and how important it is to know your body and if in doubt go and speak to a GP. The walk and run was such a success, raising close to £7000 now. I hope we can make this an annual event.

Cancer will always be a part of me with the a er effects of Radio . In January I have my final scan and look forward to life post cancer. To follow and read about my Journey please follow along @rosie.tredge on Instagram.

From myself and the rest of the team thank you so much for all the support.

We will see you next year for bigger and be er.

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Great for the Community, Good for the Environment On a weekend a couple of weeks before Christmas the second plan ng session took place in the newly created second Rotary wood which is being developed on over 2 acres of unused land in Norton Road, between the Equestrian Centre and the football ground.

As in October, when the first 300 saplings were planted, on each day of the plan ng more than 100 volunteers of all ages came from across the community, rolled up their sleeves, ignored the weather and set about plan ng the next 600 saplings kindly donated by the Woodland Trust.

Everyone worked so well that there was even me to spread wood chip to create the pathways.

In due course, this will be an excellent community facility providing a green

corridor beside Ivel Springs containing a woodland walk and wildflower glade.

Over me it will become a tremendous amenity for the community, play area for children, picnic area, place for dog walking or just taking a gentle stroll in the country.

This project, which is being led by Rotarians Rob Hemmings and Michael Muir, also a Councillor, makes an important contribu on to the Woodland Trust ini a ve of plan ng more trees for the benefit of people, wildlife and the environment. Sta s cs show that the area of new plan ng of woodland in England has increased by 54% since last year. Total new plan ng amounted to 2,330 hectares in 2019-20 up from 1,420 hectares in 2018-19.

Baldock Rotary President commented “that the progress of the wood could

not have been achieved without the tremendous effort and enthusiasm from volunteers across the community.

Thanks go to every one of the volunteers who gave up their me, members of the public, more than 30 students and teaching staff from Knights Templar School, Scouts, Baldock Beats Waste, Rotary members and members from Baldock Green Spaces and St Mary's Church. Thank you one and all”.

Rotarian - Paul Lucke

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4

Lots of love Nana & Grandad

HAPPY 10th BIRTHDAY

LYLA WOOD 8th January

LET’S PHOEBE JEFFREY Th sday P ty Time 21st JANUARY

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Love from Mum, Dad and Ale xx

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JULIE TAPPENDEN 3rd January

ROGERSONS REMOVALS

From Ray, Janet, Gemma, Lee, Kieran, Georgie, Lorelai, William, Teddy-Lee & Angel Jakey

Irene Schooling Happy Birthday Grandma!

Love always, Leanne, Lewis, 11th January Amelia, Harry and Ava x DECEMBER 12

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2015

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What Did You Achieve Last Year?

What Do You Want To Achieve In 2021?

I think most of us are just pleased to have got through 2020 somehow!! So many lows for so many people – but hopefully the odd high too!

Are you one of those sta s cs?

What are you proud of doing last year?

What do you wish you'd done that you didn't get around to? What about making a Will? Have you done that - or are you a sta s c? Are you one of the 55% of the adult popula on in the UK who hasn't made a Will yet?

If you haven't done it yet – why is that? What puts you off? We hear that most of the me people don't deliberately not do it, but making a Will is always a back-burner job that they will get around to soon...

Make 2021 the year that you finally get organised – imagine the sense of relief you will feel when that allimportant document is in place.

Hopefully, it won't be needed any me soon – but it would be there for your family if the worst was to happen.

Assets don't always pass to a spouse; and they never pass to a partner, no ma er how long you've lived together. You must make a Will if you want to leave anything to a partner. Ÿ Without a Will, a court would decide who would care for your children. If appoin ng guardians is the only reason you make a Will, it's a really good reason to do it! Ÿ Are you part of a 'blended family' – with children of your own and maybe stepchildren as well? Are you sure that what the law says about where everything would go if you haven't made a Will is what you would want? That stepchild you've treated as your own since he or she was three would end up with nothing if you hadn't made a Will!

It might all feel too difficult for you to decide what you want in your Will, but the truth is that unless you do Ÿ

make the effort for your family everything will be much more difficult for them. You could leave them with many months, or even years of problems a er you're gone!

So, go on…make 2021 the year you do the responsible thing – the ul mate gi to your family! At A R K Las ng Powers & Wills we really will try to make the process as easy and stressfree as possible. Having an independent professional to talk things through with can really help with making decisions. Call us today for a no-obliga on chat to tell us your concerns. I'm sure we can reassure you that making a Will won't be as difficult as you think!

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Digby’s December Dips Back in November 54 year old Firefighter and Letchworth Rugby Club stalwart Keith Digby, decided he would like to raise much needed funds and awareness to help conquer demen a.

