Around town magazine billericay edition january 2016

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Please remove all decorations, pot and stand and leave your Christmas tree out for collection on your revised green bin collection day, commencing 4th January 2016.

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Leave the tree where your wheeled bin would be collected, by 7.30am. Trees with trunks bigger than 4 inches in diameter will not be accepted.

If you have a larger tree visit www.basildon.gov.uk/ recycling for more information.

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Alternatively you can take your tree to either Barleylands Recycling Centre or Pitsea Recycling Centre for Household Waste and put it in the garden waste area.

For more information, www.basildon.gov.uk/recycling

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CONTENTS 10 13 John Baron

Political Update

Know Your Tradesmen Hockley Flooring

Nature Notes EWT Volunteer Neil Sumner

A View from the Church Rev. Paul Carr

Martin Lewis Money Saving Expert

Recipe The WI Recipe

33

Lockdales Specialist Valuation Days

Rotary Club, Lions Club & Round Table The Cook Report Get Out and About Around Town

Around Town Sports Focuses on Darts

What’s On When and Where...

Competition!

Winner

Useful Numbers

Around Town Magazines Graphic House, Radford Way, Billericay CM12 0DX

Edition 38 To advertise contact our Sales Team today, details below. Booking deadline for our February edition is: Thursday 14th January Copyright 2016. 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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this role should be taken with a sizable pinch of salt. The word from regional experts is that, after nearly five years of civil war, there are very few moderates left in Syria. We seem to have forgotten the lessons of Libya, where the antiGadhafi coalition splintered into a thousand militia once the common enemy was defeated. This led to a further civil war, which could also be the result in Syria.

as in our previous interventions in Iraq, Helmand and Libya. If we are to intervene successfully, we must have a comprehensive long-term strategy. I was not convinced the Government had put this together, which is why I voted against military action.

However, the Government’s belief that 70,000 moderates will fulfil

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Thank you to all those who took the time to write in with their views on the Syrian vote. A few months afterwards, I continue to believe we risk making the same errors in Syria

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No rse y

Conservative Parliamentary MP

Furthermore, any anti-Daesh strategy needs to address the organisation’s enduring prominence on social media, as well as its extensive business and financial links. International action is still short on this front. We will keep up the pressure on the Government to address these and other issues.

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All accept that air strikes alone will not defeat Daesh. Yet over a year of aerial bombing has not destroyed the organisation, and overall there are too many aircraft in Syria’s increasingly crowded skies pursuing too few targets.

The plain fact is Daesh will not be destroyed without local ground forces to take and hold the territory it vacates.

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Billericay

£495,000

Semi Detached Family Home. Kitchen Breakfast Room 6.49m x 2.63m (21’ 4” x 8’ 8”). Living Room / Dining Room 6.72m x 3.36m (22’ 1” x 11’). TV Room / Play Room/ Bedroom Four3.30m x 2.15m (10’ 10” x 7’ 1”). Ground Floor Shower Room. Three Piece suite including shower cubicle and low level W/C and wash hand basin. Bedroom One 7.15m x 3.37m (23’ 5” x 11’ 1”).

Bedroom Two 3.36m x 3.00m (11’ x 9’ 10”). Bedroom Three 4.30m x 2.50m (14’ 1” x 8’ 2”) + door recess. Bathroom 2.90m x 1.60m (9’ 6” x 5’ 3”. 100 Ft Rear Garden Backing onto fields Integral Garage.

Billericay

£475,000

Three Bedroom Character Detached Family Home.

Quiet cul-de-sac Location.

Hallway. Lounge 5.58m x 3.35m (18’ 4” x 11’). Dining Room 3.70m x 3.30m (12’ 2” x 10’ 10”). Kitchen 4.40m x 2.50m (14’ 5” x 8’ 2”).

Cloakroom w/c. First Floor. Bedroom One 3.89m x 3.85m (12’ 9” x 12’ 8”). Bedroom Two 3.48m x 2.62m (11’ 5” x 8’ 7”). Bedroom Three 3.50m x 2.20m (11’ 6” x 7’ 3”). Family Bathroom 1.96m x 1.66m (6’ 5” x 5’ 5”). En Suite Shower Room 2.66m x 0.97m (8’ 9” x 3’ 2”).

Billericay

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£749,950

Nestled within a private cul-de-sac setting just moments from Billericay High Street and Mainline station, we are proud to offer this well presented five bedroom executive detached family residence. This family home has been completely modernised throughout and benefits from a wealth of contemporary and stylish finishes. Approached via a block paved driveway from the private road, this family residence offers parking for several vehicles.

Billericay

£475,000

No Onward Chain. Four Bedroom Detached Family Home. Off Road Parking.

Entrance Porch. Lounge 6.11m x 4.76m (20’ 1” x 15’ 7”).Dining Room 3.63m x 3.16m (11’ 11” x 10’ 4”). Playroom/ Study 3.60m x 2.25m (11’ 10” x 7’ 5”).

Kitchen/ Breakfast Room 4.40m x 2.80m (14’ 5” x 9’ 2”). Cloakroom w/c.

