On Our Doorstep Baldock April 2026 by onourdoorstepbaldock

Cover

Welcome

Things are looking up! The daﬀodils are in full bloom, the days are getting longer and brighter, and it's been a good few weeks since we've all been soaked every time we step out the door.

The Easter holidays are fast approaching! We hope you get to enjoy some well-earned time oﬀ over the bank holiday weekend and that the sun makes a welcome appearance. Jacqui will be continuing her tradition of an Easter egg hunt in the garden for her granddaughter, meanwhile our dog will continue his tradition of giving away all the hiding spots!

We had countless messages and emails asking where to find those golden cornflake brownies on last month's cover. They were gooey delight from Baked By Blondies who kindly let us use the image, and we can confirm they taste even better than they look!

We recently enjoyed a trip to Wales with friends watch the rugby - and what a game it was! Wales ﬁnally got their ﬁrst rugby win in three years, so spirits were high… and glasses were rarely empty.

In this bumper edition, we're thrilled to present the full programme for Baldock Festival 2026. The calendar is packed with exciting events taking place throughout May. There's something for everyone, think classic cars, teddy

bear picnics, scarecrow competitions and a charity book sale (donate your books at the Baldock Community Centre). A special highlight will be on 9th May, when the High Street comes alive with an array of craft and food stalls as well as an amateur darts competition and other experiences. The work that goes into organising these events - all run by dedicated volunteers, is truly remarkable, and we're incredibly grateful for their time and eﬀort.

Check out the programme for more info. Event tickets go on sale from 11th April at baldockfestival.org.uk

This month, our 5-minute interview features Steve King from Challenge Central. If you're looking to set yourself new goals or simply enjoy organised outdoor activities, they're well worth getting in touch with.

If you're interested in advertising in future issues or have an idea for a topic you'd like to see covered, get in touch!

info@onourdoorstepbaldock.co.uk or 07973

BaldockRotaryJazzConcert

The proceeds of each year's Baldock Rotary Jazz Concert are always used to beneﬁt a worthy charity and the proﬁts from our concert last October have been donated to The Brish Heart Foundaon (BHF) to help them with their valuable work.

Heart disease is the world's biggest killer and can happen at any age. BHF have funded pioneering heart research and also oﬀer a lifeline of informaon and support to people who are suﬀering from heart disease.

A few facts: around 70% of people will have some heart problems in their life and it is esmated that there are over 8 million people living with cardiovascular disease in the UK, twice as many people are living with cardiovascular disease in the UK than with cancer and Alzheimer's disease combined. Cardiovascular disease causes around a quarter (26 per cent) of all deaths in the UK, that's around 170,000 deaths a year, or 460 each day – one every three minutes.

Since establishment of the BHF in 1961 the annual number of deaths from cardiovascular disease in the UK has fallen by nearly half. A great achievement.

She seamlessly coordinates the weekly rota and runs our weekly Facebook page promong the Food Staon, all from a new home miles away from Baldock. We also have a fabulous volunteer who organises our Volunteer Social Group, where we celebrate our Food Staon community together.

Addionally, Brandles School volunteer weekly in the term and the boys have been well received by our community.

Community

We have rescued food and provided for over 4,220 people since we opened. We invite our customers to stay and have a cup of tea or coﬀee and a sweet treat. We hope we oﬀer a safe, warm welcome to the community, where friendships have been formed and customers meet up weekly. We connue to welcome regulars, new customers, food rescuers and those in need. We have had tears, hugs and gratude from customers that we have been able to help.

From an idea to provide a Community hub that oﬀered food to families to the provision we oﬀer two years on is something we are all proud of.

If you are interested in any aspect of what Rotary has to oﬀer, please contact us on our website, Baldock Rotary Club, or contact our Membership Secretary, Michael Muir, tel. no. 07909 002631, email:michael.muir@north-herts.gov.uk

CommunityBarbersRaiseFundsforNew WestonWayNurseryAccessibilityRamp

Community Barbers Raise Funds for New Weston Way Nursery School Accessibility Ramp.

A hearelt thank you goes out to two dedicated barbers from our wonderful community barbershop who have gone above and beyond to support our local nursery.

Through their hard work, generosity, and commitment to giving back, the pair successfully raised funds to purchase a brand-new accessibility ramp for our nursery. The new ramp is already making a meaningful diﬀerence to those who rely on improved access to the building, ensuring the space is welcoming and inclusive for everyone.

Their fundraising eﬀorts truly reﬂect the incredible spirit of our community here in Baldock, especially considering that the Baldock Beast is no small feat.

Unfortunately, poor Tyler was unwell and unable to take part on the day, leaving Nathan to take on the challenge single-handedly.

Spectators were amazed, commenng that he didn't even seem out of breath as he powered through!

On behalf of the nursery staﬀ, children, and families, we extend our sincere gratude for this incredible contribuon. It's inspiring to see local businesses stepping forward to make such a po2sive diﬀerence

Lister Hospital

Did you know that in January alone, our amazing community helped us save £2,000 just by returning used crutches, frames, and walking scks? That is an incredible result!

By returning equipment you no longer need, you’re helping us:

• Reduce waste and help the environment.

• Save vital funds for our therapy services.

• Support the next paent on their road to recovery.

If you have any equipment gathering dust at home, please drop it oﬀ at any of our hospital sites.

Further details on where you can return items can be found on our website hps://www.enhertstr.nhs.uk/.../acutetherapies/equipment/

St Mary's Awarded Special Trophy

Celebrang Our FA Barclays Girls' Football in Schools Equal Access Award

At St Mary's Junior School in Baldock, we are incredibly proud that our girls have been recognised with the 2025 FA Barclays Girls' Football in Schools Equal Access Award — a naonal honour delivered in partnership with the The Football Associaon, Barclays and the Youth Sport Trust. This award celebrates schools that provide genuine equal access to football for girls — and for us, it represents 15 years of commitment, passion, opportunity and success.

For over 15 years, girls' football has been a central part of sporng life at our school. What began as a growing opportunity has become a thriving, embedded culture where girls are not only encouraged to play — they lead, compete, and excel.

Interest remains as strong as ever. Each year, over 75% of all girls in our school aend football training or represent the school in matches and tournaments.

That level of parcipaon is something we are immensely proud of and reﬂects a truly inclusive and inspiring programme.

Our girls aend mulple tournaments every year, compeng against strong opposion locally and beyond. Their dedicaon, teamwork, and determinaon have led to signiﬁcant success over the years. Our teams consistently reach ﬁnals and li trophies, all while represenng the school with pride, resilience, and outstanding sportsmanship.

One of our proudest achievements was being crowned Girls' County Champions of Herordshire — a remarkable accomplishment that placed our team at the very top of girls' football in the county.

In addion to our girls-only compeons, our players have also competed in separate mixed tournaments, tesng themselves against strong mixed teams and connuing to perform with conﬁdence and skill.

Across both formats, our girls have demonstrated exceponal consistency, compeveness, and teamwork.

Our football programme doesn't just build success within school — it inspires connued parcipaon beyond it. Many of our girls now play for external grassroots and club teams, progressing their skills and conﬁdence in the wider football community. The award recognises not just opportunity, but impact — and the sustained enthusiasm for girls' football in our school speaks volumes.

We would like to give a hearelt thank you to Sara Shoobert, who ran the girls' team for many years and dedicated so much me, energy, and care to developing the programme. Her commitment laid strong foundaons and created opportunies that have beneﬁted generaons of girls. Although she moved on a few years ago, her legacy remains ﬁrmly embedded in our football culture.

We are also immensely proud of all the girls — past and present — whose commitment, teamwork, and passion have made this award possible. This trophy is far more than a symbol — it represents 15 years of belief in equal opportunity, sustained parcipaon, compeve success, and a love of the game that connues to grow.

Girls' football at our school is not just thriving — “It's A Way Of Life.”

