Chelmsford Community Projects and Residents Set To Benefit from Lit Fibre’s Ultrafast Full Fibre Broadband

Ahead of Lit Fibre turning on its service in Chelmsford this month, Andrews says: “We are delighted to be working closely with local community groups and events across Essex, including the Chelmsford Light Parade, to educate residents on full-fibre internet and why it’s not only faster but cheaper and more reliable than existing services. Our team are on the ground in Chelmsford, Clacton and surrounding areas to show the difference that Lit Fibre can make by connecting these towns.”

According to the Lit Fibre study, on a typical day Essex homes have an average of seven devices connected to the internet, meaning that reliable and fast internet is vital for homes across the county. However, almost one third (29%) are frustrated by their existing internet provider multiple times each week, and over half (53%) would change their provider for faster speeds; whilst 43% say that cheaper internet and 42% a more reliable service would make them switch.

As ISP Lit Fibre announces the rollout of its 10gb-capable full-fibre network in Chelmsford, an Essex study reveals hopes that full-fibre will boost digital access, community projects and business in the county.

Community ISP Lit Fibre is to commence the roll out of its ultrafast full-fibre network across Chelmsford this month as a county-wide study reveals 29% of Essex residents are frustrated by their internet multiple times each week.

As part of its investment into Essex, Lit Fibre asked local communities for their opinions on existing internet services available in the area and whether they understood the benefits that ‘gold standard’ full-fibre broadband will offer to homes across the county.

The study reveals that getting full-fibre internet to people who have not had access before is seen as the joint leading benefit of fullfibre connectivity (43%) alongside it having a positive impact on community projects. This is closely followed by 38% saying it will improve local businesses.

Once live, homes throughout the city will have access to Lit Fibre’s symmetrical 100mb, 500mb or 1gb packages, delivering speeds up to 18-times faster than current broadband services. Those who register their interest via litfibre.com will receive additional discounts on their introductory prices.

Lit Fibre has immediately taken on board resident feedback into its plans for Essex by partnering with Ideas Hub Chelmsford for the Chelmsford Light Parade, which happened earlier this month.

Stephen Andrews, Lit Fibre’s Community Manager for the East, believes there is much to be done to help residents in Essex understand the benefits that full-fibre can bring, and to show how easy and cost-effective it is to switch.

Now Is the Time to Say Goodbye

After about ten years I have decided to hang up my pen. I have been writing a page about Rotary since the very first issue of The City Times, as well as until recently in Moulsham Times which goes back even further.

To say Rotary has been an important part of my life from the time I joined in 1996 would be an understatement. Many people would say that if you cut me in half you would see Rotary imprinted in me like a traditional stick of rock.

Rotary has given me many wonderful experiences and I have been involved at all levels. At grassroots, I was part of the redevelopment of the Chelmsford Club serving as president during Rotary International’s centenary year in 2005 and more latterly, joining Dunmow.

At district level I had many roles. Apart from a stint as Community & Vocational Chairman, I was magazine editor for 18 years, Public Relations Chairman for many years, Conference Chairman and updated the by-laws. Pretty varied as you can image, and then this culminated in being elected District Governor responsible for 60 clubs and nearly 1,500 Rotarians.

There is nothing quite as satisfying as helping people and making even a small impact through Rotary’s youth schemes, or at the other end of the age spectrum, seeing the smiles on the faces of senior citizens at an afternoon tea or a visit to the pantomime.

Over the past couple of years, I have taken more of a back seat - not because of a lack of energy, but rather I am somewhat concerned as to whether Rotary has the same relevance today. There are so many charities duplicating Rotary’s work, so many volunteers willing to come forward for one-off projects, that Rotary needs to find a different approach. Sure, there is a relaxation in dress code, in the frequency of meetings, in dispensing with a mandatory meal, but these changes are still not attracting younger people in sufficient numbers.

Over the years it has been part of my job to change the public perception of Rotary as being an organisation for older men, but I have to admit I have had limited success if I look at the current age profile. However, I hope that others will think that I have made a positive contribution to Rotary over the years.

Moving still further up the echelons of the Rotary ladder to Rotary in Great Britain and Ireland I was elected onto the national Public Image Committee and then beyond to become an Assistant Public Image Co-ordinator for Rotary International.

There have been so many highlights, but amongst the most outstanding memories I have are the gatherings abroad where I got to meet fellow leaders from all over the globe, showing what a small world it really is and how so much of what we do comes from shared values. A few years ago I was the local representative in Chicago to update the Rotary legislation, which was intended to move Rotary forward to meet new challenges.

