The Benfleet Magazine's March 2020 Edition

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KEEP ME! I’M FULL OF LOCAL BUSINESSES & FANTASTIC OFFERS

BENFLEET MAGAZINE March 2020 Edition • 20,000 Homes Monthly • 01268 330 271

THUNDERSLEY • HADLEIGH • DAWS HEATH

Mulan 2020 Preview

See page 20 for this month’s movie preview

Win a Frozen 2 DVD Enter our kids quiz for your chance to win!

Cyber Bullying

See page 8 for this month’s article.

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Hi there, Welcome to our March edition So who's done with Winter? I know it won't be long before we're all complaining about the heat but I cannot wait for the clocks to SPRING forward and I can start getting the Summer suitcases down from the loft. We have a SPRING themed wordsearch at the back to remind you of all the things to look forward to. A big reminder to all sons and daughters, March 22nd is Mother's Day! Be sure to also read a really touching article 'To a Special Mum' this month. There's two treats for Disney fans in this month's magazine. First we have this month's movie preview. A live action version of everyone's favourite warrior princess, Mulan! Keep reading to find out the second, it's a good one. I highly recommend having a look over at our recipe. We've gone for a rare traditional and hearty recipe that will be sure to warm you up if the weather doesn't oblige, plus who doesn't love a dumpling. This month's event's page is full to the rafters so if you're looking for anything to do be sure to check there first.

Last months quiz winner was Robert McGready from Thundersley Park Road who won a Farmageddon DVD. Congratulations and please remember to send all your details! In the kids quiz this month your family has the chance to win a DVD copy of Disney's Frozen 2. Don’t forget you have to be in it to win it! If you would like to advertise with us, the last day to get your advert in is 15th March. We can design your ad for Free and a Month’s Advertising to 20,000 homes costs from as little as £45. You can contact us on 01268 330271 or email at sales@eblmagazines.co.uk We do not vet our advertisers and take no responsibility for anyone who advertises in our magazines. Please stop by and like our Facebook page (Essex Business & Leisure)

Keeping it local

Sarah

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PAVING & LANDSCAPING

Sudoku page 4 Foot Notes page 6 Cyber Bullying page 8 Win Party for 10 Kids Beef inaGuiness & Dumplings 17 page 12 Local Events in Essex page 16 Mulan 2020 Movie Preview page 20 The Annual Fiesta page 22 Win a Frozen 2 DVD page 28 To a Special Mum page 34 The SPRING Wordsearch page 36

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treat Athlete’s foot, fungal nail infections, corns, verrucae and cracked heels.

What about foot pain? Yes, a good Chiropodist will be able to advise, diagnose and provide a treatment plan for biomechanical problems of the feet as well as bunions and toe deformities.

Foot Notes What is the difference between a Chiropodist and a Podiatrist? There is no difference. Podiatrist is the internationally accepted term, but both have the same qualifications and both need to be registered with the Health Professions Council.

What does a chiropodist/podiatrist do? They treat and advise on all matters relating to feet. Most people think of ingrown toenails, but they also

I suffer with smelly, sweaty feet. Could a Chiropodist help me? Absolutely. In some people the sweat glands of the feet are over active, producing more sweat than they should. Some people also have greater than normal amounts of bacteria on their skin and it is the reaction of the bacteria with the sweat which causes the unpleasant odour. A chiropodist will be able to advise on footwear, foot hygiene and any sprays or creams which might help.

What about permanently cold feet? A podiatrist could certainly look into the possible causes of your cold feet and make recommendations. Often cold feet are linked to poor circulation and become more common with age. Podiatrists check pulse points and can refer to other health care professionals if required.

