Around Town Magazine Billericay August Edition 2017 by Black Square Print Media Limited

AY E R I C L L I B 0 1 7 0 8 . 2

Boys & girls of all abilities ages 3-18 at Willowbrook, Stock Road, Billericay billericaybees@gmail.com

St. Luke's Hospice. Make a Will Fortnight

CONTENTS For further information: 08

18th 18th -- 29th 29th September September 2017 2017 Ensure your loved ones are taken Ensure your loved ones are taken care care of of

John Baron

Political Update

This years participating solicitors include: •This Palmers Basildon yearsSolicitors, participating solicitors include: •• Palmers Palmers Solicitors, Solicitors, Chafford Basildon Hundred •• Birkett Solicitors, Basildon PalmersLong Solicitors, Chafford Hundred •• Fisher Solicitors, Billericay BirkettJones Long Greenwood Solicitors, Basildon •• Hattens Solicitors, Grays Solicitors, Billericay Fisher Jones Greenwood •• Rainer Hughes Solicitors, Shenfield Hattens Solicitors, Grays •• Andrew HurrellSolicitors, Solicitors,Shenfield Thorpe Bay Rainer Hughes •• Andrew Andrew Hurrell Hurrell Solicitors, Solicitors, Hadleigh Thorpe Bay •• Hillman Partnerships Ltd, home visits only Andrew Legal Hurrell Solicitors, Hadleigh • Hillman Legal Partnerships Ltd, home visits only Suggested Donation:

Essex's Lead Blind, Awning & Shutter Speciali over 100 Yea

visit www.stlukeshospice.com phone 01268524973 email edpearce@stlukeshospice.co.uk • £100 for a Donation: standard single Will Suggested

•• 175 of standard £100for foraapair standard singlemirror Will Wills •• 175 £50 for for a a pair codicil an existing WillWills of to standard mirror book appointment and receive your free •To£50 foryour a codicil to an existing Will Simple Planner pack please visit contact To bookWill your appointment and receive your Ed freePearce at St.Luke’s Hospice on 01268 524 973 or Simple Will Planner pack please visit contact Ed Pearce email edpearce@stlukeshospice.co.uk at St.Luke’s Hospice on 01268 524 973 or

A View from the Church

Nature Notes

email edpearce@stlukeshospice.co.uk

Rev. Paul Carr

EWT Volunteer Neil Sumner

A number of local solicitors are kindly giving their time A number of local solicitors are kindly giving theirantime and expertise to write a standard will or update and expertise write a standard will orgiven update existing will in to exchange for a donation to an existing willHospice. in exchange for a donation given to St. Luke's St. Luke's Hospice. Recipe For further information: further information: Chewy BreakfastFor Bars

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www.stlukeshospice.com www.stlukeshospice.com 01268 524 973 01268 524 973 edpearce@stlukeshospice.co.uk edpearce@stlukeshospice.co.uk

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James Blower The Savings Guru

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Edition 57

To advertise contact our Sales Team today, details below. Booking deadline for our September edition is: Monday 21st August Copyright 2017. Around Town Billericay is an independent magazine and does not endorse the products or services that appear in the magazine. Opinions expressed in Around Town do not necessarily represent those of the editors of Around Town Magazines. Around Town Magazines are published by Black Square Print Media Ltd produced by Black Square Litho Ltd.

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local charities raised courtesy of the over 2,000 walkers who took part. There was a massive BBQ courtesy of ‘Team Handsome’, music courtesy of Gateway 97.8, a field bordered by stalls and a variety of other refreshment tents.

