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Wickford Town News ISSUE 15

Wickford Talking Newspaper Find out more on page 4

Wickford Rotary Club January 2024 Find out more on page 16

Essex Year of Numbers Find out more on page 24

Chinese New Year Recipes Find out more on page 34

Learn a new skill in 2024 Find out more on page 38

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Another Year Exploring Community with Wickford Town News! As we journey through the heart of winter, this issue continues to illuminate the spirit of our town. Gain valuable health insights from Lifetime Chiropractic, experience the ever-evolving beauty of Wickford Memorial Park by getting involved with their gardening group and upcoming events and learn more about the Wickford and District Talking Newspaper for the Blind. Explore avenues of community connection through the impactful efforts of the Wickford Rotary Club and the positive outcomes of grant funding for eight more projects in Essex. Discover the richness of cultural celebrations with some vibrant Chinese New Year Recipes and take notice of the crucial reminders about the current strain on NHS services. Let’s come together as a community to learn, celebrate diversity, and nurture growth in this vibrant issue of Wickford Town News! Don’t forget, as well as being available to read online, 12,000 copies are printed and delivered through the doors every month! As you read this, we are preparing the late February/March issue so please ensure any articles are submitted via the email below before 5th February!

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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. Published by KAS Community Publishing Ltd Please mention Wickford Town News when responding to advertisements

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Wickford Talking Newspaper Wickford & District Talking Newspaper For The Blind is now nearly 50 years old. It was originally based in Priority House, London Road, Wickford but due to Priority House being demolished for flats was re-homed in The George Hurd Centre, Audley Way, Basildon. Mike Ballinger - their Technical Manager, a volunteer for 25 years, and someone who has helped other local Talking Newspapers to make the change to digital recording has been recommended to His Majesty The King for the honour of Medal of the British Empire (BEM) in the New Year Honours List 2024. This recommendation has been made by the Prime Minister on the advice of the independent Main Honours Committee following an independent assessment process. Mike has worked tirelessly over the years volunteering with Wickford Talking Newspaper on their mission to improve their service, in the way of raising funds, research and setting up our transition to a fully functioning digital service. This system is how we continue to operate today. Mike was also determined during COVID to keep our Listeners in touch and devised a way to do this by working from home. Together, we feel, we certainly make a difference to many people’s lives and Mike thoroughly deserves this award.

He is very proud to be honoured in this way and wants it to be known that without all of the volunteers at Wickford & District Talking Newspaper this award would not have been possible. He will also attend a Royal Garden Party later in the year. Anyone who would like to join the band of volunteers in the various roles of Technician or Administrators please contact us on: 07766 671695 or email wickfordtalkingnewspaper@gmail.com who would be very pleased to hear from you and let you know what we do and how we produce the recordings.

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Spring Bulb Planting Friends of the Wickford Memorial Park Volunteer Group Continuing articles on the Wickford Memorial Park - this month we will be reporting on our spring bulb planting around the park. Please look out for future events on Facebook using the Events Tab. We run our gardening groups every Wednesday and Saturday morning if you’d like to come along, no gardening experience necessary and there are tasks for all abilities. We have over a thousand members on our Facebook page. Please pop down for a chat or help, you would be most welcome. We have been busy over November and December planting extra spring bulbs around the park: We have planted crocuses in the second crescent of the new Reflection Garden, we planted them from the trees in the design of ‘tendrils of roots’- so they will look like tree roots in the spring. Daffodils were planted around the Cherry Trees bordering the Reflection Garden. Snowdrops for the Reflection Garden will be ordered- ‘in the green’ to be planted in the New Year. Snowdrops are seen as a sign of ‘hope’. 6

Daffodils were also planted in the Home Front Garden, on the ‘Mound’ at Mount Road, and at the main Runwell Road Entrance along the grass verge.

Tulips were planted around the Beacon and in the tyre at Mount Road Entrance. The ‘Friends’ volunteers are having a well earned break over the Christmas and New Year period, and will return in late January/ February for more exciting projects. We work and liaise with the Park staff and Management, our volunteer hours for 2023 totalled 1800 hours! Please visit the park in the Spring to see the spectacular displays. The daffodils and tulips were donated by the Wickford Town Council and the crocuses and snowdrops from grants applied for via the Friends Committee. 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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Eight more projects benefit from grant funding Eight more organisations will receive grants to launch projects designed to improve the mental and physical health of residents in Essex. The projects will receive grants from our Public Health Accelerator Bids (PHAB) small grants programme. The latest round will see the projects benefit from a total of £87,556. The successful organisations are: • Hadleigh Park Cycles, Castle Point: to partner with NHS organisations, the Salvation Army and local schools to promote and provide activities that support healthy lifestyle choices. Other organisations will be able to signpost people with poor physical or mental health to activities. • Open Road, Tendring: to employ an engagement coordinator to support an open access service for those with dependency or misuse issues who are more susceptible to poor health. • Acorn Village, Tendring: to create a walk and talk wellbeing project, a one-year programme to help adults with learning disabilities with the management of their long-term conditions. • Muscle Mind Care CIC, Colchester: to offer free fitness classes for pregnant women and new dads facing mental health and health challenges. The classes focus on tackling health inequalities by targeting those with high BMI, gestational diabetes, PND, and preeclampsia.

