AY E R I C L L I B T I O N E D I 6 3
Billericay’s only Independent Day School Celebrating 90 wonderful years
NOW ENROLLING FROM 2 YEARS OLD Telephone - 01277 623070 | E-mail - registrar@stjohnsschool.net www.stjohnsschool.net
Ian’s curtains & blinds
Curtains | Tracks & Poles | Roman Blinds | Roller Blinds Vertical Blinds | Venetian Blinds | Wooden Blinds Pattern books also available.
FREE QUOTE - Call today on Wickford: 01268 410516 | Mobile: 07743562384 ian.dipple@yahoo.com | www.ianscurtainsandblinds.co.uk
CONTENTS 07
Bellhouse 06 Ramsden Horticultural Society 10 Street Pastor 16 A View from the Church 20 Recipe 22 What is B.A.R.K? 25 Nature Notes Club, Lions Club & 29 Rotary Round Table 34 What’s On 38 James Blower 40 Your Yoga 41 John Baron 42 Travel 43 Useful Numbers Caring listening helping
Rev. Paul Carr
Steak and Sweet Potato Chips
By Matt Everard
Fire Place and Design 2014 April_Layout 1 26/03/2014 10:28 Page 1
Diverse Care Independent Fostering Provider
12
21
EWT Volunteer Neil Sumner
When and Where...
The Savings Guru
Child’s Pose
Political Update
Duke Cottage
Around Town Magazines Graphic House, Radford Way, Billericay CM12 0DX
Your Stove is waiting for yo
Front cover picture by: John Haywood - JH Photography @jh.photohtaphy.jh JH Photography
- Ofsted 2017
Copyright 2018. Around Town Billericay is an independentPhoto magazine and does not endorse the for illustration purposes only 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
Loving the room.
With 0% finance available over three years, it’s never been more affordable to get more room for everything you love with Sliderobes.
SLIDEROBES.CO.UK
Call 0800 243 312 or go online now to arrange your FREE AT HOME CONSULTATION
VISIT OUR SHOWROOM IN BASILDON 01622 718987 Unit 3, Cranes Farm Rd, Basildon SS14 3JD
Ramsden Bellhouse
The hoRticultuRal society By Thomas Carpenter
Ramsden Bellhouse Horticultural Society is a local gardening club based at Ramsden Bellhouse Village Hall. We meet on the third Monday of every month excluding August, November and December at 8pm. Our talks are on a wide range of topics from beekeeping and dahlias to bonsais and Bressingham Gardens. We also run social events and charity fundraisers throughout the year. We have members who live in Wickford, Billericay, Crays Hill, Downham, Chelmsford, Ramsden Heath as well as Ramsden Bellhouse. Our two major shows this year are the Summer Show on Saturday 2nd of June and our Autumn Show on Saturday 8th of September. Classes include roses, vegetables, flowers, fruit, dahlias, homecraft as well as floral art. If you grow or make any of the above then you can enter our shows! Both shows are friendly competitions with the main aim of having fun and encouraging others to take part. We also have daffodil and tulip mini shows at our March and April meetings respectively. We also run a potato bag growing competition that anyone can enter. For 2018 the heaviest crop of potatoes will win the inaugural “Hodivala Cup”. We are always looking for new members to join us as there really is something for everyone. Membership is £5.00 for the year and includes entry to all shows and meetings as well as use of our trading hut. The trading hut is open at every monthly meeting. It is full of useful horticultural supplies from compost and growmore to tomato food and plastic pots as well as so much more! For more information contact thomas carpenter, our show secretary, via email on thomascarpenterag@gmail.com or by phone on 07999975555. alternatively find us on Facebook!
S
windows & doors fascias, soffits & guttering weather board cladding (available in over 20 colours)
porches all carpentry work
E
R
V
I
C
E
S
All aspects of domestic & commercial electrical work undertaken
chantryelect@xlnmail.com chantryelectricalservices.co.uk
01268 710245 ramsden heath
Breakdowns £45, Boiler servicing £50, New boilers fitted from £1400 with 7 year warranty. We cover all aspects of heating and plumbing and accept all credit cards.
07961 377142 - 01708 910515 www.theboilermanessex.co.uk www.facebook.com/boilermanessex/
8
PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS
advertorial
Cloudy2Clear Announce Trusted Trader Partnership Consumer champions Which? have now joined the thousands of customers who recognise that Cloudy2Clear Windows really are a business that you can TRUST. The company which specialises in repairing windows which are steamed up, broken or damaged by replacing the panes – not the frames has received the coveted ‘Which Trusted Trader’ status after going through a rigorous accreditation process entirely focussed on customer service. Group Managing Director Marcus McGee believes that Which? have endorsed Cloudy2Clear’s long standing company
policy of delivering the highest standards possible at all times. ‘Our service is simple. If your double glazing has misted up we can replace the glass at a fraction of the cost of a new window, in any type of frame, and with a new 25 year guarantee. But it’s not just about saving people money, although that obviously helps. Whilst a number of tradespeople perhaps don’t focus on customer care as much as they should do, we make sure we turn up when we say we will, do the job the customer requires and leave their house as clean as a whistle. Locally Cloudy2Clear service Billericay, Ingatestone, Ramsden &
Stock and manager Chris Miller agrees that this approach is a major factor in his success. ‘The truth is that it’s not just the personal satisfaction that I get from doing a good job but also it makes good business sense. I get a huge amount of business from friends and family of people I’ve done work for, which just goes to show how much a little bit of effort is appreciated as both my customers and, obviously a body as nationally important as Which? now recognise.’ So, if your windows are steamed up, broken or damaged give Chris a call for a free quotation on 0800 61 21 118 and he’ll be happy to help!
Cloudy2Clear GUARANTEE All Customers That An Average Quote Will Take No Longer Than 20 MINS!!!
PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS
9
STREET PASTOR Caring listening helping
Street Pastors continue to patrol Billericay High Street on Friday and Saturday evenings based at St Marys Church. They look out for anyone who is vulnerable and are happy to Care, Help and Listen to anyone. The exciting news this Month is that there is a new additional project coming to the Town to support this work. The over arching Charity, Ascension Trust, is hoping to launch Schools Pastors in support of the local Schools Ministry work undertaken by the local Christian churches. It is hoped that Schools Pastors can recruit and train their volunteers ready to be in school and the community by September 2018. The Schools Pastors will seek to support initially Billericay School in some relational pastoral work and from there the team will reach out to other areas where young people may gather and need support from the team by offering a listening and supportive
ear. We believe that this would be a great thing to do to nuture and encourage out young people during some difficult times of life. Unlike other projects to become a Schools Pastor you do not have had to be have been a Street Pastor first. If you are over 18, in attendance of a local Christian church and willing to train and be available as a volunteer why not get in contact via Billericay@Streetpastors.org.uk You can also follow us
If anyone is interested in becoming a Street Pastor then please email Billericay@Streetpastors.org.uk or why not follow us on Facebook or Twitter. Kind Regards Coordinator Phil Norton
35 Years
Professional Experience
Commercial & Domestic SERVICES Tree Surgery • Stump Removal • Tree Surveys • Hedge Cutting • Site Clearance specialists working with narrow access & confined spaces £2M PUBLIC LIABILITY INSURANCE - FREE ESTIMATES & ADVICE
01277 352033 | 07973 202400 info@treesplus.co.uk Ingatestone Garden Centre, Roman Road, Ingatestone CM4 9AU
10
PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS
W
“WE SPECIALISE IN DOUBLE GLAZING REPAIRS, CALL FOR YOUR FREE CHECK UP”
E ER TT BE NE IR YO E PA A N E R RE AN TH TH OUT
Mr Misty ‘The Window Doctor’ is a family run business that prides itself in exceptional customer care. We promise easy service from start to finish. DOES YOUR DOUBLE GLAZING STEAM UP? WE REPLACE JUST THE GLASS AND NOT THE FRAMES AT A FRACTION OF THE COST FOR NEW WINDOWS.
