January issue

A new community magazine where you can learn and share what’s... what’s...

On

DOORSTEP

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

Baldock Issue 7 January

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Welcome To the ďŹ rst issue of 'On Our Doorstep' for 2015 We hope you all had a great Christmas and managed to spend some quality time with your family and friends. If you are anything like us you're probably reading this a couple of pounds heavier than last month due to all of the parties, turkey, sausage rolls, beer, wine and chocolate.

The town hosted a fantastic Christmas fair earlier in December; I think the majority of the town visited it at one point or another over the two days. Lots of local craft stalls, Father Christmas in his grotto and of course the ski slope that had been hired in, all helped to make an eventful weekend. We also visited the Christmas Tree Festival at St Marys Church; the tower was also open for tours all weekend, for anyone who fancied the climb to the top.

2014 was an eventful year for us, our oldest started his own company and now works for himself, the middle child (as she likes to be known) passed her driving test, meanwhile the youngest spent most of the year singing, dancing and smiling. And of course we published the ďŹ rst issue of the magazine which has been a huge learning curve! We could not have asked for a better response from residents and businesses alike. Hopefully next year the success of the magazine will continue to grow and will become something that you all look forward to receiving each month.

NEXT issue?

It's that time of the year again Get in tou when everyone makes resolutions ch for the coming twelve months. Mine isto ďŹ nish all the jobs around the house that should have been completed in 2014, as I was asked to do them back in 2013.

We would like to take this opportunity to wish all our readers and advertisers a Happy New Year and thank you all for the support that we have received throughout 2014. If you would like to get involved or help deliver future issues in 2015, please do contact us and don't forget to follow us on Facebook or Twitter.

Best wishes info@onyo

urdoorstep

baldock.co

.uk

Paul & Jacqui info@onyourdoorstepbaldock.co.uk

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Jacqui Calver 07973 788418 Email: jacqui@onyourdoorstepbaldock.co.uk

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Housing Plan Consulta on Period - 18 December to 6 February Many Baldock residents a ended the Council Mee ng on 27 November to hear the councillors vote on whether to pass the preferred op on Local Plan on to public consulta on. Although numerous councillors did not agree with the Plan itself, pressure from poli cal par es and, importantly, the need for an official Plan to be in place in order to prevent further undesirable building applica ons being passed by the Planning Inspector, meant that the councillors voted in favour of pu ng it through. This decision was expected: it should not in any way dampen our resolve to fight on for a be er and fairer housing plan.

While North Her ordshire does need new, affordable houses, they should be built and distributed in a way that enables the area to retain its reputa on as a desirable place to live and allows exis ng communi es to thrive and prosper. The current Plan fails to ensure this, par cularly for Baldock. It will allow 3591 new houses to be built around Baldock, increasing the popula on by 83%. 2,800 of these will be on a site referred to as the Blackhorse Farm site, which is to the right of North Road stretching East as far as Bygrave. The majority of the remainder will be to the South of the Clothall Common estate. It will involve losing grade 2 agricultural land that is currently protected by the Green Belt and it could lead to increased road conges on and overstretched ameni es unless and un l new infrastructure is built.

It is in the hands of the people of Baldock to prevent this Plan and its implica ons from being realised.

The official consulta on period began on 18 December and runs through to 6 February. This is when you have a chance to air your views. You can do this via the form on the NHDC website (www.north-herts.gov.uk), at Home > Environment and Planning > Planning > Planning Policy & Projects > Current Consulta ons on planning policy and projects.

You can also write le ers or emails to councillors. Names and addresses of all NHDC and County Councillors can be found on SRB website and on request at the Post Office. Councillor David Leve , is the Por olio Holder for Planning and Enterprise so make sure you send correspondence to him if no- one else. The address is Council Offices, Gernon Road, Letchworth Garden City, SG6 3JF Anything that you send in using these methods will be taken into account when the plan is reviewed and the formal Local Plan is prepared. It will also be passed on to the Planning Inspector when he assesses the formal Plan. Although the councillors currently in office have not necessarily discarded any representa ons made to date, it is not official policy that they must consider them when making the next version of the Plan. In any case, previous representa ons will not be passed on to the Inspector at the later review stage. Due to this, it is strongly encouraged that you resend any comments you have already sent, enhancing them wherever you can.

While any comments are be er than none, there are a few ways to ensure that they are read and acted upon. There is a lot of informa on and advice on the Save Rural Baldock website (www.saveruralbaldock.co.uk), but the main points to bear in mind when wri ng are…

1.

Write what you think about the plans, and if you do not agree with them, explain clearly in your own words the reasons for this 2.

