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CONTENTS 06
Mark Francois
10
Recipe
12
Nature Notes
18
Rotary Club / Lions Club
20
James Blower
24
A View from the Church
26
What’s On
27
Political Update
Pumpkin Pudding
EWT Volunteer Neil Sumner
Organisations Around Town
Arterial B
01702 512391 ~ 07
06
The Savings Guru
Rev’d David Oxtoby
When and Where...
Useful Numbers
Around Town Magazines Graphic House, Radford Way, Billericay CM12 0DX
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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.
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In the com 01277 658444
E: arterialblinds@hotmail.co www.aroundtownmagazines.co.uk sales@aroundtownmagazine.co.uk
precept on the council tax, specifically to pay for 150 additional police officers in Essex, who are already beginning to be deployed across the county. To recap, while my 78,000 constituents generally do not like paying increased taxation, I have received not one single complaint about this increase to pay for more coppers.
MARK FRANCOIS Conservative Parliamentary MP for Rayleigh & Wickford
As you may remember in my article last month I wrote about the encouraging news that the Essex Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, Mr Roger Hirst had added £12 to the annual policing
Following on from this news, I recently paid a visit to the Castlepoint and Rochford Police Cadets, who parade weekly in the sixth form block at Fitzwimarc School. As my older brother, Brian Francois, served as a police officer in the Met for 30 years and having served myself in the Territorial Army during the Cold War, I was delighted to be invited to inspect the cadets on parade. This gave me the opportunity to speak personally with each of the 25 of them about their motivations for joining the police cadets as well as what they wish to do in later life. The cadets were very smartly turned out and their drill was very good. It was excellent to hear that
around 95% of the cadets present had expressed a desire to join the police force when they are old enough to help serve and protect the public. The unit, which is led by PC Steve Judd from Rayleigh police station, is due to expand considerably next January after the kind offer by FitzWimarc headteacher, Mr Robert Harris, to allow them to use more of the facilities in the 6th form block for training. This will enable the cadets to increase from around 25 members at present to 60 from early next year (they already have a waiting list for new members). I had a fantastic evening with the Cadets and I wish them all the best for their respective futures. If anyone is interested in joining our local police cadets, they are encouraged to seek more information from their website https://www.essex.police.uk/jointhe -police -en/volunteers/cadets/ alternatively you can telephone PC Steve Judd on 07967339050 for further information.
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9
RECIPE Pumpkin Pudding Pumpkin Pudding
Ingredients: Enough plain pastry for a 7 inch tin ½ cup sugar 1 tsp ground cinnamon ½ tsp salt 1/ tsp ground ginger ¼ tsp ground cloves 2 large eggs 1 can evaporated milk 15oz pureed pumpkin ½ cup melted dark chocolate
Method:
1. Prepare your pastry and line 5. Add the pumpkins and sugar mixture to the eggs. inch baking (bottom from the Children’s hat time aof7year again whendish the scrapings and sides). Halloween crafts can be put to good use! 6. Gradually stir in the evaporated milk.
2. Preheat the oven to 180oc 7. Pour mixture 1. Prepare your pastry and line a 7 inch baking dishthe (bottom and onto the pastry. sides). o 3. Combine thethe sugar, cinnamon, 2. Preheat oven to 180 c for a 7 8. Bake for 40 minutes. salt, cloves in a salt, gingerDo 3. ginger Combineand the sugar, cinnamon, andnot cloves in a small overbake. small bowl. bowl. 4. Beat the eggs in a large bowl. mon 9. Cool on a wire rack and serve 5. Add the pumpkins and sugar mixture to the eggs. 4. Beat the eggs in a large bowl. with melted chocolate. 6. Gradually stir in the evaporated milk. r 7. Pour the mixture onto the pastry. minutes. not overbake. If8.you Bake would for like40 your recipe to Do appear in Around Town Magazines then contact our sales team on: 9. Cool on a wire rack and serve with melted chocolate. 01277 658444
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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 Each season brings different sensations to enjoy in the natural world. In autumn, in our gardens, parks and nature reserves we enjoy colourful leaves, fungi and berries and smells of ripened fruit. Parties of Scandinavian thrushes come to the hedgerows and other small birds, including the tiny Goldcrest, migrate here to find food and shelter. Largely unseen are rodents feeding on nuts and berries to build up fat reserves to see them through the winter and Foxes start to establish their territories with high pitched barks during the night. Probably the biggest impact of autumn is the trees as their leaves turn from dull green to various shades of yellow, orange and red. The importance of trees, especially, in our towns and cities, is much more than just visually enhancing the street scene and open spaces. Trees provide us with oxygen, store carbon and help to clean our air by filtering out toxins and pollutants. In the ground they reduce flooding by regulating the flow of water and holding the soil so preventing erosion. And they are temperature regulators too. I recently met someone who moved