Around Town Magazines Rayleigh October 2014 Edition by Black Square Print Media Limited

www.aroundtownmagazines.co.uk OCTOBER 2014 EDITION 11

“WE’VE GOT YOUR TOWN WRAPPED UP!”

DELIVERED TO 15,000 HOMES & BUSINESSES IN RAYLEIGH

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... Around Towners to YOUR Rayleigh community magazine! October is one of my favourite months of the year. The nights start drawing in, the trees begin to change their colours and on the last Sunday in the month, we will be turning all our clocks back by one hour, confirming the arrival of Autumn. Speaking of arrivals, we at Around Town Magazine would like to welcome and wish the new Head Teacher at FitzWimarc School in Rayleigh, Mr Harris every success in his new role. Also this month: Halloween is on Friday 31st October so please ensure you have enough sweets and treats in the house for any ‘trick or treaters’ you have call over this weekend. The Rayleigh Lions Firework Display is on Saturday 8th November at the King George Playing Field (see advert inside for full details). Until next month, please read on and enjoy.

From the Around Town Team

Features

What Our Customers Say

08 Rayleigh Lions Club Organisation ‘Around Town’ 11 Rotary Club of Rayleigh Mill Organisation ‘Around Town’ 13 Nature Notes EWT Volunteer Neil Sumner 16 The Cook Report Out and About 19 Know Your Tradesmen Hometec 20 Mark Francois MP Political Update 23 Martin Lewis The Money Saving Expert 26 A View from the Church Rev. Mike Lodge 28 Recipe Big Spud 31 Useful Numbers

“We have seen great results from our adverts with Around Town Magazines, since day one! We are extremely pleased with the professional and friendly service too”

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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.

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Booking deadline for our November edition of Around Town is: Wednesday 22nd Oct.

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.

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RAYLEIGH LIONS CLUB The Rayleigh Lions have had a quite month fund raising due to preparations for their 25th Annual Firework Fiesta which is being held on the 8th November at King Georges Playing Field. This year promises to be bigger than ever as it is the Lions Club of Rayleigh 40th Anniversary with the club being formed in October 1974, They are still as active as ever. Our firework fiesta is our biggest fun raiser of the year, and appreciate the support of the local community, we have all generations giving us their support and it is nice to know that children of 25 years ago are now bring their children to the event which is true value for money. Children under 12 when accompanied by an adult gain free entrance. Now It gives us time to reflect on the donations we have made over the years to name but a few Southend Hospital Radio, Essex Air Ambulance, Rayleigh St Johns Ambulance for new vehicle, Rayleigh Citizens Advice Bureau, Riverside Junior School, Fitzwimarc School P.T.A, Local Day centres, Rayleigh A.T.C. Cadets, Local Playgroups, Electric Scooter loan and repairs Lions Flood Appeal (England), Anglian Regiment/Colchester Garrison., Local Christmas lights Bosom Buddies, Stroke Unit at Southend Hospital, Rayleigh and Hullbridge First Responders, Rochford CAB/Day Centre, Talking Newspapers for the partially sighted, RAVS, the list is endless. If anyone is interested in joining the Lions and help us raise money for good causes, please feel free to attend one of our meetings held in the cedar centre, castle lane, Rayleigh on the 1st Tuesday of each month at 8pm, or if attending our Firework display please talk to one of our members who will be pleased to discuss our club with you.

The display will be held at the King Georges Playing Field Rayleigh on

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Gates open 5:30 pm | Display starts at 7:30pm Advance Purchase tickets only ÂŁ5.00 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

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ROTARY CLUB OF RAYLEIGH MILL September is a fairly quiet month with many members being on holiday. Recently we helped the Rochford Rotary Club organise a charity golf event at Rochford Golf Club and as was the case with our own golf day, they were blessed with fine weather and a good turnout. Our next event is the Comedy Night at 8pm on October 25th at the Hullbridge Community Centre which is nearly sold out – if you would like tickets (£10) they can still be obtained from Squires Coffee Shop or Courts Florists in Rayleigh. The District Governor attended a recent meeting. Among the items he discussed was a proposal to attempt a world record for a quiz attendance. Early days yet but look out for details in the future months – you might fancy being part of a world record! Our new website and Facebook page can help you keep track of us! www.rotary-ribi.org/ clubs/homepage.php?ClubsID=1797 or put ‘Rotary Club of Rayleigh Mill’ into Facebook. . We meet at Mamma’s Romantica Restaurant in Rayleigh High Street at 7.30pm on Monday nights. If you wish to visit us to see if you would be interested in joining please contact Andrew Shackleton on 01702 201783 or robertashackleton@googlemail.com.

