H L E I G R AY 0 1 7 0 3 . 2 FAILURE TO APPROVE YOUR ARTWORK BY
30TH JUNE WILL RESULT IN THE ARTWORK BEING DISPLAYED AS
Contact: MrJUNE Adam Prescott / Invoice Number: 34366 30TH RESULT IN THE ARTWORK BEING DISPLAYED AS SHOWN 30TH JUNE WILL RESULT INWILL THE ARTWORK BEING DISPLAYED AS SHOWN
FAILUREYOUR TO APPROVE YOUR FAILURE TO APPROVE ARTWORK BY ARTWORK BY
Contact: Mr Adam Prescott / Invoice Number: Contact: Mr Adam Prescott / Invoice Number: 3436634366
CALL NOW!
01268 293 440
CALL NOW! CALL NOW!
01268 293 01268 293www.rjbconstructionandlining.co. 440440 www.rjbconstructionandlining.co.uk www.rjbconstructionandlining.co.uk
257MM
257MM
All Digger Work - Drainage Tarmacadam - Hand & Machine Lay - Hot Tar & Shingle/Resin Bonded - Block Paving/Concrete - Council Vehicle Crossings - Brick Work White Lining Hot Thermo Plastic & Rubberized TrafďŹ c Paints
01268 281762 www.rjbconstructionandlining.co.uk Elm Farm, London Road, Crays Hill, Billericay CM11 2UZ DiggerAllWork Block Paving / Concrete 07977All992211 Digger WorkAll Digger Work Block Paving / Concrete Block Paving / Concrete DrainageDrainage Tarmacadam Tarmacadam
Drainage
Council Vehicle CouncilCrossings Vehicle Crossings Council Vehicle Crossings Brick Work Brick Work
DO YOU NEED A NEW BOILER? A-rated boilers installed Low cost finance available Low apr of 9.9% with ÂŁ0 deposit available 10 year manufacturer warranties on selected boilers Complete piece of mind once installed Save up to ÂŁ350 a year on gas bills Smartphone enabled thermostats Powerflushing & servicing CALL FOR A FREE ESTIMATE
01268 425 144 07903 232 142 info@1stboilers.co.uk | www.1stboilers.co.uk
LocaL company, ExcELLEnt QuaLity, affordabLE pricing
by the residents n e se e g a ss e m r Get you little as £25 s a r fo h ig le y a R f o wn Magazines To d n u ro A h it w n Leaflet distributio Re deTAiLs ConTACT foR Mo No matter if you need a one off copy, or thousands of corporate brochures, we are your local printer. ll calendars en we needed 1000 wa t price and lead time wh bes the ly return to ed nite iver defi del will o We Lith “Black Square nt service from the offset. elle exc ed vid pro m tea Billericay!” printed. Adam and his A great local business in them for future printing.
Billericay based business
“We love the magazines and are
very pleased to have swappe d printers. I have already rece ived a better service than at my last two printers!”
Kent based business with a mo
nthly order of 6,000 magazines
01277 658444
www.blacksquarelitho.co.uk sales@blacksquarelitho.co.uk
Graphic House, Radford Way, Billericay, Essex CM12 0DX
FEED THE WHOLE FAMILY WITH GOURMET DELIVERY. FAMILY FEAST
OF FISH ONLY £20!
Two pieces of haddock, two jumbo fish fingers, four portions of chips and two pots of mushy peas or beans.
All of our fish are freshly prepared and our chips are cut by hand. We use only the best ingredients to ensure quality is being delivered to you, time and time again.
DELIVERY 01268 655184
06
CONTENTS 11 N OO M S W OOOOD E N WRNTW ON BRE H S GI
Mark Francois
AMAZO
www.amazonwind
N NI E OP
Essex's Leading Blind, Awning & Interior Recipe Hot Cross Buns 10Shutter Specialists for over 100 Years Nature Notes
12
Political Update
EWT Volunteer Neil Sumner
01277 809047
16
Martin Lewis
20
Around Town SportsFollowing 5 years of continued
14
26
Amazon Windows are one of the areas largest windows, door and conservatory companies serving Hampshire, Berkshire, Surrey and Essex.
Money Saving Expert
installations in the area, with many recommendations we have decided to create a one-stop showroom for all your Home Improvement needs.
