Wickford Town News - Issue 12 October 2023

Wickford Town News ISSUE 12

Rotary Club of Wickford Find out more on page 4

Community Speed Watch Find out more on page 14

Wickford Town News 1st Birthday!

Find out more on page 26

Christmas Lights Switch on Find out more on page 33

Savouring November's Bounty Find out more on page 40

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AOseason forecelebrations ctob r 2 0 2 3 with Wickford Town News As we step into the latest edition of the Wickford Town News, we find ourselves at the cusp of a vibrant and celebratory season.

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This month, we’re serving up a cornucopia of stories that are as rich and diverse as the colours of autumn leaves.

Join us in Celebrating a Milestone as Wickford Town News marks its 1st Birthday. It’s a testament to the support and enthusiasm of our incredible community.

Discover the latest happenings in Wickford, from news on television interference solutions to the exciting updates from the Rotary Club of Wickford. And don’t miss the festivities with Wickford at Christmas as the town prepares for the holiday season.

But that’s not all! We’re shedding light on our community’s heroes – from firefighters and healthcare professionals to dedicated volunteers. Dive into heartwarming stories and local news that showcase the strength of Wickford’s spirit and the warmth of its people.

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Grab a cup of something warm, find a cosy corner, and immerse yourself in the stories that make our town a place like no other. Let’s savour the season together!

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

12 High Street, Wickford, Essex, SS12 9az

Front Cover: Image by rawpixel.com on Freepik

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.

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Rotary Club of Wickford

only 17 Clubs in the Country to achieve Gold contributor status with Shelterbox.

The Rotary Club of Wickford received its Charter in 1958 and has been a vibrant and active Club ever since, and recently members of the Club got together at the Magic Mushroom to celebrate, at which the current President Pauline welcomed the District Governor David Willis and his wife Sandra to join in on the celebrations.

Wickford Inner Wheel Chair Jenny Smith brought greetings from her Club and wished Wickford Rotary well for the forthcoming year.

Rotarian Bob Plimmer regaled us with a little of the history of the Club, having recently spent some time curating the Club Archive, starting with the story of founder member Silva Carter when he met with a member from Brentwood Rotary Club wearing a Rotary Club badge asking him which cycling club he belonged to, through to more recent events including our achievements around fundraising and community engagement.

President Pauline also welcomed our newest Friend Jane Bassom into the Club and introduced her to the members.

DG David spoke about the great reputation Wickford has gained over the years, and how it has contributed to the District during its time, as well as our more esoteric fundraising events, and our achievement of being one of

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President Pauline then read a poem written

by ABODE, Wickford resident poet Rotarian Bernie Norton, reflecting on the past year’s achievements and successes within the Club.

Meantime, just a few weeks before we all tried our hand at Crazy Golf at Maldon. Nick got his feet wet, Maureen got another stone in her bag. Chris won. Just the usual stuff…

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Good school attendance can support your future You may be experiencing emotions that make you feel nervous about attending school. Worries about friendships, learning difficulties, bullying, schoolwork and exams are common. It’s important to know you’re not alone.

It’s not too late to turn things around! Once you’ve recognised the importance of good attendance and the link between achieving your best grades, you can make changes to improve your attendance and achieve your goals.

Benefits of attending school

By maximising your attendance at school, you are more likely to benefit from: • better social skills • higher grades • stronger friendships • enhanced life skills There are many reasons your attendance may be dropping, whether you’re starting to miss a couple of hours a term or arriving late to lessons, it all adds up. Even being five minutes late every day can equate to a chunk of time that is being missed in the classroom and in the long term this can impact on your grades.

Did you know missing 17 school days in a year is 85 hours of lost learning? This could reduce your GCSE results by an entire grade.

Don’t let a slipping attendance determine your future.

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Available support

There is a range of support available depending on your needs. By addressing your worries, you will feel more resilient and better able to cope with the demands of being in school.

If you or someone you know is being bullied you can get support from ChildLine via www.childline.org.uk Being bullied is never your fault, you can find support on various types of bullying, whether it is something you’re experiencing in school or cyber bullying online. ChildLine have a series of threads where students share their fears and feelings and offer each other advice.

Struggling with school and how you feel

For support with your mental health, you can access an online mental wellbeing community through Kooth. The website offers free, safe and anonymous support for young people.

It’s important to recognise you’re not alone if you’re struggling with your mental health.

