Raising awareness of what’s on & where to find things locally
Issue 105 July 2023
Baldock, Ashwell, Weston and surrounding villages
NO W ! BO OK
ready for the Summer
Welcome
Summer is well and truly underway. It's lovely to see everyone out and about enjoying the weather. The High Street is busy with people taking sunny strolls or heading to the pub gardens. Exam season is just about over now and the schools and colleges are getting ready for their summer break. With summer breaks comes festival season too. Our youngest is to going to her first one this year, she'll be heading to Reading while us oldies are going to a smaller festival closer to home. Last month's magazine had a couple of new features and we hope you enjoyed them. We had a first book review from Jenny Wiltshire, who has kindly shared another review with us this month. If you're looking for a summer read head to page 19 to find out what she has to say about this months book. Our second new feature was The Mid-Lifers, a monthly feature all about trying new things and pushing yourself in your mid-life years. This month local resident John Harris has shared his experience of running a marathon, but not just any marathon. This marathon was running up Mount Everest! A huge challenge and an incredible read. Read the full story on page 27. Get in contact if you'd like to appear in this feature during the coming months. We'd love to hear how others are spending their mid-life years.
Our town centre is thriving with 3 new business opening up shop here in the last month. Two new shops have opened their doors on Whitehorse Street and a new beauticians has opened on Hitchin Street. The Baldock Cycle Challenge is returning in September, take this as your advance reminder to get in some practice rides while the sun is shining. Whether you're chasing a new personal best or having a more relaxed cycle with friends or family, it's set to be a great day with lots of support and encouragement along the way Enjoy the rest of your summer!
Paul & Jacqui info@onourdoorstepbaldock.co.uk or 07973 788418
Disclaimer All adverts and editorial are printed in good faith, however On Our Doorstep Baldock cannot take any responsibility for the content of adverts or services provided by the advertisers. Reproduction on whole or in part of this publication without prior permission from the publishers is strictly prohibited.
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St Marys Sports report
Herts County Shield Winners Letchworth under 14's have had a incredible season this year. Playing their second season in a league structure they moved through unbeaten and topped out the divisional table to secure at least a 1 league promo on. They travelled to OA's to okay them at home in the Herts County Shield final bringing home the silverware to Legends lane a er a convincing win. On tour the team played their black and amber socks off to reach the finals in and unbeaten 5 game streak narrowly missing out on the trophy in the last game of the tournament. All of this culminated in them being awarded the LRUFC junior team of the year.
Coach Chris Wa s commented “all the commitment and hard work from the boys at training throughout the season has paid off for the team. The The squad is going from strength to strength and we are hoping to be even more compe ve next year”. It would appear that the future genera ons of Letchworth rugby club are doing everything they can to follow in the footsteps of the successful first team who for the first me in the clubs history will compete at na onal level next season. Youth Chairman and fellow U14 coach Mark Kendal commented “Who know on 5 years maybe we'll see some of these li le legends in that squad.”
While year 4 and year 6 were enjoying residen al trips to PGL and Cuffley respec vely, our year 5's travelled to Hitchin for two all day cricket tournaments. They were very impressive in their first ever cricket matches. Back at the school, our children were treated with some visitors coming in to teach them some new sports. We had Fencing and Lacrosse taught over a few days, which all our children enjoyed immensely. Finally, our en re year 6 joined 15 other schools at Knights Templar for the Olympic Legacy event. This event hasn't run since covid struck, so we were all eagerly an cipa ng a cracking day. It didn't disappoint. Our year 6 split up into teams to take part in events such as Handball, Netball, Dodgeball and Si ng Volleyball. I am so proud of all our children as every one of them showed great honesty and sportsmanship in all of the events. St Marys came were on the podium in many events, and came away with medals in Rounders, Boccia, Dance and Sports Repor ng. Congratula ons Year 6, and well done St Marys.
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Change is as good as a rest, some might say. For others the mere men on of this word is enough to send shivers down the spine. Things change all the me, TV shows are cancelled, the bus is rerouted, or your favourite shop shuts. These are things we take in our stride. We may pause for a second, but these are not earth sha ering and we gallantly suck them up and carry on. There are some changes that we know are coming but we can never prepare for. While the birth of a new baby should be a joyous event, first me parents are o en le in a stupor of selfdoubt with such a huge transforma on. A million ques ons ba er sleep deprived minds. Am I doing this right? What if this happens? Should it be doing that? Not only do new mums have to cope with all things baby, but they are also dealing with changes within themselves. Both their body and mind have taken on new form, it's quite an adjustment and can be very unse ling. Changes at work can be difficult. There always seems to be a certain amount of secrecy surrounding
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redundancy, rumours fly about, conspiracy theories take hold and before you know it, you are convinced that you are for the chop because you didn't get the boss a coffee three weeks ago. On the other hand, if you are seeking a promo on or are leaving for a new job, this can be exci ng mes, something to look forward to and embrace. I don't cope well with change. If I know something is coming, I need to know the ins and outs, I have to know what is expected of me, how it will affect my li le world. If I don't feel well informed, I start to over think and always consider the worst-case scenario first. It always takes me a li le while to get my head around changes of any sort. There are folks who will always see the posi ve in any change from the start and I wish I was one of them, but I'm not that person. I need to sulk, then mull, then moan. Only when I have convinced myself of the worst and had a li le paddy will I be ready to emerge myself into the probability of the posi ve. On the same subject, we were having a conversa on at work today about the Bri sh weather. We are all in agreement that we find those ladies
that have a summer wardrobe to hand are somewhat flawed individuals. My colleagues were saying that their summer wardrobe consisted of the same skirt they've been wearing all year but coupled with shoes instead of boots. In order for me to be summer ready, I just take my coat off for a fortnight. We felt that ladies that are able to wear a flouncy summer dress at the first sign of the Sun are taking a very big risk and it may be advisable to pop a Pack a Mac and a large jumper in their handbag just in case. A er all said and done, change is inevitable and to be embraced in one form or another. It may be a li le (or a lot) frightening as it happens, but we all get through it in the end and are hopefully stronger and be er for it. I for one s ll need to learn how to embrace the unexpected and dance in the rain when it pours. I'm s ll not over Woolworths closing and don't think I will ever get there.
