Around Town Magazine Billericay March Edition 2019

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CONTENTS 08 John Baron Political Update

14 A View from the Church Rev. Paul Carr

20 James Blower The Savings Guru

28 Its OK Campaign Its ok not to be ok

Club, Lions Club & Round Table 34 Rotary

38 Street Pastor

Caring Listening Helping

42

This year seems to be passing so quickly as we are already into March. The schools have had the first half term holiday of the year and soon it will be Easter!

Looking back at the welcome note for last month I mentioned how cold it was and asked that you keep an eye out for vulnerable neighbours. Since then we have had a real mixture of weather ranging from record breaking highs back to being cold! However, the mornings and nights remain cold so do be careful.

Don’t forget it’s Mother’s Day on Sunday 31st March. So, a real opportunity to spoil Mum and let her know how much she means to you.

As always, we are most grateful to our advertisers and contributors. If you have an opportunity to use any of our advertisers, we would encourage you to do so and please mention that you saw their advert in Around Town. Also, if you would like to contribute any editorial or have a listing for our What’s On section then please get in touch via our email admin@aroundtownmagazines.co.uk.

Finally, let’s hope England do better against Italy and Scotland!

Until next month, wrap up warm!

What’s On When and Where...

45 Useful Numbers

From everyone at Around Town Magazines Copyright 2019. 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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In the Government’s response, there are welcome intentions to strengthen Police powers, largely reflecting our joint submission.

There are plans to amend current legislation to permit the Police to direct trespassers to authorised sites in neighbouring local authority areas. This should make it easier for them to act where there is a shortage of local authorised sites.

There are also plans to reduce the number of vehicles needed to be involved in an unauthorised encampment before the Police can intervene to two or more, down from six or more currently. This should make it harder for people to avoid enforcement by splitting into smaller groups. There will also be a review into the so-called ‘Irish Option’ of criminalising trespass in certain circumstances – this is good news, as our consultation submission specifically called for this initiative to be explored.

Likewise, the Government intends to increase the period of time in which trespassers directed from land would be unable to return to that site. Currently this stands at three months, and the intention is to raise it to twelve. This should give greater protection to sites which are repeatedly targeted.

All these proposals are positive steps in the right direction, and I will continue to press the Government to follow through on the content of the consultation response, and to consider stronger measures to counter that minority in the traveller community who continue to consider themselves

joint response highlighting key areas where we believe the law is currently deficient.

John Baron Conservative Parliamentary MP For Basildon and Billericay

Last year, the Government ran a consultation into unauthorised encampments, to which Stephen Metcalfe MP, Mark Francois MP and I submitted a

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of us can change the world in which we live by doing something a little different this Lent by Fasting AND Feasting. For example: FAST FROM

FEAST ON

Judging others

Loving others

Thinking About Lent

Discontentment

Gratitude

Complaining

Appreciation

Words that hurt

Words that bless

We are soon to enter the Season of Lent which begins on Wednesday 6 March. Ash Wednesday, as it is known, falls forty Days before Good Friday and remembers Jesus’ forty days in the wilderness when, it seems to me, he shaped the vision for his ministry and mission through prayer and fasting.

Anger

Patience

Pessimism

Optimism

Worry

Faith

Negativity

Positivity

Idle gossip

Silence

Bitterness

Forgiveness

Self-concern

Compassion

Discouragement

Hope

Historically, Lent began as a period of fasting and preparation for baptism by converts and then became a season of penance by all Christians.

The readings for the first Sunday in Lent describe Jesus’ temptation and the Sixth Sunday (Palm Sunday) describe Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem and his subsequent trial and death.

It’s worth noting that the readings during Lent, until Palm Sunday, focus on the meaning of baptism and what it means to follow Jesus – in line with the season’s original purpose. Holy Week is the final week of Lent and begins with Palm Sunday and concludes with Holy Saturday. These readings focus on Jesus’ last days here on earth.

The word Lent in Latin means ‘spring’ - the season of new life and of growth out of the darkness and dormancy of winter. Lent, for some, is a time for ‘navel gazing’ and truthful honesty about the state of their lives – spiritually and morally. For others, Lent provides a focus to practice some form of abstinence or to commit themselves to a less indulgent lifestyle – especially after the excesses of the Christmas season.

Jesus’ Lenten focus was the renewal of peoples lives and to align them with the values of the Kingdom of God and, given the constant stream of depressing stories of political unrest (dare I mention Brexit?) violence and sectarianism on our news programmes and in our newspapers, I’m sure you’d agree that the world is in need of renewal. And, whilst not one of us would ever lay claim to be able to change the world, each

www.billericaychurches.org

And so, I could go on … why not add to these or make up your own list?

