H L E I G R AY N T I O E D I 6 1
FAST KEY SERVICES LTD REPLACING YOUR KEYS AND LOCKS SAFES
• Floor Safes • Fire Safes • Deposit Safes • Wall Safes • Home And Office Safes • Insurance Approved Safes • Key Operated Safes • Electronic Locking Safes
CAR KEYS REPLACEMENTS - SPARES - REPAIRS
DOMESTIC LOCKSMITHS
• Remote Not Working? • New Keys Supplied, Cut & Programmed • Replacement Buttons • Transponders • Batteries • New Cases Inc. Blades • Circuit Boards
• Locked Out? • Lost Your Keys? • Locks Repaired And Replaced • Keys Cut • Locks Opened • Padlocks • Domestic Security Specialists • Euro Cylinders • Security Anchors • Window Restrictors • Chains • Free Impartial Security Advice
Unit 3 & 4, Pilot Close, Fulmar Way, Wickford, Essex SS11 8YW
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
LOFTS
EXTENSIONS
CONVERSIONS
Standard, Pitched, Flat or Truss. Pro Lofts cover every type of loft. Let us help you turn that unused space into something wonderful.
Are you looking for an Extension to be carried out on your property because the cost of moving home is far too expensive?
Garage conversions are one of the most effective ways of creating extra space in your home as they have many uses.
TRY OUR ONLINE CALCULATOR AND GET YOUR FREE LOFT CONVERSION ESTIMATE IN LESS THAN 2 MINUTES! Try our Pro Lofts Cost Calculator today to get a free estimate delivered to your inbox. It’s easy and only takes a couple of minutes.
WE CREATE SPACE WE ARE EXPERTS WE ARE PRO LOFTS
GET A FREE QUOTE TODAY
www.proloftsessex.co.uk
ANY QUESTIONS?
32 CLARENCE STREET
MON-FRI
SEND YOUR EMAIL TO
01702 781 884
8am - 6pm
Southend-on-sea, Essex SS1 1BD
info@proloftsessex.co.uk
@HaveringYA
The company can supply doors
indoorsessex.
P m U w re to a
CONTENTS 08
James Blower
11
Mark Francois
12
Nature Notes
14
Its OK Campaign
18
Rotary Club / Lions Club
20
A View from the Church
23
What’s On
23
The Savings Guru
Political Update
From everyone at Around Town Magazines have a
Merry Christmas and a
Happy New Year!
of the Mill Meadows Society
Its ok not to be ok
Organisations Around Town
Rev’d David Oxtoby
When and Where...
Useful Numbers
Around Town Magazines Graphic House, Radford Way, Billericay CM12 0DX
10
17
Copyright 2018. Around Town Rayleigh 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
Home Helps 63 x 92mm 2.qxp_Layout 1 21/06/2018 07:35 Page 1
Home Help Service If you're over 50 and need a little help around the house, let the Age UK Essex Home Help Service lighten the load. Our friendly and reliable staff can help you with general cleaning including laundry, changing the beds and collecting shopping and prescriptions. We also offer a Sitting and Companionship Service for carers. All our staff are insured, police checked via the Disclosure and Barring Service and always follow our unique ‘Never Walk Away’ safety policy. There is a small one-off registration fee and an hourly charge for this service. For more information call
01245 505 842
www.ageukessex.org.uk
6
Charity No. 1091058
GAS●PLUMBING●HEATING GAS●PLUMBING●HEATING GAS●PLUMBING●HEATING GAS●PLUMBING●HEATING Allmakes&modelsofboilersserviced Allmakes&modelsofboilersserviced Allmakes&modelsofboilersserviced andrepaired
