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Wickford Town News
Welcome to a Bright New Year with Wickford Town News!
As we step into 2025, this January issue is filled with fresh inspiration, helpful advice, and exciting updates to start the year off right.
Embrace healthy habits with our Healthy and Hearty Recipes to Start the New Year Right and gardening tips for the month. Discover the beauty of Winter Walks in Wickford and take a moment to admire the winners of the WTC Best Dressed Christmas Window competition.
We shine a spotlight on community achievements, including ECFRS’s Prestigious Awards and efforts to Promote Pedal Power in Essex. Stay informed with advice from Essex Police on protecting your home and learn about the Love Essex Fund’s return to support local projects.
From Wickford Foodbank updates to initiatives promoting health and well-being, there’s something for everyone. Here’s to a happy, healthy, and prosperous year ahead with your Wickford community!
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
Essex County Fire and Rescue Service wins two prestigious awards at the Excellence in Fire and Emergency Service Awards 2024
Essex County Fire and Rescue Service (ECFRS) has received two major awards at the Excellence in Fire and Emergency Service Awards 2024, which took place in London on Friday 6th December.
The awards, now in their tenth year, celebrated outstanding achievements across the fire and emergency services sector, with ECFRS being recognised for its leadership and innovative approach to improving community safety and wellbeing.
Colette Black, Director of People Services at Essex County Fire and Rescue Service, won the Most Influential Woman in Fire award. Colette has been a driving force behind the service’s work to improve workplace culture, diversity, and inclusion, making a lasting impact on both the service and the wider emergency services sector.
The second award went to ECFRS for the Emergency Services Collaboration of the Year for the Community Wellbeing Officer Project. Launched in December 2023, the project is an innovative collaboration between Essex County Fire and Rescue Service, East of England Ambulance Service Trust (EEAST), and fire services in Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire.
The project was designed to improve ambulance response times while also supporting vulnerable people in the community. Community Wellbeing Officers work alongside ambulance crews, helping to address non-emergency situations and improving the overall safety and wellbeing of those who need it most.
Chief Fire Officer/Chief Executive Rick Hylton said: “We’re incredibly proud of the work being done by our colleagues across the
service, as well as our partners in the emergency services.
“It’s an honour to see our people being nominated for eight award categories. Being nominated and winning these awards is a true reflection of the exceptional dedication our people show to their work and the communities we serve.
“Together, we remain focused on our mission of making Essex safer.”
The Service was also nominated for:
• Emergency Service of the Year
• Innovation of the Year – Liam Noll, Business Analyst
• Youth Champion of the Year – Education Team
• Neurodiversity Champion of the Year –Education Team
• Most Influential Ethnic Minority Individual of the Year – Muhammad Ahsan, Community Safety Officer
• Outstanding Contribution to the Fire and Rescue Service – Gerald Greenfield, On-call firefighter at Leaden Roding.
During the morning, ECFRS also received two nominations at the Comms 2.0 Awards which took place in Birmingham for best communications team and best use of email.
News from Wickford Town Council
Wickford Town Council Opens
New Office on High Street
Wickford’s bustling High Street has welcomed a new addition: the brand-new office of the Town Council. This strategic move brings the Council closer to the heart of the community, making local governance more accessible and visible to residents and businesses alike.
A Central Location for a Growing Community
The new office, located in a prominent position on the High Street, reflects the Council’s commitment to engaging with the people it serves. As Wickford continues to thrive and grow, the Council recognised the need for a central hub where residents can easily access services, share feedback, and stay informed about local developments.
Enhanced Services for Residents
The new space is designed to be more than just an administrative office. With a welcoming reception area, a large meeting room area, a small kitchen, the facility offers a variety of resources for residents. They can visit to:
• Address concerns or queries directly with Councillors.
• Access information on local projects, planning applications, and Council initiatives.
• Attend workshops, consultations, and forums hosted by the Council.
Boosting Local Engagement
The location on the High Street is significant. It places the Council at the centre of activity, encouraging spontaneous interaction with passersby and fostering a stronger sense of community. This proximity to local businesses and key services is expected to enhance collaboration and support initiatives aimed at boosting the town’s economy.
A New Era for Wickford
The new High Street office signifies a fresh chapter for Wickford’s Town Council and its residents. By placing themselves at the heart of the community, the Council hopes to foster stronger connections, encourage civic engagement, and support the town’s continued growth and prosperity.
