News from Basildon District Council
Birthday
Dan’s search for dish of the decades May 2009
Young people are the future for theatre
See pages 6-7
See page 5
Celebrating St George Happy Birthday Basildon! Singing star Katherine Jenkins has wished Basildon a very happy 60th birthday. Speaking to the Diary in advance of her top-of-the-bill show at Lake Meadows in Billericay on July 25, Katherine, 28, from South Wales, said: “I would love to sing happy birthday to everyone in Basildon, I think that’s a great idea.” Katherine’s outdoor show is the centrepiece of a year’s events to mark six decades since the launch of Basildon new town. Katherine’s visit, along with other events, including a teddy bear’s picnic, a folk and beer festival, and a performance of A Midsummer Night’s Dream in the Wick Country Park will help to celebrate that.
To book tickets to see
TURN TO PAGE 10
Katherine, call 01268 465465
The district was bursting with patriotic pride as people far and wide dressed in red and white to celebrate a fun-packed St George’s Day. More than 50 toddler groups, schools, community centres and care homes waved their flags and joined in the fun as the day-long carnival on April 23 got underway. Many parties were themed with a helping hand from Basildon Council which supplied hats, flags, streamers and balloons to ensure the get-togethers went with a swing. The ‘Party in a Box’ was made possible with a grant from The Youth and Community Development and Engagement team and the council’s Equalities and Diversity team. But while the district partied, the centrepiece of the St George’s Day celebrations in Basildon town centre was in full swing. Soldiers from the Royal Anglian Regiment and members of the Royal British Legion paraded through the town, in step with rousing tunes from the Wickford Youth Marching Band. The march followed a static display of weapons in St Martin’s Square which attracted crowds of youngsters and military enthusiasts. Among other displays were the
volunteers f r o m ‘Smiles Across the Miles’, an organisation that collects goodies in a shoebox for the troops in Afghanistan and other war zones to remind them of home comforts. This was the first time the town and district celebrated St George’s Day in such style and, given the success of the day it Balloons were part of the fun in St was sure to be the first of many Martin’s Square where this girl celebrated St George’s Day more to come.
Teenagers share ideas p4 Gambling: views wanted p5 Thousands more using Council services p5 Calling all Time Lords p11
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May 09
THIS EDITION’S HIGHLIGHTS p4 Teenagers from schools around the district came together to share ideas on how Council services could be improved. p11 Is there a doctor in the district? The Tardis will make a special appearance at this year’s Basfest, giving residents a look into the future of the area. p12 The long arm of the law has reached the Basildon Centre – as part of a new service to make police advice more readily available. p16 The hugely popular Gym Express has expanded after less than three months in business, and now has 19 extra pieces of work out kit. The District Diary is produced by Basildon District Council’s Marketing and Communications Team. If you have a story, would like to comment, or would like to receive it in large print, braille or spoken word format, call 01268 294156. The District Diary is delivered free to 78,000 homes in Basildon, Billericay and Wickford. If you would like to advertise, or to enquire about rates and deadlines, call 01268 294201. Basildon District Council accepts no responsibility for the content of any advertisement published in District Diary and the inclusion of any advertisement does not imply approval or recommendation by the Council of either the terms of any offer or service contained in it or of the advertiser.
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Tips for Safe Travelling by Taxi in Basildon district
1. Make sure there is a Basildon Council Licence Plate on the rear of the vehicle. Similar signs will be on the side doors.
2. Every licensed driver carries an I.D. badge. Ask to see it if you are in any doubt.
3. Don’t be overcharged. Taxis cannot charge more than the metered fare
4. Don’t ask the driver to carry more passengers than is allowed. The number permitted is shown on the Licence Plate.
5. Taxis can be hailed down in the street or found at an official rank. Private Hire vehicles must be booked in advance. For more information: Call 01268 294280 or email taxi.licensing@basildon.gov.uk
Pride in our young people Chairman’s message from Cllr Frank Tomlin ne of the great pleasures of being Chairman of Basildon Council is the opportunity it provides for me to see the many good things done by our citizens, young and old. During March, I attended two events that revealed what super young people we have growing up in our district. First, there was the Essex Young People of the Year awards. This is sponsored by Essex Police and the Essex Police Authority among others, and is intended to give recognition to young people who are excellent role models for other young people. From a dozen finalists, each one of very great merit, Kerys Bessel from Basildon took one of two runner-up prizes. As well as working full time in the NHS ambulance service, Kerys spends a great deal of her
O
Cllr Frank Tomlin
off duty time as a volunteer, helping the St John’s Ambulance cadets. She sets a very fine example indeed. Then there was the Young Enterprise Trade Fair in the Eastgate Shopping Centre. I went along not knowing quite what to expect. What I saw was a range of stalls exhibiting
products that I genuinely wanted to buy. I purchased more than a few items, most of which are already in the hands of my children and grandchildren. I went away full of admiration for those schoolchildren who had shown great innovation and forethought in identifying market opportunities, developing products and marketing them. By my judgement, they demonstrated more enterprise than all of Sir Alan Sugar’s apprentices put together. They all have a bright future. With young people like these growing up in our district, my generation can be optimistic that our vision of building a vibrant community and successful local economy will be achieved in good measure and continue to thrive long after we are gone. I raise my hat to those young people.
Night vision bid to catch fly tippers A fresh crack down on fly tipping is being spearheaded by a new ‘smart’ camera that can see criminals in the dark. The unit will be moved around hot spots across the district to catch offenders in the act. Fly tipping is a crime that affects the district and costs taxpayers thousands of pounds in removal costs every year. The Council always presses for those caught doing it to be prosecuted. Every day, Basildon Council records around 20 incidents of fly tipping and illegal dumping, in total just under 5,000 per year. The numbers have been slowly dropping year on year thanks to pro-active work by officers, but it
Twenty incidents of fly tipping per day –Council statistics
is hoped the new camera will make a significant difference as people are now much more likely to be caught. The high-tech camera can see for more than a mile and is able to capture detailed images needed to secure evidence for prosecutions. It also has a built in sensor to detect movement and can record hours of footage as well as beaming live images back to operators at the Council’s offices. A Council spokesman reassured residents the camera would only
be used to catch people illegally dumping rubbish and would only be used in areas where fly tipping was known to be a problem. He said pictures were stored for just three weeks and could only be viewed by trained workers. He said the camera was a prudent use of money as it would contribute to significantly improving the quality of life for residents across the district. Under the Environmental Protection Act, anyone prosecuted for fly tipping faces a fine of up to £5,000.
