Around town magazine upminster edition january 2016 by Black Square Print Media Limited

E R I N S T U P M 0 1 6 0 1 . 2

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Think you’re& tooWomen Pilates for Men old to start Pilates?

Since graduating in 2006, Charlene & Neil have In Upminster & Cranham practised sports massage at various locations which include Chelmsford Chiropractic clinic, Fore Street Osteopathic Clinic, Bannatynes Health Club, Topnotch Gym Blackfriars, Fitness First Leyton, One Addison Complementary Health Clinic, and at various sporting events including the London Marathon.

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CONTENTS 10

Brighton

Angela Watkinson Political Update

12 Recipe

The WI Recipe

Focuses on DartsCO IS ED S L FA NO S K

20 Martin Lewis

Trends

MIC

IM OG

Around Town Sports TS

Money Saving Expert

26 What’s On

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10 13 local22 the glass house, your Network When and Where...

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Copyright 2016. Around Town Upminster 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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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 Upminster and Cranham & 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

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Angela Watkins

Member of Parliament For Upminster & Hornchurch

As the dust settles after the Christmas and New Year festivities, many lucky children will be using new computers and I phones they have

S ICK

Hornchurch and Upminster drivers can be proud that only 1 in 1,000 have been charged with drink or drug driving, but even 1 is too many. Tougher penalties are in place for dangerous drivers to reduce even lower the number of deaths and injuries and make our roads as safe as possible. Learner drivers will now have the chance to practice on motorways and £50million has been allocated for safe cycling training in schools. Whether on the internet or the roads, let’s work together to protect children from risk.

The UK has some of the safest roads in the world.

IS ED

been given as presents from parents and grandparents. IT plays an important part in children’s education but it also brings risks. Responsible use will help to keep children safe from exploitation and radicalisation. Appropriate filters and monitoring systems now available on good practice for companies and on online safety for parents to discuss with their children. The internet opens up a wealth of exciting information and knowledge and is an essential educational tool, but we must make every effort to stop those who would abuse it to harm children.

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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

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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

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CHEAP TRAINS, DRAINS AND AUTOMOBILES Some folksdrive a lot for various reasons be it business or personal, here a few tip to help cut the cost of travel.

of carriage – the only rule is that the train must call at the stations you buy tickets for.

Free tank of fuel via extreme couponing trick. If you’re planning a big spend at any one of 50+ retailers (including House of Fraser, Homebase and PC World), buy the gift card in Morrisons and you get 1p/litre off fuel per £10 spend. So £100 gets 10p off and £1,000ish gets a free tank.

For example, a single from Manchester to Cornwall costs £158, but the train stops at Cheltenham Spa. Buy a £52 ticket from Manchester to Cheltenham Spa, then a £58 one from there to Cornwall and the total’s £110. That’s the same train, the same time – possibly even the same seat.

The real trick isn’t to use them as gifts, but that if you’re planning a big purchase in that store anyway, first pop into Morrisons and buy the gift card. Then a few days later, once it’s active, go and use it to buy your planned purchase, giving you a potentially whopping petrol discount. There’s a full list of retailers and more info at: www.morrisonsfuelsaver.co.uk. Turn your heating down, but not off if you’re going away If it gets cold, no heating risks burst pipes. So much so that some insurers won’t cover you for damage if your home’s unoccupied for more than five days and you turned the heating off. The rule of thumb is keep it to a minimum 14 degrees. Buying two tickets for one train journey can save you £100s Split ticketing makes about as much sense as Chewbacca, but it works. It’s where you buy tickets for a journey’s constituent parts separately to slash the price. It’s allowed by the conditions

To help find if you can do this for your journey, use my free TicketySplit tool atmse.me/ticketysplit. As Justine tweeted me: “Genius - tickety split has just saved me £50, no effort, exact same journey.”

PETROL PRICES NOW UNDER £1/LITRE IN SOME PLACES Cheap boiler cover - you don’t need to stick with your energy firm Boiler cover is a free market, yet energy firms like you to think you need to stick with them. You don’t. While British Gas charges £12/month, you may be able to get similar cover for as little as £6. My quick tips: a) Renters usually don’t need it, as their landlord’s likely responsible. Check. b) Ensure you know what cover you need. Choose between boiler-only, the cheaper option that covers your boiler and its controls, or central heating cover, which includes full central heating cover on top (including radiators, pipes, etc).

c) To find the cheapest, compare prices viauSwitch.com and add inEnergyhelpline.com if you’ve time.

travel. A local delivery firm is sent out, and you pay then send in receipts to get the cost back.

