AY E R I C L L I B T I O N E D I 6 4
An independent day school for
girls and boys age 2 to 16 years
Enrolling now for Year 7 September 2018 Telephone - 01277 623070 | E-mail - registrar@stjohnsschool.net www.stjohnsschool.net
Cold Conservatory?... A thing of the
Leaking Roof?
......................................................... Too Hot in Summer?
.........................................................
Before
Too Cold in Winter?
......................................................... Costly to Heat?
......................................................... Noise Nuisance from Rain?
......................................................... Glare From Sun? .........................................................
After
With a Tiled Effect Conservatory Roof
Free Online Quote
www.ComfortableConservatories.com
Call Now 0800 772 3318 Use this Code ‘AROUND5' Further 5% Discount
CONTENTS 17
12 Recipe
Perfect Pancakes
Ian’s curtains & b
14 A View from the Church Rev. Paul Carr
Divers
22 Nature Notes
EWT Volunteer Neil Sumner
21
Independent Fos
A12 Eastern Avenue
28 James Blower The Savings Guru
Romford Essex
RM5 3AL
31
01708 736700 sales@bodywash.uk www.bodywash.uk ( Ilford Is Now Closed )
FOR EXPERT ADVICE & LONG LASTING QUALITY NOBODY DOES IT BETTER
34 What’s On
When and Where...
38 B.A.R.K
By Matt Everard
Club, Lions Club & 42 Rotary Round Table
44 Your Yoga
Curtains | Tracks & Poles | Roman Blinds Vertical Blinds | Venetian Blinds | Wo Useful Numbers Child’s Pose
47
Front cover picture by: John Haywood - JH Photography @jh.photohtaphy.jh JH Photography
Around Town Magazines Graphic House, Radford Way, Billericay CM12 0DX
Copyright 2018. 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.
Pattern books also available.
01277 658444 www.aroundtownmagazines.co.uk sales@aroundtownmagazine.co.uk
Loving the room.
With 0% finance available over three years, it’s never been more affordable to get more room for everything you love with Sliderobes.
SLIDEROBES.CO.UK
Call 0800 243 312 or go online now to arrange your FREE AT HOME CONSULTATION
VISIT OUR SHOWROOM IN BASILDON 01622 718987 Unit 3, Cranes Farm Rd, Basildon SS14 3JD
MAKE YOUR WILL…
…IN THE COMFORT OF YOUR OWN HOME Do you and your family have the peace of mind of an up-to date Will, or a Power of Attorney for yourself or your parents, or Legal Guardians for your children under 18? professional for arranging personally-tailored Wills, Powers of Attorney, Probate and expert YOURMyWILL AT services HOME! guidance on Inheritance Tax and Care Home Fees, are offered to applicants 7 days a week on a fixed of consultation time and number of visits: Please note that Power of Attorney service is offered 7 days a week onhome a weekend visit meetings are offered at no extra cost
ce of mind of an up-to-date Will, Legal Guardians for your fee basisorinyour your own home, regardless of Attorney for yourself parents? regardless of consultation time and number of visits.
MARTIN ENGLEMAN AIPW AFPC Qualified Member of the Institue of Professional Will Writers ~ Certificated in Mortgage Practice & Equity Release, Chartered Insurance Institute ~ Diploma, Personal Finance Society
Please visit www.businessadvisoressex.co.uk for more detailed information, then call me for a fixed fee quotation and free advice
Mobile: 07901 948745 1 Nesbit Close Wickford, Essex SS12 0PT
then call 01268 761022 for a fee quotation
ENGLEMAN WILLS POWERS N WILL + WRITING SERVICE OF ATTORNEY + PROBATE
sinessadvisoressex.co.uk/making-a-will-home-visit-essex/ sinessadvisoressex.co.uk/will-writer-essex-home-visit/
The Flooring Store that Comes to Your Door
A.Clarke Carpets & Flooring
Supply and Fit: Carpets
Vinyl
Laminate
1000’s of samples to choose from to suit all budgets brought to you at your home or office. Highly experienced fitters, guaranteed to beat any written quotation on like for like products by at least 10%. Large selection of quality remnants available at our warehouse.
07718 063942 • www.aclarkecarpets.com Unit 7, Red Lion Business Centre, Latchingdon, CM3 6JH • clarky319@hotmail.com
6
PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS
W
“WE SPECIALISE IN DOUBLE GL A ZING REPAIRS, CALL FOR YOUR FREE CHECK UP”
E ER TT BE NE IR YO E PA A N E R RE AN TH TH OUT
Mr Misty ‘The Window Doctor’ is a family run business that prides itself in exceptional customer care. We promise easy service from start to finish. DOES YOUR DOUBLE GLAZING STEAM UP? WE REPLACE JUST THE GLASS AND NOT THE FRAMES AT A FRACTION OF THE COST FOR NEW WINDOWS.
FAQs SYMPTOM: I HAVE GAPS IN OR AROUND MY WINDOWS AND ITS CAUSING A DRAUGHT. DIAGNOSIS & SOLUTION: THIS COULD BE THE HINGES WHICH CAN BE REPLACED OR THE FRAME HAS A GAP AROUND THE EDGE WHICH CAN BE RE-SEALED. SYMPTOM: I FIND IT HARD TO LOCK MY DOOR OR WINDOW.
PROBLEMS WE SOLVE ELIMINATE WINDOW CONDENSATION BROKEN WINDOW PARTS
DIAGNOSIS & SOLUTION: THIS COULD BE A NUMBER OF PROBLEMS AND COULD BE AS SIMPLE AS A SMALL ADJUSTMENT TO YOUR HINGES.
BROKEN GL ASS SECONDARY GL A ZING TO BLOCK OUT NOISE LOCKS FAULT Y HINGES DRAUGHT Y WINDOWS
FREE PHONE : 0800 25 45 111 FOR YOUR FREE CHECKUP FREE PHONE TODAY
W W . M R M I S T Y. C O . U K 0800 25W 45 111
TRAVEL - IsLE of WIghT The
By Tim Saunders – www.travelwriter.biz A butterfly has a 12-week life cycle. We learn this during a visit to Butterfly World at Newport on the Isle of Wight. It all starts with an egg, then the caterpillar, the chrysalis and then finally the adult butterfly; each a three week process. There are some magnificent butterflies and moths all under one roof. Next door Fountain World is home to a variety of koi fish, which don’t just make for an alternative investment – with some fetching upto £3,500 – but they can live for over 200 years.
We stay in a six-berth static caravan at Sunnycott Caravan Park near Cowes. Here there are 20 caravans on a three-quarter of an acre site. There’s a farm next door. When we wash up we watch the cows grazing. It’s really peaceful. Inside there’s a kitchen, a master bedroom and a second bedroom with two twin beds. A pull out sofa bed caters for additional guests. There’s a flat screen television. But the best part is the shower which provides a good reliable spray of warm water and the oversized shower tray acts as a bath, especially for the little ones, which they thoroughly enjoy. “We’ve owned the site for 13 years,” says Jenny, who runs the site with her husband, Jim. At Mottistone Gardens we marvel at the well cared for gardens – the children love exploring the vegetable patch and seeing the variety of flowers. At Bembridge Windmill apart from climbing to the top we grind oats to make flour and soak up the atmosphere. Henry gets stuck in and starts sweeping the floor. After the children let off steam, running around the outside of the windmill, we discover a countryside walk that takes in some of the island’s breathtaking scenery.
