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Wickford Town News ISSUE 16

Local grandmother writes a magical story! Find out more on page 4

Alan from South Hanningfield Find out more on page 10

St Andrew’s Wickford Unveiled Find out more on page 22

Sponsor a High Street Hanging Basket Find out more on page 26

Spring Flavours Unleashed Find out more on page 34

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Step into Spring with the March Edition of Wickford Town News! As the flowers bloom, our town comes alive with vibrant stories in this month’s issue. Stay connected with the News Around and What’s On sections, keeping you informed about local events and community updates and unlock the flavours of spring with delightful recipes in Spring Flavours Unleashed. Immerse yourself in a magical adventure story by local grandmother Jeanette Coe and check out local resident Alan’s thoughtprovoking poetry. Stay informed about local developments, including the Army and Navy junction in Chelmsford, childminding entrepreneurship, and ways to reduce your carbon footprint.

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Engage with community initiatives like sponsoring a High Street Hanging Basket for Summer with Wickford in Bloom, and mark your calendar for the upcoming Fashion Show in May in support of the Remus Sanctuary. As you read this, we are preparing the late March issue so please ensure any articles are submitted via the email below before 5th March! 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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Local grandmother Jeanette Coe writes a magical adventure story!

typed stories remained for years in a drawer. Jump to 2023, retired and with time to think, she decided to self-publish her children’s book from the short old stories.

Showing her stories to friends she asked for no-nonsense advice on the idea of trying to There is a well-known quote “everyone has complete a book from them. Yes, it would a book in them, and in many cases that’s need a bit of thought and work put in, yet where it should stay” however that is not all agreed that ‘Arty Island and The Magic the case with Jeanette Coe! Pencil’ would be a great children’s book with A wife, mother, and grandmother now retired adventures and good family values. felt inspired by memories of her grandsons The only thing missing were drawings of the to complete a dream and write a children’s various characters, so now re-motivated she book. Speaking with Jeanette she tells of pressed her husband Terry to start drawing the joy she had when her young grandsons and over the weeks he completed all the would visit and play in the house and garden. original drawings of her characters bringing Their imagination and interest in animals the book to life whilst she reworked the and artistic things had her at the time writing drafts. Finally, now completed this has truly them short children’s adventure stories. been a family effort, written by Jeanette, Jeanette had no intention of doing anything illustrated by Terry, and inspired by Kaine and with them as ordinary people are not authors, Kyle, her grandsons. and so as the children grew up the hand

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The Inner Wheel Club of Wickford celebrate 40 Years of Community Impact For over four decades, the Inner Wheel Club of Wickford has been a beacon of community service and camaraderie. Established more than 40 years ago, the club initially emerged as a gathering for the wives of members belonging to the Rotary Club of Wickford. Over time, it has evolved into a dynamic organisation that welcomes women from all walks of life, regardless of their marital status. In their monthly meetings, they come together not only as a club but as a close-knit community of around 25 members. United by a shared commitment to making a positive impact, they engage in various activities that uplift the local, national, and international communities. This year holds special significance for the Inner Wheel Association as it marks its 100th anniversary. To commemorate this milestone, the club have started raising awareness. Through the skilful art of knitting a charming post box topper has been crafted —a testament to the creativity and dedication within the club. The topper, proudly showcased in the photo above, captures the essence of the celebrations. It’s not just an emblem; it’s a symbol of the ongoing commitment to service and the vibrant spirit that defines the Inner Wheel Club of Wickford. Beyond the monthly meetings, The Inner Wheel Club of Wickford dedicate themselves to fundraising efforts at least twice a year. 6

These initiatives are the heartbeat of community support, enabling the club to contribute to causes that resonate with their values. The impact of their collective efforts extends locally, nationally, and even reaches across borders to touch lives on the international stage. At the helm of their activities is Jenny Smith, the esteemed president. Her leadership and passion guide the club in their endeavours, inspiring each member to actively participate in our projects and initiatives. As the club continue their journey, they invite the Wickford community to join them in celebrating the Inner Wheel Association’s centennial year. Keep an eye out for the distinctive post box topper as it travels among the twin post boxes, spreading the message of service, friendship, and the remarkable legacy of the Inner Wheel Club of Wickford.

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Castledon Schools Aspire Community Cafe Aspire Community Cafe is a heartwarming initiative established by Castledon School in Wickford, and is a testament to their commitment to nurturing and empowering SEN students. At Aspire, they go above and beyond traditional education by providing a unique and practical opportunity for learners to develop life skills and develop employability skills by making and serving the community a range of drinks, food and treats at exceptionally affordable prices. Go and see for yourself what a wonderful cafe it is! The cafe is open three days a week during term time. Tuesdays and Wednesdays 10:30am-14:30pm and Fridays 10:30am1:30pm. Aspire Community Cafe, Irvon Hill Road, Wickford, SS12 0AQ Check out our Facebook page by searching for Aspire Community Cafe.

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Alan from South Hanningfield

But life had grander plans for young Alan, and at 18, he embarked on a new adventure, trading the village lanes for military barracks, landing 10,000 miles away in Singapore.

In the quiet village of South Hanningfield, long before the reservoir graced its landscape, a little boy named Alan took his first steps into a world filled with innocence and wonder.

