Ingatestone, Fryerning & Mountnessing Parish News Magazine Issue 12 February 2024

FE Y AR U BR 24 20

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Ingatestone, Fryerning & Mountnessing Parish News Magazine

Another Year Exploring Community with Ingatestone, Fryerning, and Mountnessing Parish News!

In the blink of an eye, we are already in February! Time flies when you’re having fun!

Plenty of fun was had over Christmas – inside we take a quick look back at the brand-new Chequers Christmas event which was a fantastic day supporting independent traders and the breast cancer charity CoppaFeel!. In celebration of the New Year’s a fantastic walk took place from Ingatestone’s Market Place – a few photos shown within to give you an idea of what to expect and of course dates for your diary so you don’t miss the next one!

Within this issue we embrace the essence of February with some vibrant Chinese New Year Recipes, February gardening tips and some DIY ideas for Valentine’s Day. Discover the allure of Essex through the lens of Ingatestone & District Camera Club, and learn more about Essex Year of Numbers.

Let’s come together as a community to learn, celebrate diversity, and nurture growth in this issue of Ingatestone, Fryerning, and Mountnessing Parish News!

Don’t forget, as well as being available to read online, 3,500 copies are printed and delivered through the doors every month!

As you read this, we are preparing the March issue so please ensure any articles are submitted via the email below before 11th February!

Editor of Ingatestone, Fryerning & Mountnessing Parish News

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enquiries@community-publishing.org A huge thank you to Doug Place for his photo entitled “Field Path to Ingatestone Hall” which is on our front cover

Our thanks go out to all of the fantastic local businesses for supporting the magazine by advertising.

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New Year’s Day Walk Every year there is a social walk from Ingatestone’s Market Place at 10am on New Year’s Day (and one on Boxing Day too).

This year, probably because of the weather (rain forecast), only six intrepid walkers turned up for the Writtle Forest and The Viper (only such named pub in the UK) walk. Around 5 miles on quiet roads, footpaths and bridleways; but all very, very wet after days of rain!

Lost

Towards Beggar Hill

As the photos show the walk was via Fryerning Lane to Beggar Hill then turned right (by the Old Beer House) to Mapletree and then Lane-Deerslade Wood to the Viper. After a few well-deserved drinks the return leg was through fields to Harding’s Lane then via Alpacas and “The Camille Way‘’ to Little Hyde Lane and back to the village. Wet and boggy, but fun, Christmas and New Year’s meals were certainly walked off and it didn’t rain!

The Camille Way (part of the Mill Green Circular walk) is named after the World War II Pilot Officer, Camille Robespierre Bon Seigneur from Gull Lake Saskatchewan who crashed and died there on 3rd September 1940, aged 22.

Into the Writtle Woods

Make a note of the dates for next year’s Boxing Day and New Year’s Day social walks both at 10am Market Place, Ingatestone – maybe we will see you there?

The Old Beer House All photos credited to Freddie Norton

Woods geting close to the Viper

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Chequers Christmas Event An exciting new event was held in front of the Ginger Tree and Kennadys on 23rd December, in support of the High Street independent traders and & the breast cancer charity CoppaFeel!.

There was music by Simply Sax, a Champagne Bar run by Eleanor and Aimee from The Star, plus a Christmas Teddy Bear trail by The Travel Boutique, carols around the Christmas Tree led by Charlie Staunton of Echo Studios, a crape and waffle stall and a Live Raffle in aid of CoppaFeel! the breast cancer charity, with a chance to win 5 nights at a Luxury Five Star Hotel, the MarBella in Corfu!

The event was sponsored by The Travel Boutique, Kennadys, The Star at Ingatestone, The Ginger Tree and the Brentwood Business Partnership.

The event really livened up the Market Place section of Ingatestone, with many shoppers taking part, using the bar for a rest and the wonderful smell of crepes wafted down the High Street. Can’t wait until December this year!

All photos credited to Freddie Norton

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Ingatestone, Fryerning & Mountnessing Parish News

Eight more projects benefit from grant funding Eight more organisations will receive grants to launch projects designed to improve the mental and physical health of residents in Essex.

The projects will receive grants from our Public Health Accelerator Bids (PHAB) small grants programme.

The latest round will see the projects benefit from a total of £87,556.

The successful organisations are: • Hadleigh Park Cycles, Castle Point: to partner with NHS organisations, the Salvation Army and local schools to promote and provide activities that support healthy lifestyle choices.

Other organisations will be able to signpost people with poor physical or mental health to activities.

• Open Road, Tendring: to employ an engagement coordinator to support an open access service for those with dependency or misuse issues who are more susceptible to poor health.