• The Country Trust, Harlow: to host a year of immersive food discovery sessions for three Harlow schools – including one alternative provision for children with complex needs. • Brighter Opportunities for Special People, Basildon: to host 140 out and about sessions in the community for children and young people with disabilities. These will provide 840 places and 4,896 hours of specialist support with fun, developmental and educational activities out in the community. • Enterprise East Group CIC, Uttlesford: to run a series of weekly workshops covering topics of healthy eating, diet, exercise, and nutrition. These will include practical cooking lessons, led by trained chefs, which will teach participants how to plan and cook healthier meals on a regular basis. • Divine Assembly Ministries (Boaz Project), Colchester: to run a project promoting positive health behaviours, focusing on improving both physical and mental health in Greenstead, particularly women and girls. PHAB offers organisations the opportunity to bid for funding across two grant funding streams - small grants and major grants over £15,000. Applications for the small grants scheme will be paused from Monday 15th January to Monday 12th February. Following this date, organisations will be able to bid for funding of up to £7,500 for their projects. Find out more and apply for PHAB funding at www.essex.gov.uk/phab

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NHS services are under severe pressure, please choose wisely

There are a number of ways for people to get health advice and care if they, a family member or a friend feel ill:

• Visit the NHS website – for advice and information. It covers thousands of illnesses and conditions: www.nhs.uk The local NHS is urging people to use • Visit a pharmacy – for expert advice and services wisely as health services across low-cost medicines to ease symptoms mid and south Essex are experiencing and help treat your condition. Every area major pressures. has a late opening pharmacy and most Accident and Emergency departments, have consulting rooms where people can the ambulance service, GP practices and ask for advice in private. Go to community health services are all being www.nhs.uk to find your nearest open stretched by the number of people calling on pharmacist. them for help. Local people are reminded that • Contact your GP practice – GP practices they should only call 999 for an ambulance have a range of staff to assess and or attend A&E for serious, life or treat patients. Local residents can visit limb-threatening conditions. their practice website or call them to get help. Dr Anna Davey, GP lead for mid and south • Visit www.111.nhs.uk or call 111 – for Essex ICB said: free, round the clock help when GP surgeries are closed, when it’s an urgent “NHS services are under severe pressure at the moment. This could mean longer but not a life-threatening 999 situation, waits for those with less serious conditions or for those who are unsure where to as some services, including ambulances go to get the right help for their medical and A&E departments work to ensure that condition. NHS 111 can advise and even those with the greatest clinical need get the book you an appointment with the urgent care they need first. out-of-hours GP. They can also advise on late-opening pharmacies, minor injuries “The NHS is always here when needed, but units, mental health help or urgent care we are asking everyone to think carefully centre services. The online service or about which NHS service would be most the adviser on the phone will signpost to appropriate for them at this time. the nearest suitable service to where you “If you need help urgently but aren’t sure are. about which service you need, NHS 111, • Mental health help – anyone in a mental either online or on the phone, will ensure health crisis should call NHS 111 and you get the right care and treatment.” select option 2.

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#NOPLACEFORHATE There is no place for hate, and we stand against hate crimes. A hate crime is motivated by someone’s hostility or prejudice towards another person because of their race, gender, religion, sexuality, disability or other prejudice. Anyone can be the victim of a hate crime or incident, which can have a devastating impact on the victim and their family. Neighbourhood Watch encourages everyone to stand up against hate crime. For information and guidance – scan the QR code. We can make a difference. Together.

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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 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

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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Wickford Rotary Club January 2024 As in past years the Rotary Club of Wickford played host again in December to Santa when he visited the streets of Wickford on his sleigh in the evenings in the run up to Christmas. Santa had nine street runs this year covering a large proportion of the town, so there was nowhere in the town more than a mile from one of his runs.

followed the Sleigh Tracking app which was installed on the Sleigh and came across town to meet Santa on a night that suited them, and made a bit of an adventure for the children on their Santa search. Many people followed the sleigh for a good proportion of each run so that we saw lots of happy faces during the month. Santa also visited a number of supermarkets in the area on the weekends up to Christmas and were welcomed warmly at both Tesco and Sainsbury’s.