Address
Unit 1 Wych Elm House Nevendon Road Wickford SS12 9RZ
Opening Hours
Monday – closed Tuesday 1pm to 4pm Wednesday 9am to 1pm Thursday 9am to 1pm Friday 9am to 1pm
Appointments can be made outside of these times, please contact the Town Clerk: Tel 01268 858979 or email clerk@wickfordtowncouncil.gov.uk
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News from Wickford Town Council
Best Dressed Christmas Shop Window Competition
This was the first Best Dressed Christmas shop window competition for the Town Council and was to showcase the local businesses in and around the High Street.
Members of the Town Council were out and about over Christmas looking at all the decorations.
We were delighted to be joined by our local MP, Mark Francois for the judging day on Saturday 14th December.
It was very difficult to choose from the many wonderfully decorated shops and businesses.
Silver - Mems Kitchen
Bronze - Stephen’s Florist
Highly Commended
(Helen Rollason, Cowling and Payne and The Swan)
Gold - Chandlers Florist
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Constituents who wish to speak with their local Member of Parliament at one of his twice monthly constituency surgeries are encouraged to telephone 01268 742 044 to enquire about future dates and to make an appointment.
For any other enquiries please contact Mark Francois via: House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA mark.francois.mp@parliament.uk markfrancois.com facebook com/MarkFrancoisRayleighandWickford/
Billericay Dementia Action Alliance
Over the coming months we will be launching the Essex Inclusive Dementia Community accreditation scheme. This will enable Billericay businesses, shops, cafes and community groups to gain Inclusive Dementia Friendly recognition for all the support, empathy and thoughtful actions they provide for people living with dementia and their friends and families.
The process will be simple i.e. a short form setting out dementia friendly actions that have been achieved and plans for next steps. Plans will be submitted to the Billericay Dementia Friendly Community for feedback.
We are very proud of Billericay’s achievements in becoming more and more dementia friendly and look forward to this next step in our development as an Inclusive Dementia Friendly Community. Do follow us on Facebook and get in touch.
A shining example of the quality support for people living with dementia is the Billericay Men’s Shed, which meets at Lake Meadows. In October their members set out on their first coach trip outing to Cressing Temple Barns Apple Day. Despite inclement weather, a very good time was had by all with plenty of food and drink to sample, a good range of craft stalls to peruse and all sorts of music and dancing to enjoy – the first of many more adventures to come!
Another of Billericay’s shining examples of support for people living with dementia is the Billericay Memory Café. In addition to their well established and well attended weekly sessions at the Mayflower Hall, they are now holding drop-in sessions at the Human Kind Cafe on Tuesday mornings, giving social opportunities for both existing and new or potential Memory Café members.
Both the Men’s Shed and the Memory Café enjoy friendship and support from younger members of our community – children from Quilters Junior and Infants Schools make regular visits to both groups and invite their older friends into school too, for example for the intergenerational choir sessions taking place in November.
Well done Billericay, we are a truly community minded town, showing thoughtful care and support for people living with dementia who live or visit here.
Follow the Billericay Dementia Friendly Community on Facebook @BillericayDAA or email us at: billericaydementiafriendly@gmail.com
News from Wickford Town Council
Town Council Hosts Christmas Buffet Lunch for Senior Citizens
The Town Council hosted its first Senior Citizens Christmas Buffet Lunch on Friday 6th December.
This Christmas event brought together 80 senior citizens from across the community for an afternoon filled with joy, camaraderie, and festive celebration.
The event featured a buffet provided by Adams Catering and live entertainment from Carol Harper, raffle prizes donated by a number of people including Quirks, tea and coffee donated by St Lukes, Co-op, table gifts donated by Basildon Borough Councillor Eunice Brockman.
The event was supported by a team of enthusiastic volunteers and their dedication ensured every attendee felt welcomed and celebrated. The tea and coffee was flowing.
Senior citizens in attendance expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to connect with friends, enjoy delicious food, and revel in the festive atmosphere.
Events like this underscore the value of community spirit and shared traditions.
For more information about upcoming community events take a look at the Town Council’s website www.wickfordtowncouncil.gov.uk
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Free non-judgemental guidance will be available for wellbeing topics including mental health, weight management, substance misuse and sexual health.
Each event will have free giveaways and free tea and coffee available too.
Free resources will be available, including:
• exercise taster sessions and demonstrations from Active Essex
• free oral health resources
• support to stop smoking
• winter warm packs
• advice on courses with ACL
If you have any questions about the Healthier Habits Hub please contact HealthierHabitsHubs@essex.gov.uk
Come to a Healthier Habits Hub
More events across Essex are being confirmed, check back on www.essex.gov.uk/news/2024/healthierhabits-hub for more dates.
