L N ocal ISSUE 5
etwork Magazine
Inside 7 Top tips to planning your wedding Garden View Pass the salt Maybe tomorrow? Steve Chew - Crisp Crossword Wordsearch Recipe
11,000 FREE copies delivered every month The Notleys - Braintree - Great Leighs - High Garrett - Bocking Rayne - Flitch Green - Dunmow Please see our website for full delivery details www.localnetworkmag.co.uk
1
Would you like details about advertising? Call - 01371 830200
What’s Inside Page 5 - Garden View Page 7 - Pass the salt Page 9 - Great Start Pages 10 & 11 Steve Chew ‘Crisp’ Pages 15 & 19 7 tips ‘Planing Your Wedding Page - 17 Win a hen party music video Page 23 Maybe tomorrow if I get a moment Page 25 - Vegetable Chowder Page - 27 Braintree & Bocking Carnival Page 29 - Crossword & Wordsearch Answers to our puzzles are on our website
Electrotazz Electrical Contractor David Skeates
All electrical work undertaken Domestic & Commercial Maintenance Extensions Rewiring Consumer Units Fault Finding ** 24 Hour Service **
Tel: O78 0976 8765 Disclaimer While every care is taken to ensure accuracy, the publishers cannot accept responsibility for loss, damage or omission caused by error in the printing of artwork. All artwork is accepted on the strict condition that permission has been given for use in this publication. Adverts are accepted on the understanding that the description of the goods and services are fair and accurate. Local Network Magazine does not officially endorse and advertising material included in this publication. No part of this publication maybe reproduced, stored in any retrievable system or transmitted in any form-electronic, mechanical, photocopying or otherwise – without the consent of the publisher. Publisher: Local Network Magazine Ltd. 8 The Maltings, Thaxted, Essex. CM6 2NB
2
Bright and Beautiful %5,*+7 %($87,)8/ ,6 $1 $:$5' Cleaning:,11,1* '20(67,& +286(.((3,1* 6(59,&( XLEX MW RS[ HIPMZIVMRK XLI LMKLIWX WXERHEVHW SJ GPIERMRK PEYRHV] MVSRMRK ERH XMH]MRK MR &VEMRXVII 7YVVSYRHW
1/2 page verticle
&VMKLX &IEYXMJYP MW VYR F] PSGEP QYQ .YPMI 7XIZIRWSR [LS MW TEWWMSREXI EFSYX WYTTSVXMRK [SQIR ERH XLIMV JEQMPMIW F] KMZMRK XLIQ FEGO XLIMV EPP MQTSVXERX JVII XMQI .YPMI WE]W ¹9WMRK E GPIERMRK WIVZMGI LEW FIGSQI E RIGIWWMX] JSV QER] TISTPI VEXLIV XLER E PY\YV] ;LIR ]SY´VI FYW] EX [SVO XLI PEWX XLMRK ]SY [ERX XS HS MW XS KIX LSQI ERH WXEVX GPIERMRK SV XS WTIRH EPP [IIOIRH QSTTMRK žSSVW 7S QER] SJ Q] GPMIRXW XIPP QI LS[ JERXEWXMG MX MW XS [EPO MRXS E GPIER JVIWL WQIPPMRK LSQI ERH RSX XS LEZI XS JEGI E TMPI SJ MVSRMRK SV HMVX] HMWLIW ² .YPMI ERH LIV TVSJIWWMSREPP] XVEMRIH XIEQ YWI LMKL UYEPMX] IGS JVMIRHP] ERH RSR XS\MG GPIERMRK TVSHYGXW XLEX GPIER IJJIGXMZIP] KMZI E PY\YV] ½RMWL ERH WQIPP FIEYXMJYP ;MXL WIGYVMX] QIEWYVIW XLEX EVI WIGSRH XS RSRI &VMKLX &IEYXMJYP MW EPWS JYPP] MRWYVIH WS ]SY GER FI GSR½HIRX XLEX ]SYV LSQI MW GSQTPIXIP] TVSXIGXIH ERH GEVIH JSV 7R JHW \RXU IUHH WLPH EDFN ZK\ QRW FRQWDFW -XOLH IRU D IUHH QR REOLJDWLRQ TXRWH RQ
%5,*+7$1'%($87,)8/+20( &20 %5$,175((
ESSEX HARD ESSEX HARD ESSEX HARD WATER ALERT! WATER ALERT! WATER ALERT! Does Does your your Limescale Limescale look look like like this? this? Does Does your your Limescale Limescale look look like like this? this?
WITH WITH WITH WITH
LIMESCALE LIMESCALE LIMESCALE LIMESCALE
NO NO NO NO
LIMESCALE LIMESCALE LIMESCALE LIMESCALE
SAY NO TO LIMESCALE SAY NO TO SAY NO TO LIMESCALE LIMESCALE S OF TE NE R SS S SO OF FT TE EN NE ER RS SOFTENERS
www.softflowsofteners.co.uk www.softflowsofteners.co.uk www.softflowsofteners.co.uk www.softflowsofteners.co.uk 01245 222 203 01245 222 203 01245 222 01245 222 203 203
3
We pride ourselves on producing quality workmanship of the highest standards.
RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL CLEARANCE SERVICES
Paving
HOUSE, OFFICE, INDUSTRIAL UNITS, GARDEN AND OUTBUILDING CLEARANCE
Brickwork Decking
Here at John James Clearance we will remove all unwanted items from your property leaving the area clean and clear.