Wrien by Sco Hagland, PE Coordinator

Having thwarted Bowser's previous plot to marry Princess Peach, the story expands beyond the Mushroom Kingdom as Mario and Luigi team up with Princess Peach, Toad, and their new friend Yoshi to venture into the far reaches of now space and now face a fresh threat in Bowser Jr., who is determined to liberate his father from captivity and restore the family legacy.

Emma Harwood, a bookstore employee, and Charlie Thompson, a British museum director, attend a dinner party with friends just days before their wedding, the group plays a game revealing the "worst thing" they have ever done. Emma’s confession shatters the couple's idyllic romance. The revelation triggers a crisis of trust, turning their wedding week into a "high-stakes survival mission".

London undergoes a citywide evacuation when an unexploded World War II bomb is unearthed at a busy construction site. Amid the escalating tension and chaos, a daring criminal operation is set in motion, one that uses the evacuation as a cover for a meticulously planned bank heist. As authorities race against time to contain the crisis, alliances blur and moral boundaries are crossed.

Gavin and Billy, two lifelong friends and aspiring rappers from Dundee, Scotland. After being rejected at a London audition by industry executives who dismiss them as "the rapping Proclaimers", the pair decides to reinvent themselves: pretending to be a rap duo from Southern California. Adopting fake American personas, and claims of being childhood friends with Eminem,

NEW YEAR NEW HOME

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!!

Designed to Impress

Audi A5 Saloon S line TFSI 150 PS S tronic

The Audi logo represents one of Germany's leading manufacturers of vehicles and stands for excellence achieved by the company during its long years of producon. The badge signiﬁes a merger of four individual car manufacturers, namely Audi, DKW, Horch, and Wanderer, who came together in 1932.

Get into any Audi, and you'll soon see that the Bavarian-based ﬁrm's focus is on crasmanship and leading-edge technology. The A5 Saloon TFSI Saloon that I drove for a week was no diﬀerent. The S line trim introduces athlec aesthecs, disnguished externally by rear-mounted red rhombus badging, privacy glass, and 19-inch alloy wheels.

Inside, there's space for ﬁve, with good legroom and headroom. The boot capacity is reasonable, too, with more than enough volume for the family's luggage and the weekly shop. Mind you, this vehicle is ideal for professional use. Therefore, away from any domesc dues, the boot is just as likely to carry lile more than copies of presentaons, markeng materials, or promoonal items to share with clients.

Kit-wise, alongside a virtual cockpit, there's a crystal-clear infotainment

By Tim Barnes-Clay - Follow on Instagram @tbarnsclay

system and a three-spoke mulfuncon steering wheel, ﬂaened at both the top and boom, enhancing the sporng theme.

It all complements the well-known S line features such as 'S'-embossed sport seats, stainless steel pedals, mae 'brushed' aluminium inlays, illuminated 'S' door sill inserts, and a black headlining.

The chassis of the A5 is striking with its precision, ride comfort and safety. The 2.0-litre petrol engine balances power and eﬃciency. Indeed, with 150 horses under the bonnet, the German delivers a reasonably responsive drive, with 62mph arriving in 9.8 seconds.

The seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch automac transmission enhances the driving experience further with quick gear changes, ensuring the vehicle's poke is always accessible. The top speed, if you're on an autobahn in Germany or somewhere where you're legal, is 134mph.

What's more, CO2 emissions are 154g/km, and an average of up to 41.7mpg can be teased from the tank. This means the Audi A5 is made for mile-munching and, along with its classy image, will serve anyone who lives on the road very well indeed.

Fast Facts

Ÿ Max speed: 134 mph

Ÿ 0-62 mph: 9.8 secs

Ÿ MPG: 41.73

Ÿ Powerplant: 1,984cc, 4 cylinders, turbocharged petrol

Ÿ Power (PS): 150

Ÿ CO2: 154 g/km

Ÿ Price from: £46,305 on the road

Audi A5 Saloon S line TFSI 150 PS S tronic:

5 minutes with... ...Steve King from

*TellusaboutChallengeCentral Challenge Central designs and delivers professionally organised endurance events for corporate teams, charies, private groups and individuals. But we're so much more than your standard 'events'company. We do thechallenge with you,all theguides andsupportteambecomeyourfriendsandattheendoftheday, we'llsitdownandenjoyawellearnedbeerwithyou.

*Whatcyclingchallengesdoyouoﬀer?

We run3-day Europeancycle challenges to desnaonssuchas Paris, Amsterdam, Cologne and Brussels, typically starng from LondonorourLetchworthHQ.

*Whataboutwalkingevents?

Walking events have grown massively. They are inclusive, accessibleandsupportbothphysicalandmentalwell-being.We deliver walks across UK cies for a wide range of groups and so manyoftheparcipantsraiseafortuneforcharity.

*Whatdistancesareavailable?

Distancesvarytosuitthegroup:

Ÿ 10kminclusiveevents

Ÿ 20km social walks (our most popular) Waggon Wheel on 11thApril.

Ÿ Ultrachallenges,includinga2-day,100kmwalkfromLondon to Brighton on 24th/25th April with spaces sll available if you'reupit!!

Ÿ Mul-dayoverseaswalks,suchas4-daySloveniatours(20km perday)

*Howdoparcipantsprepare?

Many clients train at our Letchworth facility, Challenge Life, which is set up speciﬁcally to prepare parcipants for endurance challenges.

Q. What'syourfavouriteevent?

We have a beaufulwalk around Herordshire to and from the gorgeous Waggon & Horses in Gravely. We call it the Waggon Wheel and it's probably my favourite. The pub, a great breakfast,theviews,thebanter,it'sjustsuperb. It'scomingup soon, April 11th and I've done a discount code for the lovely readers. Putin'OnOurDoorstep'for10%oﬀ.

We also design bespoke cycling and endurance challenges acrosstheUKandEuropeforbothgroupsandindividuals.

*Isyourjobrewarding?

I am so lucky to have the most enjoyable and fulﬁlling job. Helping people conquer these challenges and making it fun is amazing. We organise events for the Garden House Hospice in Letchworth.Howmanyotherpeoplegettoreallyhelptheirlocal Hospice? If you're local to the area, then you will almost deﬁnitely know someone the Hospice has helped. This year we'rewalkingthemaroundtheYorkshire3Peaksandeveryoneis always so posive. They're doing it this year on the 11th July and it'sareal,'morethemerrier'challengeandalwaysagoodlaugh!

*Howdowebookanevent?

Visit our website or contact us directly to discuss your requirements.Wewillstructureandmanagethefullevent.

Small Prophets – BBC Iplayer

Too much choice out there?

Spend more time deciding what to watch than actually watching something? LET BALDOCK'S RESiDENT TV GLUTTON HELP YOU ON YOUR MiSSiON!

If you found yourself charmed by the quiet, sun-dappled fields of Detectorists, then the BBC's latest offering, Small Prophets, will feel like coming home—even if that home is a slightly overgrown semi-detached in Greater Manchester. Wrien, directed by, and starring the ever-idiosyncrac Mackenzie Crook, this six-part series is a masterclass in "gentle melancholy" mixed with a surprising dash of the supernatural. At the heart of the story is Michael Sleep (Pearce Quigley), a man who has been "sleepwalking" through life since his partner, Clea, vanished without a trace seven years ago. Michael splits his me between a soul-crushing job at a DIY superstore and vising his father, Brian (Sir Michael Palin), in a care home. The story takes a turn for the weird when Brian shares an ancient alchemical recipe involving rainwater and horse manure. The goal? To grow Homunculi—ny, jar-dwelling prophets who are incapable of lying. Michael, desperate for answers about Clea, begins a clandesne experiment in his garden shed, hoping these "small prophets" can tell him if she's ever coming back. This really is alchemy in the garden shed. Mackenzie Crook has carved out a unique niche in Brish television. Much like his previous work, Small Prophets treats the "misfits" of society with immense dignity. Crook himself appears as Gordon, Michael's nitpicking, pigtail-wearing DIY store manager.

