www.aroundtownmagazines.co.uk November 2014 Edition 12 Delivered to 15,000 Homes & Businesses in Rayleigh
1 ANN “WE’VE GOT YOUR TOWN WRAPPED UP!”
st
I
ARY S R E V
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
Christmas & New Year party nights at The Mill Arts & Events Centre & The Freight House FRIDAY 12TH DECEMBER Freight House only SATURDAY 13TH DECEMBER The Mill only £19.95pp
FRIDAY 19th DECEMBER £50pp
SATURDAY 20th DECEMBER £29.95pp
NEW YEARS EVE £12 Adults £7 Children 2 - 16 (children under 2 FREE)
For further information and to book, please phone or visit us at: The Mill Arts & Events Centre
The Freight House
Bellingham Lane, Rayleigh, Essex SS6 7ED
Bradley Way, Rochford, Essex SS4 1BU 01702 548 977
www.themillhall.co.uk
F
/themillartsandeventscentre
www.thefreighthouse.co.uk
F
/thefreighthouse
www.rochfordleisure.com
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
4
PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS
... Around Towners to YOUR Rayleigh community magazine!
Features
Let loose the balloons, grab your party poppers and let’s celebrate! Around Town Magazine is 1 year old this month and we’d like to say a great big thank you to all our readers, contributors and advertisers for helping us get here! So here’s to the future and another great edition of the no1 magazine ‘around town’.
12 Rayleigh Lions Club / Rotary Club of Rayleigh Mill Organisation ‘Around Town’
At this point, it seems like a good time to announce a new column. ‘Around Town Sports’ highlights local sports clubs and non mainstream sports. This month we are focusing on netball. If you manage or are a member of a club and would like to be reviewed, please check out the article on p25.
22 Know Your Tradesmen Constable Landscapes Ltd
Until next month, read on and enjoy.
From the Around Town Team
10 The Cook Report Rayleigh Flooding
15 Mark Francois MP Political Update 17 Martin Lewis The Money Saving Expert 20 Nature Notes EWT Volunteer Neil Sumner
25 **NEW COLUMN** Around Town Sports Focuses on Netball 28 A View from the Church Rev. Mike Lodge 30 Interview with a Chef La Bottega’s Village 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 December edition of Around Town is: Friday 14th November.
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
5
A Reliable Dog Walking Service And now I’m excited to announce our new retail shop!
Studio & venue vouchers
available now! 01268 772183 | 07807 449815 sales@ornatephotos.co.uk www.ornatephotos.co.uk
Selling only the very best local and British made products that I’m proud to use myself we stock a range of well crafted and good value leads, collars, toys and healthy treats, and Symply dog food. We have something to interest all clients from the pampered pooch to the working gun dog. And if you haven’t yet tried Canagan grain free and biologically appropriate dog food you may be missing out - I’ve seen it turn dogs around! Hockley Market Garden, Lower Road, Hockley SS5 5JU
Friday & Saturday - 10:00am - 4:00pm Sunday - 10:30am - 4:00pm
www.walkapooch.co.uk sadie@walkapooch.co.uk | 07429 928 93
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
6
PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS
P h o e n i x Fr a m e s
We are a family run business with over 30 years experience close to the Rayleigh Weir, giving! excellent advice, choice and service. Telephone 01268 775778 e-mail framing@phoenixframes.co.uk
Opening Hours!
Monday to Friday! 10am - 5pm ! Thursday till 6.30pm! First Saturday ! of the Month! Out of hours by prior! arrangement
48 Hour Framing Service ! Next Day Mountcutting & Re-glazing!
We specialise in bespoke framing with over 600 different mouldings, using modern and traditional techniques depending on your requirements.!
Phoenix ! Frames
LARGE FREE CAR PARK / 10% Disc with this Ad
BEAUTIFUL DOORS FOR EVERY HOME Wooden Doors Composite Doors Bi-fold Doors French Doors Back Doors Stable Doors Internal Doors Integrated Blinds
UNIQUE - Unrivalled levels of quality, design and energy efficiency. SECURE - Fitted with the most secure locking systems on the market. CONFIDENCE - Full fitting service by our experienced team or supply only. All doors come with full guarantees.
01277 656513 | www.theurbandoorcompany.co.uk | Showroom Address: 1 Alma Link, Billericay, CM12 9BX
PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS
7
Come to the Denture Professionals All aspects of denture work from a simple repair to a complete denture cosmetic makeover Denture Repairs in 30 minutes (approx) New Patients Welcome Ground Floor - No Stairs! Home Visits available for those who can’t visit us Areas covered: Leigh, Hadleigh, Rayleigh, Thundersley, Benfleet & Canvey Island Open Monday - Friday 8.00am - 5.30pm
GP Dyer Dip. C.D.T. R.C.S.(Eng) 151676
01702 557750
Telephone: 273 Kiln Road, Benfleet, Essex SS7 1RU (near Victoria House / Corner Roundabout)
105 High Street, Rayleigh, Essex, ss6 7qa
01268 743446
10% Off
upon mention of Around Town Magazines to celebrate 2nd Birthday
8
PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS
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 24.12.14
01702 826 565
info@thehockleyflowershop.co.uk www.thehockleyflowershop.co.uk
01268 655099 Lubards Farm, Hullbridge Road, Rayleigh, Essex SS6 9QW Established for 9 years.