Nicky
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2023
7
HYPNOSIS FOR SPORTS PERFORMANCE Hypnosis can be applied to many different areas of our life and it is widely recognised as an excellent training method for achieving higher performance levels in sport for sports performers, coaches, managers, teams and individuals. It's a great way to improve your training, overcome injuries and challenges, and focus more during prac ces and games. Hypnosis is also a fantas c way for athletes to manage their stress and improve their overall mental well-being. Hypnosis sports psychology is based on the concept of bringing out the peak performance in an individual by improving their coordina on and mental
concentra on. Hypnosis u lises the unconscious mind to influence the compe tor and this can help to enhance the performance of the individual. It provides a method where a person can perceive the world around them in a certain way and with the use of sensory based language it is the best way to influence the human mind. When it comes to team work and coordina on in sports, use of certain words that represent a sensa on can give sports people that extra edge that is required to win. Some examples of a few famous names that have used hypnosis to help their game: Michael Jordan - While Michael had raw talent and an incredibly strong work ethic, he also u lized hypnosis while playing for the Chicago Bulls. Phil Jackson was the coach for the team at the me and encouraged Michael to try hypnosis to improve his mental stamina. Shortly a er, many other members of the team began using hypnosis to stay focused throughout the game and to make sure they were present for all four quarters. The Chicago Bulls went on to win six NBA Na onal Championships while Michael Jordan was a member of the team.
Tiger Woods - Burs ng into the world of professional golf at a very young age, Tiger Woods has always been entertaining and charisma c on the course. While it's not exactly known when he started using hypnosis as part of his rou ne, he has used it for years as a way to stay focused. Woods also uses hypnosis as a way to block out distrac ons. Golf is a high-concentra on sport. Even though most people in the crowds are respec ul and quiet, the more “in the zone” you can be on each shot, the be er. 8
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Jack Nicklaus - Legendary golfer also used hypnosis throughout his career. He has publicly praised it, sugges ng that it helped to improve his concentra on and boost his overall performance. David Beckham - used hypnosis in a slightly different way. While he may have used it to improve his performance on the field, we can't be sure. What we do know is that he used hypnosis to get through a personal crisis. It helped him to stay focused and in a state of calm, rather than le ng that crisis overtake his mind and poten ally damage his career. Hypnosis involves specific tools and techniques that enable individuals to challenge and change any limi ng behaviours, beliefs and habits and in the process enhance their sports performance. In sports today, the ability to access this state and op mise mental skills can mean the difference between winning and losing. Kim Holloway www.total-therapy.co.uk
ROGERSONS REMOVALS Advertising from £20 per Issue info@onourdoorstepbaldock.co.uk Raising awareness of what’s on & where to find things locally
www.onourdoorstepbaldock.co.uk villages Baldock, Ashwell, Weston and surrounding
Raising awarenes of what s ’s on & to find where things locally
of what’s on & where to find things locally
Issue 74 December 2020
www.onourdoorstepbaldock .co.uk
Baldock, Ashwell, Weston and
surrounding villages
JULY
2023
9
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2023
A More Dynamic Character All Round
Mercedes-Benz E-Class The Mercedes-Benz E-Class has always been a decent car, but it's spent most of its life in the shadows of the BMW 5 Series. Mercedes has upped its game in recent years, though, with more dynamism in its designs, consigning to the history bin its reputa on of making big saloons for older people. It has also introduced some plug-in hybrid versions, including the one driven here, the E300e. While tradi onal petrol and diesels are offered with some mild-hybrid tech, the E300e comes with a 2.0-litre petrol mated to an electric motor. It is good enough for 320PS and a 0-62mph me of 5.8 seconds. That is not bad for a big saloon car. And the Mercedes-Benz does this while emi ng a ridiculously low 35g/km of CO2, managing as much as 188mpg – figures the mild-hybrids can't even dream of. It will even do 34 miles of all-electric driving at motorway speeds, and a full charge takes 90 minutes from a 7.4kW home wall box. The engine is smooth and quiet, only producing any noise when you rev hard.
And, pulling off the line, the extra torque provided by the electric motor makes a no ceable difference to the pace. While big saloons don't make for the best handling cars, Mercedes has done an excellent job. But the excitement is to be found in the rival 5 Series, with Mercedes tuning the E-Class more for comfort over cornering prowess, despite the AMG Line moniker. The plug-in E-Classes have even so er suspension, so there's more lean in the bends. An equivalent 5 Series handles more keenly, but if you want to buy a driving experience, a sporty-trimmed CClass or 3 Series may be a be er fit. Don't get me wrong, there's plenty of grip and the steering is precise, although feedback through the wheel could be be er. Around town, the ride can be a li le bouncy, but it soon se les at anything over 40mph, making the E-Class a sublime motorway cruiser. The interior is lovely, with very comfortable seats, helped by adjustable lumbar support. The infotainment system is impressive, too, with a responsive screen and intui ve menu op ons. Voice control is
included as well, making things even simpler. The Merc's digital instrument cluster provides all the informa on you could want to know, including the remaining ba ery levels. There is a decent amount of space inside, especially in the front, and there's a lot of storage room in the cabin. The boot capacity is only 370 litres, reduced from 540 litres in the mild hybrids, as the E300e loses underfloor storage due to the ba eries. Overall, the E-Class is comfy, full of equipment and offers excellent economy in plug-in hybrid form.