The pages of Alan’s life turned, and love blossomed on distant shores. A marriage enduring 45 years brought joy, challenges, and shared moments that lingered like echoes through time. However, fate dealt a sorrowful hand over three years ago when Alan bid farewell to his life partner.

Born and bred locally, his childhood unfolded against the backdrop of a quaint village life, where every corner held a cherished memory. At the tender age of 5, Alan ventured into the village’s heart, attending the church school that would shape his early years. Sundays brought a different charm as he joined the ranks of Sunday school attendees, absorbing timeless lessons within the walls of the village church. By 10, his voice soared as a Boy Soprano in the church choir, earning him playful comparisons to the renowned Aled Jones. Transitioning into adolescence, Alan became a familiar face in the village, weaving through its streets as a dedicated paperboy. Every house, every corner, held a story, etching the village into the fabric of his being.

Yet, in the dance of destiny, a new companion has entered his life. A four-legged friend named Poppy, a Yorkshire Terrier with a heart as boundless as her owner’s. At 7 years old, Poppy’s wagging tail has become a constant presence as she faithfully follows Alan through the familiar streets of Wickford. Together, they find solace in the friendly waves and greetings that adorn their walks along the high street. In the wake of personal loss, Alan has found solace in the written word. Prose poetry has become his creative refuge, a realm where memories and emotions intertwined. Recently, he generously shared a poignant piece, a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring beauty of memories.

Once you and I were strangers, we all start off that way, but you are in no danger, there is no price to pay..

But I mustn’t stand and hold your hand, for everyone to see, for they think that I’m yours, and you belong to me.. Never tell me that you love me, even if it’s true, but don’t you see one day maybe I’ll fall in love with you. But stop right there don’t talk of love; love always ends in sorrow, for one will die and leave their mate to face a sad tomorrow

So does this mean that none of us will ever love again, never love like lovers do whilst walking in the rain ?? Have I made a set of rules that I refuse to bend, is my life now over, do I face the end ?

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Wickford Rotary Club February 2024 Wickford Rotary supports Linda’s race across the Atlantic! When Wickford Rotarian Peter Carter went to his boat in Bradwell in Essex last year he saw a woman bringing a rather unusual rowing boat back into the marina, and his curiosity made him go and speak to her when she landed. Her name is Linda Blakely. Linda is a successful business woman running three small children’s homes and in one of her homes the manager has a three year old daughter with a rare genetic condition which results in devastating epileptic seizures. Driven by the desire to do something to help, Linda decided on a challenge to raise £100,000 for Action Medical Research for Children (www.action. org), a charity whose aim is to change children’s lives through medical research, developing treatments, vaccinations and cures. Linda is a keen athlete who has achieved significant success in sport and extreme challenges and so decided her challenge is to set a new record for a solo crossing of the Atlantic by a woman. So impressed by her determination and seeing her working towards the event inspired Peter to come back to Wickford Rotary to see what we could do to help along the way. Despite there being no way we could actually join in (after all, it is a solo attempt; that’s

our excuse anyway!) it was decided that the best way to help this project along was to help publicise the attempt through our social media feeds and so on, and also to become a sponsor. With a mixture of funds raised from our 200 Club, personal donations and Gift Aid we’re proud to have sponsored her to the tune of £5,000, and are proud to have the Club logo on the boat! Starting in late January would seem to be a little extreme considering the size of the seas in the Atlantic at that time of year, but the advantage is that the prevailing winds and tidal flows can help speed her along in attempting to break the record. Linda set off from Gran Canaria on January 20th and headed southwest until the waves forced her to change course to go west for some time until the seas die down a little. This she was able to do a few days ago and so now is back heading for her true destination. To make matters interesting, she capsized after two days at sea. She lost an oar (she has spares!) but was able to repair the damage to her communications aerial, but was most miffed to realise she had lost her favourite pink Ironman sun visor! If you’d like to know more about Action Medical Research go to www.action.org. To contribute to her fund visit www.justgiving.com/campaign/ ulsterwarrior if you want to follow her journey there is a tracker at my.yb.tl/rannochadventure and regular updates on her facebook page. Please help if you can!

Helen Rollason Cancer Charity Donation Days Helen Rollason Cancer Charity will be opening its centre in Hatfield Peverel on certain days throughout 2024 so that you can drop-off your pre-loved items. Figures show that waste from households in the UK was over 27 million tonnes in 2021 . By donating good quality items to the charity, you will be reducing waste, helping the environment, and raising funds to support local people living with cancer.

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Mark Francois MP signs Holocaust Educational Trust Book of Commitment Rayleigh and Wickford MP Mark Francois recently signed the Holocaust Educational Trust’s Book of Commitment, in doing so pledging his commitment to Holocaust Memorial Day and honouring those who were murdered during the Holocaust as well as paying tribute to the extraordinary Holocaust survivors who work tirelessly to educate young people.

and death camp Auschwitz-Birkenau, the site of the largest mass murder in history. In the lead up to and on the Holocaust Memorial Day, thousands of commemorative events had been arranged by schools, faith groups and community organisations across the country, remembering all the victims of the Holocaust and subsequent genocides. After signing the Book of Commitment, Mark Francois commented: “Holocaust Memorial Day is an important opportunity for people from Rayleigh and Wickford and across the country to reflect on the tragic events of the Holocaust. As the Holocaust moves from living history, to just history, it becomes ever more important that we take the time to remember the victims and also pay tribute to the survivors and their descendants. I would encourage my constituents to show their support for such an important day.”

