The Local Business Guide: Rochford & Hockley 2

FREE

Rochford and Hockley bringing local businesses to local people

Delivered free to 7,500 homes

june - august 2012

www.thelocalbusinessguide.co.uk

on Prices, Big on Care!

Small

Dog Vaccine Booster £23.99 or Course £37.99 Cat Vaccine Booster from £17.99 or Course from £32 Dog Castrate from £100 or Spay from £125 Cat Castrate £21.99 or Spay £30.99 Microchipping £12.50

Free Poo Bags Voucher!!

Simply present this voucher at VetSavers Hullbridge to receive your free 50 scented biodegradable poo bags

Tel: 01702 233 743 257 Ferry Road Hullbridge, SS5 6NA

Open: Monday - Friday 9am - 7pm

www.thelocalbusinessguide.co.uk

1

Welcome A very warm welcome to the Rochford/Hockley Local Business Guide, a new magazine for the local community.

The main aim of the Rochford/Hockley Local Business Guide is to provide readers with an interesting and stimulating reference magazine that helps put them in touch with their local business community. We have tried to produce a format which has something for everybody with a mix of editorial, games and quizzes, reference material and local business advertising.

If you have any interesting stories about Rochford/Hockley or if you are a local team, association or charity that would like to be featured in any future editions of the Local Business Guide then please drop us a line at: info@thelocalbusinessguide.co.uk Our featured articles in this edition are on the History of Hockley (pages 8-9), a focus on Southend Airport and the opening of the new terminal (pages 20-21) and the History of Rochford (pages 24-25). We also have a feature on the ‘Top 10 Super Foods’ (pages 28-29).

We also have a couple of community features on the Acres Way Kennels (pages 14-15) to try and help them re-home some lovely dogs that need a second chance! We also feature the Wrinkle Club (page 10), an innovative new club for the over 50s and the Talking Newspaper for the Blind (page 16).

There is also our regular financial feature from our financial expert Martin Lamb from Joseph R Lamb Independent Financial Advisors (see centre pages).

Advertisers Index GARDEN SERVICES, HOME IMPROVEMENT & CONSTRUCTION AGRICULTURAL/GARDENING SUPPLIERS 31 BUILDING SERVICES 23 HEATING/PLUMBING 34 KITCHENS/BATHROOMS 5 NEW HOUSES 17 WINDOWS/DOORS/GLASS 13 FINANCIAL, LEGAL & PROPERTY SERVICES ESTATE AGENCY/LETTINGS

4

INDEPENDENT FINANCIAL ADVISOR Middle Pages SOLICITORS Back Cover HOUSEHOLD & LIFESTYLE

We would like to thank all of our business advertisers for supporting our Rochford/Hockley Local Business Guide and would ask our readers to support their local businesses in order to help secure local jobs.

ART/CERAMIC 31

Please visit our website at www.thelocalbusinessguide.co.uk where you will find our latest guide on-line. You will also find web-links established from our e-magazine to the websites of most of our business advertisers.

DANCE/PERFORMING ARTS 6 FLORIST 27

Please do not forget to mention the Rochford/Hockley Local Business Guide when contacting businesses featured in this magazine!

The Rochford & Hockley Local Business Guide

CAR PAINTWORK/REPAIRS/MOT

FUNERAL DIRECTOR

3, 23, 32, Inside Back

23

FURNISHINGS/CARPETS 5 GOLF CLUB 1 HOTEL/RESTAURANT 7 VETERINARY SURGEON Inside Front

Publisher

HEALTH & BEAUTY

Email: info@thelocalbusinessguide.co.uk www.thelocalbusinessguide.co.uk

CARE AND NURSING 11, 17 CHIROPRACTOR 26

The Local Business Guide do not make any recommendations as to the fitness of the advertisers appearing in this publication to carry our their services and no recommendations should be deemed to have been made.

OPTICIANS 27 TOOTH WHITENING

All rights reserved. No part of The Local Business Guide Limited publications may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means either wholly or in part without prior permission of the publisher.

This magazine is published by The Local Business Guide Ltd © The Local Business Guide 2012

2

to advertise in the next issue of The Local Business Guide call: 01375 402 546

26

www.thelocalbusinessguide.co.uk

3

rKrH2/2 Order Number:................................................................................................

This next

It is y

PAY NO

LANDLORDS:

VAT

Pleas

• S

• T

LOW FIXED FEES FOR LETTINGS AND MANAGEMENT

• a

• e

By si and a

Selling Your Property?

ONLY

0.5% COMMISSION

PAY NO

VAT Why not give us a call now and see what you can save:

01702 20 24 24

Sa The you

www.paragon-property.co.uk

Sales 4

Lettings

to advertise in the next issue of The Local Business Guide call: 01375 402 546

Management

If yo us t confi

Sapwood Homes Ltd offer a full computer aided design & installation service for kitchens, bathrooms and bedrooms.

• Supply only Bathrooms and Kitchens at prices to compete with all the national outlets • We will project manage your job from start to finish including any building work • Bathroom suites from

FREE SURVEY & DESIGN SERVICE

l

na Additio

onflyf 10% pply o for su

£249 (including taps and wastes!)

TELEPHONE: 01702 530763 39 Hedingham Place, Rectory Road, Rochford, Essex SS4 1UP

Advert uction of on prod

www.sapwoodhomes.co.uk

Rochford Furnishing 1 ST CHOICE FOR C ARpETS ,VINYLS, C URTAINS & BLINDS • All fiittings completed by our own experienced staff • Very competitive prices and excellent service

Telephone:

01702 546036 FA M I LY RU N B U S I N E S S E S TA B L I S H E D F O R O V E R 3 5 Y E A R S 38-40 West street • rochford • essex • ss4 1AJ www.thelocalbusinessguide.co.uk

5

6

to advertise in the next issue of The Local Business Guide call: 01375 402 546

www.thelocalbusinessguide.co.uk

7

History of Hockley Too large to be a village, but too small to be called a town, Hockley is a large village and civil parish in Essex, lying between Rayleigh and Rochford while the urban area runs into the neighbouring parish of Hawkwell. It came to prominence during the coming of the railway in the 1890s.

