Wickford Town News - Issue 05 March 2023

Wickford Town News March 2023

Wickford Memorial Park Volunteer Group Find out more on page 6

News Around Wickford Find out more on page 18

Wickford Memorial parkrun Find out more on page 26

Seasonal recipes for March Find out more on page 28

What’s On In Wickford Find out more on page 32

ISSUE 05

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Wickford Town News March 2023

An Important Date with Wickford Town News

Spring is all about new beginnings, transformations and warmer weather and with Spring literally on the horizon I imagine we’re all feeling more positive and excited with what’s to come.

This month there are many important dates coming up so we’ve got you covered. We look at the Great British Spring Clean and hope many of us can get involved with some litter-picking locally to keep our communities clean. Then there’s Mother’s Day and Easter coming up so we’ve got some events and ideas for you to consider. To top it all off, as always, we have the latest updates from your local council, clubs and groups including Wickford Memorial Park and their plans to knit and organise a Poppy Display for Remembrance Sunday this year.

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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.

As you read this, we are preparing the late April edition of our magazine, for any article submissions, and reader comments please make sure you get this across to us before 3rd April! As always, happy reading!

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The role of a Town Councillor

Often the role of a Councillor is seen as a ‘volunteer’.

This is not the case, a Councillor is the holder of public office. Legislation dictates the term of office (usually 4 years), the conduct expected when acting as a representative of the local council and the role in making decisions about council business.

The main role of a Councillor is to influence and contribute to the formal decisions of the council, knows as resolutions. A local council may make decisions about all sorts of matters but in the main it includes prioritising areas of spend, deciding the precept, setting and working within budgets, provision of services many get up and do something about it, well and facilities, partnership working and I’m one of them. management of staff.

The inception of the Town Council seemed Councillor Graeme Ellis, elected to the Town the next logical step for me, here was a Council in May 2022 conveys below why he chance to put in place long term plans decided to become a Town Councillor. that would put the heart back into our community. In truth we don’t have as My journey into joining the Town Council much power as I would’ve thought, we was perhaps a spur of the moment decision, don’t deal with waste collection, road I really didn’t think about it too long. I had very little knowledge of Town Councils other conditions, planning, (the main gripes) but what we do have is a collective voice, than perhaps the notorious “Jackie Weaver” that has taken issues to Basildon Borough incident back in 2020, that should’ve been Council or approached private developers enough to put me off! In truth I have very (Morrisons) and asked for updates from little time for politics. a position of authority. We have followed The reason I joined the Town Council was up on road repairs, consulted on new for Wickford. An additional sum was added to planning applications, and objected to some! our Council Tax, and I wanted to know where Approached Greater Anglia to re-commence it was going. I’m now forty and have lived building works on the station… in Wickford all my life, I’ve seen the decline It’s still early days for Wickford Town Council, in the High Street and surrounding facilities but as a collective we are making a change and although its widely acknowledged that for the better, the railings on the Riverside all High Streets are suffering from online Walk (London Road) are a good example sales, if I look over the fence to Rayleigh and of what we can do to improve Wickford, Billericay, why is it that theirs seem more additionally Grants given to the Carnival and prosperous than ours? And yet our town Wickford in Bloom, if we continue with this has expanded, people are moving in all the approach, little by little we’ll have a clean and time, as seen by the many “where is the best thriving Town to be proud of. school, doctors” posts on Facebook.

Graeme Ellis I’ve involved myself in various volunteer groups over the last five years, if we all done a small bit, gave just a bit of our busy time back, imagine what Wickford could be. Many people like to complain online, but just how 4

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Wickford Memorial Park - Volunteer Group Continuing on our tour of the Memorial Park- this month we will be breaking down more areas in the park with more information.

so is approximately ten years old. It is worth a walk around as there are hundreds of trees and cannot be appreciated from the path.

There is a grass pathway leading from the Remembrance Ave on the righthand side.

We will be looking at Mount Road, Pedestrian Entrance; Jubilee Wood and the Home Front Garden.

Mount Road Mount Road, Pedestrian Entrance has been developed over the last year by the Friends Group.

There is an old pumping station which was overgrown. We cleared the weeds and painted sections to tidy up. There was a Willow Tree that needed to be felled, the logs were utilised around the park, and some left by the entrance. The whole area has been weeded and planted with wildflowers and bulbs.

On the stump we had a tractor tyre installed by the council and we planted it with shrubs, perennials and bulbs

Jubilee Wood This wood is relatively new and was planted for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012, 6

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Home Front Garden This is the Friends- pièce de résistance.

This is a quiet peaceful garden that was originally planned for Wickford civilians who lost their lives in the war. Each tree, eleven, planted represents civilians who died in the war. The youngest being only 10 years old.

If German bombers couldn’t get to London, they would follow the River Crouch and dump the bombs along the way- ‘Bombers Alley’. That’s why there are so many civilian deaths for such a small population.

