Wickford Town News - Issue 08 June 2023

Wickford Town News

June 2023

Getting you ready for the Summer Holidays with Wickford Town News

Summer is here and we’ve got so much going on!!

We have the latest updates from Wickford Town Council, we look at the importance of wellbeing, we’ve got some tips to keep your garden in shape as well as some tips to get you fit for Summer, we promote bee conservation and so much more!

As always, your Wickford Town News magazine is available to read online and 12,000 copies are also printed and delivered 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 July edition of our magazine, for any article submissions, and reader comments please make sure you get this across to us before 5th July! Until next time, happy reading!

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

KAS Community Publishing hold no affiliations with the advertisers presented within this magazine and do not endorse any of the products and services advertised. Please direct all enquiries regarding the publication of Wickford Town News and its editorial to: enquiries@community-publishing.org

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

Food recycling in Essex

Did you know, roughly 25% of waste thrown away in the general rubbish bin is food waste?

Not only is this a waste of money but it’s also damaging the environment. This is why Essex County Council are working in partnership with local councils across Essex to increase the amount of food being recycled at the kerbside.

How we’re tackling food waste in Essex

Those living in Braintree, Colchester or Epping Forest with a wheeled general rubbish bin and a food waste recycling service, in July may notice:

• a sticker appear on the general rubbish bin

• a roll of compostable food caddy liners at the door

• an information leaflet in the letterbox

Over the next year, we will be rolling out the same deliveries to suitable households across Essex.

The aim is to reduce the amount of food thrown away in the general rubbish by instead using your kerbside food recycling service.

The best thing we can do with our food is enjoy it. If it can’t be eaten and enjoyed, then it should be recycled. Don’t forget that reducing your food waste can save you up to £60 a month! Check out our tips on how to reduce your food waste at home via www.loveessex.org/news-and-ideas/loveessex-love-food

Why you should recycle your food waste

When food waste is sent to landfill, it doesn’t just safely breakdown. Instead, it lets off harmful greenhouse gases which contribute to climate change.

However, when food waste is recycled at the kerbside, it is transformed into energy and fertiliser. It’s amazing to think that recycling just six tea bags generates enough energy to boil a kettle to make another cuppa!

Disposing of food waste in the general rubbish is also costly. In fact, it’s costing Essex taxpayers £9 million a year to dispose of! By recycling food waste, you will be helping to save money that could be spent on other essential services.

What happens to food waste in Essex?

Food waste in the majority of Essex is collected by waste and recycling crews and taken to local processing plants. Anything that is not food waste, such as caddy liner bags or packaging, is separated from the load. Food waste is then processed and transformed into a biogas that is rich in methane, and fertiliser. This biogas is used to generate green energy that can be used across Essex. By using this green energy, it reduces our need to use fossil fuels.

To find out more information about your food recycling service, please visit www.basildon.gov.uk/article/4805/FoodWaste-food-caddy

You will be able to find out more information including what can and cannot be put in your caddy, and what time to present your food recycling for collection. You will also be able to order a replacement caddy if yours has been lost or broken.

Mental Health WeekWorry

Worms

Roughly a year ago Sharon’s granddaughter was facing anxieties. Being the supportive Grandparent, Sharon wanted to do whatever she could to help. Therefore, Sharon knitted her a little worry worm, which was presented in a little bag with a little poem and a smiley face, which she then sent to her through the post. This special delivery was a complete surprise and a very much loved one. From then on Sharon’s granddaughter took her new friend with her everywhere; it gave her great comfort and support, making a huge difference to her wellbeing.

This is just the beginning of the story, after seeing the difference her new little friend made, Sharon thought to herself, ‘why not make these for other children and even adults?’. To this day Sharon has made over 1000 worry worms specifically for Mental Health Awareness Week but over 1850 overall; in turn she is raising money for the Helen Rollason Cancer Charity. In Sharon’s own words, “I have seen first-hand what cancer does to people, and the devastation it causes within my own family. Helen Rollason is extremely important to me.”

Sharon makes all her worry worms from home, and it brings her great pleasure and comfort. Sadly, she finds herself spending lots of time within her own home, unable to get out and about as much as she would like to due to a chronic illness. Knowing she can help others regardless of her own physical restraints gives her a positive uplifting feeling. Sharon sent one of her worry worms to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth when she was strucK with COVID in February 2022, to which she did receive a reply:

“The Queen thanks you for your message and the delightful little handmade gift you so kindly sent on for Her Majesty. The Queen was encouraged to hear of your charitable support and is most grateful for your thoughtfulness in writing at this time.”

If you would like to purchase a worry worm for your loved one and in turn support Helen Rollason Cancer Charity, please visit one of our charity shops, all addresses are listed on our website: www.helenrollason.org.uk

Beauchamps MeadowWickford Memorial ParkVolunteer Group

Continuing on our tour of the Memorial Park - this month we will be looking at the Beauchamps Meadow.

This is a 26-acre extension to Wickford Memorial Park (which was leased to Beauchamps School for over 20 years) and reverted to the park in 2021.

It has been a major project for Basildon Council and the Friends of Wickford Memorial Park have been included in the consulting and work.

The site is a fantastic achievement and will be an asset to Wickford for future generations.

Initially fences were removed, pathways laid, plus two bridges installed across the drainage ditches. At the end of the ditches steel weirs were installed and widened to create the ponds. These ponds are now attracting wildlife.

The work concluded in February 2023 with the planting of a 200 native fruit tree community orchard. Containing Apples, Pears, Cherries, Greengages and Plums.

Known as the ‘Beauchamps Meadow’, the exciting and biodiverse extension includes a 3,500 native tree woodland area, 30 different species of trees, two inline ponds with over 20 native aquatic plants, a 22 feature tree parkland area, a hectare of native wildflower

meadow, an area of dense hedge/shrub for wildlife plus an ecocorridor between the main park and extension site.

The 3,500 whip trees for the woodland area were supplied by The Woodland Trust. The Friends Group helped The Woodland Trust plant them in February 2021. Further whips were added for a wildlife copse area these were supplied by E-Forests.

Bat Boxes are planned this year in Giddings Copse woodland. Giddings Copse is part of the park; although not ancient it is very old!

There is an Evening Bat Walk planned for 10th August. Please see our Facebook page or website for more details.

The site has already started attracting more wildlife and can only go from strength to strength.

We run our gardening groups every Wednesday and Saturday mornings if you’d like to come along, no gardening experience necessary and there are tasks for all abilities.

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 the Wickford Memorial Park

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 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 James Wood 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

07857 865598

Wickford Park

Councillor Yvonne Child

N/A

Councillor George Jeffrey

07570 282997

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 Foodbank

During the summer months there will be some temporary changes to the location of the Wickford Foodbank.

