March 2016

Picture taken by Laurence Browne in Weston Woods ‘On Our Doorstep’

Issue 20 March

Want to appear in our

Welcome To the March issue of 'On Our Doorstep' February has flown by! We started the month attending a charity evening hosted by Chilli Lounge's newest fusion, a collaboration with Herts Air Ambulance! The evening of great food and fantastic company raised £1054 for Herts Air Ambulance.

Shrove Tuesday was as pancake fuelled as ever. We went along to show support from the sidelines at this year's pancake race in Baldock High Street in the morning and spent our evening overestimating our pancake tossing abilities. Our inbox steadily filled with messages and photos from some delighted readers who had tried out some of our favourite pancake recipes that we featured last month.

On that note you must try our favourite ‘mug cake’ recipes on page 35, we had great fun baking these on the Sunday before we went to press. They really are so easy and only a couple of minutes to cook, perfect for when you haven’t got a lot of time.

In a bid to work off a few of those calories many marathon enthusiasts descended on Baldock to take on the ‘Beast’ which has become a must do event for runners up and down the country. The lovely staff from Tea at Tapps were on hand with free coffee for all volunteers helping throughout the event, Towards the end of the month, Baldock crossroads saw yet another 3 road traffic accidents take place. Alex Reekie has written to us about a petition to improve the road

NEXT issue?

Get in tou

markings at the junction in a bid to info@onourdoo ch rstepbaldock.co .uk reduce the number of accidents and make the town a little safer for all, residents or just those passing through.

Mother's Day is just around the corner, just a gentle reminder to those like myself who find themselves in a supermarket or petrol station on the Sunday morning grabbing a last minute bunch of flowers and hoping that they're her favourites!

Lots of new businesses featuring in this months issue, please show your support by using their services and do not forget to mention ‘On Our Doorstep’ when you call them. As usual a big thank you to all the delivery team who do a great job every month.

Paul & Jacqui info@onourdoorstepbaldock.co.uk Advertising

Jacqui Calver 07973 788418 Email: info@onourdoorstepbaldock.co.uk

M A R C H 2016

3

10

FEBRUARY

2016

KINDNESS WEEK AT ST MARY'S JUNIOR SCHOOL We have just had a wonderful week in school. Each half term, we have a special focus week across the school where we all celebrate different aspects of a common theme. This me we chose to have Kindness Week. As a school, we like to think that we provide our children with useful strategies to deal with the less pleasant aspects of rela onships such as bullying, discrimina on and prejudice and to know that these are not acceptable in our community. As a Church of England School, we teach the children Chris an values and we decided to highlight the kindness and the friendship that is shown on a daily basis in school.

Classes looked at the UNICEF Rights of the Child, agreed in 1989 as part of the Declara on of Human Rights. There are 41 ar cle statements so the children sorted which were the most important to them and developed their understanding of a few key rights through research, art and debate. We talked about how rights come with responsibili es and that in some parts of the world and in some communi es, adults are not carrying out their responsibility to keep children safe. We also talked about how as children, they have responsibility to make sure everyone else in school can access the rights that are theirs. We had a theatre group in school on Monday who performed 'No Bullying Here', and we talked to the children about using social media responsibly and safely.

Children all went home on Friday with a special book about themselves in which everyone in the class had contributed with a posi ve statement. This was lovely as it encouraged children to look for the posi ve features in their classmates such as, 'He always make me laugh with his jokes' or 'She's a brilliant runner'.

On Friday, children took home a cer ficate to give someone at home as a token of apprecia on for the kindness shown to them by a member of their family.

Kindness throughout the week was marked with each child given a set of paper strips on which they recorded when someone had done or said something kind and their name. These strips were made into a class paper chain which was brought to our Achievement Assembly on Friday. Mrs Murphy, our PSHE coordinator had said to the children on Monday that it would be brilliant if we could make a collec ve paper-chain to go all the way round the school assembly hall by the end of the week. Well, not only did it go round the hall, it went round twice! It was amazing!

What was the strange thing about the week is that school felt no different from any other week. No one behaved differently; they just acknowledged and wrote down the things others had done as an act of kindness rather than take them for granted. One child said it had made him feel that other people valued him and he hadn't realised that before. It really was a great week in school!

Pat Jenkins - Headteacher

6000 LEAFLETS DELIVERED £150

Call 01462 672227 www.kipmcgrath.co.uk/find-a-centre/?c=letchworth

M A R C H 2016

5

ANNOUNCEMENTS CHRISTOPHER

LUNNON

9th March

RELIABLE ROOFING COMPANY

1 March th

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

MATT PORTER AKA The

GADGET MAN 15.03.68

‘Happy Birthday’

To the Best

BIG &

LITTLE

Sister Holly Calver 18 March th

DONNA FOSTER

th th

26 MARCH 6

MARCH

2016

ESTABLISHED FOR OVER 40 YEARS BUILT UP FELT ROOFING SPECIALISTS & GENERAL ROOF REPAIRS Slate & tile Replacement facias/soffits, uPCV or timer Guttering maintenance & replacement Guaranteed workmanship at realistic prices Free estimates

01767 312914

Pro: R.S. CROW F.I.O.R

07973 844240

www.reliableroofing-herts.co.uk emails: reliableroofing@btinternet.com

Toothbrushes at the ready The Beavers met back up again in January, a er a much too short Christmas break, to par cipate in some games. We introduced some new Beavers to the colony as well and gave them a taster of the sort of thing that we get up to - needless to say no one has dropped out yet.

At the next session, we learnt about the anatomy of a tooth and how to keep it clean. Kestrel donned a white coat and taught the Beavers about the different parts of a tooth for example, the enamel, the den ne and that red stuff that REALLY hurts when you have a root canal. We gave the Beavers a disclosing pill, which is a special tablet that shows up new and old plaque on your teeth by turning them bright blue. Very blue. Luckily, they were armed with their toothbrushes and toothpaste so they didn't have to walk home looking like they had eaten a smurf. The Beavers were taught how to clean their teeth effec vely, because if they fall out early, the tooth fairy doesnt visit (which is scandalous if you ask me).

The inven on challenge was next. The Beavers were tasked with crea ng an inven on that could carry out a specific task of their choice, whether it be to do homework or the washing up.

Some very interes ng designs were introduced, for example, an

inven on that helps you fly to, specifically, the Moon. If only the school's D and T department could cater for the inventors we have at Beavers!

As February began, the Beavers were asked to wear their pyjamas. Why, you may ask? I don't know, but I took it as an excuse to wear my fluffy bu erfly slippers. The Beavers also took the chance to show off their different onesies!

Finally, pancake day arrived and we made some at Beavers.

Fortunately, we weren't scraping pancakes off the ceiling as we didn't try to flip any, but we did put on our own toppings. There was golden syrup, Nutella, and of course sugar. There was enough energy in those pancakes to send a man to Mars and back - but remember that these are Beavers, who simply absorbed it all and s ll managed to run out of energy in just five minutes!

By Sam Collins, Young Leader

BALDOCK PANCAKE RACE

01525 851851

M A R C H 2016

7

Chiropodist

Karen Perry 'Custom Fit Supportive Orthotics’ Home Visits or Baldock Surgery

1/16 page

£20 to Wantin r r ou a e p p a

NEsuXeT?