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The South Essex Wildlife hospital were kind enough to lend me a hedgehog recently. Although they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t normally lend animals in their care this was a special favour as I was taking it to a local primary school just north of here. Many of the children had never seen a live hedgehog which is not surprising, because hedgehogs have declined enormously in our country, from an estimated 30 million in the 1950s to less than one million today. Hedgehogs need several things that we have been taking away: areas of dense scrub and the creepy-crawly species such as beetles and caterpillars that they eat. And many of the areas they live in have been isolated by building and removal of vegetation so small populations become isolated and die out. This was the point I wanted to make to children: telling a story written by Essex Wildlife Trust about a hedgehog whose garden refuge had been paved over. Hedgehogs are one of the 60% of our wildlife species that are in decline. We have already reversed declines in species and there are local examples in our county such as water voles, otters, avocets and oxlips, so I hold out some hope for hedgehogs too. But the threats continue. More housing, and balancing that with growing food. Is it really possible to make space for nature in our local plans? Well, not only is it possible, it is essential. The natural world does things for us: filtering water and air, making soil fertile and storing carbon, as well as giving us something to enjoy. And we need it for our economy. Just one example: animal pollinators, including bees, generate 1 billion dollars worth of sales of plant produce every year across the world. We must include space for nature in our plans and we can do this, by restoring areas that are good for wildlife, such as woodlands, patches of scrub and ponds, and by re-connecting these areas with corridors for wildlife, such as hedgerows, field margins and wide verges. And not forgetting those important wildlife refuges â&#x20AC;&#x201C; our gardens. There are many things we can do in the garden for hedgehogs and other wildlife too. October is a time for change. Hedgehogs are amongst the many animals that go into hibernation whilst others, such as swallows and house martins, head south. Flocks of duck, waders and geese swell on our marshes and inland waters and parties of wintering thrushes and finches are in the hedges and woodlands. The leaves are in glorious colour then fall to the ground and, in dying, enrich the soil below which fuels more growth in future years. All part of the marvellous cycle of the natural world on which we depend.

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Head Out Around Town This Autumn Following the late Indian summer, as we sadly pack up our summer shorts and barbecues for another year, we prepare for winter, digging out our thick coats and wellies, and deciding whether it’s X Factor, Strictly, or the latest celebrated US television drama (Breaking Bad anyone?) that is going to keep us occupied on those cold wintry nights. But as October draws upon us and we move into November, there are plenty of events in the Rayleigh area, of both a spooky and jovial nature, to entertain residents in the run up to Christmas. At the end of the month, the spooky and paranormal will descend upon us with the onset of Halloween. Believed to have both Celtic and pagan origin, All Hallows’ Eve is a time of year dedicated to celebrating all things ghostly and has become more and more popular in the UK every year. Typical festivities include trick-ortreating, fancy dress parties, apple bobbing and pumpkin carving, and more and more

public attractions in the area are marking the festival with special events. On Sunday 26th October, Southend Pier plays host to a ‘Zombie Walk’ a free event organised by the Horror-on-Sea festival. Devilishly dressed zombies, ghouls and suchlike will congregate at the end of the world-famous pier for 3pm before staggering back to the Park Inn Palace Hotel for a special film screening. Visit www.horror-on-sea. com for further information. Also happening in Rayleigh is ‘Halloween Spooktacular’, a charity night taking place at Mill Hall on Bellingham Lane, with costume competitions, creepy craft stalls, psychic readings and more. For details of this and other Halloween events taking place across Essex, visit www.essexdaysout. com/halloween-events-inessex. Then, as we leave the spooky goings-on of October behind and head into winter in earnest, we pay tribute to the infamous anarchist Guy Fawkes with Bonfire Night on 5th November. Once