Ponds Driveways
We will clear all items as instructed, we will clean the area and can provide a redecoration service if required.
Fencing Bespoke garden buildings Garden lighting design and installation
The Victoria, Shalford Green, Braintree, CM7 5EP
John James Clearance is a fully insured and registered waste carrier. We only use licensed waste disposal sites and aim to recycle as much waste as possible.
01279 294 294 www.johnjamesclearance.co.uk
Palm Tree Pools is a family run business with over 50 years of experience in all aspects of swimming pool management and maintenance. We are based in Essex and offer unparalleled customer service and reliability. We offer a range of maintenance schemes to keep your pool ready to use whenever you need it, taking away the stress of pool management and maintenance. We also provide a wide range of equipment and chemicals at very competitive prices as well as a knowledge base that only comes from servicing a varied blend of satisfied, long-term, clients. If you are not lucky enough to have a permanent pool, we also stock some amazing above ground pools and “easy up” hot tubs and spas which can be enjoyed throughout the summer and easily stored in the winter. Above Ground Pool packages start at £250 plus VAT and can usually be delivered within five days of ordering. Please contact us for details on maintenance schemes, above ground pools, hot tubs, spas, equipment, accessories and chemical supplies or visit our ebay store at www.stores.ebay.co.uk/palmtreepools
01376 528 774
Telephone: E-Mail: palmtreepools1@gmail.com www.facebook.com/palmtreepool
Garden View
The Greenhouse Guide People often ask me, “Is there something in your garden you couldn’t live without?” My reply is always, “My greenhouse.” A greenhouse has many benefits, chief of which for me is that it extends the gardening year. With a greenhouse you can potter in your garden all year round, and grow a range of plants which simply wouldn’t thrive without the extra protection. Before choosing a greenhouse you will need to check whether your local planning authority imposes any restrictions. While you don’t normally need planning permission, building regulations do have to be adhered to. Buy the biggest greenhouse you can afford that will fit comfortably on to your plot - you will always fill it! But even if you can only afford a tiny one my first one had a base of just 4’ by 5.5’ (1.2m by 1.7m) - it will still be a worthwhile investment.
Now all you have to do is plant some seeds and invest in a few tender perennials.
Great Greenhouse Tips n Fit your greenhouse to level foundations. n Orientation isn’t important , but make sure it isn’t in the shadow of the house, or overhanging trees. n Ventilate well. n Any electrical work must be carried out or certified by a qualified electrician to comply with part P of the building regulations. n Don’t be tempted to use a household electric heater. It won’t cope with the damp conditions in a greenhouse. n Fit a water butt to the down pipes at either end of the greenhouse to conserve water.
The aluminium- framed types are very sturdy and relatively cheap. Wooden-framed constructions are more attractive though, and often better in a small garden where everything has to earn its keep. Western red cedar is good because it lasts a long time and weathers really well. Greenhouses are even more useful if they are heated. I started out with paraffin heaters, but found they produced a lot of condensation and were messy and smelly. Electric heating is best, and very economical if you fit a system thermostat so that it only switches on when necessary. Apart from heat the most important factor is ventilation. In high summer this is vital to prevent your plants from cooking. Automatic arms which open the vents at a pre-designated temperature are really useful. External blinds are also very good as they prevent sun scorch. Finally, fit staging along one edge of the greenhouse for your pots, and dig a soil or gravel bed on the other side for things like tomato plants.
Happy Gardening Rachel Leverton 5
Do you have a holiday planned? Going away on business? Staying in hospital? Or perhaps just away from home for long periods of the day? I can look after your cats and small animals, I cover a 10 mile Radius from Braintree, Essex but I’m happy to discuss travelling further.
07786787973
Cat Grooming available including claw clipping For cats & rabbits
www.sgreencatsitting.webs.com
Great Notley ● ● ● ● ●
All aspects of grooming All sizes and breeds welcome Professionally trained Professionally equipped salon Competitive Prices
BIG or small we can do them all
Tel: 01376 331214 / 07970 352299
the Salt Pass (on)
National Salt Awareness Week 16th-22nd March 2015 marks the 16th National Salt Awareness Week. Research tells us that a high dietary salt intake is associated with the development of high blood pressure, and an increased risk of stroke and coronary heart disease. Note the word ‘high’ in the previous statement. Average salt consumption in this country is about 8.5g per person per day. This is about one and a quarter teaspoons. I know this because I measured it out and believe me, it doesn’t look a lot. So why all the fuss about reducing our intake by what amounts to just about half a teaspoon? Salt is composed of 40 percent Sodium and 60 percent Chloride. We need Sodium because it regulates water in the body, and helps in the transfer of electrical impulses along our nerve fibre system. But just 1g of salt per day would be sufficient to carry out all these functions. At 950 percent of the required daily amount 9.5g does seem suddenly like a very big number. Salt raises the blood pressure because Sodium encourages the body to retain more water. This increased volume of water in the blood vessels creates higher pressure. Once you have high blood pressure you are more likely to develop heart disease, which is one of the leading killers in Britain today.
