H L E I G R AY 0 1 6 0 5 . 2
The EU Referendum 23rd June 2016 reviewed inside
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CONTENTS 21 8 QUALITY KITCHEN FACELIFTS
12
A View from the Church
A new look for yo old kitchen this S
Before
Rev. Mike Lodge
13 Nature Notes
EWT Volunteer Neil Sumner
14 EU Referendum Are you in or out?
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20 Perfect Plants
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Visit our showroom: 1741 London Road, Leigh on Sea, Essex SS9 2SW
Gardening Tips
26 Martin Lewis
Money Saving Expert
29 Rotary Club / Lions Club Organisations Around Town
30 Around Town Sports Focuses on Football
31 Useful Numbers Around Town Magazines Graphic House, Radford Way, Billericay CM12 0DX
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Edition 30 info@essex-bathrooms.co To advertise contact our Sales Team today, details www.essex-bathrooms.co below. Booking deadline for our June edition is: Monday 16th May
07712 674877 | 01702 232 Copyright 2016. Around Town Rayleigh is an independent magazine and does not endorse the products or services that appear in the magazine. Opinions expressed in Around Town do not necessarily represent those of the editors of Around Town Magazines. Around Town Magazines are published by Black Square Print Media Ltd produced by Black Square Litho Ltd.
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Cloudy2Clear Announce Trusted Trader Partnership Consumer champions Which? have now joined the thousands of customers who recognise that Cloudy2Clear Windows really are a business that you can TRUST. The company which specialises in repairing windows which are steamed up, broken or damaged by replacing the panes – not the frames has received the coveted ‘Which Trusted Trader’ status after going through a rigorous accreditation process entirely focussed on customer service. Group Managing Director Marcus McGee believes that Which? have endorsed Cloudy2Clear’s long standing company
policy of delivering the highest standards possible at all times. ‘Our service is simple. If your double glazing has 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. Whilst a number of tradespeople perhaps don’t focus on customer care as much as they should do, 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. Locally Cloudy2Clear service the Rayleigh & Eastwood areas and
manager Chris Miller agrees that this 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 as both my customers and, obviously a body as nationally important as Which? now recognise.’ So, if your windows are steamed up, broken or damaged give Chris a call for a free quotation on 0800 61 21 118 and he’ll be happy to help!
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Revd Canon Mike Lodge
The birth of the church... At the beginning of Lent we began a journey with Jesus, as he experienced the desolation and loneliness of a desert experience, remaining faithful to God despite the temptations of the world. The death of Jesus on Good Friday changed the way we understood Passover, from the Jewish festival, remembering the liberation of the Jews from Egypt, to the most profound event in history; an expression of God’s love for His world.50 days later at the Jewish ‘Feast of Weeks’, originally a celebration of the giving of the Law at Sinai, another significant event took place, now recognised as the birth of the church, following God’s giving of his Spirit to his people. This is surely one of the strangest and most exciting moments in history.A tornado whips in and settles inside one small house. Fire breaks out, but only on the heads of a few people.These men and women are shouting against the roar of the wind, but their words come out jumbled, scrambled and reassembled into… what exactly? A crowd rushes in to see what’s happening. And, in the language chaos, they all get the same message loud and clear in a way that bypasses their heads and speaks straight to their hearts: ‘God is wonderful’ (Acts 2:11). Some are amazed, some are sceptical, but no one will ever be the same again. No one in the world will ever be the same again.This is not the moment
when the Holy Spirit came into existence. But this is the moment when God chose to let his Holy Spirit loose, to be released widely across human boundaries of race, gender, geography and language.At the touch of that flame poor people feel like millionaires, sad people break out laughing, stony hearts melt and dead people open a quizzical eye… Notice the difference the Spirit makes to Peter – an unschooled, rough-and-ready fisherman now speaks with great eloquence, understanding and wisdom (Acts 2:17-21). Peter has an immediate handle on what has just happened to the disciples – he recognises the coming of the Spirit, its significance and how it has been foretold in the Scriptures.He has what would have seemed like an astoundingly bold grasp of God’s Word as he points to a passage from the Old Testament book of Joel, and states that Joel was talking about what is happening