Around town magazine rayleigh edition february 2015 by Black Square Print Media Limited

• Caravans by Willerby Pemberton • Delta Victory ABI Brand new caravans in the sun on superb 4 & 5* parks from £18,995 Resale models from just £9,999 Affordable finance Viewing trips both abroad & UK arranged

01621 858209

www.omniaworldwide.com 34 Quest Place, Maldon, Essex CM9 5AG Showroom Opening Times: Thurs - Sat 10am - 4pm

Call Direct: Bryan Mackenzie 07743 595816 or Les Roberts 07986 476393

Learn something

NEW

with

ACL Rayleigh ACL

Get creative!!

Art (lots of subjects to choose from) Bookbinding Cake Decorating Fashion Floristry Jewellery Making Sewing Shabby Chic Textiles Willow Weaving Upholstery

Learn a new skill British Sign Language First Aid Indian Head Massage Spanish

and more

Computing History Maths (help your kids)

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss out...enrol now

at your Adult Learning Centre above Rayleigh Library in the High Street.

Call: 0333 013 9977 Visit: www.essex.gov.uk/adultlearning 126310 ACL AD_1.indd 1

22/12/2014 10:04

PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS

CALL NOW!

01268 293440 07977 992211 Elm Farm, London Road, Crays Hill, Billericay, CM11 2UZ

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.

www.rjbconstructionandlining.co.uk 4

PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS

... Around Towners to YOUR Rayleigh community magazine!

Features

Wrap up warm Around Towners! It seems the cold winter weather has finally arrived and is set to stay for a while yet - although, it won’t be long until the warmer climate reaches us and we’ll be enjoying BBQ’s, beers and fun in the sun. However, before we get lost in thoughts of heat and serenity, February does have some perks. Kids ‘around town’ will be jumping for joy, with the school half term approaching later this month and there’s lots to keep the little tikes busy, as Jo mentions in her article. These events are fun packed and won’t break the bank, which freesup a little extra cash for you to treat that special someone in your life to a takeaway or meal out this Valentines Day. With this and lots more inside, please read on and enjoy the February edition of Around Town Magazine.

9 The Cook Report Ways To Celebrate February

From the Around Town Team

6 Mark Francois MP Political Update

12 Nature Notes EWT Volunteer Neil Sumner 15 Around Town Sports Focuses on Go Karting 18 Know Your Tradesmen Granite Transformations 21 Rayleigh Lions Club / Rotary Club of Rayleigh Mill Organisation ‘Around Town’ 24 A View from the Church Rev. Mike Lodge 25 **Guest Writer** Zoe Harcombe The Truth About Fat 27 Martin Lewis The Money Saving Expert 30 Recipe Apricot & Passion Fruit Flan 31 Useful Numbers

Why Advertise? We hand deliver 15,000 copies every month to homes and businesses covering the whole of Rayleigh. This includes several thousand copies available from venues throughout the town and an online edition. To Advertise Contact our details below.

Sales

Team

Booking deadline for our March edition of Around Town is: Thursday 12th Feb.

Copyright 2014. 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.

Around Town Magazines Graphic House, Radford Way, Billericay CM12 0DE

01277 658444 www.aroundtownmagazines.co.uk sales@aroundtownmagazines.co.uk

PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS

TAKING ACTION AGAINST FLOODING – THE ROCHFORD DISTRICT COUNCIL FLOOD FORUM In August 2013 we experienced extraordinary heavy rainfall in Rayleigh and the surrounding area, which unfortunately led to a number of my constituents being flooded. We also had a period of very heavy rainfall last summer and, although fewer people were flooded this time, a number of my constituents were badly affected by the weather. This is clearly a problem which needs to be addressed. Since these incidents I have been in correspondence with quite a few constituents about these issues and some have come to my regular constituency surgeries as well. A fundamental problem with this issue is that sometimes “everyone points at everyone else” in trying to find solutions (Environment Agency, Essex County Council, Anglian Water and others). In many cases what is required is more

By Mark Francois MP regular maintenance of drains and sewers but this needs real attention to detail in order to makes sure the necessary work is carried out. In this regard, just prior to Christmas, I attended Rochford District Council’s “Flood Forum” which is a meeting that they have convened with all of the relevant authorities concerned, to try and come up with practical solutions almost on a street by street level. The meeting, which lasted just short of three hours, went through 38 different locations across the District – a number of them in Rayleigh – and the councillors very thoroughly pressed the other agencies on exactly what they

were doing to help address individual problems. In addition, Rochford District Council also allocated around £20,000 to do works (sometimes in cases when the other agencies would not or could not do so). I also raised a number of cases that I had been dealing with at the meeting as well. It seemed to me that this was a really practical and down to earth way of addressing this problem and, while there is more to do, it seems we now have a mechanism for trying to get to grips with these issues. Finally, dealing with this issue, particularly over the last year, has only reinforced my view that we should not accept further major house building without the necessary infrastructure to deal with potential flooding being provided. Rt Hon Mark Francois Member of Parliament for Rayleigh and Wickford

Designer Weekend

14th - 15th March A fantastic opportunity to see the Entire Spring 2015 Collection from Watters. This event is strictly by appointment only so please book early to avoid disappointment. Tel:

01268 767185

blushbride@hotmail.co.uk blushbride.co.uk

The Barn, View Garden Centre, Rawreth, Essex SS11 8SJ

Providing flowers for all occasions, including weddings and funerals. As well as gifts and balloons.