Take as wide a view of the situa on as you can while making your point – avoid coming across as a NIMBY 3.

Include any evidence of issues or problems to back up your statement 4.

Suggest how the plan could be changed to improve it, if you can Look out for publicity regarding public mee ngs in January: they will give more informa on about the proposals and making representa ons, as well as providing a forum for ques ons to be asked. The Save Rural Baldock website will also be kept up to date with all of the informa on available, and can offer help with any issues or problems regarding the process.

It is vital that everyone who has objec ons to the plan keeps up the pressure on councillors and planners throughout this process: our voices have to be heard.

Make it your New Year's resolu on to help create a be er housing plan for Baldock.

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We've had a very busy December leading up to Christmas. Our nursery & pre-school children have enjoyed : Mincemeat Monday – making their own mincemeat to take home to their families Christmas Tree Fes val – a er reading the Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler book the children created their own 'S ckman' to decorate our tree in St Mary's church Santa's Gro o – as part of the Baldock Christmas Market we played host to Father Christmas in our Gro o. Thank you to everyone who came to see us, we had a great me.

Na vity Play – our nursery children performed the Na vity and sang songs for their families. The children put on an amazing performance.

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Christmas Songs in the Market Square – our nursery children walked to the Christmas tree in the Market Square and visited local business to sing their Christmas songs for them.

The children then visited Father Andrew in the church where he told them the Na vity story.

Our term finished with a Christmas party for all the pre-school & nursery children along with their families.

Father Christmas visited our Gro o giving out early Christmas presents for all the children.

We would like to thank all our parents for suppor ng our events during the year.

If you are interested in a nursery place for your child at Merry Go Round we are holding a nursery admissions open a ernoon on Friday 30th January 1:30pm – 3pm. The whole se ng will be open and staff will be on hand to answer your ques ons.

Happy New Year.

Get in touch info@onourdoorstepbaldock.co.uk

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December has been a very busy month for the children and staff at Weston Way Nursery School.

We held our Open Evening last week, where parents were invited to come into the nursery to see all the Christmas displays.

The children all designed their own Christmas Cards and these were then printed by Chris Lunnon at The Print Factory, Baldock.

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The children have all made a c a l e n d a r fo r t h e N e w Ye a r personalised with a photograph of them taken in our woodland garden.

We held a 'Christmas Shopping' extended session one Friday from 3.30-5.45pm. The children stayed for a pre-ordered tea and had the opportunity to make a snowman from a wooden spoon, decorate a cupcake, listen to a Christmas story and dance to some music from Frozen.

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Father Christmas, presents, reindeer, angels, snowmen and robins adorn the walls throughout the nursery. The children are going to be entertained by a magician later in the week and there will be a Christmas party for all the children on the last day of term.

I would like to say a huge thank you to all the dedicated members of staff at Weston Way Nursery School who always embrace the fes ve season with enthusiasm and provide such a wealth of learning opportuni es for the children on a daily basis.

Jane Mille Headteacher

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NEWS FROM ST MARY'S JUNIOR SCHOOL In school, prepara on for Christmas started early with the learning of Christmas Carols and songs ready for Christmas concerts and performances and of course, singing, ac ng and dance rehearsals for the year 3 /4 produc on.

Our year 3 /4 Christmas produc on was called 'The Best Gi '. It told the story of toys in a toyshop coming to life, all arguing about the quali es that meant they were the 'best gi ' for the children who were eagerly pu ng together their Christmas present lists.

Not surprisingly, following the Na vity story, the children and the toys all concluded that the best gi was the gi of Jesus and that it is important to remember the true meaning of Christmas that is some mes forgo en amidst the gi shopping. It was a great produc on - a triumph for the staff and children who worked so hard – and hopefully a reminder for the children that Christmas is about giving as well as receiving.

In the final week of term, we have our Christmas Dinner. Our cook, Mrs Chalkley, is amazing. She makes sure the children and staff have a wonderful Christmas lunch. This is no mean feat when cooking for 240 children and 40 + adults – especially when she has done the same for the Infant School the week before! The children all have their lunch together in the school hall on laid tables and served by the staff. It is always an enjoyable – if noisy - occasion.

This year, we are hoping the crackers do not all contain a whistle as they did one year. That was a Christmas dinner to remember!

We will be looking forward to our whole school Christmas Service at St Mary's Church and this year, we have the KTS brass band coming to play to the school on the last day of term. Children will be taking home a variety of home-made decora ons, presents and

calendars to give their families and will enjoy a Christmas party.

