Ingatestone, Fryerning & Mountnessing Parish News Magazine Issue 13 March 2024

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Ingatestone, Fryerning & Mountnessing Parish News Magazine

Marching into Spring with Ingatestone, Fryerning, and Mountnessing Parish News! As we embrace the changing season, this issue is bursting with exciting content to ignite your spring spirit. Indulge your taste buds with our delightful Spring Recipes and rejoice as the Community Refill initiative reopens, promoting sustainability in our neighbourhood.

Capture the beauty of our community with regular snaps from the Ingatestone & District Camera Club and immerse yourself in all things local with a fantastic feature on the wonderful Remus Memorial Horse Sanctuary and don’t forget the vibrant activities of the Ingatestone Choral Society and Ingatestone Musical Group.

From gardening tips for March to initiatives promoting sustainability and entrepreneurship, this issue is packed with ways to enrich your life and community involvement. Join us in celebrating local talent, community spirit, and the joys of spring!

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 April issue so please ensure any articles are submitted via the email below before 11th March!

Editor of Ingatestone, Fryerning & Mountnessing Parish News

enquiries@community-publishing.org

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

Local grandmother Jeanette Coe writes a magical adventure story!

There is a well-known quote ‘everyone has a book in them, and in many cases that’s where it should stay’ however, that is not the case with Jeanette Coe!

A wife, mother, and grandmother now retired felt inspired by memories of her grandsons to complete a dream and write a children’s book. Speaking with Jeanette she tells of the joy she had when her young grandsons would visit and play in the house and garden. Their imagination and interest in animals and artistic things had her at the time writing them short children’s adventure stories.

Jeanette had no intention of doing anything with them as ordinary people are not authors, and so as the children grew up the hand typed stories remained for years in a drawer. Jump to 2023, retired and with time to think, she decided to self-publish her children’s book from the short old stories.

Showing her stories to friends she asked for no-nonsense advice on the idea of trying to complete a book from them. Yes, it would need a bit of thought and work put in, yet all agreed that ‘Arty Island and The Magic Pencil’ would be a great children’s book with adventures and good family values.

The only thing missing were drawings of the various characters, so now re-motivated she pressed her husband Terry to start drawing and over the weeks he completed all the original drawings of her characters bringing the book to life whilst she reworked the drafts. Finally, now completed, this has truly been a family effort, written by Jeanette, illustrated by Terry, and inspired by Kaine and Kyle, her grandsons.

Smoke alarm warning after two thirds of fatal fires had no working alarms

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service is on a mission to make sure all Essex residents have working smoke alarms after shocking statistics show how vital they are.

In the last few years, 70% of people who died in house fires did not have working smoke alarms.

Despite fitting 10,329 smoke alarms last year, the fire service remains deeply concerned for the unknown households still lacking this life saving equipment.

Claire Monk, Live Safe Manager at Essex County Fire and Rescue Service said:

“This is about saving lives. The fact that 70% of the people who died in house fires in the last few years did not have working alarms is something we can’t ignore. We are determined to reach all those who don’t currently have working smoke alarms and offer to fit smoke alarms completely free of charge.”

The fire service is encouraging communities in Essex to get involved and spread awareness of the importance of smoke alarms. Everyone can help, simply by tagging friends and family on Facebook posts or checking in on vulnerable neighbours who live alone.

Claire adds:

“We’re committed to visiting any home in Essex and install smoke alarms completely free of charge. Smoke alarms are also very widely available to buy online and at supermarkets and DIY shops. We know it’s not the availability of smoke alarms that are

stopping people having them, so we can only assume that people do not realise the value of having one at home.”

Statistics show that you’re at least four times more likely to die in a fire in the home if there are no working smoke alarms. In the event of a fire, smoke alarms can give you the vital early warning that could allow you to escape from the property and call the emergency services.

Mains operated smoke alarms are available to purchase but must be installed by a qualified person and should always have a battery powered back-up to ensure they are still able to operate even in a power cut.

Follow these top tips on smoke alarms:

• Install smoke alarms in your home, following the manufacturer’s instructions.

• Test smoke alarms every week to make sure they are working.

• The best places to fit them are at the bottom of the stairs, with further smoke alarms on each stair landing

• The ideal position is on the ceiling, as near as possible to the centre of the room, hallway or landing.

• Take time to check on elderly relatives and neighbours as they are at greater risk from fire, and test their smoke alarms for them.