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CYBER BULLYING NOT JUST FOR TEENS Frequent tragic news items about cyberbullying in teenagers might lead us to think that such behaviour is limited to this age group. But it has become as much of a problem for adults, and as adults can be adept at hiding their online identity – and far more malicious and sophisticated in the way they operate, it can be devastating for the victims If you are a victim of cyber bullying... Don’t retaliate - Bullies want a reaction. If you do react you will almost certainly escalate the behaviour, and have your response turned against you. Record Everything - Keep evidence of content: pictures, texts, emails, tweets, status updates that the person has sent or posted about you. If the cyberbullying is occurring on a blog or forum, take screenshots of the post. Build a case against the person harassing you. Talk to your employer - If the person harassing you is a co-worker, or if the bullying is occurring on a work-related forum or blog your employer needs to know, this is where the evidence comes into play. Contact the police - If threats of physical harm are made, or you feel that the bully is dangerous, make a police report. The more evidence you have of the threats, the easier it will be for them to act. Talk about it - Speak with trusted friends about what you are going through. Many victims feel ashamed, but shame tends to disappear if you share your concerns. Report Abuse - Every reputable website has a ‘Report’ feature built in. Use it. Cut ties - Remove toxic people from your social media circle. BLOCK – Use the block feature on forums and phones to block the cyber bully at source. By Tracey Anderson

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Beef in Guinness & Dumplings For the stew: 2 tbsp oil, 1kg braising steak, cut into large pieces, 2 tbsp plain flour, 3 onions, sliced, 500ml Guinness, 2 sprigs thyme For the dumplings: 75g butter, frozen and grated, or 75g suet 150g self-raising flour, 1 small onion, grated, Water for mixing 2 sprigs of thyme , leaves stripped and chopped

Method Serves 4-6 1

Heat the oven to 150C/fan 130C/gas 2. Heat a little of the oil in a large oven-proof pan. Lightly flour the pieces of braising steak and fry in small batches until well browned. Remove them with a slotted spoon and place them on a plate.

2

Add the onions to the pan and fry on a fairly high heat until they soften and tinge brown at the edges.

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Pour the Guinness into the pan, letting it bubble up, then return the meat to the pan along with the thyme. Cover the pan and transfer to the oven for 2-2 1/2 hours or until tender. The sauce will sweeten and thicken during the cooking time.

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Make the dumplings (towards the end of the cooking time by mixing the grated butter or suet, flour, onion and thyme together and season well.

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Gradually add water to the dry ingredients until you have a soft dough. Divide into 12 balls. Place the dumplings on top of the casserole and return it to the oven, uncovered, for 25 minutes. Serve with shredded Savoy cabbage

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COOKS COACHES

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APRIL DAY EXCURSIONS Whether you are looking for FUN & EXCITEMENT, SHOPPING & SHOWS or PEACE & TRANQUILITY there is a Cooks Day Excursion just for you. 1st Chiswick House & Gardens 1st St Ives & Huntingdon 2nd Canterbury 2nd Herne Bay 3rd Call the Midwife, Chatham Dockyard 4th & 8th Ideal Home Show 5th Burghley House & Gardens 6th Chocolate Lady & Saffron Walden 7th Hampton Court 7th Kew Gardens 8th Broadstairs 8th Margate 9th Afternoon in Essex with cream tea 9th Bluewater 10th Easter racing & countryside fair at Chelmsford City Racecourse 11th Colchester Zoo 11th Colchester town 11th Ipswich 11th Woodbridge 12th Clacton 12th Columbia Road 12th Festival of steam & transport 12th Walton on the Naze 13th Legoland 13th Mississippi Paddle Boat – Norfolk Broads 13th Windsor 14th Highclere Castle 14th Museum Day

15th Kent in Spring 16th Blenheim Palace 16th Amazon Factory Tour Tilbury 16th Oxford 17th Brighton 18th Detling Antiques 18th Norwich 19th Hanami at Brogdale 19th Port Lympne Animal Park 20th Wisley Gardens 21st Boulogne by ferry 21st Dorney Court 22nd Ardingly Antiques 22nd Southwold & Aldeburgh 23rd Polhill Garden Centre 23rd Winchester 24th Freeport Shopping Centre 24th Creative Crafts at Excel 25th Great Yarmouth 25th St Albans 26th Country Living at Alexandra Palace 26th Horniman Museum 27th Chelmsford & Meadowcraft Garden Centre 27th Kentish Lady cruise 28th Bressingham Gardens 29th Bourton on the Water 30th Bexhill 30th Hastings 30th Leonardslee Gardens