Two private and comfortable treatment rooms. All therapists are fully qualified and insured. Free parking.
Open late Wednesday, Thursday and Friday Eyebrow shaping Facials Shrinking Violet Body Wraps Hollywood Bikini Wax Deep Tissue Back Massage Hopi Ear Candles
£5
from £18
£50 £30 £20 £20
10% OFF with this advert*
*for new clients only
PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS
9
Rayleigh Residents finally get their say and get action against flooding Following two summers of typically British wet weather, which has seen extensive damage to properties in Rayleigh and surrounding areas, Rochford Council are finally listening to residents’ concerns and taking action against flooding in the local areas. Both this year and last year, flash flooding has proved a real problem in the area, with streets and gardens turning into rivers, homes swamped with flood water, and repair costs running into hundreds of thousands of pounds. However, following a push from the general public, Rochford Council have formed a committee to drive improvements forward to tackle local flooding issues in the District.
Anglian Water, the Environment Agency and Essex County Council Flood Management Team. Since then the committee have met at least once a month, to discuss the problems affecting residents, and establish who is responsible for different watercourses, ditches and drains. Chairman of the Forum, Councillor Terry Cutmore, Rochford District Council’s Leader, said ‘The Forum is designed to bring together the various agencies, to ensure we are all pulling in the same direction. The last meeting was extremely successful in that we pinpointed more than 30 locations where work is either being carried out or further maintenance is required’.
The Forum for Surface Water Flooding Issues, was initiated by the Council back in August, and brings together groups including Essex Highways,
Improvements planned include digging a new drainage ditch to the rear of Blower Close, which in the event of major rainfall currently sees gardens
and homes flood. In addition, work has recently been carried out at Turret Open Space to clear ditches and to clean and repair screens, to prevent surface water run-off from agriculture and park land. The meetings, which have been being held at Civic Suite, Rayleigh, are open to the general public and continue to be strongly supported by those living in the area. Vice Chairman of the Forum, Rochford Council’s Deputy Leader said ‘I’m pleased to see so many residents attending these meetings, as they are providing us with detailed local knowledge, and it’s important for us to hear whether these improvements are KVS Facilities working’.
KVS Engineered to serve you! Engineering quality
By Around Town Journalist Jo Cook
Commercial, Residential, Private Sector •
Complete facility maintenance
Would you know what to do in an emergency? services; contracts considered.
•
Conversions & refurbishments for your office to your home;
With a range of first aid courses on offer, our instructor will leave you• with Fully qualified project team the knowledge, practical skills and confidence to deal with emergenciesworking with you from start to in your workplace. finish; Delivered by an experienced frontline paramedic, each session is www.kvsfacilitymaintenance.co.uk based upon real life scenarios and the most up to date evidence E. sales@kvsservices.co.uk and guidance. T: 01268 570 925 (Ext 3) Courses include: • HABC Level 3 Award in First Aid at Work (QCF) – Requalificati on also available • HABC Level 2 Award in Emergency First Aid at Work (QCF) • HABC Level 2 Award in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Automated External Defibrillation KVS Services (QCF) Supporting business We also offer a fantastic aftercare service, including regular emailed instructional material • Site team. safety audits; and continuing contact with the training •
Site management support;
• Risk assessments, method For more information, please email: statements; • Quality management systems training@kvsservices.co.uk to ISO standards; or call:• Document control and administrational support 01268 570925 (Ext. 1) A Brand you can trust
10
PLEASE MENTION AROUND
www.kvsservices.co.uk E: admin@kvsservices.co.uk T: 01268 5MAGAZINE 70 925 (Ext 2) WHEN TOWN
KVS Services (UK) Ltd
RESPONDING TO ADVERTS Warehouse 1 Battlesbridge Harbour
Battlesbridge
Travel in Luxury, style and enjoy a first class service Airport Transfers | Special Occasions London Trips | Wedding Venues Corporate Hire
07806 664091 | 07742 424651 info@eclipseexecutivecars.co.uk www.eclipseexecutivecars.co.uk
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
11
RAYLEIGH LIONS CLUB On the 8th October The Lions Club of Rayleigh celebrated their 40th Anniversary with past and present members at the Tandoori Parlour, where everyone reminisced of the fun they had and the amounts raised at various events over the years. Our main event on the horizon is our Firework display on the 8th November at King Georges Playing Field. Tickets are now on sale and available from Hattons Newsagents and Rona Estate agents, our members will also be in Rayleigh High Street on the 25th October and the 1st and 8th November. Tickets also Will be available on the gate. We are looking at having an Open evening in the near future where like minded people who may be interested in becoming a member to assist us raise funds for our community can speak to our current membership to find out what being a lion is involved, the events that we hold, the events we are looking to hold in 2015, and would welcome any enquiry to our membership Secretary on membership.rayleighlions@gmail.com, and we will arrange a mutual time you can come to visit us.
