We have over 50 years’ experience in the industry and have seen most types of windows and doors over the years and rarely find a problem we can’t solve.
From blown/misted units, draughty windows and broken locks, to a complete & full replacement of your windows or conservatory - reach out to us and it would be our privilege to pop round and see how we could help.
We have no overdraft to feed, run no accounts and pay up front for all our materials.
We have been proudly servicing the local community for over 30 years!
Ingatestone, Fryerning & Mountnessing
Parish News Magazine
A New Year and a New Chapter for Your Parish News Magazine!
Welcome to the twenty-second issue of the Ingatestone, Fryerning & Mountnessing Parish News Magazine!
We’re thrilled to announce an exciting change – from this issue onward, the magazine will be published bi-monthly. By combining two months into one, we can deliver even more community news, updates, and features in a single, vibrant publication. This means more variety, better planning for events, and a greater focus on topics that matter most to you, all while being more sustainable. This issue is packed with highlights to keep you informed and inspired. Explore the Ingatestone Heritage Trail and upcoming events like the Artisan Spring Market. Dive into our feature on Recipes for Love, Pancakes, and Cosy Nights, and discover tips to prepare your garden for spring.
We’re shining a spotlight on community initiatives, including Promoting Lip-reading and Sign Language, and the Neighbourhood Watch scheme. Plus, don’t miss the latest news from the Rotary Club fundraiser and Ingatestone and District Camera Club.
Here’s to a fantastic start to this exciting new chapter—thank you for continuing to be part of our growing community!
Editor of Ingatestone, Fryerning & Mountnessing Parish News enquiries@community-publishing.org
A huge thank you to Markus Spiske, from Unsplash, 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.
Trip to the Circus
Not the big top that you might imagine, but the Roman Circus at Colchester! Here chariots were raced, just like in Ben Hur, but some 1,700 years ago.
This was an away day by Ingatestone & Fryerning ’s Historical and Archaeological Society (IFHAS) who travelled from Ingatestone Station to Colchester Town station to find the Roman Circus along Napier Road (it’s at CO2 7GZ if you fancy going yourself).
This is the only Roman circus in Britain and the most northerly in the Roman Empire. The track that they raced around was 450 metres long, 74 metres wide with a divider between the track; the chariots (up to eight competing) would go around seven times, at speeds sometimes hitting 75kph! It was highly dangerous and a crowd of around 10,000 would cheer their favourite team on. Around the track were stands
that would seat the audience, the best seats were by the turning points which were the most dangerous areas, lots of spills and tumbles.
In the Roman Circus Visitor Centre there were accurate models of the circus, full-scale replicas of the actual chariots, nothing like the Ben Hur films, just 30kg of canvas and wood being pulled by four full-blooded horses – charioteers literally took their life in their hands, they died young!
If you are interested IFHAS has many trips out like this or monthly meetings (except January) which are held on the first Tuesday of the month at 7:30pm in the Parish Rooms along Stock Lane. December’s talk is titled “Berrand Russell Butters Bread for Sarah Miles” and February’s “The Grandmother of Europe”.
For more information see www.ifhas.org or turn up on a Tuesday.
Ingatestone & District Camera Club
W hy not come for a sample visit or two?
Novice and experienced photographers welcome.
Where: Seymour Pavillion, New Road, Ingatestone CM4 0HH
When: Friday nights between 8pm and 10pm, September to May
Of interest this month: 21st February: A talk by Lisa Rendall entitled “Images that Judges Love and Hate”.
7th March: A talk by Linda Skaret-Ball entitled “Valencia”.
All welcome: Non-member fee of £4, members £3.
Website: www.ingatestonecamera.club
1 - “Ingatestone Mist” by Martyn Hart
- “Evening Light” by Simon Farr
- “Steampunk Sweethearts” by Simon Hirst
- “Who Suggested Walking” by Jacqueline Simmonds
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More than 2 million seasonal jabs delivered in East of England as NHS ramps up protection ahead of winter
NHS staff in the East of England have already delivered more than 2 million seasonal vaccinations (2,028,665) as the NHS ramps up its efforts to avoid a ‘tripledemic’ of flu, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) this winter.