Fast Facts Mercedes-Benz E-Class [E300e AMG Line] as tested: Ÿ Max speed: 155 mph Ÿ 0-62 mph: 5.8 secs Ÿ Fuel economy: 188 mpg (WLTP) Ÿ Engine layout: 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with electric motor Ÿ Max. power (PS): 320 Ÿ CO2: 35 g/km Ÿ Price: £57,225
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Rotary and the Fight Against Polio More o en than not ar cles about Baldock Rotary that feature in On Our Doorstep relate to projects and ac vi es that take place within the local Baldock community. However, Rotary is also heavily involved in ac vi es further afield. The eradica on of polio has been the major global project of Rotary since 1985 and thanks to this programme, polio is endemic in only two countries, Afghanistan and Pakistan whereas it had been in 125 countries. As we have had confirmed by Covid, contagion is only a plane journey away so the fight against polio must con nue in order to finally eradicate this terrible disease. Members of Rotary clubs around the world, including those in Baldock, have raised enormous sums which have allowed the Rotary Founda on (Rotary's own charity) to issue grants to fund polio surveillance, transporta on, awareness campaigns, and Na onal Immunisa on days. In addi on, Rotarians have provided basic items that are taken for granted here to improve sanita on such as soap and health kits.
These have made a huge difference. Part of the fight against polio is extended to help those suffering with post-polio syndrome which s ll affects many people including some in the UK who contracted the disease in the 1950's and 60s. The extensive polio experience has also been used to respond to the Ebola crisis in 2014 and to Covid-19 with which the whole world is suffering as well as to protect communi es from yellow fever and bird flu. Thanks go to Stan Keller from the Rotary Club of Great Dunmow for the content in this ar cle. The EndPolioNow campaign is just one area where Rotarians have made a difference but if you would like to volunteer and be part of a global organisa on offering help locally and interna onally you can contact our Membership Secretary, Paul Redwood, tel. no. 07999 350990, e-mail paul49redwood@gmail.com or take a look at our website www.ribi.org/clubs/homepage.php?Cl ubID=454
We are also on Facebook at “Rotary in Baldock”. Alterna vely, if you would just like to make a dona on towards our Polio work, please visit www.rotarygbi.org/aboutrotary/donate Rotarian - Paul Lucke
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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!
Silo – Apple + Con nuing the theme that Apple is making some of the most visionary TV around right now brings us to Silo, it's new sci-fi epic. Adapted from Hugh Howey's bestselling trilogy of the same name, it is not for the claustrophobic. The last few thousand people le alive on Earth have been confined in a mul level, self-sustaining, subterranean silo while they wait for the planet to recover from whatever toxic event saw it become uninhabitable. No one knows when this will be, just as they don't know who built the silo. The CGI wizards have had a field day cra ing an environment whose futuris c bones are now only just visible beneath shrouds of grime and the kind of Heath Robinson-esque clu er that is bound to accumulate in a sealed human vault over me. It's Soviet architecture meets steampunk medieval and the rendering of the silo's different sec ons, from hydroponic farms to medical centres, make the place almost a character in its own right. The underground world-building is so rich and full of detail you pick out new things in each scene of this vast underground world. We first meet Sheriff Becker (David Oyelowo), the man in charge – along with mayor Ruth (Geraldine James) – of overseeing the peace and stability of the silo, as he announces his desire to go outside. Under their law, once said these words cannot be
undone and the speaker is condemned to life outside and, it is assumed from the blasted-heath view from every screen beaming images back from the surface to the people, certain death. The laws to protect them were laid down by the Founders and are enforced by the all-powerful, not to say Stasilike, judicial department. What follows is a twis ng story of conspiracy and revenge. The story is equally thrilling and, as the plot thickens with almost every scene and does not stop even at the very last. Thoroughly recommended.
Extrac on 1 & 2 - Ne lix I'm very par al to ac on films which demand you leaving your brain and sense of realism at the front door and the Extrac on films do just that. Chris Hemsworth plays an Aussie Black-ops agent tasked with extrac ng individuals out of war zones or kidnappings. Yes, he's mono syllabic at the best of mes, yes, the dialogue is a bit clunky but my goodness the ac on scenes genuinely le me spellbound. The director Sam Hargrave has a masterful skill of the 'one take' shot where the ac on just flows and in Extrac on 2 for one scene I clocked in at around 20 minutes with no breaks in con nuity. Genuinely worth watching on a large UHD TV. No Oscars will be given out for these films I am certain, but if you like your ac on thrillers big, bold and ambi ous then the Extrac on films are for you.
With 20 years experience selling homes locally Thank you to all the people that have recommended me as their personal estate agent in Baldock. I love working here and the town has always held a special place in my heart, it's just great!!
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2023
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Screen this months new releases
MI - Dead reckoning
JOY RIDE Out 7th July
Out 12th July
When Audrey's business trip to Asia goes sideways, she enlists the help of Lolo, her childhood best friend, Kat, a college friend, and Deadeye, Lolo's eccentric cousin. Their epic, no-holds-barred experience becomes a journey of bonding, friendship, belonging and wild debauchery that reveals the universal truth of what it means to know and love who you are.
Ethan Hunt and the IMF team must track down a terrifying new weapon that threatens all of humanity. With control of the future and the fate of the world at stake, a deadly race around the globe begins. Confronted by a mysterious, all-powerful enemy, Ethan is forced to consider that nothing can matter more than the mission -- not even the lives of those he cares about most.
