We have over 50 years’ experience in the industry and have seen most types of windows and doors over the years and rarely find a problem we can’t solve.
From blown/misted units, draughty windows and broken locks, to a complete & full replacement of your windows or conservatory - reach out to us and it would be our privilege to pop round and see how we could help.
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Wickford Town News
October Delights, Festive Fun, Local News, and Tips to Keep You Cosy!
As we move into October, your Wickford Town News Magazine is filled with a blend of festive spirit, local news, and helpful tips. This issue offers a look at upcoming Christmas events, including Wickford at Christmas and Wickford Town Council’s holiday plans. Don’t miss out on the latest updates from Wickford in Bloom and the return of the popular Crunch service. For those looking to get involved, Coram and Marie Curie are seeking volunteers to make a difference in our community. As colder weather approaches, we offer advice on upgrading your home’s heating and practical tips for October gardening. Plus, discover delicious Halloween recipes to make with your kids and get active with Find Your Active Essex. There’s something for everyone in this edition, whether you’re looking to celebrate, contribute, or stay informed!
Don’t forget, as well as being available to read online, 12,000 copies are printed and delivered through the doors every month!
As you read this, we are preparing the November issue so please ensure any articles are submitted via the email below before 10th October!
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
Basildon Local Plan Update
The Billericay Action Group (BAG) was founded in 2014 when Basildon Council first started work on a new Local Plan; a plan that would set out where development would take place in the borough over the next 20 years.
As some of you are aware, that version of the plan was withdrawn in 2022 and work started on a new iteration.
Basildon Council is aiming to have the first draft of the new Local Plan published this November at which time there will be a public consultation. We will all be able to express our views as part of the plan making process.
We do not yet know the sites the Council will be proposing for development, but they have stated that they plan to make provision for just over 27,000 new dwellings across the borough over the next 20 years, of which more 16,000 will need the existing Green Belt to be released. Quite simply, there isn’t enough other land to accommodate the huge scale of development being planned.
To put 27,000 new homes into perspective, Basildon borough today has around 80,000 dwellings so that figure represents a 34% increase, not just in terms of housing, but also population, cars and the pressure it will put on infrastructure, schools and health facilities.
Looked at another way, 27,000 is more than the number of dwellings of the current towns of Wickford and Billericay, combined!
It has taken hundreds of years for the borough to reach its current size, most of which came from the formation of Basildon New Town some 70 years ago. To expect it to grow by over 30% in just 20 years is, quite frankly, scary, and potentially unsustainable within our current communities and environment. It far exceeds the true local need for housing.
We need a new Local Plan, and development for local need is essential, but the number of houses being planned is excessive. It must be the right number, of the right type and in the right places.
As before, BAG will continue to challenge the Council over its plans, but we need your help. Please make sure you understand the implications of the new Local Plan when it is published and that you take part in the consultation. It is the only chance we have to try to influence a good outcome.
Please keep an eye on our website, www.billericayactiongroup.org.uk or join our Facebook group ‘Save Billericay From Housing Developments’ for more information.
We thank you in anticipation for your support.
BAG is part of the Billericay District Residents’ Association (www.BDRA.org).
Use of landfill in Essex to end ahead of schedule by October 2025
The winning bidder for ECC’s new waste treatment contracts was confirmed as Indaver Rivenhall Limited this August.
With current contracts due to expire on 31st March 2025, the new contracts will run for seven years from 1st April 2025. The contract includes an option to extend for up to a further seven years. The estimated total value of the contract over the potential 14 years could be over £1bn subject to changes in law that will impact the waste industry.
As part of the tender, the council set a requirement that landfill could not be used from 1st January 2028. This is two years ahead of the recommendation from the Essex Climate Action Commission to send zero waste to landfill by 2030.
In response to the council’s requirement, the winning bidder has committed to an impressive complete move away from landfill by 1st October 2025.
It is estimated that the delivery of all four lots combined will result in a reduction in greenhouse gas (CO2 equivalent) emissions of circa 30% when compared to our current landfill disposal arrangements. This equates to the saving of over 540,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide (equivalent) across the initial seven-year contract term.
Through the contracts, much of Essex’s waste will be used for a short period to generate heat and electricity in an energy from waste plant on the continent and in the longer-term electricity in an Essex-based facility.
From 1st October 2025 the new contractor has committed to contributing to the Waste Strategy for Essex recycling ambitions through the removal of metals and the recycling of ash produced by the energy from waste process. They have also committed to delivering a significant amount of social value through various initiatives, from significant spending through local supply chains to offering employees training, providing them time to volunteer, and offering work placements for local students.