to them now – God pouring out his Spirit on all his people.And what a passage to preach on! According to Peter, the future is here and is all about God’s allinclusiveness, his power and the amazing truth that the good news is for everybody who chooses to respond to Jesus. The Christian faith is life-transforming good news. God has given us the Spirit in order that we might share the gospel, this good news; the love and hope we have in Jesus… This faith was behind the building of St Michael’s Church in Sir Walter Raleigh Drive, sixty years ago this month, officially opened on 15 May 1956. The idea for this extension to Holy Trinity Church came through the then Rector, The Revd Christopher Carver and completed at a cost of £9880.00! St Michael’s continues to thrive as a place of worship, also providing a valued facility for the local community for all ages. There will be a special service of thanksgiving on Sunday 15 May at 11.00am, to which everyone is invited. Yours in the love of Jesus. Parish Office 01268 742151 info@parishofrayleigh.org.uk
www.parishofrayleigh.org.uk
Nature Notes Written by Neil Sumner
Neilsumner123@aol.com twitter.com/neilsumner123 Bats are probably one of the creatures about which we have the least knowledge. The Bat Conservation Trust is working diligently to learn more about the country’s bat species and their behaviour/ecology. Locally, the Essex Bat Group (http://essexbatgroup. org/) has various long term projects running, including regular counts of Soprano Pipistrelles at the Essex Wildlife Trust visitor centre in Hanningfield. The counts are in the evenings when they leave the maternity roosts to feed. And there is a lot of feeding for a bat to do, having to consume c.3000 insects in a night. In the twilight, the volunteers stare at the purpose-built bat box and the exit points from the roofs of the buildings. The counters are clicking, as numbers peaked at over 700 in one evening last year. Some volunteers use bat detectors, which pick up echolocation sounds inaudible to the human ear, made by the bats as they zoom in on their invertebrate meals. The frequency registered by the detector tells us that there are more species present, and at least 7 have been detected at Hanningfield. The mystery of bats is amplified when you are sitting in the dark and hear a different species but cannot immediately see it. You may catch the silhouette of a larger Noctule, flying higher and more purposefully than the seemingly erratic pipistrelles. Sitting in a hide and shining a torch on the water gives fleeting glimpses of a Daubenton’s Bat, as it plucks insects from the surface. Trapping has also revealed the occasional Nathusius’ Pipistrelle, a tiny bat that migrates here from the European landmass and which is the subject of a special project in Essex. Some bats have been radio tagged so the Bat Group volunteers can track their whereabouts around the Reservoir. Bat counting started last month and will continue into October, when the bats leave the maternity roosts and go to their wintering roosts, the whereabouts of which we really don’t know. The count on July 20th at Hanningfield is a public event. There are also talks and walks this month, to learn about and see bats, at Belfairs Woodland Centre and at Hanningfield. http://www.essexwt.org.uk/whats-on.
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13
MARK FRANCOIS Conservative Member of Parliament for Rayleigh and Wickford
On 23rd June our country will have an opportunity to express a direct say on Europe for the first time in over forty years. I hope as many people as possible will use this chance and support our democracy by voting to leave. Over 50% of our laws are now made by the EU, proposed by unelected EU Commissioners who we cannot remove, even if we disagree strongly with their decisions. Parliament cannot interfere with this process and EU laws, passed in this manner, take precedence over our own British Law. British courts, even our Supreme Court, are subservient to the European Court of Justice, whose judges we cannot choose. I think we should elect our own Government and make our own laws in Parliament, rather than have them increasingly imposed upon us by unelected foreign officials. I also want to see us reassert control over our own borders and decide who can and cannot come into our country, whereas, at present, it is extremely difficult to refuse entry to anyone who is an EU citizen. The security implications of this are obvious. This difficulty of refusing entry – and of increasing the pressure on our public services–will only be compounded if Turkey becomes a member of the EU. Also we should refuse to give in to “Project Fear”. The EU runs a major trade deficit with us, something they will not want to give up if we leave.
LEAVE STAY
In summary, I want to live in a democracy, where we take back control ofour own borders, elect our own Government and make our own laws. We have a once in a generation opportunity to secure this in June and I very much hope that we will take it.