Latest NHS seasonal vaccination data shows over 1.9 million COVID-19 or flu vaccines have been given in the region (680,610 COVID-19 and 1,251,557 flu vaccinations administered as of 20 October), along with 96,498 RSV jabs, as those eligible come forward to get protection.
COVID-19 jabs were rolled out to those eligible from 3rd October, whilst flu jabs have been available for pregnant women and children since 1st September to help stop the virus spreading as schools returned – and are now fully rolled out across the country to all remaining eligible groups.
For the first time in NHS history, vaccinations against RSV were also kicked off on 1st September for pregnant women and older adults, providing protection against bronchiolitis and serious lung infections. Since 1st September, there have been almost 100,000 (96,498) RSV vaccinations administered in the East of England to date, including many easily accessible through pharmacies in Suffolk and Essex.
These impressive figures are thanks to the hard work of NHS staff in the East of England who are successfully rolling out winter vaccination across the region to help protect those most at risk as we move into the colder months.
The best defence against the dangerous illnesses of flu, COVID-19 and RSV is vaccination, so it is crucial those eligible come forward for an appointment as soon as they can to protect themselves and those around them – it could keep you out of hospital this winter.
Sarah Cavanagh, Regional Publish Health Pharmacist for NHS England – East of England.
Anyone eligible can book a COVID-19 or flu vaccine appointment via the NHS website, NHS App, or by calling 119 for free. The flu vaccine can also be booked by searching online for a local pharmacy and there are walk in sites available to get the COVID-19 vaccine.
To receive the RSV vaccine, pregnant women who are at least 28 weeks pregnant should speak to their maternity service or GP practice. Those aged 7579 should wait to be invited for their vaccine by their GP practice – or in Suffolk and Essex, walk into certain local community pharmacies or book a pharmacy appointment online. For details on the community pharmacies in Suffolk and Essex where the RSV vaccine is available, visit www.england.nhs.uk/ east-of-england/nhs-england-and-nhsimprovement-east-of-englands-work/rsvvaccine-winter-2024.
Orchestral Ingatestone
Ingatestone welcomed the Essex Chamber Orchestra, popularly known as ECHO, on a wet and cold Sunday night in January.
In the Community Centre we were treated to Mendelssohn’s Fair Melusine Overture, Sir Malcolm Arnold’s Serenade for Small Orchestra and Gounod’s Symphony No 1.
Their conductor Andrew Morely, took what may be an unusual step in explaining each piece of music before it was played.
The audience was suitably applicative giving a rousing applause after every piece and even making Andrew return for an encore at the end! Given the weather it was a winter themed serenade which suitably warmed audience and players before returning home in snow!
The Essex Chamber Orchestra (ECHO) is a charity and comes together three times a year for weekend rehearsals followed by a series of concerts usually at venues in
Essex. ECHO varies its forces to perform a wide variety of programmes ranging from Baroque and Classical works to the repertoire of the 20th Century.
Horticultural Society AGM
AGM’s are not usually considered a fun evening, but then this is Ingatestone and Fryerning ’s Horticultural Society, serious about horticulture (affiliated to the RHS even) but fun to be part of and all conducted in good humour.
The meeting was led by the President The Lord Petre and Sarah Duke-Wooley, who is currently Chairperson, Secretary, Web Master and Publicity officer. She gave a very encouraging report on the last year, Treasurer David Fowle continued the theme with the society’s finances and both Richard Emond (membership secretary) and Janet Collins (Competition Secretary) were similarly positive.
As you might guess, Sarah would really like to do just one job and wondered if any other members fancied helping. Immediately one of the audience members volunteered to be Web Master! So, do you think that you might be interested in one of the other roles?
You are probably already a member; after all it’s is only £5 a year and you get 10% discount for horticultural purchases from both Abercorn Garden Centre in Beehive Lane, and Greenbrook Garden Centre off the A414 (opposite the Fox and Goose) so it doesn’t make sense not to be a member. Especially if you have a window box, garden or an allotment or you are just interested in horticulture, flowers, fruit or vegetables, you should join!
They have three shows a year, members get a handbook and they are considering talks and arranging visits if members want, but for more information visit www.IFHS.org.uk.
