AY ERIC BILL 016 01.2
www.baytreegardengroup.com Lawn Care • Garden Maintenance • Residential Homes • Commercial
WWW.BASILDON.GOV.UK / RECYCLING
Compost your tree for FREE! If you buy a REAL Christmas tree, it’s easy to make sure it‘s recycled.
1
Please remove all decorations, pot and stand and leave your Christmas tree out for collection on your revised green bin collection day, commencing 4th January 2016.
2
Leave the tree where your wheeled bin would be collected, by 7.30am. Trees with trunks bigger than 4 inches in diameter will not be accepted. If you have a larger tree visit www.basildon.gov.uk/ recycling for more information.
3
Alternatively you can take your tree to either Barleylands Recycling Centre or Pitsea Recycling Centre for Household Waste and put it in the garden waste area.
For more information, www.basildon.gov.uk/recycling
Composite Doors
for just £699 Selected range price includes . Choice of Blue, Red, Black or White . Chrome Effect Handle and Yale Magnum Lock with 3 Keys . Letterbox optional extra Fully
All of our doors are backed up with a 10 year guarantee
Installe d Inc. VA T
‘the 2015 contemporary range’
or r do You way! ur
yo
. Choice of styles from modern to traditional . Different glazing options . Choice of chrome, graphite, black and gold door furniture
Design your door online @ www.doors-4-you.co.uk
Any size 2-Part uPVC Patio Doors
. Any size, up to 2.4m,
Only £999
. Offers high security and large
2 panel opening.
. High quality stainless steel tracks give maximum possible service life.
Fully Installe d Inc. VA T
units are easily achieved.
. Striking design with low sight line gaskets.
Call our friendly team today
01277 800074 Lines open 9am-9pm 7 days
8 13 15 18 26 30 32 34 36 39 40 43 43
CONTENTS 10 13 John Baron
Political Update
Know Your Tradesmen Hockley Flooring
Nature Notes EWT Volunteer Neil Sumner
A View from the Church Rev. Paul Carr
Martin Lewis Money Saving Expert
Recipe The WI Recipe
33
Lockdales Specialist Valuation Days
Rotary Club, Lions Club & Round Table The Cook Report Get Out and About Around Town
Around Town Sports Focuses on Darts
What’s On When and Where...
Competition! Winner
Useful Numbers
Around Town Magazines Graphic House, Radford Way, Billericay CM12 0DX
Edition 38 To advertise contact our Sales Team today, details below. Booking deadline for our February edition is: Thursday 14th January Copyright 2016. Around Town Billericay is an independent magazine and does not endorse the products or services that appear in the magazine. Opinions expressed in Around Town do not necessarily represent those of the editors of Around Town Magazines. Around Town Magazines are published by Black Square Print Media Ltd produced by Black Square Litho Ltd.
01277 658444 www.aroundtownmagazines.co.uk sales@aroundtownmagazine.co.uk
OOR TO OOR RVICE
Our 2016 brochure is out now! NYCER COACH Please telephone to receiveBREAKS a brochure.
Quality Quality
LUDED
13 Riverside House, Lower Southend Road, Wickford, Essex SS11 8BB.
Coach Breaks & Holidays Coach Breaks & Holidays
Please telephone for a brochure on 01268 763800 All our holidays • Luxury Coach Travelinclude All our•• holidays include Extra Comfortable Seats DOOR www.nycercoachbreaks.co.uk Luxury Coach Travel NY • Extra Leg Room • Extra Comfortable Seats DOOR DOOR BREAKS • Luxury Coach Travel • Services of our Tour ostcode COST TO • Extra Leg Room thend Road, Manager throughout 14, SS15, SS16, SS17, RM16, RM17 Free •x SS11 Extra Comfortable Seats •• Onboard Deep Tinted DOOR 8BB. Wi-FiWindows SERVICE M18, RM19, RM20 £5 per person •• Leg Aircraft-Style Fold • Extra Room Deep Tinted Windows 268 763800 INCLUDED £10 per person Down TablesFold Aircraft-Style •eaks.co.uk Deep•• Tinted Windows Choice of Seat Down Tables Please enquire • Choice of Seat • Aircraft-Style Fold Numbers Coach Breaks Numbers • Tables Complimentary Down • Complimentary Biscuits Biscuits • Choice of&Seat • Tea Coffee • Tea & Coffee All our holid w Numbers NYCER COACH • Complimentary •BREAKS Luxury Coac 763800 DOOR TO DOOR01268 SERVICE - How it’s worked by postcode 13 Riverside House, Lower Southend Road, SS6, SS11, SS12, CM11, CM12, CM13, CM14, SS13, SS14, SS16, SS17, R www.nycercoachbreaks.co.uk Biscuits • SS15, Extra Comfo Wickford, Essex SS11 8BB. 13SS5, Riverside House, Road, Wickford, SS7, SS8, SS9, Lower RM11. Southend RM12, RM13, RM14, RM15,Essex, RM18, RM19,8BB RM20 • SS11 Extra • Tea & Coffee Please telephone for a brochure on 01268 763800Leg Ro All our holidays include
Qua TO
SERVICE INCLUDED
SS0, SS1, SS2, SS3, SS4
Ian’s curtains & blinds
Curtains | Tracks and Poles | Roman Blinds | Roller Blinds | Vertical Blinds Venetian Blinds | Wooden Blinds Pattern books also available.
FREE QUOTE - Call today on Wickford: 01268 410516 | Mobile: 07743562384 ian.dipple@yahoo.com | www.ianscurtainsandblinds.co.uk
s 35 Year
ce xperien E l a n io Profess &
rcial Comme tic Domes
SERVICES Tree Surgery Stump Removal Tree Surveys Hedge Cutting Site Clearance
Season e
d Logs
FRE
local d E eliver y £65 bulk ba g
specialists working with narrow access & confined spaces £2M PUBLIC LIABILITY INSURANCE - FREE ESTIMATES & ADVICE
01277 352033 | 07973 202400 info@treesplus.co.uk Ingatestone Garden Centre, Roman Road, Ingatestone CM4 9AU PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS
7
this role should be taken with a sizable pinch of salt. The word from regional experts is that, after nearly five years of civil war, there are very few moderates left in Syria. We seem to have forgotten the lessons of Libya, where the antiGadhafi coalition splintered into a thousand militia once the common enemy was defeated. This led to a further civil war, which could also be the result in Syria.
as in our previous interventions in Iraq, Helmand and Libya. If we are to intervene successfully, we must have a comprehensive long-term strategy. I was not convinced the Government had put this together, which is why I voted against military action.
However, the Government’s belief that 70,000 moderates will fulfil
shop
when you spend £25 or more r details Ask instore fo Find us at 34 Radford Way, Billericay, Essex. CM12 0BT
Call us on 01277 523003 facebook.com/The-Craft-Beer-Shop
8
the
CRAFT BEER shop rd Way
Radf ord C
ent resc
£5
off
beers of your choice from our online selection
Radfo
Radford
LA Fitness Way
KwikFit Radford
Way
d
CRAFT BEER
ad
the
MAKE UP YOU OWN GIF T PA R CK ..add the
Roa
Thank you to all those who took the time to write in with their views on the Syrian vote. A few months afterwards, I continue to believe we risk making the same errors in Syria
Stock Ro
For Basildon and Billericay
You should be here
No rse y
Conservative Parliamentary MP
Furthermore, any anti-Daesh strategy needs to address the organisation’s enduring prominence on social media, as well as its extensive business and financial links. International action is still short on this front. We will keep up the pressure on the Government to address these and other issues.
Billericay Train Station
ad
Ro Western
Crow nR
oad
High Stree t
John Baron
All accept that air strikes alone will not defeat Daesh. Yet over a year of aerial bombing has not destroyed the organisation, and overall there are too many aircraft in Syria’s increasingly crowded skies pursuing too few targets. The plain fact is Daesh will not be destroyed without local ground forces to take and hold the territory it vacates.
2 minutes walk from the train station WE’RE OPEN 6 DAYS A WEEK
PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS
ADVERTISEMENT
Cloudy2Clear Windows – Service With A Smile!
It’s been a crazy few months for Cloudy2Clear Windows. The company which specialises in repairing windows which are steamed up, broken or damaged by replacing the panes – not the frames has grown rapidly as homeowners take advantage of their services. Managing Director Chris Miller feels that it’s all about service. ‘Our product is simple. If your double glazing is misted up we can replace the glass at a fraction of the cost of a new window, in any type of frame, and with a new 5 year guarantee. But it’s not just about saving people money, although
that obviously helps. Many tradespeople have struggled since last year and I honestly feel that during the good times a minority perhaps didn’t focus on customer care as much as they should have done. We make sure we turn up when we say we will, do the job the customer requires and leave their house as clean as a whistle. I often get comments back from customers on how they really didn’t expect that sort of service which, in a way, is very sad for the service industry as a whole.’ Cloudy2Clear service Billericay, Ingatestone, Ramsden & Stock and Chris is finding that his
approach is a major factor in his success.‘The truth is that it’s not just the personal satisfaction that I get from doing a good job but also it makes good business sense. I get a huge amount of business from friends and family of people I’ve
done work for, which just goes to show how much a little bit of effort is appreciated.’ So, if your windows are steamed up, broken or damaged give Chris a call for a free quotation on 0800 61 21 118 and he’ll be happy to help!