Friday 27th January marked the anniversary of the liberation of the Nazi concentration been - but I am also opposed to the Mark Francois MP totally have way in which this has been handled. How Essex residents even knew about this, opposed to incinerator in many let alone had an opportunity to voice an Pitsea opinion, before Essex County Council tried

to sneak this out, right at the last minute, as Rayleigh and Wickford’s MP, Mark Francois, a fait accompli? Every South Essex resident has reacted to Essex County Council’s plans who opposes this idea should now contact for a major new incinerator at Pitsea, to their County Councillors urgently - their which he is “totally opposed.” emails are available online - to give them The plans, which were sneaked out via their view, before it’s too late.” an ECC Planning Committee Agenda on Thursday, were recommended by the County Council’s Planning Officers for approval on Friday 26th January, despite the fact that they are likely to prove highly unpopular with many South Essex residents. Commenting on his opposition to the application, Mark said: “I am totally opposed to the plans for an incinerator in South Essex - and always 14

Save Money With Cloudy2Clear. Your Local Glazing Experts! As the foremost domestic glass replacement company in the UK for more than 18 years, Cloudy2Clear Windows are the leading name in the industry. There is now no need for you to risk your windows by using the dreaded double glazing cowboy down the street. You can join over 340,000 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. Why not take a minute to check your home to see if any double glazing has failed? Taking action now can prevent future financial problems. When talking to the Manager of Cloudy2Clear Chris Miller it became evident that the value of saving their customers

money has been held dear for a number of years. In addition since starting the business in 2005, Cloudy2Clear have committed to supporting the local community by providing a service that saves the public both time and money. The Cloudy2Clear service only requires the glass to be replaced and not the whole window once the unit has failed. Chris commented “By doing this we make the customer considerable savings and there is much less upheaval in the family home. Also, whether communities find themselves in a financial crisis or not, saving money when you don’t need to waste it is always the sensible option, and our service does just that”. For a free quotation please call 0800 61 21 118 or visit www.cloudy2clear.co.uk.

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Please see The Woodland Trust for more Friends of the Wickford Memorial Park Volunteer information. We are planning to catalogue the trees in the Group - Tree Species in the park and label the more interesting varieties, i.e. maturity, rare or best loved. Park Continuing articles on the Wickford Memorial Park - this month we will be reporting on the different trees 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 (Saturdays will be resumed in the Spring) if you’d like to come along, no gardening experience necessary and there are tasks for all abilities. Please pop down for a chat or help, you would be most welcome. There are thousands of trees in the park including many mature trees, we estimate that the large Oak Trees near Hutton’s Café are over 150 years old. Oak Trees are one of the best loved trees in the UK and have enormous value to wildlife. 16

Some of the more specific areas for trees are: The Heroes Arboretum; Diamond Jubilee Wood planted in 2012 by The Woodland Trust; Civilians Home Front Garden Reflection Garden Beauchamps Meadow; • Parkland Amenity Area • Heritage Orchard • Woodland Area.

There are well known species planted in the Woodland Area of Beauchamps and The Diamond Jubilee Wood: Alder Aspen Crab Apple Field Maple Goat Willow Hornbeam Oak Rowan Silver Birch Sweet Chestnut Walnut Alder Buckthorn Blackthorn Dog Rose Hawthorn Hazel Holly Spindle

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Really pretty heart shaped leaves, it is in the centre of the main planting bed.

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News Around Solar panels become more affordable for Essex residents

Despite huge savings in the long run, solar panels can be expensive upfront. Fortunately, Essex residents have a new way to keep costs down. By registering interest in Solar Together, homeowners can ‘group buy’ with fellow residents in their local area. This sees pre-approved and accredited installers bid to carry out the work. After bidding, only the most competitive pricing will be recommended to you. And the more residents involved in your area, the lower the cost. There is also no obligation to go ahead with purchasing. As well as solar panels, you can consider having charge points and battery storage. This includes retrofitting battery storage for residents who already have solar panels. Investing in renewable energy increases independence from the national grid. It is also proven to save money over time, and of course, benefit the environment. Find out more about how Solar Together makes solar a viable energy source for Essex residents at www.solartogether.co.uk/essex/ landing

• Chigwell • Clacton • Colchester • Harlow • Maldon • South Woodham Ferrers • Witham The Lighthouse Furniture Project repairs and refurbishes the items. Once tested, they are passed on or sold at affordable prices in the local community. Items accepted include: • Electric cookers • Washing machines • Fridges • Freezers • Tumble dryers • Dishwashers In the first year of this partnership, nearly 1,000 items have been saved from landfill. Residents looking to donate items can look for the signs at participating recycling centres or ask a member of staff. Learn more about the scheme on Love Essex via www.loveessex.org/news-and-ideas/ too-good-to-throw-away-pass-on-yourfurniture-electricals-and-other-items

Fire Service takes the lead in Fire Safety Education

New life for old electricals

Essex County Council are working in partnership with the Lighthouse Furniture Project to prevent items from going to waste. Residents can now donate larger electrical appliances for reuse at 10 recycling centres in Essex. These include: • Braintree • Brentwood • Chelmsford 18

In a groundbreaking initiative, Essex County Fire and Rescue Service (ECFRS) is proud to be one of the first in the country to launch a dedicated education programme tailored for children not in formal education. Recognising the importance of fire safety education for