Processed meats, cheese, cereals, bread and ready meals are also high in salt. That’s the bad news – so what can we do about it? Well, we can read the labels and choose foods with the lowest amount of salt. Studies have shown that by reducing our salt intake along with saturated fat, and by increasing our intake of fruit, vegetables and low fat dairy foods like yoghurt, we can reduce our blood pressure. Ideally, this should be combined with maintaining a healthy weight, limiting our alcohol consumption, and increasing our physical activity levels. It sounds straightforward, but in reality we all need a little push sometimes. Why not take advantage of a health MOT at your local Fitness club or Health Spa. Most have facilities for measuring blood pressure and body fat, and many have staff qualified to advise on nutrition. You might be inspired to change your lifestyle. Who’d have imagined that reducing salt intake by just half a teaspoon per day would reap such big rewards. Now that’s got to be food for thought...just don’t add salt! By Louise Addison
So, is it just a matter of leaving the salt cellar in the cupboard when we lay the table? Well no: about 75 percent of salt is hidden in processed foods. Brits eat more crisps than the rest of Europe combined, and with each packet, up to 1g of salt!
7
Are you looking for an affordable quality kitchen? Do you need expert advice for a new bedroom or bathroom? At Traditional Woodcraft in Rayne Essex, we use our 30 years of experience and our commitment to personal, friendly customer service to ensure you get quality products and great service at fair prices. Tel: 01376 329794 | Mobile: 07970 390520 17 Brunwin Road, Rayne, Braintree, CM77 6BU www.traditionalwoodcraft.co.uk
GREAT START FOR BUSINESS & STAFF Having opened their new branch in Braintree in December 2014, Anglia First has had a great start in Essex, having filled 35 job roles already. Martin Burgess – Regional Sales Manager for Anglia First Home Improvements said, “Since opening the Braintree branch in mid December, we have already filled half of our job roles in this branch and trained all new recruits to our company standard. Over the coming months we will look to continue our Recruitment and Training programmes in order to have around 70 – 75 local people working for us by the summer.”
“Our new recruits have helped us generate interest within Braintree and further into Essex. We are on track to hit our projected yearly target of £2.5million for our first year of trading in this area.” “We have found that due to our flexible working hours, we have been able to offer jobs to people who have previously struggled with child care or other commitments. We have also taken on several people who have little or no experience as having a training programme for all new starters.” Mr Burgess said, “Our main focus has always been on customer satisfaction through the supply of highly innovative energy efficient products, which are unrivalled in the industry. This is why we ensure all our staff, from first point of contact, through design and installations, to aftercare are reliable, friendly, prompt and professional.” Anglia First looks forward to continuing to build a relationship with the local community and being of service to the people of Essex. For more information, please visit www.angliafirst.co.uk or call our Head Office on 0800 92 11 12.
Recruiting Car Owner/Drivers Trainee and Experienced Sales Representatives Call Centre Advisors Customer Service Advisors Installation Teams Please call our Recruitment department on: 079200 43725 or email your CV to: recruitment@angliafirst.co.uk
9
Crisp at Aintree.
and my rubbish hairdo and watched a race that is remembered as the greatest Grand National of them all.
Now my Dad was a bit of a sportsman in his youth. He played a lot of badminton and ran the mile in the 3As some time in the early 50s, before the diabetes bought him to his knees, almost literally. He loved a bit of sport on the tele, my Dad, especially long-distance running, cricket and rugby union. I don’t think he and I missed a Calcutta Cup game or and England v France match until he passed away in 1997. Like most of Britain at that time we had a bet once a year, in April on a dodgy and often fatal horse race in Aintree on the great English tradition that is the Grand National. My dad would nip up the bookies in Barton and put 10p each way for each of us while Mother spent hours looking at the coloured central pullout of the Daily Mirror studying form. It was exciting. In 1973 I was 6 – and just 6 at that. I can remember my Dad saying ‘Look at these horses, Stevie – who’s going to win?’ I looked and said ‘Crisp.’ ‘It’s Australian,’ said The Old Man, with a level of disgust that would be magnified 100 times a year later as a rampant Lillee and Thomson ripped England apart in the Ashes. ‘You can’t bet on that…’ But I was adamant. I liked crisps. As good a reason as any to back a horse, I guess. I sat on the rug, knees to my chest before the fire, with the Border collie and my rubbish flares
10
Now I didn’t know at the time but Crisp was the massive favourite to win. It was the stand out horse of the race and started at 6-1. Even now I can remember my excitement, as he was the first horse over the Melling Road. As the race went on he stretched his lead and at one point was over 30 (thirty) lengths clear. Richard Pitman, the jockey that day said, “I couldn’t hear any of the normal race sounds. Usually, you will be able to hear the thundering hooves of those behind you, the jockeys shouting and calling, but there was none of that. Just silence.” And I watched in amazement and incredible excitement…almost shivering. Then it all went wrong of course. The pack began closing slightly and, four fences out, the lead was down to 20 lengths, then 15 and by The Elbow? Perhaps 8. And I can remember jumping and shouting and hiding my head beneath my jumper as this horrid horse call Red Rum came up in the inside, took the lead three strides from the line and won by a nose. The third horse, L’Escargot, who would win the National two years later, was 25 lengths adrift at the finish. Jesus, how I cried. I was almost inconsolable, crying for this gallant, brave horse that had given everything over miles and miles of dangerous, life-threatening jumps only to be beaten by a gnat’s pubic hair at the last possible moment. Somehow it wasn’t English. It wasn’t playing by the rules. It wasn’t FAIR. The next day my Dad told me (looking up from the back page of the Mirror) that the Grand National was a ‘Handicap’. Amazingly the horses weren’t all carrying the same weight when they took on that ridiculous race. Some were carrying more
1973 And All That
than others. Crisp was carrying 23lbs more than the second favourite – the legend that became Red Rum. 23lbs. That’s almost two STONE.
Oh, the outrage I felt that morning over my Sugarpuffs! I probably burst into tears again.