Conversations with the young people we met on our travels affirmed our belief that Santa brings joy and many of the older generation reminisced on having seen Santa and the sleigh in the past. As one lady said “This is the thing which starts Christmas up for me!”

Following a tradition which has built up over the last few years, such is the enthusiasm of the people of Wickford to see Santa, many

Of course we can’t let the opportunity go to collect some funds for Charity and this year’s choice was the Spotlight Radiotherapy appeal at Southend Hospital (www.spotlightappeal.org).

This appeal aims to raise £600,000 to pay for specialist equipment to improve the delivery of radiotherapy treatment to the people of the District. Southend Hospital is a major cancer treatment centre and services the needs of cancer patients across the whole of South and Mid-Essex, and we felt that this was a worthwhile cause which benefitted our local community. Our aim was to try to raise at least 1% of the total needed. We’re pleased to say that we have exceeded our target, and Santa and his elves raised a total of £7070 to go this this fantastic cause.

Of course this wouldn’t happen if it weren’t for the members of the Club, our many friends and volunteers who come out and help us regardless of the weather to make it all happen, and of course, the people of Wickford, who have given so generously over the festive period, and have continued to do so over the years. Thank you for your continued support and we hope that you genuinely have a happy and healthy 2024. If you’d like to know more about what we do then just contact us via email at info@wickfordrotary.org.uk, or check out the website at www.wickfordrotary.org.uk

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News Around Ongoing investment in buses in Essex

Essex County Council have confirmed ongoing investment in a large network of bus services in Essex. The council subsidise around 15% of bus services in the county because they are not commercially viable. These non-commercial services mainly operate in rural areas, at less popular times for travel and provide vital journeys for residents. Last year a consultation was held asking residents’ views on these services. Residents highlighted strong support for local services and highlighted the essential role they play in people’s lives. As a result of the consultation, over 150 routes will continue, with new contracts to be procured. Some will be replaced with the DigiGo service, and seven will cease because they are low use. Most of the changes will happen in July 2024 when contracts expire. Find out more about the consultation results and the future of these bus services at cmis.essex.gov.uk/essexcmis5/Decisions/ tabid/78/ctl/ViewCMIS_DecisionDetails/ mid/422/Id/9815/Default.aspx

eight times over. Love Essex and Deadline Communications have released a new film hoping to inspire everyone to reduce food waste. The story follows an apple who wants to be eaten. In the first film ‘What a Waste!’, Apple ends up in a general waste bin without fulfilling his destiny of being eaten. In the sequel, ‘Apple-y Ever After’, he gets a second chance. Councillor Peter Schwier, Climate Czar and Essex County Council Cabinet Member for Environment, Waste Reduction and Recycling, said: “Making the most of the food we grow and buy is something everyone can do to help save money and reduce the cost and impact of managing Essex‘s waste. We hope these fun films will encourage residents to reduce food waste.” The two videos mark the launch and the end of the Love Essex, Love Food campaign, dedicated to reducing food waste in Essex. The release of the Apple-y Ever After video is an invitation for everyone to think of alternatives, before getting rid of food. Watch Apple-y Ever After at www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xa4pntCwgE8

DigiGo service extended to March 2026

New Essex County Council animation on food waste

Every year, food wasted in UK homes is enough to fill Wembley Stadium to the brim 18

The Essex County Council on-demand public transport service DigiGo will run until at least March 2026. DigiGo first launched in April 2022 as part of a two-year pilot scheme. This was funded by the Department for Transport’s Rural Mobility Fund. The on-demand service currently operates

Wickford Town in parts of Essex. Following the extension, the service will now run until at least March 2026. After this, a further extension into 2028 will be considered. DigiGo operates flexibly, with bookings made via the TravelEssex app. Bookings can be made in advance or booked on-demand. Payment is made via the app, with a guaranteed seat and real-time vehicle tracking. Rural and suburban areas now have a public transport service that better meets their needs, is more available than traditional fixed services and enables them to access key services that were previously inaccessible. Continued use and support paves the way for an extension into 2028. Information from the pilot will inform any future rollout to other areas of Essex. Find out more about DigiGo via www.travelessex.co.uk/about-demandresponsive-transport/ddrt

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service urges motorists to park considerately

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service (ECFRS) is urging motorists to take extra care when parking their vehicles, so they do not prevent fire engines from attending potentially life-threatening emergencies. Over the last few months, the Service has experienced delays in travelling to incidents due to poor parking blocking vital access routes for fire engines. Colchester, Harlow and Southend are some of the areas that have been flagged as hotspots for people parking their vehicles poorly. Station Manager Nick Singleton said: “The safety of our communities is our top priority, and it is important that people

understand the direct impact their parking choices can have on our ability to respond to incidents rapidly. “Every second counts in an emergency, and blocking access routes can lead to potentially life-threatening delays. “We’re asking everyone to check their surroundings before they leave their vehicle. Think - are you parked on a narrow road where emergency access is crucial or are you blocking a fire hydrant? If the answer is yes, then you need to move your vehicle.”