We find that Dick was framed so Idle Jack could steal the love of Alice, that there is a King Rat with world domination plans, that Dick actually got his riches, not in Ingatestone, but Morocco and ended up as Lord Mayor of London (just in time for elections?) and married Alice. On the way the audience were treated to many rib-tickling jokes from Sarah the Cook, sing-along songs from the company, squirted with water by King Rat’s followers, had balls bounced over them and flooded with yummy sweets.

Ingatestone’s streets paved with gold?

‘Oh no they’re not’, nor are the streets of London, as Dick Whittington found out in Ingatestone Musical and Operetta Group’s latest show.

‘Oh yes it was’, a good time (had by all). Directed by Denyse Donnell the show was an outstanding success.

But ’it’s behind you now’, so make a note of IMOG’s next production: Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, running from 10th to 12th October at Ingatestone Community Centre.

New members of all abilities are always welcome. If you would like more information, please call Anne on 07815 132369 or email imogcommittee@gmail.com

All photos by Jim Donnell

We are encouraging people to become childminding entrepreneurs in 2024

As part of the ongoing ‘Make a change. Build a future.’ campaign, ECC are working to attract people searching for a rewarding career into early years and childcare.

There are currently 714 registered childminders in Essex. Essex County Council are looking to increase this by offering a range of support. This includes advice and a variety of helpful services. The campaign aligns with the government’s priorities to support new childminders. People can apply for a government grant to cover start-up costs. Eligible new childminders can apply for a £600 grant if registered with Ofsted. Two payments of £600 are available if they register with a childminder agency. Councillor Beverley Egan, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services and Early Years, is passionate about changing perceptions around childminding. She said:

“

Childminding offers a very rewarding career opportunity. It also offers entrepreneurs a chance to start their own business and develop a thriving career. Childminding is a fruitful, flexible career choice. You can choose your own hours and build close connections with local families. You can also create your own curriculum based on the EYFS framework.

“There’s plenty of support to help manage start-up costs and train new childminders. I’d encourage anyone looking for a rewarding career to find out more.”

Essex-based childminder, Jodie Daniel is supporting our recruitment campaign. She recognised a need for childminders in her local area. Jodie said:

“I love being a childminder because there are so many opportunities to grow my business.

“There are also so many great support groups and training opportunities out there for childminders. There’s a local childminder group mentoring hub for people who are new to the sector, where more experienced childminders can mentor them.

“I built my business slowly, gradually taking on more children, but as my knowledge and confidence grew, my business flourished. Our agency graded us as ‘Outstanding’, and I’m so proud to have built my business from the ground up.”

Find more information about a career in early years at eycp.essex.gov.uk/discoveror-return-to-a-career-in-early-years-andchildcare or search the latest early years and childcare vacancies via www.essexschoolsjobs.co.uk/Vacancies/ Search.aspx

Helen Rollason Cancer Charity Donation Days

Helen Rollason Cancer Charity will be opening its centre in Hatfield Peverel on certain days throughout 2024 so that you can drop-off your pre-loved items.

Figures show that waste from households in the UK was over 27 million tonnes in 2021 . By donating good quality items to the charity, you will be reducing waste, helping the environment, and raising funds to support local people living with cancer.

The charity will accept clothing and accessories, toys, books, kitchen and homeware, ornaments, collectables, and any other valuable items. New or in good condition and preferably eBay saleable. They cannot take electrical items.

You can drop-off your items at their Mid Essex Support Centre at: The Street, Hatfield Peverel, Essex, CM3 2EH

(car parking at the rear of the building) between 9am and 12pm on the following Saturdays.

09th March

11th May

08th June

13th July

14th September

Head of Retail, Alison Matthews, said: “We are so grateful for the donated items we receive. The sales we make in our shops and on eBay provide vital funds to help support people living with cancer.”

For more information you can contact the fundraising team on 01245 380719

Community Refill Reopens!

Following the closure of La Pomme, the Community Refill Station has now been relocated to Patrick Greens in Ingatestone High Street.

Many residents had said that they missed it and were now very pleased that the station has reopened, in fact Sarah from Patrick Greens said it has been so busy that they have had to get a “refill”!

The refill products from hair conditioner to washing up liquid are supplied by Fill; the family firm based in Northamptonshire. Fill said they produce zero waste household products that they make at their factory using biodegradable ingredients to create simple, modern and effective eco responsible products.

