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.
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Wickford Town News
A Fresh Start: Wickford Town News Goes Bi-Monthly!
Welcome to the February issue of Wickford Town News! We’re delighted to share an exciting update – from this issue forward, the magazine will now be published bi-monthly.
This new format allows us to bring you even more in-depth stories, features, and updates all in one convenient issue. By combining two months of content, we’re reducing paper waste while delivering more value-packed editions for you to enjoy.
Inside this issue, you’ll find seasonal highlights like Recipes for Cosy Nights in and February in the Garden: Preparing for Spring. Catch up on local initiatives like Wickford in Bloom and Mid and South Essex self-referral services, and celebrate the achievements of Essex heroes recognised in the New Year Honours list.
As always, we’re here to keep you connected with Wickford. Here’s to a fantastic start to 2025 with this exciting new chapter for the magazine!
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
12 High Street, Wickford, Essex, SS12 9az
London Road, Wickford to Billericay – Upgrading aging
gas pipes
Cadent is replacing 2.5km of gas pipes along London Road, Wickford to Billericay from January 2nd to September 8th.
The work started from outside number 168 London Road, Wickford along London Road to the junction with Harding’s Elms Road, Billericay. Most of the work will be completed with temporary traffic lights, however, there will be a road closure in place in August for the junction of London Road with Harding’s Elms Road.
Carl Williams, Head of Investment Delivery explained, “Over the years, there have been multiple repairs on these gas mains, resulting in extensive traffic management measures each time. These frequent repairs have significantly disrupted the highway and community.
“After significant discussions with the local council and highways authority ,we have developed this project to reduce the overall disruption. While this project will temporarily affect the area, it is designed to eliminate the need for recurrent repairs, thereby reducing long-term traffic congestion and disruption.
“Ultimately, this proactive approach will enhance the reliability of our gas network and ensure that we can keep our customers safe and warm.”
This work to upgrade ageing gas pipes will ensure the local community can continue to receive a safe and reliable gas supply into the future for many decades to come.
Working hours:
To keep disruption to a minimum and get the traffic flowing back to normal as quickly as possible we’ll be working seven days a week.
Our working hours will be Monday-Friday 8am-6pm, Saturday 8am-5pm and Sunday 10am-4pm (No noisy works will be carried out on this day.)
Contacting Cadent about this project
Customers with questions about this work can contact the team by:
Phone: 0800 085 4478 – Monday to Friday 8am-8pm
Email:
customercarelondon@cadentgas.com
The work will be carried out in six phases
Phase 1
January 2nd – March 3rd
From 168 to 312 London Road, Wickford
Phase 2
January 2nd – March 30th
From 300a London Road, Wickford to junction with Church Road, Billericay
Phase 3
March 24th to April 10th
From junction of Church Road with London Road to Woolshots Farm, Billericay
Phase 4
March 31st to April 25th
From 312 London Road, Wickford to Elm Farm, Crays Hill, Billericay
Phase 5
May 5th August 17th
From Elm Farm, Crays Hill to the junction with Harding’s Elms Road, Billericay
Phase 6
August 11th to September 8th
London Road and Southend Road junction with Harding’s Elms Road, Billericay –Road closure at junction – diversion via Wash Road, Barleylands Road and Southend Road, A129
Helen Rollason Cancer
Charity News & Events
Trees, trees, trees…
At the beginning of January, around 1,300 Christmas trees were collected from homes around Essex and recycled. This was completed over a frosty and sunny weekend with the help of an incredible team of volunteers. There are so many volunteers to thank – those in our office, driving vans, picking up trees as well as the businesses that helped us in so many ways. A massive thank you to all of you.
• The recycling hubs – Marsh Farm, Terling Cricket Club, Harlow Cricket Club and The Nuclear Bunker.
• Those who shredded the trees –Beechenlea, RBS Tree Surgery and MBS Ground Maintenance.
• Those who provided vans – Group 1 Volkswagen, Europcar, Axe Van Hire, Queen’s Head Boreham, Brice Aggregates, Just Wheels, T.E.S. 2000, Karsson Hawk and Chelmsford Lions. and Tesco for providing bacon and rolls for our volunteers.
The money raised for Helen Rollason Cancer Charity will help to support local people living with cancer.
What are we planning?