Keith has seen the devasta ng effects of demen a first hand with his dear Mum suffering daily.

As cold water therapy is thought to help depression & reduce the risk of developing demen a. Each day in December he has chosen to spend a minimum of 10 minutes submerged in his garden fish pond, come rain, shine, wind, ice or snow, in just his boxer shorts!

During the 31 day challenge Keith was joined in the water with guest appearances from fellow Firefirefighters and Letchworth Rubgy Club buddies.

What started as a £100 target has nearly reached £4000 (at me of wri ng this) Kieth said “I’m over whelmed by the support, any amount donated is greatly appreciated and thank you for suppor ng me in this challenge, let's beat demen a together “ If you would like to support Keith please follow the QR link to donate.

Hay Birday

Tammy Corinne Lots of love from Mum & Mike xxx

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Lots of Love Kim xx

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Giving today ... ...for Baldock’s tomorrow The above fund was borne out of the Baldock Coronavirus Support Group that operated from March 2020 to August 2020. It supported people in Ashwell, Baldock, Bygrave, Clothall Village, Hinxworth and Radwell during those early days of the pandemic before the Government put services in place. We s ll believe people need help because of the devasta ng effects of the pandemic.

This hardship fund is a last resort for people who have no - where else to

turn and need help for the essen als of life for themselves or their family. We believe these are nutri ous food, essen al cleaning products, fuel to keepwarm and to provide hot water and clothes or shoes . We will also consider suppor ng people with grants or loans for fares or equipment to enable them to take advantage of a job opportunity.

If you or someone you know needs help please complete an on line applica on form on our website www.baldockfuturesfund.co.uk or telephone 07815308124.

We would like to wish you the very best for the New Year.

Vivienne Reed - Baldock Futures Fund

Christmas Star From one Christmas Star to another.

For anyone who has admired the bright new shiny star on top of this years tree in the High Street, this is the man responsible Stuart Ma hews (Mr Christmas).

Every year he digs deep into his own pockets to cover the cost of the tree decora ons, to make sure they are all ready for when the tree is erected.

So please if you see him around the town please raise a hand, p your hat, bump elbows or what ever you are allowed to do, because without residents like Stuart, Baldocks Christmas just wouldn’t be the same.

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Chew Your Drink & Drink Your Food – Mahatma Gandhi Many of our tradi ons had to change this year, but most of us will s ll have managed to eat and drink too much with no thought for our gut health!

Your gut is a smart organ which turns food into energy and waste ma er. It is in constant communica on with your brain and home to 70% of your immune system and around 40 trillion bacteria, which are referred to as your “gut microbiome”. It breaks down food molecules into essen al nutrients. There are definite links to gut health and overall health.

You can have 300-500 different species of bacteria in your gut at any one me. While some are harmful to us many are incredibly beneficial and necessary for a healthy body.

To achieve a wide range of microbiota, think of ea ng a rainbow each day - fruit, vegetable, and beans.

High in fibre, they can be digested by certain bacteria in the gut s mula ng

their growth and giving you a wide variety of different nutrients.

Probio cs are fermented foods which themselves contain good bacteria - yoghurt, kimchi, sauerkraut, kefir, kombucha, tempeh. You may never have heard of these foods, but they are creeping into our supermarkets as the benefits of them become more widely known. (Yoghurt was once only found in the health food store many years ago).

Gandhi was correct - ea ng slowly and chewing food thoroughly can improve diges on reducing diges ve discomfort. We are all guilty of pu ng the next forkful in before we have finished the last one. Give your system a chance!

Your body is made up of 60% water, keep it topped up to flush out toxins.

Increase your intake by having glass of water and a coffee, as the Italians do, or simply use a bigger mug for your

cuppa.

Regular exercise of just 30 minutes, 3 mes a week will help increase the diversity and growth of bacteria in your gut and improve organ diges ve func on.

Deadline for the February issue is 16/01/2021

JANUARY

2021

Baldock Gardens

By Graham Tapp

At last, 2021 Phew. As 2020 started, we all had so much to look forward to lots of plans, things to do, holidays, weddings, etc.

March came, and it was all put on hold abruptly stopped. Everywhere in the UK was shut down.

When the Government allowed click and collect, those of us at the garden centre not furloughed started getting calls for help from lots of people who had very little or no experience of gardening. Some of the people asking for help had a garden but had not used it in any way, never grown any flowers, fruit or veg, just some form of grass for the dog or children, front gardens just gravel for the car.

That was all about to change, inundated with phone calls for plants, compost and everything garden-related, we issued help to everyone who asked or who we thought needed it.