STEAMED UP DOUBLE GLAZING? Don’t replace the Frames... just the Panes!
Broken or Damaged Windows? Faulty Hinges, Handles or Locks? Want The Latest Energy Saving Glass? All Glazing Backed By Our 5 Year Manufacturers Guarantee Priority Freephone
0800 61 21118 www.cloudy2clear.com ...we make saving money perfectly clear... PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS
9
Billericay
£495,000
Semi Detached Family Home. Kitchen Breakfast Room 6.49m x 2.63m (21’ 4” x 8’ 8”). Living Room / Dining Room 6.72m x 3.36m (22’ 1” x 11’). TV Room / Play Room/ Bedroom Four3.30m x 2.15m (10’ 10” x 7’ 1”). Ground Floor Shower Room. Three Piece suite including shower cubicle and low level W/C and wash hand basin. Bedroom One 7.15m x 3.37m (23’ 5” x 11’ 1”). Bedroom Two 3.36m x 3.00m (11’ x 9’ 10”). Bedroom Three 4.30m x 2.50m (14’ 1” x 8’ 2”) + door recess. Bathroom 2.90m x 1.60m (9’ 6” x 5’ 3”. 100 Ft Rear Garden Backing onto fields Integral Garage.
Billericay
£475,000
Three Bedroom Character Detached Family Home. Quiet cul-de-sac Location. Hallway. Lounge 5.58m x 3.35m (18’ 4” x 11’). Dining Room 3.70m x 3.30m (12’ 2” x 10’ 10”). Kitchen 4.40m x 2.50m (14’ 5” x 8’ 2”). Cloakroom w/c. First Floor. Bedroom One 3.89m x 3.85m (12’ 9” x 12’ 8”). Bedroom Two 3.48m x 2.62m (11’ 5” x 8’ 7”). Bedroom Three 3.50m x 2.20m (11’ 6” x 7’ 3”). Family Bathroom 1.96m x 1.66m (6’ 5” x 5’ 5”). En Suite Shower Room 2.66m x 0.97m (8’ 9” x 3’ 2”).
Billericay
Reduced To
£749,950
Nestled within a private cul-de-sac setting just moments from Billericay High Street and Mainline station, we are proud to offer this well presented five bedroom executive detached family residence. This family home has been completely modernised throughout and benefits from a wealth of contemporary and stylish finishes. Approached via a block paved driveway from the private road, this family residence offers parking for several vehicles.
Billericay
£475,000
No Onward Chain. Four Bedroom Detached Family Home. Off Road Parking. Entrance Porch. Lounge 6.11m x 4.76m (20’ 1” x 15’ 7”).Dining Room 3.63m x 3.16m (11’ 11” x 10’ 4”). Playroom/ Study 3.60m x 2.25m (11’ 10” x 7’ 5”). Kitchen/ Breakfast Room 4.40m x 2.80m (14’ 5” x 9’ 2”). Cloakroom w/c. Bedroom One 3.86m x 3.61m (12’ 8” x 11’ 10”). Bedroom Two 3.67m x 2.43m (12’ x 8’). Bedroom Three 3.00m x 2.75m (9’ 10” x 9’). Bedroom Four 3.80m x 1.95m (12’ 6” x 6’ 5”) 1.00m x 1.00m (3’ 3” x 3’ 3”). Family Bathroom 2.14m x 1.90m (7’ x 6’ 3”).
135 High Street Billericay Essex CM12 9AB Tel: 01277 654446 www.thepropertyspecialists.co.uk info@thepropertyspecialists.co.uk
Billericay
£1,200,000
Located within a short walk of Billericay High Street and Railway Station with it’s routes to London Liverpool Street is this well presented residence which has in recent years been modernised to a high specification. The stunning kitchen diner has a lantern roof and the lounge, in addition to the kitchen, have doors leading out to the garden. There are five double bedrooms to the first floor and an additional sixth or games room/snug with restricted head height to the top floor, two en-suite facilities and a particularly large family bathroom.
Billericay
Reduced To
£329,995
Fantastic Three Bedroom Family Home. Living Room With Open Fire Place. High Specification Kitchen With A Range Of Appliances. Open Plan Conservatory To The Kitchen Diner. Modern Family Bathroom With Three Piece Suite. Off Road Parking And Garage In A Block. Quiet Cul-De- Sac Location. Beautifully Presented Inside.
Billericay
£ £385,000
Ground Floor Cloakroom W/C. Lounge and Separate Dining Room. Fully Fitted Kitchen. Four Good Size Bedrooms. En-Suite Shower Room. Family Bathroom. Rear Garden With Southerly Aspect. Lawn Front Garden and Two Driveways.
Billericay
£850,000
Five Bedrooms. Buttsbury and Mayflower Catchment Areas. Entrance Hall. Lounge 6.4m x 3.61m (21’ x 11’10”). Dining Room 3.89m x 3.05m (12’9” x 10’). Playroom/ Study 3.35m x 3.00m (11’ x 9’10”). Kitchen/ Breakfast/ Family Room 29’9”x 15’5” max + 10’ x 9’3”. Utility Room 2.74m x 1.83m (9’ x 6’). Master Bedroom 6.81m max x 4.8m max (22’4”max x 15’9”max). En-Suite. Bedroom Two 4.27m x 3.23m (14’ x 10’7”). EnSuite. Bedroom Three 3.61m 3.05m (11’10 x 10’). Bedroom Four 3.18m x 2.03m (10’5 x 6’8”). Bedroom Five 2.44m x 2.03m (8’ x 6’8”). Off Road Parking. Double Garage. Rear Garden 160ft approx.
PROPERTY SOLUTIONS
Properties urgently
required in Basildon and
LANDLORDS:
across the Essex area
WE NEED YOU!
Contact our professional lettings negotiator
01268 294327
Cash incentive up to £1500 Hassle free lettings No fees
Or visit our website:
www.basildon.gov.uk/propertysolutions
WING M NLEOOR ROOPEN W NOG F OW I M NSHE OORW OO N ON R PE FL OW O H S NOW
NOVEMBER QUICK STEP PROMOTION – CALL NOW FOR STEP NOVEMBER QUICK LOWEST PRICES IN–ESSEX PROMOTION CALL NOW FOR
WING M NLEOOR ROOPEN
NOVEMBER LOWEST QUICK STEPPRICES IN ESSEX PROMOTION –
F OW O SHNOW
CALL NOW FOR
Looking for a new floor from any of these brands below. Do notfor purchase from any any other supplier in Looking a new floor offlooring these brands Looking for afrom new floor from any of these brandsbelow. below. until you have hadanyaflooring quote from us inin Dothis not area purchase from any from other supplier Do not purchase other flooring supplier this area until you have had a quote from this area until you have had a quote from usus
LOWEST PRICES IN ESSEX
RETAILER & DISTRIBUTOR RETAILER & DISTRIBUTOR Free Samples,Quotations & in Bona AllRETAILER the best & in DISTRIBUTOR flooring under one roof Sanding Oak flooring FREE New Special offers Engineered from home Surveys. Apple Flooring are authorised Quotations & in on Kahrs Machines Sanding underlay with flooring from home Surveys.Ask us about are available AppleforFlooring are authorised on Kahrs £12.99 Engineered distributors all these brands Machines undercutting your all flooring to rejuvenate skirting when your underlay with Free Samples, Ask New Bona exus vatabout Oak Flooring All best inprices flooring roof are available orders. Oak per sqm atthe the lowest your floor new floor is fitted Special offers Engineered £12.99 Engineered distributors for all under theseone brands Quotations & in undercutting your all flooring Sanding to rejuvenate flooring from home Surveys. skirting when your 25sqm Bakers Court Park, Paycocke Road, Basildon, Essex SS14 3EH Email: appleflooring@live.co.uk Appleat Flooring are authorised onFlooring Kahrs per ex vat Retail Oak Machines orders. the lowest prices your floor new floor is fitted underlay with Ask us about www.appleflooring.co.uk Telephone: 01268 525 525 Mobile: 07956 528 are 528 available £12.99 Engineered distributors for all these brands undercutting your all flooring 25 Bakers Court Retail Park, Paycocke Road, 3EH Email: appleflooring@live.co.uk to rejuvenate skirting when your Basildon, Essex SS14 per sqm ex vat Oak Flooring orders. at the lowest prices your floor new floor is fitted
Special offers
Engineered Oak
FREE FREE
Free Samples,
New Bona
All the best in flooring under one roof
Telephone: 01268 525 525 Mobile: 07956 528 528 www.appleflooring.co.uk 25 Bakers Court Retail Park, Paycocke Road, Basildon, Essex SS14 3EH Email: appleflooring@live.co.uk Telephone: 01268 525 525 Mobile: 07956 528 528 www.appleflooring.co.uk
12
PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS
CP Shutters Custom Plantation Shutters
Chris Petrou founded CP Shutters over eight years ago, after many years of working with one of the country’s biggest electrical retailers. CP Shutters offer market leading interior shutters, wood shutters and Custom Plantation shutters to customers across Essex. Based in Westcliff-on-Sea, Chris and his team are incredibly proud of the products and services they offer. Danielle Druce,
who works with Chris in the Westcliff shop, said ‘Chris is an absolute master of most trades and has chosen to focus and specialise solely on designing and installing Custom Plantation Shutters, it is all we do. By specialising in one product we can always exceed customer expectations.’ Having managed to expand the business through mainly recommendations, CP Shutters are looking to open more shops in the next few years to widen their
customer base and create job opportunities for skilled carpenters and apprentices looking to work in retail. Danielle said ‘Chris is a very inspiring man to work for and above all he is familyorientated which shows in the way he treats all his colleagues and customers’. CP Shutters is Trading Standards Approved and offers free surveys. Visit their website www.cpshutters. co.uk for more information.