They use no dyes, no harsh chemicals, no waste. Available in returnable containers and refillable glass bottles which are also at Patrick Greens.

Photos credited to Freddie Norton

Shopping List For February 2024

Tinned Goods:

• Ham/Corned beef

• Tuna/Salmon/Sardines

• Mince/Onion

• Chicken In Sauce

• Braising Steak

• Chilli Con Carne

• Potatoes

• Chicken/Beef Casseroles

• All Day Breakfast

• Ravioli

• Meatballs

• Spaghetti

• Custard

Toiletries

• Soap

• Toothpaste

• All Cleaners/Bleaches

• Washing Liquid/Powders

Other Food Items

• Jams And Spreads

• Biscuits

• Coffee

• Jars Of Pasta Sauce

Brentwood Foodbank

Community Church, Doddinghurst Road CM15 9EH

Recycled food powers thousands of UK homes

Essex County Council are encouraging Essex households to recycle their uneaten food.

Recycling food waste can be used to generate green energy to power homes and schools. It can also be used by farmers as fertiliser or compost.

Last year we provided more than 37,000 tonnes of food waste, helping to power 6,310 homes across the UK for a year. That equates to CO2 savings of 32,776 tonnes –which works out the same as taking 16,189 cars off the road for a year.

We aim to reuse, recycle or compost at least 70% of waste generated by residents by 2030. Recycling food can play a major role in achieving this target.

Councillor Peter Schwier, Essex County Council’s Climate Czar and Cabinet member for Environment, Waste,

Reduction and Recycling, said: “Great work is already being done by thousands of Essex residents, but we can still do more.

”By putting food out in their designated recycling bins, households are helping to generate green energy and reducing the damage to our environment.

”Small actions can make a big difference and together we can tackle climate change to benefit generations to come.”

Find out more about food waste recycling and how it is turned into energy via www.loveessex.org/news-and-ideas/ food-recycling-in-essex

Reduce your carbon footprint and earn rewards

Essex County Council has partnered with Greenredeem to launch Carbon Cutting Essex.

Complete fun activities to understand how to reduce your carbon footprint and earn points. Use your points to enter the prize draw, donate to good causes, and earn discounts and gifts. That’s great for the planet and great for you!

Taking action on climate change can help improve your physical and mental health and wellbeing. It can also help improve local air quality and help you save money at the same time.

There are new activities every week, including videos and quizzes to complete, which will help you be more environmentally aware. You can make pledges and take action to reduce your impact on the environment.

Topics covered include:

• conserving water

• saving energy

• reducing waste and recycling

• using sustainable transport

• looking after green spaces

The app also features:

• blogs filled with practical hints and tips to help you reduce your environmental impact

• a carbon tracker

• a list of eco-friendly products and shops

• a community wall that local contributors can use to share ideas and support one another

Rachel Smith, a Carbon Cutting Essex app user, said:

“The Carbon Cutting Essex app is a downloadable app that you can put on your phone and educate yourself and learn more about ways in which you can cut your carbon emissions.

“You can also learn more about terms such as greenwashing, refills and zero-waste. It is also interactive and a bit fun as well.”

You can download the free app or register for free on the Carbon Cutting Essex website www.carboncuttingessex.com/ Dashboard

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Shop improvement grant scheme available for town centre businesses

Grants of up to £2k are available for shop front and accessibility improvements. A total of £30k will be distributed to town centre businesses in Brentwood, Shenfield and Ingatestone in 2024. This project is funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

The grant is available to anyone who owns or rents commercial premises (including registered charities) in the following areas:

• Brentwood town centre (including Brentwood High Street, Kings Road, Ongar Road, Coptfold Road, St Thomas Road, Moores Place, Crown Street and Ingrave Road)

• Shenfield high street (Hutton Road, Shenfield Road)

• Ingatestone high street Example projects include:

• replacement shop front, windows and doors

• painting of existing shop fronts and upper floors

• replacement gutter and downpipes

• replacement signage

• accessibility improvements Businesses are invited to complete an expression of interest form to outline the works they would like to undertake. Full details can be found on www.brentwood.gov.uk/funding

Solar panels become more affordable for Essex residents

Despite huge savings in the long run, solar panels can be expensive upfront. Fortunately, Essex residents have a new way to keep costs down.

By registering interest in Solar Together, homeowners can ‘group buy’ with fellow residents in their local area. This sees pre-approved and accredited installers bid to carry out the work.

