AY E R I C L L I B 0 1 7 0 9 . 2
Join us between 1pm and 4pm Billericay’s only Independent School
Open Day Saturday 30th September 2017 Telephone - 01277 623070 | E-mail - registrar@stjohnsschool.net www.stjohnsschool.net
Your local independent optician
Stratton Opticians,14 The Pantiles, Billericay, Essex, CM12 0UA TEL: 01277 650584
• Now Registering new patients. • NHS work undertaken • Now stocking Designer eyewear/ sunglasses • Dyslexic visual assessment for adults/children available • All Contact lens work carried out • Free parking / wheelchair access We stock designer eyewear brands exclusive to us in Billericay including Bvlgari, Prada, Rayban, Ralph Polo, Tom Ford, Silhouette as well as a large range of spectacles to suit all requirements.
We take extreme pride in the care of all our patients and offer a very personalised service. Our reputation in the local community speaks for itself. We welcome enquiries from new patients. Please contact us on 01277 650584 for further assistance.
www.Strattonopticians.co.uk
We are welcoming new Private/ Denplan patients
15
The Pantiles
15
The Pantiles Dental Practice
01277 658374
If you have any friends or family who would value our services, we’d be delighted to welcome them to the practice. Call now on 01277 658374 to arrange an appointment at our Dental Surgery in Billericay, Essex (near Stock).
Why Choose Us? • Experienced and a Friendly Team • Full discussion of your dental care • DEPPA risk assessment & report for dental health available • We offer same day emergency appointments • Nervous patients are welcome • Denplan Excel Accredited (Quality Assurance) • Wide range of treatment options • Disabled access all on ground floor • Ample free parking
Are you looking for a new Denplan dentist? Step in and ask us how we can help look after your smile.
www.pantilesdental.co.uk
New patient offer - your first check-up for £60 (inclusive of x-rays) - normally £90
10
CONTENTS 18 John Baron
Political Update
12
Recipe
14
A View from the Church
28
Nature Notes
34
Rotary Club, Lions Club & Round Table
38
James Blower
42
Dairy Free Protein Pudding
Rev. Paul Carr
30
43
EWT Volunteer Neil Sumner
The Savings Guru
What’s On When and Where...
Around Town Magazines Graphic House, Radford Way, Billericay CM12 0DX
Edition 58 To advertise contact our Sales Team today, details below. Booking deadline for our October edition is: Friday 22nd September 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.
01277 658444 www.aroundtownmagazines.co.uk sales@aroundtownmagazine.co.uk
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advertorial
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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!
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Conservative campaign was uniformly downbeat, lacking in heart and compassion. By contrast, the Opposition fought a positive campaign, even if it was unaffordable and cynical in its promises to cancel all student debt, which many in our university towns took at face value.
John Baron Conservative Parliamentary MP For Basildon and Billericay
Conservative morale has taken a knock since the General Election. Everyone expected the Tories to extend their majority, and to win big. Yet the
Before
The Government is not short of good news to offer the country: the economy continues to grow, health and education spending is rising, employment is at record highs, 31 million people have seen income tax cuts, with 4 million of the lowest-paid have been taken out of income tax altogether. Equally significantly, income inequality is at its lowest level in 30 years, the national living
wage is increasing incomes, and the number of people in absolute poverty is at a record low. Yet this message did not come across over the election. I believe the Government must regain its ‘mojo’ when it comes to explaining its policies. This involves doing a much better job at setting out to the public how our policies are helping them, and why we are pursuing them. It is time to reassert the deep ‘One Nation’ tradition in the Conservative Party – the Opposition certainly does not have a monopoly on either compassion or a desire to help the less well-off. The Government would do well to bear this in mind as we return in the autumn.