We are planning some great events for this year. This includes our popular Ride For Helen cycle event on 11th May starting at The Crix Estate in Hatfield Peverel. There are cycle routes ranging from six miles to 100 miles so there will be something for everyone, from families to experienced cyclists.
There will be support for cyclists and the routes will be signed and marshalled. You can book online www.helenrollason.org.uk/ event/ride-for-helen-essex-2025
Look at our website for details of more events in 2025, including our Vintage days in July and August.
Donation Day
We are holding a donation day at our office on The Street in Hatfield Peverel on Sunday 9th March from 9am to 12pm. By donating good quality items, you will be reducing waste, helping the environment and raising funds to support local people living with cancer. We accept clothing and accessories, toys, books, kitchen and homeware, ornaments, collectables, and any other valuable items. Items to be in new or in good condition and preferably eBay saleable. We cannot take electrical items. You can park at the rear of the building to drop off your items.
Our Services
If you would like to know more about our services for those living with cancer, you can call us on 01245 382888.
Dates of upcoming Helen Rollason Cancer Charity events
9th March -
Donation Day in Hatfield Peverel. 9am – 12pm. 11th May -
Ride For Helen cycle event starting at The Crix in Hatfield Peverel.
24th May -
Hatfield Peverel Open Gardens
13th July -
Vintage and Makers Day at Cressing Temple Barns
24th August
Marvellous Vintage day out at Layer Marney Tower.
Rightio Plumbing & Heating
Help Keep Your Local Air Ambulance Flying: Volunteer at EHAAT’s
New Charity Shop in Basildon
Essex & Herts Air Ambulance (EHAAT) is thrilled to announce the opening of its brand-new charity shop in Southernhay, Basildon, this March.
We’re calling on local heroes to join our team of volunteers and help make a difference in your community.
EHAAT’s charity shops are vital in raising the funds needed to keep our life-saving helicopters flying, delivering critical care to people across Hertfordshire, Essex, and surrounding areas.
Volunteering at our shop is a fantastic way to support this mission while gaining new skills, meeting friendly faces, and giving back to the local area.
How You Can Help
As a volunteer, you’ll help with:
• Sorting and organising donations.
• Pricing items and preparing stock.
• Serving customers and creating eye-catching displays.
Transform spare hours into positive change
Whether you can spare time once a week or even once a month, we’d love to have you on board. No prior experience is required—just a friendly attitude and a willingness to get involved.
Your Volunteer Journey Starts Here
Join now to be part of the new team at our Basildon shop, call 0345 2417 690 or visit www.ehaat.org/volunteer
Volunteering with EHAAT could change your life and save someone else’s.
St Andrew’s Church, 11 London Road, Wickford SS12 0AN
The primary subject matter in Steve Whittle’s work is colour, which has been the major theme. The work is often produced in series and is unified by the similar images and combinations of colours that are used. Each picture can therefore be viewed as a component of a group or seen as an individual piece.
The medium Whittle uses is collage and
MOT
SERVING THE PEOPLE OF WICKFORD FOR OVER 30 YEARS, GIVING AN HONEST AND RELIABLE SERVICE EVERY TIME.
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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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Wickford in Bloom
The committee had lots on to discuss at their first 2025 meeting.
Many thanks go to the Wickford Railway Club for generously allowing us to continue to use a small space in the bar for our meetings. We did rather overrun and I don’t blame the staff for turning out the lights to encourage us to go home!
We decided some time ago that we would like to reach more people than we currently do. Up to now we have relied on Facebook, Instagram and the Wickford Town News to do this, but we agreed it would be good to have a website. Richard Sparks of Ethuse Ltd has given us a lot of help with setting up a new profile and our January meeting started with Richard giving us some I.T tuition. Our new email address is wickfordinbloom@ gmail.com and our web page, which is still in development, will be www.wickfordinbloom. co.uk. We hope the web page will be live in the next few weeks. Many thanks to Richard for his help with this and his humour and patience.
Of course, before we make any plans for 2025 we have to have money and we are delighted to be able to confirm that Wickford Town Council have agreed to provide the funding we need to put flowers in the High Street. We will also be able to buy equipment, compost, fertiliser and pay for insurance and ECC inspections. Secure storage is a big problem for us and we are hoping to use some of the money to create some permanent storage in the little compound we currently use in the Town Centre. We are very grateful to Wickford Town Council and to the Councillors who have been very supportive of Wickford in Bloom since we started in 2019.