Crisp and his jockey holding on for another couple of yards. Poor old Crisp.
How quintessentially English. The heroism of the gallant loser! The nobility of second place! If Tennyson had been alive he’d have written some shocking doggerel about it, no doubt published in the News Of The World. But you know what? If I watch that race now I still well up. I still shout for Crisp when he reaches The Elbow with Red Rum closing in and I still, totally irrationally, believe that one day, just ONCE, one of those replays will show
Steve Chew is co-founder and Head of Content Marketing at Magnificent Stuff (www.magnificentstuff.net). You can contact Steve via the website or on 07723024865.
11
Aesthetic & Wellness suite
INCH LOSS Stomach, Buttocks, Legs, Knees & Arms
CELLULITE
SKIN TIGHTENING
BODY CONTOURING
ALL IN ONE TREATMENT!
NON INVASIVE
NO needles
NO pain
Lipofirm Plus is one of the very few systems that is medically certified with clinical studies.
Vintage Glamour Hair Nails Health & Beauty 6 Little Square, Braintree 01376528844 12
Find us between Yumy’s Café & Pasha Café www.vintageglamour.me
Hen & Stag Party T-Shirts No Order Too BIG Or Too small
Caps, Flags Phone Cases & More
Call for more details Tel: 07581 070072
Perfectly Personalised Embroidery & Printwear
Mrs Custom MrsFlowers Custom
Adrienne Aslan Please call or visit: 07447 925 521 www.facebook.com/mrs.custom.1
From Bridal Jewellery to gifts Stella & Dot has it covered
Stella & Dot Half
Earning free jewellery and discounts by hosting a party.
n Fun n Friends n Free Accessories!
Boutique styled jewellery available online: www.stelladot.co.uk/sites/brittneyskeates
Brittneyskeates@yahoo.co.uk
07732 338 847
13
Roselle Moss Makeup Artist before & after
“Hello!
My name is Roselle and I am a qualified Makeup Artist based in Braintree. I use only hypoallergenic and vegan certified makeup so it is very safe on your skin. If you mention this advert you will receive
10% off
n n n n n n n n n n
CND Shellac Nouvatan spray tans Ultimate facials Waxing Lash lift Manicures and pedicures Body wraps Free skincare consultations Weddings and prom enquiries welcome Fully accredited, qualified and insured
20% discount off any treatment!
your makeup requirements. I do bridal, prom and special occasion makeup.”
(first treatment only, not to be used in conjunction with any other offer)
07753 208 134
For more details or to book please call Sarah on 07754 888046 FB: Sono Belli Beauty www.sonobellibeauty.co.uk
The Birds and Beads Janet Foulsham We specialise in Wedding School of Dancing Tiara's, Bridal Jewellery,
Expert instruction in Bridesmaid Wands,Jewel Sets Ballet, Freestyle, Musical Movement and Tap and HairMime Adornments. for children from the age of 3 years
Monday’s from 4pm Charles Leek House, Coggeshall Road, Braintree, CM7 9DB Wednesday’s from 4pm Rayne Village Hall Gore Road, Rayne, CM77 6TX Friday’s from 4pm Copford Village Hall School Road, Copford, Colchester, CO6 1BX
Tel: 01376 - 529766 UnitTel: 17 Blake House Craft Centre 07886 615874 Blakejanetbabbs@btinternet.com End, Nr Braintree CM77 6RA www.janetfoulshamschoolofdancing.co.uk
www.thebirdsandbeads.co.uk
I am a fully qualified Beauty Therapist offering CND Shellac Manicures & Pedicures, I am also fully insured. CND Shellac is a gel polish that lasts up to 2 weeks chip free, high shine and zero drying time.
Tel: Sam 07921218020
7 Tips Wedding
(Shoestring Options Included!)
for Planning Your
T
By Shelley Morris of Sourcerer Wedding Planning & Event Management
here’s no denying it: planning a wedding takes an incredible amount of time and calls for organisational skills worthy of an award. If you are about to embark on shaping your dream wedding, you are more than likely experiencing that overwhelmed feeling. Main Aspects First, Finer Detail Later The key is to take time at the outset to plan the major aspects and realistically calculate how much time and money you can afford. Once you have the main facets in check, you can start to plan the finer, fun detail! Here we take a look at seven main areas of wedding planning, offering advice and ideas to help when making key decisions. Don’t forget: don’t get carried away with the finishing touches until you’ve settled on these core aspects! Budget Make setting a budget your first consideration: it will influence everything. It’s easy for costs to spiral, so
either keep a watchful eye on all your outgoings, or hire a wedding planner to manage it for you. Whilst you may initially be put off by the additional cost of a wedding planner, they can actually help save you money: it’s one of their greatest talents, so don’t discredit it too early! Date and Season The big question: when to get married? Summer is obviously a popular time and whilst you can’t guarantee good weather, there’s a better chance that your outdoor ceremony or reception will be bathed in sunshine. Don’t discount other seasons though. A winter wedding can be a lovely, cosy affair. Think of roaring log fires, scenic snowy wedding photos or even ice sculptures to set off your venue. Getting married any season outside summer is more likely to land you your preferred date and venue and discounts too, so it’s worth considering. Venue Draft your guest list and think about how much you can realistically afford to spend. Then and only then can you start looking at possible venues. Think about location: is it accessible for all guests? Is there accommodation nearby for all budgets? Is there capacity for your full guest list or will it be too vast for a smaller gathering? Are there facilities on site for you and your wedding party to stay or
15
16
Enter our competition to win 1 x FREE Hen Party Music Video Experience for one lucky bride or 5 x prizes of 10% off HNE Media Wedding Videography Enter online www.localnetworkmag.co.uk Terms & conditions apply
Wedding and Event Videography
www.hnemedia.co.uk ● ● ● ● ● ●
Festivals and Concerts Talent Competitions - Live Theatre - Dance Shows Weddings & Hen Party Music Video Experience Corporate - Training & Website Videos Schools - School Plays & Other Events Music Videos
Please view our website to see much more
James@hnemedia.co.uk 01279 883 270
Allen House Business Centre Station Road, Sawbridgeworth entries close Hertforshire March 31st CM21 9JX
Hardys
FORMAL SUIT HIRE For Men & Boys
Green Dragon, Upper London Road , Youngs End, Braintree, Tuesday: 24 February 12-2 Tuesday: 24 March 12-2 QUALITY AND SERVICE FOR THAT SPECIAL Business Topics: OCCASION. th
One of the most comprehensive collections of mens and boys hire wear available.