Allmakes&modelsofboilersserviced andrepaired Allmakes&modelsofboilersserviced andrepaired CondensingBoilersandWarmAirUnits andrepaired CondensingBoilersandWarmAirUnits andrepaired CondensingBoilersandWarmAirUnits AllworkundertakenLeaksUpgrades CondensingBoilersandWarmAirUnits AllworkundertakenLeaksUpgrades CondensingBoilersandWarmAirUnits AllworkundertakenLeaksUpgrades Installations AllworkundertakenLeaksUpgrades AllworkundertakenLeaksUpgrades Installations Installations NoCallOutCharge Installations NoCallOutCharge Installations NoCallOutCharge OAPdiscountsavailable NoCallOutCharge OAPdiscountsavailable NoCallOutCharge OAPdiscountsavailable Fullpublicliabilityinsurance OAPdiscountsavailable Fullpublicliabilityinsurance OAPdiscountsavailable Fullpublicliabilityinsurance FullyQualifiedEngineers Fullpublicliabilityinsurance FullyQualifiedEngineers Fullpublicliabilityinsurance FullyQualifiedEngineers FullyQualifiedEngineers FullyQualifiedEngineers Aprofessionalfamilyrunbusiness Aprofessionalfamilyrunbusiness
Aprofessionalfamilyrunbusiness Honestandreliablewithover20yearsexperience Aprofessionalfamilyrunbusiness Honestandreliablewithover20yearsexperience Aprofessionalfamilyrunbusiness Honestandreliablewithover20yearsexperience ..fromatapwashertoafullheatingsystemcall.. Honestandreliablewithover20yearsexperience ..fromatapwashertoafullheatingsystemcall.. Honestandreliablewithover20yearsexperience ..fromatapwashertoafullheatingsystemcall.. ..fromatapwashertoafullheatingsystemcall.. ..fromatapwashertoafullheatingsystemcall..
01702435400 01702435400 01702435400 01702 435400
PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS
advertorial
Has Your Double Glazing Steamed Up? Established for over a decade Cloudy2Clear windows have become a leading company for glass replacement. Issues with double glazing can often be gradual and may only be noticed during a clear sunny day or during the winter. A failed glass unit may no longer provide you with the protection you need or be energy efficient. Why not spend a few minutes checking your home to see if you have any failed double glazing? If you act now you can avoid these problems. Now, you may think you need to replace the
whole window including the frames and all the hardware, however Cloudy2Clear have come up with a simple and cost saving solution‌ Just replace the glass!! If you see condensation in your windows just visit our website or give us a call on 0800 61 21 118. We will send out our highly experienced engineers for a free no obligation quote. A Cloudy2Clear quote takes on average no longer than 20 minutes. Once the quote is completed, we will sit down with you and explain the problem and tell you how we can fix it.
With years of experience Cloudy2Clear have a wealth of knowledge and are recognised as a Which Trusted Trader, plus our work is backed by an industry leading 25 year guarantee. Cloudy2Clear also replace faulty locks handles and hinges on all windows and doors. Your friendly local Cloudy2Clear specialist is Chris Miller and he services the Rayleigh & Eastwood areas. So, if your windows are steamed up, broken or damaged give Chris a call for a free quotation on 0800 61 21 118.
Cloudy2Clear GUARANTEE All Customers That An Average Quote Will Take No Longer Than 20 MINS!!!
Cloudy2Clear Windows... Service With A Smile!
PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS
7
Savings Roundup Marcus drives easy access savings rates higher In October, I wrote about the launch of Marcus, part of Goldman Sachs. Prior to their launch, the best easy access accounts were paying 1.35%, so it was a surprise when such a big name entered the market with a headline rate of 1.50%. Although 0.15% of this is a bonus for twelve months, the revert rate of 1.35% after a year comfortably sat in our best buys anyway. Unsurprisingly, the bank announced they had attracted 50,000 savers within ten days of launching! Early in November, Marcus announced that figure had doubled to 100,000 with more than £2.3bn saved with them. There haven’t been any updates since which may be due to their growth slowing. This is because their arrival to the market has forced other providers to respond. Last month, we featured Nottingham Building Society’s eSaver paying 1.55%, which briefly topped Marcus. Savers needed to be faster than Usain Bolt to take advantage though, with the account being withdrawn within 48 hours of launch due to the overwhelming demand. However, other banks have responded too with Kent Reliance and Virgin Money joining Marcus
10
in paying 1.50% on their account. The Kent Reliance account is particularly attractive as it can be opened and managed by internet, post and in branch – with the former building society (now part of FTSE listed One Savings Bank plc) having nine branches across Kent and the South East – and having no restrictions on the account. Virgin Money’s Double Take eSaver comes with a lower £1 opening account balance than Kent Reliance’s, but savers can only with draw money twice a year from the account. There’s also a clutch of banks paying 1.40%, including Charter Savings Bank, Essex based Shawbrook and Sainsbury’s Bank as well as NS&I’s Premium Bonds paying a prize pool of 1.40%. This is all good news for savers and a 20% increase on where easy access rates were at the start of 2018! Children’s savings for Christmas With Christmas looming, I often get asked which are the best savings accounts for children, from parents and relatives who want to gift money – either instead of a present or in addition to. The good news is there are some great options for children as banks are keen to attract them. Banks know that statistically we are more likely to leave our partners than our bank! Therefore, they are keen
to attract children in, knowing there’s a good chance many will stay with them when they are adults. Consequently, they offer some very attractive rates. Children’s savings typically come in two options. Regular savings style accounts which look for a minimum monthly commitment and ordinary instant savings accounts which can be accessed without any notice being required. The regular savings versions offer the best rates with Halifax paying 4.5% on their ‘Kids Monthly Saver’ which can be opened online or in their network of branches. A minimum monthly commitment of £10 is required. Saffron Building Society, which has a network of branches across Essex, pays 4% on their Children’s Regular Saver, which has a lower monthly minimum commitment of £5 per month – a rate that they have paid since 2015 – and can also be opened and managed by post. For parents looking for an account that doesn’t need a regular commitment, Nationwide pay 2.50% on their Future Saver account. If the parent also has a Nationwide account then that rate is boosted to 3.50%. However, the rate is reduced by 0.50% if you make more than
one withdrawal a year. Relatives looking for an account with no restrictions should look at Virgin Money’s Young Saver which pays 2.25% and can be opened in their stores or by post. Accounts can be opened with just £1 too. Halifax’s Kid’s saver pays 2% and can be accessed via their branches and managed online, once opened (in a branch). What are the best rates currently? The savings market can and does move quickly, so we always recommend that you check our website for the latest rates. At time of going to print, our best personal savings rates are:
Terms
Interest Rate
Provider
Instant Savings
1.50%
Kent Reliance and Virgin Money
Notice
1.87%
Gatehouse Bank
1 Year
2.05%
Atom Bank, Tandem and Bank of London & Middle East
18 Month
2.25%
Metro Bank and Bank of London & Middle East
2 Year
2.35%
Investec Bank
3 Year
2.42%
Al Rayan Bank
4 Year
2.45%
Bank of London & Middle East and Ikano Bank
5 Year
2.70%
Atom Bank and Bank of London & Middle East
James Blower Founder Savings Guru Ltd
www.thesavings.guru hello@thesavings.guru @SavingsGuruUK
That’s all for December. As always, this article is reproduced on our website www.thesavings.guru, with links to all the accounts and providers mentioned. I hope you all have a fantastic Christmas and see you in 2019!
11
Happy Christmas… Say it with Flowers from
Courts of Rayleigh
Fresh Bouquets, arrangements and Planted Bowls and Poinsettias Christmas Wreaths & Garlands Table Decorations, Chocolates and Soft Toys Deliveries to all areas, phone orders welcome
01268 777983
54 Eastwood Road Rayleigh, Essex
www.courtsofrayleigh.co.uk
A family run domestic appliance repair and installation company based in Benfleet.
F
riendly, r reliable & -in o t l i u p rofession B ing d n a l service a st Agents for Free
Repair & Install most brands!
01268 750485 - 07790 449449 info@amaservice.co.uk www.amaservice.co.uk Like us @amabenfleet
agreement, which is 585 pages long, is based on originally on the Chequers Agreement. Having read the entire agreement, which is in fact a draft international treaty with the European Union, I strongly believe that this would be a truly awful deal for Britain and would not represent a true Brexit that my constituents voted for, by 67% to 33%.