ANGELA WATKINSON Conservative Member of Parliament for Upminster and Hornchurch I intend to vote to remain in the EU. We all have to ask ourselves if our future will be stronger and more secure if we are part of the world’s largest trading block, or if we leave. Most important is the economy. Individuals, businesses and families need assurance about their jobs, food prices, utilities and petrol. 80% of our exports to the EU are in services and being part of that single market plus free trade with 50 other countries, brings many benefits and assurances. Of course the EU is not perfect – it needs further reform so it interferes and spend less. But not being part of the single currency or the Schengen border/visa free area means we are in a special position. If we vote to leave, there will be 2 years of uncertainty and instability, during which all the existing treaties will have to be unravelled, followed by a period of negotiation to set up new arrangements. Canada has taken 8 years to negotiate access to the single market. Claims that we would not suffer any detriment from Brexit are wishful thinking. Jobs could be at risk, inward investors could look elsewhere, the value of sterling could fall and the status of the City of London as the major European financial hub could suffer. The world is in a volatile state from weather to terrorism. More uncertainty is the last thing we need. Most people think immigration is too high and access to benefits for EU migrants has been changed to prevent abuse of our welfare system. Highly educated and skilled migrants who come here to work, benefit our economy, as do UK migrants who live and work in other EU countries. Migrants from Africa and the Middle East do NOT have visa free access to the UK and refugees must claim asylum in the first safe country they arrive in – clearly not the UK. People smuggling into Europe is a serious challenge which would continue to affect the UK even after Brexit. We must work together with our EU partners to stop this cruel trade in human misery.
LEAVE STAY
GEORGE WEST President, cross party, Campaign for an Independent Britain founded 1969 Who can doubt that the UK is best able to manage its own affairs and make our own laws in the interests of our own people, rebuilding our own trading links with the rest of the world especially our Commonwealth friends whilst maintaining friendships with European neighbours. The advantages definitely outweigh the disadvantages no matter the scare-mongering to hoodwink the British as in the 1975 referendum by pretending slight reform. The ever tightening centralisation that the EU is planning can be found in the “Five Presidents Report” covering 2015 to 2025 on the internet. A vote to leave the undemocratic EU will set us free from the EU treadmill of escalating ever closer control. It will remove us from the EU/USA TTIP trade plans that are being negotiated in secret that could well allow the final privatisation of the NHS. We can keep rules that are now embedded in UK legislation such as workers’ rights, maternity leave and working hours whilst getting rid of those EU rules that prevent us from giving state aid to our manufacturing industries to protect jobs and enable us to protect ourselves in times of any future military conflict. We would limit the number of people coming into the UK, selecting those with skills we need and turning away or deporting everyone with a criminal record. We would not discriminate against our Commonwealth friends as we have to do at present. We can ensure that population growth is managed in line with what we are able to provide by way of housing, hospitals, school places other services. We can help end austerity measures, lower national debt and its interest charges. We can continue to provide subsidies to our farmers and restore our territorial waters and fishing grounds to bring to an end the North Sea man-made EU disaster that has led to the destruction of our own fishing fleet. As for pollution, we had the Clean Air Act before we went into the EU. It isn’t the EU that has kept the peace in Europe. Instead of paying a membership fee of £33 million every day to the EU, we can cut out the middle man (The EU) and spend the money in our own country whilst still providing reasonable overseas aid for genuine need. We can again make the Civil Service and BBC independent and decide our own levels of VAT. Confidence in our country should be restored. It is silly to suggest we are too small or would be isolated when we can continue to access the Single Market and resume our seat at the World Trade Organisation where standards are now set internationally not by the outdated EU. We can be governed by the Parliament we elect and not by unelected Commissioners in Brussels. We can also have a Prime Minister and a Chancellor who do not have to travel around EU countries begging for permission to change anything we do not want but are always over-ruled by the other 27 countries.
LEAVE STAY
JAMES MCGRORY Chief Campaign Spokesman for Britain Stronger In Europe Britain is stronger, better off and safer in Europe than we would be out on our own. Leaving would risk our prosperity, threaten our safety and diminish Britain’s influence in the world. The benefits of membership clearly outweigh the costs. Millions of British jobs, including in Essex, are linked to our trade with EU countries. We get about £26 billion a year in investment from Europe. And being part of Europe means cheaper prices in our supermarkets. All in all, independent experts calculate being in Europe is worth around £3,000 per year for every family in Britain. It’s not just our finances which are stronger in Europe. Many threats to Britain’s security are global – like cross-border crime and terrorism – and require an international response. Whether it’s implementing sanctions against Russia, sharing intelligence or arresting criminals using the European Arrest Warrant, being in Europe makes us safer. In today’s complex world, the UK has more control over its destiny by working through organisations like the EU. We would never dream of leaving the UN or NATO, because they amplify our power. If we want Britain to be a leader in the world, we need to lead in Europe too. Worst of all is that the leave campaign has no idea what we’d end up with if we left. They’ve admitted they want Britain cut off from the single market. That would be a massive blow for British business, putting thousands of jobs on the line. And they can’t say what trade deal we’d get instead. They used to talk about a deal like Canada’s or Switzerland’s but now they talk about one like Albania’s or Bosnia’s. Britain can do better than that and the truth is that any alternative to EU membership would leave Britain worse off.