Councillor Peter Schwier, Climate Czar and Cabinet Member for Environment, Waste Reduction and Recycling, said: “I am delighted to be able to award these contracts for the treatment of our black bag waste in Essex. This will ensure medium-term arrangements are in place for the disposal of our waste while our waste strategy is considered for adoption by our city, district and borough councils across Essex for the longer term.
“I am also very pleased to see a very early end to our waste going to landfill which will really benefit the environment and help us achieve our net zero ambitions.”
The new contracts will ensure residual waste treatment arrangements are in place for the medium term. For the longer term, it is expected that the new Waste Strategy for Essex will be considered for adoption by all Essex city, district and borough councils over the coming weeks.
Kateryn Parr - Henry VIII’s Sixth Queen
Essex author Laura Adkins has released her first book.
ocal Essex author Laura Adkins has released her first book which came about through her blog The Local History Blogger where Laura tends to look at the history of Essex but also further afield.
Laura’s book Kateryn Parr: Henry VIII’s sixth Queen came about from a post she created a few years ago on Katherine Parr as part of women’s history month where Laura and five other bloggers each put forward their arguments for which of Henry’s wives were the most fascinating, a bit like the musical Six. Laura’s book looks at the various roles Katherine had in her lifetime - daughter, sibling, wife, mother, reformer, and author. A book launch event was recently hosted by Laura at the Reading Rooms in Billericay and below are more details on this wonderful book:
“ This is the story of Katheryn Parr: mother, reformer, author and Henry VIII’s sixth and final Queen. Details her background and childhood, her literary achievements and loves.
“Explores her varied roles and relationships at court, and the legacy she passed on to the future Queen Elizabeth I.
“Katheryn Parr is mainly remembered today as being the sixth wife of King Henry VIII, the one who ‘survived’. Katheryn was not only a wife but a queen, mother, reformer, and author.
“Katheryn would face a number of events in her lifetime including being held to ransom during the Pilgrimage of Grace, being placed as
regent while Henry was in France, a role which only one of his five previous wives held, her namesake Katherine of Aragon, and overcame a plot which would have led to her arrest and execution. While Queen she was able to unite the Tudor family and establish some form of happiness for Henry VIII’s three children.
“Raised by her mother Maud Parr, under a humanist education, Katheryn was intelligent enough to understand her role in life and was not afraid to do her research. Although raised a Catholic, Katheryn became a reformer and went on to write a number of religious texts, being the first female in England to ever have a book published under her own name. She was loyal not only to her family but her servants and the women of her court. She loved her stepchildren and provided them with a mother’s love and a role model which her stepdaughters could learn from. Her views on what was expected of her placed her into an open conflict with her brother-in-law Edward Seymour and his wife Anne.
“ This book explores the various roles she had in her lifetime and the passion and duty she put into them, even if it meant putting others first. It will explore her love for Thomas Seymour and how it blindsided her and led to a sad end of her life, and the book will finally look at her legacy - the influence she had on Princess Elizabeth, the future Queen Elizabeth I.”
Rotary celebrates 66 years
Rotary Wickford was formed in September 1958.
It was with great pleasure that this year we achieved 66 years since our inauguration. And so we were joined were joined by family and friends for a meal at the Magic Mushroom to celebrate.
President Pauline welcomed us all to the event, and spoke of how proud she was of the Club and what we have achieved over the last year, and of the fun we have together. She described how we are one of few Clubs to achieve silver partner status with the charity Shelterbox (www.shelterbox.com) and of our continued support of St Luke’s Hospice since its inception, culminating recently with the supply of a Doppler Ultrasound machine which will be used to support the 1,500 patients at the hospice, a lot of whom suffer from lymphoedema as part of their condition.
Our archivist Rotarian Bob Plimmer then went on to describe some of the history of the Club, and how that had developed in the very active Club which we are today.
But of the future!
How do you like a barn dance? Do join us at the Nevendon Community Centre for an evening dancing to the St George’s Barn Dance Band on at 7:30 on Saturday October 19th. The proceeds of the event will go to Boxers Barbers 4 Ukraine, Wickford’s own humanitarian charity supporting the people of Ukraine. £10pp, scan the QR code for tickets!