It's a performance that feels like a spiritual (and much stranger) successor to Gareth Keenan from The Oﬃce—a man obsessed with the pey power of rotas and tea breaks. While the premise of growing ny prophets in a garden shed might lean toward the fantascal, the true heart of Small Prophets beats within its grounded, human themes. The narrave acts as a gentle exploraon of arrested development caused by grief. Michael Sleep isn't just living in a suburban house; he is a man preserved in amber.

The show brilliantly uses the stagnant environment of the DIY superstore—a place where people go to "improve" their homes—to highlight that Michael's own life has been under a "stop-work order" since Clea vanished. There is a profound an-technological streak running through the script. In an era of instant answers and digital tracking, the "small prophets" represent a slower, more tacle form of truth. And this shows in the pacing of each episode. Mackenzie Crook cras a world that feels analogue and textured; it's a story told through the lens of old Ford Capris, handwrien alchemical scrolls, and the physical act of gathering rainwater. This choice serves as a narrave protest against the noise of the modern world, suggesng that the answers we seek aren't found in a search engine, but in the soil and the silence.

The theme of unlikely connecon provides the show's emoonal anchor. The burgeoning friendship between the middle-aged Michael and the cynical, sharp-wied DIY store colleague Kacey is portrayed with refreshing sincerity. They are two generaons of outsiders (young and old) finding a shared language in a world that demands conformity. Kacey's youthful pragmasm balances Michael's desperate myscism, creang a narrave harmony that prevents the show from becoming too whimsical. Small Prophets is a story about reenchantment. It argues that the "grey" parts of our lives—the commute, the annoying manager, the overgrown garden—are actually ferle ground for the extraordinary. By the me the first jar begins to glow in the shed, the audience realises that the "prophets" aren't just there to find Clea; they are there to wake Michael up to the beauty of the world he's been ignoring for seven years. All 6 episodes are on Iplayer now.

Ÿ SHEDS

Ÿ SUMMER HOUSES

Ÿ GARDEN OFFICES

Ÿ WORKSHOPS

Ÿ POTTING SHEDS

Ÿ PLAYHOUSE

Ÿ LOG CABIN

Ÿ RE-ROOFING

Ÿ RE-FELTING

Ÿ SHED BASES

Ÿ FENCING

Ÿ GATES

Ÿ TAKE DOWN & DISPOSE OF OLD SHEDS GATES

Friday 1st May - Sunday 17th May

Message from Kathryn Stacey, Fesval Chair 2026

Welcome to the Baldock Fesval, a vibrant community celebraon running from the 1st to the 17th of May. At its heart, this fesval is dedicated to bringing our town together, celebrang our shared community spirit, and supporng the fantasc local groups that make Baldock such a special place to live.

The fesval program is packed with a diverse range of acvies designed to oﬀer something for everyone:

* Family Fun: Children and families can get involved with the Scarecrow Compeon, a Teddy Bears' Picnic, Baby Rhyme Time, Lego Club, and the bustling Baldock Street Fair.

Ÿ Local Heritage: Discover the rich history of our town through historic walks around Baldock, history talks by experts, and special tower trips and church tours.

Ÿ Food and Drink: Local businesses are stepping up to host fantasc culinary experiences, including the Mild May Beer Fesval, Thai night at the White Lion, Steak & Malbec at Eight, and specialized Fesval tasng events for wine, rum, port, German beer and whisky.

Ÿ Entertainment and Events: The community can also gather for the Baldock Classic Car Show, an array of live music performances ranging from jazz to a Fleetwood Mac Candlelight Experience, and engaging evening acvies like Bonkers Bingo and fesval quizzes at local pubs.

Join us in supporng our local groups and businesses as we come together for over two weeks of fantasc entertainment, connecon, and community pride!

Mild May Beer Fesval

The Orange Tree

Celebrang CAMRA's Mild Month with 20 Draught and Gravity Milds. Join the Dark Side and May the Fourth be with you!

FREE

Baldock Independent Beer Fesval

Community Centre

01/05/26 4-11pm

02/05/26 12-11pm

03/05/26 1-8pm

Family friendly beer fesval, live music, food and entertainment

£10 weekend, £5 per day, £3 for 25 and under (inc glass)

Baldock Country Market

The Victoria Pub 9 – 11am

Every Friday- homemade cras, baked goods, preserves & plants. baldockcountrymarket.co.uk

FREE

Over 40s Football - Baldock

Mondays - The Arena – 8pm Fridays – KTS – 7.30pm

Free football session for newcomers! A friendly kickabout for all ages and abilies. Mondays at the Arena, Fridays at KTS. Just turn up or text Alan: 07581375953.

FREE EVENT

Baldock Scarecrow Compeon

Baldock & Surrounding areas

Place your scarecrow where it's visiblethe crazier the beer!!. Submit the form & photo by to the Fesval Stand at the Street Fair. Judging will take place during the Street Fair (9th May). Winners will be chosen by public vote from a display of your photos on the Fesval Stand. Entry forms from the Baldock Fesval Website. FREE to ENTER

Could you pass your driving test again! Around Baldock & Letchworth

Support GHH! If you're 30+ with a car & insurance, take a 30-min mock driving test with a qualiﬁed instructor. Faults: minor 25p, serious £1, dangerous £2. Test £5 + faults. Call Sean: 07530532172. £5 + any faults you incur!!

1st May

Cinema Live @ BAHC

Baldock Arts & Heritage Centre - 19:30

Join the Baldock Movie Club with a oneoﬀ membership fee for exclusive access to a wide range of ﬁlms. Monthly screenings Fridays at 7:30pm. Join: hps://www.bahc.co.uk/movieclubjoin £20 Membership

Saturday 2nd May

Social Coﬀee Morning

United Reform Church - 10am-12pm

A morning where friends can meet & chat over coﬀee & cake. There will be cakes, preserves and books. All welcome. FREE ENTRY

Rubbish or treasure?

BAHC - 11am-5pm

Rubbish or Treasure? Bring your unusual ﬁnds and have them idenﬁed by North Herts Museum archaeologist Keith Fitzpatrick Mahews. Discover the story behind your strange or interesng objects!

Jazz Spectacular

Knights Templar School - 7-10pm

Enjoy an evening of jazz, swing, big band and blues from talented young performers. The KTS All Stars Big Band, Lile Big Band and a 6th Form jazz group perform under Head of Music Mr Will Byers.

£10 Adults, £7 Conc, £5 for KTS students.From sbond@kts.school, school recepon or wisepay Jam Session

Hen & Chickens - 7.30pm

Acousc Jam, all encouraged to join in, in house PA with Ma on the knobs.

FREE

Live Music: Black Squirrels

Hen & Chickens -4-7pm

The Black Squirrels are a Classic Rock Band from Herordshire. Set ranges from AC / DC to ZZ.

FREE

BALDOCK IRISH DAY ☘

Around Baldock -12-9pm

The High St becomes a lively Irish market town with music sessions in the Cock & White Lion. Enjoy top tradional musicians & a singalong stage outside Café Luna. Maria Grant School of Dancing from 3:30pm.

FREE

Bowls Club Open Day

Avenue Park - 1-5pm

Try your hand at bowls with club coaching available. Please wear ﬂat shoes. Enjoy tea & biscuits in the pavilion, with the bar open. For more informaon, call 01462 892059. FREE EVENT

Historic Walk

Around Baldock @ 2pm

Join a 1.5-mile guided stroll to discover the town's history and architecture. Mostly tarmac, suitable for many mobility scooters. Meet at the Community Centre. Not ideal for small children or dogs. £6 pp

Baldock Arts and Heritage Centre Town Trail

Follow the trail around Baldock's historic streets and uncover surprising details in old familiar places! Forms from BAHC. Prize for winner.

