On Our Doorstep Baldock February 2026 by onourdoorstepbaldock

Cover photo by Jane Evans

Photography

Welcome

Is it just me, or did January feel longer than ever?

Between the cold weather, dark evenings and, for many, a committed Dry January, it certainly seemed to drag — although hats oﬀ to anyone who made it all the way to the ﬁnish line I am not ashamed to say we didn't !!

Thankfully, there were some nice bits along the way to brighten things up. We were lucky enough to get a reservation at Eight for theirAcademy Night, where young chef Millie prepared a fantastic four-course meal. It was a real insight into the creativity, organisation and costings involved in putting together such a polished dining experience, and an absolute treat from start to ﬁnish.

Moving on to this month, I hope you like this months’ front cover, beautifully captured by Jane Evans Photography. This month our ‘5 Mins’interview is with Stuart Matthews, who shares a little insight into the Baldock Events Forum and what keeps him and the team motivated

Food has clearly been on everyone's mind, Jacqui is already on her third batch of the Roasted Vegetable Soup from last issue's recipe. Kish, from Eight, has sent over another winner for this month and I can’t wait to try it out.

There's still a last chance to sign up for the Baldock Beast, with this year's famously tough half marathon taking place in February. Whether you're taking part, supporting a runner, or cheering from the sidelines, we wish everyone the very best of luck.

We were very sad to hear of the passing of local legend Bob Chapman at the beginning of January. I remember him well from when my mum worked at the butchers, especially the strength it took to carry half a cow without batting an eyelid. He will be fondly remembered by many, and our thoughts are with his family and friends.

Looking ahead, Pancake Day is just around the corner, quickly followed by Valentine's Day, two very good excuses to treat yourself, support local, and spend time with the people you love… or simply the people you love eating chocolate with.

As always, thank you for reading and for supporting the magazine We couldn't do it without you. Until next month.

info@onourdoorstepbaldock.co.uk or 07973 788418

Organisaon is going at full lt for the second B&L folk fesval which will be held at Letchworth Rugby Club between 24th and 26th of July this year… The club which is behind the North Herts leisure centre being only a stone throw from the Baldock boundary.

Last year the event was christened the Cambridge Champagne Fringe Fesval which confused people a bit .

Local organiser Brian Burke explained “Our fesval last year was born out of the lack of any Cambridge folk fesval and aimed at going back to the roots of that great instuon which had been severely compromised over the past decade or so.

We aim to provide a fantasc three days of roots country folk irish and blues music to suit all tastes In this we are aempng to keep the dream of the original organiser of the Cambridge event, Ken Woollard, alive and well.

EarlyShoutForSecondBaldock AndLetchworthFolkFestival

However, it is sensible this year to name it the BALDOCK and Letchworth fesval as we hoped to source most of the audience locally.”

Here are some reasons to put it in your diary as a must do in the summer. Firstly, the event is totally FREE but people are asked to bring donaons for this year's charity, which is the eradicaon of MND. ( Motor Neurone Disease ) . Secondly there will be a galaxy of talent and diverse music to suit all ages and thirdly all fesval food and drink will be at rugby club prices not those charged at normal music fesvals. We hope it will be a real family event for the weekend . There is also camping at a very reasonable £60 for the weekend and the rugby club facilies are second to none ….. much beer than those provided at most music fesvals! The music will start at noon on Friday and Saturday with a 10 am start on Sunday and really lively Irish session to follow. The music outside will ﬁnish at 10 pm each night, but of course there

may be addional sessions in the bar ll closing me.

We have over twenty ﬁve acts booked including the legendary Snakes in Exile (think Pogues/ Saw doctors ) from as far as Belgium who have appeared at Cambridge Folk Fesval . Also the evergreen Beans and Biscuits will take the stage on Friday . A full lineup will be published in the next few months so watch this space . All musicians play for a fracon of the price due to them and London Road Studios provide a fantasc staging and PA .We also produce a professional thirty two page programme.

We hope to have some generous sponsors as last year when aer all expenses were paid we sll managed to donate nearly £2000 to the Hospice.

Although we have nearly booked all our slots for the year there maybe a few surprise acts to be added, should you want any more informaon about the event please contact Brian on (07768) 274037

8 Unit 16 Woodside Industrial Park, Works Road, Letchworth SG6 1LA

BALGA Allotment PlotsAvailable Baldocks TuesdayClub

Baldock Allotment and Leisure Gardeners' Associaon Ltd (BALGA) celebrated its 50th Anniversary in 2025 by raising funds to bring 30 overgrown allotment plots at our North Road site back into use. Having sasﬁed the immediate requirements of its members, it can now oﬀer some of these plots to the public of Baldock. Anyone over 18 and resident within 3 miles of Baldock Arts and Heritage Centre (the old Town Hall) can apply to

join our waing list, and should be oﬀered a plot quite quickly (as long as the supply holds out!) Please visit www.balga-online.co.uk ,where you will ﬁnd lots of informaon about BALGA, and a “Join Us” tab, where you can apply to join the waing list.