The dates and venues will be communicated to guests of the service and posted onto the Facebook page in due course.

National Don’t Step on a Bee Day

Promoting Bee Conservation and Environmental Awareness.

National Don’t Step on a Bee Day is an annual observance that aims to raise awareness about the importance of bees and their vital role in our ecosystem. Celebrated on July 10th, this day serves as a reminder to protect and preserve these crucial pollinators. In this article, we explore the significance of bees, the threats they face, and how we can contribute to their conservation efforts.

The Importance of Bees: Bees play a crucial role in pollinating flowering plants, including crops that provide us with food. They facilitate the reproduction of plants by transferring pollen from male to female flower parts. This process allows fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds to develop, contributing to biodiversity and food security.

Bee Decline and Threats: Unfortunately, bees worldwide are facing numerous challenges that endanger their populations. Habitat loss, pesticide use, climate change, and diseases pose significant threats to these remarkable creatures. Declining bee populations have far-reaching consequences for ecosystems, agriculture, and ultimately, human survival.

Ways to Support Bee Conservation:

A. Plant Bee-Friendly Gardens: Create habitats that provide bees with a diverse range of native plants, flowers, and herbs. Choose plants that bloom throughout the year to provide a continuous source of food for bees.

B. Avoid Pesticides: Minimize the use of harmful pesticides and opt for natural alternatives. Pesticides can be toxic to bees and other beneficial insects. Embrace organic gardening practices that prioritize the health of both plants and pollinators.

C. Provide Shelter: Consider installing bee hotels or nesting boxes in your garden to offer nesting sites for solitary bees. These structures mimic natural nesting environments and support bee populations.

D. Educate

Others: Spread awareness about the importance of bees and their conservation. Share information with friends, family, and your community through social media, workshops, or local events.

Support Local Beekeepers: Purchase honey and other bee-related products from local beekeepers who prioritize sustainable and ethical beekeeping practices. Supporting beekeepers helps maintain their livelihoods and ensures the continuation of beekeeping traditions.

Engage in Citizen Science: Participate in citizen science initiatives that monitor and track bee populations. These programs allow individuals to contribute valuable data that helps researchers understand bee behaviour, population trends, and potential threats.

National Don’t Step on a Bee Day serves as a reminder that we have a collective responsibility to protect and conserve bees. By taking small but meaningful actions such as creating bee-friendly gardens, avoiding harmful pesticides, supporting local beekeepers, and educating others, we can make a positive impact. Together, we can safeguard these essential pollinators and promote environmental awareness, fostering a healthier and more sustainable future for both bees and ourselves.

New specialist heart lab means over 200 extra patients will be seen a year

The opening of a new cardiac catheter (cath) lab used to treat and diagnose patients with heart diseases means that over 200 extra patients will be seen a year at the world-renowned Essex Cardiothoracic Centre (CTC) at Basildon Hospital.

Part of Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, this lab is the fourth to open in the Essex CTC, using existing space within the building, meaning patients who need to have minimally invasive, lifesaving, cardiothoracic procedures can be seen more quickly.

Michael Galinato, Cardiac Catheter Lab Manager, said: “We are one of the busiest cardiothoracic centres in the country. The Essex CTC was built with space for four labs, we’ve been using three of these since 2007 but it’s always been the plan to expand into the fourth when needed.

“With the increase in demand for our services and procedures, now is the perfect time to open the fourth lab and as a team we’re excited to keep helping as many patients as possible.”

Its opening also means that some services can be relocated, creating additional theatre space which will allow the Trust to see more patients for cardiothoracic and endovascular surgeries.

The other three labs have recently been refurbished and fitted with new, cutting-edge equipment, which gives clearer and more accurate images. As a result, patients can be diagnosed and treated much faster, improving their care and experience. The four labs have different areas of focus which includes treating urgent and emergency patients having heart attacks, fitting pacemakers and defibrillators for patients with an abnormal heart rhythm and implanting valves and stents for patients who have coronary artery disease and valvular heart disease.

All procedures are minimally invasive which means patients can usually return home within 24 hours.

News Around

Support to help businesses secure public sector contracts

New guidance is available to help businesses in Essex access public sector contracts.

Our procurement teams currently manage more than 300 contracts with over 400 suppliers. But we appreciate the procurement process can be daunting for smaller businesses.

That’s why we’ve launched new online guidance to help businesses with fewer than 50 employees to:

• discover new tendering opportunities

• develop successful and compelling tenders

• ensure they have the correct documentation to access public sector supply chains

For more information head to www.essex.gov.uk/information-suppliers/ help-suppliers

Free mobile data to help jobseekers stay digitally connected

People in Essex who receive Universal Credit and have been out of work for at least nine months can now receive free mobile data. This is thanks to a scheme which helps people to stay digitally connected.

The Restart Scheme already offers a range of support to help people receiving Universal Credit find sustainable work. It offers:

• skills training

• support with job applications

• financial help

• health and wellbeing resources

Now those using the Restart Scheme can also access free, pre-loaded SIM cards from eight locations in Essex. This helps them take advantage of digital opportunities that can help with their job search.

Anyone interested should speak with their

work coach at the JobCentre Plus, who will then refer them.

This new offering is thanks to Reed in Partnership becoming a National Databank Hub.

Our Digital Essex team has helped Reed in Partnership become a National Databank Hub through its work to overcome the causes of digital exclusion. This is part of a national scheme run by Good Things Foundation that offers free mobile connectivity to people in need.

We’re committed to supporting people across Essex including working families and 16 to 25-year-olds who have been out of education, training or employment for at least six months. This is our commitment as part of the Everyone’s Essex Levelling Up programme. Levelling Up seeks to provide initiatives for certain groups who may not have access to the same opportunities as others.

The Basildon District Council Garden Waste Subscription Service

From 5th June, those that have not signed up to the garden waste subscription service will no longer receive a garden waste collection service. Please do not report a missed bin, as your garden waste will not be collected. To sign up to the service, use the link below. You will need to pay for the service at the time of completing the sign-up form via mybasildon.powerappsportals.com/pay/ subscriptions/gardenwaste

Apply to be an on-call firefighter

Essex County Fire & Rescue Service are currently recruiting on-call firefighters at Wickford Fire Station.

What is an on-call firefighter? On-call firefighters protect

Wickford Town

their local area by responding to incidents such as fires and road traffic collisions as well as community safety work.

You’ll need to live or work within five minutes of an on-call fire station so that you can respond quickly when paged. You’ll also need to be over 18 years of age and physically fit. Find out more about on-call firefighters at join.essex-fire.gov.uk/on-call/the-job

Already know about on-call firefighting and ready to apply? Apply now via join.essex-fire.gov.uk/on-call/apply-now Any questions?