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Running Time 156 mins
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MAVKA:The Forrest Song
barbie Out 21st July Greta Gerwig’s Barbie movie is fast becoming the most anticipated project of the year. Barbie (Margot Robbie) and Ken (Ryan Gosling) are having the time of their lives, living in the colourful and seemingly perfect world of Barbie Land. However, when they get a choice to stay in Barbie Land or go to the real world to live, they soon discover the joys and perils of living among humans. , Certificate PG Running Time 114 mins
Out 28th July Mavka faces an impossible choice between love and her duty as guardian to the Heart of the Forest, when she falls in love with a human the talented young musician Lukash. Our story is about the magical power of love. The kind of love that enables human nature to find the magic within and reveals qualities that empower a person to reach beyond possible and to hold against evil and human vice Certificate PG
Running Time 99 mins JULY
2023
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14
NOVEMBER
2022
Jenny Wiltshire Book Review
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
This debut novel is a historical fic on following the careers of Elizabeth Zo , Chemist turned TV cooking show host. Set in America in 1961 Elizabeth is working at Has ngs Research Ins tute with an all-male team, she belongs there, but her colleagues, on the other hand, believe she does not. A er being forced to resign Elizabeth meets the father of a young girl who has been stealing her daughter Madeline's lunch for several weeks. The father is Walter Pine, a producer of a local TV sta on, his dwindling viewings on his most recent shows mean this single-parent producer needs some innova ve ideas to boost the ra ngs and sees something in Elizabeth – a cooking show called Supper at Six is born and Elizabeth uses her chemistry knowledge to create
homecooked meals for the housewives of America, however, Elizabeth is determined not to be told by another man how she will use her me in front of the live camera with some outstanding consequences. A favourite character of mine in this book is Six-Thirty, her do ng dog who has his own commentary running throughout this book. The story sets several tones, looking at abuse, discrimina on, and grief. This book had me blubbing tears of joy, sadness, and libera on. I was a happy, sad, revolu onised mess, I'm telling you. I hope you give this book a go, if you've seen it in the local library or in a very large corner-shop in the centre of Baldock... ahem, do pick it up. “Now, children, set the table. Mother needs a moment to herself”
BALDOCK JUMBLE SALE TRAIL Part-car boot sale, part-treasure hunt, the Baldock Jumble Sale Trail is back again this year on the 23rd July (12-4pm). Stalls will be popping up outside people’s homes all over town. Pop along, pick up a bargain, explore the town, and meet your neighbours. Maps will be available from the Baldock Jumble Sale Trail Facebook Page, with printed copies at loca ons around town on the day as well. Got clu er to clear? Join in the fun with a stall of your own. Email baldockjumble@gmail.com Entry costs £5 - all going to Merry Go Round Under 5s Nursery.
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Baldock Gardens By Graham Tapp
July 2023 Another month has gone by, and it's time to write another piece, starting with some help for a few of our customers who have asked for advice. The hot weather has arrived again, so that's where I will start; the plants that survived last winter's extreme cold and wet are just beginning to recover and don't want the stress of a prolonged, scorching, dry period. It is vitally important to keep them moist without using excessive amounts of tap water, so mulching is the way to go; a good layer around your plants will reduce water loss and help you reduce weeds that would rob your plants of valuable moisture. For my customers who asked for advice on roses, I would suggest that you mulch them twice a year with farm yard manure, not bark mulch, first in February and again in the 1st week of July, perhaps even the last week of June; this will not only help with some feed, and save water loss but will reduce the root temperature which is critical with roses; it's true that roses love the sun and the heat of summer, but the reality is that their roots do not, so they need to be covered to keep them in the cool shade, they also need loose not compressed or solid soil; I have written this before, but I learned this as a boy when, as one of my jobs in the big house was to mulch the rose garden with wheelbarrow after wheelbarrow of well-rotted pig manure, the rules set out by the head gardener, was that it had to be two inches deep, no more no less and under no circumstances was I to stand on the soil or let the wheels of the barrow compress the soil so I had to work of wooden boards. I much preferred doing the job in February as the smell of my Dad's pigs was not quite as strong as it was in the July heat. There would be many other jobs to do with the roses throughout the year. They would have to be sprayed for black spot and two types of mildew, Powdery mildew and Downey mildew; mixing large buckets of blue copper sulphate and white lime powder every two weeks to spray them.
I wasn't allowed to do the actual spraying but had to pump the handle on the sprayer cart to keep the pressure up for whoever got the spraying job that time around. Other nastier chemicals would be mixed in by Tom, the head gardener, as and when they were needed to control the insect pests that would turn up every now and then. Recently I've had lots of enquiries concerning the lack of apples on their trees; pollination has been terrible this year for early varieties; it was cold and wet long into the season; I have trees that have no apples, not one. Braeburn and Spartans are loaded and will need hand thinning unless the June drop is heavy. This wide discrepancy in pollination was all down to the lack of insects, and the bees were nonexistent until very late; plums also had poor pollination, and I have no Victorias or Marjories seedlings, which generally are relied on to give some crop regardless of the weather. An interesting aside to this cold, wet weather is that the hawthorn bushes in the hedgerows turned from white to pink as they took so long to be pollinated if, in fact, they have been, we will see as autumn arrives. There have been many plants that have benefitted from the cold winter and wet spring; our peonies were fantastic, and the flowers were large and bright; tulips and daffodils flowered for an extended time which is unusual these days. Many of our large natural trees, Oaks, Beech etc, have benefitted from the slow cold spring; coming into leaf very late and developing very slowly, they looked superb once in full leaf. As we move into July, we are back into the same scorching weather that we had last year, I have no idea if it will continue, but we have to be prepared to cope if it does, we need to fill water buts at every opportunity lay mulches natural or artificial to reduce evaporation, try and shade pots to