BALGA was ﬁrst formed in 1975, and has grown over the years to its current size of some 390 members. It caters for allotment holders and “Leisure Gardeners” who join to take advantage of our members' only shop and its keen prices on seeds, composts, ferlisers, pescides etc. Since 2016, BALGA has leased its 2 allotment sites from North Herts Council, and manages them as an “Alternave Service Provider”. In 2025 we became a Cooperave Society, and all our members are shareholders. Our Management Commiee of 14 members man our allotment shop in Football Close, which is open on Sunday mornings from 10am to 12noon between mid-February and the end of November. Since many of the team are experienced gardeners and allotment holders they are oen asked for advice, and some of it is very good!

Phil Charsley - General Secretary

BLONDIES

Once a month on a Tuesday aernoon a friendly bunch of senior cizens meet together at Baldock Community Centre, share some sort of acvity, a cuppa or two and something to eat. We might have a speaker, a quiz or entertainment for about an hour and then enjoy a chat, tea or coﬀee and some rather good savoury and sweet items for tea. Our favourites this year have been Tracey's hot dogs!

The group was inially funded by Herts Acon on Disabilty and the name of the Disabled Club has stuck but I think these days that 'The Tuesday Club 'is more appropriate as we welcome all sorts of folks, men and women, ablebodied and some who have some mobility challenges, or some who are looking for a lile company.

We are very lucky to be able to oﬀer the Friends of Baldock minibus service if geng to the Community Centre is a concern.

If this group is of interest to you or anyone you know do please contact Tracey at the Community Centre for more informaon.

Call 01462 894109 or email info@baldockcommunitycentre.org.uk

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!!

What is the Perrin Technique?

A speciﬁc treatment programme using a gentle, hands-on treatment approach used mainly for people with ME/CFS (Myalgic Encephalomyelis / Chronic Fague Syndrome). It has also been used to help post-viral fague syndromes and long-lasng exhauson with cognive symptoms such as “brain fog”.

It was developed by Dr. Raymond Perrin, an osteopath, and is based on the idea that problems with drainage of ﬂuids in the body—parcularly around the brain and spinal cord—may contribute to symptoms

The technique is carried out by specially trained osteopaths.

What Does the Perrin Technique Aim to Do?

The Perrin Technique focuses on helping the body's natural drainage systems, including:

Ÿ The lymphac system (which helps remove waste products)

Ÿ Circulaon of ﬂuids around the brain and spinal cord

Ÿ Movement and funcon of the spine, ribs, and connecve ssues

The goal is to reduce a build-up of waste products and improve how the nervous system funcons, which may help ease symptoms over me.

What Happens During a Treatment?

A typical session involves gentle manual techniques, such as:

Ÿ Light pressure and massage to the neck, spine, chest, and head

Ÿ Mobilisaon of the upper back and ribs

Ÿ Very gentle work around the face and skull

Ÿ Aer inial assessments, appointments last 30 minutes, and treatment is usually given over a series of sessions, not just one visit.

How Might It Help Symptoms?

People who respond to the Perrin Technique somemes report improvements in:

Ÿ Fague levels

Ÿ Headaches or head pressure

Ÿ Brain fog and concentraon

Ÿ Sleep quality

Ÿ Sensivity to light or sound Improvements are oen gradual, and not everyone responds in the same way.

Is There Scienﬁc Evidence?

Research is ongoing. Some small studies and paent reports suggest beneﬁt, parcularly for ME/CFS, but it is not considered a cure.

The Perrin Technique oﬀers a gentle, supporve approach for people living with chronic fague–related condions.

Hannah Del Ponte is a licensed Perrin Praconer based at Amber Health. For more informaon, call us on 01462 490141.

Confidently all-electric Toyota Urban Cruiser

The 'Urban Cruiser' has been used as a badge on various Toyota models worldwide.

However, in the UK, it's mainly remembered as one of the original small SUV crossovers - though, to be honest, it hardly made a lasng impression.

Now, Toyota has chosen to bring back the Urban Cruiser in electric form, and the changes are strikingly evident.

Looks-wise, the headlights are slim and integrated into a black unit that spans the front end. Below, there is a chiselled design with air intakes and a trapezoidal lower grille.

The sides feature heavily sculpted door booms that highlight the robust cladding, emphasising its rugged SUV design.

At the rear, the rooﬂine slopes downward, and a light bar extends midway, while thick cladding surrounds the bumpers for added durability.

Toyota's Urban Cruiser oﬀers three trim levels. The entry-level Icon features 18-inch alloys, a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, a digital radio, a 10.3-inch driver's display, a rear-view camera, LED headlights, keyless entry/start, and extensive safety features.

The mid-range Design trim includes heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and a front wiper de-icer.

At the top, the Excel trim boasts 19inch alloys, a wireless phone charger, a panoramic roof, a JBL premium audio system, adapve LED headlights, and electric front seat adjustment.

There is good headroom and legroom in the front, though the sloping rooﬂine slightly reduces rear headroom.

Boot space is less impressive at 310 litres, which is only marginally larger than a Vauxhall Corsa. When the rear seats are slid back, storage space drops to 238 litres. However, folding the rear seats creates a more useful 562 litres of room.

