Tlbg rayleigh 17 03

DELIVERED FREE TO 10,000 HOMES

Rayleigh BRINGING LOCAL BUSINESSES TO LOCAL PEOPLE

MARCH 2017

Our showrooms have a huge selection of carpets and flooring from Axminster, Brintons, Associated Weavers, Abingdon, Crucial Trading, Karndean, Moduleo and many more as well as the largest selection of rugs in Essex.

www.bizcd.co.uk

www.thelocalbusinessguide.co.uk

Welcome A very warm welcome to the March 2017 edition of the Rayleigh Local Business Guide.

We’ve had nothing but fog and rain just lately, so as we’re fed up waiting for the sunshine we’ve included an article on Winter Walks in Essex (page 6) which should encourage you all to get out and experience the fresh air! We also have our regular ‘What’s On in Rayleigh’ on pages 16 and 17 where we feature a book sale in aid of the Rayleigh Town Museum, a Mad Scientist Easter Camp, a Quiz Night and Open Day for the Essex Pony and Horse Protection Society and a local St. Patrick’s Night.

We have our regular community feature on the Acres Way Kennels, based in Castle Point (pages 10-11) and we are pleased to tell you that Molly the Terrier has been successfully re-homed. Unfortunately Ronnie the Chihuahua and Lenny the Staff Cross are still waiting for a new home, but I’m sure they’ll get placed very soon. This month we feature 3 new dogs that are looking for loving homes.

Advertisers Index GARDEN SERVICES, HOME IMPROVEMENT & CONSTRUCTION BATHROOMS 7 CARPETS / FLOORING

Front Page 3, 9

KITCHENS PLUMBING & HEATING

19, 25

SKIP HIRE

Inside Back

WINDOWS & DOORS

Inside Front

WINDOW RESTORATION

5

In our Community feature this month we feature an interesting search by the Rayleigh Town Museum to identify the missing names on a Girls Brigade photograph dated 1944-45 (page 20) and we also have an article on the History of the Railway in Rayleigh (page 8). We have a recipe for some lovely Chocolate Brownies (page 22) and our regular column from our financial expert Martin Lamb from Joseph R Lamb Financial Advisers (centre pages).

FINANCIAL, LEGAL & PROPERTY SERVICES

If you are a local business and would like to advertise in the Guide, then please contact our salesperson Ricky on 01375 402546 who will give you a no obligation quote. It really is a cost effective way of promoting your business and generating business from your local community.

BUSINESS CARD DIRECTORY

ACCOUNTANT FINANCIAL ADVISOR

4 Centre Pages

LAND PURCHASE

21

HOUSEHOLD & LIFESTYLE 2

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

26

CAR REPAIRS / SALES

19

DOMESTIC APPLIANCE SALES & REPAIRS

23

LEAFLET DELIVERY

13

The Rayleigh Local Business Guide

PET STORE

Back Page

REMOVALS

19

RESTAURANT

4

Publisher

VEHICLE RECOVERY

9

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

HEALTH & BEAUTY

Sales - Ricky Edwards 01375 402546

CARE SERVICES STAIRLIFTS

7 19

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.

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 2017

www.thelocalbusinessguide.co.uk

1

www.bizcd.co.uk

2

www.bizcd.co.uk

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

www.thelocalbusinessguide.co.uk

3

MUM EATS FREE when you book a table for four or more

’ Day This Mothers Sunday 26th March Open from 5.30pm - 11.00pm

£14.95 PER PERSON A choice of: 8 Starters, 8 Main Dishes and 3 Desserts plus a free glass of Prosecco for Mum Tel: 01268 745275 or 01268 747017 32 Eastwood Road, Rayleigh, Essex SS6 7JQ Open 7 days a week including bank Holidays www.saffronrayleigh.co.uk

4

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

www.thelocalbusinessguide.co.uk

5

Winter Walks In Essex It may be cold outside but wrap up warm, head outside in the fresh air and enjoy one of our Winter Walks.

Wat Tyler Country Park in Basildon offers FREE wildlife walks every Thursday morning but is always a great place for a brisk walk with the opportunity to see lots of wildlife.