At the Needles the electric Model T Ford electric cars are the most popular with our children. It’s a joy to watch their happiness. They also like the swirling teacups. The Needles is also home to sweetmakers and glassmakers. We get to watch both in action. While watching how sweets are made little Henry starts to crawl through the legs of bystanders pushing one lady’s legs apart to make his way through. There are fits of giggles. In between this side show we learn that 6kg of sugar product makes 2,000 sweets and this is done in 20 minutes. We get to try some at the end. There’s a wonderful sweet shop. Then we watch glass being made and a steady hand is certainly a requirement. It’s a really challenging process that involves a great deal of care when working with such high temperatures. If time allows there’s an excellent restaurant in Marconi’s named after the great man who carried out his groundbreaking radio work here in the 19th century. There’s a 4D cinema and for dare devils the chair lift provides the best way to see The Needles.
We travel with Wightlink ferries from Portsmouth to Fishbourne. It is surprising how smooth and fast the 25-miles journey is covered. Our 9am sailing sees us arriving on the island before 10am. We stand on deck and wave goodbye to Portsmouth. This is little Henry’s (21mths) first trip on a ferry and he loves waving at the other boats and just savouring the experience. He’s only just mastered saying ‘boat’ and makes good use of this. The ferry is clean. It feels new and well maintained. On our return journey we are meant to board at 7pm and arrive 45 minutes prior to sailing, feeling quite exhausted after a fun packed few days. To our surprise we get on the 6pm sailing, which is great because our tired children would have found it difficult to wait for the later ferry.
Tim saunders is an author, journalist and businessman. He meets celebrities, goes on holiday and road tests cars.
advertorial
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 25 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 Billericay, Ingatestone, Ramsden &
Stock 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!
Cloudy2Clear GUARANTEE All Customers That An Average Quote Will Take No Longer Than 20 MINS!!!
PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS
9
Discover Mindfulness With ‘Mindful Living Essex’ What is Mindfulness & how will it help me? There are many definitions which describe Mindfulness but it is simply a way to pay conscious attention to your thoughts and feelings that are running through your mind without judging or criticising them in anyway. It’s about being present in the moment and not worrying about the past or future. It aims to help us be present in our day and notice our feelings and environment without running on auto-pilot. How many times do you perform a task or journey and think I can’t remember how I did that or eat a meal without really tasting it? Mindfulness can help you cope more effectively with stress & anxiety, which can affect us all for many different reasons whether it is work, family, finances or illness; it is also been used for many years to help those suffering from long-term conditions and chronic pain. Mindfulness practices and meditation can help reduce & manage stress & the fatigue, sleeplessness, anxiety and many other health related problems that can
• • • • • •
arise from stress. Mindfulness is recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and is used in a variety of settings including Health Care, Public Sector, and Business and more recently in schools. Mindful Living Essex will be running a Taster Session on Saturday 21st April at the Reading Rooms, Billericay High Street and the full 8 week courses from May offering both morning and evening sessions. Each 8 week session will last for 21/2 hours, where you can learn Mindfulness practices with weekly handouts and guidance to help you with your home practice which is an essential part of the course. If you are interested in participating in the taster session or one of our courses visit our website www. mindfullivingessex.co.uk for more details and to book your place. Please note places are limited and booking is required.
Hand Painted Kitchen Specialists Let us transform your old kitchen Home Decorations into a beautiful new living space Interior Decorating Exterior Decorating Wall Papering Commercial Decorating FOR A FREE NO OBLIGATION QUOTE CONTACT US
01268 526850
Paul: 07929304993
Colin: 07941705610
sales@topnotchpaintinganddecorating.co.uk
10
PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS
Fun Walk Trust (Registered Charity number: 1151626) organises the whole event. Last year over 100 local causes and charities raised £120,000 – bringing the total raised by the Fun Walk to over £964,000 since its inception in 2002. Many local charities now see this as their main fundraising event of the year.
John Baron Conservative Parliamentary MP For Basildon and Billericay
The Fun Walk this year will take place on Sunday 2nd September, once again at Barleylands Farm. As before, the committee of The
A unique feature of the Walk is that, because of the generosity of corporate and individual sponsors, each charity and good cause will receive a bonus over and above what they raise themselves. In 2017 for example, for every £100 raised in sponsorship, £55 was added by way of a bonus. Our sponsors in 2017 were: Swan Housing Association, Billericay Football Club, c2c Rail Ltd, Hallmark Care Homes, Leonardo
MW Ltd [formally Selex ES], Butyl Products Ltd, McDonalds Basildon, IFE Global Logistics, Mr Barrie Stone, and others. Their generosity is instrumental to the Walk’s success. I am grateful to my fellow Trustees, the Committee, Barleylands Farm for hosting the event, Hallmark Care Homes for hosting the reception, and our family of volunteers for their time and effort on behalf of the Walk throughout the year. If you know of a project that would benefit, then do come and join in – it is not too late to register. For more information please contact the Walk on 07544 324 218 or on funwalk@hotmail. co.uk – you will then be sent a Factsheet and registration forms. More information is available on the website – www.thefunwalktrust.co.uk.
PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS
11
RECIPE Perfect Pancakes Ingredients: 3 large eggs
125g plain flour
250ml milk
Unsalted butter
Pinch of sea salt
Method: 1. Crack the eggs straight into a blender, followed by the flour, milk and salt.
coated in butter, add 1 ladle of batter to the pan and tilt to spread around evenly.
2. Blitz until you get a smooth batter.
6. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
3. Leave it to stand in a bowl for 15 minutes.
7. Once golden underneath (you can check with a spatula), flip the pancake over and cook for another minute.
4. Gentle melt a knob of butter in a large non-stick pan. 5. Once the pan is warm and
8. Pile up and serve with your favourite toppings.
If you would like your recipe to appear in Around Town Magazines then contact our sales team on: 01277 658444 or email: sales@aroundtownmagazines.co.uk
Age s 5 - 14
4 th
th ,5 8 th 2 & 9 & 10 th 27 h c r A a pril M th
at ool n’s Sch St. Joh
th
Mayflo at wer H School igh
All abilities we lcome
football
trampolining
badminton
basketball arts & craft cricket swimming team games dance dodge ball uni hoc cookery tennis gymnastics and more...
35 Years
Professional Experience
Commercial & Domestic SERVICES Tree Surgery • Stump Removal • Tree Surveys • Hedge Cutting • Site Clearance specialists working with narrow access & confined spaces £2M PUBLIC LIABILITY INSURANCE - FREE ESTIMATES & ADVICE
01277 352033 | 07973 202400 info@treesplus.co.uk
The Barns, Paslow Common Farm, Nine Ashes Road, Ingatestone CM4 0JY PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS
13
hn Lennon seem to be everywhere this time of year: “So this is Christmas ne?” I’d like to change this slightly: “So this is Christmas and what will rate that Jesus was born to be our Saviour? It is, after all, what makes ating and, just like those amazing events in the summer, it can be life but only if you make the time to enjoy the celebration.
Billericay’ extend an invitation to worship s season. Why not put a date in your o miss out on the greatest Christmas
April Fool ricay & Little Team Ministry) orBurstead Believer?
rr
of the local Church Services over the Christmas period. This year Easter Sunday falls on April Fool’s Day, and it’s more than an amusing coincidence for some people as it brings together the scepticism and cynicism they have towards the Christian faith 2nd December - ‘Annual Toy Service’ at 10.30am and the delusional ‘foolish’ belief that Jesus rose December ‘Carol Service by Candlelight’ at 7.00pm from -the dead on that first Easter Sunday morning.