Andrew Morley Conducts The Essex Chamber Orchestra 5th January 2025 - Photo credit Freddy Norton
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Helen Rollason Cancer Charity - February 2025
Trees, trees, trees…..
At the beginning of January, around 1,300 Christmas trees were collected from homes around Essex and recycled. This was completed over a frosty and sunny weekend with the help of an incredible team of volunteers. There are so many volunteers to thank – those in our office, driving vans, picking up trees as well as the businesses that helped us in so many ways. A massive thank you to all of you.
• The recycling hubs – Marsh Farm, Terling Cricket Club, Harlow Cricket Club and The Nuclear Bunker.
• Those who shredded the trees –Beechenlea, RBS Tree Surgery and MBS Ground Maintenance.
• Those who provided vans - Group 1 Volkswagen, Europcar, Axe Van Hire, Queen’s Head Boreham, Brice Aggregates, Just Wheels, T.E.S. 2000, Karsson Hawk and Chelmsford Lions.
… and Tesco for providing bacon and rolls for our volunteers.
The money raised for Helen Rollason Cancer Charity will help to support local people living with cancer.
W hat are we planning?
We are planning some great events for this year. This includes our popular Ride For Helen cycle event on 11th May starting at The Crix Estate in Hatfield Peverel. There are cycle routes ranging from six miles to 100 miles so there will be something for everyone, from families to experienced cyclists.
There will be support for cyclists and the routes will be signed and marshalled. You can book online here.
Look at our website for details of more events in 2025, including our Vintage days in July and August.
Donation Day
We are holding a donation day at our office on The Street in Hatfield Peverel on Saturday 8th February from 9am to 12pm. By donating good quality items, you will be reducing waste, helping the environment and raising funds to support local people living with cancer. We accept clothing and accessories, toys, books, kitchen and homeware, ornaments, collectables, and any other valuable items. Items to be in new or in good condition and preferably eBay saleable. We cannot take electrical items. You can park at the rear of the building to drop off your items.
Our Services
If you would like to know more about our services for those living with cancer, you can call us on 01245 382888.
Dates of upcoming Helen Rollason Cancer Charity events
8th FebruaryDonation Day in Hatfield Peverel. 9am – 12pm.
9th March -
Donation Day in Hatfield Peverel. 9am – 12pm.
11th May -
Ride For Helen cycle event starting at The Crix in Hatfield Peverel.
24th May -
Hatfield Peverel Open Gardens
13th July -
Vintage and Makers Day at Cressing Temple Barns
24th August - Marvellous Vintage day out at Layer Marney Tower.
Ingatestone & Fryerning Heritage Trail - Part 1 of 4
The trail was conceived as part of the work of the parish council’s Economic Development Working Group to promote active walking, leisure, tourism and support for local businesses in the parish and to publicise the built heritage locally.
If coming from London, leave the picturesque Victorian station building A and turn right along a footpath running parallel to the road to the platform at the Chelmsford end. (If coming from Chelmsford, first cross the footbridge over the line).
Keep straight ahead to the cricket path and aim for the Grade 1 listed parish church B (entry in Simon Jenkins’ England’s Thousand Best Churches). Notice the puddingstone in the Norman north wall and Roman tiles. Look at the Sarsen stone near the south entrance (there is another at the junction of Fryerning Lane and the High Street near the south entrance). This was brought down by glaciers in the Anglian Ice Age some 500,000 years ago when the proto Thames was shifted to its present position from its previous course across Mid Essex. The name of Ingatestone is derived from the Saxon Ginge-atte-Stone which means “a place at the stone”.
Look inside the church: To the right of the altar is the tomb of Sir William Petre and his second wife Anne. He was secretary to four of the Tudor monarchs and was involved with the valuing of the monasteries for Henry VIII and built Ingatestone Hall in 1540. In the vestry is the tomb of John Petre who was the first Baron Petre. Count the number of his children and look carefully as there are several pairs of twins and the younger boy is still frocked.
Old milestone opposite church on High Street C : Distances to London are measured from the original site of Charing Cross near Trafalgar Square.
High Street: Look out for the Old Police Station D .