Positive start for mental health response car in Mid and South Essex

A dedicated new vehicle to help respond to mental health incidents is already making a positive difference in Mid and South Essex since its launch. The Mental Health Joint Response Car was launched in April 2023. The East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAST) provides the vehicle and emergency clinicians, with mental health professionals from Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (EPUT) also joining the team. The scheme is supported by the Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board, and is yet another example of effective joint working across the NHS to improve patient outcomes. Latest figures show that the service is already having an impact on how EEAST responds to mental health emergencies, with approximately five patients a day receiving help from the joint response vehicle. As of 10th December 2023, 1,160 individual patients have been helped by this dedicated service. The service is also helping to reduce pressure on Accident & Emergency departments too, with 83% of patients who were seen face to face by the Mental Health Joint Response Car avoiding the need to go to hospital. 19

News from Wickford Town Council

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Essex Police Community Choir Police choir opens up to everyone. Having spent 34 successful years as Essex Police Choir - which has tended to make people think that they had to be in the Force, or something to do with it, to be a member the Choir has decided to widen its appeal to the whole community. Essex Police Community Choir will be the new name and this coincides with some internal changes to modernise their image. Gone will be the somewhat dated uniform for ladies who will now wear their own white tops and black skirts or trousers. Potential members will still not need to read music as the Choir rehearses pieces in a way that everyone will learn the songs quite easily. There is no audition or test for new members to pass as they will just have to be able to hold a tune.

The Choir’s repertoire includes songs from the shows and other popular items and sheet music is provided at no cost. Because they are part of the Police family, members will still have to accept that they represent the Police and therefore need to uphold the image of Essex Police and the wider service. Whilst the Choir is totally self-sufficient, not receiving any money from the Police precept, it does have very welcome support from the force, in that it rehearses at the HQ in Chelmsford and when needed, is provided with transport. This enables subs to be kept to a minimum £100 for 2024 or around £2 per rehearsal for the 48 weeks a year that it meets, as opposed to most commercially run choirs who charge upwards of £6 a session, or £300 a year for just school terms.

The Choir performs around 5 or 6 concerts a year for good causes, at no cost to them, and over its life it has raised in excess of £300,000 for those charities. It also believes that it has helped put more toilets in churches than any other organisation! Choir Chairman, Tony Willson, said “These days there are many community choirs around and potential members can choose which one they feel comfortable with. However, we feel that we are missing out on a vast range of people who probably thought that they had to be working for the police in order to join. We can now say that this just isn’t so. We have thrown the doors open to anyone who wants to sing - which we all know helps our mental wellbeing. So if anyone is interested in seeing what we do, they are very welcome.”

Chief Constable and President of the Choir, BJ Harrington said “Essex Police is proud of being part of the community, so this is a great opportunity for anyone to get involved with the Choir. Being a member is an amazing way for people to enjoy singing and to gettogether with like-minded people whilst giving something back to the community and raising money for good causes.” The Choir’s first concert as the new Community Choir was their Christmas event on Saturday 16th December with Essex Police Band at Christchurch, London Road. If anyone is interested in attending a rehearsal, they should either send details via the contact form on the Choir’s website (www.essexpolicechoir.co.uk), via email at membership@essexpolicechoir.co.uk or telephone Sally Low, Membership Secretary on 07966 207115 to make arrangements.

Some of the Essex Police Community Choir in the garden at Police HQ

View the full Essex Year of Numbers, Winter Talks sessions via www.youtube.com/ watch?v=nW8nnMYm8aQ

Upcoming events

Essex Year of Numbers Essex Year of Numbers is a countywide campaign that aims to inspire a love of learning, with a focus on numeracy. It is a year of exciting learning opportunities, fun events and initiatives aimed at children aged 0 to 18-years-old. The events aim to give every child’s maths skills a magic boost.

Take a look at some of the upcoming events happening in your area. This section will be regularly updated online, so please keep an eye out to see what’s happening! ‘Count Me In’ music production and DJ skills sessions Count Me In focuses on how numbers are used in music production and DJ skills.