Emmanuel Church
19th December - ‘Lunchtime Carol Service’ at 12.30pm amazing things during his lifetime, atJesus Saint said Marysome Magdalen Church not least that he was the Son of God who came ay 23rd December - ‘Family Nativity’ at 10.30am into the world to save us from ourselves and our ristmaswrongdoings Eve - ‘Christingle atus 4.00pm and Service’ to enable to make our peace with God. For a mereathuman being to make such ‘Communion by Candlelight’ 11.15pm was nothing short of outrageous. Of course, Theclaims first Communion of Christmas. there are people who all sorts of claims, stmas Day - ‘Family Communion’make at 10.00am such as being incarnations of Napoleon, Elvis or John Lennon. The fact that someone makes such a claim does not mean that they are right. So what makes Jesus different? Jesus backed up his amazing claims through his character, personality and lifestyle. He is widely acknowledged to be the greatest teacher the world has ever heard. His teaching was simple, authoritative and of universal significance. As someone once said: “He spoke the kind of words you’d expect God himself to speak.” Jesus’ rising from the dead was entirely consistent with his teaching about the kingdom of God. I, like some of you, was a sceptic at one time. History, however, is littered with politicians, religious leaders, academics, researchers, lawyers and detectives, who have all attempted to prove that Jesus didn’t rise from the dead, yet their conclusions, however disagreeable to them, state that only a resurrection from the dead can adequately account for the phenomenon they were investigating. The writer and atheist, Richard Dawkins, said: “If the resurrection is not true Christianity becomes null and void.” And, for once, I wholeheartedly
www.billericaychurches.org
agree with him! Those first disciples, who deserted Jesus at the cross to save their own skins, had their lives transformed by their experiences of meeting a risen Jesus. So much so, they were willing to suffer death rather than deny that fact. They were flogged, stoned to death, thrown to the lions, tortured, crucified – all to stop them from talking. It seems inconceivable they would be prepared to endure all of this, and more, for a lie. I wouldn’t be willing to die for a lie - would you? The resurrection of Jesus from the dead is the cornerstone of Christianity. It explains the existence of the Christian church; it establishes why we are here and explains why, on Easter Sunday, 2.2 billion people will celebrate Jesus’ resurrection. So many people can’t all be delusional and foolish, can they? Some people, however, don’t want to believe in Jesus’ resurrection because His rising from the dead confirms that Jesus is who He says He is - and that’s a frightening thought. I say that, because it puts us in an awkward position about how we should respond to His claims to be the Son of God. The writer Philip Yancey echoed this sentiment when he wrote: “In many respects I find an unresurrected Jesus easier to accept. Easter makes him dangerous. Because of Easter, I have to listen to his extravagant claims and can no longer pick and choose from his sayings. Moreover, Easter means he must be loose out there somewhere.” And if Jesus is ‘loose out there somewhere’ then we have a responsibility to look for him, don’t we? May I encourage each of you to ‘look for Jesus’ this Easter at Emmanuel (see opposite - or any of the great churches in Billericay) as we journey through Holy Week, from the: Praise of Palm Sunday; Poignancy of Maundy Thursday; Sorrow of Good Friday and the Joy of Celebration on Easter Sunday. May God’s richest blessing be upon you as you look forward to celebrate this Easter season.
revpacman.wordpress.com paul@billericaychurches.org @revPACman
Celebrate Holy Week at Emmanuel Church Palm Sunday 25 March 8.30 am Morning Prayer (Said) A short, quiet and traditional service 10.00 am All Age Worship A lively service, remembering Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem
Maundy Thursday 29 March 7.00 pm Agape Meal At Emmanuel and in Home Groups across the Parish 8.45 pm for 9.00 pm Holy Communion
Good Friday 30 March 10.00 am One Hour Meditation Were You There When They Crucified My Lord? 12.00 noon Churches Together in Billericay meet at Saint Mary’s in the High Street 3.15 pm The Wintershall Players Passion Play live from Trafalgar Square
Holy Saturday 31 March 3.00 to 5.00 pm Messy Church for Young Families Craft Activities; Easter Egg Hunt; Afternoon Tea and much more!
Easter Sunday 1 April 8.30 am Communion (Said) A short, quiet and traditional service 10.00 am All Age Worship with Baptism & Communion A lively family celebration service
Emmanuel Church, Laindon Road, Billericay, Essex. CM12 9LD W emmanuel-church.info
FB EmmanuelChurchBillericay
P 01277 632120
T @EmmanuelCM12
E emmanueloffice@billericaychurches.org
10%
SP E
CIA Qu LO ote O FF pro N ER mo ALL co OR de DE ‘AR RS OU ! ND TO W N’
DIS CO UN T
Wheelchair Accessible & Adapted Vehicles for Hire
Technology Solutions
Est. 1987
QualiÞed Technician
Flat Screen TV hanging with hidden cabling Aerial & Satellite, TV Setups &Tuning TV & HD Signal Distribution Multi-Room Audio systems WiFi & Wired Networks
Call Trevor on
01268 696572
07954 424645
Essex County Council Approved
Friendly and helpful advice » Reliable service Nationwide delivery » Short or long term hire available For more info and a FREE online no obligation quote visit:
adaptedvehiclehire.com info@adaptedvehiclehire.co.uk
0333 363 5974 Stanford-Le-Hope
BESPOKE
www.trevange.co.uk info@trevange.co.uk @trevange #Liveinstall winner 2013
SURFACES
We specialise in all types of outside surfaces. Our team of skilled professionals carry out all aspects of landscaping services. Driveways and Patio Areas Footpaths Block Paving Natural Stone Resin Bound Stone Maintenance and Cleaning
01702 541514 | 07850 290028 16
Call or email us today sales@bespokeresinsurfaces.co.uk www.bespokeresinsurfaces.co.uk
PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS
01708 736700
A12 Eastern Avenue Romford
sales@bodywash.uk
Essex
www.bodywash.uk
RM5 3AL
( Ilford Is Now Closed )
FOR EXPERT ADVICE & LONG LASTING QUALITY NOBODY DOES IT BETTER
18
PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS
Adam & Greenwood Independent Family Funeral Directors Funeral Planning... Because the unexpected does happen.
windows & doors fascias, soffits & guttering weather board cladding (available in over 20 colours)
porches all carpentry work
Funeral costs continue to increase annually and in our experience, taking those initial steps in making plans for the future, not only eases the financial burden but it most certainly makes life easier for your family and loved ones when it matters most. Save £100 on any plans taken out prior to the 1st April 2018.
Call: Billericay 01277 633085 Also have branches in:
01268 710245 ramsden heath
Brentwood 01277 811064 Chelmsford 01245 496620 Maldon 01621 857172 www.afuneral.co.uk
Owners of Herongate Wood Woodland Cemetery
Andys Aerials Essex CM4
Family-run business with over 20 years of experience. Trading Standards Approved Aerial Installer.
Quality Workmanship At Sensible Prices.
digitatlYI" Approved Member
• • • • • •
Your local aerial installer
New aerial & satellite installations Aerial & satellite repairs Extra TV points TV wall mounting System design & install Freesat & YouView installations
Freephone: 0800 77 97 047 Mobile: 07916 305 977 Mobile Local Rate: 0 333 900 333 2 Email: andy@andysaerials.com
www.andysaerials.com
PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS
19
Low maintenance Upvc products
Painter - Decorator Domestic - Commercial Interior - Exterior Fully Insured | 35 years experience Installers of Guttering, Fascias, Soffits, Cladding, Windows & Doors
Upvc cleaning service also available
Tel: 01277 821454 Mobile: 07961 943840
Guttering, Fascia boards, Soffits & Cladding Window & Conservatory frames Conservatory roofs
Before
After
for only £9 per sq metre
19 St. Davids Way, Wickford, Essex SS11 8EX
Call Lionel or Luke
01268 449771 / 07834 897654 / 07817 726966
WWW.SEALINGTECHNIQUE.COM
20
PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS
Ian’s curtains & blinds
Curtains | Tracks & Poles | Roman Blinds | Roller Blinds Vertical Blinds | Venetian Blinds | Wooden Blinds Pattern books also available.