John Baron Conservative Parliamentary MP For Basildon and Billericay

This year’s Fun Walk, held on 21st May, was a great success with a record bonus pot of £50,000, on top of what the 100

Our thanks go to all who took part and contributed, the marshals, the Barleylands team, and to our family of volunteers and Committee members for making it all possible. The monies raised at the event will be made known at the presentation evening on 22nd September, when bonus pot cheques will be awarded at Anisha Grange Care Home. Our thanks also go to this year’s bonus pot sponsors: Swan Housing Association, c2c Rail

Ltd, Abellio Greater Anglia, Hallmark Care Homes, Butyl Products Ltd, Leonardo MW Ltd, Private Ambulance Service Ltd, McDonald’s Basildon, Mr Barrie Stone, IFE Global Logistics and others - individuals and companies. Their £50,000 will help many good causes, both in the constituency and beyond. Finally, our thanks go to Hallmark Care Homes for sponsoring the medals, to Abi’s Catering Supplies Ltd and Makro for their BBQ donations, to Essex & Suffolk Water for the bottled water, to Gateway 97.8 for great music, to the Private Ambulance Service for also manning an ambulance on the day, and to Jim Shrubb, our Town Crier. It was a great team effort all round.

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and expertise to write astandard wil or update an existing wil in exchange for adonation given to St. Luke's Hospice. Make a Will Fortnight 18th 18th -- 29th 29th September September 2017 2017 Ensure your loved ones are taken Ensure your loved ones are taken care care of of

For further information:

This years participating solicitors include: •This Palmers Basildon yearsSolicitors, participating solicitors include: •• Palmers Palmers Solicitors, Solicitors, Chafford Basildon Hundred •• Birkett Solicitors, Basildon PalmersLong Solicitors, Chafford Hundred •• Fisher Solicitors, Billericay BirkettJones Long Greenwood Solicitors, Basildon •• Hattens Solicitors, Grays Solicitors, Billericay Fisher Jones Greenwood •• Rainer Solicitors, HattensHughes Solicitors, Grays Shenfield •• Andrew HurrellSolicitors, Solicitors,Shenfield Thorpe Bay Rainer Hughes •• Andrew Andrew Hurrell Hurrell Solicitors, Solicitors, Hadleigh Thorpe Bay •• Hillman Legal Partnerships Ltd, home visits only Andrew Hurrell Solicitors, Hadleigh • Hillman Legal Partnerships Ltd, home visits only Suggested Donation:

visit www.stlukeshospice.com phone 01268524973 email edpearce@stlukeshospice.co.uk •Suggested £100 for a Donation: standard single Will 175 for of standard •• £100 foraapair standard singlemirror Will Wills •• £50 for a codicil an existing WillWills 175 for a pair of to standard mirror book appointment and receive your free •To£50 foryour a codicil to an existing Will Simple Will Planner pack please visit contact To book your appointment and receive your Ed freePearce at St.Luke’s Hospice on 01268 524 973 or Simple Will Planner pack please visit contact Ed Pearce email edpearce@stlukeshospice.co.uk at St.Luke’s Hospice on 01268 524 973 or

email edpearce@stlukeshospice.co.uk

A number of local solicitors are kindly giving their time A number of local solicitors are kindly giving theirantime and expertise to write a standard will or update and expertise to write a standard will or update existing will in exchange for a donation given to an existing willHospice. in exchange for a donation given to St. Luke's St. Luke's Hospice. For further information: For further information:

visit visit phone phone email email

www.stlukeshospice.com www.stlukeshospice.com 01268 524 973 01268 524 973 edpearce@stlukeshospice.co.uk edpearce@stlukeshospice.co.uk

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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

All Things Bright And ricay & Little Burstead Team Ministry) Beautiful

of the local Church Services over the Christmas period. This well known and much loved hymn has been sung at many a Harvest Festival and is a popular choice for Weddings and Funerals. I wonder how many times you’ve hummed the 2nd December - ‘Annual Toy Service’ at 10.30am tune whilst developing your horticultural skills, December - ‘Carol by Candlelight’ enjoyed theService wonder of nature at on7.00pm holiday or visited a garden centre? 19th December - ‘Lunchtime Carol Service’ at 12.30pm