• Acorn Village, Tendring: to create a walk and talk wellbeing project, a one-year programme to help adults with learning disabilities with the management of their long-term conditions.

• Muscle Mind Care CIC, Colchester: to offer free fitness classes for pregnant women and new dads facing mental health and health challenges. The classes focus on tackling health inequalities by targeting those with high BMI, gestational diabetes, PND, and preeclampsia.

• The Country Trust, Harlow: to host a year of immersive food discovery sessions for three Harlow schools – including one alternative provision for children with complex needs.

• Brighter Opportunities for Special People, Basildon: to host 140 out and about sessions in the community for children and young people with disabilities. These will provide 840 places and 4,896 hours of specialist support with fun, developmental and educational activities out in the community.

• Enterprise East Group CIC, Uttlesford: to run a series of weekly workshops covering topics of healthy eating, diet, exercise, and nutrition. These will include practical cooking lessons, led by trained chefs, which will teach participants how to plan and cook healthier meals on a regular basis.

• Divine Assembly Ministries (Boaz Project), Colchester: to run a project promoting positive health behaviours, focusing on improving both physical and mental health in Greenstead, particularly women and girls.

PHAB offers organisations the opportunity to bid for funding across two grant funding streams - small grants and major grants over £15,000.

Applications for the small grants scheme will be paused from Monday 15th January to Monday 12th February. Following this date, organisations will be able to bid for funding of up to £7,500 for their projects.

Find out more and apply for PHAB funding atwww.essex.gov.uk/phab

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Ingatestone, Fryerning & Mountnessing Parish News

Mountnessing Village Hall Situated by the Mountnessing Windmill, Mountnessing Village Hall is a lovely busy community hall which is also available to hire for private events.

Please see our website mountnessingvillagehall.com or email Dawn Parker on booking@mountnessingvillagehall.com for booking information.

Some of the regular activities are as follows:

Mountnessing Senior Citizens Club

This group meets on the second and fourth Thursday of the month at 2pm in the Village Hall.

It’s an extremely casual, friendly meeting where you can get to chat to friends old and new over a cup of tea.

We have bingo and a raffle and an easy quiz to kick things off. New members made very welcome.

For more details contact Sue 07974 174713

Brentwood Organ & Keyboard Club

Join us at our monthly concerts on Tuesday afternoons (usually the fourth Tuesday) at Mountnessing Village Hall. Concerts are performed by a different professional every month using their own keyboard system which gives them a whole orchestra at their fingertips. Many styles and genres are played at each concert - jazz, easy listening, classical, pop, big band, swing, film themes, songs from musicals etc.

Something for everyone to enjoy. Concerts start at 2:15pm (doors 1:45pm). Entry at the door is £5 for members, £7 for guests (cash please) including interval refreshments.

See www.organfax.co.uk/clubs/ brentwood or call Jean on 01277 824380 Tuesday 27th February – Andrew Nix Tuesday 26th March – Pete Shaw

Little City

Roleplay adventure for kids on the fourth Wednesday morning of the month. Please contact Lucy Huartson 07823 322296 or email lucy@littlecityuk.com

Little Monkees Play Arena

Meet every Friday through term time for 4 months to 3 years.

Call 01277 211065 or 07837 170602 Email info@littlemonkees.com

Billericay Mayflower Bridge Club

Meet on a Tuesday evening from 7pm.

Please contact John McCoy 07474 267160

Learn to salsa

Monday evenings with Salsa Chillout, giving Mondays that Friday feeling. Come solo or with friends, beginners to advanced levels welcome. Arrive 7:30pm to start warm up at 7:50pm, Salsa at 8pm to 9pm followed by a social dance until 11pm Call 07974 123567 or visit the website www.salsachillout.co.uk

Moore Art

This art group is a former watercolour landscape class that lost its teacher several years ago, and have carried on as a group without tuition. We develop on our own and support each other in different projects. Some members do pictures, some do cards or both. It is a very sociable group and we usually get together for a meal at Christmas. Meetings are every Wednesday afternoons.

Please contact Leila on 07790 288209 email leilamoore@hotmail.co.uk

Shaftesbury Cycling Club

Meet every Wednesday evening. Please contact Laurence Bellamy on 07825 686998 We also have a number of activities lead by the Shenfield U3A, including singing, art classes.

Please contact Gill Bitschine by email on gillbits@btinternet.com

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Send it to enquiries@community-publishing.org for consideration!* *preferably above 1mb file size

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Cloudy2Clear, A Local Service, Saving You Money.

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values have been held dear for a number of years. Since starting the business some years ago Cloudy2Clear have remained true to their core values of supporting the local community by providing a service that saves the public money.