Two baery sizes are available: 49kWh for the entry-level with a range of 213 miles, and 61kWh for mid and top trims, with a claimed range of 264 miles.

The 144PS entry-level Icon comes only with the lower-powered baery, while the 174PS mid-range and top trims feature the higher-powered one. All are front-wheel drive, but if allwheel drive is essenal, consider the Suzuki eVitara, which shares the same plaorm.

I tested the mid-range 174PS Design

trim, which accelerates to 62 mph in 8.7 seconds. While it has adequate 'go' for city driving and merging onto motorways, it's not designed for high performance. Those who are less concerned about that aspect may prefer the more aﬀordable, lowerpowered version, which only adds 0.9 seconds to the acceleraon me.

The Toyota has a so suspension that absorbs potholes; however, it can feel jiery on rough surfaces and somewhat unstable at high speeds. Nonetheless, ﬁnding a comfortable driving posion in the new Toyota Urban Cruiser is simple. Certainly, you're perched above the road enough to get a good view out of the windscreen, and, although I've seen cars with thinner front window pillars, they're not so thick as to obstruct your view.

The rear pillars are much thicker, so your over-the-shoulder view is compromised - but a rear-view camera is included on the entry-level model and the mid-level Design trim. Go for the top-of-the-range Excel, however, and a 360-degree surroundview camera will make your life even easier. Front and rear parking sensors are also factory-ﬁed across the lineup.

By Tim Barnes-Clay - Follow on Instagram @tbarnsclay

Overall, this new Toyota is comfortable, well-suited for city driving, and provides enough performance and range for a typical week of urban commung without any anxiety.

I recommend the Design speciﬁcaon, as it strikes a good balance between features and value.

Fast Facts

MGS6 EV Trophy Dual Motor:

Ÿ Max speed: 93 mph

Ÿ 0-62 mph: 8.7 secs

Ÿ Electric Range: 264

Ÿ Powerplant: Dual electric motors & 61kWh baery pack

Ÿ Power (PS): 174

Ÿ CO2: 0 g/km

Ÿ Price from: £29,995 to £35,745

BaldockRotaryPlansto UpgradeChristmasLights

Baldock Rotary Club members would like to say how extremely grateful they are for the £1,500 North Herts Council's community grant to assist in upgrading our annual Christmas Light display in the streets of Baldock. The grant will be invaluable in helping Rotary to upgrade the current lights to the best of the emerging technologies available.

Rotary began pung up lights in Baldock in 1978 with strings of coloured bulbs between trees. These were eventually phased out in favour of light frames carrying hundreds of bulbs to create Christmas images on shop fronts. These became unreliable aer a me and needed regular repair, so in our 3rd phase of modernisaon we invested in LED lit frames.

Christmas Lights organiser Rob Hemmings commented that the Rotary Club works with a relavely limited budget to store, repair, replace and install the lights and the cost of a major upgrade will have to be carefully planned and managed.

Now the Rotary club is on the brink of a 4th generaon upgrade involving the latest technology which will require signiﬁcant investment. The £1500 grant from NHC will be invaluable in enabling the transion as the ﬁrst part of a 5-year programme of renewal with experimental laser and LED projectors, light nets and fesve scene creators to ulise the best of the emerging technologies available.

All this should make for a more pleasant background for the people of Baldock to enjoy over the Christmas period. Rotarian - Paul Lucke

Shelter is action-thriller about a reclusive ex special forces man, Michael Mason (Jason Statham), living on a remote Scottish island, who rescues a young girl from a deadly storm. Forcing him out of hiding to confront enemies from his past and embark on a dangerous journey for survival and redemption, with themes of ﬁnding family and morality

18 107mins

A small goat named Will gets a once-in-a-lifetime shot to join the pros and play roarball -- a highintensity, full-contact sport that's dominated by the fastest, ﬁercest animals in the world. Ridiculed by his teammates, Will becomes determined to revolutionize the sport and prove that "small can ball!" and become the greatest of all time (GOAT)

Crime 101 is a stylish crime thriller about an elusive, jewel thief (Chris Hemsworth) planning his ﬁnal, massive score, whose path crosses with a desperate, disillusioned insurance broker (Halle Berry), all while a relentless detective (Mark Ruﬀalo) closes in, blurring the lines between hunter and hunted as their lives converge in a highstakes game of cat-andmouse Based on Don Winslow's novel.

RunningTime 18 135

Out 20th February

When Ashley (Adria Arjona) asks her husband Carey (Kyle Marvin) for a divorce, he seeks support from their friends, Julie (Dakota Johnson) and Paul (Michael Angelo Covino). Carey is shocked to learn the secret to his friends' seemingly happy marriage is that it is an open one. Chaos ensues when Carey, in a moment that crosses the line of their arrangement's rules, sleeps with Julie.

Certiﬁcate RunningTime 18 104 mins

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

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.

Pluribus on Apple TV

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!