FAQs SYMPTOM: I HAVE GAPS IN OR AROUND MY WINDOWS AND ITS CAUSING A DRAUGHT. DIAGNOSIS & SOLUTION: THIS COULD BE THE HINGES WHICH CAN BE REPLACED OR THE FRAME HAS A GAP AROUND THE EDGE WHICH CAN BE RE-SEALED. SYMPTOM: I FIND IT HARD TO LOCK MY DOOR OR WINDOW.
PROBLEMS WE SOLVE ELIMINATE WINDOW CONDENSATION BROKEN WINDOW PARTS
DIAGNOSIS & SOLUTION: THIS COULD BE A NUMBER OF PROBLEMS AND COULD BE AS SIMPLE AS A SMALL ADJUSTMENT TO YOUR HINGES.
BROKEN GLASS SECONDARY GLAZING TO BLOCK OUT NOISE LOCKS FAULTY HINGES DRAUGHTY WINDOWS
FREE PHONE : 0800 25 45 111 FOR YOUR FREE CHECKUP FREE PHONE TODAY
Diverse Care Independent Fostering Provider
01268 923 937 Unit 37, Barleylands Craft Village, Barleylands Road, Billericay, Essex, CM11 2UD
Give us a call or pop into our lovely Barleylands hub for a chat with our Essex team about becoming a Foster Parent with Diverse Care.
- Ofsted 2017
Y o u r s at i s f a c t i o n i s o u r f u t u r e
12
PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS
LOCALLY BASED COMPANY IN BRENTWOOD WITH OVER 25 YEARS EXPERIENCE. NO JOB TOO SMALL! FREE ESTIMATES WITH NO OBLIGATION. We also offer general maintenance and building works.
• ALL TYPES OF PLUMBING / HEATING • NEW BOILER / REPAIRS / SERVICING • BATHROOMS / KITCHENS • POWERFLUSHING • DRAINAGE WORKS
OTHER SERVICES INCLUDE:
• ALL ASPECTS OF DOMESTIC, COMMERCIAL AND ELECTRICAL WORK CARRIED OUT • SECURITY SYSTEMS AND ALARMS • REPLACEMENT CONSUMER UNITS • PERIODIC INSPECTION & TESTING • FULL REWIRES / PAT TESTING / FAULT FINDING
WE CARRY OUT ALL ASPECTS OF ROOFING; FLAT ROOF WORKS, LEAD WORKS, LEAKING ROOFS TILED OR FELT, GUTTERING/DOWNPIPE WORKS, GUTTER CLEANING, CHIMNEY REPAIRS/REPLACEMENTS AND FASCIA/SOFFIT WORKS. PLEASE CALL US WITH YOUR REqUIREMENTS.
Tel: 01277 810005 Email: t-p-s-l@btconnect.com www.timminspsl.co.uk Unit 15 Cockridden Farm Estate, Brentwood, Essex CM13 3LH
Carriann Everard Mobile Gel Nail Technician
07773 464 115 www.carrianns-nails.co.uk Member of The Guild of Nail Technicians
The Flooring Store that Comes to Your Door
A.Clarke Carpets & Flooring
Supply and Fit: Carpets
Vinyl
Laminate
1000’s of samples to choose from to suit all budgets brought to you at your home or office. Highly experienced fitters, guaranteed to beat any written quotation on like for like products by at least 10%. Large selection of quality remnants available at our warehouse.
07718 063942 • www.aclarkecarpets.com Unit 7, Red Lion Business Centre, Latchingdon, CM3 6JH • clarky319@hotmail.com
PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS
15
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 brate that Jesus was born to be our Saviour? It is, after all, what makes rating 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 as season. Why not put a date in your o miss out on the greatest Christmas
Compassionate ricay & Little Burstead Team Ministry) Mindfulness
rr
of the local Church Services over the Christmas period. One of the important elements of what we know as ‘Mindfulness’ is compassion for others. Jesus had a lot to teach us about compassion, and how this impacts on the way we live together 2nd December - ‘Annual Toy Service’ at 10.30am as a community, when He said: “… Love your December - ‘Carolas Service by Candlelight’ at 7.00pm neighbour yourself” (Luke 10:27).
Emmanuel Church
19th December - ‘Lunchtime Carol Service’ at 12.30pm to our modern atLess Saintobvious Mary Magdalen Churchday eyes are the ways in which Jesus broke the social ranking codes ay 23rd December - ‘Family Nativity’ at 10.30am of his day in doing this. He talked with women; hristmasate Evewith - ‘Christingle Service’ treated at 4.00pmSamaritans as tax collectors; equals;byshowed kindness to prostitutes; and ‘Communion Candlelight’ at 11.15pm Thebefriended first Communion of on Christmas. those the margins of society. He clear in His challenge for us to serve istmas was Day -also ‘Family Communion’ at 10.00am others above, and before, ourselves. This means intentionally stepping away from the prejudices and judgments that come so naturally to us and to see people as fellow human beings on a journey through life. Sharing our journey with others is key to the Christian gospel and a key element of the practice of mindfulness.
It’s been proven, spiritually, emotionally and psychologically, that people have a greater sense of contentment and purpose when they offer compassion to others. The Dalai Lama said recently on Twitter: “I really feel that some people neglect and overlook compassion because they associate it with religion. Of course, everyone is free to choose whether they pay religion any regard, but to neglect compassion is a mistake because it is the source of our own wellbeing.” Where is all this leading, you may ask? Well, we are soon to enter the Season of Lent, a time when we remember the forty days Jesus spent in the wilderness before he began his ministry. Lent, for many, is an opportunity to practice some form of abstinence or a stimulus to enter into a less indulgent lifestyle. Why not, instead of ‘giving’ something up for Lent this year consider
www.billericaychurches.org
‘doing’ something instead? Might you be willing to commit yourself to offering compassion to others this Lent? It seems as though you have nothing to lose and everything to gain! The following three suggestions, it seems to me, formed a significant part of Jesus’ compassionate ministry and give a helpful model if you (dare) choose to ‘love your neighbour as yourself.’ ACTS OF RANDOM KINDNESS: It could be something practical such as: running an errand; tidying someone’s garden; picking up litter; paying towards the grocery/petrol bill for someone behind you in the queue; giving a complete stranger a box of chocolates or flowers! Your imagination could run wild on this one! Why not sign up to BARK (Billericay Acts of Random Kindness) Facebook / Webpage for more ideas? SHARING A MEAL: Might you be willing to offer hospitality to neighbours you don’t know and friends you’ve yet to meet? There’s nothing more social and engaging than food and conversation. When we eat and talk together we discover how many of us share the same hopes, fears and disappointments. We often gain strength and encouragement as we learn from the experiences of others. LISTENING: Sometimes we can be so busy being busy that we don’t make the time to listen. But have you ever thought that something as simple as a listening ear can be a cause of great healing and comfort to those who are really struggling? Offering time to listen can be a very precious gift indeed. Imagine what difference you/we could make to our neighbourhood if every one of us made a concerted effort to show compassion to others over the next few weeks? It would be quite amazing, don’t you think? With every blessing in Jesus’ precious name.