Young people aged 10 to 18-years-old can learn DJ skills and get hands-on experience with the DJ deck. Essex County Council Parents can also access guidance and support through the programme to help build Music Service are hosting free two-hour numbers and learning into homelife. Parents, sessions weekly at the locations below: • Southernhay Youth Centre, Basildon – caregivers and family members play a vital Mondays 4pm to 6pm role in a child’s education. You can support • Brentwood Youth Centre (The Hermit children at home with homework and Club) – Tuesdays 4pm to 6pm number-based learning. • Hare Street Youth Centre, Harlow – Low numeracy skills can disadvantage people Fridays 4pm to 6pm later in life and lead to problems such as debt, For more information and to book contact unemployment and even poor health. Essex essex.yearofnumbers@essex.gov.uk Year of Numbers will help people of all ages Read and Count with Me Under a Tree and backgrounds to improve their numeracy Encourage your little ones to enjoy the skills and feel confident using maths. great outdoors with Read and Count with Winter Talks Me Under a Tree bags. The bags contain In December Essex County Council held picture books to share with your little ones to the Essex Year of Numbers Winter Talks in encourage literacy, numeracy and a love of collaboration with the University of Essex. nature from an early age. Titles include ‘Mad Families from across Essex enjoyed a fun About Minibeasts’ by Giles Andreae and a interactive show which combined selection of other outdoor themed stories. mind-reading tricks and games. Watch the Borrow a Read and Count with Me bag from intro to the Winter Talks via www.youtube. your local library to use in green spaces com/watch?v=H2PSRHjMBSk across the county.

8 = 64 21 ÷3 = 7 2 2

Families can access support from the Nation Numeracy website. The free family maths toolkit provides a range of ideas and free activities to help families enjoy maths together.

Download the Essex Year of... app The Essex Year of... app will inspire you and your child to enjoy the magic of maths with confidence. You will find useful learning resources and information about upcoming events.

The Lord Lieutenant competition The Lord Lieutenant has launched a competition to kick-off the Essex Year of Numbers. We’re inviting children and young people to create a 2D/3D display (maximum size 1m2 or 1m3), with a short video presentation creatively showing the many ways numbers are used in everyday life.

If you have any ideas of what you might like to see for Essex Year of Numbers or if you have any questions please email essex.yearofnumbers@essex.gov.uk

Entries can include number patterns, diagrams, calculations, explanations, photographs and models. The competition offers students the chance to think creatively about maths and its everyday use. Available support for parents By helping your child at home, you demonstrate the importance of learning, which makes a huge difference to your child’s progress. There is a range of support available from education settings to libraries. Your child’s nursery or school is a great source of support. We encourage you to talk to your child’s education setting about embedding numbers into your home life. This can be particularly useful if you are struggling with your child’s homework and need help. Staff and volunteers at your local library can also offer support with your child’s numeracy. Find your local library online. If you are keen on developing your maths confidence, you can do so with our Multiply programme.

2 +32 = 5

Back Pain:

Debunking Common Myths Doctor Stefan Gospodinov (DC) Life Chiropractic Wickford shares his insights on Back Pain Myths.

Dr Stefan (D.C) (Doctor of Chiropractic

Back pain is a common problem that affects many people worldwide. However, there are many myths and misconceptions about it. Let’s uncover the truth about back pain. Myth 1: Rest is Always the Best Remedy for Back Pain. While rest can alleviate acute back pain, prolonged inactivity can worsen the condition. Gentle exercises, stretching, and movement often prove more beneficial in the long run. Myth 2: Severe Back Pain Equals Severe Damage. The intensity of back pain doesn’t always correlate with the extent of physical damage. Sometimes, minor injuries can cause severe pain, while significant issues like disc degeneration may cause little to no pain. Myth 3: Back Pain is Always Linked to Spinal Issues. Back pain isn’t exclusively caused by spinal problems. Factors like stress, poor posture, muscle strain, and even psychological issues can contribute significantly to back pain.

Myth 4: If You’re Fit, You Won’t Get Back Pain. Fitness helps, but it’s not a foolproof guard against back pain. Even athletes can experience back issues due to overuse, improper technique, or underlying health conditions. Myth 5: Surgery is a Sure Cure for Back Pain. Surgery is not always the solution. Many cases of back pain can be resolved with non-invasive treatments such as chiropractic care, physical therapy, deep tissue massage and lifestyle modifications. Conclusion: Understanding the truths about back pain is crucial for effective treatment and management. Always consult with healthcare professionals like chiropractors to find the best course of action for your back pain. We believe that it’s always better to understand and treat the root cause of back pain, rather than just treat the symptoms.

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DIY Valentines

With Christmas still leaving a hole in most people’s pockets, and January being a notably tough time for wallets and purses, why not make Valentine’s Day a bit more financially viable? It doesn’t mean you have to lose the romantic essence of February 14th, if anything putting the time into a handcrafted gift can make it even more romantic. Handcrafted gifts can really show just how much your other half means to you, and from baked goods to handmade cards and gifts, it adds that extra bit of charm. They say the way to many a heart is through the stomach, and although it might not be a fact, a homemade cake or meal, that encompasses your partner’s favourite foods is a wonderful way to start the day. Another sweet way to showcase your love and attention to detail, is filling a small box with some of your greatest memories as a couple, maybe it’s an inside joke or a funny memory you have together. These keepsake boxes send you on a romantic trip down memory lane that you can revel in together.