10% OFF Upon mention of Around Town Magazines* *offer ends 15.02.15

01702 826 565

info@thehockleyflowershop.co.uk www.thehockleyflowershop.co.uk

PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS

Brooks

Care and Nursing Services Limited

- Are you looking for high quality, individualised, flexible and compassionate care in your own home? - Providing assistance with all personal care needs. - Respite, shopping and light house chores. - Our company is owned and managed by registered nurses. - Free Assessment upon request.

Please contact us on 01702 526797

www.brooks-care.co.uk

PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS

Ian’s curtains & blinds I have been in the curtain making business for over 36 years and pride myself on my high quality curtain and blind services with total customer satisfaction. Based in Wickford I am willing to travel throughout Essex to supply free estimates, no job too big or too small. Ian offers professional measuring and fitting service... made to measure.

Your trustworthy and trained VW & Audi dealer-level alternative. Why pay more than you have to? Did you know that you don’t have to take your car to a dealership for servicing – and it won’t affect your warranty – this is EU law. At Colbert Auto Services, we provide dealer-level servicing and repairs – we only use manufacturer’s specified parts and all our technicians are specifically trained. We also like to think that we are a more flexible

£10

Vouc her + Se cret

FREE Gift

dealer alternative too, plus we provide additional guarantees for your total reassurance. You’ll also find us a lot more affordable. And if you’d like to save more, here’s a complimentary £10 off, valid against MOT’s, servicing and repiars. just bring this with you when you visit us.

C servic heaper deale ing than rsh th invali ips, with e out datin warr g your call anty – t

out o find mor e.

Colbert Auto Services Ltd 6 Kelvin Road, Manor Trading Est. Benfleet, Essex SS7 4QB 01268 756650 / 795533 customerservices@colberts.co.uk Westminster Garage Ltd 378 Westborough Road, Westcliff on Sea, Essex SS0 9TN 01702 342255 info@westminstergarage.co.uk

PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS

Finding Ways To Celebrate February Still in the depths of the cold, bleak winter, with Christmas a forgotten memory, New Years resolutions fallen by the wayside, and Spring seeming a million miles away, a lot of us will be feeling thoroughly fed up. With a lack of public holidays, dark nights, and possibly even some snow bringing civilisation to a standstill, February doesn’t seem to have much cause for celebration. But it doesn’t have to be all doom and gloom. February 14th brings us the Feast of Valentines Day, originally a celebration of one or more Christian saints named Valentine. While, I, like a large proportion of the population, see this as nothing more than an overhyped, over commercialised excuse for greeting card companies and florists to hike their prices and try and flog us trashy gifts in the name of romance, I will be trying to look at it a little differently this year and

heading to one of Essex’s many nightspots for a spot of fun and dancing with my friends. And for those of you out there looking to celebrate with your significant other, they are plenty of local restaurants offering tailored menus to make your evening that little bit more special. See the magazine for further details. Also in February, we have half-term week which begins for the majority of local schools on the 14th February. While the thought of venturing out of doors for some nature based physical activity and education may not seem the most appealing prospect for us grown ups, this half term local wildlife centres have an abundance of activities available for families to participate in, which will inspire creativity and educate them about their natural surroundings. Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre, in Downham Billericay, has a number

of events planned over the week, including a Wetland Birds Workshop, a hedgehog club, suitable for 4 - 8 year olds and a Wildlife Discovery Club, suitable for children ages 8 and up. All activities aim to educate children through interactive games and crafts. Alternatively, Belfairs Wood Centre in Leigh-on-Sea are also holding events during the week, with a Family Funday on the Sunday 15th, and a Tree-mendous Tuesday on the 17th, a drop-off day for 8-13 year olds, with games and activities with an ecofriendly slant. And the fun isn’t just limited to these sites. They are plenty of goings-on in other Essex Wildlife Trust centres too, in and around the local area. Visit www.essexwt.org.uk for further details. So how about heading out ‘around town’ this February and trying to shake off those winter blues? By Around Town Journalist Jo Cook

PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS

12 MONTHS FULL RESIDENTIAL

Turn your dreams into reality

FULLY FURNISHED PARK HOMES & LODGES

WATERSIDE BAR & DINER 24 HOUR SECURITY PART EXCHANGE AVAILABLE SHOP - OPEN DAILY PET FRIENDLY

12 MONTH RESIDENTIAL

now APPROVED

Lodges from

£165,000 £124,950

OFFICE OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK - 12 MONTHS A YEAR

Tel: 01245 320054

www.leisureparksuk.co.uk

Burnham Road, Battlesbridge, Wickford, Essex SS11 7QT

Aaron Paving

(Essex)

have been providing

well designed, attractive driveways for

Glass & Glazing Services Single & Double Glazing Repair Specialist Tel: 01268 774 124 Mob: 07930 407 276

email: leonebner@hotmail.co.uk

Like us on Facebook LKE Glass & Glazing Services

L. McCARTHY

ELECTRICAL Lighting / Sockets Cooker & Hob Installation Fuseboards & Re-wiring Inspection & Testing PAT Testing All Works Fully Insured

All Aspects of Electrical Work Carried Out

07984 525567 24 HOUR CALL OUT

over 30 years. Our driveways and patios will add style and value to your home.