The Love Essex Fund returns
Calling all wastereduction enthusiasts!
Could you be eligible for one of our £500 micro-grants?
Each year, we provide funding to organisations, individuals, and schools in Essex with innovative projects aimed at reducing household waste.
For 2025, our focus is on reuse and repair initiatives. Here are some examples of previous reuse and repair projects:
• repair cafés
• refill shops
• textiles and toy redistribution groups
• bike, furniture, and electronics repair organisations
• clothes swap events
One of the successful applicants in the 2023 funding round was Kids Inspire, a children’s mental health charity. They used their micro-grant to purchase clothing rails and covers to store preloved clothes donated to their Vinted page.
On 6th November 2024, the charity held a Christmas shopping event at Ingatestone Hall where they sold their second-hand clothes. The event raised an impressive £3,240 for the charity and saved over 550 items of clothing from being thrown away – truly inspiring!
Applications for the fund opened on 6th January 2025 via the Love Essex Fund webpage. In the application, you’ll be asked to provide a brief description of your project and a detailed breakdown of how you plan to spend the micro-grant.
Don’t miss out! Applications close on 9th February 2025.
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The latest from Wickford Foodbank
The Wickford Foodbank was set up independently 11 years ago by Churches Together in Wickford previously known at The Gateway Project.
Wickford Salvation Army Corps in Jersey Gardens host Wickford Foodbank to serve guests each week supported by a small but dedicated band of volunteers from the local churches and within the community.
We receive generous donations from schools, churches, local businesses and those in the community at points during the year and always at harvest time in the Autumn and at Christmas.
In the past we have also received donations of in-date food items left at the donation point in the large Co-op store and the Aldi store in Wickford, but the large Co-op closed, and since the refurbishment of Aldi the donated items left at the store are given to another charity who support other local projects in Essex.
While we hope for a time that foodbanks will not be needed, the current cost of living crisis and increased bills experienced by us all mean that Wickford Foodbank is a lifeline to individuals and families in our town who are not quite able to make ends meet financially.
As a consequence of the current financial challenges we have noticed that donations are greatly reduced compared to previous years. To enable us to maintain this vital service, local stores have created donation points set up along our High Street at the following locations:
Quick Fix Garage
MD Carers (opp. Marco Polo)
Temme English
Co-op Funeral Care
And very shortly The Wickford Town Council Office
We are grateful for all of the support we have received this far. If you are able, please use the donation points along our High Street for non-perishable in-date food items to help us continue offering this service into 2025 and beyond. There are lists of useful food items available at each location.
The Salvation Army Wickford Jersey Gardens, Wickford S511 7AE
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Thursday-10am to 1pm
We can offer you support with a range of services including:
• Assistance with accessing benefits. i.e., Universal Credit, PIP, Pension Credit etc.
November 2024 was a very busy month for the Saturday academies of PQA Wickford. Firstly, they received an unprecedented six awards in the PQA National Filmmaking Competition, hosted at the BFI in London. Congratulations to all the students involved with the winning films and also to our Film & TV teacher Steven Dorrington for all his hard work.
Secondly, both the Saturday morning and afternoon academies performed in Across The Line at His Majesty’s Theatre in London (home of Phantom of the Opera). Across The Line is a musical written exclusively for PQA students by Will Bretton. The morning academy performed on Sunday 17th of November; and the afternoon academy performed the week after on Sunday the 24th. Principal Teri Levett said “We are so proud of every single one of our students. They have worked so hard for the last few months and have delivered professional and impressive performances. Their families were thrilled with the show and it was a lovely way to end the term. Bravo to all of the performersand thank you so much to teachers Tessa, Summer, Lilli plus assistants Danny, Lola and Patrick for all their help with the show.”
Essex communities help transform public service outcomes
The Caring Communities Commission has spent the past three months engaging local communities. It wants to learn how health, social care and wellbeing can be transformed.
Interactive sessions were held in Colchester and Basildon. Care groups, hospices, charities, trusts and others explored challenges and opportunities for change.
Around 100 attendees answered questions such as:
• What are the main barriers to accessing voluntary and community services?
• How can different organisations work together to better support communities?
• What existing things are working well within communities to support better wellbeing?
• What more can organisations do to support communities and residents?
Drop-in sessions were also held in Chelmsford and Harlow Shopping Centre. They gave residents the chance to share their experiences of public services.
The 12 commissioners include leaders from the NHS, Salvation Army and other organisations. They will now look at all the feedback and publish steps for change in the new year. Their report will focus on building capacity and strengthening connections in local communities.