Although it is all very enjoyable; by the end of term, we are looking forward to the spring and the hope that brings for longer, warmer days and possibly early spring flowers. The reality of January and February is that we o en have severe weather making the journey to and from school difficult for families and staff. Last year, we had no snow; there will be many children who are hoping we do have some snow this year – and many grown-ups who hope we do not! The school field is always enhanced with a few snowmen and snow sculptures so as long as we can all get in, we will make the most of whatever weather we have. A new year will bring new challenges – we look forward to it.

Pat Jenkins - Headteacher

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SHIRES

5 minutes with...

Funeral Directors

Robert Kovacs from Shires *What is the role of the Funeral Director?

Funeral Directors are listeners, advisors and supporters. One of the best defini ons I've heard is " Custodian of the deceased and caregiver to the bereaved". It goes without saying that the person who has died is treated with a great deal of respect care and a en on but that is very closely followed by the service and support that we offer the family and loved ones. We are trained to answer ques ons about grief, recognise when a person is having difficulty coping, and recommend sources of professional help.

*Tell me a bit about Shires?

Shires is part of the family owned CPJ Field group of Funeral Directors and has 6 branches locally, including our Baldock office in Whitehorse Street . CPJ Field have over 300 years experience within the funeral business and have helped at the funerals of monarchs and na onal heroes. Families place their trust in us to help them at mes of loss because of our caring and compassionate service. We are proud of our heritage of providing the highest standards of professional and caring service when people need us most. We are easily iden fiable around Bedfordshire and Her ordshire in our dis nc ve fleet of Silver Mercedes-Benz vehicles. We offer a full range of services from pre-need funeral plans through to monumental masonry.

*Why did you become a Funeral Director?

I previously worked in manufacturing for 22 years and although it paid the mortgage and bills I can't remember a day that I looked forward to going to work. A er losing my mother in 2007, I was impressed with how we were dealt with by our local Funeral

Directors and I thought what a rewarding job that must be. A couple of years later I was offered redundancy which also coincided with Shires adver sing locally for a chauffeur/bearer. From this posi on it was then just a natural progression for me to become a Funeral Director. It's a job that I think you know within a couple of days whether it's for you or not. I've seen big, burly 6 4in ex-prison officers not return a er their 1st day at the job! I loved it from day one and actually enjoy going to work. It's definitely the people that make the job , not just the people I work with but the families that I get to meet and help through, what can seem a daun ng task, at what is probably one of their lowest points.

*What is one of the most o en asked ques ons: How can I personalise a funeral?

There are so many ways. There's a wide range of coffins and caskets from a simple cardboard coffin to lavish American caskets. Vehicles are changing too from coloured hearses, motorcycle hearses, double decker buses and armoured personnel carriers. Services can be carried out at hotels ,pubs and clubs not just places of worship. The type of service is changing as well with non- religious services now gaining favour and life celebra ons popular too. Crema on now accounts for almost 75% of funerals in the U.K. Ashes can be blasted in to the sky from a firework or turned in to precious stones. Memorial pages are now hosted on the internet.

However, if you want “tradi onal” it's s ll here and we at Shires are more than happy to provide what you want and how you want it.

Again, just pop in for a chat and see what op ons there are. Our staff will be more than pleased to help.

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"Quarter-Final victory sets up meeting with local rivals" Baldock Town put a recent run of poor form behind them to beat SSML Division One tle favourites Welwyn Garden City 4-1 at Top Field to set up a mouth-watering Semi-Final with local rivals Letchworth Garden City Eagles in the Herts Senior Centenary Trophy.

The Reds may have slipped off the pace in the race for promo on in recent weeks, but manager Sco Grant hasn't given up hope with there s ll being a long way to go and a lot of football to be played.

His charges will be buoyed by their comprehensive win over a side who threaten to run away with the league tle this season though.

Letchworth will undoubtedly be tough opponents in the SemiFinal, which is scheduled to take place in mid-February. Eagles are going well in the Herts Senior County League this season and they have a good record in the head-to-head with their local rivals.

Baldock won the compe on as a Herts Senior County League side in 2012/13 and victors from this last four e will take on either holders Belstone or Cuffley in the County Ground showpiece on the 24th March.

Before then though, the Reds have some business to take care of in January. At the me of wri ng, they are at home just the once on Saturday 10th January when local rivals Arlesey Town Reserves make the short trip to Top Field. They start 2015 with a trip to Aston Clinton in the SSML Challenge Trophy on 3rd January (1.30pm KO).

The victors will book a place in the Quarter-Final.

The following Tuesday, they travel to FC Broxbourne Borough in the league. They then see out the month with trips to Winslow United (17th Jan) and London Lions (31st Jan).