Not many things say ‘I love you’ like pampering your partner, and one way to do that is to transform your bathroom, if you’re lucky enough to have a bath, into your very own salon sanctuary. With a few candles, bath salts, bath bombs, and petals, it can create a sense of serenity and allow you both to relax and find a moment of peace. Creating your own cards is a wonderful way of exploring your creativity and taking that personalisation to the next level. Instead of the generic happy Valentine’s Day message, you can make it something unique and share memories and photos that both of you hold dear, and instead of it collecting dust after a week or two, it can be showcased all year round. Have you ever tried origami? It’s a beautiful way of expressing your creativity to your partner, and it can be a truly exciting way to spend some of your Valentine’s Day together, creating your favourite animals or object together and including them as part of your gift this February. These are just a handful of ways to keep the price down, while still expressing your appreciation and love for your partner. Remember, it’s the thought and effort that counts the most, not the price tag.

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What’s On Open Mic Night

Friday 26th January, 7:30pm at St Andrew’s Church

children can play there if they don’t want to run. Catch up at the café when the run is finished.

The Wick Monthly Pamper & Gift Evening

Sunday 28th January, 5:00pm – 9:00pm at The Wick Community Centre The Wick Monthly

Pamper & Gift

Evening

Date for your diary. We kick off OPEN MIC 2024 on Friday 26th January from 7:30pm. Come along to St Andrews Church, London Road, Wickford. As always everyone is welcome to come along and sing, play or whatever you would like to do, anything goes! The surroundings are very comfortable and acoustics are fantastic. There will also be a bar available. Hope to see you there!

Wickford Memorial parkrun

Saturday 27th January, 8:40am at Wickford Memorial Park

Running the last Sunday every month with over 25 stalls offering quality goods, several promotions and a weight control adviser. Something different each month. We have 5 gifted mediums offering 1-2-1 readings, an excellent therapist offering a variety of treatments, beauticians and a hairdresser. We support by place and promotion 2 charities every month: Breast Cancer and Cancer Hair Care. Entrance £2.50 includes a drink and raffle tickets. Next session will be on 24th February. Facebook - Wickford Pamper & Gift Evenings pampere@yahoo.co.uk 01268 572727 / 07901 896531

Walk & Talk – Parents of Socially Anxious, Autistic and/or ADHD Children Support Group Thursday 1st February, 10:00am – 12:00pm

Meet up at 8:40am for Wickford parkrun. A BSL interpreter will be there on the day to sign for deaf people to access information. parkrun starts at 9am. Bring your barcode along. Get involved - run, walk or spectate. Give runners a supporting clap. Everyone is welcome to come along. Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Hearing, Learning Signer, CODA and children are welcome. There’s a playground at Wickford parkrun so 30

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 Memorial Park, Wickford, followed by some time to talk and enjoy free refreshments at Hutton’s Cafe. If the weather is too wet or

Wickford Town cold we will forget the walk and just sit in the warm cafe instead! Get fit, make friends, find support, chill out and eat cake! What more could you want? These walks are funded by Community 360. Meet at Hutton’s Cafe at 10am. Vicky from our Family Support Team 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

Learn to Jive 50s Rock n Roll Dance Class

Thursday 1st February, 7:30pm – 10:00pm at Rawreth Village Hall No need for reservations or a partner— simply pay £6 at the door. Bring along your refreshments and get ready to shed some calories! Beginners are warmly welcomed to this friendly club. Join us every Thursday, except for the last Thursday of the month.

For tickets head to www.towngatetheatre. co.uk/cirque-greatest-show

Retired Greyhounds Valentine’s Walk

Sunday 18th February, 10:00am at The Gable Boarding and Rehoming Kennels Join in with the charitable stroll in support of The Romford Retired Greyhounds! Bring your beloved greyhounds and join the friendly meet-up and walk at The Gable Kennels in Wickford. Help raise funds to support these amazing retired hounds. Plus, enjoy complimentary tea, coffee, and delicious bacon rolls for everyone attending with their furry friends!

Born Wild at The RBL Wickford Saturday 24th February, 9:00pm – 11:30pm at Wickford Royal British Legion

Cirque: The Greatest Show

Saturday 3rd February 2:00pm and 6:00pm, Sunday 4th February 1:00pm, at Towngate Theatre

It’s time to step into the light... escape with us for an event like no other, where we take you into a world where the very best of musical theatre showstoppers meet jaw-dropping circus spectacular! A world that explodes into colour as everyone’s favourite West End and Broadway hits combine with breath-taking, amazing aerialists, incredible contortionists, and thrilling feats of agility and flair. It’s the brand-new variety spectacular everyone is talking about for 2024… welcome to Cirque: the award-winning, smash-hit sensation that is fun for all the family. Enter the extraordinary world of Cirque! Roll up, roll up and book your seats now for an unforgettable night out – truly like no other.

