Wickford Town News - Issue 02 December 2022

Wickford Town News

December 2022

A very Merry Christmas to you all from Wickford Town News

Time flies by when you’re having fun and it certainly has been fun for us in bringing you the second issue of our Wickford Town News.

Here we are, coming to the end of 2022, and what a year it’s been!

To many, December is a month of celebrations, time spent with loved ones and the joy of giving but let’s not forget with the current cost-of-living crisis, times are tougher than ever. In this issue of your local magazine, you’ll find some thrifty gift ideas, a festive recipe for your dog to Bone Appetit, and all the latest news and events in your community. We need to come together as a community and support those that matter, especially when times are tough. We hope we’ve highlighted some fantastic local organisations offering support in your community and as always, we encourage you all to spend local and support local business when it comes to Christmas shopping.

Don’t forget, as well as being available to read online, 12,000 copies are also printed and delivered every month through the doors of homes in the community.

If you’re a local charity, group or club and you’ve got something you want to share with your community then do get in touch because we always endeavour to support the local organisations that work tirelessly to benefit the greater community.

Wrap up warm and wishing you the most magical Christmas and a very Happy New Year!

Editor of Wickford Town News enquiries@community-publishing.org

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

Published by KAS Community Publishing Ltd

Premier Roller Garage Doors

£8.7m funding to support families and vulnerable adults

Essex County Council are announcing latest plans to support families and households throughout the forthcoming winter and spring.

Funding totalling £8.687m has been allocated from the Department for Work and Pensions’ Household Support Fund.

The funding will support households who may otherwise struggle with the cost of energy, to buy food, pay for household bills or to meet other essential living costs.

Funding for food support groups, extension of food vouchers for free school meals families, help with energy costs and grants for community and voluntary organisations are all included in the plans.

As part of the £8.687m package, we are focusing on key areas of support including:

1 £3.75m for the provision of food vouchers for the December 2022, February and Easter 2023 school holidays for eligible children aged 4-19 and 2–4-year-olds who are entitled to pupil premium or attract free entitlement funding supplement.

2 £1.8m towards the Essential Living Fund which enables vulnerable people to pay for essential items.

3 £135,000 to fund warmth hampers for care leavers.

4 £1m to support households where those with disabilities use assistive equipment to maintain their health and wellbeing and that requires use of electricity.

5 A new £400,000 grant to schools to support vulnerable families in addition to the free school meal vouchers.

6 £280,000 to the voluntary and community sector.

7 £100,000 to the Citizens Advice Bureau to provide additional capacity.

8 £300,000 to support Essex food support groups.

9 £300,000 to support a food education programme managed by Active Essex.

10 £90,000 to support young carers.

11 £100,000 to support the Winter Warmth Fund.

12 £85,000 to support community winter resilience and hospital discharge.

The latest allocation of funding was announced at a Cost-of-Living summit held at County Hall, hosted by Essex County Council and supported by the voluntary and community sector.

The event brought together partners from across the county to share the work currently being done, identify what more could be done together for greater impact and to explore ways that communities could be made more resilient in future.

Through the plan, we bring together partners, charities and organisations to tackle the issues residents are facing. It also maps the wider support being delivered across the county.

Find out more about the cost-of-living support on offer in Essex via www.essex.gov.uk/cost-of-living

Dedicated Trust staff celebrate success in prestigious national awards

Staff from across the Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust have been recognised for their work and dedication at the Positive Practice in Mental Health Awards 2022.

The national award scheme celebrates the work of mental health services across England, Wales and Scotland and is open to organisations in the NHS, social care, third sector, and independent sector. It is organised by The Positive Practice Mental Health Collaborative, a user-led multi agency collaborative of more than 50 organisations including NHS Trusts, Integrated Care Boards, police forces, charities, service user groups and third sector providers.

The Trust won three awards and was highly commended in two further categories.

Associate Director of Social Care, Dr Lynn Prendergast, said: “We are thrilled to have achieved this award and be recognised nationally as highly recommended in the provision of complex care in mental health.

“The Essex Mental Health Family Group Conferencing Service is an intervention that empowers and supports clients and families to rebuild their social network for themselves. This process enables families to independently create their own plan and make decisions for themselves, focussing on their own solutions and recovery.

“This empowers individuals to feel supported by their whole network, rather than feeling isolated and often having to struggle on their own.

“We are a dedicated team who are passionate about family work and the essential need to include carers in our daily practice.”

The awards ceremony was held in Durham in October.

Brockfield House in Runwell –

Cloudy2Clear, A Local Service, Saving You Money.

As a leading domestic glass replacement company for more than 16 years, Cloudy2Clear windows are the leading name in the industry. There is no need for you to risk your windows by using the dreaded double glazing cowboy down the street. You can join over 336,000 happy customers and replace your glass ethically and affordably. If you have a failed glass unit, it may not provide you with the protection you need or be as energy-efficient as it once was. Take a minute to check your home to see if any double glazing has failed? Taking action now can prevent future financial problems.

When talking to the Manager of Cloudy2Clear windows Chris Miller it became clear that these

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

The Cloudy2Clear service only requires the glass to be replaced and not the whole window once the unit has failed. Chris commented “Cloudy2Clear were able to assist our community through the last savings that can be made in using our service. Unfortunately we might be going through something similar again soon and the public can rest assured that we will be there to help once again”.

For a free quotation please call 0800 61 21 118 or visit www. cloudy2clear.co.uk.

