Spring into the April-May Edition! Welcome to the latest Ingatestone, Fryerning & Mountnessing Parish News, now bringing you two months of community updates in one exciting issue! With spring in full swing, we have plenty to share, from Springtime Flavours for April and May to What to do in the Garden in May, helping you make the most of the season.
Exciting events are on the horizon, including the Essex County Craft Show and the Undercover Festival, while Giant Easter Bunnies are set to take over! We also celebrate local history with the Blue Plaque Unveiling at Ingatestone Station and highlight fantastic community initiatives like the Brentwood Community Fund 2025. Whether you’re interested in local achievements, upcoming events, or ways to get involved, there’s something for everyone. Thank you for reading, and we hope you enjoy this fresh, content-packed edition
Editor of Ingatestone, Fryerning & Mountnessing Parish News enquiries@community-publishing.org
A huge thank you to Michael Garlick for his photo which is on our front cover
Our thanks go out to all of the fantastic local businesses for supporting the magazine by advertising.
Published by KAS Community Publishing Ltd
Blue Plaque Unveiling at Ingatestone Station to Honour Dorothy Wadham
A new blue plaque has been installed at Ingatestone station to commemorate Dorothy Wadham, a pioneering 17th-century woman who founded Wadham College, Oxford.
The installation, supported by Greater Anglia and the Essex Women’s Commemorative Project (EWCP), recognises her remarkable contribution to education and her deep ties to the village. Dorothy Wadham was born into the prominent Petre family, whose ancestral home, Ingatestone Hall, remains one of Essex’s historic landmarks. Raised under the guidance of her father’s second wife, Anne Browne, Dorothy likely received her education within the halls of her family estate. Her father, Sir William Petre, was a trusted advisor to four Tudor monarchs and played a key role in the religious and political transformations of 16th-century England.
In 1609, following the death of her husband, Nicholas Wadham, Dorothy was left with a significant fortune and his ambitious vision—to establish a new Oxford college. Despite the challenges faced by women in her time, she personally oversaw the foundation of Wadham College, ensuring its design, curriculum, and governance aligned with her late husband’s wishes. In doing so, she became the first woman outside the royal family or aristocracy to found a college at either Oxford or Cambridge. The college officially opened its doors in April 1613 and continues to be a distinguished institution of learning today.
The choice of Ingatestone station as the location for the plaque is fitting, as the station stands on land once owned by the Petre family. The ticket office, constructed in 1846, was designed to reflect the architecture of Ingatestone Hall and underwent restoration by Greater Anglia between 2015 and 2017 to preserve its historical character.
The Essex Women’s Commemorative Project was established in 2021 by the Lord Lieutenant of Essex to highlight the contributions of influential women in the county who have been overlooked by history. The plaque will be officially unveiled on April 16th at 12pm in a ceremony attended by representatives from local organisations, including Ingatestone and Fryerning Parish Council.
This latest addition to Ingatestone station serves as a lasting tribute to an extraordinary woman whose impact on education continues to be felt centuries later.
he Health, Care and Wellbeing of Young People who are Care Experienced in Essex
re you a young person in care or have you left care in the last five years? What are your concerns and worries? Do you know how and where to get support? How has your access to health services been affected by being in the care system?
As part of our Hidden Homeless project, we are looking to talk to people who have experience of the care system to find out what’s important to them regarding their health, care, and wellbeing and discover what works and what needs improvement regarding this.
If you are currently, or have previously been, involved in the care system, we would like to hear from you in whichever way suits you best; this may be meeting for a face-to-face chat, or communicating by phone, email, or video call.
We hope to raise awareness of the needs, as well as contribute to improving outcomes, for people involved in the care system, as we understand that there may be additional barriers and issues which affect you accessing and engaging with the services you need.
If you would like to find out more or have a discussion and perhaps feed into the project, please email sara.poole@healthwatchessex.org.uk or call 0300 500 1895 and ask to speak to Sara. Complete anonymity is assured for anyone who is willing to take part.
Everyone Active reveals investment plans
A significant £691,000 investment is set to transform leisure facilities across Rochford and Brentwood.
The funding comes as award-winning leisure operator Everyone Active prepares to take over the management of Clements Hall Leisure Centre and Rayleigh Leisure Centre from April 2025.
The 15-year contract was awarded by Brentwood Borough Council and Rochford District Council in January this year following a joint procurement process which also sees Everyone Active continue to manage The Brentwood Centre and Hartswood Pavilion in King George’s Playing Fields.
£531,000 of the investment will deliver immediate improvements to Rochford facilities, with brand-new fitness equipment installed at Rayleigh and Clements Hall Leisure Centres from day one. Group exercise studios and group cycling facilities will also be upgraded across the sites.
A further £160,000 is allocated for enhanced safety measures, with £80,000 funding Poolview technology at Clements Hall and another £80,000 for the same system at The Brentwood Centre. This technology uses underwater cameras to monitor pool activity, providing lifeguards with real-time visibility beneath the surface, enhancing swimmer safety without replacing traditional lifeguarding.
Beyond the physical improvements, Everyone Active will deliver its community outreach initiative across both districts.
The Active Communities programme will deliver weekly fitness activities in more isolated areas, taking exercise opportunities directly to residents who may struggle to access the main centres. Shaun Beagle, Area Contract Manager at Everyone Active, said: “This nearly £700,000 investment demonstrates our commitment to delivering exceptional
leisure experiences for communities across Rochford and Brentwood.