One of the Civilians was Molly Pratt, she was due to get married the following week.

She was early 20’s. She died along with her family. They found her wedding dress in the rubble.

It was overgrown and neglected in February 2020. We salvaged some of the plants but it became obvious that we needed to start again. So the site was bulldozed, once we rescued some shrubs, and we had a major replanting in October 2020. Costing thousands - most from the council budget and the rest from our funds via fundraising and grants.

The back border has screening and climbing plants to screen the compound.

There are 2000+ snowdrops planted around the trees. Approx 2000 crocus and thalia (white scented daffodils) were planted in the Centre Bed, along with nerines, cammasias

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tête-à-tête and chinodoxia, plus hundreds of polyanthus.

The council’s biodiversity officer installed four blue Bee Planters in the garden. These are for solitary bees to hibernate during the Winter. We are very pleased to have them.

The tops of the Bee Planters have been planted with hundreds of tulips, layered to produce a lasting display.

It is worth mentioning that there is only one full time member of staff and an apprentice for the whole park, volunteers work closely with them. It is a partnership with the council and the volunteers.

There are three car parks: Runwell Road (main entrance); Rettendon View and Highcliffe Road.

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

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SETDAB welcomes government plans to protect victims of domestic abuse The Southend, Essex and Thurrock Domestic Abuse Board (SETDAB) has recently welcomed the pledge by the Government to go further than ever to help protect victims of domestic abuse.

Home Secretary Suella Braverman MP announced new measures to protect women and girls that will see domestic abusers facing tags and tougher management.

at risk and reduce the number who become victims. We have helped to support that by increasing the number of police officers so that Essex Police can set up specialist domestic abuse teams.

“This news from the Government is very welcome and shows how seriously we are all taking domestic violence. At SETDAB we are pleased to see that the law will be changed so that the most dangerous domestic abusers will be watched more closely, and that controlling or coercive behaviour will be treated the same as physical violence.”

You can read more about the new measures on the Home Office website (www.gov.uk/ government/news/domestic-abusers-facecrackdown-in-raft-of-new-measures)

The new proposals go further than ever before in protecting women and girls from harassment, aggression and violence – focussing on stopping domestic abuse before it takes place.

Find out how we are working to break the cycle of domestic abuse here www.essex.pfcc.police.uk/news/protectingvulnerable-people-and-breaking-the-cycleof-domestic-abuse

Deputy Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Jane Gardner, chair of SETDAB, said: “Protecting vulnerable people and breaking the cycle of domestic abuse is a key priority in Roger Hirst’s Police and Crime Plan.

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Arts and Cultural Fund to support programme in 2023 Essex residents will benefit from a range of arts and cultural events, activities and shows this year thanks to the Essex County Council Arts and Cultural Fund.

Councillor Graham Butland, Essex County Council Cabinet Member for Devolution, the Arts, Heritage and Culture, said: “Art and culture is of vital importance to the county, and I’m pleased that through the ECC Arts and Cultural Fund we are able to support activity across a wide range of artistic, cultural and creative disciplines.

The fund is now in its second year and continues to support the county’s cultural and creative sector, to help its recovery following the pandemic, and enable more residents to access arts and cultural activities.

Essex residents and visitors can enjoy a range of free and low-cost festivals, events and exhibitions through organisations such as the Essex Book Festival, Thaxted Festival and Harlow Art Trust. There are also schemes delivered by individual artists.

“The fact that we had so many high-quality applications to the fund again this year is testament to the amount of highly skilled and creative art and cultural practitioners we have in Essex.

The second round of the Arts and Cultural Fund asked applicants to demonstrate how their projects would engage with communities across the country and benefit Essex residents.

Find out more about our Arts and Cultural Fund via www.explore-essex.com/ culture/arts-culture-fund

Poppy Display for Remembrance Sunday 2023 The Friends of Wickford Memorial Park (Volunteer Group) are planning a Poppy Display for Remembrance Sunday this year in the park.

Knitted and Crocheted Poppies for a display around the Beacon in the Heroes Arboretum and Plastic Poppies to attach to lampposts along the Remembrance Avenue.

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“Be it from countryside to coast, these Arts and Cultural Fund funded projects will enrich the lives of the county’s residents.”

If anyone wants to help there is a new Facebook group set up: Poppy Making 2023 Which includes knitted/crocheted patterns and a video on making the Plastic Poppies. Or contact email: Friendsofwickfordmemorialpark@hotmail. com All help welcomed.

Drop off points are Co-op Funeral Care in Wickford High Street for knitted and crocheted poppies and Co-op St Lukes in Runwell will be collecting empty bottles for volunteers to collect to paint.

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Community Led Housing in Essex: Online Webinar Eastern Community Homes (ECH) are hosting an online Question and Answer session about Community Led Housing in Essex.

