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

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CONTENTS 08

John Baron

Recipe

A View from the Church

Rotary Club, Lions Club & Round Table

Nature Notes

Martin Lewis

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s On

Political Update

Hot Cross Buns

Rev. Paul Carr

EWT Volunteer Neil Sumner

Money Saving Expert

When and Where...

46 Edition 52

42 46

Around Town Sports Focuses on Badminton

Useful Numbers

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To advertise contact our Sales Team today, details below. Booking deadline for our April edition is: Friday 17th March 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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Republican Congressmen in Philadelphia. In her speech, she said there must be ‘no return to the failed policies of the past’ that saw Britain bogged down in questionable overseas conflicts, and that the ‘the days of Britain and America intervening in sovereign countries in an attempt to remake the world in our own image are over’.

John Baron Conservative Parliamentary MP For Basildon and Billericay

Foreign Policy

During her recent visit to the United States, the Prime Minister addressed a gathering of

For me these words were very significant. My 16 years in Parliament have, in large part, been defined by my opposition to our misguided interventions in Iraq, Helmand, Libya and Syria – sometimes being the only Conservative voting against. I therefore welcome the recognition that we should no longer attempt to remake the world in our own image – this has been a painful

and costly policy, which has tended to distract us from greater dangers of potentially-hostile nation states. In my view, we need to mend our foreign policy process which suffers from lack of investment, expertise and therefore credibility. Better funding of our ‘hard’ and ‘soft’ power, including the Foreign & Commonwealth Office and the BBC World Service, should be part and parcel of the process. We must also be strong, smart and hard-headed when meeting new global challenges. These include the rise of global poverty, resource scarcity, disease and organised crime. We must recognise that international organisations are failing in many of these areas, and urgently need re-tuning for the 21st Century.

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Cloudy2Clear Announce Trusted Trader Partnership Consumer champions Which? have now joined the thousands of customers who recognise that Cloudy2Clear Windows really are a business that you can TRUST. The company which specialises in repairing windows which are steamed up, broken or damaged by replacing the panes – not the frames has received the coveted ‘Which Trusted Trader’ status after going through a rigorous accreditation process entirely focussed on customer service. Group Managing Director Marcus McGee believes that Which? have endorsed Cloudy2Clear’s long standing company

policy of delivering the highest standards possible at all times. ‘Our service is simple. If your double glazing has misted up we can replace the glass at a fraction of the cost of a new window, in any type of frame, and with a new 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 &

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RECIPE

Hot Cross Buns (12 Servings) Ingredients: dOUGH 500g Strong Bread Flour 7g Easy bake yeast 275ml whole milk 50g Butter (unsalted, cold, diced) 1 medium beaten egg 75g Unrefined golden caster sugar 1 Â˝ tsp salt TOPPINGS 75g Sultanas 2 tsp Mixed Spice 100g Plain white flour 50g Mixed peel

Method: MIX: Boil the milk in a pan, remove from heat then

spaced, on a lined baking tray.

add the butter. Leave to cool until warm. Mix the dry ingredients in a large bowl and then add the milk and

PROVE: Cover the dough again, aNd leave

beaten egg, stirring with a wooden spoon.

until doubled in size again. Preheat oven to fan 180C/200C/Gas 6.

KNEAd: On a lightly floured surface, knead the mixture for approx. 10 minutes.

BAKE: Score a cross on top of each bun with a sharp

RISE: Lightly grease the large bowl, place the dough in the bowl then cover with a clean cloth and leave to rise until doubled in size â&#x20AC;&#x201C; this could be up to two

knife. Mix the plain flour with a tbsp. of water at a time to form a paste. Use a piping bag to pipe crosses on the buns on the cuts you made. Bake the buns for

hours dependent on how warm the room is.

around 11-15 minutes or until golden.