“These upgrades will ensure residents have access to modern, high-quality facilities that support their health and wellbeing. But our work won’t stop at the leisure centre doors - we’re bringing activities into community venues too, ensuring more people can access the benefits of an active lifestyle, no matter their circumstances.”
Councillor Dr Tim Barrett, Chair of the Housing, Health and Community Committee at Brentwood Borough Council added: “This is an exciting time to be able to develop our leisure services offer beyond the walls of the leisure centres. Everyone Active’s Active Communities Programme will give greater accessibility to more residents by providing activities in community settings. There is now greater awareness of the health and wellbeing benefits of regular physical activity that promotes better physical and mental health and wellbeing and we want to make it as easy as possible for people to get more active.”
Everyone Active will continue its inclusive membership programme, bringing it to Rochford for the first time. This includes complimentary memberships for caredfor children and care-experienced young people (via Council Family Support Team referral), free access for people living with Parkinson’s and their carers, plus discounted rates for NHS staff, emergency service workers, full-time carers, and Universal Credit recipients.
The contract will also create new jobs in the Rochford area, with positions in catering, management and sales to be advertised in the coming months. Further planned works and additional investment for Brentwood facilities will be announced in due course.
Giant Easter Bunnies take over Brentwood, Shenfield and Ingatestone High Streets
Brentwood Connected, the Business Improvement District (BID) in Brentwood, Shenfield and Ingatestone, is hosting a free Easter Bunny Trail in April, giving families the opportunity to explore all three high streets and win prizes during the school holidays.
From 7th – 21st April, 10 giant Easter bunnies will be located in business windows in Brentwood High Street, Hutton Road in Shenfield, and Ingatestone High Street, all created and named by schools and groups in the borough. Businesses including 7 Crown Street, Guided Learning, Schmidt Kitchens & Interior Solutions and The Pink Parachute in Brentwood will take part, along with Five Physio, The Dental Works, West End Interiors and WN Properties in Shenfield; and Ingatestone Library and Pastasciutta in Ingatestone. The Trail is free to enjoy and there are prizes to be won. Families are encouraged to collect a Trail sheet from participating venues or download one from the Brentwood Connected website. Those who note down the name of each Easter bunny and enter them on the Brentwood Connected website will have the opportunity to win prizes, including Easter-themed Jellycat toys, Easter eggs and art supplies.
During the two-week Trail, there are three free Easter event days where visitors can meet and greet the Easter Bunny character and take part in Easter crafts. The first two took place in Brentwood on Thursday 10th April and Shenfield on Friday 11th April and the third one is in Ingatestone on Thursday 17th April.
Sarah Walmsley, Brentwood Connected Business Improvement District (BID) Manager said, “We’ve delivered lots of successful free trails for children in the area and we know they’re popular amongst families who want to get out during the school holidays and ‘support local’. We’re really grateful to the businesses who are giving the bunnies a home in April, and we’re excited to see what the schools and groups create for us. We encourage people to come out and explore their local area during the school holidays for free, courtesy of our Brentwood Connected member businesses.”
Local primary schools including Brentwood Preparatory, Holly Trees, Hutton All Saints, Ingatestone & Fryerning Juniors, Larchwood, Shenfield St. Mary’s, St. Helen’s Juniors, Warley, Willowbrook, and an art group of local Ukrainian children, have been invited to decorate 10 bunnies which will be installed at businesses in time for the Easter Bunny Trail to start. Mrs Branton, Headteacher of Willowbrook School, said, “We’re really grateful for the opportunity to showcase our talented
pupils’ creative skills as part of the Brentwood Connected Easter Bunny Trail. Our children are looking forward to making and naming their giant bunny and then spotting this and others on the trail itself during the Easter holidays.”
Brentwood
Connected is a unique Business Improvement District (BID) supporting the borough’s three high streets and funded by town centre businesses to improve the experience of residents, visitors, employees and businesses in Brentwood, Shenfield and Ingatestone. For information about the Brentwood Connected Easter Bunny Trail, visit www.brentwoodconnected.co.uk/easter.
Healthier Habits Hub
Free non-judgemental guidance will be available for wellbeing topics including mental health, weight management, substance misuse and sexual health.
Each event will have free giveaways and free tea and coffee available too.
Free resources will be available, including:
• exercise taster sessions and demonstrations from Active Essex
• free oral health resources
• support to stop smoking
• winter warm packs
• advice on courses with ACL
If you have any questions about the Healthier Habits Hub, please contact HealthierHabitsHubs@essex.gov.uk
HEALTHIER HABITS
Come to a Healthier Habits Hub in
Brentwood
At Baytree Shopping Centre, Brentwood High Street, CM14 4BX on:
• Wednesday 7th May 2025, 10am - 4pm
• Thursday 12th June, 9am - 5pm
More events across Essex are being confirmed, check back on www.essex.gov.uk/news/2025/healthierhabits-hub for more dates.
Could you be an on-call firefighter in Ingatestone?
Have you ever considered becoming an on-call firefighter?
Ingatestone Fire Station is on the lookout for new recruits – and this could be your opportunity to get involved.
On-call firefighters are everyday people who play an extraordinary role in supporting their community. They live or work within five minutes of their local fire station and are ready to respond to emergencies whenever needed. Many manage their fire service commitment around their full-time jobs, family life, studies, or even during the night, with their pager close by, ready to respond.