Contact the On-Call Recruitment Team by phone: 01376 576124 or email: recruitment@essex-fire.gov.uk

Citizens Advice South Essex

people with more than 7 million problems relating to issues including debt, benefits, employment, housing and immigration. Advisers help clients to fill out forms, write letters, negotiate with creditors, and can even represent them at court or tribunal.

Freephone Adviceline - 0808 278 7877 Money Advice – 01277 358082

Essex parents, authors and ‘accidental managers’ unveil the dark side of junior football

Based at The Basildon Centre, St Martins Square, Citizens Advice South Essex aim to:

• provide the advice people need for the problems they face

• improve the policies and practices that affect people’s lives.

We value diversity, promote equality and challenge discrimination.

Established in 1939 as an emergency war service, the Citizens Advice service has developed into the UK’s largest independent advice provider.

What does the Citizens Advice service do? Provide advice.

The Citizens Advice service offers information and advice through face-to-face, phone and email services, and online. Between them, Local Citizens Advice make advice available from over 3,500 locations in England and Wales including high streets, community centres, doctors’ surgeries, courts and prisons. Every year the service helps over 2 million

‘The Accidental Manager: The Uncomfortable Truth About Junior Football’ has recently been published, presenting a unique perspective at the societal and behavioural issues of adults involved in junior football, and the impact that this has on children… S Compton and M Jones are everyday guys from Essex who fell into managing football teams for their sons (and friends) for many years, from children to young adults.

Written by ‘Accidental Managers’ and parents from Essex, S Compton and M Jones, peel back the veneers of ‘overenthusiastic’ support from the side lines and the systems in place to present a stark and honest look at the environment at leagues up and down the country. It highlights the positives of how rewarding it can be to help children develop and improve, while shining a spotlight on the aspects that many would prefer to ignore. This is the very uncomfortable truth about Junior Football.

Book available to purchase online and in major book retailers, RRP £9.99

Wickford Town Council

The Town Council has installed 5 new noticeboards around the town to provide residents with information.

Sky Sports & BT Sports

• Pool Table & Dart Board

Bar Serving Full Range of Drinks

15th July

THE WINTERSTONE (CLASSIC ROCK COVERS FROM THE 70’S TO 80’S)

29th July

BEGGAR (ROCK COVERS)

5th August

HALLMARK (POPULAR ROCK)

19th August

MUSHROOM CLOWN (COVERS BAND, PICK YOUR OWN SET LIST!)

73 Runwell Road, Wickford, Essex SS11 7HL

Wickford High Street

London Road

Nevendon Road

Southend Road

The Wick

New monthly Health and Wellbeing Walks at Basildon Sporting Village

Health and care partners in Basildon make great strides towards supporting local people to get active.

If you’re one of the many people who are looking to improve your health and wellbeing by getting more active one of the best and most accessible ways of doing this is by walking. Walking has been shown to have lots of health benefits and for many people will be the easiest way to work towards the recommended 30 minutes of activity five days a week.

Walking together with other people can be an excellent way to improve both physical and mental health. With that in mind, partners in the Basildon and Brentwood alliance have joined up with Basildon Sporting Village to provide a weekly walking opportunity for local people who would like to get more active in the company of other like-minded people.

The walks are a great example of the NHS, local councils, leisure centres and other local service providers working together for the benefit of their local communities.

The sessions are for everyone but the organisers hope that, in particular, health and care staff take the time to join in to support their own health and wellbeing as well as encouraging others in the communities they work in to take steps towards becoming more active.

Basildon Sporting Village has provided their athletics track free of charge each week for the walking session, and want to encourage everyone who comes along for the walks to explore some of the other great activities that take place there.

You can find further information about these walks at your GP practice or via www.midandsouthessex.ics.nhs.uk/health/ find-your-pcn

Annual Report 2022-23 Wickford Town Council

This is the first Annual Report for Wickford Town Council and it provides information on the Town Council’s activities and expenditure for 2022-23. Also provided, is the Town Council’s a spiration and projects for future years.

The Town Council was formed in May 2022 after two and a half years as a Shadow Town Council and followed the making Basildon Borough Council’s Community Governance Re-organisation Order.

Twenty Councillors were elected to serve the 25,000 residents of Wickford and in January of this year a full time Town Clerk was appointed.

Also in May 2022, Councillors elected a Chairman and Councillor Derek Harrison was appointed for 2022-23.

Chairman’s Report - Councillor Derek Harrison

As we come to the end of the first year of your Town Council we look back at the year 2022-2023

I was extremely proud to be elected as the first Chairman of the Town Council in May last year.

Our first event, jointly with Basildon Borough Council was the lantern parade and lighting of the beacon in the Memorial Park to celebrate the Queen ’s Platinum Jubilee. Officialdom delayed projects such as the noticeboards around the Town for those without internet access and we have only been able to install these recently.

One major project we were able to complete was the new fencing to open up the little known gem of Riverside Walk, London Road Further work is planned for later this year

In January we were pleased to welcome Mrs Tory Melhuish as our full time Town Clerk following her hard work as a locum. We wish her a long and enjoyable employment with the Town Council. We have been hold ing regular monthly “meet your councillor” events at Wickford Library and welcome meeting residents who would like to discuss any issues or let us know what they would like to see in Wickford

Going forward we have planned several events for the year that we hope will be enjoyed by people of all ages.

Councillor Surgeries

Monthly Councillor surgeries are held in the Wickford Library on the 3rd Saturday of the month. These drop in sessions are ideal if you would like to speak to one of your local Town Councillors about issues in and around Wickford.

If you would like to speak to one of the Councillors direct please contact the Clerk.

Council & Committee meetings

All Council and Committee meetings are normally held at The Wick Community Centre, Silva Island Way starting at 7pm.

Dates of meetings for 2023-24 can be found on the Town Council’s website and on the newly installed noticeboards

www.wickfordtowncouncil.gov.uk

Working with the local Police

The Town Council has supported a number of pop up events in the High Street with officers from Basildon Police

Members are keen to work with the local policing team to help reduce crime and improve safety.

Make a Difference in Your Community Funding has been provided for 5 Community Special Constables in the town. Further information is available on www.essex.police.uk/ communityspecials

Financial Report

The Town Council’s Precept for 2022-23 was £239,134 and for 2023-24 it has been set at £222,255 For a Band D property the amount is £22.61. This equates to a 7.64% decrease.