SHAPE: Sift the mixed spice over the dough, then

GLAZE: Melt the jam, sieve then brush apricot glaze

knead in the sultanas and mixed peel. Slice into 12

over buns and leave to cool on a wire rack.

even sized pieces, roll into balls and place, well-

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

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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

The Abolition of the Slave Trade of the local Church Services over the Christmas period.

ricay & Little Burstead Team Ministry)

The 25 March 2017 marks the 210th anniversary of the Abolition of the Slave Trade. Some of you may know that William Wilberforce was the driving force behind this campaign. Wilberforce 2nd December - ‘Annual Toy Service’ at 10.30am was born in Hull on 24 August 1759 and studied December - ‘Carol Service by Candlelight’ at 7.00pm at Saint John’s College, Cambridge where one 19th December - ‘Lunchtime Carol Service’ at 12.30pm of his best friends was William Pitt the Younger. atAt Saint Mary Magdalen Church one time, Wilberforce considered becoming priest but- ‘Family many of contemporaries ay 23rdaDecember Nativity’ at 10.30am suggested he should use his gifts of public speaking in the ristmaspublic Eve - ‘Christingle Service’ at 4.00pm Wilberforce arena and not the church. committed himself to a parliamentary career ‘Communion by Candlelight’ at 11.15pm Thededicated first Communion of Christmas. to bringing about social reform distinctly Christian and was given stmas with Day -a‘Family Communion’ at ethos 10.00am the accolade ‘The Conscience of Parliament’. Wilberforce was particularly challenged by what the Bible taught in Galatians 3:28 about human beings being created equally in the image of God: “There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male or female, for you are all one in Jesus.”

Emmanuel Church

And so began a campaign, which had often seemed quite hopeless and with many setbacks due to the indifference of MP’s (and the Church hierarchy) who had a vested, financial interest in supporting a ‘successful’ slave trade. There were also concerns that the political unrest behind the French Revolution would spread to Britain. Undeterred, Wilberforce continued researching and speaking and bringing his Bills to Parliament, keeping the issue alive in the public arena for twenty years. Thousands of ordinary men and women supported his campaign signing petitions urging Parliament to abolish the trade. There was the famous boycott of sugar produced by slave-owning planters and hundreds of thousands of people either gave up sugar or substituted it with honey or maple syrup and, from 1795, there was a progressive boycott of slave-produced goods. Finally, at 4.00 am on Wednesday 25 March 1807,

www.billericaychurches.org

the Abolition of the Slave Trade Bill was passed by a landslide majority with 16 no’s to the left and 283 ayes to the right. Suddenly, MPs were fighting to pay tribute to “That exalted and benevolent individual” clapping and cheering - a display unprecedented in parliamentary history. Wilberforce devoted the rest of his life to the abolition of slavery throughout the British Empire and on 26 July 1833 his lifelong dream became a reality. On hearing the news, Wilberforce cried: “Thank God that I have lived to witness the day in which England is willing to give £20 million for the abolishment of slavery.” Three days later, on 29 July 1833, William Wilberforce died. The Government paid compensation to slave owners according to the number of slaves they had - 40% of its annual budget! It’s said that the Bishop of Exeter owned 655 slaves and received £12,700. By the time the slave trade came to an end, approximately 12 million men, women and children had been sold into slavery. The historian, W.E.H. Lecky, wrote that the Act of Abolition, and the struggle that led to it: “… marks the very few perfectly virtuous pages in the history of this nation.” It is estimated that there are 27 million slaves in the world today. People trafficking is the fastest growing means by which people are enslaved and one of the largest sources of income for organised crime, involving: forced marriage; sexual exploitation; domestic servitude; child soldiers; drugs etc., (see www. stopthetraffik.org/uk). Some people suggest that the church shouldn’t get involved in sociopolitical activism, but that’s not what the Bible says. In Proverbs 31:8-9 we read: “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed. Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless.” What might you be able to do, as we enter the season of Lent (a time of introspection and of seeking God’s will for our lives and his world) to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves?