revpacman.wordpress.com paul@billericaychurches.org @revPACman
Essex's Leading Blind, Awning & Interior Shutter Specialists for over 100 Years
01277 809047
01702 467581
• Factory Showroom with Free Parking • Large Luxaflex Inspiration Display • Weinor Patio Awning Showroom • Made-to-Measure Curtains & Accessories
• All types of Interior Window Blinds • Custom-Made Window Shutters • Conservatory Blinds • Home & Commercial
As a local company we offer a wide choice of Blinds, Shutters, Curtains & Patio Awnings, with competitive prices all year, plus FREE no obligation quotations.
www.worthblinds.com
sales@worthblinds.com
Unit 13 Parkside Centre, Potters Way, Temple Farm Industrial Est, Southend SS2 5SJ
Mobile Upholstery Repairs & Leather Cleaning Garden Design & Construction for over 40 years
• Patios • Driveways • Decking • Artificial Grass • Turfing • Brickwork • Lighting • Garden Maintenance
www.mobileupholstery.co.uk
07889 368706
Before
After
Leather suite deep cleaning and conditioning All Aspects of Fabric & Leather Furniture Repaired In Your Home
for a free quote call
01277 655601 | 07811 252374 39 Tyelands, Billericay, Essex CM12 9PA
www.bfarndonandsons.co.uk
Springs - Cushions - Frames - Seams Damaged/Faded Leather Repaired and Colour Restored
enquiries@mobileupholstery.co.uk
SUPPLIED AND FITTED BY RETIRED POLICE OFFICER
FROM ONLY £149.00 CALL 07460 739 742 www.dYethieF.cOM
ALARM KIT
Supplied & Fitted From
£149
VIDEO DOORBELL Supplied & Fitted From
£189
Secure your home, Protect your family.
18
PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS
BATHROOM SALE
HURRY SALE EXTENDED FOR LIMITED TIME!
A12 Eastern Avenue, Romford, Essex. RM5 3AL 01708 736700 sales@bodywash.uk www.bodywash.uk ( Ilford Is Now Closed )
RECIPE Steak and Sweet Potato Chips Ingredients: 2 x 200g sirloin steaks 350g sweet potatoes 1 tbsp rapeseed oil 50g bag mixed spinach, watercress and rocket Handful of cherry tomatoes 1/3 cucumber, sliced 2 spring onions Coarse ground black pepper.
Dressing: 1 tsp balsamic vinegar 2 tbsp rapeseed oil ½ small garlic clove, crushed
Method: 1.
2.
3.
Preheat oven to 200c. Half fill a medium saucepan with water and bring to the boil. Add in the potatoes once chopped and cook for 4 minutes. Drain and return to the saucepan. Pour the oil over and season with a little black pepper. Toss until the potatoes are all lightly coated with the oil and seasoning. Tip the potatoes onto a baking tray and cook for 15 minutes. Turn them all then cook for a further 10 minutes or until crisp and golden. Whilst the chips are cooking, prepare your steak. Trim off any hard fat and then rub all over with the remaining
oil. Season with 1 tsp coarsely ground black pepper. Using a griddle or non-stick frying pan, put over a high heat and then add the steaks. Cook for about 2 minutes each side or done until your liking. 4.
Set aside and mix the salad leaves, cucumber, chopped spring onions into a bowl. Whisk the vinegar, oil and garlic together.
5.
Lovingly lay out the chips and steak onto your plates and add the salad to one side.
6.
Drizzle with the dressing just before serving.
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
Your Stove is waiting for you! Photo for illustration purposes only
Winter blues?
Could you do with a boost of happiness?
YOu neeD bArK! By Matt EvErard
W
e get enjoyment from different things in life, Family, Friends, Holidays, Pets, Travel, Sport, Hobbies, Clubs and other shared social experiences. We all know someone who is a naturally happy positive soul, they can walk in and light up a room and their personality and positivity is infectious. For others, the stresses and pace of life, our work, raising children in a challenging world and other factors can have an effect on our sense of fulfilment and happiness (especially at this time of year). I have not been officially diagnosed, but I maintain that I suffer with S.A.D. (seasonal affective disorder) during the winter months. Getting up for work in the dark, lack of sunshine and dark afternoons all contribute to a general feeling of life being a bit like the film “Groundhog Day”, where life repeats in an identical way every day. We go out less in the winter and therefore see our neighbours, friends and extended family fewer times, so we have diminished social reactions with people. So, while recovering from the dreaded Aussie Flu Virus over Christmas, I contemplated making a New Years Resolution to engage in my own random acts of kindness in 2018. I did a few small things last year and enjoyed helping others. I looked out for opportunities to do little free favours to strangers. Most were an hour here or half an hour there, but it made me smile and I experienced a nice feeling that I had made a small difference to someones life. I chose people that I thought were kind and encouraged them to spread the positive karma. Whilst mulling this resolution over, I stumbled on a course on “Happiness” on the TV and as the flu
was getting me down, I thought “why not?!” In my depressed flu ridden state, the content of this course really resonated with me. It talked about official psychological studies that have proven that helping others raises our sense of self fulfilment and HAPPINESS. This information was reinforced by the memory of the feeling of happiness that I enjoyed from my time as a member of Billericay Round Table. I went out in the community meeting new people and discussing ways that BRT could help others. We donated funds raised by the annual fireworks display at Lake Meadows and supported lots of good causes. I was constantly busy and buzzing from it. Looking back now, I wasn’t doing it in a patronising “look at me doing stuff for charity” way, I was enjoying meeting new people, trying different things, learning new skills and knowing that I had helped people who wouldn’t have got that help otherwise. After a few years, I gave up Round Table because I had started a new business and was working long hours. I intended to get involved in something else once the business took off, but the credit crunch and recession came along and it never happened. That was over ten years ago. I am still in contact with many of the guys from BRT and consider them as good mates, even though I am no longer a member of the club. Most years I volunteer to tow the Santa sleigh for them and I absolutely love it. Jumping forward to December 2017, I was involved in the “Save Stumpy” campaign on the Billericay Discussion Page on Facebook. For those that don’t do social media, a diseased lime tree in the centre of the High Street next to the War Memorial needed to be taken down before it fell down. An amusing “Save
Stumpy” campaign ensued, requesting that this tree got a temporary reprieve and that Stumpy had one last Christmas. There was a selfie photo competition and I put forward a bottle of Prosecco as a prize. There were four selfie entries and it was voted that Rev Paul Carr’s photo was the winner. Ironically, because the tree was on church land, Paul was the guy that had the responsibility of organising the tree surgeon and therefore sealing Stumpy’s fate!