Watch Manager Kirk Collins, from the On-Call Liaison team, said:
“Being an on-call firefighter is such a rewarding role. You’ll be helping people when they need it most, learning valuable
new skills and becoming part of a dedicated team. At Ingatestone, we’re proud of the service we provide, but we can only continue to do that with the support of people in the local area. If you live or work nearby, can respond quickly when your pager goes off, and want to make a real difference, we’d love to welcome you.”
If you’re over 18, physically fit, and live or work within five minutes of Ingatestone Fire Station, Fryerning Lane, CM4 0HH, you could get paid to serve your community as an on-call firefighter.
Visit join.essex-fire.gov.uk/ on-call to find out more and apply.
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2025 AprilHelen Rollason Cancer Charity
Summer days out.
We have some great events this summer, starting with our Ride For Helen cycle event on Sunday 11th May. The routes range from six miles to 100 miles through the Essex countryside, so there is something for everyone; from families to experienced cyclists.
We have two vintage days with stalls, live entertainment, music, vintage cars and a range of caterers. On Sunday 13th July at Cressing Temple Barns and on Sunday 24th August at Layer Marney Tower.
Details and tickets for all our events are on our website at www.helenrollason.org.uk/events
Hatfield Peverel Open Gardens
Do you live in Hatfield Peverel? Could you open your garden to help us raise valuable funds for the charity? We are looking for
more gardens, and they do not have to be ‘Chelsea Flower Show’ standard.
Open Gardens is on Saturday 24th May. Our centre will be open on the day to collect maps of the gardens, and we will have tea, cakes and a plant sale.
Dates of Helen Rollason Cancer
Charity events:
Saturday 24th May – Hatfield Peverel Open Gardens.
Sunday 13th July – Vintage and Makers Day at Cressing Temple Barns.
Sunday 24th August – Marvellous Vintage day out at Layer Marney Tower.
If you would like to know more about the support we provide, you can also call us on 01245 382888.
Local hospice service recognised with national award
Local hospice service that supports patient choice at end of life recognised with national award.
A group of Essex hospices is celebrating after being officially named the winner of the ‘Best Not-for-Profit Working in Partnership with the NHS’ at the HSJ Partnership Awards 2025, in recognition of their outstanding dedication to improving healthcare and effective collaboration with the NHS.
The Hospice Collaborative Partnership, which includes Farleigh Hospice, Havens Hospices and St Luke’s Hospice, working alongside NHS Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board (ICB), was announced during a ceremony at Evolution London on 20th March 2025, hosted by Rachel Parris and Marcus Brigstocke.
The event, which featured 23 separate categories, was attended by representatives from the NHS, the private sector, the third sector, and individuals from non-clinical backgrounds to celebrate the importance of positive partnerships and acknowledge how they underpin the future sustainability of the NHS.
The Hospice Collaborative and the ICB were recognised for the innovative “Hospice Rapid Access Service” – a 24-hour hospice-inspired care pathway for adults across mid and south Essex that provides patients with a choice in where to receive care as they approach the end of their lives, whether that’s in a hospice, care home or in the community.
The service promotes patient choice, helping patients achieve their preferred place of care and death, which improves their quality of life and reduces anxiety for their families.
The service also helps to ease demand on health and social care systems by reducing hospital admissions and stays.
In its first year, the Hospice Rapid Access Service cared for more than 1,100 patients, delivering 33,376 nights of care, preventing hospital admission or intervention, equating to 91 hospital beds per day.
In the community, the teams delivered 216,954 hours of care for patients in their own homes, easing pressure on NHS colleagues and facilities.
The service delivers rapid and appropriate care, achieving this on average in three days from the original referral to the Hospice Rapid Access Teams.
We are delighted that the Hospice Rapid Access Service has been recognised through this prestigious national award. Since its inception 20 months ago, the Hospice Collaborative has made significant progress in delivering an equitable model of care across mid and south Essex, with the needs of patients at its very heart. Everyone at Farleigh Hospice is incredibly proud that through this successful collaboration, we are ensuring that patients receive the highest quality care, in the most appropriate setting, at the end of their lives.
For more information on End-of-Life care across mid and south Essex, please visit: www.midandsouthessex.ics.nhs.uk/ health/support/end-of-life-care.
Neighbourhood Watch
The PCC recently met with Neighbourhood Watch to look at plans for 2025, much of which were formulated following the P.C.C.s Crime Survey in 2024. One of the Commissioner’s key objectives is to tackle vehicle crime.
This can be broken down into two groups.
1. Chancers and opportunists thefts from vehicles.
2. Very sophisticated serious targeted crimes of high-end make cars often with keyless ignitions.
1 CHANCER & OPPORTUNIST VEHICLE CRIMES FROM PARKED CARS.
You must not under any circumstances whatsoever leave anything on show in a parked car. Absolutely nothing.
These crimes are avoidable and preventable. When parking your vehicle anywhere especially at home for last park up for the night we want you to use the five second rule.
Park safely and securely and ensure your vehicle is locked. Then just stand for five seconds and look in through the car windows. Can you see anything? If you can then so can a criminal and you may become a victim of a crime.
Outside your home, at the cinema, at the railway station and large shopping centres and supermarkets. In truth anywhere! Leave nothing on show!
Sometimes we need you to think like a criminal! These crimes can be avoided.
Vans carrying tools and equipment, especially those that it is impractical to unload each night are at risk. Park as safe and secure as you can. If the van has rear doors park with them tight up against something so the doors cannot be opened even if they were forced.
Both National and local TV stations carried news item recently that thefts from vehicles are millions of pounds a year.