ROTARY CLUB OF RAYLEIGH MILL Meetings over the last month have involved discussions on this year’s Concert in the Park. Unfortunately, due to the fact that this event made a loss for the first time in sixteen years, it is highly unlikely that we will be holding a concert next year – a sad loss for the area. One of our annual events is to present pictorial dictionaries to all Year 6 pupils in Rayleigh, Hullbridge and Hockley primary schools. This year nearly 640 dictionaries will have been presented to these children. The ‘Dictionary 4 Life’ is part of a literacy programme supported by Rotary International. It is hoped that the dictionaries will help the children through the rest of their school years. One of our members is lucky enough to spend our winter months in his ‘second home’ in South Africa where he is a member of the Plettenburg Bay Rotary Club. He has been instrumental in bringing one of their charity projects to Essex. The Masiane Children’s Shelter started in 2007 and is now helping 120 vulnerable children, many of whom have been left to survive on their own from an early age. Following presentations about the project to other clubs around Essex we are accumulating a significant donation to enhance the Shelter’s ability to support these children’s life and education. We are currently developing an ‘Associate’ membership programme aimed at helping potential Rotary members understand how the club operates, how charity programmes are run and particularly the fun and social side of the club without having to make the commitment to full club membership. We meet at Mamma’s 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 new website and Facebook page can help you see what we do. www.rotary-ribi.org/clubs/homepage. php?ClubsID=1797 or put ‘Rotary Club of Rayleigh Mill’ into Facebook.
12
PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS
Ian offers professional measuring and fitting service ...made to measure. Curtains | Tracks and Poles | Roman Blinds | Roller Blinds | Vertical Blinds Venetian Blinds | Wooden Blinds wish you a ing Chris merry tm Happ as & a y Ne Year w
Pattern books also available. FREE QUOTE - Call today on
Wickford: 01268 410516 | Mobile: 07743562384 ian.dipple@yahoo.com
The display will be held at the King Georges Playing Field Rayleigh on
SATURDAY 8th of NOVEMBER 2014. Childrens Rides | Food Stalls | Performance by Funky Voices choir
Admission £6.00 (at the Gate) FREE for children Under 12 (When accompanied by and Adult) (No sparklers allowed at the event.)
Gates open 5:30 pm | Display starts at 7:30pm Advance Purchase tickets only £5.00 Tickets available in October from The RONA partnership, HATTONS newsagents. Also from The Rayleigh Lions in the high Street on Saturday October 29th,Nov 1st, 8th PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS
13
Contract Cleaning & Support Services Grounds Maintenance PJRSERVICE SERVICES PJR Est 2003 Driveway & Patio Cleaning Est 2003
PJR SERVICES Contract Cleaning & Support Services Grounds Maintenance Driveway & Patio Cleaning
Pick-up and deliveries. Contract Cleaning & Support Servic All aspects of removals Est 2003 Maintenance Grounds 0845 505 1470 07972 931 271 inc. house, garden waste, www.pjrservices.com Driveway & Patio Cleaning garage clearance. info@pjrservices.com 0845 505 1470 Contract Cleaning & Support Services Free, fast quote on Grounds Maintenance www.pjrservices.com request. 0845 505 1470
0845 505 1470 www.pjrservices.com info@pjrservices.com Driveway & Patio Cleaning info@pjrservices.com www.pjrservices.com 07595 174 693info@pjrservices.com 0845 Registered Waste Carriers
505 1470 www.pjrservices.com info@pjrservices.com
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
14
Garage consumer unit Supplied and fitted For only *
£75 *While stocks last
Swan security CCTV set, 2 infra red cameras. Supplied and fitted for only
£475
*While stocks last
PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS
RAYLEIGH TOWN COUNCIL ARE TOP OF THE LEAGUE - OFFICIAL! Our Town Council in Rayleigh has recently been named ‘Council of the Year’ out of 274 Town and Parish Councils across the County of Essex. This award was bestowed by the Essex Association of Local Councils (EALC) who have judged the Town Council very highly, based on their commitment to the community and their involvement in popular projects such as Anglia in Bloom and the Rayleigh Christmas Lights (the latter of which now draws thousands of supporters into Rayleigh High Street every year). In addition, a couple of years ago the Town Council helped
East End.