High Sheriff invites grant applications

Nick Alston CBE DL is the current High Sheriff of Essex, and he has visited numerous local charities and voluntary groups to see firsthand the difference such organisations are making. He said:

“The role of the High Sheriff is, in part, about recognising the important work of the charitable sector in making our communities safer places.”

Andy Payne Worpole, Head of Programmes at ECF, said:

“We are pleased to work with successive High Sheriffs to ensure that the money from the Fund tackles important issues at a local level. We also have other charitable funds that can support community safety initiatives so please call our grants team who will give you guidance on making an application.”

For more information visit www.essexcommunityfoundation.org.uk or call the ECF grants team on 01245 356018

Charities and voluntary groups that are playing a vital role in keeping people safe from harm, helping victims of crime or delivering activities that are making their local communities safer places, are being given the chance to apply for funding to support their work.

Grants are available from the independent charitable trust, Essex Community Foundation (ECF), which manages the High Sheriffs’ Fund and other charitable funds that support community safety initiatives across the county.

A service supporting victims of modern slavery, counselling for women and children who have experienced domestic abuse and work placement opportunities for ex-offenders are among the projects that have received funding previously.

The deadline to make applications for the latest round of grants is Thursday 1st December and organisations across Essex are being encouraged to contact ECF to apply.

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Ceres Power Launches 2023 Reimagine Clean Energy Competition

Net-zero challenge for secondary school pupils from across the South East. Ceres, a world-leading developer of clean energy technology, has launched its creative school STEM competition, Reimagine 2023. Following the success of its inaugural year in 2022, Reimagine is back for a second year, aiming to once again inspire the next generation of innovators and creatives to tackle the global climate crisis and mission for net-zero.

The competition, in collaboration with STEM Learning UK and this year’s sponsor, The Tallow Chandlers Company, will see students aged between 11-18 years old from schools across the South East of England, asked to submit up to three minutes of animation explaining an exciting and original scientific concept relevant to the net-zero mission.

The Reimagine expert judging panel will assess entries on level of creativity; depth of research; and how far ideas can have an impact on climate change.

This year’s judging panel includes:

• Caroline Hargrove PhD, Chief Technology Officer, Ceres

• Professor Dame Julia King, Baroness Brown of Cambridge, British engineer, Chair of STEM Learning UK and crossbench member of the House of Lords

• Eman Martin-Vignerte, Director at Robert Bosch GmbH and Chair of CBI Southeast

• Alex James, Siemens, Energy Education Outreach Manager, Siemens Energy new for 2023

• Simon Ridge, Lead Animator Creative Assembly new for 2023

Caroline Hargrove said, “After an incredibly successful inaugural year, I am thrilled to once again be part of this excellent competition. As Chief Technology Officer of Ceres, my team and I are used to pushing innovation in the name of tackling climate change on a daily basis. With Reimagine, we’re handing that challenge over to school students, inspiring this next generation of innovators to bring creativity and ingenuity to tackling this critical global challenge. Last year, my fellow judges and I were absolutely blown away by the quality of entries received and cannot wait to see what ideas students have in store for us this time around.”

Last year’s inaugural competition saw 21 ‘Hydrogen Animation Challenge’ entries from across 20 schools. After a hotly debated judging process, Notley High School, from Braintree, Essex was crowned Reimagine 2022 Winner at a Final Awards event, hosted at The Science Museum, in London.

The closing date for competition entries is Friday, 31st March 2023. Following a closed roundtable judging session, shortlisted schools will be taken forward to the final event and Awards Ceremony due to take place at The Science Museum, London, June 2023.

Spreading Genuine Christmas Spirit

This has been a been difficult year for everyone and whilst Christmas is always an exciting time to give and receive gifts, celebrate with loved ones, and eat lots of heart-warming food; it can be a very tough time for many, whether that be financially or socially.

Here are a just a few of the ways that we can spread some Christmas cheer:

Support small businesses –

Let’s face it, we all spend a lot of money at Christmas and we all have to do our fair share of Christmas shopping whether we love it or hate it. With this in mind, it is the perfect time to support small businesses in any way you can; of course, there will be presents that are only available in all of our favourite high street shops (which are also very important), however, there are so many wonderful small businesses out there that could offer you the perfect alternative Christmas gift!

Many people have lost loved ones this year, small businesses have struggled significantly, charities have had many challenges and with the current cost-of-living crisis, it is going to be a tough time for a lot of us. For these reasons and countless more, it is more important than ever that we spread love and care for one another, focusing on the genuinely important messages of Christmas.

Make festive treats for neighbours

–Baking at Christmas time is a given, from cookies to Christmas cake to everyone’s favourite mince pies! Sharing your festive sweet treats with neighbours is a lovely gesture and brilliant fun for all the family; especially if you get creative with the icing on the cookies. P.S Do remember to check for allergies!

Volunteer at a local charity –Charities always need and truly appreciate the support at Christmas. From soup kitchens to community charity dinners and elderly homes, spending Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, or Boxing Day with those less fortunate than us can mean so much. If you’re unable to volunteer, donating to charities is equally as important.

Check up on your friends and family –December is undeniably a frantic and stressful time of the year and it can become very overwhelming; with so much to do and so much going on we often forget to check up on those closest to us. Taking a second to message a busy friend/family member to see if they are dealing with the pressures of Christmas and offering to help them with a task or spend an afternoon with them actually enjoying the enchanting season is so important.

