Around town magazine billericay edition june 2015

June 2015 Edition 31 Delivered to 22,000 Homes in Billericay and the surrounding area aroundtownmagazines.co.uk

Opposite Billericay Train Station Read more on the back cover

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... Around Towners to Billericays’ leading community magazine!

June is upon us, which means the Summer is here! Although, as I write this on a cold, wet Monday afternoon in May, it’s hard to believe... Still, we remain positive and think about the fun that can be had in fair weather at our local parks and outdoor spaces.

Following last months General Election, the Conservatives regain their seat in the district.

See John Baron’s article inside for a special thank you to everyone who voted ‘blue’. And commiserations to the other parties standing.

The third title to the Around Town family – Around Town Upminster – is out now, on its second edition. We have had some great feedback and responses from the area and we couldn’t be happier.

With all the regular reports, local businesses & events and more inside, we hope you enjoy this edition of Around Town Magazine.

Until next time...

From the Around Town Team

Features 8 A View from the Church Rev. Paul Carr 12 John Baron Political Update 15 Know Your Tradesmen Trees Plus 17 Nature Notes EWT Volunteer Neil Sumner 26 - 27 Martin Lewis The Money Saving Expert 31 Round Table / Rotary Club / Lions Club Organisations ‘Around Town’ 34 Around Town Sports Focuses on Tennis 36 Restaurant Review The Ship 40 What’s On When and Where...

42 Useful Numbers

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We hand deliver 22,000 copies every month to homes in Billericay and the surrounding area. This includes several thousand copies being available from venues throughout the town and an online edition.

To Advertise Contact our Sales Team today, details below.

Booking deadline for our June edition of Around Town is: Friday 15th May.

Copyright 2015. Around Town Billericay is an independent magazine and does not endorse the products or services that appear in the magazine. Opinions expressed in Around Town do not necessarily represent those of the editors of Around Town Magazines. Around Town Magazines are published by Black Square Print Media Ltd produced by Black Square Litho Ltd.

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Magna Carta: 800 Years of Freedom This month celebrates the 800th Anniversary of the signing of Magna Carta (Latin for ‘The Great Charter’). Although signed by King John, it was proposed by Archbishop Stephen Langton (a champion of human rights) who, supported by church leaders and disgruntled nobles, persuaded the political and military leaders of the day to present Magna Carta to King John at Runneymede for his seal on 15 June 1215. Magna Carta not only safeguarded the rights, privileges and liberties of the clergy and the nobles and placed limits on the power of the crown, it profoundly influenced the structure of political power and justice for many in England - averting a political coup in the process. King John never lived with the full consequences of Magna Carta for, in October of 1216, he died of dysentery at the ripe old age of 50!!

The principles of Magna Carta, especially the central key clauses concerning liberty and justice, have not only stood the test of time, but through the legacy of the British Empire, are enshrined within the constitution of more than one hundred countries bringing greater freedom and the rule of law to a 1.2 billion people.

And, as we reflect on the formation of a new Government after the General Election on 7 May 2015, it’s worth recognising that our democratic right to vote was first established by Magna Carta which provided the framework for the first ever directly elected Parliament in 1264.

In the present day, Magna Carta is cited whenever basic freedoms come under threat from overzealous governments, even in the cradle of world democracy itself. You may remember how David Davis MP, stood down from Parliament in order to fight a byelection on the issue of 42-day detention in 2008, with the famous clauses 39 and 40 providing his agenda for doing so. These clauses affirm the primacy of the law and trial by jury: “No free man shall be seized or imprisoned or stripped of his rights or possessions, or outlawed or exiled, or deprived of his standing in any other way ... except by the lawful judgment of his equals or by the law of the land. To no one will we sell, to no one deny or delay right or justice.” Davis won the argument and, once again, Magna Carta carried the day.

800 years on and, it could be said, Magna Carta’s best days lie ahead. As an idea of freedom, democracy and the rule of law, the principles set out in Magna Carta have driven the continuing protests against despotism around the world. These principles, with the power of social networking and the internet, will no doubt continue to have huge influence wherever freedom is under attack.

Some commentators suggest Magna Carta has been the most valuable export of Great Britain to the rest of the world as well as being one of the most celebrated documents in history.

Whilst it seems unlikely that

a predominantly secular media will recognise the Magna Carta as an initiative of the Church, it is an amazing achievement of a godly Biblical scholar and his colleagues, requiring great courage, perseverance and persuasive negotiation. It’s also a reminder of the continuing commitment of the church to Christian principles of justice and freedom.