The church of my formative years as a Christian (I wasn’t an Anglican then) did not recognise the tradition of Ash Wednesday nor of Lent.

However, over the years I have grown to appreciate the benefits we can receive through observing these events in the Church calendar and how they can enhance our Christian spirituality.

If you’d like to begin this journey of Lent, you are invited to join us at Saint Mary’s, the Church in the High Street, on Ash Wednesday, 6 March at 8.00 pm for a Traditional Service of Communion, along with the ‘Imposition of Ashes’.

May God’s richest blessing be upon you and your family as you FAST and FEAST this Lenten season.

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19

Are Cash ISAs (Individual Savings Accounts) still worth it?

A

s we approach the end of the tax year, we increasingly get asked by savers whether it is still worth their while saving in a cash ISA. With interest rates typically much higher on ordinary savings accounts, and the introduction of the Personal Savings Allowance in 2016, many savers question whether there’s any point in saving in a Cash ISA anymore.

The Personal Savings Allowance In 2016, the government introduced a Personal Savings Allowance which means that basic rate tax payers can earn £1,000 in savings interest before needing to pay tax and higher rate tax payers can earn £500 before paying tax. As a result, banks pay interest without any tax deduced now whereas previously you had to fill in a special form for this to be done or tax would automatically be deducted.

This means a basic rate tax payer could have over £65,000 in the top paying instant savings account (1.51% from Family Building Society) and not pay any tax on the interest. Higher rate taxpayers will need £33,000 or more to tip over the allowance.

What is the difference between Cash ISAs and ordinary savings accounts?

A cash ISA is not dissimilar to an ordinary savings account, it’s just got a tax wrapper around it which means savers aren’t liable to pay tax on the interest they earn. Think of it like a two chocolate bars, one still in the wrapper and one out of it – they are the still the same chocolate bar!

The main difference is the interest rates charged on the different accounts. In the early days of ISAs, there were some very competitive rates as providers fought for your cash ISA savings. In 2019, it is a very different situation with ordinary savings accounts often paying more than their cash ISA equivalents – sometimes considerably more.

For example, the best one year fixed rate is 2.20% whereas the best one year ISA pays just 1.74%.

Similarly, on a five-year fixed 2.70% can be found on a standard account whereas the best five year ISA is 2.15% by comparison.

20

So, are cash ISAs pointless now?

For the vast majority of savers, there will be little or no immediate financial benefit to open a Cash ISA instead of a traditional savings account. However, there are exceptions and the following types of people should still consider them: 1) Existing Cash ISA savers Anyone who has opened an ISA every tax year since 1999, and used the full allowance, has been able to shelter over £141,500 plus interest from the tax man and, in April, will be able to add another £20,000 to that allowance. If you already have cash ISAs from previous tax years, it is worth considering retaining them to keep those tax free allowances.

2) Additional rate taxpayers Those taxpayers who earn over £150,000 a year pay 45% tax and get no personal savings allowance so should definitely consider cash ISAs. 3) First Time Buyers Lifetime ISAs, known as LISAs, are available for those aged 18 – 40 and you get a 25% bonus from the government each year on top of anything you save. First time buyers who save £4,000 get a £1,000 from the government. The bonus is paid every year until the saver is 50 years old.

LISAs are aimed at first time buyers saving a deposit to purchase a home and for those looking to save for retirement. They have been somewhat controversial because there was already a scheme in place (Help to buy) for first time buyers and pensions provide generous tax relief for savers with many financial advisors still considering this a better form of retirement saving.

There was little consultation from the government before LISAs and, as a result, there are only three providers of a cash LISA, Skipton, Nottingham and Newcastle Building Societies. Newcastle pay an attractive 1.10% interest on their LISA. However, those saving for a home will find the 25% bonus more attractive and should certainly consider a LISA if they are saving for a deposit.

4) Savers who may need access to their cash Savers looking at easy-access may want to consider a cash Isa because the differential in rates is very small – with Virgin Money’s cash easy access ISA paying 1.45% versus Family Building Societies 1.51% for ordinary easy access.

Savers looking to build up a tax-free sum which they can keep for future years may consider this more important than a slightly higher rate.

Savers considering fixed-rate bonds but want access to the cash during the term might prefer the flexibility that fixed rate ISAs have. Almost all cash ISA fixed rate bonds allow some form of access with a penalty interest charge.

Other things to consider about cash ISAs are: • Savers can move their money from a cash ISA to a shares ISA. Until recently this wasn’t something you could do but some people will like the flexibility this allows and may want to hold savings in cash for a period before investing.