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LOCAL EVENTS Coffee Morning in Canvey

14th March, Canvey Methodist Church Join us for a coffee morning with bacon baps at Canvey Methodist Church with Stalls, Cakes, Crafts and much more. Canvey Methodist Church, Waarden Road

SKA & Mash at the Chequers

21st March, Start at 8pm The Chequers DJ Ska N Mash returns to the landmark historical pub The Chequers to bring another great selection of #Ska, 2-tone and #Reggae classics. Free Entry. 44 High Street, Billericay, Essex CM129BQ

Model Railway Exhibition

28th March 10-4pm. St Mary’s Church Hall St Mary’s Model Railway Club are holding an exhibition in the church hall (not the church) all proceeds to St Mary’s church restoration fund. Entrance is £3 per adult and accompanied children under 16 are free. 376 High Road, Benfleet SS7 5HL

The JoJo Show at the Ballroom

16th April 1.30pm, The Old Regent Ballroom We all know how crazy the kids are about the YouTube sensation that is JoJo Siwa!! Well now The JoJo Show is coming to a town near you! Don’t miss out on the UK’s No. 1 Tribute show! 19 Corringham Road, Stanford le Hope SS17 0AQ

First Sanctuary Open Day 2020

5th April, Essex Horse & Pony Protection Come join us at our first open day of 2020. Meet the resident horses and ponies as well as our pigs, goats and chickens. Visit your favourites and see how big all our 2019 foals are getting. Pitsea Hall Lane, Basildon, Essex SS16 4

Battlesbridge Vintage Easter Fair

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DISNEY'S MULAN 2020 Release Date: 07/02/2020

Acclaimed filmmaker Niki Caro brings the epic tale of China's legendary warrior to life in Disney's 'Mulan'. A fearless young woman risks everything out of love for her family and her country to become one of the greatest warriors China has ever known. When the Emperor of China issues a decree that one man per family must serve in the Imperial Army to defend the country from Northern invaders, Hua Mulan, the eldest daughter of an honoured warrior, steps in to take the place of her ailing father. Masquerading as a man, Hua Jun, she is tested every step of the way and must harness her inner-strength and embrace her true potential. It is an epic journey that will transform her into an honoured warrior and earn her the respect of a grateful nation...and a proud father. 'Mulan' features a celebrated international cast that includes: Yifei Liu as Mulan; Donnie Yen as Commander Tung; Jason Scott Lee as Bori Khan; Yoson An as Cheng Honghui; with Gong Li as Xianniang and Jet Li as the Emperor. The film is directed by Niki Caro from a screenplay by Rick Jaffa & Amanda Silver and Elizabeth Martin & Lauren Hynek based on the narrative poem 'The Ballad of Mulan.'

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AN ANNUAL FIESTA I’ve always loved an annual. From Bunty to The Blue Peter Annual, they were crammed full of interest and fun. As I grew older my taste in annuals has become more horticultural. One little pack of seeds is now my gardening equivalent of the Beano - a brief shelf-life and packed with colour. Hardy annuals are the most obliging. They don’t need a propagator or a greenhouse, or even a windowsill; all they need is a sunny spot and some well-drained soil. Just sprinkle the seeds in the ground and you can look forward to a fiesta of summer colour for very little work. The choice of plants and hue is wide. If blue is your thing try a soft shade of love-in-amist, or a vivid blue cornflower, or the most gorgeous tiny phacelia. For pinks try a fluffy clarkia or delicate godetia. Nasturtiums span the colour wheel from cream through yellow and orange to deep red. Annual doesn’t mean small either. Both larkspurs and amaranthus are tall and elegant, and cleomes which also provide height probably only need to be planted once as they are prolific self-seeders!