2. A MORE TARGETED CAR THEFT.
These car thefts are of the more high-end range BMWs, Audi, Mercedes, Range Rovers.The thefts are very targeted, and criminals will arrive at an exact known location with make, model, registration number and location. These are not criminals who walk the streets at night looking for vehicles. The criminals will arrive knowing exactly where to go, normally in the very small hours of the morning in the darkest times. They will be dressed mostly in black with balaclava/ski marks, they will be carrying backpacks that contain laptop-type reader devices and they will try to read the car keys situated inside your property. Leaving keys on hall tables and the bottom stair at home could be disastrous!
These teams of criminals will operate in three or fours. One drives the vehicle that brings them to an area. Another will work the key reader device and two to remove
Ingatestone, Fryerning & Mountnessing
the vehicle. Recent intelligence shows on the odd occasion they have targeted cars nearby to each other. We are talking of a very slick and professional operation. You can see the lights go on in the car and the engine starts and it’s gone. You are talking likely less than two minutes.
Ensure the vehicle is locked, consider a steering lock device. Do not leave keys on hall tables. Store keys in a Faraday Box or Pouch. The box and pouch are very cheap to buy even the steering lock will not break the bank in the scheme of things when you balance the cost of vehicles. If you can, block garage cars in with other vehicles.
SEEK DEALERSHIP ADVICE TOO ON ANTI THEFT DEVICES
Number plates are often removed and thrown away nearby as are often any personal items left in the cars.
On both these crimes, it is essential that if by chance and good luck you look out
of your window and see people trying car doors or standing around with devices – do not hesitate to use 999 immediately! This is ‘crime in progress’ or ‘crime about to happen’.
A LESSER CRIME IS THEFT OF NUMBER PLATES.
Those thefts can involve stealing fuel from vehicles on a drive or a garage forecourt to a fuel ULEZ trips or Dartford tunnel runs. Frustratingly, sometimes these crimes go unreported due to the low financial loss but they should always be reported. Just occasionally those number plates can be used in a far more sinister and serious crime.
Thank you for your support. Stay safe, secure, alert and vigilant.
Ingatestone, Fryerning
Post Office Reopened
Ingatestone’s Post Office has reopened with a new post master Mr King. Much to the relief of many villagers, local shop keepers and eBayers after a number of months of closure the Post Office is back! The new Post Master is keen to be involved in the village and enlarging his services in the future, so whilst it looks basically the same at the moment, watch this space!
On Saturday 29th March, Ingatestone held its Spring Artisan Market, with stands inside and outside the Community Centre. There were 20 artisan/craft stands inside and nine outside, ranging from jam to jewellery, pickles to pies and art to angle cake!
Also, live music featuring Ella and Flanders Mare, free massages with Sami Hood, a number of free Mini Style and Colour Analysis sessions with Kelly Caira from the House of Colour and for the children a free creative session from Little Dreamers. Lots to do and see and hopefully buy something for Mother’s Day (which was
the next day) or Easter. As a sign on one stand said ‘Flowers last a week or so, our creations will last forever!’
Photo credits Freddy Norton
Healthwatch Essex Carers
£70,000
in funding secured for Green Belt Review
Brentwood Borough Council has successfully secured £70,000 in funding from the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG) to conduct a review of its greenbelt. This significant funding will enable the council to assess its greenbelt areas in line with the latest government guidelines, ensuring the ongoing protection of valuable open spaces while identifying sections that may
Photo credits Freddy Norton Artisan Market
& Mountnessing
meet the newly defined criteria for the Grey Belt.
The Green Belt review, which will play an essential role in the Council’s Local Plan, will help inform decisions about land use and development. The funding will allow Brentwood Borough Council to commission expert consultants, potentially in collaboration with neighbouring authorities, to carry out a detailed evaluation of the greenbelt land. This assessment will help to determine which areas are most valuable for conservation and which may be more suited for development under the government’s new Grey Belt classification.
£6 million boost to tackle fuel poverty in Essex
Essex has been awarded £6 million to tackle fuel poverty and reduce carbon emissions over the next three years.
The money is from the Warm Homes: Local Grant, managed by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. We bid for funding with the district, city, borough and unitary councils in the county. It will be used for measures including heat pumps, solar panels and insulation.
Applications to receive help from the Warm Homes: Local Grant in Essex will open in the summer. Homes will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. This will determine which energy efficiency measures can be installed.
The Warm Homes: Local Grant is aimed at low-income and vulnerable households. This includes both owned and rented properties.
The new grant is the first step to help delivering the Warm Homes Plan. The plan will help up to 300,000 homes across England find ways to save money on energy bills. It will also help to heat homes with cleaner energy.
The partnership bid for funding did not include Basildon Council which submitted its own bid.
Essex County Council community supermarket network expands
Essex County Council have expanded their community supermarket network. New supermarkets are now open in Maldon and Brentwood.
Brentwood’s new Community Pantry will run as a pop-up shop. This is located in Bishop’s Hall Park Community Centre in Pilgrims Hatch.
Hosted by Manna Meals, the shop will allow residents to shop discounted essentials.
Brentwood Community Pantry will be open on:
• Saturdays (weekly) from 11am to 12.30pm
• Wednesdays (alternate weeks) from 3.30pm to 5pm
Brentwood residents can also buy discounted recipe kits. These contain all the ingredients and instructions needed to cook simple, healthy meals.
Maldon and Brentwood mark the 11th and 12th community supermarkets to open. Essex County Council are committed to delivering 14 in total across Essex.
