Ingatestone, Fryerning & Mountnessing Parish News Magazine Issue 14 April 2024

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Parish News Magazine

Welcome to the April Edition of the Ingatestone, Fryerning & Mountnessing Parish News!

As the beauty of spring unfolds, our April issue blossoms with a bouquet of diverse and enriching content. Delight your taste buds with Four Fresh and Flavourful April Recipes and cultivate your green thumb with expert tips on what to do in the garden in April. Explore avenues of personal growth and recovery with insights from the Mid Essex Recovery College, and we’ve got a save the date for you to illuminate the night with the inspiring initiative Light Up the Night in aid of Karis’ Helping Hand.

Stay informed about the latest community developments, from the positive impacts of the £22 million Levelling Up investment to Essex County Council’s commitment to Everyone’s Essex - their annual delivery plan which sets out the services and initiatives that the council will spend the more than £2 billion budget on over the next year.

Discover the vibrant fabric of our community with updates on local partnerships, mental health services, and opportunities for charitable support. From the blossoming of the Brentwood Garden village to the cultural offerings of the Brentwood District Arts Society, there’s something for everyone in this edition.

Let’s come together to celebrate community spirit and embrace the abundance of April! 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.

Front cover ©Mink Mingle from Unsplash.

Latest impacts of £22 million Levelling Up investment revealed

A new report is sharing how ambitious plans to level up Essex are improving and enhancing life opportunities for Essex residents.

Published on Wednesday 6th March, the Levelling Up year two impact report highlights some of the latest projects in Essex. These are helping residents and communities have an equal chance to improve their lives and reach new heights.

Over the last two years, dozens of new projects are underway throughout Essex, with almost 68,000 people affected by levelling up funding so far. The programme is on target to reach as many as 140,000 residents by 2025.

Work so far has seen:

• increased literacy levels – with our Everyone’s Literacy Area stock seeing over 50,000 borrows since 2022

• increase in free childcare – more than 172,000 spaces available to children through the Essex ActiVate holiday activity and food programme

• more support for businesses - free workplace health and wellbeing support for over 580 organisations and training of 1,000 plus mental health first aiders

• launch of new community supermarkets – seven operational and a commitment to bring one to every district in Essex by summer 2024

• new support for skills - provision of free training through Adult Community Learning centres, such as the Nightingale care bursary and mobile interactive ‘hands on’ science kits

• investment in mental wellbeing£180,000 invested in the Harlow Futures programme, supporting children and young people in the town

• distributing digital devices – around 6,000 devices given to residents, schools, refugees and community groups, along with digital inclusion support

Councillor Louise McKinlay, Deputy Leader of Essex County Council and Cabinet Member for Levelling Up, Communities and Business Engagement, said:

“Over the last year we have continued to follow the energy found at the heart of our local communities, build trust with our local partners and organisations and work hard to create even more community champions and business mentors, to the direct benefit of thousands of our residents.

“I, and all my fellow Cabinet Members, are passionate about driving forward levelling up across each of our areas of responsibility, as set out in our Everyone’s Essex plan, to ensure we make it work for every resident who lives and works here.

“Two years ago, we launched our Levelling Up programme and this year I am delighted to see us ‘reaching new heights’.

“I am incredibly proud of all that we have achieved but we know that there is still much more to do. I look forward to continuing this work, with the introduction of many more new initiatives targeted at key places and people still to come.”

Find out more about Levelling Up in Essex via www.essex.gov.uk/levelling-up-essex

More PHAB small grants awarded

Essex County Council have announced the 11 latest projects to benefit from the Public Health Accelerator Bids (PHAB) programme.

PHAB was set up to reduce health inequalities, and support the aims of the Essex Wellbeing, Public Health and Communities Business Plan.

In the latest round, 11 organisations will receive a total of £120,521. This will support projects designed to improve the mental and physical health of residents in Essex. PHAB offers organisations the opportunity to bid for funding across two grant funding streams. These are small grants up to £7,500 and major grants over £15,000.

Small grants have now supported more than 30 projects since PHAB launched in September 2023.

Does your charity need funding? Apply to the Essex Fund

Essex based charities are encouraged to apply now for financial support from the ‘Essex Fund’ to keep their services and projects running.

The Fund was set up by Essex County Council in 2000 to provide annual support to the voluntary and community sector in Essex and since then, has given out over £1.5 million in grants.

Organisations and projects that help unpaid carers, improve the environment or engage people in environmental projects, provide a community resource or activities that help young people, including arts, culture and heritage projects, are all eligible for consideration.

Groups can apply for up to £5,000 towards their core and operating expenditure, project costs or capital items.