Wickford Town Councillors

Chairman of the Town Council 2022-23, Councillor Derek Harrison

Vice Chairman of the Town Council 2022-23, Councillor Graham Bradley

Wickford Castledon Ward

Councillor Graham Bradley

Councillor Gerald Douse

Councillor Louise Gann

Councillor Linda Harrison

Councillor Stewart Mott

Councillor Andrew Neil

Wickford North Ward

Councillor Eunice Brockman

Councillor Lee Dodds

Councillor Graeme Ellis

Councillor Derek Harrison

Councillor Nicola Hoad

Councillor Stephen Whiter

Contact Us

Town Clerk - Tory Melhuish 01268 858979

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

Wickford Park Ward

Councillor Alan Ball

Councillor Simon Blake

Councillor David Harrison

Councillor Kim Oakes

Councillor Stephen Oakes

Councillor James Wood

Councillor Matthew Wright

Get ready for school with Essex Library Service’s new challenge

A fun and educational challenge for kids is taking place at Essex Libraries this summer. Ready… Steady… Go To School will help children become more confident for starting primary school in September. The challenge is running in all Essex libraries until 31st July and will include a range of activities within seven challenge areas. These are:

• speaking and listening

• being active

• personal, social and emotional skills

• early reading and writing

• maths and numbers

• understanding the world

• express yourself

Children will earn stamps in their special booklet as they go along. When they finish all seven sections, they will receive a certificate. Councillor Louise McKinlay, Deputy Leader of Essex County Council and Cabinet Member for Community, Equality, Partnerships and Performance, said: “Starting school is an exciting time for children and parents but it can be a daunting experience too.

“This challenge aims to prepare little ones for when they take that big step through the school gates, by building their confidence as they start to learn what to expect on their first day.”

Sign up to the challenge now in any Essex library! Don’t forget to tag us in photos of you completing your challenges on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @essexlibraries! For more information head to libraries.essex.gov.uk/news/ready-steadygo-to-school-challenge

The latest with Wickford in Bloom

The sunny days are at long last here… it had begun to feel as if we wouldn’t ever see the sun or feel its warmth!

Our summer display was planted in mid-May and the flowers are already blooming. The colours are stunning and it’s lovely to see the plants growing strongly and being nurtured and cared for by our lovely volunteers. Wickford in Bloom wouldn’t exist without their commitment and time.

Following lots of applications, licences, approvals and testing we started to prepare the planters for summer on the King’s “Big Help Out” following his Coronation and finished planting the following weekend. On both occasions it was great to see such community spirit with many volunteers, both ones we had seen before and new faces, coming along to help out.

A first are the silver birch trees outside Peacocks, Suttons and Iceland. We replaced the existing wooden planters with bigger hexagonal planters in black and gold with water reservoirs to keep the trees well-watered.

The wooden planters were moved to Market Lane and planted up with geraniums and petunias to match the other planting. The trees and plants are so pretty but in the full sun they do dry out quickly so if you have a moment, please think about giving them a drink as every little helps.

The Peacocks planter had become rather shabby but has had a revamp with a spray of black and gold paint and is now looking really smart.

We have also added a new rectangular planter outside W H Smiths and 4 new saddle planters on the corner railing near Peacocks. The existing saddle planters at the railway bridge are again coming into their own and looking beautiful.

Wickford in Bloom won the Amberol photo competition with the support of the community for the 2nd time at the beginning of the year and we are hoping to make it 3 out of 3 with our summer planters!

The existing wooden planters outside Cossons, Newsbox and New World Chinese… and our golden bike are all at Halls corner end of town. Planters are also in Market Lane and outside Headlines and Impressed dry cleaners. Thank you to the shopkeepers who do a lovely job helping us to maintain our planters as they always look amazing. If any business would like a watering can to help, please let us know!

In addition to our golden bike, we have a new quirky addition which is looked after by Beans and Bagels… go take a look! We’d love to see your photos with the bike and our new feature! Please email any photos to us with your consent for us use them on our social media feeds.

Our hanging baskets are up too! This year we have an extra 10 baskets, making 28 in total. They are now from Halls Corner to The Lower Southend Road junction.

You’ll notice some lamp posts in between do not have a basket. The posts are tested to ensure they are safe and without permission we are unable to install. The baskets were installed by Windowflowers Ltd who water and maintain them. We have been able to add to last year’s display thanks to help from Wickford Town Council, local businesses and residents who have sponsored baskets. We are all volunteers and rely on grants and donations to buy plants, compost equipment etc. This financial year the committee’s efforts have been helped by grants from Wickford Town Council, Essex County Council and the Co-op. The baskets are sponsored and this year have been sponsored by:

• Downham Hall

• HEARTS Academy

• Wickford Horticultural Society

• Wickford Girlguiding

• Wickford Taxis

• Chandler Florists

• Keylock Games

• Eve Belle Care Home

• Smiths Windows

• Kim Oakes

• Graeme Ellis

• Mr and Mrs Dimond

• Cllr Derek Harrison

• Debut Training Academy and Salon

• Westway Travel

A massive THANK YOU to each and every one of you!

If you’d like to follow Wickford In Bloom, please see our social media feeds:

• Facebook

• Twitter

• Instagram

We meet to water on a Wednesday evening at 6:30pm and a Sunday morning at 9:30am at Market Lane… the side of Poundland. No experience is necessary, just turn up to help us water and deadhead. We’re a friendly bunch, who love a coffee on a Sunday morning… we’d love to see you!

If you’d like to contact us, to sponsor a basket or planter or any other enquiries, please use this email: wickfordinbloom@virginmedia.com

If you would like to make a donation this can be done via PayPal with the link below: www.paypal.com/paypalme/ WickfordinBloom

5 Easy Ways to Get Fit for Summer

With summer literally around the corner, many people are eager to shed those winter pounds and get in shape for the sunny season.

While the idea of getting fit may seem daunting, there are simple and effective ways to achieve your fitness goals. In this article, we will explore five easy strategies that can help you get fit for summer and boost your overall well-being.

Start with Moderate Exercise: Begin your fitness journey by incorporating moderate exercise into your daily routine. Engage in activities such as brisk walking, jogging, or cycling for at least 30 minutes a day. These low-impact exercises will get your heart rate up, burn calories, and improve cardiovascular health. Start slowly and gradually increase the intensity to avoid overexertion and injuries.

Incorporate Strength Training: Strength training is essential for toning muscles, increasing metabolism, and achieving a leaner physique.

You don’t need expensive equipment or a gym membership to engage in strength training. Bodyweight exercises like push-ups, squats, and planks can be done at home and provide excellent results. Aim for two to three strength training sessions per week, targeting different muscle groups each time.

Embrace a Balanced Diet: Getting fit goes hand in hand with maintaining a healthy and balanced diet. Focus on consuming whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats. Opt for smaller portion sizes and try to limit your intake of processed foods, sugary snacks, and beverages. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day, as it aids digestion, curbs cravings, and boosts energy levels.

Prioritize Sleep and Recovery:

Adequate rest and recovery are crucial for achieving optimal fitness. Aim for seven to eight hours of quality sleep each night to promote muscle repair, reduce stress levels, and enhance overall well-being. Additionally, listen to your body and allow yourself enough time to recover between workout sessions. Incorporating relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation can also help reduce stress and improve sleep quality.