keep roots cool, don't mow your lawns so often and when you do cut it a bit higher leaving the grass a bit longer, please do not forget our wildlife, leave a bowl of water for the birds and don't forget the ground living animals like hedgehogs etc they all need a drink. House plants need looking after in sweltering weather as they will not put up with bright sunlight and will be better off moving from window sills into the room; more water will be needed, but not too much; in hot weather, do not overfeed your plants they do not need it, and you may kill them with kindness. Pests and diseases will increase with hotter weather, so keep an eye out for anything out of the ordinary; if you are unsure, I'm around most of the time to ask; remember to bring in a sample or a good photograph. Pests to look out for will be red spider mites, Wooly aphids, Mealybugs, and scale insects, to name some. Diseases might be Powdery mildew, Yellow rust, botrytis and cankers; there are lots more, but no room here to mention; so keep your eyes out for them. For all of you that get excited about new plant varieties, the last two weeks of June through to the end of July is when the horticultural industry holds its trade fairs where the big companies show off their new plants; this is when you may notice that Susan and I are missing from the Garden Centre. We spend a lot of time exploring these shows and learning about the new stock we can show you in the coming year; new growing techniques are fundamental to us as we grow a high percentage of what we sell; so learning about new compost formulations, watering regimes and how new fertilisers are working. Most importantly, it's at these shows that we start planning next year's plant production schedule. Cheers
Graham
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How To Support Your Child With Transition To A New School Setting “Play is o en talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children, play is serious learning. Play really is the work of childhood” (Fred Rogers) As we head into our busy summer term, we are focusing on ensuring all our li le Peanuts are ready for their next stage of schooling in September. The transi on from Nursery or Preschool into a new school can be a stressful me for all children and their parents. Our role is to best support our families to ensure transi on is smooth, happy, and effec ve for the child. Lots of the ac vi es we do you could also consider doing with your child too to help them on their journey: Ÿ Visit the school site. A end events such as Sports day or run some 'nature walks' with your child. Familiarise them with the site and talk about all the exci ng things you can see. Ÿ Crea ng Transi on books or boards. We have photo boards of the new schools that we use to share with the
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children. They can see what the cloakroom and classrooms look like, and where possible we also look at photographs of their new teachers. Crea ng a school role play area. We enable the children to dress up in school uniform, and to run their own school classes. This is o en a funny ac vity as we see the children imita ng us in their play! Reading books on 'going to school'. Talking about how exci ng change can be! We try to focus on all the fun things that the children will be able to do in their new schools. Developing children's independence. This is something we do all year-round, but consider what else you can do at home to support this. Try to allow extra me to enable your child to put on their own shoes; encourage them to get dressed themselves; go to the toilet and wash their hands themselves; eat their food si ng at a table and use the me as a sociable occasion; simply encourage your child to have
a go as this will be a huge asset for their confidence as they head into their new classrooms. Ÿ Suppor ng our wonderful parents and carers. This is a me of huge change for families as well as our children, and grown-ups need support and guidance too! We are proud of our lovely Preschool, and we look forward to welcoming our new families in September. If you would like any informa on regarding Peanuts, then please call us on 07542 137066 or email us on peanutspreschool@hotmail.com
JULY
2023
23
MJ Ryall Building Supplies Ltd
SUMMER IS HERE! Time to start those projects
Logs
01462 730169 100 Norton Road, Stotfold SG5 4PG
Baldock’s favourite for 30 years
Your local Calor Gas Stockist
Vehicle Accident Repair Specialists Crash Care Centre Hitchin Ltd
Time Flies Where has this week gone? I don't know. The car still gets dirty, the lawn continues to grow! I'm sure an hour isn't as long as it used to be, perhaps it's cos I'm older? So you can all blame me!! WE’VE RETURNED FOR OUR 31st SEASON We're back 6.30am sellers, 7 am buyers See you there!
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Undertaken Ÿ PAS125 Accredited Ÿ Insurance Approved Bodyshop Ÿ Restoration Project Specialists Ÿ Resprays Ÿ Paintless Dent Removal Ÿ Smart Repairs Ÿ Wheel Refurbs Ÿ Collection & delivery
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01462 441 686
E: info@crashcarecentre.com W: www.crashcarecentre.com 24
JULY
2023
♫ We're All Going on a Summer Holiday♫
Whether you are having a stayca on or going further afield, travelling can put lots of different stresses and strain on your body. So, when travelling and having a change in rou ne always remember to listen to your body.