th
Presented by: Tabitha Pascoe Teamwork Selling with ease Your Success Rules
1 Market Hill, Halstead, Essex, CO9 2AR www.wibn.co.uk Tel: 01787-477222 Call 077323 48847 Brittney.skeates@wibn.co.uk 12 info@hardysmenswear.com www.hardysmenswear.com
Bespoke and high quality wedding stationery JAM printing can provide save the date cards, beautiful tailor made invitations as well as order of service booklets, table planners, table names or numbers, name place cards, favour labels to the all important thank you cards.
We give a personal touch to your special day. Call Jenny on 07810 868095 or Samantha on 07867434669 for further information www.jamgds.co.uk
print and design
Wedding Wishes
By Barry's Woodcraft Ltd
Hire, Buy, Give, Receive
Wedding Wishing Well & post Box Hire (since 2005) Also for hire (or purchase) rustic wedding boxes, planters, bird house table decorations and plaques. Ask us about our ‘Hire Packages’ or Bespoke Table Dressing Services. We also design and personalise Wedding Woodcraft Gifts. Contact us on:
07538 908 680
Visit: www.facebook.com/www.barryswoodcraft
get ready? What are other couples saying in their reviews? Do your homework but also go with your gut instinct: if you get a good feeling when you visit, that stands for a lot! Catering Another aspect strongly influenced by budget and wedding style. Would you prefer a formal sit down meal, or a more relaxed buffet or BBQ? Discuss catering options with your venue; they’ll work closely with caterers and will have a recommended list they’ll share with you. A good caterer will offer consultation and tasting sessions to help you choose your food and wines. It’s one of the most fun parts of planning your big day! If you are trying to stick to a budget, consider a homemade buffet (rope in some willing budding master chefs to help sprinkle some gourmet into the mix!) or hire out a restaurant or a section of a restaurant on one of its quieter nights. Photography It is vital to be absolutely clear on how you want to preserve your special memories before you choose your wedding photographer, so you can be sure they offer the service you need. Would you prefer mostly formal pictures, natural shots or a mixture of both? Perhaps you want photos taken of certain family members together? Do you want pictures taken at the ‘getting ready’ stage as well as during the ceremony and at the reception too? If you are on a limited budget, ask around for recommendations or tweak your requirements slightly. Using a professional wedding photographer means you will have complete peace of mind knowing they are reputable, fully insured and will provide you with stunning photographic memories of your special day to treasure for years to come. Entertainment Here’s where you’ll want to pander to your own tastes, but also consider how you can keep everyone entertained too. If you have an eclectic mix of guests you’ll need to think of ways you can please all the people. Think outside of music too: consider magicians, garden games, bouncy castles, a casino or a photo booth with amusing props for guests to pose for their own fun photos.
Remember that good wedding entertainers get booked up a long time in advance, so make this one of your priority decisions. Style of Wedding Wedding styling is where your flair for finer detail can kick in, but don’t forget: focus on the core aspects first. Setting a main theme is all you need to do at this stage. Gathering your accessories and working out your décor – the fun part - comes later. Your choice of venue will impact upon how you style your wedding. A country barn will lend itself to a rustic theme and a grand hotel to classic fashioning. If you are starting with a blank canvas, the limit is your imagination. Think about whether you want formal, fun or something in between. A good idea is to let it portray your personality. How a Wedding Planner can Help Planning a wedding eats up an incredible amount of time and can be very stressful. A wedding planner helps ease the pressure by liaising with all the suppliers. They have a vast book of contacts and experience of working within set budgets and negotiating the best prices. They’ll guide, recommend and inspire as much as you need and best of all, they’ll be there on the day making sure everything runs like clockwork so all you have to do is enjoy your wonderful wedding!
7 Tips provided by www.sourcerer-events.co.uk Email: shelley@sourcerer-events.co.uk
19
Dedicated to bringing you the most comprehensive range of electricals, together with competitive prices and outstanding customer service.
100’s of STOCK ITEMS
2 Station Road, Bishop’s Stortford, Herts. CM23 3BL www.mainselectrical.co.uk info@mains-electrical.co.uk ERY V I DEL stock items with this voucher E E 20 FR Offer ends 31st March 2015
01279 755 213
10% OFF
Vegetable Chowder This vegetable chowder is adapted from an American recipe. In the U.S. they use cups for measuring. It’s quite a liberating way to cook. Don’t worry if you don’t have a proper set of measuring cups. Simply use any large cup or mug. The proportions will stay the same, you’ll simply have slightly more or less broth!