6000

LEAFLETS DELIVERED

iset in touch G

£150

ACCSLtd

Window Cleaning 20 years experience Reliable and efficient Fully Insured & Uniformed staff

01462 629302 07970 406926 152 Hitchin Road, Stotfold

Mar

8

MARCH

2016

News from Sandon School Just before half term I was delighted to be invited to the Primary Music Fes val held at Knights Templar School. Our Year 5 and 6 pupils stood alongside all the other feeder school pupils and delivered an excellent hour of entertainment. I always enjoy this annual event and I think it gives our pupils the opportunity not only to sing alongside their peers, but also to meet other Year 6 pupils who they will be con nuing their educa on with as they move to The Knight's Templar School in September. We have several events during the school year when the network of Baldock schools, of which we are part, have an opportunity to meet up and perform.

Earlier this term we had a visit from Baldock Fire and Rescue services to teach the children what to do in the event of a fire.

Whilst not wan ng to scare the children we believe it is important to teach children how to keep themselves safe.

Last month our Year 3 and 4 pupils entered a swimming gala at Freman College and managed to beat all the other schools compe ng to win the event. All our Junior pupils swim every week and we firmly believe that this regular prac ce enabled us to win. We are grateful to our sports teacher, Mrs Reynolds, and to the army of parent helpers who pitch up week in, week out, to help our children learn to swim.

We have taken part in the RSPB Na onal Schools Birdwatch , having a camouflaged hide as part of a classroom enabled us to record the birds visi ng our garden without being spo ed ourselves.

It's not just the teaching staff that know every child but also the kitchen staff who know each hat know every child but also the kitchen staff who know each child's likes and dislikes. Our cook

achieved 5 star accredita on again this year a er the recent environmental health inspec on.

Last week the children watched a performance of 'The Wind in the Willows' with several pupils taking on ac ng roles. Our school hall was transformed into a magical set which included a boat, traveller's caravan and Toad's motor car, Beep! Beep! The whole school learnt songs to accompany the play. Image Theatre Company are regular visitors to Sandon as we encourage all pupils to get up on stage at some point during the year. Primary school may be the only opportunity that children get to perform and we feel that this needs to be encouraged.

Margaret Gilbert - Head Teacher

Bouncy Castle Hire

M A R C H 2016

9

SPECIALISTS IN

KITCHENS & BATHROOMS

ADVERTISE

£20

HERE BIGIMPACT

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 10

MARCH

2016

Infinite IT & SECURITY

NO NO FIX FEE

Laptop & Desktop Repairs Hardware & Software Upgrades Virus & Spyware Removal Data Backup & Recovery Secure Wireless Solutions For ALL Your I.T Needs FIXED PRICE

*£45 IRS REPSA re to *In only Labour

0800 033 7211 sales@innite-it.co.uk www.infinite-it.co.uk 2 The Cottage Pixmore Avenue Letchworth Garden City, Hertfordshire SG6 1JS

LOOKING TO SPARTAN UP YOUR TRAINING REGIME? The popularity of Obstacle Course Racing has exploded in recent years with the introduc on of Tough Mudder, Nuclear Rush and Her ordshire's One True Grit. So why not take your training to the extreme by training to improve your performance?

Fitness Hub, the home of func onal training in Letchworth has become the first ever gym in the Home Coun es to offer the Spartan SGX training programme, a 12-week programme designed to challenge and transform you into an OCR athlete.

Coached by two OCR veterans, the 12-week Spartan SGX training programme will push you further than you've ever been pushed before, honing and toning your obstacle race skills and improving overall fitness. With the strapline 'building be er humans', the 12week programme will get you pushing, pulling, stretching, jumping, crawling and climbing your way to be fi er, stronger, leaner and ready to take on the obstacle race courses you choose to master.

The Spartan SGX programme can be enjoyed by absolutely anyone, even if you don't want to compete in an obstacle race. Each training session will help you become fi er, leaner and stronger, so if you're looking to get in the best shape of your life then this will suit you too.

Each workout is scalable and can be adapted to suit your fitness levels, making it the ideal way for complete beginners to train with like-minded OCR veterans.

Having launched the programme for the first me in 2015, the current course was a sell-out before places even went on sale. So, if you want to unleash your inner athlete and become an OCR powerhouse then pre-register for the course commencing on 11th April.

Alterna vely, keep on track of the current Spartans by checking out their progress on Facebook – www.facebook.com/SpartanSGXatFitnessHub

M A R C H 2016

11

Microchipping In the comfort of your own home Individual Dogs or Litters of Puppies Micro Chipped The Law is changing all dogs must be microchipped by 6 April 2016 th

Very Reasonable Rates Call Jenny

01462 893714

Calls for new lter lane at Baldock crossroads

The frequency of collisions at the Royston Rd/Sta on Rd junc on in Baldock is shockingly high due to the regular confusion of filter traffic.

Three collisions in one week, one on causing a van to crash into the adjacent listed building, taking out a suppor ng beam.

This junc on has been kept from becoming a 4-way junc on due to high traffic, but this has come at high cost to the drivers caught in these accidents and even to the surrounding buildings.

There are no filter lights, or even road markings for filter traffic at the junc on.

As it's only a ma er of me un l this junc on causes loss of life, a homeowner of the damaged building has started a pe on to try and prevent any more of these accidents and hopefully improve traffic flow as a result.

Please follow the link below and sign to help make the obvious changes to this hazardous junc on: www.change.org/p/highway-locality-officer-end-the-accidentsAlex Reekie change-the-junc on-in-baldock

EXPERIENCED

BARBER REQUIRED

12

MARCH

2016

We are all destroying our world – can we stop?!

Huge floods in the north of England. December the we est month since records began in 1910. Daffodils blooming before Christmas ….Ice caps are mel ng, raising sea levels and threatening to drown island communi es, drought and famine is causing instability and mass migra on. Most people now know that Climate Change is a reality and that it is caused by huge levels of CO2 causing global temperatures to rise to ever more dangerous levels.

Which is why the Paris COP21 agreement last December was a brilliant and historic step in the right direc on for our planet's survival– 197 countries agreeing to keep the global temperature rise to “well under 2C and striving to keep to 1.5C”, NOW. But that is only the star ng line in a race in which we ALL have to compete, not just leave it up to governments and councils. Hard as it may be to swallow, we won't be able to save our world for our grandchildren and future genera ons unless we each cut back and live more sustainably and we stop pollu ng our beau ful world by living in a “once use”, “live for the moment” culture but

start to care more for our planet and our fellow human beings.

Maybe we could change to LED lightbulbs (it'll save money on electricity bills as well as using about 70% less electricity), or try not to buy so much food that we end up throwing lots away.

Experiment with growing flowers! Their beauty is upli ing and they will be a lifeline for bees and bu erflies who are finding life more and more difficult as they can't avoid the pes cides used on so many fields.

There are hundreds of posi ve stories about eco things that are happening, that are sustainable and that do make economic sense too and a lot of community ini a ves to make where we live and work a greener, healthier and more inclusive place.

Eg Busses in Bristol are going to run on poo! Anaerobic Diges on systems produce green gas and stop tonnes of food waste being dumped in landfill. London is uni ng with ci es across Europe as part of a €25m project to explore how groundbreaking technologies, including hea ng homes through the River Thames, can raise living standards (find out more on www.edie.net).

Phil Charsley & Katrina Nice crea ng bee & Bu erfly garden

St Mary's Church has set up an Eco-Group which is crea ng a bee and bu erfly friendly area in the churchyard.

Are there other local eco stories we can share and inspire each other with?

St Mary's church will be hos ng a Lent talk and discussion led by Professor Paul Ballard from the Peterborough Eco-faith Network on caring for God's earth. Sunday 28 February at 7:15pm at St Mary's Church Hall. All are very welcome.