To feature your business contact: 01277 658444 or sales@aroundtownmagazines.co.uk
CP Shutters
Custom Plantation Shutters Specialists Request to meet one of our Fully Trained Surveyors today for a FREE design survey on our Made-to-Measure Custom Plantations Shutters or visit our Showroom on London Road. At CP Shutters we have over 8 years of experience and have installed 1000’s of wooden shutters in Essex and London. For Interior Shutters please look no further than CP Shutters. We are very proud of our excellent reputation and are able to offer recommendations from customers in your area!
Call the original Custom Plantation Shutters Shop CP Shutters for a free survey today!
01702 68 69 70 It really is EasyCP with CP Shutters Monday - Saturday 9:00am - 17:00pm www.cpshutters.co.uk Find us at 280 London Road, Westcliff, Essex SS0 7JG One of our staff can give you a free estimate on our made to measure interior shutters.
PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS
13
We Sell Boxes and Bubble Wrap
5 Weeks FREE Storage *terms and conditions apply
PersonalSPACE and OFFICE - DESKS TO LET Business Storage From ÂŁ100 per month Unit C, Radford Business Centre, Radford Crescent, Billericay, Essex, CM12 0DP
We Sell Boxes We have immaculate desks to let located and Bubble Wrap on the second floor of Billericay Self Storage.
The desks are set in a brand new office with top of the range facilities including Fibre Wi-Fi, ample plug sockets, a private meeting room and a kitchenette.
5 Weeks FREE Storage
Located a 2 minute walk away from Billericay Train Station Call to *terms reserve on 01277 and conditions apply 525430
01277 525430
Personal and info@billericayselfstorage.com Business Storage Unit C Radford Business Centre Radford Crescent Unit C, Radford Business Centre, Radford Crescent, CM12 0DP Billericay, Essex, CM12 0DP Billericay
We Sell Boxes and Bubble Wrap
Nature Notes Written by Neil Sumner
Low maintenance Upvc products
Neilsumner123@aol.com twitter.com/neilsumner123 “So, you’re the Twitcher are you?” If everyone who said to me that was forced to donate a few quid to local conservation, we could dig a few more ponds or plant a few more hedges. What is a Twitcher? According to Wikipedia, Twitchers are committed bird-watchers who travel long distances just to add a species to their “life list”, “year list” or other lists. Unsurprisingly, a year list starts on New Year’s Day and many birders will rush around to tick the local birds to get that list started. In Essex, some have achieved a list of 100 or more species on New Years Day, not possible in many counties. Comparing lists year by year does allow us to see trends in population changes. Counting species on certain sites and making repeat visits does make the lists more useful, but that is more like surveying, valuable to conservation work. The numbers of winter birds fluctuate, being affected by many factors: the success of breeding in their summering grounds and the weather and availability of food where they bred or en route. This year, it has been nice to hear a few Siskins on my local patch as they were scarce there last year. More exciting was the Short-eared Owl flapping and gliding over Bowers Marsh, one of many around our coast this year. These are winter visitors possibly from Scandinavia and their numbers vary according to the abundance of Field Voles, their main prey. At the same site, Stonechats perched on the fence are a feature of the mild weather as these birds suffer in harsh winters. Scanning the wetland landscapes under our big skies you often see huge flocks of ducks and waders rise from the lagoons and soggy fields. Then you have to look for the Marsh Harrier or Peregrine Falcon which has put up these birds. This is one of the spectacles I enjoy every winter, especially when we run the Bird-Watching weekend from the Fellowship Afloat lightship at Tollesbury next month. Please email me if you want more details of this event, or see: www.tinyurl.com/ zwc78tr Wishing you A Happy New Year and one filled with the wonders of nature.
Installers of Guttering, Fascias, Soffits, Cladding, Windows & Doors
Upvc cleaning service also available Guttering, Fascia boards, Soffits & Cladding Window & Conservatory frames Conservatory roofs
Garden Design & Construction for over 40 years
• Patios • Driveways • Decking • Artificial Grass • Turfing • Brickwork • Lighting • Planting for a free quote call
01277 655601 | 07811 252374 39 Tyelands, Billericay, Essex CM12 9PA
www.bfarndonandsons.co.uk
PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS
15
Ardutch Dress Making Debby Addison-Robbe. Dressmaker based in Billericay.
Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 7-4 | Sat 8-12
Are your clothes hanging on by a thread? Looking for that perfect fitting pattern? Or just after treating yourself?
Repairs Alterations
Pattern cutting
• Family run business • Established since 1994 • Supply and fit • All repairs carried out • Pressure treated panels • Free advice and quotes
07831 281590 | 01708 225599 Production
07793031297
info@ardutch-dressmaking.co.uk www.ardutch-dressmaking.co.uk
admin@upminsterfencing.co.uk upminsterfencing.co.uk Upminster Fencing, Mardyke Works, St. Mary’s Lane, Upminster, Essex RM14 3PA
Valentines Saturday
13th
& Sunday 14th February
If you require that distinct dining experience for this very special occasion, there’s only one place to be….
Mothers Day Sunday March 6th Let us worry about the cooking and washing up - treat Mum to that very special lunch at…
La Toscana
Check our website for details of these events at www.latoscanabillericay.co.uk
Children Under 10 £10.50 ~ 2 Courses £15.00 ~ 3 Courses
Book by telephone or call into the restaurant OLD BARN COURT, HIGH STREET, BILLERICAY, CM12 9BY
3-Course Lunch ~ £31.95 pp
Dining Times:
12.00 Noon to 4.30pm (Last Orders)
16
La Toscana
3-Course Dinner £50.00 per Person
TELEPHONE: 01277 630120
PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS
Come and see our fabulous new showroom in Romford - Ilford branch is now closed Come and see our newin showroom in All brands arefabulous included our sale Romford - Ilford branch is now closed
All brands are included in our sale
A12 Eastern Avenue
(at North Street Lights)
Romford, Essex RM5 3AL www.bodywash.uk A12 Eastern Avenue
01708 736 700
(at North Street Lights) Romford, Essex RM5 3AL
www.bodywash.uk
01708 736 700 PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS
17
hn Lennon seem to be everywhere this time of year: “So this is Christmas ne?” I’d like to change this slightly: “So this is Christmas and what will rate that Jesus was born to be our Saviour? It is, after all, what makes ating and, just like those amazing events in the summer, it can be life but only if you make the time to enjoy the celebration.
Billericay’ extend an invitation to worship s season. Why not put a date in your o miss out on the greatest Christmas
rr
Do Something
Subversive and
ricay & Little Burstead Team Ministry)
Offensive in 2016! According to Digital Cinema Media (DCM), the Emmanuel Church company that manages advertising in the big
of the local Church Services over the Christmas period.
2nd December ‘Annual The Toy Service’ at 10.30am cinema -chains, Lord’s Prayer is subversive and - offensive! In by the weeks leading up to December ‘Carol Service Candlelight’ at 7.00pm Christmas, UK Cinema’s banned a 57 second 19th December - ‘Lunchtime Carol Service’ at 12.30pm advert for The Lord’s Prayer (which consisted, at Saint Mary Magdalen Church simply, of several people reciting different parts ay 23rdof December - ‘Family at of 10.30am the prayer). TheNativity’ Church England hoped coincide the adverts with the latest ristmastoEve - ‘Christingle Service’ release at 4.00pm Star Wars film ‘The Force Awakens’ which would ‘Communion by Candlelight’aatlarge 11.15pm have guaranteed audience of young Theand first old Communion alike. of Christmas.
stmas Day - ‘Family Communion’ at 10.00am Apparently, according to DCM, people go to the cinema to be entertained, not offended. However, I’m sure you’d agree with me when I say there’s already a lot of cinema advertising that is offensive and subversive. Far from being value-free, it tells us what we need, shapes our hungers and tempts us to spend money we don’t have. From fast cars and seductive fragrances to chocolate bars and fizzy drinks, the advert says: ‘You must have this and have it now! Here’s where fulfilment and purpose lie!’ All advertising, it seems to me, is about personal values and attitudes, it’s precisely what advertisers want to influence as they try to persuade us to buy their product. It’s an intriguing debate. Especially when world leaders and politicians have been encouraging us to Pray for Tunisia, Mali and Lebanon, Paris and San Bernardino, to name but a few. Many national newspapers have emblazoned the word ‘pray’ on their front pages asking us to pray for victims of terrorism. In the midst of this, The Lord’s Prayer is the only prayer many people know and use. Over 2,000 of us prayed it on Billericay High Street on Remembrance Sunday and I didn’t sense people being offended on that occasion.