Contact the Caring Communities Commission via caringcommunities. commission@essex.gov.uk to hear about future engagement opportunities.
New first-of-type Electronic Patient Record system for the UK
In a first of type in the UK, people across Essex and beyond will benefit from a new Electronic Patient Record (EPR) Information Technology system in a £65m contract award to Oracle Health, a global leader in healthcare systems. The new system will build on current digital investments to create a single patient record system across hospitals, mental health and community services, delivered by Mid and South Essex Foundation Trust (MSEFT) and Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (EPUT), in partnership with Oracle Health.
The new system is expected to launch in 2026/27.
Wickford Town
It will improve how clinicians access patients’ comprehensive health and care information in real-time and enhance patients’ experiences by not having to re-tell their health or care history whenever they see a health professional.
Both Trusts are working collaboratively on the design and implementation of the new system to help ensure it fulfils the needs of their patients and service users by empowering doctors, nurses and many other healthcare professionals across the area. The approval of the full business case and investment in the EPR system is part of the NHS commitment to modernising healthcare services through digital technology, improving patient care and increasing system-wide efficiency.
Fixing the bins - Councillors confirm final steps for return to weekly collections
Basildon Council’s Cabinet met on 9th December to confirm the steps required to reinstate weekly residual waste collections across the borough.
Councillors were presented with a report which proposed that weekly collections begin in Spring 2025, following final budget approval at February’s Full Council meeting. The report comes after a full consultation with residents, in which 73.2% of respondents supported weekly residual waste collections using a wheeled bin. The service is currently delivered fortnightly.
Following analysis of the survey results, Councillors instructed officers to prepare a detailed plan for the return to weekly collections.
Councillors voted on recommendations to finalise the return to weekly collections, ensuring that the change is financially
supported by a balanced budget for the financial year 2025/26.
The report is included in the agenda for Monday’s Cabinet meeting, which you can view on the council’s website alongside the webcast of the meeting from 9th December 2024.
For regular updates on council services, including changes to waste and recycling services, sign up to the council’s weekly e-newsletter at www.basildon.gov.uk/keepintouch
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As in past years the Rotary Club of Wickford is played host again to Santa as he visited the streets of Wickford on his sleigh in the evenings in the run up to Christmas.
Santa had ten street runs in 2024 covering a large proportion of the town, so there was nowhere in the town more than a mile from one of his runs.
Following a tradition which has built up over the last few years, such is the enthusiasm of the people of Wickford to see Santa, on average 400 each night follwed the Sleigh Tracking app which is installed on the Sleigh
and even if Santa wasn’t coming past their door they came across town to meet Santa on a night that suits them, which makes it a bit of an adventure for the children on their Santa search. Many people follow the sleigh for a good proportion of each run so that we see lots of happy faces during the month!
Santa also visited Sainsbury’s on the A127 a couple of times on the weekends up to Christmas and was welcomed warmly by staff and management there. Thank You Sainsbury’s!
Conversations with the young people we meet on our travels affirms our belief that Santa brings joy, and many of the older generation reminisce on having seen Santa and the sleigh in the past. As one lady said “This is the thing which starts Christmas up for me!”
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 (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 is to try to raise at least 1% of the total needed, which we achieved previously, by raising just over £7000.
Of course we couldn’t do this 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.
So, thank you in advance for your continued support and we hope that you genuinely have a happy and healthy 2025.
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 web site at www.wickfordrotary.org.uk
Wickford
Wickford in Bloom
The weather in January might be gloomy at times but we have already decided on the plants and colours that will brighten the High Street in 2025.
This year we will be planting hot pink double geraniums, baby pink ivy leaf trailing geraniums, purple/blue surfina petunias, stripped pink surfina petunias, silver leafed cineraria, and as they were so lovely last year, mixed double and trailing begonias. Once again A.E Harnett & Sons will be growing the plants for us.
We try to choose robust plants that will cope with all weather conditions so we have decided not include the more delicate plants like lobelia and bacopa. These and other plants don’t cope well with dry hot weather or being sat on, trodden on, having half eaten kebabs and chips tipped on them, being squashed by shopping bags rested on them or the planters being used as waste bins for drinks cans, cigarettes and vape packets. We are, of course, aware that the majority treat the flowers with care and appreciation and are always hopeful that the few who don’t will show a little more respect this year. We have in the past planted pansies, cyclamen, heuchera, festuca and polyanthus for a winter display. Sadly we realised these plants do not thrive in the cold and rain and generally only start to grow just as we are about to take them out to the plant bulbs. So last autumn we decided to just plant the donated bulbs and have a fantastic spring display instead.