BROOMFIELD PAEDIATRIC WARD PROJECT The paediatric ward at Broomfield Hospital need our help. Often kids are taken ill and parents / carers rush to hospital and stay the night with absolutely no toiletries. We can help with the following: Mini toiletries; small *sealed* bottles of - Shampoo, body wash, conditioner , deodorant and MOST IMPORTANTLY toothpaste and toothbrushes. Please, no large bottles, they need travel / hotel room style “one use” sized items.
Having met up for the above photo, I found that Paul was a great sport, interesting and easy to talk to and we exchanged contact details. Since then, Paul and I have met up in Brown Sugar, drank tea and chatted. I laid out my ideas for an initiative to get Billericay residents involved in “random acts of kindness” and he made some great suggestions. The rest, as they say is history.
The ward also require *brightly coloured* childrens single (not double) duvet covers and pillow cases. These can be new or used, but MUST be washed and clean. We have a local drop off point at Black Square Litho, Graphic House, Radford Way, Billericay CM12 0DX. The drop off hours are Monday to Friday 09:30-16:30hrs. 01277 658444. ask for Adam or Zak. Please keep the donations to small bottles of toiletries and duvet covers / pillow cases. *** At this time we cannot accept toys or other items, sorry.***
To find out more about B.A.R.K, please see our: Facebook Page BARK - Billericay Acts Of Random Kindness Twitter @BarkBillericay Instagram @BarkBillericay
An independent day school for girls and boys age 2 - 16 years
NOW ENROLLING FROM 2 YEARS OLD
NURTURE INSPIRE
ACHIEVE
St. John’s School has a unique magical atmosphere where learning, creativity and success is enjoyed by everyone. Celebrating our 90th anniversary St. John’s continues to be proud that we have educated thousands of children who are confident, successful and who genuinely make a positive contribution to society when they leave. Telephone today to book a personal tour of your local independent school Telephone - 01277 623070 E-mail - registrar@stjohnsschool.net www.stjohnsschool.net
Project2_Layout 1 01/12/2015 12:14 Page 1
24 HR EMERGENCY
Nature Notes
SERVICE
Written by Neil Sumner
• Tree Pruning • Shaping • Precision Felling • Thinning • Stump Grinding • Ground Maintenance • Dead Wooding
Neilsumner123@aol.com twitter.com/neilsumner123 Most people wouldn’t normally welcome an invasion especially one that comes with a large bill. But this winter, birdwatchers have been delighted by a particular type of invasion - of the locally rare Hawfinch. These colourful birds are here in some numbers. The reason for the invasion is thought to be a combination of a very good breeding season in continental Europe, which is presumed due to an abundance of their summer food of caterpillars and insects, and a poor yield of fruits and seeds in the autumn. In this country, our hedgerows and woodlands have been bountiful this winter; hence they have found their way here. The Hawfinch’s Latin name is coccothraustes coccothraustes which means ‘seed-breaker’, a testimony to those large bills that can even crack cherry stones. They aren’t easy to see as they are shy and their call is a barely detectable ‘tick’. They typically forage on the ground but fly away as soon as they are approached and then will fly around and perch in the tops of trees, usually at a distance requiring binoculars to identify them. So if you see a few birds, slightly smaller than Starlings, perched in the tops of mature trees near some open patches of ground in or near woodland it is worth checking them out. In flight, they are distinguished by a broad head, short tail and bright wing stripes. Hawfinches only arrived in Britain as a breeding bird in the 19th Century, being found first in Epping Forest. They flourished for a while then last century they declined and almost disappeared from Essex in the 1990s. There are now estimated to be less than one thousand breeding pairs remaining in Britain. The RSPB are currently investigating the cause of decline and an article by naturalist Ben MacDonald also provides some insight. http://www.ben-macdonald.co.uk/uploads/2/4/ 8/1/24815177/hawfinch.pdf A change in the structure of woodlands and a corresponding increase in predators are cited as the main causes.
. Qualified . Licensed . Insured . Based in Rayleigh Discounts Available for OAP & Disable in the local area
LOGS FOR SALE Call us now:
01268 857550
07719 837777
www.tree-king.co.uk
SID’S LANDSCAPING GARDEN LANDSCAPING BLOCK PAVING • DRIVEWAYS PATHS • INDIAN STONE PATIOS TURFING & ARTIFICIAL LAWNS PLUS MUCH MUCH MORE
FREE ESTIMATES
20% DISCOUNT FOR ALL EMERGENCY WORKERS
07782 550 684 | 0800 959 6792 e sidlandscaper@icloud.com w sidslandscaping.co.uk
So it’s been a delight this winter to see them throughout Essex in many of our woodlands with mature trees, including Mill Meadows in Billericay and Pound Wood near Daws Heath. This may not happen again for some time and it’s quite likely that we will look back fondly on this ‘Winter of the Hawfinch’.
PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS
25
Before
After
for only £9 per sq metre
19 St. Davids Way, Wickford, Essex SS11 8EX
Call Lionel or Luke
01268 449771 / 07834 897654 / 07817 726966
WWW.SEALINGTECHNIQUE.COM
26
PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS
Technology Solutions
Est. 1987
QualiÞed Technician
Flat Screen TV hanging with hidden cabling Aerial & Satellite, TV Setups &Tuning TV & HD Signal Distribution Multi-Room Audio systems WiFi & Wired Networks
Call Trevor on
01268 696572
07954 424645
Essex County Council Approved
www.trevange.co.uk info@trevange.co.uk @trevange #Liveinstall winner 2013
ANY
little
THING
ltd
Providing reliable & trustworthy support
Home Help Service
No matter what your state of mind or abilities – EVERYONE ne eds a helping hand! Dog Walking
Cleaning
Shopping
Doctor/Hospital Appointments
Heating Meals Gardening
WE ARE A LOCAL FRIENDLY SERVICE, PROVIDING RELIABLE AND TRUSTWORTHY SUPPORT
PLEASE CONTACT US FOR ‘ANY little THING’ THAT YOU MAY NEED
01268 928878
www.anylittlething.co.uk
info@anylittlething.co.uk
PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS
27
P R O U D LY S U P P O R T I N G
#WEAREPRINT
65844o.u4k 01277 squarelitho.c
www.black relitho.co.uk a u sq k c la b s@ le sa 0DX icay, Essex CM12
dford Way, Biller Graphic House, Ra
BILLERICAY ROTARY CLUB
Our excellent participation in the Christmas Market when we supported the event with a major sold-out raffle and attracted interest in our SoapBox Derby to be staged on May 7 was tinged with the sad news of the death of Trevor Stansfield, a member since 2000 and a leader and legend in the town’s history. He died after a sudden illness in St Luke’s Hospice in January. Trevor was a Paul Harris Fellow – Rotary’s highest award but more than that – a past chairman of the Town Council, editor of The Resident, set up Billericay’s twinning with Fishers in Indiana and Chauvigny in France and left a legacy to the town with his commitment, endeavour and foresight His funeral took place on January 26 at Brentwood crematorium with a thanksgiving service at Christ Church, Perry Street,. We shall miss him.