Focuses on Badminton
22 Rotary Club / Lions Club FANTASTIC Organisations Around Town
23 What’s On
When and Where...
INTRODUCTORY OFFERS
AMAZON OFFER A COMPLETE BU ON ALL ORANGERIES AND CONSE
GROUNDWORKERS BRICKLAYERS 3 PLASTERERS 3
3
ELECTRI PLUMBE TILERS 3
After an initial survey a schedule will fo trades booked in. Amazon will make your build as stress
• Great Offers on the New 2017
types 40 of Interior Window • Factory Showroom with Amazon Free replacement ParkingWindow • All Edition To advertise contact our Sales Team today, details • Amazing range of Amazon Front Doors • Large Luxaflex Inspiration Display below. Booking • Custom-Made Window deadline for our April edition is: Shu A View from the Church for 2017 Monday 20th March Rev. Mike Lodge • Enquire into the well-received Amazon • Weinor Patio Awning Showroom • Conservatory Blinds Solid Roof with additional discounts • Made-to-Measure Curtains & Accessories • Home & Commercial for 2017
24
Copyright 2017. 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 INFORMATION CONTACT 01277 514624 OR VISIT WWW.AMAZONWIN Around Town Magazines. Around Town Magazines are published by Black Square Print Media Ltd produced by Black Square Litho Ltd.
Numbers 27As aUseful local company we offer a wide choice of Blinds, Shutters, Curtain FOR FURTHER
Awnings, with competitive prices all year, plus FREE no obligation quo
Around Town Magazines Graphic House, Radford Way, Billericay CM12 0DX
01277 658444 www.aroundtownmagazines.co.uk sales@aroundtownmagazine.co.uk
Holy Trinity Church in Rayleigh. Mike, who has served Rayleigh residents as our local Rector for many years, has been promoted within the Church of England to become the new Archdeacon of Southend (a post which he had been filling in an acting capacity for some months, due to the illness of his predecessor).
MaRk fRancois conservative Parliamentary MP for Rayleigh & Wickford
The Reverend Mike Lodge By the time this article goes to press the Reverend Cannon Mike Lodge will have conducted his last service as the Rector of
In his new role as Archdeacon, Mike will have oversight of around 90 churches in South East Essex and he will report directly to the Bishop in helping to carry out the Church’s work in the south of the county. Mike, who has contributed to this magazine in the past, will be known to many people in Rayleigh as a hard-working, compassionate and caring man and one who has served us as an excellent Rector during
his time in office. As the local MP I have had dealings with him on a number of occasions, from Holocaust Memorial Day through to civic services and a number of funerals which I have attended down the years. Mike was also very active in the Friends of Holy Trinity, of which I am the President and which has helped to raise hundreds of thousands of pounds over the last twenty years towards the upkeep of this lovely Church at the top of the High Street. While I will be very sorry to see him go as our local Rector, I want to take this opportunity to thank him for everything that he has done for our local community in Rayleigh and to wish him all the very best for his new appointment, which he takes up in the Spring.
ELECTRICIAN With 34 years experience, we can help with any electrical issues! » » » » » »
Fault Finding Extra Sockets Lighting Showers Fuse Boxes Garden Lighting
CALL FOR
FREE ESTIMATES
EMERGENCY CALL OUTS NO JOB TOO SMALL OR TOO BIG WE DONT CHARGE THE EARTH
Call Dave on
07885750744 or 07874225752 deb1956@hotmail.co.uk
6
PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS
PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS
7
LLOYD CARPETS LIMITED
1 ROSEBERRY WALK, CHURCH ROAD, BENFLEET, SS7 4EW
FRIENDLY PERSONAL SERVICE INCLUDING FREE ESTIMATES AND FREE SAMPLE LENDING SERVICE.
TEL: 01268 755044
DOWN HALL G A R D E N S E RV I C E S
ON
SS
LE
For all local garden maintenance - friendly & professional.