LEAVE STAY
Leaving Europe would be a dangerous leap into the dark – a gamble with the livelihoods of thousands of hardworking British people.
PERFECT PL A N One thing that makes the difference between a merely nice garden and a genuinely special garden is the quality of the foliage. I think the message about growing plants specifically for foliage has got through, but they’re not really what I want to talk about. As with a garden full of as many flowers as possible, a garden with nothing but bold foliage can be over-stimulating. I don’t think I’m alone in feeling that often, what we want is less thrilling - a more peaceful temperate green space. Sadly, what we often get is a monotonous green lump. Flowers help but can look bland – random colours on a plain green background. Maybe we tend to think too much in terms of categories - Flowering Plants versus Foliage Plants. If the plant has flowers, we don’t worry too much about the foliage and vice-versa, and a lot of popular flowering plants have very boring foliage. I’m thinking of daisy family especially, but also some of the big spring flowering shrubs like Forsythia and Philadelphus. But the keen plants-person will be aware that often there isa similar plant with much nicer leaves and a better overall effect. What makes them better? Shape, colour and texture are obvious factors. Philadelphus is a good example. The common species is P.coronarius – the traditional Mock Orange. It’s an immense shrub – fabulous scent for about a week but then a scruffy green mass until autumn when it becomes a huge bundle of sticks. For a long time I wouldn’t even consider planting a Philadelphus until I saw P.delavayi. It’s still a big shrub, and also doesn’t flower for long but its leaves are more solid and have a bettertexture. There are many smaller Philadelphus, better for a small garden, but if you want a big one, don’t choose P.coronarius. Many people complain that Peonies flower briefly
TS
FLOWERING PLANTS VERSUS FOLIAGE PLANTS
then take up too much room for the rest of the summer. However, I’ve always loved peonies and that is partly because the ones I’m thinking of have among the best foliage of any border perennial – broadly lobed and cut, in various shades of green, with red tints and veins. The young shoots are usually a good rich red and the leaves may colour up well in the autumn. So these are the featuresto look out for – new growth and autumn colour. There are plants grown almost entirely for these features, but there are plenty more that, although not show-stoppers, are still worth looking at. Many plants have red, purple or dark tinted new leaves, or very fresh pale green ones. Sometimes the veins or the stalk is picked out in red, yellow or even black. It doesn’t sound like much but it makes all the difference. Later, while some plants become tatty and wan with age, others keep their shape and take on tints of buff or maroon. Finally, it is important to consider how well a plant bows out once it has done its bit. Many fabulous plants only flower briefly in the spring but thensit there for the rest of the summer. Do they take up space like a big green blot, or do they slip demurely into the scenery? Big evergreens are an obvious concern, and the old hybrid Rhododendrons more than most, but there are those with a lighter shape and attractively textured and coloured foliage. Most produce their new shoots after flowering and these can be very ornamental. Trees and shrubs with a light, open structure and fresh green leaves make a lush backdrop for vivid summer flowers.