Office: 01277 228229 Mobile: 07816011065 Email: enquiries@aaronpaving.co.uk 19 Sylvia Avenue, Hutton, Brentwood Essex CM13 2HP www.aaronpaving.co.uk Company No. 8758287 VAT No. 176603496

Outside socket supplied and fitted For only *

£45 *While stocks last

Outside security light, Supplied and fitted for only

£65

*While stocks last

PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS

ELECTRICIAN With 34 years experience, we can help with any electrical issues! » » » » » »

Fault Finding Extra Sockets Lighting Showers Fuse Boxes Garden Lighting

CALL FOR

FREE ESTIMATES

EMERGENCY CALL OUTS NO JOB TOO SMALL OR TOO BIG WE DONT CHARGE THE EARTH

Call Dave on

07885750744 or 07874225752 deb1956@hotmail.co.uk

Limited

• Bathrooms and Kitchens • Boilers installed and serviced • Blockages • All leaks and repairs • Renovation and Refurbishment • Ongoing building maintenance

Please call us for a FREE QUOTE

01702 203 186

When woken in January by a singing thrush, I pondered why he chose to sing today, when most of winter is still to come. Maybe mild weather and lengthening days told him he could go beyond daily survival and to start to define his territory in readiness for spring. Alas, this thrush territory will soon be no more as the site is marked for three new houses. We are philosophical about it and the developer is sympathetic, promising not to clear vegetation during the breeding season. But nevertheless it will be one less family of these iconic garden songbirds which have been declining steadily in the last few decades. This is the problem - there is no mitigation in the planning system for its loss. The song thrush is one of the “squeezed middle” species. It is not seen as really threatened, as are the Great Crested Newts and Dormice which attract special protection endeavours and funding. Nor is it one of those animals, like the Crows, Woodpigeons, Blue Tits, Foxes and Grey Squirrels, that adapt to our environment without much deliberate help. The squeezed middle species Yellowhammers in the farmland, Hedgehogs, Common Frogs, Toads and many others decline inexorably, reducing variety and causing imbalance in the ecosystem. Leaving the garden for a walk in the countryside, the woods and farmland are quieter than recent winters, as we have fewer visitors due to warmer conditions in the east. A flock of fieldfares on the golf course, some resplendent bright pink bullfinches in a hawthorn next to fishing lakes and a very distant Brown Hare by a field margin gave some interest. As I write now we are at the beginning of a cold spell and the birds respond with almost frantic feeding. Sparrows and starlings, more of the squeezed middle species, are on the fat balls. Suddenly a blue tit gives a loud long trill, a warning, and all the birds dash for cover. I look up at the sparrowhawk as it flaps and glides nonchalantly over the gardens. The hawk powers upwards and soars away, looking for other hunting grounds. First out of the cover is a robin, perched on a cane, its orange breast glowing superbly in the low winter sun. I forget the worries for our wildlife and enjoy that moment, as a child might do, and am grateful for the wildlife we still have and to those who work to retain it. The sparrows have taught us that we cannot be complacent, common species can disappear rapidly from under our noses. We must watch, record, monitor, count. 4 Great Tits, 3 Blue Tits - then a small grey tit with a white patch on its neck snatches a sunflower heart and takes it into a low shrub. A Coal Tit, not seen everyday and it is these little unexpected additions to the regulars that add excitement to the gentle pleasure of watching wildlife.

Neilsumner123@aol.com follow me twitter.com/neilsumner123

We are a Hockley based family run business

PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS

HOCKLEY FLOORING Ltd

HANDYMAN DAVE

SPECIALIST IN

For all your general property maintenance, call Dave!

Karndean . Amtico Laminate Flooring Vinyl Flooring . Solid Woods All Brands of Carpets

Tiling Plastering Refurbishments Kitchens Bathrooms

Uplift Old Flooring and Dispose Move and Replace Furniture

» » » » »

Call or Visit our Showroom 9 Main Road, Hockley, SS5 4QY

NO JOB TOO SMALL OR TOO BIG

01702 200 232 sales@hockleyflooring.co.uk

CALL FOR

FREE ESTIMATES

Call Dave on

07885750744 or 07874225752 deb1956@hotmail.co.uk

At Cedat Tree Care we offer the following services:

Whatever your tree surgery needs talk to us today

01702 680393

www.cedar-treecare.co.uk

d d d d d d d d d d d d d d d d d

Tree work Tree felling Thinning Hedge trimming Pruning garden clearance Dead wood lopping Topping Reduction Seas Crown thinning Hard onal Crown lifting Logs Wood Crown reduction Avai lable Safety pruning Tree removal Bulk Stump removal Bag Cable bracing Firewood Very competitive prices

£70

PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS

Motorsport is sometimes scoffed at by enthusiasts who follow the more curricular sports such as Football, Tennis and Rugby, as a sport that is just as much about the machinery as it is the individual. A point that has and will be debated for years to come. However, there is no doubting that this individual pursuit is not for a person looking for a joyride round a track. Certain attributes are needed to become a top class driver, stamina, precision, skill and relentless concentration. In addition Lewis Hamilton has proved that when you are the best driver in Formula 1, it is certainly given the recognition it deserves, as he is the reigning Sports Personality of the year. It is a wonder how exactly someone realises they are particularly good at driving in order to pursue a dream from a young age. Of course, step one is to enjoy it as a pastime. Whether it be a local go-karting track or a even a fair ground bumper car ride that has set you on the path, but taking the next step to have a go at reaching the elite has always been something that I am fairly uneducated on. However, I have been in contact with a young starlet

locally that has set his eyes on becoming the next British racing car sensation. Luke Hilton is just 7 years old and is making waves in the world of Karting. Luke lives in Rayleigh and attends Thorpe Hall school in Southend and has amazingly been signed up by the Zip Kart racing team. For those who do not know, Zip Kart racing are the same team that signed, Lewis Hamilton, Jenson Button, Jason Plato and David Coulthard and Luke has broken the record of being the youngest ever driver to be signed at age 6, to out this into perspective Hamilton was age 8.

Luke now has his very own crash helmet design which was designed in partnership with Luke Hines the Zip team owner.