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MAYFLOWER ROTARY CLUB A whole range of good causes locally, nationally and internationally are to benefit from donations made in recent weeks by Billericay Mayflower Rotarians. More than £12,000 has been donated thanks to the generosity of Billericay families supporting the club’s major events headed by the December Christmas Market. President Sri Srivastava said: “We could not support these worthy causes without the help and goodwill of the people of Billericay.” Part of the money is aimed at helping young people like the £1,000 towards a new sensory room at Little Havens children’s hospice, £1,500 for Thriftwood College special students preparing for the world of work, £1,000 for Hope and Homes for Children, almost £500 towards a global Rotary grant for early childhood development and £250 for Amy’s Angels. Support for those striving to improve health has seen £1,200 for End Polio Now, a worldwide campaign flagshipped by Rotary with the support of the World Health Organisation and the Bill Gates organisation. Another £1,000 each has gone for specialist screens at St Luke’s Hospice and Roll Out the Barrel water programme easing the life of African villagers. Further donations have gone to Friends of Lake Meadows, Basildon Saturday Club and a Chemistry at Work event. The club’s latest fund-raising event , a quiz brought in £1,100 for Macmillan Nurses. Rotary Foundation the world’s biggest privately run charity providing education and aid thanks to contributions from clubs globally also benefits from Mayflower’s £3,750.

BILLERICAY LIONS CLUB

Our “Taste of the British Isles” fundraising event on the 11th March is now sold out. We are obviously delighted at the response and continuing popularity of this event and grateful for the support received – sorry to anyone has missed out on tickets this year. Planning is in full swing for a fundraising concert on Saturday evening 10th June to be performed by the Harmonie Concert Band. The venue will be the Mayflower school hall in Stock Road Billericay and tickets are expected to be around £9 per head. Tea, coffee and soft drinks will be available. Our annual beer festival at the Billericay Football Club has been confirmed for the weekend of 23rd/25th June. Make a note in your diary not to miss this popular local event. Sponsorship is available for individual barrels of beer at £50 per barrel, with the sponsor’s name featuring on the barrel, in the leaflets and on our website. If you’d like to sponsor a barrel please seethe contact details on our website.

The Lions organisation supports the Marie Curie daffodil collection and we will be assisting locally with collectors as well as the distribution of collection boxes around the town. Off to the dogs this week – a social outing to Romford stadium – followed by a ten pin bowling trip in March. For details of Lions events or if you are interested in joining, please have a look at our website www.billericaylions.com

It is probably fair to say that the Round Table team are just about recovered from quite an intensive couple of months. Obviously our Fireworks display was a massive undertaking for the guys, but then we got straight back into the swing of things for December. The tree outside the Police station goes up first and then we are assisting at the Christmas market and running our own drinks stall. Shortly after this, we take up the reins with our Santa sleigh visits to four local estates across two weekends. We are ever grateful for the helpers we get on these events and this year it was the ATC and Cricket club members who joined us in being able to put some smiles on the kids’ faces and raise a bit of cash for some local good causes. 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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Neilsumner123@aol.com twitter.com/neilsumner123 Churchyards are often good sites for wildlife, harbouring long-standing trees, unimproved grassland and nooks and crannies amongst the gravestones which provide refuge for small mammals, reptiles and insects. So it was pleasing to be one of two volunteer advisers assigned by Essex Wildlife Trust to visit two churchyards in the county. Our first was tucked away along a single track road. Robins and goldcrests, the latter favouring the old conifers, were singing when we arrived. The Priest-in-Charge showed us around, telling of his plans to plant fruit trees, to involve children and young people in constructing homes for wildlife and to generally encourage wildlife within the constraints of the site. Rabbits hopped away from us, bullfinches called and a kestrel hovered nearby. We added some suggestions. We thought a bug hotel would do well in an area of bumpy mossy grass tucked behind the church that our guide affectionately called the wilderness. And perhaps adding plants favoured by pollinating insects, letting the ivy proliferate a bit more on the boundary wall, allowing a little bramble scrub to persist and leaving a margin of grass which is only cut annually to encourage butterflies and wildflowers. Mats or corrugated iron will provide refuges for reptiles as they emerge from hibernation this month to warm their bodies. And that kestrel would like a nest box.