With these few tips we hope you find some Christmas cheer – here’s to wishing you a VERY Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

A Thrifty Christmas

Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year – and the most expensive.

People can end up spending thousands of pounds to make sure they feel like they’re having a good time. It makes sense; it’s dark, it’s cold, we need something to fill the void left by the sunshine, and every year it seems like there’s some new shiny thing we have to buy in order to make sure we and everyone around us is having the best Christmas possible. If you’re broke, thrifty, or just tired of the never-ending spending hustle, here are some low-budget ideas to celebrate the season in style.

Learn To Crochet

There are few things cosier than cuddling up in something woollen on a grey winter’s day. Store-bought hygge is fine, but for an added touch, you could learn to crochet your own. Crochet has endless stitches and styles, but the number of things you can make with a simple granny square is surprising.

Crochet is also quicker than knitting, so it’s easier to see results – which is a bonus in any craft. Even if you’re not creating socks and jumpers on your first try, the act of crochet can be very meditative, and it’s a nice challenge for your eyes and hands to do something that doesn’t involve any electronics.

Make Your Own Decorations

If you prefer a craft that’s less of a commitment, then why not try making paper decorations, like chains, snowflakes, and lanterns? Being made from paper, these are far more eco-friendly than tinsel, and making your own winter decorations could even become a tradition to be shared with friends or family. The beauty of a paper craft is its versatility; you can create a simple design using scrap paper you have lying around, or you can go all out with different types of paper and more complicated designs.

Host A Game Night

It’s great to see your friends all year round, but there’s something especially warming about having your friends come over on a dark winter’s evening. Capitalise on this and suggest a games night to your friend group. You could dig out that dusty Snakes and Ladders you haven’t played in years, visit a local charity shop and see what they have in stock; or if board games aren’t your thing, there are hundreds of free quiz games available online for free.

Bake Something Tasty

If you’ve had bad experiences baking in the past, this one might seem intimidating, but like all of these options, it can be as simple or as involved as you want. Maybe you want to make a loaf of bread from scratch, taking your time with it and kneading every fold to perfection, meditating while you wait for the dough to rise. Maybe you want to make chocolate buns using Jus-Rol pastry and a jar of own brand Nutella. No matter what your baking preference, if it makes you feel cosy, then go for it. You’re not on Bake-Off—Paul Hollywood isn’t judging you, and neither are we.

Christmas Canine Cookies

Baked Christmas treats are fun for the whole family, but don’t forget your furry friends. With this easy recipe your dogs can join in the festivities as well. Ginger and pumpkin are both great ingredients to give your dog if they have a sensitive stomach, and you can also swap out the whole wheat flour for oat flour if your dog prefers it.

Ingredients:

½ cup pumpkin puree

2 tbsp coconut oil

4 tbsp water

2 cups whole wheat flour

1 tsp ginger

¼ baking powder ¼ baking soda

1 egg

Method:

Mix together the pumpkin, oil, and water in a large bowl, then add in the dry ingredients. Make sure all the ingredients are combined, and then stir in the egg until it all forms a solid ball of dough. You might need to add a little more water to reach the right consistency.

Roll out the dough on a floured work surface to a ¼” thickness, and cut out biscuits using whichever shape cookie cutters you have. Cook the biscuits on a greased baking tray and bake for up to thirty minutes or until they reach the desired level of hardness. If your dog likes a crunchy treat, bake until they are hard, but if you have an older dog, they might prefer a softer treat, so adjust the cooking times accordingly.

Store in the refrigerator and always provide fresh water when feeding your dog.

News Around

Applications open for 2023 primary school places

The primary school admissions window for places from September 2023 is open.

Children are entitled to start primary school in the September after their fourth birthdayparents and carers of children born between 1st Sept 2018 and 31st August 2019 need to apply online before the closing date of 15th January 2023. Find out more about the admissions process or apply at our admissions website www.essex.gov.uk/topic/admissions

The admissions window for junior school (Year 3) places is also open. Find out more on our website www.essex.gov.uk/apply-for-ajunior-school-place

A Warm Welcome awaits this winter at Essex Libraries

support as part of ‘Warm Welcomes’ will bring social benefits and emotional warmth to residents too, which is so important, particularly during these trying times.

“Whether it is popping in for a hot drink and a chat, coming in to use our free Wi-Fi in a quiet and warm environment, or wanting to make new friends or try something new, our hope is that there is something for everyone this winter at Essex libraries.”

Residents are urged to find out more about the cost-of-living support on offer in Essex via www.essex.gov.uk/cost-of-living

Trees in Wickford

Essex

Libraries across the county are open yearround for residents - Warm Welcomes will offer extra opportunities (including extra clubs and activities such as advice sessions, arts and crafts and a homework club) for residents to visit them in order to keep warm, get advice and information and stay connected with others this winter.

ECC Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Communities, Cllr Louise McKinlay said:

“Even though our library buildings will provide physical warmth, the additional

Wickford Town Council has recently published its Tree Planting Policy for Wickford – the policy can be viewed online via wickfordtowncouncil.gov.uk/wpcontent/uploads/2022/10/Tree-PlantingPolicy-2022.pdf

The council are interested in hearing residents’ views for any suitable locations that may not have been thought of. Please email your suggestions to the Clerk –clerk@wickfordtowncouncil.gov.uk

Local Charity Plays Its Part In A Challenging Economic Climate

Essex based charity, Essex Dementia Care has once again frozen prices charged for services in their annual review.