Some people reject prayer as a fatalistic exercise, suggesting that if God is sovereign, then he needs no prompting from us! The writer Leonard Ravenhill offers this thought: “Prayer is not an argument with God to persuade him to move things our way, but an exercise by which we are enabled ... to move ourselves his way.” When we pray, we often find ourselves listening to God to see what his next move is for us, not us influencing His strategy. I know that many of you pray The Lord’s Prayer on a daily basis and not all of you are regular church attendees. Many of you believe prayer can make a difference, because prayer is a powerful force, on a spiritual, as well as an emotional and psychological level. Have you ever thought of the freedom prayer brings? We can: travel to any part of the world; stand alongside anyone we choose; pray about any situation for which we are concerned; enter into any circumstance in which we have an interest. Such is the tremendous privilege of prayer. At the beginning of this New Year, dare I encourage you to resolve to be subversive and offensive on a daily basis? After all, God can only respond to our requests, when we share with Him, intimately and honestly, what is on our hearts. What have you got to lose? What might you gain? If you want to know more about prayer, or need help praying, why not visit the ‘Just Pray’ website at www.justpray.uk who have some very helpful ideas. On the off-chance that you may not be familiar with The Lord’s Prayer, these are the words of a modern version: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name; Your kingdom come, Your will be done; on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation: but deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power and the glory are Yours, now and forever. AMEN. May God’s richest blessing be upon you and your family for all that a New Year will bring your way.
paul@billericaychurches.org @revPACman
www.billericaychurches.org 18 PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS
S
Fully Licenced waste transfer station
E
R
V
I
C
E
S
All aspects of domestic & commercial electrical work undertaken
ttobin@chantryelect1.demon.co.uk chantryelectricalservices.co.uk
High Quality! Low Cost! Windows and Doors
FREE Quotations & Advice
‘A’ rated windows as standard, plus a range of quality products including patio doors, porches, composite doors, bifold doors, bay and sash windows.
Easiglaze also offers fascias, soffits and guttering, giving customers a virtually maintenance free home.
Call 01277 424515 www.easiglaze.co.uk
Your Local Double Glazing Experts
PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS
19
Aerials Direct • TV, FM & Digital Aerials • Supplied fitted & repaired
windows & doors fascias, soffits & guttering weather board cladding (available in over 20 colours)
porches all carpentry work
01268 710245 ramsden heath
Family Busine s Establi s she 20 Years d !
• Free to view digital • Satellite installation • Domestic & commercial • Same day service • Extra TV points • All work fully guaranteed • Fast friendly service
ocal re a l We a ness! busi
01277 424037 01708 347257 www.aerialsdirect.co.uk
25 Priory Road • Noak Hill • Romford • RM3 9AP
CALL NOW!
01268 293440 07977 992211 Elm Farm, London Road, Crays Hill, Billericay, CM11 2UZ
Painter - Decorator Domestic - Commercial
All Digger Work - Drainage - Tarmacadam - Hand & Machine Lay - Hot Tar & Shingle/Resin Bonded Block Paving/Concrete - Council Vehicle Crossings Brick Work - White Lining Hot Thermo Plastic & Rubberized Traffic Paints RJB Construction & Lining are a well established family company based in Billericay. We provide a complete service including road reinstatement, driveways and lining work. All our employees are fully trained to high standards, eliminating the need for sub contractors meaning quality of product throughout. We are efficient, ambitious and hardworking and we pride ourselves on carrying out our work to the highest standard.
Interior - Exterior Fully Insured | 35 years experience Tel: 01277 821454 Mobile: 07961 943840
www.rjbconstructionandlining.co.uk
20
PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS
GAS●PLUMBING●HEATING GAS●PLUMBING●HEATING GAS●PLUMBING●HEATING GAS●PLUMBING●HEATING Allmakes&modelsofboilersserviced Allmakes&modelsofboilersserviced Allmakes&modelsofboilersserviced andrepaired
Allmakes&modelsofboilersserviced andrepaired Allmakes&modelsofboilersserviced andrepaired CondensingBoilersandWarmAirUnits andrepaired CondensingBoilersandWarmAirUnits andrepaired CondensingBoilersandWarmAirUnits AllworkundertakenLeaksUpgrades CondensingBoilersandWarmAirUnits AllworkundertakenLeaksUpgrades CondensingBoilersandWarmAirUnits AllworkundertakenLeaksUpgrades Installations AllworkundertakenLeaksUpgrades AllworkundertakenLeaksUpgrades Installations Installations NoCallOutCharge Installations NoCallOutCharge Installations NoCallOutCharge OAPdiscountsavailable NoCallOutCharge OAPdiscountsavailable NoCallOutCharge OAPdiscountsavailable Fullpublicliabilityinsurance OAPdiscountsavailable Fullpublicliabilityinsurance OAPdiscountsavailable Fullpublicliabilityinsurance FullyQualifiedEngineers Fullpublicliabilityinsurance FullyQualifiedEngineers Fullpublicliabilityinsurance FullyQualifiedEngineers FullyQualifiedEngineers FullyQualifiedEngineers Aprofessionalfamilyrunbusiness Aprofessionalfamilyrunbusiness
Allen & Coe At Allen and Coe Cleaning we see the cleaning of your home as a way of adding value to your life. Imagine the feeling you get when you come home to a fresh, clean and tidy place after a hard day’s work. That is the feeling you will get after a cleaning visit by one our well trusted, experienced and trained cleaners. All staff hold DBS certificates. We offer the following: • Regular weekly cleaning • Fortnightly cleaning • One-off Cleaning • Commercial Cleaning
Aprofessionalfamilyrunbusiness Honestandreliablewithover20yearsexperience Aprofessionalfamilyrunbusiness Honestandreliablewithover20yearsexperience Aprofessionalfamilyrunbusiness Honestandreliablewithover20yearsexperience ..fromatapwashertoafullheatingsystemcall.. Honestandreliablewithover20yearsexperience ..fromatapwashertoafullheatingsystemcall.. Honestandreliablewithover20yearsexperience ..fromatapwashertoafullheatingsystemcall.. ..fromatapwashertoafullheatingsystemcall.. ..fromatapwashertoafullheatingsystemcall..