Tim Poulter
01268 785101 07761 958072
poplarvista@btinternet.com 8
We Offer Coached Classes for All Ages to Learn the Sport Disability & Special Needs
Pre School Classes Under 5’s
Adult Classes Recreational
Keep Fit Classes Parent/Toddler
Competition & Development Groups Bo the ok to International Level B Best
irth Par day ties
Contact us for more information 1a London Road, Wickford, Essex SS12 0AW info@ultima-tc.club www.ultima-tc.club 01268 906269 Ultima Trampoline Club is a reg CASC
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 the Rayleigh & Eastwood areas 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
RECIPE
Hot Cross Buns (12 Servings) Ingredients: dOUGH 500g Strong Bread Flour 7g Easy bake yeast 275ml whole milk 50g Butter (unsalted, cold, diced) 1 medium beaten egg 75g Unrefined golden caster sugar 1 ½ tsp salt TOPPINGS 75g Sultanas 2 tsp Mixed Spice 100g Plain white flour 50g Mixed peel
Method: MIX: Boil the milk in a pan, remove from heat then
spaced, on a lined baking tray.
add the butter. Leave to cool until warm. Mix the dry ingredients in a large bowl and then add the milk and
PROVE: Cover the dough again, aNd leave
beaten egg, stirring with a wooden spoon.
until doubled in size again. Preheat oven to fan 180C/200C/Gas 6.
KNEAd: On a lightly floured surface, knead the mixture for approx. 10 minutes.
BAKE: Score a cross on top of each bun with a sharp
RISE: Lightly grease the large bowl, place the dough in the bowl then cover with a clean cloth and leave to rise until doubled in size – this could be up to two
knife. Mix the plain flour with a tbsp. of water at a time to form a paste. Use a piping bag to pipe crosses on the buns on the cuts you made. Bake the buns for
hours dependent on how warm the room is.
around 11-15 minutes or until golden.
SHAPE: Sift the mixed spice over the dough, then
GLAZE: Melt the jam, sieve then brush apricot glaze
knead in the sultanas and mixed peel. Slice into 12
over buns and leave to cool on a wire rack.
even sized pieces, roll into balls and place, well-
If you would like your recipe to appear in Around Town Magazines then contact our sales team on: 01277 658444 or email: sales@aroundtownmagazines.co.uk
ON O M W OOOOD S E N WRNTW RE O B SH G IN
AMAZON www.amazonwindows.co.uk
N NI E OP
Amazon Windows are one of the areas largest windows, door and conservatory companies serving Hampshire, Berkshire, Surrey and Essex. Following 5 years of continued installations in the area, with many recommendations we have decided to create a one-stop showroom for all your Home Improvement needs.
FANTASTIC INTRODUCTORY OFFERS
AMAZON OFFER A COMPLETE BUILD SERVICE ON ALL ORANGERIES AND CONSERVATORIES:
GROUNDWORKERS BRICKLAYERS 3 PLASTERERS 3
3
ELECTRICIANS 3 PLUMBERS 3 TILERS 3
After an initial survey a schedule will follow with all trades booked in. Amazon will make your build as stress free as possible.
• Great Offers on the New 2017 Amazon replacement Window • Amazing range of Amazon Front Doors for 2017 • Enquire into the well-received Amazon Solid Roof with additional discounts for 2017 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT 01277 514624 OR VISIT WWW.AMAZONWINDOWS.CO.UK
Nature Notes Written by Neil Sumner
of Rayleigh
Creative, competitive, conscientious
PATIOS • DRIVEWAYS • FENCING • DECKING • PONDS PLANTING • TURFING • CONSTRUCTION & MAINTENANCE
Neilsumner123@aol.com twitter.com/neilsumner123 Churchyards are often good sites for wildlife, harbouring long-standing trees, unimproved grassland and nooks and crannies amongst the gravestones which provide refuge for small mammals, reptiles and insects. So it was pleasing to be one of two volunteer advisers assigned by Essex Wildlife Trust to visit two churchyards in the county. Our first was tucked away along a single track road. Robins and goldcrests, the latter favouring the old conifers, were singing when we arrived. The Priest-in-Charge showed us around, telling of his plans to plant fruit trees, to involve children and young people in constructing homes for wildlife and to generally encourage wildlife within the constraints of the site. Rabbits hopped away from us, bullfinches called and a kestrel hovered nearby. We added some suggestions. We thought a bug hotel would do well in an area of bumpy mossy grass tucked behind the church that our guide affectionately called the wilderness. And perhaps adding plants favoured by pollinating insects, letting the ivy proliferate a bit more on the boundary wall, allowing a little bramble scrub to persist and leaving a margin of grass which is only cut annually to encourage butterflies and wildflowers. Mats or corrugated iron will provide refuges for reptiles as they emerge from hibernation this month to warm their bodies. And that kestrel would like a nest box.