The big problems started when our stock started to run out, just about every horticultural supplier had shut down along with the logistics companies. We, like every other garden centre, had minimal sources of re-supply with very few transport companies available to deliver whatever we could purchase.

Fortunately for us, our plant material suppliers had re-organised their stock supply just before lockdown as a lot of the larger growers had cancelled their orders. We were able to take advantage of the position. We increased and re-ordered a whole lot of plant material (cuttings) anything we could get hold of, a costly gamble.

The four Tapp family members, myself, Susan, Will and Louise, got to it and potted up thousands and thousands of vegetable and flower plants, and sowed tens of thousands of seeds.

The garden centre, shut to visiting customers gave us all of the room under cover we needed to grow all of these plants, they were everywhere, we now realise we are short of covered production area, soon to be expanded for 2021.

A great piece of luck for us was that our compost supplier had made a colossal mistake and delivered to us a full articulated lorry load of multi-purpose compost. This growing medium had arrived about four

weeks before lockdown; this should have been a mixed load for the start of the season. The two lorry loads we were due to have delivered turned up very soon after. We had over sixty pallets plus what we already had in stock of compost on-site, just as the national shortage started.

It took only four weeks to shift all of the plants and compost, it is the first time I can remember our compost area being empty, not one bag anywhere, plants nearly the same, but we were able to replant accordingly and feed the demand.

I am hoping that those of you who became gardeners in the Lockdowns, continue. I would love you to look at your gardens as a useful asset rather than timeconsuming work and a chore.

Further to last months blurb, I would like to explore how you can improve your garden by looking after what is in it; I don't mean just the plants that you plant in it, but the microbes, fungi and other microorganisms found within the soil.

These unseen things are what drive the socalled soil food web; this is very much like the food chain that we are all familiar.

The soil food web consists in its raw form five trophic levels; a trophic level is a level in a chart of the soil ecosystem of what or who eats who.

It starts with the Basel trophic level consisting of the very basic food sources, these amongst others are living plant tissues, dead organic matter, or the dung and dead remains of soil or above-ground organisms.

Here it starts to get interesting, more grisly than night time on the African plains.

The second trophic level contains microorganisms that feed on the food sources from the first level and comprises decomposers that feed off the dead organic matter, herbivores that feed on microbes and parasites that feed on compounds exuded from roots.

The third trophic level holds nematodes and microarthropods that graze on bacteria or fungi, but will also eat dead organic matter.

The fourth trophic level is where it starts to get nasty for those living in the third

level, just about everything on this fourth level is looking to eat all below them.

Larger nematodes and microarthropods are all eating their smaller cousins.

The fifth trophic level contains all the higher-level predators in the soil food web, including the very things I wrote about last month, predatory mites, centipedes and beetles.

You can now look at your garden soil with a different view of how it works and the importance of keeping it in good health.

Most importantly, soil structure needs to be cared for; the soil pore network needs protecting at all costs. What I mean is that the pore size, i.e. the gaps between the soil particles and their relationship between large and small pores that define the levels of water, nutrients and oxygen held in the soil. It is, of course, very much more complicated than I have time to cover in this short writing.

I have time and time again written about keeping off your soil unless you need to get on it. If the local farmers are not out in the fields working with machinery, you should not be stomping around on your lawn, flower beds or vegetable beds.

If you do damage your soil by compressing the pores, it could take years of careful hard work to restore it, no amount of chemical fertilisers will make up for the damage.

Field capacity, the amount of water the soil can then hold before it floods will reduce, and drainage will be slow the earth may become anaerobic and smell bitter, this is an imbalance of the bacteria, a discussion for another time maybe?

It has been a rough time for us all this year, everyone here at the garden centre sincerely hopes you all have a better time in 2021, and we look forward to being helpful again to you with your garden needs and questions.

We wish you all a very merry Christmas and a safe and happy new year.

Cheers,

Graham JANUARY

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5 minutes with... ... Alison Jarvis from Alison Jarvis Financial Solutions *Tell us about yourself?

I'm a Financial Adviser based in Baldock, where I grew up!

As part of the St. James's Place Partnership, I offer both a local and personal service and give my client's access to some of the industry's finest financial minds. It is this blend of the personal and professional that helps me to tailor solu ons that meet their unique needs. *What was the inspira on behind your business?

Having spent 7 years living in Cambodia, a developing economy, I was determined to start my own business using my background as a businesswoman. Armed with my financial and money management skillset from my MBA, I was lucky enough to win a coveted place on St. James's Place's Academy and I haven't looked back! My vision is to extend my prac ce over the next 5 years, so that more people get comfortable talking about money and have access to the benefits of financial advice. *How do you help people?