again this year, residents of Rayleigh will be marking the occasion by heading to the annual fireworks display at King George’s Playing Fields on Saturday 8th November. The event is organised by Lions Club of Rayleigh, a registered charity that works with communities in the Rayleigh, Hockley, Hullbridge and Rochford areas. Rayleigh Fireworks kicks off at 5.30pm with children’s rides, food stalls and the main display starting at 7.30pm. Tickets are £6.00 on the gate, or £5.00 in advance, available from local retailers. Visit www. rayleighlions.org.uk for further details. So, in short, residents of Rayleigh needn’t turn in for the winter just yet. Just need to find some nice warm clothes and maybe a little bit of courage, and venture out to some of these exciting events this autumn. By Around Town Journalist Jo Cook

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Although a local family based Southend Company, Hometec UK had its roots in the “big world” of multi-nationals. It was founded in the spring of 1991, by the ex-national sales manager of Crittall Warmlife, the double glazing division of Crittall Windows. He brought to Hometec UK more than 20 years of experience in replacement windows, doors and conservatories, in particular with regard to marketing, manufacturing and customer relations. The founding body makeup of the Company was completed by his son and his son-in-law who each had many years experience

in Crittall management and sales. The Company became Limited in the autumn of 1992, and two years later the factory was expanded, when new hi-tech machinery was introduced, to further improve product quality and output. Hometec UK grew steadily over the next five years, consolidating its reputation for good honest advice to its customers, and very high quality products and service, all at a fair price. In 1998 the Company was awarded its ISO 9002 Quality Assured Firm status and UKAS Quality Management Certificate. and now has ISO 9001 status Further growth in its core business, the Retail Market, has expanded the Fitting Fleet and, as always the installers

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A NEW MUSEUM FOR RAYLEIGH? Rayleigh is an historic town that was mentioned in Doomsday Book and which was the site of one of the first Norman Castles in the country. The town is rich with history, with sites that include the old Holy Trinity Church at the top of the High Street, the Dutch Cottage and the Rayleigh Windmill, to name just three. Local historian and founder of “Rayleigh Through The Looking Glass”, Mike Davies, has done a great deal over the last few years to promote Rayleigh’s heritage and to help make people more aware of the history of our town (he was even

By Mark Francois MP named Citizen of the Year 2014 in recognition for his efforts). Mike and his team have now gone a stage further and are attempting to establish a permanent museum to tell the story of Rayleigh down the centuries. The group has recently been looking at Grade II listed premises, upstairs at 91-93 the High Street – one of the oldest buildings in Rayleigh - and have now applied to

the Heritage Lottery Fund for funding to turn this concept into reality, something which I have strongly supported as the local MP. It isn’t yet clear whether the funding will be available to bring this to fruition but Mike Davies is a resourceful guy, and I do hope that one way or another, it will be possible to establish a permanent museum so that we can display to people from around the country the wonderful history of the town in which we live. Rt Hon Mark Francois Member of Parliament for Rayleigh and Wickford

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Train ticket prices are to logic what reindeer are to scrabble. In other words, they’ve nothing in common. If you want to save money on the train, take the logic book and throw it out of the window. While travelling by train can be cheap, efficient and easy, the pricing system is a mess. So to really hone down the cheapest priced tickets you need to understand and combine first the simple tips, then the bizarre… Book 12 weeks early for cheaper fares. Most people know if you book early you’ll get cheaper advance train tickets. Yet it’s important to understand these are generally sold in tranches, in other words there’s a set number of each type, so the aim is to buy them before they go. The key time to look is around 12 weeks before you want to travel, as that’s when the timetable is set so most operators launch their advance tickets then or within a couple of weeks giving you maximum choice. So if you know you’ve got something pencilled in you need to travel to, diarise so you can be ready to pounce. Grab a (discounted) railcard There are more national railcards available than there used to be. These normally cost £30 (though often there are codes to discount this check on www.mse.me/traindeals) and reduce all fares by a third. Therefore if you’re likely to spend over £90 even on a one-off trip it’s worth it. The main cards are… Family & Friends Railcard. Two people can be named on this, and then a named person and up to three other adults can travel and get 30% off the fare, providing you’re travelling with between one and four kids, who get 60% off. Two Together Railcard. This one’s relatively new. It gives two named people on the card providing they’re travelling together a third off. If you often travel with different people, you could be named on more than one card to cover the combinations.