MARK FRANCOIS Conservative Parliamentary MP for Rayleigh & Wickford
This month MPs will be debating the Prime Minister’s Withdrawal Agreement in the House of Commons before voting on its terms in the so-called “Meaningful Vote”. The
Amongst other things, the agreement would commit us to paying £39 billion to the EU, for absolutely nothing guaranteed in return. Moreover, it would still leave us subservient to the judgements of the European Court of Justice (ECJ) and because of something called the “backstop”, it could drag us into a Customs Union, which would prevent us doing international trade deals of our own and which we could then never leave, without the prior agreement of the EU. Taken together this would represent a
massive surrender of sovereignty from Parliament to the EU – which I could never accept. Since the Chequers agreement, I and other senior members of the European Research Group (ERG), led by my colleague Jacob Rees-Mogg MP, have been attempting to persuade the Prime Minister that a Chequers style deal would not pass in the House of Commons. I strongly believe that a free trade agreement known as “Super Canada”, would represent a far better alternative, as we would be out of the Single Market, out of the Customs Union and, crucially, no longer subject to the jurisdiction of the ECJ. By time this article has been printed, the Meaningful Vote will have already taken place and events may well have moved on quite a bit. However, I will have voted against the Agreement and I hope this article will explain why.
PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS
11
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 Parakeets will be familiar to many of us who have visited Hyde Park or areas south and west of London. They are now coming into Essex, still sporadically distributed, but becoming regular at some sites such as Thorndon Park and many people report Parakeets using their garden bird feeders. Most of these birds are Ring-Necked, also known as Rose-Ringed, Parakeets. They are native to Africa and Asia as far north as the Himalayas but now found in 35 countries including many European cities. The origin of the UK population has been attributed to escapes by birds used in the filming of The African Queen, the release of a pair by Jimi Hendrix and damage to aviaries in the great storm of 1987. More likely it is just through general escapes by, or deliberate release of, this popular cage bird. The UK population is estimated now at around 60000 and growing rapidly. Although they are preyed on by some raptors, their long breeding season and versatile diet of nuts, seeds, fruit and vegetables and their endurance to all weathers, makes them successful. They are a pest in some countries, in Israel and India for example, they decimate crops. In our country they have sometimes hit wine production by gorging on grapes and also have damaged some buildings when enlarging ventilation holes or ripping into timbers inside roofs. Ring-necked Parakeets certainly out-compete many of our native garden birds by bullying them and monopolising the feeders, although our Starlings sometimes will stand up to them. They are known to prise apart the frames of squirrel proof feeders. Although we could expect them to compete with some of our wildlife for natural nest holes there is little evidence yet of effects on our native populations. Bats, tits and sparrows use holes with apertures too small for Parakeets and the Nuthatch, which typically uses an old woodpecker hole, has been itself increasing in recent years.
. 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
In the cities many people feel that the Parakeets, with their noise, colour and antics are a pleasant addition and enhance our well-being. They have adapted to man’s environment and it seems they will be growing more rapidly than the human population in our increasing urbanised country. https://www. kent.ac.uk/parrotnet/
12
PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS
fLet
us help you in your search for a suitable memorial for someone you have lost.
We can: • Provide you with a wide range of traditional and modern memorials. • Help you with your own memorial design (if you want something unique) • Deal with the cemetery permit application on your behalf • Supply you with high quality stone at affordable prices • Comment on the most suitable types of stone for the memorial that you want • Help you with the inscription – including the available lettering methods – and the ones to avoid • Fix your memorial in accordance with the latest safety guidelines • Provide guarantees for the stone and work provided, offering peace of mind.
Our prices attract new customers. Our service attracts future recommendations from those customers.
