The Local Business Guide: Rochford & Hockley by Matt Pawsey

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Welcome A very warm welcome to the Rochford/Hockley Local Business Guide, a brand new innovative 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. Our first publications, The Rayleigh Local Business Guide and The Southend Local Business Guide, have proved extremely popular with the local community and we have tried to produce a similar format for Rochford/Hockley which has something for everybody with a mix of editorial, games and quizzes, reference material and local business advertising. Our featured articles are on the History of Rochford (pages 10-11) and the History of Southend Airport featuring the opening of the new terminal (pages 20-21). We also have a couple of community features on the Acres Way Kennels (pages 24-25) to try and help them re-home some lovely dogs that need a second chance! We also feature the Wrinkle Club (page 8), an innovative new club for the over 50’s. There is also our regular financial feature from our financial expert Martin Lamb from Joseph R Lamb Independent Financial Advisors (see centre pages). 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 We would like to thank all of our business advertisers for supporting our first Rochford/Hockley Local Business Guide and would ask our readers to support their local businesses in order to help secure local jobs. 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. 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 Publisher Email: info@thelocalbusinessguide.co.uk www.thelocalbusinessguide.co.uk

Advertisers Index GARDEN SERVICES, HOME IMPROVEMENT & CONSTRUCTION BUILDING SERVICES / MERCHANTS 12, 23 Doors, Floors & Stairparts Inside Front Cover KITCHENS / BATHROOMS 5 LANDSCAPE GARDENER 28 PLUMBING / HEATING 30 ROOFING 13 SCAFFOLDING 13 WINDOWS / DOORS / GLASS 19 Inside Back Cover WOOD / TIMBER SUPPLIES FINANCIAL, LEGAL & PROPERTY SERVICES ESTATE AGENCY 4 INDEPENDENT FINANCIAL ADVISER Centre pages INSURANCE Back Page HOUSEHOLD & LIFESTYLE CAR PAINTWORK / REPAIRS / MOT / ACCESSORIES COMPUTING DANCE / PERFORMING ARTS FUNERAL DIRECTOR FURNITURE HOTEL / RESTAURANT PHOTOGRAPHER TRAINING / WEB DESIGN / MARKETING TRAVEL HEALTH & BEAUTY CARE AND NURSING OSTEOPATH

3, 5, 23 14 6 28 1 7 28 27 6

1, 9 28

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 2012

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

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

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

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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.

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...

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

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

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,

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

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THE LOCAL BUSINESS GUIDE WORKING FOR THE COMMUNITY

Money Guidance

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

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 short term concerns over the ability of the banking system in Europe to cope with the under repayment of Government loans in Greece and potentially in Portugal and Spain, have led to an hiatus that is holding back the whole world. I am not down playing the seriousness of the crisis. It is very serious and could lead to the biggest financial crisis the world is yet to see. If the Europeans do the right thing however, and on balance we believe they will as the impact of getting it wrong is almost too significant to contemplate, then we believe there will be a massive release of capital that is currently tied up in cash, and Government bonds and that this will be moved, in a very short time into Stocks and Shares globally, but especially in the growth markets of the world and Commodities. 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 in the East and Emerging markets will continue to drive commodity prices and wages upwards, and as we are a significant net 16

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. So you must remember; 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. 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. 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.

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Wordsearch Can you find the 12 animals hidden below:

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LION ELEPHANT LEOPARD Hippopotamus

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ZEBRA Hyena GIRAFFE Rhinoceros

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Cheetah MONKEY Gazelle SNAKE

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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 Britainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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

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 1Fâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. During the Battle of Britain various squadrons from both Hornchurch and North Weald used Rochford as

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

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.

Easy

Medium

Hard

Evil

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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 or Cheryl.

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 24

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 Jake - German shepherd Male / Age 8



Jake was picked up in the Basildon area and we can only assume that he was a yard dog. He was covered head to toe in oil, his ears have been clipped and had a terrible infection set in. His feet were also in a horrendous condition and for the first week he was unable to stand. Jake has endured a hard life and would enjoy a relaxed environment to settle into. He is not good with other dogs and would need to go to an older family with either grown up children or just adults.