Local South Essex Young Bands Will Be At The Heart Of Undercover Festival 2025!
As the popular Undercover Festival (now in its 13th year) makes its debut at Battlesbridge, South Essex on 26th & 27th September, organiser Mick Moriarty decided to make young local bands a focus of the event.
“Young punk-influenced bands are coming to the fore even more now, and I see a very vibrant young scene with a purpose. I know a cracking band when I see one, and there are plenty appearing in South Essex! The Meffs (Southend) and Bilk (Chelmsford) are currently making huge strides, and coming up behind them, there’s a lot of young talent, just bursting to get out there” he explains.
Undercover Festival’s early days were at Bisley in Surrey. Mick says “When I decided to move Undercover Festival to South Essex, I found a venue that is quirky, outside the box, and with camping, just what I was looking for to get the Bisley feel of Undercover Festival back.
“Once I got the date for the festival sorted, I wanted to include a couple of local bands, and I was blown away by the rich vein of local bands coming up strong behind The Meffs and Bilk. I’m so pleased to have several of them playing for us at Undercover Festival 26th & 27th September.”
Amongst the bigger names appearing at the festival (Skids, Eddie & The Hot Rods, Subhumans, Menace, Popes Of Chillitown, Dakka Skanks, Eastfield, Codename Colin, East Town Pirates) the following young local bands will share the stage:
“Dharma Hounds are a band that I am excited to bring to Undercover and I love their new release ‘Blokes’” enthuses Mick. “You look at a band and say yeah, they have something, that’s what I see with Dharma Hounds.
“Another band playing who have a great ‘can do’ attitude, which I love, is Destroy The Idols. I am getting more and more into them as I listen to their tracks; it’s a shame they are on first at the festival, but someone has to, and I always say start it strong. Get there early you won’t be disappointed!
“Rat Hole impressed a LOT of people at Rebellion Festival last year with their
cheeky punk songs and hilarious banter, and I had many folks saying ‘Mick – you have to book them!’ A few weeks later, I made the decision to confirm the venue for the festival, and booking Rat Hole fell exactly into place.
“Monumental are a talented mod/indie revival band with original songs influenced by 60’s mod, through to the mod revival of the 70’s, and the Britpop era of the 90’s. I thought I’d add them to the line up as something different. They are REALLY good, and have much more of an edge than just a mod thing.
“Hinge are a band that I really like the look of, a no messing, straight up, beer bottle clinking, four-piece punk band from Billericay. They are influenced by 90’s skate punk, with a cracking sound.
“There will be several other excellent bands from Essex playing, a tad older, but I reckon the five above are excellent, and will show everyone travelling to South Essex for Undercover Festival what a happening local
punk scene it has – make sure you check them all out!”
Tickets (£79) include camping, showers, parking and novel attractions found at no other UK festival, such as a motorcycle museum, record shops and vintage sellers. An on-site guest house and campervan access are also available. Merchandise stalls, a reasonably-priced festival bar and food stands will also be on-site.
The Showground (Battlesbridge Antiques Centre, Battlesbridge, SS11 7RF) is easily accessible by road, rail and bus.
A limited number of tickets are available online from Gigantic or in-person at Undercover gigs (Guildford), Intense Records (Chelmsford), Fives Record Shop (Leigh On Sea), Sounds of the Suburbs Records (Ruislip) and Dirt (Norwich).
While Undercover Festival is hitting the road after a run at Guildford’s The Suburbs at the Holroyd, the venue remains home to Undercover’s regular gigs, with at least 20 booked in for 2025.
Brentwood Community Fund 2025 Launches to Support Local Projects
BBC, in partnership with Axis, Seven Arches Investments Limited and the Brentwood Health and Wellbeing Board, is pleased to launch this year’s Fund, inviting local organisations and individuals to bid for funding for community projects.
As part of its social value commitment to the local community, Axis has made a significant contribution to the grant scheme. Additionally, the Council’s wholly owned company, Seven Arches Investments Limited (SAIL), has also generously contributed to the fund. This year the fund has received an additional boost thanks to the Brentwood Health and Wellbeing Board, which will enable a greater emphasis on awarding grants to projects with strong health and wellbeing outcomes.
To qualify for funding, projects must:
• Benefit Brentwood communities and be delivered within the Borough.
• Demonstrate community involvement in their design and execution.
• Show sustainability for long-term impact.
• Align with the Council’s community, health, and environmental priorities.
The deadline for applications is 30th April 2025. Detailed eligibility criteria and application requirements can be found on the Council’s website at www.brentwood.gov.uk/funding. For queries, please contact the Community Services Department on 01277 312500 or email localism@brentwood.gov.uk.
The 2025 Muddy Awards Finals Are Open
The regional finalists are revealed!
Now in their 12th year, The Muddy Stilettos Awards are back! 2,205 finalists have just been announced as the best independent lifestyle businesses across 35 Muddy counties, including 105 in Essex, chosen by their customers and Muddy Stilettos readers.
From the first round of Essex nominations across 21 lifestyle categories, only the top five with the most nominations in each category have made it into the finals. Running now until 15th April 2025, the final round of voting has begun, inviting customers, friends and family to vote for their favourite business, including four new categories of Best Family Experience, Best Sports & Fitness Instructor, Best Wellbeing Specialist and Best Women’s Style.
Readers can track votes by clicking the live updates page to see the Voting Cocktails which show up-to-date percentages of votes achieved (refreshed every 15 minutes) by each finalist in each category.