FREE

Archery Sessions with Perfect Aim Archery

Hartsﬁeld JMI - 2-4pm

Perfect Aim Archery oﬀers archery sessions with real bows and arrows. Equipment provided, spaces limited. Ages 8+ (under 18s supervised). Book: info@perfectaimarchery.co.uk

£10

Tuesday 5th May

Craea

Baldock Library - 10:30am - 12:30pm

Bring your cra projects. Refreshments provided. FREE EVENT

Teddy Bears' Picnic

Weston Way Nursery - 3.30-4.45pm

For children aged 7 & under (with an adult). Bring a picnic & teddy! Teddy Bear raﬄe. If wet, event may move to Tue 12 May or cancel—phone 01462 89272 to check

Children & Adults £1, Babies and teddies

FREE. Pay on arrival

Historic walk

Around Baldock @ 6pm

See 04/05 for details

Fesval Quiz

Orange Tree - 8-10.30pm

Team sizes of up to 6 for this moviethemed quiz. Call the Orange Tree on 01462 892341 to book your tables. £5 on the door

Wednesday 6th May

Baby Rhyme Time

Baldock Library - 10:30 – 11am

Every Wednesday morning. Donaons encouraged. FREE EVENT

Steak & Malbec Night

Eight from 6pm

Enjoy a prime-cut steak dinner perfectly matched with a glass of Malbec,

£35 www.eightbaldock.co.uk

Thai Night at the White Lion

The White Lion from 7pm

Come and try a Thai Curry at The White Lion

£10

Bell Ringing

St Marys Church - 7.30-9pm

Ever fancied bell-ringing? Here's your chance to try! No experience needed. Access is challenging—wear sensible shoes. Meet at the foot of the tower (le of main door). Advance ckets only FREE EVENT

Baldock Folk Club Presents: Kelvin Davies & Chloe Turner

+ Thursday's Band

Orange Tree - 7.30pm

Kelvin & Chloe blend beaufully harmonised voices with intricate guitar work. Kelvin's country blues mastery meets Chloe's rendions of Appalachian standards—a perfect musical match

FREE - baldockfolkclub@gmail.com to reserve

Thursday 7th May

Storyme

Baldock Library - 10.30-11am

Every Thurs morning. Free, donaons encouraged FREE EVENT

A Wine Lover's Tour of Spain

BAHC - 7.30-10pm

Buenos Dias! Join Jamie and Rob for this year's fesval wine tasng taking you for a tour of Spain! Cheese, grapes and crackers provided! £22.50

Meet the Brewer

The Old White Horse.- 7:30 PM

Join us for a lively evening with Tim from BrewPoint Brewery! Kick things oﬀ with a complimentary pint on arrival, then dive into a delicious pizza buﬀet. Tim will take you on a guided tasng of six unique beers, sharing the stories and rich history behind each one.

Tickets: £20

Friday 8th May

History in the Aernoon

BAHC - 2.30pm

The passionate, tragic life of 19thcentury composers Clara and Robert Schumann, with live music by soprano Laura Valenne and accompanist

Margaret Johnson £8 on the door

Colour Run

Hartsﬁeld JMI - 3.30-4.30pm

Aer school Fri 9 May, Hartsﬁeld playing ﬁeld becomes a mini obstacle course with colour staons showering runners in eco-friendly powder. Tickets available from the school.

Ready to roll? Beetle Drive

United Reform Church - 6pm

Fun-ﬁlled Beetle Drive for the whole family, with plenty of laughter! Includes refreshments & an excing raﬄe. Come support Baldock URC for a great evening £6 on the door

Unicorn Ceilidh with Cock & Bull Band and Barry Goodman

St Marys Church - 7.30-10.30pm

Unicorn Ceilidh provides high-energy ceilidhs for discerning dancers of all ages. Clear instrucons from the caller before and during the set, allow anyone to join in and enjoy the dancing. Tickets £7 to £13 from website www.cketsource.co.uk/unicornceilidhs

Fesval Rum Tasng Orange Tree - 7.30pm

Rum tasng: sample six unique rums with expert insights into rum's history. Bring friends & snacks for a fun night. 18+ only—don't drive, use machinery or start karaoke aer!

£25

Bonkers Bingo

Pixies - 7.30-9.30pm

Join us for Bonkers Bingo! Enjoy laughs, games & 2hrs of boomless Prosecco, wine or lager. Teams of up to 5. Book early—this event sold out fast last me! £35.00 from Pixies

Saturday 9th May

Baldock Street Fair

High Street - 11am – 5pm

Baldock Street Fair ﬁlls the High Street with cra & charity stalls, medieval combat displays, Punch & Judy shows and circus skills workshops. Enjoy fairground rides, lively entertainment and performances from local schools.

FREE EVENT

Solar Viewing

High Street - 11am – 5pm

Ever safely looked at the Sun? It's too bright without the right equipment—but LDAS can help! Try safe solar viewing at the Street Fair using specialist telescopes, with experts on hand to guide you.

FREE EVENT

Tower Trips

St Marys Church - 11am- 4pm

See Baldock from a diﬀerent perspecve! Refreshments available. No under 8s. Sensible footwear required. £5 adult / £1 child (8-16) on the day.

Tours of the Church

St Marys Church - 11am – 3pm

Come and ﬁnd out more about our historic building. Tours at 11am, 1pm & 3pm. Refreshments available.

FREE EVENT (donaons welcome)

Thy Kingdom Come

St Marys Church- 11am- 4pm

During the day there will be a number of prayer staons throughout the church to give people a moment of reﬂecon

FREE Event

Baldock Museum - refurbishment

BAHC - 11am – 3pm

Baldock Museum will be open for visitors to see the progress of the refurbishment so far.

Gregynog Ensemble

St Marys Church - 5pm

Featuring local clarinest Alison Eales & her String Ensemble, playing music by Piazzolla (Tango Ballet) Somervell & Nael. Interval tea with cakes included.

£13

Community Lunches

Community Centre from 12pm

Lunch will be served in the community centre during the street fair. Great homecooked food at reasonable prices

Amateur Darts Championship

Hen & Chickens - 5pm

Ever wondered what it's like to play darts like on TV? Join our Quarter 2 tournament! Entry £10. The champion wins £100 and the chance to li the Rose King Champions Cup.

£10, pay on door

Fesval Fun Quiz

St Marys Church - 7pm

The popular Fesval Fun Quiz returns with a light-hearted quiz for all abilies. Entry by form only, max 16 teams of 6. No entries on the night. Bar with table service. Prizes for winners & losers.

7:30pm start

£30 per team

Sunday 10th May

Live Music: Skelton Nashville Band

Hen & Chickens - 4pm

6-piece band of professional musicians and singers playing modern Country, altCountry and Americana tunes with a few Country classics sprinkled in. Inspired by the Honky Tonks of Nashville.

FREE

Pizza and Cocktail Masterclass

The Old White Horse 5pm

An unforgeable experience with Josh & Ash! Dive into the art of creang fresh, delicious pizzas from scratch while learning the secrets behind craing banging cocktails.

Tickets: £27

Friends Of Baldock Green Spaces Conservaon Event 10am

Join Friends of Baldock Green Spaces to help care for local wildlife areas—path clearance, lier picking & more. Tools & hot drinks provided.

Check locaon: hps://www.facebook.com/fobgs/ Children with adults.

FREE EVENT

Ashwell at Home 2611am – 5pm

Ashwell at Home welcomes visitors from far & wide. Explore open gardens of all sizes, free workshops, plant sales, live music, talks, displays & guided walks, plus refreshments, lunches and more

£10 adults (under 18s free with paying adult) on the day, or £9 in advance from www.ashwellathome.org.uk.