Bring soup to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes. Mix in the parsley. Just before serving, stir in the cheese until melted.
Preparation time: 30 minutes Cooking time: 25 minutes Serves 2 (approximately)
Ingredients 1/2 cup chopped red or green pepper 1/2 cup chopped onions 1/4 cup butter or margarine 1 cup chopped celery 1 cup diced cauliflower 1 cup diced carrot 1 cup diced broccoli 3 cups fresh chicken stock Salt to taste Ground black pepper to taste 1/2 cup plain flour 1-2 cups milk 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley 3 cups grated cheddar cheese
Before
After
Method Sauté the peppers and onions in butter until tender. Add remaining vegetables, stock, salt and black pepper; bring to a boil. Reduce heat: simmer covered for 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. Combine flour and milk until smooth; stir into pan.
Professional Oven Cleaning Service Tel: 01279 491594. Mob: 07477 655965 www.myovenhero.co.uk
21
Would you like to tone up/lose weight/add definition or increase your stamina or fitness? Intimidated by the traditional gym environment? We offer low cost, personal training, customised diet and exercise plans and advice for a healthier lifestyle. We pride ourselves on a personal tailored service so that you get the most from sessions and beyond. Train at home or in our premises in Gt Notley, Braintree. References available on request. All levels of fitness catered for with a huge array of equipment.
Email: jfpfitness@gmail.com or call Justin on: 07805 394 175 www.facebook.com/jfpfitness @jfpfitness
Stressed out? Feeling anxious or depressed? Relationship issues? Feel like you have no motivation or direction in life? Are issues from the past still affecting you ? Would you like to feel happier and more relaxed? Then let me help you using Counselling, Hypnotherapy or EFT (tapping) I work with individuals, couples and young people and can help with a multitude of issues including depression, anger, anxiety, low self esteem, compulsive behaviours, abuse, addictions, bereavement and much more. Please contact me to discuss your concerns or book an appointment KAY MILTON MNCS (acc) Dip. Counselling, Dip. Hypnotherapy, Dip. Meridian psychotherapy Tel:
07885 593 964/01376 551 900
Email:
milton_kay@yahoo.co.uk
Maybe Tomorrow,
If I Get A Moment I’ll... By Brenda Burling
W
hy is it that our lives seem to have taken on a warp speed quality? In an age where we have more technology at our finger tips, instant access to more information than ever before and an ‘app’ for just about everything (yes, we can even get the bath to fill itself and control the heating from our phones), do we still insist on not listening to Mother Nature? Recently, I read an article about a young woman who had been disastrously misdiagnosed; IBS became cancer and cancer became an opportunity to send out a message to us all in whatever length of time this heroic, positive, amazing and very beautiful young woman may have left. Her message to us all is to trust yourself and listen to your body. Listening to our bodies however takes time and sometimes we are cruelest to ourselves by not giving up this time. What if she hadn’t taken the time to Google her symptoms and return for yet another visit to her doctors to demand further tests? What if they hadn’t listened to her that time?
It is not suggested with every sniffle we rush to the surgery demanding treatment for pneumonia; far from it. What we should all be looking out for and taking note of is the persistence of the complaint, the continued severity of its symptoms and make time to keep a note of what you have done to help ease it. If you can trust yourself, research your complaint. There may be the danger of matching numerous conditions and some have found this practice addictive in itself but go to your appointment armed with the facts. We are all only human and mistakes will be made but let’s help ourselves by making time to confidently state our concerns and what we would like done about them. In that quiet room where there is only you and the doctor make those few minutes count. Mother Nature only gives out the signals; we all have to take time to listen.
At any age, we are all susceptible to all manner of diseases. Unfortunately, most of us are often just too busy to listen, until it is too late. Sometimes the doctors we go to see are also so incredibly busy they may miss something conveyed or because statistics state the worst case scenario is so unlikely it is not considered. We need to take responsibility for ourselves and if we truly feel we are not being heard take the time to demand further investigation; make people listen.
23
23
Compare and save on your printing! Challenge JAM today
Our mission is to change the way women live and work.
n Business
If you are a woman who wants more in life, a life that is easy, a life that is feminine and a life that is totally fulfilled, then come along as my guest for free to experience connection, inspiration and warmth like never before.
cards
n Stationery n Flyers n Leaflets
print and design
n Menus n Loyalty
cards lists n Brochures n Magazines graphic design solutions Free delivery and social media marketing for all our customers
Next Meetings
n Price
Biz Creativity & Planning Tuesday 10 March 2015 True Success Balancing Feminine and Masculine Energy Tuesday 14 April 2015 Money: Financial Harmony Tuesday 12 May 2015
Now based in Stansted and Braintree
Register for FREE at
www.damselsinsuccess.co.uk/Chelmsford/events Or contact Tabitha Pascoe on 07855 145 356 or tabitha@damselsinsuccess.co.uk
For a quote or sample pack contact Jenny Shad on 07810 868095 or email jenny.shad@jamgds.co.uk www.jamgds.co.uk
Green Dragon, Upper London Road Youngs End, Braintree, CM77 8QN
Join us for a meeting & see what we can do for you Connect
Tuesday 24� March 12 - 2pm
with like minded women in business
Business Topic:
Tuesday 28� April 12 - 2pm
be inspired with enthusiasm
Presented by: Tabitha Pascoe
Inspire Grow
your business with a network sales team
24� March
**Selling with ease**
www.wibn.co.uk Call 077323 48847 Brittney.skeates@wibn.co.uk
Only foolish directors will ignore this How much profit does the average UK company make? About 9%.
and sewerage, fuel cards etc.) in-house knowledge is almost non-existent.
