Wickford Town News - Issue 03 January 2023

Wickford Town News

January 2023

The sun rises on a new year with Wickford Town News.

Here’s a big hello and warm welcome to 2023! I hope you all had a fantastic Christmas and more importantly I’d like to wish you all a very Happy New Year!!

Our thanks go out to everyone for all of your support and wonderful feedback so far on our Wickford Town News magazine! The team have all had a fantastic break over the festive period and now we are back to work and off to a flying start. There is plenty for everyone to look forward to this year which will further help develop the advertising opportunities we offer to our customers as well as the stories written for all of our magazines for the enjoyment of our lovely readers. Watch this space and do follow us on Facebook and Instagram to keep up to date with the latest developments!

This month we have some quick and healthy recipes for you to try, some self-care tips to get you past the January blues, a quick guide to Veganuary and Dry January plus the latest news and events from some fantastic local clubs and groups!

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 love supporting the local organisations that work tirelessly to benefit the greater community. For now, onwards and upwards, here’s to 2023!

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

Friends of Wickford Memorial ParkVolunteer Group

Friends of the Wickford Memorial Park is a constituted volunteer group with a committee.

We formed to look after the park in October 2019. The park is over 112 acres of green belt land, and we need to protect and develop this fantastic asset. This includes the new Beauchamps Meadow, 26 acres of land which is being developed into a nature reserve.

We have our own lock up within the council compound and work closely with the park management in helping develop many projects in the park including our pièce de résistance- The Home Front Garden. In 2019, this garden was unkempt and completely overgrown. We planned, bulldozed, and replanted it from scratch.

We have been running gardening work parties since October 2019 and have regular weekly gardening groups on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9:30-11am. Everyone is welcome to join and there is no obligation to come every time. We are a friendly bunch of people, and you would be made most welcome.

All our volunteers agree that the park is a special place and it’s wonderful for your wellbeing.

We are much more than a gardening group now and we have lots of ideas and projects for the future. We have planted nearly 5,000 English bluebells; 14,000 Narcissus, Crocus, Snowdrops, Cammassia, Nerines, Allium, Hydrangeas; refurbished the Crazy Golf and built Bug Hotels and bird boxes.

We have planted over 400 trees/whips to extend the Jubilee Wood; 22 mature trees on the new Parkland Amenities area; helped plant 3500 trees with the Woodland Trust on the New Beauchamps Meadow woodland area plus 300 whips to make a wildlife habitat.

New projects include a new Reflection Garden, the first phase has recently been planted with 15 mature Silver Birch Trees, Mid-Winter Fire Dogwoods, Hellebores and 1000’s of Crocus and Snowdrops.

The second phase will be in the New Year. The Reflection Garden is funded by the National Lottery Community Fund, who kindly granted us £9,450.

Also planned for 2023 is the Community Orchard, which forms the last phase of the Basildon Councils Parks and Countryside vision for the Beauchamps Meadow. The Friends Group have been asked to help with the planting of 200 native fruit trees including: Apple, Crab Apple, Pear, Plum and Cherry.

We also run informative and fun tours of the park, please look out for the next one in the New Year.

Please visit our website: www.friendsofwickfordmemorialpark.co.uk Or Facebook: Friends of Wickford Memorial Park

Reflection Garden

Looking for a different New Year’s resolution? Here’s why you should take part in Veganuary.

You’ve probably heard about Veganuary by now – the popular challenge that encourages people to try vegan for January (and beyond). But the annual craze is much more than a month-long moment or a New Year’s resolution you’ll ditch after a couple of weeks.

Veganuary is also a non-profit organisation that helps people explore a plant-based diet – helping to combat climate change, preventing animal suffering and improving the health of millions of people. If you’re looking for something more than your average New Year’s resolution, here’s how (and why) to get involved in Veganuary 2023. What impact does Veganuary have?

Since launching in 2014, millions of people worldwide have taken part, and participants report benefits such as better skin, increased energy levels and improved cooking skills. Aside from the fun of taking part in a new challenge, there are many benefits of eating plant-based. Studies show moving towards a plant-based diet is one of the best things we can do to reduce our impact on the environment and can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

Eating vegan also has an impact on animal lives, as fewer animal products are consumed. When you try vegan, everyone wins!

What do you get when you sign up? It’s free to sign up for the 31-day pledge and it takes two minutes. You’ll get an exclusive celebrity e-cookbook with recipes from Alicia Silverstone, Jane Goodall, Bryan Adams, Venus Williams and many more famous faces. You’ll never be stuck for food ideas, as there are plenty of meal plans to suit different needs and budgets, including One Pot, Budget-Friendly, Sports, Low Carbon and Gluten-Free options. The daily coaching emails guide you through the month with tips and resources on nutrition, eating out and shopping.