Laura Atkinson, Rural Housing Enabler and Community Led Housing Advisor for Rural Community Council of Essex (RCCE) and ECH will start with a brief introduction about what Community Led Housing is, and the work they have already done in the county with existing projects. This will be followed by the opportunity to ask questions and find out how it could benefit your parish and how to seek guidance with any housing problems.

For further information and register please contact Laura Atkinson, RCCE Email: laura.atkinson@essexrcc.org.uk

The online session will provide an opportunity for all Parish Councils, existing community groups and/or interested individuals from within communities across Essex to network, hear each other’s stories and learn more about the support available from Eastern Community Homes.

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Cut bills and emissions with solar panel group-buying scheme Essex residents can now register for Solar Together Essex, the group-buying scheme for solar panels and battery storage.

The scheme is also open to small and medium businesses and small community buildings.

Residents who have already invested in solar panels can also take part by registering for battery storage. Storage saves unused energy generated by the solar panels to be used whenever it is needed rather than during the day.

It is free to register for a personal recommendation and there is no obligation to go ahead with an installation.

Essex County Council is working in partnership with independent experts iChoosr, to make the transition to clean energy as cost effective and hassle-free as possible. To date Solar Together Essex has delivered over 1,200 installations and over 1,100 tonnes of avoided carbon emissions annually in the county.

Councillor Peter Schwier, Essex County Council’s Climate Czar said: “This is a fantastic scheme which Essex County Council is proud to support.

“By using the power of the group, residents can achieve a very competitive price compared to the open market.

Previous applicants have saved as much as a 37% discount on their installation.

When you register with Solar Together Essex you can be guaranteed of a highquality installation with insurance-backed warranties.”

How does it work?

Householders can register online to become part of the group for free and without obligation. Register at www.solartogether.co.uk/essex/landing Pre-approved UK solar PV suppliers participate in an auction. They are able to offer competitive pricing as the volume and geographic concentration makes it possible for them to realise greater efficiencies,

which they pass on with lower prices for installations.

After the auction, registered households will be emailed a personal recommendation which is specific to the details they submitted in their registration.

If they choose to accept their recommendation, the specifics of their installation will be confirmed with a technical survey after which a date can be set for the installation of their solar PV system.

Telephone and email helpdesks are on-hand throughout the whole process which, together with information sessions, will allow households to make an informed decision in a safe and hassle-free environment.

For more information visit the Essex solar together page or email essex@solartogether.co.uk

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News Around Secondary School offer day

On 1st March parents of nearly 17,000 Essex pupils received the outcome of their secondary school applications.

The total number of applications for September 2023 admissions in Essex, 16,945, is the highest number ever received.

Just under 97% (more than 19 out of every 20 children) are being offered one of their named preferences of secondary school.

Despite the record number of applications, 84.17% of children are being offered their parents’ first preference this year. A further 8.5% have been offered their second preference, meaning almost 93% have been offered either their first or second preference.

This year, 99% of families applied online and will receive their offer by email or by logging onto the Essex County Council website.

Cllr Tony Ball, Essex County Council Cabinet Member for Education Excellence, Lifelong Learning and Employability, said: “It is fantastic to see that, once again, we have been able to offer so many pupils their preferred secondary school place.

Find out more about school admissions in Essex via www.essex.gov.uk/topic/admissions

Help Essex County Council shape the future of Essex by taking part in survey Through March, Essex County Council are inviting selected households across Essex to take part in the annual Resident Survey.

Invitation letters are being sent by post to randomly selected households. The letters all contain a unique code and a link to an online survey. There is also an option to complete a paper copy of the questionnaire.

The Resident Survey helps the council to 18

understand more about residents’ views on their local area and a range of issues affecting themselves, their families and their communities. The results are used to help inform a range of policies and services which aim to make life better for people across the county.

The 2023 survey is being conducted

by Opinion Research Services (ORS), an independent social research agency. ORS are a Market Research Society (MRS) Company Partner and adhere to the Market Research Society Code of Conduct at all times.

The survey – open to residents aged 18 and over in invited households – aims to form a representative picture of all people in Essex, therefore residents across all age groups and backgrounds are encouraged to take part.

Shining a spotlight on young carers in Essex

Essex Youth Service works with schools across the county providing them with relevant tools and training to identify and support young carers, share good practice and to celebrate great outcomes achieved for young carers.

The Young Carers in Schools (YCiS) Awards are accredited nationally by The Carers Trust and The Children’s Society.

Achievement of an Award demonstrates that a school has reached a standard that

Wickford Town shows Young Carers are supported to achieve positive outcomes and educational achievements.

On 23rd February, Essex Youth Service invited schools who had achieved awards, since the beginning of 2020, to a ceremony in the Essex County Council Chamber.

The schools received their award and recognition for the great work and support they have provided to Young Carers. 125 Essex schools have achieved 137 awards at bronze, silver or gold level making the county the highest achiever of awards nationally.