• City & Guilds trained • Free consultation and estimates • Fully insured
Rayleigh Office: 01268 642896 07703 444244 Email: rjm4landscapes@gmail.com Project2_Layout 1 01/12/2015 12:14 Page 1
24 HR EMERGENCY
All these measures have to be in balance: the impression at the front of the church should be of well maintained grounds, there are graves to be looked after, space is needed to increase the garden of remembrance and an area of mown grass is needed for festivals. It is around the margins where space can be made for nature. Balance is not always the case. I know another churchyard which once sported a wonderful array of oxeye daisies. But on a return visit I found they had been eradicated. Graham Smith, an eminent local naturalist, had a similar discovery and was prompted to write a variant on a classic hymn: “All things bright and beautiful, All creatures great and small, All things wise and wonderful, The verger mowed them all”. Not applicable in the churches we visited, the second of which has gardens of remembrance lined with native trees and hedges and there are plans for a copse in one corner. It is set close to woodlands and pastures and, as we strolled, fieldfares and redwings rushed into tall veteran trees, scattered perhaps by an unseen sparrowhawk, crows mobbed soaring buzzards and chaffinches were stuttering early springtime songs. Of course the wildlife diversity is dependant very much on what is outside the churchyard. As with all small plots, you manage your own space and hope to influence your neighbours.
12
SERVICE • Tree Pruning • Shaping • Precision Felling • Thinning • Stump Grinding • Ground Maintenance • Dead Wooding
. 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
PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS
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
Roofing
All Aspects of Roofing Covered 99 Brempsons, Basildon, Essex SS14 2BB
U.P.V.C Fascias & Gutters Renewed & Repairs Visit our website www.aj-roofingservices.co.uk
FLAT ROOFING
FLAT
We offer top quality workmanship with the latest high performance materials. All flat roofs will carry a 15 year guarantee.
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.
Free Estimates References Always Available Nothing to pay until completely satisfied
TILED
24
HOUR
EMERGENCY CALL OUT
01268 461 057 • 07707 515 766
Email us at a.j.roofing@hotmail.com
PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS
13
MORTGAGES The biggest single personal financial risk in 2017 is that mortgage rates will rise rapidly. This isn’t primarily about UK base rates, set by the bank of England, it’s far more about the City’s long term prediction of interest rates – which new cheap fixed and long term variable rate deals are set based upon. Mortgage rates are near all-time historic lows and have been for a couple of years, and we’ve got used to that. Yet there is a plausible chance that 2017 is the year that will change. We’ve already seen some cheap deals such as HSBC’s 0.99% two-year fix being pulled. The five-year swap rates have increased from 0.35% back in September to 0.9% now – and we’re already seeing longer fixes start to get more expensive on the back of this. Of course, there’s no certainty here. Yet UK rates are so cheap that even if things reversed and they dropped again, the likely gain to mortgage holders would be limited. But if they did rise, the cost could be huge.The savings available right now can be huge, like Kperat’s who emailed: “Fixed at 1.24% for 2 yrs, reduced term to 13 yrs without paying much more a month. Will be saving about £20,000 even after fees. Thanks.” So, this is my clarion call for ALL mortgage holders, to check NOW if you’re on the cheapest deal, and, if not sort, it. Here’s what to do to find your cheapest deal. How much could I save? If like many people, you’re on your lender’s standard variable rate (SVR) – the default rate most fixes and trackers revert to when the intro deal ends – then the savings can be huge. Most SVRs are at 4% or higher. Yet the cheapest two-year fix is just 1.2% (you’ll need a top credit score and it’s got a big fee). Five-year fixes start at around 1.8%. All, of course, depend on how much of your home’s value you’re borrowing. So, someone moving a £150,000 mortgage from 4% SVR to a two-year fix at 1.2% would
save £4,000+ over two years, even after fees. Quickly find what deals are available For an easy benchmark of what’s available in your circumstances, start with a comparison site that includes all deals, including ‘direct only’, which aren’t offered by brokers. Full market comparisons include my own www. MoneySavingExpert.com/mortgagebestbuys, and www.totallymoney.com’s mortgage tool. Finding a cheap deal isn’t the end – you need to get accepted The days when lenders would fling out deals to all and sundry are long gone. Getting accepted is now the challenge. There are two key elements to this: - Is your credit score good enough? Your credit history is a huge part of whether you’ll be accepted for any type of credit, including a mortgage. So take precautions. Avoid any applications that leave a footprint on your file – such as credit cards, contract mobile phones or monthly car insurance – in the few months before applying for your mortgage. Never withdraw cash on credit cards or take payday loans. For full help on this, join my free Credit Club www.mse.me/CreditClub, which gives your credit score, affordability score and tells you what needs improving.