Bedroom One 3.86m x 3.61m (12’ 8” x 11’ 10”). Bedroom Two 3.67m x 2.43m (12’ x 8’). Bedroom Three 3.00m x 2.75m (9’ 10” x 9’). Bedroom Four 3.80m x 1.95m (12’ 6” x 6’ 5”) 1.00m x 1.00m (3’ 3” x 3’ 3”). Family Bathroom 2.14m x 1.90m (7’ x 6’ 3”).

135 High Street Billericay Essex CM12 9AB Tel: 01277 654446 www.thepropertyspecialists.co.uk info@thepropertyspecialists.co.uk

Billericay

£1,200,000

Located within a short walk of Billericay High Street and Railway Station with it’s routes to London Liverpool Street is this well presented residence which has in recent years been modernised to a high specification. The stunning kitchen diner has a lantern roof and the lounge, in addition to the kitchen, have doors leading out to the garden. There are five double bedrooms to the first floor and an additional sixth or games room/snug with restricted head height to the top floor, two en-suite facilities and a particularly large family bathroom.

Billericay

Reduced To

£329,995

Fantastic Three Bedroom Family Home. Living Room With Open Fire Place. High Specification Kitchen With A Range Of Appliances. Open Plan Conservatory To The Kitchen Diner. Modern Family Bathroom With Three Piece Suite. Off Road Parking And Garage In A Block. Quiet Cul-De- Sac Location. Beautifully Presented Inside.

Billericay

£ £385,000

Ground Floor Cloakroom W/C. Lounge and Separate Dining Room. Fully Fitted Kitchen. Four Good Size Bedrooms. En-Suite Shower Room. Family Bathroom. Rear Garden With Southerly Aspect. Lawn Front Garden and Two Driveways.

Billericay

£850,000

Five Bedrooms. Buttsbury and Mayflower Catchment Areas. Entrance Hall. Lounge 6.4m x 3.61m (21’ x 11’10”). Dining Room 3.89m x 3.05m (12’9” x 10’).

Playroom/ Study 3.35m x 3.00m (11’ x 9’10”). Kitchen/ Breakfast/ Family Room 29’9”x 15’5” max + 10’ x 9’3”. Utility Room 2.74m x 1.83m (9’ x 6’). Master Bedroom 6.81m max x 4.8m max (22’4”max x 15’9”max). En-Suite. Bedroom Two 4.27m x 3.23m (14’ x 10’7”). EnSuite. Bedroom Three 3.61m 3.05m (11’10 x 10’).

Bedroom Four 3.18m x 2.03m (10’5 x 6’8”). Bedroom Five 2.44m x 2.03m (8’ x 6’8”). Off Road Parking. Double Garage. Rear Garden 160ft approx.

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Chris Petrou founded CP Shutters over eight years ago, after many years of working with one of the country’s biggest electrical retailers. CP Shutters offer market leading interior shutters, wood shutters and Custom Plantation shutters to customers across Essex.

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Nature Notes Written by Neil Sumner

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Neilsumner123@aol.com twitter.com/neilsumner123 “So, you’re the Twitcher are you?” If everyone who said to me that was forced to donate a few quid to local conservation, we could dig a few more ponds or plant a few more hedges. What is a Twitcher?

According to Wikipedia, Twitchers are committed bird-watchers who travel long distances just to add a species to their “life list”, “year list” or other lists.

Unsurprisingly, a year list starts on New Year’s Day and many birders will rush around to tick the local birds to get that list started. In Essex, some have achieved a list of 100 or more species on New Years Day, not possible in many counties.

Comparing lists year by year does allow us to see trends in population changes. Counting species on certain sites and making repeat visits does make the lists more useful, but that is more like surveying, valuable to conservation work.

The numbers of winter birds fluctuate, being affected by many factors: the success of breeding in their summering grounds and the weather and availability of food where they bred or en route.

This year, it has been nice to hear a few Siskins on my local patch as they were scarce there last year.

More exciting was the Short-eared Owl flapping and gliding over Bowers Marsh, one of many around our coast this year. These are winter visitors possibly from Scandinavia and their numbers vary according to the abundance of Field Voles, their main prey. At the same site, Stonechats perched on the fence are a feature of the mild weather as these birds suffer in harsh winters.

Scanning the wetland landscapes under our big skies you often see huge flocks of ducks and waders rise from the lagoons and soggy fields.

Then you have to look for the Marsh Harrier or Peregrine Falcon which has put up these birds. This is one of the spectacles I enjoy every winter, especially when we run the Bird-Watching weekend from the Fellowship Afloat lightship at Tollesbury next month. Please email me if you want more details of this event, or see: www.tinyurl.com/ zwc78tr Wishing you A Happy New Year and one filled with the wonders of nature.

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hn Lennon seem to be everywhere this time of year: “So this is Christmas ne?” I’d like to change this slightly: “So this is Christmas and what will rate that Jesus was born to be our Saviour? It is, after all, what makes ating and, just like those amazing events in the summer, it can be life but only if you make the time to enjoy the celebration.

Billericay’ extend an invitation to worship s season. Why not put a date in your o miss out on the greatest Christmas

rr

Do Something

Subversive and

ricay & Little Burstead Team Ministry)

Offensive in 2016!

According to Digital Cinema Media (DCM), the Emmanuel Church company that manages advertising in the big

of the local Church Services over the Christmas period.

2nd December ‘Annual The Toy Service’ at 10.30am cinema -chains, Lord’s Prayer is subversive and - offensive!

