The turbulent events of the past two years are being immortalised in poetry and song thanks to a talented group of Baldock musicians.

Just as 100 years ago the country was ravaged by Spanish Flu after WWI, leading to the 'roaring 20s', the trustees of the Baldock Futures Fund are determined that this period of our lives will not go unrecognised.

The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns have been captured in the book 'From Lockdown to Freedom', which features poems and songs from Vivienne Reed, John Eustace and local songwriter Brian Burke.

The foreword of the book is written by Robert Voss, the Lord Lieutenant of Hertfordshire, who praised its contents and thanked all those involved in its production.

He said: "We have all lived through unprecedented times since March 2020 and sadly many of us have lost family members and those most dear to us.

"It has been difficult to find comfort in these tragic times but the support offered by so many to their community has been overwhelming and none more so than that offered by this group to Baldock.

"Whilst we offer each other sympathy in our spoken words - it is often the written word which is of greatest comfort to both the mourner and sufferer, the writer and reader.

"Expressing one's feelings in pictures, words and songs has been, throughout history, of huge help in the healing process."

The songs will be performed at a gala evening at St Mary's Church Hall in Baldock from 6.30pm on Friday, November 26.

Vivienne, who is chair of the Baldock Futures Fund, said: "There is of course sadness and loss in some of these works but also hope and humour certainly in many of the songs which will make it an emotional but hopefully an inspiring evening."

Entrance to the event is £20 for adults and £6 for under-18s. Tickets can be bought at Baldock Community Centre and the cost includes a copy of the book, a two-course evening meal and a raffle.

For more details call 07815 308124.

The Baldock Futures Fund was born out of the Baldock Coronavirus Support Group. To find out more go to https://www.baldockfuturesfund.co.uk/