Formerly houses were built in front of the church along the High Street but these were demolished in the 1960s opening up the view of the church. Enjoy Ingatestone’s unique blend of independent shops and eateries for both everyday essentials and gifts to suit a range of tastes and interests. The High Street also gives access to our well regarded infant and junior schools and the Anglo-European secondary school (a state-funded Academy with a language specialism and international ethos).
Market Place E : When Ingatestone was a market town, there were five inns in this area where the horses were changed and overnight accommodation was offered. This all came to an end in the 1840s with the coming of the railway. The area was redeveloped as shops and offices in the 1960s reflecting the continuing adaption of the High Street to changing residential and commercial uses.
The Mural F : Look up at the mural by the Somerset Sculptor Philippa Threfall commissioned in 1969. It is entitled ‘People’s Who Used the Essex Road’
The Sarsen stone at the south door of St Edmund & Mary parish church
Ingatestone High Street
Old Police Station
The Mural, Market Place
Artisan Ingatestone returns for a special Mother’s Day event in March
This year’s Artisan Ingatestone Spring Market takes place on Saturday 29th March, the day before Mother’s Day, between 10am and 4pm.
The event is supported by both Brentwood Connected, the Business Improvement District (BID) in Brentwood, Shenfield and Ingatestone, and Ingatestone & Fryerning Parish Council. The market will bring almost 30 independent local artisan businesses to the Ingatestone Community Centre, while special offers and activities from High Street businesses will encourage visitors to discover Ingatestone.
The popular Children’s Sticker Trail, which was launched at the Winter Market in November, will return.
There will be live music throughout the day in collaboration with Brentwood’s independent music shop, Hey Joe Music & Coffee, as well as fashion, style, health and wellbeing activities on the stage.
This is the eighth Artisan Ingatestone Market to take place, following a series of regular successful Spring and Winter markets since 2021.
The event is the perfect opportunity to ‘support local’ and treat the special mother figure in your lives by buying gifts, enjoying activities, discovering independent creators and taking advantage of unique gift-buying opportunities from handmade artisan makers. Stallholders at previous markets have
included Alpaca Products, Andrea Hart Glass, Bear & Buddy, Briony May Richardson, Honeystone, Just Joules, Kate Mayo Ceramics, and Last Jar, all based in Brentwood, Shenfield or Ingatestone. In March, some of these popular businesses will return, along with some new faces.
If you’re planning to attend the Artisan Ingatestone Spring Market, please note there is free parking on the day at Anglo European School, located on Willow Green, Ingatestone CM14 0DJ.
Follow the event online via @artisan.ingatestone on Instagram and Facebook.
Ingatestone, Fryerning
New Openings in Ingatestone High Street
Recently opened opposite the bus stop at Market Place is The Heartfelt Funeral Company. They are an independent, family-run funeral director based in Woodford Green and now Ingatestone, they put their accent on treating their clients with understanding and respect from the moment they call.
Also spotted on a wet December morning was this truck with gym equipment for Ingatestone’s new low impact gym in Market Place where All Things Cute once was. By the time you read this it should be open and we hope you have tried out some of the machines by now.
Extra £250,000 for food support fund
Essex County Council have added an extra £250,000 to their food support fund. Local organisations providing food and support
to those in need can apply for up to £2,500 from the fund. (Applications for grants opened on 4th November).
Organisations can use the money to buy food for families and individuals who are struggling with the cost of living. Grants are available to organisations, including:
• food support groups
• food pantries
• foodbanks
• community based organisations
• voluntary groups.
Organisations can find more information and make an application.
The fund will be available until the money is used. There is no deadline for applications. All grants awarded must be spent by 31st March 2025.
This extra funding means the council have now allocated nearly £1.5 million to the food support fund over the past year. It is also part of a £9.4 million package of support that is available to Essex residents this winter.
If you are struggling with the cost of living, find out about the help and support available.
New Hotel Opens in Ingatestone!
Yes, a new hotel has opened for business in Ingatestone!
Located by the tranquil communal gardens at the top of Bell Mead near the Station and Fairfield footpaths, the hotel is sited under a canopy of trees overlooking a bubbling brook.