By Mark Francois MP move the old Rayleigh Market, which was basically dying on its feet, from the car park at the top of the High Street (next to the Council offices) down into the middle of the High Street. The market has now been revived in its new location, where it has proved very popular with local residents. Some senior citizens have even told me it now reminds them of street markets they used to frequent in the old
I believe we are lucky in Rayleigh to have such a proactive and dynamic Town Council that have helped to make Rayleigh a good place to live and I hope that the townsfolk of Rayleigh will join me as the local MP in congratulating our Town Council on what they have done and on their very worthwhile award. It is always nice to come top and in this case, Rayleigh have certainly done that. Rt Hon Mark Francois Member of Parliament for Rayleigh and Wickford
PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS
15
HANDYMAN DAVE For all your general property maintenance, call Dave! » » » » »
Tiling Plastering Refurbishments Kitchens Bathrooms
It is never too soon to write a Will but often too late. Writing a Will needn’t be costly.
CALL FOR
FREE ESTIMATES
NO JOB TOO SMALL OR TOO BIG Call Dave on
07885750744 or 07874225752 deb1956@hotmail.co.uk
16
Your professional, friendly, LOCAL Will writing and Lasting Power of Attorney specialists.
FREE Home Visits to
suit you Freephone or email us today!
Our Services Include: • Making or Updating a Will • Lasting Power of Attorney • Securing your home against care home fees • Living Wills • Children Trusts • Pre-Paid Funeral Plans
0800 612 0558 | info@assetwills.com
PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS
Don’t forget your holidays. No I’ve not got all romantic with a yearning for sun kissed memories, I’m still on-message about saving money.
them in the exchange rate. Most debit and credit cards add 3% loads, so £100-worth of euros costs you £100 plus a £3 charge.
If you took a break over the summer, some simple checks could help you save money now and for future holidays (a nice thought to get over the back-to-work blues). So here’s my holiday hangover checklist.
Instead grab a specialist load-free credit card just for spending abroad as they give near-perfect, bureauxbeating rates every time, in every country.
Flight delayed by over 3hrs this summer (or any time since 2008)? EU reg 261/2004 means you’re entitled to £100-£480 per person compensation, regardless of the cost of the trip, even for flights going back to 2008, if it:
Check the PAO number on your suncream before throwing it away. The period after opening (PAO) number will be on the bottle - many are safe to use up to 18 months later, provided they’re stored right - so don’t chuck it unnecessarily.
- Was an EU flight - ie, any from an EU airport or to one if an EU airline. - Arrived over 3 hours late or was cancelled. - Was the airline’s fault, which covers pretty much anything barring extraordinary circumstances such as air-traffic strikes, bad weather and volcanoes. Free templates, help and what to do about airline excuses (eg, “there’s a court case”) in my www.mse.me/ flightdelays compensation guide. And the results can be large, as Pat contacted us, “Read your info and decided to contact Etihad about our 14.5hr delay from Heathrow to Sri Lanka in 2011. We’ve received a total of £2,010 between four of us... great”. Shocked by bank/card currency charges on your statement? Fight back. My dad called me outraged at the ‘new’ foreign exchange charges on his bank statement for using his card abroad - nearly £50 in total. Yet banks and credit card providers have always levied these (and I’ve always nagged him to sort it, but he’s my father, he’ll never listen to me, I hope you will). The shock comes from the fact banks have now been forced to split charges out on statements, not hide
Got Euros, dollars or even colón left over from the summer? Changing currency back is very expensive, especially for small amounts. So if it’s a country you’ll revisit even in a couple of years, it’s likely best to hold onto it (worth putting it in your overseas wallet (yes, I’m that nerdy). If not, there are two tricks to changing it back for the best deal: - Use my the buyback comparison at www.travelmoneymax.com to find best rates
moneymaxim.co.uk. Full help on cutting costs in www.mse.me/carhire. Run up card debts on your holiday you can’t pay off in full? It’s never a good idea, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t happen. If you can’t clear the debt this month and you’re paying hefty interest, then ensure you do a balance transfer to slash the cost, so your repayments clear the actual debt not just service the interest. Full help and best buys at www.mse.me/bts. Check your passport and EHIC sell-by dates now. Thousands were hit by passport office delays this year, causing some to miss their breaks. If your passports nearly at renewal, do it now while you’ve plenty of time before you next go (you’ll get the extra months added on). It’s one less thing to sort, and once it’s done, you’re good for the next ten years. While you’re at it, check the ‘valid by’ date on your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) - if it goes before your next holiday renew it now. The big rule for renewing though is DON’T GOOGLE - for both these, imposter sites unnecessarily charge you more than you should pay. Instead the official sites to use are www.gov.uk/renew-adult-passport and www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/ Healthcareabroad/EHIC.
- Find a friend/colleague who’s going where you went, and offer to exchange with them. Use the spot FX rate at www.xe.com and you both win. Stung by hefty insurance when picking your car hire up? Let me guess, you booked cheap car hire, turned up and they fear-sold you into paying 10 euros a day extra for car hire excess insurance? It happens all the time. The way round it is to get a standalone policy before you go (you can even get an annual policy to cover the whole year’s hire). To find the cheapest, use www.