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All these measures have to be in balance: the impression at the front of the church should be of well maintained grounds, there are graves to be looked after, space is needed to increase the garden of remembrance and an area of mown grass is needed for festivals. It is around the margins where space can be made for nature. Balance is not always the case. I know another churchyard which once sported a wonderful array of oxeye daisies. But on a return visit I found they had been eradicated. Graham Smith, an eminent local naturalist, had a similar discovery and was prompted to write a variant on a classic hymn: “All things bright and beautiful, All creatures great and small, All things wise and wonderful, The verger mowed them all”. Not applicable in the churches we visited, the second of which has gardens of remembrance lined with native trees and hedges and there are plans for a copse in one corner. It is set close to woodlands and pastures and, as we strolled, fieldfares and redwings rushed into tall veteran trees, scattered perhaps by an unseen sparrowhawk, crows mobbed soaring buzzards and chaffinches were stuttering early springtime songs. Of course the wildlife diversity is dependant very much on what is outside the churchyard. As with all small plots, you manage your own space and hope to influence your neighbours.

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MORTGAGES The biggest single personal financial risk in 2017 is that mortgage rates will rise rapidly. This isn’t primarily about UK base rates, set by the bank of England, it’s far more about the City’s long term prediction of interest rates – which new cheap fixed and long term variable rate deals are set based upon. Mortgage rates are near all-time historic lows and have been for a couple of years, and we’ve got used to that. Yet there is a plausible chance that 2017 is the year that will change. We’ve already seen some cheap deals such as HSBC’s 0.99% two-year fix being pulled. The five-year swap rates have increased from 0.35% back in September to 0.9% now – and we’re already seeing longer fixes start to get more expensive on the back of this. Of course, there’s no certainty here. Yet UK rates are so cheap that even if things reversed and they dropped again, the likely gain to mortgage holders would be limited. But if they did rise, the cost could be huge.The savings available right now can be huge, like Kperat’s who emailed: “Fixed at 1.24% for 2 yrs, reduced term to 13 yrs without paying much more a month. Will be saving about £20,000 even after fees. Thanks.” So, this is my clarion call for ALL mortgage holders, to check NOW if you’re on the cheapest deal, and, if not sort, it. Here’s what to do to find your cheapest deal. How much could I save? If like many people, you’re on your lender’s standard variable rate (SVR) – the default rate most fixes and trackers revert to when the intro deal ends – then the savings can be huge. Most SVRs are at 4% or higher. Yet the cheapest two-year fix is just 1.2% (you’ll need a top credit score and it’s got a big fee). Five-year fixes start at around 1.8%. All, of course, depend on how much of your home’s value you’re borrowing. So, someone moving a £150,000 mortgage from 4% SVR to a two-year fix at 1.2% would

save £4,000+ over two years, even after fees. Quickly find what deals are available For an easy benchmark of what’s available in your circumstances, start with a comparison site that includes all deals, including ‘direct only’, which aren’t offered by brokers. Full market comparisons include my own www. MoneySavingExpert.com/mortgagebestbuys, and www.totallymoney.com’s mortgage tool. Finding a cheap deal isn’t the end – you need to get accepted The days when lenders would fling out deals to all and sundry are long gone. Getting accepted is now the challenge. There are two key elements to this: - Is your credit score good enough? Your credit history is a huge part of whether you’ll be accepted for any type of credit, including a mortgage. So take precautions. Avoid any applications that leave a footprint on your file – such as credit cards, contract mobile phones or monthly car insurance – in the few months before applying for your mortgage. Never withdraw cash on credit cards or take payday loans. For full help on this, join my free Credit Club www.mse.me/CreditClub, which gives your credit score, affordability score and tells you what needs improving.