Cllr Jill Reeves, Chair of Essex County Council, said:

“The rising cost-of-living is continuing to be a challenge for local charities as they struggle to pay their bills and running costs, alongside many of them experiencing an increase in demand for their services.

“These groups provide vital services for people who need support. We encourage them to contact ECF to talk about their funding needs to continue their valuable work helping people in our local communities.”

Charitable activities that have received funding in previous years include interactive musical

performances in care homes, mental health support for young people, and woodland well-being sessions for children with Down syndrome.

Andy Payne Worpole, Director of Policy and Programmes at ECF, said:

“We are pleased to manage the Essex Fund and work with the decision-making panel at the council to get funding to where it is needed most.

“The panel are particularly interested in supporting smaller voluntary organisations and projects that are working in areas of deprivation where there is a lack of facilities.

“There is a short application form on our website and our friendly grants team are on hand to help on 01245 355947 or grants@essexcf.org.uk if you have any questions or want to discuss an idea. You can also contact us through our website or via social media.”

How to apply:

The deadline to apply to the Essex Fund is 5pm on Monday 15th April. Please apply via www.essexcommunityfoundation.org. uk/applying-for-support

If you would like to talk to us before submitting an application, please get in touch by calling us on 01245 355947, or email grants@essexcf.org.uk

New pledge for Everyone’s Essex

Essex County Council has updated their annual delivery plan, Everyone’s Essex.

This sets out the services and initiatives that the council will spend the more than £2 billion budget on over the next year. The aim is to protect essential services. They will also continue to invest in key areas, such as the county’s infrastructure. Everyone’s Essex is the ECC commitment to you, residents and businesses, through five key priorities. These are:

Financial competence

Saving £800 million since 2012 has helped protect frontline services and invest in roads and infrastructure. ECC promise to continue making savings for the future.

Caring

ECC have some of the best social care services in the country. They will continue investing in people and technology to help the most vulnerable live as independently as possible.

On your side

Many residents are struggling with high inflation and rising interest rates. ECC created a £50 million cost-of-living programme and will continue providing support.

Proud of Essex

ECC will work closely with local communities to celebrate the rich cultural and artistic heritage.

Trust

Whether it’s roads, country parks, libraries or schools, ECC will manage them well today and leave them in a better place tomorrow.

ECC have delivered a lot since they developed the original Everyone’s Essex three years ago. They plan to do even more in the coming year.

Councillor Kevin Bentley, Leader of the Council, said:

“We will never stop doing our best for the people of Essex, it’s what they deserve. We have shown this as an administration time and again by protecting essential services and through continued investment in areas such as our outstanding children’s services and our work to Level Up opportunities and reduce inequalities.

“I am immensely proud of the work the council has done over the last three years to make good on the promises we set out. I am hugely optimistic about what we can achieve over the next twelve months to go even further in the pursuit of these ambitions.”

Read more about plans for the coming year at www.essex.gov.uk/running-council/ plans-and-strategies/everyones-essex

Brentwood garden village gets green light

Essex County Council have welcomed the approval of a new development in Brentwood which will boost infrastructure and job opportunities.

Brentwood Borough Council has given the go ahead to Dunton Hills Garden Village. This will feature 3,700 homes, community and sports facilities, and four schools.

The development, by Commercial Estates Group (CEG), will also have 55,000 sq metres of land for business use. Three neighbourhood centres will also provide local job opportunities.

Dunton Hills aims to meet a range of local community needs. Around a third of the new properties are expected to be affordable housing.

ECC support Local Plan led growth in Essex, and Garden Communities built to be sustainable and high design standards.

ECC will work alongside Brentwood Borough Council and CEG to make sure Dunton Hills meets the needs of the community. This includes:

• environmental needs, such as sustainable homes which are cheaper to run

• economic needs, such as employment opportunities

• social needs, such as amenities which create opportunities for social interaction and recreation

• provides sustainable transport choices

Councillor Lee Scott, Cabinet Member for Planning a Growing Economy, said: “We expect and require high standards in Garden Communities, and are pleased that Brentwood Council has approved in principle the Dunton Hills Garden Village. “The Garden Village will not only address the current and future needs of residents, but will set the standard for collaborative efforts in creating sustainable, inclusive housing developments in the future.”

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Ingatestone, Essex - A Gem in the East of England

Ingatestone has been named as one of the best places to live in the East of England according to The Sunday Times’ Best Places to Live.