17
HIGH PERFORMANCE COATINGS FOR ROOFS, FLOORS, WALLS & CAR PARKS. HIGH PRESSURE STEAM & JET WASHING. SHOT BLASTING & AIRLESS SPRAYING.
RESIDENTIAL SOFTWASH NON-PRESSURISED ROOF CLEAN SYSTEM NOW AVAILABLE ! No factory downtime. Supplied & fitted for a third of the cost of a replacement. Save thousands of pounds. Systems for all flat and pitched industrial roofs. No more leaks. No more problems.
Call Bert on: 07522 247 989 or 0871 662 7384
bert@globalwaterproofing.co.uk | www.globalwaterproofing.co.uk
DOWN HALL G A R D E N S E RV I C E S
For all local garden maintenance - friendly & professional.
ALL ASPECTS OF BUILDING WORK UNDERTAKEN EXTENSIONS & CONSERVATORIES GARAGE & LOFT CONVERSIONS KITCHENS & BATHROOMS DESIGNED & INSTALLED BRICKWORK & PAVING
01268 785101 07761 958072
01268 - 733225 07979 - 845835
poplarvista@btinternet.com 18
PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS
10
EssexMaintenanceApr14 07 April 2014 15:38:43
PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS
19
Quality Interior & Exterior Painting & Decorating & Property Maintenance City & Guilds Qualified 30 years+ experience Fully Insured | Free Estimates
01268 741047 07973 695413
dddecorator@Aol.com
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
20
Essex has 350 miles of coastline so it is not surprising that some of our best nature watching is around the coast, especially in winter when large flocks of duck, geese, waders and gulls gather in the estuaries and along the shorelines. We have a large choice of places to enjoy winter birds, as the RSPB and Essex Wildlife Trust are creating, managing and enhancing coastal nature reserves, from the Thames at Rainham to the Colne at Fingringhoe. And its not just on the reserves where the attractions are; along the promenade near Southend you can identify up to 6 species of gull and get close views of shorebirds, especially just after high tide when they feed furiously as the water recedes. Perhaps our best coastal spectacle is of the Brent Geese flocks at sunset, when they fly from the fields to the rivers and estuary inlets to roost. You can stand on the sea wall as they fly above you in a cacophony of calls and wing beats. It’s a terrific end to a day spent admiring the scale and colour of flocks of duck, watching waders in the mud and scanning the marshes for birds of prey. One of the less common wintering birds of prey I always want to see is a Hen Harrier, one of our most graceful raptors, nick-named the Skydancer. They spend spring and summer on moorland, and that is a problem for them, as they come into conflict with grouse moor managers. In England there is sufficient habitat for around 300 pairs to breed, yet this year there have been just 4. The return of raptors to our countryside has been one of the good stories of the last 40 years, but illegal killing and disturbance still happens, including around grouse moors. Grouse shooting is very lucrative, as wealthy shooters will pay thousands of pounds for a day’s shooting, and the whole management regime for driven-grouse shooting is to maximise the number of grouse. This has adverse side-effects on the ecosystem, especially resulting from burning which is carried out to boost young shoots of heather on which the grouse feed. It would be better to follow the National Trust’s Vision for the Dark Peak which leaves room for shooting, but with less intense management, and benefits more wildlife and more people by providing areas for recreation and enjoying nature. Happily, Hen Harriers and other raptors are hardly at risk on our coasts, although numbers do fluctuate each winter depending on the weather and the availability of food. There are too many good coastal sites for viewing winter birds to list here, but please feel free to email me for recommendations.
Neilsumner123@aol.com follow me twitter.com/neilsumner123
PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS
HOCKLEY FLOORING Ltd SPECIALIST IN
Karndean . Amtico Laminate Flooring Vinyl Flooring . Solid Woods All Brands of Carpets Uplift Old Flooring and Dispose Move and Replace Furniture Call or Visit our Showroom 9 Main Road, Hockley, SS5 4QY
01702 200 232 sales@hockleyflooring.co.uk
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
PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS
21
in Hockley, are longestablished in the local area and offer a wide range of landscaping services, from full renovation to garden maintenance to clients across Essex. Sam said ‘We are still going strong after all these years and I think that’s down to our great reputation and the fact that our clients know we can be relied upon and trusted.’
Constable Landscapes has been offering landscaping services to private and commercial customers for almost thirty years, and is run by Sam Truss, and more recently, business Partner Richard McMeakin. The
company,
based
To feature your business contact:
As with all successful business owners, Sam and Richard’s busy work schedules mean they have a little time to pursue hobbies or other interests. However, any spare time they do get they like to spend with their families and friends. Sam said ‘The best way to chill out is relaxing with my family and socialising with friends’.