Scan here to book a ticket
St George’s Barn dance band
District Governor Elect Mark Inner Wheel President Jayne
President Pauline
Archivist Bob
Rt Hon Mark Francois MP
Member of Parliament for Rayleigh and Wickford
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/
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Marie Curie need Essex volunteers
Would you be happy to spare a little time to support your local area for Marie Curie?
We are actively looking for volunteers to support with all things fundraising.
Planned are some collections around Essex towards the end of the year and then for our annual Daffodil appeal between February and April. There is help needed with organising collections and contacting existing collectors in the area to produce a rota for the collection day. There is no experience needed for this! Just a sense of humor, a little bit of time and enjoying doing something worthwhile in your local area that will benefit patients and families at the end of their life, that need support, with a service that is free to everyone involved when it is needed the most.
We are also looking for support with collection tins and daffodil box placements, this could be a business that is wanting to support or individuals that can spare some time every 8-12 weeks with changing over, banking and liaising with your fundraiser.
If you are aged 18 and over and are interested in becoming a Marie Curie supporter, please contact Angela Taylor on 07872 503670 or email: angela.taylor@mariecurie.org.uk
Thank you!
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Support to upgrade household heating ahead of cold winter months
You can register your interest in making your home’s heating more efficient and eco-friendly with reduced cost.
Air source heat pumps can cut carbon emissions by 44% each year. Their efficiency ratings also typically reach 300%.
As a result, air source heat pumps can save on energy bills over time. However, they can also come with a high upfront cost.
Switch Together is able to keep the cost down for Essex homeowners through group buying. This involves:
• Register your interest for free and without obligation by 1st November 2024
• A list of vetted installers compete by bidding to work with interested local residents. They offer their most competitive price without compromising on quality
• Receive a personalised offer via email. This details all costs and specifications tailored to your home. There is still no obligation to proceed
• Review the offer at your own pace. If you choose to proceed, the installer will schedule a survey and complete the installation
• Telephone and email help desks are available throughout. This helps you make an informed decision in a hassle-free environment
Essex County Council are helping deliver Switch Together in partnership with iChoosr which are behind the successful Solar Together programme.
Councillor Peter Schwier, the Essex County Council Climate Czar and Cabinet Member for Environment, Waste Reduction and Recycling, said:
“Household heating accounts for about 14% of the country’s CO2 emissions. Considering how energy bills have risen, it is in everyone’s interest that modern and efficient air source heat pumps are made more accessible to Essex homeowners.”
You can significantly reduce your carbon footprint by making the switch to more efficient heating and water.
You must be a homeowner in Essex to benefit from Switch Together. To find out more and register your interest visit www.switchtogether.com/heat-pump
You could make further savings with a £7,500 grant from the Boiler Upgrade Scheme towards a new heat pump installation. Heat pump installations are also currently VAT-exempt. To apply for the boiler upgrade scheme visit www.gov.uk/apply-boiler-upgrade-scheme
News Around
Great Books Explained: King James Bible
Reverend Jonathan Evens has co-scripted a new film about the King James Bible with James Payne, a curator and passionate art enthusiast. The film is part of Great Books Explained, a series in which Payne seeks to demystify great literature through 15-minute films that use clear, concise language.
The King James Bible film has quickly gained popularity, amassing over 34,000 views, more than 2,000 likes, and numerous positive comments within just four days. Viewers have praised the video for its insightful presentation of the Bible’s historical and cultural significance, including its impact on the English language.
James Payne has described this project as particularly meaningful, citing his personal interest in the Bible despite being an atheist. His collaboration with Rev. Evens explores the content and structure of the Bible while telling the story of the King James Version’s creation and its far-reaching influence. The film can be viewed on YouTube, where it continues to receive praise from diverse audiences.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=kcqIVnUar7Q
Have Your Say on Public Spaces Protection Order
Basildon Council has launched a consultation to gather residents’ views on the Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) and the role of Community Safety Wardens. Since April 2022, the PSPO has empowered officers and wardens to address anti-social behaviour (ASB) in parks and town centres. It prohibits issues related to alcohol and substance use, urination, defecation, vehicle misuse, pony and traps, and car cruising. Community Safety Wardens provide a visible presence six days a week, engaging with the public and responding to local concerns.
The consultation is available online at basildoncommunitysafety.commonplace.is or by phone at 01268 533333. It runs until 21st October 2024 and will help shape future decisions on the PSPO.
Make your voice heard!
PFCC Announces £1.5m Safer Streets Funding to Boost Essex Community Safety
The Police, Fire, and Crime Commissioner for Essex has allocated £1.5 million to 19 community projects aimed at improving street and public space safety across the county.