Baldock Classic Car Show

High Street- 11am – 4pm

The Baldock Classic Car Show welcomes vehicles over 20 years old & selected newer models. Prizes for best in class. BBQ, bar & refreshments available. Classic bikes & commercial vehicles welcome. Enter online or download forms at www.baldockfesval.org.uk

£5 to park a vehicle

Monday 11th May

Mah Jong Club

Baldock Library - 1.30-3pm

Open to all skills levels, free, refreshments provided FREE EVENT

A taste of India: Tradional Home

Cooked Indian Buﬀet Night

Bombay Bistro - 1st sing 6–7:45pm/2nd sing 8–10pm. Enjoy home-cooked Indian hotpot dishes, slow-simmered to blend rich ﬂavours. Try a variety of dishes, including veggie opons.

£20 pp

History Talk by Keith FitzpatrickMahews

BAHC - 7.30pm

History talk by Keith FitzpatrickMahews. Free glass of wine or juice. £7 from www.bahc.co.uk/event

Tuesday 12th May

Craea

Baldock Library - 10.30am-12.30pm

Bring your cra projects. Refreshments provided.

FREE EVENT

Lego Club

Baldock Library - 3.30-4.30pm

£4.40 from Baldock Library

Taste of Thai

The White Lion - 7pm

This is a mix of starters and mains on one plate to give your taste buds a treat of the cuisine of Thailand.

£12.50

Fesval Music Quiz

Orange Tree - 8pm

The Annual Baldock Fesval Music Quiz at The Orange Tree. Please call 01462 892341 to book your tables! £5 per head,. Proﬁts to Baldock Fesval. £5 pp on the door

Wednesday 13th May

Port and Cheese Pairing Event

The Cock - 6.30pm

5 unique cheeses paired with 5 specialty selected ports. Supported by Caravin and The Cheese Plate. £25

Baby Rhyme Time

Baldock Library - 10.30-11am

Every Wednesday morning. Free, donaons encouraged.

FREE EVENT (Donaons encouraged)

James Bond Cocktail Night

Eight - 6pm-10.30pm

An evening of Bond-inspired cocktails and live music. Explore our exclusive 007 cocktail menu while enjoying live music throughout the night. Marnis shaken or srred—there's something for every secret agent. Full bar and main menu available. Bond-themed are encouraged, Tickets www.eightbaldock.co.uk

Thursday 14th May

Fesval Whisky Tasng - A walk along the Spey

Orange Tree - 8pm

Sample 6 whiskies on a tasng journey along the Spey, with surprises and a ﬁne bole raﬄed. Eat beforehand and please don't drive aer the event.

£30

Storyme

Baldock Library - 10.30-11am

Every Thursday morning. Donaons encouraged FREE EVENT

Fabric Sculpng

Baldock Library - 7-9pm

Unleash your creavity, learning fabric sculpture techniques to make your own plaque to take home or gi. £15 inc all materials on the day

Friday 15th May

Lumos - A Fleetwood Mac Candlelight Experience

St Marys Church - 7pm

Lumos presents an enchanng concert paying homage to Fleetwood Mac, set in spectacular surroundings, promising a truly magical live music experience £20 - £45 + fees - link on the fesval website

Whose Wine Is It Anyway?

St Marys Church - 7.30pm

A wine tasng with a diﬀerence. Listen as our “experts” present a series of wines, but can you decide who is telling the truth and who is bluﬃng? Tickets include tasngs of 6 wines plus cheeses.

£25

41stBaldockFestival

Friday1stMay-Sunday17thMay

1st May - 31st May

Saturday 16th May

Book Fair in aid of The Garden House Hospice

Community Centre - 10am-4pm

Each year 1000s of pre-loved books ﬁnd new homes at our Book Fair, raising over £800 for Letchworth Garden House Hospice. Discover great bargains and donate your spare books FREE History detecves - Find Baldock's Missing Pieces

BAHC - 10.30am – 12.30pm

Discover Baldock's hidden heritage in this workshop on Historic England's Missing Pieces project. Share photos & stories of local sites and help preserve history. Bring a device and wear outdoor clothing. Suitable for adults & Y5+

Bubbles Tasng

Cavavin - Sessions: 1–3pm, 4–6pm & 7–9pm

Enjoy an elegant sparkling wine tasng featuring ﬁve selecons: Cava, Crémant, English Sparkling, a Cavavin exclusive Champagne and even a sparkling red! Crackers served as palate cleansers.

£25

Silent Disco

Orange Tree - 7.30pm

Detenon Aer Dark! A naughty silent school disco with 3 music channels to suit every taste., plus background disco for those who want to socialise! Fancy dress encouraged, bad behaviour necessary. Free to aend. Ditch the homework and hit the danceﬂoor. FREE

Jam Session

Hen & Chickens- 7.30pm

Acousc Jam, all encouraged to join in, in house PA with Ma on the knobs. FREE Event

Ramen & Sake Sunday

Eight - 6-10pm

Choose from three ramen opons, including a vegan choice—all gluten-free. This special event is led by Junior Chef Milly, following the success of her recent Academy Wine Dinner. POA

Wednesday 1st May

Wednesday 1st May 20th May Sunday 17th May

Open

Gardens

Around Baldock - 1-5pm

Explore Baldock's hidden gardens with this delighul garden trail. Ticket includes a map & details. Refreshments 2–4pm at the Community Centre Youth Wing. Minibus available on request. Proceeds support Rotary charies. £7.00 (accompanied under 16sfree)

The Fox Hat Band

Hen & Chickens - 4pm

The Fox Hat Band are a ﬁve piece ensemble, covering a very broad range of music including rock, soul, blues and disco. FREE

Baldock Horcultural Society

Talk and plant sale

Brandles School - 7pm

Dr Twigs Way will speak on “Unexpected History - the Garden Gnome”. This is the intriguing story of garden gnomes and how they have come to reside in the ﬂowerbeds of gardens across Britain. £5 on the door / Members £0

Baldock Folk Club Presents: Joe Topping Orange Tree - 7.30pm

Described by Sir Tom Jones as “a Weaver of Dreams”, Joe Topping is a folk singer and mul instrumentalist from Liverpool. FREE Seats can be reserved by emailing: baldockfolkclub@gmail.com

Sunday 24th May

The German Beer Experience

Malngs - 5 – 7.30pm

Embark on an unforgeable journey through the heart of Belgium, where you'll indulge in the rich ﬂavors and vibrant culture that this charming country has to oﬀer. Inc 6 beers, fries and hot dog! £25

Thursday 28th May

Talk on Herordshire Almshouses

BAHC - 8-9pm

An illustrated talk about local almshouses by Kate Thompson, former County Archivist. £3, Pay on door

Saturday 30th May

Country Boots, Baldock Roots Hartsﬁeld JMI - 1-11pm

Cowboy boots on, it's me for country! Returning for its 3rd year - join us for a day of live country music, line dancing, a bar, food, rodeo bull, axe throwing, bouncy castle & more. Fun for all ages! £30 adults, £20 Teens, £15 Kids (2-12). Under 2s £0hps://www.ckeailor.com/events/k mevents/2005203

Monday 21st Dec

Carols round the Tree

Market Place - 6.30 – 7.30pm Join us for Carols around the Baldock Christmas Tree, accompanied by Musicians, song sheets provided and a complimentary glass of something mulled (or juice) and a mince pie.

TheGardenComestoLife

April is a month of quiet transformation in North Hertfordshire. After the false starts of March, those teasing warm days followed by sharp frosts, April brings a steadier rhythm to the garden. The soil begins to warm, daylight stretches into the evening, and suddenly everything feels possible again. For gardeners across towns and villages from Hitchin to Royston, this is one of the most satisfying and productive months of the year.