Albuquerque's Newest Export (Now with 100% Less Blue Meth) If you thought Vince Gilligan's greatest trick was making us root for a high-school chemistry teacher by the name of Walter White, with a penchant for federal crimes, think again. In Pluribus, Gilligan has traded the desertbaked narcocs of Breaking Bad and the legal mechanisms of Beer Call Saul for a post-apocalypc Albuquerque that is, wait for it, actually pleasant.

The premise is vintage Gilligan; high-concept "what if" grounded in griy, mundane reality. An alien aerosol virus has turned 99.9% of humanity into "The Others," a benevolent, content, and deeply creepy hive mind. People just walk around aiming to make each other happy. Imagine a world where everyone is as helpful as you could ever wish for, but shares a single, telepathic brain. It's a "forced utopia," and as it turns out, there's nothing more terrifying than a world without a single person to complain to at the fast food restaurant. It's a tv drama pitch I would have loved to have heard in person.

At the centre of this "Happy-pocalypse" is Rhea Seehorn, ﬁnally geng the lead-actress crown she was owed aer years of being the moral (and literal) backbone of Beer Call Saul. She plays Carol Sturka, a cynical romance-novel author and one of only thirteen people in the world immune

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to the 'happy ' virus. Seehorn is a master of the microexpression and here she uses every muscle in her face to convey the sheer exhauson of being the provider of misery in a world of perpetual smiles. And she is most certainly miserable . Carol isn't alone, though she oen wishes she were. She is shadowed by Zosia, played with a haunng, glassy-eyed grace by Karolina Wydra. Zosia is Carol's "chaperone," a member of the hive mind who funcons as a sort of polite, biological Amazon Alexa. The chemistry between them is fascinang; it's a buddy-cop dynamic where one partner is a nihilist and the other is a literal collecve consciousness.

The supporng cast rounds out this lonely new world with startling depth. Carlos-Manuel Vesga brings a rugged, grounded energy as Manousos Oviedo, a pragmac survivor from Paraguay who provides the grit to Carol's existenal dread. Then there is Samba Schue as Koumba Diabaté, an immune survivor who has decided that if the world is ending in a giant group hug, he might as well live his best, most hedoniscally selﬁsh life in Las Vegas – aer all the hive mind are here to make him as happy as possible. Perhaps the most heartbreaking performance comes from Miriam Shor as Helen, Carol's former manager and partner. Seeing Helen "assimilated"—transforming from a sharptongued professional into a vacant, smiling vessel—provides the show's most gut-wrenching emoonal stakes. It's a reminder that in Gilligan's world, the most painful losses aren't deaths, but the erasures of who people used to be.

Gilligan has always been obsessed with the consequences of choice. In Breaking Bad, Walter White chose to be the danger turning from a hapless Ned Flanders/Simpsons character to a drug kingpin. In Pluribus, the "Others" have had the choice taken away for the "greater good." The show raises some uncomfortable, high-concept quesons that linger long aer the credits roll. If we could end all war, poverty, and heartbreak at the cost of our individuality, would we? Even the tle of the show the lends from the Lan of one of many, 'E pluribus unum' and is ﬂipped on its head. Here, the "one" is a monolithic enty that views Carol's independence not as a right, but as a disability that needs "curing."

The first episode is simply stellar – but be warned if you know your Breaking Bad and Beer Call Saul Gilligan's pacing and storytelling is slow , slow , quick, quick and then slow; somemes so slow you'll wonder if the pacing was also affected by the virus, but it's anchored by Seehorn's magnec, powerhouse performance. It's a sci-fi thriller that feels like a character study, proving that Gilligan doesn't need a machine gun in a trunk or a lawyer in a colourful suit to create tension. It is a chilling, beauful exploraon of what it means to be a person when being a person is no longer required. You will be rewarded. Series 2 is already on the way

Baldock Gardens

Update on compost sales

A while back, the Government discussed banning peat-based compost.

Sarah Dyke MP introduced the bill, which aimed to ban all retail peat. It passed its first reading but stalled at the second due to the general election taking priority. The new Government focused on other issues, so the bill did not progress. Looking ahead, we can consider two possible regulatory scenarios: Scenario A might involve the bill's revival post-election, leading to strict enforcement of the peat ban, which would require immediate adjustments to our inventory strategies. In contrast, Scenario B would see the voluntary phase-out continuing, allowing for more gradual changes and flexibility in stocking decisions. Both scenarios highlight the need for stakeholders to stay informed and prepared for varying regulatory approaches.

The Royal Horticultural Society and most garden centres expected all shops to stop selling peat-based compost and related products by the end of 2024. However, the government set aside the ban, and the legislation stalled, allowing sales to continue.

By the end of 2024, many retailers had sold all their peat-based stock and switched entirely to peat-free products. Many garden-associated growers found that the peat-free compost did not deliver the results they expected, resulting in germination failures and poor potting-on.

The consequent pushback against peatfree products continued through 2025, proving hard work for retailers that had supported the change, as customers reverted to using peat-based composts and purchasing them elsewhere. We were fortunate to have sold through our stocks of a particular brand that was underperforming, as described, and were able to swap it out for another range. This has been swapped out again for an even better range, with stronger scientific proof that it does what it says on the bag. Peat-free compost for 2026 has improved significantly and now performs much better, but it is still not up to the standard of peat compost. I think there will still be a significant number of growers who will not use peat-free yet and will be watching

By Graham Tapp

how garden/allotment growers respond to the changes.