Please call us for a brochure and price list or visit our website:
www.abbeymemorialsltd.co.uk Works and Showroom: Rawreth Industrial Estate, Rawreth Lane, Rayleigh, Essex SS6 9RL Tel: 0800 288 4704 • Fax: 01268 782990 • Email: info@abbeymemorialsltd.co.uk
ITS OK CAMPAIGN
T
Its ok not to be ok
he Its OK Campaign started just a month ago because of an idea Myself and Sarah Flynn had. I have personally been diagnosed with Military PTSD from my time in the Royal Air Force and also Bipolar. Sarah Suffers with Anxiety and Depression. So with our own personal battles with Mental Health and how hard we have found it to get help, we wanted to raise awareness by starting our own campaign.
to help us and in turn help others when it comes to mental health. We
are currently interviewing Paralympian Hannah Stodel, Footballer Jamie O’Hara, Olympic Gold Medallist Amy Williams and Celebrity Calum Best. These interviews will make up an instrumental part of our Project to go into schools and colleges to speak to students about mental health. Telling the stories of great sports people and their experiences with mental health will show that it can affect anyone. In addition to this, we have recently announced Nicola McLean as our first Campaign Ambassador.
...IT CAN AFFECT ANYONE.
We started by holding Instagram Live Chats every Wednesday evening at 8pm. After the first one we noticed our follows drastically grew. On that basis I had the idea that maybe if people heard celebrities talk about their battles with mental health, other people would think it was such a taboo subject. We have now been in touch with a number of celebrities and sports personalities that all want
14
If anyone would like to contact us or even keep track of our progress and stories then just follow us on instagram and Twitter - @itsok_campaign
PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS
Protect Your World With HomeCover ails!
Call Or Visit Our Website For Det • • • • •
Payments Start From Only £5.95 per month Full System Health Check & Boiler Service Included Various Plans To Meet Your Needs Parts & Labour Included (Silver, Gold & Landlord Plan) Giving You Overall Peace Of Mind!
email: accounts@essex-maintenance.co.uk
www.essex-maintenance.co.uk Telephone: 01702 716354
(ESSEX)Limited (ESSEX)Limited
ALL BUILDING TRADES CATERED FOR & SMALL WORKS UNDERTAKEN
A Company Who Cares with Local Staff MONDAY – SATURDAY (ESSEX)Limited 7AM TO 8PM
Estimates for all insurance works Internal walls/external walls removed Concrete paths,driveways, block paving All Plastering ceilings and walls New bathrooms /toilets and showers trays Patios & Concrete repair work undertaken All Decorating & wallpapering Roof repairs / ridge tiles, re-bedded renewed Drain works, repairs, renewal, manhole covers Rendering and Monocouche render Felting /flat roofs strip and re-felt R.S.J and lintels installed Fencing works and concrete, timber posts UPVC Fascias and soffits Floor sanding/ hardwood /Karndean flooring UPVC double glazing windows and doors Wall and floor tiling bathroom and kitchens Garage conversions & Alterations Guttering repairs & renewals Velux windows supplied & fitted Electrical fault finding Tiling floor & wall / Establish 25years All Electrical works re-wires Strip & Re-felting tiled roofs testing & inspections Scaffolding supplied & fitted • New Consumer units fitted /new sockets • Brickwork /Chimney stacks /pointing & removal Kitchen supplied /fitted /alterations to kitchens • • • • • • • • • • • •
Electrical and plumbing works 6year warranty u.p.v.c works doors & windows 10yearwarrant Home pro free Insurance backed guarantee (subject to contract) Fully insured /employers /public liability and contract insurance Free Estimates & Advice References of current clients given on Estimate
Please phone or Email:- Balanceandco@aol.com Web site :- balanceandcoessexltd.co.uk Email:- Balanceandco@aol.com Head office 53 Rhoda Road North Benfleet Essex SS7 3EH Head office tel no 01268794552/ 01268750138 01268 750138 / 01702 910245 Web site :- balanceandcoessexltd.co.uk Email:- Balanceandco@aol.com