Muddy Stilettos is the biggest luxury lifestyle site outside London, reaching 4.4 million women every month across 35 counties to make the most of where they live, with insider information on unique and wonderful things to do locally. The Muddy Awards are free to enter, and with 515,000 votes last year make them the UK’s most prestigious lifestyle business awards, providing well-deserved publicity and kudos for winners in each and every county.
Winners’ National Muddy Awards. So not only do businesses in Essex have the chance to win a regional crown, but they are also in with a chance of being selected as the overall Muddy National Winner!
For those wanting to show their support for local businesses, they can vote here across all of the 21 categories overleaf:
MUDDY AWARD 2025 CATEGORIES
BEST ARTS, CULTURE & THEATRE
BEST BAR
BEST BEAUTY SALON/CLINIC
BEST CAFÉ
BEST FLORIST
BEST HOTEL (30+ rooms)
BEST BOUTIQUE STAY (less than 30 rooms)
BEST CASUAL DINING
BEST CHILDREN’S BUSINESS
BEST DESTINATION PUB
BEST FAMILY EXPERIENCE
BEST FARM SHOP/ DELI
BEST SPORT & FITNESS INSTRUCTOR
BEST HAIR SALON
BEST LIFESTYLE STORE
BEST LOCAL FOOD/DRINK PRODUCER
BEST EVENT VENUE
BEST RESTAURANT
BEST WELLBEING SPECIALISTS
BEST WOMEN’S STYLE
BEST YOGA/ PILATES STUDIO
To view the list of 2025 finalists head to essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/awards/ finalists
Regional finals voting closes at 1pm, 15th April 2025, and the winners announced on 30th April 2025. Every regional winner will automatically go forward to the ‘Winner of
Finally, as an added bonus one lucky business has the chance to win a £3,000 cash prize to spend on their business as they wish in association with Tide Banking.
If you’re ‘In Love With Local’ please get behind our prestigious Awards – still free to enter from start to finish and judged by our readers – and help our local businesses in Essex.
Essex County Craft Show
Huge craft show coming to Essex this summer.
This summer, on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th June, over 100 talented craftspeople and skilled artisans will be showcasing their handmade products at the Essex County Craft Show 2025, taking place within the beautiful grounds of Ingatestone Hall.
From pottery to woodwork, fused glass to basketry, watercolour art to lino printing and everything in between, you can find something exquisite to add to your home, or commission a bespoke piece in one of the Craft Marquees.
The food and drink marquee will house food producers from across the region, offering tempting treats, tasty tipples and samples.
There will be a range of craft demonstrations and bookable workshops to get the creative juices flowing as well as live music, delicious food and licensed bars.
Show Organiser, Darren Perry, of Prestige County Events, said; “We are excited to be bringing this new show to Essex. We have had many requests for an event of this type from our stallholders over the last few years but it wasn’t until we visited Ingatestone Hall that we really felt we could bring our vision to life at this fabulous venue.
“We have an exceptional lineup of exhibitors attending already who will have a wide range of handcrafted items on display. Plus, many will also be demonstrating their crafts so visitors can see the creative process.”
More information can be found at www.essexcountycraftshow.co.uk.
Roman River Spring Series
Nathaniel Mander and The Goldberg Variations
Ingatestone, Fryerning
Wednesday, 23rd April, 7.30pm, The Old Library, Colchester, CO1 1PG
Recognised as one of the great keyboard artists of his generation, harpsichordist
Nathaniel Mander with Bach’s tour de force, The Goldberg Variations. Tickets from £10.
Classic FM Rising Star, clarinettist
Jonathan Leibovitz
Thursday 22nd May, 7:30pm, The Girling Room, The Minories, Colchester, CO1 1UE
A dreamy programme of Debussy, Denisov, Brahms and Poulenc (clarinet and piano) plus young artist spotlight by Hassan Marzban with his own arrangements for renaissance recorder and percussion. Tickets from £10.
www.tickettailor.com/events/ wildarts/1527626
Tudor Fayre
26th – 27th April, 11am – 5pm at Ingatestone Hall
T’is the year 1556 and there is to be a fayre to mark to completion of the building work on the magnificent Ingatestone Hall. My Lord William Petre will be entertaining many an honoured guest and extending a gracious welcome to all. For entry to Ingatestone Hall please go to www.ingatestonehall.com/visiting.
Wine Tasting Event
Saturday 10th May, 7:30pm – 10pm at Ingatestone Hall
tasting evening, run by Taylor Wines Essex, with some cheese nibbles, including a light-hearted quiz. Tickets available from buytickets.at/ingatestonerotary/1621193.
GOTCHA! Beer Festival
Sunday 25th May, 1pm at The Viper, Mill Green Road
Snakes alive! It’s The Viper Beer Festival! Join us for a generous serving of our usual high-energy party hits washed down with a barrel of our Oompah specials played the way that only GOTCHA! can! It’s going to be fun, fun, fun! Plus, an awesome selection of beers.
Brentwood Art Trail
31st May – 31st June
Look out for the Brentwood Art Trail returning 31st May to 31st June, with even more artists and shops displaying the art (mainly created by local artists) with guided tours and creative workshops. The picture shows the “Jam” Artist working and Julie Pease showing her painting inside Beresfords.