Might our message at this time of commemoration be words from John’s Gospel 8:36: “If the Son shall set you free, you will be free indeed!” Remembering, of course, that Christian freedom is not just about being set free from bondage but set free to live life to the full by the grace of Jesus.

With every blessing in Jesus’ precious name Web: www.emmanuel-church.info Email: paul@billericaychurches.org Tweet: @EmmanuelCM12

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On the 13th February we will be 20 years old! Come and say hello or have a hair cut. Be part of our celebrations, we would love to see you all there!

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After a long election period, it is a great honour to be elected as the local MP for the fourth time.

I would like to thank all who supported me, and my fellow candidates for a good-natured campaign. I am looking forward to continuing to work on behalf of all my constituents.

I believe it is worth paying tribute to the Coalition Government.

Though it was at times frustrating for both the Liberal Democrats and the Conservatives, especially when objectives and beliefs clashed, the Coalition did valuable work in reassuring the markets at a delicate time, did well to turn the economy around including substantially reducing unemployment, and put

forward some positive reforms across our public services.

In my view, the priority for the new Conservative Government must be to continue to reduce inequality and support people who are in genuine need. The Coalition successfully reduced both income disparity and the number of people in relative poverty by 600,000 whilst in office and, by raising the threshold of the Personal Allowance, took 3m of the lowest-paid out of income tax altogether. This Government must

follow this through by raising the threshold still further and removing those on the minimum wage from income tax altogether.

Finally, the Government must also press ahead with the in/ out EU referendum. After a period of renegotiation, which should include the restoration of Parliamentary sovereignty, it is essential that the resulting deal is put to the British people by 2017 – if not before.

JOHN BARON

Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for Basildon and Billericay

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James Martin has been a tree surgeon and arboriculturist for 35 years and has been running Tree Plus for sixteen, offering domestic and commercial tree services in Billericay and the surrounding areas. Based in Ingatestone, Trees Plus has built a superb reputation for achieving high standards of client satisfaction, and James

prides himself on the level of expertise and guidance he and his team offer customers.

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The hand of man has shaped of the environment in our country, in some places more than others, and wildlife tries to adapt. So it was in a busy supermarket car park on a Saturday lunchtime, when I heard the call of a Grey Wagtail above the noise of cars and trolleys. Entering the high street I heard another shrill single note call in answer.

The source was the fluffy bundle of a newly fledged bird, perched on the slate roof of an estate agents. The multitude of shoppers was oblivious to this fragile piece of new life.

The shrill contact call of the baby bird that pierced the traffic noise has evolved to be heard above the sound of rushing water, for the Grey Wagtail is typically a bird of mountain streams. Its propensity for rocky places has brought it into our towns and country and it may be found by a water treatment works, a weir next to a lake or a small river, even a pond if it is close to an overgrown stone wall in which there is a slot for it to make its nest.

Grey Wagtails were also collecting food for their young in Lake Meadows last month and have been seen on the cricket pitch and also at Sun Corner, showing a recovery following a decline in the recent hard winters.

It is usually in hard winters when birdwatchers find life in supermarkets, when thrushes and waxwings feed off the berries of bushes and trees. This supermarket has planted shrubs around the car park, and we are trying to persuade another well-known chain soon to open in the Billericay to do the same. One of our councillors has spoken out about the need for us to plant more trees to combat the air-pollution which is particularly bad in the boroughs along the Thames. We need to make space for nature not just for our wildlife but for our own health too.

Returning to wagtails, the Grey has a migrant cousin, the Yellow Wagtail: “Grey stay and Yellow go away”. Like many sub-Saharan migrants, its numbers have dropped significantly but last year I noted an increase along the River Wid on recent years and this year on one day 50 were migrating through Abberton Reservoir. It is a bird of farmland and meadows but needs field margins with grass for food. Again, man shapes the environment, some wildlife adapts, and some needs some special accommodation. The presence of livestock helps enormously: their poo and fodder brings insects and where there are insects there are those that feed on them. As May turns to June, many birds have fledged and you may see Starlings bringing their young to feed around the feet of horses and cattle. And June is the month for meadow wildflowers and, thanks again to grazing animals, we look forward to a fine display of Heath Orchids on Mill Meadows, one of few remaining areas of unimproved grassland.