FREE QUOTE - Call today on Wickford: 01268 410516 | Mobile: 07743562384 ian.dipple@yahoo.com | www.ianscurtainsandblinds.co.uk
Nature Notes Written by Neil Sumner
First Landscapes
When you think landscaping, think first! Neilsumner123@aol.com twitter.com/neilsumner123 The small spherical round objects were droppings and meant that Rabbits were back. In the last few years they have disappeared from many local sites due to the RHDV virus but this is one of a few local sites where they have reappeared. In Mediaeval times, Rabbits were established in warrens, giving people a plentiful supply of food. Some of these warrens still exist in Essex, one example being on Heather Hills near Danbury. Today they are food for many of our native animals so their loss affects the overall diversity of wildlife. In some habitats, such as heathland, their grazing is useful to encourage rare plants and insects that prefer short grass and patches of bare ground. Rabbit populations have always fluctuated, since myxsomatosis was introduced in the 1950s. For some, Rabbits are a pest, causing damage to crops, gardens and animal grazing land. But we don’t want to lose them entirely. A walk in the countryside is always made more interesting if there are Rabbits. Even more interesting to see than a Rabbit is a Brown Hare, which was introduced by the Romans for hunting and food. Through the 19th century Hares were alternately protected and hunted and their populations changed accordingly. You can identify a Brown Hare by its longer darker ears and larger hind legs. They have declined too, although more steadily. They don’t live in burrows but instead rely on long grass, stillness and camouflage to hide from predators, to which their young Leverets are particularly vulnerable. They live in farmland and need a variety of plants for year-round food so more intensive farming is a cause of their decline, as is increasing urbanisation. Hares are easier to see in winter and early spring when the fields are less dense. I was delighted to see three near Hanningfield recently, one chasing another around an open field and then ‘boxing’ which is apparently a female trying to stop the male mating with her. They were indeed living up to the phrase ‘Mad as a March Hare’. In some areas, Brown Hares are still shot for sport and food today. There is a story of a poacher carrying a dead hare from a shooting estate and being confronted by a gamekeeper. “Oi!” said the gamekeeper; “That doesn’t look like it’s your hare!” The poacher quickly twisted the hare’s body and placed it on his head. “Quite right” he said, “it’s a wig”. You can read more about our Brown Hares and Rabbits in Dobson and Tansley’s Mammals of Essex.
22
Patios, Driveways, Decking, Paving, Rendering, Fencing Brickwork, Turfing, Planting, Lighting and much more…
First Landscapes are a small but professional formal landscaping company specialising in contemporary and traditional garden designs and construction.
01277 822 065 07926 028 199
freddy.28@hotmail.co.uk www.firstlandscapes.co.uk
24
HoUrS
1 HOUR RESPONSE
tony nelson plumbing • PLUMBING - Taps, leaks, cylinders and tanks. All plumbing undertaken • HEATING - Leaking or blocked raidators and boiler breakdowns • GAS - New boilers installed, boilers repaired and serviced • drAINAGE - Drain clearing, jetting and repairs CovErING ALL BrENTwood ANd BILLErICAy ArEAS
Please see our website for more details
tonynelsonplumbingbrentwood.co.uk
Plumbing & Heating Specialist
01277 282 211 e: info@tonynelsonplumbing.co.uk
PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS
LOCALLY BASED COMPANY IN BRENTWOOD WITH OVER 25 YEARS EXPERIENCE. NO JOB TOO SMALL! FREE ESTIMATES WITH NO OBLIGATION. We also offer general maintenance and building works.
• ALL TYPES OF PLUMBING / HEATING • NEW BOILER / REPAIRS / SERVICING • BATHROOMS / KITCHENS • POWERFLUSHING • DRAINAGE WORKS
OTHER SERVICES INCLUDE:
• ALL ASPECTS OF DOMESTIC, COMMERCIAL AND ELECTRICAL WORK CARRIED OUT • SECURITY SYSTEMS AND ALARMS • REPLACEMENT CONSUMER UNITS • PERIODIC INSPECTION & TESTING • FULL REWIRES / PAT TESTING / FAULT FINDING
WE CARRY OUT ALL ASPECTS OF ROOFING; FLAT ROOF WORKS, LEAD WORKS, LEAKING ROOFS TILED OR FELT, GUTTERING/DOWNPIPE WORKS, GUTTER CLEANING, CHIMNEY REPAIRS/REPLACEMENTS AND FASCIA/SOFFIT WORKS. PLEASE CALL US WITH YOUR REqUIREMENTS.
Tel: 01277 810005 Email: t-p-s-l@btconnect.com www.timminspsl.co.uk Unit 15 Cockridden Farm Estate, Brentwood, Essex CM13 3LH
Family Tree Gardens www.familytreegardens.co.uk
01277 656336
Get in touch now for a free, no obligations quote.
Our services include, but are not limited to:
Property & Estate Maintenance Hard & Soft Landscaping Garden Makeovers Hedge Cutting Lawn Care Garden Design
ANY
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 01277 261888
little
THING
ltd
Providing reliable & trustworthy support
Home Help Service
No matter what your state of mind or abilities – EVERYONE ne eds a helping hand! Dog Walking
Cleaning
Shopping
Doctor/Hospital Appointments
Heating Meals Gardening
WE ARE A LOCAL FRIENDLY SERVICE, PROVIDING RELIABLE AND TRUSTWORTHY SUPPORT
PLEASE CONTACT US FOR ‘ANY little THING’ THAT YOU MAY NEED
01268 928878
www.anylittlething.co.uk
info@anylittlething.co.uk
PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS
27
Should I consider saving in a Cash ISA
(Individual Savings Account)? I’m regularly asked about Cash ISAs and whether they are still worth using as a savings account. These questions always increase in March and April as the end of the tax year approaches and the start of a new one is on the horizon. So, let’s look a bit closer at them this month and see whether they should be something you consider for your savings. Background ISAs were introduced in 1999 as a replacement for PEPs (which were used for shares) and TESSAs (which were used for cash savings). Initially the overall allowance was £7,000 with a maximum of £3,000 being allowed for cash. For nine years, this remained the case until we saw a £600 increase in the cash allowance in 2008. 2011 saw the introduction of the Junior ISA for children and in 2014 we saw a huge increase in the ISA allowance with £15,000 being permitted within an ISA and it being possible to hold the entire amount in cash. Last year, this increased to £20,000 and the allowance will be maintained at this amount for 2018/19 tax year which starts on 6th April. What is the difference between Cash ISAs and ordinary savings accounts? Fundamentally, there’s very little differences in the actual account itself. A cash ISA is not dissimilar to an ordinary savings account, it’s just got a tax wrapper around it which means you aren’t liable to pay tax on the interest you earn. Think of it like
28
a two chocolate bars, one still in the wrapper and one out of it – they are the same chocolate bar!
ISA instead of a traditional savings account. However, there are exceptions and things to consider:
The main difference is the interest rates charged on the different accounts. In the early days of ISAs, there were some very competitive rates as providers fought for your cash ISA savings. In 2018, it is a very different situation with ordinary savings accounts often paying more than their cash ISA equivalents – sometimes considerably more.