• The Personal Savings Allowance (PSA) could change - there is no guarantee the PSA will be continue and the allowance could be cut or removed. Also, if interest rates rise, the value of the PSA will diminish too as smaller balances will then earn more interest and use the allowance up.

What are the best rates currently?

The savings market does move quickly, so we always recommend that you check our website for the latest rates.

At time of print, our best personal savings rates are:

James Blower Founder Savings Guru Ltd

www.thesavings.guru

Term

Interest Rate

Provider

Instant Savings

hello@thesavings.guru

1.51%

Family Building Society

@SavingsGuruUK

Notice

1.90%

Charter Savings Bank

1 Year

2.20%

Bank of London & Middle East

18 Months

2.32%

Al Rayan Bank

2 Year

2.42%

Al Rayan Bank

3 Year

2.52%

Al Rayan Bank

4 Year

2.52%

Vanquis Bank

5 Year

2.70%

Bank of London & Middle East

That’s all for this month. If you don’t want to wait for next month’s update then you can subscribe to our newsletter by submitting your email address on our website!

21

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ce of mind of an up-to-date Will, Legal Guardians for your basis in your own home, regardless of Attorney for yourselffee or your parents? regardless of consultation time and number of visits.

MARTIN ENGLEMAN AIPW AFPC Qualified Member of the Institute of Professional Will Writers ~ Certificate in Mortgage Practice & Equity Release, Chartered Insurance Institute ~ Diploma, Personal Finance Society

Please visit www.businessadvisoressex.co.uk for more detailed information, then call me for a fixed fee quotation and free advice

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windows & doors fascias, soffits & guttering weather board cladding (available in over 20 colours)

covering Essex, London, The Southeast Surrey, West and East Sussex

porches all carpentry work

01268 710245 ramsden heath

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

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23

NEW RETIREMENT APARTMENTS FOR SALE IN BILLERICAY

Coming soon Britain’s award-winning retirement living specialists are coming to Billericay, so you could soon be enjoying a safe, secure and convenient new lifestyle with like-minded neighbours.

Make the first move towards Churchill Retirement Living today – you’ll be surprised how easy it can be.

PILGRIMS LODGE Laindon Road CALL TODAY TO REGISTER YOUR INTEREST

0800 458 1847

Visit churchillretirement.co.uk

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Celebratin� 30 Year�

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Hard Landscaping Specialists

Established since 1988

LANDSCAPING AT ITS BEST DRIVEWAYS PATIOS FENCING BRICKWORK NEW LAWN Stonecraft pride our selves in Top Quality workmanship that’s built to last.

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Please ring for a free no obligation quote

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ITS OK CAMPAIGN

W

Its ok not to be ok here do I start...

Bright, bubbly and outgoing on the surface; dark, quiet and extremely scared on the inside. From as early as I can remember, this was how I felt every day, facing school. To be honest, I was scared shitless. I’d quickly become terrified of school because of how much I didn’t understand or enjoy its force fed pass/ fail curriculum. I was confused and I couldn’t comprehend how multitudes of people chose to accept this as the only option.

Unfortunately, over time, my inability to retain information and conform to the rulings of the Australian curriculum and education system sparked my mental health challenges. Every test, every report card, every assignment I would find myself receiving below average results.

Over time, this created one of my biggest fears growing up and that was the fear of failure. My fears led to anxiety, anxiety to panic attacks and panic attacks to depression.

Experiencing this through my teenage years and into my early adolescent life, at first I actually didn’t know what was going on. Born in the late 80’s and growing up in the 90’s & early 2000’s, finishing grade 12 in 2004, there was no awareness and people didn’t really speak about their emotions or openly discuss what they were going through. To me, the “anxious feelings” simply felt as if they were a part of growing up and becoming a teenager.

Unfortunately, post school, things decided to take a turn for the worse. Never feeling like I was good enough within society, I’d started becoming extremely hard on myself. I always felt I should have been better positioned in life than I was.

Regardless of how hard I worked and how much I pushed myself to achieve, through my eyes nothing was ever good enough. This was when the depression started to kick in.

Going from one dead end job to the next, I was watching myself go into a downward spiral and at the time I didn’t have any motivation to stop myself. There were so many days where I simply couldn’t face the outside world because I didn’t believe I was good enough to do so. Most days I managed to put my socially accepted mask of comfort on, pretending to be the person society wanted me to be. Other days were filled with complete darkness. I’d find myself questioning life, looking around wondering what it would be like if I hadn’t entered in the first place.

...FEELINGS GREW STRONGER...

As each year of high school passed, the feelings grew stronger and stronger. I would wake all hours of the night, scared, cold sweats and never wanting the next day to happen. With each new day, I would wake with a tight stomach and cold sweats, instantly thinking of how much I feared the possibility of facing another test or handing in another assignment that would result in a fail.