For more about the Young Carers in Schools Award visit youth.essex.gov.uk/schools/ young-carers-services/national-youngcarers-in-schools-award

Cheaper bus travel for Essex passengers is extended

The majority of bus passengers in Essex will be able to travel more cheaply by bus until the end of June, after a Government fare discount scheme was extended.

Since January, the £2 Bus Fare Cap has limited the price for an adult single fare to £2 on routes operated by bus firms which have opted into the scheme.

Initially set to end on 31st March, the scheme has now been extended to 30th June. This is thanks to additional funding of up to £75 million across England from central Government.

A number of bus providers in Essex are taking part in the £2 Bus Fare Cap. They are: Cambus Limited T/A Stagecoach East, operating the Citi7 service between Cambridge and Saffron Walden.

DigiGo, covering parts of north Chelmsford, south Braintree, Great Dunmow, Great Leighs, Great Stanfield, Stebbing, Great Sailing.

First Essex Buses Ltd in Essex including Chelmsford, Basildon, Colchester, Hadleigh.

Galleon Travel 2009 Ltd in Uttlesford, Epping Forest, Harlow and Braintree.

Ipswich Buses Limited for services terminating in Colchester.

Konectbus Limited – trading as Chambers, Hedingham Omnibus and Konectbus, including services covering Colchester,

Tendring, Maldon, Braintree and Halstead.

NIBS Buses Ltd covering Basildon, Wickford, Billericay and south-west Essex.

Stephensons of Essex Ltd, serving Braintree, Uttlesford, Rochford, Castlepoint, Colchester, Tendring and Maldon.

Arriva Kent Thameside, serving Rochford, Castlepoint, Colchester and into Southend.

Arriva East Herts and Essex, serving Harlow and route in Chelmsford.

Wickford Town Council and Committee meetings

All meetings are held at The Wick Community Centre and start at 7pm, unless otherwise stated Upcoming meetings schedule: Planning and Infrastructure Committee 23rd March Environment and Leisure Committee 27th March

How to Donate You can now drop off your donations to us via these locations: QUICK FIX GARAGE (RUNWELL ROAD) - when the garage is open, place items into the Donations Box SHOTGATE COSTCUTTER (Shotgate Post Office - SOUTHEND RD) - when the store is open, place into the Donations Box CO-OP (ST LUKE'S) - when the store is open, hand donations to a Store Assistant TESCO (SOUTHEND ROAD) - when the store is open, place items into the Wickford Foodbank Donations Box WICKFORD CHRISTIAN CENTRE (Crouch Drive, SS11 8AQ) - Tuesdays 9:30am - 11:30am, Donations Box by the entrance (outside) SALVATION ARMY (Jersey Gardens accessed via the car park on Elm Road, SS11 7AE) - Wednesdays 2pm - 3pm & Thursdays 9am 9:30am

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Design your own Easter Egg hunt!

Easter is a joyous time, not only for the mountains of chocolate we get to devour, but also for the fun and excitement the celebrations bring.

Easter Egg hunting is almost a must for the April holiday, but why not think about creating your own and shaking up the tradition in a few creative ways?

Before we get into a few ideas, keep in mind the age group of the hunters, older children might prefer a bit of puzzling and clues, or even a riddle or two. The younger ones might enjoy more colour matching games, counting or finding letters that spell out their name, for example.

It doesn’t have to be chocolate – you can buy reusable plastic eggs and hide all sorts inside of them, little figurines, trinkets or even healthier snacks. A unique idea is to write coupons inside that can be exchanged – possibly ‘skip a chore’ or ‘extra half hour before bed’ for example. Another fun addition is adding ‘tasks’ into the eggs, such as hop like a bunny or moo like a cow.

instead of hiding the eggs, you can attach eggs or prizes to a t-shirt - either with Velcro or strong double sided tape – and hide the person instead of the egg. It makes for an exciting game of tag where the chasers keep what they can get and the hider keeps the hidden treasures.

Easter Egg Relay Race –

this is another fun version of an Easter Egg hunt where you split the kids into teams.

When you say go, the first kid from each team will go and search for an egg. Once they’ve found an egg, they return and tag the next teammate who has to go and find one, and so on until the first team wins.

Blind Folded Easter Egg Hunt –

Now this is an extremely enjoyable version of an Easter Egg hunt. Pair off into adult and kid teams of two, blindfold the adult or child and the other member of the team has to guide their blindfolded teammate to the Easter Eggs. Be careful not to guide anyone into bushes or any other obstacles.

Why not switch the roles?

It could be an interesting Easter if you allow the kids to hide the eggs and create coupons for chores for example or maybe choosing dinner or dessert, and allow the adults to have to find them.

These are just a few tips on ways to change up your traditional Easter Egg hunt but there are plenty more ideas out there if you want to go a step further.

Enjoy your hunting!

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Easter Egg tag –

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News from Wickford Town Council Wickford Town Council Contacts www.wickfordtowncouncil.gov.uk www.facebook.com/WickfordTownCouncil Town Clerk Tory Melhuish 01268 858979 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 22

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

Are you a local community group or organisation in Wickford?