A major portion, £1,041,534, will fund 64 new CCTV cameras and infrastructure in Castle Point, including Canvey Island, Benfleet, and Hadleigh. The project also received £183,207 in match funding, and will collaborate with Southend City Council for cost-effective monitoring.
Other areas receiving funding include Epping Forest, Basildon, Braintree, Colchester, Chelmsford, Thurrock, Tendring, and Southend. The Safer Streets Fund supports both large infrastructure projects and smaller grants of up to £20,000 for community interventions to reduce criminal activity.
Essex County Council Contributes to Groundbreaking Dementia Report
Essex County Council has contributed to a new report, Dementia in the Commonwealth, published by CommonAge. This first-of-itskind report explores the state of dementia care across Commonwealth nations, highlighting challenges, disparities, and best practices.
Wickford Town
The report showcases Essex initiatives like the Essex Intergenerational Age-Friendly Programme and the Inclusive Dementia Communities Programme, aimed at improving care and community connections for those affected by dementia. For more details, visit www.commage.org
Firefighting Operations Ongoing at Basildon Recycling Centre
Essex County Fire & Rescue Services continue battling a fire that broke out at a Basildon recycling centre on 14th September. Crews are working with on-site staff to break up and extinguish piles of waste, with operations continuing overnight. A large amount of smoke is expected. Residents and workers nearby are advised to keep windows and doors closed, and motorists on the A127 should be cautious of smoke drifting across the road.
Advice from UK Health and Security Agency:
• Any smoke can be an irritant. If people need to be outdoors, they are advised to avoid outside areas affected by any smoke or ash, or to limit the time that they spend in them.
• Motorists who have to travel through the smoke should keep windows closed, turn off air conditioning and keep their air vents closed.
NHS and partners urge local residents to ditch dangerous slippers this winter
Falls are a common issue for older adults, with 1 in 3 people over 65 and half of those over 80 experiencing at least one fall per year. To help prevent falls, Basildon and Brentwood residents can take part in the new “Slipper Swap” project, which offers free NHS-approved slippers with secure fastenings and sturdy soles.
Residents who feel unsteady on their feet are invited to attend local events where they can exchange old slippers for new ones. Health checks and advice on fall prevention and home exercises will also be available.
More dates and venues in Brentwood will be announced soon.
Find out more via www.midandsouthessex.ics.nhs.uk/yourarea/basildon-and-brentwood/slipperswap-events-in-basildon-and-brentwood
Spooky and Scrumptious Halloween Recipes to Make with the Kids
October brings the excitement of Halloween, a perfect time to get creative in the kitchen with your little ones.
These fun and easy-to-make recipes are designed for both taste and seasonal flair, offering a mix of sweet treats and savoury delights that the whole family will enjoy. From spooky snacks to ghoulish desserts, these recipes will make your Halloween celebrations deliciously memorable. Let’s cook up some fun!
Hot Dog Mummies
Ingredients
8 hot dogs
1 sheet of ready-rolled puff pastry
1 egg, beaten
2 tablespoons mustard (for eyes)
Ketchup, for dipping
Pumpkin Patch Pizza Pockets
Ingredients
1 sheet of ready-rolled pizza dough
150g mozzarella cheese, shredded
100g tomato pizza sauce
100g cooked ham, chopped
1 small red pepper, finely chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
A sprinkle of dried oregano
Method
1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan).
2. Cut the puff pastry into thin strips, about 1cm wide.
3. Wrap each hot dog in pastry strips, leaving a small gap near the top for the face.
4. Place the wrapped hot dogs on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
5. Brush the pastry with the beaten egg.
6. Bake for 15-18 minutes, until the pastry is golden brown.
7. Use a small dot of mustard to create eyes on each “mummy.”
8. Serve warm with ketchup for dipping.
Method
1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan).
2. Roll out the pizza dough and cut it into 8 large circles using a cookie cutter or the rim of a glass.
3. On half of each circle, spread a small amount of pizza sauce, then sprinkle mozzarella, chopped ham, and red pepper.
4. Fold the dough over to create pockets and press the edges with a fork to seal.
5. Brush the tops with olive oil and sprinkle with dried oregano.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes, until golden.