People who sign up also have access to Veganuary’s official Facebook group, so you can start your plant-powered journey with like-minded people. Share motivation and support, as well as vegan meals and products you’ve tried throughout the month. And speaking of products, you’ll get the inside scoop on special offers available in stores, restaurants and online for Veganuary.

As Veganuary 2023 is the 10th anniversary of the campaign, there are some extra special treats in store, including a new YouTube series and podcast featuring some exciting guests. So, if you’re looking for a fun, positive New Year’s challenge that has a real impact, sign up for Veganuary!

Founders Jane Land and Matthew Glover

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.

Protect your property this winter

As the evenings become longer home owners are reminded to take simple crime prevention steps to keep their properties secure.

With residents leaving their homes throughout the winter months to attend festive events, there is typically a spike in burglary reports. Your house is one of your most valuable possessions so it’s also worth getting your home winter ready!

How to protect your home: Ensure doors and windows are secure before leaving your property.

Keep keys, cash and expensive items out of view.

Use timer switches on lights and radios to make your home look occupied. Keep gates locked and boundaries secure.

Lock away bikes, tools and garden items that could be stolen or used to break into your home.

You can also:

Security-mark items including bicycles, smartphones and laptops.

Keep receipts and serial numbers safe.

Photograph and insure expensive or unique items.

Don’t forget: Ensure you’re insured – sometimes no amount of planning and preparation can prevent the weather damaging your property. Buildings insurance offers peace of mind, so ensure your policy is up to date and covers what you need it to.

Secure garden furniture to ensure no furniture will go flying in high winds. Prune your trees to avoid a build-up of leaves and potential snow on branches and clear your guttering to stop leaks from blocked guttering.

Check your roof before it gets windy so and loose tiles, slates, flashing and dead tree branches can be removed.

In case of a power cut, simply get in touch with your Electricity Distribution Network Operator by calling 105

Protect your pipes by making sure water tanks and pipers are insulated with good quality lagging to protect from freezing and insulate your hot water system to save money.

Check your flood risk by signing up for free flood warnings at www.gov.uk/check-flooding

Wickford Town Council Contacts

www.wickfordtowncouncil.gov.uk www.facebook.com/WickfordTownCouncil

Town Clerk

Tory Melhuish clerk@wickfordtowncouncil.gov.uk

Wickford Town Councillors

Chairman Councillor Derek Harrison contact via Town Council

Vice Chairman Councillor Graham Bradley contact via Town Council

Councillors

Councillor Alan Ball 01268 526851

Councillor Simon Blake 07748 776655 Councillor Eunice Brockman 07594 216528

Councillor Lee Dodds contact via Town Council Councillor Gerald Douse contact via Town Council Councillor Graeme Ellis 07814 814844

Councillor Louise Gann contact via Town Council Councillor David Harrison 07305 614967

Councillor Linda Harrison 07914 814726

Councillor Nicola Hoad contact via Town Council Councillor John Janaway contact via Town Council Councillor Stewart Mott 07964 077058

Councillor Andrew Neil contact via Town Council Councillor Kim Oakes 01268 761899

Councillor Stephen Oakes contact via Town Council

Councillor Geoff Whiter contact via Town Council

Councillor Matthew Wright contact via Town Council

Basildon Borough Councillors

Wickford North Councillor Carole Morris 01268 457488 Councillor Peter Holliman 07956 395818

Councillor Eunice Brockman 07954 216528

Wickford Castledon Councillor Don Morris 01268 457488

Councillor Alex Myers alex.myers@members.basildon.gov.uk Wickford Park Councillor David Harrison 07305 614967

Councillor George Jeffrey george.jeffrey@members.basildon.gov.uk

Essex County Councillors

Wickford Crouch

Councillor Tony Ball 07867 676469 cllr.tony.ball@essex.gov.uk Councillor Malcolm Buckley 01268 472586 cllr.malcolm.buckley@essex.gov.uk

Member of Parliament Mark Francois 01268 742044 Mark.francois.mp@parliament.uk

Wickford Town Council Contacts

www.wickfordtowncouncil.gov.uk www.facebook.com/WickfordTownCouncil

Meetings

Currently all Council and Committee meetings are being held at The Wick Community Centre, Silva Island Way, Wickford SS12 9NR.