Senior Railcard. This gets over 60’s a third off. 16-25 Railcard. Also a third off, though it’s often cheapest to buy the 3 years card (and worth remembering to do it before your 24th birthday to give you maximum time). Split tickets, not the journey Now it’s time to really throw the logic book out of the window to make some really big savings. Instead of buying tickets for the whole journey, instead bizarrely buying tickets for its constituent parts separately can slash the price – even though you’re travelling on exactly the same train, at the same time, possibly in the same seat. It’s perfectly allowed within the National Rail Conditions of Carriage and the only rule is that the train must call at the stations you buy tickets for. I’ve built a tool www.mse.me/ ticketysplit that searches for variants for you to see if you can save. One of the best ever examples I’ve seen of this was on a direct London to Durham return when the cheapest ticket was £301. Yet buying four singles for the same journey: London to York, which was one of the stops, York to Durham, and then in reverse, was £82 for the same train at the same time - possibly even the same seats. However, it’s important to understand that this is an example the savings vary train by train. Even an hour later the same split may not work, so you need to check each time or use the various web tools available to find your split. Look for hidden promos Lots of train companies have hidden promotions buried on their websites – which you won’t find if you’re going through a ticket booking website, such as TheTrainline.com or Redspottedhanky.com. For example, at the time of writing East Coast has 10% off some advance online fares and 50% off selected super off-peak tickets to London, while

on Southeastern up to four kids can travel for £1 off-peak with an adult. For a full list of hidden promos go to www. mse.me/traindeals. Buy rail tickets when not travelling by train to get discounts This sneaky trick sounds bizarre but it works. National Rail offers 2for1 discounts on a host of attractions across the UK – you just download and print out a voucher and present it with a train ticket. Attractions include Ascot Racecourse, Alton Towers and Madame Tussauds. For example, if you wanted two tickets to London Zoo, as an adult ticket costs £24, providing the train ticket is less, it’s worth buying one even if you won’t actually go by train (just pop to a station on the way). Though of course it’s an even better saving if you’re actually using it. Know your train refund rights You may be entitled to money back for delays over 30 minutes, every operator has different rules. Technically the delay or cancellation needs be the operators fault, such as train or signal failures. Yet even when not, such as weather, strikes or maintenance work, some firms will pay out if you claim (as for a claim form when you arrive). More help in www.mse.me/ traindelays.

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(Essex)

have been providing

well designed, attractive driveways for over 30 years. Our driveways and patios will add style and value to your home.

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Five 40

Mirror_Doors_Reflecting_your_Lifestyle 1

19/8/13 09:50:03

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First impressions have lasting impressions... I am always interested in people’s perception of the ‘Church’ and its place in today’s world. When I talk about the ‘Church’ I do so in terms of the people who attend rather than the building. Personally, I came to ‘faith’ in my mid-twenties and so am very interested in the ‘impact’, or otherwise, of the church on the lives of individuals and families who live within the local church parish and beyond. The Church of England, and the church generally, is sometimes perceived, I believe, to be a dinosaur in a world that has ‘moved on’, yet retains a fascination and interest which is difficult to describe. It has a very specific role, but at the same time if the church is to carry out its work with any sort of relevance it needs to ‘engage’ with the world in such a way that its message is understood. Some key aspects of this engagement include the impressions that people have of the ‘Church’. Is there an understanding of what does go on inside the church buildings, as well as an awareness of the involvement of the church in community life? These are important questions that need to be asked of those who attend church as well as those who don’t! The response to these, and others, will determine the definition of the ‘Church’ in people’s minds. Is it a place where the welcoming love of God is evident and able to be discovered, particularly in terms of answering some of life’s’ questions which we encounter? Or, is it a wasteland, dry and uninviting, with no incentive to tough it out until that oasis of living