Stay Consistent and Set Realistic Goals: Consistency is key when it comes to getting fit. Set realistic goals that are attainable within your schedule and lifestyle. Break down your goals into smaller milestones, and celebrate your achievements along the way. Consider tracking your progress using a fitness app or journal to stay motivated and accountable. Remember, getting fit is a gradual process, so be patient and kind to yourself.

Getting fit for summer doesn’t have to be a complicated or overwhelming endeavour. By following these five easy strategies, you can kickstart your fitness journey and feel more confident as the warmer months approach. Remember to start with moderate exercise, incorporate strength training, maintain a balanced diet, prioritize rest and recovery, and stay consistent with your efforts. With dedication and perseverance, you can achieve your fitness goals and enjoy a healthy, active summer.

Plastic Free July

When you hear that the UK is a major contributor to the world’s plastic crisis, generating more plastic waste per person than most other countries and how we dump our waste on the rest of the world, it’s clear change is needed and with Plastic Free July coming up, there’s no better time to make that change.

Tips on how to be Plastic Free Plastic has been an extremely topical subject over the last few years as many ‘plastic free’ schemes have successfully started up all across the UK.

300 million tons of plastic get produced every year and with the average time for plastic to decompose in landfills being 1000 years, it’s not an overreaction to state that we are destroying the world we live in.

If you want to do what you can to help the environment and reduce plastic consumption here are some helpful tips on what you can do at home:

• Try and cook more from scratch

• Buy loose fruit and veg instead of plastic wrapped items

• Take your own tubs to the butchers or meat counters at supermarkets, and loose dry goods from your local package free shop

• Re-use paper bags

• Instead of using cling film or foil to keep food in the fridge, improvise and use a bowl with a plate on top to act as a lid

• Keep glass jars as these can be good to store leftovers, again reducing the need for Tupperware

• Fold up a shopping bag to carry with you instead of purchasing more

• Invest in a reusable bamboo coffee cup or water bottle rather than buying single-use ones each time you want a drink

• Taking leftovers to work for lunch rather than buying expensive salads in single-use dishes.

• Make your own cleaning products - a lot can be done with citric acid, bicarbonate of soda and white vinegar

Reasons why you should choose to reuse plastic:

• Shoppers in the USA use almost one plastic bag per day, whereas shoppers in Denmark use an average of four plastic bags a year!

• Nearly half of all plastic ever manufactured has been made in the last 20 years!

• Less than a fifth of all plastic gets recycled globally

• 100,000 marine animals are killed by plastic bags annually

If there was ever a time to act and reduce plastic use the time is now. By reducing your plastic use, you will be helping the environment in multiple ways. One of these ways is that you will be providing alternative methods to using landfills for our waste as these places are very limited in space and the state of the landfills makes it near impossible for plastic to biodegrade.

Recycling plastic water bottles will help conserve natural resources, in particular, oil, which is a non-renewable resource, again in limited supply. Furthermore, reducing your plastic use will reduce the amount of plastic manufactured which in turn reduces the amount of carbon dioxide produced from making plastic, reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions and helping decrease the amount of pollution in the air and our water sources.

The world needs all the help it can get right now, so try and incorporate some of these tips into your daily life and you might find yourself saving money as well as the planet you live in.

Sensational Summer Selection

Summer is finally here – a great time to enjoy fresh and vibrant flavours. Here are a few handpicked recipes…

Simple, refreshing and light, perfect for hot summer days, to help you quench your first, beat the heat and easy enough to make for your reduced appetite.

Watermelon Salad

Ingredients

600g cubed watermelon

150g crumbled feta cheese

15g fresh mint leaves, torn

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1 tablespoon balsamic glaze

Salt and pepper to taste

Method

1. In a large bowl, combine the cubed watermelon, crumbled feta cheese, and torn mint leaves.

2. Drizzle the olive oil over the salad and gently toss to coat the ingredients. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Transfer the salad to a serving platter or individual plates.

4. Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the salad just before serving. Garnish with additional mint leaves if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Fish Tacos

Ingredients

450g white fish fillets (such as tilapia, cod, or mahi-mahi)

64g all-purpose flour

82g cornmeal

1 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon cumin

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Vegetable oil (for frying)

8 small corn or flour tortillas

Shredded lettuce

Sliced avocado

Sliced tomatoes

Chopped fresh coriander

Lime wedges

Optional toppings: salsa, sour cream, chilli sauce

Method

1. In a shallow dish, combine the flour, cornmeal, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.

2. Pat the fish fillets dry with a paper towel, then dredge them in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.

3. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

4. Fry the fish fillets in the hot oil for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Remove from the skillet and drain on paper towels.

5. Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave.

6. Assemble the tacos by placing a piece of fried fish in the centre of each tortilla.

7. Top with shredded lettuce, sliced avocado, sliced tomatoes, and chopped coriander.

8. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the tacos and add any desired additional toppings.

9. Serve the fish tacos immediately and enjoy!

Caprese Skewers Ingredients

Cherry tomatoes

Fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini)

Fresh basil leaves

Balsamic glaze

Salt and pepper to taste

Skewers or toothpicks

Method

1. Rinse the cherry tomatoes and basil leaves. Pat them dry with a paper towel.

2. Drain the mozzarella balls if necessary.

3. Take a skewer or toothpick and slide on a cherry tomato, followed by a fresh basil leaf, and then a mozzarella ball.

4. Repeat the process until you have assembled all the skewers.

5. Arrange the Caprese skewers on a platter and drizzle with the balsamic glaze.

6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Homemade Refreshing Lemonade Ingredients

6-8 lemons (depending on their size)

200g granulated sugar (adjust to taste)

1.4 litres water

Ice cubes

Lemon slices (for garnish, optional)

Fresh mint leaves (for garnish, optional)

Method

1. Roll the lemons on a countertop to soften them, which will make them easier to juice.

2. Cut the lemons in half and juice them using a citrus juicer or by hand. Strain the juice to remove any seeds or pulp.

3. In a pitcher, combine the freshly squeezed lemon juice and sugar. Stir well until the sugar is dissolved.

4. Add water to the pitcher and stir to combine.

5. Taste the lemonade and adjust the sweetness and tartness by adding more sugar or lemon juice if desired.

6. Chill the lemonade in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow the flavours to meld.

7. When ready to serve, fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the lemonade over the ice. Garnish with lemon slices and fresh mint leaves if desired. Stir and enjoy!

You can also customize your lemonade by adding sliced strawberries, raspberries, or a splash of sparkling water for a fizzy variation. Adjust the sweetness and tartness according to your preference.