Understanding Your Local Conditions

North Hertfordshire presents a mix of soil types, often tending towards chalky or clay-heavy ground. This has a direct impact on how you garden. Chalk soils drain freely but can lack nutrients, while clay retains moisture but can be slow to warm. Whichever you have, this is the moment to improve it. Incorporating organic matter such as compost or wellrotted manure will enhance structure, boost fertility, and support healthy root growth throughout the season.

Be mindful not to work soil that is overly wet, a common issue after spring showers. Working sticky clay too early can lead to compaction, undoing your efforts before the season has even begun. If it crumbles easily in your hand, it’s ready.

Sowing the Foundations of Summer April is when sowing truly gathers pace. Outdoors, you can begin direct sowing of hardy vegetables such as carrots, parsnips, beetroot, and lettuce. Spinach, radish, and spring onions are also reliable choices, offering relatively quick returns that keep enthusiasm high.

Succession sowing is a useful technique to adopt now. Rather than sowing everything at once, stagger plantings every couple of weeks. This ensures a continuous harvest instead of a sudden glut, particularly useful for crops like lettuce and radishes that can quickly overwhelm the kitchen if all mature together.

Under cover, whether in a greenhouse, cold frame, or even a sunny windowsill, tender crops should be well underway. Tomatoes, courgettes, cucumbers, and sweetcorn can all be started now, giving them a strong head start before being planted out in late May or early June, once frost risk has passed.

April is a rewarding month for ornamental gardeners. Spring bulbs such as tulips and daffodils are often at their peak, bringing vibrant colour to borders. As these begin to fade, resist the temptation to cut foliage back too soon, allowing leaves to die back naturally helps bulbs store energy for next year’s display.

This is also the time to sow hardy annual flowers directly into borders. Varieties like cornflowers, calendula, larkspur, and nigella thrive in Hertfordshire conditions. These plants are not only visually appealing but also excellent for pollinators.

Perennials can be divided now if they have become overcrowded. This simple task rejuvenates plants such as Hostas, Daylilies, and Asters, while giving you extra plants to fill gaps or share with neighbours.

Lawns, recovery and renewal

After a winter of rain, frost, and foot traffic, lawns often need a bit of care in April. Begin by raking out moss and thatch to allow air and light to reach the grass roots. Aerating compacted areas with a garden fork can make a noticeable difference, particularly on heavier soils.

Applying a spring lawn feed will encourage fresh growth, while bare patches can be reseeded now as soil temperatures rise. .

Pruning, training, and ongoing care

Spring-flowering shrubs like forsythia and flowering currant should be pruned after they finish blooming. This keeps them shapely and encourages strong growth for next year’s flowers.

Climbing plants, including roses and clematis, will be producing new shoots. Tie these in early to create an even framework and prevent damage from strong winds.

Roses benefit from feeding in April, along with a layer of mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Keep an eye out for early signs of pests such as aphids, which can quickly multiply as temperatures rise.

For those with a greenhouse, April is a balancing act. Sunny days can quickly raise temperatures, so ventilation is essential to prevent overheating. Open vents and doors where possible, but be ready to close them in the evening if temperatures drop.

Watering becomes more regular this month, particularly for seedlings and young plants in containers. Consistent moisture is key, but avoid overwatering, seedlings in particular are vulnerable to damping-off disease in overly wet conditions.

Hardening off young plants is another important step. Gradually acclimatise them to outdoor conditions by placing them outside during the day and bringing them in at night for a week or two before planting out.

Gardens in April are alive with returning wildlife. Bees, butterflies, and birds are increasingly active, and gardeners can play an important role in supporting them. Planting nectar-rich flowers, providing fresh water, and avoiding pesticides where possible all contribute to a healthier garden ecosystem.

The Unpredictability of April

One of the defining features of April gardening is unpredictability. Warm sunshine can quickly give way to chilly nights, and late frosts are still a possibility. Keep fleece or cloches handy to protect vulnerable plants, particularly young seedlings and early potatoes.

Flexibility is key. Successful gardeners in this region learn to adapt to changing conditions rather than fight them, working with the natural rhythm of the season.

Above all, April is a month to enjoy. There is a unique satisfaction in these early weeks of the gardening year, each seed sown carries promise, each task completed brings visible progress. Whether you have a few containers on a patio or a large garden to tend, the sense of renewal is universal.

Take time to pause and appreciate it: the first blossom on fruit trees, the hum of bees returning to work, the rich scent of freshly turned soil. April is not just about preparing for summer, it’s about reconnecting with the garden and the simple pleasures it offers.

The busy months lie ahead, but for now, embrace the energy and optimism that April brings. Your garden is waking up, and it’s inviting you to do the same.

Big Hertfordshire Way to Renovate Our Church Hall

In 2026, members of the congregaon of St. Mary's Church in Baldock will be walking the 195 milelong Herordshire Way to raise money to renovate the church hall.

The Herordshire Way is a marked footpath that forms a circular route around Herordshire. The team will walk the all terrain route across the year, braving all weather condions, in legs of 10-15 miles each.

The church hall is a vital community resource for the town of Baldock which

regularly hosts everything from a foodbank to birthday pares, ballet classes and many other community acvies. The hall also generates crucial income to maintain the running of Baldock's magniﬁcent St. Mary's church, which is over 900 years old. In July 2024, the church hall was severely vandalised, with almost every window, and the door, smashed. This walk will raise money for internal and external improvements that will make the hall safer, more mul-purpose, more accessible and more environmentally friendly.For more informaon about the walk and how you can take part click here: hps://www.stmarysbaldock.org.uk/ev ents-2/ or email: baldockbigwalk@gmail.com

Please support this great iniave to help the Baldock community and to keep the walkers going.

Lauren Burne, Café Luna’s waitress of the year..

Lauren volunteers once a week at Cafe Luna and everyone loves her. The Luna team thought she deserved some recognion for the joy she spreads whilst working so hard.

We are all very proud of her!!

Ÿ Car Servicing

Ÿ Tyres & Brakes

Ÿ Brake Pads, Discs

Ÿ MOT Repairs

Ÿ Commercial Van Servicing

Ÿ Oil Changes & Services

Ÿ Air-Con Recharge & Servicing

Ÿ Brake Repair Specialist

Ÿ Exhaust Systems, Catalysts

Ÿ Steering, Suspensions & Shocks

Ÿ Tyres & Wheel Alignments,

Ÿ Puncture & Balancing

A TALE OF TWO MEN

In these days of mulple telly channels and lile choice, it's not oen I ﬁnd one programme that interests me so much that I watch the whole thing without a bit of doom scrolling. I found two last week. I Swear and Inside the Manosphere.

I Swear would not have been something that I would have tuned into without all the controversy, and I admit to being dragged into this simply because of that. Its about one mans struggle with Touree's Syndrome and shows how his life has been aﬀected by this harsh condion. There are many diﬀerent ways this shows in people, but this guy, John Davison, seems to have the worst of it.

Not only is he suscepble to painful cs, but he also has coprolalia, which causes him to swear and say some really inappropriate things. The ﬁlm was funny, sad, horrifying and wonderfully made.

John has been beaten up several mes, hospitalised and arrested. His father le, his mother didn't cope well. He found good people who helped guide him to become an extraordinary man who made it his mission to bring enlightenment and understanding to the world. He has helped a great many people with Touree's through their journey, helping parents to understand their child's condion, bringing them together so they knew they weren't alone.

In contrast, Inside the Manosphere is a documentary by Louis Theroux and is an inside look at the 'Alpha' male inﬂuencer. I'm not a huge fan of Louis, but aer watching I Swear and seeing snippets of this a felt it would be a good contrast and I hadn't anything else to do.

These 'men' spend their me creang content for online plaorms, the content mainly consists of telling their gullible followers that they aren't a man if they do the washing up or change a nappy. They must demean and diminish women at every given opportunity. Women are there for their pleasure enrely, their central mantra seems to consist of I am Man, hear me roar, I will provide everything you need to make my life comfortable while you will look aer my every whim. I will sleep with as many women as I wish and you will lump it.