I spoke with Lukeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s father, Daniel, and he described how he started â&#x20AC;&#x153;Luke started karting when I took him to the Daytona corporate circuit in Milton Keynes and since passing his

learning he has not looked back. His natural ability has seen him win the Bambino championship races and he has now progressed to racing with 8-13 year olds and has won most of his races, I am so proud of him as he just enjoys racing and is only starting to realise how good he could be. It has all been about having fun, doing what he loves.â&#x20AC;? Luke is now trained by Luke Hines (Touring car driver) at Zip Kart whose father was Martin Hines, a famous world karting champion and founder of Zip Karting. While Luke is destined for great things, if others are looking to enjoy the thrill of karting with friends Rayleigh, Brentwood and Lakeside all have excellent tracks that make for a great day out. Please look online for further details.

Need print yesterday? Have you forgotten to get those invites printed? Do you need some leaflets now?

We can now help you with same day printing on loads of products!

GIVE US A CALL! Banners Bereavement Stationery Brochures Business Cards Colour Copying Invitations Invoice Pads Leaflets Newsletters Posters Tickets and much more...

01277 658444 ention

m Please

Town d n u o r A g to

orderin when up mped u b t e g e er Sam to Sup int!* Day Pr

01277 658444 blacksquarelitho.co.uk sales@blacksquarelitho.co.uk

Graphic House, Radford Way, Billericay, Essex CM12 0DX

*if available

PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS

WAREHOUSE CLEARANCE WAREHOUSE CLEARANCE HUNDREDS OF EXDISPLAY & SURPLUS GARAGE DOORS HUNDREDS OF EXDISPLAY SURPLUS GARAGE DOORS MUST BE&CLEARED WAREHOUSE CLEARANCE MUST BE CLEARED EX DEMO MODELS UP TO 75% OFF RRP

1 GARAGEOF DOORS SUPPLIED && FITTED FROM £395 INC VAT optionDOORS EX DEMO MODELS UPSURPLUS TO 75% OFF RRP HUNDREDS EXDISPLAY GARAGE FREE ELECTRIC OPERATOR ON SELECTED DOORS option 2 option 1 GARAGE DOORS SUPPLIED & FITTED FROM £395 INC VAT MUST BE CLEARED A LIMITED ONLY DOORS option 2 FREE ELECTRICFOR OPERATOR ONTIME SELECTED

EX DEMO MODELS UP TO 75% OFF RRP FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY GARAGE DOORS SUPPLIED & FITTED FROM £395 INC VAT option 1 Limited time only price FREE ELECTRIC OPERATOR ON SELECTED DOORS option 2 Limited time TIME onlyONLY price FOR A LIMITED

Limited time only price

7’6’’ x 7’0’’ Tudor GRP in xDark 7’6’’ 7’0’’Mahogany Supply fitted from Tudor GRP and in Dark Mahogany £495 7’6’’ inc vat Option 6 Supply and from xfitted 7’0’’ Tudor GRP invat Dark Mahogany £495 inc Option 6 Supply and fitted from £495 inc vat Option 6

7’0’’ x 7’0’’ Chevron GRP in7’0’’ Mahogany 7’0’’ x SupplyGRP and in fitted from Chevron Mahogany £495 7’0’’ inc Option 6 Supply andvat from xfitted 7’0’’ Chevron in Mahogany £495GRP inc vat Option 6 Supply and fitted from £495 inc vat Option 6

Special offers Special offers Special offers

7’0’’ x 7’0’’ Panelled 7’0’’Cedar x 7’0’’Wood Supply and fittedWood from Panelled Cedar £595 inc vat Option 6 Supply and fitted from 7’0’’ x 7’0’’ Panelled Cedar £595 inc vat Wood Option 6 Supply and fitted from £595 inc vat Option 6

Steel up & over Doors complete with Automation & 2 hand sets Steel up & Supplied over Doors complete with£925 Automation & 2 hand sets and fitted from inc vat option3 and fitted from inc vat option3 Electric Operator 25% off Doors Steel up &Supplied over Doors complete with£925 Automation & 2Front hand sets

Electric Operator 25% off Front Doors Supplied and fitted from £325inc and vat option 4 from £925 inc and Accessories Option 5 Supplied fitted vat option3 Supplied and fitted from £350inc vat option 4 and Accessories Electric Operator 25% off Front DoorsOption 5 Supplied and fitted from £325inc vat option 4

and Accessories Option 5

Unit 1, Upminster Trading Park, Warley Street, Upminster, RM14 3PJ UnitNOW 1, Upminster Trading Street, Upminster, RM14 3PJ CALL 01708 227042 orPark, EmailWarley upminster@accessgaragedoors.com Unit 1, Upminster Trading Warley Street, Upminster, RM14 3PJ CALL NOW 01708 227042 or Park, Emailwww.accessgaragedoors.com upminster@accessgaragedoors.com OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE Price for a 7'0''x6'6'' Horizontal White Steel Door with Canopy Gear to an existing timber frame CALLOption NOW 01708 227042 or Email upminster@accessgaragedoors.com OR1 VISIT OUR WEBSITE www.accessgaragedoors.com Option 2 Selected Ex display timber doors while stocks last. Option 1Horizontal Price for White a 7'0''x6'6'' Horizontal White Steel Door with Canopy an existing frame OR VISIT OUR www.accessgaragedoors.com Option 3 7'0''x6'6'' SteelWEBSITE Door with Ret Gear to an existing timber Gear frameto with Liftronictimber operator inc 2 handsets.