There are 4 Committees and a number of Working Parties set up to assist with the running of the Council:

Environment and Leisure Committee Finance and Resources Committee Personnel Committee Planning and Infrastructure Committee

Planning and Infrastructure Committee

Thursday 26th January 2023, 7pm

Environment and Leisure Committee Monday 30th January 2023, 7pm

Council Contacts

Meetings

Basildon Borough Council The Basildon Centre St Martins Square Basildon Essex SS14 1DL Tel 01268 533333

Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm

Essex County Council County Hall Market Road Chelmsford Essex CM1 1QH

General Enquiries

Tel 0345 7430430

Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5pm Highways Tel 0345 6037631

Essex Police Emergency 999 Non-emergency 0300 333 4444 or 101 www.essex.police.uk

How did Wickford get a Town Council?

Residents began a campaign for the establishment of a Town Council which ended with a petition being passed to the Leader of Basildon Borough Council. They pointed out that Wickford was missing out by not having a Parish/Town Council like neighbouring towns Rayleigh and Billericay.

Once the required number of signatures had been obtained the petition was handed to the leader of Basildon Borough Council on Monday 16th January 2019. In accordance with legislation the Borough Council then commenced a “community governance review” to see if a local council should be created.

All households within the Wickford Town Council boundaries were then consulted on two occasions and this resulted with a majority in favour of a Town Council. An order was made on 5th October 2021 resulting in the formation of Wickford Town Council on 16th May 2022. What is the role of the Town Council? Wickford joins over 10,000 Parish and Town councils that exist across England. Parish and Town councils broadly are a consultative body to be the voice of the local community. They have a precept raising funds through Council Tax to spent for the betterment of the Town. Typical activities include managing parks, community spaces, holding community events and supporting

Can I attend meetings of the Parish Council?

Yes, all meetings of the Council and its Committees must be open to the general public and the press, except in very exceptional circumstances.

The time and place of meetings must be advertised beforehand, in the case of Wickford this is via this Facebook page and our website. www.wickfordtowncouncil.gov.uk In the future we will also advertise via public noticeboards once these are installed.

The notice must be posted at least 3 days prior to the time and date of the meeting. Can I see the minutes of Parish Council meetings and other papers?

Under the Freedom of Information Act 2010, you may see and have a copy of the ‘recorded’ information held by the Town Council. This includes reports, minutes, correspondence and emails. The information has to be provided within 20 working days. Feel free to view the meeting minutes via our website to see the work the Town Council has so far been undertaking and policies, projects etc which are underway or have been discussed. www.wickfordtowncouncil.gov.uk/ committees

Volunteering in local community

Want to get involved in local community projects yourself, why not volunteer for a local project. Local groups such as Friends of Wickford Memorial Park, Wickford at Christmas, Wickford in Bloom and Wickford Wombles provide the opportunity to help out in your local community and meet other local residents. Visit our website for more information on how to get involved.

Wickford recruiting Special Constables

The Town Council has joined an Essex Police initiative that has led the County having the largest number of special constables outside London. The Town Council is providing funding for Essex Police to recruit up to 5 special constables for Wickford. Applications can be made online here: www.Essex.Police.uk

Petition for the formation of a Town Council being handed to the leader of Basildon Borough Council

Wickford in Bloom!

Wow! What a year 2022 was for ‘Wickford in Bloom’. So much was achieved!

We are so grateful to community groups, the National Lottery, the general public and local businesses for their financial support and to the amazing local volunteers for the time they gave.

Wickford in Bloom is run by a small committee with volunteers, all with a common goal, to add colour and brightness to Wickford High Street in the first instance, and to generally make Wickford a bright and welcoming place and somewhere to be proud of.

During the year you will have seen hanging baskets installed and planters and tubs replenished all funded by grants and donations.

approval from Essex Highways in the first instance. Each lamppost we apply to hang a basket from needs testing for strength and its locality accessed. Insurance needs to be in place also. Once permissions are agreed, the iron work can be ordered and installed. The brackets were installed and the baskets supplied, watered, fed and maintained by Windowflowers Ltd. They do amazing work all across London and the home counties.

Baskets and the replenishing of planters we’re made possible and funded by Wickford Community Projects, Wickford Taxis, Eve Belle, Keylock Games, Cowling and Payne, Derek Harrison, Wickford Horticultural Society, The Lions Club and JustGiving community donations.

The hanging baskets, to be honest, were a mission to get, hence their late installation, but lessons learnt for 2023! The basket needs

The big tubs and railway planters were initially supplied by Basildon Council and Wickford in Bloom were asked to take on the ongoing planting and maintenance by councillors. Plantscape have been amazing by designing, sourcing and nurturing plants for these displays. With a small group of loyal volunteers we planted, fed and watered the displays. During what was an incredibly hot summer, it was what seemed a mammoth task to keep the planters looking healthy. Meeting at least twice a week to water! Our hard work paid off, as our summer displays won 1st prize in the Amberol Photo competition… A £200 gift voucher being the prize!