Wickford Town all members of the community, this program aims to empower children with essential home fire safety knowledge. With an established education programme currently reaching tens of thousands of schoolchildren in Essex every year, ECFRS is expanding its offering to those children who do not attend formal educational settings, such as those electively home educated, in care homes or even those moving between schools. This expansion aligns with the fire service’s commitment to being proactive with safety message as early as possible. Children not in formal education historically missed out on the fire safety programs provided in schools, making this initiative a crucial step towards ensuring that all young people are equipped with the knowledge which will help protect themselves and their families from fire in their homes. The specially designed education sessions will cover a range of topics, including home security, consequences of committing arson or making hoax calls, crime prevention, cyber safety, road safety, knife crime, gang awareness, hate crime and healthy relationships. In a commitment to inclusivity, ECFRS will tailor the content of these sessions to meet the unique needs of the children. Interactive demonstrations, engaging activities, and informative materials will be used to make the learning experience both enjoyable and educational for the children.

Portable incubator is helping improve care for Basildon Hospital babies

The fundraising efforts of a former Mayor of Thurrock have helped buy a £35,000 portable incubator at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

(NICU) at Basildon Hospital. Cllr Susan Little, the current Mayor of Thurrock, and former Mayor Cllr James Halden recently presented Basildon’s NICU with funds to support the purchase of the new machine, making it easier to transport premature and poorly babies within the unit. During his time as Mayor in 2022, Cllr Halden picked NICU as his deserving cause of choice, as his family had benefitted from the care provided in the unit. Following successful fundraising efforts, which saw him work closely with DP World, £16,000 was raised to contribute to the cost of the new incubator.

Simpler road signs to protect small animals and boost safety

Hedgehogs and other small animals will be better protected on English roads under rule changes announced to make it easier for local authorities to put up wildlife warning signs. The current hedgehog sign will be updated following feedback from the sector to make it clearer for drivers. Alongside this, rules around the small wildlife warning signs will be relaxed to make it easier for local authorities to put up small wildlife warning signs, helping to better protect hedgehogs and other small animals. Changes made by the Department for Transport (DfT) will ensure local authorities are able to place small wild animal warning signs where they are needed most rather than having to apply to DfT on a case-by-case basis. This announcement will help reduce bureaucracy for local authorities, allowing them to focus their resources more effectively on delivering for their communities. It follows recent announcements committing to improving conditions for motorists across the UK under the Plan for Drivers. 19

What to do in the garden in March By mid-March, we’re ready to welcome the start of spring — a hopeful, happy time for us gardeners. There’s lots to be done outside, now the slower winter months have passed. Read about this month sowing and growing tasks here. Or find what other gardening jobs there are to do in March:

Timely Tips

1. Fertilise your beds. Once your soil is workable, dig a 5cm (or more) layer of compost or well-rotted manure into your beds to prepare for the growing season ahead. You can also work in a general-purpose fertiliser, such as pelleted chicken manure, or fish, blood and bone. 2. Put supports in. If any of your garden plants or climbers need supporting this year, put them in now, so plants can grow up through them. Adding supports afterwards is trickier and often looks unattractive. 3. Move deciduous trees or shrubs. Now is the time to do this task, provided the soil isn’t frozen or waterlogged. 4. Resurface paths before plants start to grow and smother them.

In the flower garden • • • • •

Feed trees, shrubs and hedges with a slow-release fertiliser by lightly forking it into the soil surface. Feed roses with special rose feed or balanced fertiliser as they come into growth. Prune roses now to encourage strong new growth. Finish cutting back dead foliage from perennials and ornamental grasses to make way for new growth. Deadhead any winter pansies, daffodils, and hydrangeas. Plant native hedges to encourage wildlife to your garden.

In the vegetable garden • • • •

Dig in green manures grown over the winter. Do this while stems are still soft. Dig compost, well-rotted manure or green waste into your vegetable beds to prepare for the growing season ahead. Dig in a 5cm (or more) layer when the soil becomes workable. Weed vegetable seed beds before adding the layer. Cover prepared soil with sheets of black plastic to keep it drier and warmer in preparation for planting. Weed and mulch asparagus beds. Asparagus has shallow roots so weed by hand to prevent damage.

In the fruit garden

• Cut autumn-fruiting raspberry canes to the ground to stimulate new canes, which will fruit in the autumn. • Mulch fruit trees with well-rotted manure or garden compost. Take care not to mound mulch up around tree trunks. • Cover outdoor strawberries with cloches to encourage earlier fruiting.

Other jobs about the garden • • • •

Recut any lawn edges if necessary. Get rid of slimy patches on patios and paving by scrubbing with a broom or blasting with a pressure washer. Install water butts for the season ahead. Position them under a downpipe to make the most of rainfall. Begin weeding as the weather warms it’s easier to control weeds if you remove them while they’re still young.

Build a compost bin before the growing season gets underway. If you already have one, check to see if there is any compost ready to use on vegetable beds. Gardening tips supplied by Thompson & Morgan. For a full list of what to do in the garden in March and beyond please visit their website: www.thompson-morgan.com/in-thegarden-this-month

See latest plans for Army and Navy junction in Chelmsford

“After a huge amount of hard work assessing options, developing our proposals and securing conditional funding for the scheme, it is fantastic to have now submitted planning applications.