Continued...

I had well over a decade of mixed, unspoken emotions bottled inside. Having an extremely supportive family and friends I could have spoken with any one of them about what I was going through. Due to my nature of being extremely stubborn I chose not to speak up. Instead, I started working out how to fix and understand my situation alone. In 2016, I started writing down everything I had gone through and how it affected me. I soon became hooked on the writing, it was interesting and therapeutic. Two years later, I ended up with enough content to create a book; my personal story, released ONLY with the intention to help others, show people that they are not alone, spread

awareness and give reassurance that regardless of what you have been through, there is ALWAYS a way to change, improve and better your situation.

I failed every aspect of school, struggle with spelling, punctuation and grammar. However, my determination to help others created the fuel I needed to prove myself wrong and fight my demons by writing a book. To this day, I still pinch myself in disbelief.

If I was to do it all over, the ONLY thing I would change would be to SPEAK UP and talk about what I was going through.

To follow my journey and or read my book (available late February/early March of 2019) head to my website https://www.jasonbosworth.com.au/ or find me on social media Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Jasonbosworthauthor/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jason_bosworth_/

A wealth of expertise on your doorstep We provide a comprehensive wealth management service, offering specialist face-to-face advice tailored to you.

Our services include: Investment Planning Retirement Planning Inheritance Tax Planning Intergenerational Planning For further details please contact:

Andrew Skinner Wealth Management Ltd Tel: 01277 563609 Email: andrewj.skinner@sjpp.co.uk www.andrewskinnerwealth.co.uk Queen Elizabeth House, 15 Radford Crescent, Billericay, Essex CM12 0DG

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DIGITAL & SATELLITE Painter - Decorator Domestic - Commercial •

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FREE ESTIMATES Call Kevin

07928 004259

Brand New Lodge Development OPEN FULL 12 MONTHS

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East End Road, Bradwell-on-Sea, Southminster, Essex CM0 7PP

Try our special weekends Friday to Sunday £150 inclusive Self catering ideal for the over 50’s, Retirees and professional couples with all the benefits that our owners enjoy.

Situated in a quiet corner of the Blackwater conservation area...

We are a privately owned park undergoing re-development into an exclusive adult only site for those who expect quality and excellent service.

W e offer a superb range of holiday homes for sale as well as our own fleet of holiday homes for short breaks to extended holiday stays.

… “listen to the silence of nature”

BENEFITS include: Ideal for professional couples, retirees etc.• Adjacent garden and car parking bay • BT lines to most pitches • St Cedds Country Club and Lounge Bar • Laundrette • Pets welcome• Nearby shops and Take aways • Nearby golf clubs and leisure centres

C��� �� ��� �� 01621 776800 30

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Ian’s curtains & blinds

Curtains | Tracks & Poles | Roman Blinds | Roller Blinds Vertical Blinds | Venetian Blinds | Wooden Blinds Pattern books also available.

FREE QUOTE - Call today on 01268 976779 | Mobile: 07743562384 ian.dipple@yahoo.com | www.ianscurtainsandblinds.co.uk

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: office@timminspsl.co.uk www.timminspsl.co.uk Unit 15 Cockridden Farm Estate, Brentwood, Essex CM13 3LH

SAFER! SAFER! SAFER! SAFER! Carpets Direct SAFER! FASTER! FASTER! FASTER! FASTER! Guaranteed Lowest Prices FASTER! BETTER! BETTER! BETTER! BETTER!

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Steve for a no-obligation quote on: or email:Call info@superGutterVac.co.uk Call Steve for a no-obligation quote on: 01702 203577 or email: info@superGutterVac.co.uk email: info@superGutterVac.co.uk www.superguttervac.co.uk Call Steveor for a no-obligation quote on: 01702 203577 07789 954094 or Call Steve for aa no-obligation quote on: 01702 203577 Call Steve for no-obligation quote on: 0792 01702 or 07789 954094 203577

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MAYFLOWER ROTARY CLUB South Green Infant and Nursery School are a main stream school who had in 2017 an above national average of Special Needs & Disabilities [SEND] pupils. Some 18% of Infant pupils had SEND, some of these have a diagnosis whilst others do not but meet the criteria for various disorders. Needs, included Autistic Spectrum Disorder [ASD] Attention Deficit Hyperactivity ADHD], which often these go together, Speech and Language disorders and delays, Global Developmental Delay, Oppositional Defiance Disorder, Visual Impairment, Physical Impairment, medical conditions, e.g. epilepsy.