In winter, the creeks come alive with wading birds and the bare branches make it easier to see birds such as Redwing and Fieldfares. There is now also a cafe on the site. For more information visit www.wattylercountrypark.org.uk West Canvey Marshes Nature Reserve.

This RSPB owned wetland reserve includes nearly two miles of new nature trails, three bird viewing points, a picnic area and children’s adventure area.

This is a wonderful place to see a whole host of wildlife and you could continue your walk along the sea wall afterwards. Entry is free and opening times are 10am - 5pm. For more details and a map of the nature reserve visit www.rspb.org.uk and search fo West Canvey Marshes The Bradwell Cockle Spit Wildside Walk is one of the remotest in Essex. It is a wonderful place for space and peace but also full of interesting wildlife and flora. It is located about 2 miles east of the village of Bradwellon-Sea. For more details and to download a map of the Wildside walk visit microsites.essexcc.gov.uk/ publications/docs/Bradwell_Wildside_Walk.pdf. The walk is 6 mikes long and suitable for all. There are 3 pubs on the route as well as 2 village shops.

East Hanningfield. This part of south east Essex is truly lovely, with beautiful views across country in the rolling hills. There are stunning views and a wonderful wildlife meadow to walk through as well as tranquil lanes and some quiet woodland.

For more details and a map of this walk and many others to try in Essex visit www.essexwalks.com

6

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

n

Call: 01702 526 797 www.brooks-care.co.uk

Are you looking for high quality, flexible and compassionate care in your own home? ~ Assistance with all personal care needs ~ Respite, shopping & light house chores ~ Owned & managed by registered nurses ~ Free assessment

Family Bathroom/ Ensuite/ Walk in shower room for only ÂŁ4995.00 Designed / Supplied / Installed Fully installed

www.bathtubonline.co.uk

Including wall and floor tiles

Call Bathtub for a FREE quote on 01245 269778 3 showrooms in Chelmsford, Maldon and Rayleigh www.thelocalbusinessguide.co.uk

7

8

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

W E TA K E

THE

THE

THE

GOOD BAD UGLY “ A NY T I M E , A N Y P LA CE, ANYW HERE”

• MOT Failures • Damaged Vehicles • Scrap Cars • Insurance write off • Damaged Cars • Abandoned Motors • Unwanted Vehicles

WE COVER THE WHOLE OF ESSEX

Mob: 07931 845 668 Email: stevewatts55@icloud.com

www.thelocalbusinessguide.co.uk

9

Working for the Community

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

Adopting a Dog

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.

I

f you think you can 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.

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 Re-Homing Update We are pleased to tell you that Molly the Terrier has been successfully re-homed. Unfortunately Ronnie the Chihuahua and Lenny the Staff Cross are still waiting for a new home, but I’m sure they’ll get placed very soon. This month we feature 3 new dogs that are looking for loving homes.

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

Molly - Successfully re-homed



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 10

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

This month’s featured dogs Ruby - Mastiff Cross  Age: Not known exactly Ruby was born at Acres Way and sadly has returned after the home she went to didn’t work out. She has lived with children and other dogs but is a strong girl so will need someone who can manage her. She also does not like to be left alone for long so would perhaps suit someone who is home or a working environment.

Sasha - Siberian Husky



Aged 1 Sasha, our 18 month old Siberian husky. She is a bouncy girl who needs some manners and is looking for an family or person experienced with the breed to meet her specific needs.

 Alice - Staff cross.

Aged 4

Gorgeous little Alice is 4 year old Staffordshire bullterrier.

She spends the day curled up on her bed, but equally loves to be out and about walking! Whilst she gets on with dogs she meets out and about she can be jealous in home environment so will need a pet free home. Alice would be best suited to a family with older children.

www.thelocalbusinessguide.co.uk

11

12

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

www.thelocalbusinessguide.co.uk

13

Money Guidance

Final Salary Pensions

T

here has been much written in the media lately about Final Salary or Defined Benefit pensions. Whilst they have been a bedrock of pension planning for many larger employers over the years, the majority of them are now struggling to meet their long term liabilities, and as the sponsoring employer is responsible for paying all the costs of the scheme many employers are now in serious trouble whilst the huge costs of the pension drain their profitability.