Emmanuel Church

at Saint Mary Magdalen Church The words were written by Mrs Cecil Frances ay 23rdAlexander December - ‘Family Nativity’who at 10.30am (1818-1895) was inspired to ristmaswrite Eve this - ‘Christingle Service’ at hymn when trying,4.00pm with great difficulty, to teach a group ofat children ‘Communion by Candlelight’ 11.15pm the meaning of Creed. She decided to write a Thethe firstApostles’ Communion of Christmas. series of hymns, based on various phrases of stmas the Day Creed, - ‘Familywhen Communion’ at 10.00am traditional teaching methods failed. She based this hymn on the phrase: “I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.” Mrs Alexander wrote more hymns to illustrate other phrases of the Creed, all of which are still sung today, such as ‘Once in Royal David’s City’ and ‘There Is a Green Hill Far Away.’ She thought of these as children’s hymns and published them in a collection entitled ‘Hymns for Little Children’ in 1848.

This hymn has become a popular poetic icon and has maintained its popularity through the years, not only by its publication in hymn books throughout the English-speaking world, but also through original musical settings by contemporary composers such as John Rutter - some of you may even remember the Monty Python parody ‘All things dull and ugly!’ The hymn received a huge boost when Yorkshire veterinarian, James Herriot, at the suggestion of his young daughter, named his first book ‘All Creatures Great and Small’ which went onto become a best seller, inspiring a film and the long-running BBC television series. Unbeknown to many, however, is the fact this hymn was rather contentious in its day because it included a third verse rarely sung nowadays,

www.billericaychurches.org

and omitted from most hymn books, due to its controversial language regarding class equality: “The rich man in his castle, the poor man at his gate, God made them, high or lowly, and ordered their estate.” I’m sure these words would create intense theological discussion today, too! Mrs Alexander was a prolific author, publishing a number of books and writings during her lifetime and is known to have penned at least 400 hymns. Mrs Alexander was generous with her time and money and donated the profits from ‘Hymns for Little Children’ to a school for the deaf. She was active in a ministry to unwed mothers and was also instrumental in establishing a nursing service in her area. The fact she was married to William Alexander, who became Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland, would surely have helped increase her influence. Whilst ‘All Things Bright and Beautiful’ may have been written specifically for children in a way that appeals to their natural curiosity and sense of wonder, humility, thankfulness and joy - all of which need to be cultivated from the earliest age if children are to grow into spiritually healthy and happy adults - it still has a message of profound truths that adults tend to forget as we become cynical and disbelieving of a loving and merciful Creator God who has a plan for each one of our lives. With that in mind, I invite you to join with us Emmanuel on Sunday mornings during August, at 10.00 am, as we celebrate the ‘God of Creation’ in a four week summer series based on the four lines of the first verse of this hymn: “All things bright and beautiful; All creatures great and small; All things wise and wonderful; The Lord God made them all.” I’m sure we’ll be singing this hymn in those services too! With every blessing in Jesus’ precious name revpacman.wordpress.com paul@billericaychurches.org @revPACman

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Nature Notes Written by Neil Sumner

Neilsumner123@aol.com twitter.com/neilsumner123 A recent visit to a primary school in the north of Essex was a revelation. Within their grounds is a meadow full of wildflowers and butterflies; there is an orchard and hedges and trees surround the perimeter. Outdoor lessons in nature are on their doorstep. Not all schools have such luxury of space, but even a small plot can give room to attract wildlife. Some plants for pollinating insects, a bug hotel, and a small pond can bring enough to interest the children and be fun to create. If one or two birds, insects and amphibians can be found this could be enough to stimulate their interest and create a desire to see more.

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August is school holiday season but is it a holiday for wildlife? It may seem like it because it can be quiet. Families of many small birds are moving through the hedgerows and woodlands as they feed but they can be hard to see in the dense foliage. Our garden birds are often hidden from view as they seek shelter whilst undergoing a moult. Most birds moult their feathers at this time of year to replace the wear and tear incurred during breeding. The colours of August are dark green and pale yellow. Leaves are darker because they produce more chlorophyll in longer days and have thicker growth. The pale yellow is from the stubble of harvested fields and dry grass. On the boundary between woods and fields are dragonflies, especially Migrant Hawkers, hovering then moving in swift jerks to catch small insects. It is a good time to see a Hobby catching a dragonfly and eating it from its claws whilst on the wing. On scrapes and in creeks on our coastal reserves and along the edges of reservoirs many migrant waders, including Green Sandpipers and Greenshanks, arrive for a late summer feed. You may pick them out, amongst growing flocks of gulls and Lapwings, by scanning from hides and viewpoints on our nature reserves. Although the peak time for butterflies has passed, some are more common, such as Red Admirals, Painted Ladies and Clouded Yellows arriving from the continent. Bats are numerous too, with the young no longer in the maternity roost living on their mother’s milk, but now feeding on insects in flight.