By Steve Law brightonplants.blogspot.co.uk
A new look for your old kitchen this Spring
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WATER It costs more than you think to spend a penny. Water (and sewerage) bills are the country’s forgotten utility - the average cost is set to rise to £390 and many pay substantially more. Yet it is possible for many to save £100s on this with just five minutes’ work. From 1 April, water bills in England and Wales go up by an average 1%. Yet dig in the figures and some will have bigger hikes, like customers of Dee Valley who face 5%. Water is a funny industry. It is privatised, but there’s no competition. You can’t switch supplier – although there is a discussion for this to happen, with an outcome later this year. Instead, to save, it’s all about what works for you. 1) Does your home have more or the same number of bedrooms than people? If yes and you’re in England and Wales, then you should definitely check out whether you can save by switching to a free water meter. In Scotland, there’s a fee, which usually means it’s not worth it, and in Northern Ireland there’s no need for a meter as water is free anyway. That’s because water bills are based on rates – roughly the value of your house from way back in 1989. The bigger your house, the more you pay, but the fewer people in it, the less you use. So switching from a bill based on your house value to a meter that measures your usage is worthwhile for those with spare rooms. To find out exactly if you’ll save by switching to a meter, use the calculator atwww. ccwater.org.uk, which assesses your usage such as how often you use the dishwasher, washing machine, shower or tub. Just keep an eye on your bills to check your saving, and if not you can usually switch back after 12 months or a month after your
second bill, whichever is later – check with your water firm before you sign up. However, there are some who have been forced to get a meter – in which case you don’t have a right to switch back. 2) Is it worth switching? Typically, two people in a four-bed Thames Water home paying £450 could save £150 every year by switching to a meter. Some save even more, as Jeannie tweeted me: “@MartinsLewischanged to a water meter 1 year ago following your advice. Saved £492 in one year, thanks.” And this from Suzanne: “@MartinsLewisI have saved £240/year installing water meter. Ta!” Yet water rates mean you know exactly what you’ll pay, regardless of usage. So, if the saving’s less than 5%, think carefully before switching. 3) What if you’re not allowed a meter? Water companies can argue it is ‘justifiably impractical’, e.g., in a tall flats block with shared water pipes. If this happens, and you think a meter would save, ask how much your ‘assessed charge bill’, which is based on how many live in your flat and water usage, is. Better still, if that happens, you can choose whether to pay this or the rates – so go for whichever is cheaper.
IF IT’S YELLOW, LET IT MELLOW. IF IT’S BROWN, FLUSH IT DOWN. 4) Do you have a soakaway? If you live in a small town or village and have a ‘’soakaway’’, i.e. a pit of gravel that
collects surface rainwater, you’ll send less water through the sewers and should ask for money deducted from your bill.This is usually between £20-£50/year and can be claimed whether you’re on a meter or not. 5)Cut your water use. For those on a water meter, saving water means saving cash. But cutting water use also helps the environment and saves others money too – paying to heat water squirts away £140 of a typical annual energy bill. So these tips can be useful even if you’re on a rateable bill. - Grab water savings freebies worth up to £30. Lots of gizmos can help douse your bill. Whether on a water meter or not, you can get freebies from water companies that’ll help use less water – check their website or call them. These can include aerated shower heads, which pump air with the shower to make it feel high pressure but uses less water, or bath buoys; a toy you can put in the bath to use less water. For a bigger list of who does what go towww.mse.me/water. - If it’s yellow, let it mellow. If it’s brown, flush it down. I don’t really need to explain this one – I think you get it. I’ll be honest it’s not one I do, but many people do do (sorry). At the very least, if your loo has two buttons, try to only use the big flush when necessary. - Save your washing up for one wash.
martin L E W IS Money Saving Expert
Instead of washing up as you go, save it and do it in one go to minimise the amount of water used. - Steam your veggies.It’s healthier and tastier than boiling them and uses a lot less water too. - Load up the washing machine, but not the kettle. Wait until you’ve a full load before using your washing machine or dishwasher. Some new washing machines use fewer than seven litres of water for each kilogram of clothes, while modern dishwashers can use as little as 10 to 15 litres of water a cycle. But don’t fill the kettle if it’s just for one cuppa (big energy saver that too). - Bundle into the bath. Get up close and personal with your other half and share your bath. Or put the kids in together to save water. - Check your meter doesn’t turn when the water’s off. If it does, get leaks sorted pronto. See a handy guide from Anglian Water at http://tinyurl.com/h636wf6 and many firms offer free leakyloo stickers, which you put on the back of water devices and if they fall off you’ve a leak.