They have convinced their followers that being a man means going to the gym, having a Lambo, and treang women like some sort of modern-day slave. Oh, and by the way, pay me some money and I will reveal the secrets of my success. It just seems like a big scam to me. They aim their rubbish at young lads, who are impressed by what appears, on the surface, to be a glamourous lifestyle.

But like so much of the drivel that is thrown out into the world by influencers, it is only skin deep. Its worth a watch just to see this big burly 'He-man' cower in front of his mummy and mop the floor when he spilled some juice. There are many things that make up my definion of a man, they may differ from your own, but I'm sure we would agree that if the only way you can feel good about yourself is to denigrate a woman and beat up gay people, then you are not a man.

John Davison took hold of his debilitang disorder and used it to educate, help, and li up other people. He asked for nothing yet gave and received a richness of life that cannot be valued. Those that helped him did so with love and humour, which he carries with him forever. Those inﬂuencers take young men and twist their minds into believing that the way to be successful is on the backs of others for likes. They may have a Porsche in their garage and full wallet, but they are poor.

While John Davison fights a bale within himself to be a beer man, these influencers fight a bale with the world to hide who they actually are.

Ÿ GREEN WASTE REMOVALS

Ÿ LOG SUPPLIES & SPLITTING

Ÿ FENCING

Ÿ LAND CLEARANCES

Ÿ EMERGENCIES

Baldock’s favourite for 34 years

On Saturday the 11th of April, the bootsale returns once more.

Another year has sped by, now it's 34!

We started in a recession.

“What changes?” I hear you say, Not us the same as everBoot sales on Saturday!

Baldock Bard

We're back 6.30 sellers, 7 am buyers See you there!

Tips for enjoying spring gardening without the aches and pains

As soon as the sunshine shows its face, many of us feel the pull of the garden. Aer the long winter months, it's tempng to head straight outside to prepare beds, clear weeds and get everything ready for the growing season ahead. But while gardening is wonderfully rewarding, it can also be surprisingly demanding work.

At this me of year, the soil is oen sll heavy and waterlogged, and for many of us it has been several months since we last picked up a fork or turned the soil. If you garden regularly throughout the year, your muscles gradually build strength and resilience. However, aer a winter break those ﬁrst few sessions back outside can feel as gruelling as the ﬁrst workout aer a long break from the gym.

Love Your Garden, Look After Your Back

Here at Amber Health, we oen start to see the results of everyone's enthusiasc gardening eﬀorts at this me of year — usually in the form of strained backs, sﬀ shoulders and pulled muscles. So, what's our advice?

Take it easy. Try to divide bigger jobs into smaller chunks and work in shorter bursts rather than pushing through for hours at a me. A good rule of thumb is to take a break every 30 minutes. Use that me to stand up, stretch your legs and gently move your back.

It's also important to listen to your body. Is your back starng to feel ght? Is there an ache developing? If so, it may be best to stop and leave the rest for another day. One of the most common things we hear from paents is, “It was aching, but I just wanted to ﬁnish the job.”

Unfortunately, pushing through discomfort is oen when injuries happen.

Aer gardening, try some gentle stretches for your back and legs to help your muscles recover. If soreness develops later in the day, applying an ice pack for 5–10 minutes can help calm any inﬂammaon.

The team at Amber Health includes four experienced osteopaths, as well as a podiatrist, counsellor and psychotherapist. Together we provide integrave care that supports both mind and body, helping people of all ages stay acve, healthy and doing the things they love — including spending me in the garden.

Amber Health 01462 490141

Meta Quest 3S Expand Your World

There's a moment with the Meta Quest 3S where it stops feeling like a gadget and starts feeling like a workspace. And surprisingly, that moment comes not from gaming, but from sing down to do some actual work.

The three-screen remote desktop setup is the real eye-opener. Instead of being confined to a single monitor or even a dual-screen arrangement, you're suddenly presented with three large, crisp displays floang in front of you. These aren't novelty panels either, they're properly sized, usable screens that you can arrange to suit your workflow. Email on one, a browser or dashboard on another, and your main working document front and centre.

It's the sort of setup that would normally require a sizeable desk and a tangle of cables, yet here it exists in mid-air.

What makes this genuinely praccal is the passthrough. You can sll see your real keyboard, your mouse, and your hands, which means typing remains natural.

There's no hunng and pecking at invisible keys. You simply work as you normally would, only now your screens are as large as you like and posioned exactly where you want them. It's not perfect, but it's far closer to a real working environment than you might expect.

Then there's the standalone side of things, which feels almost indulgent by

comparison. With no need for a PC, you can slip the headset on and instantly create your own personal cinema. Fire up Amazon Prime Video and you're watching on what feels like a massive projecon screen, all from the comfort of your own home.

But it doesn't stop there. Oﬀ to one side, you can have your email open, keeping an eye on incoming messages. On the other, perhaps a browser window with IMDb, because inevitably you'll want to check who that actor is halfway through a ﬁlm. It's multasking, but on a scale that simply isn't possible on a tradional laptop or even most desktop setups.

What's most impressive is how quickly this all feels normal. The novelty fades, and you're le with something genuinely useful.

Whether you're working across mulple applicaons or unwinding with a ﬁlm while keeping half an eye on your inbox, the Quest 3S handles it with ease.

Chicken Gyros

It's April, the days are getting longer, and that can only mean one thing… BBQ season is here.

I've got Greek food on the brain as we prepare for our upcoming Greek Wine Supper Club on Thursday 23rd April at the restaurant. Each month, our Supper Clubs are inspired by a diﬀerent wineproducing region. On the night, guests enjoy a relaxed, informal evening featuring a four-course menu, each dish perfectly paired with wines from that region.

Our host and wine supplier, James from Wine2Trade, guides you through the evening, sharing his knowledge and passion. There's plenty of interaction, and it's a fantastic way to explore dishes and wines you might not usually choose yourself. It's all about discovering new ingredients, new ﬂavours, and of course, new wines.

Sticking with the Greek theme, this month's recipe is a super easy, incredibly delicious, and familyfriendly chicken gyros that's perfect for the BBQ. It's versatile too, feel free to swap the chicken for pork or lamb, or keep it vegetarian with aubergines, peppers, and courgettes.

This recipe will comfortably feed a family of four. Marinate the Chicken Ingredients

Ÿ 800 g boneless, skinless chicken thighs

Ÿ 200 g Greek yoghurt

Ÿ 30 g olive oil

Ÿ 20 g lemon juice

Ÿ 15 g garlic (ﬁnely grated)

Ÿ 10 g smoked paprika

Ÿ 5 g ground cumin

Ÿ 5 g dried oregano

Ÿ 3 g ground coriander

Ÿ 5 g salt

Ÿ 2 g black pepper

In a large bowl, combine the yoghurt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and all the spices. Add the chicken thighs and mix well to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, ideally overnight for the best ﬂavour and tenderness.

Light the BBQ at least 30 minutes before you start cooking

Prepare the Tzatziki

Ÿ 250 g Greek yoghurt

Ÿ 100 g cucumber (grated, excess water removed)

Ÿ 10 g garlic (ﬁnely grated)

Ÿ 15 g lemon juice

Ÿ 10 g olive oil

Ÿ 3 g salt

Ÿ 1–2 g dried mint or fresh dill (optional)

Grate the cucumber and squeeze out as much moisture as possible. Mix with the yoghurt, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and herbs. Stir well and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Prepare the Fillings

Ingredients

Ÿ 200 g tomatoes (sliced)

Ÿ 150 g cucumber (sliced or diced)

Ÿ 100 g red onion (thinly sliced)

Ÿ 50 g lettuce (shredded)

Ÿ Pickled green chillies (optional but highly recommended)

Wash and prepare all vegetables. Keep chilled and ready for assembly.