If you have been watching, listening, or reading the news, you will undoubtedly know that the UK's bogs are under threat, but what you see and hear is not the complete story. Digging bogs is how British peat is abstracted, and this has been done for years; for example, the Norfolk Broads were used for peat digging as far back as the 12th century. It was mostly dug for fuel, but the pits started to backfill with water, and by the 14th century, it had to stop

The flooded areas were eventually reclaimed by nature, becoming the wetlands we know today, rich in wildlife. Production of reed beds has become a major source of income for the area, as has boating and recreation. This proves that bogs, once dug out, can be reinstated as habitats for nature or used as social or recreational areas. The very few that are left producing peat for compost are owned by small compost manufacturers and have to, by law, stop when the law is finally passed and immediately reinstated.

Other uses of peat, and a much bigger problem, are its use for heating: peat blocks or pellets for commercial and domestic heating. This is usually lowgrade peat, which still causes the same problems and requires careful planning for the final reinstatement.

Most big peat bogs being used for peat abstraction have now been closed down and are being reinstated

Digging peat is not the only way damage is caused to our bogs; draining and the consequent planting of coniferous trees are other forms of destruction over many decades. It was considered a useful crop for the building industry, but in some areas, it is too warm, and the trees grow too fast to produce top-grade timber. As trees reach an age suitable for harvesting, not all are replaced; these sites are cleared and rewetted. Blocking the drainage channels originally installed to dry the bog by damming is the preferred way to raise the water level, but it takes a long time. Clearing the consequent regrowth from the germination of tree seeds and brash (shrubs and weeds) also takes a long time.

Some sites need re-sowing with native plants, often carried out by helicopter.

Drainage was installed years ago to dry out many square miles of the fens for agriculture, which has caused areas to shrink and the levels to drop. This may be regarded by some as damage, but it is now valuable agricultural land returning a major income for the area.

In the north of England, several large bogs have become contaminated by acid rain, becoming too acidic to sustain any natural life. The acidic bogs are being helped back to a more natural pH level by having lime spread again by helicopter or low-footprint tractors.

One very damaging occurrence is wildfires; rising temperatures and drier springs and summers are making the bogs highly susceptible to fire. Deep bog fires can and often do burn for years underground, where they are impossible to put out. Don't think all burning is bad; it is regularly used as a tool to control non-native vegetation and to produce cover suitable for recreational grouse shooting. Whilst there are some advantages to burning, it is scientifically proven that the harm outweighs the benefits, and plans are underway to curb this by introducing specific laws in areas of England and Scotland. In 2021, a law was enacted that bans burning in deep bogs over 40cm deep within existing protected areas; however, if it can be proven to provide a conservation benefit, burning will be allowed.

It's not widely known, but 70% of UK drinking water comes from high land peat bogs; this means our upland sites need to be kept clean and fit for purpose.

IUCN UK Peatland Programme exists to promote peatland restoration in the UK and advocates the multiple benefits of peatlands through partnerships, strong science, sound policy, and effective practice.

Please look it up for more information.

5 minutes with... ...Stuart Matthews from

Tellusabitaboutyourself?

Myself and my wife Kate, along with Tara Geere run the Baldock Events Forum with help of a lot of volunteers. Katy and I have lived in Baldock 17yrs. In our day jobs Kate runs a business in LetchworthandIrunasecurityeventscompany.

I understand you are the person who has organised the Town Christmastreeforthepastfewyears?

YesoneyearImoanedIdidn'tlikethetreeandsomeoneputme intouchwiththepersonatNorthHertsCouncilwhoorganisedit. I asked if i could donate new lights etc. to it but was told it was too much work to put them on!! Not giving up I asked if I could decorate and sort the tree to which they said yes and it went from there to where we are now, with the Christmas Fayre and thelightswitchon!

Howdidyoubecomeinvolvedwiththeeventsforum?

We started purely to help with the Christmas event as we both love Christmas! But when the last commiee were rering they asked us if we would like to step and run the forum and to connuetodelivertheothereventsinthetown,likeTheBaldock Beast,BigLunchandthenewopenaircinemaeventatBuﬀs.

WhatisthepurposeoftheEventsforum?

To provide events for the local community to enjoy throughout theyear,solelythroughfundraisingandgengeventstopayfor themselves. TheForumis a notfor proﬁtso all money goes back into other events or supporng local charies, and to grow the eventscalender.

Whatisyourfavouritetownevent?

Selﬁshly the Christmas Fayre watching it get bigger every year!!! I also love the free open air cinema which started last year and we are looking to run it again this year, hopefully for 2daysthisme.

Wheredoesthemoneyfortheeventscomefrom?

Any money comes from sponsorship or money from other events we put on. Thanks to some tremendous local businessesweareabletoputtheseeventson.Wereceiveno funding so it relies on people coming and supporng the eventstomakethemsuccessfulandconnuing.

I understand that the Events Forum hold the licence for the CharterMarketfortheHighStreet?