If you would like to discuss any items please phone or e-mail:- All works double glazing works and UPVC carry a 10 year warranty All minor works up to £ 10,000.00 Have a 12month warranty Major building up to £100,000.00 carry a 60 months warranty Electrical works & plumbingHead 6 yearoffice warranty Other Road information wanted :-Essex Napit Certification Company(Nap/28738, Electrical NICEIC number ID/ 53 Rhoda Northif Benfleet SS7 3EH Head office tel no 01268794552/ 01268750138 D114220 ID 28236 Fair Trades 267797 register under fair and trades number Insurance as public If you would Fensa like toNumber discuss any items/please phoneNumber or e-mail:All Trust worksmark double glazing works UPVC carry a 10 yearcover warranty liability for min 5 million withHave contract works per job 100,000(Balance andup Company ESSEX carry Ltd reg Number 10227772) All minor works up to £ 10,000.00 a 12month warranty Major building to £100,000.00 a 60 months warranty Electrical works
MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINES WHEN BOOKING
& plumbing 6 year warranty Other information if wanted :- Napit Certification Company(Nap/28738, Electrical NICEIC number ID/ D114220 Fensa Number ID 28236 / Fair Trades Number 267797 Trust mark register under fair trades number Insurance cover as public liability for min 5 million with contract works per job 100,000(Balance and Company ESSEX Ltd reg Number 10227772)
Web site :- balanceandcoessexltd.co.uk Email:- Balanceandco@aol.com Head office 53 Rhoda Road North Benfleet Essex SS7 3EH Head office tel no 01268794552/ 01268750138
If you would like to discuss any items please phone or e-mail:- All works double glazing works and UPVC carry a 10 year warranty All minor works up to £ 10,000.00 Have a 12month warranty Major building up to £100,000.00 carry a 60 months warranty Electrical works
BOB LEIGHTON’S PAINTING & DECORATING
Reliable Local Based Decorator for 30 Years
Quality Interior & Exterior Works
SAFER! SAFER! SAFER! SAFER! FASTER! FASTER! FASTER! FASTER! BETTER! BETTER! BETTER! BETTER!
Specialist in Wallpapering No Job is Too Small Fully Insured
For FREE Friendly Advice & A FREE Quotation Call
01268 693471 07851 974589
or email: info@superGutterVac.co.uk
Call Steve for a no-obligation quote on: DECLUTTER YOUR GUTTER! oror email: email:info@superGutterVac.co.uk info@superGutterVac.co.uk
Call for a no-obligation quote on: or Steve email: info@superGutterVac.co.uk 01702 203577
Call Steve for a no-obligation quote on: Callor Steve for a no-obligation quote on: 07789 954094 01702 203577
01702 203577 or 07789 954094 or 07789 954094
07789203577 954094 or 01702
DRIVEWAYS, PATIOS AND ALL LANDSCAPING SERVICES Over 40 Years Experience
BestPaveLtd
LOCATED IN RAYLEIGH ESSEX
Telephone:
01268 984990 or 07935 526268
BEFORE
www.bestpaveltd.co.uk AFTER PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS
17
ROTARY CLUB OF RAYLEIGH MILL Apart from our normal Committee Meeting and Business Meeting evenings on the first two weeks of the month we have had a varied agenda for the rest of the month. Our third Monday meeting saw the members visit the Rayleigh Town Museum where, after drinks and a buffet, we were entertained by two video shows, one on the history of Rayleigh and one on the history of Rayleigh’s cinema, the Regal. Both the Rayleigh natives and the “in-commers” among the members found both shows to be enlightening and entertaining. Jackie Wellman, on behalf of the members, thanked the Rayleigh Town Museum Volunteers for their efforts in putting together both the video show and the excellent buffet. On the fourth meeting of the month, prior to our customary meal, the members and their guest were entertained by The Music Man Project which was set up by David Stanley in Southend in 2001 with the express purpose of providing children with learning difficulties or special needs with the equipment and guidance to be able to express and enjoy themselves through the medium of music. The Project was the main beneficiary of the club’s Charity Golf Day and Senior-Vice president, Jackie Wellman was happy to be able to present David Stanley and the members of the Project with a cheque for £3000. Our final activity of the month was to take part in the Rayleigh Christmas Lights Ceremony where the club had a Tombola stall with children’s cuddly toys. The stall was an unqualified success in finding homes for a large number of cuddly toys, raising £247 for club funds and making lots of children very happy. If you are interested in getting involved in the community and increasing your social circle, please see our website at www.rayleighmillrotary.org.uk to find out more about us and what we do.
