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

June 2015 Edition 19 Delivered to 15,000 Homes & Businesses in Rayleigh aroundtownmagazines.co.uk

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... Around Towners to YOUR Rayleigh community magazine! June is upon us, which means the Summer is here! Although, as I write this on a cold, wet Monday afternoon in May, it’s hard to believe... Still, we remain positive and think about the fun that can be had in fair weather at our local parks and outdoor spaces. Following last months General Election, the Conservatives regain their seat in the district. See Mark Francois article inside for a special thank you to everyone who voted ‘blue’. And commiserations to the other parties standing. The third title to the Around Town family – Around Town Upminster – is out now, on its second edition. We have had some great feedback and responses from the area and we couldn’t be happier. With all the regular reports, local businesses & events and more inside, we hope you enjoy this edition of Around Town Magazine. Until next time...

From the Around Town Team

Features 7 Nature Notes EWT Volunteer Neil Sumner 10 Rayleigh Lions Club / Rotary Club of Rayleigh Mill Organisations ‘Around Town’ 13 Know Your Tradesmen Down Hall Garden Services 16 A View from the Church Rev. Mike Lodge Why Advertise?

18 Mark Francois Political Update 20 Around Town Sports Focuses on Tennis 22 - 23 Martin Lewis The Money Saving Expert 24 Recipe Chicken Tikka Masala 26 What’s On When & Where... 27 Useful Numbers

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.

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Copyright 2015. Around Town Rayleigh 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.

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SOUTHEND FLYING CLUB www.southendflyingclub.co.uk

From the rail station I walked through the streets, and into Hockley Woods. It was 1st May and the sight of the trees with their fresh green leaves gave a great sense of anticipation. Alongside the paths, Bluebells abounded and in some places these were mixed with the white of Lesser Stitchwort and Yellow Archangel. The areas of understorey and woodland flowers gave off a fresh perfume of spring. There was at first a reasonable mix of bird-song, especially from melodic Blackcaps and repetitive Chiff-chaffs, but at times it was quiet. In many Essex woodlands we have very few sub-Saharan migrants nowadays so after April the birds have established their territories. At one point there was a brief total silence but this was soon broken by a burst from a Wren. Looking towards the sound I spotted a Stoat which climbed over a log pile and disappeared into the coppiced undergrowth. I went into the neighbouring farmland, and was greeted with a vista into the Roach valley and the houses beyond. Over the horizon, the sky colour brightened, reminding me of the estuary that lay beyond. With binoculars I and picked out a Sparrowhawk being shadowed by two Swallows and causing a little group of pigeons to fly in a tight cluster. Along the path there were no hedgerows and once again it was briefly without bird-song, until a Skylark rose out of the golden rape which rolls down to Cherry Orchard Jublilee Country Park. Passing the edge of a private wood with a magnificent display of Bluebells, I paused to watch a great spotted woodpecker hammering at an old Hornbeam tree. The next wood was a canopy with no understorey or flowers and criss-crossed with paths. I imagined a dangling knotted rope and remembered a boyhood often spent climbing trees and making swings. Into the Country Park alongside the river, the bird-song picked up. Whitethroats performed from the bramble and hawthorn, more Swallows skimmed the grass and parties of Linnets picked at the dandelion heads. Orange-tipped and Comma butterflies flew along the scrub by the path and a few Bumblebees whizzed over the rape. As the day warmed and the thermals rose 4 Buzzards soared over the woods, joined by a Marsh Harrier.

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This is a Living Landscape. In June, the birds will become quieter but the butterflies will increase and dragonflies should emerge from the lake. There is much here to be conserved and there is more we can do to improve the biodiversity and generate more benefits for ourselves. There is much woodland and open space and there is room for recreation, wildlife and the economy. The Friends of Cherry Orchard Country Park are already working with Rochford Council to this aim and Essex Wildlife Trust have drafted a Vision Document for the area, identifying what is special and suggesting what can be done to make it more so – new ponds and wet woodlands, for example, and new outdoor activities. It will need the support of the local community to do this. If you would like to know more about this initiative please get in touch. (photo credits www.swallowbirding.co.uk, http://www.friendsofcherryorchardpark.org/