We celebrated Christmas with our annual Partners Lunch at Reids restaurant and president Peter Greene hosted a home festive party. Plans are now well forward for our third SoapBox Derby with almost 50 entries – update in the April issue. New members welcome. We meet every Monday lunchtime at Reids for 3-course meal and a speaker. Club contact: www. twitter.com/BiericyRotary; www,facebook.com/BillericayRotary/ www,billericayrotary.org Membership: Peter Strong. peter_j_strong@hotmail,com General Enquries: Ed Harrison (secretary) : ed14harrison@hotmail.co.uk SoapBox Derby: Les Sheppard: les.sheppard@tiscali.co.uk Press & PR: Trevor Bond: trevjanbond1@aol.com
BILLERICAY LIONS CLUB
Did you know there is a video (produced by Vertex Pictures) and pictures of the Christmas Sleigh on the Billericay Lions website? Or that we collected almost £8,700 in donations from the public at Christmas? A massive “Thank You” to everyone who donated. After a short break to recover from the festivities, the next Lions event was a well supported “That was the year that was” Quiz Night on 13th January. Good fun and an excellent way to blow the cobwebs away. The next event will be the Barn Dance on 24th February 2018, 7pm for 7.30pm at Canon Roche Hall Tickets £7pp which includes an American Buffet, but please bring your own drinks and nibbles. Tickets are available by emailing barndance@billericaylions.com.
And a final reminder about the Taste of Scandinavia Quiz Night on 17 March 2018. The maximum number of tickets available is 120, and already 106 have gone. If you want to join us for a fun filled evening, please get in touch via the website.
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 PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS
29
Andys Aerials Essex CM4
Family-run business with over 20 years of experience. Trading Standards Approved Aerial Installer.
Quality Workmanship At Sensible Prices.
digitatlYI" Approved Member
30
• • • • • •
Your local aerial installer
New aerial & satellite installations Aerial & satellite repairs Extra TV points TV wall mounting System design & install Freesat & YouView installations
Freephone: 0800 77 97 047 Mobile: 07916 305 977 Mobile Local Rate: 0 333 900 333 2 Email: andy@andysaerials.com
www.andysaerials.com
PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS
RS HOMES OVER 15 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
ALL TYPES OF PAINTING & DECORATING INTERNAL & EXTERNAL WOODEN FLOORING SMALL MAINTENANCE JOBS ALL WORKS FULLY INSURED
C A L L 07 7 7 1 8 6 4 01 1 OR 01 2 6 8 93 1 97 0 (EVENINGS) rudolfo50@googlemail.com
Get job-ready skills that employers want with Pitman Training in Chelmsford. All our courses can lead to a rewarding and well-paid career, with over 180 courses including: Exec PA, Secretarial, Book-keeping & Accounts, Management Skills, Legal & Medical Secretarial, IT Technical and many more!
Why choose Pitman Training? Experienced course advisors are always on hand Learn at your own pace - at times to suit you
Olivia
Job Secured: Administrator
Sumir
Job Secured: ant Marketing Assist
Relaxed and friendly environment Respect - The power of the Pitman name on your CV
Lydia
Job Secured:
Exec PA
Call us now on:
01245 349 299 Email: chelmsford@pitman-training.net Visit: www.pitman-training.com/chelmsford
Family Tree Gardens www.familytreegardens.co.uk
GAS●PLUMBING●HEATING GAS●PLUMBING●HEATING GAS●PLUMBING●HEATING GAS●PLUMBING●HEATING Allmakes&modelsofboilersserviced Allmakes&modelsofboilersserviced Allmakes&modelsofboilersserviced andrepaired
Allmakes&modelsofboilersserviced andrepaired Allmakes&modelsofboilersserviced andrepaired CondensingBoilersandWarmAirUnits andrepaired CondensingBoilersandWarmAirUnits andrepaired CondensingBoilersandWarmAirUnits AllworkundertakenLeaksUpgrades CondensingBoilersandWarmAirUnits AllworkundertakenLeaksUpgrades CondensingBoilersandWarmAirUnits AllworkundertakenLeaksUpgrades Installations AllworkundertakenLeaksUpgrades AllworkundertakenLeaksUpgrades Installations Installations NoCallOutCharge Installations NoCallOutCharge Installations NoCallOutCharge OAPdiscountsavailable NoCallOutCharge OAPdiscountsavailable NoCallOutCharge OAPdiscountsavailable Fullpublicliabilityinsurance OAPdiscountsavailable Fullpublicliabilityinsurance OAPdiscountsavailable Fullpublicliabilityinsurance FullyQualifiedEngineers Fullpublicliabilityinsurance FullyQualifiedEngineers Fullpublicliabilityinsurance FullyQualifiedEngineers FullyQualifiedEngineers FullyQualifiedEngineers Aprofessionalfamilyrunbusiness Aprofessionalfamilyrunbusiness
Aprofessionalfamilyrunbusiness Honestandreliablewithover20yearsexperience Aprofessionalfamilyrunbusiness Honestandreliablewithover20yearsexperience Aprofessionalfamilyrunbusiness Honestandreliablewithover20yearsexperience ..fromatapwashertoafullheatingsystemcall.. Honestandreliablewithover20yearsexperience ..fromatapwashertoafullheatingsystemcall.. Honestandreliablewithover20yearsexperience ..fromatapwashertoafullheatingsystemcall.. ..fromatapwashertoafullheatingsystemcall.. ..fromatapwashertoafullheatingsystemcall..
01702435400 01702435400 01277 261888
01277 656336
Get in touch now for a free, no obligations quote.
Our services include, but are not limited to:
Property & Estate Maintenance Hard & Soft Landscaping Garden Makeovers Hedge Cutting Lawn Care Garden Design
PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS
31
Low maintenance Upvc products
First Landscapes
When you think landscaping, think first!
Patios, Driveways, Decking, Paving, Rendering, Fencing Brickwork, Turfing, Planting, Lighting and much more…
Installers of Guttering, Fascias, Soffits, Cladding, Windows & Doors
Upvc cleaning service also available Guttering, Fascia boards, Soffits & Cladding Window & Conservatory frames Conservatory roofs
First Landscapes are a small but professional formal landscaping company specialising in contemporary and traditional garden designs and construction.
01277 822 065 07926 028 199
freddy.28@hotmail.co.uk www.firstlandscapes.co.uk
free adviCe, esTiMaTes and quoTaTions, and speCial raTes for oap’s
Cannonbuilding &maintenance
Painter - Decorator Domestic - Commercial
LOFT CONVERSION • EXTENSIONS KITCHENS & BATHROOMS ALL CARPENTRY & BUILDING WORKS
Interior - Exterior Fully Insured | 35 years experience Tel: 01277 821454 Mobile: 07961 943840
www.cannonbuilding.co.uk
T: 01277 622688 M: 07899 994449
E: mail@cannonbuilding.co.uk
32
PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS
10%
SP E
CIA Qu LO ote O FF pro N ER mo ALL co OR de DE ‘AR RS OU ! ND TO W N’
DIS CO UN T
Wheelchair Accessible & Adapted Vehicles for Hire
Friendly and helpful advice » Reliable service Nationwide delivery » Short or long term hire available For more info and a FREE online no obligation quote visit:
adaptedvehiclehire.com info@adaptedvehiclehire.co.uk
0333 363 5974 Stanford-Le-Hope
Be prepared this winter
PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS
33
Basildon & District Ramblers Club The group meets every Saturday at 2.00pm. The Saturday walks are 4-5 miles with a rest halfway, we have some longer walks on other days. New members are welcome and membership is only £6 per year which includes all walks. See our website www. basildonanddistrictrambling club.btck.co.uk for full details Billericay Community Choir Invites you to “Love Is In The Air,” a concert of familiar, enjoyable songs at Christ Church, Perry Street on Saturday 17th February at 7.30pm. Musical direction is by Deborah Allen Morgan with Michael Silk as piano accompanist. Admission is free and refreshments are provided. Donations are welcome and will be sent to British Heart Foundation. Further information on www. billericaycommunitychoir.com or email billericaycommunitychoir@ gmail.com Billericay Horticultural Society On Monday 19th February at 8pm in the Day Centre Chantry Way at talk ; “Soil,Sweat & Tears” by Brian Carlile.