1) Savings in a Cash ISA stay tax free year after year Anyone who has opened an ISA every tax year since 1999, and used the full allowance, has been able to shelter over £121,500 plus interest from the tax man and, in April, will be able to add another £20,000 to that allowance.
For example, the best one year fixed rate is 1.95% whereas the best one year ISA pays just 1.46%. Similarly, on a five-year fixed 2.52% can be found on a standard account whereas the best five year ISA is 2.25% by comparison. Personal Savings Allowance In 2016, the government introduced a Personal Savings Allowance which means that basic rate tax payers can earn £1,000 in savings interest before needing to pay tax and higher rate tax payers can earn £500 before paying tax. As a result, banks pay interest without any tax deduced now whereas previously you had to fill in a special form for this to be done or tax would automatically be deducted. This means a basic rate tax payer could have £75,000 in the top paying instant savings account (1.30% from RCI Bank) and not pay any tax on the interest. So, are cash ISAs pointless now? Well, not exactly. For many people, there will be little or no immediate financial benefit to open a Cash
2) You can now switch your cash ISA in to a stocks and shares ISA Until recently this wasn’t something you could do but some people will like the flexibility this allows and may want to hold cash for a period before investing. 3) The Personal Savings Allowance (PSA) could change There is no guarantee the PSA will be continue and the allowance could be cut or removed. Additional rate tax payers get no allowance. Also, if interest rates rise, the value of the PSA will diminish too as smaller balances will then earn more interest and use the allowance up. 4) There will be accounts worth considering Nationwide have just launched a cash ISA with no notice required paying 1.30%, which is the same as the best standard paying account. Although only one withdrawal is allowed from the Nationwide account, whereas the non-ISA account from RCI Bank allows unlimited withdrawals, the Nationwide account may appeal to those who wish to secure their ISA
allowance in cash for the year. 5) Junior ISAs Junior ISAs come with their own allowance (£4,128 this year) and rates on them are very competitive. Coventry Building Society pay 3.50% and Nationwide pay 3.25% on instant access, which beat the best ordinary paying accounts for children with no restrictions. 6) Lifetime ISAs Lifetime ISAs, also known as LISAs, come with a £4,000 allowance within your overall ISA allowance of £20,000. So, if you invest £4,000 in a LISA, you can only put £16,000 in a cash ISA or stocks and shares ISA. LISAs are available for those aged 18 – 40 and you get a 25% bonus from the government each year on top of anything you save. So, if you save £4,000 you get £1,000 from the government. The bonus is paid every year until you are 50 years old. LISAs are aimed at first time buyers saving a deposit to purchase a home and for those looking to save for retirement. They have been somewhat controversial because there was already a scheme in place (Help to buy) for first time buyers and pensions provide generous tax relief for savers with many financial advisors still considering this a better form of retirement saving. There was little consultation from the government before LISAs and, as a result, there is only one provider of a cash LISA, Skipton Building Society. Skipton pay 0.75% interest. However, those saving for a home will find the 25% government bonus attractive and should certainly consider a LISA if they are saving for a deposit. 2017 / 18
2018 / 19
ISA Allowance
£20,000
£20,000
Amount that can be held in a Cash ISA
£20,000
£20,000
Start of tax year
6th April 2017
6th April 2018
End of tax year
5th April 2018
5th April 2019
Junior ISA
£4,128
£4,260
Lifetime ISA
£4,000
£4,000
Personal Savings Allowance – basic rate tax
£1,000
£1,000
Personal Savings Allowance – higher rate tax
£500
£500
Personal Savings Allowance – additional rate tax
£0
£0
James Blower Founder Savings Guru Ltd
www.thesavings.guru hello@thesavings.guru @SavingsGuruUK
As always, this article will appear on our website, www.thesavings. guru, with links to all providers and accounts mentioned in the column. Have a great month and see you in April.
29
Essex's Leading Blind, Awning & Interior Shutter Specialists for over 100 Years
01277 809047
01702 467581
• Factory Showroom with Free Parking • Large Luxaflex Inspiration Display • Weinor Patio Awning Showroom • Made-to-Measure Curtains & Accessories
• All types of Interior Window Blinds • Custom-Made Window Shutters • Conservatory Blinds • Home & Commercial
As a local company we offer a wide choice of Blinds, Shutters, Curtains & Patio Awnings, with competitive prices all year, plus FREE no obligation quotations.
www.worthblinds.com
sales@worthblinds.com
Unit 13 Parkside Centre, Potters Way, Temple Farm Industrial Est, Southend SS2 5SJ
30
PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS
S
E
R
V
I
C
E
S
All aspects of domestic & commercial electrical work undertaken
Carriann Everard
chantryelect@xlnmail.com chantryelectricalservices.co.uk
Mobile Gel Nail Technician
07773 464 115 www.carrianns-nails.co.uk Member of The Guild of Nail Technicians
Diverse Care Independent Fostering Provider
01268 923 937 Unit 37, Barleylands Craft Village, Barleylands Road, Billericay, Essex, CM11 2UD
Give us a call or pop into our lovely Barleylands hub for a chat with our Essex team about becoming a Foster Parent with Diverse Care.
- Ofsted 2017
PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS
31
Project2_Layout 1 01/12/2015 12:14 Page 1
24 HR EMERGENCY
SID’S LANDSCAPING GARDEN LANDSCAPING BLOCK PAVING • DRIVEWAYS PATHS • INDIAN STONE PATIOS TURFING & ARTIFICIAL LAWNS PLUS MUCH MUCH MORE
SERVICE • Tree Pruning • Shaping • Precision Felling • Thinning • Stump Grinding • Ground Maintenance • Dead Wooding
FREE ESTIMATES
20% DISCOUNT FOR ALL EMERGENCY WORKERS
. Qualified . Licensed . Insured . Based in Rayleigh
07782 550 684 | 0800 959 6792
Discounts Available for OAP & Disable in the local area
e sidlandscaper@icloud.com w sidslandscaping.co.uk
LOGS FOR SALE Call us now:
01268 857550
07719 837777
www.tree-king.co.uk
Y o u r s at i s f a c t i o n i s o u r f u t u r e
32
PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS
Mobile Upholstery Repairs & Leather Cleaning www.mobileupholstery.co.uk
07889 368706
Before
After
Leather suite deep cleaning and conditioning All Aspects of Fabric & Leather Furniture Repaired In Your Home Springs - Cushions - Frames - Seams Damaged/Faded Leather Repaired and Colour Restored
enquiries@mobileupholstery.co.uk
PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS
33
Basildon & District Ramblers Club The group meets every Saturday at 2.00pm. The Saturday walks are 4-5 miles with a rest halfway, we have some longer walks on other days. New members are welcome and membership is only £6 per year which includes all walks. See our website www. basildonanddistrictrambling club.btck.co.uk for full details Belvedere Jazz & Music Club 14th March - Clarinettist Pete Neighbour’s All Stars Quintet with Dave Newton - 8pm -10:30pm. 21st March - Tina May + Chris Ingham Trio - 8pm -10:30pm. 28th March - The Rag and Bone Club ( The Ronnie Scott’s Rejects!) - 8pm -10:30pm. Admission £12.50 ~ Meals Available www.belvederejazz.co.uk Tel: 07850 607075 or email: belvederejazz@gmail.com The Chichester Hotel Old London Road Rawreth, SS11 8UE Billericay Horticultural Society On Monday 19th March at 8pm in the Day Centre,Chantry Way Billericay a talk; A Gamekeepers Year by Graham Bendall