This coming summer will be our 4th year of giving local residents and businesses the opportunity to sponsor High Street baskets. Before a basket can be hung, brackets are needed on the lamp posts and this year we plan to finish putting brackets in the Broadway, Lower Southend Road and down to Bourne Hall clinic in London Road. This will be a major expense but the brackets
will last for many years and will mean we can have over 50 hanging baskets in and around the High Street. This will create a lovely colourful display from late May to early October.
The cost of each basket will be £130 including VAT and this will include a sign with the sponsor’s name and logo, watering and feeding throughout the summer, replacement should the basket not thrive and removal at the end of the summer. If anyone would like to sponsor a basket or would like more details please email our Treasurer, Louise Petley wickfordinbloom@gmail.com
Our group at Wickford Cemetery are also making plans for the spring. They will be planting hardy shrubs in the long border in the entrance to the cemetery and also buying plants to create an alpine bed paid for by a donation received from S.Carter & Son.
Whilst the committee are making plans our hard working volunteers are currently taking a break as we will not be working in the High Street until early May. We advertise our work parties on Facebook and in future we will post on our new website as well. Last year, we watered on Wednesday evening and Sunday morning with additional work
parties as needed. As always, we are very pleased to see new volunteers. There is a reasonable amount of walking and carrying involved but everyone is very welcome.
At our February meeting we discussed our entry to Anglia in Bloom 2025. We are keen to build on Wickford’s success, so please contact us if your group contributes to the environment in Wickford and you would like to be involved.
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.
As energy prices go up, we know that many people want to rely less on energy suppliers. Solar panels are therefore a great way to save on energy bills as they allow you to generate your own power.
By registering with Solar Together Essex, you can ‘group buy’ solar panels with other people in your local area. This allows companies to offer more competitive prices. Under the scheme, pre-approved and accredited installers bid to carry out the work. Installers go through a strict qualification process. This ensures you receive high-quality products and installation. After bidding, only the most competitive pricing will be recommended. You can then decide whether to go ahead or not. If you decide it’s not for you, there is no obligation to purchase.
The Solar Together scheme also offers EV charging points and battery storage. This includes retrofitting battery storage if you already have solar panels. Storage batteries allow you to store unused energy generated by the solar panels. This energy can be used at any time, not only during the day. Investing in renewable energy not only saves you money over time, it also benefits the environment.
Find out more about how Solar Together Essex could help you switch to solar energy via www.solartogether.co.uk/essex/landing
Support for rough sleepers to continue
Along with partners, Essex County Council have been given an additional £500,000 from the Government. The money will be used over the next 12 months to continue work to help rough sleepers.
The council work under the Mid Essex Rough Sleeper Initiative together with nine of the housing authorities in Essex. The joint aim is to remove the need for anyone to sleep rough on the streets. They also want to prevent further people becoming rough sleepers. Essex County Council do this by taking support directly to people, rather than them needing to access it. Outreach workers visit people sleeping rough to build relationships. This includes helping them understand the housing system and supporting them into accommodation.
Workers provide support in line with a person’s specific needs. This might include mental health support, help with substance abuse, as well as education, training and employment.
The council will also use this extra money to fund key support organisations such as CHESS Homeless (www.chesshomeless.org). Find out more about Streetlink which can connect people sleeping rough to support. www.thestreetlink.org.uk
Wickford Town
Award shortlisting showcases innovation and improving patient care
Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust’s Pathology team has been shortlisted for the Health Tech Team of the Year award at the HTN Now Awards.
Being a finalist shows the Trust’s outstanding efforts in improving pathology services through innovative digital solutions.
With £20 million funding, the Pathology IT team has transformed the region’s outdated and fragmented pathology systems, ensuring a seamless, efficient process for requesting tests and receiving results.
Uptake in digital use has increased from 33 per cent in May 2023 to 80 per cent in October 2024. GPs now request pathology tests electronically, eliminating paper referrals and improving quality, which has seen a 20 per cent increase in efficiency gains.
The new systems are used by 4,500 or 95 per cent of staff, proving how embedded the new technology is.
