G H L E I R A Y 6 2 0 1 0 1 .
join the new mini revolution. Visit www.fairfieldmini.co.uk or call 01702 429429
FairfieldMINI
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
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
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 • Aircraft-Style Fold • Extra • Leg Deep Room 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
CONTENTS 6 14
6 Mark Francois 10 Nature Notes 12 Martin Lewis 15 Know Your Tradesmen 21 18 Recipe 20 A View from the Church 22 Rotary Club / Lions Club 24 Around Town Sports 26 The Cook Report 27 Competition! 27 Useful Numbers Political Update
EWT Volunteer Neil Sumner
10
Money Saving Expert
Hockley Flooring
WI Christmas Recipe
EssexMaintenanceApr14 07 April 2014 15:38:43
Rev. Mike Lodge
Organisations Around Town
Focuses on Darts
Get Out and About Around Town
Winner
Edition 26
To advertise contact our Sales Team today, details below. Booking deadline for our February edition is: Thursday 14th January
Copyright 2016. 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.
LOWER BARN
Around Town Magazines Graphic House, Radford Way, Billericay CM12 0DX
KITCHENS & COOKERS
LOWER BARN
STOVES & FIREPLACES
LO
LANDS
01277 658444
www.aroundtownmagazines.co.uk sales@aroundtownmagazine.co.uk
cast my vote in the House of Commons recently in favour of such airstrikes and I wanted to take this opportunity to explain why.
MARK FRANCOIS ConservativeParliamentary MP for Rayleigh & Wickford
The question of whether to allow RAF aircraft to bomb ISIL (Daesh) targets in Syria has been controversial. I
We were already involved in airstrikes alongside our Coalition allies in Iraq. What was at stake was not the principle of airstrikes themselves, but whether the RAF should be allowed to extend these strikes into Syria too, including the ISIL headquarters of Raqqa. This action has the strong legal basis of a UN Security Council Resolution, No 2249, which calls for “all necessary measures� to prevent further terrorist attacks by ISIL.
Our Coalition allies are already involved in airstrikes in Syria, with both the United States and Russia now attacking ISIL targets, as is France, in the aftermath of the horrific attacks which we witnessed in Paris. ISIL is an implacable opponent which has already planned terrorist attacks against the UK too, a number of which have already been foiled by our own security services. I believe that given the murderous nature of ISIL, as we also saw in the attack in Tunisia, we need to stand with our Coalition allies in carrying the battle against ISIL to its heartland, by attacking targets in Syria too.
Holiday in Cathar Country In the South of France 30 minutes from Carcassonne For further information go to holidaylettings.co.uk property reference 77726
6
PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS
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, abilities 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.
HAS THE RUGBY WORLD CUP GOT YOUR ATTENTION? WOULD YOU LIKE TO TRY RUGBY? We are looking for men, ladies, girls and boys of all ages and abilities to continue the legacy of the World Cup for many years to come.
FED UP OF HIGH WEEKLY SPORTS FEES? ALL KIDS PLAY RUGBY FOR FREE* Reception to Year 7 is Saturday mornings 10am - 12pm Year 8 to Year 11 and Ladies is Wednesday evenings 7pm - 8.30pm Mens, Year 12 and Year 13 is Tuesday and Thursday evenings 7pm - 9.00pm
COME ALONG AND HAVE A GO - YOU’LL LOVE IT! SOCIAL AND CORPORATE EVENTS
GIRLS AND WOMENS TEAMS
REDUCED BAR PRICES
MULTI FUNCTION VENUE FOR ALL EVENTS
FREE CLUBHOUSE HIRE *
FAMILY ORIENTATED CLUB
* With every FULL or PLAYING membership
Main 1st XV Sponsors (please see below)
- MAGNOLIA ROAD - HAWKWELL - ESSEX SS4 3AD Telephone 01702 544021 - Website WWW.ROCHFORDRUGBY.COM Twitter @ROCHFORDRUGBY - Facebook FACEBOOK.COM/ROCHFORDRUGBY THE RUGBY PARK
Celebrate the New Year
with a Quality Kitchen Makeover
Yea New rS ale !
T& As C’s k ap us ply f ful or l d de eta ils tail av s aila ble .