Katrina Nice

Baldock MOT Centre MOT £24.99 FREE RE-TEST

01462 895933

M A R C H 2016

13

a p p s Our pick of this month’s must have downloads RoomScanPro- IOS 7+ This app is incredible it draws floor plans all by itself just touch each wall with your phone! Unlike some floor plan apps, RoomScan can draw floor plans of complex rooms just as easily as small rectangular rooms.

MARVEL Future Fight- IOS 7+, Android One of the biggest game apps at the moment. The Avengers...Spider-Man...the Guardians of the Galaxy! You can unite the greatest heroes from the Marvel Universe for the epic ba le to decide the fate of all reali es.

Guides by Lonely Planet - IOS 7+, Android Get to the heart of a des na on with Guides by Lonely Planet. Packed with ps and advice from on-the-ground experts, our city guides are the ul mate resource before and during a trip.

KickStarter - IOS 7+, Android If you love browsing Kickstarter projects, occasionally backing the odd genius idea – you'll be happy to know that you can do so from your Android device now. There has been an iOS app for a couple of months now.

Scratch - IOS 7+, Android One for the youngsters, the Scratch App has been designed to make learning the Scratch programming language, developed by MIT, even easier. being used in schools now

14

MARCH

2016

How your iPhone can save your life

YOUR

BEST DEFENSE Make your home, company more secure with CCTV Cameras

CCTV

Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ

24 Hour, 365 Days a Year Night Vision Real Time Recording & Playback Smart Phone & Internet Viewing Wall or Hidden Mounts Full HD Cameras 30 Loop Recording

0800 033 7211

sales@innite-it.co.uk www.infinite-it.co.uk Best Choice Local Security Professionals

Infinite IT & SECURITY

2 The Cottage Pixmore Avenue Letchworth Garden City Hertfordshire SG6 1JS

This is a great li le-known feature on the iPhone that could help to save your life by revealing important medical informa on to the emergency services or first person on the scene.

Apple's Health app was introduced in iOS 8 and has con nued into the latest iOS 9 release.

The app includes an op on called Medical ID, which lets you create a list of medical condi ons, such as allergies and current medica on and medical condi ons as well as important informa on like blood type.

It can be accessed from the lock screen in the event of an emergency.

So if an paramedic arrives to the scene of an accident and you're unconscious - your iPhone could save your life.

Here's how to set it up Open the Health app Tap the Medical ID op on on the bo om right of the toolbar Choose 'Create Medical ID’ Fill in all the relevant informa on Enable the "Show When Locked" op on How it works Medical ID can be viewed from the lockscreen.

When the lock screen appears, slide as requested tap the small tab at the bo om saying “Emergency”, on the next screen tap "*Medical ID" to reveal your important informa on and any emergency contacts you have saved are now usable, it could mean the difference between life or death.

If your iPhone isn’t able to run iOS 8, or if you have another brand of smartphone, consider adding ICE contacts to your phone’s “favorites” list, or use a lock screen wallpaper image to display your important medical info.

Privacy Concerns & Efficacy Something to think about, while Apple doesn’t share any informa on you enter into the Medical ID profile with third party apps, anyone who has physical access to your iPhone can easily see it. #NoseyParkers

M A R C H 2016

15

£

her sign t o An Rede n ck rde aldo a G in B

NOW TAKING BOOKINGS FOR 2016 SO HURRY!

16

MARCH

2016

5 minutes with...

David Hammond from *When did Sunshine Gardens start?

We started part me in 1993 and we quickly realised there was a huge gap in the Garden Maintenance market for a reliable service. Many “one-man” band gardeners get to a level when they simply cannot cope and start missing their client's visits for several weeks, leaving them with a poorly maintained garden. At Sunshine Gardens we pride ourselves on being regular and reliable and, apart from the weather, we will turn up on the agreed day to maintain your garden. *How regular should you have your garden maintained?

90% of our regular clients have their garden maintained fortnightly between March and December and then monthly during the winter. Gardening has changed big me since the 70s and 80s and “pu ng the garden to bed” in late September will just lead you to big problems in the following Spring. As we have seen this winter, the lawns are growing almost 12 months of the year and those pesky weeds keep appearing at the same rate. *Do I have to be in when you visit and provide any tools or power?

Simply no. We have clients who we haven't seen for two or three years as they go off to work and let us get on with what we are good at. We provide all our own professional machinery and hand tools and all our machines are petrol driven so power isn't a problem either. Just leave your gate open and the “garden fairies” will ensure that you come home to a smart looking garden. Just pull up a chair, pour yourself a glass of vino and relax.

We've done all your hard work for you.

PIONEER NURSERY A small nursery with big ideas!

Spring is in the Air! Mothers Day Gifts and more…

Specialist Trees and Shrubs Seasonal colour, Compost, Logs and much more Come and visit the most beautiful nursery in the whole of Willian!!

01462 675858 www.pioneerplantnursery.co.uk Baldock Lane, Willian, Herts. SG6 2AE

Courtlands Riding Stables & Pony Club Centre Always fancied horse riding but don’t know where to start?

Why not come down and have a chat and see what we have to offer Our friendly staff and clients are always around Saturdays and Sundays 9am -12pm

A safe and relaxing environment for the whole family

Pony club rallies and activities Indoor & outdoor riding facilities

Full livery and schooling

www.courtlandsridingstables.co.uk

01438 355121

Courtlands Riding Stables, Old Chanrty Lane, Todds Green, Stevenage, Herts, Sg1 2JE

*Do you do anything else in the garden other that maintenance?

Yes. We cover all aspects of Landscaping such as Fencing, Decking, Pa os, Turfing, Plan ng and even small garden redesign. Our quality fences using Closed Board Panels and concrete posts and gravels, are a joy to look at and the days of ro ng mber posts will be a distance memory. You only put fences up once so do it right! A decking and pa o can be the focal point of any garden and give you the chance to entertain your friends and family. We can supply any type of slab for your pa o and all our deckings are used with treated and well sustained mber. We can also pop round and give you some ideas for a compete re-design and it never costs as much as you think too. Oh and don't forget we love clearing your “nightmares” too. Let us tackle those 10 foot brambles and branches and “find” your garden again. Just let us at it!! *Do you use sub contractors?

No, we have a staff of 5 and are all trained in-house. If you use our regular maintenance service, you would normally see the same two members of staff on each visit so you can build up a rapport with them *What about the rubbish?

Well that's a good ques on!! We have a Waste Carriers Licence and are able to remove all green waste from your garden. If we are maintaining your garden, we will use your brown bin but any excess will be taken away by us. All green waste is taken away to be recycled and you can even buy back your own green waste in the form of “Ace of Herts” compost which is sold in all garden centres locally. Its fantas c stuff too! Any major landscaping clearances may require a skip and, although expensive, is now the only way non-green waste can be cleared.

You can thank the EU for that! *How do I arrange for you to pop along and get a free quota on? You can email us, text us or the old fashioned phone s ll works. We won't bite! We normally try to arrange a quote within 24/36 hours and once we have seen your garden we go away and work out the quote and send it back to you, again, either by email or post. During the busy months (April to September) you would normally expect to wait around 3 to 4 weeks before we can start on your project.

I have lived in this great town of Baldock for over 50 years, as have my family. You can be assured of a great service and we guarantee all our work 100%. I try to be friendly and listen to what you want in your garden and will ensure when we leave your project you are sa sfied. I am proud o f my co m p a ny a n d my reliable local staff, who are polite and courteous at all mes.

All Sunshine staff wear our company uniform and can be trusted in your garden when you are not around.

Sunshine Gardens – Your Baldock Garden Maintenance and Landscaping Company.