The Wickford in Bloom ‘golden bike’ also made an appearance summer ‘22 with it being sited outside Beans and Bagels.

Looking forward to 2023, we are super excited! With plans to again hang baskets… and more of them thanks to financial help with the brackets from the Town Council. WiB has also been successful in securing a grant for planting trees which we envisage being in tubs in the High Street. All our efforts this year have been made possible by grants and donations.

If you are a business or individual or a family and you are interested in sponsoring a basket, which we envisage will be around £115 for a supplied, watered and maintained basket… please email your interest to: wickfordinbloom@virginmedia.com and we will be in touch.

If you wish to make a donation, we periodically have a just giving donations page running, or alternatively you are welcome to make a payment via PayPal... search… Wickford In Bloom.

The best way to keep up to date with Wickford in Bloom is via our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/WickfordinBloom

You can also find us on Instagram and Twitter.

We look forward to seeing volunteers a plenty in 2023. A great way to meet people, get some exercise and to make a difference to our community.

News Around

Warm Spaces in Wickford

Fully funded training available to support green careers

Warm Spaces provided in the Wickford area: Mondays – Coffee Morning at Christ Church from 9.30am – 12 noon; Tuesdays – Meet & Make (Craft Group) at St Andrew’s from 2.00 – 4.00pm; Thursdays – Fellowship Group on 3rd Thursday in the month (except for December when it is the 2nd Thursday) at Christ Church from 2.00pm – 4.00pm; and Saturdays – Coffee Morning at St Andrew’s from 9.00am to 12 noon and Coffee Morning at St Catherine’s on the 1st Saturday in the month from 9.30am – 12.30pm.

Forthcoming Wickford Town Council and Committee meetings

New funding will allow Essex County Council to offer further fully funded retrofit training for residents in 2023.

The council have received £94,575 from the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) through the Home Decarbonisation Skills Training competition and are match funding this amount, giving a total project value of £189,150.

This funding will help draw on the success of last year’s pilot, which saw Essex become the first UK county to deliver Fit for Retrofit Training.

Retrofitting is the process of adding new technology or features to make homes more energy efficient. Training is available at levels 2, 3, 4 and 5. Funding will provide 50 spots on retrofit courses and will be available to residents across Essex, with a focus on Colchester, Basildon and Canvey Island. Find out more or apply at the ACL website www.aclessex.com/retrofit

New Essex Local Offer website

All meetings commence at 7pm at The Wick Community Centre unless otherwise stated.

• Planning and Infrastructure Committee, Thursday 26th January 2023

• Environment and Leisure Committee, Monday 30th January 2023

Essex County Council have worked with local families to launch a new Essex Local Offer website - send.essex.gov.uk. This is part of wider plans to improve access to support for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND) in Essex. The new website brings together education, health and social care services that can provide early help. It also includes information about services that can offer more intensive support.

The aim is to help families find the support they need when they need it. Information is up-to-date and easier to search for. The site will offer advice and guidance if you are new to the SEND system in Essex. It also includes

Wickford Town

advice on what to do if you have questions about the support your child is receiving. The new Local Offer website is part of ongoing work to improve the Essex SEND system. This is not the end of the journey and work is continuing in other areas. Every child and young person deserves to reach their full potential in life. Essex County Council want to continue working with families to ensure this is possible. Please send any feedback about the new website to essex.localoffer@essex.gov.uk

Welcome to Essex: packs for sponsors

Information packs are available for sponsors taking part in the Homes for Ukraine scheme. The packs aim to help sponsors and their guests understand and access the wide range of support available in Essex. This includes mental health support, help with finances and benefits, applying for school places and accessing NHS services. The information is being provided in print to all Homes for Ukraine sponsors across Essex. These will be delivered through local district, borough or city councils. We will also be providing guests with printed translated versions in Ukrainian and Russian.

December 2022 update: Sponsors who have hosted for over six months can receive an extra £200 per month. This is paid for months 7 to 12. Find out more in payments to sponsors.

To access an information pack, head to www.essex.gov.uk/news/welcome-to-essexpacks-for-sponsors

Councillors agree on improvements to the way we collect waste and recycling

friendly.

There will be the introduction of a wheeled bin service for black sack waste, plus two reusable sacks - one for paper and card and one for plastics and can materials. The improvements will help the council to meet the Environment Act, reduce the amount of waste going to landfill by around 20%, and increase the amount we recycle to help us reach our target of a 65% recycling rate by 2035.

It is expected that these will be implemented in Autumn 2023.

Let’s be having brew: join us for a Coffee with Cops

Basildon Council’s Cabinet met in December and agreed improvements to the way waste and recycling is collected to make the service more sustainable and environmentally

No matter what your drink of choice, why not take up an invitation for a Coffee with Cops where you can talk to us about local issues which matter to you? These events are a great chance for you to ask what we are doing about local concerns raised by residents and businesses; to tell us about problems in your neighbourhood; and to get crime prevention advice.