Some 9% of the Infant school were diagnosed with or awaiting diagnosis and showed signs of Autistic Spectrum Disorder [ASD]. Only 3 children in infants had funding through an Educational & Health Child Care Plan [EHCP] and two to these are ASD: 2 further children had been assessed and an EHCP granted but no funding arrived, and 7 children in Reception within the SEND group had been granted some transitional funding for one term only and evidence was being gathered to apply for assessment for further long term funding- this process can take up to a year.

Funding granted for SEND and the extra for EHCP’s does not cover the staffing on-cost for complex needs. Meeting the needs of this group of pupils will enable a more equal sharing of adult support for all pupils Want to know about Billericay Mayflower or the satellite club? Want to share productive leisure hours and play a major role in the Billericay community? Contact www.mayflowerrotary.org or secretary@mayflowerrotary.org.

BILLERICAY LIONS CLUB At a presentation at the September meeting of the Lions Club of Billericay, the wives and partners of the Lions Club members, donated £1100 to Carers Choices, who provide day care services to those in need and their carers.

All the monies were raised by their ladies from their activities over the past year, including their table top sales at the Reading Rooms in Billericay High Street.

In the photograph, Lisa Hull (left), wife of last years Club President, presented the cheque to a delighted Angela Allum, The Silver Birch Centre Manager, who thanked the ladies for all their fund raising work and said that the monies would greatly assist in the continued work of the three centres across South Essex.

For details of Lions events and tickets, or if you are interested in joining, please have a look at our website www.billericaylions.com

Looking forward, we are back into the regular routine of our monthly social/sports events and reviewing donation requests. As ever, we are looking to attract new members who are up for a bit of fun and looking to do some extra-ordinary things - things which you would not typically arrange with your normal mates! Check us out at www.facebook.com/billericayroundtable and www.billericayroundtable. co.uk or contact us directly on bepartofit@billericayroundtable.co.uk.

We would also really like to hear about any special causes which we might be able to offer monetary support for – no matter how small or large the value, we treat all cases individually and in confidence. We are a registered charity and have been able to help many local people over the years and we want to continue so – please check out the request form here: www. billericayroundtable.co.uk/funding

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• Fully Licensed Drivers • Over 20 years experience • Full range of vehicles

Airport City* Stansted Gatwick Heathrow* Luton Southend

Car £45 £55 £65 £80 £80 £30

Bus £65 £70 £85 £100 £100 £40

This is for the CM11, CM12 post code areas *An additional charge of £5 will be made for pick ups only from Heathrow and City

24 Hour Mobile: 07818044133 Email: info@nikitasairporttransfers.com

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company in the area

• We are a pre-booked service • Fully licensed local drivers • Over 20 years experience • Courtesy call the night before •

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Driveways | Patios | Decking | Fencing | Turfing Maintenance | Artificial Lawns | Pergolas | Outdoor Rooms

• Dry Cleaning • Ironing Service • Wash and Iron Service • Shirt Service • Specialist Duvet Cleaning • Curtain and Home Furnishings

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01277 821 616 82 Church Lane, Doddinghurst, Brentwood CM15 0NG

IT’S OUR BIRTHDAY WEEK BEGINNING 18TH MARCH

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37

STREET PASTOR Caring listening helping

Street Pastors have continued to patrol Billericay High Street every Friday and Saturday night from 9pm using our safe hub at St Marys church which is a great community asset looked after by the local Church of England leadership. Its a very good strategic location for us to be able to operate from and we are very grateful for being allowed to continue in this way. As most of the readers know we go our to Help, Care and Listen to people with no other agenda than that.

We are all local people who attend one of the local Christian churches. We recruit from those churches as the whole ethos of Street Pastors is about doing what we believe Jesus would encourage us to do. “Go Out� and help our fellow man. We pray about what we do and remain sensitive to peoples needs but we do not preach or evangelise to anyone as this is not the reason for going out.

We are supported by the local Council and Police in what we try and do and in no way would we want to do anything that may be considered as detrimental to the Night Time Economy. We Care abot everyone we meet but that does not mean we go out looking for problems so we can help. So if everything is going

well for everyone that is great. Nor do we go to other Towns and adopt their problems or issues and bring them back to our Town. We only seek to Help where we can. This month we have mainly found that due to post Christmas financial issues and the weather it has been mainly about listening to people who are going through rough patches in life and trying to be a helpful encouragement to those who are struggling with Health and Mental Health issues.

Our Schools Pastors continue to build relationships with the young people and staff at Billericay School and our Rail Pastors continue to help out on Greater Anglia Rail Route.

We are now recruiting so if anyone is interested please email Billericay@streetpastors.org.uk or follow us on Facebook or Twitter where more information will be release.

NUMBER PLATE FOR SALE!