Ingatestone, Essex, has secured its spot among the finest locales in the East of England, as revealed by The Sunday Times Best Places to Live guide, sponsored by Halifax. While Wivenhoe, Essex, claims the overall top spot in the region, Ingatestone’s charm and convenience make it a standout choice for residents seeking a picturesque and well-connected lifestyle.

Nestled within the scenic landscapes of Essex, Ingatestone offers a seamless blend of rural tranquillity and urban accessibility. Commuters can swiftly journey from the bustling city to the serene countryside, with the convenience of a quick train ride. Within just half an hour, residents can trade the hustle and bustle of city life for the tranquillity of open fields and fresh air, all while relishing the manicured countryside scenery.

Ingatestone’s allure extends beyond its idyllic surroundings. The village boasts a wealth of amenities and attractions, catering to diverse interests and preferences. Residents can indulge in leisurely strolls along charming streets adorned with picture-perfect homes, punctuated by quaint shops and cozy cafes.

For families, nearby Chelmsford offers access to high-achieving schools, ensuring a quality education for young learners.

Moreover, Ingatestone epitomizes the essence of community spirit, fostering a welcoming environment where neighbours come together to support one another. Whether enjoying a manicure amid the serene countryside or exploring the rich cultural heritage of the area, residents of Ingatestone find themselves immersed in a vibrant and inclusive community.

As part of The Sunday Times’ comprehensive guide, which highlights 72 exceptional locations across the UK, Ingatestone stands as a testament to the region’s appeal. From its medieval charm to its modern conveniences, the village captivates with its timeless allure and dynamic character, earning its place among the best places to live in East England.

For those considering a move or seeking a change of scenery, Ingatestone offers a compelling blend of rural serenity, urban convenience, and community warmth, making it an ideal destination to call home in 2024 and beyond.

Photo credit : Ingatestone Hall clock tower cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Michael Garlick - geograph.org.uk/p/4577837

he latest from Brentwood Foodbank

We hope that you are all keeping safe and well.

Through your kindness and your generous donations, we are able to continue supporting and feeding what is a sadly growing number of clients. Over just two days we were able to feed almost 200 people, and our colleagues at Brentwood Baptist Church fed yet more people when they opened on Friday morning.

We don’t have a typical client at Foodbank, they can range from 18-year-olds to people in their 80s and each of them with completely different problems.

It is only because of your kindness and generosity that we are able to carry on helping these people. We pray that you are able to continue to support us.

Thank you so much for all that you have done for the Foodbank, it is greatly appreciated by so many people.

With Kind Regards,

Dave

(Foodbank volunteer)

Shopping List For April 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

Other Food Items

Jams And Spreads

Biscuits

Coffee

Jars Of Pasta Sauce

Toiletries

Soap

Toothpaste

Sanitary Towels

Carrier Bags

Others

All Cleaners/Bleaches

Washing Liquid/Powders

What is the Mid Essex Recovery College?

The Mid Essex Recovery College is a new service run by PROVIDE CIC that runs free courses and workshops aimed to support mental health recovery in the Mid Essex area.

Who can use the College?

College courses are open to anyone who lives or works within the Mid Essex area and aged over 18. We currently adver�se our courses on Eventbrite and send out �metables at the beginning of each term. All we ask from you is that you register with the Coll ege by comple�ng our registra�on form once you enrol on our courses.

Where does it run?

Courses and workshops are delivered in a variety of community based venues across Mid Essex as well as online via Microso� Teams

What

type of topics do courses cover?

We aim to deliver a wide breadth of courses in a variety of topics that support mental health recovery, this can be prac�cal areas such as finding and retaining employment, naviga�ng services, or suppor�ng others mental health. Other areas include self care, building resilience, how accessing th e natural world supports recovery and looking at how crea�vity such as photography, film -making and wri�ng can support mental health recovery.

We welcome sugges�ons on course topics that people who live in Mid Essex would like to see delivered as part of the College programme

Who delivers courses?

Co-produc�on is a fundamental principle of the Recovery College This means all courses are co-designed and co-delivered between at least two people where there is a combina�on of a person with “learned” knowledge and skills and a person with “lived experience” of mental health recovery.

We are always interested in hearing from people who would like to co -produce or co-deliver courses with us.

Finding out more …..

If you interested in finding out more about the Recovery College, please contact us on the email address below and a member of the team will be in touch with you

provide.midessexrc@nhs net

midessexrecoverycollege.co.uk

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 of the

photographs taken by our members. To find out about our upcoming programme, please visit our website.

Some highlights in which you might be interested: on 5th April, a competition to be judged by Ian Ryall for which the subject is “Abstract Nature” and, on 12th April, a talk by David Portwain (£4 charge for non members) entitled “Watch for the Monkey!”