21st February Sinatra at the Movies – Simply Swing 8pm -10:30pm. Admission £15 28th February Midland Youth Jazz Orchestra+male vocalist 8pm -10:30pm. Admission £15
Tickets £5 for children, £8 for adults or family offer of 2 adults and 2 children for £22.
Billericay Ladies Probus Club
Charity Lunch
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.
Charity lunch at Billericay Methodist Church, Western Road on Saturday 10th February from 12.30 - 1.30pm. A snack lunch and drink for £4.50. The proceeds are going towards local multiple sclerosis therapy. There is no need to book.
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
Belvedere Jazz & Music Club 7th February Rob Barron Quintet with Colin Oxley (guitar) 8pm -10:30pm.
Why not come along and join us at The Banqueting Suite, Mount Avenue, Hutton CM13 2NS
14th February Humphrey Lyttelton/Buck Clayton Band 8pm -10:30pm. £15 admission
If you are interested Call Ron on: 01277 633115 firefighterrpm@btinternet.com
34
16 February 2.30pm Dan Lees and Neil Frost invite you on an adventure that combines clowning, playful games and chaotic fun that’s suitable for all the family.
Admission £12.50 ~ Meals Available www.belvederejazz.co.uk Tel: 07850 607075 or email: belvederejazz@gmail.com The Chichester Hotel Old London Road Rawreth, SS11 8UE
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.
Visitors always welcome. £2 Refreshments available
Captain Cauliflower and Marvin the Mischievous Moose
The Fold , 72 Laindon Road, Billericay, Essex CM12 9 LD. T el number 01277659286
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. For more details please contact Gwenno on 07724144432 www.chelmsfordwelsh.org.uk/home www.facebook.com/ chelmsfordwelsh Chelmsford Jazz Club Sunday 11th February John Etheridge (guitar), Art Themen
PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS
(sax) Arnie Somegy (bass) and Winston Clifford (drums)
the historic gardens created by Ellen Willmott.
Sunday 18th March ‘Searching for Hope’ with Herwig Gradischng (sax), Steve Fishwick (trumpet), Claus Raible (piano) Giorgos Antonia (bass) and Matt Home (drums)
Guided walks are available on Saturday mornings at 10.30 am. Large groups should please book in advance, suggested donation £3.00 per person.
Sunday 15th April The Humphrey Lyttelton Band (7 piece band, line up TBC) Chelmsford Sugarcraft Guild Membership is open to anyone in the Essex area who is interested in the art of cake decorating. Meetings held second Tuesday each month and cover a range of demonstrations and ‘have a go’ evenings from 7.15pm till 10pm. Non members welcome. February 13th White Roses buddy evening March 13th Baby Booties Demonstration Christ Church 164 New London Road, Chelmsford CM2 0AW Contact: Polly 07721 614579 Essex Wildlife Trust The Nature Reserve and Historic Gardens at Warley Place, Great Warley will be open every weekend from Saturday 24th February to Sunday 15th April, plus Good Friday and Easter Monday. Volunteers will be on hand to provide guidance on the above days from 10.00 am to 5.00 pm, weather permitting. Please come and enjoy the wonderful show of snowdrops, daffodils and bluebells as well as
The post code for Warley Place is CM13 3HU and is located on Warley Road adjacent to the Thatchers Arms public house. For further information please contact Mick Hedges on 01277 231367 or Fiona Agassiz on 01277 230436. 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.
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 the Fold 72 Laindon Road Billericay, CM12 9LD Tel 01277659286 Red Beans ‘n’ Rice Saturday 10 February 7.30 pm Tickets £12 Celebrating the 60s Saturday 24 February 7.30pm £12 Café layout - bring own drinks Mayflower Wine (& social) Club We meet on the first Wednesday of each month at The Pilgrim and Mayflower rooms, The Emmanuel Church, Laindon Road. Billericay. CM12 9LD at 8pm
For more information on how to claim a free place in this academy please email Head of Academy Clive Ashdown at clive@cwgrain.com.
We have talks, musical evenings, wine tastings, quizzes etc. and also social occasions in between. New members are always welcome.
Girls Only Football Training At FC Redwing
Please phone Paulette Nicholls on 01277 652001
Did you know that football is largest team sport for girls in the UK?
RHS Hyde Hall
FC Redwing has recently launched girls only football training for children aged between 4 to 8 years old. If you have a girl in Reception to Year Three at school who is interested in playing the beautiful game then please contact us at fcredwinggirls@gmail.com
The Dry Garden An illustrated talk by Ian Bull , Garden Manager. With our ever-changing climate we need to know the best way to preserve our favourite plants from periods of drought. Ian, will guide towards the best plants for our gardens Tickets £5.00
If you would like to promote your club or event for March/April then please email a maximum of 70 words to:
admin@aroundtownmagazines.co.uk Please ensure that all contact details are included. PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS
35
24
HoUrS
1 HOUR RESPONSE
tony nelson plumbing • PLUMBING - Taps, leaks, cylinders and tanks. All plumbing undertaken • HEATING - Leaking or blocked raidators and boiler breakdowns • GAS - New boilers installed, boilers repaired and serviced • drAINAGE - Drain clearing, jetting and repairs CovErING ALL BrENTwood ANd BILLErICAy ArEAS
Please see our website for more details
tonynelsonplumbingbrentwood.co.uk
Plumbing & Heating Specialist
01277 282 211 e: info@tonynelsonplumbing.co.uk
• • • • • •
• • • • • • •
Bathrooms Central Heating Boiler Repairs Servicing Landlord Gas Certificates Powerflushing All Works Fully Insured
2b Samuel Road Langdon Hills Basildon Essex
Michael Crawley Tel: 07775 945 619 08000 025 619
Hand Painted Kitchen Specialists Let us transform your old kitchen Home Decorations into a beautiful new living space Interior Decorating Exterior Decorating Wall Papering Commercial Decorating FOR A FREE NO OBLIGATION QUOTE CONTACT US
01268 526850
Paul: 07929304993
Colin: 07941705610
sales@topnotchpaintinganddecorating.co.uk
36
PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS
Adam & Greenwood Independent Family Funeral Directors Funeral Planning... Because the unexpected does happen. Funeral costs continue to increase annually and in our experience, taking those initial steps in making plans for the future, not only eases the financial burden but it most certainly makes life easier for your family and loved ones when it matters most. Save £100 on any plans taken out prior to the 1st April 2018.