Not having winter plants does of course, mean the planters look a bit bare and sad so as an experiment we planted the big round planter in front of The Willows shopping centre with hardy shrubs underplanted with bulbs. We included Skimmia, Hebe, Heather and Euonymous and are very pleased to see that at the moment they are growing very well.
Some of the planters are in shady and windy spots and we would like to add more ferns to these as some ferns often tolerate these conditions and do well. In the planter near the bus stop in Runwell Road, which is in a
particularly shady and windy spot, we planted bulbs and added 3 ferns and 2 heuchera to the hardy agapanthus that we planted last spring. One of the ferns has died but the other two are doing well. We have every intention of continuing to plant our lovely colourful summer displays but would also like to add in a little diversity where possible.
At this time of year usually we are frantically fund raising, asking for sponsors, applying for grants and begging for money so we can pay for the plants, baskets and equipment. Last year our financial situation became a bit desperate when a grant we had been promised was months late being paid. These problems caused us a great deal of worry so
we are delighted and very relieved to say we are currently in discussion with Wickford Town Council as it has agreed, in principle, to provide the money we need. There will be more details on this when they have been agreed.
I am sure many of you are aware of the Christchurch Christmas tree festival. Wickford in Bloom was again invited to take part and the theme of our tree this year was volunteering and many of the decorations on our tree were donated by our lovely volunteers. There were some really pretty and innovative trees on display and we were very pleased to be part of this event.
Some time ago Runwell Art Club asked Wickford in Bloom if we would like to be part of a mural showing local volunteer groups. The mural will eventually go in the railway underpass in the High Street. One side already has a guiding mural and Runwell Art Club are creating one for the other side. Val Rainey has painted a water colour from a photograph we provided and I am sure you will agree that it is very beautiful and depicts the 2023 display perfectly.
Our Wickford Cemetery group have put their tools away for the winter but will be back in the Spring to carry on looking after the garden at the entrance to the cemetery.
As always we are very pleased to see new volunteers. There is a reasonable amount of walking and carrying involved but all age groups are very welcome. Our events are posted on our Facebook page in advance or we can add volunteers to our WhatsApp Group.
For any further information please email Wickfordinbloom@virginmedia.com, find
“Follow Essex Police advice and make your home less likely to be a target - That’s what we’re going to do.”
A couple who were victims of burglary when they were out for a pre-Christmas celebratory meal are sharing their story to warn others this festive season.
Sharon and Danny Brown from Stanford-le-Hope returned home on Monday 9th December to find their treasured belongings strewn across the floor.
Sharon said:
“We called the police, and they came to speak to us and check the whole house.
“I couldn’t believe my eyes. It didn’t register at first what had happened, but then it dawned on me and I realised we’d been burgled.
“It was such a shock. We’ve lived here 30 years and always felt so safe.
“Whoever broke in has pulled out all our drawers and cupboards and gone through our personal space.
“T hey took some irreplaceable jewellery including my engagement and wedding ring. They also took a gold gate bracelet which my mum gave me for my 21st birthday, 50 years ago.
“I wanted to hand that down to my children and grandchildren, but they have taken that from me too.”
“We don’t want this happen to anyone else”
The grandparents, who are in their 70s, say they thought their home was really secure, but have now taken extra crime prevention advice to reduce the risk.
Danny added:
“The detectives and the crime scene investigators have been round to talk to us, take all the details and gather evidence.
“I know they are going to do all they can to catch those responsible, but we don’t want this to happen to anyone else.
“Follow Essex Police advice and make your home less likely to be a target.
“T hat’s what we’re going to do.”
“We are onto you” Crime scene investigator Jess Wiseman visited the couple and checked for evidence as part of the investigation into the burglary.
She explained:
“We come to a scene and pay meticulous attention to even the minutest details as these often provide the critical evidence needed to apprehend perpetrators and ensure justice is served.
“A burglar might think they have not left a trace of themselves or any evidence behind, but our training and equipment enables us to look in places others might not have noticed.
“I’m looking for the key which helps the investigators unlock the case and find those responsible.
“My warning to burglars is very clear, we are onto you, and we will be relentless in our pursuit of finding those who break into people’s homes.”
Burglary rates are going down
Home burglary rates are going down in the county and we’re solving more than almost any other force in the county. In the last 12 months we’ve secured 130 burglary charges.