After
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RECIPE Dairy Free Protein Pudding (2 Servings) Ingredients: 2 large eggs 80g chocolate protein powder 2tsp raw cacao 2 tsp baking powder 1 banana Berries / natural yogurt to serve
Method: 1. Mash the banana in a
4. Microwave on high for about
bowl and then add all the
a minute then repeat once
other ingredients, mixing
or twice more until the top
thoroughly.
is firm and a knife comes
2. Coat two ramekins in coconut oil (this mixture makes two
5. Let the pudding cool, turn out
large or four smaller servings) 3. Add the mixture to the
out clean
and serve with the berries and yogurt.
ramekin 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 miss out on the greatest Christmas
Is There More To Life Than icay & Little Burstead Team Ministry) This?
rr
of the local Church Services over the Christmas period. Have you ever asked yourself questions about ‘Life, the Universe and Everything’ or wondered what life is all about? Perhaps you’ve asked searching questions when you’ve experienced 2nd December - ‘Annual Toy Service’ at 10.30am times of unhappiness or frustration or when December - ‘Carol by Candlelight’ at 7.00pmor the faced with Service the threat of redundancy reality of- unemployment. Maybeat it’s12.30pm been when 19th December ‘Lunchtime Carol Service’ been watching the news about some atyou’ve Saint Mary Magdalen Church shocking event taking somewhere around the y 23rdworld December - ‘Family Nativity’when at 10.30am or, more especially, you’re struggling ristmaswith Eveill- health ‘Christingle Service’ at 4.00pm or when you’ve lost a loved one.
Emmanuel Church
‘Communion by Candlelight’ at 11.15pm when asking those questions, you’ve ThePerhaps, first Communion of Christmas. also asked: “Is there a God? Why was I born? stmas Is Day - ‘Family Communion’ at 10.00am there life after death?” These are known as the ‘first order questions of life’ because when we find the answers to these, and other similar, questions we begin to understand the reason for our existence - and the answer is not 42 as suggested by Douglas Adams in ‘The Hitchhikers Guide To The Galaxy’ (who actually used this random number as joke!) . I know from my own experience, and that of many right across our community - young and old alike - that finding a purpose to life is one of the most significant things we can ever do.
There are, unfortunately, no dress rehearsals for living. We only have one life to live. Some of you might wish for more, whilst some of you might be glad you only have one. The playwright and author, D. H. Lawrence said: “If only one could have two lives. The first in which to make one’s mistakes … and the second in which to profit by them.” Unfortunately. we don’t have that luxury and we have to live with the consequences of our decisions. One of the ways you can find the answers to some of your questions about life, and death, is through the Alpha Course. You may have heard about Alpha on social media or seen adverts on buses or on the tube. Alpha is a place to
www.billericaychurches.org
discover more about the Christian faith. Each week we address a key issue of life from a Christian perspective, followed by a discussion, an opportunity to ask any question you want, express opinions and learn from each other or, alternatively, you are free just to sit and listen. You won’t be asked to read aloud, pray, sing or do anything ‘religious’ or anything which will make you feel uncomfortable. An Alpha Course at Emmanuel starts on Sunday 1 October at 6.00 pm. We’ve found Sunday evening works best as it enables everyone to spend the day with their family rather than having to rush in from work during the week and hurry out again! We begin with afternoon tea at 6.00 pm, the talks begin at 6.30 pm and we finish at 8.00 pm - this gives you the rest of your evening to go to the pub! A few people who have attended Alpha in Billericay in the past have this to say: “I have enjoyed the course more than I thought I would. It was a very warm and welcome group where I felt comfortable.” “I thoroughly enjoyed the course and highly recommend it to others. I’m sad it’s all over!” “As a born sceptic and someone who has had a bad experience of church, the Alpha Course has opened my eyes to what I see now is the true Christian message. Thank you so much for helping me along in my journey of faith.” We’d love to have you with us - even if it is only for the introductory session on 1 October: ‘Is There More To Life Than This?’ If you would like to know more, please get in touch with me (details below) or contact us by email alpha@ billericaychurches.org or leave a message with the Church Office on 01277 658055. With every blessing in Jesus’ precious name