7. Serve hot, and let the kids enjoy these “mini pumpkins!”
Monster Mash Potato Cups
Ingredients
600g potatoes, peeled and diced
50g butter
100ml milk
4 large eggs
Green food colouring
50g grated cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
Black olives, sliced (for eyes)
Method
1. Boil the potatoes in salted water for 10-12 minutes until tender. Drain and mash with butter and milk until smooth.
2. Add a few drops of green food colouring to the mash, mixing well until you achieve a vibrant green.
3. Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan) and lightly grease a muffin tin.
4. Spoon the mashed potato into the muffin cups, pressing gently to form a small well in the centre of each.
5. Crack an egg into each well and sprinkle with cheddar cheese.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes, until the eggs are set.
7. Place black olive slices on top of each cup to create “monster eyes” and serve hot.
Chocolate Bat Cupcakes
Ingredients
125g unsalted butter, softened
125g caster sugar
2 large eggs
125g self-raising flour
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons milk
100g dark chocolate, melted (for wings)
50g white chocolate chips (for eyes)
Method
1. Dip each cupcake into the chocolate ganache to coat the top.
2. While the ganache is still wet, use a toothpick or skewer to create a spiderweb pattern by starting from the centre and drawing circles outward.
3. Place three white chocolate chips in the centre of each cupcake to resemble spider eggs.
4. Use black icing gel to draw legs on the “spiders” coming out from the chocolate chips.
5. Allow the ganache and icing to set. Serve these spooky cupcakes at your Halloween party!
Wickford in Bloom
Some time ago I wrote about Wickford entering Anglia in Bloom and the judges’ visit in early July.
Well, we are delighted to let readers know that our entry for Wickford was awarded Silver Gilt in the large town category, we won a trophy for the best new entry in 2024 and were nominated, although didn’t win, in the categories for the High Street and for conservation and bio diversity in Beauchamps Meadow. For a first attempt we are just blown away by our success which, of course, we think is well deserved by all involved.
Since it started in 1963 Anglia in Bloom has evolved and is not just about bloom groups and flowers but also about many other things such as parks, nature reserves, church yards, schools, the environment and bio diversity and care homes. In fact, everything that goes to making towns and villages beautiful places to live. It’s also about volunteers and community spirit and although some residents seem not to be aware of this, Wickford has these in abundance. The judges were very complimentary about all the volunteers and surprised that most of the projects we showed then were volunteer led and not organised by the local town or parish councils. For the past 2 years Wickford Town Council have helped by giving Wickford in Bloom a grant and for this we are very grateful.
Our entry specifically included the flowers and trees in the High Street, Wickford Memorial Park, Beauchamps Meadow Local Nature Reserve, the work of the Wickford Wombles, the gardens at Eve Belle Residential Home and the gardens at the entrance to Wickford Cemetery. The judges were very impressed with everything we showed them, except maybe the uncut roadside trees and bushes and weeds but sadly that is down to Basildon Borough Council and Essex CC and not Wickford or its volunteers.
Wickford in Bloom committee members Louise, Marian, Graham and Adrian attending the AIB awards day
Anglia in Bloom trophy for best new entry for 2024
The Wombles had been out early on the day and we were very proud to see the town looking pristine for the judges’ visit.
After the excitement of Wickford’s success we are, of course, very motivated to enter again in 2025 to try for a gold award. We have learned so much this year both putting together our entry and seeing what other groups do. There seem to be relatively few entries from Essex and it would be lovely to put Wickford on the map for all the right reasons.
So now it’s back to reality. As autumn settles in the flowers are inevitably beginning to fade. The plants seem to be enjoying the cooler weather so we will keep watering, deadheading and feeding them to keep the colour going as long as possible because we know how much pleasure seeing them gives people. Our Wickford cemetery group continue to work hard in the cemetery and the garden is looking very pretty and colourful at the moment.
When the flowers are gone we will save as much as possible and then fill the planters with bulbs so we are very pleased to say that our bulb appeal is being very well supported by local residents. As well as being able to buy bulbs at Halls Pet and Gardening shop at 12 High Street and leaving them there for us to collect, both Wickford Taxis in the Broadway and Chris’s DIY in the High Street will accept donations of new bulbs on our behalf.
Last Autumn Wickford Town Council planted thousands of bulbs around Wickford and hopefully these will bloom again this coming spring. It would be lovely if householders with a grass verge, outside boundary wall or street sign could
plant a few bulbs so Wickford is an even bigger splash of colour in the spring. Every little helps and we know how much people find it uplifting to see the bulbs flower after winter.