01277 658444 sales@aroundtownmagazines.co.uk
Constable Landscapes Ltd WE CAN TURN YOUR GARDEN INTO A PICTURE
For all your driveway and patio requirements, Limited
ASE
PLE
• Bathrooms and Kitchens • Boilers installed and serviced • Blockages • All leaks and repairs • Renovation and Refurbishment • Ongoing building maintenance ou w : If y
E NOT
ish t
Please call us for a FREE QUOTE om
01702 203 186 ake
cha
s to
nge
this
We are a Hockley based family run business
£25
We offer competitive set prices for all our jobs Please call us with your requirements on
01702 206604 or 07802 600973 Visit our website at www.constablelandscapes.co.uk
artw ork
PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS se r
plea
22
Our regular lawn mowing service starts at
es
Aaron Paving
(Essex)
have been providing
well designed, attractive driveways for 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
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
Aprofessionalfamilyrunbusiness Honestandreliablewithover20yearsexperience Aprofessionalfamilyrunbusiness Honestandreliablewithover20yearsexperience Aprofessionalfamilyrunbusiness Honestandreliablewithover20yearsexperience ..fromatapwashertoafullheatingsystemcall.. Honestandreliablewithover20yearsexperience ..fromatapwashertoafullheatingsystemcall.. Honestandreliablewithover20yearsexperience ..fromatapwashertoafullheatingsystemcall.. ..fromatapwashertoafullheatingsystemcall.. ..fromatapwashertoafullheatingsystemcall..
01702435400 01702435400 01702435400 01702 435400
We provide our customers with nothing but the best ingredients, using all fat free products. For an Indian indulgence while maintaining a healthy diet, look no further than Tamarind!
Opening Hours
Sun-Thurs 5.00pm - 10:30pm Fri-Sat 5.00pm - 11.00pm Including Bank Holidays, Christmas Eve, Boxing Day, New Years Eve and New Years Day
10% OFF ALL ORDERS Quoting Around Town Magazine
(not on set meals or in conjunction with any other offer)
01268 77 97 97 | 01268 74 33 31
2 Berrys Arcade, 8 - 10 High Street, Rayleigh, Essex SS6 7EQ PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS
23
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)
Upcoming 1st XV Home Fixtures in November Saturday 15th November vs Saffron Walden 2pm kick off Saturday 6th December vs Holt 2pm kick off Saturday 20th December vs Basildon 2pm kick off
- MAGNOLIA ROAD - HAWKWELL - ESSEX SS4 3AD Telephone 01702 544021 - Website WWW.ROCHFORDRUGBY.COM Twitter @ROCHFORDRUGBY - Facebook FACEBOOK.COM/ROCHFORDRUGBY THE RUGBY PARK
24
PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS
One of the most played sports in the UK and yet Netball for some reason doesn’t receive the glory and attention it deserves when it comes to the media in this country. Locally however, Netball is booming every night during the week and on a Saturday and Sunday morning, rivalling Football, Rugby and any other sports that run parallel to its season. Southend Leisure Centre, after school matches at the local schools and Basildon Sporting Village are just 3 of the local venues that are guaranteed to have multiple competitive league matches taking place almost daily. Such a fast paced game which is great for fitness as well as providing a release for the competitor in you, it is easy to see the attraction in Netball as a popular sport. Surprisingly, Netball is yet to be made an Olympic sport, and perhaps London 2012 would have been the boost needed for the public to start tuning in and ultimately help
the national league players push for their sport to be a profession like it is in Australia and New Zealand. I have been speaking to local netball enthusiasts, one of them being Amber Sudbury who plays for Galaxy NC, who play in the Basildon District Netball league which has twelve divisions, boasting many teams from Rayleigh, Hockley, Thundersley, Rochford, Southend and Eastwood. This all takes place at the Basildon Sporting Village and they play on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday nights depending on your division. Galaxy is a club with a staggering 18 teams! That is over 160 players playing for the club as a whole. I asked Amber a couple of questions about Netball locally and how that relates to the bigger picture. How did you get playing for a local Netball Club and how would you suggest new people to join a team? “I knew someone who played and my Mum has always played, so it was quite easy for me to join a team through contacts, and that is how most people get into playing again or for the first time. However, we do have people contact us through our website and through Facebook. The Basildon District Netball league are always welcoming of people contacting them and they will contact certain teams who will be the best fit for them, both in ability and to suit their timetable. Why do you think that Netball is so popular on our local
courts, but does not get the viewers when it comes to the international team and national league club fixtures? “Football, Cricket, Rugby and Tennis have been established as the main sports for many years now and it is hard to penetrate that popularity on the big sporting television channels. I do think a lot of it is due to girls and women alike playing netball as a pastime rather than the die-hard passion of winning, therefore following the individual clubs and the national team on the television isn’t number one priority, especially as it is such an effort to find out when it is on and what channel is showing it. However, I personally, think that is the beauty of local sports in general, the balance of competitiveness, enjoyment, exercise and socialising, Netball is the epitome of this. Having said that it is growing.” Netball is going from strength to strength locally and let’s hope that feeds through to the national profile of the sport. I certainly feel that a sport that has such a presence in our schools and on the courts of our local leisure centres should be close to the top of the list of our national sports. Watch this space! by Zaki Hasan For further information. www.basildon-netball.org.uk www.galaxynetballclub.co.uk www.sdnl.co.uk
Put the spotlight on your local sports team, contact Zaki Hasan, via email, zaki@aroundtownmagazines.co.uk
Around_Town_Rayleigh_92x132:vis
22/10/14
17:57
Page 1
Festive A�ernoon Tea
Enjoy our seasonal afternoon teas, accompanied with a glass of chilled champagne or mulled wine. What better way to start the festive season? 17th November 2014 - 1st January 2015 Enjoy our seasonal afternoon teas accompanied with a glass of champagne, or mulled wine. £18 per person (£14 per child) Available Monday - Saturday - 12.00am to 4.00pm Sunday - 12.00am to 3.30pm
For bookings and further information please contact us on 01702 741791
10%
DISC O with this a UNT dv Va 31st lid until Dec 2015
ert
Mention ‘Around 14’ for your saving!