RAYLEIGH LIONS CLUB The Lions Club of Rayleigh is part of the International Association of Lions Clubs, and our primary aim is to raise and distribute funds within out local area. The Lions Club Of Rayleigh was chartered in 1974 and serves the Rayleigh, Hockley, Hullbridge and Rochford areas. Our club is a Voluntary Service Organisation and a registered charity, we are always looking for people willing to help make their community a better place to live. By visiting our website, you will be able to find out about the work of the international organisation of Lions and the Lions Club of Rayleigh in particular, including our activities and also details of forthcoming events, and who to contact for further information. Our club meets on the 1st (business) & 3rd (social) Tuesdays in every month in Rayleigh. Guests are always welcome. http://www.rayleighlions.org.uk
18
PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS
Rev’d David Oxtoby
In the last few weeks as you’d expect, I’ve being doing Christmas Assemblies and short talks with different children groups around the theme of Christmas. One of the simple ways I’ve done this is to have on 12 posters, 12 things we think are vitally important around Christmas, and have the children hold them up, the list included Turkey, Presents, Family, Christmas Tree, Decorations, Wrapping paper, Tinsel, Snow, Jesus, Brussel Sprouts, Christmas Crackers and Santa. The idea in the talk being we vote of those things that we don’t view as important, and vote to keep those things which are. What was fascinating is seeing how different groups voted, and what made it to number one. Hardly any adults voted for Wrapping paper, because they of course are the ones typically who have to do all the wrapping, Turkey didn’t do very well with the children, and Brussel Sprouts didn’t last long at all (not a huge surprise). What was voted number one each time? Family, and then in around 3rd place we had Jesus. We can of course understand why Family got the vote for the most important thing, and it was interesting that the children voted Presents as only being the 5th or
6th most important thing at Christmas. Spending time with one another in family, is far more valuable than spending money on one another, a wonderful lesson I think straight from the mouths of babes. My other interesting observation, which of course saddens me, is that Jesus isn’t viewed as the most important thing at Christmas, since without Him we wouldn’t even have a Christmas to celebrate. Yet it’s little wonder this is the case, since we often see “Christ” removed from the word Christmas, so we’re only left with Xmas; it’s then little wonder that Jesus is slowly being removed from the biggest festival and celebration of the year. Not that I don’t agree family is important at Christmas, I mean the first Christmas was about family, with Mary, Joseph and Christ; with God coming into the World as a babe, (Emmanuel, God with us) this was all about God restoring each one of us into His family; so yes Christmas is about family, but family with the inclusion of Jesus. God doesn’t need our gifts, presents or offerings, but he like the children, simply long for us to spend time with Him, being in presence, and marveling at the gift of His Son Jesus Christ to the whole World, to each one of us. May our Christmas celebrations be full of joy and cheer, and in the midst of the busyness may we find time to simply dwell with God. Every blessing this Christmas Rev’d David.
Parish Office 01268 742151 info@parishofrayleigh.org.uk
www.parishofrayleigh.org.uk
of Rayleigh
Creative, competitive, conscientious
PATIOS • DRIVEWAYS • FENCING • DECKING • PONDS PLANTING • TURFING • CONSTRUCTION & MAINTENANCE
• City & Guilds trained • Free consultation and estimates • Fully insured
Rayleigh Office: 01268 642896 07703 444244 Email: rjm4landscapes@gmail.com Website: www.rjmlandscapes.co.uk
TO ADVERTISE
CONTACT
01277 658444 sales@aroundtownmagazines.co.uk
FROST FINANCIAL SERVICES
EQUITY RELEASE - LIFETIME MORTGAGES Over 55 years old Release money from your home without moving house Not sure how you will repay your interest only mortgage Help the family children & grandchildren Adapt the home Retain 100% legal ownership of your home THE REASON WHY YOU MUST NOT POSTPONE TRAVEL PLANS UNTIL RETIREMENT
A no negative equity guarantee
For more details go to www.frostfinancial.co.uk/equity-release To enquire or to make an appointment contact Frost Financial Services Endway House, The Endway, Hadleigh, Essex SS7 2AN Phone: 01702 861970 - Email: john@frostfinancialservices.co.uk Frost Financial Services is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registration number: 300133 This is a lifetime mortgage, please ask for a personalised illustration. Unless you decide to go ahead, Frost Service is completely free of charge, as Frost’s advice fee of £1,000 would only be payable upon completion.
PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS
21
MBP Security
Systems
FREE SURVEY
Get a FREE Security Survey
• CCTV Systems
• Network Cabling
• Intruder Alarms
• Access Control Systems
• Intercoms & Door Entry Systems
• Existing Systems Services & Repaired
• Gate Automation • Perimeter Protection • Video Intercoms
For more information please call:
07815 862016 or email:
info@mbpcontractors.co.uk
Marjie’s Theatre & Social Club Getting to know you friendship club West End shows at half price, boat trips, balls, lunches and lots more. Meetings at Rayleigh Golf Club Lords last Monday of the month. The Rayleigh Lodge pub 1st Thursday of the month. Please Speak to Marjie on 01268 78335. Please leave a message and we will call you back. Belvedere Jazz & Music Club 9th January Derek Nash’s Picante Latin 8pm -10:30pm.
Admission £15 8pm -10:30pm. 23rd January The Harlem Meer Cats Sextet 8pm -10:30pm. 30th January Salud! ‘Tom’ Jobim – Georgia Mancio + Mark Crooks Quintet 8pm -10:30pm Admission £12.50 ~ Meals Available www.belvederejazz.co.uk Tel: 07850 607075 or email: belvederejazz@gmail.com The Chichester Hotel, Old London Road, Rawreth, SS11 8UE
16th January Matthew Ford + John Horler Quartet
If you would like to promote your club or event then please email a maximum of 70 words to admin@aroundtownmagazines.co.uk or fill in the form on our website www.aroundtownmagazines.co.uk Please ensure that all contact details are included.
USEFUL NUMBERS
BIRTH, DEATH MARRIAGES REGISTRATION
01268 361350 01268 361351
POLICE Rayleigh Police Station
0300 333 4444
HOSPITALS Brentwood Hospital Basildon Hospital Broomfield Hospital Essex Nuffield Hospital Queen’s Romford Southend Hospital Spire Hartswood Hospital
01277 695000 01268 524900 01245 443673 08453 143350 0845 1304204 01702 435555 01277 232525
HELPLINES Alcoholics Anonymous Childline DIAL Disability Helpline Drugline Essex 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
CHEMISTS Boots the Chemist, Rayleigh 01268 771883 Audley Mills, Rayleigh
01268 776479
Lloyds Pharmacy, Rayleigh
01268 771703
Grange Pharmacy, Rayleigh 01268 784192 Hambro, Rayleigh
01268 781623
Yardley Chemist
01268 743283
BLOOD TEST 01245 256147 0800 11 11 11 01268 294400/1 01708 749151 01245 353575 0300 9991212 111 0808 8002222 116 123 01375 380609 0845 4565995 01268 541140
Booking Line
01702 746511
ROAD & TRAVEL UPDATES Essex Travel www.bbc.co.uk/travelnews/essex COUNCILS Rochford District Council
01702 546366
Rayleigh Town Council
01268 741880
TRANSPORT Bus Service
0870 6082608
Rail Service
08457 484950
TAXIS Rayleigh Taxi Bestax Abba Cars Cab Call Cab 24/7
01268 531888 01268 777300 01268 771666 01268 777300 01268 778877
UTILITIES Anglian Water 0345 145145 Electricity – Power Supply Problems 0800 7838838 Gas – Urgent Calls / Gas Escapes 0800 111999 Minicom – Transco 0800 371787 Thames Water (Supply or Wastewater Services) 0845 9200800 Three Valleys Water 0345 823333 Water – Essex & Suffolk Water 01245 491234 VETS YourVets Vets4Pets Rochford Veterinary Surgery Downes Vets Medivet LIBRARIES Rayleigh
01268 745180 01268 772283 01702 545558 01268 776883 01702 413902
0845 603 7628
PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS
23