As always many thanks to all our volunteers as none of this would be possible without the hardy souls who work so hard to keep the plants and flowers looking good in the town and at Wickford Cemetery.
We are always happy to see new volunteers to help with the watering and deadheading on Wednesday evening or Sunday morning. There is a reasonable amount of walking and carrying involved but all age groups are very welcome.
For any further information please email Wickfordinbloom@virginmedia.com, find us on Facebook @WickfordinBloom or if you see us out and about in our green hi-vis come and talk to us.
Donations are always welcome as we are a small group totally dependent on grants and donations. We are grateful for any amount however small and donations can be made at www.paypal.me/WickfordinBloom or www.gofundme.com
Bulbs donated at Halls Pet and Garden shop
News from Wickford Town Council
Rightio Plumbing & Heating
Boiler Servicing
Radiators
Tanks & Cylinders
Toilets & Taps
Leaks & Bursts
Showers
Pipework
with nature significantly reduces stress and enhances our connection with the world around us. Boosted clarity and focus can have further effects on family and work life. From one change to our routine, a bounty of positive effects can occur!
If we educate young people and teach them the invaluable lesson of how beneficial activity is for wellbeing, this will help their development and carry a love of activity through to adulthood. Currently in Essex, 36,000 young people aged between 5 and 18 years old experience mental health challenges.
Harnessing the benefits of physical activity could be key to improving this statistic and projects like Active Essex Foundation’s Youth Sport and Mental Health project understand that intervention is needed. To reduce expensive clinical treatment and waiting times, the project aims to create safe active spaces for young people to find something
that works for them and supports their wellbeing. This could be achieved through boxing, martial arts, dance and many other forms of movement!
Exploring different sorts of movements depending on ability is important for adding daily active minutes into a routine. Long term health conditions and disabilities can often appear as barriers to leading an active lifestyle but there can be joy found in discovering something that makes you feel happy and healthier.
Active Essex have a health and wellbeing webpage that assists those managing a range of health conditions. It’s of vital importance to Active Essex and the deliverers they work with that inclusive and accessible spaces are created for people to find their active and experience the health benefits from whatever they discover. It could be that a new online seated exercise class or a walking group is the catalyst for improved mental and physical wellbeing.
However you prioritise your health, make sure to find and commit to something you love as you will discover the positive changes to your wellbeing that follow.
Go online and visit: www.activeessex.org/find-your-active Guidance for healthcare professionals: www.activeessex.org/i-am-a-healthcareprofessional
View the registers (baptisms, weddings, burials etc,), meet re-enactors from the Napoleonic Association, see a display on Wickford’s churches from Basildon Heritage, tour the church and churchyard, take part in a Scavenger Hunt, support the fundraising appeal, enjoy refreshments in the Church Hall. See: Commonwealth War Graves; War Memorial for Wickford; William Butterfield reredos; 15th century font; Medieval chancel ceiling; and Stained glass commemorating local characters.
Wickford Wildlife Society –Indoor Meeting
that stretch out to the Atlantic, to the tops of the highest peaks in the UK, and everywhere in between.
There is adequate parking in front and behind the Church and tea and coffee are available during the interval. Doors open at 7:45pm for an 8:00pm start. A small admission fee will apply - Members £2.00 and Non-Members £3.00.
Wickford Crafty Arts Fayre Christ Church, SS12 9FW
Wednesday 16th October, 8:00pm at St Andrew’s Church Hall, 11 London Road, Wickford SS12 0AN
Our speaker will be Liz Huxley, Wildlife photographer and guide, who will present a talk on Wild Scotland – Highlands and Islands. Liz developed an early interest in wildlife and spent 15 years working for Essex Wildlife Trust at Abberton Reservoir Visitor Centre, where she was able to indulge her passion for wildlife and share her knowledge with others. The variety of life in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland is truly extraordinary, from lochs
Wickford Rotary Barn Dance
Saturday 19th October, 7:30am at the Nevendon Community Centre How do you like a barn dance? Do join Wickford Rotary at the Nevendon Community Centre for an evening dancing to the St George’s Barn Dance Band. The proceeds of the event will go to Boxers Barbers 4 Ukraine, Wickford’s own humanitarian charity supporting the people of Ukraine. £10pp, scan the QR code for tickets!
Wickford Town
Race Night
Saturday 19th October, from 7:00pm at South Hanningfield Village Hall
Tickets cost £5 per person to attend. Bring your own drinks and nibbles. Would any local businesses or family like to support the hall and sponsor one of the eight races? Sponsorship of one of the races costs £25 and your support will be publicised on the night and after the event. The sponsorship will publicise your business to local people attending the event or why not have a nice memory of the evening in print for your family.