Yesweholdthestreettradinglicenceandwe’vebeenacvely trying to grow the Wednesday market, it’s a slow job but we havegainedafewnewstallholderslastyear.Themorepeople that use the market, the quicker it will grow. However, if anyoneknowsafruitandvegstallholderthatwantstojoinus please let us know!! We have some regular’s selling ﬁsh, honey, olives, clothes, hardware and someone who does phonerepairs

If anyone would like to volunteer at the local events, how shouldtheygoaboutit?

Please feel free to contact us on Facebook page, we always needvolunteerstohelporifyouhaveanideaforanewevent youwouldliketodeliverwecanhelpdothistoo!

A First-Time Winter Break in Austria

As someone who had never skied before, the idea of a winter holiday in the Alps was both excing and slightly daunng. Flying from London Luton to Innsbruck and staying in Seefeld turned out to be the perfect introducon, relaxed, scenic, and wonderfully welcoming.

The journey couldn’t have been easier. The direct ﬂight from London Luton to Innsbruck is short and smooth, and the descent into the Alps is breathtaking, with snow-covered peaks rising all around you. Innsbruck Airport is compact and eﬃcient, making winter travel refreshingly stress-free. From there, the transfer to Seefeld is quick and scenic, climbing gently into the mountains and seng the tone for a true Alpine escape.

Seefeld is an ideal desnaon for ﬁrstme skiers. Built on a high, sunny plateau rather than steep valleys, it feels open, calm, and uninmidang. The village itself is steeped in history and charm, Seefeld was once an Olympic village, and that heritage is sll visible today in its excellent sports facilies and well-maintained infrastructure. Despite this presgious background, the atmosphere remains friendly and unpretenous.

For beginners, skiing in Seefeld feels reassuring rather than overwhelming.

The ski schools are extremely well organised, with paent, Englishspeaking instructors who focus on building conﬁdence at a comfortable pace. The beginner slopes are wide and gentle, with plenty of space to pracse without pressure.

Equipment hire is straighorward and professional, making the whole experience easy even for complete novices.

One of the great surprises of Seefeld is how much there is to enjoy beyond skiing. The village has an impressive public swimming pool and leisure complex, perfect for unwinding red legs or for non-ski days.

Many hotels also oﬀer excellent wellness spas, with saunas, steam rooms, and relaxaon areas that feel like a luxury reward at the end of a cold winter day.

Up on the mountains, the experience goes far beyond learning to ski.

Modern gondolas and lis whisk you eﬀortlessly to panoramic viewpoints, where restaurants sit proudly at the top of the slopes.

Stopping for lunch or a hot chocolate while surrounded by Alpine views is a highlight in itself. On sunny days, deck chairs line the terraces, inving you to sit back, soak up the winter sun, and simply enjoy the moment.

Evenings in Seefeld are calm and cosy rather than rowdy. The village oﬀers a wonderful selecon of restaurants serving tradional Tyrolean dishes alongside internaonal opons, all with warm hospitality and a relaxed atmosphere. It’s the kind of place where winter evenings feel comforng and unhurried.

For anyone who has never skied before, a winter break in Seefeld is a perfect choice. The ease of ﬂying from London Luton to Innsbruck, combined with Seefeld’s beginner-friendly slopes, mountain restaurants and wellnessfocused hotels, creates an experience that feels both adventurous and reassuring.

I arrived unsure and slightly nervous about skiing. I le feeling conﬁdent, relaxed, and completely converted to winter holidays, already planning a return.

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

Sonos Arc Ultra with Sub 4 and Ace

There was always something impressive about the Sonos Arc Ultra. Even before recent updates, it delivered a confident, room-filling Dolby Atmos experience from a single, discreet soundbar. What has changed is not the hardware, but how complete the system now feels. A major soware update has quietly transformed Arc Ultra from a very good soundbar into the heart of a genuinely flexible home cinema system.

Physically, Arc Ultra remains restrained and well judged. Its slim, curved profile and mae finish allow it to sit beneath large televisions without drawing aenon to itself. It looks deliberate rather than dominant, and that design maturity extends to how it sounds. Effects are placed with precision, dialogue remains intelligible, and the soundstage extends well beyond the width of the bar.

Paired with the Sonos Sub 4, priced at £799, the system gains scale and authority. Bass becomes physical rather than implied, adding weight to ﬁlms and depth to music without overwhelming the room. Importantly, integraon is seamless. You are never aware of separate components doing separate jobs. It simply sounds bigger, cleaner, and more conﬁdent.

Dialogue performance deserves special menon. The enhanced Speech Enhancement opons introduced alongside Arc Ultra make a real difference, parcularly with modern film and television mixes. Voices remain clear without sounding arficially boosted, and the balance of the soundtrack is preserved. It is subtle, but it works. The real transformaon, however, comes with Sonos Ace headphones. At £399, they were already strong standalone headphones. The latest soware update elevates them significantly. TrueCinema is the standout feature. Rather than collapsing sound into your head, it recreates the acousc space of your room inside the headphones. Watching a film feels like you are sll sing in front of the TV, just privately. It is remarkably convincing.