We would like to hear from you. We are compiling a list of all groups and organisations to create a Directory on our website: www.wickfordtowncouncil.gov.uk/ community-groups-and-clubs Please forward your information to the Clerk, email: clerk@wickfordtowncouncil.gov.uk 22

News from Wickford Town Council The Precept – What is it?

For a Band D Property this equates to £22.61, a 7.64% decrease on last year.

Local councils do not receive a direct grant from Government.

Expenditure for 2023-24 includes the following: New street noticeboards Events Grants scheme Wickford Market Tree planting Community Special Constables Christmas lights Neighbourhood Plan Projects - Riverside Walk London Road - Railway bridge underpass - Wickford Library artwork restoration

A local council can generate income from the services it provides, however, the main source of income is raised by the levy of a precept on persons over 18 who own or occupy a dwelling in the area of the council.

The precept is collected through the council tax and each year the local council calculates the aggregate of: • Expenditure it estimates it will incur for the year • An allowance for contingencies • Financial reserves for future expenditure Activities are managed within the set budget.

Financial budgeting and internal control is subject to strict and detailed statutory requirements and proper practices.

• • • • • • • • •

Further information on the Town Council’s finances can be found on the website: www.wickfordtowncouncil.gov.uk

The Town Council agreed is budget for 2023-24 at the Council meeting held on 5th December 2022 and the Precept sum agreed was £222,255.

Riverside Walk – London Road Last year the Town Council began a project to refurbish the Riverside Walk in London Road. The area was unsightly and in desperate need of improvement.

Current photographs of the entrance

Photographs of the cleared area:

The project to open up the area and make it a feature of the Town started in February this year with the current shrubbery and some trees (dead) being removed. This is being replaced with new railings and metal archway with the wording ‘Wickford Riverside Walk’.

A new hard standing area at the entrance will also be provided.

The current Information Board will be moved near to the new entrance.

Residents will benefit from the improvements by being able to enjoy this area of open space in Wickford.

This project is being achieved by working in partnership with Basildon Borough Council and financial assistance from Essex County Council’s Locality Fund. www.wickfordtowncouncil.gov.uk 23

Great British Spring Clean More people have spent time litter-picking in the past year than watched the much-talked-about series finale of Happy Valley!

New research for Keep Britain Tidy reveals that more than 8.5 million adults – 16% of the adult population - in the UK participate in litter-picking at least once every six months, a million more than watched the end of the hit BBC series.

The research was carried by YouGov to mark the launch of the Great British Spring Clean, back for its eighth year the nation’s biggest mass-action environmental campaign runs from March 17th to April 2nd.

Every year, hundreds of thousands of individuals take part in the campaign, picking up the litter that pollutes our streets, parks and beaches and showing the world that they care about the environment on their doorstep.

#BigBagChallenge - pledging on its website to pick a bag or more of litter, helping make a huge difference to the environment.

Commenting on the findings, Keep Britain Tidy Chief Executive Allison Ogden-Newton OBE said: “It is amazing to see that so many of us are now taking action in our day-to-day lives to improve our environment.

“Litter is a blight that affects every corner of the country and can make people feel unsafe in an area. It pollutes our watercourses and, ultimately, our oceans, choking marine life with plastic.

“The Great British Spring Clean is a moment when all those individuals who are now making litter-picking a part of their lives come together to show that small, individual actions, when taken collectively, can make a huge difference.

We would like to see all 8.5 million of them - and more - joining us and pledging.”

To find out more and to make a pledge visit www.keepbritaintidy.org

Last year, more than 430,000 volunteers, including school children, faith groups, businesses and community groups, collected a staggering 449,406 bags of rubbish across the country, from the north of Scotland to the Cornish coast.

Litter-picking is a simple action that anyone can do to make an immediate and visible difference to their area and can increase the sense of pride that people feel about the community in which they live. Of those who took part in last year’s Great British Spring Clean, 85% reported that taking part made them feel more pride in their local area.

The Great British Spring Clean aims to inspire people across the country, from individual volunteers – dubbed #LitterHeroes by the charity – to families, schools, groups of friends, businesses, community groups and local authorities to come together to clean up in their neighbourhoods.

The charity wants to empower everybody to take pride in their area by taking part in the

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Wickford Memorial parkrun Wickford Memorial parkrun takes place every Saturday morning at 9:00am in Memorial Park, Wickford. The course is 5km mainly on path and approximately 2.3 laps of the park.

This community event started on 29th February 2020 and lasted all of three weeks before lockdown brought the event to an abrupt halt. It resumed in July 2021 and since then has grown from strength to strength. It now averages 180 participants per week.

It is an inclusive event and runners, joggers and walkers are all very welcome. Children under 11 can walk or run with a responsible adult and even dogs can join in, provided they are on a short hand-held lead.