After bidding, only the most competitive pricing will be recommended to you. The more residents involved in your area, the lower the cost. There is also no obligation to go ahead with purchasing. As well as solar panels, you can consider having charge points and battery storage. This includes retrofitting battery storage for residents who already have solar panels.

Investing in renewable energy increases independence from the national grid. It is also proven to save money over time, and of course, benefit the environment.

Find out more about how Solar Together makes solar a viable energy source for Essex residents at www.solartogether.co.uk/essex/landing

New life for old electricals

Essex County Council are working in partnership with the Lighthouse Furniture Project to prevent items from going to waste. Residents can now donate larger electrical appliances for reuse at 10 recycling centres in Essex. These include Braintree, Brentwood, Chelmsford, Chigwell, Clacton, Colchester, Harlow, Maldon, South Woodham Ferrers, Witham The Lighthouse Furniture Project repairs and refurbishes the items. Once tested, they are passed on or sold at affordable prices in the local community. Items accepted include electric cookers,

washing machines, fridges, freezers, tumble dryers and dishwashers.

In the first year of this partnership, nearly 1,000 items have been saved from landfill. Residents looking to donate items can look for the signs at participating recycling centres or ask a member of staff.

Learn more about the scheme on Love Essex via www.loveessex.org/news-and-ideas/ too-good-to-throw-away-pass-on-yourfurniture-electricals-and-other-items

Fire Service takes the lead in Fire Safety Education

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service (ECFRS) is proud to be one of the first in the country to launch a dedicated education programme tailored for children not in formal education. Recognising the importance of fire safety education for all members of the community, this program aims to empower children with essential home fire safety knowledge. With an established education programme currently reaching tens of thousands of schoolchildren in Essex every year, ECFRS is expanding its offering to those children who do not attend formal educational settings, such as those electively home educated, in care homes or even those moving between schools. This expansion aligns with the fire service’s commitment to being proactive with safety message as early as possible.

security, consequences of committing arson or making hoax calls, crime prevention, cyber safety, road safety, knife crime, gang awareness, hate crime and healthy relationships.

In a commitment to inclusivity, ECFRS will tailor the content of these sessions to meet the unique needs of the children. Interactive demonstrations, engaging activities, and informative materials will be used to make the learning experience both enjoyable and educational for the children.

Simpler road signs to protect small animals and boost safety

Hedgehogs and other small animals will be better protected on English roads under rule changes announced to make it easier for local authorities to put up wildlife warning signs.

Children not in formal education historically missed out on the fire safety programs provided in schools, making this initiative a crucial step towards ensuring that all young people are equipped with the knowledge which will help protect themselves and their families from fire in their homes.

The specially designed education sessions will cover a range of topics, including home

The current hedgehog sign will be updated following feedback from the sector to make it clearer for drivers. Alongside this, rules around the small wildlife warning signs will be relaxed to make it easier for local authorities to put up small wildlife warning signs, helping to better protect hedgehogs and other small animals. Changes made by the Department for Transport (DfT) will ensure local authorities are able to place small wild animal warning signs where they are needed most rather than having to apply to DfT on a case-by-case basis. This announcement will help reduce bureaucracy for local authorities, allowing them to focus their resources more effectively on delivering for their communities. It follows recent announcements committing to improving conditions for motorists across the UK under the Plan for Drivers.

Ingatestone & District Camera Club

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, CM4 0HH. Our meetings are varied with photographic competitions, talks, given by both outside speakers and members, as well as practical evenings. Established members are always pleased to share their skills with others as well as being open to new ideas.

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

These can be taken on cameras, phones or tablets, etc. The accompanying photographs are examples of some which received high marks from an East Anglian Federation judge in our recent Natural History competition.

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?

2

3

1. Doug Place “Fallow Deer Scratching”.

2. Louise Lewis “Sun, Rain and Sea”

3. Simon Hirst entitled “Fungi”

4. Tom Smith “Turtle Tracks Back to the Sea”

PAVING YOUR WAY TO A PERFECT GARDEN

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Spring Flavours Unleashed with our latest recipes

This month’s recipes celebrate this season’s produce by embracing some locally sourced ingredients!

From vibrant beetroot gratin to a hearty kale and potato hash, we’ve tried some incorporate some of the town’s freshest produce into some family-friendly delights. Simple, family-friendly, and planet-conscious, these recipes echo the spirit of our community. Let’s welcome spring with open hearts and delicious plates!