In 1870-72, John Marius Wilson’s Imperial Gazetteer of England and Wales described Hockley like this: ‘Hockley, a village and a parish in Rochford district, Essex. The village stands on a hill, 1½ mile S of the river Crouch, 4 NW of Rochford, and 6 N-of Benfleet r. station; and has a post office under Chelmsford. The parish comprises 4, 614 acres. Real property, £6, 108; of which £65 are in fisheries. Pop., 798. Houses, 170.

The property is much subdivided. High grounds here command some fine views. Wharves, and remains of an ancient bridge, are on the Crouch at Hull-Bridge; and the river there is fordable at low water.’

Hockley Mount The name Hockley is derived from an Anglo Saxon word meaning a small hill and Hockley

is the home of a burial mound, Plumberow Mount, a mound that tops a hill at the end of Plumberow Avenue. The Mount was excavated in 1913, by Mr. E. B. Francis, in the hope that it would yield a wealthy burial. At the time, there was a summer house on the top of the mound, and so trenches were cut on three sides. The excavation found a Roman coin of Domitian and some Saxon pottery which may indicate a secondary burial. The oval mound is 14 feet (4.3 m) high, and 76 feet (23 m) in diameter, with a flattened top.

The Church Hockley is mentioned no less that three times in the 1086 Domesday Book and the then hamlet of Plumberow twice. At that time the main manor of Hocheleia – as it was then called – was in the possession of the royal Saxon abbey of St. Mary’s, Barking. The abbey retained its responsibility for the living of Hockley’s beautiful church of St Peter and Paul until the Reformation when it eventually passed into the possession of Wadham College, Oxford.

The small and much loved church, stands on a high hill to the north-west of the village with magnificent views across the Crouch valley.

The present building dates mainly from 1220, when it was enlarged. It has a nave which was possibly built before the twelfth century, a thirteen century chancel and a fourteenth century tower, the upper half of which is octagonal and was built at a later date. The tower holds three bells, manufactured by Miles Gray in 1626, by James Bartlett in 1684 and

by John Hodgson in 1657, and the building is Grade II* listed.

Next to the church and opposite the old manor house, is Hockley’s original school which first

8

to advertise in the next issue of The Local Business Guide call: 01375 402 546

opened its doors in 1839. When the building became too small a new school was built on the High Road in 1903.

Hockley Woods To the rear of school are Hockley Woods, which for centuries served the local community as a resource for fuel and building material. The woods were divided amongst a number of owners and jealousy guarded with high earth banks, which can still be seen today. Southend pier was constructed with timber from Hockley Woods. Today there is still a large wooded area named Hockley woods.

The Victorian Pump Room and Spa In the centre of the village there is situated a grade II listed Victorian pump room which became known as Hockley Spa. The building was built as a spa to a design by John Lockyer in 1842, after Robert Clay found a medicinal spring in 1838. The pump room and a hotel to accommodate the expected visitors were completed in 1843. In the 19th century, there was a general feeling that spas were both desirable and profitable. A spa was proposed for Hockley taht was going to make the village’s fortune, and it was expected to rank alongside Bath, Buxton, Leamington, Harrogate and Tunbridge Wells.

Unfortunately the fashion for taking the waters was on the wane, with people preferring instead to visit the new seaside resorts such as Southend, and the venture failed. Hockley sank back into sleepy obscurity until becoming a commuter settlement in the post war years.

It was subsequently used both as a Baptist chapel and then as a factory. The Pump Room survives, however, close to Hockley Station, and is now in private ownership.

The Coming of the Railway in 1889 The quiet and pretty village of Hockley changed forever in 1889 when the Great Eastern Railway reached Hockley. With the village now easily accessible to London, local landowners grasped the opportunity to ‘get rich quick’ and sold off their farmland for development. Special trains were run from London and the plots of land were sold at auctions, where champagne flowed freely. Eventually the holiday shacks that were erected into more permanent dwellings and the Hockley of today was born.

Hockley’s Watering Holes There are three well known pubs in Hockley, which are still in business- the Spa Hotel in the village, the Bull Inn, located in a timber framed and weatherboarded seventeenth century building and the White Hart Inn west of the village. The village green at the White Hart has hosted cricket games, bonfires on 5 November, and many other children’s games in the past.

In addition, the Hockley community centre has a members bar and provides a venue for numerous local groups and clubs.

Hockley is also the site of the Bullwood Hall men’s prison, which was a women’s prison until 2006.

www.thelocalbusinessguide.co.uk

9

THE LOCAL BUSINESS GUIDE WORKING FOR THE COMMUNITY

The Wrinkle Club

CONCEIVED AFTER A LONG HARD LOOK AT JUST WHAT IS AVAILABLE FOR US ‘OLD UNS... WHEN WE SAY OLD, WE MEAN IN TERMS OF YEARS UNDER OUR BELTS - NOT THE DATE OF OUR BIRTH WE THOUGHT THERE MUST BE THOUSANDS LIKE US WITH THE SAME FEELINGS AND WE WOULD LIKE TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT.