I help people with their ever-evolving financial needs across the lifespan. My overarching goal is to connect the dots between their life goals and their finances, so that these goals stand a greater chance of being realised. Aside from the financial benefits, my dedicated support helps to provide peace of mind and sense of control over their financial future.

*Who are your typical clients? I work with individuals and business owners who want to be proac ve around their finances. We are lucky enough to be living longer yet in challenging mes, so we need to make sure that the finances that underpin these extra years are robust. *How do you work with people?

I create confiden al, long-term rela onships that help me understand what is important to my clients. I pride myself on running an inclusive prac ce. This means that I am passionate about helping people whether they are building their wealth, managing a sizeable estate, or suppor ng the next genera on. *How do I get in touch ?

For a confiden al, non-obligatory conversa on, feel free to contact me on the details below, or visit my website: h ps://partnership.sip.co.uk/partner/alisonjarvisfinancial Alison Jarvis Financial Solu ons is an Appointed Representa ve of and represents only St. James's Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority) for the purpose of advising solely on the Group's wealth management products and services, more details of which are set out on the Group's website www.sjp.co.uk/products. The tle 'Partner Prac ce' is the marke ng term used to describe St. James's Place representa ves.

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Pin Sharp German Luxury Audi A7 Sportback

By Tim Barnes-Clay - Follow on Instagram @tbarnsclay

Fancy a car that does 0-62mph in 5.7 seconds? Need one with five seats and a big boot so you can s ll use it as family transport? Well, you could do far worse than an Audi A7.

This five-door coupe has “execu ve” wri en all over it – but who cares when you can chew through hundreds of miles without feeling sha ered?

You might care when you see the price, though. The A7 on test here, (admi edly with a few extras) costs over sixty thousand pounds. But, if you have the cash, or you're high-management material with the model on the company car list, then why not?

You see, the brand with the four interlocking rings knows how to make driving a pleasure rather than a chore. It also builds cars to last – inside and out.

The sheer comfort and power delivered by the A7 will make you smile – even on a miserable Monday morning commute.

Also, if image is your thing, you'll look instantly successful behind the wheel of an Audi – especially one as sleek as the

A7. You'll get posi ve remarks from other parents on the school run, too.

That's because it's not a car oozing arrogance – unlike some other German brands. Instead, it radiates sophis ca on and good taste.

On the prac cal side of things, it'll fit three people into the rear seats – and the 535-litre boot will swallow all their luggage – and more. Okay, my three kids had enough space, but a trio of adults might be a bit ght in the back. S ll, it's a roomy motor, considering it's a coupe or “Sportback” as Audi likes to call it.

It's not the most economical of cars, but what 3.0-litre V6 286ps lump is? So, expect mid to late 30smpg with CO2 emissions of 147g/km. That's s ll reasonable for such a big unit, and the A7's smooth engine and auto gearbox more than make up for any extra stops at the pumps.

Add four-wheel drive into the mix, and you have a car that's sure-footed in all weathers. That alone is a big selling point - especially for drivers in the UK.

Fast Facts A7 Sportback 50 TDI Qua ro 286PS S line Tiptronic - as tested: Ÿ Max speed: 155 mph Ÿ 0-62 mph: 5.7 secs Ÿ Combined mpg: 37.7 - 39.2 Ÿ Engine layout: 2967cc, V6 turbo diesel Ÿ Max. power (PS): 286 Ÿ CO2: 147 g/km Ÿ Price: £65,955

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FEAR OF INJECTIONS? As we grow closer to ending this COVID-19 pandemic through the vaccine for some people the thought of receiving an injec on at the GP Surgery or hospital fills them with dread a desire to run a mile, or perhaps an intense sick feeling deep down in their stomach or if the fear is out of control can bring on a panic a ack. In fact, some studies suggest 20% of the popula on will avoid medical or dental treatment as a result and affec ng at least one in 10 people.

For many people, fear of needles is linked to fain ng or feeling faint. When the fear is triggered (thinking about an injec on), heart rate and blood pressure increase but then rapidly drops, it is this

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fall in blood pressure that can cause the fain ng. Many people do not confront their fear because they are embarrassed, other people do not feel faint or actually faint but do feel panicky when their fear is triggered.

What can I do to overcome my fear of needles?

There are a number of things you can do to help overcome your fear.

Tell the person who is coordina ng your care, giving you your injec on or doing a blood test about your worries. They may be able to answer any specific ques ons you have, and help you cope with the procedure, for example by cha ng to distract you. Don't worry, staff looking a er you will not be annoyed or think you are a wimp when you tell them – they would like to know so that they can help to make it easier for you.