Tata Steel and BHS are two of the better known companies who have massive pension liabilities, and whatever the rights and wrongs in the way these companies have handled matters, the fact that the sheer scale of the pension funding deficits can put such large employers, and so many jobs at risk, is a major concern. An October 2016 report by the Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association even goes so far as to say that out of the 6000 live DB schemes nearly 50% of them have a 50% or worse chance of not meeting their full pension obligations over the coming 15 years. Whilst the Government sponsored Pension Protection Fund (PPF) may be available in the background, this is of massive concern as the Government’s expectations of them needing to provide support are massively lower than the likelihood of it being needed, and the current situation cannot be sustainable.

Final Salary schemes can be complex, but in simple terms they were designed to provide a pension to employees based on a percentage of their final salary at retirement and the number of years worked. The pension in payment is ‘guaranteed’ by

14

the scheme and the sponsoring employer for life, together with whatever level of inflation proofing and death benefits the scheme rules permitted.

So what has gone wrong?

This bit isn’t complex. There are three main issues: • First of all when these schemes were designed life expectancy was much shorter than today. So the guaranteed pensions are being paid for longer.

• Secondly, the schemes are required to invest in ‘safe long term assets’. In the main Government Gilts and, due to near zero interest, returns from these have drastically reduced to something like a quarter or less of their historic average.

• Thirdly, in the well intentioned desire to make schemes safer, successive governments have increased scheme funding costs by tighter measurement of their long term liabilities and the extent to which these must be fully funded today.

These factors have driven up the cost of schemes massively, to the extent that there are very few companies left where new employees can join a Final Salary scheme. Many are closing to future accrual, limiting future inflation proofing or being wound up completely. Many employers will even be put out of business by the sheer scale of their pension scheme deficits.

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

What can you do?

If you are still in employment accruing benefits, not much. In the vast majority of situations it would be wise to continue in the Scheme. If however, you have left service or are approaching retirement, and work in the private sector, you could consider transferring your pension benefits to your own private pension.

Whilst this undoubtedly carries some risk as you lose the guaranteed pension, and this is the important bit, transfer values are at an all time high. If the transfer value is high enough, you may be able to secure similar (but not guaranteed) benefits with more flexibility, including full access to the fund if needed from 55, owning the pension fund yourself, better tax efficiencies and being able to pass on the fund to your family on death.

With these funding concerns likely to increase and interest rates at all-time lows now may well be the time to investigate a pension transfer. You must take

specialist advice to make sure the risks are reasonable, transferring Final Salary benefits is not right for many and no one should consider transferring without first taking advice. This can only be provided by specialist advisers, who hold the specific regulatory permissions and who will investigate all aspects before being able to recommend transferring.

If you haven’t asked already, ask us to obtain the transfer value and information we need from your employer. You might be very surprised!

Martin Lamb, Dip.PFS Certs CII (MP & ER)

This article does not constitute advice and readers should seek an assessment of their needs and requirements before making any decisions based on the content of this article. The value of investments can go down as well as up and past performance is not a guide to future returns.

Where can you turn for financial advice?

At Joseph Lamb we have more than 40 years’ experience providing honest, effective investment and pension advice.

View the performance of our portfolios and our client testimonials at josephlamb.co.uk For a FREE consultation or a simple, informal discussion about your investment or pension concerns, call 01268 749880.

Investment Management Inheritance Tax Planning

More than 40 years of experience in wealth management, investment advice and inheritance tax planning.

Investing For Growth + Income Drawing + Building Pensions Equity Release Financial Protection Redundancy Counselling Business Protection

Joseph lamb is the trading style of Joseph R. Lamb Independent Financial Advisers Ltd – Chillingstone House, 26 Eastwood Road, Rayleigh, Essex SS6 7JQ. Past performance is no guarantee of future returns. The value of investments can fall as well as rise.