SP11 RSS CONTACT

01277 658444 adamyoung5@hotmail.co.uk

ALL SENSIBLE OFFERS CONSIDERED

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at

ST MARY MAGDALEN

“The Church in the High Street”

10am - 4.30pm s Saturday th

12 y r a u n Ja th 9 y Februar th 6 1 h c r a M th 7 2 l i Ap r

£10 Manicures Quality handcrafted gifts Handmade Chutneys and pickles Handmade bears and toys Dolls’ clothes E! OR Jewellery and M Cards …

More info from Pauline Randall: 07939 102945; paulinerandall@aol.com

I

f you’re looking for a fun activity for the whole family, look no further than Wear A Hat Day. The annual fundraising event takes place on Friday 29th March and the Brain Tumour Research charity needs your help to make it the biggest, boldest and hattiest EVER! There are lots of ways you can take part whilst also helping an important cause. Put your thinking caps on and get involved – anything from a hatty fashion show and making Easter bonnets, to hosting a bake sale and going on a #Hattastic walkabout.

Involve as many of your family, friends and work colleagues as possible - the bigger, the better and the more, the merrier – just don’t forget your hat!

By taking part, you’ll be helping to raise vital funds for research into brain tumours. Wear A Hat Day was launched in 2010 so 2019 is its 10th year!

Over the years, it has raised over £1 million − money that helps Brain Tumour Research fund its four UK Research Centres, raise awareness of this devastating disease and influence the Government and larger cancer charities to invest more nationally

40

in research for brain tumours.

Brain tumours are indiscriminate and can affect anyone at any age. What’s more, they kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer, yet historically just 1% of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to this devastating disease.

Brain Tumour Research is determined to change this and has laid solid foundations on which to build progress towards finding a cure. But there is still a great deal of work to be done and funds are urgently needed to keep the research going.

Please help make the 10th Wear A Hat Day the biggest and best EVER, and smash all previous records!

Get your FREE fundraising pack today www.wearahatday.org TOGETHER we will find a cure.

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(ESSEX)Limited (ESSEX)Limited

ALL BUILDING TRADES CATERED FOR & SMALL WORKS UNDERTAKEN

A Company Who Cares with Local Staff MONDAY – SATURDAY (ESSEX)Limited 7AM TO 8PM

Estimates for all insurance works Internal walls/external walls removed Concrete paths,driveways, block paving All Plastering ceilings and walls New bathrooms /toilets and showers trays Patios & Concrete repair work undertaken All Decorating & wallpapering Roof repairs / ridge tiles, re-bedded renewed Drain works, repairs, renewal, manhole covers Rendering and Monocouche render Felting /flat roofs strip and re-felt R.S.J and lintels installed Fencing works and concrete, timber posts UPVC Fascias and soffits Floor sanding/ hardwood /Karndean flooring UPVC double glazing windows and doors Wall and floor tiling bathroom and kitchens Garage conversions & Alterations Guttering repairs & renewals Velux windows supplied & fitted Electrical fault finding Tiling floor & wall / Establish 25years All Electrical works re-wires Strip & Re-felting tiled roofs testing & inspections Scaffolding supplied & fitted • New Consumer units fitted /new sockets • Brickwork /Chimney stacks /pointing & removal Kitchen supplied /fitted /alterations to kitchens • • • • • • • • • • • •

Electrical and plumbing works 6year warranty u.p.v.c works doors & windows 10yearwarrant Home pro free Insurance backed guarantee (subject to contract) Fully insured /employers /public liability and contract insurance Free Estimates & Advice References of current clients given on Estimate

Please phone or Email:- Balanceandco@aol.com Web site :- balanceandcoessexltd.co.uk Email:- Balanceandco@aol.com Head office 53 Rhoda Road North Benfleet Essex SS7 3EH Head office tel no 01268794552/ 01268750138 01277 800143 Web site :- balanceandcoessexltd.co.uk Email:- Balanceandco@aol.com

If you would like to discuss any items please phone or e-mail:- All works double glazing works and UPVC carry a 10 year warranty All minor works up to £ 10,000.00 Have a 12month warranty Major building up to £100,000.00 carry a 60 months warranty Electrical works & plumbingHead 6 yearoffice warranty Other Road information wanted :-Essex Napit Certification Company(Nap/28738, Electrical NICEIC number ID/ 53 Rhoda Northif Benfleet SS7 3EH Head office tel no 01268794552/ 01268750138 D114220 ID 28236 Fair Trades 267797 register under fair and trades number Insurance as public If you would Fensa like toNumber discuss any items/please phoneNumber or e-mail:All Trust worksmark double glazing works UPVC carry a 10 yearcover warranty liability for min 5 million with contract works per job 100,000(Balance and Company ESSEX Ltd reg Number 10227772) All minor works up to £ 10,000.00 Have a 12month warranty Major building up to £100,000.00 carry a 60 months warranty Electrical works