Residents have been given a glimpse of final plans to transform the Army and Navy junction in Chelmsford.

“The Army and Navy Sustainable Transport Package will deliver enormous benefits; improving journey times, reducing delays and supporting economic growth in the area.

The proposed Army and Navy Sustainable Transport Package includes a hamburger roundabout. This is a new roundabout with a road through the centre of it. It also includes bus priority measures and walking and cycling improvements. Both Sandon and Chelmer Valley Park and Ride sites are to be expanded. New visualisations have been published showing the plans in more detail. These have been published following the submission of three separate planning applications for the project. Decisions are expected in the Spring.

“We also need to provide better options for people to travel, especially for shorter journeys where we want walking or cycling to be the natural choice. This project will do just that, helping encourage people to travel in and around the city in safer, greener, and healthier ways.”

In October, the Department for Transport confirmed the outline business case for the project had been approved. We will be awarded £68.75 million of Major Road Councillor Lesley Wagland OBE, Essex County Network (MRN) funding, subject to planning Council’s Deputy to the Leader with principal consent, a full business case and certain conditions being met. The £81 million accountabilities on Major Infrastructure project is also being part funded by us and Projects and Freeports, said: Chelmsford City Council. We are delighted to have reached “ another milestone for what will be a truly Find out more about the Army and Navy transformational project for Chelmsford. project at www.essexhighways.org/ highway-schemes-and-developments/ major-schemes/army-and-navy-taskforce and view the new images via www.essexhighways.org/army-and-navytaskforce#slideshow

Rock/Indie-Folk. He has performed at the Leigh Folk Festival, Pin Drop Sessions, and Music for Mind together with Kev Butler. He was recently included on The Open Mic Show Album, Vol. 1 from SoSlam. We have enjoyed Dave’s powerful vocals and guitar here when he has performed previously at our Open Mic&ƌŝĚĂǇ ϮϮ DĂƌĐŚ͕ ϳ͘ϬϬ Ɖŵ Nights.

St Andrew’s Wickford Unveiled events and exhibition

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Upcoming events at St. Andrew’s Wickford 11 London Road, Wickford,SS12 0AN St Andrew’s is usually open: Sat 9am-12:30pm; Sun 9:30am-12 noon; Mon 2pm-3:45pm; Tue 1pm-4:30pm; Wed 10am-12 noon; Fri 10am-1pm. www.wickfordandrunwellparish.org.uk/ whats-on.html

St Andrew’s Church, 11 London Road, Wickford SS12 0AN 22nd March (7pm) – An evening with the Ladygate Scribblers.

Unveiled

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Unveiled – a wide range of artist and performers from Essex and wider, including Open Mic nights (come and have a go!).

Ŷ ĞǀĞŶŝŶŐ ǁŝƚŚ ƚŚĞ >ĂĚǇŐĂƚĞ ^ĐƌŝďďůĞƌƐ͘ ,ĞĂƌ ƉŽĞƚƌǇ ĂŶĚ ƉƌŽƐĞ ĨƌŽŵ Ă ůŽŶŐͲ Hear poetry and prose from a ĞƐƚĂďůŝƐŚĞĚ tŝĐŬĨŽƌĚͲďĂƐĞĚ ǁƌŝƚĞƌƐ ŐƌŽƵƉ͘ long-established Wickford-based writers

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All at St Andrew’s Wickford. These events do Unveiled not require tickets (just turn up on the night). Unveiled – view our hidden painting by There will be a retiring collection to cover acclaimed artist David Folley, plus a range of Partartist and church costs. of ‘Unveiled’, the new Friday night arts Θ ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ other exhibitions. event at St Andrew’s Church

Here’s our Spring Programme 2024: 8th March (7pm) – Dave Crawford in concert.

Popular local musician, Dave Crawford writes engaging/melodic songs in Americana/Alt22

Exhibition:

Who Tells Your Story? Who Tells Your Future? An exhibition of paintings by Maciej Hoffman 23rd January – 29th March 2024

“I choose themes that pervade everyday life, our constant battle with problems which we inevitably face. But also issues which haunt us for years, shaping our perspective on the world and building us as humans. I try to capture the moments of tension, the climax, and the spark before ignition.”

Maciej Hoffman was born in Wrocław, Poland in 1964, the son of artist parents, growing up under Poland’s communist regime; after studying philosophy at the School of Theology in Wrocław, he graduated in Painting and Sculpture from the Academy of Fine Art in 1992. Becoming fascinated with web art and new graphic technologies, he then worked for 15 years in one of Poland’s largest advertising agencies until a watershed moment in 2003, when he returned fulltime to the studio and to oil painting. He moved to England in 2012, in search of new artistic and life opportunities, and continues to paint, teach and exhibit in the UK and abroad. Here he became involved in leading art workshops for school students, encouraging self-expression through art therapy for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, or coping with mental health issues and trauma. He also contributed artworks to exhibitions dealing with conflict and resolution, including two marking Holocaust Memorial Days in 2012 and 2018 respectively.

Maciej Hoffman’s work has been exhibited in the UK on numerous occasions, including at Chelmsford Cathedral; Barry Gallery Central; Polish Social and Cultural Association (POSK) Gallery and Willesden Gallery (both London), and at the Warwick Art Centre.