Joseph R Lamb IFA Ltd are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

www.thelocalbusinessguide.co.uk

15

What’s On In Rayleigh Rayleigh Town Museum – Book Sale Friday, Saturday & Sunday 17th, 18th & 19th March 2017 Starts: 10.00am – 4.00pm Location: 1st Floor, 91 High Street, Rayleigh, Essex (above Pizza Express!)

Various books for sale – both new and old. Local interest Essex/Essex towns, general historical interest subjects or books that have a local connection (people/authors).

The Clubs St. Patrick’s Night Saturday 18th March 2017 Starts: 8.00pm – 11.00pm Location: Royal British Legion Club Rayleigh 2 London Hill Rayleigh Essex SS6 7HP The Clubs St. Patrick’s Night: The Velvet Touch Showband supply the music.

Members £2.00 non members £3.00.

Contact telephone: 01268 776503.

Quiz Night for Essex Horse & Pony Protection Society Friday 31st March 2017 Starts: 8.00pm Location: Royal British Legion, London Hill, Rayleigh, Essex SS6 7HP Teams can be up to eight people. There is a bar for drinks. All funds being raised are for the general welfare of the horses and ponies at the sanctuary.

Contact telephone: 07798 816065.

16

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

Mad Science Easter Camps Southend

Monday 3rd April to Friday 7th April 2017 Starts: 10.00am - 3.00pm Daily Location: Heycroft Primary School Essex SS9 5SJ

Mad Science Easter Camps are a mixture of dynamic demonstrations and exciting hands-on experiments with a big emphasis on FUN! Mad Science spark the imagination and curiosity of children everywhere by providing them with fun, educational, and hands-on activities.

So, if you’re looking for some awesome events during the Easter Holidays, then look no further. You can book daily or for the full week, it’s entirely up to you! Age: 4-11 years Every day will be a different scientific topic with a take home for each child. To find out more or to register your child and make a booking, please visit www.east.madscience.org/ east. Contact telephone: 01992618094. Call to check latest times or cancellations.

Open Day at Essex Horse and Pony Protection Society Sunday 2nd April 2017 Starts: 11.00pm – 4.00pm Location: ENPPS, Pitsea Hall Lane, Basildon, Essex SS16 4UH EHPPS is opening its doors to the public for the first time this year on Sunday, 2nd April. As well as our 50-odd resident horses and ponies, we have two new piglets (Pandora and Tiggy) joining Dolores (so now we have three), goats Worzel and Sean, and new to the sanctuary - Colonel Cluckingham (cockerel) and Ladies Molly and Polly Cluckington (ex-battery hens), in their new home ’Cluckingham Palace’.

In addition there will be around 20 stalls selling books, dog treats and paraphernalia, jewellery, bags, cards, candles, cushions, sand art, etc., etc. There will also be face-painters, food, music, and characters for the children - ’Twirly and Swirly’ The sanctuary is open every Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday 11.00am – 4.00 pm (Apr - Sept) and 1.00pm – 4.00pm (Oct - Dec). There is usually a small admission charge, but on our first Open Day admission is free to all, so why not come and have a lovely time at EHPPS? Contact telephone: 07798 816065.

www.thelocalbusinessguide.co.uk

17

18

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

Boiler Installation, Servicing and Repair - Local, long established, family business - 4 years interest free boiler finance available

Get up to a 10 year guarantee with a Worcester Bosch boiler installed between 31st Jan 2017 & 30th June 2017.

Contact Us For A Free No Obligation Quote David: 07812 590033 | Office: 01702 556807 info@1stcall-services.co.uk www.boilernowpaylater.co.uk

www.thelocalbusinessguide.co.uk

19

News from the Rayleigh Town Museum

A puzzle to solve - Can anybody help with names

W

e were recently given this photograph and need help identifying some of the people in it. The photograph can be seen in the Museum during opening hours (Wed, Fri, Sat & Sun 10.00am – 4.00pm).

The picture was taken outside the Congregational Church, Crown Hill, Rayleigh and is at present in the Rayleigh Town Museum.

The sign reads: ‘4th S.E.Essex Battelion Girls Brigade Efficiency Cup – 1st Rayleigh Company 1944-45’. We are trying to find out the names of numbers 2, 3 and 4 (back row left), number 15 (middle row, 3rd from left) and number 18 (middle row 2nd from right).