www.squirescoffeeshops.co.uk SquiresCoffeeShop
@SquiresCoffee
11 High Street, Rayleigh, Essex SS6 7EW T: 01268 741791
Now Taking Bookings For December Christmas Parties Open 7 days a week for lunch, dinner and drinks Visit our website or call for more information on our forthcoming special events and menus
Saturday 29th November Live music from Greg Martin Live music every Saturday in December DJ Every Friday night in December
New Owners – New Menus – New Ideas The Grey Goose Bar and Restaurant 7-9 East Street | Rochford | Essex | SS4 1DB 01702 544797 | www.thegreygooserochford.com
26
PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS
BYFORDS TRADITIONAL f r e s h
f o o d s
GeT ReADY FOR ChRISTmAS
Byfords Traditional fresh foods of rayleigh are now taking orders for Christmas
• • • • • •
Succulent Free Range Bronze Turkeys 3 Star Gold Great Taste Award winning Smoked Gammon Glazed, smoked or unsmoked Hams Finest quality local Beef Traditional homemade Pork Pies And lots more!!
29 High Street, Rayleigh, Essex
Telephone: 01268 742021 Yings Oriental Restaurant,
156 -158 High Street, Rayleigh, Essex SS6 7BS
01268 771 688
Yings Oriental Cuisine offers a unique dining experience, which provides top quality food, efficient service and an ideal setting for any dining event. Based on Rayleigh High Street, we also offer fantastic live entertainment to create a lively but relaxed atmosphere ensuring you have a night you wont forget.
Open Xmas Day & Boxing Day
Set menu £40pp
3 course, book in advance.
With newly refurbished premises our restaurant looks better than ever. We also have a large function room for hire, perfect for casual relaxed dining, corporate formal business discussions or celebrational events. We have fully installed disabled access. Here at Yings our staff are committed to offering customers a wonderful, personal dining experience with a flavour of oriental cuisine.
Takeaway & delivery service available. reservations@yings.co.uk | www.yings.co.uk | C /YingsChineseRestaurant PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS
27
Remembering… With the 4th of August 2014 marking the 100th anniversary of the day Britain entered one of the costliest conflicts in history – the First World War – with fighting continuing until the 11th of November 1918, Armistice Day, Remembrance Sunday holds an even more poignant reminder of the importance of remembering all who have given their lives for others. Not just those on the front lines, but all the millions of people who work hard at home and abroad in a support role. It’s vitally important that we always remember before God those who have died as a result of war. You would think that mankind would learn from the reality and effects of war, finding ways to avert the destruction of lives which results. We all know that in war there are no winners, only losers. But, as it has been said, ‘The wars that rage within the world are a reflection of the wars that rage inside people.’ (Leighton Ford). You could say that this sums up the character of Mick Travers, played by Malcolm McDowell in the controversial 1968 film ‘IF…’ There was a war raging inside him and as a result he expounded a philosophy of power in the words, “One man can change the world with a bullet in the right place.” We live in a world that seems to expound a similar philosophy. To change the world with a bullet
The Revd Canon Mike Lodge
in the right place. Is this what’s happening across the world where wars have persisted since the end of the First and Second World Wars? Where they are fired, will these bullets change the world? Where lives continue to be destroyed, will those bullets or terrorist action change the world? I don’t believe that bullets or the results of terrorism can change the world in a positive sense. But I do believe that Jesus, and the message of good news that he brings, can, if only the world could take some time to understand this. Jesus entered into the world, into a country that was occupied and oppressed. As Jesus grew up the people around him were looking for someone to save them. They were looking for someone who would, in a sense, fire the first bullet in a revolution against their oppressors… Jesus didn’t arrive with weapons of war, but in his actions demonstrated that his aim was to improve the lives of people through a message of love and compassion, new life and justice. In the Bible, Jesus clearly sets out what he expects from those who decide to follow his way of living in a world of need, then and now (Matthew, Chapter 5, verses 1-11). He speaks about the way in which we should behave
towards one another, showing mercy and making peace, especially when we are persecuted. The question I am left with today is, ‘what message do we take out into the world through our own lives and action?’ I believe that it’s through transformed lives that the world will be changed; not a philosophy of the bullet, but that of peace. As we remember all who have died and have served their country, let us also remember that one man came into the world, to change the world, not with bullets, but with nails; nails which fixed him to a cross, for you, and for me, and for the world... Yours in the love of Jesus… 01268 742151 info@parishofrayleigh.org.uk www.parishofrayleigh.org.uk