revpacman.wordpress.com paul@billericaychurches.org @revPACman
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ABout WEst onE Wood Flooring CompAny ltd Wood flooring restoration, suppliers and installers based in Billericay Essex. West One Wood Flooring is a specialist in the manufacturing, installation, and restoration of antique, reclaimed and new timber flooring. We are based in Billericay in Essex just 15 minutes drive from the M25 and provide national and international services to domestic and commercial properties. We have just opened a new showroom/gallery in Billericay Essex showing off some of our beautiful floors in partnership with www.tedtodd.co.uk West One Wood Flooring boasts a wide range of loyal clients. This is made possible through extraordinary service and the friendly, approachable manners of our floor layers. Our floor layers are all expert craftsmen within their chosen fields; their competence will ensure that your new acquisition is installed perfectly. Since all timber is sensitive to moisture and humidity, it is vital that its new surroundings are suitable. We will carefully survey your environment to ensure the conditions are perfect for your new floor and make sure that the timber will thrive. To West One Wood Flooring Company, health and safety are paramount. We carry out a full risk and COSHH assessment as and when required. Each and every project we complete is planned meticulously. We take the utmost care in making the projects as time-efficient and reliable as possible. We care for the wood we work with. That is why it is important to us that you are provided with sufficient information and a quality installation so that you can love your new timber floor for many years to come. A bespoke timber floor from us is a tasteful statement of perfection.
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Project2_Layout 1 01/12/2015 12:14 Page 1
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Nature Notes Written by Neil Sumner
Neilsumner123@aol.com twitter.com/neilsumner123 The countryside at this time of year is a rich larder for wildlife and people. I have been nibbling blackberries for several weeks, as they started to ripen early this year. I saw a blackbird eating them while other blackbirds were still feeding young in the nest: an overlap of seasons. This made me curious about blackberries in general – what else eats them? A bit of online research confirmed that they are popular with Foxes, hence the patches of purple poo on the paths in September, as well as Badgers, Squirrels and Dormice. Blackberries are the fruit of many species of the Rubus genus in the Rosaceae family and grow naturally throughout Europe and much of the northern hemisphere although there are many subspecies and cultivated varieties. We know the plant as a bramble which is hugely beneficial to wildlife. The pollen and nectar of the flowers provides for many insects including bumblebees, honey bees, hoverflies, butterflies and moths – the latter also using it to lay eggs so their larvae can feed on the leaves. It is often adorned with spiders’ webs which look wonderful when sparkling with dew on an autumn morning. The dense thorns provide protection for Rabbits, Hedgehogs and other small mammals and for the nests of many bird species. Once, late in the summer, I found a Grass Snake on top of bramble bush, giving it a prominent position to bask in the sun, on top of an immediate refuge. For us, bramble is a mixed blessing. It is easily spread and vigorous and can be a thorny problem. Once a few plants have taken root in a garden it is hard to remove. On nature reserves of unimproved grassland, it is classified as invasive scrub and has to be controlled, so one wildlife habitat is removed to make way for another. I found myself explaining this to two policemen at an Essex Wildlife Trust event. Their attendance seemed surprising as this event was a peaceful family occasion. Over an ice cream I explained to them that some conservationists want scrub to be controlled to promote rare grasses and wildflowers. And that others want it to flourish as they loved it for its insects and birdsong. “You need to vigilant”, I said. “If someone mentions ‘scrub’, things could start kicking off round here”.