Young Minds provide practical tips and advice from young people like you, as well as information on getting the support you need.

If you’re feeling stressed, Mind provide information and tips for managing stress and looking after your wellbeing at www.mind.org.uk/information-support/ types-of-mental-health-problems/stress/ managing-stress-and-building-resilience

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“I’m very proud that within mid and south Host of initiatives Essex we are at the forefront of some of recognised in 2023 health these developments and that the hard of teams within our health and care and care awards for mid work services is being recognised.”

Dr Matthew Sweeting, Interim Medical and south Essex teams Director, Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Innovative ways of working are making a real difference for patients in mid and south Essex and are catching the eye of judges as this years’ awards season gets under way.

Partners in Mid and South Essex Integrated Care System have won and been recognised in multiple awards in recent weeks for work that is making a real difference to our communities.

The Innovate Awards which are run by the Academic Health Science Network (AHSN) and the NHS Confederation, held Thursday 21 September saw Mid and South Essex Integrated Care System win Innovative Health System of the Year. Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust also won the ‘Diversity in Innovation Award.

“The growing number of people living longer and with long-term conditions is leading to ever-increasing demands on health and care services. Continued innovation is vital to enable us to meet these demands and continue to offer patients the support they need to live well.

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“We are absolutely delighted to have won the Diversity in Innovation award. Working on the oVRcome project was an incredible experience, which gave us the opportunity to utilise VR technology to positively engage our patient population, supporting reduction of the fears and anxieties they have when using our services, resulting in better experiences and better health outcomes.”

Claire Turner, Learning Disability, Dementia, and Autism Service Lead at Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust.

Local teams are also up for a number of awards in the HSJ Awards and the HSJ Patient Safety Awards, all feature shortlisted projects from this area.

The clinically led teams behind the projects will find out if they have gone on to win any of the awards at the awards ceremonies over the coming weeks.

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Mum’s nomination wins maternity team regional award for excellent care A team of maternity staff have won a regional award for their extraordinary care for a mum and her twin new-borns during their complicated birth.

MUM really is the word for Maternity and Neonatal Transitional Care team at Basildon Hospital, part of Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, who have won the East of England Maternity Unit Marvels (MUM) award.

They were nominated by Joanne, who delivered her twin babies, Oscar and Isla, by emergency caesarean section earlier this year. She experienced numerous complications during the procedure including significant blood loss, but thanks to the excellent care of the skilful staff, her surgery was successful, and the babies were born safely.

Thanking the team for the care given throughout, Joanne said: “The team did such a good job. They treated me so well, reassuring me and holding my hand during one of the scariest times of my life. In the days that followed my caesarean section, they cared for my babies, allowing me to rest and recover.

“The entire team made my stay so much more positive and comfortable, and I’d like to especially thank Paige, one of the midwives who looked after me, for showing me so much compassion – she really stood out! Everyone I met did a fantastic job, but Jo, Gail and Emily also went that extra mile to create a comfortable space for me during such a terrifying time.

“The whole team cared for me and my babies like you would for your own family, and I will be forever grateful.

These incredible individuals prompted my nomination.”

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Kehinde Ayeni-Yegbe, Head of Midwifery and Gynaecology at the Trust, said: “Our midwives strive to provide excellent, compassionate care every day and for every person they support. We are delighted to have been nominated by one of our mums for this award, it is truly humbling to play such an important role at the start of babies’ lives.”

The MUM awards have been launched by the Baby Lifeline charity that supports NHS staff to provide better and safer care to pregnant people and new-borns, there will be a celebratory reception at Downing Street in October.

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Essex set to extend residual waste disposal contracts Essex County Council is seeking cabinet approval to extend its current residual (black bag) waste disposal contracts by a year, to the end of March 2025.

The extension comes in the wake of a tender earlier this year for a Medium-Term Residual Waste Treatment contract for which there were no compliant bids.

The tender for Essex County Council’s contract for Medium-Term Residual Waste Treatment will continue to be progressed and will be relaunched in January 2024, the Council has announced.

The council will continue to engage with the market in coming months ahead of the launch of the new tender in January.

A new long-term draft Waste Strategy for Essex was unveiled earlier this month by the Essex Waste Partnership and is currently out for consultation.

The Essex Waste Partnership comprises the county and 12 city, district, and borough councils working together to ensure cost-efficient and sustainable waste management in Essex. The consultation closes on 22nd November 2023.