In by the weeks leading up to December ‘Carol Service Candlelight’ at 7.00pm Christmas, UK Cinema’s banned a 57 second 19th December - ‘Lunchtime Carol Service’ at 12.30pm advert for The Lord’s Prayer (which consisted, at Saint Mary Magdalen Church simply, of several people reciting different parts ay 23rdof December - ‘Family at of 10.30am the prayer).

TheNativity’ Church England hoped coincide the adverts with the latest ristmastoEve - ‘Christingle Service’ release at 4.00pm Star Wars film ‘The Force Awakens’ which would ‘Communion

by Candlelight’aatlarge 11.15pm have guaranteed audience of young Theand first old Communion alike. of Christmas.

stmas Day - ‘Family Communion’ at 10.00am Apparently, according to DCM, people go to the cinema to be entertained, not offended.

However, I’m sure you’d agree with me when I say there’s already a lot of cinema advertising that is offensive and subversive. Far from being value-free, it tells us what we need, shapes our hungers and tempts us to spend money we don’t have. From fast cars and seductive fragrances to chocolate bars and fizzy drinks, the advert says: ‘You must have this and have it now! Here’s where fulfilment and purpose lie!’ All advertising, it seems to me, is about personal values and attitudes, it’s precisely what advertisers want to influence as they try to persuade us to buy their product.

It’s an intriguing debate. Especially when world leaders and politicians have been encouraging us to Pray for Tunisia, Mali and Lebanon, Paris and San Bernardino, to name but a few. Many national newspapers have emblazoned the word ‘pray’ on their front pages asking us to pray for victims of terrorism. In the midst of this, The Lord’s Prayer is the only prayer many people know and use. Over 2,000 of us prayed it on Billericay High Street on Remembrance Sunday and I didn’t sense people being offended on that occasion.

Some people reject prayer as a fatalistic exercise, suggesting that if God is sovereign, then he needs no prompting from us! The writer Leonard Ravenhill offers this thought: “Prayer is not an argument with God to persuade him to move things our way, but an exercise by which we are enabled ... to move ourselves his way.”

When we pray, we often find ourselves listening to God to see what his next move is for us, not us influencing His strategy. I know that many of you pray The Lord’s Prayer on a daily basis and not all of you are regular church attendees. Many of you believe prayer can make a difference, because prayer is a powerful force, on a spiritual, as well as an emotional and psychological level.

Have you ever thought of the freedom prayer brings? We can: travel to any part of the world; stand alongside anyone we choose; pray about any situation for which we are concerned; enter into any circumstance in which we have an interest. Such is the tremendous privilege of prayer. At the beginning of this New Year, dare I encourage you to resolve to be subversive and offensive on a daily basis? After all, God can only respond to our requests, when we share with Him, intimately and honestly, what is on our hearts.

What have you got to lose? What might you gain? If you want to know more about prayer, or need help praying, why not visit the ‘Just Pray’ website at www.justpray.uk who have some very helpful ideas.

On the off-chance that you may not be familiar with The Lord’s Prayer, these are the words of a modern version: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name; Your kingdom come, Your will be done; on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation: but deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power and the glory are Yours, now and forever. AMEN. May God’s richest blessing be upon you and your family for all that a New Year will bring your way.

paul@billericaychurches.org @revPACman

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Imagine the feeling you get when you come home to a fresh, clean and tidy place after a hard day’s work. That is the feeling you will get after a cleaning visit by one our well trusted, experienced and trained cleaners. All staff hold DBS certificates.

We offer the following: • Regular weekly cleaning • Fortnightly cleaning • One-off Cleaning • Commercial Cleaning

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Daniel Stacey Call now on:

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B e a u t i f u l l y

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CITY & GUILDS QUALIFIED

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LOCALLY BASED COMPANY IN BRENTWOOD WITH OVER 25 YEARS EXPERIENCE. NO JOB TOO SMALL! FREE ESTIMATES WITH NO OBLIGATION. We also offer general maintenance and building works.

• ALL TYPES OF PLUMBING / HEATING • NEW BOILER / REPAIRS / SERVICING • BATHROOMS / KITCHENS • POWERFLUSHING • DRAINAGE WORKS

OTHER SERVICES INCLUDE:

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WE CARRY OUT ALL ASPECTS OF ROOFING; FLAT ROOF WORKS, LEAD WORKS, LEAKING ROOFS TILED OR FELT, GUTTERING/DOWNPIPE WORKS, GUTTER CLEANING, CHIMNEY REPAIRS/REPLACEMENTS AND FASCIA/SOFFIT WORKS. PLEASE CALL US WITH YOUR REqUIREMENTS.

Tel: 01277 810005 Email: t-p-s-l@btconnect.com www.timminspsl.co.uk Unit 15 Cockridden Farm Estate, Brentwood, Essex CM13 3LH

BANK ACCOUNTS Fancy some free cash in time for Christmas? Well, those generous bowler hatted ladies and gents at your bank are giving it away. Quite literally, they will to pay you up to £150 to switch bank account - and, as it can also improve the service and features, grab it.

The bank account switching market is red hot, with many banks willing to pay for your custom – and you should get the money in time to boost your Christmas kitty.

Here are the 10 need-to-knows.