Idyllic as it may sound, don’t get your hopes up, as this is a bug hotel!
Built by Circles Alternative Education for
Photo credits Freddy Norton
Photo Credit Freddy Norton
& Mountnessing
Ingatestone & Fryerning Parish Council this “hotel” will benefit lots of different types of minibeast and insects such as ladybirds, bees, spiders, woodlice, etc. These minibeasts will use the hotel as a safe space to shelter, lay their eggs, raise their young, and seek refuge from predators. As such, it helps protect our native insects which is very important.
The hotel is eco-friendly being built from upcycled woodland materials, natural items such as leaves, sticks and re-purposed items from the wood store. Maybe something you could build in your garden?
See if you can spot it as you walk along to Ingatestone Station, or to Bell Mead or Fairfield.
Documentary to show what makes Essex extraordinary
Credit - Marley Karazimba Essex County Council have commissioned an artist to show what he feels makes Essex extraordinary.
Marley Karazimba will receive funding from our Extraordinary Essex Art Commission. This saw artists apply for £15,000 to express what makes Essex special to them.
With the funding, Marley will create a documentary titled Don’t Fight The Land That Feeds You. This will focus on the importance of community-supported agriculture across Essex.
Marley will capture the journey from soil to kitchen. He will show residents sourcing locally-grown ingredients from gardens, allotments and community farms.
Don’t Fight The Land That Feeds You will also feature local organisations. This includes Bennison Farm and Common Ground in Colchester.
The film is scheduled for an exhibition and
screenings across the county early next year.
The Art Commission is part of our Extraordinary Essex campaign. This shines a spotlight on those living, working and learning in Essex who make the county great.
Find out more on the Extraordinary Essex webpage.
Exhibition of paintings from the Heritage Trail
Ingatestone library is holding an exhibition of all the paintings that were used in the Ingatestone and Fryerning Heritage Trail leaflet. The paintings, individual and painted by artists from Ingatestone’s Meet and Paint group, were used to illustrate the trail are on display and have their trail location letter attached to them. For example, the close up picture shows “K” which is Huskards, once a First World War hospital in Fryerning. The Heritage Trail leaflet itself is available at the library, it folds into a handy size and has a map of the heritage locations plus other interesting locations, including the pubs!
Photo Credit Freddy Norton
Check out the details below for class options. Lip-reading classes: Do you have difficulty following conversation even though you may wear a hearing aid? Does your hearing loss make you feel isolated? If you have become deaf or hard of hearing then lip-reading can help improve communication. Attending lip-reading classes can help you to manage your hearing loss in a relaxed environment. Our lip-reading tutor, Jacqui, teaches you skills that help you to lip-read better and to understand how it all works.
Sign language classes: These are offered to both hearing and hard of hearing learners. Come along to our fun lessons! They are taught by Sarah, our Deaf tutor. Sarah has years of teaching experience. Come along and try it out!
The classes are based on six sessions and started in February 2025. They are held at Seymour Pavilion and Christy Hall (both are in Ingatestone). Please call or email to enquire about the courses and we will send you all the information:
Please text/phone: 078796 21927 or email: lipreadingandsignlanguage@gmail.com.
W hat to do in the garden in February
Preparing for Spring
February marks an exciting turning point in the gardening calendar. Though it’s still chilly, signs of spring are starting to appear—bulbs peeking through the soil, birds growing more vocal, and daylight stretching just that little bit longer. It’s time to roll up your sleeves and prepare for the busy months ahead.
Essential Garden Tasks
1. Warm Your Soil
If the ground is workable (not frozen or waterlogged), start warming your soil for early planting. Lay black polythene, fleece, or cloches over your vegetable beds to trap heat. For an extra boost, you can even sprinkle a layer of compost under the cover to insulate and feed the soil at the same time.
2. Sort Seeds and Plan Ahead
Use a seed organiser or even just labelled envelopes to arrange your seeds by sowing dates. Take some time to map out where you’ll plant them, keeping crop rotation in mind for healthy soil and strong yields.
3. Get Tools in Shape
Sharpen shears, spades, and secateurs, and oil moving parts. Take petrol-powered tools like mowers and trimmers for servicing if needed. Don’t forget to stock up on essentials like twine, seed trays, and compost.