Get a year’s breakdown cover for £17. If your car has had trouble during the winter season, it can be costly to pay it back in the Spring. Thankfully, if you know what you’re doing you can get super cheap cover. There are four things you need to know:

Do you know where your stopcock is? No nudge nudge wink wink needed. Everyone should know where their stopcock – mains water tap – is. Frozen pipe bursts create an average £4,000 of damage, made worse if you can’t find the off switch as your home floods. So be prepared.

- If you’re renewing, haggle. 84% of AA and 76% of RAC customer who tried reported success. - If you’re new then for basic cover use a cashback site. A standard RAC policy is £28 online and an AA policy £35, but sites like Topcashback.co.uk and Quidco.com give around £10-£15 back so the effective cost to you is £18ish. This usually works, though do note the cashback isn’t 100% guaranteed. - If you have Tesco clubcard points you can swap them in for RAC cover, so £16 of vouchers gives you basic breakdown. - For full service, Autoaidbreakdown. co.uk is a pay and reclaim policy for £42/ year, which covers you and your spouse for home start, breakdown and onward

martin L E W IS Money Saving Expert

Under the kitchen sink’s a very common place. To locate yours, Thames Water has a helpful video atthameswater.co.uk/ help-and-advice/13526.htm Can you find sub-£1/litre petrol? Petrol prices are now under £1/ litre in some places, but the range is huge. UsePetrolprices.com to find your cheapest, nearest forecourt. The difference even within one post code is 10%. It’s an easy check to fill up on savings.

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30/09/2015 10:22

Enjoy a romantic candlelit dinner with a live singer...

s e r t O t t H a a y l l a D s ’ Va le nt i n e The

BRASSERIE at Orsett Hall

Saturday 13 February 2016 & Sunday 14 February 2016

In the Garden Brasserie Arrival at 7.00pm For a glass of Prosecco & Canapes followed by a 6 course meal at 8.00pm £49.95 per person

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In our Whitmore Suite Arrival at 7.00pm Followed by a 4 course meal at 7.30pm with Tea/Coffee & Petit Fours £39.95 per person

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For further information, please contact Reception on Tel: 01375 891402 Prince Charles Avenue, Orsett, Essex RM16 3HS

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A Good Deal On two evenings every week we pride ourselves in bringing a little humour into peoples lives. At 7.30pm every Wednesday and Friday in the Cranham Community Centre, Marlborough Gardens, Whist Drives are held. Call Linda (01708458328) or Harry (01708227457) for details. Each session costs £2 and there is no obligation to play every week. Beginners are welcome and can receive one-to-one tuition. Car parking available.

Beginner Adult Yoga Course & New Family Yoga Classes A new 10 week beginner yoga course commences January 2016 on Tuesdays at 6.30pm at the Old Chapel. The style of yoga is Hatha, a gentle exercise that incorporates breathing and relaxation techniques. The course will cost £50. Family yoga classes also begin January 6.30pm Monday’s The Old Chapel. For parents/grandparents, with children/grandchildren, this will be a fun and gentle yoga class, introducing some basic breathing and relaxation techniques as well as yoga postures. Booking essential. For further information or to book call Vikki on 07976 589133 or email heartfeltyoga@outlook.com.

Counselling

A counselling service based in Upminster at Cranham Community

Centre. Sue & Karen are registered counsellors covering a wide range of issues bereavement, anxiety, low self esteem, depression & relationship difficulties. Feeling lost/ alone please contact taking that first step is often the hardest. 0758 1634063 / 07428 911002.

Mercury died. Hip-hop, grunge and boy bands were popular and Bangladesh was hit by a cyclone. Nearer to home, in January 1991 the Cranham Library opened in the Community Centre in Marlborough Gardens (contact number 01708 220941).

Cranham Art Society

Would you like to try your hand at painting and make some new friends? Long established friendly art club are looking for new members, we are starting a beginners group on 6th January. We meet at Cranham Community centre, Marlborough Gardens Upminster every Wednesday 10-12am If you are a complete beginner or have some experience, you will be made very welcome. For more details phone Dot on 01708 229 715

Dance Your Way to Fitness

Dance away your blues. Join us on a Thursday and put on your dancing shoes. Ballroom and sequence dancing 8.00pm til 10.30pm every Thursday in Cranham Community Association Centre, Marlborough Gardens, Cranham, Upminster.