Call: Billericay 01277 633085 Also have branches in: Brentwood 01277 811064 Chelmsford 01245 496620 Maldon 01621 857172 www.afuneral.co.uk
Owners of Herongate Wood Woodland Cemetery
KH PLASTERING
Professional quality workmanship Expert attention to detail and over 25 years experience. FREE ESTIMATES!
• Plastering • Coving & Cornice • Restoration • Dry Lining
NO JOB TOO SMALL!
01277 627277 07939 229215
khplastering@yahoo.com
145 Perry Street, Billericay CM12 0NS
07500 870309 INFO@ESSEXTREECARELTD.CO.UK
99.8% Positive Feedback
99.2% Positive Feedback
WWW.ESSEXTREECARELTD.CO.UK
PRUNING, THINNING, REDUCTIONS, FELLING AND REMOVAL, DEAD WOOD REMOVAL, SITE CLEARANCE, HEDGE MAINTENANCE, FIREWOOD SALES
Call today for your no obligation quote with no hidden extras!
£5 MILLION PUBLIC LIABILITY
PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS
37
What next for savings rates and where’s
the best place to save? The most frequently asked question I get asked, by savers, banks and the media, is ‘where are savings rates are heading?’ How was 2017? 2017 was a significantly improved year for savers, compared to 2016. The best one and two year fixedrate bonds paid 1.40% and 1.60% respectively in January 2017, whereas 1.90% and 2.10% per cent were available by the end of 2017 – a full half a percent higher. The best easy access (accounts that don’t require notice to make withdrawals) rates also improved from just over 1% in January 2017 to 1.30% at the end of the year with a peak of 1.45% achieved in December. While these rates are some way off the heady days of 2008 when over 6% could be found on a one year fixed rate, it’s a big step in the right direction. Are rates moving up? Several financial commentators are getting highly excited about two things happening in the market this year. Many of these commentators predict a boom in savings rates because of these. Firstly, two government lending schemes come to an end this month – the Funding for Lending Scheme (known as FLS) and the Term Funding Scheme. These have provided £80bn and
38
£140bn respectively to banks and building societies.
very little happening in the short term, and 2018 specifically.
Secondly, open banking has begun. Open banking enables you to give access to banks and companies to your accounts so that they can provide new products and services to help you securely move and manage your money better.
Is there any good news? It’s not all bad news! I do expect interest rates to increase again in 2018 although I suspect at a lower rate than in 2017. There are three reasons for this:
I don’t subscribe to either of these creating a rise in savings rates in 2018. Although the government lending schemes will end this month, it will be some time before the banks that have used these schemes have lent all the money they have been given. Many of them also have deposits they haven’t loaned to customers to use after this money has been used. Only then will they need to attract more money from savers. I wouldn’t be surprised if this wasn’t until at least 2019 before this happens. With regards to Open Banking, Barclays, RBS, HSBC and three other banks had to ask for extensions to the 13th January deadline to comply with the law. Many of the smaller banks and financial companies who hope to be the beneficiaries of open banking are not ready to fully take advantage of it either. Recent research by the Unlimited Group found that 91% of consumers had no idea what open banking was. I believe open banking will have a profound impact in the banking market in the longer term but I see
1) Competition Ford Money, PCF, Redwood and Wyelands have all entered the savings market in 2017 and there are somewhere in the region of 30 firms going through the process to be awarded a banking licence from the Bank of England and the Prudential Regulation Authority. This is on top of, by my count, 38 new providers who have come in to the market in the past decade. It is competition from these new entrants that has driven the market in recent years and is likely to continue to do so. Although rates have softened a little, since the turn of the year, I wouldn’t be surprised to see the best one year rates head towards 2.15–2.25% by the end of the year and easy access to be in the region of 1.50% 2) Rise of the cash managers There’s been significant interest in the savings market from many cash managers and intermediated savings providers, both from the UK and internationally. While companies like Savings Champion
have provided solutions for some time, they’ve been joined by the likes of Insignis Cash Solutions and Octopus cash in the UK and we’ve seen German market places such as Deposit Solutions and Raisen enter the market. Savers tend to turn to these types of solutions when interest rates are higher so the increase in the number of them suggests there’s a more positive outlook for savings. 3) Switching will continue to get easier Approximately 80% of people have their current account with the so called big 4 banks (Barclays, Lloyds, HSBC, RBS), or Nationwide or Santander. A similar number also save with these large banking groups as well as the government backed National Savings & Investments. However, there has been more regulatory intervention happening in the market in recent years with the current account switching service making it easier to move your bank account (in 7 days). There will also be a rise in market places from new banking providers like Monzo and Starling who won’t provide their own savings accounts but will partner with the best providers who will offer this. With open banking and other regulatory intervention almost inevitable, it’s likely to get easier and more attractive for those 80% to move their money to accounts paying more attractive rates of return. This is likely to force those larger institutions to compete more on price to hold on to their customers Where are the best rates in the market now? Here is a selection of the top paying accounts from our best buy tables: Type of account
Bank
Interest Rate
Easy Access
RCI Bank
1.30%
One Year Fixed
Atom Bank
1.95%
Two Year Fixed
Atom Bank / BLME
2.10%
Three Year Fixed
Vanquis Bank
2.22%
Regular Saver
Saffron Building Society 3.50%
James Blower Founder Savings Guru Ltd
www.thesavings.guru hello@thesavings.guru @SavingsGuruUK
Rates can change quickly so always check on our website, www.thesavings.guru for the most up to date information and links to click through to the providers. That’s all for this month. Have a great February! James
39
in between more complex yoga poses. It helps n and relaxes the muscles at the front of the
w
YOUR YOGA
Child’s Pose
k
r
.
Method: This is a gentle, serene and restful pose, often used in between more complex yoga poses. It helps to stretch the hips, thighs and ankles, calms the brain and relaxes the muscles at the front of the body. Start in tabletop (hands and knees on the floor). Slow your thoughts down. Position your legs together, knees touching. Sit back onto your heels, keeping your spine straight. Breathe out and bow forward, placing your chest on top of your thighs. Gently
allow your forehead to come to the floor. Close your eyes. Extend your arms in front of you with your palms facing down. Press back slightly with your hands to maintain the contact with your heels and buttocks. Allow all the tension in your shoulders to melt away. Soften and relax your lower back. Hold this pose for as long as you need. To release from Child’s pose, gently use your hands to walk your body upright and sit back on your heels.
If you would like your advert or editorial to appear in Around Town Magazines then contact our sales team on: 01277 658444 or email: sales@aroundtownmagazines.co.uk
that it will suggest further cuts to defence, including reducing the size of the Regular Army, fewer ships for the Royal Navy, and merging elements of the Parachute Regiment and the Royal Marines.
For Basildon and Billericay
These cuts would be on top of the deep reductions implemented by the Coalition Government, all driven not by defence requirements but by the tough spending rules necessary to fix the public finances. Yet these spending rules were not uniformly applied, with some budgets being ring-fenced and enlarged, meaning that any cuts fell unfairly harshly on unprotected Departments such as the MoD.