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WPR Beauty Spa Cosmetic, the award-winning beauty salon and aesthetic clinic based in Billericay has recently undergone a complete interior refurbishment giving this three storey Georgian building a refreshing, state of the art environment for all to enjoy. This well established and reputable salon, now in its 15th year of trading, has also brought in a vast array of world leading treatments and product brands to compliment the interior transformation. These include Water Facial Dermabrasion, Diode Laser for Hair and Vein Removal and non-surgical Brazilian Bum Lift. New Skin Treatments including WPR Signatory Resurfacer and Skin Spa treatment. Reflexology and LVL Lash Lift have also been added to the treatment menu to fulfil client’s requests. WPR has also introduced a new venture: A.R.T Aesthetics, Aesthetic Rejuvenation Therapies. A.R.T believes in a non-surgical approach offering customers a complete aesthetic solution for skin, face and body. Working with leading industry practitioners, A.R.T provides services including: • HD Lip Enhancements • Face Lifting and Contouring to get the perfect OGEE Curve! • Non-surgical Rhinoplasty • Nytox Vampire Treatment • Hair Loss Treatments • Dermaplaning • Fibroblast Plasma Eyelift • Frac Micro-needling • Laser Tattoo Removal • Microblading • REVIV Vitamin Boosters and IV drips for Health, Wellness, Recovery and Anti Ageing with Glutathione and the famous Slimboost for targeted goals, sports and performance. The refreshing deco and advanced aesthetic services of WPR has attracted much local excitement, including TOWIE boy Mr. Jack Rigden, who has been sharing his treatment experience to his instagram followers. ‘We are excited about the new changes in the salon’ commented Emalene Grove, founder of WPR and A.R.T Aesthetics, ‘at the same time, our core values stay the same: to provide a first class service at affordable prices in luxury surroundings.’ To find out more about new services and products at WPR Beauty Spa Cosmetic, please visit: www. wprbeautyspaandcosmetic.co.uk or follow WPR’s Facebook page: facebook.com/wprbeauty
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MAYFLOWER ROTARY CLUB A massive thank you to the people of Billericay. That message comes from Billericay Mayflower Rotary Club who have just completed a spending spree of donations to good causes thanks to the generous support of local families. The latest boost has come from the £5,000-plus raised at the town’s SummerFest organised by Mayflower in July. The annual event provides a showcase for local organisations and talented clubs and groups to entertain and show the town what it does. The club has already made major donations this year to good causes at home and overseas and now more has gone went to a wide range of worthy recipients. They included nearly £2,000 for a local riding for the disabled school, £5,000 to Rotary’s successful scheme to rid the world of polio, £600 to support the popular Billericay Arts Trail, £1,000 for the internationally-renowned Medecins san Frontieres, £500 for local music students and £500 towards running the international life-saving Mercy Ships appeal. The entire proceeds of a dinner and dance at The Burstead Golf Club on October 7 to will also go to cancer research at the esteemed Royal Marsden Hospital. The next major event on Mayflower’s calendar comes with the culmination of 12 months of planning for Billericay Christmas Market which takes over the High Street on Sunday December 4. It is expected once again to draw in a 25,000 crowd during the six hours it is open. Want to know more about Billericay Mayflower and the new satellite club it is forming for new members to enjoy leisure time as they work for their community? Go to www.mayflowerrotary.org or contact secretary@mayflowerrotary.org
BILLERICAY LIONS CLUB
Following last month’s very successful Southend Disabled Sports Day, a number of Billericay Lions were in Sheffield with Lions from all over the UK and as far afield as Australia, supporting the Special Olympics Great Britain National Games. These are just like the Paralympics, but for athletes with learning difficulties rather than physical issues. The athletes all thoroughly enjoyed competing and the Lions had a great time too. Our next event is the annual Billericay Lions Senior Citizens’ Concert at Emmanuel Church, Laindon Road at 18:30 for 19:00 on 23rd September. This year we have 3 acts, Denyse Donald (singer), Daisy Bowlers (quirky band) and award winning Ali James (comedian / singer). Tickets are only £1 (one pound) and include light refreshments. For more information or to book tickets, call 0845 833 9849.