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Ingatestone & District Camera Club Happy New Year!!

We are an active Camera Club based in the village of Ingatestone. Our core membership is made up of both experienced photographers and those new to photography. We meet in person between September and May on Friday evenings at 8pm at the pavilion at Seymour Field, New Road, Ingatestone, CM14 0HH.

The subjects of our competitions are either open or themed and can be prints (both mono and colour) or digital images.

The digital images accompanying this edition scored very highly in our themed competition recently, the theme for which was ‘Leading Lines’. Photographs can be taken on cameras, phones, tablets, etc.

Our meetings are varied with photographic competitions, talks, given by both outside speakers and members, as well as practical evenings. For instance, during January, we had a talk by Steve Hedges about Photoshop layers and how to adjust photographs using Photoshop.

Established members are always pleased to share their skills with others as well as being open to new ideas.

To find out about our upcoming programme, please visit our website at www.ingatestonecamera.club We would welcome you whether you are a beginner or more accomplished and invite you to join us for 3 free meetings to get to know us and consider joining our club.

Why don’t you just come along one Friday evening?

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Ingatestone, Fryerning & Mountnessing Parish News

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3 4

1 - Simon Farr entitled “Follow the Channels” 2 - Jacqueline Simmonds entitled “Into the Light” 3 - Doug Place entitled “Field Path to Ingatestone Hall” 4 - Peter Ball entitled “Knightstone Island, Weston-super-Mare”

Top tips for keeping costs down on families. If you are concerned about how to afford professional representation, here are some top tips: • Send questions to your solicitor in one email, rather than across several emails – this will be quicker for your solicitor to deal with and therefore cheaper for you.

• Make notes of anything you would like to discuss with your solicitor – this will focus the conversation.

• Keep communications with your ex-partner as amicable as possible. If you can work together and avoid court that will applications, save you both a amount of money.

• Ask a counsellor to provide emotional support.

Dispute Resolution?

Court proceedings are usually the most expensive option.

There are other options to consider…

Agreeable: instruct the same solicitor to advise you both.

Arbitration: ask an arbitrator to resolve a discrete issue, or the dispute as a whole.

Collaborative practice: discuss matters with your specially trained solicitors at round-table meetings.

Early Neutral Evaluation: ask an experienced barrister to indicate what the court would do, then focus your discussions.

Mediation: narrow the issues and discuss options with the help of a mediator.

Solicitor-led negotiation: ask solicitors to negotiate on your behalf.

Louise Buttery is our specialist family law solicitor in Chelmsford, advising clients in Essex, London and nationwide.

Louise Buttery:

01376 653149 / 07423 631288 louise@familylawpartners.co.uk

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Ingatestone, Fryerning Ongoing investment in buses in Essex

Essex County Council have confirmed ongoing investment in a large network of bus services in Essex.

The council subsidise around 15% of bus services in the county because they are not commercially viable. These noncommercial services mainly operate in rural areas, at less popular times for travel and provide vital journeys for residents.

Last year a consultation was held asking residents views on these services.

Residents highlighted strong support for local services and highlighted the essential role they play in people’s lives.

As a result of the consultation, over 150 routes will continue, with new contracts to be procured. Some will be replaced with the DigiGo service, and seven will cease because they are low use. Most of the changes will happen in July 2024 when contracts expire.

Find out more about the consultation results and the future of these bus services at cmis.essex.gov.uk/essexcmis5/ Decisions/tabid/78/ctl/ViewCMIS_ DecisionDetails/mid/422/Id/9815/ Default.aspx

a new film hoping to inspire everyone to reduce food waste.

The story follows an apple who wants to be eaten. In the first film ‘What a Waste!’, Apple ends up in a general waste bin without fulfilling his destiny of being eaten. In the sequel, ‘Apple-y Ever After’, he gets a second chance.

Councillor Peter Schwier, Climate Czar and Essex County Council Cabinet Member for Environment, Waste Reduction and Recycling, said: “Making the most of the food we grow and buy is something everyone can do to help save money and reduce the cost and impact of managing Essex‘s waste. We hope these fun films will encourage residents to reduce food waste.”

The two videos mark the launch and the end of the Love Essex, Love Food campaign, dedicated to reducing food waste in Essex.

The release of the Apple-y ever after video is an invitation for everyone to think of alternatives, before getting rid of food.

You can watch Apple-y Ever After via www.youtube.com/ watch?v=Xa4pntCwgE8

DigiGo service extended to March 2026

New Essex County Council animation on food waste

Every year, food wasted in UK homes is enough to fill Wembley Stadium to the brim eight times over. Love Essex and Deadline Communications have released

The Essex County Council on-demand public transport service DigiGo will run until at least March 2026.