To book tickets and or to sponsor a race, please contact 07396 546050 or email shvhall@gmail.com
The Mint
Saturday 19th October, 8:30pm at the Nevendon Centre Mod 60s Brit Pop Punk. Members are free, non-members £5 on door.
Nevendon Centre Indoor Table
Top
Boot Sale
Sunday 20th October and Sunday 1st December, 9:00am at the Nevendon Centre.
It’s back, the brilliant indoor car boot sale at The Nevendon Centre Come along and have a browse, doors open at 9am with only a £1pp admission fee.
Tea and coffee available from 50p. Sellers from 8am, please pre book your table on 07792 350024
£12 (6ft table) or £10 (4ft table), 2 chairs are also included.
In aid of charity.
Pre and Postnatal Fitness Class
Every Tuesday, 10:30am-12:30pm at St Catherine’s Hall, Southend Road, Wickford, SS11 8DZ
These group exercise classes are designed for both mums-to-be and new mums – come along and meet other local parents, feel fitter, have a drink and a chat. Classes are adapted to suit all fitness levels.
Just £5 for four sessions.
To book, head to www.parents1st.org.uk/parents-1st-essex
Infant and Toddler First Aid Workshop
Tuesday 19th November, 7:009:30pm 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 is delivered by fully qualified trainers and costs £20 per person.
To book your ticket, please visit www.parents1st.org.uk/parents-1st-essex
Councillor Stuart Allen 01268 284225 / 07415 440873
Councillor Alex Myers 07847 126792
Councillor Terri Sargent 01268 288766
Wickford Park
Councillor Alan Ball 01268 562851
Councillor David Harrison 07305 614967
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
Popular Crunch service to return
The Crunch returns by popular demand to bring waste services to your neighbourhoods.
Basildon Council is pleased to announce the return of The Crunch on Saturday 23rd November 2024.
The decision follows a successful initiative throughout July and August to clean up local estates. The Crunch (council waste collection vehicles) visited each of the council’s main towns, allowing residents to get rid of any built-up waste and dispose of all bulky items for free. The initiative supported thousands of residents and cleared 332 tonnes of wastethe equivalent of 30 double decker buses.
The Crunch will return on Saturday 23rd November, with up to six locations proposed. Each of the council’s Area Committees will be supported by Basildon Council to agree the location of each Crunch - one in each area of Basildon, Billericay, Laindon, Pitsea, Westley Heights and Wickford, for the relevant area committee to approve.
The Crunch formed part of a larger programme to fundamentally review the council’s waste and recycling services. This is included in the waste consultation, which launched in August to seek residents’ views on options to return to weekly collections for non-recyclable waste, and options for the collection of recyclable waste
The consultation is available onlinebasildonwaste.commonplace.is and will close on 29th September 2024.
Residents can complete the survey by visiting the main reception at the Basildon Centre. Paper copies are also available in libraries across the borough. Alternatively, residents can call the council on 01268 533333 to complete a copy of the survey, where staff will be on-hand to provide support over the phone.
Basildon Council is committed to providing efficient and sustainable waste and recycling collection services across the borough.
Cllr Aidan McGurran, Cabinet Member for Environment and Leisure welcomed the news:
“The Crunch was so popular, ever since Crunch Month finished people have been asking can we have more. So, I am delighted to be able to announce the return of the Crunch in November, bringing waste services back to your neighbourhoods.
“Crunch Month was an overwhelming success as thousands of residents came out each week to dispose of their waste and bulky items for free. People helped family, friends, neighbours, and those that weren’t able to access the Crunch - demonstrating a real community spirit. I look forward to announcing the locations in due course.
“This is an important time to highlight that there are just two weeks left to share your views in the waste consultation. Your feedback will help us create a waste and recycling service that you truly want. This is residents’ opportunity to have their voices heard - on an issue we know they care passionately about. We are listening and we will act on what the consultation tells us. This is a genuine and transparent process.”
Keep an eye out for dates and locations on our social media channels and in the weekly e-newsletter www.basildon.gov.uk/keepintouch
SolarTherm UK
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Wickford at Christmas to return!
Wickford at Christmas will be back again this year - on Sunday 24th November in the High Street and Market Road.