01702435400 01702435400 01702435400 01277 261888
Denise: 07525 710499
allenandcoecleaning@outlook.com www.allenandcoecleaning.co.uk
Daniel Stacey Call now on:
07737308913 Alloy Wheel Refurbishment Bumper Scuffs
BEFORE
AFTER
Body Work Repair Dent Repair Headlight Refurbishment Interior & Dash Trim Repair Leather Seat Repairs and Re-colour We are a Mobile Service Lease Repairs for Returning Vehicles PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS
21
B e a u t i f u l l y
K i t c h e n s
C r a f t e d
B e d r o
W: w w w. c r o w n w o o d p r o d u c t s . c o . u k
H a n d m a d e
o m s
H o m e
F u r n i t u r e
O f f i c e Extensive Showroom & Workshop 7 Radford Crescent Billericay, Essex, CM12 0DU
E: s h o w r o o m @ c r o w n w o o d p r o d u c t s . c o . u k
T: 01277 650012
ch AquaTe
34 HARWOOD AVENUE, ESSEX. RM11 2NT NUE, HORNCHURCH, ESSEX. RM11HORNCHURCH, 2NT
24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE EMERGENCY SERVICE
ch e T a u q A
O JOB TOO SMALL
NO JOB TOO SMALL
HEATING & PLUMBING TECHNICIANS PLUMBING & GAS CENTRAL HEATING & GAS CENTRAL HEATING HARWOOD AVENUE, HORNCHURCH, ESSEX. RM11 2NT BOILER REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE EPAIRS & MAINTENANCE 24 HOURSHOWER EMERGENCY & BATHROOM INSTALLATIONS SERVICE BATHROOM INSTALLATIONS
01268 963290 07503 153480
NO JOB TOO SMALL
HEATING & PLUMBING TECHNICIANS
PLUMBING & GAS CENTRAL HEATING HARWOOD AVENUE, HORNCHURCH, ESSEX. RM11 2NT BOILER34 REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE 24 HOUR EMERGENCY HOWER & BATHROOM INSTALLATIONS
24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE NO JOB TOO SMALL
SERVICE
NO JOB TOO SMALL
OUT CHARGE CHARGE NO - CALL ESTIMATES FREE
-
FREE • ESTIMATES PLUMBING & GAS CENTRAL HEATING
PLUMBING & GAS CENTRAL HEATING CONTACT US FOR A PROFESSIONAL, US FOR A PROFESSIONAL, RELIABLE AND FRIENDLY&SERVICE BOILER REPAIRS MAINTENANCE AND FRIENDLY SERVICE • BOILER REPAIRS
& MAINTENANCE
SHOWER & BATHROOM INSTALLATIONS
info@aquatech.org.uk Web: www.aquatech.org.uk ech.org.uk Email: Web: www.aquatech.org.uk
O CALL OUT CHARGE - ESTIMATES FREE el: 01708 443349 Tel: 01708 443349 • SHOWER CONTACT US FOR Mob: 0750 315 3480 ob: 0750 315 3480 A PROFESSIONAL,
RELIABLE AND FRIENDLY SERVICE MEMBER OF INSTITUTE OF PLUMBING CITY & GUILDS QUALIFIED GAS SAFE CITY & GUILDS QUALIFIED
& BATHROOM INSTALLATIONS
NO CALL OUT CHARGE - ESTIMATES FREE
PLUMBING
MEMBER OF www.aquatech.org.uk ail: info@aquatech.org.uk Web: INSTITUTE OF PLUMBING CITY GUILDS QUALIFIED Tel:& 01708 443349 GAS SAFE
Mob: 0750 315 3480
BER OF INSTITUTE OF PLUMBING
CITY & GUILDS QUALIFIED
GAS SAFE
CONTACT US FOR A PROFESSIONAL, RELIABLE AND FRIENDLY SERVICE
GAS SAFE
NO CALL OUT CHARGE
- @ ESTIMATES FREE info aquatech.org.uk - www.aquatech.org.uk
CONTACT US FOR A PROFESSIONAL, RELIABLE AND FRIENDLY SERVICE
Email: info@aquatech.org.uk Web: www.aquatech.org.uk
Tel: 01708 443349 Mob: 0750 315 3480
Be prepared this winter
MEMBER OF INSTITUTE OF PLUMBING
24
CITY & GUILDS QUALIFIED
GAS SAFE
PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS
LOCALLY BASED COMPANY IN BRENTWOOD WITH OVER 25 YEARS EXPERIENCE. NO JOB TOO SMALL! FREE ESTIMATES WITH NO OBLIGATION. We also offer general maintenance and building works.
• ALL TYPES OF PLUMBING / HEATING • NEW BOILER / REPAIRS / SERVICING • BATHROOMS / KITCHENS • POWERFLUSHING • DRAINAGE WORKS
OTHER SERVICES INCLUDE:
• ALL ASPECTS OF DOMESTIC, COMMERCIAL AND ELECTRICAL WORK CARRIED OUT • SECURITY SYSTEMS AND ALARMS • REPLACEMENT CONSUMER UNITS • PERIODIC INSPECTION & TESTING • FULL REWIRES / PAT TESTING / FAULT FINDING
WE CARRY OUT ALL ASPECTS OF ROOFING; FLAT ROOF WORKS, LEAD WORKS, LEAKING ROOFS TILED OR FELT, GUTTERING/DOWNPIPE WORKS, GUTTER CLEANING, CHIMNEY REPAIRS/REPLACEMENTS AND FASCIA/SOFFIT WORKS. PLEASE CALL US WITH YOUR REqUIREMENTS.
Tel: 01277 810005 Email: t-p-s-l@btconnect.com www.timminspsl.co.uk Unit 15 Cockridden Farm Estate, Brentwood, Essex CM13 3LH
BANK ACCOUNTS Fancy some free cash in time for Christmas? Well, those generous bowler hatted ladies and gents at your bank are giving it away. Quite literally, they will to pay you up to £150 to switch bank account - and, as it can also improve the service and features, grab it. The bank account switching market is red hot, with many banks willing to pay for your custom – and you should get the money in time to boost your Christmas kitty. Here are the 10 need-to-knows. Q. You’re talking about switching, but I’ve heard all types of horror stories? Martin’s A: Much of that is a legacy opinion from a few years ago. We’ve just celebrated the second birthday of what’s called ‘seven-day switching’, and that’s made the process easier. I did a poll of 100s of people on my Facebook page who’d tried it and 82% said they found it ‘easy and hasslefree’, while only 4% experienced problems. In practice, when you apply for a new bank account, assuming you’re accepted, three things happen within seven working days: 1. All standing orders and direct debits are moved for you. 2. Your old account is closed. 3. All payments to your old account are autoforwarded for three years. Yet still far too few people try it – last year only 2% changed bank accounts – strange as my mailbag is full of people complaining about their banks. So my message is stop bitching and start switching. Q. OK, so it’s easy, but what’s this about free money? Martin’s A: Many of the challenger banks (those who want to break the dominance of the old ones) want you to switch to them so much they’re willing to pay you to do it. There’s a full rundown and eligibility criteria atmse. me/bankaccounts. But, in brief, here are the current top picks: - The Clydesdale Bank (Cbonline.co.uk) Current Account Direct gives a free £150 – the cash comes
within 70 days of switching and paying in £1,000. Other benefits: pays 2% AER interest on the first £3,000. - FirstDirect.co.uk gives switchers a free £125 (or more via some websites) – cash comes within 28 days of switching and paying in £1,000. Other benefits: It’s won every customer service poll I’ve ever run, 92% rate it great, it has a linked 6% regular saver, 0% overdraft up to £250. - Halifax.co.uk/Reward gives a free £125 within three working days of switching. Other benefits: Pays £5 each month as long as you’re in credit. - Themarksandspencer.com current account gives a free £100 M&S gift card (or more via some websites), within a month of switching. Other benefits: Unlike other accounts, you don’t have to pay in a set monthly amount (see next question) linked 6% regular saver, 0% overdraft up to £100.
MORE THAN A MILLION PEOPLE IN THE UK DON’T HAVE A BANK ACCOUNT Q. Can anyone get these? Martin’s A: You’ll be credit scored to get these. Though most people who have an existing bank account should be fine (unless it’s a basic account). Yet to get the bonuses, you normally need to use their switching service and have a couple of direct debits or standing orders set up. Plus with First Direct and Clydesdale, you must meet a minimum pay-in requirement, equivalent of £13,200 a year – effectively a way of requiring you to earn a set amount. If you have irregular income, M&S is the only one not to demand this.
Q. Aren’t there also accounts that pay high interest on your savings? Martin’s A: Yes that’s another form of competition, and if you have higher savings, that is likely to be more lucrative in the long run than grabbing the switchers bonuses. The big one is theSantander.co.uk 123 account – it pays up to 3% cashback on certain household bills and up to 3% AER interest if you have between £3,000 - £20,000 in it. Its £24 a year fee is rising to £60 in January, yet if you’ve got over £5,000 savings and earn some cashback, it’s still likely you’re winner (full analysis of if it’s worth it in mywww.mse.me/santanderfee blog) If you’ve less, thelloydsbank.com Club Lloyds pays 4% AER interest if you’ve £4,000 to £5,000 in it and both TSB.co.uk andNationwide.co.uk pay 5%, but only on up to £2,000 with TSB and £2,500 with Nationwide for the first year. Q. Once I’ve switched and got the free bonus, can I switch again to another bank account? Martin’s A: Yes, there’s nothing stopping you continually switching. But remember, you’ll be credit scored every time you open a bank account, so try to minimise opening too many accounts in a short space of time, especially if you’re going to be applying for credit in the near future, like a mortgage. Q. I hate banks - are there any other options? Nationwide, as mentioned above, is a building society, so it’s owned by its members, and it’s got decent offers. Or see if your local credit union (a local savings and loans co-op) is one of 500 that offer bank accounts via ABCUL at findyourcreditunion.co.uk
martin L E W IS Money Saving Expert
Q. I’m often in the red – can I switch to a 0% overdraft? An overdraft’s a debt like any other, so if you often go into it, cutting its cost makes it easier to clear. FirstDirect.com has a £250 0% overdraft, and you can put the £125 it pays switchers towards clearing the overdraft too – a big boon.Nationwide. co.uk/flexdirect may give a bigger 0% overdraft, credit score depending, but only for a year. It’s 50p/day after, so aim to clear it before then. Q. What if I can’t get a bank account? Sadly, more than a million people in the UK don’t have a bank account. For all the top pick deals above, you’ll need to pass a credit score. Yet if that’s not going to happen, there is a way. As long as you’ve ID, you should be able to get a no-frills, no-overdraft service, though you need to ask the right way. When applying, ask for the specific account by name – otherwise you could get forms for standard accounts, then get rejected. The better options include Barclays.co.uk Cash Card and Cooperativebank.co.uk Cashminder (not available to bankrupts). Even though there’s no overdraft, they can still fine you if you try to spend more than you’ve got, so you must manage it carefully.