After that, we have a Race Night coming up on Saturday, 21st October 2017 at Mayflower School. And in the new year, after our new Santa’s Sleigh, we will have a Barn Dance in February and our famous Taste of..... event after that. For details of Lions events or if you are interested in joining, please have a look at our website www.billericaylions.com
What a great summer our guys have had in Round Table. We had a full race team and gate staff at the Soap-box derby back in May and then June included a visit to some of our RT colleagues in Romania over a long weekend. One of the great things about being part of a global club is that there is always a warm offer of hospitality pretty much anywhere in Europe and well beyond. We had a great time at the annual Summerfest where we had a bungee trampoline setup and offered free go’s for all the local kids. We also made visits to the inland RNLI station at Southend to present £1000 donation, to Barrow Farm to see some of the RDA riders we sponsored in action and to Basildon hospital radio with our £3000 for new equipment. Another long weekend messing about on the river at Brampton Mill saw a close to the summer and now we are knuckling down on our Fireworks preparations for November. Having said that, we still have plenty of the fun stuff planned! We have had a number of new guys come along recently to check out our goings-on and we are always very happy to meet ordinary fellas looking to do extraordinary things, so please check us out at www.facebook.com/billericayroundtable and www. billericayroundtable.co.uk or contact us directly on bepartofit@billericayroundtable.co.uk Lastly, we invite members of our community to make a donation request for a special person or special group within the Billericay area via www.billericayroundtable.co.uk/funding
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which savings acount is the best for my money? Firstly, I want to say a huge “thank you” to everyone who has taken the time to get in touch after my inaugural column last month. I’ve been very touched by the kind feedback and delighted to hear that some of you found the article useful. Last month’s column highlighted the fluidity of the savings market. Those of you interested in the Ford Money flexible savings account will have found that the rate had changed between the time of going to print and delivery. Fortunately, the rate had gone up! It is a reminder though the market can move fast so I’d always recommend checking the current rates at www.thesavings.guru for up to date rates before taking any action. The site is updated daily. This month I’m going to cover the various types of savings accounts, the pros and cons of saving in them and who we feel are the best providers in the market for that type of account. Instant or Easy Access Savings These savings accounts allow instant or almost immediate access to your savings. I’m often asked the difference between instant access and easy access. The answer is a simple one and is defined by the regulator. An account can only be called instant access if a customer can access their money straight away. In practical terms this means that they can go in to a branch of a bank or building society and withdraw cash there and then. Those banks without branches therefore use names like easy access or flexible savings because they cannot use the term ‘instant access’. Pros • Savings can be accessed either immediately or within a few hours • Can often be linked to your current account to make transferring savings back and forth simple
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Cons • Interest rates tend to be lower reflecting that savers can take their money when they want • Rates are usually variable so can move up and down Top providers: 1) RCI Bank – owned by French car giant Renault, RCI have been consistently amongst the best buys since their launch two years ago. 2) Ford Money – another bank owned by a car giant, Ford have consistently been amongst the top providers since they entered the market in April this year. Notice Accounts Notice savings appeal to people who don’t need immediate access to their savings, or like the fact that they can’t just dip in to them! Historically, notice period started from 7 days and shorter terms like 14 days, 28 days and 31 days were common in the market. These are much harder to find in the current climate due to banks having to keep more capital back for accounts under 90 days’ notice. Therefore, savers are likely to find 90, 95, 100, 120 days and even 6 months’ notice as more common terms in the current market. Pros • Interest rates are typically 0.25% 0.50% higher than instant or easy access accounts • Although rates are variable, banks are required to give you the same notice as the terms of your account of any changes e.g. 90 days’ notice of a rate change if you have a 90 day notice account Cons • It is usually not possible to access funds without giving notice so notice accounts shouldn’t be used for monies that might be required in an emergency