Baldock Town FC would like to wish all its players, officials, supporters and sponsors a Merry Christmas and a very prosperous 2015!

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‘Stop, Drop & Roll’ Baldock Beavers Con nuing our theme of safety, the beavers visited Shefford Fire Sta on (Baldock was unavailable due to a re-fit). The children were fantas c listeners as Luke talked them through basic fire safety, they had all sorts of interes ng ques ons and were especially keen to prac se the 'Stop, Drop, Roll' technique of exi ng a smoke-filled room. Of course, the highlight (for the adults as well as children!) was a tour of the fire engine itself.

Sadly, it was too dark to go and 'prac se' with the hoses.

We have been very crea ve in the runup to Christmas. As always, we take part in the St Mary's C h r i s t m a s Tr e e compe on and this year the beavers w e r e v e r y industrious and make mini stockings by s tching two pieces of felt together….luckily there were plenty of grown ups and young leaders around to help with needle-threading. I think the beavers are hoping those stockings might find their way back to them with something nice inside…..

Our Christmas Party was great fun, with the beavers wearing 'Christmas a re', enjoying 'snowball fights', lots of games, jelly and cream and the now tradi onal rendi on of 'Twelve Days of Christmas' complete with ac ons. And I lost my voice by the end (as usual). Ho Ho Ho! Susannah Goward

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One Of The UK’s Largest Firework Shops Is Here In Baldock

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Baldock Gardens

Happy New Year...

By Graham Tapp Tapps, The Baldock Garden Centre

Is it January? Again!!!!

Where did Christmas go?

Now here is a question, - how far have you got with your gardening bucket list?

Not something I've really thought about but I realised last week that its only 14,600 days until my 100th birthday so I better get on with it. I've managed to get quite a list under my belt through my career, best allround hort /agg student 3 yrs running, working with and on two gold medal winning displays at the Chelsea flower show, working with and for the best fruit growers in the United Kingdom, working for what is in my view the best company in the world, Royal Dutch Shell at their Woodstock research station. youngest fruit farm manager through to managing over 800 acres with 400 employees, a member of Home Grown Fruits, Board member of the Horticultural Trades Association National Executive Committee, Vice Chairman for the North Thames HTA and Vice Chairman for the East of England HTA, then building a garden centre from absolutely nothing over the last 28 years here in Baldock.

I have a huge list still to do, mostly growing rare plants setting up a new veg and fruit teaching area at the Garden Centre, what I propose to do is set up lessons / classes of some sort, meeting here at the Garden Centre, perhaps monthly. We could decide what we want to discuss / research and then action it, a hands on sort of meeting, some of the things I would like to do is learn how to grow exotic plants especially orchids, bonsai and bottle gardens Another point of interest I have is how to grow show winning vegetables, particularly giants, I have never had the time to even try so that would be good fun, If we are to grow any in 2015 we better get on with it.

Another thing I would love to do is learn to draw trees, plants and flowers , I have no idea how to start, perhaps someone could show us, I want to have painted a master piece before my hundredth birthday gets here.

If you have any ideas on how when or what please get in touch, my telephone number is 01462 896302.

What to do in Garden through January.

Spend some time looking around your garden, inspect plants for damage / infections/ infestations, best position and growth.

Once inspected, revisit and prune into shape, the shape is most important as it will enable the plant to give the best flowers and then the best fruit or seeds, research how to get the best results for each plant in this area, its climate, its soils, then you will get a better garden, a nicer garden, higher yields and more enjoyment.

Do not go wild in the garden snipping and chopping unless you have a pretty good idea of what you want out of your plants, no good having a beautifully shaped plant if you have chopped the flower buds off and it never ever flowers.

Put out cloches plastic or glass to warm the soil prior to sowing early vegetable seeds, you will see lots of people writing in national publications on what to sow in January, My advice is add three weeks to the times given by them as Baldock sits in a bowl surrounded by hills and so stays cold due to the cold air running down off of them, consequently soil temperatures stays below optimal germination temperature for longer than we like to think., good excuse then — to stay in the green house.

Same thing applies for your seed pots, I don’t sow mine until March through to end of April, Better late than none at all THIS WILL BE YOUR LAST CHANCE TO TAKE TIME PLANNING THINGS, NEXT MONTH WILL BE ALL GO. If we get a warm day clean the patio or decking as you will want to be sitting out on it when spring arrives not scrubbing it clean.

Call into Tapp’s (The Baldock ) Garden Centre For any help you may need — Advice is always free, just ask.