Councillor Peter Schwier, Climate Czar and Cabinet Member for Environment, Waste Reduction and Recycling said: “We hope to continue working with our current waste disposal contractors in the short term, while we run our tender for medium-term arrangements in the new year.

“I would like to thank potential bidders for the medium-term tender for their patience and we look forward to further engaging with them in coming months. We will use the next few months to work with potential bidders to develop the final drafting and make the contract as appealing as possible, allowing sufficient time for a thorough procurement process.

“I would encourage all residents to have their say on the proposed longer-term plans for waste management in Essex by taking part in the current consultation.”

Residual waste in Essex is currently being sent to landfill. The council aims to send zero waste to landfill by 2030.

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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 Nicola Hoad contact via Town Council Councillor Christopher Jackman 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 Andrew Stead 07769 833586 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 07754 647216 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

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Mark Francois 01268 742044 Mark.francois.mp@parliament.uk

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News Around Nurse-led team that helps patients leave hospital sooner marks milestone

A team of nurses who support earlier discharge from hospital for those having heart issues have celebrated after helping their 500th patient.

The world-renowned Essex Cardiothoracic Centre (CTC), part of Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, has introduced a system where a team of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) Clinical Nurse Specialists discharge patients who are clinically well, rather than junior doctors.

The team have so far assisted 233 patients with different types of heart attacks, and 89 patients who have stayed at the hospital overnight after their procedures. As well as this, they have now reached a milestone of discharging their 500th patient who has had a heart procedure, such as heart stent installation, on the same day.

With dedicated PCI Nurse Specialists, patients now get faster and more personalised care, resulting in reduced hospital stays and it frees up hospital beds for incoming patients, enabling junior doctors to focus on patients with more critical conditions.

This also ensures more effective follow-ups after patients’ discharge, improving their experience.

The PCI Clinical Nurse Specialist team is led

by Craig Robertson, and supported by Sean King, Debbie Sevant, Almira Capiendo, and Lisa Gibbs.

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New recruitment campaign launched for early years practitioners

To boost the number of early year practitioners in the county’s preschools, nurseries, school run nurseries and childminding settings, Essex County Council have launched a recruitment campaign.

‘Make a change. Build a future’ will look to attract people searching for a rewarding career to consider a role in early years and childcare. The campaign will call on those who have stepped out of the profession to return to the sector.

It will also encourage new entrants to join the profession and undertake relevant training or apprenticeships, and support people who may be looking to set up their own childminding businesses in Essex.

To support the recruitment campaign, the Council have set up information online for anyone looking to find out more about a career in early years and childcare at eycp.essex.gov.uk/discover-or-return-to-acareer-in-early-years-and-childcare There is also an online portal www.essexschoolsjobs.co.uk/Vacancies/ Search.aspx to highlight the latest early year vacancies in the sector.

Basildon Round Table Fireworks Spectacular 2023

Basildon Round Table is proud to announce that their annual charity fireworks spectacular is returning to its spiritual home - Basildon Sporting Village - on Sunday 5th November in aid of local charities.

Wickford Town This year’s event will be fun packed with catering, fun-fair, DJ Matt and of course over £10,000 worth of Spectacular Fireworks.

Advanced ticket sales only, so book now to avoid disappointment!

Tickets along with much more information are available via www.basildonroundtable.com

Community Speedwatch volunteers

The Town Council is setting up a Community Speed Watch and we are looking for volunteers to join our group.

We are also looking for suggested sites (these must meet the set criteria).

Annual Grants Scheme open

If you are a local group or organisation and need funding for activities that will benefit the residents of Wickford you may be able to apply.

The deadline for applications is 30th October 2023.

Contact the Town Clerk for more information via 01268 858979 or clerk@wickfordtowncouncil.gov.uk

Wickford Foodbank

Volunteers from various churches and parts of our community work together on this project: The Churches Together Wickford Foodbank is temporarily based at Wickford Christian Centre (whilst building work is completed at the Salvation Army) providing food to those in need who live within the SS11 and SS12 postcode areas.

If you are looking to use the Foodbank you will receive a friendly welcome from our team.

Come along to the Wickford Christian Centre, Crouch Drive (SS11 8AQ) between 10am and 11:30am on a Thursday morning.