Rock covers band Born Wild debut in Wickford.

Strollercise – stroll your way to fitness

Mondays, 2:00pm – 3:00pm at Runwell Sports & Social Club Join in with a low-intensity fitness class where you stroll to the vibrant sounds of the 50s and 60s. The low-impact dance routines are perfect for everyone aged 14 to 90+, welcoming both men and women. In an hour, around 6,000 steps—about 3 miles are covered—while having a blast grooving to fantastic music. Pay as you go £5 per person. Don’t forget to bring some water and wear comfy shoes. It’s not just exercise; it’s a fantastic way to connect, meet new friends! 31

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Chinese New Year Recipes Embrace the spirit of Chinese New Year with these delightful and easy-tomake recipes! Infused with traditional takeaway flavours, yet designed with a family-friendly twist, these dishes promise to add a touch of festive flair to your celebrations. From sweet and tangy Sweet and Sour Chicken to flavour-packed Vegetable Chow Mein, these recipes are perfect for celebrating Chinese New Year with loved ones while enjoying delicious homemade Chinese-inspired meals. Sweet and Sour Chicken Ingredients 400g chicken breast, diced 1 red pepper, diced 1 green pepper, diced 1 onion, diced 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 cup pineapple chunks 3 tbsp ketchup 2 tbsp rice vinegar 2 tbsp soy sauce 2 tbsp brown sugar 1 tbsp cornstarch 1 tbsp vegetable oil Salt and pepper to taste Cooked rice for serving

Vegetarian Chow Mein Ingredients 250g egg noodles 2 tbsp sesame oil 1 onion, sliced 2 carrots, julienned 1 red pepper, sliced 100g mushrooms, sliced 2 cups shredded cabbage 3 tbsp soy sauce 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional for vegetarian version) 1 tsp sugar Salt and pepper to taste Spring onions for garnish

Method 1. In a bowl, mix ketchup, rice vinegar, soy sauce, brown sugar, and cornstarch. Set aside. 2. Heat vegetable oil in a pan over mediumhigh heat. Add chicken and cook until browned. Remove and set aside. 3. In the same pan, sauté garlic, onion, and peppers until tender. 4. Add the cooked chicken back to the pan, along with pineapple chunks and the sauce mixture. Stir well. 5. Cook for a few minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken and vegetables. 6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot over cooked rice.

Method 1. Cook chow mein noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside. 2. Heat sesame oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add onion, carrots, pepper, mushrooms, and cabbage. Stir-fry for a few minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp. 3. Add cooked noodles to the pan along with soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), sugar, salt, and pepper. Toss well to combine. 4. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until the noodles are heated through and well-coated with the sauce. 5. Garnish with chopped spring onions and serve hot.

Vegan Crispy Tofu with Garlic Sauce Ingredients 400g firm tofu, drained and cubed 3 tbsp cornstarch 2 tbsp vegetable oil 4 cloves garlic, minced 1-inch ginger, grated 2 tbsp soy sauce 1 tbsp hoisin sauce 1 tbsp rice vinegar 1 tbsp brown sugar 1 tsp sesame oil 1 spring onion, chopped (for garnish) Cooked rice or noodles for serving

Popular Chinese Spring Rolls Ingredients 12 spring roll wrappers 200g cooked vermicelli noodles 1 cup shredded cabbage 1 carrot, julienned 1 cup bean sprouts 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 tbsp soy sauce 1 tbsp sesame oil 1 tbsp vegetable oil (plus extra for frying) Salt and pepper to taste 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (as a sealing agent)

Method 1. Pat dry the tofu cubes with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Toss the tofu cubes in cornstarch until evenly coated. 2. Heat vegetable oil in a pan over mediumhigh heat. Add the tofu cubes and fry until golden and crispy. Remove and set aside. 3. In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed. Sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant. Stir in soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and sesame oil. Cook until the sauce thickens slightly. 4. Add the crispy tofu to the pan and toss until well coated with the garlic sauce. 5. Serve the crispy tofu over rice or noodles. Garnish with chopped spring onions.

Method 1. In a pan, heat vegetable oil over mediumhigh heat. Sauté garlic, cabbage, carrot, and bean sprouts until tender. Add cooked vermicelli noodles, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes. Set aside to cool. 2. Lay a spring roll wrapper on a flat surface. Spoon some of the vegetable-noodle mixture onto the wrapper and roll tightly, folding the sides in halfway through. 3. Use the cornstarch mixture to seal the edge of the wrapper. 4. Heat oil in a pan for frying. Fry the spring rolls until golden brown and crispy. Drain excess oil on paper towels. 5. Serve the Chinese spring rolls with a dipping sauce of your choice.