Which means that 91% of potential profits are given away in the form of overheads.
Reducing costs therefore remains a ‘to do’ item on most management agendas, or involves little more than phoning three suppliers and picking the lowest quote. Ongoing supply management is usually absent, hence some suppliers quote aggressively to win the contract then gradually increase prices over time. So what does effective cost management require?
So which of these two figures will have most influence on a company’s fortunes? The 9% or the 91%? At the risk of stating the obvious, one figure is 10 times larger than the other. An improvement in the 91% will be 10 times as beneficial as an improvement in the 9%. Although obvious, most companies behave as if the reverse were true. Why? Three main reasons: 1. Change is scary. Most people prefer to continue doing what they have always done, even if it is not the best way. 2. Because companies are run by humans (although some employees may disagree!), initiatives such as sales and marketing campaigns capture management attention. Everyone likes to win a new client or a large order and companies strongly reward this type of activity with praise, promotion and bonuses. However, reducing costs can be just as lucrative. As Benjamin Franklin said “a penny saved is a penny earned”. 3. Cost reduction is specialist, painstaking work. It requires gathering and collating a lot of data; data which is often hard to get. It also requires knowing a range of good alternative suppliers to avoid all too frequent ‘frying pan and fire’ mistakes. Most companies only have expertise in their core industry and very little in standard overhead categories such as energy, telecoms, printing, etc. In more esoteric categories (such as waste water
a) Collect, collate and analyse historical data. b) Create a tender document. c) Identify a panel of vetted suppliers (+ incumbent). d) Conduct the tender process. Analyse results in respect of price, quality and service. Award the supply e) unsuccessful suppliers.
contract
and
inform
f) Ensure smooth implementation. g) Manage the supply – ensure pricing, quality and service levels are maintained. h) Remain vigilant for other savings opportunities (such as new technologies). Auditel are the UK’s largest independent Cost Managers. We give plain, straightforward answers to complex questions. We are often hired under a contingency arrangement (i.e. we only get paid when we find savings) which gives a clue as to our success rate. Our clients enjoy a reduced workload, less problems and more profits. What else do our clients have in common? They are all open to the idea of doing something better - and not scared of change.
By Steven Godfrey
Phone 01799 612345 Mobile Number 07715 356651
Taking cost and purchase management to a new level.
25
Gardiner Chimney Sweeps Tel: 01376 619822 Mobile: 07792 802122
ICS REGISTERED MEMBER www.instituteofchimneysweeps.co.uk Chimney Cowls & Bird Guards Fitted All sweeps include, free of charge, a smoke draw test and the issue of a safety certificate for Home Insurance purposes.
www.chimney-sweeper.com Info@chimney-sweeper.com
Witham Based Serving Central, North Essex & Suffolk Borders.
PlaSteRing
MaSteRS
A thaxted based company with over 25 years experience in the building industry. Friendly, tidy and very reliable. • Plastering • Screeding • Rendering • Coving
Call us for a Free quote
07999 418 729 01371 823 146 www.facebook.com/plasteringmasters
Local, Reliable & Competitive For all your window cleaning needs
FREE No obligation quotes
Call Ray Garner on: 14 26
Find us on facebook
T: 01376 550 818 M: 07540 060459 washall-windowcleaners@hotmail.com
Happy Birthday Braintree and Bocking Carnival In June 2015 The Braintree and Bocking Carnival will be 51 Years old , The Current Carnival has been held in June every year since 1964 and in all that time the same man has been the driving force behind it. Robert Watsons Vision Of A fun day of events that would raise money for many charities .Saw him being awarded the MBE by Her Majesty the Queen in June 2013. The Carnival is now an integral part of Braintree Life , Roberts Children and Grandchildren are the mainstay of the Carnival Committee in which Robert still takes a very active role. There were around 90 entrants in that first carnival in 1964. In 2015 we intend to beat that.
The carnival should be about Families and Fun as well A Da as raising money for y Of charity. A day of dressing up (or should that be down) and joining in In A the camaraderie of the id o faG proces-sion. All Braintree ood Cau and Bocking Preschools se have been asked to get involved and many have already agreed. We want every body involved community wide. Come and join in the fun register for a float. Or a stall on the arena representing your organisation or help others.
Braintree & Bocking Carnival
Saturday 6th June 2015
Come on get involved Call Lynn Watson on Tel. 07890 101 196 or Email Lynn@lynnwatson.orangehome.co.uk For any further information or an application form. “NOTHING TO LOOSE FUN TO GAIN”
Fam
& La ily Fu ugh n ter
The Chosen charity for 2015 is a children’s charity
The theme for 201is5ney” is “D
Convert Your GaraGe
to a LivinG SpaCe a garage conversion can add as much as 10 percent to the value of your home, and is one of the most costeffective ways to improve your property’s resale value.
Before
With cars getting bigger and houses getting smaller, more and more garages are turning into wasted space.