M A R C H 2016

17

18

MARCH

2016

n O s ’ t a h W Fireside Festival - Comedy Enchantment & Drama 23rd February - 5th March Baldock Arts & Heritage Centre

COACH HOLIDAYS DEPARTING FROM BALDOCK

North Herts Stamp Club 3rd March - Baldock Community Centre 2pm - 4pm

RSPB - Hitchin and Letchworth Local Group 4th March - The Settlement, Nevills Road, Letchworth Talk By Steve Lovell Primates of the world

Ashwell Annual Duck Race 5th March - 10.30-1pm, Ashwell Springs

Friend of Baldock Green Spaces - Work party 6th March, Weston Hill - Everybody welcome

Wine Tasting Evening 5th March -7pm - Baldock Community Centre - £12

St Mary's Ashwel 12th March - Gonville and Caius Choir Cambridge - Adults Tickets £15 Under 18's £10

St Patrick's Day - Live Music 17th March -The Boot - 3pm -7pm - Disco - 7pm - 12pm

Open Mike Night 17th March - The Orange Tree - Local Artist Playing

Letchworth Rugby Club -Hooley, St Patricks Day 18th March - 8pm - 12pm, Live music

Karaoke Night - Billy Oakley 19th March - 8pm - 12pm, The Boot

Bushel Bunny Hunt 25th - 28th March - Bushel and Strike- Find the Hidden Bunnies Around The Pub Names To Be Pulled Out Of The Hat To Win A Easter Treat

Danny's Disco 26th March, 8pm - 12pm - The Boot

Regular events: Quiz Night, 8-10.30pm, Orange Tree Pub Tuesdays Wednesdays Baldock Royal Chartered Market, High Street Baby Rhyme Time 10.30-11.00am, Library Senior Club, 2-4pm Community Centre Baldock and Letchworth 8.30-11pm Folk Club, Orange Tree Pub Toddler Tales, 2.30-3pm - Baldock Library Thursdays Baldock Country Market - 10am, The Cock Fridays 1st Weds White Lion Quiz Night, Baldock High Street every month 2nd Saturday Baldock Farmers & Craft Market, Baldock every month High Street. For more information contact fraser.valentine@baldocktown.co.uk 3rd Monday every month

Baldock Branch Royal British Legion monthly meeting 7.30pm Orange Tree Pub, Norton Road. Non-members welcome.

If you would like to have your event included FREE in the next issue please email info@onourdoorstepbaldock,co.uk by 15th March 2016

FABULOUS GLAMPERVAN Just pick up and go – The motorhome is fully equipped ready for you to start your holiday.

Available for short breaks and longer holidays all year round.

www.fabulousglampervan.co.uk email: enquiries@fabulousglampervan.co.uk

Tel: 01462 491035 / 07985315632 M A R C H 2016

19

Baldock Gardens

By Graham Tapp

Tapps, The Baldock Garden Centre March 2016, Forty years ago at the age of 21. I got myself a position working for a young Gentleman a little older than me called Leslie French, Leslie had recently taken on management of his uncles fruit farm and horticultural unit, the fruit farm was about 100 acres a bit traditional for the times but Leslie had very modern ideas for it, the horticultural unit was a different thing altogether, a proper walled garden about two acres as I remember, the soil had been looked after for decades and didn't have a weed in site and the head gardener could with his skill get two and a half crops a year.

He had another plot next-door, quite a bit larger and worked with machinery rather than strictly by hand as in the walled garden, it did not have the production level or quality of produce being only a few years old and not getting the amount of enrichment the old garden received. The secret weapon the head gardener had was the modern mushroom growing unit alongside which gave a daily supply of compost, dug in at every opportunity.

Being just post agricultural / horticultural college with a know it all head as we all have at that age, I was shocked to the core to see what this man could grow, I had the good fortune to have been on two Chelsea gold winning teams with what I thought was the best veg in the world, thought I new it all but the veg and flowers I got to see here was out of this world, and techniques 20 years ahead of its time.

One particular technique was to take some half inch electrical conduit to the local saw mill and get them to cut it in half lengthways, next we would mix one third sharp sand, one third silver sand and one third wall paper paste as granules in volume and not mixed in water. This must be kept damp but not wet. next it is well mixed together, not a job I enjoyed, when completed we would mix what ever seed we wanted to grow into it. now here come the smart bit.

The halved conduit would be laid onto a sterile bench and then a length of thick course garden twine laid in the bottom leaving about a yard hanging out of one end, the mixture containing the seeds would then be put into the half tubes which in turn would be put into a greenhouse until germinated, when the plants were large enough and the final bed prepared they would be taken out and laid out where they would grow.

So ! I hear you ask? Well the string is tied to a cane pushed into the ground at the end of the proposed row and the half tube is then watered, given a good soaking and given 20 minutes, the wall paper paste swells and loosens in the tube, the tube is then pulled along the proposed row, the string being held tight pulls the seed mixture out of the tube in the straightest line you have ever seen nicely spaced and already growing, I've seen most seeds grown this way even carrots that hate being replanted.

Things to do in the garden in March Ÿ Ÿ

Ÿ

Ÿ

Ÿ Ÿ

Lots of shrubs and over winter coloured stems need pruning and feeding.

If dry you can start work on the lawn, you would only mow towards the end of the month but this year you will have to start earlier due to the warm winter.

Green houses should be cleaned out and sterilised by now so sowing and growing can start, watch out for the late frosts, remember to allow suitable ventilation on warmer days to avoid high humidity causing diseases.

Don’t get keen planting potatoes unless you are experienced in the Baldock area, April would be plenty early enough, better to have a good later crop rather than a early poor crop.

Root crops can be sown, carrots, parsnips and all types of beet, leeks, onion sets.

Pests are about at this time, especially after our warm winter.

Slugs , snails, early caterpillar and particularly bird damage.

Ÿ Ÿ

Ÿ

Ÿ Ÿ

Ÿ

Ÿ

All sorts of cabbage and lettuce can be set, seed or plugs.

Cloches would be a useful way to protect early crops but be careful to vent well. Roll back if plastic or lift off to one side if glass during the day but don’t forget to put back over night.

If you are using plastic in the garden to protect from frost be sure that it doesn't touch any of the foliage as it will burn at above freezing.

Still time to prune fruit trees and fruit bushes.

Roses need looking at if not already pruned, don’t be scared to cut shrub roses back hard, DO not cut climbers or ramblers back to near ground level unless you intend to re start them or they are badly damaged or diseased.

Wisteria should be pruned, the general rule is to cut all spurs to four buds but you can cut to two buds if you have a good growing plant that is a regular heavy flowerer.

What ever you do enjoy your gardening . Cheers Graham .

M A R C H 2016

21

MARCH MOVIES

A.J.DAY

MARCH 3rd - LONDON HAS FALLEN After the British Prime Minister has passed away under mysterious circumstances, all leaders of the Western world must attend his funeral. But what starts out as the most protected event on earth, turns into a deadly plot to kill the world's most powerful leaders. The President of the United States, his formidable secret service head and an English MI-6 agent who trusts no one are the only people that have any hope of stopping it.

MARCH 10th - ALLEGIANT The next chapter of The Divergent Series: Insurgent, Beatrice Prior and Tobias Eaton venture into the world outside the wall enclosing Chicago and are taken into protective custody by a mysterious agency known as the Bureau of Genetic Welfare. Tris and Four must quickly decide who they can trust as a ruthless battle ignites beyond the walls of Chicago which threatens all of humanity.