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PRIVATE PENSION PENSION CHANGES CHANGES PRIVATE EasterMonday Mondaysaw sawthe themost mostradical radical Easter changes toto private private pensions pensions forfor a a changes generation.The Thepolitical politicalspin spinis isit’sit’s generation. ‘freedomand andchoice choicein inpensions’. pensions’.Yet Yet ‘freedom more choice means easier get more choice means it’sit’s farfar easier toto get it it wrong, here’s what everyone needs wrong, soso here’s what everyone needs toto know 5 minutes… know in in 5 minutes…

scammers), don’t it without genuine of of scammers), butbut don’t dodo it without genuine independent financial advice independent financial advice

This about how you use your pension This is is allall about how you use your pension savings. alwaysyou youcan cantake takea aquarter quarter savings.

AsAsalways it as a tax-free lump sum. decades of of it as a tax-free lump sum.

YetYet forfor decades most people have effectively needed use most people have effectively needed to to use remainder money buy annuity thethe remainder of of thethe money to to buy anan annuity productthat thatpays paysyou youananincome incomeeach each - a- aproduct year until you die.

Now anyone aged and year until you die.

Now anyone aged 5555 and over can take whole amount lump over can take thethe whole amount asas aa lump sum, paying first 25% and sum, paying nono taxtax onon thethe first 25% and thethe rest taxed it were a salary their income rest taxed asas if itif were a salary at at their income rate. taxtax rate.

take out the cash?

If you choose yes, take out allall the cash?

If you choose to to yes, remember only 25% it is tax-free.

The butbut remember only 25% of of it is tax-free.

The rest taxed your current income rate rest is is taxed at at your current income taxtax rate like salary, and if you take a huge whack, just like salary, and if you take a huge whack, just like if you earn more, some it will push you like if you earn more, some of of it will push you into higher bracket.

See income into thethe higher taxtax bracket.

See thethe income calculator www.mse.me/taxcalc see taxtax calculator at at www.mse.me/taxcalc to to see various levels. thethe various levels.

Does apply types pension?

No, Does it it apply toto allall types ofof pension?

No, we’reonly onlyreally reallytalking talkingprivate privatepensions pensions we’re where you and/or your employer saved where you and/or your employer saved upup aa cash retirement.

Technically these potpot of of cash forfor retirement.

Technically these are known ‘defined contribution’ ‘money are known asas ‘defined contribution’ or or ‘money purchase’ pensions. purchase’ pensions.

Option Leave it in your pension when Option 1: 1: Leave it in your pension forfor when youneed needit. it.Then Theneach eachtime timeyou youwithdraw, withdraw, you 25% that amount free.

Eg, if you had 25% of of that amount is is taxtax free.

Eg, if you had £100,000and andtook took£20,000 £20,000outoutyou’d you’dgetget £100,000 £5,000 it tax-free, rest would taxed £5,000 of of it tax-free, thethe rest would bebe taxed your current rate. at at your current rate.

worth taking out my pot soon Is Is it it worth taking out my pot asas soon asas I can?Usually Usuallynot. not.If Ifyou’re you’rein inyour your50s 50s I can? early60s 60syou’re you’reprobably probablystill stillworking working or orearly towardsretirement retirementand andshould shouldbebefocusing focusing towards puttingyourself yourselfin ina aposition positionto tohave have ononputting Pensionfreedom freedomsounds soundslike likesomething something enough Pension enough income when you retire – so you income when you dodo retire – so you from Braveheart Braveheart – – what’s what’s actually actually want from want your pension keep growing. your pension to to keep growing. happening?

I suspect George Osborne does happening?

I suspect George Osborne does Plusbybyaccessing accessingyour yourfunds fundsearlier earlierthan than picture himself a financial freedom fighter. Plus picture himself asas a financial freedom fighter. needed you can reduce your ability to make needed you can reduce your ability to make only time whether these reforms YetYet only time willwill telltell whether these reforms future contributions. contributions. paint him man who liberated older future willwill paint him asas thethe man who liberated older savers, who exposed them huge risk. Yet savers, or or who exposed them to to huge risk.

Yetyou’re you’resaying sayingif ifI want I wantto,to,I can I canjust just

I don’t want take out what can If If I don’t want toto take it it allall out what can I I do?

There are many options, some them do?

There are many options, some of of them can combined, here’s main ones. can bebe combined, here’s thethe main ones.

doesn’t apply state pension, nor It It doesn’t apply to to thethe state pension, nor in in Option2: 2:Take Take25% 25%taxtaxfree, free,then thenbuy buya a Option main part does it apply pensions where thethe main part does it apply to to pensions where flexible income drawdown product.

This flexible income drawdown product.