into a house next to two fine oak trees which were removed by a neighbour within a few years. The house became noticeably hotter after the removal of these natural air conditioners. Trees also are good for our mental health and well being. We have a natural affnity w ith t hem a nd w alking a mongst woodlands has been proven as an anti-dote to stress and depression. As with so many elements of our natural world, trees are under pressure. Because of the leaves it drops, the light it filters or the space it takes, a tree is sometimes perceived as a nuisance. New housing developments leave little room for them, and many front gardens have been paved and their trees have gone. Trees do outgrow their space or become diseased but a professional tree surgeon can often cut back, rather than remove, the tree so it still safely performs its essential services. In response to the loss of many trees and desire to protect those remaining, many towns in Essex, including Billericay, have created Tree Wardens to promote the value of the trees, look for threats to them. New Tree Wardens are always needed so if you might want to be one and so help to conserve the natural environment within the Town please get in touch. Neilsumner123@aol.com
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A special antiques and collectables valuation event will be taking place soon in your area. The experts of Lockdales Auctioneers will be providing free valuations to the public on Friday 9th November, 10am to 2pm at Wick Community Centre, Silva Island Way, Wickford, Essex, SS12 9NR (complimentary car parking on-site subject to availability). There will be some earlier events in Canvey Island 5th November, and Leigh on Sea 7th November. See our website www.lockdales.com for full details. There will be experts providing valuations on the following types of collectables: Coins (including British & World, sovereigns, Krugerrands, Royal Mint commemoratives & proof sets), stamps, banknotes, medals & militaria, antiques, clocks, watches, jewellery, gold, silver, pre-1900 documents/books & maps, cigarette-cards, postcards, pre-1960 sporting programmes & tickets, pens, vintage toys, vintage comics, scientific instruments, swords, bayonets, de-activated and antique firearms. No appointment is necessary at this event, simply turn up with your items and the valuers will be happy to see you. Members of the public will have the option, if they wish, to consign their goods to auction (subject to terms & conditions). Cash purchase offers are also available.Valuations will be provided free of charge, with no obligation. High quality illustrated catalogues from previous auctions will be given away on a complimentary basis in order for the public to get a better idea of the services available. We recently broke the British record for a Rolex Submariner watch sold at auction. On 11th October 2017 we sold an example made c.1964 with orange numerals for nearly £280,000 including premium. This achievement was reported in the national media. The owner consigned the watch to auction at one of our valuation events in the east of England. Many other star items have turned up at our events. If you have any questions feel free to contact Lockdales’ Martlesham offices: 01473 627110, sales@lockdales.com
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ROTARY CLUB OF RAYLEIGH MILL The Australian Airline, Qantas, in a very generous gesture has donated surplus stocks of crockery, cutlery and 1000 blankets, that could easily have been discarded, to the clubs in Rotary District 1240. The Rotary Club of Rayleigh Mill chose to donate their allocation the Southend homeless charity, HARP, where they were gratefully received. The club had a visit from the Honorary Member, Rayleigh and Wickford MP Mark Francois who regaled the members with a talk on his motivation to become and MP, and his most rewarding moments which included, as Armed Forces Minister, fighting for and achieving the purchase of the technically superior Genium prosthetic limbs for disabled servicemen and women. 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
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Savings Roundup Interest rates on savings on the rise There were two significant movements in the savings market at the end of September which were good news for savers. The first came on the 27th September when Marcus launched. Marcus is part of Goldman Sachs and is named after its founder, Marcus Goldman, who set the Bank up in 1869. While Goldman’s is famed for being the bank of multimillionaires with a $10m minimum entry point, Marcus will let you open an account with just £1. With a launch rate of 1.50%, which is the best easy access savings rate since March 2016, many savers are expected to do just that. Admittedly, the account comes with a 0.15% bonus that is payable for the first 12 months, however, even without it, the account comfortably makes our best buy tables with only Charter Savings (1.40%), Kent Reliance (1.37%) and Virgin Money (1.36%) currently beating the 1.35% on offer after the bonus expires. While the Marcus account can only be opened online, it has much going for it, aside from the attractive interest rate. The internet application is slick and easy to complete – within 5 minutes. The £1 minimum balance means it’s open to even the smallest of savers. It pays interest monthly, which will appeal to income seekers, and any change of interest rate comes with two months warning before it is implemented.