Fly tip hotline: 01268 294949 @ streetcare2@basildon.gov.uk
Town centre bins are now vandal-proof Improvements to Basildon town centre are continuing with eight new litter bins being installed. Though similar in style to the old ones, the new bins are easier to maintain, faster to empty, and more vandal-proof. The new bins follow improvements started last year when new tree planters were
created around the town centre. It is set to continue later this year with a major new lighting scheme and improvements to the railway station area. Along with the new bins, the town’s cycle tracks will be repaired, bike racks have been
Litter line: 01268 294949
upgraded, and old ‘no cycling’ signs removed. The bins are the latest initiative to make Basildon a cleaner and more attractive place in which to live and work. The new bins have been funded thanks to money from the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA).
May 09
Time running out to register for county, euro elections Time is running out to add your name to the electoral register to vote in the Essex County Council and European Parliamentary elections on Thursday 4 June.
To register to vote in person at a polling station, or by post, you need to apply to Basildon Council, which is responsible for organising elections, by 5pm on
Tuesday 19 May. To check if you are already on the register, of if you are new to the district, contact the Council’s electoral services team on 01268 294352.
People not on the register cannot just turn up at polling stations on election day. There are no District Council elections this year.
Children spread the word on recycling Five children will have posters which they designed to promote recycling splashed across the side of Council dustcarts, after winning a competition. More than 125 primary school pupils entered Basildon Council challenge to create a slogan completing the sentence “Recycling is important because…”, as part of a poster. The five winners were: Abbey Savvides, 10, from Sunnymede juniors whose slogan read “recycling is important because it will keep the planet safe”. Amber Osbourne, eight, from South Green school whose drawing showed people putting their refuse and recycling in the right bins. Chloe Turbard, seven, from Sunnymede infants, who made a poster showing a family
NEWS IN BRIEF
Rubbish dump fine An Elizabeth Way resident has been fined £350 and ordered to pay £150 costs by Basildon Magistrates for repeatedly dumping her rubbish sacks out early. The woman was handed a £75 fixed penalty notice in December for putting her sacks out two days before collection day. She had previously been warned. She was also ordered to pay a £15 victim surcharge.
Red nosed
taking their waste to a recycling site. Gary Mulldon, 10, from the Integrated Support School showed the three R’s in action –
reduce, reuse and recycle Zoe Kind, nine, from Grange primary school also made an impressive poster promoting the benefits of recycling.
New homes are fit for royal families Work on developing the troubled Royal Court estate in Laindon is now underway. Affordable housing developer, Family Mosaic will replace the existing tower blocks with more than 90 new homes for rent and shared ownership alongside 37 flats for sale in an ambitious scheme set to transform the area. As well as homes, the scheme will also provide a much-needed
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community centre and a shop. A new play area will also be built as part of the deal to improve the quality of life for young people. Family Mosaic is working on the £17million project in partnership with Basildon Council, which donated the land and property, and contractor, Lovells. The work has funding from the
All change: an artist’s impression of how the area will look.
Homes and Community Agency. Officers from Family Mosaic and the Council will work closely with residents to keep them up to date on progress during the work. Rab Fallon, Basildon Council’s Housing Strategy Manager, said: “This redevelopment is muchneeded and will signal vast improvements in the area. “The scheme will get rid of buildings that have a poor reputation and will replace them with modern, energy efficient homes and new facilities for residents. There will also be more open space. “The fact that the start of this development is taking place in the current economic downturn is a significant boost for Basildon and demonstrates faith and confidence in the future of the area.” The first phase of the project is expected to be finished by the middle of next year. Mr Fallon said it could have been possible to bring the flats, built in the 1960s, up to the Government’s decent homes standard, but this may have been prohibitively expensive.
Pupils celebrate their winning drawings which will be displayed on the sides of Basildon Council’s refuse trucks after they won the competition to promote recycling to families across the district.
Basildon Council workers raised £350 for Comic Relief’s Red Nose Day. Staff armed with big red buckets spent their lunch hours persuading colleagues to dig deep into pockets and purses, while others took part in crazy antics such as communal waxing.
WWW.BASILDON.GOV.UK
It’s your benefit entitlement.
Don’t lose it, claim it! You could qualify for Council Tax Benefit and Housing Benefits. Contact us straight away to make sure you don't lose out. You can contact us in the following ways: • • • •
Call the Benefits Team on 01268 294575 Come and see one of our friendly advisors in the Basildon Centre Email us at benefitsection@basildon.gov.uk Visit our website www.basildon.gov.uk/benefits
Basildon Council services: www.basildon.gov.uk
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May 09
CRUNCH TIMES The Crunch Service is a mobile waste disposal facility that tours the district which residents can use to dispose of bulkier items of rubbish.Locations marked with (G) can also be used for the disposal of green waste. The Crunch Service is not suitable for paints, oils or other waste liquids. 23 May: 1. Laindon – Little Oxcroft service road. G; 2. Chalvedon – Mill Green layby near car park. G; 3. Ramsden Bellhouse – Village Hall car park. G. 6 June: 1. Billericay – Little Burstead car park. G; 2. Laindon – King Edward Road by Royal Court; 3. Vange – Redgrave Road side of no.4 from 9am -10.30am, then Southview Road near garages opposite dental surgery 10.30am – noon. 13 June: 1. Laindon – Steeple View Kings Crescent. G; 2. Barstable West – Church Road junction with Clickett Hill; 3. Pitsea – Winifred Road garage area opposite 1-9. G. 20 June: 1. Wickford – Bruce Grove outside Shotgate Community Hall. G; 2. Lee Chapel North – Markhams Chase Centre. 27 June: 1. Billericay – Radford Crescent car park. G; 2. Laindon – Danacre parking area; 3. Pitsea – Felmores Main Centre car park. G. 4 July: 1. Fryerns – Craylands The Lichfields and rear of shops; 2. Laindon – Basildon Drive junction with Dickens Drive; 3. Vange – Gordon Road layby near Helpeston. 11 July: Wickford Rettendon View – layby by car park one hour Pippin Court. G; 3. Laindon Link – near Monastery Drive; Pitsea – Wilsner, next to Trenham Centre.
Midsummer love...made in fairyland One of Shakespeare’s most magical and enjoyable comedies, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, is coming to the Wick Country Park for one night only this summer. Find out just how mischievous the cheeky fairy Puck really is in this enchanting love story. Perfect for the Shakespeare novice, the play is a fabulous way of introducing the whole family to the works of England’s most famous playwright. An amusing story of love, fairies and magic, set in the ancient woodland of Athens, midnight confusion ensues after drops of a magical love potion is dripped into the wrong lover’s eyes! The natural beauty of The Wick Country Park is an ideal setting for the play, with easy access to the site.
Experienced actors from the Quantum Theatre will be entertaining the crowd outdoors with their adaptation of the play –whatever the weather! Visitors are invited to arrive early and enjoy a picnic in the park before the show, which starts at 6pm on Saturday 1 August. “This performance promises to be a special event for all the family – it’s certainly one of my favourites,” said Basildon Council’s Cultural Services Manager, Paul Brace. The company from Quantum Theatre is touring nationally and their performance has been well received at numerous locations already, where it has enthralled its audiences. Tickets are available from the box office at the Towngate Theatre: 01268 465465.