Please bring a form of ID containing proof of address if possible.

Donations are gratefully received, please check out the Facebook page @wickfordfoodbank to find out where and when you can drop off donations.

Wickford’s Little Free Library restocked

Lapwing Library has had a recent restock of books so if you’re looking for your next read, head along and take a look on what’s on offer. The nonprofit initiative is a great way of sharing books and building a community through the joy of reading. You can find the library on Lapwing Road, SS11 7JS. To find out more please check out the library on Facebook and Instagram @Lapwing.Library 19

Volunteer for Essex County Fire and Rescue Service Could you spare a few hours a week to make your community safer?

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service (ECFRS) is looking for volunteers who can join the team and help spread vital safety messaging to their communities.

more than we have ever done before to keep Essex safe.”

If you are legally entitled to work in the UK and over the age of 18 years old you can apply to be an Essex Fire Volunteer. The Service provides first class training and support for all volunteers before they start their roles.

The Service has a number of opportunities people can get involved with, from talking to Essex residents about home fire safety to volunteering at the museum.

Volunteering can give you the opportunity to try something new, gain experience, develop skills, improve your career prospects, build confidence and meet new people.

Todd Parrott, who started as a Home Fire Safety Volunteer for the Service and now manages volunteers, said:

“Volunteering with us gives people the opportunity to make a real difference in their local community, talking to residents and spreading fire safety messaging that could save people’s lives. We can’t keep people safe without the support of our wonderful volunteers, who truly make a difference every day no matter which role they are fulfilling.

If you would like to be involved in something worthwhile and rewarding, Essex Fire Volunteers could be for you. Find out more here: www.essex-fire.gov.uk/volunteering

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“Wickford Wildlife Society – Indoor Meeting – Wednesday 8th November 2023

There will be a break around 9:00pm when tea and coffee will be available.

Please see our website at www.wickfordwildlife.co.uk for more details or send us an email at info@wickfordwildlife.co.uk

The November indoor meeting of the Wickford Wildlife Society will take place on Wednesday 8th November 2023 at St Andrew’s Church Hall, 11 London Road, Wickford, Essex, SS12 0AN. Our guest speaker will be Martin Singleton, who will be presenting his “Andes to Amazon – Birding in Ecuador” talk. With more than 1,600 bird species found throughout this small country, including 132 species of Hummingbird, Ecuador has the world’s highest density of bird species found per acre and Martin will be displaying some of the photographs he took during his spring trip there this year.

This is an evening meeting, arrive at 7:45pm for an 8:00pm start. There will be a small entrance charge - £3.00 for non-members and £2.00 for members.

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South Essex Gymnastics Club has three state of the art gyms. Two of these gyms are located at the Basildon Sporting Village and we also have a gym at the Eversley Leisure Centre. As a Club we are committed to providing gymnastics coaching to all levels and abilities, and to all sections of the community, in a safe, friendly and fun environment.

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Celebrating a Milestone: Wickford Town News 1st Birthday!

In what feels like the blink of an eye, we’ve been publishing your Wickford Town News for a year!

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all who have contributed to this magazine over the year and to our wonderful readers who have consistently shared their thoughts on our publication. Your support has been our driving force.

Our doors are always open to discussions about various topics, featuring clubs, groups, charities, highlighting events, and conducting exclusive interviews. Please continue to reach out to us via email enquiries@community-publishing.org To commemorate our journey, we’ve decided to take a nostalgic look back at some of the wonderful articles that have graced our pages this past year.

Here’s to our 1st birthday and to the exciting chapters yet to come!

27

Autumn in the Park Friends of the Wickford Memorial Park Volunteer Group

Nerines in the Home Front Garden

Continuing articles on the Wickford Memorial Park- this month we will be looking at Autumn in the park.

Bee Sand Planters are already planted with layers of tulips. The Bee Sand Planters are ready for hibernating solitary bees and our Bug Hotels are ready for hibernating insects.

In the Home Front Garden, we will soon be lifting and dividing plants to fill spaces and create a continued tapestry of colours throughout the seasons. We leave the flowers heads to seed to provide sculpture and food for animals and birds during the Winter. We cut them back in February ready for the Spring.

It is perfect for a stroll in the park, still warm and sunny.