With a quality Dream Doors facelift you can save £1000’s, and it will only take a few days to install.
Save Time and Money with Less Disruption! • Trusted reputation • Large choice of doors, worktops, appliances and accessories • 50% deposit balance on completion
Kitchen
Before..!
Call Jai for your FREE quote on 01702 713533 Visit our showroom: 1741 London Road, Leigh on Sea, Essex SS9 2SW
www.dreamdoors.co.uk
8
EST.
1999
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 Rayleigh 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
The Hockley Flower Shop
Nature Notes Written by Neil Sumner
Neilsumner123@aol.com twitter.com/neilsumner123
Fresh flowers for all occasions Hand made pots & Silk flowers Balloons & Plants
01702 826565 info@thehockleyflowershop.co.uk www.thehockleyflowershop.co.uk
Project2_Layout 1 01/12/2015 12:14 Page 1
24 HR EMERGENCY
SERVICE • Tree Pruning • Shaping • Precision Felling • Thinning • Stump Grinding • Ground Maintenance • Dead Wooding
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.
Call us now:
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
www.tree-king.co.uk
Wishing you A Happy New Year and one filled with the wonders of nature.
. Qualified . Licensed . Insured . Based in Rayleigh Discounts Available for OAP & Disable in the local area
LOGS FOR SALE 01268 857550 10
“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.
07719 837777
PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS
COME JOIN IN JANUARY!
FREE TRIAL SESSIONS FOR THE NEW YEAR
s 4 - 6 yr 5am .1 0 1 9.15am 17 yrs 7m - 1pm 10.30a
Saturday 9th & 16th January (4-17 yrs) Sweyne Park School, Rayleigh
Call Catherine on 07787 570760 / 01268 683512 or email rayleighwest@razzamataz.co.uk
Book now to avoid disappointment - Limited Availability!
WING M NLEOOR ROOPEN W NOG M F OW I NSHE OORW OO N ON R PE FL OW O SHNOW
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 FREE
best in flooring under one roof New Bona All theAll the best & in DISTRIBUTOR flooring under one roof Sanding Special offers RETAILER Apple Flooring are authorised Machines Sanding underlay with home Surveys. Ask us about are available AppleforFlooring are authorised on Kahrs £12.99 undercutting your distributors all these brands Machines 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 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 underlay07956 with 528 Ask us about www.appleflooring.co.uk Telephone: 01268 525 525 Mobile: are 528 available 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 on Kahrs flooring from Engineered
Free Samples, Engineered Oak Free Samples, Quotations & in flooring from home Surveys. Quotations & in
New Bona
£12.99 FREE £12.99 Telephone: 01268 525 525 Mobile: 07956 528 528 25 Bakers Court Retail Park, Paycocke Road, Basildon, Essex SS14 3EH Telephone: 01268 525 525 Mobile: 07956 528 528
www.appleflooring.co.uk Email: appleflooring@live.co.uk www.appleflooring.co.uk
PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS
11
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.
10
EssexMaintenanceApr14 07 April 2014 15:38:43
14
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 Trading Standards Approved with a shop offering prices as low as the internet, free installation, seven years trading history with over 3000 Custom Plantation Shutters installed, offering a five year warranty on both product and workmanship, you can certainly Buy With Confidence, just as our many reviews say. Our shop is open Monday to Saturday 9am-5pm Sundays by appointment only.
Call the original Custom Plantation Shutters Shop CP Shutters for a free survey today!
01708 76 57 76 It really isEasyCP with CP Shutters 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
15
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
we uplift old flooring and dispose move andyour replace you furniture including kitchen appliances move andinstalled replace you furniture including kitchen appliances all newly areas left clean and vacuumed all installed areas clean and vacuumed we newly guarantee to beat anyleft genuine written quote we guarantee to beat any genuine written quote
products products
Aprofessionalfamilyrunbusiness Honestandreliablewithover20yearsexperience Aprofessionalfamilyrunbusiness Honestandreliablewithover20yearsexperience Aprofessionalfamilyrunbusiness Honestandreliablewithover20yearsexperience ..fromatapwashertoafullheatingsystemcall.. Honestandreliablewithover20yearsexperience ..fromatapwashertoafullheatingsystemcall.. Honestandreliablewithover20yearsexperience ..fromatapwashertoafullheatingsystemcall.. ..fromatapwashertoafullheatingsystemcall.. ..fromatapwashertoafullheatingsystemcall..