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?

www.ingatestonecamera.club

Simon Hirst

Peter Ball

Sue Lyttle

Tom Smith

Positive response to the draft Waste Strategy for Essex

The Essex Waste Partnership has been working together to create a new Waste Strategy for Essex. The partnership includes the County Council and the 12 District, City and Borough councils in Essex.

The draft Waste Strategy for Essex sets out a plan for how we will manage recycling and waste in Essex for the next 30 years.

The partnership want people to rethink waste, by focusing on reducing, reusing and recycling more to protect the environment.

In September 2023 we launched a 10-week public consultation on behalf of the partnership. This gave people the chance to have their say on the draft Waste Strategy. Over 4,500 people completed the survey and the responses were independently analysed.

Results show there is a good level of agreement from across the county on the key proposals. The findings will inform the final Waste Strategy for Essex. The adoption of the Waste Strategy for Essex will be subject to a separate decision.

Read the findings of the consultation at consultations.essex.gov.uk/rci/wastestrategy-for-essex-consultation

Essex rated a global leader in climate action

Essex is one of a select number of areas to be recognised for its leadership on climate action.

CDP helps organisations across the globe

understand their own environmental impacts. It has named the county as one of 120 areas to receive an A rating for climate work. This is the second year in a row CDP has given ECC the rating.

To score an A, ECC had to have area-wide emissions data available and have published a climate action plan. Out of the places assessed, only 13% were awarded an A rating. Areas that are awarded an A rating feature on CDP’s global A list at www.cdp.net/en/cities/ cities-scores

Find out more about the ECC £250 million Essex Climate Action Plan via www.essex.gov.uk/running-council/plansand-strategies/climate-action and check the progress in the Essex Climate Action Annual Reports via www.essexclimate.org. uk/climate-action-annual-report

Response to Spring Budget 2024

The Government announced its tax and spending plans in its latest Budget.

The plans aim to increase economic growth and reduce financial pressure on households.

Among the measures announced, was a further reduction in National Insurance contributions.

In addition, the Government confirmed extra funding for Levelling Up. This includes £20 million for regeneration in Harlow.

Councillor Chris Whitbread, Chancellor of Essex, said:

“A further cut to National Insurance contributions and the promise of more help for parents receiving child benefit, will hopefully go some way in easing the financial pressures many households are currently facing.

However, the announcements made today, while positive, will do little to mitigate the current financial pressures faced by local authorities. We need a serious commitment from central government to long-term, sustainable investment instead of one-off financial settlements. This will allow authorities to plan with certainty for the future and continue to deliver high-quality, essential services.

While I am proud that we have again been able to balance the books in Essex in our own budget, the fact remains that, like other public sector organisations, we are faced with more and more difficult financial decisions. Without further support from central government, this won’t change.” The Government also announced the Household Support Fund would continue. It was due to end in March.

Councillor Louise McKinlay, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Levelling Up, Communities and Business Engagement, said:

“Having personally raised the matter of the Household Support Fund with a number of senior MPs, today’s announcement of a six-month extension is welcome news. It will avoid the sudden cliff edge end of key support and resources, brought in during Covid, to help the most vulnerable groups. “We will work with partners, charities and organisations to help prepare for the transition beyond the six months.”

More opportunities through Multiply in Essex

Thousands of free opportunities are available for residents to improve their number skills are on offer.

The Essex County Council Multiply programme has already offered training to 3,000 plus adults aged 19 and over. During its second phase, over 4,000 more opportunities are available. Courses focus on everything from qualifications to helping children with their schoolwork. At least 800 of the latest opportunities are for businesses, helping them upskill their workforce.

Councillor Tony Ball, Essex County Council Cabinet Member for Education Excellence, Lifelong Learning and Employability, said: “Multiply is about empowering adults in Essex with better understanding of maths and an increased confidence in working with numbers in their everyday life. This can give you the right tools to manage your money, help your children at school and get a better job.

The programme has so far proved a huge success, with flexible learning opportunities on offer and a course for everyone, from beginners through to more advanced offers such as GCSE maths. We’re looking forward to building on this success as we enter phase two of the campaign, expanding to engage with even more businesses, while continuing to support residents of Essex to become more confident with numbers.”

The £7.9 million Multiply in Essex programme is funded by the Department for Education (DfE).

Announcing the Launch of a New Pop-Up Charity Shop in Ingatestone!

In response to the community’s feedback from last year’s survey, expressing a need for a charity shop in the village, Ingatestone & Fryerning Parish Council are excited to unveil the opening of a Pop-Up Charity Shop beginning May 30th. This initiative has been made possible through the generous support of an IFPC grant, covering the costs of room hire.