Basildon District Commander Chief Inspector Dan McHugh explains that Coffee with Cops is valuable for everyone who attends. Police community support officers Daniel Brady and Kyli Nice organise and attend the Coffee with Cops events in the Basildon and Laindon area. The duo have worked hard to identify slightly more unusual meeting places so they can reach all sections of the community.

All our community policing teams advertise Coffee with Cops sessions across their districts on their district Facebook page which can be accessed via: www.essex.police.uk/police-forces/essexpolice/areas/essex-police/au/about-us/ social-media

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:

Healthy, hearty recipes that are kind to your pocket and simple!

Christmas has been and gone, we may have overindulged but it’s winter so that’s allowed, right?

You’ll be glad to know that you can continue eating well, eating healthy and all without breaking the bank! Try the following easy recipes which utilise everyday ingredients to make a hearty meal.

Tuna pasta bake

Ingredients

250g pasta of choice

2 tsp olive oil

1 onion, chopped finely 200g sliced button mushrooms

2 garlic cloves, crushed

2 x 400g cans chopped tomatoes

1 lemon, zested

1/2 cup finely chopped fresh continental parsley leaves

200g cottage cheese

425g can tuna in spring water, drained, flaked

2 large, thinly slices tomatoes

20g (1/4 cup) finely grated parmesan

150g mixed salad leaves

Method

1. Preheat oven to 180C/160C fan. In a large saucepan cook pasta in salted boiling water following packet directions. Drain. Lightly grease a large baking dish with oil. 2. Meanwhile, heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 5 minutes or until softened. Add mushroom and garlic. Cook for 5 minutes or until mushroom is golden. Stir in canned tomatoes and 125ml (1/2 cup) water. Simmer for 15 minutes or until thickened.

3. Stir in lemon zest, parsley (reserving 1 tbsp) and half the cottage cheese. Season. Add pasta and tuna. Toss. Place in prepared dish. Top with sliced tomato, parmesan and remaining cottage cheese. Season.

4. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden. Top with reserved parsley. Serve with salad.

Ingredients

Approximately

Peppered Beef Stir Fry

Ingredients

400g

Method

1. Preheat oven to 200C. Heat a large non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Cook the chicken breast for 5-7 minutes each side or until cooked through, transfer to a plate and set aside to cool slightly. Coarsely chop the chicken and place in a medium bowl.

2. Add the vegetables, soup mix, mayonnaise and cheddar to the chicken and stir to combine.

3. Cut the pastry sheets into 12cm squares. Line six 8cm (base measurement) fluted tart tins with removable bases with the pastry, allowing the sides to overhang. Spoon the chicken mixture into the lined tins. Place on an oven tray. Bake for 30 minutes or until the pastry is puffed and golden. Serve with salad leaves.

Method

1. Heat a wok or large frying pan over high heat. Stir-fry onethird of the beef until browned (roughly 3 minutes). Transfer to a bowl. Repeat in batches with the remaining beef.

2. Add the vegetables and stir-fry for 2 mins or until the vegetables soften slightly. Return the beef to the pan with the sauce and stirfry for 2 mins or until the sauce thickens slightly.

3. Meanwhile, follow packet directions and heat your rice.

4. Divide the rice and beef mixture among serving plates. Season and serve.

Are you getting involved with National Storytelling Week?

We’ve all witnessed the magic that can come from a good story, from being transported to the prisons of Azkaban, to teleporting to the world of Terabithia; good storytelling can take us anywhere. The art of storytelling is one that has been with us since we walked this earth and one that will be with us until our very last steps.

National Storytelling Week runs from Saturday 28th January to Sunday 5th February, and it’s a perfect time to explore the joys and countless benefits of storytelling and get the young minds whizzing.

Not only does storytelling bring language learning alive, it creates a participatory and immersive experiences that allows young learners to enjoy hearing language in a dynamic and entertaining way.

We know children learn in a range of different ways, and the act of storytelling appeals to different learning preferences and personalities, ensuring the shyest to the most active of students can participate in a way they enjoy, either listening quietly or being front and centre as an actor.

National Storytelling Week is part of The Society for Storytelling which was set up to promote the oldest art form in the world; storytelling. The idea was conceived in 2000 to increase public awareness of the art, practice and value of oral storytelling.

So, what stories will you be telling this year? If you are stuck on what to do for National Storytelling Week, you can check out www.sfs.org.uk/national-storytelling-week who can provide you with The National Storytelling Week Pack which contains information on promoting storytelling events, storytelling in schools, libraries, museums and art galleries.