01702435400 01702435400 01702435400 01702 435400
we uplift your old flooring and dispose
all commercial flooring supplied and installed all commercial flooring supplied and installed
all major brands of carpets all major brands of carpets
karndean flooring
amtico flooring
karndean flooring
amtico flooring
solid woods and pre-engineers woods solid woods and pre-engineers woods
laminated flooring
cushion flooring
laminated flooring
cushion flooring
12% OFF ALL FLOORING IN free JANUARY estimate and
01702 200232 e. sales@hockleyflooring.co.uk 01702 200232 w. www.hockleyflooring.co.uk
e. sales@hockleyflooring.co.uk 9 main road, hockley, essex ss4 4qy w. www.hockleyflooring.co.uk 9 main road, hockley, essex ss4 4qy hockley_flooring_a5_flyer.indd 1
measuring services free estimate and all our fitting works measuring services guaranteed all our fitting works guaranteed
02/03/2015 12:11
hockley_flooring_a5_flyer.indd 1
02/03/2015 12:11
Nokes & Co, Squire House, 81-87 High Street, Billericay, Essex CM12 9AS 01277 633971
16
07949 266321
mark@nokesandco.co.uk
www.nokesandco.co.uk
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
REPAIR SPECIALIST
Glass & Glazing Services Single & Double Glazing Repair Specialist
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
Like us on Facebook LKE Glass & Glazing Services
DOWN HALL G A R D E N S E RV I C E S
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.
For all local garden maintenance - friendly & professional.
Tim Poulter
info@essex-bathrooms.co.uk www.essex-bathrooms.co.uk
07712 674877 | 01702 232979
01268 785101 07761 958072
poplarvista@btinternet.com
PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS
17
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
HANDYMAN DAVE For all your general property maintenance, call Dave! » » » » »
Tiling Plastering Refurbishments Kitchens Bathrooms
Limited
CALL FOR
FREE ESTIMATES
NO JOB TOO SMALL OR TOO BIG
• 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
Call Dave on
07885750744 or 07874225752 deb1956@hotmail.co.uk
On site survey Full installation service
01702 203 186 We are a Hockley based family run business
Plastering, Electrics, Gas Insallation or Supply only .
PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS
19
form of a dove, descends towards Jesus.
Revd Canon Mike Lodge
From Birth to Baptism… and a journey into life… Following on from Christmas and the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, the New Year brings us the remembrance of His Baptism, not as a child, but at the beginning of his work on earth as an adult.This was no ordinary Baptism, but one that was to surprise and challenge, performed by another extraordinary individual, John the Baptist. We know that John wore clothing made of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, who ate locusts and wild honey. He appeared in the wilderness,speaking to many excited and noisy people who were eager to hear the message that he brought to them,the banks of the River Jordan lined with many enthusiastic onlookers. The message, though, was a thought-provoking one, calling the people to turn their backs on all the wrong in their lives, to seek God’s forgiveness, and to be baptised; washing away the past to enable them to begin new lives with renewed purpose. John knew Jesus well; after all, they were cousins, but he recognised Jesus as very special, telling the people that Jesus would baptise them even more powerfully than he could.Nonetheless, then and there, Jesus asks his cousin to baptise him along with everyone else. This is to be a baptism like no other in front of all the crowds, and, as Jesus emerges from the water,God declares him to be his Son and the Holy Spirit, in the
The baptism of Jesus is in many ways puzzling. Why did Jesus, who had done nothing wrong, need to be baptised for the forgiveness of sin? Although mystery remains surrounding this event, it is a key moment in history, and has deep meaning.The image of the Holy Spirit as a dove and the waters recall the first creation, as this Spirit-filled Son launches a new creation. Jesus’ baptism declareshis identification with humanity and anticipates his death for the sins of the world and his rising from the water points to his resurrection, which will bring eternal life, here and now. Baptism for us today, as individuals, is possible at any time as a personal response to God’s love - a desire and a commitment to respond to God’s call to follow the example of Jesus Christ. It is also a celebration, a time to come together with family and friends; remembering that we are loved by God, are part of a wider community, affirming in public that we are Christians, followers of Jesus. At the point you are baptised, you may be either fully immersed in water, as Jesus was in the river Jordan, or you may simply have water poured on your head! And if you are a parent of a child, Baptism (or Christening, as it’s sometimes called) can be the start of an amazing journey of faith. Over the years to come a journey you’ll share together by being there for your child to talk to about the bigger questions of life – questions about hope, faith and love, praying for your child through the ups and downs of their faith journey, showing them practically how to make those good choices in life and helping them to learn more about their Christian faith. It is by the power of the Holy Spirit; that same Spirit that descended upon Jesus at his baptism, that we can, and will, be strengthened and guided on a journey into life… With God’s rich blessing for 2016... Yours in the love of Jesus.