What’s On

Transforming Essex Equipping Afternoon- June

Wednesday 28th June, 1:00 – 4:00pm at New Life Church Crouch Valley, Miracle House, Silva Island Way, Wickford

Come and join us for an afternoon of building together relationally, worship and equipping. These bi-monthly afternoons will be spent exploring together how we can help see the TE vision fulfilled of God transforming the reputation by which this County is known! A light lunch is provided. Please book in to help us with catering requirements via southendchristianfellowship.churchsuite. com/events/lqv9xt0m

Any problems please email hello@transformingessex.org

Runwell Village Pre-school Fun Day

Saturday 1st July, 11:00am – 3:00pm at Runwell Village Hall, Church End Lane, Runwell, Wickford

Runwell Village Pre-school’s fantastic fun day is back with a wide variety of stalls, bouncy castles, soft play bus, BBQ, refreshments, cake stall, fun games, crafts and much, much more. We really hope you can join us to help raise lots of money for this amazing Pre-school.

Walk & Talk SEN Parent Support Group

Wednesday 5th July, 10:00am – 12:00pm at Northlands Park, Felmores

Road, Basildon

Calling parents of children with SEN, whether they are autistic, ADHD, or have dyspraxia, dyslexia, sensory processing issues or anxiety (formal diagnosis of any of these conditions is not necessary - we know it takes forever to get one!)

Join the MyOTAS team for a relaxing walk around Northlands Park, Basildon followed by some time to talk and enjoy free refreshments at the cafe. Get fit, make friends, find support, chill out and eat cake! What more could you want?

Meet at the Two Lakes Cafe from 9:45am. Vicky and other volunteers from MyOTAS are

coming along to offer support and with any problems you are facing. Places are strictly limited so please book a place via www.ticketsource.co.uk/myotas Thank you to Active Essex for funding these walks.

Parkrun celebration 75 years of the NHS

Saturday 8th July, 9:00am at Wickford Memorial Park

Celebrating 75 years of the NHS. We would love as many NHS workers as possible to attend along with family and friends to thank you for everything you do.

Kinky Boots: The Musical!

12th – 15th July, 7:30pm – 10:00pm at Towngate Theatre, Basildon

The Players Theatre Company presents Kinky Boots: The Musical!

Kinky Boots – The Musical is strutting its way to the Towngate Theatre in Summer 2023! Brought to you by the Players Theatre Company, the team behind 2018’s smash-hit production of Priscilla Queen Of The Desert and 2019’s spectacular production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang! You can be sure to expect another all-out production with top-class costumes, West-End standard scenery and a full orchestra from this talented local company.

Charlie is the reluctant owner of Price’s shoes, forced to take on the struggling family business he had once dreamed of escaping. Lola is a wildly entertaining drag performer who may just have the ideas needed to turn the factory’s fortune around and save the business from closing its doors for good. With an electrifying score by 80s legend Cyndi Lauper and a book penned by the hilarious Harvey Fierstein, the show promises to be THE must see show of Summer 2023, so book early via www.towngatetheatre. co.uk/ptc-kinky-boots to get the best seats in the house. KINKY BOOTS Book by Harvey

Wickford Town

Fierstein, Music and lyrics by Cyndi Lauper. Original Broadway Production Directed and Choreographed by Jerry Mitchell, Based on the Miramax motion picture Kinky Boots. Written by Geoff Deane and Tim Firth. This amateur production is presented by kind permission of Music Theatre International.

Essex and Suffolk County Archery Association

WA1440 Championships – World Record Status

Sunday 16th July at Rayleigh Town Archery Club, Runwell Sports & Social Club, Wickford WA1440 for Gents, Ladies, Masters and Cadets Metrics 1-5.

Short Metric Rounds are also available. Rounds will be shot in a single detail of up to three archers. Six arrows per end will be shot throughout the day.

At the two shortest distances each Recurve and Compound archer will shoot all their arrows on an individual 80cm 6 ring face. Longbow and Barebow archers will be on dedicated targets and all archers on these bosses will share a single, full size 80cm face. For more details and to book head to www.trybooking.com/uk/events/ landing/32183

JD The Soul Machine Live & I Wanna Dance With Somebody Outdoor Cinema

Friday 21st July, 7:15pm at Basildon Sporting Village, Cranes Farm Rd, Basildon SS14 3GR

DJ & HOSTS – 7:15PM

LIVE MUSIC – JD THE SOUL MACHINE –8:15PM

BIG SCREEN KARAOKE – 9:10PM

OUTDOOR CINEMA – I WANNA DANCE WITH SOMEBODY – 9:30PM

Get all your friends together and come and join us for a fantastic evening under the stars – finishes around midnight.

Heart of Pitsea Tuesday Walk & Talk Group

Every Tuesday, 12:30 – 2:00pm at Chalvedon Shop area in Basildon

Would you like to get out from home, get some gentle exercise and make new friends? Then why not join our friendly walk and talk group?!

We meet at the Chalvedon Shop area, 12:30pm every Tuesday.

Suitable for all ages and perfect for anyone who just wants a gentle stroll and a natter. We take a leisurely walk over to Northlands Park, around the lake, stopping off at the park café for a cuppa and a chat, before setting off back to Chalvedon Shops.

You can choose to walk the full route, or like some of our members, take the shorter route to the café and wait for the others to arrive! For more information give us a call on 07572 991671 or send us a message.

Summer school at Sky Studios!

Monday 7th - Wednesday 9th August

Join us at Sky Studios where we’ll be creating a factual news report on extreme weather! Ages 8-16 years old. Prices (to include return coach on Wednesday): £99; £85 for siblings

For more details, contact Teri at teri.levett@pqacademy.com Find out more at www.pqacademy.com

Here it is! Our first Live Music and Outdoor Cinema event of the year! Tickets are limited, BOOK NOW for £18.50 via www.moonbeamers.co.uk/whats-on/ jdsoul-i-wanna-dance-with-somebody or on the night for £25.

With BIG Screen, BIG Sound, crystal clear High-Definition projection and a top-quality event. Nobody does it like Moonbeamers! Our moonlight event promises to be a magical night of entertainment at this top sporting venue.

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)

Principal: Engleman Wills + Powers of Attorney + Probate + 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

Are you prepared for the festival season?

Get the wellies out and prepare the tents and sleeping bags because, with the summer around the corner, festival season is upon us.

Are you trying to figure out where you should be heading off to in the next few months? Well, below is a list of a few of the busiest festivals around the UK you might like to boogie off to this year.

Wireless - Finsbury Park, London

7th – 9th July

Playboi Carti, Yeat, Lil Uzi Vert, Metro Boomin, Ice Spice, Kenny Allstar, Latto, Lola Brooke, Coco & Breezy, Jael, Travis Scott, Lil Yachty, Headie One, Bryson Tiller, Flo, Joey Badass, NLE Choppa, Laelo Black, 50 Cent, D-block

Europe, Popcaan, Lil Durk , Lil Tjay, DJ Target, Glorilla, Donae’o and many more.