Teenagers share ideas
Discussion groups at the youth conference earlier this year.
Almost 70 young people created a buzz when they attended Basildon Youth Council’s 2009 conference. The aim of the day was for youngsters to share their thoughts and ideas on how the Council and other organisations could improve services and facilities for them. The Youth Council’s 12 members invited fellow youngsters from schools across Basildon, Billericay and Wickford to join them in discussions, workshops and Q&A sessions.
Among the issues which particularly excited the children were climate change, crime in their communities and creating a better place to live. A Council spokesman said: “A lot of their views and opinions were well thought out. The Council learned a lot from them and, we hope, they in turn learned a lot from the many organisations that attended the conference.” The event, hosted by the Council, was attended by the police, fire service, and Essex County Council’s youth service.
” ! y a s r u o y “Have T ell us what you think? Tell The Council is committed to involving local people in shaping their area and the services they receive. Consultation and engagement is one of the key ways in which the Council interacts with and involves local communities and residents’ in variety of ways, to continuously maintain and improve our services we need to pay attention to their needs and priorities.
OneBasildon O neBasildon O neCommunity OneCommunity
Basildon District Council runs the following forums: •Disability forum •Black and Ethnic Minority forum •Faith •F aith forum Gay,, Bisexual and T Transgender •Lesbian, Gay ransgender forum •Tenant •T enant participation panel And much more.... Please contact the Inclusion and Diversity Team Team for further information on:
tel: email:
01268 294754 inclusionanddiversity@basildon.gov .uk inclusionanddiversity@basildon.gov.uk
May 09
Chance to have your say on gambling regulations Is the Council doing enough to protect people from betting? Do you think enough is being done to regulate gambling in Basildon? The District Council is reviewing its gambling policy and is calling on residents and businesses to tell staff what they think. The policy was developed two years ago to regulate gambling in the district, following the introduction of the Gambling Act 2005. Its aim was to control commercial gambling and to give Councils more say when considering and issuing licences to businesses like betting shops and bingo halls. The Council’s three goals, which it considers when deciding whether or not to grant a gambling licence are: To prevent gambling being a source of, being associated with, or supporting crime or disorder. To make sure gambling is carried out in a fair and open way. To protect children and other vulnerable people from being harmed or exploited by gambling. Since the Act came into effect, the Council has issued licences for nine bingo halls, three adult gaming centres, and 25 betting shops. If you would like to have your say on the way in which gambling laws are enforced officers would like to hear from you. By having an agreed policy, the service can demonstrate transparency, consistency and good practice in the way it carries out its functions. Comments can be sent to Environmental Health Services, The Basildon Centre, St Martin’s Square, Basildon, , SS14 1DL or ehs@basildon.gov.uk. The closing date is Friday 31 July.
web To read the policy visit
You can get a printed copy by
www.basildon.gov.uk/evhconsult.
Wanted: a dish of the decades
The chance of culinary fame could be yours if you can create an original dish to mark Basildon’s 60th birthday. Basildon Council’s Café Scene manager, Daniel Mack, hopes this exciting cookery competition – open to everyone – will create a signature meal that will celebrate the diamond event. Daniel said: “It can be sweet or savoury, hot or cold, but the recipe must be inspired by Basildon’s 60th.” The winning recipe will be promoted in the District Diary and posted on the Council’s website. The winner will also get a certificate, tickets for a Towngate Theatre show and free pre-theatre drinks in Café Scene. Entries can either be original or a twist on a traditional dish. They might reflect the East End of London where many of Basildon’s earliest residents came from, or could be based on food grown in and around the district or feature the modern awareness of healthy eating. As well as taste and how easy the dish is to prepare, the recipe will be judged on cost and nutrition and how Basildon’s 60th birthday inspired it.
Tasty: Café Scene manager Daniel Mack with his own top dish.
Judges will give marks out of 10 based on each written recipe and the top three will be prepared by a professional chef at Café Scene to test and choose the winner. Entrants should send their meal’s name, ingredients, method, costs and details of its
link to Basildon’s 60th birthday, along with their own details to Basildon Dish Competition, Café Scene, St Martin’s Square, Basildon, Essex, SS14 1DL by 20 June, 2009. The competition is open to schools, community groups or individuals in Basildon district.
Staff say ‘How can we help you?‘ to 6,000-plus a month More and more people are visiting the Basildon Centre to use local services and for advice as the recession takes hold. Visitor numbers have soared from 3,000 a month to more than 6,000 following an increase in the range of help provided. It comes after the Council
created a new one-stop-shop in its reception, bringing together front line services. Residents can now deal with their enquiries for housing, planning, cashiers and benefits in one location. Essex County Council, Her Majesty’s Customs and Revenues
and Essex police are also basing officers in the reception allowing people to report problems in their neighbourhood.
Switchboard: 01268 533333 The Basildon Centre is open 9am5.15pm five days a week.
calling 01268 294286.
More homes now able to recycle waste To find out how Basildon Council is serving you, visit the Council’s website at www.basildon.gov.uk
Virtually every home in the district should now be able to recycle its waste, after Basildon Council’s recycling scheme was extended. The scheme now includes areas like Little Burstead in Billericay,
Old Nevendon Road in Wickford and Dry Street in Langdon Hills. Every property added to the scheme will receive pink sacks and an orange coloured box for glass bottles and jars. The Council has also introduced
specially converted vans can that can pick up black sacks and recycling at the same time.