How to contact them Acres Way Kennels, Great Burches Road Thundersley, Essex SS7 3NE They are open 10am-5pm Monday to Wednesday, and 10am-3pm Thursday to Sunday. 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

Jake 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.

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Recipe Corner

Tomato soup METHOD 1. Firstly, prepare your vegetables. You need 1-1.25kg/2lb 4oz-2lb 12oz ripe tomatoes. Throw the vines and green bits away and wash the tomatoes. Now cut each tomato into quarters and slice off any hard cores. Peel 1 medium onion and 1 small carrot and chop them into small pieces. Chop 1 celery stick roughly the same size. 2. Spoon the into a large heavy-based pan and heat it over a low heat, then tip in the onion, carrot and celery and mix them together with a wooden spoon. Still with the heat low, cook the vegetables until they're soft and faintly coloured. This should take about 10 minutes. Stir throughout.

Ingredients 1-1.25kg/2lb 4oz-2lb 12oz ripe tomatoes 1 medium onion 1 small carrot 1 celery stick 2 tbsp olive oil 2 squirts of tomato purée (about 2 tsp) a good pinch of sugar 2 bay leaves 1.2 litres/ 2 pints hot vegetable stock (made with

boiling water and 4 rounded tsp bouillon powder or 2 stock cubes)

3. Squirt in about 2 tsp of tomato purée, then stir it around so it turns the vegetables red. Add the tomatoes, sprinkle in a good pinch of sugar and grind in a little black pepper. Tear 2 bay leaves into a few pieces and throw them into the pan. Stir to mix everything together, put the lid on the pan and let the tomatoes stew over a low heat for 10 minutes until they shrink down in the pan and their juices flow nicely. From time to time, give the pan a good shake - this will keep everything well mixed. 4. Slowly pour in the 1.2 litres/ 2 pints of hot stock (made with boiling water and 4 rounded tsp bouillon powder or 2 stock cubes), stirring at the same time to mix it with the vegetables. Turn up the heat as high as it will go and wait until everything is bubbling, then turn the heat down to low again and put the lid back on the pan. Cook gently for 25 minutes, stirring a couple of times. 5. Remove the pan from the heat, take the lid off and fish out the pieces of bay leaf and throw them away. Ladle the soup into your blender until it's about three-quarters full. Blitz until the soup's smooth, then pour the puréed soup into a large bowl. Repeat with the soup that's left in the pan. (The soup may now be frozen for up to 3 months. Defrost before reheating.) 6. Pour the puréed soup back into the pan and reheat it over a medium heat for a few minutes, stirring occasionally until you can see bubbles breaking gently on the surface. Taste a spoonful and add a pinch or two of salt if you think the soup needs it, plus more pepper and sugar if you like. Ladle into bowls and serve.

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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

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Useful Phone Numbers Emergency Services

HelplinesÂ

Police, Fire, Ambulance Essex Police - non-emergency Crimestoppers Rochford Police Station

999 101 0800 555111 0300 3334444

24hr A&E - Basildon Broomfield, Chelmsford Southend

01268 524900 01245 443673 01702 435555

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

0845 4647 01702 578700 01702 549547 01702 577900

Hospitals

Health

Councils

Essex County Council 0845 7585592 Local MP Rochford - James Duddridge 01702 616135 Hockley & Hawkwell - Mark Francois 01268-742044 Rochford District Council, 01702 546366 Recycling / Refuse / Household Collections 01702 318111 Environmental Health / Pest Control 01702 318111 Tree Preservation Orders / Woodlands / Parks 01702 318111 Planning / Building Control 01702 318191 Cemetries / Land Charges 01702 318191 Housing / Homelessness / Leisure Activities 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 and Hullbridge Libraries 0845 603 7628 Rochford Rugby Club 01702 544021

HelplinesÂ - 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

Travel - Traveline National Rail Enquiries Rayleigh Train Station National Express

0871 2002233 08457 484950 0845 6007245 08717 818181

The Local Business Guide 01375 402546

www.thelocalbusinessguide.co.uk

Emergency Utilities Emergency Utilities - Electricity - UK Power 0800 7838838 Gas - National Gas Emergency Service 0800 111999 Anglian Water Services 0845 7145145 Essex & Suffolk Water 0845 7820999 Directory Enquiries 118 500

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