Raising awareness of what’s on & where to find things locally
Issue 90 May 2022
Baldock, Ashwell, Weston and surrounding villages
Fully booked to July 2022
Welcome Welcome to the May issue! No school half term in May this year, very unusual but as it’s been pushed to the start of June, hopefully it might mean that we'll have some good consistent sunshine by then. I'm sure if the weather stays on side BBQ season will be kicking off in our household. All of you keen gardeners are hoping for a more successful season this year. Jacqui's dad has been busy in his greenhouse getting his vegetables started. He usually grows a few extra for us to plant in our garden too, there is nothing better than homegrown veg! The Baldock Festival is here at last! There is lots of activities and events planned out for the month, check in last months issue or follow the QR code opposite for all the details. We received lots of lovely comments from you about having the Baldock Festival program feature in the magazine for the first time, which was great to hear. Also lots of excitement around the return of the classic car show as part of this years line up. Always great to stroll through the high street and admire the classics. Tickets for events can still be purchased from the Baldock Community Centre. If that's not enough for you why not sign up for the Letchworth Colour Run or the 220ft Inflatable Assault Course, both taking place on 11th June, more info on
pages 24 & 25. The events are being organised by superwoman Emma Rowe who also organised the Baldock Fireworks at St Mary's over the last couple of years and Leysbrooke in the Community . Speaking of all things fun, did you hear the story about the two Ashwell ladies who dressed as dinosaurs and walked from the Orange Tree in Baldock all the way to Ashwell? Well, you have now! Check out their photo on our gallery page along with the QR code to reach there fundraising page for Ashwell Playgroup. Until next month
Paul & Jacqui info@onourdoorstepbaldock.co.uk or 07973 788418
Disclaimer All adverts and editorial are printed in good faith, however On Our Doorstep Baldock cannot take any responsibility for the content of adverts or services provided by the advertisers. Reproduction on whole or in part of this publication without prior permission from the publishers is strictly prohibited.
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Happy Baldock Festival! If you have lived in Baldock any me in the last 40 years you will have a ended one of the May Baldock Fes val events. Whilst this year is the 37th fes val, it all started 40 years ago in 1982. The fes val even has its own Wikipedia sec on on the Baldock Wikipedia page which states:
The Baldock Fes val is a cultural fes val which started in 1982 and starts on the May Day Bank Holiday weekend. The fes val consists of three weeks of events throughout the town and local area, such as museum displays, wine tas ng, whiskey tas ng, beer fes vals, brewery tours, cricket match, comedy sketches, family quiz night, mystery tour, open gardens, history talks, and several music events, some of which feature local bands. The fes val Street Fair held in the High Street, on the second weekend, is well a ended by the town. Stallholders dress in themed clothing of the street fair theme, in 2022 this will be 'Green' Baldock.
But did you know that it started with a group of friends. Over the last 40 years there have been many commi ee members that have supported the running of the fes val. However, the dedica on of this cohort ‘The Baldock Fes val Five’ who have been involved throughout its history, Nick and Maureen Maddren, Bob and Liz Eversden and Sue Cass is par cularly noteworthy . All 5 commi ee members will be re ring a er this year and the mantle will be taken up by a new genera on.
Alistair Willoughby the current Chair of the Fes val Commi ee asked us to remind you if you see any of the Baldock five during the fes val please Thank them for everything they have done to enliven our community and if you want to help support us with the next 40 years come along to any of the events and talk to a commi ee member about joining us. Tickets are available at the community centre and some events online.