Superintendent Tim Tubbs, who is Essex Police’s strategic lead for burglary, said officers and staff across the force are committed to arresting those responsible for committing burglary and also ensuring people have the information they need to protect their home.
“One burglary is one too many. It makes me angry when I hear that Sharon and Danny’s home has been broken into while they were out for the day.
“Our team will do all we can to secure the evidence and find those who committed this callous offence.
“With darker nights, I would really urge people to take those extra precautions and make sure their home is not an easy target.”
Stay Safe
For advice on how to stay safe and protect your home, yourself, your business and your vehicles from crime, please visit Essex Police crime prevention pages via www.essex.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention
You can also find out more general information about crime, the law and staying safe on Essex Police advice and information pages at www.essex.police.uk/advice/ advice-and-information
St Andrew’s Church, 11 London Road, Wickford SS12 0AN
What’s On
The Way: An exhibition
by Steve Whittle
11th January
- 18th April, various times at St Andrew’s Church, 11 London Road, Wickford SS12 0AN
“The main medium I use is collage and over many years I have developed the technique which can be seen in many of the pictures of this exhibition.”
St Andrew’s is usually open: Sat 9am-12:30pm; Sun 9:30am-12 noon; Mon 2pm-3:45pm; Tue 1pm-4:30pm; Wed 10am12 noon; Fri 10am-1pm. www.wickfordandrunwellparish.org.uk/ whats-on.html
Billericay Art Trail Workshop
Friday 24th January, 10:00am – 11:30am at Human Kind Café, 111 High Street, CM12 9AJ
Kick off the new year with creativity and colour! Join local artist Tracey Walker and create your own canvas artwork, exploring abstract painting techniques. In this session, you’ll be supported to explore
new painting techniques or refine your skills. At the end of the workshop, you’ll be able to take your artwork home or place it in one of Billericay’s brand new Free Little Art Galleries for someone else to enjoy!
Suitable for all ages and abilities, all materials provided.
Join us throughout January for more FREE workshops.
Upcoming With South Hanningfield Village Hall
Charity Ball Fundraising Ball at Stockbrook Manor
On the evening of Saturday, 25th January. After the success of last year’s event, bookings are being taken for another event! £80 per person Posh Evening Frocks and Dinner Jackets. Proceeds to South Hanningfield Village Hall and St Peter’s Church. Tables of 8-10 and cost includes pre-dinner drinks reception after dinner house all-inclusive evening bar including house spirits, wines, beers, lagers & soft drinks; 4 Course Luxury Dinner Menu including wine, beers and soft drinks; DJ entertainment, Raffle. For more information and to book, call Emma on 07961 963914
Raffle Prizes Appeal
If anyone has any suitable presents left over or unwanted from Christmas, please can you donate them to South Hanningfield Village Hall Charity. They would be used as Raffle prizes at future fundraising events for the hall. The committee would be very grateful. Please email vallisc@aol.com or phone 07891 653238
Da Management
Live
Saturday 25th January, 8:30pm at Wickford Railway Social Club
Da Management is a band which plays Music
From The Golden Era of Pop - 50s, 60s & 70s classics – head along to enjoy the gig.
Wickford Town
The Posh Boys Kick Off 2025 with a Bang!
Friday 31st January, 7:00pm – 10:00pm at Posh Boys Brewery and Taproom
The Posh Boys are set to deliver their first gig of the year, bringing three hours of lively entertainment from 7pm to 10pm.
Known for their uncensored and unfiltered acoustic performances, the duo offers a high-energy mix of rock and pop classics spanning the 1960s to the present day. Their unique and down-to-earth style, combined
with crowd-pleasing favourites, guarantees an unforgettable experience.
Fans can expect a night filled with music, fun, and great vibes. Arriving early is recommended to secure a spot for what promises to be a packed and memorable evening. Gather friends, grab a drink, and enjoy the show!
Wickford Town Council and Committee Meetings
Town Council office, Unit 1
Wych Elm House, Nevendon Road, Wickford, Essex SS11 9RZ
All Council meetings are held at The Wick Community Centre, Silva Island Way unless otherwise stated, and usually start at 7pm. All Committee meetings are held at the Town Council office unless otherwise stated and usually start at 7pm.
2025 Forthcoming meetings:
• Market Committee 20th January
• Council 27th January
Cirque Enchantment
Saturday 22nd February, 7:30pm at Towngate Theatre
This magical production features superb choreography, breathtaking live vocals and mesmerising circus performers. With an eclectic and iconic musical soundtrack including Wings, Mad World, Sweet Dreams, The Show Must Go On, Relight My Fire, I’ll Put A Spell On You and many more.