Think about whether there has been anything which has helped you to cope with needles in the past. Can you use something like this to help you again?

If your fear is linked to fain ng, or feeling faint, you can learn an applied tension technique 1 Sit down somewhere comfortable.

2 Tense the muscles in your arms, upper body and legs, and hold this tension for 10 to 15 seconds, or un l you start to feel the warmth rising in your face.

3 Release the tension and go back to your normal si ng posi on.

4 A er about 20 to 30 seconds, go through the tension procedure again un l you feel the warmth in your face.

5 Repeat this sequence so that you have prac sed the tension five mes.

If you feel panicky (for example your heart races, your chest feels ght and your stomach churns), but you do not feel faint, you can learn a breathing for relaxa on exercise Sit in a comfortable posi on, with your back upright but not s ff.

Let your shoulders and jaw relax.

Put one hand low down on your belly.

Take a long, slow, deep, gentle breath in through your nose and out through your mouth.

Try to breathe right down into your belly, but don't force it.

Just let your body breathe as deeply as is comfortable for you. Do this for five breaths.

Hypnotherapy is a therapeu c way to overcome your fear of needles or injec ons. Your subconscious mind and biology is crea ng the sensa on of fear to protect you, to keep you safe from pain and danger. Working with this sensa on of fear and embracing it, enables the subconscious to turn right down the intensity from “I'm going to run away and I can't help it”, to “a li le nervous but I will be OK”.

Kim Holloway www.total-therapy.co.uk

Magical Memories What fun we have had this term and we have not let a global pandemic get in our way in the build up to Christmas. The children have helped decorate the preschool and create a tree for the fes val at St Mary's Church.

Well done everyone at Magic Moments. Santa has no ced the

great work of the Magic ladies, parents and children and is popping in on Wednesday for a covid secure outdoor gro o.

Like all groups and chari es, Magic Moments has been hit hard by the pandemic. The Autumn Term is always a financial struggle, but the limita ons on fundraising, rising costs etc are a very real worry.

But as long as we are here and have the reserve funds to keep going we will ensure that every step of the childrens' journey is filled with magical memories.

magicmomentspreschool2020@gmail.com www.magicmomentspreschool.co.uk

LAWN CUTTING HEDGE CUTTING LANDSCAPING PATIOS

ASHWELL

Here's to 2021 and happy new year to everyone from Magic Moments Pre-school.

If you would like more informa on, please call us on 07709618434 or email magicmomentspreschool202 0@gmail.com

WESTON JANUARY

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!” it t a e d n a e k a c r u o y “You can have Sandra Lloyd Slimming World Consultant for Baldock talks to local Baker Shanika Trotman, about her Slimming World journey so far!

Sandra: Can you recall what the 'trigger' was to want to make a change and lose weight?

Shanika: Yes absolutely, it was a picture from a family holiday that really pped me over the edge! I had known for a while I was gaining more and more, to the point I cried in H&M because I kept having to go one more size up 4 mes to fit into a skirt for the holiday.

Sandra: How were you feeling about your body image and fitness before you joined Slimming World?

Shanika: Oh, my body image was crazy low. It's hard to find pictures of me during the mes I was at my biggest - I used to avoid pictures, always offering to take them. Fitness was different for me, I enjoy being ac ve, I decided to do Red January in 2019 the same year I joined slimming world (June 19) but wasn't seeing much change, a er that I thought ... it has to be food!

Sandra: Why did you choose Slimming World? There are many diets and other organisa ons out there …. Why us?

Shanika: Well, I used to live next door to where the mee ngs are and I would arrive home around the same me the sessions were star ng. For a few weeks I sat in the car and watched everyone come and go, ini ally I won't lie. I kind of mocked the process! But weirdly I could see people changing slightly and one week my brother turned to me and said "I will pay for you to go if that's the push you need because then you're accountable". So the next week I joined and it was the best decision I've made.

Sandra: What do you love about Food Op mising, our Ea ng Plan? Was it easy to follow?

Shanika: Sandra explains the basics on your first day and you have your book, and then you build your knowledge every week ge ng ps from the group, for lunches, snacks, cooking your own fakeaways!

Outside of our group mes we have a members only closed facebook group, so the sharing and ps just keep coming all week. It is that on-going support that really helps you s ck with it and be successful.

Sandra: How would you say a ending a group has played a part in your success?

Shanika: I wouldn't be where I am today without the group. I would have given up and just gone back to my old ways.

Seeing everyone and hearing about their week and their ideas really gave me the kick I needed some weeks. One week in par cular the idea sharing for snacking was amazing and stopped me giving up.