Starting at 12pm with the Christmas Parade from the railway bridge through the High Street – supported by, amongst others, Wickford Carnival Court the Scottish Pipers and of course Father Christmas. Wickford Rotary Club will be on hand with their sleigh as well at the entrance to The Willows.
Already over 40 stalls are booked bringing a variety of gifts, food and drink etc. to fill the High Street and Market Road. The brilliant Cosplayers will also be around in all their amazing outfits to delight everyone.
There will also be the opportunity to participate in the Fun Fair rides.
The Main Stage and entertainment will be on the square in front of the Iceland store.
Top of the bill on the stage will be X-Factor star Che Chesterman – supported by School Choirs amongst other entertainers.
Once again with the help of Greater Anglia a Christmas Train will be bringing visitors from the Southminster Branch Line into Wickford for the event.
Father Christmas will be in his Grotto to hand out gifts to youngsters!
With just five people organising the whole event they raise all of the funding for the road closures, stage, insurance etc themselves! Wickford at Christmas does not receive any Grant funding from Basildon Council, Wickford Town Council or even Essex County Council!
If any local businesses would like to help us with some sponsorship that would of course be very helpful.
Wickford at Christmas will also be looking for volunteers on the big day – Sunday 24th November- to help set up in the morning from around 7am, or help with the close down afterwards at 5pm.
We know 24th November may seem a long way off at the moment... but if, after reading this YOU can be of help to the Wickford at Christmas team please email: wickfordatchristmas@gmail.com
What to do in the garden in October
October is a beautiful month of autumnal colours and first frosts.
Crisp, blue-sky days are the perfect time to tidy up and cut back in the garden. If you grow fruit and veg, there’s still plenty to harvest and store for the cold winter months ahead.
Timely Tips
• If your greenhouse is fairly empty, now’s a good time to clean and disinfect it. This lets in more light, and prevents pests and diseases from over-wintering.
• Protect half-hardy plants with fleece or bring them into a frost-free greenhouse.
• Sweep up any fallen leaves that harbour fungal spores and provide ideal hiding places for slugs and snails. Use them to make leaf mould for the garden.
• Lift and divide any overcrowded herbaceous perennials whilst the soil is still warm.
In the flower garden
• Prune rambling and climbing roses once they’ve finished flowering, and tie in the stems before autumn winds cause damage.
• Clear up fallen rose leaves to prevent diseases such as black spot from over-wintering. To avoid the spread of damaging fungi, don’t compost the leaves.
• Clear overhanging plants from pathways to maintain access around the garden.
• Cut back perennial plants that have died down. Alternatively leave the dead foliage in place to shelter friendly wildlife.
• After tidying borders, mulch with bark chips, well-rotted manure, leaf mould or spent mushroom compost to insulate plant roots for the winter and keep weed growth in check.
• This month is the ideal time to plant hedges, edible hedging, and move trees and shrubs.
In the vegetable garden
• If you plan to grow peas and beans next year, start preparing the site by digging trenches and filling with manure or kitchen waste.
• Harvest pumpkins and squashes before the first frosts. They quickly turn mushy if left outside!
• When you harvest your cabbages, leave the root in the ground and make a cut across the stem to encourage a flush of smaller leaves.
• Hang any tomato plants and pepper plants with green fruits upside down indoors to ripen.
In the fruit garden
• If you haven’t done so already, cut back the fruited canes of your summer fruiting raspberries, leaving the new green canes for next year’s crop. Tie in next year’s raspberry canes to plant support wires or fencing.
• Move citrus trees indoors to a bright, frost-free position (4-12°C) away from cold draughts and radiators. Reduce watering in winter but don’t let the plant dry out completely.
• Clear the straw from around the base of strawberry plants to increase ventilation. Shear back old foliage to encourage fresh new growth.
• Divide congested clumps of rhubarb by digging up and splitting into several pieces with a spade. Re-plant the healthiest looking pieces.
• To test when apples are ripe, gently lift them in the palm of your hand or give them a gentle pull — they should come away easily.
• Remove any diseased fruits from branches or the ground so they don’t infect next year’s crops.
• Wrap grease bands around the trunks of apple trees to trap winter moth females whose caterpillars shred spring flowers.
• Remove the netting from fruit cages to allow birds to catch and eat any pests that are lurking there.
• Apply a winter wash to the trunks and branches of fruit trees to kill off overwintering pests.
Gardening tips supplied by Thompson & Morgan. For a full list of what to do in the garden in October and beyond please visit their website: www.thompson-morgan. com/in-the-garden-this-month