Senior Manager, Kelly Bleasdale says “We want to continue on our mission to help as many people as possible by keeping prices for our activity-based dementia care as affordable as possible.

Our own overheads will be affected by price increases, however, as an extremely well-run charity we will continue to put exceptional effort into fundraising. This will be the third consecutive year that we have held our prices

County Council have launched their new Warm Welcomes initiative for Essex Libraries.

Wickford Town

and we are happy to be able to play a small part in helping people in this challenging economic climate.

We will continue to offer a high standard of service at prices that clients and loved ones can afford.”

Essex Dementia Care is a small charity helping people with dementia continue to live active and fulfilling lives. Activity based care is offered either in a group setting or on a One2One basis and loved ones and families are also offered support through the different stages of the journey.

help boost positive wellbeing. Taking care of our mental health is so important. Making simple changes to how you live doesn’t need to cost a fortune or take up loads of time. It’s important to talk to other people and voice your feelings. Head over to the Active Essex website, to find your active: www.activeessex.org/find-your-active

CAMRA book highlights historic pub interiors across the East of England

For more details or to arrange a free ‘Taster Day’ please call 01245 363 789 or visit the website www.essexdementiacare.org.uk

Find Your Active

Being active releases chemicals in your brain that make you feel good - boosting your self-esteem

and helping you concentrate as well as sleep well and feel better. Find Your Active want to celebrate and highlight all the ways you can get moving to boost your mental as well as your physical wellbeing. Not bad for something many of us can do for free!

So, whether it’s getting out in the garden, a short walk, a social bike ride, some light stretching, a friendly game of football or a visit to your local leisure centre, the benefits of increasing daily movement will soon show, and have a really positive impact on your health and wellbeing. This month, there is also a focus on the Find Your Active YouTube channel, where there are hundreds of free online workout videos to try in the comfort of your own home. From mindfulness and meditation, to family activities and fun dance routines, there is something for everyone to

A new edition of the East of England Real Heritage Pubs, released by CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale, highlights hidden gems of British pub architecture. It features 76 pub interiors of outstanding historic interest across Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Norfolk and Suffolk. East of England Real Heritage Pubs is a celebration of pub interiors, from rural time-warps to old coaching inns, and includes some unsung pub interiors from the interwar and post-war periods. It is beautifully illustrated with over 350 photographs.

It is now available to purchase at shop1.camra.org.uk/product/real-heritagepubs-east-of-england

LIVE MEANINGFULLY AT EVE BELLE

POSITIONED COMFORTABLY WITHIN THE BUSTLING TOWN OF WICKFORD, EVE BELLE IS THE NEWLY OPENED LUXURY CARE HOME IN THE SANDERS SENIOR LIVING COLLECTION, OFFERING QUALITY RESIDENTIAL AND DEMENTIA CARE TO ITS RESIDENTS.

WITH 58 BEDROOMS, EVE BELLE IS A BOUTIQUE-STYLE LUXURY CARE HOME, OFFERING TOP OF THE RANGE FEATURES WITHIN A SMALLER, MORE INTIMATE SETTING.

EVE BELLE IS SET OVER TWO FLOORS, AND FEATURES A SNUG CINEMA ROOM, TRANQUIL PAMPER ROOM, FULLYEQUIPPED COCKTAIL BAR AND BISTRO AND LIGHT, AIRY LOUNGES.

WICKFORD MEMORIAL PARK OFFERS PLENTY OF TRANQUIL WOODLAND FOR THOSE WHO FANCY A REFLECTIVE WALK THROUGH ITS GROUNDS. THE TOWN CENTRE, ONLY A FIVE-MINUTE WALK FROM THE CARE HOME, IS HOME TO PLENTY OF CAFÉS, RESTAURANTS AND WILLOWS SHOPPING CENTRE, PERFECT FOR THOSE WHO FANCY SOME RETAIL THERAPY OR A SPOT OF LUNCH.

SITTING WITHIN A BUSTLING COMMUNITY, WICKFORD IS A TOWN FULL OF LIFE AND SOUL.

RESIDENTS OF EVE BELLE CARE HOME WILL HAVE FRUITFUL OPPORTUNITY TO EXPLORE THE TOWN S HISTORY, CHURCHES, CAFÉS AND RESTAURANTS. DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS, VISIT THE MINI FARMERS MARKET AT BRADFIELD’S FARM.

ENJOY ENCHANTED, BRILLIANTLY THEMED TRAILS AT NEVENDON MANOR, A 16TH CENTURY MANOR HOUSE ONLY FIVE MINUTES FROM EVE BELLE.

EVERYTHING WE DO WILL MAKE YOU FEEL RIGHT AT HOME AT EVE BELLE. WITH AN EXPERIENCED TEAM, EVE BELLE SETS A NEW STANDARD OF COMFORT AND CONNECTION WITHIN A CARE HOME SETTING.

AT EVE BELLE, THE CARE WE PROVIDE, THE ACTIVITIES WE ORGANISE, AND THE AMENITIES WE HAVE ARE TAILORED TO MAINTAIN A FOCAL EMPHASIS ON THE WELLBEING, DIGNITY, RESPECT AND COMPASSION OF RESIDENTS. WE LOOK FORWARD TO WELCOMING YOU TO OUR BEAUTIFUL HOME.

TO REGISTER YOUR INTEREST, CALL OUR FRIENDLY TEAM:

South East Create Growth Programme Award

The Create Growth Programme is a first of its kind opportunity targeted at creative businesses with the potential to grow.