• Rates are usually variable to can move up and down Top providers: 1) Paragon Bank – based in Birmingham, Paragon have been in the market since 2014 and have consistently offered competitive notice accounts online. 2) Shawbrook Bank – launched in 2011, Essex based Shawbrook have offered competitive notice accounts since their inception both online and via post. Fixed Rate Bonds Fixed rate bonds, or term deposits, are savings accounts which provide a guaranteed rate of interest in return for locking your savings away for a pre-determined period. Typically, this is from as little as six months - up to as long as seven years! The longer the term that you commit to locking your savings away for, the greater the return is likely to be. A few banks offer cooling off periods but the clear majority don’t and, once your savings are in, that’s usually it for the term! Pros • Usually offer the best interest rates for savings • Interest rates are guaranteed and can’t be changed during the term Cons • Once you have invested, it is almost impossible to get access to your savings until the maturity date is reached Top providers: 1) Charter Savings Bank – since their launch in 2015, Charter have had an almost unquenchable thirst for fixed rate bonds and have had some very competitively priced accounts available 2)There are several other banks like Aldermore, Hampshire Trust, Ikano, Paragon and Shawbrook
who are regulars in the best buy tables for fixed rate bonds. The market is very fluid though and typically providers offer bonds for a few weeks – sometimes only a few days! Therefore, it is always worth looking on our website to see who has competitive offers on when you are ready to invest. Regular Savings Accounts Regular savings accounts allow savers to put a fixed amount of money away each month. These accounts are good for people looking to make a regular commitment to saving and who are looking to build up a savings pot over a period or for those who want to contribute at a specific time of the month e.g. straight after pay day. Pros • Some banks offer very attractive rates for regular savings accounts – 5% is currently the best rate in the market • Great for getting in to a regular savings habit Cons • Contributions are often capped at quite low amounts e.g. a maximum of £100 / £200 per month • Many regular savings accounts last for at least 12 months and access isn’t always possible during that time Top providers: 1) Saffron Building Society – Essex based Saffron pay 3.50% on adult’s regular savers and 4% on children’s and have been one of the best payers for the past three years 2) First Direct / HSBC / M&S Bank – current account customers of these banks can get a special rate of 5% Cash ISAs ISA stands for Individual Savings Account and is a savings account that pays interest free of tax. Typically, cash ISAs are either instant/easy savings accounts, notice or fixed rate bonds. At their height, they held almost a quarter of a billion of savings! However, money has been flooding out of cash ISAs in recent times. This is for two principle reasons: 1) In 2016/17 tax year, the government introduced a personal savings allowance. This means that basic rate tax payers can earn £1,000 from savings interest before paying tax on it (£500 for higher rate tax payers). For 95% of savers in the country, this means they will no longer have to pay tax on their savings interest. This has made cash ISAs much less attractive for savers. 2) There is less competition in the savings market for Cash ISAs and the best interest rates are typically 0.25% - 0.75% lower than standard savings accounts. Without the personal savings allowance, the vast majority of savers can earn more interest in standard tax paying savings accounts
James Blower Founder Savings Guru Ltd
www.thesavings.guru hello@thesavings.guru @SavingsGuruUK
This isn’t to say that cash ISAs are of no use. Some savers have built up considerable tax free sums and allowances over the years and don’t want to lose them. Also, some savers have tens of thousands of savings and will go over their personal savings allowance. So cash ISAs still have a place in the market but only a small percentage of the population are likely to be better off saving in cash ISAs. That’s all for this month’s edition. Please do feel free to say hi via hello@thesavings.guru, tweet me at @SavingsGuruUK with your thoughts on the column or topics you’d like me to cover in future months.