The team have already gained national recognition leading to further NHSE funding and have been highly commended by The Royal College of Pathologists.
Basildon Council marks Holocaust Memorial Day 2025
27th January 2025 marked Holocaust Memorial Day and the 80th anniversary of the
liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi death camp. To mark the day, the Mayor of Basildon, Councillor Allan Davies filmed a video of remembrance to honour the millions of lives lost during the Holocaust.
Watch the video on the council’s Facebook pagewww.facebook.com/ basildonboroughcouncil/ videos/632775709307807
Digital Partnership Shortlisted for Smarter Working Award
The DIZ is an innovative, multi-area, cross-sector partnership part funded by Essex County Council. It looks at what digital might mean for Essex and surrounding areas.
The DIZ has delivered many projects including:
• delivering fibre broadband to all the GP surgeries across the DIZ;
• delivered a large programme of seminars, presentations and newsletters on key digital opportunities and challenges for businesses.
The aim is to make sure the area the DIZ works across is ‘digital ready’. This ensures our residents and businesses benefit from the opportunities digital can bring.
Friends of the Wickford Memorial Park Volunteer Group
Continuing articles on the Wickford Memorial Park - Volunteering in the Memorial Park 2025.
We had a welcome break over Christmas and New Year and many of us are itching to get back to meeting again. There are many benefits to volunteering; it is great for your health and wellbeing to work in the open air and exercise. Gardening and working with nature is particularly beneficial. We also have a social side, meeting for coffee and a bacon butty after volunteering, and many of our volunteers have found friendships in the group. There are many spinoffs as well, for example; one of our volunteers was interested in First Aid after we had a training session and now, she is a qualified First Aider.
We network with other Community Groups and schools and have been invited to other interesting talks, meetings and celebrations. All are welcome to join us even for one off events.
Our upcoming Volunteering Days are on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Events will be posted soon, so please keep an eye on the Events Tab.
Tasks identified for the next few months:
To plant 40 Fruit Trees to extend the Community Orchard.
We have already planted 210 trees, five different heritage species – apples, pears, cherries, plums and greengages.
It will take a couple of years for them to yield fruit. We look after them by mulching and fertilising each tree, whilst weeding the area.
We have ordered 2,000 snowdrops ‘in the green’ to plant in the Reflection Garden.
‘In the Green’ means that they have been lifted still flowering. They are delivered quickly and need to be planted immediately. They have a better chance of survival than bulbs.
Last year we ordered ‘in the green’ snowdrops and volunteers rallied quickly to plant the next day.
Reseed the Bee Sand Planters with John Chambers Seed Mix.
We tried planting tulips the first year in the Bee Planters and although we had a spectacular display, some of the tulips got diseased and we had to take them out.
Last year we tried a seed mix recommended by the Councils Biodiversity Officer – the result was absolutely lovely so we have ordered more of the same this year.
Oiling the Carved Animals. This is an easy task we just soak the animals with linseed oil. We need to oil them every so often.
The carved animal trail has been reinstalled after they were vandalised.
Please follow the trail there are five to find.
Please scan the QR Code for the map and instructions or visit our website. www.friendsofwickfordmemorialpark.co.uk /wooden-carved-animal-trail
Tidying the Crazy Golf, this will be a big project and will take a few weeks to do. We need to repair the cement, edge, weed and finally paint all of the 18 holes.
We welcome extra volunteers when these events are posted (in the spring when it is warmer).
And, if there are any companies out there who want a ‘Community Day’ we would welcome the extra help.
Other tasks:
Varnishing and repairing benches in the Remembrance Ave.
Weeding and Deadheading the Home Front Garden.
Edging around the New Memorial Trees.
Weeding and Mulching the Reflection Garden.
Please feel free to come and join us.
Please keep an eye on the Events Tab if you want to help.
We run our gardening groups every Wednesday and Saturday mornings if you’d like to come along, no gardening experience is necessary and there are tasks for all ages and abilities. We have over a thousand members on our Facebook Page. Please pop down for a chat or help; you would be most welcome.
There are three car parks: Runwell Road (main entrance); Rettendon View and Highcliffe Road.