Even before you have arrived at your holiday des na on, you will no doubt have spent a period of me bending over to pack, been li ing and moving suitcases and bags to fit in the boot of your car. Then, there may be prolonged
periods of me si ng in a car on a plane or a train (which hopefully does not get extended by traffic and delays!). At your des na on the unpacking begins which again involves copious amounts of li ing and twis ng. A few simple ps can help you to avoid causing any injury, allowing you to have a well-deserved break:When li your luggage make sure you always bend from your knees and keep your back straight so that you can use your whole body to take the weight. Ensure the bags or case is close to your body to reduce the strain on your back even if the bag is light, be mindful of how you are li ing due to the repe on of the movement, even a light bag could be enough to strain your back. Travelling invariably involves si ng for a prolonged period of me which results in certain muscle groups being placed under constant demand. Tension builds in your muscles and joints, which can start to cause aches and pains. When travelling on a plane or train make sure you get up and move around every hour to reduce the strain on your body, and if you are in the car schedule in regular breaks to break up the journey. If you experience any pain whilst on holiday or want to feel more comfortable before going on holiday, then please phone the clinic on 01462 490 141 to book in with one our team to help you to understand the cause of your pain and receive advice. The Amber Health Team
AUGUST COPY DEADLINE issue is 16th JULY
JULY
2023
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Plastic & Metal Tank Installations Tank Disposals
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JULY
2023
The
Midlifers:
Tenzing Hilary Everest Marathon 29th May 2023
Making my dream a reality
Ever since I can remember , I have wanted to climb Mount Everest. However, at the age of 60 , I deemed it to be too dangerous (17 people died or missing May 2023), so as a runner, the Everest Marathon (the highest Marathon in the world) star ng from Base Camp Everest (including 2 nights sleeping at Base Camp- EBC) was the next best thing. This year also coincided with the 70th Anniversary of the first Everest Summit by Sherpa Tensing and Edmund Hilary also in Corona on year. And I actually met Sherpa Tensing's son (Jingling) on the trek (selfie me). I booked the Trek and Marathon over 12 months ago giving me plenty of me to train properly. As part of my training, I climbed up and ran back down Snowdon in February, and completed the Hadrian's wall walk (84 miles) in 6 days in April-3 weeks before flying out to Nepal. I also walked and ran 80k per week from November. The Trek includes 12 days of trekking and acclima sa on before reaching EBC at 5364m above sea level. This was to try and prevent Al tude sickness and the Khumbu cough, both of which could mean an immediate return back down the mountain. A party of 7 of us from the UK flew into Lukla Airport (deemed to be the most dangerous airport in the world and at 2864m), from Kathmandu, and were joined by 11 others from around the world (including, Australia, Japan,
Belgium, Latvia, and Holland), to form our expedi on group of 18. All the group were either experienced Ultra Runners or Mountaineers. We were led by a senior Sherpa with 4 assistants and a doctor. Our 15kg bags were carried by Porters every day to the next sleeping Lodge. The Doctor monitored our Oxygen Satura on levels each day which started at 99% and by Base Camp mine had fallen to 83% - an acceptable level at that height. Below 70% is a cause for concern. Above 3500m the air becomes thinner and moving at any speed is difficult causing levels of breathlessness that I had never experienced before and on a couple of occasions frightening. The trek was an unbelievable experience with spectacular views around each corner. Everest was elusive for the first week due to cloud and hiding behind other mountains over 8000m ie Lhotse and Nuptse. It was truly emo onal when I had my first sight of Everest. A dream fulfilled at last. The Lodges we stayed in were very basic with paper thin walls and squat toilets. Very li le Hea ng requiring lots of clothing layers on, within our sleeping bags. There was very li le meat to eat due to the lack of refrigera on the further up the mountain we went, so meal mes consisted mainly of eggs, vegetables and bread with copious amount of fluid to keep us hydrated to ward off al tude sickness. Wifi and
electricity was available at a price, but not above Gorak Shep (5164m). On 26th May, the day before we arrived at Base Camp, we climbed above Base Camp to Kala Pa har at 5644m, and had the best view of the whole trip- Base Camp, Khumbu Icefall and Everest all at the same me. It was a magic moment arriving in Base Camp and sleeping there for 2 nights- a special privilege available only for Marathon Runners and Summiteers. With temperatures of -10 in the tent and the sound of avalanches and rockfalls during the night , sleeping was not easy. Marathon Day -An Unexpected Ending. The race started at 7am in -5 condi ons. This is not any Marathon, due to the al tude and mountainous terrain, it was almost impossible to run for the first 10 miles (unless you were from Nepal). The marathon mes for this event are usually at least double normal marathon me. I felt really good up to 19 miles then the wheels fell off and I PASSED OUT at 20 miles. Fortunately I was a mile from a checkpoint and helipad and lucky the official photographer picked me up and summoned help from 2 Sherpas at the checkpoint. I was carried on the back of a Sherpa to the Helipad before being Helicoptered to Lukla Hospital. I have fully recovered . It was a memorable trip in many ways and one which will stay with me for the rest of my life. If anyone would like me to present to their group or school about my experience trekking to Base Camp and/or my run across the Sahara desert 18 months ago, then please contact OOD and they will pass your details to me. John - Baldock Run Talk Run Leader
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2023
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2023
Grilled Sea Bass, Steamed Pak Choi & Nam Pla Dressing Following the success of our recent Thai night at the restaurant, I thought it would be nice to have an Asian-inspired recipe this month which is perfect for alfresco dining and will also help dispel the myth that you need to be an avid cook in order to cook fish. Ingredients are readily available locally. If you have any problems finding any ingredients in this recipe please feel free to pop by the restaurant where I can tub some up for you to cook with. I have used sea bass in this recipe but it will work just as well with sea bream, mackerel, salmon or more tradi onally, lapia (albeit not na ve to our shores). Feel free to adjust the chilli quan es to suit your taste.. The recipe serves 4 people ¬ 4 whole sea bass (400g+ each, scaled
& gu ed) ¬ 2 limes Make shallow cuts along each side of the fish. Try not to go down to the bone with your knife. Sprinkle with sea salt & squeeze the juice of half a lime for each fish. pop your fish back in the fridge un l you're ready to cook them. ¬ 4 heads of pak choi Most of the pak choi available is UK grown now. Cut the pak choi in half ver cally ready to steam. You could also include green beans, tender stem broccoli, mange tout, sugar snap peas and baby corn if you'd like a beau ful selec on of vegetables. They will all take the same amount of me to cook. Nam pla dressing Nam pla is essen ally a fish sauce dressing. Don't be put off, it's absolutely delicious. « 100ml fish sauce « 150ml fresh lime juice « 2 tablespoon palm sugar (or use light brown sugar)
« 4 red chillies (de-seeded & finely
chopped) « 2 cloves of garlic (finely grated) « 50ml 100% sesame oil « 6 mint leaves (finely chopped)
Put the fish sauce, lime juice & sugar in a bowl and whisk un l the sugar dissolves. Then add the rest of the ingredients and gently mix with a spatula or a spoon. Taste & adjust the amount of sugar, chilli & garlic to suit your taste. Now everything is ready, let's cook! You can cook the fish in the oven or on the BBQ. If on the BBQ try and avoid leaving the fish directly over the fire. Cook the fish on the edge of the BBQ and close the lid once you start to see flames & smoke come up from the coals. Cook the fish on each side for 4 or 5 minutes depending on your BBQ. If cooking in the oven, place your fish on a shallow roas ng tray lined with parchment paper. Put in a preheated oven set at 200°C and roast for 10 - 12
minutes. To check whether the fish is cooked, make a small cut at the thickest part of the fish and check the flesh is white and not opaque in colour. Whilst the fish is cooking you can steam your veggies. Cover a large saucepan with water a quarter of the way up. Put a lid on it and bring it to a boil. Add all your vegetables to the pan and cover with the lid. Steam for 5 to 6 minutes. Once cooked, drain off the water, return the vegetables back to the saucepan and drizzle some of the nam pla dressing all over. Gently mix to coat everything. Put the lid back on and keep warm un l ready to serve. Serve your beau ful grilled fish with steamed vegetables and a generous helping of the nam pla dressing either on the side or all over the fish. This would be perfect with a bowl of steamed jasmine rice or some s r-fried noodles. Give it a try. It really is very simple and quick to make. It's also so flavoursome all because of that wonderful dressing. Hope you all enjoy it!