Recycling: 01268 294889 @ recycling@basildon.gov.uk
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COUNCILLORS Billericay East Tony Archer 01277 657814 David Dadds 01277 829808 Stuart Sullivan 01268 560477 Surgery as Burstead below Billericay West Anthony Hedley 01277 626198 Stephen Horgan 01268 449527 Phil Turner 01277 633918 Surgery as Burstead below Burstead Kevin Blake 01268 470597 Geoffrey Buckenham 01277 622020 Richard Moore 01277 627266 Surgeries on last Saturday of month, 10.30am-12.30pm, Billericay Library, 143 High Street, Billericay. Crouch Stuart Allen 01268 284225 Terri Sargent 01268 288766 Surgeries on first Saturday of month, 9.30am-10.30am, Noak Bridge Village Hall, Coppice Lane, Noak Bridge and third Saturday, 9am-10am, Steeple View Memorial Hall, Willowfields. Fryerns Paul Kirkman 01268 474528 Surgeries on third Wednesday of the month, 7.30pm-8pm at The Ashleigh Centre, Whitmore Way, Basildon. Alan Davis 01268 525406 Janet Payn 01268 477989 Laindon Park John Dornan 01268 282175 Jilly Hyde 01268 414126 Frank Tomlin 01277 625692 Langdon Hills Sandra Hillier 01268 490201 Stephen Hiller 01268 490201 Lee Chapel North Lynda Gordon 01268 417565 Richard Rackham 01277 624932 Nigel Smith 01268 545483 Nethermayne Ben Williams 01268 281271 Geoff Williams 01268 415348 Linda Williams 01268 415348 Surgeries on first Saturday of month at Vange Scout Hut, second Saturday at Kingswood Play Leadership building, third Saturday at Haven Close AP Scheme, fourth Saturday Chapel South Community Centre, all 10am-11am. Pitsea North West Andrew Baggott 01277 634375 Ron Livesey 01268 470028 Roving surgery on first Saturday of the month Keith Bobbin 01268 556158 Pitsea South East David Abrahall 01268 440082 Ann Blake 01268 470597 Maureen Larkin 01268 413936 Surgeries second Monday of the month, 6.30-7.30pm, outside Pitsea Leisure Centre, Northlands Pavement, Pitsea. Cllr Blake also holds occasional surgeries at the Benbow Club, call for details. St Martin’s Phil Rackley 01268 410700 Pat Rackley 01268 410700 Surgeries on first Monday and third Tuesday of the month, 2pm-3pm at The Basildon Community Resource Centre, 1 The Gore, Basildon. Vange Swatantra Nandanwar 01268 453749 Surgeries on second Sunday of month, 11am-noon, The Luncies Meeting Hall, Luncies Road (off Timberlog Lane), Vange. Luke Mackenzie 07919 517376 Wickford Castledon Malcolm Buckley 01268 472586 Sylvia Buckley 01268 472586 Wickford North Tony Ball 01268 454564 Carole Morris 01268 457488 Michael Mowe 01268 463564 Wickford Park Don Morris 01268 457488 Christopher Jackman 01268 571843 First Saturday of the month from 9.30-11.30am at Noak Bridge Village Hall, Coppice Lane, Noak Bridge and third Saturday of the month 10am noon at Wickford Library.
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May 09
NEWS IN BRIEF
Anti-bug jab visits In response to an outbreak of mumps at Billericay School and outbreaks of measles across the region, NHS South West Essex has organised a mobile immunisation clinic to tour the area from now until 18 July. Local GP Dr Robin Bell said: “These three infections are nasty and can be prevented so I urge parents to ensure their children are protected.” The clinic will visit schools, supermarkets, and town centres. There is no need to book an appointment. To find times and dates for your nearest location, call 0800 5879159.
Advice for landlords Private landlords can get help with letting their properties and keep up to date with the latest legislation by joining Basildon Council’s Landlord Forum. The twice yearly forum is open to landlords, letting agents and anyone else considering letting property. It is an ideal opportunity to find out about the services the Council offers and the role it plays in the sector. The forum is also an arena for members to exchange news, views and experiences. The next forum takes place on Tuesday 8 September. For details, email louise.biddiss@ basildon.gov.uk
Pond gets a spring clean More than half a tonne of rubbish has been hauled out of a popular lake in Basildon. Trolleys, traffic cones and bikes were among the rubbish Basildon Council discovered during its annual spring clean of Gloucester Park Lake. Parks officer Terry Simmons, said: “The lake is a popular place but it can be spoilt by vandals dumping rubbish there.” “We hope this improves the environment for wildlife and continues to ensure the lake is an attractive place for people to visit.”
Towngate Theatre 21st anniversary
Academy is sweet music to budding entertainers If you’ve dreamed of a career in the music industry, here’s an opportunity that could help make your hopes come true. A new music academy has opened in Basildon offering showbiz hopefuls the chance to learn with professionals who have worked with some of the biggest names in music – Oasis, Rolling Stones, and Massive Attack. The Future Sounds Academy,
based at the Towngate Theatre, is offering teenagers a choice of courses including singing and song writing, music production and live sound engineering. In all, there are seven 30-hour accredited courses which can lead to professional qualifications or a scholarship at the Point Blank Music College in London. The academy offers more than 100 free places and has been
Laughs on and off stage with Harry Tim Lloyd, longest serving employee at the Towngate remembers some of the best days: “It was strange coming back to the theatre as a member of staff as I had been part of the team that built the Theatre six years before”. “There were some big names that I remember performing at the Towngate back then, like Billy Pearce, Phill Jupitus, and the Fabulous Thunderbirds, but the funniest guy by far was Harry Hill. Not only was he a very funny man on stage but was just as funny back stage with the staff. “Since the Towngate relaunched in 2006, things have gone from strength to strength. We have had to employ more technical staff to cope with the demand to hire the theatre and
made possible after Basildon Council secured more than £40,000 funding. Among the tutors are Ian Button, guitarist with Death in Vegas, and Grammy award winning singersongwriter, Phil Ramacon. On the music production course, students will learn to produce their own songs, make beats and baselines, mixing and mastering. The live sound engineering
course allows students to become sound technicians and practice their skills on a live act. Wannabe singers and songwriters can learn how to deliver accomplished vocal performances and get to write and record their own songs.
Adrian Fryer: 01268 465447 @ adrian.fryer@basildon.gov.uk
Panto a very tall story!
support the professional acts performing there. “The highlight of the last three years has been working on the pantomimes. “The whole staff of the theatre look forward to panto, there’s a real buzz about the place and it makes a difference to be part of the production team. “We’re really fortunate that we can have a lot of input to the production, like making suggestions about lighting, sound, the set and even the script. “I think the future of the Towngate is looking good, there is a very good programme for the coming year and this year’s panto Jack and the Beanstalk, looks like its going to be the best yet”. Box office: 01268 465465 web basildontowngate.com
Simon Fielding uses the beanstalk to make good his escape from the giant in this year’s Basildon panto.
The Jive Aces, just one ofthe acts which are performing at the Towngate this season
This year’s pantomime in Basildon is expected to scale new heights as the Towngate Theatre presents Jack and the Beanstalk. Tickets for the classic fairy tale, which starts on Thursday 3 December are already on sale following the show’s launch at the Eastgate Centre with the star and director, Simon Fielding, Daisy the cow, and a towering beanstalk. To help families during the recession, prices have been
frozen at last year’s levels until Monday 31 August. The theatre is looking to make this year’s panto the most spectacular ever. And with last year’s Cinderella being voted by a national paper as one of the top six in the UK, it’s going to be a tough act to follow. Much of the show is being kept under wraps but it will stay true to tradition, with cheeky comedy, pop songs, colourful sets and costumes, and plenty of audience participation.
May 09
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Towngate Theatre 21st anniversary I love playing in Basildon, and it was great to be back this year. It’s almost like coming home.The people are always a joy to perform for.
