Around town magazine upminster edition december 2015

T E R I N S M P U 5 2 0 1 1 2 .

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Terms&&Conditions Conditions apply.

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Toomey Basildon registered with FCA and a credit broker, a lender.

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Toomey Basildon is is registered with thethe FCA and is aiscredit broker, notnot a lender.

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CONTENTS 11 13 Fire Place and Design 2014 April_Layout 1 26/03/2014 10:28 Page 1

11

Angela Watkinson Political Update

12 Around Town Sports Review of 2015

20 Martin Lewis

22

Money Saving Expert

23 Recipe

WI Christmas Recipe

30 What’s On

When and Where...

Edition 9 To advertise contact our Sales Team today, details below. Booking deadline for our January edition is: Wednesday 30th December Copyright 2015. Around Town Upminster 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.

Photo for illustration purposes only

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

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01277 658444 www.aroundtownmagazines.co.uk sales@aroundtownmagazine.co.uk

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and sends them to murder innocent strangers who live in a different culture from them. It uses barbaric methods to strike terror into the Western world. They create nothing, produce nothing and abuse the hospitality of the countries they live in. We rely on our security services more than ever to know who and where they are, but IS will not destroy our way of life. It offers only fear and repression.

Angela Watkins

Member of Parliament For Upminster & Hornchurch The atrocities in Paris have shocked the world. IS has a medieval ideology which brainwashes impressionable people of low intelligence, fills them with drugs

We do not know yet what sort of EU we shall be asked to stay in or leave. The referendum is not just about immigration and a full unbiased cost benefit analysis is need to enable voters to make an informed, rather than an emotional choice. The negotiations have only just begun and progress will be reported as it takes place. We

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Once in, they are free to move across the Schengen area without checks. Germany and Sweden, who issued an open invitation to Syrian refugees are having to reconsider in the light of unmanageable numbers of new arrivals. The UK is not part of the Schengen area and continues to be a major donor of humanitarian aid.

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2015 REVIEW A debate broke out in the office a few weeks ago, we passed it off as a brainstorming session, and the main topic was “Which nation is the best all-round sporting nation?” My pessimistic, British, journalistic mind immediately started listing other countries, USA, Russia, Germany, China, Australia etc. However, my colleague really got the cogs turning when he suggested it was little old England/Britain. Surely not!? See below a review of our sporting year and lets put it to the test, are we winning or are we failing?

Athletics – The Super Saturday three from 2012 flew the flag in the World Championships. Ennis, Rutherford and Farrah once again ensured that Britain left their stamp on a thrilling World Championships in China and solidified team GB’s status as one of the most competitive teams in the world, especially for a country so small!

Boxing – A massive year again for the British boxers. Currently, we can boast no fewer than 10 world champions across the different weight divisions. James DeGale, Lee Selby, Liam Smith, Anthony Crolla, Terry Flanagan and Lee Haskins have all been crowned World Champion this year.

Cricket – Regaining the Ashes has to be the jewel in an old rusty crown in 2015. It was an ‘against all odds’ victory as Australia were back in ominous form sweeping aside everyone and moving back up to number one in the world, and England had failed to beat New Zealand and West Indies in previous tests. Also we had another disappointing world cup display, crashing out in the group stage. Pakistan then laid the boot in by beating the English 2-0 in the UAE and not even a Jos Buttler masterpiece of 100 in 46 balls could gloss over the turbulent 2015.

Football – As a nation we have been pretty good!

England have qualified for Euro 2016 by winning every one of their qualifying matches. Shame to say the English sides struggled in the Champions

League, not one of them making it through to the Quarter Final stage. We lost to Spain recently, but they are quite good at football.

Formula 1 – Lewis Hamilton has become the World Champion for the 3rd time. He joins Jackie Stewart on 3 championship wins and is aiming next season to join an elite club of 4 drivers that have achieved 4 or more.

Netball – The England Netball team went to Australia with real hopes of reaching the final. They are the third best team in the world and seeing as they are up against New Zealand and Australia who play the sport professionally in their home countries, it is an impressive position to be in. They lived up to the expectation and went out only to the eventual winners Australia in the semi finals. They also went on to secure third place by beating Jamaica in the play off! Success story all round, if only more people would tune in and help the sport take-off.

Rugby – Despite being in the top 4 or 5 teams in the world, we failed miserably at this year’s world cup.

However, we showed the world that we can host a tournament, every cloud!