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ROTARY CLUB OF RAYLEIGH MILL During the afternoon of June 6th members of our Rotary Club will be joining other clubs from the Southend area and surrounding districts to attempt a World Record! Our District Governor is organising what we hope will be ‘The World’s Biggest Quiz’ at Southend United Football Ground. We obviously hope that we will have enough people, Rotarians and others, to get into the Guinness Book of Records but it is bound to be a success as profits from the event will be going to Lancaster Special needs School in Southend. Details can be found at www. rotarybigquix.org. The club is also moving its meeting location from June. We will now meet at the Rayleigh Golf and Country Club, Hullbridge Road, Rayleigh with the meetings starting at 7pm. If you wish to visit us or know more about the Club 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.rotaryribi.org/clubs/homepage.php?ClubsID=1797 or put ‘Rotary Club of Rayleigh Mill’ into Facebook.

RAYLEIGH LIONS CLUB The Lions Club of Rayleigh is part of the International Association of Lions Clubs, and our primary aim is to raise and distribute funds within out local area. The Lions Club Of Rayleigh was chartered in 1974 and serves the Rayleigh, Hockley, Hullbridge and Rochford areas. Our club is a Voluntary Service Organisation and a registered charity, we are always looking for people willing to help make their community a better place to live. By visiting our website, you will be able to find out about the work of the international organisation of Lions and the Lions Club of Rayleigh in particular, including our activities and also details of forthcoming events, and who to contact for further information. Our club meets on the 1st (business) & 3rd (social) Tuesdays in every month in Rayleigh. Guests are always welcome. http://www.rayleighlions.org.uk

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The Art of Discovery… I am excited to announce the launch of the first Rayleigh Art Trail, from Thursday 11th June to Saturday 20th June. The Rayleigh Art Trail is coordinated in partnership with Rayleigh Town Team and is proud to be part of the Essex Summer of Art initiative. The Town Team’s aim is to establish Rayleigh Town Centre and surrounding district as a unique destination with something for everyone. It is working to achieve this by raising awareness of the unique historic character and historic buildings and places that can be visited in Rayleigh, highlighting to a wide audience the unique opportunities that Rayleigh has to offer… Did you know that when William the Conqueror invaded England in 1066 one of his first acts was to order the building of a network of castles. Robert Fitzwymarc who held the ‘Honour of Rayleigh’ before the invasion was one of few allowed to retain his land and

he built his castle in Clavering in the north of Essex. It was his son Sweyne who built Rayleigh’s Motte & Bailey. It is the only Essex castle mentioned in the Domesday Book. After the castle fell in to disuse, it was used for grazing sheep. The castle is known now as Rayleigh Mount and is managed by the National Trust. Did you also know that the first documented mention of a windmill in Rayleigh dates from 1300 when King Edward I instructed the Prior of Prittlewell to erect a mill in Rayleigh. In 1793 a second mill was erected close by and the name of the road was changed to Two Mill Lane. Both these mills were demolished in the 1880s. There was conjecture for many years as to the date that Rayleigh’s remaining mill was built but recent research attributes the date to 1809. You can discover more about Rayleigh’s history by taking the Rayleigh Heritage Trail. See the High Street notice board. Embracing our unique town, the Town Team exists to co-ordinate and mutually publicise events run by different organisations in the town centre and deliver initiatives and events to attract people to Rayleigh, including our first Art Trail by showcasing local art culture.Local businesses, Rayleigh Library and Churches in the High Street and Eastwood Road area of the town are hosting artworks in their

premises over the ten day period, displayingseventeen local artists, two Rayleigh Art Groups and pupils’ artwork from The FitzWimarc and Sweyne Park Schools. Featured artists include wood turner Clive Lewis and science and astronomy artist Steve Lodge. Steve will also be running a Space Art workshop, on Saturday 13 June, in Rayleigh Parish Centre, behind Holy Trinity Church. Other local artists will also be hosting workshops. Other highlights will include free guided tours of the trail by artists and local people. There will also be the opportunity to scale Holy Trinity Church’s Tower on Saturday 13 June, which provides stunning 360 degree views of the County from Southend and the Thames Estuary to Canary Wharf in London. Rayleigh Art Trail guides will be available across the town and where you see the Rayleigh Art Trail Logo, providing a map and details of all the artists and venues so that you can discover some exciting artwork and find places in Rayleigh you haven’t been to before…! 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