Located at the St Edmund & St Mary’s Church Parish Rooms on Stock Lane, the pop-up events promise to offer a diverse range of goods for a worthy cause.

Mark your calendars for the following dates:

• May 30th

• June 27th

• July 25th

• September 26th

We look forward to welcoming you and hope you’ll join us in supporting this meaningful endeavour!

Four Fresh and Flavourful April Recipes

As April blooms and fresh produce fills our local markets, it’s the perfect time to embrace the vibrant flavours of the season.

In this edition, we’re bringing you four delightful recipes that celebrate the best of April’s bounty. From succulent meats to hearty vegetarian and vegan options, there’s something here to tantalise every taste bud. So, roll up your sleeves, head to your local market, and let’s get cooking!

Spring Lamb Tagine

Ingredients

600g lamb shoulder, diced

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon ground coriander

½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

400g tin chopped tomatoes

400ml vegetable stock

100g dried apricots, chopped

1 courgette, sliced

Fresh coriander, to garnish

Cooked couscous, to serve

Roasted

Vegetable and Halloumi Salad

Ingredients

1 red pepper, sliced

1 yellow pepper, sliced

1 courgette, sliced

1 red onion, sliced

200g cherry tomatoes

200g halloumi cheese, sliced

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

Salt and pepper, to taste

Fresh basil leaves, to garnish

Method

1. Heat olive oil in a large casserole dish over medium heat. Add the diced lamb and brown on all sides. Remove from the dish and set aside.

2. In the same dish, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until softened.

3. Return the lamb to the dish. Stir in the ground cumin, coriander, and cinnamon, coating the lamb evenly.

4. Add the chopped tomatoes, vegetable stock, and dried apricots. Bring to a simmer and cover. Cook for 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally.

5. Add the sliced courgette and cook for an additional 30 minutes, or until the lamb is tender.

6. Serve the lamb tagine hot, garnished with fresh coriander, alongside fluffy couscous.

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan).

2. Place the sliced peppers, courgette, red onion, and cherry tomatoes on a baking tray. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Season with salt and pepper.

3. Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelised.

4. Meanwhile, heat a non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Fry the halloumi slices until golden brown on both sides.

5. Arrange the roasted vegetables and halloumi on a serving platter. Garnish with fresh basil leaves.

6. Serve the roasted vegetable and halloumi salad warm or at room temperature.

Vegan Chickpea and Spinach Curry

Ingredients

2 tablespoons coconut oil

1 onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon ginger, grated

1 tablespoon curry powder

1 teaspoon ground turmeric

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon ground coriander

400g tin chickpeas, drained and rinsed

200g spinach leaves

400ml coconut milk

Salt and pepper, to taste

Fresh coriander, to garnish Cooked rice, to serve

Method

1. Heat coconut oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté until fragrant and softened.

2. Stir in the curry powder, turmeric, cumin, and coriander, coating the onions evenly.

3. Add the drained chickpeas and spinach leaves to the pan. Cook until the spinach wilts.

4. Pour in the coconut milk and bring to a simmer. Cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavours to meld.

5. Season the curry with salt and pepper, to taste.

6. Serve the vegan chickpea and spinach curry hot, garnished with fresh coriander, alongside fluffy rice.

Classic Lemon Drizzle Cake Ingredients

200g unsalted butter, softened

200g caster sugar

4 eggs

Zest of 2 lemons

200g self-raising flour

100g ground almonds

Juice of 2 lemons

100g granulated sugar

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan). Grease and line a loaf tin with parchment paper.

2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and caster sugar until light and fluffy.

3. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the lemon zest.

4. Gently fold in the self-raising flour and ground almonds until just combined.

5. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf tin and smooth the top with a spatula.

6. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until golden brown and a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.

7. While the cake is baking, prepare the lemon drizzle. In a small bowl, mix together the lemon juice and granulated sugar until dissolved.

8. Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and prick the surface all over with a skewer. Pouthe lemon drizzle over the hot cake.

9. Allow the cake to cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

10. Slice the lemon drizzle cake and serve with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat.

Mental Health Services in Basildon and Brentwood Shortlisted for Award

Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board (MSE ICB), Essex Partnership University Trust (EPUT) and Vita Health Group have been jointly shortlisted for a prestigious Health Service Journal (HSJ) Partnership Award, based on their joint work to better support the mental health needs of people living in Basildon and Brentwood.

This includes the new Basildon and Brentwood Integrated Primary Community Care (IPCC) Mental Health Team, which provides mental health support within GP surgeries for people struggling with issues such as depression and anxiety.