This is is aa what you’re paid a proportion your final what you’re paid is is a proportion of of your final product you buy keep rest invested product you buy to to keep thethe rest invested soso salary – known technically ‘defined benefit’ salary – known technically asas ‘defined benefit’ canstill stillhopefully hopefullygrow, grow,butbutyou youcan canalso also it itcan pensions. pensions. useit itto totake takeincome incomewhen whenneeded. needed.Here Here use you first 25% you withdraw free There are ways convert these final salary you getget thethe first 25% you withdraw taxtax free There are ways to to convert these final salary pensions into cash (be very careful and and then rest taxed when you take pensions into aa potpot of of cash (be very careful then thethe rest is is taxed when you take it –it –

possibly useful if you’re likely to be in a lowertax bracket once you’re older.

Option 3: Take 25% tax free, then buy an annuity. This gives you a guaranteed income each year for the rest of your life. There are different charges on all of these, and it’s important to check them out and always compare different providers.

Eh, I thought annuities were as dead as a dodo’s granny? Actually annuities are a decent concept, you get the security of knowing exactly how much you can spend each year, and that it’ll last for the rest of your life.

The problem is the rates have been crap, and 60% of people just got them from their pension provider rather than checking for better deals, especially people with poor health who could’ve got much better rates.

Yet done right, with some of your pension, it can be a useful option for security of income for life.

How do I know how much cash I should take out? That depends on when you’ll die.

I’m not being a smart arse (well maybe a little), but truly that’s the only way to know.

Yet the Office of National Statistics mortality stats do show likely odds. The typical life span for a man who hits 65 in the UK is another 18 years, a woman 21. Add a little on that for safety and it means unless you’ve bad health you probably want to spend around 4-5% of what you’ve got a year.

What’s this ‘huge risk’ you talked about – let me guess you’ll warn me not to buy a Ferrari? I don’t think I need to. If you choose

to do that you know you’re probably either rather rich already, know you’re being foolish, or that you ain’t got long left.

Actually, I’m far more concerned many will be nervous about releasing the cash in case they’re left with none in old age and will therefore sit on it, never spending it, depriving themselves of the benefit and living a worse life than necessary. We’re not an investing nation and are relatively risk averse, so I see this as being a real potential problem. There’s also the worry that there’s a lot of scammers about trying to tap people for cash too.

OK so it’s complex, but hasn’t the Government set up a free advice service?

No. It has set up a free guidance service called www.pensionwise.gov.uk. This isn’t just a semantic difference – this system will tell you what you can do, not what you should do. It won’t include help on your benefits, nor on what product to get.

If you’ve a sizable pension pot it’s worth spending the £300 to £1,000 it’ll cost to get an independent financial adviser who can tell you what to do (get quotes from a few first). You can find a local one through www. vouchedfor.co.uk or www.unbiased.co.uk.

SPEC IA OFFE L R We w ill your pay VAT

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MAYFLOWER ROTARY CLUB Thank You Billericay £3,250 raised for the Nepal earthquake relief fund at our one day Waitrose collection.

News - Mayflower Rotary retained the Don Caulder Trophy for covering the most miles in Rotary scatter week. The club has won this trophy every year since 1999.

We celebrated our 25th anniversary in April at a black tie event attended by over 100 guests.

Another successful fund raiser, Murder Mystery, was held at Stock Village Hall.

Planning for Summerfest on July 12 and Christmas Market on Dec 6 are well under way and stall positions are already well booked. Email djr66@aol.com to participate.

Upcoming Events Jul 12 – Summerfest on Sun Corner www.billericaysummerfest.co.uk Sep 13 – Bell Boat Race – get your entry in for this fun event on the River Chelmer email barrymhowe@yahoo.co.uk for details.

Dec 6 –Billericay Christmas Market www.billericaychristmasmarket.co.uk Casino Evenings: Mayflower offer a fun casino evening at competitive rates with all proceeds going to charity. Email colin.breathwick@btinternet.com for details.

Why not join Mayflower Rotary?

Applications welcome from all ages and genders. Why not use your energy, skills and enthusiasm to help raise funds for charitable causes? Join Mayflower Rotary and be a part of the team that delivers Christmas Market, Summerfest and many other events like the Quiz, Magic Night and Bell Boat Racing while enjoying social evenings in the company of like minded people.