MARCH 11th -

Building Maintenance Local family run business Ÿ Plumbing

Ÿ Painting &

Decorating Ÿ Carpentry Ÿ Plastering Ÿ Alterations Ÿ Kitchens Ÿ Bathrooms Garage Conversions Ÿ Tiling

01767 314 445 Mob: 07802 530 951 Tel:

email: dayalan60@googlemail.com

FUNG FU PANDA 3

When Po's long-lost panda father suddenly reappears, the reunited duo travels to a secret panda paradise to meet scores of hilarious new panda characters. But when the supernatural villain Kai begins to sweep across China defeating all the kung fu masters, Po must do the impossible-learn to train a village full of his fun-loving, clumsy brethren to become the ultimate band of Kung Fu Pandas.

MARCH 25th - BATMAN V’s SUPERMAN Fearing the actions of Superman are left unchecked, Batman takes on Superman, while the world wrestles with what kind of a hero it really needs. With Batman and Superman fighting each other, a new threat, Doomsday, is created by Lex Luthor. It's up to Superman and Batman to set aside their differences along with Wonder Woman to stop Lex Luthor and Doomsday from destroying Metropolis.

MARCH 25th - ZOOTROPLIS In the animal city of Zootopia, which is populated by mammals, birds, fish, Invertebrates, reptiles, amphibians, a fast-talking fox who's trying to make it big goes on the run when he's framed for a crime he didn't commit. Zootopia's newest rookie cop, a self-righteous rabbit, is hot on his tail, but when both become targets of a conspiracy, they're forced to team up and discover even natural enemies can become best friends.

HANDYMAN & GARDEN SERVICES Quick, High Standard Services, Fully Insured, Free Estimates

Shelving Decorating Flat pack assembling Shed and fence treatment TV wall installation

A to Z Home Repairs W - www.atozhomerepairs.co.uk E - atozhomerepairs01@gmail.com 22

MARCH

2016

07908 634418 01438 230094

Answer-phone on both numbers & will return all calls

Does your dog have a chip on their shoulder?

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

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

From 6th April 2016 all dogs in the UK must be microchipped by law and the owners details must be registered on a national database and kept up to date.

All puppies must be microchipped by the age of 8 weeks and the breeder must be the first registered owner.

The new law – 'The Microchipping of Dogs (England) Regulations 2014' - will be enforced by local authorities, police constables, community support officers and any other person which the Secretary of State may authorise to act as an enforcer of the regulations.

Under the regulations, your dog is considered microchipped when you (1) have the dog implanted with a microchip and (2) register your details on an approved database. If you do not get your dog microchipped or your details registered on an approved database, then it will be considered as not complying with the regulations and a notice may be served.

If you do not microchip your dog within 21 days of the served notice, then you will be liable to pay a fine of £500.

Microchipping is quick and easy to do. It is done during a consultation and doesn't require a sedation or anaesthetic.

The microchip is implanted in the same way as an injection and is placed under the skin between the shoulder blades.

The microchip is approximately the size of a grain of rice and contains a unique 15 digit number. This number needs to be registered on the database with the owners contact details.

To book an appointment or for information on how to change your registered details please call Baldock Veterinary Centre on 01462 895579 or Royston Veterinary Centre on 01763 242221.

Microchip offer for Feb/Mar only

£9.99 We are excited to launch Senior Cat Clinics at our Baldock Branch

63% off consultations Discounted blood and urine tests

M A R C H 2016

23

Beautiful Floristry Wildwood Floral Events is a floristry business specialising in wedding and event flowers at venues throughout Cambridgeshire, Her ordshire and further afield on request. Our workshops are in an idyllic se ng just outside Steeple Morden where we produce floral crea ons for weddings, par es, gi bouquets, funerals and private dinner par es.

A er fi een years living and working in London a move to the country prompted a hobby to become a career. I worked with a local events florist while achieving a dis nc on in the City & Guilds Advanced Na onal Cer ficate in Floristry at the renowned Capel Manor College in North London and set up Wildwood Floral Events in 2006.

I have now been a full me florist for almost ten years and during that me Wildwood have been lucky enough to work at a huge variety of venues, churches, private houses and Cambridge colleges. We also have a wide choice of equipment such as vases, pedestals and candelabra available to hire.

Alison Dyche - Wildwood Floral Events, 8 Hay Street, Steeple Morden 01763 853038 | 07810 427254 www.wildwoodfloralevents.co.uk Alison@wildwoodfloralevents.co. uk Facebook: Wildwood Floral Events

Now taking bookings for Mother's Day flowers

Philip Allen Tree Surgeon

LOGS Seasoned Logs from a local tree company delivered to the local area 300 logs for £80 delivered loose £10 discount for double loads Contact Phil Allen on 01462 834411 or 07909 716 631 or email on allentrees@btinternet.com

PIC - Laurence Browne

MUSCLE & MOTOR

24

The copy deadlin for the April e issue is 15th March

07973788418 MARCH

2016

Jumbo van with up to 3 men Helpful, efficient and friendly service for all your moving carrying and domestic disposal needs, including house and garage clearance.

Call now on: 01767 317387 or 07968 787496 www.muscleandmotor.co.uk

muscleandmotor@gmail.com

New Baldock Open Gardens As part of the Baldock Fes val in May, the Rotary Club of Baldock will once again be sponsoring and organising the very popular Open Gardens event.

As is tradi onal, it will be held on the last a ernoon of the Fes val on Sunday, 15th May. Generally the Open Gardens are a mix of gardens some of which are open for the first me and others that have opened previously.

This always gives people a choice of which gardens to visit.

In order to provide an even wider choice of new gardens to visit we would like to give people the opportunity to volunteer to open their gardens.

Your garden doesn't have to be any of the following:A show garden – there are no prizes at stake A large garden – small can be just as interes ng Ÿ Pris ne – weeds have a habit of appearing overnight! Ÿ

Ÿ

However it does have to be a safe environment.

Baldock residents are always interested in the Open Gardens event and ideas and comments (always posi ve) are shared on the day. However with greater publicity the event is beginning to a ract visitors from further afield.

All gardens are marshalled throughout the a ernoon by Members or Friends of Rotary who take responsibility for checking ckets and suppor ng the garden owner.

If you are interested in opening your garden and would like to volunteer or would like more informa on about the event please contact Janet Hammond, telephone number 01462-894603 or eth mail janet.hammond4@b nternet.com

WWW.

WarrensWindows .co.uk

We don't tell you that something needs replacing if it doesn't and there's no hard selling!

Ÿ New Windows and doors

installed Ÿ

Ÿ Repairs to doors and windows Ÿ

Ÿ New conservatories and

upgrades and repairs to existing conservatories Ÿ

Ÿ Car Ports Ÿ

Ÿ Upvc Porch Installations Ÿ

Ÿ

Misted/Blown Glass unit replacement

Ÿ

Ÿ Broken hinges and handles Ÿ

Ÿ Facia, soffit and gutter

FREE Y SURVETOO

NO JOB L SMAL

Ÿ Ÿ

Ÿ Ÿ

Ÿ Ÿ

Ÿ

Ÿ

Ÿ Ÿ

Ÿ

'A' Rated Double/Triple Glazing 25 Years Experience Certass registered All works covered with insurance backed guarantee Full up to date DBS certificate Quality Repairs and installations

replacement

For 10% discount quote OOD1 15% discount for OAP's New offers all the time!!

Call Warren on 01462 261 401 E: wozcoult@hotmail.co.uk

M A R C H 2016

25

Baldock MOT Centre MOT’s, SERVICING, REPAIRS, AIR CON, DIAGNOSTICS

!