“Painting begins with a spark, an idea, an impulse. Sometimes it seems as though the painting creates itself, intuition guides me during the process … In trivialities as well as in big events I seek contrasts between imagination and reality. Our expectations and our anticipations are never what we finally meet in real life. This constant collision fascinates me. It’s irrelevant whether it’s beauty and ugliness, order or chaos - the point is, how it’s reflected in the mirror of my interpretation … I am moved by people’s stories with all their misfortunes and moments of happiness. It seems like one is always part of the other.” www.maciej-hoffman.com www.buru.org.uk/record.php?id=1443

We are encouraging people to become childminding entrepreneurs in 2024 As part of the ongoing ‘Make a change. Build a future.’ campaign, ECC are working to attract people searching for a rewarding career into early years and childcare. There are currently 714 registered childminders in Essex. We are looking to increase this by offering a range of support. This includes advice and a variety of helpful services. Discover the routes to becoming a childminder. The campaign aligns with the government’s priorities to support new childminders. People can apply for a government grant to cover start-up costs. Eligible new childminders can apply for a £600 grant if registered with Ofsted. Two payments of £600 are available if they register with a childminder agency. Councillor Beverley Egan, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services and Early Years, is passionate about changing perceptions around childminding. She said: “Childminding offers a very rewarding career opportunity. It also offers entrepreneurs a chance to start their own business and develop a thriving career. Childminding is a fruitful, flexible career choice. You can choose your own hours

and build close connections with local families. You can also create your own curriculum based on the EYFS framework.

“There’s plenty of support to help manage start-up costs and train new childminders. I’d encourage anyone looking for a rewarding career to find out more.” Essex-based childminder, Jodie Daniel is supporting our recruitment campaign. She recognised a need for childminders in her local area. Jodie said: “I love being a childminder because there are so many opportunities to grow my business.

“There are also so many great support groups and training opportunities out there for childminders. There’s a local childminder group mentoring hub for people who are new to the sector, where more experienced childminders can mentor them. “I built my business slowly, gradually taking on more children, but as my knowledge and confidence grew, my business flourished. Our agency graded us as ‘Outstanding’, and I’m so proud to have built my business from the ground up.” Find more information about a career in early years at eycp.essex.gov.uk/discoveror-return-to-a-career-in-early-years-andchildcare or search the latest early years and childcare vacancies via www.essexschoolsjobs.co.uk/Vacancies/ Search.aspx

Reduce your carbon footprint and earn rewards Essex County Council has partnered with Greenredeem to launch Carbon Cutting Essex.

Topics covered include: • conserving water • saving energy • reducing waste and recycling • using sustainable transport • looking after green spaces

The app also features: • blogs filled with practical hints and tips to help you reduce your environmental Complete fun activities to understand how to impact reduce your carbon footprint and earn points. • a carbon tracker Use your points to enter the prize draw, • a list of eco-friendly products and shops donate to good causes, and earn discounts • a community wall that local contributors and gifts. That’s great for the planet and great can use to share ideas and support one for you! another Taking action on climate change can help improve your physical and mental health and wellbeing. It can also help improve local air quality and help you save money at the same time. There are new activities every week, including videos and quizzes to complete, which will help you be more environmentally aware. You can make pledges and take action to reduce your impact on the environment.

Rachel Smith, a Carbon Cutting Essex app user, said: “The Carbon Cutting Essex app is a downloadable app that you can put on your phone and educate yourself and learn more about ways in which you can cut your carbon emissions.

“You can also learn more about terms such as greenwashing, refills and zero-waste. It is also interactive and a bit fun as well.” You can download the free app or register for free on the Carbon Cutting Essex website www.carboncuttingessex.com/Dashboard

Sponsor a High Street Hanging Basket for Summer 2024

The days are getting longer and Spring is in the air which means the Wickford in Bloom committee is planning the 2024 display of a business, celebrate a birthday, marriage, hanging baskets and planters for Wickford anniversary or birth. Your sign can also be High Street. a memorial basket, a family group or just because you enjoy seeing the flowers. Each year we aim to add more baskets, flowers and trees thanks to donations from Planters in the High Street can also be the public and grants from Wickford Town sponsored. The cost varies but starts at Council, Essex County Council and most £250 for the summer season. If you wish to importantly sponsorship by the community sponsor a planter please email us. and local business. To add to the baskets we need more brackets fitted to lampposts which To sponsor a basket or ask for more information please email also have to be tested to ensure they are suitable and safe. At the end of 2023 we were Wickfordinbloom@virginmedia.com or go to our Wickford in Bloom Facebook page able to order 8 additional brackets which www.facebook.com/WickfordinBloom and means for summer of 2024 we will have leave us a message. space for 36 hanging baskets in total. We are doing really well for sponsors this year but still need a few more. Each basket costs £120 and this includes the basket, plants, watering, installation and removal in the autumn. Included in the cost is an A4 sponsor sign for each basket. You can chose what to have on your sign so it can advertise

W i c k f o r d Town News

If you wish to donate please use our paypal account: www.paypal.me/WickfordinBloom Donations can also be made using our Wickford in Bloom GoFundMe appeal via www.gofundme.com/f/help-makewickford-bloom

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ARE YOU LOOKING TO: • Draw up a Will • Create a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) • Protect your Estate Against Care Home Fees • Organise your Funeral Plan We can guide you through the process, have draft documents to you within 48hrs and store your important documents electronically so your loved ones can access them on your passing.