Spring Chicken Stir-Fry

Ingredients

400g chicken breast, thinly sliced

1 red pepper, thinly sliced

1 yellow pepper, thinly sliced

200g sugar snap peas, ends trimmed

2 carrots, julienned

3 tbsp soy sauce

1 tbsp honey

1 tbsp ginger, minced

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 tbsp vegetable oil

Sesame seeds for garnish

Cooked rice for serving

Spinach and Feta Stuffed Mushrooms (Vegetarian)

Ingredients

16 large mushrooms, stems removed 200g fresh spinach, chopped 150g feta cheese, crumbled

1 small red onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 tbsp olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley for garnish

Vegan Beetroot and Celeriac Gratin

Ingredients

2 medium-sized beetroots, peeled and thinly sliced

1 small celeriac, peeled and thinly sliced

1 onion, thinly sliced

400ml coconut milk

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 tbsp nutritional yeast

2 tbsp olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh thyme for garnish

Method

1. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, honey, ginger, and garlic. Marinate chicken slices in this mixture for at least 15 minutes.

2. Heat oil in a wok over medium-high heat. Stir-fry marinated chicken until browned.

3. Add peppers, sugar snap peas, and carrots. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.

4. Serve the stir-fry over cooked rice. Garnish with sesame seeds.

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C.

2. In a pan, sauté red onion and garlic in olive oil until softened. Add chopped spinach and cook until wilted.

3. In a bowl, mix the spinach mixture with crumbled feta. Season with salt and pepper.

4. Stuff each mushroom cap with the spinach-feta mixture.

5. Bake for 15-20 minutes until mushrooms are tender.

6. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C.

2. n a pan, sauté onions and garlic until softened.

3. Layer beetroots, celeriac, and onions in a baking dish.

4. Mix coconut milk, nutritional yeast, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Pour over the vegetables.

5. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until vegetables are tender.

6. Garnish with fresh thyme before serving.

Popular Kale and Potato Hash

Ingredients

4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced

2 cups kale, chopped

1 onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp smoked paprika

1 tsp cumin

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tbsp olive oil

Fresh parsley for garnish

Method

1. Boil diced potatoes until just tender. Drain and set aside.

2. In a pan, sauté onions and garlic in olive oil until translucent.

3. Add boiled potatoes and kale to the pan. Cook until kale is wilted.

4. Sprinkle with smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir well.

5. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until potatoes are golden.

6. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Remus Memorial Horse Sanctuary

Over 40 years of caring for animals

For over 40 years the Sanctuary has provided lifetime care and rehabilitation for abused and neglected horses, ponies, donkeys, goats and sheep.

Nestled in 40 acres of beautiful countryside, just outside Ingatestone, it might be hard to believe that many of the animals out in the fields have been the victims of physical and mental abuse, but sadly they have. It is only through the dedication, care and patience of Sanctuary staff and volunteers that they are now living happy, comfortable lives and being given the love and respect they so rightly deserve.

The Sanctuary was set up in 1983 by founder, Sue Burton, and Patricia Bacon, after seeing the plight of the horses on Rainham Marshes, where over 100 horses

were left on the bleak marshland. As the water inlets flooded, they became cut off, resulting in 13 horses dying in the most awful conditions. Soon after this Sue and Patricia met Remus, a horse who was found in a dreadful state, stolen and starving, he had been tied to a lamppost for 13 days. Sadly, his suffering was so bad, he had to be put to sleep. The Sanctuary takes its name from Remus.

Last June, to celebrate its 40th birthday, the Sanctuary received a visit from HRH The Duchess of Edinburgh. The Duchess, who has been a patron of the charity since 2013, toured the Sanctuary and enjoyed a

commemorative lunch at Ingatestone Hall, hosted by another two of the Sanctuary’s patrons, Lord Petre and his son The Hon. Dominic Petre, and Andrew Rosindell MP for Romford.

During the visit, Founder, Sue Burton said “I am proud of what Remus has achieved in that time and the animals who have come through our gates that we have been able to turn round, from emaciated, terrified, beaten, and in two cases deliberately blinded wrecks, to animals now able to live and enjoy a normal happy life free from suffering, hunger and fear. To my mind these things should be a very basic right, not a privilege”.