LATE NIGHT WEDS ‘TIL 8PM OPEN ALL DAY SATURDAY

FREE MOT WITH FULL SERVICE

MOT

£24.99

Baldock Town FC

ld

Icknie

Road

The Orange Tree

Norton Roa d

Norton

Way

WE ARE HERE SG7 5AN

t Hitchin Stree

FREE RE-TEST 74 Icknield Way, Baldock, SG7 5AN

01462 895933

RUGBY CLUB HOOLEY Letchworth Rugby club are planning a grand music extravaganza to celebrate the St Patrick's Day fes vi es on Friday 18th March and also raise money for the local Garden House hospice There will be music and song and dance to suit all tastes of Irish music and culture and it is aimed to make the event a real hooley in true Irish tradi on .

Amongst the performers will be THE LIZZIE, a great tribute band to the legendary Phil Lyno and his 80s rockers, led by twin brothers Aidan and Ronan Whyte .

Well loved tradi onal band GOR JUS WREX will provide reels , jigs and ballads to s r the heart and tap the feet along with the beau ful voice of Baldock nigh ngale Dorrie Randall .

Girls from the MARIA GRANT SCHOOL OF DANCING will delight with their range of steps from slow horn pipe to lightning reel and there will also be some country from new band WAGON WHEEL Included in the cket price of £10 is a FREE Irish drink of your choice either Stout. Whiskey or Cream liqueur The night will begin at 8 pm and finish around mid night so put the date in your diary for what will be a great evening for a great cause For advance ckets contact Brian Burke on 07768274037 RAFFLE DONATIONS ALSO WELCOME

Letchworth Rugby Club Venue Hire The ideal location for any event, large or small, with plentiful free parking available in the Club car park.

Suitable for Weddings, Birthdays, Children's Parties, Business Meetings, Club Meetings, Sports Events Hire Charges: Evenings: £150 Daytime: £75 Club members receive a discount.

The newly re-furbished Clubhouse has a bar and a dining area that can seat up to 120 people. We can also provide catering, anything from buffets to 4 course meals.

We have two large TV screens (75” & 50”) which you can utilise.

viding a great available for hire, pro The pitches are also castles, 'It's a cy un bo ildren's parties, days outdoor space for ch ts, corporate sports Knockout' type even

For more info contact Club Steward 'Jacko' Jackson: 07815 990463 or 01462 682554

Are things a little slow?

Its easy to advertise in On Our Doorstep Call Jacqui 07973 788 418 or

info@onourdoorstepbaldock.co.uk

26

MARCH

2016

Earphones that stay in your ears, even during somersaults!

FlyONE Dark from Deewear, earphones that stay in your ears, even during somersaults!

Personal audio has certainly come on in leaps and bounds since I listened to my first personal stereo in the 1980's through a pair of nny orange headphones, long gone are the bass-less muffled sounds and poor audio reproduc on and tangled wires, replaced by high tech bluetooth earphones, namely the FlyONE Dark.

The FlyONE Dark bluetooth headphones have an excellent 'ergonomic' design, coupled with extremely high audio quality.

They are designed in such a way as to remain fixed in your ears by using built in flaps which fit into your ear and remain there even during exercise. During development of the earphones, Deewear employed Luigi Lorenzi, renowned 'Free-Runner' with Team Jes on who are one of the worlds leading Parkour team. Together they tested and further developed the headphones to ensure they stay in place even during the most amazing somersaults!

The earphones arrived packaged in a very nice display case.

They came pre-charged and ready to go meaning I just need to couple them to my smartphone and I was ready to go, the box also came with USB charger cable and different size buds and flaps to suit ear size.

Technology wise, they use Bluetooth 4.1 and 6th genera on CVC noise reduc on which means that constant usage stretches to 5 hours music or talk me (using the integrated microphone) or 180 hours standby me.

The le and right earbuds are connected with a flat cable with a reflec ve strip on one side which can be seen when headlights shine on it, a usual safety measure if you are exercising in the dark.

When switched on, a voice is heard saying 'Power On' and 'Connec on Successful', holding the centre power bu on will switch off the earphones again with a voice telling you 'Power Off' with addi onal warnings of 'Ba ery Low' and 'Connec on Lost'.

The three bu on control allows you to adjust the volume up and down and pause music, you can skip backwards and forwards between tracks by holding the volume up and down for 2 seconds.

When you are ready to charge the earphones, you remove the cap on the back of the right earphone and plug in the micro USB cable. Charging doesn't take too long, however you can only check the ba ery level by pairing with an Apple device, be that iPhone, iPad or iMac.

The sound quality of FlyONE Dark is supreme, although you need to ensure they are fi ed correctly before using them to experience the excellent bass reproduc on. While I was tes ng them, I viewed a film trailer on my phone, I found myself rewinding the trailer to experience the cinema c bass, it really was very good indeed.

FlyONE Dark can be purchased from Amazon currently more than 30% off at £39.99 which is a very appealing price for such a high quality item.

Ma Porter - www.thegadgetman.org.uk.

Crash Care Centre Ltd

Vehicle Accident Repair Specialists

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

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

T:

01462 441 686

E: info@crashcarecentre.com www.crashcarecentre.com M A R C H 2016

27

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

For free advice call Dave today

01462 619651 Web: atouchofglasswindowsanddoors.co.uk

“MEET OUR MEMBERS” Helena Loveridge from Ivel Way is a Target member of the group. Helena returned to the group in May of last year following the birth of her fourth baby and has now lost almost 5 and half stones in total, ge ng to her chosen target weight of 5 stones total loss just before Christmas.

Helena is a true ambassador of how food op mising is just a healthy ea ng plan for the whole family. Her husband Ma also a ends and in January achieved our coveted slimmer of the month award with a stonking 1 stone 2.5lbs lost that month.

Not only a busy mother of four Helena also works full- me in Mental Health nursing and says "I love Slimming world because it is so easy to follow and you can eat loads and at any me of the day, the trick is just never to allow yourself to be hungry. This is something that's really important to me with such a busy work and home schedule. I can cook quick and easy meals in big quan es to fill us all up and s ll leave a por on over to take to work. I've got a sweet tooth and it can be hard when you've got li le ones in the house because there are o en temp ng treats around, but there are so many Slimming World friendly puds and snacks that I've discovered in group that I never feel like I'm being le out.”

Helena puts a lot of her success down to the support she receives weekly in the friendly morning session of the groups. “I would always make the me to stay for the hour and soak up the ideas and hints and ps from the other members. I have found food op mising easy, but on the weeks when maybe I have struggled the support from the other members has been invaluable. You always leave group feeling ten feet tall and with a plan for the next 7 days.

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

JUSTIN COLOURS LTD. Building Finishers

The perfect finish every time Phone 07947 396 341

Office 01462 734 509

66 Astwick Road, Stotfold, SG5 4BQ 28

MARCH

2016

Slimming World Recipe Supplied by Sandra Lloyd Chicken in Oyster sauce A takeaway classic that's so easy and quick to make, why not get slim for spring and serve it with spiralized veg rather than rice noodles Serves: 4 Cook time: Ready in 30 minutes plus marinating Ready in: Over 60 Minutes Syns per serving: FREE

Ingredients Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ

2 garlic cloves, crushed 1cm piece of root ginger, peeled and grated 6 tbsp oyster sauce 2 tbsp light soy sauce 4 skinless and boneless chicken breasts, thinly sliced Low calorie cooking spray 2 1 onion, halved and sliced 1 carrot, peeled and cut into matchsticks 1 red pepper, deseeded and thinly sliced 100g broccoli, cut into florets 100g baby sweetcorn, halved lengthways 200g asparagus tips, sliced diagonally

Method

4

9

3

2 8

3 2 3 6 9 1

6 7

1 2 4 8

4 6

3 2

1

5

8 2

7

1. Mix the garlic, ginger, 4 tablespoons of oyster sauce and the soy sauce in a bowl. Add the chicken, stir to coat well and leave to marinate for 30 minutes.