Winners were announced at an official awards ceremony held on 21st March 2024 in London.

“Our mental health services are focused on improving patient experience and reducing health inequalities by providing consistently high-quality, personalised care, close to home.

“Being shortlisted for an HSJ Partnership Award is testament to the determination of Commissioners, EPUT and Vita Health Group to work in close partnership with service users and other colleagues to help people get the support they need, preventing them from reaching crisis point, whenever possible.” - Anna Harley, Mental Health Transformation Lead, Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board.

“Previously, people struggling with their mental health could wait up to 28 days before they could speak to a mental health professional. In Basildon and Brentwood, latest data shows that, on average, a person’s waiting time from booking an appointment via their GP to speaking to a Mental Health Practitioner is now less than 24 hours.” - Cathy Bunch, Service Manager for Adult and Older Adult Community Mental Health in Basildon and Brentwood, EPUT.

“It is only by listening to and working with our service users and other organisations, that we can develop mental health services and pathways that really meet the needs of our local communities. We will continue to work together to improve the experience for people who require help with mental health problems.” - Dr Paul O’Sullivan, Counselling Psychologist and Integrated Primary Community Care Service Manager, Vita Health Group.

Essex’s strong link with Navy ship

It’s more important than ever that ECC show its support for its brave service men and women around the world.

That’s why residents now have a Royal Navy ship they can call their own. Essex County Council (ECC) have agreed to affiliate the county of Essex with HMS Venturer - a Type 31 frigate being built in Scotland. The next generation ship will represent the more than 1.8 million residents living in Essex. From Chigwell to Colchester and Braintree to Basildon. It is the first Royal Navy ship to be associated with the county in 30 years.

HMS Ashanti was affiliated with Southend until she ended active duties in the 1980s. The minesweeper HMS Orwell also enjoyed ties with Harwich - a key naval base through both world wars.

HMS Venturer is named after a World War II submarine. This made history as the first sub to sink another while both were submerged.

Her modern-day successor will perform duties around the globe for at least a quarter of a century. She will be crewed by 115 sailors, with capacity for another 70, when she enters service later this decade.

Along with four other frigates, HMS Venturer is designed for wide-ranging operations. This includes escorting aircraft carrier strike groups and operating independently on security patrols.

HMS Venturer establishes deep ties with our county. Its name represents technology and innovation, inspired by the feats of its predecessor and the county of Essex.

ECC are proud to be affiliated with HMS Venturer and look forward to its maiden voyage.

Ingatestone, Fryerning

Easter Sports Camp

Monday 2nd April-Friday 12th April, 8:45am - 3:15pm at Ingatestone Fryerning Junior School

For ages 5 – 12, £25 per day or £112 for full 3 days camp fee. Sibling discount of 10% off also available. What your child will be up to:

Football Day with Inflatable Dartboard & Inflatable Goal, Sports Day & Extreme Sports Day, and Bouncy Castle Day. For more details and to secure a spot, visit superstarsport-oel.classforkids.io/ camp/76

Saturday 6th April

Litter Pick in Ingatestone

Meet Ingatestone Rotary

* Volunteering * Fundraising

* Socialising * Community Projects

Find out what we do locally

Look for us in our hi-viz jackets. Meet at 9:00 am in the Ingatestone & Fryerning Community Centre Car Park, 7 High Street, Ingatestone CM4 9ED Join us after the litter pick in The Lounge Wine Bar, High Street for a coffee

Upcoming Show With Ingatestone

Community Cinema

Tickets are £5.00 for IFCA members and £7.00 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. Oppenheimer (15) – 18th April

2023 award winning epic biographical thriler about J. Robert Oppenheimer, the theoretical physicist credited with being the ‘father of the atomic bomb’. Running time: 180 mins plus interval. The doors open at 2pm with the film starting at 2:30pm.

Ingatestone Wrestling “Best of 3”

Saturday 20th April, 7:00pm – 10pm at Ingatestone and Fryerning Community Club

Action packed live show by SOS Wrestling. For tickets head to www.ringsideworld.co.uk/event6773/sosingatestone-best-of-3

Vintage and Makers Market

Saturday 4th May, 10am – 3pm at Ingatestone and Fryerning Community Club Dancing Pony Events are pleased to present our Vintage & Makers Market on Saturday 4th May at Ingatestone and Fryerning Community Hall, 7 High Street, Ingatestone, CM4 9ED.

We will have lots of lovely vintage treasures and beautiful handmade items for you to browse. We can’t wait to see you there!