Our main tasks for Autumn into Winter will be; • Mulching the Orchard • Planting Bulbs- everywhere • Replanting the Raised Bed in the Home Front Garden- Heucheras and Pansies • Hosting an Open Day for the New Reflection Garden- 25th October • Poppy displays around the Memorial Trees and Knitted Poppy displayNovember for the Beacon, in time for Remembrance Weekend 28

Rose Hips

Please look out for future events on Facebook using the Events Tab. 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

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Specialist nurses helping heart surgery patients to recover more quickly Patients receiving heart care are spending less time in hospital thanks to the work of two specialist nurses.

Danielle Odumanye and Jade Messer have been appointed as Cardiothoracic Nurse Specialists at the Essex Cardiothoracic Centre (CTC), part of the Trust, who have helped patients to have a better experience when they undergo a heart procedure.

The duo work closely with consultants, surgical fellows, and the ward team to evaluate each patient’s condition, and make sure that those who need heart surgeries are prepared ahead of surgery and are physically and mentally fit for their procedure. This puts patients at ease, supports their recovery afterwards, and has led to their average stay in hospital reduced from nine days to six days.

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Speaking ahead of World Heart Day on 29th September, Jade said: “I am really proud of the progress we have made in a year within this new role.

“I think the patients have really benefitted from having a continuity of care and having someone they know throughout the whole process, and this really helps to instil trust and confidence in the service. We are expanding our team with two secondment posts later this year which is very exciting and will help us develop our service further.”

The two nurses have also started to trial a new process for patients who receive heart procedures where they are admitted to the hospital the same day of their surgery, instead of being admitted the day before.

They have also been looking into a new technology, using a smartphone app that allows them to check surgical wounds remotely and monitor recovery after a procedure. Once implemented, patients will be able to send photos of their wounds to the nurses, saving them a trip to hospital and helping to identify any issues early.

Cloudy2Clear, A Local Service, Saving You Money.

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

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.

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

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

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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”.

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“We’re incredibly grateful for each and Fire Service welcomes six every one of our on-call firefighters and the support they have from their loved ones new firefighters Six new on-call firefighters have been welcomed into Essex County Fire and Rescue Service after completing their basic training course at Maldon Fire Station.

The new recruits all live or work within five minutes of an on-call fire station and will respond to incidents when paged. They will be heading to Burnham, Clacton, Dovercourt, Dunmow, Leaden Roding and Maldon fire stations.

The team completed their two-week intensive training course on Friday 23rd September and will continue their training at their home stations.

Rick Hylton, Chief Fire Officer / Chief Executive said: “I’d like to thank our six new firefighters for their commitment to their local communities. Our on-call firefighters are a vital part of our fire service and play a huge role in helping to keep Essex safe. Being an on-call firefighter is a big commitment and one we know our recruits, their families and their employers make sacrifices for.

to help keep their communities safe. Good luck with the rest of your training at your fire stations and I look forward to working with you throughout your careers with us.”

More than three quarters of fire stations in Essex are staffed by on-call firefighters. They all live or work within five minutes of the fire station and are paged when there is an incident. This means they can go about their daily business working or spending time in their community while helping to keep the fire station available when needed.

As well as responding to incidents, on-call firefighters also carry out home fire safety visits, attend community events and visit community hubs like schools and care homes to give safety advice.

If you live or work within five minutes of an on-call fire station, you could be paid to protect your community as an on-call firefighter.

Find out more by searching “Join Essex Fire”.

Barn Dance for Southend Cancer Centre Southend Hospital Charitable Foundation is raising vital funds to improve the delivery of radiotherapy treatment, bettering the lives of patients undergoing cancer treatment in Mid and South Essex.

The Spotlight Radiotherapy Appeal aims to raise £600,000 to fund ultra-precise, state-of-the-art radiotherapy positioning devices which provide set-up and motion management during radiotherapy.

So far, an amazing £231,020 has been raised towards the £600,000 target!

Southend Hospital Charitable Foundation is raising vital funds to improve the delivery of radiotherapy treatment, bettering the lives of patients undergoing cancer treatment in Mid and South Essex.

Over 385,000 people are diagnosed with cancer in the UK every year - that’s one diagnosis every 90 seconds. The Cancer centre at Southend Hospital alone, delivers some 30,000 doses of radiotherapy treatment each year to approximately 2,500 patients across Mid and South Essex. We can improve the experience of cancer patients receiving radiotherapy treatment for years to come.