hilarious musical comedy, which has won a record-breaking 12 Tony and 3 Olivier Awards. This latest BOS delivery will be showing at the Brentwood Theatre 20th to 24th March, including a Saturday matinee. Tickets may be purchased by calling 01277 650672 or online by visiting www. ticketsource.co.uk/billops. Please be aware that this production contains adult themes. Billericay Ladies Probus Club The Club meets for lunch at 12.00 on the second Monday of each month at the Mount Avenue anqueting Suite, Hutton CM13 2NS. Where a three course lunch is served. New members are always welcome, come along and make new friends. If you would like any further information please contact. If you would like any further information please contact. Jenny: 01277 633115 Billericay Men’s Probus Club Have you heard of us we are a group of men who get to-gether for lunch on the last Thursday of each month. Come and enjoy a three course lunch, usually followed by a speaker, we also have coach trips and special events. Why not come along and join us at The Banqueting Suite, Mount Avenue, Hutton CM13 2NS
Visitors always welcome £2 Refreshments available
If you are interested Call Ron on: 01277 633115 firefighterrpm@btinternet.com
Billericay Operatic Society
Charities Table Sale
Billericay Operatic Society proudly presents an amateur production of Mel Brooks’ “The Producers”, a
Billericay United Reformed Church are holding a Charities Tables Sale on Saturday 17 March from 9.30
34
a.m. to 12 noon at the Mayflower Hall, Chapel Street, Billericay. Come along and enjoy yourselves. There will be items for sale to raise money for local and national charities. Items for sale will include cakes, jams, handicraft, toiletries, jewellery, books, bric a brac, greeting cards and refreshments will also be available. All welcome. Charity Lunch Saturday 10th March at Billericay Methodist Church, Western Road from 12.30 – 1.30pm. A snack lunch and drink for £4.50. The proceeds this month will be divided between Prostate Cancer UK and SNAP (Special Needs and Parents), helping Essex families with children and young people who have any special need or disability. There is no need to book. Chelmsford & District Welsh Society Are you a Welsh person living in Essex? It doesn’t matter if you are 18 or 80, Welsh speaking or not. Come and join the Chelmsford Welsh Society and enjoy meeting new Welsh folk at various events around Chelmsford. All new members are welcome. For more details please contact Gwenno on 07724144432 www.chelmsfordwelsh.org.uk/home www.facebook.com/ chelmsfordwelsh Chelmsford Jazz Club Sunday 18th March ‘Searching for Hope’ with Herwig Gradischng (sax), Steve Fishwick (trumpet), Claus Raible (piano) Giorgos Antonia (bass) and Matt Home (drums)
PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS
Sunday 15th April The Humphrey Lyttelton Band (7 piece band, line up TBC) Chelmsford Sugarcraft Guild Membership is open to anyone in the Essex area who is interested in the art of cake decorating. Meetings held second Tuesday each month and cover a range of demonstrations and ‘have a go’ evenings from 7.15pm till 10pm. Non members welcome.
Saturday over at Barleylands, the emphasis is on the kids having fun. For more information on how to claim a free place in this academy please email Head of Academy Clive Ashdown at clive@cwgrain.com. Girls Only Football Training At FC Redwing Did you know that football is largest team sport for girls in the UK? FC Redwing has recently launched girls only football training for children aged between 4 to 8 years old.
March 13th Baby Booties Demonstration April 10th Cake Painting Demonstration Christ Church 164 New London Road, Chelmsford CM2 0AW Contact: Polly 07721 614579
If you have a girl in Reception to Year Three at school who is interested in playing the beautiful game then please contact us at fcredwinggirls@gmail.com
Essex Wildlife Trust
Greenway Ramblers
Event Superhero Fun and Games on Friday 5th April 2018 at 10.00am – 11.00am, 11.30am – 12.30pm, 1.30pm – 2.30pm. Come along and complete your superhero training, lots of fun and games for all. Suitable for ages 3+ Donation £6.00 per child.
The group meets at 10am every Tuesday (5-6 miles) and Sunday (longer walks of 10+ miles with a break for lunch)
Tel:01708 520364 Ingrebourne Valley Visitor Centre Hornchurch Country Park, Via Squadrons Approach, Off Suttons Lane, Hornchurch RM12 6DF FREE Football for 4 to 6 year olds Do you know a child who loves football? Would you like them to play in a safe, fun environment organised by FA licensed coaches? FC Redwing’s academy has spaces available for children in school years Reception/Year One. Training every
New members are welcome. See our website at www. greenwayramblers.org.uk or phone Joe Lawton on 01277 631119 Mayflower Wine (& social) Club We meet on the first Wednesday of each month at The Pilgrim and Mayflower rooms, The Emmanuel Church, Laindon Road. Billericay. CM12 9LD at 8pm. We have talks, musical evenings, wine tastings, quizzes etc. and also social occasions in between. New members are always welcome. Please phone Paulette Nicholls on 01277 652001
Mosaic Workshop Saturday 24th March - 10am -3 pm Learn how to cut and shape tiles then design and make your own mosaic piece. £20 for non-members,£15 for members ( plus £10 for materials, payable on the day) Booking Essential as limited places The Fold, Billericay Arts Association 72 Laindon Road, Billericay CM12 9LD 01277 632924 | baathefold.org.uk Norsey Wood Society Norsey Wood Society will be holding our next free open meeting on Monday 26 March in The Chantry Way Centre, Billericay starting at 7.45pm. Peter Claughton, a local member of the Essex Bat Group will present an illustrated talk, ‘Bats in our Wood and the surrounding area.’ Everyone welcome. E-mail norseywoodsociety1977@gmail. com or telephone Ken on 01277651125 if more detail required. Visit norseywoodsociety.uk to find out more about the wood and the Society RHS Hyde Hall The Fold Billericay 72 Laindon Road , Billericay CM12 9 LD Tel 01277659286 Wednesday 14th March 8 pm. The Dry Garden - An illustrated talk by Ian Bull , Garden Manager. With our ever-changing climate we need to know the best way to preserve our favourite plants from periods of drought. Ian, will guide towards the best plants for our gardens Tickets £5.00
If you would like to promote your club or event for April/May then please email a maximum of 70 words to:
admin@aroundtownmagazines.co.uk Please ensure that all contact details are included. PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS
35
Doors Windows
Thermaseal Window Systems Ltd
Bi Fold Doors Conservatories
01268 561717
01277 655511
www.thermasealwindowsystems.co.uk
4 Kingsview Court, Hodgson Way Wickford, Essex. SS11 8YF
90 High Street, Billericay, Essex. CM12 9BT
Make sure everyone is water safe this Summer!
Garden Design & Construction for over 40 years • Patios • Driveways • Decking • Artificial Grass • Turfing • Brickwork • Lighting • Garden Maintenance
To book lessons call
07496 167429
chelmsford@angelasswimschool.co.uk
free adviCe, esTiMaTes and quoTaTions, and speCial raTes for oap’s
Cannonbuilding &maintenance
LOFT CONVERSION • EXTENSIONS KITCHENS & BATHROOMS ALL CARPENTRY & BUILDING WORKS
for a free quote call
01277 655601 | 07811 252374 39 Tyelands, Billericay, Essex CM12 9PA
www.bfarndonandsons.co.uk
BILLERICAY BREWING CO.