Danny Glaze
01277 655271 | 07716 034044 | 01375 892177 Ongar Hall Farm, Brentwood, Orsett, Essex, RM16 8HV
WINDOWS & DOORS Front Doors from £599 Fitted Back Doors from £549 Fitted Composite Doors from £699 Fitted French Doors from £999 Fitted Patio Doors from £899 Fitted Bi Folding Doors from £1,399 Fitted Stable Doors from £699 Fitted UPVC White Windows from £199 Fitted ALL REPAIRS ALSO UNDERTAKEN Locks, handles, hinges, patio wheels Misted up units repaired and replaced
dannyglaze.co.uk dannyglazeltd@gmail.com Like us on Facebook
Nokes & Co, Squire House, 81-87 High Street, Billericay, Essex CM12 9AS 01277 633971
07949 266321
mark@nokesandco.co.uk
www.nokesandco.co.uk
PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS
29
RECIPE
Indian Apple Chutney Ingredients: 5lb Cooking apples (peeled and cored) 2 Tablespoons of salt 18 Fluid oz malt vinegar (or amount to get right consistency) 20oz Soft brown sugar 8oz Raisins 8oz Sultanas 1 Teaspoon of mustard seeds 2oz Fresh ginger root peeled (easy with teaspoon) and sliced 4 Or so garlic cloves peeled through a garlic press if possible 2 Teaspoons of chilli powder
Method: 1. Slice the apples and lay them on a dish and sprinkle with half of the salt. 2. Place half of the vinegar in a pan, add the sugar and stir over a low heat until the sugar is dissolved. 3. Bring to the boil until a thick syrup
5. Add all the apples and simmer until tender. 6. Add the rest of the ingredients including syrup and cook until the right consistency to bottle.
is made. 4. Place the other half of the vinegar in a pan.
Tip Needs to mature some weeks before use.
See more at: www.thewi.org.uk If you would like your recipe to appear in Around Town Magazines then contact our sales team on: 01277 658444 or email: sales@aroundtownmagazines.co.uk
the original
Carl Earey - Experienced Podiatrist
07729 186453 01277 232550 • Routine nail care • Hard skin • Corn and callus • Verrucae treatments • Ingrowing toe nails • Treatment of common foot problems
All local surrounding areas covered
touch of class express quality dry cleaning & alterations
free collection & delivery minimum spend of £15.00
special offers
due to our brand new large capacity washing machine and dryer on all quilts, throws and mattress toppers all £13.00 due to our brand new washing machine and dryer all done on the premises. five shirts for £10.00 washed and iron wash and fold service also available from £15.00 - £25.00 excluding feather and extra large mattress toppers
tel:01277 632330 4 grange road grange parade billericay, essex
family run business est.1978
Holiday in Cathar Country In the South of France 30 minutes from Carcassonne For further information go to holidaylettings.co.uk property reference 77726 PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS
31
An antiques and collectables valuation event will be taking place soon in your area. The experts of Lockdales Auctioneers will be providing free valuations to the public on Monday 11th January, 10am to 2pm, at Hannakins Farm Community Centre, Rosebay Avenue, Billericay, Essex, CM12 0SY (free parking available). Valuations will be provided on the following types of collectables: Coins, stamps, banknotes, medals & militaria, antiques, clocks, watches, jewellery, gold, silver, pre-1900 documents/books & maps, cigarette cards, postcards, pre-1960 sporting programmes & tickets, scientific instruments, swords, bayonets & de-activated weapons. No appointment is necessary at this event, simply turn up with your items on the day. Members of the public will have the option, if they wish, to consign their goods to auction (subject to terms & conditions). Cash purchase offers are also available. Valuations will be provided free of charge, with no obligation. Any questions contact: 01473 627110
sales@lockdales.com www.lockdales.com
the CSoaCh & ,h orSeS C ,B CM12 9lU hapel
treet
illeriCay
01277 622873
BILLERICAY’S PREMIER ALEHOUSE & EATERY
Ugg Boot Cleaning
10% OFF *
20% OFF OUR LUNCH MENU WITH THIS VOUCHER (MON - THU THROUGHOUT JAN 2016)
C TheCoachAndHorsesBillericay 32
PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS
Wash Road West, Basildon, Essex, SS15 4BT
s r i a p Re
www.AceVision.co.uk
C ion P t a l l & a d a l Inst a i P i r , re e e A o n t & o S g iPh ll Mountin now ina es TV W m a G 01268-459161 & n u F Technology & Home Entertainment 150� Gaming Screen
TV Aerials & TV Set-Up
Xbox One & Playstation 4
Sonos - Multi Room
Retro Arcade Machine
TV Brackets, Cables & Accessories
Buy - Sell - Play
In-Store
DIY or Installation
In-Store
We are at the bottom of Noak Hill Rd Next to DGT wheels & Tyres
PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS
33
MAYFLOWER ROTARY CLUB Billericay Christmas Market. Organised by The Rotary Club of Billericay Mayflower. 20,000 Visitors £30,000 raised for charity! A big thank you to all who took part and to all visitors who created the atmosphere for another great day. Thanks to our Sponsors: Platinum: Essex Auto Group, Burstead Golf Club, Para Bar Estates and Paul Robinson Solicitors. Gold: Hallmark Homes and SDF Essex Windows & Doors. Silver: Waitrose, Fish’n’Chickn and Billericay Brewery. Why not join Mayflower and be a part of this: secretary@mayflowerrotary.org
BILLERICAY LIONS CLUB The Lions Club of Billericay and their families had a well deserved break over Christmas following a hectic period in the run-up to the holiday out and about with our annual Sleigh collection. At the time of writing it looks once again to have been very successful with the residents of Billericay showing great generosity to this very worthwhile appeal. Thanks also goes to Essex Ford and Lincon Batteries for their invaluable assistance. As we hit the New Year our fund raising efforts continue apace and it is your last chance to apply for tickets to our Taste of Brazil night to be held on Saturday, March 19th, at Emmanuel Church Hall. For further details please contact 0845 833 9849, or visit at our bookstall outside Poundland in the High Street every Saturday morning, or email: Brazil@billericaylions.com. We are also planning a music night and further details will follow as we firm up the plans. Our 2015 social activities were rounded off with a member’s Christmas Dinner at the Black Bull in Margaretting and a guest speaker from the Essex Search and Rescue at our last fellowship evening. This lesser known charity, benefitting from a previous £2,000 donation from us, has been called upon over 500 times since 2002 to apply their specialised skills alongside police, fireman and coastguards in rescue related situations. For details on all Lion’s events please visit our website www.billericaylions.com or telephone 0845 833 9849, and follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/billericay.lions.
New Year has begun, and perhaps you even made a New Year’s resolution as the bells chimed 12 (or perhaps the following morning, when the thought of chiming bells really wasn’t doing anything for your slightly befuddled and alcohol infused brain!). Making a resolution is all about making a few changes to our lives, in the hope of helping to make the year ahead a really good one. Sadly, a lot of us don’t make it beyond the first week or two before that fresh new idea has gone out of the window! So here’s an idea for you that might help you to make yourself a second resolution and it’s one we think you’ll find quite easy to keep… come and give Billericay Round Table a go! Round Table is for active and adventurous guys between the ages of 18 and 45, with it’s main principles being to have a hell of a lot of laughs with a bunch of like-minded new friends, whilst at the same time really making a positive difference in the local community. So what is it we get up to? Most of you will know that it is Billericay Round Table who organise the annual fireworks display, and last year we raised in excess of £68,000, all of which we use to donate to good causes and charities in the local area. We also have our Santa Sleigh routes around the town which help to spread goodwill and festive cheer, and on top of that, we also support other events around the town such as Thingamigig and Summerfest. Alongside the community events, we also have lots of social and sporting events throughout the year, and amongst other things, during 2015 we competed in the Nuclear Rush, had an adventure weekend in Wales, undertook the inaugural Quadralcothon (look it up on YouTube!), played a Gentlemen vsGreat Unwashed cricket match, visited the Houses of Parliament…. The list goes on! To sum it up, we all had a huge amount of laughs, made friendships that will last a lifetime, and generally just had an awesome time! If you’d like to find out more about the best men’s club going, then get in touch with us via email at domore@ billericayroundtable.co.uk or contact us via Facebook!
34
PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS
Technology Solutions
Est. 1987
QualiÞed Technician
Flat Screen TV hanging with hidden cabling Aerial & Satellite, TV Setups &Tuning TV & HD Signal Distribution Multi-Room Audio systems WiFi & Wired Networks
teak Meals E njoy 2 Finest S ine with a Bottle of W for just £29.95!
Offer valid throughout January 2016
Call Trevor on
01268 696572
07954 424645
Essex County Council Approved
Plus... enjoy our new
Curry Night every Thursday
www.trevange.co.uk info@trevange.co.uk @trevange #Liveinstall winner 2013
01277 840201
Stock Rd, Chelmsford, Essex CM2 8LB
Project2_Layout 1 01/12/2015 12:14 Page 1
24 HR EMERGENCY
We Go The Extra Mile For Your Smile
Holly Court Denture Clinic
SERVICE • Tree Pruning • Shaping • Precision Felling • Thinning • Stump Grinding • Ground Maintenance • Dead Wooding
. Qualified . Licensed . Insured .