2 Horizontal Selected Ex display doors while Gear stocks Option 1 Price foroperator a Option 7'0''x6'6'' White Steel Door with Canopy to last. anup existing timber(8’0’’) framemaximum width. Option 4 Bernal/Novomatic 200 inc 2 handsets fitted to timber an existing retractable door to 2440mm Steel25Door with Ret Gear totimber an existing timber frame with Liftronic operator inc 2 handsets. Option 3 7'0''x6'6'' Horizontal White Option Selected ExHormann display doors doors while stocks last. Option Excludes Aluminium and fitting. Option 4 Bernal/Novomatic 200 operator inc 2 handsets fitted to an existing retractable door to 2440mm (8’0’’) maximum width. Option 3 7'0''x6'6'' Horizontal White Steel Door with Ret Gear to an existing timber frame with Bernal/Novomatic 200 operator inc 2frame. handsets. Option 6 Doors 1885FI,1906FI & 1441FI Colour and size only as shown fitted with Canopy orup Retractable gear to existing Optioninc 5 Excludes Hormann Aluminium doors anddoor fitting. up toextra 2440mm maximum width. Option 4 Bernal/Novomatic 200are operator handsets an existing retractable All prices subject to2site surveyfitted and to availability. Other works will incur cost(8’0’’) . Option 6 Doors 1885FI,1906FI & 1441FI Colour and sizeHormann only as shown fitted with and Canopy or Retractable gear to existing frame. Option 5 Excludes Aluminium doors fitting. Option 6 Doors 1885FI,1906FI & 1441FI Colour and size only shown fitted with Canopy Retractable gear All prices are subject to site survey and as availability. Other works willor incur extra cost . to existing frame. All prices are subject to site survey and availability. Other works will incur extra cost.

PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS

Paul and Lynne Moore started Granite Transformations in early 2004, after being inspired when Paul’s father went into the kitchen makeover business. Granite Transformations offer bespoke worktop resurfacing in the South Essex region, transforming kitchens, utility rooms and bathrooms, and have transformed over 2,000 homes with their unique offering. Lynne said ‘The product

offers customers the opportunity to revamp their tired kitchens… the worktops go over your existing tops like a glove, without the dust and inconvenience associated with ripping out existing worktops’.

for you to compare in your own lighting and surroundings…every kitchen is templated, made-to measure, and can usually be installed in one day! It’s the onestop kitchen renovation shop!’

With a showroom in Hornchurch and now a display in Altons Garden Centre, off the A127, the business has undergone several changes since its incarnation in 2004, but Paul, Lynne and their small team have not lost their commitment to providing customers with the ultimate service. Lynne said ‘We will visit your home with samples

When not busy with work Lynne and Paul enjoy family time with their children and three-year old English Springer. ‘Spare time is, unfortunately, something which usually eludes us during the week but, when we can, we enjoy family time with the children and 3 year old English Springer.’

To feature your business contact:

01277 658444 sales@aroundtownmagazines.co.uk

PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS

Call now 01702 256 018

DOWN HALL G A R D E N S E RV I C E S

For all local garden maintenance - friendly & professional. Showrooms open: Mon-Sat 10.00am-5,00pm 61 High Street, Hornchurch, RM11 1TP Alton Garden Centre on the A127, Wickford

www.granitetransformations.co.uk/southend southend@granitetransformations.co.uk Granite Transformations manufacture and install Granite, Stone, Quartz and Glass worktops Find us on www.checkatrade.co.uk/granitetransformationsromford/ Read unbiased reviews of the quality of our service and products

01268 785101 07761 958072

poplarvista@btinternet.com

PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS

ROTARY CLUB OF RAYLEIGH MILL Over the years our club has had numerous involvements with Southend University Hospital. We have supported both the Cardiac and Stroke units with new equipment which could not be funded by the NHS. In January we donated £2000 to the hospital, this time to help make the hospital more dementia friendly. A previous UK study reported that at any one time 25% of hospital beds were occupied by people with dementia. The hospital is trying to raise over £29000 to assist these patients with items such as bed and chair sensors to alert nurses when they want to get up, improved signs in different rooms, calendar clocks so that patients on the wards can tell the time easily, memory boxes to assist patients in establishing landmarks and wall mounted TVs and DVDs for each of the five wards/areas. Mica Day from the Hospital fundraising section received the donation at one of our January meetings. If any other individual or group wishes to help this worthwhile appeal, she can be contacted at Southend Hospital. Our meeting takes place at Mama Romantica Restaurant in Rayleigh High Street at 7.30pm on Monday nights. If you wish to visit us or know more please contact Andrew Shackleton on 01702 201783 or robertashackleton@ googlemail.com. Our website and Facebook page can also help you see what we do. www. rotary-ribi.org/clubs/homepage.php?ClubsID=1797 or put ‘Rotary Club of Rayleigh Mill’ into Facebook.