Trust me- I used to be one of those people who thought "I don't need to sit in a room and hear about everyone's food or what they're ea ng!" - Now I'm excited every week to hear what everyone's been up to! It's 45 minutes once a week and I love it!

Sandra: 2020 has been a posi ve year of change for you! Turning your baking hobby into a from home business and losing weight con nuously at the same me is quite an achievement! loss every week.

Shanika: Thanks! It took awhile for me to adjust but Slimming World being online, virtual and responding so fast during lockdown kept me on track! I am always at the peril of sampling the bu er icing or the sponge cake off cuts but with food op mising - as long as I bank and count the syns I know I can s ll have a great Sandra: What can you do now that you couldn't or wouldn't do before losing weight?

Shanika: I've gained so much confidence! I am now part of a dance team again (beginners) and during lockdown we did a belly dance rou ne.

The old me would have been mor fied at the thought of belly dancing the size I was, but I braved a crop top and danced the rou ne in hitchin park- I felt AMAZING. Sandra: So how do you feel in yourself now you've lost weight?

Shanika: I feel so much more like me!

I'm quite a cha y person and love being around people, being so overweight knocked all the confidence out of me. I started feeling so uncomfortable out with friends or in social situa ons, uncomfortable in my own skin. Now, I'm back and be er than ever! Looking forward to my next weight loss milestone…hi ng my target weight early this year!

Sandra: Last ques on … can you share your favourite meal please?

Shanika: Oh so many to choose from!

I know I can pre y much Food Op mise all my favourite meals, curries especially I love, but I think the Chicken Shawarma and Roasted Pepper Hummus is a firm favourite. It is really simple, so tasty and great for sharing...just add pi a bread, and a glass of fizz …. And you have a great night in whilst losing weight at the same me.

Sandra: Thank you gorgeous! Your success makes me smile. I can't wait to present you with your target badge very soon.

Slimming World Members Story 28

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Slimming Wld Recipe Supplied by

Sandra Lloyd Slow-cooked Sweet & Sour Chicken This sweet and sour chicken recipe is cooked slowly to make a meltingly tender and intensely tasty Chinese-style dish for that Friday night on plan Fakeaway!

Ingredients Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ

4 skinless and boneless chicken breasts, cut into chunks ½ tbsp Chinese five-spice powder 230g can pineapple chunks in natural juice 1½ level tbsp cornflour 1 tbsp tomato purée 2 tbsp rice wine vinegar 2 tbsp soy sauce/ tamari Low-calorie cooking spray 1 onion, cut into chunks 2½cm piece fresh root ginger, peeled and grated 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced into chunks 2 peppers (red, orange or yellow), deseeded and cut into bite-size pieces 250g passata 1 star anise 4 baby leeks, cut into short lengths 225g can bamboo shoots, drained

Method 1. Preheat your oven to 200°C/ fan 180°C/gas 6.

Put the chicken in a large bowl with the Chinese five-spice powder and toss to coat. Leave to marinate for 10 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, drain the pineapple over a bowl to reserve the juice. Put the cornflour in another bowl and gradually whisk in the pineapple juice to make a smooth paste. Whisk in the tomato purée, vinegar and soy sauce and set aside.

3. Spray a large non-stick frying pan with low-calorie cooking spray and place over a medium-high heat.

Brown the chicken all over in batches, then transfer to a large baking dish.

4. Spray the frying pan with a little more low-calorie cooking spray and reduce the heat to medium-low.

Add the onion and ginger and soften until starting to turn golden. Add the carrots and peppers and fry for 2 minutes. Add the pineapple sauce, stirring until thickened, then add the passata and star anise and bring to a simmer. Transfer to the baking dish, cover and bake for 30 minutes.

5. Stir in the leeks, bamboo shoots and pineapple chunks. Re-cover and bake for a further 30 minutes.

Discard the star anise, then divide between 4 bowls and serve with the noodles.

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29

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RingPay from McLEAR – Fashionable Contactless Payments We are all now used to using contactless payments either using our credit or debit cards, or even using our smartphones! I personally find using my smartphone really convenient when making smaller purchases as it saves scrabbling around in pockets for my wallet. Such are my 'first-world problems'.

So, when I received my RingPay from McLEAR, a 'ring' that lets me pay for goods, I was intrigued to find out how well it would work?

RingPay by McLEAR makes payments fast, secure, and invisible. Users can make contactless payments of up to £45, and top up their ring by simply adding their preferred credit or debit card onto the RingPay app. The app allows users to track their spending in real- me, control their budgets, set automa c top-ups, respect physical distancing guidelines, and in case of loss, instantly freeze their Ring.