The Government will soon publish its National Security Capability Review, and there has been much speculation as to its final conclusions. It is widely believed
I opposed the Coalition reductions, and led the Parliamentary campaign to save 2nd Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers. The unsuccessful campaign nevertheless
John Baron Conservative Parliamentary MP
Roof Cleaning Available Call for details
highlighted the Government’s wrong-headed proposal of trying to recruit 30,000 Reservists to compensate for the sacking of 20,000 Regulars. This plan has created capability gaps, has cost more than envisaged, and has struggled from the start. We already spend too little on defence – although we are one of the few NATO countries to spend at least 2% of GDP on our Armed Forces, this is achieved by some fairly generous assessments of what constitutes military spending. The amount spent on MoD civil servants’ pensions, for example, is now included in the calculations. Instead, defence spending should be closer to 3-4% of GDP, in line with what we were spending in the mid-1990s even after the end of the Cold War.
ASTRA ROOFING 12 School Lane, Langdon Hills SS15 6GS
TILED ROOFING
We offer an extensive range of services inc. strip and retile, repointing of ridge tiles and chimney stacks. We will stop any leaks.
astraroofing@hotmail.com • 01268 976952
FLAT ROOFING
We offer top quality workmanship with the latest high performance materials. All flat roofs will carry a 15 year guarantee.
U.P.V.C Fascias & Gutters Renewed & Repairs • 24 Hour Emergency Roofing Available Free Estimates • References • Nothing to Pay Until Satisfied • 01268 976952 • 07787 300597 PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS
41
TRAVEL - DUKE COTTAGE The
By Tim Saunders – www.travelwriter.biz One family has stayed in the same holiday cottage on a Suffolk farm nine times. Numerous others have stayed on almost as many occasions. That’s what the visitor book at Duke Cottage at Easton Farm Park reveals; there are two selfcatering Victorian cottages on the farm – the other is Duchess Cottage. With so much to do here it really is not necessary to go anywhere else. And that is why so many families return to stay in the cottages. These families benefit from free access to the farm and not just during opening times but when it is shut. It is also possible to help the staff with various duties such as mucking out the horses and feeding the hens. This is all very refreshing news indeed.
the moment but when the time comes it is nice to know that rabbits, guinea pigs, ducks, chicks and goats can all be purchased from the farm at attractive prices. It is an educational experience too because both children and adults can learn how a traditional farm works as well as how an egg is produced. We enjoy eating numerous Easton Farm free range eggs. Incidentally having not brought our trusty egg poacher we experiment with simply breaking an egg into a pan of boiling water and poaching it for three minutes and to our surprise it works a treat, tasting better than using our egg poacher! The staff are so polite, friendly and knowledgeable, too. “I also love the pony ride,” adds Harriett. She is very at home in the saddle and enjoys four pony rides in total.
The farm at Woodbridge in Suffolk opened as a family attraction in 1974, at a time when such attractions were few and far between, compared to today. Since that time over one million visitors have poured through the gates. During our stay in The Duke we certainly do relax, which is quite a rarity on such jaunts. Like many before us we do not feel a desire to leave during our stay because there is a full day of events planned. This ranges from hug a bunny at 11am to the Barrel Bug ride at 12noon, pony rides at 2pm and the family train at 4pm. Clearly a great deal of thought has gone into how to entertain a family throughout the day. Each event runs for half an hour, which is just long enough for little ones. There is very little queuing and waiting around, too. A barn full of green blue and red pedal tractors – even a mini John Deere - for the children to ride ensures they never get bored. Harriett insists on riding Tractor Tom to every destination on the farm. “My favourite thing is cuddling the rabbits,” says Harriett (3). “Can I have a rabbit?” We feel she is still a little too young for such responsibility at
Perhaps the most ingenious ride is the Bug Barrel, which consists of a number of converted barrels on wheels each with their own steering wheel and seatbelts, towed by a quad bike. Creatively made it features an innovative use of golf balls for antennae. It is a joy to see both Harriett and Heidi clinging on to their steering wheels, laughing and giggling. Caroline and I finally let them go round unaccompanied the second time round because we’re out of breath from all the running! When the girls have explored the farm to their hearts’ content we then enjoy the adventure playground complete with zip wire, sandpit and diggers. The walks around the farmland let us savour the views over the Deben valley.
Tim Saunders is an author, journalist and businessman. He meets celebrities, goes on holiday and road tests cars.
Canvas
prints for
FROM O Valentine’s Day NLY £25 +vat
Jim&ah Sar
For a
n ex
£25
tra
we you will tur r lov n yo ed ua toon one in nd to s like this car-
COME IN TO SEE SOME SAMPLES Graphic House, Radford Way, Billericay CM12 0DX
Contact us for more details
01277 658444
www.blacksquarelitho.co.uk
USEFUL NUMBERS POLICE Billericay Police Station
01277 631212
HOSPITALS Brentwood Hospital Basildon Hospital Broomfield Hospital Essex Nuffield Hospital Mayflower House Queen’s Romford Southend Hospital Spire Hartswood Hospital
01277 695000 01268 524900 01245 443673 08453 143350 01277 621130 08451 304204 01702 435555 01277 232525
HELPLINES Alcoholics Anonymous Childline DIAL Disability Helpline Drugline Essex Home Start
01245 256147 0800 11 11 01268 294400/1 01708 749151
(Helping families under stress) 01277 263325
In Focus
(family disabilities support)
Narcotics Anonymous NHS non-emergency Parentline Samaritans S. Essex Rape and Incest Crisis Centre Victim Support Essex Women’s Refuge
/blacksquarelitho
BIRTH, DEATH MARRIAGES REGISTRATION
TAXIS Advanced Taxicall Billericay 01277 800001 Mayflower Cars 01277 624000 Swift Cars 01277 757473
CHEMISTS Boots the Chemist, Billericay Filmcroft Ltd, Billericay Lloyds Pharmacy, Billericay Moss Pharmacy, Billericay Shadforth M.W Billericay Shadforths Pharmacy, Billericay Shadforths Pharmacy Ingatestone
UTILITIES Anglian Water Electricity – Power Supply Problems Gas – Urgent Calls / Gas Escapes Minicom – Transco Thames Water (Supply or Wastewater Services) Three Valleys Water Water – Essex & Suffolk Water
0845 6037632 01277 233565 01277 221155
BLOOD TEST Booking Line
01277 655233 01277 624862 01277 622828 01277 653035 01277 622927 01277 652241 01277 352125 01702 746511
ROAD & TRAVEL UPDATES Essex Travel www.bbc.co.uk/travelnews/essex
01245 353575 01277 655352 111 0808 800 2222 116 123
COUNCILS Basildon Billericay Town Council Chelmsford Ingatestone Stock Parish Council
01268 533333 01277 625732 01245 606606 01277 353315 07757 114952
01375 380609 0845 4565995 01268 541140
TRANSPORT Bus Service Rail Service
0870 6082608 08457 484950
VETS Best Friends Veterinary Surgery House & Jackson Ingatestone Veterinary Centre Summerdale Veterinary Centre Vet Savers LIBRARIES Basildon Billericay Ingatestone Wickford
0345 145 145 0800 783 8838 0800 111999 0800 371787 0845 9200 800 0345 823 333 01245 491234
01277 651009 01277 655524 01277 353612 01277 631889 01277 652100 0845 603 7628 01277 624624 01277 354284 01268 561963
PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS
43
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