Latitude Festival - Henham Park, Suffolk

20th-23rd July

Pulp, Metronomy, Confidence Man, Georgia, Paolo Nutini, The Kooks, Paul Heaton, The Big Moon, Lightning Seeds, George Ezra, Mimi Webb, The Proclaimers, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, The Bootleg Beatles, Picture This, Ed Gamble, Sara Pascoe, Romesh Ranganathan, Ed Byrne, Kerry Godliman, Marcus Brigstoke, Russell Kane, The Listening Party, Tim Burgess, James Acaster and many more.

Camp Bestival Dorset - Lulworth

Castle, Dorset

27th – 30th July

Rag’N’Bone Man, Razorlight, Faithless (DJ Set), Kool and The Gang, Earth Wind & Fire Experience ft. Al McKay., Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s Kitchen Disco set, Rudimental, Sister Sledge, Example, Shed Seven, Theo Kottis, Yolanda’s Jam Band, Jo Whiley’s 90’s Anthems, The Proclaimers, Gok Wan, Charlotte Church’s late night pop dungeon, Jodie Harsh, Orla Gartland, The Cuban Brothers, Elvana: Elvis Fronted Nirvana, Horse Meat Disco, Snapped Ankles, Lola Young and many more.

Wilderness Festival - Cornbury Park, Oxfordshire

3rd - 6th August

The Chemical Brothers, Christine And The Queens, Fatboy Slim, Sugababes, Arlo Parks, Confidence Man, Franc Moody, Joesef, GoGo Penguin, Pip Millett, Flyte, Paul Simon’s Graceland Re-imagined By The London African Gospel Choir, Jo Whiley’s 90s Anthems, Kerri Chandler, Honey Dijon, Todd Terry, Eats Everything presents History Of Rave, DJ Paulette, Storm Mollison, Elliot Schooling & Liam Palmer, TSHA, Los Bitchos, Nuha Ruby Ra, Acid Klaus, Lime Garden, Walt Disco, Personal Trainer, Penguin Cafe, Sam Lee, Karim Kamar, Shy One, Fèmmme Fraîche, Hip Hip Hop Karaoke and many more.

Boomtown - Matterley Estate near Winchester, Hampshire

9th – 13th August

BoomTown has a policy of releasing the line-up when the festival commences, however 2022 line-up for reference was: Koffee, Moonchild Sanelly, Nia Archives, and Dan Shake to their stages.

Shy One, DJ Paulette, Effy, Paranoid London (Live), Mella Dee, Inja, Shy FX, DJ Marky, DJ Flight, Mungo’s Hi-Fi, and a takeover from queer drum ‘n’ bass collective Unorthodox. There was also some crossovers from dance music’s favourites, including a techno set from Mall Grab and My Nu Leng, and SHERELLE and legendary MC Chickaboo uniting for some raucous jungle.

Boardmasters - Watergate Bay, Newquay

9th - 13th August

Liam Gallagher and Florence + the Machine, are joined by Little Simz, Four Tet, Example, Cassyette, Dylan, Kid Kapichi, Dimension, Kings of the Rollers, Charlie Tee, Jaguar and plenty more to be announced.

All Points East 2023 - Victoria Park, London

18th-27th August

Stormzy, Kehlani, Sampha, Knucks, Lucky Dave, Field Day, Aphex Twin, Bonobo, Arca, Fever Ray, Jayda G, The Strokes, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Angel Olsen, Girl in Red, Nieve Ellsa and many more.

Creamfields North - Watergate Bay, Newquay

24th – 27th August

Adam Beyer, Amelie Lens, Andy C, Becky Hill, Ben Hemsley, Ben Nicky, Calvin Harris, Chase and Status, David Guetta, Diplo, DJ Snake, Eliza Rose, Fatboy Slim, Four Tet, Frazi.er, Hedex, I Hate Models, Jamie Jones, Kolsch, Martin Garriz, Nina Kravis, Pete Tong, Samba Boys, Solardo, Swedish House Mafia and many more.

Leeds & Reading festival - Bramham Park & Richfield Avenue

25th – 27th August

Sam Fender, Loyle Carner, Wet Leg, Mimi Webb, Tion Wayne, Yard Act, The Killers, Central Cee, Nothing but thieves, Inhaler, Holly Humberstone, Baby Queen, Billie Eilish, Steve Lacy, Declan McKenna, Rina Sawayama, Bakar Muna, The Amazons, Lewis Capaldi, Foals, Imagine Dragons, Biceplive, Slowthai, Becky Hill, Lil Tjay, Trippie Redd, You Me At Six, Chase Atlantic, Don Broco, and many more.

What to do in the garden in July

July brings long, warm days that continue late into the evening — perfect for pottering in the garden after work, hosting barbecues, and enjoying your beds and borders as they reach their peak.

For advice on what to get started this month, check out the ‘what to sow & grow in July’ page. In the meantime, here’s a list of jobs to keep on top of this July:

In the flower garden

Cut back faded perennial plants to keep borders tidy.

Cutting back growth in hanging baskets can encourage new flowers and foliage and will revive the display. Make sure you feed your baskets well after doing this.

Take cuttings from your favourite tender plants for overwintering indoors. Cuttings can also still be taken from shrubs and border perennials.

Deadhead bedding plants and perennial plants to stop them self-seeding and to encourage further flowering.

Capture seed heads from dandelions and other weeds. Collect them before they get a chance to release their seeds and spread throughout your garden.

Keep an eye out for pests on plants, early treatment is best.

Stop rust damaging hollyhock foliage by pruning out affected leaves and/or spraying with a fungicide.

Look out for clematis wilt. Symptoms include wilting leaves and black discolouration on the leaves and stems. Cut out all affected material and dispose of it in your household waste.

July is a good time to spray ground elder, bindweed and other persistent weeds with a glyphosate-based weed killer as the plants now have lots of leaf surface area with which to absorb it.

Feed crops with a general-purpose fertiliser. Apply a high-potash fertiliser once fruits start to form on peppers, cucumber and tomatoes. You can use this on sunflowers too. Pick, dry and freeze herbs for using later in the year.

Water your fruit and vegetable crops daily in warm weather. Try to ensure that they’re consistently moist.

Clear away any diseased and spent foliage on and around your vegetable plants to keep them healthy.

Clear weeds regularly, as they compete with your crops for nutrients and water.

Timely tips

Summer can still throw out a few surprises — make sure tall plants and climbers are well supported in case of bad weather. Water at dusk to reduce evaporation and use mulch to retain moisture around plants. Terracotta pots are prone to evaporation so dampen the pot down to keep roots inside cool and damp.