T

he Wrinkle Club is a social network for the over 55’s and it is akin to taking part in a social life geared for people like us. You know the things, dining out, scrabble meetings, quiz meetings, dances, coffee and tea mornings, classic cream teas, theatre trips, coach trips and such like. In fact, it would be you who decides what to do. England is a beautiful country with much to see and do so there would never be a shortage of ideas as far as this is concerned. Let us enjoy our lives now that the burden of a job is not relevant any more, the kids have gone (hopefully) and there is an abundance of free time to utilise and relish.

If you are bored – lonely and fed up with day time tv and you wish to broaden your horizons by meeting new people and making friends perhaps The Wrinkle Club can assist. We actually believe life is about people – nothing much else...

My name is Bob Dobson. Having reached that golden age of 65... My wife Tricia is a very similar age but will not reveal the figure at the moment....I can tell you though, she has a bus pass...

10

If you would feel comfortable in the company of similar people, you can join the Wrinkle Club for nothing. Yes, that’s right, it’s free..!!

Let us have an email address (computer again) and you shall receive a regular news letter explaining all on offer. Tell your kids, neighbours and relatives. Get them all to join in and assist. Get a blog going (computer again!) But you’re grandchildren can do it for you!

Give it a try...

Email: information@thewrinkleclub.com www.thewrinkleclub.com The Wrinkle Club unit 3 555 Sutton Road Southend-on-Sea Essex SS2 5BF

Telephone 01702 61 11 00

to advertise in the next issue of The Local Business Guide call: 01375 402 546

www.thelocalbusinessguide.co.uk

11

Wordsearch Can you find the 12 foods hidden below:

Z Q P O R E C O N I H R • • • •

12

F R I C E A R B E S C I

PIZZA PASTA SAUCE SALAD

Q A Z C J F W W A O H H

P Z Z C S B S U N Q I Y

Q E A U A R C O N P C K

E L E E N E N T P U K O • • • •

T L M S D A P O E L E X

V E N E W D P I P L N M

E G Z E I O W Z A S L R

F I S H C G I R S O U P

BREAD CHICKEN FISH SOUP

to advertise in the next issue of The Local Business Guide call: 01375 402 546

D T A C H R O O T L A M • • • •

P K M E F T O Q A B N E

E U Y E K N O M L H E D

RICE CHEESE SANDWICH BURGER

S D S A L A D F O J Y N

U E P L U R E G R U B C

HOW MUCH MONEY ARE YOU WASTING ON ENERGY EVERY YEAR? Not only are our windows quality, affordable and stylish, but they help you to save energy and money on your heating bills too.

Thermaseal Window Systems Ltd have manufactured and installed a comprehensive range of quality PVCu products for 25 years.

• Energy Rated Windows

• Professionally Trained Installers

• Composite Entrance Doors

• 10 Year Insurance Guarantee

• Patio Doors - Bi Fold Doors

• Fensa Registered Company

• Conservatories - Orangeries

• Free No Obligation Quotation

Your Local Showroom

Wickford Showroom: 4 Kingsview Court Hodgson Way Wickford Essex SS11 8YF Tel: 01268 561717 Fax: 01268 561777

Billericay Showroom:

Fensa

Registered Company

90 High Street Billericay Essex CM12 9BT Tel: 01277 655511 Fax: 01277 655538

www.thermasealwindowsystems.co.uk www.thelocalbusinessguide.co.uk

13

Working for the Community

Can you help Re-Home a Dog from Acres Way Kennels?

A

cres Way Kennels has been caring for dogs over 20 years. They look after both boarders and strays and provide a high level of attention to every dog under their roof. They take in strays for both Southend and Rochford councils, and from members of the public.

yourself in this difficult situation. Please note, that due to limited kennel space and resources, a fee is charged for this service. If you feel you may need to rehome your dog, please call the kennels on 01268 770402 between 10am and 3pm and ask to speak to Tom.

To accomodate the rising number of strays, Acres Way have recently rebuilt their kennels to hold 50 boarders and strays, where every dog has access to a covered outdoor run.

Adopting a Dog

If you’ve found a stray dog in Southend or the surrounding areas, you should, in the first instance, contact Southend Council on 01702 215836. If you found the dog in Basildon, you should contact Basildon Council on 01268 533333 Sometimes, due to no fault of their own, people find they need to rehome their dogs. This can lead to the difficult and heartbreaking process of trying to find a new home for the dog. Acres Way are sometimes able to take these dogs into their kennels, and find new homes for them.

They are visited by a large number of people each week looking to adopt a dog, and are often able to match dogs to new owners within a short period of time. This is far less stressful on the dog in the long run.

Their ability to take in dogs for rehoming is dependent on the number of kennels they have available at the time - space is limited, and they are required to keep a number of kennels free for any strays that may be found by the council. That said, they will always endeavour to do their best to help you, should you find 14

If you think you might be able to offer a dog a good home, the first thing you need to do is to go down to the kennels, select a suitable dog you like, take it for a walk and see how you get on. Some people and dogs just don’t get along, so before reserving a dog, the Acres Way staff would need to see if you suit each other. If you have children, or another dog, they recommend that you bring them with you, to make sure that everyone will get on.

Once you have visited the dogs, and hopefully found one that matches your lifestyle and expectations, a member of staff will arrange a convenient time for a home check. These are usually carried out within 2 or 3 days of your visit and take about half an hour.

Once the home check is complete, you’ll be able to collect your dog. You will need to bring with you some identification showing your current address, and the £130 adoption fee. It may also benefit you to bring a lead and collar, but if you do not have one, they do have a number available for sale at the kennels.

Their staff will be on hand if you have any questions, and will be able to guide you through the adoption process. All the staff and dogs at Acres Way look forward to seeing you!

to advertise in the next issue of The Local Business Guide call: 01375 402 546

This month’s featured dogs Bear - Rottweiler  Male / Age 4/5

This is Bear, he is a full male of about 4 – 5 years old. Bear was picked up from the PDSA in Southend-on-sea where he was left tied up outside alone. He is a lovely boy and very affectionate. Bear is not very good in a kennel and because of his size can put potential new owners off but with the right home would make a great friend. Ideally he would suit experienced dog owners and not families with young children.