Advertising from £20 per Issue info@onourdoorstepbaldock.co.uk Raising awareness of what’s on & where to find things locally
Raising awareness of what’ to find s on & where things locally
www.onourdoorstepbaldock.co.uk villages
Issue 74 December 2020
www.onourdoorstepbaldock.co. uk
Baldock, Ashwell, Weston and
Baldock, Ashwell, Weston and surrounding
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2022
surrounding villages
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Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline & Sportsmanship
Are you looking for an exci ng way to keep your child ac ve? Then look no further than Letchworth rugby club on Legends Lane, Letchworth (next to North Herts leisure centre) We have a fun dynamic youth sec on welcoming boys and girls of all ages and abili es to a friendly, family orientated club
geared towards the principles of Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline and Sportsmanship. All key development goals to support your own li le legend in the making. Rugby is an inclusive sport that builds las ng friendships into adulthood. Could you have the next interna onal flyhalf? The next premiership star? I used to play myself for school teams and for Saracens RFU so rugby has been a big part of my life for the last 38 years. I have coached youngsters with “Li le Ruggers” who have a strong affilia on to Letchworth RFU. It was only natural that I would want my own children to experience the value that Rugby provides. My daughter MollieMae (centre of pic) is really enjoying her me in the U9's and is looking forward to the upcoming tour to Norfolk with her teammates in the picture Kaitlin and Benjamin. Letchworth RFU have strong links within the community and locally based premiership sides so whether you want your child to play for fun and exercise or develop a career in rugby, get in contact with us on the below informa on to begin a new and exci ng journey playing rugby
You can find us here: Letchworth RFU Legends lane SG6 2EN 01462 682554 07786360212 (Danny Ryall) www.Letchworthrugby.co.uk Letchworthrufc @Letchworthrugby
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St Marys Sports Update
At last, inter-school sport compe ons is very much back amongst schools. St Marys have been taking advantage of every opportunity possible. Over the past couple of months, our children have had wonderful experiences represen ng the school in a Dodgeball compe on, an Indoor Athle cs compe on, football matches, two netball tournaments and a girls football tournament. Our parents, staff and the children themselves are very proud of our performances in each event we have taken part in. The children have excelled in teamwork and
sportsmanship throughout, con nuing to drive the schools posi ve atmosphere through our involvement and success in sport. The highlight for St Marys this term was our boys football team. A er losing the first match of the tournament to an impressive Hartsfield team, St Marys remained buoyant and op mis c, and went on to win all of our remaining games to retain the District Championship. The boys will now go on and defend our County Wix Cup against the other champions of Her ordshire. Sco Hagland - PE Coordinator
BIG GREEN SPRING CLEAN On Sunday 3rd April Baldock and Clothall WI were joined by volunteers from Baldock Photo Laurence Browne Beats Waste, Knights Templar School students and one of their teacher's. With help from Tim Lee and his wife, we set about one of our regular li er picking sessions. It was wonderful to have such a wide range of residents giving up their Sunday morning for this community project. The weather was in our favour and in all we collected a total of 33 bags of rubbish in just an hour and a half. A great team effort, but a sad reflec on on the state of our streets. The contents of the bags in the picture below were collected along the London Road from Hillcrest to just past the George IV pub. We had intended to go further but ran out of bags and me. Following our morning's work we were rewarded with tea and coffee very kindly provided by the Orange Tree pub.
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The New Seat Ibiza
It isn't easy to believe that the SEAT Ibiza has been on the scene for nearly forty years. In its fi h incarna on, the current version of the Ibiza has been on sale since 2017. That means it's due a faceli , and the brand has obliged with new tech and some updates. From the outside, it's challenging to tell any difference. The front of the Ibiza now has LED lights across the range, and there's a new selec on of alloys. The badging has also been altered, with 'Ibiza' scrawled in joined-up le ers along the rear. There are no fundamental changes other than that, but the subtle addi ons make this SEAT model more a rac ve. The new Ibiza comes with a modest 1.0-litre petrol unit. This might be disappoin ng if you equate spor ness with engine size. However, the vehicle comes with 80, 95 or 110 horses - and various trim levels. Here, the Ibiza on test is the 1.0 TSI FR 95PS with a five-speed manual gearbox. The FR houses sports seats, cruise control, and an athle c handling setup.
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You also get electrically foldable door mirrors, dark- nted rear windows, and a spor er rear bumper. Plus, dual-zone climate control, an alarm and automa c windscreen wipers are part of the equipment. The car's accelera on does feel somewhat limited by the small powerplant, but it s ll pulls compara vely well, achieving zero to 62mph in 10.9-seconds. In this guise, the top speed is 116mph. The ride is slightly s ff, but it isn't uncomfortable and is a match for the Ford Fiesta. Its VW rela ve, the Polo, is worth trying, too, if you want extra comfort. The handling is bang on and a worthy match for any challengers. This is helped by the car's steering, which is highly responsive. It is light at low speeds but gets heavier for extra accuracy around faster corners while giving appropriate feedback and feel for trac on levels. Inside, the car is fi ed with so -touch materials, although some areas are made of rigid plas cs, which feel a bit bargain-basement. Furthermore, the FR
boasts a flat-bo omed steering wheel with switches to operate your radio and musicselec on, as well as the cruise control system. In addi on, you get naviga on and a touchscreen, which is responsive and manageable. Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connec vity is incorporated, too. Despite being in the supermini category, there is a good amount of space inside the Ibiza. There is a lot of travel on the front seats to accommodate short and tall drivers. And, as long as you don't have the blend of tall driver and lo y rear occupant, there's enough room to oblige everyone. At the back, the Ibiza provides 355litres of boot space – more than you get in a VW Polo or a Ford Fiesta. There is storage under the boot floor, too. Furthermore, the rear seats fold down, increasing the cargo capacity to 1,165litres. The Ibiza was crash-tested in 2017 and won a top five-star ra ng, so this is a safe car for you and your family. It is also efficient - I managed around 49mpg on my test run
(not far off the claimed 51ish mpg), and the 95PS engine releases 124g/km CO2. The latest Ibiza is a commendable candidate for any car in the supermini class. It is pragma c for its size and has a selec on of trims to suit just about any palate. In addi on, the SEAT handles well, it's pleasurable to drive, and it's roomy for a small car.