DigiGo first launched in April 2022 as part of a two-year pilot scheme. This was funded by the Department for Transport’s Rural Mobility Fund.

The on-demand service currently operates in parts of Essex. Following the extension, the service will now run until at least March 2026. After this, a further extension

& Mountnessing into 2028 will be considered.

DigiGo operates flexibly, with bookings made via the TravelEssex app. Bookings can be made in advance or booked on-demand. Payment is made via the app, with a guaranteed seat and real-time vehicle tracking.

Rural and suburban areas now have a public transport service that better meets their needs, is more available than traditional fixed services and enables them to access key services that were previously inaccessible. Continued use and support paves the way for an extension into 2028.

Information from the pilot will inform any future rollout to other areas of Essex.

Find out more about DigiGo via www.travelessex.co.uk/about-demandresponsive-transport/ddrt

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service urges motorists to park considerately

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service (ECFRS) is urging motorists to take extra care when parking their vehicles, so they do not prevent fire engines from attending potentially life-threatening emergencies.

Over the last few months, the Service has experienced delays in travelling to incidents due to poor parking blocking vital access routes for fire engines.

Colchester, Harlow and Southend are some of the areas that have been flagged as hotspots for people parking their vehicles poorly.

Station Manager Nick Singleton said: “The safety of our communities is our top priority, and it is important that people understand the direct impact their parking choices can have on our ability to respond to incidents rapidly.

19 “Every second counts in an emergency, and blocking access routes can lead to potentially life-threatening delays.

“We’re asking everyone to check their surroundings before they leave their vehicle.

Think - are you parked on a narrow road where emergency access is crucial or are you blocking a fire hydrant? If the answer is yes, then you need to move your vehicle.”

Positive start for mental health response car in Mid and South Essex

A dedicated new vehicle to help respond to mental health incidents is already making a positive difference in Mid and South Essex since its launch.

The Mental Health Joint Response Car was launched in April 2023. The East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAST) provides the vehicle and emergency clinicians, with mental health professionals from Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (EPUT) also joining the team.

The scheme is supported by the Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board, and is yet another example of effective joint working across the NHS to improve patient outcomes.

Latest figures show that the service is already having an impact on how EEAST responds to mental health emergencies, with approximately five patients a day receiving help from the joint response vehicle. As of 10th December 2023, 1,160 individual patients have been helped by this dedicated service. The service is also helping to reduce pressure on Accident & Emergency departments too, with 83% of patients who were seen face to face by the Mental Health Joint Response Car avoiding the need to go to hospital.

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Ingatestone, Fryerning & Mountnessing Parish News

Family-Friendly Twists on Takeaway Classics in time for Chinese New Year Celebrations Embrace the spirit of Chinese New Year with these delightful and easy-to-make recipes!

Infused with traditional takeaway flavours, yet designed with a family-friendly twist, these dishes promise to add a touch of festive flair to your celebrations. From sweet and tangy Sweet and Sour Chicken to flavour-packed Vegetable Chow Mein, these recipes are perfect for celebrating Chinese New Year with loved ones while enjoying delicious homemade Chinese-inspired meals.

Sweet and Sour Chicken Ingredients 400g chicken breast, diced 1 red pepper, diced 1 green pepper, diced 1 onion, diced 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 cup pineapple chunks 3 tbsp ketchup 2 tbsp rice vinegar 2 tbsp soy sauce 2 tbsp brown sugar 1 tbsp cornstarch 1 tbsp vegetable oil Salt and pepper to taste Cooked rice for serving

Vegetarian Chow Mein Ingredients 250g egg noodles 2 tbsp sesame oil 1 onion, sliced 2 carrots, julienned 1 red pepper, sliced 100g mushrooms, sliced 2 cups shredded cabbage 3 tbsp soy sauce 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional for vegetarian version) 1 tsp sugar Salt and pepper to taste Spring onions for garnish

Method 1. In a bowl, mix ketchup, rice vinegar, soy sauce, brown sugar, and cornstarch. Set aside.

2. Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned. Remove and set aside.

3. In the same pan, sauté garlic, onion, and peppers until tender.

4. Add the cooked chicken back to the pan, along with pineapple chunks and the sauce mixture. Stir well.

5. Cook for a few minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken and vegetables.

6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve hot over cooked rice.

Method 1. Cook chow mein noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

2. Heat sesame oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add onion, carrots, pepper, mushrooms, and cabbage. Stir-fry for a few minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.