Please visit our website, www.friendsofwickfordmemorialpark.co.uk or search Friends of the Wickford Memorial Park on Facebook
Mid and south Essex residents encouraged to self-refer for quicker care
New data has revealed a growing number of residents are making the switch to NHS self-referrals to get quicker access to care.
Since February 2024, the Minor Eye Conditions Service (MECS) has seen a growth of 34.8%¹ of people using their service. The service enables patients to get direct access to an optometrist to treat a range of minor eye conditions without needing an appointment with their GP practice.
The upward tick in people self-referring to services like the MECS is a trend welcomed by NHS Mid and South Essex which is encouraging even more residents to utilise self-referral services like this. By going direct, patients get the care they need more easily while also helping free-up busy GP surgeries and hospitals.
The Minor Eye Conditions Service (MECS) is ideal for residents experiencing minor
eye problems, such as a red eye, painful eyes, dry gritty eyes, recently occurring flashes or floaters, discharge from the eye, sudden loss of vision or ingrowing lashes.
Recently, Rina from Essex woke with sore, swollen and gritty eyes. It was the weekend, and she was concerned she wouldn’t be able to get an appointment unless she went to A&E. She got the care she needed quickly via the Minor Eye Conditions Service and would recommend it to others.
Opportunities to self-refer yourself for health services in mid and south Essex are growing for a wide range of health issues, from smoking cessation to physiotherapy to foot care.
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News from Wickford Town Council
Which Council Authority do I need?
Essex County Council
2 Councillors in 1 ward
Responsibilities of ECC/Essex Highways include the management of:
• Schools
• Social Care
• Potholes
• Roads and road signage
• Traffic Lights
• Street Lighting
• Pavements
• Public Rights of Way (PROW)
The full list is on their website.
You can report issues via the ECC Report page on their website or by calling them on 0345 743 0430
Basildon Borough Council
7 Councillors across 3 wards
Responsibilities of Basildon Borough Council include the management of:
• Refuse collection
• Recycling centre
• Local Planning
• Building Control
• Housing
• Environmental Health
• Street Cleaning
• Emptying of waste bins
• Fly-Tipping
• Abandoned Vehicles
You can report issues via the Basildon Borough Council website or by calling them on 01268 533 333
Wickford
Town Council 20 Councillors across 3 wards
Responsibilities of Wickford Town Council are currently limited as we control no town assets.
The following policies are in place:
• Tree planting-50 per year
• Essex Police Community Specials
• Grants
We are responsible for:
• Consultee on Wickford Planning
• Applications
• High St Christmas Lights
• Events & Projects
You can contact us via the website or by calling 01268 858 979
Let’s SCRAP fly tipping!
We all hate fly tipping littering our roads and countryside.
This is why we’re excited to be working in partnership with district, city and borough councils in Essex, the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, and the Environment Agency to tackle the amount of fly tipping in Essex.
The SCRAP Fly Tipping campaign, originally created by Hertfordshire Waste Partnership, launched on 28th January and will run for three months. The campaign will provide information on what fly tipping is, what the impacts are, and how to dispose of household waste responsibly. Alongside the campaign, we will be working together to share intelligence and increase visible enforcement to deter fly tipping.
Fly tipping is the illegal dumping of waste on land that doesn’t have a waste licence. This could include leaving items by a bin, or outside a closed charity shop, recycling centre or donation bank.
Over the past three years, household waste has been found in over 60% of fly tips across the county, costing Essex taxpayers around £1 million to clean up in 2022-23.
Councillor Peter Schwier, Chair of the Essex Waste Partnership and Essex County Council Cabinet Member for Environment, Waste Reduction and Recycling, said:
“We listened to your concerns around fly tipping and included it as an additional commitment in our Waste Strategy for Essex.
“Fly tipping is not only an eyesore, but it’s harmful for the environment, endangers wildlife and costs Essex taxpayers millions of pounds to clean up.
“Through this campaign, we want to make it easier for you to get rid of waste, either with a council service or through a licenced waste collector.
“Let’s work together to keep Essex clean.”
To find out more information about fly tipping and the campaign, visit our fly tipping webpage. www.loveessex.org/ideas/ lets-scrap-fly-tipping
Have your say on the future of Essex County Fire and Rescue Service
Essex County Fire and Rescue Service (ECFRS) has launched a consultation on its draft Community Risk Management Plan (CRMP), which outlined its key priorities for protecting lives, property, and the environment.