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6. Cook for about 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.

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7. Remove from the oven and cool for 15 minutes then drizzle with dark chocolate.

3. Mix the wet ingredients into a large bowl making sure the almond butter is fully combined. 4. Add the dry ingredients and stir well. 5. Spoon the mixture into your tin and press down well with your spatula.

8. Pop in the fridge to ensure the chocolate is solid. 9. You can store each slice in the freezer once wrapped in foil for up to three months or 1 week in the fridge.

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BILLERICAY ROTARY CLUB We promised that all profits from our SoapBox Derby would go to charities supported by Rotary – and we met our promise! At club lunch on June 19 four cheques of £6,000 each were presented by outgoing president Mike Sinclair to: Anna Jordan (Medecines Sans Frontieres – Doctors Without Borders), Roger Cassidy (Aquabox), Nicky Evans (Hamelin Trust) and Claire Wilson (Little Haven’s Hospice). With cheques already made to Rotary Foundation – End Polio Now, Quliters Junior School and other smaller donations, this brought the total dispersed to over £30,000. We again celebrated Rotary’s Kids Out annual day by organising for 35 disadvantaged children from Thriftwood School, Galleywood a visit to Tropical Wings zoo at South Woodham Ferrers. The zoo was also in the visiting programme when we supported, for the fifth year, the local branch of the Chernobyl Children’s Lifeline. This year they brought twelve children from Belarus for a full programme of fun and adventure and special eye and teeth treatment. With youth ever in mind, we enrolled 37 members of Buttsbury Junior School in their first RotaKids club and hosted the awards to three prize-winning pupils from Billericay School in the District Young Photographer competition. For more information, club news and membership, see our general website: www.billericayrotary.org. Also on: twitter. com/Billericy (correct)Rotary and www.facebook.com/BillericayRotary. We welcome new members.

BILLERICAY LIONS CLUB

After having been forced to cancel our planned Beer Festival, our thoughts have turned to the new Lions year. With a new President, Trevor Hull, and a new team around him, the year is off to a flying start with a number of members accompanying a group of children from Chernobyl for a day out at Adventure Island in Southend, including rides wristbands, lunch and ice cream, courtesy of the Lions. With an Italian meal on the way home, kindly supplied free to the children by Tomassi’s Restaurant in Southend High Street, the children were thrilled by their first sight of the sea and tired out by the rides. Lions from across south Essex, including Billericay Lions, are holding the annual Disabled Sports Day at St John’s School, Hadleigh on the 15th July. This is an opportunity for disabled people from all over Essex to take part in some competitive sports.

To mark the 100th anniversary of Lions being founded, local Clubs are funding the creation of a Centennial Path at Barrow Farm, a purpose built riding centre (located between Chelmsford and Brentwood in Essex) designed to make riding accessible for people with special needs and disabilities. The Lions Centennial Path will help to enrich their lives through riding in a more natural environment. More news to follow as building progresses. 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