“ALL MORTGAGE HOLDERS, CHECK NOW TO SEE IF YOU’RE ON THE CHEAPEST DEAL” - Are the repayments affordable? For the past couple of years, lenders haven’t just checked if you can afford the monthly repayments at the current rate, but they also stress test affordability if rates were 6% or 7%. Crucially, this doesn’t only apply to new mortgages, it’s also for re-mortgages too (which is ridiculous and, on an aside, I am campaigning against

this). So, if this is a problem, it’s important to reel in your spending months before applying. Lenders will want evidence of income, big bills, expenses and even eating out. Use a mortgage broker to match your situation to a top mortgage. The information about what different lenders are looking for isn’t available to the general public. But it’s something that most mortgage brokers have - and, of course, their job is to find you the best product.So, they’re a good way to work out what the best deal available to you is. Yet do ask if the broker will check all deals available to them and not just a panel of lenders. Also, check how much it will cost and use a qualified one.Some phoneonly brokers such as www.LandC.co.uk are feefree. If you want face-to-face help, ask friends for a local recommendation or find one via www. unbiased.co.uk or www.VouchedFor.com. Don’t ignore the fees The smaller your mortgage, the bigger the impact of fees. A good way to compare mortgages is to divide the fee across the discount or fixed period. So, a £1,200 fee on a two-year (i.e., 24-month) deal is £50 a month. Then add that to the monthly repayment. I designed a “Total Cost” tool that does this automatically for you within the www. MoneySavingExpert.com/mortgagebestbuys comparison. Fix or variable rate? A fix’s advantage is you get price and budgeting

martin L E W IS Money Saving Expert

certainty that the rate won’t move for a set time, whereas variable deals move with the UK interest rate (and sometimes just on the provider’s whim). Generally, you pay a little more to fix, but not much.Ask yourself how much you think rates will rise over the period. If safety’s what’s important to you, err on the side of fixing, and fixing for longer. Right now, with fixed deals being outrageously cheap, it’s great time to do it. Got savings? They could get you a better mortgage For this, you need to find your current loan-tovalue (LTV) – the proportion of the value of your home you’re borrowing, so £80k on a £100k property is 80% LTV. At every 5% LTV threshold, from 95% down to 60%, deals tend to get better, so a little extra can have a big impact on your rate.For example, if you’ve a £150,000 home, and want a £137,000 re-mortgage, that’s a 91% LTV, and the top five-year fix is 3.98%. Yet use £2,000 of savings to reduce the borrowing, and you’d be at 90% LTV – where the top five-year fix is 2.54%, saving c. £1,100/year in payments. Martin Lewis is the Founder & Chair of Money Saving Expert. To join the 12 million people who get his Martin’s Money Tips weekly email, go to www.moneysavingexpert.com/latesttip

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Basildon & District Ramblers Club The group meets every Saturday at 2.00pm with some longer walks on others days. The Saturday walks are 4-5 miles with a rest half way. New members are welcome. See our website www. basildonanddistrictramblingclub.btck. co.uk for further details.

Day Centre.

Meets at The Fold, Laindon road, Billericay, at 7-30pm the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of the month (except August).

We are a friendly group with a membership of around 100 people. Most months we we have a speaker talking on a variety horticultural subjects. We run 3 outings each year together with a weekend break. We hold Plant Sales a hold an Annual Flower Show. Membership is £5 per person or £8 for a couple. There is also a small entry fee. Further details can be found on our website; www.Billericay-Horticulture-Society.co.uk.

There is a varied programme of displays and speakers and set - to interest, both beginners and the more specialist collectors.

On Monday 20th March at 8 p.m. in the Chantry Way Day Centre a talk “ Plants of Seasonal Interest “ by Tim Carter of Longhouse Plants.

Visitors are always welcome, so come along and meet fellow collectors of a wide range of postal material.