The Arts Society Brentwood District 2024-2025

Every third Wednesday of the month, 7:30pm at Ingatestone Community Hall The Arts Society Brentwood District extends a warm greeting. Our series of stimulating and entertaining illustrated talks cater to the interests of a growing membership and are accompanied by a plentiful supply of tea/coffee and biscuits. Each month, there is an attractive raffle. Forthcoming sessions include ‘Shakespeare’s First Folio of 1623’ (15th May), ‘The Stirling Prize: British Architecture’s Oscars’ (19th June) and ‘William Morris at Home’ (17th July). Society meetings are usually held at Ingatestone Community Hall, 7 High Street, Ingatestone CM4 9ED on the third Wednesday of the month, apart from August and December. Free parking is plentiful. Coffee/tea are served from 7:30pm and lectures start at 8pm, ending about 9:15pm. A visitor’s fee of £8 per meeting is redeemable against annual subscriptions which include three copies of the Arts Society’s richly informative national magazine. More information is available on 01277 356634, online at www.tasbd.org.uk, or just by turning up on the night. Visitors and new members are always welcome.

Ingatestone

Bowling Club’s new season is starting soon

Every Sunday in May, 10am – 12pm on the green at the Community Centre, High Street Why not come along and give the game a try?

You will get gentle exercise in a very sociable way and you might find it’s just what you’ve been looking for. We hold FREE taster sessions every Sunday

in May between 10am and 12 noon; on our green at the Community Centre in the High Street. Car parking is free then and we are a short stroll past the tennis courts. We supply everything you need but ask that you wear flat-soled shoes or trainers. If you can’t make it on a Sunday but want to know more, please call either of our co-Captains, John or Jill Snell, on 01277 352719

WHAT’S NEW AT 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:

www.mountnessingvillagehall.com or email Dawn Parker on booking@mountnessingvillagehall.com for booking information.

•

Sewing Made Easy

We are pleased to say that our regular Dressmaking group ‘sewing made easy’ are back every Monday during school term time. Please contact Pauline on 07989 460071 or email pm.nash@sky.com

• Feelgoodflows New yoga group starting on a Thursday evening from March 28th. Please contact Abbie on 07709 705794, email FGFYOGA@gmail.com or visit www.bookwhen.com/feelgoodflows

INSERT COFFEE MORNING POSTER

Families encouraged to embrace the ‘Everyday Magic of Maths’ with the help of Bobby Seagull

This International Day of Maths (Thursday 14th March), Essex County Council unveiled our latest research from over 1,000 families across Essex, as part of the Essex Year of Numbers initiative.

Our latest research reveals that almost half of Essex parents do not feel confident when helping children with maths homework (44%). To help combat this, we have teamed up with celebrity maths expert, Bobby Seagull, to provide a series of fun and accessible tips that will encourage families to embrace the ‘Everyday Magic of Maths’. Bobby Seagull, mathematics teacher, broadcaster, and author of ‘The Life-Changing Magic of Numbers’ said:

“It is our collective responsibility to help the next generation break down barriers when it comes to maths, and develop a genuine love of numbers, both inside and outside of the classroom.

“Maths can help make sense of the world around us, open new doors and allow us to see very normal things in an exciting new light. By encouraging children to proactively look around them and find examples of using numbers in their everyday life, we are inviting them to enjoy the magic of maths from a young age.

“From understanding football results and writing rap lyrics, to baking a cake and learning a new dance, there is always a lot of fun to be had with maths, for children and adults alike.”

With only 19% of Essex parents regularly talking about maths at home, Bobby’s top tips have been specifically designed to provide easy talking points and activities for families to introduce into their everyday routine.

In direct response to statistics which showed the KS2 and KS4 grade gap for disadvantaged children in Essex is wider that the national average, our £1.5 million Essex Year of Numbers initiative is designed to help children and young people of all ages thrive in numeracy whilst also providing support for Essex parents, carers and teachers.

Councillor Tony Ball, Cabinet Member for Education Excellence, Lifelong Learning and Employability at ECC said:

“Our research has shown us that both adults and children recognise the importance of good numeracy skills, but it’s clear that there is a gap in confidence that needs to be addressed.

Through our collaboration with Bobby, we hope families across Essex will be inspired to embrace the magic of maths and identify new and fun ways to strengthen numerical skills in their everyday lives.”

There are lots of Essex Year of Numbers events and activities happening across the county each month. Children over 7 are encouraged to attend regular ‘Lab in the Library: Fun with Numbers’ and ‘Lego in the Library’ events where they can use creative play to strengthen maths skills and numbers to solve puzzles, riddles and experiments.