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I AM VERY GLAD TO HAVE BEEN RE-ELECTED AS YOUR MP At the General Election on the

represent all of my constituents,

two and a half years at the

7th May I was very pleased to

whatever their personal politics

Ministry Defence but I have now

Member

might be. Over the last 14 years

been moved to become Minister of

of Parliament for Rayleigh and

I have run over 300 constituency

Wickford after a long 6 week

advice

re-elected

the

election campaign. I have served the constituency for 14 years and I am very grateful to my constituents for placing their faith in me to continue serving them for another

surgeries

and

have

pledged to continue doing that so if anyone needs to come and see me they are encouraged to ring the constituency office on 01268

State at the Department of Local Government

and

forward to. I would like to conclude by thanking my constituents for their support

742 044 in order to make an

and I look forward

appointment.

to continuing to

While I was re-elected with a

I have also changed ministerial

work

majority of over 17,000 votes, I

roles having had a very enjoyable

them in the future.

five year term as their local MP.

do realise of course that not all of my constituents will have voted for me and, as I said during the campaign, I will work to try and

Communities

– a new challenge I am looking

hard

for

MARK FRANCOIS

Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for Rayleigh & Wickford

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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 club’s main focus is developing local players to as high a standard of rugby as it possibly can.

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It is sometimes hard to know when summer has started in England, especially in recent years, but certain events help remind us that summer months are approaching. With the winter sport seasons drawing to a close, sports fans around the world will turn their attention to London as Wimbledon captures the British public for two weeks. Even those who are not avid Tennis followers will tend to keep updated with the progress of the tournament. Strawberries and cream, dressing in all white, the temperamental weather and the chance of Cliff Richard breaking into song ensures that Wimbledon has kept its traditional British feel. Andy Murray gave Britain something to cheer about when he won the title in 2013, a year after when he claimed Olympic Gold on Centre Court. However, as well as turning our focus to the sport globally, I wanted to focus on the local scene and whether or not we had clubs nearby that are perhaps nurturing the next British Tennis star. I have been speaking to the club coach at The Rayleigh Lawn Tennis club, Ryan Wilson, about tennis on a local level as well as the national game. How long have you been at the club and how did you become a coach in Rayleigh? I have been a member of the club since I was 7 years old so around 27 years. I became their Head Coach in 2008 when the previous coach left. I had just over 2 years experiences from Deanes and a David Lloyd Centre, so when the opportunity arose, to become Head Coach at the club I had always played at, I jumped at the chance. How do locals join up? We always encourage people to come down and join in with one of our coaching sessions or one or our organised club social play sessions. The first session at our club is always free. Generally juniors and beginner/improver level adults would start with a free coaching session. More experienced adults that already play may choose to come along to one of the club social playing events. We provide plenty of coaching and social play opportunities during the day, afterschool, weekends and some weekday evenings. These sessions can be arranged through me, by emailing ryangwilson@hotmail.co.uk and membership enquiries can be made

through lynnpiper28@gmail.com What does the club do for youngsters? And what about the adults? We have plenty of junior classes Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday at various times and we always field plenty of junior teams in local competitions. We also provide plenty of opportunities for adults. We have adult classes for beginners and upwards on Saturdays at 12.30pm, Sunday mornings at 9am, a Tuesday morning ladies class. We are aiming at starting a brand new group for beginners Fridays at 10am. Adults looking to start tennis can contact me to arrange a discounted first private lesson or a free group lesson by e-mailing. For more advanced players we have club social play, Saturday afternoon, Sunday mornings, Monday and Wednesday afternoons from 1pm and Wednesday evenings from 6pm. For those that are a bit more competitive, we field a large number of teams in local competitions such as the Essex Leagues, Leigh & Westcliff Leagues and the Southend & District Leagues. Also coming soon is the Rayleigh Junior Schools Tournament for Years 3&4 pupils. Several hundred pupils from Rayleigh Junior Schools take part and in the tournament that will get underway with Grovewood Junior School on 29th June. I will visit the rest of the Rayleigh junior schools over Wimbledon fortnight, all the individual class winners are invited back to our club for the finals on Sunday 12th July (Wimbledon Mens Final Day). I think Tennis still has a ‘rich person’s sport’ tag attached. I think a lot of people think it is going to cost a lot monthly for them or their child to be a member, where as other sports may not have that financial commitment to think of? Is that fair to say? And what would you say to people of this mind set? I would say it is far less of a “rich persons” sport than it used to be. A tennis group class generally costs around £5 hour which I don’t believe is to different from fees for other sports. I would say it is now affordable for most people to play the sport, however to reach higher levels, that is unfortunately when the money comes into it. Private lessons are a must for those wanting to reach the top of the sport. With Wimbledon fast approaching, I