Visitors always welcome £2. Refreshments available

Billericay and District Philatelic Society

Contact no. 01268 410258. or e-mail: rms.alexander@googlemail.com 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 Fellowship Group 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 Billericay Horticultural Society This society meets on the 3rd Monday of the Month at 8 p.m. in the Chantry Way

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 Why not come along and join us at The Banqueting Suite, Mount Avenue, Hutton CM13 2NS If you are interested Call ron on: 01277 633115 firefighterrpm@btinternet.com Billericay Society 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. 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 United Reformed Church are holding a Charities Tables Sale on Saturday 25 March from 9.30 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. Some of the charities we have invited are Basildon District Stroke Club, Headway, Samaritans, Billericay Lions, St Luke’s, Schools Ministry in Billericay, Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, Hamelin House, Street Pastors Billericay, Changing Pathways, Hamelin House, BASIS, RSPCA, Leukaemia, Marie Curie, Traidcraft, and Hearing and Sight Billericay WEA “Political Philosophy from Plato to Paine” with tutor Ian Pirie.8 Wednesday evenings beginning Weds 3rd May (excluding 31st May) 19.30-21.3 At Billericay Reading Rooms in the High Street. Tea break included. Fee £50. Pre enrolment online secures a place, makes payment simple and shows you the course content www. wea.org.uk/courses or 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. Chelmsford & District Welsh Society Membership is open to anyone with Welsh origins or connections, or to anyone with an appreciation of Welsh

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heritage and traditions. Visitors and guests are warmly welcomed to attend our meetings. We hold a variety of events, including a ‘Noson Lawen’, St David’s Day Dinner, Church Service, ‘Cymanfa Ganu’, and an annual concert featuring a Welsh Male voice choir, held at Chelmsford Cathedral.Throughout the year there are also fund raising events such as coffee mornings, musical evenings and a Garden Party. For more details please contact Gwenno on 07724144432 www.chelmsfordwelsh.org.uk www.facebook.com/chelmsfordwelsh

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 further details please contact Bob Woodcock at 01277 659749 or e-mail: bobwoodcock@hotmail.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. JAZZ at O Bs’

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 Good Friends French Polishing Group We are a friendly group of amateur

next gig at Old Brentwood’s Club Ashwells Road, Brentwood CM15 9SE. The last Tuesday of each month. Tuesday, 28th March, 2017 ANDY LINHAM, an award winning alto saxophonist / composer, with a mystery guest, explore the works of the legends Lee Konitz and Paul Desmond along with Hilary Cameron, keyboard, Ted Simkins, bass and host Dave Grant, drums. Doors open 7.30 to 1030pm. Admission £10.00 Tel. No. 01277 624016 or 07935 441616 www.jazzatobs.co.uk Norsey Wood Society. Norsey Wood Society will be holding our next free open meeting on Monday 27 March in the Chantry Way Centre, Billericay starting at 7.45pm. John Cannell and Mick Hedges, members of the Warley Place volunteer group, will present an illustrated talk, ‘Warley Place - history and conservation’. Timed to remind us of the Spring Bulb Spectacular open weekends at Warley Place from Saturday 25 February until Easter Monday. Everyone welcome: e-mail norsey1@ hotmail.co.uk or telephone Ken on 01277-651125 if more detail required. Rosebay (Billericay) W.I. We meet on the 4th Wednesday of the month at 1.30pm in the hall behind The

Most Holy Redeemer Catholic church, Laindon Road, Billericay. We hold social events between meetings. Visitors/new members are made very welcome. Further details from Madge 01277 623278 Soroptimist International Chelmsford & District For over 100 years Soroptimist International has been making a difference to the lives of women & girls locally, nationally & internationally through Education, Empowerment & Enabling. Ladies- we meet at Christ Church, New London Road, Chelmsford, 3rd Thursday, 7.30pm every month. 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. Stock & Buttsbury Bowling Club Stock & Buttsbury Bowling Club is holding an Open Weekend on Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th May when anybody interested in trying their hand at the game of bowls is welcome to come along at any time between 10am and 1pm on the Saturday and between 10am and 4pm on the Sunday. Bowls is a very sociable game and Stock is a friendly club which has qualified coaches who are only too willing to help you learn the game. All that is asked of anybody who would like to take this opportunity to try bowls is to wear flat shoes or trainers so that they can go onto the green. Refreshments will be provided in the club house. The club is located off Common Road, Stock and sits behind The Bakers Arms PH. If anybody would like more information then please call either Brian Sims (01277 840715) or Sid Slater (01277 656019). Who Let The Dad’s Out? For all Dads, Granddads and Male Carers with pre-school Toddlers takes place on the FIRST SATURDAY of every month at Emmanuel Church, Laindon Road from 8.30 to 10.00 am. For more information, contact Tony Wallace on tony.wallace@ billericaychurches.org