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The success rates for different smoking cessa on methods were: 60% - Single session Hypnosis 24% - Acupuncture 10% - Nico ne Replacement Therapy (NRT) 6% - Willpower alone Quotes from Actors that have successfully used hypnosis to quit smoking: Ma Damon (actor): Quit smoking with the help from hypnosis, later claiming it was “the greatest decision I ever made in my life”..........

Brad Pi (actor): Brad Pi when he became a father used hypnosis to stop smoking for good and he hasn't had a cigare e ever since........

Ben Affleck (actor): Quit smoking with help from hypnosis, later sta ng “ I feel a huge difference in my health now that I don't smoke. I feel like I'm in be er shape than I was five years ago”..........

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IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO ADVERTISE ON THIS PAGE PLEASE CALL 01462640307

SPECIALISTS IN

KITCHENS & BATHROOMS

Bee’z

Plumbing Supplies

Suppliers of Sanitaryware & Heating materials to both Trade and Retail

07860 950 958 01462 491 586

Unit 27 Baldock Industrial Estate, London Road, Baldock. SG7 6NG Opening hours Monday to Friday 8.00am - 5.00pm Saturday 8.00am - 12.00am www.beezplumbingsupplies.co.uk info@beezplumbingsupplies.co.uk 22

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By ops n O s ’ re Pro t a a l h C W Baldock Comedy 8th January - The Orange Tree Always great evening

Crash Care Centre Ltd

Vehicle Accident Repair Specialists

Quilters' Quarter Day 10th January 10am – 3pm at Rushden Village Hall, The day will include a sit' 'n' sew, free hot drinks and cakes together with a pop up quilt shop which will include an annual sale with fabrics from £5 a metre.

Icknield Quilters Sewing Evening 12th January 7.30pm - Community Centre Simpson Drive, Baldock.

For more information see www.icknieldquilters.co.uk

Cinderella 16th & 17th January 7.30pm - Baldock Arts & Heritage Centre (Old Town Hall) Tickets available at the Box Office, Community Centre and at www.bthl.org.uk

Talk on the 1954 Baldock Soapbox Derby, 22nd January 8pm - Community Centre Talk, movie footage and slides organised by Baldock Museum & Local History Society,

Burns Night Supper and Dance Friday 23rd January - Letchworth Rugby Club, Piper – recitations and song – whiskey Toasts – 4 Course Dinner – Band and Scottish Party Tunes! 7.30 – till late £35 person of £300 table of 10. Dress: Smart & Tartan!

Ÿ All Types of Bodywork Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ

T:

Undertaken PAS125 Accredited Insurance Approved Bodyshop Restoration Project Specialists Resprays Paintless Dent Removal Smart Repairs Wheel Refurbs Collection & delivery

01462 441 686

E: info@crashcarecentre.com www.crashcarecentre.com

Ashwell Burns Night Supper Saturday 24th January - Ashwell School 7pm for 7.30pm start 3 course Scottish dinner, traditional Speeches and piper.

Wee dram and Scottish dancing for all.

This a popular, fun night, tables seat 8 Tickets in advance £17.50 Tel: 01462 742297 or 01462 742269 This usually sells out so get in early!

CHECK out our JOVIAL JANUAR Y DEALS

Unicorn Ceilidh 30th January 7.30pm - Baldock Arts & Heritage Centre Featuring Chalktown with caller Sheena Masson. Visit www.chalktown.co.uk for more information.

Regular events: Tuesdays Wednesdays

Thursdays Fridays Second Saturday every month

8-10.30pm Quiz Night, Orange Tree Pub Baldock Royal Chartered Market High Street Baby Rhyme Time - 10.30-11.00, Baldock Library 2-4pm Baldock Senior Club, Community Centre 8.30-11pm Baldock and Letchworth Folk Club, Orange Tree Pub 2.30-3pm Toddler Tales, Baldock Library 9.30-10.30 Baldock Country Market, Community Centre Baldock Farmers & Craft Market, Baldock High Street

If you would like to have your event included in the February issue please email clare@nattyneckwear.com by 15th January 2015

We would like to wish all our clients a Happy New Year 20% OFF all treatments over £15 with this advert

Happy New Year to all our clients past & present Tel: 01462 491820

www.aromaticsbaldock.com

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25

A TOUCH OF GLASS Quality UPVC Windows, Doors & Conservatories

ALL REPAIRS UNDERTAKEN Broken locks, handles, hinges, replacement misted glass units, catlaps, draughty windows

EMERGENCY 24HR CALL OUT SENIOR CITIZEN DISCOUNT

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01462 619651 Web: atouchofglasswindowsanddoors.co.uk

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Don’t WASTE your best advertising opportunity !