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Annual Show Saturday 2nd September 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. Methodist Church Hall, Western Road, Billericay Free Entry Refreshments available. 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 6th September- Jonathan Vinten Jazz Sextet 8pm -10:30pm. 13th September - Jeff Hooper 8pm -10:30pm. 20th September - Ray Gelato & The Giants – Ticket only 8pm -10:30pm. 27th September - Ken Peplowski & Julian Marc Stringle 8pm -10:30pm. Admission £12.50 Meals Available www.belvederejazz.co.uk or 07850 607075 The Chichester Hotel, Old London Road, Rawreth, SS11 8UE Billericay Art Club NEW VENUE: As from Thursday 7th September The Billericay Art Club will be meeting in the Day Centre
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Chantry Way at 8 pm. The hall is situated off Billericay high street, behind the Chequers Pub and Ravens Bakery. New members welcome. Please phone 01277 656877 for more information. Billericay Community Garden - Digging Day (30/9/17) 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 Billericay Horticultural Society On Monday 18th September 2017 at 8 p.m. in the Day Centre,Chantry Way a talk; Hyde Hall through the Seasons by Andrew Hellman of RHS Hyde Hall. 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. 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 Charity Lunch at Billericay Methodist Church, Western Road on Saturday 9th September from 12.30 – 1.30pm. Come and enjoy a snack lunch and drink for £4. The proceeds this month are going to the Pelvic Radiation Disease Association, giving support and information to pelvic cancer survivors. There is no need to book. Chelmsford & District Welsh Society Membership is open to anyone with Welsh origins or connections, or to anyone with an appreciation of Welsh heritage and traditions. Visitors and guests are warmly welcomed to attend our meetings. The Society’s monthly meeting is held in St Cedd’s Hall, Cathedral Chapter House, Chelmsford, CM1 1NX, and is usually on the fourth Thursday of every month. The next meeting is on Thursday 28th September 2017 at 7.30pm. All new members are welcome, come along to our meeting for a
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fun and sociable evening. For more details please contact Gwenno on 07724144432 www.chelmsfordwelsh.org.uk/ home www.facebook.com/ chelmsfordwelsh Chelmsford Jazz Club Cramphorn Theatre, Chelmsford Doors open: 11.45am Gig starts: 12.15pm Advance booking: 01245 606505 £12 / £16 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 Downham Village Hall & Ziggy Zoo (children’s entertainer & DJ) present our first ever POPCORN PARTY Friday 20th October 2017 in Downham Village Hall, School Rd, Downham CM11 1QN 6pm - 7.30pm recommended for age 4+ (children to be accompanied by a responsible adult) 8pm - 10pm recommended for age 10+ Tickets £5 per child to include cold drinks, adults free For tickets please visit Facebook pages for either Downham Village Hall or Ziggy Zoo or call Ziggy Zoo on 07875 004863 Essex Wildlife Trust FUND RAISING CONCERT - 28 OCTOBER 2017
A very entertaining performance by the highly regarded Frog Island Jazz Band will be held at Shenfield Parish Hall (CM15 8LB) on Saturday 28th October. Tickets are £15.00 each and include a fish or chicken and chips supper. Please arrive at 7.00 pm for a 7.30 pm start and bring your own drinks and glasses. For tickets please telephone either Mick Hedges (01277 231367) or Bob Dawson (01277 262011). All proceeds will support local Wildlife Trust projects to protect wildlife and the environment. 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. Friday Swimmers - Friday 8th, 15th and 22nd September We swim every Friday during school term at Mayflower School from 19.30 to 20.45. Do you want a bit of exercise. We are a small group of social swimmers (adults only). Lifeguard in attendance and the cost is £4.50 p.w. New members are welcome come
along for a free trial session or contact Marion on 01277 652855 for further information. 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’ Next gig at Old Brentwood’s Club Ashwells Road, Brentwood CM15 9SE. The last Tuesday of each month. Tuesday, 26th September, 2017 ’SINATRA’S SONGBOOK’ featuring, JOHNNY WITHERS, vibes & PAUL WOOD, vocals, will be recalling tunes Frank Sinatra recorded over his lifetime aided by the resident trio of Hilary Cameron, keys, Ted Simkins, bass and Dave Grant, drums. Doors open 7.30. Music 8 to 1030pm. Admission £10.00 Tel. No. 01277 624016 or 07935 441616 www.jazzatobs.co.uk Mayflower Wine (and social) Club 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. and also social occasions in between. New members are always welcome. Please phone Paulette Nicholls on 01277 652001,
If you would like to promote your club or event then please email a maximum of 70 words to:
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