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ROTARY CLUB OF RAYLEIGH MILL The last month has been busy for both social and formal events. Early in the month we held an annual golf competition with Rochford Rotary Club which is held in the memory of a late Rochford member. It turned out to be a successful day in all respects, the weather was good, the Rayleigh Club course was in good condition and our team managed to retain the trophy. Later in the month, members and partners went on a wonderful visit to P&A Wood, the Rolls-Royce vehicle restorer in Great Dunmow. Our transport, a 1949 Bedford bus, was a very suitable start to the day. Although the ladies in the group were not sure about the attraction of a car restorers for a day out, they were in for a surprise. We were met outside the companies period buildings by Andrew Wood, the joint owner, who proceeded to take us round all the various sections of the facilities. To say everyone was impressed would be an understatement. The quality of workmanship and attention to detail was amazing as was the variety of vehicles. Everything from a £6 million 1911 Silver Ghost to a current convertible and Viscount Montgomery’s wartime Rolls-Royce. Some of the many vehicles were fully restored and looking immaculate, some disassembled to the smallest nut and bolt and so many styles and ages. A great day out. A more formal event was our ‘black tie’ President Night held at the Rayleigh Golf Club, an annual event when members and partners can enjoy a dinner-dance with just a few light hearted speeches. Our annual charity Golf Day at Rochford Hundred is now confirmed for 4th July at Rochford Hundred Golf Club. If you wanted to put in a team or sponsor a hole, please go onto our website for details. Our 10K run planning is progressing well – details will be available for entries in a few weeks. To obtain more details of our club, look up ‘Rotary Club of Rayleigh Mill’ on Google or Facebook or give Carl Watson a call on 01268 778376.
RAYLEIGH LIONS CLUB Our next open meeting is at The Cedars Rayleigh May 3rd at 8pm We are always looking to welcome new members and on Saturday 4th June we will be having a stall at Hockley ‘Wild Woods’ day where people can come and meet us, find out what we do and how they can get involved with the club. The Lions Club of Rayleigh is part of the International Association of Lions Clubs, and our primary aim is to raise and distribute funds within our local area. The Lions Club Rayleigh was chartered in 1974 and serves the Rayleigh, Hockley, Hullbridge and Rochford areas. Our club is a Voluntary Service organisation and a registered charity, we are always looking for people willing to help make their community a better place to live. PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS
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FOOTBALL
Leicester City have made history! From odds of 5000/1 to odds on favourites with two games spare they have gone and clinched the league title. Real football fans of Essex might have their head turned a little by the amazing events that have unfolded in the premiership, but at 3pm on a Saturday and sometimes 8pm on a weekday their attention is with their local team, whether it be at home or for an away day in Bognor. Whether it be with Grays Athletic in the Ryman Premier Division or with Southend United in League One, Essex football fans have had another season of ups and downs and as we are the a local magazine I wanted to do a quick round up of some of our local clubs. Let’s travel around Essex seeing how we have performed.
Starting with Billericay Town FC. 8th and 10th in the last two seasons, looks likes they are going to be non movers, 9th this year, consistent and consolidating their place in the Ryman’s top league. Jump in the car down London Road and you get to the home of Brentwood Town. Not a good season for them this year. Relegated back to Ryman North, need to have bouncebackability next season. Back on a bus up to the A127 come off that and get yourself down Canvey Way. Canvey Island FC have stayed in the Ryman Prem with a 14th place finish. Over the road on the Island, are Concord Rangers. Concord are in 11th place in
the Vanarama National League South this year, another consolidation job. Get a cab down the A130 and you arrive in Chelmsford, home for Chelmsford City FC. 13th in the Vanarama League South, the clarets have stayed in the division; however the capital of Essex needs a team to fly the flag in league football. Hitchhike along the A12 and you hit the success story that is Braintree Town FC. Dizzy heights of 5th this year and playoffs beckoning. Promotion into the football league a possibility!? Watch this space! Train out of Braintree London bound with a change at Shenfield and you arrive at Romford. 16th place, they clung onto their Ryman League North status looking up at local rivals. A short jog up past the Harrow pub and you’re in Hornchurch. 5th place this season, impressive for the pride of Havering. Finally we jump on the coach to the seaside to join the shrimpers, Southend United. The biggest club in Essex and at one stage were in with a shout of back to back promotions. The wheels came off with that particular charge, but they have stayed in League One, no playoff drama this year, but plenty of good feeling around Southend at the moment. I could go on, Colchester, Grays, Bishops Stortford and there are many more I haven’t mentioned, but I only have a page. On with the 16/17 season, it will be here before you know it.
Put the spotlight on your local sports team, contact Zaki Hasan, via email, zaki@aroundtownmagazines.co.uk
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