We meet 8pm every Thursday at Burstead GC. Email: andy.hunter@perficiam.com

BILLERICAY LIONS CLUB Hello there! Welcome to the Lions corner Where shall I start? As forecast the Taste Night was a roaring success and we raised over £720 for our Charity account due to a successful raffle held on the night. Thank you to all those who took part and of course to our caterers, Jeans Catering, who provided all the food. Some of the courses were simply sublime. The last major fund raising event of the Lions year is of course our Beer Festival. We have had a flood of sponsors who have supported us yet again by sponsoring things like the Beer Glasses, the Beer Mats, Printing costs, the Marquee and Beer Barrels as well. There are still a few barrels to sponsor so if you can afford a mere £50 to put your name on a beer, don’t be shy! A list of our sponsors and the music for the weekend can be found on our website shown below. Simply follow the Fund Raising trail shown on the Home page. There are some folk who have asked us about our help in the recent Nepal earthquakes disaster. As I have mentioned before a small part of our fund raising goes to help International need as well as local charities. This money goes to LCIF – Lions Club International Foundation, which receives money from Lions Clubs all over the world. This money is put to disaster funds such as Nepal instantly to provide funds as needed. The money goes straight to the heart of matters, bypassing unnecessary and costly administrative departments. This year we have contributed £1000 to LCIF from our fund raising account.

For details of all Lions events please visit our website www.billericaylions.com or telephone 0845 833 9849.

Well, what a madcap May Billericay Round Table had, and here are the highlights!

Some of the guys went and watched some seriously high octane GT Racing at Brands Hatch early in the month, then a crowd of 15 members and friends went on a highly entertaining Jack the Ripper walk, followed by a superb curry. Then there was the Nuclear Rush race at the Secret Nuclear Bunker in Brentwood, where 7 of us were really pushed to our limits on a course filled with mud (lots and lots of mud) and about 50 obstacles! Our T-Shirts read “Mud, Sweat and Beers” and I think we were all grateful for the beers at the end, we’d definitely earned them! A few of the guys also went to the Major Generals Review (a dress rehearsal for Trooping of the Colour) and had a fantastic time with friends and family.

Are you looking for something new to do in June?

This is what we’ve got planned for June: • Weds 10th June – Quadralcothon – This is an event that we’ve devised ourselves, it involves swimming, bikes, running, space hoppers, a small amount of alcohol, and some fancy dress, what’s not to like! We’ll be finishing up in Billericay High Street, so keep your eyes peeled for us and give us a cheer!

• W/E 19th – 22nd June – RT Lads Go Foreign – Some of the guys are heading off to on a small European excursion, no doubt they’ll have one or two stories to tell when they return!

• Sat 27th June – Harry’s Day – This is always a really great day and an event that pulls the local community together. We’ve got something rather special planned for this, we just need to work out the finer details…. Watch this space!

So another busy month…and lots more to come! We’d love to show you what we do and for you to share in the fun. So if you’re an active and adventurous guy aged 18-45 who wants to get out and DO MORE,come and try us out! Get in touch by emailing us at domore@billericayroundtable.co.uk or contact us via Facebook!

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It is sometimes hard to know when summer has started in England, especially in recent years, but certain events help remind us that summer months are approaching. With the winter sport seasons drawing to a close, sports fans around the world will turn their attention to London as Wimbledon captures the British public for two weeks.

Even those who are not avid Tennis followers will tend to keep updated with the progress of the tournament.

Strawberries and cream, dressing in all white, the temperamental weather and the chance of Cliff Richard breaking into song ensures that Wimbledon has kept its traditional British feel.

Andy Murray gave Britain something to cheer about when he won the title in 2013, a year after when he claimed Olympic Gold on Centre Court. However, as well as turning our focus to the sport globally, I wanted to focus on the local scene and whether or not we had clubs nearby that are perhaps nurturing the next British Tennis star.

I have been speaking to the club coach at a local Lawn Tennis club, about tennis on a local level as well as the national game.

How do locals join up? We always encourage people to come down and join in with one of our coaching sessions or one or our organised club social play sessions. The first session at our club is always free. Generally juniors and beginner/improver level adults would start with a free coaching session. More experienced adults that already play may choose to come along to one of the club social playing events. We provide plenty of coaching and social play opportunities during the day, afterschool, weekends and some weekday evenings.

What does the club do for youngsters? And what about the adults? We have plenty of junior classes Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday,

Friday and Saturday at various times and we always field plenty of junior teams in local competitions. We also provide plenty of opportunities for adults. We have adult classes for beginners and upwards on Saturdays at 12.30pm, Sunday mornings at 9am, a Tuesday morning ladies class. We are aiming at starting a brand new group for beginners Fridays at 10am.

For more advanced players we have club social play, Saturday afternoon, Sunday mornings, Monday and Wednesday afternoons from 1pm and Wednesday evenings from 6pm. For those that are a bit more competitive, we field a large number of teams in local competitions such as the Essex Leagues, Leigh & Westcliff Leagues and the Southend & District Leagues.