Fast Facts Seat Ibiza 1.0 TSI 95 FR as tested: Ÿ Max Speed: 116 mph Ÿ 0-62 mph: 10.9 seconds Ÿ Combined mpg: 51.4 Ÿ Engine layout: 999cc threecylinder turbo petrol Ÿ Max Power: (PS): 95 Ÿ CO2: 124 g/km Ÿ Price: £17,380
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Happy 6th Birthday
Happy 2nd Birthday
Bea blumenau
Hudson H udson
20th April 20th
Lots of love 1st May Granny, GranpaDaddy & Ruby Tuesdayxxxx Love Mummy, & Primrose Happy Birthday
Enzo
May 4
15
Roger Finbow
LAWN CUTTING HEDGE CUTTING LANDSCAPING PATIOS
Lots of love from The Baldock Gang ASHWELL
Sasha Adaway 21st May
ROGERSONS REMOVALS
Lots of love from Colin & Gareth x
Amy Liles Happy 21 Bi6 rMay thday st
th
Lots of Love Mum, Mike, Roy & Kye xxx 12
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WESTON
Screen this months new releases
father stu
Dr Strange Out 5th May
Out 13th May
Dr. Stephen Strange's life changes after a car accident robs him of the use of his hands. When traditional medicine fails him, he looks for healing, and hope, in a mysterious enclave. He quickly learns that the enclave is at the front line of a battle against unseen dark forces. Strange is forced to choose between his life of fortune and status or leave it all behind to defend the world as the most powerful sorcerer in existence.
When an injury ends his amateur boxing career, Stuart Long moves to Los Angeles to find money and fame. While scraping by as a supermarket clerk, he meets Carmen, a Sunday school teacher. Determined to win her over, he starts going to church. However, a motorcycle accident leaves him wondering if he can use his second chance to help others, leading to the realization that he's meant to be a Catholic priest.
Certificate PG13 Running Time 115 mins
Certificate 18
Running Time 124 mins
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Top gun - Maverick Out 13th May
Out 27th May
A couple desperately try to hide their daughter, Charlie, from a shadowy federal agency that wants to harness her unprecedented gift for turning fire into a weapon of mass destruction. Her father taught her how to defuse her power, but as Charlie turns 11, the fire becomes harder and harder to control. When a mysterious operative finally finds the family, he tries to seize Charlie once and for all, but she has other plans.
After more than 30 years of service as one of the Navy's top aviators, Pete "Maverick" Mitchell is where he belongs, pushing the envelope as a courageous test pilot and dodging the advancement in rank that would ground him. Training a detachment of graduates for a special assignment, Maverick must confront the ghosts of his past, culminating in a mission that demands the ultimate sacrifice from those who choose to fly it.
Certificate tbc
Certificate PG-13 Running Time 131 mins
Running Time 110 mins
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We all have mental health and on the whole people appear to be able to func on well at home, work or where they receive their educa on. Some people suffer in silence and their mental health can deteriorate because they have not sought help sooner. It is important to seek help from your NHS GP who can sign post you to the mental health services that can best meet your needs. Many people even a er NHS interven on con nue to feel they have impaired mental health and seek
alterna ve therapies and counselling which can be very expensive. The Baldock Futures Fund believe that to invest in helping someone to improve their mental well - being can only be good for them , for their family and for the community in which they live. We would like to consider making a financial contribu on to a course of treatment offered by a qualified and experienced counsellor. If you are struggling to pay for a course of treatment that will improve your wellbeing please contact us.