Q. You’re talking about switching, but I’ve heard all types of horror stories?

Martin’s A: Much of that is a legacy opinion from a few years ago. We’ve just celebrated the second birthday of what’s called ‘seven-day switching’, and that’s made the process easier. I did a poll of 100s of people on my Facebook page who’d tried it and 82% said they found it ‘easy and hasslefree’, while only 4% experienced problems.

In practice, when you apply for a new bank account, assuming you’re accepted, three things happen within seven working days: 1. All standing orders and direct debits are moved for you.

2. Your old account is closed.

3. All payments to your old account are autoforwarded for three years.

Yet still far too few people try it – last year only 2% changed bank accounts – strange as my mailbag is full of people complaining about their banks. So my message is stop bitching and start switching.

Q. OK, so it’s easy, but what’s this about free money?

Martin’s A: Many of the challenger banks (those who want to break the dominance of the old ones) want you to switch to them so much they’re willing to pay you to do it.

There’s a full rundown and eligibility criteria atmse. me/bankaccounts. But, in brief, here are the current top picks: - The Clydesdale Bank (Cbonline.co.uk) Current Account Direct gives a free £150 – the cash comes

within 70 days of switching and paying in £1,000.

Other benefits: pays 2% AER interest on the first £3,000.

- FirstDirect.co.uk gives switchers a free £125 (or more via some websites) – cash comes within 28 days of switching and paying in £1,000.

Other benefits: It’s won every customer service poll I’ve ever run, 92% rate it great, it has a linked 6% regular saver, 0% overdraft up to £250.

- Halifax.co.uk/Reward gives a free £125 within three working days of switching.

Other benefits: Pays £5 each month as long as you’re in credit.

- Themarksandspencer.com current account gives a free £100 M&S gift card (or more via some websites), within a month of switching.

Other benefits: Unlike other accounts, you don’t have to pay in a set monthly amount (see next question) linked 6% regular saver, 0% overdraft up to £100.

MORE THAN A MILLION PEOPLE IN THE UK DON’T HAVE A BANK ACCOUNT Q. Can anyone get these?

Martin’s A: You’ll be credit scored to get these.

Though most people who have an existing bank account should be fine (unless it’s a basic account).

Yet to get the bonuses, you normally need to use their switching service and have a couple of direct debits or standing orders set up. Plus with First Direct and Clydesdale, you must meet a minimum pay-in requirement, equivalent of £13,200 a year – effectively a way of requiring you to earn a set amount.

If you have irregular income, M&S is the only one not to demand this.

Q. Aren’t there also accounts that pay high interest on your savings?

Martin’s A: Yes that’s another form of competition, and if you have higher savings, that is likely to be more lucrative in the long run than grabbing the switchers bonuses.

The big one is theSantander.co.uk 123 account – it pays up to 3% cashback on certain household bills and up to 3% AER interest if you have between £3,000 - £20,000 in it. Its £24 a year fee is rising to £60 in January, yet if you’ve got over £5,000 savings and earn some cashback, it’s still likely you’re winner (full analysis of if it’s worth it in mywww.mse.me/santanderfee blog) If you’ve less, thelloydsbank.com Club Lloyds pays 4% AER interest if you’ve £4,000 to £5,000 in it and both TSB.co.uk andNationwide.co.uk pay 5%, but only on up to £2,000 with TSB and £2,500 with Nationwide for the first year.

Q. Once I’ve switched and got the free bonus, can I switch again to another bank account?

Martin’s A: Yes, there’s nothing stopping you continually switching. But remember, you’ll be credit scored every time you open a bank account, so try to minimise opening too many accounts in a short space of time, especially if you’re going to be applying for credit in the near future, like a mortgage.

Q. I hate banks - are there any other options?

Nationwide, as mentioned above, is a building society, so it’s owned by its members, and it’s got decent offers. Or see if your local credit union (a local savings and loans co-op) is one of 500 that offer bank accounts via ABCUL at findyourcreditunion.co.uk

martin L E W IS Money Saving Expert

Q. I’m often in the red – can I switch to a 0% overdraft?

An overdraft’s a debt like any other, so if you often go into it, cutting its cost makes it easier to clear.

FirstDirect.com has a £250 0% overdraft, and you can put the £125 it pays switchers towards clearing the overdraft too – a big boon.Nationwide. co.uk/flexdirect may give a bigger 0% overdraft, credit score depending, but only for a year. It’s 50p/day after, so aim to clear it before then.

Q. What if I can’t get a bank account?

Sadly, more than a million people in the UK don’t have a bank account. For all the top pick deals above, you’ll need to pass a credit score.

Yet if that’s not going to happen, there is a way.

As long as you’ve ID, you should be able to get a no-frills, no-overdraft service, though you need to ask the right way.

When applying, ask for the specific account by name – otherwise you could get forms for standard accounts, then get rejected. The better options include Barclays.co.uk Cash Card and Cooperativebank.co.uk Cashminder (not available to bankrupts).

Even though there’s no overdraft, they can still fine you if you try to spend more than you’ve got, so you must manage it carefully.