Parish Office 01268 742151 info@parishofrayleigh.org.uk
www.parishofrayleigh.org.uk
LOWER BARN FARM
LOWER BARN
KITCHENS & COOKERS
LOWER BARN
STOVES & FIREPLACES
LOWER BARN
LANDSCAPING & BUILDING
LOWER BARN NATURAL STONE
ROTARY CLUB OF RAYLEIGH MILL A Happy New Year to you all from the Rotary Club of Rayleigh Mill. Looking back to the end of 2015, the club had a busy December starting by supporting the Christmas Lights switchon in Rayleigh and at the Hullbridge Christmas Fair. At both events we were able to chat to people and explain what Rotary does in the community. We introduced a new competition based around a rotating dartboard which seemed to be well accepted by the public. We had a social evening at CJ’s Bowling in Hockley where all the Rotarians were in danger of being beaten by an Inner Wheel wife until one of our members drew on all his Lawn Bowls experience to just edge ahead! Our annual Christmas Dinner dance at The Rayleigh Golf Club was once again a great event and enjoyed by all who attended. Based on the success of our Associate membership scheme in 2015, we hope to be able to welcome more new members to the club this year. To see what we do, look up ‘Rotary Club of Rayleigh Mill’ on Google or Facebook or give Carl Watson a call on 01268 778376.
RAYLEIGH LIONS CLUB The Lions club of Rayleigh attended the Christmas Lights switch on in Rayleigh, Hockley and Hullbridge. We will be announcing next month news of the main benefactors of the money raised during the November firework display and these events. Thank you for your support and a very merry Christmas and Happy New Year. However in order for us to carry on this good work we urgently need new members. If you have just a few spare hours each month and would like to find out more about The Lions please contact us on 01268 775068 or via our Facebook page or website.”
22
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
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
Mu Jan st En uar d y 3 st 1
Telephone: 01268 921769 Service House, West Mayne, Basildon, Essex SS15 6RW
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
26
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
#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 Jason Manford Comedy Club Tickets was won by:
Faith Kathryn Meadows Congratulations to you and thanks to everyone who entered the competition!
01277 658444
admin@aroundtownmagazines.co.uk /AroundTownMagazines
USEFUL NUMBERS
HOSPITALS Brentwood Hospital Basildon Hospital Broomfield Hospital Essex Nuffield Hospital Queen’s Romford Southend Hospital Spire Hartswood Hospital
BIRTH, DEATH MARRIAGES REGISTRATION
HELPLINES Alcoholics Anonymous Childline DIAL Disability Helpline Drugline Essex 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
01268 361351 0300 333 4444 CHEMISTS 01277 695000 0845 1553111 01245 443673 0800 688699 0845 1304204 01702 435555 01277 232525
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 01245 256147 0800 11 11 11 01268 294400/1 01708 749151 01245 353575 0300 9991212 111 0808 8002222 08457 909090 01375 380609 0845 4565995 01268 541140
YLE
IGH
#AroundTownMan
01268 361350 POLICE Rayleigh Police Station
RA
Booking Line
01268 242159
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 Cab 24/7
01268 531888 01268 777300 01268 771666 01268 777300 01268 778877
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
27
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. 01268 906296
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.