How to contact them Acres Way Kennels, Great Burches Road Thundersley, Essex SS7 3NE They are open 10am-3pm 7 days a week.

Visitors are welcome at any time during these hours - no appointment is necessary.

By email: contact@acresway.co.uk By phone: 01268 770402

 Sebastian - Jack Russell Terrier

Male / Age 4-5

Sebastian was collected by the dog warden as he was found wandering the streets. He was very under weight and in need of a good wash. Although not very good with other dogs or cats he is brilliant with adults, children, is very affectionate and loves a fuss.

www.thelocalbusinessguide.co.uk

15

THE LOCAL BUSINESS GUIDE WORKING FOR THE COMMUNITY

The Rayleigh, Rochford & Castle Point Talking Newspaper for the Blind T

his Talking Newspaper (Charity no. 278578) started over 30 years ago with help from Rayleigh Lions, who also provided the funds for the initial purchase of equipment.

We know that it’s relatively easy for those with sight problems to access national and international news simply by switching on the TV or radio. But it’s not always so easy to find out about local news and events.

That’s where we come in – we make audio recordings for those people who live in our areas and who may be blind or partially sighted.

Our recordings are now produced on USB memory sticks. We can supply special players for listeners who do not have their own.

Each month, our listeners receive two local news editions and one magazine edition. Those who live in the Rochford area also receive a copy of Rochford District Matters every quarter.

These recordings arrive in ‘Articles for the Blind’ yellow wallets. The wallets have return address

16

labels and, once the listener has finished with the memory stick, it can be returned to us in the wallet.

We have our own rented studio at St Luke’s Place, Rochford and it is here that our volunteers make the recordings.

It is a FREE service.

Increasing public awareness is vital to us and we advertise our existence whenever and wherever we can.

If you know someone who would like to receive our service or if you simply want some more information, please call: Janet Berry: Chairman/Treasurer Ann Willis: Secretary

to advertise in the next issue of The Local Business Guide call: 01375 402 546

01702 541410 01702 205169

Suite 5, Sovereign House 82 West Street, Rochford Essex SS4 1AS

Tel: 01702 500394 Email: southend@caremark.co.uk Southend and Rochford is a Home Care Provider, offering Quality, Professional and dedicated Care and Support to people living in their own homes.

Some of the ranges of personal care are:   

Support with getting up/going to bed, All aspects of personal care Assistance with medication Preparation of meals, shopping, respite

CALL US for more information about our services, whether for yourself or for a relative or friend,

OR perhaps you are looking for care work!

www.thelocalbusinessguide.co.uk

17

THE LOCAL BUSINESS GUIDE WORKING FOR THE COMMUNITY

Money Guidance

by Martin Lamb Dip. PFS Certs C11 (MP & ER)

W

elcome to the first Money Guidance page of the Local Business Guide. From the content of the media stories it would be easy to think that the financial world is about to come to an end and that economically we are all going back to the caves! The media love to run stories on whose fault the current crisis is, and apportion blame, but that does not help us to move forward.

Whilst we are undoubtedly in difficult times I believe that fantastic investment opportunities are being overlooked. The whole World is undergoing a transition of both economic and political power from the West to the East and Emerging Markets.

in the East and Emerging markets will continue to drive commodity prices and wages upwards, and as we are a significant net importer of goods made in these countries, and we have structurally weakened Sterling by printing more money, that Sterling will devalue relative to these currencies. This makes imports even more expensive, and adding fuel to the inflation fire. Interest rates are not going up in any significant way for several years, and the real value of ‘safe’ cash, gilts, National Savings, and Premium Bonds will be eroded at a considerable rate.

Over the last 12 months concerns in Europe over sovereign debt and the impact on their banking system have held markets back. In recent months policymakers have taken positive steps and secured enough support to allow European Banks to cope with what is effectively an “orderly default” in Greece. However issues in Spain are now becoming prevalent and in outright terms their debt dwarfs that of Greece. The situation in Europe is without doubt very serious however if the policy makers do get it right, and on balance we believe they will because the impact of getting it wrong is almost too significant to contemplate, then there will be a massive release of capital into world stock markets. This is currently tied up in cash and Government Bonds and we believe that this will be moved into Stocks and Shares globally but especially in the growth markets of the world and Commodities.

1. That it is absolutely VITAL that you spread your investments across different asset types. There is much more to effective investing than just Stocks and Shares. Blue Chip Commercial property, Corporate Bonds and Fixed Interest securities issued by the largest soundest companies, Commodities and Energy, Bonds issued by more credit worthy countries, and strengthening Currencies should all form part of your portfolio. The key is holding them in the right proportions at the right time to minimise Risk.

The great irony of this is that the value of the traditional ‘safe haven’ assets, ie Gilts could fall significantly in this scenario, and, if you add in the impact of long term high inflation, then even cash is going to prove a poor investment.

It is our belief that on-going economic growth

18

So you must remember;

2. That you or your adviser MUST be reviewing your investments to allow for the short term risks within the Eurozone, but also to make sure they continue to be reviewed to allow for the outcomes of the Euro crisis, whether that be positive or not.

3. And that what appears to be SAFE in this changing world, might NOT be………

Martin Lamb, Managing Director of Joseph R Lamb Independent Financial Advisers Ltd. This article does not constitute investment advice, readers should seek an assessment of their needs and requirements before making any decisions based on the content of this article

to advertise in the next issue of The Local Business Guide call: 01375 402 546

www.thelocalbusinessguide.co.uk

19

History of Southend Airport T

he Southend airport site lies partly on land in the Rochford District. It was formed on the flat well-drained fields of Westbarrow Hall Farm where in 1909 the area was used by two Leigh men, Victor Forbes and Arthur Arnold, to test out their home-made bamboo monoplane.