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

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Owners of Herongate Wood Woodland Cemetery

C TheCoachAndHorsesBillericay

• • • • • •

(Monday & Tuesday Evening 6-9pm) MOTHERS DAY

Home Decorations Interior Decorating Exterior Decorating Hand Painted Kitchens Wall Papering Commercial Decorating For a Free no obligation quote contact us

01268 526850

Paul: 07929304993

Colin: 07941705610

sales@topnotchpaintinganddecorating.co.uk

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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

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BADMINTON

Memories of my father in his 50s knocking the shuttle cock around the court while my older brothers who were young and fit 17 year olds at the time is a lasting memory for me when it comes to Badminton. Billericay School was the location on my brotherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s torment and my fatherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s delight. Hailing from Pakistan, he was not from a footballing background, and was surprisingly bad a cricket, but Badminton seemed to be his sport.

When I play Badminton I struggle to put the racket down, I am constantly wanting to play more and more. Trips to Center Parcs have known to become a Badminton fest amongst our family and friends. I can see though how as a spectator sport it sometimes is lost on the neutral or someone that is trying to get into Badminton for the first time. Tennis, the main racket sport, is a bigger court, there is more space for the viewer to appreciate the athleticism and the precision, however when watching Badminton on the television it is sometimes hard to keep up with where the shuttle cock is. There have been a number of occasions where I am awaiting a cheer from one of the players to tell me who has won the point and have to rely on replays to show me the delicacy of a shot. I would however encourage that people play the game. The addictive simplicity and the fact that it is an indoor sport means that all year round you

would be entertained and provided with enough strain to boost your fitness levels with ease. It is one of those games that is very inclusive because of its simplicity. Families with children above the age of about 7 are easily strong enough to hit the shuttle over the net and enjoy partaking in a competitive and very fun pastime. The national sport is always going to struggle against the mainstream sports when it comes to the TV guide, and only at the Olympics will it get notable recognition. However, I remember at school it being an option and I jumped at the chance to play, but was only given the opportunity to play in a 1 hour PE class every other week. When another sport that struggles to hit the mark in this country, Basketball, there was a team and we used to play against other schools regularly. I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t really understand this, but it seems to be the way, I rarely hear of after school Badminton matches taking place. As with many sports you will have to search elsewhere to nurture your Badminton talents. The ECBA (The Essex County Badminton Association) may be a good place to start. Have a look on their site for tournaments, local clubs and general information about the sport on a local level. Or if just interested in playing for fun, look up your local sports halls and swing away! http://www.badmintonessex.co.uk

Put the spotlight on your local sports team, contact Zaki Hasan, via email, zaki@aroundtownmagazines.co.uk

Family Tree Gardens www.familytreegardens.co.uk

01277 656336

BELLHOUSE

INSTALLATIONS

PLUMBING & HEATING

As skilled plumbers all jobs are undertaken, from leaking taps to bathroom fitouts. Here are a few of the more common jobs: • Plumbing & Heating Systems - Installation • Preventive Maintenance and Repairs • Boilers • Water Heaters • Powerflushing • Bathroom Remodelling

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

• Kitchen Remodelling • Underfloor Heating • New Construction • Gas Piping • Sub contract work undertaken • Commercial Plumbing Systems - Design/Build