DRYJANUARY

2023

Dry January Is More Important Than Ever. The holidays are a time of excess. The booze is bottomless, the towers of Ferrero Rocher never seem to get any smaller, and it’s practically encouraged to over-indulge in all the good things that the festive season has to offer.

In order to combat the rude return to everyday life, many of us look to schemes like Dry January to combat our previous excesses.

Dry January is the challenge to abstain from alcohol for one month. It began in 2013 with 4000 people taking part, but has grown massively since then, and in 2022 over 130,000 people took part in the challenge.

This shift in numbers may be indicative of wider changing attitudes towards alcohol and the general drinking culture of the UK.

For years, many people, particularly men, have directly linked drinking to status. The amount you can hold is an indicator of your potency, something to brag about and take pride in, even though we know that alcohol carries significant health risks. According to Drinkaware, 20% of adults don’t drink alcohol, with the 55-74 age bracket being least likely to abstain. So although we might think that it’s younger people going out partying who drink to excess, in reality the older you are, the more likely you are to drink, and it’s 55 to 64 year olds who are most likely to drink more than 14 units of alcohol per week whereas 16 to 24 year olds are the least likely (31% vs 15%).

The Health Survey for England in 2015 found that one in three millennials were completely teetotal, and a 2018 article by Business Insider found that Gen Z were following suit and expected to drink even less frequently when they were older. This might explain the rise in Dry January participants, as clearly attitudes about drinking and the “glamorous” nature of alcohol are changing.

The number of drink-related deaths rose to record highs during lockdown, and even more worrying, studies suggest that up to 25,000 more people than usual could die over the next 20 years in England due to lockdown drinking habits. These studies clearly display our troubling dependency on alcohol to get us through tough times, and considering that people’s mental health often suffers in winter, Dry January is even more important than ever.

The last few years have been hard on everyone, but if you’re worried about your alcohol consumption, there is help available, either through the Alcohol Change website or the NHS: www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/findalcohol-addiction-support-services

To find out more about Dry January or sign up, visit the website here: alcoholchange.org.uk/help-and-support/ managing-your-drinking/dry-january

Garolla garage doors are expertly made to measure in our own UK factories, they’re strong and solidly built. The electric Garolla door rolls up vertically, taking up only 8 inches inside your garage, maximising valuable space. Our expert local installers will fit your new door and they’ll take away the old one too, so there’s no mess. Give

Happy Mind, Happy Heart, Happy Life

A Happy New Year to all our readers!

2022 was a tough year for many and one that I’m sure we are all happy to see the back of - though despite the continued impact of high inflation with rising energy bills, the sad loss of HRH Queen Elizabeth II, and the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine (to name just a few!), I hope we have all managed to find some sort of solace and make peace with the year we’ve just had. As we enter 2023 my wish is that we all step into the new year with high hopes, positivity and optimism despite what has been a horrid few years since Covid.

With a new year comes new year’s resolutions, we are all determined to start or continue good practices, adapt and improve undesired behaviour and traits in ourselves and accomplish personal goals. With the mentality of ‘new year new me’ the most popular resolutions revolve around health and well-being but these are terms that

are often thrown about, what really does it mean to be well and what steps can we all take to ensure we are leading happier lives?

An increasing number of public figures and celebs are coming forward to speak about their mental health experience, the journey to busting mental health stigma is well on the way however with NHS wellbeing services underfunded and overstretched, it’s important to take advantage of the fantastic charities offering mental health support. Here are some of the top mental health charities in the UK signposted below which we hope can be of use to you or your loved ones in times of need and here’s to a happier and healthier year ahead!

Providing round-the-clock support, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, whatever you’re going through a Samaritan will face it with you. Samaritans is on a mission to prevent suicide. Call this free, non-judgemental service if you’re struggling, experiencing feelings of loneliness and isolation or just need someone to talk to.

Phone: 116 123

Opening hours: 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Mind

A leading force for change, this charity campaigns for greater awareness and access to support. Mind can answer all your questions surrounding mental health and give you tailored advice about what support is available to you.

Phone: 0300 123 3393

Opening hours: 9am – 6pm, Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays).

National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK Offers a supportive listening service to anyone with thoughts of suicide.

Phone: 0800 689 5652

Opening hours: 6pm–3:30am, daily.

SANEline

A national out-of-hours mental health helpline offering specialist emotional support, guidance and information to anyone affected by mental illness, including family, friends and carers.

Phone: 0300 304 7000

Opening hours: 4.30pm–10.30pm, daily.

Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM)

Taking a stand against suicide, standing together with everyone who’s struggling with life, no matter who they are, where they’re from or what they’re going through. If you are struggling and need to talk give CALM a call or if you prefer not to speak on the phone, you could try the CALM webchat service via www.thecalmzone.net/get-support

Phone: 0800 58 58 58

Opening hours: 5pm–midnight, daily.

Shout

If you would prefer not to talk but want some mental health support, Shout offer a free, confidential 24/7 text service supporting those in crisis and needing help.

Phone: Text ‘SHOUT’ to 85258

Opening hours: 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

The Mix

The Mix is the UK’s leading support service for young people under 25. Here to help you take on any challenge you’re facing - from mental health to money, from homelessness to finding a job, from break-ups to drugs. Talk via the online community, on social, through the free, confidential helpline or the counselling service. You can also request support by emailing via the form available on www.themix.org.uk/get-support/speak-toour-team/email-us

Phone: 0808 808 4994 OR Text ‘THEMIX’ to 85258

Opening hours: Phones 3pm–midnight, text 24/7.

Beat

This charity is designed to support those who may be dealing with an eating disorder.

Phone: 0808 801 0677 Opening hours: 12pm – 8pm, Monday to Friday, 4pm – 8pm, weekends and bank holidays.

OCD Action

A stigmatised and often neglected condition, this charity campaigns for better treatment and can provide specific advice on how to overcome your OCD.

Phone: 0845 390 6232

Opening hours: 9:30am – 8:00pm, Monday to Friday.

And with this, I leave you a handful of healthy habits which can help to improve mental health: Exercise Practise mindfulness Eat healthily Get more sleep Socialise

What’s On

Northern Lights Paint Party @ Ramsden Heath

Tuesday 17th January 2023, 7:00 – 10pm at The Nags Head, 50 Heath Rd, Ramsden Heath, Billericay CM11 1HS

A relaxed and enjoyable evening painting our stunning Northern Lights under the expert instruction of one of the Express Yourself Paint Parties workshop leaders Sophie. No experience needed. You can either follow the step-by-step instructions or ‘express yourself’ by putting your own personal touches on it as much as you feel comfortable to do so. If you so wish, you can change the colours (maybe to fit in with home décor or a favourite colour), change the silhouettes (if applicable) or add extra details. At the end of the evening, you will have a painting that you love to take home and cherish. We supply everything you need to paint including a blank 16” by 20” stretched canvas, quality acrylic paints and brushes, paint palette, water pot and apron within the £20 ticket price.

For more info and to book your ticket head www.expressyourselfessex.co.uk/events/ northern-lights-ramsden-heath

Wickford Voices

Wednesday 18th January 2023, 6:30 –8:30pm at Shotgate Community Hall, Bruce Grove, Shotgate, Wickford, SS11 8QZ

Hosted by Basildon Creative People and Places the Wickford Voices group meet 4 times a year to help programme high-quality arts activity and events in the borough’s five towns. Anyone can join, at any time.

As a Community Voice, you’ll get to:

• Support decision-making and help develop the Creative BasildON programme

• Get free tickets to all Creative BasildON events and other selected cultural events

• Be supported by Creative BasildON to develop your own projects and cultural events

• Network with a range of people across Basildon borough

• And a free dinner, served at all our Community Voice meetings!

To attend: please RSVP via Facebook Messenger or email sammy@creativebasildon.co.uk with dietary or access needs.

The Revenants Rock Wickford

Railway Social Club

Saturday 21st January, 8:30 – 11:30pm at Wickford Railway Social Club, Market Avenue, SS12 0AD

The Revenants are a 5-piece rock and pop covers band that have been jamming since 2018. Their debut gig at Wickford Railway Social Club on 21st January will see music from the 60’s to the 00’s which means something for everyone! Music starts at 8:30pm so head along for a great night of music.

Wickford Town

Infant & Toddler First Aid Workshop

Tuesday 24th January, 7:00 – 9:30pm at St Catherine’s Hall, Southend Road, Wickford, SS11 8DZ

This course focuses on expectant parents, and parents of young babies up to pre-school age.

Queen, Mamma Mia and many, many more! For without a song or a dance, what are we? Book your tickets now via www.towngatetheatre.co.uk/thank-youabba

Wickford Memorial Park Gardening Group

Every Wednesday and Saturday, 9:30 –11:00am at Wickford Memorial Park

The intention is not to provide attendees with a certificate, but to prepare attendees for real life scenarios which could occur at any time. The course will be delivered by full certified trainers and costs £20 per person.