Tennis – Andy Murray hasn’t had an amazing year, however in the prestigious team form of the game ‘The Davis Cup’, we have reached the final, can’t do much better than that...... we could win it I suppose?!

I would love to cover all sports, but as you can see I am running out of room. My colleague has certainly made a great case for us being considered the allround leading sporting nation. The above Baromter is just a bit of fun, however even in Rugby and Cricket England are still a force to be reckoned with. Rowing, Cycling and Snooker are another three that Britain are clearly the top of the leader pile, how many more can we make a case for?

Roll on 2016!

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

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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.

Your Stove is waiting for you!

Photo for illustration purposes only

RECIPE The Women’s Institute Mince Pies This recipe is made using Pate Sucre, sweet enriched shortcrust pastry, but it is not difficult to make, just whiz it up in the processor!

Ingredients: 225g Plain Flour 135g Butter 50g Caster Sugar 1 Egg Yolk Good Quality Mincemeat

Tips: The pate sucre can be used to create fresh fruit tartlets at other times of the year, just bake blind until the pastry is cooked but not brown.

The pastry could also be used to make posh jam tarts or a flan case to fill with a sweet filling.

Method: 1. Preheat the oven 180C, Gas Mark 4.

2. Put the flour into a food processor, chop the butter and add to the flour.

3. Separate the egg and mix the yolk with the sugar and 4 tsps cold water and mix.

4. Process the flour and butter to fine crumbs and with the machine still running add the liquid as quickly as possible. Process until it forms a ball

5.

6.

7.

8.

in the centre. Do not over process.

Remove from the processor and chill for half an hour.

Roll out thinly and cut out into circles.

Place in a greased bun tray and add a spoonful of mincemeat.

Bake 12 - 15 mins, depending on the size until the pastry is cooked.

Cool a little then carefully remove from the tray.

See more at: www.thewi.org.uk/what-we-do/recipes/baking/mince-pies

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

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- Turkish Charcoal Grill Restaurant & Meze House -

Every Wednesday throughout November & December we are offering you a special chance to eat for free.

If you can complete a full Lefke special in 30 mins on your own then you will eat for free.

If you can’t complete the Lefke Special Challenge you will pay the full price plus donate £10 to the Lefke Charity.

Special Challenge!

RULES: 1.You must phone and book up to do the Lefke Special 2.You will have to sit on a separate challenge table 3.You have 35 minutes to complete 4. NO CHEATING

www.lefkebbq.com 30 Corbets Tey Road, Upminster, Essex, RM14 2AD

Call 01708 224688 and book your spot for Wednesday!

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A Good Deal On two evenings every week we pride ourselves in bringing a little humour into peoples lives.

At 7.30pm every Wednesday and Friday in the Cranham Community Centre, Marlborough Gardens, Whist Drives are held.

Call Linda (01708458328) or Harry (01708227457) for details.

Each session costs £2 and there is no obligation to play every week.

Beginners are welcome and can receive one-to-one tuition. Car parking available.

Beginner Adult Yoga Course & New Family Yoga Classes A new 10 week beginner yoga course commences January 2016 on Tuesdays at 6.30pm at the Old Chapel.

The style of yoga is Hatha, a gentle exercise that incorporates breathing and relaxation techniques. The course will cost £50.

Family yoga classes also begin January 6.30pm Monday’s The Old Chapel. For parents/grandparents, with children/grandchildren, this will be a fun and gentle yoga class, introducing some basic breathing and relaxation techniques as well as yoga postures.

Booking essential. For further information or to book call Vikki on 07976 589133 or email heartfeltyoga@outlook.com.

Counselling

A counselling service based in Upminster at Cranham Community

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Centre. Sue & Karen are registered counsellors covering a wide range of issues bereavement, anxiety, low self esteem, depression & relationship difficulties. Feeling lost/ alone please contact taking that first step is often the hardest.

0758 1634063 / 07428 911002.

Mercury died. Hip-hop, grunge and boy bands were popular and Bangladesh was hit by a cyclone.

Nearer to home, in January 1991 the Cranham Library opened in the Community Centre in Marlborough Gardens (contact number 01708 220941).

Cranham Art Society

Would you like to try your hand at painting and make some new friends?

Long established friendly art club are looking for new members, we are starting a beginners group on 6th January.

We meet at Cranham Community centre, Marlborough Gardens Upminster every Wednesday 10-12am If you are a complete beginner or have some experience, you will be made very welcome.