The award acknowledges the highly entrepreneurial pool of high-growth potential creative businesses in the South East not yet at the scaling stage, who can benefit from intensive, targeted, expert support to help them secure the investment they need to grow their business. This free programme will provide the South East’s creative businesses with the support, the networks and the investment they need - transforming their innovative creative ideas into the leading creative businesses of the future.

Following a competitive process, a consortium of partners working on behalf of the South East Creative, Cultural and Digital sector has secured one of only six awards to regional partnerships across the UK to deliver the Create Growth Programme.

The Create Growth Programme is a Department for Digital Culture Media and Sport (DCMS) initiative to support highgrowth potential creative businesses outside of London to become investment ready. It will also increase the number of investors willing to invest in creative businesses, by educating and developing investor networks.

Eligible businesses will be able to access an intensive business support programme designed to improve the leadership capacity of pre-scale-up creative businesses, so that they are better placed to access finance, particularly investor finance. They will also have access to national and regional angel investor networks that are interested in creative industry investment opportunities.

Eligible businesses will be between the seed and scaling stages and will fall into one of the following sub-sectors:

• Film, TV, Video, Radio & Photography

• Design & Designer Fashion

• Music, Performing & Visual Arts

• CreaTech, Augmented Reality (AR) Aritificial Intelligence (AI), Virtual Reality (VR), Extended Reality (XR) and Gaming

They will:

• Be Intellectual Property-rich micro and Small to Medium Sized Enterprises

• Have turnover growth of 10% year-onyear over approximately 3 years (including either prior to or during the pandemic)

• Employ a minimum of 2 people over the last two years (full-time, part-time or freelance)

• Have created a revenue generating product, launched a new platform or service or reached a market of scale

• Have generated a sales revenue in the last 2 years

• Be located within the administrative boundaries of Greater Essex, Kent, Medway, East Sussex, West Sussex or Brighton and Hove.

Businesses within the Consortium’s local authority areas who meet the eligibility criteria will also be able to access a share of £7m in grants. Companies applying for finance will need to demonstrate their potential to scale rapidly and become sustainable through private investment.

The investment fund and investor building activities will be delivered by the UK’s innovation agency, Innovate UK.

These interventions will support the development of new business models, creating investable propositions that bring these creative sub sector closer to the investor markets. Simultaneously, investor markets will be coached by Innovate UK on the benefits of creative sector investment.

The programme is being set up now and will launch in January 2023. The funding must be spent by March 2025. Access to the programme is likely to close in October 2024 when the final cohort of businesses will be recruited (to be confirmed).

We are busy setting up this programme, if you are interested and think your business might be eligible, please register your interest by emailing: info@createsoutheast.org.uk www.basildon.gov.uk

Simple Festive Food Recipes

From all the canapés to the main course and all the way through to dessert, cooking your way through your festive menu does not have to be made difficult. With our simple yet flavourful recipes, you’ll have guests thinking you’re a well-SEASONED chef!

The Best Roasties

Ingredients

1kg floury potatoes (Maris Piper or King Edward), peeled and cut into large chunks Goose fat or sunflower oil depending on preference – (goose fat has its ownflavour whereas sunflower oil allows the taste of the potato through more)

Seasoning (Optional: garlic powder, paprika, thyme)

Method

1. Preheat oven to 200c, gas mark 6.

2. After peeling and cutting the potatoes, place them in a large pan of salted water and bring to the boil. Cook the potatoes for roughly 12-15 minutes once water starts to boil until the potatoes are tender and soft (test this by inserting a sharp knife into the potato with ease).

3. Drain water and let potatoes steam in your colander, shake them about a bit to rough up the edges.

4. Heat some oil or goose fat in your roasting tin in the oven – when the fat is hot, add the dry potatoes and gently coat.

5. Add your seasoning and roast for approximately 30-35 minutes until the potatoes are crisp and brown on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside.

Festive Gingerbread Decorations

Ingredients

500g unsalted butter, diced and at room temperature, plus a little extra for greasing

350g caster sugar

350g dark brown muscovado sugar

2 lightly beaten eggs

700g all-purpose flour

1tsp bicarbonate of soda

4 tsp ground cinnamon

8-10tsp ground ginger depending on preferred spice level

1 tsp salt

For the icing

5 tbsp icing sugar

1 tbsp hot water

Method

1. Preheat oven to 180°C/Gas 4. Season the carrots well with salt and pepper and mix with enough oil so that the seasoning sticks to them. Tip all the ingredients into a homemade folded greaseproof paper bag with a dash of water. Double-fold the open edge of the bag and staple in both corners and in the middle.

2. Lay in a roasting tin and bake for about 30 minutes; the bag should puff up. Turn out into a bowl or open at the table like a big bag of crisps. Watch out for the staples!

Flavoursome Christmas Carrots

Ingredients

6-10 carrots, peeled and chopped into 1cm diagonal chunks

3 whole cloves

1 cinnamon stick

1 star anise

1 bay leaf

1 spring of thyme

Drizzle of oil

Seasoning

Method

1. Preheat oven to 180°C/ Gas 4. Season the carrots well with salt and pepper and mix with enough oil so that the seasoning sticks to them. Tip all the ingredients into a homemade folded greaseproof paper bag with a dash of water. Double-fold the open edge of the bag and staple in both corners and in the middle.