Equally impacul is the new duallistener TV Audio Swap. Two people can now listen to the same TV audio simultaneously on their own Ace headphones, perfectly in sync. For shared living spaces, late-night viewing, or simply diﬀerent listening preferences, this is transformave. It works smoothly and feels immediately useful.

Noise cancellaon has also been reﬁned, adapng in real me to glasses or headwear, while call quality feels more natural thanks to improved voice handling.

At £999 for Arc Ultra, this is premium territory. But this update reframes the value. You are not just buying a soundbar, a subwoofer, or headphones. You are buying into a system that improves in meaningful ways over me.

ROGERSONS REMOVALS

OldDogsandSpringtime

With January put ﬁrmly behind us , we have everything to look forward to. February is the month of love, the Six Naons Rugby, and Pancakes. Unless Mr Not Quite Perfect but Not a Psychopath is gravitang in my direcon as we speak, it will be a barren year for Valennes cards again for me, my hope is to be too preoccupied with men in shorts on the telly to noce.

The nights are shrinking as we stumble gratefully towards Spring and warmer, lazier days. I am not a child of the Winter; I'm becoming impaent with being cold and having to wrap up to leave the house there is nothing but dark, cold, and damp. The first me I leave work and its sll light cant come quick enough for me, and February is full of these firsts, things just start to wake up. It is in this spirit of reawakening that we find the true charm of February. The landscape begins to transform, offering subtle hints of the vibrant growth to come. Snowdrops, the resilient lile warriors of the floral world blanket woodlands, and gardens, providing the first splash of white and green aer months of grey. It's a visual cue that the world is indeed turning, and warmth is on its way. Ulmately, February isn't just a bridge to March; it's a desnaon in itself—a gentle nudge to shed the winter blues, find joy in small signs of new life,

and look forward to the promise of spring.

Speaking of things that bring joy and the promise of spring, Eddie, the house pooch, will be sixteen this year, yet the old boy is no less spritely than when he was a nipper. The only difference I can really see is when he excitedly leaps from one side of the room to the sofa, he misses his landing somemes now, which is funny and frightening in equal measure. Having an old dog has its merits, you know each other well, it's like having a slightly freaky partnership. He's not a cuddly dog, he'd rather spend his me as far away from me as he can, but when I'm feeling down he comes to give me a cuddle, he tells me when it's bedme, and he sll feels the need to protect me from the postman. We were told when we got him that because he was half poodle, he wouldn't moult. That was a hideous lie, I have a wooden floor in my living room and the amount of hair balls that wa past me of an evening is unbelievable. It puts me in mind of being in the Arizona desert as those tumbleweeds float on by. I used to groom him myself, but he has always hated having his feet touched, so about two years ago I started to use a dog groomer, trying to find the right one was challenging. Nicky

I am seriously less fussy about who cuts my hair. There are the big commercial enterprises, who although they are very professional, tend to have a quota, so get them through the process as quickly as possible. There are the judgy ones, who make you feel guilty for just daring to own a dog, and then there are the bad ones, which unfortunately you only discover when they have hacked your dogs tail hair oﬀ and given them a bowl cut.

I am grateful to say that I have now found a wonderful dog groomer, he absolutely loves dogs, you can feel it the moment he sets eyes on your dog. He has all the me in the world for them and Eddie looked absolutely Dapper when he emerged from his shampoo and set, full of bounce and happy. That for me was all needed to declare that I will be returning when the hairballs ﬂoat across my ﬂoor once again.

Ÿ GREEN WASTE REMOVALS

Ÿ LOG SUPPLIES & SPLITTING

Ÿ FENCING

Ÿ LAND CLEARANCES

Ÿ EMERGENCIES

Poached Cod in a Spicy Coconut Broth

The month of February often calls for food that's warming and comforting, yet not overly rich. With the colder weather ﬁrmly set in, we've been enjoying plenty of broths, stews and gently spiced dishes at home.

Fish has featured more heavily on our table throughout January, and it's been a pleasure to see seafood becoming a ﬁrm favourite. With our British Seafood Night taking place at Eight on Wednesday 11th February, it felt like the right moment to share a dish that reﬂects what we love cooking and serving.

This warm, fragrant recipe works equally well as a relaxed family supper or as a lighter, option for a Valentine's meal at home. That said, if you'd rather leave the cooking (and the washing up) to us, our Valentine's Sharing Menu will be available at Eight on Valentine's Night alongside our main menu, both of which can be viewed on our website.

We've chosen cod for this dish, as larger fish are plentiful at this time of year, thriving in colder British waters. However, it can easily be adapted using any firm, white-fleshed fish, depending on availability. The finished dish is naturally gluten-free and low in fat, offering comfort without heaviness.

As always, I encourage you to source the bestquality ingredients you're comfortable with. The recipe serves four but can be halved if you're cooking for two. Please note that this dish is best enjoyed freshly cooked and doesn't reheat particularly well, so I recommend preparing only what you plan to eat on the day.