World War I The site was first developed as an operational air base for the Royal Flying Corps in the Great War in the autumn of 1914. RFC training continued until May 1915 when the site, known also as Eastwood, was taken over by the Royal Naval Air Service who dictated Britain’s war strategy. On 4th June 1916, the airfield was renamed RFC Rochford and it was designated as a night fighter station. Many sorties were flown against intruding Zeppelin airship raiders.

Several squadrons used the airfield for varying durations until the formation of 61 Squadron at Rochford in 1917. They stayed at Rochford until 1919 when the recently formed RAF derequisitioned the airfield and civil aviation and pleasure flying began at the aerodrome. Aviation lessened due to a slump in

20

trade, and eventually the station was closed in 1920, and returned to farmland for a while.

Early in 1933, Southend Corporation bought the aerodrome for a flying ground, and two years later it became a municipal aerodrome. The Southend Flying Club, Crilly Airways, and Southend on Sea Flying Services Ltd were already in residence, along with the RAFVR.

World War II On 1st September 1939, the Air ministry requisitioned Rochford civil aerodrome and the airfield was renamed RAF Rochford and placed in No 11 Group of Fighter Command as a satellite field to RAF Hornchurch.

The first squadron to arrive was 54 Squadron on 11th September 1939 with its Spitfires, followed by 600 City of London Squadron on 16th October with their Blenheim 1F’s.

During the Battle of Britain various squadrons from both Hornchurch and North Weald used Rochford as

to advertise in the next issue of The Local Business Guide call: 01375 402 546

an advance base. On 26th October 1940, Rochford became a station in its own right and was known as RAF Southend, although the fighter control remained with Hornchurch. On 18th June 1940, Rochford entered the History Record books when Flt. Lt. ‘Sailor’ Malan, of 74 Squadron became the first single seat pilot to shoot down an enemy aircraft at night. A week later, he became the first pilot to down two aircraft in one night.

Transport Secretary Justine Greening said “it was an example of how regional airports can contribute towards economic growth, at a time of growing debate over the need for a new hub in the London area. Our regional airports have an absolutely vital part to play in making sure the aviation sector remains competitive and continues to serve businesses and the community.”

As fighter command moved forward to a more offensive role in early 1941, Southend became the forward base for a number of Spitfire squadrons.

On 1st May 1941, the airfield was transferred to North Weald Sector, and became a forward offensive fighter base. In bad weather on 9th February 1943, a lone Dornier 217 sneaked in right under patrolling Spitfires over Southend and shot up the airfield and escaped! At the beginning of June 1943 the airfield was transferred back into the Hornchurch sector and remained there until the operations room was closed down in February 1944.

Southend mayor, David Norman, said the town would be put on the map: “It’s very much London’s sixth airport and it’s going to be a tremendous driver for jobs. It’s the best thing that’s happened in this area for many years.”

By March 1943, the war had passed it by and in 1944 it became part of the V1 balloon barrage network.

R.A.F. Rochford (Southend) was de-requisitioned and a licence was issued to Southend Corporation on 31st December 1946 and the airport returned to commercial and pleasure flights.

London Southend Airport Open’s New Terminal On 5th March 2012 The Secretary of State for Transport, the Rt Hon Justine Greening MP, visited London Southend Airport to officially open the new terminal building.

The new terminal comes complete with a new control tower, runway extension and new airport railway station providing frequent train services direct to Stratford and to central London’s Liverpool Street Station. The Stobart Group, which owns the airport, says it has invested £100million in the terminal and it will create 500 jobs.

The new terminal will see London Southend Airport become a fully functioning international gateway during 2012. EasyJet will begin operating 70 services, including flights to Amsterdam, Alicante, Barcelona, Belfast, Faro, Ibiza, Jersey, Malaga and Mallorca from April 2012 in advance of the Olympic Games in July 2012. This is in addition to Irish airline Aer Arann which is already operating flights to Waterford. The airport is predicting passenger growth to 2 million passengers per year by 2020.

Alastair Welch, managing director of Stobart Air, said: “We are never going to be Heathrow and we don’t want to be. We want to retain our focus on customer services and we never want passengers to spend more than four minutes at security or take longer than 15 minutes from aircraft to station platform.”

Carolyn McCall, chief executive of easyJet, said: “As the first new airport capacity in the South East for decades, London Southend is much needed. It is a brilliant new facility with fantastic transport links to London.”

Find out more at www.southendairport.com www.thelocalbusinessguide.co.uk

21

Quick Sudoku Every Sudoku has a unique solution that can be reached logically.

Enter numbers into the blank spaces so that each row, column and 3x3 box contains the numbers 1 to 9.

22

Easy

Medium

Hard

Evil

to advertise in the next issue of The Local Business Guide call: 01375 402 546

Fairfax boasts some of the finest paint jobs in the area, but does not limit itself to only paint. We can offer car body repairs, crash rebuilds, welding, scratch damage repairs and a host of other motor related services.

We are proud of our reputation for our work on American cars, Classic cars and of course, your family cars. Each one will receive the same care and attention to detail that your pride and joy deserves.

We really look forward to meeting you and helping you with your car.