3. Add cooked noodles to the pan along with soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), sugar, salt, and pepper. Toss well to combine.

4. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until the noodles are heated through and well-coated with the sauce.

5. Garnish with chopped spring onions and serve hot.

Ingatestone, Fryerning & Mountnessing Parish News Vegan Crispy Tofu with Garlic Sauce Ingredients 400g firm tofu, drained and cubed 3 tbsp cornstarch 2 tbsp vegetable oil 4 cloves garlic, minced 1-inch ginger, grated 2 tbsp soy sauce 1 tbsp hoisin sauce 1 tbsp rice vinegar 1 tbsp brown sugar 1 tsp sesame oil 1 spring onion, chopped (for garnish) Cooked rice or noodles for serving Method 1. Pat dry the tofu cubes with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

Toss the tofu cubes in cornstarch until evenly coated.

2. Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the tofu cubes and fry until golden and crispy.

Remove and set aside.

3. In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed. Sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant.

Stir in soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and sesame oil.

Cook until the sauce thickens slightly.

4. Add the crispy tofu to the pan and toss until well coated with the garlic sauce.

5. Serve the crispy tofu over rice or noodles. Garnish with chopped spring onions.

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Popular Chinese Spring Rolls Ingredients 12 spring roll wrappers 200g cooked vermicelli noodles 1 cup shredded cabbage 1 carrot, julienned 1 cup bean sprouts 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 tbsp soy sauce 1 tbsp sesame oil 1 tbsp vegetable oil (plus extra for frying) Salt and pepper to taste 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (as a sealing agent) Method 1. In a pan, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Sauté garlic, cabbage, carrot, and bean sprouts until tender. Add cooked vermicelli noodles, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes.

Set aside to cool.

2. Lay a spring roll wrapper on a flat surface. Spoon some of the vegetablenoodle mixture onto the wrapper and roll tightly, folding the sides in halfway through.

3. Use the cornstarch mixture to seal the edge of the wrapper.

4. Heat oil in a pan for frying. Fry the spring rolls until golden brown and crispy. Drain excess oil on paper towels.

5. Serve the Chinese spring rolls with a dipping sauce of your choice.

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Ingatestone, Fryerning & Mountnessing Parish News

Essex Police Community Choir Police choir opens up to everyone.

Having spent 34 successful years as Essex Police Choir - which has tended to make people think that they had to be in the Force, or something to do with it, to be a member - the Choir has decided to widen its appeal to the whole community.

Essex Police Community Choir will be the new name and this coincides with some internal changes to modernise their image.

Gone will be the somewhat dated uniform for ladies who will now wear their own white tops and black skirts or trousers.

Potential members will still not need to read music as the Choir rehearses pieces in a way that everyone will learn the songs quite easily. There is no audition or test for new members to pass as they will just have to be able to hold a tune.

The Choir’s repertoire includes songs from the shows and other popular items and sheet music is provided at no cost.

Because they are part of the Police family, members will still have to accept that they represent the Police and therefore need to uphold the image of Essex Police and the wider service. Whilst the Choir is totally self-sufficient, not receiving any money from the Police precept, it does have very welcome support from the force, in that it rehearses at the HQ in Chelmsford and when needed, is provided with transport.

This enables subs to be kept to a minimum - £100 for 2024 or around £2 per rehearsal for the 48 weeks a year that it meets, as opposed to most commercially run choirs who charge upwards of £6 a session, or £300 a year for just school terms.

The Choir performs around 5 or 6 concerts a year for good causes, at no cost to them, and over its life it has raised in excess of £300,000 for those charities. It also believes that it has helped put more toilets in churches than any other organisation!

Please mention Ingatestone, Fryerning & Mountnessing Parish News when responding to advertisements

Ingatestone, Fryerning & Mountnessing Parish News Choir Chairman, Tony Willson, said “These days there are many community choirs around and potential members can choose which one they feel comfortable with. However, we feel that we are missing out on a vast range of people who probably thought that they had to be working for the police in order to join. We can now say that this just isn’t so. We have thrown the doors open to anyone who wants to sing - which we all know helps our mental wellbeing. So if anyone is interested in seeing what we do, they are very welcome.”

Chief Constable and President of the Choir, BJ Harrington said “Essex Police is proud of being part of the community, so this is a great opportunity for anyone to get involved with the Choir. Being a member is an amazing way for people to enjoy singing and to get-together with like-minded people whilst giving something back to the community and raising money for good causes.”

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The Choir’s first concert as the new Community Choir was their Christmas event on Saturday 16th December with Essex Police Band at Christchurch, London Road, Chelmsford.