RAYLEIGH LIONS CLUB The Rayleigh Lions are holding their annual charity quiz night on the 20th February at the Hullbridge Community Centre, Poole’s Lane, Hullbridge and are inviting teams of 4 to 6 people to enter. There will be a bar with waiter service. Entry price is £4 per person. Prize money will be donated to the winners choice charity. Doors open at 7pm. Please come along on the night or book in advance by email membership.rayleighlions@gmail.com At our recent meeting donations were made to the Todman Centre to assist with repairs of their boiler as to enable them to fulfil their commitments of lunches. Also a karaoke machine was purchased for Little Havens Children’s Hospice which was an item on their wish list Looking forward to seeing you at our quiz night. Until next time... PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS

  GAS●PLUMBING●HEATING  GAS●PLUMBING●HEATING GAS●PLUMBING●HEATING GAS●PLUMBING●HEATING   Allmakes&modelsofboilersserviced Allmakes&modelsofboilersserviced Allmakes&modelsofboilersserviced andrepaired

Allmakes&modelsofboilersserviced andrepaired Allmakes&modelsofboilersserviced andrepaired CondensingBoilersandWarmAirUnits andrepaired CondensingBoilersandWarmAirUnits andrepaired CondensingBoilersandWarmAirUnits AllworkundertakenLeaksUpgrades CondensingBoilersandWarmAirUnits AllworkundertakenLeaksUpgrades CondensingBoilersandWarmAirUnits AllworkundertakenLeaksUpgrades Installations AllworkundertakenLeaksUpgrades AllworkundertakenLeaksUpgrades Installations Installations NoCallOutCharge Installations NoCallOutCharge Installations NoCallOutCharge OAPdiscountsavailable NoCallOutCharge OAPdiscountsavailable NoCallOutCharge OAPdiscountsavailable Fullpublicliabilityinsurance OAPdiscountsavailable Fullpublicliabilityinsurance OAPdiscountsavailable Fullpublicliabilityinsurance  FullyQualifiedEngineers  Fullpublicliabilityinsurance  FullyQualifiedEngineers Fullpublicliabilityinsurance FullyQualifiedEngineers   FullyQualifiedEngineers   FullyQualifiedEngineers Aprofessionalfamilyrunbusiness Aprofessionalfamilyrunbusiness 

Aprofessionalfamilyrunbusiness Honestandreliablewithover20yearsexperience Aprofessionalfamilyrunbusiness Honestandreliablewithover20yearsexperience Aprofessionalfamilyrunbusiness Honestandreliablewithover20yearsexperience ..fromatapwashertoafullheatingsystemcall.. Honestandreliablewithover20yearsexperience ..fromatapwashertoafullheatingsystemcall.. Honestandreliablewithover20yearsexperience ..fromatapwashertoafullheatingsystemcall.. ..fromatapwashertoafullheatingsystemcall.. ..fromatapwashertoafullheatingsystemcall..

01702435400 01702435400 01702435400 01702 435400

Pick-up and deliveries. All aspects of removals inc. house, garden waste, garage clearance. Free, fast quote on request.

07595 174 693

Registered Waste Carriers

PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS

Over 100 BRAND NEW Appliances in Stock • Washing Machines • Fridge Freezers • Gas & Electric Cookers

Call: 01268 745455

• Dishwashers & Tumble Dryers • Built in Appliances

FREE local delivery

within 5 mile radius

ConnECTion SErviCES • rEpAir & DiSpoSAl • DElivEry • BEST priCES in ToWn

www.rayleighdomesticappliances.co.uk RDA • 88 The Chase • Rayleigh • Essex • SS6 8RW

PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS

Light in the middle of darkness… Monday 2nd February is Candlemas Day. This ancient festival marks the midpoint of winter, halfway between the shortest day and the spring equinox. It was the day of the year when all the candles that were to be used in the church during the coming year were brought into church and a blessing was said over them so it was the Festival Day (or ‘mass’) of the Candles. Candles were important in those days not only because there was no electric lights. Some people thought they gave protection against plague and illness and famine. In pre-Christian times, this day was known as the ‘Feast of Lights’ and celebrated the increase strength of the lifegiving sun as winter gave way to spring. One traditional poem reflects this: Candle, candle, burning bright Winter’s halfway done tonight With a-glowing we are knowing Spring will come again

Today, in the Christian church, the festival of Candlemas observes the occasion when the Virgin Mary, in obedience to Jewish law, went to the Temple in Jerusalem both to be purified, forty days after the birth of her son, and to present Jesus to God as her firstborn (Luke Chapter 2, verses 22–38). The festival was formerly known in the Roman Catholic Church as the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary and is now known as the Presentation of the Lord. In the Anglican Church it is called the Presentation of Christ in the Temple. In the Greek Church it is called Hypapante (Meeting), in reference to Jesus’ meeting in the Temple with the aged Simeon. Simeon declares Jesus to be ‘a light to lighten the Gentiles and the glory of God’s people Israel.’ Before Jesus came to earth, it was as if everyone was ‘in the dark’. People often felt lost and lonely; afraid, as if they were on their own, with no one to help them. Then came Jesus with his message that he is with his followers always ready to help and comfort them; a guiding light to them in the darkness. We often talk of Jesus as ‘the light of the World’. It has been said that we live in a dark world, and the more recent events we have seen and heard about in all

forms of media has served to emphasise this. The earth, it seems, is disputed ground, which we have seen throughout history and continue to experience today in the world. Those who seek to dominate countries or peoples, or reign supreme, are widespread. When confronted with the reality of evil, we shouldn’t despair or be confused. When we don’t understand, we must take comfort in the fact that we have a God who is neither indifferent nor immune to our suffering. He is a Father who has buried a Son. Be comforted that it was love that sent Jesus to challenge those who fight over disputed ground. Be reassured that the Christian faith helps us grapple with the reality of evil in a way that most worldviews simply do not. How we react when the things we value most are threatened will reveal our true selves. Trust is our only option, as we live in our troubled world and as individuals to stand as a light in the middle of darkness… Yours in the love of Jesus, The Revd Canon Mike Lodge Team Rector Parish of Rayleigh 01268 742151 info@parishofrayleigh.org.uk www.parishofrayleigh.org.uk

The Revd Canon Mike Lodge

As a company we offer real value to our bathroom customers. We love nothing more than to bring an old tired bathroom back to life, by installing high end to budget products that simply transform your room.