SPRING BEER FESTIVAL THURS 22ND - SUN 25TH MARCH 20+ REAL ALES AND CIDERS
BY BILLERICAY BREWING & OTHER ESSEX BREWERIES
VENUE:
52 CHAPEL STREET, BILLERICAY, ESSEX, CM12 9LS. FESTIVAL OPENING TIMES:
www.cannonbuilding.co.uk
T: 01277 622688 M: 07899 994449
E: mail@cannonbuilding.co.uk
THURS 22ND - 1PM - 10.30PM FRI 23RD - 11AM - 10.30PM SAT 24TH - 11AM - 10.30PM SUN 25TH - 11AM - 7PM
FREE ENTRY
WWW.BILLERICAYBREWING.CO.UK 01277 500121 / 07788 373129
PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS
37
BARKING UP THE
RIGHT TREE
An AmAzing stArt for BiLLEriCAY ACts of rAnDom KinDnEss!
By Matt EvErard
W
e are all very blessed to live in Billericay. We have so many community based groups, clubs, organisations and activities in our town that it could be easy to take this for granted. Back in mid January, I was privileged to join the Street Pastors as an observer for an evening. I was fascinated about this group of kind people who spend their time helping others in our town and I wanted to find out more. I met with the Pastors at St Mary’s around 9pm. We did two routes around the high street on foot during that evening and as a regular visitor to many of the establishments in our town; it was an eye-opener to see the other side of the fun and frivolity.
dustpan and brush in a bag and they sweep up any broken glass so that anyone who may be walking in bare feet can’t cut hurt themselves. They also look after vulnerable, (often intoxicated) people; they provide a safe place to rest for a while at St Marys and a listening ear. They give out bottles of drinking water, flip flops (for relief from uncomfortable shoes) and often arrange for people to get home safely. My evening with the Street Pastors was great fun (as you can see from smiles in the group photo!), I met four lovely people whom I now consider to be friends and I got the opportunity to see and understand the Street Pastors role in Billericay. I hope by sharing my experience that it creates a greater understanding of how fortunate we are and what this group of amazing volunteers do for our town. As I sit here writing, the snow is melting and we may be seeing the end of the snow storms known as “The Beast from the East”. It has been the longest that snow has affected Billericay in many years, but it has brought out the best in the members of B.A.R.K.
Whilst everyone is out enjoying the bars, pubs and restaurants, the Street Pastors walk their route, stopping to chat with party-goers and door staff and generally looking out for people in need. As they walk and chat, they pick up discarded glasses, bottles and cans and place them in the litter bins so that revellers can’t hurt themselves or each other with them. This also keeps the high street tidy and makes it safe for families with children who may be out and about the next morning. As well as that, The Pastors carry a
Thick snow and hills in every direction has made getting about very challenging. Via social media, a group of B.A.R.K volunteers reacted to this by forming an emergency transport group of 4x4 owners to ferry people to and from hospital appointments and to pick up and drop off vital prescriptions and medicines. Alongside this, a local heating engineer and a handyman provided their services to anyone who required emergency help. We also had a young volunteer clearing paths and driveways free of charge. The community spirit has been fantastic, new friendships have been forged and there has been a real air of positivity coming from the adversity that the snow brought.
So, what is B.A.R.K? B.A.R.K is a movement, rather than an organisation, engaging in and inspiring ‘Acts of Random Kindness’ in Billericay. Many people want to be involved in good deeds, but often don’t know where to start. B.A.R.K has provided a platform for people to get involved. What does B.A.R.K. do? There has been a whole host of ‘random’ initiatives taking place: Path clearing; Shopping; 4 wheel drive owners providing vital transport; Free Professional advice; repurposing Prom Dresses; Collecting books for Saint Lukes Hospice; overnight toiletries for parents at Broomfield children’s ward (Black Square on Radford Way have offered their premises for this as well as creating a website). Thanks to a generous local business, B.A.R.K are providing defibrillators for two Schools in Billericay. Future initiatives include: Free First Aid Courses; Afternoon Teas for the elderly; a project to transform a pre-school play area … and so the list goes on. What Can You Do? As Revd Paul Carr suggested in his February article in this magazine: “Look out for opportunities to offer an ‘Act of Random Kindness’ to a stranger or, if you’re the recipient of one, to pass it on to someone else. This could be: running an errand; tidying someone’s garden; picking up litter; paying something towards the grocery/ petrol bill for someone behind you in the queue; even giving a complete stranger a box of chocolates or flowers! You’re only limited by your imagination.”
ST. LUKE’S HOSPICE PROJECT St. Luke’s Hospice aims to provide the highest standards of care for people who have specialist palliative and end of life care needs and live in Basildon & Thurrock districts, including Billericay and Wickford. We are collecting magazines and books for both reading and selling to raise funds for this much needed hospice. All good condition magazines and books are welcome, please donate to your hearts content! This is a ongoing project, you can use the drop off points below to drop off your donations: Weekday: Black Square Litho, Graphic House, Radford Way CM12 0DX Mon - Fri: 8:30am-17:00pm Evening/Weekend: The Railway Pub, 1 High St, Billericay CM12 9BE Mon-Thu 12:00pm-23:00pm; Fri & Sat 12:00pm-Midnight; Sun 12:00pm-23:00pm
For more about B.A.R.K and to get involved in the B.A.R.K revolution, join us on social media here: Facebook Page BARK - Billericay Acts Of Random Kindness Twitter @BarkBillericay Instagram @BarkBillericay www.barkbillericay.co.uk
Puffin Ward aT BaSiLdOn HOSPiTaL PrOJECT Following the success of our Broomfield Hospital Project, we are co-ordinating a *TOILETRIES ONLY* project for Puffin Ward (childrens) at Basildon Hospital.
Nurses from Broomfield Paediatric Ward with toiletries donated by the great people of Billericay!
Often kids are taken ill and parents / carers rush to hospital and stay the night with absolutely no toiletries. We can help with the following: Mini toiletries; small *sealed* bottles of shampoo, body wash, conditioner, deodorant and MOST iMPOrTanTLY - toothpaste and toothbrushes. Please, no large bottles, they need travel / hotel room style “one use” sized items. **PLEaSE nOTE, toiletries only. no duvet sets or toys.**
drOP Off POinTS Weekday: Black Square Litho, Graphic House, Radford Way CM12 0DX Mon - Fri: 8:30am-17:00pm Evening/Weekend: The Railway Pub, 1 High St, Billericay CM12 9BE Mon-Thu 12:00pm-23:00pm; Fri & Sat 12:00pmMidnight; Sun 12:00pm-23:00pm
For more about B.A.R.K and to get involved in the B.A.R.K revolution, join us on social media here: Facebook Page BARK - Billericay Acts Of Random Kindness Twitter @BarkBillericay
Instagram @BarkBillericay
www.barkbillericay.co.uk
TO ADVERTISE
CONTACT
01277 658444 sales@aroundtownmagazines.co.uk
Nokes & Co, Squire House, 81-87 High Street, Billericay, Essex CM12 9AS 01277 633971
07949 266321
mark@nokesandco.co.uk
www.nokesandco.co.uk
PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS
41
BILLERICAY ROTARY CLUB
Our excellent participation in the Christmas Market when we supported the event with a major sold-out raffle and attracted interest in our SoapBox Derby to be staged on May 7 was tinged with the sad news of the death of Trevor Stansfield, a member since 2000 and a leader and legend in the town’s history. He died after a sudden illness in St Luke’s Hospice in January. Trevor was a Paul Harris Fellow – Rotary’s highest award but more than that – a past chairman of the Town Council, editor of The Resident, set up Billericay’s twinning with Fishers in Indiana and Chauvigny in France and left a legacy to the town with his commitment, endeavour and foresight His funeral took place on January 26 at Brentwood crematorium with a thanksgiving service at Christ Church, Perry Street,. We shall miss him.