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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. basildonanddistrictramblingclub.btck. co.uk for full details Belvedere Jazz & Music Club 9th August - 8pm -10:30pm. Derek Nash’s Acoustic Quintet 16th August - 8pm -10:30pm. Veterans of War Charity Night with Paul Wood & Bruce Adams 23rd August - 8pm -10:30pm. T J Johnson Quintet with Al Nichols 30th August - 8pm -10:30pm. Ben Holder (clarinet) Quartet Admission £12.50 ~ Meals Available www.belvederejazz.co.uk or 07850 607075 The Chichester Hotel, Old London Road, Rawreth, SS11 8UE Billericay Archaeological & Historical Society The Society meet every second Monday of the month at 8pm at The Fold, Laindon Road, Billericay We have interesting talks which are mostly historical. Our website billericayarchandhistsociety.co.uk gives details of talks and visits Contact Pam on 01277 624764. Billericay Community Garden Digging Day (9/9/17) Come and join our friendly welcoming group of volunteers in the garden for as little or as long as you like from 9.30am to 2.30pm. There is always something to do on our

digging days, whatever your ability, age or gardening experience, we’d love to see you. Take a look at our facebook or twitter pages for more information or email us on billericaycommunitygarden@gmail. com

Why not come along and join us at The Banqueting Suite, Mount Avenue, Hutton CM13 2NS

Billericay Fellowship Group

Billericay Society

We are a non-denominational group that meet in the Mayflower Hall, Chapel Street on 2nd Thursday of the month from 2.30pm-4pm. We have a varied programme of speakers (some illustrated), some members share their talents/hobbies. There are two lunches each year, also a summer garden afternoon (weather permitting) at a member’s home.We offer a warm welcome to all More information contact Dianne 01277 655879

We meet third Wednesday of the month at the day centre in Billericay behind the chequers Pub in the High Street at 19,30 we normally have a guest speaker. Members £1 Guests £1.50.

Billericay Horticultural Society On Monday 21st August 2017 at 8 p.m. in The Day Centre. Chantry Way a talk “ An Introduction to Exotic Gardening” by Paul Sprackling. Visitors always welcome Refreshments available. Billericay Ladies Probus Club The Club meets for lunch at 12.00 on the second Monday of each month at the Mount Avenue Banqueting 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. 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

If you are interested Call ron on: 01277 633115 firefighterrpm@btinternet.com

The aims of the society is to oppose inappropriate developments, to conserve the towns heritage, safeguard access to the surrounding countryside, footpaths public rights of way, support projects for improving our town, we erect town signs and maintain them, and we are affiliated to campaign to protect rural England. All welcome. Billericay WEA Our next One Day Course is ‘Shakespeare- Song, Stage and Concert Hall’ with tutor Peter Goodwin. It explores Shakespeare’s music and how composers of many musical genres have been inspired. At Billericay Reading Rooms in the High Street. 9.30 – 15.45. Tea breaks included. Lunch – we head to the High Street or bring our own. Fee £15. Contact Geoff Taylor 01277 625351 or geoffT33@outlook.com Buttsbury (Billericay) W.I. We are a friendly group who meet every 2nd Tuesday of the month, 8pm for 8.15pm start. Each month we have a varied programme of Speakers, Craft Nights and Social Events. We meet at Canon Roche Church Hall, Laindon Road, Billericay CM11 9LL. For more information please call Jan Nash on 01277- 630147.

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Chelmsford Jazz Club Cramphorn Theatre, Chelmsford Doors open: 11.45am Gig starts: 12.15pm Advance booking: 01245 606505 £12 / £16 3rd September - Sarah Dowling, Vasilis Xenopolous, John Pearce, Dave Green, and Steve Brown 1st October: - Buster meets Buster featuring Jo Fooks, Pete Ringrace, Neil Casey and Buster Birch 5th November - Denise King with John Pearce and Simon Woolf (drummer TBA) 3rd December - TBA Folk at The Fold Folk music session at Billericay Arts Association, 72 Laindon Road, Billericay CM12 9LD. 8.15pm on the last Friday of the month (bar December). Admission £3. Please bring your own drink. John Dear 07570 400 436 jm.dear@ btinternet.com 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 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. Forging Men For Friendship, Discussions and Community Action Projects, with

regular speakers and social events. Forging Men meets on the last Monday of the month in Billericay, why not come along and join us. For more information and details of speakers and events please e-mail us at forgingmen@mail.com

and also social occasions in between. New members are always welcome.