Book your tickets now at: www.towngatetheatre.co.uk/cirqueenchantment
Gotcha Party Band
Saturday 22nd February, 8:30pm at Barnhall Community Association & Social Club
New to Barnhall! Playing high-energy party hits in the way that only GOTCHA! can. Expect some Madness, Blur, and maybe even something for the Swifties! It’s going to be fun, fun, FUN! Members £5, Non-members £7.
Healthy and Hearty Recipes to Start the New Year Right
January is the perfect time to reset after the festive indulgence, and what better way than with healthy, warming meals to nourish body and soul?
These four recipes are packed with goodness, easy to prepare, and ideal for chilly evenings. From comforting soups to hearty mains, these dishes will keep you on track without compromising on flavour. Let’s kickstart the year with nutritious, homemade food that the whole family will enjoy!
Spiced Sweet Potato and Lentil Soup
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
500g sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
150g red lentils
1L vegetable stock
400g tinned chopped tomatoes
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh coriander, to garnish
Herby Lemon Chicken with Roasted Winter Vegetables
Ingredients
4 boneless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
Juice and zest of 1 lemon
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons dried thyme
500g carrots, peeled and cut into batons
500g parsnips, peeled and cut into batons
1 red onion, sliced into wedges
1 tablespoon honey
Salt and pepper, to taste
Method
1. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
2. Stir in the cumin, coriander, and smoked paprika, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add the sweet potatoes, red lentils, vegetable stock, and tinned tomatoes. Stir well and bring to a boil.
4. Reduce the heat and simmer for 25 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes and lentils are tender.
5. Blend the soup with a hand blender until smooth, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh coriander and a wedge of crusty bread on the side.
Method
1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan).
2. In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice and zest, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken breasts in the marinade and set aside.
3. On a baking tray, toss the carrots, parsnips, and red onion with a drizzle of olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper. Roast in the oven for 15 minutes.
4. Add the marinated chicken breasts to the tray with the vegetables and roast for a further 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are caramelised.
5. Serve hot, garnished with an extra squeeze of lemon if desired.
Hearty Veggie Bean Stew
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 red pepper, diced
2 carrots, diced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
400g tinned chopped tomatoes
400g tinned cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
400g tinned kidney beans, drained and rinsed
300ml vegetable stock
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped, to garnish
Method
1. Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and red pepper, cooking until softened.
2. Stir in the carrots, oregano, and smoked paprika, cooking for 2 more minutes.
3. Pour in the chopped tomatoes, cannellini beans, kidney beans, and vegetable stock. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
4. Cover and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the stew thickens and the vegetables are tender.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and some warm crusty bread.
1. Place the porridge oats, milk, apples, and ground cinnamon in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.
2. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring frequently, until the oats are creamy and the apples have softened.
3. Stir in the honey (or maple syrup) to sweeten.
4. Serve hot, topped with a sprinkle of walnuts or flaked almonds for extra crunch.
Working together to promote Pedal Power in Essex
This initiative has seen an increase in active travel but and supported staff facing cost of living pressures by reducing commuting costs, and reduced emissions by cutting car journeys.
Organisations:
Basildon University Hospital, in partnership with Active Essex, Essex County Council, Basildon Borough Council, Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, The Active Wellbeing Society and more.
Supporting Active Travel for Staff:
Basildon University Hospital is part of Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust (MSEFT), an anchor organisation with an ambition to improve the health, wealth and wellbeing of local people and tackle inequalities in their local community.
Over the last year, Basildon University Hospital has teamed up in an ambitious regional partnership with Active Essex, Essex County Council, The Active Wellbeing Society, Basildon Borough Council, Sport England, and London Marathon Foundation to support active travel for their staff.
The concept is simple – they have provided over 150 new, quality bikes for free to lower income staff.
The results? Through this initiative they have not only seen an increase in active travel, but have also supported staff facing cost of living pressures by reducing commuting costs, and reduced emissions by cutting car journeys. Read on to find out more about the programme.
Background to project:
The Basildon University Hospital bike giveaway is being delivered as part of Essex Pedal Power – a flagship community cycling programme providing over 4,000 new bikes to boost cycling in low-income areas across the county in order to improve health, increase active travel, and strengthen community cohesion.
Essex Pedal Power began as a partnership between the Active Essex Local Delivery Pilot, Essex County Council, The Active Wellbeing Society and other key partners. The first bikes distributed were to eligible residents in Clacton and Jaywick Sands in 2021. Due to its success the programme has since been rolled out to additional areas across the region, including Colchester, Basildon, Harwich and Dovercourt, and Canvey Island.