The consultation, which runs until 19th February 2025, offers everyone in Essex the chance to shape a plan that will guide the Service’s work over the coming years.
This consultation followed a similar process that took place last year, when Essex residents were asked to comment on proposed priorities. The results from that initial consultation have shaped this draft CRMP and priorities.
Why this matters
The CRMP addresses the risks and challenges facing Essex communities and makes sure the Service is prepared to meet them. Whether it’s preventing fires in your home, making public spaces safer, or ensuring emergency responses are quick and effective, this plan has a direct impact on your safety and wellbeing.
Key goals for a safer Essex
The draft CRMP outlines five strategic priorities:
1. Preventing fires and other emergencies: Taking proactive steps to reduce risks.
2. Reducing the impact of fire in the built environment: Enhancing safety in homes, businesses, and public spaces.
3. Responding effectively to emergencies: Ensuring rapid and professional emergency responses.
4. Inclusive and high-performing culture: Fostering equality, diversity, and excellence within the Service.
5. A resilient and sustainable future: Preparing for long-term challenges like climate change.
These goals align with national standards and have been developed through extensive engagement with staff, partners and the public.
The plan builds on lessons learned from the Integrated Risk Management Plan (IRMP), which has been extended to 31st March 2025 to ensure a smoother transition period and reflects both current and emerging risks across Essex.
How to get involved
Public feedback is crucial. By participating in the consultation, you can help make sure the plan reflects the needs and priorities of everyone in Essex. Here’s how to take part:
• Complete the survey via www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/TellECFRS
• Learn more and read the draft CRMP at www.essex-fire.gov.uk/TellECFRS
Chief Fire Officer/Chief Executive Rick Hylton said: “The Community Risk Management Plan is about making Essex safer together. Whether it’s making sure our teams are equipped to respond to emergencies or helping prevent fires in the first place,
Exciting update for the Waste Strategy for Essex
The Waste Strategy for Essex is an ambitious plan for managing recycling and waste in the county for the next 30 years. It sets out how the Essex Waste Partnership (EWP) will work together to reduce the impact on our environment from dealing with the things we throw away.
The Essex Waste Partnership is made up of the county council, and the 12 district, city and borough councils in Essex. The strategy will help ensure residents can reuse and recycle more, while keeping costs down and protecting the environment.
Essex County Council hosted a 10-week public consultation on behalf of the EWP in 2023. Over 4,500 people had their say on the draft Waste Strategy for Essex, and their feedback was used to develop a final version.
The first council to formally adopt the new waste strategy was Uttlesford District Council, back in July 2024.
your feedback is vital to creating a plan that truly reflects the needs of our communities.”
Roger Hirst, Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex, said: “This is your chance to have your say. We want to prevent more fires and save more lives as well as delivering an effective response if a fire does happen. We want to help our county fire and rescue service to manage risk across Essex and prevent harm in our communities and we need to know your views on the plan to achieve these priorities.”
Don’t miss your chance to shape the future of fire and rescue services in Essex. The consultation closes on 19th February 2025. Have your say and make your voice heard
next few months.
On Wednesday 22nd January, Castle Point Borough Council was the final council in the EWP to adopt the strategy.
Councillor Peter Schwier, Chairman of the Essex Waste Partnership, said:
“I’m pleased to announce that all councils in the Essex Waste Partnership have formally adopted the Waste Strategy for Essex.
“The vision of the strategy is to rethink waste – by everyone working together, we will reduce waste and reuse and recycle more. This will protect the environment and save resources.”
Find out more about the Waste Strategy for Essex and how it will affect you via www.loveessex.org/waste-strategy-essex
What’s On
Tribute to Michael Jackson
Saturday 22nd February, 8:30pm at The Nevendon Centre
Come and enjoy an evening of live music from one of the top tribute acts, singing a variety of MJ’s hits. Members and children free entry, non-Members £5 on the door.
GOTCHA!
Saturday 22nd February, 8:30pm at Barnhall Community Association and 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.
Pacer Day
Saturday 8th March, 9am – 10am, at Wickford Memorial Park
The popular pacer event is taking place, so come and join in – all are welcome. Please comment on the Facebook event via www.facebook.com/ events/1122251629399025 or email wickfordmemorial@parkrun.com to be a Pacer. We have slots from 18-45 minutes available.