Qualified Clinical Dental Technicians Trevor Harkness CDT Dip RCS Eng GDC no. 139025 New Dentures, Repairs, Relines, Teeth Added to Existing Dentures, Gum Shields, Flexible Dentures, Chrome Cobalt Dentures. All Work Guaranteed | Friendly Free Advice On-Site Laboratory
Based in Rayleigh Discounts Available for OAP & Disable in the local area
LOGS FOR SALE Call us now:
01268 857550
Book your free consultation now before Christmas! WL56223M006 02-May-2014 11:50 2 Holly Court, High Street, Billericay, CM12 9AP
07719 837777
www.tree-king.co.uk
www.hollycourtdentureclinic.co.uk Telephone: 01277 653677 | Mobile: 07970165715
PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS
35
The
Cook Report Written By Jo Cook
Department for Transport review of Greater Anglia service provides New Year hope for disgruntled commuters With Christmas and New Year festivities truly behind us, lots of local residents will be back to work and embarking on their daily commute this January. With rail fares rumoured to rise by 1.1% for 2016, lots of workers will be questioning its value for money, as they experience delays, cancellations and overcrowding daily, all the while battling cold weather conditions, on the Greater Anglia Southend Victoria to London Liverpool Street line. The Department of Transport have recently concluded a three month public consultation on the service and have now made recommendations to the bidders for the franchise, with a new agreement expected to begin from October 2016. Results show the main issue for passengers in punctuality and capacity, with six in ten passengers calling for a reduction in first class seating in trains and more frequent services to and from the City. The DFT has said more services to and from Southend Victoria will be a condition of the new agreement, with other franchise requirements including improved communication during
36
disruption and a proactive approach to planning for unexpected problems. Abellio, which currently operates the franchise, National Express, and First Group are all in the running for the initial nine year contract. Aimee Donnelly, 26, a legal secretary who commutes to Canary Wharf each day from Billericay said, ‘On a daily basis the trains are overcrowded (in rush hour) and when the trains are delayed, which is frequently, you may not even be able to get on the train and if you can, the only thing holding you up is the people you are squashed between. The first class carriages are barely used, cutting them would benefit a high number of people and make the daily commute much more pleasant’. Despite this, the DFT are not imposing the reduction of first class carriages on the new operator. However, they are confident whoever wins the contract will do all they can to improve services for their passengers. The report said ‘The department does not specify first class provision as it is an unregulated fare and the decision is left with operators to take a commercial view on the first class offering. We recognise that operators may therefore take the opportunity to remove first class but we are confident that they will deliver the right balance of services for their passengers.’ With a few months ahead between now and the new agreement, there is set to be some tough journeys ahead for commuters like Aimee. However, other travellers remain optimistic. Derek Monnery, chairman of the Essex Rail Users Federation, said ‘I am encouraged by what the DFT is saying and what they are expecting. They seem to be well aware of the problems and what the deficiencies are with the current service’.
PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS
INN ON THE GREEN Come & have a nosey and enjoy
20% off * your food bill
Soon Coming
AAT’S ON? WE WHAT’S WISH YOU A HAPPY NEW YEAR Our Ale & Pie Festival is now on!
NEW Menu coming soon • Join us from 28th April •
Delicious NEW dishes including our favourite Pulled Pork Burger
Inn on the Green, Mountnessing Road, Billericay, Essex CM12 0EH
T: 01277 658998 | innonthegreen-pub.co.uk
First Name: Email:
Surname: Post Code:
Terms & Conditions: 20% off food: *Offer valid for a limited time only. Details must be completed to be valid. Minimum spend of £5. Maximum discount of £20 applies. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Only one voucher per transaction. Offer subject to availability. We reserve the right to amend or withdraw offers at any time. Images are for illustrative purposes only. Promoter: Spirit Pub Company, Sunrise House, Burton-Upon-Trent, Staffordshire, DE14 3JZ.
Brewery Tours & Tastings last Saturday of every month at 2pm or book your own time for groups of 3 or more! Drink our real ales & bottled craft beers in our micropub until 9pm Thursday, Friday & Saturday.
PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS
37
SK PLUMBING • REPAIRS • RE-ROOF • LEAD FLASHING • FASCIAS, SOFFITS & GUTTERING
• Friendly Reliable Tradesman • Plumbing, Leaks and Repairs • Full Bathroom Installation • Wall and Floor Tiling • Emergency Appointments
for a free estimate or advice contact
Dean Smith
Tel: 01277 636216 Mobile: 07912 978507 Email: dean@dlsroofing.co.uk
38
07562 395001 01277 415197 Free Estimates Available 24/7
PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS
DARTS
While Gary Anderson joins an elite group of Darts World Champions to win back to back World Championships, darts still manages to split the sporting enthusiasts as to whether it is a game or in fact a fully fledged sport. I don’t want to incur the wrath of any local darts lovers by my opening statement, as I mean to provoke debate as an outsider looking in to the challenging world of darts. A sport by definition is any where an individual or a team compete by way of physical exertion and skill. However, while I accept the concentration levels must be exhausting, as well as the repetitive strain it puts on your posture and arms/wrists. I struggle to on the other hand accept the physical element. I will start with the obvious; the level of physical exertion does not seem to be much, especially comparing it to the other more physical sports. Darts does seem to be changing and the current stars will be replaced with future stars that will perhaps display a healthier exterior, however it is the skill aspect that perhaps leads me to believe darts is more of a game than a fully fledged sport.
I will explain by stating my ‘beginners luck’ theory. Any sport than have a crack at and on the first time of doing so if I can achieve a high score, surely it has to already be considered easier than other pursuits. Darts I feel falls into the bracket as bowling, we have all had days at Hollywood bowl where it seems to be raining
strikes and this is why is it a great game that we can pick up and put down, still enjoying it each time we go. A sport and to become a professional sportsperson should surely mean a talent separating you from the rest, years of training of a young age perfecting the art of achieving a high score. I can and have by luck hit high scores in darts having only played a handful of times; however I could not go play a local game of Rugby or Tennis at a club without being considerably embarrassed. From the above, you may think I am not a darts fan, however quite the contrary, when the darts is on the television I am usually glued, as the rules are simple and the atmosphere is enough to hook anyone in. Also, while Sky Sports insists on showing Poker and fishing, I certainly think it has a place on our sporting channels, I just somehow doubt the physical dedication and sacrifices are anywhere near where they should be to be regarded a professional sportsperson. However the buzz is undeniable and all over Essex there are local pubs hosting matches and it provides a means of socialising as well unlocking that competitive nature. The Railway Pub in Billericay have a team, as do many others in neighbouring towns. Please visit the website below, to find your local side and find out where they play and on what night. www.wddl.org.uk
Put the spotlight on your local sports team, contact Zaki Hasan, via email, zaki@aroundtownmagazines.co.uk
Basildon and Billericay Greenway Ramblers Our group meets at 10am every Tuesday (5-6 miles) and Sunday (longer walks of 10+ miles usually with a break for lunch) New members are welcome. See our website at sites.google. com/site/greenwayramblers/ walks-programme-1 or phone Joe Lawton on 01277 631119 Belvedere Jazz & Music The Chichester Hotel Tudor Room, Old London Road, Rawreth, Nr Wickford, SS11 8UE. Tel: 07850 607075 www. belvederejazz.co.uk. Belvedere Jazz & Music Club is non-profit making, receives no external funding and is run entirely by voluntary jazz enthusiasts. Show Time 8pm - 10.30pm £10 Entrance Fee Wednesday 6th Jan 2016 Derek Nash’s Picante Latin Sextet Wednesday 13th Jan 2016 The Spirit of Stephane Grappelli & Django Reinhardt Wednesday 20th Jan 2016 Enrico Tomasso’s Swing Six Wednesday 27th Jan 2016 Big Screen Take One With Dave Newton - £15 Next gig is 3 February - Atila sings Nat King Cole Billericay Twins Club The Billericay Twins Club is a voluntary organisation, established by two young enterprising mums back in 1977. Today, its main function remains the same as 38 years ago, to
40
provide support and advice to families with twins, triplets and more! Our Nursery Group meets every Monday in term time, from 10.30am until midday, in the church hall at the rear of Christ Church in Perry Street and costs £4 per family per session. For more information about the club visit our website: www. billericaytwins.co.uk or telephone Amanda Deacon on 01277 653752 Buttsbury Billericay W.I. Come and join our friendly group for evenings of variety and fun! We meet every 2nd Tuesday of the month, 8pm 10pm. Canon Roche Church Hall, Laindon Road, Billericay, CM12 9LL. Please contact Jan Nash for more info. 01277 630147 Cafe on the Common At Saint John’s Church, Outwood Common, is open every Thursday between 12.00 noon and 2.00pm. Good quality food, value for money and friendly staff is always guaranteed! Crawdaddy Blues Club Bringing the very best local, national & international blues acts to Essex, now in our 16th season. Every Friday at Billericay Town FC, New Lodge, Blunts Wall Road, Billericay, Essex. CM12 9SA. Doors open at 8pm. www.newcrawdaddyclub.com D’Ukes The finest ukulele band in the universe! Take 6 musicians, 24 strings, some percussion and
a pinch of comedy and you have a band that has given the modest ukulele a makeover for the 21st century Whether you like pop, rock, reggae or country – expect the unexpected! A D’Ukes performance is fun with a few surprises and guaranteed to get you smiling! Saturday 16th January 2016 7.30 pm. Tickets £10.00 from the Billericay Arts Association Café Layout- bring your own drinks Venue: THE FOLD FC Redwing FC Redwing is one of the largest youth football clubs in the Billericay/Basildon area and the organiser of one of the biggest youth football tournaments in Essex. FC Redwing are a “Family Club” with the emphasis on fun. FC Redwing’s main aim is to get children from a young age to fall in love with the beautiful game. Run by a team of volunteers who are all FA Qualified coaches, they pride ourselves on being a friendly club. Clive Ashdown, Head of Academy at FC Redwing YFC, won the “Unsung Hero” award at the Active Basildon Sports Awards. This award celebrates Clive’s efforts in helping the club provide free regular football training for 4-6 years olds. This is the only free scheme of its kind in the area. For more information on the above please feel free to contact Mark Gordon, FC Redwing YFC - Director of Communications at fcredwing@ hotmail.com or on 07977 416 044
PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS
Mayflower Morris of Billericay Mayflower Morris of Billericay is holding an Open Morning on Saturday January 30th 2016 at St Mary Magdalen Church, High Street, Billericay between 10am and 1pm. The morning will be very informal and anyone aged 10 and over is welcome to join us and try some of the dances. Our longer term aim is to recruit some new members to join the side and possibly to set up a younger side to run alongside the more established one. Mayflower Wine (& social) Club The club meets on the first Wednesday of the month at the Day Centre, Chantry Way, Billericay at 8pm. New members always welcome. First visit this time free and our annual subscription is £22.00. More details phone Paulette on 01277 652001. Norsey Wood Society Norsey Wood Society will be holding an Open Meeting on Monday, January 25th 2016 in the Day Centre, Chantry Way, starting at 7.45 p.m. Following a short AGM Gerald Lucy will give a talk entitled “Discovering Fossils in Essex and Beyond”. All are welcome. Phone 01277 653852 for further details. Radio Times Has It Covered! 90 YEARS OF ICONIC RADIO TIMES COVERS FRIDAY 22ND JANUARY 2016 8 PM.