What to do in the garden in February

February feels like a turning point in the garden. It’s still cold outside, but there are signs of spring’s imminent arrival everywhere you look. Bulbs are slowly emerging from the ground, and the days are getting longer at last.

Timely Tips 1.

Prepare your seed beds. As long as the ground isn’t frozen, you can cultivate beds and start to warm up the soil, with fleece, polythene or cloches, in preparation for sowing in the coming months. Organise this year’s seeds by sowing date. Get hold of a box with dividers, and file your seed packets by the month they need to be sown in. You’ll be so glad of this effort in the weeks to come. Check your tools are sound and your garden machinery is working. Give your tools and equipment the once over and apply a little TLC to anything that needs it. While you’re at it, tidy your shed ahead of the imminent planting & sowing season - you’ll thank yourself for a clean and tidy space later! Blitz perennial weeds in your beds and kitchen garden. Dig them up, roots and all, to get a head start on the blighters before the weather warms up.

In the flower garden • • • •

Prune wisteria now, cutting back summer side-shoots to 2 or 3 buds. Prune overwintered fuchsias back to one or two buds on each shoot. There’s still plenty of time to prune your rhododendron while they’re in their dormant stage. Cut back the old foliage from ornamental grasses before growth begins. Clip them to within a few centimetres of the ground.

In the vegetable garden •

• •

Build raised beds now, before the growing season gets underway. Raised beds allow you to make an early start in the garden; the soil warms up faster and raised beds drain quickly too, so they’re a great way to deal with clay soils. Mulch perennial vegetables such as asparagus and artichokes with well-rotted manure or garden compost. Start chitting early potatoes — stand them on end in a module tray or egg box and place them in a bright, cool, frost-free place.

In the fruit garden •

• •

•

Other jobs ab

out

the ga • Trim deciduou Prune raspberry canes. It’s your last chance s hedges before rd e n start nestin the birds to cut autumn-fruiting raspberry canes to g. • Ke ep fe eding the ground to stimulate new canes to fruit still cold th the birds. The weather is is month so ha in the autumn. ng and keep bi Winter prune apple trees and pear trees rd feeders topp fat balls ed up. • In stall water butts while they’re still dormant. This is your last now ready for summer. Ra the chance to do so. in for waterin water is particularly useful g acid-loving, Leave plum trees, cherry trees and ericaceous plants (tap water is often apricots until the summer as pruning slightly alkaline). these fruit trees now will make them susceptible to Silver Leaf disease. Cover outdoor strawberries with cloches to encourage an earlier crop.

Gardening tips supplied by Thompson & Morgan. For a full list of what to do in the garden in February and beyond please visit their website: www.thompson-morgan.com/in-thegarden-this-month

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Learn a new skill in 2024 This year, why not expand your repertoire and open yourself up to a new world of opportunities by learning a few new things in your spare time. They say it takes 10,000 hours to master a skill, but it only takes five minutes to find a new interest and discover something you might have never thought you could enjoy. We’ve compiled a short list of some new activities and subjects you might find it fascinating to dive into.

Learn a new language

The world is your oyster. Did you know there are over 7,000 languages in the world? You can learn a new language in anywhere between three months to two years, depending on your aptitude for language and how much time you spend studying. So, by the end of 2024 you can open yourself up to a whole new world and culture and appreciate the variety we have in this world.

Learn a new gardening skill

Do you love getting your hands dirty, or taking pride in seeing something grow from a seed to a beautiful flower? Learning how to grow your own fruit or vegetables, or decorate your garden, can be an incredibly rewarding and peaceful experience. There are an abundance of materials out there to teach you how to turn your garden from blah to blossoming.

Learn how to practice meditation

Mindfulness and peace are key to living a healthy life. One of the ways to help achieve this is to dive into the world of meditation. Learning how to find that sense of calm and balance can be extremely freeing if you are feeling overwhelmed and stress, and it can even help with creativity and patience.

Learn how to crochet

Crocheting has always been popular, and it seemed to boom during the pandemic. Crocheting is an excellent way to express your creativity, feel a sense of achievement from your hard work, and it can really help with stress as well. Not only that, many people have been able to turn their crocheting hobby into something that pays.

Learn the ins and outs of photography

The world is beautiful, and around every corner is something that can capture a photographer’s eye, or lens. There are some intricate details to capturing the perfect photograph, and by exploring photography in its fullest, you can capture every journey you take, and see more of the world whilst you venture on that journey. It can also act as a self-esteem booster, a stress-reliever and a way of becoming more active to track down that perfect shot. This year, why not take the time in your life and learn a new skill, you won’t believe the doors it opens and how it can make an immensely positive impact on your life.

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