“ALL MORTGAGE HOLDERS, CHECK NOW TO SEE IF YOU’RE ON THE CHEAPEST DEAL” - Are the repayments affordable? For the past couple of years, lenders haven’t just checked if you can afford the monthly repayments at the current rate, but they also stress test affordability if rates were 6% or 7%. Crucially, this doesn’t only apply to new mortgages, it’s also for re-mortgages too (which is ridiculous and, on an aside, I am campaigning against
this). So, if this is a problem, it’s important to reel in your spending months before applying. Lenders will want evidence of income, big bills, expenses and even eating out. Use a mortgage broker to match your situation to a top mortgage. The information about what different lenders are looking for isn’t available to the general public. But it’s something that most mortgage brokers have - and, of course, their job is to find you the best product.So, they’re a good way to work out what the best deal available to you is. Yet do ask if the broker will check all deals available to them and not just a panel of lenders. Also, check how much it will cost and use a qualified one.Some phoneonly brokers such as www.LandC.co.uk are feefree. If you want face-to-face help, ask friends for a local recommendation or find one via www. unbiased.co.uk or www.VouchedFor.com. Don’t ignore the fees The smaller your mortgage, the bigger the impact of fees. A good way to compare mortgages is to divide the fee across the discount or fixed period. So, a £1,200 fee on a two-year (i.e., 24-month) deal is £50 a month. Then add that to the monthly repayment. I designed a “Total Cost” tool that does this automatically for you within the www. MoneySavingExpert.com/mortgagebestbuys comparison. Fix or variable rate? A fix’s advantage is you get price and budgeting
martin L E W IS Money Saving Expert
certainty that the rate won’t move for a set time, whereas variable deals move with the UK interest rate (and sometimes just on the provider’s whim). Generally, you pay a little more to fix, but not much.Ask yourself how much you think rates will rise over the period. If safety’s what’s important to you, err on the side of fixing, and fixing for longer. Right now, with fixed deals being outrageously cheap, it’s great time to do it. Got savings? They could get you a better mortgage For this, you need to find your current loan-tovalue (LTV) – the proportion of the value of your home you’re borrowing, so £80k on a £100k property is 80% LTV. At every 5% LTV threshold, from 95% down to 60%, deals tend to get better, so a little extra can have a big impact on your rate.For example, if you’ve a £150,000 home, and want a £137,000 re-mortgage, that’s a 91% LTV, and the top five-year fix is 3.98%. Yet use £2,000 of savings to reduce the borrowing, and you’d be at 90% LTV – where the top five-year fix is 2.54%, saving c. £1,100/year in payments. Martin Lewis is the Founder & Chair of Money Saving Expert. To join the 12 million people who get his Martin’s Money Tips weekly email, go to www.moneysavingexpert.com/latesttip
HANDYMAN DAVE For all your general property maintenance, call Dave! » » » » »
Tiling Plastering Refurbishments Kitchens Bathrooms
CALL FOR
FREE ESTIMATES
REPAIR SPECIALIST
Glass & Glazing Services Single & Double Glazing Repair Specialist
NO JOB TOO SMALL OR TOO BIG Call Dave on
07885750744 or 07874225752 deb1956@hotmail.co.uk
Like us on Facebook LKE Glass & Glazing Services
Nokes & Co, Squire House, 81-87 High Street, Billericay, Essex CM12 9AS 01277 633971
18
07949 266321
mark@nokesandco.co.uk
www.nokesandco.co.uk
PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS
Composite Doors
from just £799 Selected range price includes . Choice of Blue, Red, Black or White . Chrome Effect Handle and Yale Magnum Lock with 3 Keys . Letterbox optional extra Fully
All of our doors are backed up with a 10 year guarantee
Installe d Inc. VA T
‘the 2016 contemporary range’
or r do You way! ur
yo
. Choice of styles from modern to traditional . Different glazing options . Choice of chrome, graphite, black and gold door furniture
Design your door online @ www.doors-4-you.co.uk
Any size 2-Part uPVC Patio Doors
. Any size, up to 2.4m,
Only £999
. Offers high security and large
2 panel opening.