2. Lay in a roasting tin and bake for about 30 minutes; the bag should puff up. Turn out into a bowl or open at the table like a big bag of crisps. Watch out for the staples!

Essex secures funding for new homes on brownfield sites

Funding of £3.4 million has been secured to support the progress of four housing schemes in Basildon, Colchester and Tendring.

Grants have been secured from the Government’s Brownfield Land Release Fund initiative, which seeks to support the release of council-owned land for housing.

Funding will be used to fund four schemes across Essex:

Chapelgate, Basildona disused car park very close to Basildon town centre requiring land remediation prior to unlocking a housing development of 105 units. 50% will be social rent and shared ownership with 52 outright sale.

Ghyllgrove, Basildona former nursing home in disrepair with a need for land remediation prior to unlocking a housing development for housing of 34 units. 15% will be affordable rent and shared ownership with 29 outright sale.

Essex County Hospital, Colchesterformer hospital site located close to Colchester city centre in a conservation

area. It consists of listed and locally listed buildings, significant archaeology, substantial contamination in buildings and the grounds. The project will create 63 units in phase one and 120 over three phases.

Carnarvon Terrace, Tendringdemolition of a derelict building to provide two housing blocks creating 28 apartments. One block will contain ground floor commercial space. Improvements also planned to the adjacent public car park.

The grants will build on the significant success of the Greater Essex One Public Estate partnership in securing funding in recent years.

In March 2021, our housing development arm, Essex Housing, supported partners across the county to secure over £2 million of government funding. This supported seven local authority led housing schemes, aiming to create quality housing on brownfield sites.

Cllr Lesley Wagland OBE, Essex County Council Cabinet Member for Economic Renewal, Infrastructure and Planning, said:

“We are thrilled that the partnership’s efforts and success continue to be recognised by government. The One Public Estate programme has been hugely successful across Greater Essex and this valuable funding means that even more quality homes can be built.”

What’s On

An evening at the German Market

Thursday 1st December, 5:30pm – 9pm, at Meadow Croft Garden Centre, Wickford.

Christmas At Altons Santa’s Grotto

Running now till 24th December, 9:30am –4:45pm, Altons Garden Centre Arterial Road (A127) Wickford, Essex, SS12 9JG

This year there’s a magical VR (virtual reality) sleigh ride so come along and be led by D.A.S.H as you are transported across the globe.

Bring friends and family along to enjoy the German Market by night. Immerse yourself into the authentic German market experience - you will be captivated by the sights, sounds and smells of the market, with irresistible seasonal treats and unique yuletide gifts and decorations.

Get festive listening to our live music and browse the many magnificent stalls whilst sampling our famous German Sausages, Beer and Gluhwein.

Live music will begin at 6:30pm. Food in the German Market will be served until 8pm.

Meadow Croft Kitchen will also be serving a festive menu until 8pm. The garden centre will be open until 9pm. FREE ENTRY NO TICKETS NEEDED! JUST TURN UP ON THE DAY!

For more information, please visit www.meadow-croft.co.uk/events/germanmarket

South Essex Classic Car Sunday Meet

Sunday 11th December, 9:30am – 12:30pm, Runwell Rd, Wickford SS11 7QJ Meet up at 9:30am get a coffee and maybe breakfast, show off your wheels.

So, get booked quickly so you can explore Santa’s secret HQ where all the elves live, and the Christmas magic happens! Slip slide and glide through Lapland and please make sure Santa doesn’t spot you!!!HO! HO! HO! hold on to your hats and antlers everyone, this could be a bumpy ride!!

After departing the sleigh ride wander through Santa’s magical grotto and take a peep into the elf’s workshop, don’t forget to say hello to the reindeer and watch the dancing snowman. After all of that guess who will be waiting to meet you. It’s Santa!!

To book head to grotto.alton-gardencentre. co.uk/santas-grotto-booking

Breakfast With Santa

19th – 23rd December, 9:00am – 4:00pm, The Lillies Café, Alpha Garden Centre, Unit 22, 238 London Road, Wickford

Santa will be walking around the restaurant talking to guests as they eat breakfast, he might even sit and tell you if you have been naughty or nice!

PLEASE NOTE THERE IS A CHARGE OF £10/ TABLE. For more info and to book head to tables.hostmeapp.com/restaurants/30664

Wickford Town

New Year’s Eve at the Hawk

Saturday 31st December, 8pm-midnight at The Hawk, Battlesbridge See in the New Year in style! Evening menu starts from 8pm and is £55 for three courses, there will also be a marvellous mind magician to amaze and live music from Elvis till midnight!

For tickets head to www.thehawkbattlesbridge.co.uk/nyedinner-menu

Madagascar – A Musical Adventure Junior at The Chelmsford Main Theatre

Sunday 22nd January, 1:15pm performed by PQA Saturday Morning Academy, 6:30pm performed by PQA Saturday Afternoon Academy.

Woodland

Warriors - Outdoor Activities for Autistic/ADHD children/teens

Saturday 3rd/10th/17th December, 11:30am – 1:00pm, at Wickford Memorial Park, Rettendon View, Wickford, SS11 8JE

Take a musical journey out of Central Park Zoo and onto the stage with your favourite crack-a-lackin’ friends from the blockbuster DreamWorks film.

Join Alex, Marty, Gloria, Melman, and the hilarious plotting penguins as they find themselves on an unexpected journey to King Julien’s Madagascar.