Full Servicing Mechanical Repairs Welding

MOT Arranged Air Con

www.fairfaxbodyshop.co.uk 6 Rose Way, Purdy's Industrial Estate, Rochford, Essex. SS4 1LY

01702 543000

Cam Belts Diagnostics

Clutch / Exhaust / Brakes

07789 013274

www.thelocalbusinessguide.co.uk

23

The Origins of Rochford R

ochford is a historic Market Town with its town centre containing many listed buildings, and the Market Square which in days gone by used to host the local livestock market. There are many local landmarks, including The Lawn, Rochford Hall, St Andrews Church, and the “old House” in South Street.

In days gone by Rochford was the centre of activity for miles around, the chief town of the Rochford Hundred, a sub-division of Essex. That importance, long before the establishment of Southend, or the growth of Rayleigh, has left its mark today and it is well worth exploring that heritage.

Rochford Hall Approaching Rochford from the west, one passes The Lawn, nowadays a fine function suite, but originally a substantial house going back to 18th century and beyond, possibly used as a gatehouse to Rochford Hall, a mile further ahead. This road, with two Grade II listed milestones still in place, was built in 1777 by the then owner of the Hall to dissuade travellers from the natural approach to Rochford running past his front door. Today, as headquarters of Rochford Hundred Golf Club, we see just one corner of what was a very large manorial house. opinions differ as to its age, but it probably had origins in 12th/13th century.

Ann Boleyn Certainly we know that Rochford Hall was in the ownership of the Boleyn family in the early 16th century when the Earl of ormonde, Ann Boleyn’s grandfather had regained possession by petitioning Henry VII. It passed to Ann’s father and then, there being no male heir, to Ann’s sister, Mary, who had married Sir William Stafford.

Little evidence exists to support local legends about Ann’s residing at the Hall for any lengthy period, but Mary and her husband did take up residence here and 10 24

farmed in the area. A little later ownership fell to the Earls of Warwick, with Richard Rich being the most notable resident so far as Rochford is concerned. He was Lord Chancellor of England and died at Rochford Hall in 1567.

St Andrew’s Church St. Andrew’s Church is a typical example of a 13th/14th century stone construction, with an impressive 16th century brick tower, featuring diapering decoration, and with the Coat of Arms of Earl of ormonde, who was responsible for its construction. To the north is the vestry, a late 16th century brick addition. outside, the Grade II listed grave of James Banyard – founder of The peculiar people – can be found.

Almshouses and The Railway passing under the railway bridge, and turning right the eye is drawn to the row of Almshouses, still in good use, belying their 16th/17th century construction by Earl of Warwick in fulfilment of the Will of Richard Rich, his grandfather. A little further on the distinctive high roof of Whittingham’s Garage tells us that, before the advent of cars, coaches were made and repaired there.

The railway was extended from Shenfield a century ago, intended for agricultural business, running through South East Essex market towns. The Freight House was the holding “shed” for livestock from Rochford market. The Rochford Reservoir was constructed as a water source for the steam trains.

West Street and Market Square In West Street you will see 18th/19th century properties, mostly quite modest, since this area was intended for shopping and trade generally. one might select a number of individual shops for mention – an example would be the bookshop, with the sweetshop next door, on the right half way up. A century or so ago Mr. Francis conducted a printing business here,

to advertise in the next issue of The Local Business Guide call: 01375 402 546

together with running the post office. Look carefully at the brickwork to see where letters would have been posted at that time.

Continuing up to Market Square, we come upon a large open area which many older residents recall as the site of a weekly livestock market which had its beginnings 750 years ago with the granting of a Royal Charter. Looking round the Square we see Connaught House as perhaps the most impressive building, constructed around 1770, it is said by a man of Irish descent with “lottery” winnings. The east side was originally open, but, certainly during the 1800’s there was a renowned grocery and tea rooms, for example. on the south side there is the Women’s Institute Hall which goes back to 1866 when it was built as the Corn Exchange. By the turn of the century Mr. Francis had moved his printing business into the premises, following a downturn in its original use, and then WW1 saw it used as a laundry. The Women’s Institute took possession in 1931. The building next door is currently Barclays Bank was built in 1860’s.

The Kings Head has always dominated one side of the Square having been the first stop for stage coaches on their route to London from prittlewell. There were stabling facilities at the rear. As part of an historic coaching route, Rochford has many local byways, the most well known being Ironwell Lane.

The Whispering Post Ceremony The Kings Head was, for many years, the point from which the annual Whispering post ceremony commenced. This all began some 400 years ago when the then Lord of the Manor, 2nd Earl of Warwick, wanted to scotch plots against him by some of his tenants – minor manorial lords around the area. He’d heard them whispering one night. He called them to pledge their allegiance late one September night.

This unique ceremony, in latter years, took the form of a supper at Kings Head, a procession at midnight across the Square, through the alley beside the bakers, straight across North Street and up to Kings

Hill. At this house is a post around which the “tenants” gathered to honour their Lord in whispers. The whole thing ended with further feasting at Kings Head. All this continued annually until 1892 when “Health & Safety” deemed that drunken youths with flaming torches, many having travelled into Rochford for the event, was all too dangerous. The Whispering post, however, remains in place in the garden of Kings Hill in East Street.

If we continue our route out from the Square, turning right, we shall be passing Horner’s Corner, so called from the butcher’s shop with its own slaughter house behind. It had housed a firm of auctioneers before that in the days when the cattle market was in full swing.

The building fell into disuse but has been carefully restored. In South Street, to our left are a number of buildings with 17th century origins, and then the “old House”, almost half-way down on the left, is Rochford’s pride and joy. Again the story is one of fairly recent restoration. Rochford District Council took on the work when demolition seemed likely and it now serves as an important part of their office complex here. The building certainly goes back to 13th century and grew over the years as it was used as a family residence. Sydenham House, also in South Street, is a substantial 18th century dwelling which served as a Girls’ boarding school during the 1800’s. Then there is the Masonic Hall, built as the Court House in 1860’s, a reminder that Rochford was, indeed, the administrative centre for a wide area. www.thelocalbusinessguide.co.uk

25 11

26

to advertise in the next issue of The Local Business Guide call: 01375 402 546

www.thelocalbusinessguide.co.uk

27

The Top Ten

Super Foods All foods have nutritional value, however there are 10 foods that are very beneficial to your health and are called ‘super foods’. These are the top 10 with reasons why they are so good!