Landscaping & Design Irrigation | Drainage & Flood Prevention | Decking | Fencing Sleeper Work www.essex-bathrooms.co.uk

07712 674877 | 01702 232979

01621 779239 07507 886832

www.gild-uk.com

Flat & Pitched Roofing Experts Industrial and Residential. Call or Text:

07522 247 989 or:

0871 662 7384 email: info@globalwaterproofing.co.uk www.globalwaterproofing.co.uk PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS

PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS

Car insurance prices have fallen 40% over the past two years, according to the AA. But with a rise in fraudulent claims, its latest index predicts an increase of up to 8% in 2015; others think 10% is possible. So to help you drive down costs, let me answer your most common questions… Q. Is this only something you can do if you’re at renewal? A. No, everyone should be checking their price right now, even if you only signed up to a new deal a few months ago. Unless you’ve claimed, you can usually cancel a policy for a fee of around £50 and get a refund for the rest of the year (though you won’t earn no claims for that year). It’s worth checking if it’s worth it. Q. My renewal’s only six weeks away, should I just wait? A. It’s likely if you did try and cancel and get a new policy now, the cancellation fee will diminish any savings – so that’s a bit futile. Yet there is another trick – www. aviva.co.uk, www.postoffice.co.uk and www.lv.com quotes last 60 days, so why not grab them now and you’re effectively locking in those prices in case they rise in the meantime. Q. Are the savings that great? Can’t you just auto-renew? A. Never just auto-renew without checking elsewhere, often it just lets insurers smack a price rise on you, as it knows apathy means many will keep paying more and more.

cover the same insurers, so combining a number of sites is the best way to really make a meaningful saving. My current top picks for a typical driver are www. moneysupermarket.com, www.confused. com, and www.comparethemarket.com Check insurers that comparisons miss. Comparison sites let you compare 100s of insurers quickly but they don’t capture the entire market. The biggies, including Aviva, www.directline.com and www. zurich.co.uk only offer their products directly.

― saved £500.” - Tweaking your job description can cut costs. I’m not saying lap dancers should call themselves cabinet ministers (or vice versa, heaven forbid). But these days many people have such specific job descriptions car insurers don’t list them, as Fabsternation tweeted: “Thanks. Changing from creative director to marketing manager saved £300.” See my fun car insurance job picker tool www. mse.me/jobpicker.

More than one car at home? Comparison sites can only cope with one car at once so don’t include multi-car discounts. Therefore you should always manually check those that offer it. The big one is www.admiral.com multi-car, but www. churchill.com, www.directline.com and www.privilege.com also offer it. I’m not saying they’ll win, but that you should check.

- Beware paying monthly. A monthly payment plan for your insurance is essentially a high-interest loan. For example, if your premium is £1,000 but you’re paying an APR of 25%, your insurance will actually cost £1,140 once you factor in the interest. So either pay in full, or if you can’t afford it, use a credit card with a lower APR or better still, a 0% credit card for spending, ensuring your repayments are big enough to clear it within a year.

Difficult to insure? Use a broker. If you’ve difficult circumstances (eg, past bans or big accidents) that make getting insurance difficult, a comparison site is less likely to help as these are mainly focused on ‘normal’ policies. You may be better off finding a local broker - see the British Insurance Brokers’ Association website (www.biba. org.uk), as these can sometimes find a cheaper deal for you.

I’m not saying auto-renewing will never be your cheapest option just that it should never be done without checking and comparing elsewhere first. Q. So it’s just a question of getting on a comparison site? A. That’s the route many use, but there are steps to really kick it up. It’s important to understand that there’s no one cheapest provider, so it’s a case of following a system. Never just do one comparison, you need a benchmark of a few comparisons to find out where’s cheapest. There’s a system to follow fully explained at www.mse.me/ carinsurance. In a nutshell… Combine comparison sites. They don’t all

Q. So it’s all pretty straightforward? A. Ah if only. Common-sense doesn’t always do the job… - Third party’s not always cheapest. Merely selecting comprehensive makes some insurers see you as a lower risk. So always check both. - Adding a responsible second driver can cut your costs. This can bring down your risk average and price ― of course, it must be someone who may drive your car. As Mazzyb5 tweeted: “Took your advice and added mum

Q. And any special tips for young drivers? A. With the average premium for a 17-22-year-old at an eye-watering £1,194 per year, young car drivers can be priced out ― all the techniques above will help, but if you’re not getting there, check ‘pay how you drive’ (telematics) this involves a device being fitted inside your car that monitors your actions behind the wheel. Full info in www.mse.me/youngdrivers.

ROCHFORD HUNDRED RUGBY CLUB Rochford Hundred Rugby Club is a local rugby club formed by three local residents in 1962 and today showcases rugby across all ages, ability and both genders covering over 20 teams. The 1st XV play in the RFU London 2 North East league and the clubs main focus is developing local players to as high a standard of rugby as it possibly can.

Main 1st XV Sponsors (please see below)

Remaining 1st XV Home Fixtures Saturday 21st February VS Campion Saturday 7th March VS Old Cooperians Saturday 28th March VS Enfield Ignations

- MAGNOLIA ROAD - HAWKWELL - ESSEX SS4 3AD Telephone 01702 544021 - Website WWW.ROCHFORDRUGBY.COM Twitter @ROCHFORDRUGBY - Facebook FACEBOOK.COM/ROCHFORDRUGBY THE RUGBY PARK

PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS

Constable Landscapes Ltd WE CAN TURN YOUR GARDEN INTO A PICTURE

For all your driveway and patio requirements,

ALL ASPECTS OF BUILDING WORK UNDERTAKEN EXTENSIONS & CONSERVATORIES GARAGE & LOFT CONVERSIONS KITCHENS & BATHROOMS DESIGNED & INSTALLED PLE

E NOT ASE

BRICKWORK & PAVING ou w : If y

01268 - 733225 07979 - 845835 o ish t

Our regular lawn mowing service starts at

£25

e mak

We offer competitive set prices for all our jobs

cha

Please call us with your requirements on

nge s to

01702 206604 or 07802 600973

this

Visit our website at www.constablelandscapes.co.uk

ork

artw se r

plea ond

esp in 7

with day s of the date is em

of th ail.

PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS

Naturally good... Apricot and passion fruit â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;flan de Quesoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; with spiced roasted pears

Ingredients for 4-6 servings: For the flan 120ml full fat milk 240ml double cream 100g full fat cream cheese 2 free range eggs 8 large moist dried apricots 1 tbsp honey One passion fruit 2 tbsp lemon juice For the roasted pears 2 pears Pinch ground cinnamon Pinch ground ginger 1 tbsp unsalted butter

Ryan Turner, real food and low-carb chef - www.thefoodbible.com

1. Preheat the oven to 300F/150c. 2. Place the milk and dried apricots into a small saucepan and bring to the boil. Then remove from the heat and leave to rest for 20 minutes to let the apricots soak up some moisture and become plump. 3. Prepare the passion fruit by scraping out the seeds into a sieve above a bowl, use a metal spoon to scrape the seeds against the sieve to remove as much of the juice as possible, discard the seeds and add the juice to the mixture. 4. Place all of the ingredients for the flan into a blender and blitz on full speed for 2 minutes until all of the ingredients are well combined and smooth, pass this mixture through a sieve into a jug and then use this to fill 4 ramekins (or 6 ramekins if you want smaller portions). 5. Place the ramekins into a large roasting tray and pour in enough hot, but not boiling, water to come halfway up their outsides. (This is called a bain-marie or water bath). 6. Place the bain-marie onto the center shelf of the oven being careful not to spill any water into the ramekins which will ruin the flans (a tip to make life easier is to place the baking dish with the ramekins halfway into the oven before adding the water to the dish). 7. Bake for 20-30 minutes or until the custards are just set but still a bit wobbly in the middle. Remove the ramekins from the water and set aside to cool to room temperature. Chill until needed for at least 3 hours but preferably overnight. 8. When you are ready to serve the flans, prepare the roasted pears. Peel, core and slice the pears and place onto a baking sheet. Sprinkle the pears with the ground ginger and cinnamon and add the butter. Place into a preheated oven at 350F/180c for approximately 20 minutes until the pears are soft and the edges are turning golden brown and caramelized. 9. Spoon the roasted pears on top of the flans and serve.

PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS

USEFUL NUMBERS

BIRTH, DEATH MARRIAGES REGISTRATION

01268 361350 01268 361351

POLICE Rayleigh Police Station

0300 333 4444

HOSPITALS Brentwood Hospital Basildon Hospital Broomfield Hospital Essex Nuffield Hospital Queen’s Romford Southend Hospital Spire Hartswood Hospital

01277 695000 0845 1553111 01245 443673 0800 688699 0845 1304204 01702 435555 01277 232525

HELPLINES Alcoholics Anonymous Childline DIAL Disability Helpline Drugline Essex In Focus (family disabilities support)

Narcotics Anonymous Parentline Samaritans S. Essex Rape and Incest Crisis Centre Victim Support Essex Women’s Refuge

CHEMISTS Boots the Chemist, Rayleigh 01268 771883 Audley Mills, Rayleigh

01268 776479

Lloyds Pharmacy, Rayleigh

01268 771703

Grange Pharmacy, Rayleigh 01268 784192 Hambro, Rayleigh

01268 781623

Yardley Chemist

01268 743283

BLOOD TEST Booking Line NHS Direct

01245 256147 0800 11 11 11 01268 294400/1 01708 749151 01245 353575 0300 9991212 0808 8002222 08457 909090 01375 380609 0845 4565995 01268 541140

01268 242159 0845 4647

ROAD & TRAVEL UPDATES Essex Travel www.bbc.co.uk/travelnews/essex COUNCILS Rochford District Council

01702 546366

Rayleigh Town Council

01268 741880

TRANSPORT Bus Service

0870 6082608

Rail Service

08457 484950

TAXIS Rayleigh Taxi Bestax Abba Cars Cab Call

01268 531888 01268 777300 01268 771666 01268 777300

UTILITIES Anglian Water 0345 145145 Electricity – Power Supply Problems 0800 7838838 Gas – Urgent Calls / Gas Escapes 0800 111999 Minicom – Transco 0800 371787 Thames Water (Supply or Wastewater Services) 0845 9200800 Three Valleys Water 0345 823333 Water – Essex & Suffolk Water 01245 491234 VETS YourVets Vets4Pets Rochford Veterinary Surgery Downes Vets Medivet LIBRARIES Rayleigh

01268 745180 01268 772283 01702 545558 01268 776883 01702 413902

0845 603 7628

PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS

www.hometec.co.uk

At last a company you can

Why?

trust.

• Local Family Run Business • 95% of our work is recommendation • 25 years of continuous trading • Founder member of DGCOS • All our own installation teams • Thousands of local installations • ‘A’ rated high security product • Outlived our guarantee 2.5 times • Quotes valid for one year • Local showrooms

“I strongly recommend that you use a DGCOS member.” Nick Ross

For all your home improvement needs

Call us for a free and friendly quote

01702 421421 sales@hometec.co.uk