I think Tennis still has a ‘rich person’s sport’ tag attached. I think a lot of people think it is going to cost a lot monthly for them or their child to be a member, where as other sports may not have that financial commitment to think of? Is that fair to say? And what would you say to people of this mind set?

I would say it is far less of a “rich persons” sport than it used to be. A tennis group class generally costs around £5 hour which I don’t believe is to different from fees for other sports. I would say it is now affordable for most people to play the sport, however to reach higher levels, that is unfortunately when the money comes into it. Private lessons are a must for those wanting to reach the top of the sport.

With Wimbledon fast approaching, I expect the local park courts will be full again, what are the advantages of coming down to a Lawn Tennis Club over the local park?

1. The Synthetic Grass Court surface at most Lawn Tennis Clubs is far superior to the hard concrete surface of the local parks. Being synthetic grass, it is far kinder on the knees and joints than a harder surface that you will

often find at local parks. Also the ball bounces higher on hard/concrete surface found at local parks, this makes it more difficult for beginner adults and young juniors to control their shots.

2. The Club environment offers quality coaching and the option of either private or group coaching; this is needed for those that want to improve their level of play.

3. The Club offers more of a social environment; there are club social plays for adults on, Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Wednesday afternoons and Wednesday evenings. The club also has plenty of social evenings in the newly refurbished Bar Area of the Club Pavillion such as quiz nights, BBQ’s etc.

It seems that whether you are looking for a competitive Tennis or a social game with locals, your local Tennis clubs have it wrapped up. No doubt Andy Murray, Roger Federer and the Williams sisters will have you searching in the shed for the Tennis racket again, so get down to your local club and give it a go!

Visit the below website to see what is happening at Billericay Lawn Tennis club. www.billericayltc.co.uk

Why not treat Dad to a very special FATHER’S DAY on Sunday June 21st £24.95 per Person ~ 3 Courses Children Under 10: £9.50 2-Courses: £12.50 3 Courses

Dining times 12.00 noon to 4.30 pm (last orders) Call now to reserve your table - £10pp deposit required

Al Fresco Dining in Billericay

Join us under the ancient Walnut tree, away from the traffic noise and fumes of the High Street, for a coffee, a spot of lunch, a glass of wine or a full Al Fresco dining experience To reflect the summer season and to ensure our customers only receive the freshest of produce, Tony, Natalia and the team have introduced a brand new:

A La Carte Menu Sunday Lunch Menu Evening Set Menu & to compliment these new menus we have introduced many new wines to the restaurant cellar OLD BARN COURT, BILLERICAY, CM12 9BY www.latoscanabillericay.co.uk

TELEPHONE: 01277 630120

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S

unday Lunch has been an English tradition for hundreds of years – a firm staple for family and friends alike and as patriotic as St George defeating the infamous dragon. So it was on a sunny May Bank Holiday weekend that we decided to visit the Ship Inn, Stock to sample their Sunday fayre.

Set in the beautiful Essex countryside, this traditional pub oozes the charm and character you’d expect from a 16th century inn.

Upon arrival, we were encouraged to take a menu and find a seat while our waitress brought out our drinks. Although we could have ordered from the regular menu, my dining partner and I had our sights firmly set on the roast dinners, with a choice of chicken, beef or gammon.

My guest opted for the roast chicken, which was perfectly tender and moist (with a slight crisp to the seasoned skin) and served in a generous portion.

The gammon was equally as tasty and thinly sliced which enhanced the flavour of the meat. Both dishes were accompanied by a medley of vegetables,

roast potatoes, stuffing, Yorkshire puddings and covered in a warm layer of gravy.

Needless to say, with our tummies full and the last drop of gravy being mopped up with the yorkie, it was time for a break and a second wave of drinks, while we perused the dessert menu.

Only a handful of sweets were on offer, which made our choosing much easier for a lazy, enjoyable Sunday afternoon.

My fellow foody chose a simple trio of ice cream, served in a brandy snap basket – the ideal dessert to help digest a hearty meal.

I dived straight in and went for the Cheesecake, to which I had already heard great things about from fellow diners. The presentation was immaculate and portion size, spot on! The cake was fresh, light and fluffy, with the crunchy biscuit base complimenting in every bite.

Safe to say, on completion of our meal, we left two very satisfied diners, ready to retire home for a well earned snooze.