Soon our Ukrainian friends will be arriving in our area and some of them will have experienced the war first hand and watched their homes and communi es destroyed. Our community is reaching out to these guests and many residents have opened their doors to them, and are having them to stay. We are working in partnership with the Baldock and Ashwell Ac on Aid Ukraine who have set up a counselling group to help hosts and guests to cope with the effects of trauma. We will also have membership of a grant making group, together with other local chari es and organisa ons who will administer payments to alleviate any hardship. They are proud people and those coming wish to find work. We will refer to the Stephen Boddey fund if Ukrainians wish to start their own businesses. Vivienne Reed (Hon Chair ) Baldock Futures Fund – Baldockcs0@gmail.com contact 07815308124 or apply online www.baldockfuturesfund.co.uk. Anthony Bidder(Founder) Stephen Boddey Stup Up Fund sbsf@adelphifund.co.uk
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THE SECOND
BALDOCK
ECOFEST Saturday 30th May!!! Such was the success of the first EcoFest , organised by Baldock Beats Waste last October, that the commi ee decided to hold a second one during the Baldock Fes val on Saturday 7 May from 12.00 to 5.00pm I'm sure we all have good inten ons about ways in which we can reduce waste, whether it be food, energy, clothing or just generally avoiding waste and using up valuable resources, but we o en aren't sure how to do this in the most efficient manner. One of the aims of the EcoFest is to help and inform us of ways in which we can do this. A number of stalls have been booked to give us more
informa on on a wide range of subjects; for instance, there will be stalls on reducing waste and energy use, upcycling and cra ing, recycling, compos ng and growing your own produce. Among the organisa ons who have already signed up for stalls are Wyld Edges – teaching resilience and permaculture (crea ng sustainable ways of living), the local Wildlife Trust, Baldock Green Spaces, Climate Proofing our Homes, Gardening for Nature, Saving our Chalk Streams, Tent Sharing and Repairs and Baldock's Ecochurch – and there will be many more on the day. There will also be refreshments and some ac vi es for children. And for those who are looking for pre-
loved books, the Community Centre will also be open on the same day for their Grand Book Sale which has been a great favourite for many years and always raises several hundred pounds for the Garden House Hospice. While a Kindle is useful for taking on holiday, many people s ll like the feel of a book in their hands. All the books are reasonably priced from 20p for children's books, 50p for paperbacks and £1.00 for hardbacks. It is a useful place to swap your books, too, and the Book Sale has many regular customers who bring in a bag of books they have read and then spend just a few pounds on filling up again with novels that hold the promise of many happy and informa ve hours. So, this should be a very pleasant way of spending this Saturday and organisers of both events are hoping you will take advantage of all that is on offer. Baldock Beats Waste has another event on Thursday 19 May at 7.30 in the Arts & Heritage Centre (Old Town Hall). Guest speaker Toni Moore will give a talk on 'The State of Fashion'. For more informa on please see the website: baldockbeatswaste@gmail.com
With 20 years experience selling homes locally Thank you to all the people that have recommended me as their personal estate agent in Baldock. I love working here and the town has always held a special place in my heart, it's just great!!
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Baldock Gardens By Graham Tapp
May 2022 We are rapidly approaching the British fruit picking season, so I thought I would describe what you can grow and some ways to grow it. I have had a lifetime growing British fruit. Starting watching my Mum and Dad fruit farming on the north downs in Kent. As a toddler through to leaving school, aged seventeen, I was involved in all aspects of fruit growing. I then took three years out of fruit and into mixed arable and stock farming as a requirement for entry to Hadlow college (the Kent farm institute) to study fruit production. On leaving, I was learning my trade as a young journeyman working for some of the UK's best and possibly some of the best growers in the world, getting to manage my first fruit farm at the age of twenty-five, eventually holding the position of Farm Manager of one of the biggest fruit farms in the country Eight hundred acres. At the age of thirty-two, along with my wife and six-month-old son Will, we moved to Baldock and started growing fruit here for our farm shop, which has long closed replaced by our garden centre. We started growing strawberries undercover, the variety being Ostara, my favourite due to its long season and the best flavour tasting of wild strawberries. I still grow them today for our own use. Runners are available online; I purchase them at the end of March to get them planted early to mid-April. The idea is to get them growing fast as we get into May. I plant them into black plastic bags with four plants placed evenly around the sides and enough compost to make the bag about the size of a football; the compost should have a six-month slow-release fertiliser mixed in. They are tied at the neck of the bag with a heavy-duty twine and then strung up in the roof of my polytunnels, about head height, so they are easy to pick. I'm lucky that I have irrigation to plug into with a dripper pipe in each bag; you could use a small watering can. You should be picking juicy strawberries through to midOctober.Raspberries are a must, no preference from me, but you must have a
mix of summer fruiting and autumn fruiting types so that you get a long season. The most important thing to remember is the pruning times and technique. Summer fruiting types, you must not cut the new canes out; only the canes that have just fruited. Autumn fruiting canes can all be cut down to ground level as they fruit on new growth. Do not let your canes sit in wet ground; they must be planted in well-drained soil with a good mulch of FYM and a good fertiliser feed containing trace elements; if you suspect you have a wet site, plant your canes on a ridge about 15cm high and 40 cm wide. Blackberries are another summer picked favourite for me; some of the new large berry types now have fantastic flavours. I have blackberries growing wild everywhere, having seeds sown all over the place by the birds wonderful for security. Training of blackberries is essential to keep them healthy; the canes should be trained in two sides; what I mean is that in the first year, the new cane should be grown on the left side of the wires, then on the right the following year leaving the canes on the left to bear fruit. The following winter, they should be cut down to the ground. Make sure you do not cut down the canes grown and tied in on the other side. Next year do the opposite. Again they will do well with a good mulch of FYM and a feed of fertiliser and trace elements. Red, black and white currants are always good to grow, but the red and white suffer from birds eating them, so you need to net them over as soon as the flowers have set or, if you can afford it, a fruit cage to cover the whole fruit plot. A lot of fun can be had with currants as they will accept all styles of growing standard types are straightforward to do. Gooseberries are another fruit that will grow in many styles. I am very fond of Cherries, having grown them for years, having eight acres of my own back in the late seventies / early eighties; this orchard was old-style, having trees up to forty-five feet high that had to be picked from a wooden ladder some times taller than the tree so fifty feet high.