For more details phone Dot on 01708 229 715

Dance Your Way to Fitness

Dance away your blues. Join us on a Thursday and put on your dancing shoes. Ballroom and sequence dancing 8.00pm til 10.30pm every Thursday in Cranham Community Association Centre, Marlborough Gardens, Cranham, Upminster.

So this unique library celebrates its 25th year in January 2016. We are marking this occasion by having an ‘Open Week’ when the library will be open from 10am to 4pm Monday 11th to Friday 15th of January. Do call in and say hello!

Havering Decorative and Fine Arts Society (NADFAS) We meet every second Tuesday of the month (except July and August) at the New Windmill Hall, St. Mary’s Lane, Upminster. If you have an interest in any aspect of the Arts please come and join us.

Lecture 10.45am, coffee from 10.00am. We have a varied programme of talks, house and gallery visits, extended trips.

Further details please contact Jane Balmford 01708 229984.

Hornchurch Conservative Club

Free Library

We are a friendly private members social club. Darts, snooker, football on large screen TV, quiz nights, race nights, organised trips, entertainment evenings are just some of our many activities.

The year 1991 saw Whitney Houston at the top of the pop charts, John Major was Prime Minister, petrol cost £2.05 for a gallon and Freddie

Food is available Monday to Saturday lunchtime with a Sunday lunch once every month.

For more information please call Bob on 01708 226445.

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New members are always welcomed.

Address: 25 North Street, Hornchurch, Phone: 01708 442213 E-mail: hornchurchcons@yahoo.co.uk.

Full information on our website www.hornchurchconservativeclub. co.uk

The Rotary Club of Havering East Raising money for local and overseas charities plus having an excellent social life (Theatre visits, concerts, quizzes, walks and interesting visits) are the main aspects of this friendly club.

We meet for dinner at Upminster Golf Club on Tuesdays, 7pm for 7.30pm.

Further details contact Hon. Secretary Jeannette Sears, Tele: 01708 371905 or our website: www.haveringeastrotary.org

interesting lectures encourage our members to advance their skills in all aspects of photography.

We have various skill levels from preliminary to advanced and new members are welcome.

Regular club outings help to keep us all motivated and new members are assured of a warm welcome at our regular Tuesday evening meetings at 7.45pm for 8.00pm, at The Cranham Community Association.

Get in touch via e-mail at: info@upminstercameraclub.co.uk and check out our website at: www.upminstercameraclub.org.uk

Upminster & District Probus Club Meets at The Cranleigh, 84 Station Lane, Hornchurch, RM12 6LX. On the last Wednesday of the Month.

For further information visit www.upminsterprobus.com or telephone Barry Walsh, 01708 703783, and leave a message.

The Rotary Club of Hornchurch and Upminster

Upminster Wine & Social Club

The Rotary Club of Hornchurch and Upminster meets over lunch every Thursday at 12.30pm for 1.00pm, at the Railway Hotel, Station Lane, Hornchurch.

We are a fun group of people with an interest in wine appreciation and enjoying many social events.

We hold meetings every month with a variety of speakers and a wine tasting.

For further details please contact the Hon. Secretary, Brian Taffs telephone: 01708 250855 or e-mail: btaffs@btinternet.com

Meetings are held on the third Thursday of the month at 8.00 o’clock in the Cranham Social Hall, Front Lane, Cranham.

Upminster Camera Club

For more information contact Maureen Jasper on 01708 223956.

This year, we are celebrating our 60th anniversary. Our extensive programme of competitions and

Or simply come along on the night.

You would be made most welcome.

Volunteering!

• Support children with special educational needs and their parents/carers with the new Education, Health & Care assessment.

• Full training.

• Work alongside volunteers/ staff or independently.

• Flexible hours.

• 6 hours per month.

• Support young people and parents/carers to make informed choices.

• Complete training: two days face to face, two days on-line and supplementary training.

• Training available throughout Essex.

If you are interested, please contact Cindy: 01245 392 319 cpeacock@ecdp.org.uk.

Your Natal Way MummyNatal antenatal classes supporting mums-to-be to tune into what their birth experience is, focusing simply on the present moment and finding confidence and acceptance.

Weekly classes include mindful meditation exercises, breathing practice, birth ball exercise, exercises for encouraging baby into optimum position for birth, managing intense sensation exercises, birth physiology and birth choices education.

Classes starting at The Sanctuary, Upminster, on Tuesday 12th January.

Get in touch by: yournatalway@outlook.com or 07738572554

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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