20

We currently know: Back Row – 1. Iris Coy 2. TBA 3. TBA 4. TBA 5. Peggy Boreham 6. Jean Hillier (Kerkin) 7.

Eileen Poole 8. Sylvia Bowen 9. Audrey Scrogie 10. Margery Hills 11. Audrey Martin 12. Moira Baptie 13. Pat Hurrell 14. Della Goodwin (Bearman) 15. TBA 16. Stella Livermore (Baptie) 17. Shirley Hurrell 18. TBA 19. Janet Gerrard 20. Doreen Baker 21. Virginia Headley 22. Ethel Baker (Captain) 23. Jean Hall 24. Joan Mitson (Lieutenant) 25. Madge Pasfield (Morton) 26.

Margaret Morton.

If anyone has any information on the outstanding names on the photo, please phone the Museum on...01268 773535.

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

THE LAND BUYING COMPANY WE BUY

NO ESTATE AGENTS FEES 1. Property that is tired or old

2. Land without planning permission 3. Green Belt land 4

• QUICk VALUATIONS • QUICK DECISIONS • QUICK PAYMENT

For friendly expert advice call

07770 722620 Ask to speak to Robert Huntley

www.thelocalbusinessguide.co.uk

21

Recipe Corner Chocolate Brownies There is nothing quite like a fudgy, dense chocolate brownie. There are so many variations on the classic chocolate brownie recipe and this one comes from Cadbury’s.

Ingredients 175g Dark Chocoate such as Bournvillekikk, broken up 175g unsalted butter, diced 3 medium eggs 250g caster sugar 75g plain flour 40g Cocoa Powder 50g chopped walnuts (optional)

Method

Whisk the eggs and sugar until thick and creamy, pour over the chocolate mixture and fold in.

Sift in the flour and cocoa and fold in the nuts. Pour into the prepared tin, making sure it goes right into the corners and bake for 25-30 minutes.

The top should be crusty with a slight wobble underneath.

5. Cool completely in the tin (can refrigerate overnight which aids cutting) and then cut into squares or triangles.

Preheat oven to 180C, gas mark 4. Grease and line the base and sides of a 20cm square cake tin with baking parchment.

Melt the chocolate and butter in a bowl over a pan of simmering water. Cool slightly.

22

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

www.thelocalbusinessguide.co.uk

23

24

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

AUTUMN OFFERS! • BOILER SERVICING from £44 + vat

• SYSTEM HEALTH CHECK from £45 +vat • BOILER RENEWAL from £1100 + vat • POWER FLUSHING from £280 + vat • THERMAL IMAGING from £80 + vat

SERVICES OFFERED • BOILER REPAIRS • FULL HEATING INSTALLS • RADIATORS • HEAT PUMPS • SOLAR PANELS PV & THERMAL • ALL ELECTRICAL WORKS

ONE OF THE ORIGINALS!

Castle Point Gas & Heating Co Ltd

21 – 25 Hart Road,Thundersley, Essex SS7 3PB

E-Mail : info@castlepointgas.co.uk Web:www.castlepointgasandelectric.co.uk www.thelocalbusinessguide.co.uk

25

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY We have an opportunity for confident, self-motivated and determined individuals to get involved at ground level within a successful growing company HUGE FINANCIAL REWARDS for the right hard-working candidates FLEXIBLE WORKING based around South-East Essex No experience necessary - FULL SUPPORT AND TRAINING given DRIVING LICENCE REQUIRED We have limited opportunities available so call

07969 211229 NOW for a friendly informal March 2017 chat before the end of October 2016 26

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

www.thelocalbusinessguide.co.uk

27

28

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

BR

...with Copdock Mill’s complete Wild Bird Care range, available from Gladwells Pet & Country Store.

Lubards Lodge Farm, Hullbridge Road, Rayleigh, Essex, SS6 9QG 01268 642601 Mon - Sat: 8.30am - 5.30pm gladwells.rayleigh@copdockmill.co.uk www.copdockmill.co.uk