Danny Glaze

01277 655271 | 07716 034044 | 01375 892177 Ongar Hall Farm, Brentwood, Orsett, Essex, RM16 8HV

WINDOWS & DOORS Front Doors from £599 Fitted Back Doors from £549 Fitted Composite Doors from £699 Fitted French Doors from £999 Fitted Patio Doors from £899 Fitted Bi Folding Doors from £1,399 Fitted Stable Doors from £699 Fitted UPVC White Windows from £199 Fitted ALL REPAIRS ALSO UNDERTAKEN Locks, handles, hinges, patio wheels Misted up units repaired and replaced

dannyglaze.co.uk dannyglazeltd@gmail.com Like us on Facebook

Nokes & Co, Squire House, 81-87 High Street, Billericay, Essex CM12 9AS 01277 633971

07949 266321

mark@nokesandco.co.uk

www.nokesandco.co.uk

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RECIPE

Indian Apple Chutney Ingredients: 5lb Cooking apples (peeled and cored) 2 Tablespoons of salt 18 Fluid oz malt vinegar (or amount to get right consistency) 20oz Soft brown sugar 8oz Raisins 8oz Sultanas 1 Teaspoon of mustard seeds 2oz Fresh ginger root peeled (easy with teaspoon) and sliced 4 Or so garlic cloves peeled through a garlic press if possible 2 Teaspoons of chilli powder

Method: 1. Slice the apples and lay them on a dish and sprinkle with half of the salt.

2. Place half of the vinegar in a pan, add the sugar and stir over a low heat until the sugar is dissolved.

3. Bring to the boil until a thick syrup

5. Add all the apples and simmer until tender.

6. Add the rest of the ingredients including syrup and cook until the right consistency to bottle.

is made.

4. Place the other half of the vinegar in a pan.

Tip Needs to mature some weeks before use.

See more at: www.thewi.org.uk If you would like your recipe to appear in Around Town Magazines then contact our sales team on: 01277 658444 or email: sales@aroundtownmagazines.co.uk

the original

Carl Earey - Experienced Podiatrist

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due to our brand new large capacity washing machine and dryer on all quilts, throws and mattress toppers all £13.00 due to our brand new washing machine and dryer all done on the premises. five shirts for £10.00 washed and iron wash and fold service also available from £15.00 - £25.00 excluding feather and extra large mattress toppers

tel:01277 632330 4 grange road grange parade billericay, essex

family run business est.1978

Holiday in Cathar Country In the South of France 30 minutes from Carcassonne For further information go to holidaylettings.co.uk property reference 77726 PLEASE MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS

31

An antiques and collectables valuation event will be taking place soon in your area. The experts of Lockdales Auctioneers will be providing free valuations to the public on Monday 11th January, 10am to 2pm, at Hannakins Farm Community Centre, Rosebay Avenue, Billericay, Essex, CM12 0SY (free parking available).

Valuations will be provided on the following types of collectables: Coins, stamps, banknotes, medals & militaria, antiques, clocks, watches, jewellery, gold, silver, pre-1900 documents/books & maps, cigarette cards, postcards, pre-1960 sporting programmes & tickets, scientific instruments, swords, bayonets & de-activated weapons. No appointment is necessary at this event, simply turn up with your items on the day.

Members of the public will have the option, if they wish, to consign their goods to auction (subject to terms & conditions). Cash purchase offers are also available. Valuations will be provided free of charge, with no obligation.

Any questions contact: 01473 627110

sales@lockdales.com www.lockdales.com

the CSoaCh & ,h orSeS C ,B CM12 9lU hapel

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illeriCay

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C TheCoachAndHorsesBillericay 32

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Wash Road West, Basildon, Essex, SS15 4BT

s r i a p Re

www.AceVision.co.uk

C ion P t a l l & a d a l Inst a i P i r , re e e A o n t & o S g iPh ll Mountin now ina es TV W m a G 01268-459161 & n u F Technology & Home Entertainment 150� Gaming Screen

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MAYFLOWER ROTARY CLUB Billericay Christmas Market. Organised by The Rotary Club of Billericay Mayflower.

20,000 Visitors £30,000 raised for charity!

A big thank you to all who took part and to all visitors who created the atmosphere for another great day.

Thanks to our Sponsors: Platinum: Essex Auto Group, Burstead Golf Club, Para Bar Estates and Paul Robinson Solicitors.

Gold: Hallmark Homes and SDF Essex Windows & Doors.

Silver: Waitrose, Fish’n’Chickn and Billericay Brewery.

Why not join Mayflower and be a part of this: secretary@mayflowerrotary.org

BILLERICAY LIONS CLUB The Lions Club of Billericay and their families had a well deserved break over Christmas following a hectic period in the run-up to the holiday out and about with our annual Sleigh collection. At the time of writing it looks once again to have been very successful with the residents of Billericay showing great generosity to this very worthwhile appeal. Thanks also goes to Essex Ford and Lincon Batteries for their invaluable assistance.

As we hit the New Year our fund raising efforts continue apace and it is your last chance to apply for tickets to our Taste of Brazil night to be held on Saturday, March 19th, at Emmanuel Church Hall.

For further details please contact 0845 833 9849, or visit at our bookstall outside Poundland in the High Street every Saturday morning, or email: Brazil@billericaylions.com. We are also planning a music night and further details will follow as we firm up the plans.