The staff were very friendly and attentive during our visit and there seemed to be a good base of ‘regulars’ propping up the bar and tucking into their lunch – a good sign of an excellent pub. Keep up the great work guys!

by Stuart Sinclair

01277 840201

Stock Rd, Chelmsford, Essex CM2 8LB

NEW BEER GARDEN & OUTSIDE BAR AREA

now open

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Sunday, June 21

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01277 840201

Stock Rd, Chelmsford, Essex CM2 8LB

Friday 5th June

Italian Night

Friday 19th June

Italian Wine Tasting Friday 10th July

Dinner and Live Music Friday 24th July

Italian Night

Friday 4th September

Jazz Night

Friday 18th September

Italian Wine Tasting

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Come and try our new revamped summer menu! Sensational salads, ploughman’s and platters, daily pasta specials, the best coffee menu sandwiches in town and a fantastic new fortune)! , (which doesn’t and calorie counting advice available.

Shape up for summer!

A Traditional, Good Old Fashioned Pub right in the middle of Billericay High Street.

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Billericay Arts Association

Buttsbury Ladies Choir

Make new friends and learn new skills. Enrol at the Fold, Billericay, throughout July 2015 for sensibly priced courses for adults and children between September 2015 and July 2016. Great savings made by becoming a member.

Interested? Visit our web site at www.baathefold.org.uk for course details. No internet? Call or visit The Fold for brochure.Tel. 01277 659286. WHERE IS THE FOLD? 72 Laindon Rd, Billericay, CM12 9 LD Cross the roundabout at the top of Billericay High Street into Laindon Road. The Fold is at the back of the Ivory rooms, now Reids. If coming by car, through their car park and round the end of the building.

We meet every Wednesday evening in term time from 7.30 - 9.30pm at Brightside School, Billericay. Our repertoire is varied and includes folk, musical theatre and popular songs. We hold our own concerts twice a year and perform to local clubs. If you enjoy singing why not give us a try?

No audition required!

For further information please ring 01277 840303 or 01277 651740

Billericay Twins Club The Billericay Twins Club is a voluntary organisation, established by two young enterprising mums back in 1977. Today, its main function remains the same as 38 years ago, to provide support and advice to families with twins, triplets and more!! Our Nursery Group meets every Monday in term time, from 10.30am until midday, in the church hall at the rear of Christ Church in Perry Street and costs £4 per family per session. For more information about the club visit our website www.billericaytwins.co.uk or telephone Amanda Deacon on 01277 653752.

Buttsbury Billericay W.I. Come and join us for evenings of variety and fun! We meet every 2nd Tuesday of the month.Canon Roche Church Hall, Laindon Road Billericay, CM12 9LL. All ages welcome. Please contact Jan Nash for more information. 01277 630147

Mayflower Wine Club The club meets on the first Wednesday of the month at the Day Centre, Chantry Way, Billericay at 8.00.p.m. On June 3rd we have Nick Alston, the Essex Police and Crime Commissioner giving us a talk. New members always welcome. First visit free, and our annual subscription is £22.00.

More details phone Paulette on 01277 652001.

Mayflower Wine (and social) Club The club meets on the first Wednesday of the month at the Day Centre, Chantry Way, Billericay at 8.00 p.m. New members always welcome. First visit this time free, and our annual subscription is £22.00. More details phone Paulette on 01277 652001.

Octopus 10th Anniversary Creative Textile Exhibition “Print and Stitch” St. Mary Magdalene Church, High Street, Billericay, CM12 9BS Private Viewing Wednesday 1st July 6.30- 8.30 pm Thursday 2nd –Saturday 4th July, 10.00 am. - 4.00pm

The Octopus Creative Textile Group is celebrating their 10th anniversary with an exhibition of their latest textile works in “Print and Stitch”.

They have used a wide variety of materials and textile art techniques including dying and printing, machine and hand embroidery, quilting, felting, and weaving to illustrate various interpretations of this theme. Many of the works will be for sale and tea, coffee and cakes will also be available.

Belvedere Jazz & Music The Chirchester Hotel Tudor Room Old London Road, Rawreth, Nr Wickford, SS11 8UE TEL: 07850 60 70 75 www.belvederejazz.co.uk Belvedere Jazz & Music Club is non-profit making, receives no extrernal funding and is run entirely by voluntary jazz enthusiasts 3 JUNE - PETE LONG’S POCKET BASIE SEXTET – TRIBUTE TO COUNT BASIE 8pm -10:30pm. £10 10 JUNE - SANDRA LAMBERT’S SIMPLY SWING WITH STEVE PERT 8pm -10:30pm. £10 17 JUNE - VASILIS XENOPOULOS/ STUART HENDERSON/ LEON GREENING QNT. 8pm -10:30pm. £10 24 JUNE - AUSTRALIA’S DAN BARNETT – SYDNEY’S TOP VOCALIST/ TROMBONIST SEXTET 8pm -10:30pm. £10

Basildon and Billericay Greenway Ramblers Our group meets at 10.00am every Tuesday (5-6 miles ) and Sunday (longer walks of 10+ miles usually with a break for lunch) New members are welcome.