We celebrated Christmas with our annual Partners Lunch at Reids restaurant and president Peter Greene hosted a home festive party. Plans are now well forward for our third SoapBox Derby with almost 50 entries – update in the April issue. New members welcome. We meet every Monday lunchtime at Reids for 3-course meal and a speaker. Club contact: www. twitter.com/BiericyRotary; www,facebook.com/BillericayRotary/ www,billericayrotary.org Membership: Peter Strong. peter_j_strong@hotmail,com General Enquries: Ed Harrison (secretary) : ed14harrison@hotmail.co.uk SoapBox Derby: Les Sheppard: les.sheppard@tiscali.co.uk Press & PR: Trevor Bond: trevjanbond1@aol.com
BILLERICAY LIONS CLUB
Billericay Lions welcomed a new Member (Mike Wheatley) at our first meeting of the year. Welcome aboard Mike. Billericay Lions has also had the honour of being recognised by Lions Global Headquarters by a prestigious Membership Satisfaction Award. This is presented when a club meets or exceeds the expectations of its members. As usual, Billericay Lions will be helping collect for one of our Partner Charities, Marie Curie, in the High Street on Saturday 3rd March. Please think about donating when you see us standing in the cold! The day after, there will be a Civic reception on Sunday 4th March at The Baptist Church, Perry Street and Lions will be there.
The annual Convention of Lions from all over East Anglia will be happening over a weekend 16th 18th March in Norwich. This is where the decisions are made by the members, effectively our Annual General Meeting. It is also a chance to meet up with old friends from other clubs and meet new friends. For details of Lions events or if you are interested in joining, please have a look at our website www.billericaylions.com
Looking forward, we are back into the regular routine of our monthly social/sports events and reviewing donation requests. As ever, we are looking to attract new members who are up for a bit of fun and looking to do some extra-ordinary things - things which you would not typically arrange with your normal mates! Check us out at www.facebook.com/billericayroundtable and www.billericayroundtable. co.uk or contact us directly on bepartofit@billericayroundtable.co.uk. We would also really like to hear about any special causes which we might be able to offer monetary support for – no matter how small or large the value, we treat all cases individually and in confidence. We are a registered charity and have been able to help many local people over the years and we want to continue so – please check out the request form here: www. billericayroundtable.co.uk/funding
42
PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS
PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS
43
YOUR YOGA
ers to work on standing balances, to gain focus and n one foot.
Tree Pose
of
tch
Method: Tree pose is a great entry level pose for beginners to work on standing balances, to gain focus and clarity and practice breathing whilst balancing on one foot.
distraction. Keep a relaxed mind.
Starting with your feet together, place your right foot onto your inner thigh. Lift your arms high and press your hands into prayer. Keep your shoulders relaxed here.
If you bring your awareness to the centre line of your body you will help your balance. Imagine a vertical line that runs directly through the centre of your head, neck and torso.
Find a spot in front of you that you can focus on and gaze at, without
Hold this pose for up to 10 breaths and then switch sides.
Don’t lean into your standing leg and keep your abdominals engaged.
If you would like your advert or editorial to appear in Around Town Magazines then contact our sales team on: 01277 658444 or email: sales@aroundtownmagazines.co.uk
4362_17x9.qxd
19/10/2017
15:03
Page 1
Essex Fencing Ltd For all your fencing needs
FAST RELIABLE SERVICE
DOMESTIC AND COMMERCIAL
We supply, repair and erect all types of fencing.
For a friendly, free quote call Ricky on 01375 407847 • 07930 424045
www.essexfencingltd.com
07500 870309 INFO@ESSEXTREECARELTD.CO.UK
99.8% Positive Feedback
99.2% Positive Feedback
WWW.ESSEXTREECARELTD.CO.UK
PRUNING, THINNING, REDUCTIONS, FELLING AND REMOVAL, DEAD WOOD REMOVAL, SITE CLEARANCE, HEDGE MAINTENANCE, FIREWOOD SALES
Call today for your no obligation quote with no hidden extras!
£5 MILLION PUBLIC LIABILITY
PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS
45
P R O U D LY S U P P O R T I N G
#WEAREPRINT
65844o.u4k 01277 squarelitho.c
www.black relitho.co.uk a u sq k c la b s@ le sa 0DX icay, Essex CM12
dford Way, Biller Graphic House, Ra
BILLERICAY CLEARANCE
CHEAPER THAN A SKIP!
FROM SINGLE ITEMS TO FULL LOAD
• •
•
•
Shed House Loft Shops Garden Site Garage Office
•
•
WE LOAD! CALL CHRIS FOR A FREE ESTIMATE
Daytime Evenings
DAYTIME: 07966 155112 EVENING: 01277 651728 ALL AREAS COVERED
USEFUL NUMBERS POLICE Billericay Police Station
01277 631212
HOSPITALS Brentwood Hospital Basildon Hospital Broomfield Hospital Essex Nuffield Hospital Mayflower House Queen’s Romford Southend Hospital Spire Hartswood Hospital
01277 695000 01268 524900 01245 443673 08453 143350 01277 621130 08451 304204 01702 435555 01277 232525
HELPLINES Alcoholics Anonymous Childline DIAL Disability Helpline Drugline Essex Home Start
01245 256147 0800 11 11 01268 294400/1 01708 749151
(Helping families under stress) 01277 263325
In Focus
(family disabilities support)
Narcotics Anonymous NHS non-emergency Parentline Samaritans S. Essex Rape and Incest Crisis Centre Victim Support Essex Women’s Refuge
BIRTH, DEATH MARRIAGES REGISTRATION
TAXIS Advanced Taxicall Billericay 01277 800001 Mayflower Cars 01277 624000 Swift Cars 01277 757473
CHEMISTS Boots the Chemist, Billericay Filmcroft Ltd, Billericay Lloyds Pharmacy, Billericay Moss Pharmacy, Billericay Shadforth M.W Billericay Shadforths Pharmacy, Billericay Shadforths Pharmacy Ingatestone
UTILITIES Anglian Water Electricity – Power Supply Problems Gas – Urgent Calls / Gas Escapes Minicom – Transco Thames Water (Supply or Wastewater Services) Three Valleys Water Water – Essex & Suffolk Water
0845 6037632 01277 233565 01277 221155
BLOOD TEST Booking Line
01277 655233 01277 624862 01277 622828 01277 653035 01277 622927 01277 652241 01277 352125 01702 746511
ROAD & TRAVEL UPDATES Essex Travel www.bbc.co.uk/travelnews/essex
01245 353575 01277 655352 111 0808 800 2222 116 123
COUNCILS Basildon Billericay Town Council Chelmsford Ingatestone Stock Parish Council
01268 533333 01277 625732 01245 606606 01277 353315 07757 114952
01375 380609 0845 4565995 01268 541140
TRANSPORT Bus Service Rail Service
0870 6082608 08457 484950
VETS Best Friends Veterinary Surgery House & Jackson Ingatestone Veterinary Centre Summerdale Veterinary Centre Vet Savers LIBRARIES Basildon Billericay Ingatestone Wickford
0345 145 145 0800 783 8838 0800 111999 0800 371787 0845 9200 800 0345 823 333 01245 491234
01277 651009 01277 655524 01277 353612 01277 631889 01277 652100 0845 603 7628 01277 624624 01277 354284 01268 561963
PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS
47
Your Stove is waiting for you! Photo for illustration purposes only