I thank our publisher for the forum to promote Rotary, and unless I am allowed to write an occasional article about something special in the world of Rotary, I will sign off now with a few photos of my highlights.

What Is Stopping You from Accessing Financial Advice?

If you are deciding to seek regulated financial advice, you may be wondering about many things - but according to research you may fall into one of the categories below. If so please read on. The facts behind the numbers are not always easy to comprehend, so let’s take a look at some of the statistics in more detail to help clear up some misconceptions.

1. They say: 35% think they can take care of their finances*

We say: everyone is different and some absolutely can while others may need help - but advised clients are, on average £47,000 better off after 10 years***. Even if you are not easily impressed, it’s hard not to see value in that!

2. They say: 47% think financial advice is too expensive*

We say: Most clients that approach us do not know how much advice actually costs, what it includes or why some advisers use different charging structures, eg, fixed fee, hourly or percentage of the investment or mixture thereof.

3. They say: 45% believe that advisers are only interested in selling you something*

We say: We have legal responsibility and duty of care to only ever recommend products tailored specifically to your needs. Simply put, we are not sales people!

4. They say: 17% simply don’t like discussing their finances*

We say: speaking to us advisers is no different to asking your doctor or solicitor for help; we are simply financial experts, we love helping others and we don’t bite!

5. They say: 41% of respondents opine that advisers only provide advice on products that earn a commission*

We say: In reality we do not get any commission for recommendation on pensions, investments and retirement income products.

6. They say: 29% don’t trust advisers* www.royalthameswealth.co.uk silvia@royalthameswealth.co.uk 020 8720 7249 / 07908 109 741

We say: did you know that 8 out of 10 advised clients say that trustworthiness is one of their advisers top 3 qualities?** What say you!?

7. For those 22% that think financial advice is not for them* Research indicates that 1.5 million individuals would probably look for advice if they knew how advisers can help - knowledge is key!

You may be one of the 15% who don’t think financial advice is for someone like you* - let’s have an initial chat to see if and how we can help you with managing your money and plan for the future.

*Source: Exploring the Advice Gap, April 2021, Royal London customer research.

**Source: Feeling the Benefit of Financial Advice, September 2020, Royal London customer research.

***Source: What It’s Worth - Revitalising the Value of Financial Advice, December 2019.

Silvia Johnson BSc(Hons) DipPFS EFA CertCII (MP) is a Director & Independent Financial Adviser at Royale Thames Wealth Ltd.

Royale Thames Wealth Ltd is an Appointed Representative of New Leaf Distribution Ltd which is authorised and regulated by Financial Conduct Authority number 460421.

The value of your investment may go up as well as down and the value is not guaranteed. Past performance is not a guarantee of future performance.

Wills and Estate Planning are not regulated by the FCA.

Rambling through Royalty - By Britain’s Oldest Angry Young Man

What is it about rich American women who seek sanctuary with our royal family as a safe haven from the politics and corruption endemic in their own country?

Let us start with Winston Churchill’s mother, Lady Randolph Churchill, née Jenny Jerome, daughter of an American millionaire. Of course, we must thank her for producing, arguably, Britain’s greatest citizen. Enter Bessie Wallis Warfield Simpson, Duchess of Windsor. In 1935, Wallis had been presented in court to the outrage of the royal family who were shocked by her marital history. As an American socialite, she was waiting for her final decree for her second divorce when on December 11th 1936 her husband, the Duke of Windsor, broadcast a farewell (abdication) to his people. He and Wallis then decamped to Europe. Wallis’ first marriage in 1916 was to US bavy officer Earl Winfield Spencer Jnr, divorced 1927. Her second marriage in 1928 was to Ernest Aldriitch Simpson, divorced in 1937. She finally hit the jackpot when in 1937 she married Prince Edward, Duke of Windsor. He died in 1972. Wallis died in 1986.

Enter Californian-born Meghan Markle, an actress previously married to American film producer Trevor Engelson. After three years they separated in August 2013. Meghan met Harry on a blind date in 2016 and they married 19th May 2018 in Windsor Castle. So much for the fairy tale.

It was not long before the hard reality of the situation burst on the scene. It soon became clear that Harry had morphed into a pawn for Meghan. Harry’s protestrations about ill-perceived treatment of Meghan by some at the Palace and elsewhere, began to affect Harry’s judgment in domestic and royal matters. Interestingly, both Harry and Edward VIII abandoned their royal duties for love. As Harry began to vent his anger on anyone within range, Meghan slid into the