MENTION AROUND TOWN MAGAZINES WHEN BOOKING

& plumbing 6 year warranty Other information if wanted :- Napit Certification Company(Nap/28738, Electrical NICEIC number ID/ D114220 Fensa Number ID 28236 / Fair Trades Number 267797 Trust mark register under fair trades number Insurance cover as public liability for min 5 million with contract works per job 100,000(Balance and Company ESSEX Ltd reg Number 10227772)

Web site :- balanceandcoessexltd.co.uk Email:- Balanceandco@aol.com Head office 53 Rhoda Road North Benfleet Essex SS7 3EH Head office tel no 01268794552/ 01268750138

If you would like to discuss any items please phone or e-mail:- All works double glazing works and UPVC carry a 10 year warranty All minor works up to £ 10,000.00 AROUND Have a 12month warrantyMAGAZINE Major building up to £100,000.00 carry a 60 monthsTO warranty Electrical works PLEASE MENTION TOWN WHEN RESPONDING ADVERTS & plumbing 6 year warranty Other information if wanted :- Napit Certification Company(Nap/28738, Electrical NICEIC number ID/ D114220 Fensa Number ID 28236 / Fair Trades Number 267797 Trust mark register under fair trades number Insurance cover as public

41

Basildon & Billericay U3A ub Monthly Meeting (4th Friday) 2.30pm-4pm. Canon Roche Centre (behind the Catholic Church) Laindon Road, Billericay CM12 9LL. The speaker on 22nd March will be Arthur Brooks on the subject of “A Taste of Music Halls” Members free, guests £2. Light refreshments are provided and visitors are welcome.

Limited parking available.

Telephone: 07960 654707 Membershipu3a18@gmail.com Website: http://u3asites.org.uk/bb As at today we have a Speaker for 26th April 2019 but no subject Billericay Bowling Club Billericay Bowling Club in Lake Meadows Park are once again holding an Open Day on Sunday 5th May 2019 from 10.00am 3.00pm when anybody interested in trying their hand at the game of bowls is welcome to come along. All that is asked is that flat shoes or trainers are worn so that they can go on the green. This will be followed by four Come and Try sessions on Tuesday 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th May. Attendance of every date is not required.

The club will provide refreshments, and members to give advice and guidance. If you would like to give it a try then contact Brian or Jenny Hyland on 01268 410883 or 07941 977338(jenny mobile) for more information.

Basildon & District Ramblers Club The group meets every Saturday at 2.00pm. The Saturday walks are 4-5 miles with a rest halfway, we have some longer walks on other days. New members are welcome and membership is

42

only £6 per year which includes all walks. See our website www. basildonanddistrictrambling club.btck.co.uk for full details Belvedere Jazz & Music Club Admission £12.50 Meals Available www.belvederejazz.co.uk Tel: 07850 607075 or email: belvederejazz@gmail.com The Chichester Hotel Old London Road Rawreth, SS11 8UE Billericay Choral Society Billericay Choral Society are pleased to announce details of their Spring concert on Saturday 16th March 2019 at 7.30pm at the United Reformed Church, 99 Chapel Street, Billericay. The choir will be singing Vivaldi’s Gloria and also Music from the Masters, including Zadok The Priest and Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring.

Further details of the concert can be obtained now from Chris Kempson on 01277 656443.

Tickets for the Choir’s first concert in 2019, remain modestly priced at £10 and can be obtained from the following outlets: Brown Sugar/ Slipped Discs , 57-59 High Street, Billericay (01277 631422; by phone from Maggie Kingston on 01277 625667 and by email from dougnewlyn@tiscali.co.uk.

Tickets will also be available at the door on the night. Interval refreshments will be served.

Billericay Operatic Society Billericay Operatic Society will be performing Betty Blue Eyes at the Brentwood Theatre between the 19th and 23rd of March 2018.

For tickets and more information

contact Bev on 01277 650672 or visit our website https://www. ticketsource.co.uk/billops Breathing Space If you have breathing problems and would enjoy an hour of exercise once a week to improve your Lung function and get fit come along and join a friendly group on Tuesday morning. We have two sessions to choose from, one 11 am to 1 o clock and one from 1 o’clock to 2 30.it costs £6 for exercise and tea and bicuits. We meet at the Emanualle church hall Laindon Road Billericay. Come and join us we will be pleased to see you Ring Honorie on 079777 10009 Brentwood Wine Society Shenfield Parish Hall 8pm - 10pm 2nd Tuesday of the Month Our aim is to help members improve their understanding and enjoyment of wine. Wine experts present wines from different countries or regions. Our tastings encourage a broadened interest, leading to a deeper knowledge and love of wine. If you would like to come along, in the first instance for a free tasting email stephen.hill33@btopenworld. com or tel. 07776031747 Charities Table Sale Billericay United Reformed Church are holding a Charities Tables Sale on Saturday 16 March from 9.30 a.m. to 12 noon at the Mayflower Hall, Chapel Street, Billericay. Come along and enjoy yourselves. There will be items for sale to raise money for local and national charities.