. High quality stainless steel tracks give maximum possible service life.
Fully Installe d Inc. VA T
units are easily achieved.
. Striking design with low sight line gaskets.
Call our friendly team today
01277 800074 Lines open 9am-9pm 7 days
BADMINTON
Memories of my father in his 50s knocking the shuttle cock around the court while my older brothers who were young and fit 17 year olds at the time is a lasting memory for me when it comes to Badminton. Billericay School was the location on my brother’s torment and my father’s delight. Hailing from Pakistan, he was not from a footballing background, and was surprisingly bad a cricket, but Badminton seemed to be his sport.
When I play Badminton I struggle to put the racket down, I am constantly wanting to play more and more. Trips to Center Parcs have known to become a Badminton fest amongst our family and friends. I can see though how as a spectator sport it sometimes is lost on the neutral or someone that is trying to get into Badminton for the first time. Tennis, the main racket sport, is a bigger court, there is more space for the viewer to appreciate the athleticism and the precision, however when watching Badminton on the television it is sometimes hard to keep up with where the shuttle cock is. There have been a number of occasions where I am awaiting a cheer from one of the players to tell me who has won the point and have to rely on replays to show me the delicacy of a shot. I would however encourage that people play the game. The addictive simplicity and the fact that it is an indoor sport means that all year round you
would be entertained and provided with enough strain to boost your fitness levels with ease. It is one of those games that is very inclusive because of its simplicity. Families with children above the age of about 7 are easily strong enough to hit the shuttle over the net and enjoy partaking in a competitive and very fun pastime. The national sport is always going to struggle against the mainstream sports when it comes to the TV guide, and only at the Olympics will it get notable recognition. However, I remember at school it being an option and I jumped at the chance to play, but was only given the opportunity to play in a 1 hour PE class every other week. When another sport that struggles to hit the mark in this country, Basketball, there was a team and we used to play against other schools regularly. I don’t really understand this, but it seems to be the way, I rarely hear of after school Badminton matches taking place. As with many sports you will have to search elsewhere to nurture your Badminton talents. The ECBA (The Essex County Badminton Association) may be a good place to start. Have a look on their site for tournaments, local clubs and general information about the sport on a local level. Or if just interested in playing for fun, look up your local sports halls and swing away! http://www.badmintonessex.co.uk
Put the spotlight on your local sports team, contact Zaki Hasan, via email, zaki@aroundtownmagazines.co.uk
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
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
ROTARY CLUB OF RAYLEIGH MILL For most weeks in the year, we meet on Mondays as a club, with our members enjoying a meal at The Rayleigh Club near Hullbridge, Essex. It is followed by a particular kind of meeting such as ‘committee’, ‘business’ and ‘speaker’ - the latter gives us an opportunity to invite a well-known personality or charity organisation to keep us informed about their work or life. We have a members’ raffle at the end of the evening and our Sergeant-At-Arms is an appointed member of the club who manages to extract small amounts of money from us in friendly fun from personal observations of us which goes to our charity box. The evening is run by our President who sits at the top table with his Secretary and we welcome our visiting guests too. Toasts are made to the Queen and our Rotary organisation. We have a Treasurer to manage our accounts and appointed officers to involve us in the more gentle sports, a press officer to publicise our events, an IT specialist to handle our information, a webmaster to run this website and particular members who take on responsibility for an event eg. our Charity Golf Day and our social trips and dinner dances. Our Foundation officer looks to promote the work of Rotary eg. Purple Pinkie support to End Polio Campaign.