2. Spray a large non-stick wok or frying pan with low calorie cooking spray and place over a high heat. Add the chicken mixture and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes or until cooked and browned. Lift out the chicken and keep warm.

3. Clean the wok with kitchen paper and respray with low calorie cooking spray. Add the onion, carrot, red pepper and broccoli and stir-fry for 23 minutes. Add the sweetcorn, asparagus, chicken, remaining oyster sauce and 200ml of water and cook for 2-3 minutes or until the sauce has thickened. The vegetables should be slightly softened but still crisp

M A R C H 2016

29

Mascot at the Cup Semi Final The Baldock Town Youth teams were once again mascots on Saturday 6th February when Baldock Town played Letchworth in the Cup Semi Final at the County ground. A big crowd had come to watch the local derby game and the under 6's, 7's and 10's were the lucky players given the opportunity to go on to the pitch to do a few drills before kick off.

Baldock looked very confident as they walked out with a guard of honour, this being due to their recent league form and push for promo on. Throughout the game the weather condi ons were challenging. Baldock started with most of the ball possession but were playing against the wind in the first half enabling Letchworth to use the wind in their favour. All set plays were aimed towards the box where the wind caused all types of problems but fortunately Baldock took the lead late in the first half with a well taken shot from outside the box.

A er a very cold first half specta ng, the boys were again able to go onto the pitch at half me to have a kick around. They hugely enjoyed the opportunity to play on the County ground pitch and were especially exhilarated to do it in front of the large crowd of spectators.

Baldock started very well in the second half and it looked like they would increase their lead however they just missed out with a lob from outside the box going wide. Letchworth then gained momentum and started to put the pressure on the Baldock goalkeeper. Letchworth increased their ball possession and began to take control of the game scoring a goal with 15 minutes le to play. Extra me seemed to be on the horizon before Letchworth scored the winner in injury me to take them to the cup final.

Baldock Town Youth would like to wish Letchworth all the best for the final. The game was played in really good spirit with only one bad tackle which set a good example for all the youth players to watch. They saw that it was about how to play football as a team, the right way, instead of about individuals and players who see diving as an excuse to win the ball, something that we see on TV frequently.

Baldock Town Youth have teams from U5's all the way through to the U18's. It is at the age of 5 when a child will pick up new skills and develop the most which is why the club are always keen to sign players for training at this age. The boys are coached by our level 1 and 2 coaches and share the view that the game of football is enjoyable, that players need to develop their skills and is therefore not just about winning. Baldock's club philosophy is to mix all players up on a regular basis no ma er what their ability therefore suppor ng and developing weaker players whilst strengthening the depth of knowledge and skills of stronger players.

30

MARCH

2016

The senior team play a passing game and try and encourage players from the youth teams to con nue to include this as an integral part of their development. Not many youth teams have this op on and it is good for the youth players to aim to play at a good standard.

With this in mind If you would like your child to become involved with football then please do contact Baldock Town Youth Football Club.

Andrew Dolby - Vice Chair

Baldock MOT Centre £24.99 FREE RE-TEST 01462 895933 MOT

Astro-Holidays

A Valentine's spectacular We were blessed with perfect weather: blue skies all day. There was a bumper turn out over 15 people , all taking advantage of the opportunity to get out in the fresh air and undertake purposeful, fun, social environmental work...

Predominantly we were able to clear away some more of the scrub, not removing all of it, just some to enhance the grassland.

In so doing it has opened up a vista where you can clearly see the Langford Water Tower and Wind turbines, and then you can scan around to Ashwell in one direc on and the woods at Old Warden in the other.

We also removed 5 bags of li er, such fun. But at least when you walk around your spirit will not be so disturbed. Imagine how you would feel if your house had random rubbish spread everywhere....

We finished the day of roas ng some Marshmallows on the fire!

It was a roaring success.

On the 11th February Countryside Management Service volunteer’s ventured out to Ivel Springs, Baldock. Our task for the day was to finish laying the hedge by the Equestrian Centre. We also crown li ed some trees in the large grass area by the car park, removed and replanted some small trees that would fail the kissing gate when it is realigned. Not a bad day weather wise it stayed sunny and dry, we managed to get all we wanted done today so well done all and thank you for your hard work.

A special thanks to everyone who came along! We have a good month ahead folks, next task is at Weston Hills on Sun 6 March (Mothers' day!!)

Thanks - Friends of Baldock Green Spaces

Driveways Patios Fencing

For all enquiries please contact us: DavidTimms@VirginMedia.com

07901 602227 01462 895506

6000 LEAFLETS DELIVERED £150 M A R C H 2016

31

MARTIN BALL PLASTERING

32

MARCH

2016

CHILLI LOUNGE HOST A CHARITY EVENING Award winning chef, Abbas Ahmed, Proprietor and General Manager of the Chilli Lounge in Baldock, has announced Herts Air Ambulance as his restaurant’s Charity of the Year for 2016.

To celebrate Abbas, who recently won the Curry Life Chef Award for Her ordshire, hosted a special charity evening on Tuesday 2 February.

On the night, a special set price meal was offered to all those in the local community who enjoy tradi onal Bangladeshi and Indian cuisine and who are keen to support the Herts Air Ambulance. All the money raised on the night will be donated to the life-saving charity.

Abbas said: “As well as being a business man, I want the restaurant to help support and improve local people’s lives. We will complete five years’ support for Letchworth’s Garden House Hospice in February and it seemed a perfect me to move our support to another, very worthy, local cause.”

“We’ve held a Charity Night every Monday, dona ng fi y pence of every take-away order to our charity partner – money which will now go Herts Air Ambulance. We also plan to hold special events throughout the year.”

“It’s an exci ng me for the restaurant as our reputa on grows and we are looking forward to giving back to the community in a new way this year.”

Maria Alexander, Herts Fundraising Manager adds: “We are extremely excited to officially launch our partnership with The Chilli Lounge. Abbas is very kindly dona ng all of the money raised from the set menu and would love to see lots local people suppor ng the charity. So we are calling for the community to come along, eat some delicious food and support the Herts Air Ambulance at the same me!”

The Chilli Lounge offers Pan Asian fine dining offering a fusion of tradi onal Bangladeshi and Indian cuisine. To reserve a table call 01462 896060.

Mothers Day Bouquets available to order Gift Bouquets DIY Flower Buckets Wedding Flowers

M A R C H 2016

33

'Leaving on a Jet Plane' Here at St. Marys Infants School, we have been very busy during the Spring Term.

Year 1 children have been enjoying their topic of 'Leaving on a Jet Plane' by learning about France, China and Australia. This involved role playing airport check in, going on an aeroplane and dressing up. The whole school took part in Enterprise Week with each year group using their bank loan to decide on a product to make and sell in our 'Market Place'.

The children also decided on what to do with their money (a er paying the loan back!).

Our Ethos Team are currently working on improving our Calm Garden so children have a space to reflect when out at play.

SCHOOL OF DANCE & DRAMA

Jemma 07890312899/Jill 07830173170

1

2

7

4

2

4

1

7

4

4

N EWPORT CARAVAN PARK

4

6

6

MATHS TUTOR Fully qualified and experienced Maths teacher offering home tutoring at competitive prices.

Maths from Key stage One to GCSE (prices £25- £30 / hour)

HEMSBY NORFOLK Privately owned modern caravan 30 x 12ft. Very Clean Sleeps up to 6 people Onsite club houses, restaurant, shop and swimming pool nearby.

Only 10 mins to Great Yarmouth town centre.