Essex
Air
Quality Strategy:
Have Your Say Consultation closes on Sunday 2nd March 2025
Have your say on new Essex Air Quality Strategy. A public consultation on a new Essex Air Quality Strategy is now live!
More than one in 20 deaths in Essex are estimated to be linked in some part to air pollution and it is the largest environmental risk to public health in the UK.
The new draft strategy has been jointly developed by all district, borough and city councils across Essex, as well as Essex County Council and the two unitary councils, Southend-on-Sea City Council and Thurrock Council.
It sets out actions the Essex Air Quality Consortium plans to take to improve air quality in Essex and help reduce the impacts of air pollution on people’s health. Find out more and have your say via www.essexair.org.uk/strategy before the consultation closes.
Wickford Town
St Patrick’s Ceilidh
Saturday 15th March, doors open from 7pm at South Hanningfield Village Hall CM3 8HL
The Yardarm Ceilidh Band will be in attendance, with a caller to show dancers the steps to the music. Tickets cost £8 per person, cheap bar open and there will also be a raffle. For further information and to book, email vallisc@aol.com or phone 07891 653238
St George’s Day at South Hanningfield Village Hall
Friday 25th April, doors will open from 7pm at South Hanningfield Village Hall CM3 8HL Chas and Dave tribute act. Tickets are £15 each and bring your own drinks and food. To book, please call Sandra on 07396 546050 or email shvhall@gmail.com
Pregnancy and Postnatal Fitness
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 with your baby 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 essex.parents1st.org.uk
Recipes for Cosy Nights in
With so many occasions to celebrate this season, or simply those chilly evenings that call for cosy comfort food – these four recipes are the perfect fit.
From sweet treats to savoury delights, they’re packed with heartwarming flavours. Whether you’re preparing a romantic dinner or flipping pancakes with the kids, these easy and delicious dishes are guaranteed to impress.
Classic Pancakes with Lemon and Sugar
Ingredients
125g plain flour
2 large eggs
250ml semi-skimmed milk
1 tablespoon sunflower oil (plus extra for frying)
Pinch of salt
Lemon wedges and caster sugar, to serve
Romantic Garlic and Herb Butter Steak
Ingredients
4 sirloin steaks (200g each)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
50g unsalted butter
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
Salt and pepper, to taste
Method
1. In a mixing bowl, sift the flour and add the salt. Make a well in the centre, crack in the eggs, and gradually whisk in the milk to form a smooth batter.
2. Heat a non-stick frying pan over medium heat and add a small amount of oil.
3. Pour a ladle of batter into the pan, swirling it around to create a thin, even layer. Cook for 1-2 minutes until golden, then flip and cook the other side.
4. Repeat with the remaining batter.
5. Serve warm with a sprinkle of sugar and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
Method
1. Season the steaks with salt and pepper on both sides.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over high heat. Add the steaks and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side for mediumrare (adjust to your preferred doneness). Remove and rest on a plate.
3. Lower the heat to medium and add butter, garlic, parsley, and thyme to the pan. Stir until the butter melts and becomes fragrant.
4. Drizzle the herb butter over the rested steaks and serve with a side of roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.
Hearty Beef and Red Wine Stew
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
500g diced beef
1 onion, chopped
2 carrots, sliced
2 celery sticks, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons plain flour
200ml red wine
400ml beef stock
1 tablespoon tomato purée
2 bay leaves
Salt and pepper, to taste
Method
1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a casserole pot. Brown the beef in batches, then set aside.
2. Add the remaining oil, onion, carrots, celery, and garlic to the pot. Cook until softened.
3. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Add the wine, scraping the bottom of the pot, then stir in the stock, tomato purée, bay leaves, and browned beef.
4. Cover and simmer on low heat for 1.5-2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender.
5. Serve hot with crusty bread or creamy mash.
Decadent Chocolate Fondant
Ingredients
100g dark chocolate (70% cocoa), chopped
100g unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing
100g icing sugar
2 large eggs
2 large egg yolks
50g plain flour
Method
1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan). Grease 4 ramekins with butter and dust with cocoa powder.