Young people aged 12 to 18 are also invited to learn DJ skills and get hands-on experience through regular ‘Count Me In’ music sessions, with free weekly classes taking place at youth centres in Basildon, Brentwood and Harlow.

Bobby’s top tips:

1. Many children enjoy following sport – whether its football, the darts (especially following 16-year-old Luke Littler’s recent success!) or tennis. There’s an opportunity to talk about league tables, rankings, finances and averages. You’ll often find commentators regularly talking about statistics when discussing performance too. Use sport on TV as a chance to engage children about the role of data in comparing performances of their favourite players and teams. They can justify why certain performance outranks others using statistics.

3. Whether it’s a family holiday, a fun day out or simply a trip to the supermarket, parents and carers will often travel with their children. This requires advanced planning with car journeys, distances, times and speeds to consider. Even taking public transport can require reading and understanding bus or train timetables. Try to get your children to help with the planning so they can see the numeracy skills needed to get from A to B!

2. Children form attitudes towards money by age 7. So, the younger you can have discussions with them about the value of money, the better. When you’re out and about doing the shopping, provide them with an idea of how much you want to spend and challenge them to select items within the budget. If you’re also able to encourage children to save pocket money, this can get them thinking about saving long term for the things they really want.

4. Music is everywhere – in school assemblies, on the car radio or at birthday parties. There are so many numbers here; whether it is beats, song lengths or even looking at chart rankings. One of the first ways children learn counting is through rhythm, so it’s a great way to ease them into recognising the patterns and sequences in music that are fundamental to maths.

5. Who doesn’t love eating – especially sweet treats! Baking in particular is full of maths. There are ratios, temperature conversions, capacities and volumes to consider. Invite your children to look at ingredient packets and instructions on how to cook things – consider how a meal for two can be doubled to a meal for four, for example. You can also use programmes like Junior Bake Off or episodes with their favourite YouTube chef to get imaginations flowing.

Read more about the Essex Year of Numbers at:

www.essexyearofnumbers.co.uk

W hat to do in the garden in

April

April’s here and spring has sprung at last! As the weather warms up and early flowers start to bloom, all of a sudden there’s a load of jobs to do outside.

This month, there’s plenty to sow and grow in your garden and greenhouse. But there’s lots more to do besides sowing and planting out. Here are your main garden jobs this April:

Timely Tips

1. Order annual plants like geraniums, begonias and petunias online now for summer bedding and hanging basket displays - it’s your last chance!

2. Give your greenhouse a thorough scrub (if you haven’t already) with hot soapy water. This will get rid of pests and diseases and let in more light.

3. Prepare beds for the growing season. Dig in a 5cm (or more) layer of compost or well-rotted manure. You can also work in a general-purpose fertiliser, such as pelleted chicken manure, or fish, blood and bone.

4. Check your patio plants aren’t drying out. The warmer weather will quickly affect soil moisture levels - try mixing water storing granules with compost to improve water retention in containers.

In the flower garden

• Pinch out the tips of fuchsia plants and sweet pea plant shoots, to encourage bushy growth this summer.

• Finish cutting back any dead foliage on perennials and ornamental grass plants (if you haven’t done so already), to make way for new growth. Tie in new honeysuckle and clematis stems. These plants will be putting on growth now, and you’ll need to train them along their supports.

• Deadhead daffodils and tulips as the flowers finish, but leave foliage intact

In the vegetable garden

• Start to sow tomato seeds indoors, ready to plant out after all risk of frost has passed.

• Harvest asparagus spears when they’re no more than 18 cm tall.

• Support pea and bean plants now. For quick and easy pea supports, push some twiggy sticks around your plants.

• Thin carrot seedlings to achieve good-sized carrots; do this in the evening when fewer carrot flies are around.

In the fruit garden

• Try hand pollinating peaches and nectarines with a soft-bristled paint brush for better crops this year.

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

• Top-dress patio fruit-trees with fresh compost and a slow-release fertiliser.

Other jobs about the garden

• Sow sunflowers in pots indoors or direct sow into garden borders.

• Check compost bins to see if you have any compost that’s ready to use.

• Keep on top of weeding now that the weather is warming up.

• Look out for signs of pests and diseases, early prevention is easier than curing an infestation.

• Top up bird baths and bird feeding stations to encourage birds into your garden.

Gardening tips supplied by Thompson & Morgan. For a full list of what to do in the garden in April and beyond please visit their website: www.thompson-morgan. com/in-the-garden-this-month

Nigil &

always get me up for a dance & take g d care of me

Michael & the team & knows how Ilike my Tea

always provides lovely meals

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

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

Shirley C. Resident of Dudbr k House