Good Friends French Polishing Group We are a friendly group of amateur French Polishers/Furniture Restorers/ Upholsterers who meet every Monday morning at the Scout Hall in Laindon Road, Billericay. We instruct and teach and now have a few vacancies.

For over 100 years Soroptimist International has been making a difference to the lives of women & girls locally, nationally & internationally through Education, Empowerment & Enabling. Ladieswe meet at Christ Church, New London Road, Chelmsford, 3rd Thursday, 7.30pm every month.

For further details please contact Bob Woodcock at 01277 659749 or e-mail: bobwoodcock@hotmail.co.uk Great Burstead and South Green Village Council Great Burstead and South Green Village Council are hosting a Fun Day on The Green, Southend Road, Billericay, Essex, CM11 2PR on Sunday 27th August from12.30 p.m. to 4.30 p.m. Family entertainment to include Bouncy Castles, Dog Show, Falconry display and many other stalls. Free entrance web site:greatbu rsteadsouthgreenparishcouncil. gov.uk Contact Linda Willingham 01277631214 keithandlinda. willingham@yahoo.co.uk Greenway Ramblers The group meets at 10am every Tuesday (5-6 miles) and Sunday (longer walks of 10+ miles with a break for lunch) New members are welcome. See our website at www. greenwayramblers.org .uk or phone Joe lawton on 01277 631119.v

Please phone Paulette Nicholls on 01277 652001, Soroptimist International Chelmsford & District

Come along and find out the differences to lives we can and do make. Contact us: Facebook: Soroptimist International of Chelmsford, website: www.sigbi.org/ chelmsford email: sichelmsford@ gmail.com call: 07528 789991. St Giles Church Flower, Art and Craft Festival Flowers in the Church, Art in the barn and Craft Workers in the marquee. Refreshment tent, book stall, tombola and raffle. Organ music at 3pm each day. Free entry and free parking. Sat.26th - Mon.28th August from 2-6pm. St Giles Church, Old Church Lane, Mountnessing. CM13 1 UN Wolsey’s annual Open Season Saturday 24 June 2 - 4pm Adults £5 / Children FREE https://www.wolseytheatre.co.uk/ shows/storyseekers/

Mayflower Wine (and social) Club

Celebrating local & global heritage through storytelling and west African percussion. Come and share your own tale! Suitable for all ages and abilities.

We meet on the first Wednesday of each month at the Chantry Way Centre, Chantry Way, Billericay at 8.00.p.m. We have talks, musical evenings, wine tastings, quizzes etc.

For more information please contact daisy@la-olam.com 07990 802 776 / 01473 253 656 http://www.la-olam.com

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

admin@aroundtownmagazines.co.uk Please ensure that all contact details are included.

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As a local Essex company, and an avid reader of Around Town Magazine personally, I am delighted to be writing a regular article. I founded Savings Guru in the summer of 2014. Prior to that I had set up Clydesdale Bank International in 2008, which was a specialist offshore savings bank in Guernsey. I ran this bank for four and a half years before moving to Essex to run the savings division of Shawbrook Bank, based in Warley. After the financial crisis in 2008, the UK government decided that it needed to encourage greater competition in the banking market and has since made both the capital requirements (the amount of money a bank needs to hold) and the process for applying for a banking licence much quicker.

Savings Guru Ltd

These changes have led to a flurry of new banks entering the market in the UK. I saw a gap in the market to help some of these new entrants and left my role at Shawbrook to set up the Savings Guru to do this. It may surprise you to learn that there have been 37 banks who have entered the market since 2008 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; either through obtaining a new banking licence or European banks using their licence in their home country to compete here.

www.thesavings.guru

Since launch, I have worked with seven banks, building societies and financial companies helping them to obtain a banking licence, building new savings businesses for them or improving their existing savings divisions.

James Blower Founder

hello@thesavings.guru

As well as this work, I also regularly provide commentary for the national personal finance media on what is happening in the industry and why, and we also provide an information and comparison site at www.thesavings. guru to help consumers make better choices on what to do with their money. Over the coming months and columns, I will endeavour to provide more insight in to what these changes in the market have done for consumers and how to make the best decisions on what do with your personal finances. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m keen to cover topics that interest you though so, if you have an area youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like me to write about, please let me know by sending a message through my website or by emailing me at hello@thesavings.guru.