2. Melt the chocolate and butter together in a heatproof bowl over a pan of simmering water, stirring until smooth. Remove from the heat and cool slightly.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk the icing sugar, eggs, and egg yolks until pale and thick. Gradually fold in the melted chocolate mixture, then sift in the flour and fold gently.
4. Divide the batter between the ramekins and bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are set but the centre is still soft.
5. Serve immediately with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dusting of icing sugar.
W ickford Town Youth Football Club
Wickford Town Youth Football Club has been providing football for the town since 1969, in recent years the club has grown and there are currently around 40 teams.
We support the whole community and have Female, Youth and Adult teams, and also provide inclusion football training for all. Our home ground is located at Bartlett Park, Southend Road. (Just off the Shotgate roundabout)
At Wickford Town FC we aim to provide all members the opportunity to develop their football personal and social skills to their full potential in a safe environment.
The club is an FA affiliated community club and is also a registered charity (1149597). The club is proud of its heritage and has a well-established committee that support and guide the club. The club is looking to expand over the coming months with plans to have a 3G pitch and improved club house, and provision for catering at Bartletts park, so that all the community can benefit from this wonderful facility. We have held some great social and fundraising events over the past year to help raise funds towards this exciting development.
Wickford Town – A community building a legacy
We are pleased to be able to support the Jack of All Sports sessions on a Saturday morning at Bartlett park for pre-reception, reception and Year 1 ages along with development sessions for under 8-11’s.
We then have our Youth football teams from Under 7’s all the way up to U18’s who train various nights of the week and some teams on Saturdays. Training for these sessions is either at Bartlett Park or during the winter months at Beauchamps High School 3G pitches, with our planned expansion in the future this would all be held at Bartlett Park. Matches are played on Sundays in the local leagues.
Adult Football –
We have a few teams of Adult football at the club too, the Adults train on Thursday nights and play in both the Saturday and Sunday leagues.
Girls Football –
We have our Wildcats girls football sessions on a Saturday morning from 9am – 10am at Bartlett Park, for girls aged between 5-11. These are free sessions run in conjunction with the FA.
For older girls we run Squad training for girls between 12-14 inclusive on a Thursday evening from 6.30pm – 7.30pm also in conjunction with the FA.
Inclusion Football, these are sessions running for children aged 10-16 who are neurodivergent or have learning differences. Children who may find it difficult to be part of mainstream football and who would benefit from being in a psychologically safe environment to enjoy their football.
Anyone interested in joining any of our sessions please get in contact by emailing info@wickfordtown.co.uk or through our Facebook or Instagram pages.
We hope to see you soon at Wickford Town.
Find Your Active Essex
Let’s celebrate the power of togetherness through movement!
Physical activity is more than looking after one’s health, it’s a way to connect, share experiences and lift each other up in a support network. Whichever form it takes, movement brings us closer and reminds us that we’re stronger together.
Active Essex believe that togetherness means more than being part of a team, it’s about supporting one another, creating safe spaces and listening to the needs of those who want to find their active.
One club that embodies the message of togetherness is the Amigos Ladies Running Club in Rochford. Safety when moving, especially outside, can often be a barrier for women. Bringing local ladies together, on a regular basis, with a group run has not only created a community but recognised that activity is made easier to engage with when supported by others.
Sharing experiences is key to coming together and forming communities or networks. The Move With Us campaign, invites young people to become advocates and ambassadors that gives them the opportunity to inspire other young people and use their passion to enhance the Move With Us board. This board full of dedicated and enthusiastic young people who engage in a range of movements. Giving others the confidence to try something new or join other young people at a club can make a massive difference.
Setting aside time, daily or weekly to get together with friends, colleagues or family to move can have a range of benefits. Campaigns such as Walk and Talk 4 Men and Time to Talk, understand that walking with someone, side by side, and dedicating this time for that person can spark important conversations. This message is more important than ever to spotlight how men should be encouraged to come together, talk and discuss their health. Statistics show that men are less likely to seek medical assistance for their mental health so using movement and time outside can be a great alternative for men to air their anxieties and feel the benefit from sharing these thoughts.
A passion for movement brings us all together, whatever the activity is there is a shared love for feeling the benefits of moving our bodies and forgetting about the stresses of daily life. Find your active, join the movement and reap the rewards.
Go online and visit: www.activeessex.org/find-your-active