4. Start a Compost Pile
February is a great time to establish a compost pile if you don’t already have one. Use kitchen scraps (vegetable peelings, coffee grounds) alongside garden waste like pruned branches and fallen leaves. Avoid meat, dairy, and cooked food to keep pests at bay.
In the Flower Garden
• Check on Early Bulbs
Keep an eye on snowdrops and crocuses as they emerge. Remove fallen leaves and debris to ensure they get enough sunlight to thrive.
• Prune Shrubs and Climbers
Cut back wisteria, clematis (Group 3 varieties), and hardy fuchsias to encourage healthy spring growth. For roses, trim dead or damaged stems and reduce their height to avoid wind damage.
• Deadhead Winter Pansies
Remove spent blooms to encourage continued flowering. This will keep your winter displays looking fresh.
• Divide and Replant Perennials
If the weather is mild, now’s the time to lift and divide established clumps of snowdrops ‘in the green’ or other perennials like hellebores. This helps invigorate their growth and provides extra plants for other areas.
In the Vegetable Patch
• Start Sowing Indoors
Sow hardy crops like onions, leeks, and early salads in trays or modules indoors. Use a sunny windowsill or a heated propagator to give them a head start.
• Plant Bare-Root Veggies
Bare-root asparagus crowns and rhubarb sets can be planted now for long-term rewards. Just ensure the soil isn’t waterlogged.
• Prepare for Peas and Beans
If you’re growing peas or broad beans, set up supports now—canes or netting will work well. Consider sowing an early variety in pots indoors for transplanting later.
In the Fruit Garden
• Last Chance for Dormant Pruning
Prune apple and pear trees to improve air circulation and encourage fruiting. Remove dead or crossing branches and aim to create an open, goblet-shaped canopy.
• Protect Blossom Buds
If you have apricot or peach trees, cover their buds with fleece to protect them from frost damage.
• Feed Established Trees and Bushes
Apply a slow-release fertiliser or well-rotted manure around the base of established fruit trees and bushes. This helps them prepare for the growing season ahead.
Extra Jobs to Consider
• Clean Greenhouses
Give your greenhouse a thorough clean. Wash the glass, scrub staging and pots, and ventilate it to dry thoroughly. A clean space reduces pests and diseases.
• Repair Fences and Trellises
Winter storms can cause damage to fences, trellises, and supports. Check for loose posts and repair them before the growing season begins.
• Encourage Wildlife
Install bird boxes or bug hotels now to invite wildlife into your garden. Not only do they help with pest control, but they also make your garden a haven for biodiversity.
• Prepare for Weeds
Lay down mulch or weed-suppressing fabric in problem areas to keep weeds at bay. You’ll thank yourself in the months to come.
February might still feel like winter, but it’s brimming with opportunities to prepare your garden for a productive and beautiful year. By taking these small but meaningful steps now, you’ll be ready to embrace the explosion of growth that spring promises.
Ingatestone, Fryerning
Vintage & Makers Market
Saturday 22nd February, 10am – 3pm at Ingatestone and Fryerning Community Club
Dancing Pony Events are pleased to present our first Vintage & Makers Market of 2025 on Saturday 22nd February at Ingatestone Community Centre.
Come and show your support for small business, as a whole range of fabulous Makers & Vintage Sellers gather in Ingatestone for Dancing Pony Events’ Vintage & Makers Market!
You can expect to find:
• Vintage Clothes, Jewellery & Accessories
• Stained Glass, 3D Printed Pieces and Clay Pieces
• Vintage & Handmade Homeware
• Crochet, Macrame & fabric items
• Original Art Pieces & Photography Prints
• Handmade Jewellery
• Stationary, Original Books & Plants
• ... and loads more!
Entry to the market is free but we will be taking optional charity donations so please bring your change and donate if you can!
The Community Centre has its own pay and display car park and there are several others available to use throughout Ingatestone.
The 351 bus stops nearby and Ingatestone train station is just a short 10 minute walk away.
Well behaved pooches on leads are welcome.