Photo credits Freddy Norton
The Three Musketeers
Saturday 31st May, 7pm –8:30pm at Ingatestone Hall
“All for one and one for all!” When young D’Artagnan travels to Paris to join the Musketeers he uncovers a plot to discredit Queen Anne in the eyes of King Louis XIII and the country. With Athos, Porthos and Aramis, D’Artagnan must help to defeat the evil Cardinal Richelieu and Milady de Winter, but their quest will not be easy...
Organised by the Rotary Club of Ingatestone please join us for a wine
Join us as we bring this action-filled adventure to life in a dynamic and hilarious staging of the much-loved novel. Expect sword fights… Lots of sword fights! For tickets head to www.tickettailor.com/ events/cuemarketing/1509606.
Ingatestone Summer Show
Saturday 19th July
The Ingatestone Summer Show is back again this year on Saturday the 19th July. The Parish Council is inviting all
& Mountnessing
local community clubs and organisations, plus artists and makers to take a pitch to showcase what you do. You just need to contact comms@ingatestone-fryerningpc. gov.uk. Also welcome are vintage cars and motorbikes. There will be races, including the very popular three-legged race, music, hot and cold food, ice creams and drinks. It will be great fun, so be sure to make a note in your diary and we will see you there!
Photo credits Freddy Norton
Digital Drop In Sessions
Held bi-weekly on Tuesdays, 12:30pm –13:30pm.
Completely free service in conjunction with The Anglo European School and Brentwood Borough Council. Come along and chat to one of the ‘Digital Eagles’ who will assist and support local residents lo learn more and get help with their digital devices.
Upcoming events with
Ingatestone Community Centre:
BINGO!
2nd Thursday of the month
Join us at Ingatestone Community Centre, as we 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 four games of Bingo with cash prizes! Bring a friend or come alone and meet new people. Tickets are available to purchase on the door.
Ingatestone Community Cinema –
The doors open at 2pm with the film starting at 2:30pm.
Tickets are £5 for IFCA members and £7 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 Notebook
Thursday 17th April
A 2004 romantic drama about a couple who fall in love in the 1940s. Their story is read from a notebook in the present day by an elderly man telling the tale to a fellow nursing home resident. Running time: 124 mins.
One Life
Thursday 15th May
A 2023 biographical drama telling the true story of Sire Nicholas ‘Nicky’ Winton, a young London broker, who in the months leading up to World War II, rescued 669 predominantly Jewish children from the Nazis. Running time: 109 mins.
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.
Springtime Flavours for April and May
As the days grow longer and the gardens start to bloom, spring is the perfect time to refresh your meals with bright, seasonal ingredients.
April and May bring Easter celebrations, May Day gatherings, and lighter dishes as we transition into warmer weather. These four delicious recipes capture the essence of spring, featuring fresh produce and simple steps for stress-free cooking. Whether you’re hosting or enjoying a quiet meal, these dishes are a must-try!
Easter Roast Lamb with Rosemary and Garlic
Ingredients
1.5kg leg of lamb
4 garlic cloves, sliced
2 sprigs fresh rosemary, chopped
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
150ml lamb stock
Asparagus and Pea Risotto
Ingredients
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
300g risotto rice
125ml white wine
1 litre vegetable stock, kept warm
150g asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2cm pieces
100g frozen peas
50g Parmesan, grated
25g butter
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Method
1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan).
2. Use a sharp knife to make small incisions all over the lamb and insert garlic slices into each.
3. Mix the rosemary, olive oil, mustard, salt, and pepper into a paste and rub it all over the lamb.
4. Place in a roasting tin and roast for 1 hour 30 minutes for medium, basting occasionally with lamb stock.
5. Rest for 15 minutes before carving. Serve with roasted vegetables and mint sauce.
Method
1. Heat the oil in a large pan and cook the onion until soft.
2. Stir in the risotto rice and cook for 1 minute before adding the wine.
3. Once the wine has evaporated, add the stock one ladle at a time, stirring frequently.
4. After 15 minutes, add the asparagus and peas. Continue adding stock and stirring until the rice is tender (about 5 more minutes).
5. Stir in the Parmesan and butter. Season to taste and serve warm.
Coronation Chicken Salad
Ingredients
2 cooked chicken breasts, shredded
3 tbsp mayonnaise
2 tbsp Greek yoghurt
1 tbsp mild curry powder
1 tbsp mango chutney
1 tbsp sultanas
1 tbsp flaked almonds, toasted
Juice of ½ a lemon
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Mixed salad leaves, to serve
Method
1. In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, yoghurt, curry powder, mango chutney, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
2. Stir in the shredded chicken, sultanas, and almonds.
3. Chill in the fridge for 30 minutes to allow the flavours to develop.
4. Serve on a bed of mixed salad leaves or as a sandwich filling.
Rhubarb and Strawberry Crumble
Ingredients
300g rhubarb, chopped
200g strawberries, halved
75g caster sugar
1 tbsp orange juice
100g plain flour
50g rolled oats
75g unsalted butter, cubed
50g light brown sugar
Method
1. Preheat the oven to 190°C (170°C fan).
2. Toss the rhubarb and strawberries with caster sugar and orange juice, then transfer to a baking dish.
3. In a bowl, rub the butter into the flour until it resembles breadcrumbs. Stir in the oats and brown sugar.
4. Sprinkle the crumble mixture over the
W hat to do in the garden in May
May is arriving and the days are getting warmer and longer.
Summer is on its way and it’s time to tidy up spring plants, plant out summer flowers and get planning for autumn.
There are plenty of flowers and vegetables to sow and grow in May. Or read on for a comprehensive list of other garden jobs to get on with this month:
Timely Tips for May
1. Start planting out summer bedding plants towards the end of this month in warmer parts of the country. For more information about growing bedding plants, head over to our hub page.