If anyone is interested in attending a rehearsal, they should either send details via the contact form on the Choir’s website (essexpolicechoir.co.uk), via email at membership@essexpolicechoir.co.uk or telephone Sally Low, Membership Secretary on 07966 207115 to make arrangements.

Ivy Hill Hotel

 01277 353 040  sales@ivyhillhotel.co.uk

Why not indulge a little and spoil yourself Enjoy a delicious Cream Tea or our traditional Afternoon Tea with delicate finger sandwiches, subtle savouries, fresh tasty scone, and moreish cakes.

Served daily from 12 midday until 5.30pm.

Dome Dining Come dine in style in our garden Domes whilst enjoying Full Afternoon Tea at Ivy Hill.

For further information

please call us on 01277 353040 or book a table at www.ivyhillhotel.co.uk Please mention Ingatestone, Fryerning & Mountnessin Parish News when responding to advertisements Please mention Ingatestone, Fryerning & Mountnessing Parish News when responding to advertisements

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Ingatestone, Fryerning & Mountnessing Parish News

St John’s Hall, Mountnessing St John’s Hall in Church Road, Mountnessing is available for private hire.

It is ideal for family gatherings and school class birthday parties, to a maximum of 60 people. Please contact Dawn Parker 07984 791941 for bookings. The hall also has a variety of regular activities such as:

Our classes are small and fun, supportive and respectful, and we pride ourselves in our ability to teach strong technique from a young age, and help develop those who are late starters.

Shenfield U3A

Primary Class (4-7yrs) 9:15am - 10:15am Junior Class (8-12yrs) 10:15am - 11:15am Senior Class (13-18yrs) 11:15am - 12:55pm

There’s a history group who meet on the afternoon of the first Wednesday of the month, and a canasta group meet on the first Friday afternoon of each month.

Please contact Jean Williams on 01277 228653 or email shenfieldu3amembership@outlook.com

Mountnessing Gardening Club

The garden club meet either at the hall or for garden visits on the first Thursday afternoon each month.

The next meetings are: 1st February – Ed Fairey History of the National Garden Scheme 7th March – Victoria Rudd Wildblooms and willow Just come along or contact Pam on 07761 256718

Dance classes

Saturday mornings for ages 4-18 in Tap, Ballet, Contemporary, Lyrical Jazz and Modern at St John’s Hall.

An informal and friendly dance school catering to all levels of experience and abilities, with the opportunity to participate in our annual shows!

Find out more at www.thedance-co.co.uk Contact Lydia – info@thedance-co.co.uk

Forget me not Day care

Elderly day care group offering lots of fun activities, and soft sports giving, and are designed to promote health and wellbeing to members whilst providing respite to family carers. From 10am to 3pm on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Please contact Tracy or Leah on 07940 231609 or email thefmnclub@gmail.com

Hutton Flower Club

Looking for new members for our friendly flower group 10:30am to midday on Thursday mornings.

No experience necessary just a love of flowers, coffee and a chat. Please contact Val on 07986 797287 or email valgib@tiscali.co.uk

Tutela Masonic Lodge

Meetings are every Thursday evening.

If you are interested in finding out what masonry entails or about our social and charitable activities.

Please call David Parker on 0793205174 • Village Council Meetings are held every 2nd Monday evening of each month starting at 7pm • We have a church service booked for 4th February from 8:30 am to 11am.

Ingatestone, Fryerning & Mountnessing Parish News

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Everybody needs it Sport in today’s age of stress and pressure is vital, especially for those of us who have more behind us than in front, both physically and metaphorically speaking.

Having emphasised the need for exercise, now to find a sport that suits you and what you want from it, like moderate physical and mental exercise, fresh air, team participation, with social interaction and most of all, fun.

For most of us, especially those on their own, this sounds like walking into a darkened room blindfolded, but there is a solution that will turn the light on, even for oldies like me.

I found a club that gave me everything I was looking for, on my doorstep at the rear of the Ingatestone Community Centre, and although I am still the worst player in the club despite having regular coaching and constant support from many of the members, I still love it. Perhaps it’s just me, but hand eye coordination is not my best asset, maybe I should go back to Morris Dancing, deep cave exploration and free fall jumping from the sides of skyscrapers, but as a pensioner my knees are just not up to it anymore.

So back to my club in Ingatestone and now my first love, bowling, yes, a game that gives one everything including members that support even me.

So next time you feel the need to get out and about and have a lot of fun without taking your clothes off, come and give us a visit. We would love to see you at our Newby’s Sunday morning sessions at 10am at Ingatestone Bowling Club at the rear of the car park at Ingatestone Community Centre, during the whole of May at the beginning of our bowling season.