Get ready to shout, sing, dance, laugh... and meet Othello Since its re-launch in 2006 the Towngate Theatre has hosted numerous shows, events, launches, dinners, concerts and exhibitions. This season will be even better, the programme includes music, dance, drama and comedy to suit all tastes. Musical legends such as the Searchers and The Stylistics, as well as the fantastic tex mex band the Los Pacominos are lined up, and making a return visit due to popular demand, is Dominic Kirwin. The programme also features tributes to Freddie Mercury, the Johnny Cash Story and the Las Vegas Legends. Following their sell out performance last year The Towngate is pleased to announce Off the Wall – the Spirit of Pink Floyd are making a welcome
-Simon Fielding, actor.
return. A Rolling Stones tribute act will also set tongues wagging! Comedy plays a big part in the 2009 programme with the Vagina Monologues staring Sue Holderness (Only Fools and Horses) and Suzanne Shaw (Dancing on Ice). In May the Barron Knights team up with the Tremeloes to deliver an evening of laughter and music. To compliment the music and comedy in the programme the Iccarus Theatre Company will present Othello.
I particularly enjoy ushering at the Towngate, even if it’s for several hundred school children at a panto! I’ve become friends with some good people.
-Joan Hegwein, volunteer usher
Thanks to all at the Towngate for making us feel so welcome, it’s great to come back.
-Charlie Landsborough
Youth theatre hope as Towngate comes of age Towngate manager Graham Sandford looks at the theatre’s strong future. This year is the Towngate Theatre’s 21st birthday, and as well as marking its coming of age, Basildon Council is planning for its future. The future’s bright – the Towngate’s mix of facilities, its location and unique technical abilities make us sure there is even better yet to come from the theatre. The new programme has a range of shows to fit most tastes, from Ricky Tomlinson to Othello. But it is the theatre’s links with the community that are its most prized asset. Since the Council reclaimed direct control of the venue, staff have worked hard to increase these connections.
ʻOpen for events businesses and conferencesʼ
-Graham Sandford
One of the top priorities for this year is developing a Youth Theatre. Basildon has always had a tremendous amount of raw talent and the Towngate is ideally placed to be a focus for developing it. As well as finding the next superstar, we want to encourage young people to get actively involved in the Theatre and discover the pleasures of participating in and attending a live performance. The size and technical
specification of the theatre means it’s perfect for amateur dramatics groups and we’re always happy to hear from organisations looking for a home for their shows. There are three existing wellestablished users – The Thalians, Basildon Players and The Basildon Operatic Society – and the venue has attracted new bodies like the Essex Group which has booked right through to the end of next year. The theatre is also open to business for conferences, showcase events or networking meetings. The Olivier Room and the Board Room are now available for hire. These rooms greatly enhance the facilities we can offer the business community and can be set for meetings, training,
small functions or exhibitions. The main house and Mirren Studios again present a first rate venue for firms for events. In August 2008 the Council invested in the Towngate and refurbished nearly 300 of the seats in the stalls and stall circle. This cost £25,000 and the feedback from customers has been fantastic. We are looking to create extra jobs to cope with the amount of bookings we are taking. With the continued support of staff, volunteers, customers and Basildon Council, I think the Towngate Theatre’s future is looking bright.
Box office: 01268 465465 @ towngate@basildon.gov.uk
Congratulations to the Towngate. It’s a great little theatre and The Searchers are looking forward to coming back, we love Basildon, we always get a warm welcome.
-John McNally, The Searchers
Newsquest has hired the Towngate on and off for 14 years and we always found it very comfortable. It’s been a pleasure working with Basildon Council and the team.
-Ann Quinn, Newsquest, publisher of the Basildon Echo
May 09
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Basildon local service directory Art gallery
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New rt prints
PETER H PATTERSON
New Art Prints Unit 43 Barleylands Craft Village Barleylands Road Billericay, Essex,CM11 2UD
01268 288445 07970 549873 newartprints@btconnect.co.uk www.newartprints.com
Cafe bar
Ch ar-l a tte ba r No w o p e n
Building
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01277 658015
07947 838265
All aspects of building work including extensions, alterations, brickwork Free estimates 25 years’ experience
Graphic design
Four star food hygiene rating Contact Alan, 07515 928059 alan@char-lattebar.co.uk
Photographer
Professional Photographer
Product Press Sport PR Events Weddings
www.visualsolutions.org 07931 940825 ronpoulter@blueyonder.co.uk CRB accredited VAT registered £5m third party insurance
Soccer
Football teams wanted for Basildon six aside league. Thursday nights at Gloucester Park. Two divisions of nine teams, 35 minute games
Clinton Stephenson Football Leagues 07981 654221
sclintonfootball@aol.com
EXTENSION SPECIALIST
Patios Decorative brickwork Garden paths New builds Fencing Garages and porches
No job too small, free estimates. Call Steve on 07986 186914 or 01268 449419
Gardening
Graham Hall HND
BILLERICAY
35 East Walk, Basildon, near Toys R Us
Latte * Mocha * Cappuccino Espresso * Hot Chocolate * soft drinks * light lunches * cakes
SJ O’SULLIVAN
Cost-effective design solutions from business cards to websites
Special offer: 10% off first order with production of this advert!
www.squarehalo.co.uk 01268 534200
Property
M PANTON PROPERTY SERVICES Part P certified
Electrical, alarm and plumbing installations, general maintenance, bathroom and kitchen re-fits, conversions and carpentry. Free estimates and advice 10% discount with this advert
01277 626315 07980 467402 mark.panton@talktalk.net
Therapies
Complementary Therapies Diane Huggins MGPP MLDuk (CDT registered practitioner)
Lymphoedema management Manual lymphatic drainage Clinical aromatherapy Chinese facial massage Indian head massage Beauty treatments Electrolysis Reiki Reflexology
01268 553339 / 07881 552861 dianelott@blueyonder.co.uk
Garden Specialist Established1984
Landscaping, block paving, patios, driveways, fencing, decking, ponds and water features
p : 0127 7 6 5 27 5 8 m : 0 7710 2 24 9 6 8
www.billericaygardenspecialists.co.uk
Takeaway
Lickin’ fried Chicken
5 Church Road, Vange 01268 524072
Bargain menu: £1.99 each
2 pcs chicken and chips 3 hot wings and chips 1 chicken tortilla wrap 1 pc chicken, 2 wings, chips 1 chicken burger, 2 wings
Plus: pizza, kebabs and burgers
Your ad here
Promote your business in 77,000 homes for just £25 with a small ad in the District Diary. Call Angela Christall on 01268 294201
To advertise here call Angela Christall on 01268 294201 or email angela.christall@basildon.gov.uk. The deadline for the June edition is Wednesday 27 May and adverts cost £25 each. As with all District Diary adverts, publication does not imply any guarantee of service or recommendation by the Council.
Basildon Council’s technical services manager Brian Boyce prepares the camera car for duty.