There is a a great team of volunteers who organise the event each week and who are very welcoming to new participants.

At 8:50am there is a “First timers welcome”.

This is for anyone new to parkrun or visiting Memorial Park for the first time. The course is explained in detail and what you need to do once you have finished. If you have any questions, any of the “hi-viz heroes” in their bright pink vests will be more than willing to answer them.

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At 8:55am there is an event briefing. This covers the course rules and lets participants know if there are any course changes due to weather conditions or fallen trees. Shoutouts are made to our newcomers and “parkrun tourists” and also to anyone achieving a milestone event in walking, running or volunteering.

9:00am 3,2,1… GO. The event starts and you can complete it in your own time. No one is ever last as there are tail walkers wearing orange vests who walk behind the last participant and offer encouragement as needed.

We have more and more walkers joining us which is great to see and most come back each week once they get the parkrun bug.

Our marshals around the course give lots of encouragement along the way.

When you have finished you will be given a finish token. You give this to one of the barcode scanners standing at the back of the finish funnel along with your athlete ID, which you download, once registered. This then records your time and finish position which is then emailed to you once the results are processed.

The best thing about parkrun is that it is entirely FREE so the only thing you need to do is turn up.

If you would like to give it a try then you can register via: www.parkrun.org.uk/register

The volunteers are what makes parkrun tick and lots of friendships have been formed by the regular volunteers who help out each week.

One other incentive is post-event coffee and chat. Huttons Cafe is open for breakfast and lots of our walkers and runners meet after for a chat so yet another reason to come along.

If you are interested in volunteering, then let us know by emailing wickfordmemorial@parkrun.com. We are always happy to take on more volunteers and there is no commitment required. Just volunteer as and when you want to.

Parkrun has changed the lives of many people, improving both fitness and mental health.

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Top Seasonal recipes for March Spring is almost here and we can’t be the only ones excited to welcome some warmer weather and the gentle reminder that each day is a beginning and that beautiful things can still grow from the ground following the coldest of winters.

Whether you’re looking for some warming recipes to keep yourself going between the seasons or for something lighter and more vibrant in the form of a spring salad, here’s some inspiration below.

CREAMY ASPARAGUS SOUP

Ingredients 536g fresh asparagus, ends trimmed off and chopped 1 large onion, diced 1 fennel bulb, cored and diced 2 tbsp olive oil 3 garlic cloves, chopped 2 – 4 tbsp fresh tarragon 6 – 12g fresh basil 227g potatoes, sliced 1.4l vegetable stock 119ml sour cream Salt and pepper to season

SPRING PASTA SALAD

Ingredients 454g pasta of your choice 402–536g fresh peas 5 scallions, thinly sliced 1 shallot, very finely diced 1 cup chopped fresh mint 60g chopped Italian parsley 119 ml olive oil 2 lemons – zest and 1/4 cup juice 40g fresh pea shoots, baby spinach or arugula 1 tsp salt, plus more to taste ½ tsp pepper 1 tbsp truffle oil 28

Method 1. For 2 minutes over medium high heat sauté the onion and fennel in the olive oil in a large pot, stirring constantly.

2. Turn heat to medium and continue cooking until softened, about 5-6 minutes and then add the garlic and sauté for a couple more minutes, until garlic becomes fragrant.

3. Add stock, salt and pepper, and sliced potatoes, and bring to a boil. Cover and simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are cooked through and tender.

4. Add asparagus, turn the heat up and return to a boil, and cook for 2-3 minutes, until tender yet vibrant green.

Don’t overcook the asparagus or you will lose the lovely colour. Remove from heat and let cool a bit.

5. Blend the soup in batches until creamy and smooth, adding in the herbs. Blend well.

6. Return to the stove and heat gently (do not boil, or you will lose the lovely colour). Whisk in sour cream and serve.

Method 1. Boil pasta in salted water for roughly 8-10 minutes.

2. When the pasta is nearly done, add the peas to the boiling pasta water and blanch for one minute, or just until bright green. Immediately drain, place pasta and peas in large bowl, drizzle with olive oil, lemon juice and season with 1 tsp salt and ½ tsp pepper.

3. Toss in the pea shoots, baby spinach or arugula and add the scallions, shallot, herbs and lemon zest.

Stir. Drizzle with truffle oil and serve immediately.

MISO SALMON WITH SPRING PEAS Ingredients 1 tbsp olive oil 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil 59ml Mirin (or sub 1 1/2 tablespoons honey and 2 1/2 tablespoons water) 2 tbsp miso paste 1 tbsp brown sugar, honey or maple 2 tsp fresh ginger, finely minced or use ginger paste 3 garlic cloves, finely minced 2 boneless salmon fillets 260g Salt and pepper to season 1 tsp orange zest (optional) 134–268g fresh shelled spring peas or sub shelled edamame 196–294g fresh snow or snap peas, or sub asparagus or French green beans Sesame seeds and scallions to garnish

Method 1. Preheat oven to 196c 2. Place olive oil, sesame oil, Mirin, miso paste, brown sugar, fresh ginger and garlic in a bowl and whisk.