RSVP on our Facebook www.facebook.com/ events/595601259770645 or Eventbrite event pages. We can’t wait to see you there!
Essex Air Quality Strategy:
Have Your Say Consultation closes on Sunday 2nd March 2025.
Have your say on new Essex Air Quality Strategy.
A public consultation on a new Essex Air Quality Strategy is now live!
More than one in 20 deaths in Essex are estimated to be linked in some part to air pollution and it is the largest environmental risk to public health in the UK.
The new draft strategy has been jointly developed by all district, borough and city councils across Essex, as well as Essex County Council and the two unitary councils, Southend-on-Sea City Council and Thurrock Council.
It sets out actions the Essex Air Quality Consortium plans to take to improve air quality in Essex and help reduce the impacts of air pollution on people’s health. Find out more and have your say via www.essexair.org.uk/strategy before the consultation closes on Sunday 2nd March 2025.
Community Connect Vehicle
Tuesday 4th March, 10am – 1pm on Brentwood High Street
If you missed the Community Connect Vehicle at Ingatestone Community Centre last month, head along to Brentwood High Street for local information and support or advice from Brentwood Borough Council community partners.
Artisan Ingatestone Spring Market
Saturday 29th March, 10am – 4pm at Ingatestone Community Centre
Join us at our eighth Artisan Ingatestone Market, where you can:
• #SupportLocal with High Street activities and special offers.
• Discover indie businesses and unique artisan products.
& Mountnessing
• Enjoy live music in collaboration with Hey Joe Music.
• Explore the beautiful village of Ingatestone.
• Get involved in fashion, style, health and wellbeing activities on our stage.
• Take part in our Children’s Spring Sticker Trail.
• Free parking at Anglo European School Willow Green CM4 0DJ).
Artisan Ingatestone is supported by Brentwood Connected, the unique Business Improvement District (BID) in Brentwood, Shenfield and Ingatestone, and Ingatestone & Fryerning Parish Council.
Anglo European School –Digital Champions drop in sessions
Every other Tuesday from 12:30-1:30pm at the Ingatestone Community Centre 25th February, 11th March, 22nd April, 6th May, 20th May.
Do you need support in accessing the latest technology? Are you struggling with your mobile phone? Come and meet our digital champions! Our free drop in sessions are designed to support you with all your technology needs. Whether you bring your own device or choose to learn on one of ours, we’re here to help. You’ll receive step-by-step guidance on various tech topics, and we’ll provide take-home instructions so you can continue learning at your own pace. Call 01277 354018 for more information or email enquiries@aesessex.co.uk.
Upcoming
events with Ingatestone Community Centre:
Ingatestone Community Cinema –What’s Love Got To Do With It
Thursday 20th February
A crowd-pleasing comedy… can be ranked alongside British classics like Bend it like Beckham.
Running time: 109 mins.
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.
Ingatestone Community Cinema –Official Secrets
Thursday 20th March
Based on world-shaking true events. Official Secrets tells the gripping story of Katharine Gun, a British intelligence specialist.
Running time: 107 mins.
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.
Recipes for Love, Pancakes, and Cosy Nights
With so many occasions to celebrate this season—be it Valentine’s Day, Pancake Day on 4th March, or simply those chilly evenings that call for cosy comfort food—these four recipes are the perfect fit.
From sweet treats to savoury delights, they’re packed with heartwarming flavours. Whether you’re preparing a romantic dinner or flipping pancakes with the kids, these easy and delicious dishes are guaranteed to impress.
Classic Pancakes with Lemon and Sugar
Ingredients
125g plain flour
2 large eggs
250ml semi-skimmed milk
1 tablespoon sunflower oil (plus extra for frying)
Pinch of salt
Lemon wedges and caster sugar, to serve
Romantic Garlic and Herb Butter Steak
Ingredients
4 sirloin steaks (200g each)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
50g unsalted butter
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
Salt and pepper, to taste
Method
1. In a mixing bowl, sift the flour and add the salt. Make a well in the centre, crack in the eggs, and gradually whisk in the milk to form a smooth batter.
2. Heat a non-stick frying pan over medium heat and add a small amount of oil.
3. Pour a ladle of batter into the pan, swirling it around to create a thin, even layer. Cook for 1-2 minutes until golden, then flip and cook the other side.