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

W i c k f o r d Town News

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 Nigel Dermott contact via Town Council 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

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

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

What’s On South Hanningfield Village Hall Management Committee

Saturday 16th March from 7:00pm at South Hanningfield Village Hall We are planning a St Patrick’s Ceilidh with The Yardarm Ceilidh Band in attendance, ceilidh dancing and a Raffle. Tickets cost £8 per person. For further information, email vallisc@aol.com or phone 07891 653238

A Psychic Evening with Jeanie Jackson

Wednesday 28th February, doors open at 7:00pm for 7:30pm start at the Wick Community Centre Jeanie is once again returning to the Wick Community Centre. Tickets £10 each on sale now. Tickets can be purchased from the office and paid for by cash, or ordered over the phone/email and paid by bank transfer. Larger car park with free parking and members priced bar.

Walk & Talk – Parents of Socially Anxious, Autistic, and/ or ADHD Children Support Group Thursday 7th March, 10:00 – 12:00pm at Wickford Memorial Park

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 30

some time to talk and enjoy free refreshments at Hutton’s Cafe. If the weather is too wet or 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 Thank you.

In-Person Antenatal Information Sessions Basildon 7th, 14th, 21st March, 12:00pm - 2:00pm at 13 Northlands Pavement, Basildon

Support for local expectant mums to prepare for labour, birth and becoming a parent through informal antenatal sessions. Session 1 You and your wellbeing (healthy eating, keeping active, changing body, emotional wellbeing) Session 2 Preparing for labour and birth (managing contractions, labour bag, birth positions, expectations) Session 3 Practical baby care (nappy changing, bathing, safe sleep, feeding, travelling with your baby) The sessions will be led by our peer supporters Laura, Jamie and Terina.

Kinetic – Live at the Royal British Legion

Saturday 9th March, 9:00pm at Wickford Royal British Legion Join us for all your favourite Indie/Rock covers at The Royal British Legion, Wickford!

Wickford Town Infant and Toddler First Aid Workshop

Tuesday 26th March, 7:00pm-9:30pm at St Catherine’s Hall, Southend Road, Wickford, SS11 8DZ This course focuses on expectant parents, and parents of young babies up to pre-school age. The intention is not to provide attendees with a certificate, but to prepare you for real life scenarios which could occur at any time. The course will be delivered by fully qualified trainers and costs £20 per person. To book your ticket, please visit essex.parents1st.org.uk

Nature Reserve, and she will present a talk on the Reserve. Jo is an enthusiastic educator who is passionate about all wildlife and nature and has worked with several wildlife and conservation organisations. Canvey Wick is an Essex nature reserve in a unique ex-industrial habitat, that’s rich in plant and insect species and is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). There is a carefully managed blend of grassland and scrub habitat that sits alongside important estuarine habitats. It is an important British site for endangered invertebrates, such as the rare Shrill Carder Bee and Brown-banded Carder Bee. Buglife manage the nature reserve in partnership with the RSPB and on behalf of the Land Trust. For more details, please see the website and Facebook page below: www.buglife.org.uk/get-involved/near-me/ buglife-east-and-midlands/canvey-wick/ www.facebook.com/groups/ canveywickcommunity For more details of this and all of our events please visit our website: www.wickfordwildlife.co.uk

Wickford Over 55s Club

Wickford Wildlife Society – Indoor Meeting

Wednesday 17th April, 7:45pm for 8:00pm start at St Andrews Church Hall, 11 London Road, Wickford SS12 0AN Our speaker will be Jo Loman, who is the Buglife Community Warden at Canvey Wick

Every Tuesday, 1:30pm – 3:45pm at the Wick Community Centre, Wickford. Discover a warm and welcoming haven for individuals aged 55 and above. We’re actively seeking new members to join their friendly gatherings, held every No need for reservations – just turn up, and you’ll be greeted with open arms by the amiable members. The afternoon kicks off with engaging rounds of the classic card game, Hoy. Sessions are filled with delightful activities, including a lively raffle with exciting prizes. Following the games, indulge in a relaxing break with coffee, tea, and biscuits. The camaraderie continues with a thrilling game of Bingo to wrap up the afternoon. Come and be a part of a close-knit community, where laughter, friendship, and good times abound. The Wickford Over 55s Club is not just an event – it’s an invitation to connect, have fun, and make lasting memories. Don’t miss out – see you every Tuesday at the Wick Community Centre!

News from Wickford Town Council

Dudbrook House

We are happy to announce that Dudbrook House is now open and running. Our home that consists of many facilities is ready to welcome new residents.