Cook the Marinated chicken (from step 1)

Preheat the BBQ to medium-high heat (around 200–220°C). I prefer to use charcoal. It gives the chicken a great ﬂavour. Remove the excess marinade from the chicken and place it onto the grill. Cook for 6–8 minutes per side until charred and fully cooked through. Remove from the heat and rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips.

Place the 4 ﬂatbreads or pittas on the BBQ for 30–60 seconds per side until warmed through and lightly toasted.

Assemble the Gyros

Spread tzatziki over each ﬂatbread. Top with sliced chicken, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and lettuce. Wrap tightly and serve immediately.

Chef's Notes

Ÿ Chicken thighs give the best ﬂavour and stay juicy on the BBQ.

Ÿ Resting the meat before slicing keeps it succulent.

Ÿ For a street-food touch, add a handful of fries inside the wrap.

Ÿ This would go perfectly with a cold, crisp bottle of Restsina or a Greek rose like Gaia “4-6H”

Agiorgitiko Rosé.

I hope you enjoy this month's recipe and we look forward to seeing some of you at the restaurant throughout April.

Fika,FerriesandFantasticViews

Stockholm was never a desnaon we had considered for a holiday. Like many, we tended to gravitate toward the usual sun-soaked spots in southern Europe, places synonymous with beaches and predictable warmth. But when our daughter made the move there, curiosity took over, and we're so glad it did. What began as a simple visit quickly turned into a completely unexpected appreciaon for a city that quietly charms you in ways tradional holiday desnaons oen don't.

Geng there couldn't have been easier. With direct flights available from Stansted, Heathrow, and Gatwick, the journey felt seamless from the start. Once we landed, the Arlanda Express train whisked us into the heart of the city in no me at all. Efficient, clean, and stress-free, very much a reflecon of Sweden itself.

Arriving in the summer, we were immediately struck by the atmosphere. Aer enduring long, dark winters, the locals truly embrace the sunshine. Everywhere you looked, people were sing outdoors, faces turned toward the sun, soaking in every precious moment of warmth and light. There was a sense of collecve appreciaon in the air, as if the enre city had exhaled and come back to life.

Stockholm itself is stunning. Built across a series of islands, water is never far away. It's not just a feature, it's part of everyday life.

Ferries glide between districts as casually as buses, and it's not uncommon to see people kayaking through the city's waterways. The water is so clean and clear, it almost feels surreal for a capital city.

During the summer months, the lakes of Stockholm come alive with people seeking relief from the warmth. Locals and visitors alike gather along rocky shores, wooden docks, and small sandy inlets, diving into the cool, clear water. Friends swim out to ﬂoang plaorms or simply dri on their backs, soaking in the rare, golden sunshine, while others picnic nearby. It’s a scene that feels both lively and peaceful, where nature and city life blend eﬀortlessly, and where a simple swim becomes a cherished part of the Swedish summer experience.

One of the things we loved most was how the restaurants and cafés seemed to spill eﬀortlessly onto the streets. Outdoor dining isn't just a novelty here, it's a way of life during the warmer months.

The atmosphere is relaxed, unhurried, and welcoming. Whether you're enjoying a long lunch or just a drink in the sun, there's no pressure to rush.

And then there's the concept of “fika,” something we quickly grew fond of. More than just grabbing a coffee, fika is a moment, a pause in the day to sit down, enjoy a drink, maybe a pastry, and simply be. The bakeries are delighul, filled with freshly made pastries and treats, that are almost

impossible to resist. It's these small rituals that give Stockholm its unique rhythm.

What also stood out was how clean and well-kept everything is. The streets, public spaces, and transport systems are immaculate, creang a sense of calm and order that makes exploring the city incredibly pleasant. There's a quiet pride in how the city is maintained, and it shows.

Perhaps most surprising was the lifestyle itself. Stockholm feels balanced in a way that's hard to describe unl you experience it. There's a strong emphasis on family, outdoor living, and wellbeing. Parks and green spaces are everywhere, and even in the city centre, nature is never far away. You'll see families out together, people exercising, or simply enjoying the fresh air. It's a lifestyle that feels both intenonal and eﬀortless.

It's fair to say Stockholm doesn't shout for aenon like some other desnaons. It doesn't rely on beaches or scorching temperatures to draw you in. Instead, it oﬀers something quieter but equally rewarding, a sense of space, light, and quality of life that gradually wins you over.

What started as a visit to see our daughter became a genuine discovery. Stockholm may not have been on our original list of holiday desnaons, but it has certainly earned its place now.

Step into Freemasonry

Integrity

Rather than working on buildings like the Masons of old, today's Freemasons focus on building themselves as people of integrity, and membership provides the structure to help achieve that goal.

Friendship

One of the oldest social organisations in the world, Freemasonry is not deﬁned by an ideology. It is open to people from all religions and political persuasionand provides the common foundation for friendship between members many of which will last for life

‘WE GUARANTEE TO BEAT* your existing home insurance renewal quote in the SG postcode.’

For most people their home is the biggest investment they will ever make and the things they keep in it are their most prized possessions.

As your local broker our role is to select the policy most suited to your individual needs. Ensuring peace of mind for our customers is at the heart of what we do.

To make sure your most treasured possessions are properly covered contact the Emperor of insurance

Respect

With a membership of more than 4000 people in Hertfordshire, Freemasonry brings people together irrespective of their race, religion or any other perceived diﬀerences that can divide us as a society.

Service

Whether participating in events, fundraisingfor a charitable cause or volunteering for public or community organisations, service is at the very heart of Freemasonry. Our members make valuable contributions by donating time, resources and skills.

Dominant voices in society

hospice Crisis Appeal

Nearly 40 years ago, Garden House Hospice Care was founded by our community to meet a vital need: expert palliave and end of life care for local people. Since then, we've supported thousands of paents and families - caring for and empowering them to live well so they can spend precious me together, and, when the moment comes, ensure comfort and dignity in their ﬁnal days.

Four decades later, the need has never been greater, and our future has never been more uncertain.

We are facing a funding shorall of £1.178 million this year. We have already taken acon to reduce what we can control, cung £1,035,000 in expenditure. But with Naonal Insurance costs up by over £200,000, ulity and food bills doubling, medicaon costs soaring with no NHS funding for medicines, and a decline in charitable income we are sll le with a £750,000 gap before the end of the ﬁnancial year.

Next year, the shorall is projected to grow to £1.1 million and could rise again aer the Chancellor's budget in November. We cannot run in this way. The impact is already being felt. We have been forced to reduce the number of beds on our Inpaent Unit from 12 to 8, scale back a third of our community services, and delay

essenal property repairs and maintenance. We now have a waing list of people in urgent need of care who we cannot guarantee to support.

Our 10-year strategy promises that every person maers, but today people are being turned away. It is not right, and it must stop.

Under the current ﬁnancial model, hospices like ours receive only around 29% of their funding from the NHS. The remaining 71% relies on charitable giving - a model that no longer meets the growing demand.

North Herordshire has one of the highest proporons of people on the end of life register, yet we cannot plan for the future on donaons we might generate. Without urgent acon, more people will miss out on the dignity, comfort and expert care they deserve.

Pupils at Sandon school have been making the most of their weekly forest school lessons by learning to cook up an unusual snack using neles! Led by their forest school teacher, students cooked up the 'delicious' nele crisps on the open ﬁre before sampling the dish of the day.

As well as teaching students more about nature and the world around us, forest school supports learning by building conﬁdence, gross motor skills and resourcefulness.

If you're interested in a tour of Sandon JMI school email admin@sandon.herts.sch.uk

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

April Gallery

Puzzle Break

Each row, column and square (9 spaces each) needs to be lled out with the numbers 1-9, without repeating any numbers within the row, column or square.

Our word wheel challenge. Create as many words as you can, using the letters once only and always including the letter in the middle of the wheel. Also, can you nd the 9 letter word?