expect the local park courts will be full again, what are the advantages of coming down to the Lawn Tennis Club over the local park? 1. The Synthetic Grass Court surface at Rayleigh Lawn tennis Club is far superior to the hard concrete surface of the local parks. Being synthetic grass, it is far kinder on the knees and joints than a harder surface that you will often find at local parks. Also the ball bounces higher on hard/concrete surface found at local parks, this makes it more difficult for beginner adults and young juniors to control their shots. 2. The Club environment offers quality coaching and the option of either private or group coaching; this is needed for those that want to improve their level of play. 3. The Club offers more of a social environment; Rayleigh Lawn has club social plays for adults on, Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Wednesday afternoons and Wednesday evenings. The club also has plenty of social evenings in the newly refurbished Bar Area of the Club Pavillion such as quiz nights, BBQ’s etc. It seems that whether you are looking for a competitive Tennis or a social game with locals, the Rayleigh Lawn Tennis club have it wrapped up. See across the page their advert for details if you have any questions or are interested in joining. No doubt Andy Murray, Roger Federer and the Williams sisters will have you searching in the shed for the Tennis racket again!

Nokes & Co, Squire House, 81-87 High Street, Billericay, Essex CM12 9AS 01277 633971

07949 266321

mark@nokesandco.co.uk

www.nokesandco.co.uk

Rayleigh Lawn Tennis Club www.rayleighlawn.co.uk Watchfield Lane, Rayleigh SS6 7SG

Limited

Adult and Junior Lessons with 2013 Essex Tennis Coach of the Year

FIRST GROUP SESSION IS FREE Adult Memberships available from only £75 a Year

Junior Memberships available from £40 a Year Book a space in one of our Free Adult Open Sessions: Saturday 27th June 12.30-1.30pm Sunday 28th June 9am – 10am Tuesday 30th June 11am – 12pm To Book a space Email: ryangwilson@hotmail.co.uk

rayleighlawn.co.uk

(for more about the club and membership)

rayleightennisacademy.co.uk (for more info on coaching and juniors)

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Tastes so good... SLOW COOKED CHICKEN TIKKA MASALA

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Equipment: Processor

4 chicken breasts, cubed 2cm fresh ginger root, peeled and grated 3 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed 1 small red chili, chopped and deseeded 1 teaspoon ground coriander 2 teaspoons garam masala 1 red bell pepper, deseeded and cut into chunks 1 medium sized onion, peeled and chopped 2 tablespoons sunflower oil 1 can plum peeled tomatoes 2 tablespoons tomato puree 100ml creme fraiche, or sour cream Good handful of fresh coriander, finely chopped ( garnish)

Method: In a processor place the ginger, garlic, chili, ground coriander, garam masala, red bell pepper, onion and sunflower oil. Process until you achieve a paste. Put the chicken in a bowl and add the paste. Stir and coat each chunk of chicken in the mixture. Mix the tomato puree with the canned tomatoes. Place the chicken into the crock pot and pour the tomato mixture over the top. Cook on a medium heat for 4 -5 hours until the chicken is beautifully tender and succulent When ready to serve gently stir in the creme fraiche whilst still in the slow cooker and serve on a bed of wild rice, garnished with the chopped coriander. Diane Johnson

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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

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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

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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

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