See our website at sites.google. com/site/greenwayramblers/ walks-programme-1 or phone Joe Lawton on 01277 631119.

If you would like to promote your club or event then please email a maximum of 70 words to admin@aroundtownmagazines.co.uk. Please ensure that all contact details are included.

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t The CoaCh & horSeS orses Chapel Street, BilleriCay, CM12 9lU

01277 622873

BILLERICAY’S PREMIER ALEHOUSE & EATERY

NEW MENU

N O W AVA I L A B L E

THE SECRET IS OUT...

Billericay’s NEW

Turkish Restaurant & Lounge Bar

OPENING AUTUMN 2015 N E W C O U R T YA R D

Food served: Monday - Saturday 12 - 2:15pm & 6pm - 9pm Sunday 12 - 7pm

C /TheCoaChandhorsesBilleriCay

138 High Street Billericay (The New White Hart Pub)

For more info, please follow us L @pashabillericay

to the newly refurbished INTRODUCING

New in-house Indian Restaurant & Takeaway 01268 962 026 / 962 031

Revival of the FOX’S BEER FESTIVAL - Fri 31st July - Sun 2nd Aug

01268 711625 | Church Road, Ramsden Heath, Essex, CM11 1PW PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS

41

Father’s Day Sunday 21st June Special 3 course set menu £18pp

21b High Street opp. Billericay Homecare (1st Floor), Billericay, Essex CM12 9BA

Tel: 01277 632 424 | Fax: 01277 637 103

USEFUL NUMBERS POLICE Billericay Police Station

01277 631212

HOSPITALS Brentwood Hospital Basildon Hospital Broomfield Hospital Essex Nuffield Hospital Mayflower House Queen’s Romford Southend Hospital St. John’s Spire Hartswood Hospital

01277 695000 0845 1553111 01245 443673 0800 688699 01277 621130 0845 1304204 01702 435555 01245 491149 01277 232525

HELPLINES Alcoholics Anonymous Childline DIAL Disability Helpline Drugline Essex Home Start

01245 256147 0800 11 11 11 01268 294400/1 01708 749151

(Helping families under stress) 01277 263325

In Focus

(family disabilities support)

Narcotics Anonymous Parentline Samaritans S. Essex Rape and Incest Crisis Centre Victim Support Essex Women’s Refuge

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BIRTH, DEATH MARRIAGES REGISTRATION

TAXIS Advanced Taxicall Billericay 01277 800001 Mayflower Cars 01277 624000 Swift Cars 01277 757473

CHEMISTS Boots the Chemist, Billericay Filmcroft Ltd, Billericay Lloyds Pharmacy, Billericay Moss Pharmacy, Billericay Shadforth M.W Billericay Shadforths Pharmacy, Billericay Shadforths Pharmacy Ingatestone

UTILITIES Anglian Water 0345 145145 Electricity – Power Supply Problems 0800 783 8838 Gas – Urgent Calls / Gas Escapes 0800 111999 Minicom – Transco 0800 371787 Thames Water (Supply or Wastewater Services) 0845 9200 800 Three Valleys Water 0345 823333 Water – Essex & Suffolk Water 01245 491234

0845 6037632 01277 233565 01277 221155

BLOOD TEST Booking Line NHS Direct

01277 655233 01277 624862 01277 622828 01277 653035 01277 622927 01277 652241 01277 352125 01268 242159 0845 4647

ROAD & TRAVEL UPDATES Essex Travel www.bbc.co.uk/travelnews/essex

01245 353575 01277 655352 0808 800 2222 08457 909090

COUNCILS Basildon Billericay Town Council Chelmsford Ingatestone Stock Parish Council

01268 533333 01277 625732 01245 606606 01277 353315 07757 114952

01375 380609 0845 4565995 01268 541140

TRANSPORT Bus Service Rail Service

0870 6082608 08457 484950

VETS Best Friends Veterinary Surgery House & Jackson Ingatestone Veterinary Centre Summerdale Veterinary Centre Vet Savers LIBRARIES Basildon Billericay Ingatestone Wickford

01277 651009 01277 655524 01277 353612 01277 631889 01277 652100 0845 603 7628 01277 624624 01277 354284 01268 561963

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