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The significance of the move is that Marcus is looking to raise high volumes deposits from savers. Whereas many of the new banks have only been looking to raise a few hundred million of the £1.5trillion savings market, Marcus is understood to want much more. This means we expect the competitive rate to be around for a while and we expect to see other banks raise their interest rates to respond. Islamic Banks on the move The second move that was important for savers was that Islamic Banks, BLME and Al Rayan, increased their rates on 18 months (BLME), 2 and 3 Year Fixed Bonds (Al Rayan). Nothing new here I can hear observant savers say! That’s true, Islamic Banks are often at the top of the tables due to some UK savers being uncomfortable with the fact they pay ‘expected profit’ rather than interest. This is despite the FSCS protection and that none have failed to pay the expected profit rate yet. The significance is that they’ve been left behind with a number of mainstream rivals either paying similar rates or overtaking them. This move just brings them back to what’s often been natural positioning. What it means though is that we are likely to see a further response from some of those banks and we expect to see a consolidation around these price points and possibly a few breakout slightly higher. Given that we have now seen a (pretty much) 0.20% rise in rates
across all products since the turn of the year, equivalent to 10% rise or more in some categories, any consolidation or further rises will be a boon for savers in a market that has been a desert for the past few years. Upgraded website A couple of months ago, I mentioned that we were investing in upgrading the website. The new look went live at the end of September and we now have a cleaner, more modern look and feel. As well as this, we’ve made a number of enhancements with the site now covering: • Business savings • Six banking providers per category • 18 month fixed rate bonds with a dedicated page • Videos on helpful topics like the Financial Services Compensation Scheme There’s more still to come with a banking directory under construction, which will provide detailed insight in to all the providers in the market. This is in response to feedback from a number of readers who have asked about some of the newer banks, who they are and whether they are safe. With around 200 banks and building societies operating in the UK, this is quite a piece of work. The first banks will go live this month with more being added on a regular basis. We’d love to hear your feedback so please do let us know – drop us a line on the website or email us at hello@thesavings.guru
Savings Guru supports Billericay charity BOSP with football partnership For the 2017/18 season, Savings Guru is sponsoring Billericay Town forward Jake Robinson. Last season the striker scored 57 goals and this year Savings Guru have pledged £10 per goal to Billericay based charity BOSP (Brighter Opportunities through Supported Play). BOSP look after over 600 children and young people with very serious disabilities all over Essex and rely 100% on donations. Jake has continued this season where he left off last year and has 12 goals already to his name! That’s £120 already for BOSP and we hope that Jake continues to find the net so that we write an even bigger cheque for BOSP. What are the best rates currently? The market can move quickly, so we always recommend that you check our website for the latest rates. At time of going to print, our best paying personal savings rates are:
Terms
Interest Rate
Provider
Instant Savings
1.50%
Marcus by Goldman Sachs
Notice
1.85%
PCF Bank
1 Year
2.05%
Bank of London & Middle East
18 Months
2.25%
Bank of London & Middle East
2 Year
2.32%
Al Rayan Bank
3 Year
2.42%
Al Rayan Bank
4 Year
2.52%
Vanquis Bank
5 Year
2.70%
Bank of London & Middle East
James Blower Founder Savings Guru Ltd
www.thesavings.guru hello@thesavings.guru @SavingsGuruUK
That’s all for this month. As always, this article is reproduced on our website www.thesavings.guru, with links to all the accounts and providers mentioned. Have a fabulous October and see you in November!
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Rev’d David Oxtoby
Remembering Well I recall a book I read during my Theological Studies that talked about the value of memory, and the importance of remembering things well. I often paraphrase the general idea of this book whenever I’m asked to conduct a funeral service, something which is an immense privilege, being invited to walk alongside a family, and help shape the service so that a loved one’s life is remembered well. We see in particular at roadsides many flower tributes and small memorials, that reveal the tragic loss of someone in a road accident, and we see this also with national tragedies such as Grenfell, where the act of honouring the lost, and remembering well their lives, is now part of the fabric of our culture. It is with this in mind, and aware that we have Remembrance Sunday coming soon, that I encourage us as a community to remember well those who have given, and still give, their lives for the sake of peace. This Remembrance Sunday there will be a march of uniform groups, that will leave Websters Way Car-Park at 9:40am, convening at Holy Trinity church in time for the main service inside the Church and Parish Centre Main Hall commencing at 10:15am; with a shorter service also outside the Royal British Legion memorial Hall at 10:40am. As this Remembrance Sunday also marks the 100th anniversary of the end of Word War One, there will be a Battles Over service at the Beacon (outside The Mill Arts & Events Centre), commencing at 6:30pm. We look forward to welcoming you at any of these services to show your support, and remember well those who have paid the greatest price.