New bid to keep our roads safer The battle against bad driving and parking in Basildon continues, with the arrival on the district’s streets of a new smart CCTV patrol car. The vehicle, which has a camera mounted on its roof will soon be on patrol and will be recording pictures of people who cause serious traffic problems. The car can be parked in known hot spots and is able to recognise potential breaches of the law, when it can turn itself on and start recording. These images are reviewed by senior trained staff at Basildon Council who decide if the vehicle’s owner should receive a penalty charge notice.
The car’s camera can also be activated when it is being driven around. Information collected is stored until a court hearing has been completed, or until officers decide not to proceed, when it is destroyed. The Council has reassured residents the information would only be used to enforce the law, and would not be supplied to any outside agencies, except for the police if it was requested as part of an investigation into a crime. A Council spokesman said safe drivers and those who parked legally would have nothing to worry about.
‘We mean business‘ – six fined for dropped butts Six people have so far been fined for dropping cigarette butts following Basildon Council’s work to reduce smoking litter. The first was a woman from Grays spotted dropping a cigarette end outside Basildon Hospital. Two people were fined for littering outside shops in Felmores, two more in Basildon town centre, and a fifth in Upper Mayne where a man was spotted throwing a butt from a car. Five out of the six stumped up straight away and had the £75
penalty reduced to £50. The campaign to stamp out cigarette litter started earlier this year following publicity to make people aware that it would not be tolerated. More than 2,000 personal ashtrays known as butt boxes have been handed out, and posters have been distributed to pubs, clubs, offices and shops. Five areas have been targeted for special attention by enforcement officers. These are: Basildon, Billericay and Wickford town centres, Felmores shops, and Basildon Hospital.
May 09
Are you over 85? Call now for your alarm FREE for a year (for new clients only)
Basildon Careline is an emergency response service 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for anyone, regardless of age, who feels vulnerable or at risk.
Tel: 01268 465151 careline@sgch.org.uk
www.sgch.org.uk
Help at the touch of a button
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May 09
Celebrating Basildon new town’s 60th birthday
Katherine is the icing on Basildon’s cake Katherine Jenkins is the new face of classical music in the UK, and is performing an exclusive show in Billericay on Saturday 25 July. The Diary spoke to Katherine about her music and how she would love to sing happy birthday to Basildon! You’re spearheading a new, more popular form of classical music, called classical crossover, can you explain the differences? It’s taking classical music and making it more accessible and commercial. It’s like taking a pop song and turning it into a classical number, I’ve made a version of Bryan Adams’ Everything I Do which I love. “I’m not claiming all the success myself. There have been a few people who have changed the face of classical music and made it much more approachable. Ten years ago, people would have thought of a woman opera singer as a big lady with a set of horns on her head. Sometimes opera can be a bit intimidating, but I hope that’s not the case now. Your performance in Billericay will be an open air event, what will the audience see on the day? “I love the open air concerts, they are so much fun, I really like doing them because they have a really different feel, they’re a lot more informal and down to earth. “People don’t have to dress up for it, they can just bring along a picnic, relax and enjoy themselves and the music in the good weather. For me, I enjoy having a chat with the audience in between the songs, I like to be able to tell them
where some of the music has come from. How do you choose which pieces to perform? I like to pick very emotional music that makes me feel something, I’m very drawn to that type of music, especially since I lost my dad. Music can make people feel, some songs have a lot of good meaning in them. You’ve had success in both the classical and pop music charts, how does it feel to know your music excites so many people? I never expect any success, and I never know what is going to happen with any of the albums that I release. Going into the classical charts at number one was a great thing for me, and when I stayed there, I was thinking ‘how long is this going to go on for?’ When I got into the pop charts, it was like a bonus for me, at one point I was higher up in the charts than Celine Dion and Robbie Williams, and I remembered thinking this is how music can really affect people. What does the future hold – will we see another record from you soon? I can’t tell you at the moment, but I am working on some demo songs for a new album. I think it’s going to be more crossover style, more commercial, the sort of music people can easily get into, it will certainly be different. It’s likely to be in the shops by September. Did it feel strange to be writing your biography before you were even 30?
The original text that I wrote was much longer and the book was trimmed down. It did make me laugh but at the time, I was getting lots of letters from people who had also lost a family member and they wanted to know how I was coping with it and how they could get through their own loss. I was also hearing from a lot of young people who wanted to get into the music industry, and they were asking for my advice on how to do it. I think this first book is a reply to some of those people, maybe I’ll write another one in 20 years! And finally, tell us about the ‘chandelier incident’ in Swansea when you were younger.... I was 17 and I was singing with a choir. As I hit one of the high notes, there was this loud crack and a chandelier smashed and there was glass all over the place. I just thought ‘oh my goodness, what’s happening’? I think it was to do with the type of material it was made from and the frequency of the note, but the choir was really worried, they thought a gun had gone off!
To book your tickets to see Katherine, call 01268 465465
May 09
NEWS IN BRIEF
Your free summer party provided by Basildon Council
Festival link work starts
Signature sign on the Basfest line A group of lucky youngsters will perform with Britain’s Got Talent stars Signature at this year’s Basildon Festival. This year’s Basfest helps celebrate Basildon’s 60th birthday, and thousands of people are expected to attend the free two-day music and entertainment festival on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 July. Signature’s dance troop has been chosen following auditions in
April for six to 16-year-olds at the Towngate Theatre in Basildon. The lucky winners join other backing dancers in the show at the Basfest on Sunday. The Michael Jackson tribute act – Suleman Mirza and Madhu Singh - wowed celebrity judges on Britain’s Got Talent and became an overnight sensation when they stormed into the final of the ITV talent show. This year the Community Stage
Signature are set to take the stage by storm.
will also celebrate diversity in Basildon as part of the 60 Anniversary celebrations. The Essex Dog Display Team will perform twice on the Saturday afternoon.
Festival line-up Festival goers should keep checking the Basildon Council website online at www.basildon.gov.uk for updates on who is appearing this year on the main stage. Full details of the line up and more of the events will be available in the June edition of the District Diary.
Calling Basildon’s Time Lords There’s a treat being lined up by Basildon Council for Doctor Who fans at Basfest too, with the Tardis materialising at Gloucester Park for the two-day event this summer. The doctors’ famous time machine will be helping visitors get a taste of Basildon’s past and future in a special display cosponsored by Basildon Council and the Basildon Renaissance Partnership (BRP). Simon Hughes, BRP’s manager, said: “It’s going to be great fun having the Tardis there for Basildon’s 60th birthday. “Hopefully we’ll be able to get some younger people and children interested in Basildon’s
history and give them a glimpse of what the future holds for the area.” When families visit the Tardis, they will be given the chance to look into Basildon new town’s 60-year history through a series of information boards charting key events. Details of the older settlements at Billericay and Wickford will also be on display. And like any Time Lord, people will also be able to look into the future, with artist’s impressions of what Basildon will look like when improvement work across the district is finished. And who knows, you might even meet the doctor....