For those of us that are retired this is just another turning on the road of life to be enjoyed. Have a look at our website. www.ingatestonebowlsclub.co.uk And now that the local Parish Council have contributed towards a new pumping system, we will be ready to go at the beginning of the season.

John Woodhouse (The worst player in the club)

Ingatestone, Fryerning Fundraising Curry Lunch

Sunday 28th January, 2:00pm – 4:00pm at Nirvana Restaurant, 72 High Street, Ingatestone Come and join in with a curry lunch raising money for Remus Memorial Horse Sanctuary. Bring your family and friends along! £20.00 per person, non-refundable. 2pm for a 2:15pm start. Booking is essential.

Please contact the Sanctuary 01277 356191 for more details.

team at the beautiful Crondon Park as well as chat to our experienced local wedding suppliers ready to help plan your special day.

Set in the beautiful valley of Crondon, with stunning views across the Essex countryside and our championship golf course - Crondon Park has established an outstanding reputation as a premier venue in Essex and the UK. Free Entry & Parking plus Goody Bags for all engaged couples including a copy of An Essex Wedding Magazine.

Pre-registration is advised for speedy entry via www.countyweddingevents.com/ crondon-park-wedding-show

Upcoming Show With Ingatestone Community Cinema

Tickets are £4.00 for IFCA members and £6.00 for non-members and can be purchased from the IFCA office or call 01277 352064. Office opening hours are 10am to 1pm, Monday to Thursday.

The Fabulous Baker Boys (15) – 15th February

Crondon Park Wedding Show

Sunday 11th February, 11:00am – 3:00pm at Crondon Park

Join us at the Crondon Park Wedding Show where you will be able to speak to the

American romantic comedy-drama musical film. It follows a piano duo consisting of brothers, Jack and Frank Baker who hire an attractive singer to revive their waning career. Starring Jeff Bridges, Beau Bridges and Michelle Pfeiffer (1989). The doors open at 2pm with the film starting at 2:30pm.

Tickets are £4.00 for IFCA members and £6.00 for non-members and can be purchased from the IFCA office or call 01277 352064. Office opening hours are 10am to 1pm, Monday to Thursday.

& Mountnessing George Michael Tribute Night 2024 Saturday 9th March, doors open 7:30pm and starts 8:00pm at Ingatestone Community Centre

Welcoming Andrew Browning, Europe’s leading tribute to George Michael, along with his live band. Andrew presents the most faithful and accurate recreation of one of music’s most popular and enduring artists with a show that brings the magic of George Michael to the stage.

Tickets are £19.00 for members (from the office), £23.00 for non-members and online purchases available from www.ticketsource.co.uk/ingatestonecommunity-centre

Fearlessly Taylor – Taylor Swift Tribute Show

Wednesday 21st February, 1:00pm and 4:00pm at The Billericay Theatre

This February we welcome to The Billericay Theatre the exceptional Fearlessly Taylor.

Performing the greatest hits of pop sensation, Taylor Swift.

Shake it Off * Cruel Summer * Look What You Made Me Do * Karma * We Are Never Getting Back Together* And many more…

Performances 1pm and 4pm. Tickets £12 – call 01277 655861 or go to www.tickettailor.com/events/ thebillericaytheatre/1058127

Fryerning Fit Club

Every Tuesday, 9:30am – 10:15am at Fryerning Parish Rooms, Mill Green Road Fun HIIT workouts for all ages and fitness levels. £20 for 6 sessions - contact Nikki on 07775 721427 to reserve your place.

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Saturday Activity Club with Families in Focus Essex

Every Saturday 3:30pm – 5:30pm at Chelmsford Sports and Athletics Centre, Salerno Way, CM1 2EH

Join us and other families at the Saturday Activity Club, a weekly club open to children and young people from 0 – 25 years who have SEND. Activities include badminton, table tennis, trampolining, trikes and bikes, arts and crafts and free play.

All children and young people must be accompanied by an adult. To book email Alex Appleby, Activity Club Coordinator at alex@fifessex.org.uk

Promote Your Event Do you have an event you’d like to share with your local community?

Hosting a charity event or part of a community theatre?

Get your event featured in our What’s On sections.

Simply email any details to enquiries@community-publishing.org for consideration.

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Ingatestone, Fryerning & Mountnessing Parish News

NHS services are under severe pressure, please choose wisely The local NHS is urging people to use services wisely as health services across mid and south Essex are experiencing major pressures.

Accident and Emergency departments, the ambulance service, GP practices and community health services are all being stretched by the number of people calling on them for help. Local people are reminded that they should only call 999 for an ambulance or attend A&E for serious, life or limb-threatening conditions.