It is heartbreaking to see animals who have been badly abused and neglected and, sadly, the Sanctuary hasmany dreadful stories, such as that of Alfie, Mason and Heidi who were found tethered by their necks to the ground at only 8 weeks old. They were in a terrible condition despite being such babies. They had awful hacking coughs and discharge. Sadly, help didn’t arrive in time for poor Alfie, as he died not long after he was taken in, but the veterinary and nursing care saved Heidi and Mason who now live happily at the Sanctuary.

Totally funded by public donations from events, membership and fundraising initiatives, the Sanctuary relies on this money to cover the 450K yearly running costs to look after their 200 animals. There are many opportunities to lend your support including volunteering, sponsoring an animal, becoming a member, donating prizes for raffles and auctions and attending one of their fundraising events. You can visit the Sanctuary and see the animals on one of their Open Days, which take place on the first Sunday of the month from May to October. In addition, they have other fundraising events coming up including a fantastic Wine Tour & Tasting at New Hall Wine Estate, Afternoon Teas, a Fashion Show & Pop-Up Shop and a Wellness Fair. To find out more or make a donation please contact Remus Memorial Horse Sanctuary on 01277 356191

Website:

www.remussanctuary.org

Instagram/Facebook;

@RemusHorseSanctuary

Remus Memorial Horse Sanctuary, Little Farm, Buttsbury, Ingatestone CM4 9NZ

HRH meets rescue Dolly our eldest horse 39yrs.

Photo credit: Christopher Rushton

Neil Diamond Tribute Show

Saturday 9th March, doors open 7:00pm for 8:00pm start at The Billericay Theatre

Back by popular demand, this excellent Neil Diamond Tribute is not to be missed. Cabaret seating – Table service – Food served from our ‘Theatre Bites’ menu throughout. Tickets £24 via www.tickettailor.com/events/ thebillericaytheatre/1023095

Ingatestone & Fryerning Community Association Bingo

Thursday 14th March, 2:00pm at Ingatestone Community Centre

Join us and get ready to shout “BINGO!”

Tickets are £8 for IFCA members, £10 for non-members and this includes entry, hot drinks, slice of cake and 4 games of Bingo. Tickets are available to purchase at our regular Tuesday coffee morning, or from the IFCA Office (Mon – Thurs between 10am – 1pm).

Community Connect Trailer

Wednesday 20th March, 10:00am –1:00pm on Ingatestone High Street

If you want some information about what is going on in your community, or some advice from our community support teams please pop along to have a chat at one of our events and meet some of the partners: Neighbourhood Watch, VitaMinds, Active Essex, United in Kind, CVS (Voluntary Services), Mind, Fire Service, Community agents and many more!

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 Dish (12) – 21st March

A warm-hearted and hilarious comedy based on a true story of what the world didn’t see. July 1969. Apollo 11’s astronauts will walk on the moon. – and a huge satellite dish outside a sheep-farming Australian town has been chosen to beam the live footage globally. Starring Sam

Neill (2000). The doors open at 2pm with the film starting at 2:30pm.

Ingatestone Artisan Market

Saturday 23rd March, 10:00am – 4:00pm at Ingatestone Community Centre

We are planning a very enjoyable day for residents, visitors, High Street retailers and the many local, independent artisan stallholders that attend. You can look forward to seeing original art, cosmetics, fashion, food, gifts, homewares, jewellery and other creative stalls, with entertainment at the Ingatestone Community Centre, and activities and special offers along the High Street. It’s just before Easter, so maybe a great place to get Easter gifts or something for later (Father’s Day is only a couple of months on), since most stalls will have their creators there if you want something unique or different here is the place to ask. Plenty of places to park, if not the community centre, Bell Mead, Market Place or the Limes plus the Anglo European school (just a short walk away) will have free unlimited parking in all its 4 car parks and you can park from 7am through to 5pm! Or come by 351 bus or train, Ingatestone station is just a 5-minute walk to the High Street. Remember to save the date!

Ingatestone

Dementia Support Groups

Fundangles Musical Bingo

1st Thursday of the month, 2:00 – 4:00pm at Seymour Pavilion Hall Know your 50s – 80s tunes? Join in with musical bingo!

Fundangles Singalong

2nd Thursday of the month, 2:00 –4:00pm at Seymour Pavilion Hall

Sing our way through decades of songs, for joy and smiles of fun. Side by Side support group

4th Tuesday of the month, 2:00 – 3:30pm at Ingatestone Pavilion Hall Support group for families facing the challenges of dementia. Walking the same journey, understanding, listening and sharing experiences with support and information.