3. Line a pan with parchment, place the spring peas and snap peas on one side. On dry salmon brush liberally with the marinade on all sides, spooning a little extra over the top and season with salt and pepper.

4. Drizzle any remaining marinade over the greens and give a quick toss.

5. Bake 12-15 minutes, or until your desired doneness, keeping in mind thicker cuts of salmon will take longer, thinner cuts shorter.

6. Divide the veggies among two bowls, top each with a piece of salmon.

Garnish with scallions and sesame seeds and serve.

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Alternatively come along to Wickford Bowls Club We are based in Memorial Park, Wickford, Rettendon View SS11 8JE Mondays after 5pm from 14th May

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What’s On Breakfast with the Easter Bunny

Wednesday 5th April – Thursday 6th April at Meadow Croft Garden Centre, Wickford, SS11 7QU

Easter Funday

Sunday 9th April, 12:00 at Barnhall Community Association & Social Club

Easter Egg Hunt, Children’s Disco, Party Games and Prizes, Glitter Tattoos and balloons, Party Bags Tickets £3 per child over 2 years old.

Easter Weekend 2023 at The Hawk Join the Easter Bunny during the April Half Term for a morning full of memories.

You’ll arrive at Meadow Croft Kitchen to be seated with your group. Each child will get breakfast, a drink and Easter Bunny will walk around to meet and greet each table. Photo opportunities will be available for plenty of photos.

Breakfast with the Easter Bunny will be between 9am - 10am.

Please arrive promptly at 9am to enjoy the full experience.

THIS IS A TICKET ONLY EVENT – available on a first-come first-served basis. £13 per child - Children’s tickets must be pre-booked. Suitable for ages 0-10 years.

Tickets available to purchase online at www.ticketsource.co.uk/meadow-croftgarden-centre Parents/Guardians are more than welcome to order their own breakfast on the day! (Not included in this offer) Please confirm on your booking how many adults will be attending so we can reserve you an adequate table.

The Garden Centre will be open as normal during this event.

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15th – 18th April, Hawk Hill, Battlesbridge, Wickford, SS11 7RJ This Easter we’re giving you plenty of reasons to celebrate, whether you’re coming together with family or enjoying some much needed time with friends. Welcome brighter days with delicious dishes and cocktails to kick off Spring in style & memories that will last all year long.

Wickford Voices

Wednesday 19th April, 6:30-8:30pm at Shotgate Community Association

The creative programme in Wickford is shaped by the Community Voices forum.

The group meet 4 times a year to help

Wickford Town 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.

About Creative BasildON: Creative BasildON is here to grow an ambitious, Borough-wide arts programme, working with residents to make it happen.

This means more people, engaging with more arts activity, more often, in places local to them. We believe that access to arts and culture can tackle inequality, break down barriers and change people’s lives for the better.

We’re looking to connect with as many people as possible – whether you’re an interested local resident, an am-dram expert, are involved in a community group, host a band-night, a business owner, a jobbing creative at any level – or anything in between – we’d love you to tell us who you are and where you’re based, so we can get you involved.

Wickford Wombles volunteering

We have a High St clean up event planned for Sunday 23rd April from 9am. Meet in the car park behind Cosson’s Bakery.

We will be sweeping, litter picking weeding, washing... please bring anything you think might be useful, dustpans, brushes, brooms, gloves. It’s a great way to make a difference in the town we share, meet other locals and create a bit of community spirit.

Wickford Girlguiding

Wickford Girlguiding are always looking for new members to support our 14 Girlguiding units in Wickford.

From 4-yearold rainbows to 17-year-old Rangers we ensure we give girls great experiences and fun adventures in a friendly atmosphere.

We’ve recently celebrated 100 years of Girlguiding in Wickford, we’re so proud of our mural celebrating this which is on display in the subway of Wickford High Street. We’re looking forward to many more years making memories. All members of Girlguiding are volunteers, we really appreciate any help that you can offer. Register your interest to join us at www.girlguiding.org.uk

Wickford Horticultural Society

Last Thursday of the month, 8pm at Wickford Christ Church Wickford Horticultural Society meet monthly on the last Thursday of the month, and have a range of speakers and fun quizzes throughout the year, as well as 2 or 3 fun flower, fruit and vegetable mini shows.

We hope to arrange coach trips to some of the beautiful garden in southeast England this year.

We meet at Christchurch in Wickford behind the High Street at 8pm prompt.

All welcome whether you’ve an acre or just a window box.

For more information look at our Facebook page.

Wickford Memorial parkrun

Every Saturday morning in Memorial Park at 9.00am A free inclusive 5km walk, jog or run around the beautiful park.

We meet on the far side of the children’s playground.