Donate via www.justgiving.com/shf and help buy Southend Hospital’s essential state-of-the-art new Surface Guided Radiotherapy Treatment machines.

Want to get involved? Join in with an evening of dancing to the Manor Hoose Ceilidh band with caller Sibby at Runwell Village Hall, Wickford SS11 7JE. £10 per head with doors open at 7:15pm for 7:30pm start. Bring your own drink and nibbles!

For tickets contact: David 07785 914054 Gerry 07957 482005

MAKE YOUR W HAVE YOU MADE …IN THE COMFORT OF YOU YOUR WILL?

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My professional services for arranging MARTIN ENGLEMAN AIPW AFPC MARTIN ENGLEMAN AIPW AFPC 8\HSPÄLK 4LTILY VM [OL 0UZ[P[\[L VM 7YVMLZZPVUHS personally-tailored Wills, Powers Qualified Member of the Institute of Professional Will Writers ~ Certificate in Mortgage Practice & Equity Release, Chartered Insurance Institute ~ Diploma, Personal >PSS >YP[LYZ e *LY[PÄJH[L PU 4VY[NHNL 7YHJ[PJL Finance Soc of Attorney, Probate and expert Please visit www.businessadvisoressex.co.uk for more detail ,X\P[` 9LSLHZL *OHY[LYLK 0UZ\YHUJL 0UZ[P[\[L e information, then call me forSociety a fixed fee quotation and free ad guidance on Inheritance Tax and Care Diploma, Personal Finance Home Fees, are offered to applicants then call 01268 761022 for a fee quotation Please visit www.businessadvisoressex.co.uk www.businessadvisoressex.co.uk/making-a-will-home-visit-essex/ RQ D À[HG IHH EDVLV UHJDUGOHVV RI for more detailed information, then call me for www.businessadvisoressex.co.uk/will-writer-essex-home-visit/ consultation time and number of H Ä_LK MLL X\V[H[PVU HUK MYLL HK]PJL N WILL WRITING SERVICE NFFUJOHT.

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Enjoy the wealth in your property without having to move home Quash your credit card debts and loans * See note below Upgrade your home with an extension / new kitchen / bathroom / central heating Increase your monthly income by repaying your borrowings and loan repayments Travel abroad more frequently to family and friends You require care assistance at home Reduce Inheritance Tax on your estate Enjoy more frequent holidays and leisure breaks or a cruise Leave an early inheritance to your children Enhance your savings or monthly income by deferring mortgage repayments Assist your children with their wedding, buying property or eliminating debt Save for your grandchildren’s education Exchange your car for a newer model

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What’s On Celebration-Open Day for the New Reflection Garden

Wednesday 25th October, 9:30am-12pm at New Reflection Garden The Friends of the Wickford Memorial Park in Partnership with the Basildon Council Parks and Countryside Team want to announce our Celebration Open Day for the New Reflection Garden - The Reflection Garden is near the Whist Ave Pedestrian Entrance. Nearest Car Park is Highcliffe Road, the. Turn right and follow the path.

Please feel free to drop in any time to see the new garden and chat with the volunteers and park staff.

We can explain the concept and design.

The main garden was funded by a National Lottery Grant we also received a Locality Grant from Essex County Council for Cherry trees around the site.

Lady McAdden Breast Cancer charity every month collection unwanted bras in any condition.

We will have the cake ladies in the tea bar selling the tasty cakes and famous sausage rolls with all proceeds going to Breast Cancer.

We also support Cancer Hair Care – Jan will be here with a stall with lots of information and advice.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month – we will have a separate raffle this month with proceeds shared between the Charities. £1 a strip which can be purchased at the event.

The Wick Pamper & Gift Evening Sunday 29th October, 5pm-9pm at the The Wick Community Centre

South Hanningfield Christmas Crafts & Gifts Table Top Fayre Please remember we have the Big Pink Bin from Lady McAdden supporting the Leigh 36

Saturday 25th November, 10am – 4pm at South Hanningfield Village Hall, CM3 8HL The South Hanningfield Village Hall Management Committee are holding a Christmas Crafts and Gifts Table Top Fayre

Wickford Town at the hall on Saturday, 25th November from 10am to 4pm. Over 30 craft and gift stalls will be attending. The event is Free Entry, there will be a Raffle and refreshments will be available including Mulled Wine!