Vehicle Graphics

Magnetics

Promotions

You could be promoting your business

www.craftyquilter.co.uk

24hrs a day 365 days a year

In Memory

The most cost effective form of advertising

SHARON JACKSON

07938 617 125 info@choice-graphics.co.uk

of

A very special lady taken from us far to soon Always in our thoughts especially at this time of the year

LETTERS Hi, I would like to recommend Infinite IT, our laptop stopped working, they manage to retrieve all our data & photos etc and then remove the viruses. It’s like a brand new laptop now, we are over the moon.

Regards Mr D Clarke We have just had some family members travel down so we booked Templar Cross Lodge. I am very pleased to say how impressed they were with the rooms and unique se ng.

V Dann When I first met Grizzly i was quite a taken back as the guy standing in front of me was a giant with ta oos as far as the eye could see.I explained it was my first ta oo and I was a bit scared not knowing what to expect, he immediately made me feel at ease, explaining in great detail the process and how long it would take. He is so passionate about what he does it's hard not to become addicted to his artwork. I would recommend Grizz to everyone he is truly a gentleman with an amazing talent of bring his ink to life.

I Travers If you have used one of the businesses or services that adver se in the magazine please get in touch & let us know how you got on.

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27

mobile

hairdresser

to make an appointment or for a free consultation call

m: 07973 788 418 I t: 01462 640 307

hairbyjacqui@hotmail.co.uk

28

Get in touch info@onyourdoorstepbaldock.co.uk

Slimming World Recipe Supplied by Sandra Lloyd Tomato Soup

youAdverti r bu se sine ss

£ 1/ 20 16 p

A family favourite but also great for a hot lunch at work, super tasty and super filling it will super help to shift those excess January pounds.

Serves: 4 Ready in 30 mins

age

Ingredients Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ

Frylight 1 red onion, peeled & finely chopped 2 sticks of celery, finely chopped 1 carrot, chopped 3 x 400g cans peeled plum tomatoes 2 tbsp tomato puree 1 tbsp sweetener 600ml vegetable stock A handful of fresh basil leaves Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Method 1.

Spray a large, non-stick pan with frylight, place over a medium heat and sweat the onion, carrot and celery for 5 minutes.

2.

Add the tomatoes, tomato puree, sweetener and stock and bring to the boil. Cover, reduce the heat and simmer gently for 15 minutes.

3.

Remove from the heat and allow to cool slightly. Add the basil leaves, then blitz using a hand blender, and season. To serve, reheat, finish with a twist of black pepper.

8 9

2 6 9

8 3 2 8

7 6 5 3

4 5 6 2 9 7 2

1 8 4 2

3 5

If you would like to advertise, write an article or a letter to the editor please email: info@onourdoorstepbaldock.co.uk WEDNESDAY BALDOCK

touching hearts, changing lives

Get in touch : info@onourdoorstep.co.uk

29

JUSTIN COLOURS LTD. Building Finishers

The perfect finish every time Phone 07947 396 341

Painting interior & exterior Wall coverings Plastering Renders Dry lining All aspects of finishing trades Ÿ Tape & jointing Ÿ Coving etc Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ

Office 01462 734 509

66 Astwick Road, Stotfold, SG5 4BQ

30

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A Spotlight on Slimming Success in Baldock for 2014!

Slimming World Baldock runs three sessions every Wednesday at the United Reformed Church on Whitehorse Street, and to give you just a taste of how successful our members have been in 2014 we are pu ng a spotlight on a 'slimming superstar' from each of the sessions.

Choosing members to highlight in this issue was no easy task with so many success stories to choose from, but what all our lovely slimmers have in common is that this year they have changed their lives for the be er ... and we don't want to keep it a secret ... “with the help of our amazing Food Op mising ea ng plan plus the support and advice in our weekly groups, it really could be you!”

JANET - This is Janet, she joined the 9.30am session on 12th F e b r u a r y. H e r p e r s o n a l achievement target is to lose 9 stones. Janet is just a few pounds away from her 6 stone award, she was determined to achieve that

by Christmas this year, and wants her total target weight by Easter 2015. Well done Janet, you are absolutely going to smash it!

Janet says, “I absolutely love the group, on a weekly basis it keeps you interested and everyone is so friendly. I have been ba ling with my weight for the last 24 years, I have tried all sorts of diets for a few months, given up and then put the weight back on. Slimming World has opened my eyes to a whole new way of ea ng. I don't feel bored with food op mising, it has become part of my day to day life and I have lost the most weight ever to date, but for me what's really important is for the first me ever I truly believe I can go all the way.”

LINDA - This is Linda, she joined the 5.30pm session on 22nd January.