In addi on, the RingPay Giving feature, let's Ringholders choose to automa cally send a micro-sized dona on to their chosen charity when they make a purchase using their Ring.

Ringholders control how much they give using monthly dona on caps, and chari es benefit from free Gi Aid reports allowing them to claim an extra

smart wooden box, it is available in either black or white and is most definitely a fashion accessory which doubles as a way of paying for items and it most certainly a conversa on starter. It's available in all ring sizes which is confirmed at the point of purchase, mine fi ed as expected.

KeepAt £89, the RingPay is priced for fashion with a degree of added prac cality.

25% on all dona ons given. This social impact service is turning every contactless payment reader into a charity collec on bucket!

The discreet and premium RingPay design is scratch-resistant, stress-tested, waterproof and requires no ba ery.

Simply use McLEAR patented fist bump technology at any contactless reader for 'blink and you'll miss it' payments.

Forget the days of unlocking your phone I thought it was great fun to use! or emptying your pockets!

For more info or to purchase your A er receiving the ring, se ng up was RingPay, visit www.mclear.com fairly straigh orward and there was a Happy New Year!! process of confirming iden fica on which was reassuring. The ring has its own individual serial number which is WWW.THEGADGETMAN.ORG.UK registered to the App. I was then able to transfer money from my bank account to the RingPay account.

Once topped up, I du fully paid for fuel at my local garage MOT’s, SERVICING, REPAIRS, accompanied by a AIR CON, DIAGNOSTICS puzzled expression from the cashier. + VAT AIR CON RE-GAS £69.99 The ring is LOAN CARS AVAILABLE manufactured from a ceramic material FREE MOT WITH and came in a very

Matt

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Happy 50th Birthday Judy

Lots of love from Matt and all the family xx

Joy Sadl 7th

Janu y

Love from your Godson Jamie x

Happy

66Birthday th

JOHN

FOSTER

Lots of Love Kayleigh x

20th JANUARY

Susan Tapp 24th January

Lots of love Wil iam, Lou & Alex x x Happy 17th Birthday Sophie

We are very proud of everything you do.

Lots of love Mummy, Daddy and Samuel xxx 32

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2021

Screen this month’s new releases

WE CAN BE HEROS

one night in miami Out 15th JAN

Out 1st JAN When alien invaders kidnap Earth's superheroes, their kids are whisked away to a government safe house.

But whip-smart tween Missy Moreno will stop at nothing to rescue her superhero dad, Marcus Moreno. Missy teams up with the rest of the superkids to escape their mysterious government babysitter, Ms. Granada. If they're going to save their parents, they'll have to work together by using their individual powers On Netflix

On the night of February 25, 1964, a young Cassius Clay, emerges from the Miami Beach Convention Center as the new Heavyweight Boxing Champion of the World. Clay spends the evening at the Hampton House Motel in Miami, celebrating with three of his closest friends: Malcolm X, Sam Cooke, and Jim Brown. During this historic evening, these icons, shared their thoughts their responsibilities as influencers.

On Amazon

Certificate N/A

Certificate N/A

Running Time 100 mins

Running Time 90 mins

‘Now open Tuesday to Saturdays 10am - 1pm Alterations and repairs undertaken Booking now for sewers and bridal alterations ’

Please phone 07938509672 for more details and to book

PETER RABbIT 2

THE DIG

Out 15th JAN

Out 30th JAN

The lovable rogue is back. Bea, Thomas, and the rabbits have created a makeshift family, but despite his best efforts, Peter can’t seem to shake his mischievous reputation. Adventuring out of the garden, Peter finds himself in a world where his mischief is appreciated, but when his family risks everything to come looking for him, Peter must figure out what kind of bunny he wants to be.

At the cinema

Set just before WWII, The Dig is a dramatisation of the real excavation that took place in Suffolk’s Sutton Hoo, which led to the ground-breaking discovery of an Anglo-Saxon burial ship. Sutton Hoo owner Edith Pretty enlists amateur archaeologist Basil Brown’s to dig up the mounds on her land. Due to the looming war, the museum can’t spare the resources at first, but they do eventually get involved once the historic discoveries are made.

On Netflix

Certificate N/A

Certificate N/A

Running Time 93 mins

www.sewingbs.co.uk

Running Time 93 mins

Answer-phone on both numbers & will return all calls

JANUARY

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33

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

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

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We Remember Small beginnings, Little steps By the me you read this, we will be done with 2020 (or very nearly), I'm quite sure that most of us were done with it back in August. If the media are to be taken seriously, there has been very li le to celebrate and Armageddon is upon us.

That is not en rely true though is it?

While it can be said that It's been a year of sadness, confusion and isola on for a lot of us. You and I have also seen many good things this year, neighbours helping neighbours, strangers becoming friends, Mother Nature making a bid for freedom.