I had to employ a ladder man who was effectively the foreman. The foreman would traditionally wear a waistcoat and a bowler hat; my man was a Gentleman called Walter Smith, who lived in Bredgar, a cherry specialist for years since leaving the Navy. He was a crewman in early submarines, steam-powered, would you believe? He was a very stern man, not involving himself in trivial things, especially jokes; being a good friend of my dad's, he was always around and became a kind of tutor come minder for me when the wrong sort turned up. Older fruit farmers will know what I mean. I learned a great deal from "Walt". I still miss him. Modern Cherry varieties are grown on dwarfing rootstocks and do not grow to enormous heights so that you can pick them up from the ground. As for varieties to grow, I would suggest Stella, which is very good for colder areas and is very reliable; sunburst is ultrareliable and the darkest deep red and really juicy. Look for the type of rootstock they are grown on, as you can get columnar types that could be grown in a minimal area or a border. Lastly, Pears and Apples, there are literally thousands of varieties to choose from; again, take notice of the rootstock they are grown on to make sure they will stay small enough for your garden. My biggest beef is that many shops, supermarkets included, sell plant products they know nothing about and cannot give the most simple information about them. I have been asked to visit and look at many fruit trees that have been purchased from lots of these shops for a low price or with no label; what I find is that they are consistently grown on vigorous rootstocks that will reach for the sky and within a few years have become out of control. When asked what can they do about it, I usually have to say grub it out and start again, get a suitable rootstock for your space. There is typically a reason why they are cheap. Enjoy your gardening; Cheers,
Graham
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feeling old Bank holidays are the best aren't they. The Easter pair are doubly wonderful, if you me it right you can get eleven days off work for the price of four, that's a proper bargain. Except, I med it wrong. My wonderful young grandchildren came to stay unexpectedly. Well, I wasn't expec ng it. Aged 6 and a quarter and nearly four (we all know how much those extra months count at that age) they are quite honestly exhaus ng. While it was a complete pleasure to have them to stay for four days, I had totally forgo en the constantness of it all (my spell check is telling me that's not a word, but it's the only one that really describes it all). Ninny, can I have? Ninny, what's that? Ninny, Ninny, Ninny, fi y mes a day, you get the picture. I'm really not complaining, I adore them. They are bright as bu ons and full of life. It's the full of life part that gets me. At my age, its like they are a pair of li le energy Vampires, sapping my already depleted resources, up down, in out, round and round. I'd just like to declare here and now, I hate Sponge Bob, and Pepper Pig is a hideous role model for kids. As you know, I've had four of my own. There is fi een months between the first two. A gap of five years then fourteen months between the second two. Anyone who I say that to says, 'you had your work cut out for you', in truth, I didn't. It certainly didn't feel like it at the me. I, like every parent out there just did it. You just crack on and deal the stuff they throw at you. Chocolate spread smudges on the carpet, no
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problem, half a sandwich down the side of the sofa, no big deal. S ck in the ear (yes that happened), whatever. I expect its one of those things that you just learn to cope with, your capability to withstand mess and unpredictable Lego traps grows as they do. When they go to bed, you just sweep it all in a corner, turn on Eastenders and cry so ly into a small glass of red just incase there is a surprise bit of bed me bead misadventure and it's off to the Lister, again! I'm not an obsessively dy person. I consider my house lived in. I run a sort of dy but with the odd cobweb and don't look under the sofa kind of home. But I must admit that those four days made me wonder if I had some sort of temporary Trinny and Susannah syndrome. I was constantly on edge, not only did I have to remember the constant dangers that they are exposed to in my house. For an example, my cleaning stock is under the sink, when my kids where kids it was all in a top cupboard far away from li le hands. But also, the exhaus ng repe on of don't touch that, put that down and pick that up. I am lucky enough to have a spare room which we converted to a toy room some me ago, they have everything in there that they could want. Only they don't want it in there. Very quickly my living room floor is covered in Lego, dolls, bits of playdoh (squashed into every bit of so furniture) I learned my lesson with the paint and the have to go outside to do that, which is not unlike a military opera on to get it all out there, then return it ten minutes later because
they are bored of that now Ninny. Buy the end of their visit, the playroom resembled the a ermath of a tsunami because I could only muster enough energy at the end of the day to drag the remnants of their play me back into the playroom and shut the door. Thursday was supposed to be a day out a Duxford, not that I'm a big lover of old planes and man toys, I was up for a day out when it was suggested on Monday. Thursday morning came and I had to politely decline, so while my son and the two ny terrorists trundled up the road, I heaved a huge sigh of freedom not felt for at least twenty years and ate my breakfast in peace, had a long lingering bath and watched something on telly that I wanted to watch. I even spoilt myself and went for a nice cup of coffee and bit of cake at Luna. I felt like I was thirty again and stealing a morning of guilty pleasures while my kids went on a playdate. Bliss! When they returned with tales of their visit, we played with paper airplanes in the garden and did a bit of bug hun ng. They returned home on Friday and a er I had removed all traces of the last four days (well nearly all, I didn't have the strength to sweep under the sofa for stray crayons) I started to miss them, the absence of constant cha er and occasional cry of Ninny he hit me le my home feeling empty. Un l the next me.