Items for sale will include cakes, jams, handicraft, toiletries, jewellery,

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as Django Reinhardt, Jimi Hendrix, Wes Montgomery, Peter Green and Led Zeppelin.

books, bric a brac, greeting cards and refreshments will also be available. All welcome.

Hedges on 01277 231367 or Fiona Agassiz on 01277 230436.

Chelmsford Jazz Club

We meet on the first Tuesday of the month at Hall & Co/Gems in the back room at 10:00 am.

We are a mixture of levels and welcome new members. Email Sian on sianthom@hotmail.com

Tickets £12.00 Such is the demand for tickets it will NOT be café layout The Fold, 72 Laindon Road, Billericay CM12 9LD Tel. 01277659286

Hartbeeps

Norsey Wood Society will be holding our next free open meeting on Monday 18 March in The Fold, 72 Laindon Road, Billericay (car park behind Reid’s) starting at 7.45pm. John Taylor, a volunteer with the Bumblebee Conservation Trust, will present an illustrated Talk titled, ‘Bumblebees - their Life and Conservation.’

Cramphorn Theatre Chelmsford Doors open: 11.45am Gig starts: 12.15pm Advance booking: 01245 606505 £12 / £16 Sunday 14th April Matt Wates (sax) Leon Greening (piano) Julian Bury (bass) Matt Fishwick (drums) Gone Too Soon - 18th March Bereavement Support for Parents who have lost a Son or Daughter, all ages. Monthly meetings are held on the third Monday of each month, at Reids, 66-68 Laindon Road, Billericay CM12 9LD from 7.00 p.m - 9.00 p.m There is ample free parking. For further details please contact Lyn on 07387 805406 or email lyn-currie@hotmail.co.uk www.gonetoosoon.online Essex Wildlife Trust The Nature Reserve and Historic Gardens at Warley Place, Great Warley will be open every weekend from Saturday 23rd February to Sunday 7th April.

Volunteers will be on hand to provide guidance on the above days from 10.30 am to 4.30 pm, weather permitting.

Guided walks are available on Saturday mornings at 10.30 am.

Large groups should please book in advance, suggested donation £4.00 per person. The post code for Warley Place is CM13 3HU and is located on Warley Road adjacent to the Thatchers Arms public house. For further information please contact Mick

Halls Writers Group

Hartbeeps Classes for babies and toddlers featuring: Music, Puppets, Laughter and Fun! Classes at Beaulieu Community Centre on Wednesday and Thursday’s during term time.

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Norsey Wood Society

Book now: www.bookeo.com/ hartbeepschelmsford Find us on Facebook (Hartbeeps Chelmsford, Billericay, Burnham & SWF) Contact Charlene for more information 07791138077 charlene@hartbeeps.com

Everyone welcome.

E-mail our new address norseywoodsociety1977@gmail. com or telephone Ken on 01277651125 if more detail required.

Visit norseywoodsociety.uk to find out more about the wood and the Society.

Jazz at OB’s

Sing and Sign

Last Tuesday each Month appearing with resident rhythm trio from 8 til 10:30pm 26th March - An Evening with Ella & Louis with Hilary Cameron, keys & vocals and Paul Higgs, trumpet.

Sing and Sign is the original baby signing programme still going strong in its’ 20th year.

www.jazzatobs.co.uk Admission £10.00.

Old Brentwood’s Club, Ashwells Road, Brentwood. CM15 9SE. Tel. 01277 624016 Jazz at the Fold Saturday 11 May 7.30 REMI HARRIS Jazz & Blues Guitarist Remi Harris is an exciting guitarist from the UK whose unique style draws inspiration from artists such

It is simple in its’ approach, drawing on the value of music to establish the building blocks of speech and language development whilst nurturing a quite incredible connection between parent and baby.

If you would like more information please email me at martinebrockman@singandsign. co.uk or you can find us online at www.sasessex.co.uk. We are on Facebook too at www.facebook. com/singsignessex.

If you would like to promote your club or event for Mar/Apr 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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If you need posters, no matter what for, please get in touch.

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USEFUL NUMBERS POLICE Billericay Police Station

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

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

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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

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0870 6082608 08457 484950

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