1. Apples There are over 7,500 varieties of apples grown around the world and each is full of antioxidants and vitamin C which helps towards healthy gums and skin. Apples also contain pectin which can help to lower blood cholesterol levels and keep the digestive system healthy. They improve diabetics’ long-term control of blood sugar levels and can help weight control.

2. Baked Beans Baked beans are full of protein, calcium, iron and fibre. It contains carbohydrate that is of the low GI variety. The tomato sauce covers the baked beans is a good source of lycopene which is an antioxidant to help prevent prostate cancer and heart disease.

3. Broccoli Only two florets count as a veggie portion. It contains antioxidants (vitamin C) and is a good source of folate which is meant to be a major benefit in preventing heart disease. Broccoli also contains a phytochemical called sulphoraphane that has specific anti-cancer properties.

4. Olive Oil Several studies have shown that the monosaturated fat in olive oil is good for the heart, it lowers bad cholesterol levels and increases the good levels. It is also rich in antioxidants.

5. Wholegrain Seeded Bread Wholegrain seeded bread has a low GI which can protect against heart disease, help with weight control and also reduce hunger pains. They contain essential fatty acids and are full of fibre which keeps the gut working efficiently.

28

to advertise in the next issue of The Local Business Guide call: 01375 402 546

6. Salmon All fish are full of protein, vitamins and minerals, but oily fish (salmon) also contain omega 3 fats that reduce blood clotting and inflammation. Oily fish have been proven to dramatically reduce the risk of having a heart attack. Omega 3 fats also prevent depression and protect against the onset of dementia!

7. Tea The caffeine in tea is helpful for stimulating alertness, mood and motivation. Tea counts towards the recommended eight cups of fluid daily, which is the minimum to avoid dehydration. Tea is a rich source of antioxidant called catechins which is meant to protect the artery walls against the damage that causes heart disease and prevents formation of sticky blood clots; one cup a day offers some protection according to studies!

8. Yogurt Yogurt is an easily absorbed source of calcium, its therapeutic benefits are the health of the large intestine and the relief of gastrointestinal upsets. The bacteria Lactobacillus GG, added to some yogurt, are not digested, reach the large intestine and fight harmful bacteria.

9. Bananas Bananas are slightly higher in energy than other fruits but the calories come from carbohydrates which are excellent for refuelling before, during or after exercise.

Bananas contain antioxidants that protect cells in the body against damage from free radicals that can cause cancer and heart disease. They are also full of potassium that helps lower blood pressure and vitamin B6 for healthy hair and skin.

10. Brazil Nuts All nuts are full of essential vitamins, minerals and fibre. Studies have recently suggested that eating a small handful of nuts four times a week can help reduce heart disease and satisfy food cravings. Brazil nuts are a good source of selenium that may help protect against depression, cancer and Alzheimer’s disease.

www.thelocalbusinessguide.co.uk

29

Recipe Corner

Gooey Chocolate Mousse Cake METHOD 1. Preheat the oven to 180C/350F/Gas 4. Grease and line a 20cm/8in springform cake tin. Wrap the outside of the cake tin in two layers of aluminium foil so that it will be waterproof when placed in the bain-marie in the oven.

2. In a bowl beat together the egg yolks with two thirds of the sugar until creamy.

3. Add the orange liqueur and beat for a further three minutes.

INGREDIENTS 6 free-range eggs, separated 150g/5oz caster sugar 50ml/2fl oz orange liqueur 400g/14oz chocolate, melted 300ml/10fl oz whipping cream

To serve strawberries, raspberries and cream

30

4. Stir in the melted chocolate and half of the cream.

5. In a separate bowl, whip the cream, then fold this into the mix.

6. In a clean bowl, whisk the egg whites until stiff peaks form when the whisk is removed. Beat in the rest of the sugar, then fold this into the chocolate mix.

7. Spoon the mixture into the lined, foil-wrapped cake tin and place into a deep baking tray. Set the baking tray onto the oven shelf. Half fill the tray with boiling water from the kettle to make a bain-marie.

8. Place in the oven for 45 minutes at 180C/350F/Gas 4 and then reduce the temperature to 150C/300F/Gas 2 for 45 minutes more.

9. Turn the oven off but leave the cake in for another 20 minutes.

10. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely. Remove the cake from the tin and peel off the paper. Serve with fruit and cream.

to advertise in the next issue of The Local Business Guide call: 01375 402 546

www.thelocalbusinessguide.co.uk

31

32

to advertise in the next issue of The Local Business Guide call: 01375 402 546

2012 Calendar January 2012

February 2012

March 2012

Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa Su

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa Su

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29

Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa Su

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

April 2012

May 2012

June 2012

Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa Su

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa Su

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa Su

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

July 2012

August 2012

September 2012

Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa Su

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa Su

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa Su

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

October 2012

November2012

December2012

Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa Su 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa Su

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa Su

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

Holidays and Observances (United Kingdom)

Jan 01, 2012: New Year's Day Jan 02, 2012: New Year's Day Holiday Apr 06, 2012: Good Friday Apr 08, 2012: Easter Sunday Apr 09, 2012: Easter Monday(WAL, ENG, NIR)

May 07, 2012: Early May Bank Holiday Jun 04, 2012: Spring Bank Holiday Jun 05, 2012: The Queen's Diamond Jubilee Aug 27, 2012: Summer Bank Holiday(WAL,ENG,NIR) Dec 25, 2012: Christmas Day Dec 26, 2012: Boxing Day

www.thelocalbusinessguide.co.uk

33

HEATING · PLUMBING · BATHROOMS Supplying plumbing and heating materialS to the trade and d.i.y.