Nicky
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Baldock’s favourite for 30 years How Lucky We Are… There’s food in the shops and water in the tap. Any threat from neighbours, Is verbal, not military. We can look up at aircraft, bombs won’t rain down. We can catch the train, the station won’t be shelled. Any loud bangs in the town, are fireworks not missiles. A flight abroad means a holiday in the sun, not fleeing your home with all you can carry. How lucky we are… #prayforukraine We're back 6.30 sellers, 7 am buyers See you there!
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'A Day of Wellbeing' Ashwell at Home 2022
- Sunday 8th May 11am-5pm Ashwell at Home is an annual event held in the village of Ashwell in north Herts, when this historic village welcomes visitors from near and far for a whole day of entertainment for all the family. The theme for 2022 is 'A Day of Wellbeing' and there will be a wide range of open gardens, free workshops for adults and children, live music and entertainment around the village, talks, displays and guided walks, lunches & teas and much more. Highlights this year include 15 open gardens of different sizes and designs, drawing & pain ng plants and bugs workshop, mini fit club, children's storytelling, movement workshop, wedding dress and classic car displays, reflexology mini treatments, harp relaxa on, children's magic show, children's junk boat modelling & racing, adult yoga workshop, adult pop and rock singing workshop, and a wide range of live music and dance all around
the village from Tudor dancing and music, Morris Dancing to handbell ringing and 'Jumba'; musical performances from classical to pop, rock and folk, vocal harmony, Spanish guitar and other acous c instruments. Add to that a number of walks and talks on the history of Ashwell, a tree trail, basket making, spinning , art & po ery, well dressing and quil ng displays there's so much to see and do with something for everyone!
Vintage Co
Visit the website to see the full programme and for advance cket purchase www.ashwellathome.org.uk Entry by programme: £8 adults (under 18s free with accompanying paying adult) - available on the day at the event, or £7 in advance from the website. Parking is free. This is a community fundraising event with all proceeds to Ashwell Museum, St Mary's Church and Ashwell Primary School. Loca on: Ashwell is in North Her ordshire, near Junc on 10 of the A1(M). Ashwell, Her ordshire SG7 5NY Website: www.ashwellathome.org Email: ashwellathome31@gmail.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/AshwellAtHome
63 High St, Baldock
Providing bespoke, handpainted, pre-loved furniture. Range of homewares now available Handmade Jewellery Commissions taken Kitchen painting service
Stockist
07985 409400 vintagecobaldock@outlook.com M AY
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Putting the ‘Fun’ into Fundraising The sun is out and here at Leysbrook in the Community we are ge ng ready to celebrate the Letchworth Fes val (28th May – 26th June 2022) and a return to a “new normal”. Throughout June, we will be running a Letchworth Fact Hunt around the town centre, where par cipants will discover clues and trivia about Letchworth, hidden in local shop/business windows which you will use to complete a crossword. Discover the hidden word within to compete for a luxury hamper provided by Leysbrook. Join in here: www.charity-hub.co.uk/leysbrookcommunity-events. On Saturday 11th June, Leysbrook are sponsoring a giant Inflatable Assault Course at the Letchworth Splash Park SG6 1RU. Purchase your wristband in advance or on the day (£5) for unlimited access to the inflatable 10am-4pm. Later that same day, Leysbrook is staging a first for Letchworth: a colour run! Run, jog, or walk around the course on beau ful Norton Common (twice to achieve a 5k distance) while volunteers and spectators hurl coloured powders at you as you pass! Live music and refreshments will be available for the event 4-7pm. Prebooking guarantees entry, family cket discounts, and a souvenir medal of this special event suppor ng Garden House Hospice and HomeStart Her ordshire. For Fathers' Day, to celebrate someone special, Leysbrook in the Community have put together “Chocolate Le ers” for you to give (or have dispatched) to loved ones, with 12 treats for the recipient to enjoy. £2 from every box sold will go directly to the Red Cross' Ukraine appeal – please support! All events can be found here www.charity-hub.co.uk/leysbrookcommunity-events or scan the QR code. If you are a charity or organisa on looking for fundraising help in 2022 and beyond, please don't hesitate to get in touch with Emma Rowe at Leysbrook who will be delighted to talk through further! email emma@leysbrook.co.uk .