Of course suffering and loss isn’t something from years gone by, but is still present in our everyday lives, be it through the loss of a loved one, or the anniversary of a loved ones passing; and it doesn’t just have to be the loss of another person, but we are also deeply moved and grieved through the loss of pets, who become to many of us, part of the family. With this in mind, Holy Trinity are starting a group every first Thursday of the month from 2-3:30pm in the Parish Centre; for those bereaved to come together for support and companionship. We also have on Sun 4th November at 3pm a service to remember all our loved ones who have died in former years, what we call our All Souls Service, where we can gather, light a candle, and remember well the lives of those who we love, and still feel the pain of loss since their passing. Though this article has indeed touched on subjects that often as a society we shy away from mentioning, I want to conclude with a quote from 1 Corinthians 15, that puts suffering and loss in perspective. Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality. When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” Every Blessing in Christ Rev’d David.
Remembrance Sunday Service Holy Trinity Church - 10:15am Royal British Legion Memorial Hall - 10:40am St Michael’s Church - 10:50am Battles Over (100 Yrs since the ending of WWI) The Beacon (outside The Mill) - 6:30pm
Parish Office 01268 742151 info@parishofrayleigh.org.uk
www.parishofrayleigh.org.uk
HAVENS HOSPICE The
Charity’s festive fun run returns A local charity is bringing their festive fun run back for its 11th year this December. Little Havens Hospice are holding their annual Run Santa Run event in Wat Tyler Country Park in Basildon from 10am on Sunday 2nd December, which is the perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit with friends and family all whilst raising vital funds for charity. Registration is now open and participants can choose between a 4.5k Santa Run and a 2k Reindeer Run for those with little legs! Santa outfits (complete with a hat and a beard!) or Reindeer antlers with a flashing nose are included in the ticket price. Alongside the two festive fun runs, the charity is being joined by Santa who will be in his grotto from 10am-2pm, Christmas characters, a toy sale, live music/choirs and more surprises throughout the day!
difference they make to families every day. It is nice to know that by having a laugh together and taking part in a really fun event where we can be a little bit silly we’re helping the Care Team continue to provide the specialist care and support for free and for as long as it is needed.” Cathryn Wood, Events Fundraiser for Little Havens said “We always look forward to our Santa Run – our motto at Little Havens is ‘Making every day count’ and this event really is about just that. It’s absolutely fantastic when we get groups like the Little Havens receptionists sign up because we want it to be an event for friends and families to have fun with one another and start getting into the Christmas spirit.” To sign up for Run Sant Run visit www.havenshospices.org.uk/santarun
The charity is encouraging families, friends and work colleagues to use the event as the kick-off to the Christmas season. One team who will be joining in the festive fun is the Little Havens reception team who have signed up as part of their Christmas party. Paula Faupel, Receptionist at Little Havens said “We’re all looking forward to Run Santa Run; it’s going to be a fun way of kicking off our team Christmas celebration! And it’s lovely to be able to fundraise for them, because we see the
Photo: Little Havens Reception Team are taking part – Paula Faupel and her dog Polly, Sharon Kadwill, Laura Sanders, Clare Brown, Michelle Bird, Valerie Bunting
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Gone Too Soon ‘Gone Too Soon’ is bereavement support for Parents who have lost a Son or Daughter.
For further details, please contact Lyn on 07387 805406 or email lyn-currie@hotmail. co.uk
Meeting Dates: 19th November
Please Speak to Marjie on 01268 783351 Please leave a message and we will call you
Marjie’s Theatre & Social Club Meetings are held on the third Monday of Getting to know you friendship club each month at Reids, 66-68 Laindon Road, West End shows at half price, boat trips, balls, Billericay CM12 9LB from 7.00 - 9.00 p.m. lunches and lots more. Meetings at Rayleigh Golf Club Lords last Monday of The group is aimed to give parents the the month. opportunity to come together, to talk to people who can relate and understand The Rayleigh Lodge pub 1st Thursday of how it feels to lose a child, and offer the month. support through the grief journey.
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.
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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
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