Regularly deadhead bedding and perennial plants to encourage new blooms for as long as possible.

Looking after your lawn

This is your last chance to feed your lawn with a special lawn fertiliser to encourage healthy green growth.

Water your lawn during hot weather, particularly newly seeded or turfed lawns. Don’t allow new lawns to dry out.

If you’re experiencing prolonged dry weather, set your mower blades higher to reduce stress on the grass. Warm weather encourages rapid weed growth — apply specific lawn weed killer to tackle this problem.

If your lawn is infested by ants, brush out the nests on a dry day. Always brush them away before mowing. Recut any lawn edges if needed and install lawn edging to make future maintenance easier.

In the fruit garden

Thin out the fruits on your fruit trees to produce good sized crops. This also helps to prevent brown rot.

Protect any developing fruits from birds and squirrels by placing mesh around your plants. If you have plants fruiting in containers, make sure you give them a high potash liquid feed to keep them healthy and productive.

Peg down runners on your strawberry plants to create more plants for next year. If you don’t need more plants simply remove the strawberry runners completely.

Maximise your fig crop by pinching out the tips of side shoots after they’ve developed five leaves.

Prune your stone fruit trees like plum, apricot, peach and cherry now. Pruning these species in the summer reduces the risk of silver leaf disease.

Prune the fruited stems of blackcurrant bushes after harvesting.

Raspberries are shallow rooted so they’ll appreciate being watered generously in hot, dry weather.

In the greenhouse

Harden off and plant out any plug plants that you’ve been growing on.

Damp down your greenhouse on hot days to increase humidity and deter red spider mites. Open vents and doors daily to provide adequate ventilation.

Use blinds or apply shade paint to prevent the greenhouse from overheating in sunny weather.

Try hanging sticky traps to catch flying pests to determine which pest control is needed.

Tidy up fallen leaves and flowers to discourage the spread of fungal disease. www.thompson-morgan.com

The Importance of Wellbeing and Looking After It

In today’s fast-paced and demanding world, taking care of our wellbeing has become more crucial than ever.

Wellbeing encompasses both our physical and mental health, and neglecting it can lead to negative consequences in various aspects of our lives. In celebration of World Wellbeing Week from 26th June, this article highlights the importance of prioritizing wellbeing and offers practical tips on how to nurture and maintain it.

Understanding the Significance of Wellbeing:

Wellbeing refers to a state of overall health, happiness, and satisfaction. It encompasses physical, mental, and emotional dimensions of our lives. Prioritizing wellbeing enhances our quality of life, boosts resilience, and promotes a positive outlook. It enables us to cope with stress, maintain healthy relationships, and perform better in various areas, such as work and personal endeavours.

Nurturing Physical Wellbeing:

a. Regular Exercise: Engaging in physical activity not only improves our physical health but also releases endorphins, the feel-good hormones that reduce stress and anxiety.

b. Balanced Diet: Consuming a nutritious diet provides our bodies with the necessary nutrients to function optimally. Incorporate fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and stay hydrated.

c. Adequate Sleep: Prioritize a good night’s sleep as it supports overall wellbeing. Establish a consistent sleep schedule and create a calm environment conducive to relaxation.

Cultivating Mental and Emotional Wellbeing:

a. Self-Care Practices: Engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation. This may include hobbies, reading, listening to music, or spending quality time with loved ones.

b. Mindfulness and Meditation: Practice mindfulness to focus on the present moment and alleviate stress. Incorporating meditation into your routine can enhance mental clarity, reduce anxiety, and foster emotional stability.

c. Emotional Support: Seek support from friends, family, or professionals when facing emotional challenges. Open communication and sharing your feelings can provide valuable insights and promote emotional wellbeing.

Maintaining Work-Life Balance:

a. Set Boundaries: Establish clear boundaries between work and personal life. Allocate time for relaxation, hobbies, and spending time with loved ones.

b. Time Management: Prioritise tasks, delegate when necessary, and avoid overcommitting yourself. Effective time management reduces stress and allows for more leisure and self-care activities.

Seeking Professional Help: When experiencing persistent challenges with your wellbeing, do not hesitate to seek professional help. Mental health professionals can offer guidance, therapy, and support tailored to your specific needs.

Prioritising wellbeing is not a luxury but a necessity for leading a fulfilling and balanced life. By implementing the aforementioned tips and making self-care a priority, you can nurture your physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. Remember, small changes and consistent efforts can yield significant results, leading to a happier and healthier you. Take the first step today and embark on a journey towards improved wellbeing.

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.

Have you explored the benefits of men’s shed?

Social isolation is an issue at the heart of every community, and it’s our responsibility to tackle this is anyway we can; one solution might be joining a local men’s shed.

We are sure many of you are aware of what men’s shed are and the reasons to becoming a ‘Shedder’, but we wanted to highlight the benefits once again for our readers.

The immediate benefits are simple to understand; not only does it help battle against isolation by helping meet new people and starting new friendships, it enables shedders to learn and share new skills that were previously inaccessible.

Sheds can also provide residents with an increased sense of purpose, while helping boost confidence and self-esteem; significantly benefiting the overall physical and mental health of those attending.

It’s not just about what the shed provides to the individuals, it enables people to become more integrated with their local community.

A survey carried out by the UK Men’s Sheds Association (UKMSA) in 2017-2018, estimated that about £10.5 million worth volunteering hours were put into local communities by the hundreds of Sheds across the UK.

This can range from helping local residents who might need something repaired, to getting hands on with the local community and creating projects everyone can be proud

of; from benches to planters, to unique and quirky garden ornaments.

One of the most important conversations that can open up in the comfortable, welcoming setting of a men’s shed is the often-eluded topic of men’s health.

It’s well-documented that men tend to go the doctors less than women and we all know how difficult it can be to talk about personal details like our health; however men’s sheds can help to get that conversation going; even if it’s just a quick comment about going to the doctors.

Prostate cancer in the most common cancer amongst men and the cancer causes most deaths amongst men over 85; so it’s vital to open up the conversation around these sensitive issues.

Retirement has been linked to changes in men’s lifestyles, including lower levels of physical activity, heightened stress and increased tobacco and alcohol consumption.

Care and loneliness are also important factors for men’s health in older age; all factors a men’s shed can help battle and support people with.

There are so many benefits of joining a men’s shed, from learning new skills, to making new friends, and feeling a part of your local community.

To find your nearest Shed make your way to www.menssheds.org.uk/find-a-shed

Do you have a local story or know a local charity/community group that would love to feature in our magazine FREE of charge?

Have you got news that you want to share with Wickford?

Are you a local hero? Want to share your story?

Do you need to publicise your event?

with yourlocal community FROM £35