To book head to www.essex.parents1st.org. uk/Event/infant-toddler-first-aid-workshopjanuary-wickford

Thank

You For The

Music

- The ultimate tribute to ABBA

Thursday 26th January 2023, 7:30pm at Towngate Theatre, St. Martins Square, Basildon SS14 1DL

Everyone is welcome to join the Friends of Wickford Memorial Park Gardening Group and there is no obligation to come every time. You would be made most welcome by the friendly bunch who currently attend the volunteer gardening sessions with lots of ideas and projects for future gardening of the park. For more information and to get involved head to the website

www.friendsofwickfordmemorialpark.co.uk or Facebook: Friends of Wickford Memorial Park.

Calling all Dancing Queens, this is your night to say, Thank You For The Music!

This international smash-hit tribute show brings all ABBA’s number one hits to the stage in a production like no other. The hugely popular show – now in its 20th year – with a brand-new show for 2022, combines the unmistakable harmonies, colourful costumes, and dazzling performances by our all-star cast.

Join us for the party of the year as we bring you all the hits, including Waterloo, Dancing

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 & Equity Release)

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

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

January Horoscopes

Capricorn (December 22 – January 19)

The winter months can be a vulnerable time, but you mustn’t cut yourself off from other people. The likelihood is that you have a support system you could use, friends you can lean on, but you’re shutting down and keeping quiet because it’s easier. Sharing is hard and opening up is hard too, but if you don’t communicate that you’re struggling, you’ll only make things harder in the long run.

Pisces (February 19 –March 20)

You’re having trouble disentangling your self from your thoughts and from your feelings. Your being is a separate entity to the emotions that pass through it, but it can be a long, long journey trying to break down the volatile cocktail that makes up our selves. You need to get out of your head. Go for a walk or meditate, and see if that can help quiet your busy brain.

Taurus (April 20 –May 20)

A reckoning is coming your way. Maybe this is something you’ve been putting off, a bill that hasn’t been paid or a conversation that still needs to be had. You’re only going to make things worse by prolonging the inevitable, and most of the time these things are made terrible by the tension and dread of anticipation. Even if your encounter is hard, it will also be a learning experience. Try to remember to see the positives in this.

Aquarius (January 20 – February 18)

Maybe the last year wasn’t your finest moment. It’s tempting to plunge straight into new things, and get excited about new people, new places, new plans – but make sure you’re not just using them as a distraction. The shiny new things will tarnish eventually, and you’ll have to sit with yourself all the same.

Aries (March 21 –April 19)

Maybe your resolution this year needs to be about connecting with your roots. Perhaps this is a call to extend an olive branch and try to mend an old hurt. Reconciliations aren’t easy, but if you can make the first move and initiate contact, you might be surprised by the response you’ll get.

Gemini (May 21 –June 20)

If you’re stuck in the early stages of a new plan, try going back to basics. Go back to that root thing that first sparked your excitement and made you dream. Sometimes something as simple as a pro/ con list can be the ticket you need to move things from dreams to reality.

Cancer (June 21 –July 22)

You have a strong sense of what’s right and wrong, and that’s great, but you have to remember to be flexible. While we like things to be cut and dried and simple because that makes them easy to digest, the truth of it is that everything and everyone is a complicated ball of contradictions and mistakes. You won’t lose yourself by giving a little ground; it’s okay to change and bend.

Virgo (August 23 –September 22)

A resolution that’s not easy but is probably one of the most important skills to master is the art of apologising. It’s great to have drive, ambition, vision – these are all amazing qualities, but not if they come at the expense of other things or to the detriment of people around you. Take a breath, check yourself, see where you need to clear your head.

Scorpio (October 23 –November 21)

We do need to learn from our mistakes –that’s the beauty of having made them – but you can end up holding yourself back by taking these lessons too much to heart. If a past mistake is haunting you, maybe you should ask yourself why. Are you using it as an excuse not to try? There’s a difference between a lesson learned and a mistake you’re using to avoid doing anything else.

Leo (July 23 –August 22)

The line between ambition and arrogance can sometimes be a very fine one. Whose advice are you ignoring in your passions? Of course you have to protect your vision, but there has to come a point where you ask yourself why you won’t let anyone in on this. What are you afraid of? You might gain some surprising insight by allowing someone else’s input on your ideas.

Libra (September 23 –October 22)

Making resolutions should be about creating balance in our lives, but we can sometimes fall into the trap of thinking that if our lives aren’t changed and disrupted by a resolution then we’re doing them wrong. Little changes are often far more effective than huge ones – you’re more likely to stick to them, for a start, and you shouldn’t change things at all unless you’re completely convinced that your life would be better off.

Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21)

Don’t go rushing into something new before you’ve properly considered where you’re going and why you’re going there. You might think that this can rob you of the drama and romance, but drama usually turns out to be the thing you want to avoid, not court. If you don’t want to slow down enough to count the cost, then maybe this isn’t the best course of action for you to pursue anyway.