Our 2015 social activities were rounded off with a member’s Christmas Dinner at the Black Bull in Margaretting and a guest speaker from the Essex Search and Rescue at our last fellowship evening. This lesser known charity, benefitting from a previous £2,000 donation from us, has been called upon over 500 times since 2002 to apply their specialised skills alongside police, fireman and coastguards in rescue related situations.

For details on all Lion’s events please visit our website www.billericaylions.com or telephone 0845 833 9849, and follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/billericay.lions.

New Year has begun, and perhaps you even made a New Year’s resolution as the bells chimed 12 (or perhaps the following morning, when the thought of chiming bells really wasn’t doing anything for your slightly befuddled and alcohol infused brain!). Making a resolution is all about making a few changes to our lives, in the hope of helping to make the year ahead a really good one. Sadly, a lot of us don’t make it beyond the first week or two before that fresh new idea has gone out of the window! So here’s an idea for you that might help you to make yourself a second resolution and it’s one we think you’ll find quite easy to keep… come and give Billericay Round Table a go!

Round Table is for active and adventurous guys between the ages of 18 and 45, with it’s main principles being to have a hell of a lot of laughs with a bunch of like-minded new friends, whilst at the same time really making a positive difference in the local community.

So what is it we get up to? Most of you will know that it is Billericay Round Table who organise the annual fireworks display, and last year we raised in excess of £68,000, all of which we use to donate to good causes and charities in the local area.

We also have our Santa Sleigh routes around the town which help to spread goodwill and festive cheer, and on top of that, we also support other events around the town such as Thingamigig and Summerfest. Alongside the community events, we also have lots of social and sporting events throughout the year, and amongst other things, during 2015 we competed in the Nuclear Rush, had an adventure weekend in Wales, undertook the inaugural Quadralcothon (look it up on YouTube!), played a Gentlemen vsGreat Unwashed cricket match, visited the Houses of Parliament…. The list goes on! To sum it up, we all had a huge amount of laughs, made friendships that will last a lifetime, and generally just had an awesome time!

If you’d like to find out more about the best men’s club going, then get in touch with us via email at domore@ billericayroundtable.co.uk or contact us via Facebook!

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35

The

Cook Report Written By Jo Cook

Department for Transport review of Greater Anglia service provides New Year hope for disgruntled commuters With Christmas and New Year festivities truly behind us, lots of local residents will be back to work and embarking on their daily commute this January. With rail fares rumoured to rise by 1.1% for 2016, lots of workers will be questioning its value for money, as they experience delays, cancellations and overcrowding daily, all the while battling cold weather conditions, on the Greater Anglia Southend Victoria to London Liverpool Street line.

The Department of Transport have recently concluded a three month public consultation on the service and have now made recommendations to the bidders for the franchise, with a new agreement expected to begin from October 2016. Results show the main issue for passengers in punctuality and capacity, with six in ten passengers calling for a reduction in first class seating in trains and more frequent services to and from the City. The DFT has said more services to and from Southend Victoria will be a condition of the new agreement, with other franchise requirements including improved communication during

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disruption and a proactive approach to planning for unexpected problems.

Abellio, which currently operates the franchise, National Express, and First Group are all in the running for the initial nine year contract.

Aimee Donnelly, 26, a legal secretary who commutes to Canary Wharf each day from Billericay said, ‘On a daily basis the trains are overcrowded (in rush hour) and when the trains are delayed, which is frequently, you may not even be able to get on the train and if you can, the only thing holding you up is the people you are squashed between. The first class carriages are barely used, cutting them would benefit a high number of people and make the daily commute much more pleasant’. Despite this, the DFT are not imposing the reduction of first class carriages on the new operator.

However, they are confident whoever wins the contract will do all they can to improve services for their passengers.

The report said ‘The department does not specify first class provision as it is an unregulated fare and the decision is left with operators to take a commercial view on the first class offering. We recognise that operators may therefore take the opportunity to remove first class but we are confident that they will deliver the right balance of services for their passengers.’

With a few months ahead between now and the new agreement, there is set to be some tough journeys ahead for commuters like Aimee. However, other travellers remain optimistic.

Derek Monnery, chairman of the Essex Rail Users Federation, said ‘I am encouraged by what the DFT is saying and what they are expecting. They seem to be well aware of the problems and what the deficiencies are with the current service’.

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INN ON THE GREEN Come & have a nosey and enjoy

20% off * your food bill

Soon Coming

AAT’S ON? WE WHAT’S WISH YOU A HAPPY NEW YEAR Our Ale & Pie Festival is now on!

NEW Menu coming soon • Join us from 28th April •

Delicious NEW dishes including our favourite Pulled Pork Burger

Inn on the Green, Mountnessing Road, Billericay, Essex CM12 0EH

T: 01277 658998 | innonthegreen-pub.co.uk

First Name: Email:

Surname: Post Code:

Terms & Conditions: 20% off food: *Offer valid for a limited time only. Details must be completed to be valid.

Minimum spend of £5. Maximum discount of £20 applies. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.

Only one voucher per transaction. Offer subject to availability.

We reserve the right to amend or withdraw offers at any time. Images are for illustrative purposes only.

Promoter: Spirit Pub Company, Sunrise House, Burton-Upon-Trent, Staffordshire, DE14 3JZ.

Brewery Tours & Tastings last Saturday of every month at 2pm or book your own time for groups of 3 or more!

Drink our real ales & bottled craft beers in our micropub until 9pm Thursday, Friday & Saturday.