There has been less noise pollu on as planes, trains and automobiles have been curtailed; allowing us to hear a li le more bird song, and weirdly a lot of us have managed to get out a bit more.

I would like to end this year by telling a story of triumph. A story where something came out of nothing and has the poten al to grow.

Back in March when the hammer struck and we were all told to stay put and isolate, a few ladies decided they would like to do a li le fitness thing together. As they were friends, and a couple of them had a connec on to the rugby club, they thought it would be fun to get together once a week on the pitches at Letchworth and add a li le rugby style twist to their workout. Nothing big, nothing exhaus ng, just fun exercise with no pressure.

There was about five or six of them and each week they would gather and giggle while throwing balls at each other.

Eventually, a couple of the man coaches got wind of their shenanigans and offered to coach them in the finer arts. There was no formality about it, just a seed of an idea, a thought in the back of someone's mind that maybe this might go somewhere. As word spread, more and more ladies joined in.

On 12th December a team of twentytwo nervously excited ladies and three proud coaches stepped on to a proper rugby pitch and faced the enemy on foreign soil, and the Letchworth Lionesses did roar.

I asked them how it went, words such as invigora ng, amazing, fun, were used. I could actually feel the big smile in their messages. I asked if they won. No idea came the reply. They scored the first try and that is all we know. But it doesn't ma er if they won, it doesn't ma er if they lost. They simply do not care. The

achievement of ge ng out on the pitch and compe ng was enough. Rugby is always the winner.

In the finest tradi ons of grass routes rugby these fine ladies are a diverse group. The age range alone is testament to the 'all are welcome' ethos of this glorious game. The youngest is twentyone, oldest is forty-eight. In addi on to a glorious Sunday morning hangover (apparently, they celebrated with a li le Rum), they had a few extra aches and pains, but nothing can overshadow the feeling of achievement, they simply do not care. I am aware of at least one brave soldier who got 'blooded' and came away with a lovely shiner for her troubles.

I am absolutely posi ve we have seen the birth of another unstoppable Letchworth team.

For the new year, I wish you all well and happy. I hope that 2021 brings some normality back to your lives, and I sincerely hope that 2020 has not le too many scars.

Chins up, ba le on, we will get back in the pubs and be able to enjoy a pint without a Scotch Egg accompaniment.

Happy new year

Nicky

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35

Christmas Jumper Day We have been very busy here at Weston Way nursery and the children are very excited about Christmas.

We have some wonderful wall displays of the children's work and the nursery is looking very fes ve.

Unfortunately, this year we will not be able to host our Open Evening for the parents to come and have a look around. They will have to take a look on our website or Facebook page, not quite the same fes ve atmosphere!

Our 'Elves on the Shelves' are ge ng up to their usual December mischief.

As a result of Covid-19 the children are not moving around the nursery in the same way they used to. They are staying with their colour groups to ensure we keep them safe. So instead

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of just having one elf we now have 3!

Instead of our usual joint Christmas party where the children tradi onally all join together for one very exci ng party we will be hos ng 4 separate par es. We hope to get a visit from a socially distanced Father Christmas.

We recently celebrated Christmas Jumper Day and raised funds for Save the Children. The sta and children wore some great jumpers.

I would like to say a HUGE thank you to all the parents of the children who a end the nursery for their support and especially their pa ence throughout this term. It takes a lot longer to get all the children into the nursery at the beginning of their sessions and to see them out at the

end. Our parents have followed social distancing throughout. Another thank you to the children for having to become so independent in record me as their parents cannot enter the building!

And last but deďŹ nitely not least my wonderful sta who have shown such determina on and commitment to ensure all the children have a s mula ng, safe environment in which to learn.

Best wishes for Christmas and let us hope 2021 gives us more opportuni es for more freedom!

Jane Mille

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Councils North Hertfordshire District

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Doctors Baldock Surgery

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Play Groups Magic Moments Merry Go Round

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Plumbers Maben PE James

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Window & Door repairs JML Windows Repairs Warrens Windows

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Florist Blooms of Baldock

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Funeral Directors Shires - CPJ Field Baldock

01462 491149

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

January Gallery Brinley on a cold frosty morning in Baldock Eve Knott

Some of the participants of Rosie’s Lymphoma Action Santa 5k

Beautiful Baldock morning - Amy Felce

Santa doing his rounds with the Baldock Rotary Club.

Jubilant Letchworth Lionesses

Young Alex Tapp bagged up ready for Christmas

Kevin Thompson

The lone tree of Ashanger Hill , Clothall.- Stuart Knock