Convert Your GaraGe n home office n luxury home-cinema n home gym n extra bedroom after
DaYLiGht home improvementS LtD call us for a free estimate
01799 598049 alternative number: 01376 528409 mobile: 07809 768765
Janet Foulsham School of Dancing
Expert instruction in Ballet, Freestyle, Musical Movement Mime and Tap for children from the age of 3 years
WANTED
OLD BIKES UP TO 1985
Any condition will be considered Also Spare Parts. Cash Paid on Collection
Monday’s from 4pm Charles Leek House, Coggeshall Road, Braintree, CM7 9DB Wednesday’s from 4pm Rayne Village Hall Gore Road, Rayne, CM77 6TX Friday’s from 4pm Copford Village Hall School Road, Copford, Colchester, CO6 1BX
Tel: 07886 615874
I am a fully qualified Beauty Therapist offering CND Shellac Manicures & Pedicures, I am also fully insured. CND Shellac is a gel polish that lasts up to 2 weeks chip free, ladies, gents ,children's, butchers, bakers, high shine and zero drying time. choppers, shoppers, ,racers, tandems. tricycles etc.
janetbabbs@btinternet.com www.janetfoulshamschoolofdancing.co.uk
No Mountain Bikes
Tel: Sam 07921218020 Phone 07815 539779
Stella and Dot Stylist - Brittney Skeates Exclusive jewellery available online stelladot.co.uk/brittneyskeates brittneyskeates@yahoo.co.uk 07732348847
Crossword Clues Clues Across
1 Contribute, give (6) 4 Demise, end (5) 8 Jeopardy (5) 9 Sank the Titanic (7) 10 Certainly, distinctly (7) 11 Indian dress (4) 12 Deceive (3) 14 Sung in church (4) 15 Reveal, display (4) 18 Fasten, attach (3) 21 Idol, venerated image (4) 23 Wander aimlessly (7) 25 Gift (7) 26 Acclimatise, modify (5) 27 Appoint, nominate (5) 28 Affluence, riches (6)
Clues Down
1 Portray, illustrate (6) 2 Baby’s room (7) 3 Forgiving, lenient (8) 4 Means of losing weight (4) 5 Stadium, amphitheatre (5) 6 Scottish meat pudding (6) 7 Resin used to make gramophone records (5) 13 Heighten, intensify (8)
16 Weirdo, eccentric (7) 17 Small alcoholic drink (6) 19 Barren, deserted (5) 20 Walking aid (6) 22 Very overweight (5) 24 Loaned (4)
Alice In Wonderland
Word Search List Alice Caterpillar Cheshire Cat Cook Dodo Dormouse Duchess Five Frog Footman Gryphon Jabberwocky
Knave of Hearts Mad Hatter March Hare Mock Turtle Queen of Hearts Seven Tweedle Dee Tweedle Dum Two White Rabbit
29
K i n g s W e a lt h M a n a g e m e n t Wealth Investments. Pensions Investments.
Kings Financial Mortagages Remortgages Buy to Let Help to Buy Home Movers Life Cover Critical Illness Cover Accident, sickness & unemployment cover Buildings & contents insurance Wills & trusts Business protection Agriculture protection
Robert Rains Kings Wealth Management
Kings property
30
Exceptional Customer Service and Client liaison Qualified specialists in all aspects for residential Sales and Lettings Access to Buyers through the Kings Group Database Prominent Window Display Advertising on rightmove.co.uk, zoopla.co.uk and primelocation.com Colour Newspaper and Magazine advertising. Members of The Property Ombudsmen Licensed Firm of The National Association of Estate Agents (MNAEA) Professional colour photography Eye catching professional colour property details Eye catching distinctive For Sale and To Let Boards
Stephen King Kings Financial
James Burke Kings Property
Wills Trusts No Will The courts have taken custody of children for up to 2 years while ‘they’ decide who will have them. Here are some other things to take into consideration; Marriage after Death If you die, your assets go to the surviving spouse. If they then remarry and then divorce, that new partner gets 50% of the assets from your surviving spouse. Worse still, if your surviving spouse predeceases the new partner, they get 100% of the assets. What do your children get from your marriage to your surviving spouse? Nothing! Inheritance Tax Ensure that once your children receive an inheritance, it cannot be attacked by divorce settlements or creditors. For example; If you leave your son and daughter £250,000 each, they then get married, but then divorce, their spouse can take 50%. Bloodline Planning If your son or daughter predeceases their spouse, then the spouse gets 100% of what you gave them. You may have worked for 40 years to earn this money. You wish for your 2 children to benefit
from it giving them the equivalent of 20 years each. In a divorce, their partners can take 10 years of your working life each! Long-Term Care Costs If you have more than £23,000 in assets in the current tax year (14/15), then your home is at risk of being sold to pay for long-term care. You may well think that if your parents die, you will get their main home assets? Think again! Life Insurance and Death in Service Benefits If you have Life Insurance or Death in Service Benefits with an employer, where are the benefits paid? Could this lead to a future Tax problem? What are the options available to you? Speak to us TODAY Simply call in or telephone to make a suitable time to discuss this further.
l l i W t s a L & t n e m a t s e T
2 - 4 New Street Braintree Essex CM7 1ES Telephone: 01376 320 999 www.kingsfinancial.co.uk 31 Editorial details provided by Kings
• Extensive experience with Aerial and Satellite installations in all types of properties
• Foreign satellites installations
• Experts in television, radio, home cinemas and home entertainment systems
• Maintenance and one off repairs
• Sky TV approved installers for local and surrounding areas Call:
• Freeview and FreeSat
• Order, supply and installation of Sky TV with unique additional offers available
0800 3166380 or 01279 508555 or email: enquiries@avuk.biz
to learn more about achieving the best home entertainment possible!
www.avuk.biz AV UK, Tocher House, Start Hill, Bishops Stortford, Herts, CM22 7TA
32