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37

SK PLUMBING • REPAIRS • RE-ROOF • LEAD FLASHING • FASCIAS, SOFFITS & GUTTERING

• Friendly Reliable Tradesman • Plumbing, Leaks and Repairs • Full Bathroom Installation • Wall and Floor Tiling • Emergency Appointments

for a free estimate or advice contact

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Tel: 01277 636216 Mobile: 07912 978507 Email: dean@dlsroofing.co.uk

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07562 395001 01277 415197 Free Estimates Available 24/7

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DARTS

While Gary Anderson joins an elite group of Darts World Champions to win back to back World Championships, darts still manages to split the sporting enthusiasts as to whether it is a game or in fact a fully fledged sport.

I don’t want to incur the wrath of any local darts lovers by my opening statement, as I mean to provoke debate as an outsider looking in to the challenging world of darts.

A sport by definition is any where an individual or a team compete by way of physical exertion and skill. However, while I accept the concentration levels must be exhausting, as well as the repetitive strain it puts on your posture and arms/wrists. I struggle to on the other hand accept the physical element.

I will start with the obvious; the level of physical exertion does not seem to be much, especially comparing it to the other more physical sports.

Darts does seem to be changing and the current stars will be replaced with future stars that will perhaps display a healthier exterior, however it is the skill aspect that perhaps leads me to believe darts is more of a game than a fully fledged sport.

I will explain by stating my ‘beginners luck’ theory. Any sport than have a crack at and on the first time of doing so if I can achieve a high score, surely it has to already be considered easier than other pursuits. Darts I feel falls into the bracket as bowling, we have all had days at Hollywood bowl where it seems to be raining

strikes and this is why is it a great game that we can pick up and put down, still enjoying it each time we go.

A sport and to become a professional sportsperson should surely mean a talent separating you from the rest, years of training of a young age perfecting the art of achieving a high score. I can and have by luck hit high scores in darts having only played a handful of times; however I could not go play a local game of Rugby or Tennis at a club without being considerably embarrassed.

From the above, you may think I am not a darts fan, however quite the contrary, when the darts is on the television I am usually glued, as the rules are simple and the atmosphere is enough to hook anyone in. Also, while Sky Sports insists on showing Poker and fishing, I certainly think it has a place on our sporting channels, I just somehow doubt the physical dedication and sacrifices are anywhere near where they should be to be regarded a professional sportsperson.

However the buzz is undeniable and all over Essex there are local pubs hosting matches and it provides a means of socialising as well unlocking that competitive nature. The Railway Pub in Billericay have a team, as do many others in neighbouring towns. Please visit the website below, to find your local side and find out where they play and on what night. www.wddl.org.uk

Put the spotlight on your local sports team, contact Zaki Hasan, via email, zaki@aroundtownmagazines.co.uk

Basildon and Billericay Greenway Ramblers Our group meets at 10am 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 Belvedere Jazz & Music The Chichester Hotel Tudor Room, Old London Road, Rawreth, Nr Wickford, SS11 8UE. Tel: 07850 607075 www. belvederejazz.co.uk. Belvedere Jazz & Music Club is non-profit making, receives no external funding and is run entirely by voluntary jazz enthusiasts.

Show Time 8pm - 10.30pm £10 Entrance Fee Wednesday 6th Jan 2016 Derek Nash’s Picante Latin Sextet Wednesday 13th Jan 2016 The Spirit of Stephane Grappelli & Django Reinhardt Wednesday 20th Jan 2016 Enrico Tomasso’s Swing Six Wednesday 27th Jan 2016 Big Screen Take One With Dave Newton - £15 Next gig is 3 February - Atila sings Nat King Cole 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

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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 our friendly group for evenings of variety and fun! We meet every 2nd Tuesday of the month, 8pm 10pm. Canon Roche Church Hall, Laindon Road, Billericay, CM12 9LL. Please contact Jan Nash for more info. 01277 630147 Cafe on the Common At Saint John’s Church, Outwood Common, is open every Thursday between 12.00 noon and 2.00pm. Good quality food, value for money and friendly staff is always guaranteed!

Crawdaddy Blues Club Bringing the very best local, national & international blues acts to Essex, now in our 16th season.

Every Friday at Billericay Town FC, New Lodge, Blunts Wall Road, Billericay, Essex. CM12 9SA. Doors open at 8pm. www.newcrawdaddyclub.com D’Ukes The finest ukulele band in the universe! Take 6 musicians, 24 strings, some percussion and

a pinch of comedy and you have a band that has given the modest ukulele a makeover for the 21st century Whether you like pop, rock, reggae or country – expect the unexpected!

A D’Ukes performance is fun with a few surprises and guaranteed to get you smiling!

Saturday 16th January 2016 7.30 pm. Tickets £10.00 from the Billericay Arts Association Café Layout- bring your own drinks Venue: THE FOLD FC Redwing FC Redwing is one of the largest youth football clubs in the Billericay/Basildon area and the organiser of one of the biggest youth football tournaments in Essex.

FC Redwing are a “Family Club” with the emphasis on fun.

FC Redwing’s main aim is to get children from a young age to fall in love with the beautiful game. Run by a team of volunteers who are all FA Qualified coaches, they pride ourselves on being a friendly club. Clive Ashdown, Head of Academy at FC Redwing YFC, won the “Unsung Hero” award at the Active Basildon Sports Awards.