4. Repeat with the remaining batter.
5. Serve warm with a sprinkle of sugar and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
Method
1. Season the steaks with salt and pepper on both sides.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over high heat. Add the steaks and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side for medium-rare (adjust according to your own preference). Remove and rest on a plate.
3. Lower the heat to medium and add butter, garlic, parsley, and thyme to the pan. Stir until the butter melts and becomes fragrant.
4. Drizzle the herb butter over the rested steaks and serve with a side of roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.
Hearty Beef and Red Wine Stew
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
500g diced beef
1 onion, chopped
2 carrots, sliced
2 celery sticks, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons plain flour
200ml red wine
400ml beef stock
1 tablespoon tomato purée
2 bay leaves
Salt and pepper, to taste
Decadent Chocolate Fondant
Ingredients
100g dark chocolate
(70% cocoa), chopped
100g unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing
100g icing sugar
2 large eggs
2 large egg yolks
50g plain flour
Method
1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a casserole pot. Brown the beef in batches, then set aside.
2. Add the remaining oil, onion, carrots, celery, and garlic to the pot. Cook until softened.
3. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Add the wine, scraping the bottom of the pot, then stir in the stock, tomato purée, bay leaves, and browned beef.
4. Cover and simmer on low heat for 1.5-2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender.
5. Serve hot with crusty bread or creamy mash.
Method
1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan). Grease 4 ramekins with butter and dust with cocoa powder.
2. Melt the chocolate and butter together in a heatproof bowl over a pan of simmering water, stirring until smooth. Remove from the heat and cool slightly.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk the icing sugar, eggs, and egg yolks until pale and thick. Gradually fold in the melted chocolate mixture, then sift in the flour and fold gently.
4. Divide the batter between the ramekins and bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are set but the centre is still soft.
5. Serve immediately with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dusting of icing sugar.
Find Your Active Essex
Let’s celebrate the power of togetherness through movement!
Physical activity is more than looking after one’s health, it’s a way to connect, share experiences and lift each other up in a support network. Whichever form it takes, movement brings us closer and reminds us that we’re stronger together.
Active Essex believe that togetherness means more than being part of a team, it’s about supporting one another, creating safe spaces and listening to the needs of those who want to find their active.
One club that embodies the message of togetherness is the Amigos Ladies Running Club in Rochford. Safety when moving, especially outside, can often be a barrier for women. Bringing local ladies together, on a regular basis, with a group run has not only created a community, but recognised that activity is made easier to engage with when supported by others.
Setting aside time, daily or weekly to get together with friends, colleagues or family to move can have a range of benefits. Campaigns such as Walk and Talk 4 Men and Time to Talk, understand that walking with someone, side by side, and dedicating this time for that person can spark important conversations. As we observe Men’s Health Awareness month in November, this message is more important than ever to spotlight how men should be encouraged to come together, talk and discuss their health. Statistics show that men are less likely to seek medical assistance for their mental health, so using movement and time outside can be a great alternative for men to air their anxieties and feel the benefit from sharing these thoughts.
Sharing experiences is key to coming together and forming communities or networks. The Move With Us campaign, invites young people to become advocates and ambassadors to give them the opportunity to inspire other young people and use their passion to enhance the Move With Us board. This board full of dedicated and enthusiastic young people who engage in a range of movements. Giving others the confidence to try something new or join other young people at a club can make a massive difference.
A passion for movement brings us all together, whatever the activity is there is a shared love for feeling the benefits of moving our bodies and forgetting about the stresses of daily life. Find your active, join the movement and reap the rewards.
Go online and visit: www.activeessex.org/find-your-active.
Harassment can take many forms, and anyone can be a victim, however statistics show that women and girls are most likely to face harassment. Everyone can make a difference by safely intervening when witnessing harassment, or offering support to victims and reporting incidents. Everyone has a right to live their lives without fear of harassment.
Same old. Same old.
Change can be scary, so it’s nice to keep some things the same.
Whether you’ve been with each other for four months or four decades, we’ll help you move in together. Every moment. Learn