So this unique library celebrates its 25th year in January 2016. We are marking this occasion by having an ‘Open Week’ when the library will be open from 10am to 4pm Monday 11th to Friday 15th of January. Do call in and say hello!

Havering Decorative and Fine Arts Society (NADFAS) We meet every second Tuesday of the month (except July and August) at the New Windmill Hall, St. Mary’s Lane, Upminster. If you have an interest in any aspect of the Arts please come and join us. Lecture 10.45am, coffee from 10.00am. We have a varied programme of talks, house and gallery visits, extended trips. Further details please contact Jane Balmford 01708 229984.

Hornchurch Conservative Club

Free Library

We are a friendly private members social club. Darts, snooker, football on large screen TV, quiz nights, race nights, organised trips, entertainment evenings are just some of our many activities.

The year 1991 saw Whitney Houston at the top of the pop charts, John Major was Prime Minister, petrol cost £2.05 for a gallon and Freddie

Food is available Monday to Saturday lunchtime with a Sunday lunch once every month.

For more information please call Bob on 01708 226445.

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New members are always welcomed. Address: 25 North Street, Hornchurch, Phone: 01708 442213 E-mail: hornchurchcons@yahoo.co.uk. Full information on our website www.hornchurchconservativeclub. co.uk

The Rotary Club of Havering East Raising money for local and overseas charities plus having an excellent social life (Theatre visits, concerts, quizzes, walks and interesting visits) are the main aspects of this friendly club. We meet for dinner at Upminster Golf Club on Tuesdays, 7pm for 7.30pm. Further details contact Hon. Secretary Jeannette Sears, Tele: 01708 371905 or our website: www.haveringeastrotary.org

The Rotary Club of Hornchurch and Upminster The Rotary Club of Hornchurch and Upminster meets over lunch every Thursday at 12.30pm for 1.00pm, at the Railway Hotel, Station Lane, Hornchurch. For further details please contact the Hon. Secretary, Brian Taffs telephone: 01708 250855 or e-mail: btaffs@btinternet.com

interesting lectures encourage our members to advance their skills in all aspects of photography. We have various skill levels from preliminary to advanced and new members are welcome. Regular club outings help to keep us all motivated and new members are assured of a warm welcome at our regular Tuesday evening meetings at 7.45pm for 8.00pm, at The Cranham Community Association. Get in touch via e-mail at: info@upminstercameraclub.co.uk and check out our website at: www.upminstercameraclub.org.uk

Upminster & District Probus Club Upminster and District Probus Club has over 70 male members and meets on the last Wednesday of the month at The Cranleigh Restaurant, Station Lane, Hornchurch, RM12 6LX. We gather at around 11.30 a.m. to socialise before sitting down at 12.00 noon for business, followed by an excellent three course lunch with tea or coffee. After the meal, members are entertained by a variety of speakers.

Upminster Wine & Social Club We are a fun group of people with an interest in wine appreciation and enjoying many social events. We hold meetings every month with a variety of speakers and a wine tasting.

Upminster Camera Club This year, we are celebrating our 60th anniversary. Our extensive programme of competitions and

Meetings are held on the third Thursday of the month at 8.00 o’clock in the Cranham Social

Hall, Front Lane, Cranham. For more information contact Maureen Jasper on 01708 223956.

Volunteering! • Support children with special educational needs and their parents/carers with the new Education, Health & Care assessment. • Full training. • Work alongside volunteers/ staff or independently. • Flexible hours. • 6 hours per month. • Support young people and parents/carers to make informed choices. • Complete training: two days face to face, two days on-line and supplementary training. • Training available throughout Essex. If you are interested, please contact Cindy: 01245 392 319 cpeacock@ecdp.org.uk.

Your Natal Way MummyNatal antenatal classes supporting mums-to-be to tune into what their birth experience is, focusing simply on the present moment and finding confidence and acceptance. Weekly classes include mindful meditation exercises, breathing practice, birth ball exercise, exercises for encouraging baby into optimum position for birth, managing intense sensation exercises, birth physiology and birth choices education. Classes starting at The Sanctuary, Upminster, on Tuesday 12th January.

If you would like to promote your club or event then please email a maximum of 70 words to:

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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.