Dr Anna Davey, GP lead for Mid and South Essex ICB said:

“NHS services are under severe pressure

at the moment. This could mean longer waits for those with less serious conditions as some services, including ambulances and A&E departments, work to ensure that those with the greatest clinical need get the urgent care they need first.

“The NHS is always here when needed, but we are asking everyone to think carefully about which NHS service would be most appropriate for them at this time.

“If you need help urgently but aren’t sure

about which service you need, NHS 111, either online or on the phone, will ensure you get the right care and treatment.”

There are a number of ways for people to get health advice and care if they, a family member or a friend feel ill: • Visit the NHS website – for advice and information. It covers thousands of illnesses and conditions: www.nhs.uk

• Visit a pharmacy – for expert advice and low-cost medicines to ease symptoms and help treat your condition. Every area has a late opening pharmacy and most have consulting rooms where people can ask for advice in private. Go to www.nhs.uk to find your nearest open pharmacist.

• Contact your GP practice – GP practices have a range of staff to assess and treat patients. Local residents can visit their practice website or call them to get help.

• Visit www.111.nhs.uk or call 111 – for free, round the clock help when GP surgeries are closed, when it’s an urgent but not a life-threatening 999 situation, or for those who are unsure where to go to get the right help for their medical condition. NHS 111 can advise and even book you an appointment with the out-of-hours GP. They can also advise on late-opening pharmacies, minor injuries units, mental health help or urgent care centre services. The online service or the adviser on the phone will signpost to the nearest suitable service to where you are.

• Mental health help – anyone in a mental health crisis should call NHS 111 and select option 2.

Ingatestone, Fryerning & Mountnessing Parish News

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Ingatestone, Fryerning & Mountnessing Parish News

DIY Valentines

With Christmas still leaving a hole in most people’s pockets, and January being a notably tough time for wallets and purses, why not make Valentine’s Day a bit more financially viable?

It doesn’t mean you have to lose the romantic essence of February 14th, if anything putting the time into a handcrafted gift can make it even more romantic.

Handcrafted gifts can really show just how much your other half means to you, and from baked goods to handmade cards and gifts, it adds that extra bit of charm.

They say the way to many a heart is through the stomach, and although it might not be a fact, a homemade cake or meal, that encompasses your partner’s favourite foods is a wonderful way to start the day.

Another sweet way to showcase your love and attention to detail, is filling a small box with some of your greatest memories as a couple, maybe it’s an inside joke or a funny memory you have together. These keepsake boxes send you on a romantic trip down memory lane that you can revel in together.

Not many things say ‘I love you’ like pampering your partner, and one way to do that is to transform your bathroom, if you’re lucky enough to have a bath, into your very own salon sanctuary. With a few candles, bath salts, bath bombs, and petals, it can create a sense of serenity and allow you both to relax and find a moment of peace.

Creating your own cards is a wonderful way of exploring your creativity and taking that personalisation to the next level. Instead of the generic happy Valentine’s Day message, you can make it something unique and share memories and photos that both of you hold dear, and instead of it collecting dust after a week or two, it can be showcased all year round.

Have you ever tried origami? It’s a beautiful way of expressing your creativity to your partner, and it can be a truly exciting way to spend some of your Valentine’s Day together, creating your favourite animals or object together and including them as part of your gift this February.

These are just a handful of ways to keep the price down, while still expressing your appreciation and love for your partner.

Remember, it’s the thought and effort that counts the most, not the price tag.

Dudbrook House

We are happy to announce that Dudbrook House is now open and running.

Our home that consists of many facilities is ready to welcome new residents.

Accommodation and facilities • Started Build in 2022 and opened on October • Sensory room (used by Activities team) 2023 by St Michaels Homes Ltd • Garden room • 73 bedrooms all with en-suites (wet rooms) • Resident lift • Two assisted bathrooms • Disabled minibus service • Provides residential and dementia care • Wheelchair access throughout the home and the gardens • Has two main visiting lounges (SNUG & ORANGERY) • Extensive Park like garden with beautiful • 24-Hour nurse call system countryside views • Central heating throughout • Housekeeping & laundry services • TV Points in all bedrooms, option of having own landline can be arranged

• London Themed ‘Forget me not’ dementia garden.

• Larger bedrooms so we can accommodate couples living together

• Sheilas salon (hairdressers and nail bar, offering washes, sets, perms, cuts & blow-dry)

Family owned & managed

Dudbrook House Dudbrook Road, Kelvedon Common, Brentwood, Essex, CM14 5TQ Telephone: 01277 372095 Website: www.stmichaelshomesltd.com