This award celebrates Clive’s efforts in helping the club provide free regular football training for 4-6 years olds. This is the only free scheme of its kind in the area.

For more information on the above please feel free to contact Mark Gordon, FC Redwing YFC - Director of Communications at fcredwing@ hotmail.com or on 07977 416 044

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Mayflower Morris of Billericay Mayflower Morris of Billericay is holding an Open Morning on Saturday January 30th 2016 at St Mary Magdalen Church, High Street, Billericay between 10am and 1pm.

The morning will be very informal and anyone aged 10 and over is welcome to join us and try some of the dances.

Our longer term aim is to recruit some new members to join the side and possibly to set up a younger side to run alongside the more established one.

Mayflower Wine (& social) Club The club meets on the first Wednesday of the month at the Day Centre, Chantry Way, Billericay at 8pm. New members always welcome. First visit this time free and our annual subscription is £22.00.

More details phone Paulette on 01277 652001.

Norsey Wood Society Norsey Wood Society will be holding an Open Meeting on Monday, January 25th 2016 in the Day Centre, Chantry Way, starting at 7.45 p.m.

Following a short AGM Gerald Lucy will give a talk entitled “Discovering Fossils in Essex and Beyond”.

All are welcome. Phone 01277 653852 for further details.

Radio Times Has It Covered!

90 YEARS OF ICONIC RADIO TIMES COVERS FRIDAY 22ND JANUARY 2016 8 PM.

Shem Law, Art Director of Radio Times, will take us through 90 years of iconic Radio Times’ covers. He will talk about the process of commissioning photos for publicity and will introduce Don Smith,Staff Photographer of Radio Times for 45 years, who will explain some of the details of the photos he has taken.

Tickets: £8.00 including refreshments THE FOLD 72 Laindon Road Billericay, Essex CM12 9LD 01277 659286 Pottery Classes The Fold at Billericay runs regular pottery classes . We have 2 kilns and two experienced tutors.

The classes cover hand built sculpture and throwing pottery on a wheel. There are a limited number of places available.

POTTERY WORKSHOP FOR ADULT BEGINNERS Saturday 23rd January 2016 10.00-3.00pm If you were inspired by the latest pottery programmes on television and would like to try your hand why not come along to the Fold , Billericay.

We will be running a one day workshop for adult beginners on the 23rd January. This session will introduce you to hand built sculpture.

Booking will be essential.

Bring your own lunch.

Cost £25.00 for non members £20 for members

THE FOLD 72 Laindon Road Billericay CM12 9LD 01277 659286 Soroptimist International Soroptimist International the worlds largest women’s service organisation aiming to make lives better for women & girls, holding consultative status at the United Nations to do this.

Meet the Chelmsford members in High Chelmer Chelmsford on Saturday 30th January. Find out about joining the local group and help make a difference to women & girls lives here and globally. Alternatively call on 07528 789991.

Lunch is served. New members are always welcome, come along and make new friends.

If you would like any further information please contact Jenny on 01277 633115 Who Let The Dad’s Out? For all Dads (and Granddads) with Toddlers (preschool) takes place on the first Saturday of every month at Emmanuel Church, Laindon Road from 8.30ds (and Granddads) to spend time with their children with plenty of toys, games, story times (bacon butties and fresh coffee also provided) and is a great place to get to know other blokes. All WLTDO? Volunteers are great with children and are DBS cleared.

For more information, contact Tony Wallace on tony.wallace@ billericaychurches.org

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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OFF LICENCE WE SELL WINE & BEER

10% OFF Upon mention of AROUND TOWN Excludes alcohol. Photocopies not accepted.

Valid until 31st January 2016* UNLIMITED USE within time period*

#AroundTownSelfie Competition!

In response to last month’s competition, we enjoyed all your #AroundTownSelfie images received – some of which were very entertaining! So as not to embarrass anyone, we have decided not to publish the winning photo, however we are delighted to confirm the meal for 2 at the Ship Inn, Stock was won by:

Lorraine Norton Congratulations to you and thanks to everyone who entered the competition!

01277 658444

admin@aroundtownmagazines.co.uk /AroundTownMagazines

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 NHS non-emergency Parentline Samaritans S. Essex Rape and Incest Crisis Centre Victim Support Essex Women’s Refuge

#AroundTownMan

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

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

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

01245 353575 01277 655352 111 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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INTRODUCING THE NEW

FORD MUSTANG Performance and refinement personified: the new Ford Mustang is available as a Fastback or Convertible, with the option of a 2.3-litre EcoBoost or 5.0-litre V8 engine. Iconic status comes as standard.

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essexford.com Doing it even better for you

Ford Store - Dunton Dunton Ford Link, Basildon, Essex, SS15 6GB

Official fuel consumption figures in mpg (l/100km) for the Ford Mustang Range: urban 10.1-20.1 (28.0-14.1), extra urban 6.8-9.6 (41.5-29.4), combined 8.0-13.5 (35.3-20.9). Official C02 emission 108g/km. The mpg figures quoted are sourced from official EU-regulated test results (EU Directive and Regulation 692/2008), are provided for comparability purposes and may not reflect your actual driving experience.