Accommodation and facilities • Started Build in 2022 and opened on October • Sensory room (used by Activities team) 2023 by St Michaels Homes Ltd • Garden room • 73 bedrooms all with en-suites (wet rooms) • Resident lift • Two assisted bathrooms • Disabled minibus service • Provides residential and dementia care • Wheelchair access throughout the home and • Has two main visiting lounges the gardens (SNUG & ORANGERY) • Extensive Park like garden with beautiful countryside views • 24-Hour nurse call system • Central heating throughout • Housekeeping & laundry services • TV Points in all bedrooms, option of having own landline can be arranged • Sheilas salon (hairdressers and nail bar, offering washes, sets, perms, cuts & blow-dry)

Family owned & managed

• London Themed ‘Forget me not’ dementia garden. • Larger bedrooms so we can accommodate couples living together • Respite / Short or long term care placements • Day centre placements also available

Dudbrook House Dudbrook Road, Kelvedon Common, Brentwood, Essex, CM14 5TQ Telephone: 01277 372095 Website: www.stmichaelshomesltd.com

Spring Flavours Unleashed with our latest recipes This month’s recipes celebrate this season’s produce by embracing some locally sourced ingredients! From vibrant beetroot gratin to a hearty kale and potato hash, we’ve tried some incorporate some of the town’s freshest produce into some family-friendly delights. Simple, family-friendly, and planet-conscious, these recipes echo the spirit of Wickford. Let’s welcome spring with open hearts and delicious plates! Spring Chicken Stir-Fry Ingredients 1 red pepper, thinly sliced 1 yellow pepper, thinly sliced 200g sugar snap peas, ends trimmed 2 carrots, julienned 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp honey 1 tbsp ginger, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 tbsp vegetable oil Sesame seeds for garnish Cooked rice for serving

Spinach And Feta Stuffed Mushrooms (Vegetarian) Ingredients 16 large mushrooms, stems removed 200g fresh spinach, chopped 150g feta cheese, crumbled 1 small red onion, finely chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 tbsp olive oil Salt and pepper to taste Fresh parsley for garnish

Vegan Beetroot And Celeriac Gratin Ingredients 2 medium-sized beetroots, peeled and thinly sliced 1 small celeriac, peeled and thinly sliced 1 onion, thinly sliced 400ml coconut milk 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 tbsp nutritional yeast 2 tbsp olive oil Salt and pepper to taste Fresh thyme for garnish 34

Method 1. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, honey, ginger, and garlic. Marinate chicken slices in this mixture for at least 15 minutes. 2. Heat oil in a wok over medium-high heat. Stir-fry marinated chicken until browned. 3. Add peppers, sugar snap peas, and carrots. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp. 4. Serve the stir-fry over cooked rice. Garnish with sesame seeds.

Method 1. Preheat the oven to 180°C. 2. In a pan, sauté red onion and garlic in olive oil until softened. Add chopped spinach and cook until wilted. 3. In a bowl, mix the spinach mixture with crumbled feta. Season with salt and pepper. 4. Stuff each mushroom cap with the spinachfeta mixture. 5. Bake for 15-20 minutes until mushrooms are tender. 6. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Method 1. Preheat the oven to 180°C. 2. In a pan, sauté onions and garlic until softened. 3. Layer beetroots, celeriac, and onions in a baking dish. 4. Mix coconut milk, nutritional yeast, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Pour over the vegetables. 5. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until vegetables are tender. 6. Garnish with fresh thyme before serving.

Popular Kale And Potato Hash Ingredients 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced 2 cups kale, chopped 1 onion, finely chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 tsp smoked paprika 1 tsp cumin Salt and pepper to taste 2 tbsp olive oil Fresh parsley for garnish Method 1. Boil diced potatoes until just tender. Drain and set aside. 2. In a pan, sauté onions and garlic in olive oil until translucent. 3. Add boiled potatoes and kale to the pan. Cook until kale is wilted. 4. Sprinkle with smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir well. 5. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until potatoes are golden. 6. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

OFFICE ERGONOMICS:

How to set up your workspace for less aches and pains. As we’ve now settled into 2024, many of us will have returned to our work desks – be it at the office or a home setup. While diving into our tasks, it’s crucial to remember the importance of proper office ergonomics to prevent strain and discomfort. This month, we’re focusing on how you can optimise your workspace for both health and productivity.

Monitor Magic: Eye Care and Neck Posture.

The Perfect Chair: Your Foundation for Comfort.

• Reduce glare by adjusting window blinds or using an anti-glare screen.

TIPS: • Adjust the chair height so your feet are flat on the ground and your knees are in line with your hips. • Ensure your lower back is supported by your chair or use a lumbar roll for added support. • Keep your elbows close to your body and bent between 75 to 90 degrees. Desk Dynamics: Setting Up for Success. TIPS: • Keep your keyboard and mouse close to prevent overreaching. • Place frequently used items like your phone or notepad within arm’s reach. • Use a document holder if you frequently reference papers, positioning it at the same height and distance as your screen.

TIPS: • Position your monitor so the top of the screen is at or slightly below eye level. • The monitor should be about an arm’s length away.

Take Frequent Breaks: Movement is Key. TIPS: • Every 30 minutes, take a short break to stretch or walk around. • Incorporate simple neck and shoulder stretches to relieve tension. • Use your break to practise deep breathing or mindfulness to reduce stress. Making these small adjustments can lead to a big difference in how you feel at the end of the day. Remember, maintaining good posture and taking regular breaks are as important as your physical workspace setup. Need Personalised Advice? If you’re experiencing discomfort check out our great offer on the back page.

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Protect your Passwords Password protection doesn’t need to be complicated. Using three simple steps, you can protect your digital devices and personal data. 1. Use a separate password for your email. It’s the gateway to your banking, social media and more, so keep it secure. 2. Use 3 random words to build your password. Easy to remember, but nearly impossible for a computer to crack. 3. Use 2 factor authentication on your devices. A free option on your devices, that keeps them safe even if your password is hacked.

For more information and guidance, scan the QR code. We can make a difference. Together.

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