Filled with outlandish characters, adventure galore and an upbeat score, Madagascar JR. will leave audiences with no choice but to “Move It, Move It!”

For tickets head to chelmsfordtheatre.co.uk/ events/madagascar-a-musical-adventure-jr

Woodland Warriors is an outdoor activity company, that helps children of different age groups and from different backgrounds to learn basic life skills through outdoor play. MyOTAS have joined forces with Tiffany Belford-Fry (Tiffers) of Woodland Warriors, to create sessions tailored to the needs of neurodiverse children and those with social anxiety issues. To find out more or to book places visit www.ticketsource.co.uk/myotas

December Horoscopes

Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21)

3 of Wands. You have big ideas and big plans – awesome stuff. Now how do you get to the finish line? The journey to achieving results is often a personal thing, and unfortunately it sometimes takes a lot of false starts before you get in a rhythm and figure out what works for you. Are you a plotter, a pantser, or something in-between? Don’t forget to explore this important part of the journey.

Aquarius (January 20 – February 18)

9 of Cups. Congratulations, you’re charging ahead and that finish line is within reach! Now is not the time to get cocky or relax. Making progress isn’t an excuse to let things slide; now more than ever it’s important to be strict with yourself and not fall back into old unhelpful habits. Don’t undo what you’ve accomplished through complacency.

Aries (March 21 –April 19)

2 of Cups. They say two heads are better than one, and maybe that’s something you can explore this month. Is there a partnership you could enter into that would help you stay on track? Maybe it’s something like joining a group or club, finding a community of like-minded individuals who can help keep you accountable and act as your cheerleading squad as well.

Capricorn (December 22 – January 19)

8 of Cups. Take care not to overthink things. Self-reflection, introspection, critical thinking – these are all great things, but in moderation. Too much of them and you can very easily get stuck and fall into negative patterns of thinking that can end up being cruel to yourself and to the people around you. Don’t forget to add a little softness to your laser insights.

Pisces (February 19 –March 20)

6 of Pentacles. You’re not weak for asking for help. We’re communal creatures; we’re not meant to struggle through life alone. It doesn’t matter what your goal is – whether it’s a project or simply getting through the year in one piece – don’t cut yourself off from other people and what they have to offer. You’re not made less by accepting more.

Taurus (April 20 –May 20)

King of Swords. You know where you’re going, you know what to do to get there, you won’t let anyone stand in your way. Nice in theory, less so in practise, especially if you end up trampling over people who only have your best interests at heart. It won’t weaken your resolve to listen to other people’s points of view.

Gemini (May 21 –June 20)

Page of Pentacles. A brand new shiny thing is in your sights, but you get stuck in the daydreaming phase. If you want it, go get it. Remember to keep your feet on the ground – what practical steps do you need to take? It’s not the stuff of songs and romance, but a to-do list is better than a magic sword in the day-to-day.

Leo (July 23 –August 22)

5 of Cups. Be honest with yourself. Are you focussing too much on your shortcomings? A mistake doesn’t equal failure, and while we might be tempted to think of modesty as a virtue, often it can be a real hindrance when it comes to properly assessing a situation. Too much of anything throws you off-balance, and while initially it might feel like boasting, self-confidence can go a huge way to getting what you want.

Libra (September 23 –October 22)

Knight of Swords. This is your sign to take a breath, slow down, and chill out. Okay, what’s the rush? Is there a reason you’re charging ahead without stopping to think?

Overthinking can kill passion, sure, but if you’re rushing ahead because you’re worried that doubts and fears will catch up with you if you slow down, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to outrun these anxieties –they’ll still be waiting for you when you inevitably run out of breath.

Cancer (June 21 –July 22)

5 of Swords. You’ve burned some bridges to get where you are today. Is it worth it? Sometimes it’s necessary and vital to cut out the dead wood but remember there’s a baby in with all that bathwater, and you don’t want to do something you might regret later. Getting along with people you have little patience for is an unfortunate part of life, and sometimes you have to suck it up and play nice with the other kids.

Virgo (August 23 –September 22)

8 of Swords. It’s a hard thing to learn to be your own biggest fan, but unfortunately avoiding that challenge isn’t going to make your path any easier; in fact, it’s the reverse. If you’re spiralling in doubt and confusion, now is the time to try and break that thought process and start building new and healthier patterns of thinking.

Scorpio (October 23 –November 21)

9 of Swords. When things suck, it rarely makes it better by pretending they don’t. It’s great to be focused on results and solutionorientated, but that’s not always what’s best. Sometimes you need to throw up your hands and make a scene, feel all those pesky horrible emotions that you’re trying to bury because they’ll just keep coming back anyway.

What to do in the garden in December

As the

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December is a quiet month in the garden, but there are more things to take care of than you might think. With limited daylight hours as we approach the shortest day of the year, this month’s crisp wintery weather can be strikingly beautiful and bitterly cold in equal measure.

Here’s a checklist of jobs to keep you busy.

In the flower garden

• Start to winter-prune wisteria, cutting back whippy summer side-shoots to 2 or 3 buds. Favourites like Wisteria sinensis will look tidy and flower better after a good shaping.

• Prune climbing roses now, removing diseased or damaged growth and tying in any new shoots to their support. Prune older flowered side shoots back by two thirds of their length.

• Plant deciduous, climbing honeysuckle now, but make sure to avoid any frozen or waterlogged ground.

In the vegetable garden

Looking after your lawn

• Avoid walking on your lawn when it’s blanketed by heavy frost or snow, as this damages the grass.