In the meantime, I hope you enjoy this issue and that the sun continues to shine this August!

Where’s the best place

to save my money? This must be the question I get asked most often! As you might expect, the answer will depend on your circumstances so let’s run through the things you should consider first and then look at the options to get the best return on your savings. The most important thing when saving is making sure that your money is fully protected. The Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) www.fscs.org.uk is a government backed scheme which protects deposits with banks, building societies and credit unions so that you can get your money back if your bank, building society or credit union goes bust. So, the first question to ask the institution you are thinking of choosing to save with is if they are covered by the FSCS. The FSCS protects savings up to £85,000 per person, per institution or up to £170,000 if you have a joint account. This is usually more than adequate for the vast majority of us! If you are one of those people who have more savings than this then the next step is to check whether the institution shares their license with any other bank. For example, while Bank of Scotland, Aviva, Halifax, Intelligent Finance, Birmingham Midshires (BM Savings), AA, Saga, Capital Bank and St James’s Place Bank may all sound like separate banks, they are all part of the same banking group and share once license. So, if you had £50,000 in Halifax, Bank of Scotland and Saga, only £85,000 of that £150,000 will be protected. There is an array of savings accounts

to choose from in the market but the most popular ones are: 1) Easy or instant access 2) High interest current accounts 3) Notice 4) Regular savers 5) Fixed Rate Bonds Some of you will be wondering why Cash ISAs (Individual Savings Accounts) aren’t listed here. That’s because they are not a product themselves but merely a tax wrapper that protects the products inside it from paying tax. I’ll cover more about ISAs in a future edition. Which account or accounts you choose should depend on how much access you want to your money. If you are saving for a ‘rainy day’ or emergency, you probably want to be able to get at your money quickly. If you are saving to buy a home in three years’ time then you can probably put your money away for longer. Most financial advisors I have met suggest that you have between three and six months of whatever your take home pay is available in savings which you can access easily. I’ve met very few people who achieve this! Over 40% of adults in the UK have no savings at all or only a small amount up to £500 so you’re in good company if this is you.

Bank’s Freedom Saver which can be opened online with £100. It pays an interest rate of 1.20% AER which is one of the best in the market and has been consistently in our best buy tables since launch. Although it isn’t covered by the FSCS, it is covered by the French government’s equivalent scheme as the bank is owned by the French car giant Renault. For those looking for something with a lower starting point, Essex based Ford Money, part of the Ford Motor Company group, has a flexible savings account which can be opened online or by phone with just £1 and comes with a 1.07% AER interest rate. Deposits with Ford Money are FSCS protected too. If you are looking to get in to the habit of saving regularly then the Saffron Building Society, based in Saffron Walden with a branch in Brentwood, has a regular savings account paying 3.50% AER which can be opened in branch or by the phone with £10 a month minimum commitment. Virgin Money also has an online regular saver paying 2.25% with £1 minimum investment and current account customers of HSBC, M&S Bank and First Direct will find they have a 5% version for existing customer only.

What are the best options for getting a saving fund started for a rainy day or emergency?

Like many things in life, savings is a habit and hopefully the tips here will help those who want to start this habit.

There are a couple of instant savings accounts on the market that stand out. The first is RCI

That’s all for this month. Have a great summer and see you again in September.

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Manufacturing • Installation • Restoration

• West One Wood Flooring Company Ltd is a specialist WEST ONE WOOD FLOORING COMPANY LTD

in the manufacturing, installation and restoration of antique reclaimed and new timber flooring

• We can supply and fit a variety of stunning timber floors for domestic properties and commerical projects

• Installation is by a skilled friendly professional team who offer high quality service and after care

• Our flooring is competitively prices with innovative solutions to suit your needs

Call us on

01375 892233 01277 630837 www.westonewoodflooring.co.uk 5 The Walk, High Street, Billericay, Essex CM12 9YB