2. Look after your finished spring bulbs for next year. Once they’ve gone over, resist the temptation to cut back the foliage. Instead, let it die and break down on its own and add liquid fertiliser all around the clumps. This will give you an even better display next spring.
3. Remember to open greenhouse vents and doors on warm days. You can also damp down your greenhouse on hot days to increase humidity and deter red spider mites.
4. Optimise your watering regime – watering early and late to get the most out of your water – and start collecting and recycling water whenever possible.
In the Flower Garden in May
• Thin out drifts of hardy annuals.
• Plant summer hanging baskets, adding good-quality compost, slow-release fertiliser and water-retaining crystals, to keep them in top condition. Protect them from late frost under cover.
• Continue dividing herbaceous border perennials to improve vigour and create new plants.
• Divide established clumps of hostas as they come into growth.
• Trim back spreading plants such as aubrieta, alyssum and candytuft (Iberis sp.) after they’ve flowered, to encourage fresh new growth and more blooms.
In the vegetable garden in May
• Continue earthing up potatoes.
• Harvest asparagus spears when they are no more than 18cm tall.
• Thin out direct-sown vegetables such as spinach, carrot and lettuce seedlings, then water the rows well.
• Harden off outdoor tomatoes, courgettes and pumpkins for planting early next month.
• Make supports for your runner beans, using 8 ft (2.4 m) bamboo canes.
• Support pea plants with twiggy sticks or pea netting.
• Keep on top of weeding – weeds will compete with your vegetables for precious water, light and nutrients.
In the fruit garden in May
• Protect strawberry plants with straw (to control weeds and lift the berries off the ground) and netting (to keep birds off the fruit). Visit our comprehensive hub page for more info and advice on growing strawberries.
Ingatestone, Fryerning & Mountnessing
• Harvest rhubarb, picking only one-third of the total amount of stems.
• Hang pheromone traps in stone fruit trees from May to August to monitor plum-fruit-moth activity.
• Hang pheromone traps in apple trees to reduce codling moth.
• Keep young fruit trees well-watered while they are putting on rapid growth.
• Remove blossom and fruits from newly planted fruit trees to help them establish properly during their first year.
• Regularly check the centre of gooseberry bushes for green gooseberry sawfly caterpillars – they will quickly skeletonize leaves if not removed.
• Erect garden netting around soft fruit plants to prevent birds eating your crop.
Looking after your lawn in May
• Apply lawn weedkiller to your lawn this month.
• Feed your lawn with a high-nitrogen fertiliser to encourage healthy green growth.
• Water the grass during hot weather –that’s particularly important for newly seeded or turfed lawns. Never allow new lawns to dry out.
• Lower mower blades to their regular summer-cut height.
• Continue sowing lawn seed and repairing bare patches in the early part of the month.
• Postpone mowing newly sown grass until it reaches three inches in height and make sure the mower blades are on a high setting.
• Install lawn edging to keep edges tidy and smarten up beds and borders.
For more tips, go online and visit www.thompson-morgan.com.
Remus Horse Sanctuary Open Day
Sunday 4th May from 1pm - 4pm.
Join us for our Open Day where you can meet our animals, consisting of horses, ponies, donkeys, sheep, goats and cats. We have many stalls selling gifts, books and bric-a-brac. Children can enjoy face-painting, up close magic and meet our special guest, Mickey Mouse.
Enjoy a Cream Tea at our Open Day, with two plain scones, butter, jam and clotted cream, and your choice of tea and coffee. £16 per person including entry. If you cannot book online, please call Claire on 01277 356191 or email her at office@remussanctuary.org. Please book your Cream Tea a minimum of 48 hours in advance.
Remus Horse Sanctuary, Little Farm, Buttsbury, Nr Ingatestone, Essex, CM4 9NZ Tickets are: £8 Adults/£6 for children. Book online at www.remussanctuary.org or by calling 01277 356191.
Ingatestone Bowls Club
Now that spring is on its way and like me, you’re coming out of hibernation and perhaps looking for some light exercise and maybe a bit of interaction with the outside world.
Summer is on its way and it’s time to tidy up spring plants, plant out summer flowers and get planning for autumn. Or are you just tired of looking at the same four walls and want to meet some like-minded people who like a little bit of fun now and again.
Just join me and come along to the best-kept secret in Ingatestone. A couple of years ago I did just that and made so many new friends almost overnight. Although there is no pressure, there is however plenty of support by experienced qualified coaching staff.
From a complete novice with two left feet, no ball-to-eye coordination, an ageing hearing aid and glasses, last season I, to my surprise, actually won a cup, albeit a rather small one.
You can find new friends of all ages playing a great game, and of course plenty of gossip over a cuppa.
So come and join us every Sunday morning in May to have a go. No need to book, beginners are especially welcome. From 10am to 12 noon at the Ingatestone Bowls Club, hidden away at the rear of the Tennis Club and car park, at the back of the Ingatestone Community Centre at 7 High Street. Ingatestone. CM4 9ED.
The gossip is free together with a cuppa and a chance to have a go. All equipment is provided, and if you like it, why not join as a member at half price for the first year.
It doesn’t matter if you’re a lively lady or a grumpy old gent, providing you’re this side of 100, we would love to meet you. So come along and give it a try. There is, however, one request – please wear flat shoes, as high heels makes it difficult to walk on grass, especially for men.