In addition to the free bikes, residents receive wrap-around support including access to free learn to ride lessons, bike maintenance, and community-led rides.
Partnership-working around shared priorities
As Essex Pedal Power goes from strength to strength, innovative new partnerships continue to be developed between local anchor organisations in the region around the initiative. This is creating more opportunities for joint action around shared priorities.
One such example is Essex Pedal Power
Basildon – which saw Essex Pedal Power working with Basildon Borough Council, MSEF Trust, and Basildon University Hospital to deliver bikes to lower income staff working in the hospital.
These staff are more likely to work shift patterns and as a result are often unable to rely on public transport to and from the hospital during off peak hours. The cost of travelling to work can significantly impact their income. However a high percentage of these employees also live within cycling distance of the hospital making them ideal candidates for the Essex Pedal Power initiative.
“Essex Pedal Power has helped Mid and South Essex Foundation Trust to meet its (Anchor) ambition to be a good employer by supporting its staff working at lower pay bands in Basildon, who feel the impact of the continuing cost of living crisis most keenly, to reduce their outgoings avoiding car journeys and car parking.” Charlotte Williams, Chief Strategy and Improvement Officer at Mid and South Essex Foundation Trust
Impact of the project
Initial data is showing that this initiative is having a positive impact on a number of key anchor pillars.
• Reducing environmental impact: Average car journeys per week were reduced by 50% for employees who received a bike – reducing carbon emissions, improving air quality, and lowering congestion.
• Supporting the health and wellbeing of staff: the number of staff who are physically active has increased, and participating staff have reported a reduction in feelings of anxiety, and a 9% increase in life satisfaction.
• Increased retention of lower income staff.
• Increased community trust and connectedness, as well as volunteering opportunities: there has been real passion that has grown around Essex Pedal Power creating a community of engaged volunteers supporting the delivery of the programme.
“My travel time to work has decreased and helped me to conserve my energy for the 12 hour shift. Because of this, there’s no need for me to wake up very early to prepare for work and cycling also became a form of my exercise. I am grateful for the opportunity given to me.” Quote from bike recipient.
After the successful outcome of Phase 1 of the initiative in 2023, the project was re-launched over the summer of this year to provide even more bikes to hospital employees on Bands 2 – 4.
What advice do you have for others?
“Identify people within your organisation who are effective collaborators and have a passion to drive positive change at both a system level and for individuals. Buy-in from the NHS Trust, as well as support from local authorities, is critical for the successful delivery of a multi-agency project such as Essex Pedal Power.” Lydia Smith, Essex Pedal Power Coordinator, The Active Wellbeing Society
“Having a strong partnership means you are more likely to receive and better placed to respond to unique requests and challenges that come your way, such as improvements to street lighting, access to facilities and funding.” Tom Oliver, Active Environments Coordinator, Basildon Borough Council.
Visit Active Essex on www.activeessex.org/essexpedal power to find out more.
Enjoy a winter stroll in the New Year
The woolly hats and gloves are out as we enjoy a seasonal saunter.
Whilst braving the cold and going out for a walk this winter might not be at the top of your priorities over this period, did you know that this season actually has some incredible benefits for getting out and going for an amble?
These benefits include;
• Burning more calories in the coldIf, much like myself, you are a foodie and love to open the Quality Street (the green triangle chocolate, naturally), then this may well be music to your ears. When you are cold, your body generates heat to regulate your temperature. The body does this by activating brown adipose tissue, also known as brown fat. Your calories start burning when your brown fat operates, generating heat and warming you up again. Combining these burning calories with the calories you are burning from your walk means you can maximise the benefits of your daily walk
• Boost of immune system –
There is evidence to suggest that exposure to the cold can strengthen the immune system and help you improve your ability to fight infections. The cold weather kills off bacteria and viruses so a stroll can give your immune system a helping hand
• Sleep improvement –Taking a walk outdoors might make it easier for you to sleep at night. When your body temperature drops, you produce more melatonin – the sleep hormone
• Fresher skin –
A winter walk might be one of the best things to do to improve your skin. When the temperature drops, your blood vessels become more responsive, increasing circulation which helps deliver more rejuvenating nutrients to the skin. The cold weather also closes up pores and stops the skin becoming too oily.
The Basildon Greenway Ramblers are a walking group for people of all ages covering the Basildon Council area. This includes Basildon, Billericay, Wickford, Pitsea and Laindon.
The following are a list of upcoming walks organised by the group that you can join.