22
PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS
Basildon & District Ramblers Club The group meets every Saturday at 2.00pm with some longer walks on others days. The Saturday walks are 4-5 miles with a rest half way. New members are welcome. See our website www. basildonanddistrictramblingclub.btck. co.uk for further details. Soroptimist International Chelmsford & District For over 100 years Soroptimist International has been making a
difference to the lives of women & girls locally, nationally & internationally through Education, Empowerment & Enabling. Ladies- we meet at Christ Church, New London Road, Chelmsford, 3rd Thursday, 7.30pm every month. Come along and find out the differences to lives we can and do make. Contact us: Facebook: Soroptimist International of Chelmsford, website: www.sigbi.org/chelmsford email: sichelmsford@gmail.com call: 07528 789991
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.
PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS
23
Revd Canon Mike Lodge
Personal Reflections and New Beginnings… Dear friends, Wednesday 1st March marks the start of Lent, the day after Shrove Tuesday (or Pancake Day), which denotes the forty days leading up to Easter. It is treated as a period of reflection and a time when people traditionally give something up, including alcohol, caffeine, smoking, favourite foods and even television, but one of the most popular is chocolate! In the Christian calendar Lent symbolises the days when Jesus spent forty days and nights alone in the desert being tempted by Satan. Christians are invited to join in the practice of reflection and study during this period of Lent, leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion on ‘Good Friday’, this year recalled on the 15th April, and his resurrection to life, which will be celebrated in all churches on Sunday 17th April. Similar to the forty days of Lent it’s important for us all to take time out during our lives so that we can reflect, to think about all those things that impact on us, to take stock and then in view of all our thoughts, to respond accordingly. Personally, I have been doing a lot of reflecting since being asked to take on the role of Acting Archdeacon of Southend, which I have been
doing since last August. More recently I’ve been given the opportunity to consider my future in this role on a more permanent basis. Following a discernment and interview process I have accepted an invitation from the Bishop of Chelmsford, The Rt Revd Stephen Cottrell, to be the next Archdeacon of Southend. My acceptance wasn’t a straightforward one to make, as I will be very sad to be leaving the Parish of Rayleigh as Team Rector after almost twelve years of ministry in the Town and across the Rochford District. However, God touches our lives in unexpected ways at unexpected times, but we have the confidence to know that God walks with us as we journey with Him and offer our lives in response to His unconditional love for each of us. Excited by the prospect of serving God in this new way and rather more quickly than expected, my ‘Service of Collation and Installation’, to mark the beginning of my new ministry, will take place on Sunday 19 March at 3.30pm in Chelmsford Cathedral, to which there is an open and very warm invitation for you to attend. No tickets are needed! After I have left, and until such a time that a new Team Rector has been appointed, The Revd Nick Rowan will continue in the role of Acting Team Rector of the Parish of Rayleigh, supported by Assistant Clergy, The Revds Tracy Nutter and Tracy Marlow. It’s at the end of Lent, following this time of personal reflections and as we celebrate Easter that we are able to grasp the reality of a relationship with Jesus Christ, which brings a genuine message of love, peace and hope with the prospect always of new life and new beginnings. I pray that God will continue to bless Rayleigh alongside the Christian presence of all its Churches. Yours in the love of Jesus, Parish Office 01268 742151 info@parishofrayleigh.org.uk
www.parishofrayleigh.org.uk
JUN-805-66112-Southend_North-RAYLEIGH-from15-05feb16.pdf
2
25/01/2016
13:50
24
HoUrS
1 HOUR RESPONSE
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 01702 435400
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 807 245 e: info@tonynelsonplumbing.co.uk
PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS
25
Essex's Leading Blind, Awning & Interior Shutter Specialists for over 100 Years
01277 809047
• 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
26
PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS
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
27
essex ford | 01268 906296 Doing it even better for you Basildon | Billericay | Lakeside | Rayleigh | Southend Official fuel consumption figures in MPG (l/100km) for the Ford Kuga Range: urban 30.4-58.9 (9.3-4.8), extra urban 45.6-67.3 (6.2-4.2), combined 38.2-64.2 (7.4-4.4). Official CO2 emissions: 115-171g/km. The MPG figures quoted are sourced from official EU-regulated test results, are provided for comparability purposes and may not reflect your actual driving experience.