March jewellery clinics at the Baldock Community Centre are 4th & 18th May from 11am -2 pm
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5 minutes with... ... Joanne Mitchell from *Tell us about All Sheds and More We are a local business that has been supplying mber garden buildings for over 30 years. I run the business alongside my husband Phil. We offer a personal approach, which is individual for each customer. *What do you supply? We supply mber garden Sheds, Summer Houses, Po ng Sheds, Garden offices, Workshops, mber Garages and Storage units. All of our prices include free delivery and installa on. *What makes you different to other mber garden building suppliers? All of our buildings are bespoke and made to each individual customers requirements, whether it be a basic garden shed or a made to measure building in a selec on of shapes and any size. *what other services do you offer (what is the "and more") We can organize your garden building from start to finish. We offer a site visit service for custom made buildings, we can also arrange for hard standing bases to be installed prior to the delivery of your mber building. We can also provide fencing and gates, supplied and fi ed. *Do you have a showroom? Yes, we have a selec on of our garden buildings and op onal extras at our showroom in Letchworth. You can also look on our website: www.allsheds.co.uk or visit our facebook page.
ALLSHEDS
& More
*Tell us about the quality of your garden buildings All of our buildings are made using Scandinavian Shiplap. The mber is Kiln dried and then treated with a water based preserva ve. We use 16mm boards as standard, however our customers can choose to upgrade to thicker boards if they require (including Log lap). All of our buildings are built to last and include either 2” x 2” framework or 3”x2” and they include a sturdy tongue and groove floor. *Why should we choose allsheds and more By being customer centered we make every effort to accommodate to each customers garden building needs. We are local and experienced and you can come and see the quality of our buildings at our showroom. In our experience we have found this to be beneficial as you know exactly what you are purchasing. *How do we get in touch? Feel free to come and see myself or Phil at our showroom. Opening mes Mon, Wed & Sat 10am-4pm Tues Closed Thurs 10am-2pm Fri 10am-4pm (closed last Saturday of each month) Email allshedsandmore@yahoo.com Office no. 01462 682414 or mobile 07395057565
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ADVENTURE IS CALLING Campervan hire
Contact us for weekend rates and availability hello@kerb2coast.co.uk www.kerb2coast.co.uk 28
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KERB 2 COAST CAMPER VAN HIRE
Slimming Wld Recipe Supplied by
Bibimbap
Kirsty Brown
Packed with filling power, these Korean eggtopped rice bowls have a devilish chilli kick
Ingredients Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ
300g dried sushi rice Low-calorie cooking spray 1 onion, halved and sliced 200g fresh shiitake mushrooms, halved 2 large carrots, shredded or cut into matchsticks 2 large courgettes, shredded or cut into matchsticks 4 large eggs For the chilli sauce 3 level tbsp sriracha sauce 3 tbsp rice vinegar 1 level tbsp sweetener granules
Method 1.To make the sauce, combine all the ingredients in a small bowl and set aside. Cook the rice according to the pack instructions. 2. Meanwhile, spray 2 non-stick frying pans with low-calorie cooking spray and place over a high heat. Cook the onion in 1 and the mushrooms in the other, stir-frying each for a few minutes before transferring to a plate. Spray the pans with a little more low-calorie cooking spray, then stir-fry the carrots and courgettes in 1 pan for 1-2 minutes, keeping them separate, and fry the eggs in the other until cooked to your liking. 3. Return the mushrooms and onions to the pan of carrots and courgettes and heat until warmed through. 4. Divide the rice between 4 bowls and top with the vegetables, divided into sections, and an egg each. Season lightly and serve with the chilli sauce for pouring over.
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to make an appointment or for a free consultation call Jacqui
07973 788418 01462 640307
07572 532618 www.bb-carpentry.co.uk
baldock I letchworth I stevenage I stotfold M AY
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18th - 22th May 2022 Just over 2 weeks to the 67th Ashwell Music Fes val. 10 different events to suit everyone….classical string duets, jazz bands, folk, Irish fiddle playing, pop, drumming workshops, sopranos, vocal, classical guitar, Spanish guitar, country and western and much much more! Concerts in the a ernoon and evenings, drumming workshops on Saturday morning. BB Pizza and Dario’s Fish and Chips, and a licensed bar at the evening concerts. Tickets available now from ashwellmusicfes val.org.uk and Rhubarb and Mustard, Ashwell.