H e r p e r s o n a l achievement target is to lose 6 stones. With her 5 stone award already under her belt there is no doubt that Linda's wish to achieve her total weight loss for Christmas this year is definitely going to come true. Well done Linda, you will be a twinkling star on Christmas Day! Linda says, “I joined slimming world with a friend as I didn't really have the confidence back then to go on in on my own but I needn't have worried, the group is really friendly. We are all from different walks of life doing different jobs, who enjoy different foods, but we

all have the same goal and everyone is really suppor ve of each other and genuinely interested in each others progress. Its fun too, and I love my hour out in group on a Wednesday evening, but the best thing is that I really have changed my life this year, people have walked past me in the street because they didn't recognise me and I have to say I really do feel amazing.”

NATHAN - This is Nathan, he joined the 7.30pm session on 11th May. His personal achievement target was to lose 4st. He was awarded his 1/2 stone award at his first weigh in with 9 1/2 lbs lost! He went on to achieve his 1 1/2 stone award in week 4 and his 2 1/2 stone award in week 8. Total me to target just 22 weeks, including summer holidays and weeks unable to a end due to work commitments. Well done Nathan, you have done brilliantly and are certainly proof that Slimming World is “Not just for girls!”.

Nathan says, “Obviously I was a li le nervous at first as Slimming Groups have the reputa on of being full of women, but by the end of the first group session I felt totally at ease and was spurred on by the success of other men in the group. The ea ng plan is amazing, I was relieved when Sandra said in the new member talk that its NOT a diet but didn't quite believe I could eat all that food and s ll lose weight. Well you certainly can, I found food op mising easy to follow and I was never hungry once. I would recommend it to anyone, goodbye to growing waistline and hello again to a fi er and healthier me.”

Welcome to our Gym

WORKOUTside

PERSONAL TRAINING WEIGHT LOSS TRX SUSPENSION HIGH INTENSITY TRAINING KICK BOXING RUNNING TRAINING POSTURAL ANALYSIS SPORTS MASSAGE

Lisa 07796 578 032 buggyfit@hotmail.co.uk www.facebook/FITFemalesintraining.hitchin.ashwell Please mention On Our Doorstep when responding to adverts

31

Compass Construction ltd Design

Build

Create

All aspects of building work undertaken, including planning.

Working in conjunction with NHDC.

Call 07773783376 or 07817798472 Email compassconstruction@hotmail.co.uk www.compassconstruction.co.uk

DON’T FORGET WE SELL LOGS, COAL & ROCK SALT

windows SPECIALIST IN UPVC WINDOWS, DOORS & CONSERVATORIES

Manufacture & Installers of A rated windows

Conservatories UPVC doors UPVC windows Box sash windows Ÿ Patio doors Ÿ Bi-fold doors Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ

Specialist In UPVC Windows, Doors & Conservatories

Call us for a free quotation Andy - 07960 940 888 Trade enquiries welcome Unit G, 50 Priory Road, Campton, Bedfordshire, SG17 5PG 32

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6 Causes of Irritable Bowel Want to improve your health?

Feel lethargic, achy, weary and lacking in energy?

Feel as though your general health needs a boost?

If this is you then we can help Contact us on 01462 893586 to discuss

The Wyndham Centre 8 Pinnocks Lane, Baldock, Herts, SG7 6DF baldock@wyndham-centre.co.uk www.wyndhamhealth.com

ACORN GARAGE DOORS

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

01462 894910 acorngaragedoors@btconnect.com www.acorn-garagedoors.co.uk

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) appears to be a very common problem. It is the name given to a func onal disorder of the bowel or one that is 'irritated'. It is a classifica on for a number of irksome condi ons with similar symptoms that seem difficult to diagnose and impossible to treat, such as spas c colon, mucous coli s or non-inflammatory bowel disease. It affects 1:10 people, is not life threatening, does not cause cancer but can be very debilita ng.

So, what causes IBS? Many things may contribute.

1. Diet - A diet of processed foods, sugar, caffeine and fried foods is not good for your diges ve system or your health. Sugar causes inflamma on and puts your immune system to sleep for hours, so toxins are allowed to accumulate making you feel unwell.

2. Food Sensi vi es - It may be that you have some food sensi vi es. Most of us have a sensi vity to something, but if we are healthy, have no stresses and life is great, our bodies will cope.

The minute our immune system becomes compromised and we become stressed, we start to react to foods, and usually those foods that we eat on a regular basis.

3. Parasites - If you have had food poisoning or been abroad and suffered bowel problems it may be that you have parasites. These parasites can live within the bowel for years.