Full CRB certificate Katharine Copsey BEd Hons (with Mathematics) 07954292077 katehall1@btinternet.com I work with students to build confidence, expand knowledge and exam preparations.

Ÿ Removals

For further details and prices telephone Alan on 01462 734377 now www.newportcaravanpark.co.uk

Ÿ Clearances

Ÿ Deliveries Ÿ Pick-up Ÿ Items disposed of Ÿ Flat pack Assembly

Anything considered Friendly and reliable at a cost you can afford.

Office: 01462 627074 Mobile: 07867 531368 Speak to Matt 34

MARCH

2016

l

Ballet & Pointe Tap Modern Street Contemporary Musical Theatre Private lessons Jazz

We take Students from 3 years - Adult Happy Friendly School, taught by highly experienced and fully qualied teachers, We hold regular workshops taught by west End professionals.

Students are entered in for ISTD exams, Students take part in a major production every two years.

Easter workshop 5 & 12 April only £35, 9am-5pm Book now!

9 3 865 3 + 0+39 8 3 +30 +

MAN WITH VAN REMOVALS

Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ

No job too big or small

IAN SIMPSON Carpentry and Joinery All aspects of carpentry work undertaken Kitchen, Bedrooms, Doors, Windows 25 years experience Free estimates Please call 01462 851695 or 07967162448 E-mail ij_simpson@hotmail.com

Baldock MOT Centre MOT £24.99 FREE RE-TEST

01462 895933

GOLDEN SYRUP MUG CAKE Ingredients: 6 level tbs self raising floor 3 tbs sugar 1 large egg (beaten) 9 tbs milk 9 tbs Vegetable oil 2 drops vanilla extract 3 tbs golden syrup

MOLTEN CHOC MUG CAKE Ingredients: 4 tbs Self/Rais flour 4 tbs sugar 2 tbs cocoa powder Pinch of salt 3 tps melted butter 3 tbs whole milk 1 egg 1/2 tsp vanilla extract 1 Cream Egg 1 tablespoon water

CARROT MUG CAKE Ingredients: 2 tbs vegetable oil 1Ingredients: medium egg 1350ml tbs milk buttermilk 11 tsp vanilla large egg extract 32 tbs brown sugar tbs unsalted 4 tbs S/R flour butter (melted) pinch of salt 1 pinch of salt 1/4 tsp gd mixed spice 1 tbs sugar 1/4 tsp gd cinnamon 2 tsp baking powder 2 tbs grated carrot 190g plain flour 1/2 tbs raisins

Method: Use the largest mug you have, to avoid it overflowing in the microwave.

Mix the flour and sugar in the mug.

Add the beaten egg and mix again.

Next add the milk, oil, vanilla extract and mix well for the last time.

Add the golden syrup.

Place your mug in the middle of the microwave and cook on full power for 2-3 minutes or until it stops rising and is firm/bouncy to touch Watch it rise as it cooks

ENJOY

Method: Get a large mug, mix in flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt.

Stir that with a fork. Then add in some melted butter and milk.

Followed by an egg and a splash of vanilla..

Stir everything well together, add the Cream Egg, drizzle on a tablespoon of water right on top of the mixture.

I know this sounds weird! But trust me. (This is secret to the molteness).

Then put the mug in the microwave for 1 minute and 20 seconds to 2 minutes MAX! When its done, the center will look slightly wet but not undone and when you touch it, it should slightly stick to your finger.

ENJOY

Method: Mix well the oil, egg, milk, vanilla and sugar in a large mug until well combined.

Add the flour, salt, mixed spice and cinnamon and beat again until smooth.

Fold through the carrot and raisins.

Place your mug in the middle of the microwave and cook on full power for 2-3 minutes depending on the power of the microwave.

Leave to cool before decorating.

Make frosting Beat together 2 tbs cream cheese, 1 tbs icing sugar I tsp lemon juice until light and fluffy.

FLOOR & WALL TILING Ceramic

Porcelain

Mosaic

Ÿ Kitchens, Ÿ Bathrooms Ÿ Conservatories Ÿ Utility rooms Ÿ Cloakrooms

A.DOBING & CO Specialist in damp proofing, rising damp and timber preservation

RISING DAMP INSECT INFESTATION

BASEMENTS DRY ROT

01462 491 221 peter@adobing.co.uk www.adobing.co.uk

Deb’s Dirty Cookers We clean cookers, extractor fans, microwaves.

THE WALKERS PARTNERSHIP SOLICITORS HAVE MOVED

Spring cleaning & cooker repairs also undertaken

Our new address is

Friendly Reliable Service Treat your cooker today

FISH HILL CHAMBERS, : ROYSTON, 2-3 FISH HILL, HERTS, SG8 9JY Our reduced rate wills will be available every week day throughout March 2016 from 8.00am until 6.00pm, and on Tuesday evenings until 8.00pm, by appointment only.

Also on the Saturday mornings of 5th & 19th March 2016, again by appointment only: Reduced rates are:Double Wills - £250.00 plus VAT Single Will - £130.00 plus VAT HOME VISITS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE AT NO EXTRA CHARGE WITHIN A 5 MILE RADIUS OF BALDOCK. For more information please contact:Tel: 01763 241121 or email: t.donnellan@walkerspartnership.co.uk

36

MARCH

2016

Please contact Debbie 01438 215172 07983 577803

Flexible use of government funded sessions.

Including all day sessions for all 3 & 4 year olds and eligible 2 year olds. Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ

High ratio of staff to children Safe, stimulating and fun environment Early drop-off, lunch club and late pick-up sessions available Two redeveloped, all weather outdoor play areas The Mobile, Hartsfield School, Clothall Road, Baldock, Hertfordshire SG7 6BJ 01462 896322 info@merrygoroundunder5s.co.uk

Useful numbers Advice Citizen’s Advice Bureau Trading Standards Advice

03444 111444 0300 300 8136

Churches St Marys the Virgin Baptist church Roman Catholic Methodist Christchurch United Reformed Church

01462 892838 01462 893203 01462 893127 01462 895052 01462 232005 01462 619350

Councils North Hertfordshire District

Doctors Baldock Surgery

01462 474000 01462 892458

Dentist Victoria Place Dental Surgery

01763 313869

Emergency Utilities Gas Emergency Electric power cut

0800 111999 0800 7838838

Hospitals Lister Hospital Queen Elizabeth 2 EMERGENCY HEALTH

01438 314333 01707 328111 111

Library Baldock Library

0300 123 4049

Police Police

01707 354000

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

01462 896111 01462 892366 01462 893168 01462 892341 01462 893153 01462 893134

Vacuum Cleaners

Carpet Shapooers

Spare parts for household appliances

Schools Knights Templar Hartseld St Johns St Marys Brandles

01462 620700 01462 895267 01462 892478 01462 892347 01462 892189

Vacuum Bags Lighting

Vacuum Spares

Appliance Spares

Travel Arriva Buses National Rail Enquires National Bus line

08701 201088 08457 484950 0870 6082608

Vets Baldock Veterinary Centre

01462 895579

Nurseries Weston Way Nursery Merry Go Round

01462 892172 01462 896322

Play Groups Magic Moments Merry Go Round

07980 400690 01462 896322

07949 120911

Window & Door repairs JML Windows Reapairs Warrens Windows

NEXeT? isest inutouch G

6000

LEAFLETS DELIVERED

£150

A your dvertis busi e ness

£ 20 1 /16 p

age

Disclaimer

Plumbers A.P Hughes

to Wantin r r ou a e p p a

01438 906300 01462 261401

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.

M A R C H 2016

37

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

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

Contact Philip for further details on

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

LOVE LOCAL

M A R C H 2016

39