D TIMMS & SON BUILDING SERVICES
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For all enquiries please contact us: DavidTimms@VirginMedia.com
07901602227/ 07759106803 01767 306179
JULY
2023
29
‘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. QUOTE REF: DOORSTEP
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JULY
2023
WESTON CRICKET CLUB
Here at Weston Cricket Club, we are thoroughly enjoying being out in the sunshine, playing the beau ful game. We are currently si ng second in our division in the Saracens Her ordshire Cricket League, a er a strong start to the campaign. It's been another successful season so far in terms of youth cricket, with impressive numbers of youngsters coming to the club to learn the game from our friendly, qualified cricket coaches. There are s ll plenty of games le this season, so new players are always welcome on the senior team.
Outdoor nets prac ce con nues every Thursday evening from 6pm un l the sun goes down, weather permi ng. For cricket-related enquiries and any informa on about joining and playing, you can contact Henry, our club captain, at: henrysnowdon@hotmail.co.uk. As we head into the summer months, we will be hos ng a number of family events, which we publicise on our Facebook page - just search Weston Herts Cricket Club. You can also contact us via Facebook or at www.westhertscc.co.uk for any informa on rela ng to the club, matches and events, including booking the pavilion, bar, and field.
Advertising from £20 per Issue info@onourdoorstepbaldock.co.uk Raising awareness of what’s on & where to find things locally
www.onourdoorstepbaldock.co.uk villages Baldock, Ashwell, Weston and surrounding
Raising awareness of what’s on & where to find things locally
of what’s on & where to find things locally
Issue 74 December 2020
www.onourdoorstepbaldock.co.uk
Baldock, Ashwell, Weston and
surrounding villages
Body & Soul Body and Soul, meets every Tuesday in Baldock Communuty Centre, 9.45 -11.15. Open to all re red people in the area, no cost! Total fitness for re red people including coffee, chat, chair exercises for the body, singing for the lungs, exercise games for the brain and a me to chat and have a coffee, with a final thought for the day for the soul. Help slow the aging process, making new friends along the way. We're a lovely, lively friendly group and new members always welcome. Just for a change last week we met outside!
L O C A L 6000 for LEAFLET DISTRIBUTION
JULY
£150
2023
31
LAWN CUTTING HEDGE CUTTING LANDSCAPING PATIOS Happy Birthday
Anita Mead Lots of love Gordon, Victoria and Joshua xxx
Happy 5th Wedding Anniversary Dan Sometimes I wonder how you put up with me. Then I remember, oh I put up with you., So we’re even!
ASHWELL
WESTON
Curtains, Duvets & bedding
Lots of Love Emma
Happy Birthday
17
th
Lucia
Love Mum & Dad x Happy Birthday Update! Happy 29th Birthday Ben Larking on the 4th July. He's an amazing husband and the best dad to George. We love him very much
Restart Now
Restart Later
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
KEVIN HOY
70 Love Laura and Violet! 32
JULY
2023
4 Sun Street, Baldock. Sg7 6QA 2c St Francis Way, Shefford. Sg17 5DZ
5 minutes with... ... Ben Blows from *Hi, tell us a li le bit about yourself? Hi I’m Ben, I’ve lived in Baldock all my life, I went to Knights Templar School and then on to Oaklands College where I served my 3 year appren ceship while working at Ash Construc on. I now live on the Clothall Common Estate with my wife Lauren. *When did you start BB Carpentry & Building? I have worked for a few of the larger building companies and to be honest, you can work your socks off and do an amazing job, but if the trade following on behind you isn’t quite as par cular, your work is judged on how he finishes the job. Hence I set up BB Carpentry in 2011 and haven’t looked back since. We have a great team of guys that we work with, from the digging out, through to the decora ng and finishing at the end of the works. *Do you offer a full design and build service? Yes we can, if the customer would like us to take care of the architectural drawings and deal with the planning permission with the local authority. Some clients like to project manage the works themselves, while others are happy to leave you to manage the project, we are happy either way. *When you price a job, do you provide an es mate or a quota on? We all ways provide a fixed quota on, and this will be the final price unless the customer changes their mind on a certain aspect of a job and in which case will provide a quota on for the extra works if required. This lets the customer know exactly what they are budge ng for.