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Look around your garden for gaps in beds and borders which are in a sunny spot and well-drained. Don’t plant when it’s cold or the soil is wet and sticky. Wait until the weather is mild and soil is damp and crumbly, then fork it lightly to break it up. Use a rake to create shallow furrows, sprinkle the seeds over and rake them gently in, raking across the furrows to cover them. Bigger seeds like nasturtiums can be pushed into the soil a couple of centimetres deep and 10-15cm apart. Label the area so you know what should come up. The biggest enemy of the newly-planted hardy annual seed is the domestic cat! They love a patch of freshly raked soil, and will happily do their business in your handiwork and then kick up all your seeds without a second thought. Thwart the moggies by laying twiggy pea sticks over the area (and particularly twiggy and thorny prunings will do!). Remove them with the shoots are big enough or stand them up and use them to support the taller annuals. Thin them out a little to one plant per 10cm and water them if the weather is very dry. You don’t need to feed them, they flower best when the soil is not rich. Food and manure will favour leaf production whereas we’re after flowers and lots of them!

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MEET Roothway Builders is a family owned business, which has been established for over two decades. All of our staff have a wealth of experience which they have gained over years working in the building trade. Together with a team of skilled tradesmen, we are committed to providing our customers with a uniquely personal service and top quality workmanship that all work is completed to the highest standard. Roothway is not a soulless, faceless business. We will always listen to your requirements, gain clear understanding of what you want and then offer you our professional advice. Our building and renovations services are used by customers throughout the South East and London within the domestic, commercial and public sectors. The experienced team are happy to undertake jobs of all sizes, with no job too big, and we pride ourselves on being able to always provide a quality service. We are proud to be able to provide our customers with an extensive range of high quality services. The in-house team can take care of all size projects from converting garages to creating a room within your loft, installing a new bathroom or redesigning your kitchen to property extensions in Hockley and much more. Not only do we work around your requirements but we also always make sure to stay within your budget and provide a hassle-free service so that you can go about your day as normal. Please see our advert on the opposite page.

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To a Special a Mum

On Mothers' Day my Facebook and Instagram feeds fill with photos. The captions declare, ‘Beautiful bouquet from my son!' #mothersday or 'My daughters took me to see Les Mis' #mothersday. In spite of the fact that I have a much-loved son he will never send me flowers or take me to the theatre. Tom has Down Syndrome and is also autistic, non-verbal and has a myriad of complex health problems. I love him and I know he loves me, but I will be his carer long after my friends' kids have left home and started their own families. This is my shout-out to other mums whose Mothers’ Day celebrations will be bittersweet. You are not alone - There are more of us than you think. Our children may all have different problems, but we understand each other’s sense of being on the outside, at the celebrations 'normal' families take for granted: Christmas, birthday parties, family get-togethers and Mothers' Days. You are AWESOME - You are a full-blown superhero my friend. Your superpower is the ability to deal with situations other parents could not conceive in their worst nightmares. You might acquire knowledge and skills beyond those required by most doctors, memorising medication regimens, side effects, and how to inject or infuse the drugs. You deal calmly with your hysterical child during horrendous medical procedures. You deal with melt-downs in public toilets over hand-dryers! You encourage your child to do the things doctors assured you they would never do. You crash, you burn, and you get up and do it all again the next day anyway. You celebrate your kids' achievements on their terms - Other parents crow about their child's GCSE results or a grade 4 piano exam passed with distinction or a star-ofthe-week award for neat handwriting. Our celebrations look different though they are no less important. We celebrated Tom signing 'Mum', 'Dad' and 'love’ for the first time, and we definitely celebrated him taking a bath without screaming, drowning us or flooding the house! You are special. To mothers of additional needs kids everywhere.

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