For more information contact Glenys on 07956 855038

Coffee

Morning

Every Tuesday from 10am to 12noon at Ingatestone Community Centre, 7 High Street

This is a very popular weekly event. All are welcome, both members and non-members, so either come with friends or come alone and meet new people. Drop by and enjoy a chat in this friendly environment, have a cup of tea or coffee with a piece of cake. There are also regular craft stalls which attend.

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.

What to do in the garden in March

By mid-March, we’re ready to welcome the start of spring — a hopeful, happy time for us gardeners.

There’s lots to be done outside, now the slower winter months have passed. Read on to find out what gardening jobs there are to do in March:

Timely Tips

1. Fertilise your beds. Once your soil is workable, dig a 5cm (or more) layer of compost or well-rotted manure into your beds to prepare for the growing season ahead. You can also work in a general-purpose fertiliser, such as pelleted chicken manure, or fish, blood and bone.

2. Put supports in. If any of your garden plants or climbers need supporting this year, put them in now, so plants can grow up through them. Adding supports afterwards is trickier and often looks unattractive.

3. Move deciduous trees or shrubs. Now is the time to do this task, provided the soil isn’t frozen or waterlogged.

4. Resurface paths before plants start to grow and smother them.

In the flower garden

• Feed trees, shrubs and hedges with a slow-release fertiliser by lightly forking it into the soil surface.

• Feed roses with special rose feed or balanced fertiliser as they come into growth. Prune roses now to encourage strong new growth.

• Finish cutting back dead foliage from perennials and ornamental grasses to make way for new growth.

• Deadhead any winter pansies, daffodils, and hydrangeas.

• Plant native hedges to encourage wildlife to your garden.

In the vegetable garden

• Dig in green manures grown over the winter. Do this while stems are still soft.

• Dig compost, well-rotted manure or green waste into your vegetable beds to prepare for the growing season ahead. Dig in a 5cm (or more) layer when the soil becomes workable. Weed vegetable seed beds before adding the layer.

• Cover prepared soil with sheets of black plastic to keep it drier and warmer in preparation for planting.

• Weed and mulch asparagus beds. Asparagus has shallow roots so weed by hand to prevent damage.

In the fruit garden

• Cut autumn-fruiting raspberry canes to the ground to stimulate new canes, which will fruit in the autumn.

• Mulch fruit trees with well-rotted manure or garden compost. Take care not to mound mulch up around tree trunks.

• Cover outdoor strawberries with cloches to encourage earlier fruiting. Other jobs about the garden

• Recut any lawn edges if necessary.

• Get rid of slimy patches on patios and paving by scrubbing with a broom or blasting with a pressure washer.

• Install water butts for the season ahead. Position them under a downpipe to make the most of rainfall.

• Begin weeding as the weather warms it’s easier to control weeds if you remove them while they’re still young.

Build a compost bin before the growing season gets underway. If you already have one, check to see if there is any compost ready to use on vegetable beds.

Gardening tips supplied by Thompson & Morgan. For a full list of what to do in the garden in March and beyond please visit their website:

www.thompson-morgan.com/in-thegarden-this-month

Protect your Passwords

Password protection doesn’t need to be complicated. Using three simple steps, you can protect your digital devices and personal data.

1. Use a separate password for your email. It’s the gateway to your banking, social media and more, so keep it secure.

2. Use 3 random words to build your password. Easy to remember, but nearly impossible for a computer to crack.

3. Use 2 factor authentication on your devices. A free option on your devices, that keeps them safe even if your password is hacked. For more information and guidance, scan the QR code. We can make a difference. Together.

Nigil & Marites always get me up for a dance & take g d care of me always provides lovely meals

Michael & the team & knows how Ilike my Tea

A day in the life of our residents is provided by the fantastic team of sta who provide so many di erent elements of love and care of our residents

Caring for the elderly & those living with Dementia since 1991

Thelma, Resident of Dudbr k House

Providing:

Respite

Day Centre Services

Short or long term care needs

Come join our family run new care home in Brentwood, Essex.

Wendy & Maria

Activity c rdinators I love a the di erent activities put on & Thursday night social evening is always great fun

Family owned & managed

Dudbrook House

Dudbrook Road, Kelvedon Common, Brentwood, Essex, CM14 5TQ

Telephone: 01277 372095

Website: www.stmichaelshomesltd.com