For further information, phone 07891 653238 or email vallisc@aol.com

Events At Wickford Library (Unit 8, The Willows, Market Rd, Wickford SS12 0RA)

Baby and Toddler Rhymetime

Every Monday, 10am – 10:30am and 11am – 11:30am

Knit and Natter

Every Thursday, 10am – 12 noon Drop-in sessions for a knit and a chat. From beginner to advanced, all welcome.

Share your ideas and bring along your projects. Sessions may be limited by space.

For more information contact Wickford Library.

Us4Learning IT Club

Every Friday, 1:30pm – 3:30pm Free IT help and advice For more information, inquire at the library or contact Us4Learning: us4learning@gmail. com Regular sessions are suspended at the moment due to lack of attendance, but customers are encouraged to contact the library if they are interested in meeting with the group.

Wickford Community Archive Memory Desk Free your child’s imagination with songs and stories, give their early communication skills a boost and have fun together!

Every second Saturday of the month, 10am – 12 noon

TEC Mates

Every Monday, 2pm-4pm Volunteer-led drop-in session to help you learn new digital skills and give you the confidence to use technology.

Computer provided, or bring your own device.

For more information, enquire at the library or contact TEC Mates: admin@BBWCVS.org.uk or call 01268 294 124

Members of the Wickford Community Archive Group will be on hand: to show people how to access and use the website; to scan photographs for including on the website; to take the names of those people who would like to have their memories recorded; and to listen to people remembering early days of our community. For more information, visit www.wickfordhistory.org.uk 37

ALL MAJOR SPORTING EVENTS SHOWN ON OUR 3 LARGE SCREENS

Wickford

Sky Sports & BT Sports • Bar Serving Full Range of Drinks • Pool Table & Dart Board • Gaming Machines • Venue Hire • Live Bands

FRIENDLY ATMOSPHERE – FAMILIES WELCOME!

UPCOMING 2023 ENTERTAINMENT 28th October KINETIC – Rock Indie & Pop 18th November All Out Emo – Pop/Punk/90’s/00’s/Indie 16th December Childrens Christmas Party

4th November BACK TO THE 80’s – 80’s Hits / Party 2nd December Half Stoned – 60’s/70’s Rock Come Join Us For A New Year’s Eve Party Night featuring Specialist Disco’s 7.30pm – 1am

01268 766 754

www.rblwickford.co.uk 73 Runwell Road, Wickford, Essex SS11 7HL Please mention Wickford Town News when responding to advertisements

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39

Savouring November’s Bounty With Seasonal Recipes As autumn paints our surroundings in warm hues, we invite you to embark on a culinary journey that embraces the flavours of November.

In this edition, we’ve crafted a delectable collection of recipes, each thoughtfully designed to highlight seasonal produce and support local businesses. From a heartwarming Autumn Harvest Chicken Casserole to a vibrant Roasted Beetroot and Goats Cheese Salad, and a comforting Butternut Squash and Chickpea Curry, we’re bringing you the essence of fall. And, in honour of National Sardines Day, don’t miss our delightful Sardine and Tomato Bruschetta. Get ready to indulge in November’s culinary delights!

Autumn Harvest Chicken Casserole Ingredients 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 onion, chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 carrots, sliced 2 parsnips, sliced 2 cups butternut squash, cubed 1 cup Brussels sprouts, halved 2 cups chicken broth 1 teaspoon dried thyme Salt and pepper, to taste Fresh parsley, for garnish

Roasted Beetroot and Goat Cheese Salad 4 medium-sized beetroots, peeled and cubed 2 tablespoons olive oil Salt and pepper, to taste 4 cups mixed salad greens 100g goat cheese, crumbled 1/4 cup walnuts, toasted Balsamic vinegar, for drizzling

40

Method 1. Preheat your oven to 180°C. 2. In an ovenproof skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper and sear until golden brown on both sides. Remove from the pan and set aside.

3. In the same pan, add chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until softened.

4. Add carrots, parsnips, butternut squash, and Brussels sprouts. Cook for a few minutes until they start to brown.

5. Return the chicken to the pan and add chicken broth and dried thyme.

6. Cover the skillet and transfer it to the preheated oven. Bake for about 30-35 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.

7. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Method 1. Preheat your oven to 200°C 2. Toss the cubed beetroots in olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized.