1,000’S of itemS in Stock from a tap waSher to a full heating SyStem

bathroom showroom & trade / d.I.Y. Counter open 6 daYs a week

telephone: 01702 200 334 email: hphs@topservice.com 9-13 broad parade, hockley, essex SS5 5da

34

to advertise in the next issue of The Local Business Guide call: 01375 402 546

Useful Phone Numbers Emergency Services Police, Fire, Ambulance Essex Police - non-emergency Crimestoppers Rochford Police Station

Helplines 999 101 0800 555111 0300 3334444

Hospitals 24hr A&E - Basildon Broomfield, Chelmsford Southend

01268 524900 01245 443673 01702 435555

Health NHS Direct confidential health advice Hockley Clinic Raphael Clinic - Rochford Hullbridge clinic

0845 4647 01702 578700 01702 549547 01702 577900

Councils Essex County Council 0845 7585592 MP - Rochford - James Duddridge 01702 616135 MP - Hockley & Hawkwell - Mark Francois 01268 742044 Rochford District Council, 01702 546366 South Street, Rochford, Essex SS4 1BW Monday to Friday 8:30am - 5:30pm Out of hours emergencies 01268 527317 Recycling / Refuse / Bulky Items 01702 318111 Environmental Health / Pest Control 01702 318111 Woodlands / Parks 01702 318111 Planning / Building Control 01702 318191 Cemetries / Land Charges 01702 318191 Housing / Homelessness / Leisure 01702 318191 Parking / Roads & Transport 01702 318166 Housing Benefit 01702 318197 Council Tax Benefit 01702 318198 Animal Welfare 01702 318057 Business Rates 01702 318017 Rochford, Hockley & Hullbridge Libraries 0845 603 7628 Rochford Rugby Club 01702 544021

Age UK 0800 1696565 Alcoholics Anonymous 0845 7697555 Childline (24hr) 0800 1111 Citizens Advice Bureau 0844 477 0808 Cruse Bereavement Care 0844 4779400 FRANK - National Drugs Helpline (24hr) 0800 776600 GamCare - Gambling Issues 0845 6000133 Missing People (24hrs) 0500 700700 National Debtline 0808 8084000 National Domestic Violence Helpline (24hr) 0808 2000247 NSPCC Helpline (24hr) 0808 8005000 Rape & Sexual Abuse Support Centre 0808 8029999 Runaway Helpline (24hr) - under 18 0808 8007070 RSPCA (24hr) 0300 1234999 RSPCA - Southend Branch 01702 290889 Samaritans (24hr) 08457 909090 Sexual Health Direct 0845 1228690 Shelter 0808 8004444 Victim Supportline 0845 3030900

Travel Traveline National Rail Enquiries Rochford & Hockley Train Stations National Express

0871 2002233 08457 484950 0845 6007245 08717 818181

The Local Business Guide 01375 402546

www.thelocalbusinessguide.co.uk

Emergency Utilities Electricity - UK Power Gas - National Gas Emergency Service Anglian Water Services Essex & Suffolk Water Directory Enquiries

0800 7838838 0800 111999 0845 7145145 0845 7820999 118 500

www.thelocalbusinessguide.co.uk

35

Put your company

in the spotlight

To advertise in the next edition of any of The Local Business Guides including Rochford and Hockley, Southend, Rayleigh and Basildon:

Call: 01375 402546 Mobile: 07969 211229

FREE

basildon bringing

s to

sinesse

local bu

ople local pe

April -

2

June 201

or email: sales@thelocalbusinessguide.co.uk

BRINGING LOCAL BUSINESSES TO LOCAL PEOPLE

www.thelocalbusinessguide.co.uk

co.uk

essguide.

ldonbusin

www.basi homes 10,000 FREE to Delivered

ANNUAL CAR SERVICE

£145

ount Disc MOTs rbike Moto n Site o

Including

• Brake Check • Oil & Filter Change • Anti - Freeze Check • Brake Fluid Condition • Oil & Fluid Levels Checked

HAVE AN MOT WITH YOUR SERVICE FOR JUST

£30

• Free Retest if Required • Same Day Service

ISS CE N ’T M r DON ENTRA que ba o r W a E N B I N THE the new L HERE IL T ind Beh E’RE ST STREE T W S WE

IM A GE

G TTIN I F E TYR ICE ON V SER ITE S

PHONE: 01702 544284 / 548431 EMAIL: workshop@1ststopcars.co.uk 68 - 72 West St, Rochford, Essex SS4 1AS

OFFICES AT DANEHURST COURT, 35 - 37 WEST STREET, ROCHFORD, ESSEX, SS4 1BE EMAIL: INFO@ICEBLUELEGAL.CO.UK

TELEPHONE: 01702 540001

WE ARE SPECIALISTS IN

ALL ASPECTS OF FAMILY LAW ALL ASPECTS OF CIVIL LITIGATION PERSONAL INJURY WILLS & PROBATE EMPLOYMENT LAW WE OFFER APPOINTMENTS TO SUIT YOU WE CAN OFFER FREE 1/2 HOUR INITIAL CONSULTATIONS, LOW FIXED FEES, INSTALMENT PLANS, NO WIN NO FEE ARRANGEMENTS AND WILLS FROM £50 PLUS VAT

COSTS ARE ONE LESS THING TO WORRY ABOUT

CALL OUR SPECIALISTS NOW