*What types of building services do you offer? The majority of our work is residen al, home extensions, garage conversions and refurbishment works. We also specialise in fully fi ed kitchens and bathrooms installs. *Can you provide references from previous customers? Yes of course, most of our work comes via previous customers that have recommend us to their friends and family. At the end of most projects to customers normally says if you ever need a reference please don’t hesitate to ask, which is always great to hear. *How many projects do you work on at any one me? We have a maximum of two projects running at a me, normally a larger project like and extension or full refurb and then programme in kitchen or bathroom installs, for when the other trades are on site, this works best for us and the customer has someone on site every day. *How soon can you start the job if your quota on is accepted? We always get asked this, we are always honest and if we have work booked in for 6 months, we tell the customer. I’d would rather lose the work than let someone down by giving them false promises. How can we find out more about BB Carpentry? If you’d like to know more about what types of projects that we work on you can check our facebook page or log on to our website at www.bb-carpentry.co.uk or if you have a project that you would like us to look at, please feel free to contact me on 07572532618 or drop me an email info@bb-carpentry.co.uk
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JULY
2023
33
Its we ing season It's tradi onally every li le girls dream – the fairytale dress, the cake, venue, colour theme, cars, flowers, so much to plan and deal with. But it does seem that the ceremony is the given the least a en on, and yet it really is the MOST important part. At the moment, Celebrants are not able to officiate a 'legal' ceremony so I was unsure why people would want a wedding ceremony service that wasn't legal! However, my opinion has changed. In March 2023 -Zoe and Ellio got married in a register office with just 2 people a ending. Then had a 'full on' wedding ceremony with vows and commitments said in front of family and friends in a beau ful loca on with me as their Celebrant. The wedding was put together within a couple of weeks as, heartbreakingly,
Ellio has been given a few months to live. They wanted to have an in mate service which said everything they wanted to say to each other with people they loved in a endance. It really was almost the perfect day… On Corona on Day, I 'married' Christy and Dan with wedding vows and commitments that they said in front of their family and friends being exactly just what they wanted. Their perfect day. Both brides in beau ful wedding dresses, bridesmaids, walking down an 'aisle'. The grooms in suits and hadn't seen their brides before that moment, wedding cakes, lovely venues, flowers… S ll elements of tradi on but just different in the fact that they had and said what they wanted and not what they would have had to have had in a church se ng, and less rushed and clinical as in a register office se ng. So now, I'm pleased to say, I'm not only a funeral celebrant but I'm now taking wedding bookings too… vows, commitments, promises, whatever you want, just get in touch!
Welcome to Hunters Baldock “Bring Your Dog to Work Day” The staff at Hunters stepped away from the desks to bring their dogs to work with them, and yes it was carnage – Pedro, Pickle, Barny, Nala and Harley helped the girls with their daily tasks. Let say that not much work got done!
Lynn Pinky Parker Funeral Celebrant 07527 788688 pinky@pinkygriefuk.net
Heal your Heart Private or group sessions available Member of the Association of Independent Celebrants JULY
2023
35
Please send your local snaps new or old to our facebook page or email info@onourdoorstepbaldock.co.uk
July Gallery
Beautiful countryside - James Dearman
Baldock Town Synchronised Baldock Big Lunch swimming team gets about
- @baldockgram
TryFest Fun - Katy Matthews
St Marys juniors The Floreat Bunters annual tour
Great shot of the crowds at TryFest Where’s mine - Simon Holtom
Iced coffee from Dave, Brewbox, at the station
John at Everest Base Camp with a copy of On Our Doorstep
Flying Scotsman coming through Baldock in June-Jane Evans
Busy day at Letchworth Lido
Carolyn Gilbey
S U D O K U
For All You Foodies Out There The Great Bri sh Food Fes val is back again bringing amazing ar san producers, scrump ous street food, brilliant bars and live entertainment this July. The perfect recipe for a fun, foodie, family day out! The event is on 15th - 16th July it will be situated right next to the fantas c house. Your cket to the event also includes free on-site parking and FREE entrance to the adventure playground, with zip wire, bouncy castle and new interac ve splash-play water features; the dinosaur trail with 70 life-sized dinosaurs and prehistoric creatures and 28 acre formal gardens including a maze. A huge array of events from man V's food to a cake off to live music With children's events including kids cooking and ac vi es pre book Tickets to this event will also include access to Knebworth Park, Gardens, Adventure Playground with Fort Knebworth and Dinosaur Trail. Book online before your visit for a reduced rate. Full priced ckets will also be available at the entrance on the day of your visit. Under 3's are welcome free of charge. This event is free for Season Ticket Holders to a end. Please check your ckets carefully before purchasing as we are unable to refund or transfer ckets. For informa on on admission for Essen al carers please visit h ps://www.knebworthhous e.com/accessibility/ Event starts at 10.30am Event ends at 5pm JULY
2023
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Useful numbers Advice Citizen’s Advice Bureau Trading Standards Advice Samaritans
03444 111444 0300 300 8136 116 123
Councils North Hertfordshire District
01462 474000
Doctors 01462 892458
Baldock Surgery
Dentist Victoria Place Dental Surgery
01763 313869
Emergency Utilities 0800 111 999 0800 7838838
Gas Emergency Electric power cut
Hospitals Lister Hospital Queen Elizabeth 2 EMERGENCY HEALTH
01438 314333 01707 328111 111
Library Baldock Library
0300 123 4049
Police 01707 354000
Police
Schools Knights Templar Hartseld St Johns St Marys Infants St Marys Juniors Brandles
01462 620700 01462 895267 01462 892478 01462 892347 01462 892156 01462 892189
Travel Arriva Buses National Rail Enquires National Bus line
08701 201088 03457 484950 0870 6082608
Vets Baldock Veterinary Centre
01462 895579
Nurseries Weston Way Nursery Merry Go Round Peanuts Preschool
01462 892172 01462 896322 07736 124327
Play Groups Magic Moments Merry Go Round
07709 618434 01462 896322
Plumbers Maben PE James
07949 120911 07816 586777
Window & Door repairs JML Windows Repairs Warrens Windows
01438 906300 01462 261401
Campervan Hire Kerb2Coast
01462 640307
Locksmith Lock and Glaze
01462 338676
Mobile Hair Dresser Hair By Jacqui
07973 788418
Funeral Directors Shires - CPJ Field Baldock
38
JULY
2023
01462 491149