• If it’s a mild winter, continue to cut the lawn as it grows, but raise the height of the mower blades.

• Spike lawns with a garden fork to improve drainage and aeration.

• Keep clearing leaves off the lawn to let the light in and prevent dead patches appearing.

• Send your lawnmower and shears to be serviced and sharpened while they’re less in demand.

• Lift your last leeks and parsnips before the soil becomes frozen, and heel them into a trench beside a convenient path. They’ll keep for several months like this and can be easily brought indoors when required.

• Remove yellowing leaves from your winter brassicas — they’re no use to the plant and may harbour pests and diseases.

• If you haven’t already, cut down dead asparagus foliage and the top growth of Jerusalem artichokes. Order your asparagus crowns now for planting in spring.

• Dig over empty borders and pile well-rotted manure on top - let the worms and frosts break up the clods of soil.

From your armchair

Timely tips

• Dig over empty borders and prepare your soil for next year’s planting.

• Group potted plants together in a sheltered spot in the garden to protect them from the harshest winter weather.

• Get pruning! Wisteria, some fruit trees, roses and Japanese maples are just some of the plants that benefit from a winter prune.

• Look after the birds - clean feeders, stock up on wild bird food and make sure they have access to fresh water.

• Carefully plan your vegetable garden’s crop rotation for next year to avoid a build-up of pests and diseases.

• Order your flower seeds and vegetable seeds for next year - reflect on what worked well and what didn’t, and don’t be afraid to try new ideas.

• Take an inventory of tools and equipment that you need for next year. Add them to your Christmas list!

• Order apple trees now for planting in early spring. If space is limited, try growing dwarf fruit trees.

www.thompson-morgan.com

year draws to

close in December there’s still plenty to do in the garden

Image: Jon Naustdalslid/Shutterstock

ENGLEMAN WILLS + POWERS OF ATTORNEY

1 Nesbit Close, Wickford, Essex SS12 0PT ~ Tel 01268 761022 ~ Mobile 07901 948745

Email: engleman@businessadvisoressex.co.uk Website: www.businessadvisoressex.co.uk

OPEN FOR BUSINESS 7 DAYS A WEEK

Will Writer’s Words of Wisdom Red for Danger / Green for Safety

If a married couple dies together, and where there is no Will, the eldest is deemed to have died first, so only the family members of the surviving spouse will inherit A beneficiary or their spouse should not be a witness to a Will, or they will disinherit themselves

Unless it has a contemplation of marriage clause, marriage or re-marriage invalidates a Will, requiring a new arrangement

Without a Will, spouses and civil partners are NOT automatically entitled to all of the estate assets on death

Without a Will, the Government could inherit your estate if you die with no surviving traceable relatives

Without a Will, the Rules of Intestacy, ie ‘The Government Will’, could land the children with a 40% IHT (Inheritance Tax) liability

Even if an estate is less than £5,000, Probate may still be required re lifetime gifts in the preceding 7 years, so take legal advice

If you have no surviving parents, siblings, grandparents, uncles or aunts, then under the Intestacy Rules, the whole estate goes to the Crown or the Duchy of Lancaster or the Duke of Cornwall

A properly worded Will could ensure that half the value of your home is potentially protected against Local Authority care home fees

Always appoint charities as your final beneficiaries, to avoid your estate being claimed by the Government

By the use of a Property Protection Trust, you can ensure that if you pre-decease and your spouse re-marries and has more children, your own children benefit from your share of your home, and not the new spouse

If children have special care needs, an appropriate ‘Disabled Discretionary Trust’ could avoid loss of State benefits on inheriting your estate

If you own property abroad, you should arrange a Will in that country, to avoid costly fees and Probate delay

The estates of current or retired members of the Armed Forces are entitled to exemption from Inheritance Tax if they die on active service, or if their later death was caused by an injury or disease that was received or aggravated while they were on active service. This was extended in the 2014 Budget to members of the police, fire and ambulance services and emergency service personnel and humanitarian aid workers

There is no Inheritance Tax liability if the deceased spouse has left their entire estate to their surviving spouse or civil marriage partner

Provide in your Will for continuity of your business on your death

MARTIN ENGLEMAN AIPW AFPC DipPFS Certs CII (MP & ER) (Mortgage Practice &

Associate of The Institute of Professional Will Writers Estate Planning Legal Specialist with APS Legal & Associates Ltd

Member of the Society of Mortgage Professionals, the Personal Finance Society and the Chartered Insurance Institute

Equity Release)

Principal: Engleman Wills + Powers of Attorney + Probate + Equity Release

Winter Warmth and Welcome Spaces Fund

Grants made available by Essex County Council to create safe spaces which are free to the Essex public this winter.

Community groups across Essex are being urged to apply for grants of up to £1,000 to help them provide warm and welcoming spaces for residents this winter. Essex County Council (ECC) has launched its Community Winter Warmth and Welcome Spaces Fund.

The £100,000 fund offers grants of up to £1,000 so organisations can create new spaces or activities, or extend their existing services.

Open to charities, clubs or associations, community interest companies, the fund has been designed to support safe spaces which are free to the Essex public this winter.

These spaces could offer residents things to do, advice, warmth or support for their physical and mental health.

Grants can be used by groups for things like equipment to run new activities, venue or catering costs, operational costs including utilities, and staff or volunteer expenditure.

www.essex.gov.uk/cost-of-living