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
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Curtains, Duvets & bedding
4 Sun Street, Baldock. Sg7 6QA 2c St Francis Way, Shefford. Sg17 5DZ
LOWER BACK PAIN Low back pain probably affects around one-third of the UK adult popula on each year. Your spine is made of solid, bony blocks re-inforced by strong ligaments and muscles. It is surprisingly difficult to damage your spine but if strained, the surrounding muscles and ligaments can cause discomfort and pain. Back pain is not normally caused by anything serious, though it is natural to worry about symptoms and the cause. An Osteopath will always complete a rou ne examina on that checks for more serious diagnoses and will advise and discuss with you any further ac on that might be required. Pa ents who are experiencing their first ever episode of back pain, are very anxious and worried about what might have happened to them. Muscles are o en in spasm trying to protect the spine and this is incredibly painful so, it is only natural to be worried. You should seek immediate care if your lower back pain is experienced in
tandem with any of the following symptoms: 1. Increasing weakness in your legs. 2. Loss of bladder and/or bowel control. 3. Severe stomach pain. 4. High fever. Ÿ Keeping ac ve can help with most back pain and will keep backs healthy. Prolonged bed rest is usually not good for backs and delays recovery Ÿ When li ing and carrying always keep the item close to your body. Make sure to bend your knees and let your legs do the work. Ÿ In the garden try not to twist your back – turn with your feet. Good advice if you are li ing pots and heavy garden furniture. Don't jet wash the pa o for 4 hours – mix up the ac vi es and remember to take a break. Ÿ Take regular exercise (aim for 30 minutes every day). The physically fit generally experience less back pain and recover more quickly.
Ÿ Adjust your car seat, use a rolled-up
towel to support the lower back and take regular breaks on long journeys Ÿ Ma resses and sofas wear out over me and can cause back pain. If yours is old, it may be me to get a new one. The Amber Team - 01462 490141
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May Gallery
Please send your local snaps new or old to our facebook page or email info@onourdoorstepbaldock.co.uk Letchworth 1st team First Ever Team to win every home game! 2nd Place in London NW2 and Promotion Secured!
Matthew Bartlett
Gunner in the Daffs
A little Egret- Jan Steel
Young Roman in his Woody custume
Volunteers replaced the damaged steps, installed handrails on the new boardwalk at Ivel Springs
Couple of hungry buzzards in Radwell - Kim Wardle
Local ladies Laura Mckie & Holly Smith, walked over 5 miles from the Orange Tree in Baldock to Ashwell, dressed in inatable dinosaur costumes, all in aid of fund raising for Ashwell Play group. If you would like to show your support please use the QR code below.
Beautiful view over the elds off Baldock Lane - Amy @inandaroundherts instagram.
Useful numbers Advice Citizen’s Advice Bureau Trading Standards Advice Samaritans
03444 111444 0300 300 8136 116 123
Councils North Hertfordshire District
01462 474000
Doctors Baldock Surgery
01462 892458
Dentist Victoria Place Dental Surgery
01763 313869
Emergency Utilities Gas Emergency Electric power cut
0800 111 999 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
Schools Knights Templar Hartseld St Johns St Marys Infants St Marys Juniors Brandles
01462 620700 01462 895267 01462 892478 01462 892347 01462 892156 01462 892189
chrismead-roofing@outlook.com
Travel Arriva Buses National Rail Enquires National Bus line
08701 201088 03457 484950 0870 6082608
Vets Baldock Veterinary Centre
01462 895579
Nurseries Weston Way Nursery Merry Go Round Peanuts Preschool
01462 892172 01462 896322 07736 124327
Play Groups Magic Moments Merry Go Round
07709 618434 01462 896322
Plumbers Maben PE James
07949 120911 07816 586777
Window & Door repairs JML Windows Repairs Warrens Windows
01438 906300 01462 261401
Travel Agent Amenity Holidays Ltd
07452 832840
Locksmith Lock and Glaze
01462 338676
Mobile Hair Dresser Hair By Jacqui
07973 788418
Funeral Directors Shires - CPJ Field Baldock
01462 491149
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Wine Tasting Friends of St Marys Baldock are celebra ng Her Majesty's Pla num Jubilee by holding a Wine Tas ng event in St Marys Church Hall on Saturday 4 June , 7.45pm. What be er way to celebrate such an important occasion than by tas ng a selec on of excellent wines? This special event will be led by Aileen Barry, an experienced wine consultant and also Chair of Friends of St Mary's. We shall taste 8 wines regarded as classic in their genre, star ng with a pair of Blanc de Blancs and Blanc de Noirs, followed by a Chenin and a Chardonnay, a Burgundian style Pinot Noir, a Bordeaux style Cabernet Sauvignon, a Chian and finishing with an unctuous tawny Port. Nibbles will be provided. Please bring along two wine glasses ( if you are able) and do remember not to drive to this event! This is fantas c value at the per person price of £12 -we really hope to see you there! Tickets available online www. cketsource.U.K/FoSM. Further informa on from fosmbaldock@gmail.com
DEADLINE for our JUNE issue is 16th MAY 34
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