To register please go to: www.parkrun.org.uk/register 33

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Basildon Borough Volunteer Awards a success The 2023 Basildon Borough Volunteer Awards has taken place with special individuals from across the borough getting recognised for their brilliant achievements.

There were nine categories to choose from for this year’s awards, including Young Volunteer of the Year, Community Star, and Voluntary Group of the Year.

Sylvina Tate of St Luke’s Hospice, was proudly awarded with the Inspirational Role Model Award, in addition to the Overall Volunteer of the Year, and was awarded the Tony Guyon ‘Volunteer of the Year’ Memorial Cup. Other winners on the night included Peggy Harris of Pitsea Activity Centre for the Long Service Award, Holy Trinity Covid Vaccination Centre who won the Voluntary Group of the Year and People’s Choice Award, and Joseph Want, winner of the Community Star for his work in the Happy Hub, helping the public access mental health advice.

The ceremony featured a number of live performances, including a band performance

by T.I.M.E (Together in Musical Expression), a dance by Taste of Brazil, and a singing performance by Billericay Operatic Society.

Attendees also heard a Dementia Friendly Communities Talk by Mark Neville, Pan Essex Dementia Friendly Community Co-chair.

The awards ceremony took place at Towngate Theatre, hosted by representatives from Basildon Borough Youth Council with opening and closing speeches from the Mayor of Basildon, Councillor Luke Mackenzie.

Councillor Terri Sargent, Cabinet Member for Communities added: “Well done to not just the winners but all the nominees on the evening. It was great to see so many special individuals who do such selfless work to better the lives of our residents.”

The Volunteer Awards were delivered by the council in partnership with the Basildon Billericay and Wickford Council for Voluntary Services (CVS). Basildon Council thanks 36

the lead sponsor, Clarion, and sponsors on the evening, Leonardo, CNH Industrial, Morgan Sindall Property Services, Atlantic Pacific group, Hallmark Care Homes and Independent Age.

The winners and highly commended for each category are below: WINNER

HIGHLY COMMENDED

Young Volunteer of the Year Thomas Williams (various groups)

Aaron Svanda (Every Child Online)

Fundraising Champion Jon Barrow (Sociability)

Keeley Scarborough (Feeding the Family)

Inspirational Role Model Sylvina Tat (St. Luke’s Hospice)

Adrian Swinchatt (Papworth Trust)

Community Star Joseph Want (Motivated Minds)

Michael Long (Gateway SEN Club)

Long Service Award Peggy Harris Karen Batman (Pitsea Activity Centre) (9th Basildon Scouts) Voluntary Group of the Year Holy Trinity Covid Vaccination Centre

Castledon Wat Tyler Volunteers

People’s Choice Holy Trinity Covid Vaccination Centre People’s Choice Holy Trinity Covid Vaccination Centre Lifetime Achievement Award Ken Porter (Basildon Heritage)

Peggy Harris (Pitsea Activity Centre)

Volunteer of the Year Sylvina Tate (St Luke’s Hospice) Volunteer of the Year - Winner - Youth Council representatives presented the evening: Naomi, Michelle, Maizat, Kuukua, Tawona and Imogen

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Are you available on a Wednesday evening?

Fancy trying something new in 2023?

Why not come along and play short-mat bowls?

We are a friendly group of local residents looking for additional people to join us for a non-competitive roll-up!

All ages and abilities welcome. First 2 sessions FREE!!

No equipment needed, just flat soled shoes!

As the name suggests, short mat bowls is a shortened version of the original outdoor lawn bowls game with the added bonus that it is played all year round, indoors in the warm, on a mat!

Where: When:

The Nevendon Centre, Nevendon Road, Wickford. SS12 0QG (Behind Eve Belle Care Home) Wednesday evening 6.45pm until 9pm

For more information, contact Margaret 07979 041953 HOPE TO SEE YOU SOON!

SERVICES AVAILABLE MICRO CHIPPING ULTRASOUND SCANNING PREGNANCY DETECTION PROGESTERONE BLOOD TESTING ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION (AI) PUPPY YOGA

SEMEN ANALYSIS WHELPING SERVICES CYTOLOGY & DOG BOARDING OVULATION TESTING BLOOD TESTING FERTILITY CLINIC & MORE

+44 7594 701424 thebullybarnessex thebullybarnessex@gmail.com Unit 5, Wickford, Essex, SS12 9EP

GA PUPPY YOwith Bully Barn Essex Only £40 PER SESSION

Tickets Are Released Every Monday. You Can Find Our Booking System In Our Instagram Bio @thebullybarnessex

SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS BEGINNERS TO INTERMEDIATE

WHO ARE WE?

We are a well known family run breeding programme in Essex.

We’d like to share our passion and love for our dogs with as many as possible!

PUPPY YOGA Feels like the right step to our doggy journey

CONTACT US: 07956 879693 thebullybarnessex@gmail.com