Parasites, by defini on, live off other living things. Those that infest our bodies not only live off the nutrients in the food that we eat but they actually live off our ssues stealing our energy, making us feel weak. They secrete toxins into our blood stream causing damage. Many people do not realise that they have them, and they can o en be very difficult to diagnose, however there are herbal remedies that can help to eliminate them.

4. Fungal Infec on - Yeast and mould are fungus, and there are over 200 that may live within the body. Small amounts of these organisms are normally well tolerated if you have a healthy immune system. However if the immunity is compromised in any way the body and especially the intes nes may become suscep ble to an overgrowth. An bio cs, steroids and the contracep ve pill all compromise the immune system, upse ng the bowel flora and killing off good and bad bacteria. The fungus grows resul ng in a yeast infec on. It is important to put the good bacteria back into the gut and to take an an fungal remedy to remove the over growth.

5. Leaky Gut Syndrome - When the lining of the gut becomes inflamed it is rather like a sieve where the holes become large and allow bacteria, toxins and food to leak through into the body. An inflamed gut does not absorb food and nutrients properly and therefore fa gue and bloa ng occurs. The leakage of toxins into the body upsets the liver, which then finds it difficult to handle everyday chemicals and body is unable to ward off bacteria, viruses, yeast and parasites. It becomes a vicious circle. There are good supplements that will help to line the gut wall and improve the immune system within the gut.

6. Acid/Alkaline Balance- It is so important to keep your body as alkaline as possible. The stomach is extremely acid in order to start the diges on of proteins, but the rest of the diges ve tract is supposed to be alkaline and the pancrea c enzymes work best in an alkaline medium.

If there is an acid/alkaline imbalance, it causes indiges on, heartburn and bloa ng, o en soon a er ea ng. Ea ng lots of green vegetables will help to keep the gut alkaline and there are good supplements to help too.

baldock@wyndham-centre.co.uk www.wyndhamhealth.com Please mention On Our Doorstep when responding to adverts

33

GARDEN CONSTUCTION & FENCING Complete Patio Design Landscaping Decking Gazebo’s Fencing & Gates Turfing & Seeding Walls Hedging Driveways Ponds Block Paving Rockeries Gardening Lawn Mowing Tree Pruning

MAINTENANCE CONTRACTS WELCOME FRIENDLY FAMILY BUSINESS FREE ESTIMATES AND ADVICE DISTANCE NO OBJECT ALL WORK FULLY GUARANTEED

Contact Philip for further details on

Tel: 01438 214809 Mob: 07814 266060 20 Angle Ways, Shephall,Stevenage

Useful numbers Advice Citizen’s Advice Bureau Trading Standards Advice

08444 771600 0300 300 8136

Churches St Marys the Virgin Baptist church Roman Catholic Methodist Christchurch

01462 892838 01462 893203 01462 893127 01462 895052 01462 232005

Councils Local Council North Hertfordshire District

01462 474000

Doctors Baldock Surgery

01462 892458

Dentist Mews House Surgery Baldock Dental Surgery

01462 894400 01462 892374

Emergency Utilities Gas Emergency Electric power cut

0800 111999 0800 7838838

Hospitals Lister Hospital Queen Elizabeth 2 EMERGENCY HEALTH

01438 314333 01707 328111 111

Library Baldock Library

0300 123 4049

Police Police

01707 354000

Public Houses Engine The Cock The Old White Horse The Orange Tree The Victoria

01462 896111 01462 892366 01462 893168 01462 892341 01462 893153

Schools Knights Templar Hartseld St Johns St Marys Brandles

01462 620700 01462 895267 01462 892478 01462 892347 01462 892189

Travel Arriva Buses National Rail Enquires National Bus line

08701 201088 08457 484950 0870 6082608

Vets Baldock Veterinary Centre

01462 895579

Nurseries Weston Way Nursery Merry Go Round

01462 892172 01462 896322

Play Groups Magic Moments Merry Go Round

07980 400690 01462 896322

to Wantin our r a e p ap

NEsuXeT? iset in touch G

Plumbers A.P Huges Leak Geeks Nick Sayer

07949 120911 07795 345802 07456 559756

Lock Smith Gearing Locksmith

07989514996

6000

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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.

Get in touch info@onourdoorstepbaldock.co.uk

35

Kick start the New year with a new home

20 15

It will cost you nothing to ask us to visit you and provide you with a valuation for your home ! ! d e is r p r u s e b ll e w y a You m

!

NEW YEAR ! r a e Y w e NEW HOME Happy N

Please call us today to make your appointment Tel 01462 892041 Baldock Office

Sales 01462 892041

Lettings 01462 894565

PLEASE QUOTE ‘OYD2015' For £100 discount from the sale of your property Please mention On Our Doorstep when responding to adverts

5