Hip hop and high kicking to the Basbeat Four top dance groups will perform live in the Basfest events arena. Kayzar Dance make a welcome return this year with their eclectic mix of street dance with MCs. Kayzar is an exciting hip hop dance organisation based in Essex and focusing purely on hip hop. They join High Kicks Dance,
dedicated to giving young people of all abilities the chance to perform in a fun, safe atmosphere. The long established Illuminate Beats Dance School is another troupe showing off its skills in the events arena at the Basfest. In early summer members will be performing at the Royal Albert
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Hall and hopes are high they will bring the same routine to Basildon. The Positive Futures dance team completes the dance line-up. It teaches a variety of dance styles and techniques aimed at enabling young people to create and perform their own dance routines.
To find out how Basildon Council is serving you, visit www.basildon.gov.uk
Work has started on a new bus route linking Basildon town centre and the Festival Leisure Park. When work is finished, in around six months time, it will provide faster and more convenient public transport to the complex. The link will be for the exclusive use of buses and a digital camera enforcement system will help prevent motorists using illegally. The link will be along a 270 metre stretch of land bordering Gloucester Park. “The Festival Leisure Park is a highly popular attraction and this scheme will help the local economy by making the complex more accessible throughout the day when good, safe and reliable public transport is needed,” said a spokesman for Basildon Council.
Try the Council’s web site basildon.gov.uk
Can We Help? Providing housing support services............to people living in Basildon, Rochford, Castle Point and Rayleigh who need help with: • • • • • • • • • • • •
Housing Benefit claims Neighbour disputes Looking at employment/training opportunities Getting support for mental health Accessing health and social services Benefit advice Sorting our rent arrears Accessing counselling Budgeting and accessing financial advice Getting support for dug & alcohol problems Housing problems/those threatened with homelessness Support with daily living skills This is a free service, if you would like any further information please phone
0800 2888883
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May 09
WINNER: Debra Pumfrett’s picture of this post box in Lee Chapel Lane won her the £25 voucher.
Competition puts Basildon in focus Two lucky photographers have turned their pictures into profit by winning a monthly competition run by Basildon Renaissance, the District Council’s regeneration partner. Zoom in on Basildon was devised as part of the ‘More Basildon’ campaign to raise awareness of the improvement work going on around the district.
February’s winner of a £25 Jessops gift voucher was Debra Pumfrett of Kingswood, with her colourfully composed picture of the post box in Lee Chapel Lane set against a background of lavender. The runner-up was Simon Murphy from Pitsea who captured a melancholy view of Wat Tyler marina. He wins a £10 voucher.
Anyone can send in their snaps for the chance of winning each month’s top prize. The overall winner each month will be entered into a grand prize draw at the end of the competition for the chance to win a £100 Jessops gift voucher.
web: Upload your picture at www.morebasildon.com
Beat goes on at Bas Centre The long arm of the law has reached the Basildon Centre. But don’t be alarmed. It’s part of a new service at the St Martin’s Square customer service centre provided by Essex police in partnership with the Council. Officers will hold informal surgeries in the reception of the Basildon Centre at regular intervals through the year. Police officers and PCSOs will be on hand to offer advice on local policing issues. They will be able to direct visitors to specialist help if they are unable to deal with matters there and then. Chief Inspector Simon Dobinson said: “It’s vital for police to understand crime problems and issues that blight the community, so it’s important for the public to come and chat
PCSO Adam Coombes and PC Paul Gutteridge at the Basildon Centre.
with us. “We have a responsibility to ensure the public have significant trust and confidence in us and we can only do this if we communicate at every
possible level. “This is a great opportunity for people to have access to all kinds of support from the Council and police under one roof.”
May 09
Maths in the playground Up to £3million is to be invested in school playgrounds across Basildon and around Essex, thanks to NHS South West Essex This is the first time a health organisation has invested in play and physical activity equipment on such a broad scale. The project started in November and already 150 schools across South West Essex have had new equipment installed. Champion swimmer Mark Foster who has given his backing to the idea, said: “Being active at school gives young people a head start in life, keeping them happy and healthy and setting them up for adulthood.” Melody Williams, Head of Health Improvement for Children and Young People at NHS South West Essex, said: “This project is really important because, as it focuses on play, games and movement and not just sports, you can even have active maths and literacy lessons using the equipment.”
Standards rise in local restaurants Standards of food hygiene in the district’s cafes, bars and restaurants have risen significantly since Basildon Council signed up to a food information website. Scores on the Doors is a database people can search to find out the hygiene and safety rating of any venues they intend to eat at. The scoring of any particular establishment will be based on
the Council’s food safety team’s most recent inspection. Since its launch last April, the Basildon section of the database has recorded 45,000 searches and evidence is that more and more people are coming to rely on the information it contains before deciding to try somewhere new. The Council is keen to promote and support businesses in Basildon, and a spokesman said
the website was a useful way for people to discover information about dining out in the district. The number of businesses being rated with four or five stars is steadily rising and the site also includes listings for schools and care homes.
Enviro. Health: 01268 294280
To find out how Basildon Council is serving you, visit the Council’s redesigned website at www.basildon.gov.uk
NEWS IN BRIEF
Remember the jive? If you would like to re-live those heady days of rock ‘n’ roll, Pitsea Leisure Centre can transport you back to a time when blue suede shoes were the only footwear to have. The centre is holding a rock and roll tribute concert. It takes place on Thursday, 16 July from 1.15pm to 3.30pm. Tickets are £2.50 including tea and cake.
web scoresonthedoors.org.uk
Looking to China for investment
Stuck for a number? An A to Z booklet giving all the numbers for Basildon Council and Essex County Council services is available free from the Basildon Centre’s reception in St Martin’s Square. It contains numbers for environmental health, housing, refuse, recycling, schools, meals on wheels and libraries.
More time to enjoy park’s sights Families can enjoy the outdoors at a new picnic spot in Wick Country Park this summer. Five wooden picnic benches have been installed at the 50-acre park run by Basildon Council, off Tresco Way in Wickford. The benches are located on a grassy area near to the park’s pavilion, car park and toilets. They were bought with funding secured from Grassroot Grants by Friends of Wick Country Park, a volunteer group that helps the Council manage the beauty spot. Allison Tanner, chair of the Friends of Wick Country Park, said: “These benches will give people a chance to stay longer in the park and take in the beautiful surroundings.” Wick Country Park has two kilometres of easily accessible trails, leading past old hedgerows, a large lake, ponds, World War Two pillboxes and woodland plantings.
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Toothache? No problem
International relations: A member of the Chinese delegation discusses building closer links to Essex with business leaders.