Call us to arrange a free no obligation estimate. No job is too small or too big. With our friendly and professional service, we are happy to discuss whatever needs you have. LOCALLY BASED IN BILLERICAY

CALL DAREN ON 07970 687 889 LEAVE A MESSAGE OR EMAIL

ON 01268

711 913

bellhouseinstall@btinternet.com

FINEST M E AT S Lamb Chops 3lb for £10 | 2 Corn Fed Chickens £10 | 3lb Steak Mince £7.95 now Licensed to sell beers and wines open: tues - Sat 9am - 5pm Sun 10am - 4pm CoMe and have a butCherS you won’t be diSappointed! Specialised 40 day dry aged beef Locally sourced pork - welsh Lamb Suppliers to some of London’s finest restaurant chefs for over 30 years Free local delivery on orders over £30 Call us today on 01268 561616 Online Ordering COming sOOn

Alpha Centre, 238 london rd, Wickford ss12 0JX PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS

12 month month 12 season season for owners owners for only++ only

Luxury Luxury lodges lodges available available

Holiday Holiday homes homes from fromonly only ÂŁ14,995* ÂŁ14,995*

*Prices vary between models and Parkdean Resorts parks. Subject to availability. All prices include VAT. Images are for illustration purposes. +Owners can holiday as often as they like within their specified holiday season and pitch agreement. Parkdean Resorts holiday parks are not residential parks and holiday homes cannot be occupied as a permanent residence. and entertainment will be available time to time the discretion of Parkdean and is usually the current Parkdean Resorts holiday brochure. *PricesFacilities vary between models and Parkdean Resortsfrom parks. Subject toat availability. All prices includeResorts VAT. Images are for indicated illustrationinpurposes. +Owners can holiday as often as they like within their specified holiday season and pitch agreement. Parkdean Resorts holiday parks are not residential parks and holiday homes cannot be occupied as a permanent residence. Facilities and entertainment will be available from time to time at the discretion of Parkdean Resorts and is usually indicated in the current Parkdean Resorts holiday brochure.

Highfield Grange Holiday Park, London Road, Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, CO16 9QY

Formore moreinfo info visit visit us: us: CO16 9QY For 01255 444021 Orcall: call:01255 07835 444021 536 801 Or Highfield Grange Holiday Park, London Road, Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, CO16 9QY

heated 22heated pools&& pools 200ft 200ft waterchute waterchute

Holiday at Holiday home home ownership ownership at Highfield Park Highfield Grange Grange Holiday Park

Private use of a large decorated therapy room Certificates and presentation, music and disco lights, dedicated party hosts Use of adjoining refreshment room with cafe style seating and kitchen facilities Three Packages available including: • Colourful sparkling fingernail paint • Hair design, curls and glitter hair spray • Glitter tattoo for hand or arm • Bubble foot spa with mini massage and glittery toenail paint • And much more

For bookings and more information please call

01277 624200

www.amazingpamperparties.co.uk | info@bellasandfellas.co.uk Bellas and Fellas - Heybridge House Southend Road, Billericay, Essex CM11 2PL

group

Abbey Group are specialists in creating, repairing and restoring quality furniture and wood surfaces to the highest standard. From antique to modern we can repair, strip, re-spray, polish, wax, upholster and bring woodwork back to life.

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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 St. John’s Spire Hartswood Hospital

01277 695000 01268 524900 01245 443673 08453 143350 01277 621130 08451 304204 01702 435555 01245 491149 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

17/01/2012 16:40 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

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The Burstead Golf Club driving range

NOW OPEN Come down and experience:

• 7 bay floodlit driving range • Purpose built teaching zone providing a gateway for better golf • Tokens or range cards available from the bar or pro shop • Opening hours 7.30am – 9.00pm • Open to members and general public • Access to the clubhouse for refreshments

01277 631171

info@thebursteadgolfclub.com | www.thebursteadgolfclub.com The Burstead Golf Club, The Common Road, Little Burstead, Essex CM12 9SS