The Revd Canon Mike Lodge

water is discovered? Questions like these have been at the forefront of my mind for many years, and particularly since being ordained in the Church of England 25 years ago! And it was thirteen years ago that I was invited to take part in a four week course at St George’s House, within the grounds of Windsor Castle. In preparation for this I completed a project, giving it the title, ‘The Church in the Community promised land or wilderness?’ Part of my conclusion posed the question... ‘Is the gulf too great between the secular world and the world of the church?’ I believe the church is in a unique position to take on leading roles, by spending time and energy in removing any possible barriers between itself and community. The image that it projects is key in this process, in all that is done or said. It is no easy task for the portrayal of the church to be changed, but change it must if it is to be relevant in the world today, and tomorrow… This is just one reason why I was accepted an invitation to sit on the steering group of a new initiative called ‘Rayleigh Town Team’, representing each of the Christian Churches and Ministries in Rayleigh. The Town Team is comprised of representatives of the local community, currently including Rochford District Council, Rayleigh Town Council, Rayleigh Chamber of Trade and Commerce, Local businesses, ‘Rayleigh through the Looking Glass’ and o t h e r Vo l u n t a r y

organisations. The main aim of Rayleigh Town Team is to establish Rayleigh Town Centre and surrounding district as a unique destination with something for everyone. It plans to achieve this by raising awareness of the unique historic character, and historic buildings and places that can be visited in Rayleigh and co-ordinating and mutually publicising events run by different organisations within the town centre, alongside other initiatives and events to attract people to the area. This enterprise is just one of many that the Churches and Christian ministries are actively involved in, supporting the overall desire for the residents of Rayleigh and its visitors to enjoy all that it has to offer, that people’s first impression will always have a lasting positive impression… Yours in the love of Jesus…

01268 742151 info@parishofrayleigh.org.uk www.parishofrayleigh.org.uk

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

email: leonebner@hotmail.co.uk

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Now serving All-Day Breakfast And introducing… the “Manwich” 2e Eastwood Road, Rayleigh, SS6 7JQ colesvintagetearooms@gmail.com 07596368460 – Mon - Sat - 9:00 – 16:00

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We are taking Christmas bookings already, So get in there quick before you miss your chance! Christmas Hampers Coming Soon!

This year we are offering a special Christmas Afternoon Tea for only £18 per person. Here’s a taster of What is to Come! Sandwich Fillings - Turkey & Cranberry - Ham & Mustard - Cream Cheese & Smoked Salmon - Cheese & Spring Onion Desserts - Date Bites - Lemon & Ginger Cupcakes - Mini Mince Pies - Mini Xmas Puddings - Shortbread Biscuits - Scones with Cream and Jam Pot of Tea for One

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Pumpkin Pie As Halloween draws near, many of us like to have a pumpkin around the house to join in the festivities. When I was a boy this was only ever something you saw on TV. Now it seems everyone has a lantern on their mantelpiece on October 31st! But what to do with all that flesh you scoop out? You could do a lot worse than try this American classic, pumpkin pie. The eggs will set it to a custardy consistency, and the salt is the secret ingredient that just lifts the overriding sweetness.

Ingredients: A 1.8kg pumpkin will yield about 1kg flesh when roasted 1 large egg 3 egg yolks 1 can sweetened condensed milk 1/4 teaspoon grated nutmeg 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger Pinch of Chinese five spice Zest of an orange, grated Pinch of salt Sweet short crust pastry case (or you can make your own)

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 150C. Carve the pumpkin into even fist-sized chunks and roast in the oven for 3 - 4 hours, until a knife sinks into it with no resistance. Cover with foil and leave to cool. 2. When the pumpkin is cool peel away the flesh from the skin and pulse in a food processor. When smooth whisk with the remaining filling ingredients and pour into the pastry case. Bake for 20-25 mins or until the centre of the pie barely still wobbles. Serve with whipped cream. Recipe supplied by Big Spud www.bigspud.co.uk

recipes@bigspud.co.uk

M@bigspud

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Now Open! 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 18th October - Live music from Debbie Rainworth Traditional Sunday Roasts Happy Hour – Monday to Friday 5-6 Selected beers and spirits half price 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

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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

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29 High Street, Rayleigh, Essex

Telephone: 01268 742021

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We want to hear from you! Contact us on: 01277 658444 | sales@aroundtownmagazines.co.uk 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

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