Serves 4

1. Prepare the Cod Ingredients

Ÿ Cod ﬁllet (skinless, boneless) – 800g or 4 × 200g portions

Ÿ Fine sea salt – 6g

Lightly season the cod ﬁllets with the salt and set aside in the fridge while you prepare the broth.

2. Build the Aromatic Base

Ÿ Neutral oil (rapeseed or sunﬂower) – 20g

Ÿ Lemongrass, bruised and cut into pieces – 40g

Ÿ Fresh ginger, peeled and sliced – 30g

Ÿ Garlic, sliced – 20g

Ÿ Red chilli, ﬁnely sliced (adjust to taste) – 10–15g

Ÿ Thai red curry paste – 40g

Heat the oil in a wide saucepan over a medium heat. Add the garlic, ginger, chilli and lemongrass and cook gently for 2–3 minutes until fragrant, taking care not to let them colour. Stir in the curry paste and cook for a further minute to release its aromas.

3. Create the Broth

Ÿ Coconut milk – 800g

Ÿ Fish stock (or light vegetable stock) – 600g

Ÿ Fish sauce – 25g

Ÿ Lime juice – 30g

Ÿ Caster sugar – 10g Method

Pour the coconut milk and stock into the pan. Bring to a gentle simmer, then add the ﬁsh sauce, sugar and lime juice. Allow the broth to simmer softly for around 10 minutes so the ﬂavours can develop. Remove and discard the lemongrass. Keep the broth at a gentle simmer — never let it boil.

4. Cook the Noodles

*Rice noodles (medium width ie 5mm) – 240g

Cook the rice noodles according to the packet instructions. Drain well and divide between four warm bowls.

5. Poach the Cod and Vegetables

Ÿ Pak choi – 300g, halved or quartered lengthways

Ÿ Mangetout – 200g

Add the pak choi and mangetout to the simmering broth and cook for 2 minutes. Gently lower in the cod ﬁllets and poach for 4–5 minutes, until just cooked through and opaque.

6. To Serve

Ÿ Fresh coriander – 20g, roughly chopped

Ÿ Spring onions – 40g, ﬁnely sliced

Ÿ Extra lime wedges

Place a piece of cod into each bowl over the noodles. Ladle over the coconut broth and vegetables. Finish with coriander, spring onions and a squeeze of lime, if desired.

Chef's Notes

Take your time with this dish, it's worth the effort. Don't overcook the fish or noodles, and always build the flavours of the broth in stages, keeping it at a gentle simmer throughout.

If children are eating with you, omit the chillies and consider adding a little extra sugar or lime juice to mellow the heat of the curry paste.

I hope you'll give this recipe a try, and we look forward to welcoming some of you to Eight over the coming weeks.

WhyMagnesiumDeservesaSpotinYourWellnessRoutine

Magnesium doesn't always get the spotlight like vitamin C or calcium, but this quiet mineral is a true powerhouse when it comes to everyday health. Found naturally in leafy greens, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and legumes, magnesium plays a role in hundreds of processes in the body—and many people don't get enough of it.

The Mineral That Keeps Things Running Smoothly

Magnesium is involved in more than 300 enzymac reacons in the body. In plain terms, that means it helps keep your muscles moving, your nerves ﬁring properly, your heartbeat steady, and your energy levels up. Without enough magnesium, many of the body's basic systems have to work harder.

Beer Sleep and Less Stress

One of magnesium's most appreciated benefits is its calming effect. Magnesium helps regulate neurotransmiers that influence relaxaon and sleep, and it plays a role in managing the body's stress response. Many people find that adequate magnesium intake supports deeper sleep and a greater sense of

calm, especially during busy or stressful periods.

Supporng Muscle and Joint Health

Ever experienced muscle cramps or tension? Magnesium helps muscles contract and relax properly. Athletes and physically acve individuals oen pay close aenon to magnesium intake, but it's just as important for anyone who spends long hours sing, standing, or working at a computer.

A Friend to the Heart

Magnesium contributes to normal heart rhythm and helps regulate blood pressure by supporng healthy blood vessel funcon. While it's not a replacement for medical treatment, geng enough magnesium through diet or supplements can be part of a heart-healthy lifestyle.

Energy, Bones,

and Blood Sugar Balance

Magnesium helps convert food into energy, making it essenal for ﬁghng fague. It also works alongside calcium and vitamin D to maintain strong bones. Addionally, magnesium plays a role in insulin funcon and blood sugar regulaon, which is important for longterm metabolic health.

Food First—But Supplements Can Help

Ideally, magnesium comes from a balanced diet rich in whole foods such as spinach, almonds, pumpkin seeds, black beans, and whole grains. However, modern diets and soil depleon mean many people fall short. In those cases, magnesium supplements may be helpful, especially when chosen thoughully and used as directed.

A Small Mineral With a Big Impact

Magnesium may not be ﬂashy, but its impact is wide-ranging. From supporng sleep and stress management to helping muscles, bones, and the heart funcon properly, this essenal mineral quietly supports overall well-being every day. Somemes, feeling beer really does come down to the basics.

Always follow label direcons and consult a healthcare professional before supplemenng, especially if you have a medical condion or take medicaons

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February 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?