Basildon’s businesses and the district Council are spreading their nets far and wide to explore regeneration and trade opportunities. The Council recently hosted a delegation of Chinese businessmen and women from the Changzou region in a bid to open talks on mutual investment which could encourage firms to locate to Essex and create jobs. The delegation – mainly from
the manufacturing and engineering sectors – heard how Essex, and Basildon in particular, was an ideal place to base a business with excellent transport links, a good infrastructure and a skilled workforce. The 20 Basildon firms that attended the reception also learned about the opportunities for setting up in the Far East. A Council spokesman said: “A
number of local businesses turned up to help build mutual relationships and they found the experience very useful. “The Council believes there are many joint opportunities to be had and we share similar ambitions to Changzou. “We hope this successful conference has laid the foundations for a fruitful relationship with our visitors in the future.”
Golf course fun for children Youngsters are being given the chance to get fit and learn to play golf in a new sporting initiative. Jack Barker, the company which operates the Basildon’s Councilowned golf centre in Kingswood is running a number of sessions aimed at keeping children
entertained during the holidays. The centre’s fit for golf scheme in late July will see under-16s being given top practical advice from a pro with 25 years of teaching experience. The centre is also giving away free golf for juniors with family
packages. Two under-16s will be able to play for free when the whole family turns up.
Golf centre: 01268 533532 web jackbarker.com
If you are looking for an NHS dentist, then NHS South West Essex is here to help. The Patient Advice Liaison Service (PALS) has the latest information on dental practices which are accepting NHS patients and can direct you to one of them. NHS South West Essex has given additional funding to 11 dental practices across the districts of Basildon, Brentwood and Thurrock so they can meet patient demand. Give the PALS team a call on 0800 587 9159 and they will be able to help you.
Don’t drink and cook The dangers of drinking alcohol and cooking are being highlighted in a new Essex Fire Service campaign. ‘Don’t drink and cook’ beer mats will be distributed to pubs, clubs and bars in a bid to inform single men who live alone, and who cause more fires than any other group of the community.
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May 09
Remembering England’s history in 2009
St George’s Day
May 09
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NEWS IN BRIEF
Craylands in top 100 The £247million Craylands redevelopment has been named among the top 100 in the UK, according to trade magazine Regeneration and Renewal. It came 89th in the list, compiled annually at MIPIM, the world’s largest property conference. A spokesman for Basildon Council said: “Basildon has an ambitious regeneration programme underway and this poll shows how exciting and transformational our projects will be.”
Faster calls Basildon Council has cut customer waiting times by introducing a modern call centre. This has resulted in the average time it takes the street care team to respond to calls being reduced from 242 seconds, to just 12 seconds.
Dedication recognised Basildon came alive in a sea of red and white as young and old celebrated England’s patron saint’s day. From a big party in St Martin’s Square featuring the Anglian Regiment, to smaller bashes across Basildon, Billericay and Wickford, everyone got into the spirit, including the Wickford Youth Band and members of Basildon Islamic Centre.
The work of a young lifesaver from Basildon, who is a full time ambulance technician and spends her spare time teaching St John Ambulance cadets has been recognised, with a Young People of the Year award from Essex Police. Kerys Bessell, 23, shared her £250 runners-up prize with the cadets she teaches. She said: “ I love what I do. It is the most rewarding thing in the world to help people.” She was nominated by St John friend, Derek Wright, who said: “Kerys has a level of commitment you rarely see in young people these days. At the last count she has given up 750 hours of her time to teaching cadets.”
Kerys Bessell
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May 09
Finals great chance to show courts Work on 12 national standard netball courts at Gloucester Park North was completed in time to host the Basildon and District Netball Association league finals. The new facilities will provide the thousands of netball players with much improved courts. Association chair Tricia Garrard, said: “The finals were the perfect opportunity to showcase the new courts. Our 1,400 members look forward to the Sporting Village where there will be an additional two indoor courts suitable for internationals. A netball expert recommended by England Netball was used to advise Basildon Council on the alignment and lighting of the new courts. On match day, four finals took place to decide the top teams in the 13 divisions.
Fishing Bob keeping lakes shipshape Well-known fisherman Bob Burrows, who owns a respected angling shop in the district has won the contract to manage Basildon Council’s three fishing lakes. Bob has taken over the management of the lakes in Gloucester Park, Northlands Park and Lake Meadows.
This covers managing fish stocks, collecting rod fees, ensuring water quality and hygiene, and undertaking general conservation work. The lakes enjoy a good reputation with fishermen and are considered to be potentially among the best municipal facilities in the country.
“I’m obviously very pleased to have won this contract and I look forward to working closely with the Council to ensure an exciting future for our fisheries,” said Bob. “I know the anglers fishing these waters personally. I have a good idea of what they want and how to work with them to achieve it. “I’m also aware of the problems
we face, including environmental ones, and my team and I will be assessing the situation from day one.” The new deal represents considerable savings for the Council without compromising the service, and Bob is expected to build on the achievements of the previous holder.
Recession-busting Gym Express gets even bigger
Gym Express workers test the extra equipment which has been installed following its expansion.
The hugely successful ‘credit crunch’ Gym Express run by Basildon Council at Eversley Leisure Centre has opened an extension to cope with the demand for membership. With financial support from the PCT, the gym has extended, less than six months after it first opened. It now offers an extra 19 stations, taking the total to 52. The recession-friendly gym is designed to ensure people’s health doesn’t suffer because of the financial downturn and gives unlimited access to the latest fitness equipment at a fraction of the cost of a private gym membership.
The studio contains treadmills, cross-trainers, steppers, rowers, exercise bikes and weights. It also has air conditioning and plasma screen TVs. Qualified fitness instructors are on hand for one-to-one fitness sessions and tailor-made programmes. The car park is also free. The gym costs just £15 per month, compared to the average private membership of £50. Unlike private gyms, users are not tied to a contract and do not have to pay a joining fee.
Gym Express at Eversley Leisure Centre 01268 583076
Families: get out there!
A young netballer puts her skills to use on the new courts. Printed on 75% recycled paper. Please recycle your District Diary after reading.
Teenagers and their families are being encouraged to get off the sofa and into a healthy lifestyle in a new scheme promoting sports and activities. The Get Out There programme, supported by Basildon Council and funded by the South West Essex Primary Care Trust, will
raise awareness of sports families can do together. Incentives will exist for people to take part in activities – for every 10 completed, families will be given a £10 Asda voucher. The programme will promote family badminton sessions, postnatal swimming, mountain biking
and many other sports. It lists all the types of activities including drama and nutritional sessions like cookery classes, which families can take part in and which will qualify people for the vouchers. Copies can be picked up from Council venues across the district
Basildon District Council, The Basildon Centre, St Martin’s Square, Basildon, Essex, SS14 1DL. Website: www.basildon.gov.uk Switchboard: 01268 533333 Email: mailroom@basildon.gov.uk Chief executive: Bala Mahendran Leader: Councillor Malcolm Buckley
and when an activity has been completed, families just need to get it ticked off in the programme. The aim is to bring families together, improve health and nutrition, and also cut down on crime and antisocial behaviour, by giving teenagers focused activity outside of school hours.