Congratulations Around Town Rayleigh On your First Anniversary From the Parish of Rayleigh
And it‛s another First for Rayleigh with its very own Christmas Tree Festival at Holy Trinity Church Thursday 27 November to Sunday 30 November More details on our website: www.parishofrayleigh.org.uk or email: info@parishofrayleigh.org.uk or telephone: 01268 742151 PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS
29
INTERVIEW with the Chef... La Bottega, based in the Craft Village at Barleylands, is an authentic Italian Caffe and Deli, serving traditional cuisine and ingredients. Their aim is to deliver outstanding quality in their food and cater for parties, special events and bespoke food hampers, ideal for picnics or as a gift. I have eaten here a few times, since they opened in 2012, and I was keen to catch up with the chefs in the kitchen, Samuel Beggi, 17, and Fabio Miani, 21, to discuss their passion & influences , but also to discover how these young chefs have helped towards the success of this family run business.
What inspired you to be chef? Have you always been passionate about cooking?
Fabio - Since I was a child, I’ve always watched my father cooking and I liked it. Growing up I’ve cultivated this passion! I got my first job when I was 16 in a 4*star Hotel in Tuscany on the Elba Island for a Summer season and this has been my first season away from home. Samuel - I’ve always liked great food and probably that’s why I decided to become a chef. When I was a child, I used to help my grandmother cooking, creating
many different things. I got my first job where I lived in Italy at “la locanda di Orta”.
Today we are inundated with ‘celebrity’ TV chefs…what do you think about this?
How did you get to the level you are now? Were there many obstacles along the way?
Fabio - I always had just one big inspiration who was my teacher when I was at school “Roberto Iossi”! About all the different TV chefs, I really admire some of them, mainly the ones who have worked hard and deserve the success they have now.
Fabio - After studying for 3 years at “Erminio Maggia”, a Food Academy in Italy, I started working and travelling, meeting many people and working in different Michelin Star restaurants throughout Italy. I’ve learned about different types of food and styles of cooking with many colleagues. I worked my way up in big restaurants and hotels learning, what we call “the massive range kitchen” with large amounts of customers and this has given me a lifetime of experience! Moving to England I found a job in Piccadilly Circus “The Criterion Restaurant” where I worked for a year learning the typical English food base. Samuel - After studying for two and half years in the catering industry, I was fortunate enough to be headhunted - a job in a renowned restaurant in my local village in Italy where I had the opportunity to learn lots of basic Italian cuisine. I am very ambitious and still at the beginning of my career, but I believe that with the experience I have gained already, I can achieve my dream. Once I decided to move to England and expand my career opportunities by working at “La Bottega” with my sister for the past year and enjoying creating new dishes for new food lovers. What has been your proudest moment?
Fabio - I haven’t got one single “proud moment”, I’ve always been proud of my kitchen and the way I cook, probably because I always enjoy doing it. Samuel - When I have good reviews from people because they liked my food.
Samuel - I don’t mind Gordon Ramsay in the TV industry but I am an individual and I would like to believe I can be my own inspiration in the dishes I put together and I hope people like them! What is your favourite dish to cook and (more importantly!) what is your favourite thing to eat?!
Fabio - Probably my favourite dishes to cook are all different kind of meats, but I’m always influenced by seasonal and local ingredients from the territory! My favourite thing to eat? Absolutely is homemade fresh pasta! Samuel - My favourite dishes to cook is pasta, pizza and focaccia, which takes me back to my childhood. My favourite thing to eat is our homemade ice-cream!
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
31
Dreams
www.hometec.co.uk
do come true with D VOTE NO.1 X SE IN ES IN AGA
Hometec
Hometec Conservatory Village Open every day
Full comprehensive service from design to completion Free photo 3D and CAD drawings Highest specification of products Showroom & Factory
Complete written quotation
401 Rayleigh Road Eastwood Leigh-on-Sea Essex SS9 5JG Opening Times Mon - Fri Saturday
09.00 - 17.00 10.00 - 16.00
Showroom Conservatory Village View Garden Centre Old Chelmsford Road Rawreth, Essex SS11 8SJ Opening Times Mon - Fri Saturday Sunday
09.30 - 16.30 09.30 - 16.30 10.00 - 16.00
01268 561984