3. Let the roasted beetroots cool slightly.

4. Arrange the mixed salad greens on serving plates.

5. Top with roasted beetroots, crumbled goat cheese, and toasted walnuts.

6. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar and serve.

Butternut Squash and Chickpea Curry Ingredients 1 butternut squash, peeled and cubed 1 can (400g) chickpeas, drained and rinsed 1 onion, chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 can (400ml) coconut milk 2 tablespoons curry paste (adjust to your spice preference) 1 tablespoon olive oil Salt and pepper, to taste Fresh coriander, for garnish Cooked rice, for serving Method 1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, sauté until softened.

2. Stir in curry paste and cook for a minute.

3. Add butternut squash and chickpeas, stir to coat with the curry paste.

4. Pour in coconut milk and simmer until the squash is tender, about 20-25 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

5. Serve over cooked rice, garnished with fresh cilantro.

Sardine and Tomato Bruschetta Ingredients 4 slices of crusty bread 1 can (125g) sardines in tomato sauce 2 ripe tomatoes, diced 2 cloves garlic, minced Fresh basil leaves, for garnish Olive oil, for drizzling Salt and pepper, to taste Method 1. Toast the slices of crusty bread until golden brown.

2. While the bread is still warm, rub the minced garlic cloves over the surface.

3. Top each slice with diced tomatoes and sardines in tomato sauce. Season with salt and pepper.

4. Drizzle with olive oil and garnish with fresh basil leaves.

41

Roome, CEO of Restore TV, said: “We Free fix if TV interference Ben know just how important TV is to inform, entertain and provide welcome company. occurs in Wickford Mobile network services are being upgraded in Wickford boosting speed, performance and coverage.

There is a small chance these improvements may cause interference to TV received through an aerial such as Freeview, BT, TalkTalk and YouView.

Symptoms could include intermittent sound, blocky images (pixelation) or loss of TV signal.

For residents who are affected by the upgrades, free support is available from Restore TV. Restore TV is an independent programme created by Digital Mobile Spectrum Limited (DMSL), an organisation owned by the UK’s four mobile network operators: EE, Virgin Media O2, Three and Vodafone.

Restore TV’s role is to ensure people can continue to enjoy free to view TV if mobile service upgrades cause TV interference.

Restore TV reports to the Coexistence Technical Working Group, chaired by Ofcom, which monitors and advises on the programme to ensure free to view TV viewers’ interest are properly served.

The programme offers additional support for people who are 75 years of age or older, are registered blind or partially sighted or receive any of the following benefits: personal independence payments (PIPs); attendance allowance; constant attendance allowance or War Pensioner’s Mobility Support.

Restore TV exists to ensure we all can continue to access free to view TV as mobile services are improved across the country.

“If you see new TV interference, we’re on hand to help you resolve the issue. We can send a Restore TV filter, free of charge, for you to fit between your aerial lead and TV or set-top box to remove mobile signals and allow you to watch free to view TV as normal. Full instructions are included, and we can provide further advice online and by phone if needed.

“In most instances, fitting the filter will resolve any issues, but if this isn’t the case, we may also be able to arrange a follow-up visit from a Restore TV engineer at no cost, depending on eligibility.”

Cable and satellite TV, such as Sky or Virgin, are not affected. However, viewers with these services, who also watch free to view TV through an aerial, can receive a free Restore TV filter.

Residents are more likely to be affected if they live in an area with weak digital television reception, have a TV signal booster and whose TV aerial is close to a mobile mast.

For residents in flats or communal buildings, Restore TV provides landlords or property managers with support to resolve the problem.

Any viewers who experience new interference to free to view TV should contact Restore TV on: 0808 13 13 800 (free from landlines and mobiles) For more information, please visit www.restoretv.uk

42

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Contact Ian Nicholson, call 01277 562567 or email info@bwep.uk www.bwep.uk Please mention Wickford Town News when responding to advertisements

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My advice covers all areas of financial planning which includes: -

Investment Planning Retirement Planning Protection Planning Inheritance Tax and Estate Planning Corporate Services

07576 332132 Brook.Felus@sjpp.co.uk 30 Lombard Street, London, EC3V 9BQ Lombard Wealth Associates is an Appointed Representative of and represents only St. James's Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority) for the purpose of advising solely on the Group’s wealth management products and services, more details of which are set out on the Group’s website www.sjp.co.uk/products. SJP APPROVED 12/09/2023

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