Shem Law, Art Director of Radio Times, will take us through 90 years of iconic Radio Times’ covers. He will talk about the process of commissioning photos for publicity and will introduce Don Smith,Staff Photographer of Radio Times for 45 years, who will explain some of the details of the photos he has taken. Tickets: £8.00 including refreshments THE FOLD 72 Laindon Road Billericay, Essex CM12 9LD 01277 659286 Pottery Classes The Fold at Billericay runs regular pottery classes . We have 2 kilns and two experienced tutors. The classes cover hand built sculpture and throwing pottery on a wheel. There are a limited number of places available. POTTERY WORKSHOP FOR ADULT BEGINNERS Saturday 23rd January 2016 10.00-3.00pm If you were inspired by the latest pottery programmes on television and would like to try your hand why not come along to the Fold , Billericay. We will be running a one day workshop for adult beginners on the 23rd January. This session will introduce you to hand built sculpture. Booking will be essential. Bring your own lunch. Cost £25.00 for non members £20 for members
THE FOLD 72 Laindon Road Billericay CM12 9LD 01277 659286 Soroptimist International Soroptimist International the worlds largest women’s service organisation aiming to make lives better for women & girls, holding consultative status at the United Nations to do this. Meet the Chelmsford members in High Chelmer Chelmsford on Saturday 30th January. Find out about joining the local group and help make a difference to women & girls lives here and globally. Alternatively call on 07528 789991. Lunch is served. New members are always welcome, come along and make new friends. If you would like any further information please contact Jenny on 01277 633115 Who Let The Dad’s Out? For all Dads (and Granddads) with Toddlers (preschool) takes place on the first Saturday of every month at Emmanuel Church, Laindon Road from 8.30ds (and Granddads) to spend time with their children with plenty of toys, games, story times (bacon butties and fresh coffee also provided) and is a great place to get to know other blokes. All WLTDO? Volunteers are great with children and are DBS cleared. For more information, contact Tony Wallace on tony.wallace@ billericaychurches.org
If you would like to promote your club or event then please email a maximum of 70 words to:
admin@aroundtownmagazines.co.uk Please ensure that all contact details are included. PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS
41
OFF LICENCE WE SELL WINE & BEER
10% OFF Upon mention of AROUND TOWN Excludes alcohol. Photocopies not accepted. Valid until 31st January 2016* UNLIMITED USE within time period*
#AroundTownSelfie Competition! In response to last month’s competition, we enjoyed all your #AroundTownSelfie images received – some of which were very entertaining! So as not to embarrass anyone, we have decided not to publish the winning photo, however we are delighted to confirm the meal for 2 at the Ship Inn, Stock was won by:
Lorraine Norton Congratulations to you and thanks to everyone who entered the competition!
01277 658444
admin@aroundtownmagazines.co.uk /AroundTownMagazines
USEFUL NUMBERS POLICE Billericay Police Station
01277 631212
HOSPITALS Brentwood Hospital Basildon Hospital Broomfield Hospital Essex Nuffield Hospital Mayflower House Queen’s Romford Southend Hospital St. John’s Spire Hartswood Hospital
01277 695000 0845 1553111 01245 443673 0800 688699 01277 621130 0845 1304204 01702 435555 01245 491149 01277 232525
HELPLINES Alcoholics Anonymous Childline DIAL Disability Helpline Drugline Essex Home Start
01245 256147 0800 11 11 11 01268 294400/1 01708 749151
(Helping families under stress) 01277 263325
In Focus
(family disabilities support)
Narcotics Anonymous NHS non-emergency Parentline Samaritans S. Essex Rape and Incest Crisis Centre Victim Support Essex Women’s Refuge
#AroundTownMan
BIRTH, DEATH MARRIAGES REGISTRATION
TAXIS Advanced Taxicall Billericay 01277 800001 Mayflower Cars 01277 624000 Swift Cars 01277 757473
CHEMISTS Boots the Chemist, Billericay Filmcroft Ltd, Billericay Lloyds Pharmacy, Billericay Moss Pharmacy, Billericay Shadforth M.W Billericay Shadforths Pharmacy, Billericay Shadforths Pharmacy Ingatestone
UTILITIES Anglian Water 0345 145145 Electricity – Power Supply Problems 0800 783 8838 Gas – Urgent Calls / Gas Escapes 0800 111999 Minicom – Transco 0800 371787 Thames Water (Supply or Wastewater Services) 0845 9200 800 Three Valleys Water 0345 823333 Water – Essex & Suffolk Water 01245 491234
0845 6037632 01277 233565 01277 221155
BLOOD TEST Booking Line
01277 655233 01277 624862 01277 622828 01277 653035 01277 622927 01277 652241 01277 352125 01268 242159
ROAD & TRAVEL UPDATES Essex Travel www.bbc.co.uk/travelnews/essex
01245 353575 01277 655352 111 0808 800 2222 08457 909090
COUNCILS Basildon Billericay Town Council Chelmsford Ingatestone Stock Parish Council
01268 533333 01277 625732 01245 606606 01277 353315 07757 114952
01375 380609 0845 4565995 01268 541140
TRANSPORT Bus Service Rail Service
0870 6082608 08457 484950
VETS Best Friends Veterinary Surgery House & Jackson Ingatestone Veterinary Centre Summerdale Veterinary Centre Vet Savers LIBRARIES Basildon Billericay Ingatestone Wickford
01277 651009 01277 655524 01277 353612 01277 631889 01277 652100 0845 603 7628 01277 624624 01277 354284 01268 561963
PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS
43
INTRODUCING THE NEW
FORD MUSTANG Performance and refinement personified: the new Ford Mustang is available as a Fastback or Convertible, with the option of a 2.3-litre EcoBoost or 5.0-litre V8 engine. Iconic status comes as standard.
IN SHOWROOM & AVAILABLE TO TEST DRIVE TODAY. 01277 525327
essexford.com Doing it even better for you
Ford Store - Dunton Dunton Ford Link, Basildon, Essex, SS15 6GB
Official fuel consumption figures in mpg (l/100km) for the Ford Mustang Range: urban 10.1-20.1 (28.0-14.1), extra urban 6.8-9.6 (41.5-29.4), combined 8.0-13.5 (35.3-20.9). Official C02 emission 108g/km. The mpg figures quoted are sourced from official EU-regulated test results (EU Directive and Regulation 692/2008), are provided for comparability purposes and may not reflect your actual driving experience.